A monthly round-up of things worth seeing, buying, reading, and watching.
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And just like that, it’s May. This long, chilly spring has had me craving warm weather, and I’m hopeful those sunny days are finally on their way. Between planting vegetables and shrubs, mulching, and enjoying small bursts of outdoor work, we also managed a few meaningful updates inside the farmhouse.
The upstairs bathroom renovation is still slow — we’re taking the time to get the structural and foundational issues right in this old house — but two smaller items that had been on the to-do list since we moved in two years ago are finally complete. They’re the sort of small projects that make a big difference in daily life, so I’m glad to share them here.
I’m also enjoying a new leather crossbody purse, read several books in April, and we watched a couple of excellent things last month that I’ll mention below.
Good Things List
Coffee Bar — Reclaimed Wood Shelves
From the moment we planned this kitchen, I knew I wanted to use the 100-year-old reclaimed wood we salvaged during our remodel. But small projects like adding shelves can sit on the list forever. I originally imagined attaching boards directly to the cabinet sides, which my husband quickly vetoed, and then I hesitated over how to create a clean, “floating” look using thick, reclaimed boards.
After some research we found hidden brackets that work well with chunky planks and allow the shelf to appear nearly floating. The brackets can be mounted in different orientations depending on whether you prefer them visible or tucked away. To match our existing cabinet hardware I treated the brackets with an antique-gold finish rather than leaving them black, and the result ties the whole coffee bar area together.
Because the bracket set included extra pieces, I used a couple more to add a matching shelf in the bathroom. Painting them the same finish creates cohesion across the rooms, and I’m thrilled with how these areas look now — the reclaimed wood brings warmth and history into both spaces.
Perfect Leather Purse
My everyday bag had been a well-traveled leather purse from a 2014 trip to Greece, but its lining was failing and the straps were wearing thin. A local leather shop caught my eye with a flyer, and I ended up ordering a small crossbody that fits my needs perfectly.
I prefer compact crossbody bags that keep my hands free and include an exterior pocket for my phone. The model I chose is small but roomy enough for essentials: wallet, glasses, keys, a mint tin, a small change pouch, and a baggie of snacks. The adjustable strap sits at just the right point so the bag doesn’t hang too low, and the leather and hardware feel high-quality. Shipping and packaging were solid, too. I already have my eye on another color.
April Reads
Jacqueline Winspear — The last two Maisie Dobbs novels: I finished The Consequences of Fear and A Sunlit Weapon, closing out the Maisie Dobbs series for now. The later books brought the characters to life and gave Maisie a richer personal life, which I appreciated after the series’ earlier turns. These historical mysteries, set from the aftermath of World War I through World War II, blend period detail with character-driven storytelling — a comforting and immersive read for anyone who enjoys layered historical fiction.
The Lager Queen of Minnesota — J. Ryan Stradal: This book surprised me in the best way. Despite my hesitations based on another of the author’s novels, this story about craft brewing and community spans decades and focuses on personal growth and the influence of one person who sees potential in another. The brewing details didn’t captivate me, but the characters and their development did, and the book resolves on a hopeful note.
Find Your People — Jennie Allen: Recommended by several people I follow, I borrowed this from the library but didn’t finish it. The book felt geared toward a highly extroverted approach to building community, and the suggested action steps didn’t align with my introverted tendencies. Many readers find it helpful, but it wasn’t the right fit for me personally.
Crime on the Fens — Joy Ellis: The first in a DI Nikki Galena series, this mystery leans toward grittier crime fiction. The characters have intriguing subplots, but the intense focus on violent crimes made it a bit stressful for my tastes. Fans of darker British detective novels or procedural series might appreciate it more.
Leviticus — Skip Heitzig (audio): As part of a year-long project to read through the Bible, I sought commentary to clarify cultural and historical context for Leviticus. I found an extended audio lecture series that presented the material clearly and practically, relating ancient practices to broader biblical themes. The presentation was engaging and informative; I skipped ritualistic segments and appreciated the focus on historical customs and their relevance.
Watching
Air — We caught this film on a date night and enjoyed it for its strong performances and the Portland setting. The story of an early-stage company and the people behind it made for an entertaining, well-acted film.
Leanne Morgan’s standup — This Netflix special had both of us laughing out loud. Clean, relatable, and genuinely funny, it’s a great pick for a light, uplifting watch.
That’s it for another edition of the Good Things List!
If you’d like to see more of these round-ups, search previous Good Things Lists on the blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts — have you tried any of these items, or do you have recommendations? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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