I LOVE _____

Valentine's Day is just two weeks away, so let's talk about love. What are you loving these days? A person, a moment, a food...One of my lifelong loves is French bread (here's me proving it, as a two-year-old), especially with stinky cheese or warm Nutella. Also, did you know you’re always supposed to tear French bread, since it's actually considered odd to slice it?
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Coach has launched a new fragrance called Coach Love, which is a sensual woody floral. I really like feminine fragrances that aren't overwhelming, but instead are warm, sexy and understated. (Plus, the bottle would look beautiful on a bathroom shelf.)

Now think about what you love: Coach Love has created a fun Facebook app, where you reveal the funny little things you love, along with a photo. (I shared my French bread photo.) Post yours on Facebook, if you'd like...

(This post is sponsored by Coach Love, a truly beautiful fragrance. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Cup of Jo possible)

Wedding invitations

This made me laugh out loud. Wedding planning is intense.

P.S. More about weddings...

Happy birthday, Lucy

My twin sister Lucy and I are turning a whopping 34 today. We've officially reached our mid thirties. Whattup! Everyone says your twenties are the time of your life, but I actually prefer my thirties. (My twenties were all over the place:) What about you?

A while back, on this post about paying for your parents, a reader named Angela commented, "As a Filipino, I send my mom flowers on my birthday." How sweet is that? So my sister and I are giving flowers to our mom today. Thanks for the idea, Angela!
(Bottom photo by flower stylist Amy Merrick)

Any book recommendations?

After seeing Argo last week, I was inspired to reread the fantastic graphic novel Persepolis, which tells the story of the author's childhood in Iran during the Islamic revolution. Her neighbors' homes are bombed, and her relatives are imprisoned. Her father considers fleeing to America, but then asks his wife, "I can become a taxi driver and you a cleaning lady?" As she grows up, the girl's rebellious streak endangers her life. Her personal story is gripping, heartbreaking and surprisingly funny. I devoured it in three days, and now I'm really looking forward to reading the authors' other two books, Persepolis 2 (the sequel) and Embroideries (about her female relatives' sex lives!).

Have you read any good books recently? I'd love to get your recommendations...

P.S. Four other great graphic novels.

The Best Mascarpone Cheesecake You'll Ever Have

When I was 10 years old, I went through a weird cheesecake stage. My mom had a big cheesecake cookbook, and I'd come home from school and whip up a marble or strawberry one, just for fun. It was so random! But while they were all good, today Yossy from Apt. 2B Baking Co. shares the most delicious recipe featuring a dollop of mascarpone (how perfect would this be for a dinner party?)...
Read More >

Faux fur throws

This past weekend, we were lucky enough to visit our friends' cabin in Connecticut. Alex and I are usually huge wusses about winter, but, inspired by our friends, we decided to embrace it. We built roaring fires, ate French toast and bacon for breakfast, chopped wood, went cross-country skiing, threw the toddlers in the bath together, and later comforted crying kids on hikes because their hands were too cold and rushed them back to the warm car—all in all, a real country weekend:)

But the biggest surprise of the trip? Our friends' sofas were draped in these faux fur throws from Restoration Hardware, and they were soft and luxurious. We spent the weekend cuddled in them, and when we returned home on Sunday night, we immediately ordered one. I'd highly recommend them!
P.S. Love Alex's face while chopping wood!

(Photos by our friends, who are actually the designers behind Pinhole Press. Thanks, Ashley and Stefan!)

16 high school yearbook photos of celebrities

New York Magazine recently featured high-school yearbook photos of celebrities, and they're awesome. Can you guess the four people above? And here are 12 more...
Read More >

Simply a spoonful of sugar! Divine sweet treats and cakes from Sara's Kitchen....

What is company name? 

Sara’s Kitchen

What is your line of business? 

Cakes and all kinds of delicious treats!

How and why the company begin? 

 I used to work in the Theatre’s as a set designer and stage manager, but had always dreamed of starting my own cake business, after I had my two children, I decided it was now or never, so retrained and basically the rest is history! I absolutely love what I do!

    Are you married? If so tell us a little about your wedding…. 

Yes, to my lovely Hubbie Darran. We’re both originally from Essex, so had a gorgeous country style wedding, at a place called Crabbs Barn, it was the perfect summers day, guests were walking around bare foot, eating Strawberries and Cream, while our friend played acoustic songs we’d chosen, I wouldn’t have changed a single detail!

Why do brides come to you? 

Brides normally come to me because their after something a little different, they know I’ll get their vision and deliver! Whether it’s Cake pops designed to look like afternoon tea or a Vintage Birdcage Design that’s never been see before, I will make sure every detail is perfect!

What is your favourite design and why? 

I love Cath Kidston, My chairs in the Kitchen are even upholstered in her fabrics! so I do really love a bride who’s after the Vintage roses or takes inspiration from her, You can literally go crazy with the selection of fabrics available or just include subtle touches for a wedding cake that will suit any Vintage theme!

