Monday Memo No. 185
Hot rollers, gift ideas and the one and only magazine I still receive in print.
Mary Orton x Buru Chambray Mandarin Dress
There are only a couple items still in stock from my collab with Buru, including my most-worn piece of the entire collection, the Mandarin dress in dark chambray. I’m wearing it in the girls’ room video and got a lot of comments and messages asking about it. I’ve continued to wear this dress like crazy because it’s versatile, comfortable, and truly seasonless. It’s my dream everyday dress.
Mini Vacuum Bag Sealer
Has your spouse ever opened a bag of pretzels and because they didn’t close it properly, the remainder of the pretzels went stale? Same. Recently, I ordered this mini bag sealer, a rechargeable little gadget that uses heat to seal plastic snack bags and also has a blade function to reopen the package easily. It is the perfect stocking stuffer to keep your chips crunchy and your marriage intact.
Ellifox Stocking Stash
If stocking stuffers for your kids is stressing you out, stop what you’re doing and order these Stocking Stashes now. Just provide your children’s ages and interests and Ellifox will curate a stocking full of toys and treats just for them. The stockings come in three sizes: small (Super Stuffer), medium (Elf Explosion), and large (Santa’s Spectacular). We went with the large and the products they chose for the girls are truly AMAZING. You can tell they’re curated by people who are experts in both (1) kids and (2) what kids’ toys are popular right now.
Volumizing Hot Rollers
I’m planning on posting a hair tutorial soon (I need more hours in the day!) but until then, I wanted to alert you that the T3 hot rollers I use DAILY are currently on sale. T3 may sound like the sequel in the Terminator franchise, and the HeatCore technology in these curlers may make you feel like a cybernetic time traveler because they heat up fast to create volume, body, and shine. Important note: instead of using the plastic clamps that come with these curlers (that can cause your hair to crimp) I use these metal u-clips from Amazon. TRUST. Also trust that “I’ll be back” with a full hair tutorial soon…
Another Tomorrow Classic Black Dress
This wool dress from Another Tomorrow stopped me in my tracks when I saw it on Kristin Kennedy. The boatneck, the seamed waist, the V back, it’s a thing of true beauty. This dress is giving 1950s Audrey Hepburn meets 1990s Kate Moss, AKA timeless. It’s an investment but one you’ll wear forever. Saks is also currently offering $50 off every $200 with Code DECGETSF.
AG1 + Discount Code
I don’t think anyone is interested in what I eat in a day (spoiler: it’s mostly Wiley Wallaby licorice), but I will let you know something I drink every day: AG1. One, daily scoop of AG1 contains 75 vitamins, minerals, stress adaptogens, pre/probiotics, antioxidants, and whole-food sourced mushrooms and superfoods. It promotes gut health, supports immunity, boosts energy, and helps with recovery. Rich and I have been taking AG1 every single morning for the past few years and it’s made such a difference. If you use my link, you’ll save $20 and get 5 FREE travel packs. AG1 also offers a 90-day happiness/money-back guarantee, so you can try it for three months and if you don’t like it or see the benefits, they’ll give you a full refund!
Personalized Brass Plaques
I had this customizable plaque made for the girls’ bedroom and it came out absolutely adorable. You can choose the size, the font, the size of the font, everything. It’s been so much fun to add these personal touches to the space which I’ll be sharing very soon!
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patches
February may technically be the shortest month, but with holiday parties and travel and family get-togethers, December FLIES by. An unexpected blemish can cause unnecessary stress to an already busy time of year, so I always keep these Hero Cosmetics’ Might Patches stocked in my beauty cabinet (and travel bag). They contain hydrocolloid, a medical-grade gel that draws gunk out, so your blemish is flattened and less noticeable in just 6-8 hours. And, they’re so easy to use: just stick the patch on the spot and peel it off hours later to reveal a visibly flatter, smaller, less-red blemish. I often sleep in them (they don’t budge overnight) and since they’re translucent they are also indetectable on Zoom calls. They’re chemical-free, allergy-tested, and safe for all skin types. I’ve partnered with Hero to get a discount code — use MARYO15 for 15% off sitewide plus FREE shipping on orders over $35!
Sleeveless Cableknit Turtleneck Sweater
I shared this sleeveless cableknit turtleneck from Talbots in pink last week here and am so obsessed with it, I ordered the black too. The soft wool cableknit is a timeless classic and because it’s sleeveless, it’s much easier to layer under blazers because you’re not fighting the weird arm bulk. And, with a little more skin showing, it feels dressier at night, in the pink or black… or ivory. Did I mention it’s also available in ivory? Dare I collect them all?
Emile Henry Storage Bowl
When I saw Jackie Oshry share this brilliant (and gorgeous) storage bowl, I ordered it immediately. This ceramic bowl keeps your produce fresher longer by providing two compartments including a bottom storage compartment for root vegetables and onions that aren’t necessarily “pretty” to have in the top section on display. It’s available in 10.6” or 14.1” diameters, so you can store the uglies (no offense, potatoes) on the bottom and pretties on the top (I’m looking at you, pears and pomegranates). It comes in five different colors and is sold at a ton of retailers like Saks etc., but Amazon has a significantly better price right now.
