Darphynia's Diary

Since there is a Sprouts, Mother's Market, Trader Joe's, and (now) a Whole Foods within about a 3-mile span, I decided to hit up just about all of them.  The only reason I didn't go to Trader Joe's is because I was just there.      So Whole Foods finally opened up near me, and I must say that I was ecstatic.   They have recently been in some pretty hot water, but they offer things other markets don't.   Yes, it can be pricey.  You just have to know what you want and how much other places charge.   Anyway, I've been having some GI issues, so there are things I've been cutting out to see if it makes a difference.   There hasn't been a change, but I've fallen in love with some alternative food products, so I continue to get them.  This Whole Foods is located in a new center at the corner of Valencia and Imperial Hwy.  The shopping center looks like they pulled it out of Newport Beach.  It's beautiful, with several shops and dining establishm

Very few things in life get me excited.  Artisanal LA is one of those things.  It is a really fun event with local, small business vendors selling their wares.  My best friend and I went to their holiday show (read more about that here ), and it was a blast!  We are going again in April, so this post will be updated with all the happenings at the show.  I will have to remember to take an ice chest with me.  You never know what you're going to find!  What are you most looking forward to seeing?

The four themes for #APDays  This year the Disneyland Resort is doing something just for Annual Passholders (APs) during the month of February.  During each themed week there are AP-only activities, showings, and AP-exclusive gifts that are being offered.  Recipes cards are being distributed throughout the weeks that include some famous recipes, such as Walt's Chili & Beans, that is served at the Carnation Cafe.  There are also charging stations, which is a wonderful offering, since phones always tend to run out of battery at the worst time. Complimentary popcorn and mini water bottles are both offered inside Stage 17.  There are three flavors to choose from:  White Cheddar, Cheese, and Butter.  Personally, the White Cheddar is my favorite. The first week's theme was Main Street to Mickey Mouse .  Jiminy Cricket made an appearance at Stage 17, and APs were able to take photos with Pinocchio's very own conscience.  We walked around D

Chuao is one of my favorite brands.  At one time there was a shop near me, but it has since closed.  My dad was the one to tell me about it, so every time we went to the Irvine Spectrum, I would grab a strawberry balsamic bonbon (or two) as well as something different.  On a side note, if you have a positive relationship with your parents, you are never too old to hang out with them.  I have great memories associated with this wonderful brand.  Anyway, this is the first online order I placed with them, and it did not go quite as I had planned. My order consisted of two 16-piece bonbon/truffle custom boxes, one 5-piece custom box, two Share the Love gift sets, four S'Mores bars and one Caramel Apple bar.  There were some great promotions happening, so I got some things for my friends in Australia and some things for my household.  After placing the order I assumed it would be shipped within a couple of days (giving extra time because of the holidays).  I was contacted at the e