Four Fun Things
Have you watched Love on the Spectrum? Season four came out this spring, and the couples’ dating stories are more heartwarming and beautiful than ever. Freddie and I watched a couple episodes last night and were both moved to tears.
My fashion friends swear by about Thigh Society’s slip shorts for preventing thigh chafe and wicking away sweat. (Remember Kelsey’s week of outfits?) Now that the weather’s warming up, I also like wearing the cooling shorts under dresses and skirts, so I can climb around playgrounds, read on picnic blankets, and ride bikes without constantly tugging down my skirt. Bonus: They also have a cargo version with pockets!
Designer John Derian displays big branches and tall stems on his entryway table. “The ceilings are very low, and it’s fun to play with scale,” he once told me. “I like how you can hit the ceiling with an arrangement of flowers.” (Here’s his amazing house tour, if you’re in the mood.)
Finally, I maaaay have mentioned this before (lol) but I’m incredibly loyal to RÕZ haircare. Their shampoo and conditioner set makes my hair feel soft and healthy, and I smooth on the Milk Hair Serum every morning before letting my hair air dry. (I’ve also recently been using Santa Lucia Styling Oil to tame frizz on humid days.) So, I was psyched to hear that RÕZ is offering 20% off everything through Friday; I’ll be stocking up for the rest of the year. xoxo
P.S. More fun things, including a gripping memoir and chocolate mousse.
(This post was sponsored by Thigh Society and RoZ Hair. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
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Tags: fun things
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88 commentsYou have convinced me to try Roz! I have 2b/3a hair and while I generally just let it air dry, I would love it if it wasn’t *quite* so frizzy.
Standing up for frizzy hair rights here – I find it somewhat silly that there is so much language on the internet around “embracing your hair” whether curly or straight – as long as it looks silky smooth always. My hair is wavy, not curly and not straight, and goes through periods where it curls better, but also goes through periods where it is fluffy and frizzy and shapeless, and I love it that way. You can certainly say good for me, not for you, but at the same time, the majority of images and messaging we get on the internet uplifts smooth, shiny hair for everyone.
I think the left-hand photo in this post looks great! Full, beautiful, real, and less like a “trying to look polished and out of a magazine” aesthetic.
I am so intrigued by the ROZ hair care products! I’ve been recently air drying my hair and have a question for you all. My hair takes forever to dry! If I wash it in the morning, my hair is wet for hours in a way that is not very cute. I intentionally don’t towel dry it very thoroughly to keep the waves together, but maybe I should? Help!
Microfiber hair wrap. Keeps the waves together but speeds drying considerably. Also helps reduce frizz (for me, anyway).
I use basic, thin, white flour sack cotton kitchen towels – big squares that I use to gently squeeze out moisture and then tie up my hair for a few as I get dressed. Those microfiber wraps didn’t seem to help texture.
I went on such a John Derian rabbit hole yesterday with this… Also, wanted to share my hair routine. I’m 42, kinda wavy/curly medium hair that is growing out slower these days and often just kinda falls flat or limp. I also did a hair deep dive recently and now do the following: 2-3x per week use a charcoal scalp treatment, really massaging it in with scalp massager. Then use a co-wash (combined shampoo and conditioner), then follow with a deep conditioner which I let sit while I do my other washing, shaving, etc. When I’m done I finger comb a small pump of hair oil and then let dry naturally. I only comb before washing and if I need to shower more often than that I’ll use use the cowash only. A spray of water in the morning (if I showered at night) and a bit of the hair oil gets me going in the morning. This is the first time I’ve EVER liked my curly hair! If anyone is interested, these are the products I use: Scalp treatment: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DTQW3RP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Cowash: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B53Z5Q5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Deep conditioner: https://www.sephora.com/product/dont-despair-repair-deep-conditioning-hair-mask-P388628? Hair Oil: https://www.sephora.com/product/moroccanoil-treatment-P412090?
