January 2017 Favorites: Discover Your Next Must-Have Products
Hello, wonderful readers! As we navigate through the early months of the new year, it’s time once again to share my top discoveries and most cherished products. While January might have felt like a slow burn for many, it presented a fantastic opportunity for me to dive into new experiences and uncover several items that have quickly transitioned into my everyday essentials. This month’s favorites span a delightful range, from essential organizational tools and innovative kitchen staples to indulgent beauty treats and charming home accents.
In this ongoing Monthly Favorites series, I’m thrilled to pull back the curtain on my current obsessions. Whether it’s a game-changing food product, an indispensable kitchen gadget, a cozy home item, or a rejuvenating beauty solution, my goal is to share what truly makes my life a little bit better, easier, or more enjoyable. For those eager to explore past recommendations, you can revisit my inaugural post, April 2016 Monthly Favorites, here. And if you’ve recently stumbled upon a product that has captured your heart, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below. I genuinely love hearing about your personal finds and recommendations!
My Top Picks for January 2017
1. The Nourished Planner: Revolutionizing Organization for Foodies and Beyond
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a dedicated planner enthusiast. My life, both professionally and personally, thrives on organization, and a reliable planner is my steadfast companion in managing work commitments, family schedules, and everything in between. My quest for the “perfect” planner has been extensive, marked by a discerning eye and a list of specific requirements. Prior to this discovery, I embraced the flexibility of a bullet journal, yet found myself increasingly spending valuable time crafting pages from scratch, rather than focusing on the actual planning. While I appreciate the bullet journal system, I longed for a solution that offered pre-designed, ready-to-fill pages without sacrificing customization.
Enter the Nourished Planner – a true revelation and, without a doubt, the finest planner I’ve encountered to date. This exceptional project is the brainchild of a collaborative effort between Heidi, the visionary creator behind FoodieCrush Magazine, and Alexa of Simple Roots Wellness. Conceived by bloggers, its design and functionality resonate deeply with anyone who shares a passion for food, cooking, and holistic wellness. Its beauty lies in its elegant simplicity, yet it is meticulously crafted to include everything I need. Each week offers dedicated space to plan and document my family’s menu, seamlessly integrated with a corresponding shopping list – a feature that has significantly streamlined my grocery trips and meal prep. Beyond the practicalities, the Nourished Planner provides monthly inspiration, featuring seasonal tips and encouraging prompts. Furthermore, it boasts ample blank space, perfect for jotting down weekly goals, comprehensive to-do lists, and empowering quotes that keep me motivated and focused. This planner is more than just a scheduling tool; it’s a comprehensive system that supports a balanced, organized, and inspired lifestyle, especially for those passionate about food. Discover more about this innovative planner and how it can transform your routine at nourishedplanner.com.
2. Barilla Pronto Pasta: The Ultimate Convenience for Quick, Delicious Meals
Prepare yourselves, fellow pasta lovers, because I’ve found my new go-to pasta! If the thought of effortless, one-pan pasta dishes brings a smile to your face, then you are absolutely going to adore the revolutionary Barilla Pronto line. Barilla has truly outdone themselves with this ingenious concept: a one-pan pasta that requires no boiling and no draining. It sounds almost too good to be true, but I can wholeheartedly confirm that it lives up to every promise! Not only does it deliver on convenience, but the taste and texture are absolutely fantastic, rivaling traditionally prepared pasta.
My discovery of this incredible product came through a recent video project partnership with Barilla, which you can check out here (replace with actual video link if available). I only wish I had known about it sooner! The sheer ease and speed of preparation mean I now incorporate it into our dinner rotation at least once a week. It’s become my secret weapon for whipping up hearty and quick pasta dinners on busy evenings, a meal my entire family eagerly anticipates. The ability to cook pasta directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors, creates a depth and richness that is truly remarkable. For anyone seeking to simplify their weeknight cooking without compromising on flavor, Barilla Pronto pasta is an absolute game-changer.
