photo by Leela Cyd
I’ve never really told you much about my kitchen. Strange considering most of the creations that appear on this blog originate in this little room.
My kitchen is small and humble. White-walled. At first glance you’d probably shrug your shoulders and think something between ‘meh’ and ‘well this would be charming if Joy would consider doing her dishes’.
When I tell you that I’ve created two cookbooks, hundreds of Joy the Baker blog posts, and cooked for catering events in this kitchen you’d probably want to pat me on the back and pour us both a shot of bourbon. Sooo… yea.
The dishes pile up quickly. The oven is small and earnest. The refrigerator holds two bottles of ketchup and little else. It’s hip, and really… it’s never encountered a cook like me. Flour and butter everywhere!!
I’m leaving this little space soon and headed to New Orleans. It’s always a bit of a brain-bend to leave the space where you’ve created so much. There’s something sacred about those spaces. I want to share it with you before we go.
On the main kitchen shelf are a few of my favorite everyday staples. From left to right: Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Salt, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (from the Indian market because they have the best and cheapest spices), Jacobsen Salt Co, Pasolivo Lemon Olive Oil, Turbinado Sugar for coffee times, Apple Cider Vinegar, Grey Sea Salt (I’m a baker that really likes salt), my best friend Rachel’s tiny pepper grinder that I borrowed then stole, lastly garlic.
This stove owes me nothing. It has baked, broiled, braised, roasted, and asked for nothing in return. It has also burnt a lot of toast… like a lot.
This is one of those petite ovens that can’t accommodate standard sized baking pans. Three years ago when I moved into this apartment I treated myself to three new, mini-sized baking sheets. I’m down to one baking sheet that’s not blackened beyond recognition. I’m nothing if not totally fancy.
Next to the stove is the mixing station…. also know as the walls that have been splattered with tomato sauce from the stove and flour flying from the KitchenAid mixer. Things get messy.
Above the sink is this frosted window. It’s best for starting off into space while the dish water gets warm. It’s best for daydreaming while water for tea boils. It’s best for growing plants in water.
My mom got me this Crabtree and Evelyn Hand Cream for Christmas and it’s smells light fancy grandmothers and feels like luxury.
The coffee counter doubles as the cats jumping counter. I have a No Cats On The Counter Policy at my house. Strictly enforced. I happen to live with a furry land shark so…. he gets away with a lot.
Also you’re not a food blogger if you don’t have paper straws and little wooden ice cream spoons.
None of the food pictures on my blog came from my actual kitchen space. The kitchen is just where all of the measuring and zesting happens. This little corner of my living room has turned into my office and photo area. Just one cookbook and lots and lots of blog posts in this little corner spot. These windows have been my lucky charms.
Also Jon who helped me hold up melting ice cream for my upcoming cookbook…. also a lucky charm.
photo by Leela Cyd
It feels sad to say goodbye to this space. Where there is an end there is a beginning, and I’m excited to see what creations emerge from my new kitchen space. New light. New sounds. More doughnuts. Lots of burnt toast.
I’m glad you and I could say goodbye to this little space together.
This week on the blog will be notes from a road trip. You and I are saying goodbye to this kitchen, hitting the road, and then unpacking a new kitchen… except you don’t really have to unpack any thing at all. I’m not one of those bloggers who makes advanced posts, invites guests bloggers, or has fancy contributors. This blog is still just me as the one who makes cookies, takes pictures of them, does the dishes, writes silly words, and tries to answer emails. It’s just regular. Sometimes regular is driving across the country… so let’s just do that for a bit before we get back in the kitchen.
Here’s how!
Christina
Coming from someone who just moved into a new apartment with a very humble kitchen, this post really inspires me. I just starting baking and I love it! I have a tiny oven too, where did you buy your small metal baking sheets? I am dying to bake some cookies for our neighbors!! Love your blog!
EJ
Oh Joy . I check out a lot of blogs but I don’t really get to leave comments . But today I want to say something….I really like you. You seem to be such a nice girl….. I wish you were my friend in my real life.
Good luck<3
LeAndra (@loveflourblog)
Seeing your petite oven made me so happy. I have a petite oven (my neighbor dubbed it the “Barbie oven”) too, and it causes a lot of mixed emotions. Happy I have a working oven, but annoyed that it takes a gazillion minutes to bake cookies on a baking sheet that fits only five at a time. Knowing you created the lovely things you have shared in a tiny little oven next to a tiny little counter space gives me hope for my baking future.
