Monthly Favorites March 2018 – Welcome to this month’s special edition of my favorite things! As March draws to a close, I’m excited to share a curated collection of products that have truly made a positive impact on my kitchen, culinary explorations, and overall lifestyle. From practical kitchen innovations to inspiring cookbooks and delicious food items, get ready to discover some incredible finds that I think you’ll love.

Welcoming Spring (Despite What the Kansas Weather Says!)

Though the calendar officially declares it Spring, here in Kansas, the transition feels far from complete. We’re still bundling up against temperatures in the 30s, and to my dismay, snow is actually in the forecast for Easter Sunday! This winter has felt exceptionally long and unusually cold, marking it as one of the most persistent in the last decade. My spirit is absolutely craving the warmth of sunshine, the vibrant hues of budding spring blooms, and the cheerful melodies of chirping birds. Yet, as March concludes, it signals the perfect opportunity to share my latest “Monthly Favorites” with you all. I didn’t publish a favorites post last month, simply because I hadn’t discovered a fresh batch of new products to enthusiastically recommend. Plus, my schedule has been incredibly demanding and dynamic, particularly behind the scenes with my camera lens!

My popular Monthly Favorites series is dedicated to showcasing my current obsessions. These range from innovative food products and essential kitchen tools to occasional delightful home goods and even beauty finds. If you’re new to this recurring feature, you can journey back to my very first installment, shared in April 2016, right HERE. I truly cherish connecting with my readers, so if you’ve recently stumbled upon a product that you’re absolutely loving and can’t stop raving about, please do share it with me in the comments section below! Your recommendations are always inspiring. For an exhaustive list of all my cherished product picks, you’re welcome to explore my personalized Amazon Influencer page HERE.

March’s Standout Picks: A Detailed Look at My Favorite Discoveries

Drink In The Box: The Ultimate Spill-Proof Hydration Solution for Kids

This fantastic product is an exciting newcomer to our household, generously sent to me by the innovative team at Precidio Design. Precidio specializes in creating smart, durable, and sustainable drink and food storage products, all crafted with the goal of supporting a healthy lifestyle for families. The clever containers you see in the photo above were thoughtfully designed specifically for children, serving as a fun and practical way to encourage consistent hydration throughout their day. They present an excellent solution for transitioning away from single-use juice boxes and are highly effective in limiting overall sugar intake, empowering parents to make healthier choices for their little ones.

My kiddos have absolutely embraced these! We recently brought them along on a family trip, and I cannot overstate how incredibly convenient and stress-free it was to have their drinks secured in a truly no-spill box. Their sleek design allows them to fit perfectly into backpack pockets, and with a vibrant array of colors—purple, pink, blue, and green—each child eagerly chose their personal favorite. Beyond their spill-proof design and attractive appearance, these boxes promote environmental responsibility by reducing waste from disposable containers. They are also remarkably durable and easy to clean, making them a practical and long-lasting investment for any busy family. To learn more about the complete range of Drink In The Box products and their numerous benefits, I encourage you to visit the Precidio Design brand website HERE. You can easily purchase these game-changing hydration solutions on Amazon HERE.

The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook by Mary Younkin: Your Blueprint for Stress-Free Meals

Just last week, I was absolutely thrilled to receive a truly sweet and thoughtful gift from my dear blogging friend, Mary Younkin, the creative mind behind the “Barefeet in the Kitchen” blog! It’s her much-anticipated newest cookbook, and it has already begun to transform my approach to daily meals. I’ve long been a devoted fan of Mary’s first cookbook, which is a treasure trove of incredibly delicious and wonderfully easy dinner ideas—perfect for those frantic weeknights (and you all know my passion for simple, fuss-free meals on busy days!). For a taste of her earlier work, you can find my review and a recipe I previously shared from her first book in THIS post.

This latest culinary masterpiece, “The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook,” brilliantly tackles what I consider to be the most frequently overlooked and under-planned meal of the day: lunch. Far too often, my midday meal devolves into a rushed “grab-and-go” scenario, consisting of whatever random ingredients I can quickly assemble. However, Mary’s new collection of recipes has genuinely ignited a desire within me to change this habit. It’s brimming with innovative, yet entirely achievable, recipes that promise to elevate both your mid-day and morning meals without demanding excessive time in the kitchen. From ingenious make-ahead options perfect for meal prepping to quick assembly ideas that can be whipped up in minutes, this cookbook is a true game-changer for anyone striving to infuse more flavor, nutrition, and intentionality into their weekday eating. It champions mindful eating and efficient meal preparation, both of which are fundamental for maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle amidst a demanding schedule. I’m incredibly eager to delve deeper into its inspiring pages and share my comprehensive review, along with a tempting recipe, with all of you very soon! In the meantime, you can easily order or purchase Mary’s fantastic cookbook on Amazon HERE.

Double Bananas: A Delightful Natural Anomaly!

