• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker
  • Cookies
  • Bread
  • Cakes
  • Pies
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Birthday Cake Recipes
    • Biscuits
    • Muffins
    • Cupcakes
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Fruit
    • Nuts
    • Buttermilk
    • Chocolate
    • Vanilla
    • Holiday
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
  • Blog
    • Baking 101
    • Tips
    • Beyond the Kitchen
    • Let It Be Sunday!
    • New Orleans
  • Shop

Let It Be Sunday, 314!

March 21, 2021 by Joy the Baker 32 Comments

Hello friends! Happy Sunday, I’m so glad you’re here! 

We made it to Spring, didn’t we? I cut these fine snapdragons from the front garden yesterday and felt pretty dang proud of myself for nurturing a plant outside long enough to bring it inside to nurture me further.  Tron is pretty pleased, too. 

Yesterday I received my first COVID vaccine shot. I don’t have one of those teary-eyed vaccine selfies. In fact, I didn’t feel overly emotional… I just though whoa, did I just make it through a pandemic? Is that what’s happening here? Yes. Yes it. Gratitude is the emotion I have most presently. 

I bought a stranger groceries this week, an unhoused man needed a sweatshirt and I helped him with that, I tried to tip extra at my neighborhood restaurant. Small kindnesses that seem to go a long way. I feel like New Orleans has cradled me in return. A barista gave me a free cup of coffee, a sweet lady let me cut her in line at the grocery store out of kindness, and a fellow runner gave me a thumbs up as we passed each other. Nothing is perfect but there’s plenty that’s better than ok. 

How have you been this week? Asking for real. Did daylight savings time shake up your schedule and foggy your brain? Me, very much. It’s getting harder to adjust to time changes says me, the nearly 40 year old. 

Here’s what I have to offer us this week.  As always, take only what you need. 

•  We have to know each other’s pain if anything is to get better. A Letter to My Fellow Asian Women Whose Hearts Are Still Breaking. (Vanity Fair) 

•  This week my friend Layla taught me about Nowruz, we celebrated Chaharshanbeh Suri and she walked me through her Haft-Sin. It was all so lovely.  Hope, Respect, and Honor: What It Looks Like To Celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. (The Kitchn)

•  We give each other so much information in the smallest cues.  Here’s what happens when one person opts out. If You Look at Your Phone While Walking, You’re an Agent of Chaos . This is related and unrelated but the term “agent of chaos” makes me think of the movie The Dark Knight (which, for some reason, I watched last week) and Heath Ledger’s Joker. I needed a reminder of if and why I enjoyed that movie. Turns out I’m not alone, the podcast Why Are Dads breaks down our complicated relationship with the film.  (The New York Times, Podpage) 

•  We Feel “Alonely” When We Don’t Get Enough Time By Ourselves. This past year has afforded us a lot of time to figure out how it feels to be be apart, to be together, to be apart together. (Vice) 

•  Polly TELL EM / me / us. My Dream Man Moved On. Should I Wait For Him?  I’ll be honest. I’ve been guilty of some magical, wishful, soul crushing thinking. (The Cut) 

•  Two songs I’ve loved this week: Today We’re The Greatest by Middle Kids and First Time by Emily King. (Spotify)

•  My Sunday afternoon project is to make these Almond Crusted Tofu Spring Rolls from my friend Dana and take them to my friend Mississippi Vegan‘s house for a garden happy hour. (Minimalist Baker)

•  I ran across this post from two years ago. In some ways, my words from the recent past sound so tone deaf. But of course they do when we’re in the middle of an entirely different tone. There are still some gems in here and you will in fact catch me cleaning all my bedding this weekend: Nine Things I’m Doing To Refresh For Spring. (Joy the Baker) 

•  I remain a yoga dork and really enjoyed watching Jason Crandell muscularly break down and explain this backbend on Instagram. I know… very specific. I’m sorry. (Instagram) 

•  Ok don’t laugh but I went from my vaccine appointment directly to Lush to buy myself a fancy bath bomb. I dunno I wanted a bath treat. I suggest you treat yourself to a little something too. Maybe not a bath bomb… you’ll know what you need. (Lush)

•  If you are wealthy in rhubarb I envy you and humbly offer these Buttery Rhubars. They’re very easy pie bars that let tart and amiable rhubarb shine without strawberries.  (Joy the Baker) 

•  Speaking of rhubarb, this Rhubarb Carrot Cake with Vanilla Mascarpone Frosting looks like an absolute DELIGHT. (Simple Bites)

•  This week last year: Let It Be Sunday, 263! Early quarantine. (Joy the Baker) 

Be well today. Happy Spring!

