2011 Pennington Balloon Championship in Baton Rouge

The 2011 Pennington Balloon Championship will lift off next week in Baton Rouge.

The event will take place August 5, 6 and 7 on the grounds of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Admission is free and there will be events for the whole family to enjoy.

The balloon competition will take place each day from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The balloons will take off upwind from the field and will fly over Pennington as they drop a bean-bag marker onto a target.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Command Parachute Demonstration Team, the “Screaming Eagles”, will put on an aerial demonstration unit at 6 p.m. in the United States Army, followed by a balloon glow at 8 p.m.

There will also be a fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m.  This is a wonderful event we really enjoy.  Visit the website to get a detailed schedule.

Fox's Pizza Den $10 for $20 Worth of Food/Drinks Baton Rouge

Fox's Pizza Den serves the very best authentic Italian pizza and specialty hoagies. All of their meals are handmade with the finest ingredients and baked with tender loving care to perfection. You'll love their hand tossed dough! Fox's Pizza Den covers their hand-tossed dough with their award winning pizza sauce, and tops that with their "special blend" of 100% real cheese, and then layers your pizza with the freshest selection of your favorite meats and vegetables.

Whether it's a "Bambino" or the "Big Daddy", Fox's Pizza Den has a size for every appetite. Treat your family to the tastiest pizza in town! Call right now and let Fox's serve you "From Our Den To Your Den".

Tiger Sushi Japanese Cuisine $10 for $20

Though mad scientists recommend sticking chopsticks into electrical sockets, rational scientists know the utensils are better used for sushi consumption. Today's Groupon gives you the right tools for authentic eats. For $10, you get $20 worth of Japanese fare at Tiger Sushi.

Tiger Sushi patrons can watch chefs slice and chop an extensive menu of fresh rolls behind a polished-wood sushi bar. The specialty spice girl roll dresses snow crab and crunchy salmon tempura in slimming avocado mini-dresses before they step onto the culinary stage to harmonize with spicy mayo and eel-sauce backup singers ($10). Alternately, the rising sun roll disguises a California roll in a mask of salmon, a cape of baked spicy mayo, and wig of crispy noodles for a crunchy culinary masquerade ($11). Tiger Sushi chefs can also cook up a plate of piping hot shrimp tempura ($15) or juicy, teriyaki-slathered rib-eye steak ($15).

4611 S Sherwood Forest Blvd.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816

Homemade Pear Cobbler Recipe in Dutch Oven

Homemade Cobbler reminds me of my childhood, camp fires, family and laughter.  My dad is a master at making homemade cobbler in a dutch oven, over coals.  We would spend afternoons picking black berries, in the heat, and thorns scratching our arms for the sole purpose of his delicious homemade cobbler.  Worth it, every time.  Blackberries started the trend and we have since used apple, pear, blueberries and peach, all with success.

My Paw Paw Perault lives in French Settlement and recently provided us with with loads of pears that he has home grown.  Thank you Paw paw!  Dad made pear cobbler last night in his outdoor fireplace and I'm going to share the recipe.

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups of cut and pitted pears(+juice from pears)
2. 1 Box yellow cake mix
3. 1 tsp of cinnamon
4. 3/4 cup of Splenda
5. 1 cup of water
6. 1/2 stick of butter

Start charcoal(with charcoal starter) or crank up oven to 350F.  Butter inside of dutch oven or pan (Dad uses a 12in. Dutch oven).  Mix pears, pear juice, cinnamon, water and Splenda and put in dutch oven.  Sprinkle yellow cake mix on top and slice pats of butter over it.  Place on the charcoals and cover the top with charcoals.  Bake for 30-40 min.  Enjoy with ice cream!

