Have a Great Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are driving upstate with friends to stay in this barn. I’m so psyched and am crossing my fingers that there will be a few orange leaves on the trees. Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around the web…

How to wake up without an alarm.

Am I the last person to discover magic cakes?!

We just put up this spooooky Halloween decoration, and the boys could not love it more.

Digging these illustrations.

How to get dinner on the table.

A simple dress (with flirty shoulders) for date nights.

The sweetest walk to school.

What a cool fashion week round-up.

An awesome interview with Sara Blakely of Spanx fame, who incidentally is the youngest self-made female billionaire. What a rock star!

This movie trailer looks good.

This is chilling. #imwithher

Also, I just have to say, thank you so much for the awesome, smart, funny comments, as always. Here are two I thought I’d share:

From Ramsey: “Regarding the Crappy Dinner party, a woman I know who has three kids and is a big-deal judge (hence, a very busy lady) was at work one day feeling sad about not seeing her friends much anymore, so she thought, ‘What the heck?’ and sent out an email to a ton of friends that just said: ‘Party at my house tonight, 7 p.m.’ Forty people showed up! Wine and pizza, messy house, who cares? They had a blast. I forget if she checked with her husband first, haha.”

From Amanda: “My dad always advised, ‘Never complain, never explain.’ I think it’s important to always be a force of positivity in the workplace — big energy, humor, and kindness. The ‘never explain’ part means (to me, anyway) to always take in criticism and use it to your advantage. Resist the urge to explain why you did something a certain way. It doesn’t matter, except to your ego. Just take in the criticism and learn from it. Don’t take it personally.’

(Photo by Stella Blackmon.)

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kajal

October 28, 2016 2:53 am

its delicious

Betsie

September 26, 2016 1:12 pm

I know you’re not trying to turn your comments section into every other part of the internet with your HRC plugs, but I just want to say that I commend you for taking a stand and making it clear who you support!

I wish there was a way to continue challenging the anti-Hillary narrative. Instead of looking at her long career in politics and calling her power-hungry and conniving, you could tell a different narrative – one about a woman who has wanted to be the president from the time she was very young, and has dedicated her life to achieving that goal. She has worked hard to make the connections and develop the skills needed to do the job well, and has promoted better livelihoods for women, children, and families all along the way. As long as I’ve been alive, little girls have been told they can be president if they want to be- but do we mean it?

Elizabeth

Reply to Betsie

September 26, 2016 5:31 pm

With lots of respect for others personal opinions and politics, please do not do a profile on Hillary Clinton unless you plan on balancing it with a counterpoint. I am a black woman and will never forget her calling our CHILDREN “super predators” and saying they need to be brought “to heel.” Trump’s language towards women is terrible but they are adults – it is astonishingly cruel to call children names. Absolutely correct that women have been told they can’t for so long be leaders and symbolically it would be significant to have a woman president – however I don’t think the women under the bombs launched by the US or Saudi Arabia (who received a record-breaking arms sale from the state department after 25+ million dollars in Clinton Foundation donations) feel the same. Please don’t use the Supreme Court argument either after seeing her DNC Platform pics (lobbyists for fossil fuels, weapons, Wall Street, and insurance/pharmaceutical industries). I know some people love her, but please respect your readers enough to be aware of significant policy and accountability issues we have with her.

Laura Mitbrodt

September 26, 2016 12:29 pm

I have never heard of this magic cake either!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

Diana

September 26, 2016 10:08 am

Here’s the trailer to Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the best movie I’ve seen in a long time! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dPaU4Gymt3E

Kristin

September 25, 2016 6:30 pm

That work advice from Amanda–never complain, never explain–is so spot on and something I need to remember as a newb in my law career.

