January 2018 Monthly Favorites: Home, Wellness, Creativity & Culinary Delights
Welcome to my very first “Monthly Favorites” post of 2018! The new year is officially in full swing, and as January draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the products, habits, and discoveries that truly enhanced my everyday life. This month, my list spans a diverse range from comfortable fashion essentials and innovative wellness routines to creative tools and delightful home accents. I’m thrilled to share these gems with you, hoping they might inspire some new favorites for your own routine. Dive in to discover what made my list of must-haves for January 2018!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue to share valuable content.
In this ongoing “Monthly Favorites” series, I passionately share my current obsessions—be it a game-changing food product, a useful kitchen gadget, a cozy home decor item, or even a beauty staple. My goal is always to highlight products that genuinely add value, comfort, or joy to my life. If you’re new here, you can check out my very first post in this series here. I absolutely love hearing about your recent discoveries too, so please don’t hesitate to share your current product loves in the comments section below! For a comprehensive look at all my endorsed products, feel free to visit my Amazon Influencer page, accessible here.
1. Mossimo High-Rise Jeggings: My Ultimate Comfort Find
Let me tell you, finding the perfect pair of jeggings feels like discovering a hidden treasure, and I’m thrilled to report that I’ve finally struck gold! With three active children, comfort and confidence are paramount, especially when it comes to everyday wear. My quest for high-rise jeans that offer both style and support for my midsection led me straight to these incredible Mossimo Jeggings. During a fantastic 40% off sale at Target, I decided to give them a try, having already fallen in love with Mossimo’s leggings – particularly their cropped versions. My expectations were high, and these jeggings absolutely soared past them!
What makes them so exceptional? Firstly, their comfort level is unmatched. Crafted from a super soft, incredibly stretchable fabric, they feel more like a second skin than traditional denim. This makes them perfect for those busy days filled with running errands, managing household tasks, or simply enjoying casual outings. The high-rise design is a true game-changer, providing excellent coverage and a flattering silhouette that makes me feel effortlessly put together. They offer just the right amount of compression without feeling restrictive, allowing for full range of motion whether I’m bending, lifting, or chasing after little ones.
Styling these jeggings is a breeze too. They seamlessly pair with everything from cozy oversized sweaters and ankle boots for a chic autumn look, to simple t-shirts and slip-on sneakers for ultimate everyday convenience. This versatility means they’ve quickly become a staple in my wardrobe, a go-to choice for almost any casual occasion. If you’re on the hunt for jeggings that marry supreme comfort with a flattering fit, I cannot recommend these Mossimo High-Rise Jeggings enough. They truly redefine casual wear, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.
2. Yoga with Adriene: A Transformative 30-Day Wellness Journey
One of my foremost resolutions for 2018 was to embrace a consistent yoga practice, and I’m ecstatic to report that January has been a resounding success thanks to an incredible discovery: “Yoga with Adriene” on YouTube. Right on January 1st, I embarked on a search for accessible, beginner-friendly yoga content, and Adriene Mishler’s channel immediately stood out. Coincidentally, she had just launched her “TRUE 30-Day Yoga Journey,” a perfect opportunity to kickstart my new year’s goal with purpose.
I committed to the challenge from day one and, for the very first time in my life, successfully completed a full 30 days of continuous yoga practice. The feeling of accomplishment, both physically and mentally, is truly profound. I’ve noticed significant improvements in my flexibility, strength, and overall sense of calm. Integrating this practice into my daily routine has become a cherished ritual, providing a peaceful start or a restorative end to my busy days. Adriene’s teaching style is incredibly approachable, making yoga feel accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level. Her emphasis on listening to your body and finding what “feels good” resonates deeply, fostering a mindful and sustainable approach to wellness.
Beyond my personal gains, the most heartwarming aspect of this journey has been the unexpected involvement of my children. Witnessing me consistently roll out my mat around the same time each day has sparked their curiosity. While my younger ones might playfully join for a few minutes before moving on to their own games, my 11-year-old daughter often stays by my side, completing entire episodes with me. It’s a beautiful way to share a moment of peace and movement, subtly teaching them about wellness and discipline. “Yoga with Adriene” has not only helped me achieve my yoga goals but has also become a wonderful, shared experience within our family. I wholeheartedly recommend her channel to anyone looking to start or deepen their yoga journey in a supportive and engaging way.
