Love, Lydia - Notes from a geeky, plus sized artist.: food
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Let's Try: Japan Funbox

Hi Friends!


I can't believe how busy this month has been or how fast it's been flying by.  I've been trying to get caught up on life and feel like the news has just been so negative.  Maybe not all of it....but it's overwhelming to think about too much, so I haven't been online as much because of it.

Japan Funbox




However I do have this bright spot to share with you via a video post.  I was contacted by a representative from the Japan Funbox and asked if I'd like to try their mini box and share it with my audience.  If you've caught any of my other snack box reviews you probably know Japanese snack foods are some of my favorites.  One of the most unique things about this box is that it's packed and shipped straight from Japan!  I found the snacks to be a little fresher because of this and it felt really special to be getting mail from Japan too.  While Japan Funbox sent me a free box to review all opinions in the review are my own.


To find out more about the Japan Funbox click my affiliate link here.  And be sure to tall me what you think in the comments or let me know if there's another interesting subscription you'd like to see me try for you all.

Thanks for reading.  See you all again soon!


Friday, April 22, 2016

My First Video Roundup!

Hi folks!


I love all you readers and I've missed you all over the past few weeks.  I've been working away on a bunch of different projects, but haven't been writing as much here as I've processed it all.  Plus, you may not have noticed yet, but I started making videos in the past couple months, though I don't post all of them here.  I started because while interacting with a lot of great YouTubers in the Geeks & Beauties Group they got me curious enough to try it out back around Christmas!  You can find my channel here, I would love it if you stopped by to take a look at what I've been making and subscribe if you're interested.

Since then I've found that it's the perfect place to share my unboxings when I get various monthly subscription boxes.  I felt like some of you wonderful people might not have been as interested in seeing all the snacks, beauty products, and other crazy boxes.  I love trying new things and exploring what great options are out there.  And I bet some of you are also interested in seeing what's available in subscription boxes too.

I got started trying boxes because I never really wore a lot of makeup, and until recently I hardly even owned any!  But the artist in me loves to experiment with colors and play with the new tools.  I love learning how to use the beauty basics so I can feel a little more confident if I want to create a particular look.  Boxes have been a great choice to find new products because I get curated items chosen for me sent to me door that I might not know to try otherwise.

I've branched out to try snack boxes for healthier options and to have fun trying out some foreign treats I might no otherwise try.  I've also been testing boxes that have interest based items like the Bookish box.  Because sometimes the novelty of it all is just so much fun.

With all that in mind I'm going to be doing roundup posts about once a month to collect all the videos where you can easily see them if you prefer to just follow my blog and not go to YouTube.  And it'll keep the videos to a minimum if videos aren't your thing.  Without further ado, here are the February videos you might have missed:



February Video Roundup


Birchbox


In this video I'm unboxing the February Birchbox, The Lip Sync Kit (6 lip products!), plus 4 more bonus lip colors! There's lip balm, lipstick, lipgloss, sheer, shiny, and matte. Talk about a haul!

For more information on Birchbox click here - https://www.birchbox.com/invite/2vtm9


Julep Maven Box


Unboxing this February 2016 Julep Maven box.  I have an It Girl profile so I get all nail polishes and today, I get 3 in this box.

If you want to find out more about Julep click here - http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=327859&m=49325&u=1184057  ◊Please note this is an affiliate link.  On the good side you can get your first box free!

If you'd like to find out more about manipulating colors in what you wear my blog post about it can be found here.


Ipsy Glam Bag


The "Pretty In Pink" February Ipsy bag has some pretty great selections.  Come take a peek with me!

If you'd like to find out more about Ipsy's $10 a month subscription click here - https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=1pict


Japan Crate


Let's open up this box of Japanese snacks and see what's inside.  Learn how to open ramune soda, which uses a glass marble as a seal on the bottle!

You can find out more about Japan Crate here - http://www.JapanCrate.com


Bookish Box


I'm so excited that Appraising Pages sent me one of their great Bookish Boxes to review!  It was given to me for free, but all opinions expressed in this video are my own.  Let's see what's inside this February box!

