9 simple wedding rings

Last fall, I wrote a post simple wedding rings, and since then, I've come across a few more that have taken my breath away. Here are 9 beautiful rings that are pretty enough to wear on their own...

1. Braided ring, $348.
2. Black oval ring, $250.
3. Blade of grass ring, $495.
4. Black diamond ring, $710.
5. Heart ring, $200.
6. Infinity hug ring, $193.
7. Diamond band, $520.
8. Speckled band, $330.
9. Bateau ring, $980.

Thoughts? What's your wedding ring like? Mine's a thin gold band. xoxo

P.S. 6 more wedding rings.

(Graphic design by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

9 simple wedding rings

Last fall, I wrote a post simple wedding rings, and since then, I've come across a few more that have taken my breath away. Here are 9 beautiful rings that are pretty enough to wear on their own...

1. Braided ring, $348.
2. Black oval ring, $250.
3. Blade of grass ring, $495.
4. Black diamond ring, $710.
5. Heart ring, $200.
6. Infinity hug ring, $193.
7. Diamond band, $520.
8. Speckled band, $330.
9. Bateau ring, $980.

Thoughts? What's your wedding ring like? Mine's a thin gold band. xoxo

P.S. 6 more wedding rings.

(Graphic design by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

Bathroom beauty

I once read that if someone stops by unannounced and you only have a few minutes to tidy up, focus on the bathroom. It's the only room where a guest will spend time alone, and consequently they'll pay more attention to their surroundings. A guest may not notice the vintage vases on your bookshelf, but they'll definitely see the hand soap by the bathroom sink. Here are seven favorite picks for that clean and pretty bathroom. -- By Rachel from Elephantine

1. Bird House Bath Tissue Holder, $12.99.
2. Robin's Egg Soaps, $24.
3. Wooden Toothbrush Set, $12.50. (See how the toothbrushes say "guest?")
4. Fog Linen Towels, $27 to $70.
5. Recycled Glass Canister, $29.
6. Sailor's Soap Dish, $20.
7. Ombre Bath Mat, $29.

P.S. More round ups...

(Post by Rachel from Elephantine, a new Cup of Jo contributor, who will be posting every couple weeks. Thank you, Rachel!)

Bathroom beauty

I once read that if someone stops by unannounced and you only have a few minutes to tidy up, focus on the bathroom. It's the only room where a guest will spend time alone, and consequently they'll pay more attention to their surroundings. A guest may not notice the vintage vases on your bookshelf, but they'll definitely see the hand soap by the bathroom sink. Here are seven favorite picks for that clean and pretty bathroom. -- By Rachel from Elephantine

1. Bird House Bath Tissue Holder, $12.99.
2. Robin's Egg Soaps, $24.
3. Wooden Toothbrush Set, $12.50. (See how the toothbrushes say "guest?")
4. Fog Linen Towels, $27 to $70.
5. Recycled Glass Canister, $29.
6. Sailor's Soap Dish, $20.
7. Ombre Bath Mat, $29.

P.S. More round ups...

(Post by Rachel from Elephantine, a new Cup of Jo contributor, who will be posting every couple weeks. Thank you, Rachel!)

6 wine bottle stoppers

Our babysitter noticed how much I like wine (busted) and gave me three lady bottle stoppers for my last birthday. They make me smile every time I walk through our kitchen. Bottle stoppers make great gifts when going to a dinner party or wedding, and are also just sweet to have on your kitchen counter, chilling in a half-bottle of red.

Nine favorites, clockwise, above: Fish, anchor, piggie, lady, flower, bird. (And this thirsty bird is so cute, too!)
(Layout by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo. Thanks to Emily Hsieh for scouting help. Comic by Christopher Weyant)

6 wine bottle stoppers

Our babysitter noticed how much I like wine (busted) and gave me three lady bottle stoppers for my last birthday. They make me smile every time I walk through our kitchen. Bottle stoppers make great gifts when going to a dinner party or wedding, and are also just sweet to have on your kitchen counter, chilling in a half-bottle of red.

