Hello, friends and happy Sunday!
I got a little news. Great news, actually. The kind of news I need you to sip coffee for: Will and I got married!
We’ve been together for a lovely five years, and the whispers behind our backs of “when will they finally break up”, oh, four years and six months ago, started to be outright arguments. This year, everyone was already gathering for Thanksgiving, so we thought, We’re already cooking dinner, let’s have a surprise wedding too! No engagement, no Pinterest inspiration boards, no bridal shower games. Just a white dress I bought online one night, past my bedtime, and a relatively impromptu wedding on the front porch of a Texas bakehouse.
My dad worked, Will’s mom played the piano, and my family kicked it into high gear after the surprise was revealed on Wednesday afternoon. My mother leads the charge and all become sous chefs and event planners at the flip of a switch. It was perfect in that way where you look around and realize that the people you love the most are literally and figuratively holding you.
I’ll share photos and all the gory details soon (if you’re into that sort of thing), but for now, I want you to hear the news directly from me. My heart is full, my cheeks are smiling, I’ve had people scrambling to keep the front door locked, and this year feels like it’s ending on the sweetest note ever. That is truly a blessing. I am so grateful to have made memories in my new home that I will cherish forever.
I hope this Sunday treats you with the same warmth and joy. It’s been a wild year, but hot coffee with Christmas tree lights is a balm, right?
Let’s explore this week’s links together.
• It doesn’t matter if I’m sleeping on an air mattress in my childhood bedroom or my family is visiting me in Texas, the question remains: Why do I revert to my moody teenage self every time I’m around my family? Related: Sorry, Mom! (self)
• Should we get matching color theory and cusching order tattoos? How not to say the wrong thing. (LA Times)
• How to Get Rid of People When You’re a Clean Freak. I’m not a clean freak, but I’m a keep the front door closed freak and apparently when you have a lot of people on that particular freak it gets tested a lot. (cut)
• Are you winter, summer, maybe fall? I’m talking about the actual seasons, not the colors you look best in. I’m summer so this particular list is helpful: 9 Ways to Embrace Winter Even If You Think You Hate It. I really like the idea of ”slow hobbies”, which begs the question: Are we all? Latching carpet This winter? (TIME, Latchhooks)
• Related, I’m adding houseplants to my list of lazy hobbies because I currently have a growing collection of potted babies in the bathtub above. Houseplants can make you happier. (NYT giveaway)
• I did this fun interview with Better Homes & Gardens. We cover our hosting philosophy, being a laid-back Californian (back?), and spoiler alert: I didn’t personally make the cheesecakes while working at The Cheesecake Factory. They are actually made in a factory. Cheers to Baker’s house rules. (Better Homes and Gardens)
• With our friend Toby The Best Big Kids Toys of 2024. Can confirm that I will dominate all these elections. (parents)
• Kitchen has a very solid list. 38 Best Food Gifts for Anyone Who Loves Food. One of my recent flexes is giving away. A hunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese from Williams Sonoma. It is both casual and elite and always passes with joy. (The Kitchen, Williams Sonoma)
• I’m preparing to dive head first into sixth cookie baking. I haven’t been the most neighborly this year, just trying to keep my head above water to keep the house together but – it’s enough for me to have a holiday cookie tin for my neighbors. Dedicate a few weeks to making and baking cookies. Can I give my neighbors a dozen cookies in a reused Tupperware container? I’m afraid I’m not who I am – not when I’ve seen these beauties. The cookie tin! I’m still nailing the perfect cookie combo but there are more than a few good ideas. This postthe New holiday magazine There’s the Cheddar and Pecan Cookie/Cracker (because I love a tasty surprise in a cookie), and this recipe is definitely on the list. Polkagriscola (Swedish Peppermint Caramels). (Amazon, Joy the Baker, Magazine Shop, Saver)
• One thing I miss about New Orleans is sitting at Suzon’s kitchen counter eating a batch of hers. New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp. To be fair, it’s basically shrimp swimming in seasoned butter but there’s such an artistry to this dish. This is a very comfortable winter offering. Put that in the back of your mind the next time you want to stand at the stove and swirl butter around the pan for dinner. (Joy the Baker)
• A deeply satisfying bowl with our friend Timothy Black Bean Soup. Have you ever added a splash or fresh orange juice to black bean soup? Game changer. (Mississippi Wagon)
• I want to say that I am currently watching. Day of the Jackal On Peacock, but mostly I’m currently sleeping on Jackal’s Day on Peacock. (YouTube)
• Song of the Week: As by Stevie Wonder (Spotify)
My love to you!
xo joy