Peanuts & Crackerjacks

A few weeks ago the boy and I went to our first LSU game of the season. It wasn't a great experience overall, after all the Tigers lost, when we tried to leave we couldn't because we were double parked, and travesty of travesties I only took two photos.
Luckily that wasn't the case this time.
I may not have had peanut and crackerjacks but the boy and I did split a meat pie and jambalaya. Only in Louisiana, right?
And since it was crazy hot, we did both have a snow cone, or snowball as the call it in Louisiana, later on.
Even more fun, we got to see the grounds crew dance, which they've started going fairly regularly, but of course didn't during our disaster of game. And maybe you can tell, but the song they're dancing to is "Everybody" from the Backstreet Boys. Coincidentally, that was the day Nick Carter got married, and I'm sure that had to be their way of showing support for him... right?
But still, the best part of the game had to be that in the bottom of the ninth, tied, with 2 outs, LSU was able to win the game!
Geaux Tigers!
What was your experience like the last time you made it out to a baseball game?

Let the World Be Your Oyster

Every since I've been living in Louisiana I've been hearing about Acme Oyster House. But I've yet to actually visit. At least till a few weeks ago when we finally went there for dinner.

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting with it, maybe something completely unique and original, but unfortunately it didn't quite live up to that. Don't get me wrong it still was good, but similar to a lot of other local Louisiana restaurants.
Although I did go with one of my standard go-to options, an oyster po-boy, along with a side salad. Maybe if I had branched out a little more I would have been happier. Although I did have a slice of their chocolate caramel pie, which was so delicious it disappeared before I could take a picture.

Funny enough after not going to Acme for years, a week later I was there with a large group of friends. This time I went with their shrimp and corn bisque and a again with a side salad was good, but not necessarily out of this world. Although since I was there with such a large group, I did get to try quite a few bites of others' dishes from shrimp etoufee to chargrilled oyters to onion rings to their root beer float.

Although I think I found my favorite out of them all when sampling their crab cake, and now think that the next time I'm there, crab cakes are what I may need to go with.

When was the last time you finally went to a restaurants after years of waiting where it didn't quite live up to expectations?

Five on Friday (1)

For the first time in ever, I decided to join in the fun and link-up at The Good Life for Five on Friday!

1. After all the cold weather and ice, things are starting to get back to normal. But just for fun, here's one more photo from our yard from Wednesday afternoon.
3.I kept hearing over and over how much I would love Downton Abbey, and finally gave in to temptation. I borrowed the first season from a friend and while I'm only 4 episodes in, I am loving it just as much as I hoped.



3. With all the crazy cold weather we've been having I thought it was finally time to try the pin above. While my version my not have been as pretty, and the ice cream melted pretty quickly, it was still amazingly delicious.
4. For years I've been driving by Mitterndorf's on the way from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, and I finally had the chance to stop in and try it. I had their soft shell crab platter, and it was exactly what I was expecting (in a good way). It is a bit out of the way to stop by normally, but I'd be more than happy to stop there again on the way back from New Orleans.
5. I've spent years of refusing to upgrade my phone, but I finally did it and am now the owner of an iPhone 5C. Of course that means I lost my unlimited data plan, but so far that hasn't been an issue. I've been avoiding downloading apps so far, except for Twitter and Instagram which are basically required, but if you have any suggestions for apps I should look into please let me know!

Sneaux Day

I remember the first time I was ever in Louisiana, in August, driving across a bridge and seeing the sign "Bridges May Freeze in Cold Weather," thinking it was ridiculous. After all, as hot as it was in the summer, there's no way it could get that cold in the winter. Especially knowing it was never this hot in California, and we never had snow by the beach. Except in 2008, it did snow.

December 2008And again in 2009.

December 2009And yet again, in 2010.

February 2010Except despite what these picture may prove, snow isn't that common in Louisiana and until this stretch it hadn't snowed since the 1980s. And we haven't had any snow since 2010. Which is why everyone was so excited when snow was predicted last Friday, and all the schools were closed.

My car before leaving work FridayExcept it didn't actually snow. Instead there was frozen rain with freezing temperatures, and those bridges I mentioned, they did freeze. Unfortunately for me I still had work Friday morning. Knowing that all the schools were closed I had imagined that the roads would be empty. But I didn't factor in the bridges. From where my house is there's 3 ways to get into town, each involving bridges. Except Friday morning, two of those bridges were closed, which turned my normal 30 minute commute into one of 2 hours.

Ice in the backyard, Saturday MorningOne the way home I was under the impression that was still the only bridge open, as was everyone else. Which meant I waited 2 hours trying to cross it, until hearing on the radio that they were closing that bridge to salt in hopes of being able to reopen it. But turns out there was a second bridge, the one furthest out of the way for me, still open. That meant I had to turn around and go all the way back into town to get back to it. All in all, I got home after 4 hours of driving, which means my daily commute which is normally under an hour both ways, was 6 hours long!

The Interstate, Saturday MorningEven Saturday morning they still hadn't managed to reopened everything, but thankfully by Sunday things seem to be back to normal. So yes, while it might not be real snow depending on where you live, we did still get our fill in Louisiana. And yes, bridges definitely do freeze in Louisiana!

EDIT: I wrote this post originally on Sunday thinking this was our one snow storm for the year. I definitely wasn't expecting to be at home today because of snow. No way was I going out in it again after last Friday's craziness. The snow and ice is supposed to stay around till tomorrow afternoon, so we'll see if we leave this house tomorrow either. But for now, here's a look into our backyard today, around 4pm.

Spirit in Style {Sponsored}

This post is sponsered by Dockers® Game Day Khakis
A few weeks after I first moved to Louisiana it was time for my first LSU football. Except as I quickly learned I had practically no purple and gold in my wardrobe. Thankfully I managed to find a single yellow shirt, which I wore to my first tailgate, and a single purple shirt which I wore to my first game.

Me & one of my Bridesmaids at our first tailgate

At Tiger StadiumIn the years since I've greatly added to my purple and gold collection. In fact when I'm buying clothes more often than not if it's an option I'm likely to choose purple.

Celebrating my 25th Birthday

At Alex Box StadiumMy LSU clothes have been with me at some pretty big occasion from shopping for my wedding dress,

With that same bridesmaid and my MOHto meeting blog friends,

With Melissa from Little Miss Mariedto the release of the newest Backstreet Boys cd.

With A World Like ThisThey even traveled halfway around the world with me to Japan.

At Tokyo DisneyThe boy on the other hand, having grown up in Louisiana has always had a big collection of purple and gold. But that doesn't stop him from wearing the same shirt, without washing it of course, for an entire season just because it's good luck.

The boy wearing Dockers® Game Day Khakis

Drenched in Death ValleyHow do you show your school spirit? And is there one color you wind up buying for yourself most often?

The Dockers® brand has announced the US launch of its Game Day Khakis collection, a new line of khaki pants specific to 10 college partners including Louisiana State University, University of Minnesota, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Kentucky, University of Michigan, University of Missouri and Washington State University.The brand’s first collection of licensed college apparel will consist of two different khaki styles that incorporate the college logos and mottos. Blending the rich traditions of college sports with the versatility of Dockers® signature styles, Game Day Khakis give fans the ability to express team pride through their everyday wardrobe.

Mailbox Monday (37)

I know you're surprised, but again my mailbox for full of books this week, so yet again, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday. This link-up travels each month, and for June we're linking up at Dolce Bellezza.
For Review from TLC Books Tours
Together Tea by Marjan Kamali
I'm really excited for this one! It's about an Iranian American woman whose mother is looking for the perfect match for her. The Middle Eastern culture isn't one that I've read a ton about, but again I can't wait to experience it.

From Goodreads
Nearer Home by Joy Castro
I used to win goodreads giveaways ALL THE TIME, to the point where I thought it was normal and everyone else must also be winning once a month. Except about a year after regularly winning, I stopped and hadn't won one since December 2011. At least I hadn't until earlier this week when I won SIX in a single day. I actually thought goodreads was sending out congratulations e-mails in error at first. But turns out it actually happened. Not sure if I'll start winning them regularly again, or if it'll be several years till the next win, but either way I'm happy! As for this book, it's a mystery that take place in New Orleans, and living in Louisiana I always love reading books that take place here.

For Review from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner
I've been wanting to read this since before it was even released, and can hardly believe I actually received a copy of it. I so so excited to finally jump into this one!

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And have you ever won a goodreads giveaway?

