Have a Cozy Weekend.
This one’s for you, Julia! xo
What are you up to this weekend? New York is preparing for a big snowstorm, so we’ve stocked up on groceries, including pierogis and sauerkraut, a pairing I fell in love with last weekend in Pittsburgh. Hope you have a good one — stay warm! — and here are a few links from around the web…
How to help the brave people in Minnesota.
Have you seen the movie Sentimental Value? My friends have been raving about it.
“If you’re going to overthink, at least overthink all the ways it could work out in your favor, all the best case scenarios, and every version of your life that turns out better than expected.” — Tori Simokov
Before-and-after photos of a Paris bathroom.
I just finished the novel Annie Bot and I can’t stop thinking about it.
The small advice that made a big difference to a grieving widow.
Simple crispy pan pizza. Reminds me of our family outings to Pizza Hut once a month as kids — the very best.
Wouldn’t you love to walk around this garden in South Africa?
Oooh, such a chic jacket.
And, on Big Salad, three people talk about changing careers in midlife — including a therapist, nurse, and restaurant owner. “I’ve become a newer, braver version of myself.” (paywalled; thank you for your support!)
Plus, three reader comments:
Says Liz on what’s your personal motto for 2026: “This might sounds a little un-ambitious to some, but a motto that has helped me is ‘this is fine.’ In the past, I’ve spent way too much money or fallen into marketing traps by thinking I needed to upgrade or optimize everything I could. It left me broke and ungrateful. Instead of always thinking ‘this needs to better,’ I remind myself ‘this is fine.’ It’s about learning to make do with what we have. For example, as a new mom of twins I don’t have time to style my hair these days. I look at myself in the mirror with my uneven hair, tell myself ‘this is fine,’ and walk out the door.”
Says EHK on what’s your personal motto for 2026: “Hot tip: Incorporate your personal motto into your computer password, so it passes through your fingers regularly.”
Says Erin on five pick-me-ups after a breakup: “Jo, I just had a thought: you have this big, beautiful community of women who are mostly probably all a little bit sad right alongside you (on your behalf): what if you imagine each of us holding a little teaspoon of your sadness so you don’t have to hold all of it yourself? Maybe then it won’t spill over quite as often while you wait for it to dry up. xoxo, holding my spoonful.” [Ed. note: Sobbbbbbb]
(Photo by Melanie DeFazio/Stocksy.)
Comments
172 commentsJulia, your weekend plans sound cozy! Snowstorm prep + pierogis = perfection. Staying warm here too — a little self-care (and lipstick!) helps. 💛
Re: Sentimental Value from a low/no-contact child of a neglectful parent who was way too wrapped up in their career identity (yes, I know I sound like a meme. 🥴) I was excited to watch and do I dare say hopeful that it might open my mind to unconditional love for my father. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say the resolution was too much for me to accept, especially considering the involvement of the grandchild. (The neglect of my children is when I finally cut it off in my 40s.) The film was beautiful and thought provoking but the bow was tied a little too neatly for it to seem real. But maybe it was a fantasy film? Or is it a level of redemption I can’t comprehend? I’m so curious about other low/no-contact people’s experiences.
Appreciate as always, the concern for human dignity and all the advocating for those in MN especially. And the dear kitten photo on this post too! :) In similar vein, may I gently push against th embracing of Bot relationships – perhaps indeed mimicking that of humans, but a true antitheses to the very cherished human dynamic I see here on Cup of Jo and which our country (and world) so needs to uphold and help flourish.
With all that is going on in the United States, please keep this in mind: ALL 435 House of Representative seats are up for election in November. And, 30+ Senate seats are up for election. Keep your eye on the vote. VOTE VOTE VOTE and encourage anyone and everyone you know to do the same. This can be life-changing. This WILL be life-changing.
Most should be replaced. Most have done nothing and have been complicit in all of this for years. Except Bernie. He works tirelessly every day and has been to 24 states on his Stop Oligarchy tour. But the rest can go. They are all complicit except a few progressives. Cowards all.
100% PNW. This country is so scared to vote in new voices, new faces, that the majority keeps voting in pieces of shit like Ted Cruz. Who the hell keeps voting for Ted Cruz???? Ilan Omar was going to clock that man, that’s the energy we need. Enough with the bootlicking.
Gotta say that most of my representatives in the PNW are great, and are fighting! Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Congresssperson Maxine Dexter. I love those guys! But I went to Merkley’s town hall recently and he said we have to have a democratic LANDSLIDE at the midterms, because if not, there may not be a general election in 2028. So please volunteer, vote and do all you can!!
