Your Monthly Guide to Joyful Living: Discover Good Things to Do, Buy, Read, and Watch

Welcome to our curated monthly list, designed to inspire and inform your journey toward a more joyful and fulfilling life. Here, we share a collection of truly good things—from practical finds for your home and garden to captivating books and engaging entertainment, plus moments that foster connection and well-being.

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Happy July, everyone! It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and now we’re already halfway through this remarkable year. June, in particular, proved to be an exceptionally memorable month here in the Pacific Northwest—and not just in the usual delightful summer way. We experienced a dramatic shift, starting the month with a much-needed almost two inches of rain after a notably dry spring, which was a welcome relief for the garden.

However, the month concluded with an unprecedented and truly record-shattering “heat dome” event, a once-in-a-1000-years phenomenon that sent temperatures soaring to an astonishing 109-111 degrees Fahrenheit across the region. This was an experience unlike any other, transforming our typically mild summer landscape into a scorching oven. What was particularly peculiar was how the heat dome defied our usual regional weather patterns; typically, it gets cooler the further north you travel. Yet, during this event, our area in Eugene, nestled in the beautiful Willamette Valley, was actually a couple of degrees “cooler” than Portland and Seattle, and we began to cool down a day earlier. The temperatures reported in some parts of Canada were simply unbelievable!

It was genuinely the oddest weather event I’ve ever witnessed. And with a touch of irony, we had meticulously planned a short getaway to Oregon’s picturesque wine country, specifically around McMinnville, to visit the incredible Evergreen Air Museum. As fate would have it, these plans coincided precisely with the hottest days of the heat dome. In fact, the museum was forced to shut down on the absolute hottest day, requiring us to reschedule our visit. We joked that we would have been significantly cooler had we simply stayed home instead of venturing north, but despite the intense heat, we thoroughly enjoyed our time away. It was wonderful to have a change of scenery and make new memories, even if it meant seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces more often than planned.

Now, let’s shift gears from extreme weather to a more positive note. Join me as I delve into the other good things that enriched our lives last month, alongside my honest reviews of the books I devoured and the shows and movies we watched, offering a glimpse into our diverse experiences and discoveries.

Discovering This Month’s Good Things: Home, Garden, and Family

The Garden’s Resilience Amidst Extreme Heat

Despite the scorching temperatures, I’m incredibly relieved to report that the heat damage to our beloved plants within the fenced garden wasn’t as severe as anticipated. Even better, our newly established sunken garden, designed with some natural cooling in mind, emerged completely unscathed. This was a huge win, considering the intensity of the heatwave.

One of my hydrangeas, carefully grown in the fenced garden for protection against our ever-present deer (they truly are the “catnip of the deer world,” relentlessly attracted to these beautiful bushes!), did suffer some leaf burn, as you can see in the photo above. However, it’s a relatively young bush, and I’m confident it will bounce back with no lasting problems. Hydrangeas are surprisingly resilient when given proper care and a little time.

Regrettably, the newly planted blueberry bush shown above might not be as fortunate. Despite receiving ample water, it had already shown signs of heat stress from the few weeks of warm-ish weather *before* the heat dome descended. The extreme temperatures simply exacerbated its struggles. This brings me to a pressing question for my fellow gardeners: **Do you think planting blueberries in a metal container, like this one, might cause the roots to get warmer when the weather is hot? I pondered this exact point during planting, and now I’m seriously second-guessing my choice, wondering if a different material would offer better insulation.**

Beyond the blueberry, my only other significant concern is a newly planted peach tree, which also looks very sad with browning leaves. I’m diligently continuing its watering regimen and holding out hope. With trees, the true extent of damage or recovery often isn’t clear until the following year, so my fingers are tightly crossed for its survival and future growth. This heatwave was a stark reminder of the delicate balance in gardening, especially with young plants facing unprecedented conditions.

Embracing Weekly Family Happy Hour: A Tradition of Connection

One of the most heartwarming and unexpected “good things” to emerge recently is our new tradition of a weekly family happy hour. This delightful practice began when we moved into our farmhouse in April, and my brother and his wife transitioned into the manufactured home we had previously occupied during our renovation. They had a long-standing Friday happy hour tradition, and graciously invited us to join them.

