Back to School Giveaway

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UPDATE!  We have a winner!!  Katherine of Miceli Fitness!  You won the Back to School Giveaway.  Thanks for being lovely!

It’s time for a treat!

I’m moving towards September kicking and screaming.  I’ve been moving towards September kicking and screaming ever since I realized that the first day of school is completely bunk.  On the first day of school, my mind was always a mishmash of… Which pair of overalls am I going to wear?  Where is my dang locker?  I’m really not fit for this AP Biology class!  Someone tell me why all my girlfriends are making out with boys this year!  I can’t go out tonight,I’m watching X-Files alone in the dark.  Seriously, it’s cool.

I was a late bloomer.  I got cooler in my early thirties (um… this year).  By cooler I mean that I’ll wear slippers at the grocery store if I dang-well want to.

Thank goodness my school days are over.  There’s still something about September that gives me the jitters.  The tides are changing to Fall.  Let’s work with the change.  Let’s treat ourselves.

I want to send you a box of some of my favorite things.

I wrote a cookbook and I totally want you to have it!  The Joy the Baker Cookbook is in the gift box!

We’re going to need some actual school supplies:  fancy pencils, clever and colorful Washi Tape, a planner for your plans, hello hello bookmark tabs, and a capsule letter.

Oh!  And Mentos.  Yea…

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We also need to be clever cute.

I’m obsessed with red and pink nail polish fingers.  They know how to work, be playful, and chic.  Ps.  I know nothing about being chic.  I’m BS-ing you.

Straws too! We’re still on this paper straw bandwagon, and I want you to have some.

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 I want one of you to have this fun-times Back to School Gift Box!  Giveaway is open to readers domestically and internationally.  In return, I’m asking you to share the love (and cookies).  Share a delicious cookie recipe with your friends on Facebook.  Throw some life tips to your friends on Twitter.  Email your mama a cake recipe you’d like her to make.  Anything!   And don’t forget to leave a comment on this post between now and Friday.  Giveaway ends August 24th 2012 at midnight PST.  A winner will be randomly selected using random.org.

Overalls on.  Head up.

Get it?  Got it?  Good!

xo.joy

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2,494 Responses

  1. This giveaway looks great! I so want your book, and the school supplies look fabulous- especially washi tape, which is a bit hard to come by down under :)

  2. OH NO! It’s already closed! :'( I hope you still read this though.. I live all the way in Europe, Belgium. It’s a tiny country above France :) This giveaway was so perfect, because i’m starting my senior year in highschool and I still need to buy all my school supplies! lol! I would’ve been way more excited about your cookbook of course, because I can’t get my hands on it here in Belgium..the only way is through amazon, but the delivery costs are waaaay too much. It’s a shame :( Well, I can only hope for another giveaway I guess.. Love YOU Joy! Hugs and kisses from BE! xxx – Elise

  3. You’re so inspiring Joy! I know this is chosen by random.org but I would really like this stuff as I am entering college. Totes love!

  4. I know I’m past the date for the giveaway… :( Would have so much loved to get my hands on this giftbox! Looks lovely!!! Am an over-aged student… Have to find a day to go cook for a friend who got injured in an accident a month or so ago.

  5. Aww, this looks so nice! I just got through a catastrophic first week of college… and now I will make Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls for my new roommates. Mmmm, cinnamon. Thank you for always having lovely posts to distract from evil things… like speeches.

  6. My favorite part about school starting was always getting and organizing new supplies! And the smell of a new backpack. With all of my new things in it.. Yeah.

  7. Hi, I made your nectarine cobbler the other day amazing! Currently dreading the start of term, I’m an embroidery student heading for my final year but all I really wanna do is bake!!!!!! Xxx

  8. I always loved getting school supplies too!! I did buy some crayons to donate recently and I just sat and smelled them for awhile…mmm, crayons…

  9. This is my daughter’s last year of school — I would be thrilled to be able to pass this on to her (perhaps, minus the cookbook…).

  10. The *only* good thing about going back to school were the new supplies! Now back to school means, to me, being able to go on vacation without all these damn kids all over the place! Thanks for the giveaway … it’s pretty fabulous!

  11. You always have the best giveaways. I’m a teacher this year, not a student, but I still have the back to school blues.

  12. Wow! I’m excited about this giveaway (and always about your blog!). I hope I’ll be the lucky winner – especially of your special cookbook! Will definitely be baking up a storm this next season and onwards!

  13. I live in the Southern Hemisphere and we are also getting ready for an exciting season – Spring!! I can definitely see myself indulging in these items during this new season!

  14. This is such an exciting giveaway, buy a blogger who never fails to get me excited about food and life in general! Thx!!

  15. Thanks, Joy, for making me excited about baking, and even in this case back to school! You’re indeed an example of somebody who spreads love everywhere!

  16. Yay – such a cool giveaway! I love stationery and being organised, although things still sometimes slip through which I forget about. I do think these goodies will help me in that department. :-)

  17. I started my second year of law school and I am still obsessed with buying school supplies! I just bought a penguin flash drive!

  18. Joyous! I love everything about this post! Inspired to paint some flashy nails and share some cookies with my office mates! Working on a yummy oatmeal cranberry recipe and will share with my fellow baker at the office. Cheers to September: filled with little books to write in and fabulous scarves!

  19. I only like September because of the exciting potential of new school supplies, even after x-number of years out of school! Your posts always cheer me up – so thanks. – and now I’m off to share recipes and watch ‘The Court Jester’!

  20. back to school already?! yikes, i am soooo behind! i did make cookies today, though. filled with trail mix, so they’re healthy-ish.

  21. I need more cookies in my life. And also washi tape…I’m on a mission to find out what the heck that stuff is.

  22. I love fall and all the back to school excitement! That’s probably because I’m a huge geek :). I’m sending recipes to my boyfriend almost on daily basis while I’m in US and he’s home all alone, just to feel connected cause we love to cook together!

  23. I actually just sent my mother a bunch of recipes for a Spanish themed dinner party. She emailed me back a picture of the prettiest grilled paella and it really made me long for home again. This giveaway would definitely help though!
    Grazie,
    -Kathleen

  24. I’m in college and I still feel like a first grader when September rolls around. But I’m thinking the new fun school supplies might help with the jitters. :)

  25. Not quite back to school here in the southern hemisphere, but adorable stationery supplies are appropriate any time of year, right?

  26. Planners always help. . especially with AP US History every other day :) And those straws would be handy for sipping chocolate milk while studying for finals. . You really know how to prepare!

  27. have the book already but these are so sweet! i have someone in mind to share with…thanks for the fab giveaway!

  28. Dear Joy!
    I have always loved that we share the same name – a name my mom always told me to make sure I live up to. I must say, you definitely live up to your name. You bring great joy to so many people, in so many ways! Thank you for brightening my life with your blog – not only your amazing and delectable recipes, but also your lovely, witty, warm, reach-out-and-touch-you style of writing. I look forward to checking your blog – always eager to read what you wrote that day. You always make me smile. So thank you – for the recipes, for sharing your beautiful self with us, and for living up to your name. :)

  29. Fall always makes me feel like I’m going back to school. And actually – I always seem to be. That’s okay though. It’s cool.

  30. I love these back to school treats! I just started back to school (teaching!) and these would be a great 1st week pick me up!

  31. back to school shopping isn’t quite the same in university but fun nonetheless! and colourful supplies is always more fun!

  32. I’m picnicking with my friends tomorrow and sharing chocolate chip cookies with them. Would love to win your back to school giveaway! Back to school in a couple weeks for my Masters degree.

  33. Joy I made a recipe from your cookbook today: Oatmeal Raspberry Ginger Scones. The box-grater tip was GENIUS and I can’t believe I’ve never used that before :)

  34. ooh this is such a lovely idea of you, and i do love the idea of sharing favorite recipes with my friends. shall do! maybe i just need to de-lurke in general, as sort of inspired by your awesome excuses and coming clean with them ;) thanks, Joy!

  35. I start teaching classes again next Tuesday and alcoholic class recovery drinks would taste awesome with the straws. The rest of those goodies look wonderful! Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

  36. I’m going to be waiting for my new french door refrigerator and new washer and dryer to be delivered to the house my fiance and I just bought! (Whoo first time home owning; boo everything that needs to be purchased.) Oh yeah, and unpacking, but that’s less fun.

  37. Super cute stuff!

    This post inspired me to send my boyfriend’s mother the recipes for my favorite cake and frosting. We’re doing a recipe exchange! It’s exciting and surprisingly nerve-wracking.

  38. I love stationery! I love planners and pencils! They make very very happy.

    I like baking cookies and cakes….I highly encourage others to bake for me too :-) Is sending 2 cookie recipes a day considered spamming?

  39. Love your giveaway! And back to school – because of all the awesome supplies that are in abundance at this time of year.
    My favorite way to share recipes is Pintrest. In fact, my recipes board is huge compared to all my other boards. Combined!

  40. I discovered an insanely good Maple Cranberry Sauce that I’ve bestowed upon my mother. I don’t think she’s roasted a turkey in her life! (She’s a kiwi – we like to roast other things like Lamb….lots and lots of Lamb) But she can always start!

  41. I’ve been seriously lusting after your cookbook for forever! This is the first year I’m not going back to school, and to be honest I’m kinda sad that the next back to school supplies I’ll be buying will be for my own kids! Yikes!

  42. I LOVE this time of year!! My baby girl started kindergarten this year and it’s been SO hard. So, we’ve started a Tuesday Tea Time and every Tuesday after school, we bake and drink tea and giggle until our hearts content. It’s magical. :)

  43. Wow! So fun! Back to school aisles at Target intrigue me just enought to look…. especially when I have my little 8 year old brother with me! At 23, I’m SO GLAD school is over forever for me! :) Anyway, just made some delicious oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies the other day. Let me say this: self control is walking by the cookie jar and eating one… or two… of those cookies instead of 24. :)

    thanks for your posts and you witty sense of humor. You make me giggle outloud every so often and it keeps my husband wondering. :)

  44. Love your blog! I don’t have your cookbook yet, and would love to win this so I can add it to my collection! :)

  45. One of my secret favorite smells is office supply stores! Fresh paper – fresh pencils- fresh posibilities each fall!

  46. You are so lovely. Thanks for hosting a great giveaway. I’ve shared your dark chocolate and sesame seed cookies with more people than I can count. There can never be enough.

  47. Going to try pizza dough again for the family! My last attempt was a dud, and I have been using TJ’s dough ever since…

  48. I just graduated from college this year, so this will be the first fall since I was 3 feet tall and wearing a plastic Little Mermaid backpack on my way to kindergarten that I won’t be going back to school. It’s definitely a weird feeling, but I’m looking forward to the change, too. And I’ll have some more time for baking now! Thanks as always for your witty, inspirational posts and delicious recipes, Joy :)

  49. Love all your recipes, especially the Old Fashioned brownies- all time favorite! So excited about this giveaway and hope you do more!

  50. I would LOOOVE your cookbook! I made your oatmeal pecan chocolate cookies to share and gave the recipe out as well! Love that recipe.

  51. This is perfection, super cute idea! And I will be making cookies to bring with me on my first day at a new school and will hopefully make some new friends :) cookies are magical, they can create friends out of strangers!

  52. I’m a broke college student. I’m also a Division-1 varsity athlete. That means when I’m not studying or practicing, I’m probably eating. It also means that the sweat-to-cuteness ratio in my life is unacceptably high. Therefore, I feel like winning this giveaway would pretty much solve all of my problems. JTB knows what’s good.

  53. I would love to be the proud owner of all of these items. Especially your cookbook. I have had my eye on it since it came out! I made your peach scones not too long ago and they were a big hit at my office. I need to make them again.

  54. Fabulous give away.
    I finally made the oatmeal sandwich cookies with peanut butter filling and they were like a classy bite of the flavours of childhood.

  55. This is the cutest and most useful back-to-school style item collection I’ve ever seen. Conducive to those who are always learning! Thanks for sharing all your recipes and stories with us!

  56. I love school supplies!! And I just emailed my mom a selection of recipes for our post half marathon indulgence. I convinced her to get walking and do it with me, so I think she only deserves something sweet of her choice afterwards (several of the suggestions were from your cookbook!)

  57. Thank God for nail polish. There are days, weeks, where I just know I’m not living up to my potential. If I tried a little harder, got a little more sleep, added that one scarf to that outfit, I could rule the world but, damnit, I’m just too lazy. That’s when my nail polish saves me. Suddenly, my fingers are typing 100+ a minute and my lipstick looks perfect (dazzling smile, eye twinkle). Nail polish knows what it’s doing, even when I don’t.

  58. I LOVE back to school supplies!!! Great giveaway :) I’ll be baking some cookies to share with friends at a picnic tomrw :)

  59. I’ve been wanting to pursue a Washi tape craft situation for a while – maybe something with Mason jars… and a gift basket? Totes maj love this gift set selection/your perfect summer bloggin’/your podcast!

  60. I really miss buying school supplies! I love having new notebooks, pencils, pens, binders, etc. I wish I had a reason to buy them again!

    Thanks for this awesome giveaway that will remind me of those first days of school!

  61. I would love to win this! I actually haven’t been able to find your cookbook anywhere, its starting to drive me mad crazy. mad. crazy.

  62. This week I found myself wishing I was going back to school, just so I could go supply shopping! I’ve always loved it. I was the one who would bug my mom non-stop about it, afraid we were going to miss all the good stuff. (Though I never did get any of the cute stuff, but whatever was most affordable…)

    Also this week, I shared my love of baking with my dad. He was in a baking contest at his office, so he made some of your red velvet cupcakes. I helped (and taste-tested…) Everyone raved about how amazing they were.

  63. When I was in highschool, every time I went school shopping I would dump a handful of pencils and stationery into our shopping cart. My dad was always like, “You’re kidding. You’ve got so much at home.” And I would give him a look which would shut him up immediately.

  64. what a fun giveaway! recently made the chocolate chip cookies with melted butter and bread flour, became everyone’s best friend. thanks!

  65. You inspired me to make my own cookbook! I am collecting favorite family recipes, making the food, taking photos and printing them up in a book for my whole family. This week I made the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake and shared it with some friends who stayed over.

  66. I love your blog so much and I just checked out your book from the library because I’m a librarian and have to use the services I push (also, because I have no money but whatevs). The recipes look amazing and I can’t wait to try some!

  67. I just started my senior year of college, and I had to buy awesome school supplies (crayons, colored pencils) for one of my classes. Life of an ed. major. :)

  68. My little sister has her very last back to school week next week… she’d LOVE to receive this little package of goodies in the mail!

  69. Super cute giveaway!

    I made the vegan chocolate avocado cake for my friend’s birthday. Fantastic hit! Love that the frosting looks just like nickelodeon green slim.

  70. What an awesome giveaway!! I made chocolate chip cookies for my kids because thats how I let them know that I love them.

  71. I do need to share a recipe on my blog… I haven’t done that in awhile.

    And I am so glad that school starting doesn’t matter to me. That means summer can last as long as the weather is warm :)

  72. When I left for school, i accidentally left my joythebaker cookbook at home in the kitchen! with this giveaway, there’s a chance i don’t have to disappoint my mother by taking it away from her! and i would die to have the rest of those cuties too.

  73. Hi Joy,
    Great bundle, love it all! I am usually a silent reader/listener, but now I jump at a chance to get my hands on your book finally. :)
    Greetings from Austria!

  74. Ah I’m starting college on Monday! As a freshmen! I’m excited/nervous and I totally want those mentos. And everything else.

  75. Back to school has a whole new meaning this year because I’m starting medical school! Yikes! But my stress reliever has always been baking, so I will be sure to make time to read your blog (and listen to your totes maj podcast too) ! You’re awesome and inspiring!

  76. This post made me think of the line in You’ve Got Mail, “I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms. “

  77. I’m super sad about summer ending but I could love fall a bit more if I won this awesome stuff. Nail polish and a Joy the Baker cook book? Oh yes.

  78. School starts on Monday at the elementary school where I work. But winning these lovely supplies would ease the blow of having to be back. If I don’t win, I guess I’ll make some Salted Chocolote Chip Pistachio Cookies to soothe me!

  79. I go to school in a different country than my husband lives and I was just thinking I need some fun back-to-school stuff to cheer me up. This would be perfect!
    Also, I love cookies.

  80. I’m going to bake some scones and take them to work! I love the fall and I love schools supplies. I’ve gone back to school myself. I’m working fulltime and taking college course online at night. I need all the cool supplies I can get! And cookies, lots and lots of cookies to keep me going!

  81. Squeee! I love me some back to school supplies. Even if I stopped going to school *mumble* years ago. Thanks for the chance! (I’ve lost track of how many of your posts I’ve pinned, posted, and forwarded. I do know I’m planning to make lemon poppy seed muffins next week! YUM.)

  82. oh man back to school is the best time of year (besides maybe thanksgiving because even new school supplies can’t compete with turkey)

  83. The good new is I’m about to move into a house with counterspace that just won’t quit, and TWO kitchenaid mixers. The bad news is, I have to MOVE out of my beloved apartment that I’ve been in for 5 years. You better believe there will be cookies!!

  84. How could it possibly be almost fall already?! Where did the summer go? I should have known by the changing contents of my CSA basket each week, but somehow fall snuck up on me…

  85. My all time favorite recipe of yours is the pumpkin pancakes–I can’t wait to make those this Fall and I will be sharing them with everyone I love!

  86. You are my go to when I’m looking for something new to try, especially when I’m stuck in a breakfast rut! Thanks for all the amazing photos (and food!) to get me inspired.

  87. Ooooh, I cannot believe you are giving this away! What a treat!!!
    And, by the way, I share recipes with my mom at least once a week :)

  88. Joy, I am about to start my final fall of grad school and I’ve got some serious jitters. Gosh, this back to school prize kit would make the whole experience so much more fun. Thanks for being such a dream–per usual! xx

  89. Back to school seems so weird now that I’m not actually going back to school. I always grumbled at the end of summer, but now I really miss it and miss the changes.

  90. I also get the jitters in September… but my life has always, aways revolved around the school year in one way or another! I love those straws!

  91. So fun! I am getting ready to start my first year of student teaching and I’ve never been so nervous buying school supplies! I have more excited jitters than the kiddos!

  92. i always loved/dreaded the first day of school. excited to see everyone again, but nervous at the same time. too bad “real” jobs don’t give you summer vacation …

  93. Here’s to the Dirty Thirties and not caring what other people think. Isn’t it awesome to just like what you like and not have to pretend to like that band/movie/thingy? Sigh of relief.

  94. Love the fall! Warm-ish days and nights cool enough to wear a comfy pair of jeans, a light sweater and no socks.
    Oooohhhh, could go for a pumpkin latte and your polenta&guyere waffles…mmmm. (and I’m almost 40 and still pick up the odd “school supply”…for myself).

  95. Unfortunately being a teacher means back-to-school will be happening on a yearly basis for the rest of the foreseeable future….but if that means fun quirky school supplies I’m totes down with it! Love your site Joy, my baking horizons have expanded greatly since stumbling (quite literally) on your blog!

  96. oooh what a fab giveaway,! thank you joy, just what I needed to see, have had the worst :-( day ever ‘tears’ – need cake, need cookies, need a hug, need more cookies and lots of love. shared my organic vegan oatmeal and raisin cookies with my dear family, thank goodness for family….

  97. my oh my, all of these things are must haves! i share your posts all the time and lovelovelove every single one of them! i look forward to school this year(you could say i’m a nerd) and i know my friends look forward to the things i’ll bake them this year(using your recipes!) Love!

  98. My oldest son just started the all day school business…1st grade. I, and his two younger brothers, have missed him dearly. We welcomed him home with his favorite cookie–snickerdoodles!

  99. Such a lovely give away for my favourite time of year! Made your salted sesame cookies a few weeks ago and shared them at work and you now have a few more obsessed followers! Also made your berry b’day cake and it’s my new favourite cake recipe ever! thanks!

  100. I started my senior year of high school this week! Crazy busy, but then again, why worry about college when I can be baking for cute boys? :)

  101. It wasn’t for cookies, but I just send my dad a recipe for quinoa in the Crockpot. So tasty and easy easy easy! Plus, nothing’s better to come in from a long day at work and dinner’s waiting on you. Love it!

  102. Oh — school supplies! Use professors like ’em too!! I am making red velvet cupcakes to share with my students on the first day of school!

  103. I could go out tonight too…but I’ll probably eat hummus and watch Zenon…like there was ever any doubt about that!

  104. I could go out tonight to…but I’ll probably eat hummus and watch Zenon…like there was ever any doubt about that!

  105. Just so you know, I’m obsessed with making pies because of you & your blog. Who knew that baking a pie could be so fulfilling?

    Love your recipes!! :)
    -corey ann

  106. Adorable items in the giveaway!
    I just baked your salted choc chip pistachio cookies, which I will share at work tomorrow (maybe). That counts right?
    I only managed to get 18 out of the mix though, I think my portion control could do with some work!
    x

  107. Some of my favorite things are baseball, cars, exercising, and…cooking and baking. This website is awesome though! I always get trapped looking at recipes and I start to feel a little overwhelmed because there are so many things I want to make. A peach berry crumble is going to be had in the very near future, however. I know that much.
    I’m heading down to UCLA as a freshman next month so I’m definitely thinking about school, and I’m definitely looking forward to it!

  108. those bookmarks are adorable! this giveaway finally gave me the push to send my sister this hazelnutty, chocolatey, carmel-y, oat-y cookie recipe that i’ve been meaning to forever!

  109. Got the dark chocolate chunks to make your Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, and Smoked Sea Salt cookies. I’m sure my family and I will love it – can’t wait!

  110. There is something about reading blogs (for me it’s cooking blogs) that gives you a connection to people and ideas that you would never cross paths with otherwise. So special.

  111. Your intro had me hysterical b/c that was so totally me at the beginning of this school year (and every year)! I caught myself worrying whether my sons’ haircuts were “cool enough” and then I thought, what the heck am I doing…LOL.

  112. I’ve recently been going to our local farmers market and getting fresh (and unusual!) herbs. So far I’ve made lemon verbena cookies and lime basil macaroons! Cookies for everyone!

  113. Great giveaway! I love sharing recipes with my mom and sister. It’s also fun to get some of Granny’s recipes and see if I can “lighten” them up a bit.

  114. School supplies always made me so happy as a kid. I still wander down the aisle sometimes wishing I had a good reason to buy them!

  115. I plan on making that cookie cake in the cast iron skillet. My baby boy is turning one soon. What a better way to celebrate..cookie cake anyone?!

  116. I’m making dinner this weekend for a friend who just had her first baby – and I made dinner yesterday for a friend who had her 7th. Whew!
    Love all your inspirational recipes!

  117. Cookies are always a welcome treat to give and receive, but for fall and back to school, I LOVE the movie line in the infamous “You’ve got Mail” when Meg says she’d send a bouquet of sharpened pencils!”

  118. I always love to direct people here for suggestions on things they can make or for inspiration! There are so many ones I love that I can hardly suggest just one!

  119. i’m a late bloomer, too! didn’t start to feel comfortable with my body until after college. that doesnt mean that i dont still suck in my tummy when i’m wearing something form fitting. :)

    love your blog, joy. you inspire me.

  120. I love school supplies! I just got my teaching license and have been having the worst time trying to find a teaching job in Boston. In the meantime I’m working in a restaurant and trying to maximize this lull in my career path by doing all the cooking/bicycle-riding/reading/exploring that I possibly can. Last week I discovered this awesome bakery called Flour that makes incredible fancy grilled cheese sandwiches. I’m coming off a serious sugar overdose from a birthday cupcake overload last weekend that I heartily enjoyed, so this week I’m going to try some savory baking. The boy I’m crushing on doesn’t think he likes bleu cheese (gasp) so I’m going to make the tomato cobbler with the bleu cheese biscuits in an attempt to convert him to the stinky cheese team! Happy almost-fall Joy!

  121. What a fun giveaway! I love the planner and tape, and well, everything that has to do with getting ready to go back to school. (weird, i know!) Plus, you can never have enough pink and red nail polish. Very chic! ;)

  122. Man, these are the sort of school supplies I need. I’m returning to school (graduate) full time after a few years off while continuing my full time job… I need all the baking love I can get :)

  123. can’t wait to begin college! gotta say, back to school feels way different now, but one thing that won’t change will be my weekend baking episodes!

  124. Oh Joy! As a teacher of young learners… this back to school post makes me all giddy… I love the first day of school. And the breakfast club at work LOVES your Toasted Coconut and Almond Chocolate Chip Scones… Here’s to a new school year full of learning adventures and freshly baked scones!

  125. oh man. I teach school and this sounds like just what I need. nail polish to impress the 6 year olds, a journal to write their funny sayings (or to vent), and of course a cookbook for stress relief.

  126. I just have to say, Joy you are a great inspiration to me!
    I have made so many of your recipes (my favourite is the Rasberry rolls! They are a little peace of heaven on earth! That I can eat! Could it get any better?!)
    I would love to get your cookbook and all the other lovely things! But I live in Norway, if it matters?! Anyways, keep doing what you’re doing. You rock!

  127. When I was a little girl, it was almost dangerous for my mom to take me to any sort of office supply store. Because, once I found the notebook and pen aisles, I was instantly a kid in the proverbial candy store.
    I need that capsule letter.
    ;)

  128. I’m making raspberry lemon bars for a cookout tomorrow night and cinnamon roll casserole for my husband’s birthday Saturday morning – definitely sharing the (baked) love this weekend!

  129. This weekend we are celebrating my MIL birthday, so I will be making her dinner and a cake from your cookbook. My husband loves your Ovatine frosting!

  130. This is my first year in a while that I’m not either going back to school or getting busy at work because school is starting. It feels strange!

  131. i always like to watch the movie Grease around this back to school time of year. it’s a back to school kind of movie :)

  132. I’m baking my sweet husband a birthday cake and can’t wait to share it with him. He gets this cake once, exactly once, a year, so its a special occassion! Yeah for him being born <3

  133. I love sending my mama links to your recipes. The best thing is when we bake them together though. Thanks for all the fun!

  134. I will share stuff as soon as I get over this wicked whatever that has given me a temp of 102 (seriously, what adult gets a fever like that? I feel like I’m 8). Oh, and I love school supplies. Waaaaaaay more than my 3 kids.

  135. I make your Mango Banana Bread all of the time, it’s my new comfort food. And of course I share it with friends, weather they need some comfort, or just a snack.

  136. I’m so ready for fall! I always start to think about You’ve Got Mail. “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms. “

  137. Spread the cookies? Thank goodness I just found Alice Medrich’s cookie book at TK Maxx. That lady knows her stuff and I’m poor from baking all the time! Love your blog, Joy, keep being you!!! xo

  138. Thanks to a link on The Pioneer Woman’s blog I Just found your blog today…LOVE IT! I’m also obsessed with school supplies too! Nothing like this time of year to make you feel like new opportunities await! Can’t wait to try your recipes! Cheers!

  139. fall is bittersweet, summer’s over but lots of beautiful produce where I’m lucky to live. I’ll be baking cartelized pear upside down cake.

  140. Cookies it is this weekend! Instead of sharing a recipe I’m just going to share the cookies! Have a great weekend!

  141. I love your blog and I have your book checked out from my local . Last night I made the oatmeal cookie pancakes for my family for dinner, and they loved them. Even is they weren’t cookies, I stilled shared baking love.

  142. Such a cute “back to school” box, Joy! It’s lovely.

    Tonight I’m making your (totally amazing and awesome) brown butter chocolate chip cookies for my boyfriend, who thinks of me as God-like because I make him these cookies.

    Seriously, if I counted up all teh times I’ve made your recipes for boys… oh man, it would be obscene. Lots of browines, apples crisps, bacon cookies, browned butter, flour, and elbow grease later, I finally hooked a good one. Thanks for everything Joy :)

  143. Back to school reminds me that the best beach weather used to be in September! (But school started in the middle of the month.) Oh my, I started Kindergarten in 1962, I like being 56, but that seems like a lot of years ago!

  144. I’m a teacher who woke up with a bad case of the “back to school blues” this morning. A cute supply kit like this would make the going back just a little bit easier. ;)

  145. I love your blog — really really love it! Thanks for making me laugh at work! Can’t wait to share homemade cookies with friends at a BBQ this weekend — thinking of trying my hand at homemade ice cream sandwich cookies using my new ice cream maker!

  146. this is my last year going back to school in the fall . . .

    next year will be real life.

    On a less depressing note, my housemates and I are looking forward to a full kitchen, and I know that your lemon souffle pie will make a few appearances on out table.

  147. whenever my family asks for a great pancake recipe I ALWAYS send them to your blog! I love your site, keep being awesome :D

  148. I’m going to share the love this weekend by making a puffy corn pancake with blackberry sauce and a side of bacon with the amazing people in my life.

  149. I start school next week so this would be perfect for me! Great give away and you look gorgeous on the cover of your new cookbook! = )

  150. I’ll be sharing your pizza recipe and tracy’s pizza recipe with my mom this weekend. We shall make both together and eat them all! :)

  151. everything is so adorable! going back to school will be tough, but it would be a lot sweeter with some of your apple crisp and the back to school giveaway by my side…

  152. OhmygoshIwantitall ……. and I will try your pistachio chocolate chip smoked sea salt (!) cookies ASAP and share even ASAP-er.

  153. School… erk. This bag o’ gifts will definitely make any back-to-schooler excited. I’ve exchanged a toooon of recipes with my email friend. She’s a fellow blogger too! So far, I’ve shared a coconut cream cheese filled brownie recipe. (P.S. it’s on my blog.) Thanks, Joy, for having such a cute giveaway! -nicole

  154. Back to school came way too quickly. I’m not ready for classes yet. Maybe that’s why I’m reading your blog in class instead of taking notes? Oops.

  155. Love your blog!!! I’ve been adapting a lot of your recipees. I’ve made the summer tomato cobler, without the crackers the other day… I will be passing the recipe to my mother in law cause she loved it!!1

  156. love this giveaway!! especially for a chance to win your cookbook!!!! i guess if i dont win i’ll just have to go buy it…..

  157. bigtime denial here about as back to school rapidly approaches anyway. haven’t bought one single pencil yet. instead spending as much time at the beach with my 3 boys before the school madness happens. Love that planner and those straws. Making granola bars to take to the beach today and telling my friends. Thanks for the chance to win, Joy!

  158. I totally watched the X Files in the dark on my own. I’m now a teacher so still badly suffer with September issues. Loving your work.

  159. Even as an adult, fall will always make me reminisce about mulling for hours over the perfect “first day of school outfit”! :-)

  160. Love love love your little stories and open honesty. Where recipes are concerned, I mostly like the one’s with biscuits. I know it’s stupid, but the whole round presentation just does it for me.. simple yet beautiful – like in the tomato cobbler with blue cheese biscuits – pure genius!

    My friends add a big thank you too =)

  161. I’m still in school (until tomorrow thankfully), and about to enjoy my summer vacation before doing it all again next month. Love all the cute supplies. And I will be celebrating this weekend by baking up some cookies for sure!

  162. the end of August still makes my stomach turn into knots just out of habit. To ease the pain of the end of summer i shared your chocolate peanut butter cupcake recipe with my mom. She makes dynamite cupcakes and I know she’ll love this recipe. These cupcakes should help with the coping process! xo

  163. I just sent my mom a recipe for fast and yummy baked falafel. Yay, chickpeas! I’m excited about fall- it’s my favorite season for weather and food!

  164. Hey Joy! Fall definitely means a joyful return to the kitchen.. can’t wait to get my oven going! I’m in the North East, so fall is apple/spices/pumpkin/maple syrup city! Until the humidity drops, though, I’m sticking with quick-baked goodies. Just shared my recipe for whole-wheat cheddar goldfish with my friend’s mom!they bake in a snap, and are so much better than the store-bought ones!

  165. I made birthday donuts for my nephew and it’s a recipe he begged me to share with his mama. :) Thanks for a fun giveaway. These days are passing too quickly!

  166. It would be simply delightful if I did win this prize. My school days are fast-approaching and I need some assistance.

  167. Hi Joy – what beautiful ideas. I received the best recipe for mac and cheese pie from an ex boyfriend’s mom. I share it with everyone. Cheers!

  168. my first child started kindergarten this year and whew…it’s been a rollercoaster for me! she loves it, most days.

    made no bake cookies with her yesterday after school for combo snack and activity. i’ve found it’s the best way to help that transition from school to home and alone to little brother!

  169. I too am kicking and screaming about the return to school. It’s just as bad, if not worse, for us teachers! I am simply choosing to ignore the inevitable return to school next week and have been baking cookies and going out for ice cream cones.

  170. I’ve been sharing the chocolate fudge zucchini cookies recipe I recently found online. Tastes like a brownie! Fall means back to work as I am a teacher. I am looking forward to it!

  171. Although my girls are not yet in school they love very much to be creative and I am absolutely sure they would love the give-away. Of course the cookbook would equally be appreciated ;o)

  172. Hi Joy! It’s back to school for me too! Except I’m on the teaching end. It’s the bittersweet time to tuck away the flip flops and crazy friendship bracelets and whip out the school supplies. But I can’t say that I don’t love the feeling of ripping open a new package of mechanical pencils and organizing my notebooks. Also obsessed with rando nail colors, not gonna lie. xx

  173. Oh, I’m going back to school, and it is so scary, though it is university and I should be confident and grown up.

  174. I am not going back to school, but have loads of nieces in school with whom I would be glad to share the school supplies. But ladies keep your hands off the cookbook, it is mine….but I promise to make tasty after school snacks.

  175. I shared the Dark Chocolate, Pistachio and Smoked Sea Salt Cookies on Facebook, I’m sure my friends will love them!

  176. Working in a University we’re getting ready for all the students to come back next week, so a back to school kit would be awesome for me to feel part of it too!

  177. I’ll totally bake treats from your cookbook and take them to school to convince my new classmates to be friends with me. Sure fire way to make new friends, right?

  178. Ah, back to school… takes on a totally different meaning now that I’m studying to become a teacher! Great time for fresh starts.

  179. Wow, I just looked through your cookie archive and I’m drooling… Think I’ll make some toasted coconut cookies to share with friends this weekend! Love this back to school collection too :)

  180. Going back to school is such a bittersweet time, but your post reminded me that nothing cures bittersweet than with cookies! thank you for the giveaway xx

  181. hi joy! i start my first year of graduate school and student teaching in a few days so i am doubly anxious to start the semester. currently procrastinating to avoid sleep and packing to head back to school. your blog is a nice distraction from all the anxiety. take care! c:

  182. I must look into this Washi tape. I heard about it for the first time yesterday, and then at least five times today. But I have been drooling over your cookbook for some time now and would be thrilled to add it to my collection.

  183. Made the Blackberry Peach Toasted Pecan Bread Pudding with my mama, and it was of course divine. I’m sending the recipe to my roommates to get them so so so excited for the start of senior year next week!

  184. oh, that planner is insane – I love it! your cookbook is gorgeous too, by the way… and i would have been your friend watching x-files in the dark. i was that cool too.

  185. Cute, Joy! I had a really great birthday celebration on Tuesday this year! Thanks to my now fiance! :) Always enjoy reading your posts

  186. As a current teacher, I have to say that your school supplies are WAY cooler than the ones I’m having my students bring! But, your supplies are completely necessary and appropriate for a teacher. :-)

  187. I LOVE fall ! I can look cute again without all the nasty sweat and melty make-up…plus i get to bake, bake, bake goodies ! :)

  188. the only way I can handle going back to school is that I simultaneously get to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and the chunky nit sweaters, scarves, and boots that then follow. This will help so much too! Actually, going back to school shopping is just about my favorite thing ever. I’m going into my sophmore year of highschool and I totally feel you on the making out, locker and AP smush. It’s major. I’m actually searching the thrift stores for a cute pair of overalls to rock ;).

  189. I’m lukewarm on BTS time…happy to be back on a schedule, but will miss not having my little guy around to play with. Last year of elementary this year. Boo hoo.

  190. Yes, best combo of stuff for back to school! I’m super excited about fall with being able to Rick my scarves, make soups and stews, drink lots of warm beverages, and not feel bad about sitting indoors because it’s too chilly (granted I’m in the Bay Area where the summer period feels more like fall). I miss back to school shopping and having the satisfaction of having fresh notebooks and binders and pens! This package would bust my no back to school shopping blues and get a copy of your book to make delicious things!

    Great giveaway and I love listening to the podcast!

    Xoxo
    T

  191. In Alabama, we already started school August 16 (sigh) but this giveaway would be an awesome 1 week into school pick-me-up! Is it sad that I already need one? Anyways, I love everything you write Joy! and of course bake!

  192. Your blog is amazing! It gives me so much inspiration. Your photos are beautiful and the posts are always soothing to read!!

  193. I love school supply shopping! When I’m buying my kids’ stuff, I always throw in a few extras for me! But your stack of back to school supplies are much more exciting than my composition notebook and glue sticks!!!

  194. Oh Fall. I lovei it – the flavors, the colors, everything. Not to mention it’s when I got married. Sigh, happy times.
    I’m always sharing recipes with folks. I started my own Baker’s Corner on my blog (heatherjoy.us). Thanks for all the inspiration!

