• Home
  • Creative Workshops
  • Shop
    • Account
      • Orders
    • Cart
    • Art Materials
    • Cards
    • Classes
    • Commissions
    • Home & Decor
    • Notebooks
    • Watercolours
  • About
    • Blog
      • Beauty
      • Faith
      • Family
      • Food
      • Me Time
      • Writing
      • Work Life
  • Work with me
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Finding Joy

Words that uplift and empower | Creative Experiences and Art by Joy Adan

  • All
  • Art Materials
  • Classes
  • Cards
  • Commissions
  • Home & Decor
  • Notebooks
  • Watercolour

3 simple, iron-rich baby food recipes you can cook and freeze in bulk

28 March, 2017 By Joy Adan Tagged With: dairy free, eating healthy, kid friendly Leave a Comment

3 iron-rich baby-food recipes that are family-friendly and can be made in advance

Preparing nutritious food for the whole family every day is no easy task, especially when the newest member is just starting their journey into the wonderful (and messy!) world of solids. Introducing solids is a big adjustment for everyone involved; often it means tweaking the menu and culling salt from recipes, that baby food equipment overtakes a significant part of the kitchen, and that suddenly there’s a lot more cleanup to contend with

[ Read More ]

Easy Peasy Pizza | Recipe

8 March, 2017 By Joy Adan Tagged With: allergy friendly, dairy free, eating healthy, kid friendly Leave a Comment

This is a super easy pizza recipe that takes about 15 minutes to prepare - the same time as a frozen pizza but WITHOUT all the nasty preservatives!

Here’s a super simple pizza recipe that you can knock up as dinner for the whole family in less than 15 minutes. That’s the same time it takes to prep a frozen pizza, but this doesn’t contain any of the nasty preservatives and random ingredients most frozen, boxed foods contain. For this reason, wholegrain or wholemeal pita bread is a staple on my grocery shopping list, and there always tomato paste in our pantry. I

[ Read More ]

Smoky chorizo and chicken pasta | Recipe

30 November, 2016 By Joy Adan Tagged With: allergy friendly, dairy free, kid friendly Leave a Comment

This smoky chorizo and chicken pasta recipe is so easy it’s become one of my top 5 go-to recipes whenever I have less than 30 minutes to cook dinner. I can literally walk in the door at 7pm and have this plated and ready to go by 7:30, while still having time get changed out of my work clothes and get Mr 4’s hands washed. Smoky chorizo and chicken pasta

[ Read More ]

The Grounds Keeper Cafe, Blacktown | Kid-Friendly Cafes

29 November, 2016 By Joy Adan Tagged With: kid friendly, kid-friendly cafes, places to eat in Sydney, restaurant reviews 2 Comments

The Groundskeeper Cafe, Blacktown

Confession: I’ve been to The Grounds Keeper Cafe a lot in the last four months. So much so that the owners, Hadi and Sam know my face and laugh whenever I turn up and ask me where I’ve been if I haven’t visited for a while. Lucky for them, I normally bring someone new every time. Up until six months ago, the options for food at the Blacktown Showground Precinct were pretty average;

[ Read More ]

Blacktown Showground Precinct (Francis Park)

3 October, 2016 By Joy Adan Tagged With: kid friendly, school holidays, things to do in Sydney 1 Comment

The Blacktown Showground Precinct is a great place for the family to enjoy time out in the sun - with picnic, sporting and water play facilities and a great cafe and kiosk all 5 mins away from the station.

Blacktown Showground Precinct (Francis Park) is one of our favourite places in Sydney’s west for the family to enjoy the sunshine and burn some energy without spending a cent. It has a dedicated water play area, shaded playground, over 20 picnic tables (most of them under cover), electric BBQs, basketball courts and an outdoor gym, two sporting fields, a community garden and – should you want to buy lunch or

[ Read More ]

Chocolate banana bread | Recipe

10 September, 2016 By Joy Adan Tagged With: allergy friendly, dairy free, kid friendly, party food Leave a Comment

Chocolate chia banana bread recipe

This chocolate and chia seed banana bread recipe is something I’ve been wanting to try for weeks. I looove banana bread and have been snacking on it in between my midnight feeds. The store-bought stuff is crammed with sugar and generally doesn’t contain anything that good for you. I’m not going to pretend this version is healthy, but it does contain goodies to make it less naughty than your average slice. I

