Discover Your Next Favorite Things: A Curated Monthly Guide to Must-Reads, Essential Gear, and Inspiring Entertainment
Welcome to our monthly roundup of delightful discoveries! This curated list features good things to do, buy, read, watch, and more, meticulously chosen to inspire and enhance your everyday life.
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Well, hello there, glorious summer! I couldn’t be more thrilled that you’ve arrived. While every season holds its own unique charm—from the vibrant hues of fall and the promising new growth of spring to the contemplative quietness winter sometimes enforces—summer has always held a special place in my heart. It’s truly my favorite time of the year.
Living my entire adult life in Oregon has certainly shaped this preference. Summer is often our most reliable season for extended periods of genuinely pleasant weather, allowing us to fully embrace outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect time for camping trips, refreshing swims, invigorating hikes, and peaceful kayaking excursions, all without the ever-present threat of rain. Of course, even in Oregon, a July shower isn’t unheard of, and August can bring its share of cloudy days. But overwhelmingly, summer delivers the warmth and sunshine I crave, transforming our landscape into an inviting playground.
This makes me wonder if our geographical location significantly influences our favorite season. If I lived in a perpetually humid eastern state or the sweltering South, perhaps my affection for summer wouldn’t be quite so strong. What are your thoughts on this? Does where you live dictate your seasonal preferences?
Looking ahead to June, as spring gracefully transitions into the full embrace of summer, there are so many wonderful things on the horizon. I’m eagerly anticipating a much-needed vacation with my husband, celebrating our son’s graduate school commencement, dedicating more time to nurturing our flourishing vegetable garden, venturing out for more kayaking trips, and enjoying leisurely walks up our quiet lane on those gloriously warm afternoons.
But before we get too far ahead of ourselves with summer dreams, let’s take a moment to reflect on the fantastic “good things” that May brought into our lives. And what a month it was—I managed to read a remarkable ten books!
Good Things: Our Latest Discoveries and Must-Try Experiences
Mother’s Day Kayaking Adventure
This past Mother’s Day, Brian suggested a spontaneous kayaking trip to a nearby lake, and I immediately seized the opportunity. It was the perfect chance to finally try out the new kayaks we had exchanged as Christmas gifts. The experience was so refreshing and delightful that I’m already envisioning it becoming a cherished new Mother’s Day tradition! Even just a couple of hours away, including drive time, felt like a genuine escape. The serenity of gliding across the calm water, surrounded by nature’s beauty, was exactly what I needed.
Adding to the sweetness of the day was the knowledge that my children were diligently preparing a lovely Mother’s Day tea for my mom and me back home. It was a day filled with dual anticipation and joy. All in all, it was a truly fun and memorable day. If you’re a kayaking enthusiast, or even if you’ve been considering trying it, I wholeheartedly recommend making a Mother’s Day trip to the water—it’s an unforgettable way to celebrate and connect with nature.
Elevate Your Reading: The Power of a Book Notes Journal
I can’t pinpoint the exact article where I stumbled upon this brilliant tip, but I know it was buried within a piece on how to become a more engaged and effective reader. The advice was simple yet profound:
“To significantly improve your retention and understanding of what you read, start a dedicated Book Notes Journal. Use it to capture inspiring quotes, intriguing ideas, and personal reflections that emerge from your readings.”
This idea instantly resonated with me. In the era of digital books, underlining isn’t quite the same; while there’s a highlight function, I rarely, if ever, revisit those highlighted sections. What’s the point of capturing insights if they just get lost in the digital ether? And while the majority of audiobooks I enjoy are fiction, my daily morning reads often include Christian non-fiction, which frequently presents profound thoughts I want to remember and apply.
Enter the trusty pen and paper—a classic solution that never fails. I unearthed an old composition notebook we had lying around and began my new habit the very next day. On the title page, I simply wrote “Book Notes Journal” (remarkably original, I know!) along with the start date, March 2019. I’ll eagerly fill in the end date when I eventually complete it.
The system is elegantly straightforward: title the second page with the book’s title and the date you started reading/listening. Then, keep a pen conveniently at hand for any moment you wish to jot down something memorable. Begin a fresh page for each new book you embark on. This simple practice ensures that your valuable insights are organized and easily accessible.
