CONFESSIONS OF A FAT GIRL

A New Favorite Snack: Stonefire Naan Crisps

Recently, Stonefire Flatbreads allowed me to try their newest snack product, their crunchy, delicious Naan Crisps. They sought me out on Twitter without any exppectation of a blog post, but I enjoyed them and wanted to help spread the word! 

Stonefire spent years perfecting the authentic recipe for their Naan Flatbread. That same quest for authenticity drove the creation of their Naan Crisps. They are a versatile snack paired with your favorite toppings or enjoyed plain right out of the bag. 

The Stonefire Naan Crispst come in four flavors: Original, Garlic Parmesean, Tandoori Spice, and Everything (seasoned with a mix of garlic, onion and poppy seeds) -- which was my favorite.

I enjoyed them with a little brie or a little hummus but they're pretty tasty on their own and make for a great afternoon snack. Take a handful of these instead of a bag of chips. The Naan Crisps are also:

• Flame-baked like actual naan
• Made without any artificial flavor or preservitives
• 0 grams of transfat and only 120 calories per serving (approx. 15 crisps)

15 is quite a good serving size, too. It's a substantial crisp. It's thicker than a chip. It's a satisfying snack.

They just began selling them nationwide in Vons and Safeway stores so they are accessible to everyone! Let me know if you check them out. Visit the Stonefire website for even more information as well as recipes, videos and more yummy products!

This Menday -- Celebrating the Captain

Yesterday, one of my all-time favorite baseball players, Derek Jeter, 20-year Shortstop for the New York Yankees, retired. 

Jetere's stats and history tell us a lot. Facts don't lie. The sixth-most hits, five championship rings, 12 all-start appearances, an abundance of dramatic plays in high-pressure situations, the infamous Jeter "flip." But in addition, and more than that, Jeter has always commanded an unprecedented respect from his teammates, coaches, colleagues and rivals. 

I will even forgive him his line of cologne - which in all honesty smells terrible (I was swimming in samples of it during grad school - I used the brands for a sports marketing paper). 

And the rest can be explained with these five amazing moments. 

1. My all-time favorite play - July 2004

 

2. The Michael Jordan-made tribute

 

3. The Flip

 

4. Mr. November

 

5. The Fairytale Ending at Home

 

Farewell, Captain. 

This post is dedicated to my Derek Sanderson Jeter, my second home, New York, my best friend, Casey, and my friend Emily.

 

 

What's Up, (Last) Friday (Night)?

"Last Friday Night" (that will be a pun in a moment), I went to a KATY PERRY concert (see?) and it was amazing! We were in the 10th row so it was hard to resist dozens of photos and lots of video. The stage was so close but more than that, she had a runway that jettisoned out onto the stadium floor and a small stage at the end of it -- I could have touched it. I WAS INCHES FROM KATY. I was fangirl'ing all night long. (Although not as much as the costumed people around me, who were delightful to watch. Next time I will go in costume. At the very least, my light-up hair bow and glitter.) When the balloons and confetti came down, we were right in the thick of it and it was just one, giant party! 

And thusly, this week's "What's Up, Friday?" is a very sparkly ALL KATY EDITION! 

Top five things I loved about the Prismatic World Tour:

1.  First of all, the opener. Teagan and Sara. They were, well... AWESOME. They are adorable twins. I do wish they moved around more but their banter is pretty priceless. 

2. The outfits. Omigod, THE OUTFITS. A different designer did each one, and each was more elaborate than the one prior. My favorite was her "birthday suit." 

I think that light-up dress (her first outfit of the show) would look pretty super with my light-up bow but then, Katy had a lit-up pony tail. So she probably wins for glowing hair accessories. 

3. Some video highlights -- It took me an hour to decide which ones to share! SO MUCH VIDEO. She was tremendous. There clearly aren't enough adjectives. 

This has become one of my favorite Katy songs -- a little "E.T" for ya:

 

And a little "The One That Got Away" to follow -- this song sleighs me every time I hear it! The video may be my favorite of hers.

