Thank you for bearing with me last week as I trekked from Los Angeles to New Orleans in a little Corolla with a very large orange cat. ย I sure did see a lot of road and sky! ย Palm Springs has the windmill game on lock. ย Arizona surprised me with its dreaminess. ย New Mexico has the biggest sky. ย Texas made me lonesome for… something, I’m not sure what. ย Louisiana was swampy and mysterious. ย It’s strange, but even after a month of packing, driving across the country felt more like a road trip that a permanent move. ย It’s funny how home became so connected with my little Venice bungalow. ย I think it will take a lot of days to undo that.
Tron Cat fared remarkably well on the 30 hour road trip. ย For as much of a beast as he is when I’m in the kitchen, he was surprisingly compliant and docile in his crate in the passenger seat of my car. ย He only had a few freak-outs… but to be fair, I had a few mid-trip freak-outs myself. ย It’s nothing a few cat treats and sour gummy candies can’t soothe.
On the road I filled my earsย withย The Moth Podcastย (really beautiful, real storytelling),ย ย NPR’sย Fresh Airย (I LOVE this recent episode with American Hustle’sย David O. Russell), andย 99% Invisibleย (I listened to every episode they made because it’s fascinating and obscure bits of pop culture). ย Turns out I also know every single word to Fiona Apple’s “When The Pawn…”, so there’s that.
Out of the car and into the French Quarter in three days! ย Just like that!
I’m slowly setting up shop here. ย Unpacking is so much better than packing packing.
There’s a sunny spot for the bike.
There’s a tidy spot for all of the spices.
I’d love to show you more of my kitchen but I’m still trying to figure things out. ย There’s not a ton of storage and I’m going to have to do some serious tetris to figure it out. ย This apartment is beautiful, but it’s not one of those perfect places that has a kitchen spot for each and every item. ย Do those perfect places exist or is it just a thing on Pinterest? ย Imperfection has its charm.
So far the spice drawer is the only reasonable zone, and that may even be changed. ย I promise to show more as I figure the space out.
I’ll probably just invite you over to make biscuits… so, let’s just do that.
Count on me to always find a way to make a cocktail even when the kitchen isn’t entirely unpacked.
Outside of the front gates are more street musicians, cocktails, and crawfish that I can currently comprehend. ย This lady was singing as I walked up with bags of groceries. ย I suppose this might be a new normal. ย I’ll share all of it with you. ย It feels like we have time, right?
What I’m really trying to figure out is how to make this kitchen feel like home. ย Right now it feels like I’m baking in a stranger’s kitchen, but I’m sure that will change with time.
I wanted to make something that would fill my foreign kitchen with familiar smells. ย Banana Bread! ย So simple and comforting. ย I’ll share the recipe with you tomorrow.
I feel like we’re in this together and I appreciate you! ย Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement and support!
114 Responses
can i come over? like seriously
Welcome home!
Congratulations on your move and I am glad you had a safe trip. I drove from NY to Florida and that was long but not as long as yours. Peace and Blessings be with you.
Sounds so excitingly new!! Can’t wait to see more! Lots of love <3
So happy to hear you made it safely and are settling in. Your writing style is so inviting that I feel very excited and anxious for you as you go on this journey…just as I would for a close friend! As a cat owner myself, I was glad to hear your dear cat made the trip ok. Thanks for including us all in this fun experience!
Hi Joy, so excited that you made a big move from California to New Orleans! I wanted to live in New Orleans at one time (when I was 20). There was something so spooky/sexy/casual/elegant about the city that I couldn’t really put my finger on. Five years ago I made a decision to move back home to IL from AZ. With a hubby,a dog and cat in tow. I wish you THE BEST OF LUCK and I can’t wait to see upcoming posts you will have for us.
Glad you found your way home.
lovely pics! I love travel too! I invite you to stop on my new blog https://www.traindevie.com.ar/
kisses from Argentina!
Welcome to your new home!
How crazy!! crazy good and just crazy. I know exactly what you mean about it feeling like a road trip.. when I moved from NY to Seattle the road trip was fun and insane in my head.. just seemed like dreaminess and the occasional lostness.. and then you’re there.
Congrats on your move. So psyched to see more and learn much about your new soon to feel home.
Lurker, first time commenter. You said “I suppose we have time right” in reference to you sharing about your new digs. Don’t wait too long, because it can quickly become your new normal and normalcy forgets to share the cool, quirky stuff. Love that you’re living there!
