Have a Great Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? The boys and I are going to see Spiderman (their second time, my first), and I’ve heard such great things. We’re also celebrating our features editor Caroline’s new book on Saturday at 4 p.m. at McNally Jackson Soho. Come join! Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around the web…

Broad City is back!

Want to be happier? Try “rough scheduling” with friends.

Whoa, this maple pie.

Oooh, Ruth Reichl’s new book looks fantastic.

“The weight I carry.” What it’s like to weigh 460 pounds in America.

Hahaha.

Ellsworth Kelly stamps! Let’s write letters.

This week’s New Yorker cover is an ode to indoor plants.

What winter beauty do you swear by? I use this every day.

My friend Lisa has a sweet birthday tradition.

The one thing Marie Kondo regrets giving away.

Plus, two reader comments:

Says Amy on enjoying winter with kids: “I used to teach toddlers, and one of our favorite activities was taking ‘tape walks’ outside. We would make each child a bracelet of duct tape, flipped inside out so the sticky part faced outside. They were allowed to bring back anything they found that stuck to their bracelet. The children would return to the classroom with blades of grass, dried leaves, flower petals, and even little pebbles stuck to their bracelets. It was a super easy (and cheap!) way to get fresh air and keep things fun for everyone involved.”

Says Margo on enjoying winter with kids: “I usually tell my kids to go outside, and if they stay out long enough to get roses on their cheeks, I’ll make hot chocolate for them.”

(Photo by Sarah Jampel.)

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Nickie

February 7, 2019 10:36 am

Slightly related, the How I Built This episode with Dermalogica’s founder Jane Wurwand is great!

https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=498833123:498834437

Joanna Wiggins

February 7, 2019 7:59 am

RE Winter with Kids. This makes me pine for life outside the city. I live in South East London and that ‘tape walk’ would look like a police evidence bag after 5 minutes.

Jessica

Reply to Joanna Wiggins

February 28, 2019 8:55 am

Where is SE London, I live there too and disagree! We have so many amazing parks! Dulwich park, Crystal Palace, Horniman Gardens, Peckham Rye to name but a few..

Maureen

February 6, 2019 11:05 pm

The weight article is really beautifully written. Would you consider posting something about fat acceptance and body acceptance by a fat woman or femme? A fat person of color?

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Maureen

February 6, 2019 11:19 pm

Yes absolutely. We have featured and also linked to a few and would love to do more. Here’s one you may like:
https://cupofjo.com/2017/03/my-boyfriend-weighs-less-than-i-do/

Megan G

February 6, 2019 1:18 pm

I have the Sister Pie cookbook and can testify of its amazingness! I made the salted maple pie at Christmas and it was to die for!! Everything in the book is delicious. I just finished a batch of the buckwheat chocolate chip cookies and was so pleasantly surprised with them.

Lauren E.

February 4, 2019 3:42 pm

YAY a new Ruth Reichl! I absolutely devoured her other books while on vacation in Paris. I couldn’t get enough.

Sasha L

February 4, 2019 3:31 pm

Thank you for the weight I carry story. For those wanting to understand and grow their empathy, may I also suggest “tell me I’m fat”, This American Life podcast from a couple years back. It broke my heart wide open. Fat shaming, fat people hating, flat out discrimination, condemnation, judgement, it’s all still so socially acceptable in our culture. I’m so grateful for every story I encounter that helps me shed this horrible prejudice. Humans, just humans, who may be struggling and truly need empathy and certainly don’t deserve to be treated as less than human.

Nanne Cutler

February 3, 2019 7:47 pm

On Ruth Reichl’s new book, Save Me the Plums, it is fabulous!! Continues her memoir saga and is just as wonderful as the last three (I read an advance reader copy). She is one of my all time, favorite writers.

February 3, 2019 3:35 pm

That “The Weight I Carry” article was extremely powerful. Thank you for posting it. I have seizures, and I have come to accept that something chemical/electrical in my body is broken. I suspect that the same is for those who suffer from obesity. Though still not curable, epilepsy has come a long way in the past 20 years; let’s hope the science around the disease of obesity can make the same headway.

Seraphim

February 3, 2019 2:10 pm

‘The weight I carry’ was so beautifully written. I think it’s extraordinary how Tommy is able to reflect on his life in such an honest and heartfelt way… and his willingness to share his experience with the world is not only brave, but it’s a gift to all of us. I wish him all the best and am thankful that he trusted us with his story.

Mims

Reply to Seraphim

February 4, 2019 4:00 pm

beautifully put Seraphim.

