Monthly Favorites: Inspiring DIY, Must-Read Books, and Top Picks for Home & Family

A monthly list of good things to see, do, buy, read, watch, and more. Dive into our curated selections designed to enhance your home, inspire your reading, and spark new adventures.

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May truly holds a special place in my heart – it’s arguably one of my absolute favorite months of the year. The sheer joy of witnessing nature’s revival, from the vibrant burst of blooming flowers to the steady growth of tender young vegetables and the lush canopy of trees leafing out, is simply unparalleled. It’s a time of renewal and fresh beginnings that always brings a smile to my face, isn’t it?

Coincidentally, May is also the month of my birthday, which naturally makes me associate it with an abundance of good things and positive experiences. This personal connection makes sharing my latest finds even more exciting!

Beyond personal celebrations, I’m thrilled to share some fantastic discoveries and projects with you this month. This includes the completion of a beautiful new bookcase and some charming stenciling details from my recent office makeover. I’ve also found two incredible items lately that have significantly improved my daily life and kitchen routine. And, as always, there are compelling stories to watch and captivating books to read – with one particular title that I’m already confident will earn a spot on my “best of the year” list. Get ready to explore some wonderful additions to your life!

May’s Top Picks and Projects

Building a Rustic DIY Bookcase from Salvaged Wood

My recently revamped office space has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the house. Working in this bright, organized, and inspiring environment genuinely makes me smile every time I step inside. It’s a dramatic and welcome change from the chaotic “before” state, truly a testament to the power of a good home office makeover.

The office has become even more functional and aesthetically pleasing since Brian and I put the finishing touches on the custom bookcase. This piece was specifically designed to perfectly house the vintage locker baskets I’ve cherished for years, giving them a dedicated and stylish home. As you can see in the image above, the new shelf fits flawlessly behind the desk and seamlessly integrates between the existing shelves, creating a cohesive and purposeful nook.

Here’s another closer view, highlighting the unique character of this DIY project:

What I love most about this bookcase is its perfect imperfection. It embodies a rustic charm that only salvaged materials can provide. Brian masterfully constructed the main box and shelf using scrap plywood and leftover trim molding from our farmhouse renovation. For the top, he carefully cut and sanded down old tongue-and-groove siding that we had previously removed from the house when we installed a new foundation. This not only gives the piece a rich history but also an unmatched character.

Once Brian completed the initial construction, I took over the finishing work. My secret weapon for working with less-than-perfect salvaged wood is a combination of wood-fill and caulk – these are absolutely essential for smoothing out imperfections and achieving a refined look. After meticulously filling and caulking, I sanded the entire box and shelf, preparing it for paint. The wood top, already well-sanded by Brian, received three coats of satin polyurethane. I made sure to gently sand between the first and second coats; this crucial step ensures a wonderfully smooth surface that’s not only pleasant to the touch but also incredibly easy to clean, a stark contrast to the rough original wood texture.

Next on my list is organizing the contents of the locker bins. The current labels are remnants from a previous fabric organization project. However, since my fabric stash is no longer what it once was, I plan to repurpose these bins for office supplies, camera equipment, and other frequently accessed items. This way, everything I need will be neatly stored and within easy reach from my desk, further enhancing the functionality of my updated office space.

Adding Charm with an Office Nook Stencil

A few curious readers have inquired about the beautiful stencil I used to add a touch of personality to my closet-turned-office-nook. Finding the perfect stencil proved to be a bit of a quest! I spent considerable time searching for a simple, small-patterned design that would create an appealing overall effect without appearing too busy or overwhelming in the compact space.

Surprisingly, this seemingly straightforward request was not easy to fulfill. The market is saturated with all-over floral designs, elaborate vining patterns, and many options that, in my opinion, tend to look a bit dated. However, I was determined to find an easy and more budget-friendly alternative to wallpaper, so I persisted in my search for the ideal stencil.

My perseverance eventually paid off when I discovered a stencil closely matching my vision at Designer Stencils – specifically this Victorian Lace wall stencil. Its delicate pattern offered the subtle elegance I was hoping for.

For the application, I selected a lovely green acrylic craft paint that I already had on hand, making this an even more economical project. The process was straightforward: I securely taped the stencil to the wall using painter’s tape and applied the paint with a stencil brush. The key to crisp lines and avoiding bleeding is to use a “mostly dry” brush – I achieved this by tapping the brush onto a paper-towel-lined paper plate until most of the excess paint was removed before applying it through the stencil design.

