Get Yourself a Jimi Wallet. Now!

Item: Jimi Wallet

Price: $14.95

Where to Buy: thejimi.com

Review: I got a nice surprise when I wrote about the Jimi wallet in June: The Jimi wallet people offered to send me one. For free.

Um, yes please.

I love it.

It doesn't quite hold enough (five cards and three folded bills) to be my everyday wallet, but it's nice and compact for a small purse. And it's fun to use. And cute. I got a pink one.

It's too late to ask for one for the holidays, but do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a Jimi wallet in the New Year.

Image from: thejimi.com

Review: Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis

Item: Warm Delights Minis: Molten Chocolate Cake

Price: about $2.50 for two 1.23 ounce bowls

Where to Buy: Any grocery store.

Review: I'm cheap, so instant desserts don't usually find their way into my shopping cart. But I found out that Betty Crocker was sending free samples of the Warm Delights Minis to anyone who signed up for the email newsletter (sorry- the promotion's over). I got mine in the mail just a week or two later.

I peeled open the box hoping that my sample would be of the Molten Chocolate Cake. Success! Like a Russian nesting doll, the box contained yet another box which contained nearly everything you need: the bowl, the cake mix and a fudge pouch.


The preparation was even easier than I expected: stir the cake mix with 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of water. Squeeze the fudge on top. Cook in the microwave for 30 seconds. Voila.

Before

After

Unfortunately, I think the name of the cake is a misnomer. I suppose you could call the lines of fudge on top of the cake "molten," but it certainly was no chocolate volcano. In addition, the cake had a light, airy flavor that reminded me of gingerbread.

Overall, I was hoping for a richer chocolate flavor, but at 150 calories I was prepared to be underwhelmed. I was.

For me, the price was right: free. But even if I didn't want to go to the trouble of making a homemade dessert, a boxed brownie mix would be just as cheap as the regular price of the Warm Delights and taste infinitely better.

Wedding Odds & Ends: Bubbles, Candy & Glasses

I've been married nearly six years, so I don't know how Oriental Trading got my name and address or why they sent me their catalog filled with wedding supplies.

I don't plan on getting married again any time soon, but 'tis the season. In honor of brides everywhere, I browsed the catalog and website to see what deals I could unearth.

First of all, they have a great selection. For wedding bubbles alone, brides-to-be have at least a dozen options with a myriad of ways to customize and personalize each bottle. Bubbles start at $6.99 for 24 pieces.

I'd never seen some of the items for sale. For example, these candy stickers ($5.99 for 72) personalize the Hershey Kisses you give to guests. Although, be honest: Is anyone really going to read the sticker before they down the chocolate?

But some of the stuff was just plain silly. I hope never to meet the bride and groom who will drink out of tux and gown champagne glasses ($17.99 for the set) with a straight face.