Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13th--about two weeks away! Here are 10 gifts she'll love...
A bouquet of peonies, above, since they're pretty much every woman's favorite flower. $93.
A mug to make her laugh, $14.
Brunch cooking class in Brooklyn, celebrated on Mother's Day. $125/person.
Plant topper, to fill her bedroom with light and rainbows, $140.
Morse code bracelet that spells out "mom," $40.
Fondue pot filled with chocolate, $20, plus a basket of strawberries. Made in Paris, naturellement.
Your favorite childhood photo sent to her in a silver frame, $28, to remind her that you'll always be her baby. (Get 10% off any Pinhole Press order with the code CUPOFJO.) P.S. That's my mom, my twin sister and me above:)
Friendship earrings--one for you and one for her. $55.
Field of Grass soy candle, to transport her to freshly cut grass in the countryside, among daisies, beneath the sun. $20.
An astrology reading, because how fun is that?! And lunch afterward to talk about it all.

P.S. More great gifts for women...

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Wednesday giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Pyrrha, a handcrafted jewelry collection based in Vancouver. Worn by celebrities like Katie Holmes and Reese Witherspoon, the personal talisman necklaces symbolize what you are and what you believe in. For example, the anchor above symbolizes hope and optimism, and the bee stands for creativity. (My favorite might be this mother bear, which symbolizes strength, ferocity and the protection of one's children.) How incredible and empowering to wear one everyday.

One lucky winner will get to choose her favorite piece from the shop (up to $200). Which would you choose? See them all here.

For a chance to win, please visit Pyrrha's online shop, and leave a comment below with your favorite piece. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! xoxo Update: Aubrey B. is our lucky winner. Thanks for playing. xo

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Fridge Makeover: Photo magnets

Our apartment has a plain old white fridge. So, to jazz it up a bit, I made some Pinhole Press photo magnets. Our gallery display makes our whole kitchen feel so much cozier, and Toby loves pointing himself out. For Mother's Day, I'm going to send my mom a package of family magnets:)

What's on your fridge?

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The Best Peanut Butter Cookies You'll Ever Have

Peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk. Can't you conjure up exactly what it tastes like? One of life's great pleasures. Here, Jennifer from Bake or Break shares her recipe for the most mouthwatering version ever (which would be perfect to take to a dinner party!)...
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Summer Essential #2: FANTASTIC natural sunscreen

After literally years of searching, I've finally found the best sunscreen. And here's why:

1. Regular sunscreen can be dangerous. Three years ago, before our honeymoon, my friend Jessa Blades, a natural beauty consultant and makeup artist, warned me that regular sunscreen often contains dangerous chemicals and harmful toxins that may actually cause cancer. (This article, most recently, made my knees wobble!) Ever since then, Alex and I have worn natural mineral sunscreen, which feel so important, especially since you slather it all over your body (and your children's bodies) everyday.

2. But natural sunscreens look bad. Yes, here's the catch: Natural sunscreens don't really absorb into your skin. You end up covered in sticky lotion, looking white as a ghost; and sunscreen can have flaky residue, which is, needless to say...not attractive. I secretly hate using it, but know it's worth it.

3. And here's the solution! I had almost given up on finding a natural sunscreen that doesn't look terrible, but now I'm thrilled to say I've finally found one!! Josie Maran's Daily Sun Protection is both natural and absorbs beautifully. The lightweight sunscreen also contains argan oil, which makes you look young and glow-y. Alex and Toby will be wearing it this summer, too. I highly, highly, highly recommend it. Find it here.
Here's to a happy, healthy summer! (More summer essentials to come...)

(Top photo by Garance Dore)

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Summer Essential #1: Water bottle

I'm excited to announce a new series on Cup of Jo: Summer Essentials, where I'll be sharing some awesome things (beach towels, swimsuits, peach lipstick) that you might like this summer. Hope you enjoy it!

First up: Water bottles. BKR bottles, made in San Francisco, are bright and modern. The bottles are glass but have a silicone sleeve, so they won't break; and water tastes so good from a glass bottle, versus plastic or stainless-steel (which can cause that metallic flavor). At $28, it's not cheap, but will end up being less expensive--and better for the planet--than buying one-use bottles of water all summer. Plus, they're so beautiful to carrry around; I have the red one!

Thoughts? Do you have a water bottle?

P.S. Alex actually wrote this article back in 2007.

(Via Momfilter)

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Museum touch tours

Did you know that many museums--including the Met, MoMA and Whitney--will allow blind or partially sighted people to come on private tours so they can touch and experience the artwork? How amazing. Photographer Matt Ducklo took photos of these "touch tours." I find them so moving.
(Via Rion)

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