And It's One, Two, Three Strikes

Last month, I blogged about the boy's and my first trip of the season to Alex Box Stadium to watch LSU baseball. Well, this past weekend we were back again!
While it was our 2nd game of the season it was actually LSU's final home game of the season (against Ole Miss). Unfortunately, we got there just as the finished honoring the seniors before the game. But were able to see the two senior stars, Mason Katz and Raph Rhymes, be welcomed off the field after playing in their final regular season home game. (I'd say final home game, except for the fact we're hosting a regional playoff this next weekend. And assuming we win that will be hosting a super regional as well.)
Also the night before they renamed the field, to Skip Bertman Field at Alex Box Stadium. While again, we weren't there for that ceremony, the new name was definitely made known.
They already had the new name up on the scoreboard and over the press box.
For those who don't know (aka me, before I moved to Louisiana) Skip Bertman is the former baseball coach who lead the Tigers to their first 5 National Championships, and also the former athletic direction. While not the best view, they even added his signature to the field as well.
Funny enough as we were leaving the game we even saw Skip Bertman himself, standing outside Skip Bertman Field.
The weather was ridiculously hot though, in the high 90s. We were both drenched in sweat and sunburned what felt like immediately, but still had a good time.
Part of me wanted to try another meat pie like the last time, but I couldn't quite do it. Instead the boy and I each had a snowball. And while I realize you can't quite see the flavors since each were white, mine was half wedding cake and half pina colada.
We left about halfway through the game, not quite able to stand anymore heat, but first grabbed one final picture with a Mike the Tiger statue.
LSU did wind up losing this game, but considering they've since won the SEC tournament, are ranked number 4 in the country, and are heading into post season play it really doesn't matter. So hopefully they close out the amazing season with a trip and a win at the college world series in Omaha. Geaux Tigers!

Have you been to any baseball games yet this year? And do you call them snow cones or snow balls?

I always called them snow cones in California, but since living here I've slowly adapted to using snow balls, at least most of the time. Sometimes the California in me still slips out!

Saturday at the Box

Two weekends ago the boy and I went to Alex Box Stadium to watch our first LSU baseball game of the season.
I've written about our trips to see LSU basebal each of the last four years, so I'll try to avoid exact same post as years past. Although we did take our standard picture together, and as normal the boy managed to hide.
They did finally open the Hall of Fame in the stadium, so for the first time got to go inside and view a ton of LSU baseball memorabilia. And speaking of new, they also had a new food vendor.
I had a crawfish pie with a side of jambalaya. Both were good, although the jambalaya wasn't as good as it used to be, and next time I'd rather try the meat or mushroom pie. But still an awesome baseball meal!
The Tigers won the game over Kentucky, 9-1, and not only that, with their win improved their record 29-2 gaving them the best record of any LSU baseball team in the school's history. Since then they did loose a game to break their 15 game winning streak, but they are still 34-3 and hopefully that continues and brings LSU their 7th world series title win!

Have you been to a baseball game yet this year? And any opinions as to whether you can buy a crawfish pie at any baseball stadium in the world beside Alex Box?

Oh The Places You'll Go (& Giveaway)

I've read Melissa's blog New Girl on the Post, for as long as I can remember. (If I had to guess it's probably been 2 or 3 years.) When I first started reading, her husband was stationed in Italy and many of her posts dealt with all the places they traveled too. I love looking at her photos, since in a way they're able transport me to Europe. I obviously wasn't the only one to feel that way, since she opened up an Esty Shop, Around the World in 80 Frames to share her photos. A few of my favorites are below, and hopefully they make you feel a bit like you're on vacation!

Paris

Venice

Nice
Amsterdam
Monmarte
Yes, another one in France. Can you tell I'm a bit of a francophile?

Cinque TerreAnd finally for one a little closer to home for me...
New OrleansIf you love these photos too, today is your lucky day, because Melissa will be giving away 8x10 print (a $25 value) of your choice! Although that does mean you'll have to pick a favorite out of all her photos, which may be difficult! In addition, if you don't win, or there's something you absolutely must have now, Melissa is also offering a 15% discount to all From L.A. to LA readers! Just use the code LAblog when ordering.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I was provided with my own 8x10 print in exchange for hosting this giveaway. Although I didn't know that would be the case until after I already agree to host. I just want to help Melissa promote her shop, and thought you guys would love her photos!