Linda

September 25, 2016 5:10 pm

I am not for Trump or Hillary. They both have said and done so many awful things. I have had to tell my children not to emulate either of their behaviors. I am so sad for America. We can do so much better than this. When you interview people for a position and you don’t find anyone with integrity, capable of handling the job, you look at more applications. I wish
America would do that for the most important job in the country.

gina

September 25, 2016 5:00 pm

your pics always have my mouth watering!! pizza looks delish http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/something-to-look-forward-to.html

Betty Jordan Wester

September 25, 2016 3:34 pm

I can’t get over this election being a choice between Voldemort and Dolores Umbridge.

And yes, I’m Liberal.

Ana

Reply to Betty Jordan Wester

September 27, 2016 8:10 am

I LOVE this :)))))))

September 25, 2016 1:45 pm

I keep having nightmares about Trump and I don’t even live in the US. It is astonishing to me that someone like him is in contention for the Presidency. Not even in contention – honestly, I think he is going to win. How is this even possible? How is a foul-mouthed sexist reality show hick who inherited his wealth and privilege just a few steps away from the White House? I have so much respect for American democracy but this… it blows my mind. Thank you, Jo and team, for keeping alive my sliver of hope that he might not get there.

Molly

September 24, 2016 10:39 pm

Nope – Hillary.
Funny how there has to be something about promoting Hillary every Friday on here. No, thanks.

Sara

Reply to Molly

September 25, 2016 1:40 pm

Thank you for your Hillary posts!! Trump is so heinous and #imwithhertoo.

Sophie

Reply to Molly

September 26, 2016 1:30 pm

It’s a good thing that someone who has influence – like Jo does – promotes her stance on the most important election in our history. Oh yeah, and it’s her right, as well.

Courtney

September 24, 2016 6:49 pm

I was so happy to read the “getting dinner on the table” tips. My 10 month old was diagnosed with life threatening allergies to several things a few months ago. I love to cook and bake and go out to eat and so much has been taken away from us (worth the exchange, I assure you). It always feels like food stuff no longer applies to us but this list was full of things that were relevant! I loved it.

Aleksandra

September 24, 2016 4:09 pm

I am a lifelong snoozer. I should try the waking up at same time all the time but honestly, I just love that snooze button.

Plus that dress is lovely!

Trish O

September 24, 2016 3:08 pm

The new Clinton ad really illustrates the type of person Trump is. I am the mother of two teen sons and I don’t want them to ever think the type of behivor to any person is even a little bit ok.

I AM with her. But I am not just with her because I feel Trump is so bad for our country. I support Clinton because I believe she is going to be a great president. I’m with her because I believe she is strong. I’m with her because I believe she is smart. I’m with her because she is pragmatic. I’m with her because she is tenacious. I’m with her because she is compassionate. I’m with her because she is experienced. I am proud to vote for HRC this November.

Sara

Reply to Trish O

September 25, 2016 1:41 pm

Love it! Me too! None of these “lesser of two evils” comments. She has always been my choice.

Peppermint Dolly

September 24, 2016 12:17 pm

You always do such great lists!! I love these posts :-)

Rxx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com

Sarah Brasher

September 24, 2016 9:55 am

My family and I have stayed at that same barn and it is amazing!! You will love it!

KTMB

September 24, 2016 7:58 am

Trump – that was then and this is now. We need unity in our country and I fear more for the safety of our girls in the streets- police not having training or respect, terrorists, sexual assault etc. than a future President that was not and continues to not be PC. Check out Ivanka if you think Trump thinks women have no brains.

Is this all HRC has got? Who is HRC? She is plagued with lies and scandal. Ca she keep our country secure with so much distraction?At least you can say Trump is honestly who he is.

Thanks CupofJo – I know your liberal and I respect your voice. I’d just like to voice the other side of the penny.

Courtney

Reply to KTMB

September 24, 2016 6:47 pm

I’d be a lot happier if Ivanka was on the ticket ;-)

karen

Reply to KTMB

September 24, 2016 9:56 pm

There is no other side of the penny. It is a white supremacist who has called for the assassination of his opponent on multiple occasions vs. a 40 year public servant who just happens to rub you the wrong way.

