Men's Fashion - Burlap Keds

I juuust got these in from Keds.com, and I love them! They're the burlap or "Heavy Weave" style Keds, and I couldn't be more satisfied. I've owned burlap TOMs before, but those fell apart pretty quickly. Even though I've only had these for a few days, I can already tell that they'll hold up much much better.

What I like about these Keds, as well as most other styles, is that they're subtle but still fun. It usually takes people a second to realize they're Keds, but once they do the reactions always the same: "Oh I love Keds! I used to wear the red/blue/white ones growing up!" I got these on double sale and they were only $19 with free shipping. Umm..yeah. I'll take 'em!

Superior Saturday

 

Can you just hold our table for brunch tomorrow?

This is what we asked as we left Superior Grill after enjoying a few of the city's best margaritas. Superior Sunday has become somewhat of a tradition for about 10 of our friends considering we enjoy a delicious brunch almost weekly. However, this past Saturday, we stopped by after a dinner at Reginelli's for a night cap and a few several laughs. We we re lucky to even get a table; it's always packed for dinner and for good reason. It's delicious and the margs. Oh the margs. If you've never been...GO!

Hot Night, Cool Drinks

Well that was fun!

Last night, a few friends and I enjoyed some wine, beer, and spirits at Bin 77 (formerly The Grape) in Perkins Rowe. What started as a little date with Krystal from A Pinch of Lovely turned into a pretty large get together with pretty much the usual suspects. Even though it's often crowded and a little "chainy", Perkins Rowe really is a fun place to go for some after work drinks and eats. I just feel so so fancy when I'm there.

PS - Happy Friday!

Bonobos!

"We started Bonobos to solve a simple problem: men’s pants just don’t fit well. They’re either too tight to be comfortable or too baggy to look good. But by innovating in a few key areas, we’ve developed a fit that actually looks and feels great for a wide variety of men."

Simple enough, right? I'd say so, and beyond pants, they've created great fitting jeans, shirts, sweaters, and suits. Other than the fit, I love the detailing on their clothing - specifically the shorts' back pockets. You can see in the first picture, how just a touch of the inside pocket detailing comes through when you have the pants on. You'd be surprised, but people notice...so I guess if you don't want people staring/commenting on your butt you maybe shouldn't wear them?

Check out their AMAZING shorts and everything else here. (and as a side note - I find that their shorts tend to run a tad small)

Quiona and Edamame Salad

Avocado
Edamame
Artichoke hearts
Sliced blk olives
Crumbled feta
Spicy eggplant
Quinoa

How does that sound for a super healthy summer time snack? I got this recipe from my friend, Lissa after I tried it at her house. Love at first bite. This would be perfect served with a grilled chicken breast and a glass of Chardonnay, don't you think?

I Just Knew It

Like...how typical. I really try to avoid chain restaurants at all costs. No, I do not think I'm better than them - I just think that there are too many good local eateries to enjoy to ever have to go to places like (insert chain here). Well, this weekend, Ryan INSISTED that we go to Olive Garden because he was craving their bread sticks and pasta.

Well...we got the bread sticks, but we never made it to the pasta. Why do you ask? Well...we had to evacuate the restaurant...because the kitchen caught on fire. We knew that there was SOMEthing was up whenever our server said that we couldn't get anymore Alfredo sauce for the bread sticks because there was an "issue" in the kitchen. 5 minutes later, we had to evacuate. Well, in the spirit of Trashy Sunday, we tried our luck at another popular dining establishment...(I can't believe I'm about to say this as a resident of Louisiana)...Red Lobster.

The food, service, and experience were all exactly what I was expecting: mediocre at BEST. But you know what - I've never laughed more. It just goes to show you - as long as you're in good company, it's easy to find a good time in just about anything.

Friday Finds - Warby Parker (Re-Post)

Everyone knows TOMS for their "One for One mission" where, when you buy a pair of TOMS, a pair is given to a child in need...and they're cute. Recently, I was introduced to another company with a similar story, and I obviously couldn't go without sharing! The company is called Warby Parker, and I am on the verge of obsession. Please note: The style of these glasses are a dream come true for any hipster or vintage/old school dresser. Beware.

Just like TOMS, for every pair Warby Parker sells, a pair of glasses is donated to someone in need. These are prescription glasses! So they must be really expensive, right? No! Both their optical and prescription sunwear collections are only $95 dollars! I've never heard of such a thing! Here's what you do. If there's no store near you (NY, Brooklyn, San Francisco, Boston, Portland, Austin, Oklahoma City), then you can do what I have to do - order a few "try on" pairs for FREE. You can go online and select up to 5 frames you want to try on at your house. They'll ship them to you for free, you can take your time trying them on, then ship them back...for free. If you found a pair you like, let them know and send them your prescription. Within a few days, you'll get your super chic Warby Parkers in the mail...all for only $95 dollars.

I hope you guys are as excited about this as I am. I think this is one of the coolest things ever. I already have my eyes set on the Sinclairs and the Roosevelts. Can't wait!

Best Balls in Town!

