Have a Lovely Weekend.

I never went back to work full time. Loved my work life balance. I’m off kilter a little right now because I’m working twice as much as I want to be presently, but temporarily, after having off altogether for 2 and a half years. ( I’m 66 ) It is a HUGE and I mean life changing adjustment. Feel like I’m losing my soul. All this to say, I would not have changed a thing about my past work life. I always worked part-time since the 80s, and was grateful every day to be able to do that and for the flexibility of nursing. I really don’t know how people do the 9 to 5 and have any free time at all. Why this Mon through Fri 8 or 9 to 5, which I’m basically doing now ( 4 days though but still ! ) is so coveted is beyond me. Enjoy your time !!

aww, thank you, Sarah! I ended up wearing a long brown silk dress with gold hoop earrings and these bow heels! https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/sandals/loeffler-randall-leather-slides-re94f

sounds beautiful and sexy!! you gotta share a photo, you can’t leave your readers hanging like that, we are all too invested in your life :)

This is hilarious. DC heat & humidity are no joke!

I’ve fallen asleep twice at shows. The first one was at the play Macbeth with Ethan Hawke. I was just so tired, going right after work and I couldn’t stay awake. The second one was at a salsa concert lol. Didn’t matter how loud the music was, it can’t compete with the tiredness of a new mother.

We went to see something at Theatre for a New Audience last year and had front row seats. Unfortunately, the seats were so close to the stage that my knees were literally jammed into the stage. I, too, fell asleep in what I argue was self-defense. I did feel bad, because the only person on stage was the playwright/actress, but for God’s sake, I think my blood was being cut off at the knees. They all can’t be winners.

Erin and Andrea, these comments are PURE GOLD. LOLing over here

ooh i appreciate this knowledge. thank you, virginia!!

Same and I’ve seen many curled up in blossoms but not with their back legs dangling like in these photo’s – soooooooo cuuuuuute, my heart!

I saw that run of Waiting for Godot too… the trouble is I’d forgotten that I really can’t get along with that play so even these incredible actors couldn’t make me enjoy it. I’d rather have paid to watch them drink tea :D.

Thank you so much for this link!! I have not read his columns in years and he was always hilarious! Much needed.

So glad you enjoyed it, Anne!

Agnes, you just totally nailed it!

https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/ The Freedom Trail is an easy stroll through the city along a yellow brick path, hitting all the major historical sites. And yes, a visit to the Gardner museum is a must!

Flour Bakery bakes the banana bread of my dreams. If banana bread is not your thing, they offer a variety of delicious baked goods. Go to the one on Dalton Street, then walk to the reflecting pool at the Christian Science Plaza. Beautiful space to sit and enjoy a coffee with your baked good.

I would definitely stay in Back Bay! If you can, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is amazing (and they have a canine ambassador, Catie, that your toddler would get a kick out of. She even has a book!). The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is amazing, and the MFA is really lovely too. I’d add that to the list. Walk around Charles Street (Beacon Hill) for cute shops. The Red Wagon is the quintessential Boston children’s shop. You can also stop at Tatte, which is really yummy bakery. Moo is great for dinner. I love my city and November is such a pretty time of year! I hope you’ll love it!

The MFA has a gorgeous Dutch still life exhibit on. Skip Tatte bakeries (they’re everywhere!) — Flour Bakery in Boston Common or by the Children’s Museum is good though. The North End is beautiful to walk around and for a date night dinner. Newbury Street is a big shopping hub. The main building of the Boston Public Library is gorgeous and free; go to the Courtyard and the Bates Reading Room. There’s also a tea room (like for tea and food) in the library. The Gronk Playground is newly opened and huge and its on the Esplanade (walking path by the river). Beacon Hill has those beautiful cobblestone streets you picture. Yes yes yes to the Gardner Museum. Across the river the Harvard campus is nice to walk around and Cambridge is cute. The Glass Flowers exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History is gorgeous. The Rose Kennedy Greenway (near the North End) is also great for a nature break and some kid friendly things (splash pad, swings, carousel). The Museum of Science is great. Things I would skip: Faneuil Hall, the Mapparium, Prudential Center. Feel free to respond with questions!

Absolute yes to the Isabella Gardner museum. The building itself is part of the magic. And as for walking tours, there is the Freedom Trail, which is a 2.5 mile red-brick line winding through the city. It takes you past 16 different famous sites from the American Revolution. There are plenty of places to stop in to get warm or eat a snack or reset. Have fun!

You’ll have the loveliest time! Boston is a great walking city and is especially beautiful in the autumn. I highly recommend a wander through Mt Auburn cemetery, whose trees are stunning. Sofra bakery is nearby. Also very walkable: Cambridge and Somerville. Start in Harvard Square and wander down to the river. The Harvard Bookstore and its remainders basement are well worth a browse (note that this is different than the Coop, which is the Harvard university bookshop. I’m partial to the Harvard Bookstore, which is an Indy.) I no longer live there, but when I did, my favourite meal was at Pammy’s – well worth a booking in advance, especially if you love pasta. Enjoy!

Have an amazing trip! If you’re going to be there on a Sunday morning, I highly recommend going to Flour bakery for their raspberry or whipped cream filled donuts. They’ve got multiple locations. Also, if you’re on the hunt for amazing cannoli, skip the famous places and go to Bova’s in the north end. I love the Isabella Stuart Gardner and the Sargent paintings at the MoFA. Eat pho in China Town. Boston Garden where the ducklings are is wonderful! I’d recommend walking through a neighborhood in Cambridge or along the Charles River but only if you’re up for it at 31weeks!

Hi! I recommend a visit to Cambridge, walk around Harvard, and grab a drinking chocolate (if it is chilly outside) or a box of their chocolate mice from L.A. Burdick Chocolate. https://www.burdickchocolate.com/ Additionally, I highly recommend dinner at Oleana on their patio (if weather permits). Grab a reservation asap. Also, I loved Sezane’s Boston City Guide. You can swipe through the images under each heading and it is very nicely curated list: https://www.sezane.com/us-en/city-guide-boston-map Safe travels!

