Seasonal Delights: Uncovering This Month’s Must-Have Good Things for Your Home, Garden, & Entertainment
A monthly list of good things to see, buy, read and watch.
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As the days grow longer and the air warms, this month truly marks the glorious beginning of my favorite season: summer! While I understand that for many, summer in certain regions can mean sweltering heat and oppressive humidity for weeks on end, here in beautiful Western Oregon, it’s an entirely different experience. For those of us nestled in this verdant corner of the Pacific Northwest, summer is precisely where the magic happens, and it’s what we eagerly anticipate all year long.
My lifelong perspective has been that the stunning sapphire skies perfectly juxtaposed against the vibrant green trees and rolling hills more than compensate for the grey, rainy days we experience throughout the rest of the year. Although, admittedly, those grey days seem to be diminishing with each passing year! This season transforms our landscape into a breathtaking tableau, and I count down the days until I can fully embrace it in flip-flops and tank tops, with nary a sweater in sight.
There’s an undeniable charm to the simple morning ritual of watering my garden in a light t-shirt, leisurely wandering through the thriving vegetable patch to discover what fresh produce is ready for harvest, and carefully clipping the newest, most vibrant flower that has just burst into bloom. It’s a moment of pure bliss, a peaceful communion with nature that rejuvenates the soul. This sense of renewal and vibrant life is exactly why I’m thrilled to share another edition of my “Good Things List,” packed with delightful discoveries for your home, garden, and entertainment. From blossoming peonies to transformative cleaning tools and captivating reads, there’s something here to elevate your everyday.
So, I’m genuinely curious: what is your absolute favorite season? I often feel like I might be in the minority with my unwavering love for summer, but I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Good Things for a Beautiful Life
Peonies: The Quintessential Summer Bloom
There are few floral delights that rival the sheer beauty and intoxicating fragrance of peonies. This year, I was absolutely thrilled to find that my peonies are not only blooming profusely but have produced enough magnificent flowers to fill an entire vase! It’s a truly rewarding sight after years of patient nurturing, a reminder that some of the best things in life take time to cultivate.
For those new to the world of gardening or considering planting these stunning perennials, it’s important to know that peonies take a considerable amount of time to establish themselves and begin producing abundant blooms. They are not a flower for instant gratification, but rather an investment in future beauty. Furthermore, they are notoriously sensitive to being transplanted. Once you decide on a spot for your peony bush, plan for it to stay there – often for many decades! Choose a location with good drainage and plenty of sunshine, and these resilient plants will reward you year after year.
Currently, we’re witnessing the beautiful tail end of their bloom-life, but I wanted to share my personal journey to give you a clearer idea of the patience required to achieve a truly spectacular display:
- The striking dark pink peony, which now proudly sits in the top right of the arrangement, was already on our property when we moved in. However, it was a small, struggling plant, lost in the middle of a lawn and being overtaken by grass. Not knowing its color, I carefully transplanted it, and then waited a full two years before it finally produced its first bloom. Now, after four years in its new, happy home, it gifted me with a dozen glorious blooms this season.
- The two lovely pink peony bushes were planted more recently, just two years ago. This year, each of these younger plants yielded a respectable 4 to 6 blooms, a promising sign of things to come as they mature.
- Additionally, I’m diligently nurturing two other very small bushes that began as tiny mail-order bare roots. I honestly hadn’t anticipated just how miniature they would be upon arrival, but I’m hopeful they’ll eventually flourish and contribute to our expanding peony collection.
One of the most delightful surprises about these magnificent flowers is their resilience against local wildlife. With our resident deer population, who seem to have an appetite for almost everything except lavender and a few select herbs, it’s truly remarkable that they consistently leave the peonies completely untouched! This happy discovery makes me seriously consider planting even more of these deer-resistant beauties around our property. They are truly a low-maintenance, high-impact addition to any garden, providing a touch of classic elegance.
Revitalizing Our Retreat: New Spring-Summer Bed Linens
As the seasons shift, I often find myself craving a refresh, and this year, our bedroom was definitely on the list. I was on the hunt for something a little different, a new aesthetic for the spring and summer months. My primary motivation was to move away from our creamy white matelassé coverlet, which, despite its charm, had become an undeniable magnet for our dog’s paw prints – a constant battle against muddy evidence!
My inspiration struck when I stumbled upon a beautiful photo in a magazine. It featured a serene bedroom with a rich, dark green coverlet or bedspread, beautifully complemented by a vibrant floral duvet and coordinating pillows. I instantly knew that was the look I wanted to recreate, and I set about finding similar pieces online to achieve this fresh, inviting atmosphere.
