December Delights: Your Curated Guide to Must-Haves, Reads, and Entertainment
A thoughtfully compiled monthly selection of delightful discoveries – from covetable finds to captivating stories and engaging experiences.
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Welcome, December! The final month of the year has arrived, bringing with it the crisp air, festive lights, and a general buzz of anticipation. We’ve just navigated the retail whirlwind that often feels less like “Black Friday” and more like “Black Month” these days, and now, I feel a sense of calm descending. It’s time to take a deep breath, unwind, and truly savor the beauty and joy of the holiday season ahead.
In response to whispers of potential shipping delays and the general frenzy of holiday shopping, I began my gift hunt surprisingly early this year, starting in late October. I’m thrilled to report that, with the exception of one specific gift exchange, all my holiday presents are now purchased and ready! What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and relief it is to have that checked off the list, allowing more mental space to enjoy the festive preparations.
Our farmhouse porch is already adorned with decorations – you can catch a sneak peek on Instagram if you’re curious! Inside, things are steadily coming together, though it’s taking a little longer than usual. This is our very first Christmas in the farmhouse, so every decision about where to place decorations, from the garland to the ornaments, is a new adventure. We’re getting our live Christmas tree this week, and I can’t wait to share some beautiful farmhouse Christmas decor photos with you very soon.
I sincerely hope that your holiday preparations are progressing smoothly and that you are eagerly anticipating all the wonderful traditions and moments this special season brings. May your December be filled with warmth, joy, and the things you love most!
December’s Curated Good Things List
Soaking Up the Warm Sun in Arizona
The first half of November offered a much-needed escape to Arizona, where my husband and I had the pleasure of enjoying both the delightful sunshine and the company of my parents. This marked our first visit there in over two years, and the warmth and brightness were precisely what I needed to recharge before the colder winter months settle in.
My parents reside just south of Tucson, an area beautifully framed by majestic mountain ranges. During our visit, we took a scenic drive to the summit of Mt. Lemmon, where we embarked on a refreshing hike. This experience truly highlighted the striking contrast of Arizona’s landscape; while often perceived as solely a desert region, the towering mountains offer breathtaking views and a completely different ecosystem.
The panoramic view from Mt. Lemmon was absolutely stunning, making you feel incredibly small amidst such grandeur. It’s an unforgettable sight that showcases nature’s artistry. We also made a stop at the local ski area, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Iron Door, a charming, lodge-like restaurant. Despite being short-staffed, a common challenge many businesses face today, the food was excellent, and the service was genuinely friendly.
Another memorable discovery was The Arizona Inn, a historic hotel nestled in the heart of Tucson. Built around the 1930s and expanded over the years, it has transformed into a serene, secluded oasis. The property features winding pathways, inviting activity areas, and a variety of accommodations, including private casitas and charming two-story buildings. It was utterly captivating, evoking a sense of stepping back in time, reminiscent of classic Old Hollywood films. We enjoyed a truly relaxing and delectable lunch on their picturesque patio. If you ever find yourself in the Tucson area, I highly recommend a visit to this enchanting retreat.
Engaging Holiday Puzzles for Festive Fun
A cherished tradition in our household is to tackle a jigsaw puzzle on Christmas Day – or at least get a good start on one! It’s an activity we don’t often make time for throughout the rest of the year, which makes it all the more special and something we genuinely look forward to during the holidays. The quiet concentration and shared effort of piecing together a beautiful image create wonderful memories and a relaxing atmosphere amidst the festive bustle.
This year, I stumbled upon this incredibly charming puzzle from Cavellini, featuring vintage national park posters. While it’s a bit more of an investment than our usual puzzles, the stunning artwork and nostalgic theme instantly captivated me. I’m genuinely excited to put it together and already envision it becoming a beloved holiday tradition for years to come. There’s something uniquely satisfying about completing a puzzle that also doubles as a piece of art.
Additionally, I discovered this innovative “12 Days of Christmas Advent” puzzle, and I absolutely adore the concept! Instead of a single large puzzle, it comprises 12 smaller, distinct puzzles, designed to be completed one each day during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. This clever twist on the traditional advent calendar offers a delightful daily challenge and builds anticipation in a truly engaging way. It’s such a refreshing alternative to just a piece of chocolate each morning – though, now that I think about it, why not pair a puzzle with a piece of chocolate? That sounds like a perfect combination!
If you’re looking to add some engaging and beautiful puzzles to your holiday activities, these are fantastic choices.
Find the captivating Vintage National Park Posters puzzle here.
Explore the unique 12 Days of Christmas Advent puzzle here.