Nine favorites, clockwise, above: Fish, anchor, piggie, lady, flower, bird. (And this thirsty bird is so cute, too!)
(Layout by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo. Thanks to Emily Hsieh for scouting help. Comic by Christopher Weyant)

Baked potato bar

We recently invited six friends over for dinner, and instead of juggling recipes (we aren't fancy cooks), we did a baked potato bar! Alex baked the potatoes in the oven for an hour, and we put out bowls with tons of toppings. Our list of toppings: butter, black pepper, goat cheese, sautéed spinach, avocados, chicken, brie and cranberry sauce, chili, grated cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms, onions and garlic. (I also wanted to do sour cream with caviar--how fabulous would that be? Next time!) It was super easy and delicious. What toppings do you like on baked potatoes? Any weird ones?

P.S. And a staring contest:)

(Graphic design by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

Baked potato bar

We recently invited six friends over for dinner, and instead of juggling recipes (we aren't fancy cooks), we did a baked potato bar! Alex baked the potatoes in the oven for an hour, and we put out bowls with tons of toppings. Our list of toppings: butter, black pepper, goat cheese, sautéed spinach, avocados, chicken, brie and cranberry sauce, chili, grated cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms, onions and garlic. (I also wanted to do sour cream with caviar--how fabulous would that be? Next time!) It was super easy and delicious. What toppings do you like on baked potatoes? Any weird ones?

P.S. And a staring contest:)

(Graphic design by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

Twelve throw blankets

Whenever we watch TV at home, my feet are always freezing. I always stretch out on the sofa and want a blanket to cuddle up in. So! I went on a hunt. Pendleton blankets look great but can feel a little scratchy, and I was looking for something super soft. ("Adults, too, deserve a security blanket," says Brahms Mount.) Also, since it's an investment, I looked for all natural materials, like wool, cashmere, linen, cotton--no polyester! Here's what I found...
Pink, clockwise: Marimekko, NuBe Green, Terrain, Brahms Mount.
Yellow, clockwise: Terrain, Hudson Bay, Pappelina, Crate + Barrel.
Blue, clockwise: Newport, Chevron, Pendleton, L.L. Bean.

Which is your favorite?

(Layout by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

Twelve throw blankets

Whenever we watch TV at home, my feet are always freezing. I always stretch out on the sofa and want a blanket to cuddle up in. So! I went on a hunt. Pendleton blankets look great but can feel a little scratchy, and I was looking for something super soft. ("Adults, too, deserve a security blanket," says Brahms Mount.) Also, since it's an investment, I looked for all natural materials, like wool, cashmere, linen, cotton--no polyester! Here's what I found...
Pink, clockwise: Marimekko, NuBe Green, Terrain, Brahms Mount.
Yellow, clockwise: Terrain, Hudson Bay, Pappelina, Crate + Barrel.
Blue, clockwise: Newport, Chevron, Pendleton, L.L. Bean.

Which is your favorite?

(Layout by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

Five best board games

Do you like playing board games? I love having board games around the apartment for when people stop by or friends stay the night, since they instantly make an evening fun and funny. Here are my five current favorites...

Jenga gets everyone's heart racing. (Alex and I played it a lot when I was pregnant.)
Scattergories is perfect for quick-thinking wordsmiths.
Taboo always makes people laugh (especially with the buzzer).
Have you played with an Ouija board since you were 16? Turn off the lights, gather around and ask it spooky questions. (Bonus: The updated version glows in the dark.)
Mancala is the perfect game to play with a glass of wine in hand, and it's fun for both kids and adults (it gets harder as you get smarter!).

What games would you recommend?

(Layout by Em for Cup of Jo)

Five best board games

Do you like playing board games? I love having board games around the apartment for when people stop by or friends stay the night, since they instantly make an evening fun and funny. Here are my five current favorites...