We absolutely adore the transformation! The green coverlet, while listed as a blanket, serves perfectly as a lightweight cover for the warmer months. Its subtle texture and comforting weight are ideal when a heavy comforter is simply too much. And, much to my delight, it performs admirably at its secondary, crucial job: cleverly concealing those pesky paw prints! This simple change has made a huge difference in maintaining a tidy and serene bedroom.
To ensure versatility for varying temperatures, I’ve layered a lighter quilt inside the duvet cover. This thoughtful addition means that on those cooler summer nights, we have just the right amount of warmth to pull up without feeling weighed down by a bulky comforter. The entire ensemble immediately freshened the room, breathing new life into our farmhouse bedroom and giving it a completely new, sophisticated look that feels both serene and stylish. It’s amazing how much impact a change of bedding can have on the entire feel of a space.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific items I purchased to achieve this inviting new look for our bedroom:
- 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Blanket – This incredibly versatile blanket is available in a wide array of colors, making it easy to match any decor. For our queen-sized bed, I opted for a king-sized blanket. This allows for better coverage on the sides, creating a more luxurious and draped look. I simply turn it sideways and then fold down the top edge for a neatly made bed.
- 100% Cotton Waffle Weave 20″x20″ Throw Pillow Covers – Initially, I had my heart set on a lumbar pillow to complete the look, but unfortunately, they weren’t offered in this collection. Instead, I went with two of these square throw pillow covers, and I must say, I’ve come to really appreciate the clean, balanced aesthetic they provide. Like the blanket, these covers also come in a fantastic selection of colors to suit your preferences.
- Laura Ashley Green Floral 100% Cotton Duvet Cover Set – I honestly didn’t expect to find a green floral duvet that so perfectly matched my inspiration photo, so discovering this set was a delightful surprise! The print is charming and brings that touch of garden-inspired freshness I was hoping for. It’s currently on a significant discount, offering great value, and I’ve also spotted this very set at HomeGoods, so keep an eye out!
Intrigued by our farmhouse bedroom and its complete transformation? You can delve into the unrecognizable way it started out here and explore more of how it looked after our comprehensive DIY renovation. It’s truly a testament to what a little vision and effort can achieve!
The Magic Touch: Amazing Window Cleaning E-Cloth Set
One of my recent discoveries that has truly elevated a mundane household chore into something almost enjoyable is this incredible window cleaning e-cloth set. I first stumbled upon it through another blogger on Instagram, and I was instantly captivated – not just by the sparkling, streak-free results she achieved, but by the sheer speed and apparent ease with which she cleaned her windows. It looked too good to be true!
To be completely honest, I approached the purchase with a healthy dose of skepticism. This set is noticeably more expensive than your average microfiber cloths, and I worried I might be falling for another clever marketing ploy. However, I am absolutely thrilled to report that my fears were completely unfounded! This e-cloth set genuinely delivers on its promises, cleaning windows swiftly, efficiently, and, most importantly, leaving them perfectly streak-free – a feat my regular microfiber cloths could never consistently achieve.
The secret lies in its ingenious two-cloth system. To use it, you simply wet the darker green cloth. This isn’t your typical microfiber; it’s made from a unique, highly absorbent fabric designed to lift and trap dirt effectively. You use this damp cloth to thoroughly wipe down the window surface. The magic happens in the second step: you immediately follow up with the dry, waffle-weave microfiber-like towel. This cloth is designed to buff and dry the window, instantly leaving it crystal clear and gleaming without a single streak or smudge. I was genuinely amazed by the transformation!
What once felt like a tedious and often frustrating chore has now become a quick and satisfying task. I no longer dread cleaning our windows, knowing I can achieve professional-level results with minimal effort and no harsh chemicals. It’s a game-changer for maintaining a bright and airy home, especially as we head into the sunny summer months. If you’re looking for an effective and chemical-free way to get sparkling windows, this set is absolutely worth the investment.
Discover the Window Cleaning E-Cloth Set for Yourself!
May Reads: A Journey Through Diverse Literary Worlds
May was a month of particularly diverse reading, taking me through memoirs, historical fiction, contemporary narratives, and even some profound Christian apologetics. Each book offered a unique perspective and emotional journey. Here’s a detailed look at my literary adventures and what I thought of each:
Memoirs & Contemporary Fiction:
Hello Molly, by Molly Shannon. I approached this memoir anticipating a collection of humorous anecdotes from the beloved SNL star. However, it proved to be a far more poignant and often somber read than I had expected, with surprisingly few outright funny stories. The core of the book delves into her early life and the complex, enduring relationship she shared with her father, especially after the tragic loss of her mother and baby sister in a devastating accident when Molly was just a toddler. While I had hoped for more behind-the-scenes glimpses into her iconic SNL days or experiences on movie sets, these sections were notably brief, though what she did share was incredibly insightful. For instance, her candid revelations about truly throwing herself into physical comedy – literally onto chairs and other objects in ways that could have easily led to broken bones – were quite amazing. She paints a picture of a childhood marked by adventurous, sometimes rebellious, acts, and admits to being drawn to “bad boys” and mischievous behavior, though her Catholic school upbringing often kept her in line. Ultimately, I’d only recommend this memoir to devoted fans who are deeply interested in understanding her formative years and the profound influences that shaped her. It’s a journey into her past, rather than a lighthearted celebrity exposé.
Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt. Mark my words: this book will undoubtedly secure a top spot on my year-end best-of list. I absolutely adored every page of it! For the longest time, I hesitated to pick it up, despite seeing it lauded on countless other book lists, primarily because I mistakenly believed it was a story about a talking octopus. While an octopus named Marcellus does indeed narrate several sections of the book, offering his unique perspective on the human world, he doesn’t actually communicate verbally with the people he encounters. In the initial chapters, I found myself a little disoriented, unsure of where the story was headed or why we were introduced to seemingly unrelated characters in Washington state and California. However, I urge you: keep reading! The narrative beautifully weaves these disparate threads together in a way that is incredibly satisfying and utterly worth the wait. The unfolding mystery of how these characters connect kept me thoroughly engaged, but beyond that, it’s such a lovely, heartwarming tale about the unexpected bonds of friendship, the complexities of family, and the profound power of forgiveness. The ending, in particular, was sheer perfection – a truly moving and resonant conclusion. This is a definite must-read; run, don’t walk, to buy it or place a hold at your local library!
This Bird Had Flown, by Susanna Hoffs. The author’s background as part of the iconic Bangles singing group immediately piqued my interest, especially when I learned the book was about a one-hit-wonder singer trying to revive her career by writing new songs. I thought, “She’s lived this; she’ll definitely get the details right.” And indeed, I’m sure the musical aspects and the portrayal of the fleeting nature of fame were spot-on; we’ve all seen artists achieve massive success with one song only to fade from the limelight. What I hadn’t anticipated, however, was that the story would quickly veer into a romance with a near-stranger, complete with explicit sex scenes that I felt compelled to skim past, and an abundance of language that I frankly could have done without. Tucked into the middle of this burgeoning romance was a rather predictable mystery involving the male lead’s ex-girlfriend, a plotline I could foresee from a mile away. I confess to skipping the final third of the book, just to get to the conclusion and move on. This pretty much sums up my feelings about the book – it ultimately wasn’t for me, despite the intriguing premise.
Thought-Provoking Non-Fiction:
Why I Trust The Bible, by William D. Mounce. This book is a profoundly intellectual and comprehensive exploration of biblical trustworthiness, almost like “Evidence That Demands A Verdict,” but, as I like to say, “on steroids.” Dr. Mounce delves into an extraordinary breadth of topics with remarkable depth. He meticulously examines historical evidence supporting the life of Jesus, addresses common criticisms regarding potential fabrications by gospel writers, tackles various textual contradictions with scholarly precision, and much more. He extensively quotes numerous respected scholars, both Christian and secular, and enriches his arguments with a wealth of compelling examples. For me, it was an incredibly affirming read, powerfully reinforcing the reasons why the Bible can be unequivocally trusted as a reliable source. I do admit, however, to occasionally skimming some of the more intensely scholarly discussions concerning particularly obscure ancient texts. The experience felt akin to taking a rigorous university-level course – I’d absorb a portion, then often needed to switch to something lighter for a while to allow the dense information to fully sink in. Nevertheless, for anyone seeking a robust, evidence-based defense of biblical authority, this book is an invaluable resource.
Historical Fiction & Literary Standouts:
The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles. Oh, where to begin with this one? I fully anticipate being the outlier here, as this book has garnered immense popularity and consistently receives 4 and 5-star ratings across numerous lists. Set in the vibrant 1950s and billed as a coming-of-age road trip story, I thought it would be a perfect listen for Brian and me to enjoy together. And we did listen to it, primarily for the ensuing discussions we could have about it – though perhaps not in the way you might expect! It began with such promise: the 18-year-old Emmett is released from a juvenile correction facility, eager to pick up his 8-year-old brother, Billy, to embark on a journey from their dilapidated farm to the west coast, following their father’s recent death. I generally admire this author’s descriptive writing style (I was one of the readers who appreciated “A Gentleman in Moscow,” despite its slow pace and reflective narrative), and he certainly paints a vivid picture of the era – dusty farmhouses, the demands of hard work, classic old cars, drive-ins, and complex rivalries. The historical detail was compelling.
BUT, despite these initial strengths, the book suffered from an odd and jarring juxtaposition of lighthearted comedy and moments of intense violence. There were far too many tangential side stories that diverted attention from the main plot. Too often, we were asked to suspend belief to an unreasonable degree. The narrative felt hijacked by two additional characters who escaped from the facility Emmett was in, essentially taking over what we expected to be Emmett and Billy’s central road trip story. Furthermore, an excessive number of characters were introduced, many of whom never received a satisfactory resolution or ending, leaving us to question their purpose in the narrative at all.
