Monthly Delights: Home, Garden, Tech & Entertainment Picks for a Fulfilling Life
A monthly compilation of delightful discoveries and recommendations – from practical home solutions and garden enhancements to engaging reads, captivating watches, and much more – curated to enrich your everyday life.
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As December unfolds and 2019 draws to a close, a sense of reflection fills the air. How are you navigating this bustling season? Are you prepared for the upcoming holidays, or perhaps eagerly anticipating the fresh start a new year promises? For me, the holiday preparations are in full swing – the festive decorations are emerging, and our Christmas tree will soon stand proudly in our home. This year, however, carries a unique bittersweetness as my daughter, my perennial decorating partner, is currently enjoying a working year abroad. Her absence is felt deeply, especially at this time of year, as I recall the cherished traditions and activities we always shared during the holiday season.
I know I’m far from alone in experiencing such sentiments. My heart truly goes out to anyone whose family or loved ones are unable to be close by during these holidays. In these moments, it can be incredibly helpful to consider new traditions, simplify your approach to the season, or simply shift your focus back to the true meaning of the holidays rather than getting caught up in all the commercial hype. Personally, I’m finding solace in the idea of a warm peppermint mocha, a playlist of classic Christmas music, and the comforting embrace of a really good book. These simple pleasures can truly make all the difference!
But enough about holiday reflections for a moment! Let’s dive into some truly good things I’ve discovered and loved recently. If I were forced to pick a favorite from this month’s list, I’d probably choose the first item, although the ingenious vinegar tip has proven to be an absolute game-changer in solving a rather persistent and unpleasant household problem I’d been facing. So, without further ado, let’s explore this month’s collection of favorites!
Good Things & Smart Solutions: Home, Garden, and Everyday Finds
The Raised Bed Garden Watering System: Finally Finished!
I feel like this accomplishment deserves not just one, but perhaps two exclamation points – the watering system is finally finished!! (And yes, I’ll go for three, lol!) You might recall the initial tutorial for our super simple and incredibly inexpensive automatic watering system here. That was merely the first phase for our extensive raised bed vegetable garden. The second phase, however, proved to be a waiting game, as we couldn’t complete it until all the additional raised beds were designed, built, and properly positioned. And let me tell you, that process, uh, took quite a significant amount of time!
When the last of the beds were finally constructed, and we were blessed with a rare free Saturday (along with a much-needed break in the weather), Brian sprang into action and completed the entire system! As you can see in the image above, the efficient watering lines now extend to all the raised beds located along our fence line. But it doesn’t stop there! The system thoughtfully goes under the fence to irrigate the two long beds situated just outside the main fenced garden area. Additionally, it reaches a couple more beds not pictured here, bringing the grand total to an impressive nine fully irrigated raised garden beds. This automated system is a dream come true for convenience, water conservation, and ensuring our plants get consistent moisture.
The moment Brian put the finishing touches on the watering system, I was finally able to resume my work on laying down cardboard and wood chips over the notoriously weedy gravel pathways. I haven’t quite finished this task, but it’s now a much more manageable project that I can tackle here and there as I find pockets of time, no longer constrained by having to wait for Brian’s availability to complete the main infrastructure. This progress truly feels like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, bringing us closer to a fully functional and beautiful garden space.
And speaking of outdoor projects, you can catch a tantalizing sneak peek of our brand new “coffee patio” in the image above. This unique patio is constructed entirely from broken concrete pieces – an ingenious way to repurpose materials! It’s not quite completed yet, but rest assured, as soon as it is, I’ll be sharing a comprehensive tutorial. If you happen to have access to broken concrete (or, like us, are looking for an eco-friendly way to get rid of it), this project is remarkably easy to execute and incredibly inexpensive, offering a charming and sustainable solution for your outdoor living space.
The Vinegar Tip That Actually Works: Banishing Washing Machine Odor
Okay, I must preface this by saying that if this is common knowledge and everyone else already knew about it but simply didn’t share it with me, I am going to feel pretty silly! This revelation concerns the persistent and unpleasant odor that can emanate from washing machines. For years, I mistakenly believed this was exclusively an issue with front-loading machines, like our previous one. However, we switched to a top-loader a couple of years ago, and for the past six months or so, it has developed a truly nasty smell. I tried leaving the top open between washes, hoping to air it out, but our laundry area is a small mudroom, and we actually rely on the closed surface for other purposes, making that solution impractical.
Then, about a month ago, my sister casually mentioned that her washing machine had also started smelling between cycles. The good news? She had begun adding a vinegar rinse to her washes, and to her delight, it was actually helping! “What?” I thought, completely taken aback. This simple solution had eluded me for so long!