Pards North Park – Denham Springs

Josh and I brought the kids to Pard's North Park in Denham Springs to play and it was really nice.  We've driven by it, but this was our first time to stop and play.  It's quite large and has a variety of things to do.  We went by the tennis courts where there were 3 nice size play areas within walking distance of each other.  We had dinner under a covered pavilion with no crowds.  It was after a rain, so it was only 2 other children there.  There were also restrooms(though not very clean and no soap) and a water fountain near by.  There were swings, cool slides, rock climbing walls, neat monkey bars, etc.  After we played, we drove around to check out the rest.

Found this info out on their website:

Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Phone: 225-665-5405

 

North Park is the site for all the athletic programs operated by the parks department. North Park is the largest of the parks in the park system with over 110 acres. North Park is located on the corner of Eden Church Rd. and Lockhart Road. Facilities include a multi-purpose recreational center, golf driving range, track, tennis courts, pavilions, playground equipments, soccer fields and baseball/softball fields.

They recently added a water park area for the kids which looks like lots of fun!  We will definitely take the kids back to Pards North Park with our swim suits(and soap):)

Oh Baby Coupon- $20 for $40 Worth of Merchandise – Baton Rouge

From birth and beyond, we look all over town to find just the right dress, bathing suit, romper, or slippers to fit our little ones needs. But, the same selection is offered at every discount chain and large market store. Either they have one item, but it’s not in the right size, or it’s the right size, but it doesn’t fill the need or fit the occasion. So, stop running around town and step into a world of specialty clothing designs and fun apparel for your little cherub at Oh Baby! A Children's Collection.

Oh Baby! A Children's Collection offers a full line of clothing from girls newborns to size 10 and boys up to size 4T. Whether you need to dress your loved one up for a Wedding, Baptism, a special occasion, or just everyday wear; Oh Baby! offers dresses, 2-piece sets, rompers, robes,slippers, shoes, rain gear, sandals, and accessories to fill your every need.

They carry a great selection of brand names from Kissy Kissy, Peaches ‘n Cream, Boys ’n Berries, Biscotti and many more. See the new spring line of shoes from Toe Blooms.

Come in today and let their friendly and professional staff suit your little one from head to toe. Stop in and shop with their special of $40 worth of merchandise for only $20. So, whether it’s a tutu or tennis shoes, don’t trust your kids with day-old department store drab; dress them up with the best at Oh Baby! A Children's Boutique.

CUT! Costume and the Cinema

May 7 – July 31, 2011

LASM is one of few venues across the country to feature CUT! Costume and the Cinema, a major touring exhibition of 43 exquisitely made movie costumes and accessories.

Exhibition Description

Created for period films, the costumes represent five centuries of fashion and style as interpreted by award-winning costume designers. The glamour, luxury, and artistry of cinematic couture are evident in the sumptuous fabrics, lavish lace and embroidery, and unparalleled craftsmanship seen in these garments, on loan from Cosprop, Ltd. in London, one of the world’s leading costume houses.

More than 30 stars, including Johnny Depp, Ralph Fiennes, Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, and Vanessa Redgrave, wore the exhibited costumes in 25 period films, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Sherlock Holmes, The Duchess, The Phantom of the Opera, and Howard’s End. Many costumes on view won major awards, including Oscars from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and BAFTAS from the British Association of Film and Television Arts.

Visitors will be transported from fairy tale France in the 16th century (Anjelica Huston, Ever After) to colonial Virginia (Colin Farrell, The New World), to 18th century England (Keira Knightly, The Duchess) and to opulent 19th century Paris (Emma Rossum, The Phantom of the Opera). Inspiration for the period look comes from pictures, pattern books, portraits, and original historical costumes, which reveal the range of styles, fabrics, trimmings, outlines of garments, and features that distinguish story characters. It is essential that the designer fully understand the period before he or she can marry that knowledge to the vision of the director and the aesthetics of the production.

CUT! Costume and the Cinema provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the detail and craftsmanship required in authentic cinematic couture, an essential ingredient in successful filmmaking. Cinematic couture must survive intense visual scrutiny. Every detail must look authentic and perfectly executed. The exhibition opens to LASM members Friday, May 6. Memberships may be renewed or purchased at the door. It opens to the public Saturday, May 7.

