Have a Great Weekend.
What are you up to this weekend? We are having people over tonight for pizza and green salad, and on Sunday we’re going to our friend’s baby’s baptism. (What would you suggest bringing as a gift?) Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around the web…
Who wants to hang out at this fisherman’s cottage in Scotland???
My spring essential for bike rides, evening walks, and lounging at picnics.
Have you seen the teaser for Dolly Alderton’s new Pride & Prejudice? Digging the soundtrack of birds chirping.
We desperately need a new living room rug. (Our current one has been destroyed by children.) I’m thinking of Ruggable’s washable ones — which do you like most, blue or plush?
I wasn’t planning to watch Love Story — the Hulu series about John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette — but people are raving. Have you been watching?
Also, two styles with Carolyn vibes: classic watch and very cool headband (or this one).
If you’d like a good song for the weekend, here’s a great cover of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights.”
How cool are these commercial illustrations from the 1960s and ’70s?
This headline made me laugh out loud.
Plus, four reader comments:
Says Jasmine on what inexpensive things make your life easier in winter: “I have a trick to increase coziness: I keep my hairdryer close to my bed, then turn it on and blast it into the covers rights before I climb in. So toasty!”
Says Sarah on how was your weekend: “My mom once got a fortune cookie that threatened, ‘LOCK YOUR DOORS TONIGHT.’ How f-ed up is that?!?!?!”
Says Deb on this new cookbook is bananas: “Years ago, I heard about a family whose mother suddenly was admitted to hospital. The caretaker decided to just cook all the most stained pages in the mother’s cookbooks, and the kids were content.”
Says Colleen: “My father died almost 27 years ago, one week after his 60th birthday. When my husband traveled down to Florida to see him for the last time — my dad was in hospice care — my father could barely speak but he looked at him and said, ‘Please take care of my baby.’ It killed me. It still kills. It will forever kill me. But he meant it. I was married, I lived in Alaska, I had supported myself for years but still, until the end, I was his baby.”
(Photo of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.)
Comments
147 commentsLate to the party, but our favorite baptism gift was the Melissa and Doug Noah’s Ark animal sorter. It’s of course related to the Bible story, a fabulous toy early on and then was played with for years as wooden animal characters with the train set. It’s one of only a few baby toys I’ve kept—it stays up on a shelf on display, and we bring it down when we have little friends visiting. And—it’s easy to pass on if the guest of honor isn’t so into the animals.
Is it even possible to machine wash an 8×10 rug or larger? Does it fit in the laundromat industrial washer? I’ve never understood a larger sized Ruggable rug. I am team 100% wool always and forever. So easy to wash all the pet and toddler sins out so long as it’s not white.
I agree. 100% wool rugs are easy to look after, easy to get stains off of and all natural, which I love. They don’t even show wear and tear. At least the one I have had for about 6 years. It’s from a Danish brand called Linie Design.
Yes and all I can think of with Ruggable rugs is all the microplastics being washed down the drain. Don’t mean to be negative, just agree wool rugs are the best and there are some pretty affordable options out there.
I LOVE my Fable rug. It’s 100% wool and washable. It’s thick and so very soft and cozy on our feet.
On rugs – consider also independent makers on Etsy or other platforms (I hear Etsy is not necessarily very ethical). It’s often very competitively priced, the selection great, and it feels amazing to directly support an independent maker, especially in countries that are struggling. I just ordered a small cotton rug from an Indian seller on Etsy. I’ve also bought leather bags/purses, for me and as gifts, from Ukrainian artisans on Etsy. They have been perfect, it’s a small but important way to support Ukraine, and I feel good every time I use it. I am not yet fully weaned off Amazon, or unnecessary plastic, to the extent I would like. I’m trying to show myself grace as a single mother juggling all the things. Sometimes Amazon convenience is what makes my life possible. But whenever I can, I try to stop, think, and buy non-polluting products from an independent/ethical company.
The ruggable rugs are SO ANNOYING to reattach after you wash. You’ll struggle for half an hour, it will still look off, and you’re squeezing out air bubbles for days. So tempting but don’t do it, hahaha!
I hated my Ruggables. They curled up on the edges and I was constantly tripping over them. So I threw them out.
The WORST part of Ruggable rugs is after a few years, the mini plastic hooks on the bottom mat begin to degrade (all of mine started doing this around the three year mark). When you separate them, tiny little black plastic bits shoot out EVERYWHERE. After a few times, the rug simply doesn’t adhere. Customer service sent me one replacement mat for one of my four rugs, but said they wouldn’t help me with the others. Buyer beware.
