Good morning Good morning! Happy Sunday!
This week found me in Seattle, all up in my sister’s ice cream kitchen. In Portland, eating some of the best pasta I’ve had in a great while. In San Francisco taking a bike tour around the Mission District and hanging with my MAJ Tracy. And… in Los Angeles, sleeping in my high school bed. It’s been filling and fun, exhausting, and I can’t seem to leave an Airbnb or city without accidentally leaving something behind. RIP to the forgotten travel shampoo, toothbrush, and computer charger. All of you who have come out to my demos and book signings (I’m especially talking about you ride or die Portland folks)… you’ve filled my heart completely. I thank you and I hope big brunches are in your future.
Here’s some reading for your weekend. You know how we do:
• Here are the things us bakers know well in our hearts and but may not always materialize into words: Why it feels so good to bake.
• Real talk: every month I have a … WAIT please HOW DO I DEAL WITH THIS… moment about my body and its lady functions. Raise your hands if you wore pads for way too long.
• Pay attention: Could Michael Flynn turn on Donald Trump?
• It’s not generally my practice to concern myself with what millennial men want, but this is an interesting read: Do Millennial Men Want Stay-At-Home Wives. Ok, so who is writing the companion piece: Do Millennial Women Care What Millennial Men Want Or Can They Just Live Their Lives… ok great.
• Lawn to Earth: in Los Angeles, the landscape of front lawns has changed dramatically. There’s just no water for green green status-grass. Here’s what that change looks like.
• Science says it’s fine / we’re fine. People who talk to their pets, plants, and cars are actually totally normal. Ok follow-up question: What if you talk FOR your pets, plants, and cars?… because I’ve had full on conversations using my voice and my voice for Tron. As I type that out I realize it’s not normal… ok got it.
• A Cozy Kitchen made the Overnight Beignets with Strawberry Powdered Sugar from my book Over Easy! Shutterbean made the Breakfast Sausage Pretzel Rolls! and Smitten Kitchen made Cornbread Waffles!
• The best way to incorporate a vegetable into a cinnamon roll: Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls
• I’m still hopping around the country signing books and it’s really so great to meet all of your who have some out so far! I’ve added a Philly signing to the list! I’ll be at Head House Books in Philadelphia on Sunday April 9th! You’ll find more dates and cities, here!
• If you bought Over Easy on Amazon and have feelings about it- any kind of feelings… you could review the book! Your review would probably be better / more helpful that the woman who gave the book three stars after looking at another reviewer’s screenshots of the book. So… you know… the Internet is great.
• Can I work this dress all Summer 17?
• I bought this book used. It feels like someone put some love into it and I’m saving it as my summer read. As Always, Julia: the letters of Julia Child and Avis DeVoto.
I hope your Sunday is feel-good!
I see how great you are.
xo Joy
Pictured above is The Women’s Building, San Francisco.
Andrea
That pad article is spot-on!! I thought I was the only one who wore them for way… too… long!!
Chelsea
I TOTALLY have a voice for my dog, and sometimes she and I have conversations, me in my voice, then me in the Lucy voice. Completely normal. Completely, I say.
Lyn Price
Ron Finley talks about the water and the stupdity of the City of LA and their rules regarding the lawns.
The film, “Can You Dig This” and hid TED talks are truely an inspiration.
https://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la
Emily
I love the book! The dress is gorgeous. Not sure I could pull it off though.
Victoria
That ‘pads all the way piece’ is super interesting. I’m pretty sure that stigma was there when I was in high school about 8 years ago and its still there as an adult. It feels like pads are considered the stabilisers of periods – once you get going and know the drill you *should* be switching to tampons. What a strange world we live in!
Sidenote: Is there a UK edition of Over Easy or is it the same book? (eg cups converted to grams) I was just wondering as it isn’t out here yet and I’m desperate to get it and might just get it shipped over from the US instead!
http://victoriaspongepeasepudding.com/
joythebaker
It would be the same book. I don’t think there’s a different version.