Lola // Vine & Bone
“This blog is still just me as the one who makes cookies, takes pictures of them, does the dishes, writes silly words, and tries to answer emails. It’s just regular.” Yes. Love that. I was so pleased to have found your blog. I tend to keep to myself mostly. I suppose I’m not one of those bloggers that leaves comments everywhere — not that there’s anything wrong with that — it’s just not my comfort zone, I suppose. But I wanted to finally say hello, comment here, and say I can relate to working in a kitchen that presents challenges:) Thanks for being genuine, and an inspiration. Cheers to your new adventures!
Dragana @abouthealthyfood
looks great. The first photo I particularly like. I have such a beige orange cat. And he also watches and “records” my every move while I cook. Lovely! Thanks for your amazing post :)
Anna
Aww joy i wanna cry ! I remember moving away from my lovely old fanshioned manchin.
Lebanezzas
Kommentera vad mitt nästa inlägg ska handla om :)
Coco
Good luck with your new space! a new start it’s always exciting
Trisha
wow i have SUCH kitchen envy right now x
A Little Claireification
Popping over from The Nesting Place – I love this post so much, Joy. Thank you for sharing your kitchen and memories with us and I can’t wait to see your new kitchen in NOLA. :)
joythebaker
i love that you stopped by from The Nesting Place! thank you!
Carole @CaroleBeeFoodandPhoto
What an exciting part of your life! A move is always sad… BUT great things are up ahead! You will find a new space to take photo’s and have a new kitchen to bake and cook in :)
I love all your recipes and look forward to your 2nd book AND all the new recipes inspired by New Orleans :)
Susan
Joy, I only discovered you a few months ago, but was immediately smitten. Your kitchen is the perfect complement to your blog…light, simple and unpretentious. I love it and I love your homage to it. It has clearly been very good to you and you to it! As a military spouse, we move often (and will be following you very shortly from California to Virginia) and I, too, have made sure to acknowledge the love our temporary homes have given us with each new child and a new blog for myself. Sending well wishes for your journey. Above all, have fun!!!!
Annie
Real tears. Sniff! And I put the Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream on my Amazon wish list. :-) Safe travels sweetie.
Stacy Eats
Love seeing a peak of your kitchen. Have a safe trip down to New Orleans!
Maninas
First of all, have a wonderful trip! I look forward to reading about it here.
And secondly: the position of those windows is just incredible – your house came with its own lightbox! wow! simply perfect for taking food photos!
Blake Holman
Hope you are having a great time on your trip! Love your blog!
Tina Hoffbeck
You have a lovely little kitchen.
Sometimes great things grow from “nothing”!
Always sad to leave, hope you enjoy the new.
Tina
https://www.mariahoffbeck.blogspot.com
julkooi
love this little post. can’t wait to see pictures on you way to/ from NOLA!
Caroline Combs
Ah the kitchen. What a lovely and homey little room. One of my favorites. Yours is very pretty and quaint.
Danielle Hughes
I love your little kitchen! It’s so cute and cozy and your little personal touches is what makes it such a great space, even if it’s small.
Helen @ Scrummy Lane
That’s such a cute little kitchen! And I love the glimpse of the outside we can see in one of the pictures, too … it looks wonderful! But it sounds like you have an exciting new future to look forward to as well … and how fabulous that it begins with a road trip. Enjoy!!
Tracy @segnavia @kitcheninthemkt
Best of luck on your new adventure, Joy! Having just road tripped from delicious New Orleans (where my boyfriend lived his entire life until just a few months ago; and, where we just spent last week eating our way through the city!) to our equally yummy life in Minneapolis, this all sounds terribly familiar. Will be watching with bated breath so you can help me plan our next visit + nibble of NOLA!
Christy
It’s always a little difficult to leave a place that holds so many good memories. Thanks for sharing your special space, and good luck on the road trip!
Ann
Safe travels!!
