• Misaki and Amir Hajimirsadeghi got married on April 2.
• The couple planned a destination wedding at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos with a budget of $100,000.
• They managed to come in under budget and splurged on showstoppers like fireworks.

Misaki and Amir Hajimirsadeghi got married on April 2, five years after they started dating and nearly 10 years after they met.

As they started planning their wedding, Misaki and Amir wanted to prioritize not overspending.

Business Insider spoke to Misaki about how they planned their destination wedding — and came in under their $100,000 budget.

• South African actor Masali Baduza joins the cast of "Bridgerton" as Michaela Stirling. 
• Baduza makes her first appearance in the season three finale. 
• The actor previously starred in "The Woman King" and the TV series "Noughts + Crosses."

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for season three of "Bridgerton" and the book "When He Was Wicked."

The season three finale of "Bridgerton" gives Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) their happy ending, heavily implies which sibling from the titular family will get the spotlight next, and introduces a fresh spin on a fan-favorite character from Julia Quinn's novels.

The finale, released on Thursday, features the first appearance of John Stirling's (Victor Alli) cousin, Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). The cameo from John's relative is significant because it's one of the many ways the show diverges from Quinn's book series, by setting up a queer romance for Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd).

Here's what you need to know about Baduza, the newest "Bridgerton" cast member.

Baduza studied at the New York Film Academy's Los Angeles campus

The South African actor graduated with an associate of fine arts (AFA) degree in 2016. Other notable NYFA alums include Issa Rae and Aubrey Plaza.

Since graduating, Baduza has acted in theater productions, TV shows, and movies.

Baduza most recently starred in the movie 'The Woman King'

Baduza made her film debut in the 2019 movie "Bhai's Cafe." After a few roles in shorts and TV shows, including BBC's drama series "Noughts + Crosses," the actor landed a part in the 2022 film "The Woman King" starring Viola Davis.

Baduza played Fumbe, a member of the movie's all-female army.

Baduza's chemistry read with 'Bridgerton' star Hannah Dodd secured her casting on the show

In the "Bridgerton" books, John dies two years into his marriage to Francesca and his cousin Michael becomes the new Earl of Kilmartin. Years pass before Francesca and Michael reconnect and explore their feelings for each other, leading to marriage and two children.

Since Michael has been gender-flipped for the TV show adaptation, Francesca's love story will probably play out much differently.

In an interview with Glamour, "Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell said that they "flew her out the moment we saw her tape to do a chemistry read with Hannah."

"She absolutely nailed it," Brownell said, adding that Dodd was keen on Baduza being cast after meeting her.

"I remember the moment Hannah met Masali," Brownell recalled. "After Masali left, she said, 'Well, that's her.' Hannah could feel it. She is an incredible actress, and she and I have had a lot of talks about the weight and importance of her role. She's really stepped into it with wonderful energy."

All eight episodes of "Bridgerton" season three are now streaming on Netflix.

• Multiple characters discover Lady Whistledown's real identity in "Bridgerton" season three, part two.
• This happened in "Romancing Mister Bridgerton," the book it's based on — but Netflix does it better.
• Here's how the plot differs from the book and why the show's version is an improvement.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for "Bridgerton" season three, part two, and the book "Romancing Mister Bridgerton."

Penelope Featherington's secret identity as Lady Whistledown is finally revealed in part two of "Bridgerton" season three.

Since season one, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) has secretly published a gossip column about London's high society under the pseudonym Lady Whistledown.

In seasons two and three, Penelope's double life creates trouble for her as Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) begin hunting for Lady Whistledown's real identity.

A similar storyline occurs in "Romancing Mister Bridgerton," the Julia Quinn book this season is based on.

"Bridgerton," one of Netflix's most-watched series, has already made plenty of book changes (both good and bad), including revealing Penelope as Lady Whistledown to the audience way back in season one. But the Whistledown reveal in season three marks one of the biggest improvements the Netflix show has made so far.

Here's how the TV series handles the Whistledown reveal differently and why this new plot is better.

Colin is the third person to discover Lady Whistledown's identity rather than the first

In "Romancing Mister Bridgerton," Colin Bridgerton discovers Penelope's Whistledown secret before their engagement and is the first person to find out.

Halfway through the book, Colin visits Penelope while figuring out his complicated feelings for her and sees her enter an unmarked carriage. Colin follows Penelope to a shady part of town and confronts her.

During the carriage ride home, they argue about Penelope being Whistledown before kissing each other. Colin then proposes, much like he does in the series — except notably, in the book, he knows she's Whistledown when he asks her to marry him.

The "Bridgerton" TV show goes in a different direction, with some key changes.

Madame Delacroix (Kathryn Drysdale), a dressmaker, discovers Penelope's identity first in season two after bumping into her in the city center. They agree to be allies.

Eloise, Penelope's best friend and Colin's sister, also discovers Penelope's secret in the season two finale. This reveal leads to a massive fight and a friendship breakup between the pair that continues throughout most of season three.

In season three, episode four, Colin proposes to Penelope without knowing she is secretly Lady Whistledown. Therefore, in episode five, Eloise urges Penelope to tell Colin the truth before they marry.

Eloise gives Penelope an ultimatum, but it doesn't matter. Just before Eloise reveals the secret to Colin herself, Cressida Cowper, Penelope's rival, falsely reveals herself as Lady Whistledown, throwing everything into disarray.

Colin doesn't find out the truth until the end of episode six after overhearing Penelope and Eloise talk about Whistledown and following his fiancée to the printer where she's delivered the latest edition of her column.

This change raises the stakes for season three in two ways.

Eloise becomes an obstacle in Colin and Penelope's relationship, adding pressure on Penelope to reveal the secret. In addition, Colin's anger is more justified since two people he loves have been hiding the big Whistledown secret from him.

"Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell told The Hollywood Reporter that she thinks the secret hits Colin harder this way because he is trying to prove himself to her.