Mary-Claire Maffei
Joy, I just ordered your book yesterday (and received it today—woohoo!). This has so many recipes that are simple, elegant, and even practical for everyday consumption. You even included great dishes for my 7 year old! You, chica, are legit. I’m up in Bellingham, WA, but is there any chance I could send my copy to you to sign? I’d include postage for you to send back!
carla
is that a dress or a shower curtain? ack!
joythebaker
I mean… you ask a fair question.
Sweet Tea Sweetie
Those are some fun links to look through!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/organic-roasted-cauliflower-grocery-outlet/
Jana H.
I totally talk to and FOR my dog, Libby. lol You should hear they conversations we have. ;-)
Kirby M Fopma
Saying yes to the dress!
Jolene
I didn’t realize until recently that everyone that owned a pet didn’t have a voice for them. I asked my mom, “What does Zuzu’s voice sound like?” and she said, “What are you talking about?” I explained, the voice for when you have a conversation with/for your dog, and she said “Oh, we don’t do that.”
My dog didn’t just have a dedicated voice, but a whole vocabulary and personality. My boyfriend joked, “PJ has such a developed personality that I find myself saying things in his voice that I would never say, but fit him perfectly.”
Ashley Baird
As Always, Julia is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I almost never read books of letters. Julia and Avis were such smart, well-informed, witty women, and their friendship is inspiring. I hope you love it too!
KW
It’s not normal to talk for your cats? When I had three, I talked for all of them. They each had a distinct personality. One was the perfect smart little girl, the second my dysfunctional middle child who swore like a drunken sailor, and the baby sounded like a toddler her entire life.
Andee
It was great seeing you in PDX! I’m going to make those corn bread waffles soon! Bake On Joy. I enjoy following you each week with your blog and recipe post…I promis I will stalk you for years. Lol. Fyi on the dress…I certainly hope not!
Jules
Most importantly-YES!! On that dress ??
joythebaker
:)
Stacy
Loved your exactly right response to the article about millennial men–it is long past time that we stopped caring about any man’s opinion about the way we choose to live our lives. Good grief, it’s 2017. I love my husband, but ultimately I am only responsible for myself, as he is responsible for himself. That’s called being a grownup. Big, fat eye roll to whoever thought that was worthy of print.
ellen
Love, love, love As Always. Great selection…Send us more of your fave reads!!
Donna
About talking for ur animals. My sil and I have certain voices for our dogs. We compared notes and found out we could get a lot more done using THE voice. My husband knows THE voice. I’d say something like, Gypsy says she wants pizza tonight or whatever. We figured out it was as a passive-aggressive way to manipulate our spouses! They can’t turn down their cutie dogs!
Donna
I always look forward to your Sunday posts! That post about periods really made me think. I believe to each their own. No judgments.
Also, that dress is adorable. And best of all: pockets!!
Happy Sunday!
STH
I grew up in California in the ’70s and the water shortages then left a permanent mark on me. People in the west have known forever that water was/would be a problem, but it sure took a big kick in the butt for them to do anything about it. Which still hasn’t happened up here in arid eastern Washington state. I was amazed when I first moved here and realized that I was looking at Weeping Willow trees in people’s yards IN THE DESERT. Our day of reckoning will come here, but I’m happy to see LA is moving in the direction of more sensible gardening practices.
Meghan
No wonder I’ve taken it so personally before when someone hasn’t liked my cooking! Great Sunday post
Mary
Julia and Avis had a very special friendship. A truly lovely book. BTW, I dance with my dogs in addition to talking to them. They have all been very patient with me. Going to Portland in a couple of weeks. Will def check out the pasta.
Robby
As Always, Julia will not disappoint. It might feel like a flashback to the present though. I read it last summer and well, the parallels to our political happenings, were both disconcerting (have we learned nothing?!) and reassuring (things improved).
