Here’s a quick meal that is oh-so-good!! This is one of my favorite things to cook when I’m short on time but really have a taste for something filling and soulful.  Hope you enjoy! Be sure to tag me if you make it! Also, check out the video reel on insta! I’ll link it below.


16oz bag of frozen okra
1 16oz lb bag of frozen seasoning blend
1-2 tbs of minced garlic
2 lbs of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb of smoked sausage (chopped or sliced)
1 8 oz can of diced tomatoes
2 tbs of olive oil
Black Pepper (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Garlic Powder (to taste)
Onion Powder (to taste)
Slap Ya Mama (to taste)
Tony Chachere’s (to taste)
White Vinegar (2-3 tbs)

1. Heat olive oil on medium heat and sauté seasoning blend until soft.
2. Add garlic and sauté 2-3 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes
4. Add sliced sausage and allow to simmer on medium heat for about 5 minutes or so.
5. Season to taste with dry seasonings
6. Add frozen okra and mix well.
7. Add 2-3 tbs of white vinegar ( to prevent sliminess)
8. Lightly season with more dry seasonings (if necessary)
9. Cover pot and smother okra about 20 mins (longer if you like your okra cooked down more)
10. Add lightly seasoned shrimp and smother 5 minutes more. (Do not overcook the shrimp!
11. Serve over white rice.

Louisiana Red Beans

1lb of Camellia dry red beans
24 oz frozen raw seasonings (onions, bell peppers and celery)
2 tbs minced garlic
1 lb of smoked turkey necks or pork neck bones
1 lb of chopped sausage (optional)
Tony Chachere’s Seasoning
Slap Your Mama Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Salt 
3 bay leaves
2 tbs. Sage
Parsley
Black Pepper
6 cups of Water
Note:  Soak red beans overnight or at least 8 hours to decrease cooking time.

1. Add water and smoked meat to large heavy bottom pot and bring it to boil for at least 30 minutes.  
2. Add pre soaked beans to boiling water and stir. Water should be approximately an inch over the beans.
3. Add raw seasonings and dry seasonings to taste.
4. Chop and sauté sausage in a separate skillet.
5. Add sausage to pot with red beans and bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add chicken broth to beans if water starts to get low.
6. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Allow beans to simmer about 1.5 hours, stir periodically. (3 hours if using beans that haven’t been soaked. Serve over warm rice.

Tip: For creamier beans, mash a  few cooking beans with a spoon and add back to pot.
​

Quick but Legit Homemade Chili
2lbs of ground beef (lean, if preferred)
2 cans of 16.5 oz diced tomatoes
2-3 tbs Garlic Powder
2-3 tbs Cumin
2-3 tbs Onion Powder 
4 tbs Chili Powder
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (to taste)
Badia Complete Seasoning (to taste)
2 8oz cans of tomato sauce
2 tbs brown sugar
1 15.5 oz can of kidney beans
2 cups Beef Broth

1. Season the ground beef with everything except salt and pepper.  Brown the meat and drain, if necessary.
2. Under medium heat, Add olive oil to pot and sauté onions, bell peppers and celery for a couple minutes.  Add minced garlic and continue to sauté ‘
3. Add the ground beef back in with raw seasonings.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder and stir well.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and  drained kidney beans.
6. Add the beef broth. Add salt, pepper and slap your mama to taste.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 20-25 mins.
8. Remove from heat and allow it to stand for 5-10 mins.

Serve with Fritos or crackers.  Garnish with favorite toppings like cilantro cheese, sour cream and green onions.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CY-ZEX5I4tc/?utm_medium=copy_link

Crawfish Étouffée is a favorite around here and I love it even more with shrimp added to the mix!  When I have time, I truly enjoy the additional flavor that fresh seasonings brings but feel free to make this a quick weeknight meal by using pre-cut seasonings. I served mine over warm rice and topped it off with fried fish!  The recipe is below along with a short form video.  Enjoy and comment and/or tag me (@bmycurlfriend), if you decide to make it!