I have been OBSESSED with Love Story all week. I started it last Tuesday and had gotten through the first four episodes by the time the fifth one dropped on Thursday. Growing up in Canada, I was never that aware of the Kennedys. I was 10 when Carolyn Bessette and JFK Jr tragically died but even JFK and Jackie O are pretty big cultural blindspots for me. Plus the 90s New York vibes, fashion, and music are all immaculate in the show. Would love to hear your thoughts on the show if you decide to watch, Joanna!
We’ve had a Ruggable rug in the living room for about 10 years (including child-rearing years) and I have no complaints. I wash it twice a year and I love the convenience of just taking it downstairs to the washer. For me, hiring a professional cleaner or taking it to an industrial machine is just never going to happen.
I don’t shop at Target anymore, but did in the past, and all of our rugs are from either there or Costco (that’s my budget). There are….. fine. At the end of December my husband had an accident where he spilled sulphuric acid over his body. He ran from the garage where it happened, through the house into the shower. Some dripped onto our living room rug. NO rug would have survived that. The acid ate right on through, leaving horrible marks that look exactly like burns. For once, thank goodness for cheap crap. How much more devastating if it had been worth thousands. I’m not saying get the cheap rug…. but also, sometimes what seems like making do IS actually the best choice afterall.
Oh gosh! I hope your husband is ok.
Sasha, what a scary event for your family! I hope he’s doing ok.
I 100% thought that was a picture of Ben Stiller and Lady Gaga.
HAHAHA I thought it was Ben Stiller too
re: the rug! We have the Ellis (which is the same material as the Arlo, just a different pattern) in our bedroom with a 2″ mat under it. Upside is that it’s really soft, cleans fairly easily, and has held up with 2 cats, a kid, and a dog for the last 3 years. Downside is, if you haven’t JUST vacuumed, the pile makes it look dirty / dingy. As soon as you walk across it, it just doesn’t look as crisp. And it’s noticeable. My sister got one for her living room and didn’t end up loving it and has already replaced it. Might be better for a lower traffic room. Something to consider!
Was going to make a similar comment. I feel like everything sticks to my ruggable rug. 5x7s don’t fit well in a home washing machine. I am constantly sweeping of using my foot to scrape up bits of stuff. It looks dingy the minute it gets used. I would not recommend it in a high traffic area.
Fascinating to hear more about everyone’s experience with Ruggable. We have just one, a big area rug in the living room and while it felt terribly expensive, it’s been a godsend. It’s about five years old now, the edges have never curled and the ability to wash it so easily has saved my sanity. I bought it when I had a newborn and the ability to wash things and keep the floor clean in the play areas became a high priority. Plus, doesn’t it always seem like in your most overwhelmed parenting moments, the dog decides it a good time to throw up or scoot their dirty bottom on the carpet? Love that I don’t have to spend more than a minute pulling it up and tossing it in the wash! (Though 100% recognize this rug would not be worth the cost if you do not have a messy dog or young kids.)
Hmmmmmm…….I made a comment over the weekend re: the baptism gift, waited to see it load, and it wasn’t published. Did I do something wrong?
Hey! Nope, you did nothing wrong. Comments don’t load automatically, because we read and approve each one individually. Sometimes it takes longer over the weekend, because we’re not at our desks. But I approved yours while reviewing comments first thing this morning. 💛
Thank you, Kelsey!
Jo, can it be time for a 2026 therapy post (comment section)? P l e a s e and thank you. 🥲
oooh great idea, carls!! here’s the previous one, in case anyone wants some free therapy today:) https://cupofjo.com/2023/01/05/best-therapist-advice/
Re baptism gifts. I was gifted a personalised napkin ring (back in 79), and I use it every day as an adult, even when my napkins aren’t fancy. For me, it’s a lovely reminder of the person who gave it to me all those years ago.
We still use the ones we were given at our christening (84) when we stay at my parents. A couple years ago for Christmas, my mom had ones made for the “in-laws / grandkids for her house AND sets made for us to have at our house too (for me, my husband and son). That way you can use your cloth napkin for a few days because your name is on it. Possibly one of the most useful gifts that you probably wouldn’t buy yourself.
What a sweet tradition! I have a bunch of inexpensive 2″ wooden rings from the craft store, and everyone has their name written in Sharpie. It’s not fancy at all, but the joy is that when we have friends and loved ones who come over with any regularity, they get their own, and they feel SO loved, and we all match. Love the idea of getting nicer engraved ones for my household, too.
I was once going to meet up wit a friend’s dad to show him something… as my friend and her husband were leaving her husband said something so sweet, he said “I love my father-in-law, please be good to him”. I am not the sort to be unkind to anyone but I seriously love that to him, his wife’s dad made everything better.
For a baby or baptism gift like a blanket etc, please skip anything personalized. It makes it so much harder to pass things along to others!! I have an adorable little step stool/chair thingy that someone gifted my son when he was born. It’s got his name painted on it and even his little brothers wouldn’t use it, never mind trying to find a taker on buy nothing.
