Tell Me About Yourself...

March 17, 2018 11:26 pm

Reading these beautiful comments reminds me why I’ve loved this blog for so long. And I’ve spent every January 31st wanting to say, that’s my birthday too! And the only reason it matters is that I’m in such good company. Grand company. Thank you for all you do, and all the years I wanted to say it. Here’s to many more! Come visit us in the Skagit Valley sometime :))

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Miranda

May 23, 2017 12:55 pm

Hello. Today is the first time i’ve come across your blog and I love it! I recently graduated college with a bachelors degree in business management. I’ve been applying to multiple jobs and while doing that, I thought about how successful and empowering some blogs could be because i’ve always been interested in them. I’ve always been super interested in the traveling blogs where the writer/photographer tells their story of some beautiful place they visited with amazing pictures. I always thought about what it would be like if I was a successful blog writer, but I don’t think i have the skills for it. So, I was wondering how does one actually become an (interesting) blog writer?

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Siheme

February 16, 2017 12:20 pm

Hello,

I feel like I always read your blog, it is funny. I am French but I have been living in the US for 5 years now. Proud green-card holder and maybe a future citizen, we’ll see. I am a French teacher in a middle school in Southern Maryland. My son Noah will be 6 in July and my husband flies helicopters for the State Police. I know, so cool! He is also French and we worry that Noah who is born in Montreal will feel lonely. We decided not to have other kids for many reasons, the main one being that we are far away from family and also for an economical reason (maternity leave is what 8 weeks max here? / travelling abroad is expensive…). Anyway, that is the only worry I have. We live here but we don’t have a big fancy house (we are renovating ours), our cars are paid off and they are not new. I feel all my American friends are struggling with money but luckily because we still live the French way, we don’t.
I love all or your posts and I enjoyed reading about making friends after 30. I am 31 and I moved 5 times in 4 different places (Canada, Ivory Coast, Ghana and in the USA – Florida and Maryland) and I was always very social. It is easy for me to make friends and I feel blessed. I met so many incredible people and I like to hang out with people who are older. My girlfriends are usually 10-15 years older than me. I feel protected by them, spoiled maybe?
Thank you for making your blog a space where women can have a conversation.

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Hilary

January 18, 2017 10:40 pm

I’ve been reading for several years after my sister sent me multiple posts. I am the youngest of three girls; they’re my best friends. They make me grow and validate me. Three is a tricky number and over the years we’ve become better at mastering how to balance out our friendships and sister FOMO. I am nearly 26 and live in Lake Tahoe, California. I work as a wellness counselor at a local high school. After many youth suicides our school district created my position to support students. I talk to teens about breakups, friendships, coming out of the closet, etc. Living in a small town I often struggle to remain worldly and current. I love Cup of Jo for its ability to keep me connected. Xoxo

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Mary

January 11, 2017 12:08 am

I’ve been reading the blog on and off for years. Since before you had your first son I think. Or maybe just after. I like that in your blog you’re a few years ahead of me in terms of job, kids, age, etc. It feels like I’m peeking into a short-term window to my future. I’m 39, Australian and live in Singapore. I moved here from Sydney eight years ago as a carefree newlywed. We were only coming for two years for an adventure, but we fell in love with living abroad, and even moved to Shanghai, China for three years (where we had our first baby), and then back to Singapore. And now it looks like we’re here for good. Or at least until our three kids finish school (I had two more babies in Singapore. And to be honest, I still can’t quite believe I’m a mother of three?!!). But it’s wonderful and I love that my life is a big adventure.

I live in a condo on the 18th floor with sea views and not enough space, I’m a working mother (I work as chief subeditor for a content marketing company) and I’m a total TV addict. I binge watch everything from Catastrophe to Planet Earth to The Bachelor. I think Sam Heughan from Outlander should be the next James Bond and that Andy Cohen, Ricky Gervais and Michelle Obama would be my dream dinner party guests. And every year I make it my personal mission to watch every Oscar-nominated film (sometimes I go to the cinema three and four times a week in January and February to make this happen, but it’s an important goal and it’s my thing).

In general, I worry about my kids, specifically that I raise them to be kind, smart people that are not spoiled brats. I also worry about my Dad and that he’s lost his way and misses my late mum dearly, even though he’s re-married and seemingly happy. I worry that we can’t afford the holidays I’ve booked for this year and put on the credit card (but that I know will be spectacular and worth every penny). And I worry that life is really starting to pick up speed. Years are racing past and my body is getting older. I should exercise more and eat better but I’m so bloody busy with kids, work, husband, sisters, friends, Instagram, wine, TV, groceries, etc.

Oh and for breakfast today, I had avocado on toast while trying to braid my four year old’s hair and straighten my 3 year old’s tutu. And then I forgot that my 6-month-old baby has started solids (how am I back here again?!!), but I’d left the feeding spoon for the apple puree in the kitchen and I couldn’t be bothered to get up. So I shoved some of my avocado toast into his mouth and told my husband I was experimenting with baby-led weaning. As if he would know what that is?!!

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Jessica

Reply to Mary

January 11, 2017 10:58 pm

Hi Mary, I wanted to send a little note to say your comment was beautifully written – it sounds like you’re living an incredible adventure with your family and it really encourages me to be (quite) a bit more adventurous with my own…and to follow in your footsteps with the Oscar nominated film bingeing!

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Mary

Reply to Mary

January 23, 2017 12:48 am

Thank you Jessica! So kind of you to write that. Adventure can be exhausting, but it’s never boring. And the bingeing is so worth it when the Oscars ceremony comes around. I always feel quite smug knowing that I’ve watched everything and can have an opinionated rant to anyone and everyone if I disagree with the winner!

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Vittoria

January 5, 2017 10:26 am

I’ve been reading CoJ since before Toby, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when since I’ve read everything back to the beginning. I live in Worcester, MA and I’m a nutrition educator at a non-profit farm. I don’t really watch TV, but sometimes I’ll watch Parts Unknown or Chef’s Table. I’m much more into reading, and I recently LOVED First Bite by Bee Wilson which was a fascinating look at how we learn to eat. I’m worried about tangible things I can do to better connect with my community and making my life and friends more diverse. I’m worried about picking one thing to become an expert on so I can build a career (I’m interested in everything!). For breakfast this morning I had huevos rancheros (a la Smitten Kitchen) with black beans, avocado, cabbage claw, and hot sauce.

I love how you have taken the content of a typical magazine but greatly enhanced it by building a community. A short article about great wedding songs is ok, but once where tons of readers chime in with their own songs is infinitely better. My favorite posts are about relationships, psychology, books, house tours, parenting (esp Motherhood around the world!), and first person essays. Thank you for keeping up such an awesome blog!

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Carrie

January 4, 2017 10:29 pm

Hi, Joanna!
This is is a special post (and I think the other readers agree :)) I first visited Cup of Jo in early fall of 2008, during my freshman year at the University of Michigan. It was an odd and lonely time for me, and I remember always feeling such a sense of calm and belonging reading your posts that I couldn’t find elsewhere. (It gave me hope too that you were also a Michigan girl and had made it in NYC! I eventually moved to Brooklyn in 2014 and felt like you had been my own guide & mentor all along.) I’m not one for style or even blogs, but your voice has brought me back week after week for these past eight years and counting. There aren’t many places (internet or real world) where raw, honest conversations can happen, but the special home you’ve cultivated here is one of the few places I–and no doubt many others–consider an oasis. Thank you for being a voice of comfort and strength (especially these past couple of months!) and for opening up your life and heart to strangers like me. What you’ve created is so special and loved.

xoxo
Carrie

P.S. I’ll never forget emailing you asking for recommendations before visiting NYC for the first time as an adult, and you responded! Haha. I was totally star struck and grateful. Pretty sure I spent most of that trip wondering if I’d be lucky enough to run into you on the streets :)

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Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Carrie

January 4, 2017 10:32 pm

oh my gosh, carrie, what an incredibly sweet comment. this made my day. thank you so much.

