Beer Candles Are the ONLY Candles Worth Having

That's right folks, this weekend marked the two year anniversary of my first post.

Taking a little time off from blogging recently hasn't made this two year mark any less special - because we've been keeping Dixie Lust going strong in spirit over here.

I started this blog as a way to show not only y'all but myself as well all that the South has to offer. No more "I'm bored", "There's nothing to do around here....", or "I wish I lived in a cooler city." The possibilities are endless - some of them just need to be re-discovered.

And we're here to do just that.




In the spirit of renewed dedication to blogging, MTher, LyLa and I got together Saturday to work on a few new video features for Dixie Lust. Before we called it a night, we made a little wish and had some cake.


"Let's Mess With Texas" Tee via Storyville
Countless people and places have made these past few years phenomenal, including:
You the readers, LyLa, MTher, SKing, Ninja, My Parents, My Brother & Sister in Law, Gentleman Caller, Katie from Offswitch Designs, J from the Bees Knees Baby, Summer from Bon Temps Athena, Benny-fits, KS from While We're Waiting, My Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins, the Folks at Best Buy, Stephanie, Fine Thread Art, Hotel Derek, JCor, ALin, Storvyville, Dirty Coast Press, the Twitter Following, Wine Loft, Tap Room, Marc Broussard, The TA Truckstop, the Cities Lafayette, Houston, Boca Raton, New Orleans, Birmingham, Baton Rouge and so so so many more.

Thanks to all of you.

Where in the World...

Where in the world have I been eh?

My lovely little spot of the blogosphere has been gathering dust and getting looks of pity from across the way.

Here's a break down of Mizz KB's whereabouts...

Physically:

Me + Ninja having din din at Asia in L'Auberge Du Lac Hotel & Casino

Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Delray Beach, YeeHaw Junction, Climax (GA), Engagement Party for Melanie & Logan, Perkins Rowe, Urban Outfitters, Kona Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, BCBG, Leesville, DeRidder, watching Eat Pray Love, Jessica & Gavin's Wedding, Wine Loft, Tap Room, Bella Figura, Cafe Roma, Towne Center Mall, L'Auberge Du Lac, GloBar, Asia Noodle Bar, Lake Charles Man Made Beach, Steamboat Bill's, lost, Tallahasse, in the sketchy part of town, Blue Agave, Pizzeria Venti, working late, SKing's condo, in bed watching chick flicks

Mentally & Emotionally:

((via))

stuck in my head, wanting to blog, focusing on turning my job into a career, longing for more excitement in my surroundings, letting my perfectionism give way to procrastination, asking things of others that I should be demanding of myself, inspired, creative, speaking my thoughts and emotions, romancing the world, searching for things that bring me joy, veering away from things that drain me, challenging myself, searching for balance, investing in myself

Maybe that above section sounds like a clusterfreak of self-help and new age-iness, but it's honestly and truely where I am in life. Let's call it what it is... a quarter-life crisis. I'm at the point where having a great job and fabulous friends is great but theres an undeniable desire for more - to reap the most I can from the life and the opportunities I've been given.

A close friend told me recently, "Often times, the things you ask of others.... God may be asking you to do."

And that hit me like a brick.

I so often see the opportunities available to others and expect them to take full advantage and push themselves to be great.

But I've been slacking in my own life.

I'm working on the personal life and the professional one as well, but the one we're discussing now is my blogging life.

I started this blog as a way to share my love for the people and the culture of the Gulf Coast. I've been blessed with so many people who are willing to read and to provide feedback. I've been given the chance to create and nurture friendships that inspire me and challenge me. I've let my perfectionism and being stuck inside my head prevent me from accomplishing my original purpose... And I feel like I need to be more assertive in my pursuit of all that blogging brings.

Don't know how this comes across to y'all

but I have to say the honesty already has me inspired

and I'm vowing to bring you more of my lust for adventure.

yO!

Yo homies! Just wanted to let you fab boy(s) and girls that I'm back from one completely amazing road trip to South Florida & I can't wait to share it with y'all... just as soon as I get over this nasty case of pink eye.

Yucko.

Popping In...

((via))

I know I've been kind of scarce this week, but we're in the middle of physical inventory this week at work. Once it all blows over and I'm not utterly exhausted from my day, I'll be back in action!

In the mean time, check out these pretty folks if you aren't already aquainted...

Fine Thread Art → Monogramming & Embroidery from my beloved LyLa!

Dirty Coast → Gulf Coast & Louisiana T Shirts for the stylish and undoubtedly hip

Button & Bloom → Gorgeous handmade hair pieces and accessories!

