Hello my friends! Happy Sunday!
How are you doing? How are we doing? How many men have told you to smile this week? I’m at 2. Thank you for the feedback, gentlemen. Do me a quick favor and mind your own business FOREVER AND EVER. It has felt like, these past few weeks, the flood gates of sexual misconduct have opened wide. What is there to say? I mean… yea. I feel grateful that the lights are shining on this issue. I feel frustrated that this is even an issue. I feel exhausted by my own experience with this garbage. I see who the President is. And then the whole cycle of emotions starts over with another news revelation.
Maybe that’s why I spend my free brainspace thinking about my upcoming Christmas decorations.
This past week felt like it lasted a year. Here are some of the things that reached me:
• Again. How To Reduce Shootings. It’s not black and white. It’s not easy. It’s not going to happen overnight. But my goodness something’s got to give.
• The depressing ritual of mass murder in America.
• This is a beautiful read. We choose how we are in the world. Let’s choose well and act with the sort of openness displayed by both of these men: The Bully and the Buddhist.
• Why canceling plans is so satisfying. Well… it’s instant time gained.
• Have You Ever Tried To Decline an Airplane Napkin? Apparently it’s very hard to do but it’s worth thinking about losing that thing.
• Can we talk about Thanksgiving? I’m having a gang of friends over for the holiday and we’re putting a bird in the oven. I’m using this brine to work my turkey this year.
• King Arthur Flour (the best!) has some really great baking tips to make prep feel easy and not mega stressful. Check it: Make and Freeze Dinner Rolls AND Make Ahead Pie Crust (which I totally want to try for Instagram Stories very soon!).
• These look really very good: Parmesan Thyme Mushrooms.
• It’s time for Dad’s Sweet Potato Pie, and if you’re in New Orleans, I’m hosting a Pie Prep Workshop NEXT SUNDAY where you tackle your fear of pie crust (with my help!) and we put together all of the ingredients for the pie for you can take off to bake on Wednesday or Thursday for Thanksgiving! Space is limited so holla at your girl (aka, sign up) if you’re down.
• You’re more than welcome to get all nosey and peek inside my house with this Joy the Baker Apartment Therapy Tour.
• Had a treat myself moment this week and bought a new hair conditioner… mostly because I’m too stubborn to get a trim. After one use, I’m ready to declare my love: Henna and Jasmine from LUSH.
• My friend Liz turned me on to this podcast that is really insightful and encouraging: Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations, listen to the first episode.
• Here’s a book I bought this week, it’s sweet: I Am Here Now.
• This audiobook is so great: The Hidden Life of Trees.
Enjoy this day. Only smile if you want to.
xo Joy
Ellen
I picked up that Hidden Life of Trees from the library but didn’t get through it b/c of time. Nice to know that there is an audio book. I will definitely listen. Loved the writing. Thanks!
Your house is beautiful! Love all the treasures on the walls.
joythebaker
I think it makes for a great audio book. Very soothing.
Anna Jacobs
We’ve used a brine on our turkey for years. We also rotate the turkey while baking (20 minutes each side). Our 20 pound turkey baked in about 3 hours and resulted in no dry meat. It’s delicious.
Kate
Thank you, Joy! I love your Sunday posts. When I visit Nola again I want to take one of your workshops! And I can give you a yoga class!
joythebaker
I’m in!
Elizabeth Higgins
I am touched by how thoughtful and inspiring your post is, Joy. News about senseless killing devastates me and makes me fear not only for my life but for the lives of my loved ones. Just like you, I wish we could always spread goodness and show kindness to one another no matter the race, gender, or beliefs. Thank you for this inspirational post and keep on inspiring people.
Stacy Sprangers
Your home is so beautiful! I love the mix of everyday stuff from Target with all your antiques! So serene. Thank you for letting us take a peek!
Olivia
gosh darn it i love you. thanks for being so real & awesome!
Abbi
Your home is gorgeous! I especially love the gallery wall.
Also love MFM. Love knowing you’re a Murderino, too!! :)
Carrie
Your apartment tour was just so lovely! I adore all of the little personal, sentimental tidbits you have around – from the doily on the chair to each item on your walls. So homey and inviting!
e.swartz
ya know, i have a coworker who is constantly telling my counterparts that HE wishes i smiled more. he even had the gall to ask if i smiled on my wedding day. are you kidding me? if you actually took the time to listen when i try to talk to you or ask anyone else they would probably tell you i actually smile quite a bit…however i do not smile a lot at you – know why? it’s because you make me uncomfortable and i don’t enjoy you talking AT me. i don’t want to play your games and pretend you’re interesting and laugh at your unfunny jokes. so buzz off, mind your own, and stop acting like i’m your happiness project. oh, and by the way – keep your sexist jokes and comments to yourself.
sorry – i’ve been holding that in for a while and your post sparked a little more fire than normal this morning.
Kaitlin
You are still one of my favorite blogs & bakers. And your New Orleans house is beautiful!
Stephani
Really just begging you to please please please dry brine your turkey. Can use same herbs/spices for the flavor but the texture won’t get messed up.
Sincerely yours,
Best turkey maker in state of Alaska
mary
Thank you Joy! I have spent my Sunday afternoon making Pie Crumbs and apple pie biscuits, listening to Life of Trees and studying your flowers. You and Suzonne have been such an inspiration for making paper flowers! Each week with you is a treat!
joythebaker
You’re so sweet Mary! This week Suzonne and I have a paper flower tutorial for you to make holiday flowers!
Charles
Interested in the book, Secret Life of Trees. Checked our local library. Only listing for this book is for a 32 page childrens book. Is this the bok you’re referring to?
Thanks, look forward to your emails…
joythebaker
Oh Charles, it’s Hidden Life of Trees, not secret. :)