  195. Just started reading this summer, and I constantly share with my greatest teacher…my mom! Thanks for all the great things you share with us!

  196. I can definitely relate! My mom told me that I peed the bed every night for 2 weeks before starting kindergarten. I’m starting grad school this September and I’m glad to report that even though I’m nervous, my childhood problems haven’t resurfaced!

  197. Hey Joy! I’m an avid podcast listener who just made some sweet treats for my roommates. It’s the start of senior year of college…how crazy is that?! i could use some school supplies; realtalk, some of these supplies will def be used to organize my recipes, which are a mess! thanks girl.

  198. This season always made me itchy, it was a bittersweet experience, but at the end of the day I was so happy, or not but by the begining of fall I was planing sleep overs and going to Día de Muertos Parties, is always a good thing to remember! Now is one of my favorites seasons of year, almost time for pumpkin pie, and a bit of cold wheather to have a good excuse to eat my favorite cookies, besos de novia, are little cookies in a ball shape, with some tiny bits of pecans and walnuts, covered in powder sugar with a glass of milk! MHMHMH HUNGRY NOW! I WILL BE SHARING THAT RECIPE.

  199. ohmygol. I’m actually going back to school! A 27-year-old with yet another first day of school looming ahead. I need some help keeping my edge and staying cool with the young kids these days. Last night I went to deliver freshly-baked cookies to my upstairs neighbors who I had heard playing ping-pong earlier in the evening. Found out it was beer pong.

  200. I’ve been so tempted to try the quick jam you posted recently, and since the berry season is almost over, I need to get on that!

  201. What a nifty prize box! Cheery supplies sure help take the drudgery out of school. Cookies help a lot too.

  202. So excited for this year. After leaving college for 9 years to do the work and then mom thing, I’m going back to get my degree. Scaryexciting.
    Reading your blog is encouraging and one of the high points of my day. I constantly share your recipes with my friends and sisters! Hoping to make the chocolate-seasalt-pecan cookies this week!

  203. Would love the cookbook. Just shared a cookie recipe with a teacher who actually asked me for the recipe last year and I forgot and have felt guilty every time I have seen her since. Finally got it off to her!

  204. this would make my 19th (and probably last) year of going back to school even more amazing! and back to school is no fun if I’m not baking for everyone I know!

  205. JOY! Your podcasts and recipes have helped me survive college. Every thursday I listen to you and Tracey while attempting a recipe. Its my final year this fall and I’m looking forward to more JTB downtime to help curb the college stress and drama – keep the love coming!

  206. you are so fun to read :) thanks for offering this super cute give away. every piece you’re including is a gem, specifically the cookbook. sending good vibes from memphis, tn.

  207. I’m starting my junior year of college this semester and I’m actually not dreading it! Not really looking forward to it….but not dreading it either. But I do love the feeling, smells, and food of fall no matter what :D

  208. I’m so excited to go back to school next Monday, this time as a teacher! Consequently I love all things back to school.

  209. I always loved setting out all my new back to school stuff out on my bed and figuring out what I should wear the first day!

  210. trying to figure out grad school. lame. but this is totally not lame, and the best collection of school supplies i’ve seen! fun!

  211. i love the fall! cool, crisp mornings. enjoying the early morning with a cup of coffee outside. bonfires. sweatshirts. love this giveaway!

  212. I had weird back-to-school dreams for weeks leading up to the big day. Sadly, I am now having dreams about my kids returning to school.
    Love the giveaway. We always celebrate with first day of school cookies.

  213. I love autumn. It’s my favorite season. Crisp air, colorful trees, the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet, and getting back into baking mode. What’s not to love?

  214. Oh man, these goodies would make good gifts for my fellow pastry chef friends (and some for my personal stasssssh, too)! Thanks for sharing your goodies with this giveaway!

  215. Love it. I hope I win!

    (p.s. 99¢ greeting cards at Trader Joes = great way to share and be thrifty.)

    (p.p.s. I totally had to Google “how to make a cent sign on a mac” to make that ¢.)

    (p.p.s. Clearly I was/am/probablywillalwaysbe a late bloomer too. So, high fives for that.)

  216. Love love Autumn!!! Best season ever!!! Especially in New York. I now live in Hawaii which is beautiful but not quite the Autumns in New York!!! Wish me luck, I hope I win!!! :)

  217. Oh, school supplies. I love them year-round. Paper products especially! My desk is overflowing because I cannot contain myself. For real. I’m excited about this giveaway!

  218. Is it considered ‘cool’ to not only wear slippers to the grocery store, but a face mask as well? (Yeah, that was my kind of cool in high school.)

  219. Love those paper straws! I might order some for the next time I have people over for dinner (during which I will of course serve a recipe from your site). Btw, your posts recently have been extra great. The glimpses into your daily joys and challenges always give me inspiration for how to lead a better life.

  220. At her request, I taught my four-year-old daughter how to make carrot soup. (She loved the immersion blending part the best.) It was the messiest love I have ever shown.

  221. This is probably the first time I’m excited about back to school because it will be the end of my undergraduate studies and I will finally be getting my Bachelor’s degree but if I were to win the giveaway that would totally put it over the top!

  222. My favorite thing about “Back to School” was the fact that I was finally aloud to start my Christmas countdown. Also, I LOVED shopping for my new school shoes. Hated the clothes part….it was (and is still) all about the shoes ;-)

  223. The only good thing about September is the transition into sweater-weather! And it’s totally acceptable to start eating pumpkin flavored everything, which people seem to frown upon in June and July for some odd reason! :)

  224. Wow. What would it be like to have a first day of school again? How frightening in memory as it must be in “real life” now. Times have-a-changed since I’ve been in school, but I’m sure, most of the fundamentals are the same. Thanks for the giveaway.

  225. Ooooh man! This looks amazingly awesome in all sorts of ways!

    I share all sorts of your recipes all the time, but for this occasion I’ll share your single lady pancake recipe with my facebook since it’s possibly the best thing evar.

  226. I am so excited for this giveaway! Thank you. I love your recipes and the inspiration you give to others who read your blog

  227. i love(d) back to school because i LOVE the school supplies! all these things make my heart go pitter patter…
    yes, yes, i’m a nerd!

  228. Sept in 1950s always meant 5 new dresses for school, new pair of ugly, orthopedic type shoes, 5 new socks, underpants, new lunchbox, and many stern lectures. I could HARDLY wait to see who the teacher would be. Never rode a bus nor bought supplies–but ohhh, back to school was special for my twin Peggy and I! Summer vacation was great–but it was time for it to be over!

  229. Awesome possum – thank you for sharing the love, Joy! To pay it forward, I will share the recipe for my grandmother’s famous Mandelbread (their like little almond and cinnamon sugar biscotti) with the guests at my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary party this weekend. Thank you!

  230. What an incredibly cute giveaway! I’m always recommending your recipes… but I’m not ready to lend my book out just yet in case someone accidentally loses it!

  231. I can still recall the fresh smell of newly purchased pencils, trapper keepers, folders and notebooks. Organizing my backpack was always a fun “day before the first day of school” tradition. I suppose I failed at recognizing my own OCD behavior even as a youngster. Anyway! I love this giveaway, I love your amazing recipes especially when it comes to the joys of fall baking! Good luck everyone :)

  232. Oh gosh what a great looking box…
    I’ll second Theresa with the excitement of getting these gifts and going into Junior Year. It’s seriously frightening. Worse than right before jumping into a cold pool of water.

  233. Dreading the first day of school was more my style. The end of my summer which was full of swimming pool time, outside playing from dawn to dusk, eating out on the porch, beach escapades, care free time ending was more than I could take.

  234. My son’s going into the 2nd grade! Time flies… You’ll see for yourself someday, Joy :-) lol I know, I know–motherhood talk scares you a bit. Anywho, I’m kinda ready for the Fall. I’m tired of shaving. Bring on the tights!!

  235. Is it weird that looking at these inedibles make my mouth water just like the sight of a plate of cookies would? The package you put together is JUST TOO ADORABLE! (and super useful of course)

  236. I’m making cookies for the graduate class I’m instructing this semester. A class of 138. One giant chocolate chip cookie each. (This weekend is going to be fun!)

  237. Dear Joythebaker,

    I have been furiously shopping for a planner because my head is going to explode from the insanity of my new fall schedule. Everything I found was ugly. This is not ugly. This is adorable. I need it. It’s so adorable that it makes me want to clean my desk and leave out only the adorable things.

    Thank you.

  238. It has been 14 years since I last attended school but I would love a back to school kit like the one you made. I have been a huge admirer of those straws since I first saw them on your site.

  239. What a cute giveaway!!!! Fall is a time for baking for me.
    I am sharing my favorite pumpkin bar recipe with my sister!!

  240. Great giveaway! I love September and back-to-school, it’s means Fall is just around the corner. Hello sweaters, scarves and snuggling!

  241. School has already started for me. I just finished my 3rd day teaching (first year). I have 9 students- 8 boys and 1 girl. It is going to be an interesting, but good year.

    Oh, and I just wanted you to know, Joy, that your posts always make me smile. I think your name truly fits you, as you bring such little moments of joy into our lives.

    Thanks!

  242. Yay for back to school! As someone who works in elementary schools, it’s a love/hate feeling at the beginning of the year. :o) Cute giveaway!

  243. I just love back to school and back to school shopping! I just couldn’t wait to start up my classes this semester! And I’ve totally been sharing the love in a new baking blog I made about a week ago after lots of encouragement from friends!

    Btw, I’ve so been eyeing your cookbook for quite some time now! I flipped through the amazon preview pages, and love it so far!

  244. Oh my, LOOK at all those lovely things. As a highschool student taking college classes this year (scary, trust me!) I could really use the sunshine right now. (I do have the cookbook already, though. I’m a cheater. It made my little brother’s birthday SO MUCH FUN.)

    P.S. – Totally hearing you on the red nailpolish. I never leave home without wearing some sort of red.

  245. I’m not going back to school, but I am entering busy season at work, so fun school supplies do about the same thing with me! Plus, I would love the cookbook (to use once I actually have the time)!

  246. I’m going back to school this Monday, my senior year of college! It feels really weird that this will be my last first day of school (at least for a while). I have been going to school consecutively for 19 years including this upcoming year. What will I do with myself come next fall??Anywho, I’m going to share my new favorite brownie recipe with facebook, they’ll thank me later. Pleasant thoughts and wishes to you Joy, and to everyone else!

  247. I’m adore back-to-school supplies, they’re the best thing about school! ;) Thank you for the giveaway!

  248. My ex (who is kind of one of my best friends now… it’s cool) has gotten into baking lately and keeps asking me for “[my] favorite _____ recipe.” Fill in the blank with: red velvet, bread pudding, etc. I keep sending him to your site. You’d think he’d have learned by now, eh?

  249. After six years out, I’m going back to school to become a speech language pathologist (speech therapist) and every good speech therapist needs a copy of your new book! Thanks for the give away :)

  250. I’m going back to school this fall myself: Masters in Education Policy. First day of classes is September 24, so if I win the giveaway, it will be just in time! But if I don’t, I’ll make myself a batch of my favorite snickerdoodles, which is a recipe shared with me by the cafeteria at my high school, and has just the right amount of cinnamon and clovey spices to make fall fragrant and not so back-to-school-scary.

  251. Yay for give aways! I started my senior year of college on Monday. Life is rough. Nail polish makes things better.

  252. I LOVED the first day of school…I was a sit-in-the-first-row, perfect-attendance, want-to-be-a-professional-student type of girl. WORK SUCKS!! :-)

  253. I had forgotten until just now how much I hated the first day of school but how much I LOVED back-to-school shopping! It would take me a full 3 hours to pick out a single shirt. Still does.

  254. your giveaway is so cool! it would be perfect for my first day back to school – there’s nothing better than pink nail polish, black and white bookmark tabs and a book full of recipes for lunch break!

  255. What a fun little give away! I head back to school on Monday and would gladly use all of these cute supplies!

  256. I’m super in love with that pack and would love it for my very own. Today is not a good baking day; I wanted to make pound cake, but I’m low on butter. I thought chocolate chip cookies, but damn it, no brown sugar. It’s fine, but argh.

  257. I’m not in any position to give my friends life advice on Twitter (I could use plenty though!) so instead I’ll have to share a cookie recipe- maybe my favorite Hazelnut Chocalate cookie recipe from Giada!

  258. I remember always being excited for back to school, secretly hoping that people thought I’d become more attractive over the summer. Now I still look forward to back to school although it means the end of summer.

  259. I teach middle school…so I don’t know about the rest of the country, but around here the dread starts mounting in August…we’ve been at it for 3 weeks already, and I get more fall-phobic than any of my students ever thought about getting. Nothing makes you feel as simultaneously young and old as teaching 14 year-olds who think 33 is knocking on death’s door :)

  260. Such an awesome giveaway! Reminds me of in You’ve Got Mail when Tom Hanks says he would send a bouquet of sharpened pencils to Meg Ryan if he knew her address. I love your blog!

  261. My favorite part of going back to school has always been the supplies, and these are adorable [and so necessary]. Lovely giveaway!

  262. I was never a fan of the first day of school either (shy shy shy) but I had… okay, HAVE a mad love for school supplies. :) Thanks for the awesome giveaway! And I’m sharing some coconut-chocolate cookies today! :)

  263. My six year old son had his first day of first grade today. I was jealous of his back to school supplies! I think I need some of my own. :) And his first no school day will be a cupcake baking day, so I would LOVE to have your cookbook to guide us!! My friend brought in some of your cupcakes, and it totally made my day when she saved the last one just for me!!! Fantastic!

  264. Pick me! Pick me!
    I am needing school stuffs for my normal life : )
    Thanks a many! Now, it’s the time to make some great cooks ? Yum!

  265. I am so so ready for fall! I’ve been working in Houston for the summer and I’ve been dreaming of chunky sweaters and football and pumpkin pie for weeks now! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!

  266. The first thing I’ve found that will actually make me glad it’s getting toward the end of summer. I’m just not in the soup, extra layers, and dark before 9 o’clock mindset yet!

  267. so adorable. fall is by far my favorite season and even though i haven’t had to “back-to-school” shop for a while now, i still buy a student planner every year as my calendar. weird, i know…

  268. I’m heading to London this Fall to go back to school. 28, why not? Baking is my destresser and friend-maker, so I’m going to have lots of fun sharing your recipes – especially that cobbler from earlier this summer! I made it with cherries and it was delicious! Also, I’ve been making your smoothies all summer to get fit. Gotta look cute for Camden.

    Wish me luck! MFA Creative Producing. Hope to help theatre-makers make art and get paid. Love your work, love your recipes. Happy Fall!

  269. I would love to get your cook book! I love your blog, though I’ve never commented before. One of my favorite recipes of yours is the Grapefruit Scones- so delicious!

  270. Do we think that being more excited for school to start than summer to start is a good thing or bad thing? I mean hello boots and scarves. So ready for you to be back in my life.

  271. So excited for fall despite that fact that it means far less lazy mornings with my kids. I hope I’ll get to create some fabulous goodies from your cookbook during lazy weekends with my kids!

  272. I have three going back to school — elementary, middle, and high school. I love buying the crayola crayons, Elmer’s glue, and supplies that remind me of elementary school. The 3-inch binders, highlighters and calculators that I buy for my older kids, however, bring back much different memories. It’s always sad to see summer end, but I do love the anticipation of a new school year and the sight of yellow busses and fresh faces on the first day.

  273. Great giveaway. I’m mostly interested in your book, but the other stuff looks nice as well, especially the mentos.

    I shared a zucchini pancake recipe with my mom, then made them for her, and they turned out great. Then I shared a lemon zucchini cake recipe with her, and that turned out not-so-great, but the pancakes were definitely a win.

  274. One of my favorite back to school memories is picking out my Charlie’s Angels tin lunchbox. You know, the old fashioned kind that latched on the top with the plastic handle, like a little briefcase? I was about 10 when I got it and I was so excited I can still remember it like it was yesterday!

  275. Autumn is my favorite season – sleeping with the windows open again, good apples for pie, and have temps low enough to wear flannel shirts, drink tea, and snuggle in blankets!

  276. School starting makes me think about baking…and cookies are one of my favorite memories about returning home from school – my mom would sometimes have a treat for us that included warm chocolate chip cookies and milk.

  277. Mmmm cookies :) In the spirit of back to school, though I’m sharing your Lemon Blueberry Poppyseed muffins because A) who doesn’t love muffins? and B) What parent wouldn’t feel good about sending their kids off with some beautiful healthy-ish muffins covered in fabulous topping? I’m not a parent, but if I was, I’d be all over that.

  278. Ohhhhh I really really hope I win! I’m going to need your lovely book to help me survive the dreadful Swedish winter! How nice it would be to turn the pages with my beautiful orange and red nails and mark in my brand new planner the recipes that will spice up my life!

  279. I have been slowly making my way through your recipes on your blog and LOVE them! Would love to have the cookbook to try even more recipes!!

  280. I hated going back to school (seriously late bloomer here — I was still growing my freshman year of college!) BUT I love new supplies — a new planner can make a girl feel invincible!

  281. I’ve been feeling the back to school vibes, as well!

    Also I love the lines “Let’s work with the change. Let’s treat ourselves.” Thanks for this!

  282. Im in what feels like my 10th year of college studying criminal justice and the idea of using bear-shaped erasers in a class full of future cops and criminal lawyers amuses me to no end. : )

  283. woops. trying again. commented on a different post by accident.

    i had some serious overalls in grade 9. the question is: one strap or two? love this little giveaway.

  284. What a great giveaway! Fall is my favorite time of year. I look forward to the cooler temperatures, the change in colors, the baking, purchasing pumpkins at the local farmers market and snuggling in on a chilly evening to watch a movie or read a good boy!

  285. this is so cute! Joy, I used to share your dread of September but now that it means leaving home to go back to college, I couldnt be more excited!

  286. I remember being placed in the same classroom with my twin sister, every year of grade school.. The worst part was, we were always given one set of books to share. Each time there was an open book test, one of us was always in trouble for whispering, even though we were only asking to use the book. When I see the wonderful give-a-way, it reminds me of the joys of school, including wonderful friendships.

  287. To quote “You’ve Got Mail:” “I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils, if I knew your name and address.”
    I love fall. Now that I am no longer a student, things seem way less anticlimactic.

  288. here in Maine, even though it’s still summer the nights are getting cooler and it won’t be long before back to school is upon us. fun school supplies are always in demand here-I also love the cooler weather for baking… I can almost smell the fresh baked apple pie in the oven lol. Thanks for the chance and enjoy the rest of your week

  289. I guess this is my second year of life not going back to school….but it still feels like life since being done has just been one prolonged summer. Hope the feeling lasts….

    Anyhow, since I am selfish I did the opposite of sharing a recipe. I emailed the friend who made my wedding (carrot) cake and asked for the recipe….because I know I will not be able to wait until my first anniversary to have another bite :)

  290. Haven’t had to worry about that first day of school for several years now. I do, however, get the urge to shop for school supplies every year about this time…once the temperature drops enough for me to get a whiff of Fall, I crave colorful new notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils. It always comes right before the “Everything I bake must have pumpkin in it!” craving kicks in.

  291. Since we haven’t really had summer yet in S.F., I’m excited for fall and some warmer temps. Also super excited for this cool giveaway. Thanks for helping make life fun.

  292. Back to school has always been one of my favorite times of years. It’s always a good time to start something new! I’ve got a birthday this Friday and will be using my brand new bunt cake and your best ever chocolate bunt cake recipe!

  293. I always hated the first day, because I always had to pronounce my last name! I envied the smiths and millers! but the best was the new school supplies!

  294. After four months of applying for “real jobs,” grad school is starting to look oh-so-sweet. These objects would be perfect!

  295. Our college just gave my friend and I eight hundred dollars so we can make cookies and cupcakes and stuff for everyone in our dorm’s birthday. Needless to say, even more time will be spent on your website this term!

  296. I always dreaded the part where the teacher calls role call the first day of classes. Not only did I not like my name those days, I was petrified they would pronounce it wrong. Correct: Ginny (like Gin n Juice) Incorrect: Pronounced with a hard G (Guinea). Yes it happened. All the time! Kids laughed, I cringed and they even wrote Pig after my name when I got my name written on the board. (Guinea Pig) Ahhh, school memories!

  297. Love this box, and your sentiments in general! No matter how old I get, fall always seems to be a time of change, both good and bad. I’d love to enter the season cooking with your cookbook :-)

  298. Aww this is a lovely gift. I have only recently discovered your blog and every time I visit this page it puts me in a great mood. as well as feeling extremely hungry!… Have already tried a few recipes, genius!

    Laura.

  299. I love fall! Back to school, school supplies, the weather in the midwest is beautiful, college football….My favorite time of year by far!

  300. No more school for me but I still love the supplies and I adore pretty stationery. Joy–your blog always makes me smile. Thank you for your sharing your life!

  301. I had Sally Jesse Raphel glasses all through middle school in addition to the ill-fitted clothes I wore….yet I was always mystified at being called a dork! Now I’m watch my little guy get all ready for his first day of second grade and all I think is, “Whew. There but for the grace of God….” Luckily, he is waaaaayy cooler then I ever was!

  302. When I was a kid, I loved going back to school (especially due to the plethora of new school supplies). Here’s hoping my kids are that excited!

  303. I love this giveaway, and I love your blog! The planner looks fantastic. Also, September makes me feel nervous too, although I love it because that means fall is coming soon… :)

  304. I have the exact same feelings as you for before school starts… I start next week :( I love this giveaway and your blog though!! I love making chocolate chip cookies and so I will definitely send that recipe out.

  305. I have my last first-day-of-school (well, law school) coming up, and as a student, I’m always on the lookout for fun school supplies (as well as recipes to bake while procrastinating!). Thanks Joy!

  306. Hi Joy,

    I love the back to school season, buying a new planner and stationary. Here in Blighty there’s a great store called Paperchase that caters to all my stationary and crafting needs. Next time you’re in London you should check out their flagship store on Tottenham Court Road, I just know you’ll love it.

    Oone of my work colleagues has a glut of blackberries so I will be sharing your Berry Cobbler Pie Bar recipe with them!

  307. Ah…the first day of school. I love the promise of unsharpened pencils and empty comp books. And that smell, the almost crispness of fall with the slight hint of summer scent still lingering in the air.
    But indeed I was awkward, all through my school years. And maybe still am a little but I have embraced the uniqueness and wouldn’t change a thing.
    You made me crack up about the overalls…that was so me!! That and the spiral perm and curled bangs, one layer up…one layer down. My little sister was the one rocking the Blossom hat!
    This week I’m sharing Tracy Shutterbean’s ‘Carnival Cookies’ with my family. My son is dairy allergic and completely addicted to popcorn and this is the perfect treat for him.
    LOVE your blog and your podcast is on the list of my weekly highlights! Thank you for sharing your world with us :)

  308. i always loved back to school time – it means fall and football and hooded sweatshirts and hot chocolate are on their way!

  309. Back to school is a very exciting time, especially when you’re a teacher! Along with being a teacher comes an automatic obsession with supplies, and your goodies are no exception. :) Love all your recipes, and wonderful advice as well! Your blog is always full of inspiration, and it’s hard not to pass that along. So thank you! Oh, and thanks for doing a giveaway, too! :)

  310. Love this giveaway! I love feeling the shift in weather as fall approaches, and I love fall! Apples, pumpkins, and lots of baking :) I miss the first day of school and the anticipation of seeing who is in your classes and who your teachers are. Loved back to school shopping!

  311. since my boss just quit, i’m thinking i can go on a little school supply binge to make all the new work i’ll have to do just sliiiiiiiiiiightly better. thanks for always making my day a little brighter!

  312. What a great idea! Back to school time is the best. There’s something about fun, new supplies that help you start off on the right foot for a new school year!

  313. My stomach hurt and my palms were SWEATING this morning getting ready to start my fourth year of college. Why why why?! Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone in the anxiousness.

  314. School supplies were the BEST and only good part of back-to-school in my opinion…nothing beats brand new notebooks and pens! Joy the Baker, your posts always make my day:-)

  315. What a great way to start a new season! I love all the lovelies that you added to this ‘kit’! Fingers crossed!
    b.

  316. I’m kinda bummed that I won’t be able to browse all the back to school-things when I actually go back to school in January. Ah well, I’ll do some ‘prep’ early I guess.

  317. so cute! leaving for college in a week, back to school jitters are definitely present as i start my new adventure!

  318. Dear Joy, I would love love love love love love to have your cookbook in my kitchen! I actually don’t have any cookbooks as I do it old school style jotting down your recipes by hand (no printer). This would be an awesome win (so would a printer, but your cookbook would take care of that!)

  319. BEST GIVEAWAY! I love this iea, and I would veeeery much like to dig through your cookbook. I’ve been baking zucchini bread, as my CSA has it out the wazoo and we can’t eat it fast enough.

  320. Ohhh, this is going to be my last back-to-school for a while, and possibly forever. Yikes. (I actually graduate with my bachelor’s degree in mid-November! Bonkers!) As for sharing the love, I just did a recipe swap with my mom’s best friend! She gave me her deeelicious poppyseed quickbread recipe, and I traded my favorite brownie recipe. :)

  321. already commented on the fb accidentally…

    Oh well. I picked out my outfit for my first day of med school this week just like the nervous middle schooler I always was. Despite all the work it was usually a flop (cargo pants, anyone?). HOWEVER, I’ve always had a guilty passion for school supplies.

    Thanks for the pistachio chocolate chip cookies recipe the other day. Shared those with some new classmates/coworkers. Baked good are always my best bet as a shy one to make new friends.

  322. I’m going to make my parents your gooey chocolate cakes just for the heck of it! Thanks for the idea. I’m definitely nervous for my first day of college!

  323. Wow- what an amazing and original giveaway! I wold share a cookie recipe, but my younger sister is the one who does all the cookie baking and as she already has tons of recipes, I won’t burden her with another… except maybe these reallly good dark chocolate and sea salt ones I found on I Talk To Food!!

  324. What a cute giveaway! I am loving the paper straw kick everyone is on but sadly I haven’t bought myself any. I am afraid I would hoard them and never let anyone us them. HA!

  325. Oh, how I love new school supplies. Even when going go college I couldn’t wait to get that new, fancy mechanical pencil and new notebooks. The first day of school, however, I just wanted to crawl in a dark hole until it was over.

  326. That planner looks adorable! Being a teacher, Sept. is stressful, but exciting too–just like fancy pencils.

  327. I love September. I’m no longer in school, but I still feel the tug of the school supplies aisle, and usually have to indulge in some new pens, notebooks, and a fun office supply (adorable pushpins made it into the basket this year). Now I’m dating a teacher, so I have that as an excuse to stock up on supplies to donate to his class. I think I’m going to go bake cookies for the teachers lounge now.

  328. Thanks for sharing this lovely book and supplies. I can’t wait to look at your fabulous recipes and read more and
    make something yummy!

  329. Always loved back to school and the fall.

    This year marks my first non-back to school. My son graduated last year from high school and is now getting ready to go into the army. So no back to school shopping for me.

    I already own your GREAT cookbook so if I should win, I will give the cookbook to my sister who I am always sharing recipes/food with.

  330. I love back-to-school time, but then again, I was a late bloomer too and a big nerd. I’m in my mid-thirties now but still get excited when I see the back-to-school supplies at stores. I always walk through the aisles! Plus, September is my birthday month!

  331. Awesome giveaway!!! September can be tiresome but I look forward to Autumn because that’s when I get back into the kitchen and start baking, also start gaining the pounds back. Oh well I can always take a walk outside while eating warm out of the over cookies!

  332. Hi Joy! I love the idea of this giveaway-its so fun! I have always been pretty excited about back-to-school for some reason…I’m just weird like that. But I didn’t like getting a boatload of homework! I’ve been looking at your cookbook for a while and it would be amazing to have it; I can only imagine the amazing recipes you must have created for it! Thanks for this awesome giveaway!!

  333. Wow, this looks soooo neat! I love reading your blog, AND your cookbook! My library has it and I’ve had it checked it out for a shamefully long time……( more than once actually!) I would love to have it available at my fingertips 24/7.
    P.S. Made the spicy curry ketchup recently, and my whole family loved it!

  334. These are adorable! I only liked the first day of school, because we actually didn’t do any school work and it was great to catch up with friends! After that I couldn’t wait for the last day.

  335. As an elementary school teacher, I get to relive those first day of school jitters every year! Am obsessing over washi tape and plan on getting some for the classroom. Thanks for offering up another amazing giveaway!

  336. Great giveaway, JOY! I loved all the new things about the first day of school. New clothes, new school supplies, new shoes… I still miss the school supplies and often find myself in that aisle at Target, when I have neither a class to take nor children to buy it for!

  337. Great giveaway! I used to love school so much, I was such a geek :) Now I just have a desk in a spare room but it absolutely needs supplies and a Joy The Baker Cookbook! My nails are also in need of love, the are pretty long and healthy looking, but boy are the naked, it seems such a waste! :) Thanks Joy :)

  338. I made chocolate chunk walnut cookies last week for a friend’s birthday. He got 24 cookies – 23 for his age and an extra for good luck, or just because everyone needs more cookies.

    I’m not in school anymore but I do work at a college. I think getting everything ready for 65 different lab classes is still less intimidating than the first day back!!

    Love your blog. I’ve made your brown sugar waffles twice this month!! They are the only amazing waffle recipe I have found that doesn’t require me to break my arm whipping egg whites.

  339. i am about to start college in a week (yes, i’ve been reading your blog as a high school student…) and i’m both nervous and excited! your awesome recipes have let me share my love for my friends many, many times… the cappuccino cookies are my favorite btw :)

  340. Here’s to my 22nd, my last, first day of school. Nail polish and cupcakes. Just what I need to ease the pain of an era’s end. Thanks for a consistently lovely read, Joy!

  341. Is it terrible that I kind of miss school? Let me be more specific – I miss college. That was fun, classes were fun, and there was way less drama than middle & high school. The downside to fall is that all the great produce that we’ve been enjoying stops. The upside is fall baking! And Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes. I think that’s a fair trade.

  342. back to school was always my favourite time of the year. maybe that’s because i had (and still have) a raving stationary addiction.

  343. Here’s to my 22nd, my last, first day of school. Nail polish. And cupcakes. Just what I need to soften the pain of an era’s end! Thanks as always for a consistently lovely read, Joy!

  344. “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms.” -Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail

  345. I love school supplies! Even now that I’ve been out of school for awhile, I still love it.

    Winning this kit would be awesome, a gift to Joy from Joy :)

  346. What a JOY it would be to have your cookbook right before the semester starts. After all, I am a broke college kid!! (: Love you Joy, look forward to your posts everyday. And thanks for the sharing your favorite photo editing apps. they’re awesome!!!

  347. I love, love, love this time of year! (And not because I avoided awkward first days of school. I think my curly bangs and colored waist high jeans were just so awful I’ve been forced to repress the memory). I think it’s because I like sweaters and boots and bonfires (and also because I hate humidity and mosquitos which seems to be the definition of summer in Ohio).

    Fall would be even more awesome if it contained presents. Just sayin.

  348. i love the back to school season. fall is my favorite time of year and i just love that you are doing such a cool giveaway.

  349. Summer is truly my favourite seasons but once mid-August hits I get reeeeally excited for fall! I can’t wait for apple cider and falling leaves. Boots and scarves. So pumped!

  350. Do you still have nightmares about the END of the school year- you know, the one where you realize you’ve never been to the class in question and don’t even know how to find the room where you’re supposed to be taking the final exam?? I hate that dream! Almost as much as first day of school jitters- YUCK! So prefer chocolate chip cookies. So going to make some for myself tonight!

  351. such a fun giveaway! i agree that the back-to-school season always makes me jittery too, but i am excited for fall to come…time for pumpkins galore and tons of fun fall recipes!

  352. What an awesome give-away! I love love love school supplies, for me the best part of school is buying new supplies! Already in the first weeks of the holidays i’m thinking about how i would order my binders and looking on so many sites and into so many magazines to find the nicest way. I just love it, it’s what makes school fun! I’m completely in love with the planner, it’s just awesome! I’m someone who wants to write everything down, I’ve like 3 agendas with totally the same information :’) And ow, i’m so curious about the cooking book! Looks great! xx

  353. As a recent grad of post-secondary school, I am jonesing so hard for a thick stack of lined hilroy paper. Who will I discuss Cold War antics with?? Likely my professors who I have befriended on the side.

    I am sending my momma a granola recipe that is laced with big shags of coconut flesh, maple syrup, raw cacao, goji berries all of that kind of business. We usually take long glorious hikes in the hinterland. Snacks are key!

    I am starting a new job so the day planner would be killer. As a former project manager, that sort of thing really gets me jazzed.

  354. I’m not in school but my favorite part of school was always the school supplies so I’d love to get my favorite part back!

  355. So cute! I was also a late bloomer… didn’t really find my stride until my senior year of college–when I decided that I’m weird and if you don’t like me, it’s not my problem.

    I was always excited about the beginning of the school year; I think I had some hidden hope that this year would be different, this year I would do everything I always wanted to do socially, have a boyfriend, lose the weight. By Homecoming, dreams were smashed. Sigh.

    Here’s to not ever going back to high school again!

  356. back to school- wowee; love this giveaway and this September I am actually going back to college. A mother of 2 kids and I just can’t wait for the session to begin. Much love joy !

  357. I always loved back to school season! Now I get so excited shopping for my girls. This fun package would add to the giddy-ness!

  358. Love this time of year-back to school and all! Ready to make some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and have a Carmel apple dipping night, go for a hayride, pick apples at the orchards, eat an embarrassing amount of candy corn
    and cozy up for a bonfire. So over this heat. Come on fall-let’s do this!

  359. Absolutely love the Back to School Season and was afraid I would miss out on the excitement since I am abroad for study but this just proves that it can be celebrated anywhere in the world! Love (: n

  360. JOY! This is my very very last year of back to school (so help me God!) and I’d love to start it with such awesome free stuff. So fun. Here’s to fall!

  361. I think I will need to make something appley and cinnamony once September rolls around. Nothing like that warm smell on a fall day.

  362. Hi Joy! I shared a ton of recipes with my cousin when I gave her your cookbook for her wedding shower! Thanks for making a special gift so simple :)

    My fingers are crossed to win the giveaway, since I gifted the cookbook and do not yet have a copy of my own!

    xx
    Crista

  363. i have an amazing recipe for coffee bean cookies. i think i’ll make some this week for a friend!

    your giveaway looks fabulous! (and you’re not the only one who felt that way about AP courses!)

  364. I’m starting grad school next week. So the September jitters are still so real for me. I’ll absolutely paint my nails a bold color this weekend to keep myself chic (what? I don’t know what that is either). But no matter how nervous I get, I’m still such a nerd for crisp brand new notebooks and pencils.

  365. This is such a great idea! I’ve been eyeing your book, and who can say no to straws and nail polish? Not this girl.

  366. This is so exciting!
    I LOVE LOVE LOVE back to school!
    A backpack filled to overflowing with new school supplies!
    My favorite outfit and new shoes!
    My hair freshly cut!
    I wish I could start back to school!
    I guess I will settle to buy my grandson his school supplies.

  367. I’m a teacher, so the first day of school is still a very real thing for me. :) Also, being on the other side of things, I can say that teachers and students have all the same feelings on the first day of school…

  368. Anyone else remember the mentos commercial where the guy gets paint on his suit from sitting on a wet bench? so he just rolls around on the bench to make these perfect even stripes all the way down? they’re kind of saying “if life gives you lemons, eat a mentos.” weird mentos marketing people – but i get you.

  369. I always wanted my mom to be the type who would buy me lots of colored pencils for no good reason and then bake cookies for my after-school snack. That would have made my education complete.

  370. Monday was MY KIDS (2 1/2 & 4) first day of school! They were so excited and so cute! I’m in HOT Houston so i’m thanking God Sept is coming….. the kids look even cuter in their uniforms with the matching cardigans.

  371. I have a 9 year old that lives for new school supplies…Starts asking in June to go supply shopping. I could live in summer forever.
    This giveaway would make my fall transition smoother….and a little girl very happy. :)

  372. What a fun care package! I am so happy my school days are over, unfortunately “back to school” is engraved in me and I always get anxiety this time of the year. I constantly have to remind myself that I am an adult and that my life/schedule will not change at the end of August, summer will peacefully blend into autumn!
    PS I bought your book a few weeks ago but wouldn’t mind an extra copy for my sister!

  373. awesome giveaway! ugh school was so awkward for me too! I dreaded it and now that I am out (10 years now) I have grown to love who I am and have evolved to! :)

  374. Ohhh the first day of school. How I hated it. But oh my how I loved the fresh school supplies. I love to hang out in the office supply isle at the store.

  375. I’m about to begin my very first year teaching, and this would be such a cool thing to start off with :-)

  376. Such an awesome giveaway! I love that you included mentos. Totally proof that you’ve gotten cooler in your thirties!…not that I knew you in your twenties but, I don’t recall you ever doing a give away that included mentos in your twenties so, by default, you must be cooler! :p

  377. Yay!! I love fall and all of the cool air, crackling leaves and garden harvest! It’s not cool enough to start making soups yet but I have started making cookies each week for the kids! Penut butter cookies, orange cookies (my favorite) and ginger snaps. Yum.