"I think for Colin, the fact that he has given so much of himself to Penelope and shown her so much unconditional love and been really truthful about his feelings, it hits extra hard that she's been keeping a secret from him," she said.

Cressida also figures out Lady Whistledown's identity in a much different way in the books

In both "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" and "Bridgerton" season three, London's high society decides to hunt down Lady Whistledown.

In the book, Lady Danbury starts the hunt by offering a bounty of £1,000 to whoever reveals her identity. But in the series, Queen Charlotte provides a bounty of £5,000.

In the book, Cressida pretends to be Lady Whistledown, is exposed by Penelope, and blackmails her. The TV series slightly changes this part of the storyline.

Firstly, season three provides more depth into Cressida's circumstances.

The audience discovers that Cressida doesn't come from a loving family and is a scared, lonely woman trying to make her own path in the world and escape an arranged marriage to an elderly man. Therefore, Cressida's drive in the show is to escape the confines of London's society with the bounty money.

When Cressida fails to persuade the Queen that she is Lady Whistledown in episode six, her mother finally helps her pull off a fake Whistledown column. This spurs Penelope to write a Whistledown column to expose Cressida as a fraud.

Penelope's attempt to stop Cressida leads Queen Charlotte to believe Lady Whistledown is a Bridgerton, and she confronts the Bridgertons in episode seven during Colin and Penelope's wedding breakfast.

Later in the episode, Cressida also discovers that Penelope is Lady Whistledown after questioning a printer's apprentice.

These particular changes make Cressida a more empathetic villain.

In May, Jessica Madsen, who plays Cressida, told Business Insider of her character's journey in season three: "I really saw it as her trying to do her best with very little understanding, very little knowledge, and very little perspective on reality until reality starts to smack her in the face."

Penelope is also put under even greater pressure in part two since angering Queen Charlotte could have serious consequences.

Penelope willingly comes forward to reveal her identity to the Ton in 'Bridgerton,' unlike the book

In the season finale, Cressida reveals what she knows to Penelope and Lady Featherington, asking for £10,000 from Penelope to keep quiet about the secret.

Ignoring her mother's advice, Penelope tells Colin and Eloise the truth. Colin takes charge from there and goes to Cressida to get her to recount her blackmail. He fails, and Cressida doubles the blackmail money.

Colin also takes charge in the book series after discovering Cressida's blackmail, but he's more successful in that version of events. With help from his family, Colin reveals Penelope as Lady Whistledown during a ball, which leads to the whole of London's high society applauding her.

The season three finale takes a different approach, and the show is better for it.

In the show, instead of paying off Cressida, Penelope uses her Whistledown money to help her sisters pull off a ball they have been planning. She writes to the Queen, revealing her identity and asking the royal to expose her in the middle of the ball.

Then, in front of London's high society, Penelope pleads her case, revealing why she started the column, apologizing to those she harmed, and promising to do better in the future.

The Queen is charmed by the speech and promptly exits the party, satisfied, leaving Penelope standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. There is no applause and it is unclear if the party-goers accept Penelope's apology.

But Philippa Finch (Harriet Cains), Penelope's sister, quickly changes the mood by releasing a cage full of butterflies into the room. After that, nobody seems terribly bothered by Penelope's reveal. And later in the episode, Penelope is writing another gossip paper, this time under her own name, indicating her plea likely worked.

These changes work so much better for the Whistledown reveal.

Giving Penelope a more prominent role in resolving the Cressida issue allows her to connect with her mother for the first time and rebuild her friendship with Eloise. It also gives Penelope agency in fixing her problems and organizing her own reveal of her secret identity.

As Penelope says in the season finale, she doesn't need Colin to save her: Colin just needs to love and stand by her. The writers of the Netflix series give Penelope the opportunity to be the hero of her own story — not a woman who needs her husband to fix things for her.

• Wells Fargo reportedly fired over a dozen workers for faking work with simulated keyboard activity.
• This move highlights the ongoing tensions between bosses and workers feeling disengaged.
• A recent Gallup report shows US worker engagement is at its lowest in over a decade.

Wells Fargo's decision to fire reportedly more than a dozen workers it accused of faking work shows some bosses are done tolerating disengaged employees.

The financial giant fired the workers last month "after review of allegations involving simulation of keyboard activity creating impression of active work," Bloomberg reported, citing filings to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

According to LinkedIn profiles that appear to correspond to people named in FINRA filings seen by Business Insider, several workers dismissed from Wells Fargo in May categorized their roles as either hybrid or remote.

The filings, however, do not say whether the fired employees were allegedly faking work from home.

A Wells Fargo spokesperson didn't immediately respond to BI's request for comment.

It's unclear whether the former employees were using so-called mouse jigglers, which some workers have used to keep their chat status active and prevent their computers from going to sleep.

Regardless, the firings are a reminder that businesses can face high costs when workers mail it in and of the continuing tug-of-war over where people do their jobs. Big US banks have been some of the strictest employers when it comes to calling workers back to the office.

Wells Fargo states on its website that many of its corporate workers are eligible to work hybrid roles. But that flexibility has been harder to come by in finance as Wall Street firms continue to push workers to return to the office. In one survey last year, however, two-thirds of execs at US financial services companies said they'd rather quit than head into the office five days a week.

While some of the return-to-office fights from a couple of years ago have cooled, there are still disagreements about the impact of workers not being in their cubicles every day. And it's not just because bosses might not trust employees when they're not within earshot of them. Some remote workers also report feeling less dialed into their 9-to-5.

That feeling is also showing up in other snapshots of worker sentiment. In April, the polling firm Gallup reported that worker engagement in the US had fallen to the lowest level in more than a decade. Only about one in three full- and part-time workers reported being engaged in the first quarter of 2024, according to Gallup.

More worrisome, Gallup found that 17% of workers were "actively disengaged" in the first three months of the year, up a point from 2023.