[ Read More ]

Green mango smoothie | Recipe

23 October, 2014 By Joy Adan Tagged With: eating healthy, kid friendly, smoothies 1 Comment

This sweet, refreshing mango smoothie takes less than 5 minutes to make. And it’s the bomb. Try it – you won’t regret it. Green mango and almond smoothie recipe   Save Print Prep time 3 mins Cook time 1 min Total time 4 mins   Recipe type: Smoothie Ingredients ½ cup chilled or frozen mango 1 cup chilled coconut water 1 tablespoon MiLA’s Gift Almond Coconut spread ¼ cup spinach

[ Read More ]

Fun & simple Pirate Party ideas

17 August, 2014 By Joy Adan Tagged With: kid friendly, party food Leave a Comment

Styling a pirate party for kids

A couple of weeks ago my nephew celebrated his third birthday and decided he wanted a pirate party theme. It wasn’t a big or complicated birthday celebration by any means – his cousins, grandparents and aunties and uncles had a simple picnic at the local park and enjoyed fish and chips for lunch. But a few red and black stripes with skulls and cross bones teamed with simple snacks, a pirate treasure hunt and

[ Read More ]

Cookie cutter sausage rolls | Recipe

9 July, 2014 By Joy Adan Tagged With: allergy friendly, kid friendly, party food, school holidays 4 Comments

Last week I had a great time baby sitting my niece (Princess 8) and nephew (Master 5) while Mr 2 was at day care. It’s been over two years since I’ve had these two rascals at my place for an entire day, so made the most of it and packed in a lot of different activities – we went to the park, visited grandparents and we did some cooking! I adore

[ Read More ]

Dairy-free double choc-chip coconut & chia cookies | Recipe

18 May, 2014 By Joy Adan Tagged With: allergy friendly, dairy free, eating healthy, kid friendly 1 Comment

Recipe: Double choc-chip coconut and chia seed cookies

As I write this post, Mr 2 is sitting on the couch next to his Dad, and both are chowing down on these cookies. It’s almost dinner time, but I’m not going to get mad about them spoiling their appetite because this experimental cookie batch has clearly passed the Toddler and Husband Taste Tests. These double choc-chip coconut & chia cookies are a great, chewy snack that isn’t packed with processed sugar

[ Read More ]

The best fluffy – pancakes ever | Recipe

9 February, 2014 By Joy Adan Tagged With: allergy friendly, kid friendly Leave a Comment

recipe: the best fluffy pancakes - ever

I love Sundays. I usually try to get all some of the house work done on every other day… because Sunday is “chill out” day. Sunday is lazy mornings, relaxing over coffee, before heading to Mass day. And if time permits, I’ll even indulge the family with pancakes… because who doesn’t love a fresh-off-the-pan, fluffy, sweet pancake for breakfast?   Life has been supremely busy as of late, so it’s been a while

[ Read More ]

Tuna & spinach puffed pastry parcels | Recipe

1 February, 2014 By Joy Adan Tagged With: allergy friendly, eating healthy, kid friendly, party food Leave a Comment

The little man hasn’t had a huge appetite lately… so I made a totally spontaneous decision this afternoon to bake what would have been normal salad in a puffed pastry parcel… and to my delight the little Ukulele Baby ate four little tuna parcels without any coaxing required. Admittedly it would probably taste way better with cheese (what doesn’t taste better with cheese?) but the little guy is allergic to dairy

[ Read More ]
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Hi

Joy Adan

I'm Joy. I'm a 30-something, storytelling, coffee-drinking, book-devouring, ocean-obsessed freelance writer, brush lettering enthusiast, speaker and content producer. You'll find some of my stories and art here, along with my advice about attempt at balancing the creative career + family life hustle.

Don't miss a beat - subscribe below and join me on this crazy adventure!

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

DON’T MISS A SINGLE POST! SIGN UP HERE:


Thank you!