3. January POPSUGAR Must Have Box: A Curated Collection of Delights
This month, the POPSUGAR Must Have Box truly outdid itself, presenting a curated selection of items that quickly became some of my favorite discoveries. While the entire box was a delight, three particular items stood out, offering a perfect blend of indulgence and practicality. The monthly subscription box model offers an exciting way to discover new products across various categories, and this January edition was a testament to its value.
- Glade Soy Candle: A Scented Escape
I’ve been on the hunt for a quality soy candle for quite some time, and the one from Glade in this box exceeded all expectations. Its intoxicating scent profile of coconut, star fruit, hibiscus, and beach woods instantly transports me to a serene tropical getaway. It burns cleanly and evenly, filling my home with a wonderfully refreshing and relaxing aroma that I am utterly obsessed with. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting a peaceful ambiance. - Dean & Deluca Peppermint Tea: Refreshment in a Cup
Another delightful find from the box is the Peppermint Tea from Dean & Deluca. This high-quality tea offers a crisp, invigorating flavor that is both soothing and revitalizing. Whether I’m enjoying a cup in the morning to awaken my senses or winding down in the evening, its pure peppermint essence provides a wonderfully refreshing experience. It’s a simple pleasure that has become a regular part of my daily ritual. - Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel: My Skincare Revelation
Of all the fantastic items in this month’s box, the facial peel from Goldfaden MD stands out as my absolute favorite. This product has truly transformed my skin, leaving my face feeling extraordinarily clean, incredibly fresh, and noticeably brighter after each use. As someone with sensitive skin, I am particularly appreciative that this peel is completely unscented, eliminating any worries about irritation from strong fragrances that often plague other skincare products. The peel itself is a gentle gel that I incorporate into my evening routine three times a week. I simply apply it to my face, leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and follow up with my favorite moisturizer. The results are immediate and long-lasting, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. While the Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel retails for a significant $85 on its own, receiving it within the POPSUGAR Must Have Box, priced at just $39.95 a month, represents incredible value. This is a highly effective product that I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking to revitalize their skin. If you’re interested in discovering similar high-value products, you can sign up to get your own POPSUGAR Must Have Box here. Don’t forget to use code SHOP5 to receive $5 off your very first box!
Disclosure: This POPSUGAR Must Have Box was sent to me for review as part of my partnership with POPSUGAR. All opinions expressed are my own honest experiences.
4. Pie Calendar from Wild Ink Press and Simply Recipes: A Culinary and Aesthetic Delight
The dawn of a new year invariably brings with it the delightful tradition of selecting a new calendar, and this year’s choice has been nothing short of exceptional. I’ve discovered a truly unique item that seamlessly merges practicality with culinary inspiration: a hanging calendar that doubles as an evolving pie cookbook! Each month of this exquisite calendar features a beautifully designed recipe for a delicious pie on its reverse side. The genius of this concept lies in its longevity; at the close of the year, these individual monthly sheets can be easily assembled into a cherished cookbook, providing a timeless collection of pie recipes for years to come.
This remarkable project is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between Elise Bauer from Simply Recipes, a trusted name in the culinary world, and Wild Ink Press, renowned for their artisanal craftsmanship. What truly sets this calendar apart, beyond its innovative dual functionality, is its stunning aesthetic. Each page is letterpress printed, a traditional printing technique where the design is physically pressed into the paper. This process results in a tactile, high-quality finish that adds a beautiful depth and texture to the illustrations and text. The visual and haptic experience of this calendar is simply captivating, making it not just a utility but a piece of art for your kitchen or office. It offers year-round baking inspiration and a beautiful decorative element. To delve deeper into the artistry and utility of this unique product, and to make a purchase, simply click here.
5. Charming New Mugs: Adding Joy to Morning Rituals
There’s something inherently comforting about a favorite mug, and finding new ones that resonate with your spirit is always a little triumph. Last December, while leisurely browsing Target’s extensive website, I stumbled upon these absolutely delightful mugs that instantly captured my attention. My husband and I have quite a few travel plans lined up for the year ahead, and these mugs, with their charming designs and wanderlust theme, seemed like the perfect companions for our daily morning coffee ritual. They bring a little piece of our upcoming adventures right into our kitchen, making each sip a moment of anticipation and joy.