• A US Navy fast-attack submarine just arrived in Cuba, shortly after a Russian sub showed up there.
• The Los Angeles-class USS Helena is in Guantanamo Bay, while the Yasan-class Kazan is near Havana.
• US and Western officials have long expressed concerns over Russia's Yasan-class boats.

A US Navy nuclear-powered attack submarine arrived in Cuba on Thursday, the Pentagon revealed, putting the American combat vessel in the Caribbean nation at the same time as one of Russia's most formidable subs.

US Southern Command said the fast-attack submarine USS Helena is presently in Guantanamo Bay as part of a routine port visit while conducting a "global maritime security and national defense mission" through SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility.

"The vessel's location and transit were previously planned," the military wrote in a statement.

The Helena is a Los Angeles-class submarine, a class of nuclear-powered boats that make up the backbone of the Navy's sub force. It was commissioned in the late 1980s and can be armed with torpedos, Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

Meanwhile, more than 500 miles away on the other side of Cuba, in waters near Havana, is a flotilla of Russian naval vessels that arrived this week ahead of maritime exercises in the Caribbean.

One of these vessels is the Kazan, a Yasan-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine.

US and other Western officials have long expressed concerns about Yasan-class subs like the Kazan because of their strike and stealth capabilities. These vessels are relatively new — the first in the class was commissioned just over 10 years ago — and they can be heavily armed to conduct attacks against targets on land and at sea.

A spokesperson for SOUTHCOM said that the Helena's arrival in Cuba was not a direct response to the Russian naval vessels. "Russia's activities pose no threat or concern to the United States, and we see no reason to alter previously planned, routine activity in response to Russian activity in the region," they said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday called the visit a "normal practice" and said Moscow doesn't see any reason to be concerned. The naval activity has been seen by some, however, as an attempt by Russia to flex its naval power after losing a string of warships in the Black Sea to Ukrainian missiles and drones, but if it's intended to project power, it's limited.

The visit comes amid elevated tensions between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine war. The US recently lifted some restrictions on the Ukrainians, allowing Kyiv to strike Russian territory with American-made weapons, a move that was met with anger by the Kremlin.

Sabrina Singh, the deputy Pentagon spokesperson, said the US has been tracking the Russian naval movement and described the port call as a "routine" visit that does not come as a surprise.

"We're always constantly going to monitor any foreign vessels operating near US territorial waters," Singh said during a Wednesday briefing. "We, of course, take it seriously, but these exercises don't pose a threat to the United States."

• I reviewed 27 seasonal summer products from Trader Joe's as part of an ongoing taste-test series. 
• Foods like the key-lime tea cookies and Bloody Mary salsa will become summertime staples of mine.
• Next time, I'll pass on the pickle chips, Enchanted Jangle, and dark-chocolate watermelon sticks.

From versatile crispy jalapeño pieces to luscious Southern-style peach ice cream, Trader Joe's has plenty of seasonal items for the summer. 

As part of an ongoing series in which I review Trader Joe's seasonal products, I gave the chain's summer offerings a try. Products vary each year from summer to summer, but many return. 

Keep reading to find out which products I'll return for and which ones I'll pass on next time. 

The lemony arugula salad made for a light and refreshing lunch

I know that arugula gets a bad rap because of its strong, slightly bitter flavor, but give this salad a chance.

This salad's astringent of greens packed every bite with a bold, peppery flavor that played well with the delicious melange of nutty roasted almonds, sweet carrot ribbons, and salty Parmesan flakes.

There wasn't a ton of each topping, but enough for me to notice the textural contributions.

All of this was tied together with a lemon-basil vinaigrette that tasted more like a mustard dressing than any of the two named ingredients, yet somehow still worked perfectly with everything else. 

That said, the salad certainly could have used more dressing. So this is me, once again, asking Trader Joe's to please give us two packets of vinaigrette with every bagged salad.

Nevertheless, this salad tasted like something I'd pay $14 for at a swanky brunch restaurant. Plus, it comes as an all-in-one meal kit, with no additional shopping, chopping, or slicing required.

Goodbye, boring mixed-green salads — I've met my match.

VERDICT: If I had a cooler, this is exactly the kind of salad I'd throw in it and take to an outdoor lunch.

Given how much it would cost to buy this salad's individual ingredients — like the almonds alone — it's worth buying. 

The combination of powdered sugar, shortbread, and citrus in these key-lime tea cookies was absolutely divine

Upon opening the box, I was met with the fresh, invigorating scent of key limes — a nice preview for the bright, aromatic, and all-around delightful snacking experience to come.

The cookies themselves were roughly the size of a silver dollar and just a bit thicker than a standard wafer treat, lending them a delicate quality that would make them perfect for an outdoor picnic or afternoon tea, as the name aptly suggests.

Trader Joe's absolutely nailed the shortbread texture.

Key-lime pie is often paired with a honeyed graham-cracker crust, but the simple, buttery shortbread made the citrus flavor pop and lent the cookies a soft yet crumbly mouthfeel.

Every bite was bursting with refreshing key-lime flavor that tasted exactly like the center of the famous pie, and the dusting of powdered sugar enhanced the citrus' subtle sweetness.

VERDICT: These key-lime tea cookies were such a nice change of pace from the usual chocolate or strawberry-themed sweets I enjoy during the summer.

Between their delicate texture and yummy key-lime flavor, these cookies will be a staple of mine for years to come — no tea party necessary.

This dill-pickle mustard would upgrade nearly any summer sandwich

This dill-pickle mustard packed quite a punch. The herbaceous dill was in full effect, almost to an unrelenting degree, and dominated every corner of my nose and taste buds, with a kick of tangy vinegar in tow.

Although dill was the dominant flavor, it didn't completely bury the sharp, savory mustard that was the perfect pairing for this herb and made the whole mix even spicier.

This mustard is flavored with dill weed and contains chunks of pickle. I liked the added texture.

