What did you do over the holidays? We took the boys on a Southern California road trip, full of Uno card games and fish tacos. Here are our 10 favorite moments, if you’d like to see…
1. Desert sunshine. First up, we met Alex’s family in Palm Springs. Have you ever been? We’ve gone for 10 years in a row, and it’s the only place the boys have ever had Christmas. This time, we stayed at this lovely Airbnb with a view of the snow-capped mountains. If you’re heading there in the future, I’d also recommend the restaurants Birba and Farm.
2. Santa letters. On Christmas eve, Toby and Anton wrote the cutest note to Santa. I love their logic that Santa could ever circle “not real.”
3. Good reads. What kind of books do you take on vacation? Alex always teases me for taking dense, slightly depressing tomes, but the heart wants what it wants. This trip, I loved rereading All the Light We Cannot See and reading Wolf Hall. (Have you read Wolf Hall about Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn? It’s the book equivalent of eating a chewy steak — so chock full of compelling dialogue and vivid characters.)
4. Photo booths. We always stop by the Ace in Palm Springs, and this time, their photo booth was calling our name. I cracked up at what a natural Anton was.
5. Hard-to-get reservations. Next, we went to L.A. and miraculously got a same-day reservation at pasta hotspot Felix. Here’s how we did it: You know when you make a reservation on Resy, and, if the restaurant is fully booked, there’s a sign-up part that says “Notify Me”? That means that Resy will text you if someone cancels their reservation. So, a couple hours after we signed up, we got a text saying we could come at 7:15 p.m. that evening. Score!
6. Feeling twitterpated. Do you ever go on a double date and see your partner through fresh eyes? We met friends for dinner one night, and as Alex was telling a funny story about a work trip, I felt like I was looking at him for the first time and crushing hard.
7. Travel ensemble. I realized I have a go-to travel outfit: an easy sweater (like this or this), high-waisted jeans, sneakers and funny socks. It works for anything you do — from car rides to exploring cities to dinners out. What do you usually wear on trips?
8. Sand sledding. One overcast day, we met friends to slide down hills on the beach. It felt like such a California moment.
9. Cliffside hiking. Lastly, we went to San Diego for a few days. We went on a hike at Torrey Pines, which was spectacularly beautiful. I never thought of myself as a hiker (I’m kind of a wuss and I get scared of bears), but this one was incredible, with views of crashing waves, the pink sunset and even whales. It reminded me of a Sex and the City episode where they realize that hiking is just…walking.
10. We also met up with a few Cup of Jo readers during the trip, which was an absolute highlight. We are inspired to do actual Cup of Jo events around the country this year — more on that soon!
How was your holiday? How is 2020 going so far? Excited to catch up this week and share many more posts. xoxo
P.S. A weird thing we do on vacations and my travel packing list.
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This is such a cute idea!
Central Valley California Park plate date please!
COME TO MEMPHIS!!
seconded!
Yes, please!!
COME TO RALEIGH (pretty please with sugar on top)!!
YES! I would love that so much.
Agreed!!
I love Palm Springs! We’ve gone every January for the last 3 years. Usually we fly there and then drive to Joshua Tree and Los Angeles for a few days each. We’ve always stayed in hotels in Palm Springs but this year we got an airbnb with a pool. So fun!
The photo booth picture full of kisses! Too sweet.
I am TOTALLY into you guys doing CoJ events around the country – if you come to DC I can guarantee at least my sister and I will be there!
we would love to!
another guaranteed DC participant!
It was so great spontaneously meeting you and the boys before I did my December ocean plunge at Torrey Pines on NYE! Glad you had a wonderful trip and I would love to go to any Southern CA COJ events in the future :)
I thought that Toby was your sister Lucy in the last photo on the photo strip (for just a second)! Such a likeness there!
you’re so right! i love that!
Mich Mama, oh my goodness, yes in a flash, you can see Lucy! How dear.
Seeing Anton “sand sledding” gives me all the feels! I used to do that at Moonlight Beach (a couple cities north of Del Mar) as a kid. It’s one of my favorite traditions to do my boys when we visit my family. It’s nice to see my hometown through other’s eyes.
definitely!! Or maybe some cup of jo readers should just get together and get coffee!