Slip shorts are such a game changer for me! I’m in the process of switching my whole summer wardrobe to dresses because I don’t like longer inseam shorts, and the shorter ones don’t work for my thighs. I’m only able to do so because of slip shorts. I’ve been wondering if the Thigh Society ones are worth the extra cost – it seems they may be.
Yes! They are def worth the higher cost. I tried so many other brands before landing on thigh society five summers ago. I ordered five pairs and they’re still going strong. I wear skirts and dresses all summer now and have become such an evangelist for the brand!
I bought a similar product made by Jockey from Macy’s and it works well for me, in case you’re looking around!
I definitely recommend Thigh Society! I wore them in Florida last summer and was so comfortable. They also have fun thigh puns. I’m very happy to have them for this summer!
I made the same shift, and like you only because I figured out slip shorts! Thigh Society are my favorites, after trying ones from Snag tights and Universal Standard, plus experimenting with regular ole bike shorts. I really like the cooling ones in particular this time of year. They don’t migrate too much and even the cotton ones that are thicker are still light enough that I can wear them on a humid summer day.
I’m at the beach this week and my Irish curls are singing. I’m pretty sure I am supposed to be a mermaid or siren. I can’t believe how many years I tried to fight these bad boys. I am a Rossetti painting in person.
Hi! Has anyone with fine hair hair tried ROZ? Wondering if it will work for me. Thank you in advance!
I’ve tried the serum and while the scent is lovely, it makes my hair feel dry after a few uses. I recently tried ouai anti frizz creme and my hair likes that much better.
I have fine, long hair and was influenced to try ROZ and it’s a no for me and my hair type — I can’t seem to go as long between washes as with other brands. I’ve heard good things about Ouai for fine hair and may try that next. I’ve also used Rossano Ferretti in the past, but it is $$.
I have fine locks, but lots of them. Roz shampoo and conditioner are a nice regular rotation, but the milk made my hair feel stiff and oily at the same time. It felt full of product. The Rahua leave-in conditioner gave me the feeling that people describe with the Roz milk. Will try the oil for my ends and neckline knots as per the the rec below.
I have fine hair (but a lot of it) and I use the milk serum! I wasn’t sure at first but the more I use it the more I like it – I just use a smalllll amount and only on the ends (like ears down?) and it does make my hair silkier. I had to play around a little bc if I use even a little too much it makes my hair feel weighted down, but now that I have the amount right, I like it a lot! Bonus is that makes it last FOREVER Haven’t tried the shampoo/conditioner so can’t speak to that and I did get a couple other products (volumizing stuff I think) and didn’t notice a big difference so I rarely use them, but that’s also bc they’re meant to enhance styling and I rarely style my hair (much more air dry gal)
My hair is fine, dry and quite long. I like the Roz shampoo and conditioner – leave hair baby soft – but didn’t love the serum. I like Davines oi milk but I don’t use much of it nor do I use it often. I alternate with a curly haired shampoo/conditioner line even though my hair is straight – Ocoa, which you can get at Ulta. My hair looks like I had a blow out when I use Ocoa but I do think switching it up helps. I also use the Davines nounou masque a few times a month as conditioner. Been doing this for a few months and it restored my old menopausal hair from broken and sad to mid-way down my back. I only air dry and I wash every 2-3 days. Using a scalp massager in between was a game changer for me.
Ahem. For some reason I thought John Derian was an elderly gentleman who had passed away some years ago. When I was sort of 10-ish my sister told me Julie Andrews was dead. It’s SO NICE discovering that people are indeed still alive and kicking :D
Once, my son said, “I’m sad that Giraffes are extinct”. I then had the privilege of delivering the best news ever!
Rachael, might I introduce you and your son (I guess depending on his age and continuing level of excitement for giraffes) to the game of Spot Giraffe? Every time you see a giraffe you point at it and say “spot giraffe!”. I promise it’s more fun than it sounds AND, surprisingly, you see them everywhere! (Pictures, stuffed toys etc count). Hooray for living in a world that has giraffes in it!!
