Surprisingly, I don’t have a banana hat or costume already on-hand in “Darrell’s magical storage closet of randomness” so I had to come up with something else for the cover photos. 

I’m sure the costume shop downtown has one, but this topic was a last-minute decision, so I don’t have time to make the drive or order one online.  Grade school arts and crafts will have to do for now.

Had I waited a month or so, Halloween costumes would be in every shop but unfortunately, it’s a bit too early for all that.  However, my local grocery store already has this display near the check-out lines! 

At this rate, they’ll probably have their Christmas tree set up before Labor Day.

Anyway, welcome back to #DoubleFML Fat DarrellPalooza!  Since I normally wear hats, the cover photos probably don’t look much different on the surface.  However, this time, the hats were essential! 

I’ve been slacking on drinking enough water lately (sorry Mom) so between that, the sun and probiotics flushing toxins out of my body, I’ve had a huge pimple in the center of my forehead all week! 

Yeah, I know, TMI but when do I stop getting these?  Don’t pimples have an age limit?  Despite my height and maturity level, I haven’t been a teen for quite some time! 

Not having pimples was supposed to be one of many “adulthood” perks that’s turned out to be a lie!

“Fake news” if you will. I feel duped. 

It’s like booking a “fancy hotel” online based on their carefully edited photos, but when you arrive it’s actually a 2-star roach motel near the airport. 

That “adulting brochure” sure looks awesome though! 

“Stay up late!” 

“Make your own money!” 

“You want an entire cake and a gallon of ice cream for dinner?  Have at it!” 

I should have read the fine print though because I seemed to have missed the part about the:

“Draining workdays!”

“Slower metabolism!”

 and

“Endless bills!” 

Oh, and I was so excited to start shaving but let me tell ya, shaving sucks! It never ends!

Don’t fall for it kids!  ..any of it!  It’s all a trap! Adulting is awful!  RUN!

Anyway, since the pimple was smack dab in the middle of my forehead, I was an idiot and tried to squeeze it. 

I was “successful” but now it’s bruised and the scab it left behind is starting to peel, so who’s the real winner here?  I’d say it’s at least a draw.

Actually, scratch that, I clearly lost since the discoloration looks just as bad! 

Look people, my dome is already big enough without this thing. 

Since I was born on Halloween, that might explain why my head is shaped like a pumpkin but either way, I don’t need any further attention drawn there.  Especially in the center of my forehead! 

Geez.  It looks like I have a third eye.  I feel like one of those old school fortune tellers like Jambi the Genie or something! 

So yeah, hit me up in the comments section if you want me to grant you a wish.  Mecca-lecca hi, mecca-hiney-ho – Kazaam! 

Apparently my “third eye” isn’t working properly though because I sure didn’t foresee buying this ridiculous body wash!

 

I may need someone to slap random items from my hands and help me stay focused on essential items next time I shop for groceries. 

Hmm, they should probably talk me out of riding the shopping cart like a scooter while they’re at it….

I was doing so well sticking to my budget until I got distracted in the shower section but, in my defense, it’s Batman!

Mmm, it smells like Justice.  Actually, it smells like grape bubblegum but whatever, look at it, it’s awesome!

Of course, I also bought a regular brand in case I have company.  I’d imagine smelling like Jolly Ranchers every day could grow tiresome at some point anyway. 

How cool is this bottle though?! 

Cashier:  Aww, Super Dad!  Your kids are really going to love that!

Me:  Kids?  Huh?  What ki….oh whoops, I mean um, yes, my kids…

You’d be surprised how often I have that conversation! 

Actually, you’re probably not surprised if you’re a regular here.

I suppose having kids to blame some of my ridiculous purchases on would be cool.  Just like my ex-girlfriend’s dog was always convenient to blame whenever I was feeling gassy… 

Sorry Blake.

Anyway, here’s the reason this banana post couldn’t wait another week.  Ladies and gentleman, feast your eyes upon this!

 

That’s right folks, this is NOT a drill!

Many people in the Twitterverse have mistakenly thought this was an urban legend like The Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot or emotionally stable dating options after the age of 30 – but no, Nilla Banana Pudding Cereal really exists!

Just the thought alone brings back so many memories! 

My mother used to make banana pudding with Nilla wafers all the time.  I remember how amazing the house smelled as it baked and how delicious it was when it was done.  If this comes anywhere close to that, it’ll be worth every penny!

As you can probably guess, this isn’t health food so if you want ripped abs, I wouldn’t make this a daily habit!

One concern I have before I even open the box is that it contains 4 different dyes!  Geez. 

I can deal with the extra carbs and sugar if it’s all natural, but the dyes freak me out a bit. 

I already know what carbs and sugar do to my body but I don’t know the long-term effects of Red 40 and Blue 1.

Many companies are switching to all-natural ingredients so hopefully Post jumps on the bandwagon as well.  I personally don’t care what color the cereal is if it still tastes great!

How important is the color to you?  Comment below!

