A little piece of Heaven

So my colleague received samples of Dorito's new flavor--All Nighter Cheeseburger! Can you say Heaven? TWO of my most favorite things in the entire world have been combined: chips and a cheeseburger.

I received the always enjoyed "Please enjoy..." e-mail announcing she had put them in the conference room for everyone, but I couldn't rush to taste them because I'm filling in as the boss's assistant this week. It was tough. In fact, I actually forgot about them until I remembered it was my job to clean up the conference room. When I finally got to them, there was probably about a quarter of the bag left.

I didn't look at the label. I don't care about any partially hydrogenated oils, glutamates or artificial flavors that may be found in this bag of deliciousness. I just dove right in, and it was totally worth it. THIS CHIP TASTES JUST LIKE A CHEESEBURGER.

In fact, they were so good that I took the bag home and finished it last night. If I come across these while grocery shopping this weekend, I'm buying AT LEAST two bags. DELISH.

Thank You, Glen W. Bell

As you may have noticed, I'm a huge fan of Taco Bell (seriously). I love the cheesy fiesta potatoes, the chalupa and the one that's like a chalupa, but has a soft and crunchy shell. I'd try the Taco Bell diet, but I'm pretty sure none of the previously mentioned items make the cut.

Anyways, I'd like to offer my condolences to the Taco Bell family. This weekend the Taco Bell founder, Glen W. Bell, passed away. He was 86.

"Glen Bell was a visionary and innovator in the restaurant industry, as well as a dedicated family man," said Greg Creed, president and chief concept officer of Taco Bell, in a statement on Taco Bell's Web site. "His innovative business acumen started out of humble beginnings and created one of the nation's largest restaurant chains in Taco Bell. Mr. Bell introduced an entire nation to the taco and Mexican cuisine."

Bell, an ex-Marine (Semper Fi!), opened the first Taco Bell in 1962 in Downey, California. He sold the chain to Pepsi Co. in 1978. It is now owned by Pepsi-spinoff Yum!Brands.

Thanks, Mr. Bell. I appreciate all you did.

Yo Quiero Taco Bell Por Favor

If you know me, you know I'm a huge fan of Taco Bell. Yes, I realize it's absolutely horrible, but I just love those Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Supreme Chalupas. Plus, I only have it once in a while, so I figure it's ok. (Moderation is key!)

Anyways, today Taco Bell is in my thoughts and prayers. Gidget, the 15-year-old chihuahua, suffered from a stroke Tuesday night and died. You might know her best from her "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" (and yes, Gidget is a she that took on 'he' roles in the campaign) or from her role as Bruiser's mom in Legally Blonde 2. The mostly retired actress enjoyed laying out in the sun, hiking, entertaining people and sleeping for 23 hours per day, said Gidget's trainer Sue Chipperton to People Pets.

Remember the Taco Bell plush dogs? (Pictured below.) At one point, I had all of them. I kind of wish I still did, but I'm pretty sure I sent them to the Salvation Army with the many bags of clothing I sent there. (I'm pretty sure my (old) local Salvation Army could stay open with my donations alone, haha.)

RIP Gidget. My thoughts and prayers go out to Taco Bell, your trainer and anyone else who associated with you.

Teeccino: A Coffee Alternative?

For those of you who aren't aware, I stopped drinking coffee about a year and a half ago. (OK, I've only had one slip-up since then, too, but that's because I went to a Starbucks event with my boss at one of my internships. You can't say no to coffee at a Starbucks event, and it was only a sample, not a full cup.)

I gave up coffee for a lot of reasons. The biggest reason is probably health. Coffee isn't bad for you if you're just drinking coffee in moderation. I was not drinking just coffee nor was I drinking in moderation. Those stupid sugary drinks are so good. On campus, there was a coffee shop, The Daily Grind, that had these delicious drinks called Grasshoppers, which was were full of sugar, mint and cream, etc. Ugh! So delicious! The second reason was (surprise!) the money. These drinks cost about $5 (if I remember correctly) and Starbucks drinks are just as if not more expensive.