I started in one corner of the nook and systematically worked my way around the space. A clever trick I employed was using the last painted row of the stencil as a guide to level and center the next application, ensuring a consistent and professional-looking pattern. While the entire process did take a couple of hours, it felt surprisingly quick, especially because I was happily engrossed in an audiobook (a must for any DIY project!).

The result is simply delightful. I absolutely love the subtle pop of color and texture the stencil adds to the room, transforming a plain closet into a charming and inviting office nook. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact on the overall feel of the space.

Have you ever tried stenciling walls or furniture? If so, I’d love to hear about your experiences and where you found your favorite stencils! Share your tips in the comments below.

My Go-To Electric Skillet: A Kitchen Essential I Can’t Live Without

When we decided to downsize our home and our children moved out, one of the first things I decluttered was our large electric griddle. While it served its purpose well for a bustling family, its considerable size no longer justified the counter or storage space it occupied for a smaller household. I simply wasn’t using it enough to warrant its presence.

In its place, I experimented with an inexpensive electric skillet, hoping it would offer a more compact yet functional solution. This smaller skillet could comfortably cook about four small pancakes at a time, which felt like a much more appropriate quantity for our household. To my surprise, it quickly became an indispensable tool in my kitchen!

I found myself using it constantly, not just for breakfast staples like pancakes, but also for savory rice cakes, delicious zucchini fritters, and even more ambitious culinary adventures like my attempts at fried chicken. Brian even got in on the action with his latest idea: homemade donuts. This electric skillet proved to be far more versatile than our old, bulky griddle, even if it meant a slightly longer cooking time for larger batches of fritter or pancake-type items. Its compact size and ease of use made it a true workhorse.

However, my enthusiastic use eventually took its toll. After continuous service, the non-stick coating began to lose its effectiveness, manifesting as a tell-tale brown, burned area directly over the heating element. It was a clear sign that it was time for an upgrade.

In my search for a replacement, I was prepared to invest a bit more, given how frequently this appliance was used. After thorough research, I managed to find a skillet that struck the perfect balance: it wasn’t overly expensive, yet it boasted glowing reviews. Crucially, several reviewers specifically mentioned that their skillets had maintained their non-stick properties and hadn’t developed the dreaded burned area over the element even after extended use.

This is the Elite Gourmet 7.5Qt scratch-resistant non-stick skillet I ultimately purchased, and I am absolutely thrilled with it so far! We’ve put it through its paces with donuts, fritters, and hash browns, and I can confirm that nothing sticks. The non-stick surface is truly superior.

It heats remarkably well, though I have noticed a slight temperature variation across the surface when frying, with a few areas cooking at a slightly lower temperature than others. Honestly, I’m not sure there’s any skillet that wouldn’t exhibit this to some degree – I even experience similar variations on my stovetop. Despite this minor observation, its performance has been outstanding.

So, which team are you on: team electric griddle or team electric skillet? I’d love to hear your preferences and why!

Explore the Elite Gourmet 7.5Qt scratch-resistant non-stick skillet and its fantastic reviews here. It might just become your next favorite kitchen gadget!

An Engaging Summer Gift Idea for Young Explorers

If you’re searching for a unique and engaging gift idea for children aged 4-8 that actively encourages outdoor exploration and imaginative play, I wholeheartedly recommend the Adventure Kidz outdoor exploration kit. This set is particularly perfect for complementing any planned camping trips, road trip adventures, or simply encouraging more time spent in the backyard.

The kit is thoughtfully designed to ignite a child’s natural curiosity. It includes a collection of realistic, kid-friendly tools: a pair of binoculars for spotting distant wildlife, a flashlight for illuminating shadowy corners, a compass for learning basic navigation, a whistle for fun signaling, a magnifying glass for examining tiny wonders, and a practical backpack to carry all their gear. Each item comes cleverly packaged in small, individual boxes, adding an exciting element of discovery as they unwrap and find each new “tool.”

I can’t take full credit for this fantastic discovery; the kit was actually on a gift idea list provided by the mom of my twin great-nephews. Witnessing their sheer delight as they opened each box was truly a joy. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the items included and, more importantly, by the immense excitement and engagement it sparked in the boys. They immediately began to use the binoculars to scan the trees and the magnifying glass to inspect leaves, fully embracing their roles as young adventurers.