I second all the suggestions to gift books at the baptism! As someone with 4 and 7 year old daughters and a house with way too much stuff in it, I shudder at all the monogrammed gifts I’ve both given and received over the years. As time passes, they’re near impossible to re-home! In contrast, books feel like they can be heirlooms OR beautiful consumables. Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel is a beautiful and fun tribute to all the creatures kids share the planet with. All the World by Marla Frazee is a classic that others have mentioned.
Hello hello is such a great book!
The lovely weekend is over. And tomorrow I head back to work after my maternity leave. I feel so sad about my leave ending. I really hope my baby knows I’ll be back at the end of the day. Surely my work won’t mind I just look at photos of him all day?
Wishing you the best Monday today Bek.
Good luck today, Bek!
Hang in there, Bek. It will be hard at first, but you will adjust, and your baby will get used to your coming and going. You are providing for him and also showing him that women have important roles outside of the home. Wishing you a happy return to work.
Oh, such a tender time! Hope you both have a smooth week of growing into the transition. You are doing great!
I hope week two was more “routine”. We are all rooting for you!
I think since it’s a spiritual event, a spiritually forward gift is appropriate. Maybe a tiny gold cross necklace? Good for any gender.
Speaking of room redecoration, has anyone bought a Quince couch? Any thoughts?
I have not bought a couch, but have recently realized that every item I’ve gotten from Quince looks like garbage after two or three uses. Linen sheets had holes in them after a few gentle washes (when our sheets from Target, Brooklinen, and Pottery Barn have all held up for years). Cashmere sweaters pill and somehow lose their shape after a single wear. The quality has been so disappointing. I cannot imagine a couch would hold up for more than a month.
Baptism gift suggestion: a sealed letter that they can open at another important milestone. My godson got to open the letter from his baptism when he did his First Communion (at age 7). He loved reading what I wrote when he was a baby. And then I gave him another letter to open on his Holy Communion (age 12). He seemed to really like it :-) Keep it sufficiently vague so as not to put any pressure on the child. Avoid including expectations (I hope that by now…). He doesn’t have to meet any; we love him either way.
Jane, that is so beautiful! I particularly love how you made sure to avoid expectation, avoiding a pitfall I hadn’t even thought of (and I say that as a 37 year old woman really struggling with the differences between my current life and the life I would have at 37 … if anyone should be aware of the danger of those preconceived notions, it should be me!)
At many baptisms, a baptismal candle is lit and then brought home. I like to buy a nice candle holder as a gift, like a silver one or fancy ceramic one.
If I got one thing from this comment section, it’s to NOT buy a ruggable. Ha!
Chiming in late but +1 to Revival rugs. We have two of their washable rugs (Gambit which is a checkerboard pattern and Melt which is now discontinued) in very large sizes (like 9′ x 12′) so we haven’t ever washed them but they are incredible. One is in our living room and the other in our main bedroom. They feel plush underfoot (we did buy a quality rug pad for each). They vacuum beautifully on a low setting. The edges don’t curl up. There is absolutely no shedding of fibers (for comparison, we had bought a wool blend rug from Crate & Barrel a few years ago and that rug never stopped shedding–our vacuum canister would be completely full every time! We finally got rid of it.) And best of all, stains easily come out with carpet cleaning spray and a wet vac. Our dog has thrown up on them multiple times and you can’t tell. The pricing is extremely reasonable for the quality of product, and bonus points if you snag one on sale like we did.
I recently replaced our living room rug too, and I was looking at Ruggable’s washable ones. Then I found this one, which is much cheaper and also washable. We’ve had it for a couple months now and we LOVE it. It’s so soft. Passing along in case it’s helpful! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9YCHQLS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_8&th=1
Have a look at Armadillo rugs – I have a couple and absolutely love them https://armadillo-co.com/
I wouldn’t recommend a synthetic washable rug. Microplastics from synthetic fibers get into our air and water and are really harmful to aquatic life. A good test for microplastic shedding is to take a piece of packing tape and stick it to various synthetic fabrics, then rip it off and see all the threads that remain. Every time these items are washed, they shed fibers. (It was just a science experiment in the latest issue of National Geographic Kids! And it’s definitely made me think about what clothes and textiles I buy.)
I never knew this! I have been tempted to buy a large washable rug but am definitely going to look for other options.
It’s amazing to see comments about rugs, gifts and shows while 108+ little kids were just massacred by the U.S in Iran. We truly live in strange times. I’d recommend making/ dedicating a donation to Gaza/ Iran instead of a gift.
Hana, speaking for myself only, I contain multitudes. I don’t use the Cup of Jo blog as a place to voice my upset about what is happening in the world. It is perfectly fine to come here to have a bright corner of the internet to talk about things that might seem trivial to you or others, but are a part of what makes life living. Take care.
