i love pie...

{1. crinkled mini bakers from Anthropologie, 2. Momofuku's grasshopper pie, 3. polka dot cake/pie server from Fish's Eddy, 4. pie funnel from Sur la Table, 5. A Year of Pies from Amazon, 6. Dean & Deluca's petite tart assortment. ' Joanna}

{flavor stories} mini peach pavlovas...

Lately I've been trying to think of just about any way to bake with fresh peaches. Our peach season came early this year but surprisingly it's lasted late into August and brought some of the sweetest peaches around. Almost all the baskets I've bought have been near perfect! 

In fact, I'm not sure why I hadn't previously thought of topping mini pavlovas with them. Pavlovas are one of the simplest desserts out there, and I think peaches complement them perfectly. 

For the photos you see here I used this recipe from Nigella Lawson except I substituted the fresh berries with a couple sliced and macerated peaches {to macerate, submerge a couple pitted and sliced peaches in Riesling Indian Summer Ice Wine for about 30 minutes prior to serving}. I also whipped up a quick batch of white chocolate ganache and served it at room temperature drizzled on top. 

Or for a chocolate alternative, skip the stonefruit and add a touch of cocoa powder to the pavlova mix and serve with fresh seasonal berries. Enjoy!

'Nikole

{photos and styling by Nikole Herriott for Oh Joy}

my {60's} uniform...

I've always had a thing for 60's style and love incorporating it in a modern way. Whether totally casual to meet up with friends for lunch or a little dressier for a night out with my guy, the 60's thing just adds a little swing to my step! ' Bri

{Hanging out: (top to bottom): A.P.C. heart tee, Modcloth yellow scarf, Modcloth coral scarf, AG skinny jeans, Shopbop flats. Out Dancing (top to bottom): Topshop shift dress, Marni earrings, Anthropologie tights, J.Crew pumps.}

a day of "this & that"...

I've always wanted to create a real life version of our "this & that" column. So, I've partnered with HomeMint to create a day of what that might be like! I hope you guys enjoy...it was super fun to concept and make. And you can see all the items from the video right here {and a few are even on sale!}... ' Joy

This video is brought to you by Oh Joy + HomeMint. 

{Video by Modshift. Music by Frances England.}

sustainable suds...

Last year, I created the branding and packaging for a line of soap called Hand in Hand. For every bar of soap purchased, another bar is donated to a child in need. We've been working on some brand new packaging to incorporate their new scents, and I'm thrilled to share some of my recent design work with you.

I art directed and designed the new packaging and worked with illustrator Emma Block to make our vision come to life with the help of her beautiful drawings. The soaps are available on Hand in Hand's website and will soon be at Anthropologie stores nationwide! ' Joy

{photos by Hand in Hand}

the {splendid summer} winners...

You guys did a seriously amazing job putting together your boards for the Splendid Summer contest. I reviewed over 900 boards and found myself getting inspired by so many images I had never seen as well as so many awesome Pinterest accounts that I've since started following. It was tough to narrow down the winners, but I chose the top 4 {grand prize winner + 3 runners-up} based on those who created a mood that felt cohesive within the board and made me want to jump right into their vision of their perfect summer.

Megan G. from Minneapolis, MN is our grand prize winner for her beautiful retro-inspired board. The colors, mix of photos and illustrations, and retro-style images of summer really captured a mood that I just loved. Megan won the grand prize of an Apple iPad in a Clare Vivier for Splendid case, a $500 Splendid gift card, Splendid skin care products, and a Splendid towel and bag.

Lindsay M. from Brooklyn, NY captured her summer in a more photo documentary way, and I loved the outdoorsy nature of the images she selected.

Amy H., a student in New York, created an eclectic and vibrant version of her perfect summer with colorful and quirky images.

Finally, Minna S. from Washington, D.C., put together a board that looks like a big bowl of rainbow sherbet with it's consistent color story throughout images of fashion, food, and home decor. These three lucky ladies receive $250 Splendid gift card, Splendid skin care products, and a Splendid towel and bag.

