February & March Favorites: Celebrating Life, Sustainable Swaps, and Engaging Reads & Watches
Welcome to this month’s installment of ‘Good Things,’ a curated list of delightful discoveries, meaningful moments, practical finds, and captivating media that have enriched my life recently. This month, we’re diving into the heartwarming details of a family wedding, an earnest appreciation for an often-overlooked household staple, smart swaps for a more sustainable home, and a thoughtful roundup of books and shows that captured my attention.
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As we eagerly welcome March and the undeniable promise of spring, I find myself reflecting on what was a truly memorable and wonderful February for our family. Unlike the previous year, which brought challenging power outages and lingering feelings of ‘weather-trauma,’ this February was blessedly serene. We sailed through the month without any significant disruptions, culminating in a glorious final week filled with sunny skies and temperatures soaring to a delightful 63 degrees! This unexpected warmth felt like a gentle nod from nature, signaling new beginnings and brighter days ahead.
Beyond the pleasant weather, February will forever hold a special place in our hearts due to a truly significant family event: our daughter’s wedding. This joyous occasion, filled with all the wonderful (and yes, slightly stressful) preparations, has imbued February with a new, radiant light. It was a month of celebration, connection, and immense gratitude, setting a beautiful tone for the year. The memories created during this time will undoubtedly shape our perspectives and bring a smile to our faces for years to come.
And now, as spring truly takes hold, the garden beckons! The seeds I diligently started last month are thriving, showing robust growth, and I’ve just finished planting a fresh batch of pepper and tomato seeds, eagerly anticipating their bountiful harvest. Outside, Brian has been busy pruning the grapevine, a vital task for healthy future yields, while I’ve begun the satisfying work of cutting back the spent flowering herbs and perennials, making way for new growth. The daffodils are already budding, their vibrant yellow promising to burst forth any day now, a truly exciting harbinger of the season. Bring on spring, indeed!
Okay, let’s dive into more of the good things that made these past weeks so special!
Monthly Highlights: Connecting, Living, and Discovering
The Unforgettable Joy of Family & Friends
Our daughter’s wedding in February was an absolute dream, and beyond the inherent joy of the occasion itself, Brian and I were left with a profound sense of happiness. It was the delicious afterglow that comes from witnessing people gather, not just out of obligation, but with genuine love and support for one another. This precious feeling underscored the immense value of strong family bonds and enduring friendships.
Truly, this wedding would not have been possible without the incredible dedication and selfless help from our extended family and friends. Their contributions spanned every detail, from orchestrating the rehearsal dinner to meticulously crafting the table decor, serving as our on-the-day wedding coordinator, and even assisting with the post-event clean-up. Each act of service was a testament to their love, transforming what could have been an overwhelming task into a collective, joyful effort. We felt an outpouring of support and affection that deeply touched our hearts, making the entire experience even more meaningful.
One of the most unexpected and heartwarming highlights for us was simply observing everyone interact, sharing laughter, and catching up. From the bride’s spry grandmother to her exuberant three-year-old nephew, everyone was on the dance floor, having an absolute blast. The infectious energy and pure enjoyment radiating from every corner of the room were truly captivating. It sparked a realization: how wonderful it would be to create more opportunities for such gatherings – perhaps not always on the scale or expense of a wedding, but simply to bring people together for pure fun and connection. It makes me wonder if we should prioritize more casual family and friend reunions, fostering these invaluable moments of shared happiness.
The Elegance of the Rehearsal Dinner Table Decor
I simply must highlight the absolutely exquisite table setting Brian’s sister created for the rehearsal dinner, which she graciously hosted in her home. Her attention to detail and impeccable taste truly transformed the space. By adhering to a sophisticated cream and white color scheme, she crafted an elegant and serene ambiance that felt neither overdone nor stuffy. It was a perfect example of how simplicity can achieve profound beauty.
The foundation of her design included simple stemless glasses, gold-rimmed plates that added a subtle touch of luxury, pristine white tablecloths, and classic taper candles, which cast a warm, inviting glow. This understated elegance allowed the floral arrangements to truly become the centerpiece. She skillfully selected just three types of flowers—romantic roses, lush hydrangeas, and delicate baby’s breath—accented with a few sprigs of eucalyptus for filler. This thoughtful combination created a beautiful statement that was both impactful and surprisingly easy to assemble, offering a wonderful inspiration for anyone looking to create a refined table setting.