  378. Most awkward first day of school: freshman year in high school. All the guys I knew from middle school got a foot taller (finally I wasn’t Gigantor anymore!) which made them even more intimidating, and I went for slacker chic (read: sweatshirt and cutoff shorts) which happened to be encapsulated in a year book picture. My ONE yearbook appearance outside of the extremely awkward canned photos.
    Upside to Fall: Apple picking! Love it, can’t get enough of it! I suggest you take a weekend trip to visit your sister and go apple picking up yonder in the hippie north.

  379. i have your cookbook BUT i would love another to give to my brother and his almost wife (30 days!) and paper straws rock my world.

  380. What a fun gift pack. I actually like back to school – always have! September holds so much promise, it’s like the real new year for me.

  381. Aw man, am I glad school’s over. However, I’m still tied to the education system in my 3rd year of college now, so I could sure use some of those pencils! Something to make quantum physics a bit cheerier this semester – and maybe sharing cookies will help also! :)

  382. September is when my real life starts, so maybe its less of ‘back to school’ and more of a moving forward, as far away from school as possible. Either one works for me…

  383. We made cookies for two sets of new neighbors who just moved in. Does that count?
    Thanks for the giveaway, very fun!

  384. LOVE!!! I love fall and back-to-school supplies! I don’t get to buy myself any these days but I get to buy them for my kiddos, which is nearly as fun (these teachers have become VERY specific about supplies). I REALLY would LOVE to win this box of goodies!! And I LOVE you Joy and think you have always been cool- you were just too cool to know it!

  385. I’ve been passing out your chocolate bundt cake with the sour cream chocolate ganache to everyone this week. It is so delicious and so easy. We are currently on the road, driving to CA from the East coast with two little girls and our cat. This back to school box would be a great welcome to CA gift :). Thanks for your blog! I love what you write and how you write it–

  386. Autumn is my favourite season. Crisp clear days. Russet colours. Woodsmoke. Knitting and embroidering by the fire. Hot tea and stem ginger cookies. I share this recipe all the time…it’s amazing. My eldest starts school in two weeks, so we are starting a new generation of “back to schools”. What fun!

  387. love back to school season, even better now that i just graduated college in may! into the real world now, but i still get those “fresh start!” feelings :)

  388. SOooooo cute! I love this….it makes me so sad I’m no longer “in school” – i used to love picking out new supplies at staples as a kid…..so if I bring this to work (I’m a pediatric resident) maybe I can pretend im back in school :)

  389. Oh, it is too painfully adorable! I am going to share my favourite Maple and Walnut cookies with my dear friend all the way across the country (which is a serious distance for an Australian!) :)

  390. I have always been incredibly excited in the last few days of August, and my favourite activity was to buy new supplies for school :)
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    xo,
    Kata

  391. I’ve been baking for hours today, and the kitchen smells heavenly. Despite looking as if a flour bomb exploded in there. I’ll be delivering these cookies to all my neighbors, hoping it will be a great way of introducing myself.

  392. I never could say no to back to school supplies. Visualising drinking milk from those straws. Doodling with those pencils. And covering things in washi tape. Sounds like a solid September. *crossing fingers*

    x Elena @ Randomly Happy

  393. Aww there is nothing better than a fresh set of stationery to signal to my brain that it is time to WORK! I love recycled cardboard folders matched with fine japanese pens. I’m in the middle of the uni semester here in Australia so I feel like I would desperately benefit from some love. But, in lieu of a provider, I’ve been looking up all your delicious salad and soup recipes in the hope of delivering some love myself! Thanks Joy xxx

  394. Oh man! I haven’t bought mentos since I tried to blow up a bottle of pepsi back in elementary school. This is such an awesome collection of things.

  395. Aww…this giveaway makes me happy. I’m many, many years post-school, but I still have to fight the itch to stock up on awesome school supplies every year around this time.

  396. I love and hate this time of year. I love shopping for the supplies (except the textbooks – expensive and heavy) but I miss my girls when they go back to school. I had daughter #2 head off to university and that was hard because she is such a long way away from me. She sent me a text tonight telling me how much she misses my cooking, so I am going to email her a recipe for her favorite risotto so she can make it. I think I will also send her your recipe for your Oatmeal Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies so she can have something sweet afterwards.

  397. I’ve finished school .. and so it’s your cookbook that is making me drool. Your words and recipes are an aptly named joy. Thank you.

  398. Mmm, that fabulous cookbook would Be an excellent distraction from studying, and a fabulous source of comfort food for upcoming study snacks!

  399. I love Fall! Nerd alert = I also always loved returning to school. My love of the new school year was usually short-lived, but I always was really excited about new beginnings, and the prospect of all new school supplies. There’s something about fresh notebooks and a full pencil case that always made me swoon, haha!

  400. I honestly don’t know how you weren’t the coolest kid in school. Or rocked the quirky art studio class scene (I’m guilty) .. being cool and making out with boys is overrated. I’ll take x-files and a wicked cookie recipe any day! (:

  401. Hi Joy,

    You always tap right into the source of awesomeness with your writing. Love it so hard!

    I’m one of the two crazy girls you met at Brooklyn Kitchen on that rainy day…we were wearing neon pants, drank your juice and made a scene. Standard operating procedure.

    I’m since moved to South Sudan for work and can’t bake…while I love my job so much, I miss my culinary therapy…

    Thanks for being a consistent source of awesome in all of our lives…

  402. What a lovely little package you’ve put together! :-) I’d especially love to get my hands on that cookbook of yours!

    Thank you for allowing international readers to participate in the competition! The one thing I’ve been sharing recently is your delicious vegan mushroom soup recipe! It’s winter here in Australia and that comforting soup is the perfect thing to share with family and friends to help shake the winter blues. :-)

  403. I always liked the excitement of going back to school; new school supplies, new people at school. But the best part about it is that it’s my favorite time of year, fall!

  404. I love new school supplies! They allow for new opportunities, new knowledge, and new friends! And mentos keep me awake in class!

  405. ohhh…school days…I remember reading ALL my required reading books during the summer, and spending the year being BOOOOOOOOORED and impatient with everyone else who didn’t (I bet even the teacher didn’t prep!)
    But what a treat to start the “school” year with your cookbook?! I hinted to everyone that I wanted this. If I don’t win, I’ll still hint super hard so maybe I’ll get it for my birthday (Halloween!) ;)

  406. I would love to have a copy of your book, Joy! I’m just starting out as an amateur in the kitchen, in search of inspiration and your blog is IT. I would gladly buy it, but shipping charges are so ridiculous to a newly-working girl. *puss in boots big pleading eyes*

  407. I’m so happy to share one of your wonderful recipes! :)

    And… I love this time of year, when the end of summer is in sight (can’t take any more 100F+ degree days! :).

  408. Im starting 7 years of Uni. on September 5th…this sure would shed some nervousness and make me feel uber.cool.

  409. this box looks fantastic! it would give me just the push i need to finish my third and final year of law school. thanks for putting this together!

  410. I love back to school time and fall! This is my last year to go back to school shopping for myself (senior in college!) and I love the gift set :) Having fun supplies always make engineering school a little more bearable. Thanks, Joy!

  411. I love all these things! New nail polish and your cookbook would definitely make the end of summer a less painful experience :)

  412. ah this all looks so cute! i’m just starting my freshman year at college this week and i’ve def got those same jitters. i think im most worried about not having a kitchen though….haha anyway, love the blog! :)

  413. I sort of cringe every time September comes around. The best thing about it though is that pumpkin coffees come out of the woodwork. And it’s totally ok to make pumpkin cookies and squash recipes. Can’t wait! Love the giveaway.

  414. The only thing I miss about going back to school is the back to school shopping. That was always the best part. BTW, I’m dying to get a copy of your cookbook!

  415. ah this all looks so cute! im starting my first year in college this week and i’ve def got those same jitters. love the blog! :)

  416. This is my last year of undergrad… it’s terrifying and exhilarating. Awesome school supplies would make it even more awesome. :)

  417. Hi. I love fall too and school supplies. I homeschool and would enjoy somenof the grown-up supplies. But, really I would love to have your cookbook.

  418. I love the gift set! I also love fall though (more of the Thanksgiving break part vs first day of school part). I hope your fall is lovely!

  419. This is a great box! you’re an excellent curator. As much as I dislike the back to school frenzy, I love school supplies and the promise of cooler weather!

  420. Starting my senior year of college in a week. the scariest and most exciting thing ever. I’ve got all sorts of September-jitters right now.

  421. I am sending 2 grandsons off to kindergarden, a college age daughter and daughter-in-law off to school this fall. Would love to share the goodies with my students. (The cookbook is for me!)….Thanks for the goodies.

  422. What a fun give-away, Joy! My 4 children are going to 4 different schools this year so a treat would be fun in anticipation of the craziness. ;)

  423. not looking forward to my last semester of school but these school supplies would definitely make it better! also thanks for so many recipes to tempt me away from studying and into the kitchen exactly when i (don’t) need it the most.

  424. I’d LOVE to win these adorable gifts for Antonia- our German exchange student :) She will be a sophomore at Boise High and is a vegan and a foodie and an all-around amazing girl!!! Thanks for the smiles!

  425. This is awesome!…I LOVE your blog! and would love to have your book! your recipes are just AMAZING! :D and I have to admit I’m a big fan of new school supplies haha hope to win :D

  426. Although I have just graduated high school and am taking a gap year to volunteer abroad, school supplies are always welcome, and will be shared with kids I’m teaching in Cambodia! Plus they want to learn how to cook, so I can’t think of a better way than with the Joy the Baker cookbook!

  427. Oh Joy! I am so nervous/jittery/excited about my LAST back-to-school for a while… It also doesn’t hurt that I have an exam right before school starts… ughhhh… (..brain freeze from too many iced cappuccinos because that is my study/panic gateway drug…) I know it’ll all work out if I hunker down and study, but making banana bread while watching So You Think You Can Dance sounds so much more fun. Anyway, I’d love a chance to own your cookbook! You are the best.

  428. okay, since my birthday’s 24 August, and I’m making myself your best ever chocolate cake (the one with the coffee) to bring to the picnic we’re going to have at the winery, would it not be the neatest thing ever if I also happened to win a give-a-way that day?! (thanks for the chance, anyway!) —

  429. Oh man… back to school makes me super excited! You can’t be suckered into the sadness when you’re a teacher! You will have to work double hard to get the kids into what you’re saying (because it would be written on your face). YAY!!! School! Learning! Routine!

  430. I’m currently taking a break from school, but I still feel those September jitters. Baking is a good remedy for everything!

  431. Lately my favorite life tips have come from you and tracey. Especially from last weeks episode when you talked about not be a self destroyer. It was some much needed girl talk <3
    Kaylin

  432. oh joy! so splendid! i am going to send my grandmother’s starlight mint surprise cookie recipe to a penpal in russia. my favorite comfort cookie!
    XO!

  433. love all your entries Joy, the other day I made your fab pistachio & dark chocolate cookies, loved, didn’t last more than a day! Thanks for everything :)

  434. today I started my second year of law school with 8 hours of class every Tuesday. so intense! this giveaway looks amazing!

  435. I’m not in school,but I’d love a chance to be cool. The first question I’d ask myself the day before the first day of school was what color knee high socks am i gonna wear?! Truely very important! Thank you !

    Blessings, Aimee

  436. I love school supplies — I still buy them tho I’m not in school (and it’s been a long time). Your gift box is lovely!

  437. I can relate to the school supply jones! I love new marble notebooks, new box of crayons, pencils with unused pink eraser tops ……. Happy Fall (soon to be)!!

  438. I am dragging my toes through each & every luscious remaining day of summer…. while happily looking forward to all of the cool weather treats ahead!

  439. What a nice giveaway! I am just about to enter my final year of college and I`m trying to prepare for the early-September jitters.

    P.S. I made those pistachio chocolate chip cookies with sea salt last week and they were amazing. And gone in about 3 days thanks to my boyfriend and roommate!

  440. Fall is a welcome relief from the oppressive summer heat. and a welcome invitation to heat up the oven. I recently broke down and made your peach and blueberry pie, to the delight of my husband and family. I can’t wait to add baking back into my routine.

  441. Joy! I would LOVE a copy of your cookbook!
    but.. the second that I finished school, I started loving fall… Good temperature to bake without making my house unbearably hot… And since I live in Canada… You need to suck every bit of life out of fall that you can before the impending doom of excruciatingly long winter comes… Also… all the kids are back at school!

  442. JOYYY! this is awesome. i totally understand what you mean about the first day. for me, as this is my last year of high school, i’ll miss getting to walk through the halls, sitting in a noisy cafeteria with the awful school lunch, and all the crazy hard AP classes (eventhough they made my life horrible during may). thank you for always being so inspiring! (:

  443. I still love going to the store at back to school time and looking at all the supplies. I used to love getting my new backpack and trapper keeper!

  444. Back to school has never looked so delicious! Those are lovely supplies. I hope I can get my paws on them :)

    Thanks!

  445. As much as I love summer, I kind of love fall too… Maybe it’s the memory of buying school supplies, which was always my favorite part of going back to school! As a fellow baker, I will definitely be sharing some cookies in the near future!!!

  446. Being a teacher, the first day of school still holds crazy significance for me. Not that it’s gotten any easier as I’ve gotten older, but I’ve learned that the little things (like fun nail polish and fancy straws) help to take the stress off of me as I get closer to the date…

  447. What a cute and wonderful giveaway. So thoughtful of you. :) I shared some French Macarons with my girlfriends today. They love those little treats so much.

  448. I am really looking forward to cooler weather and a vacation in the mountains, which of course means delicious fresh goodies from Whitmans Bakery :)

  449. Wow, that looks like the perfect package to get back into school mode! I’m heading back this fall for year four, and an impending thesis. Yikes!

  450. I love the whole ambiance of “back to school” and this giveaway is perfect! Does anyone remember the Staples commercial where a dad is so happy to be rid of his kids when school starts, he’s skipping down the aisles singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” ?? Hilarious, but it really is the most wonderful time as far as I’m concerned!!

  451. This looks so fun! I would love to have your cookbook! I just started my second year of graduate school and could use a fun back-to-school treat.

  452. I always liked the first day of school just to be able to finally wear my new clothes. I always hated waiting. After the first day of school, then I wanted it to be summer again.

  453. This is so exciting. Fall is my favorite season – and what better way to celebrate than with a great cookbook!

  454. I love everything about this giveaway! And I love everything about your blog. September is great because that means fall is coming, but it makes me nervous too.

  455. I have always loved going back to school! Then again, I am a total nerd. My mom and I trade recipes all the time. All the time. Even now that we live across the country from each other. Also I call her with random questions like “I feel like this recipe is missing something. It’s super dry.” To which she responds, “Yeah. It needs milk.” Sometimes I’m not so smart.

  456. HI Joy….I know this is all about Fall, but I’m still hanging on to Summer. I’m going to make your Peach Cobbler Muffins tonight with the peaches that I got at the Farmer’s Market this weekend. My daughter and I loved meeting you when you were here in Portland and SHE would love the school supplies. As always, YOU ROCK!!!

  457. Thanks so much for such a lovely giveaway! What a delicious combination of goodies. They’re perfect for back-to-school time. I am a senior in college so this is my last back-to-school =( But it would be so much better with some of your treats! Thanks for your inspiration and yumminess!

  458. So excited!

    I am a mom of 4 school-age children. My oldest will be a Junior this year (Eek! Driving lessons! SAT! Confirmation! Prom! Pre-calculus!) and so I think the cookbook will be an especially good back-to-school treat…for me!

  459. It’s my first comment, I am so excited! I have been the shy one in the corner enjoying your blog. Thanks for all of it, and…the back to school giveaway looks AWESOME! ~Nicole

  460. Can’t wait for Fall….but better yet I want this dangn heatwave to over!! I need to bake and it is too hot!!

  461. HAH! I just shared a gluten free protein packed healthy “cookie” recipe with my sister earlier today. Win!

  462. Fall is my favorite time of the year. My favorite is fall baking. Pies, cakes, pumpkin everything!!! What a great giveaway!!
    Going to email my mama the best pumpkin bar recipe!!!
    Sharing the love!

  463. Awesome! I’m making Heidi’s Carnival Cookies for my sis (a teacher) this week … Thanks to Shutterbean for the reminder of those fun cookies :) would love to share these treats with my sister. Yay!

  464. I came looking for the tip on how to make your own brown sugar, so I will share that with ALL my FB friends! Thanks for everything, Joy! You make me smile.

  465. What a fun collection of school supplies! Love the nail colors. You found things that make you happy — they would make me happy too! Thanks for sharing.

  466. I would really just love to win a copy of your book (and the washi tape), though the rest of the stuff looks cute and fun. Btw, I have plans tomorrow to make the tomato zucchini soup you posted recently. Yep it is still hot out, but it’s definitely been a soup kind of week.

  467. Totes cute! I’d give your awesome cookbook to my friend Ashley so I could have my copy back. : ) haha I like the smiley face in this font.

  468. Yay school! Kids went back today. I’m looking forward to some peace & quiet…eventually. I love new school supplies, and can’t help picking up a few things for myself each year!

  469. Love your recipes and love your choices in back to school give-away! I love the fall… it’s colourful and crisp!

  470. We’re already back to school in Missouri– crazy early! I’m working at a middle school, and always am on the lookout for functionally adorbs school necessities! Also, I’ve already promised teacher-friends freshly-baked cookies next week :) Spreading the cookie love.

  471. Fresh new school supplies are just part of September. I usually buy a few new things for myself even tho I have not needed supplies for school in decades! It’s just part of fall. Today I looked at pens and markers!

  472. Such a creative and unique giveaway! Would love to tryout alll the delicious recipes found in your cookbook :)

  473. It’s always a little sad to say goodbye to summer, but I always loved school too! Now I enjoy prepping and sending my girls off to school. I can’t resist back to school supplies!

  474. Awesome giveaway! I love school supplies even though I’m way too old to need them anymore. Sharing the cookie love!

  475. Today we had a Back to School Potluck. I took a coffee cake and had three requests for the recipe. I am one of those gals who shares her recipes with all. What’s up with people who won’t share a recipe? My Mom taught me to share….Cheerio!

  476. Joy, I just can’t get enough of your blog. Beyond your fabulous recipes, you’ve been an inspiration to young women everywhere with your creativity, optimism, and constant living example of enjoying and getting the most out of life.
    Your “Turning TwentyOne” post is among my favorites (it ranks up there with your cinnamon sugar pull-apart bread and super-soft pumpkin chocolate-chip cookies) and I will never forget getting a direct response from you when I told you about my struggles (and success) in maintaining an anti-partying, anti-hooking-up lifestyle during my college years/early twenties. Thanks for all the warmth and beauty that you evoke and inspire!

    PS – Fall is my favorite season!

  477. Yay for school supplies! Shopping for school supplies is the best thing about this time of year. Luckily I’m still get to indulge in this pass time. Shopping for college stuff isn’t as fun as shopping for elementary school supplies. Oh the days of cute puppy notepads and crayola.

  478. Joy–I love back to school. I’m a teacher, plus I’m taking some classes this fall myself. You’re gift pack looks fun–as all school supplies should be.

    By the way, your podcast makes long drive bareable! Thank You!!!!

  479. I wasn’t sure where to reply! :) I still get nostalgic for back to school every fall. At least I am married to a teacher, so I still get to buy some school supplies for his classroom :)

  480. If you were to ask the school-aged version of myself which pair of overalls you should wear, my answer would have been “any.” I’m not sure…maybe I just found them to be figure flattering or super convenient (all those pockets!), but I was a huge fan.

  481. I’m many years out of school (how’d I’d suddenly end up in my mid-thirties?!), but I still love fall. And school supplies. But I am so glad to not have to worry about school anymore.

  482. The agenda! THOSE NAIL POLISH COLORS. Beautiful.

    I realized this year how much I miss buying back to school supplies. Then I realized I could still partake in the fun of a new bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils regardless of my school status. Sorry to get all Ephron on you. Wait, no I’m not!

    Happy almost fall!

  483. It’s been back to school for me for years it seems. Never thought I would go back to school after getting a bachelors, but I am now in my last semester of graduate school. Yipee! Oh, and I’m getting my masters in education so I can teach… here’s to hoping I have this back to school excitement for the rest of my life!

  484. Awesome gift package! I DID love back-to-school time, but mostly because we got to buy new school supplies, and those blank notebooks seemed to hold special promise for good times ahead. I still buy them every year!

  485. I still get that feeling in my stomach (intense nausea) this time of year, even though my oldest of 4 daughters turned 31 this month and my youngest finished high school last year. I now pass by the high school on the way to work and read all the signs and just smile…done! But all that being said I still love school supplies, baking and reading your blogs. Thanks for taking the time to inspire us all!

  486. 2 1/2 years of college and then I’m the teacher! Continuing to love September, mainly because my mother and roommates stop whining about me heating up the house to make cookies and start shoving said cookings into their respective faces.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  487. One of the few things I miss about school is shopping for school supplies! I’m celebrating the cooler weather around here by baking some PB brownies for my coworkers :)

  488. i’m having my second foot surgery within a three month period very soon. does sharing copious amounts of sugar with myself count? ?

  489. I think I’m going to drown my panic and anxiety over my daughter starting her freshman year of high school over a batch of pumpkin and chocolate chip cookies with the family. Happy Schooling to us all.

  490. I do NOT love sending my kiddo back to school, but I always love, love, love checking out all the back to school supplies. Who doesn’t need a few more sharpie markers in different colors and a cute new spiral notebook for all those random lists, right??

  491. This back-to-school box makes me think about how I’m starting grad school in a week and really nervous about it… wish me luck!

  492. The only thing that softens the inevitable horror of school is cute pencils, washi tape, and a planner. Well done Joy :)

  493. Baking some blueberry banana bread in mini muffin tins to bring to work tomorrow as we speak! Hopefully that counts, because that is one fun-times kit that I want to win. Especially the cook book :)

  494. I love that idea! Why not share cookies to loved ones? x3 I’m just annoyed I didn’t think of it sooner! Cookies are coming for you, family >:) Be prepared!

  495. Love this giveaway! As a recent graduate and soon-to-be teacher, this fall is an especially exciting one. Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes and equally wonderful musings on life.

  496. Even though I no longer get a summer, I still get excited when the start of school rolls around. Another season means another chance to reinvent yourself!

  497. what an awesome giveaway! emailed the salty sesame&dark chocolate chip cookies to my sister :) can’t wait to make it with her!

  498. I go back to school in 5 days… 3 more shifts of the best summer job ever and then 2 days to get my life in order before free time goes out the window and textbooks and stress take over my life for the next 8 months! One good thing about this year is that I’m in a program with 28 other students, just the perfect amount to share baking with, yay!

  499. Oooh, me! Life tips and baking ideas (straight from your website, of course) are out in the social media world!

  500. girl i know all about those back to school days — i’m a teacher! i would die over this giveaway….not really, but almost. xoxo

  501. I always share my mom’s cookie recipe with friends… it is delicious because it is full of sugar. Trying to bake gluten and dairy free because of my daughter’s health which is challenging for me… but I would LOVE your cookbook! And I LOVE your podcast! Think I’m going to go listen now while I clean up the house…

  502. School….I remember those days! I was always wanting to wear my new fall clothes even thought it was still summer and the school was super hot with no a/c! Nothing like a freshly sharpened pencil!

  503. The real question is whether you wore your overalls with one trap snapped or two?

    My super cool friends and I used to call each other to run through our outfits for the next school day. Real life. Real cool.

  504. I’m an 11 and 12th grade teacher.
    I think the anticipation as a teacher is worse than when I was a student. Standing in front of 35 – 17/18 year olds knowing that there are 75 minutes between you and the next bell is like being on top of a roller coaster about to drop. It will be a thrill, but the view from the top is terrifying.

    Cool supplies makes it better.

    Thanks for the reminder to keep it cool by keeping cool.

  505. This is perfect timing, for my first day of the new school year is tomorrow morning! Thanks for the wonderful blog, recipes, podcast, and humor. You always make me smile. Thanks :)

  506. I have just shared my fab cookie recipe with a close friend who recently bought her first house. I brought her some this weekend. I will be turning 40 soon but teach and would ADORE making my students drool over your giftbox if I won! New to your blog and think your podcasts are hilarious!
    Favorite cookies: Oreo chocolate chunck
    Hugs, Cheryl

  507. I’d love to win this box for my dear, dear friend. We’re both teachers and start back to work tomorrow. We were supposed to see you at the book signing outside of Chicago on March 21, 2012, but she went into labor that day!!! Tomorrow is her first day back since then. We both love you!

  508. if i won this, i’d be very happy. so happy. I’m going back to school in london. by school i mean law school, barristers’ training, and i’d love to take this with me!!!!

  509. Back to school time is such a strange season. Good and bad at once! It’s even stranger now that I’m a teacher. I covered my bulletin boards in pretty green paper today in preparation :)

  510. “I’d send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils…” That quote just sprang to mind. I LOVE autumn. I never minded going to school till high school & everyone seemed so preoccupied with themselves & being cool & just being vapid. But that was a long time ago. Thanks, Joy for thinking of others – hope you have a lovely September!

  511. I always loved the back to school season, even if not the school part. Boots, sweaters, flannel (!), pumpkin in everything… I just can’t get enough.

  512. I have been in school all summer, but the coming of fall still feels like back to school. Thanks for such a fun giveaway!

  513. This is the first September I’m not getting ready for school – and I am a big fan of this new life without homework getting in the way of my cooking time!

  514. It would totally make my day if I won your cookbook. Worth buying, but if it’s free with all those goodies, even better!!!

  515. This is awesome. I share your goodness all the time, all over the place. My friends are probably sick of me talking about the podcast. They’re probably not sick of me cooking and baking for them, though. Please send prezzies. :)

  516. I’ve baked cookies and put them in the freezer for my parents to find while I’m at college. Spreading a little love with butter and sugar. Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring blog.

  517. Very exciting because after many years of being a student, then a few of being a teacher, I am going back to Grad School this year!

  518. Nail polish? Pencils? Cookbooks?! What better way to start a school year! Would be totes thrilled if I got this!

  519. This is fantastic! I love everything you’re giving away. I just shared a banana bread recipe with a friend as well, so perfect timing to read this. :)

  520. -squee- This would be perfect for going back to college! And I can’t wait to use paper straws for some homemade raspberry lemonade.

  521. All of these things are wonderful! I’m a high school teacher and I would love to start the school year with all of these goodies.

  522. Very cute gift idea…especially your book!

    BTW made and LOVED the Tomato Cobbler 2 times and a 3rd will be this weekend. LOVE!

    Will try your choc chip cookies next…when it’s alittle cooler.
    Take care
    Julie

  523. I have a school supply addiction. It’s one of the things I like about back to school time, and I swear that there’s a school-supply-shopping high. Ooooh, I’ve been eyeing your cookbook for a long time and would love it!!

  524. This is such a cute package! I love fall, so I am looking forward to it. Although I definitely wish this summer wouldn’t end.

  525. I wasn’t cool either in high school and university first days just meant that a whole lot of work was coming my way. I graduated years ago, but the feeling that September is the beginning of something is still very much a part of me. New Year’s Eve always feels a bit too forced, but something about the start of the school year/fall really represents a new year to me. It’s like a fresh start with a whole new wardrobe!

  526. Fall is my favorite time of year: apples, pumpkin pie, cozy sweaters, mugs of cider, boots, college football, crunchy colorful leaves, and sharp new pencils!

  527. Love the giveaway! I’ll be sharing the love of cake this Saturday with my family….Strawberry cake…yum!

  528. oh gah. I know how the back to school feeling is. I was so full of dread this year, I just decided not to go back. AHHH. Life decisions suck!

  529. I love fall, the crisp weather, the changing leaves, the smell of apple pie baking, and everything pumpkin.

    Just thinking about the start of school (even though I’m no longer in school) I get the feeling of excitement and dread in the pit of stomach.

  530. I’m getting ready for my first day of school as a sophomore (in high school) tomorrow. not so happy right now, but I know I’ll miss going to school some day (way, waaay in the future) so I’m trying to get pumped about it! Those bookmark tabs are super cute. Gotta go finish my summer homework now…

  531. Made a home cooked dinner 3 nights in a row, and just shared all the recipes (it’s a record!)! Thanks for inspiring all of us :)

  532. Hi Joy,

    I just started reading your blog about a month ago. I so wish that I knew about you sooner. I found out about you through The Pioneer Woman. I read her blog regularly and she happened to mention you and your website. I decided to check it out and I’m so glad I did. Oh yeah, by the way, I’m asking for your cookbook for Christmas. Maybe Santa will bring me one :)

  533. This could be the thing that gets me to seriously consider graduate school…… unh huh. Yea. This could be it.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

  534. Fall is the best season. Period. I love the beautiful weather and the fall leaves that so gracefully float to the ground. Loving your new energy towards fall!

  535. I love summer, but really, fall is by far my favorite season. I look forward to fall foods, fall festivities and most importantly, fall fashion. Leopard shoes anyone?

  536. though I’m not back in school, nor do I have kiddos, I’ll fully admit to being a late 20s lady who has a few brand new notebooks just because I couldn’t pass them up. YOLO’ing and loving that new notebook scent.

  537. OMG, i wore overalls practically everyday in high school, and i was in the “nerdy crew” too. Wow the memories.

  538. I made the pistachio/dark chocolate/sea salt cookies when my grandparents came over, and they couldn’t get enough of them! I will definitely be making them quite a few more times :)

  539. I agree that September is yucky. Back to regular life. My son goes back to college and the house gets quiet. I did share the grapefruit soufle recipe with my friends. They loved it.

  540. i just wish i had someone to share cake or pie or a nice sweet loaf or cinnamon buns with.. baking is more fun if you don’t have to eat it all alone. well, sometimes eating it all is the best thing. but right now, i’d like to share my cake. … thanks for sharing thoughts and giveaways!

  541. What an awesome giveaway! Just started my second year of law school and school supplies like those would make it so much more enjoyable. And I was a total late bloomer too :)

  542. This is lovely. I hope I win! And if I don’t I hope that your publishers decides I’m cool enough to send me the review copy I requested today…..because I would love to have more excuses to brag about you :)

    Cheers!

  543. Joy, you are one of a cool cat. I love this whole “back-to-school” giveaway ordeal–makes me pumped up for school!

  544. I used to be a teacher in an international school, and the start of school here in the states always makes me nostalgic. I miss my amazing kiddos! I still substitute teach, but sometimes kids are not too nice to subs.
    Thanks for your fun blog, Joy! I have a lot of fun reading it. :)

  545. Oh this little giveaway looks amazing, and I am sure I would be able to put it to good use (I am a sucker for a new planner no matter the time of year), even though our school year starts in January… ah the southern hemisphere.

    One of my work colleagues had her 7 year work birthday this week so I brought in some mini banana-vanilla cupcakes to mark the occasion. It makes me stupid happy to share the love in baked goods form!

  546. I’m looking forward to autumn! Have already shared recipes for biscuits, scones, and gingerbread … can you tell I want to resume baking?

  547. What a fund giveaway…I’ve been wanting to get one of your cookbooks, so winning this would be great. But, if I don’t, i’ll probably get it anyway. I am seriously in the mood for some cake baking. I’ve been thinking of buttercream frosting and chocolate cake all day.

  548. I will be sharing a cookie recipe at my book club tomorrow night where we’re discussing The Perks of Being a Wallflower…which is extremely fitting for this “back to school” season! I would love to have your cookbook (so much)!!

  549. I’m torn right now between wanting to hold onto the last bits of summer and wanting to dive right into making soups! School already started for me (I’m a math teacher) but I would still love those supplies :)

  550. I always loved school shopping with my Mom and planning my first day outfit with her. I graduated high school 21 years ago (wow!) and still miss school shopping. So this year I made my sweet mom a kit just for her – cool post-its and pens, butterscotch and chocolate chip cookies (with smoked sea salt thanks to your recent recipe!) and an orange/grapefruit household scrub I make that she loves. The scrub is great on sinks and tubs.

  551. I’m not looking forward to going back to school. I’ve spent my whole summer drawing and selling comic books, illustrations and the work I WANT to do and filling all the time in between with baking delicious muchies. I now have to return to reality in which I’m only allowed to do the idiotic projects set by my tutor, and I will be forced to confront the several brand new pounds of me that have occurred as a result of said delicious munchies. You can ignore them when it’s the summer in the spirit of “holidays”. But alas. September is, once more, around the corner. Phoo.

  552. I made a cake for my boyfriend yesterday and I shared an amazing cookie recipe with one of my co-workers today!! BTW – I browsed through your cookbook at Barnes & Noble the other day and I Love it! I added it to my Christmas list!

  553. Instead of sharing the cookie recipe, I brought cookies to my co-workers today. Yay! Oatmeal, Cranberry, Pecan. They were yummy.

    I love September because it’s my birthday month and the start of fall. I love when the days get hot and the nights are foggy and cool. (I’m on the Central Coast)

  554. I always loved September and back-to-school time. I was a huge dork. The sight of fresh new school supplies in Target made me giddy with joy. I even had a little surge of that feeling this year, despite the fact that I may never go back to school again.

    A sweet present from Joy the Baker might make up for that sadness, though.

  555. Such a fun giveaway! I’m going to share the love by making Sweet Corn Hash for dinner tonight! I know…it’s breakfast…but it’s going to be dinner tonight. :)

  556. Joy, you are all kinds of awesome and it’s so wonderful you’re doing this. I want to make more positive waves, everywhere, all the time. I feel like you are really great at this, so thank you for inspiring the kindness within everyone. And if that fails, I’m going to bake my dude/myself/my friends an enormous chocolate cake this week.

  557. I am a poor graduate student who continually requests and checks out your cookbook from the library. I’ve become a little obsessive! Hope to win and actually own my own copy! Thanks for making me smile day after day.

  558. This is fabulous! As an avid cook, and a passionate teacher, my life is a constant balance of me de-stressing by cooking and baking it all away! I find that cooking is one of the best techniques to unwind. I am obsessed with your blog and your humor. Thanks for adding a little light to my days! Keep begin amazing!

  559. The saddest part of it back to school is my kids’ go back to school tomorrow and I haven’t even shopped for their supplies yet. However, I am o.k with this since they go to a charter school and we don’t have to be on site until next week and my crazy schedule of classes and cooking lunches (for fundraising for the athletic program) will start yet again. Anyway, I like the giveaway…I need new ideas of things to cook at the school.

  560. Joy! You’re my soul sister in baking and in life queries. And in finding delight in cute bookmark tabs. Argh! I want them!!!

    Thanks for all the inspiration!

  561. I’m starting to get ready for my last first day of school. What better way to make new friends than by baking them treats, right?

  562. I have already had to start back at school since the district I work had the first day for employees this week. I have to say that I was a little nervous and anxious about it. I am excited about that fig and apricot mascarpone tart, though. It’s my birthday on Friday and I am planning on making it.

  563. My son started school last week-and promptly missed days 2 and 3 due to illness. Ugh-hope this isn’t a bad omen.

    I don’t miss high school…now college-if I could go back to college…I def. would!

  564. I love summer but I do love fall too. The weather, the colors, pumpkins!!! Pumpkins are my absolute favorite! I’m actually going back to school from a decade long hiatus. I’m so excited and ready to go full steam ahead with my future!

  565. Getting ready for my senior year of undergraduate school. Not sure yet if it is my last first day of school ever, but it sure is a scary feeling to know it could be.

  566. Oh Joy! Starting into final year of my degree, and I need all the help I can get – planners and pencils and book tabs oh my! Sharing the Joy the Bake apple tarte tatin love in my house tonight!

  567. This great plains gal is headed back to college in a few weeks (go Gophers!)…and don’t hate me…I’m sort of psyched for it. I have always loved school and especially now that I’m back in the swing of it with 2 more years (fingers crossed) till I entered the real world with a degree & grown-up business-lady blazer (is it just me or does that look weird hyphenated??) I’m going to enjoy every minute of it! Here’s to back2school, late-night campfires with old friends, swapping my cheapie summer flip-flops for sensible walking shoes & last-minute hoarding of my fresh summer herbs!

    BTW…loving your recipe for Parsley, Lemon, & Olive Oil Quinoa Cakes right now!! Sharing them with my girlfriends right away. They are seriously going to be fuel for this college lady’s late night study parties!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

  568. Just moved into a new house for the new school year (year 2 of grad school!) and learned that a housemate does not know how to bake cookies! This is a task I’ll enjoy. :) I’m thinking these. Luckily school doesn’t start for me for another month or so…

  569. This year will be my last year of high school! It will be a very busy but fun year! I have lots to look forward to :)
    And next year, I will hopefully be off to pastry making school! :) Really looking forward to that!

  570. Dear goodness, Joy! 800 comments and counting! :D You are chic and you don’t even know it, girl! I want whatever you’re giving, and also I share everything I can from your site with my friends! I literally made my mom go through the archives the other day…everything here is redonk delish!