My love to you! 

xo Joy

Previous PostNext Post

Filed Under: Beyond the Kitchen

Previous Post: « The Neapolitan No-Bake Birthday Cake
Next Post: Creamy No-Bake Carrot Cake »

Reader Interactions

All Comments
I Made This
Questions
  1. Molly

    March 24, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    Thank you for the RO Kwon article. The last part really got to me, as an Asian American woman. “You matter to me, we matter to me, and I would so much rather have us and our allies on our side than any of them. For we already belong.”

    Reply
  2. Amy

    March 22, 2021 at 9:01 pm

    This is the second time tonight I’ve come across a Sarah Marshall/Michael Hobbes podcast mentioned (the other was on tik tok where someone was talking about Maintenance Phase). It makes me so happy to see other people talk about their shows. I’m new to Why Are Dads, and just listened to the Dark Knight episode. I’ve been a fan of You’re Wrong About for a while. I honestly have learned so much from them! They are delightful together, and I really enjoy the shows they have with other cohosts.

    Reply
  3. Susan

    March 22, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Your name says all that you bring to your readers-Joy!

    Reply
  4. Christine

    March 22, 2021 at 5:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing the Vanity Fair article on Asian women. As an Asian woman in America, it’s rare for us to feel heard, and a shame that it is something like this that has to happen before we are heard (however imperfectly).

    Reply
  5. Katie

    March 22, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    I work in a nursing home “aka front line worker” I suppose (is dining services included?) and received my vaccine early in the year. It still blows my mind that I made it through this pandemic. I feel so blessed and grateful that my family members did too, and friends. So I’m with you on that. I didn’t have any tearful moments, but just a realization how big this is.

    Hope your arm isn’t sore and you don’t have symptoms! My arm was SORE when I received my first vax shot and had to ice it a couple times.

    Also, I’m only 24 but this time change is really kicking my butt LOL

    Reply
  6. Kat

    March 22, 2021 at 6:55 am

    Joy! I bought my first round of rhubarb over the weekend and my S.O. was wondering if I was going to make “those really yummy rhubarb barb bars, remember the ones where the rhubarb was in strips?” haha he is thrilled you are re-posting this recipe :) Thank you <3

    Reply
  7. samantha campanini

    March 22, 2021 at 4:41 am

    So cool that someone your age (young!!) has already gotten a vaccine in the US, in Italy we’re way far from that, they are vaccinating people over 80s by now. I mean, I already got mines and by the time I’m writing I’m also immune, but only because I work front row with the emergency. Honestly I cannot imagine, for example, when my sister (age 41) could get her vaccine!

    Reply
  8. Emily

    March 21, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    Thank you as always for the kindness you share. That Polly article is much needed for me!

    Reply
  9. Catherine

    March 21, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    Oh I loveeee me a Lush bath bomb as any sort of reward / treat myself moment. Good choice my friend!

    Reply
  10. Shila Soni

    March 21, 2021 at 4:16 pm

    Thank you so much for your Sunday letters and lists. You inspire me with your generosity and those gorgeous snapdragons Joy! Need to plant all the flowers soon. And that letter by R.O. Kwon made me weep and I dearly needed a moment to grieve.

    Reply
  11. Heather

    March 21, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    Way to hit me in the feels with the Dear Polly letter. I’ve been disoriented from the time change and had a very emotional dream about the “Dream Man” so you sharing that was just a gift from you and the Universe today. Thank you.
    Thumbs up for running! I always love getting that little nod of acknowledgement/encouragement/hey, we’re doing this together from fellow runners.

    Reply
  12. Stella

    March 21, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    Hi Joy,

    I am about 10 days from my second Covid shot and feeling grateful too. I am one of those tearful recipients at the time of my first shot, but would never take a selfie (really don’t have the néed/desire to post about life while living it). For me, the emotional response was similar to yours in that I, too, realized I am to survive what so many could not. The realization of so many needless and senseless deaths, humbled me in ways I did not expect and thus, the tears. I’m looking forward to Spring with a profound sense of gratitude. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    Reply
  13. Ann

    March 21, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    How I wish I had read that Dear Polly letter and reply many many years ago! Thank you for your weekly Let It Be Sunday, Joy. Even though I get it on a Monday!

    Reply
  14. Morgan

    March 21, 2021 at 12:26 pm

    Hello! Thank you for another great Sunday read. I just started listening to Why Are Dads?. I listen to Sarah Marshall’s other podcast You’re Wrong About- I highly recommend this one. The Stepford Wives and Tuskegee Syphilis Study episodes are very engaging. The digressions are hilarious too.

    Thank you for asking how we are all doing. Little acts of kindness go a long way. In these times it’s like signs of life, that we’re all going to be ok.

    Reply
  15. Lindsay

    March 21, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    I’m a yoga dork too and loved Jason’s backbench breakdown. I can’t wait to take in-person trainings with him in the future.

