Sometimes you feel like a nut

You might think I went to (entirely) too much trouble putting these nuts on a pedestal, but I happen to believe that is exactly where they belong.

Two of my favorite things, almonds and chocolate collided and as a result, Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds were brought to market. These almonds are not wearing a chocolate candy coat, but more like a baked-in dusting of dark cocoa. They are a great afternoon snack and have a knack for helping me knock out my sugar cravings.

If you don't have an nut allergy, then you simply must give these almonds a try. They come in 100 calorie packs, jars, and if you are a Sam's Club member then consider yourself blessed because you can buy a vat of these almonds on your next visit.

I think Emerald can sleep better now because with Cocoa Roast Almonds the slogan "sometimes you feel like nut, sometimes you don't" does not apply. Now that these almonds hit the shelves, I always feel like a nut.

A pocket full of sunshine

Are you in need of a pocket full of sunshine? I am. It's a rainy day and a Monday and you know what that combo can do to a girl. 

And that is why today I am featuring the greatest baggies I have in my entire kitchen. The good people at Ziploc created a Summer design covered in the happiest sun-bursts you ever did see (on a plastic bag).

I happen to be "portion control challenged" so baggies in general are one of my favorite tools for creating my own 100-calorie packs. I love to buy big 'ole buckets of almonds, toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor, and then immediately bag them up so I don't go overboard.

You will never guess where I found these sweet Summer baggies? Super Target, end-cap.  When these suckers go on clearance, I'm stocking up so I can have a little bit of sunshine all year round.