  571. Now that I have graduated from college and am trying to figure out this whole real world, I kind of miss the structure of knowing what I’m supposed to be doing.

  572. I would love to win this and give it to my friend Amber. She has been asking to borrow my copy of your cookbook for over a month now and I use it so much I can’t part with it for even a weekend.

  573. Its Spring down in Australia, and the school year is in full swing. So instead of celebrating back to school….it is time to celebrate flowers, warm weather, and weekend picnics with friends with freshly baked quick breads!

  574. I don’t have the jitters, I love September. It’s my birthday month, new beginnings, new cooler weather. It is a wonderful time. Oh and my kids are back in school, ahhhh the possibilities. :)

  575. I have always loved school supplies. Even though I´m not going back to school this fall i always like to at least look at the new supplies. Can´t believe summer is ending.

  576. Ahhhh school good times …… But alas I too have joined the early thirties party. Time is going way too fast these days. I think I will bake some scones and cookies for my girlfriends so we can reminisce while noshing and drinking tea.

  577. No WAY!!! this is an awesome giveaway. And I just so happened to share with my pal an awesome cookie recipe through text. I hope that mode of sharing just slipped your post. Cause it wasn’t too Long of a text. Well it was an awesome recipe to share.

  578. ummmm, so for sure, we like all the same things. Thats kinda cool. I LOVE school supply shopping, but not the school part. ha
    how about cinnamon coffee cake share? yep, sounds great.

  579. Made and shared puffed wheat cake with my mom and dad today!! Love the fall and back to school time, it’s like a mini restart for me…yes I am weird like that!! What a great giveaway!!!

  580. Love this idea! Just started back to school this week and could definitely use a back to school kit, especially the cookbook!

  581. My little boy starts preschool in September… I’m totally one of those moms who wants time to stop right now and stand still till I’M ready! It always goes too fast!

  582. Heading back to Uni this year and I’m totally stoked to be the weird old keener in the front row (with my planner and paper straws, preferably!)

  583. Oh, I’d really love to have your cookbook! (And the happy nail polishes) :)
    Today I shared havarti, green apple, grilled cheese sandwiches with an old friend. Perfect.

  584. Yeah, I think picking out new supplies was the only part of going back to school I really looked forward to. Loved your comment about being a late bloomer–sounds just like me. :) What a great giveaway!

  585. I love fall but do not like the winter that always follows! Made your dark chocolate pistachio sea salt cookie, guys at work said they were the best cookies they ever tasted!!!

  586. Goodness gracious. I can’t believe summer is coming to an end. SO CRAZY, but I will admit that I am ready for boots, hats, scarves, and all the holidays :]

    Thanks for the giveaway!!!

  587. I love fall–I can turn the oven on and bake all day without worrying about getting the house too warm! Thanks for this great giveaway opportunity!

  588. Thank you for inspiring me to share a special recipe with my family and friends more often. It is a great way to show them how much they mean to me!

    The best part of going back to school is definitely the school supplies and the new clothes–other than that it isn’t very much fun to say goodbye to summer.

    At least I have your blog to look forward to every morning!

  589. I loved fall and the start of school and buying school supplies. But then again I am a really good starter, maybe not the best closer ie., exams.

  590. Ahh…this is the back to school talk i’m interested in….like TOTALLY! Being a school teacher, I don’t get many back to school items for myself these days besides bringing joy and care into the lives of little ones. I’d love the back to school package. It sure would make my days back to school mighty FINE!

  591. Today was the first day of school! It is my eighth year teaching but I still love getting all of MY back-to-school-teacher-supplies!

  592. I truly went back to school on Monday — first class in many, many years! Would love the polish especially!

  593. Oh my goodness. Back to school is next Monday for me and I’ve had that song Adam Sandler sings stuck in my head for days… “back to school, back to school, to prove to dad I am not a fool”. Hah. I can already feel my sanity slipping away, and the semester hasn’t even started.

  594. I just graduated from college, and am kind of mourning the fact that I will not be going back this fall. I sure could use a back to school cheer up pack. :)

  595. For the first time ever, I don’t have anyone in school. Second daughter has graduated college; older daughter finished her Master’s…oh, wait! Son-in-love is working on HIS Master’s (and did through the summer, too)…I should get him something for (still) being in school. Teehee…

  596. Hey Joy!

    Just finished my second day of school, I didn’t realise how much I missed seeing my friends everyday and everywhere at school. I almost feel like once I stop going to school, I would totally miss it!
    The back-to-school package is super cute, I would love to be able to win it!

    xox

  597. I shared a recipe for lemony summer squash, onion and goat cheese pizza (adapted from Smitten Kitchen) with the lady who puts together the newsletter for my CSA box program. Maybe it’ll be in next week’s edition!

  598. wow, these giveaway items look spectacular! definitely would make returning to school a little bit easier. :)

  599. I start school on Wednesday and I am taking a math course. I am terrified. :)

    I’m 33 and haven;t taken a math class since high school!

  600. This is my first September not going back to school and it’s weeeird. Instead I’m mixing up sliders for my folks, posting photos of my latest Amazon haul on Twitter and Facebook, and writing long emails to friends 2000 kilometers away. And jobhunting! Scary.

  601. My favorite part about going back to school was getting to buy new clothes and shoes. Even though I’m not a student anymore, September always makes me feel like shopping!

  602. I have been begging my hubs to buy me your cookbook just for fun, but he insists I must wait until christmas Grrr!!! I wouldn’t mind winninging it….I’m just sayin!!!

  603. Back to school means baking for the holidays and there’s nothing more I love than baking treats for myself. I mean my friends and family:)

  604. I am in LOVE with all of the goodies on this page! As a graduate student, school never really ends, but I still get that restless, “oh my goodness I need to go out and buy spiral bound notebooks NOW!” feeling every time September rolls around. I made your sweet potato chocolate chip cookies for my research lab group this week as a team morale booster, and they definitely did the trick. You’re the best, Joy!

  605. I’m still uncertain how I feel about Fall now that I am no longer in school and have a full-time job…. The season itself I love, but I feel like I’m missing out on Back-to-School excitement.
    Anyway, I have been longing to make your Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, and Smoked Sea Salt Cookies, just need to get my butt to the store!

  606. Fall means back to work for me: my maternity leave is over on Monday! I love my job, but I don’t want to leave my baby girl!

  607. I made your Strawberry Cookie Dough Ice Cream and Cream Cheese Pound cake for some friends this past weekend, and I’m planning on making the Brie Bites for friends this Saturday. Your recipes never fail to make me look good! (and my apartment smell wonderful!)

  608. I had this amazing pair of brown corduroy overalls that I wore all the time in college. They were at least 3 sizes too big and sitting in class in them was just like being wrapped in a blanket in bed. I’m not sure how I got away with even owning them, but oh how I miss them! Thanks for reminding me, and for the fun giveaway!

  609. Hey Joy!
    As a new freshman at college I would love this stuff. I made my dorm a little bit more like home this morning my hauling cooking supplies down to the kitchen and making myself scrambled eggs for breakfast. Tastes so much more like home when you make it yourself.

  610. here in texas it doesn’t feel much like fall! but i guess school will start no matter what the weather is like :)

  611. Joy, your blog totally brightens my day. Thanks for the reminder to share something something great and spread the love!

  612. I made some Friands last night – a delightfully small French cake made with almond flour, fresh raspberries and egg whites and a few other ingredients – baked in large muffin tins. They are so simple to make and turned out fabulous! I made a cuppa tea, ate one fresh out of the oven and listened to the rain. I brought the rest of them in today to share with the other CSR’s at work.

  613. I love the start of Fall. I went to school for so long that I still feel as though I should be in a class come September but that all ended 2 years ago. Yay! I also like the Fall cause it means an increase in soup recipes and knitting!

  614. Joy, you have no idea how much you inspire me as a baker. Sometimes in my head, I call myself Allison the Baker. As a college kid, this kit would mos def be a pick-me-up for the mountains of work I have!

  615. Tomorrow is the first day of my Master’s program! I’m bringing Brown Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies (your recipe of course) to share with the class. :)

  616. Despite the fact that we don’t really have fall here in Boulder, CO-just a quick sucession of Hot August, followed by Indian Summer, leading up to Halloween and BLAM-Snow & Winter-I love fall. I think school supplies are hot. Yeah, I’m weird. But I love this giveaway! Adorbs.

  617. This is a great idea! School supplies are one of the most exciting parts of starting school. And as a PhD candidate in her third year of a 5 -6 year program, I just might have to consider myself an expert in returning to school.

  618. Where I’m from, school has already started, unless you have a toddler like I do. She’s super interested in cooking, so it’s fun to read your blog and show her the pictures. I know those straws will be a super fun addition to our kitchen. I should invest in a huge box for myself–I mean, my little girl. :)

  619. Shared cupcakes with my coworkers yesterday! Also? Pubs out HFCS contains high levels of mercury. Like fish levels. Shared that on twitter. It’s good info!

  620. Oh, how I do miss the first day of school. Prepping my outfit the night (weeks) before, lining up all my school supplies (Bic pens in neon colors), packing up my lunch just so. It was the best of times…but so glad it’s over! Thanks for the giveaway Joy! :-)

  621. We start the school year in January so it was always- am I going to overheat in the classroom? Will they sell slushy drinks? and most importantly- will my hair frizz in the humidity? So glad high school is over so now I can frizz in peace! :D

  622. I miss the feeling of going back to school! I just graduated from college and can’t believe school is starting all over again!

    Miss the back to school shopping, cute school supplies but mostly the feeling of a new year!

  623. I love back to school. I love to shop for school supplies and clothes. I cannot wait for school to start for my boys. Momma needs time to do a few things on her own!!! :)

  624. Joy! I am going back to school for one more year and I think it will finally be my last! It will be bittersweet. I do look forward to one day having kiddos to send off to school, though. I would soso love to win your cookbook!

  625. School supplies are probably my absolute favorite thing in the whole world. Would love a few goodies and a cookbook to escape into as I start my first
    year teaching!

  626. I already bought your cookbook a while ago (and love it) but I am now entering this giveaway so that I can gift it to someone else :D And the other cute stuff is a plus! Love this blog and your recipes!

  627. I looooooove next month… it’s my birthday!!! I would be sooooooooooooo happy to get a present from you :)
    Love from Spain!!!

  628. I actually managed to repair my boots mid-summer, instead of waiting for the rain. Today feels like the first day of fall here in Vancouver, but I have put up a fight and I’m wearing flip flops regardless! Here’s to keeping my tan alive for as long as possible.

  629. I love your site and I would love to have your cookbook!!! I look forward to reading your posts! Keep up the good work!

  630. This is adorable! September is always super stressful but fall cooking is so comforting and home-y. The cookie recipe worked out great, too!

  631. I *adore* Autumn! :) It’s my reward for surviving another nasty vindictive Summer. We’ve had a little taste of cooler Autumn weather & now my mind is on sitting at the sewing machine, starting Yuletide gifties, welcoming the jewel-toned leaves, & watching Grandchild #2 start Kindergarten (Grandchild #1 starts 2nd grade :) My daughter starts (what she hopes will be) her last semester of General Studies (while working full time). So, this is such a well-timed, sweet giveaway ;)

  632. Oh man, I remember how stressful it was worrying about what I would wear on the first day of school. I hope I can teach my boys not to sweat stuff like that. :) Since they’re boys, I suspect clothes won’t be as big of an issue. I’m hoping.

  633. My baby girl is starting Kindergarten in less than a week. I’m pretty excited but nervous also. I can’t believe she’s growing up so quickly. I’ll definitely be making her some special cookies for her first day. I look forward to time passing. It means my hubby will be home that much sooner. And pumpkin is coming!!

  634. What a fantastic giveaway – makes me miss going to school! I’ve just shared a recipe with folks…not for cookies, but your cinnamon sugar pull apart bread recipe! I’m hooked.

  635. I love this giveaway! I’m such a nerd and love, love, love school supplies. Oh, the smell of the pencil sharpener!

  636. I am not looking forward to school starting and giving up the relaxing days of summer. My kids are ready but I’m not!

  637. Joy! I am still in school. No exclamation mark there. I could use those pencils to help get through to the end. My Grandma uses those pencils to do crosswords, so I think they’ll make a difference.
    I really will share a cookie recipe in return (or, well, regardless). Brown butter chocolate chip.

  638. This time of year makes be scared and excited – how about we make it more of both by sending me something exciting in the mail and scare me silly with awesomeness? :)

  639. I totally agree with you about the first day of school being a complete draaag! :/
    My sister makes the most delicious cookies ever!! she really enjoys reading and trying all your wonderful recipes… xx

  640. Speak of the devil, I made cookies for a friend in need today. Oooh, tomorrow I’m having a baking day with 2 of my beautiful nieces. That def counts for 2 entries, right??

  641. I would LOOOOOVE to win your cookbook (and fun supplies, too!)! We homeschool, and for our first day back, I think I’ll make some persimmon coffee cake with frozen persimmon pulp from our tree last season. I LOVE fall- it’s my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

  642. love this! I already bought your cookbook for my mom but would love my own copy. I love fall but have a hard time enjoying it given it signals that winter is coming. fall recipes help of course. thanks joy!

  643. I am a retired teacher/counselor and I miss buying school supplies for my children and getting my classroom ready for my students. I don’t miss working because then I couldn’t read all of the wonderful websites like Joy the Baker!!

  644. Well I just started med school august 6th so this fall is going to be the longest ever for me but hopefully things will get better!!

  645. I usually enjoyed going back to school. And I am definitely ready for some cooler weather! One of my friends is getting married on September 1, and she asked me to make her chocolate chip cookies as her wedding present. :-)

  646. I always ADORED back to school shopping! I think I owned every single color of marker/crayon/colored pencil crayola ever made. In wide AND skinny markers! It’s probably the only thing that will keep me from falling to pieces when my sons start school! Good thing you’ve got lots of tasty treats for me to make and put in their lunch boxes! ;)

  647. As of Monday, I am half way through Nursing school. Even though I love school, I am totally ready to be done! That being said, I am looking forward to studying in the library this fall with a nice Pumpkin Latte.

  648. I’m new to your website… and well… have fallen for all your yummy recipes and love your quirky creative way of writing! I’d love to receive your new cookbook and start the new school year with a fresh start!

  649. I am such an office supply nerd. I think I decided to go back to grad school just so I could go shopping for school supplies. Is that wrong? :) This giveaway sounds amazeballs!

  650. Always loved the first day of school…new clothes, new supplies. It was always downhill after that! The giveaway items are super cute. Thanks!

  651. autumn is my favorite season…and although i’m well out of school now, i still have strong urges to buy big packs of pencils and fresh notebooks :) LOVE these items!

  652. Joy, I love your blog and I’m sure I will love your cookbook too. If I don’t win, your cookbook will be at the top of my Christmas wishlist!

  653. I LOVE school supplies, but, as a teacher, I share your anxiety over the month of September. It’s equally scary being on the other side of the desk.

    Also, I love your writing and posts and recipes. :)

  654. for the first time in 2 years I will be in the US for not just the beginning of fall, but all of it- all of it’s crunchy leaf and pumpkin spice latte and cider and doughnut glory… and perhaps even back in school a bit, but maybe this time as a teacher. Actually, I’m looking forward to all of the above. Cookies will also be welcome for this journey and finding real chocolate chips or chunks is about to get remarkably easier.

  655. I love September. It makes me want to go back to college and wear a hoodie. Then I remember homework and walking around campus during artic winters— mind changed. That doesn’t mean I don’t treat my self to a few supplies every year… post its? new shoes? Absolutely!

    Also, its my birthday today! So I made a giant skillet cookie.. seemed totally logical.

  656. So, my boy is going into 3rd grade and I am jealous that he gets all the new goods; like that new lunchbox and those cool underoos. I could really use this awesome care package. In fact, your new cookbook is on my Christmas/birthday gift list (as my birthday is a week after Christmas I get, “this is your Christmas and birthday present”) But I don’t want your pity; just your awesome giveaway :)

  657. I love your recipes and all the notes you post to go with them! This is by far one of my favorite blogs. Thanks for the delicious addition to my life :)

  658. I shared some Joy love with my coworkers yesterday. I’m the official bringer of dessert for all of our gatherings. We enjoyed the Banana Walnut Cookie Cake and Peach scones yesterday.

    Back to school always reminds me of my grandma. She used to always give us some money to buy a new outfit, all the way through college. When I graduated and began teaching, she would still send me something. I still try to buy myself at least one new outfit to start the year off right!

  659. ohmygoodnessyesplease! I will have been schooling for a whole year straight, with no breaks, and it is making me a crazy person.

  660. My girls and I have already gone back to school. I would love to go back in September, but do enjoy getting out of school then end of May. I think I’ll bake some cookies to make all of us feel better.

  661. Next Tuesday will be the first day of my senior year of college. It may well be my last first day of school ever. It’s a scary but thrilling thought. I might wear overalls and I’ll definitely be baking some cookies :)

  662. This is what back-to-school is all about: placating your anxy sleepless jitters with plenty of school supplies and fancy nailwear. I’m headed back-to-grad-school-still(-why-isn’t-it-over-yet?) this fall and I’m going to need all the pink nail polish and planner action I can get for the next round of TA-hood, tutoring, and dissertating. As for the cookies… students love them. I love to make them. That’s one part of this equation that we have DOWN.

  663. Thank you for this lovely giveaway. What perfect timing and a delightful idea to share recipes with those you love (and who doesn’t love cookies?).

  664. I was never fond of back to school and like you I am so glad those days are long gone. I would still love to celebrate September in a fun way and what’s more than winning this little gift basket from you! Count me in :)

    Fingers crossed! xx Jen

  665. I’m going back to school in a few weeks and this would definitely make me happy! AND…I already have your cookbook so I can SHARE it with a friend. love your blog!

  666. I love sharing your recipes with my friends on Facebook, as well as with my mom and sister. There is so much goodness to be had in a homemade, from-scratch treat. Truly made with love and from the heart! School supplies are wonderful, and would help jumpstart me for my last semester before graduation! Yahoo!

  667. On this side of the world, September is the beginning of something great – slipping into Spring! You get the best of both worlds with the longer daylight and (almost) beach weather without the sticky Aussie humidity of Christmas time.
    In short, September is the business.
    Add in some pretty paper and nail polishes and I’m a happy little camper!
    x

  668. Love this post, you, and all the fun things you picked out! I also love back to school season – this is the first time in a long time I haven’t been headed back to school myself and it feels a little strange!

  669. I get a little sad as school rolls around. Now we have to be on a schedule…no more sleeping in, no more lazy days. Now it’s up early and lots of running around. But on the other hand, I love fall….the cool crisp air, the vibrant colors, the casserole or bread baking in the oven. My passion is baking and fall is the perfect time to turn on the oven and let the fun begin!

  670. Every year around this time I beg my friends to go school supplies shopping but we are 35-year-olds with no kids (that go to school) so… Don’t you think this is a great reason to like September? I love all your choices!

  671. Ahhh, I’ve always loved buying new school supplies and the combined excitement and slight nervousness of a new school year! This is actually the first time in 19 years that I did not have a first day of classes, and I’m not sure how I feel about that :p

    I love your back-to-school giveaway kit, especially the planner, capsule letter, nail polish, and bear tabs :)

  672. Back to school is bittersweet for me; I love spending time doing fun things with my kids, but I work from home so summer is very challenging time to get everything done!

  673. Hey Joy! I love your blog and podcast. It keeps me going every Thursday morning at work. Thanks for everything you do!

  674. Oh my lord I love school supplies so much! And office supplies. Basically all supplies! Today was my first day back at school so I made your single lady pancake! It was perfect (:

  675. I do have to agree with the comments about loving fall and the beginning of baking season, but I really have a hard time sending the kids back to school. I love the relaxed-do whatever we want-kind of summer days. Thanks Joy!

  676. um, love. i’m student teaching this fall and the kiddos start TOMORROW and i am in this totally not-normal calm mode, which will probably leave me the second i’m in charge of the room. eep. but fall! on the east coast, that means boots and scarves and apple-picking, and it’s beeeeautiful here when the leaves turn. SIGH.

  677. Yay for paper straws, overalls and cookie recipes! And…for watching X-files alone in the dark sometimes. :)
    I’m all over this recipe share and this super awesome gift pack. And BTW how much green tea minty watermelon cooler have I been drinking out of my special cups this summer? A Lot! Thank you for your awesomeness!

  678. To me, fall unfortunately means going back to college. Which is cool, in some ways.. I’ll be able to hang out with people I haven’t seen the whole summer, but I’ll also have exams :/ I’m excited about baking again though. Apple pies, cookies… It’s just been so hot this summer that we didn’t want to turn the oven on and make our home even hotter! Great giveaway btw, I hope I win :D

  679. I’m charmed by everything you write. It’s so very eloquent and quirky! Thanks for the giveaway, and all the recipes in your blog(:

  680. Lavender short bread cookies and How to homeschool 11 kids over 24 years – – I think those two go very well together.

    Your books is on my wish list!!

  681. I’m going to be sharing the love all over with some special treats before my baby brother heads back to high school! your cookbook would really come in handy ;).

  682. I did ya one better- I made chocolate chip blackberry crumble cookies for my coworkers over the weekend (hand-picked the blackberries from my property and everything) as well as sharing all of my dessert recipes with a friend (who is learning to bake). Yay for sharing! :)

  683. today’s my mama’s bday so i called and wished her a happy birthday and obviously told her how much i miss her !!! :( hope i win this giveaway – it’s adorable and I’m starting my first year teaching (2nd grade) tomorrow!!

  684. I love your postings. Of all the many fun and exasperating not-so-long ago times, I truly miss the annual ritual of taking my daughter school shopping the most.

  685. The best part about fall?? The guilt-free feeling of turning on the oven. I feel SO bad doing it in the summer w/ the AC on. Windows are open, pesto is being prepped and a fabulous loaf of bread in the oven…love!

  686. some of my favorite things: back to school, cookie dough, stars, little kid jokes, fresh painted toenails, quinoa, hot tea in an oversized mug, good books, & winning giveaways ;)

  687. You are my hero. I am a poor college student (as in I can barely afford rent), and reading your blog is my favorite part of the day. You brought me happiness in the most difficult time of my life by sharing your joy (hah!), insecurities, and of course, amazing recipes. Although college tuition, rent, and occasional bottles of wine make buying your incredible cookbook a little difficult, I’d be the happiest girl in the world to own something by you. Just sayin’.

  688. On the first day of school my mom always made school bus brownies. She cut a 9×13 pan into a bus shape, used the scraps for wheels and frosted it bright orange. M&M’s made the tail lights and people heads in the windows. I think she did this almost every year until I left for college. I’ve taken over the kitchen now, but I may have to make these for old times sake.

  689. The straws and stationery are ADORABLE! I also would love to receive the cookbook! It would amazing to win this giveaway (:

  690. UUU, autumn, the long cozy night and the rainy days. There is not one thing that can be possibly wrong with autumn. From pumpkin pie with tons of cinnamon to roast chestnuts on the street that warm you hands and burn your mouth because you can’t wait for them to cool down.

    I look forward to the new autumn and hope to fill the following days with recipes from joy the baker. I also won’t mind filled basket, I have never actually got one.

  691. What a wonderful way for US to start off the school year. A lot of focus goes to the kids We should celebrate too! Thanks Joy for the fabulous selection of goodies!

    ~Michelle

  692. I love overalls, and will definitely rock mine like they’re the new chic come September…along with an accessory plate of pumpkin cookies. Long live autumn :)

  693. Have been so looking forward to fall, sweaters, baking and school supplies! I’ll be taking my daughter to buy hers soon but feel I always need a composition book for myself for lists! I would especially love your book. Thanks for being you

  694. I’m not really going back to school this september. But I was always that super shy, super scared of everything, couldn’t be late or you’d see the waterworks type of girl. I’m looking into some d.e courses for a english major… which is weirdly exciting. But I haven’t jumped on the boat yet. I had already plans of sharing this lime and pumpkin seed sugar cookie recipe with this old roommate of mine who lives out east. The recipe is originally from this resto in victoria, bc called “rebar”, and I swear, it’s a standby recipe. Gives her the kiss of the west too. Hope you’re happy and healthy joy!

  695. I’m dreading fall too! After a stinking humid summer, the weather is finally cooperating, but I know that all too soon, we’ll have snow!

  696. Love your giveaway! I always loved back to school time for the new school supplies. If I win I’d share your book with my sister. She loves to bake! :)

  697. Haha some things never change! I still get super excited when the new school year comes around. The weathers changing and I guess the possibilities of something new happening or just meeting people always made it a fun time. Except gross cafeteria food! NEVER forget to pack your lunch (and some delicious homemade cookies) :)

  698. School starts early here in South Florida. My kids went back last week! Love your blog! You inspire me to be more creative.

  699. High-five on this awesome giveaway! High-five to whoever wins this awesome giveaway! And high-five to you, Joy—for having this awesome giveaway, but mostly for sharing all of your wonderful recipes! = )

  700. No school for me this year!! But next year…grad school here I (possibly) come. In the meantime, I will be baking lots of cookies and flipping lots of your single lady pancakes!

  701. What fun! I’m going back to online classes studying Graphic Design in a few weeks. It’s been hot as ass (ew?) in Baltimore this summer, so I’m really looking forward to FALL. Hope I win!

    XO

  702. I too am being dragged kicking and screaming toward fall, but it also means black raspberry jam making, pumpkin bread baking, apple picking fun. So, I guess I’m not screaming too loud! ;) I would adore the box of school supplies as I will be returning for my Master’s degree. A very cool giveaway from a very cool lady. Thanks!

  703. I dying to get your cookbook! What a fun giveaway. My current obsession is your peach scones. I’ve made it numerous time with peaches, raspberries or blueberries, & they’re delicious every time. I think I’ll make another batch & share them & the recipe with my neighbor who just did some catsitting for me. :)

  704. Today was our first day of school, back to trying to teach the kiddies about elements and gravity and what not :)

  705. I’m celebrating back-to-school time by indulging in some lovely oatmeal raisin cookies. You’re never too old for oatmeal raisin cookies.

    Here’s a life tip: say you’re at work at your office job, and you notice a stray hair that needs to be plucked pronto. Find the smallest binder clip possible–it’s fairly decent stand-in for a pair of tweezers.

  706. School supplies were always my favorite. However, I wanted them to stay perfect, so I always hesitated to use them. Thanks for the giveaway!

  707. is it terrible that i don’t do facebook or twitter? i AM obsessed with instagram though! and i love the font of this comment box! do i still qualify? random.org?

  708. Oh how I would LOVE a copy of your book. I had it for a very brief moment in time but then gave it as a wedding present.
    I am actually going to send my BFF cookies in the mail for her b-day. That counts right? ;)

  709. I cannot believe it’s already going to be September, time just seems to be flying by. My sister’s birthday is in September and I have already shared a cake recipe with my mom so that it’s ready to go come her special day. Love the idea of a back-to-school giveaway, maybe I’ll make one up too and give it to my sister who starts school next week!

  710. September is the best. As a teacher, I love back to school, a new class, a new year, new adventures and new challenges! The best! This year, I’ve also got my little girl starting school. I plan in making her lots of little homemade treats for in her lunch box!

  711. I’m 7 months pregnant and chasing a 3 yr old. What an awesome package! You inspired me to put together a happy fall package for a friend…and a few others too.

  712. I love you and your website and your fab recipes and your lovely giveaways. You are definitely cool and you should keep on wearing slippers to the supermarket. Because duh.

  713. in my country (Costa Rica) we start classes in January and they wont end until December ( unless your school adapted the US calendar!) but I’m a junkie for school supplies! those are really cute! I Don’t bake cookies.. for some reason I just can’t make any..but ill share some cake recipe for sure! JOy u are the best

  714. Love love love, both your giveaway package and promotion to share the love (and baked goods). I just shared my top-secret-everyone’s-obsessed-with-them champagne pear cupcake recipe with my new pen pal from England, and in return I got a recipe for a proper English trifle. xoxo

  715. Oh, I so love sharing recipes – Banana Snickerdoodles is one of my favorites..

    I received my first Lost Crate – so cute!

    I would love to have a Joy the Baker cookbook though.. and those cute supplies… I am not a fingernail painter, but have daughters that would love some new colors!

  716. This time of the year is the most scariest. Apart from the fact that this time brings me closer to my favorite season : FALL <3 , i totally hate first day of school. No matter how prepared I am, I usually cry on the first day. This time it will be first day of college! BUT… The good news is that I know exactly what I will have to do in order to feel better! Answer is simple: BAKING! No matter ow tired or upset I am, a little baking does wonders for me. Especially baking something from one of your recipes will definitely work :)

  717. Joy the Baker, you’re a girl after my own heart. I faithfully read every single one of your posts, laugh wholeheartedly and eat a slice of buttermilk strawberry skillet cake, out of unrequited friendship… needless to say, girl crushing, majorly. On a side note, I’m loving those straws!

  718. Fruit Mentos are awesome. They were always the treat that my dad picked up for my brothers and me from the gas station convenience store — back in the day b/f “pay at the pump” was standard. This is a great giveaway.

  719. those little book tabs would definitely make me the coolest kid in school (not that I ever was). but hey, who cares if we would have been friends, right?
    p.s. I’ve done better than share a cookie recipe–I just made your chewy molasses choc chip cookies for my whole church. score!

  720. What a great idea! Growing up, back to school shopping had always been one of my favorite things. Now my joy is getting school supplies for my kids. Too much fun!

  721. I love to buy school supplies in August i don’t know why I just do.
    My baby is about to start grad school so we could use your gift pack besides you picked great school supplies.

  722. I already have your cookbook, but I would love to give one to a friend! And would love all the other stuff here too!

  723. I’m a grad student and even though I’m done with the classes portion of my degree, this giveaway is VERY exciting. You see, I’m a bit obsessed with office supplies. Btw, I have a pair of short overalls which I always wear when I go fruit picking. Farmer Joe style.

  724. Fall has always been my favorite time of the year! A tip: add lemon and mint to your water to get in those 8 glasses every day.

  725. So excited for the kids to start school this year – it’s my son’s first day of middle school and my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten. Wait. Maybe I’m not so excited. Does a box of Kleenex come in that package?!

  726. To me, September 1st has always been a much bigger deal than New Year’s. Love the cooler weather, sweaters, new school supplies and yummy soup recipes. And anything made with pumpkin. As an added bonus, my official divorce anniversary is also September 1st. I may have jumpy clapped wihen the judge signed off on this… ;)
    Thank you for this awesome give-away, from one nerdy girl to another…

  727. Wow this looks like a great package especially because it comes with your cookbook, which I have been wanting. Great back to school stuff too. Thanks for sharing so many great tips and recipes. They are always easy to follow and your skills are helping me be a better cook and baker! Hope I can win!

  728. I love this! And since I already have your amazing book, I could give this one to a friend if I win! Yay for sharing :) back to school means back to college. Man, it’s been a pretty amazing summer, but it’ll be nice getting back.

  729. So awesome! I love this time of year, cooler at night, Halloween right around the corner. And pumpkin pie. Lots of pumpkin pie. Heaven.

  730. I have always loved buying school supplies despite how nervous the first day of school always made me and now it’s rather ironic that I’m going back to school again. I guess that means I get to be excited about school supplies again, right? But not so much about waking up early… But great giveaway!

  731. I love this time of year! My Mother and I use to spend one day just US and get all pampered right before school started each year. Mani’s, pedi’s, new hairdo, new outfit, new shoes and MOST importantly new schools supplies.
    Remember smelly crayons?!

  732. I sent a letter to a dear faraway friend today with my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe in it – we used to bake together all the time, and now she can have her own baking adventures, while still sharing the fond memories of those awesome cookies and messes we made!

  733. This is such a cool giveaway- I need some more Joy in my life at this time of the year. This is my second of two years off between undergrad and grad school and though I totally enjoy living the back-to-school craziness vicariously as a nanny I really honestly miss it. I’ve been fighting of the malaise by baking a lot for the kids I watch and my theater company- your cookbook would be awesome to fuel my cooking mania =D plus one can never be too organized, have too many cute purse items, OR have enough pretty nail polish. <3

  734. Just made a batch of your chocolate chip cookies last night. Half for my husband to take on his business trip, half for me to share with my coworkers. All parties were happy.

  735. This is the cutest give-away idea!

    Shopping for school supplies was always one of my favorite summer activities, coming home with brand-new boxes of crayons, pencils, and, if I was lucky, a new backpack & lunchbox combo. Oh yeah.

    Also, X-Files IS the coolest; I’m in full support having that be the main event of your Friday night :)

  736. What a bundle of utter perfection! I’m heading off for my first year of college today and I’ve got that classic combo of nerves and excitement for school this year!

  737. I blustery Scotland it is pretty much perpetually fall, but shall celebrate by eating more pumpkin with cinnamon certainly.

  738. Nifty stationery helps my hectic school schedule to become pupil inspiring. There is no more humiliation with students being more organised than their teacher.

  739. I’m a ballet teacher at a public school for ballet and I’m excited to go back to school in September! I sometimes bake cookies for the staff, so I’m excited to get back to it.

  740. What an exciting giveaway! I may be tempted to try to use everything at one time! Hmmm wait a minute, nail polish and baking may not work together.

    Oh well.

    Either way

    Pick me, Pick me!!!!

    Thanks for the awesome blog of tasty recepies. My fav is the brie/jam pop tarts! LOVE them!

  741. Ever since I made the recipe for the dark chocolate orange scones I was hooked to your blog!! It’s very inspirational to see where you started and where you are now!!! Have a super awesome day! And thanks for inspiring!

  742. Love your giveaway! So many fun things to make the school year suck a little less :) I am done with school and SO glad, but I live next to a school, so I see all of the kids regularly. Do NOT miss those days! Thanks Joy!!!

  743. Life tip: It’s 100% fine to use baby powder on your roots on those non-shampoo days. Just go with it.

    Love September giveaways.

  744. I love this time of year. I’m finally getting sick of the heat, the kid is back in school, so I have some piece and quiet, plus as a good PTO mom, I get to do lots of baking. Blueberry muffins for kindergarten first day tomorrow! We try to ease the pain of parents dropping their kiddos off for their first ever day of school with caffeine and sugar. Works every time!

  745. i always make a recipe for what my friends have lovingly dubbed ‘hell balls.’
    i found out later they are buckeyes.
    and that i wasn’t the first person in the world to make them.
    bubble burst.
    all over my face.
    but i still give batches of them as gifts.
    yes, i give them hell (balls).

    and i’m totally not kidding when i say that i’m only entering this because i want your cookbook oh so badly.
    (um, and washi tape. cause my stash of washi tape just got used up in a serious game of princess dress up with my four year old. washi crowns. i couldn’t say no.)

  746. i would love to have your cookbook! and all those school things would look super cute on my desk in my kindergarten classroom!

  747. I am equally obsessed with those paper straws. My Amazon wish list may or may not be full of straws. And cookbooks… I feel like we could be friends… I hope that’s not creepy.

  748. best school-give-away i’ve ever seen (don’t know if i ever saw another one, but i’m sure it’ll always be the best one, the fact that there’s a cookbook in it makes it very unique)

    PLEASE send it to switzerland!

  749. i always make a recipe for what my friends have lovingly dubbed ‘hell balls.’
    i found out later they are buckeyes.
    and that i wasn’t the first person in the world to make them.
    bubble burst.
    all over my face.
    but i still give batches of them as gifts.
    yes, i give them hell (balls).

  750. I’ve been done with college for three years, but I still long for new school supplies and a back-to-school wardrobe (overalls obvs included) every September. This would help to fill the void that not being a student has created! :)

    Thanks Joy!

  751. oh! those straws! they remind me of the 5 cents koolaid stix we used to buy at the corner candy store!
    i am sooooo glad school is behind me. not the greatest memories there….
    give me a cookbook over a textbook anytime!!!!! (especially yours!)

  752. I just found a brownie rolo cookie recipe that I was going to surprise my boyfriend with on his return from the Midwest. Do that qualify as sharing a little something special?!? Great giveaway.. you are so much fun. Thanks :)

  753. Awesome! I actually just posted a link to your website on Saturday because I was making the dark chocolate and pistachio cookies. Oh my word. SO DELICIOUS. My husband made some into ice cream sandwiches. Also awesome.

  754. I want it all! I actually already own the cookbook (and bake from it constantly!) but would love to have a book to gift! Also, I need that planner in my life!

    Fingers crossed!

  755. Oh, the dark chocolate pistachio smoked sea salt cookies are in the oven and then headed to a work potluck – if they make it that far… I had used the smoked sea salt in goat cheese truffles and was so happy to have such a lovely way to use the left over :) Have a beautiful end of August! Cheers!!

  756. Such a cute gift package. And I’ve been handing out your cookbook left and right to friends and family. Every. Single. Time. They come back saying it was the best of whatever it is they made they’ve ever had. Nice job, Joy.

  757. I’m moving into my own apartment this fall for college…back to school it is, and I’d totally wear overalls on my first day! There’s a perfect home for that cookbook…in my kitchen!

  758. Getting all this sweet stuff would be awesome because I would love to have your book, and I’m gonna be a sophomore in high school!