This is a safe place for many of us to connect away from the atrocities of the world. Criticizing a blog for celebrating everyday joys like decor, gifts, or stories, even while terrible things are happening feels dismissive of people’s legitimate need for respite. People don’t engage with this blog to ignore suffering; they engage here as a way to sustain their empathy so they can show up in the world with more compassion, not less. I’m not sure what you expected, but I personally do not come here to be depressed but rather as a reminder that together we can live through this crazy world.
There are a million things to be sad about in this world (2+ years of genocide in Sudan, Afghanistan and Pakistan at war, Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine). We need to find moments of joy, like a baby’s baptism or choosing a new rug because our old one was loved too much by littles, to keep us going.
I can grieve those children, hold their parents in my heart, say prayers for their families, make a donation and comment about gifts. This is not an either/or but both/and. I’m devastated by that attack, but I also have to make dinner tonight for my own children. We all do what we can and grieve in different ways. Your way is not the “right” or “only” way.
i try to assume positive intent always and I assume a lot of people commented before our government began another illegal war to distract from problems at home. or maybe it is a nice brain break for a moment in the midst of the constant clusterfuck shithow of life to think about rugs and gifts before we go back to calling our senators and reps and marching and crying and yelling and so on. trying to err on the side of we contain multitudes.
There is nothing wrong with celebrating a new life with a gift. There is nothing wrong with discussing rugs. There is nothing wrong with joy. In fact I think we need these things more than ever. Light will defeat darkness. Sending you a hug Hana.
Valid point, but please remember that this post went live Friday, before the strikes in Iran.
As someone else pointed out, this post was created and shared on Friday, pre-dating horrific events. And even so, your hostility is misplaced.
Hugs Hana. The first time I felt what I think you are getting right now was April 20, 1999. I was driving my 2yo and my 6 month old somewhere. It was a beautiful sunny, happy day. And then the news came on the radio. A mass shooting at Columbine high school. I had to pull over and just cry. The DJ played John Lennon singing Imagine. I kept thinking, how can the world just go on? And 27 years later, I feel the same. How do we have joy, when there is so much suffering? I am an historian by training, and I still read mostly history, listen to history pod casts . Let me tell you, it’s all suffering. Any given day…. you could find something to cry, to shout, to wonder but how, about. And yet we have birthdays. And births. And our old people die. And we get a puppy. And a new job. And flowers. Don’t stop feeling or caring about the world. And also, don’t stop feeling and caring about your own little world. I hope you are able to take a breath and look at the sky today.
Wow, Sasha in Montana You are a beautiful writer.
I’m a new mom and I’m coveting one of those Montessori wooden rainbows for my baby! They’re pricey but seem so sweet, both beautiful to look at and great for open ended play.
Worth it! They play with them for years in all different ways. Upside down the are rocking cradles for stuffies, they are tunnels for race cars, etc. the sky is the limit.
I wanted one of those so bad for my son but could never justify the cost. I would have loved it as a gift.
I love my WestElm Allover Heirloom Rug in my living room so much
The sound track to Love Story is so good! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0BlyS1wbXeWXhfZXbaABnR?si=vxSNQ9bXSbyJnPEgq7bwxw
Maybe it’s not sentimental but I always give cash for baptism and first communions. For their college fund. I do put it in a heartfelt card addressed to the baby.
I’m just here to say ruggable rugs are trash!! Sorry to ruggable except no I’m not.
Baptism! Conflicted! I’d love for this community to discuss the following/support of male-led religions, given the effects of the patriarchy. Can a woman hold the highest office? What does it teach when the answer is no? I’ve personally had enough but have friends and family who hold on.
Hi, there are many Christian denominations that allow women to be pastors at the highest level and more that allow them to be ordained as pastors for extremely important if not the head role: as associate preaching pastor, worship pastor, childrens, teens, women, family, care pastor (a pastor whose main work is to visit people in the hospital or similar). Of course you are allowed to “have enough” but consider that your family and friends who hold on are holding on to Jesus have chosen an amazing example of someone who demonstrated respect and equality to women and expects his followers to do the same. He healed women considered to be “untouchable.” He let women choose to follow him/sit with his male followers and learn and prioritized it over the housework they would usually be expected to do. He raised a little girl from the dead, and healed Peter’s mother-in-law who was dying. For the woman “caught” (I believe set up) in adultery, he saved her from being stoned to death and offered her forgiveness and mercy. For the woman who was so thankful to Jesus that she cried on his feet, washing him with her tears and hair, he said her story would be remembered for all time. Mary the mother of Jesus is called Favored One. At his resurrection (Easter), the first person he showed himself to was a woman. All this to say, the patriarchy might be against you, but God Himself is for you. It’s important to separate the two.
