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Monday, August 26, 2013

Ergobaby's new swaddler

Posted on 1:00 PM by Unknown
When we were brand new parents, one of the best tips we got (from nurses, friends and this brilliant book) was that babies love to be swaddled. Wrapping them up tightly makes them feel safe and helps them sleep longer. We swaddled Toby as a newborn, and now we swaddle Anton. And it works like a charm. He sleeps much, much better when swaddled, since his wriggly arms don't startle him as a newborn.

Since Ergobaby makes one of our favorite baby carriers, I was psyched to discover that they now have a swaddler. It's ergonomic for newborns, and keeps their legs loose and arms tight. It's easy to do (I always found the basic blankets tricky) and Anton has been so happy in it (and doesn't bust out in the middle of the night, hurray). And during the day, as soon as he gets fussy, I bundle him up like a burrito and he calms right down.

Ergobaby is giving away two swaddlers, if you're a new or expectant parent or have a friend with a little one. For a chance to win, please visit Ergobaby and leave a comment below. Two winners will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! Thanks, Ergobaby!
P.S. What to register for your baby.

(Photos by Julia Robbs for Cup of Jo)
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Posted in motherhood, motherhood mondays, personal | No comments

12 Surprising Things About Parenting in Abu Dhabi

Posted on 7:38 AM by Unknown
For our Motherhood Around the World series, our sixth interview features Kera Thompson, who lives in Abu Dhabi with her husband, McSean, and three kids, Owen, 6, Asher, 4, and Elena, 1. Here are 12 things that have surprised her about being a mom in Abu Dhabi...
Read More >
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Posted in motherhood, motherhood around the world, motherhood mondays | No comments

Friday, August 23, 2013

Have a great weekend.

Posted on 10:51 AM by Unknown
What are you up to this weekend? Since the weather is so breezy and refreshing, we're hoping to have a picnic with friends. (Maybe we'll bring shrimp!) We've also been playing this game lately, which Toby finds hilarious. Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

Gruff French waiters get a makeover.

Beautiful ballet flats.

Relationship illustrations.

Culture shock: London to New York.

How to keep strawberries fresh.

Loving grey jeans for the fall.

Alternate brand slogans.

A beautiful post about marriage.

Paris wedding design.

Made me laugh.

Conflict Kitchen only serves cuisine from countries with which the United States is in conflict.

Andy Samberg is a cutie.

Fascinating read.

The world's best worst smartphone app.

Life lessons from kids.

(Photo by Julia Robbs for Cup of Jo)
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Posted in design, photography | No comments

Tina Fey is always hilarious.

Posted on 7:14 AM by Unknown
Since I'm still in a newborn baby haze, I'm not sure what's old news versus new news to people. But! Have you heard that Tina Fey sold TWO new sitcoms this week?! The first will be a Cheers-like comedy set on Fire Island, and the second is about a women’s college that begins accepting men.

Above is a clip of Tina on Letterman this week describing how her two-year-old is a psychopath. And a fun fact you might not know: Liz Lemon's catchphrase "I want to go to there" was originally said by her then-three-year-old daughter Alice.

P.S. Four more hilarious Tina Fey moments.

(Via Jezebel)
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Posted in design, genius, motherhood, tv | No comments

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Thursday giveaway

Posted on 1:30 PM by Unknown
Today's giveaway is from A-Thread, an adorable and affordable online boutique. Most of their dresses and tops are under $50. It's nice to be able to browse a store without worrying that everything is above your budget! And the pieces are really cute.

Today they're offering one lucky reader a $200 gift certificate to freshen up her fall wardrobe. What would you pick? (I'd go for this top and this dress.) For a chance to win, please visit A-Thread and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! Update: The winner has been emailed. Thanks for playing.
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Posted in | No comments

Do you feel comfortable naked?

Posted on 9:35 AM by Unknown
When I was dating my college boyfriend, I was pretty shy about letting him see me naked. In bed, I'd drape myself in sheets, and if I had to leave the bedroom, I'd grab a towel, or if there wasn't one, I'd slowly back out of the room, which in hindsight must have looked insane.

