Tiny Treats, Big Flavor: IKEA Harajuku’s Plant-Based Soft Serve

When you’re in Harajuku, even if you don’t have any particular plans, it’s hard to resist dropping by IKEA. And no matter how chilly the weather gets, it’s easy to feel tempted by their tiny soft serve. Believe it or not, this little treat is PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE!

It made its debut on October 19, 2023. Until then, IKEA served a regular milk-based soft serve, but after kicking off a plant-based project, the team spent nearly two years perfecting this new version before finally launching it. 

PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE at IKEA Harajuku

Instead of dairy, it’s made with soy milk. The soy milk used here has hardly any of that distinct bean aroma, and the balance between sweetness and a hint of salt is beautifully tuned. It’s amazing how creamy it tastes—hard to believe it’s soy-based!

You can find this PLANT-BASED SOFT SERVE near the entrance on the first floor of IKEA Harajuku. It’s only 50 yen, which makes it even more delightful♡ The frozen CINNAMON BUN you see in the background of the photo is adorable too. You can easily grab both at the first-floor stand — the Swedish Bistro. Feel like adding this to your list of Harajuku treats?

My First Delta Comfort Experience: Three Meals and Airport Frenzy

Whenever I went to Michigan, I always flew economy to save some money. But this time, I decided to treat myself and booked [Delta Comfort] for the first time. It’s just one step up from [Delta Main](economy class). The legroom is a bit more spacious, and while the meals are pretty much the same, the nice perk is boarding earlier in Zone 3, which means I can settle in and relax a little sooner. 

There’s no more drink & snack service right after boarding like before COVID. These days, the welcome drinks are offered starting from [Delta Premium Select] (one class above [Delta Comfort]) and in [Delta One](the highest business class).

So, when the dinner service started, I asked for sparkling wine🥛as my first drink, enjoying the feeling of a welcome drink♪ The sparkling wine is no longer served in a small, cute bottle like before; instead, it comes in a recyclable can, which I found quite stylish and delicious.

Delta dinner plate

During dinner, I had red wine for my second drink. It was rich and enjoyable.

The seat layout in [Delta Comfort] is 3 (left) - 3 (center) - 3 (right), 

while in [Delta Premium Select] it is 2 (left) - 4 (center) - 2 (right). 

Since I prefer to spend my time as comfortably as possible in my seat, I like the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort]’s 3 (center) layout. This is because I believe it has the lowest probability of having to get up when other passengers stand to go to the restroom.

[Delta Premium Select] offers wider seat width and seat pitch, along with adjustable footrests and leg rests, plus perks like welcome drinks and meals served on real dishware. However, for me, sitting in the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort] holds more value.

 PIZZA TWIST, traditional in-flight snack of Delta

This PIZZA TWIST thing was served as a light meal in the late night. I’m impressed with the creative way they made pizza easier to eat! It’s designed to be a convenient, tasty snack that fits well in the limited space of airplane service.

It was cold on the plane, and I felt chilled, so I asked for a warm cup of tea to accompany the midnight snack.

Delta morning plate

As we approached Detroit, it was time for breakfast. Although yakisoba(noodle) was also an option, I deliberately chose an omelet because I wanted to get some protein. For my drink, I had tomato juice, thinking about its beauty benefits.

There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board—and babies crying, but my first time on [Delta Comfort] was a good flight. As usual, I also enjoyed the movies.

Near the airport exit at Detroit

Having safely passed through customs, I sent a message to Collie saying, "I've arrived ^^♪" 

Calls and SMS are possible with Biglobe Mobile’s international roaming, but data communication is not. (For data, I use GlocalMe’s pocket WiFi.) While I was wondering whether to turn data roaming ON or OFF on my smartphone, Collie appeared quickly! We hugged after a long time apart, but Rose went back to worrying about the data roaming issue.

Collie laughed and said, "Is your smartphone more important than me?" Rose replied, "No, Collie, you’re the most important, and I hugged you first!" Rose returned to checking the data roaming —because setting it wrong could lead to a huge bill...

I later found out that the correct setting was to turn data roaming OFF on my smartphone, and for safety, also turn mobile data OFF.

It was a somewhat rushed reunion (sorry, Collie), but from here, our three weeks together in Michigan begin🌷

See you nest time...  Rose

Moderate carbohydrate intake is key to losing weight in a healthy way.

