Sippin' Saturday: Easy Tabasco Bloody Mary

Welcome to the latest video feature from Dixie Lust - Sippin' Saturdays!
A few Saturdays a month, Dixie Lust Mixologist MTher will show us how to make some of his favorite drinks.


This week he's bringing us an EASY Tabasco Bloody Mary.
Don't have Tabasco Brand Products sold in your area? They (and tons more of Tabasco Products) can all be found here


Also? If you have any suggestions for drinks you'd like to be featured on the site, leave it in the comments and we'll be sure to get to them!

Evacuation Nation in Full Effect

Yesterday afternoon there was an explosion in the Gulf chemical explosion less than a mile from my house. Multi Chem, a company that makes chemicals for oilfield use, had a little clusterfreak that resulted in this:

So in the meantime, I'm under evacuation.

With road closures and evacuation notices, the rest of the family and my puppy are in New Iberia while I've been somewhat stuck in Lafayette.

I'm cranky. I'm tired. And I'm not sure if my makeshift Target outfit is a dress or a beach cover-up.

That being said,
I have amazing friends.

BIG BIG BIG
Thanks
to MTher & SKing
for giving me a place to stay and taking care of me.


xo xo


Go here if you want to find out more about the explosion.

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.

Give the People What They Want

For all the long-time followers of Dixie Lust,

Trust me - I'm just as shocked as you are right now.

Shock & Awe

Yes - after 10 or so months - I am finally blogging again.

This past Saturday, I broke myself away from newest committed relationship - Netflix and Napping - to hit up the Cajun Heartland State Fair with MTher, Sking, and our newest addition, LMac.

Before we made our way to the fair, we stopped by La Fonda's for dinner and their legendary margaritas.

Some of the best frozen margaritas I've ever had.

While at dinner, SKing mentioned she showed little ole Dixie Lust to LMac earlier in the day and that launched everyone into a "Bring Back Dixie Lust" campaign.

What can I say, I'm a people pleaser. I have heard their cries for more Gulf-Coast-goodness, so here it is folks.

I'm back.

This week as I get the blog back in shape, I'll be bringing you bits and pieces from old adventures. I've got quite a lot of back logged photos and videos that I'd love to share with everyone.

Meanwhile, on to Saturday night's Instagrams

SKing, MTher, & Yours Truly

Wayne Toups

LMac, SKing, MTher - What you dont see? The sweat literally dripping down on everyone

Cajun Dancing at the Fair

Mint Chocolate Martini, by Russ, at the Wine Loft

Great conversation with old friends and a few new ones at Wine Loft

The usual crime scene

La Fonda
3809 Johnston Street
Lafayette, LA 70503-3899
(337) 984-5630


Cajun Heartland State Fair

444 Cajundome Boulevard
Lafayette, LA 70506-4286
(337) 265-2100


Wine Loft
211 Settlers Trace Boulevard
Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 406-9630


Wayne Toups

Claw & Hiss...Houston...The Trip: Last Will and Testament

((VIA ME))

To SKing, I leave you a bottle of Nair and a timer.

To MTher, I leave you a handkerchief in any color other than purple.

To Myself, I leave a weave-touching intervention slip.

To the (wo)man at the Texas state line, I leave you a key for those handcuffs (but only in exchange for an explanation)

To Ninja, Tre Von, & AGriff, I leave you a Secret Society pocket dictionary for decoding conversation.

To the Porsche Cayman, I leave you a third seat.

To the male "entertainment" at JR's, I leave you booty poppin' moves.

To the "gayborhood," I leave you streets on a grid system.

To SKing, I leave you a .75" ceramic spiral-coiled barrel curling iron and a bottle of face wash.

To the future guests of room 904, I leave you a bottle of Febreze to deal with ass-smelling couch.

To my credit card, I leave you locked up in-room goodies and a mini bar key that doesn't work.

To my future hungover self, I leave you a can of Grabeez Gummi Bears and two Advil.

To everyone who listened to us, I leave you a (few) grain(s) of salt.

To Alexan Post, I leave you a slightly less confusing maze of hallways, elevators, and parking garages.

To Ninja & SKing, I return your foreign accents with the added bonus of a sound proof room.

To Ninja, I leave you Woodchuck on tap. Trust us...it's better.

To the Bartender at JR's, I leave you an adderall and some manners.

To Tre Von, I leave you a tiara ... we're so confused by drama queens.

To man in the Galleria Starbucks, I leave you anger management courses.

To the mannequins at Chanel, I leave you new wigs... and less creepy eyes.

To the sales people at Chanel, I leave you an eye roll and perhaps a gps locating device for each customer.

To Sanrio store, I leave you half my paycheck and my mailing address.

To Crave Cupcakes, I leave you the other half of my paycheck and the mailing address as well.

To Hotel Derek Housekeeping, I leave you a bottle of fingernail polish remover.

To Myself, I leave a year supply of shower caps.