Thankfully nowadays I feel much more comfortable walking around starkers. Partly because I'm older and wiser (imperfections are beautiful! people aren't that critical!) and also because I'm married and know Alex loves me and is stuck with me. :)

Funnily enough, a new study says that women feel happiest with their naked bodies at 34 (my exact age)—which is, as Jezebel put it, "the magical age when, after 20 years of being overly self-critical, they finally realize how great they really are—just in time for the curtain call of the real shit show that is aging." Made me laugh.

I'm curious: On a scale of 1 to 10, how comfortable do you feel naked?

P.S. The secret to relationships, and would you wait to kiss until your wedding day?
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Posted in relationships | No comments

NYC City Hall weddings

Posted on 7:43 AM by Unknown
When Alex and I stopped by City Hall four years ago to pick up our marriage license, we saw a bunch of couples tying the knot. Some wore tuxedos and puffy white dresses, some were in casual clothes and one entire family was wearing Mets jerseys. It's a giddy scene over there. I always thought it would be a fun tourist destination; you could spend an hour on the steps outside and people-watch. Or throw confetti!

Refinery29 recently stopped by City Hall and snapped photos of 21 happy couples; see the full slideshow here.

Would you get married at City Hall? Did you? xo

P.S. Wedding with a pink dress, and my friend's City Hall wedding.
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Posted in new york, nyc city hall wedding, travel, weddings | No comments

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Snacks around town

Posted on 1:00 PM by Unknown
Now that Anton is almost seven weeks old, I'm starting to get the hang of exploring the city with two little dudes. We've had some chaotic moments (yesterday Toby was stuck in a bucket swing because I was carrying Anton and didn't have free arms to get him out!), but overall things are getting smoother.
One thing that makes things easier is having a stash of yummy snacks. When Anton is hungry, I'll breastfeed in public and always immediately get hungry like the wolf. And my man Toby is always starving:)
This is his "may I please have a snack" face.
Our go-to snacks are from NatureBox. They're a snack subscription service, and they send you five bags of natural snacks every month. Our favorites include guacamole bites, blueberry almonds, banana chips, dried apples and whole-wheat raspberry figgy bars. Toby loves them all, and the snacks are so much healthier than other snacks we’ve eaten in the past. You can choose the exact snacks you want (they have more than 90 different kinds) or let them surprise you.
You can sign up for the regular NatureBox (5 bags for $19.95), the Family Snacker (10 bags for $29.95) or the Professional Snacker (20 bags for $49.95). As I've mentioned before, I initially wondered if the snacks seemed expensive, but they're actually comparable to buying from Whole Foods or gourmet groceries. It works out to between $2.50 and $4 per bag, which is amazing.

Bonus: Get 50% off your first box with the code CUPOFJO (so you'll enjoy five bags for $9.95), if you'd like to give NatureBox a taste; good for two weeks.
(This post is sponsored by NatureBox, whose mission and snacks I adore. Photos by Julia Robbs for Cup of Jo. My shirt and bag are from Madewell, my sandals are Everlane, and Anton's baby carrier is a BabyHawk Mei Tai)
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Posted in fashion, food, personal | No comments

A fourth grader's documentary about school lunch

Posted on 10:10 AM by Unknown
Have you guys heard about Yuck, the documentary about school lunches written and directed by a fourth grader? Zachary is the brave filmmaker who goes undercover to reveal the truth about the gross meals at his NYC elementary school. He's hilarious, adorable (love his polo shirt and gelled hair!) and totally intrepid ("I could get in big trouble for this," he says, while sneaking his mini HD camera into the cafeteria). He has a big future ahead of him!

Here's the trailer, below, and you can watch the full 20-minute documentary online here.