Intrigued and desperate for a fix, I immediately adopted her strategy. Now, I add a splash of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser section of my machine at the same time I add the laundry soap. Placing it in this compartment ensures that it dispenses after the soap and bleach cycles, I believe. And guess what? It’s yet another incredible vinegar miracle! The machine doesn’t smell anymore! Like, truly, not at all. The lingering, musty odor has completely vanished, leaving the machine smelling fresh and clean after every wash.
Interestingly, Brian doesn’t add vinegar when he does laundry, so the vinegar isn’t even being added to every single load. This makes me wonder if I could even reduce the frequency to just once a week and still achieve these fantastic results (currently, I’m adding it about twice a week). Have you ever tried this simple yet effective trick? I’d love to hear if it has worked for you too, or if you have any other brilliant solutions for banishing washing machine odors!
Comfort Meets Style: Leopard Print Slip-On Sneakers
I’ve been a dedicated fan of leopard print for many, many years, long before its most recent resurgence in popularity. So, you can imagine my delight when I saw it making a strong comeback in fashion trends! This renewed popularity means one fantastic thing for me: an abundance of new items featuring this chic and timeless pattern. Among my recent finds are these incredibly fun Dr. Scholls leopard print slip-on sneakers, which I snapped up a few months ago.
From the moment I first slipped them on, I was impressed. They are genuinely comfortable and, wonderfully, required absolutely no break-in time whatsoever. This is a huge plus, as I sometimes experience annoying heel rub with new shoes of this style, but not with these! Beyond their comfort, I particularly appreciate their versatility. The leopard print, with its blend of warm and cool tones, allows me to effortlessly wear them with both black and brown outfits. And, of course, they look absolutely fantastic paired with a classic pair of jeans, adding a touch of playful sophistication to any casual ensemble. They’ve quickly become a go-to in my wardrobe for effortless style and all-day comfort.
Revolutionizing Printing: The HP Printer + Unbelievable Instant Ink Program
For countless years, our household cycled through various color inkjet printers, each one seemingly destined to disappoint when we needed it most. The timing of ink cartridge depletion was always impeccable – running out precisely in the middle of an important project, like, say, our annual Christmas letters. And every single time we had to purchase new ink, it was met with major sticker shock, draining our wallets unexpectedly. Consequently, we primarily relied on our trusty laser printer for all our black and white printing needs, which meant our color printer often sat idle, gathering dust. Perhaps the ink would even dry out prematurely? It certainly felt like we never got the promised number of prints out of those outrageously expensive cartridges.
However, there are just some tasks that absolutely demand color printing – like creating the vibrant cover for my Flexible Planner! Realizing this indispensable need, a few months ago I decided to invest in a new HP color printer that came with an intriguing new ink program called HP Instant Ink. Their description truly caught my eye:
Spend less on ink and never run out – With optional HP Instant Ink, you get ink automatically ordered by your wireless printer and delivered to your door for as low as $2.99 per month (subscription required)
The mere thought of not having to rush to the store in the middle of a project to find ink sounded incredibly appealing. But here’s the truly astonishing part, the “I-can’t-believe-it” aspect: with the plan level I selected, I actually receive 15 prints a month ABSOLUTELY FREE. And if I happen to exceed that generous allowance, I’m only charged a mere $1.00 for the next 10 prints! Yes, just one dollar! I’m still a bit unclear about what the “$2.99 subscription” mentioned in their general description specifically refers to, but I explicitly signed up for the Instant Ink program with the “15 pages/month free” option, and I have not incurred any monthly fee whatsoever.
Let me reiterate that for emphasis: I pay NOTHING for ink for up to 15 pages each month. Furthermore, HP actively monitors the ink levels in the cartridges and proactively sends new ones directly to my door whenever they’re needed. This means no more expensive cartridge hunts, no more worrying about ink drying out, and no more unexpected run-outs. Honestly, I initially thought it had to be some kind of scam – how could they possibly offer such a deal? But it’s real, and it works by leveraging smart technology to optimize ink delivery and printer usage.
Given that we typically only print between 15-20 color pages every few months (because we mainly use our laser printer), this program is an absolute screaming deal for us, and I genuinely wish I had discovered it sooner (it’s actually been available for a few years now). If your printing needs are modest, perhaps just a few color pages a month, then this HP Instant Ink program could be a fantastic solution for you too. Even if you require this to be your primary printer for both black and white and color, it still appears to be a far more economical and convenient option than continuously purchasing individual cartridges – and they’re delivered right to your doorstep. It’s a definite #win-win scenario for saving both money and hassle!
Click here to explore more details about this innovative HP printer and the Instant Ink program.