CUT! Costume and the Cinema is organized by Exhibits Development Group, USA in cooperation with Cosprop Ltd., London, England. This program is supported by a Decentralized Arts Funding Grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge in cooperation with the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the Louisiana State Arts Council; and a Local Project Assistance Grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, funded by the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President and the Metro Council.

Special thanks to CUT! exhibition sponsors Amedisys, Rainbow Networks, Celtic Media Centre, Disney Media Networks, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Hollywood Casino, Hollywood Trucks, and NBC Universal; and CUT! media sponsors Cox Communications, Scene Magazine, Lamar, The Advocate, 100.7 The Tiger and WRKF. This program is also supported by a grant from the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Visit LouisianaTravel.com to plan your trip today.

Boudin Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Boudin Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is an easy prep, that taste like you spent all afternoon cooking and it’s ridiculously good!  I made home made stuffed bell peppers ONE time and swore it was going to be my last.  It just took so long, was not worth the flavors… well, here’s a fix for that!

Ingredients:

1. Jerry Lee’s Boudin(you can use other, but I’m not guaranteeing the quality at that point)
2. Bell Peppers
3. Cheese

Pre-heat oven to 400F.  Cut tops off bell peppers, cut them in half, & clean out.  Remove casing from Boudin and put into bell peppers.  Place bell pepper in the plan barely covering the bottom of pan with water. Put them in the oven.  Check them at 15 min. for a firmer pepper leave them another 5min. for softer pepper.   Put your choice of cheese on top, white cheddar or monterey jack is fun, and put back in for 5 min.  Done, Enjoy!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Blue Dog at LSU Museum of Art

You won’t want to miss the Blue Dogs and Cajuns on the River exhibit at the LSU Museum of Art from July 23- Sept. 18. The exhibit will highlight the progression of George Rodrigue’s 40- year career. Rodrigue’s iconic Blue Dog within the context of Louisiana’s vibrant culture, and PURCHASE YOUR OWN PIECE OF ARTWORK! Proceeds from the sale of A Number One Tiger Fan silkscreen prints benefit the Tiger Athletic Foundation, the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, the LSU Museum of Art and LSU. The campaign ends Jan. 1, 2012.

A Creative Foundation
The GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS advocates the importance of the visual arts development for you, by implementing several youth programs. The organization offers an annual arts scholarship contest, provides art supplies from Louisiana schools through “George’s Art Closet,” school visits and art therapy. The foundation was founded in 2009.

Are You Blue Dog’s Friend?
DRAW WITH GEORGE RODRIGUE as he demonstrates how he creates a Blue Dog portrait at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center on July 23 at 11 a.m. After creating your own masterpiece, enjoy a Blue Dog treat while Wendy Rodrigue reads Are You Blue Dog’s Friend? Museum admission is included, call 225-389-7210 to reserve your tickets today. Join George at the Shaw Center for the Arts for a book signing after “Are You Blue Dog’s Friend?”

 

Blue Dog at the Manship

Join us for “George Rodrigue, the artist at work” at the Manship Theatre at 2 p.m. on July 24. You’ll be able to watch George Rodrigue create Blue Dog artwork as his wife, Wendy Rodrigue, provides insight into his career the unique process that George uses to create his art. After the demonstration, enjoy a book signing in the Shaw Center for the Arts Atrium. Call 225-389-7210 to reserve your tickets today.

 

A Blue Dog Rate

Enjoy Blue Dog décor in the Hotel Indigo’s windows and lobby. Ask for the “Blue Dog Rate” of $139 per night from now until Sept. 18 and receive an unframed exhibit poster valued at $25. While you’re visiting, enjoy a Blue Dog martini, because $1 from each drink will be donated to the LSU Museum of Art.

