An Ode to Lay’s: Taste-Testing Their New Flavors

Lay'sHere’s something that you might not know about me: I’m a potato chips girl. Totally and completely and unabashedly. Yes, I’m not at all ashamed to declare my love for the salty snack!! You can have your cakes and your cookies and your crumpets, but when it comes to potato chips?? Well, let’s just say that I’ll take THEM ALL, please!! That’s why I was so excited when world-famous brand Lay’s reached out to me about their new flavors for 2020.

Spoiler alert: It was the perfect and most delicious way to kick off the new year!!

A couple weeks ago, Lay’s saw my cheeky tweet and sent me an email saying they’d love to send some of their new flavors my way. Less than a week later, this beautiful yellow box with the classic Lay’s logo arrived on my doorstep; I may or may not have screamed in delight (note: I totally did scream!).

Lay'sThis year, the venerable potato chip company (75+ years strong!) is releasing three new flavors to satiate our taste buds: Cheddar Jalapeño, Poppables Sea Salt & Vinegar and Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hot. They seem to have all the bases covered — cheesy, salty and spicy!! I mean, there’s something for everyone, right??

All three flavors are out now, so to celebrate, I recruited my mom for a little taste-testing review and mini photo shoot fun! We got to try Cheddar Jalapeño and Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hot and I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially with the flavor of flamin’ hot. But let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed.

Lay'sI first tried Cheddar Jalapeño! Truth be told, they practically had me at the word “cheddar” because we all know that cheese makes everything better! Cheese has invigorated everything from bread (hello, grilled cheese!) to eggs (hello, omelettes!), so I was pretty sure that the same would be true with potato chips. And, boy, was I right! The chips tasted cheesy with a hint of spicy goodness, but it wasn’t an overpowering spicy. It was the kind of spicy that made you perk your head up and take notice — as in, “Oh, that’s spicy, isn’t it?”

Lay'sWhen we tried Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hot, my mom could only take one bite before she proclaimed that they were too hot and spicy for her. Maybe the deep red hue of the chip should have tipped me off, but I went all in anyway, crunching half the chip in one bit. I was expecting a fire alarm to go off in my mouth, but surprisingly, it wasn’t too bad. I’ve had some very unfortunate experiences with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in the past and I definitely didn’t want a repeat of that again! So I’m proud to announce that I managed to eat two chips before the heat kicked in! It’s a new record for me!!

Plus, as a self-proclaimed Selfie Queen, I love the new Smile With Lay’s campaign, which is all about showcasing those who make us smile! You can nominate yourself or someone in your community and they could be featured on a Lay’s bag this year! How cool is that??? Spreading the love…one bag at a time!!!

Lay'sThanks so much, Lay’s!! I had so much fun snacking on these new flavors!! Have you tried them yet, friends? What’s your all-time favorite potato chip flavor?? I’d love to hear!!! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by Lay’s, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

Does Your Style Match Your Personality?

StyleStyle is and has always been something that’s intensely personal. If you want to be able to communicate your personality to the rest of the planet, fashion can be a great way to do just that! Your choices in apparel can communicate so much about all of the things that make you tick. Your choices in accessories can do the same exact thing. It doesn’t matter if you have a demeanor that’s flirty, girlish and lighthearted. It doesn’t matter if you have one that’s straightforward, no frills and rather serious, either. Your choices in clothing can tell other people practically everything they need to know about you.

Clothing Choices and Freedom

Making choices regarding clothing can be one of the most freeing feelings possible. It can be a pleasure to shop for clothing, especially if you are shopping online at Modvisor. Modvisor is the place to read reviews while finding brands and stores that fit your style.

Not all shopping is fun. It can sometimes be stressful, too. If you want your clothing shopping missions to be particularly successful, then it can help greatly to relax and take it easy for a bit. Don’t give yourself too much pressure. Don’t give yourself any time limitations, either. If you force yourself to purchase a clothing item within a specific period of time, you may end up making a decision that isn’t “you.” You may end up choosing a piece that doesn’t successfully express who you are. Remember, fashion isn’t something that you can’t ever force. It’s something that has to come 100 percent effortlessly to you.

The most fashionable people in the one are the ones who are effortless. If you look at fashionistas, they almost seem like they rolled out of bed looking as chic and cool as they do. You don’t imagine them obsessing over their outfits and accessories for hours and hours in front of their bathroom mirror. The key to looking like a million dollars is making things look and feel as simple and fluid as can be.

