Monthly Good Things: Spring Home & Garden Updates, Must-Read Books, and Travel Essentials
Welcome to our monthly roundup of good things to see, do, buy, read, watch, and more!
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Hello, glorious spring! The weather this month has been a true kaleidoscope of seasonal changes – from sun-drenched, warm days to gentle drizzles, and even those uniquely dramatic afternoons that cycle through sunshine, warmth, snow, hail, and rain all within a few hours. It’s truly full-on spring in all its unpredictable glory.
This period has been dedicated to wrapping up several indoor projects, most notably the much-anticipated office makeover (which you’ll hear more about below). Simultaneously, I’ve been channeling my energy into preparing the garden beds and getting the first wave of spring crops planted. There’s a profound satisfaction in seeing the earth come to life again after winter’s slumber.
Beyond the tasks, it’s also a time for simply soaking in the beauty around us. Watching the vibrant flowers burst into bloom, seeing the trees unfurl their fresh green leaves, and observing all the plants awaken is incredibly life-affirming. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and endless cycles, bringing a renewed sense of hope and energy. So, let’s dive into all the good things that have filled my spring days!
Discovering Good Things This Season
The Office-Guest Room Makeover is Complete!
After much planning and effort, my office makeover is largely complete! I say “largely” because, as any homeowner knows, projects are rarely 100% done. The image above shows the desk nook, a view you might remember from the “before” stages of this office transformation. The difference is striking. We’ve added a crucial ceiling fan, an absolute necessity for this upstairs room during the warmer months, making it functional and comfortable even if it meant sacrificing a purely decorative light fixture.
The room now boasts new trim around the floors and the closet/nook area, giving it a polished and finished look. Inside the closet, a new shelf and some delightful stenciling have added both functionality and a touch of personal style. Everything has been meticulously organized, transforming the space into an efficient and aesthetically pleasing work environment.
The final touch, a custom-built shelf by Brian designed to perfectly hold our old gym locker baskets, is still pending. It’s built and ready; I just need to apply the final coats of paint and sealant. Additionally, I’m contemplating adding curtain panels to elegantly close off the office nook. This is a practical consideration because this versatile room also serves as a secondary guest room, and a little privacy for visitors would be ideal.
The daybed was undoubtedly the most significant purchase for this makeover, central to our goal of creating a flexible space. I spent considerable time searching for an affordable daybed with a trundle that could pop up, making it suitable for a couple while also functioning as a comfortable twin bed. I was thrilled to discover this particular model, and we’ve been incredibly pleased with its sturdy construction; our daughter reported no squeaking during her stay! Assembly was also surprisingly manageable.
Regrettably, the bronze color we chose is no longer available, with current options being orange or navy blue. However, stock often fluctuates, so if the bronze appeals to you, it’s worth checking back periodically. To complete the setup, I purchased two of these comfortable 8-inch mattresses, one for the main daybed and one for the trundle. Our daughter confirmed they provided a restful night’s sleep, which is always the ultimate test!
This particular section of the room is what I affectionately refer to as “the wall.” You might recall its previous state when I bravely decided to tear off the sheetrock. My hope was to uncover beautiful tongue and groove wood, similar to many other walls in our charming old farmhouse. Alas, it was not the elegant tongue and groove I envisioned, but rather a more rustic, challenging version.
This led to a much more involved and costly salvage operation than initially anticipated, requiring countless hours of caulking and painting, and a significant investment in wood (even small 1-inch pieces of molding command high prices these days!). I had initially hoped the daybed could be positioned here to showcase more of this hard-won wall, but the space was too narrow due to the adjacent doorway. Consequently, the dresser and my corkboard found their home here instead.
The humor in the situation isn’t lost on me: after all the extra work and expense poured into this wall, very little of it is actually visible. Life often presents these amusing ironies. Looking ahead, I plan to paint the dresser and my sewing machine table to match each other and create a lovely contrast against the wall. I’m considering the soothing green shade I’ve used in other areas of the house. What are your thoughts on that color choice?
Seedling Progress: A Vibrant Update
The seedlings, which I enthusiastically started about five weeks ago, are thriving beautifully in my new grow light setup. I’m particularly impressed with how well the funky new rainbow LED light is performing, proving to be just as effective as my old fluorescent light, if not more so. It casts a lovely glow and the plants seem to adore it.
