Stories by Joanna Goddard

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

7 Fall Fashion Trends — Thoughts?

What’s a Song You Find Sexy?

Claudette’s 40th Birthday Party

What Are You Proud Of?

Have a Lovely Weekend.

10 Fun Questions to Ask Your Significant Other

Four Fun Things

A Very English Novel That I Loved

Have a Great Weekend.

Four Fun Things

10 Fun Things I Noticed in Paris

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including a kitchen makeover and the big fall nail color.

Four Fun Things

Do You Ever Think About Death?

Have a Great Weekend.

Let’s Help This Reader Find a Slouchy Blazer!

Six everyday blazers to wear this fall.

I Finally Figured Out How Not to Cry While Chopping Onions

Now I can chop them all day long, no tears in sight.

My Friend With Four Kids Found the Best Alarm Clocks

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

Four Fun Things

Five Pick-Me-Ups

These Fall Sweaters and Coats Are a Parisian Fever Dream

Did You Know ‘70 Up’ Is Coming Out?!

Have a Loving Weekend.

12 links, including cool fall shoes and the movie everyone's talking about.

Five Fun Things

What Breakfast Muffins Do You Swear By?

We Had Two Beloved Visitors in Brooklyn Last Week

Do or Don’t: Ghost Lashes

Have a Lovely (Long) Weekend.

Do You Ever Read While Walking?

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Have a Cozy Weekend.

12 links, including a tomato spritz and why fighting is a GOOD thing.

Four Fun Things

A Week in Scandinavia

Our Family Trip to England

Welcome Back! How Are You?

Have a Fun Weekend.

How to Do Anything

40 favorite posts, including how to find a truly great book, pack for a trip, and give yourself compliments.

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

7 Ways to Make Back-to-School Fun (For Real)

Have a Great Weekend.

Maple-Soy Salmon Bowls

Toby’s Pro Tip for Restaurants

The Edit: J.Crew’s August Drop

Have a Lovely Weekend.

What Would Be on Your Larry David Sandwich?

Our Edit: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Have a Lovely Weekend.

Five Fun Things

What Are Your Top Ways to Eat Potatoes?

The Vacation Dress I Can’t Stop Thinking About

My #1 Trick for Having Fun at the Beach

Have a Delicious Weekend.

This Book’s First Sentence Blew Me Away

What’s Your Job?

Have a Great (Long) Weekend.

Five Pick-Me-Ups

What Conversation-Starting Questions Do You Ask on Dates?

Have a Fun Weekend.

Summer Outfit Math

Four Fun Things

A Weekend in Maine

Have a Lovely (Long) Weekend.

My Europe Packing List

Including my new favorite pants and a sexy bathing suit.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

Is Gingham the Print of the Summer?

What’s on Your Resume of Special Skills?

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

12 fun links, including a summer dress and beautiful beach.

A Very Low-Key Summer Checklist

Have a Fun Weekend.

8 Summer Fashion Trends – Thoughts?

Four Fun Things

How Would You Envision Your Wedding?

Have a Sweet Weekend.

What’s Made You Laugh Lately?

Do You Wear Linen in the Summer?

What TV Shows Are You Watching These Days?

Um, Are You Guys Obsessed With Rec League?

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

13 links, including a green kitchen and fun new TV show.

10 Things I Never Travel Without

A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Have a Sweet Weekend.

What Are Your Favorite Under-the-Radar TV Shows?

A Thank-You Letter to My Gynecology PA

Let’s Help This Reader Find a Birthday Dress!

Recently, a Cup of Jo reader asked for help finding a birthday outfit...

Have a Lovely Weekend.

How to Take Better Photos of Moms (Listen Up, Dads)

Outfit Upgrade: Add a Pop of Red

What Did You Do This Weekend?

I hosted a bagel brunch and couldn't stop reading an amazing book...

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

2026 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

What’s Your Irrational Fear?

What Jollifiers Do You Have in Your Home?

Tell Me Something Lovely.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

The Iconic Bag I Spot Everywhere

Four Fun Things

What Are Your Pets’ Names?

