oh joy videos / what's next?

One of my goals for 2014 was to create more video content this year. It was something I was scared to do, but found it to be a good challenge to get more comfortable talking in front of the camera and to bring content to you guys in new ways within personal style, entertaining, DIY, and behind-the-scenes of my product designs.

I have a couple more videos left to share with you this year, but then I'll start planning for next year. So, I'd love to know how you guys are liking the videos and any requests for types of videos you'd want to see more of next year? I appreciate and value so much your thoughts and feedback!

P.S. See all the past Oh Joy videos right here and subscribe to the Oh Joy YouTube channel to see them as soon as they're posted!

eeny meeny miny kate spade...

One of the cutest kids collection I've laid my eyes—Kate Spade for GapKids—launches today. If you're a fan of Kate Spade like I am and happen to have little ones, it's kind of like a dream come true to see mini versions of both Kate Spade and Jack Spade pieces. Ruby had a chance to wear some of the pieces recently while out on our weekend adventures to her favorite spots to explore...

The grocery store (because mini shopping carts are always a hit)...

Descanco Gardens to look for ducks, ride trains, and run around among the trees...

The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round to go round and round and round...

...and a gold 'ole city pumpkin patch because pumpkins are the new black for fall...

Those sunglasses?!? Yep, I want a pair for myself!

{Photos by Oh Bob. This post is in partnership with Kate Spade for GapKids—a collaboration I adore.}

{field trip} reykjavik outpost in eagle rock...

We always love it when new, inspiring shops pop up in the area and recently stopped by Reykjavik Outpost in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of LA. Everything in the shop is sourced from Iceland-based artists and designers. With hand-drawn fabrics and hand woven shoes, every piece is beautifully made by hand.

Inspiring and lovely and full of amazing colors, patterns, and textures, it's a place to go for a truly special treat for someone.

P.S. Here's a special Oh Joy reader discount for their online store for 25% off through November 5th. Simply enter RVKOHJOY25 at checkout and see more past field trips right here...

Reykjavik Outpost Icelandic Design Store | 4680 Eagle Rock Blvd | Los Angeles, CA 90041

{Photos by Casey Brodley for Oh Joy}

chocolate cherry dipped almond biscotti...

My friend, Camille Styles, has a new book out today! Camille Styles Entertaining is all about how to make, create, and serve for a gatherings of all kinds. This girl knows her stuff when it comes to having people over, and I'm so proud of her and her new book! Today, she's sharing this recipe from the book with us for Chocolate Cherry Dipped Almond Biscotti.

From Camille, "Biscotti is Italian for 'twice cooked', and the unique method of slicing the loaf of hot-out-of-the-oven dough and baking each cookie a second time is what gives these cookies their satisfying crunch. They practically beg to be dipped in a cup of coffee, making the chocolate coating indulgently melty...and making me want to bring back the tradition of afternoon teatime."

See below for the full recipe...

ruby's 3rd birthday party!

I was 37 weeks pregnant during Ruby's 3rd birthday and very close to not having a party at all. But knowing that she was soon going to have a big change in her life, we decided to still throw a party and keep it small with just a handful of her close friends and their parents.

We chose the same public park, Grand Park in Downtown LA, where we had her first birthday. This time, we set up tables by the splash pad, one of her favorite spots in the summer where the kids can play in the water close by. Since the park is first come, first serve, I had to be able to set up the decorations quickly and easily and not have too much time setting the party. I mixed and matched multiple seasons from previous and current Oh Joy for Target collections and finally got to use the pieces I designed for this very purpose!

Inspired by her friend Ida's purple birthday party, Ruby requested that everyone wear her favorite color—yellow. It ended up being super cute and an easy way for friends to find which party at the park was ours.

welcome little coco!

We're excited to share the arrival of Coco Grace Cho! Our 2nd little lady (and Ruby's little sister) was born Monday night, October 20th at 6lbs, 3oz. We thought we had a couple more weeks to prepare, but it seemed as though she had other plans. She's only been in the world for a few days, but I already know she's the one we've been waiting for to make our family complete.

We're back home resting, and I'm trying my best to soak up time as a family of four. I have posts and content that's been planned in advance, so you can still check here daily. And I'm sure you'll find a new baby photo or two over on Instagram too while I'm taking some cuddly baby time at home. She's still very new and smushy, so I'll be sure to share more photos as her little self begins to develop...

P.S. Thanks so much for your tips on life with two kids. I'm trying to do my best to take each day as it comes and enjoy both the ups and downs that come with every new chapter of life.

oh joy for target holiday collection is here!

I'm excited to share a little peek with you at the newest Oh Joy for Target holiday collection that is available online and in stores (in the US and Canada) now! This collection celebrates the upcoming holidays with easy and festive mix-and-match party and entertaining pieces that will make your holiday gatherings look special in no time. In addition to holiday specific items, there are pieces you could keep and use year round.

You'll see ceramic mugs, a table runner, placecard holders along with more paper and melamine pieces like as serving bowl, new goblets, oven mitts, and—you guys, paper plates and napkins and cookie favor bags with metallic foil (Just wait till you see them in person)!

Here's a sampling of some of my favorites from the collection that you can find on sale now!

P.S. See the process of how these collections come together right here...

{Environmental photos by Thuss+Farrell and styling by Scott Horne. Product images by Target.}

a fall boot {giveaway}…(now closed)

One of my favorite things about fall is getting to wear boots! They're such a classic piece that go with so many things. Loeffler Randall is one of my favorite shoe brands and makes really high quality boots that last forever. So today we've partnered with them to give away this pair of Marit Flat Boots (a total retail of $695) to one lucky reader.

To enter, simply visit Loeffler Randall's website, and then leave a comment here telling me which color you'd pick in the Marit boot if you won (Cuoio, Chestnut, or Black). Entries must be posted by this Friday, October 24th, at 8 a.m. PST, and one winner will be chosen at random*. Good luck!

Also, Loeffler Randall is offering a special 20% off discount for all Oh Joy readers on the Marit boot (any color). Simply enter FALLJOY at checkout. Valid through Tuesday, October 28th at 11:59 EST.

UPDATE: Congrats to Natalie C. from Stanford, CA for being our winner this time!

*Sorry, limited to U.S. readers only. Please do not leave your email or web address in the body of the comment, only in the allotted boxes. $695 USD total value. Winner will be contacted by email once comments close, and announced at the bottom of this post soon after.

{Photos by Casey Brodley for Oh Joy. See outfit links here.}

a floral fall planter...

Fall (and all the fun holidays that come with it) is just around the corner! Today, I'm heading to the garden to make a Floral Fall Planter to greet friends and family arriving at your doorstep soon. You can see the full video below!

You can see all the materials used in the video below...

happy friday + getting ready for 2 kids...

At 37 weeks, this whole second baby thing is starting to get real. I'm excited, but nervous, to start this whole process again. I'm anxious to have a tiny, helpless person in my arms. I'm unsure about how it will be to be a mother of two, how to juggle that whole life thing, to see how Ruby will handle sharing her world with another baby. If you have any tips or suggestions for me as we crossover from parents of one to two, I am all ears!

Have a great weekend, guys. We'll just be hanging out and wearing these crazy beautiful floral crowns that Siren Floral Co. made from my Fox and Sparrow session yesterday (more photos from that soon)!

{Photos by Oh Bob}