I loved there years ago, but a walk across the bridge from Cambridge to the end of Newbury street (or vice-versa) is nice and not too long.

Tadpole for kids store in south end. Around the corner from there is a great place to get coffee at Greyhound. Cobblestones are plentiful so if there’s going to be precipitation, pack appropriate footwear, especially when pregnant! I had to be uber cautious last year since we got a lot of ice, rain and snow. For meals, try Bakey Babka. Best babka ever. Stay away from Newbury street for meals as it’s very touristy. Cafe landwer is another great hit. You can also try high street market place, which is a food hall. Beacon hill is beautiful and there’s an adorable bookstore there called Beacon Hill Books. For walking, you can do the freedom trail or any of the free walking tours. The north end is fun but a major tourist trap. Mikes has better rainbow cookies while Modern has better cannoli. You can get fresh bread at Bricco in the basement and the market has olives, cheese and meats. Sadly I think the cheese isn’t pasteurized as it’s fresh mozz but worth asking! Clover is an easy and quick lunch spot. For dinners: SRV Beehive Krasi Meyers & Chang Stay away from most bagel places in the city. The good places are in Brookline or the suburbs. Hope this helps!!!!!

Boston is very walkable. There is something for everyone. Not sure the timing of your visit…maybe check out the Head of the Charles rowing event. If you are going to the Public Garden, check out the MLK sculpture. It’s especially lovely at dusk when illuminated. The Gardner Museum is not to be missed. I guess it also depends on the weather. There’s a Greek restaurant called Zo near Faneuil Hall that is crazy delicious. Walk the Greenway to the North End. Carrie Nation by the State House is great for a cocktail and a nosh. Very cool speakeasy. Just wander…you will find great treats. And if you see a Cookie Monstah food truck, get in line.

I co-sign all of what you mentioned, and I belive a ticket to the Gardner may also get you into the nearby MFA on the same day (at least it used to, worth checking!). I recently spent a full day wandering Harvard Sq with friends who were in town and we did a lot without a ton of walking: breakfast at Tatte, coffees while walking around/sitting in the burial ground and Harvard Yard, Harvard Art Museum (free!), lunch, checking out shops including my favorite bookstore, capped off by a drink. We kept wondering if we should hop on the T and go somewhere else but it ended up being such a nice time wandering around at a slow pace. Have fun!

My son went to Berklee a decade ago, and our favorite destinations were Mike’s pastry for cannoli– https://www.mikespastry.com/ and the Museum of Fine Art. The swan boats in Boston Commons are cutesy but fun.

Hi Maddy, the Make Way for Ducklings Sculpture is in the northeast corner of the Public Garden. If you cross Beacon Street at the light, you will be on Charles Street, which has many shops, cafes, etc. and quaint New England charm. There are two or three children’s shops but I have not been inside. Because of the time of year and your desire to avoid a strenuous walk, I wouldn’t advise walking up a side street although gorgeous, cobblestoned residential streets (e.g. Acorn St.and Louisburg Square) are nearby. If you have a car, though, seeing them and more of Beacon Hill would be a nice drive.

Hi Maddy, the Museum of Fine Arts is right near the Gardner and is a great museum. A great walking itinerary is walking along Newbury Street in the Back Bay. It is full of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. So many great restaurants in Boston! Our favorite is Myers and Chang in the South End- it is Asian cuisine. You will need a reservation in advance for that. Another is Oleana in Cambridge. It is Turkish cuisine and also extremely popular. Have a great time!

Hope you have a lovely stay in Boston! Yes to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. And it’s lovely to walk around Beacon Hill, adjacent to the Back Bay. While there, check out Beacon Hill Books (https://www.bhbooks.com). You won’t be sorry to have a pastry from one of Flour’s cafes (https://www.flourbakery.com).

Boston is such a beautiful city, you’ll love it! Yes to the Gardner museum, definitely stroll through the Commons/Public Gardens and photograph those ducklings. Walk down Newbury Street for shopping/window shopping and take some time to explore the gorgeous homes in Beacon Hill (another neighborhood featured in Make Way for Ducklings.) Neptune Oyster Bar in the North End is one of my favorite restaurants on earth, the lobster roll is spectacular. Pro tip: when they open and put your name on the list, then walk around the neighborhood while you wait for a table. Flour bakery (there are several) is also on my must visit list in Boston—everything is delicious, but I love the homemade Oreos! Have a great time!

If you are near a Tatte Bakery and Cafe (there a few locations in Boston) – go- delicious.

Beacon Hill is so charming, if you can find a hotel in that area. Or really, anywhere around the park. You can ride on the hop-on trolley to get to different parts of the freedom trail. I loved Boston! We took our 9 and10 yr old boys in June and really enjoyed it.

We just got back from Boston! Would recommend the Mapparium, an inverted globe that makes the smallest sounds amplified. My husband and I read about it in Jhumpa Lahiri short story , “Sexy,” was well worth the visit and a true gem. It was in the Back Bay Area. The Boston Public Library has beautiful artwork throughout and also has afternoon tea which I could see being fun for a group. The Harvard Art museum was also terrific and free. Hope you have a great trip!

Eat at Tatte! They have locations all over the city. Excellent quality, beautiful ambiance. It was the highlight of our Boston weekend and we made our way to one every day!

The walk-though stained glass globe at the Christian Science Center is really cool! Located in central Boston. Enjoy your visit! https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mapparium-globe-boston

Beacon Hill Books (and its cafe!)! Gus & Ruby stationary store!

Brookline! You’ll love it.

The restaurant at the Gardner museum is really good, I would recommend getting lunch there the day you visit. For a walking itinerary – I would recommend Charles St (some cute shops) and then the streets up in/on Beacon Hill (around Louisburg Sq for example). The Public Garden is really nice too! Have fun!

Hi Maddy! Congratulations!! Boston is a lovely city (my sister has lived there for 10+ years) I can second the Isabella Gardner museum! – Beacon Hill Book Store (@beaconhillbooksandcafe) on Charles St. (they also have a cafe but highly recommend reservations) – All of Beacon Hill has lots to stop in and see – Harvard Museum of Natural History – Seaport Holiday Market is open starting Nov 8 – Restaurants: Bistro du Midi, Contessa, Via Cannuccia I hope you have a stellar trip and safe travels!