Nadine
Very bittersweet Joy, hope all goes well with the new house/kitchen :)
Cherelle Jeudy
Congratulations on the exciting move and the new beginning Joy! So happy for you! :-)
Joannabee
Is it crazy to feel sad/betrayed/abandoned /melancholy when your friends just up and leave you flat? My favorite blogger/friend and my favorite small local shop owner/friend have announced they are closing their doors and moving on. Not fair. Okay I know it’s crazy! It’s going to take some getting used to Joy not being at the beach in that charming cottage and some work finding a new home market nearby…but I’ll do it. Big girl pants, where are you? Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us JTB! Good luck and great adventures on your road trip!
Allie BakingAMoment
I always get sentimental about moving too… Best of luck on your new adventure, Joy!
Sandra
Leaving a beloved place behind is rough. You can pack pack pack until the cows come home, but you’ll never find the right size box for your heart. Good luck to you on this new adventure :-)
Meredith
Good luck in your new space, can’t wait to see what you do next!
Xochi
Oh I’m so sad you’re leaving California! I hope New Orleans is good to you and you’re happy there. California will miss you!! :(
Nena Barrow
Oh Joy To The World! You are about to become Southern and find out so many new things about yourself….just say adieu, turn the page…I’m outta here, thanks for the memories! You are missing Mardi Gras as we speak! Say hello to people with roots, buildings with unbelievable pasts, food that will make you slap yo mama,unbelievable blues & jazz, crazy weird people, and traditions out the wazoo! You must make friends with humidity, cockroaches and little lizards everywhere. Down the road 5 hours you will come to Grayton Beach (my home) where when city gets to be too much you lay on white sand beaches with WARM crystal clear lagoon like water and your worries will dissolve like a soap bubble. Come on over….and welcome, welcome, welcome !!!
Laura
I’m so curious – why are you moving? To be adventurous? For the beignets? or just because?
Sasha | Global Table Adventure
Your kitchen is lovely. Still, there’s something exciting about a new space, new light… Toasting you and your new beginning! Hoping your land shark adjusts well to his new territory!
christina
hi Joy. I hope the move goes well! Looking forward to seeing your new space in New Orleans. In case it makes a difference to your day – you were the first food blog I ever discovered and made things from – all of which are delicious. So no matter where you set up, it will be nice to see what you make next. Wishing you the best, and I am sure you will find some lucky charms in New Orleans too! xx
Tori Avey
Wonderful post Joy! Best of luck on your new adventure, and it starts the week of Mardi Gras… that has to be good luck! xo
Shikha la mode
Your kitchen is so beautiful – love all that white space, so perfect for all your amazing creations. Hopefully your new space is just as great, or even better!
Stephanie
Thank you for sharing this with us Joy! I can’t wait to see what you create in New Orleans!
Melba
All the luck and best wishes to you my friend! XO
Sandy Coughlin
Regular is good. Loved this post, Joy. Safe travels!
MaryW
Why are you moving? California to New Orleans? That’s quite leap! Good Luck, stay safe!
Julia
I love your kitchen! It feels so homey and inviting. I was hoping you might check out my blog! https://www.glutenfree-patisserie.blogspot.ca/ xoxoxoxo
Kat
You and I share the EXACT SAME oven! I also had to buy all new pans, and cooling racks to fit in them, when I moved into my current place. Those ovens are small but mighty and mine consistently amazes me at what comes out of it. I look forward to seeing your new digs and may the kitchen gods shine on you and bestow upon you a glorious kitchen, with a full sized oven! :-) Safe travels!
Marie-Pier | 4 Seasons at Home
I’m always complaining that I don’t have enough space in my kitchen and when I see all that you’ve managed to do in yours, I say “wow”! I can’t wait to visit your new kitchen! Have a safe trip!
Stoich91
Why am I crying over a kitchen this is so charming how have you kept this from us so long give me keleeeeenex
Ashley
Best wishes for a smooth move!! Also, I am beyond [beyond!!!!] impressed that you have produced 2 cookbooks in your pint-sized kitchen. Like, are you sure you didn’t also use the floor as your counter? Just goes to show you don’t need shiny + new to make magic in the kitchen. It’s all about the person behind the…kitchenaid stand mixer. ;)
Aimee Wimbush-Bourque
Safe travels, Joy my friend! Thanks for a last glimpse into the space where so much was created. It’s an inspiration, as always.
Marsh Levendal
I just love your blog!