November Reads: Expanding Horizons One Page at a Time
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogersby Maxwell King. As a long-time admirer of Mr. Rogers, I’ve been eager to watch the documentary about him for ages, but I haven’t yet found a way to stream it online. So, I picked up this audiobook from the library, genuinely wanting to love it. However, I must confess, it is incredibly lengthy and packed with such minute detail that it occasionally bordered on boring. What exacerbated this for me was the author’s frequent repetition of certain phrases and descriptions used to characterize Mr. Rogers – it felt a bit overdone. I feel a twinge of guilt admitting this, especially since I know this is a New York Times bestseller and my opinion is likely in the minority, but there it is. Additionally, I listened to this as an audiobook, and while I thought LeVar Burton would be an excellent narrator, I found his delivery surprisingly distracting, which may have also influenced my overall reaction to the book. That being said, there’s no denying the profoundly inspiring nature of Fred Rogers’ life. His unwavering dedication not only to children but also to fostering compassion for everyone is a legacy absolutely worth exploring and understanding. I’m still on the lookout for the documentary and am very much looking forward to seeing the new Tom Hanks movie about him!
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Livesby Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda. This book captivated me with its incredibly sweet and heartwarming true story! I suspect it might be classified as a Young Adult (YA) novel, as it’s narrated from the alternating viewpoints of the two main characters, Caitlin and Martin. Their story begins when they become pen pals in late elementary school and their correspondence continues all the way through their high school graduations. It’s a powerful, true account of their enduring friendship, with the authors themselves being the protagonists. Through their letters, we gain insight into Martin’s incredibly challenging living situation in rural Zimbabwe, which stands in stark contrast to Caitlin’s comfortable life in a pleasant American suburb. At that age, Caitlin is initially quite self-absorbed, and it takes her some time to truly grasp the profound differences in their family lives and circumstances. I don’t know about you, but this is precisely one of the reasons I cherish reading: it allows me to experience life through the eyes of others, expanding my worldview in invaluable ways. This book not only filled me with gratitude but also deepened my compassion and inspired me to seek out ways to contribute and help others.
For me, the most moving part of the book was witnessing Caitlin’s entire family rally together, devising creative ways to send money to Martin so he could remain in school. And then, her mother’s tireless efforts to secure him a scholarship at a university in the U.S. – it’s truly a story that brings tears to your eyes. Today, they are virtually family, with Martin affectionately calling Caitlin’s parents “mom and dad” as well. I absolutely adored this book!
Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Humanby John Mark Comer. This book was an absolute eye-opener for me, offering perspectives profoundly different from anything I’ve read in a long time. Comer challenges the common perception many Christians hold about heaven – that it’s some distant, ethereal place “out there” where we simply sit and do nothing. Instead, he eloquently argues that God designed us for both work and rest, and that we find our deepest fulfillment when engaging in “perfect work,” which is precisely what awaits us in the new heaven and new earth. Crucially, he posits that this future realm will be this very earth, simply perfected and redeemed. The book powerfully underscores that the work we do in the present moment also holds immense significance and purpose:
Do any work as a worship to God and expression of love and service to humanity.
One of the best ways to love and serve people and God is to show up to work every day, giving your best.
This paradigm shift in understanding our purpose and the dignity of work resonated deeply with me. It’s a book that encourages a thoughtful re-evaluation of how we approach our daily lives and contributions, seeing them not as mundane tasks but as opportunities for worship and service. Highly, highly recommended!
Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performersby Tim Ferriss. If you’re familiar with Tim Ferriss, particularly his seminal work, The 4-Hour Workweek, then you’ve likely heard of this expansive tome. It’s been sitting on my Kindle for quite some time, and it’s truly a book designed for a specific kind of reading – one where you mostly skim. Ferriss himself instructs readers to dive into sections that pique their interest and confidently skip those that don’t, and that’s precisely what I did. And I must say, Tim is certainly… a little crazy, in the most intriguing way. He seems perpetually open to exploring almost anything (major areas I skipped included discussions on how hallucinogenic drugs can supposedly help you, transcendental meditation, and extreme bodybuilding regimens – not quite my cup of tea!). However, the core premise of the book is brilliant: Ferriss compiles a vast collection of insights, strategies, and tools shared by the diverse guests he’s interviewed on his hugely popular podcasts over the years. These guests comprise a roster of incredibly successful individuals, ranging from acclaimed actors and influential politicians to innovative start-up founders and prominent business leaders. For me, the most captivating sections delved into their morning routines, the books they highly recommend, and the unique, often unconventional, ways they’ve structured their lives and achieved their goals.