For us, this was an entirely new concept. While we typically kept wine in the house, liquor was a rarity, usually only present if gifted or specifically needed for baking (my secret ingredient for certain desserts!). Fast forward to today, and we now proudly have what we affectionately call our ‘happy hour cabinet’ – situated conveniently near our coffee bar. It sounds much more inviting than a plain ‘liquor cabinet,’ don’t you think? This cabinet is now thoughtfully stocked with a variety of spirits, mixers, sodas, and all the essential accoutrements for crafting a range of delightful cocktails and mocktails.

And let me tell you, **we absolutely LOVE it!** Here’s the wonderful truth: the drinks, whether alcoholic or virgin (I often opt for a virgin concoction, as cocktails have never truly been “my thing”), are simply the excuse. The real magic lies in the fun, relaxing hour we dedicate each week to connecting with family. It’s truly the BEST. There’s no pressure, no formality; it’s super laid-back. We now alternate hosting duties between our two homes. The host lays out the drink supplies, someone takes charge of mixing, and then we gather around a table with a few simple snacks – nuts, chips, dried fruit, perhaps some cheese and crackers – talking, laughing, and catching up on each other’s weeks. We typically start around 5 PM and wrap up by 6 PM, just in time for everyone to head off for dinner. It’s an effortless way to foster deeper relationships.

I cannot recommend this practice highly enough for anyone with family or close friends nearby! Of course, the “drinks” don’t have to be cocktails at all; they could be sparkling juices, artisanal sodas, homemade kefir, or anything else you enjoy. The core idea is simply to dedicate a regular hour each week to connect with loved ones and unwind. This intentional space for relaxation and conversation is incredibly beneficial for mental well-being and strengthening familial bonds.

A Delightful Discovery: Online Ordering from Nuts.com for Quality Snacks

I first placed an order with Nuts.com quite a while ago – I believe it was right at the start of the pandemic. To be perfectly honest, after that initial order, they slipped from my mind for a bit. However, their memory was quickly revived when Brian, my husband, ran out of his beloved dark chocolate malted milk balls. And trust me, these aren’t something you can simply pick up at your local grocery store; most places only carry the milk chocolate variety, which just doesn’t hit the same spot for him.

This quest for his favorite treat led me back to Nuts.com, and I was so glad I remembered them! Not only do they offer an impressive array of dark chocolate-covered delights – think every conceivable type of nut, plus various candies, far more selection than you’d ever find in conventional stores – but they also boast an exceptional selection of wholesome and delicious snacks. While you always need to read the labels (as with any food purchase), a significant portion of their offerings are made with real, minimally processed ingredients. What’s more, their prices are generally comparable to what you’d find in stores for similar quality items. The one exception, ironically, tends to be nuts themselves; for larger quantities, I’ve often found Costco and Amazon to offer better bulk pricing on raw nuts.

My absolute favorite discovery from Nuts.com is what they cleverly label “Veggie Sticks” (conveniently pictured in the round container above). These are essentially crispy, fried vegetable chips, and they are incredibly addictive in the best way. While I’ve occasionally found green bean chips and a few other vegetable chip varieties in stores, they almost invariably come with added sugar or fructose, which I prefer to avoid. The Nuts.com version, however, contains ONLY the vegetables, oil, and a touch of salt – a truly clean and delightful snack. This particular mix features sweet potatoes (in three different varieties), carrots (my personal favorite in the blend), green beans, squash, and taro. The flavor and texture are simply outstanding.

I’ve even attempted to find a comparable product on Amazon, but the options there typically consist of chips with less-than-stellar reviews and, frustratingly, added sugar. So far, Nuts.com seems to be the exclusive online source for these particular veggie sticks. They aren’t the cheapest snack on the market, which means they remain a “sometimes treat” for me – perhaps once a year, as my order history suggests, ha! Anyway, it’s a really fun site to browse through, and we’ve consistently been pleased with every item we’ve ordered (oh, and their cajun sesame sticks are also incredibly tasty and represent great value!).

Typically, Nuts.com offers free shipping on orders over $59. However, here’s an insider tip: if you sign up for their email list and patiently wait for the welcome email, you can often find a special link that grants you free shipping on orders of just $29! It’s a fantastic way to save a bit more on your delicious purchases. **Click here to explore their selection and discover your own favorites.**

Revolutionizing Garden Watering with New Woven Soaker Hoses

As you likely know from my previous gardening discussions, I am a fervent proponent of soaker hoses. Their benefits are manifold and essential for a healthy, thriving garden. Watering deeply and directly at the root level encourages the development of strong, resilient root systems, which are crucial for plants to withstand environmental stresses like drought and heat. Furthermore, by keeping water off the plant leaves, soaker hoses significantly reduce the incidence of common fungal diseases like mildew, which thrive in damp foliage. Another major advantage is their efficiency: you can water larger garden areas much faster and more effectively than by standing over individual plants with a traditional hose, saving both time and precious water resources.