It tasted great on my barbecue sandwich, and I can totally see it elevating a hamburger or hot dog, especially if you're a pickle fan.

By itself, it's a bit too sharp and strong, but then again, most people aren't just eating mustard by the spoonful. 

VERDICT: This mustard was pretty good, but I can't see myself buying it more than once every year or two.

Still, the fun combination of vinegary pickles, aromatic dill, and sharp mustard makes this a great condiment for any summer barbecue.

Trader Joe's pulled chicken in hickory-smoke-flavored sauce may have been the best instant barbecue I've ever had

I'm not sure it gets any better than tender chicken doused in a slightly smoky yet sweet sauce.

Each package of this item comes with a pound of ready-to-eat chicken in chunks that are just the right size to add to any dish, which I appreciated as a working single person who doesn't always have time to meal prep.

Everything comes precooked, but you can microwave the meat for two minutes if you prefer it warm.

The tender and flavorful results made this option that much better than Trader Joe's year-round offerings, so much so that I don't even know why I'm bothering to cook this summer.

Even better, there was ample sauce to go around, and this stuff tasted like liquid gold and clung nicely to each chunk of meat. It wasn't too sweet and boasted a refined, woody, peppery profile with subtle notes of molasses. 

This product is the absolutely perfect execution of a convenient meal. Bravo, Trader Joe's.

VERDICT: As someone who loves barbecue but doesn't own a grill or smoker, I'm certain this pulled chicken will be a staple in my house.

It's easy to throw together and also super versatile — the tender chunks of meat would make the perfect addition to sandwiches, pizzas, and salads.

The tangy and garlicky dill-pickle hummus would be a superb summertime snack 

Amazingly, this dip had the same creamy texture as the chain's other hummus options, so you'd never guess there's real pickle and might even mistake the green bits of dill for other herbs like basil.

That said, you can absolutely taste it, but the vinegary tang was light enough to be enjoyable.

The tahini, chickpea, and garlic flavors paired well with the dill, which makes sense since the herb is a common ingredient in tzatziki, which is usually eaten alongside hummus. 

This dip also managed to avoid being overly salty. It also paired almost too well with savory chips.

At the same time, the brine-y pickle flavor lent the dip a slightly sour overtone, which I surprisingly enjoyed.

I'm salivating just thinking about how this spread would taste smeared inside a turkey sandwich.

VERDICT:  This dill-pickle hummus has convinced me to embrace the mantra "don't knock it 'til you try it," and the snack section of my fridge will be eternally grateful.

The Bloody Mary salsa was packed with tomatoes, spice, and everything nice

I know there's no vodka in this Bloody Mary salsa, but this tasty, peppery dip transported me to a boozy brunch.

Spice-forward, tangy, and bursting with the sharp bite of horseradish, black pepper, and bitter celery salt, this product encompasses all of the flavors of its namesake cocktail. 

The only thing that separated this from an actual Bloody Mary mix was the texture, but it was so good that I could probably blend it to drink on its own.

It was undoubtedly a chunky salsa, with tomato bits of varying sizes swimming in a sea of peppers and flavorful juices.

It tasted so much more complex than many of the chain's other jarred salsas, and I'm shocked that most restaurants don't already serve a version of this on their menu. I genuinely wouldn't change a thing about it.

VERDICT: It looks like this item is seasonal but doesn't return every year. It was so good I hope it keeps coming back.

The gluten-free cauliflower crisps are an essential summer snack

I don't have gluten sensitivities, but I appreciate that Trader Joe's makes snacks that myself and my gluten-free friends can enjoy.

These crisps looked pretty underwhelming. With a slightly murky tan hue and the thickness of a wafer, they seemed like flat cookies — make sure to clearly mark these when you put them out unless you want some confused party guests.

Biting into these cauliflower crisps turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Like most gluten-free products, they were thicker than the standard chip due to the base of brown rice and cauliflower, but their texture was both crunchy and scrumptious.

They were sturdy enough to hold up to hummus and the Bloody Mary salsa without breaking or disintegrating, which is better than some of the regular chips I buy.

They also sported a neutral onion-garlic seasoning that would make them palatable with a bunch of different dips, yet tasty enough to eat on their own.

I definitely picked up on a cauliflower aftertaste, but it was so light that I grew accustomed to it after the second bite. Plus, the crisps were so well-salted that I didn't mind.

VERDICT: Even though I wish these came in a slightly bigger bag, these were tasty, gluten-free chips just about everyone can enjoy.

If you dislike coconut milk, don't be put off by the label that lists it as a key ingredient — I couldn't detect the slightest hint of it.

The dark-chocolate watermelon sticks are a unique summertime snack

I assumed these sticks were going to taste like a Jolly Rancher, but Trader Joe's instead opted for a jelly filling.

When I first sampled these, I audibly uttered, "Oh, that's different!"

As I ate more, I grew accustomed to the sensation of biting into the chocolate and tasting that sweet, fruity center.

The filling didn't taste like fresh watermelon, but I've come to learn this type of flavoring rarely does. In this case, it was more like a cross between whatever goes in the chain's chocolate-covered Powerberries and toaster pastries, with added watermelon juice.

When paired with the dark-chocolate exterior, these flavors made for an OK combination, but I think it would've been more satisfying with citrus or sweetly tart fruits like oranges and strawberries. 

The sticks are cute, but they're not as striking as they'd be if Trader Joe's made them half-moon-shaped mini watermelons. 

I also find that salty or spicy flavors pair better with the sunny sweetness of melons.

VERDICT: I didn't love these chocolaty watermelon pieces enough to buy them again, but they'd make a great addition to a snack table.

The pineapple barbecue sauce was delectably sweet and spicy  


As long as I live, I will loudly proclaim and defend my love for all things pineapple, and I'll continue by raving about how great this barbecue sauce is.

