1. Mochi Cake Mix at Trader Joe’s
OH MY GOSH. This is so freakin’ delicious! I picked up a box on a whim, and after doing some investigating online on different ways people like to prepare it, I ended up making it with a modification (substituted water with a can of TJ’s Coconut Cream, which is what I had on hand). It was absolutely divine. Like, I went to sleep that night thinking about mochi cake and drooling, ha ha ha.
This cake has the chewy texture of mochi but the lift of a cake. I like the addition of the coconut cream; I think it adds a subtle coconut undertone that doesn’t overwhelm the flavor. It’s easy to make, too. You can do it in one bowl!
If you see it on the shelf, grab a box, and try it ASAP.
2. Bentgo Glass Salad Container
I bought this lunch container for work and I love it. The marketing on the box says it’s for salads, but really, you could use it for anything else you’d eat for lunch.
I like that I can put the glass into the microwave to warm up whatever leftovers I’m eating that day! And if I’m having a sandwich or a wrap, there’s plenty of room in the glass for all sorts of bread shapes and sizes.
The top part with the different compartments and the little container is great, too. It doesn’t leak and I like that the fork attaches to the cover.
FYI, it’s a little heavy because of the glass, but I don’t really mind because I’m just taking it for a short walk from my car to the office. If I had a long commute on a bus or train, though, and I had to carry this is a backpack, I’d opt for Bentgo’s plastic version, which is much lighter.
3. Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Everly Bootie
I originally bought this shoe in black, and I loved it so much that I bought another pair in a dark chocolate shade. I have a standing desk at work, and I often have to walk across campus, so having a low heel helps me stay comfortable all day.
Fashion-wise, I also like that the boot fits snugly against my ankle; I think having that tight (but not too tight) fit is flattering for most of my pants, even those with a cropped or shorter inseam.
I bought mine at Nordstrom last month, but now the pickings are pretty slim. You might want to try the Ella, which looks similar.
4. Bernardo Hooded Water Resistant Puffer Jacket
This puffer is lightweight and warm! I like that it doesn’t overwhelm my petite height. The zippered pockets come in handy, and the hood is big enough to completely cover my head, even when I have my hair up in a bun.
It comes in lots of different colors, too. Oh! And you can dress it up or down pretty easily.
5. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelette Singles
Honestly, I was pretty crabby when I bought these at first as I originally was not fond of the idea of so much excess packaging, but now I love them because they’re lightweight and travel well. They’re really handy to have around, especially if you have a daughter who wears long-wearing matte red lipstick for dance competitions, LOL! I stick one in the to-go beauty bag I take to work, just in case I happen to be wearing a bright matte lippie and things go awry. (You never know.)
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I might have to get a couple of those salad bowls. They are $5 off in the Target app right now too! I like to get those salad kits and divide them over two days, so these bowls would be perfect for that!
I like to do that too! I just did it with a BBQ pepper salad from Trader Joe’s. Maybe I’ll have to get a second one. 🙂
I definitely want to get the bento bowls! I am making more healthy lunches for the winter with udon broths and salads. I also love your work outfit. You look so stylish! So pretty. I wish I could coordinate an outfit so beautifully. Where did you get your blazer from?
Hi Diana, I bought it on sale at Madewell last month!
I instantly go to Nordstrom to look for those boots in my size, lol. I have to try that Mochi cake. Sounds yummy. My daughter made these mochi filled brownies once and they were to die for. https://ladyandpups.com/2013/03/02/mochi-brownie-eng/
I throw those Neutrogena wipes into my carry-ons when going on trips. They’re a life saver when you get gunk on your hands and don’t have access to a restroom with soap and water.
Those brownies look amazing!
Oh, and good idea to use the wipes to wash your hands.
Did you end up finding the boots?
We went to LA and were walking around the Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA (It’s a Frank Gehry building and so cool looking) and there was something yucky on a handrail I didn’t see and of course the lobby wasn’t open for me to use the restroom. Luckily I had these wipes in my purse.