It sounds almost too simple, but I’m already experiencing the benefits. It’s incredibly satisfying to effortlessly refer back to notes or revisit powerful ideas. The article that sparked this idea mentioned that the author had accumulated several full notebooks over time, referring to them constantly as a rich personal library of wisdom. I’m certainly planning an upgrade for my next journal; I think this classic ruled faux leather notebook would look much nicer on a shelf, transforming my collection of notes into something more aesthetically pleasing and enduring.
I truly believe this is a brilliant and highly effective idea, and I felt compelled to share it with you, hoping it might enhance your reading journey too!
Effortless Travel: The Magic of Small Packing Cubes
If you caught the latest podcast episode, you’ll know that we recently embarked on a vacation that involved flying, and we made the conscious decision to travel exclusively with carry-on bags. For us, the advantages of carry-on travel—like saving time at baggage claim, avoiding lost luggage, and the sheer convenience—far outweigh any potential drawbacks. However, I’ll be completely honest: fitting everything I want for a two-week vacation into a single 20-inch carry-on bag is certainly not easy. But sometimes, I genuinely enjoy the challenge!
A few years ago, when we journeyed to Greece, I successfully managed to pack a substantial amount of clothing suitable for cooler spring weather using a specific set of packing tips. For this current trip, however, I decided it was time to finally embrace packing cubes. Literally every travel site I follow raves about them, and my daughter couldn’t stop praising their utility after her overseas trip last year. Last summer, I purchased a basic set of bags that included three sizes: small, medium, and large. I quickly discovered that the medium and large sizes were simply too bulky for a compact carry-on, taking up far too much precious space.
This time around, I opted for this specific set of small packing cubes, and I am absolutely delighted with them. They fit perfectly, three across, in my carry-on suitcase, creating a wonderfully neat and organized final layer. I stuffed them quite full, and the zippers held up beautifully, demonstrating their robust quality. I designated one cube for all my underthings and pajamas, another for my entire swim collection (two suits, one sarong, and a rashguard), and the final one for all my tanks and tops. This clever organization left ample room for my bottoms, dresses, shoes, and a few miscellaneous items to be layered underneath. Stay tuned, because I’ll be sharing a comprehensive guide soon, detailing exactly how I packed everything, including toiletries—a crucial element many packing guides unfortunately overlook!
Another significant advantage I discovered upon arrival at our Airbnb was the ease of “unpacking.” I simply unzipped the cubes and placed them directly into the dresser drawers. They kept everything impeccably tidy and easily accessible, eliminating the usual unpacking and reorganizing hassle. So far, I’ve become a new and enthusiastic convert to packing cubes. Have you tried them yet? What are your thoughts?
Smart Carry-on Solutions: Clear Toiletry Bag & Silicone Bottles
Another crucial aspect of my travel prep that needed an upgrade was my liquids bag. For years, I’ve faithfully used a standard Ziploc quart bag to comply with the TSA’s “3-1-1” carry-on rule (3 ounces per container, fitting into one quart-sized bag, with one bag permitted per passenger). However, even the slightly larger slide-zipper top bags were always bursting at the seams, a constant source of frustration and anxiety during security checks. On our most recent flight, I noticed a woman ahead of me effortlessly sending a significantly larger (or so it seemed) clear bag through security, which passed without issue. What was this miraculous bag?
As it turns out, it was a bag much like this one. A clear, fully TSA-compliant “quart-size” bag designed with a box-like structure. This seemingly minor difference allows it to hold an astonishing amount more than my flimsy Ziploc bags ever could. I immediately put it to the test, and the difference in capacity is truly remarkable. It’s the ingenious box-design that makes all the difference, allowing it to expand and accommodate more items while still adhering to security regulations, making your airport experience smoother.
To complement this new bag, I also incorporated silicone travel bottles, another fantastic recommendation from my ever-resourceful daughter. She highly praised them for several reasons: they hold more liquid than the tiny, rigid travel bottles commonly found in stores, they are genuinely leakproof (a traveler’s dream!), and they are far easier to squeeze and dispense product from. And she was absolutely right on all counts.
