The February Edit
Are you watching Love Is Blind? What we wore, watched, read, and cooked this month.
Hi! How’s your week? Hope you’re staying warm.
This February, we sent four issues:
Fashion writer Viv Chen reveals her statement haircut
Seven books that got me out of my reading rut (especially #4!)
16 acts of kindness that cost nothing, like taking snapshots of friends with their kids and writing glowing reviews for small businesses
Coming up, an issue on marital infidelity and a chat with writer Lindy West about her hilarious new memoir.
Finally, here are a few of our favorite things this month, and please share yours in the comments… xoxo
Blizzard news: “Brooklyn got two feet of snow! The first night is always beautiful — all the cute snowmen — but now I hope it melts quickly.” — Joanna Goddard, Big Salad founder
Hair care: “This winter has been DRY. Our house is dry, my skin is dry, my eyes are dry. But one thing that has worked is RŌZ's shampoo and conditioner. In the past, my hair has been brittle and dull, but this year, my hair has stayed hydrated and healthy. I lather up in the shower, comb the conditioner through, and spend the rest of the day with silky, shiny hair. Highly recommend.” Bonus: Get 15% off site-wide with code CUPOFJO15.” — Joanna
TV show: “Are you watching Love Is Blind: Ohio?! This season may be nuttier than all the rest combined. Case in point: the viral scene of a guy telling his new fiancee that he isn't that attracted to her because he usually dates people who do Pilates. (!!!) I loved what Jessica, who is stunning and a DOCTOR, told Glamour about her stoic reaction: ‘I kind of went into this, like, lock-in zone. As you know, I have done a lot in my life. I work really hard. I do very well under pressure. I have to deal with very tough conversations frequently at work… I had a mental funeral for him and then went on about my day.’” — Joanna
Pants: “TikTok told me that Adidas track pants are in style this spring (pair them with a men’s button down!), so I went to the men’s section at my local thrift shop and grabbed a pair for $8. I’ve worn them every day since. They’re so comfy and make me feel cool.” — Alison Piepmeyer, our new partnerships director (Maureen moved on, and we will always love her xoxo)
Bra: “I got a proper bra fitting for the first time in…years. I went to The Rack Shack, which not only has an amazing stock of styles (online and in person), but also does an incredible job of making lingerie shopping a safe and inclusive experience. They fitted me on SIGHT and absolutely nailed it. I got a few (much-needed) bras, including this Gossard balconette, which is cute but also incredibly comfy. The dream!” — Kelsey Miller, Cup of Jo editor
Skin care: “In less sexy news, my kid got a mystery rash, and after a pediatrician visit, I picked up some Vanicream — not the face lotion, but the big, old-school tub. I knew the Internet loved this drugstore moisturizer, and wow, does it live up to the hype! It feels like a rich cream going on, but immediately soaks in and leaves no residue. I now use it head-to-toe on both myself and my daughter, and it works like actual magic.” — Kelsey
Salad: “I love how beautiful radicchio is this time of year, and this French lentil salad (gift link) is one of my favorite ways to cook with it. For leftovers, I crumble feta on top for an easy workday lunch.” — Kaitlyn Teer, newsletter editor
Novel: “By happenstance, I’ve read two historical fictions this month — both based on true stories about spirited 16th-century noblewomen fighting for survival. First, after watching and reading Hamnet, I read Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait, about an Italian duchess whose husband is plotting to kill her. I followed it up with Isola, about a French noblewoman whose abusive guardian orders her marooned on an island with her servant and lover. Both authors have new novels coming out this year. Meanwhile, what should I read next?” — Kaitlyn
When making dinner for the boys, I always look for delicious, high-quality protein. We recently signed up for ButcherBox, the subscription-based meat and seafood delivery service. Every month, they send organic free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, 100% grass-fed beef, and other great cuts to our door. Our freezer is so well stocked! Most important, they’re a B Corp that works with responsible farmers who care about humanely raising animals without antibiotics or added hormones.
ButcherBox also has recipes on their site, so Anton (my sous chef) and I’ve been bookmarking their recommendations, like sheet-pan salmon with vegetables and lemony chicken. And we’ve already made spaghetti bolognese and turkey burgers. If you’d like to try a ButcherBox subscription, get $20 off your first three boxes with code BIGSALAD. Enjoy! xoxo
Says Rae on A Dating Realization That Changed Everything: “Begin as you intend to go on! I always reminded myself that I was doing my date a service by being my true, opinionated, clear-thinking self. Better to hand someone the syllabus at the beginning of class.”
Says Amy on Guys, I’ve Read a Banger List of Books Lately: “I’m in the middle of The Correspondent. I keep carrying my book around the house just to read a page or two while taking care of my daughter. I read Heart the Lover right before and can’t stop thinking about it. Also Everything Is Tuberculosis was mind-boggling.
Says Kate on 16 Random Acts of Kindness that Cost Nothing: “When my husband texts back, ‘Heck yeah!’ it makes my heart flutter in the best way.”
The pretty blouse Joanna always wears on first dates
The incredible Cinderella-inspired book that led to her dating epiphany
A thought-provoking novel about a female companion robot that got Jo out of her reading rut (the sex scenes are hot)
The blush that fashion writer Viv Chen says lights up her whole face
Is This the Sexiest Move You Can Do? This might be TMI, but...
A (Petite) Week of Outfits. “I like the Gloria Steinem vibes of this outfit.”
12 Black History Month Recs. Including a new novel and funny TV show.
Four Fun Things. Like a spring jacket and why we love The Pitt.
What’s Your Favorite Winter Accessory? “I was born in February in the Midwest, so I know what I’m talking about.”
(Opening photo by PER Images/Stocksy. Photo of Alison by Lyndsay Hannah Photography for Cup of Jo. Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Thank you so much.)
Thank you for reading! Lots of fun issues coming up soon. Xoxo
I need to check out this bra situation!
Kaitlyn, you should try 'The Everlasting' by Alix E Harrow. It's got sumptuous writing about how narratives can be manipulated in service of empire with a hefty dose of time travel and romance.
I can fully endorse The Rack Shack as well. I have not been in a while as post breast reduction I primarily wear tanks or no bra at all, but they know their shit, are kind, have products at a range of price points, and are consent-forward without making it weird.