It's been a looong time since I've done one of these posts, so let's conclude the year with this one:
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| I bought these soy candles at Aldi and they are wonderful! Great scents and they last a long time. Lasted two months burning them for a few hours each evening. The best part? $3.99 |
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| As I'm trying to cut back on oxalates in my diet, I had to give up all almond products, including my beloved Trader Joe's no salt almond butter. I started trying all the brands of sunflower butter I could find and this was the only one I liked. It's creamy and has great flavor, with only 50 mg of sodium and 1 g of added sugar per serving. It's delicious on my homemade banana waffles. |
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| I read this book two years ago, but I'm still recommending it because it's in my top ten best books I've ever read. A Gentleman In Moscow tells the story of a Russian count whose only crime was nobility. After the Bolshevik revolution, he is 'imprisoned' in a hotel in Moscow where he makes the most of his life. When I first heard the description, I thought it sounded quite tedious, but was I ever wrong. It is undoubtedly one of the most delightful reads you will ever come across. |
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| What is this? Well, a friend gave it to me for my birthday, proclaiming it 'life changing.' I wouldn't go that far, but I do really like it. It's used to squeeze lemon/lime wedges. It is very helpful if you drink water with lemon every day and it sure beats getting that sting when you have cuts on your hands like I frequently do. |
I had no interest in TikTok until I came upon a video of floral designer Devriebrynn giving a Flowerscope on Instagram. It cracked me up so much, that I had to join TikTok just so I could view all 10 of her '100% things I know about you based on your favorite flower as a flower designer.' I chose to post this one, as I do love white hydrangeas. But I'm too embarrassed to tell you what she says about me based on my actual favorite flower, the white calla lily.
I had to read Amor Towles' book Rules of Civility for my book group last month and found it disappointing. Then I noticed a lot of people thought A Gentleman in Moscow was much better, so I read it and I agreed with them. Thoroughly vivid and engrossing.
ReplyDeleteOne of our favourite things this year is the humble hot cross bun. We had some at Easter and then just kept on buying them. Nothing beats that lovely spicy taste. Now we're alternating them with mince pies.
I enjoyed Rules of Civility, but it was definitely nowhere near as good as Moscow. I’m finishing up his latest, The Lincoln Highway, and honestly don’t like it because I’m not a fan of any of the characters.
DeleteI love hot cross buns, but can only find them between Lent and Easter. Mince pies are a treat for me as well! Yum!
I LOVE scented candles, so I really enjoyed your first favorite thing on your list! I've never been to an Aldi (although we do have them here in Philly), but I think I've seen that brand somewhere else. Target? Or maybe Bed, Bath and Beyond? Anyway, they look great!
ReplyDeleteThat book sounds very interesting. I was immediately drawn to the book cover!
Thanks so much for lemon/lime squeezy thing because I use lemon a lot to cook with (salads, veggies, even pasta) and I am so sick of picking the seeds out. "sting when you have cuts on your hands" and that too! So, I've been looking for something like that. I googled it before I left my comment and saw that Walmart and other places carry them. Gotta' get one!
VERY funny TikTok video clip! I'm not on TikTok, but my brother is, so he texts me countless video clips via Instagram and I have to say, they are always amusing!
GREAT list! Thanks for sharing!
Two of my best finds this year have been " Trader Joe's Peppermint Foaming Hand Soap" (in fact, I love it so much, I went back and bought THREE more so that I have them for months), and "Trader Joe's Holiday Vegetable Hash" (Its got small dices of butternut squash, sweet potatoes, red onions, and celery, parsley, sage, and rosemary.) I use it in soups. It's DEEEELICIOUS!
Have a fabulous weekend, my friend! X
Aren’t candles so fun? When you find a great scent, awwwwww . . . so relaxing. The Sunday Brunch one was like someone making French toast and cinnamon buns in my kitchen. I’m glad you could find the lime squeezey online because I don’t even know it’s name. It works great in squeezing every last drop out of the slice of fruit.
