so continues the series on Joy the Baker. I make notes to myself. How to live. How not to live… and how it’s ok if I burn the cookies.
SWITCH IT UP! We’re more than half way through the year and one thing is certain… I’m most excellent at sticking myself is a happy-go-lucky-comfortable-RUT! Seriously, Joy… your routine has become 100% routine, and I mean that in the most uncharming way possible Even your cat is bored with your morning tea, afternoon doldrums, and evening Real Housewives.
Halfway through the year. Dang more than halfway through the year.
This isn’t about big goals or lofty resolutions… it’s more about the day to day. Switch things up. Get out in the world and try your best to see it differently. YeaYeaYea… see things differently. Be more present. Downward dog, yadda yadda yadda. But how do you actually make this happen?
Step One (of several): wake yo ass up early and get going!
Step Two: Do notnotnot checking your email from bed. It’s a trap.
Step Three: Get out. Treat yourself to a fancy coffee from a cute barista in suspenders. Write.
Step Four: Write anything. Write about your dreams. Write about how you can’t go to the laundromat too early on Thursday mornings because that creep dude with one eye is always there… giving you the eye (no pun, real life)… and you can’t seem to get through a load without dropping a pair of your incidentals on the laundromat floor. Write about how you have nothing to write about but the creep dude from the laundromat. It’s an exercise. No judgements here.
Switch it up. Let’s go!
Notes to Self:
Drink more water (instead of more gin).
Yea… whatever.
Switch it up with a new book. I happen to be currently waaaaay tooo into Gone Girl.
Mystery. Murder? Suspicion. Oooh man it’s good.
Switch up the doodle. Add clay.
One of my favorite (totally girly and possible totally annoying) things to do is switch up a few of my make-up pieces. I say all of this like I actually wear a lot of make-up… which I don’t (mostly because I don’t know how to apply it without looking like a clown). Bobbi Brown Pretty Pink Blush is my new cheek treat. Mucho major.
Switch it up with a pretty house treat. I’m smitten with these Rifle Paper Coasters. If you’re a part of Joy the Baker + Lost Crates, you know aaaalll about these lovelies. xoxxo.
Switch it up in the kitchen! This week I busted out a new cookbook and tried a recipe with fresh figs. For some reason I’ve never baked with fresh figs. Good switch. I’ll show you the recipe later this week! I hope you swoon!
The old switcheroo! It’s self-trickery… I’ll take it!
Sarah @ Winner Celebration Party
Oh yes, the rut. I fall prey to it too often! That, and I have a two-headed, getting-better-but-still-a-problem thing where I both enjoy solitude and get supremely lonely, even THOUGH I have plenty of friends in my life and know that getting my butt out the door will make me feel instantly better, even if it means I have to worry about what to do with my stuff at the cafe when I have to jump up and use the restroom. That was a very long run-on sentence.
Anyway, it’s good to be reminded that you’re not the only one who gets into ruts! Your words inspire me. Maybe I’ll get out of my post-bar rut and (a) clean the apartment (b) blog again or (c) get a haircut!
p.s. Is that the Commissary I spy?
Hannah
I’m inspired! Thanks to you Joy I’m going to switch things up… my rut has gotten way to deep and comfy.
alison
I’ve been switching it up too and am hitting the gym at an ungodly hour in the morning with others who are way too perky that early. I am also finding myself super hungry now and drooling even more over your recipes!
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See
Wonderful switcheroo! My lastest has been discovering cute boys. in cheese shops. wearing aprons.
Yes, it was as good as it sounds ;)
Karen
I think this is a book in the making and I’d buy one! I love these humorous and spot on rules for living.
Karen
elena @ randomly happy
Thanks for the inspiration. Absolutely need to get myself more creative, out of bed, and reading more. Coffee seems fundamental to all of this.
x Elena
http://www.randomlyhappytoday.blogspot.co.uk
lauren
I hear you, Joy. I’m the queen of the comfortable rut. Most of the time, same old, same old is just fine with me – but as soon as you start to wonder, that’s when you have to change something up :) I’m terrible at sticking with new changes, but trying stuff can be pretty fun.