Tomato, molasses, pineapple, and other notable flavors come together to form a sauce that's equal parts tangy, peppery, and sweet.

I'd actually call it restaurant quality. It tasted quite similar to Trader Joe's standard barbecue sauce with a sweet touch from the pineapple. The main difference is the texture since some bits of crushed fruit were in the jar.

But this sauce was such a standout because it absorbed all of the natural-sugar flavors and the subtle kick of citrus without tasting fruity. It's the kind of addition that would make grilled dishes come alive.

If I owned a grill, I'd cover everything with it, but for now, my frozen fries and nuggets will have to suffice.

VERDICT: This item is absolutely worth buying for the summer. Even though I can't see myself wanting to use it all of the time, it's a fresh take on standard barbecue sauce.

These crispy jalapeño pieces would elevate just about any summer meal

After finally getting my hands on a can of these crispy jalapeños, I can totally see them becoming a contender for the chain's next Customer Choice Awards.

Falling somewhere between a ridged potato chip and nacho topping with a scent that's nearly identical to jalapeño-cheese bagels, these crispy bits have the "it" factor that would make them both the perfect snack and sandwich addition.

They're crunchy, salty, savory, and spicy, but not in an overwhelming way. I'd been eating them by the handful and found the burn pleasantly crept onto the roof of my mouth but quickly dissipated.

They reminded me of a cooler version of the onion strings you'd put on green-bean casserole with an added kick, so I'm hoping this product becomes a year-round staple.

Best of all, these pieces seemed to go with everything. I sprinkled a few on top of a barbecue-chicken sandwich and was blown away by how well they enhanced the savory flavors.

They'd likely taste great crumbled on tacos, nachos, or inside a burger, but they're also just as yummy straight out of the can.

VERDICT: If you're a fan of crispy onion strings and aren't afraid of a little heat, you'll love these crispy jalapeño pieces.

Between their crispy potato-chip texture and a piquant jalapeño flavor, these will make an appearance in many of my meals and snack bowls this summer. 

The Southern peach-crisp ice cream was simply irresistible

I don't write expletives in my reviews, but I'll admit that I uttered one — in the best way possible — when I first sampled this peach-crisp ice cream.

It was one of the best store-bought ice creams I've ever tried.

Every bite was full of decadent, milky sweet-cream flavor. The peach presence was subtle enough that it was like receiving a pleasant surprise on top of the dessert I was already enjoying.

The same goes for the oat chunks — I definitely had to hunt for them, but when I did find them, it was like hitting the lottery since they tasted like mini, soft-baked oatmeal cookies with cinnamon and brown-sugar undertones.

Plus, this ice cream was so smooth that it tasted as if an individual person churned it themselves.

If you told me I could only eat one ice cream for the rest of the year and gave me this option, I'd be peachy keen.

VERDICT: I've enjoyed a lot of good sweets in my day, but I don't remember the last time my taste buds were this happy.

No frozen treat is complete without one of Trader Joe's organic sugar cones

When I was a kid, I always asked for ice cream in a cup for more bang for my buck and less mess, but the older I get, the more I appreciate what the right cone can bring to the table.

This sugar cone was the perfect vehicle for enjoying my Trader Joe's ice cream. It was sturdy enough to keep everything intact without losing its crunch and was a lightly sweet complement to the frozen treat. 

It was also just the right size — I comfortably fit a decent scoop onto the cone without any ice cream spilling out of the sides.

VERDICT: If you're going to Trader Joe's to buy ice cream, you might as well pick up some cones. I'd keep these on hand to enjoy with cool treats and avoid sticky dishes all summer long.

These dill-pickle-flavored chips seemed unnecessary 

As the "pickle friend" in my group, even I'll admit that sometimes we need to just let pickles be pickles. Every food under the sun doesn't need to be infused with dill, and these chips are proof of that.  

Even though they had all of the right elements — the perfect crunch, plenty of seasoning, and ample salt — something about eating them felt wrong.

They tasted exactly like a dill pickle but also left a lingering aftertaste in my mouth that I wasn't particularly thrilled about.

This isn't as noticeable when I eat regular pickles since they're usually dredged in a liquid brine, but coming from a dry potato chip made it unpleasant.

I don't understand why these were made — if I wanted a crunchy snack that tasted like a pickle, I'd just eat one. And if I wanted a bite-sized variety, I could easily get those too.

You could argue that chips are more suitable for dipping, but the dill flavor was so strong that the only thing I'd pair these with is the pickle hummus — which admittedly did make both components taste really good.

That said, I'm certainly not going to sink these into my caramelized-onion dip anytime soon.

VERDICT: Sorry to my fellow pickle fans, but I thought these chips were a disappointment. 

Trader Joe's ravioli deliciously blended sweet corn and creamy burrata

With the flavors of fresh corn and lightly sweet burrata all wrapped up in pillowy pockets, this ravioli captures the essence of the perfect summer pasta.

The corn added a pleasant pop of fresh flavor, and the burrata boasted a creamy, mildly buttery taste. This was the most visibly plump Trader Joe's ravioli I've ever sampled, which is probably due to each pasta's pocket-like shape. Plus, every piece held up through the cooking process. 

I couldn't really taste the basil that was advertised on the bag, but I was willing to overlook that since the ravioli was fine without it and I topped my dish with fresh pieces of the herb anyway.

VERDICT: Thanks to the irresistibly tasty burrata and sweet-corn filling, this option might just dethrone Trader Joe's lemon variety as my favorite ravioli.

It's perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something filling yet light. It will forever receive recognition as a summer staple in my home.

Trader Joe's old-fashioned potato salad is one of the best store-bought potato salads I've tried

I normally loathe store-bought potato salad, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one.

The potato pieces were cooked just right and held up well under the dressing. It had a bit of a drier mouthfeel (which is sort of expected for something sitting on the shelf), but for the most part, I'd describe the overall texture of this stuff as quite creamy, but not at all mushy.