Alright, so I admit, this isn’t exactly a product you can purchase from your local grocery store shelf, but it was such a wonderfully peculiar and joyful discovery that I absolutely couldn’t resist sharing it with you! You might recall seeing a glimpse of this on my Instagram Story a few weeks back, but for those who missed it: I incredibly stumbled upon a double banana within a regular bunch of bananas! I’ve certainly encountered the novelty of double yolks in eggs on occasion, but never, in all my years, have I witnessed two complete bananas perfectly nestled and sharing a single skin. How utterly crazy, fascinating, and truly unique is that?! It was such an unexpected natural anomaly that it instantly brought a huge smile to my face and sparked so much curiosity. I can only hope that such a rare and delightful find signifies a crazy surge of good luck heading our way! It serves as a charming and whimsical reminder that sometimes, the most delightful “favorites” are the unexpected gifts and little surprises that nature bestows upon us, adding a touch of magic and wonder to our everyday routines.

Lovely Candy Company: Guilt-Free Indulgence with Quality Ingredients

Our household recently received a truly delightful package overflowing with delicious goodies from the wonderful Lovely Candy Company. I honestly had trouble determining who was more excited – our children or my husband and I! Without a doubt, every single member of the family quickly identified their absolute favorites among their impressive offerings. Our kiddos are particularly obsessed with the gummy bears, especially the delightfully tangy sour variety. What truly distinguishes these treats, and what I particularly appreciate as a parent, is their unwavering commitment to quality ingredients: they are crafted with real honey (a fantastic, natural sweetener!), are entirely gluten-free, and contain no artificial colors. This means we can all indulge in these incredibly tasty treats with significantly less guilt, knowing they are a much better-for-you option compared to many conventional candies.

My husband and I, on the other hand, have utterly fallen head over heels for the sophisticated Sea Salt Caramels and the rich, decadent Dark Chocolate Honey Patties. These aren’t just mere candies; they are the quintessential, elegant little treats designed to perfectly satisfy a sweet craving without ever feeling like an overindulgence. The masterful balance of flavors in both selections is simply exquisite – the subtle, briny saltiness perfectly cuts through the luxurious sweetness of the caramel, and the deep, complex notes of dark chocolate harmonize beautifully with the natural, comforting sweetness of honey. The Lovely Candy Company truly stands out as an example of how indulgent treats can also be produced with integrity, emphasizing natural ingredients and exceptional taste. They are ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up, a delightful small dessert after dinner, or even as a thoughtful and appreciated gift. To discover more about their extensive range of delightful products and their admirable commitment to natural goodness, please visit the brand’s official website HERE.

Langostina Hammered Copper Pastiola: A Culinary Masterpiece and Kitchen Statement

For those who possess a deep appreciation for both unparalleled kitchen functionality and breathtaking aesthetic appeal, the Martellata Hammered Copper Pastiola Set from Langostina is an absolute dream come true. If your search has been for a truly beautiful copper pot that not only excels in performance but also serves as a magnificent centerpiece in your culinary space, then your quest ends here. This exquisite set is far more than just a decorative item; it is meticulously engineered to ensure you can cook perfect pasta every single time, a feat made possible by copper’s legendary heat conductivity and exceptionally even heat distribution.

While it undeniably commands a higher price point, its unmatched elegance, superior performance, and heirloom quality genuinely justify the investment. If you are captivated by the timeless allure and luxurious gleam of copper cookware, or if you are seeking an unforgettable and distinguished wedding gift, or a truly special and cherished Mother’s Day present, I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this Pastiola set. Its distinct hammered finish not only enhances its durability but also beautifully catches and reflects the light, adding an unparalleled touch of rustic sophistication and warmth to any kitchen decor, effortlessly complementing styles from modern minimalist to classic farmhouse. Beyond its primary function for pasta, its generous size and robust construction render it incredibly versatile for a wide array of culinary tasks, from simmering rich sauces and hearty soups to blanching delicate vegetables. It transcends mere cookware; it is a true piece of functional art that promises to elevate your cooking experience and become a treasured part of your kitchen for generations. To delve deeper into the intricate craftsmanship, advanced features, and luxurious details of this magnificent product, please explore the official Langostina brand’s website HERE.

Wrapping Up March’s Culinary and Kitchen Journey

And there you have it – my carefully curated and personally vetted selection of products that proudly earned a coveted spot in my March Favorites. I genuinely hope that through this compilation, you’ve discovered some exciting new items to consider adding to your own collection, or perhaps found renewed inspiration to revisit and appreciate an old favorite. My unwavering aim with these posts is always to bring you useful, delightful, and impactful discoveries that enrich your home life and enhance your culinary adventures.

I am perpetually eager to learn about what’s capturing your interest and making your life better this season! What are you currently obsessing over this month? Whether it’s a game-changing kitchen gadget that has simplified your routines, a surprisingly delicious new food item that has tantalized your taste buds, or a captivating book that has sparked your imagination, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, insights, and recommendations in the comments section below. Let’s foster a vibrant and engaged community of shared favorites and continue to inspire each other’s journeys of discovery. Stay tuned for next month’s exciting installment, where I’ll bring you another fresh batch of innovative and delightful new finds!