Nola Girl

A Sad and Heavy Heart

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:12:00 +0000

I had planned to share all of the details from our trip to NYC, but I just don't have the heart to. I am so sad for the people of Oklahoma, like I'm sure all of you are. To all of them, we are praying for you and thinking of you constantly. My you find a way to find peace in the midst of such chaos.

Trendy Wednesday: Rag and Bone's Buckley Open Toe Boot for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:57:00 +0000

As we walked along Houston last week in NYC, I stopped in my tracks when I saw these Rag and Bone booties. They are so not my normal style, but there was something about them that I just loved. The color is such a great neutral that'll go with black, navy, white, or denim. And, the open toe paired with the chunky heel allows them to work with shorts and a great dress.

I think Mark saw just how much I loved them, and he made my mother's day wish come true. I broke them in in NYC, and I have to say they have gotten lots of compliments!

What do you think?

Did you get or give a great Mom's Day gift?

Jane's Getting Tubes Today

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:25:00 +0000

Jane in the waiting room

In just a few minutes, Jane will be heading back to get her tubes placed and her adenoids removed. I know this procedure is routine, but there is something so scary about thinking about your baby being operated on. It also makes me realize how lucky we are that Jane is a healthy girl. I can't imagine what it must be like to have a sick child.

If you could send up your prayers, positive thoughts, and good juju for us, we'd appreciate it!

New York State of Mind

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:37:00 +0000

Yes. That is just how I felt the first time I saw Times Square at night! What a magical place!

On Saturday, Mark, Jane, and I are headed to the big apple. About a year and a half ago, we joined a few other families in an apartment share in the East Village. Mark and I joke that we are not cool enough to live in the hipsteriest part of the village.

The first time we arrived at the apartment was comical. Here we were pulling up to the corner of "cool" and "happening" with a pack-n-play, stoller, five checked suitcases, and the uncoolest thing of all - a baby. The hipsters playing checkers at the wine bar by night/coffee bar by day looked like they had never seen one of those before. The baby, that is. Mark and I laughed all the way up the three flights of stairs we have to climb thinking about how out of place we looked.

The apartment has served us well over these last 18 months. We have visited countless times, and now that the pack-n-play and stroller live in NYC, we arrive with considerably less baggage. It actually feels like a home away from home. Which, for me, is exactly where I want to spend my vacation time.

I am a city girl by nature. I want to be a beach lover, but the truth is I start to get anxious and bored sitting there all day. I like plans and activities. When we went to Paris, I literally included "spontaneous time" on our itinerary (which was in Excel if you were wondering).

This week ahead should be filled with fun. We are planning to meet up with Mark's three brothers, their wives/fiance, and their babies. We are going to spend the day in Brooklyn riding the carousel, brunching, and having cousin time.

We have secured a babysitter for two night on the trip. For one, all of the brothers and wives will go to dinner at Maialino. I can taste the freshly made pasta already! The other night, Mark and I will have a date night. I am sooooo excited. We haven't made plans yet. How's that for sponteneity!

Here are some of the things on our to do list:

Visit Eataly

Walk the High Line

Take Jane to the Children's Museum of the Arts

Shop at the Union Square Greenmarket

Ride Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn

Go to the Central Park Zoo

Get chocolate peanut butter cookies from Levain Bakery

Have a beer outside at The Standard's Biergarten

Sweat it out at Sixth Street Pilates 7:00 am mat class

There's so much to see and explore. I could go on and on.

When you go to NYC what's on your to do list?

Haven't been? What's the one thing you would add to this list?

Tory Burch You've Done It Again: The Tricia Sandal

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:07:00 +0000

We are headed to NYC for a week starting this Saturday. I could not be more excited! We have no real plans at this point other than to spend time with our family and friends. And, of course, Mothers' Day shopping!!

I have been going back and forth about what I'd like. Last year, for my first Mothers' Day, Mark and Jane surprised me with the most beautiful earrings. This year, I old Mark to scale back the gift giving.

Then, I saw THESE... The Tory Burch Tricia sandal... Pitter patter! I am in love with them. Secretly, I want them in every color. We will absolutely be making a stop at the Tory Burch store to try them on.

Do you love then as much as me?

