Every one loves a Sloppy Joe.  This is different than the ole’ lunchroom sandwich. This takes the traditional and allows you to completely make the sauce from scratch. It’s so easy and SO much better than “Manwich” ever thought about being.  It’s finished off with 2 VERY important components.  1) Rouses Brioche Hamburger Buns 2) Classic American Cheese. Yes I can hear all y’all now. You just made this sauce from scratch- and now you top it with plastic?  Shhhh… trust papa.  We recently went to New England and they make everything with American cheese and it enhanced ..read more

Living in New Orleans there is always an underlying thickness in the air. It is likely the humidity but in many parts of the Big Easy you cannot look away from the eerie vibes that lurk behind a random corner or French Quarter alley.   I personally have always been fascinated by the things that we have no answers for.   One of the first things I did when I moved to New Orleans over 20 years ago was go to Jackson Square, late at night and walk the perimeter in search for a psychic that I gravitated towards. The words he uttered so long ago- I definitely needed to heed, but my outcome ..read more

Finding those veggies that our kids will eat is OFTEN a struggle bus. I have found that when we have landed on a veggie or fruit that they love, I keep it consistent but introducing it differently over time.  This pasta is WHERE IT IS AT y’all!  First, Grab your ingredients: 2 heads of fresh broccoli  1 onion 1 package of Rouses fusilli pasta 2 lbs of Rouses chicken breast   NOW!  Boil your chicken breasts until at least 160 degrees Cut up your broccoli heads into small pieces. The smaller the better chance it will fit into your kiddo’s mouth.   After broccoli ..read more

Picture this-  Two people that have committed their lives together decide to grow their family. They plan, they save their money, they meticulously create the nursery. They care nothing about what the baby looks like- only that it is healthy.  No race, nor sex matters to them. They look at each other as they squeeze each other’s hands and gaze into each other’s eyes with all of their fear & anxiety all braided together with excitement. A tear falls down their cheek- while the other wipes it.   Picture This: After all the planning, saving and dreaming- they’re still rejec ..read more

*This is the HIGHLY PERSONAL and VERY SENSITIVE Blog Piece that  I sent to Danny Roberts in 2018.  Grin & Bear it.    I am sure that, at some point, everyone has looked back at their past and wished they could change a few things that they are not proud of. From time to time I feel like that, too. As I have written before, I moved to New Orleans when I was a kid- just out of high school. Owning this newfound life was incredibly liberating, but it did not come without consequences. I was definitely not popular in my south Mississippi high school. I was in the school choi ..read more

  Picture it. The momentum was building as you heard chatter of the Supreme Court’s decision to make gay marriage the law of the land!    The excitement from everyone I knew was electric.  I have always heard, “when you straighten up and fly right,” that is when your doors start to unlock.  And that my friends, couldn’t be more true.  We found a house right outside of New Orleans that seemed to be perfect for us.  We had it in our hearts we wanted to buy a house outside of New Orleans to start our family.  It was perfect. I found our first dream house ..read more

Oh yes we did! You know, it’s like finishing a 5k race.
You know you just want to stop. But to finish the season officially, the cards have to be sent. Lol. I love being organized. That is how I roll. But this year, the cards took the back seat. I didn’t mean for it to be that way- it just happened. My kids have this amazing ability to allow us to easily see what truly is important. At first glance, I know immediately what I should and shouldn’t do. 
Having children definitely makes our decision process a lot easier. Their ability to comprehend the smallest of situations also helps keep thin ..read more

The lights. The garland. The temperature change. The shimmer of smiles accompanied by laughter and anticipation as each morning gets closer to the big day. It really is magical, ya’ know. Christmas time for me growing up has always been that way, and for that, I am so incredibly grateful. It is so easy to get caught up in the cynicism of the world. Heartbreak, anger and despair can take hold of your spirit- the drive we all have inside. All of a sudden, the monotonous and mundane drags of life build and build, until all you were is now covered by a lonely, cold blanket of snow layered aroun ..read more

I'm rushing down the tiring stretch of life, barreling around every corner with one focus. Creating a life for my babies which ensures them a safe, stimulating and thriving environment to live, love and learn. I want them to tell me their fears without hesitation. I want my babies to never feel judged, like I have been. I want them to live pain free and fearless. But the reality is, I won’t be able to stop most of those things from happening. Their tears will still fall. Their pain will still hurt. Their expectations of life will get broken. The important thing I have to keep reminding myse ..read more

Photo Credit: BSA Photography Don’t cram your brain with useless knowledge about parenting! You are bombarded with information all day long and most of it is useless! Parents to- be, believe me! Even if you are expecting your second kid, this episode is for you ..read more