PRODFeature
The Best Things We’ve Tried Recently, From Preserved Lemons To Mochi Ice Cream
All of our best late-summer finds.
Wool sweaters, pumpkin spice, and distressingly short days are on the horizon. But they aren’t here yet, so, right now, we’re trying to make the most of this last bit of summer. Mochi ice cream and makrut lime seltzer have helped with that, and we’ve also found some summery jams and preserved lemons that deserve a place in your pre-autumn home. Read on for the rest of our recent finds, which range from candles and glassware to a sub-$40 lamp that mimics a sunset (and helps you take better selfies).
PROD Feature
23 Bright, Cheerful, And Weird Dining Decor Finds
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Aura the Artisan Sunset Lamp
“TikTok made me buy this lamp. I know how that sounds, but hear me out: Unlike those flashing lights that you see in every video, this lamp is more about setting an ambiance. It gives my apartment that flattering golden-hour, candlelit glow, even if it’s cloudy outside. Also, everyone looks good in the light, so if you ever want a selfie lamp, this is the one to get.”
-Diana Tsui
Get Aura The Artisan Sunset Lamp ($35) →
Lunar Makrut Lime Hard Seltzer
“Lunar’s limited edition seltzer came just in time for the end of summer. It’s refreshing and less artificial tasting than other lime-flavored seltzers, and Lunar also makes crowd-pleasing Lychee and Yuzu versions.”
-Anne Cruz
Get Lunar Markrut Lime Hard Seltzer, 12-Pack ($36) →
Moon Man Java Palm Sugar Kaya Jam
“I just updated our guide to Essex Market and the Market Line in NYC, and one of the new additions was Moon Man. Their Palm Sugar Kaya Jam tasted nutty and sweet on their glutinous cassava cake, but you should buy a jar of it (or the ube flavor) and put it on everything from pancakes to toast.”
-Carlo Mantuano
Get Moon Man Java Palm Sugar Kaya Jam ($12) →
Made in Drinking Glasses
“Due to my line of work, I’m now officially the friend that other friends go to for cookware, glassware, and dishware advice. This doesn’t displease me, although I do have to worry about people using me for my immaculate taste. I’m always happy to provide suggestions, however, such as these drinking glasses that I recently told a coworker to buy. They look delicate, but they’re perfectly sturdy, and they have a little more capacity than my (similar) Maison Balzac tumblers (which you should also acquire).”
-Bryan Kim
Get Made In Drinking Glasses ($49) →
Autumn Splendor Glass Candle
“I just bought this scented candle as a birthday gift for a friend, and I ended up going back to buy one for myself. I’m not fully ready for autumn scents, but this is a really nice transitional fragrance.”
-Alexandra Flowers
Get Autumn Splendor Glass Candle ($12) →
Mina Preserved Lemons
“I never knew how much I needed preserved lemons in my life until I tried these ones. I chopped up some and combined them with the brand’s chicken tagine sauce for a lazy one pot dinner, and it was such a big hit that I caught my husband scooping out the remnants of the sauce with a stale piece of pita. These lemons are also perfect mixed into crispy roast potatoes.”
Get Mina Preserved Lemons ($12) →
Peach Bulgarian Pepper Tomato Honey Jam
“I like all the honey-sweetened jams from V Smiley, but this one is unique and really summery (specifically, late-summery). It’s somehow equally sweet, savory, and spicy, and you should put it on a grilled cheese.”
-Alicia Camden
Get Peach Bulgarian Pepper Tomato Honey Jam ($7) →
Whiteside Design Medium Planter Pot
“Finding an interesting planter for my snake plant has been an ordeal. I wanted something that wasn’t a generic slab of pottery, which seems to be the standard across every website. With its ripples and swirls, this 3-D printed pot is a Comme des Garçons dress come to life. It’s inexpensive and unique looking, and yes, it has drainage holes as well.”
-Diana Tsui
Get Whiteside Design Medium Planter Pot ($37) →
Turmeric Hot Honey Mochi Ice Cream
“I’m a fan of unexpected ice cream flavors, and this ice cream mochi from Mochidoki definitely checks that box. Mochidoki also makes some of the best mochi I’ve ever tasted in a mochi ice cream; it’s never too frosty, and the dough has the perfect amount of give in each bite. ”
-Anne Cruz
Get Mochidoki Turmeric Hot Honey Mochi Ice Cream ($10) →
25 Star Dark Balsamic Vinegar
“I bought this balsamic in Santa Fe (though it is a product of Italy). At the time, I wasn’t really looking for balsamic — but it was just so good. This has a really good balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Drizzle it on some burrata and tomatoes. Delish.”
-Emily Ng
Get 25 Star Dark Balsamic Vinegar ($10) →
Marianna Fierro Mortadella Towels
“I’m not going to lie to you and say that these Marianna Fierro kitchen towels outshine all their spill-rescuing, hand-drying, mess-salvaging ilk. They preform much like typical towels (sturdy and quick-drying), only with an exceptional mortadella print. Towels aside, I love everything this LA-based designer does. You probably will too if you enjoy colorful illustrations of food.”
-Hannah Albertine