This photo serves as a vivid reminder of a crucial lesson: I absolutely need to start peppers at least two weeks earlier than tomatoes. Both varieties in this picture were sown at the same time, and the difference is stark. You can clearly see how significantly smaller (and I mean *waaay* smaller) the pepper seedlings on the lower right are compared to the robust tomato plants flourishing in the back. This year, I’ll be sure to adjust my planting schedule for an optimal pepper harvest.
On the lower left, you’ll spot my vibrant marigolds. These aren’t just for beauty; I’m intentionally growing them as companion plants to integrate into the vegetable garden. They’re fantastic for deterring pests and promoting a healthier, more organic growing environment for my vegetables. It’s exciting to see everything coming along so well as we head deeper into the growing season!
Discovering Botanical Interests Seed Company
Speaking of seeds and gardening, I’ve recently discovered a new seed company that I am absolutely loving, which is saying a lot! Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous brands, often returning to my trusted two or three favorites. But Botanical Interests has truly impressed me.
Founded in the 1990s by a couple who grew frustrated with the sparse information provided on most seed packets, this company directly addresses a common gardener’s pain point. I completely empathize with their mission—I’ve encountered packets with nothing more than the plant’s name, leaving me scrambling to remember vital details. This lack of information is particularly irritating when you’re out in the garden, ready to plant, and can’t easily look up what you need to know.
Botanical Interests solves this problem brilliantly. Not only do their beautifully designed packets open up to reveal a wealth of detailed information about each plant—from planting depths and spacing to germination times and growing tips—they are also reasonably priced. This wealth of knowledge is invaluable for both seasoned and novice gardeners, allowing for better planning and greater success.
Furthermore, their overall packaging is fantastic, and I was delighted to find a free packet of a lettuce blend included with my order—a variety I will actually use! I am genuinely thrilled to have found this company and fully intend to make them a regular part of my annual seed orders. Last I checked, they still had a good selection in stock, so it’s a great time to explore their offerings!
Luxurious Merino Wool T-Shirts from Bombas
After being thoroughly impressed by the superior quality of Bombas merino wool socks—which I found to be significantly better than the cheaper wool socks I’d previously tried—I decided to extend my experiment to their merino wool t-shirts. (It seems Bombas primarily offers long-sleeve shirts like the one pictured during fall and winter, and now primarily stocks short-sleeve options. The short-sleeve versions are perfect for travel, and I plan to acquire one soon.)
I tend to feel cold for much of the winter, and in the past, cheaper wool t-shirts often left me with an uncomfortable itch around the neck. Despite this, I always appreciated wool’s warmth, so I had high hopes that Bombas’ shirts would offer a softer, more comfortable experience. I ordered one initially, taking advantage of a 25% off coupon which helped with the investment. From the moment I put it on, I loved the feel. Crucially, there was absolutely no itching around the neck—a true game-changer!
Naturally, that positive experience led to a second order! These shirts have been in constant rotation throughout the colder months, providing reliable warmth and comfort. Now, as we plan an upcoming trip, they will seamlessly transition into essential layers for travel. Merino wool is a phenomenal material for packing light: it naturally resists odors, effectively wicks away moisture, and dries remarkably quickly, making it ideal for multi-day wear and easy care on the go.
For both staying warm in winter and practical travel, I truly feel I’ve hit the jackpot with these shirts, even considering their higher price point. There are certain items where I’m willing to invest a little more for quality and performance, and these merino wool t-shirts fall squarely into that category (a cost happily offset by the $14 jeans I recently scored at Old Navy!).
My Go-To Travel Foundation-Powder
Continuing on the theme of smart travel essentials, I realize I haven’t yet shared a fantastic product I’ve relied on for our trips over the past few years: a convenient alternative to lugging around bulky liquid foundation and separate powder. It’s Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation, and it performs wonderfully as a two-in-one substitute for my usual routine.
This product is particularly advantageous when flying, as it means one less liquid item taking up precious space in my liquids bag. It simplifies my packing and streamlines my security check process, which is always a win. The mattifying quality helps keep shine at bay throughout the day, providing a fresh look with minimal effort.
I did need to try two different shades before finding the perfect match for my skin tone; Bamboo proved to be the ideal choice for a lighter, more translucent finish. What I appreciate most is its buildable coverage – for areas where I desire a bit more concealing, I can simply add another light layer without it looking heavy or cakey.
