Your Monthly Compass: Curated Discoveries for Home, Mind, and Entertainment

Welcome to our latest installment of “Good Things,” your go-to guide for a thoughtfully curated list of recommendations across lifestyle, literature, and entertainment. This month, we’re diving into exciting updates, including the grand unveiling of my personalized Amazon shop, exclusive insights from a recent trip to Magnolia Marketplace, in-depth reviews of seven compelling books that captured my attention, and a powerful true-story film that is an absolute must-see. Get ready to discover new favorites and enrich your everyday life with these hand-picked gems!

Please note: Some links within this article are affiliate links. If you choose to click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content I create.

Happy April, everyone! It’s officially time to embrace the vibrant energy of spring, even if different corners of the country are experiencing everything from late-season snowfalls to unexpectedly warm 93-degree days! My personal focus for the season is firmly planted in the garden. I’m eagerly anticipating spending more time outdoors, diligently working on bringing my dream vegetable garden to life, and generally organizing our property to enhance its natural beauty and functionality. Gardening is undeniably at the forefront of my mind these days.

Beyond the garden, we’re also holding onto the hopeful anticipation that April will finally mark the beginning of our farmhouse’s much-needed foundation repair project. We’re expecting to receive the official plans within the next week or two, after which we can proceed with securing the necessary county permits. Brian has been diligently connecting with local excavating businesses, and we’re hopeful that these discussions will guide us toward the right professionals and a smooth start to the project.

Speaking of the property, that reminds me – I haven’t even shared the fascinating story about the goldfish that have made our property their home yet! That’s a truly unique tale for another time. I promise to gather all the photos and share the full story in next month’s “Good Things List.” Fingers crossed it will still qualify as a “good thing” by then, ha!

Alright, without further ado, let’s dive into our highly anticipated “Good Things” list, number 3!

Good Things to Discover This Month

Explore My Curated Amazon Shop: AOC’s Hand-Picked Favorites

I am thrilled to announce a brand-new endeavor: AOC now has an Amazon shop! When Amazon extended an invitation to create a dedicated space on their platform – essentially, a storefront – where I could compile and share many of the items I genuinely use, love, and have passionately discussed over the years, I seized the opportunity without hesitation! This initiative is a direct response to countless inquiries from all of you, asking where to find the specific products I’ve mentioned in my posts, videos, and conversations. It’s designed to be a convenient, one-stop destination for all my personal recommendations.

While I’m continually adding new finds, the shop already features a fantastic selection of items that have truly made a difference in my daily life. For instance, you’ll discover the stainless steel canner that revolutionized my canning process, the food processor I often wish I had purchased much sooner, and the specific garden hose and quick-connect system I rely on that saves me an incredible amount of time and effort in the yard. Each item is chosen for its quality, functionality, and proven value.

What makes this new page truly exceptional and incredibly helpful for you is the inclusion of unique little gray comment boxes located in the right-hand corner of each product listing. As you can see circled in the image above, if a product features one of these boxes, it means I’ve personally written a detailed comment about it. You can simply click to read my specific insights, explaining exactly why I recommend that particular item, how I use it, and what makes it stand out. This way, I’m not just presenting a list of things I like; I’m able to share the story and rationale behind each recommendation, helping you make informed decisions. You’ll also find current prices displayed directly on the page, allowing you to easily assess if an item is the right fit for your needs and budget.

I truly believe this new Amazon shop offers an effortless way for me to share valuable information and provides you with a convenient, streamlined method to discover and purchase products you might love. I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts on it! CLICK HERE to explore the shop and see for yourself.

An Inspiring Trip to Waco and Austin, Texas

For those who have already tuned into this podcast episode or read this article detailing the wonderful and achievable garden ideas I gleaned from my visit to the Silos in Waco, you’re already well-versed in our Texas adventure. For those catching up, here’s a brief overview of our trip: I attended a blogging conference in Austin, and Brian joined me, allowing us to seamlessly integrate some much-needed vacation days around the event. Neither of us had ever explored Texas before, so we were eager to maximize our experience during this unique travel opportunity.

Our time in Austin was packed with discoveries. We explored many facets of downtown, including a visit to the historic Capitol building and, of course, witnessing the famous bat exodus under the Congress Avenue Bridge – a truly unforgettable spectacle! Our culinary journey was equally adventurous; we made sure to sample all the essential Texan flavors, hitting every base from authentic BBQ and zesty Tex-Mex to comforting pub fare and hearty Texas chili. We also fully immersed ourselves in Austin’s renowned music scene, especially by staying in the vibrant Red River Cultural District, where the sounds of live music spilled from venues on many evenings.