And Ivanka–she is the definition of being born on third and thinking she got a triple.

Courtney

Reply to KTMB

September 26, 2016 9:41 am

Yeah, you’re right, you can say who Trump is. He’s a liar (how much he makes, how much he gives). He is a racist. He is a misogynistic buffoon. He’s incredibly thin skinned. He is reactionary. And, I think he has small hands.

KTMB, the other side of the penny isn’t making much sense these days. I am getting so tired of reading things claiming, “so what, he’s not PC…that’s what I’m looking for.” Sometimes, the opposite of something isn’t so desirable either…

Stephanie

Reply to KTMB

September 27, 2016 4:18 pm

Distraction? Hillary doesn’t get distracted, certainly not by the “lies and scandals” imagined by the far right for the last 30 years.. It’s your boy who looked like a coke fiend at the debate last night and admits he doesn’t know much about NATO. Sure Ivanka seems poised, but a father’s (creepy) adoration hardly negates a lifetime of misogyny toward women who aren’t his blood relatives.

Anna

Reply to KTMB

October 2, 2016 11:51 am

So you’re willing to let Trump’s bygones (even the ones he keeps doing/saying up until, like, last minute?) be bygones, but not Clinton’s? How much of a hypocrite are you?
And he isn’t “PC”? When did being a decent human being become politically correct? You’re seriously willing to overlook Trump’s failings – and they are plentiful! – because you hate HRC so much?
Ivanka? You mean the woman that couldn’t even handle a Cosmo* interview without resorting to sound like a little spoiled kid like her father? No thanks!

*Yes, Cosmopolitan, this shining pillar of investigative journalism. Go, Cosmo, I salute you.

Hannah Banana

September 24, 2016 1:43 am

Oh my goodness, that HRC ad is pure horror. I don’t even have children and can’t imagine explaining Mr. Trump.
#Imwithher and all that she stands for. Protecting women’s rights across the board, I can’t imagine being a woman and NOT behind her, so much to worry about from the other side!

mai

September 24, 2016 1:13 am

I’m not in favor of the “Don’t complain don’t explain” quote. That seems so wrong to me. If you don’t like something – say this and ask for a change. There is absolutely no need to just hold it in, in the name of putting on a big (fake) smile. I also agree w a previous commenter that it’s a good thing to explain bc it alleviates future recurring misunderstandings! I personally feel honesty is the way to go in the work place. It needs to stay professional, but it should be honest.

Emily M.

September 24, 2016 12:13 am

Never heard of magic cakes either, and am now wondering how that is possible if they are as popular as that article makes it seem. Saved a bunch of those recipes–totally intrigued and can’t wait to try them out!
Great links, as always.

Erin @ Her Heartland Soul

September 23, 2016 11:44 pm

I’m SO with her!

Amanda

September 23, 2016 9:40 pm

I didn’t think I could feel more sad and scared about this election, but that Clinton ad is deeply disturbing. I understand that everyone has their own reasons to support or disagree with certain policies. But just on a human level, that man cannot be the leader of our country.

Andrea

September 23, 2016 8:25 pm

Briefly lived in Saugerties on the Esopus Creek – lovely Hudson Valley town (great antidote to the more popular Rhinebeck). Be sure to drop in to the Dutch Tavern on Main Street – haven’t been there in a long time but they had the most AMAZING garlic stuffed cheeseburger on the menu. Hikes out to the lighthouse were also a favorite activity and they used to have Saturday night antique auctions on Main with dollar hotdogs. Great small town memories – I hope you have fun! Enjoy!

Julie

September 23, 2016 8:10 pm

Oh, magic cakes look like heaven!
I loved the article about how to get dinner on the table. I fall into the trap of overcomplicating things and starving while waiting for my food to cook, then I end up eating unhealthy things in the meantime.