DeleteThat soap sounds great. I was at TJ last weekend and really perused the frozen foods and I did not come across that veggie hash, but it sounds marvelous! Darn! Hopefully next time. Enjoy the weekend, I’m sending a little warmth your way, followed by torrential rain! XO
Haaahahaha you crack me up. My favorite flower is the gardenia and although I have no interest in TikTok and would rather eat glass than join up, I like things that make me laugh so maybe I'll see if I can raise that chick on Instagram or YouTube. Very funny. And I am fixing to march my bad self right over to Aldi and get some of those candles for stocking stuffers. Aldi is AMAZING for gift items, no? The book looks fascinating ... I checked on Thriftbooks and all they have is an audio version for $25 so I will continue the search because I know from your description that I would love it. Some of my favorite things this year would include Maple Grove Farms low-sugar maple syrup, my Ninja Foodie blender for smoothies, and a perennial favorite, TJ Maxx jewelry counter! As in, the jewelry department at their stores ... not something that counts jewelry. I have too much to count anyway, haahahaa xoxo
ReplyDeleteIsn’t that video so funny? Lets just say white calla lily people like me are ‘particular’ and leave it at that! Bahaha! And I’ve noticed online that people call that aisle in Aldi with the ‘stuff,’ The Aisle of Shame, but I call it a great place to find gifts, too! I got those candles in September, but Ive seen some really cute Christmas candles there recently in neat little containers. You would LOVE that book. If you have a library near you, I bet they have it. I get all my books at the library, but we have the highest rated system in the US, so I know I’m fortunate. Ooohh, I like your favorites! Im going to look for that maple syrup, so thanks for the recommendation. And I love TJMaxx jewelry. I bought my daughter-in-law the cutest lariat bracelet there for her birthday. Have a great weekend!
DeleteI'm still waiting for A Gentleman in Moscow, I requested it from my library weeks ago. I've never tried soy candles, I haven't seen them in our Aldi. The sunflower butter on banana waffles sound good.
ReplyDeleteI hope the book comes in for you soon! You will really enjoy it; I am confident! Soy candles are supposed to burn cleaner with less soot and toxins. I just recently learned to use our waffle iron after all these years! My husband always made them before, but very infrequently.
DeleteMy daughter has been bringing home some candles from Dollar Tree and surprisingly they smell so good! She just got promoted to assistant manager at her store so she's happy. I started buying cookie butter instead of peanut butter and it is so good.
ReplyDeleteThat’s great news about your daughter! There are a lot of things I really like at Dollar Tree. They are the best dollar store, IMO.
DeleteI am always on the lookout for a good book! That book title does kind of sound kind of tedious, but it's rated 4.32 on Goodreads so it's going on my list! I can't at the moment think of any of my favorite things but I'm sure there are some! I joined TikTok a few weeks ago because I got hooked on the cleaning and organizing ones of all things! It's crazy!
ReplyDeleteThe book is wonderful. I really try to just read feel good books these days. I didn’t know there were cleaning videos on TikTok. Most of it seems like people doing dumb things.
DeleteI like those candles. We are getting an Aldi here in a few months. I visited one when we were back in the DC area a few years back. I wasn't super impressed with the store but it was probably because it was so hot and humid when we were there that I wouldn't have been impressed with much other than trying to get through our time there without being too miserable, lol. I'm looking forward to visiting the store here when it is completed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the book recommendation. Always looking for a good read. I checked to see if it was available at our library as an ebook since I do the majority of my reading while exercising on the treadmill and it is; even in "stock" now as opposed to a wait list. I'll be checking it out in the next week or so when I finish the book I'm currently reading. We can only keep the books for 2 weeks when checked out so I like to almost be done with one before getting another one.
My step granddaughter is on TikTok but I haven't (and probably won't) sign up for it. I have seen a few cute videos on it if they ran across my Facebook feed. How cute though with the one you featured here!
I'm back to blogging here these days :) https://benchsnotebook.blogspot.com/
betty
Betty! You’re back!!! I’m so glad! Honestly, I’m not a huge Aldi shopper. I’m not a fan of their produce, but the spices/vanilla are really cheap and there are some frozen foods I like, plus they have a lot of nuts/dried fruits. And the ‘Aisle of Shame’ that has the oddball bargains is really good. But it’s one of those places that doesn’t always have the same thing twice, which is annoying. Let me know if you like the book.
DeleteI love burning candles (much to my husbands annoyance) and I find that so many of them don't actually have scent; amazing to find one for such a price with a scent. We have an Aldi's, but I never seem to go there, now I just might.
ReplyDeleteThe video is hilarious! What a funny woman.
I added the book to my list; thanks!
I can't think of any favorite things that are new to me this year. I mean, I'm sure there are some, but I'm at a loss at the moment. I'll think of something at 3am and call you!
