Meet Lauren O.: A Beloved Reader Opens Her Manhattan Apartment to Us
At Cup of Jo, we talk a lot about our incredible readers. Honestly, we can’t stop. During team catch-ups, we often find ourselves laughing or swooning over a smart, touching, or hilarious comment someone left on a post. And there’s one name that seems to pop up again and again: Lauren O.
If you’ve been a longtime reader, chances are you’ve seen her delightful comments—witty one-liners like “Hang loose my goose,” reflections on birthdays and growing older, or that iconic moment when she dramatically (and hilariously) deleted Pokémon GO from her phone. Her words have stuck with us, and clearly, they’ve resonated with other readers too. Over the years, many have asked: “Who is Lauren O.?”
Well, we’re thrilled to finally answer that. Today, we’re stepping inside the charming one-bedroom Manhattan apartment Lauren shares with her husband, Joe, and their two cuddly cats. Get ready for warm vibes, clever touches, and a glimpse into the life of one of our community’s most treasured voices.
A Home with Heart
Walking into Lauren’s apartment feels like catching up with an old friend. The space is filled with personality, without feeling over-styled. Natural light streams through the windows, casting a soft glow on stacks of well-loved books, vintage accents, and cozy nooks designed for reading (or cat naps).
“We moved here a few years ago,” Lauren shares, curled up with one of her cats on a sunny armchair. “It’s not big, but it’s ours. Every piece has a story—or at least a good Craigslist tale behind it.”
Indeed, the apartment balances charm and function with ease. The living area features a deep, cloud-like couch where Lauren and Joe wind down with TV or crossword puzzles. On the walls hang framed prints picked up during weekend strolls through local art fairs, and above the bookshelves, little notes and postcards from friends have been lovingly taped like an ongoing scrapbook.
Details That Spark Joy
One of Lauren’s favorite features? The kitchen. “It’s teeny-tiny,” she says, laughing. “But I love cooking in here. I keep it stocked with fresh herbs and a rotating cast of spices I’m convinced will change my life.”
Open shelves display mismatched ceramics, while a small chalkboard tracks dinner ideas and inside jokes. “Joe adds ridiculous things when I’m not looking,” she says, “like ‘Tuesday: Goblin Soup?’”
And then there are the cats—whimsical, opinionated, and thoroughly in charge. They’ve staked their claims on various soft surfaces throughout the apartment, and their toys occasionally double as decor. “It’s a cat’s world,” Lauren shrugs, “we’re just living in it.”
A Community Favorite
For many of us, Lauren O. feels like a friend—even if we’ve only met her through comment sections. Her blend of humor and heart is exactly what makes the Cup of Jo community feel like more than just a place to browse articles. It’s a gathering of people who show up for each other, who laugh, reflect, and sometimes cry together. Lauren exemplifies that.
When asked about her memorable comments, she laughs, a little bashful. “Honestly, I just write what I’m feeling in the moment,” she says. “It’s like I’m chatting with a group of incredibly kind, funny women I’ve never met—but somehow know really well.”
Life in the City
Living in Manhattan comes with its quirks, but Lauren and Joe have carved out a peaceful rhythm amid the city’s hum. “It’s noisy, it’s cramped, and sometimes it smells weird,” she jokes, “but I love it. We take long walks, pop into bookstores, and people-watch in parks. It’s chaotic and beautiful.”
As for advice on making a small space feel like home? Lauren keeps it simple: “Surround yourself with things you love—books, art, memories. And if you don’t have space, make space. Or just stack it vertically. That’s the real New York way.”
