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.

Your Daily Reminder!

Don't forget to enter the give-away from

((click the logo to find out how to enter!))

Just a Teensie Reminder!

Don't forget to enter the give-away from

((click the logo to find out how to enter!))

Nerd Status: Up 10 Points

I spent a good part of my Sunday scouring Books a Million for a few books I could take along to Boca - cause lets face it, one of the best parts of beaching it up is getting lost in a really good book. My problem is that I only found one book that really caught my eye, The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff ... and cover drew me in so much that I read the back four times on the way home. Then I let myself read the first chapter when I got home - but only the first chapter I promised. Well, if you know anything about me, know this - I don't really "do" patience nor do I "do" self-restraint. The first chapter turned into me reading all 500+ pages in one sitting.

I'm Boca-bound in 3 days and book-less...

So please, dear lusty ones....

(That's your new name, I've decided... Try it on. Feels nice, doesn't it?)

Tell me you've got some great summer reads to recommend???

Please no Nicholas Sparks-y type cryfests though,... I enjoy having my SPF 70 not dribble down my face in a tidal wave of tears and snot.

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!

Happy Sunday Lovelies

Hope each and every one of you is having a lovely little Sunday.

Tell me, what have y'all been up to this weekend?

Heyyyy Baby! King Cake Giveaway #3 - 2 Winners!

***TWO WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN***

As I was searching for the internet for a formal explanation of King Cakes, I came to the realization that sometimes the all-knowing internet... just doesn't know.

As I was searching for an articulate bit on the symbolism of the Baby Jesus that gets hidden in each cake, I've read some people saying if you get the baby you'll get "knocked up" (yes...thats the terminology used) or some even saying that the baby is bad luck and to avoid it!

Um. Hi. We're the South.

For the most part, we're a friendly happy people who wish you well.

Trust me! You WANT to get the baby in your slice!

Finding a little plastic baby in your slice of cake grants you the title of King/Queen of the party!

((But with great power comes great responsibility! Get the baby and it's your job to bring the king cake to the next party!))

As you already know, I absolutely love sharing bits of my upbringing and culture with others. So when my Canadian friend Jess came down last year for Mardi Gras - I had a list of things that she hadddd to experience.

First up? King Cake.

And in order to let her get the full experience, I not so stealthily hid Baby Jesus in her slice. And then I told her about it. If you're not on the lookout for him, Jesus can be a bit of a choking hazard.

Insanity ensued as we exchanged not so politically correct jabs at each other's religions - "You do realize you're licking icing and sprinkles of your Lord and Savior, right?"

And in a hazy moment of truce and genius, we decided to make King Cake Baby our third wheel for the weekend....

Check him out.

The Before Shot

"OH JESS! You got the baby!"

Cleaning the baby up

So what exactly do I do with him now?

King Cake Baby Jesus (KCBJ) surfing on the North Shore.

Audience with his people from his papal balcony

Looking for tigers in the jungles of Costa Rica

Squashing grapes in the wine region of China

Camping Trip to Sweet Tea Reserve

Tasting the sensation...

Exhausting Photo Shoots at the Wal-Mart Picture Studio

Blowing up the club with his boy, Hot Boy Ronald

Writing a little poetry at the local Art Bar

He's with the band...

Even (unknown) rockstars want to get a photo with him...

"Jess... Why is KCBJ always picking on me?!?"

Here's the Details:

• A post will go up each Thursday about King Cakes.
• Leave a comment on the King Cake Post telling me you're a follower for one entry.
• Leave another comment answering that posts question for a second entry.
• Post about the giveaway on any social media outlet, and leave a comment with the link to it for a third entry.
• Each entry must be left in a separate comment, or it will all be counted as one entry!
• No one is exempt from the contest! Anyone and everyone is encouraged to enter!
• If you don't win one week, come back and enter the next week!
• That weeks entry deadline is the Tuesday following the post at noon CST.
• I will draw the 2 winners at random and announce it at 1pm CST on Tuesday.
• That weeks winners will have until midnight on Tuesday to send me their mailing address.
• King Cakes will be shipped out on Wednesday and the whole thing will begin again the next day.

**I feel silly for posting this, but it must be said. I have nothing to do with the making of the king cakes, therefore, please know that Dixie Lust is not responsible for any food allergies or reactions that may occur**

This week's Q: If you got the baby in your slice of king cake, what would you do with it? Carry him around for good luck? Tape him to your computer monitor? Send him in a care package? Paint him on a little Saints Uniform??

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.

Coming Clean...

So I've been thinking....

When I started blogging I wasn't sure how this would turn out or who would read.