P.S. 20 favorite documentaries, and cooking with toddlers.
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Posted in documentary, food, genius, movies | No comments

The Best Chopped Salad

Posted on 7:44 AM by Unknown
On warm summer days, a chopped salad makes a fresh and delicious meal. Amanda of Marshalls Abroad agreed to share her favorite recipe, which she describes as an "amazing burst of flavor"...Read More >
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Posted in basic food series, best chopped salad recipe, food | No comments

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Home inspiration: Pink and red rugs

Posted on 11:00 AM by Unknown
How pretty are these pink and rugs? They're a great way to brighten up a room. I would never have thought of putting a pink rug in a dining room, but they look so pretty (and not too girly). Thoughts? Three more below...Read More >
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Posted in design, home, home inspiration | No comments

Vacation photos: Woodstock, NY

Posted on 8:06 AM by Unknown
Last week, we escaped to Woodstock, a charming town two hours north of New York City. And we realized that the secret to a great family vacation is...Read More >
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Posted in alex, anton, family travel, our vacations, personal, toby, travel | No comments

Monday, August 19, 2013

10 Surprising Things About Parenting in Mexico

Posted on 7:00 AM by Unknown
For our Motherhood Around the World series, our fifth interview features Naomi Smith, who lives in Mexico City with her husband and three children—Malachai, 10, Josu, 7, and Selma, 5. Here are 10 things that have surprised her about being a mom in Mexico City...Read More >
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Posted in motherhood, motherhood around the world, motherhood mondays | No comments

Friday, August 16, 2013

Have a great weekend.

Posted on 1:35 PM by Unknown
How has your week been? We've been having the best time in Woodstock this week; we never want to leave! The little dudes are so happy in the country, and it has been awesome to have my mom with us. And it's the first time I've unplugged in like 7 years! Have a good weekend, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

Would you hire a matchmaker?

50 rules of vacation.

How to keep guacamole green.

Chic jacket for the fall.

Made me laugh. (The comments are dead on!)

Painting an office chair? Jenny does it again.

Another cute pair of short boots.

Our founding fathers were basically teenagers.

This amazing singer reminded me of this amazing actress.

Cute popsicles.

What gorgeous business cards.

The power of silence.

(Photos by the gahetNA National Archives via Miss Moss)
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Posted in design, photography | No comments

Monday, August 12, 2013

How to do anything...

Posted on 8:00 AM by Unknown
This week, we are taking our first vacation as a family of four! We're escaping our cramped apartment and heading to the Hudson Valley, where we rented a farmhouse with a pool. We haven't taken any vacations yet this summer, so we all have the let-me-outs. We're really excited (just wish us luck on the three-hour drive!). Have a wonderful week, and I look forward to sharing photos when we get back. Meanwhile, if you're in a blog-reading mood, here are a few past tutorials you might enjoy...

Fashion:
How to dress like a French girl.
How to have pretty hair.
How to look cute from, well, behind.
How to do galaxy nails.
How to feel pretty.

Food:
How to eat dinner.
How to drink wine.
How to boil an egg.
How to make a perfect cheese tray.
How to make the best chocolate chip cookies.
(And guacamole.)
(And a French omelet.)

Home decor:
How to arrange supermarket flowers.
How to decorate a tiny apartment.
How to start a movie club.

Entertaining:
How to introduce people.
How to talk to strangers at parties.
How to make guests feel comfortable.
How to sip wine without getting lipstick on your glass.
How to stay in touch with friends.

Travel:
How to hail a cab.
How to not look like a tourist.
How to plan a fun vacation.
How to pack like a fashion editor.
How to travel with a baby.

Relationships:
How to keep the sparks alive in your marriage.
How to have an orgasm.
How to register for your wedding.
How to have sex after you're married.
How to fight fair.

Motherhood:
How to be a cool mom.
How to talk to little girls.
How to get picky kids to eat.
How to teach your baby to sleep. (And a lullaby that actually works.)
How to sleep in a family bed.
How to breastfeed in public.

Life overall:
How to walk on ice.
How to stop worrying.
How to pee during a movie.
How to do a high five.
How to blog as a career.
How to write a joke.
How to feel happier in five minutes.
How to fall asleep quickly.
How to understand British people.
How to piss off a New Yorker.
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Posted in design, fashion | No comments

Friday, August 9, 2013

Have a great weekend.

Posted on 10:21 AM by Unknown
What are you up to this weekend? My mom is coming tomorrow!!! She'll be staying for three weeks and we are ecstatic. Little Anton doesn't know the cuddles he is in for! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and here are a few posts from around the web...

Woody Allen makes a good point about showers.

A couple leaves their jobs to build a glass house in the woods.

I spotted the Sartorialist! And here's his final photo. :)

What to do when you've made someone angry.

