CONFESSIONS OF A FAT GIRL

Here's Some Stuff You Should Click On

Let's check in. It's day 16 of the new year and with the except ion of my lung-plague, I've been feeling pretty good about how it's all been going. What about you?

I must say, though, the insomnia is back in major, full swing. I have to wonder if it's a result of my body relying on cough syrup with codeine for so long and now, it doesn't know how to rest on its own? It has not helped that twice this week, my apartment building's fire alarm went off (falsely) in the wee hours of morning... But almost every night this week, I've looked at the clock between two and three in the morning having not slept yet... Sigh.

Well, this too shall pass. Moving on, here's some wonderful stuff to click on!

1. The Rhodes Brothers are identical twins who have a YouTube channel with more than 100,000 subscribers, are both models and both happen to be gay. And they decided to shoot and post a video of coming out to their father. It is wonderfully touching. It's lovely. And I want to hug them and their dad. 

 

Some of the comments on YouTube are also lovely and wonderful. Some are abhorent, mind you. But a lot of lovely and wonderful. And that's nice to see. 

2. Buzzfeed gave us 21 fluffy puppies. I would like to cuddle with all of them.

3. A friend of mine sent this to me yesterday and it's hytserical. A couple of wine snobs got together and broke down how they really felt about "Two Buck Chuck," or, Trader Joe's Charles Shaw wine. 

4. Do you guys know who Jeremy Jordan is? He's going to be a big movie star when The Last Five Years with him and Anna Kendrick comes out next month. For now, enjoy this faaaaabulous video of him singing some Celine Dion.

 

5. I found a video compilation of dogs chasing their own leashes and I just about died laughing watching it.

6. Benedict Cumberbatch. Chronic photobomber. Last year's Oscars:

This year's Golden Globes:

7. Ever get a greeting card with glitter on it? That shit gets on everything. So wouldn't a glitter filled mailer be a most excellent way to exact vengeance upon your enemies? Now you can do just that. And it's anonymous. How glorious! 

UPDATE: NEVER MIND. It was so popular the founder has asked people to stop using the service. WTF, dude? I want to  impose glitter upon those who oppose me!!! 

8. I have a giveaway going -- go check it out!  

9. Lastly, and perhaps most exciting -- I guest-posted on my friend Lindsay's blog and I'm really proud of how it turned out! 

What's Up, Friday, and What's Up With Taylor Swift?

I've been giving a lot of thought to Taylor Swift lately. Someone lent me her new album (because dammit, she took her music off Spotify) and I got kind of sucked in. As fixated as I was on hating her two months ago, I am now equally fixated on her .... in a more positive way. Mind you, a couple years ago, I was a big fan. I think I just teeter-totter; I keep finding a tipping point and swing back the other way. 

If ever there was an example of public relations working, I think what triggered this whole thing in me was her holiday give back crusade. So good on her and her think tank. I will also confess that when I saw her in concert (Yes! I was really that close!) I had an absolute blast. 

So that is top of my mind this week. Because when you have lung plague and have to sit still (yep! still sick!) your mind really wanders into strange places. And here are some other things to click on:

1. I published my list of goals for 2015! I'm pretty pumped about it. I'm already making plans so I can start to check things off.

2. "Arrested Development" star David Cross has released the trailer for his theatrical film directorial debut, Hits. It's about how social media corrupts fame. I'm in. And even more intrigued that it was picked up for distribution by BitTorrent (say what?!). 

 

3. Do you shop at Trader Joe's? Do you know about Cookie Butter? If not, GET OVER THERE AND BUY IT. If so, check out this recipe for "Cookie Butter Treats."

4. Have you guys ever heard of Pacific Cheesecake Company? They opened up near my home. INSANE. Have a look. Let me know when you wanna go and I'll meet you there. (Also, if you're their PR person and reading this, do call me. I beg you.)