This kit isn’t just about fun; it’s an educational tool that promotes observational skills, encourages an appreciation for nature, and provides endless opportunities for pretend play. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, fostering a love for the outdoors and scientific curiosity. So, I’m just passing on this wonderful idea, hoping it brings as much joy to the young explorers in your life as it did to mine!

Discover the Adventure Kidz outdoor exploration kit and spark a child’s love for nature here.

April Reads: A Deep Dive into My Latest Literary Adventures

April was a month rich with reading, offering a diverse selection of stories that captivated my imagination and broadened my perspective. Here’s a closer look at what I delved into:

An Incomplete Revenge (Maisie Dobbs 5) by Jacqueline Winspear: As you’ll quickly notice, this month was a bit of a Maisie Dobbs marathon for me! I discovered through the Hoopla app that I could listen to most of the series without waiting, which meant I often finished one and immediately started the next if I didn’t have another book lined up. In this fifth installment, Maisie ventures into the picturesque English countryside, where we’re introduced to the fascinating historical practice of hop picking—a summer tradition for many Londoners seeking respite from the city and a chance to earn extra income. Maisie, of course, solves a compelling mystery, and we gain further insights into her intriguing background. This book also brings a satisfying conclusion to one particular storyline that has been developing in her personal narrative up to this point. While I found it to be an “okay” read, the plot felt a touch slower than previous books in the series. I also find myself increasingly pondering Maisie’s somewhat cold demeanor and wondering how she manages to draw so many people to her—perhaps it’s her exceptional listening skills? Despite these thoughts, the vivid historical setting, well-developed characters, and rich historical context consistently keep me invested and eager for the next installment.

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot: Revisiting this beloved classic was an absolute delight! There’s a fantastic new audio version of this timeless tale, chronicling the adventures of a young vet in early 1920s Yorkshire, England. What makes this particular edition stand out is its narration by the actor who portrays James Herriot in the acclaimed 2020 BBC-Masterpiece series, complete with his authentic Scottish accent. It had been years since we read this book aloud to our children, and it was wonderful to listen to the stories again, especially as I was watching the second season of the PBS series. The audio allowed me to connect specific scenes from the show back to their origins in the book, and also observe how the adaptation cleverly shifted certain elements. It’s a heartwarming, charming, and often humorous look at a bygone era and the dedicated life of a country veterinarian.

When Life Gives You Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan: This is the book that I am almost certain will appear on my “best of the year” list – it was truly exceptional. Brian and I listened to this together, and we were filled with nothing but admiration for the way Jeannie and her husband, Jim, navigated the terrifying discovery of a brain tumor and the subsequent successful, albeit challenging, surgery. The book is incredibly family-affirming, genuinely funny (and I mean truly laugh-out-loud funny in places, despite the serious subject matter), and will undoubtedly give you goosebumps as you witness how powerfully God orchestrated events to ensure she received the help she desperately needed. It’s a raw, honest, and inspiring account of faith, resilience, and the power of love in the face of adversity.

Among The Mad (Maisie Dobbs 6) by Jacqueline Winspear: In this gripping episode of the Maisie Dobbs series, our protagonist finds herself drawn into complex intrigue stemming from the lingering aftermath of World War I. Maisie begins working for Special Branch, which I interpret as England’s equivalent of the CIA, undertaking a new level of covert operations. I particularly enjoyed the fast-paced plot of this installment as Maisie and her dedicated team race against time to locate a dangerous man before he can unleash a devastating bomb on innocent civilians. While all the Maisie Dobbs books explore the profound ways the war affected individuals, this one delves more deeply into the psychological toll, particularly PTSD, its lasting effects, and the disheartening reality that the government at the time largely ignored these invisible wounds (a pattern that, sadly, persisted for much of the century). We also continue to follow the unfolding family story of Billy, a character I’ve grown quite fond of – I genuinely hope he doesn’t actually move to Canada! The continuous development of the supporting characters we’ve come to like adds further depth to the series.