What's on your Mothers' Day gift wish list?

Best Surprise Ever (Ok It's All Relative)

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Wed, 01 May 2013 02:04:00 +0000

Mark is on call tonight, and he had an office meeting after work. So, I didn't expect him to call me at work to tell me he was going to pick up Jane from school. He said he only had a minute to spare, but he wanted to see her tonight before the meeting. It was a relief, actually, because I had a project to wrap up, and it gave me an extra minute or two to complete it.

On my way home, Mark called, and told me he had a surprise for me when I got home. Cue the spinning wheels... I tried to imagine what this surprise could be. I mean, maybe he wasn't just stopping home to see Jane. Maybe he had something elaborate cooked up... Could it be that the outdoor furniture we ordered finally arrived? Or, could it be that he had met with our interior decorators and had new light fixtures installed in the kitchen? Or maybe, mother's day had come early, and he had ordered me THIS nude bag?

As I pulled up to the house, I had butterflies in my tummy. A surprise just for me on a random Tuesday night... how exciting.

And as I got out of the car and walked up to the porch, I saw Mark holding Jane. She had the cutest little grin on as she squeaked out a "Hi-ee, hi-ee!!"

And there it was. My surprise.

Jane came home from school with pigtails in her hair.

And it was the best surprise I've ever received. It's funny how life changes. (Read my letter of apology to all of the moms I judged.) All of my visions of material things evaporated as I held my sweet girl in my arms. There really is no gift that could compare to her.

Jane Goes to Jazz Fest

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:21:00 +0000

What an amazing first Jazz Fest weekend! While the weather was a bit uncooperative yesterday, Friday and Saturday could not have been more perfect.

Mark, Jane, and I headed to the fest Friday around noon. We arrived at the Acura Stage and parked ourselves by our group of friends. We were along the track between entrances five and six. I highly recommend this location. We were able to see the stage clearly, but we were not so close to a speaker as to give Jane permanent hearing loss. It was also nice because there were exit bridges to the left and right of us both of which gave you access to the beer tent and the bathrooms.

As I settled in with Jane, Mark went off to get us lunch. He came back with a paneed chicken po-boy, cracklins, and boudin balls. Yum! You MUST try the boudin balls. They were amazing! After eating some yogurt and goldfish, we quickly realized Jane was sleepy. She took a nice two hour nap in her stroller and woke up just in time to see Dr. John. He put on a great show with his new band. I loved that his trombonist and band leader was a woman. I pointed her out to Jane several times so she could see that all you need is talent to succeed!

Her favorite show of the day was John Mayer. Ok, so I will admit that I underestimated his talent simply because I think he's kind of a d-bag in his personal life. If you can get past his trysts with Hollywood starlets long enough to listen to him play, you too will be impressed. Judging by the intensity of Jane's tambourining during his set, I'd say Jane was able to look past it.

Here's some family photos of our day out at the fest...

Jazz Fest Foods I Won't Pass Up

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:45:00 +0000

It is almost here! Tomorrow at 11:00 am the Jazz Fest gates will open up a world of music, food, art, and culture to first timers and festival regulars. At one time in our courtship, Mark and I would tote nothing more than the Gambit fest guide through those gates.

Now, we will bring a stroller packed to the brim with all of the "day at the fest with Jane" necessities. Maybe she's too young to go. I'm sure that is what most people think. But, I swear to you, the light in her eyes is never more firey than when she hears local music play. It's something about the beat and the rhythym that just captures you. You feel it in your soul. And it feels good.

We plan to meet up with several friends tomorrow who are also bringing their children. I imagine there will be a lot of very funny and unusual dance moves observed in our group. Although, at the fest, strange dancing is kind of part of the fun!

