Things we buy on Amazon - Part 1

This is part of a new series I'm starting on this blog (well, considering how little there is on here so far, everything is new).  I love Mindy Kaling (in general) but I especially loved her blog on "Things I bought that I loved" that she doesn't seem to update much anymore (I think she has a spot on her personal website now, or, you know, she's busy being freakin' awesome somewhere.)  

Inspired by her, I'd like to start my Things we buy on Amazon series. 

Owen and I have Amazon Prime, which completely makes us Amazon.com whores.   Amazon Prime, for those not in the know, is a yearly fee of $79 dollars, which gives us free two day shipping on any Amazon Prime item.  We have taken to looking on Amazon first for EVERYTHING, and I mean everything from paper towels, rechargeable batteries, gummy multivitamins, whatever we can get, it's now a click away.  I'd like to think this is true convenience at our fingertips but sometimes it causes us to buy way too quick before we do more research, so we have a number of things around the house that are way beyond returnable, but linger around the house.    

This series will highlight some of these items.  Some of them will be awesome, I use them everyday.  Some just plain didn't work out, and now either trashed or forgotten.  

First up on the docket:  

 

Quirky PowerCurl 85w Clip-On Cord Wrap for Apple MagSafe Power Adapter - for 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro Gray

 

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Why I ordered it:  

Plugs for mac laptops are essential.  I carry one with me back and forth from the office, when I travel, etc.

Do I like it? 

Yes.  It's great, keeps the cables organized and the power block elevated, so it there's air flow all around it, as it gets pretty hot while in use. 

Do I use it? 

Yes, this was a winner.  Initially I thought it was a frivolous purchase (I can get cable ties, etc.) but this is so much nicer in design.  

 

Next up:

Como 10 Pcs D Swivel Trigger Clips Hooks Metal Key Ring Lobster Clasps

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Why I ordered it:  

I like carrying my keys on my belt loop.  Yeah, it looks like I'm a handyman but I like the option of being hands free without a purse to hold my keys. 

Do I like it? 

No.  It sucks.  They're way smaller than I thought they would be, and it's a pain to try to snap this on my belt loop without effort.  And now I have 10 of them.   

Do I use it? 

Nope.  But should I throw it away?  Eh, that just feels wasteful.  Anyone need one?  

Lastly..

Norpro Silicone Microwave Double Egg Poacher, Red

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Why I ordered it:  

I like poached eggs, but I hate cooking them in the morning when I'm rushing to get out the door. I figured this would be an easier way to get eggs cooked in a jiffy.

Do I like it? 

It's okay.  Kinda a pain to store.  

Do I use it? 

I've used it 2 times since I bought it, it's still kinda a hassle because microwave cooking is hit or miss - sometimes cooks the eggs too hard, sometimes doesn't cook them enough and one of the two eggs is still raw.  I think I need to play around with the timing on it more.  And get up earlier.  

 

 

Mama Lu's Dumpling House

Ah dumplings.  One of my favorite foods.  

After a long work week, there's nothing I crave more than a food adventure around town.

Heard Mama Lu's Dumpling house was excellent from a number of people, so when Jennie and I wanted to get some Chinese food (as we usually do), I decided on this place.   We were not disappointed.

Place was pretty easy to find, plenty of parking in the 3 story underground lot.  Line was pretty long, but after checking yelp, a tip provided that there was a lady with a clipboard I should check in with.  Upon inquiry we were immediately seated (yes!!).  

Food came quickly. Gaze upon our gluttony...

Beef roll - green onion pancake with beef, cilantro, cucumber and asparagus

Beef roll - green onion pancake with beef, cilantro, cucumber and asparagus

Green beans - spicy style, with mini dried shrimp

Green beans - spicy style, with mini dried shrimp

Salt and pepper pork chops.  This plate was especially huge.

Salt and pepper pork chops.  This plate was especially huge.

Spicy won tons

Spicy won tons

Pork and crab soup dumplings.  Very excellent.

Pork and crab soup dumplings.  Very excellent.

Everything was VERY delicious.  The soup dumplings weren't as good as Din Tai Fung but considering the non-existent wait, and variety of foods here, I see myself coming here more often.  

Tons of leftovers, and very fair priced.  Mama Lu, you have a new fan.

Mama Lu's Dumpling House

153 E Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755