We’ve all felt it: that quiet pang when someone else’s life looks shinier, easier, or more successful than our own. Maybe it’s a friend’s career milestone splashed across LinkedIn, a perfectly filtered vacation photo, or simply the endless highlight reels we scroll past each day. However it shows up, comparison has a way of pulling...

As I’ve been on my quest to do less and have less, I’ve been confronted with a crossroads: what I need and what I don’t. Sorting needs versus wants can be a tricky business, akin to sorting out the opinions others have of you versus the ones you have of yourself—murky territory for lifelong people...

Swapping favorite reads is my favorite form of social currency. I devoured some really special books this year and felt it was the right time to compile a list of the ones that stayed on my mind long after I read the last page. My criteria for what makes a read share-worthy extends beyond just...

It’s that time of year again. Cozy season collides with cold season, and suddenly everyone’s either curled up with a blanket or down for the count. The truth is, our immune systems are doing a lot right now. Less sunshine, more time indoors, and the revolving door of germs we’re all passing around (love you,...

We get lots of beauty questions from Cup of Jo readers, and today I thought I’d answer five (I’d love to hear your answers, too!)… “What holy-grail products have made the biggest difference to your self image?” — Claire A. What a fun question. I love playing around with makeup and finding things that work...

We went through the noise to find the pieces that are genuinely worth their sale tag, the kind you’ll still use long after the boxes are gone. Prime Big Deal Days is here, two days of markdowns that began today at 12:01 AM Pacific and wrap Wednesday at 11:59 PM Pacific. Think of it as...

Photo taken in my home as part of a collaboration with West Elm. There are people in my life who are the most wonderful gift givers—always thoughtful, always unique, always spot-on. I’ve learned some lessons from these friends and family members on how to be a really excellent gift giver, and I’m sharing them with...

Each year, I take a few days to pause, reflect, and get intentional about what I want for the months ahead. It’s become a ritual I look forward to, not only because it helps me set goals, but because it’s a moment to really check in with myself. I ask: What do I want my...

One afternoon many years ago, I dropped my bag in the middle of Prague. I don’t remember where I was heading, but I do recall that it was the first time I’d been alone in the dizzying Wenceslas Square during my semester abroad. The cerebral palsy I was born with — which makes my legs...

Here it is, our 2024 holiday gift guide! 51 ideas for thoughtful, unique, and memorable gifts. The best gifts are ones that say I get and love that weird little thing about you. I’ve divided each section into broad categories and included a little note about what type of person would like to receive each...