First, Make a Roux → Delicious Cajun Recipes from a fellow Louisiana Girl!

Little Thing 46

When a certain *ahem* blog of mine turns 1 year old.

It's been a lovely fantastical year.

Love y'all.

I don't hate you...

Well maybe. Maybe not.

I joke. I kid.

But if you've e-mailed me in ...lets say....the month of January and I haven't responded...

I'm not ignoring you.

Promise.

This entire month of my job has been a little nutso (think being 3 & 1/2 weeks behind, then trying to do it in the matter of a day or so) and it has zapped every ounce of energy in me.

I am finally ahead of myself at work so I'll be taking the next few days to get in touch with everyone and get caught up on all your jazzy lives.

Reflections of a Blogger

As I jump from blog to blog today, I cant help but fall in love with each and every reflection on the past year. Some of your farewells to 2009 have made me laugh, while some have made my heart ache with sadness. It seems - to put it bluntly - that the last half of 2009 was a helluva bitch to a lot of people.

While I could sit here (literally minus the pants and procrastinating on getting ready for my NYE plans) and detail what I've gone through as a daughter, as a sister, as a granddaughter, as a friend, as a girlfriend...I'm not quite sure this is the place for it all. Those beautifully chaotic ups and downs are written in my heart - they have been acknowledged with the grace and strength that I have learned from so many that surround me - many of them reading this very post.

I post today in reflection of my journey as a blogger ... as a creative being who has seemingly found a place to lay out her transformation - the transformation of a young woman as she becomes entranced by the resilient life and culture that has surrounded her for so many years.

In six short months, I have carved out my little space in the blogosphere - but as you may have noticed with my constant tweaking and changing of layouts, I do not rest. I'm always in search of more - a dynamic experience that keeps you guessing whats next for Dixie Lust. I have been consumed with my little creation - not only wondering how I can delve more deeply into my culture but also racking my brain how I can better myself as a blogger.

Recently I was e-mailing with my "soul sister", Summer. And as we talked about the corner stone of blogging, writing, I shared one of my countless theories. We are all amazing writers - but each of us has a specific strength in writing that we need to discover and nurture. Some of us can make readers snort with raucous laughter as they scroll through our posts *cough* KLaw *cough* Some of us write with such beautifully uncensored emotion that whether we are downtrodden with despair or holding our breaths with the deepest hope, our readers guts feel the pangs of the same emotion. (Hola Dim Sum) And then some of us have the ability to go through our dashboard and respond to each and every post with the same genuine outpouring of compassion and selfless love. (Hey Hey KS)

In the past weeks, with a new year - a new decade looming in the near future, I have shackled myself with countless questions about Dixie Lust. What sort of writer am I? Where do my strengths lie? Why did I start it? What subjects should it be covering? What subjects are off limits? How do I relay the message that I want to send? And for that matter, what isss the message I'm trying to send? I've been so consumed with these thoughts - that last week I had the most ludicrous but enlightening dream. Yes. I dreamt about my blog.

I dreamt that LyLa and I literally walked our way to Houston - a pilgrimage of sorts, you could say. A pilgrimage of what you ask? A pilgrimage to see my high school Creative Writing Teacher, Ms. Genie. We trekked up the interstate for days, and when we finally got there, Lyla left me to my search. I stumbled upon my former teacher cleaning out her garage - and I began frantically explaining the concept of my blog. I began rattling off all the questions I had - and searched her eyes for some sort of direction. (Seriously.) She silently reached into a box and pulled out my writing portfolio from my senior year - and simply said, "The answers lie in here."

A bit dramatic, a smidgen of whack, but...that's how I tend to roll in my dreams. When I awoke from my dream, I headed out to my own garage and went directly to an old hutch. I opened the creaking door and inside, exactly where I knew it would be, was my writing portfolio, aptly titled "Metamorphosis." Inside, I found exactly what I needed.

I can't fully explain whats in my mind and whats in my heart, but I can say that 2010 will be Dixie Lust's year. I will bridge the gap between my being a blogger and my being a writer. There will be changes around here - some noticeable (Anyone else spot a new layout on the horizon?) and some will be changes that only I can feel (more direction and thought into my posts, perhaps?) I've refocused myself on what I'm here to do - what I'm here to say. Dixie Lust will be something more. I will be something more.

Stick around.

2010 - It's going to blow your mind.

Feelin' Jazzzzzy...

Woahhhhh, nah.

What the.....?

A new layout?