Vote for Jenny! Yummy Cakes in Baton Rouge

A wonderful friend has wonderful talent in making cakes in the Baton Rouge area for many years.  Go to: Backwoods Bakery and “like” to vote for the Lion cake… and call her for your next Birthday Party.  She’s a local mom of twins who can provide you with the perfect cake needed for your special occasion.  You can also check out Backwoods Bakery’s website here for more details.

Poblanos Stuffed with Cheese Recipe

This is a favorite of our family, so we keep peppers and cheese on hand.  We like to use Poblano’s, they just have so much flavor and *usually are not too spicy.  This make a fun side dish or late night snack;)

Ingredients:

1. Poblanos
2. Cheese – use what you have, whole milk mozzarella our favorite
3. olive oil spray
4. Seasoning – Greek, Tony’s or our new fun is Punch Ya Daddy Cajun Mesquite

Pre-heat the oven to 400F.  Cut the tops off the peppers and get the seeds out.  Stuff sliced cheese into peppers.  Lightly spray with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning.  Into the oven, check after 10 min.  I like mine pretty well done, so I leave them for closer to 20min.  They are also Delish on the Grill!  Enjoy

Looking for Something to do Tonight?

Looking for something to do tonight?  Swamp Pop Music Festival!

The annual Swamp Pop Music Festival returns Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16, to the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, 9039 St. Landry Road, Gonzales.

Organizers expect the event, a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to draw 6,000 during two days of music and other activities including a jambalaya cook-off and car and truck show.

Bands will perform in the center’s air-conditioned trademark building. Friday admission is $12; Saturday admission is $10.

• Friday, July 15

6 p.m. Reunion featuring Ronnie Melancon

7:30 p.m. Coozan

9:10 p.m T.K. Hulin and G.G. Shin

10:40 p.m. Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin’ Cajuns

• Saturday, July 16

Noon Cliff Nickens

1:30 p.m. Kenny Cornett and Killin’ Time

3:15 p.m. Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition

4:45 p.m. Treater with Charles Mann

6:30 p.m. Kenny Fife and Bac Trac

8:15 p.m. Warren Storm, Willie T and Cypress with Tommy McLain

10:15 p.m. Van Broussard and the Bayou Boogie Band with Grace Broussard

Not Messy PB n J

Confession:  I don’t buy loaf bread.  Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I did.  I found out this little secret that *helps minimize mess when eating a sandwich.  I use pita breads.  I usually buy them 4-5 packs at a time and always go with the whole wheat or whole grain.  I stick all but 1 pack in the freezer, so I never run out and they don’t go bad.  I also found Joseph’s Flax Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Pita Bread for my diet.  It’s 60 calories,  2g fat, 8g carbs, 4 dietary fiber,and 6g protein, for an entire pita!

The kids lunch today was quick, easy and very little mess.  Peanut butter and jelly in a pita.  I had to pull a pack of pita’s out the freezer, so I warmed them for a few seconds in the microwave and cut them in half.  Filled them with peanut butter and jelly(we were out of bananas or I would have added sliced bananas) and popped pop corn.  For Gabby’s school, I stuff them with lunch meat, cheese and pickles.  Not that I would recommend it… but they can also be easy to eat while driving.  Scrambled eggs with 1/2 pita is quite a delicious breakfast:)

Massage and Reiki Room - Discounts for Moms of Baton Rouge

Hot-Stone Massage or Reflexology

Highlights

• 30- & 60-minute treatments
• Professional therapists
• Can melt stress, tame tense muscles & reduce pain

This could be a much needed coupon for many mom’s in Baton Rouge!

Like house parties, massages give people an excuse to forget about everyday stresses and fall asleep on someone else’s table. Attend a fettle-ready fiesta with today’s Groupon to Massage & Reiki Room. Choose between the following options:

• For $20, you get a 30-minute reflexology session (a $50 value).
• For $40, you get a 60-minute hot-stone massage (a $90 value).

The experienced massage therapists of Massage & Reiki Room perform deeply relaxing treatments to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. During the 30-minute reflexology session, a tension tamer massages the feet and hands, paying special attention to the reflexology points that the studio believes correspond to organs and glands in the body. Clients who opt for the one-hour hot-stone massage lie down as a therapist places smooth, heated stones on key areas, releasing tension from stiff muscles so that bodies aren’t mistaken for life-size chess pieces and assaulted by bishops. This Groupon grants you the option to incorporate trigger-point therapy into the hot-stone massage to further untie stubborn knots for an additional $20 (a $30 value).

HAIRSPRAY July 8-31 Tickets on Sale Now!

HAIRSPRAY book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan
music and lyrics Marc Shaiman
lyrics Scott Wittman
directed by Keith Dixon
musical direction by Dr. Richard Baker
choreographed by Avery Wilson

WELCOME TO THE 60′S!

HAIRSPRAY delighted audiences by sweeping them away to 1960′s Baltimore, where the 50′s are out — and change is in the air. Loveable plus-size heroine, Tracy Turnblad, has a passion for dancing, and wins a spot on the local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins Show.” Overnight she finds herself transformed from outsider to teen celebrity. Can a larger-than-life adolescent manage to vanquish the program’s reigning princess, integrate the television show, and find true love (singing and dancing all the while, of course!) without mussing her hair?

This production is general audience

Pole Fitness from Teaze Fitness in Baton Rouge

$39 for Four One Hour Pole Fitness Classes from Teaze Fitness ($100 Value) Sign up!

Looking for a fun, frisky, and festive alternative to your every day workouts?  Are you up for the ab-sculpting alternative to sit ups and crunching machines?  Want the sleek and sexy streamline of a sculpted strong body?  Then, step up to Teaze Fitness  and slide your body into the best shape possible!

Teaze Fitness provides their members and clients with an exciting and empowering option to the hum-drum fitness routines.  Teaze Fitness professional and experienced fitness specialists will incorporate the art of pole-dance aerobics, with the strength, agility, and flexibility of a full-body workout.

Just looking for a little excitement for your next “Ladies Night” event?  Then sign up your entourage for an in-studio or pole party to go!  Teaze Fitness can even cater your event with their selection of sandwich trays and finger foods for a one-stop pole-party event!

So, whether it’s a fun and challenging workout you are looking for, or an evening of alternative entertainment for the girls, give Teaze Fitness a call and schedule your specialized sessions today! Slide in to Teaze Fitness and turn your workout or event into an exciting experience!

Local Business keeping us cool in July

RAM Heating and Air Conditioning is a Heating and AC repair, maintenance, and installation business in Baton Rouge.   They are locally owned by Jim and Cindy Stevens who pay specific attention to their making their customers happy… and cool!  It has been so hot lately, if you are experiencing any problems with your air conditioner or just want to make sure everything is running properly, give them a call!  Check out their AC and Heating website for a list of services.

Art Melt - This Saturday- Baton Rouge

8th Annual Art Melt & Preview Party
A multi- media, multi-sensory experience, guests will enjoy musical entertainment, live dance performances and much more! Multiple cash bars and a beer booth will also be available to attendees. Many vendors will be on hand with original wares for sale, and a variety of entertainment will be provided throughout the evening. Thursday, from 6:30PM – 10PM, there will be a Preview Party and awards ceremony recognizing the 2011 winners as well as honoring Rhea Gary, the 2011 Forum 35 Art Melt Louisiana Art Legend.

Louisiana State Museum
Saturday, July 16, 5PM – 10PM
www.artmelt.org

Ice Skating in July

Beat the Heat With Ice Skating on the River / Discover Downtown
This summer’s Discover Downtown package allows visitors to “cool off” as the River Center will be magically transformed into a huge ice skating rink.
Skating Ticket: Includes skate rental, 90 minute skating session, small drink and small candy $12

Discover Downtown: Includes skating session at the River Center, and admission to the USS Kidd Veteran’s Museum and LASM* $20.00
(LASM – Includes admission to Cut! Costumes and the Cinema Exhibit, does not include admission to Planetarium)
Click here for more information!