Heather

September 23, 2016 8:07 pm

I’m very conservative when it comes to politics and I’m definitely not “with her”, but, wow, that is a powerful ad. I have no daughters (I have two boys and one more boy on the way), but I’m just as concerned for my sons to see such misogyny. There is no way I could ever vote for Trump with a clear conscience. He is disgusting. #NeverTrump.

Also, thanks for the magic cake link! I’d never heard of them either!

Lauren

Reply to Heather

September 26, 2016 9:49 am

Thank you Heather. I am also somewhat conservative on a lot of issues but he disgusts me.

shannon

Reply to Heather

September 30, 2016 10:09 am

Thank you for posting this. I have been so saddened to see so many conservative family and friends defending Trump. I respect political differences and I understand that we may not always agree on policy. But as someone mentioned above, this is beyond policy – it is about humanity. I can not comprehend anyone supporting this man for president.

Kate

September 23, 2016 8:06 pm

I live in Kingston, about 15 minutes from Saugerties! We’re a very fun place to visit, too. Forsyth nature center (you can feed the animals) is cute and there’s a playground. Smogasburg is down by the local beach, but you have one in Brooklyn! Kingston Rotary park is great for picnics. Enjoy your time upstate. ps – this is a blog I write with my 16 year old step-daughter feauturing my one year old son. :)
http://www.lovekateandella.com/

emanuella

September 23, 2016 7:48 pm

The miss moss fashion week roundup? AMAZING!!!

Eden

September 23, 2016 5:10 pm

I like it when a coworker explains! That way we figure out where the misunderstanding was and prevent it from happening in the future. The book “Difficult Conversations” provides really good guidance on how to navigate those situations.

Nadine

September 23, 2016 4:46 pm

Thank you, as always – love the Friday posts, but especially glad to see Miss Moss. Wish there were more to enjoy!

Priscilla

September 23, 2016 4:37 pm

I live in Saugerties and I’m glad you’re coming!

Jamie

September 23, 2016 4:28 pm

#jillnothill
Unfollowing your blog now.

Laurie

Reply to Jamie

September 23, 2016 11:30 pm

Well, I’m EXTRA following this blog now! Just try not to mess up the Supreme Court for the rest of us with your vote. Thanks to COJ for giving Hillary some props!

Danielle

Reply to Jamie

September 24, 2016 12:28 am

I never understand when people do this. You’ve been following this uplifting lifestyle (read: not political) blog for who knows how long and you unfollow at the first sign of a conflicting political opinion. Can we not respect people who disagree with us? Please help me understand.

Also, I wish we had a legitimate 3- or 4-party system, but we don’t, so a vote for Jill Stein is a vote for Trump. So if that’s what you’re into, cool, but if not, maybe wait to take a moral stand in 2020 when perhaps you won’t be helping elect a sociopath? I love Jill Stein, but I think the stakes are too high to vote on principal rather than on practicality.

Sara

Reply to Jamie

September 25, 2016 1:45 pm

Seriously. Do not get the Stein or Johnson vote either. Don’t hand this election to Trump while trying to make a statement. We will all pay for it if this horrible person becomes president and appoints several Supreme Court Justices. Your “political statement” won’t do you any good then.

Stephanie

Reply to Jamie

September 27, 2016 4:19 pm

Have fun Nadering all over this election. Hopefully you live in California so your vote doesn’t matter– too many of the rest of us are sane.

shannon

Reply to Jamie

September 30, 2016 10:12 am

how privileged you must be that essentially electing trump doesn’t terrify you to your core. i’m all for taking a stance, but this is certainly not the election for that.

Denise Thomas

September 23, 2016 4:22 pm

PS// That barn?!?
Sure hope to see a post about your weekend.

thedailyweekly

September 23, 2016 4:07 pm

This is one of my classic reading before I start my weekend!!!

