1. Ugh. THIS TOTE.
I have followed Dragon for years. I really love a good leather weave and their prices are so reasonable. My beef before was always that a) they only were hand held, and b) they all had a sort of open weave where small items could easily fall out (or more likely in my case, small hands reach in and attempt to rip). So imagine my happiness when I saw this bag – a TOTE! That hangs on the shoulder! And that is finished a tight weave and such a gorgeous shape. This is for sure on my Christmas list. The perfect beach bag. The perfect summer bag. Yes yes yes.
PS: I also really love this round version.
2. A fascinating article, via The NY Times, about Silicon Valley’s divide on “screen time”. I have a confession that I’m one of those uptight parents and don’t really let my kids have it. Not because I think it’s so awful, but actually because of a point made in the article – it is actually easier to do zero than to do some, in my experience. Unless we are on a plane or on vacation – then it’s a free for all. And after you read that, then go this follow up, about nannies being the new technology police.
3. Please read this article via W Magazine about Wendy Yu, the new “unofficial ambassador” of Chinese fashion, because I want to discuss. First, of course her closet and home are amazing. Second, I can never read these sorts of articles now without thinking about who they might be in Kevin Kwan’s books. You know what I mean? Third, Juergen Teller took these photos? Wha?? They don’t look like him and it seems so strange that they would pay him for this sort of piece? Did they pay him? Did she? I am really super confused by the photos. I want to know!
4. Your messy divorce read of the week comes courtesy of Town & Country. I remember reading about the Grosses years ago and cannot believe they are still going at it.
5. This week I read Severance, by Ling Ma.
Confession that is going to make me sound like an old crank: I don’t really read too many novels that are described as “millennial”. A lot of the time, anyway. Nothing wrong with the actual execution – most are really good in that area – but I don’t know, I just can’t relate, even though I think I technically, by the skin of my teeth, fall into the age group. All the weariness, the yearning, the combination of both selflessness and self absorption. So when I heard about Ling Ma’s novel, I was really drawn to it because of its great reviews and apocalyptic and workplace themes…but then, millennial? I put it on the backburner and finally got around to it this week and it is really excellent. Really well done. And a fantastic read even for a boring old duddy like me. I highly recommend Severance,
7 Comments
Nvie
November 2, 2018 at 8:25 amI’m still loving the Loewe basket which has new variations for 2019. Crossing my fingers that prices of the new baskets will be maintained. Eyeing the black strap with colorful straw.
It’s hard not to allow them screen time, we were watching tv back then. iPads only strictly on weekends with time limit, which you can set. Otherwise it’s the tv where they watch YouTube channels, which I prefer as it’s easier on the eyes.. iPads and phone screens are too small for young kids.
Michelle
November 2, 2018 at 9:47 amInteresting articles about screen time! It resonates with me. I hear from so many parents about how have problems limiting screen time for their children. I am not a screen time nazi but we just never started the habit of offering the screen regularly so they don’t ask for it. That’s not to say that they get no screen time ever. Sharing how we make it work … They do get it as a treat or if they are home sick and have rested/played/read on their own for for more than 4-5 hours. When we travel internationally, it’s free rein. They can watch all they want with the caveat that they need to stop for meal times and to sleep. We don’t do many domestic flights but when we do, it’s around 5 hours flying time and they do get free rein with the same caveats. For road trips to LA, they do not get it unless it is dark and we have exhausted audio CDs and it is still a long ways to go. At home, they read, lots of pretend play inside or in the backyard, do arts & crafts etc., On weekends, we are mostly out of the house so there is not much time for screen time anyway. Another time they get additional screen time is when they are battling with jet lag during overseas travel and to keep them awake during meals or for 20 mins in a little corner while mummy speed shops and no books/toys section or playgrounds are nearby. Back home , I have resorted to screen time to keep them awake while fighting jet lag in the late afternoon/evenings, again, after lots of reading, inside/outside play etc. They do get way more screen time when we travel and I am OK with that as they adapt accordingly. It doesn’t make them ask for more when we are back home or back to regular routine. We recently got a simple kids GPS watch for my oldest so that I can communicate with her as needed (e.g. reminding her to pick up her sisters) and for her to call me when she is walking home. It does not have any games or anything, we can do 2-way voice calls, video calls (doesn’t work well) and text messages. That said, I have zero control over screen time use in the classroom. They do get little snippets of iPad usage during choice time. Also, my 4th grader is increasingly using google docs for homework. Does that qualify as screen time? 😀
Lesley
November 3, 2018 at 5:46 amOMG..i want that round one…kinda always wanted one, but not in straw..this is perfect…*drool*
M
November 3, 2018 at 10:37 pmI use to be really concerned with screen time but with my second child on the autism spectrum, daily life is harder than vacations, travel, illnesses, combined when it was just my neurotypical child — so we use screen time to give everyone a break. The hardest part is all the judgy parents who may see us at a restaurant or wherever with an ipad and not realize that the whole situation is a success considering my child isn’t currently eloping or having a meltdown.
Katherine
November 4, 2018 at 2:35 pmSomeone went up to us while we were in Maui (with their two kids too) and said that they “never let their kids watch, it’s just like crack” and I think they meant to be funny but my husband said I looked like I wanted to throw my coffee at them!
M
November 5, 2018 at 7:25 amYeah, I’m pretty transparent with my emotions too. My husband was teasing me for judging the judgy parents. He’s so much better than I am for not letting strangers’ comments bother him.
Jaime
November 5, 2018 at 5:49 amOff topic but I have to let you know I have almost finished reading your book. It is fantastic! Read for a few hours yesterday afternoon but had to put it down at what I believe is the last chapter…..”Nine Months Later.” I will finish it when I get home tonight. The characters are wonderful! I have to point out, though, that there is such a thing as a Rolex with a quartz movement. I don’t know anyone who would want one, but they do exist (or at least used to). Excellent work. You should be very proud.