Louisiana Shrimp and Crawfish Étouffée
3 small yellow onions
3 Bell Peppers (any colors, I used red, yellow, orange)
Bunch of green onions
3 Celery stalks
2 tbs. minced garlic
3 sticks of butter
1lb of Louisiana crawfish
1-2 lbs of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 10oz cans of diced tomatoes
8-10 tbs of flour
8-10 cups of water (or homemade seafood stock)


1.  Chop all seasonings.  Be sure to save some of the green onions for the end.
2.  In a large, heavy bottomed pot, melt 2 sticks of butter at medium heat. Sauté onions, celery and bell peppers until soft.  Add minced garlic and sauté  another 5 mins.
3. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and all-purpose seasoning.
4.  Add diced tomatoes and sauté another 5-10 mins. Add another stick of butter and melt.
5.  Add flour and stir constantly until the mixture thickens (10-15 mins).
6. Add 6 cups of water or seafood stock, 2 cups at time and bring to a slight boil. Add crawfish and more salt or pepper if necessary.
7.  Add the rest of the water and butter. Mix and well and allow to simmer on med-low while covered about 10 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt or seasoned salt.
8. Add shrimp and simmer another 10 minutes.
9. Garnish with green onions and parsley.
10.  Serve over warm rice.

So I normally get a head start on making my favorite holiday dishes during each weekend of December.  This weekend I made seafood gumbo.  The weather was perfect and I just could wait until Christmas Eve.
Watch my reel and see how you make yours from scratch in 30 seconds lol.  Here's the ig link
For those of you who saw my reel on instagram and commented "recipe", keep reading!

On July 13, 2020, after eating every "bad" food and being on a champagne campaign all weekend in Orange Beach, I decided a change was needed. My hubby and I needed a major change of our eating habits.  Here were my reasons for starting the Whole30.

- I was sluggish all the time.  I never had energy and was always sleepy.   This does not mix well with a husband and an almost 2 year old.
-I was beginning to feel insecure about anything I decided to wear.  I've always bragged to friends about knowing what to wear to hide weight gain.  I was past that point.  Disclaimer: Every person has THEIR point of "this is too much weight for ME".   This was mine.
-I was constantly bloated and had stomach issues all the time.
-My face was breaking out
-I felt generally unhealthy.

I tried the Whole30 diet years ago and only made it 12 days.  It's essentially an elimination diet that  removes often inflammatory food groups from your diet.  Afterwards, you should have a better understanding of how certain food items are affecting your health and slowly introduce back the  ones that you deem to be ok for you.  Here's the Whole30 rules in a nutshell:

1.  No dairy (bye bye queso =(
2. No sugar
3. No grains or beans
4.  No processed foods
5.  No ALCOHOL (ice cold Strawberry Perrier became my bestie)

Here's how it went.  HARD.  Really Hard.  I think I spent the first week mourning the loss of all the foods I loved eating.  The same foods that were causing my weight gain and insecurity issues.  For breakfast, we ate more eggs than I ever want to eat in this lifetime. We ate a lot of veggies and meats, like this zucchini, shrimp and red onion medley, sautéed in the skillet (so delish!).  

By week two, we were counting down the days.  Some days I was so over eating like this, I would go to bed without eating.  I think I really was depressed.  This was confirmation to me that my relationship with food was toxic.  Here I am, depressed, not because I'm hungry and can't eat, but because I can't eat the foods that make me feel happy after a rough day.  This was a turning point for me.  

By week 3, I was in autopilot.  I had started to notice changes in my body and health and I loved it.  Here are a few differences I noticed.