Ah Jo says it’s a chic jacket. I bet it’s a denim work shirt. click Holy shit. It has a defined waist! Still denim
It still gets me every time :) I picture silk, verlvet, smooth material – and clic – it is denim!
Made the pizza for dinner tonight — made the crust last night, let it rise, refrigerated it overnight, & BOOM. Easiest recipe ever! & so delicious!
O, a cozy weekend. We are in the middle of this snowstorm, with candles and quilts; I love the kitten and some fun links today; but I can’t get Minnisota out of my mind, including Alex Pretti. I followed the link for ideas on how to help, but – there are so many choices! How do we choose? This whole situation is overwhelming. My husband and I are going to work on this tomorrow. I would like to add a link, for the craftily-minded (or if you know someone craftily-minded) – a red hat as a sign of protest, the purchase of the pattern supports agencies helping out in MN. I will have to wait a few days for the roads to clear before going to the yarn shop, but maybe it’s something? Ravelry.com, Melt the Ice Hat by YarnCultMN (I can’t figure out how to link it!) Good luck everybody – stay safe and warm and do what we can.
Hi Diana! If you’re compelled to get food to people too scared to leave their homes, I’m connected to the largest food pantry in the Twin Cities and we are making on-the-ground home deliveries to people in need. $30 will feed a family for a week: https://veap.org/ways-to-give/current-crisis-response/
CKK – thank you! This is so helpful! Joanna – can you do an interview with CKK? I would love to hear more about these stories of people helping their neighbors. We need the example – & encouragement of the fact that this is also happening right now!
CKK Thank you!! I haven’t been sure where to donate – this is so helpful.
I donated to ACLU MN. Also donated to Veap. I am sickened and horrified and this total helpless, numb feeling is just awful.
Thank you for this link, CKK – just donated!
Thank you CKK & Daisy! This is what I was hoping for, so I will start here. I really appreciate and thank you for the work you are doing, and hope these donations also help to spread some love.
Thanks CKK – just donated!
Oh, I love Erin’s comment. My mom died last year and it continues to be such a comfort just to picture all of the friends who reached out from near and far to support me. Happy to hold a teaspoon of sadness up here in Canada for you, Jo. Sending love and wishes for comfort. P.S. Thought we might see a shout out to Stella…I was excited to see her tagged in Harry Style’s IG photos this week! So proud of her post-CoJ success! :)
I was struck with imposter syndrome during a work lunch last week that took me by surprise. It stirred up some feelings I thought I was over. I journal every day and on Friday night, I decided to write myself a letter of recommendation. It was such a great exercise to remind myself why I am in fact qualified for my job and a great way to show myself kindness.
I frequently read a rec letter a friend wrote me for a job many years ago. I’ve always said it’s what I’ll present as my proof of being worthy for heaven lol. Some days we just need the hype. I hope you are feeling better!! You deserve all of your happiness and achievement.
Love this. Coming up with that exercise, and following through on it – should tell you right there you are top tier!! So smart and important.
If you need something a little bit lighter than Sentimental Value but still want an emotional family drama movie, highly highly highly recommend Rental Family! Brendan Fraser is an out of work actor in Tokyo who takes on a job where people can rent him to play different roles in their lives. It is quirky and sweet and sad and funny and somehow manages to cram a dozen amazing life lessons into 90 minutes.
Loved it. So playful.
Sentimental Value and Rental Family are two of my favorite movies from 2025! Highly recommend both. Rental Family is highly entertaining, but I thought about it a lot after, asking the same kinds of questions the characters were. Is what they are doing “wrong”? They do provide a real service, but where is the line. So morally complex!
I started the audiobook of Annie Bot based on your mention the other day and…found the plot cringe and the narrator makes it super cringe (DO NOT get the audiobook people), and I had to stop after forcing myself to listen longer than I would normally for what I hoped would work itself out in the story line. I will switch to the reader version if you can tell me it will be worth it, because so far I am assuming horrible story so far is the point and that there will be a plot shift soon? I know you’re a big reader, what am I missing?
Holding my teaspoon xx
Teaspoons unite! And thank you for the info on how to help in Minnesota. Just donated ✅
I believe the way this works is that as a individual you are a teaspoon, if 5 or more come together it is a soup spoon, if you are more than 20 you are a soup ladle…it goes up an up until you are the pot and the cook at the same time. FORZA TUTTI!
Saw Sentimental Value in theaters by myself and sobbed because I related so much to that family dynamic. This sounds like hyperbole but it went straight to the top of my list of favorite movies.