Oh yeaaaah.

I was in desperate need for a change. I went with a look that was bold, simple, and BIG. My last layout had me feeling congested and blah. So welcome to the latest look of Dixie Lust - something inspired by the fact that Crawfish Season is herrrrre (Sure they're still small and hard to peel right now, but they're here nonetheless).

And don't worry if you're not quite sure what the header above means.

It's not dirty, but it sure is messy.

Come down here and we'll show you how it's done.

Two Things...

Uno.

Today is the last day to enter my Marc Broussard Prize Pack giveaway!

Get your heinie over this way and enter if your haven't already done so.

Dos.

My silly little stache submission has made the top three! Make your way over to B is for Brown to vote on the order you think we should be ranked! Plus get to see all the over fabulous stache entries!

A Little Social Indulgence...

Hiya Pretty People...

I want to first off thank everyone for all the kind and beautiful words that have been sent my way. I have been reading each and every one that hits my inbox. I'm still an emo-cheese-ball so they're mainly making me tear-up but I'm taking them to heart and smiling knowing that I have so many kind and loving people who are here to support me no matter how crazy things get.

This weekend despite a few breakdowns over Big Macs and cheese fries, I've decided to get off my bum and make myself happy in other aspects of my life. While I'm feeling deprived in the health aspect, I figured there was no need to deprive myself in the social & small indulgences aspects.

I put on a cheery new fall sweater and took Ollie-Monster for a walk on Main Street. I took about 30 bubble baths complete with candles. I napped for 3 hours on Saturday. I got all dolled up - complete with red lips and a flouncy skirt - for a girls night out. I met up with my college friend Jake (seriously how can you not adore a boy who hugs you and cheesily whispers for you to "melt into him like fondue" - or swears that he would make clay pots just so he could cook for you?) I watched my LSU Tigers dominate. I followed along for my first ever UFC fight. I had a beer...or two. I laughed at iPhone typos with SKing. I talked to the boy that I had my eye on. I went to the dog park. I made friends with strangers. I planned a small get away trip

The things that I talked about in my last post are still in the back of my mind, but right now I'm focusing on the little things that I can control and finding the small things that make me feel amazing and full of life.

I'm not sure how posting will go this week - I have loads of posts I'm behind on, including an awesome guest post from my gorgeous friend Ashley, but this week looks to be a little bit crowded and I'm still trying to sneak in some me time.

I promise I'll be around soon to catch up on everyone's blogs and to spread some love.

Again, thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart.

You're amazing.

Blogkeeping Note

I'm waaay behind on posts.

I have lots coming your way.

Promise.

Ellen Ishee Studios Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the felted clutch and pin from Ellen Ishee Studios is comment #15....

Katie from The Perks!


Congrats Ms. Katie!


E-Mail me with your shipping address!
&
Thanks to everyone who celebrated with me!

Shall We Celebrate?

Yo Folks!

It's Thursday night and while all you lovelies are getting your prime time TV on, I'm here to demand you get off your bum and celebrate with me.

Life has been lovely this week at Dixie Lust and I want to do a quick and easy give away to thank all you classy broads who make this oh-so fun!

First off, what are we celebrating?

• My first Guest Post EVVVER
• Picking the winner of Dixie Lust's First Photo Contest
• Reaching 80 amazingly sweet followers
• My not having to go to the doctor today
• Winning a lovely little award from Marguerite at Cajun Delights
• Me actually fixing my hair this morning - HOLLLLA
• Feeling Good in the Neighborhood when it comes to my pesky infections
• Urrrrrh... Why not celebrate?
  

So I announce....

While at Tinsel & Treasure this past weekend, I searched high and low for a little something for y'all. I came up a booth for Ellen Ishee Studios from Roland, AR and I fell in love. The booth was chock full of imported silk saris and re purposed Indian rice bag messenger bags, but my absolute favorite finds were their felt clutches and pins imported from Nepal. I made sure to pick up one set for myself and one for youuuu!

How to Enter:

We'll keep this one easssssy-peaaasssy. Each entry needs to be on a separate comment. If you put everything on one comment, it will be counted as 1 entry.

1. One entry just for telling me you're a follower.

2. One entry for telling me what you'd like to celebrate.

3. One entry for posting a link to this contest some where else...(Myspace, Facebook, Blogger, Twitter) Just post the link so I can check it out...

Winner will be announced on Monday Night!

(10.5.09)

And the winner is.....

LyLa has made her decision and the winner of the first ever Dixie Lust Photo Contest is.....