Sherrelle

February 2, 2019 5:56 pm

Spiderman – Into the Spiderverse was the BEST MOVIE EVER! I hope you enjoyed it with your boys as much as I did! I saw it with my husband (who fell asleep…he falls asleep in every movie) so really I saw it alone. I need to take my kids to see it so that I can see it again.

Lindsey

February 2, 2019 1:59 pm

That heavy weight article was so, so good. My beloved sister died at the age of 33 at 450 pounds. The last years of her life were spent in her home because she was afraid of what people would think—she snuck in my wedding 10 minutes after it started and left before it was over so no one would see. But she was the brightest, most loving soul I’ve ever known and the world was deprived. Her battle was hard for us to understand and we’re angry about it; we wanted more time. She deserved to be everything she wanted and her weight stood at the threshold and blocked her from entering what seemed to her to be another world. The world is a hard place for morbidly obese people.

Reply to Lindsey

February 2, 2019 9:31 pm

Sending so, so, so much love you to Lindsey and to your sister. She probably lived in the shadows but didn’t deserve to.

Hugs. And also I love you Joanna, but as some one battling a food addition it is a little bit of a fuck you to feature a heaping stack of pancakes and an article about obesity.

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to r

February 3, 2019 10:02 pm

I’m so sorry, R. I see your point completely, and I hadn’t connected the photo and the article at all when choosing them — I’m so sorry for this oversight. Xo

Jill

Reply to Lindsey

February 3, 2019 3:42 pm

Lindsey, I’m so sorry for your loss. I had a similar situation with my dad. It is heartbreaking. And R…I was thinking the same thing. I think it was unintentional and an oversight.

Reply to Lindsey

February 4, 2019 4:43 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re absolutely right. The world is a very very cruel and difficult place for morbidly obese people. My sister who is my best friend, has been morbidly obese for her entire life and I’ve watched her navigate that. I’m not even the one carrying the weight and I feel extreme sadness for the way people treat her, the way she says she feels, the way the world isn’t set up for her. I can’t even imagine the full picture of how it affects her. In this day and age, I see a lot of movements. I see so many people who are standing up and saying “I don’t want to be invisible anymore” or “I won’t let you bring me down”. That’s good that these groups are getting some traction and getting things to shift culturally little by little. But in the back of my mind, I always think of obese people. I think about how theirs is the unheard struggle that so many people can’t or don’t want to deal with.

Emily

February 2, 2019 12:11 pm

The pie dough part of the maple pie recipe really intimidates me. Has anyone ever made the pie using a different pie dough? I’m thinking Trader Joe’s freezer roll out dough? Is that lame of me?

Ramona

Reply to Emily

February 2, 2019 11:28 pm

As long as the pie crust tastes good, I don’t ever see anything wrong with a shortcut. The end result is delicious pie, so, win.

Debbie S.

February 2, 2019 11:31 am

I enjoyed Tommy Tomlinson’s columns for years when he wrote for the Charlotte Observer. His writing has always been a treasure. Thanks so much for sharing this!

Jenny

February 2, 2019 8:09 am

That tape walk is a great idea! I’ll try that with my toddler this weekend and I know he’ll love it!

Maggie

February 2, 2019 7:37 am

My husband and I lived in West Village, Detroit last year before moving to Philly. Sister Pie is one of the places I miss the most! I don’t typically bake at home (much prefer cooking) but I’ll have to try that salted maple recipe!

pauvazar

February 2, 2019 7:16 am

That salted Maple Pie and ALL other pies are a must from Sister Pie. I’m lucky to live in the Metro Detroit area and delicious pie is only 30 min. away.
And if you live in Detroit or near, they also offer classes on how to make their pie dough and hand pies.

Ashley

February 2, 2019 5:11 am

My 8 year old daughter is a huge reader – dork diaries and babysitters club at the top of her list – but sometimes I worry about her reading content that’s too grown up. Looks like she’ll love Caroline’s book too! Is there anything in the book that might be “too old” for an 8 year old? If not, Amazon here I come!!

Sheila

February 1, 2019 10:19 pm

The Sister Pie salted maple is no joke. A few years ago, a dear friend who lived in Detroit brought me one when she visited me in Chicago, and a spell was cast. Countless times afterwards, I seriously considered making the four-hour drive up there just to have one more slice. When the cookbook came out last year, I couldn’t order it fast enough. It is an absolute delight to just sit down and read all the way through, and the salted maple pie recipe delivers the exact same disc of perfection you get in the (insanely charming and wonderful – I finally did make the trip!) shop.