Yes please! LA or OC area?
Torrey Pines is a great hike! If the tide is low, you can walk north along the beach back to the lower parking lot. Or . . . you can walk south to the nudist beach! I did that last summer with a girlfriend and we had such a good time!
oh wow! i didn’t know here was one. how fun!
Oh, I would love to go to Palm Springs! Your photos are beautiful.
My holiday was low-key, I saw my family, had brunch with two of my girlfriends, my best friend and his new husband stayed overnight and we bonded over wine and Thai food, watched football with a big group, read three books, watched movies and cuddled with my husband, and cooked maybe the best dinner I’ve ever made (braised short ribs with port wine sauce, Yorkshire puddings, and a maple roasted carrot salad with goat cheese).
My next vacation is to Jamaica next month, I’ve never been so I’m extremely antsy for the end of February.
Hi Julie – sounds like a great holiday! would you share your maple roasted carrot salad recipe with me? cindywagner44@gmail.com
We had a long roadtrip to the Bayou in South Louisiana where my husband was raised. It’s so fun and warm. There was even a hallmark movie filmed there called “Christmas in Louisiana” we watched it on Christmas Eve. And then we spent the last week potty training. Exciting stuff! But I’ll keep my $40 in diapers each month, thank you!
We took our kids to New Orleans this winter break and it was the perfect destination. I lived in Louisiana for years, but had never brought my kids there. “Fun and warm” is exactly right. So, so many fantastic outings that the kids and grown-ups equally enjoyed.
Reader meet-up in Atlanta, please! :)
I was with my family (Park Slopers!) at Griffith Park riding the ponies when I spotted you— your family is very sweet and I didn’t want to intrude. But I’ve been a reader for 10 years and truly enjoy this community. Glad you had a great holiday!
Oh how fun! Would have loved to say hi! :)
Frame that last photo.
Yes she should. It’s absolutely beautiful!
How about a meet-up in Toronto, Canada- it’s soooo close to NYC!
Yes yes yes!!
That’s just what I was going to say :-) Bring those boys – lots of fun stuff for kids here in the T-dot!
OMG what is that fantastic looking dish above?? looks like sg I need to try to recreate.
As for the book, I think we have similar tastes – I loved it a few years ago! I also highly remommend: fates&furies by lauren groff ehich became my absolute favourite book to this day. It has a very unique style and structure I haven’t seen before. Takes a few pages to get the hang of it, but it really does make a difference.
New York City at Christmas time is my dream! I find it so funny that you leave every year! I am from snowy Canada but live in Australia now and desperately miss a white Christmas… but you make pool, sunshine and sand sledding look so fun!
One time a friend accused me of reading only heavy books and I objected, so she said, “Okay, fine, what are you reading right now?” And I paused before answering, honestly, “First They Killed My Father.” Busted!
For quite a few years now my brother has been taking a “group photo” of all the books each of us are reading on our 3 generations/3 families together yearly holiday. We have so many friends who wait to see the new photo each year and it’s really fun to look back at what each of us were reading, to see the kids’ books changing as they grow, and to see how many memories of each holiday get stirred up thinking of where we were when I read that book and what else happened during that week. Holiday reading is the best.
How wonderful your family must be, and what a treasured memory of each holiday!
I especially love the photo booth pictures…or should I say the “kissing” photo booth! Adorable family.
My grandfather had a home in Palm Springs and we loved hanging out there swimming in the pool and picking grapefruit from the orchard. Three sisters swimming and tanning all day while the big folks played golf.
Yes, please do a ‘cup of jo’ reader trip! I am in the Seattle area, and I would love to show you around this area!
I second Seattle!
I was hoping there would be a Joanna meet up in La Jolla! We were vacationing in Mission Beach and it was paradise. My boys braved the 60 degree water and boogie boarded. We loved Torrey Pines for hiking and also found snow in the gold mine town of Julian. The zoo was a major highlight, too. Those koalas. I also love Farm in PS—the two women who sing live there are incredible. Glad you enjoyed CA as much as we did.
