Um, Are You Guys Obsessed With Rec League?
Have you heard of Rec League? Oh my gosh, it’s SO much fun to play around with. Basically, it’s an app where you recommend things to friends: dresses, lipstick, bedding, etc., but also books and movies, or family recipes, or travel guides, or just cool life hacks. Anything goes!
For example, someone recommended crying.
And two-dollar bills.
And cookie recipes.
And favorite books.
And trip ideas.
And a regular cup of water, which made me laugh out loud.
Honestly, I feel almost giddy about Rec League. It brings together all the best parts of the old-school internet: it’s joyful, creative, expressive, and life-affirming. You learn about fun things and the people who share them. And it gets you good intel when you want it — the other day, I searched for cool flip flops and ended up with these colorblock beauties.
I love following people with cool ideas and discoveries, including…
Prop stylist Ginny Branch, who has great party hacks…
My friend Alison with a playful, colorful style…
Space Camp, a home organizing firm (they even scouted a bunch of cool trash cans)…
And my own! Setting up a Rec League is really fun and satisfying. When you add a link (or upload a photo), the app offers to silhouette the image, which makes everything look incredibly cool. And you can create whatever categories you’d like, like “Chicago restaurants” or “spring outfit wishlist” or “books that changed my life.” Even “potatoes.”
Will you join Rec League? I want to follow you guys!!! Here’s mine, and please share your own link below. Will be so much fun to all be there together. My friend calls it “a video game for design-y people,” which made me laugh. xoxo
P.S. More recs: Pajamas! First-dance song! Sitting in front of your house and chatting with neighbors!
(This post was created in partnership with Rec League, a brand we love and use ourselves. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
Comments
122 commentsThanks for recommending Rec League! https://cicely.recleague.com
Thanks for recommending rec league! @cicely
Just joined!! I’m German, married to an American, and always collecting recommendations between Germany and California. Excited to share some favorites on Rec League! https://laviniasophie.recleague.com/
Completely agree that this reminds me of when the Internet was a kinder, gentler place! I’m @cara143
Fun!!! I just joined, and I’m @alexisroberts.
I’m here, thanks for sharing it’s my new favorite! https://lindseylou.recleague.com/
can’t wait to explore this! I’m at chelseyhancock.recleague.com
I love this so much! It feels like the early, more friendly, days of the Internet! https://lina850b.recleague.com/?lyr_campaign=share&lyr_source=link&lyr_s=MzQ1MDk
Does cup of Jo have a financial relationship with rec league? Between this post and today’s Big Salad it feels sort of advertisement-y.
yes, they’re both marked as sponsored posts. I approached Grier a few weeks ago and asked if she’d like to work together because I believe in their mission/design/user experience so much. hope this helps!
This was surprisingly fun! https://comte.recleague.com/
Me yesterday: This is cute, but I don’t need more apps. Me today: How did I just spend 40 minutes on this app? https://nogophoto.recleague.com/
I’ve been loving RecLeague!! It’s so fun. I’ve been sharing art recs: https://picnicprojects.recleague.com/
What fun!!! https://jennikelly.recleague.com/
seems almost exactly like Perfectly Imperfect, but for older millennials
that’s what I was thinking!
Wheeeee – this is fun https://leelacyd.recleague.com/
My version of rec league is the group chat following a gathering of women. I return to mine these!
Just joined! https://yandary.recleague.com/
So excited about this!! https://lizlopezhaughton.recleague.com/
Makes me want to make a Wreck League for all my anti recommendations…
OMG. ILY.
YES. THIS. *esp if there is a tag for something that was hyped by Wirecutter or The Strategist.
https://blondecarabond.recleague.com/r/68982-portage I honestly may have found my new way of sharing all the things I love. Cant wait to follow everything and learn about your fav/recos!