So I came up with my little pen name, Kora Bruce.

Kora from my maternal grandmother Cora.

And Bruce came from my last name

& my daddy.

But these days

I'm meeting so many wonderful

and beautiful people through this blog

and I see so many of you as

true friends.

So lets go.

Bonjour pretty people.

If you weren't already aware

I'm Michelle Broussard.

Meesh. Meesha. Shell. Shelly. MBru.

and apparently... Kora Bruce.

So with my little

revelation and such.

I'm giving you guys a chance to ask me

any question that you'd like.

And I will answer them on Monday.

Mehhh....

I had every intention of coming here and writing you kids a lovely little post that would make you laugh and smile.

But my heart's just not in it today - It's one of those days where it seems like every little thing has got me stuck inside my head and frustrated. I don't mean to be but... my heart is broken for my Brownies, The Sheriff is in the Hospital, snow was a total bust this weekend, the holidays are officially upon us and everyone seems to think I'm a scrooge because I hate the overwhelming commerical aspect of them, I'm frustrated with a few bloggers because they're blatantly trying to be another blogger (Stop that! You are beautiful and wonderful just how you are. Show me you. If I wanted to see her personality, I'd read herrrrr blog), I'm worried about never falling in love again, and sometimes I wonder why we just can't all hang out (chips and salsa while standing around KLaws new kitchen, y'know?)

I hate to unload.

But it's how I feel today.

Spread a little love and happiness in the comments section, will ya?

Tell me a silly joke. Tell what makes you smile on days like this. Tell me about the worst date youve ever had. Tell me about the person you love the most and why that person makes your heart feel like it could burst at any moment.

Tell me, please?

((image via WeHeartIt))

My Handsome Little Date

While some of you were out getting BSC (that'd be "bat sh*t crazy") on Black Friday, I scheduled myself a long awaited date with my oh-so sweet and adorable godson, Christopher.

I hadn't seen him in lawd knows how long. A few years ago, the family moved from Louisiana to Texas - and ever since then we've had to resort to phone calls and care packages.

We made Friday our perfect little day together - and I let him make all the decisions.

SO MUCH FUN!

Oh yes...

It's Webkinz time! Meet Sharkie (or is it Perry... Or Toothie? He changed his name more times that P Diddy ... Or is it Sean Combs? or is it Puffy?) and Google

Of all the places to eat in Lafayette, McDonalds was first choice.
We both got Happy Meals.
I got a rad "My Little Pony"

Yep. The kid does adult-level word searches...in the car....for fun.
He's soo fast!

*cough*Bragging time!*cough*
Although he's only 9, he reads at the level of someone entering high school...
Of course Barnes & Noble was a must-stop.



Have you guys heard of these Diary of a Wimpy Kid books?
They're redonkulously funny in a weird way.

Seriously...

I'm the luckiest Nanny there is.

Best Part of the Day?

Christopher was totally down with my insane photo taking.

Huzzah!

So heres where you guys help a little.

I'm attempting to put together the most redonk Christmas Care Package together for this kid. He loves to draw, play sports and of course... read.

Any ideas of what to put in this care package??

A Week of Thanks

I know that I bombard you kids with an ongoing list of little things that make me smile, but this week I want to put that on hold and try out something a teensie bit different.

With Thanksgiving coming along this week, I could easily write a post about how I'm thankful for the majors - Family, Food, Shelter, etc etc etc. But those will get covered at Thursday's grace.

Here on the bloggity blog this week I'm going list all the little things that I'm thankful for.

As many as I can....

I am thankful for:

• The fact that Katie Mae and I can e-mail rando stories about anything and we've only known each other a few months. Some days I just need to blab about boys or the mundane insanity that is life.
• The fact that there arrrrre books on CSS coding. annnd that I actually understand what they're saying. This new layout wouldn't be here with out em'.
• Having a car, and being able to go for long drives to absolutley nowhere.
• Summer Bailey Brown. Need I say more?
• This Blog. It's my little place to be exactly who I am and have amazing people respond to my thoughts and photography.
• The Fact that those same amazing people are patient with me as I take forever to post about my New Orleans Trip :)

Marc Broussard Prize Pack Winner

I'm a weee bit late posting this, but I chose the winner of the Marc Broussard Prize Pack Giveaway this morning and the winner is...

Megan
from

Houma, LA

Megan will be receiving a copy of my favorite Marc Broussard CD, Carencro, a Marc Broussard T-shirt, a box of Macaroons from Sucre on Magazine Street, and a wooden fleur key chain.

Thanks to everyone who entered. I can't wait to put together more prize packs for you guys to win!

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!

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.