Jourdie Ross
Yay! Thanks for sharing your kitchen Joy. I’m always curious to see the nuts and bolts behind the magic of a blog. I totally understand the mini-oven lifestyle. I’ve discovered that in France, all ovens (other than professional ones) are mini ovens! Extra happy wonderful journey to New Orleans. I’ve wanted to visit there since I studied it in history class in fifth grade. Haven’t made it yet, but as I haven’t crossed proper beignets and an alligator po’ boy sandwich off my life list, it’s got to happen one of these days. :)
Margaret UK
Are you taking the Land Shark with you?? Have a good trip and enjoy your new home.
Synnebollen
Thank you for sharing your kitchen with us! How fun to see where the magic happens.
I also get very emotional when I’m leaving a place behind to start some new chapter. Good luck with the move! I’m looking forward to moving together with you!
Natalia (basmatilime.blogspot.com)
it is a true bittersweet feeling and for us too. I really do feel sad to see this kitchen go after it has brought me so much happiness and so much knowledge and passion but also I feel very eager to see what the future is about to bring and how much Nola will inspire you and thus inspire all of us. We are all be there with you Joy…. have a safe trip!!!
marlene
Wishing you all the BEST!!!!
You are such a special person and I LOVE reading your blog.
I also feel the same as you when I have moved and I LOVE my new kitchen.
Mindy
Joy, I came across your blog about a year ago and I’ve been a fan since. I also live in Los Angeles and I have to say that the news of your move made me sad in a way because I had hoped I’d run into you some day around town. Your blog is the first one I check every day and I look forward to reading about your new life in New Orleans. Best wishes!
Mindy
Seppy's Montreal
I got nostalgic reading this blog post even though I’m not the one moving! And it is funny that we have never seen where you have come up with your creations!
Good luck on the road trip!! And, if it’s not too personal, why the move?
http://www.seppysmontreal.com
Thea Calhoun
Joy you are amazing and I love your humbleness, you are such an inspiration! Your recipes are fabulous, so thank you for your incredible talent and your cute little kitchen! The best of luck on your move, can’t wait to share the next chapter with you! I must have missed posts where you talk about why you are moving?
joythebaker
maybe i haven’t talked about exactly why i’m moving: adventure!
Danielle
So happy for you Joy! Your old kitchen is lovely and I’m sure your new one is going to be too! ?
Elizabeth
Beautiful kitchen! Happy to see it before you left; can’t wait to see your new place to cook. Safe travels!
Tiana
hehe small and humble…you and shakira have something in common, sort of. good luck with the move!!
Amanda
so bittersweet! looking forward to the road trip notes and seeing the things you create in your new kitchen!
Annie B
Travel safely and with much anticipation! New Orleans will love you and I’ll love hearing about your life and cooking there. Wonderful city. Brave move. Good for you!!
Kalen
Joy, as a person in the market for looking for a single girl apartment in Los Angeles, and stressing when I can only find tiny ovens in affordable singles, thanks for this post. Gives me the confidence that I can make a tiny oven work for my crazy baker mind. Best of luck on the trip and in New Orleans!
Alana
Joy – safe travels and good luck in your new kitchen. I wanted to let you know I tried your mac and cheese tonight and it was a huge hit!!! Delish! Also we love testing out all of your cookie recipes. You are so talented and I’m happy to have found your blog.
Sarah H
So excited you are moving to Nola! Three of my best college friends are there ( if you run into some red heads, you might be in trouble). They all teach and one works at Cochon. Who knows if you’ll befriend them, but it just makes me excited to think y’all are there in the big easy! Enjoy frenchman street, and magazine, the music and beignet after beignet!!
joythebaker
i’m pretty sure i want to be friends with everyone who works at Cochon so….. let’s!
Annie
Love it, when you spend so much time in a place it becomes a part of you.
Tracy
A beautiful kitchen full of delightful memories! After going through a move myself, it’s hard to let go, but I’m hoping things will find their place in my new kitchen!
Shelly
Read John O’Donohue’s Blessing for the Interim. The tension of the bittersweetness of the good bye and the adrenaline/fear/eagerness of the what is to come.
“The old is not old enough to have died away;
The new is still too young to be born.”
Thanks for sharing your kitchen. The new one is waiting expectantly!
joythebaker
i really appreciate your words!
