Stand ‘N Stuff?? Not What You Could be Thinking :)

Again, I have discovered something new, easier and even a bit funny!

Enter Old El Paso …

Ok, so the name sounds funny, but really ... they're kind of awesome!

You’re reading it right! “Stand ‘N Stuff” Soft Flour Tortillas.

All right, I admit it – when I saw them on the shelf, I laughed. I’m sure the other shoppers were wondering about me.

Getting back to the “new tortillas” …

Have you ever tried putting HOT taco meat in a corn shell or in a flat soft taco and burned yourself? :(

Have you ever had all your “goodies” fall out with every bite you took? :(

For a while, Old El Paso has had huge corn/hard shells that stood up for filling. But, what about some of us softies?

Here they are! One for us!

At first I wanted to laugh, and then I thought … hmm, maybe we should try them.

So, I got one pack at the Wal*Mart Neighborhood Market for $2.48. There are eight (8) “shells” per package.

Shells $2.50

Seasoning $0.80

One pound ground beef (Fresh & Easy/double pack) $2.50

Lettuce $1.00

Tomato $1.00

Cheese $5.00 (can do up to 32 or more tacos so $1.25 per 8)                    

$9.05/8 = $1.13 per taco

Okay, that’s slightly more expensive than Del Taco (their “original” tacos can run $0.99 + tax) or Taco Bell (tacos w/o tomato run about $0.79 + tax).  

But, these are prepared with FRESH meat, fresh veggies, and good cheese. Not to mention you can top them with as MUCH veggies or cheese as you please. Also, you do save the sales tax.

As far as the ease of warming them up – instructions state 10-15 seconds on high. For four (4) shells (wrapped in wax paper, which is HIGHLY recommended), I put them on for 20 seconds. That seems to work. My microwave is 1000W so the time might vary for those with higher output or lower.

Warming & storage instructions

Quite simple to warm them up!

Recommendation? Use the lowest time. You can always add more time to get them right; you can never “un-cook” something.

Amazingly once you’ve filled them and sit down to eat (providing you fill them and sit right down); they don’t get tough, chewy or hard. They hold up quite well, so long as you don’t put a TON of meat, cheese, and veggies in them.

If you have some of the “shells” left, instructions state to store them in a food storage bag or container. I chose a container and that works great!

This is how I store them until the next go-around 

They not only look great coming out of the container, but warm up just like they did out of the original package

"Average" depth

Even after 2-3 days in the container, when I warm them up (again wrapped in wax paper, 20 seconds on high), they’re as good as when I took them out the first time. The max time between opening the original container and “leftovers” is usually two (2) days, no more than three (3).

I do that not only because of the shells, but because of the veggies – namely the lettuce. Even fresh lettuce can start going bad within 2-3 days.

Looking "down" at the tacos

Warm, fresh, good-looking and "yummy"!

They hold quite a bit of "goodies" 

As far as seasoning, we like Old El Paso’s seasoning as it doesn’t have onions which requires we “sift” them out. Although if you’re not one for spicy tacos … I’d keep to the mild seasoning. We got “original” one time … just a tad too spicy for us.

Anyway …

These are the new “tortillas” for our household. While they’re a bit more expensive than traditional “Great Value” soft taco size tortillas, they don’t stay around as long. The “taco meat” is sufficient for eight (2) Stand ‘N Stuff tacos, so there is no worry about wasting the remaining tortillas or having leftovers for too long. Two dinners, and it’s time to move on to something else.

For the past few shopping trips, I was lucky to save $1.50 (three $0.50 coupons) on the “shells”, and I saved $0.50 on the packet of seasoning (final cost was $0.28).

No matter how much they cost, to this household … they’re worth it.

While the name sounds funny, and they look odd, the plates don’t need a lot of scraping and we hardly lose our “goodies” :)

That’s the main thing – not losing one’s taco goodies.

Café Mocha at Home

For those of us who LOVE coffee, how many times do we wish we could make a coffee drink at home? How many times do we think “wish I could afford Starbucks” (or coffee dealer of choice)?

During RARE … and I mean RARE occasions, I get Café Mocha from the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I love it.

But, at $5-$7 a pop, it’s not realistic. In addition, the closest one is in a casino that’s about 12 miles away (round trip) from where I live.

Starbucks has a comparable Café Mocha, but normally I get either a Valencia Orange refresher or a Passion Fruit Lemonade Iced Tea when I’m there.

And, I try to go there only as a treat for a workout, as well as a “creative” moment away from home.

Even being a Gold member which allows for free refills – I still have to front nearly $4-$5 per cup, and I can’t pass up those $2 marshmallow dream bars (I suck at making gooey Rice Krispy Treats at home; last three times ended in disaster). That’s $6-$7 per visit :(

Sadly, finances have not allowed that … at least not right now they haven’t.

So, what to do? Of course! Make it at home!

Now I’m not taking credit for the idea. It was the result of a $0.56 Chocolate Mint Truffle hot chocolate packet I picked up at the Wal*Mart Neighborhood Market a few weeks ago.

On the back, as normal, were the instructions to fix it (best recommendations) … and a nice little hint: “can be used as a coffee creamer”.

Really? How the hell did I not figure that out sooner? Oy!

Since I have a lot of ground coffee that I’ve had for a few years, and I do have a reusable “K-Cup” … 

I put the packet of cocoa in my $1 Starbuck reusable hot mug (with a re-usable hot sleeve), popped the K-Cup in and brewed away … 

Not knowing if it was going to be sweet enough, I added a bit of sugar.

WOW!

That is all I can say! It was quite awesome. I was really impressed. Once that worked, I thought I’d try some other cocoas I had …

First one up was “Land o Lakes” Chocolate Raspberry.

Again, used the re-usable K-Cup with the “old” Dunkin Donuts ground coffee … **POOF** …

That was awesome as well.

Moving on … I tried the “Land o Lakes” Mint Chocolate. Again, success!

Now, just so you know, I didn’t do all this in one night or day. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep or think had I done it all in the same day. I actually did this over the course of a few days.

Everything you need to make a "Café Mocha" ... coffee, cocoa, K-Cup, Reusable Cup (with sleeve)

What level do you want your coffee to be?

What flavor? I personally like them all :)

Filter & re-usable K-Cup -- at least I can use that ground coffee I had stacked up

Re-usable cup, sleeve, re-usable K-Cup and DD coffee

Love this idea! 

You can put in as much or as little as you'd like

Coffee is filled and ready to be loaded [yes, I know I need to clean it, going to after this cup]

Loading it in the Keurig :)

The next try was some old packets of Swiss Miss Cocoa. We had Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and Marshmallow.

You can always opt for this ... 

Ending up the Dark Chocolate worked, as did the Marshmallow.  Haven’t tried the milk chocolate as we only have one box. I tend to use what I have more of before moving on to other things I don’t have much of.

Decided to make the second batch of “marshmallow” without putting sugar in the coffee … and there was no real difference in taste, so I can omit the sugar, which is better health and weight-wise.

While the coffee is old (best before 4/2009), and the cocoa was best before 4/2010 … it wasn’t a bad experiment.  I learned that not all food should be tossed past a date stamped on it.

“Food safety experts are saying that you could be throwing away lots of money by tossing food from the fridge that is still good.

Some top safety experts say that just because your food says it's expired, doesn't mean that it necessarily is.

Companies put "use by" dates on their food voluntarily to tell you when it tastes best, not if it's going to make you sick.”

“As for pantry ideas that are either dry or processed; some may be good up to two years after the expiration date has passed.

Experts say to use common sense of course, if it looks or smells funny; toss it out.”

(http://www.ktnv.com/news/actionnewsthismorning/Expired-food-in-the-fridge-may-be-still-good-223340391.html)

You have to use “good sense” – if it smells funny, looks funny, is odd … yes, toss it … please do! Don’t keep it!

As for the coffee and cocoa?

I haven’t gotten sick and neither has my mom. I doubt there is much that could go bad with coffee and cocoa. Yeah, perhaps it’s not as “kick-ass” as it might have been … can you imagine if it were? O_o

But, this new experiment is a good way to get it out of the house.

After all …

I’ve tried flavored creamers in my coffee, and it’s still “eh”. I’ve tried using milk as opposed to water in the cocoa. Again, “eh”.

Cocoa and coffee? YUM!

I’m not advocating drinking/eating spoiled stuff. Please, if you don’t think it is safe … TOSS IT OUT!!

If you have fresh stuff … good.

Me?

I’m hoping this will be the last year that pack of Dunkin Donuts original ground stays in the cabinet, and definitely the last year of the cocoa staying around. I also have a package of coffee that had 2012 stamped on it. Hoping it’ll be gone by Christmas.

Anyway … getting back to “making it at home” …

At least I can have a nice, somewhat gourmet coffee drink at home. I can also have it when I take my mom to work. Winter is coming and I’m going to need to be prepared for those cold mornings.

Now, excuse me … I have another cup of Café Mocha calling my name :)

[Note: I tried the Ghirardelli Peppermint … that definitely kicked me in the butt! Good, but wow!]

Reference:

Lewis, R. (2013, September 11). Expired food in the fridge may be still good - www.ktnv.com. KTNV ABC Channel 13 - Las Vegas, Nevada - Local News, Breaking News, Weather. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from http://www.ktnv.com/news/actionnewsthismorning/Expired-food-in-the-fridge-may-be-still-good-223340391.html

Which is Healthier?

Take a look at these two packages of “pasta”. While the packaging is slightly different – the top is the newer “Great Value” [Wal*Mart] package, and the bottom is the older packaging … there should be a greater difference.

Which is better? 

So, which would you choose as the “healthier” pasta? Angel Hair or Whole Wheat?

Now, we’re taught that "carbs" are bad, and to use as little pasta as we can – and when we do, choose healthier ones.

If that’s the case, let’s examine the numbers (from the back of the packaging):

                                      Angel Hair Pasta                            Whole Wheat    

Calories:                       200                                                    210

Calories (from fat):      10                                                      15

Cholesterol:                  0                                                        0

Sodium:                        0                                                        0

Potassium:                    105                                                   210

Total Carbohydrate:    41                                                     41

Vitamin A:                   0%                                                     0

Calcium:                       0%                                                    2%

Thiamin:                       35%                                                  NOT LISTED

Niacin:                          20%                                                  NOT LISTED

Vitamin C:                    0%                                                    0%

Iron:                              10%                                                  NOT LISTED

Riboflavin:                   15%                                                 NOT LISTED

Folic Acid:                    30%                                                  0%

Protein:                         7                                                        7

Nutritional label for the "Angel Hair" pasta my mom chose

Half of the "nutritional label" for the "whole wheat" thin spaghetti I chose

The other "half" of the "whole wheat" nutritional label

Since the box is “blue”, we know I didn’t switch it.

The “whole grain” doesn’t have values for Thiamin, Niacin, Iron or Riboflavin listed.  

In all fairness, I couldn’t find the “whole wheat” version of the Angel Hair, and don’t know if they had one. I’m looking for a way to “slowly” integrate healthier items into my diet. As opposed to eating the Angel Hair pasta my mom loves, I opted for “whole wheat” thin spaghetti. I just grabbed the box and tossed it into the shopping cart. When we fixed dinner Saturday evening … I discovered the “facts” about my choice.

Comparing these two boxes, it would be difficult to decide which is the healthiest for you – for the most part, one has just about less of everything. They're identical in price (per package), though the Angel Hair is 16oz for $1; whole wheat is 13.25oz for $1, so you're getting less "pasta" for the price. It's not like the “what weighs more” joke of ton of feathers or ton of bricks – both are still a ton. 

My overall impression (take it or leave it) is that the whole wheat thin spaghetti is no better for me than the angel hair pasta. 

The differences between the two?

Angel Hair has …

Calories wise:     10 less

Calories (fat)       5 less

Potassium:          Half as much (105 vs. 210)

Total Carbs:        Same

Calcium:             None (0% vs. 2%)

Thiamin:             Unknown (35% vs. NOT LISTED)

Niacin:                Unknown (20% vs. NOT LISTED

Iron:                     Unknown (10% vs. NOT LISTED

Riboflavin:         Unknown (15% vs. NOT LISTED

Folic Acid:          MUCH BETTER (30% vs. 0%)                         

Protein:               Same

It would appear (to me, at least) that there is no real difference between the two; there doesn't seem to be any additional nutritional benefits to eating the whole wheat thin spaghetti either, more potassium, and slightly more calcium ... but nothing to be excited about.

If the only benefit the whole wheat has is more potassium (or calcium), a supplement in the vitamin aisle could suffice or perhaps eating a fruit or vegetable with the equivalent.

As far as the taste – my mom couldn’t tell the difference between the Angel Hair and Whole Wheat, and she was skeptical about the purchase, but for an extra $1, it wasn’t bad. She thought we could use it as a back-up, but it wasn't worthy of a “steady item” purchase. She said if there weren’t any additional benefits, she still preferred the Angel Hair pasta. Can’t say I blame her. There is no difference in taste, and it doesn’t seem to be a “better” pasta for the price.

