Monthly Delights: Your Guide to Inspiring Home, Garden, Reads, and Lifestyle Finds
A monthly list of good things to do, buy, read, watch, and more. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.
Welcome to April and the glorious arrival of spring! After what felt like an interminable wait, marked by our record-breaking snowfall that stubbornly lingered for weeks, the weather finally made a dramatic shift. The days grew warmer, transitioning from chilly grays to vibrant blues, with that first day hitting the 60s feeling like absolute heaven. We even enjoyed a couple of days reaching into the 70s, and even the rain showers felt softer and warmer, a true sign of nature’s awakening.
It was certainly a peculiar transition, though. March began with the ferocious roar of a lion, bringing all that snow, and within just a few weeks, we were basking in 70-degree temperatures. Yet, pockets of snow stubbornly remained in many areas, creating a stark and somewhat surreal contrast. This significant weather swing wasn’t unique to our region, a common characteristic of spring’s often unpredictable nature. But despite the occasional meteorological capriciousness, the general feeling is one of fresh starts and renewed energy.
If you’re anything like me, you’re eagerly embracing the spirit of spring and enthusiastically anticipating outdoor activities – even if you, too, are waiting for the last vestiges of winter’s snow to disappear. I sincerely hope this month’s “Good Things” list provides inspiration, wherever you are on your journey. Perhaps it will spark excitement for gardening, introduce you to new things to try, or offer engaging books to fill those transitional moments between seasons. So, settle in, perhaps with a warm cup of your favorite tea or coffee, because this month’s list is a delightful, substantial one!
Good Things: Refreshing Your Home and Garden
Spring Flower Bed Clean Up: Revitalizing Our Farmhouse Landscape
Let’s kick things off in the garden, a place I’ve been longing to dig into after months of cold weather. While I previously shared our vegetable garden plan and planting guide for this year, today I want to focus on the charming little flower bed situated between our farmhouse and the manufactured home. This particular spot is often the first thing visitors see, so keeping it neat and inviting is a priority. Of course, given our rural setting, ensuring it’s deer-resistant is an absolute necessity!
The image above captures the “before” state of the bed, a snapshot after a long winter of rain, freezing temperatures, and snow. When we acquired the farmhouse last year, this entire area was overrun with weeds. I tackled the arduous task of clearing it, defining its edges with a simple rock border, and then impulsively planted a few things I discovered at a local home store. To my pleasant surprise, these impromptu choices thrived and, crucially, proved mostly deer-resistant – a blessing I hadn’t even considered when I first started planting.
Let’s take a moment to discuss the often-dreaded topic of weeds.
One noteworthy observation is that while there were weeds in this bed, their numbers were surprisingly low, and they were incredibly easy to pull. This ease is entirely thanks to the mulch I had diligently layered over newspaper. The entire cleanup process, including adding a few new plants and pruning old growth, took me roughly an hour. This efficient method is a testament to the power of thoughtful preparation.
I plan to add another layer of newspaper and mulch this year, anticipating even fewer weeds next year. It’s a truly effective, organic way to ensure many months of beautifully weed-free garden beds!
Alright, now for the satisfying “after” transformation:
Doesn’t that look wonderfully neat and tidy? Here’s a detailed list of what I’ve lovingly planted in this revived bed:
- 3 lavender plants – specifically French and Goodwin Creek Grey varieties. I’ve found these types tend to bloom longer, maintain a more attractive appearance, and are generally hardier than traditional English lavender.
- 1 charming pink creeping phlox, which provides a lovely groundcover and early spring color.
- 1 cheerful coreopsis, known for its bright, daisy-like flowers.
- 3 pink-toned penstemon plants, adding height and continuous bloom through the season.
- 1 unknown peony that was already on the property, which I carefully transplanted from a grassy area we needed to clear next to the farmhouse. Its resilience and unexpected beauty are a gift.