We tend to think that cutting out carbohydrates will help us lose weight, but that seems to be a mistake. Cutting out carbohydrates will make you lose weight temporarily, but you will easily gain it back. Of course, eating too little food is no good, either. 

A diet lacking carbohydrates will result in your body producing more TG(triglycerides): neutral fat!!! That is so horrible, especially after all the effort you've put into trying to lose weight🙀💧💧💧

A balanced diet consists of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for most people, and they are essential for promoting fat-burning.

If you eat too little, your body doesn't get enough nutrients and you'll end up losing muscle mass. If you can lose weight by eating a reasonable and well-balanced amount of food, you are definitely happier than gaining neutral fat after enduring a hard time by eating too little or without carbohydrates!

When it comes to fiber, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms etc. are a fun way to enrich your everyday diet😌🍀

Eating a diet that is conscious of protein, fiber, and moderate carbohydrates will improve your proportions and make you healthier...happier💕 I am also practicing and realizing this.

May you be kind to yourself in a positive way, Rose

This is a yummy example of a good noodle that people with SIBO can eat.

I like to enjoy food and basically enjoy anything, but apparently I have symptoms of SIBO. For people with SIBO, a low FODMAP diet is recommended. Also, this diet involves avoiding fermented foods and flour. How can I avoid eating flour when I want to eat noodles🙀?

Thai food is a great solution😊! 　

Thai food uses "rice noodles" for a noodle soup.  What do you think about this Thai-style chicken white broth ramen?  Isn't it yummy♡?  The spring rolls on the side are made with rice paper, and the mini fried rice is rice itself, so everything is gluten-free♪✌♪

The following extra photo is near the north exit of Numabukuro Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.  It is an area with a foreign-looking building, a shopping district, and a friendly, folksy vibe.

Is there a charming Thai restaurant in your city?  I hope you find a good one! 

Let's choose food that is tasty and kind to each of us, and that will make us happy and healthy.   Rose

wisdom that shines through in ordinary, everyday life

What does happiness mean to you? Is it being rich? Is it having a sweet partner? Of course they are very nice! To live happily, however, these things are not always necessary. In the process of saving money, there are discoveries to be made. The ideas that come from the original imagination, or the sudden discovery while trying to be wisely thrifty, enrich our lives on the contrary.

This is just a small example. How about serving your usual salad with a colorful beet dressing?

Isn't it beautiful? My usual salad is now festive. It feels like my day will be different from the usual😊

The red-violet anthocyanin in beets is called betacyanin, a type of polyphenol. It has a powerful antioxidant effect. Not only it lifts up your spirits, but also good for your body too. How wonderful!

How about a combination of beet-colored topping with astaxanthin-rich salmon? The bright-red astaxanthin is also a kind of polyphenol and has a strong antioxidant effect.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your days more colorful. If you are feeling down, take something nourishing and enjoyable and be kind to your body. Every day is a special day. Spending time on your own or with someone you love, both make you happy!

Speaking for myself, I like affluence, but I also like finding the idea of saving money wisely😉  When it comes to a partner?, hmmm, I'm going to leave that to your imagination. w

Wishing you all a lovely day... 

My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.

Rose

Leaving Michigan & Lovely Rose Cake

It's the morning I leave Michigan for Tokyo.  The two of us went out of the house for a while.

We saw a rose bush Collie was growing. He was growing roses while we couldn't meet for years. It was a type of rose with few petals. What is the rose called? The delicate petals look like a lady's skirt.

I'm all set for leaving Michigan for flying back to Tokyo. This is the room I use when I stay at his house. I look at it for the last time, saying thank you in my heart.

Then he drove me to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. We skipped breakfast at home to get there earlier. I didn't really think about it when I booked the airline ticket of Delta Air Lines, but later I realized the ticket didn't allow me to reserve a return-trip seat to Tokyo in advance. My ticket was "Basic" Economy and was Delta's most reasonable fare class that came with more restrictions from Economy. I'll have to line up to get my seat at the boarding gate on the day.

We usually spend time together at the airport as long as possible before I go through the security check. But this time, he hurried so that I could get a better seat. "If you are going to feel cramped between big Americans, I'd better endure the shorter time we can be together at the airport!"

