A thought came to me from Small Things Like These: the protagonist reminisces about receiving a hot water bottle as a Christmas gift when he was a child, and how he hated it at the time (wanted a jigsaw) but how it brought him many years of comfort. I wondered to myself: what are those little things that make life better? The things that maybe seem basic or standard-issue or trivial but actually do a lot for us? For me, these are:
+Clean sheets and a well-made bed — immediate sense of well-being
+A big sax solo*
+Very soft clothes when I’m feeling unwell physically or emotionally — the most basic form of self-nurture, but this really works for me
+The sound of my mother’s voice
+Sitting in a happy corner in my home — we all have them! Mine is the top step that leads from our covered porch down to our backyard. I feel near-euphoric when the sun’s pre-warmed the flagstone and I’ve just finished exercising and I’m drinking coffee and watching for birds and thinking how good life is.
+Good bread with good butter
+Candlelight at a dinner table
+41 seconds of Matthew Macfadyen (playing Mr. Darcy) walking across a field towards Elizabeth Bennett
+Friends who understand the art of “fare la scarpetta”
+Sitting in my car by myself after a doctor’s appointment I’ve been worried about — feels like the biggest exhale to be cocooned, unstimulated, alone
+A big exhale, period
+Socks just out of the laundry, or shoes warmed by the fire
+The question “When can I see you?”
+Hand-written letters. I find myself bizarrely touched by the intimacy of knowing someone’s handwriting — and the image of that person taking the time to pen something just for me
+Catching my husband’s eye and having a wordless conversation that is perfectly understood between only the two of us
+The deeply unhinged inside jokes you can only have with siblings
+Being close enough to someone that you’re a package deal — i.e., “are Jen and Beth coming”?
+A stalwart tree — the kind that helps you chart the change in seasons and remember that nature is a live model for accepting change with grace
+A robin’s song — the sweetest of all the songbirds in our yard in my opinion
+Any small sign you’re on the right path
What else would you add?
Post-Scripts.
*My brother-in-law and I often send one another songs with big sax solos in them – we both LOVE them. This saxophonist makes the case beautifully.
+That time my husband handed me an envelope containing the universe.
Shopping Break.
+I caved and ordered this cashmere getaway sweater while 20% off. I think I own every single sweater they make in at least one color. They are just the most elite, soft cashmere. You know how some cashmeres are still faintly itchy? This is ultra-soft. You can wear against bare skin. Note that the sale also includes my favorite structured wool cape (I have in the mink color; this usually sells out several times each season) and this cashmere car coat which I have gotten SO MUCH WEAR out of this season.
+Chappywrap is now 20% off! The perfect time to buy as a holiday gift, whether in a seasonal motif or a year-round style.
+Mother just marked down some great jeans, including these wide-leg “hustlers” (a Magpie reader favorite) and these petite cropped kick flares!
+Obsessed with the 90s vibe of this J. Crew holiday dress. It made me think of Jen Aniston in “Picture Perfect”?! So good!
+Really cute kids finds at amazing prices at J. Crew Factory: these jammies, these slippers, and especially this cherry-print fleece?! For boys: slim-fit cords and cableknit sweaters for holiday outfits for boys! Meanwhile, these cords remind me a lot of the ones I have from Frame, but a fraction of the price.
+Ooo! 30% off this amazing cream cleanser. I actually just rediscovered this last week; I’d forgotten how much I love the whipped, marshmallow-like texture and the fine exfoliating beads in it. Leaves skin clean but deeply moisturized. Feels very nourishing. Their barrier repair cream is actually their bestseller, though! Good price right now.
+Everyone’s favorite water-resistant Chelsea boot is on sale and selling fast! Already sold out in one color. This is the time to buy!
+Another cute and inexpensive pair of holiday jammies (as low as $6) — love the motif! Lake Pajamas-esque!
+CUTE puffer vest. Love the print!
+This is the simple, chic desk calendar I have been using all year. I often get questions about it when I share little snaps of myself at my studio desk on Instagram. I love its simplicity and gorgeous letterpress detail. Buy now while 30% off! Also a good gift for someone in the family you don’t know too well — a new in-law, someone’s girlfriend, etc.
+Obsessed with these tiger’s eye earrings.
+Obviously this book is right up my alley. Love the cover design, love the motif, love!
+OMG how fab are these pants?!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
Once again (!!) beautiful writing that bring lots of “feels” . Love the list and resonated with so many of them . Thank you
Thank you so much, Molly 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving! x
Jen, I completely agree with your entire list! I could only add fresh cut flowers in my bedroom and that incredible feeling when you and a friend or friends all find something riotously funny. And just this minute, my college aged son (who is studying abroad) texting me for my famous brownie recipe. It’s only famous within our little family!
Oh I love these additions!! And how charming about their brownie recipe ask. I can imagine that must have made you feel lit up inside 🙂
xx