Above all, the ending was the most significant letdown. It was utterly bizarre, fundamentally different in tone and execution from the rest of the book, and frankly, it ruined the entire reading experience for both of us. One Amazon reviewer perfectly encapsulated our feelings: “It started out Huck Finn and ended Gone Girl.” That summary hits the nail on the head. To make matters worse, several major storylines were abruptly abandoned without conclusion – the fate of Duchess’s father, the character of Sally, the journey of Ulysses, and the overarching quest of Emmett and Billy to find their mother. We were expertly led along throughout the entire book with these compelling threads, and then *poof* – nothing. Consequently, this book comes with absolutely no recommendation from me.
Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. Just before I embarked on listening to this audiobook, it was announced as the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, a fact that resonated in the back of my mind throughout the entire experience (and a special note: the reader does an absolutely fantastic job bringing the story to life). On one hand, it’s entirely clear why it earned such a prestigious award. This is masterfully written fiction that courageously tells a profoundly important and often heartbreaking tale. It unflinchingly explores the insidious cycles of generational poverty, vividly depicts the nascent stages of the opioid crisis, and casts a critical eye on how children are often treated – or perhaps, discarded – when their parents succumb to the grip of addiction. Kingsolver’s prose is powerful, and her characters are unforgettable.
On the other hand – and I must be honest – it is an incredibly hard slog to get through, particularly the middle sections. This is by no means a light or easy read; it’s replete with challenging circumstances and many unfortunate things happen to both good and bad characters, reflecting the harsh realities of the world it portrays. Thankfully, the narrative does culminate in an upbeat ending, perhaps even a genuinely happy one, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. A particular joy for me was recognizing the clever parallels Kingsolver drew between her characters and those in Charles Dickens’s “David Copperfield,” which she openly acknowledged as her primary inspiration. That said, I strongly advise proceeding with caution and ensuring you are in the right state of mind when you pick up this book. It demands emotional resilience, but ultimately, I am glad I read it for its profound insights and powerful storytelling.
EXTRA WARNING: A Word on Colleen Hoover (Verity): While I’m not linking to this particular book, I feel a strong obligation to issue a warning to anyone considering reading a Colleen Hoover novel, especially her popular title, Verity. I’ve observed her astonishing rise on bestseller lists and initially thought that “Verity” sounded like an intriguing psychological thriller. Oh, gosh – it was anything but. This book, in my opinion, is essentially soft porn, with a few fleeting plot points interspersed between graphic sex scenes, some of which I found deeply disturbing. Furthermore, research revealed elements of infanticide in the plot, along with a predictable “twist” that I could see coming from a mile away. However, because I only managed to get about a quarter of the way through this chaotic mess, I didn’t personally read those later, more disturbing sections. I actually felt genuinely uncomfortable and “yucky” reading what I did, to the point that I returned the audiobook to Audible, not wanting it to remain in my digital library. So, if you, like me, prefer your reading to be free of gratuitous sexual content and disturbing themes, I strongly urge you to steer clear of this author. She seems to be riding the same sensationalist waves that propelled books like “50 Shades of Grey” to popularity a few years ago, and it’s simply not for every reader.
Watching: A Cinematic Surprise
Guardians of The Galaxy, Vol. 3 – A Surprisingly Deep Cinematic Experience. It might seem a bit unconventional that Brian and I chose to see this particular movie in the theater, but having thoroughly enjoyed the humor and impressive visual effects of the previous “Guardians” installments, we decided to give the third volume a shot. And let me tell you, it was exceptionally good for a film of this genre! What truly set it apart was its incredibly powerful and often heart-wrenching backstory involving animal experimentation. Instead of merely being horrifying (which it certainly was at times), this narrative thread beautifully wove in themes of resilience, the profound power of friendship, and unwavering loyalty among chosen family. Unlike so many superhero movies where the fate of the entire world hangs in the balance (a trope I’ve frankly grown quite tired of), the Guardians in this film weren’t trying to save the planet. Their mission was far more personal and deeply resonant: to save their beloved friend and fellow Guardian. We were both genuinely surprised by how much we enjoyed this movie, not just for its entertainment value, but for its emotional depth and refreshing thematic focus. It’s a testament to good storytelling that transcends typical superhero flick expectations.
And that wraps up another exciting installment of the Good Things List!
If you’re eager to explore more of my personal favorites and recommendations, I invite you to check out all the previous Good Things Lists right here. I genuinely value your input – I’d be thrilled to hear if you’ve tried any of the items or books I’ve mentioned, or perhaps what wonderful discoveries you’d recommend to me. Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions by leaving a comment below!
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