This year, with the new sunken garden area I’ve been diligently working on, I found myself in need of new soaker hoses. However, due to our earlier dry spring, by the time I was ready to purchase them, most traditional soaker hoses were completely sold out in local stores. This unexpected scarcity prompted me to search online, where I discovered that **woven, flat soaker hoses were consistently receiving excellent reviews.** Gardeners praised them for both their ease of use and, crucially, their reported longevity, often lasting more than just a single season. Up until this point, I hadn’t really considered them, having been content with the round soaker hoses I’d used for years, believing them to be the superior option.

So, I decided to take a chance and purchase a few for my garden beds. And I can tell you one thing right off the bat, without hesitation:

They are SO MUCH EASIER to lay out. Like, unbelievably, incredibly SO MUCH EASIER. This feature alone has won me over completely. Unlike the rigid, often kinking traditional rubber soaker hoses, these woven varieties are wonderfully flexible. You can effortlessly snake the hose precisely where you need it to go, around plants and through beds, without the constant struggle of wrestling a stiff hose that might knock over delicate seedlings or established plants in its path. This makes installation and adjustments a breeze, saving both time and potential plant damage.

The water coverage also seems to be as good, if not better, than that of the round soakers. In the photo above, I had just turned it on briefly to capture an image showing how effectively they soak the soil. Typically, I leave them on for about an hour, and the watered area will completely saturate all the planted regions you can see, ensuring deep root hydration. The ultimate test, of course, will be their longevity, particularly through the seasons. But given how incredibly easy they are to move around and pick up, I’ll be able to bring them in for winter storage, which I anticipate will significantly extend their lifespan. As of right now, I absolutely LOVE them and genuinely don’t foresee myself ever going back to the round variety. They are a game-changer for efficient and stress-free garden watering.

I initially found mine at Lowe’s, though currently, only the 25 ft. hoses appear to be in stock there. For those seeking longer lengths, you can find them readily in stock on Amazon here. I’m curious to hear from other gardeners: Have you tried this type of woven soaker hose? If so, did it last well for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!

An Adorable and Functional Compost Bucket for Your Countertop

During our busy period of transitioning homes and undergoing extensive remodeling, we unfortunately fell out of our regular composting habit. It’s easy to let good routines slip when life gets chaotic! However, once we were finally settled into the farmhouse, we were determined to reinstate our commitment to composting. The only hitch was that our old, under-counter compost bucket simply wouldn’t work in the new kitchen; there’s less available space in the main cooking area, requiring a more compact solution.

My search began for a cute, smaller compost bucket that could comfortably sit on the countertop, allowing us to easily collect kitchen scraps daily before emptying them into a larger collection bin on our back porch. Initially, I was envisioning something similar to the sleek silver metal bins we’d used before, just in a more miniature size. Imagine my absolute delight when I stumbled upon the adorable Typhoon Compost Bucket, prominently featured on our counters in the image above. Isn’t it just absolutely perfect?

This compost bucket exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it boast a charming, old-farmhouse-style enamelware aesthetic that perfectly complements our kitchen decor, but it also features a cute silver logo that adds to its vintage appeal. Functionality wise, it’s a winner too: it comes with a clever charcoal insert, which is incredibly effective – this thing genuinely doesn’t smell at all, even when holding scraps for a full day! Plus, it has a convenient smaller inner bucket, making it incredibly easy to simply lift it out and carry it to our larger outdoor compost bin. This design eliminates the need to carry the entire heavy outer container, a small but significant detail that makes daily composting much more manageable.

One common complaint I noticed in reviews was about its small size, but for my specific needs, this was precisely what I was looking for. For us, a smaller countertop footprint is a feature, not a drawback, as we prefer to empty it daily to keep odors at bay and maintain a tidy kitchen. I’ve seen these buckets available at various retailers, but I purchased ours online from World Market here. It’s a stylish and practical solution for conscious living, making it one of my favorite new additions to our home.

