Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the American readers! What are you up to today? We'll be heading to our friends' house in Brooklyn, where they have a fireplace, red wine and lots of stinky cheese. Have a wonderful day, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

The trailer for the next season of Girls. Will you be watching?

Mapping how Americans talk.

Curious to try this sleep app, which wakes you up when your body is ready.

How to sound like an art genius.

Such great Jackie Kennedy photos.

A babysitter's adorable photo series. (Thanks, Julia)

Zach Braff photobombed this wedding couple!

Because grammar.

And, finally, three Thanksgiving tips from this great book:
* "Start serving drinks the minutes your guests arrive, no matter the hour. Thanksgiving is not a time to judge."
* "A salad is a perfect accompaniment to many meals, a hit of astringency that can improve some dinners hugely. Not this one. You can have your salad tomorrow."
* "Thanksgiving is a holiday that anchors itself in tradition. Which means: You should make turkey. Turkey is why you are here."
Have a good one! xoxo

(Top photo by Vanessa Rees for Saveur)

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Creamy Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

This month, we're asking food bloggers to share their go-to fall pastas, and here's a delicious and quick vegetable pasta from Melissa of The Fauxmartha. As the mother of a newborn, she says this dish has saved their dinner-eating life. It would make a great meal on those busy winter weekdays. Here goes...Read More >

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Great idea for holiday cards

My friend Kendra, who is a prop stylist, had a fantastic idea for her family's holiday cards: They choose a holiday song lyric and take a photo inspired by it.
As part of a three-part series sponsored by Canon, we wanted to share a bunch of their past cards, as inspiration. Take a look, below...Read More >

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Ballet is tough.

Have you guys heard of city.ballet? It's a twelve-part online documentary series about New York City Ballet, narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker. Each episode is about 6 minutes, and I watched them all in one blast last night. You hear from apprentices who are trying desperately to get into the company, corps de ballet members who are hoping to stand out, soloists who feel stuck in the ranks and principals feeling all eyes upon them. It's inspiring and fascinating, and another example of how it's hard to make something look easy.
(A bunch of little ones auditioning for the school! Those little bellies!)

P.S. Toby taking ballet.

(Photos of the School of American Ballet auditions by Greg Gilbert/Seattle Times and Jason DeCrow)

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Motherhood Mondays: Life with two kids

Anton and Toby are interacting so much now! It's totally adorable. Toby has a trick where he says, "Shoulder ride!" really loudly and Anton will crack up with his husky throaty laugh. And they took their first bath together yesterday. Their growing relationship is so, so sweet to watch and makes my heart burst. So that is going well.

But although we're getting into a rhythm now that Anton is 4+ months, it's still pretty nuts. It ebbs and flows, right? Sometimes when we're hanging out with friends and Anton is happily wriggling around and Toby is cracking jokes, I'm like, we are total parenting geniuses! But then a few hours later, the little dudes are freaking out at home and I feel like a total mess.

Also, one of the less glamorous parts of having a baby: My hair is falling out, which, according to google, is because of dropping estrogen. Did you lose your hair four months after having a baby? In the picture above, my hair was still thick and glossy, but now I look like this:
Anyway, I'm curious to ask parents of two: When does it get easier with two kiddos? When did you generally get back on your feet? When I've casually asked friends with two kids, the most common answer has been "when the youngest child turns three." (WHAT!) Also, I'm curious: When did you think it got easier with one child? I remember feeling like myself again (thank goodness) once Toby turned one.

P.S. Always helpful to remember: Babies be babies.

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Have a beautiful weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are going to a lasagna party in Brooklyn tomorrow evening. I'm also reading this book and LOVING it. And Anton has started laughing at Toby's antics! Like big adorable belly laughs. Warms my heart:) Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

Thanksgiving Dinner slot machine!

10 most bike-friendly cities in the U.S.

Strangers falling asleep on the subway.

Brussels sprouts toasts.

Great boots on sale.

How to stay happy this winter. Made me laugh.

What a sexy holiday dress.

Such a pretty apartment in Brooklyn.

