Emily Gautreaux, Author at Arlen "Benny" Cenac Jr

10 Trips to Take In Your 30’s

Looking for some of the best trips to take? More and more 30 somethings are prioritizing travel time amidst the busy family time and career-building. You’re older and wiser. And hopefully more financially secure. Where to travel now that you’ve got your life together? (Relatively-speaking, of course.) Here are 10 trips that deliver the perfect mix of excitement, intrigue, adventure, luxury, and most importantly—fun!—from an off-the-grid getaway in Alaska to a bucket-list safari in Africa.

Costa Rica
Cheap travel and world-class swells brought you to Costa Rica in your twenties. Now, experience some of the country’s more grown-up pleasures—namely, its jaw-dropping natural scenery, inspired cuisine, and wellness-focused attractions—at the adults-only Oxygen Jungle Villas. The boutique hotel is nestled within a plot of protected Costa Rican rainforest and perched above the Pacific Ocean, so you truly feel like you’re living in the wild. You’ll spend your days lounging in your Balinese-style villa, going on countless outdoor excursions (hiking, whale watching, scuba diving), and exploring the restaurants and storefronts of neighboring town Ojochal.
2. Lanserhof Tegernsee, Bavaria
Vacation days—and we mean real vacation days, sans work and family commitments—are hard to come by in your thirties. Which is why it’s important to truly relax, re-center, and recharge when you do get a few days to yourself. Enter the legendary Lanserhof Tegernsee detox resort in the Bavarian Alps. Here, spa-goers are retaught how to chew and sleep, forced to cut sugar and alcohol from their diets, and if the specialists deem it necessary, subjected to futuristic medical evaluations including sleep assessments. The amenities make up for the rigors of the program: we’re talking an 18-course golf course, a saltwater swimming pool, nightly classical music concerts and a monastically beautiful setting (all glass and stone and embowered by the forest).

Stockholm, Sweden
Your thirties are all about cultivating a distinctive sense of taste and style. And in Stockholm, you’ll have world-class museums, galleries, design stores, and concept boutiques at your fingertips. A few must-stops: Sven Harrys-Art Museum, a slick new art space that houses the private collection of collector Sven-Harry Karlsson; Malmstenbutiken, a storied Swedish brand known for its furniture and textile designs; and hotel At Six, a boutique high-rise with an art collection that includes big names like Sol Le Witt and Jaume Plensa.

Amalfi Coast
You’ve dreamt about Amalfi’s pastel-hued villages, cobbled streets, and cerulean waters for as long as you can remember. Now that you have disposable income to spend and (hopefully) more vacation days, it’s time to make those dreams a reality. Stay in Amalfi at the five-start Hotel Santa Caterina, set in a 19th-century, liberty-style villa above the sea. When you’re not lounging by the private pool or the beach club, explore the town’s charming maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, precipitous steps, and bustling piazza.

Sri Lanka
If you’re celebrating a big anniversary or birthday, there’s no better place to do so than Sri Lanka. The exotic island offers out-of-this-world Indian Ocean coastlines, lush tropical vegetation, elephant-filled national parks, and plenty of luxury resorts like the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, spread across a 21-acre former coconut plantation on the southernmost coast of Sri Lanka. Splurge on a private villa—which comes with a private plunge pool, expansive deck, butler pantry, tiled rainfall shower—and you may never want to leave your guest room. But we’d recommend peeling yourself away for at least a few hours to indulge at an authentic Ayrvedic treatment at the spa, learn the ropes of Sri Lankan cooking at Anatara’s popular Spice Spoons Cooking school, or take part in a traditional high-tea service.
6. Chile
With age comes wisdom—plus, an affinity for the finer things in life. And at Chile’s Viña Vik Hotel, a design-forward retreat and spa located two hours from Santiago, in Chile’s Millahue Valley, you’ll find plenty of amenities that will appeal to your refined tastes. We’re talking an award-winning spa, infinity pool, two restaurants, and high-design guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, original artwork, and curvilinear furniture (an homage to the property’s undulating titanium rooftop). Want to get outside and take in some of that jaw-dropping scenery? There are seven horses on standby that can whisk you around the property’s vineyard.