- 1 new pink peony, freshly planted this spring, promising abundant blooms in years to come.
- A scattering of blooming grape hyacinth bulbs, also just planted. Unfortunately, I’ve recently discovered the deer have a particular fondness for them… sigh.
- 5 white alyssum plants. These often self-seed or return, so I’ve pruned them back and will observe for another month to see if they’ll make a comeback before deciding whether to replant.
My next steps involve adding that planned layer of paper and mulch, and then planting a few annuals to fill any gaps and add continuous color. Beyond that, this charming little area will be largely complete for the season, a vibrant welcome to our home.
The view above is one of my favorites to capture, especially when the flowers are bursting into full bloom like this, creating a picturesque scene against the farmhouse backdrop.
However, in the spirit of complete honesty and to convey the immense amount of work still required on our property, here’s a glimpse of the other side of this area – the part I’m usually less inclined to showcase:
Ugh. This particular section remains a constant source of frustration for me. This is primarily because it’s the view we encounter daily as we walk towards the manufactured home. Inheriting the peculiar additions and alterations of previous owners is undeniably one of the most challenging aspects of purchasing an old home with history.
A random, out-of-place brick wall? Check. A gigantic, inexplicable pile of SAND, thinly camouflaged with a layer of wood chips? Check. A huge, ancient stump, barely concealed by wood chips, relentlessly sprouting weeds? Double-check.
Did I mention the colossal sand pile? What on earth were they thinking? And yes, to add insult to injury, weeds absolutely adore growing in sand, making this an even more persistent battle.
You might not gather it from the picture, but I dedicated a significant amount of time to this area last summer. It involved countless hours of weeding, painstakingly removing wood chips, and then the truly back-breaking work of relocating loads of sand, one wheelbarrow at a time. My major takeaway from that endeavor? Sand is incredibly heavy, and moving it with a wheelbarrow feels like an endless task. I didn’t even manage to move half of it!
Currently, the grand plan involves somehow getting that massive sand pile removed, dismantling the unsightly brick wall, and leveling the entire area as much as possible to create a smooth, usable space. The flower bed will gracefully extend around the large boulder already present, and I then hope to continue the lawn seamlessly onto what will (ideally) become a gentle slope. Rest assured, I’ll keep you thoroughly updated on this ambitious transformation!
The Farmhouse Metal Bed: A Stylish and Budget-Friendly Find
Do you recall my dilemma when I was trying to decide between three antique-looking metal beds? After much deliberation, Brian and our daughter cast their votes for the cleanest, most minimalist design. Happily, this particular option also turned out to be the most affordable! It was a pleasant surprise to find that the most aesthetically pleasing choice was also the most budget-friendly, aligning perfectly with our farmhouse style without breaking the bank.
This charming piece is called the Home Meridian Westford Standard Queen (it’s available in other sizes too). It boasted excellent reviews, so I decided to take the plunge and order it, secretly hoping it wouldn’t be a classic case of “you get what you pay for.” I was delighted to find my worries unfounded.
And the verdict? We absolutely LOVE it! The bed arrived promptly, and the assembly process was surprisingly straightforward. Brian and I managed to put it together in about 45 minutes, which is always a bonus when dealing with flat-pack furniture. Once assembled, its sturdiness was immediately apparent. I had initially worried about the common issue of metal beds squeaking, but I’m thrilled to report that there isn’t a single squeak when getting in or out, which makes for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Another thoughtful feature is the adjustable height options, offering three different settings. This is particularly useful if you have an extra-tall mattress, as it allows you to adjust the frame so that the beautiful headboard remains prominently visible, rather than being obscured. The only minor point to note is that the base, where the box spring and mattress rest, doesn’t have a lip to hold them firmly in place. Additionally, the frame is a tiny bit larger than our standard queen mattress. I initially feared the mattress might slide around, but thankfully, it hasn’t been an issue at all.
