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Dr. Pepper Ten: Gendered Soda Advertising

/ foodsweatandbeers / 17 Comments

I’ll preface this post with a heads up: I took quite a few Women’s Studies classes at UNC. Graduating with a minor in Sexuality Studies, it was bound to happy. And, though I never planned on it, VOILA I ended up a feminist.  The name of my game is equality, women’s rights, and all that good stuff.  Imagine my horror, all that considered, when I saw this little gem on the television:

I’ll give you a moment to digest that.

Got it?

Good.

If you were too busy to watch the 30 second clip, let me give you the cliffnotes version:

Dr. Pepper Ten is a new product from Dr. Pepper that is their take on a “manly” diet soda. With only 10 “manly” calories, no longer will you seem like a lady drinking diet soda. You’ll appear tough, rugged, and bold drinking Dr. Pepper Ten.

And, apparently, it’s not for women.

Poppycock.

I can’t even say that I’m bothered by the “No Girls Allowed” part.  Whatever. I don’t want your stupid soda anyway.

I think what really gets me is this idea that “diet” soda is only for women. Or that men can handle 10 calories but women can’t.  Or whatever inane thought process fueled this ad campaign.

You know what else is 10 calories?

  • 1 navel orange segment
  • A SINGLE Whopper (the malted milk ball, not the burger, crazy!)
  • HALF of a pecan
  • 2.5 pistachios
  • 3 green grapes
(big thanks to Self Magazine for doing that math for us all)
My vote for the least manly looking ten calories?

Pink Lemonade Crystal Light, gentlemen?

This isn’t the first ad campaign that’s been all about gearing a product towards macho men (see: Axe Body Spray, Old Spice body wash) and it’s not the first “diet” soda that is trying to be diet without actually calling itself diet (see: Coke Zero, Pepsi Max).  But the whole idea behind these drinks being more appropriate for males vs. females just seems a little outrageous.

Anyone remember the Diet Pepsi skinny can?

Bottom line: People like the taste of soda, and they also like reducing their caloric intake (whether it’s to be “skinny” like the can or fit like the Dr. Pepper Ten Manly Men). And if/when I see a dude drinking Dr. Pepper Ten, I’m not going to think he’s more manly. I’m going to think he’s insecure about drinking  “diet” Dr. Pepper.

It’s just where my mind’s going to jump now that Dr. Pepper has launched this campaign making me painfully aware that it has less calories than regular Dr. Pepper but more than Diet Dr. Pepper.

We’ll see how this Dr. Pepper Ten fares… I have to admit, I’d love to do a taste test with the 3 Drs. themselves to see where my flavor preferences go.  I figure it’s the same morbid curiosity that drives me to want to try Chick Beer. I want to know if there’s more to this soda than a flashy ad campaign that pushes gender roles down the throats of viewers.

What’s your take on this whole “gendered” soda advertising?

Have you tried Dr. Pepper Ten? What did you think?

The Blog World is a Wonderful World

/ foodsweatandbeers / 7 Comments

Long ago (long = 4 months ago, it’s all relative, right?) I started Food, Sweat, and Beers. It’s obviously my favorite place on the internet, but I never really thought it’d amount to too much.  I figured, hey, a place to write about my 3 favorite things (one guess as to what they may be) as well as an outlet to meet new people and try something out. It’s not like I’d never had a blog before.  There was my infamous tumblr when I started Weight Watchers back in March 2010. But I feel like this is different.

Yesterday, I got a triple dose of awesome to remind me how glorious folks have been/continue to be re: my blog.

First off, a package from the beautiful Laura, filled with all the flavors that Texas has to offer.  Since it was through Foodie Penpals, I’ll save that post for a later date, but trust me, you’re in for a treat. And by you, I mean me. Unless a treat for you is being insanely jealous of someone else’s goodies.

Her packages bring all the boys to the yard.

Second up is the package I’ve been waiting for since my Great Tour De Pumpkin (Beer) Tasting . Hannah mentioned that Schlafly Beer put out a pretty sweet Pumpkin Ale that I simply had to try.  Since Schlafly is in St. Louis and I’m here in Durham, I was at an impasse.

Unless this fancy kilt-man from Schlafly's website intends to bring me some...

