Blogger's Favorites -- Kelly of Make Grow Gather

image by Kelly via Make Grow Gather

This week's blogger's favorites list started because of a pair of shoes...

I was sitting on the floor in a jam-packed room for the Dooce panel at Alt, and I glanced over a couple of inches away at the "shoes" sitting next to me. They were so good that I couldn't pay attention to Heather...and she's really funny, so that's saying something.

So I of course had to grab the foot of the person sporting said shoes (totally inappropriate to grab someone's foot, I realize) and tell her how much I loved them.

Within seconds, I was more smitten with the girl wearing the shoes than I was the shoes.

Yes, it was Kelly. That took a long time didn't it.

You know I love me a crafty girl...(I have this hope that just being in the presence of someone with DIY skills will somehow impart a bit of their craftiness onto me), and Kelly is that. She's way crafty (check out slew of genius projects for proof), and she's incredibly smart (another girl-crush worthy quality), kind and funny.

I like her. A lot.

So I'm super excited to have her here this week sharing some of her favorite things.

Without further ado, herewith Kelly's list. Enjoy and have a splendid weekend!



Meyer Lemons. Have you ever smelled the blossoms? There is no smell like it in the world. There are two trees in my neighborhood and I left the neighbors little notes asking if they used all their lemons. They were so happy and generous to share with me, so now I have a supply for curd and this special kind of lemonade that is the best thing you ever tasted. (image via here)

Elevenses. My Irish-but-raised-in-London husband taught me this one. A mid-morning break for tea and a small bite around 11 am. On the days we both work at home, we each emerge from our “offices” for a few minutes and sit in the sunny kitchen. It’s even better with my favorite treat in the whole world: canelé from the French bakery down the street.

Sewing. When my trusty machine is chomping along a seam and I’m being productive and creative at the same time, I feel utterly victorious. I just got back from a workshop with my good friend (genius fabric designer and author) Heather Ross and the radiant, so-talented Lotta Jansdotter. So very inspiring.

Cloggy Heels. I love clomping around in my old school Dr Scholls sandals when it’s warm out (not often enough in San Francisco). I love the heavy, wooden sound they make. At Alt, Anna Beth Chao introduced me to these No. 6 clog boots. I am saving up.

Friday Night Lights. Tim Riggins. Need I say more? And I want to be Mrs. Coach when I grow up.

Avoca. My in-laws are in Ireland and so we visit at least once a year. This Irish store is one of my most favorite shops. They’ve been weaving blankets at their mill since 1723 and their line of kitchen and cooking products are always beautiful, cheery and useful.

Jimi Wallets. Okay, this is my husband’s company. So I am biased. But I watched as he single-handedly dreamt up and then willed this product into existence. The persistence it required is still awe-inspiring. And it’s a great little gizmo.

Harvesting Potatoes. Potatoes seem like an un-glamorous thing to grow, but when it’s time to dig them up, it’s like an underground treasure hunt. They smell like dirt and starch, and they taste out of this world steamed with butter and salt.

Fog Horns. Even though I’ve lived in this foggy city for years, I still love that lonely sound.(Photo via here).