3. Nature’s Truth Lavender Essential Oil: Enhancing Nightly Serenity
My exploration into the world of essential oils began last year, and after trying several brands, I’ve finally discovered a true favorite that strikes the perfect balance between quality and affordability: Nature’s Truth. Their Lavender Essential Oil has become an indispensable part of our evening routine, transforming our bedroom into a sanctuary of calm. I also own a diffuser, which pairs perfectly with this oil, allowing its soothing aroma to gently permeate the air.
Each night, without fail, I prepare our diffuser with a few drops of this exquisite lavender oil. The gentle, floral scent instantly creates a tranquil atmosphere, signaling to our minds and bodies that it’s time to unwind. While essential oils are not a substitute for medical advice, I genuinely believe that incorporating this lavender oil into our nightly ritual has contributed to a more restful and uninterrupted sleep for both my husband and me. The subtle fragrance helps to quiet racing thoughts and ease tension, making the transition from a busy day to peaceful slumber much smoother.
Beyond its sleep-enhancing properties, the Nature’s Truth brand impresses me with its commitment to natural ingredients and accessible pricing. It’s a fantastic entry point for anyone curious about the benefits of essential oils without a hefty investment. You can conveniently find Nature’s Truth essential oils, including my beloved lavender, at major retailers like Target and through online platforms such as Amazon, making it incredibly easy to integrate this little luxury into your own home. If you’re seeking a natural way to foster relaxation and improve sleep quality, I highly recommend giving this particular lavender essential oil a try.
4. My Dot Grid Bullet Journal: A Hub for Creativity and Organization
For me, the start of a new year is synonymous with the joy of a fresh planner and the invigorating ritual of setting it up for the months ahead. This January, I’ve embraced a dual-planner system that has revolutionized my organization and creative output. While one planner is dedicated to appointments and crucial events, my new dot grid bullet journal has become an indispensable companion for all things blog-related, recipe ideation, creative practice, and daily reflections.
I specifically sought out a dot grid journal for its versatility, allowing for both structured planning and freeform creativity, unlike traditional lined or grid paper. I found this perfect journal at Michaels, and it quickly became a canvas for my evolving interests. Within its pages, I meticulously jot down blog post ideas, brainstorm new recipe concepts, and dedicate time to practicing my budding hand lettering skills. It’s also where I capture the small, meaningful moments of our daily family life, creating a beautiful keepsake of our adventures.
A critical feature for any journal I use is paper quality, and I’m thrilled to report that this particular journal performs exceptionally well. I frequently use my favorite Tombow markers and Micron pens, and I’ve experienced absolutely no bleed-through or ghosting, which is essential for maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing layout. At just $5, especially when paired with a Michaels coupon, this bullet journal is an incredibly affordable tool for anyone looking to organize their thoughts, track goals, or simply unleash their creativity. It proves that you don’t need an expensive setup to cultivate effective planning and artistic expression. It’s truly become my personal command center for inspiration and productivity.
5. Tombow Lettering Set: My Essential Kit for Artistic Calligraphy
This year, I’ve embarked on a multitude of enriching new projects, from committing to a daily yoga practice and diligently using my bullet journal, to cultivating a brand new skill: hand lettering. It’s been a month of dedicated practice, and I’m finally beginning to discover my unique style and feel genuinely comfortable wielding brush pens. This journey has been made infinitely more enjoyable and accessible thanks to the incredible Tombow Lettering Set I received as a Christmas gift. It has quickly become an indispensable part of my creative toolkit.
What makes this set truly stand out is its comprehensive nature. It’s thoughtfully curated to include everything a budding hand letterer could possibly need to get started and progress. Inside, you’ll find a high-quality pencil for initial sketches, a reliable eraser for corrections, two iconic Tombow brush markers that are renowned for their blendability and vibrant colors, a specialized blending tool to achieve beautiful gradients, an oil-based marker for darker strokes, and two elegant calligraphy pens. This all-in-one approach eliminates the guesswork of selecting individual supplies, allowing me to focus purely on the art of lettering.
For those just starting out or looking to refine their technique, the Tombow website offers excellent worksheet sets. Additionally, a quick search on Google will yield a treasure trove of free printable worksheets, perfect for guided practice. I’ve found these resources incredibly helpful in developing my control and understanding of different lettering styles. To make this fantastic set even more accessible, I highly recommend purchasing it at Michaels, especially when combined with one of their frequent coupons. It’s an investment in creativity that yields endless hours of artistic enjoyment and skill development. If hand lettering is on your list of new hobbies for the year, this Tombow set is the perfect starting point.
