WHO DAT?

Dear Miami,

The Saints are coming. And so are we, their loyal, long-suffering and slightly discombobulated Super Bowl-bound fans.

While there's still time to prepare -- although a few hard-core Who Dats will begin trickling in Monday, most of us won't arrive until Thursday or Friday -- we thought we'd give you a heads-up about what you should expect.

First things first: You need more beer.

Yeah, we know. You ordered extra. You think you have more than any group of humans could possibly consume in one week. Trust us. You don't.

New Orleans was a drinking town long before the Saints drove us to drink. But it turns out beer tastes better when you're winning. (Who knew?) So let's just say we're thirsty for more than a championship; adjust your stockpiles accordingly.

And look. When we ask you for a go-cup, be nice to us. We don't even know what "open container law" means. Is that anything like "last call"?

It's Carnival season in New Orleans (that's Mardi Gras to you), and we'll be taking the celebration on the road. So don't be startled if you walk past us and we throw stuff at you; that's just our way of saying hello.

Oh, and sorry in advance about those beads we leave dangling from your palm trees. We just can't help ourselves.

February is also crawfish season, and you can be sure that more than one enterprising tailgater will figure out a way to transport a couple sacks of live mudbugs and a boiling pot to Miami.

When the dude in the 'Who Dat' T-shirt asks if you want to suck da head and pinch da tail, resist the urge to punch him. He's not propositioning you. He's inviting you to dinner.

And if you see a big Cajun guy who looks exactly like an old Saints quarterback walking around town in a dress ... don't ask. It's a long story.

We know that crowd control is a major concern for any Super Bowl host city. Our advice? Put away the riot gear.

Reason No. 1: Indianapolis is going to lose, and their fans are way too dull to start a riot.

Reason No. 2: New Orleans showed the world on Sunday that we know how to throw a victory party. We don't burn cars. We dance on them.

Reason No. 3: Even if we did lose, which we won't, leaving the stadium would be like leaving a funeral, and our typical response to that is to have a parade.

Speaking of which: If you happen to see a brass band roll by, followed by a line of folks waving their handkerchiefs, you're not supposed to just stand there and watch. As our own Irma Thomas would say, get your backfield in motion.

And hey, Mister DJ! Yes, we know you've already played that stupid Ying Yang Twins song 10 times tonight, but indulge us just one more time.

To us, "Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk)" isn't just a song; it's 576 points of good memories. It's the sound of a Drew Brees touchdown pass to Devery Henderson, a Pierre Thomas dive for first down on 4th-and-1, a Garrett Hartley field goal sailing through the uprights in overtime.

It's what a championship sounds like. You may get sick of hearing it. We won't. Encore, dammit.

Inside Sun Life Stadium, you may find your ears ringing more than usual. We're louder than other fans. Seven thousand of ours sound like 70,000 of theirs.

Don't believe us? Ask the 12th man in the Vikings huddle.

Some people think it's just the Dome that heightens our volume. But you're about to discover a little secret: We can scream loud enough to make your head explode, indoors or out.

It's not the roof. It's the heart.

Well, OK, and the beer.




Don't be surprised if there are more Saints fans outside the stadium than inside. A lot of us are coming just to say we were part of history, even if we can't witness it up close. The Saints are family to us, and you know how it is with family: We want to be there for them, whether they really need us or not. Because we know our presence will mean something to them, whether they can see us or not.

Come to think of it, seeing as how you're taking us in for the week, we pretty much regard you as family, too. So we're warning you now: If you're within hugging distance, you're fair game.

Hugging strangers is a proud Who Dat tradition, right up there with crying when we win.

Most sports fans cry when their teams lose. Not us. We've been losing gracefully and with good humor for 43 years. Tragedy and disappointment don't faze us. It's success that makes us go to pieces.

Hurricane Katrina? We got that under control. The Saints in the Super Bowl? SOMEBODY CALL A PARAMEDIC!!!

So anyway, don't let the tears of joy freak you out. We're just ... disoriented.

OK. Let's review:

Order more beer. Throw me something, mister. Suck da heads. Wear da dress. Stand up. Get crunk. Hug it out. Protect your eardrums. Pass the Kleenex. Hoist the trophy.

See you at the victory party.

Faithfully yours,

The Who Dat Nation

By Mark Lorando, The Times-Picayune

SUPERBOWL! are we ready for some FOOTBALL? I know I am ! happy dance happy dance!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

It all began, earlier in the season.............when the Saints beat the Patriots......... gave them a "whooping" as some would say. The Patriot Dynasty fell to the team once known as the "aints." Well the AINTS AINT AINTS NO MORE! :) Its NFL history in the making and quite possibly the most exciting super bowl EVER!