Each bottle comfortably holds 3 ounces, which is more than enough shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and sunscreen to last me for a two-week trip. It’s often the little things that make the biggest difference in travel comfort and convenience, and these silicone bottles have quickly become a beloved addition to my packing essentials!
Embrace Comfort & Style: Active and Modest Swimwear for Every Adventure
Another item on my pre-vacation checklist was a reliable rashguard, specifically for snorkeling. When you’re spending an hour or more with your back exposed to the sun’s intense rays while floating face down, robust sun protection is non-negotiable. After extensive research, I decided to invest a few extra dollars for a zip-up rashguard. The zippered front makes it significantly easier to put on and take off, especially when wet, and it offers the added bonus of doubling as a light jacket over regular clothes if needed. Achieving a “two-for-one” functionality is always my goal when selecting travel apparel!
I absolutely adore this rashguard! I find it surprisingly flattering for a piece of active swimwear, thanks to the cleverly designed slimming black panels. I typically wear a two-piece suit bra top underneath it, which provides excellent support and coverage. To complete this active ensemble, I paired it with these versatile swim shorts. I wanted to lean into the “active” aesthetic, as I couldn’t quite visualize my usual swim skirt complementing the rashguard. Brian jokingly commented that I look like a triathlete in this outfit, which always makes me laugh out loud, because triathlons are probably one of the last athletic endeavors I’d ever consider!
Regardless of any perceived athletic aspirations, these swim shorts truly do the trick. My thighs are, admittedly, my least favorite body part, so the shorts provide comfortable coverage and boost my confidence. More importantly, they offer excellent sun protection for the backs of my thighs while snorkeling, preventing uncomfortable sunburns. I genuinely feel quite good and comfortable wearing this combination, which is a big win for swimwear. I’ve already put them to the test, and they perform wonderfully, drying pretty quickly, though naturally, no swimwear this substantial will dry as fast as a minimalist suit.
Ready to upgrade your swim gear? Check out these favorites:
- Zipper Rashguard
- Swim Shorts
May Reads: Dive into Our Latest Book Recommendations
This past month, I surprisingly managed to read and listen to a grand total of ten books! You might rightly guess that this achievement meant I was spending a considerable amount of time outdoors, particularly in the yard and garden. And you would be absolutely correct! Brian and I poured immense effort into installing an automatic watering system in our raised-bed vegetable garden just before our vacation. This intensive project provided countless hours of perfect audiobook listening time. (And as a side note, that watering system turned out incredibly well—I can’t wait to share the details with you, as it was surprisingly easy and inexpensive compared to many “official” irrigation systems!)
Among the ten, a few truly stood out, and I believe you might enjoy them as much as I did. Here are my top picks from May:
Historical Fiction & Thrillers
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth E. Wein. (This book was also highlighted as a “Cool Thing” on episode 58 of the podcast.) Brian and I listened to this compelling audiobook together and were both thoroughly captivated. The narrators did an outstanding job, bringing the characters and the intense WWII setting in Britain vividly to life from the very first moments. The story unfolds as if one character is recounting her history to another, and we soon discover this is part of a harrowing interrogation of a woman captured by the Nazis in occupied France. We particularly enjoyed the narrative style, which required us to piece together the story as we listened, creating an engaging and immersive experience. While set against the brutal backdrop of war, the true essence of the novel lies in the profound friendship between the captured woman and her friend, a rare female pilot of that era. Despite its wartime themes, it’s not overly graphic, focusing instead on powerful messages of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Although I experienced a slight disappointment with the ending (as you’ll know if you listened to the podcast!), I still wholeheartedly recommend this thrilling and emotionally rich read.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. This powerful book spent a significant amount of time on the NYT bestseller list, and I had seen countless recommendations for it. I hesitated to pick it up for a while, knowing that despite its eventual hopeful undertones, it would undoubtedly be a challenging and emotionally taxing read. And, indeed, there are moments where your heart aches and your mind struggles to grasp the sheer depravity and cruelty that transpired in Auschwitz. Yet, the enduring love story of Lale and Gita truly shines through as a beacon of hope, depicting their fierce determination to survive and find moments of joy even in the darkest circumstances. I was particularly moved when I discovered at the end that, while presented as historical fiction, the narrative is based on the true, harrowing experiences Lale shared with the author over several years at the end of his life. This revelation, detailed in the author’s note and an epilogue written by their son, made the story even more profound. It is at once amazing, heartbreaking, and beautiful. I’m so glad I finally made myself listen to the audiobook; it offered a transformative perspective on my own world, fostering a deeper sense of gratitude and reminding me not to dwell on life’s trivialities.