My heart breaks for Minnesota. 2 of my very best BFFs are women from Minnesota, and let me tell you, they are BADASS people. And the very best of people, in every possible way. The link given here to help them is really great, go to the different listings, it is so easy to send help, rental assistance, food assistance, etc. Thank you so much for this Jo. Also, the reader who mentioned Maine, yes, DONE. Thank you. Hold a teaspoon & hunker down. love to all.
Re this is fine. I’ve long loved *Llama Llama good enough mama*. Good enough is enough. I even made little felt llamas with the motto for all my mama friends one year.
Remember the chicken game? I solved it months ago, sadly! Someone here recommended Connect 3. So fun! Same vibes – no sound, ads, burning but really calming and fun. Well, it disappeared. Heart broken!!!! Anyone have a new drug, et, game, that’s similar? Anything that’s stimulating is out for me.
I was one of the Connect3 recommenders and just noticed it disappeared too! I’ve been playing Joanna’s Block Blast rec (blockblast.org) till I find something else. These low stress games help me calm my mind. Much love to MN and ME. Ice is back in SoCal now and adding churches & supermarkets to their disgusting list. For those on the front lines, search “protests in Hong Kong” on ig. Incredible creative & defensive ideas and they offer hope, if anything.
Jeanne, thanks for the protesting tip. Protesters all across America are giving me so much hope and making me so proud of my country. We aren’t our government, we are Americans. All of us, no matter immigration or any other status.
Yes Sasha In Montana, you are right we are not our government and thank God ! They are doing nothing. Yeah now they say they may not vote for ICE funding but where have they been while this entire catastrophe has been unfolding since 2014. No where, that’s where. A few did some things, I guess ? Bernie did and is still doing many things. But government sat back and watched it happen and we are now, and have been, in a state of emergency to get this so called president removed from office. What kind of government allows this maniac to remain in power ? Congress, Dems and repubs alike, as a wise Canadian commented this weekend ” fix this !”
This is fine!
Love the motto question! A couple of years ago mine was “let men fail.” It started as a joke but ended up being so helpful! I started noticing how quickly I was jumping in to solve things for the men (and boys) around me, both at home and at work. I definitely learned a lot about myself and gained some skills in cleaning up my own side of the street. The best part is that my resentment for men in my life went wayyyyy down, because I no longer felt like I was being owed something for all the labor I had been doing.
Ohhhh wow Liz, amazing. I’m gonna sit with this one!!
Amen to this. I have been sending out my 15 year old for minor grocery errands. The store is about 1.5miles from our home and he takes his ebike out. Some of the examples of his recent fails have been : -He brought home “Papaya” when he was asked to get “Mango”. – Brought super sized jumbo pack of cheese when we barely use cheese and I had asked for a packet of cheese. -And I was astounded by this. I asked him to get a couple of carrots and just a handful of green beans for a fried rice that I was making and he kept messaging from the store, “What beans”, “It says 2.79 for each bean”. I thought he meant $2.79/lb and I told him to just pick 10 beans. He came home with 10 cans of cut beans and we are a household of no canned food! All this from a boy who is super observant in things that are of interest to him. He can tell you how to drive from LA to NY because his brain has memorized all the highways and yet he didn’t know where to look for green beans in a grocery store! My husband said, “Dont send him grocery shopping anymore” and my response was “This is exactly why he needs to go grocery shopping so he can manage everyday life things.”
If more people said “this is fine” I truly think the world would be a better place. As I heard Dr. Jen Gunter say recently, do not suffer from the disease of more. Holding a spoon for you, sweet Joanna.
I’m so infuriated by another Minneapolis citizen being murdered by ICE today. How can anyone argue for this gestapo agency?!?
Hi Grace, a note on words, this is the KKK in current contemporary form. a lot of people are reaching for nazi and gestapo right now, but we don’t need to go abroad to see that this is the logical conclusion to reconstruction, segregation, white citizen’s councils, the KKK, etc. calling it anything other than business as usual for the united states of america makes this seem like a problem we have never encountered before when really, it is now finally on the doorsteps of white americans in ways it has always been for our Brown and Black Brothers and Sisters. xo
Pop Music lovers, Diane Warren: Relentless, a documentary about this brilliant songwriter is out now. Diane’s motto-IMPOSSIBLE, hell no – I’m Possible! Now, that sparkles!
Holding my spoonful 💛
‘Let them’ reminded me of a line from a brilliant poem by Maya Angelou: Nobody, but nobody can make it out here alone.