So I started with my alternative: tea. Honestly, I love tea. I'm currently addicted to Twining's Green Tea with Mint. I make a pitcher's worth and stick it in the fridge and presto! a nice, cool drink for the summer.

This is my tea shelf. There's loose-leaf tea behind these boxes, too.

But I was recently reading Glamour's blog Vitamin G and saw this "coffee alternative." It's called Teeccino and it's a blend of herbs, nuts, fruits and grains. You apparently make it just like you'd make regular coffee in a Mr. Coffee (or coffeemaker of your choice). There are a lot of benefits, too, like it being high in potassium, soluble fiber, inulin. (If you must know more, click here.)

Great news, right? Well, there's a downside, too. This "herbal coffee" has no caffeine. Now, I know I gave up coffee, but I did not give up caffeine. Sure, I have a few herbal teas, which are nice before bed, but I also still have my black and green teas chock-full of caffeine. So this wouldn't be the best choice for those coffee drinkers who should really just invest in a caffeine IV.

Regardless, I generally always like trying new things, so I signed up for a free sample of "Original Teeccino." I kind of wanted to try the chai, but when I first try things, I like to try the original first. Apparently Teeccino is sold at Whole Foods near me, so if I like it, maybe I'll be interested in trying the other flavors.

The free sample should arrive in 4-6 weeks, so once I test it out, I'll let you know how it goes! But if any of you have tried it, please let me know what you think. Or feel free to share your coffee alternatives if you have any!

Yummy in My Tummy

It's been a while since I've shared my good finds with you, so I wanted to let you know that Friday, June 5, is National Doughnut Day. What does this mean?

FREE DOUGHNUTS!!

Krispy Kreme is giving out one free doughnut to every customer. You don't even have to make a purchase. To find out if there is a Krispy Kreme near you, click here.

Dunkin Donuts is also giving out one free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage (while supplies last). Find out if you're close to one here.

To be honest, I probably won't get one. I'm not a big fan of doughnuts, so I'll save myself for ice cream or something. But let me know what type they hand out!

Cheap, Cheaper and Free!

You know me, I can't resist a good deal. And, wow, there are so many out there right now. So I hope you find some of these deals helpful this weekend and the upcoming week.

- Are you a Barnes & Noble member looking for a cheap subscription to a magazine? How does 89 cents for a year of Redbook sound? Or $2.70 for Marie Claire, Esquire or Harper's Bazaar? I'm so tempted to join, just to subscribe to all of these magazines! It costs $25 per year. Or find a friend or family member that is and use their membership! Check it out here.

- Mother's Day is around the corner. Do you have a card for Mom? No? Well get over to Hallmark to make a free card (postage included!). Follow the instructions from this site before May 4.

- Have a Sonic's near you? Get a free CroisSONIC breakfast sandwich by signing up here. Or do you prefer White Castle? Here's a coupon for a free pork slider. Or you can head to KFC and get a free drink with a purchase of their grilled chicken.

- Not a B&N fan? What about Borders? Get a free 12 oz beverage while perusing books.

- Is your birthday coming up? Do you like going to Benihana? While it's not near my birthday, I do love Benihana's. So I think you should join The Chef's Table and get a $30 max dinner certificate for your birthday!

- There are so many free samples on this site, I just can't pick one to share. Check it out for yourself!

I'm Still Thunking!

Look! I remembered my Thursday Thunk post. It was a nice break from writing these ridiculous essays for job applications. Like I said last week, if you start playing, let me know!

1. If you could skywrite anything you wanted, what would it be?

JOURNALIST LOOKING FOR JOB! HIRE ME!

2. Did you get drunk at your prom?

Nope. I didn’t really start to drink until after high school. I feel it’s pretty overrated anyways.

3. What is your favorite spice to use cooking?

Does my Bojangles seasoning count? I love using it on French fries, tater tots and anything else potato. Otherwise, I don’t really cook and couldn’t tell you what spice would be good in what. Sad, I know.