Aside from the music scene and the rows of craft vendors to peruse, I cannot wait to sample all of the amazing food the fest has to offer. Every year, I have to eat some of my Jazz Fest favorite dishes, but I also have to try something new. Here's what's on my Jazz Fest plate:

The Oldie But Goodie:

Spicy Natchitoches Meat Pie by Mrs. Wheat’s Foods in Food Area II: Sometimes you have to grab a bite and hustle from one stage to the next. These are the perfect bite on the go.
Crawfish Monica ® by Kajun Kettle Foods, Inc. in Food Area II: I don't know a fester who leaves without sampling some of this delicious crawfish pasta.
Cochon de Lait Po-Boy by Love at First Bite in Food Area I topped with Cracklins by Fatty’s Cracklins in Food Area II: This is a feat. You have to make it from food area I to food area II without eating your po-boy! You will want to stop along the way and chow down because the cochon de lait (slow cooked and shredded pork with slaw) is just that good. But, the only thing that can make it better is to top it with fried cracklins. MMMMM!!!!!
Jama-Jama (Sautéed Spinach) and Fried Plaintains by Bennachin Restaurant in Congo Square
Rosemint Herbal Iced Tea by Sunshine Concessions: The days at Jazz Fest can be long and hot. There is nothing more refreshing than a 32 oz herbal tea.

The New to Me Items:

Boudin Balls by Papa Ninety Catering in Food Area I: I love boudin balls and have no idea why I've never tried them at Jazz Fest. It sounds like another perfect on the go bite. Boudin balls are made by taking the traditional Cajun rice sausage, forming a ball, breading it and frying it. Traditionally, they are not very spicy. I think we'll try to give this to Jane as her lunch. She loves rice!
Fried Crab Cake w/ Smoked Tomato & Jalapeño Tartar by Gallagher's Grill in Food Area I: I love crab cakes, I love smoked anything, and something spicy never hurts. This dish sounds amazing!!
Merguez (Grilled Lamb Sausage) by Jamila's Cafe in Food Area II: I had some Marguez recently at Root and really loved it. I'm excited to try someone else's approach to this sausage.
Ambrosia (Berry Black) Iced Tea by Sunshine Concessions: Sunshine Concessions had to pull their Mandarin Orange iced tea off the menu this year due to supply issues. Lucky for us! We get to try this caffeinated version that sounds like it truly is nectar of the gods.

Well, that's the round up of my Jazz Fest menu. Here's to basking in the sunshine and dancing to the beat of your own drum!

Who Are You, and What Have You Done with My Blog!!

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Hello blogging friends.

Are there any of you still left out there reading I'm a Nola Girl?

I appreciate you if you are. I know I haven't written in a while, and several times now I have said that I will be back to blogging regularly.

Here's the thing...

When I started this four years ago, it was my creative outlet. It was my connection to New Orleans. It was a way to express myself. To share my interests and my thoughts.

In the last two and a half years, a lot has changed. For starters, we moved home. So rather than needing that feeling of connecting to New Orleans from afar, we are right here experiencing it. I sometimes feel like I think more about documenting my life than living it. Do you ever feel that way?

I started a new job when we moved home that, while fulfilling, is incredibly demanding. I come home sometimes and feel completely and utterly drained. It requires me to give so much of my self to succeed - whether it is developing and nurturing client relationships, increasing my technical skills, coaching and mentoring staff, or being actively involved in the city. I have only begun to find ways to balance everything in my life, and sometimes the "me time" I used to have is absent. Hence, when can I sit down and put interesting, creative, or humorous thoughts together.

In November of 2011, we welcomed our Sweet Baby Jane into this great big world. It is often hard to remember life without her in it. Where in the past my brain was filled with thoughts of Paris or fine dining, fashion or decor, it is now filled with thoughts of child rearing and development. I remember when I was connected to a blog, and then the writer would have a baby. All of a sudden, the site would be filled with anecdotes about milestones and endless streams of pictures of the baby. I would think, "what happened to the writer?" "Is she no longer the same woman?"

And I think that is my biggest struggle with my blog at this point. I have always made a point of being as true to myself in writing as I am in person. And now, I am a MOM. No, it is not the only thing I am. I am so many things, but when it comes down to it, my world is no longer filled with glamorous images of Paris. Instead, it is filled with children's songs sung in French. And no longer do I find my apron splattered with coconut milk and saffron broth, but instead it is caked in a healthy dose of peanut butter and snot.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have tried so hard not to be the girl who only posts about her baby. But in doing so, I often feel like I am faking it. Like I am trying so hard to be this uber cool mother who can keep it all together and still have several hours to find amazing pics and clever ways to link them all together.

