September 2017 Monthly Favorites: Discovering Home Decor, Books, Beauty, and Food Essentials
Welcome to another exciting edition of my Monthly Favorites series! Each month, I eagerly anticipate sharing a curated selection of products and discoveries that have truly captured my attention and enriched my daily life. This series is more than just a list; it’s a peek into my current obsessions, ranging from delectable food products and essential kitchen gadgets to charming home decor pieces and effective beauty solutions. The goal is always to inspire you with new ideas and perhaps introduce you to your next favorite item. If you’re a long-time reader, you might recall my very first post in this series, which you can revisit HERE. I absolutely love hearing from you, so if you’ve recently stumbled upon a product you adore, please don’t hesitate to share it in the comment section below. Your recommendations are always a joy to discover!
- Charming Vintage Letterboard for Home Decor
If you’ve been following along, you’re likely aware of my undeniable affection for letterboards. They’ve become an incredibly popular and versatile home decor item, allowing for personal expression, seasonal messages, or even just daily affirmations. While I probably don’t *need* another one, the allure of this particular vintage-style letterboard I discovered at Hobby Lobby was simply irresistible. Its classic aesthetic and timeless appeal set it apart from many modern options, making it a perfect fit for a cozy home setting or as a thoughtful gift. The felt surface and sturdy frame evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it a beautiful focal point in any room. What made this purchase even sweeter was finding it with a 40% off coupon, which transformed it into an absolute steal. When you compare prices for similar quality letterboards from other retailers, the value becomes incredibly clear. Hobby Lobby frequently offers these boards on sale, often at 50% off, so it’s always worth keeping an eye out for a deal. They come in a fantastic array of sizes and even different felt colors, ensuring that you can find the perfect board to match your specific style and needs. For my part, I opted for the classic black felt, and I couldn’t be happier with how elegantly it integrates into my home decor, providing endless possibilities for creative messaging.
2. Indulgent Caramel Chocolates: A Fall Delight
While pumpkin spice often dominates the autumn flavor scene, for me, fall is equally about embracing everything caramel. There’s something inherently comforting and luxurious about the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel, and these caramel-filled milk chocolates from Choceur, an exclusive ALDI brand, have quickly become my ultimate guilty pleasure. Each piece is a little parcel of pure bliss, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that is simply divine. The smooth milk chocolate shell gives way to a luscious, flowing caramel center that truly melts in your mouth, creating an exquisite sensory experience. What I particularly appreciate about Choceur chocolates is their exceptional quality for such an affordable price point. ALDI has truly mastered the art of delivering gourmet-level treats without the hefty price tag, making these chocolates an accessible indulgence. They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet craving after a long day, sharing with friends over a warm beverage, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet indulgence. Their delightful taste makes them a staple in my pantry during the cooler months, reminding me that the joys of autumn extend far beyond just pumpkin. If you’re looking for an affordable yet incredibly satisfying treat, these caramel chocolates are an absolute must-try.
3. Le Creuset Braiser in Stunning Teal: A Kitchen Essential
My admiration for Le Creuset cookware is profound and long-standing. Over the years, I’ve accumulated several pieces, each one a cherished addition to my kitchen arsenal. Le Creuset is renowned for its unparalleled quality, exceptional durability, and timeless aesthetic, making each item not just a cooking tool but a piece of art. Despite their gorgeous appearance, these pieces are designed for everyday use, withstanding the rigors of frequent cooking and maintaining their beauty for generations. One of the brand’s most celebrated attributes is its exquisite range of colors, and their latest offering, a vibrant TEAL, has completely captivated me. My photograph, unfortunately, doesn’t fully capture the stunning depth and richness of this color; it truly needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. This specific braiser in teal is a magnificent example of Le Creuset’s commitment to both form and function. Its wide, shallow base and domed lid are perfect for a variety of cooking techniques, from searing meats and vegetables to slow-braising hearty stews or even baking bread. The even heat distribution and retention capabilities of Le Creuset enamel cast iron ensure consistently delicious results every time. I’m excited to share some recipes I’ve already prepared in this braiser, as well as in my round Dutch oven in the same captivating teal hue, so do stay tuned for those culinary adventures!
