In the much-missed Domino magazine, one of my favorite features was the back page “10 Things That Make Me Happy.”
I loved that an assemblage of seemingly random goods offered a glimpse into someone’s personality and peculiarities. So I’m going to revive the idea here, but keep it at a more manageable list of five items (partly because of my remedial photoshop skills). I’m kicking off the feature with my favorite things of the moment. But I have some wonderful guests on tap to tell us about their favorite five, so stay tuned.

1. Magnolia Blossoms: Spring in Northern California arrives in February (sorry, East Coasters), starting with the cherry trees snowing down their delicate blossoms. Next up are magnolias. Their big, showy blooms unfurl slowly before the tree leafs out, making their emergence even more dramatic. (image from Etsy seller honeytree)
2. Seed Packets: I just learned that Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds just opened up an outpost in Petaluma, one of my favorite Norcal towns. I am in full spring fever mode right now, deciding what to try and grow in my small little backyard plot. Their dizzying range of choices does not make these decisions any easier, but I savor the process. (image from Sunset magazine)
3. Alabama Studio Style: More on this in a couple weeks when Natalie drops by for a blog visit. Needless to say, my dining room table is covered in piles of soft cotton jersey, as I practice hand-sewing and stitching. All for a project from her new book, which is chock full of inspirational designs and living.
4. Frye Boots: Tall boots make skirts possible here in chilly San Francisco. I have a beat up pair of vintage Frye boots that no amount of polish can restore at this point, but I hope to still be wearing them as a senior citizen for weekly Bingo games. This winter, I splurged on a new pair with a lower heel so I can walk all day and my feet are still ready for dancing at night.
5. Lemon Squeezer: It’s citrus season here in California, and our neighbors' trees are lit up with aromatic yellow spheres. I love citrus and this perfect tool makes it easy to keep a constant supply of lemon water close at hand: I squeeze a lemon in a pitcher of fizzy water for my desk. And when I can convince neighbors to spare some lemons, this genius tool makes curd-making quick and easy.