What ends up happening is that I don't write at all. As you can see...

Well, no longer. I miss my blog. I miss connecting with you. But, most of all, I miss sharing my thoughts with the great big world.

So I am going back to where I started. I am going to write about what I am inspired by. About what I am missing. About what I am living.

I hope that you will continue to visit and comment. I hope that you will still find something here you can connect with. Most of all, I hope that you can understand that where I am in life, you just might have to see a reel of pictures of my baby. She's a pretty cute kid if you ask me!

Thanks for listening.

Jen

A Thought for Thursday: Moments of Brilliance

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:59:00 +0000

I thought this image was too funny not to share. I mean, haven't we all been there?! It's that moment as you open that second bottle when you just devised a small get together at your house. It will be sweet and charming and no hassle at all. By the time you're finishing the second bottle, you've ordered custom invitations, called a photographer to document the occasion, and invited friends from neighboring cities. Eesshh!!!

Our Wallpaper Selection

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:10:00 +0000

For Christmas, Mark got me a consultation with the very talented team of Caroline and Jack at Perch here in New Orleans. We have lived in our house for more than two years, but we have yet to really make the house a home. Conceptually, I know what my design aesthetic is - mid-century modern with a pop of color - but to execute that vision in our Victorian style house which was erected in 1891 confuses me. My solution to date has been to ignore everything and pretend like drapes would magically appear in our windows.

With the help of Caroline and Jack, we have begun to transform things in a very methodical way. They started by helping us prioritize our needs - drapes in the family room, a new rug in the family room, Jane's 6 month 16x20 photograph matted and framed, some type of decorative pieces to work in these awkward display cases in our kitchen, and wallpaper in our small foyer.

The list of improvements does not end there, but Caroline and Jack have made it possible for me to reel in my focus on those things which we can accomplish now that will have a huge impact on the look and feel of our home.

Our first project was the cubbies (weird space) in our kitchen. The ceilings are about 13 feet high, and near the top of the walls are these very unusual lit cutouts. They would be ideal if you are a collector, but sadly, I am not. In fact, I can't even begin to think about what I would collect to put in there. I tried to imagine glass bottles or white ceramic pieces, but it all just felt disingenuous. I think the best part about people with collections are the stories their collections tell. My story would have been, "Yes, I needed something to fill these spaces...."

That is where the genius of Caroline and Jack came in. Rather than seeing them as display cases, Jack suggested seeing them as part of an art installation. Seriously, there had never been a moment where I felt more in tuned with this space than when he thought of it in this new way! Just last week, they brought over several small and large white ceramic sparrows and positioned them in the spaces so that it appears that they are flying along our walls. It is gorgeous! And it is perfectly fitting for our family since we call Jane our little birdie!

Next up for us is the installation of the wallpaper in our foyer. Jack showed us several choices, but there was no doubt when I saw this one that it was perfect for us. You can see it on a larger scale in the photograph above. I love it's whimsical and natural feel. While the option with the pink is certainly fun, we elected to go with the version below. I loved that the trunks were in this beautiful charcoal color. And what you can't tell from here is that the "leaves" are actually accepted with bits of metallic flecks. I like to imagine how beautiful it will look as the sun shines in through our front door and glistens off of the leaves...

I can't wait to post an update when we have completed this phase of our changes!!

Are you a wallpaper fan?

Tasty Tuesdays: Bunny Trail Mix

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:24:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy of Bo's Bowl

Can you believe that Easter is just a few days away?! As I put Jane in her corduroy long bubble and wool coat, I had to remind myself that we are indeed hosting an egg hunt at our house this weekend. The good news is that it should warm up in time for Jane to wear her Easter egg hunting outfit!!

Because it is tax season, I needed a party favor that would be easy to make and assemble. Of course, tasting great was a must as well!! I have seen varying recipes for what many call "white trash," but I am referring to as Bunny Trail Mix.

I've got some ingredients already in the house, so we're going to work with what we have. It may be different from recipes you've seen online, but I think the best part of a recipe like this is that you can add in your very favorite holiday treats.