June Reads: A Diverse Selection of Books and Reviews

Captains & The Kings, Taylor Caldwell. This older book had always piqued my interest with its intriguing title, so when I saw it available through my local library, I eagerly checked it out. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm waned significantly as I progressed. I only managed to make it halfway through before I simply read the ending and abandoned the rest. It paints a remarkably bleak picture of human character, and the main protagonist is, frankly, one of the most unlikable characters I’ve encountered, making it incredibly difficult to feel any empathy for him. The story follows him from around age 12 (if memory serves) as he and his impoverished Irish family undertake the harsh, perilous journey across the ocean to America during the height of the devastating potato famine, hoping to reunite with his father who had traveled ahead. His mother tragically dies during the voyage, leaving him with his younger siblings. Upon disembarking, they discover their father has also perished.

Thus begins their grim tale of survival, a narrative bleak in itself. I did find the historical details compelling, learning, for instance, that the Irish were so despised that some would pretend to be Scottish just to secure employment. However, the aspect I simply couldn’t endure was the relentless inner monologue of the main character – he was almost sociopathic, constantly looking down on his own family and anyone who dared show him kindness. His callousness was truly off-putting. I was genuinely glad I didn’t waste time on the second half after quickly reading the ending, which, let’s just say, offered no happy resolutions whatsoever. A truly depressing read that I wouldn’t recommend.

Secrets of a Charmed Life, Susan Meissner. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book on audio. The storyline was engaging and well-paced, even if some elements felt a bit farfetched. The central message, however, resonated strongly: it’s rarely a good idea to keep profound secrets as a coping mechanism for trauma, as they almost invariably resurface to cause pain and complications later on. My constant internal refrain throughout the narrative was, “just communicate already!” Set against the backdrop of WWII in England, the descriptions of the era and locations were beautifully rendered, drawing me into the historical period. Thankfully, the book culminated in a satisfying ending with a clever twist that tied everything together nicely, leaving a positive impression.

The Downstairs Girl, Stacy Lee. Set at the turn of the last century in vibrant Atlanta, this captivating story introduces us to Jo Kuan, a talented Chinese girl with an exceptional gift for hat-making. Despite her skill, she struggles to hold down a job due to pervasive racial prejudice. To avoid trouble, she lives a hidden life underground with an older relative, taking on a clandestine role as a maid for a cruel, wealthy young woman. Their living quarters are located beneath the bustling offices of a newspaper, allowing Jo to overhear conversations. This unique vantage point inspires her to secretly write anonymous advice column articles that quickly gain immense popularity. Her columns boldly address the social inequalities of the city, skillfully interwoven with practical fashion advice, sparking widespread discussion among Atlanta’s elite. This book offered a fascinating glimpse into a specific time and place about which I previously knew nothing – particularly the harsh realities faced by Chinese immigrants brought in to work in the city. The heroine, Jo, possesses a delightful and intelligent voice, and you instantly want to know more about her journey and cheer her on as she navigates complex social structures and searches for her unknown parents. While it delves into some dark themes related to the treatment of Chinese and other minorities, the overarching storyline is ultimately lovely and concludes with a hopeful and satisfying ending, making it a compelling read.

American Wife, Curtis Sittenfeld. Hmmm, how best to articulate my thoughts on this particular book? From its title and descriptive blurb – coupled with reviews hinting it was modeled after a well-known presidential family (which I initially assumed would be the Kennedys, but quickly realized was the Bushes) – I anticipated a revealing, behind-the-scenes look into the life of a first lady. However, the narrative didn’t even delve into the presidential years until almost three-quarters of the way through the book, and it is a *very* long book. Instead, the vast majority of the story was dedicated to the heroine’s childhood, a significant traumatic incident in high school that continues to haunt her, and a seemingly blown-out-of-proportion teenage encounter with a boy that she interprets as profound love. This extensive focus on her formative years felt disproportionate to the advertised premise.

Furthermore, the content was far more explicit than I prefer, leading to a considerable amount of skipping on my part as I impatiently waited for the promised presidential narrative. When we finally arrived at that section, it felt rushed and, rather than focusing on the complexities of being a first lady, it continued to circle back to her personal past and unresolved traumas. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed with the overall experience. I vividly recall feeling similarly let down by this author’s updated version of a Jane Austen book in the past, so I believe I will, unfortunately, need to steer clear of her works in the future (and yes, for clarity, Curtis Sittenfeld is indeed a female author).