For more information on how to get a Bookish Box subscription click here - https://thebookishboxx.cratejoy.com/refer/Lydia-TTINQNUW
 and use code WELCOME to save $3.50.


Glossybox


Isn't February's Glossybox the cutest?  Take a peek at what I got and tell me what you think.  I do want to note that the Teez lipstick does NOT last the 8 hours they claim, it was easily rubbed off as soon as I started eating, though maybe it lasts better in combination with some type of primer they make.

To find out more and get your own subscription to Glossybox click here - https://www.glossybox.com/referal?CI=MTUwNjM0


Love With Food Box


This is my first Love With Food box, let's open it up together!  Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments too.

For more information on subscribing as well as 50% off your first box click here - http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=701546&U=1184057&M=53869&urllink= (Love With Food is an Affiliate to Love, Lydia, which means shopping with them through my link will support me!)


Doki Doki Crate


This Miyazaki themed box is my first and last Doki Doki Crate.  Watch to find out why!  Since filming this they have made efforts to change their boxes, but I just didn't think it was a good fit for me.

For more information on Doki Doki Crate visit http://www.japancrate.com


Bestowed Box


I open my third Bestowed box for this February unboxing.  Inside are great healthy goods to give you creative new ideas for meals and snacking.

To find out more about Bestowed Box click here -
http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=649575&u=1184057&m=43962&urllink=&afftrack= ◊Affiliate link!  And get 10% off your Bestowed subscription with coupon code LOVEHEALTHY.


Love Goodly


Love Goodly is an every other month box of women's lifestyle items from makeup and accessories, to snacks and home goods.  Each box gives a portion of its proceeds to charity, a different one each month!

To find out more about Love Goodly click here - http://www.LoveGoodly.com/?refMemberID=-831081382125750200



I know February is a while back, but I wanted to start with it because there were too many videos I wanted to share.  March will be up pretty soon, I'm tying to get caught up with publishing everything, but April is in the works too.  So hold on tight!

Please let me know what you thought of this post format.  Do you like the videos from each month put together like this?  Would you rather have individual posts that include videos?  Tell me in the comments so I can give you more of what you like!  I'll see you all again very soon for a new fashion post!


Wednesday, January 20, 2016

My First Bestowed Box!

Hello folks,

For Christmas I received a subscription to the Bestowed Box, a subscription box full of healthy goodies to make meals and try as snacks.  Below is my review of the December box!


December Bestowed Box



What do you all think?  I just got my January box a couple days ago, so I'll be reviewing that one soon too!  If you'd like more information on the Bestowed Box click here◊ (with my affiliate link) and if you want to try it out get 10% off your subscription with code LOVEHEALTHY.

And if you haven't had a chance yet please take a peek at my unboxing of the Enchanted Beauty Box, a brand new Disney themed (starting with Star Wars) beauty box.  And enter to win a box of your own in my giveaway!

I'll see you all again soon, and no, I've not forgotten about publishing my winter capsule wardrobe.  It's on the way, I've just been taking care of myself more lately, so writing at a more healthy pace instead of last minute speed runs is working better.


Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Crazy Times are When I Drink Tea and Make Origami Turkeys

Hello friends,

Crazy Times

Sorry for the absences in the past week.  Things have been a bit rough as my husband lost his job a little over a week ago, went on a job search, found a new job, and is now waiting to start that job on Monday.  He's back to working in Raleigh again, though this time the commute is a tolerable half hour rather than something more crazy.  We thought he'd be working in Durham for a long time when we decided to move here, but we at least moved to an area that's close to the research triangle and not too bad for getting to north Raleigh, where his new job is at.

We've been through the wringer emotionally this past week and in some ways are glad he'll have some time off.  But we're using a lot of the time to take care of doctor's visits and things before we have to figure out what we'll do for health care next year since we'll have to buy our own plan under the contract position Bryan has landed.  But I won't bore you with the details, on to the fun!