  759. Just looking at all this stuff makes me feel better about going back to school. I’ve been in school 20 years and this may be the last first day of school of my life. (Yikes?)

  760. Love this! I was definitely the kid who got overly excited about new school supplies (let’s be honest, I’m still that girl)!

  761. I just got married on August 17th, so the planning whirlwind has ended so what would be better than winning such a cute giveaway! Love the podcast!

  762. I am kicking and screaming too! I don’t want summer to be over! Then comes fall and winter, oh gawd, I live in Maine for Pete’s sake!

    Nettie from Moore Or Less Cooking

  763. I just turned 40 and I am headed back to school. I’m frightened by most of the 18- 22 year olds in class. One girl wears a raccoon tail. ??? I don’t even know what to think about it. I mostly just appreciate their bravery for being so openly weird.

    I love, love, love your sense of style and sense of humor. Oh, I also love your recipes, specifically cookie recipes!

    Instead of me sharing a recipe, I called my Granny Jones in West Texas and bummed her homemade lemon pound cake recipe. But in return I gave her much love!

    Thanks for all the wit and all the laughs!
    AR

  764. Hola! First day of school is totes the best! I’m a Duck (like Tracy Shutterbean!) and baker wannabe currently studying in Chile, your cookbook is just what I need to continue winning over my roommates with cookie love!

  765. As a college student going back to school in less than a week and having come to the realization that summer is over, this giveaway brings much joy. I havent had a chance to get my hands on your cook book, which I’ve heard is quite spectacular! Also just wanted to send my thanks for the encouraging, humorous, and real blog posts that I very much enjoy!
    Going to send some pie lovin to a dear friend!
    Thanks Joy!

    Alex

  766. My baby girl started Kindergarten last week and I totally teared up. She was so thrilled to fill her backpack with school supplies! I love your stash of supplies for me!!

  767. Ohhh – I love paper straws. A girlfriend introduced me to them not too long ago and I have been looking for some ever since!! What a delightful little give away – and to top it all off, a copy of your book! What a sweet treat. I would LOVE to have this package make it’s way to me!!

  768. Fall makes me want to go back-to-school shopping… even if I am in my thirties and not a student. I still feel justified in getting a few brand new outfits to tackle the new year. :)

  769. Fall makes me want to go back-to-school shopping… even if I am in my thirties and not a student. I still feel jsutified in getting a few brand new outfits to tackle the new year. :)

  770. I sometimes get fun supplies just to make my work day more exciting :) Would love to have these, especially your book!

  771. Lovely! For me it’ll be back to work, but I still have the same how-and-why-is-it-already-September feeling.

  772. Great post, Joy! I am always ambivalent about the start of school. I am getting ready to go back to college and still have butterflies but I can’t wait! Maybe some back-to-school baking will make everything alright.

  773. Oh my this is perfect! I’m 27 and going back to school and am SO nervous! I’m making shortbread for orientation. You know, because I’m that girl. And I hope it helps me make friends.

  774. Yay! I hope I win! P.S. I’m making the dark chocolate-pistachio-sea salt cookies today and bringing them to class tomorrow. Everyone might bow down to me tomorrow. It’s a distinct possibility.

  775. Jitters be gone! I am using your chamomile cake w/honey icing recipe to make a yummy breakfast snack for my students their first week back! If only teachers had that recipe when I was in school! Thanks joy!

  776. I’d like to be entered in the giveaway so I can make more of your delicious recipes! :) So many fall recipes are beginning to come out and I plan on making lots and sharing the end result with all my family and friends.

  777. I’m a school psychologist and officially back to school TOMORROW. This would definitely start the year off on an awesome note!

  778. Ah! I always loved preparing for back to school and this will be my first fall that I’m not attending real school – I’m finishing my last semester of college online. That hasn’t stopped me from wandering down the aisles of school supplies and snagging a few, though. Even online courses require planners! And sparkly notebooks. Okay, maybe not the second half but I can’t help it. I LOVE office and school supplies.

  779. What a great back to school package! I truly enjoy your recipes and posts. Real, relaxed and witty. I am in love with “Sharin’ The Love” -what I call sharing recipes and food with friends and family. Sharing my passion of food and creativity is what I love to do and I am always happy to receive the treat of your posts to read and try and love.

  780. This box is so adorable! I just started my first year of law school and I love the tabs and planner. The cookbook would also provide plenty of fun relaxation and yummy treats to get through study sessions!

  781. Love this giveaway! Making some cookies for my new neighbour as an “I’m sorry my adorabe pooch won’t stop barking everytime you come home and/or leave” peace offering.

  782. Wow, what a package. I would love to win this. I like returning to more of a set schedule when my son has to go back to school. Summer is fun but chaotic and I am looking forward to so consistency in my life.

  783. I shared your dark chocolate-pistachio-smoked sea salt cookie recipe on Facebook . . . and then when I had a bad day, I came home to freshly baked cookies, courtesy of a certain special boy.

  784. Tweeted, Pinned and shared!!
    Cinnamon bread with my mom, blue cheese polenta with a good friend (who needed to read the post more than the recipe) and peach scones with the world (the first I’ve made that weren’t dry – I was excited).

    PS. Watched a lot of X-Files in high school. Totally get it. Totally cool.

  785. Awesome idea. My school candy of choice were Atomic Fire Balls and Lollies (sweet tart suckers). MMM. And, if you do this again next year, shout out to your Minnesota friends and include 3M post its! :)

  786. I knew there was a reason I hadn’t ordered your cookbook yet…I am totally going to win it along with all these other awesome goodies! I love your blog!!!

  787. What a fun giveaway. Although I am now retired, I still feel that back-to-school rush these days. It must be something in the air. I’d love to win, because I’ve heard so much wonderful about your book.

  788. I would totes maj love this! It’s going to be my senior year in high school and I’ve already got senioritis… ugh! I’m determined to make every minute as awesome as I can muster, though. Wish me luck!

  789. I love this giveaway! I shared a great recipe with someone yesterday. I hope that counts. If it doesn’t – I’ll share another one today! Love you Joy!

  790. Just sent some coworkers a recipe for a yummy pasta salad – nothing says love like sharing food, in my opinion. Love the giveaway!

  791. would love to win a copy of your cookbook. and yes i did not look forward to the start of school for much of the same reasons as you. either though can’t say that i’m “cooler” in my older age as you are.

  792. My daughter is going into the first grade and we had an awesome time back to school shopping. Brought back great memories!

  793. joy! that looks amazing. also, those cookies you made earlier, I am making them tonight. and then a big cake for a friends b day on saturday!

    thanks for the chance to win this awesomeness. cm

  794. I like to grant the start of yet another academic year with new and improved “New Year Resolutions”. What’s a better start than with the change of such prominent seasons? And, let’s be serious, I have a much higher likelihood of success with exercise improvement in September rather than in January… Who wants to leave the comfort of a kitchen in January?!

  795. Hey Joy! I just want to say a big thank you for your blog. It’s the perfect form of escapism during my busy work day. And this box is fabulous to boot. My fingers are triply crossed! Thanks for being you!!

  796. in celebration of how great this giveaway is I think I’m going to go eat a bunch of cookies and then probably eat some more. Yay! P.s. Thank goodness I don’t have to painstakingly figure out how to make my hair look good for school anymore. No more school + much improved hair!

  797. I always loved back to school – and now that I don’t “go back” I get all nostalgic. (It certainly doesn’t help that I’m the only one in my friends and family who doesn’t work FOR or AT a school. They get to experience the excitement and I go to my regular job. SIGH.)

    However – YAY for give aways! Thank you!

  798. I love back to school supplies! It doesn’t matter that I haven’t had to buy them in 3 years, I still love them!

  799. this is fantastic!! I’m starting my second year of Grad School…and it is cute school supplies + coffee that get me through. Especially since about 99% of my friends are not in school. thanks for wanting to share with us Joy!

  800. I LOVE that planner!
    At least back to school (grad school, that is, which – for the record – never actually stopped over the summer) means more people to share baked good with.

  801. September always makes me nervous and excited at the same time, even though I’m not in school anymore. It’s the feeling that everyone is returning back to reality and the daily grind even if we haven’t spent the past 3 months of vacations. But the best part if school supplies and a fresh new wardrobe. As for me a new season brings a new city, and you’re cookbook would be perfect in my kitchen!

  802. We move my daughter into her college dorm tomorrow. My husband and I will be empty nesters – yikes! Love your blog!!

  803. I love your posts! Especially when they include kitties, gin, or giveaways :)

    I also hate this time of year. Summer is slipping out of my fingers too fast.

  804. Ah! I love all those things! And at 25, I’m still going back to school next week so I can definitely use everything. You should have a list of your favorite websites available on your blog because everything I’ve seen from you is awesome.

  805. I feel you on not liking back to school. I can’t remember ever being excited to start school. Having cute stuff does help, though.

  806. Being reminded of school always makes me think of high school when I wish it would make me think of college. I finally became ok with myself in college. But when I think of high school, I always think of my oldest and dearest friend Dani-Lou who just shared your blog with me on Sunday. She accompanied this introduction with some of your tomato zucchini soup (yum!). Thank goodness ole Dani-Lou and I had each others as we survived the days of bad hair (her’s was always fantastic) and mean girls. We have reunited as sideways neighbors in our cute little town homes and are loving patio parties together. I mostly love that I have someone to borrow eggs and sugar from (did I mention I am a baker who doesn’t plan very well). I just adore your blog. Keep writing, girl. You are doing something good here.

    Jess

    PS. I want that box. :)

  807. School supplies still make me swoon…and to see them all laid out in a sweet little matrix like that?!? I’mma go organize some stuff.

  808. I love back-to-school season! Fresh paper! New sharpies! Post-its! Forget that as a grad student I don’t need fresh school supplies anymore. Except the post-its. Need lots of those. Love this giveaway!

  809. I made your Honey Chamomile cupcakes and sent them to work with my boyfriend. I’m not ready to say goodbye to the glorious southern California summer!

  810. My fav cookie recipe will be shared tomorrow in class. School started back for me last Wednesday and may I fill finally be done with College in May.
    Nice giveaway! :)

  811. I can’t believe you don’t like back to school, it’s my favorite time of year! It’s like the starting over of New Years only not as desperate and sad.

  812. Having managed to successfully live all my life on the academic calendar (school to college to teaching to grad school and back to teaching) I STILL love the back-to-school fun of new school supplies, and still get the flippy stomach feelings of excitement on the first day of school. This giveaway would be awesome as a teacher.

    And since I’m also a dorm parent to 11th and 12th grade girls (I teach at a boarding school) for whom I bake all the time, your cookbook would be a fantastic inspiration for some new recipes! I’ve just discovered your blog this summer (late-to-the-party-am-I), and I’ve already pulled a number of your recipes I want to try for them (as well as a number I made for myself this summer). So thanks for being awesome, Joy! A+ from this teacher.

  813. What would graduate school be without hello hello bookmark tabs? I’m in desperate need of anything that will make reading a massive amount of papers more fun!

  814. Yay! What a fun giveaway! I shared a fun cookie recipe with one of my coworkers who’s been wanting it for awhile!! :)

  815. Winning your awesome package would make my day! Actually, probably my week and month too. I love to pass on delicious recipes when I come accross them!

  816. Thanks for the giveaway Joy!! my fingers are crossed :)

    I shared your peanut butter and bacon cookie recipe with one of my coworkers! she’s going to bring some into work tommorow.. yum yum.

  817. I love the recipes you have. I am so excited about this giveaway. Thanks for the chance to enter. I am definitely sharing your recipes. :)

  818. This my first September not going back to school and it’s the weirdest. I definitely miss back to school shopping. This package is adorable!

  819. I got your book from the library but they say I’ve had it too long and have to give it back! Nooo! Thanks for the opportunity to maybe win it! I’m also a univ student!

  820. I’m about to finish up my summer job and I have a few weeks before I go back to school, so clearly instead of packing for my last year of college (wait, what) I’ll be cooking and baking and refusing to wear pants while I have the house to myself. I’ve been dying to try the dark chocolate pistachio sea salt cookies. I even dreamed about them a few times. It turned out to be a nightmare because when I woke up, I had no cookies.

  821. I am really in a hating mood today. But I love your blog so much that I had to leave a comment, as your post has lifted my day once again. September is beautiful and hopeful.

    Sharing the fig apricot and mascapone tart with my Mama.. of course, we’re Italian!

  822. I already have your cookbook, but if I won I would share it with my baking buddy. The other goodies are just icing on the cake!

  823. I always loved buying new school clothes (just sweaters, really, because I had a uniform thru 12th grade), folders, markers, etc! Then I was over it by day 1. haha Kind of glad school is over, but I still like learning! Just glad not to be back in grade school! Or trying to finish a thesis. Yuck. Thanks for the post!

  824. Very cool! I’m such a nerd when it comes to school supplies and office supplies. When I took my daughter school shopping this year, I think I was more excited than she was! Of course, back to school also means bake sales, so I’ll be sure to make cookies galore. :) I got your cookbook as a birthday present this year and LOVE it! Thank you so much!

  825. Oh, how I don’t feel like going to school.. And waking up really early, no no no.. Your giveaway is totes awesome though!

  826. I baked my friend’s mom’s recipe for “Victory Cookies” for my little cousins to mark the end of their soccer season (for them, they’re “Consolation Cookies,” but just as sweet and yummy!). After a summer of de-cluttering, I think I deserve a good shop for new school supplies… can’t wait to inhale the scent of a fresh pad of paper and doodle with new pens and markers (I love a good ‘extra-fine’ point :-)! September is a new start, like a mini New Years…. Cheers!!

  827. I love school supply shopping and am SO looking forward to my first day of Junior year (of College). Never gets old. Love your blog, Joy!

  828. You’ve already gave us looooads of love, chocolate, ideas, smile, cat, food and gin! And that’s why I read your blog and indeed like you, despite the distance. Keep it up! <3

  829. yeahhh I have a mixture of excitement for the new year and saddness about leaving behind the relaxation of summer. I love sharing recipes bout to send along my grandma’s banana bread recipe to a friend

  830. What an amazing giveaway! I’m about to start my second year of grad school and this nifty little gift package would hit the spot!

    I also shared my favorite easy dinner recipe with a friend (rigatoni with mushrooms, chard, and goat cheese… mmm!).

  831. I share recipes with a friend almost daily. We photograph what we cook or bake and post on Instagram. Sharing is a great way to discover new things to make! And I would totally love to get my hands on that planner, and the bookmark tabs are really cute too.

  832. I love erasers!! I need new pencils… Ironically, I’m taking a class in September & October and will need copious amounts of note-taking materials.

  833. Fall: leaves, pumpkin spiced lattes, oh, the colors, sweaters, boots, scarves, tea! all of these things make up for the dreaded school supplies. Plus, I too am getting cooler by the day.:) thanks, joy for making me smile with your blog. I haven’t found a recipe I haven’t liked yet!

  834. wow!… whatta great idea!… especially with little odds and ends you wouldn’t think to be in a “back to school” gift box!… awshum!… way to think outta the box lady!… :)

  835. You are so flippin’ cool. I want to be like you when I grow up.

    I emailed my Mamie a recipe for this amazing plum bread I made. She’s still waiting for the plums to ripen.

    p.s. Even if I don’t win, you are still amazing! (In a non-creepy way, of course.)

  836. What a fun giveaway! September terrifies me too! I used to love it when I was in school, but now that I work at The College of William and Mary it always reminds me that the students have returned…

  837. I also love the fall because Starbuck’s brings back their Pumpkin Spice Latte. Yum! I shared my recipe for my home-made Irish Cream. (^.^)

  838. Ugh! I feel the anxiety of the beginning if the school year too. Only now I worry about my kids. I’m crossing my fingers to win this giveaway and share the swag between my two daughters. Except the cookbook is mine, I tell you…ALL MINE .

  839. OMG! Love this selection you had picked for your giveaway…

    It’s a mixture of geek central with some pop of modernista influence. I would love to win this giveaway since school is starting for me. Would need to some imagination time to “FOCUS” in class. :)

    Just shared my tortilla casserole with my family. Would you like it? Or any one else? Quick and easy meal.

  840. My favorite cookie recipe has been baked (and shared!) with the coworkers. I hope I win your fabulous book and super awesome supplies!

  841. I share your amazing recipes with my mom! Your love for baking & your readers is obvious and makes visiting your blog so cozy! :)

  842. Great giveaway!
    I’m thinking I’ll share my grandmother-in-law’s coveted red velvet cake recipe with my mom, so we can surprise my hubby on his birthday with a little taste of his childhood (anything baked in my kitchen is rarely a surprise with only 800 square feet to hide in :).

  843. I love the beginnings of fall, actually, not because of school but because it means that the temperatures will finally start dropping. (I have some kind of reverse-seasonal affective disorder, I think — hot weather and too much sun makes me grumpy, unhappy, and anxious.) But that means I should be able to win to celebrate making it through yet another summer, right?

  844. Fall is an amazing time of the year. My oldest is going to start k-n… Sigh! So much to look forward and be excited about. Fall is change, and change can be good!

  845. I didn’t dread going back to school but looked forward to it! Now that I have a first grader myself he feels the same way. He can’t wait to get back to learning (and schedule). I can’t wait to get back to fall baking, hotdishes for supper and spending all day Sunday preparing food for our busy week. I look to your collection for new recipes all the time. Thank you!

  846. Thanks for the giveaway! I shared my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe with some coworkers who are always bugging me for it :)

  847. What a great giveaway! This will be a wonderful reminder of my school days, which are over as of this past May :-/ It’s weird not being a student anymore, but there are new adventures to be made!

  848. Hey, Joy! This back-to-school package looks like so much fun! I love all of the items inside and wish I could have received one of these every year growing up. Definitely could have used one on the first day of sixth grade when I wore bellbottom jeans covered with smiley face patches…yeah. I guess I’ve gotten a little cooler since then, too. Anyway, thanks for this!

  849. I love your website and I love your recipes! Gladly emailed my mother your Salty Sesame and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies and am sure neither of us will resist trying them ASAP! :)

  850. I missed my Grandma’s birthday party on Sunday – FAIL!! So last night I took her my “famous” strawberry cookies (think fruit pizza with only strawberries on individual sugar cookies). Well she was thrilled – my whole family loves them. I also took a nice bouquet of flowers. I’ve redeemed myself and am back in my name sakes’ good graces.
    You have good ideas!

  851. love the giveaway!
    i recently shared your roasted strawberry buttermilk cake with a friend (only replaced the strawberries with peaches). she’s been sharing the recipe with all her friends too!

  852. This is my first year not to go back to school. Eeek, what am I going to do with myself?? Grow up and get a real job??? Just give me some cookies. But I’d love to win this giveaway!

  853. Yay back to school and back to fall! Pumpkin and cinnamon – delicious fall! I love sharing recipes with friends – most recently it’s a yummy queso, but cookies are always welcome!

  854. I gave my cousin three super yummy recipes, one of which was a delicious pistachio and chocolate French ice cream. I would love to say I’m finished with such scholarly endeavors, but sadly I had to, yet again, register. On the plus side I got to go home afterwards and bake :)thank you so much for the blog it is my go to for anything and everything foodie. I’m off to make some butterscotch pudding!

  855. I am actually going back to school this fall. And that at 31! I will be leaving my hotel career behind to start my training to become a midwife. So winning this would make me the coolest midwife student in Germany. well that and the cookies I will bake and bring to class. ;-)
    I just shared a cookie recipe with the teeny girls from my church. and I’ll teach a friend how to make my blueberry-nectarine-vanilla jam this weekend.

  856. Back to School jitters! I still get thme too, even though I work all year. (I also get senioritis every May, which is a whole other issue). Back to School was the WORST for me because my birthday is August 31, which meant that it was always the first day of school or at least the first week. Terrible timing! I love the idea of pink and red nail polish. I’m rocking some fuschia nails right now, but I’m going to switch up to try the combo!

  857. My friend just sent me an amazing rhubarb recipe that I intend to make for my mom’s birthday this weekend. Sharing is caring!

  858. This is a fantastic giveaway! For me, back to school first days always started with a self pep talk. This year, I’ll send my friends pep talks and recipe love!

  859. What a cute giveaway. While I don’t miss school at all, I do miss school shopping.
    Although I suppose I could still do that right?
    Right.

  860. Well, I am still in school (the grad variety), so the September jitters are still a reality around here. Your cookbook (and the rest of the goodies, although, really I am merely after the book) might just be what the doctor ordered! You’re absolutely terrific, Joy!

  861. This is such a cool give away! Dispite having to go back to school, yay college, I am looking forward to fall and the holidays {baking} that comes along with it :)

  862. I shared my go-to morning shake on FB, PEANUT BUTTER, BANANA, AND OAT MILKSHAKE. I have it EVERY morning, so delish and easy. Love getting your emails Joy. Keep’m coming.

  863. I ABSOLUTELY LOOOOOOVE YOUR BLOG…..and this is the cutest little giveaway EVERRRR!!!!!!!! (p.s. I just shared your “peanut butter blondies with milk chocolate frosting” on facebook…?)

  864. I get September anxiety, too! I’m dreading sending my son off (um, in 5 years!) – I know I’ll be so much more nervous than him! What a fun giveaway!

  865. Just to be honest here… I too wore major overalls A LOT. I have many photos of this situation, many, many, many. And guess what? I still have them in my closet, as I write this. That’ what’s up. Both Gap, oh ya I have two pairs:), Both worn in, and I wear them from time to time as a reminder. I am now 32, I still have them. I wore them with Birkenstocks, I now have more Birks, but a little cooler ones. It’s true, they can be cool looking. Plus I lived in California, now Portland, so both places overalls and Birks are acceptable, maybe not cool. We unite us all with overalls, and my happy feet! I am sharing the cookie recipe with my brother, he needs cookies.

  866. I wrote a blogpost yesterday dedicated to a friend of mine. :) I would so love to win these awesome back to school goodies. I’m a teacher and will forever have back to school jitters!

  867. Even though I have graduated, I’m still such a scuker for everything school supply-related. Love this idea, and love following your blog, Joy! :)

  868. I made a banana bread yesterday and shared it with my meditation group. Even after you’ve been out of school for some time there is still something nostalgic about school supplies isn’t there.

  869. I actually kind of love back to school time now that I’m on the other side of the PowerPoint projector. This year, I’m teaching as a faculty member at a college for the first time. (I’m an adjunct, but I’m still totally psyched.) As far as cookies, cookies rock. I actually pinned the salted pistachio dark chocolate chip cookies from this blog the other day, and my sister (who is a complete cookie-holic) saw them and instantly made a batch. She said they weren’t that awesome, but she also omitted the (completely awesome-sounding) sprinkling of salt on top. That’s what you get for not following the directions: less awesome cookies. Anyway, back to school rocks. At least this year.

  870. The start of a new school year is always a fresh “new year” for me! School starting just means I get so see my friends everyday :). Although I am enjoying swimming in all this free-time.

  871. my first day of school is next Tuesday…. Its my last first day of my degree… I’ve been eating chocolate chip cookies like they were a food group this week..

  872. I am the local Joy the Baker source of recipes in my town. Oh you want a cake? Cuz i know a good joy the baker one. Breakfast? have you tried her oatmeal? ya know… i was JUST. READING joy the baker…..

    I get a lot of eye rolls. I’m pretty relentless.

    I already own your cookbook but would love to gift it to someone! I’m really in it for the mentos and the pencils. Selfish move i know.

  873. I always dreaded back to school shopping as a child and I still pretty much don’t like shopping! Thanks for the great giveaway!

  874. Buying school supplies was my favorite part of going back to school. Something about a crisp, new notebook always made me really happy. Winning this giveaway would also make me really happy! Thanks, Joy :)

  875. I’m sending my mom the recipe for your Dolce de Leche Cupcakes. She loves fall (unlike me) and the colors seem so autumn-inspired.

  876. Hi!! Love you and your yummy recipes. Thanks for opening up the giveaway to those of us not in the lower 48. :) My son starts kindergarten this year and I’m so excited and nervous for him. I plan on making some yummy gluten free cookies to send in his lunch box.

  877. Recently shared my go-to chocolate cake recipe with a friend looking to impress a special someone! ;)

    Love this cute giveaway!

  878. I’m going back to college next Monday and I’m nervous! This package would be incredibly empowering. Thanks for hosting.

  879. I will be telling everyone I know about the amazing lemon buttercream frosting I just made for my coworker’s b-day cupcakes (white with a raspberry filling)!

  880. What a darling package of goodies! I’ve been sending copies of a garbanzo salad recipe right and left this month, and love getting others’ recipes back in return. A great way to spread the love, for sure.

  881. I get a double whammy when back to school season starts. I’m a graduate student so you know….general back to school jitters. But I also teach a college course. I get the jitters of well..bein I’m front of 25 brand new students! Yikes!

    Btw, I plan on baking some of your cookies to share with my new neighbor!

  882. I just recently found your blog and love receiving your witty cheerful writing, stylish photographs and, of course, recipes and fresh ideas about food and cooking. This time of the year’s excitement and anxiety are all in full swing by me, with two of my older kids going to school soon. Your chocolate/pistachio cookies look scrumptious – I will bake them with my daughter this week. Would love to own your book. If I don’t win, I will buy it ;)!

  883. I made mini-cheesecakes last night for my coworkers and sent around the recipe this morning. It was met equally with “thank you”s and “like I’d ever actually make those” comments. They were delish!

    I’m excited for back to school because my daughter is starting kindergarten and my son is starting preschool! Eeek!

  884. Are you kidding?! I get giddy about back-to-school season. All those fresh new supplies fed my OCD side for years. Now that I’m not in school I have no excuse to get all the goodies…but I still roam the aisles every.single.time I go to the store and salivate over everything.

    I’m actually sending my mom a recipe for hasselback potatoes with little garlic slivers between each slice and herb butter drizzled over top. Not cookies, but definitely something she and my dad need in their lives this fall.

  885. We have a back to school tradition at our house- I take the day off to see the kiddies off then spend the day relaxing and baking homemade butterscotch/chocolate rice crispier treats! They are ready to greet kids when they walk through door that day and I wrap enough for lunchbox treats that week. It’s the only time I ever make them so it’s a special treat we all look forward to :) I posted my recipe on my Facebook today!

  886. Oh man oh man I’ve never one a giveaway before but if I could only pick one to win, it would be this!! I love all those things!

  887. I’ll be baking up some stuff for our co-op BBQ this weekend and making sure there are recipe cards available for whomever wants them – great suggestion to focus on sharing the love via food & recipes!

  888. Hi Joy! I’m a new follower and total bookworm. Although I’m far beyond my schooling years, I love love love back to school time. You know you can find me arm wrestling youngsters at Target for the last spiral bound agenda.

    Have a great day!
    Ashley

  889. The best part of going back to school was buying supplies and a new backpack. After that I was having nothing more of the first day of school.

    Oh, still waiting to be cool. I’m ok with being me though.

  890. I made pretzels with my dad, we had so much fun and spent quality time together <3 oh, and the pretzels turned out AMAZING!! I took them to a party, everyone loved them; and then they wanted more… Back to the kitchen :)

  891. I am totally into cute and fancy pencils and pens. I’m picky about ink. I don’t even feel like writing without the right pen.

  892. My Pop is getting old, 91 last week. He might not be round that much longer, but to make up for the short time we are on a mission to find the best cake in Perth Western Australia. The Aunts and Uncles say eat up your brocolli and avoid the salt, Pop, or you might die sooner. I say, Pop, you want cake or lentil loaf? Pop says cake please, rubarb and chocolate!
    So, any rubarb and chocolate recipies anyone can recommed?
    Thx!
    PS. Pop was a school teacher, I hope I win so I can give him the prize… but umm, I think I will keep the cookbook and nail polish for myself.

  893. This is such a cute idea! I’m definitely experiencing back-to-school jitters for my final year of undergrad. I shared your post on what to do with leftover herbs with a friend!

  894. This is my first year with NO children in school anymore. What a sweet feeling, but somewhat bittersweet at the same time.

  895. Even though I’m technically done with school (just finished up grad school! Wahoo!), Fall still feels like “back to school” time for me. I love to get new supplies and clothes for the new season. The calendar year might start in January, but I think September is as good a time as any for a fresh start!

    Would LOVE to win this gift package, would be especially excited for the cookbook. Which I will probably just have to purchase, should I not win!

  896. Love this post! Everything is adorable and I agree that pink and red are perfect together… they aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. I understand what you mean by the jitters around this time. I’m starting my first semester of Grad school on the 27th and I’m a bit nervous.
    As for emailing friends recipes…. psh! That’s all I ever do :) Coffee cake bites were just emailed to my mamma.

    *Happy Fall Wishes*

  897. I’ve shared your recipes so much that my family & coworkers are tired of me harrassing them, “Just make this one more. It’s even better than the last! Really! Mom. Mom.. MOM. JUST DO IT.” We love you in Oklahoma, Joy!!

  898. september scares me, too! just moved into a new apartment with a malfunctioning oven and can’t bake away my nerves. cookie recipe shared.

  899. Posted the cheesecake recipe my lovely fiance made this weekend. Normally I’m the baker and he cooks dinner. He said, and I quote, “I made a cheese cake, I used your girl Joy, the caramel turned out delicious.” We could barely wait to eat it and it was SO good. You never fail me Joy. never fail me. :D <3

  900. I just found your blog a couple weeks ago and have already made 2 things you’ve blogged and have pinned like half of your recipes. Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to have your book!

  901. The most exciting thing if I win… I already own your cookbook, so I’d get to give this one as a gift and share your wonderful recipes with someone else!

  902. You are an amazing blogger, Joy! I truly admire your style (and LOVE your Blueberry Lemon Poppyseed muffins).

    I am obsessed with the Peanut Butter Cookie recipe in the classic Joy of Cooking cookbook. I make and share them whenever possible!

  903. Back to School is my favorite holiday! It signals all the things I love most: learning new things, wearing cozy sweaters and corduroy jackets, baking cookies, and eating warm soups.

  904. I absolutely LOVE school supplies. As a child, I never wanted to play with dolls….but give me pens, paper, notebooks, and a fake telephone?! Best child receptionist ever. My love for these supplies is still going strong….evidence with the jars filled with pens/pencils/markers/sharpies/etc. sitting on my desk.

  905. I’m going to college this fall; leaving home with a recipe box I made for mom. Some of them are from you as well! :)

  906. Love fall – I know I’m in the minority here but it’s been over 100 for waaaaaaay too many days this summer! I’m ready for sweatshirts and cozy nights by the fireplace, etc. And I love this blog, your cookbook, and your giveaway! Thanks, Joy!

  907. I always loved the back to school “feeling” but dreaded the actual going back to school part! I loved that it was the beginning of a new year, a new season which meant new possibilities….and new school supplies! I have great memories of my mom and I going back to school shopping. The new clothes never thrilled me but I could organized my pencil case and binders for hours!

  908. I’m going back to school in a few weeks! I would love to win this,but if I don’t I love the blog anyway! xx
    themusingsofateenagemind.blogspot.com/

  909. I have always loved back to school shopping except now it is for my grandchildren. This is also the time I start Christmas shopping (I know…Boo!) I also emailed my very favorite cake recipe to my dearest friend since high school.

  910. I’m starting college this year, so “back-to-school” is particularly stressful this year! I love the whole kit.

  911. i think my favorite part of going back to school when i was in jr. high/highschool was seeing how my friends/schoolmates had changed over the course of the summer. inevitably there was a ‘woahhhh – is that who i think it is????’ – and ‘oh, huh, they look totally and EXACTLY the same…’ and lots of other surprises in between.
    it was exciting, nerve-racking (especiallly the what the heck do i wear the first day not to mention how in the world to deal with the hair issue…..) — now, my anticipation and anxiety is replaced by the excitement/tears? from my 5 year old boy starting his first day of Kindergarten…a new chapter for us both :)
    thank you Joy for making our days just that more fun and joyful with your fantastic blog and scrumptous recipes!!!

    Juliet Tarantino
    11 Fairview Place
    Millbrae CA 94030
    juliet_peelle@yahoo.com

  912. what a perfect giveaway! this was my first year to shop for school supplies for my firstborn…starts pre-school in a week. e-mailed with grammy today about collaborating on a first day of school celebration dinner next week!

  913. The start of school is looming over me. Kids don’t realize their teachers are back WEEKS before they are! I’ve been sharing my favorite white chocolate macadamia nut cookie recipe from Crepes of Wrath. I also shared your bleu cheese biscuits with my momma!

  914. I emailed your pistachio chocolate chip cookie recipe to a friend who is a big pistachio fan!

    This is an awesome back to school kit- those bookmark tabs are adorable! :)

  915. This is so fun! I like the look of that planner!
    I recently shared a favorite brownie recipe with one of my friends who is a new mom!

  916. Sent my mom my favorite glazed donut muffin recipe :). Nothing like a “healthier” donut for those of us who wake up too late to grab breakfast. Thanks for the drawing and for helping us get our school house rock on!

  917. Baked your dark chocolate chip sea salt cookies and gave the recipe to my department at school- they loved them! So excited for fall and school to start again – but similarly nervous :( As much as I’ve loved school my whole life, I’m a certified worrier. I was that kid who couldn’t sleep the night before fourth grade because I wasn’t sure what to wear, or if my teacher and I would get along, or or or or or… Going back to school now (at 25) is giving me similar jitters. The only cure? Organization and Cookies :)

  918. This giveaway reminds me of a scene in “You’ve Got Mail” when Tom Hanks says fall makes him think of school and how he wanted to buy Meg Ryan a bouquet of sharpened pencils. :)

  919. I always loved shopping for school supplies! It was always so much fun getting my bag ready to see what the school year awaited… and now being on the other end, teaching its still a blast to buy supplies :)

  920. I am with you on the freaking out about September thing! I usually love Fall, but I am not ready. I have a kid starting kindergarten this year and I finally finished getting all of his school supplies and think it would be fun to win some for me!
    Thanks!

  921. I’m heading back to college after taking a year off to work. This giveaway would be lovely for back to school items, but especially the cookbook for more great cooking ideas for delicious meals for my husband!

  922. As a former, now retired, schoolmarm, September will always be thrilling/frightening to me. You are glad your school days are over?! Imagine facing 225 high school students a day. Loved it. Glad it’s over :)

  923. Ah, back to school. I haven’t been there in 10 years but my daughter is starting JK in September and I’ll be sending her off in her new (probably too warm) back to school outfit, wondering and worried about how she’ll do, will she have friends, will she feel like an outsider, or will she shine?

    I emailed a cookie recipe to my dear friend (who’s also sending a baby off to school this year!)

  924. What a fun give away! I have sent my cousin my favorite cake recipe for her to make at her next dinner party! What a creative way to share some lovely things!

  925. There is nothing like new stationery!!…I inherited this trait from my G’ma, a true stationaire extraordinaire!

  926. the gift box looks great! I too always looked forward to the beginning of school with a mix of excitement and anxiety. maybe it would have been easier with these chic supplies!

    — R

  927. The start of school – I kinda loved the possibility that comes with new beginnings, but kinda hated the fact that we were beginning again! :) Spreading the love by sending my 5 yr old nephew a birthday card with a shark taking a bite out of a cake.

  928. Ok I can’t lie. Even though I’m no longer in school and have a big girl job I love school shopping so much I may, ok I do, buy myself new office supplies the same time all the kiddo’s are buying school supplies. I just can’t help it!

  929. Your cookbook is on my book wish list. What a clever give away. I love it. And I am so glad my school days are over, too. Man alive. Good times. not.

  930. Your cookbook is totes on my wishlist! What a fun back to school gift. It’s like getting a care package from your (totally awesome) mom while away at school. Fun!

  931. This is my first year since preschool to not go back to school in the fall :) I just finished my master’s and am super excited to not be in school ever again! But I would still love some back to school supplies…back to fall supplies now I guess?

  932. i always love the start of the school year – it has all the excitement of seeing old friends and meeting new people, and starting new classes, without all the homework in the way yet :)
    the washi tape and paper straws are adorable! thanks for the giveaway!

  933. Have to admit I had a love/hate relationship with the first day of school. My worries always centered around the bus and who I would be stuck riding that bus with for the rest of the year! I do love school supplies though. Especially new pencils and pens and fresh notebooks. My school days have been over for a long time (I think I graduated the same year as Jesus) but I still have an obsession for fresh notebooks and pencils and pens!

  934. the first day IS decidedly bunk-central. especially in 6th grade when every girl came back with shaved legs. and i did not. you know what’s not bunk, though? school supply shopping. glad you did some for the rest of us!

  935. For the end of school in June, we made the peanut butter cake and experimented with chocolate buttercream and peanut butter frosting. Our fave: chocolate in between the layers, peanut butter frosting on top. Can’t believe the kids are starting back already!

  936. I loved going to back to school! I loved buying my children their school supplies. Something about the smell of all those paper goods. Weird, I know. Love your blog and cookbook. If I win I’m passing the cookbook on to one of my sisters. Thanks!

  937. Love that! By the way, I would fully wear slippers or pajamas to the grocery store or anywhere else for that matter. I’m not cool. That’s just how I roll.

  938. Excellent giveaway, Joy! I actually just shared your tomato cobbler recipe with my coworkers along with the aroma of my leftovers. Also, I totally wore shortalls on Sunday, with clogs.