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Heidi

January 4, 2017 3:18 pm

Oh, man, how long have I been reading CoJ? It feels like forever…maybe 2009? I know it was before Joanna’s wedding(!!) Anyway, I live in Brooklyn in the next neighborhood over (Gowanus) with my husband and 3-year old son. I’m expecting my second son in March/April so of course I live for any post about Toby & Anton – their relationship is so cool and sweet and I hope to use some tips I’ve picked up here with my own little ones. Anyway, I’m nearly through my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and I work with a range of patients with issues ranging from Psychosis to PTSD to Depression and Anxiety as well, so relationship posts and culture are always interesting to me. But lately I’ve been obsessed with the outfit posts, as well as beauty tips bc this mama-student-working woman just doesn’t have time to figure it out myself! xo

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Emma

January 4, 2017 1:21 pm

Hello! Just caught this post and thought it’d be fun to chime in. I’m a 28 year old married New Yorker residing on the Upper West Side. I can’t remember quite when or how I discovered your blog but I know it was during your days of dating Alex. I remember during the summer of 2009, I had a particularly boring internship and got all of the other interns into your blog! I would venture to guess they’re all still reading today! I used to read religiously (i.e. was checking your blog multiple times a day!) but at some point I realized I had an unhealthy obsession with blog-reading in general and made myself cut back to checking a couple of times a week. I still read almost every post! Even the baby ones that don’t have anything to do with me yet! I LOVE your conversational writing style and also love the addition of the posts by others on your team. I don’t think I’ll stop reading anytime soon – thanks for countless hours of enjoyment & positivity!

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Jennie

January 3, 2017 5:41 pm

Loved reading all the comments and just discovered this post due to the holiday one. I’m a midwife living in north east Scotland with my 2 boys 6 and 3 and my hubby. I started reading cup of jo about 3 years ago, I think your boys reminded me of your 2 and the stages we all go through with them. Also the anxiety and nail biting part (haha) and its interesting to see lots of people are going through similar things. Thanks for the laughs and honest content.

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Jess

January 3, 2017 3:42 pm

Can’t believe I missed this post originally! I am 25 and have been reading your blog daily for 2 years. I am a writer for advertising and your blog reminds me of what the best writing does — connects, inspires, and teaches (with humor and a heavy helping of honesty).
Right now, I am scared for the world and my place in it. Should I spend my days comfortably at a job I like or should I push myself to do something better for the world? I teach group fitness and do improv outside of work. I wish I could find a way to unify my dreams. Thanks for making me believe they are possible.

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Bonnie

January 2, 2017 9:08 pm

It’s so cool to read about your followers … such an interesting assortment of people, jobs, cities, etc.

I started reading CoJ about 4 yrs. ago when I was living in Cambodia – your Friday posts are my favorite. Now, I live in the SF Bay Area – I tutor and take classes to become an Educational Therapist.

A while ago you posted about “Watching” (NYT). I checked it out and found a show called Rectify on Sundance. It’s a stunning show and Aden Young is lovely! Before that, I binged on the Good Wife until P.J.C. (Post Josh Charles)

Oh yeah… you also turned me on to podcasts. Thanks!

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elisabeth

January 2, 2017 6:45 am

I’ve been reading your beautiful blog for years. I love to read about strong women, getting different point of views and a bigger horizon. When I read the blog, I sometimes feel like going in to a coffee shop, with women from all over the world on one table, talking together about life and giving advice.
I’m 27 and Austrian. I got married in September to my big love. I studied in the beautiful city of Vienna, work in communications, have four younger sisters, great parents and family. In the moment we are talking about to build a house. We are also talking about family and children. It’s pretty exciting to plan for the family we will be in some years hopefully. In the evenings we sketch house plans, dream about our future and watch netflix. Currently I’m we are whatching Velvet (a series about a fashion designer in Spain during the 1950s).
I love your blog for being a place of comfort in times of sadness and also a place to open your mind. Thank you and your team for all of that.

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Caroline

December 31, 2016 6:34 am

Yep, also found this from your holidays post!
I started reading CoJ this year, I can’t remember how I found you but it was around the time of the UK book release of When Breath becomes Air (which was without a doubt one of my books of the year.) Something about reading CoJ just made me feel better!! So I bookmarked you and now read every week. I particularly LOVE the ‘Have a Great Weekend’ posts!
I currently don’t have a job and don’t live anywhere! My partner (who looks strangely similar to Alex) and I sold up and left London in October to make our way across Russia to Asia using just trains and ferries. So at the moment we’re in Japan, which means for breakfast this morning I had the usual rice! We weren’t happy where we were and needed a big change, so we saved up and left, before other commitments stopped us from doing so. It was so hard to leave, but totally the right thing to do! I’m currently worried about my lack of friends – constantly moving from place to place isn’t conducive to meeting people, and Skype makes home-friendships much harder. I’m hoping the classic South-East Asia backpacker areas will be easier, because friendships are the most important thing!
Hoping that you all had a fantastic Christmas, and that 2017 brings friendship your way. Looking forward to more posts!

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Wren

December 30, 2016 9:37 pm

I also found this post from the holiday break post and so glad I did! What a wonderful community of diverse and amazing women!

I started reading COJ way back in the late aughts when blogs were booming! It was surreal to read about Joanna’s life ticking off big life changes just months before mine did! I especially felt connected to this blog when getting ready for my wedding, which was just a few months after Joanna’s. While I didn’t become a mother as quickly after my honeymoon as Joanna did, I felt much more prepared from poring through the posts about motherhood before my first child arrived. I’m now a couple months away from my second and I’ve been hitting all of the 1-to-2 and sibling rivalry posts HARD.

I have two Master’s degrees, one in counseling psychology and another in genetic counseling and I don’t use either one often, now that I’m a SAHM that works full time from home for an online tech company. I still struggle with maintaining a sense of self while pouring so much into motherhood and walking away from (2) careers that I found really stimulating and fulfilling.

I adore my child and partner, it’s just tough to balance it all, you know? I curse the generation that told women we can “have it all” because I truly think that’s impossible and just makes you feel small and incapable when you can’t do it all.

Favorite things right now are Herbivore Coconut Bath Soak, Deciem skin care, dark chocolate with sea salt, roasted beets, and any extra sleep I can cheat out of the day. Things that are heavy on my mind is mainly just the new administration coming our way on January 2oth and bringing a baby into the world that no longer has the Obamas running it *sniffle.*

Thank you so much for the community, support, and care you’ve put into this little corner of the internet. When so much seems really ugly and harsh, I know I can check in here to lift my wary spirit.

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JAC

Reply to Wren

December 30, 2016 11:14 pm

Like many I also just found this post from the holiday post. I found you, Joanna, when googling depression associated with weaning close to four years ago with my son and have followed you since. I’m a practicing genetic counselor (hope you can find your way back to the field, Wren!) living in the DC suburbs. I have a 4 year old little boy and a 17 month old daughter and have loved reading about Toby and Anton growing up in a city I know very little about. Today’s breakfast was actually delicious lunch tacos with my husband. We don’t watch too much TV because, kids :-)
Favorite things now are pedicures anywhere with good massage chairs, sleep, and watching my daughter become more and more like a child instead of a baby and the mostly sweet (but sometimes sad) knowledge that it will be the last time I witness that transformation as a parent.
Thanks for a great community and blog!

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Katie

December 30, 2016 2:15 pm

Reading all these comments is so inspiring! I can’t believe how far-reaching your readership is. This is a place I always come to because it feels like sitting in a friend’s living room with a group of close pals talking over coffee (or wine and cheese). How amazing it is to have this feeling of closeness with people all over the world. I live in NYC (as a matter of fact, I once saw Alex coming out of a bodega in Carroll Gardens when I was on my way to Lucali, and I may have creeped him out a bit when I did a double-take!), so these comments just remind me that this world isn’t as big and scary as it seems. We all have a lot more in common then we think.

I just searched my email to see when I started reading Cup of Jo. I was bored at work and emailed my girlfriends to ask for blog recommendations, and my friend Sara gave me this one! That was five and a half years ago and I’ve been a regular reader ever since. This blog honestly has helped me get through crappy jobs, breakups, loss, and everything else life throws at you in your mid-twenties to early thirties. I am now 31, and even though I am not married with children, I really enjoy reading the motherhood and relationship posts!

I worry a lot about not meeting someone, getting married, and having children. I sometimes feel like the last single person on the planet (which of course I know is definitely NOT true), but I don’t always know what my identity is if I don’t have those things. I work in finance, have wonderful friends, and am close to my family. I like to read, exercise, go out to eat, and travel. I am very happy but sometimes feel like society still doesn’t know what to make of single women.

I had Siggi’s Vanilla Icelandic Skyr with apricot and pistachio granola for breakfast. I highly recommend this granola from Fresh Direct to all the NYC readers – it’s delicious!

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Amy

December 30, 2016 12:01 pm

Hello! I recently moved back to Chicago from LA, where I lived for 7 years. My husband and I were always at The Ace Hotel during the holidays around the same time you were but I was never lucky enough to run into you so I could thank you! I Have been following your beautiful blog for many years and it has comforted me through my struggle with infertility, miscarriage, carrying and birthing my first boy and then a second boy, going through post pardum depression/anxiety and the loss of a best friend to breast cancer. I have found laughter here, heart warming advice, and a great pair of vacation sandals. My heartfelt gratitude to you for this daily gift… I’m actually on my way out of the house for a baby break with my iPod shuffle full of podcasts! Cheers!

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Michelle

Reply to Amy

January 6, 2017 11:11 am

Skimming through these lovely posts and saw yours. I too just moved back to Chicago after living in New York for 7 years (actually Carroll Gardens BK – kind of neighbors with Jo).

The city has changed so much. How are you finding it!?
ps. Sorry if this comes off slightly stalker’ish?

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Jasmine Irvin

December 30, 2016 10:29 am

I also found this post through your holiday post. I have been reading since close to the beginning of your blog, and it is actually the only blog I read regularly. I love the real-ness.
I am a 35 year old woman who lives in Durham, NC. I am married and have a 2 y/o daughter and an 8 y/o stepson. I work as a psychologist in private practice. I enjoy working with couples of all varieties (many queer and trans folks), as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and relationship issues.
I am also working on a book about relationships, and recently joined a writing group which makes me happy!
I am also a yoga teacher, though haven’t taught as many classes since having a family and my own business. I still like to practice on my own and go to classes. I love reading. The last book I read was The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood. Very captivating and unsettling.
I had a croissant and a coffee for breakfast, which I picked up on the way home from taking my daughter to pre-school.
Looking forward to reading many more wonderful articles from you!

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Kadija

December 30, 2016 10:02 am

Linking back and reading these comments made me want to join in on the fun! I’m a 26 year old breastfeeding counselor and single mama living just outside of Charleston, WV (small town, hometown!). I’ve been reading Cup of Jo for about 7-ish years (gosh, has it really been that long?!) and have really enjoyed the girl talk vibe on everything from deodorant to race conversations with little ones. It’s also been fun watching you, your family, and your team change and grow! Wishing you, your family, and the ladies at A Cup of Jo a very happy New Year! <3

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Mrunmayee

December 30, 2016 3:34 am

Hey Joanna and Cup of Jo family,
I don’t even really remember when I started reading the blog, 7-8 years I think. And this is the only blog of all the ones I had started following at the time, that I’ve still followed.

I live in a big town Pune in India, a software engineer by profession. Married for nearly 3 years now. And lived on and off in the UK and Belgium due to my work. I like to call myself a reader, yet I don’t read as much I’d like to. Currently reading Eileen (it’s way too dark, but I can’t keep it down).
I feel like this blog is my window to all the wonderful women whom I wouldn’t get a chance to meet personally, but know from a far! And I’ve become really really homesick for NYC, because of reading about it here for so long, that’s totally weird considering I’ve never been. Here’s hoping!
Love Cup of Jo, never stop!

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Jackie T.

December 29, 2016 9:13 pm

Hello, Team Cup of Jo!
I’ve been reading since right before Toby was born and I try to check in at least once a week. I can honestly say that this is the only blog I frequent with any regularity!
I am 33, a mother of one sassy, incredible daughter (4), wife of 6 years to my high school sweetheart <3, and a teacher of preschoolers with autism. With such a stressful (but wonderfully rewarding) job and a busy, busy home life, A Cup of Jo is one thing I can call mine. I literally take care of other people from the time I wake up, to the time I finally get my little one to stay in bed. Finding time to read ACOJ is a challenge, but when I do, it makes me remember that I also exist as just ME – as an individual. I love that I can read about cute clothes, amazing products, and what book to read next, but then the next post I can find myself relating to a mother halfway around the world or empathizing with women struggling with (secondary) fertility.
Thank you for creating a space that I can delve into time and time again, even if it's during the 10 minutes I have to myself before I crash into bed.
Best wishes to you all and your beautiful families in 2017
xo Jackie

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Katie McFarlane

December 29, 2016 5:56 pm

Hi Jo,

I hope you and your boys are enjoying your Christmas holiday! It’s summer here in Australia so am missing the cold weather of the UK where I lived for 3 years.
I’ve been reading your blog for 3 years and found it after looking for yummy places to eat in New York, whilst visiting my hubby who was on a work secondment. Loved Hampton Chutney co and Bare Burger and, of course, cupcakes!
Speaking of food, homemade museli with yoghurt and raspberries for breakfast, just eaten ?
I work in a school in the kindergarten with children aged 4 to 5, lots of fun and currently on school holidays.
I love travelling and am grateful to be able to do so.
I live with my Scottish husband, Michael. He is the kindest and loveliest person. We also have a spoilt but cute ratbag of a dog, Pippa ?
I try not to stress over things but little things do worry me at times. Am grateful for the privileged life we lead.

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Jennifer Slattery

December 29, 2016 5:34 pm

I love this post and that people are still commenting!!!! So fun to see the diverse group of readers and hear about their lives.

I am a 35-year old small town lawyer living in Bellingham WA. I have a two year old daughter and I haven’t quite figured out how to develop an exercise routine that works with being a full time working mom – that’s my new year goal.