Matcha Green Tea

Culinary Grade

So I tried cooking with matcha green tea powder for the first time about a month ago.  I'd had pastries and other great green tea items at restaurants, but hadn't really found a great green tea to enjoy at home until then.  I used a recipe for making a matcha glaze, which was intended for use on brownies, but I used on cinnamon rolls instead.  The results were a bit ugly, but tasted wonderful.

Drinking Matcha

The logical next step after using culinary grade matcha powder in cooking was to try the better ceremonial grade varieties that are the type made for drinking.  I got a little help from Midori Spring and Kenko brands (affiliate link) who let me try some of their products for free in exchange for an honest review.  I even bought a little whisk and scoop set made for making the matcha with.  Here's what I did:


I heated up a mixture of milk and water knowing the tea might be a little bitter at first, but the milk would help with that.  While I had the liquid heating up in the microwave I took one scoop of the powder and added it to my little tea bowl.  Once the water and milk was hot I added a teacup amount, with a touch of space for the whisk to move.  Here are photographs of both brands:

The Midori Spring was more finely sifted, but they both performed about as well as the other.  I really enjoyed them both.  I think I ended up with a slight preference for the Kenko tea, but they were both fantastic.

A peek at the powder inside the tins.


The Kenko looks a bit darker, but it's really not, between the photo's exposure and the slight difference in heat since my first cup was probably not as hot as it needed to be I had to stir it a little more after the picture was taken.  The trick is you pour the for water over the scoop of powder and whisk it until it froths.  I found that with the milk added in I didn't even need to add sugar.  But if you're more sensitive to bitter tastes you might want to try that too.  Overall I find tea is one of my favorite things about cooler weather.  I'm really glad to add green tea as a new option.   At this point I have a whole drawer dedicated to tea, plus a bunch more looseleaf teas I keep in a section of the cupboards.  Here's a shot of my tea drawer, just because.



As you can see I really enjoy Stash brand teas too.  If you'd like to try them out they make a really great herbal sampler box you can find here, which has the Cinnamon Apple Chamomile Tea or their Breakfast in Paris blend if you'd like a more traditional black tea that's similar to earl grey with a hint of lavender (both links are affiliates).

Origami

Another fun thing I was given to try by a company was this origami paper by Orchid.  With a value pack this size I don't think I'm going to run out anytime soon.  There are 10 fun colors, which work well for most projects.  You can buy a pack here (affiliate link).  I found it to be a pretty great deal for a 500 pack, and the paper itself it pretty good quality, holding up well to what I put it through for each of the three projects I tried.


I had fun creating some fun seasonal things, and plan to work on some more to make things festive.  I might even make some Christmas ornaments!


I tried my hand at a pumpkin, turkey, and Christmas tree.  The links go to instructions for each so you can try making them too.  I think the pumpkin is actually a really versatile shape.  You could turn it into an apple or a beach ball easily for various occasions.  It was really fun to make because once all the folds were done you have to blow into the hole on top to inflate it!  None of these were too hard, though the turkey and perhaps the pumpkin could be frustrating for younger kids.  The tree is a really easy one that it would be simple to make a large set of for decorating.
Well, here's hoping I'll be around more this week than last week.  Thanks for reading!

Love,
Lydia

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Guest Geek Post - Dean Winchester, A Pumpkin Pie Kinda Guy

Hello folks,

Today we have a guest post by Christina Clawson of Geekyloot.com and writer for Lifehack.org.  Enjoy!

Dean Winchester - A Pumpkin Pie Kinda Guy


This Supernatural themed pie is full of sugar, spice, and everything nice, and has a touch of salt and burn, for that just-exorcised-demon flavor. Nothing beats a slice of this pie on the road after a night of hunting. Its made with a non-traditional crust – and trust me, it tastes so much better than you can ever imagine!