 

4. The whimsy. So many fun sets and quirky bits. I loved her kitties. I loved her balloons. I loved her spirit!

5. The prisms. There were glasses handed out at the top of the evening and if you put them on at any time during the show, you would see amazing, beautiful rainbow prisms beaming out of the set and costumes. But at the end, for the finale, you simply had to wear them because the effects were incredible.

I was able to capture it a bit by putting the glasses in front of my iPhone lens. It's not perfect but just to give you an idea because it was SO COOL! 

Incredible show! Definitely makes my top ten. 

But if Katy is not your thing (why are you still reading this, then?) I did want to share one more fun thing I came across this week. This marching band. Just watch. The music is amazing (Rage Against the Machine? WHAT?!) and there is just one kid in the front in a red t-shirt who's just really into it...

 

ROCK ON, everyone! Have a whimsical, prismatic weekend! 

VIVA LA POTATOES!

My lovely friends at popchips are back with a new, hilarious, video campaign and just for you, readers and popped potato devotees, a giveaway!

The brand was the first to create the popped chip category and establish what is now a tremendously growing category. Over the last several years, popchips ushered in several campaigns featuring celebrity stars, like Ashton Kutcher and Katy Perry. While they continue to thrive on the support of its celebrity fans, they are refocusing their efforts! Less Ashton, more eatin'. More messaging about the actual benefits of eating popchips (well, other than their satisfying deliciousness). 

For its first ever national TV campaign, popchips is using veteran comedy writers (from "30 Rock," "The Office" and SNL) and improvisational actors from famous improv groups to bring its fun, irreverent, and cheeky brand personality to life.  As the pioneer of the popped process for snacks that has inspired countless copycats, popchips will also share the magic of the popped process and how it allows the brand to create delicious snacks that have just half the fat of a greasy, fried potato chip.  

The TV spots are charming and made me laugh. The one below is my favorite but you can watch them all on their YouTube channel!

 

Every time he says "VIVA LA POTATOES," I break out into an irrational fit of giggles. 

Go on, Say it out loud. I swear you'll smile.

And now, to celebrate the new commercial block (it began airing on NBC yesterday!) popchips has agreed to give one of you an entire CASE of popchips for your very own POTATO REVOLUTION! 

Enter below. Come back daily to increase your chances to win. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fresh and Healthy From Canada - Icebox Water

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you may recall I'm kind of a nut for the bottled water industry. This began in grad school, when I had to write a consumer study of it -- I sat in a supermarket for a couple hours, observing who bought what kind of water. It went on from there. I tried many brands. I was a one-woman water test kitchen. My roommate laughed as I often lined them up. My local market cashier smiled when I got excited about a new brand coming to their shelves. 

However I've never been the biggest fan of boxed water. I tried one once and I swear I could taste a sort of tinny after-taste, which I attributed to the aluminum-like lining of the inside of the box. But then I saw an Icebox Water at my friend's house and was lured in by its wholesome Canadian musk. ;)

Canadian things are usually good by me, after all. Hockey, mounties, maple syrup... 

Well, they were kind enough to send me a couple to try and review. Icebox offers a sustainable box carton made of pressed-paper, which is 100% recyclable and bisphenol A (BPA) free. Its unique carton - which has NO after-taste whatsoever! - is also designed to insulate the crisp Canadian spring water inside—retaining its cold temperature for maximum refreshment. And that is 100% what it does. I could not believe how long the water stayed chilly. Which makes me ever so happy. Once a bottle of water gets less cold, it goes right back to my fridge. (Look inside my fridge and there are usually a few half-drunk bottles. It's an insane person's habit.)

I'm going out and getting more to put into my shiny, new kitchen! I'm in love. Icebox has sold me on boxed - not bottled - water. Luckily, it is available in more than 1000 locations across North America and several in the Los Angeles area. They have a terrific locator on their website you should take advantage of. 

And a fun tidbit for my locals, in conjunction with other businesses who focus on the sustainability of our planet, Icebox Water offers convenient, affordable suggestions to help Hollywood studios replace the products they purchase with environmentally friendly alternatives. GOOD ON THEM! I think Hollywood could use some greening up!