Our Mother/Son Trip to England

Have a Lovely Weekend.

How to Do Anything

45 favorite posts, including how to find a truly great read, feel at home in a different country, and have an orgasm.

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

Everything You Do Is Good.

Our Trip to San Francisco

An Ode to Wearing Crayon Colors

Have a Cozy Weekend.

What to Wear This Summer, How to Comfort a Friend, and Other Reader Questions

How to redo your home on a budget and be a good listener.

Babaà Giveaway (and Discount Code)

Meet Our Team!

What Are Your Kids’ Love Languages?

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

12 fun links, including cool sneakers and wedding regrets.

Four Fun Things

The Only Cough Remedy That Worked

Have a Sweet Weekend.

12 links, including the best black pants and how to meet your neighbors.

7 Spring Fashion Trends — Thoughts?

What Are Your Favorite Under-the-Radar Movies?

How Are You Doing?

Have a Sweet Weekend.

Four Fun Things

Including cool braids and a funny home trend.

Will Lady Tremaine Be the Biggest Book of 2026?

"I don't see Cinderella's stepmother as a villain, I see her as a mother doing what she needs to do."

Do or Don’t: Track Jackets

The New Way My Kids Do Chores

Have a Great Weekend.

Seven Spring Pieces

This Cookbook Is Bananas, and I Love It

How Was Your Weekend? Staying Cozy?

Have a Lovely Weekend.

What’s Made You Laugh Lately?

I'm reading a funny memoir and also got a very cute phone call last night...

Where Are You in the Birth Order?

Four Fun Things

Have a Loving (Long) Weekend.

Three Cool Sweaters

Big Salad’s Birthday Sale

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Have a Loving Weekend.

12 links, including date-night shoes and how to survive a Swedish winter.

13 Valentine’s Day Gifts

Would You Host a Galentine’s Gathering?

A couple years ago, I invited a few friends over...

8 Lovely Looks

A Winter Playlist for Walks/Fires/Reading on the Sofa

Last night, my friend Claire and I went to play trivia...

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Four Fun Things

Have a Loving Weekend.

Is This the Sexiest Move You Can Do?

Minneapolis, We Are Here for You

What Did You Do This Weekend?

Have a Cozy Weekend.

Four Fun Things

5 Pick-Me-Ups After a Breakup

Have a Cozy Weekend.

A Winter Color Combo

How Are Our Readers in Minneapolis Doing?

Lulu’s Carrot Soup

What Are Some Small Good Things in Your Life Right Now?

Last night, I went out for pasta...

Have a Lovely Weekend.

Tell Me Three Things, and I’ll Recommend a Book You’ll Love

Four Fun Things

Including a page-turning book and easy dinner recipe.

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

The #1 Trick to Enjoying Family Travel

It changes everything.

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

Our Favorite Movies, Books & Eats of 2025

Do You Work Out on Vacation?

Soup Group, Seven Years Later

Back in January 2019, my friend Liz had an idea...

What Fun ‘Coupons’ Would Your Kids Love?

18 fun ideas for you.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

Four Fun Things

Including a new relationship movie and the easiest family dinner...

Something Weird Happened Last Night

Last night, I sat straight up in bed at 3 a.m....

Gift Guide #10: The Hard-to-Shop-For Crowd (Teens, In-Laws, You Know Who You Are)

15 foolproof ideas for teenagers, in-laws and teachers. (They told us themselves!)

Have a Cozy Weekend.

10 links, including a gorgeous hair trend and the best grocery-store ice cream.

What Foods Are Meaningful to You?

How Was Your Weekend?

The 7 Best Sales Today

The biggest Cyber Monday sales, including J.Crew and Little King.

Have a Delicious Week.

14 links, including a party outfit and how to keep sex from feeling like a chore.

Gift Guide #8: Your Girlfriend (or Wife) Who Puts Her Hands in Your Coat Pockets and Loves You to the Moon.

11 gifts for women, including sexy underwear and a gripping novel.

