Awesome idioms from around the world

Awesome idioms from around the world

Awesome idioms from around the world

The other day, my Dutch friend Wesley was chatting about something or other, and he suddenly busted out with the Dutch idiom, "Don't tie a cat to a piece of bacon." It means, more or less, to not put temptation so close to someone that they can't resist. Isn't that awesome? So when I saw these idioms from around the world, I couldn't help sharing.

Then I was trying to think of American sayings but was coming up blank. But obviously we have so many! Here's a long list, if you're curious.

P.S. 11 untranslatable words from other countries, and parenting around the world.

(By Hotel Club)

The other day, my Dutch friend Wesley was chatting about something or other, and he suddenly busted out with the Dutch idiom, "Don't tie a cat to a piece of bacon." It means, more or less, to not put temptation so close to someone that they can't resist. Isn't that awesome? So when I saw these idioms from around the world, I couldn't help sharing.

Then I was trying to think of American sayings but was coming up blank. But obviously we have so many! Here's a long list, if you're curious.

P.S. 11 untranslatable words from other countries, and parenting around the world.

(By Hotel Club)

Awesome idioms from around the world

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10 pretty wallpapers

10 pretty wallpapers

10 pretty wallpapers

Our new apartment has two tiny bathrooms—they're super bare bones, and only one person can squeeze in at a time. To jazz them up a little, I was thinking we could wallpaper them. But is that crazy in a rental? Here are a few pretty patterns...
1. Feathers 2. Sailboats 3. Mountains 4. Azurite 5. Flowers 6. Birds 7. Safari 8. Cities 9. Stripes 10. Marble.

Which do you like best? (I also love these 10 wallpapers for kids, especially the London gentlemen:)

(Top wallpaper by Calico)

Our new apartment has two tiny bathrooms—they're super bare bones, and only one person can squeeze in at a time. To jazz them up a little, I was thinking we could wallpaper them. But is that crazy in a rental? Here are a few pretty patterns...
1. Feathers 2. Sailboats 3. Mountains 4. Azurite 5. Flowers 6. Birds 7. Safari 8. Cities 9. Stripes 10. Marble.

Which do you like best? (I also love these 10 wallpapers for kids, especially the London gentlemen:)

(Top wallpaper by Calico)

10 pretty wallpapers

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-SD-QGxULec9fBRfjjZhOT0aFNj0MdjaHON05BSVTJRdI6N0egMG05My74uLJJqBFPgLVMA2ChsUb0Pqv7CD_hNjJoWf-bMS66OiEvGUIvq7MQ6H_JJX6m_L9ZQUMfCOip7NciKKfbE/s72-c/calico-wabi-wallpaper.png

24 Surprising Things about Parenting in the United States

24 Surprising Things about Parenting in the United States

24 Surprising Things about Parenting in the United States

In our Motherhood Around the World series, we talked to American moms who are raising their children abroad. This week, we turned the tables and talked to nine moms who grew up abroad and are raising their children here in the United States. Here are 24 things they have found surprising about parenting in the U.S....Read More >

In our Motherhood Around the World series, we talked to American moms who are raising their children abroad. This week, we turned the tables and talked to nine moms who grew up abroad and are raising their children here in the United States. Here are 24 things they have found surprising about parenting in the U.S....Read More >

24 Surprising Things about Parenting in the United States

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A new way to get engaged

A new way to get engaged

A new way to get engaged

My friend Nora got engaged this summer, and her engagement story actually felt kind of revolutionary...Read More >

My friend Nora got engaged this summer, and her engagement story actually felt kind of revolutionary...Read More >

A new way to get engaged

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Are you addicted to your smartphone?

Are you addicted to your smartphone?

Are you addicted to your smartphone?

This summer, I've been using my phone less, but Cup of Jo editor Caroline has been using her phone more. Here's a (wildly unofficial) quiz to see if you, too, are addicted to your smartphone...Read More >

This summer, I've been using my phone less, but Cup of Jo editor Caroline has been using her phone more. Here's a (wildly unofficial) quiz to see if you, too, are addicted to your smartphone...Read More >

Are you addicted to your smartphone?

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Honest Slogans

Honest Slogans

Honest Slogans

Have you seen the site Honest Slogans? It's hilarious. Here are 11 that made us laugh out loud...Read More >

Have you seen the site Honest Slogans? It's hilarious. Here are 11 that made us laugh out loud...Read More >

Honest Slogans

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Goodbye vs. Ghost

Goodbye vs. Ghost

Goodbye vs. Ghost

When you go to a big party, do you say goodbye to everyone or quietly slip out and thank the host later? (I'm a fan of the latter.) If you're not sure what to do, Wendy McNaughton and Caroline Paul put together this hilarious flowchart about how to get on out of there. Thumbs up.

(Illustration via Explore)

When you go to a big party, do you say goodbye to everyone or quietly slip out and thank the host later? (I'm a fan of the latter.) If you're not sure what to do, Wendy McNaughton and Caroline Paul put together this hilarious flowchart about how to get on out of there. Thumbs up.