Heartfelt & Inspiring Stories
The Man in the Window by Jon Cohen. This was an exceptionally sweet and moving story that had been lingering on my “To Be Read” list for quite some time. It beautifully chronicles the lives of a recluse, whose isolation stems from a childhood accident, and a sensible yet unconventionally striking nurse, and how their paths serendipitously intertwine. I was particularly drawn to the author’s poignant descriptions of their internal worlds and burgeoning feelings, especially for the man who spends his days observing life from his window. The narrative beautifully captures the profound impact of human connection, particularly when he experiences the physical closeness of another person—describing the feeling of a neighbor’s thigh against his in a car en route to the hospital (where, of course, he first encounters the nurse) and the unexpected comfort of human contact he desperately wishes would never end. You develop a deep sense of empathy for him and the difficult trajectory his life has taken. I loved how both characters, initially guarded and fearful of opening up, ultimately overcome their hesitations, recognizing the profound need for connection within themselves and each other. The supporting family and secondary characters are vividly drawn and also demonstrate significant growth throughout the book. It’s truly a lovely story, and I’m now eager to explore more works by this author. I’ve heard wonderful things about Harry’s Trees—has anyone read it?
Faith & Personal Growth
God Breathed by Josh McDowell. The last Josh McDowell book I read was “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” during my college years! That particular book was immensely faith-building, and arguably life-changing, for me at that stage. I was unaware, however, of “God Breathed,” which was written only a few years ago. This newer work largely covers similar, vital ground: exploring the myriad ways in which the Bible stands as undeniably true, both historically and when compared against other ancient texts that we seldom question. What makes this book particularly compelling is its updated content, incorporating new archaeological finds and scholarly insights that further substantiate the Bible’s trustworthiness and divine inspiration. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of what the Bible is, how its various books came to be compiled, and why we can place our complete trust in its message. It’s an incredibly faith-affirming read, particularly adept at addressing common objections to the Bible, such as concerns about translations, questions surrounding “lost” books, and perceived inconsistencies. A truly valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and faith.
Love Lucy by Lucille Ball. (Also featured as a “Cool Thing” on episode 59 of the podcast.) This autobiography was a delightful surprise! I selected it as one of the monthly free books offered on Audible (they provide six options each month, in addition to your regular monthly credit. I’ve transitioned to an every-other-month subscription and truly appreciate how Audible operates, from its daily deals to these fantastic free selections. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial here, which includes 2 audiobooks + 2 Audible Originals—and they’re yours to keep even if you decide not to continue your subscription). In fact, I found so many fascinating insights I wanted to share with Brian that I paused my solo listening halfway through and waited for us to finish it together! This is an “as told to” autobiography that Lucille Ball herself recorded in the early 1960s. She then tucked it away and never mentioned it to anyone. It was only discovered after her death in 1989, much to the astonishment of her children. The audiobook is wonderfully narrated by her daughter, Lucie Arnaz, who also provides a touching forward explaining its remarkable discovery. The book chronicles Lucy’s childhood, her journey to Hollywood, her career as a contract player, her meeting with Desi Arnaz, and ultimately, how they came to create the iconic “I Love Lucy” show. It’s incredibly interesting, and I particularly admired her candid yet never catty approach to discussing the challenges within her marriage to Desi. I learned so many new things, not only about Lucille Ball herself but also about the intricate workings of the Hollywood studio system during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. A truly fun and enlightening read!
