Monthly Favorites: April 2016 – my favorite things from this month!
Hi guys!
Today’s post is a little different. I’ve been thinking about this idea for months, inspired by some of my favorite YouTubers. I’m completely hooked on YouTube — it began with a makeup tutorial and grew into watching vloggers, family channels, and cooking videos. The community there is huge and full of talented people sharing their lives and skills. My husband and I even launched a channel for the Crunchy Creamy Sweet blog a few months ago, and we’re loving the experience. Filming takes practice, but we’re finding our style and having fun with it. We just need more hours in the day to create more videos! 😀
I’m a big fan of beauty vloggers, and most of my makeup collection—aside from a few mineral items—comes from their recommendations. I enjoy watching monthly favorites videos and discovering new products. Since I often get new items or PR samples, I thought it would be fun to share a non-sponsored monthly favorites post, like chatting with friends over coffee or at play dates in the park. 😀
In my Monthly Favorites series I’ll share what I’m loving right now: food products, kitchen tools, and sometimes home and beauty finds. If you’ve discovered something great recently, tell me about it in the comments — I’d love to hear!
1. Just Mayo
This is my number one pick (yes, the bottle is nearly empty) because I am totally OBSESSED. It’s amazing how delicious this mayo is — and it’s mayonnaise! I didn’t expect to love it when I received a PR sample, but I tried four varieties: Hampton Creek (original-style), Garlic, Chipotle, and Sriracha. I went straight for Garlic and it was unbelievably good — creamy, smooth, and perfectly garlicky. My husband claimed the Chipotle and loves it too.
What makes Just Mayo stand out is that it’s egg-free. It’s cholesterol-free, non-GMO, soy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and lactose-free. The only drawback is the squeeze bottle packaging: the mayo is thick, so it can be hard to get out. I unscrew the top and use a knife; next time I’ll buy it in a jar.
Just Mayo is sold at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Hy-Vee. Price: around $3.13 for a 12 oz. squeeze bottle.
2. Cake Boss mixing bowls set
I adore these bowls. They’re my go-to for pancake batter on Sunday mornings, cookie dough, or eggless cupcake batter. Baking is more fun with colorful tools, and this set includes three sizes: 1.8 qt, 2 qt, and 3 qt. Each bowl has a rubberized base to prevent slipping or spinning while whisking. I have the Icing Pattern set and love the bright design and practicality.
The set is available from the Cake Boss collection, priced around $29.99.
PS: There’s still time to enter our Cake Boss giveaway!
3. Mild Pepper Rings
These aren’t new, but they are a new favorite for pizza topping. I’ve been chopping mild pepper rings and sprinkling them on homemade pizza — the peppery zing is fantastic and, to us, even better than fresh bell pepper. My husband and I are hooked. They’re not just for sandwiches! I buy the Tuscan Garden brand at ALDI for about $1.49.
4. Farm Rich Italian Style Meatballs
These are the best frozen meatballs I’ve found. They have great flavor and a perfect size for kids, which makes family dinners easier. I used them in a Meatball Sub Cheesy Bread and a One Pot Meatball and Tortellini dish — both turned out amazing. The seasoning tastes homemade, and they’re convenient and gluten-free. A 28 oz. bag fed my family of five for two meals.
Available at many grocery retailers.
5. Pioneer Woman’s bowl
I’m sure I’m not the only one who rushed to Walmart for pieces from the Pioneer Woman collection. I was lucky to snag this bowl — it might have been the last one on the shelf. I love the pattern and size; it’s perfect for a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. Right now it’s my photo prop, but when I’m not using it for photos I fill it with fruit. It’s so pretty that I keep it on the counter with lemons, limes, or strawberries to brighten the kitchen.
I bought mine at Walmart for around $3.99.
6. Kitchen Fair fry pan
I’m obsessed with this pan — it hardly leaves my stovetop. It’s PFOA-free, lightweight, and has a sleek design. I love how it performs for everyday cooking. I mentioned it in a previous post along with a recipe I made in it. It’s available through Kitchen Fair distributors and retails around $150.
7. Pink blush carnations
It’s spring, and fresh flowers are everywhere. I’m not great at gardening, but I love having a bouquet on the dining table or any tabletop. Flowers brighten the home and often add a lovely scent. Pink blush carnations are a favorite of mine (right after red roses), and these were a sweet gift from my husband. Swoon!
8. Milani nail polish “Cupcake Icing”
A beauty pick this month: Milani’s “Cupcake Icing” nail lacquer. Each season I choose a new polish color, and this one is perfect for spring. The formula is long-wearing — I wash dishes and cook a lot, so durability is my test — and it doesn’t chip easily. One coat gives excellent coverage and a lovely pastel shade. Now I’m hunting for a coral shade for summer.
Available at many retailers.
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That’s it for this month’s favorites! I hope you discovered something new or saw a favorite of your own. Tell me what you’re obsessing over this month! 😀
Have a beautiful day, everyone!
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