Discovering Good Things: Farmhouse Renovation, Festive Moments, and Engaging Reads

A monthly collection of delightful finds, insightful reads, and cherished moments to inspire your home and lifestyle.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links. Should you click on these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps maintain this site.

Welcome to a fresh new year! Each year, the evolving date feels increasingly like something out of a science fiction novel. Perhaps it’s because I vividly remember a time when George Orwell’s ‘1984’ seemed like a distant future, and we were all planning to “party like it was 1999.” It’s a whimsical reflection on how quickly time truly flies!

A new year always presents a wonderful opportunity for reflection and a bit of forward-thinking planning. I recently shared my thoughts and strategies in my comprehensive review of 2023 and my aspirations for 2024, a process I always find immensely enjoyable and fulfilling. Sometimes, it feels as though certain years pass without much significant progress, but upon reviewing my notes, I’m often pleasantly surprised to discover just how much we accomplished and how many goals were successfully met. This realization is incredibly encouraging and definitely qualifies as a “good thing” in my estimation!

For this year’s “Good Things List,” I’m committed to continuing to share all the latest updates on our farmhouse renovation projects, exciting new discoveries, and the diverse range of books I’m currently immersed in. If you’re keen to delve deeper, catch more behind-the-scenes glimpses, and access exclusive content that doesn’t always make it to the blog, I highly recommend you subscribe to my newsletter. My newsletter subscribers are always the first to hear about all the in-progress projects and insider details!

Additionally, I plan to revisit previous “Good Things Lists” to highlight items I continue to use and adore, alongside providing honest updates on anything that didn’t quite live up to expectations. Keep an eye out for a special compilation of my favorite things from 2023, coming your way soon!

Monthly Good Things List: Featured Highlights

The Farmhouse Upstairs Bathroom: A Full Reveal!

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that our upstairs bathroom renovation is officially COMPLETE! Every last piece of molding was meticulously finished just in time for our daughter and my parents to stay for Christmas, and having that second fully functional bathroom made a world of difference during the holidays. It was truly a game-changer for accommodating guests and enjoying a stress-free festive period.

For those who might need a reminder, here’s a glimpse of where this ambitious project began:

When we first purchased this charming 1900 farmhouse, the upstairs only featured a half-bath. Surprisingly, the room itself was generously sized, clearly large enough to accommodate a full bathroom. A fascinating discovery during demolition offered a clue: once we painstakingly removed all the old layers of flooring, we uncovered a faint outline on the original wood floor, precisely where we later installed our new tub. This strongly suggests that the space was, at one point in its history, indeed a full bathroom, and we simply restored it to its former glory.

Our primary objective for this renovation was to transform it into a full bathroom, complete with a shower and tub, while simultaneously minimizing the rather imposing “throne room” aesthetic of the toilet alcove. The previous tiling in that specific area had unfortunately emphasized it, creating an odd focal point that we aimed to soften and integrate more seamlessly into the overall design.

To infuse character and depth, we strategically utilized some of the beautiful tongue-and-groove old-growth wood salvaged from the original walls of the house. This reclaimed wood now forms a stunning backdrop in the toilet alcove. By extending the main flooring and continuous beadboard walls into this area, we successfully eliminated the previous “special” or overly emphasized “throne” appearance it once had. This design choice creates a much more cohesive and integrated feel within the room.

A subtle yet impactful change was adjusting the ceiling of the alcove to follow the natural roofline, beautifully mimicking the dormer’s slope in the main bathroom area. This thoughtful architectural detail adds to the room’s charm and helps to create a harmonious visual flow, as you can observe in the very first photograph of the completed space.

From the vantage point of the toilet alcove, you can appreciate some of my absolute favorite elements of this renovation. The original window molding has been painstakingly restored, preserving its authentic character. The built-in cabinet, a feature we inherited with the house, underwent a simple yet effective transformation with new molding, updated hardware, and a fresh coat of paint. But perhaps the most cherished addition is the old fir door we salvaged from another vintage home. It was professionally stripped, and then expertly hung by Brian, replacing the plain 1960s hollow-core door that was there before. Adorned with original hardware and beautiful reclaimed knobs, these doors instantly reintroduce the 1900s character that was noticeably absent when we first acquired the farmhouse.

These historical doors have such an incredible impact. You can explore the original farmhouse before tour here, and witness the dramatic transformation these doors made downstairs in the hallway before and after tour. For a complete overview of all our renovation projects, visit the 1900 Farmhouse Renovation page.

