Monthly Roundup: Your Guide to Must-Haves, Inspiring Reads, and Entertainment Picks
Welcome to our monthly curation of delightful discoveries! Each month, we bring you a thoughtful selection of things to see, buy, read, and watch that have genuinely captured our attention. This month, we’re diving into the joy of winter garden planning, tackling an engaging national parks puzzle, unveiling our top pick for omega-3 capsules, sharing five insightful book reviews, and much more. Get ready to discover your next favorite!
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As we navigate the fresh start of a new year, it’s hard not to feel like we’ve stepped into a scene from a classic sci-fi movie—especially when considering the year 2025. While flying cars still remain a futuristic dream, the spirit of looking forward and embracing new possibilities is very much alive. This new year has kicked off with immense excitement and warmth in our family, particularly as we prepare for a very special occasion: our daughter’s wedding in February!
The upcoming weeks are a flurry of joyful activity, with everyone lending a hand to ensure every detail is perfect. It’s a truly fun and exciting time, underscoring the magic of family and shared celebrations. Amidst this whirlwind, I’m thrilled to share the latest installment of our “Good Things List.” In honor of this fresh start, our list sports a new look with a vibrant new graphic, but its essence remains unchanged. It’s still your trusted source for things I’m currently doing, loving, reading, and watching that I believe you’ll enjoy too. This monthly compilation is genuinely one of my favorite pieces to create, and it consistently keeps me on the lookout for wonderful discoveries to share with you. So, let’s embark on this slightly futuristic, yet entirely delightful, journey into the good things awaiting us!
Discover Our Latest Good Things List
Embracing Early Garden Planning and Seed Dreams
This year, I found myself diving into winter garden planning much earlier than usual, a pleasant deviation from my typical schedule. The catalyst? A fantastic free shipping special from one of my long-standing favorite seed suppliers, Pinetree Garden Seeds, which ran through January 4th. (If you’re keen on catching such deals, make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter – you can sign up here to stay in the loop for future promotions and gardening tips!)
To streamline my seed selection process, I utilized the handy seed needs form from the binder I assembled using the files from the Garden Success Plan Notebook. This invaluable resource is available in the free VIP Library, a bonus for all my newsletter subscribers. With this system, I was able to meticulously review my existing seed inventory, identify exactly what I needed, and then effortlessly navigate the Pinetree catalog to make my selections. This organized approach transforms what can often be an overwhelming task into a genuinely enjoyable and efficient start to the gardening season.
Beyond seeds, I also decided to try something new from Pinetree this year: this 12-Year Weed Barrier. It boasts impressive reviews, and I’m particularly optimistic about its potential. I plan to purchase it by the foot and strategically place it around the base of our trees, subsequently covering it with a generous layer of wood chips. I’ve experimented with various weed control methods in the past, from cardboard (which disappointingly didn’t even last a single season) to conventional “professional” weed fabric (through which Queen Anne’s Lace managed to sprout within a year). The persistent weeds around our tree bases are not just an aesthetic concern; they actively compete with the tree roots for vital water and nutrients. My hope is that this durable barrier will finally provide a long-lasting, effective solution, allowing our trees to thrive unhindered and saving me countless hours of weeding.
Our Engaging Holiday Puzzle Tradition
A cherished tradition in our household is to start a new puzzle on Christmas Day, a wonderful activity that carries us through the quieter period leading up to the New Year. It’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy some collaborative fun. Last year, we tackled a beautifully intricate Jane Austen puzzle, which, despite its challenge, was incredibly satisfying to complete, offering delightful glimpses of beloved Austen book characters.
This holiday season, I discovered a captivating 1000-piece Cavallini Papers & Co. National Parks Map puzzle. What initially drew me to it was its educational aspect—who knew there were so many national monuments beyond the main parks? I anticipated that the diverse elements of parks, monuments, and various landmarks would make it easier to assemble. However, I was pleasantly mistaken! Even the border, typically the first and most straightforward part of any puzzle, proved surprisingly tricky. Some sections, like the title and individual park illustrations, came together relatively smoothly. But then came the vast expanses of blue for oceans and green for land, which required considerable patience. The ultimate challenge arrived with the multitude of tiny black park titles listed at the bottom. After quickly assembling the numerical lists, nearly every remaining piece in those lists featured fragments of “nat’l park” or “nat’l monument,” forcing me to resort to matching shapes alone. (This, dear readers, reveals that I am certainly not a “puzzler” by trade; I simply adore cute, easy puzzles!)
