Blogger's Favorites -- Kristina of Lovely Morning

image via lovely morning

I’m not even sure where to start with the author of this week’s list…

Seriously, Kristina, sigh… In her own words, she’s a “graphic designer by day and a gardener, a cook, an artist, and an aficionado of all things creative, thoughtful, and lovely in my time away from the office…” and in mine, she’s, well, pretty freakin amazing. She raises hens, makes gorgeous invitations, cooks insanely lovely meals… + her blog, Lovely Morning, is total perfection.

Oh and she also co-authors a wedding site that is so cool and chock full of ideas, it makes me want to plan my own wedding all over again.

So of course, you’ll love her list. Without further ado, herewith Kristina’s favorites. Enjoy and happy weekend!

California -- Born and raised and always grateful that this is my big beautiful home. I would say that I'm a truly laid back flip floppy, sundressy, strawberry blonde kind of California girl. I love the Sierras and the long beaches with all of my heart. I love driving the 395 (see photo) up the center of the state through the Owens Valley into John Muir territory as much as I adore HWY 1, winding the coast from Mexico to Oregon. It's a good place. The light is beautiful, the seasons subtle, the attitude just my style.

Morning Light -- I find there is nothing so inspiring as an early, sunny morning... when it's quite in the house and the birds are the only thing awake outside. It makes for pretty photos too.

Growing Things -- Hopefully other than squash. There's something so innately satisfying about planting, growing, and eating your own food. Every year my vegetable garden gets more involved. But the hours I (and my semi-reluctant husband) spend in the backyard are completely worth it when I get to make dinner from food straight out of the dirt.

Succulents -- Mostly other peoples, because everyone else seems to take better care of them than I do. I never tire of their strange shapes and pretty muted colors.

Shoes -- My shameless indulgence which I'm well aware many women share. I probably don't need to say much about this. Except that the irony is I almost undoubtably wear flips flops or my one favorite pair of Cynthia Vincent sandals every day. At least I have an arsenal at the ready... should the occasion or the outfit call.

Things Arranged in Color Order -- The sanity of such situations is what sells me. So perfect and orderly and soothing. Unlike my life which tries it's best but can't every really pull that sort of thing off.

Books -- I'm the person who not only arranges her bookshelf in color order (see above), but also only displays books worthy of the shelf, and is fiercely protective of them when someone alludes to perhaps borrowing one. I am terrified of losing a favorite, so much so that I'd rather buy the potential borrower a new copy rather than risk losing my own.

Lipgloss -- I'm not a huge make up person. I still don't wear it to work and I may or may not be too old to get away with it. But I do love a good lip gloss. Like really love. And I rationalize my modest collection by remembering how much I save by not using other cosmetics on a regular basis. (Though admittedly now that I'm squarely in my 31st year, I'm rethinking this strategy). I also have fair, freckly skin and the kind of lips that never seem to hold lipstick right. Which is sad when you want to wear darker shades to spice things up. I'd all but resigned myself to a life a pale pinkish nudes until Scandal. It's the red lipstick for people who can't wear red lipstick. I swear by it and if you try it, I would wager that you'll make room for it in your purse too. (by NARS).

Family Treasures -- Some of my very favorite possessions are those that have been passed down to me from the (mostly) women in my family. Jewelry of course, I wore one piece from each woman in my family for my wedding, but also things like kitchen antiques and beautiful handmade linens from my great grandma. Our china is my grandparents' wedding set from the 50's, Lennox Peachtree, and I love the simple flowers and fancy gold rim. Some day perhaps I'll mix it with a modern pattern, but for now I'm plenty taken with it's sentimental value.

Entertaining -- I live and die for a good dinner party. For a perfect cheese platter. For many joyful glasses of wine. (photo by michele m. waite)