I used to live in the Boston area years ago and I’m sure many things have changed, but looks like Sofra bakery and cafe is still there and oh I LOVED that place. It’s actually in Cambridge, but looks like there’s a second location now.

Regina Pizzeria is a must! And if you like baseball, touring Fenway is a fun experience; not sure if they do that in the winter months. The public library in Boston is beautiful!

When you are near the duck sculpture, check out the book store in Beacon Hill! It’s called Beacon Hill Books. Your toddler would probably love their mascot, Paige :)

Tatte (a cafe) is great! There are multiple locations, so whichever location is most convenient. My fav Boston restaurant is Sarma. Would consider dinner in the North End one night, can combine with a day in Seaport (lots of shops, things to see, if you cross the bridge can do the Boston Tea Party things).

If you’re in Back Bay, stop by the Copley library. The old wing is gorgeous and has free art and architectural tours, then you can relax in the children’s reading room in the new wing.

Definitely do the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum! The ducks at the Boston Public Gardens are just one part of the magic there! Grab a warm drink at a nearby Tatte then wander the gardens and into Beacon Hill. Check out the Beacon Hill Books & Cafe (cute books, cute cafe) and if you want to walk more, continue down Charles St to walk the Esplanade along the Charles River or just wander through the cobblestones in Beacon Hill. Definitely visit the North End for some incredible Italian food and the aquarium nearby is great for kids. The Arnold Arboretum is also full of some pretty strolls and you can always walk the Freedom Trail (with or without a tour). Enjoy our city!

Sarma or Oleana for dinner! Flour Bakery or Sofra for sweets/pastries. Roast beef sandwiches from Cutty’s in Brookline. I didn’t think I liked roast beef until I had one of these…

I’ve got you! Took my 12 yr old girl there for a week, and then a week in NYC. We stayed in Brookline, very “collegiate”, at a Courtyard Mariott. The metro Tram stop is right across the street, great cafes all around, Trader joes down the street for stocking up on water, wine, snacks, etc. Fantastic food, pizza and more at Prairie Fire. Awesome dumplings, noodles, and more at Kung Fu kitchen. Great shopping on Harvard St, Brookline Booksmith, excellent books and so much more. We took the tram into downtown boston and connected easily everyday to get to anything and everything we wanted to see. It’s easy to use, tap your card on entry, and will get you EVERYWHERE. Chose Brookline as it was markedly less expensive than North End or Back Bay, and we still saw everything. The Trinity Church in Copley Square is incredibly beautiful, known for it’s remarkable stained glass windows. Worth it even if you are not a “church” person. Across the street is the Boston Public Library, and it is STUNNING. Definitely worth the short time it will take you to look at it. The Gardner for sure, do not miss it, a real jewel box. The Aquarium is wonderful, and easily navigated. You’ll be on the waterfront there, next to Long Wharf, where tons of boat tours take off all day long, everything from whale watching, day trips to Salem (well worth it, fascinating and beautiful!). I would skip Legal Seafoods, they are legendary, but our meal there was not up to par. A walking tour of the Revolutionary War events was incredibly interesting, but might be more walk than you want. And, cheesy as it sounds, the Hop On Hop Off bus we found to be worth every penney! Every driver we got was great, of course they have to tell bad jokes, but they also have a ton of knowledge. We did all 32 routes (cause we are Cali girls and not used to walking all day!). And you must must must stroll through both the Public Garden and the Common. Too beautiful for words. Newbury street for high end chic shopping. There is also a walking tour just for foodies through the North End, no shortage of wonderful Italian cafes and gorgeous old homes, peeks into small alleyways and gardens. The Old State House, Fanueil Hall (touristy but fun). Granary Burying Ground, full of famous revolutionaries names, and Paul Revere’s house. Contemporary Art Museum at the waterfront, and of course, the Grande Dame, Museum of Fine Arts. If you only saw the Egyptians, the Monet’s, and the John Singer Sargents, you’d have happy eyes the rest of the day. OH, and start the day at Temptations, coffee, smoothies, sammies, bagels, tons of choices, before you hop on the metro which is RIGHT THERE! Have a great time!

This is a bit niche, but Harvard’s Museum of Natural History is very good, and they have this amazing collection of glass botanical models (https://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/glass-flowers)

Go to Flour. Eat everything. You’re welcome! Also, Old North Church is really worth seeing.

Hi! I went to school in the area, about a decade ago. Since you don’t have any other replies yet, I’m chiming in with some suggestions that Google has confirmed are still around. Hopefully other CoJ readers with more recent experience can chime in too! For walking tour, try the Freedom Trail. I think it starts not too far from Boston Common (the ducklings statute is in the Public Garden right next door – they dress up the ducklings for certain times of year which is very cute!). There are signs up that tell you the sites. I think it ends around the North End, the historically Italian section. Pick pretty much any restaurant there for food! And grab some cannoli, I think Mike’s and Modern are the two big ones. (I have not done any of them for Boston, but I really love Rick Steve’s self guided walking tours. You can download the podcast episode and accompanying map, then listen and go at your pace!) You can also plan to walk around Newbury Street, which is like Boston’s version of Rodeo Drive. I loved Trident Books which is there, and the cafe inside was delicious. For a more fancy dinner, maybe try Legal Seafood? I don’t eat seafood, but my family loved it! The Stewart Gardner Museum is very interesting to see post-heist, but I wouldn’t plan to spend more than a few hours there. The Institute of Contemporary Art is supposed to be awesome. Also, just as a heads up to make sure to check the weather. Boston can be very rainy. Have an amazing time!

Hey, Maddy, I don’t know what your level of comfort is with public metro systems, but Boston has a good one that’s easy to navigate! I’d recommend asking your hotel concierge for help if you are feeling a little uncomfortable getting started, but you can be a pro in no time! It’s easy and cheap with a preloaded card you can purchase.

Beacon Hill Books and Cafe! It’s lovely and a must! Especially since you are pregnant. It will be a magicial, wonderful, and restful stop for you!