Alaska
There will come a time in your thirties when you just need to get away from it all (the job, the bills, the responsibilities) with a back-to-nature trip. And for this kind of escapist getaway, we’d recommend Alaska—a land of impenetrable forests, vast tundras, towering glaciers, and some of the world’s most awe-inspiring animals. To see the region’s wildlife up close and personal, hop on a guided glacier or wildlife walk with Salmon Berry Tours, where you might spot Dall sheep, mountain goats, and caribou as you explore the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Then it’s on to the Kenai Fjords National Park, the smallest national park in Alaska, to see The Harding Icefield (almost 714 square miles of ice up to a mile thick) and Resurrection Bay. Make your home base The Hotel Alyeska, a rustic mountain lodge with direct access to hiking and biking trails.

Shanghai, China
It can be easy to fall into a bit of a vacation rut in your thirties, returning to the same hotels and destinations over and over again. To rediscover your love of travel—and immerse yourself in an intoxicating foreign environment—pack your bags for Shanghai. The cosmopolitan city has it all: sleek skyscrapers, high-end shopping, innovative restaurants, and cultural landmarks, from the French Concession and Nanshi to the riverfront Bund. Check into The Puli Hotel and Spa, a serene urban hideaway with a central address in city’s Jing’An district and Zen vibe.
9. Douro Valley, Portugal
You did Lisbon and Porto in your twenties. Now, it’s time to see a different side of Portugal by spending some time in Douro Valley—a landscape of sun-drenched vineyards the blanket steep mountainsides, with the majestic Douro River as the centerpiece. Visit the historic Six Senses, a 19th-century manor house restored for the 21st century by New York-based firm Clodagh Design. Guests can unwind with treatments in the spa. Take a break from your education in viniculture at the property’s magnificent infinity-edge pool, which looks out over the winding river.

Newfoundland
If you’ve been to Canada, chances are it wasn’t to Newfoundland. The sleepy Atlantic Canadian province doesn’t exactly have the uh, international appeal as cities like Montreal or Toronto. What it does have? Quaint fishing villages, arctic wildlife, jaw-droppingly beautiful national parks, and plenty of Maritime charm—all things you likely have more of an appreciation for now that’s you’re older. Start your adventure in the capital city of St. John’s, a colorful little town with steep streets and clapboard houses. Then hit the road in the direction of Fogo Island. The tiny, salt-tanged isle offers fewer than a dozen restaurants and cafes, but makes up for it with a burgeoning art scene and plenty of design-forward accommodations—like the 29-room Fogo Island Inn.

For more trips to take in your 30’s, click here. For more travel news, click here.

Cider-Braised Chicken Recipe

This one pan Cider-Braised chicken recipe is sure to bring on the Fall feels. Boasting all things savory (bacon, brussel sprouts, and whole grain mustard, OH MY!), this dish is ideal for a Sunday supper or casual fall get-together with friends; the sauce is delicious, so serve with bread or mashed potatoes to soak up every delicious bite. Take a look below for a bonus mashed potato recipe that will be sure to be the only masked potato recipe you stick to from now on. With these 2 savory dishes combined you can’t go wrong in pleasing every guest that tries these delicious recipes. Be sure to follow these great tips on how to make the best mashed potatoes because believe it or not, there is an art to it. Good luck and enjoy the perfect fall dinner that is right at your fingertips!