The Ultimate Live-In Gold Hoop Earrings: Comfort Meets Style
When I first read about these earrings from another blogger, Julia from Chris Loves Julia, I was genuinely skeptical. Gold hoop earrings that you never have to take out? It sounded almost too good to be true. For years, I’ve predominantly worn stud earrings, but I’ve often longed for the effortless chic of hoops. The main drawback with studs, however, is their occasional discomfort during sleep, not to mention how they can accumulate residue when worn for extended periods.
Truth be told, my days of changing earrings daily are long gone. Life is busy, and frankly, I just don’t have the time or inclination for such a ritual. Around here, you know it’s a truly special occasion if I’m sporting anything more elaborate than my everyday jewelry!
Intrigued by the promise of true “live-in” comfort, I decided to purchase a pair of the 16mm live-in gold hoops from Made by Mary. And now, I can wholeheartedly corroborate Julia’s glowing review: these earrings are absolutely, unequivocally LIVE-IN! I’ve been wearing mine continuously for three weeks now, day and night, and I barely even notice they’re there. They are incredibly comfortable, causing no irritation or discomfort whatsoever. Needless to say, I’ve fallen completely in love with them.
Their blend of elegant style and unparalleled comfort makes them a standout find. In fact, I was so impressed that I immediately bought another pair to gift to someone special this holiday season. Good things like this are meant to be shared, don’t you agree? These earrings offer a perfect blend of practicality and understated glamour, making them an ideal accessory for anyone who values both style and ease.
Discover these fantastic live-in hoops here (they are also available in rose gold and silver, and in various sizes to suit your preference!).
Affordable Luxury: Inexpensive Turkish Towels You’ll Adore
I’ve been captivated by the distinct look and feel of Turkish towels ever since I first encountered them years ago. Their unique flat weave, softness, and elegant fringes always appealed to me. However, at the time, their price point—often nearing $50 per towel—made them a luxury I couldn’t justify for everyday use. As much as I admired them, our home remained Turkish towel-free for quite a while.
Recently, while browsing on Etsy, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a vast array of listings for these beautiful towels, and to my delight, the prices have come down significantly! Many are now available for under $20, and during the recent sales weekend, I even spotted some incredible deals for around $13 each. This affordability has made them much more accessible, allowing more people to experience their benefits.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist. I ordered a couple from this particular Etsy store, and I must tell you, I am incredibly impressed with both the thickness and generous size of these towels! While I anticipate a slight shrinkage after the initial wash, their substantial dimensions ensure that any minor reduction won’t diminish their usability or luxurious feel. Moreover, they feel noticeably thicker and more substantial than other Turkish towels I’ve seen priced much higher, making them an exceptional value.
Turkish towels are celebrated not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their functionality. They are highly absorbent, yet surprisingly lightweight and quick-drying, making them perfect for bath, beach, or even as a stylish wrap. They also become softer and more absorbent with each wash. If you’re currently in the market for these wonderfully absorbent, versatile, and stylish towels, I highly recommend checking out this fantastic Etsy seller – they offer a truly impressive selection of colors to complement any decor!
Elevate Your Kitchen: A Stylish White 3-Quart Baking Pan
It’s truly a mystery to me why it took so long to realize that I could own a beautiful white 3-quart baking pan instead of being limited to the standard clear glass versions. As someone who frequently photographs food, this revelation felt like a major oversight on my part! The visual difference a white pan makes in food presentation, especially for photography, is quite significant – it allows the food to truly pop and become the star of the shot.
I believe I first spotted this elegant white baking pan featured in a kitchen gift guide, and it immediately sparked a “lightbulb moment.” Without hesitation, I ordered it, and I’m absolutely delighted with my purchase. Beyond its appealing aesthetics, I’m very impressed with its sturdy construction and overall quality. It feels substantial and durable, promising long-lasting performance in the kitchen.
Functionality-wise, this pan is incredibly versatile. It seamlessly transitions from the freezer to the refrigerator to the oven, and it’s also conveniently microwave-safe. This multi-functionality makes it just as practical and adaptable as traditional glass pans, fitting effortlessly into any cooking or baking routine. Its performance is on par with, if not superior to, its glass counterparts.
I do want to point out a minor discrepancy in the product description: while it’s advertised as a “13×9 pan,” my measurements indicate it’s actually 12×8.5 inches. However, this slight difference hasn’t been an issue for me. It’s still perfectly sized to accommodate almost all of my 3-quart recipes, and a bonus is that it fits snugly inside my other larger 13×9 pans, making storage a breeze. This white baking pan has quickly become a beloved and essential item in my kitchen, blending beauty with robust utility.
Discover this lovely and functional White 3-quart baking pan.