These twins taking a bath don't realize they're out of the womb.

Rare photos of famous people.

Thanksgiving Mad-Libs are a great idea.

Designers touching their faces.

Toddler naps with his puppy. DYING OF CUTENESS!!!!

Bonus for all readers: If you're sending holiday cards this year, Pinhole Press has great designs, and you can get 33% off with the code CUPOFJOCARDS through December 2nd. Thanks!

(Photo of PNB Summer Intensive dancer by Angela Sterling, via this addictive tumblr)

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Awesome shades

One final post about our place before you're totally sick of it! :) A few people asked about the window treatments, and they're really really awesome. The apartment had old blinds when we moved in, and we were nervous about the cords with the boys. So we got shades from Decorview, which Emily knew about–they basically come to your place, measure everything, help you pick out colors and textures, and then come back and install it all. It's so easy. And the coolest part is that they're motorized!!! You just press a button on the wall—or a remote!

Here's a video we took with the boys in the morning, where Toby is basically speaking a different language the entire time. Haha, three year olds:)

P.S. Toby talking about Indian food, and becoming a New Yorker.

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Home makeover: Master bedroom

Thanks for your comments on our apartment makeover this week! It has been really fun to share photos with you. Emily also helped us style the master bedroom, and here are the before and after pictures...
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Home makeover: The nursery

Thanks for your comments about the living room makeover yesterday! We were also really grateful to work with Emily on the boys' bedroom. Here are the before-and-after photos, if you'd like to see...
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Rotini with Blue Cheese & Spinach

This month, we're asking food bloggers to share their go-to fall pastas, and today's recipe is this rich and creamy rotini (with just a handful of ingredients) from Cara of Big Girls, Small Kitchen. Here goes...Read More >

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Home makeover: Our living and dining room

Thank you so much for all your sweet notes about our home makeover! I'm really excited to share the final photos. As I've mentioned before, we were lucky enough to work with the fantastic Emily Henderson. Here are the before and afters of our living room, if you'd like to see...
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Mindblowing Volvo commercial

We'll be posting photos of our house makeover today, but meanwhile, I wanted to share this ridiculously awesome Volvo commercial. It was filmed in Spain at sunrise in one take. Have you seen it? Insane.

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Gift idea: Photo books for kids

This past Father's Day, we made Toby a board book about his adventures with Daddy. He LOVED the book and still reads it all the time.
So, for Christmas this year, we're planning to surprise him with a stack of five new photo books...Read More >

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Who do you look like?

When Anton was born, we were perplexed—he didn't look like anyone in our families. "Who does he look like?" asked all our friends. "No one," we said. "It's a mystery!"

But the other day, Alex and I were watching a Tigers vs. Red Sox baseball game, and I kept staring at the Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer. "He reminds me of someone," I told Alex. "But I can't figure out who." Alex was barely listening to me, since he was trying to focus on the game, but all of a sudden, he turned to me and said, "Oh my God, he looks just like Anton."

It was hilarious. And true.

Who do your kids look like? (You? Another relative? A celebrity?) Do you have a look-a-like?

P.S. Accidental twins, and complete strangers who look exactly like twins.

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Have a lovely weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Our friend is throwing his annual holiday party tomorrow, so we'll be dressing up and going out! I can't wait to feel like a grown-up:) Next week we'll be sharing photos of our newly decorated apartment (here are the "before" shots). Excited to see what you think. Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

Google Street View goes to Venice! Employees wore 360-degree cameras while walking around and riding gondolas to capture all the secret paths and canals.

My friend Abbey told me about this awesome restaurant in New York that serves only steak, fries and salad. That's it. When the waiter comes, you simply tell him how you like your meat.

A year of parenting. Made me laugh.

Pie chart: What's in your suitcase?

The effortless fame of George Clooney.

Yesterday I went to hear a talk by George Lois—he was the real Don Draper—and he was hilarious and inspiring.

This weekend I'll be rereading this brilliant book.

Philippines typhoon relief: A good list of ways to help.

The (very different) bodies of Olympic athletes.

