Monthly Favorites for July 2016: Discover Your Next Obsession!

Welcome back to another exciting edition of my Monthly Favorites series! As we dive deep into the heart of summer, July brings with it a unique blend of warmth, sunshine, and the need for products that genuinely simplify our lives or add a touch of joy. This month, I’m thrilled to unveil a curated selection of items that have absolutely stolen my heart, ranging from innovative food products that make meal prep a breeze to beauty essentials that keep you looking flawless in the summer heat.

My goal with these monthly roundups is always to share genuine discoveries that I believe can make a real difference in your daily routine. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or someone simply looking for tried-and-true recommendations, I hope you find something here that sparks your interest. If you try any of these products and fall in love with them too, or if you have your own must-have items from July, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments below! I absolutely adore hearing about your experiences and new finds.

For those new to my “Monthly Favorites” series, it’s where I open up about my current obsessions across various categories, including food products, kitchen gadgets, home essentials, and of course, beauty staples. It’s a journey of discovery that I love taking with you. If you’d like to explore past favorites, you can check out my very first post HERE. Now, let’s dive into what made July truly special!

My Top Picks for July

1. Season’s Choice Steamed Broccoli Florets – The Ultimate Time-Saver

You might raise an eyebrow at the idea of frozen broccoli making it onto a “favorites” list, but trust me on this one. For years, I’ve navigated the frustrating world of frozen vegetables, often opening a bag of “broccoli florets” only to find it filled predominantly with tough, fibrous stalks and a mere handful of actual florets. It was a constant battle, leading me to frequently opt for fresh broccoli, despite its shorter shelf life and the extra prep work involved. That is, until I discovered the game-changing Season’s Choice Steamed Broccoli Florets.

This isn’t just any frozen broccoli; it’s a revelation. Available exclusively at ALDI (a store I constantly rave about for its incredible value and quality!), this product delivers exactly what it promises. For several months now, I’ve been stocking up on these bags, and not once – and I mean *not once* – have I found a single stalk piece amidst the beautiful, tender florets. What you see pictured on the bag is precisely what you get inside, consistently. This commitment to quality and the sheer convenience of being able to steam them right in the bag has made my weeknight dinners infinitely easier.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

• Unmatched Quality: Pure florets every single time, eliminating the frustration of wasted stalks.
• Effortless Preparation: Steams perfectly in its own bag within minutes, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
• Versatile Ingredient: These florets are incredibly versatile. We love serving them steamed alongside our favorite Asian-inspired dishes, like this Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, or tossing them directly into pasta dishes while still frozen for added nutrients and color. They’re also fantastic roasted with a little olive oil and garlic, or simply as a quick, healthy side to any meal.
• Incredible Value: At just $0.99 – $1.19 per bag, it’s an affordable way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing quality or convenience.

If you’ve been on the hunt for reliable, high-quality frozen broccoli, look no further than Season’s Choice at ALDI. It’s a pantry staple that truly lives up to its hype.

2. Purely Elizabeth Probiotic Granola – A Delicious Gut-Health Boost

Next up is a delightful discovery that has quickly become a breakfast and snack time staple: Purely Elizabeth Probiotic Granola. I was introduced to this brand through a PR sample, and I received three tempting varieties: the Original Grain-Free Granola, the Probiotic Chocolate Sea Salt, and the Banana Nut. While all were incredibly delicious, the Original Grain-Free Granola instantly captured my heart and taste buds.

Purely Elizabeth has mastered the art of creating granola that’s not only incredibly tasty but also beneficial for your health, thanks to the inclusion of probiotics. The Original flavor is crazy good – it’s perfectly crunchy, subtly sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients like cashews and dried coconut flakes. Sweetened with coconut sugar, it offers a healthier alternative to many conventional granolas without compromising on flavor. The substantial chunks make it incredibly satisfying, whether enjoyed with a splash of milk, sprinkled over a creamy yogurt parfait, or simply munched on straight from the bag as a quick pick-me-up.

Versatility and Health Benefits:

• Gut-Friendly Goodness: Infused with probiotics, this granola helps support a healthy digestive system, making it a smart choice for those looking to boost their gut health.
• Clean Ingredients: Crafted with nutrient-dense ingredients like organic gluten-free oats, chia seeds, and real nuts, it aligns perfectly with a clean eating lifestyle.
• Family Favorite: Even my kids are obsessed with it! I often portion it into small resealable bags for easy, on-the-go snacks during errands or school activities, providing a much healthier alternative to sugary processed options.
• Endless Ways to Enjoy: Beyond yogurt and milk, try sprinkling it over smoothie bowls, using it as a crunchy topping for baked fruit, or adding it to your homemade trail mix for an extra boost of flavor and texture.

This granola is a fantastic blend of taste, texture, and health benefits, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delicious and nutritious addition to their pantry. You can find Purely Elizabeth Probiotic Granola at many national retailers and conveniently on Amazon HERE.

3. Maybelline Better Skin Foundation Powder – Flawless Finish in a Compact

Finding the perfect foundation can feel like an endless quest, especially when you have combination skin like mine, where dry patches clash with an oily T-zone. So, when the Maybelline Better Skin Foundation Powder landed on my desk for review (courtesy of Influenster), I approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism. Powder foundations and my drier areas usually don’t mix well, often highlighting texture rather than smoothing it. I typically stick to a thin layer of powder just to set my concealer and control shine in specific areas, preferring a dewy finish overall. However, as a long-time fan of Maybelline foundations – their Fit Me! line is a daily staple for me, as is their Fit Me! concealer – I was cautiously optimistic.

Oh, how glad I am that I gave this a chance! From the very first application, I was completely blown away. This foundation powder is exactly what its name promises: it makes your skin look visibly better. It effortlessly smooths out fine lines and significantly evens out skin tone, delivering a remarkably natural yet perfected finish. For those with acne scarring or sun spots, I’d classify its coverage as light to medium, depending on your skin’s needs, but the magic lies in its ability to enhance your natural skin, making it appear more radiant and uniform.

Key Performance Highlights:

• Skin-Transforming Results: Visibly blurs imperfections, minimizes the appearance of fine lines, and evens out skin tone, creating a remarkably smooth canvas.
• Perfect for Combination Skin: Despite my initial reservations, it performed beautifully, adhering well to drier areas without looking cakey and effectively controlling shine in my T-zone without feeling heavy.
• Impressive Longevity: This foundation truly stays put all day. I was genuinely astonished that even at the end of a hot, humid Kansas day, my skin still looked as fresh as when I first applied it. This incredible staying power is a huge win, especially during the summer months.
• Natural, Build-able Coverage: It offers enough coverage to make a difference while still allowing your skin to breathe and look like *your* skin, only better.

My husband even commented on how great my skin looked, which is always the ultimate seal of approval! I suspect I might have picked a shade slightly too dark for my current skin tone, which works perfectly for summer but will require a lighter shade come winter. Regardless, this foundation is a definite keeper and has earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.

You can find Maybelline Better Skin Foundation Powder wherever Maybelline products are sold, and it’s also available on Amazon HERE, where they often have fantastic deals, including a current $2 off coupon!

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And there you have it – my top favorites that truly stood out and made my life a little bit brighter this past July. I genuinely hope this roundup has introduced you to some exciting new products worth trying. Whether it’s a culinary game-changer, a gut-friendly snack, or a beauty essential that defies expectations, these items have earned their spot on my list for good reason.

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear from you. What products have you been absolutely obsessing over this month? What hidden gems have you discovered? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below – your insights always inspire my next great find!

Have a beautiful day, everyone!

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