Thanks for this tonic!

http://www.thedailyweeklyblog.com

Elizabeth

September 23, 2016 3:59 pm

Agree that trump’s rhetoric against women is terrible but so is slandering the women your husband sexually abused (referring to them as narcissistic looney toons and trailer trash). Everyone should support whoever they want to support politically but it is incredibly difficult for women who have been sexually abused and slandered afterwards (which is not uncommon) to see praise thrown at hillary clinton who did just that. I hope it’s something you consider when posting (love the content aside from this).

Anamaria

September 23, 2016 3:31 pm

That Clinton ad certainly IS chilling. Trump is in no way the president I want for my daughers– or anyone else. He is pretty sickening, honestly.

I am very discouraged, however, as Clinton is also not the president I want for my two daughters (or anyone else). In terms of an example of female strength and unity, a woman who calls other women– women seduced by her own husband– liars, in order to gain power for herself and her family, is NOT the example I want. Nor is a woman who, it is looking more likely, illegal deleted emails as a secretary of state. She, like most of the Democratic party, is also for foreign wars and big business, two things I do not support. I do not think either are good for a free people. Finally, she like Obama before her, will make it her mission to force religious organizations to actively support things they think are immoral– including nuns who help the poorest of the poor die with dignity. I cannot support a party or a president who takes the Little Sisters of the Poor (ALL WOMEN) to the Supreme Court in order to force them to pay for their employees early term abortions.

I am very sad for our country that these are the two choices.

Heather

Reply to Anamaria

September 23, 2016 8:47 pm

My thoughts exactly. I want a woman president so badly, but does it have to be her? Our choices are terrible this election. So sad.

Vicki

Reply to Anamaria

September 25, 2016 3:59 pm

Hear hear!

Kerry

September 23, 2016 3:25 pm

I just want to say thanks to the whole team for all the work you put it. I’ve been reading this blog for 7 years and I have throughly loved the way it’s delevoped. So much of my life has changed in that time and in ways that I’d never expected (or sometimes wanted) and so many things can run stale in that time, but you keep things fresh. Jo I love what you write, your drive and you honesty. When you first started bringing others in, I thought I’d duck out (sorry!) but I never have. You guys all work so well together. I am a stay at home mum with 5 little kids, and I’ve just read the 15 quotes from smart women, something I thought wouldn’t really apply to me, and I’ve been inspired. Thank you

Karen

September 23, 2016 3:22 pm

I am sure this comment won’t make it through moderation, but here goes anyway: I really want to like Sara Blakely–I really do. Female billionaire and one so young? Cool. However, spanx are basically the patriarchy in underwear form: constricting, damaging, and ultimately just creating an illusion. I mean, these undergarments are damaging if worn often enough. I just don’t know. This feels like cheering for Dove Soap’s rah rah womanhood campaigns that are little more than the commodification of feminism for the sake of financial gain.

I know, I know–support all females all the time, but this just seems anti-woman to me.

escondista

Reply to Karen

September 23, 2016 3:44 pm

Have you ever thought that maybe people wear support garments for comfort?
I wear spanx while pregnant because they offer extra support around my belly which affects my posture and my muscles. Prior to that, I have enjoyed support shorts because my thighs rub in summer and create a rash but I like to wear skirts. I’ve never purchased a support undergarment to conceal my body and I certainly purchased the correct size so that i wasn’t damaging my body physically and the same goes for my bras.

I am really proud of women CEOs and I seek out women who engineer products for women for the same reason that my OBGYN is a woman.

stacey

Reply to Karen

September 23, 2016 3:58 pm

preach!

Megan

Reply to Karen

September 23, 2016 5:38 pm

I had a similar thought–she is certainly a role model from a business/leadership prospective, but it’s a sad statement that the first female self-made billionaire achieved her success based on women’s insecurities about their own bodies.