Unveiled, Francine Rivers. While searching for a new audiobook, I serendipitously stumbled upon this older, yet acclaimed, series of five books known as “The Lineage of Grace Series.” This collection delves into the lives of remarkable biblical women: Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth/Naomi. “Unveiled” specifically tells the compelling story of Tamar, as recounted in the Book of Genesis in the Bible. It details how she, facing profound injustice and neglect, had to employ clever stratagem to trick her father-in-law, Judah, in order to bear the child she was rightfully owed after both her first and second husbands (Judah’s sons) had died. Her story is particularly significant because she becomes one of the direct ancestors of Jesus, highlighting how God often works through unexpected paths and never forgets those who are marginalized or overlooked in the world. I truly appreciated how Francine Rivers took the brief biblical mention of Tamar and skillfully fleshed it out into a rich, full-bodied narrative, bringing her struggles and triumphs to life. However, I must issue a word of caution for those listening to the audiobook: the narrator’s delivery is, in my opinion, WAAAY too dramatic, often detracting from the otherwise powerful story with excessive emotional inflections.

Singing in The Dark, Ginny Owens. This is a newly released and incredibly uplifting book by the acclaimed Christian singer, Ginny Owens. It’s a beautiful blend of memoir and reflective Bible study, skillfully interweaving her personal experiences as a blind woman navigating the world and, subsequently, the demanding world of music. Ginny Owens’ debut album remains one of my all-time favorites, and I had the privilege of listening to this book on audio, narrated by the author herself, with each section concluding with one of her poignant songs. It is a wonderfully hope-filled and inspiring read, offering profound encouragement and practical action steps to help readers cultivate and increase their own hope and faith. Her insights, drawn from a life lived with extraordinary challenges and unwavering faith, are truly moving and provide a powerful testament to finding light in the darkest places.

What We’ve Been Watching: New Releases and Cinematic Adventures

Sweet Tooth, Netflix. This series turned out to be a surprisingly sweet and heartwarming watch for us. We’ve only managed to get through a couple of episodes so far, but the young actor portraying the main character is incredibly endearing, bringing a unique charm to the screen. I understand it’s based on a Marvel comic, though one wouldn’t necessarily guess that from the outset. It leans heavily into sci-fi and dystopian themes, creating an intriguing world, and we’re genuinely curious to see where the storyline will ultimately lead. It’s a fresh take on post-apocalyptic narratives, focusing more on hope and innocence than typical bleakness.

Cruella, Theaters & Disney+. Brian and I ventured out to see this film in a theater—our first theatrical experience in over a year, a true sign of the #pandemic era easing! We were both genuinely surprised by how much we enjoyed it. Emma Stone delivered a fantastic, commanding performance in the lead role, truly embodying the iconic character. The movie provides a compelling backstory, offering a glimpse into *why* Cruella became the harsh, fashion-obsessed figure we know, allowing for a surprising, albeit limited, amount of empathy for her. However, it’s important to note that this backstory doesn’t entirely excuse her future villainy. This leaves us wondering about the continuity and future direction of the character, especially given her notorious role as a villain in 101 Dalmatians. It’s a stylish, entertaining, and thought-provoking prequel.

Tenet, HBO Max. This film was, in all honesty, a confusing mess wrapped in a ridiculous storyline. Despite multiple attempts to follow the intricate plot, we found ourselves utterly lost, with the narrative making little to no sense. The only way we managed to glean any understanding was by resorting to reading detailed plot explanations and reviews *after* watching it. It’s a prime example of a movie that tries too hard to be clever and ends up sacrificing coherence for complexity. Ugh, definitely not a recommendation from our household.

Secret Garden (2020), Amazon. As a long-time admirer of this classic story, I was so looking forward to seeing Colin Firth in this 2020 adaptation of The Secret Garden. However, my excitement quickly turned to profound disappointment. Why, oh why, do filmmakers continue to take beloved classics and “modernize” them by injecting weird, dark storylines, overly magical CGI, and significant plot changes that stray so far from the original’s charm and spirit? The beauty of the original lies in its subtle magic, its poignant exploration of healing and connection with nature. This version, unfortunately, veered too far into fantasy, losing the delicate touch that makes the story so timeless. Obviously, I was left quite disappointed, feeling that a true cinematic gem had been unnecessarily altered and diminished.

That concludes another edition of our Monthly Good Things List!

If you’ve enjoyed discovering what I’ve been loving and learning this past month, I invite you to explore all our previous Good Things Lists here. They are packed with even more recommendations and insights for enriching your everyday life. I would truly love to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of the products, books, or shows I mentioned, or if you have your own wonderful recommendations to share. Please leave a comment below and join the conversation!

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