Also, a few more from the top 10 whose boards I really enjoyed: Jennifer Stuart, Honest Vintage, Jennifer Govero, and Sina Richert. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to enter and for showing me your summer! ' Joy

{first photo by Bonnie Tsang, board montages by Oh Joy pulled from each winner's Pinterest board linked above}

happy friday + ruby's 1st haircut...

Ruby got her first haircut this week! Well, it was mainly a bang trim to get those bangs out of her eyes. It was the quickest hair cut ever, but someone was not so happy to have her head held and poked at while scissors came so close to her face. She cried for a minute near the end, but we all walked out 5 minutes later unscathed. She looks thrilled, right? And her short little bangs crack me up. She's totally kickin' it Parent Trap style.

Hope you guys have some fun things in store for the weekend. My in-laws come into town this afternoon for a week to get some one-on-one time with their granddaughter. I seriously cannot wait for my mother-in-law's Korean home cooking...yum. Enjoy your weekend guys! ' Joy

Oh, and just a reminder to those of you in Chicago, if you're planning to attend the September 5th Blog, Inc. Book Party, please be sure to RSVP by early next week. The book doesn't officially come out until after this party, so we want to make sure to have enough for everyone there!

{photo of Ruby at 10.5 months by Oh Joy}

{outside/inside} an outdoor 8...

OUTSIDE / An abandoned tricycle rounds the curve of a figure-8 on the lawn of this child-friendly home...

...while INSIDE, the décor is chipper and bright! Saturated and bold hues of color with the contrast of wood, cork, and wire. Everyday items take on quirky shapes'like a camera-shaped candle or wire wound into a DIY lamp. I can imagine wall-to-wall chalkboard paint in the house, ready for on-the-fly doodling! 'Joanna

{from left to right, top to bottom: lemon gumdrop pendant from Serena & Lily, caravan dresser from Branch, Hee lounge chair from A+R, coil lamp DIY kit from The Future Perfect, companions bedside table from The Future Perfect, beeswax camera candle from Branch, polka dot wall vase from Poketo, German chalk set from Terrain.}

{image by photographer Radim Pe'ko}

one of each...

When I was a kid, I used to want my favorite clothing item in every single color it came in. You know, like that hoodie with rhinestones or that jelly glitter bracelet? Lately, I find myself wanting to do that again with really great quality basics that come in the best colors... ' Joy

{top to bottom: Baggu bags, Nature Baby striped booties, Land of Nod lamp}

notes...

I used to be so good at writing thank you notes, birthday cards, and just sending out lots of mail to those I care about. Sometime in the last few years, I slowly got worse and worse at it...and now I find myself feeling pretty guilty when I sent out cards late. Or not at all. So, I'm trying to revive my note-writing spirit by stocking up on some cute cards that I can't let go to waste. Fingers crossed...we'll see if that helps! ' Joy

{Photo by Oh Joy. Notes by Fig. 2 and Rifle Paper Co.}

a petite story...

In celebration of their new Petites collection, I was recently included in a story by Anthropologie about my petite style and some of my favorite looks from fancy to everyday! I was given freedom to have the photos shot anywhere, and my own home felt just right for showcasing some of my favorite pieces and how I'd wear them within the context of my real life. You can read the full story and see more details on the pieces I wore in their magazine {it's currently featured their homepage too'eep!} and see a few of my favorite outtakes from the shoot below!

The scenes included an ice cream party for entertaining, a snippet from a weekend moment while hanging a mobile, and a play date with my favorite little lady. It was so fun being featured beside fellow petite pal Dallas, too! Thanks so much to Anthropologie for having me and to Bonnie for her beautiful photos! ' Joy

{photos by Bonnie Tsang for Oh Joy + Anthropologie, hair & makeup by Megumi Wakabayashi.} 

my {blog, inc.} book tour...

I'm excited to announce the cities and dates of my Blog, Inc. book tour this fall. It was really tough narrowing it down to a just handful of cities, but I'm happy to be able to make it to a couple more places that we didn't get to during my last book tour. Every event will include a Q&A portion of the evening, where I'll answer your blogging questions. For those of you in other cities'please don't feel left out'I'll have plenty of fun things to share with you in October including my book trailer, Q&A's, giveaways, and more...

To RSVP for any of the events above, please visit West Elm's Events Page on Facebook. I'll be sure to post reminders for the October and November book parties when it gets closer.

