We’ve been invited to join one of the elaborate villages that particularly impressed me last time, Black Rock French Quarter. A collection of camps surround a structure that echoes the design of the New Orleans French Quarter, with offerings including a bakery, a farmers market, a bath house, and our camp, Golden Cafe.
Celebrating its lucky 13th year on playa, the Golden Cafe is your home for exotic cocktails and live music since 2003.
food and drink
Resetting my eating habits with a cleanse
I tried my first cleanse last year and I’m giving it another go to reboot my eating habits after the indulgence of Mardi Gras and our shared birthday month.
My first attempt at canning tomatoes is a success
It’s a chilly, grey November day, and summer tomatoes are long gone. But thanks to a recent day spent in the kitchen, I’m making spaghetti sauce tonight from local, late summer tomatoes. John and I began hosting monthly spaghetti suppers… Read More ›
On unexpectedly kicking my caffeine habit
Preparing for our three weeks of clean living, I weaned down from two cups a day to just one. Then I started mixing decaf into my morning cup to make it half-caf.
Still, I braced for sluggishness and headaches. Instead, much to my surprise, I felt great. I didn’t have that morning fog I’d experienced for years, and had always cut through with coffee immediately upon waking up.
Hangry is a real thing. Watch the external factors that make you cranky.
A few years back, when I was working longer and more stressful hours at the office, I would often come home to find my husband, John, had set out a plate of olives, cheese and crackers with a glass of… Read More ›
Pointers on hosting simple weekday suppers
My husband and I have thrown dinner parties for years, but I always thought of them as big social occasions — a reason to haul out John’s mom’s silver, to set a proper table with fresh flowers and present a… Read More ›
Pay now or pay later, but the dishes must get done
When I was in my early 20s, I hated doing the dishes. I hated doing the dishes so much that after each meal, I’d stack my dirty plates or pans or whathaveyou in the sink and walk away. Once the… Read More ›
On hosting regular dinner parties, inspired by NOLA red beans and rice
I often come home from New Orleans inspired — this spring I was inspired to host regular, informal dinners. As often happens when we travel, we were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. We… Read More ›
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name
I have a fantasy about being a regular at the perfect bar. When I walk in, I’m greeted with a big smile by a server who knows what I like. Problem is, I’m not the kind of person who can… Read More ›
Recapping posts you might’ve missed about living life intentionally
Maybe you have this holiday week off, or maybe you’re just enjoying a little come down after a jam-packed month of parties, shopping, pageants or religious observances. I love the holidays — taking down the Christmas tree is one of… Read More ›