Ah, I think Christianity gets a bad rep thanks to all the white nationalist misogynists out there, but I don’t let those fools tell me what I believe. I do not believe that Christ was necessarily God incarnate (any more than God lives in all of us), but Christ’s teachings were pretty dope. Kindness? Acceptance? Gentleness towards nature? Throwing off material things to serve others? Here for it. We christened all of our children in an episcopal church that is focused on living your spirituality through radical generosity, connecting with community, and loving your neighbor. The ceremony included a part where our friends and family and the congregation stood together and took a vow to my babies to watch over them (it takes a village!) and help guide them with these important values. Side note: I have never in my adult life been a member of a church that does not let women hold the highest office or would not officiate gay weddings. And these church communities, when you find them, are thriving.
Re: Nancy’s comment, “All this to say, the patriarchy might be against you, but God Himself is for you. It’s important to separate the two.” Well said!
We always give The Jesus Storybook Bible at baby dedications (our church doesn’t practice infant baptism). Also I initially read Deb’s comment to mean that he removed the pages from the cookbook, added water and the papers to a pot and made it into soup (????) How did I possibly get to that interpretation first?
I avoided Love Story at first because other Ryan Murphy productions came off as too campy, but this is so good. Truly glad I made the decision to watch it.
I think money is the standard gift for graduations, baptisms, bar mitzvahs, etc. It adds up and makes a big difference to the child’s savings or education accounts. It’s a big life milestone, so…
May I suggest my picture book debut as an author/illustrator? It’s entitled BUNNY MADE TEA, available anywhere you buy books!
Your book looks so sweet, Amanda!!
I have one ruggable for my galley kitchen ( neeed there for wash ability) but ended up buying a refurbished Turkish rug from Kilim Studio. They refurbish vintage rugs and they are surprisingly affordable. It’s very low pile and easy care and it’s wool! Happy to have a natural fiber rug. In a past I have bought rugs from West Elm ( expensive, shed like crazy and just did not hold up). I’m blessed to have inherited a gorgeous vintage Persian rug that’s in my bedroom, but those are hardly affordable. My Kilim rug was a perfect solution. The care of the packaging a customer service was also great.
I stretched my budget and bought what was then a 50 year old Persian rug in 1988. It has been on the floor at whatever house I have lived in since that time. My rug is still in amazing shape, despite all that 2 kids, 2 adults and a series of 7 rescue dogs threw at it. I still love it and it owes me nothing!
Favorite baby gift A well sourced sheepskin
Yesssssss
I am a big fan of 100% wool vintage Persian rugs. There are plenty sold on Marketplace for cheap and with a professional cleaning they’re good as new. They tend to have lots of pattern and dark colours so hide stains well – but are also VERY easy to clean (the wool repels shmutz)! My cat tends to choose ours to throw up on :(
We have 6 ruggable rugs at this point, and have been happy with their quality, ease of cleaning, and variety of styles – with 3 kids in the house they’ve added beautiful touches while letting us breathe easier about messes. Placing the rug onto the pad is a two person job and requires a lot less of patience but isn’t impossible, plus the new all in one system seems to solve that problem. We mostly spot clean or if a really big mess have cleaned in the bathtub. And for those who have issues with edges curling, try spraying wrinkle release on the edges and smoothing out. My vote is for the blue and red patterned one since it’s for a living room. Cant wait to see what you choose!
Oh, Colleen. Can feel this in my bones.
I wasn’t sure the cost of Ruggable was worth it, but it totally was! You obviously can’t wash the very large ones at home, but we can wash the smaller ones in high traffic areas. They wash up so nicely! Wait for a sale :)
Sure, let’s watch Carolyn and what she wore while Iran’s kids are being bombed, Venezuela, Greenland are attacked, and Gaza is annihilated by the U.S and Israel. I’m baffled- like who cares about who Carolyn was, and what was her contribution to the world? Or are we just that desensitized and complicit to all the horrid oppression? If anyone needs a distraction, just watch animal videos, not Carolyn.
Hana, perhaps it’s time to take a break and not constantly try to make other women feel guilty for living their lives. No mention about the lives that Iran’s leadership took from their own people? I do not condone in any way what the US and Israel have been doing, it’s horrible. And I’m afraid what’s to come as the US does not appear to have any plan for the future of the region. However, this, especially the comment section has felt like a safe space to not constantly be bombarded with the news and to sometimes think about less serious matters.
You are clearly upset, which is understandable and valid, but why are you lashing out at the readers here? Just skip the post if it distresses you, and maybe step away from being online and take care of yourself.
I would love some suggestions for a large living room rug. I like my rugs to be a statement piece, an artwork in itself. Maybe one of the future blogs could be rounding up readers pick of eclectic rugs.
