As the holiday season unfolds, it's a time to reflect, connect, and unwind. I’ve been enjoying solo moments in New York, catching up with friends, savoring lasagna, and now reuniting with my boys for some quality family time. The holidays bring a mix of emotions, and wherever you are on that spectrum, I hope this week is treating you well.
Above all, I want to say thank you for being part of this wonderful community. Your presence means the world to us. As we wrap up the year, let’s take a look at some of the top posts that resonated most in 2024.
Style Highlights of the Year
This year, our style section explored personal flair and empowering fashion. We showcased week in outfits from inspiring women like the multi-talented Dr. Shirlene Obuobi and tall style queen Erika Veurink. We also asked friends to reveal their wardrobe “hero” pieces and the outfits that make them feel confident and sexy. Oh, and NYC fashionistas were obsessed with one shoe trend—did you spot it?
Beauty Moments That Stole the Show
The beauty category celebrated transformation and self-expression. Congrats to our readers who got stunning hair makeovers! Speaking of hair, we shared stories about your worst hair days and featured women proudly embracing their gray strands. This year’s standout product made waves, and we loved seeing your heartfelt photos of when you felt your most beautiful.
Food Favorites You’ll Love
Raise your glasses to a delicious year! From Trader Joe’s hacks to morning cookies and easy dinners, we shared recipes you couldn’t get enough of. My friend Adam dropped his golden rules for hosting dinner parties, while I taught my kids a valuable skill: how to hold meaningful dinner table conversations. Still hungry? Discover 11 go-to recipes from our amazing readers.
Relationships and Real Talk
This year, we got candid. Catherine Newman explored the question, “Do I drink too much?” while I shared the best advice I’d heard all year and my ultimate dating rule. Together, we tackled deep topics like what happens when we die and the wisdom CoJ readers have passed on. Heartwarming stories included readers’ marriage proposals and Christine Pride’s moving piece on what it means to feel “Black enough.”
Travel Adventures and Dream Destinations
From a dreamy girls’ week in Paris to a memorable family trip to England, travel was a big theme this year. We shared practical packing tips and heartfelt essays, like The Many Lives of My Zillow Alter Ego. One standout post featured stories from seven brave women who moved to new countries—would you take that leap?
Parenting Lessons and Laughs
Parenting brought its share of revelations. I wrote about how we talked to our kids about divorce, which sparked heartfelt conversations. Popular posts included Passive Aggressive Work Emails With My Toddler and How Gilmore Girls Helped Me Understand My Mother. Plus, Jannelle shared surprising insights from becoming a mom for the second time.
Home Design and Cozy Vibes
In design, readers loved our house tours: a colorful home with inviting reading spots, a Brooklyn retreat with cabin vibes, and a mom of four’s dreamy introvert nook. We shared five budget-friendly home decor tips and explored small things that bring big joy. One viral essay, Why I’m Done Making My Home Look Like a Magazine, sparked thoughtful discussions.
Cultural Conversations
In the culture category, we dived into intriguing topics. Is this the sexiest podcast ever? What are your top five most rewatchable movies? We also had a blast debating what’s something popular you just don’t get? and shared essays, books, and media that left a lasting impression.
Thank You for an Incredible Year!
As we gear up for 2025, we’re excited to bring you fresh content starting January 7th. Until then, feel free to explore our newsletter, Big Salad, and revisit your favorite posts. Thank you for being part of this warm, vibrant community. Here’s to a wonderful New Year filled with love, joy, and inspiration.
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