The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken. Brian read this impactful book a few years ago, and it profoundly affected him, leading him to suggest it for our home group’s discussion this year. We’ve been slowly making our way through it over several months, delving into a couple of chapters at a time and engaging in thoughtful discussions. The book tells the gripping true story of a family called by God to fulfill the Great Commission, venturing into parts of the world few would dare. Their journey began in Africa, and one of their mission areas included Somalia during the horrific height of its suffering and civil war in the 1990s (the period depicted in the “Black Hawk Down” movie). Reading this, I had no conception of the literal hell on earth that existed there then—and it prompts one to wonder if conditions persist today. The book bravely shares candid stories of how God miraculously met them in impossible circumstances, but also recounts moments where His intervention wasn’t immediately apparent, exploring the profound impact these experiences had on their faith. Nik, in particular, wrestled deeply with his own faith, which led him to embark on a further mission: to record interviews with Christians who had suffered under persecuting governments, such as Russia and China. This remarkable collection of testimonies reveals invaluable lessons we can learn from their unwavering resilience. It’s a deeply moving and profoundly faith-building book that challenges and inspires in equal measure.
Watching: Our Latest Entertainment Picks
TV Series Recommendations
Amazon Prime:
I Can Only Imagine. I had been eager to watch this film for quite some time, and I’m so glad we finally did! This is such a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant story that provides the compelling real-life background to the incredibly famous song of the same title. I also learned that the song itself is one of the best-selling Christian songs of all time and, notably, garnered significant airplay on non-Christian stations too. Its message truly resonated deeply with people, especially in the era following 9/11, offering comfort and hope when it was most needed. It’s a powerful and inspiring watch.
Netflix:
Avengers: Infinity War. (You can also rent this on Amazon or YouTube.) We watched this action-packed film as essential background preparation before heading to the cinema to see “Endgame.” After all, it seemed like everyone was talking about “Endgame,” and we felt we should be in the loop, right? It was actually quite good, and I always maintain that with these types of blockbuster superhero movies, you know exactly what you’re getting—and sometimes, that’s precisely the kind of thrilling, escapist entertainment you’re looking for. It delivers on its promise of epic scale and intense action.
PBS:
Les Misérables. This is a non-musical miniseries adaptation based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, faithfully following the well-known story of Jean Valjean. It’s a very well-produced and acted series, though it often delves into the darker, more somber aspects of humanity and societal injustice. The narrative frequently portrays people not receiving what they justly deserve, while others escape consequences—a central point, I believe, the author intended to convey about the human condition and social inequalities. It’s a long, detailed story, and with six episodes, the series does an excellent job of fleshing out the intricate plot and character developments comprehensively.
Hulu:
Malcolm in The Middle. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this show during its original run in the 2000s, and we’re currently revisiting it with our daughter, enjoying it all over again. One aspect I always appreciated most about the series was the profoundly loving and resilient relationship between the parents, Lois and Hal. Despite facing constant challenges and the often-hard realities of life, they always had each other’s backs, and their deep affection for one another was always evident. That genuine portrayal of parental partnership was something I truly loved. Plus, we still find ourselves laughing out loud at their antics. This enduring image of Bryan Cranston as Malcolm’s lovable, funny, and wonderfully flawed dad is precisely why I could never bring myself to watch “Breaking Bad”—he will always be Hal to me! However, I was perfectly happy to see him in The Upside, because he played such a nice character, thankfully!
Movie Night Highlight
Shazam! – This movie is undeniably silly, but in the best possible way. It’s consistently funny, and you know exactly what you’re getting with films like this: good, clean, family-friendly fun with plenty of action and humor. Beyond the superhero antics, it also delivered a surprisingly sweet and heartfelt theme revolving around the importance of family, the dynamics of foster families, and the universal desire to be wanted and belong. It’s a feel-good movie with a strong, positive message.
That wraps up another edition of our Good Things List! I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your next read, travel essential, or cozy night in. If you’re curious to explore more of my favorite recommendations from previous months, you can check out all the Good Things Lists here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts—have you tried any of these recommendations, or do you have some wonderful “good things” of your own that you’d recommend? Please share your insights and comments below!
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