The big sell for me was that it wasn't overly mayonnaise-y, a common pitfall of most store-bought potato salads. Instead, Trader Joe's did a nice job salting this just enough to be enticing. The addition of green scallions and finely chopped hard-boiled eggs also offered more flavor beyond just salt.

The dish had a slight vinegar taste, and this salad would've been near-perfect for me had it included actual bits of pickle or relish. Even without it, this potato salad still made for an adequate starchy side dish.

VERDICT: No matter what, homemade will always be the best when it comes to potato salad. Still, I really enjoyed this and will definitely be buying it again next time I'm in the mood for barbecue.

Kids are likely to love Enchanted Jangle, but it was way too sugary for me 

Like the other Jangles from Trader Joe's, this bag features a hodgepodge of various crunchy and chewy textured mini treats.

Unlike the other Jangles, however, this one seemed like it was engineered by a child who was given free rein to throw whatever goodies they liked into a massive jar and call it a day. To be fair, that's my bad for not taking the cue from the unicorn on the bag.

It contains strawberry-flavored mini marshmallows, pink confection chips, chocolate-covered pretzel nuggets, and — interestingly — lemon-yogurt-dipped animal cookies. It is as ridiculously sweet as you can imagine, but if you know what you're getting into, it shouldn't be shocking.

There are also regular pretzel lattices in the mix, which seem like some last attempt to add some salt (maybe an adult stepped into the room during the creation process), but the mix is still too sweet for me. In this case, the pretzels are kind of like the people who showed up late to the party without the invite.

VERDICT: Although I don't see myself buying this Jangle again, I can see it being a hit for kids. I'd also recommend this to anyone with a serious sweet tooth looking for something colorful and fun to put on display.

Trader Joe's strawberry-and-vanilla yogurt pretzels are another worthy sweet-and-salty combo to add to your snack rotation

Each pretzel is covered on all sides in a pretty pink-and-white yogurt coating that tasted like it had real strawberry infused into it. It was delicately sweet with a twinge of fruitiness that was well balanced by the salt of the pretzel.

This treat reminded me of dipping french fries into a strawberry milkshake. 

I was especially big on the fact that they were miniature. It added to the cuteness factor and made it so I could enjoy a few of them at a time, and there was still plenty in the bag to go around for days.

VERDICT: In my opinion, these are a welcome addition to the lineup of seasonal dipped pretzels but they're not as tasty as the ginger ones Trader Joe's has had in the spring.

These s'mores clusters are good enough to make me not want to buy regular candy bars

These lumpy mounds attempt to harness the totality of the camping snack into bite-sized candy-bar form, without the mess.

A bag contains around 12 silver-dollar-sized pieces, each consisting of a layer of graham cracker topped with a mini marshmallow, enrobed in deliciously smooth milk chocolate. 

The milk-chocolate layer was thick, smooth, and sweet. In my humble opinion, the chocolate seemed better quality than typical candy bars and more like what you might find at a theme-park candy shop. The graham cracker was just the right thickness to make its appearance known with a slight crunch and tasty honey flavor. 

One note for the dessert purists — because the marshmallows are small, they get buried a bit, so if you're looking for a true s'more flavor experience, this isn't quite that.

VERDICT: Treats like these are the reason I'm a Trader Joe's loyalist for life. I'll be mourning when they disappear come fall. I'd also love to see a dark-chocolate version someday. 

The chain's tres-leches cake earned high marks for its convenience, but the frosting left something to be desired

Picture vanilla pudding in cake form, and you have Trader Joe's take on tres leches.

Like most versions of this dessert, the texture was so spongy and so soft under the milks that it pretty much dissolved immediately when it touched my tongue.

Each bite brought an omnipresent vanilla sweetness that I couldn't help but keep going back to, even though it tasted a bit artificial. It sort of felt like eating vanilla custard with cake pieces in it.

Overall, for a frozen cake, it's really quite yummy. The convenience really won me over. I love baking tres leches, but it can be a lot of work. With this, I simply let this thaw in my fridge for several hours and it was ready to eat.

The frosting, however, was a letdown. It tasted like an unsweetened, whipped buttercream without any flavoring, in my opinion. Thankfully, it's nothing a bit of fruit cannot improve. I didn't have any fruit on hand when I tried this, but if I did, this would have been a home run.

VERDICT: As someone who enjoys baking tres leches but doesn't always want to go to the trouble of making an entire cake (let alone buying three milks), I really appreciate this cake.

For all its flaws, it really is quite superb for a frozen cake. I'll definitely be picking up one more box for the summer.

Trader Joe's scrumptious cheddar-jalapeño pull-apart bread is a standout in the bakery section

I was so excited to try this that I actually skipped reading the instructions that state to warm it in the oven before taking a bite. It was still tasty. 

Once fully heated, this bread reminded me of a better version of the cheesy bread I add to every pizza-delivery order. It was super soft with a slightly doughy, almost bagel-like chew without being too dense. It tasted plenty cheesy and mildly spicy thanks to the jalapeño rings baked directly into it. 

Basically, this bread is the stuff of dreams. I dipped it into cream cheese to balance out the heat, but I'd serve it with something like the chain's elote dip if I wanted to kick up the heat.

Really, my only complaint is that the package isn't resealable.

VERDICT: I would absolutely buy this again.

Trader Joe's frozen corn ribs bring a tasty vegan barbecue main without having to bust out the grill

Trader Joe's corn ribs are like regular corn on the cob that's been cut into smaller sections for easier eating, so there is still a cob in the center.

These curved corn sticks created a pool of what seemed to be vegan butter on my baking sheet by the time they finished heating in the oven. Still, this didn't translate to a greasy taste. In fact, these were actually quite tasty. 

The reddish-brown seasoning offered a salty taste with a very faint hint of cumin-like flavor, but overall, it wasn't very strong. I squeezed some lime over my corn ribs to brighten things up a bit. These would also benefit significantly from being slathered in another sauce, like elote dip.

