Welcome to September Summer

Friends, hello and happy Sunday. We’ve landed at what feels like the last weekend of “true” summer before September Summer sets in – which, I do love! It’s that somehow grounding in-between season of back-from-school weeknight dinners, some fresh intentions, a little exhale before the holidays, and eating the very last of the plums.

This summer flew by. If I’m honest, I probably wished more of the days away than I lingered to savor them. But when I think with gratitude instead of regrets, my favorite memory was a quick July trip to Los Angeles for my sister’s big backyard barbecue. In one short afternoon we managed a cannonball contest, my uncle’s margaritas, and my sister Launa’s epic spread of food. We just… cut up and laughed so much. And it was a perfect family day.

Turns out, not every summer will be the flashiest, but each season has its own quiet joys. Tell me yours? I’m collecting joys as of late.  What’s the highlight you’ll carry from this summer into September?

Now, let’s get into our Sunday!

• Nicole Prince invited me over to her Substack Double Dutch for a long, cozy chat. We talked about the early blogging days (yes, the Taylor Swift cookies came up), why Substack feels like the new 2010 internet, how I keep “guest snacks” in the freezer because no chips are safe in my home. It’s a full-circle conversation that felt very sweet. Pop over and read the whole interview!  (Substack)

•  I appreciate that nothing can fully prepare you for life with a newborn, but this piece put words to so many of the things new moms quietly carry:  What I Wish I Knew About Having a Baby. (Substack)

•  This outdoor dad has extremely logical, important, solid advice. Will I be following any of it? Undecided, but let’s read: My Dad Trained Soldiers To Survive in the Wilderness (Outside Magazine)

•  For some reason, September seems like a more natural time to start a new day planner than January. I can’t make it make sense but I have been eyeing this ornate 2025-2026 planner from Rifle Paper. There’s also this weekly planner that feels perfect for a Type A person who prefers paper over their Google Calendar. I suppose that’s the real question – will my daily/weekly/yearly planning ever be handwritten ever again? I think I’d like to supplement with pen to paper. ANYWAY, we could spiral on this or we could just explore The  Best Planner For Staying Organized, According To Therapists. (Rifle Paper, Dailee, Self)

•  I love that y’all stay ready with the reading recommendations. Last week Karlee asked what you’ve loved reading lately and, best believe, I’m scrolling through those comments for book recs, too! (Joy the Baker)

•  Wait, did you know I wrote a children’s book? The Life-Changing Magic of Baking is a sweet little story I created with my dad – the man who made me extremely picky about chocolate chip cookies.  Inside, kids will find one very special recipe—Everybody’s Birthday Cake—alongside gentle lessons about confidence, creativity, and finding magic in the kitchen (and in themselves). It’s written for ages 6–12, but honestly, it’s a heart-warmer for bakers of any age. (Amazon)

•  Something about the hottest days of summer have me missing New Orleans lately. I posted about it here and so many of you confirmed that New Orleans is a place you miss forever once it gets in your spirit.  One of the things that can fix an achy New Orleans heart is a big ol’ bowl of Red Beans and Rice. To be fully transparent, I was feeling a bit lazy and cracked open a can of Blue Runner Red Beans and added some extra sautéed onions, peppers, and sausage and it hit the spot. (Joy the Baker)

•  Sogginess has always deterred me from a proper Tomato Pie, but this recipe from The Kitchn claims to avoid the sog. I think we should try it as a farewell to the best tomatoes of the year. (The Kitchn)

•  Can we talk about sour candy? It’s all I want these days and I’m willing  to amass a collection.  I’ve got a healthy stash of Smart Sweets, but I’m very open your gummy sour candy suggestions. (Smart Sweets)

•  For sour things in vegetable form I’ve got this very simple Greek-ish salad on repeat. I’ve discovered it’s an excellent base for shredded rotisserie chicken, mashed avocado, chickpeas, finely diced cucumber, and hemp hearts. Go nuts! Oh – to that end, finely chopped roasted almonds would be lovely! (Instagram)

•  The basil is the only thing thriving in my garden this late in the season which means it’s time for a giant batch of basil pesto (I like to make mine with walnuts instead of pine nuts) and this Kale Pesto Pizza as a reward for all the well-grown basil. (Cookies and Kate)

•  I do not watch The Gilded Age (though I feel like I should – please advise), but I do watch TikToks about The Gilded Age horses. (TikTok)

Have a wonderful Sunday, friends!

xo Joy