Ingredients for Filling

2 cups canned pumpkin puree
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2 eggs, plus the yolk of a 3rd egg, beaten
1/2 cup Packed Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 cup White Sugar
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 ½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves
Small ground Himalayan Pink Salt (or rock salt casings... in a pinch)
Zest of one Meyer Lemon

Ingredients for Graham Cracker Pie Crust

2 cups crushed graham crackers
6 Tbsp Melted Unsalted Butter
½ tsp Cinnamon
1/3 cup white sugar

Ingredients for Maple Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
Maple Syrup to taste


Assemble all of your ingredients so they are within easy reach. Preheat your oven depending on whether you are making your own crust or using a store-bought one.

Step 1: Prepare the crust!


Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter and cinnamon until well mixed. Press this mixture into a 9 inch pie plate to get an even layer that goes up the sides of the pie tin. Make sure to press it well, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to get an even surface.

Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes and allow to completely cool. Make sure you place the crust on a baking sheet for later.

Alternatively you can buy a pre-made graham crust. No need to bake! Place on a baking sheet.



Step 2: Prepare the Filling!


Carefully crack your eggs and add them to a large mixing bowl. Beat until they are well combined.

Add your sugars, salt, spices, and zest to the bowl and mix until combined.

Pour heavy cream into the bowl a little at the time, whisking until the batter is smooth.

Pour mixture carefully into the cooled pie crust.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.


Then lower the temperature to 350 degrees. Bake for 55 minutes.


The pie will come out looking puffy but as it cools it will fall. This is normal!



Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours on a cooling rack. If you like chilled pumpkin pie, after this time place in the refrigerator for 2 more hours.




Step 3: Make the cream!


Pour cream into a large mixing bowl. Add maple syrup. Beat with a mixer or by hand until the cream is thick and doesn't fall when you turn the bowl upside down. Cover the pumpkin pie with the cream and allow to chill.


Step 4: Decorate!


To ward off evil, we're placing a protective symbol on the pie. To get this supernatural symbol on your pie, simply print out this symbol on a sheet of paper. Cut it out. Hold cutout over the pie and dust the outline with cinnamon. The shape should be visible on the pie!


Step 5: Devour!



Recipe Courtesy of Christina Clawson, blogger at Geekyloot.com, all images provided by the author!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Japan Crate Unboxing

Hello folks,

Today I'm sharing my unboxing of a new subscription box I'm trying called Japan Crate!  Bryan and I figured we'd try one month and see how we liked it.  They send out a mini, original, or premium sized box of Japanese snack to your door each month.  Ready for the delicious results?

Japan Crate


 Step one, receive box
 
Inside treats are tightly packed!

There's also a booklet with information on Japanese culture, a manga (not going to spoil the storyline by putting it in here, but it's really cute!), and guide to the contents of the box.


Here are all the snacks, so you can get an idea of what's in the premium box.  It's a ton!  Bryan and I would share an item or two each night and we rushed it a little because I was so excited about writing it and finished in about a week.  If you're single or not sharing it might last a lot longer!




There was also another cute item in its own little ball, an adorable "Food Dog Gashapon"  This little Boston Terrier looks like he's stuck inside some French toast!  And the example pup in the guide was a Jack Russell inside a sandwich. 

On to the Snacks!



Chocolate Mini Pancakes - This item was included in all three boxes, mini through premium.  Apparently Japanese people like a red bean version of filling, but I'm happy with the chocolate myself!  The pancakes were a bit spongy and the filling almost like the jelly balls you can sometimes get to go in bubble tea.  I feel like these are their version of our gummy burgers and other novelties in some ways.  Now for our ratings:

Bryan ***1/2
Lydia ****


Rum Raisin Soft Candy - Again this was an item included in all three box sizes.  These candies were creamy and surprisingly good in flavor.  They reminded us a little of Mentos when it came to the texture.  We really liked them, and want to try more.
Bryan ****1/2
Lydia ****