He carries my ponderous suitcase easily. （❤︎ ❤︎）

He walks on so fast carrying my heavy suitcase.（❤︎ ❤︎）（❤︎ ❤︎）（❤︎ ❤︎） Wow! He is super cool. 

Thanks for helping me out.  Collie, you're the best!!!

He helped me to check in, too. Then we sat and began to eat sandwiches Collie made quickly at his house in the morning. In the sandwich, there was lettuce that he washed for dinner last night and kept some for our quick sandwiches at the airport. He also prepared nuts etc.

Facing the security check, we eat breakfast. We don't have time to chill somewhere more relaxing because of my Basic Economy ticket. ( ;  ; )  While I was eating, he took a selfie of us. There were a few tears in my eyes. I am happy with him... I have to go soon.... I was smiling but my heart was crying. 

Before long, the time came. I began standing in line for the security check and he saw me off as I proceeded. I turned around and looked at him, again and again. And finally, I waved at him and disappeared from his sight.

This travelogue was written about what happened in June 2023 in Michigan. When Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted in the United States, I flied to Michigan for the first time in 5 years to see Collie. After the sparkling stay, I returned to Tokyo and resumed my work at an advertising agency.

In July 2023.  I received a picture expressing birthday wishes from Collie. 

Birthday cake with rose shaped cream on top!  And roses arranged in a small vase must be the ones he grew! Rose cake and real roses for Rose. What a lovely presentation🌹  Thanks a million, Collie!!

A video was sent on Google besides a picture.

Near the whole cake, there is a pair of chopsticks I gave him as a present.  Collie is playful. （^ ^。

I've been counting on him every birthday since I met him. He is my everything and birthday wishes from him are special. Thank you Collie, from the bottom of my heart...

If I'm given another chance to fly to Michigan, I will treat myself with Premium Select. It is Delta's premium economy seat class and more comfortable than Economy. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  I will look forward to that time.

Best of luck and thank you for everything, Rose

Quick & relaxing dinner at home on the last day in Michigan

We came back from CANTERBURY VILLAGE in Lake Orion. It was a TACO Festival. Though we didn't eat any Mexican food there as we were not so hungry, it was a very fruitful day for me to have experienced where the locals like to hang out on their day off. 

My dinner on the last day in Michigan was at Collie's home. It has a chill vibe so I can relax. I wish I could stay longer, but I am counted as one of the transient population in Michigan and have to go back to Tokyo tomorrow. Hectic work in a bustling city is waiting. 

I rustled up burrito-like food with gluten-free tortillas, served with sauteed broccoli with garlic. I was able to use in time the tortillas I chose at Kroger! My own style Mexican food😓  I wonder if he used the rest of the tortillas later... 

He said he didn't want my broccoli, but I gave him some😆  He found it's palatable after the first bite. He has a mysterious beef sandwich that he bought extra the other day, trying to make it healthier by adding some lettuce.

 。◇゜。◇゜。◇゜dessert ◇ time   。◇゜。◇゜。◇゜

KEY LIME CHEESECAKE from ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP

Collie finally eats his cheesecake tonight!  I also took out my cake: the rest of red velvet cake and carrot cake which became much smaller... I've been enjoying my cake over a couple of days😄

It's lovely to spend our evening by taking it easy at home. Just being together, I feel comfortable. I feel safe just being with him. I spent the last day of my stay in Michigan, relaxing like that.

Singing with love & a wonderful gift at St.Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, Michigan.

I like attending Mass at St.Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. I come here every time I stay in Michigan. I like to sing hymns, say a prayer aloud with participants, and listen to the priest's preach trying to understand English as much as possible as I am Japanese. I especially like singing.

" To sing is to pray twice. "     － St.Augustine

Singing adds to our praise and worship of God.

We praise God with all our heart and voice. Singing helps us to communicate with invisible being. 

How great it would be if I could come here with Collie every week. But I'm grateful that I could come here again. I cherish this valuable moment. 

Then after Mass, I have something to look forward to.

Collie: "I can't believe you eat a donut!"     Rose: "Why not (●- -●).."

When you come out of the chapel, there is a room opposite where coffee & sweets are prepared. Donuts were being served today. Can you resist getting a donut??? And look at this fresh coffee!

