Blogger's Favorites -- Kate Arends of Wit + Delight

images via Wit + Delight

Kate has one of my favorite blogs going. Which is saying something, as there are a lot of pretty stellar blogs out there.

For one, Wit + Delight just, well...looks fantastic. It's different and cool and totally visually interesting. But then Kate also has impeccable taste, always sleuthing out completely fantastic stuff. And in a fun and "small-world" colliding of Internet and real-life, it turns out that Kate also happens to live in Minneapolis (one of my favorite cities) and works with several folks that I worked with many years ago.

Oh and she also adores Wes Anderson...so there's that too.

So I'm excited to share Kate's favorites (and her blog, but you probably already know about her blog, no?)

Without further ado, herewith Kate's favorites. Enjoy and have a splendid weekend, it's supposed to be 70 and sunny here today...I'm feeling lots of outdoor meals and bike rides!

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Hello there! I'm so happy to be here today to share some of my favorite things. It was hard to narrow down my list of delights because I have so many. I keep a collection of things that inspire me professionally but I had yet to create a list of my personal favorites. I had a great time creating this list! Thank you for having me, Joslyn, it was a pleasure!

Breakfast -- I've always loved the quiet stillness of the morning hours. I try to wake up with enough time to enjoy a proper meal of eggs and toast with orange juice or coffee before the chaos of the day begins. I also like to read, blog, or watch a little TV. Those early morning "accomplishments" give me an extra spring in my step as I embark on my morning commute.

My Feet -- I know, sorta weird... but hear me out. These feet have run many miles, danced tirelessly for years, modeled countless pairs of shoes, and anchored many yoga poses. They are a constant reminder to never take my health for granted, and that sometimes, the only thing that will cure creative block is a good long run. And that I am thankful for every day.

Little Indulgences -- I truly believe that every meal should be followed with a small bite of something sweet. And when you feel like a glass of champagne, have that glass of champagne! I like to think of it as “celebrating life’s little triumphs.” My favorite ultimate indulgence: Molly's "winning hearts and minds" cake. It is ridiculous. You must try it, immediately if not sooner! (book via orangette, champagne class via kitchen contraptions, cake photo via flickr)

Wes Anderson -- His signature aesthetic, deadpan humor, and music selection make him one of my all time favorite directors. I love the subtlety and detail you discover while watching his movies. One of my favorite scenes is from the Royal Tenenbaums: "He had made a request for his escort, the one from his days on the circuit, to meet him by way of the green line bus. As always, she was late." (Here is the clip. When I saw this in the theater I could hear my own heart beat during this scene; stuck with me ever since.)

My Record Player -- A few years ago I took my chances on a dusty vintage record player I found in the discount section of a thrift store. To my delight, it worked perfectly, with the exception of a sticky knob. My current vinyl favorites include James Taylor, Billie Holiday, The XX, The Eagles, Vampire Weekend, and The Supremes. (photo via UO)

Fresh -- I have yet to find another cosmetics line that smells this delicious. Their products are so luxurious without being perfume-ish. Plus, I cannot resist soaps in pretty packaging.

Nail polish -- I've never been able to grow long nails so I've become accustomed to dressing them in trendy colors. I like to think of it as another accessory. My jewelry always looks fresh with a new color lacquered on.

Cashmere -- The weather can be ruthless up here in Minnesota. I can honestly say there is nothing I love more than slipping into a cozy over sized cashmere sweater on a cold gray day.

Casablanca -- My family loves to watch old movies. There was a lot of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland action on our television set when I was growing up. But the movie I loved and still love the most is Casablanca. I watch it when I'm homesick and it never fails to make me feel better. This is totally irrational, but this movie has been a deal-breaker in past relationships, as it has put many of my ex-boyfriends to sleep. Alas, things between us never worked out.

(nail polish via Chanel, cashmere sweater via this is glamorous, Casablanca via Wikipedia)

My Engagement Ring -- A sparkly reminder of a promise made to the most remarkable person I've ever met. We found each other as I was growing into my adult self and felt a little lost in the world. He has brought out the best in me and shown sweetness and compassion at the most trying of times. And yes, he passed the Casablanca test. We'll be incorporating "As Time Goes By" into our wedding this October.