February’s Best: Monthly Favorites, Cozy Getaways & Must-Reads

Welcome to our monthly roundup of delightful discoveries and cherished experiences! Each month, we curate a list of good things to do, buy, read, watch, and more, helping you find joy and inspiration.

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February proved to be quite an eventful month, challenging many with winter’s grip and unexpected twists. Like many, I felt a distinct drag, navigating through sickness, severe storms, or simply the persistent winter blues. While our household fortunately avoided illness, we experienced an unprecedented snowfall—the most our area has seen since 1969—accompanied by a power outage that stretched over six long days. Imagine, some in our community faced even longer periods without power in sub-freezing temperatures!

The days felt unusually dark and drawn out, making work on the website, our farmhouse projects, and daily homemaking feel like an uphill climb. There was a pervasive feeling of trudging along, which honestly, lingers to some extent even now. Suffice it to say, I am more than ready for the vibrant renewal of spring!

Amidst these challenges, one significant source of light was an online Bible study I participated in. Titled “It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way,” it’s based on a book by Lisa TerKeurst and hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The study focuses on navigating disappointment, understanding God’s perspective, and finding solace in His word. It proved incredibly timely and beneficial for me, offering comfort and guidance during a difficult period. If you’re grappling with disappointment in your own life, I highly recommend exploring this resource.

This Month’s Delightful Discoveries & Experiences

An Unforgettable Snowfall

February truly concluded with a bang! The last Sunday of the month brought an unexpected, heavy snowfall that started around noon. Initially, it seemed like typical Western Oregon snow—falling for hours but never quite sticking. Famous last words, indeed.

We awoke the next morning to a foot of snow, with more steadily descending. Unfortunately, our power had gone out around 2 AM, plunging our home into freezing temperatures and dampening any immediate enjoyment of the winter spectacle. The snow was unusually heavy and wet, causing tree limbs to snap and fall everywhere. We lost a significant flowering cherry tree in the front yard, a huge branch from the back cherry, and countless smaller branches from our little oak forest. We felt immense gratitude that none of the fallen trees or branches impacted any of our buildings.

With the electric company predicting days for power restoration, we decided to evacuate to my sister’s house in town, which mercifully still had electricity. By the time we left, another foot of snow had accumulated, completely burying our outdoor table. It was an absolutely surreal experience, unlike anything we typically witness in our region.

At my sister’s, we had the immense blessing of staying in the adorable “Knotty Cottage,” a tiny guesthouse she and her husband built in their backyard. This cozy retreat, used for both family and Airbnb guests, was a true lifesaver. With a loft and a Murphy bed, there was ample space for the three of us. We enjoyed unexpected quality time with my sister’s family and even my nephew’s family, who also sought warmth and shelter. What began as a challenging situation transformed into a sweet, memorable family gathering. While I wouldn’t wish for another six-day power outage, I will certainly cherish the joyful memories from that unexpected time together.

A Tranquil Cabin Getaway

Before the record-breaking snowfall, our original plan for February’s highlight was a much-needed cabin getaway. To combat the midwinter doldrums, Brian and I rented a cabin on the Horse Creek Lodge property, nestled along the McKenzie Highway—just an hour from home. This location offered the perfect balance: close enough for an easy drive, yet far enough to feel like a genuine escape. Our two-night stay was precisely what we needed to recharge.

The accommodations, found through an Airbnb listing, exceeded our expectations. The cabin was outfitted like a boutique hotel room, featuring luxurious fluffy comforters, an abundance of pillows, and soft towels. The kitchenette was thoughtfully stocked with coffee, tea, and essential spices, while extra touches like split kindling and wood for the fireplace, along with candles, created a truly inviting atmosphere. The charming porch offered a peaceful forest view (the distant white patches were actually lingering snow from a previous, smaller snowfall—thankfully, we visited before the big storm hit!).

This delightful trip materialized after Brian, surprisingly, suggested one January day that we find a cabin to do puzzles while listening to audiobooks. My immediate reaction, after initial surprise (he’s never been much for puzzles!), was “Why aren’t we doing this already?!” It was a wonderfully quiet, simple, and fun interlude from our usual winter routine. I’m quite certain this will become a cherished new tradition for us.

Investing in Quality: Affordable Cashmere

Following a significant decluttering of our household a few years ago (a process I’ve touched upon in this podcast episode, which involved shedding a lot before selling our home), I’ve been on a mission to refine my wardrobe. My goal is a closet filled exclusively with items I genuinely love, that flatter me, and that reflect my personal style—not just what external trends or expectations dictate.

For instance, I adore black and feel confident and stylish when I wear it. Yet, for years, I felt pressured to incorporate more color into my wardrobe, a common fashion mantra. This led to purchasing items I didn’t truly love, simply because they were on sale or filled a perceived “color gap.” Unsurprisingly, those pieces rarely lasted. Now, my focus is firmly on quality over quantity. I’m moving away from inexpensive sweaters that pill quickly and aren’t made of natural fibers. It’s surprisingly challenging to find even 100% cotton t-shirts these days!

A long-time aspiration was to own a cashmere sweater. Recently, I began searching online, curious about current prices, and was thrilled to discover truly affordable cashmere options. I purchased my first one—in the classic style pictured above, but naturally, in black! I aim to find sales that bring the price down to $40-$50. While cashmere is a type of wool (so those sensitive to wool might want to exercise caution), I find it incredibly soft and luxurious. If you’re also looking to invest in quality, long-lasting sweaters, consider J.Crew Factory for affordable cashmere (though it’s no longer available there). Instead, I recommend checking out Macy’s Charter Club Cashmere, and sign up for their emails for extra savings!

