Product Review: Kate Spade Micas Pond Lacey Wallet

Kate Spade New York
Mikas Pond Lacey
Coloure: Sugared Grape

Hello, my name is Eleanor and I'm addicted to Kate Spade products! 

The Kate Spade (Lacey design) wallet has been in my wish list for as long as I can remember. This year, my husband gave me the Mikas Pond Lacey Wallet in Sugared Grape for my 33rd birthday.

Before I go on into my review, I just want to mention that when my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I told him exactly what it was (within the budgeted reason) and he paid for it. There was no passive-aggressive-read-in-between-the-lines type of expectation, just plain, "This is what I want." It makes gift giving so much easier and stress free. BIG KUDOS to my hubby. But I digress...

Kate Spade New York

Mikas Pond Lacey Wallet

Coloure: Sugared Grape

PROS
Quality leather, plating, and craftsmanship.
Beautifully designed with plenty of organizing compartments.
Fits one checkbook.
Inside contains 2 bill slots
Inside contains 12 credit card slots.
Inside has a zipper divider to secure important items.
Outer zipper closure to contain paper and monetary goods.
Slip pocket at the back.
The color pops, which reminds me of happiness during the dullness of winter.
Use as a Grab-And-Go on days you don't want to wear a purse.
I got the wallet on sale. *

CONS
Zipper gets in the way when you take credit cards out of the top most compartment.
Difficult to zip shut if you keep a month's worth of receipts, coupons, coins.

This product is beautiful. The stitching is perfection and the leather feels good to the touch. To me, the pros outweigh the cons. The zipper getting caught on the credit card is minor. The solution is simple, gently push the zipper back and take out the card. As far as over-stuffing your wallet to the point of non-closure, it's time to simplify. Do you really need all that stuff?

Overall, I'm very happy with this product.


*If you know me, I'm extremely cheap and frugal. It is extremely rare that I purchase anything full price. I usually avoid taking home anything less than 40-50% off. Luck was on my side when I stumbled upon the secret sale from the Kate Spade website. I was ecstatic!

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Six years ago, my co-worker, Mindy, brought a Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole to a work potluck. The way she made it was fantastic. I went for a third and probably a fourth serving. I've only cooked it once since then, but yesterday my cravings were specific. 

I had to go by memory when cooking this dish. The main ingredients called for mushroom soup, broccoli, and rice. Slapped those together with a other ingredients, and voila... comfort food. Delicious! The family loved it... but most importantly, my toddler loved it - and he's a picky eater. 

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 package (16 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli (fresh is better)
1/2 cup water
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup

1/2 cup shitake mushrooms, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese
1 1/2 cups cooked regular long-grain white rice

French's Onions

Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Add the shitake mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.

Stir in the broccoli and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Add the soup, water, cheese, and rice. Cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Pour the broccoli mixture into a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with more cheese, French's Onions, or both.

Consume, or wait and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling.