CONFESSIONS OF A FAT GIRL

Flip yer Food! Five Questions With Nikki Dinki

I love when my blog affords me the opportunity to meet fabulously talented people like Nikki Dinki! 

You know her from "Food Network Star" and now Dinki is back as the host of her own Cooking Channel show! Nikki and Bobby Deen hit the highway in June to seek out delicious and fattening local favorites in the new original series, JUNK FOOD FLIP, airing every Tuesdayat 9:00 pm ET/PT.   The dynamic cooking duo is seeking out the country's favorite guilty pleasure foods, and then do their best to recreate the delicious items in a healthier way.

Major applause to these guys. I should have asked how I might acquire a taste for kale.... YUCK. But enough scrunching up your nose, folks. We're here to smile and meet this charming lady:

Q: Have you come across any meals or foods you can't "flip" yet? What are the unflippable foods you stay away from altogether?

A: You always want to stay away from deep fried food -- sure it adds a nice crunch but the calories that come with it are crazy. I like to find crunch in other ways, maybe with an extra crunchy breading using pretzels or by adding a crunch element on top of the normally deep fried item. 

There is nothing I can’t flip. There are always places to take away calories and add nutrition. And that’s what we really try to prove on Junk Food Flip, is that we can make healthy food that is actually better than the original full-fat version. 

Q: When you want to indulge in something "naughty," what do you reach for? 

A: Cheese and cinnamon rolls. Not together of course! ;) I haven’t meet a cheese I didn’t like. 

Girl, ME TOO. 

Q: What are your non-food indulgences? (Because these are the things that keep us mentally healthy, right?!) 

A: I’m a good sleeper, I tend to get 8-9 hours a night, unless I'm shooting, then I suddenly get 6 hours or much less. There is nothing like a soft bed with cool sheets and a great foam pillow. Some of my best ideas for new dishes come while lying in bed or sleeping; it’s my other office. 

Q: Ok, this is a long one... I was really rooting for you on Food Network Star! I read your blog -- how hard it was to watch yourself cry?  Was there a massive relief in everything finally being revealed? When you were competing, what was the most challenging moment? 

A: It was really challenging having no access to my family or friends and really the outside world in general. I’m a strong person but I need my support system and the system was missing. In the beginning I felt insecure and was really over analyzing myself, but luckily I snapped out of it, and by the end I think everyone was able to see the person I am outside of the competition. But it’s never easy to watch those tears I cried when my journey on the show was over, I was devastated, this was my dream, but luckily if you keep working hard there is never just one way to accomplish a goal. 

 

Q: Which blogs do you read and enjoy or get inspiration from? 

A: I like How Sweet It Is and Smitten Kitchen. I tend to get inspiration in the oddest places, though. Most of my food is a totally new concept that probably has not been done before, so thinking up these ideas takes a lot of time and patience.

Well this was delightful! THANK YOU, NIKKI! 

Please make sure you check out Junk Food Flip -- you will FLIP for NIKKI, no question! (She also has a great veggie-focused cookbook.)

Remembering With Laughter

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

The Accidental Activists: Four Questions With NOH8 Co-Founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley

Who says #Menday can't be socially relevant?

More than five years since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 33,000 faces and continues to grow at an exponential rate. The campaign began with portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and soon rose to include politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, celebrities, and many more. It has become an iconic brand and in addition to sharing poweful, visual statements, funds raised by NOH8 are used to promote and raise awareness for Marriage Equality and anti-discrimination on a global level.

And as I am huge advocate for Marriage Equality and equal rights, I jumped on an opportunity to interview NOH8 founders, Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley. It's taken a bit of time to connect but I am so honored and grateful they took the time. They are heroes to me. 

Q: How did the style of your photos (the logo + white shirt and background + duct tape) come about?

A: When we were originally toying with the concepts of what would ultimately become the signature NOH8 look, we wanted to find a simple way to illustrate the way we felt. We felt like our voices were being forcibly silenced by Prop 8, so we came up with the visual of subjects being silenced with duct tape while their protest of "NOH8" spoke past the tape. We chose plain white shirts against a plain white background to put the focus on each person as an individual and the connection through their eyes.

Q: When you first started taking these photos, did you intend for them to become such a polarizing component of the fight for gay rights?

A: We like to call ourselves accidental activists. We never intended to create a campaign, we were just looking for a way to speak out on our social media the best way we knew how. It wasn't until we posted our own photos and had friends reach out wanting to do photos and get involved that we realized NOH8 was taking on a life of its own; something bigger than just the two of us. So many people were looking for a way to express their feelings on how Prop 8 affected them, and NOH8 became a way for them to sum up their feelings through just one picture.