Like the cereal, just because something is being promoted as “better”, doesn’t mean it always is.

That’s now two things I’ve thought I was changing for the better – first the cereal, second the pasta. Hmm, this “eating better” is beginning to be a lot of research. Last time I had research like this I was in college, and that was 2 years ago – late in life student :)

Not Everything is Good With Bacon

Bacon Dogs?

Yup … you read it and now ya see it:

Oscar Mayer now has “BACON” hot dogs.

I can’t even begin to tell you where my mind went when I saw them.

As usual, every other Friday is payday (yesterday the 9^th, next time 23^rd, etc), which means “shopping” day. So, when going by the meat aisle, mom suggested we get some hot dogs. We saw the bacon hot dogs, and of course we got them.

The hot dogs were in a “double” pack, 4 dogs per pack, so we froze one and kept one down in the refrigerator. That's what we do when we get OM's line of hot dogs.

Today for lunch, we decided to try them. We each had two, no potato chips or french fries, just two dogs.

As I normally have one (1) ketchup dog, and one (1) mustard dog … I decided to wait until I tasted them before adding condiments. That way I could really get the full-flavor. 

Let me say this … there was nothing really extraordinary about them. I’m sad to say that. I normally like OM's range of “dogs” like the cheese dogs, all beef, and the naturals. I was not really impressed, nor did I taste anything remotely close to “bacon”, and I've had their bacon before.

While they had an “enhanced” flavor (likely because of the bacon), they didn’t stand out. I added mustard and they were pretty good. I’ll eat the second pack later in the week … but I won’t buy them again (unless they’re dirt cheap say $1 or less). They're not so horrible I want to return them. 

But, for $1.50/8 pack, they were a decent value.

If you’re adventurous, I’d give them a try. You’d likely blow $1.50 on something insignificant. If you’re looking for a good quality hot dog, I’d pass. For those, I stick to Omaha Steaks (which are more of a “gourmet” dog), Nathan’s, or Hebrew National. 

Free Pizza, Complaints & the "Entitled" Mentality

“I didn’t get one of your free pizzas, I’m hurt! You scammed me. I’m calling corporate to demand you give me one!! You hear me!! I want my free pizza.”

Outrageous, isn’t it? Sadly, that is how the “tone” of a thread went today; at least that was how it was interpreted.

I’ve been reading the comments about Domino’s 1000 pizza code. They gave away 2000 pizzas on Facebook yesterday, and today (because I was prepared), I was able to get one of the codes to use for lunch.

Some of the complaints were:

1. Not enough pizzas

2. Some stores were not open

3. It isn’t for delivery

4. Some people were able to use the code more than once

5. There is no place to enter the code

6. Why am I paying $1 (more or less) for my free pizza?

**sigh**

Really? Has it gotten that bad that some of us feel we’re “ENTITLED” to a free pizza simply for nothing that has happened to us?

Apparently so.

Someone complained that they were going to call corporate. And one response was “really, you’re going to complain you didn’t get a free pizza?”

**HUGE sigh**

Is it just me, or are people getting dumber in batches? Is this what society is coming to?

I’m sure we all know (or we should) nothing free (or discounted) comes without limitations, exclusions and conditions. Most of the time it is in the “FINE” print. Yes, you have to read it. Yes, you have to research. This is nothing new.

I’m sure the picture states quite plainly what is required:

So, let me go over the points:

1. Not enough pizzas

It clearly states it is only 1000 people (uses), or at best 1000 pizzas!

Really, with over 8.3 million likes you expect that 1000 pizzas are going to stay around long? They’re not. And, also, places want to make money (and I’m sure the employees want to get paid).

They’re not doing it to feed everyone in America. 

Also, I have to wonder about people complaining about not getting a free pizza.

** Are they starving and haven’t eaten for days?  

** Are their kids going hungry?

** Are they just lazy?

** Are they just being selfish?

Why all the crap over the fact they weren’t quick on the draw to get a free pizza? Seriously, you’d think they were being unfairly prosecuted; they were losing their home or being killed.

Sorry, but I don’t equate losing a free pizza as a major world problem, life changer or a disaster.

PROOOOOOOOOOBLEM #2

2. Some stores were not open

There is an option to select a future time. If they don’t do it, oh well. I know this one quite well. Yes, I have the advantage of having worked there (it was OVER 6 years ago the last time I clocked in though) …

BUT … if anyone has ever ordered online, they are familiar with the website. People were ordering online or “timed” orders when I last worked there. The option has to be somewhere.

