blove: frock files

If today’s “blove” looks familiar, it’s because this lady’s work has graced these pages very recently. Joy was one of the contributors (along with MJ) to “Mini Cooks” – and I’m such a huge admirer that I wanted to share a bit more about her blog, Frock Files, with all of you (all images, except where noted, courtesy of Joy Uyeno).

 photo credit: Meghann Street

If you’ve been reading along here for a while, you know that I’m a fan of “good” and “simple”. I like perfectly prepared, but unfussy food. Classic clothing that has a distinctive – but subtle – edge. And a modern, clean design aesthetic.

And that is pretty much what Frock Files is all about. From Joy:

“Frock Files is a lifestyle blog about living a chic life without the fuss. Here, you’ll find simple recipes, the occasional craft, covetable fashion, and mini happiness boosters. Nothing complicated; just a bit of daily inspiration and whimsy.”

In short – my kind of blog.

Joy never – ever- disappoints, whether it’s a  TOTALLY doable DIY (and if I’m saying “doable”, you know it is!), a simple yet elegant dessert, or a fab style post.

I’m super glad that I’m now letting the blogger pick her fave posts, because I don’t know that I could have narrowed it down!

You know I’m a fan of the baking hack – and honestly, mochi is something I NEVER would have attempted on my own. Joy demystifies the process, with easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful photos too.

 Super Soft Mochi

“Growing up in Hawaii, mochi was always a celebratory food – and one of my favorites. I posted this recipe on my blog just for fun, and I’ve been surprised by how hugely popular it’s been! I attribute its success to the fact that it’s my grandma’s recipe and everything she touches turns to gold. Since this post, I’ve done a series on mochi, including butter mochi, mochi ice cream, and pumpkin mochi.”

No surprise that I love this one too – always a fan of multi-taskers, I especially liked the playful approach Joy took to showing 3 ways to style a simple summer dress!

Dress Up, Dress Down Summer Dresses

“Photography was never intended to become a big part of my blog, so I bought the cheapest sturdy little DSLR that I could find. My beat up Rebel and I are now inseparable — I only wish it had video. To make up for it, I started making short stop motion videos, like this one on three ways to style a summer dress. They’re so much fun, and they feel a little quaint and handmade, like the rest of my blog.”

Though I hate this overused word, Joy truly is relatable. Her series “Let’s Chat” has become a must-read for this socially awkward gal. By sharing her own insecurities around typical encounters, Joy creates a “let’s figure this out together” approach that has given me food for thought – and some useful tools too.

Let’s Chat: The Best Way to Greet People

“After years and years of working out of my home as a freelancer, I went to work in an office at the beginning of this year and found myself smack in the middle of many awkward conversations. I was watching Downton Abbey one day when it struck me – becoming a great conversationalist is a skill that can be cultivated! Soon after, I launched the “Let’s Chat” series, and it’s been really fun to see how much the topic resonates with people.”

Isn’t she fabulous? I couldn’t resist adding a few of my personal favorites too:

Though I know I “should” be using coffee cubes in my iced coffee, it makes the coffee way too strong for my taste. Joy nails the problem with this easy solution.

These simple and easy-to-make friendship bracelets are 100% ME.

I’m always trying to improve my listening habits. This post about how to be truly engaged really resonated with me.

And there’s more – so much more! So head over to Frock Files and settle in – you’ll be there for a while, I’m sure.

Thank you Joy!

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