I Discovered This Amazing TV Show Last Night

The brilliant documentary series 'You Can't Ask That' interviews people from marginalized groups.

25 Things to Say to Your Children

Gift Guide #7: Your Lovely Dad Who Taught You to Drive Stick and Will Soon Teach Your Kids. (!)

10 great gifts for dads.

Have a Great Weekend.

12 fun links, including a tiny London apartment and three-ingredient cookies.

Gift Guide #6: Your Gorgeous BFF Who Personally Supervises Your Skincare From 3,500 Miles Away.

10 gifts for female friends, including a gripping novel and fun earrings.

Gift Guide #5: Your Boyfriend (or Husband) Who Makes Pancakes for Your Kids and Never Met a Bookstore He Didn’t Love.

10 gifts for men, like a glowy lamp and favorite book.

Gift Guide #4: Your Outdoorsy Sister Who Whistles for Your Kids on the Phone and Makes the Best Burrito Bowls.

Including a sandalwood scalp massager and a lipstick with a cult following.

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

Gift Guide #3: Your Beautiful Mom Who Loves Both Jane Austen and Cole Escola.

11 gifts for moms, including a stunning calendar and delicious caramels.

Gift Guide #2: Your Beloved Brother Who Brings You British Candy and Takes Your Kids on Nighttime Runs.

10 gifts for brothers, including TK.

Gift Guide #1: Your Chatty Kids Who Are Learning Algebra But Still Want Bedtime Stories.

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

A Very Low-Key Winter Checklist

What Sexy Songs Do You Like?

A Giggly Evening With Kate Baer

Have a Loving Weekend.

How to Help the Millions of Americans Who Are Losing Their Food Assistance

A Sweet Gift for a Partner (or Anyone, Really)

A couple weeks ago, my teacher-boyfriend Freddie mentioned that he'd like to display a photo of us on his desk...

Anton and I Are Watching the Most Life-Affirming TV Show

Last night, Anton and I decided to turn on a show...

Why I Don’t Mind When My Kids Are a Little Sad/Disappointed/Upset

When my teenagers burst into tears and slam the doors to their rooms, I don't go soothe them...

Have a Delicious Weekend.

11 links, including brown butter snickerdoodles and a documentary about marriage.

Five Fun Things

What Are Your Larry-David-Style Pet Peeves?

Jannelle’s Wild Birth Story Made Our Jaws Drop

Have a Delicious Weekend.

Freddie and I Have a Movie-Watching Strategy

The other night, I had a cold...

What Money Questions Do You Have?

Come Have Breakfast With Us This Weekend

Have a Sweet Weekend.

Four Fun Things

My 5 Holy-Grail Beauty Products

12 Pieces of Art for Kids

What TV/Movie Character Led to Your Sexual Awakening?

Have a Lovely Weekend.

11 links, including a sexy scent and a new way to get bangs.

Let’s Find This Reader Work Pants!

12 Etsy Finds

The Most Romantic Poem

Have a Lovely Weekend.

11 links, including fall sweaters and the best family dinner rule.

What Is Your Joy Span?

A Big, Juicy Round Up of Fall Recommendations

A Morning at Sézane’s New Brooklyn Store

Toby and Anton in Conversation

Have a Delicious Weekend.

11 links, including great jeans and eight things to say when you're in an argument with your partner.

How Cute Is the Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Collab?

What Are 5 Things in Your Kitchen You’d Never Be Caught Without?

How to Write a Sex Scene

My friend Erika Veurink just wrote a romance novel, and I have a burning question for her...

Four Fun Things

A Compelling Way to Name a Baby

When I saw this Atlantic article, I did a double take...

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including pretty sweaters and a new book about friendship.

Psst, Do You Wax Your Bikini Line?

My answer is easy.

Moms in the Picture

Have a Great Weekend.

11 links, including a sexy sweater and new comedy TV show.

5 Pieces I’m Excited to Wear This Fall

Dan Pelosi’s Tuscan Panzanella Salad

An Epic Week in NYC With Preteens

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including my favorite fall pants and a summer camp where you read all day.