5. I've been relatively unmoved by all the tech coming out of CES this year. Selfie sticks? Smart watches? Again? I haven't seen any mind-blowing gadgets or anything I'd add to my rich-person-fantasy-wishlist. However this gizmo, Hovertrax, which would undoubtedly cause me to break my arm for the fourth time, amused me:

 

Here is a similar one called the iO Hawk.

Also, pro tip, Mashable's usually on point coverage has sucked this year. Check out CNET's instead.

6. I adore this tweet.

Why do #millennials only hang out in odd-numbered groups? Because they can't even...

— Richie Hannah (@rrrrichie) January 6, 2015

7. "What It Would Be Like if Your Period Was a Person." Accurate. Ladies, back me up on this.

 

8. You know what else? I won an award. Three times. I'm pleased as punch about it! Have a look here and you'll see how damned hilarious I really am:

The First Friday of the New Year

Not quite the way I wanted to start the new year but it is what it is. I'd like to think my body's just getting all the sick taken care of right away so I can spend the remainder of the year in tip top shape! 

I've been sick since Sunday now, voiceless since Sunday night, and have spent almost 100% of my time since on the couch watching TV... I cannot tell a lie - I've had some pretty bad moments of feeling sorry for myself in these last few days. It's not that I've never been sick before, of course. But I don't stay sick for this long too often. Nor am I used to waking up every day worse instead of better. I've also been misdiagnosed and prescribed the wrong kind of medication. All of that is compounded by the time of year this hit. And another realization I had -- this was the first time I got sick living alone in my new apartment. 

Anyway, it's been a lot. Yet I remain optimistic at my core. I'm hoping to get into another doctor today and hope he'll fix me. All in all, I actually had an amazing December! 

Here are some of the wonderful things that have kept me utterly entertained this week.

1. This amazing shark bed some crazy-creative dad made for his sweet, innocent baby:

2. This cover/mash-up of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" and "Style" is awesome. Even TSwfit herself tweeted about it. (I like it better than the originals.)

 

3. Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video have kept me immensely entertained this week. I've been binge watching "MARVEL's Agents of Shield" and I absolutely loved The Skeleton Twins with Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Have a gander at the trailer:

 

4. I've been catching up on blog reading. Some of you food bloggers are on my shit list. Because I hardly have the energy to get off the couch let alone go out for food or make delicious things. However I assure you when I recover, this amazing not-just-cheese toast from Presley's Pantry will be visiting my belly.

5. I've been spiraling down the YouTube rabbit hole a bit as well. Mostly watching random Broadway performers because showtunes make me so very happy, but I also got lost for a bit in amazing 90's era R&B videos like Jodeci's "Lately" and Shai's "If I Ever Fall in Love."

Those outfits, though...

6. And lastly, I'll leave you with this delightful and hypnotic video of a Boston Terrier in a Santa outfit, riding a roomba to some pretty outstanding music.... You're welcome.

 

What's Up, Friday Before Christmas?

AHHHHHHHHHHHH! 

Frantically looks for scraps of wrapping paper.

Where the hell did this year go, I ask you....

This week was wasted on me. I woke up Monday morning, victime to some undercooked chicken from the night before. I will spare you the disgusting details - there are many - but by Monday night, after some unfortunate driving choices, I ended up in an Urgent Care center, praying to the quirky clinic doctor for salvation. I was severely dehydrated, mal-nourished, in pain.... Monday was horrible and Tuesday wasn't much better. I started to feel more myself Wednesday and by yesterday, I was nearly 100% again although I now seem to have the early stages of either a chest cold, or my throat is just recovering from so much up-chucking this week. 

In any case, I am panicked. THERE IS TOO MUCH TO DO and I don't own enough deoderant to get through it all alive! 

Moving on...

1. Did you guys know I'm trying to give some very lucky hot guy the "Menday of the Year" award? Help me pick a winner, would you? Go look at these photos and let me know who the victor should be. You can comment, Facebook comment, Tweet. I'm pretty flexible on this. 

