Christian’s grandmother from New Orleans used to make stuffed artichokes for her family, and Christian loved eating them. I’m still not completely sure if this is a Cajun dish or just a Barnes favorite dish, but I had never even heard of stuffed artichokes! I finally had the chance to try one in New Orleans with Christian and my oh my, I quickly saw what the frenzy was about.
I promised him that I would attempt to make them on my own, and I followed this recipe. They were delicious, but I remember them being a little crispier to taste. I think I’m going to try this recipe next because I think they need some time in the oven. Does anyone have a stuffed artichokes recipe worth sharing?
Do you love artichokes? What’s your favorite dish – do share!! Christian says thank you. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading y’all – XO –
As I shared here, my mom was in town this weekend! It was so fun to spend the weekend together, and while at dinner one night I had a cocktail named the “Salty Pear.” The cocktail had several delicious (!!) ingredients, one of them being St. Germain. My mom couldn’t believe I didn’t have a bottle. She was determined to purchase a bottle for us and make us one of her favorite cocktails she discovered at a Dallas restaurant – Cool as a Cucumber.
Serves Two
four slices of cucumber – two per glass
two lime wedges – one per glass (two more if you want to garnish the glasses with lime)
one ginger beer (or you can use ginger ale) split between two glasses
2 oz. St. Germain per glass (or more to taste)
Vodka to taste…depends on your mood, my friends
Muddle two slices peeled cucumber and one lime wedge per glass. Add your ginger beer or ginger ale, St. Germain and vodka. Garnish with a lime wedge if you wish. Enjoy!
Crisp and refreshing – this would be the perfect summer cocktail. If you give it a try let me know what you think! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I’m so thankful for all of the Lula love I’ve received from y’all, so I wanted to share our most recent news. We received news from the oncologist and pathologist that the tumor that was removed with Lula’s front left leg was in fact cancer.
It does not appear to be aggressive and our oncologist and surgeon feel they got all of the cancer with the surgery, however we can never be 100% sure. We don’t need to proceed with chemotherapy at this time, but will have monthly visits with the oncologist as well as the occasional x-ray to monitor Lula’s health.
Lula has had her staples removed and is recovering so well – I am so proud of her and so amazed at how loving and warm she is to us, knowing that we are the ones who dropped her off to have her poor little leg amputated! She is actually purring more now than ever – so loud that it has actually woken us up. I love her more than ever and while hearing the word “cancer” is never good news – I am hopeful that all of it was removed in the surgery. I’ve only had her for 2.5 years since I rescued her and I just need so much more time with her than that.
Please continue to pray that Lula is indeed cancer-free and will continue to bring her sweetness and sass into our lives.
Have a beautiful weekend and Happy Valentine’s Day to each of you!!
It’s been quite a few years since I have skied, and Christian has never hit the slopes. I was a little nervous because I remember falling quite a bit the first time I put on skis…and let’s be honest, falling 15x in an hour can quickly take the fun out of an experience.
Luckily, thanks to refreshing ourselves to ski lessons via YouTube (not kidding), we managed pretty well and only took a few falls that were usually followed with laughter.
We both wanted to take a ski trip in February and since I mostly planned our anniversary trip to Santa Barbara (part one & two), this trip fell on Christian’s shoulders and he did a fantastic job. We stayed in Deer Valley for three nights and Salt Lake City for one. I have never visited Utah and was enchanted with the snow and mountains – absolutely breathtaking! We spent the majority of our trip skiing which sadly meant my camera was stuck in the lodge, so a lot of these shots were taken with my phone. I was definitely a little sad to come home – skiing in fresh snow while watching it fall from the sky – a magical experience.
Thank you so much for all of your suggestions!! We visited several of your recommendations, and I am truly so appreciative of all of your fab advice.
Three looks I will be choosing from this Friday for a Valentine’s Day with Christian…and my mom! Karen is coming in town for the weekend before heading back to Mississippi. She is spending this week with my brother and his sweet family in San Francisco and then will head South to spend the weekend with us. I don’t know who she is more excited to see, us or our patient Lula.
Fun story – when I first rescued Lula I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with her. I am allergic to cats and I didn’t think she would be able to live with me. Unbelievably, Lula doesn’t shed much and she never triggered my allergies. I’m still not quite sure if I outgrew the allergy or if Lula is just meant to be mine, but regardless, I ended up falling in love and keeping her. My mom still kicks herself for not snatching Lula from me when she had the chance!
Today I’m excited to team up with a new blogger friend, Claire of Little Miss Fashion Queen. I’m thinking pink this week with Valentine’s Day weekend coming up! When I first spotted this skirt at H&M in New York I was like….must have.
I immediately tried it on outside of my clothes (as I often do when I don’t feel like waiting in the dressing room line) and was in love. I then showed it to my mom who told me I looked like I was trying to be Cindy Lou Hoo.