Grape Gummy Ribbon - These were included in the original and premium crates.  Inside the bag are the individually wrapped candies that can be pulled apart, though we didn't bother trying.  They have a less gummy feel, and kind of felt like gum, but instead of staying solid as you chewed it broke down some, so you won't mistake it for gum.  I really liked the grape flavor, but found the texture a little weird.
Bryan ***1/2
Lydia ***1/2


Poifull Soda Beans - These were in the original and premium crates.  They're jelly beans in Japanese soda flavors including cola, ramune, lemon squash, and cider.  The flavors were pretty good and even had a bit of fizz to them.
Bryan ***1/2
Lydia ***1/2


Chitto Soda DIY - This little kit allowed you to make your own ramune soda flavored mochi.  It was included in the original and premium boxes.  In the end you get a creation that's a cross between gummy candy and jello, which Bryan was less a fan of because he doesn't care for jello much.  It was fun to make, though at first I was a little nervous that I might mess it up.  I really liked the main pink part, but the blue glaze applied at the end was just ok.  I loved the flavor though!  There a couple more pictures below, with the finished version in the second shot.
Bryan **1/2
Lydia ****


Sour Fruit Gummies - These gummies were only in the premium box.  The flavor of these was good, but pretty typical, grape, peach, apple and orange.  I thought they were a little too chewy, but Bryan really enjoyed them.  They weren't very sour, just a little.
Bryan ***
Lydia **


Rich Cheese Scones - These are pretty much Cheetos, but with a sweeter creamy taste.  They came in the original and premium size boxes.  I thought they were good, and Bryan is less a fan of Cheetos overall, but liked the flavor so our ratings were:
Bryan ***
Lydia ***1/2


Gyutan Umaibo Stick - We got three of these corn sticks in our box, and they came in all the box sizes.  They're cow tongue flavored, which Bryan immediately thought was gross.  I was more openminded about them because I has some delicious cow tongue tacos while in Mexico a couple years ago because my friend Michael told me had tongue normally back in Australia where he was from and I'd like it.  I did, but this version not so much.  Bryan and I both thought they were overly spiced and Funyun like.  The smell seemed really strong to me, and it tended to linger.
Bryan *
Lydia *


Tohato Caramel Corn - These snacks were in all three box sizes.  They also had a texture like Cheetos, but a good caramel popcorn like flavor that was free of hulls.  They were supposed to be a peanut version, but there were only 5 actual nuts in our bag.  I enjoyed the flavor and so did Bryan, though again the texture was less to his liking.
Bryan ***
Lydia ****


Bireley's Orange  - Only the premium box includes a beverage, and this orange drink is what I got.  Bireley's was originally an American brand but took off when brought to Japan, and that's now the only place you can find it!  I really enjoyed this, it had a true orange juice flavor, but was less acidic and a little less intense.  It's not carbonated at all.  Bryan is less a fan of orange juice, hence his rating.
Bryan ***
Lydia ***1/2


Mysterious Soda Balls - This was another premium only item.  They felt like Skittles in terms of texture, but came in soda flavors - cola, pink lemonade, cider, grape, melon, lemon squash, and Calpis.  (Calpis is a milky, uncarbonated beverage that has a touch os acidic tang, a little like yogurt)  I thought some of the flavors were good and didn't like others as well.  My favorites with the Calpis, melon, pink lemonade, and lemon squash.
Bryan ***
Lydia ****


Vitamin C Lemon Drops - At first I thought I might like these, Bryan had figured he probably wouldn't because he's not very fond of citrus flavors.  However, I noted on the label that there's no actual sugar in them, just aspartame, which I tend to be sensitive to.  When we tried them they had a touch of menthol like buzz, but I found the aspartame overwhelming.  Bryan said he might have liked them in another flavor.
Bryan **
Lydia *

Overall I was really happy with this box, and would like to keep getting it.  Though we're on a tight budget right now, so it might be cut for a little while.  Hope you liked this review, and if you know of a subscription box you think I'd like or you'd like to see me review let me know in the comments below!

Love,
Lydia