6. Tombow TwinTone Markers: Adding Color and Clarity to My Planners
Following my enthusiasm for the Tombow Lettering Set, another exceptional product from the brand has found its way into my monthly favorites: the Tombow TwinTone Markers. This collection is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves to organize and personalize their planners, bullet journals, or notes with vibrant, yet sophisticated, colors. Their dual-tip design is incredibly practical, offering both a fine bullet tip for detailed writing and a broader chisel tip for highlighting or larger strokes, making them remarkably versatile for various tasks.
What immediately captured my attention, and what I believe makes them truly special, is the stunning array of pastel colors they come in. These aren’t your typical primary markers; instead, they offer a subtle, elegant palette that makes every page look clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing. From soft blues and delicate pinks to calming greens and warm yellows, each color adds a touch of charm without being overly bold or distracting. This makes them perfect for color-coding different sections in my bullet journal, highlighting important dates in my planner, or simply adding a decorative flourish to my daily notes.
Moreover, a common concern with markers, especially when used in journals or planners with thinner paper, is the dreaded bleed-through. With the Tombow TwinTone Markers, this is simply not an issue. Their ink formulation is designed to resist bleeding through paper, ensuring that both sides of your page remain clean and usable. This reliability gives me the confidence to use them freely without worrying about damaging subsequent pages or making my journal messy. For anyone seeking to elevate their organizational tools with beautiful, functional, and bleed-resistant markers, the Tombow TwinTone set is an absolute must-have. They’ve truly brightened up my planning experience.
7. Town House Focaccia Crackers: My New Go-To Addictive Snack
Prepare yourselves, because I’m about to introduce you to a snack obsession that has completely taken over my pantry this month: Town House Focaccia Crackers. These aren’t just any crackers; they are a deliciously addictive revelation that I simply cannot get enough of! Inspired by the rich, savory flavors of traditional Italian focaccia bread, these crackers deliver a delightful crunch and robust taste that elevates any snacking experience.
What makes them so irresistible? Each cracker boasts a wonderfully crispy texture and a distinct flavor profile that stands out from typical plain crackers. They are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect companion for a wide variety of dips and spreads. Whether I’m pairing them with creamy, cheesy dips for a decadent treat, scooping up a generous dollop of homemade hummus for a healthier option, or even enjoying them with a zesty salsa during a casual get-together, these focaccia crackers hold up beautifully and enhance every bite. Their sturdy structure prevents them from breaking, even with thick dips, which is a huge bonus.
While Town House offers these crackers in a range of enticing flavors, my current absolute favorite is the Tuscan Cheese. This particular variant infuses the crackers with a savory, herbaceous cheese flavor that is both bold and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you reach for just one more, and then another! Thankfully, these delectable crackers are readily available, making it easy to keep my pantry stocked. You can typically find them at your local Target store or conveniently order them online through Amazon. If you’re looking to upgrade your snack game, or simply need a new cracker to obsess over, do yourself a favor and pick up a box of Town House Focaccia Crackers. You won’t regret it!
8. Nerdy Nummies Baking Tools: Unleashing Our Inner Baker & Gamer
As a mom, few things bring me more joy than witnessing my children’s passions ignite, especially when they lead to creative family activities. My oldest daughter is an enormous admirer of Rosanna Pansino and her captivating “Nerdy Nummies” channel on YouTube, a true haven for unique and fun baking ideas. So, when I discovered that Rosanna had launched a brand-new line of baking tools at JoAnn stores, I knew instantly that these were must-haves for our kitchen. This month, we proudly added several pieces from her collection to our baking arsenal, and the excitement for future culinary adventures is palpable.
These tools are not just functional; they are infused with Rosanna’s signature playful, “nerdy” aesthetic, making them perfect for creating treats that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. We envision them being absolutely perfect for crafting adorable Valentine’s Day treats, adding a special touch to our homemade goodies. In fact, you might even spot some of our creations using these very tools right here on the blog in the coming weeks! Our haul included the incredibly charming 8-bit heart cookie cutter, a fantastic candy mold for custom confections, a versatile cookie stamp to personalize our baked goods, and, of course, a selection of her super adorable sprinkles to add that perfect finishing touch.
