New Orleans Oystah Fest

Shocker that I went to New Orleans this past weekend, huh?

I guess I should just buy a second home down there.  Right, in my next lifetime I'll be able to afford some property down there.

Buuut, until that time, I'll continue to shack up at my friend L's house every time I go down there.  Love ya Linds!  So this past weekend, New Orleans hosted its Oyster Festival.  A bunch of restaurants come out with some of their dishes, some with oysters, some not, set up tents and you can go from tent to tent just eating and eating.

The weather was horrible, but that didn't stop us from going out there.  Everything was all cash, but of course, they had some ATMs stashed at various locations.  The prices weren't too horrible at the stands, and the most expensive thing was the chargrilled oysters from Dragos.  

Even if you don't like oysters, they had plenty of assorted po'boys, some sweets from Haydel's bakery and beer.  I'm not sure what else you could ask for out of life.

first night on Bourbon.

oyster stuffed mushrooms = heaven.

being a huge ass dork in front of the Drago's firetruck.

the chargrilled oysters from Drago's.

shrimp and oyster egg rolls with creole soy sauce from the Arnaud's/Remoulade tent.

me and L watching the oyster shucking contest (the guy from Pesch won in case you were curious) -- please disregard how terrible i look.  rain = no makeup and curly hair.

L & her momma.

just because I'm 30 doesn't mean i can't play in a big mud puddle.

closing the weekend out at Tipitinas.

All in all it was a fantastic weekend, minus the rain of course.  It had stopped by Saturday night, so our evening wasn't completely ruined . We spent that night at the Maple Leaf Bar, then Tipitinas, then to a place I think was called Dos Jefes (do not quote me on this -- I was a few vodka sodas in) to meet up with some friends.

I don't have my next trip down there planned yet, but I'm sure it will be soon.

And of course all you lovely wee ones will get to hear all about it.

Dat Dog - NOLA

In anticipation of everyone grilling out and eating hot dogs, I think it's time the world hears about Dat Dog.

They've got three locations in New Orleans - Freret, Magazine and Frenchman street.  I've had Freret and Magazine, but haven't yet made the venture to the Frenchman street location, although I have no doubt that it's just as delicious.

Here's how it works --- you pick your hot dog, then you add any topping you want, and they range from normal yellow mustard to etouffee and guacamole.

Then they have the most delicious cheese and bacon fries, and their chili cheese fries are incredible, too.  The weather was beautiful, so we sat outside.  It was our Easter dinner that day, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Bonus?  It heat up incredibly well as leftovers, even after the five hour drive home.

This place is a definite must go while you're down there...umm, maybe more than once.

It was incredible.  

I hope y'all have a very happy Memorial Day!!

Jazz Fest Part 2

At some point during the day, Rachel decided to show up.  It was the point about five minutes before Springsteen took the stage.

Which was the whole reason we were there.  It would have been such a travesty had she not made it in time.  But it was a good thing that Bruce decided to be a diva that day and be a few minutes late; otherwise I wouldn't have been able to enjoy it with my fellow Springsteen fan.

It's hard to even enjoy The Boss without someone who appreciates him as much as you do.  And when your Coke Zero bottle contains as much bourbon as it does Coke Zero?  Makes for way more fun pictures.

The end of Jazz Fest.  It was amazing.  I can't even tell you how seeing your favorite artist can change your life.  I know it sounds crazy, but the level of excitement is way up there.  

Jazz Fest....I can't wait to go to you next year.

Jazz Fest Part 1

This past weekend, we went to Jazz Fest in New Orleans.

yes, I know if you read this blog, you're probably sick and tired of hearing about New Orleans, but I honestly really love that city.  And I only have a few more posts from the past couple of trips, but, I already have another one planned, so.  I guess, I'm sorry.

The main reason we went down this weekend was to see Bruce Springsteen.  He is my most favorite artist of all time, and I have never seen him live.  It was absolutely incredible.  It was hot and crowded, but there was an awesome breeze, and we did end up getting a pretty ok spot.  Toward the very very back.  But it was so worth it.  I can't even explain to you the excitement as I heard him start to play.  It was absolutely incredible.  But there were too many pictures to put in one post, so I'm gonna break it up.

Here's a few from the first couple of hours of the fest...  the hours before Springsteen and before my life was changed.

Fest Ready.

The Crawfish Monica.  The supposed signature dish of the festival.

Cha Wa.

Cochon de Lait.  Pretty much the best the best thing that's ever been in my mouth.

Lindsey in the sunshine.

Seriously, I'm going again next year.  Can't wait to show you the rest!

Tattoo Schmatoo

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

I hope everyone has eaten a ton of tacos and had a margarita or two.  I know I most certainly have. 

But that is not what I'm going to talk about today.  And since the cat is out of bag (meaning, my dad knows), I feel it is safe to share for everyone.

Two weekends ago when I was in New Orleans for the wedding (that I didn't go to), I decided that I needed a tattoo.  I have wanted one for awhile, and you remember back on my 30 on 30 for New Orleans, my number one item was to get the tattoo.

Now I have changed my mind several times on what I've wanted.  But I settled for an arrow on my wrist.  Why, Laura, in the world would you want an arrow?  

Here ya go:

There have been some really crappy happenings in my life in 2014, and I feel like this matched perfectly for what I wanted and what I was feeling. It may not be perfect, but it's something I don't regret, and it will always remind me to look forward.  

I know some people aren't down with the tattoos, and frankly now, to not have one, is to be different.  But hey, it's something I've scratched off my bucket list, and well, you only live once, what's one tattoo?

I got it done at Electric Ladyland on Frenchman Street done by the artist Marc.  He was sweet and gentle, with it being my first one.  It is small and took less than five minutes.  It was more painful the next day than it was while getting it.

Right after I'd gotten it done.

Raising her fist in solidarity with me. 

A day after.

The thing is almost completely healed now.  Two weeks later.

And I still love it.

Randoms from Easter in New Orleans

Spending the weekend with Lindsey in NOLA  for Easter was one of the best weekends I'd had in a while.  The weather was perfect, the drinks were delicious, and I even got to try a few new spots.  

Which is what you do when you go there, because there are so many things to do and places to eat!  Our first night was spent on Bourbon/Frenchman, where we got the traditional hand grenades and absinthe and a fruity drink that I can't really remember.  Step-bro had never done the absinthe thing, so that was fun.

The next morning, we woke up early, although none of us quite figured out why, got breakfast and walked around the quarter.  We got some hair of the dog in the form of frozen daiquri's from The Gazebo, got some fried chicken and went home to take a nap.

With naps over, it was time to go to Bourbon again.  It was a great night filled with 3-for-1 specials and dancing.

It was a great weekend!  Enjoy some pictures from that awesome weekend!

I love being photobombed.

Banana daiquiri time!

defend nola.

Mr. Okra!!

I love this city so much.  So much that I'm going back again this weekend for Jazz Fest and Bruce Springsteen.