  939. I love new school supplies but back to school is harder every summer. Hoping to pick up your book with my new textbooks though!

  940. I heart school supplies so much! Is that weird? I don’t know, but I’m 25 and get school-girl-awkwardly-excited when I walk through the stores and see fresh, clean lined paper and pens…the possibilities! the newness! All the things!

  941. I thought I was done with “back to school” as well, but grad school somehow sucked me in…too bad I won’t be able to try out as many of your recipes this fall with 2 night classes as i did this past summer!

  942. Going to school is a love hate relationship. I love the start of a new year, of the Fall season, freshly sharpened pencils…. I just don’t miss the rest of it ;)

  943. These are so cute! As a grad student I miss the excitement of going back to school, the first day outfit, the new backpack with the new pencils and crayons and blank notebook!

    PS I just wrote out several of my favorite recipes of yours for my mom on the cutest little recipe cards and she loved it!

  944. Not feeling ready to go back to school again, but ready to finish up my last year of nursing school! I love your recipes and baking helps me get out the stress of long days in the hospital, care plans, and reading books heavy enough to prepare me for the olympics. Thanks for the sugar/butter/flour induced euphoria that helps numb the pain of studying!

  945. My parents are retired teachers. I used to “play school” while growing up. Now I’m a Head Start teacher preparing to go back to school. Yesterday I sent a back-to-school package to my son, his wife (a teacher), and my granddaughter heading back to day care. I am obsessed with pens, notebooks, etc. and can spend hours looking at school/office supplies. Your back-to-school package screams ME!…and I’m planning on baking cookies for my fellow teachers on our first day back.

  946. I love pens! My favorite back to school items to get every year.

    I shared your pistachio chocolate chip cookies with my Dad…the cookies not the recipe…and he is one happy camper! Thanks. :)

  947. I love back to school time! I always covet the school supplies when they start putting them in stores for fall. New crayons are a personal favorite. I saw that Target had mermaid shimmery Crayola crayons, and I had to have them. And I’m 35.

  948. Love this giveaway! I’ve been out of school for quite some time, but I’m always looking to learn and look pretty along the way. Thanks for your witty blog!

  949. I start school next Tuesday for my Masters in Public Health! So scared!! I think your cookbook will help with the jitters…oh and the nail polish! I just sent my friend your Chocolate Beet Cake recipe. So good!!!

  950. i always loved the ‘back to school’ feeling — still do, even though i’m no longer in the classroom as a student or a teacher. now when the season changes, i look forward to yummy fall dishes and treats to whip up and SOMETIMES share. what can i say? i never went to kindergarten and the sharing concept is still a tough one for me!

  951. i was just reminiscing about school supply shopping!

    i shared your dark choc + pistachio cookie goodness recipe with the world, and can’t wait to tackle it myself this weekend!

  952. I always loved going back to school! My favorite part? Wandering the school supply aisles, which I still find myself doing even now, long after school has ended. Thank you for offering to fuel that fire.

    Sign me up!

    Mel

  953. My girls are back in school – and I think I get the night-before jitters more than they do (and I do a good job of hiding it, so they have no idea!) I suppose it is just my memories of getting lost in the halls, and hoping I can find my friends in the lunchroom, etc. Thanks for the nice giveaway, Joy!

  954. I love back to school shopping. My nephews have graduated; and September is so anticlimatic. I love G2 pens, Kindergarten ticonderoga pencils, crayolas and mini-pens. I still have to buy at least one pack of crayolas and a new colored pen every year.

  955. It’s been 6 years since I set foot in a classroom but have realized that I’m never too old to learn a thing or two (or three). I’ll be a new (first time) mom in December and will turn 30 next May – I’m aware that I know *nothing* about A) having a kid and B) rockin’ the socks off of my 30’s like you and Miss Tracy. Thus, I’m learning! :o)

  956. school here in the hot west starts the 1st week in august, or even the last week of july, so you’re a bit late for us. we cut short the hot season so we can go sit in the cool schools during the daytime, daydreaming of oatmeal chocolate chip cranberry cookies when we get home.

  957. The cooler weather(or Indian summer), the new jeans(or still wearing your shorts because of Indian summer), the new bag w. all the cool pockets for your stuff…back2school is a treat! A treat I say!

  958. Let’s just think of fall as the time for Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, ya know? But I hear ya. I get anxious because I too hated the first day of school!

    P.S. My fave outfit in 5th grade maybe included khaki corduroy overalls with a brown velvet shirt. So what!

  959. I’m making your pistachio chocolate chip cookies today and I’ll be sharing them with the lovely ladies at my job. Such a great giveaway idea!

  960. You have the best giveaways! I’ll be going back to (grad) school in a couple weeks, which just means that I’ll have classes in addition to all the work I’m doing now!

  961. I love back-to-school! NOT for the actual back-to-school, but for all the fun paper goods & lunchbox type things in the stores! This give-away is perfect!

  962. As a teacher, I am feeling ready to go back to school! It’s been a fun summer but time to get back in action :-) This kit would help motivate my first day of school cooking baking tradition…

  963. Here we go again! I am not going back to school again either, but let me tell you, oh how I want to go shopping. :) Clothes, paper, notebooks, pens and pencils…..It just feels right. So, I love your giveaway idea and I would love it if these great fancy things were part of my fall.

    Thanks, Joy for cooking and living and sharing it with us!

  964. I always loved the beginning of the school year, getting to see friends again, but still getting a chance to kind of start over fresh. Plus the classes at the beginning were super easy, with just syllabus days and whatnot!

  965. I always LOVED shopping for school supplies. I get a little twinge walking past those bright, shiny aisles without having any real justification for buying the stuff. I ease my pain with Sharpies. Multi-colored sharpies.

  966. today’s my first day in a college class since i graduated four years ago. my courses are just for fun and personal growth this time around … but i’m still getting mild back-to-school jitters.

  967. Shopping for school supplies was always my favorite in the fall! Who am I kidding, I still love it, even though I’m not in school anymore!

  968. Im starting a new job! that’s almost the same as back to school right? I love new pencils because I too like to BS my chic-ness!! xo

  969. I am going to graduate in December, so a new set of school supplies is definitely in order. Oh yeah, it doesn’t hurt that it is all SUPER cute :)

  970. I’m starting grad school in September, and I’m still getting those nervous/excited/oh-crap-i-don’t-want-summer-to-end feelings.

  971. School supplies!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love them. washi tape- love it. mentos make me reminisce back to summers at the pool. I’d find old mentos all in the bottom of my swim bag. I’ve been dying to give a copy of your cookbook to my mom. She also loves butter :)

    xoxo- cerrissa

  972. As a former teacher I was always excited about back to school myself! I’m home with my son now, but still look forward to the change in seasons! Thanks for all of the great recipes! Love the chocolate chip cookies with sea salt!

  973. We made Mommom’s Chocolate Bourbon-Spiked Banana Bread this past weekend (with lots of vanilla, since we were out of bourbon), and, wow! We absolutely love it. What a great cookbook, and a great give-away!

  974. What an awesome bundle. My mom was just diagnosed with celiac, so I just shared with her a gluten-free chocolate cake recipe. I am thankfully gluten-tolerant and love LOVE love your pancake recipes.

  975. School supplies continue to be my favorite part of going back to school! Cookbooks should be included as a necessary textbook on every student book list :)

  976. Ooohh I love your cookbook! I have made so many things from it :) If I win the givaway maybe I’ll give the book to my mom, or my aunt – she thought it was the cutest! Totally keeping the polish to myself tho!

  977. For me, the back to school jitters were a bit softened by the fact that my birthday is September 2nd:) The planner is lovely — and I’d love to read and use your cookbook!

  978. I love the fresh start of a new school year. I’m missing it now though since I quit working to stay at home with my baby boy.

  979. Ahhh I’m going to college! All these cute things would sure come in handy, especially that cookbook (I’ll miss good food immediately when I start dorming, I’m sure).

  980. I used to irritate my mom by calling her over and over for the same 3 recipes: her chili, her chicken and dumplings, and her pralines. I have finally got them written down and put in a proper binder.

  981. I miss school! That planner would have been perfect for college! I’d have a place to put all the scrap paper doodles I drew in classes!

  982. Back to school shopping is the best! Going back to school is less awesome. but i’m thrilled to report that my facebook friends and i will have a little bit better first day, all because of my favorite Brown Butter White chocolate macademia nut cookies (with a little coconut thrown in for fun :D)

  983. Mulder + Scully forever! I made that banana chocolate walnut cookie cake last week and ate half of it within an hour of it coming out of the oven. So good!!

  984. Being in the office all day makes me wish I was gearing up to go back to school in September… luckily I tried your pink frosted toasted coconut doughnut recipe and packed one for my afternoon snack! yum!

  985. What a cute back to school gift box! As a grad student, I’m dreading the first week of school (which starts TODAY!), even though I’m not taking classes anymore.

  986. My favorite cookies are Russian Teacakes. They are similar to Mexican Wedding Cakes except you glaze them and dunk them in coconut. Sooooo yummy.

  987. What an awesome giveaway. I have wanted your book since it came out, and I haven’t had Mentos since I was a kid! Thanks.

  988. A lot of cute things in that giveaway box…but your cookbook would make me the happiest. I plan to share my cookie recipe today! Nothing better than homemade cookies to take away the back to school blahs!

  989. Oh no, Joy. Your “get it, got it, good” comment reminded me of a teacher I had in the 7th grade who said that ALL THE TIME. Ugh.

    P.S. Back to school is just as crappy when starting grad school. If I don’t win, I surely will go out and get some hot nail polish to cheer me up :)

  990. I love back to school time, stocking up on supplies even though I’m no longer in school. There’s nothing quite like the smell of new notebooks and the feeling of excitement!

  991. What a beautiful giveaway! I will be going back to school from Monday and would love to have the planner.

  992. Great giveaway! I am still “going back to school” every year, despite being the same age (early 30s!) because of my job as a college prof. I am only teaching courses that I’ve already taught, but here I am, feeling nervous nonetheless. I sometimes even have dreams at night that I forgot to attend my math class, around the time the fall semester begins.
    This giveaway will definitely help me settle into the beginning of the semester!

  993. Aw, I loved school. I guess I liked learning about new things and chatting with my friends. Believe me, I was totally awkward. I think I just didn’t care what everybody else thought. Ha ha ha

    InspiredbyLaRue.com

  994. You are so fun, these are a few of my favorite things. I get so happy to school supply shop with my kids and see the classroom.
    Thanks for the fun~
    xxoo

  995. Joy, this giveaway is awesome! Umm, and so is X-Files. Yeah, I still watch it on Netflix, recalling jokes I shared with friends about each episode. We were super cool, too.

    I am going to email my sister’s future MIL your recipe for Brown Butter Banana Strawberry Bread right now. It was delicious! .

  996. I love the smell of school supplies! And as a mom of many boys, I could definitely get into some pretty pinks and reds for my nails.

  997. Your Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread was the first bread that I baked in my life and I just loved it. I’ve done it again a dozen times. Well, your recipes always look delicious and your writing always makes me smile :)
    This gift box is lovely, I hope I get it!

  998. i loved buying new clothes and school supplies for back to school!! seeing friends was always fun too…but homework…not so fun! :)

  999. The “bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils” line from You’ve Got Mail always gets me in a back-to-school mood, if only to buy all the adorable school supplies not actually go to class.
    And, I just emailed an easy chicken enchilada recipe to my friend who is aptly named Joy.

  1000. Aww man, I don’t even have to go back to school shopping anymore since I’ve accumulated so much stuff over the years…doesn’t mean I don’t though! I still get myself a fancy planner and something fun. Love the straws & nail polish!

  1001. I’m totally still on a paper straw kick!! I just can’t get enough! Oh and I pinned a pic of some peanut butter chocolate chip cookies yesterday afternoon because they made me think of my husband (he loves PB). When I got home he totally put me on blast and said he’d love me a little more if I made them. Sucker.

  1002. Ahh I’m in love with this giveaway!! I am way too obsessed with stationary. (And nail polish….duh)
    Last Sunday I shared a full on Mexican feast that I cooked for my boyfriend’s parents and my parents that came all the way from Austria over to Ireland. Sharing is good :)

  1003. I loved starting another school year, even though I hated the first day of school. Now that I’m older, I wouldn’t mind going back to high school or even starting college again! FYI- I LOVE Mentos! Do you remember the commercials??? I loved them too!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  1004. I loved back to school shopping. I sort of miss it now, although I am not ready for my 2-year old to grow up fast so we can get to school age. Thanks for the giveaway, Joy!

    Oh, and I LOVE LOVE fall. My favorite season of them all.

  1005. A giveaway that goes international!!!?? Yeay!!!! Im in Canada and rarely get to participate in these!
    I would love to get a copy of your book! I really like all your original recipes and the ingredients you use like lavender and smoked sea salt!

  1006. Just shared actual smoked sea salt cookies with my teacher friends! They were delicious and made us forget the end of summer!

  1007. Oh how I miss those back-to-school days! I always felt my sense of purpose and accomplished as a student… What a fun giveaway to help all of us reminisce :-)

  1008. I find myself still buying at least one new school supply each fall, a new pair of scissors or markers, just because! What a great feeling it is, not to mention sweaters and boots are around the corner!

  1009. I was always that dork that had picked out brand new school supplies weeks in advance!!!!! And yes, I did own a pair of overalls that I believed on many occasions to be a most excellent fashion choice.

  1010. I’m studying abroad RIGHT NOW, so school is somewhat in session for me. Two more weeks and then I go home. Where my next term starts a week later. Ah well, the work was all well worth the lovely places I got to go this summer :)

  1011. I was always a mix of nervous/excited about going back to school. I was excited to see my friends but nervous about the classes I decided to take. I still have dreams about signing up for the wrong classes and I really should have moved on by now.

  1012. I was just telling my family about what a little school supply nerd I was, and how much I looooooved getting new pencils and paper and stuff.

    My boys just looked at me funny.

  1013. Great stuff here! After nine years of higher education I’m finally ready to venture into the real world. This collection makes me wish I had one more year left!

  1014. I went back to school in my forties to finish my BA and thoroughly loved every moment. While I was in school my husband did the laundry. When I graduated I bemoaned the fact that I now had to resume the task and to my great relief my husband liked doing the laundry (and he proved to be better at it than me) and continues still some twenty-five years later. Love you blog.

  1015. uuuuuugh highschool, BUT THAT’S OK because I’ll have cupcakes! Vegan chocolate cupcakes. omnom nom.
    – Emily

  1016. Back to School for me and my two Preschool boys next week! The boys are WAY more excited than I am…

  1017. ooh! I’m starting school again this year! i think it’s going to be rough….. I probably will need some brownies to make up for it.

  1018. Confession: Now that summer is ebbing away, I’m only *just* feeling the pressure to load up on lots of green vegetables at the store. Up until now it’s just been berries, berries, berries. Not that there’s anything wrong with that …

  1019. I’m a teacher AND I’m going back to school for my master’s and reading credential. I mean, I need that notebook in my life. Thanks for the sweet giveaway, Joy!

  1020. awesome! Your recipes are always some of my favorites – and your wit. :) I shared a recipe on Facebook for the cookies – but that hasn’t been the first time I’ve shared your yummy recipes! One of our favorites is the Brown Sugar Bacon Waffles. I still haven’t tried the peanut butter bacon cookies yet. I’m going to have to remedy that soon.

  1021. Hi!

    I love your recipes; my sisters always bake them. I absolutely adore your recipe for asparagus quiche! ^^

    Unicorns are awesome…. I can’t wait to go back to school… ish.

  1022. I am still going back to school! Now to start my PhD. Woah. How did this happen? Baking and exchanges of life tips are a few of the keys to success for sure.

  1023. I’ve got a bunch of back-to-school meetings this week, and then we’re off to the races! I’m teaching a class I’ve never taught before and helping some professors write a textbook, so I definitely need to be on my best professional-with-cute-outfits game. Love the nail polish and hello kitty tabs! I’m never too professional for hello-kitty.

    And I’m ready to share some baking-love. After a super hectic summer with no vacation (for both of us), my sister is coming to visit for Labor Day and good food is high on the agenda. We’re going to drink fizzy drinks in the backyard and make peach pie or whatever else strikes our fancy.

    Oh AND my husband ordered me the Joy the Baker crate for my late-July birthday, and I think I’m about to get my first crate! So so excited. :-)

  1024. I am actually going back to school this year.. well 1 class!
    And I’m currently trying to plan my bro-in-law’s birthday bash, so recipes are flying among my sister, mother, and me like crazy… yum!

  1025. I am always sharing recipes of things I want to make with my daughter. If I ate all of the things I shared, I would weigh 500 lbs! Moderation, moderation, moderation!

  1026. This is my first year not going back to school. I’m fresh out of college and heading out into the real world! Exciting times await, but right now I’m going through that weird period where a lot of my friends are heading back to school, but I’m not. This would be a perfect treat & the cookbook would be a great addition for my new apartment :)

  1027. I’m not excited about school, i have to take a class that on all levels i hate! I even maybe considered paying The Man to do all the homework for this class…I hate it that much but it is required for my degree…However YAY for Cookbooks and Planners and Paper Straws!

  1028. I used to love back to school, mostly for the new clothes and school supplies. Now I mostly just get nostalgic at this time of year. PS: Amazing giveaway!

  1029. Done done and done! Totally share your recipes on Facebook every time they look delicious… which is pretty much always. My Facebook friends probably think all I do is read your blog. Which is also probably true. Thanks, Joy!

  1030. Love the post, and love the giveaway. I always get the jitters in late August, even though I have been out of college for almost 18 (gulp!) years. I’m baking banana chocolate cake to send in to hubby’s office as their back-to-school treat. Working from home makes it hard to bake for my co-workers…though I wouldn’t have to share with anyone! :)

  1031. I was always so nervous leading into the first day of school, then each day after was a breeze. Thank goodness! :)

  1032. loving the nail polish and super cute planner. this fall is the first time of my life that i don’t have to go back to school. and it feels so. dang. good.

  1033. I miss the feeling on the first day of school that anything, absolutely anything could happen in the year ahead. If I had a magic wand, I would whisk myself back to freshman year at university.

  1034. I loved back to school supply shopping and now as a result I love office supply stores. But then again, I also loved filling out forms, so I was a weird kid, and now I am a weird grown up. I wouldn’t change a thing!

  1035. I alwawys loved back to school. Fresh new school supplies, new clothes, and the optimism of new plans for keeping up in courses!

  1036. I am tired of the hot weather! I am wishing for cooler days so I can make hearty soups and desserts with pumpkin and cinnamon!! YUMMY!

  1037. I loved rocking my overalls at school! I start school tomorrow so this kit would be especially helpful! And I would love to have your cookbook, I think I would probably use it everyday!

  1038. I totally looked forward to watching the X-Files on Friday nights with my family. I loved it. I love your blog and this back to school treat is a great idea!

  1039. I generally greeted the start of school with enthusiasm, as I was/am a bit of a nerd. However, I was not particularly up on how to be cool — a late bloomer, yes. I think life in the real world is better. : )

    And my sixth-grade-overalled self salutes you!

  1040. Joy, I’m 47 and I’m still going back to school! Ha ha. The only thing I love about going back to school is that it means it will be fall soon. :)

  1041. I used to love back to school shopping with my mom, and I LOVED getting the box of new crayons on the first day of school, but it was always a little scary starting a new school year!

  1042. I loved buying school supplies at the start of each school year. But unfortunately I just graduated from my last year of school, ever! I guess I will have to get excited about new office supplies :)

  1043. Hi! I emailed my mom the recipe for 5-Layer Pudding dessert, which is an amazing “cake” — layers of pudding, cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar, cool whip, and nuts! Happy September! :)

  1044. Fall is my favorite time of the whole year–not just because of school but also THE LEAVES. When I am 80 I’m sure I’ll still get the same feeling. And maybe jump into a pile of them.

  1045. I’ve only just started reading your blog but it’s been such an enjoyable read! I absolutely love your writing and photography and especially the random tips on life. Would love a back to school gift box to get me started on my first year at a university miles away from home(:

  1046. Just sent a friend your chocolate beet cake recipe — best cake ever! About to drive my youngest son to college (a two day drive each way.) A long trip, but nice to have the time together…

  1047. I’ve only just started reading your blog but they’ve been such an enjoyable read! I absolutely love your writing and photography and especially the random tips on life. Would love a back to school gift box to get me started on my first year at a university miles away from home(:

  1048. I can’t exactly say that I’m going “back” to school because I’ve been slogging toward a master’s degree non-stop for the past couple of years, and I’ve got another few months of madness still to come. But I still feel a little perkier about school when September rolls around and I start seeing fresh new notebooks and pens everywhere!

  1049. I used to get the WORST stomach aches before the first day back at school! Until I walked into my first class, and then it was sort of like duh, why are you freaking out?

  1050. Love this giveaway! I’m going back to school soon after a year out of college and have to crack down on my applications! This set is the perfect motivation!

  1051. I just sent your fig and apricot marscapone tarte to a friend, the recipe anyway!!! I love it! I mean I LOOOOOOVE it! So simple and cool.

    The give away hit me at the right time, I’m longing to go buy school supplies, it was a favorite of mine growing up, I was a dorky girl who loved school and was happy to see fall approach. I was talking to a client yesterday about how I’m afraid of freaking out when school starts and I’m not there (I graduated at the age of 42 with my b.a. FINALLY!, but am now going through withdrawls).

    Love your podcasts, btw!!!

  1052. Ugh, school! Can’t I just crawl under a rock and wait for Christmas break? That would be nice.

    I thought college was supposed to be more fun than this.

  1053. Love Love Love your site. I would love a copy of your cookbook! I do NOT love September. Yuck. It’s always too hot and I feel like I was a sweaty mess every first day of school my whole life!

  1054. I’m headed off to junior year of college tomorrow….and am about to start packing. This message is being sent as I lie on top of a pile of all my clothes. It’s the 21st century, why have shirts not figured out how to grow legs and walk themselves into my suitcase?

  1055. september was always such a mix of emotions – new beginnings, clean notebooks, organized trapper keepers. clearly a virgo, it’s also my birthday month! but it also meant the end of summer, tans fading, and starchy uniforms instead of swimsuits. i always thought i’d come back to school from the summer and make a huge splash… somehow it never quite worked out that way.

  1056. Grad school, while challenging and rewarding, consistently leaves me feeling stressed out and exhausted. I’m thinking your cookbook and some rockin’ new nail polish could help relieve a little of that stress!

  1057. I love love love this giveaway because I could not be more excited for September/Fall/Back to School! (even though I’m not in school anymore…) School supplies are my favorite…nothing beats a new planner, a fresh notebook and some colorful pens :)

  1058. For the first time in my life I am not excited to go back to school so this cheered me up considerably. School means a third year of long-distance relationship with my fiance so it’s not really an exciting time for me. But I appreciate that everyone else is excited to sharpen their pencils and that there are people who want to share wonderful recipes with us poor students.

    Wren

  1059. Though I work year-round, I’ve decided back-to-school season is the perfect excuse for new Sharpie pens, new small legal note pads and new skinny jeans.

  1060. My daughter is starting kindergarten this year, so it is a big deal for us. We’ve been coming up with lots of yummy lunch box ideas, and she would love some of the treats in your giveaway in her lunchbox!

  1061. I’m starting college this fall, so that’s a whole new set of jitters. But my roommate and I both love to bake, and I’m bringing her Snickerdoodles to move-in day! Always one of my standbys for my friends.

  1062. I moved a good bit growing up as a kid. Being the ‘new girl’ was always terrifying to me. Nothing eased my fears like buyin new schools supplies! Who doesn’t love new pens, pencils and clothes! :)

  1063. I’ve been following your website for a while now, and it always makes me smile! I’m a teacher, so I got really excited when you started talking about school supplies… I think I’ll go buy some right now in hopes that they’re as cool as yours. :)

  1064. Hi Joy!

    You’ve given me hope! Entering my Junior year of college, I continue to find myself turning down night after night of going out in order to play board games or bake a pie…

    My friends all say–we’re in our 20’s! It’s the best time of our lives! Go out! But I just can’t wait for the day that having brunch parties on Sunday morning instead of raging parties on Saturday night is cool… Sigh. I cross my fingers that my early 30’s are it!

    Oh. And. I swear I’ve created this exact shopping basket on Poketo dozens of times! & then my wallet says no. Love what you have picked out!! Someone is going back to school a lucky lady!

  1065. oh my gosh, i LOVE the first day of school! I am especially nervous/have no idea what i’m getting into because i’m starting Midwifery College! Overalls I think, would probably be a very practical choice.
    I have shared SO many of your delicious and hilarious recipes with the people I love, my mom quotes you all the time! Thanks for being awesome

  1066. I totally shared a delicious cookie recipe yesterday on fb. Tomorrow it’ll be fried chicken biscuits! I don’t miss the first day of school, but I miss school supply shopping. New pens, pencils, and notebooks— it made me feel like my totally unorganized crazybrain was organized. At least for a day.

  1067. since I’m a grad student again I *get* to partake in the back to school fever for one more year. I’d love to win! These items will be way more exciting than any textbook I’ll be buying this fall..

  1068. As a student teacher this year, I think I’m more nervous than the kids are about tomorrow. But, oh, am I excited! And I’m calming my nerves by baking for friends- cinnamon twists, I think.

  1069. I just spent too much money on textbooks and I’ve definitely got the end of summer blues. But this giveaway (slash the idea of painting my nails in between batches of treats and writing lists of things I already did in that planner just to check them off) makes the inevitable start of school seem a little less gloom.

  1070. I’m starting my last semester of my teaching certification program next week. i could definitely use some new school supplies to kick it off :)

  1071. I haven’t had a proper “back-to-school” since I graduated college! Fun times. Thanks for the giveaway :)

  1072. I’m really excited because I’m actually starting classes this fall! It’s been 5 years since college, & I decided to take another course that interests me. Bring on the school year!

  1073. since january i’ve been preparing for september. law school applications become available starting sept. 1 and i’ve been working on my personal statement for the last 8 months. it seemed so far away for the past 7 months, and now i can’t believe it’s actually here. time to put the finishing touches and get ready to apply! cookies will make this less stressful.

  1074. My momma just made your pistachio and dark chocolate chip cookes which she’s bringing to me tonight, so I guess she’s sharing the cookie love!

  1075. Such a cute giveaway! I hated going back to school, but LOVED going shopping for back to school fall clothes.

  1076. I llooooooooooooooooovvvvvvveee back to school shopping and I miss doing dearly. There was something always so promising about the return of September. Luckily, i still feel it. Such a cute little box and I’d love to win!

  1077. I may not be in school anymore, but I am still a school supply lover at heart. I still buy a little school treat every once and a while.

    What a great giveaway!!

  1078. Im a nerd in that I miss school…or at least the school year schedule. Off on holidays, off during the summer, forced to read indoors when it’s freezing outside….not too shabby really. And I learned interesting things, as opposed to now when I feel like I’m losing my mind:)

  1079. Joy, you’re the best! You know just what I like. Nail polish, school/office supplies, and your cookbook. Seriously, this will be one totes lucky winner.

    Thank you!

  1080. This is amazing! I’m well out of school, but as a public librarian I get to experience the back-to-school crunch each year. I’d love to ring in the school year in style!

  1081. I’m still teaching & still going back to school, so a little box of fun would be lovely.
    Fall brings us cashmere weather. Yum.

  1082. After finally getting out of school, I want to go back. Am I insane? Some may say “yes”. This giveaway may make that transition easier, and tastier :)

  1083. This year I’m going back to school in a desert land (Tucson) and an apartment where I live alone, far my family and the people with whom I like to cook. I’m trying to focus on taking the time to cultivate my creative projects and feed myself (literally, in some cases) and a happy little package like this would make my autumn!

  1084. Going back to school for my senior year in high school in a couple days! a little nervous because I care more about cookies than calculus, and more about strawberries than my social life… I huess i’m going to be a late bloomer too. :)

  1085. I will be making and sharing cookies with my soon-to-be husband (holy moly!). Because it’s the right thing to do when you’re both a little tiny bit stressed out since there are 18 days until the wedding. I’m sure it will be worth it in the end but I now recommend eloping or small destination weddings!

  1086. I don’t have kids yet, but I love the back to school season., which means a huge selection of fun school/office supplies for me to shop from!

  1087. I miss the first day of school only because of the back to school shopping!! However, now I can look forward to apple picking and all the fun ciders and pumpkin beers. Good trade-off I guess.

  1088. Hey Joy! Can’t wait to read your book, and I totally impressed peeps with your pretzel dogs!! They thought I’m way better than I am. PS-I too got cool at 30. 30 is so much better than I thought it would be ;)

  1089. this is a reminder to me that i have yet to check out my book list.. or even allowed myself to think about classes starting in a week (i’m in pharmacy school). ugh. haha. these supplies make me feel a little bit better about it, though!

  1090. I was a little sad (just a little) that my daughter’s school supply shopping was all done online this year! Convenient, yes, but I love school supplies.

    I plan to share my favorite homemade chocolate chip cookies and milk to the lovely friends from my church who are helping us move on Saturday.

    Thanks for this giveaway, Joy!

    Happy almost-fall!

  1091. Oh my, back to school. I’m trying to get myself excited for it, but summer is just soooo wonderful…this might help!

  1092. This looks like a very fun gift package to receive. I’d love a copy of your cookbook since my local fave independent book store doesn’t sell it (not yet at least!). I’m on your website practically every day and have cooked SO many of your delicious dishes. You’re awesome!

  1093. As I am about to start my last semester of college in less than two weeks, I would love nothing more than a JTB gift box.
    Also, I will be stress baking some kind of outrageous cake some time in the next two weeks which I will, of course, share with whoever I come in contact with (as long as I don’t devour the whole thing first).

  1094. I love back to school time. I’m one of those nerds that graduated from college and couldn’t bear the thought of leaving so now I work at a University. I get so excited when I see the eager new freshmen students!

  1095. I always loved the first day of school… the new outfits, fancy hair styles, where is my locker going to be.

  1096. I always am sending your recipes anyways. Just last night is sent several close friends your vegan pumpkin bread recipe under the ominous subject line “It’s coming. Are you prepared?” Pumpkin season!!!!!!

    Whenever fall gets you down, remember all the charming pumpkins that will be coming into your life.

  1097. These school supplies would actually help me feel ready for school. Hopefully. At least I could bake lots of food to share with friends!

  1098. I love the idea of sharing the cookie love. My grandma makes the best chocolate chip cookies and I want to make them for a first day of school treat!

  1099. back to school means getting back to the great city of Boston for me! It’s been a crazy summer studying for the MCAT exam (taking it on Thursday, wish me luck “/)

    anyway, september means two things for me: a whole new year of adventures with my best friends and making my favorite pumpkin muffins (and pancakes…and bread…and cookies…and smoothies…i really..uhm..like pumpkin) !!!

  1100. such memories! love the fancy pencils. those are the kind my son always had to have when he was in school.

  1101. My girlfriend is absolutely in love with this website. (I can’t complain–she makes me lots of cookies from here!) I would love to surprise her with this gift!

  1102. I cannot wait for school to start! I like my daughter and stuff but she’s bored out of her tree. I’m 29 and have been learning how to cook for the passed two years. We didn’t have a pull up the chair kind of mom. Some were great, some were definitely not great. But I’m getting there and passing experiments along as I go.

  1103. Oh golly, back to school. This is my favorite time of year! Something about the pumpkins, I think, and the cider, and the ginger/molasses cookies to go with it!

  1104. I love back to school, but I understand what you mean about jitters. I was hardly “cool” — I just loved new school supplies. That obsession has not left me. Leave it to the August sales to make me believe there is no way life can go on without a new pack of blank index cards…

  1105. Oh man, it’s my first back-to-school season that isn’t a back-to-school! I’m done with college! I’m done with grad school! I was a teacher for two years and I’m done with that too!

    Ahhh! What to do with myself (and all these stickers that I have left over from my teaching days???)

  1106. What a great giveaway. Both my kids started school this week!!! Love your recipes and site, too. And definitely will share some of my favorite Joy recipes. ;)

  1107. Dear Joy,

    This September I will be starting a new job at a school and this giftbox would be a real treat. Thanks for the opportunity!

  1108. Thanks! This looks like an awesome giveaway!
    BTW, I love your site and your recipes, you’re a real inspiration in my kitchen!
    Love from France.

  1109. While I can’t say that I’m still in school, my husband and I recently moved to a whole new city in a whole new state (eep!) so that he could attend grad school. I’d love to sneak some cookies into his backpack and make some new friends by sharing some of your treats!

  1110. Just bought a soft squishy monkey back pack for my granddaughter (starting kindergarten) Must stop squeezing it and mail it!

  1111. I loved going back to school as a kid, and I still do now as a teacher. I think what I love the most are the new school supplies and happy, post-holiday faces!

  1112. As a rising senior swamped by college prep, I’m one part incredibly excited and one part incredibly anxious for the year to begin… Time for some serious baking, as always.

  1113. Back to school! Crazy times! That I am so so glad are done – except, now I go back as a teacher. It’s far less stressful making teacher faces than it was trying to decide what to wear and who I was going to sit with at lunch. Still, some new pencils would be fun!

  1114. I love fall! It means change, it means hot chocolate, homemade marshmellows and sweaters, bonfires and clear starry nights. School, not so much. I could never understand why I wasnt cool (in my polka dot bike shorts and big t-shirts with kittens…).

  1115. I always enjoyed back to school. Esp with my kids. New year, new things to learn, fall coming, getting back into a routine. All good. Now they are grown and gone. I miss that time of year. I miss them, they grew up too fast. So for me, no back to school jitters but would love love you cookbook. Thanks for all your sharing. Always enjoy reading your posts and trying your recipes.

  1116. I sent my mom a recipe and she loved it 40 times over!!! I shared a recipe on facebook and sadly don’t have twitter so I couldn’t express my love of your recipes there. This is such a cool combination for school. Especially that planner, man I need one of those :)

  1117. I have an obsession with school supplies. Even though I’m not in school. Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher’s kid? I plan on baking some tasty treats to share with my friends at work!

  1118. I shared some of your dark chocolate and pistachio cookies last night with a good friend. It’s almost fall, which means BAKING SEASON has opened. Screw hunting season. Baking season is where it is at.

  1119. This looks awesome! I used a few of your recipes for a party a few weeks back and it was a sucess! I will be sharing the cupcakes again (the ones with the PB cookie dough!) soon!

  1120. This is my last September back to school, after 20 years of school. Needless to say I’m excited for new pens and new adventures. I’ll surely be baking this year as a way to relax as I finish my thesis, and bringing the extras in to other stressed out grad students. Your brownie cookies were a big hit when I brought them in last week!

  1121. This is such a sweet giveaway! It’s very refined of you to think of young ones and their pre-school jitters! I have been granted the blessing of having finished all 12 years of public schooling, but I still feel nervous when I start anything new!

  1122. Totally in. I baked peanut butter stuffed chocolate cookies to share with my brothers! Believe me, with brothers like mine, that’s a huge act of love, haha.

  1123. I’ve been out of graduate school for 12 years (groan). Although I hated the first day of school while I was growing up, now I envy every single kid headed back to school in September (particularly all the new school supplies…I’m a supplies freak).

  1124. I do get nervous when my kids go back to school for the first week. (Elem School, Middle School, and High School) They are really excited but each year the memories of me heading back to school come rushing back. Thank goodness for the second week of school. That is when routine really kicks in. Whew……

  1125. That is an adorable giveaway.

    Also, having a boyfriend in grad school = all the stress of back to school with none of the excitement of picking outfits. Boo.

  1126. Ack… I get butterflies in my tummy at the thought of school starting. Not that I’m in school, but it just means the hectic time is starting soon. Also, my DD is going to a new school w/ bigger kids!

  1127. I’m taking college classes for the first time in my life, so nerve wracking! I love your blog it’s like buying dark chocolate…totally a guilty pleasure of mine.

  1128. Love love love this blog Joy. It always brings a smile to my face! Although I experience nervous jitters before school, I also get really excited! Entering second year university and loving it as much as your entries… Thanks for the laughs and the yummy ideas— xoxx

  1129. Took my daughter shopping yesterday for a back to school outfit and new shoes. She said why can’t I just wear what I have…love her no worries spirit!

  1130. Back to school brings a mixed bag of emotions…every year, every single year! As a parent it’s tough to see them growing so fast, lightening speed!!

  1131. This Christmas I am putting together a collection of my favorite recipes that I tried this year. I will be giving it as gifts to my family. Your tomato and blue cheese cobbler will be in there!

    And the only thing good about school starting is back to school supply shopping. I like my office supplies…hehe!

  1132. I’m not done cooking with peaches yet. So I’m totally not ready for fall. And I was feeling a little left out of all the back to school supplies- so THANK YOU!

  1133. although for me there’s some anxiousness involved in starting a new school year, i am mostly PUMPED! school supplies, catching up with friends, checking out people’s new haircuts…so awesome.

