{life} a new orleans st. patrick's day

My first trip to NOLA with some creepy, drunk clown men.

I'm so excited to head to New Orleans on Friday! Although I am currently nursing a strained lower back, I am CONFIDENT that I will be better by Friday. (fingers crossed...) The last time I went to New Orleans was last fall on a fraternity formal. While it was definitely a fun experience, I didn't know many of the people on the trip besides my date, a few sorority sisters (who were usually at other places than me), and a few of the other brothers. I am really looking forward to exploring Bourbon Street with four of my best friends. 

I cannot stop gushing about how much I love my dress. I ordered it from vestique.com (hands down my favorite online boutique) and could not be more pleased with the fit and the material. They still have the large size left in this dress. If that is your size and you are still looking for a St. Patrick's Day dress, then I absolutely recommend that you order it. Vestique is great with getting things shipped out in a timely manner. 

Okay. So. Since the last time I was there was quite the whirlwind, I would love to hear your opinions on the best bars and restaurants to go to! Since we are all poor college students, we are planning on eating off of the dollar menu Friday & Saturday (the shame, I know!) and then having a nice breakfast or brunch before we head back to Tallahassee to make it in time for chapter.

Where do you, my lovely readers, suggest we go on Bourbon?

I hope that you are having a wonderful week so far!

xo, Jen

{recipe} green monster smoothies

Hi y'all! Remember me?

I have been running around like a mad woman lately.

Let's recap my schedule:

M/W/F

9:00-12:05 - Class

12:10-1:30 - Study, lunch

2:00-6:30 - Work

7:00-8:00 - Dinner

8:00-11:00 - Study

BEDTIME!

T/TR

8:30-12:00 - Testing in Preschools

12:30-1:45 - Lunch/Study

2:00-6:30 - Work

7:00-8:00 - Dinner

8:00-11:00 - Study

BEDTIME!

Um. Death.

I need lots of yummy, healthy snacks and drinks to keep me going during the day.

The graduate student I work under in the preschool testing lab emailed me this morning and said I could have the day off because she double booked one of the schools we test at. Best. Email. EVER.

Now, let's talk about the GREEN MONSTER SMOOTHIE.

Oh, is it green. Lots and lots of little baby spinach flecks. 

Don't worry though, it doesn't taste healthy at all!

Green Monster Spinach Smoothie

Recipe by: Iowa Girl Eats
Serves 1
Ingredients:

• 1 frozen sliced banana
• 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
• 1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)
• 4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

It literally tastes like you are drinking a milkshake. SO DELICIOUS. 

Let me know if you are brave enough to try it out! :) 

Oh and by the way, I gave up some study time the other night and went to the Jimmy Buffett concert with two of my best friends. Sooo much fun. Here are a couple pictures!

Mermaids. Landshark. Nosebleeds. Jimmy.

All you need in life, really. 

I hope that y'all are having a great 2012 so far!

xo, Jen