Bunny Trail Mix

4 cups corn Chex
4 cups rice Chex
3 cups pretzel sticks (broken in half)*
1 cup peanuts
1 bag dark chocolate Easter M&Ms
2 bags white chocolate melting drops

*I am using sticks since we have snackers that could choke on pretzel rounds

Carefully melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring after 30 second intervals. Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in the chocolate. Pour onto wax paper and allow to cool. Break into pieces when cool.

ENJOY!

How do you plan to celebrate Easter this weekend?

Easter Bunny, If You're Out There Reading This...

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:23:00 +0000

I have been looking for a neutral handbag for so long. None seemed just right until this one. It stopped me in my Pinterest tracks...

Michael Kors Tonne Small Bag

Tasty Tuesday: A Slice of Humble Pie

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:34:00 +0000

I remember when I swore my blog wouldn't turn into a baby book about Jane. Oh, there were so many things I swore to about parenting before I actually was a parent.

Come and join me over HERE at the New Orleans Moms Blog where I'm chatting about the mommy judgments I made before I had a child.

What did you swear you would never do pre-kid that you find yourself doing all the time?

Nail Polish Obsession: OPI Casino Royale

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 02:13:00 +0000

For my entire life, with the exception of the four years we lived in Beaufort, I have bitten my nails. It is such a terrible habit!! I have tried more times than I can count to stop, but have never had much luck. When I see pictures of the most perfect manicures, I get the worst nail envy. It's like there's this whole world filled with relaxation and paraffin and deep jewel toned polish out there, and I can't access it! The new OPI Skyfall Collection is amazing. My favorite of the colors is Casino Royale. It is the most gorgeous rich grape color. Here's to hoping that this is what I need to break my bad habit.

How Pinterest-ing: Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:32:00 +0000

Dear Pinterest,

I would like to thank you for encouraging me to throw a party for every occasion. I would like to thank you for allowing me to believe that I too can be just like Martha. I would like to thank you for inspiring me to believe that being a children's birthday party planner could be my true calling.

Pinterest, my husband would like to share his thanks as well. Thanks for turning his wife into a crazy party obsessed perfectionist who cannot understand how someone doesn't recognize that sky blue and Robin's Egg blue are two totally different colors and that the difference is monumental when conceptualizing next month's Easter egg hunt!

Love and Thanks,

Jennifer

I, like I'm sure many of you are, are in love with Pinterest. I am also in love with Easter. even though it always falls smack dab in the middle of the worst part of tax season, I'd classify it as one of my very favorite holidays. From the very first bunny butt cupcake pin I saw this year, I knew I wanted to host an Easter egg hunt at our house. It didn't take long to have an entire board filled with adorable ideas that would make our hunt special. I thought I'd share a few this morning...

I think this is such a cute way to serve snacks to the kids. I'm planning to fill them with Goldfish instead of Cheetos though.

And this is such a clever way to present plain old juice boxes! Who wouldn't want one?!

I love providing silverware all packaged together so that people don't have to try to balance their plates and grab forks and spoons. This is such a fun way to do so.

We plan to serve quiche and salad to the adults and sandwiches to the children. I think I'm going to keep the tablescape simple. Perhaps a bowl of daffodils and these precious jelly bean flowers will do?

I made these little egg nests last year, and they were precious (and tasty). They will definitely be the dessert we serve.

I can't decide if we'll have these already put together or if we'll stage a little craft table, but I think they'd be the perfect accessory to any Easter outfit.

And now for the eggs! I found these bright jumbo eggs at Oriental Trading Company. Rather than fill then with candy, I opted for Easter tattoos, stamps, and bubbles. Each is perfectly sized to fit in the jumbo eggs.

We ordered these invites from Tinyprints. They should arrive any day now! I can't wait to send them out to all of our friends!

Some bunny loves a party!!

Tasty Tuesdays is Back: Barefoot Contessa's Green Beans Gremolata

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:24:00 +0000

Photo and recipe courtesy of Food Network

It's been so long since I've posted a recipe. Until a few weeks ago, we have been sticking with the standards. But, I found that I really missed trying out new recipes. I, like many of you I'm sure, have a lot of resources to pick from when it comes to recipe searches. There are a few that I have found to be foolproof. My favorites are Skinny Taste for light and flavorful cooking and Barefoot Contessa for easy and simple but company worthy meals.