You’ve joined Finding Joy’s mailing list. No spam, only love. I promise. 



Like what you see here?

Please keep this writer going. <br> Show your support:

Buy me a coffee!

As seen in

Essential Baby

Practical Parenting

The Catholic Weekly

2017 Bupa Blog Awards Nominee | Celebrating Health and Care

Instagram

joyadanwrites

🇵🇭🇦🇺 #Writer, #brushcalligraphy #artist, speaker, podcaster, book hoarder. Mum. #Lettering, creating & stumbling through life @findingjoyau

Finding Joy | Joy Adan
Ran the first in-person lettering workshop of 2022 Ran the first in-person lettering workshop of 2022 today! So so so blessed to introduce a group of incredible women (and their beautiful kids!) to @findingjoyau and the joy that comes with exercising our creativity. 💕

Oh yes... and I'm moving/switching up my Insta. You'll find me sharing more of my art/lettering/how-tos and all things making and creating over here 👉👉👉 @findingjoyau so give this lady a bit of love (and a follow). 

xoxoxo
Needing rest and recovery is a massive shame trigg Needing rest and recovery is a massive shame trigger for many people, myself included.

I've found this to be especially true within migrant families and communities I've worked with - rest was not an option for lots of people because it was literally a matter of work now to survive, otherwise you die.  

I know that the absence of that "threat to survival" puts me in a very privileged position. I also know that even though the pressure to survive at any cost might be gone, the expectation to overwork and overcommit still weighs heavily and still demands sacrifice - from women especially. Thankfully, I (and many in my generation) have the added privilege of better education - we now know that failure to rest when our bodies and minds need to rest leads to poorer long-term health outcomes.

So a few months ago I turned down opportunities to do amazing work with amazing companies. Instead, I decided to hit "pause" and put my health and my family first. The past 2-3 years have been a bit of a fiasco. I really had to make a call about where to spend my time and energy, and I knew that if I wanted to keep giving my best in anything - work, home or community - I needed time out before taking on new or additional challenges.  

It was (and still is) terrifying, and it took me a good few months to truly "switch off". Once I did I became so grateful that taking a break meant being able to slow down and breathe, to focus on home and health, to enjoy agenda-free days with my kids, to take the foot off the accelerator, to embrace creativity, connection and serving my community... you know, things that too often get chucked on the back burner. 

I share this because I want to normalise people taking a break when they need a break. It might just be a short break in a busy day or week, it might be a career break. Point is... we all need rest, and we should NEVER feel guilty for wanting some downtime or pausing to reprioritise, refocus or recover. 

No one else should get to determine what "success" or "productivity" looks like/means for you. 💕
Impromptu paint workshop with some little visitors Impromptu paint workshop with some little visitors today! Whipped out the watercolours and acrylics after lunch and just enjoyed some down time, playing with colour, experimenting with texture and stamping mint leaves... and discussing the fact pink is not an actual colour according to science (and then had to assure them that pink did still exist... But apparently it is just something our brains made up? What?!). 

Painting really is therapy for me. There's something primal and grounding about the activity that helps me enter a completely different space mentally and emotionally. And so it was nice to be able to offer this as a method of play and recreation (and to experience it myself).

Tip 1: Watercolours are a far less stressful way to introduce paint to little ones - find cheap non-toxic washable paint and don't stress about mixing all your colours - it's part of the fun. Embrace the mess. 
Tip 2: I have been reusing the same blue dollar store table cloth to protect our dining table for 4 years. We wipe it down with paper towels or baby wipes at the end of a painting session, and wrap it all up abd shake it off outside after a play dough session. It's getting a bit holey but it does the job. 
Tip 3: Use a clothes horse to peg up and dry paintings as kids finish them. It's pretty satisfying seeing all their pictures hanging up and shining in the sun.

🌞🖌🎨🙌🏽💕
To the woman wondering if she'll ever get through To the woman wondering if she'll ever get through her to-do list before the end of the day... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering if she's cleaning/working/playing/exercising/cuddling/learning/teaching/disciplining/guiding/supporting/giving/loving as much as she can/should... you are enough.

