The Big Easy

Having a great trip at my friend Heidi's. We went from her home in Baton Rouge down to New Orleans last night for a fun crawfish boil and my first trip to Bourbon Street! We were joined by her two fun, partying friends Matt and Nikki. The Jack and beer were flowin' even before we left the hotel room.

Now, don't think bad about me! I behaved myself so I wouldn't feel awful today; after all, I have a big race tomorrow! I haven't trained for this triathlon for months to go and ruin it. Besides, having been to Bourbon Street sober, well, I think it would be a pretty damn scary place to be drunk!!! Certainly an eye-opening experience. I've never seen so many strip clubs, drunks, and bars in my life. And, you gotta love the signs for "Big Ass Beers."

Here are some photos (taken with Heidi's iPhone) of our fun night dancing the night away....

Nikki, Heidi and me
Those poor little crawfish are no match for me!!!
Lucy's (a very fun New Orleans hot spot).

Back to the Future

I feel a bit like I'm traveling back in time for at least a few minutes every day, as is to be expected when you're living in your childhood home as an adult. My dad was very generous and left behind a set of furniture in the basement. Yes, the furniture on which I spent way to much time making out with my boyfriend (sorry, mom, if you're reading this!). But, it's all good as we are now married and have two wonderful children. Now this furniture, big and blue with poofy armrests (all very '90s) is the perfect worn, comfy furniture for our playroom.


With this furniture inheritance came a set of coffee tables and end tables that are currently sitting in our storage room (and two very ugly blue lamps I'll post on later). What shall I do with this coffee table? It's in excellent condition but it's just not my taste. I like simple, Pottery Barn-esque decor on a dollar-store budget.

Thoughts?

I'm Back!

Okay, so I've been MIA for a while now. What can I say? I've spent too much time reading blogs as of late than writing! Guilty!

Anyway, here's some food for thought--or for your tastebuds!
I am obsessed with quesadillas. I think it's something about the warmer weather that makes me want to go for the spicy, simple foods. And, I just love the endless variations of food in a browned tortilla.
Today's lunch was a barbecue chicken quesadilla (chicken, refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and homemade barbecue sauce). I ate the first half before I could restrain myself enough to take a picture.

My "Mexican" flavoring for my chicken is simple. But, sorry, I don't measure. I merely sprinkle some cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper on the 1lb chopped chicken breasts, saute in olive oil with about 1/4 cup chopped onion, and voila!

After the chicken is prepared, I melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat and then throw on the tortilla and top it with shredded cheese, refried beans, chicken, avocado, salsa or whatever else sounds good! Today I used barbecue sauce instead of salsa and it was fab!

Quesadillas are a great way to dispose of leftovers. Keep tortillas on hand and the possibilities are endless!

My Favorite Homemade Barbecue Sauce (courtesy of my friend Ashley's very talented husband!)
In a small sauce pan combine:
1Tbs olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1 small chopped onion
Cook until translucent (4 or 5 minutes) then...
Add
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses (found in Meijer cereal aisle since we couldn't find it)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Bourbon
Simmer for 10 minutes to burn off alcohol.