My slightly off the beaten path recommendation is to head over to Mount Auburn Cemetery near the Cambridge/Watertown border. Yes it’s a cemetery but it’s beautifully landscaped and has great views of the area from the hill/tower, very popular for walks and birdwatching and it won’t be at all weird to be walking around there. It’s also right across from Sofra bakery/cafe so you could also pop in there for a delicious snack. It’s not actually that far from Harvard Square, just a little out of the way.

I live here (and have 2 kids, 5 and 2) — I agree with most of these suggestions!!: – Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is a must – Whitney and Winston kids store in Beacon Hill (near the book store) is my favorite kid’s store in the city – Contessa for a special dinner, gorgeous vibe – Glad Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is already on your list its worth it – Boston Public Library in Copley Sq has a beautiful courtyard and its worth checking out the whole place – Tatte or Flour as everyone has said – Oak Long Bar at the Fairmont in Copley (across from the library!) is a great place for a nice lunch – its extra cozy in the winter and I especially love sitting at the very longggg bar :) – Seaport is the “new” modern part of Boston, and is worth going to for the shopping and the holiday market Make reservations well in advance to restaurants, I find it soooo difficult to get a reservation here in Boston for whatever reason (and I’ve lived in NYC, SF and DC – Boston is such a challenge!)

Second all of the museum recs! In South End, Bar Mezzana and Metropolis are great dinners spots (I’d make reservations for both but definitely for Metropolis). In Back Bay, Krasi is good but you’ll need to book way out for a reservation. Gracenote is my favorite coffee roaster. If you do end up on the other side of the river, Bow Market in Somerville is super fun. We don’t have any kids so no recs there, but agree that Boston not really known for it’s bagels, ha. The best you can get in the South End is Brick Street bagels pop up at the Buttery Thurs-Saturday. And I know this will be a little controversial, but I think Tatte is highly overrated, especially since Panera took over partial ownership.

Cantabridgian here!: For restaurants is Cambridge (in addition to what others have mentioned) I recommend Little Donkey, Darling, and Pammy’s. For cafes I like Verveine in Central Sq, Daily Provisions (in Harvard Sq) and Circus Cafe (between the two). Folks have mentioned Tatte and Flour. I prefer Tatte’s coffee but I think Flour’s pastries are better. The best spot for a picture of the Boston sky line and Charles river is at the corner of the “Harvard Bridge” (which is the Mass Ave. bridge) and Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side of the river. From there you are not too far from Verveine. If you get tired you can always take the #1 bus back across the river or get on the red line (subway) in Central Sq to Beacon Hill. Moving on to Boston: Near (ish) to Isabella Stewart Gardner is Eastern Standard for lunch, dinner, city’s best cocktails (or mocktails!). Near the Public Garden, Bistro du Midi is lovely for lunch and not nearly as expensive as dinner there. If walking/shopping on Newbury Street gets too crowded or annoying, you can cut over to the Comm. Ave mall (greenspace all the way to the Public Garden) which runs parallel to Newbury Street and chill out and look at dogs and brownstones. For other walks, I agree that the Esplanade by the Charles River is beautiful. If you go from Beacon Hill, the Frances Appleton footbridge is, in my opinion, the most majestic approach to the Charles River. If you make it to Brookline/Coolidge Corner: Shops I like include Boston General Store, Brookline Booksmith, Mint Julep (women’s clothes), Tiny Hanger (baby clothes),

Second all of the museum recs! In the South End, Bar Mezzana and Metropolis are good spots for dinner (grab a reservation for both, but especially Metropolis). Toro is also good for tapas in the South End. If you do make it to the other side of the river, Bow Market in Somerville is really fun. Japanoise bakery in Brookline is great. The Buttery in the South End is good for breakfast. And I know this will be controversial, but I think Tatte is extremely overrated, especially since Panera became a major owner.

Well, I know nothing about Boston, have never been, but just lay night learned about the BOSTON COP SLIDE!!! And that seems like a definite must see! Lol. Google the video and story. Then Google the maps and reviews. A good time friends!!!!

I agree on all museums noted here. ISG and MFA are must-sees with lunch/tea at the Gardner’s cafe. Harvard’s natural history museum is unique as well, and worth visiting when in the area. Tatte, Flour, and Bakey are all fantastic spots for brunch and pastries near Copley and Boston Common. I also love Cafe landwer for a bigger brunch. The Boston Sail Loft has the best clam chowder and decent seafood (but I really only get the chowder). Nice spot for a warming lunch while walking along the harbor and the north end. You can also see the seals for free outside of the aquarium. Brookline and Coolidge corner in particular are also nice places to stay and eat. Have fun!

Wow thank you all so much! These recos are more than I could have ever dreamed of! I really appreciate all the specific resto and cafe recommendations. Two things: 1)I should have clarified that my toddler won’t be with me so I don’t need child friendly options although I really appreciate them! And I will be taking photos of things to show her where I went! This is my big trip sans kids before being back in the baby-glued-to-my-boob phase of life. I’ve only been away from toddler for a two day work trip one time before. So I’m excited! And I’ll definitely visit those kids stores mentioned. 2) If anyone has a Back Bay or Beacon Hill yoga recommendation and/or any vegan restaurants that we shouldn’t miss, my sister used to be vegan and still eats that way a lot so would appreciate it! Thanks again! And wow we basically have a CoJ travel guide pre-made here now!

@Maddy: Boston Yoga Union is Back Bay has great teachers. I really like Tim Kelleher.

Same! I deactivated my insta and I’m always a little disappointed when I can’t open their links (CoJ isn’t the only blog that does this)

Hi Nele ! I can’t see the Instagram content either, just to let you know. It’s no small accomplishment to decrease internet screen time ! Nice ! :) Neat you switched to books :) Hope you have a great weekend !

You don’t need to have an Instagram account – or have the app – to view public links. I don’t and can see the links just fine – eg the bumblebee link above – in any internet browser. Just click the ‘x’ when the ‘view this in the app’ window pops up.

The involuntary caps are hilarious! Your phone apparently identifies with the medieval era … : )

I also don’t use instagram, but my phone will usually let me look at one link a day! Otherwise, you can try using an incognito window (if you have an iPhone, it usually works!!)

