Hello friends! I am a person who enjoys pointing out that it’s raining when it’s raining. (Is that a midwestern thing? I do it all the time.) It’s the same for the months of the year, so please don’t be mad at me for exclaiming, can you believe it’s December?! As the days get shorter and cooler I find myself nesting and reflecting on my year, implementing the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hyoo-guh) – the softest blankets, the nicest smelling candles, and lamps of every kind.
This year, though very hard, was about finding support from the most unexpected of places. Working with Joy has been a dream and let me know all work environments aren’t abusive, they can be healing and fun, something I genuinely did not know existed after leaving my previous job. I have a supportive, gorgeous partner that helps me be the best version of myself and makes me want to help right back. My family and friends have been there through it all being amazing. I’m so grateful.
In the spirit of reflection, this month Team Joy the Baker will be giving you our top 10 favorites to wrap up 2022. Of course, please chime in with your favorites too, I love seeing what brings you joy! Let’s get into it!
Abby
Movie of the year
Everything Everywhere All At Once – turns out I saw one movie in theatre this year and this was it. I regret nothing. Firstly, Michelle Yeoh is a queen through and through. Secondly, this movie made me feel indescribable emotions felt long after viewing. Please, watch this movie. (A24)
Podcast
Levar Burton Reads – as a kid who grew up with Star Trek and Reading Rainbow, Levar Burton is a personal hero of mine. He’s funny, incredibly smart and witty, I just love him. He also has the reading voice of an angel – the first story he read I burst into tears out of nostalgia. It’s perfect for plane rides, too. (Stitcher)
Album
RENAISSANCE by Beyoncé – no one should be surprised. I didn’t post my Spotify Wrapped or Apple Music Replay this year because there was one artist on it. She simply will not let me go! Or am I refusing to let go? The answer is yes. (Spotify)
Book
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune – rarely does a book make me cry, but this book did just that. Wallace lives a rigid life and passes away without him realizing it. This book chronicles Wallace’s journey from life to death and beyond in the most poignant way that will reshape what you think about life and love. (Bookshop)
TV show
The Bear – there isn’t much else I can say that hasn’t already been said about this incredible show, including Kim’s entire Sunday post about it that I love. This show is everything I want – fast paced, Chicago based, and drily hilarious. Honestly, I need to catch up on some stellar TV, like Severance, but “The Bear” will be rewatched many times. (Hulu)
Article
Scenes from an Open Marriage from Jean Garnett – sometimes I’ll be going about my life like normal and then think, “Oh my gosh I wonder how Jean is doing right now??” This article continues to stick with me. Thank you to Toby for the recommendation, it rocked my dang world. (The Paris Review)
Recipe
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya – I made this for Mardi Gras this year and I almost sat in front of the stove to eat the entire pot. It’s THAT good. There’s so much flavor and spice, and rice is one of my love languages. Paired with a sweet pazcki afterwards, it was my favorite meal of the year. (Joy the Baker)
Restaurant
Juno Sushi in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago – I am a huge fan of sushi, but going to Juno was my first omakase experience. Meaning “I leave it up to you,” the chef serves whatever is fresh that day in 12 to 15 small plate courses. I did not know seafood could taste so divine. I keep saying “it was like motorboating the ocean,” and I stand by that.
Destination or event
KAYTRANADA at the Aragon Ballroom – this event rang in the New Year for me. Have you ever been to a concert by yourself? It is a spiritual experience. It’s just you and the music unencumbered. I walked home from the venue at 1am in the rain feeling like my year started out incredibly right. (Spotify)
Beauty product
Clean It Zero double cleanse – friends, let me tell you about the wonders of Korean skincare. To say it’s been a game changer is an understatement. It’s not as many steps as you think but it teaches you to really take your time with your skincare routine because your skin deserves it and it’s the ultimate self care. (Soko Glam)
What got you through this year?
Hazel @ Mamarella
This was such a fun post to read! I keep subbing to Podcasts but can’t seem to find the time to actually listen to them. Hoping to change that in 2023!
Lisa Mez
Great post Thanks for Sharing
Sarah
A lovely round-up. I wholly agree about the movie EEAAO – I have never felt so many feelings during a film as it spanned from sublimely ridiculous to deeply, existentially moving. Somehow I missed that book and the podcast and look forward to experiencing both; thank you.
My album of the year is Dance Fever by Florence + the Machine. If you have anxiety, her song “Free” is a must, and highly recommend watching the video as well. I also love King.
My experience of the year was going to the Snowbird spa in Salt Lake City one month ago – took a yoga class that was mostly foam rolling, then did the dry and steam saunas as well as the outdoor heated pool and hot tub while it was snowing. Floating on my back in the warm water while feeling light snow fall over me was magical!
Abby Mallett
Okay I am writing down the name of this spa because it sounds so so amazing. Oh my goodness. And I’m queueing up Florence + the Machine right NOW
Joy
Sarah, I co-sign “Free”! The first time I heard it was on the Peloton bike in a Jess King class (IYKYK) and tbh it was a spiritual experience! Also your spa experience sounds like a dreeeeeammmm!
datbeme
Spa? Yoga class? Foam Rolling? Dry steam sauna? Wowser! My experience of the year was getting an $.80 raise.
Kris
Just wanted to leave a note of celebration for Abby. Isn’t it divine to move into a space that appreciates you?!
I recently switched jobs after 12 years at my last (not great) company… and the awareness, the revitalization, the confidence that can come from that sort of positive change is nothing short of transformational. So happy for you Abby <3
Abby Mallett
This made me tear up – thank you so much. I’m so glad to hear you’re in a better work environment and I hope you celebrate you too!!
toby
oooh adding Under the Whispering Door to my list, thanks Abby! x
Kay
I +1 the going to concerts alone. Also, KAYTRANADA’s work with Anderson .Paak is a collab that us mere mortals nearly don’t deserve. The talent!!
Stella
Abby,
Thank you for your curated list of “Best of the Year” your recommendations remind me that I have much to catch up on. I look forward to some downtime and doing just that.
As for what got me through this year, I would have to say the knowledge that kind people like Joy exist and being one is really a choice/skill I can make every day.
Abby Mallett
I love this! Kindness is my favorite choice :)
Ann
I teach cooking at a public school and have incorporated a number of food labs with regional US themes for students. While students have prepared jambalaya (a popular dish!), I am excited to try out this cajun style recipe and our existing creole jambalaya one at the same time so students can try out the difference. Thank you, Abby, for sharing a delicious sounding recipe and the background surrounding it! Kudos to you! Love this website!
Jaclyn D Levy
This was so fun to read! Now I want to make my own “year in review” list. Everyone raved about that movie so I was excited to see it but I’m disappointed to say it wasn’t for me. I do love Michelle Yeoh, though. Queen! And Stephanie Hsu. I have the echo the previous commenter raving about The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. It’s one of those books that will stick with you for a very long time. Cheers!
Alexis
Abby, I feel like this list was curated for my birthday, so thank you!! ?
I absolutely loved “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by Klune and will add “Under the Whispering Tree.”
Kellie Bowker
Everything Everywhere All At Once is one of my favorite films of all time. My daughter kept leaning over and saying “I freaking love this movie!” It really has to be seen to be understood even a little.