4. What color is your roof?

You know, I have no idea. I live in an apartment building and have never made it to the roof. I will once they open the sundeck though.

5. In a land far, far away I _____________

….won the lottery, bought an island and did whatever I pleased!

6. In the Miss USA pageant, Miss California was asked; "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?" and her answer was; "Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," Carrie said to a mix of boos and applause. "No offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think that it should be between a man and a woman." Do you think that cost her the crown?

Frankly, yes. I’m still glad she stuck to her beliefs though. Check below for my post on this subject.

7. Do you watch Miss USA/Miss America pageants?

Not usually, but I watched most of the one this year. When I was younger, I watched it all the time!

8. Have you ever driven/ridden on a tractor?

No, as a matter of fact. Have you?

9. For the parents - what cartoon/children show did your child watch obsessively? (Hey, if you aren't a parent, maybe a niece or nephew...)

Um, I am neither a parent nor an aunt. But I loved watching Doug, Zoobileezoo (or however you spell it), Rocco’s Modern Life, Hey Arnold, Rugrats, The Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain… the list could go on forever. But I also played outside a lot, too, I promise!

10. If I set a level on your living room floor - would it show that it was level?

It depends. Are the people below me having a party and blasting the base? Because if so, you probably wouldn’t be able to get an accurate reading.

11. What was the last restaurant you ate at?

I don’t know if you could really count this as a restaurant, but I had dinner at this movie house near me that serves food while you watch the movie. It’s really fantastic! I LOVE IT!

12. What's the picture on your wall calendar for this month?

Two little green frogs. One frog has his hand (?) covering the other frogs face. It's an animal calendar. No offense to the frogs, but I hope it's a furry animal in May.

13. Are you superstitious?

Sometimes. I’m not scared of black cats. Some things get me though. I don't like walking under ladders or playing Bloody Mary.

14. If I get into your car and turn on the radio - what type of radio station will I hear?

It’s either the Pussycat Dolls CD or the Rascal Flatts CD. I have no idea what’s on the radio because I haven’t found a station I like here yet.

15. Would you rather wake up with a snake in your bed or a lizard?

This may sound weird, but I’d prefer a (non-venomous, if possible) snake because lizards really creep me out. I don't know; I just feel they shouldn't have legs. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about them. YUK.

16. Do you think schools have changed at all since the Columbine tragedy 10 years ago? In what ways?

I think all schools were affected by Columbine. They’re more aware of these sorts of situations. Awareness is good. Some schools are more secure and many schools try to be. I’m sure there is more to talk about with this answer, but I don’t really like talking about it. Just a personal thing.

Part of Why I Love New York

Again, if it must be said, I love SELF magazine. Period.

So if you're in the New York area, check out this opportunity:

SELF magazine is looking for women between the ages of 20 and 40 to help us taste some delicious, healthy foods! All you need to do is eat up and then vote for your favorites. The tests will be held at our offices located at 4 Times Square and will run from 7-8 p.m. We are looking for participants to come in on one of the following dates: Tues. April 7th, Wed. April 8th, Thurs. April 9th, Tues. April 14th, Wed. April 15th, or Thurs. April 16th. If you are interested, please email us at SelfFoodAwards@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and ALL of the dates you are available.

Unfortunately, I'm not helping out with this nor will I be around to test it. But, if you are, do it! Free food!

Do Your Part

Oh, Ben & Jerry's. First, you leave the pint alone. Now this? How can anyone not love you by now?

TODAY ONLY: Ben & Jerry's reveals its eCONEomic Relief Plan

Ben & Jerry's is aware times are tough. But instead of giving up, they continue to find a way to help. This time they've chosen to help both you and the community. But how?

When you bring in a non-perishable food item to your participating Ben & Jerry's, you receive a delish scoop of any flavor for $1. All items will be donated to your community's foodbank. Pretty sweet deal, right?

"It's what makes Ben & Jerry's different," said spokesperson Sean Greenwood from the Vermont headquarters. "You do a good deed, the local food bank prospers in a tough economic time, and we all get a little more joy for the belly and soul." [Source: www.marketwatch.com]

Oh My Goodness!