Ingredients
4 slices bacon, chopped
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 1/2 pounds total)
2 medium tart red apples, cored and cut into wedges
1 12 – ounce bottle sparkling apple cider
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 ounces fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved if large (2 cups)

Preparation
In a very large skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove from pan, reserving drippings in skillet. Add chicken, skin side down, and cook 10 minutes or until browned, turning once; remove from skillet. Add apples to the skillet and cook 4 minutes or until browned on both sides; remove from skillet. Drain and discard drippings from skillet.
Add cider, thyme, mustard, and salt to skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Return chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Add apples and cook, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes more or until chicken is done (at least 175 degrees F).
To serve, divide chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, and apples among shallow bowls or plates. Spoon cider mixture over top. Sprinkle each serving with bacon.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, well scrubbed and cut into quarters

Kosher salt

1 stick unsalted butter

3/4 cup half-and-half

1 cup shredded smoked gouda

Freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup thinly sliced chives

Directions

Slip the potatoes into a large pot of cold salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the butter and half-and-half in a small pot until the butter melts and the mixture is hot.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain well in a colander and then return them to the pot. Turn the heat back on to low and stir the potatoes to “dry” them. Mash the potatoes until smooth and stir in the hot half-and-half and butter. Add the shredded cheese by the handful, stirring to melt, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in the chives. Serve immediately.

For more delicious Fall recipes, click here. For more general recipes, click here.

Louisiana Kayakers Take Advantage of October

October is arguably the best month of the year for coastal Louisiana kayakers. The weather is mild, with predictable patterns, and the fish are hungry. While speckled trout can be caught from the kayak year-round, now is the time they are heading back to the interior marshes en masse from their summer haunts in the outer bays. Fishing during the fall provides short paddles and less pressure, as many anglers switch gear to hunting seasons. Live bait is generally not necessary, and it’s prime time to get out in the ‘yak and fish. With the spawn over, trout no longer need the higher salinity waters closer to the Gulf. This is great news for areas like Southeast Louisiana that have seen a decrease in salinities due to hydrology changes from hurricane protection projects — which have caused increased retention of freshwater. As the trout return to the interior bays and lagoons, they can be caught alongside reds, bass and freshwater cats. Trout like grass, too. As these areas become fresher, submerged aquatic vegetation fills many of the ponds and lagoons. While fishing grass beds is common to bass and even red fishermen, trout are usually targeted in open water. However, simple changes to your lure selection will help you yank trout out of areas you never thought they existed. Popping corks are a staple for fishing trout with both live bait and plastic tails. However, fishing them around grass can be a challenge. Simply changing to a weedless jighead allows you to drop and pop a bait next to a grass bed, or down through an opening. The thin wire weed guard keeps the bait free of grass and bends out of the way on the hook set. If you prefer using hard plastic lures, the multiple treble hooks are a nightmare fishing in grassy areas. Try changing out the hooks on your favorite top-water or suspending lure to specially designed single hooks.They have an inline eye and are made with thin, strong wire that reduces the amount of fouling on grass, but doesn’t really impact the hook-up ratio. Several manufacturers are also introducing hard baits that come factory rigged with inline hooks. Of course, not all areas will be covered in grass and you can fish these areas with any of your favorite lures or live bait. Live shrimp are available at most marinas and continue to be a prevalent food source for trout throughout the fall, and even into the winter. And don’t rule out shallow areas for trout as long as the air temperature is mild and the water remains relatively warm. Areas that are only accessible by kayak can produce outstanding catches of trout during the fall. Medium to large shallow lagoons that narrow down to deeper passes and canals are often trout havens during this time of year. The trout spread throughout the lagoon during normal water levels and concentrate in the deeper areas if the water is low.

With the heat of summer fading, plan to fish longer if necessary. Use the kayak to cover ground and fish your way from spot to spot. Hit up any feature that looks fishy. Trout are working their way into schools, but may not be found all bunched up like they are later in winter when cold water temps concentrate them in deeper holes. Two or three fish from one small area may be all that you find, but if you move and repeat those small catches, you might end up with a limit before you know it. Reds, bass and flounder are also available throughout the marsh during the fall. The good news is that they all hit the same bait and lures — and in the same general areas. To specifically target certain species, some lures and techniques work better than others. For reds, weedless gold spoons can’t be beat. They work well through and near the grass, and reds can’t resist them. However, trout, flounder and bass are commonly fooled by gold spoons too. For bass, spinnerbaits and Texas-rigged soft plastics are favorites in the marsh during the fall. Just don’t be surprised to find a trout on the business end of a spinnerbait, or a flounder that has inhaled your bass worm.