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RELATED POSTS IN Beyond the Kitchen

Oscars 2023 Party Menu

Since I was raised on movies, the Oscars ceremony is my Super Bowl. I look forward to it all year long and always try to watch all the contenders. Of course I’m in it for the films, the celebs, and the clothes. But I also love a good theme party—who doesn’t? My ideal Oscars party…

Read More

Fat Tuesday aka Paczki Day

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone! We’ve arrived at the day before Lent, where everyone loses their minds and indulges before 40 days of meatless Mondays and fish fry Fridays. Chicago, while having faith from all corners of the world, is an incredibly Catholic-centric city – kind of like New Orleans. Growing up non-denominational Christian I never…

Read More

New Year, New Orleans

If you can spend a holiday away from home, do it. Christmas on a beach with a cocktail? Yes, please. Santa can bring his swim trunks! This year I decided to ring in the new year in New Orleans, my favorite place outside of Chicago, with my girlfriend Breyon. A bae-cation, if you will. We…

Read More

Primary Sidebar

Fresh baked emails, delivered to your inbox

Receive recipes from Joy the Baker and updates on events at The Bakehouse.

HI! I’M JOY!

Welcome! This has been my little corner of the internet since 2008!

I’m a baker, photographer, cookbook author and teacher.  I live laugh love in New Orleans. 

MORE ABOUT JOY AND THE TEAM

BOOKS + Magazines

JOY THE BAKER 2022 SUMMER MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2021 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2020 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

HOMEMADE DECADENCE

OVER EASY: SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES FOR LEISURELY DAYS COOKBOOK

JOY THE BAKER COOKBOOK

joy the baker on facebook joy the baker on twitter pinterest-social instagram-socialbloglovin-social

JOY @ WILLIAMS SONOMA

SHOP THE CAKE LINE OF CAKE MIXES!

DRAKE ON CAKE

Passionate from miles away since 2015.

Check it out on Instagram

Drake on cake instagram.

 

BREADS YOU’LL LOVE

jambalaya buttermilk biscuits in a row

Smoked Sausage Jambalaya Buttermilk Biscuits

inside of warm cinnamon roll on plate

How To Make The Best Single Serve Cinnamon Roll

Orange roll on a plate with a fork.

Christmas Morning Orange Rolls

LET’S MAKE COOKIES!

wider shot of lemon bars stacked on a plate with a bite taken out of one lemon bar

My Favorite Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

completed recipe close up shot of a blondie so the toasted almonds, chocolate chips, and sea salt can be seen

My Best Classic Blondie Recipe

cowboy cookies close up showing texture.

Cowboy Cookies with salted cereal brittle

Footer

Instagram

joythebaker

📚Baker and author of books and magazines
🎂Creator @drakeoncake
💁🏻‍♀️Classes with me @thebakehousenola
🍰 Products with @williamssonoma

joythebaker
Life Skill No. 458: How to Make 1️⃣2️⃣ Cup Life Skill No. 458: How to Make 1️⃣2️⃣ Cupcakes with just 1️⃣ Stick of Butter⁣
⁣
Full recipe linked in my bio! xo
Someone call @foodnetwork because Dad and I need a Someone call @foodnetwork because Dad and I need a baking show stat. Here’s our very best chocolate chip cookies and all the little tips that make them perfection. ✨🍪 Find the full recipe linked in the profile!
We’re baking the classics on Joy the Baker this We’re baking the classics on Joy the Baker this month and up next, my very favorite Lemon Bar recipe with fresh lemon juice and the tiniest hint of coriander. ⁣🍋🌼✨
⁣
Find the full recipe linked in the profile and bust out the white chocolate and macadamia nuts for next week’s bake! ⁣
⁣
#lemonbars #easybaking #bakedfromscratch #joythebaker
Day in the Life: out in the woods writing a little Day in the Life: out in the woods writing a little cookbook about camp food. 💖🏕️🙋🏻‍♀️
Homesick Banana Bread. Recipe linked in the profil Homesick Banana Bread. Recipe linked in the profile (and you don’t have to be homesick to make it). #bananabread #sundaybaking
Let’s make one single GIANT PANCAKE which is the Let’s make one single GIANT PANCAKE which is the perfect Breakfast Dessert or Spiral Bake - whatever you need it to be. ⁣
⁣
Pro Tips: Smell you buttermilk and decide it’s probably fine. Flip the pancake with reckless confidence. You can sit to eat - you don’t have to eat like you work in a restaurant anymore. ⁣
⁣
Find a version of the full recipe linked in the profile. Xo.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Joy the Baker
All rights reserved. Violators will be whupped and sent to bed with no dessert · Privacy Policy

Scroll Up