Overall, we are incredibly pleased with this purchase and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish, durable, and affordable metal bed. Its classic farmhouse aesthetic effortlessly elevates the room’s decor. If you’re in the market for a similar bed, you can find more information and read reviews here – it’s an incredible value at under $160!
Finding the Perfect Modest Swim Suit for Our Anniversary Trip
Ugh, let me preface this by saying that shopping for a new swim suit is almost at the bottom of my list of favorite activities – perhaps only underwear shopping ranks lower! However, Brian and I have been meticulously planning our 30th-anniversary trip to the Caribbean for nearly three years, and the exciting news is that it’s finally happening in just a few months! We strategically timed our visit for the tail end of the busy season to snag better prices, yet safely before the hurricane season kicks in.
With a maturing, pear-shaped body, and a strong preference for more modest swimwear, I actively avoid bottoms that reveal too much. This means I’m always on the hunt for swim shorts or skirts, which, unfortunately, are notoriously difficult to find in brick-and-mortar stores and often carry a hefty price tag online. This perennial challenge makes the shopping experience less than ideal.
That’s precisely why I was absolutely thrilled to discover SwimOutlet.com. This website is a treasure trove, offering everything imaginable for all kinds of swimming and water sports. They stock all the major, high-end brands (at their corresponding prices), but critically, they also feature frequent sales and carry a fantastic selection of more affordable, quality brands. It truly provides a comprehensive solution for diverse swimwear needs, making the daunting task much more manageable.
I purchased both the top (and I absolutely adore the color!) and the matching skirt pictured above, and I couldn’t be happier with both the quality and the fit. They are from the Sporti line, which offers excellent value without compromising on style or comfort. Specifically, the top is the Sporti Active Racerback Solid Tankini Top, providing great coverage and support, and the skirt is the Sporti Active Swim Skort Bottom, which offers the perfect blend of modesty and functionality. I even have my eye on a pair of fitted swim shorts from their collection for snorkeling!
If you’re looking to upgrade your swim suit and desire a wealth of options for every preference and activity, you can use this link to get $10 off a purchase of $39 or more for new customers. It’s a fantastic way to find exactly what you need for your next aquatic adventure.
This Adorable Green Glass Spoon Holder: A Small Kitchen Delight
I simply had to share this sweet and utterly charming spoon holder that arrived in the mail this week, a delightful find from Target. I hadn’t spotted these at our local store, so I was particularly pleased that ordering it online was such an easy and convenient process. It’s truly one of those small kitchen items that brings a surprising amount of joy and functionality to daily tasks.
It’s officially named the Green Hearth & Hand Spoon Holder, and its beautiful jade-like green hue perfectly complements the appetizer plates from the same line that I acquired last fall. Furthermore, it harmonizes wonderfully with my existing collection of jadeite-colored bowls, a vintage cake stand, and charming salt and pepper shakers. The cohesive color palette brings a sense of calm and classic elegance to my kitchen.
Best of all, this little gem was less than $5, proving unequivocally that sometimes it really is the small, inexpensive treasures that bring the most happiness, isn’t it? Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it serves a highly practical purpose: no more setting my stirring spoon directly onto the countertop and creating a messy, dirty surface! It’s a simple solution that makes a noticeable difference in kitchen cleanliness and organization.
March Reads: A Dive into Diverse Literary Worlds
I managed to read a total of eight books in March, a significant increase compared to the previous two months. The credit for these extra two reads goes entirely to my newfound habit of listening to audiobooks while working outside in the garden or during my dedicated blog cooking days. While I could easily just listen to music, I’ve found that once I started listening to books instead, it’s what I naturally gravitate towards now. It’s an incredibly productive way to multitask and feed my mind.
