Last week Joy mentioned her word/focus of the year is, unironically and beautifully, “JOY.” I loved seeing all of your words and focuses for the coming year, even if it’s proving to be an interesting year so early on. While I haven’t picked a singular word to focus on, I am focusing on romanticizing my every day life. A mechanical keyboard just got delivered, its clackity sounds are oddly soothing (I do love a little ASMR moment). In the shower, I take extra time to exfoliate, moisturizing afterwards and languishing in the steam of the bathroom. Basically, I am finding ways to love the little moments of right now, because if I don’t I’ll fall apart. Do the extra little things that seem silly. Those seemingly out of the way moments are what make life full, at least I think so. Get a tea kettle and wait for the water to boil on your stove, reveling in its whistle telling you it’s time to slow down and drink tea. This morning, I picked up pastries from The Emily Hotel, followed by a a chicken Caesar salad sandwich (oh yes) from an old Italian bakery, because why not?
Honestly, it feels hard to fathom anything else right now, particularly moments of joy. This Sunday, I hope you find moments of peace, and maybe even a little bit of romance. This will be a shorter post, but a gentle launch to the start of your week.
All my love to you, friends, every bit of it.
• Watching the wildfires in L.A. and surrounding areas is breaking my brain and heart. My heart goes out to California and the friends and families affected, but like others I want to, NEED TO help. Whether you are near California or not, we cannot deal with this alone. Here are a few ways you can help: World Central Kitchen, California Wildlife & Disaster Relief, several options linked here, and mutual aid. AirBnb is also offering temporary housing options for people that lost their homes. (AP News, Google Docs)
• Joy says this weekend needs egg salad, so this weekend needs egg salad. Period! I’m actually not a fan of egg salad, it’s a texture thing, but I respect its game. Alternatively and additionally, please make two giant chocolate chip cookies to round out the weekend nicely. (Joy the Baker)
• Welcome to Cozy Girl Era, the perfect companion to Gentle January. I scored a Blogilates half zip hoodie at Target and I will be living in it. It’s stupid soft, and buttery neon green. (Target)
• What the heck is going on with TikTok?? Chaos, is what. (NPR)
• What are we reading this year? I’ve stopped reading what I “should” and read purely for enjoyment. I love expanding my mind with non-fiction and educational books, but I think any and all reading expands your mind, am I right? I just finished this actual sexcapade of a book by Casey McQuiston and just started this one on the recommendation of my friend Kim. (Bustle, Bookshop)
• President Jimmy Carter was laid to rest this past week, may his memory be a blessing. The recounts of him from loved ones are so touching. All I keep remembering is his grandson on Claim To Fame on ABC, who affectionately called him Poppy. *sobbing* (The New Yorker)
• Were you swept up in the mac n cheese craze of Thanksgiving? Thanks to TikTok star turned Gordon Ramsay’s bestie, Tini Younger, cavatappi was sold out everywhere. I tested several recipes including one that was super close to my grandmother’s and Tini’s. Both were good for different reasons – one felt ancestrally correct, but Tini? Man, can she get down in the kitchen! Her recipe uses a roux turned béchamel and I highly recommend it! (Forbes)
• My girlfriend isn’t a fan of cooked fruit – she says, “Fruit should not be hot.” We are not on the same page with that, but I stumbled upon this peach-less cobbler and I must say, I’m intrigued. It looks like part cobbler, part dump cake. I’ll report back with results! (Instagram)
• I think all Joy the Baker readers can attest to this – don’t tempt us with a good spiral. I am at the ready at all times. Give me a Caesar salad, French fries, and a drink? We’ll yap for hours. This week’s long read feels like a peek inside my spiraling brain – obsessing about the future. I mean, with good reason! *gestures wildly at the state of things currently* (The New Yorker)
• Did you know there is an Anthropologie/Free People/Urban Outfitters outlet store? Well, there is! It’s called (Re)clectic. My girlfriend and I went last Saturday and I finally got a pair of coveted Colette pants for, get this, 29 American dollars. Alternatively, have you tried their clothing rental service, Nuuly? I specifically use it for special vacations (will definitely be using it for Ireland), and I cannot recommend it enough. You choose your pieces, they’re not chosen for you, and the options are cutecute and seemingly endless. Sizing goes up to a 3x, and is usually very spacious. If you’re new to signing up, you’ll get a discount off your first rental. Trust me, try it at least once. It’s a game changer! (Anthropologie, Nuuly)
• Heavens forbid, but if you should find yourself in the midst of a disaster, this is a good guide for a preparedness bag, (Instagram)
• Take a deep breath, hold it, and let it go. Repeat that while staring at this. (One Minute Park)
• Finally, here’s some music that sounds like January. (YouTube)
