Monthly Favorites – May 2017: My Current Favorite Products and Recommendations
It’s been a little while since I last shared my Monthly Favorites, primarily due to a challenging month-long sickness – strep throat was particularly relentless this year! – followed by an extensive kitchen remodel that consumed much of my time and energy. But now, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I’m back with an exciting lineup of my current favorite products! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to share all the wonderful details with you. This month’s selection is a delightful mix, encompassing essential kitchen gadgets, innovative beauty finds, and even a charming children’s book that has captured our hearts. Let’s dive right into these fantastic discoveries!
In my ongoing Monthly Favorites series, I consistently share my current obsessions, ranging from delicious food products and invaluable kitchen items to insightful home and beauty recommendations. If you’re new to this series, you can explore my very first post HERE to catch up on past gems. Your insights are always welcome; if you’ve recently stumbled upon a product you absolutely adore, please don’t hesitate to share it in the comment section below! I truly value hearing about your latest discoveries and recommendations.
My Top Picks for May 2017: Discovering New Essentials
The Revolutionary Instant Pot: A Kitchen Game-Changer
I finally jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon, and let me tell you, I am never getting off! This incredible multi-cooker has completely revolutionized my cooking experience and left me utterly obsessed with the magic and efficiency of pressure cooking. Before its arrival, I didn’t know much about this versatile appliance, so I dedicated time to thorough research. I quickly discovered and joined the incredibly supportive Instant Pot community on Facebook, a vibrant group where you can ask any question imaginable, find endless recipe inspirations, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. It’s a remarkably interactive space, absolutely perfect for newbies like I was, as members generously share their dinner-time successes, hilarious mistakes, and are always ready to offer invaluable help and advice. This community truly made my transition to Instant Pot cooking seamless and enjoyable, providing a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips.
The Instant Pot has swiftly become my new kitchen BFF. There is genuinely no other way for me to prepare perfectly hard-boiled eggs than in the IP – not only are they cooked flawlessly every single time, achieving that ideal texture, but the peeling process is an absolute breeze, practically effortless! Beyond eggs, I’ve experimented with a wide array of dishes, from comforting soups and savory chicken and rice to delectable pasta dishes (oh, that pasta is incredibly delicious!) and hearty chili. My latest culinary adventure involved baking a cheesecake in it, and the results were nothing short of glorious – unbelievably creamy, perfectly set, and incredibly easy to achieve. I’ve found myself enthusiastically declaring my love for this appliance to my husband countless times, especially when I can effortlessly throw in all the ingredients, even a frozen chicken breast, and have a delicious, wholesome dinner ready in under 20 minutes. It’s truly a testament to modern kitchen convenience!
I am so excited to share more about my Instant Pot journey and my growing obsession with it in my upcoming recipe posts. I already have a collection of dinner recipes that take mere minutes to cook but taste as if they’ve been simmering on the stove for hours, developing rich, complex flavors that impress every time. You are going to absolutely love them! In my opinion, the Instant Pot is an indispensable tool, especially for busy parents and anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine. It dramatically reduces the stress associated with dinner time, allowing you to create flavorful, wholesome meals quickly and efficiently, giving you more precious time back with your family and for yourself.
Efficient Meal Prep with Freshware Containers: Simplify Your Week
I am a passionate advocate for meal prep and the practice of making larger batches of food, portioning it out, and freezing it for later. It’s a strategy that has consistently saved me time, effort, and ensured my family eats healthier throughout the week. There’s nothing quite like the convenience of making a single sheet pan meal and then packing it away into individual servings, ensuring four days’ worth of healthy, satisfying lunches are ready to go. This approach truly simplifies healthy eating and reduces decision fatigue. I discovered these fantastic Freshware containers on Amazon, and I instantly fell in love with their practicality and thoughtful design! They are truly a meal prepper’s dream come true, offering everything one could ask for in a reliable food storage solution.