By around 4:30 on the Sunday of Mardo Gras weekend as the rain threatened to pour down on us, I realized that Jane and I had had enough Mardi Gras for one day. She and our friends from South Carolina were ready to call it quits. By that evening, I had not had a home cooked meal in days. I was craving something hearty and something green! My parents got me Ina's new cookbook Barefoot Contessa Foolproof for Christmas, and I thought it would be the perfect occasion to test the green bean recipe I flagged.

Let me tell you, Ina is a genius. This dish is simple and elegant and incredibly delicious. We had extra gremolata, so I topped off the steak we grilled with it. The lemon and garlic together with the meat was perfect. I have since made it twice more. Three times in two weeks - now that's what I call a foolproof recipe!

Green Beans Gremolata

Ingredients

1 pound French green beans, trimmed

2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)

3 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

2 1/2 tablespoons good olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Drain the beans in a colander and immediately put them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve their bright green color.

For the gremolata, toss the garlic, lemon zest, parsley, parmesan, and pine nuts in a small bowl and set aside.

When ready to serve, heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Drain the beans and pat them dry. Add the beans to the pan and saute, turning frequently, for 2 minutes, until coated with olive oil and heated through. Off the heat, add the gremolata and toss well. Sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and serve hot.

Per Serving (based on a 4-serving yield): Calories 159; Total Fat 13 grams; Saturated Fat 2 grams; Protein 4 grams; Total Carbohydrate 10 grams; Sugar: 4 grams; Fiber 3.5 grams; Cholesterol 3 milligrams; Sodium 426 milligrams

What recipe source do you consider foolproof?

Mardi Gras 2013 Recap!

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 02:58:00 +0000

We started our day at Jane's parade at school. The one year old class was escorted in their buggy float. The other pre-schoolers marched around the play yard why playing instruments and carrying the floats they had decorated. I now understand why my mom cried at all of our performances. When I saw that little watermelon turn the corner, tears spring to my eyes. I am so excited that Jane is getting to experience all of these amazing New Orleans opportunities.

My college roommate and I enjoying our lunch at Galatoire's!

My co-worker and I celebrating at the Muses pre-party.

A friend and reveler who caught one of my shoes!

Jane reaching for beads! The girl's a natural.

Jane and her Beaufort aunties who came to celebrate Mardi Gras 2013!

And by the end of the parades on Fat Tuesday, Jane fell asleep in her costume with chunks of Moon Pie in each hand. It's the only way to end what was an amazing carnival season.

Krewe of Muses: 2013 Shoe Collection and SHOE GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 04:19:00 +0000

I cannot believe we are just three days away from my eighth ride in the Krewe of Muses! I am getting butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. For the past several weeks, I have spent hours decorating this year's batch of bedazzled shoes. Here is a sneak peak into this year's shoe collection!

I cannot wait to hand these to some very excited revelers along the route!!

Would you like a chance to win one of these Mardi Gras collectibles? Check out my post over at the New Orleans Moms Blog to find out how!

Set Your DVR: I'm Going to Be on CBS's The Talk This Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:55:00 +0000

Photo by Heather Wines/CBS)

You may have heard that New Orleans is hosting this year's Superbowl! It's all this town has been TALK-ing about for months.

And for the first time in Superbowl week history, a daytime talk show is broadcasting live from an outdoor venue. The Talk has set up camp in Jackson Square where they will welcome guests like Neil Patrick Harris, Craig Ferguson, Daniel Dae Kim, James Brown, Vanessa Williams, oh, and ME!

A few weeks ago, a producer from the show reached our to the founders of the New Orleans Moms Blog (for which I am a contributing writer) in search of a Nola mom who loves football, loves to entertain on gameday, is enthusiastic, and wouldn't mind being on live tv. What do you know, that description fits me to a tee. I was introduced to the producer via email and asked to share a little bit about myself and what a Sunday is like in our house. I was also asked to share one of my signature tailgating recipes.