Erica W
Ya Joy!! Cheering for you on your next adventure! Can’t wait to see what NOLA brings you :)
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
i love that last shot of you in the kitchen – so great! good luck with your move, can’t wait to see the new space and your new creations.
the usual bliss
What an inspiration you are. I love that little space and the magic you’ve shared with us from it! Safe travels and cheers to your new adventure.
Bryn
Congrats on the homies awards. Safe travels and Good luck with the move!
Laura
Love your little kitchen. I’m sure it will be sad to see you go. So much yummy food and baked goods created in there! Best wishes as you move across the country to a new kitchen!
Lin
I can see why you will miss that darling little kitchen. I think it is even more special because of all the wonderful things you created in it without a highend fancy dancy kitchen! :Your new kitchen is waiting to make new memories with you and your special dishes. Hugs and God’s speed.
Joey
Sweet post Joy. This brings back memories of the kitchen in the studio apartment I had in Pacific Grove, California. A hot plate and a toaster oven on a door turned counter top. I still managed to make all my Christmas banana breads in time. From one hearth to another-bon voyage!
J Scaglione
ahhhh Joy. Saying good-bye to your kitchen must be hard.
I wish you would have taken a photo with your oven door open. When I first saw that oven so many years after you had been sharing your blog…well, I was dumbfounded! It taught me some things for sure….
Safe travels honey bunny……we’ll see you soon from one of the best cities in the entire world!!!
Erika
Loved this…I’ve always been curious about your kitchen. Just goes to prove that you don’t need a huge kitchen to produce some awesome food!
And the sweet kitty on the counter just melts my heart…. so adorable.
Best of luck to you!
sandra
what a lovely ode. I know what you mean about a space becoming an important part of your life, almost like a person, the way you speak about your stove. Guess I’ll need to get me some little wooden spoons :-)
Sun Diego Eats
You do so much in your small kitchen I imagine people do a lot less in huge fancy spacious kitchens with stainless appliances and fancy backsplash. Goes to show that the cook is a much greater factor than the kitchen :)
Bri McKoy
Um, you inspire me. A lot. Xoxo
Lane
I just love that you share your secrets! It really helps the little dreamers like me to create something amazing just in general.
I always channel Joy when photographing pies. Sometimes I’m not even terrible! https://instagram.com/sunnylanepies
arielle
I’ve always wondered what your kitchen looked looked like. And I’m surprised and inspired to see that it’s just as small as mine, right down to the miniature oven! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. You always write in a way that makes me want to call you my friend. So my friend, good luck in your brand new kitchen and safe travels until you get there!
Amy Estes
This made me cry. I feel like we became Real Friends over coffee you made in that kitchen and I’ve loved getting to hang out there with you…plus I love it when I make an offhand mention of wanting to try a cake and then find it in your fridge. I’m so sad you won’t be a quick drive up the 5 but I am SO EXCITED to visit you in NOLA and see your new world. I love you friend!
Glenda
Thanks for sharing. I am very attached to my kitchen and all the little treasures it holds. Safe journey.
Nikkilooch
Your bangs are banging in these pictures. Love.
Natalie - Paper and Birch
Wow, I thought I was the only one who has to use mini baking sheets and has to find the one corner in the living room with a window to take pictures! Wow, that’s inspiring Joy! Good luck in your new place!
Mary
so excited for you and this new adventure. I so love your cookbook/blog. Many a happy moment has happened in my kitchen due to your genius. safe travels my friend.
Jennifer
You look great in that kitchen, and you’ll look even greater in your NEW kitchen.
Hope you find Joy driving to your new home, (especially) with the windows rolled down and the tunes cranking. Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Ladotyk
I love this post, thank you for sharing your wondering little space. It’s oddly inspiring to see a humble stove and fridge, and realize that the secret ingredient all along has been moxie. Good luck in your new kitchen and your new home! Change is scary and exciting and so very important. I can’t wait to see how you are inspried.
joythebaker
Moxie!!
Amanda
I feel your pain with small itty bitty kitchens, I have one myself. But I hope with you moving your kitchen whether it be small or big treats you with kindness and new memories!
Sandee
Safe travels Joy, thanks for bringing us along for the ride!
Vicki B
Vaya con dios, Joy. Have a wonderful, safe trip. Can’t wait to see your new kitchen. Wouldn’t mind a pictorial on start to finish on how you set it up.
tracy
Joy I hope your road trip is totally awesome and wonderful! Safe travels for you as your start your new beginning and I am excited to see what awesomely wonderful goodies you think up in your new home to share with us!
