Monthly Good Things List: Discover Your Next Favorite Read, Watch, or Wellness Tip
Welcome to our monthly roundup of delightful discoveries! Each month, we curate a list of good things to see, buy, read, and watch, designed to inspire joy and bring value to your life. Dive in and find your next favorite!
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As we navigate the fresh start of a new year – for many, 2023 felt like a significant turning point – it’s fascinating to reflect on how quickly time passes. I recall a time when the year 2000 seemed impossibly distant, a futuristic concept. Now, we have an entire generation of adults who have only ever known life within the 21st century. This simple observation often reminds me of the peculiar and wonderful nature of life itself, constantly evolving yet always offering moments for reflection and gratitude.
Stepping away from the philosophical musings, let’s dive into the “good things” that have brought warmth and joy recently. I sincerely hope that your holiday season, filled with Christmas cheer and surrounding festivities, was restorative and filled with happiness. For me, December is always a special time, punctuated by cherished traditions that continue to infuse my life with joy and a sense of purpose, even as our children are grown and life’s circumstances shift.
These enduring traditions – from decorating our home to cooking festive meals, baking beloved treats, filling stockings, and hosting our annual Christmas brunch – are more than just routines; they are truly life-giving rituals. They serve as beautiful anchors, connecting me to precious memories of the past, encouraging me to fully embrace and enjoy the present moment, and offering a hopeful anticipation for future gatherings where we can share these experiences once more. The world around us may change at an astonishing pace, but the simple act of inviting loved ones to a Christmas brunch or delivering homemade cookies and thoughtful jar gifts to friends remains a profound source of connection and warmth. Even wrapping small, often humorous, stocking stuffers (yes, even gum and soap get the special treatment!) brings a deep sense of love and belonging.
Observing the power of these family traditions has deepened my understanding of why remembering and traditions are so frequently emphasized in spiritual texts. They beautifully mirror how divine presence has guided us through the past, walks with us in the present, and offers unwavering hope for the future. Clearly, the transition into a new calendar year has sparked a period of introspection for me! But it’s all for the good – a gentle nudge to remember the divine constant and to cherish the moments we create with others throughout the entire year. This introspection ties directly into my “Word of the Year,” which I’ll share more about below!
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Reflecting on Christmas 2022
The enchanting glow of our farmhouse porch during December is always a highlight. It feels like a beacon of warmth and welcome in the lengthening darkness of winter. While challenging to capture perfectly in a photograph, the candles flickering in every window added another layer of charm, visible to anyone driving up our lane. I’ve decided to keep these lights and candles up through January, as their gentle illumination continues to bring me immense joy and comfort. Our permanent Edison string lights around the porch roof also remain year-round, contributing to this inviting ambiance.
Recently, a thoughtful reader inquired about how the presents wrapped using my gift wrapping system look under our Christmas tree. I honestly couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought to share this before! So, here they are – a beautiful display of color-coordinated gifts, making the process of wrapping truly easy-peasy. What’s more, some of these boxes are wrapped in paper I’ve had for 20 years, and I can still remember exactly where I purchased each roll! This system isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about efficiency and sustainability. Similarly, the handmade gift tags, crafted years ago with stamps and glitter, are lovingly reused year after year, adding a personal and eco-friendly touch to our holiday celebrations.
Christmas morning commenced with my daughter and I savoring our beloved homemade Peppermint Mochas. These delightful drinks are a cherished tradition before we move to the living room to open our stocking gifts. We’ve discovered (and both agree, even my discerning daughter!) that these mochas are far superior when the peppermint is infused directly into the chocolate, rather than relying on a pre-made peppermint syrup. This method yields a richer, more authentic peppermint flavor without the overpowering sweetness often found in syrups. I’ve shared all the precise ratios for both standard and lower-sugar mochas here, applicable even if you prefer a delicious hot chocolate without coffee. If you haven’t tried making your own yet, I highly recommend it for an elevated cozy beverage experience!
My Word of The Year: Rooted
In past years, I often chose a “word of the year” to align with my personal goals, but for the last few years, the inspiration simply hadn’t struck. This year, however, something shifted. While browsing (in)courage, I came across a recommendation for a quiz designed to help define your word for the year. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, curious to see what word might emerge and if it would resonate with me.
To my astonishment, the word revealed was “rooted.” A profound sense of recognition washed over me, almost bringing tears to my eyes. This wasn’t just a random word; it was precisely what I had been yearning for over the past few years, a desire I hadn’t fully articulated but had felt as a sense of unsteadiness. It was a clear affirmation, a moment where it truly felt like a divine connection through an unexpected online quiz!
I immediately incorporated “Rooted” onto the goals page of my Flexible Planner, alongside a sticky note bearing the powerful words of Colossians 2:6-7 (in part, “continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up“). This verse perfectly encapsulates the depth of what “rooted” means to me – not just stability, but growth and strength derived from a deep spiritual foundation.