A note to Chicago...while the tour was intended to officially start in October, I had a last minute opportunity to go to Chicago in a couple weeks, so we're going to have a pre-launch party with you guys in Chicago on September 5th! While the book won't technically be out by this date, we'll be sure to have them for purchase that night at West Elm, so please RSVP so we can make sure to have enough copies for everyone.

I can't wait to see what you guys think of the book, and I look forward to seeing some of you in Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Austin in the next couple months! ' Joy

happy friday + 10 months with ruby...

Ruby turned 10 months over the weekend! It's so crazy to think how fast time flies. As we head into the weekend, I leave you with...

10 ways I've changed in my 10 months as a mom:

a farewell to summer picnic...

{1. lavash crackers from New York Mouth, 2. painted wooden forks from Petit Moulin, 3. summerberry sangria mix from Terrain, 4. Gordy's sweet chips, 5. neon bowls from Wind and Willow Home, 6. beverage napkin from Target. ' Joanna}

my go-to gift wrap...

I remember when I first heard about washi tape. I was crazy excited and amassed rolls by the dozen because it was something I could keep around that was just crafty enough for me without requiring too much time to make something look cool. I'm sure you've seen all kinds of washi tapes around the web over the last couple years, but I still love using it as my go-to for wrapping gifts because I never seem to have any real wrapping paper lying around. Last week, I bought these limited edition washi tapes with these amazing patterns and colors {hello gold foil and neon!} from Crafty Japan, and it was perfect for a friend's upcoming birthday gift. I usually stick to two or three different colors or patterns and simply cross them in both directions until you cover as much of the paper as you want! ' Joy

{photo by Oh Joy}

planning an outfit...

I'm figuring out my outfit for tomorrow night's Petites Event at the Anthropologie in Newport Beach. I'm thinking about wearing this dress, a fun hair accessory, and maybe a cropped jacket for when it gets cooler at night? I'm looking forward to seeing some of you there. And remember, you don't need to be petite to come! If you're in the area, come by and say hello. I'll be there to help you pick out an outfit if you're looking for something special. Just be sure to RSVP if you can make it! ' Joy

{photo by Bonnie Tsang}

a little bit quirky...

I've always been a fan of kid's clothing that isn't too sweet or overly precious but still has a quirky quality to them. And Oeuf's newest collection pretty much defines that! I love the mix of quirky shapes and faces on beautiful knits. I'd happily wear any of these if they came in grown-up size... ' Joy

{outside/inside} a tropical oasis...

OUTSIDE / While away the hours in the outdoor lounge at Hotel Azucar. This palm tree-lined paradise could be filled with...

...an INSIDE brimming with color and metallics. Relaxing yet hip'I envision each room is filled with retro-inspired gold fixtures softened by ethnic printed textiles. Accents of curvy rattan and a galloping zebra are finishing touches. It's fun to think of who would stay here... perhaps fashion designer and all-around groovy girl Trina Turk or style guru and blogger Mrs. Lilien?  ' Joanna 

{from left to right, top to bottom: joaquin pendant lamp from Anthropologie, John Robshaw quilt and shams, breakfast trays from Leif, rattan chair from Serena & Lily, zebra print from DwellStudio, Jonathan Adler's ulu convex table, bamboo throw from Nine Space, pierced bubbles chandelier from Terrain.}

happy friday + a toasty bum...

This week, I found myself worrying about too many things. You know how sometimes you can ruminate on one thing that isn't going so great, and it just drives you crazy? Yep, I'm pretty much an expert at that! And then, as I was playing with Ruby the other day, I found her crawling around with a piece of toy toast stuck to her butt. She was just going about her usual day'sitting, crawling, and trying to stand'all with this faux carb attachment. And she just didn't care. And then, all of a sudden, those other things I worried about just didn't matter. Funny how a piece of toast {and the person attached to it} can just flip that switch. So, here I am with some virtual toast for you all...take as many slices as you need! And, have a great weekend guys! ' Joy

{Instagram photo by Oh Joy}

spring cleaning in august...

...just added some more things to my Copious shop! ' Joy

my {park} uniform...