I have a particular fondness for mugs designed with a ‘honey pot’ or ‘belly’ shape; their ergonomic form and cozy feel just make drinking coffee or tea so much more enjoyable. I’m always on the lookout to expand my collection of these uniquely shaped vessels! There’s a certain warmth and character they add to the kitchen that I simply adore. These particular mugs are not just aesthetically pleasing but also feel wonderfully substantial in hand, perfectly complementing the start of any day. For anyone looking to add a touch of personality and comfort to their kitchenware, you can find this specific mug and others like it here. They truly make the simple act of enjoying a hot beverage feel like a mini-celebration.
6. Litehouse Freeze-Dried Herbs: Unlocking Fresh Flavor, Anytime
Here’s another product that has genuinely revolutionized my approach to cooking and one that I profoundly wish I had discovered much sooner! I recently received a package of products from Litehouse to sample, and their range of freeze-dried herbs has completely blown me away. Each bottle is impressively large, significantly bigger than the standard spice containers I typically use, indicating fantastic value and a generous supply of flavor. What makes these herbs truly exceptional is the freeze-drying process itself. Unlike traditional dried herbs, which can sometimes lose their vibrancy, Litehouse’s freeze-dried herbs retain the essence of fresh herbs, becoming fully active and incredibly aromatic once rehydrated in your dish.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with all the varieties I’ve tried, particularly the garlic and parsley, which add robust, garden-fresh flavors to my cooking without the hassle of chopping or worrying about spoilage. However, my absolute favorite has to be the dill. I’ve always struggled to find dried dill that truly captures the bright, delicate essence of its fresh counterpart, often settling for lackluster alternatives. Litehouse’s freeze-dried dill has solved this long-standing culinary dilemma for me. The flavor is remarkably fresh and vibrant, making it an indispensable ingredient in my pantry. For a simple yet incredibly delicious treat, I highly recommend adding a generous dollop of sour cream mixed with this freeze-dried dill to your mashed potatoes – the combination is absolutely divine and elevates a humble side dish to something truly special. These herbs are a brilliant solution for adding fresh flavor to meals year-round, without the waste or inconvenience of fresh herbs.
7. HP WiFi Printer (DeskJet 3755): Effortless Connectivity and Smart Ink Delivery
Last, but certainly not least, on my list of January favorites is the remarkable HP DeskJet 3755 printer. This compact, all-in-one device has quickly become an indispensable tool in my home office, primarily thanks to its exceptional WiFi capabilities. The freedom and convenience it offers are truly unparalleled; I can effortlessly print photos and important documents directly from my smartphone, eliminating the need for cables or cumbersome transfers. Similarly, printing from my laptop is a breeze – no software downloads required, just a simple connection via WiFi. This level of wireless integration is incredibly efficient and truly cool!
But the innovations don’t stop there. One of the most compelling features of the HP DeskJet 3755 is its compatibility with the HP Instant Ink plan. This revolutionary service means I never have to worry about running out of ink or making last-minute trips to the store. The printer intelligently monitors ink levels and automatically sends a message to HP when supplies are running low. A fresh package of ink cartridges then arrives directly at my doorstep, often before I even realize I need them! This subscription-based model is not only incredibly convenient but also often more cost-effective in the long run. Beyond its smart ink delivery, this versatile device is a true all-in-one workhorse, capable of printing, scanning, and copying with impressive efficiency. Its compact design makes it perfect for smaller spaces without sacrificing functionality. For anyone seeking a reliable, connected, and hassle-free printing solution, the HP DeskJet 3755 is an outstanding choice. You can easily purchase this fantastic printer on Amazon here.
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And there you have it – a comprehensive look at all the products that truly stood out and earned a coveted spot on my list of favorites for the month of January. I genuinely hope that among these discoveries, you’ve found some exciting new items to consider trying for yourself. If any of these recommendations spark your interest or if you decide to give them a go, please don’t hesitate to share your experiences in the comments section below! I’m always eager to hear your thoughts and engage in product discussions. What wonderful products have you been absolutely obsessing over this month? I’d love to add some new ideas to my own radar!
Wishing you all a beautiful and inspiring day!
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