Here’s a more detailed view of the beautifully crafted tub-shower surround. I personally took on the tasks of tiling the walls, meticulous caulking, wood filling, and all the painting for the moldings and trim. Brian, with his incredible skill, handled all the remaining construction work himself. We did, however, opt to hire out the plumbing – a decision that, as my newsletter friends already know, came with its own set of challenges. Suffice to say, we’re now inclined to tackle our own plumbing in future projects, should any arise!

The original design intention for the tub front was to continue the beadboard seamlessly. However, the unique dimensions of the special-sized tub I purchased created unforeseen difficulties; we simply couldn’t fit the beadboard underneath its lip. This unexpected hurdle necessitated a pivot to a thinner wood product. To elevate its appearance and prevent it from looking like a simple panel, we thoughtfully added some picture rail molding, effectively distracting from the change and adding a touch of sophisticated detail.

Another element that required a change from our initial vision was the vanity. In the original mood board for this space, I had envisioned transforming a vintage dresser into a vanity, a successful approach we’ve used in several previous bathroom remodels. Despite months of searching, I simply couldn’t find a dresser that would perfectly fit the specific dimensions of this bathroom. My heart was set on a wood vanity, unpainted, to introduce warmth and natural texture into what would otherwise be a predominantly white room, mirroring the aesthetic I’d laid out in the mood board.

Unfortunately, I underestimated the critical importance of vanity depth in such a compact space. Even a few inches make a significant difference in the clearance between the vanity and the tub. When we finally brought the purchased wood vanity into the room, it was undeniably too deep and visually overwhelming for the area. Consequently, we made the decision to sell it. Ultimately, I found this particular vanity, which proved to be the perfect size. While it came painted white and was a bit pricier, sometimes renovation plans simply have to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and you learn to roll with the changes, right?

Do I still occasionally wish it were a rich, warm wood? Yes, a little. But I am genuinely delighted with the final result and incredibly relieved that the project is complete. We now officially boast two full bathrooms (and it’s properly permitted with our county for the record!). Without a doubt, this stands as one of the best “good things” that materialized in 2023!

Christmas Brunch 2023: A Cherished Tradition

Our tradition of a simplified Christmas brunch continues to be a highlight of our holiday season, bringing immense joy and creating beautiful memories. I absolutely adore the process of setting the table with my cherished collection of red transferware dishes, the elegant etched goblets that belonged to my grandmother, and the sterling silver I acquired with money earned years ago by helping friends decorate and paint their homes when my children were small. It’s a wonderful reminder that most things in our home carry a unique story!

This past year, our kids, my mom, and my aunt and uncle joined us for brunch. The morning began with a cozy ritual: after enjoying delightful homemade peppermint mochas while opening our stockings, we all gathered around the festive table. They stayed on as we exchanged gifts, making the entire experience perfectly joyful and filled with warmth and togetherness. These simple traditions are truly the heart of our holiday celebrations.

A Challenging Yet Rewarding Jane Austen Puzzle

As the lively energy of Christmas afternoon begins to gently subside, it’s a cherished annual tradition in our home to bring out the year’s jigsaw puzzle. Depending on its complexity, we might conquer it in a couple of days, or it becomes a delightful ongoing project throughout the quieter week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

This year, I discovered this captivating 1000-piece puzzle, intricately depicting numerous characters and iconic locations from Jane Austen’s beloved novels. As a devoted fan of Austen’s literary works, this puzzle immediately caught my eye. It was incredibly engaging to study the detailed artwork (which conveniently came with a helpful poster explaining the various characters and scenes), allowing me to immerse myself in the stories and vividly visualize the grand houses and landscapes of her world.

However, I must admit, this particular puzzle proved to be surprisingly difficult for me. Despite my enthusiasm, I didn’t manage to complete it until New Year’s Eve! Everyone who initially offered to help quickly gave up, primarily because many of the pieces were so incredibly similar in shape and color, making it exceedingly easy to misplace them. It truly required a very close examination to detect subtle misalignments in the image, even when the pieces seemed to fit perfectly in other areas. I typically gravitate towards puzzles featuring houses and people, as I enjoy the satisfaction of completing distinct sections and then moving on. I had anticipated this puzzle would offer a similar experience, but it presented a much greater test of patience and visual acuity.

Despite the unexpected challenge, I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment and satisfaction once the final piece clicked into place. It was a true test of perseverance, and the reward of seeing the complete Austen world unfurled was well worth the effort!