To SKing, I leave a Tangueray and Tonic.

To Ikea, I leave you an hour and ten minutes - because despite what people say, that's all the time we need with you.

To Wicked, I leave you a standing ovation.

To Ninja, I leave you just onnnnne more pair of chopsticks and 2 fortune cookies.

To SKing, I leave a redbull and some sour skittles.

To MTher, I leave you an explanation to all this confusion.

To Ninja, I leave you early morning Snyder's Pretzels and blood sugar testing.

To Aladdin, we leave you the obvious Magic Carpet.

To Sang-Mi, we leave you a bee.

To Houston Restaurants, I leave you the Louisiana custom of splitting checks.

To the Bartender at Sherlocks, I leave you a season dvd of Tosh.0

To the mini fridge of 904, Ninja and I leave you Grotto's half salmon and half ravioli.

To Houston Weather, I leave you my eternal gratefulness for not raining.

To a random unknown location in Houston, I leave you two Hotel Derek Room keys.

To Ninja's car seats, I leave you my dignity and whatever smidge of grace I had left.

To Hotel Derek valet, I leave you way too much money and Ninja's time...oh and his car keys too.

To the streets of Houston, Ninja requests that I leave you a notice to fix the streets in the supposedly swanky part of town.

To the Nitro, I leave you new windshield wipers.

To Ninja's driving skills, I leave my surprise and wonder.

To the view of downtown Houston from the Hobby Center balcony, I leave you warm-fuzzy feelings.

To Final Fantasy VII, I leave you the promise that I'll get back to you when I'm less delirious and "Dilly-Dally Shilly-Shally."

To the Map left for me at the front desk of the hotel, I leave you warm fuzzy feelings a chorus of "awwwws."

To MTher, I leave you "Me Likey Mad Libs" on the drive home.

To Sking, I leave you 30 minute flights that dont cost $400 or a $35 train ride that doesn't take 5 & 1/2 hours.

To Ninja & Tre Von, we leave you our love and thanks for showing us your city and invitation to see ours.

To Houston, we leave you our love and a promise that we will be back, maybe even permanently.

I CRAVE You...

CRAVE CUPCAKES
1151-06 UPTOWN PARK BLVD.
HOUSTON, TX 77056
PHONE 1-713-62-CRAVE (27283)
FAX 1-713-622-7285
EMAIL EAT@CRAVECUPCAKES.COM

At Least She's Pretty...

...Because SKing can't flipcam to save her life.
Her two attempts from Saturday night at Sherlocks as follows:






Yeahhh.
Your in-blog sickness bag is located directly below your keyboard tray.



Note to Self:Keep SKing away from the flipcam while rendezvousing in Boca.

Claw & Hiss... Houston... The Trip: Instax!

This kid and I

SKing & Moi.

We "likey" each other.

Just how we like it.

Super awkward.

Next on the agenda,

learning to control the "editorial look" &

the vampire eyes.

THE Claw & Hiss....

gentle meow style!

Yeah.

I know.

Houston, Texas...

I adored you.

FITBF: Hey Y'alllll HEY!

Ello babies! (I've been watching Love & Other Disasters on repeat. Anyone else adore the movie like I do?) I know I've been gone - but I can't wait to share all the thrilling bits that I've been up to. While I'm working on those posts, why not jump back into it with one of my favorites - Fill in the Blank Friday?!

1. My dream vacation would be a South African safari or India during the festival of Holi. Give me color and culture and I'm a happy girl.

((via))

2. The best trip I've ever taken was to 12 or so cities in Italy when I was 15. I went wit LyLa and our friend Brooke. While the trip was one of those life changing experiences, my sense of style was anything but... I scraped up some photos for your enjoyment. Capris in Capri? Check. Old Navy fanny pack? Mhmmm. Inability to smile stemming from fear of something stuck in my braces? Ohhh yes.



3. The most important items to take on a road trip are Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis. Duh.

((via))


4. The next trip I'm looking forward to is

I.

Where: Houston, Texas
When: July 9th & 10th
Who: Me, Mther, SKing, & ASal
What: Using my impending 25th birthday as excuse for a weekend in le city!

II.

Where: Boca Raton, FL
When: July 22nd - 28th
Who: Me & SKing
What: The Ultimate girls road trip!!


5. If I had to pick one CD to listen to for a long road trip it would be OAR's Any Time Now, Disc 2. The entire CD makes me want to put my feet on the dash, roll down the windows, and scream at the top of my lungs as I shake my hair free. It's instant feel good - and isn't that what road trips are all about?


((via))

6. The biggest disaster I've ever encountered while traveling was my first time traveling alone. I was on my way home after my first summer in Maine. My flight was delayed 8 hours before they decided to bus us to a New Hampshire airport and reroute me. That flight to Detroit was delayed, and I showed up to my connecting flight to New Orleans just as they were closing the cabin doors. I was denied entry onto the plane and had to spend the night alone in Detroit with no luggage. The next morning as I waited for my flight to New Orleans, I lost my license while shopping for Motown souvenirs. I had to wait for it to be found before I could get on my flight home.