The Ocean at the End of the Laneby Neil Gaiman. Brian and I have been utterly captivated by Neil Gaiman’s storytelling ever since listening toNeverwhere – especially enjoying his works as audiobooks where we have the pleasure of hearing him narrate his own fantastical tales. He is truly an exceptional narrator! I almost wish he’d lend his voice to other authors’ stories just so we could indulge in more of his captivating delivery, lol. This particular novel is another one of Gaiman’s signature twisty, atmospheric tales that keeps you guessing and wondering at every turn. The story begins with a man returning to the neighborhood of his youth for a funeral, an event that unexpectedly triggers unsettling memories of bizarre happenings from his boyhood. The genre expertly blends magical realism and fantasy; however, despite some descriptions I’ve seen, I wouldn’t classify it as horror. To me, horror typically centers around a deeply unsettling realism (which is precisely why I tend to avoid it), but floating evil beings and ancient women who may have existed since the dawn of time? That’s pure, unadulterated fantasy. And in the masterful hands of Neil Gaiman’s uniquely creative mind and unparalleled way with words, it becomes pretty much unputdownable – or, in the case of an audiobook, utterly unpauseable?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fireby J.K. Rowling. Finally, after an agonizing eight-week wait for The Goblet of Fire from the library, I got to dive into the next installment of the beloved Harry Potter series! Eight weeks for a 15-year-old book! Sheesh. I suppose it’s a testament to how incredibly well these books have held up and continue to captivate new generations of readers, maintaining their enduring popularity. And it’s yet another reason why I’m experiencing the entire series for the very first time, even though Brian and the kids eagerly read the books as they were originally published. They truly are a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on literature and pop culture. In The Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling masterfully expands her intricate Harry Potter universe even further, introducing new magical elements, challenges, and crucially, giving us our first terrifying, face-to-face encounter with the dreaded Voldemort himself. Yikes, what a villain indeed. Rowling’s ability to craft such a compelling narrative and complex characters is truly remarkable. I vividly remember hearing how the books progressively get darker, and this particular installment certainly lives up to that reputation. The atmosphere deepens, and the stakes are raised significantly, especially during the intensely gripping final scenes where Harry finds himself in the clutches of “him who will not be named.” It was a truly tense and enthralling read, that’s for sure. Now, I’m eagerly anticipating diving into the next chapter of Harry’s extraordinary journey!
Watching: My Latest Entertainment Discoveries
TV Series:
Jack Ryan, Season 2– Amazon Prime.
We thoroughly enjoyed the first season of Jack Ryan, drawn in by its thrilling plotlines and engaging characters, so we were eagerly anticipating the second season. Overall, it was a good watch, maintaining the high production quality we’d come to expect. However, both Brian and I felt that the first season might have edged it out slightly, primarily because it offered a more layered and mysterious narrative that kept us guessing more effectively. Despite this minor point, the show is exceptionally well-produced and undeniably interesting, delivering plenty of spy action and intrigue. It is worth noting, though, that it remains quite violent in parts, so viewers should be prepared for that.
Movies:
Ford vs. Ferrari.
This movie proved to be a genuinely fun and engaging experience, boasting an intriguing storyline based on real-life events (though, as expected, with a good dose of “Hollywood-ization”). While it featured a LOT of exhilarating racing scenes (lol, perhaps more than some might prefer!), surprisingly, I think I actually enjoyed it even more than Brian did. The compelling underdog narrative drew me in completely, and I found myself particularly invested in the family life of the driven race car driver, Ken Miles, especially his touching relationship with his son. Moreover, with a sensible PG-13 rating, it was refreshing to watch a film that delivered excitement and drama without resorting to the excessive violence, gratuitous language, or explicit sexual content that pervades so many movies today.
Brittney Runs a Marathon– Amazon Prime.
This film, I believe, was released in theaters last summer and has now made its way to Amazon Prime. Initially, before watching, I thought it might be a documentary, partly because it’s inspired by a real woman’s journey. However, we quickly realized it was a fictionalized movie. While the core story was undeniably inspiring – a young woman who feels down-and-out decides to transform her body and life by taking up running – and it certainly had its funny moments, there was also a significant amount of swearing and some plot points that stretched believability a bit. I found myself wondering if these less credible elements were perhaps the “dramatized” parts added for Hollywood effect, which sometimes detracted slightly from the overall impact. Despite these reservations, it offers a heartwarming message about self-improvement and perseverance.
That concludes another edition of the Good Things List! If you’re keen to discover more of what I’m currently enjoying, you can explore all the previous Good Things Lists right here. I’m always eager to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations yourself or have some fantastic discoveries of your own to share. Please leave a comment below with your insights and suggestions!
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