 

...cake balls that is. Brew Ha-Ha, located on Jefferson near Government (across from the Serops) is a great little coffee/pastry shop that serves the city's BEST cake balls. From flavors like Peanut Butter Cookie to Wedding Cake to Chocolate Covered Expresso, I'm going to say it would be pretty hard to not find something you'll love. For me, coming here after a 5 mile run on a Saturday morning for an iced coffee and cake ball or five two is a perfect way to treat myself to something nice. (It's much better than a protein shake- that's for sure)

Check them out! You'll love them, too!

Let's have a Kiki

This is the title of (and a line from) what has become my friends' summer song. Let's have a Kiki by The Scissor Sisters is one of those feel good, dance-around-to-and-be-stupid kind of songs that can lift you out of ANY bad mood. More than that - it's the BEST song to listen to on the way to the bar. Unless you're going to Bogie's or JL's or something. Then your probably listening to country....or rap? IDK?

So what is a Kiki you ask? Well...

A kiki is a party for calming all your nerves
We're spilling tea and dishing just deserts when they deserve.
And though the sun is rising, few may choose to leave
So shave that lid and will I wear the turn to your own weed

So I hope you're up, girl,
Cause we are all coming over
Lock the doors, lower the blinds
Fire up the smoke machine and put on your heels
Cause I know exactly what we need!
LET"S HAVE A KIKI!
Oh - and how is the picture relevant? I don't know - this is a day time, pool side kiki. Clearly.

SanFran

Mission Delores Park - How beautiful, right?

This is one of the places where my friend, Adam (who just moved to San Francisco) and I parked my Fiat rental to enjoy the stunning view of the city. With the weather, views, culture, and vibrant life, it's easy to see why this is one of the most expensive desirable places to live in the country.

After this, Adam and I walked to The Mission for tapas and sangria, then literally all over The Castro (where Adam lives) hopping from bar to bar...taking shots of Goldschlager! It was a great night, and I'm looking forward to going back into the city tonight (I'm staying just south of San Francisco). It's always a good time when I'm here, but if I'm being completely honest, I kind of miss Baton Rouge...well...I miss my friends in Baton Rouge.

Jam

Yum! These jams are sold at Brew Ha-Ha (Thursday's post), and they're kind of amazing. Not only are they delicious, but they did a GREAT job with their packaging and branding. I hate buying generic brand things because they're so...well...generic. (kudos to places like Target who at least put a little into their store brand products).

I've only tried the Peach Honey Butter and Fig, but they were both really really good. Perfect with a slice of toast or with a brie and cucumber sandwich (on a toasted baguette). Pick one up at Brew Ha-Ha!

Time to Chill

Bye, Y'all - I'm headed out to San Francisco! While I will be there primarily for work, I also plan on doing exactly what I'm doing in the picture above...relaxing. It's going to be so great to get out of Baton Rouge for a while and enjoy some great weather and work from EA's headquarters just South of San Francisco. I'll try to post from San Fran, but I may be too busy enjoying myself working. Have a great week if not!

Buzz Cafe'

I love The Buzz Cafe'! I recently went for a work lunch and had an absolutely great experience. It's located on at 340 Florida St. in downtown Baton Rouge in a really cool building. Tables made out of old doors and vintage iron chandeliers only add to the charm of the overall space...not to mention the food. You should check it out next time you're downtown for lunch!

Michael!

 

 

On Tuesday night, a bunch of our friends headed down to NOLA to celebrate my obnoxiously attractive friend, Michael's birthday! That night, we all ate at Rock-n-Sake before squeezing 6 guys in a little convertible, en route to the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon...if you know what I'm saying. It was one of the best nights out EVER...despite a few hiccups along the way (right, Ryan?). 

The next morning, my friends, Ryan, Matt, Jason, Patrick, Johnny, Michael, and I had brunch at Stanley's in the Quarter (so good). Then, a few Bloody Marys and mimosas later, we drove back to BR to enjoy a pool party at our friends', Joe and Chad for the 4th. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty awesome birthday for both Michael on the 3rd and America on the 4th.

Happy Birthday, America

Blow your candles out, America; it's your birthday! What's a better way to celebrate than with a big banana split (with carrot cake at the bottom). I know, right?...YUM. Before heading to a pool party at a beautiful home on the LSU lakes, a bunch of friends and I decided to order a little dessert at Stanley's (read tomorrow) to celebrate the 4th of July. Well...dessert and a few cocktails. Cheers!

Seersucker Keds

 

How great are these?! TOMS have been a big part of my life over the past few years, but I'm graduating to something a little more old school: Keds. Did you have the all white ones when you were little, too? I certainly did...as well as a blue and red pair. Oh yes.

I was shoe shopping at Zappos.com about a month or two ago, and ran across these awesome coral Keds. After buying them, I immediately went to Keds.com to search for more. When I came across these, it was over. How do you NOT buy seersucker Keds? Exactly...you don't! They've become my favorite pair of shoes of all time, and people definitely notice them. The questions: "Are those seersucker Keds?!" never gets old.

Check out what else Keds has to offer HERE!

Breaky

I've been staying at my friend, Michael's for the past couple of weeks in his 600 sqft apartment at Southgate....and have pretty much been having the BEST time ever! Obviously, we've been sharing a lot of meals together, and this is something that he recently introduced me to. It's just a toasted wheat bagel, with a hard fried egg. BUT, instead of adding butter. we'll add either avocado or jam as a "dressing". OMG, it's amazing! (Especially with the jam, believe it or not) Try it out!