Despite its unexpected difficulty, the puzzle became a rewarding activity that we finally completed on New Year’s Eve. There’s a unique thrill in casually walking past a challenging puzzle and spotting that one random piece that perfectly slots into place, a feeling that truly makes the effort worthwhile!
The BEST Omega-3 Capsules: A Game-Changer for Joint Health
For quite some time, I had been hesitant to try fish oil supplements, primarily due to concerns about their authenticity and efficacy, alongside the notorious “fish burps” I’d often read about. However, after seeing a trusted blogger rave about Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega pills on Instagram, my curiosity was piqued. I decided to give them a try, and I’m now almost three months into using them—and I couldn’t be more impressed.
What sets these capsules apart is their commitment to quality and transparency. Nordic Naturals proudly states that their products undergo rigorous testing “performed by Third-Party Laboratories in the United States, Canada and Norway,” ensuring that what’s on the label is precisely what’s in the capsule. The overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon further solidify their reputation, and true to the Instagram promise, there has been absolutely NO fishy aftertaste. This was a huge relief!
I take two capsules daily, either with breakfast or lunch, and have never experienced even a hint of a fishy taste or bothersome burps. While the packaging mentions a lemon flavor, I don’t distinctly notice it; perhaps it subtly contributes to neutralizing any potential fishiness. But the real reason these capsules have become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine is the tangible benefits I’ve experienced. Within just a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed a significant lessening of aches in my joints and knees. This concrete evidence alone is enough to convince me to continue with this supplement indefinitely.
Beyond joint health, Omega-3 fatty acids offer a wealth of other benefits, including supporting heart health, enhancing brain function, and potentially aiding digestion. For anyone seeking a high-quality, effective, and truly burp-free Omega-3 supplement, I wholeheartedly recommend these. You can explore them further here if you’re interested in discovering their benefits for yourself.
December’s Literary Adventures: Our Latest Book Reviews
Since I recently published my comprehensive list of the best books I read in 2024, you might have already encountered a couple of these December reads—two of them proudly made it onto that esteemed list of twelve! However, for your convenience and to provide a complete picture of my December literary journey, I’m including their reviews here, alongside three other fascinating books I devoured. And for fellow book lovers, don’t miss the excellent additional recommendations found in the comments section of the “best of” list—it’s a great place to discover new titles and share your own favorites!
The Plan by Kendra Adachi: I picked this up from the library primarily out of curiosity, having seen its advertising as “time-management for women” and having found Kendra’s previous books helpful. My experience was… interesting. It wasn’t quite what I expected. The book delves deeply into mindset discussions, patriarchy, and even menstruation, with an abundance of acronyms that sometimes felt overwhelming. While I’ve always advocated for a time management approach that aligns with your individual life and desires (as highlighted in my Flexible Planner philosophy), certain sections of this book felt a bit off-putting. Life inevitably brings days where meticulously planned schedules unravel—this is simply the nature of being human, regardless of gender. The ability to pivot, adapt, and not let minor disruptions derail you is crucial. I believe this flexibility, coupled with self-compassion and grace, is a true mark of maturity and acceptance. The actual planning section of the book largely mirrors the principles I’ve outlined with The Flexible Planner: envision your ideal life (yearly or five-year aspirations), establish a few meaningful goals to propel you forward, break down steps into quarterly actions, and review them regularly. While not revolutionary, these are undeniably sound methods that have gained widespread recognition over recent years.
An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin: As a longtime admirer of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s historical works, I was immediately intrigued by this memoir, which promises to recount her and her husband’s experiences during the tumultuous 1960s. However, the book wasn’t quite what I anticipated from the title. I initially expected a deeper exploration of their marriage set against the backdrop of the era’s issues. Instead, “the unfinished love story” seems to refer to her perspective on the progressive policies championed by the Kennedy and Johnson administrations—policies that, despite laying the groundwork for many of the societal advancements we now take for granted, have yet to fully materialize. Regardless of your political leanings, Goodwin offers a fascinating insider’s view into these administrations during a period of profound upheaval in the 1960s, touching on critical movements like racial equality, the Vietnam War, and the countercultural shift towards “free love.” It’s a compelling look at a pivotal decade through the eyes of those at its very center.