Looking forward to your adventures in your new city Joy! Your big move is seriously inspiring me take the plunge. Would love to read more about how you summoned up the courage!
The apartment looks great so far! Is it weird I’m scared and excited for you? You can do it Joy!!
I love your blog, Joy, and I’m glad you made it safely to your new home. Welcome to the eastern side of the U.S! I also enjoying reading about and seeing pics of your sweet kitty, not to mention all the yummy food you cook/bake. Your cookbook is one of my absolute favorites and I can hardly wait for the new one!!
Your new adventure sounds amazing! I’ve made a few big moves, and truthfully, it makes me feel brave. I hope you feel it too!
I’m so happy for you! How exciting! I’m also thoroughly impressed with your kitty cat. My cats can’t even make the 15 minute trip to vet without having a mild heart attack, let alone a three day one! I must meet this cat that isn’t terrified of car rides!
Also, the house looks absolutely beautiful!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
Love the new Casa Di Joy! Even more so now that I see you and I have the exact same dining furniture! I hope I can fill my dining table with as many goodies as yours :) from the other end of the globe in Melbourne AUS x good luck with this exciting new chapter!
love!!
So glad you both arrived safe and sound. Can’t wait to hear about this new adventure, Joy. It’s gonna be awesome :)
Joy, I think perfect organization is a myth! Also, saw the creole seasoning in your drawer and my suggestion is that you try slap ya mama seasoning. If you try it let me know what you think. And enjoy your new home…
Glad you made it in one piece!!!!!!!! Good luck settling in, it’ll feel like home in no time! And I just posted a blog post about Banana bread too!! But..not my recipe unfortunately. Working on developing recipes!
http://www.seppysmontreal.com
Welcome to your new home Joy. I’m looking forward to seeing what goodies you make and share with us in your new kitchen. I know they’re gonna be good.
I am infinitely jealous of this new experience you’re having. New Orleans is definitely a city I can’t get enough of…so I’m looking forward to living vicariously through your adventures. (Maybe there could even be a club of all the people telling you that…)
In the meantime, I’ll relate to your story of learning to cook in a new kitchen. Reading your Ode to a Kitchen made me realize how much I miss my own previous kitchen, where I spent five years really settling into my liking of cooking and baking. The place I’ve lived for the past month just doesn’t do it justice.
All the best as you settle in!
Joy – the pictures you shared are beautiful! Looks like a fun apartment. Can’t wait to see how you make it your own. Thanks for sharing your cooking life (& a bit more) with us.
I have apartment envy right now. And light envy. I adore what you’ve done with the place! I’m so glad you made it safely.
What better reason to have a cocktail, then unpacking in your new home.
Enjoy all the new exploring.
Are you willing to say why you moved?
Wonderful. The pics fill me with nostalgia and happiness for your new place in life. Savor it and share it with the rest of us.
Joy! I’ve been following your blog for a LONG time (since before I moved to nola, myself, about two and a half years ago!). I ride my bike throught the quarter to get to work every day (I live right near the fairgrounds in mid-city). This is by far the best city/place I’ve ever lived — for so many reasons. Let me know if you need someone to enjoy it with! Or just some starter tips on stuff to do (though I know you’ve been here before!). We also live right near the Mystery St. entrance to Jazz Fest if you need a stoop on which to enjoy a bloody mary before going in (great spot for those around the corner). Happy unpacking!
I admire your adventurous spirit and honest ‘voice’. I was thinking about you on the weekend while I was making your extra crumb coffee cake :-) Glad to hear you and your furry friend arrived safe and sound! I hope it doesn’t take too long to feel settled in. I’m looking forward to more ‘tastes’ of New Orleans โ living in Australia, I know almost nothing about the place!
Thanks for sharing your cross country adventure – am praying that your big transition goes smoothly!
Oh how I would love to go to New Mexico at some point!
What a wonderful looking apartment! Love the view of the street. A move like that seems so scary to me so I think you are very brave. Banana bread seems like the perfect homey snack. Extra treats for kitty too until he settles in, I bet. Can’t wait to see what New Orleans is like. :)
I used to have an aluminum measuring cup just like yours. I get so happy when I see things on your blog that I actually own, like the little wooden pepper mill and the jelly mold (miniature bundt pan) you use to hold ingredients temporarily. Good luck to you in your new venture!