This is so fun! brigetteliliana.recleague.com
I love this! Cant wait to add to my collections and follow all the amazing Cup of Jo readers! https://francocaro.recleague.com
Yes!!! So glad you’re in on this wonderful find, Joanna! https://alyssabantleman.recleague.com/
Well, now I’m addicted too! https://kristinw.recleague.com/?lyr_campaign=share&lyr_source=link&lyr_s=NTI1OTg
Ooh, this looks great! Here’s mine although I’m yet to make any recs! https://clairefletcher.recleague.com/
Goodbye free time! 🤪 I can’t wait to share this with all my friends – and make new ones by adding all of you from here!! ❤️ @laurenloves ⭐
I love this! https://katel.recleague.com/
opened it up anddddd immediately signed up… already having so much fun seeing everyone’s recs so here is mine so far: https://shelbybarfield.recleague.com/
This looks so fun!!!!! I just made mine, and followed a bunch of COJ folks. https://leetp.recleague.com/
FUN! https://yokoyama.recleague.com/
Yes! I joined a few weeks back. :) I found someone on there that I’ve been following since LJ days. https://whyhello.recleague.com/
I didn’t know about this until just now and now Im obsessed! Here’s mine https://gilli.recleague.com
Your art is stunning!
So fun!! Joined immediately. https://audreyfrederick.recleague.com/
I think I will love this! https://lakesweet.recleague.com/
My late father was a HUGE fan of $2 bills. Partly because he said cash registers never had a place for them, and he liked to “mess with the system” haha. This looks like a lot of fun, going to download the app!
Your father and mine appear to have shared the irl troll gene. Always had to shake things up a little haha
This is so endearing. He sounds like the Daddest Dad to ever Dad.
Circa 2012 I created a skincare spreadsheet to share with friends. This feels like a much better version of this! https://jennajones.recleague.com/
Another pretty little vortex! Here’s mine: https://allisonpaige.recleague.com/
Oh, wow, signed up right away. This is clearly going to be my new obsession. Thank you!! https://happy_little_glimmers.recleague.com/
Oooh – this looks like something I’ll spend hours on… https://melanieabell.recleague.com/
Echoing the comment that if you’re burnt out, this will probably be overwhelming and less fun. I’m on the edge of burnout, but I made one anyway for when my brain is in a better place! https://maryn.recleague.com
Apparently there’s a growing number of elderly people suffering psychosis due to technology stressing them out. The demands from banks and governments and social media just completely overload them and they end up in psychosis wards. Often they can be helped, but if they say often, that means not everyone can be.
ERMARGAAAAARD!!! This is the app I needed that didn’t yet exist. Recommendations are one of my favourite hobbies! Here is mine: https://emmaj.recleague.com
Okay, this is fun, though, I really hope there is an android app soon…. https://perpetuallynerdy.recleague.com/
just made! this is so fun— no reels or annoying ads right?? https://swannamama.recleague.com/?lyr_campaign=share&lyr_source=link&lyr_s=MTUzOTg
omg this is so fun! mine is doraburghofer@recleague.com :)
FUN! i just created mine and was delighted to get my actual name! https://barbarajane.recleague.com/
This looks so fun! Can I ask the hive mind for a quick specific rec?! Cute, special places to eat near the Meatpacking district / Chelsea market / west village?! Must have vegetarian options and be open TOMORROW evening! We are 3 friends traveling to NYC for the night to celebrate my 50th! THANKS CoJ community :)
My favorite over there is Cookshop (Chelsea, 10th ave between 19th/20th), which is farm-to-table, veggie-friendly, and where we meet a beloved friend whenever he’s in town. It’s celebratory and dear to me. https://www.cookshopny.com/
Cucina Alba! I went there recently for a friend’s birthday and there’s availability for 3 tomorrow. Get the focaccia if you go!
Hope I’m not too late to recommend Sappeisan Thai! Wow wow wow.
I just went to the Brooklyn Heights location of Chama Mama, and it was DELIGHTFUL. They have a Chelsea location too, and my friend said it was just as good.
aww thanks lovely community! I’ve made reservations at Cookshop and Chama Mama and I’m SO EXCITED :)
Chama Mama is so good!
Well now I’m obsessed and can’t wait to follow other cup of Jo readers. Here’s mine: https://allieinldn.recleague.com/?lyr_campaign=share&lyr_source=link&lyr_s=MTkwOTg
Ooh I love this! I’m https://emmachandler.recleague.com/
As a visual learner, I love the idea of getting recs from the CoJ community in this form! Just followed EVERYONE! I’m https://thejoyfulfelter.recleague.com/?lyr_campaign=share&lyr_source=link&lyr_s=NzcwOTg
Hi Joyful!! I’m a felter too! I make *felties*, little bespoke dogs and cats (occasional bunny and chinchilla etc), made to resemble people’s beloved pets, often gifted as a memorial. I also make whales! And baby mobiles! And birthday and holiday crowns for children and the occasional grown up. We should connect!!
this is fun! https://laurcarterg.recleague.com/
I’m curious about the revenue model for Rec League. How is it making money? Collecting data? Subscriptions? Ads? Seems like a perfect way to cull people’s brand and product preferences, wish lists, travel destinations, etc. and sell this data to other companies. Can anyone enlighten us on how this app makes its money, and what it does with user’s data?
users can paywall certain collections — for example, a guide to Amsterdam — and then rec league gets 10% of the earnings. super simple + similar to substack in that way.
Folks may want to view what is data is collected about each user by this company before deciding whether they’re cool with everything or do you protect your data/history: From their site: Information We Collect Automatically. We automatically log information about you and your computer, phone, tablet, or other devices you use to access the Site and the Services. For example, when visiting our Site or using the Services, we may log your computer or device identification, operating system type, browser type, screen resolution, browser language, internet protocol (IP) address, unique identifier, general location such as city, state or geographic area, the website you visited before browsing to our Site, pages you viewed, how long you spent on a page, access times and information about your use of and actions on our Site or Services. How much of this information we collect depends on the type and settings of the device you use to access the Site and Services.
Yikes.
Riiiiight. Didn’t love their lack of privacy, either. I came, I saw, I deleted (you have to reach out to them!)
I think you can probably gauge a person’s level of burnout based on their reaction this post lol. (Mine is HIGH, hence, this looks incredibly overwhelming and not at all fun to me!)
I felt like such a party pooper compared to the other comments! I made an account just to see whats up and it feels like big lists of things I’m supposed to buy to be cool or places/things I should be doing instead of what I do now. I think this says a bit about where my headspace is!
big same, Joy. I can already see it being bought out and turning into nonstop ads, RIP old Instagram.
Same :) I thought yet another gadget hat I have to work for. Even the downloading part stresses me out. That is maybe for calmer times… But you guys have fun – maxbe one day I will joyn in!
Sammeee. I felt a rush of panic just seeing all the graphics. I already am inundated with emails, sub stacks, pop up ads, local shops, all things to buy buy buy. And then the aesthetic has to change so often so there’s new things to buy. I’m tired! even the random recommendations just seem like noise to me. Time to head outside!
Oh my gosh, yes. Looks like fun but there is absolutely no way my brain needs something else that will equal more screen time.
It’s just another way for a big tech company to make money. They’re part of Lyric Technologies Inc. To each his own ,but I need less screen time and consumption in my life.
Me too. I have to admit, all the immediate people signing up also has given me agita. I think I’m just past all this. I don’t want to look at more stuff. I love COJ but this isn’t for me.
Same! Also – how is this different from Pinterest?
yeah i’m with you. i need less consumption and STUFF. if i want a product recommended, ill probably turn to someone i already follow on substack because at least then ill know its curated. this seems like a flood.
I kinda don’t get it? And it doesn’t seem fun lol but maybe I’m too tired to figure it out
Same. Social media fatigue is real, and it’s also eye opening. I highly, highly recommend this book currently available in pre-order (on sale August 6th). I got the chance to read it because I got the advance reader copy from our local indie bookstore’s give away. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/768019/the-story-of-your-life-by-kathryn-jezer-morton/9781039012196
I had to scroll way too far to find my people! I read the post and had zero interest in clicking through. This is a hard NO. I don’t need yet one more reason to be on a screen.
Gloria! This was my exact thought–isn’t it just Pinterest with a different aesthetic?
100% this!!! I’m not even burnt out but I just don’t know why people are excited about Pinterest 2.0 lol
I agree… It looks kinda fun at first blush, and these examples that CoJ shared here and awesome, but is it just a pathway to consumerism?
Agree. Seems like another place to be endlessly advertised to. I’ll still to reading library books on my e-reader ❤️
Saaaaaaame. This feels like late-stage capitalism at its worst. I don’t need more recommendations for pricey gear. I am disappointed in the direction CoJ is going with the consumerism and lack of awareness that 99 per cent of its audience is in a much lower tax bracket and facing ever-worsening financial odds.
Big yes, and their lack of privacy options was the cherry on top!
Yesssss. Ditto to all of this. I do not need another source of advertising in my life and think we could all do with consuming less!