So I may have added a few blogs since just the other day, and I also started using Google Reader. (I figured if I made another trip somewhere, Google Reader would make it easier to stay on top of things. I'm not thoroughly convinced by it yet, but like everything, I probably just need a little time to adjust to it.) I've read all the posts today and re-read posts that I've saved for future blog ideas and I've talked to friends about blogging, but I really can't find anything that calls to me.

Perhaps it's due to Thursday night TV night (Thanks NCAA for not having Survivor tonight, so I could watch Ugly Betty! Bye bye, Izzie!!), my looming To-Do list or the fact that I can't stop thinking about food.

I feel like someone once told me that when you start eating healthy things, your body recognizes it and starts to want more of it. Is this true? If so, man, I think I'm doomed. I've been drinking Odawalla Super Food lately, which according to their Web site is a "blend of sweet apple juice and luscious puree of peach, mango, strawberry and banana, expertly blended with green foods including wheat grass, barley grass and wheat sprouts, plus other great stuff." I call that pretty healthy compared to what usually enters my body (ie. Girl Scout Cookies). Can someone shed some light?

Since I can't think of anything to write about, tell me what you like to read about. Seriously. I'm just curious. If it helps, I'll start. I read about all things media, celebrities, sex/dating/relationship stuff, great deals, people's lives, job advice, beauty, books and so much more. Your turn!

Bring On the Warmth

Did you know that tomorrow is the first day of SPRING?! I didn't even realize it! Until I happen to come across another fabulous deal that I felt the need to share!

FREE regular Italian ice's at Rita's from noon to 10 p.m.!! My favorite part is that Rita's is located in 18 states and DC. There's even a Rita's in Carrboro, NC, and Oceanside, NY! With those two and the stores in DC, I'm fairly sure almost all of you can benefit from this deal.

Be sure to let me know what flavors you chose!

The Cold Hard Truth

I just finished dinner, so instead of actually having dessert, I'm going to blog about it. We'll see how long I'll make it before I crave some! Plus, it's getting warmer. So it's only fair to catch you up on some favorite frozen desserts.

If you've gone grocery shopping, you've probably noticed that prices have gone up and container sizes have shrunk. Well! Such is not the case for Ben & Jerry's, thank goodness. A pint is and always will be a pint! Here's part of the e-mail they sent to The Consumerist:

"One of our competitors (think funny sounding European name) recently announced they will be downsizing their pints from 16 to 14 ounces to cover increased ingredient & manufacturing costs and help improve their bottom line. At Ben & Jerry's we think downsizing pints is downright wrong. We understand that in today's hard economic times businesses are feeling the pinch. We also understand that many of you are also feeling the same, & think now more than ever you deserve your full pint of ice cream."

Unfortunately, some ice cream chains are not doing their best to help people in tight places. And by some ice cream chains, I mean Dairy Queen. According to WalletPop, Dairy Queen has started charging 40 cents each for whipped cream and nuts on a sundae. See, I love DQ and I know my family does, too. But adding extra charges for things that BELONG on a sundae? Bad form. Dear DQ, please please please leave the Blizzards and Buster Bars alone. Thanks.

No fear though. If you're truly in a sundae fix and don't feel like paying extra for anything, do I have a deal for you. GET TWO SUNDAES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE with this coupon at Baskin-Robbins! Hurry though; it expires in 10 days.

No Money? No Problem!

I'll admit it. I have a problem--a problem of having a love for all things free. I used to go to job fairs to score free pens, sticky notes (love them!), water bottles, etc. (Now I attend for a job and the free stuff.) At my internships, the free table was my daily hangout. I couldn't tear myself away. So it only makes sense that I've found great blogs with great deals for saving, right? Unfortunately, these deals aren't all completely free, but close enough!

1) A one year subscription to Glamour for $1.50. Seriously. I'm so mad I already subscribe to it. Ladies, please help keep my dream alive and subscribe. It's a pretty good magazine to read anyways.