Today I’m wearing crazy silver sandals and dark ck capris I’ve had in my closet for years now…it’s a very un-ME outfit, but figured I’d change it up.
I love, love your podcasts by the way. You and Tracy are awesome and so easy to relate to! I like to listen to them on Fridays and they always make me smile :)
Elise @yumfoodiefoodie.com
thanks Joy!
This was a nice little reminder to keep things interesting- even using small steps.
Maybe I’ll switch up my wardrobe for work tomorrow :)
anna
figs! my favorite! also i kept hoping for a picture of the cute barista? i will continue to hope.
Laura
LOVE everything about this post!
I’ll promise to do some switching up starting right now!
Jillian
I LOVE these so much, and I really need to get back on the get up early bandwagon!
Bohemian Kate
I get bored VERY easily so I’m all about this idea. You know what? I need to start trying new recipes. I find one thing that I like and then I stick to it forever.
christina @ smallkitchenchronicles
Switch it. Enough said. Well put, Joy!
amanda (simplemittens)
can I just say that I can’t wait to see that fig recipe?! it looks too good to be true!
Emili Day
I think we all get this little itch when school is starting again. Even though Im well past school age (ahem) i still feel like updating my wardrobe and my routines this time of year, too. We have been programed for this since we were 5, right? I say, embrace it.
Holly
mmmmm figs. They came and went so fast here. Maybe they’ll make a return soon.
I’ll think about ways to switch it up this week…
Kate @eatrecyclerepeat
Love the font/handwriting on your note. Figs are awesome! Not checking emails before bed is huge, especially when you have a gargantuan inbox like I bet you do
MJ
“Wake yo ass up early and get going!” I know that’s right!
Jessica
write- the best way to switch it up- I am writing letters to my granddaughter. She is only one now, but I am writing to her older self – the things I want to tell her now- so that she can grow into the confident young woman who knows the importance of making time to read good books, cook good food just for herself and wear make up even if the cute barrista never looks her way-
Melissa D
Love it!
I just had my birthday this past weekend, and my birthday usually gets me thinking about changes more than New Years does. This year’s post-birthday change is more of a “switching up” like you talked about rather than a permanent change (although it could lead to one).
Danielle
Hi Joy! I love your “notes to self” series! I’ve been feeling the same way as you lately. Sometimes you just need to hear it from somebody else to realize what you need to do. Tomorrow I’m up and out early – coffee – cute barista – who know what could transpire : ) I love your words. Totes Maj!
Danielle xo
StephanieM in Corralitos
I’m reading (well listening on audio) and loving Gone Girl, also.
I’m going to try a new Starbucks tomorrow, just because!
Clara
Ugh I need a lock on my email. Or really, I just need need more self control. I’m gonna switch it up!
Leah
I love your notes to self – this one in particular is something I needed to hear! Start early! coffee! write something! Yes.
Amy
I love this. I am a routine person to a fault, and I always need reminding to change my shit up (sung to the tune of Smack My Bitch up, obvs). Love it.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
I am trying my level best to put away my phone at least an hour before bed time. So glad to know I am not the only one struggling ;)
Laura
Hi Joy-
This is my first time posting but I’m a long time huge fan! I think you are amazingly creative and inventive who always leaves me wanting more. Congrats on all your success. I LOVE this post as it is something I have been thinking a lot about lately. Thanks again for your insight and inspiration.
joythebaker
thanks for the lovely comment!
judith
Switch it up! Start loading all your unmentionables into a mesh sweater bag before you leave the house and then just toss the entire bag and contents into the washer at the Laundry. No worries about droppage!
Emily
This month I am trying to do one thing a day that scares me. This means, of course, getting out of my cushy, easy rut. Not easy. BUT I have been pretty successful so far and today I stepped way out of my comfort zone and went to a yoga class with a buddy. I’m not flexible, I tend to fall over if I stand on one foot. But I actually liked it! Surprise! This switcheroo might be a permanent one ;)
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
Love this post and great thoughts! You’re awesome :)
Joan
Gone Girl is soooo good. I’m about 150 pages in. Gillian Flynn is a master of the literary suspense novel. If you like her writing, you should check out Kate Atkinson and Tana French.
sarah
might be weird, but listening to the weepies, “Gotta Have you” and thought you’d like it. I also think that if i lived in LA or you lived in Austin-we’d be friends.