Thank you for the link on how to help Minnesota. I have been meaning to hunt down a way to donate, so thank you for providing it!!!
Sauerkraut is one of my true food loves (my friend and I even call eachother ‘sauerkraut sisters’ thats how much we love it). I’m going to Munich this summer (first time in Germany and for the BTS concert there) and honest to god one of the things I’m most looking forward too is sampling the local sauerkraut! If anyone has good recommendations for Munich (for sauerkraut or other activities/restaurants) please let me know, thank you. :)
I don’t think Sauerkraut is that common in Southern Bavaria but here is a restaurant with cuisine from Northern Bavaria (sausages :)) that are typically eaten with Sauerkraut: https://www.bratwurst-gloeckl.de/ Other recommendations: – go to a beergarden in the summer – swim in the Isar – stroll through Nymphenburger Schlosspark and Englischer Garten – try all the food stalls at Viktualienmarkt and Elisabethmarkt – maybe take a trip to Starnberger See – hip neighbourhoods include Haidhausen, Glockenbachviertel, Maxvorstadt Hope you have a great trip!
Anne, thank you for the lovely comment – I’ve saved everything you wrote to a running note I have for Munich in my phone. And funnily enough we are staying in the Haidhausen neighbourhood but I didn’t realize it was trendy until reading your comment (I booked the hotel because it seemed central and also within budget ha). Very much looking forward to this trip and to see a new to me part of Europe.
The “this is fine” motto reminded me of a book I just read, No New Things. I did the no new thing challenges this month and it’s so refreshing! I really do notice all the many things we have and take extra care of them, and it’s been sort of fun instantly saying no to anything new, and figuring out an alternative. Also, love the credit card statement! :)
Okay this is absolutely insane but my name is also Julia and all of the Julia-love is taking effect on me, even though I consider myself both a dog and a cat person (and am not the Julia who requested the kitty). Speaking of which, a friend just shared this hilarious personality test of sorts. According to the game, everyone is some combo of moon/sun and cat/dog, meaning you could be a sundog, a moon dog, a moon cat or a sun cat. I’m a sun cat.
Sun dog over here. Love this!
Well, now I want to adopt a cat. (Years of stalking the comments and the cat pic finally has me signing up!)
Do it! I have a big ol dog who is my soulmate, but I’ve always loved cats the most, generally. My old cat died a few years ago and we just adopted a two year old cat, Tom (Tom Big Rainbow to be precise- named by my 5yo) He’s the BEST so spunky and snuggly and cute. A real lover. Cats are so great. And save yourself and get an automatic litter box if you can. And a cat water fountain- otherwise they’ll swat at their water bowl and get it dirty.
That is indeed one of the most gorgeous gardens I’ve ever seen. South Africa is a gorgeous country. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the egregious blind spots–intentional or not–in that House & Garden piece. (Fwiw, there seems to be no way to leave comments on that site.) It pretends that the “first owner” of the property was a European colonizer, instead of whichever indigenous people were almost certainly there already. The current owner of the property feigns surprise to find that “the houses were an interesting local idiom that can be traced back to gabled houses in the Netherlands”; much South African architecture has colonial roots. It mentions occupying spaces previously occupied by animals–but makes no mention of them being previously occupied by other, since displaced, people. It talks about the kitchen garden without noting that Black South African maids and gardeners would have worked that land, and that’s what makes it possible for its residents to “feel like guests.”
Thank you for this. I loved seeing the beauty but it felt much like visiting a “beautiful old plantation” in the American south, with no mention whatever of the backs in which that beauty was built and enjoyed. Or the kind of paintings I see in my community all the time – giant vistas of prairie and blue sky, completely empty except for a herd of bison…… no reference at all to the people who that land and sky were stolen from. We (white people) LOVE to pretend …. so highly ironic in a time where the sins of the past (the failings of a constitution written by and for rich white men in America for example) are tearing our society apart.
Just a tiny, friendly note from a Polish soul: ‘pierogi’ is already plural — there’s no need to add an ‘s’ at the end:). ‘Pieróg’ is the singular form. I had to write this, because my Polish heart breaks a little every time it sees ‘pierogis’. Have a great weekend!
Thank you for this, Beata! I did not know that and have definitely been guilty of changing it to wrong!
I started the post thrilled for Julia and then, as I happily come to the end with a smile on my face (I particularly love the weekend posts and read them Saturday morning over breakfast), I see my own comment is included (!!!) What. A. Thrill. I really, really love it here.
I feel the same, Erin! Have been an avid reader of this blog since I was in college (am 34 now). Congrats on being one of the “chosen” :) What a thrill indeed!