A Week of Outfits: Sharon Beesley

Freddie’s Baked Shrimp

We Have Two Beloved Visitors in Brooklyn This Week

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including a perfect fall outfit and the memoir I can't put down.

Five Pick-Me-Ups

Like, a comfort TV show and dinner recipe with potato chips.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

Do You Ever Visit Gardens?

Three Fun Things

Help! Which Wedding Guest Dress Would You Wear?

The Sweetest Baby Shower Idea

Have a Sweet Weekend.

Zucchini Frittata With Tomato Salad

A Brilliant Tip for Talking to Teenagers

A reader left an eye-opening comment...

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

12 links, including a new celebrity couple and the best jeans.

Four Fun Things

Including a delicious salad and the glasses I've worn for over a decade...

How Do You Mother Yourself?

Families in Gaza Are Starving. What Can We Do?

Have a Loving Weekend.

11 links, including Parisian dresses and two new Jane Austen movies.

A Week in Italy

Have a Good Weekend.

12 fun links, including a cute dress and what it's like to live on a Dutch houseboat.

What Do You Eat for Lunch?

My current hyper-fixation meal is this super easy fridge salad...

What Fun Facts Do You Know?

Our Edit: Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks; Pearl earrings; Comfy Jeans; Varsity Tee; Waterproof Raincoat; Denim Dress; Striped Cotton Pajamas.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

Our England Trip

A Week of Outfits: Kayla Sossin

This planning program manager shares her work outfits, $40 white sneakers, and her #1 career tip.

Welcome Back! How Are You?

Here are four questions for you...

How to Do Anything

40 favorite posts, including how to find a great show, pack for a trip, and get glowing skin.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

11 links, including vacation pants and behind-the-scenes with a matchmaker.

The Edit: J.Crew’s Summer Event

A Very Low-Key Summer Checklist

Have a Good Weekend.

12 links, including a new rom-com and the tiniest hotel in Europe.

Five Pick-Me-Ups

What’s Happening With Immigration Raids (and How to Help)

Seaweed Artwork

What Are Your Dad’s Rules for Life?

Have a Lovely Weekend.

11 links, including a funny podcast and summer guide for people who don't do beaches.

Everyday Clothes I’ve Worn a Million Times

The Trick to a Jaw-Dropping Birthday Cake

Think: animals, flowers and squiggles.

Have a Sweet Weekend.

11 links, including a funny movie and a personality test that blew my mind.

What’s a Kind Thing Someone’s Said or Done for You?

When my marriage was ending…

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

Four Fun Things

Including summer sandals and an easy chicken chili...

A Funny Conversation

What Nonfiction Books Do You Love?

What Toys Have Your Kids Played With a Gazillion Times?

Our Edit: Old Navy’s Summer Sale

50% off everything, including wedding guest shoes and the perfect travel dress...

Have a Restful Weekend.

13 links, including cheesy toasts and a cure for restless legs.

Our Paris Trip: Full Recap

The Color I Saw Everywhere in Paris

Inspired, I found 12 similar pieces.

How Are You Doing?

Four Fun Things

Four Beautiful Motherhood Poems

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

12 links, including the perfect summer dress and instant meatballs.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including a 575-square-foot family apartment and Tina Fey's new show.

5 Street Style Moments in Brooklyn

The perk of living near a popular café is...

Would (or Do) You Have a House Salad?

"I live for a good house salad," says Jessica Merchant...

A Few Days in Brooklyn

My mom just came to visit and the (weirdest) best part was...

Why We Love Bobbie Formula (Plus, a Discount Code)

What Deep Questions Have the Kids in Your Life Asked?

Sarah Manguso and Liana Finck's new book brought us to our knees.

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including cheddar broccoli and a very small apartment.

What Not-Flashy Things Do You Love?

My Paris Packing List

Guess Who Was on Jeopardy Last Night?