Love this, Deb!
Being a mega – and I do mean mega – frizzy hair struggler (my people here know me – never can look polished or put together or anything short of an electrocuted cat any day of the week – if you don’t know, you don’t know), Roz Santa Lucia oil is worth the hype. I’ve tried all the things – all the brands (I promise, all of them – the money and energy spent, le sigh) but Roz SL works for me. The Milk is hit or miss for me – a little too much sometimes – but this dry oil is magic.
Have you tried Kerastase discipline? I tried the hair masque for the first time this week, and my hair looked actually decent after air drying. I also tried the kerastase chronologiste overnight serum (based on some raves from a Sephora employee on reddit) and really like that too. My hair generally gets VERY frizzy as well.
“electrocuted cat” – made me laugh so hard, Bren!
Hello! I was reluctant to get a pair of the thigh society undies, and I can report they indeed keep you cool(er), even in the Sweaty Panties Capitol, aka Houston. Four fun things from me: 1. Whistler by Ann Patchett — she’s so good at writing happiness! I swell with joy reading this book. 2. My fiftieth birthday was last week and my longest friend (since we were babies!) keeps sending me birthday cards from London “to keep the party going.” 3. I got a gift card for said fiftieth birthday and bought a silly purple mechanical keyboard for my office. I love it! Clickety clacking through the day! 4. I planted a million zinnias in late February and now I have the most cheerful garden for cut flowers. Come on over, I’ll cut a bouquet for you!
I love your four things!! Happy birthday Sarah xoxoxo
welcome to the 50s!! I’ll be 52 in September. best decade so far for feeling true to oneself. the knees though…
Ohhh planting in February sounds heavenly but your summers … Oh goodness I’d be miserable. Happy birthday and may it be a year of fun times, warm memories, new discoveries and love from friends and family!
For those of you kind enough to ask me to post the results of my PET scan — I got the results today, still NED no evidence of disease, 6.5 years out from a stage 4 DX. Thanks to everyone for your support. Health and happiness to the whole COJ community!
Sweet joy and relief, this is awesome news. May it continue forever and ever. Here’s to your health!
Oh yaaaaay!
And here I am crying happy tears for a stranger in the comments section! So glad for you, stranger-friend.
Such great news, Bobby! Raising a glass to you from California!
Absolutely fantastic news, Bobby!
Wonderful to hear your happy news <3
For those of you who were kind enough to ask me to keep you posted, I got the results of my PET scan today, and I remain NED (no evidence of disease) that’s 6.5 years after a stage 4dx. Thank you for all your good wishes, and a word of advice: NEVER schedule a medical test the Thursday before a major holiday! Health and happiness to the entire COJ community.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ such wonderful news! So happy for you Bobby!!
This is amazing news for you! You misy feel so relieved. Yes I bet the waiting was hard. I wish you continued good health Bobby!
I’m not on any Instagram so no John Derian? (or Kate Baer? so many things CoJ introduced me to! Random share for fun easy read” “Workhorse” (Palmer) – set mostly in pre smart phone days NYC, early oughts, fashion mags. I can’t believe this world is already twenty years ago!
I am very, very tempted to try Roz…but it’s so expensive! I am super low maintenance hair and beauty-wise, but my hair is starting to rapidly gray and change texture, and all of the cheaper solutions I’m trying aren’t working. Anyone here with straight, thin graying hair have success with their products? (Or maybe even…lower cost dupes??)
My hair is wavy but I’ve been using Odele products and have been very pleased. They are lightweight and work well for airdrying and no fuss. I started with the air dry styler and then added a foam and a clarifying shampoo. I love all of them.
Pre-grey, my hair had a very slight wave, more of a bend. With greys, it looks like the before photo in the article, but streaky grey. With the Roz hair products … it looks like the before photo in the article, but streaky grey. There was no hair miracle for me, alas.
