Greek Yogurt Guide to the Rescue

Have you heard about Greek Yogurt? It has been the craze over the past few years. Though not really popular at first here in the States, now it has become a household name. I first tried Greek Yogurt not too long ago and now I am a huge fan. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to regular yogurt. So what is Greek Yogurt?

Greek Yogurt is basically yogurt that has the whey strained out, giving you a more tart, thicker consistency yogurt. People love it, some dislike it but really, it's up to your taste buds. It is definitely an acquired taste. Over the years, Greek Yogurt has ventured out into creating many unique flavors. I personally enjoy the vanilla and honey ones. Nothing too fancy but not too plain. There are so many different brands as well when it comes to Greek Yogurt. My personal favorite is The Greek Gods (see above photo).

I have read in news articles that grocery stores are now making for shelving space for Greek Yogurt and minimizing shelf space for items that are less popular. One of which is margarine. I don't think it'll be going any where anytime soon. I have also read that Starbucks starting in 2014 will be having their own Greek Yogurt line that will be selling in their stores. How exciting is that!

If you haven't tried it, it may be worth taste testing it once in your life. Who knows, it may turn into your new favorite. It's packed with lots of protein which is perfect for people like me who forget to eat lunch sometimes!

A great resource I found to learn more about Greek yogurt, it's benefits, all the various brands of Greek yogurt, unique ways to use it and various recipes is this site www.GreekYogurtGuide.com.

Plastic Storage Container Addict...Yes, That's Me

I never thought I would be addicted to plastic storage containers but I have recently realized that when do go shopping and I see a unique container, I want it.  In the meantime, the drawer in which we keep all of our storage containers is over flowing!  I just can't help myself.  Rather than purchasing containers that are inexpensive, I should probably invest in the Tupperware brand but it's hard.  A great place (though it's not the best quality) to find cool containers is the Dollar store.  And really, because it's only a dollar, you really don't expect it to last a long time.

The newest addition to my container collections are these cute containers.  They came in green, yellow and blue and guess what...yes, I bought all 3 colors!  Though they have the while seal making you think it is air tight, it really isn't but it's great for mini carrots, snacks and things that don't contain liquid.  What a great deal!!

P.S.  I love how we call storage containers Tupperware in general when Tupperware is a brand name, much like the post I did on Kleenex (click here to read that story).

Trader Joe's Dried Fruit Bar Review

Though these are called Trader Joe's Dried Fruit Bars, in reality, they are very much similar to fruit leathers, aka fruit roll ups.

Fruit roll ups (though it's an actual brand name and not a product name much like when I wrote about Kleenex) brings back so many fond memories for me when I as a child.  I remember my mom packing them up for us for school lunches as well as the many different kinds of fruit roll ups on the market.   I remember the cool psychedelic swirl flavors as well as the fruit roll ups that had cut out shapes that you can enjoy.  Looking back, though the were fun to eat, they probably were not the healthiest snack out on the market.  But sometimes when you have kids, it's not about healthy but more fun.

But it is great to know that Trader Joe's sells their version of fruit roll ups though theirs is not a roll but more a strip.  This strip/bar is really good and just tastes healthy.  Sometimes healthy does not equal tasty but this strip/bar tastes genuinely like a flattened out piece of dried fruit.  They are rather small in size and I wish they came in a package but for now, I will continue to purchase each one separately. 

What do you think?  Should it come in a package say of 6 or more? 

Happy Birthday To Me! Black Market Bakery

January 19th was my birthday and to celebrate, my wonderful sister in law bought me this amazing cake!  She purchased the cake from the Black Market Bakery in Costa Mesa.  I had never heard of the Black Bakery until she told me about it but apparently, it's a super popular bakery.  The cake she got me was called the Dark Chocolate Mousse cake.  It was SO delicious!  She mentioned that it normally sells out so she had to reserve the cake the prior day.  I felt so special!  Just a heads up, it is quite rich so perhaps pairing it with some milk/soy milk may be good.

I am a huge chocolate anything fan so this hit the spot.  The mousse was super smooth, the dark chocolate a tad bit bitter and the chocolate sponge cake had the perfect fluffliness to it. 