I may not have a little one just yet, but this would be a fun outfit for when I babysit Ruby for the day and take her for an adventure in the park. We can be all matchy-matchy with our graphic prints and coral kicks! ' Bri

{For Me (top to bottom): Terrain tote, Zoe Karssen sweatshirt, J.Crew shorts, Cole Haan slippers. Little One (top to bottom): Blabla kids backpack, Polarn O. Pyret sun hat, French Blossom jumper, Zara sandals.}

inspired style...

A few months ago, I filmed a little segment for a brand new show on QVC called Inspired Style that recently premiered. Host Amy Stran draws fashion inspiration from her surroundings 'whether it's from the streets of LA and NY or pictures fans share on Facebook'and translates the inspirations into fabulous outfits. I met up with Amy at the Thompson Hotel where we people watched and discussed some of our favorite trends we saw people rocking. The segment of Inspired Style I'll be on airs tomorrow night, Thursday August 9th at 10pm PST/1am EST. So if you want to check it out, set your DVR's! I'm not used to being on TV so I'm nervous to see it but excited to see how it all came out! ' Joy

{Instagram photo above while we were filming the segment}

giant balloon lollies...

You may have seen Geronimo's amazing giant balloons here in the past, and I'm thrilled to share Jihan's newest creation'balloon lollies! Since launching her company last year, Jihan's balloons have brought floating cheer to weddings, birthdays, and so many amazing events. The newest collection includes these helium-free balloons which are intended to be a more environmentally conscious option and help offset our shrinking helium supply. These new helium-free balloons would be so fun for walking down the aisle or standing ground at an entrance way to welcome guests. 

How crazy cute are Jihan and her real life Balloon Trooper assistants, Dru and Kate?!? You can contact Jihan directly for more info. on these custom creations. Also, since Jihan is committed to all things gold and shiny {that's my kinda girl!}, she's even hosting a gold-themed workshop called Golden Hour in LA in honor of the precious metal that looks beyond fun. ' Joy

{photos by Miha Matei}

oh joy + anthro petites in {newport beach}...

As someone who is 5'2", one of my never-ending struggles when shopping has been having to alter the length of everything'whether skirts, pants, or straps on tops. So, when I heard that Anthropologie was launching a Petites Collection, I was thrilled to say the least...no more endless alteration bills for some of my favorite styles.

To help celebrate the new Petites Collection, I've partnered with Anthropologie to host a Petite Style event at their Newport Beach store on August 16th. So for those of you in Southern California, it will be a fun night to shop and try on the full collection {which is normally only available online}. And, I'll be there to help give any styling advice that I can! To RSVP, click here or on the image above. I hope to see some of you there {Oh, and you don't have to be petite to attend!}  ' Joy

{oh joy} in the nursery...

I love seeing how people use Oh Joy wallpaper in their homes. So, when Erin sent me these photos of her daughter Penelope's nursery, I had to share. I've seen this pattern used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms {it's even wall-to-wall in my own living room}, but I seriously love it in a baby's room, too! I love that it's not too baby, and little Penelope can grow with it for so many years to come. Thanks Erin for sharing! ' Joy

{photos by Erin}

happy friday + a sweet ride...

Look who's got a sweet new ride! Ruby's been watching our neighbor's kids ride their bikes and nas been itching to be mobile like that. So Bob's been researching push cars to see which one was just right for her. I loved this mock of a vintage Porsche {it's the baby version of my dream car!}, and Bob wanted her in his favorite sports car {but, um, way too expensive}. So at the end of the day we decided on a classic ruby red convertible. She loves it and even holds the steering wheel while listening to the rap station on her radio! The look of total joy just melts me. Have a great weekend, guys...full of your own little joyrides... ' Joy

ps. just a reminder that you have till Tuesday to enter the Splendid Summer contest! Can't wait to see what you guys have pinned!

{Instagram photo by Oh Joy}

a jolt...

{1. Truffle Truffle mocha s'more, 2. hazelnut & coffee liqueur chocolate tumbles from Dufflet, 3. Stumptown coffee chocolate bar from Old Faithful Shop, 4. Grady's cold brew from New York Mouth, 5. Flying Donkey Espresso from Dean & Deluca, 6. Colombian coffee macarons from 'Lette. ' Joanna}

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