I bought the Roz hair milk serum and santa lucia oil, and while I love the scent and packaging of both, my hair still looks like a bad version of the before picture unfortunately. So I won’t be rebuying. I find that Trader Joe’s hair oil works as well as the Santa Lucia oil.
I have gray hair, dense but thin and coarse with a good bit of wave. Odele’s smoothing shampoo/conditioner and air dry cream have been wonderful for me!
my hair is greying (not fast enough for me, tbh) and thinning, and we moved to a house with a well a year ago, and so…. I have no idea what I’m doing anymore. my scalp is a mess. hair is limp and stupid. my point is: validation. it might be a buildup issue too. I got an aveeno clarifying shampoo that I like and that seems to do something sometimes. I’m also lowering my hair expectations going forward. ohhhhh this is why elegant older ladies have short, graphic haircuts and focus on bold colors and strong lines in their clothing and jewelry…. man, these ladies know what they’re doing. i keep getting to new phases in womanhood and realizing that all this time these ladies knew what was up.
All products are a business to make money, and results will vary from person to person. I don’t think you need anything fancy. If you have a Target near you, you can choose a bunch of different hair products that might work, try them all out, and return them.
In the spirit of fun things, please tell me others in the CoJ community are watching Widow’s Bay?! It’s such a delight and I can’t stop talking about it (along with my newfound crush on Matthew Rhys, despite having watched him in The Americans for years)!!!
Yesssss!!! I’m already on my second rewatch. Patricia would read Cup of Jo for sure
I’m watching, C J! I have a very low tolerance for scares, so I’m pushing my comfort zone big time (and covering my eyes a lot), but the mystery and the characters are bringing me back episode after episode! I just hope it’s not going to do me dirty like Lost… That was years of my life I’ll never get back, all for a total flop of an ending. Widow’s Bay is definitely giving some Lost vibes, but I’m hopeful they’ll land the plane (haha, a little accidental Lost humor) better than that show did!
My daughter’s best friend growing up is a writer on the show. There’re still friends, both moved cross country from the tiny town they grew up in to LA. I’ll pass along the compliment.
Yes, we LOVE Widow’s Bay in our house. Highly entertaining! we are having so much fun watching it. Matthew Rhys is great of course, and we also have major crushes on all the other actors… Kate O’Flynn and Stephen Root, Kevin Carroll, Dale Dickey…excellence all around.
I love that show so much! All the characters are so funny, and the actors who play them are brilliant! I’m already rewatching the season.
ok, I have a kind of weird recommendation: Matthew Rhys was in this really quirky Welsh movie I Mabinogi that is a partially animated telling of that cycle of Welsh tales, and it’s all in Welsh. you can find it on YouTube, and it’s really charming. he plays Lleu, which is pronounced not anything like you are thinking.
The show was sooooo good. I love Patricia so much. The party episode had me. consistently putting out some great TV.
SO GOOD!
Patricia is my queen, but I was surprised at how funny Matthew Rhys is. I was worried it would be too scary but the scares also managed to be mostly hilarious somehow!
I did not want ROZ to be worth the hype but it absolutely is. I have Irish curls and they are effortlessly loose and dreamy and soft. Also the packaging feels very expensive and I feel like a fancy bitch when I use it.
What products do you use?! My hair is naturally wavy but unevenly so, and if I try to use a curl cream it ends up feeling stringy and gross. Despite all this, still not giving up the dream of waves!
Feeling like a fancy bitch is goals!
Is it just me or does the “before hair” on the ROZ ad look just fine, even lovely.
I thought the same thing! I do see the difference but I honestly think both look good.
I agree – I never understood why frizzy hair was something to “correct.” As I age my hair has started to frizz and since it’s long and blonde it reminds me of my favorite Aunt’s hair who in the 1980s in Georgia would wear it in a high side ponytail with a huge bow – super frizzed out. While I have not embraced bows nor side ponytails – when my hair gets really big and frizzy it looks like hers and I feel beautifully connected to her. Frizz forever!