I made a move like that about 3 or 4 years ago. I know that surreal feeling and I was surprised how long it lasted. But that’s a good thing. What’s wrong with a 2 year vacation!
Congratulations on your move, Joy! We all love you and can’t wait to see more of your new home!
it is so great that you finally arrived to your destination. i can not imaging leaving my city and going to another part of the country, and because of that i think you are so brave :D
i discovered your blog a few months almost by mistake and i got to say it has been very helpful and funny.
Please take care and i cannot wait to read your banana bread recipe to compare notes with mine
Joy!!!!! Mazel tov to you! This is epic what you’ve done and what you are about to embark on! Reading the blog today (as i do every day) I felt like it was my own friend making the change and am truly happy for you. And don’t worry about the kitchen space, because of you and your book I’ve been able to create some amazing things in my tiny Santa Monica kitchen. You learn quickly how to love it and make the most of it and in return it would give you the world with just the help of some butter and sugar. Cheers and thank you for sharing!!!!!
I absolutely love New Orleans! Can’t wait to read about all of the adventures as you explore your new city. Oh, that apartment. The hardwood floor, the balcony, the light. Sigh.
I recently moved to a new (to me) but old(er) kitchen. I can now safely say after three months (and I can’t even really pinpoint when it happened) that I love LOVE my kitchen and all it’s quirks and have made many a mess and wonderful meal. It’ll take a bit of time, but pretty soon you’ll feel right at home. Good luck and glad you (and the cat) made it safely.
You made it! :) I love how positive you are about your move. I wish that my husband and I would someday be brave enough to venture out to a place that is calling our hearts instead of going where the money is. The view from your apartment looks lovely. Have fun settling in!
your windows are absolutely marvelous – floor to ceiling practically. I am so jealous!!
It’s great to know you and the orange one made it to NOLA safely. I hope the two of you are settling in well, and will begin to regale us of the adventure more shortly!
So happy all went well on the trip. Your place looks so cute and just waiting for all the new memories you will make in it. Can’t wait for your new stories to unfold and for you to share them with us.
Love that your cocktail contents box was among the first to be unpacked along with clean bedding, and the bathroom essentials….always the first to be unpacked….Am looking forward to your NOLA adventures. I loved New Orleans and would gladly return and as a Portland, Oregon native, I can proudly say I survived a 90/90 week there and enjoyed every moment!!
YAYYY!!!!!!!!!! Congrats Joy!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy th for u !!!!! Your place the floors are beautiful!!! I love it!! I also love your blog!!!
funny how just reading/seeing your ‘move in’ post has made ME feel nervous/excited as if I was the one that just moved. a bit jealous too. i do love that mix of emotions that surrounds moving into a new home and all the adventures just waiting to be had. i wake up the first week not totally knowing where i am or how i got there…fuzzy wierdness.
cat traveling question for you….how do you take kitties on ‘potty breaks’ while traveling? i know dogs are pretty easy…leash ’em up and find some grass. but cats?
Welcome to your new home! Amazing how you can capture the ups and downs of a move in just a few moves. Be well as you settle in. xox
You’re new apartment already looks super homey! It seems perfect for you. :)
This is gross, but I’m going to share a bit of bug advice from a Southerner who’s spent many a summer in NOLA. Buy roach traps. And Raid. And possibly fork over the money to have your apartment sprayed regularly. Roaches and other lovely visitors are your new normal. You might already know this, but I’m sharing just in case you don’t. Just be prepared. New Orleans is a great city but let’s face it: it’s gross in the summer.
hey girl,
I just discovered your blog like two days ago (thank you for the green goddess tea sandwiches, they will be served at a coed baby shower this weekend), and I’m already so stoked about your move! My husband and I live in SoCal and are dreaming of moving to the South…Savannah? Charleston? New Orleans is quite the adventure – good for you! Cheers!
lee ashley :)
I love New Orleans – perfect backdrop for an adventure and a new life! Congrats, looking forward to reading more!
WOW – that is amazing that you picked up and left your comfort zone! I wish I had it in me to do the same – maybe someday… lol :) CONGRATS and can’t wait to see/read more about your adventure!
