Oh Joy!

the perfect pair... 3 Feb 2012

How sweet are these little stuffed wedding toppers by Sian Keegan? A great alternative to the traditional figurines and so fun to save afterwards! — Joy

{oh joy eats lunch with} sara forte... 2 Feb 2012

Who  Sara Forte, author of Sprouted Kitchen Blog and Cookbook

Where  Dana Point, California

Time 12pm. Sounds cliche, huh? I'm a frequent snacker, but that seems to be the time I actually sit down and eat something instead of grazing.

What's a typical lunch for you? My lunch is usually a bowl of greens piled with leftovers of whatever roasted vegetables, grains, dip, and what not I have around from recipe testing. I am really not particular, so as long as I've got a ton of greens, a protein, gluten-free grain and some avocado/hummus/vinaigrette to make it taste, I'm a happy girl. If we are making something for the blog, that becomes second lunch for us. I married a hungry man, so there is a lot of eating going on around here! Today it's a roasted tomato soup that we made recently for the blog and has been one of the most popular recipes yet. The ingredient list is short, but by roasting the tomatoes and onions, the soup has a lot of flavor. I'll just throw in some beans or have a piece of toast along side, and lunch is served! 

What's your dream/ideal lunch? If we're going to say "dream", I'm going big. I would love a big huge yard with a long table that's open for people to come sit around, touch base about their days, and share food. The lunch would be light and healthy with iced tea and a few treats. Oh, and there would be teleportation, so my blogger friends from all over the country could come sit at the table, too.

Dessert with lunch?  Always. It doesn't have to be much—a handful of chocolaty trail mix, a gingersnap, a spoonful of ice cream over the sink... but something to seal the deal.

Thanks Sara!
— Joanna

{photos by Hugh Forte}

{sponsor} fabric & handle... 2 Feb 2012

{fashioned florals} pink and poppy... 2 Feb 2012

While searching for a new dress for an upcoming wedding I'm attending, I came across this See by Chloé dress that was the perfect mix of pretty and dramatic. Knowing that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I figured this group of stunning pink garden roses, delicious-smelling white sweet peas, Italian poppies, blush ranunculus, and bush ivy from the flower market would be perfect in this pink and punchy arrangement. Set in a low silver plate bowl and photographed against a black backdrop to make the most of the contrast, it makes the everything look straight out of a painting...yes?  — Liz

{left photo from Net-A-Porter, right photo by Liz for Oh Joy!}

shoe drive me crazy... 2 Feb 2012

...pretty pops of color and patterns made just for walking that I'm currently lusting over... — Joy

{left to right, top to bottom: Anthropologie heels, Kate Spade wedges, Madewell polka dot skimmers, Tory Burch bejeweled heel, J.Crew striped pumps, and ShoeMint Hattie flats (use code OHJOY10 for 10% off your first pair, first time buyers only, until 2/29)} 

{closet & casa} with the rhoads... 1 Feb 2012

who: Chris & Sarah Rhoads, Photographers

why the rhoads rock: They're simply a cool couple with great style who love to take beautiful photos.

in sarah's closet: I am such a fan of my bag from Madewell. It's functional with a lot of space. This is important because I can be found carrying a variety of miscellaneous camera's on me at any given moment. I also love the color palette—it goes with everything I own. It's subdued but still has a little bit of pop of color with the reds & blues. Since I mostly wear solids, the bag is a great accent piece that isn't over the top!

in sarah's casa: These Eames House Blocks were given to us by a good friend of ours last Christmas. Being a huge fan of the Charles & Ray Eames, I naturally thought these little blocks {modeled after their Case Study House No. 8} were totally ingenious. The playful spirit behind them only adds to their charm.



in chris's closet: What I dig these boots because they are a great balance of utility & comfort. They are hand-sewn, made of full-grain leather, and have a furry sheepskin interior. These moccasins/boots are basically the love child of a work boot and a slipper.

in chris' casa: Sticking with the Eames theme we have going here, Sarah & I have always wanted an authentic Eames Lounge. About four years ago—after searching high & low for the perfect Eames in brazilian rosewood—we came across an early authentic 70's model that we couldn't pass up. It's been in our home ever since, and it's the one piece that we will likely have in our home until the day we die.

Thanks guys!
— Bri

{photos by The Rhoads}

juicy fruit... 1 Feb 2012

Remember Push Ups from back in the day? I used to love those as a kid, but now for some reason, the artificial flavors don't seem quite as appetizing. Since I'm on a fruity kick lately, I'm seriously in love with these sorbet pops by Jolly Llama. The packaging is modern, the flavors are all nature, and the texture is silky and smooth...just like sorbet in a really easy to eat form. I bet kids would love 'em too. — Joy

{Available at local grocery stores here. Images by Jolly Llama.}

hearts all a flutter... 1 Feb 2012

Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine's Day always give me a good excuse to wear something red, sparkly, and heart-filled. I rarely wear red, but for some reason will happily wear it with abandon one day a year. So, I'm loving these little Valentine-worthy accents from Ban.do that spread a little love just right.  — Joy

{photos by Jen Gotch}

this & that... 31 Jan 2012

...wear this Madewell dress, decorate with that set of Esque jugs...

—Bekka