I’m blessed with a husband who works from home and who can take on a great part of the parenting load while I’m building a practice. We love where we live and hope to make it our permanent home (as we have moved a lot the past 6 years). Bellingham is a crazy mix of college town and outdoors fanatics. With the bay, San Juan islands on one side and the mountains on the other side, there is a lot of beauty. Vancouver is only an hour away which gives me my fix of the city when I am missing NYC.

I began reading Cup of Jo in about 2012 when we moved to NYC. In 2014 I had my daughter and I found your posts about motherhood especially wonderful (especially because buying baby stuff when you live in NYC is so different from my other friends’ experiences and I needed advice about the bare minimum needs for a baby). Jo’s post about breastfeeding and depression helped me tremendously because I knew to wean my baby very very slowly. I still had some depression but it was a lot shorter time period I think because of your information in that post.

My fav part of the blog is Joanna’s openness and vulnerability-you write about feelings I have experienced and this makes me feel like I’m not alone. I love the updates about Toby and Anton and all of the funny things they say.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!!!!

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Madeleine

December 29, 2016 4:21 pm

Hello, I, too, am a late commenter to this thanks to your HH post.
Currently on maternity leave with my second child (4 month darling girl), I have been reading you since waaaay before my beloved son (5) was born. In fact, I think I remember reading about you (Jo) being pregnant with Toby and wondering if it would ever happen to me…
I am also married to an utterly awesome and bearded Alex, so your posts often feel uncannily like we are your London twins.
Love your work; please never stop.

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Yolandi

December 29, 2016 3:40 pm

Dear Joanna
Wow. Such amazing comments. I’ve been reading Cup of Jo for about two (maybe three) years now & have enjoyed every post. I live in George (a coastal town in the Western Cape of South Africa – it is about 4,5hrs from Cape Town) with my husband & toddler boy, Oliver (now 3). I used to be a big city girl from Johannesburg , but moved down to the coast in April 2015.
I’m glad to see you have more readers from South Africa. 
Our TV is mostly occupied by our little guy, so when I have time I watch cooking shows & have also only recently gotten into the Good Wife (which I’m watching online).
My celeb crush is Bradley Cooper. I watched ‘Burnt’ again recently & just fell head over heels once more.
I worry about losing myself & my identity in this phase of my life; I find motherhood extremely hard.
NYC is on my travel bucket list & I’m hoping that I will someday meet you when I visit NYC.
Wishing you a wonderful 2017! xxx

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Julia

December 29, 2016 3:07 pm

Hi, I read about your blog in 2014 in the Swiss newspaper NZZ and from then on followed your interesting posts since they correspond so much with my own experiences. I am a 40 year old German living in Switzerland and Mum of 2 boys age 4 and 7. I am a freelancer journalist and also work with my husband who is coproducing movies. I play the guitar and the piano, love cooking, literature, romantic comedies, hiking and traveling. This morning I had oats with yoghurt and orangejuice, and coffee.
Our sons look actually very much like your sons, the younger is also blond, the older has brown hair. Thank you for all the inspiring articles, Joanna!

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Libertad Vera

December 29, 2016 2:28 pm

I´ve reading cupofjo for several years now, before Toby was born even before you were pregnant, I read you guys almost every day. I became a mother 8 months ago and since then change a little bit the things I read, but ACOJ is always there. I´ve left a comment now and then here.

Greetings from Mexico City, love you guys.

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Jenny

December 29, 2016 9:54 am

Hi!
I just discovered this post (and wonderful, wonderful comments) from your Happy Holidays post.
This year I applied and got in to medical school. It was a bumpy, non-traditional road to this place. I’m a late-twenties woman living in Denver with my dust-bunny-come-to-life dog, Keeper, and my husband who struggles with depression and is an utterly good seed.
I started reading this blog because I loved the style posts about real, stylish, interesting women and, like y’all, I love Madewell.
Thanks for the thoughtful content!

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Anamaria Bermeo Farias

December 28, 2016 10:10 pm

Hey Joanna!

I’ve been reading your blog since almost he beginning! I don’t even remember exactly how I started, but it’s been so long that your blog is definitely a part of my daily life. I do love it though! I’m 28, and there are definitely days when I feel completely clueless as to what I’m doing as I progress further into adulthood. During these moments, I always find myself trying to recall past posts of yours about life whether that be about style, love, family, awkward moments, weddings (speaking of weddings, I just got married this past summer in a walnut grove and definitely referenced all you shared about your wedding during our planning process).

A little more about me… I’m finishing up grad school and will be a librarian in Los Angeles soon (hopefully). My husband and I just moved and got our first place together in what Angelinos call “The Valley,” and it’s been lonely. He’s a UPS driver, so I’ve been doing lots of city exploring solo while on winter break from school. I do have a crazy dog named Odin (like Thor’s dad). I’m currently reading Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance, but I can’t really tell you my favorite book (there are simply too many — librarian problems!)

With avocados only costing about 40 cents right now, breakfast has been consistently coffee and toast with smashed avocados on it. Also, I worry about leaving my dog home alone in a new apartment because he’s a howler. Yikes!

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Emma

December 28, 2016 9:17 pm

this blog was published the day i went on maternity leave (i usually read this blog at work), so i missed it! i can’t even remember how i came across your blog but i have been reading from san francisco for about 2 years. ill never forget the first post i read, it was about your post-partum depression. i loved how real it was and I’ve been reading daily ever since! i also LOVE how positive and informative the comments are (unlike other blogs). i am n attorney with a newborn who loves trashy housewife tv, beach volleyball and interior design. thanks for your work.

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Meghann

December 28, 2016 4:34 pm

I live in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, our home is located within a national forest. I am a human resources specialist for a mechanical contracting company that was built from the ground up by my late grandfather. My sweet boys (4 & 6) fish for minnows in our front yard and attend a quiet Montessori school in town. My husband is an arborist and avid outdoorsman. We enjoy boating, snowboarding, traveling, and Legos.

I have read your blog for at least 6.5 years (before our sons were born) and have a Sonnet James play dress from a giveaway that I absolutely cherish. Cup of Jo is so very relatable and inspiring. Thanks for being so raw and keeping it fresh. Cheers to another year! xo

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I

Reply to Meghann

January 6, 2017 5:38 pm

Woah cool! What does an arborist do?

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Sadie

December 28, 2016 4:27 pm

Hi. :) Just linked back here from your “Have a Wonderful Holiday” post. I missed it somehow! What a cool thing for you to ask your readers. :) I’m a long-time reader of your blog. I cannot recall where or how I found you, though! But yours is the first I go to when catching up on my blogs.

I’m Sadie. 34. From Louisiana, but live in the midwest. Lovely boyfriend, Alex ;), who will be moving in with me in the Spring. Nervous, but excited. He got me a Doctor Who puzzle for Christmas, so we’ll be working on that later this evening, I will be drinking wine, of course, while doing so.

I’m a product photographer for a large, photographic printing company. I want to work somewhere else, though… I’ll leave that there. I started reading Big Magic last night in the hopes of sparking that fire in my belly. Alex is a video game designer, of environments, and his goal is to work for a big developer. When we first started dating, that sort of deterred me, but now the wheels of change are turning and I’m becoming more open to moving somewhere… Especially feeling more secure we have a “future” instead of just daydreaming about it. :)

While I’ve been eating holiday-style the last couple weeks, I’ve kept up with a good smoothie most mornings. Two HUGE handfuls of fresh spinach, 1 cup of berries, 2 cups of almond milk, and 1.5 scoops of protein powder. So yummy and helps me to feel a LITTLE better, getting that spinach in. Although…. I’m subtly trying to convince Alex we should just order in tonight so we have more time for the puzzle….

Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season!! Much love!!

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Adrienne

December 28, 2016 4:24 pm

Hi Jo and Cup of Jo readers,

Grateful for your recent link back to here- I had missed this post entirely.

Hi!

I’m a 36 year old ex-pat living in London for the last 10 years. I moved here for graduate school in the most random of subjects , met my now husband 6 weeks later in a coffee shop, finished school, completely changed careers, got married, had kids and *blink* 10 years later here I am.

I discovered your blog probably 6 or 7 years ago, and then re-discovered it a few years back and really connected with the voice and the subject matters

I worry about a lot of things these days- not dissimilar to others here. I worry about how to raise my two young girls in a world that seems so painful and unforgiving at times. I worry that I’m not doing work that matters, despite loving what I do (I’m a food writer). I worry that the rug will be pulled out from underneath me in a way I can’t even begin to predict or anticipate. I worry that I spend too much time worrying about stuff and not breathing and enjoying and drinking in every drop. You know- the usual :)

Currently reading Big Magic, Breddos Tacos, The Princess & the Giant, and Paperdolls (again with the 2 young girls).

Currently watching Westworld, Gilmore Girls, Elementary and Project Runway.

I so appreciate the thoughtful approach and balance of this website and cant’ wait to see where it goes over the coming years. Congrats and a sincere thank you to all at Cup of Jo!

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Gabby

December 28, 2016 4:21 pm

Gosh I don’t know how I’ve missed this post ! It’s amazing to read all those comments, I guess you’ll still find new details in a few years !
My story with this blog is deeply personal, I’ve had an abortion two years ago, and it was awful, but it was the right thing to do, the thing I needed to do. Afterwards I was down for a few months, I felt incredibly guilty and lonely. Then one day I ended up on your blog and it has helped me so much to read your motherhood posts. I’m still very young (only 23!), but I’ve read them all, and it was such a relief. I kept thinking “this is okay, I’m gonna be a great mom one day”. Thank you so much !

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Wren

December 28, 2016 3:30 pm

Hi there,
I’ve known about Cup of Jo for several years, but it wasn’t until the end of this year that I started checking in semi-regularly in the afternoons (usually the slower part of my days in the office). I’ve really come to take comfort in the intimacy of the posts. Even the ones about bed linens and jewelry giveaways give me the warm and fuzzies. I guess because I have confidence that CoJ is a place that only creates content that they believe will truly touch their readers, whether lighthearted or serious (because both are incredibly substantial components to a good life and I am always finding insights and recipes and films from here I want to incorporate into my own life). I honestly feel like I’m getting good use out of each post and that the writers actually care about their readers, which can’t be said for most websites. I think maybe for 2017, I’d like to try to leave a thoughtful comment on each post you write for CoJ to invest in a community. I’m also going to start my own writing project (www.thecoffeejournals.com, coming the first week of January), so working on community will be an important aspect of that. Thank you so much for starting this blog and to everyone you’ve wrangled in since! I truly love this place. It never fails to make me smile. :)
<3,
Wren

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Bobbi

December 28, 2016 9:32 am

couldn’t resist chiming in with all you youngsters! I’m 64!! Court reporter in criminal court downtown Los Angeles for 41 years. Intense observer. have loved following you since your marriage and pregnancy! I’ve been through it all – reading you, and now in Caretaker Custody (so confining) caring for my 95 year old mother with Alzheimers. What can I say. Life’s a Wild Ride. Love witnessing it with you ~

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Mary Rose

December 27, 2016 10:59 pm

Hi Joanna, I don’t know how I missed this post either! I’m also an avid reader of yours, I think since you were at Glamour mag too – yes, long before the blog-world was a ‘thing’! I initially started reading when I was fortunate enough to win an intership after college at a large design agency on 5th Ave. Being from a small country town in rural Australia, this was a huge deal and I loved reading up online about all things NYC. I ended up subletting a tiny but gorgeous room in Carroll Gardens in 2003 and was forever smitten with the Big Apple. Upon my return from the US, and after a few years working in Melbourne, I moved to the coast for work (and to follow my sweetheart from college!) We were married the same year as you on Nov 28, 2009. It was such a delight reading you wedding posts at this exciting time in our lives. My husband and I have 2 boys, 4 and nearly 2. We live on the surfcoast of Victoria, Australia and I run a small design business from home in between running after the kiddos. Our life event timelines have been very in sync, so I have found so many of you posts completely relatable, inspirational and helpful!! I also savour the opportunity to re-live my time in Brooklyn/Manhattan (I have been back a few times since and have always enjoyed your NYC series of things to do/see/eat!!) Thanks so much for the opportunity to introduce myself. What a wonderful resource you have created and are creating! :D Seasons greetings and love from Australia, Mary Rose x

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Julia

December 27, 2016 8:23 pm

Hi Joanna,

My name is Julia and I discovered your blog in 2009 while I was attending nursing school in Richmond, Virginia (a friend of mine turned me on to your blog). Whenever I would come back from a busy day of clinicals in the hospital I would always destress by reading your blog. I have kept up with it ever since. Since then I have graduated and worked as a pediatric medical nurse at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. I now live in the Bay Area and work in Berkeley, CA as nurse working with patients with depression/anxiety and/or eating disorders and really love the work that I do. I am also working to become certified as a Child Life Specialist.

Currently I am kind of loving the tv show Superstore (binge watching on Hulu) and the new reboot of Gilmore Girls.

I love reading and am currently reading Wildwood. https://www.amazon.com/Wildwood-Chronicles-Book-I/dp/0062024701/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482887679&sr=8-2&keywords=wildwood

Hmm what else… I play the guitar, I love Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Foo Fighters, Ben Kweller and Johnny Cash.

My current worries big or small: I worry my dog is bored, I worry about becoming a parent, I worry about driving through the East Bay “Maze” ), I worry about walking into a patients room who has seriously hurt themselves, I worry about my patients who are not eating, I worry about working too much, I also worry about the possibility of starting to grow a mustache and no one is telling me because they are being polite.

Thanks for all that you do! I love your blog!

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Abby C

December 27, 2016 5:53 pm

These comments are beautiful and it’s so comforting to read how people adore your blog the same way I do. I started reading Cup of Jo when I was in college 8 years ago – today, living in NYC and working in public relations, I still check in on your site every few days, like checking in on an old friend.

I hope you and all your wonderful readers had a great holiday, can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for everyone! xo

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Kara

December 27, 2016 4:54 pm

Hello! My name is Kara and I live by the river in Portland, OR with my husband, 14 month old son Cedar, and our sweet pitbull Galileo. I’m a full time parent and domestic artist. I’ve been reading CoJ since 2009? But much more frequently this year. I think that’s a function of my first year of motherhood and wanting to be protective of my emotional health with regard to content. Even before this horrible election year, the Internet (and any other source of news or ideas or stories, really) seemed to be sliding into a nasty pit of emotionally fraught clickbait. There is always a new reason to rage and wail, it seems, and a thousand reaction posts to it to drive home what a mess the world is. I decided to be a better security guard for my brain. The tone at Cup of Jo is always kind and curious, without being boring. I don’t feel like I had to give up reading interesting things by choosing not to feed the beast. Even stories about hard things, like loss and grief, are treated with such care here. I love Motherhood Around the World and Beauty Uniform, as well as anything about parenting and marriage. I had leftover quiche and gingerbread for breakfast, and today I’m going to henna my hair and write some New Year’s cards. (I always do those instead of xmas or Hanukkah or whatever. It gives me an extra week to do them, and I get to side-step the politics of religious holidays.) Thank you for your voice, and Happy New Year!