Overstock.com has some one of a kind showstoppers that won’t break the bank. Just be open-minded about the colors, they will look different in person!
https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/lark-manor-norge-oriental-handmade-looped-wool-gray-beige-area-rug-w003323886.html?piid=1990957914 Wayfair has wool rugs in various styles and sizes.
try revival rugs! i got their mackintosh wool rug which i love and feels like a statement in our quieter living room, but they also have a section of one-of-a-kind rugs which are very unique and full of color and character.
Etsy has some excellent options. I got a hand made Moroccan rug that is humongous. 9ft x 12ft. It’s so beautiful and didn’t break the bank. Shipping is usually included though you may need to pay duty (very small amount) when it arrives. We decided to move before we could use it, I can’t wait til I get my new home so I can finally set it up!
Anthropologie has gorgeous statement rugs! I had this one in my living room for a long time and loved it: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/hybrid/jardin-printed-wool-blend-floral-rug?color=041&inventoryCountry=US&countryCode=US&creative=&device=c&g_acctid=619-693-8226&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=US+-+Shopping+-+PMAX+-+Home+-+F%26D+-+General&g_campaignid=19988379732&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&g_type=shopping&matchtype=&network=x&utm_campaign=US+-+Shopping+-+PMAX+-+Home+-+F%26D+-+General&utm_content=&utm_kxconfid=vx6rd81ts&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19994001008&gbraid=0AAAAADnwqi7dMmqOmmEt7Q6TK44pAuCeY&gclid=CjwKCAiAh5XNBhAAEiwA_Bu8FXNIfBF4nptyhVx5tDN6HTWgV9PXj6-8qjGdy-VX4wfFe0YnEii62RoC-QkQAvD_BwE
Re: Baby baptism gift ideas- something that lasts, that will still be around when she’s older, like a charm or jewelry, a framed photo of the occasion, or even a piece of artwork that speaks to the spirit of the occasion.
A picture book is a luxury item, truly, so consider bringing a really good one! In Every Life by Marla Frazee is a beautiful, love-filled story that could be perfect for blessing a new baby life. (But there are loads!)
Please try to avoid Ruggable rugs, they are 100% polyester and will fill up our landfills and not decompose. There are so many cotton/wool ones out there close to the same cost as Ruggable.
Thank you for saying this! I always point folks towards Etsy for vintage wool rugs that are more affordable than you might expect.
this has been why i haven’t gotten a ruggable rug! glad i’m not alone (and also it sounds like the quality isn’t great? based on some other comments here!)
Yeah vote for vintage wool!! & no shoes allowed in the house
S/O here to Hook & Loom for some great rugs that hold up to two rough-and-tumble kiddos!
Not to mention spread microplastics into the air as it wears.
For the Baptism: if they are religious (but not TOO religious) I suggest the Little People Noah’s Arc set. A nod to religion but still a toy.
My friends have a few Ruggables. FYI – they tend to roll/curl up on the edges after awhile and generally just look worn and ragged.
This is my life with a Ruggable. Major bummer. I’ve tried taping it down with two-sided tape – it’s just a mess. And such a bummer bc the rug is otherwise great looking!
Yeah I know multiple people who bought and dislike their ruggable.
I regret ever buying one. Don’t do it.
Third this – had a ruggable and absolutely hated it. It rolled up, was so thin and had no nice foot feel. The whole machine washable thing is REALLY overrated, especially without babies or pets. A good upholstery cleaner like this will take out most stairs and issues. https://www.lowes.com/pd/FOLEX-32-oz-Carpet-Cleaning-Solution/1083045?store_code=1824
I’ve had a Tumble rug for a few years and I’m still happy with it! The designs are somewhat uninspired but if you find one you like then it’s something to consider. Mine has successfully weathered my puppy’s pen area and frequent visits from our robot vacuum.
We ended up ditching our ruggable rug. It stained easily, despite washing and looked really worn after just a year.
My boys are in college now, and although I don’t typically hang onto much in terms of material things, I’ve kept a box of sentimental items from their childhood. Two of those are beautiful blankets gifted to us at their baptisms. I will keep them forever, or I’m sure pass them on for their children. I feel you can’t go wrong with a cozy, sentimental gift like that for a baptism.
The hair dryer trick!! Colleen’s dad. Sob
I recently purchased a Ruggable tufted all-in-one and I love it. Partly because the pattern I selected is somewhat unique and not something I have seen offered elsewhere. My sister has two original Ruggables and they do not look great but the tufted all-in-one is a huge upgrade imo. No mattress pad is necessary but I had a plush mattress pad from a previous rug that I put it on top of and it feels excellent under foot. Don’t let all of the negative feedback about Ruggable dissuade you too much as most of those reviews are about the flat woven two part system.
We took out all our carpet and therefore have many Ruggables. They have worked great for us. We just got a tufted rug for our bedroom and I was super thankful it’s washable because our dog peed on it. In theory, I want to have a vintage wool rug, but 4 young kids plus a dog makes that wildly impractical.
