I feel like I’m grasping tight to the things around me these days. I’m probably the first to shrug off the change of season, the change of moving cities, and the change of traveling a ton as no big deal…. but it all adds up to matter and I have to admit I feel a little crazy in the brain.
This season I’ve started a new workout routine. Since I’ve moved away from my beloved SoulCycle in California, I’ve started practicing Bikram Yoga in New Orleans. I’m terrible. Who knew bending could be so dang challenging?
I’ve also taken out my Tender cookbook (a Spring go-to) and am daydreaming my way through Donald Link’s Down South cookbook in an effort to acclimate myself to my new city and surroundings.
Here are a few more Spring flings I’m into these days. Though the list says these things are ‘essentials’, clearly this is just a list of sparkly indulgences. I’ll take the life changes, new growth, and sparkling trinkets all in kind.
1•• I am very pale. That’s just the color of my skin. I’m totally into it… until I want to wear shorts. Faux Mineral Fake Tan, I thank you. My legs thank you. The public at large thanks you.
2•• I absolutely LOVE this Ellovi Body Butter. It feels super nourishing and it’s only six ingredients! Macadamia Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Hemp Oil are the main ingredients. Smells good. Feels good!
3•• I’m thinking of sporting short fingernails with Blue Orchid Nail Polish as the weather gets warmer.
4•• Pale nude lipstick like this Pearl Lipstick blends with any outfit and is less noticeable when I forget I have lipstick on and smear the whole deal all over my face. You know?
5•• When I was a teenager my mom told me that I had a ‘hat face’. I don’t think that’s a real term, but she meant that I look good in hats. I ran with it and have been wearing Blossom hats ever since. In other news, this Straw Bucket Hat helps update the Blossom days and also helps steer clear of sunburnt scalps.
6•• Pale Pink Ankle Strap Flats for just kicking’ around in the sun.
7•• A little pastel sparkle in these Periwinkle Dangle Earrings. Let’s be honest… I wear a lot of jeans and white tshirts. I always need a little sparkle.
8•• Two Tone Sunnies. It’s face fashion that I totally love.
9•• I always have a notebook in my bag where I can scratch down frenzied notes. In my dreams I’m the girl that lingers with coffee in City Park and paints a little mossy tree scene. First I’ll need to ditch the frenzy and add a Watercolor Moleskin Notebook.
10•• For my watercolor endeavors I’ll also need this little Traveling Watercolor Set. I think this set would also make a great gift… just saying’.
11•• Everything everything in the Grey Canvas Backpack and it’s go-time!
12•• Jus By Julie is here to help us bring a bit of Spring cleaning to our insides. I did their three-day juice cleanse and it was different from any other juice cleanse I’ve ever done. Jus By Julie is more smoothie than juice. All the fiber is still in the juice so the juices actually keep you full. It’s a revelation.
Because they’re rad, Jus By Julie is offering you 20% off your order with code: JOY20JUS
13•• We can talk about juice and we can talk about booze. It’s all about balance. Prairie Vodka graces my little bar cart these day. I’m a fan.
14•• Julep Cups are going to be essential for the upcoming Derby Party! There will be bourbon and Chocolate Pecan Pie present. I’m hat shopping now. Get on the bandwagon!
I love you! Have a wonderful weekend!
Mary @ flavorrd
Oh, Kentucky Derby parties are my favorite! I can’t wait to check out your festivities!
Lynn @ The Actor's Diet
I always want my juice to taste more like a smoothie! Yum.
nzamani
Is there a deadline on the coupon code? I am in serious need of a cleanse but have to tuck it in to a hectic work travel schedule.
donzwebb
Great post Joy! The Deborah Lippmann spring reveries nail polishes are on my spring wishlist as well. So, so pretty. Also loving the backpack! P.S. Just letting you know you’ve got an extra ‘t’ in essentials.:)
Happy Spring!