Here are the six books I’m highlighting this month – most of which I thoroughly enjoyed, though there was one particularly popular title that regrettably didn’t resonate with me:
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, by Lysa TerKeurst. This impactful book served as the foundation for the 6-week Bible study I mentioned last month. While the study itself was excellent, offering great support and resources, it was this book that truly captured my heart. I would easily place it alongside The Best Yes as my favorite Lysa TerKeurst book to date. Its raw honesty and authenticity are what make it so powerful. As a reader, you are literally walking alongside her as she navigates profound personal discoveries, endures significant trials, turns to God in desperation, and learns what it truly means to lean on Him – not in a theoretical sense, but in the messy, challenging context of real life.
Perhaps you’re familiar with her recent story: her husband of over 20 years had an affair, leading to what seemed like an inevitable divorce. She unflinchingly shares the emotional and spiritual turmoil of this experience, both as a woman facing marital breakdown and as the head of a major online ministry. Then, not long after, she faced not one, but two major medical crises. I opted for the audiobook, which Lysa herself narrates, creating an intimate, conversational experience. Throughout my listen, a constant thought echoed in my mind: “If she can emerge stronger and with such profound faith after all this, then I certainly can too.” The even more miraculous and wonderful ending to her personal story is the revelation that she and her husband renewed their vows just a few months before the online study commenced. What an incredible testimony to faith, forgiveness, and redemption!
Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder, by Caroline Fraser. Oh, so many conflicting feelings about this book. My daughter, knowing my deep admiration for Laura Ingalls Wilder, thoughtfully gifted this to me for Christmas. It took me a full two and a half months to complete, largely because there were times I simply had to put it down and step away for a while. This book is a significant work, having won a Pulitzer Prize and earning a spot on the New York Times’ 10 Best Books of 2017 list. I initially approached it as a comprehensive biography of Laura and her era, eagerly diving in.
The first portion of the book lived up to that expectation, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was well aware that the truth of Laura’s life wasn’t the romanticized “wine-colored roses” depicted in her beloved children’s books, so I wasn’t surprised by the hardships and found the factual narrative genuinely interesting. I also appreciated the rich historical context the author provided, covering everything from the political climate of the time to the dramatic weather patterns, including the astonishing locust plagues, and the evolving relationship with Native American communities. This background added immense depth to Laura’s personal story.
However, the second half, delving into excruciating detail about Laura and Almanzo’s daughter, Rose? I simply didn’t care. While I understood the necessity of exploring their complex relationship and how Rose’s burgeoning writing career ultimately spurred Laura to begin writing her own memoirs, I felt utterly swamped by the minutiae of Rose’s life. I longed for more insights into Laura’s daily life in Mansfield, her relationship with Almanzo – not extensive accounts of Rose’s European travels or the ever-changing circle of friends she made and discarded. It became a tedious distraction from the core subject. I found myself skimming through much of the latter half until I reached the section concerning Roger McBride, who cunningly maneuvered his way into Rose’s life, eventually becoming her heir and, tragically, thwarting Laura’s carefully expressed wishes regarding her legacy and royalties. It felt like a true travesty.
I was particularly saddened to learn that this book became a catalyst for the removal of Laura’s name from a prestigious children’s literature award (and an elementary school). This decision, in my opinion, stems from viewing her 19th-century memories through the often anachronistic lens of 21st-century sensibilities. These books, written for children, are told through a child’s perspective and should be understood within their historical context. They offer a valuable opportunity to spark conversations about history, societal changes, and different ways of life – which is precisely what all truly good books should inspire.
Behold The Dreamers, by Imbolo Mbue. I listened to this book primarily while cooking, and I found it to be utterly engrossing. The narrator did an exceptional job, skillfully portraying both the African and American accents, which greatly enhanced the immersive experience. Set in the early 2000s, just before the monumental economic crash, the novel unfolds the compelling story of Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian man who has immigrated to America and desperately wishes to remain, especially after his wife, Neni, and young son join him. He secures a coveted job as a chauffeur for a high-ranking executive at Lehman Brothers, months before the infamous financial institution collapses. Through his employment, we gain intimate insights into the lives and struggles of both his immigrant family and the affluent, seemingly stable family he serves.