What is the most popular item you supply and why? 

My birdcage cakes are extremely popular at the moment, especially with one of 2013’s trends being birds. Also my rustic macaroons and brownies are a huge hit, making lovely favours!

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

Everywhere!! I love a good rummage around the charity shops for lace doilies or fantastic vintage clothes and have been know to design a cake around some vintage lace fabric! Obviously Cath Kidston is an inspiration and my newest cake, a button cascade was designed using the colours from one of her suitcases of tin soldiers!

What is in store for you in 2013?  

 I’ve just moved into a new studio along with some other lovely Wedding companies, so lots of exciting things are coming up, including an official opening party and some fantastic new displays for the 2013 wedding fairs, watch this space!

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them? 

I know I’m going to sound corny, but the couples I have past and present, they end up becoming friends, always trust me and let me create something perfect for their day!

What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a supplier in your industry? 

Make sure you meet them face to face, you have to be able to trust them and know they can deliver! Look at previous work and recommendations from friends and family are always great!!

Tell us something super interesting about you or your business that we wouldn’t already know…?

 I got down to the last 50 out of thousands of applicants for getting onto The Great British Bake Off 2012! Sadly I didn’t make the live show! 

Where are you based and where can you supply? 

I’m Based in Consett but can deliver to the whole of the North East and North Yorkshire.

How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order? 

Visit my website at www.saraskitchen.co.ukEmail me at sara@saraskitchen.co.uk or check out my Facebook www.facebook.com/saraskitchenUK

Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers? 

Because their a lovely bunch of girls, who are always professional and deliver every time!

Motherhood Mondays: Potty training

Last week, we tackled potty training. Toby was a champ, but it was intense. Here's my diary, if you're interested (and I'd LOVE to hear your experiences)...

Saturday:
We went cold turkey. No more diapers. He was happy to sit on the potty, but wouldn't actually pee in it. Tons of accidents. In the evening, he peed on my lap and dissolved into hysterical laughter.

Sunday:
Stayed home naked. Hilariously classic reversion, poor thing. Kept saying, “I’m a baby! I’m sleepy! Waah waah!” Cried when we asked him to sit on potty. We were wondering if this would work out.

Monday:
Miracle! Woke up and was happy to pee! He would announce, “I pee on potty,” then walk over, sit down, pee, get up and resume playing. Alex and I gave each other a secret high five! A couple accidents, but overall a great day.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:
Ups and downs. Some accidents, some resistance, some successes. We had him wear pants but no underwear, so he'd realize he wasn't in a diaper. Told me earnestly that he missed his diapers, which was kind of heartbreaking.

Friday:
Now, finally, he's reliably peeing when prompted. Instead of expecting him to initiate, we decided to have "potty time" every 90 minutes or so. We treat it like a normal part of his daily routine, just like lunchtime or nap time. Seems to be working so far!

Two tips from this website that surprised me: Instead of saying "pull down your pants," it's easier for your toddler to understand if you say "push down your pants." And if your child has an accident, don't say "It's okay," since that sounds as if you're granting permission; instead, just calmly say, "Oops! Remember, pee goes in the potty, not on the sofa."

How has it gone for you? Any funny/crazy/embarrassing moments? I'd love to hear. (One reader said she motivated her daughter with Lindt chocolate truffles!)
Toby wears Honest training pants for naps and bedtime, and we're going to have him start wearing Thomas the Tank Engine underwear—instead of going commando—for the rest of the day. (I've heard that swim diapers also work well for those first few tricky weeks, since they feel like underwear but are absorbant.)

P.S. Those little legs!!!

Of course, we're thrilled that it's working...
...but I'll secretly miss these anchor diapers:)

(This post is sponsored by The Honest Company, whose mission I adore, and whose diapers, training pants, wipes, lotion, shampoo, soap and many other awesome products we use for our family. In honor of all things baby, they're offering free shipping with the code JoFreeShip3, until February 11th)

Coral & Tusk

The other day, I was browsing around the home shop John Derian, when I spotted this embroidered duck onesie. It was so intricate and beautiful in person, and I learned that it was hand-drawn and designed by Brooklyn designer Stephanie Housley of Coral & Tusk. She also makes embroidered pillows, aprons, tea towels and artwork. How gorgeous are they all?!

The video below gives a peek behind-the-scenes. "I identify with the fox a lot," says Stephanie. "He looks so cute and so funny...but he's also really sneaky." Find her online shop here, and watch a behind-the-scenes video here.

(Photos by Kate Lacey)

Have a beautiful weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We're excited to drive up to our friends' cabin in Connecticut...and are just praying that Toby's potty training will stick. Their daughter is Toby's exact age, so it's going to be a noisy one! They're making mussels (yay), so maybe we'll bring these. Have a relaxing weekend, stay warm, and here are a few fun posts from around the web...

Alex and I saw Argo this week and loved it. Have you seen it?