So the next time you need to get that special someone a special cake, visit the Black Market Bakery.  You won't be disappointed but maybe call in advance so that you won't be disappointed in case the cake you want is sold out.

Black Market Bakery
2937 Bristol Street, Suite D-100A
Costa Mesa 92626

Trader Joe's Electrolyte Water Review

I've always wanted to try electrolyte water so what better time to give it a shot then when I am sick.  I have been sick with the flu for a while now and because of that, I need to stay hydrated.  I often drink Gatorade when I'm sick but sometimes, I just need water.  I often see people drinking fancy waters like Smart Water but never tried it so I asked my husband to purchase some Trader Joe's Electrolyte water.

I was so excited to see what it would taste like and really...it tasted exactly the way it should taste...like water.  LOL!  I'm not sure what I was expecting.  Maybe something amazing, something unique but it tasted like regular water.  I would have to say it tasted like good water since I can tell the difference between some the water bottle brands.

Though I don't think I would trek all the way to Trader Joe's to get some of their electrolyte water, perhaps it's working in my body and creating my body to stay more hydrated than regular water.  If that's the case, it's worth drinking, wouldn't you say?  The price is amazing though for the size!  It is 99 cents for 1 liter!  Love deals!

Trader Joe's Tempura Shrimp Review

I love tempura. I always have and growing up in a Japanese household, both my parents it for us at home.  I wouldn't say it was always but definitely enough that we got our tempura fix was satisfied.

There are so many different kinds of tempura. I would have to say my favorites are the sweet yam, green beans, mushroom and of course, shrimp. But now that I don't live with my parents, having tempura happens only when I go to a Japanese restaurant.  On rare occasions when we have dinner at my parents, they do decide to make it which is a treat.

But then recently, I found these frozen Tempura Shrimps from Trader Joe's.  It's so great because you bake them in the oven rather than frying thus making is a bit more healthy (their Mandarin Orange Chicken is the same way).  Also, someone who enjoys organizing things, I appreciated how each individual shrimp was organized and packaged!  There are 2 trays and 2 dipping sauces that come in one package.  Each tray holds 5 shrimp tempura's neatly places with dividers between each on the tray.  This is so that they don't get stuck to each other resulting in the batter to come off the shrimp.  Genius!

The sauce that is included in the package tastes more like a watery teriyaki sauce which seems odd to use for tempura.  Therefore, what I do is create my own tempura dipping sauce (see below for recipe) and save the teriyaki sauce for another meal.  You can use the sauce to make stir fry and even on top of chicken or fish.  The next time you crave tempura, try these!

Tempura Dipping Sauce Recipe
**Measurements will depend on quantity you are making.  See Menmi Sauce Bottle for guide)**

• Menmi Sauce (can be purchased at a local grocery store in the Asian section or at an Asian grocery store.  Will be near the Shoyu (aka soy sauce)
• Hot Water
• Sugar to taste
  

Trader Joe's Trader Ming's Mandarin Orange Chicken Review

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when I say Panda Express?  Ok, you may say pandas (which I love by the way) but some may say Orange Chicken.  It is amazing how the majority of the people who order at Panda Express choose their Orange Flavored Chicken as one of their items. 

Started in 2004, Panda Express has now 1,500 stores in 42 different States including Puerto Rico.  I think the reason visit them is because you can order your food fast and it's fresh. I do know some people who do not like Panda Express due to it being a more Americanized Chinese eatery but  I persoanlly like them and I am one of the many that always order their Orange Flavored Chicken.

So when I found out that Trader Joe's or should I say Trader Ming's had their own rendition of Orange Flavored chicken, I was all over it and knew I had to try it.  Though over the years, they had lessened the amount of chicken in each bag and some may say that each chicken is covered with more batter, my husband and I enjoy it very much!  Have it with some rice and some veggies and you have your own Panda Express right at home!  One bag is probably about 4 servings and tastes great even as leftovers.  I do like that fact that the Trader Ming's Mandarin Orange Chicken is baked rather than fried.  Each package contains 2 packets of the Orange sauce that gets drizzled on the chicken after it is finished baking. 