Honesty and Style

If you want to shop for clothing that makes you feel liberated, then you need to exercise honesty at all times. Be aware of the styling choices that work for you. Be aware of the ones that don’t work for you, too. Try every single clothing item on in the dressing room. It can even help to bring a trustworthy friend who has your best interests in mind. Take all sorts of things into consideration while you shop, too. Think about your preferred materials, cuts, and patterns. Think about your specific lifestyle as well. Are you shopping for apparel that’s suitable for daily wear on the job? Are you on the lookout for apparel pieces that are appropriate for errands, social gatherings, weekend relaxation or anything else? The quicker you can identify your shopping needs, the easier it will be for you to get things done.

Your objective should be to never try to follow the crowd. Following the crowd fashion-wise will only make you fall flat on your face. If you attempt to emulate another individual’s fashion sense, it will never appear or feel authentic or genuine to anyone else. The only thing you can do is make the most out of your own fashion sensibilities. Try to be the best version of you possible. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t seek inspiration from fashion magazines and similar outlets. If you spot an appealing outfit in a magazine or anywhere else, think about what you can do to give it your own twist. Think about how you can infuse it with more character and vitality.

StyleNever wear anything that doesn’t make you feel totally comfortable and at ease. If you walk around in a manner that’s awkward, you’ll feel awful. You’ll make everyone else who is around you feel awkward and unpleasant, too. Style should be all about feeling terrific. It should be about feeling amazing in your own skin. If you walk around in an outfit with your head held high, it will encourage the people who are next to you to do the same. Fashion is infectious in contemporary society. Feeling incredible is just as infectious. Your aim should be to make style choices that make you feel like anything in the world is possible. It should be to go with your instincts at all times as well. Your instincts matter.

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via Unsplash]

Rustic Save the Dates With Basic Invite

Basic Invite Basic InviteWelcome back, friends!! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! As the sting of the Great Polar Vortex (hopefully!) begins to wear off, spring soon feels like it’s just around the corner. I don’t know about you, but I am already counting down the days until spring — currently, we’re only 29 days away!! And with beautiful spring comes equally beautiful weddings!! A couple years ago, I profiled Basic Invite and their wide array of invitations and stationery, and this year, I’m excited to round-up some fantastic rustic save the dates!!!

Basic Invite is based in Utah and offers all sorts of goodies for every stage of life — weddings, babies, graduations, birthdays and thank you notes! And speaking of weddings, here are four ways Basic Invite can help you jump right into wedding season in 2019…

Free Wedding Websites: Our all-new wedding websites are completely customizable just like our wedding invitations! These wedding websites are mobile-friendly and super easy to use. You can instantly upload all of your wedding details along with images and a map with directions, which is super convenient for your guests. Choose from 180 custom colors and even choose a design to match your wedding invitation suite!

Over 900 Wedding Invitation Sets: Each of our wedding invitations is part of a set. You can find everything from save the dates to wedding invitations and enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs and even matching thank you cards!

Seal & Send Wedding Invitations: Our Seal & Send Wedding Invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included! The Seal & Send line is our newest collection and brides are LOVING them! Currently, we offer them in over 30 designs including our ever-popular foil options and like our other products are customizable. What’s extra special about our Seal & Sends is that guests’ addresses are printed on the front of each invitation which means no envelope necessary! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design instantly. Once you receive your order, all you have to do is add postage, fold your invites and secure them with a sticker! Simple, easy and super trendy.

Wedding Coasters: Choose from over 90 professionally designed looks. Each design can be personalized instantly to match your wedding colors. And there are no color limitations, which means you are free to make as many changes as you would like at no additional cost. Each coaster is printed using the latest print technology and on a premium 200lb matte card stock. Thanks to this technology, your coasters will have crisp, clean letters, photos and graphics.

Basic InviteHow cool — and easy! — is that?? Be sure to check out Basic Invite as you start celebrating all that 2017 has to offer! You can also follow Basic Invite on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest…here’s to enjoying a year of fun! xoxo

(This post is sponsored by Basic Invite, though all opinions are mine. Thanks so much for continuing to support So About What I Said’s wonderful sponsors!)