-I was actually buttoning my work pants again lol (sad, but true).
- My stomach was NOT bloated.  It was actually flattening out.
-I am a person who takes allergy meds daily.  I hadn't taken ANY over the course of this diet.
-I had tons of energy and my sleep at night was amazing
-My skin was noticeably clearer
-I felt comfortable in my clothes (with or without spanx!!)
-I fit into a pair of shorts that I couldn't even get over my hips before

My husband and I cruised through the final week of the diet and we had become closer than ever.   We bonded over our non scale victories and comforted each other on those rough days when we both just needed a cold, hard drink lol.  We did it!!! We graduated the whole 30.  On day 31, the first thing I did was step on the scale.  Y'all, I was shocked.  I lost 15 lbs!!!!  I started this diet at 174 lbs (I am 5'4" tall). This was my heaviest weight to date and was I down to 159.  Suddenly, my goal weight seemed attainable.  150lbs is  the goal.  145 would be lagniappe.  

Ok, so here's why I'll never do the Whole30 again.
-I have a better understanding of my relationship with food.  I don't have to restrict myself so much now.
-I know I can be disciplined.  I didn't drink alcohol or consume sugar for 30 days!  I no longer need "rules" to control myself.  I see what the lack of sugar did for me.  I'm more conditioned to decline it now.
-Life is hard.  Eat the thing.  Sometimes that's just what it is.  I'm not going to spend my life not enjoying the foods I love, for the sake of diet.  Some days I will eat badly.  But because of how great this diet made me feel, I won't do it nearly as often.

What's the takeaway? If you're ready for a food relationship change, do it.  You won't regret it.  You will feel accomplished.  Your body will thank you!!!  I am 4 days post whole30 and I have already turned down tons of food items that I once loved, without the rules.  I know my body just will not like how they make me feel.  Next week, i'll be back on a Whole30-ish type diet.  But today, I'll drink champagne.  Cheers!

If you have any questions about my experience with the Whole30, leave a comment! I'd love to point you in the right direction!
For more info on the diet. Please visit www.whole30.com

Buying gifts for babies is hard.  Some may say, why even bother?   Don't be a grinch lol!  I thought long and hard and came up with some gifts that I think will be both functional and enjoyable for my 15 month old.  Check out my picks below.

1.  Dr. Martens Infant 1460 Patent
Price: $50
​www.drmartens.com/us/en/p/15933002

I bought these patent leather boots for my baby girl (15 months), because I thought they were the perfect "bad ass" accessory for my little bad ass (see what I did there? lmao).  Seriously though, I love the versatility of these boots.  The patent leather makes them sort of dressy, so she can sport them with opaque tights and a dress.  Another day, she may wear them with jeans.  The best part? I can buy myself a matching pair ; )

Trust me, I'm trying to get in as much "Mommy and Me" action as I can before she wants nothing to do with me lol.

2.  VTech KidiBeats Drum Set, Pink
Price: $19.62
​www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HP1CW76/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​
A drum set.  For an extremely active toddler who likes to beat on things already. That's a really great idea, right?  You know what, forget I mentioned it lol.
​


​

3.  Wee Baby Stella Customized Doll
Price: $37
​www.manhattantoy.com/products/create-your-own-wee-baby-stella-doll?_pos=11&_sid=bcfe98974&_ss=r&variant=12606471077973

My daughter has another version of Wee Baby Stella and loves her! She's super soft and has an attachable, magnetic pacifier (doesn't seem to be a choking hazard, but if you're cautious like me, just remove the pacifier and put it somewhere for safe keeping).  This Wee Baby Stella is customizable! You can choose her skin tone, hairstyle and select multiple outfits.  One additional outfit is included in the price.  Additional outfits are $14.  My favorite thing about Wee Baby Stella is that I can throw her in the washing machine when she gets dirty.  Your tot will love her.

4. Copper Pearl Jolly Baby Bandana Bibs (Set of 4)
Price: $19.95 40% off Christmas Prints with Code CPHOLIDAY40 
​www.copperpearl.com/collections/bibs/products/baby-bandana-bibs-jolly

I have loved these bibs from the moment I welcomed my daughter into this world.  They are super soft and I love how they can give a basic outfit an instant fashion boost.  I ordered these just in time for Christmas and to use the coupon code listed above.  Double win.

