Author: Emily Gautreaux

Two Nicholls’ Programs Ranked by Online Publication

Recently, Intelligent.com released a 2020 College Rankings Guide that ranked the best online degrees from colleges and universities across America. They researched which colleges are the best at teaching online and which colleges are doing the best in the top degrees.  Nicholls Online health science and history programs made it into this list. The health sciences program was ranked number 40 and was the only Louisiana school to place in the health sciences ranking. The program was also listed as a Pre-Professional focus for a stand-out detail.

The history program ranked number 30 and was the top school from Louisiana on that list, followed by Northwestern State University at number 48. This program was listed as having the best focus on modern history.

The guide by Intelligent.com was based on an assessment of 1,604 accredited colleges and universities. Each program was then evaluated on the quality of curriculum, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. Also considered in the rankings was student engagement and potential return on investment, among other evaluations.

Intelligent.com aims to help students connect to the best resources and provide the best advice in a way that is easy to analyze and digest. They do this by connecting students to schools that best meet their needs.

Nicholls health sciences degree works to prepare graduates for advanced educational and clinical practice options. This pre-professional concentration prepares students for graduate programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and other professional programs in healthcare careers.

The history program at Nicholls provides students with a solid foundation on varieties of regions and cultures. Students will be able to write coherently and practice critical thinking about complex societies and issues. The program is student-oriented and flexible for a variety of students, both traditional and nontraditional.

Nicholls State University was also recently ranked by Great Value Colleges in the top 50 Colleges for Students with Disabilities.

Nicholls ranked in at number 44 and was the only Louisiana based school on the list. They were selected for their commitment to providing accessibility and services to allow each student from every background to achieve academic success regardless of their unique needs.

This ranking acknowledges Nicholls for its Bridge to Independence Program, which enables students with autism and other intellectual disabilities to acquire employable skills. It’s currently the only program in Louisiana of its kind and is certified by the Department of Education.

Nicholls also houses the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders, and Dyslexic Advantage gives the college 10 stars out of 10.

Great Value Colleges chooses its rankings by researching several lists that help students with disabilities pick their ideal college. After they’re done looking through these lists, they find which colleges have consistently performed well and then conduct their own research to ensure the colleges are truly disability-friendly.

Nicholls State University is a student-centered regional institution located in Thibodaux, Louisiana. They offer accredited degree programs and unique learning experiences with a goal to prepare their students for life beyond the classroom and to have a successful career. They are dedicated to the education of their diverse student body while also providing a rich cultural and educational environment.

“Nicholls supports the educational, cultural, and economic needs of its service region and cultivated productive, responsible, and engaged citizens.”

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13 Untraditional Meatloaf Recipes

Meatloaf is a dish that graces almost every dinner table at least once. It’s a traditional German/Dutch meal that’s easy to make, delicious, and great for serving large parties.

But sometimes, traditional can mean boring. In an effort to defeat meatloaf boredom, Rachael Ray came up with a list of 13 deliciously untraditional meatloaf recipesthat you’ll want to make again and again!

1.  Cheeseburger Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

This recipe has all the tastings of a cheeseburger wrapped into one delicious loaf. In it, you’ll find ketchup, bread-and-butter pickle chips, potatoes, and, of course, perfectly melted cheese. Swap out the bun for mashed potatoes and you’ll be in meatloaf (and cheeseburger) heaven.

2.  Mashed Potato-Topped

For all of the potato lovers out there, this one’s for you. Fill up your plate with parsley and scallion filled slices, and find true joy in the heaping of equally tasty mashed potatoes on top. This recipe is so good, you’ll have seconds (and thirds!).

3.  Chipotle Beef & Chorizo

Turn up the heat with this meatloaf recipe! A spicy twist on the traditional recipe, it has fiery ingredients like chorizo, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, and cumin.

4.  Turkey Meatloaf Burgers

Think meatloaf turned turkey burgers. Take a bite of this dish and experience juicy ingredients like macintosh apple chunks, onions, and celery. Topped with a sourcream cranberry sauce, it’s like a Thanksgiving party in your mouth.

5.  The Classic

Sometimes you just have to go traditional. This classic meatloaf recipe has the standard meatloaf mix, bread crumbs, ketchup, and onion all baked into the perfect loaf. Bake some veggies for a well-rounded meal or opt for mashed potatoes for something filling.

