The other day, I wrote about some darker books, and a few readers asked for lighthearted recommendations. “I’m in the mood to read something uplifting,” wrote Cate; “It’s been hard for me to read anything super heavy lately,” agreed Julie. My #1 answer? Heating and Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly, a funny, wonderful book of…
Read more5 Budgeting Mistakes I Learned From Last Year
Start this year off fresh with a budget that works for YOU. Try YNAB for free for 341 days (no credit card required). I used to think that I had to become a wholly different person to be more financially stable and savvy. If I just thought differently, followed the rules, and stuck with it…
Read more26 Higher Quality Style Picks on Sale for Cheaper Brand Prices
An upgrade opportunity. There are two mindsets to shopping deals: Buying what you would consider your go-to brands at a deeper discount, or buying higher quality brands on sale making them about the same price as your regular go-to brands pre-sale price. Today we’re kicking off a new series exploring sale finds of the second…
Read moreHow to Make Friends? This CoJ Reader Organized a Walk in Portland!
A couple weeks ago, on a Cup of Jo link list, a reader named C. left this brave comment: PORTLAND LADIES! This is for you. I’ve been in PDX for over a year now. I haven’t made a single friend. It’s hard. It sucks. 30s, no kids. I like books, walking and slow running, browsing…
Read more5 Secrets to Stress-Free Family Dinners
Family dinner looks a little different in my house these days… This past September, both of my girls abandoned me, I mean headed off to college, which means fewer loads of laundry and absurd amounts of time to think about the question that plagues parents across the world every night at 6:00: What should we…
Read moreHow to Style Your Mantel (Or Any Open Shelf!)
Styling your mantel is a great decor area to flex your creativity muscle, since the mantel is an element that’s relatively easy to change up whenever the mood strikes. Think of this space as one where you can show off any mementos, pieces of artwork, and trinkets that are special to you. I love both…
Read moreThese Common Foods are Secretly Ruining Your Calorie Intake
Some of your staples may be acting as double agents. Brad is a university lecturer with a master’s degree in Kinesiology and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He has competed as a drug-free bodybuilder, is a cancer survivor, and a 21 year veteran of…
Read moreThe 2022 Jewelry Trend I’m Into
What jewelry do you usually wear? For ages, I’ve worn just my wedding ring (sometimes, not even that!), but this year, I’m really into a specific style… Lately, I keep spotting cool women around town wearing gold herringbone necklaces. Most aren’t super long or short, but instead hang just below where a crewneck sweater would…
Read moreA Vintage Lover’s Solo Living Dream Home
Catherine Masi rents a 750-square-foot loft nestled above a house’s garage in Santa Barbara, California. Her design style is a mix of thrifted finds and gifts from family and friends. “I’d describe my place as a vintage haven lovefest,” she says. Here she shows us her dreamy home… LIVING AREA Velvet cushions: World Market. Sofas:…
Read moreThe One Thing That’s Improving My Sleep Quality This Winter
This post is brought to you by Huckberry. It’s winter here in the North. And for those of you not currently near the 44th parallel, you may never have experienced the need for flannel sheets. Despite having lived here for the better part of my life, I’d refused to purchase flannel sheets. All I could…
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