Have a Fun Weekend.
What are you up to this weekend? We’re heading home from our family trip, and I’m looking forward to catching up. Much to discuss! Hope you have a good one, and here are a few links from around the web…
Okay, this is making me excited for sweater weather.
“I feel like I was born in Paris,” hahahaha.
How to give a eulogy. Beautiful.
Is this the coolest place for everyday pants? (Into these, too.)
The best dinner to make with summer zucchini.
There are 17 paint colors in this Brooklyn townhouse.
Imagined conversations between my parents on a family vacation.
Meet six New York dog walkers. “It’s easy for me to love walking dogs because I put fashion into it.” (Vogue)
Is there anything cozier than climbing into your own bed after traveling? We have these on all the beds in our house.
Baby wrists! And a beauty secret of sorts.
How one American couple ditched their lawn and created a wildlife haven.
Lastly, five amazing home makeovers. (Big Salad)
Plus, a reader comment:
Says Lindsay on how to do anything: “Glad you got a much-deserved break, glad you are coming back soon. The rhythm of my life seems off when new CoJ posts are not a part of my day. It’s like my best friend is on vacation and didn’t take her phone — I’m happy she got away but I can’t wait for her to come back!” Xoxoxoxoxo
(Photo by Sean Whelan/Unsplash.)
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Comments
61 commentsSo glad to see a piece on removing lawns and supporting biodiversity! That’s the daily work for me, supporting people moving to native plants, native pollinators, and these beautiful landscapes. Every little piece of landscape that supports butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and bees adds up – and they’re so much more interesting than just a lawn, the complexity is beautiful.
Glad you’re back, look forward to posts on the trip. Found out that I passed the audition and am now on the Space City Senior dance team for the Houston Rockets.
Congratulations Deana, that’s amazing!
That’s amazing and how exciting for you! Congrats!
So good to have you back! Miss Ed you and everyone! Hello!
Well the eulogy article brought on some crying… but then I sent it on to my brother who is a pastor, and I thought it might be something helpful to offer to people who come to him and need to work out what they will say. Welcome back.
Athleta pants!! Big fan! I just don’t love jeans but I can wear Athleta pants to the office, on trips, around town, etc. Big fan of the Endless and Brooklyn collections and just got the Endless barrel version!
Glad you are back! Tomorrow school starts for my teenager daughter, send positive vibes for the chaos of picking out an outfit every morning :) It has been a busy week getting school supplies and some last minute clothes shopping at the mall (which was packed!!) We are happy to be back into school routine though. Can’t wait for Fall, it is hot and humid in the South!
well, I broke a couple ribs in a cycling accident on the way to work this week, so I guess I’ll be spending this weekend resting. lucky to have so many links to check out now you’re back!
I find your biking accident absolutely unacceptable, Jessica. So sorry. Recovery is a beeotch when it’s hard to even breathe! Hang in there!
Ahh, Jessica, you poor dear! I had a rib removed as a kiddo. It’s long since grown back, but the itch I feel in certain weather reminds me that chest issues are no fun. Enjoy all the links as you rest.
We made that zucchini recipe tonight! Except we used summer squash, added red pepper flakes and spicy Italian sausage on the grill, and served it all over spinach. Pretty yum.
Welcome home!! Can’t wait to see pics, they are always so lovely. Watching My Brilliant Career, it’s very fun. Feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, trying to remember to breathe, that somehow things work out. Our baby Mo turns one next week, looking forward to spoiling him. Hiking tomorrow and I’m sure it will be the reset I need. I would love to hear your recs for favorite kid friendly snacks from Costco? I’m looking for food kids will eat, and easy to serve. Thanks!
Did you watch the original? I loved the original so much I am not sure if I can do it… I mean who could possibly surpass Judy Davis and Sam Neill? Based on that film I did think falling in love would involve more pillow fights.
When I feel overwhelmed I make a “to done” list: ate breakfast, answered email, drank water, took kids to school, etc. I make the list aesthetically pleasing with different markers and star shapes on brightly colored squares of paper. It helps redirect my attention from the overwhelming “to dos” and builds my momentum for action. For Costco: Frozen chicken mini tacos, bake 8 mins, serve with sour cream, done!
As long as the food you love is not super spicy, you can just serve kids that but with a cute or funny name. Raw vegetables = bunny snacks Lacinato kale = dino kale Fancy cheese = fancy cheese Miralax = magic water (when my kid needed Miralax powder for constipation, lol) In my experience, re-branding food can go a long way!
The imagined conversation between parents…… oh dear. WE are the parents, now. That was brutal. And oddly exactly on target lol.
Yeah that was hilarious. WE are the parents too.
Amen Lindsay, exactly how I feel.
I’m glad you’re back! We went on vacation at the same time so I did not came to your blog until now Welcome home💙
So happy you’re back and hope you all had a great time off! I am throwing this out there as a future post (also taking all suggestions!) – I am lost in the world of denim. Any suggestions for good jeans that are not completely trendy but still look cool? The goal is they will last for years and not go out of style. If they come with tall options that is a plus! I love an ankle jean but at 5’ 9” they always end up more like a mid calf jean!
Madewell is a great place to start. They have a variety of styles and most come in Tall sizes. I’ve found their quality so much better than the brands that are $200 plus!
I’m 5’10” and have been loyal to Gap – High Rise 90s are perfect and come in Long! Check Gap Factory, they are almost always in there and super on sale. They last forever and wear so nicely over time. Flattering fit thats classic and not overly trendy, and lots of washes so you can find your preference or buy multiple.
Levi’s has consistently provided me with my denim the last 5 years. Pros: great washes, sturdy thickness, perfect for me stretch. I feel the trick for lasting cool denim is to figure out what shapes, exact rise in inches, and fabrics look and feel good for your body.