I agree. I have an old ruggable, also a tumble rug (similar) and a new ruggable. The old ones can be a pain to line up to the pad but the new one is great. But also, my children would just destroy any rug within literally days. We spill things on the living room rug 3-4 times a day. I love the suggestions for vintage and natural fiber rugs. I grew up in a house with a Persian dad and tons of original gorgeous Persian rugs. But when something spilled on it everyone freaked out. I love not worrying at this stage in my life about the very inevitable mess. Its not forever and one day I won’t need a rug I can literally put in the washer but today I really appreciate it.
Oh, Colleen. My heart.
He really was the best. ❤️
As an alternative to cheaper rugs, try auctions! You get a lot more for your money out of a high-quality vintage rug. We recently scored a 9×12 stunner for about 2K at an online auction, and sent it directly to be cleaned and appraised. Turns out to be quite a valuable rug, based on its appraisal, and it’s a total joy to live with—both beautiful and cozy. These objects have held up for a long time, and will survive teenagers (pets, not so much)!
Can you please share what auction site it was? I feel like every vintage rug I see even a 6×9 is $$$$$$
Yes, I would like to know as well!
Is the baptism for Erika’s baby? Not that I have any suggestions – other than maybe a vintage baby gift. Just thinking how nice to have babies in your life!
Yes and thank you!!
While I loved both Emma Corrin’s and Jack Lowden’s previous work, neither seems right for Elizabeth and Darcy??? I dunno, maybe I can be convinced otherwise but when I saw the two of them I just thought huh, odd, they don’t fit. (And to be fair, I love Keira and Matthew AND Colin and Jennifer in their respective versions)
i agree! i wish we’d get more adaptations of lesser known works. pride & prejudice has been done so well, i’d love to see other works of austen (and others) adapted!
I agree so deeply. Everyone is defending Jack Lowden as Darcy and he … just isn’t. He would have been perfect as Mr. Collins. Oh well. While I enjoyed Colin Firth’s version, the one I think absolutely nailed it, both in casting and all around vibe is the Keira Knightly/Matthew Mcfadyen one. I was incredibly doubtful he could pull it off but he absolutely does and without overshadowing Keira – they play together perfectly, it’s an amazing production.
The work/crafting/writing room under Ryan Murphy has become too extreme for my taste. Once the FX story telling darling, now cheap. I watched epi 1 of Love Story and quit. Son returns from Paris with butter, face cream, madeleines, chips and wine and photos galore! Reading The Last Guest by JP Pomare. Thriller. Finished Famous Once by Jane Green. Purchased a pair of slip in Skechers in a light tan floral print to go with that striped dress in a light print, petite length. End of Feb means more seed planting and house plant cleanup. Lemon poppy seed muffins baking now. Have a lovely weekend! 🌺
I was hesitant about Ruggable too worrying it would look cheap and printed. ButI recently bought one for the front entry and a long runner. I love the colors of it and when our pipe froze in the laundry room twice this winter and caused the washing machine drain to overflow all over the rug I was super glad I had it. I was able to wash the rug and not worry about it. I’m not sure about it for a main livingroom, but for a hall and entryway with lots of people/kids bringing muddy shoes in it’s a life saver. This is the rugs I bought. https://ruggable.com/products/margot-plaid-blue-rug?utm_source=pinterest_us_cat&utm_medium=social_paid&utm_campaign=626755172577&utm_term=2680085408878&utm_content=2680085408878&pp=0&epik=dj0yjnu9wgjnbzhqoedhvlhfvloty2zvu3rimgjyb3lqevpzaekmcd0xjm49njncxzlrogtjtjg3nzzkefo2uhptusz0pufbqufbr2xzcnbv&size=2.5×12
I guess not really applicable unless a Catholic baptism, but I’ve gone with “Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World” as a gift a few years back and it was a hit. “Pope Leo XIV: A Story of Unity and Peace” would be a good update. For a baptism not in a Catholic church the “Song of St. Francis” by Tomie DePaola would be great.
A very firm no to a Ruggable. They wrinkle and move and are impossible to clean.
I’ve got to say, when you live what feels like a million miles away from nearly all of the other women who read this blog, it feels WILD when the first link takes you to a cottage on one of your favourite local beaches. Couldn’t believe it! Cup of Jo AAF (always & forever). Also Colleen’s comment turned me into a puddle. We’re all just someone’s baby x
I love that Cat!!! Xoxoxoxo
Money for a college savings account is always the best gift, in my book. Regarding John and Carolyn, totally not watching. They were two wealthy, stylish, good looking people whose lives ended tragically, because John- a relatively inexperienced pilot, chose to fly during a bad storm. Sad but it was a bad judgement call. People have said they fought often, and had a volatile relationship. Not a love story worth sharing- fame and looks are what make people interested.