A Sweater Shaver That Delivers

Continuing on the topic of garment care, I’ve tried numerous sweater shavers over the years to combat those annoying pills that inevitably appear with wear. Most were disappointing, including a cheap $3 model that proved entirely ineffective. This time, I turned to Amazon, specifically to delve into customer reviews. The highly-rated shaver that emerged as the best was a bit more than $3, but I was ready to invest in something that actually worked. Upon its arrival, I immediately put it to the test on my most pilly sweater—a handmade 100% wool piece that, due to its fluffy nature, pills more than average.

The results were phenomenal! All the pills vanished, leaving the sweater looking fresh and new. I was so impressed, I started “shaving” everything in sight! A quick tip: I found it works best without the small fabric protector attachment it comes with. If you decide to purchase this shaver, I recommend testing it on an inconspicuous area first to see how it performs on your specific garment. Click here to view the product and read reviews.

February Reads: Diving Into Diverse Stories

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

This beautifully crafted novel offers a fictionalized, yet historically rich, account of the improbable love story between Joy Davidman Gresham and C.S. Lewis. Having previously watched the movie Shadowlands and read A Grief Observed, I was deeply curious about their connection. Callahan meticulously researched their letters and family histories, incorporating much of Joy’s own writing, which provided invaluable insight. The narrative skillfully portrays their slow convergence—a meeting of minds blossoming into a profound connection that fit seamlessly into Lewis’s life and interests. Despite knowing the poignant ending, the book is an uplifting and truly moving read, perfect for fans of historical fiction and stories of deep human connection.

Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters

This is a fascinating, albeit dark and often sad, story built on a chilling premise: Abraham Lincoln’s assassination before his inauguration prevents the Emancipation Proclamation, leading to legalized, entrenched slavery in “The Hard Four” Southern states. The protagonist is an escaped slave coerced into tracking other runaways in the North, creating a profound irony. As he pursues a mission that forces him to reevaluate everything he believes, the story becomes a gripping, “seat-of-your-pants” thriller. Brian and I listened to this as an audiobook during our cabin getaway. It serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty and the ongoing need to confront injustice. The ending leaves room for a sequel. (Warning: Contains strong language and disturbing scenes of violence.)

Disappointment with God by Phillip Yancey

My recent engagement with an online Bible study on disappointment led me to this insightful book, recommended by a pastor. Despite being 30 years old, its wisdom remains profoundly relevant today. Yancey tackles the universal, hard-hitting questions we ask when life doesn’t align with our dreams: “Why is this happening?” “Why should we pray?” “Why me?” And crucially, “How do we move forward?” and “What guidance does the Bible offer?” While the concepts weren’t entirely new to me, hearing them articulated again was incredibly beneficial. It reinforced the truth in my heart that the Bible is indeed the key to navigating new realities. If you are struggling with any form of disappointment, I wholeheartedly recommend this compassionate and thoughtful exploration.

Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

Though new to Anne Tyler’s work, I was drawn to this book as a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s *Taming of the Shrew*, one of my favorite plays. I was thoroughly charmed! This is a witty, clean, and cute contemporary take on the classic. Tyler’s Kate, while not as overtly “shrewy” as Shakespeare’s, still possesses a knack for rubbing people the wrong way and often prioritizes her own thoughts, even as she dutifully cares for her absent-minded father and teen sister, and unexpectedly connects with her preschool charges. The romantic tension is cleverly spiced with a “Green Card”-like plot device (evoking memories of the wonderful 1990 film Green Card), where Kate’s father’s research assistant faces an expiring visa. Add in escaped lab rats and family dynamics, and you have a fun, quick, and thoroughly enjoyable read.

Entertainment Watchlist: TV & Movies

TV Series:

Victoria Season 3 on PBS. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest season of this historical drama. True to historical events, it concluded with a poignant foreshadowing of Prince Albert’s declining health and eventual early demise. A reminder that even in fictionalized accounts, history’s course remains.

Movies:

Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood. This film, chosen by our daughter one Saturday night, is based on the popular Broadway play. While the overall cinematic execution felt somewhat average for a Clint Eastwood production, the music scenes were truly captivating. It was particularly fascinating to see how some of The Four Seasons’ classic songs came to life. We all wished there had been even more singing throughout the movie!

Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot, directed by Gus Van Sant. Brian selected this biopic about Portland cartoonist and paraplegic John Callahan, whose work he remembered for its blend of humor and occasional bad taste. The film opens with Callahan as a seemingly hopeless alcoholic who becomes a quadriplegic, initially leaving low expectations. However, the majority of the movie powerfully chronicles his emergence from addiction through an AA group. It evolves into a funny, dark, sad, sweet, and surprisingly inspirational story. Joaquin Phoenix delivers another phenomenal performance. (Warning: Contains strong language, suggestive content related to paraplegic sex, and offensive cartoons.)

Plan 9 From Outer Space Rifftrax. If Brian picks the movie in our house, it’s often something like this! Rifftrax, an offshoot of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew, involves comedians making humorous commentary over notoriously bad old movies. *Plan 9 From Outer Space* is widely considered the king of bad sci-fi films. Having now watched it, I can confirm its terrible quality, even with the added comedic commentary. Proceed with caution!

That concludes another edition of our Good Things List! If you’re keen to explore more of my recommendations and favorites, you can find all previous Good Things Lists here. I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations or have your own suggestions to share. Please leave a comment below!

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