To the woman who can never keep up with messages and voicemails and always forgets to reply... you are enough. 

To the woman doubled over in pain because her body isn't agreeing with her and she can't access the support she needs... you are enough. 

To the woman who is run ragged... you are enough. 

To the woman who knows she shouldn't probably eat that/buy that/say that... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering if she should apply for the job when she doesn't meet all the criteria... you are enough. 

To the woman who wonders if her contribution to her home or her community will ever get the recognition it deserves... you are enough. 

To the woman who is tired of searching for a place where she is respected - not just for what she brings but who she is... you are enough. 

To the woman wishing days like this weren't so exhausting... you are enough. 

To the woman who fears (or has been told) she is intimidating (instead of confident), outspoken (instead of articulate), too soft (instead of empathetic), power-hungry (instead of hard-working), lazy (instead of balanced)... you are enough. 

To the woman wondering what her worth is when so many are seen, recognised, paid and promoted before she is... you are enough. 

To the woman feeling uncertain, afraid, exhausted, frustrated, alone, restless... you are enough. 

To the woman who hopes and works hard for a better world for the future, wondering if we'll ever get there... you are enough. 

The world needs you, whether you're ready for battle or ready for rest. The world needs you, whether you're certain or still seeking. The world needs you as you are, because you are unique and irreplaceable. You are worth celebrating, today and everyday. 

You are enough. 

--- Tag a sister who needs reminding. ❤ xoxo

#iwd2022 #internationalwomensday #sisterhood
Yesterday marked the start of the Lenten season fo Yesterday marked the start of the Lenten season for millions of Catholics around the world. The road to our usual church was blocked yesterday due to floodwater, but thankfully some the rain eased and I could make it to morning Mass today. 

This week the skies are heavy, as are the hearts of many who have lost their homes and their peace - whether due to war or natural disaster. And so I pray. I pray because I know I need to ask for God's grace and mercy - I know I am so small and unable... but when He guides me I can see more clearly where to serve, how to help, where to channel my energy, time and resources... 

When it's all too much and I am unsure, this is the place I can return... knowing that the time I spend in His presence empowers me in a way no human eye can see.

If there is something you would like me to pray for, especially this Lent, let me know (you can shoot me a message too), and I'll bring it to our Father with love. ❤❤

#Lent #Lent2022
Went to Mass this morning after a very restless ni Went to Mass this morning after a very restless night. The Gospel was about a man who had brought his child to the disciples asking them to heal the child from convulsions that would often put him in physical danger. The disciples were unable. Here's part of the the conversation Jesus had with the father: 

"Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' 

'From childhood,' he replied 'and it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.' 

'If you can?' retorted Jesus. 'Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.' 

Immediately the father of the boy cried out, 'I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!'" For the full Gospel, see Mark 9:14-29

Yes, this Gospel is a reminder that anything - and everything - is possible for anyone who has faith. But, as Fr Redmond pointed out this morning, it's also about believing that our faith has the ability and opportunity to grow. Faith isn't a one-off grace or gift we get once. It's a seed that is planted, it is something we can nourish and nurture. It is something that can wane when challenged or ignored. 

Simply put, faith is something we shouldn't take for granted. Faith required prayer, action and desire on our part.

That exclamation from a father desperate to do whatever he can to save his son is a prayer. It is a cry for help to God, asking him to increase and strengthen his faith. "Help the little faith I have!" he pleads. 

O Lord, that I may be humble enough to come to you and request the same when my faith is too small and I put limits on your grace. Help the little faith I have.

ID 1: An open page of a dot grid journal. The words “I have faith. Help the little faith I have” are lettered in pink ink. A pink Pentel Brush Sign Pen lies on an angle in top right corner. 

ID2: A golden tabernacle is in the centre of the frame. On either side are embroidered images from Bible stories.

.

.

.