If you like the Panda Express Orange Flavored Chicken, try the Trader Joe's ones.  It's healthier and is a good substitute when you get a craving. 

P.S.  Do keep in mind, the taste between the 2 is different.  

Trader Joe's Beef Recipe Jerky Strips Review

As mentioned previously, now with a dog, I do have to admit, I am always on the lookout for unique and different food items for Muffin.  We do not feed her any "people" food (though I do catch myself giving her a itty bitty piece sometimes...shhhh!) so the more variety I can get for snacks, the better.  

I decided to try Trader Joe's Beef Recipe Jerky Strips and Muffin loves them.  They smell very much like beef jerky and what's convenient is that it comes in stripes that can easily be broken into smaller pieces.  It's a great treat when training dogs.  We actually have to add some of these in Muffin's dry food to get her to start eating but atleast she eats her food.  I think we spoil her but that's ok.  She is definitely worth spoiling.  

Trader Joe's Trek Nuts Mix Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 12

As mentioned in my other post, I love nuts.  Did you know that nuts are super healthy for you.  It is said that they can reduce stress, keep your heart healthy, may prevent cancers such as lung cancer and prostate cancer, help with lowering cholesterol, keeping your weight down just to name a few (please do research and ask your doctor for advice before going crazy on eating nuts due to this post).  If something so small is packed with so much benefit, shouldn't we always keep some on hand?

While visiting Trader Joe's one day, I came across these Trader Joe's Trek Mix.  It's so awesome!  In each bag, there are 10 individual bags and is under $4!  What a deal!

What I love about this trek mix bag is first, the price.  Each power pack bag is roughly 40 cents.  Next, I appreciate the fact that it is individually packaged.  This makes eating these so handy.  I keep a few packs in my desk at work and sometimes in my purse just in case the husband gets hungry.  It's just enough to keep you satisfied.  This particular pack contains nuts as well as dried cranberries which adds a little sweetness to the mix.  If you enjoy nuts, you have to give these a try!

Trader Joe's Honey Roasted Almonds Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 11

I love almonds.  As a matter of fact, I don't think there are many nuts that do not enjoy.  I am amazed though at how expensive nuts are, especially almonds and pecans.  Delicious and good for you, nuts are a great snack to fill you up when you get hungry.

One of my friends at work always shares the most interesting, tasty foods with me.  I am usually a creature by habit and tend to purchase the same foods everytime I go shopping.  My friend on the other hand, tries new things and always allows me to do a taste test.  I don't think there has ever been a time where she shared something with me that I didn't enjoy (she's a Trader Joe's fan as well).  So the latest taste test was for the Trader Joe's Honey Roasted Almonds.   She gave me some on a napkin and it was so good!  The almonds are sliced, lighted coated with honey then baked therefore giving it a sweet flavor.  I knew I had to get me a whole bag.  These almonds can definitely be eaten stand alone or what I do is add them to my morning yogurt.  How healthy is that!

P.S. Sorry again for the sideways video...

Trader Joe's Tandoori Naan Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 9

What is Naan?  I honestly did not know till perhaps a few years ago when I went to an Indian restaurant in Japan.  Yes, that's right.  My first expereince of having Indian food was when a friend of mine took me to have some curry, naan and chai tea in Sapporo, Japan.  Though in the Japanese culture we have curry, Indian curry is a bit more soupy.  It was so delicious!  Basically naan is a type of flatbread in India that gets cooked in clay ovens and served along side many dishes. 

While at Trader Joe's the other day, while browsing in the frozen food section (my favorite section), I saw this naan.  I was so happy that what I had once in Japan can be purchased frozen.  The one I purchased was the non flavored naan but they do carry naan in garlic flavor as well.  Because my plan was to eat this at work, I opted not to get the garlic one, definitely for the sake of those around me.

The instructions state to bake it but because I don't have access to an oven at work, I microwaved mine.  It still tasted amazing!  I had mine with some soup but I would love to have this alongside some curry in the future...Indian curry, of course!