The game will be in Miami but the players will be representing

Indianapolis and New Orleans.

I am a Long Time Saints fan. Have been ever since I worked in the Superdome, selling Nacho's at age 15. They were the "AINTS" back then and grocery stores couldn't keep paper bags in stock, as people wanted them to decorate and wear over their faces, still wearing SAINTS GEAR but ..............not revealing "who dat" they were.

Now days, the Saints are "America's Team" the underdogs, the survivors of katrina and the fans are out (without the bags) and stores are selling out of Saints Gear, Jerseys , Fleur De Lis , you name it, the Saints are a money making entity for their city and the NFL at large. Many people are getting in on the action and using their skills to market items to the newly formed and LARGE fan base.

With Mardi Gras Right around the corner, king cakes are being made (business as usual) but now you can buy them in the colors of the SAINTS (black and gold) ****thanks to my GF, VICKI who so graciously sent me one to enjoy this weekend!

The Game is just around the corner and you know me, gotta try to get some FRUGAL game plan going for SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!

All of the sudden people were asking me for IDEAS on what to serve to represent New Orleans at their Super Bowl parties. I wrote a brief blog post (not frugal in nature) just to put out there what it is that people eat (besides seafood) when they are at home here. Many people that I know personally that live in New Orleans wont be cooking at all , but rather be in various establishments to celebrate locally with their friends, on balconies in the quarter.

What do you need to have a Great Superbowl Game, FRUGALLY you ask? hmmmmmmmm

well , I may need to look to WALMART may have the answers you are looking for! Can you believe it? they have made it SUPER SIMPLE to plan your party with a "slider" for how many guests you are expecting, they have even provided some print out party games!

TELEVISIONS: it is imparative to have a working television , and electricity to view the game! Many houses put televisions all over the house, so you don't miss a thing! Right now Walmart has all of their HI DEF TVS AT GREAT PRICES AND FREE SHIPPING! GO HEREto check out the great selection of BRAND NAMES and NO COST S&H! They also have some great deals on installation if you need that!

FOOD: Walmart has come up with a SUPERBOWL PACK that feeds 8 (its a no brainer just pick it up) for $44whats in this pack? one package of Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, one package of Johnsonville Bratwursts, two packages of Great Value Hot Dog Buns, two boxes of T.G.I Friday’s Frozen Appetizers, one Hormel Supreme Party Tray, a 12″ Chocolate Chunk cookie and two boxes of Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuit Crackers

you get a variety of goodies , something for everyone & its EASY FARE to fix and clean up.

NOW ............... you want to win a WALMART GIFT CARD ? check this out.......

you can put together your OWN SUPERBOWL PARTY MENU or get one of theirs, the $50 gc

is enough to even cover the tax!

HOW TO ENTER / GAIN ENTRIES:

1. comment below telling me your best money saving tip or recipe for SUPERBOWL PARTIES

you have until FEB 10th to get your entry in. I will need to contact you so you may NOT enter anonomously, so leave your email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner.

You may enter more than one idea but each idea must be a separate and completely different idea.

2. EXTRA ENTRY can be earned by going HERE and telling me the best product, idea , recipe or bargain you found at WALMART'S GAME TIME PAGE !

THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK !

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“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign byMom Central on behalf of Walmart. In addition, I received a Walmart gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate and one to offer as a giveaway.”

New Orleans Super Bowl Fare Ideas

I have been asked for some ideas for "authentic n'awlins" Foods to serve for superbowl this year that do not include shellfish.............

Google recipes for which ever ones you like SEAFOOD of course is HUGE there , but as per your request kim, leaving that out.........

Muffaletta's are HUGE in nola and very traditional, they are made with several meats (kelly you can get "turkey versions" if you wanted to) provolone and olive salad and usually is made with ROUND BREAD. this slices nicely for appetizer, to serve many Po' Boys are found EVERYWHERE in nola , my favorite is shrimp/oyster but Kim, the ROAST BEEF style sells the most. Peeps in nola flavor their rb heavily with GARLIC and this sandwich has gravy on it too........ AGAIN you can make into slices to serve as a finger food rather than an entree

PRALINES are "the" sweet / candy to serve unless of course you want to attempt a KING CAKE. My gf is sending me a BLACK/GOLD decorated king cake , because mardi gras is 16th this year they are "doubling" the fun by combining them. Another thought is BREAD PUDDING , new orleans style would be to have a bourbon sauce on french bread or cream sauce on banana bread . Beignets are also a NOLA favorite, that would be good "sweet" to have on hand.

