questions for kids...

I always find kids' reactions to things so charming, sweet, and pure. A couple little videos out in cyberspace lately (by J.Crew and Small Fry) that simply make me smile...

the things i did before i found what i was meant to do...

The other day I was looking through all the drawers of supplies in my office. There are drawers for jewelry-making tools, screen-printing inks, calligraphy pens, yarns for knitting, fabric and needles for sewing, charcoal for drawing, and a ton more supplies for hobbies I once had at some point in my life. They made me wonder if I've been too fickle. Did I think I was going to become a jewelry designer, a calligrapher, a professional knitter, an artist, or a clothing designer? Maybe. Did I buy a ton of supplies only to never use them again? Yes.

At some point while I took at stab at doing these things and using all these tools, I realized they were fun but not meant for me in the long run. As you try new things, you learn what you like (and also don't like) about every hobby and experience'and all of that leads you closer and closer to the thing (or things) you are ultimately meant to do. In my case, I figured out that I love designing products (but not crafting them by hand), I enjoy interacting with people directly on-line or in small groups (but hate schmoozy and non-personal "networking"), and love being able to get my ideas across in various formats (like blogging, books, and videos).

So, I guess what I'm saying is get out there and learn about stuff (especially for those of you who feel lost in your career or your job path because you haven't found "it" yet). It's better to experience and try new things you might be interested in'even if it's just out of curiosity'then to sit and wonder what might have been. Because in some way, it will all lead you to making your mark in the way that only you can.

{Illustration by Olle Eksell} 

happy friday + holding hands...

In the last few weeks, Ruby's started to really understand what it means to hold hands. She knows she needs to hold our hands when we're outside and walking near a busy street. And now, she's gotten so comfortable with it, she'll even hold hands with her best friend, Leah, and The Man with the Yellow Hat that she met at a kid's literacy event last weekend!

Have a great weekend friends! Hope it's filled with lots of hand-holding with those you love...

{Photos by Bob Cho. Ruby at 17 months.}

rx art...

I love discovering organizations that are doing something really special and unique to improve the lives of others. The other day, my friend Beth told me about Rx Art, a non-profit dedicated to placing original fine art in hospitals and healthcare facilities. If you've ever stayed in a hospital (especially for an extended period of time), you know that any dose of color and life can make your time there that much better. So I'm a big fan of Rx Art's mission to improve otherwise sterile environments through contemporary art, promote healing, and inspire hope in patients, families and staff.

It could even inspire you to create a piece of art and donate it to your local hospital!

{Photos by Rx Art}

an epic playdate weekend {contest}....

Ever since Ruby entered her toddler years, I've come to realize the importance of always have new, fun, and creative ways to entertain your little one. Ruby has had playdates since she was a baby, but only recently has she started to really enjoy going on adventures to museums, kids' events, and other kids' birthday parties. So, now I'm always excited to find new ways to inspire and entertain her little mind.

In late April, a bunch of bloggers and their families (including me and my family, Oh Happy Day, Dooce, Say Yes, and more...) are joining together for an Epic Playdate Weekend at a camp on the beach in Santa Barbara, filled with fun and creative activities hosted by the blogger moms and dads. I'll be hosting an ice cream sundae bar for the kids, and other events include an epic paint fight, a hula-hooping workshop, a kids' photography class, and more.

So, the cool part is...one lucky Oh Joy reader and his or her family will get to join our Epic Playdate Weekend! To enter the contest, pin one image from this board, then visit this page to enter by March 23rd.

And I'll be sure to share photos from our fun weekend in Santa Barbara to inspire playdates wherevever you are.

This contest is brought to you by Hyundai's Epic Playdate. All words are my own. Thanks for supporting these sponsors that allow me to provide these fun opportunities for my readers.

{Photo credits: camera via Smudgetikka, paint fight by Acres of Hope, hula-hooping by Breanna Carin via Hostess with the Mostess,  ice cream sundae by Oh Happy Day}

feeling a little wild...

No matter how much they ebb and flow as trends, I've never been able to get into traditional animal prints'zebra, cheetah, snake'I just can't do it. But I do love patterns and pieces that give a hint to the wild side like these...

{01. Anthropologie wall hook, 02. Loeffler Randall pumps, 03. Naomi Murrell studs, 04. CB2 stool, 05. Seed Heritage baby leggings, 06. Lulu Frost bangle,  07. Baggu pouch, 08. Arianna Belle pillow.}

for fathers...

Everyone always talks about the bond between mothers and their children'but what about dads? I loved coming across the For Fathers project and the 4Fathers Journal which celebrate the men who simply do their best to provide for their family however they can (but often don't get enough credit when kids prefer their mamas). I've always felt there was a lack in lifestyle publications for men, so I love seeing ones like this come about.

P.S. There's also the Kindling Quarterly which focuses on dads with creative professions...

{Top three photos above via For Fathers, last photo is one of my favorites I snapped of Bob and Ruby recently while visiting the hospital where Bob went to med school.}

currently loving...

...striped heels and floral flats! I often find myself wearing the same type of outfit everyday'jeans and a basic tee. So, I love having a pair of fun patterned shoes on hand to add an instant pop of pattern.

{1. Anthropologie striped wedges, 2. J.Crew liberty flats, 3. Madewell floral skimmers, 4. Kate Spade heels, 5. Gap flats, 6. vintage heels from Mint.}

my favorite {los angeles} breakfast bites lately...

Since I wake up at Ruby o' clock every day (around 7-7:30 a.m.), I'm always on the hunt for restaurants that open early for breakfast. Most of our favorite brunch places don't open until 10 a.m., and by that time, she's almost ready for a nap! So, I've been on a mission to find some new spots. Here are a few of my favorite breakfast bites around town these days (they open early, too!)...

The trout toast (avocado, smoked trout and pickled onions) and homemade biscuits (buttery pockets of heaven) from The Hart and The Hunter in West Hollywood (shown above).

 Vietnamese breakfast (including this delicious chicken meatball) at Viet Noodle Bar in Glendale.

The egg and bacon sandwich (the homemade ketchup and brioche bun are out of this world!) and the coddled eggs over mashed potatoes from the Egg Slut truck. 

Do you guys have trouble finding breakfast spots that open early? I swear, L.A. is a town that just starts to get going at 10 a.m.!

{Photos by Oh Joy}

feeling minty & metallic...

I'm loving this minty-fresh color of the season mixed with metallics of silver, gold, and copper...

{01. Design Within Reach pendant light, 02. Ban.do bobbi pins, 03. Kate Spade radio clutch, 04. Loeffler Randall sandals, 05. Maslo earrings, 06. Anthropologie earrings.}

happy friday + mama's girl...

Sometimes I complain when she won't let me out of her sight, when she gets upset that I have to go somewhere without her, or when she's being extra clingy. But let's be honest'I actually really love it. Because I know it won't be like this forever. One day she'll be a teenager, and she'll be embarrassed to be seen with me at the mall. 

Wishing you a great weekend, friends, to enjoy those wonderful, fleeting moments that life brings...

{Photos by Bob Cho}