August’s Best: Unearthing Good Things in Home, Garden, Books, and Entertainment

A monthly collection of delightful discoveries, engaging activities, worthwhile purchases, captivating reads, compelling watches, and much more.

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And just like that, August is upon us. For those of us nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, this signals the peak of summer. Our local rhythm means children don’t head back to school until after Labor Day, allowing us another glorious month of warm weather, outdoor adventures, and soaking up every last bit of sunshine. In fact, the true warmth only recently arrived for us this past month, making us even more eager to embrace all that summer has to offer!

July, like most months, presented a unique blend of challenges and joys. There were moments that tested our patience and others that filled us with laughter. However, I always strive to find and appreciate the good things, the small victories, and the moments of gratitude that punctuate our daily lives – if we simply remember to look for them. This curated list is a testament to that philosophy, sharing the items, projects, and experiences that brought a little extra brightness to my world.

Monthly Favorites: Discovering Good Things in August

Farmhouse Outdoor Projects: Cement Removal and Landscape Transformation

We’ve officially embarked on the next significant outdoor project at our farmhouse, a transformation aimed at both aesthetics and functionality. The initial phase involves the removal of several decaying cement pads, which have long been an eyesore and an impediment to our vision. Once these are gone, we plan to lay new, pristine cement walks, create fresh pads, and construct beautiful wooden stairs that will provide direct access from the driveway to our serene sunken garden area and the back door.

The most thrilling part of this process has been the assistance of our wonderful neighbor, who arrived with his powerful excavator. Witnessing him effortlessly pick up huge pieces of broken cement was an absolute game-changer. It was immeasurably easier and quicker than the back-breaking work of using a jackhammer, a method we’ve relied on in the past with far greater effort and time investment. This modern marvel has truly accelerated our progress.

Beyond the efficiency, we’re also employing a smart, sustainable strategy for the broken cement pieces. Instead of incurring disposal costs, we’re having them moved to the site of our future kitchen patio. This area needs to be raised by a few feet, making the broken cement an ideal and free fill material. This ingenious solution not only saves us significant money but also repurposes waste, aligning perfectly with our homesteading ethos.

The commencement of this project brings immense excitement, particularly because it means we can finally tackle the area by the back door that has been covered with black plastic for far too long. This summer, my personal mantra is “#allplasticgone.” Some of these plastic-covered sections have been awaiting attention for up to three years, so seeing them cleared and prepped for their next phase is incredibly satisfying. With these foundational areas completed, we can then move on to adding a charming gravel fire pit patio, and hopefully, in the very near future, have the driveway graded and graveled, completing a significant portion of our outdoor landscape renovation.

Effective DIY Insect Spray: A Garden Essential

My trusted homemade insect spray once again proved its mettle, saving the basil plants in our vegetable garden from a common pest invasion! Our region experienced a prolonged cool and wet spring, conditions that proved challenging for our bean and basil starts. This environment, unfortunately, also created prime conditions for various garden pests to thrive and wreak havoc on our vulnerable young plants. They were looking rather sad and stunted, displaying clear signs of insect damage.

However, as soon as I applied this powerful DIY bug spray, the transformation was almost immediate. In less than a week, the plants showed remarkable signs of recovery, visibly perking up and resuming healthy growth. The spray provided exactly the boost they needed to overcome the initial attack and truly flourish, especially once the much-anticipated warm weather finally arrived, giving them even more impetus to grow beautifully. The accompanying photo, taken roughly a month after a single application, clearly illustrates their vibrant recovery.

One of the most frequent questions I receive about this spray is regarding its application frequency. My consistent advice is to always spray once and then observe the results. In my experience, a single application is usually sufficient to address most pest issues. Occasionally, a second application might be necessary, but it’s rarely more than that. It’s important to remember that I’m not striving for absolute perfection in my garden; a few holes in the leaves, as you can see in the photo, are perfectly acceptable. My primary goal is to ensure the plant is healthy enough to grow robustly and capable of sustaining a minor bug bite or two on its own.

The pole beans in our garden also responded exceptionally well to just one application, demonstrating the versatility and effectiveness of this simple, natural solution. Having this reliable spray in my gardening arsenal provides such peace of mind. I’m always eager to hear about others’ experiences; have you tried the DIY bug spray in your garden? I’d genuinely love to know your results! You can even visit this page to see testimonials and results shared by other gardeners – the widespread success stories are truly amazing and inspiring.

Pacifica Beauty Color Quench Natural Lip Tint: A New Favorite

My recent discovery of Pacifica Beauty has been a delightful revelation in the realm of clean beauty. I’ve been experimenting with several of their face products, and so far, I’m thoroughly impressed. The brand stands out for its commitment to being cruelty-free, boasts excellent customer reviews, and offers its products at very reasonable price points, making quality, ethical beauty accessible.