Rising Sun by Michael Crichton: After a somewhat disappointing experience with the Crichton-Patterson collaboration, Eruption, Brian and I decided to revisit a classic 90s thriller: Rising Sun. This book truly embodies many of the signature Crichton elements we enjoy—a gripping mystery, exploration of cutting-edge science and technology (for its time), and a riveting plot that keeps you engaged. However, it’s worth noting that the novel is quite graphic in its depiction of the initial murder, which is revisited frequently through video footage. Furthermore, it contains lengthy expositions that, while providing detail, often disrupt the pacing of the plot. Some of these sections focus on contemporary technology, particularly video, but many delve into the contentious theme of Japan’s perceived economic takeover of the US and America’s supposed inaction. From a 2024 perspective, some of these geopolitical observations now read as rather dated, even laughable.
Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren: This book landed on my radar after appearing on another blogger’s recommended reading list, and I promptly placed a hold on it at my local library. I’ve been savoring its wisdom throughout December, and here’s a spoiler: I’ve already ordered my own copy so I can highlight and annotate it to my heart’s content! If you, like me, sometimes grapple with prayer—struggling to find the right words amidst grief, personal trials, or moments of doubt (all incredibly common experiences, by the way)—then this book may resonate deeply with you. Tish Harrison Warren, an Anglican priest, candidly shares her very real struggles and profound grief during a dark period in her life. She beautifully illustrates how a specific liturgical prayer, the Compline, became her anchor and how it can offer solace and guidance to all of us. The book provides a profound deep dive into the various components of this ancient prayer, particularly for “those who work, watch, or weep.” It is affirming, hopeful, and has profoundly encouraged me to integrate regular prayer using the Book of Common Prayer into my spiritual practice. This particular passage deeply resonated with me: “Inherited prayers and practices of the church tether us to belief far more securely than our own vacillating perspective or self-expression…To sustain faith over a lifetime, we need to learn different ways of praying.”
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter: This delightful read was the final book I finished in the past year, and it undoubtedly earned its spot on my “best-of” list. It was so charming and memorable that I envision rereading it next Christmas, perhaps even starting a new holiday tradition! The story introduces us to a hero and heroine, both writers under the same publishing company, who appear to be rivals. Our heroine certainly perceives herself to be in fierce competition with the hero. However, as the narrative unfolds through alternating viewpoints and cleverly interspersed backstory, we quickly discover that their supposed “hatred” is far from the truth. All of this unfolds amidst a captivating mystery set within a snowed-in British manor house belonging to a wealthy mystery writer—evoking wonderful Agatha Christie-esque tones. When the eccentric writer suddenly disappears and a series of dangerous events begin to occur, it’s a race against time to uncover the truth. A delightful blend of a classic “whodunit” and a sweet, budding romance? Count me in!
What We’re Watching: A Delightful Surprise at the Cinema
Wicked, the Movie: For months, the trailers for the “Wicked” movie had been omnipresent, to the point where our family wasn’t particularly eager to see it. However, for a post-holiday family outing, it was the only film playing that garnered universal interest. To our absolute delight, we were pleasantly surprised! The movie proved to be a light, incredibly fun, and exceptionally well-executed cinematic experience. We found ourselves laughing at numerous clever lines and songs, enjoying several cute inside jokes woven throughout the narrative. Even Brian, who was initially the most skeptical (ha!), thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s no wonder it’s quickly gaining such positive word-of-mouth. If you’re looking for a joyful and entertaining escape, “Wicked” is definitely worth a watch!
And that concludes another edition of our Good Things List!
If you’re interested in exploring more of my favorite discoveries and recommendations, you can find all the past Good Things Lists right here. I genuinely value your input—please share your thoughts, whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations or have some wonderful finds of your own to recommend. Leave a comment below; I’d love to hear from you!
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