The secret to perfectly cooked eggs.

Bridesmaids can now rent dresses!

A house in the forest.

Apparently some Italians fake their vacations.

The documentary Brooklyn Castle looks great.

A pretty top for dates.

If Dr. Seuss books were titled according to their subtexts.

This Valentine's Day card made me laugh.

Love these Valentine-y earrings.

What 13 people wore to an interview with Anna Wintour.

Who wants to play Downton Abbey bingo?

Constellation bracelet.

Last but not least, Google's female employees get 5 months maternity leave at full pay, and they can split up that time however they'd like. Bravo.

(Photo by Michael Graydon)

Return address embossers

Now that I spend my life typing on a computer, my handwriting has gotten pretty much illegible. So instead of scribbling your return address on a letter, wouldn't it be great to use these beautiful embossers, which leave a raised stamp of your address on envelopes? Easy and beautiful!

How did you meet your significant other?

If you're in a relationship, how did you meet your significant other? Here's our story from six years ago...Read More >

Thursday giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from ShoeMint, a free, members-only website with an amazing selection of shoes, each for just $79.95. It's a collaboration between Rachel Bilson, Steve Madden and stylist Nicole Chavez, and they add new styles every month. Everything is made with real leather and suede, and they also have cute boots and bags. Bonus: They offer free shipping and returns.

Today FIVE lucky winners will get to choose a pair of ShoeMint shoes. Which would you choose? (I'd go for the Hillary flat.)

To enter, please visit ShoeMint and leave a comment below telling us your favorite pair of shoes. Five winners will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! The winners have been emailed. Thanks for playing.

For all readers: Click here to get 20% off your first pair.

Before Midnight

Have you seen the beautifully romantic films Before Sunrise and Before Sunset? Well, director Richard Linklater has now made a third film in the series, Before Midnight...Read More >

The Best Taco Soup You'll Ever Have

Do you like tacos? (Is the sky blue?) Well, our friends Laura and Ryan from Smith & Ratliff make a rich, hearty taco soup that they call "the ultimate soup recipe for the non-cook." Here's how to make it...
Read More >

Awesome Vacation Idea: Stinson Beach

Are you planning any vacations this year? Travel is fun to daydream about during gray January, so I decided to ask a few friends to reveal the vacation spots they remember most fondly. First up, Liz Stanley from Say Yes to Hoboken raves about Stinson Beach, just thirty minutes from San Francisco...
Read More >

Sweatshirt dress

Over the past year, I wore this sweatshirt dress ALL the time. It's one of those comfy dresses you can wear year-round, with self-tanner in the summer and wool tights in the winter. It's pretty for the beach, bike rides, romantic dinners and work meetings. I wanted to recommend it, if you're looking for an effortless everyday dress for this coming year.

P.S. Personally, I wore it with these wedges, and these pink flats would look cute.

Simply Stunning! A Niemierko wedding.... now THIS is a wedding! WOW!

Oh my goodness! Mark Niemierko, one of the UK's most famous and successful wedding planners who has featured on our blog before, never fails to amaze us with his designs and attention to detail when creating a truly spectacular wedding!

We just had to share this gorgeous video of one of his creations coming to life as it is so beautiful.... View video here.

Simply got to be in it to win it! Our Lancashire office need your votes!

Simply Bows and Chair Covers Lancashire have been shortlisted as a contender for best Venue Dressing Company at the County Brides Awards 2013 and need your votes!

If Joanne and her fabulous team have dressed your wedding please take two min's to place a vote for her under Best Venue Dressing Company here.

Have a magical (long) weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? After a day of potty training, Alex and I are hoping to sneak out for lasagna in the neighborhood. And will you be watching Girls on Sunday? Have a wonderful weekend, and here are a few fun links from around the web...

A song for your weekend.

A recipe for just two chocolate chip cookies? Perfect.

IKEA bookshelves get an awesome makeover.

Well said, Tina Fey.

Six toddler games for lazy parents.

Wow, a neon gown!

Damaged hardwood floors? Just paint stripes.

Winter sun cocktail.

This packing list makes me want to take a trip.

Queen Elizabeth with 12 presidents.

Remember the controversial Vogue mom who put her daughter on a diet? Her book is out.

...And here's a Q&A with her.

Good parenting question.

Cute cups for picnics.

What a beautiful photo.

(Photo of the northern lights in Alaska by NASA)

Potty training advice?

Help! This weekend, we're attempting to potty train.

We were originally planning start potty training right before the holidays, but decided to wait until our trip was over. (We figured diapers would be best on car trips and airplanes.)

But, now, we're ready. A reader recommended this website, which instructs us to spend a weekend at home with Toby totally naked. Sounds strange, but the site says it helps your child realize that they're not wearing a diaper and instead should use the potty. Is that what you guys did? Did it work? I'd be incredibly grateful for any tips and advice.

Most of all: Go, Toby! What a little hero!

(Photo of Toby from the holidays)