Jenga gets everyone's heart racing. (Alex and I played it a lot when I was pregnant.)
Scattergories is perfect for quick-thinking wordsmiths.
Taboo always makes people laugh (especially with the buzzer).
Have you played with an Ouija board since you were 16? Turn off the lights, gather around and ask it spooky questions. (Bonus: The updated version glows in the dark.)
Mancala is the perfect game to play with a glass of wine in hand, and it's fun for both kids and adults (it gets harder as you get smarter!).

What games would you recommend?

(Layout by Em for Cup of Jo)

Top 10 entertaining movies

My darlings, the fall weather is getting cooler, and it's time to cuddle up and watch movies! Just for fun, here are my top ten just-for-fun movies, those movies you watch when you just want to chill. What are yours?

Royal Tenenbaums
Annie Hall
Rosemary's Baby
When Harry Met Sally
Emma
Ghost World
Clueless
Harold & Maude
The Graduate
Bridget Jones Diary

(I also secretly like Knocked Up, which always seems to be on TV; how can you resist deep-voiced Seth Rogen?)
P.S. Mindy Kaling's funny article about romantic comedies, and more fun round-ups.

Top 10 entertaining movies

My darlings, the fall weather is getting cooler, and it's time to cuddle up and watch movies! Just for fun, here are my top ten just-for-fun movies, those movies you watch when you just want to chill. What are yours?

Royal Tenenbaums
Annie Hall
Rosemary's Baby
When Harry Met Sally
Emma
Ghost World
Clueless
Harold & Maude
The Graduate
Bridget Jones Diary

(I also secretly like Knocked Up, which always seems to be on TV; how can you resist deep-voiced Seth Rogen?)
P.S. Mindy Kaling's funny article about romantic comedies, and more fun round-ups.

Simple wedding rings

I've spotted lots of women around New York recently wearing simple gold wedding bands (pretty!), so I decided to do a round-up of long-time favorites. You can always get your ring engraved, too: My wedding ring says "all my love," and Alex's ring says, "all my life," inspired by our grandparents.

1. Loved ring, $315.
2. Polka-dot band, $310.
3. Heart ring, $88.
4. Tie-the-knot ring, $154.
5. Diamond ring, $600.
6. Thin gold band, $16.

Thoughts? What's your wedding ring like? xo

(Graphic design by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

Simple wedding rings

I've spotted lots of women around New York recently wearing simple gold wedding bands (pretty!), so I decided to do a round-up of long-time favorites. You can always get your ring engraved, too: My wedding ring says "all my love," and Alex's ring says, "all my life," inspired by our grandparents.

1. Loved ring, $315.
2. Polka-dot band, $310.
3. Heart ring, $88.
4. Tie-the-knot ring, $154.
5. Diamond ring, $600.
6. Thin gold band, $16.

Thoughts? What's your wedding ring like? xo

(Graphic design by Jennifer Hagler for Cup of Jo)

How to buy houseplants (once and for all)

I've always loved the idea of a house filled with greenery. But whenever we've brought home a brave little plant, it has shriveled up and died within a couple weeks. Eeps! What gives?! Maybe it wasn't meant to be, I thought.

Well, luckily, my friend and floral designer Amy Merrick promised me that houseplants are easy if you know two simple tricks...

Amy's advice: "I live in Brooklyn, so filling my apartment with plants is my connection to nature. And my dad is a houseplant genius. Some of his plants are more than 40 years old! The two key tricks are: Choose plants that work with the light in your home, and water them the right amount. People often don't realize that they're overing-watering their plants, causing the plants to turn brown."
8 easy houseplants that Amy swears by:

1. Air Plant
No soil required! They thrive in direct sunlight with a once a week misting. (Here's where to buy them.)

2. Rabbit's Foot Fern
A rabbit's foot fern is one of the easiest ferns to keep inside. They need indirect light and twice weekly waterings.

3. Strawberry Begonia
Pretty plant -- it also sends out the most darling little baby plants! Likes medium to bright light and the top of the soil should dry out slightly between waterings, so keep an eye on it.