2) Get oatmeal from Jamba Juice for $1 all March with this coupon. There are some exceptions, but hey, it's worth a try! After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

3) One good thing about living in the South is that I have a RedBox again. The great thing about RedBox is the free rentals it randomly dishes out. (And a $1/night rental charge isn't a killer either.)

Watch the Dessert

Well I started with dinner, so it only makes sense that dessert would follow.

Care for a Girl Scout cookie? We're pretty far into the cookie season. I have four boxes in the freezer and an empty one in the trash. And honestly, I've always known that these cookies are not exactly the healthiest, but when you really break it down, it's a little upsetting. My favorites are the peanut butter patties (Tagalongs) and the Samoas (the little wheel ones with caramel). What about you?

I'll let you read this article on your own, while I find a way to eat these cookies in moderation. If I come up with successful tips, I'll be sure to share. I hope you share yours, too!

Surviving Girl Scout Cookie Season: Can you enjoy Girl Scout cookies without blowing your diet?

What's for Dinner?

Is it just me or does everyone seem to be talking about food lately because of the recession? I'd say about five or six of the blogs I read have mentioned it. They talk about eating out, food magazines, saving money on grocery shopping, you name it and they've discussed it. I suppose what you do with food can make a difference in your budget though.

Some of them are pretty interesting, too. Anyone who knows me knows I have a fairly awful addiction to fast food joints. My top three are McDonalds, Taco Bell and Bojangles. So when I saw this article about America's Top 10 healthiest restaurants on Health.com, it definitely had my interest.

Here's the list:

1: Panera
2: Jason's Deli
3: Au Bon Pain
4: Noodles & Company
5: Corner Bakery Cafe
6: Chipotle
7: Atlanta Bread
8: MCDONALDS!!!!
9: Einstein Bros Bagels
10: Taco Del Mar

Crazy, huh? BUT (don't act like you didn't know there was a but) that doesn't mean you can eat anything and everything from each place. They all have an unhealthy side, too. Make sure you check out the original article to see why each place made the list and what to order next time you go! Sadly, a large fries and medium vanilla milkshake isn't the healthiest option at McDonalds...

Food Gone Bad

Do you ever read those "Top 10" posts about various things? I do. I love them. Well, except when you're reading the "Top 10 Worst Foods of 2009" and you happen to eat a few of them on a regular basis.

Here I thought I was doing a good thing by choosing some of Progresso soups instead of Campbell's Chunky whatever-they're-called soups. Reality check: Neither are good for you. Stupid sodium ruins everything. I'm also saddened by the Chipotle, Starbucks and Cold Stone, but let's face it, I knew those were coming. I will admit that this list wasn't as depressing as a list I found a while ago though. That list included the cheese fries at Outback Steakhouse THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE and ate nearly every weekend back in the day.

But really, the key isn't about not eating these foods, right? Moderation is still the going idea, right? If it isn't, don't tell me.

So do you eat any of the foods on the list? Did any surprise you?

Burn Calories, Burn!

My ex-boyfriend would be proud of me. For the past two weeks, I've been going to the gym at least every other day. Today (SATURDAY) I was on the elliptical for over 2.5 miles! (How long that took is another story, but one feat at a time, thanks.) I'm so glad the apartment complex has a decent gym. Take that, stupid $60 gym memberships!

Anyways, since I've been working out, I thought I 'd share this interesting tidbit I learned from Glamour's health and fitness blog Vitamin G. Apparently, different workouts (ie. running, swimming, etc.) lead to different cravings. Personally I don't crave much of anything after working out except water, but that could be connected to my choice of exercise, according to this post. I generally pick a treadmill over running outside, and supposedly, treadmill lovers are more likely to experience appetite suppression. Wacky, huh?

But if you're more of a swimmer, or a swimmer in cold water, you end up craving foods higher in fat. If you're an outside runner, expect to crave fruit and high-water foods. Now I'm not big on swimming in cold water nor running, so if you are, does this resemble your post-workout craving?

You can read more about the study conducted at Loughborough University here.