My Top 10 Monthly Favorites: Unveiling My February Must-Haves and Inspirations!
Welcome, dear readers, to a brand-new segment here on Yummy Healthy Easy! This is my {new} little monthly recap, a special space where I’ll be highlighting my absolute favorite things and discoveries from the past month. Get ready to dive into the delightful details of what’s been captivating my attention and bringing joy to my life!
Oh man. Sharing this post with you today feels a bit like a first date. I’m all nervous, yet incredibly excited! Usually, YHE is all about delicious and healthy food recipes, which I absolutely adore creating and sharing. However, I’ve been thinking a lot about expanding our horizons a bit, doing a once-a-month post dedicated to the non-food-related things I’ve been truly loving and recommending. While I’m quite wordy in my recipe posts, sometimes I forget to share the other aspects of my life that bring me joy or make my daily routine a little better. So, consider this a peek behind the curtain, an intimate sharing of my current obsessions. Here goes nothing, I hope you enjoy this new journey with me!
#10. My New Spiralizer! Discovering Healthy Noodle Alternatives
Kicking off my list of favorites is a truly special gift that has sparked a new wave of culinary creativity in my kitchen: my brand-new spiralizer! My wonderful 13-year-old son bought me this fantastic spiralizer for my Birthday at the end of January, using his very own money. Isn’t that just the sweetest, most thoughtful gesture? It absolutely melted my heart, and I couldn’t be more excited to put it to good use. While I’ve only just begun experimenting with a couple of recipes from the accompanying recipe book he also bought me, I already have a few more spiralized dishes on my dinner menu for the coming week. This gadget is a game-changer for incorporating more vegetables into our meals in fun, appealing ways, transforming ordinary veggies into delightful “noodles.” It’s perfect for creating lighter, healthier versions of pasta dishes or adding a fresh twist to stir-fries. Do you have any go-to spiralized recipes that you absolutely love? I’m always on the hunt for new inspiration! And on that note, would you be interested in seeing more spiralized recipes featured here on YHE?
A few inspiring spiralized recipes I can’t wait to try, offering delicious and healthy alternatives:
- Sweet Potato Noodles with Sage Brown Butter Sauce by Joyful Healthy Eats – This sounds like a comforting and elegant side dish, perfect for a cozy evening.
- Zucchini Noodle Broccoli Cheese Casserole by Food Faith Fitness – A clever way to enjoy a classic casserole with a lighter, vegetable-packed base.
- Crispy Baked Curly Fries by The Healthy Maven – Who doesn’t love fries? Making them curly and baked sounds like a healthier, fun snack for the whole family.
#9. SOUP! The Ultimate Comfort Food for Chilly Days
As I sit here writing this post, it’s another rather gloomy day in Southern California. While we are typically blessed with pretty temperate weather for most of the year, we certainly have our share of cloudy, rainy, or foggy days too. And even though our temperatures don’t plummet into the single digits like in many other parts of the country, it feels pretty cold for us Californians! This weather inevitably leads to one thing: an intense craving for soup. I’ve been absolutely loving soup lately. It’s the quintessential comfort food – warm, nourishing, and incredibly versatile. Making a big batch is not only easy but also incredibly convenient, as it’s fantastic for leftovers the next day, making lunch a breeze. Soup offers endless possibilities, from hearty vegetable stews to creamy purees, each providing a hug in a bowl. It’s also an excellent way to pack in nutrients and warm up from the inside out. I’m currently obsessed with this fantastic roundup compiled by Kristin of Yellow Bliss Road, featuring 35 Comforting Soup Recipes! (And speaking of soup, did you happen to catch the recipe for the Easy Cauliflower Soup I shared earlier this week? It’s a must-try for a healthy and delicious meal!)
#8. The Selection Series – Escapism Through Engaging Young Adult Fiction
Alright, I’ll admit it – I’m a proud, nerdy bookworm. Give me a good book, and I’ll happily choose to read it over almost anything else. There’s just something magical about getting lost in a captivating story, escaping reality for a little while. Are you a fellow bookworm? If so, you’ll understand my excitement for this next favorite. This particular series has become a cherished pass-around item within my family, creating a lovely tradition of shared reading. My oldest sister originally bought the books, then passed them along to my other sister, who thoughtfully mailed them to me. And when I’m finished, I’ve already been instructed to mail them to my mom! It’s a wonderful way to connect over a shared story. I am utterly in LOVE with The Selection Series by Kiera Cass! I’ve just started the third book, The One, and I can hardly put it down. Yes, I know, it’s a young adult fiction series, and yes, I am a grown woman, BUT it’s brimming with a fantastic love story! And let’s be honest, nearly all girls, regardless of age, appreciate a good romance, right?! The series is an enchanting blend of dystopian society, royal intrigue, and, of course, a compelling romantic triangle that keeps you rooting for the protagonist. The characters are relatable, and the plot is engaging without being overly complex, making it the perfect escape. So, if you’re craving a new book series that’s romantic, easy to read, and utterly absorbing, then this one is definitely for you. You won’t regret diving into the world of The Selection!