Thanks for sharing your journey. Your new place looks beautiful already. Can’t wait for more updates.
i am so used to seeing pictures from other kitchen – i am sure with time, it be feel just fine..and banana bread makes everything homely :)
I luv this blog post, Joy. What an adventure for you and your kitty. I know what you mean about not having enough storage space. I took over the hallway closet as a second pantry. The garage (next to my kitchen) store kitchen gadgets. Just like you said. I feel like I’m playing Tetris every time I’m putting things away.
looks beautiful. a move to a new city sounds like a dream.
Looks so interesting – I am not at all a city-dweller, but I do love NOLA. Looking forward to your adventures there!
Glad you’re “home”! Mind you, my first step is always to hang pictures on the walls. The kitchen takes forever to get right. I actually had to fly my mom in from Houston to help cabinetize properly… Good luck, and enjoy the fun!
I don’t know Joy but I see a novel in your future. Quite possibly a Autobi. The journey is beautiful.
Congratulations on your move!! Glad you are enjoying and settling in :-)
I’m loving all of the pictures! NOLA is one of my favorite cities to visit. I’m excited to see how you start a new life there.
you’ll make fast friendships I’m sure — I moved to new orleans 3 yrs. ago, and can’t believe I grow more in love with it with each new day. you should have a “meet and great”! my boyfriend owns Hey! Cafe on Magazine….possible location?!
“meet and greet” — though it would be great!
New Orleans is one of my favorite towns! There is so much excitement and history and awesome food there. I will be there in October as well and cannot wait. I hope you enjoy your new adventure.
Hi Joy, I think your so brave, packing up and moving so. I think your new home is going to be great. Love your site.
What an amazing adventure you are taking us along on! Wishing you well on settling in!
Love this! Any good tips for traveling with a kitty? I brought mine on a four-hour road trip– I can’t imagine 3 days! Looking forward to hearing more about the new place :)
Welcome home…to your new home! I am happy to hear you arrive safe and sound along with big orange cat. Speaking of, how is he adjusting to the new place? If I remember correctly, he did go outside when in CA but what will happen in your new location? I always worry about outdoor cats anyway…mine are indor girls. New locations and safety can be an issue. I am sure you will make the best decision for both of you. I look forward to see lots more photos of your apartmant and the fluffy orange boy soon
The windows and light look amazing. Your wild one must be in heaven.
What a wonderful and exciting new adventure.
Love your new little place, excited to see what you have in store for breaking in your new sweet kitchen!
Banana bread always feels homey to me. The apartment looks beautiful!
a million congratulations for this exciting new chapter of your life!
and what a view out of your window…
Lovely photos, thank you for sharing. Your apartment looks beautiful, and I’m so looking forward to seeing more photos and reading your banana bread recipe. It’s one of my go-to comfort bakes, too – something about the smell of it filling the kitchen that makes me feel I’m home.
Those floors, and everything else, but the wood of those floors – beautiful! A truly lovely, sunny space. Enjoy!
Welcome to New Orleans, Joy! Personally, I think you live on the most beautiful street in the Quarter. Enjoy your new normal. It will be glorious. Be sure to wander down to Croissant D’Or for an almond croissant. They are magic.
Cheers,
Heather
New Orleans
Hooray Hendricks! I can’t wait to read all about the adventure. I love NOLA so darn much.
What a beautiful apartment! I hope you had a wonderful trip. I listened to your podcast the WHOLE way across the country when I moved from CA to Philly :) https://emmastill.com/cross-country-road-trip-day-1/
Congratulations Joy on your new adventure!! What an incredible location for your apartment – and that light is gorgeous!! Selfishly, I’m hoping with you East of the mississippi now that DC has a chance for a stop on your next book tour! Happy discovering!
Good luck, Joy! You will love it. I’m sure we’re all curious…where all did you stop on your roadtrip?? Any of the places we all suggested?
So interested in your move and how you feel about it (since we’re such good friends!) on your blog, of course. I’m making a move to another state soon. My first serious move after living in my hometown all my life. Scary and exciting all at the same time. The worst part is over, making the decision to do it. Best of luck to you and me in our new homes! I think change is good, hard, but good.
Banana bread is a very smart way to go, Joy. All the best to you in your new journey. I hope you will be very happy and inspired in New Orleans. : )
Welcome to your new home! Glad you made it safe and sound!
I love the thought of making a place feel like home by filling it with familiar smells! Good luck in your new home!
Welcome to Louisiana! As a transplant myself, I can tell you from experience that it won’t take long for it to feel like home! I’m so excited for your new chapter and hearing all about it!