Sponsor Spotlight: Stencil Revolution

Stencil Revolution Stencil RevolutionI’m so excited to introduce So About What I Said’s newest sponsor today! Emily Rosas is one of the graphic designer behind Stencil Revolution, the small, family-owned operation based in Spring Hill, Florida. Launched just two years ago, the family team (including a couple lovable dogs who keep everyone company) has grown from a two-person operation to a full-fledged team of skilled stencil designers, laser technicians, and customer service representatives who are experienced with all forms of stencil art and production. And all their hard work shows! Their online shop is stocked with all kinds of fun and festive stencils — everything from animals to nature to flags to sports to words to holiday themes! Read on to learn more about the appeal of stencils as well as tips for working with stencils… xoxo

Keep in touch…
Official Web site: Stencil Revolution
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Get inspired on Pinterest
Follow on Instagram

Tell me about Stencil Revolution. What’s the inspiration behind its launch?
One of our founders started cutting stencils with a small laser cutter in his house at the end of 2016. Things took off pretty quickly and before long, it became a full-time business with nearly everyone in the family pitching in. Now we have three lasers and several employees all thanks to stencils! When you place an order, a member of our family personally cuts, packs, and ships it directly to you! We don’t outsource anything and every dollar you spend with us stays right here in the USA, helping our family and friends live a simple, purposeful life.

What do you think are the appeal of stencils, even as an adult?
They are fun and easy to use. Crafting is so popular right now, with people having a greater appreciation for handmade goods. A stencil is a quick way to turn a craft into something special without a ton of effort.

What are you top 3 tips for being creative and working with stencils?
1. Always make sure the stencil is firmly pressed down when painting
2. Use a very light amount of paint on your brush or roller. Off load as much paint as possible onto your tray or a paper towel to avoid bleed.
3. Avoid using spray paint if you want the cleanest results.

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why?
The world map stencil is my favorite! I love how versatile it is, it’s also very popular.

Stencil RevolutionThank you for sharing your story, Emily!! Be sure to visit Cherry Laurel Studio and check out these shops for more inspiration too! xoxo

Why It’s Important to Send Handwritten Letters

Handwritten LettersMost communication these days takes place through email, text messaging and social media. It would seem that traditional methods like a pen and a pad have all but become obsolete. There’s no denying that sending and receiving messages instantly is convenient in this fast-paced society, but these methods are also very impersonal. Handwritten letters, whether to your mom, dad, significant other or business contacts, will forever have meaning that far exceeds any other form of e-communication. Here are 6 amazing reasons why…

It Boosts Happiness

Writing has a therapeutic effect on people. When you hand-write letters, whether it be a love note to your fiance or a letter of thanks to your parents, expressing those feelings with pen and paper can help boost your mood. You’re essentially channeling positive energy as you pour out your heart to those closest to you. It can help you remember what to be thankful for in life and appreciate those relationships dearest to you.

It Makes It Personal

There is a time for auto-generated content and quick messages via text or chat and then there’s a time to send a personal message. Even in business, handwritten letters can take on a whole new meaning. Sending out a newsletter via email to your customer base may be fine for updating them on the status of your business, but if you’re thanking them for their support, it gives off a better impression if you write a note of thanks complete with your signature. Why? Well, your customers know that handwriting takes time and the fact that you’re willing to take time out of your day to draft a special message, stamp it and mail it to their residence says a lot. You don’t have to write everything, look for customized stamps to handle your return address or logo, but hand-write the rest.

It’s a Confidence Builder

Have you ever done something to someone you care about and wished you had the courage to let them know you’re sorry? A handwritten note can give you that confidence you need to say the words your mouth won’t let you utter. You can dig deep down and say, “I’m sorry. I wish I did more; I’m here for you now” and send the letter through the mail.

It Sparks Creativity

Writing requires you to utilize your cognitive, visual and motor skills to complete. As it takes more thought and energy to hand-write a letter than it does to send a text or chat message, it pushes you to tune other things out and really connect with your mind.

It’s a Physical Reminder That You Care

Handwritten letters are precious to receive. They require your undivided attention, creativity and innermost thoughts to complete. When your letters are received, it is a tangible reminder to the recipient that you care. It is something they can look back on years from now and remember a special time in their lives.

It Lets Unplug

If you’re focusing on writing a letter to your long-distance relatives or a gratitude letter to the love of your life, all of your attention will have to be devoted to writing. You won’t be able to draft a meaningful letter if you’re distracted by the television, computer screen or your smartphone. Thus, having some extra time to unplug can be great for your health.

People have been handwriting letters since the beginning of time. Though faster mediums have replaced the pen and pad, there’s still nothing as authentic and special as jotting down a message the old-fashioned way. Whether you’re writing a letter to friends, family members, blog supporters, customers or a significant other, the process can be very therapeutic.

Handwritten LettersSo, don’t be afraid to say thanks, “Thinking of you“, “I’m sorry” or “I miss you” through the snail mail. It’s gestures like these that let others know just how much they mean to you. Now, get out that pen and paper and get to writing those handwritten letters!!

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via We Heart It]