#7. Roundups! The Art of Curated Content for Bloggers and Readers Alike
Next up on my list of current loves are roundups – a concept near and dear to many bloggers’ hearts, and increasingly popular with readers too. If you’re a blogger, chances are you’re very familiar with what a roundup is and its incredible value. If you’re not deeply immersed in the blogging world, a roundup is essentially a blog post that curates and features a collection of links from various other blogs and websites, all centered around a similar theme or topic. (I think I just made it sound more confusing than it is, but trust me, it’s a brilliant idea!) For instance, consider my own roundup of 95+ Recipes that Use Up Leftover Buttermilk. That’s 95 individual links, each offering a unique way to utilize buttermilk. Why such a specific focus? Because almost every time you buy buttermilk, you inevitably end up with half a carton leftover, right? These curated collections are fantastic because they save readers time by bringing together a wealth of information in one convenient place, while also helping bloggers cross-promote each other’s amazing work. It’s a win-win! On a very exciting personal note, I’ve just signed on with Parade to create roundups for them on their Community Table website! This is pretty thrilling news, and I can’t wait to share some fantastic curated content with an even wider audience. So, definitely stay tuned for more fun, inspiring, and useful roundups coming your way soon!
#6. My New Booties! Fashionable Comfort for Everyday Wear
As I mentioned earlier, my birthday at the end of January was truly special. My husband surprised me with an unforgettable shopping spree at Nordstrom, complete with a personal shopper and a generous budget. It was, putting it mildly, pure heaven! For many years, after having my two youngest boys (who are only 11 months apart, making those early years quite a whirlwind!), I essentially stopped shopping for myself. It was simply too challenging and exhausting to get out of the house with two little ones in tow. My husband, bless his heart, knew I was in desperate need of a wardrobe refresh and much-deserved indulgence, which is why he orchestrated this amazing experience. Among all the seriously cute clothes I picked out, one of my absolute favorite buys has to be these Paul Green Booties. OMG! They are unbelievably comfortable. They feature a stylish heel, but it’s just the right height – enough to add a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort. I’ve worn these for hours on end, running errands, chasing kids, and they always feel absolutely fantastic on my feet! Finding shoes that are both chic and genuinely comfortable can be a real challenge, so these have been a wonderful discovery. So, yes. I absolutely had to add them to my top 10 favorites for February. They’re a game-changer for my everyday style and comfort!
#5. Gallery Walls: Adding Personality and Style to Your Home
When it comes to home decorating, I must confess, I am pretty clueless. It’s just not my natural talent, and honestly, I’m horrible at it! We moved into our new house about six months ago, and I’m only just now starting to feel like it’s beginning to come together and reflect our family’s style. But this progress hasn’t come easily; it’s taken me pushing a bit out of my comfort zone and doing a lot of research. This month, in particular, I’ve been actively collecting various items and inspiration for a gallery wall that I’m planning to create above our family room couch. A gallery wall is such a fantastic way to add personality, tell a story, and inject color and interest into any room. It’s a curated collection of photos, art prints, mirrors, or other decorative objects, arranged together to form a cohesive display. So, naturally, I’ve spent a significant amount of time researching different gallery wall layouts, styles, and tips. Much of this research has led me to my sister-in-law’s truly amazing site, Classy Clutter. I absolutely adore her Gold Gallery Wall! It’s so chic and inspiring. Plus, they offer some fantastic printables here that you can easily download, print off, and pop into frames to complete your own gallery look. This is exactly what I need to get started! If you haven’t yet discovered Classy Clutter, I urge you to hurry over to their site. Mallory and Savannah are incredibly talented and offer a wealth of gorgeous home decor ideas and DIY projects that are both stylish and achievable. They’ve been a true lifesaver for my decorating dilemmas!