Cy
I’m older now and also had to have early surgery. So I longer have the monthly “visit ” , but of course can sympathize with both camps. I remember trying to teach my best friend in middle school how to put in a tampon, we were so innocent ?. My mom bought pads, but they were so bulky then, not the nice winged streamlined ones we have now. Through trial and error I figured it our, really for the convenience more than anything else. I returned to pads again, as I got older( and they got smaller). I was diagnosed with fibroids in 2010 ( about 30-40% of all woman can develop fibroids), I was horribly anemic and had to “change” every 45 minutes. I had to use pads, tampons were useless. I finally scheduled surgery and a week before, had to have emergency surgery anyway. Thank god for modern medicine. Anyway, sorry for the long TMI, but I’m sure some of your readers can relate. The point is, no judgment, sometimes both options can be your friend.
Cy
Bought the book. Thanks, love me some Julia. Love the article about talking to “ourselves”. Read several pieces lately, that say people who talk to “themselves ” are smarter. I do think it’s different talking to a live creature, over an inanimate object.( of course I do both) I mean Tron does understand some of what you. I know my Minnie does. She’s like a little kid, she doesn’t always like what I have to say…..
Sorry to have missed you at Omnivore. Love that store. I’m a concierge here in SF and I love my city and there is tons to do here, but where did you eat? Bakeries? b. Patisserie? Dynamo donuts? Smitten Ice Cream? Jane or The Mill ( Josef the baker). We have great bread here, but these two are amazing. Leo’s Oyster Bar for seafood? Bar Crudo is great too. So many! Tell me you ate something great ?Now for these cinnamon rolls and reading more of your post.
Cy
Typo Josey the baker!
Amy
Hi Joy,
Will you be in Brooklyn or Manhattan for your book tour? I hope so!
Chris
We live in the extreme southwest corner of Utah and have had the pleasure of eating at Ava Gene’s when visiting Portland. I’m so glad that you got to go and experience stellar Italian fare. Of course, I’m jealous that you got to go while I stayed in the desert, LOL!
jvantland
As a long time pad-wearer/pad-hater, that article totally resonated with me and also I have to give a shout out to the life-changing power of the menstrual cup. Seriously transformative and empowering after years of dreading my monthly misery. Totally worth a try!
Nina
JOY plz come to Pittsburgh. It is one of America’s best kept secrets, and as a native New Yorker, it’s not like I’m from PGH and brainwashed about it. The food, people, and general atmosphere are all fantastic and I will welcome you with bells and whistles!
joythebaker
I really want to come to Pittsburgh! Yes definitely soon!
Cece
Cleveland is somewhat close to Philly. Any chance you could get to Cleveland or nearby suburbs? I love your Sunday insights and particularly enjoyed the article on the benefits of baking. Thanks for all of your creativity!
Thomas D
Stay at home wife? NO! People need to accomplish something in their life, other then the normal actions in an everyday living. You feel good baking and then writing a great baking book. Whether it’s winning a gold medal in the Olympics, or selling coffee in their store. We need to accomplish something, no matter how small or big.
The answer to the second question. A good partner would stand behind and support their other half no matter what! It’s called love! To many people today sing Opera! Me, Me, Me, Meeeeeeee! Team work wins the basketball game!
Maryalene
I would argue that there is something extremely satisfying about completing the normal actions of everyday life and completing them well. With so many people rushing through their existence at a frantic pace, I would say living well and living intentionally is quite an accomplishment in and of itself.
However, I should also say my thoughts on the subject have evolved over time. As a 20-something, I’d have told you there was no way I’d spend my life at home doing “nothing.” Now that I’m pushing 40, I would totally jump at the chance to be a stay-at-home wife if it were possible.
Chrissy
It’s not normal for me to talk for Crawley (cat)? We may not be normal, but according to that article, we’re brilliant (and also maybe a little lonely).
sarah m
Being a Portland person, I want to know where you had the great pasta… or was at someone’s home? I’m always looking for sublime pasta!
Rebecca
Seconded! I’m very curious!
Rae C
There’s a link to Ava Gene’s Roman inspired cuisine in her post. I’m thinking a road trip to Portland should go on my bucket list
Katie
I *Love* As Always, Julia. I would actually limit the time I spent reading it so it would last longer, and I was truly sad when it was over.
Terry
You will love As Always, Julia. One of my most favorite books. I was so sorry when I finished it.