Banned for life. (I love Jenny.)

Shiny shoes.

Narrowest houses in the world.

How to grow out your bangs.

I recently got this shirt and it's really pretty in person, if you're looking for a go-to fall shirt.

The art of conversation.

Made me laugh.

Have you seen this beautiful new kitchen shop?

This cookbook looks 20 kinds of awesome.

A new bakery in NYC with rice krispie treats!

(Photo by Mark Mann)
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Posted in design, photography | No comments

Her

Posted on 9:31 AM by Unknown
I've been such an old lady lately and keep complaining that they don't make movies like they used to. But the new Spike Jones movie—about a man (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with his computer—looks really weird and great. The release date is November 20th. Will you see it?

(Via Kottke)
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Posted in movies, relationships | No comments

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Thursday giveaway

Posted on 1:00 PM by Unknown
Today's giveaway is from Lo & Sons, a brand of fabulous travel bags made by a mother and her two sons. I adore their new cotton canvas weekender bag, the Catalina. The colors are beautiful, and the roomy bag has a separate pockets for your beach towels, phone and sandals. You could use it for weekend adventures all year.

Today, Lo & Sons is letting one winner choose her favorite bag from their collection. For a chance to win, please visit their online shop to see all their bags and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! Update: The winner has been emailed. Thanks for playing.

Bonus for all readers: Get 15% off with the code ACUPOFJOSUMMER, good until August 31st.
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Posted in | No comments

A puppy room

Posted on 9:35 AM by Unknown
How awesome is this: Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia has set up a puppy room for stressed-out students. During exam week, students can swing by to play with different affectionate breeds, says Therapeutic Paws of Canada, and cuddling with dogs will hopefully help the students chill out and lower their blood pressure.
P.S. Drunk puppy buying, and behind the scenes with an animal photographer.

(Photos by Sharon Montrose)
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Posted in travel | No comments

On kindness

Posted on 7:37 AM by Unknown
George Saunders gave the graduation speech at Syracuse University this year, and the New York Times recently published it. Have you read it? His advice centers around being kind and, more specifically, avoiding "failures of kindness." Here are his words...

Now, one useful thing you can do with an old person, in addition to borrowing money from them, or asking them to do one of their old-time “dances,” so you can watch, while laughing, is ask: “Looking back, what do you regret?” And they’ll tell you....

Here’s something I know to be true, although it’s a little corny, and I don’t quite know what to do with it: What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.

Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded…sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.

Or, to look at it from the other end of the telescope: Who, in your life, do you remember most fondly, with the most undeniable feelings of warmth?

Those who were kindest to you, I bet.

It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implement, but I’d say, as a goal in life, you could do worse than: Try to be kinder.


You can read the full speech here.

P.S. Encouragement.
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Posted in relationships | No comments

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Short boots for the fall

Posted on 11:30 AM by Unknown
Don't you love the look of short boots in the fall? They are tomboyish and sexy with faded jeans, and I'd love to get a pair to wear every day. Here are four favorites...
Above: Billie Boots, Felix Booties (in black here) and Mars Booties (which I've spotted on so many beautiful women in New York! Such a crowd favorite).

Which would you choose?

(Photos by the Sartorialist)
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Posted in fashion | No comments
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      • Ergobaby's new swaddler
      • 12 Surprising Things About Parenting in Abu Dhabi
      • Have a great weekend.
      • Tina Fey is always hilarious.
      • Thursday giveaway
      • Do you feel comfortable naked?
      • NYC City Hall weddings
      • Snacks around town
      • A fourth grader's documentary about school lunch
      • The Best Chopped Salad
      • Home inspiration: Pink and red rugs
      • Vacation photos: Woodstock, NY
      • 10 Surprising Things About Parenting in Mexico
      • Have a great weekend.
      • How to do anything...
      • Have a great weekend.
      • Her
      • Thursday giveaway
      • A puppy room
      • On kindness
      • Short boots for the fall
      • Auditions for The Office
      • The Best Garlic Bread
      • Birth announcements
      • Family photos
      • 11 Surprising Things About Parenting in Northern I...
      • Mabo giveaway
      • Have a cute weekend.
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