Completely happy New Yr, associates! Right here we’re, standing on the doorway of January, taking our first tentative steps into 2025. If I could supply one little piece of recommendation for this second: let’s take it sluggish. Like, watch-the-sunrise-through-the-window-with-your-hands-wrapped-around-a-warm-mug sluggish.
January, in all its quiet and stillness, is asking us to relaxation, regardless of all this discuss of New Yr, New Us. I believe January invitations us to take a breath earlier than the dash of the yr actually begins. Our buddy Karlee has aptly named this Mild January, and I’m leaning all the way in which in. That’s why this month on the weblog is all about The Magic of Small Joys.
So, what are these small joys? They’re the little issues that anchor us to the second and remind us of the wonder and bounty in our on a regular basis lives. It’s the satisfying crackle of a loaf of bread because it cools on the counter. It’s the way to steam rises from two bowls of carrot soup as they sit on the kitchen desk in entrance of the window. It’s a small-batch recipe that doesn’t really feel like a chore however a present—to your self or somebody you’re keen on.
The January mindset has me reflecting on my house right here in Texas. It’s been simply over a yr since I purchased the Bakehouse Texas, and I’ve tackled a few of the huge, loud tasks—you recognize, those that contain numerous mud and contractor espresso cups scattered round. Now, it’s time for the quiet work: nesting. This primary quarter of the yr, I’m centered on settling in, creating an area the place Will and I can really feel rooted and residential. Most particularly, I must make room for Will within the closet. Pray for us.
One of many coziest areas I ever created was my tiny condominium in New Orleans’ Irish Channel neighborhood. It was 800 sq. ft of pure house—a haven I constructed throughout a messy, unsure time of my life (it’s laborious to make the best associates in New Orleans). One way or the other, that area managed to carry me collectively. I dug up an image of a nook of that area, above. It’s humorous how these classes follow you. The vitality we put into an area actually comes spherical tenfold. Now, as I nest right here in Texas, I’m channeling that very same vitality: discovering small joys in creating a giant house.
You’ll see this mirrored within the recipes I share with you this month. We’re specializing in these little joys: a cup of wealthy scorching cocoa for a sluggish afternoon, cozy slices of heat cinnamon swirl bread, and a listing of birthday muffins to look ahead to making. I’ll additionally share small methods to carry pleasure into your kitchen and residential, whether or not it’s a contemporary jar of do-it-yourself granola or opening the window only a crack to let within the crisp morning air because the aroma of banana bread wafts via the kitchen.
Let’s ease into this yr collectively, savoring the stillness of winter and discovering consolation within the easy, lovely act of baking for ourselves and perhaps even leaving the dishes within the sink in a single day. There’s magic within the small joys—I hope you’ll be a part of me in uncovering them for ourselves, slowly – we’re taking all of it very simple.
Do you’ve gotten a phrase you’re specializing in to start out the yr? If that’s the case, please please share it within the feedback beneath. I assume, as on the nostril because it could be, I select JOY.
Right here’s to a mild begin, cozy mornings, and loads of small moments that make a big effect.