Blair
I agree totally and frankly haven’t finished it for the same reason! I just keep slowly picking at it when I need a little visit with my friend Julia and Avis.
suwanneerose
Big green lawns are fetishized in my neighborhood, but they’re nothing more than a big expanse for dogs to poop, and the fertilizers seep into the water and contribute to fish die-offs here. I said to hell with grass and xeriscaped my yard a few years ago. I’ll admit it wasn’t pretty at first, but now it’s all grown in with lush, mostly native plants that don’t need much water, and there’s no mowing or chemicals. Best part is, there’s no place for dogs to poop!
My friends at Inkwood Books in Tampa throw a great party. Come see us, Joy!!!
Mandy March
Ooo I was hoping for a Philly signing but unfortunately will be busy that day making lots of peanut-butter eggs and cupcakes for a bridal shower…an excuse I’m sure you would approve of.
I also think it’s totally normal to speak both for and to your pet, sometimes at the same time.
Kristie
I always talk to AND for my pets. DON’T BE ASHAMED, JOY! :D
Sherri
Hi, so excited to meet you in Austin next Wednesday.
Abby
I’m a millennial woman with a stay at home husband. I volunteer to write the companion piece, entitled “Badass Ladies Bring Home the Bacon, Tell You to $&@! Your Antiquated Ideas of Gender Roles”.
(Also I am so excited you’re coming to Philly! I will be there with bells on!)
Jessica
You’re normal. I have conversations with my voice and my voice for my cats. :|
Rebecca J
That is the best response to the NYT piece on millennial men. I am a millennial woman, and I am sick and tired of the explicit and implicit messages telling me I should care what men think and adapt accordingly or else I might (gasp) be single forever.
marillenbaum
Seconding that response! I grew up in a super-conservative environment that stressed marriage, and the overriding message was “Men: be careful who you choose. Women: be someone a man would want”. I have very little patience anymore for dudes who want to tell me how I should be; it’s pretty much the best way to ensure I never want to see someone again.
Claire, UK
As a 33 year old woman who has always used pads, I had no idea that I should consider myself immature or less of a woman for doing so. The way that I deal with my periods is my own business. What I choose (or don’t choose) to put inside my vagina is also entirely my own business. Anybody who thinks that they should shame a grown woman for choosing pads should re-evaluate their brand of feminism. However, thanks to the author of that article (and human nature being what it is), I shall now wonder any time I mention pads if all the women around me are secretly smirking and thinking, “Yep, I KNEW she’d be pads all the way”. Yay for new insecurities :-\ What a vile article.
KFP
I’m with Claire. I *live* for your Sunday round-ups but this tampon/pads article was a huge miss. Every woman gets to deal with her period however she wants to, and there’s no room for shaming each other in that regard.
joythebaker
I read that article as YES, we all get to choose what we put in and how we deal with our bodies. No shame.
‘I had no idea at the time, but it turns out women are not required to put either tampons or penises into their bodies. It’s entirely optional and if you don’t like it, don’t do it.’
Also it’s an opinion piece… and lord knows we all have those.
Em
Agreed, I loved this article! It was about youthful insecurities and growing out of them! Also, I straight-up fainted nose-first on a hotel bathroom floor while on vacation with my family the first time I tried to insert a tampon, and didn’t try again until after I’d had sex. I fully related to this article, and I’ve never seen someone write about this issue before. Thanks for sharing it!
Claire, UK
Just to be clear, my moan was about the original article, not your decision to feature it. The world would be a boring place if I was never challenged by reading things I disagreed with!
joythebaker
All good, girl! We cool.
Kate
Agree with Claire and KFP. I am in my late 40’s and have never felt comfortable using anything but pads. Thankfully I’m getting much closer to never having to think about it again!
Happy
Yo fellow Amazon shoppers if a reviewer has reviewed a product they didn’t actually use/buy etc then you can click the “report as abuse” beside the “review” as well as click thumbs down on it. It’s an abuse of the system for sure.
I had to go and peek after Joy mentioned the review that is not a review….so strange. Anyways let Amazon know.
amanz7204
Good idea! I reported it. It’s ridiculous that you are allowed to review a book you haven’t read.