December Reads: A Literary Roundup

December always brings cozy evenings perfect for diving into a good book. Here’s a look at what graced my reading list:

• The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray: This was an interesting read, though perhaps not one I’d pursue further in the series. While it was certainly fun to see beloved Jane Austen characters converge for a house party at Emma and Mr. Knightly’s estate, the premise sometimes felt a bit overstuffed. I particularly struggled with the strained and uncomfortable portrayal of Anne and Frederick’s relationship from Persuasion – my personal favorite Austen novel. I much prefer to imagine them happily ever after, beyond the confines of such narrative discord (and seeing Elizabeth and Darcy at odds for much of the book was also a no for me).
• In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren: I picked this up hoping for a lighthearted holiday romance. However, the Groundhog Day-esque premise, without the comedic charm, felt too unbelievable for my taste, and it featured what I consider an “open door” level of intimacy. I ended up skipping through a significant portion of the middle, and honestly, I didn’t feel like I missed much when I resumed reading in the final quarter of the book.
• Hello Stranger by Katherine Center: Katherine Center’s novels are known for their witty banter and unique situations, and this one was no exception. The protagonist suffers a head injury, leading to prosopagnosia – the inability to recognize faces – a real condition I hadn’t encountered before. This is particularly unfortunate given her profession as a portrait painter. Her life appears to unravel, yet as readers, we can see it slowly coming together, often long before she does. While an intriguing concept, it wasn’t my favorite of Center’s works, falling into the “just okay” category for me.
• Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar: I can’t recall where I first heard about this memoir, but I waited nearly two months for it from the library, despite not knowing much about the Duggar family or their television show. It offered a compelling, albeit sometimes confusing, insight into the family and the Institute of Basic Life Principles organization they were involved with. The narrative sometimes obscured details, for example, it wasn’t immediately clear that Jill herself had been abused by her older brother until a lawsuit is mentioned later. Her clear vendetta against those who illegally shared her childhood depositions is evident, with repeated lists of organizations and names. Despite these aspects, I’m glad to see her in a much better place by the end, having seemingly found balance in her life and reconnected with her parents, whom she consistently speaks of positively.
• The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle: This quirky book was a true delight and will certainly feature on my “best of the year” list! It resonated deeply with me because it met three key criteria: 1) It offered profound food for thought, prompting reflection on where cherished possessions go when we’re gone, what truly matters, and their significance to families. 2) It masterfully told a compelling story. 3) It made me genuinely root for the characters’ success and journey. While the book centers around a unique museum of people’s discarded items, each holding sentimental value, it’s fundamentally the story of a woman who finds her way back after her mother’s death, slowly rediscovering herself through this unconventional museum concept.
• The Advent of Glory by R.C. Sproul: This book served as a perfect daily Advent devotional throughout December! Although written years ago, Sproul’s profound insights into the Christmas story and its enduring relevance to our lives today felt incredibly timely and pertinent. The readings are concise, accompanied by thought-provoking prayers and questions for deeper contemplation, making it an excellent spiritual companion for the season.
• Flying Solo by Linda Holmes: I struggled to truly enjoy this novel. The central character came across as quite selfish, though I believe the author intended for readers to admire her self-prioritization. She returns to her hometown, rekindling a relationship with a charming high school sweetheart, yet she refuses marriage because she doesn’t want to move, share her cupboards (a rather trivial concern!), or alter her life in any significant way. This perspective felt rather unrealistic and even somewhat disheartening, especially considering societal trends regarding marriage and cohabitation. Often, sharing and compromise are not “bad things”; in fact, they frequently lead to personal growth and richer relationships.
• Murder at Morington Hall by Clara McKenna (narr. Sara Zimmerman): I discovered this delightful cozy mystery, set in the early 20th century amidst the trend of wealthy Americans marrying into British titles, by specifically searching for audiobooks narrated by my favorite, Sara Zimmerman – her reading style is simply captivating. This turned out to be a surprisingly engaging listen! The premise of an arranged marriage, forced by a boorish father, and how the main character gradually comes to view her intended favorably, felt remarkably believable. Naturally, this burgeoning relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a vicar’s murder, with the couple growing closer as they collaborate to solve the mystery. I’m definitely adding the other books in this series to my listening queue.

Currently Watching: Screen Time Favorites

• Beckham on Netflix: My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary series while our daughter was home for the holidays. It offers an incredibly compelling story on many levels and is utterly fascinating, even for someone like me who doesn’t follow soccer/football closely. A captivating watch!
• Wonka (Theater): We caught this musical origin story in theaters, chronicling the early life of the iconic character from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Filled with vibrant colors, whimsical elements, and a magical atmosphere, it was a truly fun and imaginative experience.

That concludes another delightful installment of the Good Things List!

If you’re eager to explore more of my personal recommendations and discoveries, you can browse all the past Good Things Lists right here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any of these recommendations, or do you have any wonderful suggestions of your own? Please share your comments below – I always enjoy connecting with you!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission based on sales generated through these links. This does not, however, affect the price you pay for any product. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure policy.