You know what that violining vixen suggested?

A beer swap!

Well, who am I to say no to beer from far off lands?

Especially from women who dress like pumpkins

Well, after ripping the (incredibly well-packed) box to shreds, guess what I found?

The Halloweeniest!!

Not only did Miss Hannah send me beautiful Pumpkin Ale, but Pumpkin Spice kisses and my ONLY SEASONAL HALLOWEEN DECORATION!!

Jealous?

You should be.

I’ve already made a serious dent in the kisses (and put them in my Saturday pancakes) and intend to drink the beers once they’ve had some time to relax after their long trip.

In other news, from blogging enablers, my beau and friends decided that they wanted my blog photography to be more “artsy”.  You know what that meant?

Black and White Beer Photoshoot!

Oozing with class

I call this one: Sad cork-toothed walrus

Clearly, it's all about the angles

Three cheers to blogging friends, pen pals, lovers of spice and beer and, as always, my friends and loved ones who support my silly, sweaty, boozy adventures every step of the way.

Got any fabulous blog-love stories?

Why You Should Grocery Shop at Lunchtime

/ foodsweatandbeers / 8 Comments

Hey there y’all, and thank goodness it’s Friday!

I’m blurrily celebrating No-Pants Friday, so excited that I clearly couldn’t even hold still!

Too fast, too furious for the camera!

And I have to say, I just enjoyed the most divine salad at lunchtime.

Festive Friday Fare!

Yesterday, I tossed 2 frozen chicken breasts, half a can of black beans and half a can of fire-roasted tomatoes and some salsa into the crockpot. By dinnertime last night, it was a wonderful shreddable chicken with a Mexican flavor. Though I wrapped it in a tortilla last night, today I bulked it up with some spinach, tomato, half an avocado, and cheese. Out of this world.

Now, you might be asking yourself, “How does Jordan afford all these avocados? She must be a zillionaire!” because avocados are notoriously pricey and that’s a bummer. But I’ll tell you how I get em.

Shop for groceries at lunchtime!

A beautiful bounty!

The aisles are almost empty and the food is ripe for the picking. Also, this is a PRIME time to pick up those battered and bruised veggies and fruits that are “priced for quick sale”. The losers of the produce aisle, these treats always finagle their way into my heart and, shortly after, into my grocery cart. And, honestly, if you’re planning on putting together food with the veggies in the not-too-distant future, what’s the problem?

Sure, maybe they’re not as beautiful as the beautiful bananas, the attractive avocados, and the perfect plums. But they’re delicious as all get out, and just made my day.

For $2.50, I picked up 4 avocados and 8 tomatoes. I’ll chalk that one up to a major WIN!

Plans for tonight include a very special (and RARE in NC!) beer!  Epic Brewing’s Brainless on Peaches will be tapped at Rockfish tonight, and I can’t wait to try a glass.  Yummy, yummy.

What’s

Jimmy Johns Customer Appreciation Day!

/ foodsweatandbeers / 5 Comments

So, this’ll be short and sweet.

Once a year, Jimmy Johns hosts their Customer Appreciation Day. On this day, subs 1-6 are only $1 a piece!  If you know me at all, you know of my fondness for free or cheap foods. Heck, look at my birthday week!

Discounted slices of Klausie's Pizza? I melt (just like cheese).

So when I heard of this chance, I of course tweeted and emailed all my coworkers. Last year, they were cranking out a sub every 20 seconds.  This year, they may’ve been going even faster.  When we rolled up (4 deep), this was what we saw.

Hugs for Subs!

This type of crowd left some balking at the sheer size of the line. Not I, though. I had faith that the folks at Jimmy Johns wouldn’t disappoint. And, within no time at all, we were inside.

MAN, the gears were turning inside!

JJ Crew

I’m pretty sure the entire working force of Jimmy Johns was there! There were folks answering phones and, outside, people were taking orders to prepare for the checkout. It was a well-oiled machine.

$2.34 later, I was home with my goodies.

Delicious

I went for the classic.

#4 Turkey Tom, no mayo, plus onions and oregano, side of Thinny Chips (WHOAH this is newish!! Reduced fat Jimmy Johns Chips!!)

I added some low-fat mayo at home, and paired it with my drink du jour, pink lemonade Crystal Light.

