Trying a Japanese Raindrop Cake

Several months ago my Dad got my Mom and I a combined birthday gift: A year getting Bokksu boxes. A Japanese snack box.  We share them, and a lot of snacks come in pairs so they're easy to split. Our first box was the April Sakura box, which was so much fun. And each box that has followed have had a variety of really nice snacks, both sweet and savory.  

When starting I thought the sweet snacks would go first, but it's been the savory snacks! The black sesame snacks are so good, as are miso snacks. Suddenly my mind is forgetting flavor terminologies! The fishy snacks haven't been so good, apart from those Osaka octopus snacks which are delicious.

The latest box has a Raindrop Mochi Cake. According to the description these snacks have become very popular.  Honestly, I hadn't a clue what to expect.

The mochi cake really does look like a raindrop!! Looking like water.

The mochi jelly was sweet. And when putting on the soybean powder or the syrup the taste... I haven't a clue how to describe it. Sweetly soyish. There's a reason I'm not a food commentator. Eating this snack was fun. I liked picking it up with a fork and making it jiggle. The taste wasn't one of my favorites, but it was still really nice trying such a unique snack.

Have a great day!! :D

Sarah

(Japan, I miss you!)

Margot Elena Fall 2021 Subscription Box, No 16

 

"A new beauty is in the air! As the days get shorter and the air more crisp, we invite you to sit & savor the change with this fall-inspired collection. Full of feelgood, comforting treats, we hope these favorites continue to inspire moments of beauty throughout the season." From the insert card

It's been awhile since I've done a subscription box review.  In the past I've done several including Popsugar, FabFitFun, and Lootcrate Harry Potter.  I was on product overload and needed a break, though for quite awhile I've been eyeing Margot Elena's subscription box.  At the start of the pandemic I noticed her website being advertised, and I began visiting it as an escape, trying to imagine what all the pretty items smelled like.

It's hard to know where to start!  I've gotten some of her items in other subscription boxes and loved them.  And I remember getting Tokyomilk lip balm from a gift shop at Ragged Point California.  That was a special trip.  

This is the second box I've received, the first being the Summer 2021 box.  I was so excited that I just tore through everything and didn't take a single photo.  This time I had the patients for just a few pictures.

 

I love how everything is wrapped up!  Every item is a gift.

 

I love everything in this box!

 

The Wish Lollia shower gel smells lovely.  Sugared Pastille is the scent.  A Lollia shower gel is the very first Margot Elena product I've ever tried, loved it, used it all up, so I know I'm going to love this as well.

 

I'm so excited to have the Kabuki Bon Bon hand cream!!!  As I would look through the website I'd imagine some of the products I would love to receive.  This was one of the items I really wanted.  I love Japan and Japanese culture, and the box/hand cream tube is just beautiful.  Honestly, I'm keeping it in the box.   The scent notes are Sugared Grapefruit, Lychee, Warm Vanilla & Sweet Jasmine, and it's just so softly sweet, like a delicate bon bon.  Really nice.

Finest Perfumed Soap is the one item made in France (everything else is made in the USA, which is awesome), and the scent notes are Crushed Citrus, Jasmine, Crisp Greens & Neroli. Love, love, love!!  Who doesn't love French soap?!  The last box had a bar of soap as well, which I loved, so I'm excited to try this scent.  I collect soap bars when I travel, so I really like trying new scents and formulas.

Then we got a set of three greeting cards: Rock On, Go Buck Wild, and Hipster Gnomes.  I'm so living for the Rock On card, and totally going to keep it.  I have a box where I collect postcards I've sent to myself while traveling.  So much fun to go through and read the little adventures.  Every now and then when I find a card I like I write a message, whatever I'm feeling in the moment, and save it like a time box.  The greeting cards are just fun and silly with a Victorian like cheeky flair.

Exclusive Sugar Beet & Blossom Bath soak.  It smells really nice and the little bottle is so cute!!  Love the little wooden spoon.

One of the first spoilers for the box, and why I knew I had to keep the subscription, is because we got the Japanese Plum & White Tea Body Butter.  This is another item I really wanted to try!  So very lucky. And it smells so good and the body butter is so soft.  I'm so in love.

Along with a body butter we also got a dry body oil!  Lollia Dream, with the scent notes of White Tea & Honeysuckle.  Another scent I love!  After visiting the website I see we didn't get the box, which is beautiful, so that would have been nice, but I do love the scent.