(Illustration via Explore)

Goodbye vs. Ghost

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVGWJch-zodZE6mIlkLWrhPKmUXpAt2nPashuALvIVHzIJBgFvzmnUKFKW2ZxespxTuPnWgFy1KQE-egVA3N9tLFh1z7CqJJDOYlDkYBbs0LJYqisjlVQuAlzAzMOKF6-qFuka5YcBqc/s72-c/goodbye-at-party-ghost.png

Do you have a phobia?

Do you have a phobia?

Do you have a phobia?

Do you have a phobia? This is crazy/embarrassing, but I...Read More >

Do you have a phobia? This is crazy/embarrassing, but I...Read More >

Do you have a phobia?

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIrT5RqWTXTgVFsVCG6PCYFBmDCp_hg3P27e9IPqSzwPMTXhqsjmMMMyUYp431CRasIZt4Qy9C6ZNMW9tvV6WLlHNoKCMWOdUIx291EP0teaJAb5XEQeyYG3vppkBohyphenhyphenZMZWuCsyb8UYh/s72-c/adrian-tomine-subway-girl.jpg

Winter Water Factory

Winter Water Factory

Winter Water Factory

Every time our kiddos wear these patterned clothes, we get a bunch of questions about where they're from. The answer: Winter Water Factory, the Brooklyn-based design company. The clothes are made in America and printed on organic cotton. Aren't they beautiful? We mix them with basics and they just look so, so sweet and are really well made. Anyway, that's all!

P.S. Look at the hats:)

Every time our kiddos wear these patterned clothes, we get a bunch of questions about where they're from. The answer: Winter Water Factory, the Brooklyn-based design company. The clothes are made in America and printed on organic cotton. Aren't they beautiful? We mix them with basics and they just look so, so sweet and are really well made. Anyway, that's all!

P.S. Look at the hats:)

Winter Water Factory

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Bwv68dH-WoIpeukK5YFOhJHlI49KeiLE2U_BYYSZalrpDrnU9ZM2ZS_shIZ0ObRig_fCBkNPdoKzU9P2FpfLYd8A3qzBRvHjOK0Y5fiI9szLrRXR6ODXPHFj-Zid4qruGwakwaHKhl0q/s72-c/winter-water-factory-brooklyn-childrens-clothes-kids.png

Wonderful new book

Wonderful new book

Wonderful new book

I love hearing your book recommendations, so I thought I'd share one of my own. Right now I'm reading the fantastic new graphic memoir, Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Roz Chast, a New Yorker cartoonist and only child, writes about watching her parents age into their nineties and die.
It sounds dark, but the book is actually hilarious and full of love. Chast tries to talk to her parents about their future plans, but they always manage to change the subject. (Because if you don't ever think about death, it will never happen, right?)
She combines her drawings with family photos, and the way she brings her Brooklyn-based parents to life—her nervous, neurotic father, and her opinionated, hard-charging mother—is extraordinary. My heart ached for her family, but I also laughed out loud constantly. Chast has such a gift for getting candid observations just right.

You end up feeling like their child, too: They're completely batshit and drive you insane, but you just love them so much. I'd highly, highly recommend it if you're looking for a new book.

Have you read anything good lately? I'd love to hear...

P.S. Five graphic novels.

I love hearing your book recommendations, so I thought I'd share one of my own. Right now I'm reading the fantastic new graphic memoir, Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Roz Chast, a New Yorker cartoonist and only child, writes about watching her parents age into their nineties and die.
It sounds dark, but the book is actually hilarious and full of love. Chast tries to talk to her parents about their future plans, but they always manage to change the subject. (Because if you don't ever think about death, it will never happen, right?)
She combines her drawings with family photos, and the way she brings her Brooklyn-based parents to life—her nervous, neurotic father, and her opinionated, hard-charging mother—is extraordinary. My heart ached for her family, but I also laughed out loud constantly. Chast has such a gift for getting candid observations just right.

You end up feeling like their child, too: They're completely batshit and drive you insane, but you just love them so much. I'd highly, highly recommend it if you're looking for a new book.

Have you read anything good lately? I'd love to hear...

P.S. Five graphic novels.

Wonderful new book

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih60O7tusb0AjuAP5TXGv9WM7muqSAGxRimVx6Bmm9ie6naGXKhH1an2h1fDRerz70tlcSY_lx_BhmEu8K7WzwAY-1UnEDPlTZU3pA3Bb-kwfkQ4PjjWuUjETR3RSaXM75wNlL_JPz8I-s/s72-c/roz-chast-memoir-cant-we-talk-about-something-more-pleasant.jpg

What were your childhood obsessions?

What were your childhood obsessions?

What were your childhood obsessions?

What were you super into as a child? Everyone had their things. (I truly believed Peter Pan would come to my window. Also hypercolor. Also Doogie.) Spill the beans in the comments below...

This is part of a series by illustrator Emily McDowell, who asks us one pressing question every month.

(Illustration by Emily McDowell for Cup of Jo)

What were you super into as a child? Everyone had their things. (I truly believed Peter Pan would come to my window. Also hypercolor. Also Doogie.) Spill the beans in the comments below...