Collie didn't take a donut. I know I've already eaten a cheesecake, carrot cake, and a red velvet cake, however, I'll have to go back to Japan soon and today is the only opportunity to be able to enjoy coffee & a donut at St.Joseph!

It's still vivid that a little girl smiled at me shyly, gently when she handed out a donut to me. It was so cute and made me happy. The time with palatable coffee & a donut was a wonderful gift for me.

St.Joseph Catholic Church

715 N Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, Michigan 48362, United States 

The power of sacred music increases the honor given to God by the Church in union with Christ, its Head.

I think going to church together with a beloved one is the best date. It's also a wonderful gift.  Now I pray.   May the power of God be with you on your journey and protect you always...

 

The fabulous after-dinner cakes are a takeaway from ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP

We deliberately had a small dinner, for there were enchanting deserts waiting for us after dinner.

A box containing cakes carefully taken home from ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP in Royal Oak

I'll open it gently...

Great, I'm relieved. 😂   I was careful not to tip the cake in the car.

They are beautifully wrapped in paper.  A treat in the front ↑ is KEY LIME CHEESECAKE for Collie💚

CARROT  CAKE

spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting

RED VELVET CAKE

chocolate cake with butter cream frosting

Red Velvet cake has a magical charm.  Let me have a bite?

This is what it looks like on the inside.

I am happy to have tasted my dream cakes. I didn't eat them all. I'll save the rest for tomorrow. However, Collie didn't eat his Key Lime Cheesecake at all this night. It's probably he ate large sized ice cream during the day. So his cake is supposed to appear in a perfect condition again.

I can enjoy these cakes in Michigan for just a little while longer. Every moment was precious.  Rose

a ballon above Kroger & a mystery beef sandwich of Collie

Did some shopping at Collie's familiar Kroger in the evening.

When we came out of the store after shopping －

We saw a balloon just above the structure！

What a flamboyant balloon! It was a stunning image. Then we got in the car and left for his house. 

I shot Downtown Oxford from inside the car as much as I could.   A quaint atmosphere as ever...

Actually, there was another place where he stopped to buy something he could go for.   It was meat.

A beef sandwich hit the spot! When he is craving for beef, getting this beef sandwich is quick and easy. Gentle Collie gave me half of it...😂

Other than that, Salads from Olive Garden, and lemon flavored beer Collie had in his fridge. A glass of beer would enrich the table♫♬  And that unexpected beer was pretty tasty.

Not to miss the opportunity to use feta cheese I chose at Kroger, I added it to the salads. I don't have enough time to cook for a short visit in Michigan. However, meals like this are also fun and good♪

I don't remember which shop Collie bought the beef sandwich...😅　Does anyone have a guess? 

our quick and fun brunch at home

We got back all the way from Northern Michigan last night, so got up late this morning. Thank you for driving, Collie. You must be very tired from having driven for a long time. Let's have a relaxing morning with easy brunch.

Collie whipped up scrambled eggs for us😃

I add a biscuit that I brought home from CITY PARK GRILL in Petoskey.

Kroger Fresh Cut Cantaloupe/Pineapple.  Polish paper napkins are casually cute🌼

I'll put butter(with olive oil and sea salt) on my biscuit♪

Collie eats his scrambled eggs with two slices of toast.👨

On this trip, the soy milk I found at Kroger was a great discovery. I poured soy milk into a mug and enjoyed tea with milk.  Making something simple and taking it easy...  I found happiness here, too.

Night meal to the point taken out from Tropical Smoothie Cafe

We came back to Collie's house after a long drive. It was getting late at night, so we ordered our food to go at Tropical Smoothie Cafe and had it at home. This time, it was got near where he lives. I'm thankful, it is a popular chain that can be found all over the place in U.S.A.

I chose green smoothies this time. "ISLAND GREEN" is made from spinach, kale, mango, pineapple & banana. Very big as usual, and heavenly delicious again! 

"MAPLE-KISSED SWEET POTATOES" are gentle taste. Regarding sandwiches, they were avocado & cheese toasted ones, but I much preferred WRAPS to SANDWICHES on the menu.

If Tropical Smoothie Cafe were in Japan, I would probably go there often. It's not perfectly healthy since raw cane sugar is added into the smoothies. Still, I love WRAPS and SMOOTHIES. They are healthy and tempting for me. Delicious food always makes me happy if that makes sense. ☺

 

Happy tasting☆Mackinaw Trail Winery in Mackinaw Crossings Mall, Michigan

We have still time before leaving Mackinaw City. Lastly, we enjoyed going around the stores in Mackinaw Crossings Mall, and went in the shop of Mackinaw Trail Winery.