What I particularly admired was the clever use of height variation provided by both tall vases and lower, rectangular arrangements. My sister-in-law utilized acrylic rectangular flower vases similar to these, which proved incredibly effective in creating these stunning centerpieces with ease. She actually owns quite a few of these, and she confirmed that none have leaked, addressing a common concern I’ve read in some product reviews. I especially love how the flowers beautifully spilled over the edges of these vases, creating a more organic and abundant look compared to the more rigid rows of roses often seen in promotional shots. I believe these versatile vases would be fantastic for showcasing all kinds of floral arrangements, adapting beautifully to any season or occasion.
An Ode to the Underrated Powdered Dishwasher Detergent
You might wonder why I’d dedicate a section to powdered dishwashing detergent (which I conveniently purchase at Grove here or Target here). The simple truth is, while I know that pods have become the overwhelming favorite due to their perceived ease of use, I believe powdered detergent offers significant advantages that are often overlooked. It’s time to shed some light on why this traditional choice is still a champion in my book.
Let’s talk about the key drawbacks of pods: the pervasive plastic packaging and the rigid, pre-measured amounts you can’t adjust. Think about the environmental impact of those plastic pouches and individual wraps, accumulating with every load of dishes. Powdered detergent, on the other hand, typically comes in a cardboard box that is easily recyclable, making it a much more eco-conscious choice for your kitchen. Beyond the environmental benefits, there’s a substantial financial advantage. With powdered detergent, I use a single tablespoon for a full load, which means I consistently save a considerable amount of money compared to the more expensive, non-adjustable pods. The ability to determine the precise amount of detergent needed for each load not only prevents waste but also ensures optimal cleaning without overusing product. While liquid detergents also allow for adjustment, they too come in plastic packaging, and measuring them with a tablespoon can be messier, often leading to residual soap in the container and the need for extra rinsing. It’s just a little food for thought for those seeking both efficiency and sustainability in their daily routines.
Discovering a Cute & Inexpensive Steel Enamel Bowl Set
In my previous Good Things list, I mentioned my ongoing effort to replace old plastic Tupperware bowls with more sustainable, non-plastic alternatives. My initial successful swaps included sturdy large stainless steel bowls and practical glass nesting bowls with lids, both of which I absolutely adore for their durability and functionality. However, there are specific situations where glass might not be the ideal choice—they are heavier, posing a risk of breakage, especially when transporting food to potlucks or outdoor gatherings. And while my stainless steel bowls are fantastic, they often lack secure lids, which can be inconvenient for storage and transport.
That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to stumble upon this adorable, colorful set of lightweight enamel steel bowls with lids—and at an incredibly affordable price point! These bowls struck the perfect balance: they’re lightweight and less prone to breakage than glass, yet still offer the durability of steel, all while providing convenient, fitted lids. Their versatile sizes make them perfect for a myriad of kitchen tasks; I’ve already put them to good use holding fresh salads, prepared pasta, and prepped vegetables, making meal preparation and storage a breeze. While they are sadly hand-wash only, I find this a minor trade-off for their numerous benefits, as they are quite simple to clean. For those who appreciate a classic aesthetic, they also come in a slightly more expensive set of red-white-blue bowls, offering another charming option.
February Books Read: A Dive Into This Month’s Literary Adventures
West With Giraffes, Lynda Rutledge. Brian and I opted for the audiobook version of this novel, which I’d seen frequently featured on various “must-read” lists. It turned out to be… okay. The strongest aspect of the book is its foundation in a remarkable true story: the journey of two giraffes who miraculously survived a major hurricane in the 1930s before embarking on a cross-country road trip to become the first giraffes at the San Diego Zoo. Their journey captured the nation’s imagination, offering a much-needed feel-good story during the Great Depression, and this historical context was genuinely compelling. The fictional narrative centers on a young man who becomes an integral part of their journey, driving them across the country alongside their real-life handler. Through his eyes, we witness the country’s landscape during that difficult era and the desperation faced by many, including our determined hero. While we enjoyed this aspect, the story’s framing device—an elderly driver looking back, frequently intercut with disjointed present-day observations of a giraffe outside his window—severely disrupted the narrative flow. These interludes felt arbitrary, adding little beyond reminding us of his age, constantly pulling us out of the momentum of the historical journey. A simple prologue/epilogue structure would have been far more effective. (Despite our mixed feelings, it holds a 4.6-star rating with over 100k reviews on Amazon, so clearly, we’re in the minority on this one!)
Miss Austen, Gill Hornsby. Oh, I absolutely adored this book, and I have a strong feeling it will land on my year-end favorites list! I borrowed it from the library specifically in anticipation of the upcoming PBS Masterpiece production, which I believe is set for early May. Prior to hearing about the PBS series, I knew very little about the book itself, which made the experience even more delightful. The author ingeniously takes known facts about the Austen family and weaves a richly fictionalized account of what might have motivated Jane Austen’s sister, Cassandra (Cassie), to destroy some of Jane’s private letters. The narrative skillfully toggles between Cassie’s present-day efforts to retrieve these old letters and flashbacks that illuminate the secrets and affections behind them, explaining why Cassie, driven by deep love and loyalty, would never want them published. I thoroughly enjoyed the “behind-the-scenes” feel of these historical glimpses, as well as the portrayal of an older, wiser Cassie who, by then, understood the burgeoning popularity and legacy of her sister’s work. While not a plot-heavy narrative, subtle but significant events unfold, and the storytelling itself is utterly charming and beautifully rendered.
One Star Romance, Laura Hankin. This title was recommended online as a fun, closed-door romantic comedy, and my experience with it was… just okay. The premise involves a struggling writer heroine and a hero who are both best friends with a central couple, leading to repeated encounters over the years at parties, a wedding, and other events. They initially share a spark but then clash dramatically over the heroine’s first published book, which satirizes her friend’s fiancé (who also happens to be the hero’s friend). This leads to the hero publicly giving the book a scathing one-star rating. For me, the main issue, despite the popular enemies-to-lovers trope, was that for the majority of the book, the protagonists genuinely seemed to despise each other, exchanging truly terrible remarks. This sustained animosity dominated the narrative, leaving very little room for believable relationship building. Consequently, when they finally did come together, their connection felt forced and didn’t resonate as genuinely or satisfyingly as I had hoped for in a romantic comedy.
The Rom-Commers, Katherine Center. Now, *this* is a romantic comedy I can truly champion! Having enjoyed several other Katherine Center books, I went into this one with high expectations, and it absolutely delivered. True to her signature style, the novel grounds its romantic elements in a serious, often heart-rending, underlying story, giving it depth and realism. The heroine has paused her own writing aspirations to care for her ailing father, yet she possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of romantic comedies and has a substantial body of work. Her high-school friend, now a successful agent, recommends her for a ghost-writing opportunity to assist a popular author currently experiencing a significant writing slump. Their initial meeting, predictably, is a disaster, but they eventually move past it and begin to forge a connection that feels genuinely organic and well-developed. I particularly loved watching how they subtly brought out the best in each other, fostering mutual growth and understanding. The setting, primarily Los Angeles during the writing of a movie script, added a fun “fish-out-of-water” element for the heroine, who had previously led a much quieter life. This engaging and uplifting book is a strong contender for my “best of” list this year!
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? Crystal Smith Paul. I distinctly recall the buzz around this book when it was selected as a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and I was intrigued by the promise of an insightful look into the concept of “passing”—when light-skinned Black individuals chose to live as white—within the context of old Hollywood. The initial half of the book, which delves into Kitty Karr’s upbringing in the segregated South and her eventual rise to stardom in Hollywood, was indeed compelling and offered a fascinating historical perspective. The core problem, however, was that this engaging historical narrative comprised only half of the book. The contemporary storyline, featuring a multitude of characters who were difficult to connect with or care about, felt discordant and largely lacked the gravity and seriousness of the earlier scenes. It felt rather flippant by comparison, and I unfortunately found myself skipping through these modern sections, eager to return to Kitty’s past.