GingerMae
Austin. I’m not sure what it is about that place but I feel the pull to go there. Never been, but one day I will. I hear it’s a great place to be!
Laura
Joy! I needed this today. My life is sort of in a crazy tale spin, and I needed a kick in the butt. A friend told me the other day that big goals are important, but that sometimes you just need to focus on the next thing- making it to 5:00… making dinner… getting coffee… My goal is to get up early tomorrow, and actually do something more productive with my day than watch the Top Chef Desserts marathon on tv. I did do some dishes though! Woot for small steps! :)
Melanie
Joy: Thanks for the kick in the butt. I needed it! Now I’m off to find a new cafe with the hottest barista–and won’t stop until I find him:)
Deede
Oh Joy, this is real stuff. I am in a rut too. Mine has more to do with discipline and setting up a schedule to follow. Right now all I want to do is to read and bake bread, unless it’s too hot in the house. Then I want to go eat ice cream at one of our many delicious ice cream purveyors in the Northeast. You have inspired me to at least finish something. I just published a blog post, so thank you for the timely discussion.
Ann P.
Cute baristas = #1 priority :)
Becca - Cookie Jar Treats
I should probably switch things up too…but I’m not getting rid of my daily pb&j… I need that to make me happy :)
I love the clay rainbow, it’s precious. And as for the make, up… I don’t know how to apply it either. It’s just foundation, eyeliner, and mascara for me. I actually need to find a better eyeliner. One that’s cheap… Clinique is brilliant, but not cheap *sigh*
I ramble too much. Have a nice switched-up day :)
Shut Up & Cook
Ugh…..reading email in bed is the *worst* and yet I am so, so guilty of it.
Love the idea of changing the routine to break bad habits.
This doesn’t count for wine and cheese though, right?!?
Nicole @ The Dirty Oven
Great thoughts. I have to say lately I have been working on some major changes in my brain…and switching things up is one of them. Taking risks and being brave. Thank you for your thoughtful post it made my day!
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
Oh, I love you! You are SO very smart and insightful, Joy! I wish I had been at your age.
Your step one rings SO very true with me. It is SSSOOOOO much better when I get up early in the morning and go for a run. It’s just so much better for me to exercise and start my day in a productive way even though some times it so dang hard to do it.
Thank you. I so look forward to reading your posts every day. Keep up the great work!
HUGS!!
Jessica
Such a lovely affirmation.
My only addition: switch up your shoes. get sassy with some colored heels or printed flats or sweet wedges – whatever just don’t let them sit in your closet.
:)
Jamie @ green beans & grapefruit
Love this! Applicable to everyone…and I always say that life’s too short for bad coffee!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
Super cute baristas….veryyyy important. But seriously. Great advice. This time of year we are all wondering what happened to those resolutions, and thinking how we might be able to fit them in before December flies by again.
Elise M.
Inspiring post. I need to switch up a lot of things in my life… Glad I’m not the only one. Thanks, Joy!
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
I’m reading Gone Girl right now too!! In fact, I was up until 2:30 a.m. reading it and am rulllll tired today as a result. Totally worth it.
The Teenage Taste
Joy, your “Note to Self” posts always seem to inspire me – I love them! I also love how your blog is so much more than just a food blog. You’re awesome!
Edith
Yes, yes, yes. Amen to all of that!!
Lynda
Can’t say enough about how much I love your website, I really need the inspiration you give at the moment. Got an email from UPS this morning, my first Joy the Baker – Lost Crate is on the way – I’m excited.
Diane, A Broad
I love these “notes to self” posts, Joy. Keep them coming. I’ll just pretend that these are notes to you *and* me, because i need these reminders too, sometimes.
robyn
fantastic!!
i’m with you-no emails before bed-no internet in fact.
and fancy pants coffee bars-yes-more of it!