Such a beautiful sentiment Erin. It feels wonderful knowing people are holding you and you’re not alone in your troubles.
That was such a kind sentiment and so beautifully written!
Do it for Larry, add water, be a bison, both things can be true…I feel that “be a little teaspoon” goes very well with those pearls of being human today. :)
I love your comment.
I don’t enjoy public showers so that Paris bathroom makeover made me feel icky 🤣
“Let them” is powerful advice. Two years ago I had aggressive breast cancer, a slow kitchen leak, and when I started radiation my beautiful daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. We never would have made it without the generous help of others. Now, as I sit with her in the hospital after a major complication from treatment, I am bolstered once again by the kindness of those around us. My other kids and husband are being fed, errands being run, prayers being answered, and help all around because we let people help. I’ve also learned it’s a blessing for them also—people truly want to help, so let them. ❤️
Sending love your way, Alicia. Glad you have a good tribe around you.
I’ve been learning this to Alicia. I hope you and your daughter and your family are ok. In a world where we know all the troubles, but can do so little about most of them, sending a little money, delivering a meal, picking up some groceries, checking in with a text, and knowing that your help really helped, is such a gift to the giver. It’s knowing that we are a little powerful, and that we matter, and most of all, that we are in this together. It’s beautiful.
Thinking of you and your dear daughter in the hospital, and your husband and out-of hospital kids with love and hope for the support, safety, healing, and comfort you all deserve.
Alicia, May you continue to be blessed and that both you and your daughter have full recoveries. So many are there with you in spirit.💕
Alicia, sending so so much love to you, your beautiful daughter and family 🙏🏽
Alicia, sending so much love to you and your family, and sending healing wishes towards your precious daughter and love to your mama heart ♥️.
Wow, Alicia, that sounds so, so hard. Please know this virtual community is also rallying around you and your daughter. We’re wishing you recovery and peace, and we love you!!!
I really really loved “Sentimental Value”. One of the best movies I’ve seen in my entire life. I highly recommend it!
Right? Gorgeous, layered, unique…I saw it twice. In the theatre. I have almost never done that but I also saw One Battle After Another twice, in the theatre. It was a good year for movies, if not for the box office. Both films have incredible, meaty roles for women.
If you are going to use your personal motto as your password, be sure that nobody knows your personal motto
Haha, I love this comment. :)
lol, true!
Yeah as someone who has been hacked, I’m vigilant about passwords, never using anything personal or even semantic.
Doesn’t everyone use their pets names? (obviously I am joking, not)
I had the same thought
My heart absolutely breaks for Minnesota, and I know people are stretched thin, but I would also ask this wonderful, empathetic community to support my home state of Maine. My students and my husband’s and friends’ students across southern Maine are sheltering in place as ICE has begun abducting people here. Our schools and communities are taking such a hit. If anyone is inclined, Locker Project Maine and Maine Needs are both wonderful organizations who are working incredibly hard to get families food and supplies, especially as this winter storm approaches. We miss and love our students and thank you all so much.
Thanks for these orgs, Elle. Donating now – much love to Maine.
Sending love and care from Minnesota <3 Truly, my best advice from the past month is to start to get to know your neighbors. If you have vulnerable neighbors, get their phone numbers. Come together as a neighborhood for mutual aid and protection. People will need to pay rent soon, and they may need to lean on their communities for help. Generosity of time and spirit and supplies will get you through it. My neighborhood has rallied for hyper-local support for a couple of families. It helps me focus my time and energy when things feel helpless and overwelming.
Thank you for sharing ❤️🩹
Done. Keep fighting the good fight!
Thanks for suggesting, done!
I will pass this information on to people in MN who are fund raising. People everywhere need to know that this is NOT the feds sending police to MN because of fraud & criminals as they’d have people think, that is a LIE! They are going after citizens, peaceful resisters, clergy & even BIPOC law enforcement. If this can happen here, it can & will happen anywhere. Sending big hugs & solidarity to the good people of ME.
I’m heartbroken to hear this. Thank you for spreading the news and ways we can help. Together we have to defeat this evil.
I’m a teacher in southern Maine too, so many kids out, so many families terrified. I drove to work yesterday and saw a huge group of allies at the school bus stops (ICE was waiting at bus stops.. you probably already know this) and I just sobbed.