Whitney Olson

February 1, 2019 10:16 pm

One morning this week I took my little girls on a walk. We spent 40 mins walking through our neighborhood crushing ice in the gutters, falling many times, but cushioned my our winter layers, and picking up ice wands (icicles). We went outside with no plan for entertainment and had the best, creative time.

We also will pack a few Schleich animals with us and play with those. A moose in flower bed rocks and snow like an actual mountain or play camouflage by taking turns hiding our polar bears in the snow. Takes the focus off the cold and puts in on playing outside, regardless of weather.

Jaydee

February 1, 2019 10:10 pm

I have a dear friend dealing with a food addiction that she just can’t kick, despite fairly frequent hospitalizations for obesity related diseases. It’s heartbreaking. The article made me so sad.

Rae

February 1, 2019 8:07 pm

Oh, the article by the 460 lb man is heartbreaking and beautiful. Thank you for sharing that.
And I CANNOT WAIT for those gorgeous Ellsworth Kelly stamps. They might make up for the end of my supply of Snowy Day stamps.

Reply to Rae

February 2, 2019 9:25 pm

heartbreaking but I also hope it was humanizing. humans. humanity.

Meg

February 1, 2019 8:07 pm

Hoo boy do I disagree with that “Rough Scheduling” article! I think this is one of those things that totally depends on personality type. I love scheduling fun things in advance; it gives me great joy to open my calendar and see all the fun plans I have and friends I will see in the coming weeks! If my whole calendar was just obligations and appointments, I would feel like I have nothing concrete to look forward to. On the other hand, anytime someone texts me for a spur-of-the-moment hang-out, I’m always cozy at home, doing something like reading or watching a movie in my sweats, and getting up and going out sounds like the worst idea ever.

Anu

Reply to Meg

February 1, 2019 8:38 pm

That article seemed based on some pretty dubious research. Like one paper was literally asking undergrads to pretend they made a schedule, get half of them to pretend to schedule an ice cream date and then tell the other half they spontaneously ran into a friend and went out for ice cream. Then they asked them how they felt about these entirely imaginary scenarios. I’m taking it with a whole tbsp of salt!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Anu

February 1, 2019 10:21 pm

Yes the research is pretty shaky I agree! :) But the main takeaway is fun to consider and just having less of a adherence to clock time.

Jax

Reply to Meg

February 1, 2019 10:56 pm

Also frozen yogurt sucks. They need a better incentive than that.

Reply to Meg

February 2, 2019 11:48 pm

I didn’t think the article was saying not to schedule things in advance, just to made more of a “rough schedule.” So you still have the plan to meet up with a friend for brunch on Saturday, but instead of planning a week ahead to meet at 11am you text them Saturday morning once you’e up and moving to figure out the best time to meet.

Sasha L

Reply to Meg

February 4, 2019 3:20 pm

Jax, ?. Agreed. I wouldn’t leave my house for frozen yogurt!

Reply to Meg

February 4, 2019 7:53 pm

Lol! Meg, you are right that it really is about personality types! I read the article, and thought, “Yes, that makes a lot of sense to me.” Haha.

Jen

February 1, 2019 7:54 pm

I began using EvanHealy products this winter and my skin has never looked better. Seriously! In 37 years, this is the first time I remember my skin feeling soft and moisturized and also having a dewy pink glow. I have extremely sensitive skin and have used only gentle, natural, organic oils for years. I’m using evanhealy’s RoseHip oil (blue) + HydroSoul (lavender) + Whipped Shea Butter + Olive Leaf moisturizer. Feels so luxurious and I’m glad I found it.

Rose

Reply to Jen

February 4, 2019 11:22 am

I just ran out of the Evanhealy green tea clay mask, and even though it was pricey, the thought of getting another pot right away keeps popping in my mind. The fact alone that I finished it! I had NEVER noticed such a difference with a cleansing mask!

Rachel

February 1, 2019 7:15 pm

I made the salted pie last weekend and am already looking for my next excuse to make it again. It is THAT good.

February 1, 2019 7:09 pm

I just bawled reading the weight I carry article. You guys, being fat and trying to overcome food addiction is so, so hard. When I was a teen my mom used to beg me with a desperate voice to explain why I didn’t stop eating. Why couldn’t I eat less.

With tears streaming down my face I would say because it makes me feel good. because it tastes good. because my body needs it.

We didn’t understand that my body really did physically crave it. It does feel like your body NEEDS it. And of course emotionally you need it as well: it feels like a long hug from something that doesn’t judge you. And you associate food with celebrations and happiness. It fills emotional voids. It numbs you.