6.  Lean, & Mean

Trying to stick to a healthier diet? The lean, mean meatloaf uses lean ground beef and eggs to make a low-fat, high-protein dinner. It’s the perfect comfort food recipe without compromising your health.

7.  Bacon-Wrapped

Is it even American if there isn’t bacon involved? This recipe is bound to make a meatloaf fan out of even the pickiest eaters. They’ll be running to the table the minute the smell of the bacon hits their nose!

8.  Turkey-Thyme Meatloaf Burgers with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This elegant twist on a classic recipe will have your mother begging for the recipe! Thyme, parsley, and scallions combine to create a deliciously herb-y turkey burger, and the orange juice and brown sugar compliment perfectly as a citrus-flavored gravy. Serve over mashed sweet potatoes and you have an easy to make but elegant meal.

9.  Asian Turkey

Have Asia on the mind? In this dish, you’ll find all the hints of your favorite Asian recipe – soy sauce, scallions, and chili paste galore!

10.  Moroccan Chicken

I know what you’re thinking – a Moroccan chicken meatloaf? It’s a bit of a reach. Just trust us. Once you’ve tried this loaf that incorporated raisins, dried apricots, and turmeric you’ll be making it weekly!

11.   Crustless Tex-Mex Cheddar Pie

This cheesy Mexican meatloaf pie replaces a traditional crust with red peppers so you reduce your carbs without compromising on your favorite foods.12.

12.  Healthy Bison & Quinoa

This one’s for the health nuts out there! The bison meat is leaner than traditional beef and the quinoa offers more protein than the breadcrumbs.

13.  Grilled

Ready to fire up the grill? This recipe has you wrap the meatloaf in aluminum foil and stick it on the grill – perfect for those hot summer days!

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

 

Best Places for a Weekend Getaway in Louisiana

Louisiana is a great place to plan a weekend getaway, but knowing where to start when it comes to actually planning your trip can seem overwhelming. Should you visit Cajun Country, as everyone else seems to? Or maybe explore the deep southern routes in Plantation Country? But if you want to do outdoor activities, maybe it’d be best if you head north?

Planet Ware put together a list of the best top-rated weekend getaways you can take in Louisiana, complete with activities and attractions you’d enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites!

New Orleans

Naturally, New Orleans had to be in our top favorites! This city is one of the top vacations spots in Louisiana thanks to its neverending adventures and over 300 years of history, culture, and amazing food.

Hop on a streetcar and explore the French Quarter. You can choose from one of four streetcar lines, but the oldest is the Saint Charles Streetcar Line, which has been in operation for more than 150 years.

Once you’re in French Quarter, make sure to stop at the Vieux Carre, where you can explore Jackson Square and tour St. Louis Cathedral.

A few other adventures to add to your list include stopping at Café du Monde for their famous beignets and stopping at the French Market. The French Market is an open-air market that spans five blocks. It has specialty shops, a community flea market, home-cooked food, and music.

Plantation Country

If you prefer a quiet getaway, this is your stop. This region of Louisiana is about an hour outside New Orleans and is home to a multitude of sprawling plantations you can tour. It’s also the birthplace of Louisiana’s famous andouille, a staple in their Southern dishes.

A few of the more plantations to tour are the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, the Laura Plantation, and the Oak Alley Plantation. The Ormond Plantation, Houmas House, and Oak Alley all offer dining and lodging if you’re looking for an extra special trip!

A few other activities you can do while in Plantation Country that doesn’t involve touring these historic homes are taking a kayak, pontoon, or airboat swamp tour and learning about local wildlife, the Cajuns, and the Native Americans that originally inhabited the area, spending an afternoon taking in the Louisiana culture, or going on a food tour of the Cajun cuisine made in Plantation Country.

Toledo Bend Reservoir Weekend Getaway 

If you’re a fan of the outdoors and want to make sure you have plenty of opportunities to be outside on this getaway, your best bet is Toledo Bend Reservoir in North Toledo Bend State Park. This reservoir is home to the largest man-made lake in the south and is known as one of the top fishing spots in Louisiana. You can even take a guided fishing trip on the lake.

Activities include hiking, biking, water sports, and year-round golf. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and flat-bottom boats from the park for day-to-day use. The reservoir is also a fantastic birding location, with over 900 acres to look for native and migrating species.