Elle: Rebecca (also) from Maine here! Thank you for sharing this. Also a teacher, and having taught the Holocaust for many years, I am sickened by the deliberate harm being done. Donation to Maine Needs and a big “If you ever wondered what you would have done in 1930’s Germany: you’re doing it now,” poster going up on my street this Sunday. xx
As a Minnesotan, I support this message! We are benefitting so much from the knowledge and resources from folks in places like Chicago and LA and hope we can pay it forward to places like Maine too. When we shout ICE Out we don’t just mean out of MN, we mean ICE Out of everywhere. Solidarity <3
I’m a teacher in California and you’re living my fear. I’m so, so sorry this is happening to your students. When your job is taking care of kids, the pain of not being able to do that anymore is so real and visceral and I feel it for you. I’m holding a tablespoon of your sadness and grief and sending you and your students my love. They’re lucky to have you, especially when we all need each other so much.
‘Good enough is good enough’ is my version of this is fine. I used it as a principle whild undertaking a big renovation left me overwhelmed trying to optimize every decision. It has continued to serve me at work, parenting, vacation. It’s so liberating to say something is good enough! There may be better, you may be able to do better, but this is enough
💕Holding our teaspoons 💕
❣️🥄❣️ For Jo and anyone else going through something difficult today. I am so grateful for this community. ❣️
Came here to say this too! 💗
As a Chicagoan, thank you so much for placing Minnesota front and center after also giving us all the cat we longed for. Thank you for using your platform to keep fighting the good fight. And on a personal note, holding a teaspoon of your sadness for you, too <3
As an Okie, this, too. This community is a bright spot in bleak times.
Omg the caaaaaat!!!
The cat’s expression! What a mood.
Holding my spoonful too <3
Hive Babes! My partner and I are doing this small thing for our hearts this week: we’re honoring Minnesotans in our home by making Hot Dish and some kind of dessert bar. As soon as we thought of it, the pain ringing in our chests softened a little. I want to be super clear: this is not a replacement for Actually Helping Minnesotans, which we should all be doing in whatever capacity we have available to us already. Like I don’t want it to come off as some kind of performative moral contribution. It’s just a little ritual to guide some of the not-useful pain out. But I was thinking, if A Lot of People do Hot Dish or Bars, and it becomes a little Internet wave, it might be a small way to write “We Love You” in the sky above Minnesota. I’m not on any social media, but if yall are, and you like this idea, maybe try it out? So if you’ve done all you can, and now you’re a sentient GIF of a man in a suit in a black and white movie, pacing back and forth while chain smoking, maybe this little thing can help smoosh you back into your original shape, which is obviously a ten pound hunk of obsidian being used as a bookend in a midcentury living room, content in your purpose and place. Or maybe that’s just me IDK
From Minnesota – I REALLY love this *sob*
South Minneapolitan here, and this warmed my heart. I spent my morning discussing evacuation plans with my husband as it feels increasingly like we are on the cusp of a civil war here, and knowing there are people outside of mpls who care about what’s happening to us really helps. Thank you <3
This comment just gets better and better lol.
Googling “hot dish” and hoping it’s not going set off all the bells and alarms on my workplace’s firewalls….
Thank you. I’m feeling the love for us in Minnesota in your post. Reading about your hot dish and bars actually made me tear up a little. It’s been another extremely hard day here and we are deeply sad and angry. RIP Alex Pretti. 🙏
Hot dish. Such a fantastic idea, Kara! Solidarity, and some comfort carbs as well. Will be copying!
The last paragraph of this is magic. Thinking obsidian thoughts… about Hot Dish.
I saw this taking off on IG. I don’t know if it’s all down to you, or other great minds, but I’m so here for it.
Holding a spoonful of sadness for you too xx
Yes but King Arthur did a crispy pan pizza a few years ago as their recipe of the year and it was SO good! I suppose I can try Deb’s too…. https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/crispy-cheesy-pan-pizza-recipe
This one has my heart but it does require 1-3 days rise in the fridge
Love to Liz. My twins just turned four, and it’s been a funny, physical, wild ride so far; looking at their baby pictures, I can’t believe we all did it. “This is fine” is a lovely encapsulation of how I feel, too, about so much — I’m happy and grateful to have hung up my perfectionist hat. Thanks, babies.
Sentimental Value – oh what a lovely film – really it is a favorite now of mine. And that last comment – I am also holding a teaspoon for you Joanna.
Erin! You are magic ✨✨✨💕
I have been thinking about how to make a pan pizza in cast iron for a week and never got around to researching it. Thank you for doing the research for me and sharing the Smitten Kitchen recipe!