It was sort of hard to think what was new to me this year. The year seemed to fly by! I hate buying a candle and then not be able to smell it at all. Bath & Body Works has good ones, but I won’t pay that price! I’ve watched those flower videos over and over. They kill me.
DeleteHey, Bijoux, the soy candles sound cool.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just starting added lemon to my water, so that lemon-line squeeze thing looks like it will come in handy.
I don't know "A Gentleman in Moscow," so I'll make sure to keep out for it.
Thanks for sharing all this neat stuff!
I know you’d enjoy that book, Rob. It appeals to men and women, which is sort of uncommon! Have a great week.
DeleteHave added the book to my list. Eventually I'll get to it. The citrus smother looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite things this year? Moderna vaccinations + booster! 😷
Let me know how you like the book. It’s nice to live in the 21st century!
DeleteThe book sounds like one I must add to my read list. I love reading, but I haven't picked up a book in over 2 months and it's seriously depressing me. I am go, go, going from the time I wake that by the time I get into bed, my eyes are drifting before I've even set my alarm.
ReplyDeleteI haven't found too many new things to love this year. I did meet a candle maker at a local craft fair and won't buy any other brand now. Jackie Lee Apothecary is the name of her company and I've been obsessed with her candles and wax melts since meeting her.
I haven't shopped Aldi in some time either, but I read a thread awhile back talking about their $2.99 bottles of wine being really good and I've been curious ever since. I'd normally scoff at buying cheap wine from Aldi, but the thread has me convinced to pick a bottle up and try it next time we're there.
I can’t read before bed or anytime after about 5 pm. I tend to mostly read while eating my breakfast/coffee and lunch. I will look at that candle maker. I only tried Aldi wine once and it was undrinkable for us, but we are super finicky wine drinkers.
DeleteI've always read before bed. It's the one thing that never failed to put me to sleep. These days though I am so tired well before bed, sleep hasn't been an issue.
DeleteI'm super finicky with my wine too, but as much as everyone was raving about that wine, my curiosity was piqued. I'm always down to try something once and I figure if I dump the bottle, I won't cry over a $3 loss LOL!
I can fall asleep. It’s the staying asleep that eludes me. Hence, I’ve now begun up since 3:30 am! Good point on not worrying about $3. Definitely worth a try.
DeleteThanks for the book recommendation. "A Gentleman in Moscow" sounds pretty interesting. I'll add it to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteA few of my favorite things this yea? Kringles Gourmet pretzels, the Goo Goo Dolls, Old Fashioneds, and Charlie Berens. Not necessarily in that order.
I looked up those pretzels and they look delicious! We received a box of Eastern Provisions pretzels as a holiday gift and have been enjoying them. Nothing like a hot pretzel right out of the oven.
DeleteI must try the Sunflower Butter! Never even thought of that.. The Aldi candles are certainly a steal, but I never make my way into that store. Despite our poor (I remember your post last year) experience with Bath & Body Works, I bought my annual candles. They went up in price but nothing beats the cranberry scent in the Winter!
ReplyDeleteLMK if you like the sunflower butter. It’s surprisingly good! I stood my ground and didn’t buy one gift at BBW this year! I found some nicely scented shower gel at Target . . . They have a new brand of shower gel/lotions/hand soap.
DeleteWhat is the brand of the shower gel? This year we've been buying the Everspring Foaming Soap from Target. It's pretty good and inexpensive.
DeleteIt’s called Beloved and looks like maybe it’s made for Target? Interesting fall scents like cranberry orange and pumpkin.
DeleteThanks for sharing. Bijoux. I will have to look into that sunflower butter and the lemon thingy. The one thing that comes to mind as a favorite is the leash/harness combo we bought Ms. Frizzle. It wraps around your waist so she can't yank my shoulder out of socket and it came with a fanny pack to store her treats and poop bags.
ReplyDeleteOddly, your comment went to spam! Took me a while to figure out why it wasn’t appearing here. Glad Ms. Frizzle is walking in style, or at least easier for you.
DeleteHow dare they put my comments in spam? I have a few folks that only show up on the Comments Moderation page. I never get an email notification or anything.
DeleteIt's so rude!!
DeleteAlas, no Aldi in my jerk-water town. But, I do see doy candles elsewhere, never bought one. I love candle glow. The book? Sounds terrific, and if you state better than expected I'm sure I'd like it too. Will check out our half price books, maybe I can find a good deal.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have you stop by from Ron's. I've seen you comment many times before me.
doy=soy
DeleteNo Aldi? Boo! But we don’t have Half Price books or any bookstores nearby, so I guess we’re even! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI LOVE scented candles
ReplyDeleteIt’s great to find a nice scented one.