While placing an order, I stumbled upon their Sugared Fig Natural Lip Tint. My hope was that it could serve as a worthy replacement for my long-time favorite, the Burt’s Bees Fig Lip Tint. Unfortunately, the Burt’s Bees version has become increasingly difficult to find, and its mint flavor, which I once enjoyed, has lately started to irritate my lips, prompting a search for an alternative.

I am absolutely thrilled to report that I adore the Pacifica Beauty tint! It exceeds expectations in several ways. The formula is incredibly moisturizing, instantly making my lips feel hydrated and soft without any stickiness. The color, a gorgeous Sugared Fig, is simply perfect. It’s remarkably similar to my natural lip color, but with just a touch more depth, providing a subtle enhancement that looks effortlessly chic. It’s the ideal shade for everyday wear, offering a natural yet polished look.

My only minor wish is that it had a longer wear time, but one can’t have absolutely everything in a single product. Given its excellent quality and affordable price, it’s easy to overlook this small detail. I plan to purchase another one to keep in my purse, ensuring I can easily refresh my lip color as needed throughout the day. This lip tint truly offers a fantastic balance of natural ingredients, beautiful color, and moisturizing benefits.

• Pacifica Beauty Color Quench Natural Lip Tint, Sugared Fig – Available on Amazon (often more cost-effective with Prime’s free shipping).
• Pacifica Beauty Color Quench Natural Lip Tint, Sugared Fig – Also available directly from the company website.

Stylish Leather-Like Square Tissue Box Covers: Blending Function and Form

For years, my practical side always won out, leading me to purchase the larger, rectangular boxes of tissues. They invariably offer the best value, and with our household’s tissue consumption, especially during allergy season and summer colds, buying in bulk simply made sense. However, with our recent bathroom remodel, the aesthetic and spatial considerations shifted. The bulkier tissue boxes no longer fit neatly or discreetly on the toilet tank, prompting a minor but noticeable design dilemma.

Determined to find a solution that was both practical and aesthetically pleasing, I decided to switch to the smaller, square tissue boxes. While more compact, the often vibrant colors and busy designs of the standard tissue boxes still bothered me, clashing with our newly refreshed bathroom decor. I vaguely recalled seeing some elegant fake leather-looking tissue covers on another home decor blog sometime ago, which sparked an idea. I quickly found a set of these covers that were perfectly designed to fit the square boxes.

Given their surprisingly affordable price point, I confess I had some reservations about the potential quality. However, I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised upon their arrival! These covers are quite heavy-duty, feeling substantial and well-made, defying their modest cost. They unfold easily and neatly to perfectly encase the tissue box, creating a sleek and uniform appearance. Their leather-like texture and neutral colors (I chose white, but they come in brown, gray, and black) allow them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings, elevating the overall look of the room. I appreciate how they transform a mundane household item into a subtle decorative accent.

I was so pleased with how they integrated into the bathroom that I immediately added another one to my desk in the kitchen. This small addition has significantly improved my daily convenience; now I don’t need to make a trip to the bathroom every time I need a tissue. It’s a small change, but it’s incredibly satisfying – truly a #winning moment in home organization and design.

• 2 Pack Tissue Box White Leather-Like Covers. (Also available in other versatile colors such as brown, gray, and black to match various decors.)

July Reads: Immersive Stories and Profound Insights

Finding Me, Viola Davis. This memoir, powerfully narrated by Ms. Davis herself, plunges readers into the harrowing and often brutal story of her youth. It’s a testament to resilience, painting vivid pictures of poverty, neglect, and the struggle to survive. I don’t think I’ll ever look at rats the same way again after hearing her experiences. The book fosters a profound sense of compassion for children in school who might seem difficult or challenging due to factors like hygiene, language barriers, or a rough upbringing. Her early life stories provide a whole new lens through which to view human suffering and tenacity. While hearing about her incredible determination to achieve success in theater and film was undeniably interesting and inspiring, it’s the raw, unflinching accounts of her childhood that will truly resonate and stick with me for a very long time, offering deep insights into the roots of her incredible strength.

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis. I believe I’ve read this foundational work of Christian apologetics twice before, but this time, I decided to experience it as an audiobook. I’ve found that revisiting a familiar book in a different format, particularly by listening, offers a fresh perspective and allows me to engage with the content in new ways. Each time I delve into this book, I gain invaluable insights into what it means to live and think as a Christian in a complex world. During this latest journey through Lewis’s eloquent arguments, a particular passage deeply resonated with me, highlighting a truth that feels especially relevant in our current age:

“A belief – ANY belief – will not automatically remain in the mind. It must be fed. Most who lose faith just drift away, not because of thoughtful discourse and examination.”

This quote serves as a powerful reminder of the active effort required to maintain and strengthen one’s convictions, emphasizing that intellectual curiosity and spiritual nourishment are crucial for a sustained faith, rather than passive acceptance or mere intellectual assent.