And the last two items are from the new Infinite She line.

Inspired Eau de Parfum Rollerball.  Fragrance Notes Passion + Creativity: Violet Leaf + Jasmine.  I really like it.  Who doesn't like a little inspiration?  And the message behind the line is really positive. It was interesting reading some of the reactions to this spoiler online, as quite a few people don't like the styling aesthetic theme, saying it was very teenage.  I get where they're coming from, as it's more simple and fresh, whereas other Margot Elena products are a combination of elegant whimsy.  From a smell standpoint I do like what I've sampled thus far.  The simple roller ball is nice.

Exclusive Mini Find Your Fire Candle.  When I showed my Mom and one of my sister-in-laws the box, both on separate occasion when seeing the candle said, "Oh, I like that."  I do like the aesthetic of the candle, and so far it's burning clean, which I always love.  The fragrant notes are Ginger Flower, Honeyed Amber, Passion fruit.  The scent is soft, but warm, and it's one I've really grown to love.

I'm just really happy with everything.

Margot Elena is a $59 + shipping subscription, 4 times a year, and the current box they're selling is for the Winter box.  For now I'm going to enjoy everything in this Fall box. :0)

 

P.S. My current favorite song right now is "Something's Changing" by Rosie Doonan.  It was the background song on a sourdough video!  And after a few seconds I stopped watching the video and started listening to the song.  Thankfully someone in the comment section stated what is was, because I couldn't find it by plugging the lyrics into the search engine.  The song's on Spotify.  Her music is nice.

FabFitFun Spring 2019 Subscription Box Review, What Have I Actually Used?

 I first have to mention that I've CANCELED my subscription to FabFitFun, so this is my last review.  This was my last box subscription, I don't even think I'll resubscribe to ZenPop, so this just might be my last subscription box review altogether.

That said, I did love getting FabFitFun.  Subscription boxes have changed a lot in the last several years, and FabFitFun honestly got better.  I like how you can choose items.  They have quality full size products.  Each box is $50, but with an annual subscription of $180 each box is $45, a really good value.

I'm just cutting back and refocusing.

(I do have more trips planned, I just won't be buying so many souvenirs.)

But I thought it would be nice to do this last review, a month after I got this box, and talk about what I've actually tried and used on a regular bases (well, still use), verses what I haven't really touched.  So this blog is a good indicator of personal value.

The little magazine that comes with the box.

All quotations are from this.

Everyone got these three items.

 Manna Kadar Champagne Body Scrub, $24.

USED.

"Formulated with charcoal and Dead Sea minerals, the luxe and gentle body scrub removes dirt for polished, hydrated, and refreshed skin."

 This is a really nice body scrub with a soft texture and smell.  Honestly, it's just fun scooping it up and lathering on.  This body scrub has little bubbles, and the texture isn't rough or tough, which scrubs can be at time.  At this point I've used about half.

 Dr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More No More Baggage Eye De-Pussing Gel, $42.

HAVEN'T USED

"Visibly reduce the look of under-eye bags and dark circles with this breakthrough solution."

There's really no need for me to use it, so I gave it to my Mom.

No idea if she's used it.

 OUAI Leave In Conditioner, $26.

USED, and love.

"We're OUAI obsessed with this multitasking leave-in conditioner.  It works all day to smooth, soften, and detangle hair with moisturizing properties and enhanced heat protection."

There's something so nice about soft hair that smells good, and this leave in conditioner does the job.  The scent is strong, flowery, and from what I've read online is a required taste, but I love it.  My Mom tried this and loved it so much she went to Sephora to buy one herself.  This conditioner is worth half the price of the box.

 Choice item: Robe, backpack, or diffuser.

Show Me Your Mumu Brie Robe, $84. (Seems like a high price point).

TRIED ON, Hanging in closet.

"Just stepped out of the shower? Planning a day of lounging? Slip into this beautiful floral-print robe, which features a removable belt and a high-low hem."

This is one of those one-size fits all.  At a size 16 this robe does close, and looks cute, but would be more comfortable if a little loser.  (I'm working on losing weight, so maybe I'm just holding out for that point).  I choose this item because I thought it would be nice over a bathing suit.

Choice item: Sunglasses, picnic set, or sleeping brightening cream.

KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Facial, $48.

TRIED TWICE.

"Hydrate and brighten your skin!  This weightless souffle contains vitamin C, turmeric extract, and hyaluronic acid."

I'm having a hard time with the smell.  It doesn't really smell like roses, but the two times I've tried it I did like the result.

Choice item: Measuring spoons, lotion, or mystery item.

Lavido Aromatic Body Lotion in "Mandarin, Orange & Bergamot," $19.

USED, and love.

"Hydrate, nourish, and protect.  This deliciously scented citrus body lotion is dermatologically tested and formulated for all skin types."

This smells so good, and the texture is nice!  Love it!

Choice item: Necklace, setting powder, or steel bottle.

S'ip By S'well, $19.99

SITTING IN CABINET.

"Sip in style while reducing single use plastic consumption.  Whether filled with a hot or cold drink, the stainless steel water bottle is insulated to keep your drinks at just the right temperature."

Colors and patterns were random, so it was a little disappointing receiving black, as I hoped for a cute color or pattern.  As of late I use glass water bottles, as they can go into a dishwasher.  This is sitting in a cabinet simply because I haven't cleaned it.  The hot/cold feature is nice, though room temperature water is better for the digestion.

Choice items: Face cleanser, detox brush, or jump rope.

TULA Purifying Face Cleanser, $28.

"This isn't an ordinary cleanser; it uses the power of probiotics to gently remove dirt, impurities, and makeup while leaving the skin balanced and clarified."

 USED.

So, I opted for the cleanser.  I got that detox brush as an add on once, still haven't used, and I don't have a proper place to jump rope.  The cleanser is nice.  The smell is light.  Just a good ol' practical item. 

* * * * * *

So . . . I'm using half the box.  In that way the value is there.  The other half will probably get used at some point.  This was a good box.  Reviewing this makes me sad to give up the subscription, but all good things must come to an end.

ZenPop November 2018, Japanese Stationery Subscription Box

ZenPop November Stationery Box 2018, Winter Magic Pack

This box actually made really good time this month getting here, arriving early last week, but I was in California.  It arrived around the 12th, which is really good.

ZenPop Japanese Stationery Pack has 10 or more stationary items per box.  You can make a one time purchase, or select a subscription plan of 3 or 6 months.  One box per month and those who get a subscription receive a bonus item.  A single box is $29.50, 3 months is $28x3 = $84, and 6 months is $27.50x6 = $165.  Shipping is free (boxes come from Osaka Japan so this is a great deal) and plans don't automatically renew (which is fantastic).

All quotations throughout this post come from the info paper.

November 2018: Winter Magic Pack

"2019 is a special year for Japan because the current emperor will abdicate in May.  The abdication will mark the end of the Heisei era, and the government will announce the name of the next imperial era in April 1, 2019.  We are so excited to welcome this special year with you.  We hope you like the adorable stationery in this pack.  And we hope your new year will be filled with peace and positive growth!"

I actually really like this box.

I'm starting with my favorite item.

It's so cool.

 Kokuyo Harinacs No Staple Stapler

"This is one of our most unique stationery items we have ever included.  You can staple papers without any staples!  Can you guess how it works?  This works great for about 5 sheets of paper or less.  It punches a hole and folds in on itself.  Perfect for keeping notes or receipts together.  And there are no staples if you have children around or you need to shred stuff.  Cool, right!?"

I'm constantly trying to find staples when I staple things together, and have since just resolved to folding paper in various ways to keep them together, which never works.  This little paper-less stapler does the job well and easily.  I'm so glad this was included in the box.  This will probably get the most use.

It's neat how the paper is punched out and then tucked back in.

 Doggy One Point Markers

"2018 was the year of the dog.  But dogs are cute no matter what year it is, so use these adorable sticky notes when you need a smile or for a little extra boost in your life."

Being a 1982 babe, I was born in the year of the dog.  This box is nice because they're celebrating the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019, having both dog and boar items.  I love these cute little doggies.  So adorable.

Otoshidama Pochi-bukuro

"Pochi-bukuro is a special envelope used to give Otoshidama.  Otoshidama is a custom where money is given from Parents and relatives to children on new year's day.  Children in Japan really look forward to getting their Otoshidama every year.  Make someone smile and give them something nice in these gorgeous little envelopes."

