File under: I regret nothing Bonjour! I am really getting into the holidays this year, so through The Twelve Days of Katiemas (patent pending), I am trying to incorporate a little holly jolly into each day. Alas, I have not actually eaten an entire bag of marshmallows, but the day is young yet, and the… Continue reading On the Second Day of Katiemas, I Ate a Bag of Marshmallows
File under: I just want a hot cup of coffee Bonjour! I’ve been feeling extra worn out lately. Maybe because of the shifting seasons or the darker evenings. Maybe because of the extra bad news. Maybe because my stomach hates me. Living with IBS can be challenging and exhausting. I’ve been lactose intolerant (and generally… Continue reading Feeling Sorry for Myself (IBS Edition)
Bonjour! It's my favorite time of year again! As summer slides into fall, leaves change color, and Halloween approaches, I start to anticipate all the fun planning, decorating (with a toddler in mind), baking, and gift wrapping I get to do in the coming months. Not only is Halloween the official kickoff of the holiday… Continue reading Recipe: Halloween Vampire Donuts
Bonjour! I recently spent a weekend in Chicago at the American Library Association Annual Conference. June in Chicago is busy and warm, bustling and dynamic. It was fun to be back in the Loop after so many years away (with a quick holiday visit with L’Husband two Christmases ago). This post shares photographs of my… Continue reading 48 Hours in Chicago in Pictures
Bonjour! I love to cook and entertain at home and enjoy trying out new recipes (and making them up too!). L'Husband has a Greek family and grew up in the restaurant business surrounded by yiayias who cooked and baked, so we eat a lot of Mediterranean food like Greek green beans chez nous. (I always… Continue reading Greek Whipped Feta Dip
Bonjour! Last year, during the throes of another COVID winter and pregnancy, L'Husband and I celebrated Valentine's Day at home with romantic homemade mini pizzas followed by chocolate fondue for dessert. Today's post shares some photos of our meal and ideas for your very own fête à la pizza. We all know chocolate is traditional… Continue reading Romantic Pizza for Valentine’s Day
Bonjour! Thank you for being a part of Joyful Living this year! I started 2022 with some bold plans and a commitment to posting once per week - which I mostly did. I also revisited and revised my Joyful Living Mission Statement to reflect my personal values of authenticity, sustainability, and joy. As we say… Continue reading 2022 Blog Year in Review
Bonjour! It’s officially autumn. The leaves changing colors. I got out my thick socks from Vermont, my cuddly blanket from Germany, and my hot chocolate mug. (What, you don’t have a dedicated hot chocolate mug? Mais pourquoi?) Sliding into Winter This time of year always has me hankering to decorate, bake, make chili, and wrap… Continue reading Come at Me, Winter: It’s Hygge Time
Bonjour! Today’s post reshares my recipe for Halloween candy bark, originally published in fall 2020. Enjoy! Halloween candy bark As summer slides into fall, leaves change color, and Halloween approaches, I start to anticipate all the fun planning, decorating, baking, and gift wrapping I get to do in the coming months. Not only is Halloween… Continue reading Halloween Candy Bark (Repost)
"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."– Pablo Picasso Bonjour! I founded Joyful Living in 2019 to celebrate joyful living everyday. Joie de vivre is a a French phrase meaning “joy in living" and inspired the title and philosophy of my blog. I write… Continue reading Joyful Living Mission Statement, Revisited
Joyful Living with Katie Kritikos 