Recital season is upon us. All the schlepping to endless rehearsals, marathon performance weekends, and putting out fires of the last-minute-costume-emergency variety has me dreaming of a dedicated moment to myself for recovery (perhaps a yoga class, or just a nap), but with the barrage of end-of-school activities continuing apace, it’s not meant to be.

Some recent highlights and happenings, below.

Currently bringing me joy:

We recently commissioned these 5x7 portraits of our kids from artist Jessica Miller. (If you’ve read Ann Napolitano’s novel Hello Beautiful, the beautiful cover art is Jessica’s handiwork.) We thought it would be a beautiful way to capture the girls during these fleeting stages, and the vibrant hues, expressive brushstrokes, light and shadow could not feel more spring-like. They’re currently livening up the living room mantel while I decide where to hang them.

Can’t stop watching:

The Tulsa Time video that’s taken the internet by storm. So much admiration for these 5th and 6th grade girls, their talent, their moves, and their style (not to mention the art direction of proud dad and cinematographer, Ben Christensen). It also has me on the hunt for vintage Wrangler jeans.

Last read:

Bibliophobia, the engrossing memoir by Sarah Chihaya about a nervous breakdown, an obsessive love of books, and the anxiety that comes with loving something so much it paralyzes you. I’m only able to get in some reading time in the briefest bits and pieces, but this was easy to jump back into, even after long reading lapses.

Keeping the kids busy:

We’ve had a tough go of it in New York with foul weather keeping us housebound far more often than is fair after a long winter, and while we managed to turn some dreary afternoons into creative playtime with the always-fun Majo Ideas activity packs, I was in need of rainy day reinforcements. I ordered us this weaving kit by Kate Kilmurray. and the kids enthusiastically embarked on a childhood rite of passage: crafting their first potholders. The process brought back memories of the dozens upon dozens I made as a kid, only these loops are made of cotton and come in a beautifully edited selection of colors instead of the cheap nylon and garish hues I remember. Hot tip: I highly recommend buying extra loops in any favorite colors to avoid sibling battles.

The Mini Loop | Kate Kilmurray Weaving Kit for Kids — *Kate Kilmurray’s weaving kit for kids*

Vintage kidswear discovery:

It was exciting enough to learn that Wooden Sleepers, the formerly Brooklyn-based vintage menswear purveyor, had moved out to the ‘burbs, but when my husband’s dire need of a denim refresh prompted a visit to their Tuckahoe shop, we were happy to discover they also stock a small but awesome selection of vintage kidswear. My daughter scored an adorable denim jacket and some charming patches.

*Excited new owner of a perfectly worn in denim jacket*

Currently planning:

Summer travels to the Pays Basque, a first for our family. Looking forward to slowing down, exploring beach towns like Saint-Jean-de-Luz, stopping by this Basque and Japanese épicerie in Guéthary (run by a former colleague with the most incredible taste), and hitting the food markets to satisfy a range of palates, from adventurous to pickiest-on-the-planet. Wish us luck!

Spring Things