If you find yourself out on a windy day, put the kayak to work to your advantage by either drifting or slow trolling. Get out in the larger lagoons or bays and drag a live bait or plastic tail on a light jighead. If the wind allows, let it move the kayak quietly along while having a rod in a holder pulling a bait behind you. Fan cast all other directions with a popping cork and you just might stumble onto a hotspot. Happy Fishing!

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Choosing the Right College or University

Choosing a college or university to attend is a major life decision, but it’s not one that you have to make alone. U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings can take some of the stress out of the school research and selection process and help students find a college that’s a good fit. One thing you can do to get clarity on the best fit is take one of several online personality quizzes to help you narrow down your choices.

The rankings provide a good starting point for students trying to compare schools. The four overall rankings – National Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities and Regional Colleges – are based on factors that indicate academic quality, such graduation rates and faculty resources.

But the best school for each student, experts say, is one that will most completely meet his or her needs, which go beyond academics. This is why U.S. News offers dozens of more-focused rankings and lists to help prospective undergraduate students compare schools based on the qualities that matter most to them, such as ethnic diversity on campus and percent of students who live in university housing.

Chances are, there’s a ranking or list that’s relevant to you. For example, veterans can research the schools that are best-equipped to serve them; students interested in historically black colleges and universities can explore the HBCU rankings; and international students can learn which schools already have a strong non-U.S. student community on campus.

Affordability is another key consideration for students and their families, so U.S. News created lists of Best Value Schools and schools that award merit aid to the most students. The Paying for College knowledge center offers additional insights and tips about different types of education aid, including grants, loans and scholarships.

In addition to the rankings, prospective students can explore extensive statistical profiles for the more than 1,800 schools in the U.S. News Best Colleges directory. These profiles are packed with information about a school’s cost, financial aid policies, admissions requirements, student body and more. Families can see additional data points by signing up for the U.S. News College Compass.

Together, the rankings and profiles can help students learn about a range of school options – public and private, large and small – throughout the country, some of which they might not have considered before. They are valuable tools that can help you find a college or university that’s right for you. Here are a few of the most frequently searched categories:

Category 1: National Universities

Schools in the National Universities category offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and Ph.D. programs.

#1
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

#2
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

#3
Columbia University (tie)
New York, NY

#3
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (tie)
Cambridge, MA

#3
University of Chicago (tie)
Chicago, IL

#3
Yale University (tie)
New Haven, CT

Category 2: Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal Arts Colleges emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts fields of study.

#1
Williams College
Williamstown, MA

#2
Amherst College
Amherst, MA

#3
Swarthmore College (tie)
Swarthmore, PA

#3
Wellesley College (tie)
Wellesley, MA

Category 3: A Plus Schools for B Students

If you’re a good student with less-than-stellar test scores or a so-so GPA, these are the schools for you. These colleges, which have strong ratings in the 2019 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, accept a significant number of students with nonstratospheric transcripts.

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Pennsylvania State University–University Park
University Park, PA

American University
Washington, DC

Click Here for the full list of categories, rankings and lists. Click here for more education news.

A Manhattan Travel Guide

In popular culture Manhattan is often viewed to as the center of the universe. When you visit Manhattan, it can certainly feel that way. Manhattan has something for everyone, from a diverse and incredible restaurant scenes and a plethora of iconic attractions, and an amazing variety of entertainment and art. Use this Manhattan travel guide to create a perfect itinerary for your next visit to New York, New York.

Travel to Manhattan to be surrounded by skyscrapers, gourmet restaurants, and cultures from all over the world. To make the most of your visit to this modern and bustling city, be sure to visit these attractions.