As far as ordering on a mobile phone, it doesn’t give you the option, so you have to understand there are limitations – plan ahead and know that.

3. It isn’t for delivery

**sigh** it is, but free isn’t the required amount for delivery, have to usually have over $8, which is stated in the picture and on the website. Helps to READ the rules carefully.

4. Some people were able to use the code more than once

I think it is wrong (and it likely is), but it wasn’t against the rules per se. It says 1000 requests and nothing “specifically” about one per person, per day. There is a VAGUE part about using multiple identities or email accounts. That is a grey area though.

One woman was able to get four (4) free pizzas, but not for herself. She ordered some for family, and her husband’s co-workers.

I’ve seen the time my mom and I shared a computer, but she had her own email account. So, would it be fair if I got one and she got one? Yes and no. That’s a fine line.

There are times she’s not familiar with online ordering and I’ve had to place her order for her. It doesn’t mean she is not entitled to it … she’s just not familiar with the whole process.

Here are the rules though:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNiLecWCQAAnHxp.jpg:large

5. There is no place to enter the code

There is a place in the checkout, below the “order summary”. You have to add your items, and then hit checkout. As with anything, investigate it, familiarize yourself before. This isn’t rocket science.

6. Why am I paying $1 (more or less) for my free pizza?

While I didn’t have to … some states do require businesses to collect sales tax on the pre-coupon/promotional price. Some states preclude businesses from giving away food in contests, so they have to charge something (even a $1). Don’t ask me why, but I know there are laws about contests, lotteries, misc that have to be followed.

It helps to look at the receipt you’re emailed or your “order” summary to see what the charge is for. Call the store to make sure, and check online or call the state.

In the end, free food is nice … it’s great. But, it is a gift. Some are lucky to get it, others aren’t. You’re not guaranteed it. You have to be fast, and you have to follow the rules.

The only time you should “call corporate” is if there are continual issues with the store that cannot (for whatever reason) be resolved at the store level. These issues might include delivery issues, poor service, poor quality, and the store’s overall operations. Not being able to use or “win” a free pizza/product is NOT a corporate concern.

Now, if you go to the store after redeeming the code and the store wants to charge you – indeed, call corporate.

Some stores are franchises, and some are corporate. Franchises can elect not to participate or to limit online ordering.

And, they are only liable for ACTUAL out of pocket expenses (meaning you have to pay). Not getting a free pizza is not an out of pocket expense.

With that said …

I enjoyed my free lunch … which might end up being tonight’s dinner as well!

Return of the Twinkies ... What Can/Have We Learned

"Luke Skywalker has returned to

his home planet of Tatooine in

an attempt to rescue his

friend Han Solo from the

clutches of the vile gangster

Jabba the Hutt.

Little does Luke know that the

GALACTIC EMPIRE has secretly

begun construction on a new

armored space station even

more powerful than the first

dreaded Death Star.

When completed, this ultimate

weapon will spell certain doom

for the small band of rebels

struggling to restore freedom

to the galaxy..."

Oh wait ... that's something else. Sorry, skip that! My bad!

Anyway ...

The heralded return of the much loved and often maligned snack cake (along with quite a few other Hostess treats) is/are returning on July 15, 2013! 

Last November when I heard that Hostess was closing and my favorite snack foods were going to be gone … forever … I did what anyone would do:

I PANICKED!

After a few tears and wondering what had happened to the world I live in, I went to the nearest gas stations, 7/11 stores, and other places hoping to see a Twinkie. I didn’t. I did fine some pink snowballs, and pies, donettes and some Home Pride bread.

(my last stash of Hostess goodies on November 18, 2012)

I carefully doled out the goodies until they were gone. It was a sad day when I ate the last fruit pie :(

Now, to have them back is somewhat of a miracle. It’s a second chance to experience the good things in life.

But, this teaches a few lessons:

1. Be grateful for what you have – you can easily lose it

            Snack cakes, love, ANYTHING

2. What we want, we don’t often get

            The unionized workers went on strike causing the situation, they lost their jobs. Some have been hired back, but are non-unionized

            [http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/06/23/sweetest-comeback-ever-twinkies-to-return-to-shelves-july-15/]

3. MODERATION – Seriously!

            I loved the cakes, pies and donettes; often eating them until I was burned out on them. There were times I stated that I didn’t want to see another one (almost got my wish too; thankfully it wasn’t for long).