The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family, Ron & Clint Howard. This engaging memoir provides a truly refreshing and candid look into the unique childhoods of Ron and Clint Howard as child actors. It’s a wonderful account of how their parents, Rance and Jean Howard, managed to keep them remarkably grounded amidst the often-turbulent world of Hollywood. Their principled approach to parenting and career management is particularly inspiring. They ensured their children were managed ethically, taking only a modest 5% commission, with the vast majority of their earnings placed into a fund that the boys could access only when they turned 18. This financial foresight speaks volumes about their dedication to their sons’ long-term well-being.

The book also offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into Ron’s early acting career, including his experiences on iconic films like American Graffiti, and later, beloved television shows such as Happy Days. It vividly illustrates his unwavering ambition to become a director, revealing how he ingeniously used every acting gig as an opportunity to learn the craft of filmmaking from various angles and to build invaluable professional networks. It’s a heartwarming and insightful narrative about family, integrity, and pursuing one’s true calling.

The Matrimonial Advertisement, Mimi Matthews. I had the pleasure of discovering Mimi Matthews last month, and I’m delighted to report that she is an exceptionally talented writer of historical romance. Her stories possess a captivating quality that makes them utterly unputdownable. This particular book, set in the elegant yet restrictive Victorian era, immediately draws you in with its intriguing premise: the heroine responds to a “matrimonial advertisement,” a sort of mail-order bride scenario, but with far more depth and mystery. The narrative cleverly weaves in questions about her past – why is she doing this? Who is she afraid of? – and equally, why the hero, a scarred war veteran, feels compelled to advertise for a wife. This “scars and secrets” angle adds a layer of compelling intrigue.

What truly sets this book apart is its refreshing focus. The story centers primarily on the evolving relationship between the main characters and their supportive circle of friends, along with the intricacies of their daily lives. It avoids relying on an external “evil” force or an overly convoluted mystery to drive the plot, making it feel more character-driven and authentic. This is a delightful “closed door” romance, meaning the intimate scenes are implied rather than explicitly detailed, making it a perfect, light-hearted read when you’re craving a story with depth, charm, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after ending. This is the first book in a four-part series, and I’m currently engrossed in the second installment, which has proven equally captivating from its very beginning.

Watching: Cinematic Escapes and Gripping Dramas

Marry Me, Amazon. I went into this movie with a very clear expectation of the kind of romantic comedy it would be, and it delivered precisely what I was looking for! It’s a genuinely sweet, delightfully funny, and wonderfully lighthearted film. Jennifer Lopez, as expected, sings beautifully and looks absolutely stunning throughout. While the premise may stretch the bounds of believability, that’s entirely beside the point for a film like this. It’s pure escapism, a feel-good story that allows you to simply enjoy the charming performances and heartwarming plot without overthinking it. Perfect for a cozy night in when you need a dose of optimistic romance.

The Old Man, FX/Hulu. Wow, this series is intensely violent, right from the start. What truly astounded me, however, is Jeff Bridges’ incredible performance and his physical prowess, especially considering his age and recent medical challenges. His commitment to the role is remarkable. Beyond the action, it’s an incredibly intricate and interesting story, meticulously unfolding with layers of mysterious backstory that keep you completely engrossed. The plot weaves together espionage, identity, and the weight of past decisions, making it a truly gripping watch for those who appreciate a complex thriller with stellar acting.

Nightmare Alley, Hulu. My husband and I initially learned that this dark, atmospheric film, imbued with a classic film noir aesthetic, was based on a book written in 1946. The title itself, I must admit, is somewhat misleading; it made me brace myself for a horror film, which it absolutely is not. However, while not horror, it is undoubtedly a grim and sad movie. It delves into the darker aspects of human nature, ambition, and consequence, delivering a powerful “you reap what you sow” conclusion. The film is elevated by truly outstanding performances from its entire cast, who bring depth and nuance to their complex characters within this tragic narrative. It’s a compelling, albeit somber, cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

The Northman, Peacock+. My husband, Brian, was very eager to watch this movie, particularly because it serves as a direct source material for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, offering a raw, historical interpretation of the legend. As anticipated, the film is relentlessly violent, almost brutally so, portraying the harsh realities of Viking-era revenge with unflinching detail. It’s a visually stunning spectacle of historical epic proportions, but beneath the visceral action, I found it to be profoundly sad by the end. The themes of fate, vengeance, and the cycle of violence leave a lasting, melancholy impression. So yes, it’s dark and sad, which might not sound like the best recommendation for everyone. However, for those who appreciate historical epics, powerful storytelling, and cinematic artistry, despite its grim subject matter, it offers a deeply resonant and memorable experience.

That concludes another delightful edition of the Good Things List!

If you’re curious to explore more of my favorite discoveries and recommendations, you can delve into all the previous Good Things Lists right here. I genuinely love hearing from you – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations yourself or have some wonderful suggestions to share. Please feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts and insights!

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