August 2017 Monthly Favorites: Culinary Discoveries & Lifestyle Gems

Welcome to another exciting installment of my monthly favorites series! Each month, I dive into the products, experiences, and little joys that have captured my attention and significantly enhanced my daily life. For August 2017, my curated selection spans delightful small appliances that revolutionize kitchen tasks, innovative food products that tantalize the taste buds, and practical lifestyle tools designed to make life a little easier and more enjoyable. Get ready to discover some truly inspiring finds!

Introduction to My Monthly Favorites Journey

It’s always a pleasure to reach this point in the month – a moment to pause, reflect on the past weeks, and highlight the new favorite products that have truly made a difference. This “Monthly Favorites” series is my dedicated space to share my current obsessions, ranging from delectable food products and indispensable kitchen gadgets to occasional home decor pieces and beauty essentials. My very first post in this series, back in April 2016, set the stage for a continuous exploration of items I genuinely love and believe you might too. I’m always eager to hear about your own discoveries! If you’ve recently found a product you adore, please share it in the comment section below. Your recommendations are always a source of inspiration for me and my community!

A Look Back at August 2017: Community, Celebrations, and Serene Sunsets

Before we delve into the exciting lineup of products, I want to take a moment to reflect on August 2017, a month that carried significant weight and personal meaning. My heart goes out to all those in Texas who were profoundly affected by Hurricane Harvey. The images emerging from Houston and the surrounding flooded areas were absolutely heartbreaking. Like many of you, my family and I felt an urgent need to help. As a mother, my thoughts instinctively turn to other moms and their little ones during such devastating tragedies. When I learned about the Texas Diaper Bank, I knew exactly how I wanted to contribute. My children and I assembled a care package filled with essential baby products like diapers and wipes. I truly encourage everyone to research and find ways to support those who are desperately in need during times of crisis.

Beyond the challenging news, August also held special, cherished moments. We celebrated my oldest daughter’s 11th birthday, a milestone that truly makes you realize how quickly time flies! It’s incredible to think that 11 years have passed since her birth. We also made the most of the dwindling summer days, spending as many evenings as possible in our RV by the tranquil lake. There’s something truly magical and unparalleled about lake sunsets – their beauty is simply breathtaking and incredibly restorative, leaving us with precious memories.

1. The Allure of the Perfect Mug: A Morning Ritual Essential

For many, the day simply doesn’t begin until that first glorious sip of coffee or tea. And what better vessel for this essential morning ritual than the perfect mug? While strolling through the aisles of Hobby Lobby, this particular mug practically called out to me. Its message – “I’m not a morning person” – resonated with my soul. Despite countless attempts, I’ve come to terms with the fact that mornings just aren’t my peak time. I thrive in the evenings, often staying up late to work or immerse myself in a good book. This mug perfectly encapsulated that sentiment, instantly making me smile.

Regrettably, in a moment of oversight, I only captured a photo of it for my Instagram Stories and walked away without making the purchase. Now, it’s become my elusive white whale – I haven’t been able to find it since! This experience has taught me a valuable lesson: when a product speaks to you, grab it! Not only did its humor appeal to me, but its generous, ginormous size promised ample space for even more coffee, making those non-morning moments slightly more tolerable. The quest continues, but rest assured, the next time our paths cross, this fantastic mug will definitely be coming home with me. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the simplest items can bring the most joy and serve as a statement piece in your daily routine.

2. Revolutionizing Your Kitchen with the Kalorik XL Digital Family Airfryer

Have you joined the rapidly growing air fryer craze yet? If not, you’re missing out on a culinary game-changer! I recently welcomed the Kalorik XL Digital Family Airfryer into my kitchen, and it has quickly become my go-to appliance for achieving that perfect fried texture with a fraction of the oil. While it took a little bit of experimentation to master its operations – I found the initial instructions to be less specific than I prefer – the learning curve was well worth it. This air fryer offers an incredibly versatile and healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying, opening up a world of crispy possibilities.

One of our absolute favorite applications is making store-bought fries. The results are phenomenal: perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside, all done in half the time compared to oven baking. I did encounter one “failed bag,” but I suspect it was due to the brand of fries itself, as I’ve had similar issues with it in a conventional oven. Beyond fries, onion rings also achieve an unparalleled crispiness in the air fryer, making them an ideal snack for the upcoming football season gatherings. The XL capacity of this Kalorik model is a huge plus, allowing me to cook larger batches for my family without multiple rounds. I’m incredibly excited to push its boundaries further; my next culinary adventure involves attempting to bake a cake in it. I’m genuinely curious about the texture it will achieve! If you’re intrigued by the potential of the air fryer and would like to explore more recipes or tips, please let me know in the comments. I’d love to share more about how this appliance has transformed our cooking!

3. Sunkist Snacks: Wholesome Delights for Every Adventure

Finding snacks that are both delicious and genuinely wholesome can often feel like a challenge, but Sunkist Snacks have effortlessly become a unanimous family favorite in our household. Their commitment to real fruit shines through in every bite, offering a delightful and nutritious option for any time of day. The Sunkist Trail Mix blends and their innovative Fruit Chips are simply irresistible, making them a staple for all our family adventures.

Whether we’re embarking on our RV trips or enjoying a relaxing picnic in the park, these snacks are always packed. What’s fantastic is that everyone in the family has developed their own preferred blend. My six-year-old, for instance, is absolutely enamored with the sweet and satisfying mango dark chocolate blend. For my part, I’m completely obsessed with the Breakfast Espresso and Granola blend. It’s incredibly versatile – I often enjoy it as a quick, energizing snack on its own, or I pair it with creamy Greek yogurt for a more substantial and protein-packed treat. The balance of flavors and textures in these blends is expertly crafted, making them not just a convenient snack but a truly enjoyable culinary experience. They offer that perfect combination of natural sweetness and satisfying crunch that appeals to both kids and adults, solidifying their spot on our monthly favorites list.

4. Smart Shopping & Savvy Savings with Ebates

For those who, like me, revel in the thrill of finding a great deal and maximizing every purchase, Ebates (now Rakuten Rewards) is an absolute game-changer. I recently received my cash back payment for purchases made last month, and the tangible savings spurred me to share this incredible platform in my Monthly Favorites. Using Ebates is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal effort for significant rewards.

Here’s how it works: First, you sign up for a free account. Next, download their convenient browser extension, which is a key part of the seamless experience. From then on, every time you shop online at participating retailers – and there are thousands of them, from fashion to electronics to home goods – a small Ebates icon will appear. A simple click on this icon activates your cash back, which is then automatically applied to your account. That’s truly all there is to it! It’s like getting paid to shop for things you were going to buy anyway. The accumulated cash back is then sent to you, either via PayPal or a physical check, offering a wonderful little bonus for your savvy shopping habits. You can sign up easily through my affiliate link here or simply search for “Ebates” on Google. As an added incentive, new users often receive a welcome bonus, such as a $10 bonus after their first qualifying purchase. It’s an effortless way to keep more money in your pocket and makes online shopping even more rewarding.

Wrapping Up August’s Treasures

And there you have it – a comprehensive look at all the products that made my August 2017 Favorites list! I genuinely hope you’ve discovered some new and exciting items to try out for yourself. If any of these piqued your interest or if you’ve already tried them, please share your thoughts in the comments below! I’m always thrilled to engage with your feedback and recommendations. What are you currently obsessing over this month? I can’t wait to hear your favorites!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep this blog running, and I am incredibly grateful. Thank you!