February’s Good Things List: Discoveries, Reads, and More for a Brighter Winter

A monthly list of good things to do, buy, read, watch, and more to brighten your days.

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Hello, and welcome to our first official “Good Things List” for 2020! (For those who missed it, the January edition was a retrospective “best of” our favorite finds from 2019). As we navigate the heart of winter, many of us find ourselves in what’s often described as the “doldrums.” This period of inactivity, stagnation, or even a touch of seasonal depression is a common experience during these colder, shorter days. That’s precisely why a curated collection of good things – those little joys and helpful discoveries – is so perfectly timed to lift our spirits and bring some warmth into our homes.

On that note, let’s dive right into this month’s delightful discoveries!

Good Things to Bring Joy and Practicality

Our New Furry Family Member: Jynx

Kicking off our list is an absolute sweetheart who has completely stolen our hearts: our new puppy, Jynx! If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you might already be in the know about this wonderful addition (and if not, now’s a great time to subscribe for exclusive updates!). We’ve adopted our son’s dog, a charming female Maltese mix. She first captured our affection when we dog-sat her just a week after we sadly lost our beloved Samson. While Samson was a loyal and independent companion, Jynx is wonderfully different. Her affectionate nature means she loves to be held and snuggle on your lap – a completely new and delightful experience for us!

At 11 months old, she’s still very much a puppy, which means we’re embracing new routines and diligently working on her potty training. Thankfully, she’s proving to be a quick learner, bringing so much laughter and warmth into our home during these chilly winter months. Her playful spirit and loving cuddles are truly a balm for the soul, making her a perfect highlight for this month’s good things.

DIY Inexpensive PVC Grow Light Stand for Seed Starting

Now, this might not be the most aesthetically staged photo (as you can clearly see, it’s all about function!), but I was eager to share our homemade DIY PVC grow light stand with you. For those of you planning to start seeds indoors this season, this incredibly simple and cost-effective solution could be a game-changer. Starting your own seeds indoors is not only rewarding but also allows you to cultivate a wider variety of plants and get a head start on the growing season, especially vital for heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers in cooler climates.

If you’ve followed AOC’s comprehensive seed starting guide in the past, you’ll recall our previous light station setups. We’ve experimented with lights attached under kitchen cabinets and even under shelves in our laundry room. While these worked adequately in our previous home, our move to the farmhouse presented new challenges. The new space lacked convenient spots for attaching lights, leading me to try growing seeds in our finished garage. However, this experiment quickly revealed two significant drawbacks:

1. Despite the garage being finished and using a seedling heat mat, the ambient temperature remained too cold. This severely hindered seed germination and prevented young plants from developing the strong, robust growth they need, particularly for tender varieties.
2. The garage’s distance from the main living area meant that checking on the seedlings frequently became an easily forgotten task, leading to missed watering or pest detection.

This year, determined to provide my seeds with the best possible start, I decided to dedicate an unused room inside the house. This necessitated an inexpensive, standalone light stand that could accommodate a standard two-light shop fixture. After some research, I discovered this incredibly easy-to-follow tutorial from the University of Maryland Extension. We purchased the necessary PVC pipe based on their specifications, and my husband, Brian, assembled it for me in less than an hour. The result is a sturdy, functional, and surprisingly compact grow light station that perfectly meets our needs, ensuring our seedlings get the optimal light and warmth they need right in the comfort of our home.

DIY PVC Light Stand Supplies List

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to purchase to construct a 4-foot long shop light stand, complete with valuable tips we learned during our build. Feel free to copy and paste this into a printable file for your next hardware store trip:

• 1 52-inch long 1-inch PVC pipe piece
• 2 30-inch long 1-inch PVC pipe pieces
• 4 8-inch long 1-inch PVC pipe pieces
• 2 1-inch Slip Tees
• 2 1-inch 90-degree elbows
• 4 1-inch end caps

You’ll also need these essential tools for assembly:

• PVC Pipe Cutter (a versatile tool you can later use for other DIY projects, like creating your own PVC automatic watering system!)
• PVC primer & glue/cement (for secure and durable joints)

Important Notes and Tips:

1. The original tutorial suggested using 1.5-inch pipe, but we could only find 1.25-inch, which we purchased. However, even the 1.25-inch felt quite substantial – I can barely imagine how bulky a 1.5-inch stand would appear! Through our experience, we’ve found that a 1-inch pipe offers the perfect balance of stability and discreetness, which is why we’re confidently recommending it for your build.
2. While I’m providing Amazon links for some fittings and tools primarily to illustrate what they look like, you’ll generally find these items to be more affordably priced at your local home improvement or hardware store. It’s often more economical to pick up just the few pieces you need there.
3. You might encounter more expensive “grow lights” specifically marketed for plants, but I’ve consistently achieved excellent results with a basic, budget-friendly $20 shop light. My preferred setup involves one cool-spectrum bulb and one warm-spectrum bulb, and my plants have always thrived under this combination. If your available space doesn’t accommodate a 4-foot light fixture, simply opt for a smaller fixture and adjust the length of the longest PVC pipe piece accordingly (the other pipe lengths will remain the same).

Cultivating Gratitude with a Leather Traveler’s Notebook

One of my key goals for this year – or perhaps more accurately, a habit I am committed to cultivating – is to consistently write down at least one thing I am grateful for each day. While I’ve been diligently tracking these in the designated sections of The Flexible Planner, I really yearned for a dedicated space where all these precious notes could reside together. The idea was to create a personal archive that I could easily revisit, flipping through pages of gratitude whenever I needed a reminder of life’s blessings.

After much consideration, I settled on a Traveler’s style notebook. For those unfamiliar, these are essentially elegant covers (often crafted from beautiful, durable leather) designed with internal elastic bands. This ingenious system allows you to effortlessly insert, remove, and swap out various small booklets, making them incredibly versatile and customizable. Many designs can accommodate multiple booklets simultaneously, offering the flexibility to use it for different purposes in the future, whether it’s for planning, journaling, sketching, or carrying different types of inserts. You can choose from a variety of booklet types, including lined pages for writing, grid or dot pages for planning or bullet journaling, or even blank pages perfect for sketching and doodling.

With a plethora of sizes and price points available on Amazon, making a decision was surprisingly challenging (a delightful kind of challenge, I must admit!). Ultimately, I chose one that is slightly smaller than my A5 planner but boasts a gorgeous, genuine leather cover and came with a simple lined booklet – all for under $15. It’s proven to be just about perfect, and ironically, it was the very first thing I recorded my gratitude for. Its tactile feel and elegant simplicity make the daily ritual of writing down my blessings an even more enjoyable and reflective experience.

Click here to explore the beautiful Traveler’s Notebook I chose and perhaps find one for your own gratitude practice.

The Surprisingly Essential Glass Electric Kettle

For years, I cherished my cream and green enameled stovetop kettle. It was a faithful companion for countless cups of tea, and I truly had no intention of adding yet another kitchen appliance to my countertop, especially for a task my existing kettle handled perfectly well. My previous experiences with electric kettles had also left me uninspired; I found it frustrating not to be able to easily gauge the water level or determine when it was actually boiling, leading to over-boiling or impatient waiting.

However, my perspective completely shifted during a recent stay at an AirBnB in Austin. There, I encountered a glass electric kettle, and it was a revelation! The transparent design made it incredibly simple to see exactly how much water was inside and, more importantly, to witness the precise moment it reached a rolling boil – the ideal temperature for brewing a perfect cup of tea or preparing French press coffee. It also featured an automatic shut-off, a safety and convenience feature I quickly appreciated, and it brought water to a boil significantly faster than my stovetop version.

I can almost hear a mischievous laugh from the universe, because, yes, I suddenly wanted one. Brian was equally impressed, particularly for preparing his afternoon French press coffee. So, I kept an eye out and managed to snag a fantastic deal on the Hamilton Beach Glass Electric Kettle during a Black Friday sale.

We’ve been using it consistently ever since, and it has proven to be an excellent addition to our kitchen. The design is thoughtfully constructed with glass and stainless steel where the water makes contact, ensuring purity, while the handle remains cool to the touch thanks to its plastic composition. The automatic shut-off feature has already saved us a couple of times when we’ve been distracted after starting the water. Plus, there’s a surprisingly simple joy in watching the water boil, illuminated by the kettle’s subtle blue LED lights. It’s a small luxury that has genuinely enhanced our daily routine.