Summer from B is for Brown

I sent an e-mail over to LyLa with my 6 favorite photos and she narrowed them down, then she asked me to send over the stories behind each photo. Here's what Summer said about her photo:

Our best southern adventure besides Adam's first crawfish extravaganza, hurricane katrina and rita and getting married was dressing up as saints fans only a few months after katrina when the owner, tom benson was trying to move our boys to san antonio. if you look closely, you will see a knife in my back and we wrote in big letters on the back of our shirts - "San Antonio can take the owner and New Orleans will keep the team". we lived in lake charles during that time (from may 2005-sept 2006 for adam's law clerkship). die hard fans!

Here's what LyLa had to say about why she picked Summer's Die Hard Fans Photo:

I have to admit, this was a tough one to choose. I loved all of the pictures and thought they each showed something really great about the lives of the people in them. But... drumrolllllllll... I have to pick the Saints picture!!! I think it's a perfect photo to represent the South and what means the most to us down here... supporting the people and places we love. It shows pride and strength, with the best thing of all.. a touch of Southern sass and humor. I love how this photo signifies not only the comeback of a team that's taken us on a rollercoaster ride from day one, but also the comeback of people... rebuilding houses and lives, restoring a sense of home, and believing in something that no one else does. Ask Kora... I LOVE the South, and I LOVE Louisiana. I have since I was little. I support all of the local festivals, cookoffs, restaurants, artists, everything. So, this photo just really stood out for me as a testament of who we try to be here. We're always there when someone needs encouragement or a little faith or a little company... but we always, always have a good time doing it. So, laissez le bon temps roulez, and Congratulations to Ms. Summer!!!

Thank You to all who entered! I loved seeing everyone's photos and can't wait to hold another one of these contests! Congrats Summer!

My Picks...

I want to start by apologizing for the delay in announcing these! Things have gotten away from me in the last week. With out any more wait, here are my Top 6 Photos for the first ever Dixie Lust Photography Contest.

LyLa has ultimately decided the winner by choosing her favorite from this batch of photos!

Her pick will be announced at noon today!

By: Stephanie

By: Megan

By: Erika

By: Haley

By: Summer

By: Katie

Small Break + Thanks

First off, I want to thank everyone for such positive feedback on my guest post over at B is For Brown. You kids are absolutely amazing! Feedback like I've gotten encourages me oh-so much and really makes blogging fun. Thank you all soo much. And thanks again to Summer for the invite!

Last night I spent close to 5 hours at the local after-hours clinic. I've been in a little it of pain, and last night I found out that I'm dealing with some infections and a few other issues (read the play by play on Twitter) In just a bit I'll be leaving work to head to a doctor's appointment to get a better look at the infections and run some tests. So its safe to say, I'll be taking a tiny break from Bloggie Land today.

Also, I just wanted to thank Lil Miss Butterbean & Katie from Off Switch for keeping me company on Twitter last night as I waited. You girls are awesome and I can't thank you enough!

Gimme Sum(mer!)

Hello lovey-dovies....

I've officially done my first guest post everrrr. I was so excited (& nervous!) to put something together for one of my favorite bloggers. You can find my ode to Summer's fabulosity and a list of 26 of my favorite things over at her blog, B is for Brown.

As with all firsts and big occasions in life, we must celebrate!

More on this tonight =)

I just like to keep everyone waiting. haha

Also, LyLa will be picking the winner of the first ever Dixie Lust Photo Contest and I will announce the winner bright and early tomorrow.

Buzzzzzzzy Bee

Aside from my latest giveaway (Please Please Please ENTER... and that's not begging. Don't make me show you begging!), I've been a little scarce around here lately. Please don't think I'm ignoring your comments and blogs. I'll be around soon to comment back and read all that my bloggie friends are writing. I've spent the past two nights feeling absolutely inspired and working on a new little venture. I'll be giving all the details on Monday, when I return home from a weekend trip. But until then, I'll give you a ginormous hint on what I've been whipping up!

&&&

And once again, don't be shy about entering Dixie Lust's First Photo Contest!
No need to be from the South to enter - Just get creative and see what you can come up with the themed promt!

Little Thing 23

Random acts of kindness (and fabulousness) from one of my favorite bloggers and fellow Louisiana Girl, Summer from B is for Brown

really.

Nice people make me smile smile smile.

REMINNNNNDER!

Just wanted to remind everyone out there that TODAY is the LAST day of my super giveaway from the Grass is Greener.

You guys have until 8pm central time to enter if you haven't already done so!

The winner will be announced at 9pm central time!