Hi!! I would have LOVED to do a La Jolla meetup — but when I put the idea out there, more than 100 people wrote back and I got overwhelmed! I was then thinking we could come back for a real event and that would be even better. Please stay tuned for that one and others! So glad you had a great trip xoxo
Yes – San Diego loves you! Haha, totally get that feeling of being overwhelmed by too great of a response. Would love to do a COJ meet up or event in San Diego. I’ve been planning events here for 15+ years so let me know if I can help plan something in the future.
That focaccia from Felix is literally one of the best things I have ever tasted. My husband works next to Abbott Kinney so sometimes I sneak away from the kids for a night and meet him there for a date. Next time you’re in Palm Springs, you have to try the Rooster & the Pig. It’s a fun restaurant with creative food and cocktails!
The texture is like cotton candy!
And thanks for the PS rec! Xoxo
I grew up in San Diego County, and those photos from La Jolla make me homesick. I haven’t been down there in almost ten years, and even then, I never made it to the beach. That sunset photo of Anton is magic for me.
yay welcome back! I’ve been reading cup of jo for 10+ years now and I always look forward to new posts after the holidays. I also just want to say I have tried countless tips, tricks, new items and etc from here and they are always so reliably good. Today I finally tried the ricotta in pasta trick and it’s amazing!! Will be making it a lot more often.
P.S. Please do a meet up in San Francisco! The hiking trails are amazing and I can bring my shiba (dog) to win you over to the “get a dog” side (the debate from a few months ago)
I loved Wolf Hall! Such a great book (and a great Masterpiece show!)
All of this is magical – thank you for sharing. Twitterpated is such a good one – now I have a word for the feeling. Looking forward to the in-person events!
What a glorious adventure. Importantly, what car did Toby hire this holiday??
I loved All the Light We Cannot See, exquisitely written
Haha, a Chevy Malibu, to great fanfare!
Yay! This post is getting me excited for my first ever trip to California (Irish girl here) for my 30th in May. I’m meeting a dear friend in LA and we want to travel a little bit about too, some great ideas here. Can’t wait!
Yay to events around the country! was sorry to miss you in La Jolla
Loved this post! You and Alex are so cute. My go-to outfit is similar, down to the fun socks – except I love to wear a cardigan instead of a sweater (layers!), and I can’t do high-waisted jeans when traveling – it hurts my stomach!
So glad CoJ is back! And a happy new year to this incredible family of readers!!
Joanna, I just have to say, your comment about seeing Alex through new eyes gave me the most joyful of tears! What a beautiful feeling it is to see our significant others through a different lens…it’s there all along, but sometimes it just takes a mix of special moments to break down our walls so we can treasure them just as we did when we first met. Such a lovely sentiment, thank you for sharing :)
Agreed 👆100 percent!
Welcome home!!!
The Torrey Pines reserve is stunning and definitely a little hilly.
Big vote for a meet up in Philly, pleeeeease!!
I second that vote!
Thank you for sharing your awesome vacation photos and recs. A post about how to pack for travel with kids would be great. I only have one (under two) and always have a hard time both pre-planning and executing:)
Hope you had a chance to get to Coronado, my home town. Couldn’t be more gorgeous or tourist friendly.
DN
Can you come to Canada? ;)
Hi Joanna, I’ve been following your blog for many years. We were also visiting CA from NY with our kids and saw you guys walking in Venice one evening. I was excited but too shy to say hello – didn’t want you to think I’m a stalker. haha!! We had an amazing time in CA. Hope you did too.
Happy New Year! :)
I would have LOVED to say hi! We were going to salt and straw for ice cream :)
I was one of the lucky readers who got to spend a morning with Joanna in Palm Springs… she is, in a word, delightful. Consider this my little PSA in case anyone is wondering if one lady can reaaaally be so friendly, lovely, warm, charming, and just downright cool? She can! And she is! I loved meeting you, Joanna. Thank you for sharing some of your family’s vacation time with us!
Hi Auste!!! Thank you so much for the very kind words. I loved meeting you and your sweet daughter!
