In my heart and in my cart + other things

In My Heart -

I have a snoopy question for you: how did you choose your children’s names?

I was recently reading an essay in which the author referenced a poem written by someone who shares her daughter’s unique name, and immediately, I thought - oh! Is this coincidence or revealed inspiration? And it got me thinking about my own experience with naming tiny people who will grow up to be adults and have to be called something that make sense in all life stages.

My mom was very vocal during this time, reminding me that my kids could grow up to be doctors or lawyers and a nickname-style name would not suffice. I crossly suggested he could grow up to be addicted to meth, so then may I name him Bobby? “If you want to ensure he grows up to become addicted to meth!” She replied rather shrilly.

She was always opposed to the Jennys and the Liams and the Billys that people often choose in lieu of the full and formal Jennifers or Williams. I’d encourage anyone, and especially my mom, to worry about themselves, but I can’t change this judgmental mother who feels decidedly at ease sharing her opinions.

Reader, was she ever disappointed with the names I chose. My husband and I kept them secret until the baby was here and named and it was documented on a birth certificate. Once the deed was done, opinions could be shared, but the time for hemming and hawing was over. My kids were bestowed nicknames and 1.) I still love those names and 2.) Dr. Rex Van de Kamp had a literal pet name and seemed to be successful enough.

Early on though, my husband and I had different tastes in names. I liked trendy names like Hudson, while my husband preferred classics, like James. I remember sitting on our couch, scrolling through endless lists and just saying aloud the ones that hit. Sometimes just to test drive saying them, hearing what they sounded like in my voice. Sometimes with an edge of a question mark, presenting them as an option. One day, I said the right one and that was it. We picked a nickname.

And so I’m curious! How did you choose your kids’ names? And definitely tell me about your families opinions, too!

In My Cart -

+Positively obsessed with pink sneakers lately, largely because I’m copying someone cooler than me.

+Related: also finding rainbow shades of shoes to be a trend in general.

+Red alert! All dresses are on sale at Old Navy this weekend! I don’t know where I’d wear this one, but I’d like to find out!

+In preparation of spring, I am stocking this unsexy purchase, as well as considering these fake blooms for hanging baskets (it’s okay to make life easier!), and grabbing a few more of these seasonal wallflowers that I like my house to smell like, year around.

+The Sephora tiered spring sale starts this weekend. TBH, 10% is not that great? But if you’re restocking holy grails, might as well take advantage! I refer to this list of Sephora goodies worth the hype and my daily drivers.

+I’m a sucker for new gidgets and gadgets, so here’s the untested, but very interesting picks in my cart: Cloud Set Loose Powder in Translucent Candy and Forever Glow Star Filter (sooooo many rave reviews).

+Okay hello! Anyone else spot the kate spade x Target collaboration coming April 12? So many fun whimsy finds, but I especially like these earrings.

Other Things -

+Last weekend, in Chicago, I was stunned at the gorgeous, historical architecture of each museum we went into. Would you believe this is an aquarium!?

+Still currently reading.

+Three fun things I did yesterday: went to the theatre to see the new MineCraft movie with my boys. Stopped into Sephora to sniff the new Glossier Fleur scent (the OG is still my fav.), and treated myself to the salad bar at the high end grocery store for lunch, filling it primarily with dolmas and fancy olives.

+Seriously, please try this! It got me and I wonder if it’ll get you too!

+Not convinced. Would you try this?

+”Your brother isn’t going to waste any time on this” - very interesting deep dive into the cost of the glow up from Hannah Connolly.