Fantastic.

If you are in the Triangle area (read Cary, Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill) before 3 pm today, GET YO’SELF A SUB!!

Are you aware of any killer food deals I should know about? 

Happy hours? Cheap eats? One-day deals?! SHARE!

The Lighter Side of Zumba

/ foodsweatandbeers / 15 Comments

Hey there y’all!! Long time, no blog.

This weekend was jam-packed, and I even blogged a pinch about it in this week’s Six Pack Sunday: My Cousin’s Wedding. That being said, considering it was the longest time I’ve spent home in a looooong time. Monday, since I had off, I took advantage of the bonus day and staved off my flight until Tuesday morning. The cost? One exhausted Jordan.

Payoff? Phenomenal Sister Date!

See the resemblance? (I'm the taller one, ps.)

On the agenda?

Pancakes (banana chocolate chip… with sprinkles), Baking (Namely, Courtney’s Crackled Sugar Cookies), Zumba, Lunch at Moe’s, and FroYo. All before 4pm (game time for her volleyball game!)  It was daunting, especially after drinking all the beers during the weekend, but, with little Kiley by my side, I was ready for anything.

She's also a whiz with a whisk.

Up first? The cookies.

Toss those bad boys into the oven, now what?

Since they take about 12 minutes to cook, but we were already dressed for zumba, clearly we only had one option.

Girl's got ups.

Not much of a yogi-bear

Beautiful tree pose

This is the most flexible I've ever looked. Don't believe everything you see.

16 takes of each pose later, they were ready!!

Just in time for zumba!

All iced and ready for the team!

Fast forward to a trip to the YMCA. The 1pm Zumba class on a Monday is not something my schedule normally allows, so I jumped at the chance.  When we got there, we realized that wasn’t my standard Zumba class.  It was, in fact, a whole different ballgame.

The two of us probably brought the average age of the fitness room down about 26 years. While I’m used to the  college students from UNC and Duke, or the young professionals from the Research Triangle who dress in Lululemon, Nike, and Under Armour, the fashion in this class was outfitted in jeans (no joke), plaid shorts, and stirrup pants. We stuck out like two sore thumbs. Two sore thumbs that were about 6″ taller than most of the other women in the class. We’re tall, we’re gangly, and we have zero rhythm.

Clearly, we were meant to be in this class.

Well, we were given weird looks as we were flailing around, taking steps way longer than needed, and jumping up and down.  In fact, at one point, a woman leaned over to us and said “Man, whatever you’ve got going on in your shoes, I think I need it!”

Sweet moves, Ki!

Both of us are tall, lanky, and athletic. Surprisingly, that doesn’t actually translate to being a good dancer whatsoever. It mostly translated to us looking like we were illustrating plyometric drills instead of salsa and merengue steps.  But we got some laughs, we felt like spastic jellyfish, and we broke one heck of a sweat.

Glossy

And, even though I may not have any sexy Latin moves, I can, at times, drop it like it’s hot.

Drop it low

It was great to take a group fitness class and feel like a goof, instead of focusing solely on knocking out serious cardio. I even followed my own group fitness etiquette and made sure that, since I wasn’t sure of the moves this woman used, I hung out in the back.

Do you ever take classes just “for fun”?

I can’t say I regularly do, but it’s such a welcome to take a class with a friend (or, in this case, a friend sister HYBRID!) and be silly. I still felt like it was a killer workout, but that might’ve been all the laughter (good for the abs, I heard.)

Stay tuned for a wedding post in the near future!!

True or False: Vintage Edition

/ foodsweatandbeers / 3 Comments

Hey all and THANK GOODNESS IT’S FRIDAY!!

Today’s a fantastic day in the making as I’m relaxing in my family home in Pennsylvania getting reading to head to a hair appointment at my favorite salon that I’ve been going to for the past 7 years. Oh, and, no big deal, then we’re just taking off to NYC for bright lights, big city, and some familial love.  You know, much like the images of my cousin’s wedding from the spring.

I love coming home, cuddling in the bed I grew up in, and seeing my family.  One of my favorite parts of coming home is perusing through my belongings that I’ve hoarded kept around for a while.  I figured I’d share some with you in a little game of true or false.