Best recommendation! I joined Rec League and immediately started recommending statement lighting to strangers like it’s a public service. :) https://ashlie.recleague.com
Are you going to Stockholm with Freddie?!?!?!?!?!??
hahaha maybe ;) sharing an update on big salad on friday
haven’t had time to figure it out yet https://lightspace.recleague.com/
Me neither! I’m one rec, and just blindly following everyone here lol.
Ooh, I LOVE this. it does feel very old-internet to me. Here’s mine :) https://cassidy_.recleague.com/
yessss more people to rec league!! i love the recommendation requests and find myself thinking of strange categories to make lists of during the day https://jennhartgardner.recleague.com/
So fun! Mine is https://tenleys.recleague.com/ Will probably be making/reading focused from me, but who knows, really!
I would recommend watching videos of college students booing tech giants who are giving commencement speakers AS SOON as they mention AI. It gives me SUCH hope. It has some great uses, but I am loving the analog revival. I am too overstimulated for the internet nowadays. This and a few other corners are the only spots I visit anymore. I want to press buttons, not need a password and human authentication and all the stuff we’ve added onto our selves day after day. I have to keep my phone, but I’m trying to use way less social media annd to avoid reading any comment section besides this one (and some on substack.) ❤️
Exciting- I’m not on social media but was ready for something fresh on the internet. I joined https://beththorne.recleague.com/ thanks Joanna!
Yes to Rec League! I’ve been loving it. Over the past few weeks I’ve found a new favorite nail polish, book and musician. Everyone’s collections feel earnest in the best way. And there’s lots of recs that just make me chuckle.
I love having you on Rec League and the first time you re-recced something of mine I literally jumped for joy! It’s been so fun to find the very specific niche things that people obsess over, which is truly the highest form of internet usage. Plus everyone is so delightful! Mine is here! https://fewerandbetter.recleague.com/
https://bellabirthing.recleague.com/ How fun!!! I’m not sure i completely understand, but I’m excited to learn. Thanks for sharing Jo!!
I’m trying to spend less money and less time on screens. As they say (was it Amy Poehler?) ,good for you, not for me. I did a quick browse and saw too many Amazon links :(
Whatever you post or rec, make sure it’s not Everlane. What a massive blow. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/mergers-and-acquisitions/e-commerce-giant-shein-buys-apparel-brand-everlane-reports-say/ar-AA23rqSR
I read a headline that said something like “further proof that millennial optimism is dead” I FELT THAT. Ugh. :(
The sense of doom I felt when they discontinued my favorite jeans (way high sailor) was justified, apparently.
Well, fuck. I feel like this is the antithesis to everything the said they stood for when they began.
And why i still only buy Patagonia new…… and everything else thrift, or Amazon WITH NO ILLUSIONS. I feel like ALL these ethical clothing companies are just blowing smoke up good people’s a$$es. It’s like all the *organic* food and skin care companies that have all sold out over the years, it’s green washing and their products are just expensive junk food now (maybe always were!). We can’t trust capitalism to do the right thing.
Legit so upset about this!!!!
For now this seems so fun and no ads! But I will be so sad if it goes the way of Pinterest. Just signed up and followed you. I am such a sheep but it seems like a fun escape from all the things!
oh and https://setareh.recleague.com/
no android app, iphone only? sobbb
Also not avaialble as an app in Europe. :(
You can do on the web site, it’s working for me. I actually prefer that
Having trouble managing my rage at billionaires, tech, govt corruption and the soul destruction of consumerism and my place in it all. Not sure if this will be a self soother or the final straw.
I’m with you.
agree. I’m surprised at how many enthusiastic comments there are here.
100% not for me but that’s ok. Popped in to see what everyone’s thoughts are on Shein buying Everlane. I assume it is a death knell for Everlane and a hope to be taken more seriously for Shein…
Everlane completely caved and had to give into the fast fashion model as they were going broke. Sad to see. Now the brand will be nothing but fast fashion crap and the antithesis of what they originally believed in.
OMG, I love this so much! Thank you for sharing this! I can’t wait to share more rabbit holes and niche interests there: https://consciousbychloe.recleague.com
Yeah was gonna say this all looks like a rabbit hole from which one may never return ! Haha. It might be fun to dabble a bit but I’m trying to be on my phone less, not more. These look like hundreds (? amount ) of mini Cup of Jo’s. Eeks. I’m already on this blog too much haha. But looks like people are having fun with it and I’m sure I’ll look around. Hopefully just a little (?) All of them look very well done.