#4. Birthday Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes: A Sweet Treat for Special Celebrations
Next week, my youngest little dude is celebrating his 4th Birthday! Can you believe it? Time truly does fly by way too fast. To mark this special occasion, he has very specifically requested Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes for his celebration. This is such a fun and whimsical idea, combining two childhood favorites into one delightful treat! Now, I have to be honest, I’m not exactly a pro cupcake decorator; my frosting skills are definitely still a work in progress. However, armed with determination and a desire to make his birthday extra special, I made a quick trip to the craft store and invested in a new piping tip specifically for decorating. I’m hoping it will help me achieve that perfect swirl for the frosting on these darling Chocolate Dipped Cupcake cones, inspired by the incredible i am baker, as featured on the Better Homes and Gardens website! Seriously, aren’t they just the cutest cones you’ve ever seen? The idea of baking the cupcake directly inside the ice cream cone, then topping it with frosting and a chocolate dip, is pure genius. It’s a nostalgic treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, and I can’t wait to see my son’s reaction. This project is a reminder that sometimes the simplest, most playful treats are the most memorable for celebrations.
#3. AG Jeans: The Perfect Blend of Style and Comfort
Coming in at number three on my list of February favorites are my new AG Jeans! As you know, I indulged in a much-needed shopping spree for my birthday, and one of the most impactful purchases was my very first pair of AG Jeans. And let me tell you, I love them. So. Much. These have instantly become my absolute favorite jeans! The fit, the fabric, the way they feel – everything about them is just perfect. Finding a pair of jeans that truly fits well, is comfortable enough for all-day wear, and still looks effortlessly stylish can be quite a quest. But AG Jeans deliver on all fronts. They hug in all the right places without feeling restrictive and have that perfect worn-in softness from the very first wear. Paired with those darling Paul Green booties I mentioned earlier and a simple, cute t-shirt, this outfit has quickly become my go-to ensemble for everything from casual outings to feeling put-together yet comfortable at home. It’s that perfect balance of comfort and chic. Now, if only I could figure out how to get as skinny as the model in the picture above… 😉 But seriously, investing in high-quality denim like AG Jeans is a game-changer for building a versatile and comfortable wardrobe. They are worth every penny for the confidence and comfort they provide.
#2 The Bachelor: My Unexpected Reality TV Obsession
Are you a Bachelor fan? Brace yourselves, because this next favorite is a bit of a confession! I have to admit, I’d never really gotten into the show before this current season. For years, many of my friends would gather at the park, letting our kids play while they sat and chatted animatedly about the latest episodes and drama of The Bachelor. And for just as many years, I was completely out of those conversations, never understanding the hype. But all that has changed. Until now! I don’t know what it is about this season, but I am officially hooked. I absolutely cannot wait for Monday nights anymore! The drama, the romance, the unexpected twists, and turns – it’s all so captivating. I might even confess that I shed a few tears when Chris didn’t give Kaitlyn a rose this last week. I truly loved her! Her witty personality, her genuine charm, and her stunning looks had me convinced she was a top contender. I totally thought she would be the one to get the ring in the end. She’s simply gorgeous and possesses such a wonderfully funny and engaging personality; I can definitely see Bachelorette in her future. Do you agree or disagree with my assessment? I’m so curious to hear other Bachelor fans’ thoughts! Who do you think Chris will ultimately end up with? Let’s discuss all the theories and predictions – I’m all ears for your takes on this season’s journey to find love!
#1 MUFFINS! The Simple Pleasure of a Perfect Baked Good
And finally, topping off my list of February favorites, we have… muffins! Just because. There’s something inherently comforting, versatile, and utterly delicious about a freshly baked muffin. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast on the go, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to brunch, muffins always hit the spot. They are easy to whip up, endlessly customizable with different fruits, nuts, and spices, and always a crowd-pleaser. Is your mouth watering over these ridiculously delicious-looking Raspberry and Lemon-Glazed Muffins from The Food Charlatan? Mine certainly is! The combination of tart raspberries with bright lemon glaze sounds absolutely divine – a perfect balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent. I can already envision these making a star appearance on our weekend breakfast menu very soon (yay!). They promise a burst of flavor and a soft, moist texture that’s simply irresistible. Baking muffins always fills the house with a wonderful aroma, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s a small pleasure, but one that brings so much joy. I hope you’ve enjoyed this first installment of my monthly favorites! Have a great weekend, everyone, and I’ll see you back here in March with more yummy, healthy, and easy content – and perhaps another peek into my favorite things! 😉
Don’t miss these other popular posts from this week on Yummy Healthy Easy:
Secret Ingredient Healthy Banana Bread
Easy & Healthy Cauliflower Soup
Over 95+ Recipes to Use Leftover Buttermilk