Julie

Reply to Karen

September 23, 2016 6:10 pm

Preach!

emanuella

Reply to Karen

September 23, 2016 7:45 pm

Bam! You nailed my feelings without me having to think through them. haha. Thanks for your post :)

Heather

Reply to Karen

September 23, 2016 7:56 pm

I’m glad I’m not the only one that had similar thoughts. When I saw this, I just thought it was kind of sad that the youngest self-made female billionaire got where she is by capitalizing on women’s insecurities.

karen

Reply to Karen

September 23, 2016 11:28 pm

“You nailed my feelings without me having to think through them.”
what a delightful way to go through life. keep it up, dollface.

Emy

Reply to Karen

September 26, 2016 5:26 pm

Are we now complaining that a woman became a billionaire because she was “only” solving women’s problems? She created them, after all, because she couldn’t find comfortable smoothing undergarments. If your Spanx is constricting, it is the wrong size!

I blame Paris

September 23, 2016 3:22 pm

Nope, I am apparently the last one to hear of magic cakes.. Wow!

Yes, that interview with Sarah Blakely is very inspiring and very personal, too. Like when she told the story of how she came up with the name and told no one, not even her husband, how she kept everything quiet.

Have a great weekend!

Marjolein

September 23, 2016 3:17 pm

So nice to add some comments from the last couple of posts in this weekend-post! Could it be a new Friday tradition? :)

Lena

Reply to Marjolein

September 23, 2016 3:59 pm

I agree :)

escondista

September 23, 2016 3:14 pm

Love the dinner post! Very helpful!

Colleen K

September 23, 2016 3:11 pm

I look forward to these post all week – it’s like a little peek into your browser history almost! Always filled with one or two clicks I love.

The new Clinton ad is truly chilling. I understand siding republican based on certain policy, but when faced with Trump as the candidate, I just don’t know how anyone could vote for him with a clear conscience.

And on a lighter note – those magic cakes look incredible! It’s my fathers birthfay this weekend and I think I might test one out!!

Xoxo http://www.touchofcurl.com

Emily

September 23, 2016 3:11 pm

Well now I need to make a magic cake this weekend…I didn’t know about these either! The “never complain, never explain” quote rings true, especially for those of us finding our footing in the corporate world. Really solid advice (and of course it comes from a Dad…they’re the best).

Have a great weekend!

Jenny

September 23, 2016 2:55 pm

Awesome barn, awesome photo, Stella, awesome links! And awesome halloween decor! Thanks for this little ray of sunshine in my day when I visit your super blog.

Erica

September 23, 2016 2:46 pm

I’m from Poughkeepsie, just south of there. It’ll be perfect – we used to drive up there to go tubing on the Esopus Creek! If you’re taking Toby and Anton, there’s the Catskill Animal Sanctuary nearby, or head out to the lighthouse. Have fun!!

Hannah Harwell

September 23, 2016 2:42 pm

Love these links! That pizza looks amazing also!!

xx, Hannah

http://www.missharwell.com

brittany

September 23, 2016 2:36 pm

what a sweet walk to school. & those magic cakes are making me hungry!

i’ve got weekend links + some great steals under $50 on my blog if you’re interested!
http://www.brittanyisablob.blogspot.com

Anna

September 23, 2016 2:33 pm

Can’t wait to hear about your stay at the barn. Worth $650 a night?

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Anna

September 23, 2016 3:25 pm

I’ll let you know! If you go with friends you can split it (as a three bedroom). Looks v pretty!

Emily R

September 23, 2016 2:25 pm

I won’t be able to wake up without an alarm until they start letting me come in to work at 10AM. Not gonna happen.

CindyA

September 23, 2016 2:21 pm

#Imwithhertoo I will be just shattered if she doesn’t win…

Fefe

September 23, 2016 2:18 pm

While I love all of your posts, this are my very favorite. You have amazing taste!

http://objectsicantafford.com/

Margaux

September 23, 2016 2:01 pm

saugerties is amazing! stayed in an airbnb this summer for a girls getaway weekend. enjoy!!

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