If you prefer to camp, the state park has campsites on site that range from premium sites to backcountry camping. Cabins are available that sleep up to 6 people and lodging for larger families is also available.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

 

7 Stress-Free Travel Tips from a Flight Attendant

Between making sure you make it through TSA in enough time to board your flight, managing the sheer boredom on a long flight, or trying to tune out the crying toddler a few rows behind you, traveling can be quite stressful. Travel + Leisure interviewed Lauren Guilfoyle, an Emirates flight attendant, to find out seven travel tips that will make your travel smooth sailing.

  1. Travel Tip-Download entertainment ahead of time 

You don’t want to be caught off guard if your airline provides movies you aren’t a huge fan of.

“Before heading to the airport, I like to download a few hours of shows, movies, and podcasts to take my mind off the airport chaos,” Guilfoyle said. “Emiratesactually allows passengers to create their in-flight playlist before heading onboard. All they have to do is log in to The Emirates App and create a playlist from Emirates’ 4,500 channels of movies, shows, podcasts, and music. Once onboard, simply sync the playlist to the seatback TV and enjoy hours of non-stop entertainment.”

Make sure to check your airline’s website before heading to the airport to see what entertainment options are available to you.

  1. Pack an Extra Charger

An extra charger is always a smart idea.

“What’s worse than losing luggage? A dead phone. I recommend packing a portable charger to avoid drained batteries or wandering through the airport searching for an outlet,” Guilfoyle said.

  1. Travel Tip-Try to exercise or at least stretch before departure

“Long haul flights can mean fatigue, grogginess, and poor blood circulation,” she said. “If possible, try to exercise before a flight.” If you don’t have time you could always try doing a few pushups in the air too.

  1. Leave earlier than you think you need to

Missing a flight is probably the worst thing that could happen when you’re traveling. Make sure to leave with more than enough time to make it through security and bag check. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to grab a coffee pre-flight, which is always a win.

“Time is a major stress factor for travelers. Do what you can to get ahead — whether it’s packing the day before, leaving your office early, or getting a head start on traffic,” Guilfoyle explained. “If you’re traveling with other people, don’t be afraid to tell them to show up earlier than you plan on leaving to give yourselves a cushion.”

  1. Make some time for yourself

“In between the chaos of a crowded airport during the holidays, be sure to take some time for yourself,” Guilfoyle astutely noted. “Whether it’s meditation, putting on a facemask or treating yourself to a nice dinner, give yourself time to take a breath and recalibrate your emotions.”

  1. Dress for Comfort

Comfort is key! Who wants to be traveling in jeans and dress shoes when you could be wearing leggings or sweats?

“Over the years, I’ve come to realize how important it is to dress for comfort when traveling. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes for rushing through the airport or walking to and from your car, wear layers to prepare for any temperature, and making sure your outfit is one you can relax in for a 16-plus hour flight,” she said. “When you’re rushing to catch a flight, the last thing you want to worry about is a broken heel or itchy top.”

  1. Big Travel Tip-Catch up on sleep

A long plane ride is the perfect place to catch up on some sleep!

“My top recommendation? Snag noise-cancelling headphones and flip up your ‘do not disturb’ sign to make sure your zzz’s are uninterrupted.”

For more travel related news and information, click here.

10 Fast Dinners To Escape a Post-Holiday Food Rut

Right after the holidays, it’s easy to get stuck in a food rut. Sometimes, the kitchen is the last place you want to be, especially after spending what felt like days slaving over the stove.  Luckily, The Kitchn compiled a list of light and fresh dinners that require minimal effort but still make your tastebuds happy. These fast dinners will be great for family and friends, but still allow you to enjoy spending time with them as well.

This all-in-one dinner includes tender broccoli, spicy chicken sausage, and orzo pasta in one skillet to create a deliciously satisfying dinner with little work. Perfect for those nights where you need to whip something up quick. Throw everything in one pan, cook, and dinner is done for you.

These easy to make pork chops are simmered in a chunky salsa on your stovetop and deliver the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Served over a bed of summer squash, you can choose from an arrangement of salsa – spice it up, cool it down, or even choose something a little fruity for a twist.

This easy weeknight dinner only takes about a half-hour to make, so be ready to fall in love. You’ll find deep flavors of roasted broccoli and extra-sharp cheddar cheese, pureed into a blend of deliciousness.