  1134. I started school yesterday and man oh man this one is going to be rough! I had to watch Pee-wee’s big adventure last night to feel better about my life already…

  1135. School starting means that my daughters will be busy with homework, sports, music, and CCD. School starting also means that I will have my annual “I forgot my locker combination and can’t get my books for my big test in the class I missed all semester” dream. Even at 46, I am still stressed that I will forget my locker combination – which I haven’t needed for 30 years!

  1136. One of my fondest memories as a child was buying my school supplies. I would have a hard time as a shcool child these days because I would resent the teachers taking up my school supplies only to mix them with everyone else’s in the supply closet. “Hey, those are my crayons!!”. thanks for the chance at the give-away!

  1137. I always drop your name at work! I make the yummy and beautiful treats from your cookbook and site and everyone just dies over them ^.^

  1138. Sometimes I get sad that I’m all grown up because the first days of school were always my FAAAVORITE!

    New clothes, new shoes, new supplies, a new notebook, new seats in class, new friends, and new ideas and challenges.

    No fair!

  1139. What an awesome giveaway!

    I feel the same way as you do about school starting, glad that’s somewhat over.

    The end of Summer is bittersweet for me. My birthday is at the end of August, :-) but then school starts the next month. :-(

  1140. this is the CUTEST! but the best part is your cookbook! i’ve been meaning to buy it for months! this is a good reminder. i love your sit and am making your upside down strawberry cardamom cake this week!

  1141. I email my mom your recipes so we can make the dishes together. Our favorite recipe of yours is the quinoa cakes – yum! And, I started school yesterday :( Some mentos and cute nail polish would certainly brighten my week!

  1142. this is my first back-to-school as a mom! I think having a kid in kindergarten, I deserve some new nail polish, don’t you?

  1143. this is the best way to cheer me up when school is beginning… my senior year of college begins in one week! :-| i also watched x files in elementary school with my pops: the aliens, random igloos, glowing lights… creepy, always awesome stuff. rock on! :p

  1144. Oh Joy, I somehow can’t imagine you being anything but cool. Even if you didn’t think so at the time, looking back I think watching XFiles in the dark was way cooler than making out with some random pimply high school boy who most likely gave those girls cold sores, just sayin! I love fall – my birthday is on Saturday so I always looked forward to the end of August growing up. New school supplies were pretty rad, too.

  1145. I just emailed my newly married daughter my chicken salad recipe… she was over Sunday and requested the recipe-

  1146. I always love changing seasons, but this one comes with new anxiety as my husband is going back to school. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, as long as there is wine, cookies and nail polish to distract me.

  1147. School starting for me means a busy road in the morning as I am nearby to an elementary school. I don’t like it. :(

  1148. I love the ancipation of fall that September brings.
    I think (read: know) I enjoy shopping for school supplies more than my son.

    Everything in the giveaway is devine!

  1149. I brought cookies to all of the ladies at work yesterday. The cookies had potato chips, pretzels, choco chips, oatmeal and coffee in them. No biggie.

  1150. My kids love back to school shopping and baking (mostly cookies and granola bars for lunches). It’s the actual getting on the bus and going that’s a problem for them! But we’re hoping for a great year this year and the items in this giveaway would definitely help that happen, so thanks for the chance to win!

  1151. I can’t wait to try those cookies you posted. I’m definitely trying them this week, and will be sharing the recipe with everyone I know who bakes!!
    This giveaway is adorable, and I wouldn’t mind winning your cookbook!

    xoxo

  1152. I still go shopping for school supplies every fall. Sometimes I think I went to grad school just to legitamize the whole thing. The degree was just a bonus.

  1153. Wow, what a great stash of items to win, especially your cookbook which has been on my wish list! Ah the good ole days of Mulder and Scully, loved the X-files;)

  1154. Love it! I’ve already got plans to make your salted pistachio chocolate chip cookies for my husband. I know he’ll love them. And we get loads of pistachios because my brother works for Pom Wonderful (also yum).

  1155. I’m going back to college next week where I’m living in a house with a handful of hungry boys who would love love love some of the creations from your cookbook!

  1156. My school days are over (unless I feel like going to grad school in the near or distant future) but that’s a cute collection you’ve put together! I discovered washi tape last year and love love LOVE it! I covered my iPod case in the stuff.

    I hope someone still in school wins the giveaway; I at least took away from this post a new website to shop/obsess over. Thanks, Joy!

  1157. I brought some cookies to share with my officemates, but I’d keep the back to school supplies all to myself!

  1158. I love back to school time! Did you ever have a trapper keeper? Everyone needs a good balanced breakfast before starting school, I think I’ll make breakfast nachos! Thanks for adding fun, wisdom, and amazing treats in your posts!

  1159. September for me means going back to college, where I can no longer make any delicious foods from your blog because the builders forgot to put a kitchen in my dorm room. Now I should go back to finishing all my projects before that happens…

  1160. I am a teacher, and oddly enough I love this time of year. The kids are on such good behavior that we won’t see again till this time next year!

  1161. This is the best! Luckily I still have two more “first days of school” thanks to grad school and I still get all twitterpated over them every year!

  1162. What an awesome giveaway!! Yesterday and Sunday I baked cookies to share with people. Nothing happier than people receiving free cookies. :)

  1163. Ooh, ooh, pick me!! I am starting a new job in a new city this fall, and I totes have the back to school jitters. Nothing would endear me more to my new colleagues than baking something delicious from your cookbook and bringing it in to work. Love your blog!!

  1164. This morning I definitely decided to make a pan of brownies for some friends. And then delivered them when they were still warm. Needless to say, they were happy.

    I’m definitely going nuts on those chocolate chip pistachio cookies tonight and they’re going in the mail to my mom.

  1165. I absolutely love this time of year! When you can start to smell fall in the air, the feeling of hope creeping in for a new start, a new wardrobe change with of course blazers and LOTS of fall baking. I can’t wait to see what you come up with this fall. Thanks for blogging!

  1166. I still get anxious when the backpacks come out at Target. Or when I see kids digging around in those giant boxes of grab-bag school supplies.

    Bee tee dubs, I’m totes in this just for the Mentos! So cute and soo necessary.

  1167. I can’t believe I’m about to start my senior year in college. Time really flies!! Thanks so much for the giveaway! Everything’s so cute, bright, and gorgeous. :D

  1168. How cute is all this?! I can never decide if Back to School time is exciting or scary. I’m thinkin’ school supplies are a definite plus.

  1169. Ahhhhhh Mentos my fave! I remember sitting in my college class senior year that was conveniently during lunch and eating a whole package of these because I was starving! :)

  1170. I always dreaded Back to School because I don’t like the cold winter; but I do love school supplies and fall baking!

  1171. Your back-to-school kit is genius. I think the straws are my favorite part, they’re so classic! Besides your cookbook, of course! It’s top of the list I have to wait to buy till we my hubby finishes his thesis and we get a “real” job. My boy is starting 1st grade today, and I made him Garbage Cookies! You can put anything in them, I put cranberries, chocolate chips, coconut and almonds in this batch. Yum!

  1172. Awesome giveaway! & yes, the first day of school always sent me into panic mode, and I never ever got more than a few hours of sleep the night before. Glad that’s over! :)

  1173. I made cookies for this get together my friends and I have been having every week throughout the summer. We congregate to watch episodes of the Sopranos, which we are slowly working our way through. Unfortunately this is our last week before the semester starts (we are all grad students). I’m thinking about taking something else a little more special – possibly your asparagus and gruyere tarts? Those were one of my recent favorites.

  1174. I miss the smell of new notebooks and pencils and getting to start over with a new locker! I always SWORE I’d be super organized every year… by October, I was a mess.

    Maybe this year, I’ll pick a fake day to start “school” and just reorganize my desk at work. Nothing like fake motivation.

    Love the giveaway!

  1175. I love September and back to school time! The anxious anticipation of a new year. The renewed hope that THIS will be the year I actually study and do my homework. New school supplies and clothes. love it.

    I still get the urge to buy new pencils and crayons. And now that I have a preschooler, I feel justified in doing so. Kind of.

  1176. I just sent my oldest to 6th grade and my baby to kindergarten. We have tons of fun shopping for school supplies. Back to school time for this mom is great!

  1177. I always obsessively stock up on cute school supplies each year, and then eagerly wait for the next year!! haha and then I go buy more.

  1178. What a great giveaway! I do love this time of year, although it’s been a loooong time since I was in school. I can still remember the jitters like you describe….just like it was yesterday!

  1179. Can’t believe how fast the summer is flying by – my summer bucket list needs to have a few more items checked off! Although I did totally do things not on the list – would it be wrong to add them just to cross them off? :)
    Sharing some awesome banana bread today made right from your fabulous cookbook!

  1180. I want to try out your strawberry and cucumber smoothie recipe! I’ve been in a really big smoothie mood lately, and it definitely sounds delicious.

  1181. Ahhhh…I have such a love to school supplies…these goodies make me happy!
    I’m all about the sharing of recipes so no problem on that for me!!

  1182. thanks for always putting a little spunk in my step. i read your posts in the morning with my french press coffee with my cat lounging in the window and your words totally make sense and make me smile! thanks for being so inspiring and creative and sharing! embrace the coming fall it means good things are coming and things are changing! :)

  1183. What a super fun treat! I’d use this planner to plan and share all the recipes I cook & gift for the autumn holidays to come, and I’d use your cookbook for that purpose too! Love revving up for fall.

  1184. You, You’re Awesome! <—-yes, this is a band, but it also applies to you Joy! Thanks for all your recipes, stories, ideas, you are quite awesome.

  1185. “Don’t you just love New York City in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”
    -You’ve Got Mail

    School-supply shopping will NEVER get old to me. I’m in graduate school for writing right now and every September my inner Felicity/Jessie Spano/Tracy Flick/Rory Gilmore is on cloud nine.

    -Rhiannon

  1186. My sister just started vet school in a new place AND is turning 29 in 4 weeks. this is perfect! ps. I also got the cookbook out of the library and almost cried when I had to return it!

  1187. my sister and I made a delicious pie this weekend-I gave her my crust recipe, and she told me what she likes in her pie filling! I don’t mind going back to school, but I will miss these summer pies as we move on into autumn.

  1188. Emailed my momma a yummy cake recipe haaa. Ughh don’t want to go back to school but this stuff is cute:)

  1189. Love this giveaway! I made your frozen cookie dough pops for a party a few weeks ago and people are still talking about them! Cheers to late bloomers too!

  1190. Hi :)
    Thanks for the giveaway, such cute back to school stuff! Back to school shopping is my absolute favourite, I love stationary and cute things in my backpack (I just turned 20 haha)

  1191. This is the first time in a looooong time that I’m not going back to school in the fall. It’s a bittersweet feeling…and this is the cutest idea ever for a give-a-way!

  1192. what a great idea for the end of summer! I would love your cookbook so I can cook and bake some treats and lunches to bring to work. and what cute straws, they make everything better

  1193. Awesome set of gifts. :)

    I work at a university and Fall classes started yesterday. I should’ve baked those cookies to self-medicate the occasion but I suck at planning ahead. By the end of the week, for sure I’ll need them. ;-)

  1194. Oh dear… school time again! I’m glad I am not going back to school this fall, but next fall I will be… UGH!

  1195. I’m starting to student teach this fall so these goodies will definitely help! I love the planner… and nail polishes.

  1196. I liked preparing for the first day of school much more than I liked actually going to it. Buying new clothes and supplies was definitely the best part.

  1197. Such a fun giveaway!
    I was totally a late bloomer too, and am now so grateful for it. I hope that my future kids are (really really really) late bloomers as well!

  1198. But the first day of school is in August now! I don’t like that, you shouldn’t be in school when it’s so hot and your redneck country school doesn’t have ac. I just signed my son up for his first year of preschool so I need a pick me up! Hope I win!

  1199. I just added your cookbook to my Christmas wish list :)
    Over the summer I made your brown sugar cookies and have been sharing the recipe with everyone I know. I even made them with a girl I was baby sitting who had never made cookies.
    I’m headed back to college for junior year and have plans to continue sharing recipes there.

  1200. I think my back to school days are over (uh, thank goodness!), but I am a big lover and user of school supplies. I also love cookies. I think I will share some coconut chocolate chip goodness. Thanks!

  1201. I have three more years before I experience back to school shopping for my daughter. I look forward to incorporating the fun things my parents did to make it seem awesome and less dreadful as I felt it would be later in life. I really like the ensemble you put together for the give-a-away. Thank you for the opportunity to have a shot at winning it!

  1202. I am starting grad school in 15 days after being away from the classroom for four years. I am both excited and terrified. I really hope I remember how to be a student! This is an inspiring post, Joy the Baker. I’m going to bake some cookies tonight to share with my coworkers tomorrow because everyone needs some help getting past hump day!

  1203. Just yesterday I pinned a bunch of new cookie recipes on Pinterest. It’s been such a long hot summer here in the Midwest, I haven’t baked a thing and boy oh boy do I ever miss homemadeos! Thanks for the reminder!

  1204. Oooohh…I want this! My kids get all the fun with new school supplies. Although my 7 year old would for sure steal the nail polish. She’s recently decided she needs to paint each half of each fingernail a different color. And pink and red are her favorite combo so far. :)

  1205. I love your recipes! I am always so busy with school and work that I haven’t actually had time to make any of your foods but I can’t wait to try! I really like reading your blog it makes my day! Thank you for being such an awesome person you rock!!!

  1206. As a teacher who is about to go back to work, this is a fantastic give away! We teachers also pick out special first-day-of-school outfits. You know what this giveaway is missing? Bourbon. I’m just saying! I plan on making lots of back to school goodies for my colleagues, a cookie just smooths the transition after vacation!

  1207. joy –

    you rock my socks off! i am in LOVE with this giveaway. i too already have your book – preordered it! – but i would love to share it with my hype girl, my sister, wendy. we bake together all the time and i would love to share the wealth. i’m headed over to facebook now to share my fave recipe for molasses sugar cookies. crossing my fingers for this back to school treat!!

  1208. I just started my senior year of college this week – weird to think this could be my last “back to school”!

  1209. I always loved back to school time, but then I’m a giant nerd, so that’s probably why. I still get really excited this time of year and want to run out and buy school supplies. This is a perfect giveaway. I love it!

  1210. Summer isn’t ending.. right? I live far north (seriously, farther north than 99% of people have ever been) and the rapidly diminishing sunlight is telling me otherwise. Maybe I should make cookies to console myself?

  1211. I think you are lovely, have a kind heart and truly want to brighten peoples days! You inspire me to do the same and for that I thank you! Also, it is a rad giveaway everyone loves stationary things!

  1212. I wish “back to school” time started in September, but in my area of California it starts in early August. The first day of class at my son’s high school was on the 7th! I love your giveaway items.

  1213. I always liked going back to school because I do best when I have a routine. The giveaway looks great—thanks for all you do!

  1214. Oh snap. I totally rocked some overalls myself. I need to dig a photo out of the archives because I think I paired them with a rainbow turtleneck, and wouldn’t that be a sight to see.

    What a lovely assembly of fun items! Joy, you’re the coolest. Blossom hat or sans Blossom hat.

  1215. What a fast summer! My sister goes back to school on Friday… I am sharing some love by sending her back with a big container of homemade granola. She needs something with whole grains and flax to offset all of that college girl fun :-)

  1216. I am heading back to school after an awesome maternity leave and such cool treats would make my return so much chic-er. Although the cookbook would be a huge distraction as I know I would spend more time reading recipes than doing my work…But I’m willing to do that! I am heading off to do some of my own back to school shopping now. I can see myself overloading on post-its. I love post-its.

  1217. This has been a magical summer, I’m not ready for it to end! But school starts Thursday for 2 of my 3 kids, so ready or not, here we come.

  1218. I never win anything if it depends exclusively on my luck, but what the heck, I’ll post this comment anyway… (YOLO!)

  1219. Oooh I so would love your cookbook! Of course the snazzy straws are cool too! I understand being obsessed w polish- I’ve been obsessed w purple polish this summer!

  1220. I’m visiting my south Louisiana momma and we’ve been spending a lot of time in her kitchen together, making good comfort food. And my sister will be showing me how to make boudin today. Does that count? I love this giveaway idea!

  1221. I love shuffling between food blogs and getting inspired all over again. Thank you for your amazing recipes and sharing about your life (and your gorgeous ginger tabby!!) with us. :)

  1222. I love back to school-I love anything fall related that let’s me know there is an end in sight to the awful heat of central Texas in summer! Would love to have your cookbook as well!

  1223. I always share your recipes with my Mom while away at school, and we like to bake them on the same days and then talk about the results! Your red velvet black and white cookies make a few hundred miles not seem as far sometimes :)

  1224. I will most definitely be sharing the cheddar jalapeño biscuits, hoping that everyone who makes them will then share their batch with me!! So hoping to win!! xoxo

  1225. Dearest Joy,
    my mumma & i will be up and around making the chocolate vegan avocado cake. Boy do I love myself avocado. See I’m not quite sure if thats in your cookbook because I just ordered it online yesterday! oh well. School Starts in exactly a week today, too excited to function for senior year.
    Peace & Hugs
    Mia

  1226. I have all the ingredients (and 1 cup of shelled pistachios that I shelled myself, totes worth it) to make those delightful pistachio dark chocolate sea salt cookies you posted last week that I’m positive will make me an all-star in the eyes of all who eat them.

    This gift box is the cutest and I would love your cookbook!!

  1227. That is the cutest gift box EVER! Those straws! The hello hellos! That beautiful planner! That GORGEOUS cookbook!

  1228. Surprisingly enough, I sent a recipe for little brioche-like cakes to a friend not long ago as I know she loves them so much. It was a bit of a tradition baking them with her and watching girlie films =) Good times x

  1229. I love Sept., fall, and back to school!!! I was teaching before I had my babies & could spend hours in office supply stores looking for cool supplies…love it!!

  1230. yes please! looks fab.
    i am going to send my stress out school teaching best friend a hearty fruit and oatmeal recipe that i know she will love. happy fall!

  1231. This will be my last September back to school. This is my last semester before I will be graduated with my business degree….a long road. However, I will never give up stockpiling cute office/school supplies…never! :)

  1232. my little guppies are in a new school in a new state….. not the exciting, warm fuzzy reunion we are used to. I wanted to hurl a 10 year old girl over the moon when she was laughing at my 7 year old son’s pink polo. (someone taught her pink is only for girls) How do kids get so unhappy and insecure at 10 years old !?! He said, “I don’t care mom. She is making a fool of herself.”

  1233. Such a great idea for a giveaway! I’m going to share a batch of cookies with my nephew, who just started college.

  1234. Thanks for the giveaway! Very cute. I love back to school shopping. Will be sharing something sweet with my co-workers this week.

  1235. I’m sharing cupcake love with my family – yum! And I’m a sucker for all things back-to-school…although I’ll probably like it even better when I don’t have to go to school (1 more year of grad school left!).

  1236. I’m writing a cookbook for my sister full of our favorite recipes for when she moves away for college this fall. I would love to include your recipes in our book!!

  1237. Omigosh so fun! I love fall and your back to school box. Haha! Love this post so much! Can’t wait till you write another book, you are super cool woman
    XX
    A

  1238. We just heard from our twin boys’ nursery school teacher that it’s time for an orientation meeting. I’m alternately excited and nervous!

  1239. the only good thing about back to school is buying school supplies! i’m going to share some banana bread i made yesterday with my coworkers today, mostly so that i don’t eat it all!

    great giveaway!

  1240. Wow.. Your cookie recipes look so delicious, I think i’m gonna make Lemon Whoopies for my mum’s birthday and Blueberry Cookies for my sister’s.
    I found you through iTunes. Love your podcast :)

  1241. Wow! What a wonderful giveaway package! I don’t have your book yet, but I really love your blog and I have made several of your recipes on the site to many compliments from my family and friends! A co-worker of mine generously gave me several humongous zucchini out of his garden yesterday, so I think I will re-pay him by baking some of it into a batch of my grandmother’s chocolate zucchini cake to bring to work. Thank you, Joy, for your inspirational blog!

  1242. Hey Joy! This is the first year I am officially not going back to school, after graduating from University last May! What a weird feeling. I would love to spend time baking, from your super book, while I wait to hear if I get into my grad school program in South Africa! Three exclamation points in one post, that must be a good sign. Thanks, Carly.

  1243. First day of school outfits I used to always stress over! I think you had the right idea, screw it and wear overalls, in fact that is what my two-year old went out the door in today to her “school”, love it!

  1244. Well back-to-school always meant you wore a new outfit the first day, but the year I had to start wearing a training bra I thought I would die! Oh my god were all my other friends wearing a bra, could you tell I was wearing a bra, oh the anxiety!!

  1245. What an awesome gift box! For me the anxiety doesn’t hit until the weather starts to turn. So when I lived a little further north it happened in September, but sometimes now not until November. I love everything about this box. So perfect.

  1246. I actually loved buying school supplies! I was never cool (and even in my early 30’s, I’d still say I haven’t gotten there yet), and my favorite store when I was little was the local school supply and pencil shop. I still love buying pens and pencils and notebooks :) Nerd alert.

  1247. I love all of the back to school supplies…especially your book! You are “too cool for school”!! My cookie recipe is a lower sugar oat. cinnamon and raisin. I was amazed my girls still loved them when I halved the sugar. Yay!
    Best Wishes,
    Hala,
    nr Bath,
    Uk

  1248. Such an excellent giveaway! Thanks Joy.

    And I love the bit about sharing a cookie recipe… never been a fan of the secret-recipe thing. Recipes, and especially cookie recipes, were meant to be shared. =)

  1249. I would love a copy of your cookbook! Your recipes are delicious! I am currently making banana pudding using my grandmother’s recipe. I am going to surprise my hubby and his co-workers with it today.

  1250. I love school supplies. I like buying them for my daughter, because it means I get to purchase new pens for the year!

  1251. I’m sharing the cookie love at a bake sale for charity today! I would totally share the cookie love by giving my sister that copy of your book, too. Happy (almost) September :)

  1252. I still have nightmares of getting lost in my high school and missing an exam (never actually happened)! Just started following and am becoming a fan – will be trying the pistachio choc cookies this week. :)

  1253. Oh my gosh! So many of us still get the back to school jitters even though we’re over that part of our lives…memory is a crazy and powerful thing. :)
    Thanks for the post and for all the time you put into this nice little sunny spot of yours on the interwebs. It’s very much appreciated!

  1254. School started for me yesterday, and I’m freaked out about this semester! Thesis work, a heavy writing class, and two jobs – can I do it??

  1255. Oh, I love school supplies and getting new things to start the year! My kids are in preschool and the whole “first day of school” thing is fun but not the same. In honor of your giveaway, I’ll make something yummy for my coworkers for the first day of school (which is next monday around here).

  1256. What a fun, creative giveway! i will be sharing a recipe of my favorite chocolate chip cookies with my aunt:) Thanks!

  1257. This year, my (2 yr old) son and I will both be starting anew in September, him at a new school (that we are super excited about) and me at a new job, and all while I am seven months pregnant with another little boy-to-be. I need all the help and supplies I can get!

  1258. I’ll be baking for my coworkers this week, partly to do something nice for them but mostly because I want to bake! Your dark chocolate pistachio cookies might are the current front-runner!

  1259. What a great giveaway! You post has just prompted me to do something I’ve been meaning to do – email my mom your Banana, Walnut, and Chocolate Cookie Cake recipe. I’m not a baker, but my mom is, and a cake decorator too. I know she’d love to make this recipe. Thanks Joy! P.S. LOVE your podcast!!

  1260. What an awesome giveaway. I was spending way too much time picking out the perfect outfit for the first day of school, only for me to look back years later and laugh at what I thought looked “cool”. Haha!

  1261. I’m not even going back to school this fall but that collection of joy (from Joy!) convinces me I can grow my intelligence by having great fingernails and cute bookmark tabs. And something about new pencils always makes me feel instantly more successful…thanks for the fun giveaway!

  1262. I’m in love with my Momma’s chocolate snappers and share my “Gramma’s Key Lime Pie ala Florida” recipe with everyone! Love love your blog…been following for years. You’ve always been cool, Joy, just not always known it. ;)

    Luv,
    Jen~

  1263. I just made this ridiculous end of summer berry tart on Friday night for our game night. It was such a hit I’m going to make it again for our small group in Thursday!

  1264. This will be my first year without “back-to-school” jitters. Out of college and onto real life! I shared your dark chocolate pistachio cookies with all my coworkers :)

  1265. Speaking of cookies…I have been meaning to make those smoked salt pistachio chocolate chip cookies you just posted. Just have to get some salt first. Would love to win this giveaway – paper straws!

  1266. Even though I’m a teacher now, I still have back-to-school nightmares throughout August. I love my job, but I just can’t seem to get my subconscious on board!

  1267. I was dreading this time of year, too, but for a different reason. For the first time since kindergarten twenty somethin’ years ago, I am not headed into a classroom, as a student or a teacher. Instead of teaching this fall, I am working on moving overseas and I am not enjoying the process. I miss teaching. This would definitely cheer me up. . .

  1268. Good morning from the East Coast! I actually just made a wonderful Southern- Style Strawberry cake for my sister’s birthday yesterday- making cakes from your recipes are starting to be a birthday tradition for me! I always enjoy the recipes you post, along with the advice & fun comments. I’ll keep baking! :)

  1269. I already share your recipes very often, maybe to much for my facebook friends. :D
    How lovely is this giveaway! I love the planner. Red polish fingers is the better, very classy, timeless. I have already your book, but not in this country, only one suitecase to pack all my life from Paris to Toronto. :(

  1270. I too, kick and scream with the approach of September! At the age of 50+, I still get Sunday night jitters ( uh oh, school tomorrow!). As the child of holocaust survivors, I will share my mothers rugelach ( cinnamon, raisin, chocolate…yummmm!!!) recipe with my dear friends and family. How happy they will be!

  1271. I love this giveaway! The start of September, school, and fall has always been my favorite. I plan on making one of your vegan recipes with my sweet little sisters soon!

  1272. Hi Joy, I went to school every year of my life. Well, except for the last eight. I taught kids how to read, write and do math and they taught me lastingly great life lessons. Now I read your blog and am inspired by a fellow late bloomer who recognizes the Joy in life’s small pleasures.

  1273. this is my first august not spent anxiously prepping for the new school year–i just graduated law school in may, and i am glad to be done forever. however, i do love me some office supplies!

  1274. Exciting giveaway! Even if I don’t win, I’m going to get your cookbook anyway and start making treats for boring work meetings! Thanks for being so fabulous! :)

  1275. cutest giveaway ever! i loooove back to school shopping (although i should be well past that stage!) also i made your toasted marshmallow squares for a party and they were the hit of the night! i told everyone it was your recipe :)

  1276. Back to school ads always give me instant pangs of anxiety and then a rush of whew, I’m 34! I still like perusing school supplies, though. Kids don’t know how good they have it today…except THEY dontt have trapper keepers!

  1277. Ahhh this is so exciting, I am going into my last semester of University/College EVER. Life is so scary/exciting right now. I’m bulk eating cookies to cope with the stress, I’m sure you understand.

  1278. September means Fall is coming and that is an exciting statement for those of us in VA that have been surviving the East coast summer humidity! It also means apple picking, which is really just an excuse for hot cider donuts… To celebrate, I am going to write up my favorite recipe for Apple-y Dapple-ys and send them to a friend :)

  1279. Back to school is probably my favorite season! September, to me, always means the start of a new year, not January, and I’m ready to get this next year on the road! Can’t wait to bake some of your recipes to celebrate the end of the summer – I’m thinking a peach blueberry pie, maybe?

  1280. What an excellent giveaway! My daughter is being cared for by a babysitter for the first time, and she’s having a great time. So I’m going to make some chocolate chip cookies as an added treat for her!

    And, by the way, you should watch You’ve Got Mail to get you over the back to school jitters. That movie always makes me love the approach of fall.

  1281. Ooooh! I love school supplies. :) Shopping for them, and new clothes, was the only good part about going back to school!! Thanks for a chance at a great giveaway.

  1282. What a cute idea!! I’ve shared your Vegan Carrot Cherry Breakfast Cookies on FB so all my friends will make them and love you as much as I do! Sorry, I’m being too forward again… I do that sometimes. ;) Happy Tuesday!

  1283. What a cute gift box! My department has a weekly teatime and I will make cookies for it soon! Will look for one of your recipes to try!

  1284. I did share a recipe this week! Not cookies, but a blueberry sauce. However, even though I can whip a blueberry sauce out of thin air (kinda… sorta…) I still would love to have your cookbook!

  1285. I’m currently in South America for the semester, and it’s actually turning to spring here- but it’s totally back to school time here too! I’ll definitely need to do some serious Christmas baking when I come home in December. That box would be lovely!
    I’m hoping to tackle some of your recipes too while I’m down here to make my host family love me. I think one of your summer fruit crumbles might do the trick when the fruit comes into season here! Yay!

  1286. Hello! I’ll be taking potato chip cookies into my coworkers this Thursday. It’ll be fun to see if they can guess the secret ingredient :-)

  1287. This is adorable. Isn’t it strange how even when you’re out of school, September still feels… foreboding? I like to think about apple picking and wearing socks and other things that I’ve missed for the last few seasons!

  1288. I’m more of a cook than a baker – which is why I LOVE your blog. It inspires me to try new things – or add a twist to a standard recipe.

    Although not a dessert – these little tidbits taste like candy:

    Zucchini or yellow squash (yellow squash is sweeter) or a mix of both

    * Pre-heat oven to 400
    * Slice on the bias – 1/4 inch
    * Melt a little butter in a saute pan
    * Sprinkle veggies with a little garlic salt
    * Saute, turning once — just a couple minutes per side – you don’t want these mushy
    * Place on a lined cookie sheet
    * Mix up some breadcrumbs and locatelli cheese (I use a little more cheese than breadcrumbs)
    * Top veggies with the mixture – drizzle with olive oil
    * Bake until slightly browned — turning on the broiler at the end for about a minute — watch so they don’t burn!

    These are so sweet…. I can’t get enough of them!

  1289. Joy I love this idea! Can’t wait for school to start, I work with lots of kiddos who need extra help in the classroom, I’ve have missed their smiling faces all summer :) I’ll be sharing the yummy brownie recipe from your cookbook with my sister. I made them last weekend, they are seriously delicious!

  1290. I tweeted your Strawberry Cucumber Smoothie! Things are slowly getting cooler here in Ottawa (Canada) and I feel like we need to hold on to those things that taste like summer! Love your blog :)

  1291. I think I will write my chocolate chip cookie recipe on cardstock, 3×5 size. bake some and put some in celephane bags. I can attach the card to the bag with some ribbon. I have a sunday school teacher’s meeting this sunday. I really think the other teacher’s will enjoy these.
    Thanks for the inspiration. I would love to bake out of your cookbook too. By the way, we are all alot cooler now than we were in school.

  1292. Funnily (totally a word) enough, I just shared your lavender shortbread cookie recipe with my mom and aunt this morning! I made them for a baby shower over the weekend and everyone loved them.

  1293. Life has handed me so many lemons in the last couple of weeks and I am living in the kitchen desperately trying to make sugary lemonade, lemon cookies, lemon muffins, lemon cake. Your blog has helped. A lot!

    I don’t bother with the slippers. I’m a flip flop girl to the core. That way I can really just be barefooted until I have to be in public.

  1294. Chica, school started LAST WEEK here in the Midwest! I’d love a fun gift box in the mail to brighten my afternoon after a long day with my students. :-)

  1295. Love this idea! And would love even more to be the one who gets your awesome basket. I have been considering the idea of a good recipe “pay it forward” idea, and just decided that when I host get-togethers, I’m going to have printed cards ready for my guests to take home, with a few recipes from what I made for the party. So I’m ready when I get the always-asked question. I’ll be trying this out this weekend!

  1296. I have been feeling the back to school jitters to and I am by no means going back. My goal this fall is to do a cleanse and make profiteroles, so I think all of these items in the box will help!! Thanks for being awesome and a motivator for bigger things.

  1297. I really loved your post this morning about being a late-bloomer in school! I was exactly the same way! I tried to be cool and only looked more silly in the process. I share recipes each month to my family and friends in our family newsletter. But this time, I’ll share my secret recipe for tried and true fudge! It’s a top-secret recipe and took me years to perfect! So, I”l share it with not only them but the Twitterworld as well. LOL!

  1298. No worries, X-Files is totes on Netflix now… I still sometimes watch it in the dark. Alone. Scully’s shoulder-padded pants suits might just be the pinnacle of 90’s business lady cool and I’m down with that.

  1299. I’ll be sharing a recipe for meyer lemon cake with my aunt, and will make some banana bread with those wonderful bananas browning on the counter. Love your blog!

  1300. Just found your blog and what a great first post-I love fall, and totally understand the angst of the first day of school. And I’d love to win the back to school supplies, but most of all your book!
    And your font is terrific

  1301. It’s Food Friday every week in AP Gov…I’ve already promised my class some of your delicious cookies, breads, and cakes (with a few Election Day cookies still in the works)…

  1302. The best part of back to school was always the supplies. And new clothes. I don’t think I will ever stop missing it. You’re adorable, as always!

  1303. this is possibly the best give away you’ve ever had. seriously. i’m going to visit my boyfriend this weekend and will be bringing him a box of pretty incredible wafer cookies. man, he’s lucky…

  1304. I just shared Seth Godin’s life change blog to all my friend’s on facebook. The man is brilliant. I would love your back to school supply box. But whether I win or not, I want to tell you, when I find your posts in my email inbox, I do a little happy dance! Love them!

  1305. Your recipes easy to follow and love that they don’t involve hard to find ingredients. The photos make me want to jump in and eat. I’m sharing the chocolate chunk, pistachio, sea salt cookie recipe with everyone I know. Thank you for your time.

  1306. I love this giveaway. I already have your cookbook, which is awesome. Single Lady Pancakes. That is all. I would give this copy to my friend Jen who rocks like no one else I know. I would TOTALLY keep everything else. I don’t miss school AT ALL, but I get to live vicariously through my children. This can be good and bad. I have discovered that I can NEVER buy too much tape, glue or markers. It just can’t happen. Hugs to you.

  1307. All these things (especially cookies) will certainly ease the blow of my little guy getting on that bus for Kindergarten! *sniff*

  1308. :) i’m still looking to turn on the oven and bake up the oh-so-yummy-looking cookie mix from buzz bakery that my sister bought me… only a *few* months ago. now with the 100 degree weather past, looks like a distinct possibility.
    afterwards: i’ll venture into banana-chocolate chip!
    oh the choices… oh the joy!

  1309. What a fun giveaway! My sisters-in-law and I are constantly exchanging recipes. It’s fun to make something that you know someone you love just made in their house across the country. :)

  1310. I would love to win your cookbook! And all the other fun stuff you’re including. I’m sharing my zucchini bread recipe and a loaf of it today with my friends.

  1311. Joy, you are adorable, and so is everything you like. This is my first September NOT going back to any sort of school, and I think supplied are in order, anyway. Now I’m off to find a delicious bread recipe to go along with beef stew for dinner :) Thanks for your gorgeous blog!

  1312. Tomorrow, my bosom buddy goes in for her first chemo treatment following a mastectomy. Not one to bake (gasp!) she loves my lime cornmeal cookies (from Flour), but it’s ‘baking’ hot over here in Heidelberg and my 1950s stairway apartment is ‘cooking’. (That’s right, no air conditioning and it’s hitting the 100 plus mark) So instead of the cookies, I’m making her some lime/graham cracker gelato – the base is currently cooling in the fridge – and in the freezer are some watermelon and lime popsicles. I’ll be taking these cool treats to her tonight, along with my hugs, love and encouragement.

  1313. I share recipes left and right….I even share the updates when I tweak the recipes just so. I love your blog and I love that I own the dress you’re wearing on your book cover. Would love to win it!

  1314. Yay! I’m in grad school so it really is back to school (and it’s my last year so…it is my last first day back to school…please remind me I am really done and I don’t ever need my PhD. Thanks!)

  1315. I always loved getting new supplies… and I’ll get to start doing that with my daughter in a few years. The cycle starts over again.

  1316. dear joy,
    you’re precious. i’ll be sharing cinnamon rolls with my co-workers on thursday, in an effort to make them like me. and yes. I bribe people to be my friends.
    davis ann

  1317. Good morning :). What a nice idea – I would love to be baking out of your cookbook! I will write an old-fashioned 3×5 recipe card for my chocolate chip cookies, and give it to my daughter who recently moved out. I miss that girl! <3

  1318. As a University teacher I still get jittery for the first day of school! But I would be much less jittery if I was flipping through my new Joy cookbook with pink nails, while sipping the new watermelon float (Bon Appetit Sept 2012) through a paper straw!

  1319. My nickname in elementary school was literally “overall girl” because I wore them every. single. day.
    From what I recall, my favorite pair was made of crushed black velvet- they made me feel fancy.

  1320. oh my gosh I would love to win this giveaway! I start school next week! ::yikes:: this years going by fast!

    I emailed my best friend my aunt’s zucchini bread recipie (which usually gets devoured immediately!)

  1321. I’m a Canadian living in France, an avid listener (and promoter) of the Joy the Baker podcast and a fervent school supplies enthusiast (despite having finished university…um…awhile ago). This would make my September! : )

  1322. I would love a planner – maybe I would magically become organized! I just shared my gingersnap recipe with a few friends last week – spicy and soft yet firm, rolled in sugar – the best. Thanks!