The Answer Is No, Fredrick Backman. And the answer is a resounding “no” to this short story as well. Fredrick Backman, the acclaimed author of beloved novels like *Beartown*, usually delivers poignant and insightful narratives. However, in this particular short story, he seemed to try far too hard to imbue a fundamentally silly premise with profound meaning. The result was a narrative that stretched on for too long, becoming utterly absurd and ultimately missing its mark entirely. The story begins with the main character proclaiming his happiness in solitude and his annoyance with other people. Predictably, it’s quickly revealed that he wasn’t truly happy alone, leading to a somewhat trite “wha-wha” moment. Adding to the confusion, the audiobook featured a female narrator portraying a male lead character, making it incredibly difficult to differentiate voices and diminishing the overall listening experience, as everyone sounded like a woman or a woman attempting a lower voice.
Also on my reading list:
The Familiar, Leigh Bardugo. This one was… truly weird. I did manage to finish it, but in hindsight, I almost wish I hadn’t. Set in 17th-century Madrid during the Spanish Inquisition, this historical fantasy introduces us to a scullery maid who possesses a hidden magical ability. When her employer discovers this, she unscrupulously uses the maid’s powers to advance her own social standing, inevitably leading to grave consequences. The “familiar” of the story is a cursed, immortal man bound to protect a corrupt family. Their paths cross, leading to a rather unconventional love story. As one Goodreads reviewer aptly put it, he’s a “creepy ancient man we are supposed to find unbelievably hot about halfway through”—a description that is surprisingly spot on. Despite the intriguing premise and the many dramatic events that unfold, I found the book surprisingly boring. The two main characters felt largely nondescript, making it challenging to genuinely care about their fates or their developing relationship.
Sandwich, Catherine Newman. (Did Not Finish…) This book seemed to be everywhere, and I waited several months for it from the library with considerable anticipation. The title cleverly refers to the main character’s experience of being part of the “sandwich generation,” navigating the complexities of parenting adult children in their twenties while simultaneously caring for an aging parent. However, despite its relatable premise, I found the narrative incredibly boring and slow-paced. It unfolded as a rather messy family life kind of book, which, I’ve realized, isn’t typically my preferred genre. More critically, I simply couldn’t bring myself to care enough about any of the characters to commit to finishing it. (Again, my opinion seems to be an outlier, as it boasts a 3.9-star rating from over 18,000 ratings—it’s simply not my cup of tea, apparently.)
What We’ve Been Watching: Engaging Shows Worth Your Time
2015 Wolf Hall, PBS Masterpiece. With the exciting news that the next season of *Wolf Hall* is finally arriving this spring (a full decade after the first!), Brian and I decided to revisit the original series, which I had missed entirely upon its initial release. Fortunately, PBS offered it for free streaming on their app (until March 23rd), so we dove right in. And oh my goodness, it is SO GOOD! The series has truly held up incredibly well over time. The compelling narrative unfolds from the unique vantage point of Thomas Cromwell, brilliantly portrayed, as he navigates his remarkable rise to prominence as King Henry VIII’s indispensable right-hand man during the tumultuous Anne Boleyn era. The first season masterfully concludes with Anne’s dramatic beheading, setting the stage for season two to pick up with the remainder of Cromwell’s equally dramatic story (which, spoiler alert for history buffs, does not end well either). Beyond the intricate court politics, I particularly appreciate how the show vividly depicts the daily lives of people across all social strata, not just the inner workings of the monarchy. The production values—from the stunning interiors and expansive exteriors to the meticulously crafted costumes—are simply wonderful, immersing you completely in the historical period.
All Creatures Great and Small: Season 5, PBS. My affection for this sweet, heartwarming, and beautifully crafted show remains unwavering. As we embark on Season 5, I find myself just as captivated by the endearing characters, the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales scenery, and the delightful animal stories as I was from the very beginning. The consistent quality and gentle charm of *All Creatures Great and Small* continue to make it a comforting and utterly enjoyable watch. It’s a true pleasure to observe how the characters have grown and evolved over the years, deepening their relationships and facing new challenges with grace. This series consistently provides a much-needed dose of wholesome entertainment and reminds me of the simple joys in life.
And that wraps up another edition of the ‘Good Things List’!
If you’re interested in exploring more of my favorite discoveries and recommendations, you can find all the previous ‘Good Things Lists’ here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any of these books, products, or shows? Or perhaps you have some wonderful recommendations of your own to share? Please leave a comment below with your insights and suggestions!
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