            As a result, I had passed up an opportunity to get some Twinkies prior to the announcement. Never again! I am going to definitely take the time to stop and enjoy my snacks, despite my new goal of getting more exercise to lose weight.

4. Anything is possible!

            We often think that some things are just impossible, and in certain cases they are. But, when you want something bad enough (losing weight, to make a relationship work, realize dreams …) nothing can stand in your way.

5.  Faith can move mountains … or at best bring Twinkies back from the dead!

            I know, this sounds silly. And, I’m sure some religious people would have my head.

            Has anyone considered we sometimes learn lessons with things and tools that are important to us?

            For example: I loved (and still do) Twinkies, Cup Cakes, Ding Dongs, Ho-Ho’s, Fruit Pies … and, after November 2012 – **poof ** they were gone from my life. I felt that a piece of my childhood (and a “constant”) was gone.

            But, it wasn’t just the snack cakes I lost. It was faith in humanity. It represented the greed that was consuming the nation. It brought out the vile comments of fat kids and Twinkies. It showed how bad our society is.

            In short, it was a lesson in evil.

            With the return of the products – I see there is hope, there is good, and to be appreciative of what I have. I can’t have everything, and wanting one thing might lead to losing another.

            Can you follow that? I hope so.

            In short, sometimes we learn lesson through things that we’re close to or interested in.

6. Being greedy causes you to lose in the end.

            Why did I bring this up?

            Simple. When the “death” notice was issued some people didn’t run to the stores to enjoy the treats – they went for the kill. They were going to take advantage of the people who (like me) miss the treats and cash in!

           

            Some people thought they could sell off the remaining Twinkies and be set for life, or at best make a few dollars to a few thousand. No joke! I’m sure anyone (like I just did) can scour eBay, Amazon and even Craigslist to find people selling OLD Twinkies for an outrageous amount of money.  Here are a few examples:

(Current listing on Amazon. That is $29.50 per box. But, the eBay ones are through the roof!)

(eBay example #1. Auction starts at $10, which is reasonable. The Buy It Now? $300. Are they insane? And, this is a current listing. Fresh Twinkies will arrive in 3 weeks -- July 15th)

(eBay example #2. Auction starts at $500. $500!!!! The Buy It Now? $800. Quick! Get these people some oxygen and a drug test! Are they insane? Again, a current listing.)

          

            I just wonder how they’re feeling now that the cakes they have are anywhere from 6-8 months PAST their sale date and the new ones will be out in 3 weeks?

            Who’s going to want to spend upwards to $800 for a 7-8 month old box when they can pay $4 for a fresh, new box of them? 

            I would only take the old ones if they were free. Other than that? NOT AT ALL. Not when there’ll be a FRESH supply in about 3 weeks for regular price (average is $3.99/10 count).  

            And no, Twinkies do not last forever. 45 days is their limit, has been. I found this out the hard way. A few years ago, I found a 3 month old Twinkie in the cabinet (I forgot it was there). Trust me, it was NASTY. Even if the filling was good, the sponge was tough and had a slight funky taste to it. I don’t want to know what the ones that “expired” in November taste like.

Twinkies (and the other goodies are returning, especially the fruit pies). Yay!!

Someone asked me “are they good?”

Good for nutrition? Not likely.

Good for the soul?  Maybe

Good tasting? DEFINITELY

I never had a problem with the snacks when I was younger. I ate them in moderation and got exercise. My weight has of course gotten worse in adulthood, but that is a different story entirely.

Perhaps the return of these treats is my reward for seriously considering a better eating habit (moderation and limitation), attempt to lose weight (it doesn’t hurt to try), and joining a gym (I just need payday to get here to pay for it).

That’s just my take on this whole “experience”.

Contrary to what Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas, Wall Street) said – greed is not good.

Now … is it July yet? :)

REFERENCES:

Associated Press. (2013, June 24). The sweetest comeback ever? Twinkies to return to shelves July 15 | Fox News. Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos & News Videos. Retrieved June 24, 2013, from http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/06/23/sweetest-comeback-ever-twinkies-to-return-to-shelves-july-15

Marquand, R. (Director). (1997). Return of the Jedi [Motion picture]. Multiple: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Stone, O. (Director). (1987). Wall Street [Motion picture]. USA: 20th Century Fox.

Screenshots were taken from Amazon and eBay. I hold no copyrights to those websites, but I do ask that if you want to share the images I cropped, please ask. Thank you.