Gry
Thank you so much for sharing this with us readers. I’m looking so much forward to see your new cooking space and of course everything you make there! For me it’s an adventure to follow your move, I don’t think I can imagine what it’s like for you.
xxx from Switzerland,
G.
lemonjellycake
I love this tour of your kitchen! Thank you so much for sharing it. :) Safe travels!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
I have always loved your kitchen, the feature in Kitchn was just lovely and thanks for sharing this again. Cant wait to see what NOLA has in store for you…
Grace
This is such a great post. What a great way to honor your little kitchen and the memories you’ve shared! Love it.
bakerkat
It’s so sad to see you get ready to say goodbye to that kitchen and your home where so much has happened. I know your new home and kitchen will bring you happiness but the whole thing is so bittersweet.. It’s hard to move I hope you will fall in love with your decision as soon as you get to your new home. It’s all good just the journey continuing.
Penelope @Penoiserie
I have a teeny tiny kitchen in London and have to store my KitchenAid in its original box on top of my half-sized fridge. Good bakes can definitely come from small kitchens! I’m excited to see what comes out of the new kitchen in New Orleans.
Elizabeth
Drive safe. I’ll miss you knowing that you and I shared the same sky here in wonderful santa monica/venice. but now you will be sharing the same sky with my niece who goes to tulane. I told her to look out for you :)
Meghan Splawn (@stirandscribble)
I love this – especially for seeing that I’m not the only blogger who uses the living/front door/office/bedroom for taking pictures. Where ever the light is good, darling.
Moss
Inspirational to see the space that has created so much great stuff. Beautifully written sentiments, as always. California will miss you. Safe travels!
Kirsty @ Bake Good
So much has happened in your lovely little kitchen. I love hearing about the stages of your move. I’m at the ‘knee deep in boxes’ stage, two weeks until I move, eek!
Good luck on the epic drive, I can’t wait to hear about your new place.
Also, you’re cat is the best!
Amy
Good luck with your move! Your kitchen gives me hope that despite the faults of mine (mostly involving a terrible colour scheme that I have no power to change…) with a little bit of organisation and perseverance, goodness will prevail! Either that, or you’re a baking superhero – which might be more the case…
Ashlyn
It makes me sad to hear that you’re leaving your kitchen, the place where so many wonderful recipes I have relished have come from. Change always seems sad but at the same time exciting, and I can’t wait to see what wonders you will produce out of your new kitchen!
Marie @ Little Kitchie
lovely post, joy! you’ve accomplished so much in that sweet little space. it’s your energy and talent that made it what it is, and you’re bringing all that with you on your move. that new orleans kitchen has no idea what it’s got coming!
Marie
I wish you a whole lot of happiness on this new adventure of yours ! I am,- just like a lot of other people are I guess – looking forward to see what sweet treats your New Orleans kitchen will bring us :) Have a safe trip !
Gaby
I love that you have lived in a normal kitchen- you haven’t secretly been hiding out in a big beautiful kitchen with everything fancy at your fingertips. It reminds me that I can bake like you too! (Writing like you…now that’s a different question…)
Good luck with your move! My friends and I who follow your blog are so so so excited to see what happens next!
Taylee @ twist me fit
I’m so excited for your new journey in New Orleans :-)
tinajo
Looks really nice, I like it! :-)
hcnickerson
“I’m not one of those bloggers who makes advanced posts, invites guests bloggers, or has fancy contributors. This blog is still just me as the one who makes cookies, takes pictures of them, does the dishes, writes silly words, and tries to answer emails.” Those two sentences? They’re why I’m here. Can’t wait to road trip vicariously — have fun!
Greg
Safe journey. Looking forward to reports form the road.
Fran
Godspeed Joy! I have a small but mighty kitchen & dream of the one I’ll never have-you’ve earned your upgrade Girl:)
Anita
Oh Joy, what a lovely post – your writing is so evocative! I never thought of the emotional attachment to your kitchen – but now I’m tearing up a little!
Love your writing, love your blog. . . .love you :)
ps. am lusting over your shirt/dress – looking good!
joythebaker
i appreciate you so much! thank you for the kind words. ps. the shirt dress is just from Old Navy!