I’m with you Nele- I commented as much on one of this week’s posts – and got a negative comment for it. Why are we boycotting Amazon, but not Instagram??

Hi Nele, I’m off Instagram and Facebook too, but I usually can access, without logging in, one off links I see. I don’t know if that goes against your criteria for cutting social media out or if you have a block on those sites, but I’ve found that looking at the links doesn’t pull me back in. If you don’t log in, you count browse. Hope that helps or that someone else has a suggestion that works for you.

Same here! Got rid of social media for my mental health, but now I just accept that I miss out on some parts of the internet :)

I don’t use Instagram and I am able to view the links usually. Try opening the link in a new tab, and then when it asks you to log in, press just press the x in that request box. Hopefully you can then see the content.

Hi Nele! I’m off IG too but you can still open links—you just have to hit the X in the top corner when it invites you to get the app:)

I don’t have Instagram anymore either. The link takes me to a Safari webpage that says “invalid link. I hit “okay” and then it asks me to sign up but instead I just hit the little x in the upper right corner. It usually works that way although sometimes with no sounds or won’t let me replay a reel. Hope this helps!

Yes I have the same issue! Gave up social media a few years ago to spend my attention elsewhere, but enough people still link to instagram and I can’t see whatever they are talking about. Most of the time I don’t mind but now my kids elementary school also posts updates there ugh. Guys, don’t let the tech bros monetize your attention! Let’s all give it up and not look back, mkay? :)

Totally unrelated, and meant in good jest, but I found myself trying to see if there was a secret message in all the capitalizations here. But alas, I couldn’t find a code in BIBSASFINHWF, so I figured I shouldn’t keep going.

I deal with it, but chiming in to say, I have the same problem with clicking IG links since I don’t have Instagram. It’s a tradeoff I’m okay with, but would love a workaround if one is out there so we can still see links without being pestered to get an account.

Jessica, I love the secret coffee idea! Maybe we should be doing that!! Leaving secret messages in here for each other. Dang that sounds like good old fashioned Nancy Drew fun. Anyways. I wonder if many of us can’t access the links, and respond with a simple comment “not on IG, FB, TT, whatever, can’t access the whatever link” if blogs (this one one, wink, nod) would stop using them? And that would actually cut down on traffic on those platforms?? This is probably monetized somehow, but maybe it could work. Just a thought. Screw all those mega bastards destroying democracy for clicks.

I want to state that I don’t have instagram, and also find this annoying. The app is designed to make it as hard as possible to view content without signing up for it. for example, it won’t let you read the entire caption to the post when viewed from within a browser, only let you view one post a day, etc.. maybe you guys can get an intern without a META account to check how the links look.

I just joined my local Assistance League as a member, and it’s been thrilling! With everything going on in the US right now, I have to “do something”, so I’m focusing on my micro community. The AL org is all volunteer-based, and we run a thrift store to earn revenue to fund amazing programs that help local kids and seniors. So far from my experience, all the members are retired – but I am not, I am a small business owner and have two middle-school girls and a husband. I can volunteer as much or as little as my time permits. Last week, I volunteered at an event where kids came to JC Penney with a voucher – $100 to $150 – and they were able to pickup any school clothes/shoes that they wanted. The program has a $200k budget, so think of all the kids it helps. Amazing! Let me tell you, if you’re not feeling so hot (emotionally), give a few hours to a volunteer effort and enjoy the mental high after. Nothing feels better than propelling the good around us.

Sounds wonderful, Karen. I am familiar with that organization and completely relate to the joy of volunteering.

Agreed!!

If fabric composition is a priority to you, then I’d suggest you not buy it. I feel like there’s been an uptick in critical comments on this blog in the past couple of years, and we can’t expect Joanna to cater to the personal preferences of every single reader. It would be impossible

And the very inclusive sizing that fits everyone perfectly as long as they are a 4, 6, or 8. Gross. I’ll pass thanks. From the ad: Size info True to size. S=4, M=6, L=8.

I appreciate this type of information because I don’t always think to consider these things. I don’t think the sharing of information always needs to be expressed as or viewed as a critical or personal attack. We can always learn more and then continue to make whatever life choices best suit us.

Personally, I don’t care about fibers/ materials, if the fabrics are comfortable to me. I have chronic pain and sensory issues and often not natural fibers are more comfortable for me. You do you. The sizing is not ok tho. I really hate exclusive sizing and honestly don’t even understand it. They are just making many of their customers (size xs over here) mad, and ostracizing a bunch more. It’s really dumb.

I don’t think this means you aren’t a successful adult! To me this reads that you listened to yourself and found the courage to build a life that you actually want. I think that’s probably the most “successful” thing a person can do.

A parenting coach at my child’s school once said the same thing about family dinner’s at her house. So she gave up on them, and instead focused on the warmth and togetherness of breakfast as a family. I appreciated the permission she gave us to not force something when it’s just not working.

Awww, it’s great that you want to change this tradition for your family. Plan out 5-7 meals on the weekends with your kids and shop for them s9 you don’t have to run out during the week. Choose cookbooks that day easy or simple. Use the crockpot. If you can all gather, they will remember this when they are teens and can’t always gather.

I would say, begin a new tradition of giving each child a role in getting dinner on the table. The 9 year old makes the salad for example (or chops something or aids prep in some way), dad and the 6 year old set the table. Also, have one day a week be something like “breakfast for dinner” or “kids choice”, or else, let dad and the kids look through a cookbook and choose a Sunday dinner once a week or something like that. Introduce something fun like this as a habit then see if it evolves into actual pleasure for everyone.

No tips but I’m with you. We have an 8 and 10 year old and honestly dinners still suck at our house. I am. Ot sure how to change the dynamic — my husband really pushes for us to eat together but sometimes I wonder if we aren’t creating bad memories instead. My daughter is a new vegetarian who doesn’t like 99% of vegetables, beans or most cheese. So feeding her is a challenge, then add exhaustion and grumpy kids and it’s not great.

