Disclosure: I will be attending the event as media. All opinions and thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by others. As if you needed another reason to visit New Orleans this weekend, I am sharing one more: New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, May 21st-24th. Over the past two decades, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has raised over a $1 million for non-profit organizations that fight hunger and support culinary education all while showcasing local food, chefs and Continue Reading
Yats Unlimited New Book Release: DAT NOLA Riverfront plus #Sponsored Giveaway
If you are an avid reader of Blogging, Babies and the Bayou then you are probably familiar with the Lil Yat's Adventure Books (Yats Unlimited) Collection. Lil' Yat Books incorporate colorful local characters (Lil' Yat is a shrimp, Yatty Boy is a frog, Drexel is an alligator and Yatty Girl the Pelican) with New Orleans flare. The entire series of Lil' Yat's Children's Books takes young readers into a New Orleans Adventure with every page. Whether they are visiting Storyland & New Orleans Continue Reading
New Orleans Family Travel Guide #BayouTravel
You might be surprised the learn that families are flocking to New Orleans, Louisiana as a family travel destination. With numerous kid-friendly attractions I can see why. Although I might be a bit biased, families with children from teens to toddlers can fall in love with food, family fun and more. Over the years I have written about New Orleans multiple times and share my love for New Orleans with others. TripAdvisor has recently ranked New Orleans #10 in their 2013 Travelers Choice Award Continue Reading
Juju in Easterland Who Knew? – Juju’s Easter Book Giveaway
In 2012 our friend Michelle Hirstius created a loveable children's book character called Juju. Juju's first book "Juju the GOOD voodoo" launched online and in local Southeast Louisiana boutiques. Over a short time, Michelle & Juju created a following a fans that love Juju's key message: You can be YOU. In her books, Juju comes alive and casts “good deeds” spell down in “da bayou” of Louisiana. We all expect find a voodoo doll in those parts, but Juju is no ordinary voodoo doll. Her lovable Continue Reading
New Orleans Carnival Flavor with Mardi Gras Macarons #BayouTravel
Mardi Gras Macarons Have you ever dreamed of making your own macrons? Macrons are a sweet meringue based confection that is a delicate sweet treat. We are very spoiled in New Orleans by having various bakeries specialize in macarons. But why not make them for yourself? Time consuming? Yes but worth it in every bite! Today we share a New Orleans Madi Gras inspired version of macarons which are adapted From: Annie's Eats. Please, let me know how your macarons turned out after baking. Continue Reading
Start Your Day Like Carnival Royalty – Mardi Gras Pancakes
Being creative in the kitchen can be quite exhausting. Now that my children are getting older, I find myself spending less time in the kitchen and enjoy quality time with them OUTSIDE the kitchen. But I do make exceptions for the holidays! Carnival Season in Southeast Louisiana is BIG. In fact, I would rather by pass Valentines and start counting the days until our 1st local Mardi Gras parade rolls into town. Today I am sharing a fun way to incorporate Carnival Season into our meals without Continue Reading
Mardi Gras Inspired Cream Cheese Filled King Cake Muffins
One of our favorite parts of Mardi Gras is finding the perfect king cake. Locals are constantly looking for the BEST King Cake sold in their area and some will take great lengths to recreate their own DIY king cake recipe. While others are looking for the perfect combination of sprinkled sugar, icing and flavored fillings I am on the mission to find the perfect cake flavor. Today I share (in my opinion) the best of both world- single serve cinnamon cupcake flavor with a cream cheese filling. I Continue Reading
How to Create a DIY Mardi Gras Wreath
I love Carnival Season! I love everything about Mardi Gras especially the decor. I actually considered leaving my Christmas tree up only to decorate my house with our own Mardi Gras Christmas tree. Although my husband nix my idea, I still can decorate my house (inside and out) for the Carnival festivities. Decorating for any holiday can be very expensive. Purchasing premade decorations can significantly add up. Since many families are overcoming the budget buster called Christmas, many will Continue Reading
Mardi Gras Flavors – Traditional New Orleans Hurricane Recipe
You can not visit New Orleans without trying a traditional New Orleans Hurricane. If you can't make the Mardi Gras festivities this year, perhaps you can enjoy a New Orleans Hurricane in the comfort of your own home. Aside from being economical, many of the ingredients needed are already in your home bar cabinet. Perfect for entertaining and a quick cocktail to prepare with few key ingredients. Hurricane Recipe 1 shot amaretto 1 shot light rum 1 shot dark rum ¾ cup orange Continue Reading
Hotel Monteleone – Monte’s Holiday Tea Party (Plus Giveaway)
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Our tickets & giveaway tickets are furnished. No other compensation was received for this post/giveaway. If you remember, I have a special connection to the Hotel Monteleone so it warms my heart to know that others can have their own fond memories at the historic hotel. Starting the week after Thanksgiving, the Hotel Monteleone transforms into a magical holiday wonderland as the 200 block of Royal Street showcases their festive side. As in the years Continue Reading
Los Isleño of Louisiana
Growing up in Los Angeles then moving to Southeast Louisiana at the age of 12 was an unusual experience. I was very fortunate that I was young enough to adapt and create a kinship with living outside of the New Orleans area. I discuss culture in Louisiana, my Latina heritage and my struggle to find the Latina connection with my own children fairly often on my site. What many don't know is that there is a rich Isleño community & culture that resides right here in Louisiana. Some have traced Continue Reading
Get City Dealz & Orleans Grapevine Giveaway #GetCityDealz
Disclosure: This is a sponsored giveaway post. All opinions are my own. If you love to support local neighborhood merchants & get real time promotions then I have a website for you. GetCityDealz is an innovative NOLA-based website that reduces the need for "Groupon-like" social coupons & excessive emails that is of little interest to you. GetCityDealz.com lets you zero in on only those offers, specials, promotions and local events that Continue Reading