This is part of a series by illustrator Emily McDowell, who asks us one pressing question every month.

(Illustration by Emily McDowell for Cup of Jo)

What were your childhood obsessions?

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjThBrtEgpwzdHMV2G4sA9iGaosVrXKkW8d3BSGxhXOx6TpEMtCuiigLhyphenhyphenzKjU1n5bw8NcpMSuDcnJCExMMcRH4Xm_ELjuh_9aRMEyElmLpzZvQlqRkXf9yCi_O6aDZvrAUymVohdputs/s72-c/Emily-+McDowell-bizarre-childhood+obsessions-illustration-cupofjo.jpg

Rifle Paper Co. temporary tattoos

Rifle Paper Co. temporary tattoos

Rifle Paper Co. temporary tattoos

This summer, when you're wearing tank tops and dresses, wouldn't it be fun to have a temporary tattoo? Something sexy to jazz up your shoulder? Tattly, the Brooklyn-based line of temporary tattoos, teamed up with Rifle Paper Co. to create an exclusive set, which launched today. See all four designs here. Aren't they lovely?

P.S. iPhone cases, and friendship bracelets.

This summer, when you're wearing tank tops and dresses, wouldn't it be fun to have a temporary tattoo? Something sexy to jazz up your shoulder? Tattly, the Brooklyn-based line of temporary tattoos, teamed up with Rifle Paper Co. to create an exclusive set, which launched today. See all four designs here. Aren't they lovely?

P.S. iPhone cases, and friendship bracelets.

Rifle Paper Co. temporary tattoos

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LTI4_SroZp4kQwZRu0m4IbdsKh0yzXgMxANlXCrt_O_WlDS0QXJv9GgyP7N0EcP2_FqvNmX1gNJZmEr55jE7V29yXvFdE2y7k8nJCdiFBLJLvHPRx024D9xD9rwHObNCCEjarnq2cfKq/s72-c/tattly-rifle-design-anna-bond.png

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Or an ambivert?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Or an ambivert?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Or an ambivert?

You may be surprised. Here's a little quiz...Read More >

You may be surprised. Here's a little quiz...Read More >

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Or an ambivert?

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tctub3VNYJpusP9um23Pn-JaABJuMqGsRhmrW-2edsRlCZiaeBlbvBd2k43PYpoCkDnxrQhJw8-tp4QpcFGSTB4n-EopEn1jgUss3HrZhwkPdqLFT5uwRZPeVjeGuyUubK11H6i_JIKJ/s72-c/Gemma+Correll+introvert+extrovert+cup+of+jo.jpg

Indigo notecards

Indigo notecards

Indigo notecards

How beautiful are these hand-lettered indigo notecards? The designer, Eva Jorgensen, was inspired by the traditional Japanese dyeing technique called shibori.

One thing I've learned in my old age: Always have cards (and stamps) at home, so you have them whenever you need them. Just one of those little things.

P.S. 10 gorgeous wallpapers, and 12 iPhone cases.

How beautiful are these hand-lettered indigo notecards? The designer, Eva Jorgensen, was inspired by the traditional Japanese dyeing technique called shibori.

One thing I've learned in my old age: Always have cards (and stamps) at home, so you have them whenever you need them. Just one of those little things.

P.S. 10 gorgeous wallpapers, and 12 iPhone cases.

Indigo notecards

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8wQtA9tcjV4kyHF6ABrnxU1tfMCP8Q5F4QW5uxnWPpulbD8LNf329b-q3AdayAg4yzRlKtKdt0GpDOffxmhkEg_VhHFLYjsb9JkBZhPOV890gL7PegJsgAw9wWw1Rll7BA6xetVUYW6o/s72-c/thank-you-card.jpg

What do you do when you're home alone?

What do you do when you're home alone?

What do you do when you're home alone?

Pop quiz: What weird behaviors do you have when you have the house all to yourself? Tell us below...

This is part of a new series with Emily McDowell, one of my favorite illustrators; she'll be asking us one pressing question every month. Last month: What's really in your bag?

(Illustration by Emily McDowell for Cup of Jo)

Pop quiz: What weird behaviors do you have when you have the house all to yourself? Tell us below...

This is part of a new series with Emily McDowell, one of my favorite illustrators; she'll be asking us one pressing question every month. Last month: What's really in your bag?

(Illustration by Emily McDowell for Cup of Jo)

What do you do when you're home alone?

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NYC tips and etiquette

NYC tips and etiquette

NYC tips and etiquette

The book NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette, which came out yesterday, made me laugh. New York is so weird! It's funny how he managed to notice the little things that become second nature after living here for a while. Here are some animated examples...
You can find the book here, if you'd like. Can't wait to read all of them. Congrats, Nathan!

P.S. How to flag a cab, and how NOT to look like a tourist.

The book NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette, which came out yesterday, made me laugh. New York is so weird! It's funny how he managed to notice the little things that become second nature after living here for a while. Here are some animated examples...
You can find the book here, if you'd like. Can't wait to read all of them. Congrats, Nathan!

P.S. How to flag a cab, and how NOT to look like a tourist.

NYC tips and etiquette

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