Author: Emily Gautreaux

Perfect Cities to Beat the Summer Heat

It is summer time, which means vacations. Living in Louisiana, the heat could drive anyone insane. But also researching the best place to go can also be a little overwhelming. Travel Trivia posted an article on the 8 U.S. Cities with Perfect Weather in June. We are here to share seven of the eight cities in the United States that have the perfect weather in June.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles can be extremely hot but summer is a perfect month to visit. Take a slow stroll along Hollywood Boulevard; the TCL Chinese Theatre and Walk of Fame give their visitors the perfect opportunity to stop and see the sights. The beaches of Venice and Santa Monica are also the perfect getaway. The ocean is right there meaning there is a breeze, and there is always the opportunity to take a dip in the water.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

This island is famous for its horse drawn carriages and no cars are allowed on the island. May might be cold and rainy, but June  and other summer months are the perfect time to visit this beautiful island. The island is actually a state park, which means the views are amazing and nature is always around. Take a carriage tour or even visit a Horse Stable/Carriage Museum.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has unlimited options for all of its visitors. The beautiful architecture makes anyone want to walk around outside all day, but the outskirts of the city make the view even better. The city offers over 400 miles of different types of terrain for its visitors to hike and bike.

The National Historic Landmark the Puye Cliff Dwellings are also in Santa Fe.

San Francisco, California

Famous for its fog, San Francisco’s weather during the early summer is perfect. Stop and check out the San Francisco Bay, but make sure to bring a jacket because it can get a little chilly. Who wouldn’t want to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge?

Flagstaff, Arizona

Not only is this city perfect for the summer, but it offers its visitors year round opportunities. June temperatures during the day are usually high 70s mid 80s, but bring a jacket for the evenings. However, you might want to avoid the city in July and August because the rain can feel like a monsoon.

Denver, Colorado

Denver can get really hot during the summer, so June is the perfect month to visit. This city if filled with outdoor activities. Farmers Markets are usually always around somewhere. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great escape. Or even take a bicycle tour of downtown Denver.

Make sure not to miss out on the festivals that also go on during the summer.

New York, New York

The harsh winters can be made up by the amazing weather New York City experiences during the first month of summer. Central Park is the perfect setting for a picnic and relaxing in the sun. Take a book and lay out. Visit Staten Island on the free ferry and catch some amazing views of the Statue of Liberty. This is even the perfect time to walk along the Brooklyn Bridge.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Skillet Breakfast Recipe To Please Everyone

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, however, many of us skip it. Taste of Home delivers with the perfect one skillet breakfast. This recipe is so good you will want to eat it for every meal. The best part? This recipe is so versatile that all the vegetables can be switched out to match the ones that are in season.  Picky eater?  If one ingredient doesn’t fit your taste buds, this recipe is just a base. Feel free to put your own spin on it.

 INGREDIENTS

  • ½ pound of fresh chorizo, or you can use bulk spicy pork sausage
  • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped up
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped up
  • 1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped up
  • 1 medium onion, chopped up
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 small zucchini, chopped up
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Make sure they are minced
  • ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt

UTENSILS

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step to this great breakfast skillet is to place the large skillet on the stove and turn the heat up to medium. Add the chorizo, the red and yellow peppers, and onion. Cook these ingredients for 4 to 6 minutes, making sure the chorizo is fully cooked. You want to make sure that it is broken into pieces/crumbles once it is fully cooked. This will make the chorizo easier to distribute throughout the mixture. The next step is to actually strain the ingredients in the skillet. There will be excess grease, so make sure to get rid of it before adding the next set of ingredients.

The third step is to add the tomatoes, zucchini, and garlic or your choice of veggies. Mix all of the ingredients together in the skillet. Add the 1 teaspoon of paprika, stirring once again to make sure everything is distributed evenly. You should then cover the skillet and cook everything for 5 to 7 minutes, it could take longer. Make sure to check and see if the vegetables are tender to know if they are cooked enough.

The last cooking step is to take the spoon and make wells in the mixture. Four wells to be exact. Once the wells are made, take an egg and break it into each well. This is where the salt and pepper should be added. Feel free to add any other seasoning you desire. Cover the skillet again and cook the eggs for 4 to 6 minutes. You want the eggs whites to set completely, but the yolks should just be thick. They should not be hard.

Remove the breakfast skillet from the heat. Take the ½ cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle it on top of the skillet. Cover the skillet again so the cheese will melt.

Cooking tips:

Buy tortillas to use to make breakfast wraps. It makes it an easy to-go breakfast and you can prepare them in advance.

You can substitute the chorizo for regular breakfast sausage if spicy food isn’t your favorite in a breakfast skillet.