Join the EVOLUTION! GREEN UP! 

More:

• Check out their official website
• Like them on Facebook
• Follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram

 

 

This One's For the Ladies: Bra Sizing Secrets

The struggle is real.

Thought we could all benefit from this one, ladies. I know I can! (She says as she tugs on her bra strap for the 19th time today...)

What's Up, Friday? Let's Make Things Happen

I MOVED. IT FINALLY HAPPENED.

Moved all my stuff over yesterday and spent my very first night in the new place. It is pretty wonderful! I am immesurably happy and absolutely can't wait to finish furnishing it. Maybe when it looks cute I'll show you guys some photos. Right now, the only problem is no WiFi (not til after 8pm tonight - thanks AT&T) or cable (Sunday) so I'm spending too much time at Starbucks and not enough time living alone and existing solely in pants and a bra. 

Sitting around in pants and a bra. Because I can do that now that I don't have a roommate. #SmallVictories

— AJ (@AmandaJoy) September 19, 2014

But oh how my body hurts. I never want to lift boxes again. But then, I did hire movers. Best money I ever spent. Today I ventured to Home Depot -- can you believe I've never been before? It's WONDROUS and ginormous. 

So other than moving  - YAY!!! - here are five things that made me happy this week.

1. Does anyone use DuckDuckGo?

First of all, props for a great name. I love ducks. It's a search engine. Like Google. But without any of that stalky bull-crap we've all just accepted as part of our lives. No ads, no targeting, no following you around the web after you leave the page, no videos, no clutter, faster search. I'm kind of in love with it. I've always loved Google and all things Google (well, except Google Play - not a fan) but sometimes I admit I get a little skin-crawly about all the invasions into my privacy. 

2. I am OBSESSED with kimono jackets. I own three now. I want more. This is my latest and I love it. I'm wearing it right now, in fact. 

3. At a recent concert, Panic! At The Disco covered "Bohemian Rhapsody" and it. is. perfection. 

 

4. I always love lists that start with "XX Little Known Tips" or "Facts You May Not Know About...." This particuular one actually had a few tips in it I hadn't seen before so it made me happy. Click for "41 Little-Known Social Media Features." How many are new to you?

5. TONIGHT I AM GOING TO SEE KATY PERRY!!! As such, I thought I would close with one of my favorite videos from her. It was very hard to choose which one but I thought I'd go for something less obvious that "Teenaged Dream" or "Roar." 

 

 

Disclosure: This post contains one, tiny affiliate link. I'm sure you don't care.

The First Menday Giveaway!

Let's celebrate the return of Fall TV and another swoon-worthy fella. October 8th cannot come fast enough. 

Originally, I was not an "Arrow" watcher. I watch a lot of TV - as you well know - but people kept telling me I'd enjoy it. So not so very long ago, I watched the pilot.

Three days later I'd watched the whole first season. I finished Season Two in as much time, just last week.

No one's ever looked this good in a hoodie.

And hey, he looks pretty good out of the hoodie...

Who is the Arrow? He is based on the DC Comics character, Green Arrow, a vigilante superhero who fights crime using archery, martial arts and technology. His "secret identity" is Oliver Queen, Star City's own Bruce Wayne -- a wealthy playboy and billionaire industrialist. 

Stephen Amell portrays Oliver Queen and the vigilante, of course. After surviving a ship wreck on an isolated island for five years, Oliver returns to his home city with a mission to right the wrongs of his father and save the city from the crime that has grown in his absence. 

Compelling television. I swear.

Also? HOCKEY FAN FOR THE WIN!

That's cousin Robbie Amell on the left, former star of "The Tomorrow People" and the upcoming CW "Arrow" spin-off, "The Flash."

By the way, he has one of the best Facebook pages ever. He's got a fantastic sense of humor and loves to post fan art (every Friday)! So cute! Give it a look.

But now, a GIVEAWAY! Because I love this show so much and I want to bestow it upon another fan or potential fan. Enter below to win Season One of "Arrow" on Blu-ray!

a Rafflecopter giveaway