Q: You’ve photographed “regular people,” celebrities, politicians – even dogs and cats. Have there been any real surprises in your shoots? Anyone who showed up and blew you away?

A: There have been so many touching moments for us over the years. One of the great things about NOH8 photos is that everybody brings their own individuality and their own story, and it's been amazing to meet so many people and learn about why the fight for equal rights matters to them. The issue really is so relative, as everybody can relate to being discriminated against or bullied for being themselves. It doesn't matter if you're a celebrity or not; everybody has their own unique network of friends, family, and peers that they can share their message of support with. One of the most surprising photos for us was Cindy McCain (wife of Senator John McCain), which is why it was so it was important for us to tell her story and show that support of equality is not a party issue. And her story was just one of thousands!

Q: What would you still like to accomplish? What lies ahead for the next five years?

A: In just over five years, we've taken over 35,000 NOH8 photos in 45 states and 17 countries, and we can only hope to achieve as much in the next five years as we have in the first five. There is still a lot of hate in the world, and we plan on continuing to spread the message anywhere and everywhere we can until all people across the world are treated equally.

# # #

Adam and Jeff, you've won my heart. Thank you for all that you do. 

Related Posts:

• My New Life as a Priest
• Moral Compass (#NOH8)
• Getting Creative for Marriage Equality
• Look Out, Kids, Disney's Gonna Make Us All Gay
• Nothing But Love Today

Louis C.K. and Sarah Baker, You Crush Me

SO DID THE FAT LADY.

Here is what you need to know if you don't watch this show. Louie has spent years trying to get models to sleep with him despite their complete lack of interest, but he won't give a chubby waitress, Vanessa (Sarah Baker), the time of day even though she's incredibly charming, funny and, for whatever reason, into Louie.

What ensued in last night's episode of the witty FX show was authentic, charming and wonderful. 

 

My heart breaks. This is real. It is so brave and beautiful and earnest. 

Someone please give Sarah Baker and Louis C.K. all the Emmys in all the land. Immediately. At the very least, please give them my best wishes and heartfelt gratitude. 

Five Questions With Meryl Davis - And a Little #Menday Love for Maks

Come on, everybody. How much do we love these guys?

 

 

First of all, YES! Maks is back. After some time away from DWTS, my future husband is back, often shirtless, and making every week a swoon-fest for me. And he could not have asked for a better partner in world renowned ice dancer and recent Olympic Gold Medalist Meryl Davis. 

 

She's radiant.

 

 

Meryl has been absolutely breathtaking to watch. Her talent and spirit both are amazing. You can just tell she's having a blast and enjoying her partnership with the show’s returning resident bad boy of ballroom, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. And there have been a couple of unique twists to boot. For starters,  Meryl's ice dancing partner of 17 years, Charlie White, is also competing this season (with my featured fave from last year, no less, Sharna Burgess). Also, in a new twisty idea to shake up the show, Meryl got to switch partners for a week, making her the first lucky gal to compete with both Chmerkovskiy brothers in one season. 

 

 

It's a tough life, y'all. 

 

I've already predicted the final two of this season - I am convinced it will be Meryl and Charlie. And I really think if that's the case - with apologies to her incomparable skating partner - I really think Meryl's getting that mirror ball trophy this year. 

#DWTS prediction right now - in the end, it's gonna be Meryl v. Charlie.

— AJ (@AmandaJoy) March 18, 2014

  

But really, it is a humongous honor that I got to do a "Five Questions" with Meryl. Olympic accomplishments aside, she is just a lovely person that anyone would be lucky to know. 

 

AJ: Tell us a little about all the things you do in combination with your rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule to stay in shape! What's tougher on your body - the Olympics or Dancing With the Stars? 

MD: My fitness routine has definitely changed since training for the Olympic Games. While Charlie and I worked-out 3 days a week leading up to the Games, including weight, cardio and circuit training, I now really only add cardio to our skating and dance training when time permits... It has been a rather hectic few months to say the least. My must-have workout, though, is a session on the Elliptical.

AJ: What's been your favorite dance this season so far and why? (I think mind is a tie between your Argentine Tango with Val and your Jungle Book Samba with Maks!)

MD: With each dance this season, I feel like I'm having more and more fun. This is a trend I'm quite pleased with and hoping to continue. I've had some very different dances week to week and have had a blast switching-up styles and rhythms after each show!