Amy P
I’m not sure if you’re able to fix it after posting, but the title on the photo is misspelled! If not – we all know what it means, plus it’s Monday so we all get a free pass today! :)
Michelle
oh yes i detest yoga. I am the least flexible person around so it hurts everywhere. But give me circuit training and body combat anyday and I can do it well. Strange body i have.
amanda
Joy, now that you’re in New Orleans and you have vodka and gin on your love list, you should check out Cathead Vodka. It’s made in Mississippi, and they have a Honeysuckle flavored vodka and a Pecan flavored vodka. It should be pretty easy to find in bars/liquor stores. They also have a fantastic gin, Bristow Gin. Anyway, I love your site and just had to share. Hope you are feeling at home!
Maggie @ A Bitchin' Kitchen
I ordered that hat! Thanks for the recommendation :) I felt kind of guilty paying $30 for something made of straw, but I realized it’s cheaper than a facelift or Botox. Yay wrinkle prevention!
joythebaker
don’t feel guilty! it’s a good idea to think of all the wrinkles you’re saving yourself.
Christy
I love everything about your blog but do i spy a spelling error in the heading/title on the picture at the beginning of this post? “Esstentials”
Natalie - Paper and Birch
Love those sunglasses!
Chrissy
Just this morning I looked in the mirror and noticed the pastiness that is me. Gross. Thank God for fake tanning!
Grace
Love the sunnies! I think you should splurge and get them! If you have a ‘hat face’ then you most likely have a ‘sunny face’.. I would love to own these sunglasses but I am neither :/ I don’t have a very strong nose bridge so looks awkward…
Lisa
Great post.
L x
http://workingmumy.blogspot.com
Colby
Joy- there are yoga classes offered in the Cabildo and you look out on to Jackson Square from the Yoga Room. I know you can pay per class.
Sabrina
The Tender cookbook looks amazing! I’m going to add it to my collection immediately.
Thanks for recommending!
Sabrina
http://www.sweetbruno.com
Taylor
I love that hat and backpack. Also, I just started using a self-tanner and I think I’m in love. I’m NOT naturally pale so when I am pale it’s…bad to say the least.
xoxo
Taylor
Gillian
I was surprised to find out that the south call their nuts “pic-on” instead of “peecan” as we northerners say. Pecan pie is making me drool and so is the thought of sun and summer. Moving definitely hits the home reset button inside. I’ve been there (too many times) and don’t envy the feeling but I do envy your new warm location Joy. Homey food!!
joythebaker
i definitely feel like i have to learn a new way of saying ‘pecans’… you’re totally right!
Emily
Hi Joy,
I have to say, I’m in love with your blog. I subscribed last spring after a friend of mine pointed me your direction for a scone recipe. I’ve been an avid follower ever since. I don’t normally leave comments but, I saw you did the JUS by Julie 3 day cleanse and I’m currently on day 3 of this fast. Although the first day was rough, as I was quite ravenous and wanted to eat everything in sight, the days did get easier and now I feel great. I will be happy to eat solid foods again, though. :-) Keep up the baking an blogging, and have a wonderful NOLA weekend!
Rebekah {aCricketSang}
Love the orchids blue nail polish color. Great spring finds!
shelly @ ohshellsbells
i’ve been told i have a “face for hats” too, but i almost never wear them, guess i need to change that. Anyway! can’t wait to see your derby hat, no doutbt it will look amazing on your hat face :)
Emily
Morgan, I had the same problem — love the backpack but the link wasn’t correct. Joy, can you help us out?
joythebaker
so sorry about that! should be fixed up now!
Gaby
Joy! So… this isn’t too related but I couldn’t wait for a related post to share my news. I’ve found the best brownie recipe – ever. No jokes, it’s bonkers awesome. Although I’ve kinda overdosed on them… but still I’d die happy devouring a batch of these babies. Go check them out? And tell me what you think!
The Gift of Gaby
Deb
Love the backpack too but the link goes to sunglasses. Would love to know where to get that!
dani
Happy Spring, Joy!!!
Morgan
I love the grey canvas backpack! I’ve been looking for something just like it to replace my old backpack. The link doesn’t work for me though, anyone know where it’s from?
http://morganforseattle.blogspot.com/