True or False: I am afraid terrified of snakes.

What? You don't have a giant tropical mural in your home? Bummer.

FALSE! 

I think snakes are amazing, powerful, striking creatures. So much, in fact, that when I was younger and just moving into our house in Pennsylvania (I’m from Wilmington, DE originally), I made sure to request they were included in my rainforest mural. An art teacher from back when I was an itty bitty elementary school-er did it, and it features a black panther (see if you can spot it, bottom left), a monkey, a parrot, and (of course) a snake! Unpictured: a tiny tree frog.

As much as my friends used to say it must be scary to have that panther and snake giving me the eye every night, it’s my favorite part of my bedroom.

True or False: I was a nerd growing up.

Wall of Fame

Totally true. I was a Mathlete, I won english awards, art awards, foreign language awards. Basically, a book worm to the core (some things never change) and a TOTAL teacher’s pet. The middle image is a piece of artwork my mother got done for all the kids in my family. A very talented fellow would make these incredibly detailed pictures from one single piece of paper without use of glue or  exacto knives. Only scissors. It was awesome. My brother’s images showed them kicking a soccer ball or playing catch. Mine shows me sitting at a desk, reading.  Clearly, books defined me.

True or False: I collected Furbies.

My harem

False. Then again, American Girl Dolls was a different story. I even have the one designed to look like me (I’ll give you a hint, it’s not Josefina.)

Hey there, Kit, do us a solid and quit flashing your bloomers! This isn’t that kind of blog.

True or False: I am an animal lover.

Pickles Price

Old Man Happithan

Let's not forget Joey, the turtle.

True, True, TRUE!

I love my boys. Can’t wait to have a pup of my own one day.

True or False: I sleep with a body pillow every night.

He's not just anybody.

True… and false.

Well, in NC, I sleep with a plain old boring body pillow. However, when I’m home, the man in my bed is this green guy (well, on the other side, he’s purple, but you get the idea.) It’s a person shaped pillow called an Anybuddy.

I tried to look them up, and I guess they weren’t a big thing, I’ve never seen anyone else with one. But he’s cozy, he’s fleecy.  He’s basically a dream man.  Well, he was my dream man before Ry-guy came into my life.  I still make time for Anybuddy when I’m home, though.  You never forget your first love…

Ok, well the old man dog just pranced trudged into my room, looking for some love, so I’m off to coddle him.

Any good memories in your family home? Or have your folks turned it into a candle-making studio, a la Serenity by Jan.

bonus points if you know, at all, what I’m referencing. The hint’s in the link…

Ain’t No Wedding Like a Family Wedding

/ foodsweatandbeers / 6 Comments

This is a huge weekend for my family. My cousin, Whitney, is getting married this weekend in the big NYC and the whole gang’s going to be together. With my mother being one of 8 children, and their children being quite numerous, and me being one of 5 children the hits keep coming.  Not too much time for a post today, as I’ll be bustling about at work before flying home immediately after work (oh, and getting a pedicure during lunchtime) there’s not too much time for blogging.

That being said, I’d love to share some pictures from the LAST major family wedding I went to (and had a BLAST and a half at).

Looking snazzy with the beau.

Hopping aboard the jitney

Freezing up in the penthouse suite.

A Coca Cola and a blushing bride, what more can a man ask for?

Driftwood, beautiful

My cousin (the one who's getting married on Saturday) practicing her bouquet toss!!

My brother illustrating the inevitable hangover the following morning.

Here’s to one hell of a wedding weekend coming up.

 

Halloween Brainstorming

/ foodsweatandbeers / 9 Comments

Happy No-Pants Wednesday, folks!

Thanks so much for your feedback on Group Fitness Etiquette, loved hearing your rules and habits!

However, I’m being a bit blasphemous today.  It’s just too cold.

No shame in that game.

Some pants are okay on No Pants Wednesday. If they’re comfy, cozy, and bought from Considering this chilly weather (I know, I’m being a bit of a pansy, but the mornings are freezing for this summer girl!), I wanted something hot hot hot for lunch.

Steamy... just how I like it.

Grilled buffalo chicken sammy!! Sharp provolone cheese on a sandwich thin with Frank’s drenched chicken. Perfectly paired with some steamed veggies. Just what my belly needed.