Kitsch Ponyfull
Leanne Barlow posted about this hair accessory in her perfect pony vid and it stopped me in my tracks. Since a high ponytail is my #2 most useful dirty hair trick behind my beloved baseball caps, I ordered one immediately. Available in black and blonde, the Ponyfull is a magical little tool that adds volume and thickness to any ponytail or topknot, no extensions to hair pieces required. Such an easy, comfortable way to add a boost to any updo.
Food Bank Recommendations
This is such a hard time of year for so many people and our family has been donating a lot to local food banks. If you are also inspired to give this holiday season to your local food bank or pantry, I found this post helpful as we think about what items have the highest impact on those who are food insecure in our communities.
Aura Digital Photo Frame + Discount Code
I feel like digital photo frames are always marketed towards grandparents (and don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing grandparent gift), but I think it’s an amazing gift for literally ANYONE. Personally, I LOVE getting to see pictures of my nieces and nephews and my toddlers are obsessed too, so we just gave them this one from Aura for St. Nick’s Day. These foolproof frames take seconds to set up and then you can upload photos and videos via their app or send them to the frame’s unique email address to display. Plus, the code MARY will get you $30 off any Carver Mat Frame, the best deal they’re offering all season.
Tuckernuck Gift Guides
If you’re struggling to find a gift for a picky friend or fussy family member, just scroll through Tuckernuck’s Gift Guides. Whether you’re shopping for “Her” or “Him” there’s something for everyone; glam gifts, personalized gifts, gifts for home and an “under $100” guide. I was struggling with a few people on my list and immediately got so many great ideas, like this darling bamboo photo frame and this stunning Toile vanity case that can be monogrammed.
Frederic Magazine
I only subscribe to one physical magazine and it’s Frederic. IT IS A MUST. Each quarterly issue is bursting with gorgeous and unexpected interiors, fashion, travel and architecture. If you or anyone you know of is a lover of design or just beautiful things in general, a subscription to Frederic Magazine would make a holiday gift they will cherish (and look forward to!) all year long.
Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Snowflake
Don’t get me wrong, we are a house that loves cookies. Gingerbread, chocolate chip, you name it. But I decided to switch up the sweets last weekend and make this cinnamon roll pull-apart snowflake with the girls. While Ambitious Kitchen’s recipe looks ambitious, we used store-bought puff pastry and these were a total hit and so easy to make! I also just saw my friend Anna post this Nutella version, which we’re definitely trying next.
Peacock Alley Coverlets
These Oxford Matelassé coverlets in ivory are what I have on the girls’ beds in the recent room video I shared. Everything from Peacock Alley is exquisite quality and I particularly love all of their quilted Matelassé coverlet options. I’m very into coverlets and quilts as an alternative to the fluffy duvet covers that have dominated bedding options in recent years.
Holiday Jigsaw Puzzles
I feel like puzzles had a huge moment during the pandemic and then everyone forgot about them (or was it just me?). At the end of yet another wonderful but overwhelming holiday weekend, Rich and I pulled out this puzzle last night and were immediately reminded of why they’re the best. It’s so stress-relieving to direct your total focus and attention towards something that doesn’t involve a screen. During the holiday frenzy, I highly recommend spending just 15 minutes a day working on one of these. These jigsaw puzzles in particular are made from 1000 wood pieces that include unique and unusual shapes geared toward experienced puzzlers. It’s an amazing way to wind down by yourself or with a partner at the end of the night. (And a glass of wine is highly encouraged but not required.)
Wing Earrings
I saw these wing earrings from Heaven Mayhem on my friend Helena and immediately needed them. They’re super lightweight and the gold is as beautiful as the silver. Whether you need accessories for holiday parties or picking family up from the airport, these earrings are an easy addition to any outfit.
8 responses to “Monday Memo No. 185”
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The recommendation for the clips to replace the claw clips on the hot rollers is not working. I have these rollers and hardly use them since your right it crimps my hair!! Looking forward to getting the link on Amazon. They may become a daily use.
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So sorry for the link issue! It’s updated now and can be found here.
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Yes – need the link to the Amazon clips!
I agree on the heavy think duvets with covers – I like quilts and matelasse coverlet better….-
So sorry for the link issue! It’s updated now and can be found here!
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Thank you for including the info about food bank donations. I’ve donated some of the items mentioned, but never thought about the other ingredients needed (can opener especially). Next time my bags will definitely include some necessary “side items”! Merry Christmas!
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I love your lists and look forward to them each week. The mighty patches are a brilliant idea.
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I love that Mandarin Dress! I must buy it! What color tights would you wear with it? Sheer black maybe?
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Yes, sheer black would be perfect!
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