Whoa, these pants are sexy.

The essential Thanksgiving guide.

Colorized historical photos make the past seem incredibly real.

These braids are insane!

A cute holiday video.

And, finally, I can't stop thinking about Kate's beautiful essay. Thank you again for all your amazing and heartfelt comments. Have a good one. xoxo

(Photo of Toby with his beloved violin)

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Thursday giveaway

Today's giveaway is from Of a Kind, a site run by two amazing women. Each week, they choose emerging designers with whom they collaborate on limited-edition pieces. They sell these gorgeous designs (think: wool gloves, leather wallets, gold rings) exclusively on their site until they sell out.

Today they're giving away this Clare Vivier bag ($290), which has two compartments—one black, one tan. You get you double the storage and it goes with everything. The bag is handmade in L.A. with a thin crossbody strap. Isn't it fantastic?

For a chance to win, please visit Of a Kind (and consider signing up for their newsletter so you'll never miss an edition release) and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! Update: The winner has been emailed. Thanks for playing.

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Would you take a phone break?

New York Magazine recently ran a story about gadget sickness, or how a phone can drive you nuts.

The other day, Toby and I went on a bike ride to the playground, and I accidentally left my phone at home. While he was playing, I was surprised to see how many times I absentmindedly reached for it before realizing it wasn't in my pocket. It made me realize how much I check it—for really no reason other than habit. (It was the same phenomenon as when you forget to wear your watch and then realize how many times you look at your blank wrist.)

I'm curious: Would you take a break from your phone? Do you have any phone rules? I once met a guy who turned his phone off all day every Saturday. I love that idea! I might try it this weekend. It would be nice to be more present—or just daydream—during those quiet moments:)
P.S. Speaking of daydreaming: What are three things you're grateful for?

(New Yorker cartoons by Liam Walsh)

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MiH jeans giveaway

Today's giveaway is from MiH Jeans, the British brand with beautifully cut jeans and seasonal staples. (I have this pair and love them.) Today they're giving away a pair of their new BODYCON jeans, which are branded as the most flattering jeans around. They are high-rise jeans with a skinny leg, and the stretchy denim holds in and smoothes out curves. They come in jeans or pants, depending on if you want pockets or not!
For a chance to win, please visit MiH Jeans (and watch this video, if you'd like) and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! Update: The winner has been emailed. Thanks for playing. xo

Bonus for all readers: Get 20% off your order by clicking here.

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When Harry Met Sally prank

Improv Everywhere just pulled a hilarious stunt: They sent twenty women to Katz's Deli to reenact the famous orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally. Check this out...Read More >

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Pumpkin Mac 'n' Cheese

This month, we're asking food bloggers to share their go-to fall pastas, and today's recipe looks incredible: PUMPKIN mac n' cheese from Erin of Naturally Ella. Here goes...
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Oxblood red nails

How gorgeous is this Chinatown red nail polish for the holidays? My friend Kendra is wearing it here, and it looks romantic and elegant. The color is deep, rich and glossy. It would be so pretty to wear to a party. (We also liked this dramatic red, if you want something even darker.) Which polish are you wearing right now? xo

P.S. Oxblood shoes.

(Scarf from Madewell. Photos by Alpha Smoot for Cup of Jo. Styling by Kendra Smoot)

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Motherhood Mondays: "I had a stillborn baby."

Kate Suddes lives in Portland with her husband Jimmy and daughter June. She gave birth to a stillborn baby boy named Paul a year ago today, and she was kind enough to share her moving story with us...
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Have a wonderful weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are having friends over for cocktails on Saturday; Alex has been making tequila sunrises lately. Although I'm such a nerd and always go to bed at 9:30! Hope you have a good one, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

Liz Lemon's tips for living alone.

Why does your drink cost so much?

15 recipes every parent should know.

The man who invented the calendar.

Have you ever tried butter socks? They're ridiculously awesome.

Really nice sounds.

Mothers with their one-day-old babies.

Can you do this color challenge?

Tattly now has stationery.

Dogs shaking their heads.

