Hello friends! It’s December 3rd and we’re off to the races! Or we’re in the races. That’s more like it… It’s December 3rd and here we are barreling towards the end of the year.
This time of year invariably has me taking stock of the things I’ve done in the last 11 months, in the last few weeks, in the last five minutes. The highlights include: publishing my third cookbook this past spring, launching workshops at my space in New Orleans, and eating cold rice with my fingers out of the pot on the stove. It’s a full life, ya know?
I’m pushing my dreams out and up this coming year, but before all that… let’s get to Christmas.
There is all sorts of news that I simply don’t have the bandwidth for as I write this on Saturday night, but here’s what I do have to offer you. It’s pretty good. I’m ok. You’re ok.
• If you are a person who has big scary dreams for the upcoming year, I want you to read this. Big dreams don’t come true because of Instagram followings and unicorn magic, they come true because we dare, we persevere, and we do a million tiny things towards our goal. A Story of a Big Dream and a Single, Small Step. Repeat.
• Ooohhh this perspective is very thoughtful: The Friend Who Diagnoses Too Much.
• Here’s a perspective about how women-centric food trends are maligned and I’m just going to leave this right here and say that I want to be able to drink rosé without the side-eye that it now seems to inspire. Women Aren’t Ruining Food. Also, let it be clear that I don’t actually care about the side-eye, but I’d prefer you it be done behind my back like we live in a civilized society, OK?
• There is one big reason R Kelly’s career has thrived despite sexual misconduct allegations (for YEARS), and it has everything to do with the women he victimizes. There is a reckoning, but it still only goes so far.
• Rolling Stone has a list of the 50 Best Albums of 2017 and the Margo Price album at number 16 really is spectacular: All American Made. (I think Margo is such a lovely name.)
• I feel like they missed the one about FedEx drivers that have very aggressive door knocking skills. I had to ask my dude Francisco to ease up on the knock because he was giving me gray hairs with every out of the blue door pounding: 12 Secrets of FedEx Delivery Drivers.
• I feel very strongly about this: Egg Nog Rice Pudding. Two favorite things, combined.
• I highly recommend you watch the pilot episode of comedian Bridget Everett’s Love You More on Amazon. It’s graphic, but honestly… so am I in my off time.
• Quick question: can this dusty pink turtle neck dress be my holiday dress this year because it’s happening. That was a questions that very quickly turned into a statement.
• What to get the person who has everything: Cat Bingo.
• The House That Lars Built has loads of lovely holiday crafts. I’m smitten with the simplicity of the Paper Magnolia Leaf Garland.
That is all for today my friends.
More soon!
xo Joy
Ellen
Long time reader here! Love and adore you and your editorial choices, photos and style. Have an awesome December!
Lucy Stiles
A Story of a Big Dream and a Single, Small Step has got me through my thesis writing today. I think I might get this thing finished now. Thanks Joy!
joythebaker
YOU’VE GOT THIS.
Tina
I like your dress choice, Joy! Great combo of big cozy sweater and thin fluttery skirt in a soft pink package. Lovely. And more Margo love: I love the food writer Margo True and her name :)
Suzanne
I just came here from Ann Friedman’s newsletter where your Let it Be Sunday posts were recommended. I just watched “Love You More” (seriously walked right from my computer after reading it and watched it IMMEDIATELY) and it was amazing. Looking forward to more Sunday posts! Nice to “meet” you! :)
Wali
Dear Joy, I just love to reading these blog posts every week. I wish you would add a video in this article. Anyways great share!
Libby
I just listened to Margo Price on Fresh Air. I love her story and her voice.
https://www.npr.org/2017/11/22/565670833/margo-price-i-couldn-t-get-away-from-singing-country-music
Ellen
Cat Bingo – perfect gift for a young cat lover that I know! Eggnog rice pudding, a must have Christmas treat! Let It Be Sunday is always filled with the best of the best. Thank-you!
Sara
I just love your Let it be Sunday posts they are the highlight of my lazy Sunday morning routine. I may not comment often but I follow your blog and love it! Happy Holidays from California (your old neck of the woods)
XOXO
Aisling
I LOVE reading these posts every week, always something interesting! The first article on pursuing your dreams was particularly timely for me today (appreciated!). And thank you for introducing me to Yoga With Adriene via one of these posts a while back, her videos are the best xx
Erica
A story of a big dream and a single small step is exactly what I needed. Thank you! Aside from that, your accomplishments and determination are so inspiring. I hope to take some big small steps in my photography in the coming year.
Debbi
Adore the dress but, as a fellow NOLA girl, you may bake in it. Profuse sweating is generally not a good holiday look. Remember last Christmas when the children were all playing outside in athletic shorts and we all discussed turning on the ac after the oven had been on for a while?! I know you have a cat but, if you are buying for any dog lovers, I just found Dog Bingo at Hazelnut last week for the same price as your link and if you go there, you can shop local!
Debbi
Just realized that of course you will bake in it, being Joy the Baker and all. I meant that you, not the cookies, will be the thing that is heating up.
Robin
Eggnog Rice pudding!! I bought some “not my regular brand” of Eggnog which i don’t like that much, and was wondering what I could do with it. Seems you put this here just for me ;) Thank you Joy! Beautiful dress. Happy Holidays!
Lyn
I’d think twice about the pink dress. Looks hot as in temperature hot and not very flattering, particularly if you’re less than 5’10”. You can do better with your hard-earned dollars.
Rena
Yes to the pink dress!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Kathie
I rarely comment but want to say: People! Joy’s said she’s doing the dress. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. YOU may think it’s not flattering or looks too hot or whatever. Joy is a smart woman with great style. She’s got this.
Donna
Just what I needed, as I gear up for work-baking! Thanks ??
Donna
Not sure where those ??’s came from. Haha of course I meant to exclaim my thanks!! Apparently I was not quite awake.
Janice
The dress is Awesome! And will look wonderful on you, perfect color.