If you’re curious about upgrading your hot water experience, click here to learn more about this glass electric kettle.

Review: The Gentle Facial Hair Shaver for Women

Okay, let’s talk about something many adult women deal with but might not openly discuss: facial hair. I certainly hope I’m not alone in this! My sisters and I certainly do. While plucking effectively handles coarser hairs, it’s not practical for the finer “peach fuzz” that often covers larger areas. I had heard whispers about women shaving their faces and the surprising benefits it offers for skin exfoliation, but the idea of using a traditional razor like Brian does seemed completely foreign and intimidating.

Then, I stumbled upon a review on a blog (I wish I could recall which one!) discussing a specific facial shaver designed for women. This device promised a gentle experience with no sharp razor edges, no need for messy shaving cream, and, most importantly, that it actually worked effectively. Intrigued, I checked the reviews on Amazon, which were overwhelmingly positive, so I decided to purchase one and try it out. After using it a couple of times, here’s my honest assessment of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Ease of Use & Gentleness: It truly is incredibly easy to maneuver and feels very gentle on the skin. There’s no pulling or tugging, just a smooth gliding motion.
• Effective on Fine Hairs: It does an excellent job of removing those small, fine hairs along the jawline, around the lips, and on the nose, leaving the skin feeling incredibly smooth.

Cons:

• Stubble Sensation: Despite claims to the contrary that you won’t feel stubble, I personally do experience a slight stubble sensation for a couple of days after use, which feels a bit unusual.
• Not for Coarser Hairs: It isn’t designed for or effective on those larger, more “whisker-like” hairs, if you understand what I mean. For those, you’ll still need to reach for your trusty tweezers.

So, will I continue to use it? Yes, I will, but probably only about once a month or less, primarily because of that transient stubble feeling. However, I genuinely appreciate its ability to effectively eliminate all that fine, light facial hair, which it accomplishes remarkably well. It truly leaves my skin feeling smoother and provides a better canvas for makeup application. It’s a handy tool for specific needs, though not a complete replacement for other hair removal methods.

Click here to read more reviews and decide if this facial hair shaver might be a good fit for you.

January’s Reads: A Deep Dive into Our Latest Books

January proved to be a fantastic month for reading and listening, with a grand total of nine books completed! Three of these were the thrilling conclusion to the Harry Potter series, which I’ve been enjoying as audiobooks from the library (and I must say, narrator Jim Dale’s performance is absolutely superb – he truly brings the wizarding world to life). Of the remaining six, one has already secured a spot on my potential “best of 2020” list, and another offered an astonishing glimpse into a forgotten piece of American history. I hope you find something here to add to your own reading queue!

Book Reviews:

The Case for Hope: Looking Ahead With Confidence and Courage, by Lee Strobel. This book is a powerful and clarifying resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Christian faith and God’s promises. Lee Strobel, known for his investigative approach, meticulously outlines the Biblical foundations for a future hope, offering compelling reasons to embrace confidence and courage. He then guides readers on how to tap into divine power and effectively combat the pervasive doubts that can erode hope. Strobel masterfully weaves in inspiring stories that serve as poignant examples of faith in action. Here’s a profound quote I carefully transcribed into my book notes journal that resonated deeply with me:

“When we have the confidence that God will do what He says, we live our lives differently and view death differently – we can face death without fear.”

This book is an excellent choice for those looking to strengthen their spiritual foundation and face life’s uncertainties with renewed optimism.

Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship, by Ruth Chou Simmons. From what I understand, this book is primarily designed as a visual experience, perhaps akin to a coffee table book, rich with aesthetics. As I listened to it on audio through the library, I realize I completely missed out on a significant aspect of its intended impact. I later went online to view the author’s exquisite watercolors that are interspersed throughout the physical copy, and I can appreciate how they would undoubtedly enhance the meaning and depth of the text for a reader holding the actual book.

However, as an audiobook, I found that this particular title didn’t significantly impact me. The concepts and themes discussed, while valuable, were largely familiar territory for me, echoing sentiments and principles I’ve encountered many times before in various spiritual writings. While the physical book with its art might offer a more engaging experience, the audio version felt somewhat generalized and lacked the fresh perspective I had hoped for.