Sometimes our dinners are a mess and everyone just needs food in their bellies before they start a drawn out bedtime routine. Other evenings, I set the tone with chill/fun music, maybe a brief dance party, and a simple meal that everyone seems to like. We ask the kids silly questions “would you rather” is always a good place to start, and finish up with ice cream for dessert. The key is patience, grace, and knowing what night will be quick vs a fun one where we all linger around together.

I will say one thing we have tried is to use dinner as a time to practice being a good dinner companion, for lack of a better way to phrase it. so beyond sit at the table, on your butt, say please and thank you, when we remember we’ll have everyone at the table ask someone else a question, just to get in the habit of getting outside our own heads and being curious about the inner lives of those around us. this came to a head last week when my 7 year old asked my husband, “daddy, who was your favorite girlfriend besides mommy?” dang girl! ! we have a 2.5, 7, and 9 year old so similar ages and it doesn’t always work. but kind of a fun project if you keep at it.

I hear you!! It’s so hard, especially with two full time working parents. I’ve given over to the fact that family dinners at the table are more likely to work when: 1) I’ve laid out some raw veggies beforehand right after school- the ones my kids will actually eat like cucumbers or yellow peppers- so I’m not stressed about it during the meal. 2) We aren’t rushing from or to activities. 3) Everyone is very hungry. If those stars don’t align,Ty no pressure and OH WELL!

No kids here, but maybe a conversation game would work? Like share a high/low/whoa of the day, or Roses and Thorns, everyone tell a dad joke, gratitude game starting with letter a, then b, then c, etc? We do the latter at Thanksgiving with my family and it’s super sweet and fun. Or a q&a – what’s my favorite movie character/snack/ideal idea of fun – and everyone can flirt out the answer they think is correct for that person.

I might try to worry less about it. Our dinners are usually rushed because we are usually running home from an activity or on our way to an activity. I try to provide food my son will eat. For example, he doesn’t like cooked vegetables, so I’m fine with him having raw carrots, celery, or cucumbers as his veggie. He’s often feral at that time—sometimes having a very difficult time sitting. Sometimes he wants to read a book. Sometimes I’m okay with these things and sometimes I’m like you need to sit still and converse with me and dad. I definitely do not think we are doing this perfectly, but at least dinner time is not a stressful time in our house, usually!!

Hi Cara! I have 9,11, and 13 year olds and am a middle school teacher surrounded by kids all day so I sympathize with the feeling of a feral dinner. I’d say lean into it once a week. Once a week-ish we have what we call “a tray” for dinner. I get out a sheet pan and heap it with veg, fruit, crackers, hummus, cheese, random left over bits, maybe some bread, nuts…..You could call it a charcuterie board but it’s neither that fancy nor that intentional. Everyone gets a small plate and we just eat straight off the tray. Sometimes while watching a movie, sometimes at the table, maybe outside if the damn mosquitoes would ever abate. It’s best eaten ferally, so it’s especially perfect on Friday nights when we are all wrecked. I’m sure you’re doing an amazing job!

I love this question so much and hope it gets picked up!

My kids are younger (3 and 5) but since the oldest was about 3 we have been doing “best part/hard part” at dinner (I know some people do “rose/thorn” but that was too abstract for their age!) Many nights they don’t want to go, but they still have to sit and ask the others at the table. We let them skip if they’re not feeling it, or they come up with an alternative—a popular one right now is the “silliest” part of their day. It’s a good grounding exercise that gets a conversation going and they’ve come to expect it that now my 5 year old will ask when we’re at other relatives houses. Good luck— even just trying shows you care!

A very tiny tip – light an (unscented) candle at the table. Something about it calmed and settled my kids. Hypnosis by flame, maybe? These days I occasionally light it at breakfast, when they’re all taking turns eating and getting out the door. It helps the long dark mornings and the stressful days have a gentler start.

I loved family dinners growing up. We always ate at the table but it was never forced or there was never any pressure to eat everything on the plate. We would all chat about our days or the wider world – we had a a massive world map opposite our table which would spark convos. We also played cards between our mains and pudding. We listened to music a lot. There were often guests – it was great. Looking forward to recreating those vibes when my kids are older :)

Hi Cara – As someone who also has a feral 6 and 9 year old, I would love to hear advice on this front! I will say (and I know this is controversial) that this year we switched our typical family dinner to be cuddled around the coffee table with a show instead of sitting at our kitchen table. We watch travel shows together on NHK or PBS while we eat (Samantha Brown’s Places to Love and Cycle Around Japan are our current favorites). I’ve found that this really takes the pressure off of dinner and allows us to relax and connect. The kids eat better with the distraction and I love that we’re all learning something new together. Wishing everyone luck with their own family dinner magic, whatever that may look like for your family!

Mom of 4. On Sunday, my husband and I make a plan. He shops. We keep it simple, beans and rice, chicken and salad, shrimp and grits, enchiladas. He cooks one night during the week and I usually do the rest. The best for me is when we can stretch one meal to two.

My younger (7) eats standing up and older bro always has his nose in a book, plus dietary needs mean dad is usually eating something different and therefore still puttering at the stove while we’re already seated. So I understand frazzled! Maybe read aloud a brief story? Or there are page a day calendars with interesting facts. We aim for 5-10 minutes of chatter and then each do our own reading (not phones) at the table, or maybe we start a simple game like MetroX. So we’re deliberately together but it’s def not calm kumbaya.

I made a template that rarely varies, and mastered a few easy variations, and just barely tinker with it on Sundays. Mondays are meatballs, (usually turkey or lamb), Italian version, middle eastern version, swedish ro goulash version. Tuesday are tacos, usually chicken, sometimes grass fed beef, or turkey. Wednesday are a Trader Joes entree, (Chicken piccata or parmigiana are just a few everyone likes) and salad. Thursday are usually a chicken breast (something easy) with potatoes, or rice. Fridays are fish or shrimp (frozen, also from Trader Joe’s), on or with pasta. Saturday is a steak if we can afford one, or leftovers, or homemade pizzas with garlic naan as crusts. Sundays leftovers or grazing. Always a quick salad (might be just tomatoes and cukes) or a green veg and some fruit. Sounds like a lot of “cooking” but a few back pocket recipes (kids like repetition of their facorites). Once it gets cooler, I throw in Soup, stew or chili in the pressure cooker 1 night a week. Honestly, I rarely vary the order of days, so I don’t have to think about it. Budget Bytes is a GREAT recipe blog for busy families. Dad Cooks Dinner as well.