In other news, quite possibly my favorite holiday is right around the corner.

HALLOWEEN!!

Honestly, any real reason to dress up in a costume, and I’m 110% down.

Pirate-ina!

I have an entire GIANT bag of costumes that takes up more room in my closet than anything else.

Psychadelic fairy!

Wings, glitter, feather boas, cat ears…. the list goes on.

Wooooootini!

Last year, for a theme party, I was even a (sexy) Ewok.  I am probably not going to post EVERY picture of a costume I’ve been recently (there was that year I was a “superman’d ho” – my personal step back for all feminist progress, but hilarious in my eyes).

Jersey Girl: We Pump Fists, Not Gas

My senior year, I embodied my all-time favorite film, Dazed and Confused, trying to match the badassery of the Senior Girls.

AIR RAID!

And the ever popular Toga Party.

Just call me Artemis.

Or that time I dressed up as a Zebra for the Lady Gaga concert.

Little Monster

Last year, I was Patty O’Green from Rainbow Brite, my first time wearing a fancy store-bought costume (since I was a little girl, at least).

Luck of the Irish

This year, though, I’m trying to figure out what to be. I don’t even know what my plans are (other than UNC’s homecoming weekend with ClaireB) but I’d love to make a funky costume.

Here’s what I’ve thought of so far:

1. Hop Cone

This is an ingredient in beer. It is NOT a pot plant.

2. Redfoo from the Sexy and I Know It video

Animal print pants rocking outta control.

3. Bubbly

Pop champagne wooooahhhh

(I know this is a rerun from New Belgium’s Tour de Fat Durham visit…. But reuse-recycle, right? Green’s the new orange and black.)

4. Big Boss’ Angry Angel

My favorite Kolsch = my favorite costume inspiration?

Basically, since there’s no real character, I’d just take some creative liberty.

5. No Doubt Gwen Stefani

Remember the video for I’m just a girl?

I might not have the abs (yet!) but she’s such a rockstar. I’d just need a tank top, put some Old English letters on there saying GWEN, curl my hair, VOILA!

What’re you being this year for Halloween?

What’s your best Halloween costume of all time?

Six Pack Sunday: (Belated) Spring Cleaning

/ foodsweatandbeers / 9 Comments

Oh my goodness, y’all.

Today’s been the most productive day in recent memory.  I decided last night that Sunday was THE DAY and, low and behold, I actually stuck to my guns.

At about 10 in the morning, I put on my fancy clothes to get this cleaning party started.

Sometimes, I wear this out to the discotheque.

As the day progressed (and the apartment started to reveal itself from beyond the clutter, I realized something.  Considering I’m a lady living the single life at the moment while Ry’s learning up a storm, I have amassed a lot of stuff.  More than any lady in my life situation should.  Luckily for all of you, I pulled a few real gems to share for this week’s Six Pack Sunday.

Today’s Six Pack Sunday is a veritable “Best of the Best” from my cleaning endeavor.

1. Gumby’s Groupie

13 Tickets to Tasty Town

Oh, Gumby’s.  If you live in/around Gainesville, FL, Tallahasse, FL, Tampa, FL, Champaign, IL, Normal, IL, Iowa City, IA, East Lansing, MI, Kalamazoo, MI, Columbia, MO, Chapel Hill, NC, Raleigh, NC, Wilmington, NC, Columbus, OH, State College, PA, College Station, TX, San Marcos, TX, Blacksburg, VA, or Madison, WI, you might be familiar with Gumby’s.  It’s the home of late night snacking essentials pizza, wings and, most importantly, Pokey sticks.

Snagged this one from their Facebook page.

These cheesy, greasy, garlicy breadsticks are nature’s candy. Only not from nature, probably at all.  Anyway, the coupons came from boxes. You collected them, then turn them in for MORE POKEY STICKS! It’s a vicious cycle, and one that I was addicted to during college.  I wonder if these are still good… I heard they stopped running this special because folks were taking the boxes from the store. Oh well. Something I’ll have to look into in the near future.

2. Come on baby, light my fire.

Sweet flame-age, JP

Considering I don’t smoke or use my fireplace, I sure have a lot of methods to bring flame into this world.