Annie
I admire your resourcefulness. I have always loved great things coming from humble places. I too am moving into my own small humble condo but I will have my own kitchen and plan to make good tasty food in it. Joy you are so aptly named because you bring joy with all you do. I pray your trip cross country is really fun and a great adventure and your next chapter of life in NOLA is full of God ‘s blessings. NOLA is blessed because you are there. Looking forward to seeing what life holds for you in your new kitchen!
goodRay
I suspect your “small” oven and fridge are standards where I live.. my fridge is 23X23 inches, freezer included (it’s just along the other cabinets) and my oven is 23X18 inches..so I see your description and get very confused.
I have admired your beautiful small kitchen from the first time I have seen it on AT or Kitchn, and I’m sad you leave it but also excited and a little scared for what comes. I mean, what if you’ll have one of these giant fridges that are taller than yourself, and a dishwasher?!? horrible.
I would be so alienated :D
Fais-moi croquer!
I find your kitchen simply and pretty as I like it. I really like the corner of windows, the light and the view….a warming atmosphere !
I like in your post your vision : Where there is an end there is a beginning
It’s so true and positive for a lot of situation ! I keep your sentence in my mind !
meghann
Dear joy, as you head off on this adventure I just want to say, my fiance thinks you’re hot. And not just because when he saw the cover of your book you were holding a delicious cake.
I agreed and I told him I thought your cooking and your heart was pretty hot.
Ludina
So I just wanted to tell you how an incredible inspiration you are for me.
I’m still hitting this blog everyday (to be honest, maaaaany times a day) and it is the best concentration of words, comfort food and love I’ve ever seen. Thank you for everything, you inspire us and give us the strength to be courageous ourselves.
Have a good trip, kisses from Italy
Annie
I am highly impressed with your resourcefulness. I have always loved the reality of great things coming from humble places. I am soon to move into my own small and humble condo but I will have my own kitchen and I plan to make beautiful and tasty things in it. Joy you are so aptly named! and I pray that your trip cross country is fun and your next chapter in NOLA is the continuation of God’s blessings on your life.
Jen
I totally understand your feelings about leaving your house. Moving is bittersweet, buuuut…I am so excited (in a totally non-creepy way) for your move to NOLA. Good luck!!
Jessica
Joy! A thousand congratulations for everything you achieved in this beautiful kitchen and home! And so many wishes for a not tooooo stressful roadtrip. I hope you ease into your new home and good luck on the next chapter!X
Selma's Table
Hi Joy – thank you for sharing your charming kitchen. I’ve moved many times in my life and my most cherished kitchen has been a tiny, galley, unfitted kitchen with a gas oven and a huge window from which I produced the most delicious food when I first started to cook properly. Wishing you all the best in the next leg of your life journey and looking forward to reading all about it. Don’t wait so long to share the next kitchen with us though! Selma x
Lily (A Rhubarb Rhapsody)
Loved this post. I too have a humble kitchen and have had small kitchens in the last 3 houses I’ve lived in. I pine for counter space and more power points but sometimes I get a sense of achievement in creating something spectacular with some really harsh limitations. Limitations that I wouldn’t have in a top of the range, sprawling kitchen.
I can’t wait to see your new kitchen and I hope you come to love it.
Lesley
Wow. This is so bittersweet. I’m really glad you shared your kitchen with us before you leave it forever. It’s so weird to realize that the first time we’re seeing the whole thing (not just a shelf or two) will also be the last. I wish you amazing light in your new place! Crossing my fingers for you.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Joy I am can feel the bittersweetness in this post, but I know that NOLA will be amazing for you and I am so excited. Over the summer I moved, and while it was only 1 mile, leaving a kitchen where I too had written 2 cookbooks and 2.5 years of blog posts was very bittersweet…but my new kitchen has way better lighting :) I cannot wait to see everything you make in your new kitchen & wish you the best this week as you’re traveling!
Rachel
good luck joy! i’m a little sad you’re leaving this kitchen too now – it seems so empty in your iPhone shots! thank you again for having me over so i could see it in person – hopefully i’ll be in new orleans at some stage. enjoy the road trip! xx
Michelle
hi joy, i have been following your blog for a looong time and i can feel your sadness abt leaving your house and also your excitement for nola. i wish you all the best and lots of love from singapore.