The slightly curved shape and the fact that the kernels sit on a "bone" really did make each bite of this feel like I was eating the vegetarian version of a rib, which was pretty neat. I wish these existed years ago when I was still not eating meat.

In all, this is a satisfying vegan barbecue food, but I'm not sure if it's for me. I say this as someone with the privilege of living in an apartment complex with a communal grill space. For someone living somewhere where this kind of food isn't accessible, I can see these being a game changer.

VERDICT: I don't think I'd buy these again for myself — I prefer regular corn on the cob, and the portion size in the bag seemed a bit small — but I still think these ribs are neat to try. 

If you want a chewy, fruity snack, look no further than these Beach Day! gummy candies 

Despite the gummy name, these weren't like bendable gelatinous worms or bears in the movie concession stand. I think they're more like actual fruit snacks, pleasantly chewy and easy to bite into. 

Each morsel had a fruit-juice-style sweetness that was slightly tart on the finish. To me, the prevailing flavor was peach, with a few gummies offering a vague lime flavor. Either way, they're quite yummy, and the shapes are absolutely adorable.

VERDICT: These are an essential for road trips. 

This Mediterranean-style salad kit could work as a side, but there's nothing really special about it

I expected this salad to resemble a classic Greek salad, but it tasted more like a fancy slaw.

In place of typical leafy greens were sturdy leaves of finely chopped romaine and radicchio. The salad also contains shredded broccoli and toasted flatbread sticks, which made it a win for crunch factor, and a tasty classic red-wine vinaigrette that's neither too tangy nor sweet.

For the most part, I thought this was fine, but nothing to write home about. Some of the dried tomato bits were too dry, in my opinion, resulting in some awkwardly brittle pieces. The feta crumbles practically vanished once everything was tossed together, and there were so few chickpeas they almost seemed like they weren't supposed to be there.

As my experience is with most Trader Joe's salad kits, I think it also could've used a lot more dressing. Like, at least two packets.

On the plus side, this held up well for hours and didn't get soggy — probably because there was so little dressing. Overall, It's not bad if you're looking for something green to sneak as a side into your weeknight meals.

VERDICT: I probably won't go out of my way to get this for lunch, but I might pick it up if I needed a last-minute side for pasta.

The peaches-and-cream spread is made to be stuffed inside a summery French toast

When I opened the container of Trader Joe's peaches-and-cream spread, I saw no obvious peach chunks. When I tried it, the fruity component was very noticeable, and there was a slight tang the moment the spread hit my palate.

I thought this tasted like a denser, slightly sweeter, spreadable peach yogurt. It's decently tasty, but if you're not a huge fan of peaches, this might be too much without another strong flavor to pair it with.

I spread it on regular wheat bread, but I imagine it would be great on French toast with lots of cinnamon and fresh peaches.

VERDICT: Though I probably wouldn't buy this again, I'd recommend it to anyone who loves peaches.

The Out of this World ice pops had strong fruity, citrus-y flavors

The level of pucker in these patriotic-colored ice pops sent me into another dimension. OK, maybe that's dramatic. But I thought these were much more tart than sweet.

The red layer of the ice pop was strawberry-flavored, but to me, it seemed closer to raspberry or cherry. The center layer was a similar-tasting icy blueberry puree, and the bottom white layer was an intensely sour cold lemon-juice concentrate.

Though I prefer an ice pop with a touch of creamy sweetness, these were still pretty decent.

I also loved that the color of each icy layer was at the center of the flavor above it. For example, the red strawberry layer had a blueberry core.

Best of all, each pop is just the right size for a light snack. I think the picture on the box is pretty much to scale. 

VERDICT: I can't see myself buying another box, but I'd recommend these to anyone wanting a light, frozen treat.

The passion-fruit granola would bring a tasty, tropical flair to summertime breakfasts

This item was delicious. The granola had just the right level of passion-fruit-like sweetness to give me that tropical, fruity vibe without tasting like perfume or fruity lotion (which, for me, is a common problem with passion-fruit-flavored products).

This flavor worked surprisingly well when paired with the oat clusters. The sour notes tasted sweet against the nuttiness.

The granola mixture also contained freeze-dried raspberries, which offered a soft bite that dissolved into a bright, tart flavor. 

I intended to sample just a few tiny pieces but ended up pouring some into a ramekin for snacking.

VERDICT: I'm planning to grab another bag before the summer ends. It's tasty enough to eat as a snack, but I'm positive it would be amazing on top of an açaí bowl or plain yogurt.

The strawberry-and-jalapeño crisps were a vacation for my taste buds

Some people will undoubtedly find these crackers odd. Honestly, I understand — this snack is essentially a spicy cookie masquerading as a cracker. But I loved it.

The lively jalapeño worked wonderfully with the dry, sweet strawberry bits, with a quick-hitting medium heat that warmed the sides of my mouth and built with each successive bite. It was like the feeling of a hot summer day outdoors captured inside a single cracker.

I enjoyed these plain, but I'd also have them with plain goat cheese or Brie to bring out even more sweet notes.

VERDICT: This is the only cracker I'll be buying this summer.

Click to keep reading other Trader Joe's taste tests in this series.

This story was originally published in June 2021 and most recently updated on June 13, 2024.

• Culdesac Tempe is a car-free neighborhood offering apartments and amenities near Phoenix.
• Residents use walking, biking, and public transit with a complimentary mobility package.
• Phoenix plans to expand its public transportation, making car-free living more feasible.

I'm 28 years old and still don't have my driver's license. Frankly, cars scare me, and getting behind the wheel is a responsibility I still can't confidently accept.

Luckily, I live in NYC, where a car-free lifestyle is attainable. There are plenty of ways to get around without a license, from efficient public transportation systems to walkable neighborhoods and ride-share apps.