Have you tried a powder foundation like this for your travels or everyday use? I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations!
March Reads: A Literary Journey
Here’s a glimpse into the books that captured my attention this past month, offering everything from ancient myths to thought-provoking non-fiction.
Mythos, Stephen Fry. Brian and I embarked on this audio journey during our car trips, and it took us a couple of months to complete, given its considerable length. While many of the Greek myths were familiar, Stephen Fry’s unique narrative lens imbued them with his signature wit and charm, making them feel fresh and often hilariously absurd. His insightful asides provided crucial backstory and context, enriching our understanding. Fry’s impeccable narration on the audiobook is a true delight; you’ll find yourself chuckling at the outlandish situations and the colorful cast of gods and mortals, just as he intended.
The Glass Hotel, Emily St. John Mandel. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this novel; perhaps something akin to the narrative progression of her acclaimed work, Station Eleven (which I believe is being adapted into an HBO series). However, this story took a completely different approach, scattering its timeline wildly—forward, backward, in-between, then forward again, and so on. This non-linear structure, especially when listening on audio, proved to be quite disorienting and left me feeling disconnected from the numerous characters. With so much happening off-page, I found it hard to invest emotionally in their fates, and the central plot itself felt somewhat diffuse. Frankly, it wasn’t a narrative style that resonated with me.
House Lessons,Erica Bauermeister. I can’t quite recall how I stumbled upon this memoir, but it was an engaging read about a family’s enchanting encounter with an old house in Port Townsend, Washington (a place I’ve visited, making it fun to visualize the setting). The book chronicles their decision to purchase it and the subsequent saga of its renovation. As someone who has navigated the challenges of renovating our farmhouse, this was right up my alley and even provided some comforting perspective—there are indeed houses out there in even more dire states! While I wished for more details about the house itself and fewer on the family dynamics, especially towards the end, it was an interesting and largely enjoyable read.
The Midwife’s Revolt, Jodi Daynard. This book had been in my Audible library for quite some time, and I finally delved into it during a Saturday gardening session. It’s precisely my kind of historical fiction: a rich tapestry of historical events skillfully interwoven with a compelling fictional main character. The story follows a fictional midwife who is friends and neighbors with Abigail Adams during the tumultuous dawn of the Revolutionary War. I thoroughly enjoyed it, often recalling details from a biography of Abigail Adams I read a few years ago. Daynard masterfully conveys the fear, hunger, heat, cold, and pervasive confusion of the era, truly transporting the reader into that challenging period—the hallmark of excellent historical fiction, in my opinion.
How (Not) To Read The Bible: Making Sense of the Anti-Women, Anti-Science, Pro-Violence, Pro-Slavery and Other Crazy-Sounding Parts of Scripture, Dan Kimball. I’ve included the full subtitle for this book because I believe it underscores its profound importance for both Christians and non-Christians alike who approach scripture with curiosity or skepticism. This book addresses many questions I’ve pondered myself, and I was genuinely surprised to learn the extent to which parts of the Bible are ridiculed online. I hadn’t realized how pervasive this trend had become.
The author presents invaluable “rules” for interpreting the Bible, which he argues we should always follow to gain a deeper, more accurate understanding:
- **Never read a Bible verse in isolation.** Understanding the surrounding context is paramount to prevent misinterpretation and fully grasp the original meaning.
- **Recognize the Bible as a diverse library.** It’s not a single book but a collection of many genres, including poetry, history, literature, law, and prophecy, each requiring a different interpretive approach beyond surface readings.
- **Study the Bible and research to understand it as a cohesive whole.** Rather than focusing solely on the Old Testament, New Testament, or isolated sections, a holistic view reveals its overarching message and consistent themes.
- **Remember the Bible was written FOR us, but not TO us.** It was penned for specific audiences in ancient times, whose cultures and circumstances were vastly different from our own. Understanding this historical and cultural context is crucial for proper application today.
I purchased copies for our daughter and my sister’s teenagers, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone of that age group. They are frequently exposed to online memes and websites that mock the Bible, and this book equips them with essential knowledge and a robust framework for understanding scripture in an informed and critical way.