Things Not to Miss in Manhattan
• Catch a world famous Broadway show

Before the final curtain drops on the day, see a show on the Great White Way. This theater is home to the Tony-winning production of Chicago, a long-running hit about friendship, fame and all that jazz. Check out more Broadway shows to add touch of only-in-NYC drama to your packed itinerary.
• See all of New York from the top of the Empire State Building

If you want to see as much of NYC as possible, the tallest building in the western hemisphere is going to come in handy. From the top three floors of this site, you’ll be able to take in sweeping views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
• Tour the many famous Manhattan art museums

No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the country’s foremost modern art institution. Explore over 200,000 works including instantly recognizable pieces by Van Gogh, Dali, Lichtenstein and Warhol. An ever-evolving assemblage of photography, painting, sculpture, film and performance art add to the picture.
• Take a long walk in Central Park or along the High Line

Take the R or W subway line from Lower Manhattan to 57th Street to approach the southern border of this famous oasis, adding a refreshing dose of greenery to your visit. The lower portion of the park contains playgrounds, a vintage carousel and lush natural spots like Sheep Meadow, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary and the Pond.
• Take a boat ride out to see The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

From the late 19th century until the 1950s, Ellis Island was the port of entry to the United States for tens of millions of passengers. In the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, it remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s immigrant tradition. These days, it’s a museum where you can see artifacts relating to immigrant history—including, in the Peopling of America Center, the years before station’s opening and after its closure—and even search the records for your own relatives.

When to Go to Manhattan
There is really no bad time to make the trip to the Big Apple but one of the liveliest times for Manhattan travel is during the holiday season when shops decorate their windows displays and the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree is lit up. Spring and fall are also pleasant times to visit the city when the weather is at its best.

For more travel news and information click here.

Best Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Over the last few years, cauliflower has become a household staple. It’s been turned into everything from a hummus to a pizza crust. However, cauliflower doesn’t have to impersonate another dish to be delicious; it is enough just as itself. Roasted cauliflower is a pure delight, but tossing it with feta, toasted almonds and olives makes it even better. The additions come together while the cauliflower roasts, allowing you to assemble this side in no time. If almonds aren’t available, walnuts or hazelnuts are good substitutions. This dish works well served warm, but it’s equally good at room temperature if you want to make it ahead. Serve with grilled pork chops or pan-seared chicken thighs with lemon and herbs, or fold it into cooked grains, such farro or rice, for a hearty grain salad. This dish will even work well as a healthy afternoon snack.

Not only is this dish delicious, but cauliflower also has major health benefits. Cauliflower is an extremely healthy vegetable that is a significant source of nutrients. It also contains unique plant compounds that may reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Because of all of these factors, cauliflower has also made super-food status! Take a look at some of the top health benefits below and to read more about why cauliflower is an important food to add to your diet, click here.

The top eight science based health benefits being:

Contains Many Nutrients
High in Fiber
Good Source of Antioxidants
May Aid in Weight Loss
High in Choline
Rich in Sulforaphane
Low-Carb Alternative to Grains and Legumes
Easy to Add to Your Diet

So enjoy the delicious recipe below along with the many added health benefits!

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
Pinch of red-pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup roughly chopped almonds or pecans
⅓ heaping cup/about 2 ounces crumbled feta
½ cup pitted and roughly chopped green olives
2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley
½ lemon, to taste
Flaky salt (optional)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the olive oil. Season well with the salt, pepper and red-pepper flakes, if using, and toss again. Spread the mixture evenly onto a large sheet pan and roast until crisp and golden, about 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even browning.

Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to ensure they don’t burn, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Once the cauliflower is roasted, toss it in a large bowl with the feta cheese, olives, half the almonds and 1 tablespoon parsley until combined. Top with remaining almonds and parsley, and lemon. Season with flaky salt, if desired.

Click here for more delicious roasted veggie recipes and here for general recipes.