But I don't want to live in the Big Apple forever. For years, I've dreaded learning to drive before eventually moving elsewhere in the US.

The anxiety ate away at me until a recent trip to Arizona, where I visited a car-free neighborhood in Tempe called Culdesac.

A walkable neighborhood in a city suburb

Culdesac opened in 2023 and currently has 172 units and 200 residents, a company representative told Business Insider.

The 17-acre block 10 miles from Phoenix has shaded courtyards, apartments, a restaurant, and amenities, including a two-story fitness center, oversize games, and a weekly night market with vendors.

Culdesac also has 11 micro-retailers on-site, including a market, a laundromat, a medical spa, an art studio, a plant shop, and a thrift store.

Getting around without a car

Culdesac has visitor parking, but residents are not allowed to park a car within 0.25 miles of the block.

Some residents, like Culdesac CEO and cofounder Ryan Johnson, don't even own a car.

Others, like 24-year-old Brad Biehl, who moved in earlier this year, park their vehicles elsewhere in Tempe.

"It's a road trip machine because I never use it to get around town," Biehl said of his car. "Walking is pretty much my primary mode of transportation, biking is a secondary mode, and public transit is the third mode."

Biehl expressed that while the block is walkable, surrounding streets are not. Another Culdesac resident previously told BI that this can make living without a car difficult.

But Culdesac makes navigating streets built for cars a little easier. Residents get a mobility package worth almost $3,000 a year, including a Valley Metro pass for public transportation and discounted rides with apps like Lyft and the self-driving taxi service Waymo, according to the company's website.

Culdesac has a stop on the Valley Metro's light-rail system that connects Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe. The block also has on-site Bird Scooters, 1,000 bike parking spots, and car rental services by day.

Biehl said weekly errands like grocery shopping are easy to do with the mobility package.

"Every other week, I go to a big grocery store, either by a ride share or, if I have the time, I walk," Biehl said. "Then I walk or bike to Trader Joe's for smaller things each week."

Biehl said stores like Sprouts, Fry's, Safeway, Trader Joe's, and Target are easily accessible by bike, light rail, or a roughly 30-minute walk.

A car-free future

With plans to eventually have 1,000 residents, 760 units, and more local shops, Culdesac is still growing — and so is the area's public transportation system.

BI previously reported that Phoenix plans to expand the light-rail system, bus services, bike lanes, and crosswalks by 2050, making it easier for Culdesac residents to get to and around the state capital.

Visiting Culdesac and learning about the area's public transportation systems made me realize that a car-free lifestyle in the US is possible outside mega-cities like New York.

Perhaps if I move to this Arizona neighborhood, I may never have to get my driver's license.

• Rep. Lauren Boebert's son, Tyler Boebert, has hired an attorney for his Colorado criminal case.
• The teen previously told a judge he was having trouble affording a lawyer. 
• Tyler Boebert faces multiples charges in connection to car break-ins and thefts in Colorado. 

Lauren Boebert's teenage son, Tyler Boebert, has finally hired an attorney for his Colorado criminal theft case after months without any representation.

Dressed in a dark-colored suit and tie, the 18-year-old son of the high-profile Republican congresswoman appeared in the Garfield County Courthouse Thursday with his newly hired attorney, William Trent Palmer.

Tyler Boebert had been without an attorney during his last two court appearances, first telling the judge that he was having trouble affording a lawyer.

The teen informed Ninth Judicial District Judge John Neiley during an April 11 appearance, "We are working to hire an attorney, but it's just been kind of hard with the prices, but we are working on it."

At an appearance on May 9, he told Neiley that he only sent in the paperwork to sign up for a public defender days earlier, drawing disappointment from the judge.

"I wish you'd turned in that application a little sooner," Neiley told Tyler Boebert at the time.

But Tyler Boebert did not go with a public defender, after all.

Palmer runs his own private practice based in Carbondale, Colorado.

On Thursday, Palmer asked the judge to continue Boebert's case until July 25.

The judge checked with Boebert if that date worked for him and the teenager confirmed it did.

"We're going to continue the case then so that you and Mr. Palmer can have some discussions and then continued discussions with the DA as well," Neiley said.

Palmer did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Business Insider on Thursday.

The courthouse clerk told BI that Palmer officially entered his appearance into Tyler Boebert's case on May 26.

Public records show Palmer works at the law firm WTP LAW.

"Through experience, WTP | LAW has developed adept strategies to defend even the most serious allegations, including drugs and weapons charges, burglary and theft, domestic violence related offenses, and others," the firm's website says.

Boebert was arrested by the Rifle Police Department in February in connection to a string of car break-ins and property thefts in Rifle, Colorado. He faces more than a dozen charges, including several felony charges for criminal possession of ID documents.

According to an arrest affidavit, the teen is one of four people accused of breaking into four cars in the city of Rifle, Colorado, and stealing wallets to make purchases at businesses including McDonald's, Starbucks, and gas stations.

At the time of his arrest, Lauren Boebert said in a statement to BI that her son should be "held accountable for poor decisions just like any other citizen."

The congresswoman has not shown up for her son's court appearances, but she did support former President Donald Trump at his recent criminal hush-money trial in New York City.

• While working on an Army base in Vicenza, Italy, I got to visit many of the country's hot spots.
• I'd love to return to places like Vicenza, Verona, Florence, and Cinque Terre.
• However, I'm not in a rush to return to Venice or Pisa.

While working on the US Army base in Vicenza, Italy, I had the unique opportunity to visit many of the country's most popular destinations.

After getting a real taste of Italy's varied landscapes and experiences — from swimming in the Blue Grotto to hiking through Cinque Terra — I'm not surprised that Italy is such a popular travel destination. In fact, the country saw record tourism numbers in 2023.

Still, Italy has 20 regions and many cities to explore. To help you narrow down your options when planning your dream trip, here are the four places I'd return to and the two I'd skip next time.