Note: I submitted these questions just before last week's episode... Each week, I find myself saying "Ok, this one is my favorite." Last week's? No exception. It was STUNNING:

 

Right? RIGHT?! 

Back to business...

AJ: Since you've had the rare opportunity to work with both Maks and Val in this season, you have to dish! How do they differ as partners? 

MD: How could I possibly be luckier? Being partnered with Maks, then working with Val for the week of the switch-up.... what an experience! Both brothers are absolutely incredible. Maks and Val have very different teaching styles, but in the end it's a true honor to learn from both.

AJ: When you want to treat yourself, what do you eat and drink?

MD: I'm big on chocolate. While I'm generally a very healthy eater, my extremely active lifestyle allows me to indulge in my sweet tooth rather regularly. My beverage of choice as of late is usually some kind of coffee. Soy latte, coffee with almond milk and raw sugar...from our nights of sleeping on the tour bus for Stars on Ice to overnight flights from the East Coast to the West for Dancing with the Stars, I've become a more regular coffee drinker out of necessity. 

AJ: You have obviously been all over the world now. When you travel, what are some of the things you absolutely must have with you? 

MD: I always bring a few things with me when I travel. My phone has become an absolute necessity, in which I imagine I'm not alone. I also like to bring a reliable snack with me for the road; I usually keep a box of Nutri-Grain bars in my bag. I've also become quite dependent upon my travel pillow...With the schedule Charlie and I have been keeping the last few months, we've learned to use our time on the road as an opportunity to catch-up on sleep. 

I cannot thank Meryl Davis enough for taking the time to respond to my questions!!!

Tune into DWTS tonight, 8/7c on ABC and be ready to vote for Meryl and Maks - it's Latin night and it's sure to be HOT! 

Let's Go To The Movies (1.36 Billion Other People Are Doing it!)

As I am always on the look out for the latest and greatest online communities and have yet to find one that has really built itself up around the film indsutry well, I was intrigued by MovieLaLa and will be curious to see how it develops.

In celebration of its launch, they shared this infographic with me and since it's Oscar week, it seemed like a fun time to share it with you! I love the Oscars and can't wait to watch! (Idina Menzel is performing "Let it Go" from Frozen and in case you hadn't heard, I kind of like that movie.) 

Live Streaming With SodaStream and ScarJo

Are you bubbling with anticipation?

I was so flattered to be included in a live streamed partnership announcement from SodaStream today! SodaStream, the leading manufacturer and distributor of home carbonation beverage systems, announced a new partnership with global brand ambassador, Tony winner and five-time Golden Globe nominee SCARLETT JOHANSSON. Johansson will also be the star of a highly anticipated SodaStream Super Bowl ad (you may recall they created a lot of noise with last year’s ad) in a few weeks. 

We got a sneak peak at the ad. She's so freakin' gorgeous, you guys. I can't even handle it. I sat through two hours of Her and was deprived of her beautiful face. Hardly seems fair. 

Lookit her being all glowy and charming. I'll buy whatever she's selling...! 

Johansson believes that being healthy is about commitment, determination, and self-empowerment. These core values emulate SodaStream’s mission to revolutionize the beverage industry by empowering people with easy-to-use, fun ways to enjoy better-for-you, better-for-the-environment bubbly beverages. The actress has loved sparkling water since childhood, which led her to discover SodaStream. Now a loyal user for years, Johansson has a soda maker in her home and is an enthusiastic fan of the brand.

“I've been using the SodaStream products myself and giving them as gifts for many, many years,” said Johansson. “The company's commitment to a healthier body and a healthier planet is a perfect fit for me. I love that the product can be tailored to any lifestyle and palate. The partnership between me and SodaStream is a no brainer. I am beyond thrilled to share my enthusiasm for SodaStream with the world!!”

This is one of SodaStream’s biggest announcements to date, and unveiling it with bloggers like me was a pretty cool deal. If you want to see what we saw, go ahead and give this a click and skip ahead to about 23 minutes in. Enjoy. 

And in any case, celeb endorser or none, I knew very little about the product going in and I must say, it looks pretty cool. You can turn tap water into sparkling water in under 30 seconds, with no clean-up. Enjoy the freshness and convenience of homemade soda and protect the environment at the same time. No bottles to carry, store or throw away. Fizz to your taste and add the flavor of your choice to make your favorite drink! And it practically goes without saying that this is a far, far healthier alternative. 