Make for dinner and serve with biscuits. Use the biscuits to get every last bite.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Scuba Diving Trips Worth Planning

What a better way to kick off summer than to take a deep dive in our deep seas? Scuba diving gives you one of the most personal encounters with ocean life. Scuba gear has given us the opportunity to see how one of our largest ecosystems on the planet functions. When you dive below the surface you are diving into a whole different world. Not only are you able to explore marine life, but shipwrecks and lost treasure could possibly be found. EscapeHere has an article with The 10 Best Scuba Diving Locations in the World, we are here to share five.

Cozumel, Mexico

Up to 100 feet of visibility, the opportunity for scuba diving in Cozumel is endless. The Maya Reef that runs for 600 miles, reaches from Central America to Cozumel. This gives its visitors multiple opportunities to see what lies beyond the surface. Maybe the sun isn’t really your thing; try looking into night dives. Summer is the best time to visit because the cheaper hotel prices and the water is a lot warmer.

Hawaii, USA

Due to the location, Hawaii’s marine life is not as plentiful as those in the Caribbean. However, this also means that their marine life is unique to its location. The manta ray night dive is one of the more popular scuba dives, located off the island of Kona. Diving into complete darkness, the rays swim overhead. Diving off of Moloka’i gives its visitors the opportunity of getting to see hammerhead sharks and more importantly, the Hawaiian monk seal (pretty rare). Summer isn’t the only time visitors can enjoy diving, humpback whales migrate during the months of December to April. This means divers might have the chance to hear them.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

1,430 miles, the Great Barrier Reef is visible from space because of its size. This size also enables the unique marine life. The coral reef itself is breathtaking, but the large sea turtles can really turn some heads. This is one of the most recognizable scuba diving spots around the world, and there are obvious reasons why.

The French Polynesian Islands

There are over 100 islands and 11 of them offer scuba diving centers. The French Polynesian Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, but what about the water and below? This can be overwhelming, but on the bright side this means there are more options. Starting at the beginner level and then working your way up to advance, the French Polynesian Islands offers its visitors literally endless options.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Due to the choppy conditions and strong currents, the Galapagos Islands can be a better choice for more experienced scuba divers. The waters are not only full of fish and hammerhead sharks; sea lions and fur seals also fill the water surrounding the islands. Most famously known for where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands offers a whole different perspective to diving. July to November is prime time, but remember this isn’t just a short trip. These areas take days to explore.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

Louisiana Summer Musts

A Louisiana Summer is filled with endless amounts of activities. However, the overwhelming lists of things to do can take the fun out of choosing. We are here to provide two Louisiana experiences that are a must to check out this summer. Fighting the heat can be a hard thing, especially here in the south, but thankfully Louisiana is right on the water. Giving us many opportunities to take advantage of our state’s location.

Tiki Tubing

A Louisiana summer can’t go by without a trip down the river.  Located 6 miles north of Denham Springs, Tiki Tubing is a great way to cool down in the heat. Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of summer, guest pay $25 (plus tax) and receive a tube, parking, and transportation upriver. No pets, styrofoam, or glass allowed. However, you are allowed to bring your own ice chest. So need to worry about buying expensive water in the gift shop. There are ice chest floats available for $10 and there are also ice chest available to rent for $9. Opening at 8am and not closing until 3pm, visitors get the whole day to float down the river.

There is a release form that must be signed before being allowed to float, print it out and fill it out beforehand to speed up the waiting process. This link includes all of the prices for tubes. Do not bring your own tube or boat, they will provide it for you.

(225) 223-1156                                                                               Contact@tikitubing.com                                                                     www.tikitubing.com                                                                                                           Tiki Tubing, LLC                                                                                                                32625 Hwy 1019                                                                                                          Denham Springs, LA 70706

Seaplane Tours

Louisiana is famous for their swamp tours, but what about something higher in the air? Another Louisiana Summer option to try is a seaplane tour.  Seaplane tours are the best way to see Louisiana from a different perspective. Southern Seaplane, Inc. offers three specific Seaplane tours, but they also offer their guest the option to build a custom tour.

The New Orleans Bayou Tour

This tour offers a view of New Orleans that many don’t get to see. Flying over the Superdome and French Quarter, experience all the views New Orleans really has to offer. Not only are you able to see the city, the tour also offers a view of the beautiful, green swamps that surround New Orleans.

Save Our Coast Tour

Not only will you get to see the eroding coast of Louisiana, this tour includes a education. The story of what the coast use to be. This tour will not only explain and show, but they also educate people on the efforts that are being taken to preserve the coast.

Cajun Heritage Tour

Want a little bit of air and water? This is the perfect combination. This three hour tour has an hour flight tour with an authentic swamp tour through Kraema, Louisiana. You get an overhead shot of Louisiana and then jump into a boat to experience Louisiana swamps up close.

Southern Seaplane, Inc. also offers guided fishing charters. You can fish the Louisiana barrier islands. Just a short 45 minute trip will lead you to a five hour fishing trip. Click herefor more information.