Incidentally, Anne and I are going to a screening of Into the Woods tonight and I'm SO. EXCITED.

2. I didn't read as much as I wanted to this year, but I read more than I did last year so I'm checking it off as a win. What were the best books you read this year? These were my two favorites:

I realize, of course, I could not have chosen two more different books. What can I tell you -- I'm eclectic. But The Giver was absolutely chilling and hauntingly beautiful. Bossypants was just ridiculously warm and funny and real. It made me a massive Tina Fey fan - not that I didn't like her already. 

Need book-spiration for 2015? Check out Kirkus' list of "Best Fiction" from this year.

3. Who wants to watch puppies and cry bucketts of happy tears??? I highly recommend Barkpost's compilation of videos of people getting surprise puppies. (Hint, hint, Mom.)

4. This video. I posted it on Facebook pretty much sans commentary. Because it's pretty hard to explain. But 7.5 million views can't be wrong. Just watch, enjoy, and thank me later.

 

5. Last chance! I must remind one and all that my friends at Jackery have this great deal for people who still ned to stock up on stocking stuffers! (See what I did there?)

 

What's Up, Friday? Twinkle, Twinkle!

It's that glorious time of year where we all fluctuate between holiday-season-loving bliss and an insuperable urge to punch everybody who comes within an inch of you. 

Regardless, these things made me smile this week! What about you?

1. I was having this delightful chat with some of my esteemed colleagues on Twitter.

@JessicaGottlieb @berzerkeley oh yeah I can make a mock up of that. Inappropriate needlepoint is my thing. cc @Anne_Hogan

— AJ (@AmandaJoy) December 11, 2014

And tis true. I do love a good inappropriate needlepoint pillow. In fact, a few of us have a charming Pinterest board just for them. 

2. I don't know very much about this Auntie Fee. Apparently she is an internet sensation. And rightfully so because this. is. AMAZING. Enjoy.

 

3. I'm not much of a football fan but I've got a soft spot for Patriots player Rob Gronkowski having seen him ham it up on an episode of "Whose Line is it Anyway?" 

Well, his recent photo shoot with an ADORABLE LITTLE KITTEN has sold me full-fledged fandom. Done. Sign me up for liking football. In. 

4. Recently an Alabama church announced it will hold Sunday services in a Buffalo Wild Wings. Because I guess if Jesus can't getcha in the door, some spicy buffalo wings and a basket of fries might do the trick.

Your move, Los Angeles. YOUR. MOVE.

5. You know what I've totally failed to mention to you guys -- I'm officially a freelance writer!!! I can't even tell you how excited I am. My first two pieces for the Bold Italic LA went up last week and if you have a minute, I would love for you to give them a read and share them with friends. They're nice, easy and fun reads about food and things to do around town. (But don't read these if you're hungry.)

• The Definitive List of LA Brunch Achievment
• Why I Love Living in The Valley

That's bananas foster croissant french toast right there, guys.

6. One last thing - a hot tip for you. Go check out the Forces of Geek Holiday Gift Guide. Phenomenally fun and currently heavily influencing my own holiday wishlist. 

What's Up, Friday?

I've started thinking about what will be on my "15 in 2015" list (see this year's list if you don't know what I'm talking about). I don't know... The list may include more personal goals like "Say 'no' more often" or "Be honest with the people you love." Maybe. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. In the end, I'll probably stick to things like "Eat less french fries!" and "Go see the baby hippo at the LA Zoo."

Who knows. I'll keep thinking on it and let you know. Obviously we'll all see how it turns out soon! 

But in the meantime, lots of things making me smile this week. I am just loving the crap out of this holiday season! Here are some highlights:

1. I don't totally grasp the whole "Elf on the Shelf" phenomenon but I do know that actress Busy Philipps does a bang up job with hers and every holiday season, I enjoy her Instagram account immensely. I enjoy it all year round, actually, but she goes above and beyond for her Elf displays. 

 

Oh no, Elves. Not my good cake flour!!!!