DeleteEnjoy your candles. I've just started using wax melts, there are so many to choose from!
ReplyDeleteI’ve never done the wax melts. Happy holidays!
DeleteI love the Aldi candles!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried tahini as an almond butter substitute? I've never used it for something I'd normally use peanut butter for, but the flavor is awesome.
That book has been on my to-read list for a while. I think you're the third person I've seen recommend it now.
I've been resisting Tik Tok, but my sister keeps sending me cute cat videos. I'm pretty sure I'm going to cave eventually.
I’ve only bought tahini to make hummus, which didn’t turn out great. Maybe it was the recipe I used. I hope you like the book. It is easy to get pulled down the rabbit hole with these apps! Merry Christmas!
DeleteThank you for the book advice. Couple of days ago, i watched the "Trumbo" and really would like to read "Dalton Trumbo"s book. Bye the way, we consume sunflowers seeds as snack. But i havent tried sunflower seeds butter before. Would love to try it with homemade banana waffle. Happy holiday. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYes, we also have sunflower seeds as snacks. I also like them on salads. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
DeleteI'm delighted to see an Aldi product get a shout-out. Aldi doesn't get enough credit for their good, cheap products! :)
ReplyDeleteThe book does sound cool. I'll make a note of it.
Intrigued by the lemon/lime squeezer. You're so right about the cuts on fingers always being found. (Same with hand sanitizer, amiright?)
Nice happy post to end the year on. (Although your grumpy posts make me smile too. :) )
I’ve found some great items in the Aldi ‘Aisle of Shame’ like foaming hand soap and reed diffusers with great scents and cheap. Ugh on the hand sanitizer stinging your hands. Boy, does that hurt! Glad you enjoyed and I decided to post again on Christmas Day with some happy pictures.
Delete"Aisle of Shame"! Haha. Not entirely sure what that means, but I love it. When I informed my sister, who lives near you, about an Aldi coming to my town, she said, "I've never been happier for you in my life, and that includes your wedding day and the births of all your children." She was only slightly exaggerating. :)
DeleteThere’s a whole thing around their discount aisle (non-foods) where I’ve heard people go right when the store opens after stocking night and buy up the goodies to sell online. I’ve seen the $3.99 candles on Amazon individual seller (can’t think what they call it) for $24. It’s crazy! Aldi has quite a fan base. Personally, I prefer Trader Joe’s by a landslide and I’d kill for one close to me. There are only 2 in all of Northeast Ohio.
DeleteThey sell on Amazon for $24?! Wow. I guess some people know how to work the system.
DeleteI'm not reading much these days... but if you (and Bill Gates...yes, he wrote a positive review as well) like this book so much then I will 'maybe' try to read it ... eventually. haha I'm so upset that reading has become so difficult. Another thing I will blame menopause for. ;) *sigh*
ReplyDeleteScented candles!! As I type this, there is a delightful Yankee *dried lavender & oak* jar burning now. Gift from my son/fiance. Mmm! I just have soooo many favorite things that it might make a good post. You know, when I get back to my blog. ha!
That’s interesting that Bill Gates also recommended the book. Do you have trouble concentrating? I hope you blog again soon!
DeleteYes, concentration is a problem. Maybe in part because I don't sleep as well as I used to. Also, by the time I get done with various online things, I'm too scattered. We watch a lot of t.v. at night, too. Just started another series. ;)
DeleteI generally only read before 3 pm when I’m at my best!
DeleteI miss Aldi. They always have such random off the wall stuff there but some of their stuff is spot on. They keep talking about bringing one in. I wish they would. - I love Trader Joe's but they're just like Target to me. I go in for one thing and then boom, grocery cart full! :) - I'm actually going to make some nut butter. I'll do a post so you know how it goes or doesn't go. - OMG. Devriebrynn is hilarious. I've seen some of her posts but not the florist ones and now I'm following her and shared her with family and friends. She's great. Oh, and welcome to TikTok. :)
ReplyDeleteI wish we had a TJ near me. There are only two in all of Northeast Ohio (that’s 1/4 of the state). I’ve never made an it butter. I did make oat flour once, which I assume is the same method…..just grinding it!? That’s so funny that you already knew about Devriebrynn! I’ve watched those flower scopes repeatedly. So funny!
Delete