#FindingJoy #JoyAdanWrites #PursuitOfJoy #PerfectlyImperfect #PracticeMakesProgress #CalledToCreate #CreativePractice #CreativeEntrepreneur #CatholicCreative #BibleLettering #Journal
Consider this permission to slow down. ❤ ID: Op Consider this permission to slow down. ❤

ID: Open page of a notebook with lilac hand-lettering that says “Don't rush to the urgent at the expense of the important”. A lilac @pentel_australia brush sign pen lies on top the page beside the writing.
I reckon this is one of my favourite lines in “S I reckon this is one of my favourite lines in “Surface Pressure”. It's one of many truths in the song, but I love this one in particular because people who know their worth & dignity tend to light up the room. 😉

Meanwhile, we've just ended 1 week of iso.. which we spent listening to the @encantomovie soundtrack on repeat and playing Super Mario and table tennis for hours on end. Thankfully, COVID symptoms were mild and shortlived, the boys maintained good spirits, and I managed to squeeze in painting as down-time over the weekend while everyone else slept. Now to declutter my desk and get back to business.......

ID: An open page dot grid notebook lies on a wooden desk. The left page is painted with blue, gold, brown and green watercolour flowers around the border. In the centre is navy blue lettering, with the words “I move mountains, I move churches, and I glow coz I know what my worth is.”

#ink #handwriting #catholiccreatives #qotd #pentelbrushpen
Flashback to this nugget of wisdom. ❤ Wherever y Flashback to this nugget of wisdom. ❤ Wherever you are, whoever you are, may you rest in the knowledge that not only are you made to love others, you are made to receive and worthy of being loved also. 

Image: Framed image of the quote “Love is, therefore, the fundamental vocation of every human being. - St John Paul II - Familiaris Consortio” lettered in blue foil and sitting on a wooden shelf surrounded by green plants. 

#LoveIs #Vocation #Calling
#StValentinesDay
Have had the best kind of whirlwind week of weddin Have had the best kind of whirlwind week of wedding bliss!! Big big love to my Toasties @kate_samways @sammyjkerr and cuzins4lyf @philipjamolin @simmyyyy 

You both chose parts of John 15 for your ceremonies. ❤ Praying you always remember that your love for each other comes straight from the same Love that powers every good thing in this universe... that whenever you hear music that moves you, marvel at the mountains, feel the sunshine on your skin, ride the waves, or stop in awe or wonder, you remember that a spark of those beautiful things isn't anywhere as big and powerful as the spark that brought you to the one you chose to enjoy your days with. And that through every magical moment, big or small, joyful or sorrowful, that your love for each other remains powerful and complete. 🥂💕🥰💕❤
“Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will no “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.” - St Augustine

Been reflecting about this one a lot over the past few weeks... about the agency we too often forfeit or conveniently forget when change demands effort and intention. We're invited to be co-creators, to be cooperators... but that in itself is both power and a responsibility (yep, just got all Spiderman on you, whoops) 😝.

I lettered this one while watching the morning surfers at Flynns Beach. The waves came in fast, strong and big that day. And the thing that kept popping into my head was the determination of the surf students as they made their way out. We can't control the waves... another power beyond us does that. But we do have to consider when we start kicking or when to jump on the board if we want to ride the waves. 

🌊
I made a thing! Finally unboxed and turned on the I made a thing! Finally unboxed and turned on the sewing machine I bought during the last lockdown. The first thing I did was “fix” a fitted sheet (by sewing a seam on the wrong side, but I mean it still fits on the bed so... It's technically fixed). And because I'm an impatient person, I jumped right into making a half-circle skirt with remnant fabric (thanks Google) and then stuffed it up by adding a pocket without really planning ahead. Because why would I even bother making clothes if they don't have pockets??

You know my love for imperfect things (the pocket kinda faces the wrong way and there's a random seam next to the pocket that makes it bunch up) 😂 but WHATEVER. It fits (*just*😝), the pocket is functional and I am wearing it today because I can. Lol. 

#WhatAmIEvenDoing #SewWhat
Load More… Follow @joyadanwrites
  • About “Finding Joy”
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • My Account
  • Cart
  • Terms of sale
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

KEEP IN TOUCH - SUBSCRIBE BELOW

Thank you!

You've joined Finding Joy's mailing list. No spam, only love. I promise. 

Copyright © 2022 · Joy Adan · 22 657 108 897