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Kirsten

Reply to Kara

January 3, 2017 4:07 pm

Wow, beautifully said! I’m neither a mother, artist nor a wife and live on the opposite coast from you, but I identify completely with your words.

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Elisa Hunter

December 27, 2016 3:42 pm

Hi :)
I am 24 years old, and discovered your blog back in 2008 when i was about to graduate from high school, and this is my first comment ever, i believe. Now I’m about to graduate from College, with a major in psychology. I’m from Guatemala, a small country (but beautiful) next to Mexico, in Central America. I was born here, but I’m an American citizen as well, since my grandfather was from New York. I read your blog all the time, and often talk about it on conversations with friends and family. I remember feeling less lonely when you wrote about depression, as I was so moved reading your post about Trump being elected (cried), and whenever I want to know what’s up (basically) I go back  Thank you for continuing doing this, you feel so many hearts, including mine!

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Kristin O

December 27, 2016 1:16 pm

Hello! I’m Kristin and I’m 29, currently living in Tempe, AZ (a brief stint away from my soulmate city of San Francisco).

I started reading your blog probably 9 years ago now and it’s crazy to think of all the life events you’ve gone through since then and that you’ve shared with us readers. Thank you! I pop in every now and then and always come back if I need inspiration for a gift, destination, or purchase.

I currently work in sales for a food company, but have a burgeoning blog of my own focused on off the beaten path travel destinations, Beyond Ordinary Guides. I’ve been married for 7 years and have two pet rabbits, Cedric and Cleo.

I worry mostly about what I’m doing with my life, if it’s enough, if it’s right, etc. What a wonderful first world problem to have!

Anyway, you are fabulous and your blog is fabulous. Thank you thank you for continuing to share and inspire!

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Maureen

December 27, 2016 12:51 pm

I’ve been reading Cup of Jo since you had Toby I think…another older reader, 55 years old. Live in the suburbs of Chicago, married for 28 years, mother to 3 young adults. Have gotten my daughter and niece hooked on you as well. Have been in sales for educational publishing for 18 years. Just finished binging on The Crown in the 2 weeks before Christmas. Loved it. Trying to keep worries at bay with prayer and yoga. Husband worries about paying off college expenses for our 3 kids, one graduated, two still in. Overall, happy and optimistic!

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Katerina

December 27, 2016 12:11 pm

Hi Joanna! I am Katerina and live in Thessaloniki, Greece, with my husband and two boys, Aris and George (7 and 5). I’ve been reading your blog almost everyday for 2,5 years. As a working mother of two boys I can connect with your stories. I remember how I felt when I was looking for a nanny and I found your post of how to choose one the exact day I was having some interviews…
I really enjoyed your motherhood around the world posts and I am really happy to see that you have women reading this blog from all over the world.
Keep it up!

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Allie

December 27, 2016 10:54 am

Hello! My name is Allie, I’m 29 and a TV news producer who covers politics in my hometown of DC. I just recently moved back here after spending 6 years living in Austin, TX (Hi to my best friend and to my sister who both read your blog religiously and totally know this is me now!) I’ve been reading since before you and Alex got married and truly believe this is one of the only places online where you can consistently find honest, smart, creative writing aimed at/for women. I miss it when I’ve been away for too long! I actually almost left journalism last year when I was accepted into law school. I was so lost but something nagging inside me told me I would hate law school (even though I had thought about applying for years!) I came to your blog, searched “law school” and found you had briefly attended and left to stick to writing. It was an aha! moment for me and made me feel better about my decision. So, thank you :)
Best wishes for a happy 2017! xox

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Megan

December 27, 2016 1:32 am

Hello! My name is Megan and I am 35-year-old educator living in Los Angeles with my husband and 2 rescue dogs (have you ever considered a post about animal welfare and rescue?). I also spend a lot of time in Palm Springs, since my parents retired there 10 years ago. In fact, I was there during Christmas this year, too :) I have been an avid reader of your blog for the past 7 years. I used to read it from time to time, and now I read it every night before bed. I absolutely adore the content and overall feel of the blog. It is warm, inviting, mature, but never dull. I always find something new, relevant and exciting to share with friends. My husband and I recently experienced a miscarriage after 2 years of fertility challenges, and one of the first places I went for comfort was your blog. I searched “miscarriage” and found the post where 3 women shared their stories of loss. At the loneliest time of my life, your post gave me so much comfort. Thank you.

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Maria

December 26, 2016 9:43 pm

I can’t remember when I discovered A Cup of Jo… long before Toby was born, definitely. I’ve been a daily reader from the very first day and, despite my mom is not really into the whole Internet thing, she knows who I’m talking about when I say your name.
I was quite young when I started reading you, I guess 15 or 16 years old, and so I can say I’ve been a little ‘shaped’ by you over the years. I’ve gone from a teenager to young adult having you as one of my role models! How couldn’t I?

I am from Mallorca, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean. I’ve studied Psychology but at some point I realised that what I really wanted to do was something creative and online. Still trying to figure it out. I am surprised how I’m not biting my nails yet… Also, I’ve lived in Paris for one year and now that I’m back at home, even with these breathtaking sea views that we have, I can only think of how could I find my way back to la ville lumière.

Yesterday I celebrated Christmas with my parents, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins…everyone!! and we ate the typical Christmas dishes: stuffed pasta soup (you can Google “galets de nadal” if you’d like to see) and roast suckling pig. Then, turrón and nougat candy. After this big feast, we went for a necessary three hours hike in the countryside. Some children brought their bikes, scooters and even dogs. We were back home so tired and hungry that we brought out the chocolate, made some coffee and watched the very same movie we’ve seen together this day for as long as I can remember.

Now I’m looking forward to New Year’s Eve in London and I’ll take advantage of the two and a half hours long flight to catch up on Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic.

Happy New Year, Joanna. Warmest wishes for you, your beautiful family and this wonderful community. xo

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Leigh-Ann

December 26, 2016 2:43 pm

Hi,

I have been a regular reader since 2011 when planning a trip to NY and found your travel guide. I am 42 and live in Cape Town, South Africa. I have an almost 11 year old and 3 year old ‘big boy’.
I enjoy do many of your posts due to them being relevant to my life and you offering a window into others! I am getting married to my part of 5 years in March so and exciting 2017 as we then head off to live in Orleans, France for a year!!
My eldest son loves a banana smoothie for breakfast- so that is what I have most days…. xxx

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Sandra

December 26, 2016 12:55 pm

Hi there. I am your …. what you might call “out of your age range” reader. :)! wife.mom.55.prekteacher.daughter.sister.aunt. I have only traveled to NY – once. (Loved loved loved it.) 4 years ago for a “all girls trip” with my daughter,sisters, and nieces. Did I mention I LOVED it? I do want to re-visit NY in the winter time – we were there in July. So —- reading your words and seeing pics – I feel as if I do go back. :) Thank you.
Biggest worries: My family’s health. My husband suffers from anxiety. I celebrate each good moment and each day. Also in my extended family -too much cancer. I pray for a cure every every day.
My favorite movie – You’ve Got Mail. Watched it last night for the gazillionnth time. :) If you ever want to do a story on …. PreK teacher in Texas who LOVES reading Cup of Jo. I am your gal. he he. Thank you for sharing your talent.
PS because of you. i started a blog. only 3 entries since june. blogging is hard work.