It was lovely to be granted access to this and also to schmooze - even if in an online space - with fellow bloggers all over the world! I will think of them when I'm watchin the new Superbowl ad on February 2nd! 

Disclosure: In exchange for attending the online press conference and sharing this announcement with y'all, SodaStream is compensating me with product. Which I look forward to using cause I love soda.

Not Just a City of Sin --- A City of Culture

Warning: Photo heavy post. (As if that's a bad thing....) I just say that so you know this isn't as long as it looks -- not a lot of reading in case you're a picture-book lover. I'm not judging.

I know a lot of people - myself included - head to Vegas for gambling and drinking. And why wouldn't you? Debauchery, thy name is Las Vegas. So it certainly surprised me, as it may you, that there is actually quite a bit to do there that has nothing to do with marching the strip and sitting on slot machines for free cocktails. 

In one crazy whirlwind of a day, we had an opportunity to visit three fantastic Vegas attractions: The Mob Museum, The Neon Museum and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Naturally, my time with the mob began as any mob experience should - with a mug shot.

You might recognize my Shop Taffy jacket here. I love it so much.

You can spend hours in the museum, which is dedicated to the history of the mafia and law enforcement. No joke. I'm amazed we did it in under three hours. Some friends and family know this about me -- I am kind of a mob history buff. So this was basically my Mecca. There is so much to read, touch, try and watch. Countless interactive stations and pictures and hisoric retellings. One of the absolute coolest things? They have THE wall from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. 

See the holes? That's some mafioso realness, people. That is hard core. I sat in front of it like a Jew at the Western Wall. It was a spiritual moment. 

When I'm next in Vegas, I plan to head back to this spot and spend more time. I really could get lost in there. Not to mention what I could have spent on books in the gift shop. 

Since we began with a lineup, we ended with the electric chair. No one's ever looked as cute getting the death penalty as Julie did:

Julie was kind of my favorite photo subject that day because I also made her pose for this one at The Neon Museum:

When one of the lovely PR peeps from The Plaza was touring us around the hotel, he jokingly challenged us to just try and take a bad picture at The Neon Museum. He was right to do so -- it's impossible. I've never taken so many wonderfully stunning and colorful photos in my life. I have to go back there, too. I want to see it at night when some of the signs get lit up for the hour-long tour. 

Can you see the Moulin Rouge sign (above)? It's been moved around a little to read "in love!"

The museum is a non-profit on two acres of land with glorious sights and signs to be seen. The tours are limited in size so you have an easy time hearing all the info. and freedom to take lots of pics and ask questions. It's about an hour but if you're not a walker, there's a seat to rest on like every seven feet. ;)  

We did a lot on the Saturday we were in Vegas. I mean, really -- a lot. These museums, lunch, dinner, a photo gallery, a tour of a makeup studio... I can't get it all in here! I can't type as fast as the thoughts are coming into my brain. But I'll leave you - at least in this post - with just one more fabulous experience since I'm already inundating you with photos. 

Madame Tussauds is an internationally known brand with almost 20 locations across the globe including one here in Hollywood, so it's pretty crazy I've never been to one before. And it's a crazy fun activity to do with a group of goofy girlfriends, I assure you. 

And, P.S.? There's a lot of hot guys there.

You can't believe how real these wax figures look. And you can get SUPER close to them. The detail -- the shadows, the stubble, the manicures -- it's all remarkable. They even update them when hairstyles and fashion trends change. And we really lucked out because they also have added an Avengers exhibit and AWESOME 4D movie experience to the location. They've got Nick Fury, Thor, Captain America (SWOON!) and Ironman. Hulk is on the way but I asked rather firmly for them to get their act together and get a Loki in the exhibit as soon as possible. Don't think I won't go back there just to take a picture with a wax Tom Hiddleston!

Just an awesome day. I haven't run around so much or been on my feet so much or been that CRAZY in a long time. I loved all of it.  

The skinny -- find all of these amazing places online and get tickets in advance to save a little dough (after all, you'll need it fo the Wizard of Oz slot machine, which is my personal favorite): 

• The Mob Museum: Website, Facebook, Twitter - $19.95
• Neon Museum: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter - Tours start at $18 pp
• Madame Tussauds: Website, Facebook, Twitter - $24 if you buy online in adv.

Disclosure: Our Vegas trip was made possible by many generous companies, sponsors and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. All opinions, thoughts, feelings, drunken rants and lustful thoughts are my own, as always.