The narrative powerfully illustrates the profound plight of immigrants striving to establish a life in America and navigate the complex process of staying legally. Simultaneously, it vividly captures that specific historical period where economic uncertainty loomed, casting a shadow of the unknown over everyone. The ending, while not what I had anticipated, was far from unsatisfying; it offered a poignant and realistic resolution. There is some mature language used, but beyond that, it is simply a well-crafted, deeply engrossing story that offers valuable social commentary and human insight.
Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?by Phillip Yancy. The title of this book immediately captivated me, as the question it poses is one that I, and indeed many people I know, frequently ponder. I have a great deal of admiration for Phillip Yancy as an author because he fearlessly tackles the profound and often uncomfortable questions that we all secretly harbor but sometimes feel we shouldn’t. This book offered a wealth of profound insights and “nuggets” of wisdom that I diligently wrote down for future reflection. Among them were:
As with exercise, the benefit of prayer comes with consistency. It’s not always about grand revelations, but the steady discipline of showing up.
Some days we’d be hard-pressed to find a tangible benefit from a prayer time. Keep showing up, though, with the hope to 1) know God better and 2) hear from God in the quiet moments of communion.
Morning prayer orients us for the day with God as a central focus, setting a spiritual compass for the hours ahead.
Written prayers can be an invaluable aid during spiritual dry spells. Utilizing biblical prayers (like the Psalms or The Lord’s Prayer) and other historic Christian prayers can guide and deepen our practice, just as countless believers throughout centuries have matured in their prayer lives.
There will inevitably be times when God seems silent or distant. This is not unusual; we see examples in the Psalms, Jesus on the cross, and Paul’s persistent “thorn in the flesh.” Do not be surprised by these periods, and rely on written prayers to help maintain consistency and faith during such trials.
The single most significant takeaway that truly resonated with me, prompting deep contemplation, was the author’s challenging question: What if God actually answered every single prayer exactly as we asked? What would such a world truly look like? When you consider how Christians might then be perceived as mere magicians, how no bad things would ever happen (thus negating all the profound growth and resilience that stems from adversity), or how that very thing we were desperately asking for might, in hindsight, prove to be a detrimental outcome – you begin to grasp why God did not design the world in that manner. This perspective profoundly shifted my understanding and made much more sense of the complexities of faith and divine intervention.
I’m pretty confident that this profound read will make it into my top books for 2019!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This particular book? I can confidently say it will be nowhere near my top reads of the year. I had approached it with such high hopes, eagerly anticipating a fun, glamorous read set in the “golden age” of Hollywood, especially after seeing numerous glowing reviews. I expected a captivating story of fame, passion, and scandal, but was left thoroughly underwhelmed.
Frankly, this was not my cup of tea at all. I found the narrative to be shallow, surprisingly repetitive in its themes and character portrayals, and ultimately not very inventive or original. I likely would have abandoned it entirely, but a compelling twist was hinted at in the very beginning, and my curiosity to uncover it kept me trudging through. While the twist itself was indeed clever and impactful, I struggled to believe it for a single minute within the context of the story. The sheer number of coincidences required for it to unfold felt far too great, stretching the bounds of credibility beyond my suspension of disbelief. It was a disappointment, failing to deliver the depth and intrigue I had hoped for from a highly-praised novel.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, by Samin Norsat. This was a relatively short read that I found to be incredibly interesting and enlightening. Samin Norsat shares fascinating insights into her culinary background, detailing her journey as she worked her way up from the very bottom at the legendary Chez Panisse restaurant. Through her experiences, she meticulously outlines what she learned about the paramount importance of salt, fat, acid, and heat – the four fundamental elements that are absolutely crucial for creating truly delicious and well-balanced food. The first half of the book delves into these principles with clear explanations and engaging examples, making complex culinary science accessible to home cooks. The second half of the book is dedicated to recipes, which she presents not as rigid instructions but rather as flexible guidelines designed to empower readers to understand the underlying principles and confidently create their own unique dishes.