The Mapping of Love and Death (Maisie Dobbs 7) by Jacqueline Winspear: While the mysteries in these books aren’t always the sole draw for me, I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate details of this particular case. It offered a fascinating insight into how mapping techniques were employed during the war and explored the complex personal and family dynamics at the heart of the central mystery. The added dimension of the central family being American introduces an interesting cultural layer to the narrative. The ending of this book also introduces significant changes to Maisie’s life in several ways, including the possibility of her finding love. This particular storyline felt a bit rushed and was introduced rather abruptly towards the end, but I still appreciated seeing Maisie open herself up to a life beyond her demanding work and become a touch more “human” and vulnerable. It hints at promising new directions for her character.

They Turned the World Upside Down by Charles Martin: This book wasn’t quite what I had anticipated. I went into it expecting a focused examination of the book of Acts and a detailed look at how the disciples built the early church after Jesus’ ascension. Instead, it presented itself as a “storyteller’s journey,” and I found myself somewhat confused about its ultimate purpose and genre. At times, the content felt deeply scriptural and biblically grounded, while at other moments, the author seemed to project his own thoughts and interpretations into the minds of the disciples, which I assume constituted the “storytelling” aspect. Interspersed throughout were lengthy exhortations, devotions, or prayers. While I appreciated certain parts and passages, I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in the book due to this inconsistent approach and somewhat muddled identity.

What We’ve Been Watching Lately

TV Series:

The Afterparty, Apple+: We started this comedy-police procedural without many expectations, but it quickly became a laugh-out-loud funny, genuinely poignant, and surprisingly clever series. It perfectly captures the often-awkward yet memorable vibe of a real-life high school reunion (perhaps with a touch of over-the-top antics, but that’s part of the fun!). We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the first three episodes and are eagerly anticipating the rest. The show’s unique narrative structure, where each episode retells the events of the fateful night from a different character’s point of view, makes for a fresh and engaging viewing experience, revealing new clues and comedic layers with each perspective.

Jim Gaffigan – Comedy Monster, Netflix: We pretty much make it a point to watch anything Jim Gaffigan releases. His comedy specials are consistently clean, incredibly clever, and genuinely funny, offering relatable observations on everyday life, family, and food. This latest special continues his tradition of delivering intelligent and hilarious stand-up that the whole family can enjoy.

Movies:

The Grand Seduction, Amazon: I can’t recall where I first heard about this charming little film, but it made its way onto our “to watch” list, and I’m so glad it did. This is the heartwarming story of a small, fictional fishing village in Newfoundland, Canada, facing economic hardship. To bring desperately needed work back to their town, the residents concoct an elaborate plan to lure a manufacturing plant to locate there. The catch? They need a resident doctor to seal the deal. The hilarious and touching lengths they go to in order to bring a city doctor to their remote village and make it seem so idyllic that he’ll choose to stay, make for a truly delightful cinematic experience. It’s a feel-good film with plenty of laughs and genuine emotion.

The Lost City (Theater): We caught this on our most recent date night, and it was a cute and enjoyable film, albeit a bit predictable (which, for me, is perfectly fine sometimes). It definitely had strong “Romancing the Stone” vibes, blending action, adventure, and romantic comedy seamlessly. I particularly enjoyed seeing Sandra Bullock return to her classic PG-13 rom-com realm after several years spent in more rated R fare and intense horror/thrillers. It was a refreshing and entertaining cinematic escape.

The Tinder Swindler, Netflix: This documentary was highly recommended to us as a fascinating watch, and indeed it was. While undeniably captivating, it was also deeply saddening to witness the vulnerabilities exploited and the devastating emotional and financial impact on the victims. It was particularly disappointing to see the apparent lack of severe consequences for individuals who perpetrate such elaborate and cruel scams. The film serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in online interactions and the psychological manipulation that con artists employ.

Belfast, Amazon: Kenneth Branagh’s semi-autobiographical film is rich with both incredibly sweet and profoundly heartbreaking moments. Watching it, I gained a much deeper and more nuanced understanding of the era and the complex politics of Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The portrayal of the divisions that emerged between neighbors and friends is incredibly difficult to watch, yet it feels eerily prescient and relevant to the social and political divides we continue to experience in our own time. It’s a powerful and deeply personal story beautifully told in black and white, leaving a lasting impression.

That’s all for this month’s installment of my curated Monthly Favorites!

If you’re eager to discover more of the things I’m currently enjoying and recommending, you can explore all the previous Monthly Favorites lists here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations yourself or if you have any fantastic suggestions you’d like to share. Please leave a comment below with your insights and discoveries!

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