In my quarterly newsletter, I always include a list of items that I'm enjoying called "You Might Also Like ..." These could be recipes, movies, books, articles, contests, podcasts, craft videos, or anything else that caught my fancy since the last newsletter. They are not sponsored links or ads; I get no money whether or not readers click on the links. I thought it'd be fun to do one here:
- Book-Themed Jigsaw Puzzles
I've gotten into jigsaw puzzles again with spending so much time at home. I find it surprisingly relaxing to just focus on colors and shapes. The puzzle that is currently in progress on my table is The World's Smallest 1000 Piece Puzzle. Book Riot's The Ultimate Guide to Book Puzzles To Do and Give This Winter is arranged by number of pieces, which is so helpful. I also thought this "20 Gorgeous Puzzles" article had a good list of the range of puzzles available, including ones that were odd shapes like circles or extra challenging (like an all black puzzle). - Calamityware
If you don't look too closely, they looks like traditional plates and cups. A closer inspection will reveal why this mug is called Things Could Be Worse. - Cards for Kindness
If you're making handmade cards this year, consider making extras and donating them to hospitals, retirement homes, and other organizations. - Code Girls
I just finished this book about the female codebreakers in World War II. I enjoyed all the little details about the women's lives both in and outside of work. If you don't have time to read it, this article from the Smithsonian gives a nice overview. - Create a Hidden Delight
Gretchen Rubin in her Happier podcast mentioned having places of unexpected whimsy in your house. I immediately thought of the elephant hooks I have in the back of my coat closet. I hang my scarves on them. The casual visitor will never see it, but it makes me smile every time I open that door. - Easy Feather Pour Tutorial
This video makes it look really easy to paint an abstract feather design. Maybe I'll try this next year. - Ladybird Collected
The owner of a small diner in Kansas put together this book of vignettes to raise money to feed the hungry locals. I enjoyed learning about the many different people who work and eat there. (Be warned: The diner is known for its pie and you will want a piece after reading the word "pie" over and over.) - Mini Pumpkin Pies
Speaking of pies, how cute are these mini pumpkin pies? I might have tried this recipe for Thanksgiving if I'd seen it earlier. I like that it uses the scraps of the pie crust to make little leaf decorations. - Rockefeller Owl
Did you see this story? The owl photos are adorable. I admit I was little annoyed by the stories that reported the owl as a "stowaway" as if it wanted to be uprooted from its quiet home in the woods and thrust into noisy Manhattan. I'm positive the owl would have a very different story to tell! - Seven Commercial Writing Job Titles Explained
I'm always fascinated by how job titles change over the years. This writer-focused list had a few I'd never seen before. - Shotgun houses
I enjoyed listening to this old episode of the podcast Stuff You Should Know. It was fascinating to learn the origins of this architectural style that is found in cities like New Orleans. - Simple Syrups
I keep seeing mentions of these Meadowland Syrups with flavors like vanilla maple and hummingbird and I am intrigued. It looks like they're used primarily for cocktails, but you could also add them to coffee or tea. What else can you do with simple syrup? - Tea Advent Calendars
This reminded me of a sweet idea I saw someone mention on Twitter: Giving a grandmother who lived far away this type of gift along with a mother and daughter so that the three of them could have tea "together" each day. - Volunteering Online
My in-person volunteer activities at the public library and the craft reuse shop have disappeared this year because of COVID. I've been looking at articles like "15 Ways to Volunteer from Home" to get ideas of some online opportunities I can try next year.
That's my list! As always, I love to hear what kinds of things you are enjoying. Feel free to drop me a line any time. And of course, subscribe to the newsletter if you want more links like these in January. Happy Thanksgiving!