Month: September 2021

September Favorites 2021

Published on by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Wake me up when September ends…

Welp! It’s now the end of September and time for another round of my monthly favorites! Check them out below!

$: Almond Cookies (Phoenix Bakery), Museum (Chinese American Museum(

$ Bargain

Almond Cookies (Phoenix Bakery): Situated in the heart of Chinatown LA, CA is Phoenix Bakery, which is home to their delicious Almond Cookies. I’ve purchased a double dozen box ($6.95) twice in the same month, which should be saying something! Read all about it here.

Museum (Chinese American Museum): This three story hub offers complimentary admission for all visitors. I thought it was a great exhibit to learn about the Chinese immigrants and their contributions to New Chinatown ironically located in Chinatown LA, CA. Read more here

$$: Mini Taiyaki (Costco), Vegan Burger (Burgerlords)

$$ Moderate

Mini Taiyaki (Costco): I’m usually pretty good about my purchases from Costco in terms of moderation for a particular purchase – that was not the case with Suji’s Taiyaki. I bought four boxes in one week *gasp* But only because it’s not regularly stocked at my Costco (For some odd reason).This 30 count fish shaped dessert found in the freezer section has been in my regular snack rotation since I’ve started using an air fryer. For $10.54 a box I now can experience a taste of Japan in the comfort of my home. If you like crispy dough and cream custard you would love this!

Vegan Burger (Burgerlords): I’m open to trying new food and I really enjoyed my “cheeseburger” here. At $9 a pop, this fast food joint does a good job creating a meat-free option. Read about my experience here.

$$$ Oogie Boogie Bash (Disneys California Adventures)

$$$ Splurge

Oogie Boogie Bash (Disney’s California Adventure): Trick or Treating with villains and dressing up in costume to Disney? Yes please! While this event in Anaheim, California is sold out I enjoyed the character meet-n-greets and definitely stocked up on candy/health snacks from the Trick-or-Treat Trails. Also the lines for rides in DCA were very short! See more photos of the rare character encounters here here.

So Fall is just around the corner, which means lots of pumpkin flavors. Are you a fan or prefer other seasonal flavors?

Until Next Time,

Irene

August Favorites 2021

Published on by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Summer lovin’ happened so fast! Sorry readers for the late post! I went to work physically this week so it’s been a wild ride trying to transition back to in-person learning. For my new readers, I work at a comprehensive high school in socal as a college counselor, and everyone’s returned physically since the pandemic started (both students and staff). But enough about my excuses, lets check out the finds! Here’s my August Favorites! Enjoy

$ Bargain

Papaya Salad & Coconut Cakes (Mae Ting’s Coconut Cakes): Hands down the best papaya salad ($9)! This little stall in a Chinatown parking lot may not look like much but their food really packs a punch. Read more here. It was so good that I went back and had it again and successfully tried their coconut cakes ($6) for a dozen!

Art Supplies (Art Supply Warehouse): Wow! This store is enormous and their prices are very reasonable. Much better selection than Michaels. Located in Westminster, this store will have meet all your art needs. Click here to read more.

Hobbit House (Hobbit House): If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, this is a must stop for you. Located in the middle of Culver City, this cottage in essence brings fantasy to life. Admire the architecture and take a selfie to commemorate! Check out my review here.

Papaya Salad & Coconut Cakes (Mae Ting Coconut Cakes), Art supplies (Art Supply Warehouse), The Hobbit House (Hobbit House)

$$ Moderate

Breakfast (Jist Cafe): Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the offerings at Jist Cafe in Little Tokyo, CA is pretty spectacular. The Chashu Hash ($14) is absolutely the best savory dish. The meat is so tender, potatoes crispy, and the poached eggs are perfect. The Fancy French ($13 ) is the best sweet dish. Honestly, I don’t eat sweets for breakfast but the caramelized brioche bread is too hard to pass up. Read about my entire experience here and click here to see all the items individually.

Burger (Father’s Office), Breakfast (Jist Cafe)

$$$ Splurge

Burger (Fathers Office): Spending $18 for a burger may seem excessive, but the Office Burger at Father’s Office in Culver City is worth it. There are three locations in the greater LA area, and if I want a hoity-toity meal that lives up to it’s hype I’ll come here. Hungry for more, click here to read more.

Which of these finds are you hoping to try?

Until Next Time,

Irene