After finishing the book, I immediately tuned into the first episode of the Netflix series bearing the same name, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially with the foundational knowledge I had gained from the book. I particularly love how both the book and the show delve into the origins and nuances of real foods we cherish, such as exploring the different ages and production methods of Parmesan cheese. It truly deepens one’s appreciation for ingredients and techniques. Have you had a chance to watch this wonderful series yet? It’s a must-see for anyone passionate about cooking and understanding food at a deeper level.
Watching: Documentaries and Family Films
It seems March was truly a documentary month for us, as we dove deep into several compelling non-fiction stories on Netflix!
Long Shot Documentary. This is a shorter, single-episode documentary that proved to be utterly fascinating and deeply unsettling. It tells the extraordinary true story of a man wrongly accused of a murder he vehemently denied committing, asserting he wasn’t even at the scene of the crime – his alibi was that he was attending a Dodger’s baseball game. The central challenge becomes: how do you definitively prove your presence at one specific place, especially when faced with a seemingly solid accusation? The narrative is further enhanced by a truly surprising Hollywood twist that adds another layer of intrigue and disbelief.
Juanita. This Netflix original movie, starring the wonderful Alfre Woodard, was a serendipitous find that looked sweet and uplifting from its description. And it certainly was! The story follows Juanita, a woman who, feeling stifled and unappreciated by her adult children, spontaneously leaves her life behind to embark on a journey of self-discovery. While the film delivered on its promise of warmth and inspiration, there were a few poignant and sad scenes, and one particular moment that my daughter and I opted to fast-forward through. Nevertheless, it was a genuinely heartwarming and empowering narrative about finding oneself and embracing new beginnings.
Sam Cooke Documentary. This documentary offered a captivating look into the life and profound musical legacy of Sam Cooke. It chronicled his rise from gospel music to becoming a groundbreaking pop sensation and civil rights activist. The film masterfully portrays his undeniable talent, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his significant cultural impact. However, it also delves into the deeply tragic and untimely ending to his life, leaving a profound sense of sadness and what-could-have-been for such an influential figure.
Innocent Man Documentary. This six-part documentary series was utterly mesmerizing and incredibly difficult to stop watching. It’s based on the only non-fiction book ever written by John Grisham, as well as several other books penned about the same small town and its brutal murders. The series focuses on two separate murders that occurred a couple of years apart in a tight-knit community, leading to the conviction of several men based almost entirely on coerced confessions and very little other substantive evidence. The central theme profoundly explores the disturbing concept of coerced confessions, especially as two of the convicted men are later exonerated years later through irrefutable DNA evidence. It’s a truly fascinating and deeply troubling examination of the justice system and human fallibility.
Movies:
Paddington 2. Our entire family was genuinely surprised by how much we all absolutely adored the first Paddington movie; its charm, wit, and heartwarming story captured us completely. Naturally, we were eagerly anticipating the sequel, especially after seeing its impressively high Rotten Tomatoes ratings. While it was undeniably still cute and featured some delightful moments, the plot of Paddington 2 didn’t quite resonate with us this time around. It seemed to fall into the trap that so many sequels do – relying heavily on an abundance of chase scenes, a proliferation of things breaking, and a general sense of continuous mayhem, rather than the thoughtful, character-driven narrative of the original. It felt a bit like style over substance, losing some of the quiet magic that made the first film so special.
Have you seen it? What were your thoughts on Paddington’s second cinematic adventure?
That’s it for another exciting edition of the Good Things List! If you’re curious to explore more of my favorite discoveries and recommendations, you can easily browse all the previous Good Things Lists here. I would absolutely love to hear from you – if you’ve tried any of these recommendations, or if you have any wonderful suggestions of your own to share. Please feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts and insights!
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