I've heard of this tradition, giving money in small envelopes.  I'm trying to figure our how to use them.  This pack comes with 3, and 2 of my nieces and my nephew are old enough to get excited by small amounts of money, so I should practice this tradition with them.  Or maybe I'll get gift cards or something.  Just the right size for that.  We'll see.

Winter Ippitsusen

"Ippitsusen literally translates as "one stroke paper," and it's meant to be used to write a quick note to yourself or someone else.  Of course you can use this pretty pad of paper any way you wish!"

This is really pretty paper.  These are suppose to be Winter themed, but with polar bears being in the north, and the nice constellation theme, I can use this all year long.  Sample pages are shown a few images below.

Kokuyo Beetle Tip Highlighter

"This highlighter has a tip that looks like a beetle horn, and you can use it 3 ways!  Make thin strokes, make double lines using two tips at once, or use the fat tip to highlight normally.  I'm sure there are more creative ways to use it as well, just gotta try it and see!"

This is an interesting highlighter.  Never seen one like it.  With the different shaped tip you do have to look before you mark, but getting different types of lines from a single tip is a neat feature.

Sakura Knock Ball Pen - Lamé

"This ball point pen has sparkly colored ink.  It's not lame it's lamé!  It has a translucent body, a unique shape and a handy little clip.  Use this pen anytime you need to add some color or sparkles to your day."

A nice sparkly pink pen.  I'll have fun using this.

Winter Washi Tape

"You'll get one of 8 different possible winter patterns of washi tape in this pack.  Cozy crafting time is coming!"

This washi tape is very pretty.  I love the deer with the simple Winter backdrop.

2019 Desk Calender

"In Japan, it is said that the animal of the year (from the twelve zodiac signs) will bring the luck to your family and prosperous business if you have the zodiac animal with you.  2019 is the year of the boar, so this desk calendar might bring good luck to you."

A nice simple desktop calendar.

Each sheet is double sided and features an image tied to that month.

Winter Letter Set

"In East Asia, there is a traditional way to think of "seasons", which we divide one year into 24 seasons.  Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter are all divided into 6 micro seasons."  There's some good info of each micro Winter season on the information paper: Rittou, Shousetsu, Taisetsu, Shoukan, and Daikan.  Right now where I live we're in Shousetsu: It begins to get colder and colder.  It starts to snow, although it won't lay at this period."

I'm so glad this stationery set is large enough to send in the mailing system.  Deer again, a theme I don't mind repeating, and the little chickens are cute, too.  Really like this item.

Shibanban Flake Stickers

"Shibanban's washi new year stickers!  Let's say goodbye to the year of the dog.  All the designs of the stickers are something to bring you luck, such as noshi (folded paper), daruma (good luck doll) or inuhariko (papier-mashe dog)."

More cute dogs.  I really like these stickers.

Fun designs, especially the dog on top of Mount Fuji.

BONUS ITEM

Only received by those who subscribe to a 3 or 6 month plan.

Kiguru - Me Eraser

"A cute addition to your pencil case, this eraser comes in black or white and features a costume wearing bird!"

A simple, but nice easier.

ZenPop October 2018, Japanese Stationery Subscription Box

ZenPop October Stationery Box 2018, Bunny Rabbit Pack

This box actually made really good time this month getting here, arriving mid-October, but I was out of Country, so I'm finally reviewing the box.  Thought it would be good to do so before the end of the month.

ZenPop Japanese Stationery Pack has 10 or more stationary items per box.  You can make a one time purchase, or select a subscription plan of 3 or 6 months.  One box per month and those who get a subscription receive a bonus item.  A single box is $29.50, 3 months is $28x3 = $84, and 6 months is $27.50x6 = $165.  Shipping is free (boxes come from Osaka Japan so this is a great deal) and plans don't automatically renew (which is fantastic).

All quotations throughout this post come from the info paper. 

October: Bunny Rabbit Pack

"Bunny rabbits might not get as much attention as kittens or puppies, but they can be just as cute.  We have a special place in our hearts for bunnies, because our Luna is a bunny rabbit.  In Japan it is said that you can see a bunny in the moon making mochi with a hammer.  Since it is our birthday this month, ZenPop is celebrating with this bunny pack, as well as a new manga on instagram called Full Moon Magic featuring Luna's adventures."

