How a standard key lock actually works

This is one of the more random posts on Cup of Jo (along with this and this), but this gif of a standard lock is really cool. Did you know it worked like this?! Definitely going to be impressed by my key when I go home tonight.

(Via Today I Learned)

The Best Oatmeal Cookies

As a huge chocolate-chip cookie lover, I used to scoff at oatmeal cookies. I mean, oatmeal? But when they're done right, they're rich and chewy with a cinnamon kick, and, dare I say it, rival even the best chocolate chip cookie. Here, Ashlae from Oh, Ladycakes shares her favorite familyrecipe...Read More >

Great news

Great news! Emerson Fry, the fantastic clothing brand based in New York and New Hampshire is offering a whopping 50% off their shoes for Cup of Jo readers! They want to make room for their fall collection, coming soon, so their spring/summer shoes are ours for the taking. They're gorgeous and beautifully made.

Get 50% off full-priced Emerson Fry shoes with the code CUPOFJO50, good for the next week. Which are your favorite? (I love these and these.)

Elephant dress

How cute is this elephant smock dress? I'd love to wear it on picnics this summer.

P.S. It would look pretty with these sandals.

5 beautiful motherhood tips

During the baby shower, something amazing happened...
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Our baby shower

Would (or did) you have a baby shower for your second baby? I wasn't sure if it seemed like overkill since we'd already had a shower for Toby's birth, but then Abbey pointed out, "It would be nice to celebrate THIS baby." And that seemed true. So one recent Saturday, I went to my friend Samantha's house for the loveliest afternoon with fifteen wonderful women and a few chubby babies...Read More >

Have a great weekend.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! What are your plans for the weekend? A few beloved relatives—including my own dad—are coming to visit us this weekend, so we'll be hitting up museums, parks and restaurants. I'm also going to read this genius book again! Hope you have a wonderful relaxing weekend, and here are some fun posts from around the web (blogs have been so good lately!)...

"Rose gold goes really well with a tan." — Lucky Magazine

Grandmothers and their meals.

A personal breathalyzer.

What a beautiful and moving quote about fatherhood.

Would you put butter in your coffee?

People seeing the sea for the first time.

What it feels like to be a pilot.

Just got a pair of these for summer adventures.

Cute iPhone case.

Easy adult dinner party.

Abbey wrote a great Paris cheat sheet.

How not to be alone.

From croissant to cronut.

Mike D from the Beastie Boys has the most beautiful town house.

A mother's touching realization.

Are classic children's stories being dumbed down?

Made me laugh. (Busted.)

Have a good one! xoxo

(Photo of Toby playing air guitar for Alex and me at Washington Square Park)