These containers boast an impressive list of features that highlight their superior functionality and user-friendliness. They are completely BPA-free, making them a safe choice for all your food storage needs; they are both microwave and dishwasher safe, which means reheating and clean-up are incredibly convenient and hassle-free. Their clever design allows for easy stacking, saving valuable space in your fridge, freezer, or pantry, keeping your kitchen organized. Crucially, they are also freezer safe, perfect for long-term meal planning and batch cooking, and versatile enough to hold both cold and hot foods without compromise. The affordability of these containers is another major plus, offering exceptional value for their quality, durability, and extensive functionality. For my family, these containers have become indispensable for packing wholesome lunches for a spontaneous picnic by the lake or ensuring we have ready-to-eat meals during our adventurous RV road trips, making healthy eating on the go effortless.
You can check out these incredible Freshware containers and transform your meal prep routine by clicking here. They also offer convenient round containers if that shape better suits your specific storage and portioning needs!
Febreze ONE Fabric and Air Mist: A Breath of Natural Freshness
This particular product was an exciting new discovery for me, and I must say, I am absolutely loving it! The innovative Febreze ONE Fabric & Air Mist stands out because it’s thoughtfully formulated free of aerosols, harsh dyes, and overpowering, heavy perfumes. This is a huge win for me, as I’ve never been a fan of traditional air sprays that tend to leave a cloying, artificially scented residue. The Febreze ONE mists, in delightful contrast, offer a light, clean, and genuinely fresh scent that revitalizes any space without overwhelming your senses. It’s a gentle yet remarkably effective way to refresh fabrics and the air, instantly creating a more pleasant and inviting environment in your home, car, or office.
The design of Febreze ONE is also incredibly user-friendly and refreshingly environmentally conscious. After purchasing the initial starter kit, which includes a stylish, reusable sprayer, all you need are the convenient and economical refills, which significantly reduces plastic waste and is kinder to your wallet. This thoughtful, sustainable approach makes it not only a joy to use but also a smart choice for modern, eco-aware living. The available scents are designed to be subtle, sophisticated, and universally appealing: Mandarin offers a bright, uplifting citrusy aroma; Orchid provides an elegant, delicate floral touch; and my personal favorite, Bamboo, delivers a wonderfully crisp, natural, and calming aroma that truly transforms a room into a serene oasis. These fantastic mists are widely available in most retail stores and can also be conveniently purchased on Amazon here, making it easy to find your favorite scent and keep your home feeling fresh and clean effortlessly.
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems: A Beloved Children’s Classic
This delightful book has recently become an absolute favorite for my youngest, my little Buddy. He’s five years old (and excitedly turning six this upcoming weekend!) and has proudly started reading all by himself! It’s truly a joy to witness his growing independence and blossoming love for books and storytelling. “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by the brilliant and celebrated author Mo Willems is undeniably one of his very top picks, and I absolutely adore listening to him read it. His enthusiastic intonations, especially when he dramatically tries to sound just like the persistent, charmingly defiant pigeon, fill my heart with so much happiness and pride. There’s nothing quite like seeing my children genuinely engage with reading and have such immense fun with it, fostering a lifelong love for stories, learning, and imaginative play.
If you’re on the lookout for hilarious, engaging, and easy-to-read books that will captivate your children and encourage their early literacy skills, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the entire “Don’t Let the Pigeon…” series by Mo Willems. These books are cleverly written with simple, repetitive text and wonderfully expressive illustrations that make them perfect for emerging readers, allowing them to build confidence, improve fluency, and develop comprehension skills in an entertaining way. Mo Willems has a unique talent for understanding what makes children giggle, think, and become emotionally invested in a story. My kiddos also absolutely adore “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” – it’s equally fantastic, filled with witty dialogue and always elicits gales of laughter from both children and adults. These books are a fantastic addition to any family’s library, promising endless smiles, memorable reading moments, and a fun introduction to the world of literature.