Following this inspiration, I prayed and reflected on how I could truly live out this word throughout the year. Serendipitously, a 52-week Bible reading plan from Ann Voskamp’s site came to my attention. This felt like the perfect next step to cultivate a deeper, more rooted spiritual life. I promptly downloaded the plan and purchased the companion book, 52 Weeks in the Word: A Companion for Reading through the Bible in a Year. I’ve already adjusted my morning routine to dedicate a longer, more focused time to Bible reading, and the sense of peace and direction it brings is immense.
I am genuinely thrilled that I followed my intuition to take that quiz. It’s a testament to how guidance can appear in the most unexpected places. Finding this overarching word has already provided a powerful framework to help refocus my intentions and guide my actions throughout the entire year. Have you chosen a word for 2023, and if so, what meaning does it hold for you?
Achieving Smooth, Hydrated Winter Lips
For the past year or so, with the seasonal transition from warm weather to colder temperatures and spending more time indoors with heating (which I’m incredibly thankful for!), I’ve experienced increasingly dry lips. This dryness manifested as flaking around the edges and a persistent feeling that the corners of my mouth would split with every yawn or wide smile. It was quite uncomfortable and frustrating.
Initially, I suspected a vitamin B deficiency, something I’d encountered before. However, the issue completely disappeared during a trip to Hawaii and resurfaced just a few weeks after returning home, ruling out a vitamin imbalance. (On a related note, I also rarely needed a tissue in Hawaii – oh, the joys of cold weather allergies!). I diligently tried a variety of specialty lip balms and even resorted to plain Vaseline, applying them regularly throughout the day. While these provided temporary relief, they only managed to keep the worst symptoms at bay, never fully resolving the problem.
Then, I discovered Aquaphor Healing Ointment. This product has been nothing short of magic! It’s what finally and completely healed my lips. Since I started applying it consistently every night before bed this past month, I’ve experienced absolutely NO painful corners or frustrating flaking. During the day, I can now comfortably use my regular lip balms, knowing that the nighttime application of Aquaphor is doing the heavy lifting for deep healing and hydration.
I might not have tried it initially, as it doesn’t explicitly market itself as a lip-specific product, but a fellow blogger’s glowing recommendation prompted me to give it a go. I’m so glad I did, and I wanted to share this discovery with you in case you’re also struggling with persistent winter lip dryness.
Where to Buy: You can purchase the larger Aquaphor Healing Ointment tube here. It also comes in a smaller, more portable size, perfect for keeping in your purse. A quick tip: make sure you get the Healing Ointment, not the specific “lip repair” product. While the lip repair is good, it’s more akin to a typical lip balm, and it’s the unique formulation of the Healing Ointment that truly delivers superior results for deep healing.
December Reads: A Literary Recap
I achieved a wonderful reading milestone in 2022: I finished 100 books! This wasn’t an initial goal, but as I saw myself getting close towards the end of the year, I embraced the challenge, upping my reading game. This included a significant amount of audio listening (about half of the books were audiobooks), which was perfect for multitasking during the extensive cooking and baking marathon of the holiday season. I also dedicated more time to reading physical books at night, choosing them over watching a show. Here are eight reviews of books I thoroughly enjoyed in December – keep an eye out for my upcoming list of favorite books of the entire year!
I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
This classic novel from the 1940s always intrigued me, though its title, “I Capture The Castle,” initially led me to believe it was a children’s book, evoking images of a playful game. However, I delved deeper this year and discovered that “capture” in that context meant “recording” or “writing down.” The “castle” was, in fact, the family’s crumbling home. This realization clarified the premise: it’s a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl meticulously chronicling her observations of her eccentric family’s life in an old English castle. The fictional narrator is renowned for her charm, wit, and charisma. I wholeheartedly agree! She is incredibly clever and funny, and her keen observations vividly bring each family member to life. Set against the backdrop of WWII, the story portrays a family grappling with poverty in their grand but decaying home. While I found the narrative compelling and enjoyed the narrator’s voice immensely, the story itself left me feeling a touch melancholic, wishing for different, perhaps happier, outcomes for the characters.
The Lost Husband, Katherine Center
I stumbled upon this gem from Katherine Center’s backlist on Hoopla while searching for a light, engaging audiobook to accompany my baking. Katherine Center has consistently delivered enjoyable reads that blend humor, depth, and memorable characters, and this novel was no exception. It tells the story of a recent widow who, with her two children, moves from her mother’s home to a working farm to assist her aging aunt. As a self-proclaimed city girl, her journey of navigating farm life, allowing her children newfound freedom, and forging new friendships is both heartwarming and humorous. The story weaves in a couple of intriguing mysteries, and while the ending isn’t neatly tied with a perfect bow, it offers a satisfying sense of where life is heading for the characters. While not my absolute favorite of Center’s works, it’s a solid, comforting read (and I always appreciate her tastefully subtle, “closed-door” approach to romance).
