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50 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Louisiana

If you are from Louisiana or consider yourself a Louisianan transplant, it’s no secret that this state is full of fun, hidden facts and an abundant amount of culture. Which is why it was fun to come across this article that gives us 50 facts about Louisiana that you may or may not know. Some of the facts are well known if you have lived here long enough like Breaux Bridge, LA being the “Crawfish Capital of the World” or the fact that there are almost half as many alligators as there are people BUT some of the truths that were a little more surpassing to us were things like “The first bottler of Coca-Cola, Joseph Biedenharn, lived in Monroe, where he purchased a small bottling plant to produce the drink” or “Louisiana’s waters are home to 117,518 oyster reefs.”

If you are interested in learning more about this remarkable state that we call home, click here. And if there is something that is not on this list that you know about “the boot” share it with us!

LSU Study puts School’s Statewide Economic Impact at 5.1 Billion

According to this article written by nola.com, “Louisiana State University had a $5.1 billion economic impact on Louisiana in 2017 thanks to the jobs it created, the lifetime earnings of grads and a range of other factors.” This information was discovered after there was a study done by LSU’s Economics and Policy Research group. It was stated that “The study is the first time the school has measured its impact both systemwide and individually for each of its eight campuses.”

Nola.com has pointed out that the study “relies on multiple data points to show the size of the university’s economic footprint, including jobs created by LSU alumnus and faculty, the role of the university in attracting talent and businesses to Louisiana, and the collective increased lifetime earnings of all graduates”.

For more information, including a breakdown of economic impact by campus, click here.

The 5 Best Places to Travel in February

According to this article found in the Huffington Post, there are 5 places around the world that are especially great to travel to in February. So, whether you are ready to plan a last minute getaway this year or want to block out space for February 2019, these are some travel ideas you won’t want to miss out on.
A few of the destinations that made the cut for the best places to travel in February include Santa Fe, New Mexico, Uvita, Costa Rica, and last but certainly not least- New Orleans, LA. Not only does this article list the reasons as to why you would want to travel to these cities but they also give you ideas of where to stay in these beautiful towns.

So, get to planning and get to packing. Let us know where your favorite place is to take a February getaway!

Food Networks’ Asian Grilled Salmon

With the Lenten season coming around the corner, you can never go wrong with a delicious cooked salmon recipe. That’s exactly why we search high and low to find some of the best seafood recipes and how we came across this gem from the food network.

The best part about this Asian inspired salmon recipe is that it only takes 30 minutes total to prepare AND cook. So, whether you are looking for a quick meal to make on a busy weeknight or just not up to going all out on the weekend, you will have to give this method a try- not to mention, most of the ingredients you will already have in your kitchen!

Ingredients

1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 3 pounds)

For the marinade:

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons good soy sauce
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions

Light charcoal briquettes in a grill and brush the grilling rack with oil to keep the salmon from sticking.

While the grill is heating, lay the salmon skin side down on a cutting board and cut it crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Whisk together the mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

Place the salmon skin side down on the hot grill; discard the marinade the fish was sitting in. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Turn carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon will be slightly raw in the center, but don’t worry; it will keep cooking as it sits.

Transfer the fish to a flat plate, skin side down, and spoon the reserved marinade on top. Allow the fish to rest for 10 minutes. Remove the skin and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Best Place to escape to in Louisiana according to Expedia

In this recent article, written by nola.com, Mandeville, LA was nominated as one of the best escapes in Louisiana. Expedia describes Mandeville as “….made for slowing life down to a drawl. Located on the placid shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the town is the right setting for sailing off into the sunset…” And then goes on to flaunt the lodging options and the opportunities to enjoy the surrounding natural and recreational features.

The Nola.com article explains, “In its January travel blog, the American travel company that operates about 200 travel booking websites in about 75 countries, selected one place in each state where visitors can go to relax. “From quaint small towns to quiet nature preserves, this country is full of places to escape to, and we’ve chosen our favorite in each state, highlighting the perfectly restful things to do there,” the blog reads”

For more information on this Louisiana getaway, including a press release issued by the parish president regarding the article written by Expedia, click here.

Louisiana Building Jump Start Curriculum for Restoring the Coast

Louisiana Building Jump Start Curriculum for Restoring the Coast

According to this Nola.com article, and talk at the Louisiana Department of Education, there is dialog about upcoming programs for Environmental Protection and Sustainability. The article states, “This is a top priority in coastal communities, where nearly 2,000-square miles of landscape has disappeared into the Gulf over the past 80 years. The pathway aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the state’s environmental challenges and build on the success of corresponding, existing pathways like maritime and skilled crafts.”

The article also says the jumpstart pathway program will include “courses in subjects like Louisiana deltaic systems, wetlands ecology and environmental management; require first-hand work experience, and culminate in a credential. Students who complete the pathway will be better positioned to assume careers in the field.”

For more information on the future of this pathway and the Jumpstart program, click here.