This Taco Tuesday reboot is the perfect addition to those dreary winter days. Filled with shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and a smoked, spicy broth, this is a recipe you’ll keep on hand well into spring.

This is a dish perfect for Thanksgiving fans. In it, you’ll find all the flavors of your favorite day – caramelized onions, roasted butternut squash, hearty kale, toasted pecans, and sweet golden raisins, topped with a roasted garlic-sherry vinaigrette. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature.

This salad is a vegetarian’s dream! This main dish uses chickpeas as it’s protein, then add in a variety of crunchy veggies, fresh cilantro, and a spiced honey-garlic dressing, and you have a vibrant veggie salad that will have everyone going for seconds.

Rice bowls are the perfect go-to when you have a busy schedule and an empty belly, and this rice bowl is no exception. A remake of the ever-loved pork and broccoli take-out, this recipe will make you fall in love. You’ll find tender pork, garlicky broccoli, and a savory, creamy peanut sauce in this recipe.

This noodle bowl is as delicious as it sounds! The crunch from the baked shrimp and perfectly ripe avocado combine perfectly, and the caesar dressing is classed up with lemon juice and zest, creating the ultimate noodle bowl you’ll be craving all week.

The saucier the better, they say. This salmon dish features a fresh tomato-based sauce, garlic, balsamic, and fresh thyme. Whatever of the sauce is leftover is used to the couscous the salmon is served over.

This soup is a perfect switch up for your classic chicken noodle soup. This Thai-inspired soup keeps all the traditional elements but adds those Thai flavors we love and adore.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

Five Unusual Things to do in New Orleans

In Louisiana, New Orleans is the place to go to experience a city that truly captures the essence of Louisiana’s culture and history. You’ll find jazz music at the corner of every street, epic gumbo festivals, tons of museums, haunted cemeteries, and of course, Mardi Gras.

But not everyone wants to check out the usual spots, or maybe they aren’t a fan of the crowds that usually populate local favorites. Thanks to Louisiana Travel, here is a list of unusual things to do in New Orleans.

Located in one of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods, you’ll find an arrangement of artist shacks and tiny homes, all built with recycled materials. If you go inside one of these shacks, you’ll find an assortment of handmade musical instruments built into the building themselves.

Their website states “The Music Box Village is a place where play, imagination, experimentation, collaboration, community and hard work come together as a whimsical village of artist-made interactive “musical houses.” Each installation is inspired by the unique musical and architectural culture of our home city of New Orleans, and represents a collaborative process between artists based here and abroad. Our one-of-a-kind art site hosts intensive artist residencies, performances, panels, and welcomes visitors for exploration and play.”

Established in 1772, this shop is named for Pierre Lafitte, a blacksmith and a brother of Jean Lafitte, a pirate, and hero of the Battle of New Orleans. The brothers used their shop to plan their many exploits. In the 1940s, the shop became a popular cafe with local artists.

Their website claims Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop to be “a gumbo of truth and French, Spanish, African, Cajun and American embellishments.”

So make sure to stop by and soak up some history when you’re in the French Quarter.

Have you ever been curious about Voodoo and its roots? If so, make sure to stop by this museum!

At the Historic Voodoo Museum, you will learn about the real history of Voodoo and experience Voodoo related artifacts and objects. The museum was founded in 1972 as a designated place for all things Voodoo to live. They claim they took “all the mysteries, the secrets, the history, and the folklores of rituals, zombies, of gris-gris, of Voodoo Queens and all that jazz, and put it all in one place at the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter.”

This warehouse-converted-art gallery features 35,000 feet of gallery space and is home to the up-and-coming artist Brandan “Bmike” Odums. Contrary to tradtional canvases, Odums paints powerful and hopeful murals on exterior and interior walls.

“Studio Be features “Ephemeral Eternal,” his first solo exhibition that includes over a dozen original murals, several room-sized installations, and reconstructed murals salvaged from #ProjectBe before the Florida Housing Development’s demolition in 2014. The studio is open to the public 4 days a week, and welcomes hundreds of visitors from near and far weekly.”

Located in the historic Tremé neighborhood, this museum is the only one of its kind in the world. Dedicated to the contributions of the city’s African Americans to New Orleans culture, the museum has become a collection of priceless artifacts from Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals, and has archived images of more than 500 related cultural events.

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