A photo posted by Busy Philipps (@busyphilipps) on Dec 12, 2014 at 8:45pm PST

2. Black Friday! Cyber Monday! ALL OF THE SALES! What did everyone buy? I took care of all of my holiday shopping... and then some. 

My favorite purchase? These Sam Edelman Booties from Nordstrom. 

Tip - their sale is still going with up to 40% off designer merch w/ free shipping and returns.

3. There is sure a lot of puppy cuteness going on. Here are the two best:

 

 

If y'all could please continue to exploit your cute pets for my benefit, I'd sure appreciate it. Keep 'em coming, internets! 

4. Believe it or not, every year, the New Kids on the Block go on a cruise with 3000 of their fans. Crazy, right? A lot ot bands actually do this now -- it must be a good money-maker. And for the fans, what could be better? 

Well, for me at least, who will probably never go on such an adventure, a REALITY SHOW all about it is a pretty good deal. Rock This Boat premieres in January. 

 

5. This. "18 Secrets Jews Won't Tell You About the Holidays" from Buzzfeed. Pretty accurate. And the .gif on #6 is AMAZING. But it has a curse word in it so I'll use this one here instead:

And hey, don't forget about my Jackery promo code, ok? Remember - you gotta buy five to get the discount.

What's Up, Friday? Post Thanksgiving Edition

In the spirit of Thanksgiving (#FoodComa ALL OF THE DAY) I've made this week's list themed with what I am thankful for!

1. FOOD! So much food. Made by my wonderful, amazing family. Special shout out for dessert because OMIGOD DESSERT. We do not mess around. 

My family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. More than just the food -- it was a really terrific day.

2. I am supremely thankful for my awesome job -- to be working for a company I love and take a lot of pride in. I am so glad we found each other. 

3. How do I explain the most terrific group of friends in the whole world? I just can't. But I am ever-thankful for each and every one of them. 

4. Music that makes me get up and dance.... I am just obsessed. Every time I play it, it makes me feel so good!

 

And I love this so much, I'm posting it twice. It was just as fabulous when he performed live on SNL last weekend:

 

5. Lastly, I am thankful for the little things that give me big laughs. Like this. Endless giggles, I tell you! 

 

It is the day before #Thanksgiving so @jnstone and I spent our time making this video. Obvs. #PenguinMovie #McDonaldsToysAtWork @dreamworksanimation

A video posted by Mandy Rodgers (@mandyr512) on Nov 11, 2014 at 3:38pm PST

What's Up, Friday? Uh..... Tis the season?

I have a confession to make.

I have the holiday spirit. I really do. I've been fighting the urge to let it show but I must tell you, once Thanksgiving passes, I can't make any promises. Holiday music, egg nog, hot apple cider, blankets, repeated showings of Scrooged, Love Actually and Elf... 

Anyway, y'all were warned. I'm spreading some mother-effing cheer this year. Believe it. 

1. Have you seen the trailer for Disney's live-action Cinderella? It's incredible. Breathtaking. I am so, so in.

 

2. This list from Buzzfeed - "21 Photos Guaranteed to Make You Laugh." I didn't think it would get me but #2 made me chuckle. And #3 made me laugh.... They're not all gems but a lot of them are really hilarious.

3. I just watched this again and I cried for a second time. Grab a tissue. This little boy has Cancer so his dad dressed up as Spider-Man to surprise him at his fifth birthday party. It's very simple and sweet.

 

4. Does anyone else follow O.G. cocktail blogger Caroline on Crack? She also writes for Los Angeles Magazine where she published an article called "What to Drink at Disneyland." For the betterment of our society, she taste-tested all the booze the Magic Kingdom has to offer. What a sport. (HOW DO I GET THAT JOB, GUYS?)

P.S. I'm thirsty.

5. Oh and the holidays. My carefully curated Spotify playlist is underway but HARK! I would love your suggestions. So lastly, I ask you to comment and tell me: