New Mall, New Store, New Look!

As a native of Shreveport, I have frequented Mall St. Vincent for most my life. The memories that have taken place in that one location abound.

I remember throwing pennies in the "wishing pond," asking for a quarter for the big gumball machine, getting my ears pierced at Claire's and making it a tradition by going back there with my little sisters when they were old enough to get theirs pierced.

In middle school I was dropped off at Mall St. Vincent to meet up with friends and go to the movies (back when it had a theater inside.) We would eat at Garfield's restaurant and have our parents pick us up. We thought we were so grown up.

I would use my allowance money to do my Christmas shopping at The Disney Store, Kirkland’s, and Hallmark and buy calendars in the center kiosks. Even Lewis Gifts moved there for a little bit! What about Bombay and Co.? Remember?

I recall shopping with my mom at The Limited and Express when our private school allowed a "free dress day." It was a huge deal when Abercrombie and Fitch moved in! (Are they still putting topless men on all their shopping bags?)

No high school dance photo was taken without first having a makeover from Dillard’s.

As the years have passed, stores moved out and reopened in outdoor shopping centers. The only place I would pop into on a semi-regular basis was Banana Republic for their jewelry or sales rack. It became a different place. Not the exciting mall experience of yesteryear.

Mall St. Vincent is taking a stand. They are undergoing multi-million dollar renovations that are nearly complete. They are bringing back the phrase "Let's go to the mall!" because really -- who says that anymore?

Today, the global brand H & M is holding their grand opening in MStV. My coworkers, Tara and Elizabeth, and I charged the doors when they opened at noon. With a DJ at the ready, fashion bloggers roaming with iPhones in hand, moms with strollers, cool college kids with an arm full of finds, we made our way through the racks. It felt like Christmas. The energy was electric, the staff was friendly, and obviously the clothes were not only fashion forward, but affordable. Tara, who recently moved here from Tuscaloosa, Ala.,  remarked that she is so excited to live in a city that has H & M. I am proud of our little Shreveport carrying such a big name.

Welcome to town H &M. Thanks for making us look good.

#HMLovesShreveport

Boneheads brings it...

Dinner out with the hubby, parents, and one adorable baby:

 Have you tried Boneheads on Youree Drive yet?

The atmosphere is clean and nautical.

My favorite thing we ordered was the Boneheads Shrimp appetizer. The batter has the perfect crunch.

We also enjoyed all the sauce options. Welcome to Shreveport, Boneheads!

burgers, brews, and blues...Twisted Root Opening!

 Ann and Grant invited us (along with most of Shreveport) to the private opening of their new restaurant, Twisted Root, this weekend.

As the doors opened, I was struck by the industrial, yet homey feel--exposed ceilings, corrugated aluminum siding and unfinished plywood--these unexpected materials were visually interesting and I instantly felt at ease. The line was long with many recognizable faces from around the area ready to partake in their first hamburger or buffalo Twisted Root Burger. Each month they will feature a different type of meat to choose from such as: Venison, Elk, Lamb, Ostrich, Kangaroo, Emu, Boar, or Alligator. How exciting!

We first made our way to the bar that was decorated with old records and guitars. There were many choices of beers on tap, but considering my current condition, I chose the pecan root beer and made my way to the covered brick patio. Both the root beer and the patio were AMAZING! This patio might be my new favorite place to "tailgate" during football season.

 Lauren and David got in line and ordered for us. I chose The Western that was served with fried onion rings, bacon, pepperjack, and jalapanos! Tison had The Ranch Hand and said it was "the best burger I've ever had that I didn't make myself." This is definitely high praise. I couldn't have been happier with my choice either! You could seriously mix and match to get a different burger every time you go. Their choice of side sauces that are conveniently already at your table were also very tasty. I added the BBQ sauce to my western buffalo burger and it was right on the money. Lauren went with the fries instead of the sweet potato chips that it comes with. Order the fries every time people. They are delicious! I am so excited to see such a fun, new restaurant open in a different location that Youree Drive.

 It opens to the public today and if you don't have dinner plans yet, I highly suggest you go TONIGHT! I wish you the best of luck Ann and Grant- but I don't think you're gonna need it ;) xoxo

sliding into my 30s...

I can't believe it, but I guess it must be true. I'm 30! The big three-zero. It might have been an excellent form of denial or just a really good idea, but Jennifer and I celebrated our big day by playing lawn games, grilling, and slip-n-sliding with friends and family! It was a really good day. If this is what 30 looks like- I think I'll just stay put, thank you.

{dork alert:: I got super excited when I did well in croquet. 30 going on 13?}

{cutie-patooties!}

{Chessi made this amazing homemade cheesecake with gingersnap crust. I could have eaten the entire thing! And how gorgeous is her display?}

{Justin, Katie, and I took out the Hobie kayak. Unfortunately, it was right as the water got choppy! It was quite the work out for Katie and I to pedal the kayak with the two of us; I don't know how Justin did it all by himself with a sail!}

I like that I am continuing to try something new on my birthday. Last year I went on a hot air balloon ride and did the Shreveport-Bossier Film Trail!

 

What would you say is the best thing about your 30s? And if you haven't yet met 30, what are you looking forward to about it?

Blue Southern Comfort Foods...

Thanks to Chris Jay and his 20x49.com blog, Katie and I found out about the new restaurant Blue Southern Comfort Foods on Louisiana Avenue. I couldn't put it better than Chris, "Blue is small, off-the-beaten-path, and lacking in signage, but food lovers should make the effort to seek it out." And so we did -seek it out - that is. After passing the building the first time, we parked and made our way through the blue door into the tiny but quaint dining area.

Katie ordered the pulled pork over cheese grits with a side of broccoli casserole. Although the main dish was good, we both agreed it needed a sauce or gravy to make it great. 

 However, the Blue Burger is where it's at! A perfectly cooked patty topped with shredded gruyère and homemade bacon marmalade on a sour dough bun...i mean, come on! This combination was a perfect mesh between sweet and salty. I'm a fan. Gullo's may be Katie and my next food adventure!

What's your favorite burger place?

live thoroughbred racing action...

We enjoyed an afternoon at the racetrack a few weekends ago. I have only been 2 other times so no need to call the gambling hotline, but we had such a good time bettin' on them ponies!

Even though there were WAY more serious bets going on around us (we put $3 on our guesses), it was still such a fun feeling when we won!

What a fun way to celebrate Russell's mom's birthday!