I love the picture! We had to put down our sweet kitty this morning, and wow, what a treat to see this picture here (and requested!). Per usual, CoJ is here in the highs and lows. 🤍
Sending love your way, Naomi. Such a hard, but loving and responsible, thing to do. But what an empty space it leaves in our homes and hearts 💕
Sending a hug, Naomi <3
Our small southern city will be pummeled by ice this weekend (the winter weather kind, not the police state kind) and I feel such trepidation about it. I was 7 month pregnant when hurricane Helene devastated our area. Being without power for 10 days in hot weather in my third trimester was just so mentally tough on me that I find myself already filled with dread at the possibility of another extended outage (even though my now-toddler has such a happy spirit about anything and everything that I’m confident he’ll find this fun). This is definitely what my therapist calls “lower case t trauma,” and I know I can navigate whatever version of the storm actually comes to pass, but also, oof.
Yes to the cat! The bathroom Reno stresses me out SO much. All that white grout in a student rental? It will be trashed in no time. And just imagine all the toothpaste gunk in that sink. I appreciate the stylistic choice it’s gotta function! That garden though! 😭😭😭😭😭 So encouraged to see Minneapolis fighting back. This must end now!
That is EXACTLY what I thought about the bathroom reno. Like, every apartment I’ve ever lived in that had grout like this had black grout, because nobody ever cleaned it again after installation. Gross gross gross.
Friends, to follow what is happening in Maine and give support, follow or donate to Project Relief Maine. xoxo
Hey thanks! I was able to donate some money and goods to Minnesotans and now I’ll head on over to help the good people of Maine. :)
This is fine reminds me of Olof. If I could be more like Olof…it would be fine.
Oh my god, the teaspoons of sadness. Erin, that is just so beautiful. You should write a book.
Highly recommend crisping precooked pierogis in bacon fat. Next level tasty. Took my first drum lesson today. It’s hard-I love it! Motto-courage! Made mocha frosting for a cake I’m baking tomorrow. I plan to find the biggest hill and sled thru the storms bounty. I love sledding. Book on deck: Alice With a Why by Anna James Just watched the Mel Brooks doc. What a life! Appreciate the CoJ kindness all week. Peace ladies and gents.
I love the Parisian apartment, and especially the idea of a washer under the sink. I would still LOVE to soak in that tub, though! Once I was staying in an abbey in Cobh, Ireland that had been the naval officer’s home. He must have been very tall because the bath was so long I could lie submerged in it. Better yet, a fellow guest left lavender essential oil next to my room door when she saw me straggling back through a huge rainstorm. I took the best bath of my life in that huge tub, scented like France, watching the lightning illuminate the cathedral and port outside the window! #savethebaths
Personal pan pizzas yes! I relished this as a child and my mom hated Pizza Hut with a passion because I didn’t yet understand east coast pizza is the very best. I’d meticulously complete my Book-It and earn my pizza and she’d sit there with a small salad both proud of me and also wishing we were at Tony’s :)
Oh my God yes East Coast Pizza !!!! It’s pretty much the only thing I miss from PA. ( That and corn on the cob and home grown tomatoes from my youth that people now called heirloom insert eye roll emoji. Back then all home grown tomatoes from my area tasted like that until all this ” shelf stable” tomato crap started, but I digress. I still remember my first pizza from JoJo’s downtown when I was 12. The first time I had pizza cheese. What a revelation. I remember my first pizza at JoJo’s like it was yesterday. I’m 66. Yes yes yes to East Coast Pizza always. Your mom knew, ha.
I appreciate Liz’s comment: “this is fine.” I was on Facebook today looking for a picture of my sister and me to share on the occasion of her birthday. I ended up looking through over 20 years of pictures of myself with friends and family. Occasionally, I or my friends left comments like, “Ew, I hate my outfit” or “You look great, but I don’t.” We were all having fun at graduation parties and weddings and on random excursions, and there was so much energy and joy. And I realized that the concern about presentation that meant a lot in the moments those photos were taken meant nothing to me now. It was all, totally, fine. And better than fine. It was good!
Ever since my husband died last year my daughter and I have been having long talks about how I see the future unfolding. Really, “this is fine” pretty well sums it up. The last fifteen months of his life were chaotic…we just all did the best we could from one crisis to the next. And that was fine. We got through the holidays with everyone concentrating on all the kids and grandkids and it was fine. Everything was plenty good enough. Things aren’t perfect, but they seldom are. Fine is good..