  1323. Ooh Joy, upon seeing this i decided id take your idea and twist it around. I ran out and asked my mum what cake she’d like me to make for her. So my plans for the weekend (when it finally comes) is to bake her a cake and sit down with her and a coffee and demolish it!

  1324. I am in desperate need of your cookbook Joy!! Love you and all your coolness. Sending cookie recipes to all my friends now . . .

  1325. Does sharing zucchini bread pancakes with house guest count?? I made a batch two weekends ago for my college roommate who was visiting and then last weekend when my parents visited!! Zucchini bread pancakes are chock-full of love.

  1326. I’m just throwing around a chocolate quinoa cake….no bigs! I’m totally in love with this givaway!!! Literally the essentials of back to school!

  1327. Hi Joy! I recently brought a block of cheese and flowers to a PhD student friend of mine who has “the mono.” Can you imagine trying to write a dissertation with mono? Me either. That’s why I defaulted to cheese. Happy almost fall! Even though I live in Florida where it is just ungodly hot till late November. ;)

  1328. oooo pretty pretty please!! I just shared a recipe for yummy zucchini chocolate cookies on FB.
    I am a middle school teacher who will be on maternity leave this year. This would be a fantastic way to get into the back-to-school spirit while I await the arrival of our little one.
    Thanks for a great blog!!

  1329. Ah, you feel the same way about September like I do. LOL
    I gave my mum a recipe for a lovely carrot cake yesterday, she baked it and it was yummy. <3

  1330. School is in full swing here in WV! I always feel like I am back in 10th grade at the beginning of school. Mixed parts of anticipation/excitement and sheer terror/anxiety. I didn’t become “cool” (in my own eyes:) until recently also!

    I’ll be sharing a French bread recipe this weekend with a friend!

  1331. I just shared a recipe for Smores Banana Bread with my fiancé, asking if we could make it together next week for my birthday :) I’ll continue sharing the baking love though! You can never have too many delicious baked goods laying around!

  1332. I´m so happy you make it international!!
    I´m from Argentina and, even though here the clases are coming to the end, and the spring is almost here (thank god!)I will love to get this set!
    I love your blog, I already did my homework on face!
    Gaby

  1333. This is my first year not going back to school and I’m having withdrawal! This giveway looks amazing. Also, I love your blog.

  1334. I have been sharing a cheesecake-filled pumpkin cupcake recipe all week in anticipation for fall :)

    I can’t wait to see what goodies you come up with for this new season. I would definitely love to get your book. It’s on a list of three that I desperately want.

    Chelsea

  1335. Why limit the places you wear slippers to the grocery store? I’ll wear mine all day if I damn well want to. I’m convinced my friends make fun of me for it because they’re jealous. Just saying.

  1336. Hi Joy!

    I am a senior in high school (can I get a hurray?!), and tomorrow will be my last first day of school.

    Sad and glad as I am, (both of these moods being expressed through baking, as I’m sure you know) I’ve already been a busy little bee in the kitchen: two plates of brownies sent with my brother to college and one plate of gluten-free cookies to my grandma.

    Ah yes, and I convinced my mother to let me get dinosaur sprinkles yesterday. Be proud Joy, be very proud. :)

    Have a wonderful super fantabulous Tuesday!!!

  1337. I too had those super awkward back to school feelings myself….and I would love to have this. Times have been super tight so I haven’t been able to pick up your book yet. Asked my mom to get it for my birthday, maybe. Also gave her Russian grandmas apple cake recipe to makefor me. Oh yeah and if you have a chance send some good baker mojo my way, my bff is getting married in October and wants me to make cake, NEVER made anything of that magnitude or awesomeness, I’ve pinned your posts on said wedding cakery and have been studying.

    Always love reading your posts, truly inspiring, down to earth and super funny.

  1338. I’ve pinned your recipes and emailed my mom a few of your recipes, I love them! Keep writing, your words and your stories are fantastic!

  1339. I love ALL your cookie recipes, so a lot of them are shared already, either on facebook or on pinterest. Love your blog and your fantastic way of writing!

  1340. dont have twitter or facebook. i’m a sucka for school supplies and cookies. i made nutella cookies though and the recipe was 1 c nutella, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1 tsp baking soda. combine, shape and bake at 350 for 8 to 10 min. yum!

  1341. I would love to receive this back to school treat! This weekend is my son’s first birthday and I’m making a birthday cake from your blog and making the cake topper from your tutorial!

  1342. I just bought your book as a birthday present for my girlfriend and she LOVED it!!!!! She’s been baking from it since! I also just shared your recipe of orange poppy seed cake with my mom (who by the way lives in Poland). This is an amazing giveaway, thanks for having it!

  1343. This is the first year in 27 yrs. that I don’t have ANY kids to get ready for back to school!! My baby graduated in June. Tho I do have one still in grad school, but he doesn’t live with me.. My daughter in law is a kindergarten teacher and I would love to gift these things to her–she would love them!! (I also pinned a whole bunch of new recipes to my Pinterest board–yummy comfort food for fall!)

  1344. Oooooh I’m such a sucker for beautiful school supplies. Fingers crossed! Thanks Joy!

    And I totally taught my cousin how to make my perfect vegan red velvet cake the other day…. that counts, right? :)

  1345. i need your cookbook! really…NEED it..is that desperate..cuz im totally not…yup//thats what i tell myself..hehe..so i love your blog and recipes..gimme

  1346. I love the fall “back to school” feeling as well, especially this year as I’m completely ready to dive into the fall weather, colors, and apple & pumpkin season! What a cute gift basket :)

  1347. I think the last thing I shared with the world (well at least some of Philadephia, PA and some of France) was your “what to do when you’re bored” post. I find your blog highly entertaining and I very much appreciate that you opened this contest internationally!

    Cheers from France!

    ~A.

  1348. This year my youngest entered high school and high school does not come with a school supply list–ohhh, the horror. No excuses to pick up an extra notebook for me, too. Anyway, at least he thinks his new math textbook has a cool cover….love this giveaway.

  1349. I’m making muffins for my friends this week! Probably my go-to pumpkin with blueberry, or cranberry walnut :)
    …it’s my honey’s birthday next week so I want to make a special treat for people! yay sharing the love <3

  1350. I made my friend a huge batch of cranberry white chococlate ganache cupcakes for his birthday :-) I would love to share some of your favorite things!

  1351. I looked through your book at a B&N and loved it – just have no discretionary spending cash right now so I would be pleased as punch to win this! I sent a recipe for microwave cake in a cup to my friend this morning :)

  1352. What a nice treat! You hit the nail on the head with the angst about day one of school which surprisingly doesn’t really go away when you grow up. I will be sharing some brownies with my team at work and donating a basket of preserves for a silent auction. Thank you for the opportunity!

  1353. I share recipes all the time, it’s one of my favourite things to do! Last week it was a lemon polenta cake with a colleague – this week it’ll be the cinnamon buns I made last night. Next week, it might be my mum’s summer pudding…

  1354. I made your peach cobbler scones twice this week and gave the batches to two sets of neighbours who had babies on the same day. I have no idea what this has to do with back to school except that I love the idea of getting fun mail from you.

  1355. just shared the secret to my chocolate chip cookies to my mother! too bad she isn’t much of a baker >< i absolutely adore your site and would love to win this giveaway!

  1356. Hi, Joy, I just love, love, love your blog. Your pictures are great! I absolutely need to win your gift box, as I am going back to school after an extended absence. Why? To learn Russian. I’m sure I will need some sweet treats now and then. :)

  1357. Please, please, please pick me!
    I will be sure to share a cookie recipe on Facebook when I get home from work – darn work computer blocks Facebook :)
    Great giveaway!

  1358. i love back to school. that is I love back to school shopping. new notebooks, pencils, pens, oh and the clothes…. I could do without the actual going back to school. but september means fall is right around the corner and i’m looking forward to changing up my wardrobe and my recipes.

  1359. One of my 3 girls would love to be a winner! I did not post a cookie recipe on fb, twitter or email. I actually wrote it down on recipe cards and handed them out to co-workers with the delicious cookies my daughter and i made! How old school is that!!

  1360. Yes, please!

    I’ve made your chocolate chip cookie dough balls at least a dozen times this summer. I shared your recipe with family, friends, and some French couchsurfers who couldn’t get enough of them.

  1361. Actually my birthday will be next sunday so this would be the perfect gift for me! I love to go to get notepads, pencils, books, it was the best part of going back to school! Thanks a lot for this giveaway! And I have a good friend, we are always sharing recipes!!!!

  1362. what a cute way to get excited for back to school (and fall!!)! can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us!

  1363. OMG, how adorable are these things!! I would like them, pretty please! I share the love every day-i just opened a restaurant where I make everything from the broth to the cookies(and I love every minute of it!!

  1364. Love you! Totally made some peanut butter cookies for my neighbors. Now I have a hankering to make funfetti cookies…hmmm

  1365. I shared French Onion Soup Sandwiches (pure bliss). Just started back to classes yesterday! I love the first day of school, always have!

  1366. Later this week, I’ll be making Leite’s consummate chocolate chip cookies for my mom when I visit her in the hospital where she’s undergoing chemotherapy. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

  1367. Although sometimes it was a pain in the you know what, I miss school days and teenage feelings and dilemmas sometimes. Would have been good to know then just a part at least of what I do now. But I wouldn’t trade the what the present is giving me now for those days.

  1368. In Australia we have our big return to school in February, however I am still counting down the days as it is my little four soon to be five year old that will be filling her bag with stationary & stripey pencils. It is a time of excitement & nervousness. My little girl is growing up
    I think I might make a batch of cookies for a bunch of mummas f

  1369. I’m with you on the first day of school, never did like it, but love helping getting the granddaughter ready to go back. She LOVES school and looks forward to it starting. of course she is only in 2nd grade so the I don’t likes will come a bit later. Thanks for the opportunity to win a great cookbook and enjoy September!

  1370. That is really sweet. I am home from medical school for one week and I already spread the love by making zucchini muffins — healthy ones of course.

  1371. I one-upped the recipe request, and made 70 cupcakes to bring into work today. Truth be told, I’m asking for money/donations for them – to be put towards the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I made these flavors –
    Lemonade, Almond Biscotti, Choco-mint, and Cinnamon Bun. My fave is the cinnamon :)

    You rock by the way! I just got introduced to your website last week, and I’m an addict now!! I totally want your book!

    Heather

  1372. So not ready for September this year. Or any year, for that matter. There’s nothing I like more than putting on shorts and a T and not having to think about whether I’ll be hot or cold. Love the “back to school” box give away. Thanks for the opportunity!

  1373. Hi Joy! So, I’ve been reading (and obsessed with) your blog for ages, but am a first time commenter. You always seem to bring a smile to my face, even during rough times.

    Despite the back-to-school jitters, the school supply shopping part always made up for it — Lisa Frank trapper keepers, the largest box of crayons I could get my hands on, those click-y erasers and plenty of hologram folders in every color imaginable. Overalls (one strap undone) were obviously the outfit of choice for the first day. :)

    Can’t tell you how much I would LOVE the care package — even more so as an American living in Australia (a little taste of home).

  1374. i’m so happy it’s almost September! can’t wait for my friends to be back toschool!
    anyways, wanted to share this awesome brownie receipe i’ve been making since I was 6 years old
    it’s so easy and yummy…

    ps. joy, my colleague made your banana, walnut and chocolate chip cookie cake and it was AMAZING!

    Brownies

    1/2 cup butter
    1 cup sugar
    1 tea spoon vanilla extract
    2 eggs
    1 cup cocoa
    1/2 cup flour

    just mix it all together and enjoy!

  1375. Joy, you are just too cute and sweet. Yesterday was my first day of school, but I’m in college and the only thing on my mind is what classes need notebooks it folders or what. College doesn’t tell you these things. D:

    But I did make cupcakes for my roommates. I found that getting out at 11 on Monday’s can produce delicious results. :)

  1376. This cookie monster just devoured Nestle chocolate chip cookies with Reesces Peanut Butter chips in them. How many? I don’t know. Was there a limit?? LOL

  1377. September kinda gives me the heebie jeebies, too. It’s such a loaded month. Winter is coming ugh! But then I remember that apples and pumpkin and pomegranate are also coming and that’s kind of awesome. (P.S. lovin your loot and uh…pecan pie cookies. just saying. bring it on fall)

  1378. I’d love to win this AWE-some gift =) I can’t help but bring baked goods every time I go into work! I’m starting professional school, so I’m sure those meetings will be filled with my yummy cookies, fudge and brownies!

  1379. I gave my mom your cookbook, and she called me and said “um, is there seriously a chapter in here called ‘i just ate chocolate for dinner’?” Yes, yes there is. And it’s awesome.

  1380. I just made my mum a beautiful Angel Food Cake, something not well known here in Australia. It turned out beautifully! I also made her a compote to serve alongside it – raspberry, strawberry with a hint of glacé ginger! Delish x

  1381. I put swomething in the crock pot last night and now my house smells heavenly. Yummy even though its morning. I threw in a small roast ( it was still partially frozen….organized I’m not) Added a can of onion soup and a bottle of beer. Easy. I’ll add some potatoes later today.

  1382. There is nothing to bring out the back-to-school jitters more than attempting to pack all of my belongings in a MINI Cooper and jetting off many states away from my home town for graduate school. It is alarming to realize my shoe collection alone takes up half of the back seat…

    What is helping my nerves as I prepare for new experiences include the support system that is my family, as well as the knowledge that I, too, am only getting cooler. I’d totally wear slippers to the store, and I’d probably want to. Especially if I were needing to buy ingredients for a late night baking extravaganza for the almond milk blueberry cobbler recipe I shared with my mom this morning.

  1383. I’m actually kinda nervous about next year, since it’s my final year! AAAAAAH! So much time spent in high school, and then all of a sudden it’s over! But I’m excited about university!
    I’m absolutely desperate for a new planner, I’ve looked everywhere, but they all just look so ugly and.. plain!
    Everything in this giveaway looks adorable! And the cookbook! Yum! :)

  1384. what a coincidence, I just made a some coconut-pecan cookies for my husband this morning! The give-away is lovely, I would love to enjoy all of it.

  1385. the idea of all of this totally makes back to school easier. (the most important thing on today’s to-do list? determine if there is a chalkboard or dry erase board in my classroom, and acquire one if I need to. classes start tomorrow.) would love to win this giveaway!!

  1386. This giveaway is amazing! And remember, Joy, it doesn’t matter what you were like in high school, everybody wants to be you now! (At least I do! )

  1387. I just found three overripe bananas in my fridge…I am so sharing the chocolate chip banana cake that they will turn in to with my friends this weekend! And I so hope that I win that cook book of yours. And the striped straws…I cannot really find them back here in Sweden!

  1388. This looks like a to-die-for cute and fun package, and I would love to get it. I actually made your brown butter toasted coconut cookies for a friend last night, and also shared the recipe. It is my new go-to cookie recipe and always gets rave reviews.

  1389. This Back to School give-away looks amazing! Before I even read this I already sent 2 friends joy the baker recipes on Facebook today!! Thanks for always making my day with your blog :)

  1390. I used to eat mentos almost everyday during high school right alongside my Little Debbie cake! Thanks for the giveaway!

  1391. I’m with you – I really don’t look forward to Fall for
    so many reasons. Would love to win this treat though !!

  1392. Joy! What a lovely giveaway. Even though I finished university 2 years ago.. I still get the lovely feelings of a fresh start during september. My favorite time of year! Also, fall treats are my favorite! PUMPKIN yum

  1393. I am midway through compiling my grandma’s recipes into a book to give to my siblings for Christmas…and it includes her famous Sicilian cookies! I’d love to read your cookbook and try your recipes and baking tips too! Many thanks!

  1394. I don’t tweet, but I often share recipes on Facebook and I have been sharing that chocolate chip pistachio salty goodness cookie in all my latest emails! I haven’t even made it yet (need to find the perfect ratio of gluten-free flours so I don’t screw that one up…sprouted millet and sprouted rice 50/50 is often a good combo for baked goods…needs to be the sprouted flour, though….hurrah, look at me sharing a tip!).
    Anyway, this giveaway is so very many kinds of awesome. I grovel to the random number generator.

  1395. Joy this is brilliant! I would love another copy – as I have now given 4 copies away to start a pen-pal bake-by-mail project with my closest girlfriends that live across the country. When we try a new one of your recipes or alter it, good bad or ugly, we sent it along to one another :) Your love of food is very much being shared and has brought me and my closest friends together in more ways than one. Thanks you endlessly for the inspiration! xo

  1396. It would be just too cool for school to win! Thanks for the chance … now all I have to do is sit and wait….

  1397. Joy, this is my first semester on the OTHER side of the chalkboard, but I love/need school supplies too. Plus I enjoy reading your blog and would love your book (then I could take it off my Amazon wishlist. ;]) I baked some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and will send the recipe out soon.

    Thanks again for the chance!!

  1398. Great giveaway, so fun. I’ve been nostalgic watching the kids eagerly picking out school supplies and new clothes. I want to whisper to all the girls not to stress about who they will eat lunch with…

  1399. I shared an awesome avocado kale sald I made on fb. Starting my internship today and last year of classes next Monday. Thanks for having the giveaway :)

  1400. You’ve coaxed my first comment out of me Joy! I love your blog, it brings happiness into my day :) This evening I shared apple crumble with a new friend under the warmth of the heat pump. We shared thoughts on cycling, running, and relationships (of course!). And the crumble tasted so much better shared that we ate all of it!

  1401. i’m waiting for my (your) cookbook to arrive on my doorstep (yay!), but am CERTAIN i’m gonna love it and will want another to share. and, gosh, do i love paper straws? yep! it’s a thing with me. anyway…i love this place and your food. last night made blue cheese biscuits sans tomatoes – none in the house :( special, is all i’m sayin’! thanks for spreading joy…did i just say that? smiles.

  1402. Yesterday, I shared my favourite cho-chip cookie recipe with my daughter. Tomorrow I will be sharing some of your brownies at work. And on the train today I shared the Joy with everyone on my bus by almost setting myself laughing at your podcast!

  1403. I LOVE school supplies. This is the first without any reason to buy some… I am super pumped, but also a little nostalgic about it. I think pink and red nail polish would help

  1404. I would love to have this! It is adorable! Will share my favorite chicolate chip cookie recipe! As if I have another favorite cookie :)

  1405. Sometimes I feel like all my friends and I do on Facebook is constantly ask each other for our favorite recipes over and over. We keep talking about making a group just to store these things. Hmm, maybe I’ll set that up today.

  1406. Hi Joy – this gift looks so lovely! I just shared a couscous recipe this morning (before you even asked) – but I’ll keep sharing the love.

    Today, the boyfriend gets banana bread, with chocolate in it (of course)!

  1407. I’m pregnant with three kids a messy husband and TWO dogs with bladder issues. I need some cute nails:). Lol I’m actually blissfully happy, I just haven’t had my coffee yet:)

  1408. I hate school more thing and here in Asia your cookbook isn’t available for a couple more months, so I would appreciate your package. Thanks for being such a wonderful person, Joy and making me smile with your clever words, spontaneous personality and just delicious recipe! After horrible days, if feels great to read your posts! Thanks for being so WONDERFUL!

  1409. This would so sooth my pre-university butterflies. my mum already gets all my favourite cake recipes but I’ll definitely send her another today!

  1410. I totally already have the cookbook (with added color thanks to my 3 year old), but I’d share the love with my sister if I won this :) Thanks!

  1411. Here is what I will share with you right here:

    A formula for crumble (how back to school-y is that!)

    1 part fat (butter)
    2 parts dry (flour, oats, crushed nuts, or some combination. cinnamon?)
    1 part sugar (brown? white? choose your own adventure!)

    These proportions are by weight.
    Rub the butter and dry stuff together, then mix in the sugar. Put on top of some fruit and stuff, BOOM.
    Crumble.

  1412. Here in Ireland kids are going back to school starting from this week… I wouldn’t be in their shoes… I hate september for that reason and for that reason I got married in September… so I have a reason to look forward to September! Good luck to everyone going back to school!
    Martina

  1413. This is a wonderful package of fun school stuff. My kids started school yesterday and all those old ‘first day of school’ feelings come flooding back. Also today is my husbands birthday so I will be making a chocolate cake with your chocolate frosting (special request by him). Thank you.

  1414. I emailed my best friend my mother-in-laws zucchini bread recipe the other day. She made it and was thrilled! So yes, sharing recipes is totally the way to go!

  1415. I like September in theory. I like how it’s described in ‘You’ve Got Mail’. I like the picturesque version of September, with red + brown autumn leaves and welly boots. But September here (England) is just pants. It’s half full of a dwindling summer and half full of rain rain rain and it used to mean sweating then suddenly running through a downpour in a stiff, white school blouse and now it means dealing with the fact I’ll be starting university at the end of it. Which is the (TERRIBLY FRIGHTENING yet also sort of thrilling maybe) light at the end of this life-long, I-hate-September tunnel. This giveaway (just even the idea of it) has put me in a great mood. I’m CERTAIN you hear this all the time, but you’re such a joy, Joy. Thank you, so so so much.

  1416. I found three overripe bananas in my fridge this morning. I am so making chocolate chip banana bread for my friends who are visiting this weekend. And I so want that cook book of yours. And those straws, they are pretty hard to get by in Sweden. I just want a lot right now! Thank you for sharing your love and recipies, you inspire me a lot!

  1417. Here in Berlin school started a couple of weeks ago, but there is always need for paper straws, pencils and cookie recipes!

  1418. Oh golly me, my little heart is bursting with love for all this stuff! I turn 25 in 5 days yet I am still irrationally preoccupied with the whole ‘back to school’ time. Probably because I sucked so much in school and, like you, feel like I’m only just nearing my prime now.

    Actually I didn’t suck that much at school. Every maths class I would buy a packet of apple flavoured Mentos, and my best friend with buy the grape, because they were by far the most intense flavours (and I don’t even think you can get them anymore.. which is a tragedy for all of us who require strongly flavoured candy to get a dose of melodrama in their lives). Then, we’d carefully unpeel both packets, remove half from each, and refill the packet, so they alternated grape-apple-grape-apple… Then, we’d glue the packet back together, good as new, and commence chewing – one grape, one apple, one grape, one apple – for the rest of class.

    Those bright alternating sugary colours remind me of the wondrous/hideous things I would do with those nail polishes.

    …. on a related note, I am terrible at maths and am very upset I did not get a more thorough education.

  1419. That giveaway is so cool! I’m coing to continue my studies in the spring, if I’m lucky enough to get into the school I’m applying to. So thumbs up!

  1420. wow, I’m a sucker for all that stuff, especially the paper straws.. <3
    I've been stalking you're blog for the last few months and have since gained a pound or two but it was totally worth it! Your food has kept me happy and smiling during an awfull internship, so thanks for that!
    Thanks for being out there, keep spreading the love.
    Warm greetings from Germany.

    p.s. watching x-files alone in the dark.. I've soo been there, done that :)

  1421. i live in china where both facebook and twitter are blocked, along with youtube, blogspot, wordpress, etc. im so glad i still have access to your website, a life savor for a food blog fanatic with a baking addition like me! im starting my senior year in high school in ten days and it would be great to win your giveaway!

  1422. This is superb timing! I am moving back home to Canada to go back to school and I gave my copy of your book to my friend intending to re-buy when I got home but this is an awesome pack.

  1423. I’ve been lurking around your blog for a while now. I love your recipes and have thought many times that I need a copy of that cookbook of yours, so obviously I can’t pass on this opportunity!

  1424. Joy, sorry about this but…I have always loved september because I’m a huge fan of all the stationery objects…in fact, when I was young (I’m 34!!! aaargg!!) I collected them…I still remember a pen with stawberry smell…ummm…delicious ;)

    love this giveaway ;)

  1425. Hooray!!!! An international give-away!!!!!!!

    I’m sure my facebook friends are already tired of all my Joy the Baker sharing, but oh well, they’ll just have to live : P

    P.S. I’m loving your Pinterest feed! So much neat stuff.

  1426. I’m starting grad school in September after 2 years of the working world. I may be questioning my sanity soon.

  1427. What a beautiful giveaway! Although I’m not longer a student, I’m elementary teacher now, and the end of August always gives me that weird funny feeling of good times ending and work beginning. But baking (especially cookies!) always helps. Thanks for supplying so much inspiration!

  1428. New stationery and the chance to bake everything in your book? I’m in! Some friends and I recently made up a cook book of our own recipes for a friend’s 30th, she loved it and I’m gonna send some more recipe love today…

  1429. Wohooo… what an amazing price and international too.

    Though I’m already at university the new semester starts here as well soon and instead of sending out recipes we decided to send out small packages of cookies (double chocolate oat flake ones) to friends around the country as a little motivation for the new semester.

    So for the new semester that package would just be over the top (book plus straws and oh my those little note stickers…).

    Thanks again for being just awesome Joy!

  1430. Cute gifts! I shared my brownie recipe with my little work cafe. They went down swell with the customers. You inspire people daily, to eat, make food, and do both of those well!

  1431. This year I am starting a Master, so this giveaway could be very helpful for me, but the thing that I would love more is your cookbook, it seems to be awesome. Thanks for the giveaway!

  1432. oh, school… What a time of life that was. Even now, 10 years after I’ve graduated from high school, i still get jitters when that time of the year comes. Is that normal?

  1433. What a fantastic prize Joy. I made your pistachio, chocolate & smoked salt cookies and took them to my mum this weekend. She absolutely loved them!

  1434. From personal experience and 7 years of research as a teacher, if you’re not cool in high school you are most likely very cool and successful later in life :)

  1435. Ever since I first stumbled upon your blog (actually on the pull apart bread recipe) I have been an avid reader and sharer.
    Between coworkers and family, on facebook, by email, through my blog – it’s all about spreading the love.

    I’d just love to have your cookbook (the rest of the items are pretty awesome too ;)).

  1436. Livingnin the southern part of germany, we are happy to have still three more weeks until school is starting again.
    So there would plenty of time to colour the nails, and to try all the wonderful recipes of the book
    Thanks for sharing all the ideas

  1437. I am out of school for a long time now (10 years or so), but my workspace at the office could totally need this fancyness! Love it!

  1438. I would really, really LOVE to get this package, mostly because I want to read (and cook and bake everything from) your cookbook!!

  1439. This is awesome. I am making two batches of cookies for the Etsy craft party this week. A gluten free version of your chocolate pistachio from last week (or so), and decorated sugar cookies. My brother’s wedding is this weekend, and I’m planning to make this: https://yoli-www.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-post_18.html

    There is also baking for next week, but I might do a cheating thing and make a no-bake layer dessert instead (cookie crust, peanut butter layer, chocolate layer, yum!).

  1440. Pink and red nailpolish and your awesome cookbook, may I please be the winner? :) And since I moved away from my parents, my mum is the one who sends the recipes.

  1441. It would be so awesome to win this. Especially the cookbook part since I lack knowledge in that area -_- but I just started college (4 years after graduating high school), so I totally have time to learn!

  1442. I have already sent my mom several of your recipes that I personally love: Those grapefruit yogurt honey scones, the vegan chocolate cake to name a couple.

    Would love to win the giveaway… especially since I was booted off of the Enjoy! list before I ever got to benefit from it… ’cause I live in Sweden. Such a sad day that was. But hopefully one day it will change!

    Love your blog! Love your writing! Love your recipes! You rock!

  1443. I love ‘back to school’…I get this weird buzz out of buying new stationary. Every September feels empty since leaving school but I still buy new stationary anyway. Long live new notebooks!

  1444. Actually your blog makes me stop working for school and start making cakes and cookies instead. So maybe the giftbag will help here :)

  1445. Woo hoo… have brought back some marzipan from Denmark so what the heck, I’ll throw the whole cake (mazarine – or called something like that) to the whole clan!

  1446. In Barcelona we start school in mid September… it’s too hot to go to classes yet!!!!
    My girls would love the school supplies and I would love your book!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  1447. I’m in Switzerland and a friend just brought back vanilla extract from the United States (they don’t do extract here; go figure). So in celebration, I’m going to make chocolate chip cookies for Friday (with the sticky brown sugar my family sent me a few months ago; also hard to find in Europe). Hopefully my coworkers will enjoy them :)

  1448. what a great idea. I think I will share smitten kitchen’s brownie recipe from yesterday which looks easy and fabulous.

  1449. Oh, shiny! I’m in. And a total love-sharer. I was meaning to write to my grand-aunt soon, anyway — I think you’ve just given me motivation to finish that letter today. :)

  1450. I love back to school shopping! This would be great for me to use at school! Joy, your recipes are amazing and you are absolutely fabulous!

  1451. Joy I look forward to your recipes, and often try one one out to unwind at the end of a long day of PhD writing! You have no idea how much you help sustain my energy and relieve my stress, so in a way your baking makes my attempts at wildlife conservation seem better!

  1452. I’m going to email my mum a recipe for nutella olive cake. Indulgent but delicious :)

    I’m already back at school, but happy to receive a back to school prize!

  1453. I love planners! I always end up buying new ones because I love the organizations. I also want to give that cookbook to my mom or at least keep it in the kitchen so me and my best friend/future chef Savannah and I can make some fun stuff! We even made Zucchini Rice Gratin together (so good). Senior year, hear I come!

  1454. My god, this time of year makes me freak OUT too. Something about the way the air smells (like plastic book covers!). The best feeling is realising I don’t have to be in stupid biology class anymore, and can go out for pints when kids are in school!

    I’d love the back to school giveaway though, my love for stationery is stronger than ever!

  1455. I miss the going back to school bustle, that tingly feeling of starting something new and the smell of new erasers!
    The crisp blue September skies, my birthday, oh my September is awesome. A goodie bag would be great too ;)

    ps: My husband’s colleagues all love you, well they love all the goodies I cook from your cookbook which is kinda the same!

  1456. I just wrote a letter to my goddaughter with the recipe of her favorite flourless chocolate cake (and some nail stickers!)

  1457. OOh, a Joy the Baker giveaway!! Your cookbook has been on my amazon list for so long, Grrr, I hate being a starving artist!! lol. I’d be so less starving if I had your cookbook and those mentos. :o)
    Thank you for the opportunity to win your blog candy prize. I’m crossing my fingers!
    Best,
    Jenn
    (PS. I just mailed my besties from blog land my favorite Nanaimo Bar recipe, I’m from Nanaimo, cool, huh?? ya, I thought so too. )

  1458. Would love to have this wonderful gift. I’ve been sending links to your site to friends and family for awhile now. Thank you for your generosity and lovely positive vibes.

  1459. Looove the paper straws *mildly obsessed*. Not to even get started on the glory of starting school with your book! Go Joy!

  1460. This would be an absolutely good prize to win. It’s very cute. P.S. I love your Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart bread recipe, oh gosh, I’m craving them now.

  1461. Yay!! Thanks for making it available for those of us on the other side of the world! This would be absolutely perfect to help me get organised for uni this semester (…well, or to procrastinate more – that’s probably more likely). I’ll definitely be sharing the love on Facebook and Twitter! xx

  1462. What perfect timing for a giveaway seeing as my birthday is this week. I do already have the book but I have a big brother (yup, another MALE podcast listener) that doesn’t have it yet and his birthday is coming up soon. I’ve done my fair share of cookie giving away just last week so I think I’m all set.

  1463. love this! best giveaway, Joy! I make your brown butter blueberry muffins often (probably too often), the absolute best. period.

  1464. The only thing I loved about the first day back to school was the brand new stationary supplies… and yes, some sweet new overalls. But straws, washi tape and your cookbook are waaay better.
    You’re the best Joy!

  1465. Amazing, (and I really want a copy of your cookbook!)

    Well, my Dad helped with this little spread the love, but what my Mummy does not know is a delivery is going to arrive sometime this week with her name on. When she opens it she’ll find the brand new iPad she’s wanted for ages!

    rachel[at]rachelphipps[.]com

  1466. That nail polish is totally cute!

    I wish I were just going back… I’m in week five of second semester (where has this year gone?!) and it is killing me. So much work … obviously I have been ignoring all of it and baking much of the cake.

  1467. I love this idea! I’m heading back to University in the fall to finish my criminology degree, and I totes need this package. You’ve picked the cutest (and handiest) things.

  1468. What an amazing gift! I have just suggested your latest cookie recipe to my friend on Facebook and have in fact cooked 3 of your recipes in the last fortnight, all shared with this same friend.

  1469. My sister is leaving for college on Friday and I am going to miss her terribly. She was really interested in trying gluten-free cooking, so I just sent her the recipe for the cookies I made this morning. Double-chocolate roasted walnut cookies with coconut flour! They are scrumptious! And healthy. Well, as healthy as they can be with chocolate, cocoa and walnuts in them. Certainly delicious. Anyway, since I’ve already shared the recipe with her today, I’ll share it here too:
    https://www.cookiemadness.net/2012/07/gluten-free-double-chocolate-cookies-with-coconut-flour/

  1470. its not often you see international prizes! :) I will admit that one of my favourite cookie recipes is one of yours… my boyfriend absolutely loves them!
    Sending lots of hugs from Southern Germany!!

  1471. I posted on facebook, twitter and sent a recipe to my mom! Hopefully she’ll make me the mango-banana bread I begged her to make! :D

  1472. Oooooh! So happy this is open to your international readers!! Would love to win some of that love! I’ll definitely share a cookie recipe with my friends…maybe even a brownie recipe too ;)

  1473. What an amazing give-away! Thanks for the opportunity!
    And thanks for your wonderful blog! :) Always makes me smile!

  1474. I love fall, at least I do now I’m an adult and don’t have to worry about school, I hated school, I was lonely and bullied and a bit weird (looking back I realize how weird, even I might have poked fun at me)
    Now I love the changing seasons, the cold (well, I did when I lived north of the equator now I’m dealing with a very odd situation off fall = daffodils and lambs; über odd) I adore the stationary in the stores, I find myself buying notepads just because they are cute.
    And your prize, the definition of adult cool :)

  1475. My 3 boys headed back to school today & my 3 year old asked if I could make “chowate” cookies for their lunch boxes. I sure could use this awesome kit so I could discover more of your recipes in your cookbook & perhaps look like more of a hip momma with purdy painted nails!

  1476. Joy the Baker! I totally support this post. I just graduated college, but I can feel the Back To School season like it’s in my bones. If my first day of school were tomorrow, those Mentos would be passed around the class in a jiffy, I’d already have a pencil borrowed/stolen, and I’d be up and ready to bake something from your cookbook for next day’s class. (In fact, I bought your cookbook for my cousin’s recent birthday, and she was so happy with it!!!) =)

  1477. What a lovely giveaway! I love Poketo and am obsessed with nice stationery. I’ve passed along the link to your blog to several of my friends but additional bombardment of recipe links can’t hurt. Especially if they contain sugar and butter.

  1478. I used to love a capsule letter. And I think my daughters are old enough to love them now. Ooh, time flies. Thanks for the reminder to (make and then) share those sesame and dark chocolate chip cookies with anyone who wanders thorough my kitchen.

  1479. Headed into the second year of my law degree in London – whilst I have a bottle of Southern Comfort at the ready I could really do with some legit school supplies and some chocolate cake recipes to go with it!

  1480. hooty hoo! so many cute things! i’m more interested in using the book to procrastinate and encourage my ADD while i try to study for the gmat!

  1481. hooty hoo! so many cute things! i’m more interested in using the book to procrastinate and encourage my ADD while i try to study for the gmat

  1482. This is amazing, Joy! I’m going back to school in September to start graduate studies in nutrition and I’m fa-reaking out about it!!! I’m totally going to be that uncool old lady in the front row (I’m in my thirties too). What if people don’t like me? Will that molecular nutrition class be over my head? Oh geeze, what did I sign myself up for?!

  1483. Joy, you are the best. And what an awesome prize. Especially the straws. There is something about red and white striped straws. We don’t see them here that often. So I think they add a little bit of American flair to whatever it is you are sipping with it. :-) Fun!

  1484. an awesome task to make you worthy of an awesome prize. will be in the kitchen sharing recipes with a friend later this week!

  1485. Joy, sharing with you & friends my fave cookie – Nutmeg sugar cookie. It’s basically a sugar cooking with a teaspoon of ground nutmeg in it. Also shape the dough in a roll and wrap in wax paper and chill or freeze, then slice and bake. So simple and so tasty. Aloha!

  1486. WOW! What an amazing prize! I agree, straws are an absolute must!
    After being a reader for a very short amount of time (although I’m now completely addicted!) I have fallen in love with the dark chocolate/pistachio cookies! I’m actually racing home to make them right now…. !! :)

  1487. Woohoo!! An internationally available prize of awesomeness!! I’m not on Facebook and I don’t Tweet but I do have a baking loving mama so I’ll send her a cake recipe (although she lives about 19hrs and 2 states away so she’ll be making it for herself not me :( )

  1488. Oh I would really love to win this! I had to move into the dorms a WEEK ago because I’m an RA :( This package would really cheer up my empty mail cubby! You’re the best!

    xoxo Sarah
    theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

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