I always think Joanna seems like the Oprah of the blogosphere- your comment seems to echo my thoughts!
“All the Light We Cannot See” is brilliant! So glad you enjoyed it!
Welcome back! You were so very missed! Please come to Seattle for a meet up! :-)
I’ve started Wolf Hall no less than 3 times and CANNOT get into it. I don’t know why – everything I hear about it is good. I just can’t seem to make my brain engage in it. That being said, All the Light is one of my top five favorite books of all time.
It’s definitely a lot of work to get used to the writing style but worth it!
I took a month off to spend summer with my daughter. I had plans for lazy bike rides to the beach, early morning movies with popcorn, wandering the city watching street performers.
Instead we are spending every day indoors, securing our house from the black smoke blanketing our city. I’m trying to find ways that don’t scare her, to explain how our government has failed us and what we would do if the fires reached our home.
(we are in Australia)
I always enjoy your holiday posts Jo, but my heart can’t take it today.
Christie – We’re thinking about you non-stop over here in Brooklyn, seeing the photos coming in and feeling shock and horror. We’re donating to NSW and Victoria Fire Brigades and WIRES. I wish there was more we could do from the other side of the world. Hoping this crisis calms soon and you and your daughter and the rest of Australia can get back some sense of normalcy.
I’m so sorry Christie—I’m just a stranger on the internet but your post spoke to me. There’s nothing I can say that changes the awful reality you are dealing with but I am glad your daughter has an amazing mama. Sending healing wishes from one of the coldest states in the US!
Christie, I’m so, so sorry. I know those words are completely inadequate… I hope you and your family come through this safely.
Know that so many of us in the U.S. are heartbroken for what is happening in Australia and searching for ways to help. Hugs to you and your daughter. It may sound silly because we’re so far away, but please reach out if there is anything I can do.
Christie….glad you’re sfae. x
IF “Scomo” (our not so likable Prime Minister-like a smiling assassin) had met with the Fire Chiefs in APRIL 2019 when they pleaded with him to meet thrm and PLAN for this hirrific event, we would have had the extra water bombers needed, the army would’ve been ready to help at the beginning, not now when, frankly, it’s too little too late, and maybe so many lives (both human and animal) wouldn’t be lost and have suffered so, so much.
Oh yeah, hope he enjoyed his holiday in Hawaii while Australia was burning… it still is burning and the experts say it eill be burning for many months to come! 😭
Christie, you and your family and everyone in Australia are in our thoughts here in America. I’ve donated to help the firefighters but I wish I could do more (other than vote out the people who deny the reality of climate change).
Love these photos and the sweet holiday updates – the kiss photo from the booth melts my heart. Missed you all — so looking forward to the conversations that will be had and stories that will be shared in 2020 xxx
Yes! I read Bring Up the Bodies and Wolf Hall in 2019, and they were *fantastic*. I think a third one is coming soon? Fingers crossed ;)
Yes, it’s called the Mirror and the Light- coming out March 2020 and I CANNOT wait!
I totally agree about double dates making spouses more appealing. We are recently retired and spending way too much time together, ha! We need an outing with friends to see each other in a fresh light!
I just love when you share glimpses into your life, Joanna! What an awesome trip. We stayed home for Christmas and pretty much just vegged out. Well we did go on a mini-adventure every day, but the boys (8 and 6) really started to hate it: “We’re going hiking AGAIN!?! It’s the THIRD DAY IN A ROW!” The most recent road trip we went on was in an RV! https://feedingthesoil.com/2019/11/05/west-texas-with-kids-our-recent-rv-vacation/
okay so you take a day apart as adults? so what did you choose to do on your day alone? And is that a grandparents’ day with your sons or you two parents switch off? And what a neat tradition to always do Christmas in Palm Springs? Does your in-laws also travel into town or is that their homebase?
Thank you for your questions! We take time apart still, but more like half a day. For mine, I got a massage and for alex, he walked around town. We switch off. My in laws live in Orange County and Atlanta, so they rent a separate Airbnb in Palm Springs. We all love the warm weather! We started the tradition because we wanted to come visit Alex’s mom but her one-bedroom condo wasn’t big enough to host. It has worked out so well!