Lottie
I love your “notes to self” and the rest of your blog. You have a wonderful way of writing and conveying a warmth of character. Keep up the good work, I love it.
Christine
I love this post. Love it. I’m also glad I’m not the only one who has problems with getting stuck in a rut. I have a problem with checking my e-mail when I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.
Also, good looking baristas are very important. If you’re going to be in a coffee shop, it’s nice to have something to look at in addition your book/computer screen. :)
Mary
I love this series! Thankmyoumso much for sharing.
Mary
Damn iPad. I meant thank you so much.
Christine
I don’t know…I think “thankmyoumso” is charming. :)
Maria
Good stuff! Words to live by. Thank you. More good stuff starts with fresh figs. Been a while for me…but a very great memory of figs, mascarpone and a pistachio crust. Stop over…I’ll make us one! :)
Ashley
I adore these photos and this post.
Michelle G
I know you can’t relate, living in the golden state and all, but to some of us it can seem an impossible task to get our grubby little hands on fresh figs. Any suggestions?
Christina
I’ve been thinking about reading Gone Girl next aaand now you’ve convinced me!
joythebaker
giiirrrlll… it’s goooood.
Meghan
hear, hear, Joy!
{also about to start Gone Girl}
Ashley
Love the note to self (well, all of them!) and love the advice on ways to switch it up! It is totally in the little things, like a new piece of makeup or pretty coasters or a new recipe or food to try. Your marvelous blog is one of my favorite ways to try new food. Thanks, Joy, and love this!
joythebaker
xo!
Amanda Sue
A great piece of advice that I had forgotten about until just now: KEEP WILD. It applies to everything!
joythebaker
i’m totally taking this advice when it comes to my hair lately…
tracy
of course my head goes IMMEDIATELY to shave your groove thing.
Louisa
I agree completely with this. I especially like what you said about writing anything… It’s something I find hard, because I always feel that I should be writing something… important I suppose. I need to be less hard on myself because I know it’s holding me back!
Sini
I hate to say it but you’re right. SWIIITCH IT UP! (but don’t we all love to stick on our old routines?) Okay, I’m gonna try. Real hard. Watch me.
Catherine @weelicious
These are the posts that keep me going. Truly inspiring! xo
joythebaker
you are always the most kind!
KarlaJ
“Self-trickery”…I love it! I’m going to try it! Joy, you inspire me every day.
Kate
lol. Add clay. Very cute. I’ll have to check out Gone Girl.
Elizabeth @ The Bare Midriff
I just started Gone Girl – I don’t know what to think!! Egads!!
I am attempting to do everything on your list. I’ve been attempting it for a couple weeks now. So far, I average wake-up at 9AM. Boo. But then I don’t go to bed until late late late, so I guess it makes up for it…
Lisa
“Step Two: Do notnotnot checking your email from bed. It’s a trap.” – SO TRUE! I’ve always used my phone as my alarm clock but when I got a smart phone for Christmas I started this terrible habit and it really is a time suck.
Lauren
Fantastic advice! I saw license plate on the way home the other morning that said ENJY2DAY. It was great and I can’t stop thinking about. Its all about the little things for real.
Diana
I love this! So true we all need to switch it up. The year is half-way done, and summer is slowly slipping through our fingers. Life is about reinventing ourselves time to time. I know I’ll be making the most of my day. Hope its a great one for you!
The Savory and The Beautiful
Oh my goodness yes! totally yes woman! Once I start on my MAC in bed, it’s a done deal. I’m writing more now too. It’s so cathartic. You mentioned Figs, and I immediately think blue cheese, dunno why. But then it got me thinking, hey Joy knows a lot about cheese. Can you post some new stuff with Cheese as a focal ingredient???? Gracias. Make it a great day chica xoxo.
joythebaker
i’m totally into cheese! let me see what i can whip up!
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen
Good words. I totally need to change it up. When you have kids the rut can get preeeeetty deep. Maybe some new make up will help, although I also have the clown problem. I love that cooking and baking can make easy changes to the day. Just trying something new and delicious is so much fun. I don’t think I’ve ever even had a fig or can get one where I live. They look so pretty though!