Mackinaw Trail Winery is family-owned and operated since 2004. In Michigan, there seems to be 4 tasting rooms. How nice we can see award-winning wines as one of the tasting rooms is in Downtown Mackinaw City!

It was a pleasant surprise that a visiter can choose and taste one wine for free! I chose fruity white wine from the wine list. Look at this amount in the wine glass! You can enjoy so much even though it's a tasting! The white wine is Gruner Veltliner, which strain sounds first for me. It's delicious! 

I sit on a chair at Collie's request😄

The staff at Mackinaw City Crossings Tasting Room is very friendly and amazingly welcoming. Unfortunately I didn't buy a bottle of wine because I didn't want my suitcase to get too heavy. I have to go back to Japan soon. 

Mackinaw Crossings is a Victorian inspired shopping center which has something for everyone. 

If you have a chance to visit Mackinaw City, Michigan, please take a stroll to feel the vibe of Mackinaw Crossings Mall and meet your favorite shop, restaurant or entertainment. Good day!

I'm glad I didn't have to waste food!

I've kept my leftover salad in the refrigerator of our hotel. If I don't use it for breakfast this morning, I will lose the opportunity to eat!  Maybe we can eat at the open seat of DIXIE SALOON?  Let's try it!

The remains of my Chiken Salad in a to-go box. I took it to the hotel from DIXIE SALOON last night. Coffee is from the hotel lobby this morning, and round ones are...what I baked yesterday morning😆

Collie bought his sandwich at the shop I suggested. I had the place in mind from having taken a stroll by myself at Downtown Mackinaw City last evening. 

Over there, you can see a ferry which goes to Mackinac Island and St.Ignace. It's a pleasant morning. After finished having each breakfast, we cleaned the table. 

The food of DIXIE SALOON was only Chicken Salad I ordered last night, but nothing was said from the staff relating our use of their outdoor table. I feel relieved. I am glad I didn't have to waste food. 

Thanks a million for a good opportunity to enjoy our breakfast in such a comfortable vibe...🙏  Rose

Sneaky Breakfast at AmericInn By Wyndham Petoskey & cute round waffles

Still early and Collie is sleeping. I felt like drinking coffee first thing in the morning, so I came to the breakfast room at AmericInn By Wyndham Petoskey. We will have breakfast together later, but I can taste coffee before it while he is sleeping. I'll let him have a rest. He must be tired. 

However....

Once I looked around all the food available on the shelf, I couldn't help taking those buffet style food... I ended up taking not just coffee but also a lot of food😅

I like spending time at a cafe in a relaxed way, so I can enjoy another cup of coffee leisurely when Collie has a breakfast after he is ready. The problem is, how I should tell him that I've shrewdly started whole breakfast...?

Free buffet style breakfast at AmericInn Petoskey♪

I saw other guests having round waffles they baked on the spot. Cute...😍  The small round shaped waffles caught my eye. But I'd been intrigued by a muffin and taking waffles too sounds greedy.

Ah, that's it! A Splendid idea occurred to me. Collie must bake waffles for himself. I can take a picture of his waffles😀

Surprisingly, Collie turned up soon. He wasn't surprised that I was already eating breakfast alone. I may have, I may have not, explained to him I thought maybe I'd eat some while I waited for him😓

He first took a patty, scrambled eggs, gravy sauce, and a biscuit....next went to the waffle maker. Yes! I'm excited! 

He returned to our table with his freshly baked waffles. 😳  But they were not the ones I wanted. Those were waffles with different shapes...😧  Oh, I see, there are two waffle makers to make separate waffle shapes💧

So... I went to another waffle maker to bake waffles for myself.

My cute small round waffles❤︎❤︎❤︎

I am satisfied with my cute ones😋

By the way, Collie's waffles are these. He knows nothing about my attempt. I took a snapshot while he was eating his waffles. 

I am pretty stuffed. I wrapped my cute waffles with paper napkins so I can enjoy them later. ^^

Sometimes, I tend to act strange when I am enamored with cute food. I'm grateful to him for being generous to a fool like me.