And yes, our food is DESIGNED to be addictive. It has more sugar, it is more processed, it has more MSG than ever before and our bodies crave it.

And the cruel joke: you can’t kick your addiction to food. You actually have to eat to survive.

I am no longer physically obese (weight loss surgery) but I am still the same fat person in a “normal” body. At least I no longer have to deal size discrimination.

I beg you all to read the linked article and realize that everyone has their struggles. EVERYONE. And it doesn’t mean that you or me or someone else is less than. And it doesn’t mean that they aren’t worthy. And it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hire them. And it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be friends with them. Or shouldn’t date them. It just means that their struggle physically presents itself on the outside. But it’s all the same.

Missy

Reply to r

February 1, 2019 10:33 pm

I am sending you the biggest hug with all my love right now.

Reply to r

February 2, 2019 12:30 am

wow, R, thank you for sharing!

“you can’t kick your addiction to food” – so interesting and true. sending you an internet hug.

Heidi Bone

Reply to r

February 2, 2019 6:47 am

Thank you ❤️

Amy G.

Reply to r

February 2, 2019 10:22 am

So, so true. It’s so hard. I’m clocking in at about 340 these days. Back in 2015 I lost about 110 pounds, getting down to 265 (highest was 372 at 5’8″) and I felt great, and even kept most of it off for a couple years. But… it’s slowly but surely coming back and I’ve been feeling like total crap about it (emotionally and physically). I’m trying to stay it, and to get back to under 300 again at some point. At the same time, I struggle with body positivity and social norms and all that stuff. It just makes me really pissed off, if you want to know the truth.

I really just want to feel like my body can DO stuff easily. I’m not aiming to be skinny, just comfortable and healthy. Like I always say, I want to be the old lady who’s climbing mountains and surfing. It’s much harder to do that when you’re carrying a lot of extra weight.

Anyway, yes: PLEASE do not judge obese people as less than. My issues show on my body. Yours might not, so lucky you, but seriously, give us a freaking break. Those of you who don’t judge, THANK YOU.

Reply to r

February 2, 2019 5:30 pm

@Amy Webb g Love you. I don’t know if you will think this is funny but I always thought of myself as one of the strongest people in the world.

I’m like “you all don’t walk around EVERY DAY / EVERYWHERE carrying an extra two hundred pounds in weight. I see women walking down the street in little ankle weights and I’m like OH PLEASE; my every moment is that times 50. I am a super hero (as are you, as is everyone).

Bec B.

February 1, 2019 6:46 pm

Those pancakes look amazing! I can never seem to get them to turn out no matter what recipe or box mix I try, so I’ve deemed them an eating out thing.

Luckily, I love waffles and can make them perfectly every time with my cheapie waffle maker from Target and Kodiak Cake mix from Costco. I would love to try making some savory waffles – anyone have a fun recipe?

Reply to Bec B.

February 1, 2019 9:01 pm

THIS. https://food52.com/recipes/39371-hot-chicken-jalapeno-bacon-cheddar-waffle

Amy

February 1, 2019 6:42 pm

Hope you had a great birthday! Can’t wait to read Caroline’s book

Sarah

February 1, 2019 6:01 pm

Also, shout out to Caroline’s book launch this weekend! Congrats!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Sarah

February 1, 2019 6:11 pm

yes!!! https://www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/special-time-4pm-launch-caroline-cala

Eloise

February 1, 2019 5:31 pm

I can pretty much see your smile as you typed “from around the web after talking about your Spiderman plans….

February 1, 2019 5:29 pm

everyone is talking about “the amazon jacket” – wondering if CoJ knows anything about it, and if you’ve shared in the past and maybe I missed? would love your input on it!

Morey

Reply to sb

February 4, 2019 9:28 am

The Orolay down jacket!

https://www.amazon.com/Orolay-Womens-Thickened-Jacket-Green/dp/B00HHOXT0A/ref=asc_df_B00HHOXT0A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312039875709&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8926316265045066260&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014895&hvtargid=pla-510545150327&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=63784735882&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312039875709&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8926316265045066260&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014895&hvtargid=pla-510545150327

Sam S.

Reply to sb

February 4, 2019 12:58 pm

I was desperately in need of a new winter coat, but overwhelmed by options, retailers, price, etc. So when I heard about this coat, I thought ok I’ll try it. And I’m so happy I did! It’s super warm, cozy, and thick – perfect for my 2.5 mile walking commute in Philly winters. Good price point, feels very well made and sturdy, and I like the oversized look (easy to layer underneath). I’ve had it for about two months and like it more than any other down coat I’ve owned. Tons of pockets too.

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