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B.

December 25, 2016 3:07 pm

Hi Joanna, I’ve been here for a while (6-7 years) and I keep reading you on a regular basis. So do a couple of my friends what we realized some time ago when I was living for NY telling them that one of my favoutite bloggers claimed it was easy to recognize tourists in NY and how to not look like them. They immediately knew it was your blog :) It was funny as we never talked about this place and also comforting as we all have a lot in common although we share different life styles. I live in Europe, don’t have kids, travel a bit here and there and enjoy my single life. I love a number of topics you share here – starting with beauty uniforms and house tours. And this is the first post when I read all the comments. You have fantastic readers, I’m truly amazed. Keeping writing and all the best to you all in 2017!

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Magdalena

December 25, 2016 2:06 pm

Hi Joanna and the team :) I’ve been reading your blog since around you met Alex, I guess. Quite a while when you think about it! I never commented though!

I’m 32, Polish living in Bergen, Norway with my Slovakian husband, so your motherhood around the world series is very dear to me. I also have 2 boys. Anton (born 2months before ‘your’ Anton) and Stefan born this past August.

All your ‘family and kids stuff’ on the blog is a must read for me. I like how you incorporate all the personal stories and references into the site, it makes your blog very special I think.

The community here is also remarkable. I almost always read the comments even if there are so many of them, they are so great!

on 99% of the days I eat porrigde for breakfast. currently I love ‘This is us’. I like Fargo series as well. Also I love your documentary movies recommendations.

The best coffee cake you will ever have is really THE BEST!

There so much to write but I don’t wont to spam :)

Thank you very much and all the best!

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Mlisska Hubert

December 25, 2016 12:05 pm

Hi Jo! Another reader from Johannesburg, South Africa ;-)
I love reading your blog, and this post is one of the best examples of why! You have a profound gift of drawing an incredible mix of women and exuding a warm, welcoming space.
In fact, your post on Who Initiates Sex ( http://cupofjo.com/2016/08/initiating-sex/ ) and, in particular, the readers comments pushed me to finally begin my own blog. But then a while later another post popped up where you randomly mentioned meeting readers and the way everyone responded to that! wow!
Truly – that is where my passion lies – getting women together.The topics can be a deep or meaningless or random, but the alchemy when women gather and get talking, well, thats how I want to spend my days.
I look forward to seeing more of this on the blog and hearing about actual events to facilitate meeting face-to-face!

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Joanna Tsay

December 25, 2016 3:25 am

How did I miss this post? I’ve been an avid daily reader for the past three years or so. I think I came across your blog quite a while ago, sometime in my 20s, but your blog has resonated so much more with me in my 30s. My name is Joanna and I’m originally from TX but now I live in Northern CA. I’ve probably made all your “Best…You’ll Ever Have” recipes you’ve posted (a lot of times now if I don’t know what to make, I Google “Cup of Jo [ingredient]”), plus many more, and last year when I had a baby, I just bought everything from your recommended registry list. My husband, sister and close friends must tire of me referring to your blog for…anything and everything, really! I am a violin teacher but mostly I take care of my little son, and this year I’ve been into sci-fi TV like Stranger Things, Orphan Black, Black Mirror, and Westworld. The first crush to come to mind is John Mulaney. Things I’m excited about for the new year- I’m going to try a juice reboot, take more teacher training, and try for a second kid. I worry all the time whether or not my living is one that is a good pattern to my son. My favorite breakfast is PG tips with a bit of coconut sugar and milk, and grainy toast with natural peanut butter like Justin’s or Laura Scudder’s. Thank you for your wonderful blog, yours is the only one I read daily. Happy new year!

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Marilyn

Reply to Joanna Tsay

December 26, 2016 4:36 pm

I have a crush on John Mulaney too! Good thing he reminds me of my husband in the personality department. Happy Holidays!

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Erin

December 25, 2016 2:51 am

Hi Jo and the team, I’m an humanitarian aid worker who has lived abroad for the past 6 years in places such as Iraq and Turkey. I often see the worst of humanity through my work, but reading your blog daily always gives me hope and makes me feel closer to home (Ohio). Thank you so much for important work! xoxo, Erin

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Liane Campbell

December 25, 2016 1:35 am

Hello! I’m a pediatrician living and working in southwestern Tanzania and love Cup of Joe. It’s been so wonderful to read the past several years and your post-election posts have been so insightful and optimistic. Thanks for such a great mix of posts.

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Annalily

December 24, 2016 8:48 pm

After a long day at the Anthropologie Home Office- where I design interior displays for stores, after a few hours of playing with my sweet toddler, after dinner is over and cleaned up and I have maybe one precious hour to myself before it’s time for bed, I love to curl up on the couch and find your blog. As of this past year, it’s the only one I routinely look at and keep returning to- I love so many of the posts- from the real interior tours, the funny or poignant links you’ve found and your personal musings… I especially love your motherhood around the world series. My sister has lived in Sri Lanka for 4 years with her daughter and husband- its fascinating to me to learn about others traditions and routines. Thank you for being so open-hearted and down-to-earth, for providing a sweet escape, and for cultivating this beautiful community. Happy 2017 to all! Peace, love and joy! xo
PS TV I loved this year: ‘Stranger Things’ ‘The Crown’ ‘Westworld’ ‘The Get Down’. I had crepes for breakfast today. I am worried about the state of our nation and the world in general- having a child makes me even more concerned but also helps me so much to live in the moment and enjoy the simplest pleasures in life.

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Hannah

December 24, 2016 3:02 pm

Like someone said above, thanks for reposting the link!
I’m a 24 year old and bookmarked your blog LONG ago, when I first learned about blogs. Someone had posted in an article, but the funny thing is I didn’t really actually ever read it. Then in the last 5 years I came across it again, and fell in love. It was fun for me as I got to read tons and tons of blogposts and when I finally caught up I was sad that I would only get to read one new post a day ;)
I started reading in uni in San Diego, from there I’ve moved to France, back to Indiana, and now I’m in New Zealand. I keep coming back to this blog to read – it’s just so real, it hasn’t changed like a lot of other blogs that I used to read – which have changed with getting tons of sponsors, I felt it kind of ruined the realness that it used to be. But not here!!! Thank you for staying true to your brand! The community at Cup of Jo is really special, there’s not many places where you get excited to read the comments section and see what other women are saying.
More about me – I am starting an office job here in two weeks, and from here I think I’ll move to Australia later next year once I save some money. Celebrity crush Joseph Gordon Levitt or Bradley Cooper or Andy Samberg. :)

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Reg

December 24, 2016 1:06 pm

I’ve been reading your blog since your courtship with your husband. Lol. Long time! It’s the one space on the internet I keep returning to. I think it’s because you’re very thoughtful, open and constantly evolving. I’m a hapa military brat currently living in D.C. I work in adult education for immigrants and refugees. I’ve moved three times, got married and had a baby since I’ve started reading your blog. I’ve been worried about the future of country. It’s been pretty hopeless, but I think it’s an important time for us to stand up and speak out against hate. On that note… thanks for all you do!