Marie
Oh it does appeal to me! I’m looking for a job, and it’s the same routine every day: check mails, check websites, check blog, cooking, a walk in the city, I need something new!
I think I’m gonna start boxing!
Robin
I have also recently discovered the importance of cute baristas. :) Good notes.
Lauren
Overslept, checked my email in bed… then went to your blog. Have you switched it up by dabbling in reading the future, Joy?
megan @ whatmegansmaking
Good reminders first thing this morning. I think I’ll take myself out to coffee :)
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles
So true- switch it up……. and get yo bum out of bed in the mornings. Life is for the living so getting out of bed and living it is the best thing ever! :)
Amy @Macncheesenpeas
Joy, you rule. I just love your attitude about life. <3
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking
Oh no!!! I already got caught in the reading emails in bed trap!!! Getting my ass up and out for an early morning walk. Switch up!
katie mazur
I am all for the ‘ole switcheroo! fabulous advice!
I’s great to be reminded of something so simple, but so effective.
Sues
I’m in bed right now because I got caught in the email and then blog trap.
Currently reading Gone Girl and totally agree!
I will always swoon over fresh figs :)
Bakerkat
Great Advice. Life is to short it’s good to switch things up.
heather g
Joy I wanted to let you know that I love your notes!
I had the ‘bold’ printed out and I framed it in my 20 mo old daughters room :)
Thanks!
Heather
Sally - My Custard Pie
Always enjoy your life lessons Joy. Computer + bed = always a bad combination! Getting out and writing in cafes…doing it right now.
Angel
I love switching it up! It’s surprising how adding a new twist in my routine changes my attitude. Great post! Watch out for one-eyed Willy!
Freya G
I just ran 10 miles instead of 9 … Now I’m gonna go make a cake with blackcurrants instead of raspberries cos I’m in an almond raspberry rut! If I can ever move again!
joythebaker
gosh i like your moves!
Yvonne Clemmons
Just saw your picture on your cook book. “Joy the Baker” is hot.
Littledessert - Recept & Webbshop
Lovely! <3
Carina
Exactely what I needed to read! Step Two is very important to me this week ;-)
Ellen
Yes! I get all set in my ways and find myself deciding against things because I think they are “not me”, and have to remind myself that as we grow, change should happen. An in some ways we need to change to remain who we are.
I like the “write anything” tip…
cheyenne
great advice! it’s just what i needed, because my routine-rut is driving me mad… thanks for sharing!
xo, cheyenne
Stephanie
I totally, completely, 100% needed this today. Thank you, Joy. I heart you. Totes maj.
Frances @ The Foodess Files
Diabolical!!! Couldn’t agree more! New coffee shop! No e-mail in bed! New lipstick! I was in such an awful mood allllll day, and SO hot here in CA, I cold showered, got dressed up, and drove to downtown LA to take myself on a classy delicious date with amazing food that I didn’t have to share, and 25 minutes in my Air Conditioned car. If I hadn’t skaken things up, I could have easily wound up NOT having the most scrumptious Caesar brussels sprouts in the world.
ADAPT, and change the channel. FTW. :)
tannaz
where is that awesome coffee shop? it’s not proof.. it’s not intelli… don’t think it’s handsome… i’m stumped!
Judy
Keep writing Joy.
Kristi @SaucyPants
I love these notes to self! These Rifle Paper coasters are going on the registry STAT!! Thank you for the fab find!!
Briel K.
I just finished Gone Girl last week. Good book! Crazy plot! I want to read more of the author’s books now.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
cute coasters. sweet little rainbow, and yes, checking email is a trap! no matter what room it happens to be in!
Christina @ The Pastry Posts
Love! I’m reading Gone Girl right now, too. So good!
Kristen@Slender Kitchen
Love, love, love this. Going to try and run with a few switches first thing tomorrow morning. Tonight – movie and cookies :)
joythebaker
live!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Great advice, and I’m swooing over that tart already :).