Ginger Chews from Ginger People Sold at Trader Joe's Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 8

Ginger is so beneficial for many things in life.  People often use it as a digestion aid, as a immune booster as well as an ingredient while cooking to add a little zing to your dish.  In my household, when one gets sick or wants to avoid getting carsick, ginger is used.  When I have a full on sore throat or at times a slight throat irritation, I take these Ginger Chews from the Ginger People.  It's a little spicy and sweet which soothes the throat nicely.  It comes in super handy.  Though this is not an official Trader Joe's brand named item, it is sold at Trader Joe's.  

Each bag consists of about 25 ginger chews that are nicely wrapped up in paper as well wax coated paper.  The shelf life on these chews are quite long which makes it great to always keep on hand being that we normally don't eat these unless we really have to. 

I apologize for the sideways video...I am still getting used to my new iPhone 5!

Trader Joe's Facial Tissue Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 7

Though this product review really has nothing to do with food, it was purchased at Trader Joe's so I just wanted to highlight it.

A few weeks ago, I caught a cold (so forgive me for the way I sound in many of the videos from here on out).  I was miserable!  And we all know, when we're sick, we go through a whole box of facial tissue in no time.  I almost said Kleenex but really, Kleenex is a brand name, not an item name.  So funny how we all use that when descibing facial tissue!  Anyway, because I was sick and my husband was trekking to Trader Joe's for me, I remembered they sold tissue.  Rather than asking him to go to 2 different stores, I asked for some Trader Joe's facial tissue.  Normally, I'm not a stickler when it comes to texture of tissue but because my nose was so raw, I needed something soft.  Unfortunately, though the box the tissue came in was super fun, the actual tissue itself was quite coarse.  This may totally be because again, my nose was quite sensitive but after a few uses, I had to have my husband go to the store to invest in the Kleenex brand tissue with lotion.  What a relief!  Because I love Trader Joe's so much, I would totally give their tissue another chance.  Hopefully this time it'll be not when I'm sick.

Trader Joe's Sea Salt Crystals Grinder Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 6

I try really hard not to use too much salt in many of the dishes I eat and make but this sea salt grinder I found at Trader Joe's comes in so handy when you want just a little extra flavor for your food.  Much like the cinnamon and sugar grinder (click here to read review), it comes in this neat little built in grinder that finely grinds your salt into perfect flakes.

Sea salt, though many think is more natural and healthier than regular table salt, is really just salt that has a different texture, taste and way of being processed.  Sea salt is created by the evaporation process of salt water lakes or ocean water.  Minerals as well as various other elements are often left behind in this process, giving sea salt a different taste and coarseness.  Table salt is more heavily processed so minerals and elements often do not remain behind and are mined from salt deposits that are underground.  Additives are added to the salt to prevent the salt from clumping.

Either way you look at it, salt is a vital ingredient in many foods.  Without it even the most amazing dishes could taste bland.

Trader Joe's Pecan Pie Ice Cream Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 5

Pecan pie...just those 2 words make my day.  I have always loved pecan pie.  Yes, it's super sweet and yes, it's super high in fat but pecan pie...oh how I love thee!  I have made pecan pie before and actually reduced the sugar content by half and it was still amazing!  That just shows how sweet the pie is!  I do know many people who don't like pecan pie just for that reason.  It is too sweet.  I'm not sure what it is that makes me love it so much.  It could be the pecans or it could be the gooey center of the pie.  Nonetheless, it is my all time favorite (see my other post on my love for pecan pies here).

As usual, I was checking out all the new things at Trader Joe's and really, I rarely browse their dessert section because I could just about buy everything there.  Talk about danger!  But like I was saying, I was just browsing when my eyes honed into their new Pecan Pie ice cream.  YUM!!  You have no idea how excited I was and to make me feel less guilty, I justified it by saying to myself, it's only "pieces" of the pie so it's not that high in fat AND it's from Trader Joe's, which most of their foods are healthy and natural.

Check out this video on how wonderfully amazing this dessert was.

Trader Joe's Peanut Butter and Oat Bars Review

Vlog Challenge: Day 4

I tend to love any kind of snack bars.  It is amazing how many different kind of snack bars there are out there in the market.  There are those that pretty much tastes like a candy bar all the way to those that are super natural with only honey as the ingredient holding the ingredients of the bar together.