I so enjoy following you! Your move is so inspiring. I love hearing about your cat – more pictures, please!
So excited for you! Can’t wait to hear more about your new life in New Orleans.
I listen to the Moth + Fresh Air, too! Add in Slumber Party w/Alie & Georgia and that’s my entire podcasting line up right there (in fact, S.P. is how I discovered you!!!). I’ll have to check out 99% Invisible since we seem to have similar taste. ;)
Have fun settling in to your new home!
Your new place looks nice. It will take time but eventually it will feel like home.
glad you made it safely cross-country and excited to see more! don’t underestimate the power of an additional free-standing kitchen island for more counter and storage space in a small kitchen
Yeah!
When I first saw your spice drawer, I thought the spices were positioned on your wall, and I questioned how you would remove one without the whole things toppling over…then I realized it was a drawer, problem solved!
Glad you made it there safe and sound. As a veteran traveler (Air Force) with many, many miles, states and countries under my belt, I promise you, you will find your way very shortly. Have fun exploring all the nooks and crannies in your new home city. p.s. LOVE the wrought iron door!
Oh this sounds all very exciting, also your table is gorgeous!
The place looks cute! So excited for your new adventure in New Orleans.
I am so excited about your travels. It is giving me inspiration for my trip later this year! I simply love you rented your own apartment, so chic!
Joy WE are grateful. you’re really an amazing inspiration and i felt sad and hopeful myself when I saw your pictures of the road trip on instagram. You’re an amazing woman.
just wanted to let you know how important you are.
Love from Italy
L.
Have you moved into this flat permanently? Can’t wait to see more of your journey, btw I love your spice jars, I may have to do something like that myself :)
Your place looks amazing, and I am so jealous of your spice corner!!! My spice cabinet is a mess!!!
I know what you mean by the Pinterest pictures, but your pictures are definitely Pinterest worthy.. I love the new place, before you know, it will have you all over it…
The beginning of a new grand adventure! And what an amazing city to be in ~ you’re sure to get settled into your kitchen after baking a few more times. Wishing you a fabulous 2014, Joy!
Wow, this really makes me want to move to New Orleans! Good luck in your new, beautiful city!
Thanks for the tour so far! I’m so excited for this new adventure in your life and I feel even more anticipation for your blog posts now because I can’t wait for what’s next! You’re going to have so much fun and I can’t wait to see it.
I’m convinced that real life has nothing to do with what’s on Pinterest. We should look at it as pretty art and nice fluffy dreams and then go back about our real, messy, character-filled lives.
your new adventure starts now! hooray! nola is wonderful, we were there for a week in december and it was not enough (as with all terrific places)..
welcome home! your road photos are beautiful and typically NPR can make any trip a bit more enjoyable :D your new kitchen looks incredible, and soon every trinket will have its perfect spot!
I’m so excited for you! Welcome home!
Yeah!!! You made it! So glad the road trip went well. Have fun finding new homes for all your belongings. I’m really looking forward to future posts about life in New Orleans.
congrats on your move! i love your little apartment in new orleans- its so cute and chique!
Your new apartment looks beautiful, Joy! Glad you’re there and getting settled. Excited for you!
Welcome home Joy. I hope you and Tron Cat settle in well. Take care of yourself while you settle in.
I always remember the speech from ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ when she first removes into her new home. I have used it to get me through many situations (not just buying/renting a house).
“The trick to overcoming buyer’s remorse is to have a plan. Pick one room and make it yours.
Go slowly through the house. Be polite, introduce yourself, so it can introduce itself to you.”
Introduce yourself to New Orleans Joy. I am sure it will love you!
Your apartment is lovely, Joy. I’m contemplating a big move myself, from the Midwest to the East coast, & you have given me courage. Looking forward to reading about your New Orleans adventures.
Your new apartment looks like a dream! So glad you made it safe and sound. Have fun breaking in the new kitchen. xo
this is such a great thing. moving like you have is brave. and bravery is hard..and exhilarating and tiring and hard…did i say hard? your bravery is adding lots to my reserves. thanks yo.
What an exciting journey for you, Joy! Can’t wait to hear more about your new digs! :)
That Fresh Air episode was so special – Terry Gross is the best interviewer ever. Happy to see you settling in.
Cocktails are quite helpful for unpacking. Congratulations on your new home!
Can’t wait to read/see more!
xo,
RLV