Beyond the joy of baking, these tools represent a wonderful bridge between my daughter’s digital interests and hands-on creativity. It’s a fantastic way for us to bond in the kitchen, turning screen time inspiration into tangible, delicious results. The quality of the tools is impressive, designed for ease of use by bakers of all ages. If you have a budding baker, a fan of “Nerdy Nummies,” or simply love to infuse a bit of fun and whimsy into your baking projects, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring this collection. They bring an extra layer of magic to the art of baking.
9. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Products: Revolutionizing My Cleaning Routine
This month marks a significant, and frankly delightful, shift in my household management: I’m actively transitioning all my cleaning products to the Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day brand. This journey began out of necessity, as harsh chemical cleaners consistently triggered discomfort and illness for me. For years, I’ve relied on making my own natural cleaning solutions, but discovering Mrs. Meyer’s has been an absolute revelation, quickly turning me into a devoted fan.
My absolute obsession currently revolves around their Honeysuckle Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner. The moment I first used it, I was captivated by its fresh, delicately floral aroma. Unlike many conventional cleaners that have overwhelming, artificial scents, the honeysuckle fragrance is subtle, natural, and incredibly uplifting, making the chore of cleaning genuinely enjoyable. I’ve even found myself looking forward to tidying up, which is a testament to how pleasant these products make the process! The scent lingers beautifully for hours after cleaning, leaving my kitchen and bathrooms feeling not just clean, but also wonderfully refreshed and inviting. I recently ordered a refill, eager to keep this fragrant magic going.
Beyond the delightful scents, Mrs. Meyer’s products are formulated with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, aligning perfectly with my desire for more natural and gentle cleaning options. This commitment to quality and natural goodness, without compromising on cleaning power, is what makes them truly stand out. I’m incredibly excited to explore more of their extensive product line and discover other enchanting fragrances. I’ve heard fantastic things about their Apple Cider scent for the autumn months, and I can’t wait to try it! If you’re already a fan of Mrs. Meyer’s, I’d love to hear which products and scents are your favorites in the comments below. You can find Mrs. Meyer’s products at most major retail stores, but for convenience, I often order mine directly from Amazon.
10. Himalayan Salt Lamp: Cultivating a Warm and Serene Home Ambiance
Rounding out my January favorites is a beautiful addition to our home that was originally a Christmas gift for my husband: a Himalayan Salt Lamp. From the moment it was unboxed, I was completely captivated by its natural beauty and the incredibly soothing atmosphere it creates. It has quickly become one of my most cherished home decor items, particularly as the evenings draw in.
The lamp emits a soft, warm, amber glow that instantly transforms the mood of any room. It casts a gentle light that is incredibly calming and inviting, perfect for winding down after a long day or simply adding a touch of cozy elegance to our living space. I often place it in our bedroom or living room during the evenings, and the subtle illumination creates a wonderfully serene ambiance, far more relaxing than harsh overhead lighting. Its organic, irregular shape means that no two lamps are exactly alike, adding to its unique charm and character—a detail I absolutely adore.
I was also pleasantly surprised by its substantial weight, which speaks to its solid, natural construction. Furthermore, I appreciated how incredibly easy it is to replace the internal bulb, a practical feature I hadn’t anticipated but definitely value for long-term use. Himalayan salt lamps are widely available across various retailers, but I found mine conveniently on Amazon. If you’re looking to infuse your home with a touch of natural beauty, a calming glow, and a truly unique decor piece, a Himalayan Salt Lamp is an excellent choice. It truly adds a layer of warmth and tranquility that makes our home feel even more special.
And there you have it – my comprehensive roundup of the products and experiences that truly stood out and enriched my life throughout January 2018. From enhancing my personal wellness and sparking creativity to making my home feel cozier and my snacks more delicious, these favorites represent genuine discoveries that I wholeheartedly recommend.
I sincerely hope this deep dive into my monthly must-haves has introduced you to some exciting new products to consider trying for yourself. Perhaps you’ve found inspiration for a new hobby, a solution for a household chore, or simply a comforting addition to your everyday routine. Your feedback and recommendations mean the world to me, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments section below. I’m always eager to hear about what you’re currently loving and obsessing over!
What made your list of top favorites this month? I’d love to know!
For a complete and regularly updated list of all my highly recommended products, don’t forget to visit my Amazon Influencer page, which you can find HERE. Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery, and stay tuned for next month’s favorites!
As a friendly reminder, this post does contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of my links on Amazon, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content I create and share with you. For more detailed information, please read our full disclosure policy here. Thank you for your continued support!