Pinterest Goes Corporate

Even if you don't pin, you've probably been hearing a lot about Pinterest lately. It's been around since 2010, but it's really taken off in the last couple of months. I've been on for about a year now, and a couple of months ago I noticed dozens of Facebook friends suddenly joining up. In the last few weeks, a number of my favorite companies and magazines have started their own pin boards.

On one hand, I'm excited to see Anthropologie, Real Simple, Lucky, even Rubio's sharing their wares. And I can't get enough of the pics of mouthwatering treats my favorite local bakery posts.

But I worry that self-promotion will take over and the fun will fade. Clicking on a gorgeous image that leads to a fabulous blog I didn't know about is one of my favorite things about Pinterest. I'm a little worried that if it gets overrun with companies, it will become bland and watered down.

I know Pinterest is what you make of it. If you follow people with great taste and style, you'll find quality images and make serendipitous discoveries. So maybe I'm worrying about nothing.

What do you think? Is the corporate deluge a good thing that will broaden Pinterest's appeal and make it even more dynamic and diverse, or will it lead to a sameness of pins that are commonplace and boring?

I'm Mad About...

Good morning!

• Don't forget to pick up a copy of Domino Quick Fixes, available on Wednesday (except for you lucky New Yorkers, who can find it on newsstands beginning today!).
• Looking for good food and a good time in LA? Check out this new site, Mister Boffin. 
• I really, really want to make this. It looks so good—and oh so bad!

Have a great weekend, and be careful out there—it's Friday the 13th!

April Flowers

No need to wait for May! Now that spring is in full bloom and my backyard smells like a perfume factory exploded, I thought I'd share some pictures.

The jasmine is out of control (in a good way):

And the orange tree is getting ready for this year's crop:

 This doesn't smell as good, but it certainly looks lovely:

And I picked up these candle holders at Target for a couple of bucks each and plan to hang them from the patio cover. I'm crazy about these colors together:

What's blooming in your neck of the woods?

In the Garden: Veggies

Saturday was absolutely gorgeous, and we spent the day putting in the vegetable garden (with a little helper):

Last year's crop didn't do so well, so we replaced all the dirt with fresh soil and planted a tomato, a zucchini and a yellow bell pepper. I haven't grown bell peppers yet, but I did manage to get one zucchini and one cherry tomato last year. We'll see how this year goes. (Find out how we built the planter here.)

Are you growing anything fruits or veggies this year? I'd love to hear about it.

I'm Mad About...

Happy Passover and Easter! I hope you all have wonderful plans for the weekend.

Here are a few things that caught my eye this week:

April the greyhound is in Michigan, looking for a home

• April is National Greyhound Adoption Month. How can you resist? 
• The Shelter Pet Project is on Pinterest. I love the way they use wit and humor (and not guilt) to bring attention to animals that need homes.  
• Have you seen the new Anthropologie magazine? I've only flipped through it briefly (still have to catch up on back issues of Marie Claire and the new Matchbook), but there's a story on Palm Springs. (I think it's a sign.) If you've read it, what do you think? 
• And some sad news: Renowned designer Albert Hadley passed away last week at the age of 91.

Fashion Forward: '70s Spring

Now that spring is here, I thought it was time for a fashion post. I really like this outfit—it's a little retro without feeling costumy. And maxidresses are comfortable and easy to wear but still dressy. Although I'm sure the hat would just blow right off!

'70s for Spring by bethc featuring a red maxi dress

Hale Bob red maxi dress, £215
Mystique flat sandals, €189
Fossil handbag, $198
Oscar de la Renta clip earrings, $290
Phase Eight floppy hat, £24
Jo Malone London White Lilac and Rhubarb Cologne, $110

Home Office: Office Space

Whether you work from home full time like I do or you just need a place to pay bills and browse Pinterest, a functional home office is essential. And if you're a creative type, you'll want your space to be inspiring.

My musts for a home office are:

• Quiet. If you can shut the door, that's great, but if you can't, consider investing in some noise-canceling headphones.
• Inspiration. I'm surrounded by things I love and things that make me smile. And throughout spring and summer, there's always a fresh flower on my desk.
• Storage. Some people prefer open shelving so they can see what they have, while others prefer to hide everything behind closed doors. Whatever your style, make sure you have a place for everything (and not all of it on your desktop).
• A comfortable chair. If you work from home full time, don't skimp on this one—it really is worth the price.

With all that in mind, I've rounded up some workable work spaces, from a desk in a closet to a spacious room.

How clever (not to mention beautiful and efficient) is this closet turned office? Even caught a glimpse of it on HGTV this weekend:

IHeart Organizing

Sarah's House 2

This simple and serene desk is tucked into a corner:

Apartment Therapy

I've had my eye on this sleek Josephine desk from Cost Plus World Market for some time:

Nuestra Vida Dulce

This office built for two uses Ikea cabinetry:

The Weekend Homemaker

Gotta love girly and glam, with fresh flowers:

pop.culture