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Shelley

December 24, 2016 11:36 am

Hi! I love this post so much – thank you for putting up a link as I missed it the first time. I am 35 and live in Charleston,SC. I found your blog four years ago. I had just moved across the country from Portland,Oregon to New Orleans to start graduate school…with a four month old. I was a daily reader for years, ,mostly late at night – this was a sanctuary of encouragement and positive perspective during a very challenging time of my life. Sadly, the demands of my job have made me bi weekly reader as of late. I look forward to catching up on your posts though, they never disappoint. You definitely helped me through the recent disappointing and devastating election. Thank you for the support, the articles, the daily uniform posts and mothering around the world. And thank you for letting all of us into your lives. I grieved with you at the loss of Paul, his book was amazing and your sister equally as incredible as you. Wishing you the happiest of holidays and all the best in the New Year!

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Jennifer

December 24, 2016 10:14 am

Hi, I’m 43 and live near Portland, Oregon with my partner Andrew (been together 9+ years and in no rush to officially tie the knot). We moved out here from Washington, DC one year ago for my job. We both grew up in the Philly ‘burbs. No kids but one fantastically adorable golden retriever puppy. I’ve had several twists and turns in my career and wouldn’t have it any other way. Your design and decor posts, especially house tours, are my faves. I love your content for its honesty and thoughtfulness. Thanks for always keepin’ it real. Happy Holidays!

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Becky

December 24, 2016 9:14 am

As-Salaam-Alaikum to everyone in the Cup of Jo community! I intend to read every comment – it’s SO awesome getting to know all of you fantastic people. What I like best about the blog….that Cup of Jo brings together people from every corner of our world – connecting each of us to the kindness, hope, struggles and joy we all face. Multi-cultural perspectives….rock on! I’m Becky from Charleston, S.C., born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where we lived with my family as ex-pats. I’m a writer, mommy to two young girls and peacemaker. Cheers to all ~ wishing you full hearts and open minds. Off we go!

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Erica

December 24, 2016 8:15 am

Hi Jo. I’ve been reading this blog since my daughter was born, just around the time that Toby was born, so I’ve enjoyed watching him grow up and recognizing so much of what it is to be that age (whatever age he’s at). I’m originally from St. Paul, MN and I now live in Brighton, England, so the Motherhood around the World Series especially speaks to me, as do your many trips to visit your English relatives. I’m not sure how I would describe myself…I’ve done lots of different things, lived lots of different places. A restless spirit, I guess. Hope your family has a very peaceful and restful holiday season. Thanks for the blog.

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Elissa

December 24, 2016 8:11 am

Hi! Was just checking out your end of year review and saw this post in the link pack; not sure how I missed it first time! I’ve been visiting Cup of Jo for probably 6 or more years now and have enjoyed every single post; honestly, I can’t really remember how I stumbled upon your site at this point. I also went back and read from your very first entry when I worked a lot of overnight shifts. I live in Blacksburg, VA and manage a small, privately-owned boutique hotel (I have been reading Cup of Jo since I worked front desk). I love all of your entries about feminism/career advice (and pass them along to all the young college ladies I employ). I have now purchased a Leesa mattress on your recommendation as well as a couple Everlane anoraks. My favorite posts on the site have to do with beauty uniforms and parenting around the world, even though I’m not a mother. Every post seems to resonate with me, personally, somehow, and I think that’s why I continue to be an avid follower. When I lost my dad a couple years ago, you posted some about grief due to your brother-in-law’s sudden passing. I really felt for your sister and the entries you posted really helped me know I wasn’t alone. Thank you for years of entertainment, advice, and just being there. Cup of Jo is one of the things I can count on to make me smile everyday and I can’t stop recommending it to everyone I meet!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you, Alex, and those two adorable reindeer you call Toby and Anton!

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Shelley

December 24, 2016 7:25 am

Hi Jo, I’ve been reading you for the past 3-4 years. I love your Saturday morning posts as well as your ‘motherhood around the world series.’ I’m 55 years old from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. We’ve been here 6-7 years and I feel like I had to start life over after having spent much of my adult life in Nova Scotia (where I had a billion friends and networks)! After growing up in Saskatchewan, I studied/worked my way across the country. I’ve been a teacher, musician, librarian, and lawyer but now am ‘p-retired’ and enjoying whatever whims come my way. I have been married for the past 19 years to a widower (who had three young children), so that is my main identifier these days. One thing I have learned about life is that it’s always changing!! Breakfast – coffee (brought to me in bed) and boring steel cut oats. Television – Scandinavian detective thrillers and British series of all kinds. Five words to sum up? ‘Music is my lifelong companion.’

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Angele

Reply to Shelley

December 27, 2016 1:37 pm

Eek a fellow Canadian
Hi From Whitby!
xo

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Ashley

December 24, 2016 5:47 am

I am from Memphis, TN and I have been reading for 5 years. A friend of mine turned me onto this page when I lived in Miami. When I moved to Memphis, I was telling my new co-worker about the page and she gasped and said she knew you and had gone to high school with you and followed too!
I have followed this blog before I had kids and now I have two young children. I appreciate the various content that has really applied to me in multiple life stages. Your article on post-pardom really spoke to me and I love the posts about conversations with your boys. I also can’t get enough of your posts about apartment/home tours- maybe you’ll cover one in Memphis someday!

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Steph

December 24, 2016 12:34 am

Better to comment late than never, right? :)
I’m from Western Australia and have been reading your blog since university, now a working as a doctor (i.e. have been reading a long time!) but on maternity leave for baby #1 due imminently. Your blog is probably the only one I’ve continued reading for this long… where others come and go depending on life stage, I feel like yours is relevant no matter what I’m up to :) My favourite series has to be Parenting around the world, but I also love the simple posts where you just link to heaps of cool things!!

I am currently preoccupied with my baby’s arrival, but other than that am just trying to focus on being a happy and positive influence in my own life & family, because the bigger world seems too scary to think about at the moment.

Merry Christmas to everyone reading these comments (Say farewell to an hour or so!)

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B

Reply to Steph

December 25, 2016 8:30 am

Ooohh hello Steph! I’m in Perth! WA represent ;) hahaha Merry Christmas!

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Diane

December 23, 2016 11:31 pm

I have been reading your blog since Toby was a little baby and truly love its varied content, and positive encouragement to women everywhere. I am a 59-year-old, ex-pat Canadian who lives in Stockholm and teaches high school English. I’ve raised a son, and your blog reminds me of the joys of mothering a small boy. I can also relate so well to all the travel and parenting abroad posts, as well as recognize many of the dilemmas the young women in my classes face in the articles. Thank you for all the inspiring articles!

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Kristen

December 23, 2016 11:03 pm

Hi,

I’m 20, from Canada and have been following this blog for 3 years. It feels comforting and warm, and gives me hope for what the next 10 years of my life will bring :)

Love,

Kristen

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Shannon

December 23, 2016 9:30 pm

Hi! I’m 29, a teacher, living near San Francisco. I’ve read your blog on and off for a while and I love it. You have great content, but more importantly I feel like you are modest about your life and really thoughtful in sharing your ideas. Thanks for your inspiration and Happy holidays!!

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Lauren

December 23, 2016 7:07 pm

Hi Jo (in my mind we are friends),
Been reading cupa since before you were married and feel like I know you like a real mate. It’s actually a little sad sometimes when I check in with you and realise life is moving so fast with evidence of you and your 2 boys. how on earth did that happen? Anyways life is good and can’t wait to watch is all unravel.
Love,
Lauren.

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