The Final Three Harry Potter Books: The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and The Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling. After an agonizing three-month wait for “Order of the Phoenix” through the library, fate intervened, and I was able to check out the final two audiobooks shortly thereafter, allowing me to devour the entire series in January. Rowling’s writing truly matured and deepened with each installment, culminating in an ending that felt both good and immensely satisfying. I must concur with popular sentiment that the final books in the series venture into significantly darker territory. This isn’t just about confronting a villain like Voldemort; it’s about the twisted ways he manipulates people and relentlessly pursues Harry. Given the complex themes and intense atmosphere, I would strongly caution against recommending these last three books to children younger than middle school age, and even then, I’d advise parents to know their child’s maturity level well. Now, I’m eagerly moving on to watching the movies – I’ve been so curious to see how many of the vivid scenes I imagined will be portrayed on screen, which promises to be a delightful experience!

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President (James A. Garfield), by Candice Millard. This book was an absolutely riveting journey into a chapter of American history about which I knew almost nothing beyond the basic fact of President Garfield’s assassination. Brian and I listened to this through Audible during our car trips, and we even finished it while working on a puzzle after New Year’s – a kind of “mid-winter getaway” without the travel, much like our experience last year, but cozy at home!

Millard masterfully unveils the tragic narrative: President Garfield was shot by a madman, but it was the primitive and misguided medical practices of the era that ultimately claimed his life. He lingered in excruciating pain for over a month as rampant infection, caused by numerous well-meaning but unhygienic doctors probing his wound with unwashed hands, ravaged his body. Learning about the intricate politics of the era and delving deeper into the remarkable character of Garfield himself left both of us repeatedly pondering: what profound difference might he have made to our nation had he lived? He was a compassionate, forward-thinking individual who championed equality for all, regardless of race, and he unwillingly had the presidency thrust upon him. While the book started a bit slowly, I implore you to persevere; you’ll soon find yourself completely engrossed by this extraordinary and heartbreaking story.

The Dearly Beloved, by Cara Wall. This book has already earned a star in my mental list as a strong contender for my “best of the year.” I went into it with few expectations (I ordered it from the library based on a recommendation from Modern Mrs. Darcy, whose suggestions rarely disappoint), knowing only that it was a story about four individuals whose lives intertwine through a New York City church.

The narrative skillfully begins much earlier, delving into the distinct family backgrounds of each of the four main characters before they ever meet. This allows the reader to truly understand the formative experiences that shape them into the people they are when their paths finally cross – first as two couples who date and marry, and then as these couples come together to co-pastor a church. What made this book so profoundly impactful for me?

Firstly, Wall’s writing is utterly captivating; I quickly became deeply invested in each character’s journey and eagerly anticipated what would unfold next. Secondly, the book thoughtfully explores profound themes of family, love, loss, discouragement, and the universal human experience. These complex subjects are handled with remarkable depth and sensitivity. I was particularly struck by the spiritual dimension of the story, observing how God can utilize each of our unique gifts, and even our imperfections, to foster mutual growth and support within a community (though it’s important to note, this is not explicitly a Christian-genre book). It’s a beautifully crafted novel that resonates long after the final page.

Lab Girl, by Hope Jahren. This was another book that came highly recommended by Modern Mrs. Darcy, and while it was an “okay” read, it unfortunately didn’t live up to my high hopes. It’s a memoir penned by Dr. Hope Jahren, an acclaimed scientist renowned for her work in plants and botany. She also candidly shares her personal struggles with bipolar disorder throughout the book. Like many memoirs I’ve encountered, I felt this one could have benefited from a bit more rigorous editing. I frequently found myself trying to piece together the timeline and geographical location of events, which disrupted the narrative flow.

Furthermore, some aspects felt underdeveloped or lacked sufficient explanation. The initial chapters beautifully detail her upbringing and how her father introduced her to a science lab. While her family and community seemed to care for her, despite often having difficulties with communication, they largely faded from the narrative after the introduction. We learn about the death of her lab partner’s father, for instance, but receive no further insights into her own family dynamics or their presence in her adult life.