The Rose Code, Kate Quinn. This book has been on my library holds list ever since someone highly recommended it, and they were absolutely right—I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having read other WWII code-breaking narratives, particularly those set at Bletchley Park, I wasn’t sure another one would hold my attention. However, Kate Quinn masterfully weaves enough drama, intrigue, and compelling characters into this story to make it utterly captivating. I especially loved the evolving friendship between the three central women, and how their bond formed across social divides that would have kept them apart in pre-war society. While some of the sadder events were difficult to read (and one particular storyline stretched my belief a little), overall, it was a book I constantly yearned to return to and one that will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time.
Frontier Grit:Unlikely True Stories of Daring Pioneer Women, Marianne Monson. A thoughtful reader, knowing my appreciation for history, recommended this book, and she was spot on. This concise yet impactful book features 12 chapters, each highlighting a different remarkable pioneer woman. Its structure made it perfect for reading a chapter each night before bed. The women profiled are incredibly diverse: one dedicated her life to saving hundreds of Chinese girls from slavery in San Francisco’s Chinatown, another became a vocal ally for Native Americans, and yet another was a frontier doctor. Their stories are a rich source of inspiration, showcasing the incredible resilience and accomplishments of women navigating challenging frontiers.
Unoffendable, Brant Hansen. Crystal Paine’s recommendation that every Christian should read this book is absolutely correct. This book feels incredibly timely and relevant for our currently divisive historical moment. I was genuinely surprised to learn, at the end, that it was originally written in 2015. It was saddening, in fact, to realize that in the seven years since its publication, the “offended by everything cancel-culture” world seems to have intensified, rather than improved, especially within Christian communities.
Hansen’s core message is a powerful reminder: as inherently flawed individuals, we often believe we are always in the right. We cannot always be trusted, and we frequently misunderstand others’ motivations—and even our own! However, God possesses perfect knowledge and understanding. Therefore, the profound wisdom is to *let go and leave it to Him*.
I jotted these reflections in my reading journal:
- It’s not about condoning potentially offensive or immoral behavior; far from it. It’s simply about recognizing that it’s not *about me*. I don’t need to feel threatened or scandalized by someone else’s actions.
- What if Christians were widely known as the people you simply couldn’t offend? Imagine the impact.
- What if we, like Christ, consistently led with love and compassion instead of anger?
Watching: Screen Time Selections
TV Series:
Severance, Apple+. This is Brian’s current favorite, and for good reason. It’s a truly wild, visually stunning, and thought-provoking series that keeps you constantly guessing. The ingenious premise centers on a group of office workers who have voluntarily undergone a surgical procedure to separate their work memories from their personal life memories. Imagine having no idea what your home life is like while at work, or vice versa—it’s a fascinating and chilling concept, masterfully executed.
Movies:
CODA, Apple+. I was absolutely thrilled to see this sweet, profoundly inspiring, and truly feel-good movie win Best Picture at the Oscars – it was long overdue! If you haven’t yet experienced this heartwarming story, I urge you to make every effort to watch it. You will undoubtedly be glad you did; it’s a moving portrayal of family, dreams, and overcoming obstacles.
Don’t Look Up, Netflix. While this film garnered a fair share of negative reviews, Brian and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It brilliantly skewers various facets of our contemporary society, from political denial to media sensationalism and public apathy, and I was completely on board for that biting satire. Interestingly, I wouldn’t have grasped its supposed statement on climate change had Brian not mentioned it; to me, it was primarily a compelling narrative about an asteroid threat and humanity’s chaotic response.
Psych 3: This is Gus, Peacock. We watched this with our daughter, and it was pure, unadulterated silly fun, wrapped in a comforting layer of nostalgia for us. Despite its lighthearted nature, it still manages to make us laugh out loud, proving that some comedic formulas simply stand the test of time.
Lucy & Desi Documentary, Amazon. I found myself enjoying this Amy Poehler-directed documentary considerably more than the recent feature film starring Nicole Kidman. This documentary truly brought to light the extraordinary achievements of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz together, offering deep insights into their partnership and how their groundbreaking show, and the studio Desilu, profoundly impacted both their lives and the television landscape as a whole.
That concludes another delightful edition of the Good Things List!
If you’re keen 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! Please share your thoughts in the comments below – have you tried any of these items, read these books, or what good things would you recommend?
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