The passion of parenting. (Loved the part about circles of love.)

Love these quirky round-ups.

(Photo from the beautifully redesigned site of Sunday Suppers)

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Four reader makeovers

A couple weeks ago, I asked if anyone would like a glasses makeover from Lookmatic. We were amazed to get more than 500 responses! Everyone was so funny and cute that it was almost impossible to narrow down the list. But in the end, we invited four women—Jen, Bridget, Caitlin and Roselyn—to spend a girly morning in Brooklyn.

Want to see the "after" shots?Read More >

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The joy of double dates

Last night, Alex and I went out to dinner for one of the first times since Anton was born four months ago. (It felt so good to be out!) We met our friends, and at one point, I looked over at Alex telling everyone a story and was struck by how funny and handsome he looked. We've been in such a new-baby fog recently, but I love that about double dates: You're forced to take a break, see your partner through other people's eyes, and you realize how lucky you are.

Alex, I love you.

P.S. We went to Cafe Cluny, which is our favorite restaurant in NYC; I'd highly recommend it, if you haven't been!

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Making love

Do you agree that "making love" is the grossest phrase? This video, of everyone saying "make love" in Woody Allen films, made me laugh out loud and very uncomfortable.

P.S. Annoying words, and Brit speak.

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How to say goodbye at a party

Last year, we threw a holiday party, and fifty friends squeezed into our teeny apartment. We drank sparking wine, ate kettle chips and climbed onto the fire escape to tell stories. Everything was going well, but then something started happening...Read More >

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Ricotta Gnocchi

Last month, we asked food bloggers what they make for dinner when they're home alone. Well, this month, we're asking food bloggers to share easy pastas to make as the weather gets cooler. First up: Gnocchi by Alex and Sonja Overhiser of A Couple Cooks that uses ricotta instead of potatoes...
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Fog Linen

How pretty are these napkins and trays from Fog Linen? The understated Japanese home store has such lovely things. I'd love to get a few for relaxed family dinners and having people over.

P.S. Do you use cloth napkins for regular dinners? Is that a thing most people do? (We always end up using leftover Chipotle napkins!)

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It's hard to work at the Onion.

The radio show This American Life has a a great episode where they sat in on an editorial meeting at The Onion. Every week, the comedy writers brainstorm more than 600 fake headlines, but only 16 are picked to run in the newspaper. During the meeting, there's an average of just one laugh for every 100 jokes. Tough crowd! In the interview, the writers explain why some headlines are funny, and some aren't; it's fascinating to hear the nuances.

Here are a few fake headlines that passed the test...

Dolphin Spends Amazing Vacation Swimming with Stockbroker.
Foreign Guy Probably Dressed Very Fashionably For Wherever He’s From.
Man At Salad Bar Has To Say Every Item Aloud As He Adds It To Salad.
Dad’s Been On A Parenting Kick Lately.
Fun-Loving, Laid-Back Woman With A Bit Of A Nerdy Side Joins Online Dating Service.
Pretty Obvious Which Parts Of Wedding Website Written By Groom.
Exercise Ball All the Way Over There.
Eric Clapton Wows Audience with Even Slower Version of Layla.
Two People Who Went To Same College Ruin Evening For Rest Of Group.
Cat Seemed Perfectly Content Right Up Until Point He Bolted Out Of Room.
Mom Spends Beach Vacation Assuming All Household Duties In Closer Proximity To Ocean.
Dad Actually Yelled At That Guy.
Man Still Trying To Find Right Work-Anxiety–Life-Anxiety Balance.
Weird Guy From 2 Jobs Ago Still Liking Woman’s Photos On Facebook.
(Another tough crowd:)

Anyway, the episode was really funny, if you're in the mood. Do you have any other radio shows or podcasts you'd recommend? I have a new thing where I'm trying to go on a weekly walk by myself while listening to radio, just as a little "me time." (Not to be super cheesy about it or anything:) I'd love any recommendations!

P.S. Some funny comics.

(Top photo by Colin via Wikipedia; bottom photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt. TAL episode OfaKind)

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