This feels a little bit like tooting my own horn, but a thing that picked me up today was finding a little diner in Minneapolis whose owner closed for the day to protest the ICE occupation. I sent an email and asked her if I could support the diner and I ended up getting some gift certificates. Since I don’t live in Minnesota, I asked her to give them to anyone who needs a little kindness and a hot meal. Big shout out to Al’s Breakfast in Minneapolis! They have really cute merch in the shop on the website as well, and I’ll be living vicariously through anybody who gets to eat their blackberry walnut pancakes.
Thank you so much for finding way to support Minnesota!!!!
How thoughtful. Inspiring PIF idea.
This is brilliant.
Such a great idea!!!!
Hi! I live in Minneapolis and I want to tell you that Al’s is an absolute institution and if you’re ever in town for any reason you should definitely patronize them in person! Thank you for supporting our beautiful city, feeling the love <3
Love Al’s ! My husband is a MN native, and yes the blackberry pancakes are awesome!
As someone living through this nightmare in Minnesota- I love that you did this! Al’s is delicious- whoever gets that meal’s day will be made! Everything has been unbelievably horrific and overwhelmingly heartwarming. The way people are organizing and supporting each other is even more awe-inspiring than depiction the media has done. Lots of people doing a little adds up! I made my first social media post in six years, and in just a few days w the outpouring of support I have been able to pool resources sent bc of that post to pay rent for FOUR families 🥹. It is watching all of the little (and big) things people are doing that gives me hope so thanks for sharing this. Also, I don’t think the media coverage today quite captured just how cold it was (thirty below windchill!) when the thousands of people took to the streets. Nothing can stop us, not even a little ICE.
Love this!
Thank you so much for this idea, MEG!
heeheehee, I can’t believe this worked! The cat take over has commenced.
😻 Thanks for the suggestion!
hahaha
This interaction has made my week
I squealed when I saw the kitten picture on Instagram and came straight here to comment. Not even a cat person and this made my day, yay for simple joys and cute kittens!
Ha! So fun. (I’m a dog person. But I feel this!)
Hahaha
I’m so glad you requested! I’ve been wanting cats and kittens!
Yeah,I thought the same thing ! Yippee !!! :)
This whole thing is so cute. Congrats, Julia :).
Good work, Julia! And Jo! Signed, A happy cat lover
Thank you so much for raising your voice for us cat people! This is a delight
I love cats and was pleasantly surprised this morning !! Thanks to you !!
As a fellow cat lady, I really appreciate this effort! Such a cute kitten on today’s post! ♥️
I’m glad this is actually a happy story! I missed the original exchange and when I clicked the “Julia” link above it took me right to a legalese paragraph about copyright infringement. I was like, who is Julia and what did she do to Jo! lol
Hey Tovah! Thanks for flagging your trouble with the link. It was a link to Julia’s comment on last week’s Four Fun Things post. The link works for me, but if you have any further issues like that, feel free to email us at hello@cupofjo.com (or just leave another comment). And rest assured, Julia is guilty of nothing but cat love! :)
KITYYYYYYYYYYY!!! xox
Joanna, a recommendation for you: next time you are in Michigan, if you just happen to go up to Frankenmuth, there is a shop that sells the absolute best sauerkraut I’ve ever had. I don’t particularly love sauerkraut, but I DO love this:https://willis-sausage-company.myshopify.com/products/willis-sauerkraut?_pos=1&_sid=00f17e88f&_ss=r They ship, too!
Whoop whoop! Michigan are here, thanking you for the tip. Also, did anybody else do legs up the wall at 5 PM central standard time? A little trio of us did it here eastern standard time and we hope it worked.
Thanks for the kitty image and Julia’s suggestion. Fellow cat lover here but always think of this Onion article when I see pics https://theonion.com/kitten-thinks-of-nothing-but-murder-all-day-1819588260/ Stay safe and cozy Joanna, COJ team and friends!
And someone in our family of cat lovers mentions this Onion article at least once a day: https://theonion.com/war-on-string-may-be-unwinnable-says-cat-general-1819587875/ Nice work, Julia! This exchange was a lovely little moment of joy for me today.
Haha. Our cat makes an expression that we call his murderbaby face. Where he looks really cute and like a baby and also like he wants to kill us.
LOL!!!
this is the Onion article that comes to mind for me — https://theonion.com/like-boxes-of-shit-in-your-house-get-a-cat-1819586403/
OMG please keep these coming I’m DYING 😂😂😂 I grew up with and love cats. Recent convo with my husband: “Can we get a cat before we die?” His response: “Can you wait until I die?” 😑😂
LOL, Aileen.. I have two cats and the female definitely has a murderbaby face! The boy is the opposite and always looks angelic.
A cat! Hahaha, COJ this is so cute. Congrats to Julia :)