That place you hiked with the ocean–it just may have to be on my bucket list!
Hi! I think there is a small typo: Henry VII should be Henry VIII.
Thank you!
The picture of you with the boys is just so sweet–the loving hands, the way the boys are leaning on you, the mismatched pajamas, the utter comfort with each other. It reminds me of a Mary Cassatt painting.
oh my gosh, that means so much to me, mimi. <3
Cheers to all for great 2020! Boy was I missing these posts. Welcome back!
XO
The photo booth pictures melted my little calcifies raisin heart! I love the letter to Santa! Circle real or not real— my heart! Please come to SF for your event!!!!!
hahahaha
and yes! definitely to SF!
Where did you stay in San Diego? We’re considering a spring trip so would love your suggestion!
we stayed in a cozy airbnb in la jolla: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11712245
it was walking distance to bird rock coffee roasters and the BEST pastries at wayfarer. plus, just a short drive to beautiful beaches, like windansea beach, where we would go watch the sunset (many people would go at sunset and applaud when the sun dipped below the horizon).
Yay- glad you got to check out Wayfarer Joanna! Simply the best. And wind and sea beach is a great spot. Great choices. Next time I suggest staying in the city and exploring all the old neighborhoods- they each have their own personalities and big antique signs to indicate where you are and I just love it
Ive been looking EVERYWHERE for a place to sandslide! Where on earht did you go?
we went in playa del rey!
Just a note – those sledding dunes aren’t there all year. They are pyt there in the winters to protect from winter storm surges and are only good for sledding for a couple months. But Pismo Beach, further up the coast from LA, has sand sledding and dune-buggying year round.
Seal Beach in Orange County has dunes too! One of my favorite memories from childhood :)
Sand sledding there is one of my favorite memories! Such a special thing to do.
Joanna- please explain how you are wearing Killshots! I’ve lusted after them for years, but thought they only ran in men’s sizes. Are you wearing a men’s shoe? Are they now being made for women?
yes! i love them, too. they’re the men’s version, i just figured out my corresponding size. (it helps that i have huge feet:)
Happy New Year’s to you all at Cup of Jo! You were so missed, but how lovely you had such a fun holiday.
Oooh we love using sleds at the beach. We go to Scotland every Fall and sledging on the sand dunes is what the kids look forward to the most!
Well, for starters I might just shrink all of you and carry you around in my pocket!
California stole my heart years ago so it’s no surprise that you visit there often. Photo booths are the BEST. And in addition to scary bears how bout scary MOUNTAIN LIONS?? Hiking is beautiful, though. Sometimes on double dates my husband gets worked up during a conversation on a hot topic and I can see the reaction to his unbridled passion…which is kinda why I fell for him. While others find him to be a handful I think he’s just perfect ❤️
what a cute note :)
Wolf Hall is a masterpiece – if you enjoyed it, I recommend the sequel „Bring up the Bodies“, it’s equally good! The third and final part „The Mirror and the light“ is also finally arriving in March!
Have you been to Workshop in Palm Springs? My friend got married out there and the dinner following the ceremony was at Workshop. SO fantastic. x
we haven’t been but i’d love to go! i’ve heard great things.
Woo hoo! Definitely hope to attend a Cup of Jo meetup…please come to the east side of LA! (Pasadena anyone?) You can ask Priscilla Vega to plan the event!
Yes to Pasadena!
would love to!
Can you share were you stayed while in LA – what part of the city? Planning a March trip with kids. Thanks
yes! we stayed in two different airbnbs and loved them both.
venice: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8908613
venice is a fun neighborhood because it’s by the beach and the santa monica pier (with rides and an arcade that our boys love). there are also great restaurants like felix, gjusta, etc. and you can walk up and down abbot kinney and get salt & straw ice cream.
los feliz: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/3697224
los feliz is fun because you’re a short drive to griffith park (hikes, trails cafe, a little train to ride around) and the huntington gardens (with the coolest children’s garden with interactive areas). we had great meals at little dom’s and alimento.
hope that helps! you could always share your time between the east and west sides, like we did! xoxo
I am OBSESSED with Wolf Hall. Did you read Bring Up the Bodies? Watch the PBS miniseries? So, so good…
not yet, but i’d love to! i saw one clip with claire foy and couldn’t believe how good it was.