The Simplest Dessert

GLDN Jewelry Giveaway (Plus, a Discount Code)

Four Fun (Parenting) Things

Three Transgender Kids Share Their Stories

"Even if some people don’t get it, at the end of the day, it’s going to be okay."

Have a Lovely Weekend.

11 links, including a four-ingredient chicken dinner and a magical English garden.

Is a Journaling Club a Brilliant Way to Make Friends?

How Does It Feel to Be a Sports Mom?

Have a Restful Weekend.

Jon Hamm’s New Drama About a Jewelry Thief

Four Fun Things

Including a chili recipe you can make with kids and my new favorite candle...

How to Be a Neighborhood Aunt, Teenage Version

Have a Cozy Weekend.

Have You Seen Zac Posen’s GapStudio Collection? (That Trench!)

I've loved Gap since I was a little kid, but...

What Do You Like About the Way You Look?

The other day, I was sitting outside at our neighborhood café...

A Q&A With ‘The White Lotus’ Costume Designer

My Friend Is a Genius at Arranging Grocery Store Flowers

My friend Claudette wanted to brighten up the winter...

Funny Sex Education for Boys

Ever since my boys were little, I've tried...

Have a Lovely Weekend.

11 fun links, including a gorgeous studio apartment and a new movie about a matchmaker.

The #1 Thing My Mom Told Us as Preteens

The other day, one of my kids received a phone call from a girl...

Let’s Chat — We’re Doing a Live Stream Tomorrow!

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

11 links, including the cutest shoes and overhearing couples on dates.

Four Fun Things

Including a must-see Broadway play and my dream summer uniform...

What Foods Feel Romantic to You? (Even If They’re Random!)

What’s Made You Laugh Lately?

Babaà Giveaway (and Discount Code)

Our favorite time of year is here: the annual babaà discount code!

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

11 links, including a date night dress and the #1 book CoJ readers recommend.

A Handful of French Clothes I’ve Worn a Million Times

This morning, I realized something...

Have a Beautiful Weekend.

12 links, including what book to read next and Ruth Reichl's grilled cheese.

Four Fun Things

Including a spring beauty find and how to hang art at home...

My Friend’s Incredible Tortilla Soup

Etsy Finds

How Do You Introduce a New Partner to Your Kids?

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

10 fun links, including cheesy chickpeas and the new cool-girl accessory.

What’s Your Coffee Order? (Plus, a Funny Paris Story)

A funny thing happened when I was in France...

Are You Watching ‘The White Lotus’?

Here are five thoughts I had while watching the first two episodes...

A Family Trip to the Florida Keys

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including a great book and swimsuits for small breasts.

Four Fun Things

Including Andy Samberg being awesome and new airplane sleep pods.

My Mom’s Style

Have a Romantic Weekend.

12 links, including a spring outfit and the secret to hosting great parties.

The Big Color This Spring

Four Fun Things

Including a wonderful novel and my birthday chocolate mousse recipe...

Have a Restful Weekend.

11 links, including an easy soup and the new show we're watching at home.

Two Things to Know About What’s Happening in the U.S.

What to do right now.

13 Valentine’s Day Gifts

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including a romantic ring and my sister's funny birthday gift.

A Chocolate-y, Champagne-y Birthday Party

This month, I decided to throw myself a birthday gathering...

An Easy Appetizer For Low-Key Hangs

A homemade bread that looks impressive but is easy to prepare for guests, from King Arthur Baking.

Easy Garlic Bread for Dinner

My growing boys eat so much, so I'm always looking for simple recipes...

What Are Five Recipes in Your Arsenal?

Four Fun Things

Including the prettiest shirts and one of my favorite Netflix shows.

Have a Delicious Weekend.

10 links, including a new comedy show and my everyday fragrance.

A Funny Relationship Question

A Big Hug, Plus Four Things

Last night, my sister texted me...

Have a Great (Long) Weekend

10 fun links, including which TV shows to watch in 2025 and a special dessert to make for guests.

Four Fun Things

Including Ali Wong's funniest quote and the pants I wear four days a week.