A significant highlight of our trip was renting a car and embarking on a scenic hour-and-a-half drive north to Waco, specifically to visit the iconic Magnolia Marketplace at the Silos. It is truly remarkable what Chip and Joanna Gaines have accomplished in transforming what was once a somewhat neglected area into a thriving, beautiful destination. The Silos is far more than just a shop; it’s a complete experience. We observed numerous families delighting in the expansive lawn area, engaging in the games provided, and enjoying meals at the charming picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming and vibrant, embodying the spirit of community and simple pleasures.

Despite the crowds and the noticeable lines, if you’re a fan of the distinctive Magnolia aesthetic, their retail offerings, or the popular “Fixer Upper” show, then this trip is an incredibly fun and inspiring excursion. (A practical tip: I personally wouldn’t bother waiting in the often-long line for free shipping on purchases. Most of the items available in-store can also be found online with just a flat $7 shipping fee, which often saves time and hassle.)

Here are the three cherished items I managed to purchase and carry home comfortably in my carry-on bag (a testament to my packing philosophy! Remember, we exclusively travel with carry-ons, even for trips lasting 1-3 weeks. If you’re curious about my method, here’s how I manage it):

• A beautifully crafted cotton stem, a perfect rustic reminder of our journey south.
• A bundle of remarkably realistic faux cabbage roses, adding a touch of everlasting bloom to any space.
• A sweet, practical little stoneware creamer, artfully painted to mimic the charm of tinware. This was actually a much-needed item, as I haven’t been able to locate our small creamers since our recent move!

I also picked up an adorable copper old-fashioned alarm clock as a thank you gift for our daughter, who graciously house- and dog-sat for us. Unfortunately, that particular item isn’t available online, making it one of the few unique finds exclusive to the physical store.

ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition: A Gift of Beauty and Faith

Speaking of our wonderful daughter, she recently celebrated her birthday, and her special request was for an extraordinary Bible she had discovered. As an artist and graphic designer, this particular edition was an absolutely perfect fit for her creative spirit, and we were so delighted to give it to her. It is the ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition, a truly breathtaking volume featuring exquisite gold illustrations by the renowned artist Dana Tanamachi. Beyond its stunning visual appeal, it also includes generously sized side margins specifically designed to invite personal reflection and your own art journaling, making it a truly interactive and personal experience with scripture.

Not only was I incredibly impressed with the sheer beauty and quality of this Bible, but I was also pleasantly surprised by its accessible price point! This truly makes it a special and thoughtful gift for anyone you know who possesses an appreciation for art, design, and a deeper engagement with their faith. It’s more than just a book; it’s a piece of art that encourages creative expression and spiritual contemplation.

My March Reads: A Journey Through Literature

Despite all the traveling and the numerous projects we tackled this month, I found myself with ample opportunity to immerse myself in a significant number of books – seven, in fact! I believe this marks the most books I’ve completed in a single month since I began setting specific goals for my reading habits. It’s been a truly rewarding period of literary exploration.

I also wanted to share a profound quote I recently encountered (within this insightful article titled “The Need to Read”). It beautifully encapsulates precisely why I believe reading is so vitally important – and why I often felt a deep sense of sadness when I wasn’t prioritizing it in my life:

Reading books remains one of the best ways to engage with the world, become a better person and understand life’s questions, big and small.

This month, I’m excited to provide a little extra insight: I’ll be sharing *how* and *when* I managed to read these books. My hope is that this will offer you some practical ideas on how to seamlessly integrate more books into your own busy life. (Spoiler alert: audiobooks are an absolute game-changer!).

1. Immersed in Wendell Berry’s Port William Series

My mornings, while getting ready, and also during some of my travel time, were completely dedicated to the captivating world of Wendell Berry’s Port William series. I’m now very close to finishing the entire collection (I’m currently listening to the final book), and I must say, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the evocative tapestry Berry weaves. He masterfully creates a vivid picture of a time and place that feels incredibly authentic and deeply elemental, where the truly important things in life – family, the land, honest work, and caring for one another – were unequivocally valued. It’s a poignant reflection, making me recognize how much of this rich connection we’ve arguably lost in modern society, even as I appreciate not having to deal with certain historical inconveniences like plucking chickens or using outhouses. Here are the specific titles from this profound series that I had the pleasure of reading in March:

• Andy Catlett: Early Travels by Wendell Berry. This was a super sweet, charming, and relatively short novel that follows a young boy on his very first solo journey to visit his grandparents. The narrative instantly transported me back to my own childhood, evoking strong memories of those moments when I undertook new experiences that made me feel wonderfully grown up and independent.
• A World Lost by W. Berry. Another concise yet impactful book, this one also features the same young protagonist, Andy, and is set just a few months after his initial travels, when a beloved uncle is tragically shot. The story is narrated by an adult Andy, who, years later, grapples with the lingering mystery and attempts to piece together what truly happened all those years ago, offering a reflective and poignant look at memory and loss.
• That Distant Land, The Collected Stories by W. Berry. This expansive collection of stories spans a vast period, beginning in the 1800s and extending all the way through to the 1980s. It provides a rich and detailed historical context for many of the characters and events I had only briefly encountered in the other Port William books, which I found immensely satisfying. Though it was the longest at 10 hours for the audiobook, it was so engaging that the time flew by.
• The Memory of Old Jack by W. Berry. Initially, I was hesitant about this one because Old Jack hadn’t exactly been the kindest or most endearing character in the earlier books; he often came across as cantankerous and stubborn. However, his story proved to be profoundly good, sad, and ultimately resilient. Reading it offered a deep understanding of how his experiences shaped him, and in turn, how he subtly but significantly influenced many of the beloved people of Port William I had grown to care about. It truly demonstrated the complexity and depth behind even the most challenging personalities.

2. Late-Night Reflection: Help My Unbelief

Each night before settling into bed, I turned to Help My Unbelief: Why Doubt Is Not the Enemy of Faith by Barnabas Piper.

• This was an outstandingly insightful and relatively short read that deeply resonated with my own frequent feelings: a core belief, yet often accompanied by a sense of inadequacy due to moments of doubt. The author skillfully uses various Biblical passages to illustrate that this tension – living in the “now and not yet” – is a fundamental part of the human spiritual experience. It offers immense comfort and understanding, showing that doubt isn’t a sign of weakness but a natural part of a developing faith. I highly recommend it to anyone wrestling with similar questions.

3. Projects & Podcasts: The Jane Austen Project

While diligently working on various farmhouse projects, from gardening and painting to daily cooking, I was listening to The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn.

• Okay, I have to admit, this book was a bit peculiar. I went into it knowing it was a time-travel narrative, and I was genuinely intrigued to see how the authors would portray the iconic Jane Austen and her era. I’ve also enjoyed other time-travel and fantasy books in the past. However, this one just didn’t quite capture my imagination or heart. Ultimately, I found myself not genuinely caring about the characters or their intricate predicament, and I ended up simply skimming the latter part of the book to reach the conclusion. It didn’t deliver the engaging historical fantasy experience I had hoped for.

4. Travel Thriller: Red Rising

During our travels with Brian, both in the car and on the plane (we shared earbuds, but now I realize this split jack would have made things so much easier!), we delved into Red Rising (The Red Rising Series, Book 1) by Pierce Brown.

• Brian and I absolutely loved this book! It was a truly exciting and thrilling ride, yet it managed to pack an incredible amount of raw emotion and profound depth. While the protagonist, Darrow, is only 16 in the narrative, it’s important to note that this is not categorized as a YA (young adult) title. The world he inhabits dictates that those in his caste marry young and often don’t live long, brutal lives, which felt to me like a reflection of historical periods where hard labor drastically shortened life expectancies. The story is set in a dystopian future on an inhabited Mars, where society is rigidly divided into color-coded castes. The “Reds” occupy the lowest tier, essentially existing as slave labor. They are led to believe they are working tirelessly to prepare the planet for a future where everyone can thrive. However, Darrow soon uncovers a devastating truth: they are being systematically lied to. What unfolds next makes for an absolutely phenomenal story, blending elements of The Hunger Games with the epic scope and tragic heroism reminiscent of The Iliad. It’s a gripping tale of rebellion, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom.

Must-See Entertainment: Movies & TV

The newJumanji was an absolute blast – a truly fun and entertaining movie that both adults and kids can wholeheartedly enjoy together. Its blend of humor, adventure, and surprising heart makes it a perfect family watch.

My daughter and I recently had the pleasure of watching Breathe (available for free with Amazon Prime!), and we were profoundly moved by it. Our enjoyment only deepened when we discovered it’s a true story, produced by the son of the remarkable couple depicted, Robin and Diana Cavendish. This film is a beautiful, inspiring portrayal of enduring love and the strength of marriage, demonstrating unwavering commitment no matter what challenges the future may hold. It also powerfully illustrates how profound obstacles can unexpectedly become a catalyst for incredible achievements and personal growth – a stark contrast to a book I genuinely disliked,Me Before You. A fun side note for movie buffs: it marks the directorial debut of Andy Serkis, the brilliant actor known for his iconic portrayal of Gollum. Highly, highly recommended for its emotional depth and inspiring narrative!

On the television front, I’m currently keeping up with the newest season of The Voice. I think Kelly Clarkson is a fantastic addition to the coaching panel, bringing her unique energy and expertise. However, I must confess that I’m not as deeply invested in it as I used to be. I believe I missed many of the Battle Rounds this season, though the live shows consistently remain the most exciting part for me. What about you – are you watching this season, and what are your thoughts?

That concludes another exciting edition of the “Good Things List”! I’m always eager to hear from you – if you’ve tried any of these recommendations or if there’s something wonderful you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate. Leave a comment below with your thoughts, discoveries, and recommendations!

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