Maybe I have a different perspective of a long inseam as a 4’11” human, but are you interested in vintage? I have a particular love of 1970s pairs, and never has one come even close to being short enough for me, ha! Like, 70s Levis or Lees? Awesome, and leggy. I’m sure it depends a *bit* where you live, but I still find pieces like that at thrift stores on occasion. Etsy, Poshmark or Vinted would certainly be more efficient, though.
You can find sturdy and reputable brands on Poshmark, ThredUp, or Depop. Just know your measurements! Cheaper and better for the environment.
I have been having the BEST luck with J.CREW Factory. I have about 6 pairs that I been wearing over and over. LOVE THEM!
Ok – so I thought of Jo and our CoJ community when I heard the news: Who read Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monahan? (I lovedddd it). Gemma is going to be adapting it for screen!!! https://deadline.com/2026/08/dolly-all-the-time-movie-gemma-burgess-writer-1237046317/
How fun! Thanks for sharing this!
Really? I liked the novel! Woohoo!
Oooh I loved that book also! Such exciting news!!
How did I miss this?? What exciting news!
Thank you for sharing the link to the Guardian article on native gardens! I’m in the slow process of transforming my front yard—the backyard is a project for another year. I listened to a story on NPR years ago about a couple in central California who wanted to get rid of their lawn (a HUGE lawn) and had a major battle with the city and HOA, but ended up learning so much about their microclimate (Mediterranean!) and transformed their property into something beautiful and drought-friendly.
Have fun! Apparently, I live in the part of California (LA) that has been actively encouraging people to remove their lawns for years. This city will give rebates for pulling out your lawn and re-landscaping with drought-tolerant plants. We did this years ago. It looks a little grim in the summer, but by March it’ll be full of blooming lavender, California poppies, and whatever my husband decides to plant.
We just got back from a 7 week trip to Michigan. Lots of smiles, laughter, new experiences were made but it’s good to be home. Thank you to everyone who gave recommendations, we tried to go to all! Smoothcriminal, I’m sad we didn’t get to meet up, next time hopefully, or if you come to NY, it’s a date! Can’t wait to hear all about England!
Kay from Queens, I love this comment, and I will definitely be emailing you for ALL the Michigan recommendations. You and your family seem so fun! Hope to meet soon!
We are going to our city’s Ethnic Enrichment Festival to eat good food and listen to Swiss Alphorns, because we kind of fell in love with them when we were in Switzerland last month. Maybe we should embarrass the adult child who is coming with us by asking if Heinz from Bernatone made their horns and then scoff if he didn’t.
DO IT.
We missed you, Jo. Welcome back 🎊
Welcome back !!!!!
aw i was so happy to see a post! we missed you. on your recommendation, I ordered myself a roy rogers at dinner. the bartender put EDIBLE GLITTER in it. what a win going into the weekend.
Hahahaha I love this!!
Woohoo, welcome back! A quick shout-out to everyone who provided camping tips a couple weeks ago. You were all so helpful and encouraging, and we had a great time! As soon as we got home, my daughter asked when we’d be going back. I call that a success! Thank you!!
I was so happy to click and see “What are you up to this weekend”. I loved reading about the dog walkers, so interesting! I’m going to a Texas Ranger baseball game tomorrow (my 2nd MLB game ever) and Sunday I’m going to a sound bath with my sister. Can’t wait to hear about your travels. ❤️
Welcome back! Thank you for posting the NYT Chickpeas al Limone recipe in July. I have been eating it 3-4 times a week. It is so easy, delicious and nutritious. Vegetarian and gluten free.
I’ve been in the middle of moving (with a newborn, no less!) and I promised myself that I could read the Friday post after cancelling our old internet service. Worth it. <3
Xoxoxo good luck with the move!! And congrats on your sweet baby :)
Baby wrists = baby bracelets 😉🌼👶🏻
Omg cutest
Welcome back! I cannot count the number of times my muscle memory typed “C + enter” to load Cup of Jo into my browser over the last two weeks.
That makes my day xoxoxo
We had our front lawn ripped out and replaced with native perennials a few years ago. Now when I step out the front door in the morning, it smells like sage and honey, and the echinacea plants are full of goldfinches snacking on the seeds as the flowers dry out.
That sounds absolutely lovely Alex!
This sounds so dreamy
Yaaye, you are back! Excited to see the vacay updates and discoveries. Whoo hoo!
You are back and I am grinning at my computer screen like an idiot :) Gosh it is so weird & wonderful to miss a blog. Ah, life!
You were very missed. Thank you for the weekend post!
Def not paying $228 for a sweater that will inevitably pill. In fact, I think I am writing off all sweaters, forever, because I have never found one that doesn’t become a pilled mess after 1 season of wear. Expensive sweaters, cheap sweaters, cashmere, wool….they all suffer the same fate. There’s no faster way to look not-pulled-together than to wear a pilled sweater. And yes, I’ve used the de-fuzzer thingy, and it can only do so much. The Athleta pants look like an easy way to try the barrel pants trend (seriously, who came up with that sh**?). Might try a pair…
Try 100% cotton sweaters, they don’t pill and are easily found these days at Old Navy, Gap, J. Crew.
I’ve found the secret is vintage cashmere only– bought via Ebay or at secondhand shops. Modern cashmere is made using weaker, coarse fibers with chemical dyes that inevitably lead to pilling. My trustiest sweater is a thrifted Charter Club cashmere from the 80s – I’ve worn it to death for the last 15 winters and even wash it on cold in the wash machine. Not a single pill. I’ve had to mend some holes a few times, but absolutely worth it.
Welcome baaaaack! You and the team were missed, but/and glad you got a break.