Having lived in Southeast Louisiana for over 23 years I have had my fair share of Mardi Gras King Cakes. My family & I look forward to Mardi Gras. We love Mardi Gras parades, the Mardi Gras Music, Mardi Gras decor, and of course King Cake. So every year my family & I taste test various King Cakes all over the New Orleans area (and even South Mississippi) in search for a new favorite. But.....I'm a tad crazy picky. King Cake Requirements: I want my King Cake fresh. I need my king Continue Reading
Wordless Wednesday: It’s Carnival Time #MardiGras #Nola
Score A Winning Recipe w/ Marc Forgione & Macy’s @CulinaryCouncil in #NOLA 2/2/13
My husband & I love football. Every week during football season we have a mini football party for the kids. They know that once we leave church on Sunday...it's game time! We get the house ready, food in the over and start prepping for our football party menu to be complete. So you can only imagine what our plans are for Super Bowl Sunday!! To add even more excitement to our normal football party, we get to add the fact that New Orleans is host to Super Bowl XLV11. It really couldn't get any Continue Reading
Giving Back-Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana Community Kitchen @2ndHarvestGNOA
In my previous Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana post, I spoke mainly about the Food Bank itself, but today I wanted to focus & share more information on the new commercial grade Community Kitchen. At nearly 6,500 square feet, the Community Kitchen is one of the largest productions in the region. The Community Kitchen helps to produce nutritious meals for the Summer Feeding and Kids Cafe programs. Meals are proportioned and well-balanced to new dietary Continue Reading
A “Gumbo” of Flavors: Winn-Dixie Holiday Recipes To Impress E-book #WDLocalHoliday
To say my family's recipes are bursting with flavor would be a complete understatement. Since we are local to the New Orleans area & are a Hispanic family as well, our family recipe book would be considered a "gumbo" of flavors. Start off with a thick spicy Creole base, add our Mexican & Guatemalan stock & seasonings, chop up some Cajun Sausage and last but certainly not least, add some rich hearty Mississippi southern poultry (aka Sanderson's Farm). Stir slowly & simmer to have a complete taste Continue Reading
Lil’ Yat’s …..”New Orleans Christmas”- Lil’ Yat’s Books @YatsUnlimited 7 Book Set and 5 Coloring Books Giveaway
Originally I was born in Los Angeles, but at the age of 11 moved in a small town outside of the New Orleans area. I remember prior to moving & there after, my grandfather would tell my older brother & I stories of New Orleans traditions & culture in hopes to instill some Louisiana characters in us. Over the years he told factual events that took place, as well as a little lagniappe (something extra). I'm not sure if my Grandfather was just a great story teller or that the characters Continue Reading
Titanic Museum & Attraction Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
As many of you know, over Thanksgiving Week I returned to Pigeon Forge and visited Titanic Museum & Attraction again only this time I brought the entire clan. We arrived in Pigeon Forge at 10 a.m and went straight to the Titanic Museum before checking into our hotel. Since my children are 12 year old & 8 years old, i knew they were at a great age to understand the museum and the events that took place aboard the Titanic. My 12 year old daughter was very familiar with the history of Continue Reading
Wordless Wednesday: The Great Smoky Mountains
Purchase the Gift of Family Memories on Hotels.com #CyberMonday Booking Specials- 50% off 4 Day Sale Ends tonight! #Travel
Going to Disney or Universal this summer?? Want to and save some money while doing it? As part of Black Friday-Cyber Monday Saving Celebration- 4 day sale: Save 50% with Black Friday Deals! Book now in Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago and More! Book by 11/26, Travel by 12/31, you can get optimal savings by booking a mini getaway now! From multiple location in Florida, California, and even places like Nashville, Tenn. Offer states you must travel before end of year, BUT as you can see in the screen Continue Reading
Happy Thanksgiving 2012
Hope your are enjoying time with your family on this special day. Happy Thanksgiving! ~Maria~ Continue Reading
Are You Ready To Set Sail? Carnival Conquest “Fun Ship 2.0”
Between school, work, after school activities, Holidays and so much more I'm wore out! There is never hours in the day to get things done. So I know what your thinking? It's November and we can use some rest & relaxation right about now. My bags are packs and I'm definitely ready to sail away and forget about my problems on the mainland! Although I'm traveling next week to spend Thanksgiving Week in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, the drive can definitely take it's toll on a family. Continue Reading
Visiting New Orleans this Holiday Season? Top 5 Holiday Must-Do’s
I'm a big supporter of tourism here in New Orleans. I know over the years New Orleans has the stigma that it is a party city or crime-ridden. While we do have our moments of shenanigans, (yes, I said shenanigans) we are also known be a great place to visit with your entire family. The holidays is no different. Christmas in New Orleans is a travelers delight since a trip to New Orleans can be affordable and a complete cultural experience. Whether your a local or visiting for the Holidays make Continue Reading