Thank You For Listening, Julia Whelan
This book had been on hold at my library for months, generating significant buzz across Instagram feeds, largely due to Julia Whelan’s reputation as a beloved audiobook narrator. Having enjoyed her first novel, I eagerly anticipated this one. It certainly delivered, introducing a pair of unexpectedly interesting characters and a captivating storyline that kept me utterly absorbed (naturally, I listened to it with Julia herself narrating). The behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of audiobook narration were often hilarious and always fascinating. The main character’s journey of healing and self-discovery resonated deeply, and I found myself pondering her story weeks after finishing the book – a true mark of a memorable read. While I wished for fewer graphic scenes and less strong language, it’s notably milder than many contemporary novels, making it a compelling listen despite these minor reservations.
Elvis and Me, Priscilla Presley
Reviewing this book is a delicate matter. Frankly, I felt a sense of unease after listening to Priscilla Presley read her own memoir. While my interest was piqued by Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie, the narrative here painted a concerning picture. It strongly conveyed the impression that Elvis deliberately chose a 14-year-old girl to mold her into his ideal companion. The memoir describes how he manipulated her mind, swayed her parents (whose initial objections seemed entirely rational and healthy), introduced her to drugs and alcohol, and frequently left her isolated for extended periods. To consider this portrayal as a “wonderful love story” felt deeply unsettling. From this perspective, the eventual divorce seemed not just inevitable, but a necessary step for Priscilla.
Journey to Munich (Maisie Dobbs #12), Jacqueline Winspear
Despite my lingering disappointment with the narrative direction the author took in books 10 and 11 of the Maisie Dobbs series, I find myself drawn back to these novels intermittently. The rich historical detail, the complex characters, and the engaging mysteries consistently hold my interest. In “Journey to Munich,” Maisie returns to her forte of solving mysteries and crimes, but the chilling backdrop of Germany at the dawn of the Third Reich’s ascendancy adds a gripping layer of historical tension and intrigue. It was fascinating, albeit unsettling, to witness the historical events unfold through Maisie’s sharp perspective.
The Way of Abundance: A 60-day Journey Into a Deeply Meaningful Life, Ann Voskamp
Ann Voskamp’s devotional, “The Way of Abundance,” is a profound and soul-stirring collection of essays. Through her beautifully crafted words, Ann shares deep thoughts and insightful perspectives on brokenness, offering guidance on how to cultivate joy, embody love, and embrace a spirit of giving, even amidst our own hurts. Her stories compellingly emphasize that suffering is not a form of punishment, but rather a transformative path. It is through a surrendered, broken heart that we can truly open ourselves to receive and pour out ultimate divine love into the world.
One quote from Ann particularly resonates with me, offering a powerful redefinition of love:
“‘Love is a verb,’ they say but they don’t always tell you what that verb is. The verb is GIVE. Love gives. God is love and GAVE His son…There is no other way to express love apart from givenness.”
This devotional is a journey worth taking for anyone seeking deeper meaning and a more abundant, compassionate life.
The Bodyguard, Katherine Center
This highly anticipated newest release from Katherine Center had me on the library waitlist for months, and I can certainly understand its immense popularity. I was immediately captivated by the main character, despite her initial abrasiveness. The premise cleverly flips the classic “Bodyguard” trope, reminiscent of the Kevin Costner-Whitney Houston film, but with a powerful female bodyguard tasked with protecting a famous actor from potentially threatening fans. Several scenes left my jaw dropping – particularly an ex-partner’s audacious remarks in front of her colleagues! – while the “fish-out-of-water” element of her living in disguise on a farm was an absolute delight. I’m quite confident this book will earn a spot on my year-end list of truly enjoyable fiction reads.
Managing Expectations, Minnie Driver
“Managing Expectations” is presented as a “sort-of memoir,” structured as a series of engaging essays that trace Minnie Driver’s life from her elementary school days onwards. The narrative jumps around quite a bit, prompting me to occasionally Google specific details to better grasp the backstory, which ultimately enhanced my understanding. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly Minnie’s distinctive voice, her insightful way of articulating thoughts, and her unique perspective on the world. Her reflections on the sudden, intense thrust into fame during the 1990s were particularly compelling. Towards the latter part of the book, I admit a slight weariness began to set in, with a noticeable shift towards a more self-focused narrative. However, the final essay, recounting her mother’s death, was incredibly moving and genuinely brought tears to my eyes. If you are familiar with Minnie Driver’s work as an actress, you will likely find this memoir a fascinating and often poignant read.
What We’re Watching: Entertainment Favorites
Spirited with Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, Apple TV+: My husband Brian and I were genuinely surprised by how much we adored this lively musical! It offers a fresh and fun take on Charles Dickens’ timeless “A Christmas Carol,” reimagined with modern flair and fantastic performances from Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. We enjoyed it so much during its theatrical release that we streamed it again with our family on Christmas Day. It’s a truly heartwarming and hilarious holiday film that we highly recommend. Have you had the chance to see it yet, and what were your thoughts?
That concludes this edition of our Monthly Good Things List! We hope you found something new to inspire, entertain, or bring joy into your life.
If you’re eager to discover more of our curated recommendations and personal insights, you can explore all previous Good Things Lists here. We absolutely love hearing from our readers! Please feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts, whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations or have something wonderful you’d like to share with us and the community. Your input makes these lists even better!
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