5.  Adidas LZ SST Track Suit
Price: $39
​www.adidas.com/us/lz-sst-track-suit/FM9992.html
​
It's a leopard track suit.  For a toddler.  What else needs to be said? 
​

6.  Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer
Price: $9.48 (Hardcover)
​www.amazon.com/Mary-Little-Glam-Tammi-Sauer/dp/1454913932/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

The cutest little book for the glam baby/toddler in your life.  This book is a twist on the traditional "Mary Had a Little Lamb". The artwork is sure to be  visually pleasing to your little one as well.  I love it!

7.  First 100 Words-priddy baby
​Price: $4.99 
www.amazon.com/Mary-Little-Glam-Tammi-Sauer/dp/1454913932/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

This book is designed to help your little one learn essential first words. It is a board book with a soft padded cover, perfect for your tot to hold. I love the bright images that are included to match the words.  Books like these are proven to increase your toddler's cognitive abilities.

What gifts are on your toddler's Christmas gift? Let me know in the comments!

Christmas is here in 8 days!!! Some of you have already finished but may be trying to decide what you want for yourself (#treatyoself is my motto and not just for the holidays lol) or maybe you haven't even started shopping at all. Either way,  I have created a short guide of items that any person in your life who is a lover of beauty and/or fashion will love.  Let's get into it!

1.  Brahmin Faith Ivory Calypso Bag
Price: $325.00
brahmin.com

I've pretty much been indifferent when it comes to Brahmin bags, but the uniqueness of this one drew me in.  I love the iridescent finish and the fact that this bag can be worn as a cross body.  Wear it on your wrist with a chic outfit and this bag screams day trip to Nola with a side of bottomless mimosas.  She's not an everyday bag, just a fun one.  I love it.  

​

2.  Tarte Merry Metals Brush Set
Price: $35
Sephora.com

A full set of pretty rose gold brushes for $35???!  Need I say more?

3. 2020 Deluxe Classic Happy Planner Confetti Glam Girl
Price: $25.99
thehappyplanner.com/collections/happy-planners/products/hpg-mdsc-cls-dlx-glam-girl-confetti20-dtl12

Get your life in order this year with this super fun planner.  I've had a happy planner since 2017 and the name "Happy Planner" is not an understatement.  The fun designs and various accessories make planning your future fun! Happy Planners and accessories can also be found at Hobby Lobby and Michaels.  I have even seen them at Walmart occasionally.

4.  YSL Libre Eau De Parfum-Yves Saint Laurent
Price: $104 (1.7 oz)
www.sephora.com/product/libre-eau-de-parfum-P448102?icid2=products%20grid:p448102:product

Every Christmas, I love to collect a new scent for the year.  I'm interested in scents that have clean, but floral scents.  One of my favorites was the Miss Dior Eau...now discontinued =(.  This fragrance gives me similar vibes!

5.  Tony Bianco "Freddie" Bootie
Price:$139
www.revolve.com/tony-bianco-freddie-bootie/dp/TONR-WZ76/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=1&itrownum=1&itcurrpage=1&itview=01

White boots have been all the rage this season and I am obsessed with this pair.  These booties are made of a buttery, soft, white leather that is sure to turn heads.  Pair them with your favorite skinny jeans, romper or mini dress.  Life is short, buy the shoes!
​

6. Glamcor Multimedia X Light-Phone Clip Included
Price: $314.50 SALE!
Glamcor.com

This is for the beauty blogger in your life.  I used this light last weekend for my makeup class and it was OUTSTANDING.  The light gives you the option to adjust the warmth and/or coolness, as well as dim and brighten.  Get this, it has a remote control!!! There's also a phone clip included to attach your phone if you want to take your selfies to the next level.  If you are an MUA, I highly recommend this light.  I have a had a ring light for years and it gets the job donebut this light truly gives me a brighter and less harsh light for applying makeup on others or myself.  Your photos will look amazing and you can attach your camera to it for filming purposes. It also comes with a super convenient carrying case for traveling purposes.  Definitely worth the splurge!

Which items are you feeling?  Let me know in the comments! Happy Shopping!