Kids get to take turns lighting candles, (they can be any kind, not just the traditional tapers.) Dessert makes everyone happy, and it can be five chocolate chips or a cookie when we haven’t made anything else. For myself, I want a set table and after dinner decaf as my reward for cleaning the kitchen. I think beauty, ritual, just simple pleasures go a long way towards the dinner experience I’m after. There’s a beautiful movie called Babette’s Feast, about much more than food. But something practical I learned from her is how to set the scene. Do your kids like ice water in pretty (dishwasher safe) glassware? Do you like cloth napkins? What props can you have on hand to signal that this will be a leisurely, beautiful time of rest as a family? Do a weekend dinner with favorite foods, and make it magical, and let your kids experience it. And then ask for their ideas, and let them contribute to those weeknight dinners where we’re just trying to eat. If you want that culture you’ll build it over time! I’m rooting for you!!

My best idea to disrupt that vibe is to start setting out very low pressure smorgasbord dinners- let the kids take what they like, w a combo of leftovers/cheese/crackers/fruit on the table (I.e. stuff that will feel easy for you) – and light a candle or put on music or do whatever would make it feel fun. My kids are 9 and 11 now so I know the struggle! manageable things like that

We only talked about our days at the table when we were all together. The kids never wanted to answer when they came home and I asked “how was school” but once we were at the table and I asked “did anybody get in trouble today?” we were off!

Kids the age of yours are normally tired and beyond eating after about 6pm, in my experience. Perhaps an early kid-dinner at 6 and a later one for you? Weekends are probably the best time for an all-round-the-table dinner or, even better, lunch. It would, of course, depend on how busy you are as a family. A few non-negotiable rules (for me it was always: do not leave the table until the meal is done/use your cutlery properly) but we aren’t talking silver service here, are we? If we are: good luck with that.

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 to all 22 of you who wrote such thoughtful, encouraging words 💕love this space and the smart funny kind women here

One policy we’ve always had in my family is “don’t drag meals out.” The kids need to sit in their chairs to eat, but once they are done, they are allowed to ask to be excused, and I almost always say yes. (The exception is when we’re visiting their grandparents — then I sometimes ask them to hang out a bit longer at the table with us because Grandma and Grandpa want to visit with them.) I also don’t pressure them to eat more — if they say they are full, they’re full. These policies don’t always make meals perfect, but they go a long way toward avoiding power struggles.

Oh, this is hilarious! I am a science writer and my kids figured out pretty young that they could delay bedtime with strategically timed questions about science. I love explaining things! I was so excited that they were curious about science! They could get me EVERY TIME.

When our kids were still younger (now 11 and 14), and it looked like a family dinner would be no good for everyone we had a pirates dinner. Just sitting on the rugs in the living room, eating and chatting away. And somehow that felt so special or „not allowed“ or weird that the evening turned out to be lovely. Sometimes we have to move just a little outside of the stiff rules (sitting at the table etc) and something normal will feel special.

During those years, we would have the kids help set the table and at the table, we would all share a daily best thing. We also tried to get food on the table really quickly. It gets easier! We did all along try to eat dinner together as often as possible.

Ha! This reminds me of a story that was in the news years ago about a deli that put up a sign to the effect of “No Discussing Mathematics In Line”—the mathematicians from a neighbouring university would always hold up the line because they were too busy talking about math to think about what they wanted to order.

This comment made me smile. My husband is also a math teacher, and many evenings are spent with him and our kids discussing math. Not my idea of a good time, but dinner gets consumed.

Beautiful definition of ambition.

I love that quote! Her comment also made me think of this Roald Dahl quote from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: “There’s plenty of money out there. They print more every day. But this ticket, there’s only five of them in the whole world, and that’s all there’s ever going to be. Only a dummy would give this up for something as common money. Are you a dummy?” I think walking your dog every day sounds like a golden ticket!

Wowwwww Spot on. Thank you, Emm and Kirsten. Really needed this as I mull retirement and what it might look like.

That quote really resonates with me! Thanks for sharing. Where is it from?

I really love that, the idea of being you by shedding yourself of all the things that aren’t you

What a lovely quote, Emm!! And I believe it’s true throughout life – it certainly seems so during your 40s and 50s. Discarding all those versions of you that don’t fit anymore or that weren’t even real feels so liberating.

I love this!

Sob! Do you know who the quote is from? I love it.

Love this quote! And good for Kristen!

I adore this quote so very much! Thank you Emm! I wondered if you remember where it comes from?

Oh how beautiful. I feel this exactly a year into being a mom. I feel like I’m letting go of all this baggage of what I thought I “should” do and am getting to know the real me. I read Matrescence recently by Lucy Jones and it totally blew my mind how much your brain changes after birth!!!

Glad others like it too! I heard this quote from meditation teacher Cory Muscara. He didn’t attribute it to anyone else so I’m assuming it’s his own, but not certain!

I’m finding that the quote is attributed to a mindfulness coach and former monk named Cory Muscara. But I can only find other people attributing it to him, I can’t find the text where he actually says it. But hope that helps!

Aww love this! And “Cheesus” – hilarious!

Love Boise. Hope to make it back out there again one day.

But SF is a great place for dogs!!

The dog is ALWAYS tipping the scale in our house! We will have to do another round of dog-related content for the Cup of Jo dog lovers, including Joanna, who often has the best dog pictures on the weekend share.

Well now I gotta know. What’s your job?

But what is your job???? 😂

Suz, I would love to know what your career transition was, as I navigate a desire to switch out of law after a period of time home as a SAHM, ready to return but to do something different. I love hearing about other’s career changes over time.

Please do this round up!!

Oh Jo, please do. I am also someone that transitioned careers and moves countries in my 40s and this would be great. Suz, thank you for sharing.