I have curlier hair than that photo and ROZ reallllly helps limit the frizz and define my curls. Its actually been a total game changer for me, particularly in humid Buenos Aires which likes to make my hair look like I electricuted myself.
Reminds me of an instagram post I recently saw encouraging people to embrace frizz … and how frizz can look sexy/cool like Carrie on SATC … and how perhaps capitalism’s mission to convince us that frizz is bad has something to do with racism. Food for thought …
frizz in the 70s and 80s, yes. Sigourney Weaver as Zool in Ghostbusters.
I think the frizz is bad idea is just racism hiding not very well in plain sight. It’s just texture.
Man I wish I could try those RoZ products. Wish they would make a fragrance free line! I know people always say “the fragrance is light and not overpowering” or “but they smell good” but really any chemical fragrance (“parfum”) like all their products have makes me and a lot of chemically sensitive people (more and more people I know!) sick. Surprised that a great line like this still has chemical fragrance in it.
Agree!!
Yes I found it too strong a fragrance, I’m not comfortable wearing it :(
As a girl with robust thighs, underwear shorts (basically boxer briefs) have completely changed my relationship with dresses. I have worn and loved bamboo Midies for over a year, and they continue to be washed and worn with no major signs of wear. https://www.midies.co/ (BTW, I have no affiliation with the brand – just a very happy customer.)
re John Derian things in the comments, his gift guide was interesting https://nymag.com/strategist/article/how-i-gift-john-derian.html
wow… interesting…. is right!
The editing of Love on the Spectrum is so comedic. Emma Sue says she doesn’t want any awkward silences on her date–cut to her and her friends all staring at the floor.
yes, and, at the same time, so loving and respectful of each person in the show. I think it’s done so well.
Editing on The Great British Baking Show was so comedic too, a little broader and generally just poking good fun at the participants, at times at their own expense but stopping jussst shy of the line. That’s the beauty of broad British humor though – mastery of the line.
LOVE Love on the Spectrum. The date coach’s personality and the way she responds to their issues has entirely shaped the way I respond to the autistic kids I come across in my work. I hope she is being very well paid because her influence is directly responsible for my own success. LOVE this show and recommend it to everyone, all ages, but especially tween/teens.
yes, I think all preteens and teens should watch it — would help so much with empathy and understanding (and feeling seen, if the viewer is also on the spectrum). I agree about the dating coach — I LOVE how incredibly specific she is when giving advice.
How much physical romance/sex is brought up? Does one season bring it up more than others? My 12 yo is AuDHD and I’d like to introduce this, but references can make him very uncomfortable/shut down a bit. Any suggestions on how to navigate the episodes would be appreciated. Thanks!
John Derian’s apartment in NYC has a pigeon busting through the ceiling and I think about it all the time. It’s a little Kool-Aid Man, a little Bert from Sesame Street, all flawless. https://www.curbed.com/article/designer-john-derian-apartment-tour.html
I love the way his mind works!
I love everything about that room- the pigeon is a nice touch haha!
Loving on the Ulta Beauty sale this week (Clinique foundation!), perfect 75 degree weather for lots of walks, and hope to start the “Mother Hunger” book by Kelly McDaniel (without a mother for almost 30 years now).
I visited nyc this past spring and while in the basement at john derian, explaining the PHENOMENON that is ~john derian~ to my friend, i heard a voice behind me chuckle and say, “are you talking about me?” and there he was! what a delightful guy.
I also met John Derian at John Derian. He was so kind to me.
oh my gosh, I love that! he’s so, so charming and sweet.
Once, at Christmas, when the lines to enter his shops are especially long, the people in front of me were clearly friends of his, but rather than pluck them from their waiting and slip them into the shop, he…got in line with them. His is a soul that sparkles.