I am watching, and enjoying, Love Story. Despite the way it is marketed, the show deals with exactly what you observed Kim — the ways that fame, intense public interest, and privilege affected their lives. A lot of the paparazzi coverage had an edge of “you deserve this lack of freedom because you are so privileged.”It’s much more of a tragedy than a love story. The weird way it focused on Jackie Kennedy’s death made me squeamish but I love the way the show centers on CBK. They depict her as incredibly strong, intelligent, complicated and cool and the main tension of the series if about her attempts to stay herself, private, working etc. once she realizes that she can’t escape the scrutiny of public interest and be with JFK Jr. It’s a more nuanced show than I expected.
Colleen — your comment. My dad would have been 80 yesterday; he died about 21 years ago. Yesterday felt like a very hard day, but I thought it was because of work responsibilities and kid meltdowns and a day that went far too long, but after reading your comment, I realized it was really that this baby was missing her dad. Sending you my thoughts across the miles, and the divide of not knowing each other, but somehow maybe yes knowing each other a little bit. Take good care <3
That’s one of the hardest parts of losing a good parent isn’t it? When we lose anyone, we also lose the way they see us. And a parent that held us, saw us, protected us – that’s a deep, deep connection to lose. Sending thoughts, too, as a baby also missing her dad ❤️
Thank you for this Caitlin. Realizing as I read your thoughtful comment that my dad saw me in ways that no one else ever has, and that’s gone now. And I think I, as his only daughter and youngest child, the one the most sheltered from many things in my family that I only learned about as a grown up, saw HIM in ways no one else ever did as well. And that feels pretty lonely because there’s no one i can share this with. The *person* I talk the most about my dad with is my dog, who never met him. But shortly after she found me i had a dream about my dad where I went to introduce her to him, and he said “oh Nora and I go way back. Who do you think sent her to watch out for you?” Nora is a blue heeler whose life’s work is protecting me.
Thank you, Sue. It never goes away does it – a little part of us remains the child missing a beloved parent.
My go to baby presents for christenings are usually fabulous board books like Where’s Spot, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Guess How Much I Love You, Dear Zoo. They are classics and will be loved for years. My other idea is to have something beautiful with their name, like a blanket, reading cushion. I am all for something that will be used and not just ornamental. X
Oh, buy a vintage rug! Go online to Blue Parakeet or New England Loom or go local to Heirloom in Brooklyn. You’ll pay more than you would for that washable polyester stuff, but it will last forever and be worth every penny and have a kind of soul you’ll never get with a new rug.
Could not agree more! Vintage, hand knotted, AND can be passed down. Weft and Wool is my go to
Sing a Song of Seasons is the most beautiful collection of poems for kids. It’s 366 nature poems—one for every day of the year. Maybe give that and mark this poem by Barbara Baker A Spike of Green When I went out The sun was hot It shone upon My flower pot. And there I saw A spike of green That no one else Had ever seen! On other days The things I see Are mostly old Except for me. But this green spike So new and small Had never yet Been seen at all! It’s not a religious poem, but it’s so full of hope!
Love that – thanks for sharing xx
This is a beautiful book and would be such a nice gift to receive. The illustrations are lovely and it’s the perfect coffee table book for a family. My kids are teens now but this book gets dipped into still! Sometimes they’ll randomly want to read the poem of the day and sometimes that will start a trend where we read a poem a day for a while. Or a friend will come over and we’ll look up the poem for their birthday. I second Kaff’s suggestion! Lovely gift idea!
oooh, nice recommendation, thanks! I love ‘When Green Becomes Tomatoes’ and ‘Hi, Koo’ and am always on the lookout for another seasonal poetry collection.
My favourite gift that my daughter got for her baptism (from her godmother!) is actually not religious at all: it’s a lovely picture book “mother is a home” by Aurore Petite. It’s beautiful and it’s a gift for parents and for the kid! My daughter loves it and we have been reading it all the time (she’s almost 2 now and was baptised at 8 months). Plus the book jacket can be used as a poster!
Yes! I second this recommendation! I saw it in a bookshop myself (my son was about 1,5 at the time). When flipping through it, I started crying right there and then. Good tears! Needless to say I bought it, and have also read it often to my son. He´s now learning to read at school and this is his favourite to pick up and read at home.
That last comment destroyed me. Take care of my baby.
Right?? My parents are seniors, and have started to thank my partner – for finding me and remaining with me – more frequently. While I always knew that their approval is wonderful, it also made me cringe a little at first. Come on, is it because he’s big and I’m small? Did they see me as a damsel in distress? Did I need saving? No, no. It’s because everyone is someone’s precious baby. God rest Colleen’s father – he understood the assignment.