Didn’t find the boots in my size, but I did find some cute loafers that I hope will be comfy. Still nursing the 1 inch blisters I got from a pair of water=resistant boots I ended up returning. Ugh.
TGIF! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Any dance competitions this weekend?
Ooh, share your loafers! I’ve been wanting a pair with a chunky sole.
It’s a quiet weekend this weekend; competition season will heat up first week of February. Then it’ll be dance time, all the time, here. 😀
Went to TJs yesterday and picked up a box of the Mochi cake mix. Did you replace the water with the same amount of coconut cream or coconut milk?
I’ve been mulling over these two loafers from Madewell, but I think I want to try them on in-store because it seems the fit is all over the place. They also have some of the styles at Nordstrom.
https://www.madewell.com/the-bradley-lugsole-loafer-in-leather-99106688165.html?source=googlePLA&noPopUp=true&srcCode=Paid_Search%7CShopping_NonBrand_PMax_NCA%7CGoogle%7CMWGGBS00002_99106688165_19593150170___c_pla_online__9030805&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=shopping_ads&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAk9itBhASEiwA1my_63-Oi2rUP7PSW7ba_nIQ9S8Y1yPGxCSKbZxPa6PBzp8ZuVkWdmmSPhoCOVwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.madewell.com/the-corinne-lugsole-loafer-99106499398.html?source=googlePLA&noPopUp=true&srcCode=Paid_Search%7CShopping_NonBrand_PMax_NCA%7CGoogle%7CMWGGBS00002_99106499398_19593150170___c_pla_online__9030805&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=shopping_ads&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAk9itBhASEiwA1my_68Sdd4KChs1zIfnVB0G0VjGk5uZ1hrEVjYVw5fIewEArxagyCl_8lBoCosQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.madewell.com/g.h.bass-lianna-bit-super-lug-weejunsreg%3B-loafers-NN239.html?dwvar_NN239_color=EE2985&cgid=shoes-oxfordsloafers#start=19
I replaced the water with coconut cream because it’s what I had available, but I’ve also read that it works with full fat coconut milk!
I like *all* those loafers! They have ’90s vibes. If you find a comfy pair, please let me know!
Thanks for the info on the mochi cake mix. I have full fat coconut milk on hand so I will try that today.
I’ve also been eyeing similar loafers by Cole Haan. Closer to $200. The pairs I swear by are by Paul Green, but they are consistently in the $400-$500 range. Ugh. But I have old lady feet that are feeling the effects of running around Manhattan in high heels when I was younger.
I hope it turn out OK! Oh, and I lined the pan with parchment paper first to make it easier to take the mochi out.
(Side note, I just called El Hub, who’s at TJ’s, and asked him to pick up another box of the mochi mix.)
You’re not the only one paying for the effects of running around in high heels for years! I gave most of mine away but kept a few pairs for nostalgia’s sake. Running also messed my feet and my knees up. SIGH. Now I’m all about the comfort shoes. 😀
Ooh! Thanks for the tip about lining pan with parchment! I think i have some canned pineapple in pantry. Dear Daughter called and she asks me why I bought a mix, when I can easily buy rice flour and make a cake from scratch. Uhm, because it’s easier?
I also bought some of the viral kimbap made in S. Korea. It was good to try, but I doubt I’ll buy more.
Yup I’ve kept a pair of snakeskin print Jimmy Choo’s. But I got rid of the 5 inch heels that were the start of my pains. Long story short we were going out to dinner with friends. Dinner where you sit. Right? Except the wife wanted to walk all over downtown SF. I remember passing through Bloomie’s on way to car and begging Dear Husband to buy me a pair of Ugg’s to walk to car. I ended up crossing Mission Street in bare feet.
Oh, and some people put crushed canned pineapple in, too. I haven’t tried it yet!