And the series finale of the book series comes out in March!
We went to New Zealand for 16 days of glory and splendor. My incredibly lucky husband grew up right on the beach in Gizzy so we spent a little time there but stuck around the Hawkes Bay area mostly where his family currently lives. Neither of us wanted to come back home.
I had no idea Palm Springs was the “only place the boys have ever had Christmas.” Curious how Santa handles gifts for them that far away from home?
santa knows they’re there! so he fills their stockings in california. (santa may or may not bring a larger suitcase to fit those presents;) and then alex and i always give the boys their presents from us before we leave brooklyn, usually around december 18th. xoxo
We live in Colorado but do Christmas with my in-laws in Wisconsin every year. We often ship gifts to my in-laws beforehand and Santa and I are considerate of not giving big or heavy gifts. Although this is not always true for great-grandparents or great aunts and uncles. This year the kids were given a bucket of slime, which we explained to them is now a Grandma’s house item. It helps so much that my in-laws are awesome and will wrap gifts as they arrive and send us packages afterwards of most things that doesn’t make the luggage cut.
San Diego! My hometown! I second Tara, was experiencing Cup of Jo withdrawals over here
I MISSED Y’ALL SO MUCH. I’m doing a social media cleanse, I feel like an addict. Cannot have zero memes AND zero Cup a joe. xoxo. I really missed all of you. Also, I had a breakup over the holidays, (NOT COOL). I’ve read caroline’s breakup post 20 times. You all are the therapy when my therapist is on holiday. I can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for all!
what a lovely note! we missed being here, too, and are happy to be back. and i’m sorry to hear about your breakup! xoxo
So sorry to hear about your break up. You are not alone though, this strong community cares for you. Things will get better. All the best for 2020. XOXO
Thank you <3 Also, after my CBD grass mowing post ppl asked if I write. I started an IG. @diartyofpoemas. SO many ppl told me to write, and here I am 2020. Thanks for inspiring me Cup a Jo ladies. xo
Tara, is that the correct spelling of your IG account? Can’t find it. Thanks!
@diaryofpoemas
social media FAIL. hhahha. xoxoxo
Wait…hiking is just walking???
HIKING IS JUST WALKING?
my mind is blown
hahahaha! so true
In england, it’s just called walking!
At Torrey Pines, yeah, hiking is just walking. In Lake Tahoe, where there are summits, bears, coyotes, and raccoons it’s adventure walking. :)
haha good point, anonygirl!
“Hiking is just walking” is from a Sex and the City episode (The one where David Duchovny’s character is in rehab. WHY did I have instant recall of that episode I haven’t seen in 10 years?)
omg yes! you’re right, meg!
here’s the transcript! still makes me laugh:
There are great hiking trails all around here. Maybe later we can do a hike.
Oh, I don’t really hike.
Neither do I. But I will fill you in something I discovered. Hiking.. is walking.
Lol “hiking is just walking” depends heavily on where you live. I live in the mountains and hiking is typically “struggling up the side of a steep ass mountain.” I was very surprised to discover that when I moved here, having lived somewhere where hiking was actually walking.
Haahaha. I would agree, in England, most of what Americans would call a “hike” is what we would call a “walk”. In my opinion, it’s a walk if there’s a path or trail to follow or if it’s short (and if it’s really short, I’d probably even just call it a “stomp” but think that’s a personal one, haha), and a hike if you’re working it out on your own, or if it’s really challenging terrain. So yeah, I “hiked” to the top of Yosemite Falls, but I would normally just go for a “walk” or “stomp” on Dartmoor, where I grew up, or on the Devon/ Cornwall coastal paths.
Ha! I love this too, I live in a hilly neighborhood in Philadelphia (Roxborough) so my walks all feel like hikes. Actual hiking for me means the threat of ticks and slipping on a rock and falling down a mountain like that scene in Hot Rod. :p