((via))


7. My favorite traveling memory is my flight home from Italy. It was just a sense of returning home a little bit more mature, forever changed, and thirsting for more of the unknown.


((via))

Exhausted Love

So I'm absolutely exhausted this beautiful Friday morning!But since I've been non-stop all week with such brilliantly wonderful happenings,I thought this would be the perfect time to try my hand at Summer's Friday, Im in Love Series!
So this Friday, here's what I'm in love with:

Un.


The beautiful people at Bayou Teche Brewing who bring me samples of their newest beer, LA-31 Biere Pale while I merch the Marc Broussard show.

Deux.

Anyone who is willing to make me their super-secret-from-scratch-recipe crepes for me at 1 in the morning and lets me lick the Nutella off of the knife.

Trois.

Women, who even at age 50+, have the cojones to bring the no pants party out in public.... and Im pretty sure everyone got a flash-peek at her cojones once or twice.

Quatre.

Canes Sauce.If you've had it, you know thats all that needs to be said.

Cinq.

My brother and my pretty-much sister in law - This past week with them has been a total blast and I'm absolutely blessed to have them both in my life.
ps. Hillary loves salad?

Six.

The new Secret Society - Laid back wine and cheese Wednesdays with MTher complete with silly talks and eavesdropping.

Sept.

Nights at Enterprise Plantation with my family.Realizing that I completely lucked out in the awesome family department.& even having my Aunt call me out about "slacking on the blog"Hi Aunt Molly! This post is for you!

Are Twelve Twenty-Somethings Smarter than a Single 5th Grader?

((I keep myself entertained, even while pumping gas))

Y'all really,... I hate to brag, but I've had theee best New Years extended weekend. Way better than I expected it to be - so to 2010, keep up the good work buddy. You're sucking way less than 2009.

New Years Eve is hands down my favorite pseudo-holiday. It's just one of those kind of nights. It's just about friends and family coming together - it's not about the truckloads of presents or slaving away in the kitchen all day. Everyones in this weird, hopeful, happy trance as we wish upon the clock for the best year yet.

This year, we did another bonfire at LyLa & her hubby's house out in Henry (read: Boondocks) - it's the second year that we've done our NYE thing there. There's something about their house that feels like home. Maybe its the fact that LyLa alwaaaays has something amazing cooked up (Seriously. This time around it was 4 types of homemade kolaches, 2 types of brownies, and some sort of cheese dip in a a heated dip bowl that looked like a Sombrero...don't even ask on the last bit). Maybe it's all the puppies and Mama Cat running around and snuggling up in your lap. Or it's possibly the fact that if you decide last minute to spend the night, there are a pair of pajama pants and a blanket waiting for you on the couch. Maybe it's all of that plus a few other things that have MTher and I begging for LyLa to adopt us. Like I said... It just feels like home. And theres no where else I would have rather spent my last day of 2009.

The night started off with grand ideas of a bon fire (real logs! no pallets!) complete with s'mores - but at 10 minutes 'til midnight it started raining and everyone headed in to the kitchen. As we stood around the kitchen - everyone still catching up with each other - someone turned on the TV in the other room and the countdown began. It made me laugh to myself... we all counted down with a little less enthusiasm than normal and as the clock struck 12, the room was oddly silent. Everyone lined the kitchen cabinets, arms crossed or holding their drink close to their chest, eyes darting around the room and finally resting on the floor. Then someone said what we were all thinking.... "Man.... we're getting old." A bunch of twenty somethings.... feeling old. What a way to bring in 2010.

As if feeling "old" wasn't enough - we added insult to injury and gathered around LyLa & D's new TV (hello gorgeous!) and attempted to play "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" on the Wii. Turns out...we're not.

Oh man - we were awful! We had the med student guessing at 5th grade health, the MBA student trying to help, and a draftsman attempting 2nd grade measurements. Finally, we just started yelling out the first answer we saw and hoped it was right.

Education FAIL.


Me + Mel


SKing + Me


We ♥ Woodchuck


Sadly, we are not smarter.

Ça C'est Bon!

*cough*Let's pretend I didn't disappear into the murky emotional abyss for an entire week*cough*

Boudin Cook-Off

Parc Sans Souci

Lafayette, LA

October 17, 2009

The little illustration is slightly disturbing no?

Some sort of smoked boudin - so delish!

MTher in heaven...

Full of Boudin? Photo Op!

Boudin Eating Contest contestants

The third guy from the left is the one who eventually spews it

The lone lady...

Keep your eye on the kid in the bucket hat...

annnd he wins it! 6 links of boudin in about 5 minutes

To further prove his boudin-osity, he jumped around seconds after eating 6 links of boudin

The creepy illustration one more time - just for good measure.