Despite my concerns, let’s keep going anyway.  #yolo

Oh wow, I just opened the box and these smell amazing!  Just like the real thing! 

My sense of smell has been messed up ever since I got extremely sick during college though. 

This banana scent might be too intense for most people.  It’s really strong.  Mas Fuerte! 

It’s like a punch to the nose.  BAM!  You might need a rhinoplasty after opening the box… 

Anyway, let’s see how they taste, first without the milk.

Hmm…uh oh.  That artificial banana flavor is really strong.  That may just be the element of surprise though so hopefully it gets less intense with each subsequent bite.  Perhaps the milk will help balance the flavors…

Okay, that did help!  The banana flavor is still pretty intense, but the milk brings it all together, especially when you get a spoonful that contain marshmallows.

Final Verdict:  The concept behind these is brilliant but there’s definitely room for improvement.  I’d first love to see them switch to all-natural ingredients.  By doing so, that might help dial back the intensity of the artificial banana flavoring that dominates the taste. 

Nilla Banana Pudding Cereal isn’t bad by any means, I just really wanted to like it more.

I would voluntarily eat another bowl so they’re far from disgusting.  I just wouldn’t crave them either.  That’s the problem. 

If you like bananas, these might be worth a taste but if you’re craving actual banana pudding, you’re better off making a real one…or calling my mom like I’m about to…MOM!

Oh yeah, before we move on, if you were having a hard time trying to read that shirt, here’s a closer look!

 

It says “Without ME it’s just Aweso” – get it?

Also before we move on, check out this car I spotted online during my image search for this post!

Whoa!  I’ll have to do more research on this later!

Anyway, it’s not quite time to close out the food section of this post yet because there’s another item I’ve wanted to try ever since it hit my Facebook newsfeed.

 

The “Piggly Wiggly tee is in honor of this being a southern recipe…

Apparently, salted peanuts and Coke is a huge deal here in The South.  Who knew?  I sure didn’t until recently.

It’s literally as simple as it sounds.  You drop salted peanuts inside of an ice-cold coke bottle or glass and there you have it. 

Hmm, it sounds strange but easy to try so hey, why not?

My memory is foggy, but I think my grandfather in South Carolina did this too if I remember correctly.  If so, this one’s for you Gramps! 

“Down the hatch” let’s give this a try…

Hey, you know what?  That’s not bad!  It’s a perfect blend of sweet and salty!  Plus the party doesn’t stop once the Coke is gone since you still have peanuts to snack on. 

I’d be fine just eating the peanuts and drinking the Coke separately but hey, whatever.  When in Rome, right? I’m not mad at this combination. 

Give it a shot and tell me what you think in the comments!  Also comment whether you call it soda, pop or something else!

Do you have another food item, restaurant or recipe we should try?  Tell us in the comments below!  Also join the fun in our Facebook Foodie Group “Phenomnomnomenal” by clicking here!

Before we close this out, today’s fitness tip is the most obvious I’ve ever posted!  With that said, here are just a few of the amazing benefits of bananas!

Amazing right?  Bananas have been linked to all of that and more! 

The infographics are courtesy of Organic Facts and Green Tidings.

They obviously couldn’t cite all the articles to back those claims in such a tiny graphic.  However, I can tell you first hand the potassium has done wonders for preventing soreness after my grueling workouts!  Especially leg day…ugh! 

Don’t just take my word for it though! I encourage you to do your own research as well! 

I’d start by first making sure you’re not allergic to them. 

If not, give them a try!  The benefits of bananas are just that – B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

Do you have a fitness question, goal or accomplishment you’d like to share? Tell us in the comments below!

 

Today’s Soundtrack

Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani

Peanut Butter Jelly Time – Buckwheat Boyz

Cola – Camelphat and Elderbrook

Peanuts – Little Joe Cook and The Thrillers

Solo – Clean Bandit ft. Demi Lovato (Get well soon Demi!)

Do you have another song that fits today’s themes or that’s just so great we should check it out anyway?  Tell us in the comments below!

Okay, that about does it for this week but before we go, let’s first give a shoutout to me for making it through an entire post featuring bananas and salty nuts without making a single childish reference!  …well, until now.

Anyway, here are the “foodie holidays” that occur between this and next post!

Several  of you have probably been celebrating International Beer Day all summer! 

Mmm, I’ll gladly participate in Filet Mignon Day too! 

Oh wow, and look at that!  National Banana Split Day is also this week?  I honestly had no idea until now.  Nice timing, eh?!

School is officially back in session here in Georgia.  With that said, here’s a helpful tip my friend Derrick Larane shared on Facebook the other day! 

I know several adults who could really use this info!  #themoreyouknow

Anyway, please drop a comment below before you leave!  There’s also a “like” and “share” button down there, so click those too!

Okay folks, it’s time for me to bid you adieu. 

Happy trails, safe travels and all that good stuff.  I wish you nothing but love, peace and tacos.  Let’s make this the best week ever!

Until next time my friends, May the Fork be With You…

-Darrell

“With great power comes great electric bill…”