Morgan Trinker

It’s been FAR too long since I did a “stuff I love” post, and as part of my 2013 resolution to get back to blogging more of the kinds of things I enjoy writing about (and that YOU enjoy seeing), I decided to reinstate some regular monthly posts and talk about more of the personal and business-related things happening in my world. We all love seeing pretty weddings, no doubt, but I know many of you readers come back for the meatier posts, so I’m hoping to be able to give you more of that in the months to come.

Anyway, to get that kickstarted, here are some things I’m obsessed with these days!

1. Kate Spade turquoise studs

My brother-in-law’s girlfriend Maghen gave me these earrings for Christmas, and I think I’ve worn them almost every single day since. ;) She clearly knows me well, as they combine my love for so many things: Kate Spade (obviously), turquoise and gold, and things that are simple and modern. I’m normally not a big jewelry person, and usually my wedding rings are the only pieces I’m wearing, but something about these particular studs makes me SO ridiculously happy, and they go with pretty much every item of clothing I own. Or at least that’s what I tell myself when I put them on every morning.

2. The One-Line-a-Day Journal

If only you knew how many pretty little journals I’ve bought over the years with every intention of diligently filling them out every night before bed. IF ONLY. Typically this cycle only lasts for a few days, and then I’ll forget or get too lazy to keep up with it, and then next thing I know I’ve given up altogether and I’ve got a stack of lovely journals with approximately 3 pages of writing in each one to remind me of my failure. When I saw this cute little book, I felt like it may be the solution to my journal-commitment issues. Why? Because you only have to write ONE SENTENCE A DAY. How doable and non-threatening is that?! It’s like Twitter but it’s something physical, and private, and hopefully a really neat keepsake to have once I’ve filled it up over the next 5 years. And without the annoying spam. I’ve filled out the first seven days without an issue, so now I just have to keep my momentum going. ;) Thank you Kelly for gifting me this!

3. The Chaperone

This is one of my favorite novels I’ve read recently. I first heard about it from my trusty book-recommending-guru friend Gail, and figured if she loved it, then I would too. (We have ridiculously similar tastes and share a love for contemporary fiction, so I know to go to her for suggestions when I’m at a loss for what to read next.) I devoured this fictional story about Cora Carlisle, who is tasked with chaperoning the well-known silent film star Louise Brooks for a summer in New York City when Louise is still 15 and hasn’t yet skyrocketed to international fame. It was so interesting to see how the two very different women influence and learn from each other, and to watch how Cora’s circumstances and living arrangements change so drastically through the years after her trip. Highly recommend it!

4. Apples

I know… kind of lame, right? And before you go thinking I’m some kind of health nut, let me assure you that 95% of my diet is composed of meat, carbs, and dairy products. I’m not exactly what you’d call a well-rounded eater. Give me a steak or a bowl of mac ‘n cheese and I am happy as a clam (which, coincidentally, I also find disgusting). But lately I’ve grown to love living by the ole “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” philosophy. My favorites are the Gala and Honeycrisp varieties, and I keep them in the fridge so they’re nice and cold and crispy. When paired with a spoonful of peanut butter… well, I’ve got myself a top-notch snack. And probably better for me than the bowl of Lucky Charms I would’ve otherwise eaten.

5. Les Miserables

I’m not sure if I should publicly admit this, but before seeing the movie adaptation of this classic with Jamie and my parents over Christmas, I had never seen the musical or read the book, and frankly knew very little about the story. And even for the first 2/3 or so of the film, I was fighting the urge to be converted to a fan. But then as the battle scene began, the tears began to fall, and by the end, I was literally heaving. My parents and I walked out of the theater straight up ugly crying like nobody’s business. (The only time I’ve seen Jamie cry during a movie was at Marley and Me, so he doesn’t count. ;) ) What an absolutely beautiful story of grace and hope, and one of the best pictures of the gospel I’ve ever seen. Truly. If you haven’t seen it yet… GO. And if you don’t cry, well, maybe you should go sit through the vet scene of Marley and Me with Jamie and see what happens. :)

* * * * *

I hope you guys have a lovely, productive, soul-satisfying, resolution-keeping kind of week! As always, thanks for stopping by!