Ciaté Bronzer and Blush Duo: Achieving Subtle Radiance
This exquisite bronzer and blush duo from Ciaté London has quickly become my go-to and absolute favorite beauty product at the moment. Its formulation delivers a truly subtle and utterly gorgeous finish, which is perfectly suited for my fair skin tone, providing a natural warmth and a healthy flush without looking overdone or unnatural. The finely milled powders blend seamlessly onto the skin, creating a luminous, sun-kissed glow that enhances my complexion beautifully, adding definition and a soft radiance. What truly sets this product apart, beyond its stunning performance and wearable shades, is its luxurious presentation. I am completely captivated by the packaging; both the outer box and the bronzer/blush container itself feature an identical textured top. This thoughtful detail adds an element of sophistication and tactile pleasure, making it feel incredibly elegant and sleek, a true joy to hold and use every day. It’s a small detail, but it makes a significant difference in the overall user experience, elevating it to a truly premium product.
The Ciaté duo is not just about aesthetics; it’s about achieving a radiant, natural look with minimal effort and maximum impact. The blendable textures ensure a smooth application that lasts throughout the day, providing a consistent glow and color without fading. Its versatility means I can achieve a soft contour with the bronzer and a pop of fresh color with the blush, making it a compact yet powerful addition to my makeup bag, ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. For anyone, particularly those with fair skin, searching for a product that adds dimension and a healthy glow without harsh lines or an orange tint, this Ciaté bronzer and blush duo is an absolute must-try. It truly delivers on its promise of subtle radiance and sophisticated charm, earning its well-deserved spot as a top favorite in my beauty routine.
Bath & Body Works Fragrance Mists: Your Perfect Summer Scents
My eldest daughter and I share an undeniable obsession with these delightful fragrance mists from Bath & Body Works! There’s something so uplifting and enjoyable about discovering new scents and finding ones that perfectly capture the essence of the season. We recently made a dedicated trip to our local mall and absolutely had to make a stop at the Bath & Body Works store, specifically during their highly anticipated Annual Sale. And oh, what a treat it was! We managed to snag these wonderful fragrance mists for an incredible 70% off – a fantastic deal that made our discovery even sweeter and allowed us to stock up on our favorites. These mists are light, incredibly fresh, and beautifully floral, making them the quintessential accessory for the warmer months. They provide a subtle, refreshing burst of scent that’s never overpowering, perfect for a sunny spring day or a balmy summer evening.
What makes these fragrance mists so appealing is their versatility and the sheer variety of scents available, catering to every preference, from bright fruity notes and sweet gourmands to crisp aquatic and warm woody aromas. They are perfect for a quick refresh throughout the day, to spritz on after a shower, or for layering with complementary lotions and body washes to create a longer-lasting, more complex fragrance experience. The affordability of these mists, especially when caught during one of their spectacular sales, means you can indulge in several different scents without breaking the bank, allowing you to switch up your fragrance to match your mood, outfit, or the occasion. Next time you find yourself near a Bath & Body Works store, I highly encourage you to pop in and explore their extensive collection of fragrance mists. I sincerely hope you’ll fall in love with them just as much as my daughter and I have; they truly add a touch of joy, freshness, and personal luxury to everyday life, making them an essential part of our spring and summer routine.
And there you have it – all the incredible products that earned a coveted spot in my Monthly Favorites for the month of May! From innovative kitchen solutions that simplify mealtime to refreshing home scents, captivating children’s literature, and exquisite beauty finds, this month has been all about discovering items that truly enhance daily life and bring a little extra joy. I genuinely hope you’ve found some exciting new recommendations to try out for yourself. If any of these piqued your interest or if you decide to give them a go, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below! I always love hearing from you and learning about your own product journeys and discoveries.
What products are you absolutely obsessing over this month? I’m eager to hear your top picks and perhaps discover my next favorite must-have!
Have a beautiful day, everyone!
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