Oh Joy!

happy friday + friends... 10 Feb 2012

Happy Friday friends! In the last month, I've making it a point to see my dearest friends on a regular basis. In the first couple months of having a new baby, I holed up in my house and barely saw anyone unless they came over to visit. It was so easy to not make plans or use the excuse that I was tired and just stay home. While I was loving my sweet new munchkin, I found myself going stir-crazy and missing the interaction of other adults and friends who I previously saw on a regular basis. Now that I have my bearings a bit more on this whole motherhood thing, keeping standing and regular dates with friends—for brunch, for walks, or even for baby playdates—has been one of the best things to help me feel like part of who I am {separate from being a mom} is still alive and happy. Here are a couple moments from last week's breakfast with Bri, Jen, and Bonnie {behind the camera}...a few of my favorite ladies. Hope you all have a great weekend full of great friends...because friendships and strong connections with others really does make the world go round... — Joy

Ps. Congrats to Katrina S. from Point Roberts, WA and Leslie B. from Oak Park, IL for being the winners of our Valentine's giveaway! All readers can still use the special discount code listed here till Tuesday.

{Instagram photos by Bonnie & Bri}

{sponsor} the shade store... 10 Feb 2012

love this... 10 Feb 2012

...simple, pretty, and lovely bento tote from Anaïse... — Joy

with love... 9 Feb 2012

{1. heart measuring spoons from Terrain, 2. Antidote red flower + berry chocolate bar, 3. rose syrup from Royal Rose, 4. cheers vase from Uncommon Goods, 5. heart-topped lobster pot pies from Dean & Deluca, 6. diamond ring bottle opener from Fred Flare. — Joanna}

a pop-up flower shop... 9 Feb 2012

With the biggest flower sale day of the year coming up next week, I love seeing Valentine's Day options that are out of the ordinary. I've never been a red roses kind of girl, and instead would far prefer loose and wild florals like these by Saipua & Nicolette Camille. For you lucky New Yorker's, they're having a pop-up Valentine floral shop starting this weekend! See here for more details and to pre-order. — Joy

{closet & casa} with leah duncan... 8 Feb 2012

who: Leah Duncan, Illustrator/Designer

why leah rocks: I'm in love with Leah's illustrations, especially her quirky tea towels and art prints!

in her closet: I love this Madewell dress because of its pretty blue toned pattern and simple silhouette. I can wear it to the market with sandals or dress it up with accessories and heels in the evening.

in her casa: This vase is a hand-me-down from my grandmother. I can't quite put my finger on when I became obsessed with everything polka dot, but I'm pretty sure it all started with this vase.

Thanks Leah!
— Bri

{photos by Leah}

{make it} marshmallow tea latte... 8 Feb 2012

I'm a big tea drinker. And as a new mom, I've been needing my caffeine fix now more than ever. I love milk teas and tea lattes for that added creamy texture so I've been making milk tea at home, but the process can take a while to slowly steep the tea in milk over the stove top. But this morning as I stumbled into the kitchen in my early morning haze, I figured out a super easy version...stick marshmallows in your tea! You're never gonna believe it, but it adds both the creaminess and sweetness that makes a latte so satisfying, and you can control the level of sweetness...one marshmallow or two? Yes! — Joy

{photos by Oh Joy. chili pepper marshmallows by Red Bread, bowl by Dinosaur Designs.}

little lady locks... 8 Feb 2012

There's no question about it that shopping for and dressing a little girl is so much fun. So I'm loving these little bitty hair clips by Hello Shiso...super cute... — Joy

this & that... 7 Feb 2012

...carry this Falcon Wright coin purse, organize with that set of Crate & Barrel paper clips...

—Bekka