Have a Cozy Weekend. | Cup of Jo

What are you up to this weekend? New York has gotten cold! Last night, the boys and I went to see the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights and drink hot chocolate and listen to holiday tunes. It’s become an annual tradition, and we love it. Hope you have a good one, and here a few […]

Three Comic/Movie/Band Reviews | Cup of Jo

Geese The Wendy Award The Apprentice What have you read/watched/listened to lately? Phoebe Ward, 22, currently works as a barista in New York City. She also writes a weekly newsletter called Pep Talks for the Mildly Depressed, draws comics for her Instagram account, and likes to run long distances. P.S. Three funny short films and […]

What Are You Grateful For, Large or Small?

The other day, I was lying on my sofa watching The Sopranos, as one does. In the episode, Tony looked over at a hospital bulletin board to see… …this quote on a notecard: “Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while, a great wind carries me across the sky.” At first, […]

My Essential Christmas Dessert Is Flan

Flan is pure nostalgia for me. My Tex-Mex mom made it often, blending all the milk and eggs in a blender, agonizing over the caramel, and then shrieking if it unmolded with a crack in the center. Kid-me didn’t care about the aesthetics of the flan, I just wanted to taste the custard on my […]

10 Things I’ve Learned Writing This Column

It’s hard to believe I’m saying this, but today marks the last time I am officially writing this food column for Cup of Jo. I say “officially” because I plan to still contribute now and again, I’m just pulling back in order to focus on some upcoming personal projects, so I won’t be chiming in […]

How Do You Make Guests Feel Special?

I loved many things about my family’s recent trip to Mexico, like the mossy trees we saw while driving past the Veracruz montane forests. Or the ancient pyramids of Tajín, with seashell-imprinted steps ascending into the sky. Or the food. The FOOD. Pineapple-kissed al pastor, tender carnitas, fried gorditas de papas, and fluffy tamales steamed […]

Seasonal Renovations: How Timing Can Affect the Cost of Your Garage Makeover

  Renovating your garage is a fantastic investment that transforms a basic storage space into a functional and appealing part of your home. However, the timing can significantly impact the cost and the project’s efficiency. Factors such as demand for services, weather conditions, and material availability all vary seasonally, which makes some seasons better than […]

How Sweet Is This Marriage Proposal?

Do you do advent calendars? Washington D.C.-based couple Patrick (left) and Mark are fans of the Bonne Maman one, which has 24 days of different jams. But one morning, the calendar revealed something surprising… Joanna: How did you discover the jam calendar?Patrick: In 2021, a friend of mine was doing it and posting her reviews every […]

A Fun One-Rule Game for the Holidays

The other night, toward the end of our cookie swap, 14-year-old Toby turned to me in horror… Lots of our guests had left, but six friends, plus Toby and me, were talking on our giant sofa. I thought everything was cozy and convivial, until Toby pointed something out. “Mom,” he lamented, his eyes widening. “This […]

Have a Fun Weekend. | Cup of Jo

What are you up to this weekend? If I can convince the boys to join me, I’ll stop by Hopie Stockman Hill’s art gallery opening tonight. Her still-life paintings were inspired by her infertility journey, and they’re beautiful and moving. Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around […]