Whatever. I had to have it!
skirt – H&M | top – Old Navy, no longer available, similar here and here | boots – Wild Rose, similar picks below | necklace – 31Bits (c/o) | earrings – Etsy | cuff – Etsy | diamond cross cuff – INPink (c/o) | watch – Michael Kors | bangle – David Yurman | pearl cable bracelet – David Yurman | link cable bracelet – David Yurman | pearl bracelets – Pearls for Life (c/o)
Thank you so much for reading! Be sure to hop on over to Claire’s blog to see her full outfit details. XO –
– having a great time on our first day on the slopes –
Christian and I have had quite a week and again, I cannot thank you enough for all of your kind words and encouragement. Everyday Lula is a little bit stronger, a little bit more active, a little bit more herself. I was so upset that I had to leave her with the vet hospital to be boarded when we left for Utah, as this trip has been planned for months and is non-refundable, but I know she is in great hands. I am so fortunate that the same amazing team who performed Lula’s surgery also boards animals, and I feel confident in the care they will provide for her while we’re away. I have been calling every single day to check on her – I think they know I’m that cat lady!
In the meantime, Christian and I are skiing in Deer Valley and enjoying the beauty of Utah – a state I’ve never visited. I’ve always thought Utah was so amazing because it receives the most beautiful of every season (I know this from all the fabulous Utah bloggers I follow!). I’ve been telling Christian that Utah should be our next move so he thought we should visit and here we are! I have to say…it’s amazing.
What’s not amazing? Me on the slopes.
Have a fabulous weekend and thank you for reading and sharing your love! XO –
I recently took a quick trip to Palm Springs and was so enthralled with Kelly Wearstler’s Viceroy Palm Springs design. So retro and fun, I felt like I was traveling back time as soon as I stepped into her world. More on her design of the hotel here.
Below are some photos I snapped during my stay – I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
When I visited RPM Italian in Chicago, I had the most amazing shredded brussels sprouts salad that the waiter had recommended. I love roasted brussels sprouts and kale, but I had never thought to use brussels sprouts for a salad.
I was determined to try to find a similar recipe to try online and found one that was pretty close. This recipe combines kale and brussels sprouts with a lemon vinaigrette that is so healthy, light and delicious.
A quick and easy salad that I definitely plan to pack for easy weekday lunch. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Thank you thank you thank you for all of your kind words, advice and encouragement on Friday. I am happy to share that Lula is home and recovering well. She still loves to sleep on my chest and doesn’t rest until she’s on the bed or sofa, so her personality is definitely still the same! I am so thankful to have Christian’s help, I cannot imagine doing this without him. I am praying that we get good results from the pathologist and that Lula regains her balance soon.
– these beautiful trees outside our apartment window –
– beautiful baubles from Derng –
– daily snuggles with my Lu –
It is with a sad heart that I share that I received some sad news about my precious Lula LaShonda this week. Last Friday I noticed a lump at the top part of her front left leg that I had never felt it before. On Tuesday I took her to the vet who referred me to a veterinary oncologist. The lump turned out to be a tumor and our veterinary oncologist, surgeon and pathologist all agree that the tumor must be removed with an amputation and they want to move quickly.
After many days of tears and lots of questions between C and the veterinary oncologist, we have decided to move forward with a recommended amputation if it means Lula can continue to enjoy her life. The x-rays don’t show that anything has spread to her lungs which is something I am incredibly grateful for. I cry as I type this because I love this little rescue cat so terribly much. After a few margaritas with my girlfriend, this parking lot cat ended up in my car and after almost three years she has brought me so much joy. She chose me and I am the lucky one. I have only her best interest at heart and this blog has been incredibly helpful at preparing me for the journey that is ahead.
I’ve been joking that Lula’s two favorite things are to sit in my lap and snooze on my side of the bed – both of which she can do with only three legs if she has to. 🙂
I ask for your prayers for Queen Lu as she undergoes surgery today and ask for your advice if you have been through a similar situation. Thank you SO much to all of you who shared your sweet words on instagram. As the saying goes, our pets are not our whole life but they make our lives whole.
Thank you for your kind thoughts and love – XOXO –
I bought these suede thigh high boots years ago for next to nothing, having no idea I would wear them for years. They are so comfortable and quickly take a look from ok to wow. I also slipped them on for this post – great with leggings too!
Are you into the thigh high boots or are they too Pretty Woman for you?
You may remember the Valentine’s Day gift guide for her shared here. Above are some of the mens gifts I would consider for my guy, including some items he already owns and loves. And when in doubt, a few bottles of nice liquor go a long way!
Happy shopping!! Thanks so much for reading and please feel free to share your suggestions! XO –