 Mini Notepad

"Mini notepad memos are great for making lists or leaving a message for someone.  They are small, cute, and they make you smile.  This one features the gorgeous Lilimary and her cute stuffed animal buddies.  Welcome to my heart."

These mini note papers are adorable.  Example pages are shown a few pictures down.  It comes with two illustrated styles, quite a few pages of each.  I'm starting to get quite the memo/notepad collection.

 Constellation Washi Tape

"In Japan, Zodiac Signs are often used for fortune telling.  One of the popular morning TV show 'Mezamashi TV' has Zodiac Signs fortune telling every day.  Many Japanese maybe saw it before they leave home to work so that they can know their fortune and lucky item."

Bunny Washi Tape

"Because this pack is 'bunny' theme, here's a cute washi tape from Japan!  Most popular rabbit in Japan is called 'Japanese white rabbit'.  It usually has white hair and red eyes.  What kind of rabbits do you like the best?"

I'm also starting to get quite the Washi tape collection.

I love the constellation tape.  Right up my alley.  I've always loved space and the stars.  The bunny tape is cute.  I'll save it for Easter.

 Pilot - Frixion Colors

"Cute pastel color Frixion color pen from PILOT.  Can write smoothly and erase it easily when you want, using the plastic nubbin on the end.  Decorate your notes with Frixion colors and make it colorful! You will get one out of 6 colors."

 It wasn't until I read the description that I realized this is an erasable marker.  It writes smooth, and erases well, though in just the right light you can read what you wrote after it was erased.  Don't use for important documents or journals, but for fun this will be nice.

 Tape Glue Stamp

"Tenori means 'fits in your hand' and Ichioshi means 'highly recommended'.  As you can guess from the name, this stamp glue is a highly recommended palm-sized stationery.  You don't have to paste the entire surface of the paper, it is enough if you stamp it on four corner.  You can stamp approx 500 times!"

You take off the lid and simply stamp the sticky glue.  It's lightly sticky, not heavy, so for temporary stickiness it will be good.  Another unique Japanese stationery item.

 Clip Notes

"Needless to say, this index bunny clip is so useful!  Write a memo inside the rabbit's mouth and clip your papers.  The bunny clip will help you file your documents and also remind you the memo.  Enjoy your study/work time with 3 cute bunnies!!"

These are fun.  This comes with 4 of each bunny type, and you write in the mouth what the note is to what's being clipped together.  One of those things I would have never thought to get, but can be useful in organization.

 Sticky Memos

"In Japan, we celebrate "Ju-go-ya", also known as Tsuki-mi or moon viewing in October.  We give thanks for the rice harvest and pray to the moon for another good harvest.  Also, it is thought that the patterns on the moon looks like a rabbit making mochi.  Can you see the rabbit in these sticky notes?"

Usagi and the moon.  I've known of this legend thanks to Sailor Moon.  These memo pads have the silhouette of a bunny making mochi.  Really fun.

 Birthday Card

"October is not just the month for 'Ju-go-ya', but it is also the month ZenPop was born!  We hut our 2nd anniversary this year and to celebrate our birthday, here's a cute pop up birthday card you can give to someone special on their day!"

 Front: When we're together ...

Inside: It's so much fun!

It's always fun to send birthday cards, and this is a really cute one.

 Kanahei Stickers

"These characters are designed by illustrator Kanahei.  The pink bunny is called 'Usagi (rabbit in Japanese)' and the white bird is called 'Pisuke'.  These two are best friends and they go everywhere together."

Really cute stickers!  I'll be placing these on postcards, though once again I'm going to wait till Easter because the the bunny theme and feeling very springy.

 Mini Letter Set

"4 kinds of rabbits, Dutch, Netherland Dwarf, Holland Lop, and Dwarf Hotot, is featured on this letter set.  Maybe some of them are friends of Luna's!!  It is nice to write a short letter or attach a message to a present to your friends with this bunny letter set."

Cute bunny mini letter set.

I do prefer full size stationery sets, but this will be cute for Easter messages.

 BONUS ITEM:

Subscription Pack, 3 or 6 month only

Luna

"To celebrate the new manga featuring the adventures of Luna, we have included an adorable plush toy for you to enjoy."

I love Luna.  So glad to get this.

It's interesting, I completely understand why this was the October box, but the funny thing is most of these items I'm going to use in Easter, several months from now.  It's a nice, cute box.