I confess, I found myself skimming through some of the more technical scientific descriptions about plants (my apologies to the botanists!) and occasionally cringing at certain scenes and some of the language used. Overall, her life, lived almost 24/7 in a lab, left me with a pervasive sense of sadness rather than inspiration. While her scientific dedication is undeniable, the narrative didn’t quite capture the vibrancy I anticipated.

Watching: Our Latest TV and Movie Reviews

TV Series:

Messiah – Netflix. Oh my goodness, this series ignited so many thoughts, most of which can be summed up as, “I still don’t know what to think!” It started out incredibly strong, genuinely making you ponder profound questions: Is this truly Jesus’s return? How would humanity react to such an event? Brian and I were both deeply impressed by the top-notch production quality.

However, the middle episodes felt like they bogged down considerably; the story could definitely have been told more concisely over fewer episodes. Many plot points left us bewildered, constantly asking, “What did that mean?” and “Where is this heading?” The language was also quite coarse in places, and there’s one sex scene that felt entirely gratuitous and showed more than was necessary (which, in my opinion, is almost always the case!). The series concluded with a massive question mark, leaving us unsure if the central figure was a cunning con man or something more divine. Did you watch it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Howard’s End 2019 – PBS. As a long-time admirer of the 1990s film adaptation starring Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins, I approached this newer Masterpiece adaptation with keen interest. I’m pleased to report that it did not disappoint! The performances were compelling, and the overall production quality was excellent, capturing the essence of E.M. Forster’s classic novel beautifully. A thoroughly enjoyable watch.

Sanditon – PBS. Hmm, what can I say about this one? Let’s be clear: this is unequivocally *not* a Jane Austen book or movie, despite its origins. I had sincerely hoped that Andrew Davies, in finishing the story Austen began shortly before her death, would at least attempt to stay true to her distinctive writing style and character development. Apparently, Austen’s eleven original chapters weren’t deemed sufficient, and Mr. Davies took the characters in directions Jane Austen herself would never have conceived. A definite sigh of disappointment for Austen purists.

Vienna Blood – PBS. We’ve only managed to watch the first couple of episodes of this series, which feels somewhat like a lower-stakes Sherlock Holmes, set in early 20th-century Vienna. Here, the doctor “partner” uses his understanding of psychology to solve cases (though Brian questions the realism of him being able to deduce so much from people!). The particular case we watched wasn’t entirely captivating, and some plot points stretched credulity. However, the production quality is good, and the historical setting is undeniably interesting. We’re planning to give it a few more episodes before deciding whether to continue. (Despite its somewhat ominous title, “Vienna Blood” is primarily a police procedural, and any blood depicted is generally shown from a distance on a victim or during an autopsy, not in a graphic or sensationalized manner).

Final episodes of The Good Place – NBC & Hulu. My daughter, Brian, and I absolutely adored the first three seasons of this show, with the inaugural season arguably being the strongest. It was witty, thought-provoking, and genuinely original. However, we weren’t entirely enamored with how the series ultimately concluded; it felt, to us, surprisingly trite and somewhat undermined the profound questions it had raised throughout its run. What were your thoughts on the ending? Despite our reservations about the finale, I would still highly recommend the initial seasons – they offer a brilliant blend of humor and philosophical inquiry that makes for truly compelling viewing.

Movie:

Little Women 2019. This latest adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story was a beautifully crafted production, and for the most part, it remained faithful to the source material. However, the narrative’s frequent jumps back and forth in the timeline did create some confusion for me (thank goodness Jo’s hair was noticeably shorter in certain segments, or I would have been completely lost!).

My primary reservation, though, was with the film’s ending. The director took significant liberties with Louisa May Alcott’s true biographical story, portraying her publisher as attempting to cheat her out of her rightful earnings. The historical accounts I’ve read suggest quite the opposite: her publisher was actually a steadfast advocate, ensuring she secured her copyright. Furthermore, it was his idea for her to write the story in the first place, a task she initially resisted and even made disparaging remarks about her own books in her later years. Life, as we often find, is far more complicated and nuanced than a simplified narrative might suggest, and this particular deviation felt unnecessary and historically inaccurate.

That concludes another edition of the Good Things List! If you’re eager to discover more of what I’m enjoying and recommending, you can explore all the past Good Things Lists here. I’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts – if you’ve tried any of these recommendations or have your own wonderful finds to share, please leave a comment below!

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