This particular teal shade is an exclusive offering to Williams-Sonoma, adding to its unique appeal. The braiser’s elegant design allows it to transition effortlessly from the oven or stovetop directly to the dining table, making it an ideal piece for both everyday family meals and special occasion entertaining. Imagine serving a beautifully braised short rib or a vibrant paella directly from this stunning vessel! Beyond its practical uses, the Le Creuset braiser in teal also makes for an incredibly thoughtful and impressive gift. Whether for wedding showers, housewarming celebrations, or major holidays, it’s a present that speaks volumes about quality, style, and culinary passion, destined to be treasured by any cooking enthusiast for many years to come.
4. “The Essential Instant Pot Cookbook”: A Must-Have Guide
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking for countless individuals, becoming a staple appliance in kitchens worldwide thanks to its incredible versatility and time-saving capabilities. However, for many new owners, the sheer number of functions and potential recipes can feel overwhelming, leaving them unsure of where to begin. This is precisely where “The Essential Instant Pot Cookbook” by Coco Morante steps in as an indispensable resource. A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to receive a copy of this brilliant new cookbook, and it has already proven its worth by guiding me through several delicious dishes. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has recently acquired an Instant Pot, whether as a gift or a personal purchase, and is looking for a clear, encouraging starting point. Coco Morante, a celebrated authority in Instant Pot cooking, has meticulously crafted a collection of recipes that are not only simple to follow but also consistently delicious. The cookbook is beautifully laid out, featuring gorgeous, appetizing photos for nearly every dish, which greatly enhances the cooking experience and inspires confidence. What truly sets this cookbook apart is its focus on comforting, wholesome meals—perfectly suited for the crisp days of fall and the chilly evenings of winter. From hearty stews to flavorful curries, the recipes are designed to maximize the Instant Pot’s efficiency while delivering deeply satisfying results. You’ll find a wide range of options that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, all while simplifying your cooking routine. I’m thrilled to announce that I will soon be featuring one of the standout recipes from this cookbook on my blog, offering a taste of the culinary delights it contains!
Further cementing its reliability and quality, this cookbook carries the coveted “Instant Pot approved” seal, assuring users that the recipes have been tested and optimized for the appliance. It’s readily available on Amazon, making it incredibly convenient to purchase and start your Instant Pot journey with expert guidance. If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your Instant Pot and create comforting, easy meals, this cookbook is an essential addition to your kitchen library.
5. The Magic of the Bathpack Brush: A Parent’s Best Friend
To all the incredible moms and dads out there who intimately understand the daily struggle of brushing their children’s hair—the tears, the tangles, the sheer frustration—I have discovered a product that promises to be a game-changer for your family. After glowing recommendations from some of my trusted blogger friends, Heidi and Kristen (a huge thank you to both!), I finally invested in the Bathpack brush, and I can confidently say it has transformed our hair-brushing routine. This isn’t just another hairbrush; it’s a miraculous tool that glides effortlessly through my daughters’ hair, detangling even the most stubborn knots without a single wince or complaint. The most astounding part? Their hair remains beautifully tangle-free, soft, and manageable even the following day! Yes, such magic genuinely exists, and it comes courtesy of Bathpack. The secret lies in its uniquely designed bristles that gently separate and smooth hair strands, minimizing breakage and discomfort. Beyond its incredible detangling power, one of the most appealing aspects of this brush is its unbelievably affordable price point. At just $5, plus a modest $3 for shipping, it remains an incredibly budget-friendly solution for a problem that can often feel priceless to solve. In addition to the ease of detangling, I’ve noticed a remarkable improvement in the appearance of my daughters’ hair. Specifically, my blonde daughter’s hair has become noticeably shinier since we started using the Bathpack brush. Given that we haven’t changed their shampoo or other hair products, I am convinced this brush is solely responsible for the newfound luster and health. It’s a simple change that has yielded significant positive results. If you’re a parent battling with knots and tears during hair-brushing time, you absolutely have to try the Bathpack brush. It’s a small investment that delivers huge returns in peace of mind and happy, healthy hair.
That concludes my roundup of favorite products for the month of September. I genuinely hope you’ve discovered some new items that pique your interest and perhaps inspire a new purchase or two. Finding products that simplify life, add beauty to our homes, or simply bring a little joy is what this series is all about. If any of these resonated with you, or if you’ve already tried them, please share your thoughts in the comments below! I’m always eager to hear your experiences. And now, I turn the question over to you: What are you currently obsessing with this month? Share your latest finds and passions!
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