(504) 394-5633                                                                              info@seaplanesafety.com                                              http://www.southernseaplane.com                                                                       Southern Seaplane, Inc.                                                                                                       #1 Coquille Dr.                                                                                                                   Belle Chasse, La 70037

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

College Enrollment in Louisiana at a High

Louisiana Believes posted an article expanding on the achievements of the Class of 2018. The number of Louisiana graduates seeking college enrollment has climbed to an all-time high.

The Louisiana Department of Education and the Louisiana Board of Regents have partnered up to announce that over 25,000 high school graduates (the Class of 2018) in the public school system were enrolled into higher education right after their graduation. This is over 4,000 more than the Class of 2012, that is an increase of 23 percent.

Not only are students pursuing a higher education, they are also using their resources like TOPS to get financial help. TOPS stands for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. It is a “program of state scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend either one of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities, schools that are a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.”

Over half of this growth is due to the increasing amount of African-American students furthering their education after high school and seeking college enrollment. More than 2,500 more African-American students enrolled in some form of higher education than the students that graduated in 2012. Commissioner of Higher Education,  Kim Hunter Reed made a statement,  “We are delighted to applaud this good news because we know what it means for our students. In today’s rapidly changing economy a high school diploma is no longer enough.”

The statewide graduation results came in for the Class of 2018, showing that Louisiana achieved its highest cohort in its history. Not only did it show that more students were furthering their education, it also showed that the rate for students who errands “early-college credit” also rose, Even just the amount of students graduating increased. Here are other highlights of the Class of 2018:

  • The amount of students seeking college enrollment in an out-of-state school has slightly risen. 88 percent for instate and 12 percent for out-of-state. In 2017, it was 89 percent in state and 11 percent out-of-state.
  • The amount of students who enrolled in a two year program vs a four year program stayed the same. For the Class of 2018, 71 percent were enrolled in four year colleges and 29 percent were enrolled in two year programs.
  • Over twenty school systems beat the record. The top three school systems were St. James, Zachary, and West Feliciana parishes.

Here is a list of things Louisiana is doing to try and raise the college enrollment:

  • Offering students dual enrollment, helping them obtain college credits while taking courses in high school.
  • Diversified and expanded Jump Start; a program helping students adjust to the workplace and career courses.
  • It is required for students to choose if they want to complete the financial aid forms that would help fund furthering their education.
  • The state has an accountability system that measures schools to see if they equip students for furthering their education.
  • Every 11th grade student has access to the ACT. No matter their background or even their financial status.

For more education related information, click here.

The Best Father’s Day Pork Chops

Looking for the perfect recipe to cook for Dad? This pork chop recipe that was published on epicurious could be the perfect choice. They are so versatile and that makes them an easy go-to. Father’s Day is not the only day this great recipe can be made.  The best part? Literally almost anything can be paired perfectly with this recipe; anything from a salad to a baked potato.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 pork chops, with the bone in.   *They should be pounded to about ½” thick
  • 2 large eggs, beat them
  • The zest from half of a lemon
  • 1 cup of red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups of panko (This is Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • 6 tablespoons of olive oil, they need to be divided
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, chopped up
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped up
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Kosher salt

UTENSILS

  • Large baking dish
  • Large, heavy nonstick skillet
  • 3 shallow containers.   *Large enough to fit a pork chop

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step is to place the pork chops in the large baking dish. Take the vinegar and cover them evenly. Leave the protein to sit for an hour at room temperature; this will help ensure that the pork chops are tender.  While waiting prepare the dredging stations; this is where the pork chops will get their coating. It’s best to use nonporous, shallow containers for dredging.  Take the three shallow containers and add flour to the first one. Add eggs to the second one and add the panko, thyme, oregano, and zest to the third. Make sure to mix all of the seasonings that go in the third container.; this is what will give the pork chop that crispy outside.

Place the skillet over medium heat, adding three of the six tablespoons of olive oil. This will allow the pan to heat up while seasoning the pork. The first step to seasoning them is to, generously, sprinkle the pork chops with the freshly ground black pepper. Using a fork, dredge the pork chop in the flour first. Making sure each side is fully coated. Then move the pork chop to the egg, coating both sides. The last step is to coat the chops in the last mixture. The panko should cover the entirety of both sides of all of the pork chops.

Work in batches, cook two chops at a time. To be fully cooked, each one should be left on the heat for four minutes on each side. Once the first batch is done, wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to remove any residue. Add the last 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Let the oil heat up a little bit but it doesn’t need too much time. Then place the last two chops in the skillet, cooking these also about four minutes on each side. Remove from the plate and serve!

What dad wouldn’t want to bite into a delicious, homemade pork chop!

For more delicious recipes, click here.