Sick Day

Sending Love to L.A., and What to Do Now

Which Party Dress Do You Like?

Have a Loving Weekend.

11 fun links for you.

Hi! Welcome to the New Year!

The Posts You Liked Most in 2024

A look back at our most-read posts of 2024.

What Are You Grateful For, Large or Small?

The other day, I was watching The Sopranos...

A Fun One-Rule Game for the Holidays

How Cute Is This Marriage Proposal?

Have a Fun Weekend.

11 fun links, including a soft pants trend and extremely specific playlists.

The Reality of Puzzles

By the wonderful Grace Farris.

My Favorite Party Looks (Plus, a Huge Sale)

Holiday Cookie Swap

What's better than an evening at home with friends and cookies?

The Beautiful Jewelry Studio That’s Stolen My Heart

The Trick to Enjoying Big Family Gatherings

Have a Lovely Weekend.

12 links, including a subtly sexy top and my travel fantasy.

Have a Cozy Weekend.

10 fun links, including Irish swimming and a library for dogs.

The Bag I Love for Everyday Adventures

I've worn one since my kids were babies...

5 Fun Things I Noticed Recently

Gift Guide #9: The Hard-to-Shop-For Crowd (Teenagers, In-Laws, You Know Who You Are)

15 foolproof ideas for teenagers, in-laws and teachers. (They told us themselves!)

The 5 Best Sales Today

The biggest Cyber Monday sales, including Food52 and Nisolo.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gift Guide #8: Your Adoring Girlfriend (or Wife) Who Lets Your Dachshund Cuddle on the Sofa Even Though He’s Not Technically Allowed.

12 gifts for women, including sexy underwear and fancy sandwiches.

Gift Guide #7: Your Dad Who Takes Your Kids on Car Wash Runs and Never Turns Down a Seinfeld Rerun.

10 great gifts for dads, including a buzzy book and funny chocolate.

Four Holiday Crafts (for the Hopelessly Uncrafty)

Have a Delicious Weekend.

11 links, including a tater tot quiche and the sexiest man alive.

Gift Guide #6: Your Outdoorsy Sister Who Loves Avocados and Makes You Feel at Home in the World.

11 gifts for sisters, including buttery cheese and the perfect white shirt.

Gift Guide #5: Your Boyfriend (or Husband) Who Makes Sexy Playlists and Never Breaks a Hug First.

10 gifts for men, like a glowy lamp and favorite book.

Gift Guide #4: Your Mom Who Loves Milky Coffee and Always Sounds Excited When You Call.

11 gifts for moms, including funny poems, chocolate mice, and my favorite blush.

What’s Your Low-Key Wish for Humanity?

One of the most famous CoJ comments is about shopping carts, of all things...

Gift Guide #3: Your Kids Who Make You Laugh and Use Slang Like “Cheeks” and “Buns.”

10 gifts for kids, including a dog book and juggling balls.

Have a Cozy Weekend.

12 fun links, including my new boyfriend... :) :) :)

A Weekend Packing List (in My Favorite Travel Bag)

Gift Guide #2: Your Gorgeous BFF Who Happily Struts Into Your Place Without Knocking.

10 gifts for female friends, including a gripping book and cool socks (for real).

Gift Guide #1: Your Beloved Brother Who Skateboards Around Cities and Never Wears Matching Socks.

10 gifts for brothers, including Japanese sock slippers and a cool game.

Fall Uniform Inspiration

My Go-To Place for Holiday Gifts

Year after year, we always find the best gifts at MoMA Design Store.

Have a Loving Weekend.

11 links, including a great gift and the most romantic thing I've ever read.

There Is Good in This World.

The NYC Marathon Is the Best Pick-Me-Up

The signs made me laugh.

What’s Something Beautiful You’ve Read?

Have a Loving Weekend.

11 fun links, including party dresses and faking a British accent.

7 Pick-Me-Ups

What Tattoo Would You Get?

My friend Claudette just got a surprising tattoo...

Have a Delicious Weekend.