April 2016 Favorites: Top Picks & Highlights of the Month

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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!

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11 Creative Air Fryer Tomato Recipes for Flavorful Meals

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Tomatoes are at their peak in summer, bursting with flavor from the garden. But when it’s hot outside, who wants to heat up the kitchen? That’s why these air fryer tomato recipes are perfect: they deliver big flavor without using the oven, and they’re quick, versatile, and easy to customize. Why Cook Tomatoes in the … Read more

Gluten-Free Lemon Loaf: Starbucks Copycat Recipe for Moist Zest

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This Gluten Free Lemon Loaf is a velvety, citrus-forward loaf cake that rivals the original. It has a dense, pound-cake texture with bright lemon flavor and a tender, moist crumb. UPDATE: This recipe was originally posted on January 20, 2023 and has been fully revised with a new recipe, updated photos, a new video, and … Read more

Chia & Flax Seed Sourdough Bread Recipe for Crunchy, Nutty Loaf

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For this chia and flax seed sourdough, I added chia and flax to a basic sourdough formula to give it more moisture, texture and nutrition. Both seeds are highly nutritious: one tablespoon of ground flax provides protein, fiber and omega-3s along with small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds also contribute hydration and a … Read more

Vegan Gluten-Free Dirty Chai Muffins Recipe

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Healthy chai muffins made with brewed coffee, infused with fall flavours and topped with an espresso glaze. These vegan, gluten-free dirty chai muffins are moist and fluffy thanks to yogurt, oat flour and almond flour. Freezer friendly and perfect for chilly mornings. As the mornings get cooler I’ve been craving something cozy and chai-spiced but … Read more

Sparkling Pomegranate Popper Cocktail Recipe for Parties

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This Pomegranate Popper Cocktail will be the star of your holiday gatherings. Bright, refreshing and dotted with fresh pomegranate arils, it delivers a delightful pop with every sip. Happy Friday! I’m already in full party mode — and this is my last Friday of work for the year. 2016 has been a wonderful year here … Read more

Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe for Family Weeknight Meals

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An easy dump-and-bake dinner that’s quick to prepare with just one dish to wash! And did I mention it’s CRAZY GOOD? If you’ve found this recipe, you’re probably after simple dinners that use minimal ingredients and minimal effort. This quick and creative casserole frees you up to do other things while delivering a satisfying meal … Read more

Brazilian-Style Fried Rice with Ham and Egg Recipe

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Oi Gente! This Brazilian fried rice with ham and egg is a tasty, versatile dish that’s very easy to make. Perfect for using leftover rice and holiday ham, it can be served as a side or enjoyed on its own. The recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adapt ingredients to your taste. About … Read more

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Gnocchi Recipe for Rich, Savory Flavor

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We love pasta in all its forms, and gnocchi — though technically not a pasta — is one of our favourite alternatives. My favourite way to serve it is tossed in a silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan. The balance of sweet, tangy tomatoes and rich, cheesy cream pairs perfectly with light, … Read more

Hearty Crock Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe

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This easy crock pot vegetable beef soup uses fresh vegetables and cooks in about two hours on high (or longer on low). It’s a healthy one-pot meal with potatoes, tomatoes, green beans and ground beef, turkey, or sausage. I love my slow cooker for busy days. This recipe is simple to assemble and makes a … Read more