Why, you might ask... Because they were choosing two finalists to compete in a cooking segment on the January 31st episode. OMG!!!!! What could I possibly sumbit that would be award worthy and contain a required secret (I can't share that until Friday) ingredient. I thought and thought about it, and it was not until around midnight when I woke up to the sounds of Jane's coughing that the light bulb went off. I submitted my recipe and held my phone for days until I finally heard something from the producer...

Two weeks ago, I got a call telling me that I was one of the two moms who whose recipes had been chosen for the segment!!!! I was so excited I wanted to run around the neighbor shouting "Hooray!" Instead, I calmly explained that I was just so happy to be able to be a part of the New Orleans Superbowl experience.

So, on Thursday morning, a car service will arrive to my house to pick me up to take me to the set. For just a few hours, I will get to experience the magic of Hollywood. I hope you'll join me on Friday when I share with you a recap of my experience on live tv!!

Tasty Tuesdays: Weight Watchers Easy Chili Mac

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 03:19:00 +0000

Photo and recipe courtesy of Weight Watchers

Well, friends, tomorrow I will be going to a Weight Watchers weigh in for the first time in a long time. I have a pretty good idea about where I'll be weighing in, and my goal weight will be about 20 pounds lower than that. Eeeshh!!!

In preparation, I spent Sunday looking up some great recipes to make for the week. I then made my list and bought only what was on there. Woohoo!!!

I even planned for lunches. Planning for lunch is my weakness. I always feel like I am having to prepare two meals to make lunch after I make dinner. When I found this recipe for WW's chili mac, I couldn't help but think it would be perfect for a weeknight meal and leftover lunch. We ate it tonight, and it was scrumptious! Jane even ate a little!!

You absolutely must try it!

Ingredients

1 spray of cooking spray

2/3 lb. lean ground beef

2 medium uncooked onions, chopped

29 oz. canned stewed tomatoes, Mexican style (undrained)

2.5 cups canned tomato juice

4 oz. canned green chili peppers, diced, drained

2 tsp chili powder

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

31 oz. canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat. Cook beef and onion until meat is browned, stirring and breaking up meat with a spoon as it cooks, about 10 minutes; drain off fat.
Stir in undrained tomatoes and their juice, tomato juice, chili peppers and chili powder; bring mixture to a boil.
Stir in macaroni and beans; return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until macaroni is tender, about 15 minutes. Spoon chili into bowls and sprinkle with cheese. Yields about 1 cup chili and 1 tablespoon cheese per serving.

A Christmas Miracle: Jane's First Steps

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:59:00 +0000

On Christmas night, we witnessed Jane take her very first steps. We had been practicing all day, but right when we would let go, she would plop herself down on her bottom. We have videos of half a dozen failed attempts. Just when we thought she was too tired to try again, she became very interested in the silver wrapper of my dad's chocolate bar. Using it as baby bait, we lured her into taking her first steps. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we did. I think we've watched this video over a hundred times by now.

I didn't intend to take a winter break, but I have to say it was nice to spend family time here in New Orleans and then a week in NYC without a laptop, well, on my lap. I'll post an update of our family friendly NYC adventure tomorrow!!

Dear Santa, Love Jane

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 05:16:00 +0000

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a box!

Love, Jane

Heavy Heart

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 03:25:00 +0000

Today, something as ordinary as picking Jane up from school seemed like an absolute miracle. To hold her tightly against me as I kissed her face and wiped cheerio residue from her face, I felt like the luckiest person in the world. There are mothers and fathers out there who would give anything to be doing the same. My heart breaks for them. I will go to sleep tonight uneasy and uncertain about the world we live in. I will pray for them to find grace and guidance so that they may one day find their way back to experiencing something ordinary.

With peace and love...

Merry Christmas Cards!

noreply@blogger.com (I'maNolaGirl) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Before having a baby, I could never get it together enough to send out Christmas cards. Now, it is something I look forward to the second Halloween passes. We recently had Jane's one year photo session and decided to choose a picture from each of her sessions for our card this year. It is amazing to see how much she has grown and changed since this time last year.

From our family to yours, I truly wish you the very Merriest of holidays and the best of things to come in the new year.

As always, I have to thank to very talented ladies for making these cards happen. A million thanks to Jennifer Zdon for being the incredible photogapher that she is and to Lauren Alsop for designing yet another incredibly inspired creation.