4. Split Leaf Philodendron
This tried-and-true houseplant sometimes gets maligned as boring. I love the huge ones, though; if you cut off an extra leaf, it'll keep in a vase for a month! They like indirect light and once a week waterings.

5. Prayer Plant
With really pretty patterned foliage, a prayer plant does well with indirect sunlight and twice a week watering.

6. Rex Begonia
They take a little more care and dedication, but they're so gorgeous you have to try. They thrive in indirect light and the top of the soil should dry out slightly between waterings. (Repeated overwaterings is just as bad as underwaterings with these guys.)

7. Ponytail Palm
The Dr. Seuss of houseplants, Ponytail Palms are virtually indestructible. Happiest in a sunny spot with once a week watering.

8. Succulents
Low maintenance, if you have a very sunny spot inside. Water once a week and ignore.

Thank you SO much, Amy! I'm excited to create a green home! (I'm going to take this list to the flower shop.) What do you think, my darlings? Do you have houseplants? Any other tips from those who garden? xoxo
(Plant layout by Em from HipHipGinGin for Cup of Jo. Home photos by SFGirlbyBay, Bologet and Lonny.)

How to buy houseplants (once and for all)

I've always loved the idea of a house filled with greenery. But whenever we've brought home a brave little plant, it has shriveled up and died within a couple weeks. Eeps! What gives?! Maybe it wasn't meant to be, I thought.

Well, luckily, my friend and floral designer Amy Merrick promised me that houseplants are easy if you know two simple tricks...

Amy's advice: "I live in Brooklyn, so filling my apartment with plants is my connection to nature. And my dad is a houseplant genius. Some of his plants are more than 40 years old! The two key tricks are: Choose plants that work with the light in your home, and water them the right amount. People often don't realize that they're overing-watering their plants, causing the plants to turn brown."
8 easy houseplants that Amy swears by:

1. Air Plant
No soil required! They thrive in direct sunlight with a once a week misting. (Here's where to buy them.)

2. Rabbit's Foot Fern
A rabbit's foot fern is one of the easiest ferns to keep inside. They need indirect light and twice weekly waterings.

3. Strawberry Begonia
Pretty plant -- it also sends out the most darling little baby plants! Likes medium to bright light and the top of the soil should dry out slightly between waterings, so keep an eye on it.

4. Split Leaf Philodendron
This tried-and-true houseplant sometimes gets maligned as boring. I love the huge ones, though; if you cut off an extra leaf, it'll keep in a vase for a month! They like indirect light and once a week waterings.

5. Prayer Plant
With really pretty patterned foliage, a prayer plant does well with indirect sunlight and twice a week watering.

6. Rex Begonia
They take a little more care and dedication, but they're so gorgeous you have to try. They thrive in indirect light and the top of the soil should dry out slightly between waterings. (Repeated overwaterings is just as bad as underwaterings with these guys.)

7. Ponytail Palm
The Dr. Seuss of houseplants, Ponytail Palms are virtually indestructible. Happiest in a sunny spot with once a week watering.

8. Succulents
Low maintenance, if you have a very sunny spot inside. Water once a week and ignore.

Thank you SO much, Amy! I'm excited to create a green home! (I'm going to take this list to the flower shop.) What do you think, my darlings? Do you have houseplants? Any other tips from those who garden? xoxo
(Plant layout by Em from HipHipGinGin for Cup of Jo. Home photos by SFGirlbyBay, Bologet and Lonny.)

Motherhood Mondays: 10 favorite bedtime stories

Let's talk about books! This past year, Toby and I read tons of bedtime stories, and he gravitated toward a handful of special favorites. (He's very opinionated!) Here are ten books we've love reading most...
Read more »

Motherhood Mondays: 10 favorite bedtime stories

Let's talk about books! This past year, Toby and I read tons of bedtime stories, and he gravitated toward a handful of special favorites. (He's very opinionated!) Here are ten books we've love reading most...
Read more »