My Favorite Restaurant in the World.

I have been to many, but with  out a doubt, my all time favorite restaurant in the world is Galatoire's. I had the privilege of taking my son with me, my mother and my grandmother to lunch today. Four generations enjoying Galatoire's. It is good to be home.

An ipad keeps a two year old occupied during the down time

When I was little, my dad took me for a grown-up meal. I must have been six or seven. He ordered souffle potatoes, fried eggplant and trout amandine.  Hoyer had all three of those today and ate the heck out of the egg plant, of course it was probably due to the powered sugar they serve with it...nonetheless, we all enjoyed making new memories and eating that delicious, (no where else in the world is as good as) New Orleans food.  Did I mention it is good to be home?

Tuscaloosa-one month later.

It has been one month, but for the people who lost loved ones and homes, I am sure it feels differently. 

Baby Roux and I took a  tour through the hardest hit areas and it was shocking that anyone came out alive from some of the  massive piles of rubble.  The devastation goes on farther than the eye can see. We are continually  grateful that our loved ones did not loose their lives or their homes.

 The hospital in the back to the left where my mother-in-law was working at the time of the tornado.

 Children's toys thrown around, markers, paints and  a toy barn.

 at least they have a sense of humor....

 Big homes in the background and smaller homes- the tornado hit them all.

Prayers are still needed.

Even more to choose from

Here are the latest samples to choose from and the best part?
Everything below is only $40!!
Order via email at peapiecc@gmail.com
















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Pea Pie Fall and Winter

There is a ton more, but here is s peak.

peapiechildrensclothes.blogspot.com
































Like what you see? Check out the Pea Pie Blog or come to a show.


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Cookie Monster Cupcakes

These cookie monster cupcakes were a BIG hit at a recent two year old birthday party. Store bought, but easy to do at home, with the right tools.











A mini chocolate chip cookie is the mouth, white chocolate button eyes with black icing pupils and blue fur icing. (Inside: chocolate cake.)

Keep wipes on hand while children enjoy, these are Messy!!



Use a multi-open tip for fur effect
and over fill cupcake to ensure a big round top for the head. Buttercream works best, but remember, don't let the cupcakes sit outside too long or they will melt.





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In your backyard

I will never forget walking through the Natural History Museum in London and coming across a HUGE and fascinating exhibit on Moundville, Alabama.
(just 10 mins from my husbands childhood home and 45 mins down the road from where we had lived in Birmingham, AL). I had never been and had no idea just what a treasure it is, right in my own backyard.

Ever since then, I promised myself that I would take an interest to what was in my backyard in the States. I mean, take the Grand Canyon for one....it's insane that is all right there for us to see and do and yet I have never been, heck, I have never even been to Boston for crying out loud. There is so much to do and see, I have no fears about my expat life coming to an end (one day....) because I know I can find plenty to do and see right in my own backyard.

Take a lesson from Fodor's. They know what's up....and start exploring your own backyard.



......Fodor's leads the way......




15 State Guide to Civil War Sesquicentennial Travel

April 12, 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the first shot fired at Fort Sumter—and the official start of the U.S. Civil War.









The original White House of the Confederacy holds many Davis family possessions.

As the first capital of the Confederacy, Montgomery is a great base for your exploration and Selma is only a one-hour drive away. For another dose of U.S. history, consider visiting the many prominent Civil Rights sites in the state.

First White House of the Confederacy: Built between 1832 and 1835, this Montgomery building was occupied by Jefferson Davis and his family while the government of the Confederacy was being organized. Learn More.

Selma: With the Confederacy's second-largest arsenal and foundry, the town was the target of Union attack in 1865, Alabama's only major inland Civil War battle. Learn more.

Worth Noting: Historic Blakeley State Park, Mobile Bay, Alabama Tri-State Civil War Association





Fodor's has it all, click here for the rest of the story
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Garlic Noodles Mystery

One of my favorite noodle shops in HK (and there are thousands) is 7-11.

(Daddy Roux makes fun of me, but I like what I like. I am not ashamed of liking gas station food. :) I come from a fried chicken liver, potato log-loving gas station eating family. )

After several attempts to recreate the texture and taste of Hong Kong's 7-11's Garlic Noodles, I gave up. Nothing was working.

So I went searching for the packaged version.

I could not find a garlic flavored noodle among the hundreds at the grocery. And trust me, I searched, tested and was still defeated.

So, I did what I should have done on day one. Investigate.

I went into a 7-11, used a lot of pointing and body language and managed to get them to show me the packaging behind their now famous garlic noodles.

And mystery solved. Now I know.






Hmmm, no wonder I could not find this, or replicate, I was not looking for egg, pea and shrimp noodles.....but all I know is, I like it.

Homemade Sushi=Easy

Really. Just buy the right rice. (Thai glutinous rice works and it's the only choice for sushi at my local supermarket)
Wash it until the water is clear. Cook it, add a little rice vinegar and sugar after it's cooked and plop a spoonful on a sheet of seaweed while it's still warm. Add whatever you want inside, in long strips then spread more rice on top. Wet fingers help to smooth out the sticky rice. Roll it up and cut with a sharp knife.

I used mayo, crystal hot sauce and a dash of soy sauce mixed together then added avocado, cucumber and imitation crab sticks. Yummmmm.

California roll in HK, yes please. Cheap and healthy and easy.

Don't be scared, give it a go. If it's not pretty, it will still taste pretty!










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