I’m a UX Researcher (actually just moved in my dept and the org chart I saw today says “Research Director”). My job is to ask questions and tell stories.

dying to know what is the jaaawwwwwbbbbb

I would love to hear more about your career transition! I finally found a stable, full-time job in my field after years of seasonal work, and while the steady paycheck is nice, I feel a little panicked about my lack of daily joy. I don’t want financial stability and joy to feel mutually exclusive! I’d love inspiration to think more creatively about my career future, right now I feel stuck and sad.

Does it still provide health insurance?? That’s the cliff hanger, lol

Suz, same here! I was a freelance photographer and copywriter for years but grew drained of being self employed. I pivoted into UX writing. I love thinking through how words provide clarity and help people. Best career pivot, it’s just opened up so much for me.

Sachia – yes! I stayed with the same company, so I got to keep my benefits and learn a whole new discipline! Win-win!

Roxanne, just got a screenshot of your comment as a future reminder. Thank you. ☺️

Roxanne, thank you for sharing that comment. It’s really grounding. Would love to know what kind of work you transitioned to when you left teaching! Always curious what’s out there that allows for more time.

Thank you for sharing this – resonate with me and it is perfectly moment on the crossroad.

I just screenshot *your* comment, Roxanne! I will remember that being able to contribute to someone’s meal train on a random Tuesday is an exceptional barometer of priorities and balance. Thank you!

S S Pat — I work for a small network of hospitals in our community development department, managing school partnerships. :)

But do you know how hard it is to land in a position like that, that is also even basically sustainable? I mean OF COURSE we would all do that, but I need to meet my very basic financial needs as well as make sure I have things like health insurance, etc. Free time is truly a luxury. And I am single, which is ironically maybe why I don’t have free time, lol. It’s all on me and it’s a lot. Apparently it’s 30% more expensive to be single. CRAP! and if I am paid 17% less than a man, then that is close to 50% pay cut to be a single woman. Am very close to putting out an ad for a non-sexual financial marriage – both so I can buy a house but also to share living expenses. We can buy a duplex. If the government and the market is going to financially penalize me for being single then there is no way I’m going to not get creative and fix that problem.

They look gorgeous but lost me at hand wash…I am sorry they pilled on you…that is a bummer.

I’ve bought a couple of super soft knits lately that did the same thing. Not sure if it’s just bad luck on the products I bought but I’ve decided to stay away from anything that feels too soft if I want to wear it in public

I stopped buying those super soft fast fashion pieces just for that reason. SUCH a bait and switch by those makers because you can only wash them about three times before they look like you bought it from a discount bargain bin.

Wow thanks for the report! I have these from Uniqlo with the matching cardigan (they have a collared sweater too). They have held up beautifully in the wash and I’ve received compliments in them from strangers. My only adjustment is that they stretch throughout the day (both a +/- quality depending on what you’re looking for). If I buy more, I’m going to size down. https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E470173-000/00?colorDisplayCode=52&sizeDisplayCode=004

I appreciate your perspective so much, and I see this as a people manager – we often get prodded to make sure we are developing our teams, but some folks are truly happy where they are at, and have other priorities in life that wouldn’t work with moving up the ladder. But I had to comment also because I’m a TNG trekkie, and I always felt bad that Riker was criticized for this. Honestly, being #2 on the Enterprise and right hand to Picard is no small potatoes, and probably gave him amazing opportunities that a smaller ship would never have been able to provide.

I love this comment. And being a good second-in-command is a great spot to be in. To be skilled at balancing providing support to someone taking tough decisions while having a certain degree of leadership…. We have all seen enough crappy middle managers to know that work is better when that layer of the cake is right.

My stress has been high today and this just healed me. hahahaha.

This comment made me wheeze laugh.

Hahaha I love this, Christen!

I love this so much.

Laughing so hard right now next to my husband on the couch that he thought I was crying and asked what is wrong. He actually does climb ladders for a living as he works in construction and I cannot articulate why this comment is funny, but it really is. Thank you so much for sharing.

Same. Had to reread it to make sure I read it correctly. I didn’t.

American here. I totally agree, and people have different ideas on what success means to them.

Hear, hear.

Because (up until recently, heh) when you were born in America, from birth, you are fed the Kool-Aid that says, “You can be anything if you work as hard as you can, and are expected to do everything in your power to attain the highest level of success. That is the least that is expected of you here, in this land of the free that you have inherited.” Not as true as it once might have been, but it’s the legacy we operate under.

Watched a trivia show the other day out of the UK which asked contestants to name olympic silver medalists, and they did. Host commented that “if you ask this question in the states, they can’t answer it because 2nd place doesn’t matter, it’s seen as a failure” and I thought – you know, you’re right? Who brags about coming in 2nd, when in reality, it’s quite an accomplishment? As an american, I am spending time on this identity and how it has formed my views. Spending time in other countries and seeing their perspectives is pretty eye-opening.

I know they’re problematic but I love a thistle bloom! They don’t grow where I live these days and seeing them makes me ache for the mountains/the west.

my thoughts exactly from a fellow Teton viewer, fun to know there’s a few of us on here!

my thoughts exactly from a fellow Teton viewer, fun to know there are a few of us on here!

Hi from a fellow eastern ID/western WY gal! Those mountains make my heart sing and I miss them so much. Now in MT but the Tetons feel a million miles and a lifetime away. Even though they are right next door, midlife has made it hard to get back there.

It’s rare that I recognize the scenery in these posts, so I got very excited today when I knew what I was looking at! We visited the Tetons over the summer. We spent a few hours at my husband’s friend’s parents home in WY, just across the street from ID, and they have a fabulous view. I’d love to see that every day! You’re so lucky!

Sarah, I am so happy you get to see the Tetons every day. My partner and I briefly lived in GTNP a decade ago, and it had a disproportionate impact on me relative to the actual amount of time living there. What an incredible place. I still hold out hope we’ll go back one day.

<3

I’m naturally ambitious too. And I’m an omnivert who needs down time to recharge. I try really hard to strike a balance between work, seeing family and friends, and decompressing. Sometimes work wins, but I’m trying really hard to make it less so.