November Reads: A Literary Roundup
The Sweetness At the Bottom of the Pie, Alan Bradley: This charming “cozy mystery” is set in post-WWII England and narrated by an extraordinarily precocious 11-year-old girl named Flavia de Luce. Flavia spends much of her time in a chemistry lab, experimenting with concoctions – including a rather mischievous lipstick intended to mar her older sister’s face, hinting at a certain lack of conventional conscience in some areas. The story kicks into gear when she discovers a dead body in her family’s garden, prompting her to take on the role of detective. Her main motivation is to clear her father’s name, as he quickly becomes a suspect.
I initially found Flavia’s snarky observations and unique perspective highly entertaining. The historical setting and the quaint English atmosphere were captivating. However, about halfway through, her precociousness began to wear on me, feeling less charming and more unbelievable. The character, while initially engaging, started to feel a bit too exaggerated, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in her world. I ultimately rushed to the end, primarily out of curiosity to discover the culprit (though I had a strong suspicion much earlier).
Gaining Ground, Forrest Pritchard: My husband, Brian, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this insightful memoir. Forrest Pritchard, a descendant of farmers, recounts his determined journey to revive his family farm and establish a sustainable livelihood from it, starting in the 1990s. Many aspects of this book were genuinely eye-opening for both of us, particularly the shocking realities of how little farmers are paid for their produce, illustrated by his first unbelievable story about a truckload of corn. Hearing about his persistent trials, his innovative approaches, and how his unwavering determination ultimately paid off was incredibly rewarding. It serves as a powerful lesson in entrepreneurial spirit, thinking creatively “outside of the norm,” and the importance of perseverance. This book is not just for farmers or gardeners; it’s a compelling read for anyone who appreciates real food and the stories behind its production.
Simply Jesus, N.T. Wright: N.T. Wright continues to impress me with his ability to be both remarkably accessible and deeply scholarly simultaneously – a rare and commendable achievement in theological writing. In “Simply Jesus,” he delves into the very core of Jesus’s message, articulating that our primary purpose should mirror His during His time on Earth: to actively help the poor, nourish the needy, and offer healing wherever we can. Wright emphasizes that God orchestrates His plan through people, and our role extends far beyond mere belief. We are called to “do” as well, engaging in practical acts of love and service. This book offers profound insights and a powerful call to active faith, providing rich, thought-provoking content for spiritual growth.
Lady Clementine, Marie Benedict: While I’ve previously enjoyed two other historical fiction novels by Marie Benedict, this particular one, focusing on Clementine Churchill, Winston Churchill’s wife, felt rather unremarkable to me. It contains all the elements I typically appreciate: historical facts seamlessly interwoven with imagined feelings and dialogue that flesh out the narrative. Furthermore, it covers two World Wars, an enduring love story, and is set in England – all themes I usually find captivating.
In trying to pinpoint why it fell flat, I can only conclude that the narrative moved too quickly from one significant event to another without ever truly delving into the depth of the characters. I never genuinely connected with Clementine or fully understood her motivations and actions. Her nervous breakdown, for instance, felt abrupt and lacked sufficient emotional build-up within the story, leaving me surprised and confused rather than empathetic. Like “The Sweetness At the Bottom of the Pie,” this was another book I rushed through just to reach the conclusion.
What We’ve Been Watching This Month
Red Notice, Netflix: This movie is pure, unadulterated fun – a fantastic blend of comedy, action, and thriller elements. Don’t let some of the mixed reviews deter you; if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted film that guarantees laughs and keeps you entertained, this is an excellent choice. The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, and the action sequences are engaging. Plus, I genuinely did not see the major plot twist coming at all, which is always a delightful surprise!
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, Amazon: Even after watching this film, the title remains a bit enigmatic to me. Based on the true story of Louis Wain, an English artist whose whimsical cat paintings and drawings at the turn of the century significantly influenced the public’s perception of cats, leading to their acceptance as indoor pets. Perhaps “The Cat Life of Louis Wain” would have been more fitting? The film, despite Benedict Cumberbatch’s commendable performance, is steeped in sadness from beginning to end, depicting a life filled with hardship and mental health struggles. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer a strong sense of redemption or upliftment by its conclusion, making it a rather melancholic viewing experience.
Godzilla vs. Kong, Amazon: Oh, dear. What can I possibly say about this one? Brian picked it, and he’ll likely be apologizing for it forever! Honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect: colossal monsters battling it out with spectacular (if somewhat mindless) special effects. If you’re looking for deep plot or character development, this isn’t it. But if you want a pure spectacle of giant creatures clashing and cityscapes getting destroyed, it delivers on that front. It’s an action-packed, no-thinking-required monster mash that certainly filled the screen with roaring chaos!
And that wraps up another edition of our Good Things List!
If you’re interested in exploring more of my recommendations and discoveries, you can find all previous Good Things Lists right here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any of these items, read these books, or watched these movies? Or do you have any wonderful recommendations of your own to share? Please leave a comment below with your insights and suggestions!
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