3. Explanation

Oh.

Maybe it’s the 10 giant scented candles I have.

Probably.

4. Dolla Dolla Bills

Bling bling?

In my travels, I picked up some serious coinage.

$3.50 in quarters

$2 in dimes

$0.60 in nickles

$0.35 in pennies

8 Euro cents

1 Candian penny

If anyone needs a sugar mama, tweet me. I’ll be counting my $6.45 over and over again.

5. Case Race, Friends? I’ll bring the koozies.

I promise, I'm not an alcoholic.

This one actually really shocked me. I knew I’d been collecting koozies a bit, but I just stuffed them into a drawer. Well, I officially cleaned that drawer out.

24 koozies. And I’m certain there’s another one in my car or something.

EDIT: I just went to my car. Found three more. 

Literally, I could open a case of beer and put a koozie on every single one. Just in case anyone’s looking for a case race partner, I think we’d have a clear advantage.  Warm hands, cold beer. Unstoppable.

6. The Creepiest Things That Are Currently In My Possession

I’ll confess: My blogging idol is Jenny Lawson aka the Bloggess.  And I was cleaning out my shelves, I felt like I had a moment much like finding a box of monkey hands.

I'm not proud of these.... but I'm not NOT proud, either.

  • 1 old fashion-y looking jar containing a bunch of tiny pigs
  • A shot glass containing my four (bleached) wisdom teeth
If you’re ever thinking about coming over to my place and taking shots…. just be sure you check your glass.
Ok, ok. The cleaning continues.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found in your apartment/house lately?
Do you have a ridiculous/absurd amount of any one item in your possession?  
I might be a hoarder.

Terrapin Midnight Project Peaotch (Collaboration with Left Hand Brewing!)

/ foodsweatandbeers / 10 Comments

Good morning folks!!

First, I’d like to thank you all for your kind words regarding the fire in my apartment complex. It finally stopped smelling like smoke in the neighborhood, though the area is still caution-taped off for safety. Well, safety first, and hopefully things will be back to normal sooner rather than later.

What better way to welcome Sunday morning than with a nice juicy peach…. beer review.

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to spend one of North Carolina’s first gorgeous fall days warming up with a few friends around the grill.  One friend in particular was really dressed to the nines.

Oh, you fancy, huh?

The other day I picked up the collaboration peach beer by Terrapin Beer Company and Left Hand Brewing Company aptly named Peaotch.  It was about 9 dollars at the Hope Valley Bottle Shop, which was fairly steep for me… but I was celebrating life.

Sometimes, I’m a bit raccoon-like when I shop for beers.  I don’t mean in the sense that I open garbage cans to dine on the contents (most of the time). I do, however, get attracted to shiny things. And the beautiful golden shininess on the top of this bottle piqued my interest.  Oh, that, and the name. Peaotch. Bahaha. Get it?

T-t-t-tasty!

The smell from the initial pour of this beer was beautiful. I’m pretty sure that, if Yankee Candle was interested in a peach beer candle, this would be it.

From the brewer:

Sometime around midnight in a city nobody can agree on, the idea for Terrapin and Left Hand to brew a collaboration beer was born. Peaotch is the third in the series of one-time releases between the two breweries. Terrapin  Brew master Brian “Spike” Buckowski hosted Left Hand Brew master Ro Gunzel in Athens, Ga and late one night the two brewed up this dreamy ale.

Yep, we brewed a beer with Georgia & Colorado peaches. We tried to tell the peaches to get out of the way, but they wouldn’t. Ludicrous, we know.

ABV: 7.2%

I smelled fruity ripeness like peaches and maybe something else…. apricots? Either way, it was fragrant and light.

The taste of the beer was a little less intensely peach than the smell, but I think that’s probably for the best. It was light and carbonated enough that I probably could’ve enjoyed the whole bottle (though I split it with my buddy) and it went down easily. Even though I feel like peach and fruit might be more of a “summer beer” flavor, this was crisp enough to go perfectly with the crisp autumn weather. It was almost juicy.

I’d recommend if you were a fan of Dogfish Head’s Festina Pêche and looking for another peach experience, I’d recommend this tasty treat. It’s not quite as tart as the Pêche, and is a great drink to share with friends.

Or raccoons.