I am awful at taking lunches at work.  Though time is allotted for me to take a lunch, I get busy and time just passes by.   Before I know it, it's already 2pm!  For exactly times like these, I always keep some snack bars in my desk.  While browsing the aisles of Trader Joe's one day, I came across these Peanut Butter and Oat bars.  If you like peanut butter, which I LOVE, you have to try these bars.  They are filling and taste wonderful!  The thing I like about it is that it's good for you too!  So the next time you need a snack or something to hold you over, try these.  I'm pretty sure, you'll add it to your "must haves!"

Trader Joe's Cinnamon Sugar Grinder Review

Day 3: Vlog Challenge

I was browsing down the Trader Joe's seasoning section when the Trader Joe's Cinnamon Sugar Grinder caught my eye.  It sounded very interesting so I looked at the ingredients and literally, it was just cinnamon and sugar.  Imagine that!  Like many of their other grinder products, this container has a built in grinder that will grind the sugar and cinnamon into a lovely seasoning which could be used on top of pretty much any dessert.  I've used it on popcorn as well as cookies.  It grinds it very finely that you get both seasonings equally which is great!

Trader Joe's Natural Dog Treats Assorted Flavors Review

Day 2: Vlog Challenge

I've never checked out the pet section at Trader Joe's until now. Now that we have Muffin, I decided to see what products are out there at my favorite store for dogs! This is one item I found and purchased.  If you have a dog, you must give this a try!  In one box, they have assorted flavors.  Just an FYI, the biscuits are quite large so what we do for Muffin is break it apart into smaller bite size pieces.  It's perfect!

Trader Joe's Store Location in Valencia, California Review

Day 1: Vlog Challenge

Trader Joe's is located in 31 different states with most of it's stores located throughout Southern California.  Currently, as of early 2012, 367 Trader Joe's stores has been accounted for.  Though store hours may vary, the hours of the Trader Joe's stores located in Southern California is everyday, Monday-Sunday from 8:00AM - 9:00PM.  To find the closest Trader Joe's to you, click here.  This link will also show you where a "new" Trader Joe's will be opening soon.  If there isn't a Trader Joe's near you, perhaps one day there will be!  I have personally visited many Trader Joe's stores in Southern California as well as San Francisco and because I love Trader Joe's so much, here's my tribute to the store. 

Here's My Video:

A Vlog Challenge and an iPad Mini!

This past summer, my husband who coodinates a Internet Marketers meet up group in our valley threw out a challenge to all those who are a part of the group.  The challenge was to blog everyday for 30 days consecutively during the month of July, submit your blog post to him by 11:59 pm, insert a photo within your blog and that your blog had to have a minimum of 351 words.  Of course the rules for this blog seems very precise but there was a reason for this challenge.  Many say they want to start a blog or a internet business but actually getting started is a different story.  By my husband creating this challenge, we had over a dozen people actually create a blog and write a blog article for 30 days straight!  The photos inserted in the blog as well as the minimum of 351 words was so that people would get used to this format because Google recognizes that the content on the blog is worthy.  Who knew!  The contest ended with 7 bloggers left where he left drew a name out of a hat in front of the entire group.  My sister in law won the Barnes and Nobles Nook.  CONGRATULATIONS Ronald (her name is Roni but I call her Ronald).

So without further a due, another challenge was thrown out by my husband to kick off the new year but this time, it's a YouTube Video challenge.  For the next 31 days straight, those who are a part of the Internet Marketers meet up group must upload a video they took or they are in up onto YouTube, submit the link to my husband by 11:59 pm.  There are not time rules or anything, just upload any video useful or lame and you're entered in the contest.  The prize this time around....drum roll please...a iPad Mini!  Though I don't like getting filmed, I can film something for an iPad mini, for sure!  So the challenge begins.  I will be doing a video reviewing different products from my ultimate favorite grocery store...Trader Joe's.  Make sure you watch all my videos and subscribe.  I can't wait but please give me some grace.  I'm not the best at speaking or filming...