RED BEANS AND RICE would be a GREAT side dish. Kelly you can find turkey sausage , kim if you are making this and can do "pork" get andouille sausage if you can find. that is the traditional sausage used. GUMBO, JAMBALAYA and ETOUFEE can all be made with CHICKEN / SAUSAGE combo instead of seafood and would be found at most any gathering........... Meat Pies are popular but usually not cooked "in home" I think they are the PERFECT thing to serve for superbowl and you look for NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE recipe for the "louisiana" style which is not too too hot the other style often found there is the JAMAICAN style which tends to be a bit spicier.........

When I lived there, I noticed......... in the "party" style foods there were NEVER any ham biscuits (LOL) but there was ALWAYS hot brocolli & cheese dip & sliced tomatoes. A GREAT MENU WOULD BE: red beans and rice meat pies muffalata sliced tomatoes broc. & Cheese dip with french bread rounds (I find these at french market) KING CAKE PRALINES

DONT FORGET TO GET SOME BEADS at PARTY CITY thats about all you will need for decor unless you have some FLEUR DE LIS!

HURRICANES and BEER are the "traditional" drinks if you are wanting alcohol if not SWEET TEA is it........ and coffee au lait of course have fun !

Better to See you with My Dear...........

I have ALWAYS been a contact lense wearer. My eye doctor is amazed at how long I can make a pair of extended wear last! Well, now that I am (cough cough) forty something.......... my eyesight has changed. I am no longer just "near sighted with an astigmastism" but I am also needing reading glasses! You see, the more they correct for nearsightedness.......the stronger the prescription ........the more you need reading glasses due to that correction.

My eye doctor was SHOCKED when I came to him to get my "prescription" for my progressive lenses from AIRWEAR. He told me that it would take me "some getting used to" as I was so used to

my contacts and drugstore glasses. He was so tickled that I was even considering walking around with glasses on all day, in public.......... :) He said that I couldn't have picked a better lense to try, since I hate wearing glasses. These have so many good qualities and he called them "top of the line."

My new glasses are BLUE & GREEN! LOL, I chose some blue frames that I had (to upcycle for this blog tour). Noooooooooooooooo they don't "go with" everything and I am not trying to make a fashion statement either..........but Airwear is making a statement, a GREEN ONE!

Not only were my frames recycled, but my eye doctor took the lenses to recycle with the LIONS CLUB I am not sure what the criteria is to get glasses from them but I am happy to give my used lenses to an organization that will help others SEE. This company is on the ball and not only are they participating members with the Lions Club but their lenses are made from 100% recycled water and plastics, they can be credited with saving millions of gallons of water and recycling plastic waste to the tune of 570,000 pounds annually!

Do I like the Performance? hmmmmmmmmm no I LOVE THEM! They are light, comfortable, I see better than wearing my contacts + drugstore glasses and oh yea did I mention they are scratch resistant? I am guilty of putting my glasses down , throwing them in my purse hurridly from time to time (there goes that vanity factor again) and the company states that thy are 10X more scratch resistant than the "standard lense" so maybe my eye doctor will be just as surprised at how long I can make my glasses last as he is with my contact lenses! How frugal is that? One pair of glasses vs. several and they work better, give back, huge comfort factor,last longer and oh yea "BETTER TO SEE YOU WITH" too, ya sold me!

This is the description synopsis........ from the website "Going green doesn't mean sacrificing comfort, performance, protection and style. Airwear^® lenses are 43 percent lighter and 10 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses. They also provide 100 percent UV protection. Airwear^® lenses are available for single vision and progressive prescriptions, and are compatible with the world's most trusted vision brands, such as Varilux^®, Crizal^®, Xperio^®, DEFINITY^® and Transitions^®."

So yea, for now I will still wear my contact lenses MOST of the time, but when I am cleaning my lenses, or needing to see better..............I would much rather have these glasses than any other I have tried! No need for switching back and forth between glasses as I read & watch tv, comfort is there and hmmmmmmmmm I think they look pretty good too! :)

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I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Airwear and received a pair of Airwear eyeglass lenses to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Frugal & Hot Lips in 3 days .............muahhhhhhhhh

Winter is here and Valentines Day is coming............you know what that means don't you?
Dry skin, dry chapped lips and .............wait a minute, we want HOT LIPS for HEART DAY don't we? Dry chapped lips are unacceptable! What do we do?


Face it, Lips are sexy...........Lips are Lucious and we want our Lips to be HOT for Valentines day!












Photo Credits: Instyle: ChildrensMuseum .org
www.art.com





EveryOne


All of the Stars from HOT LIPS herself to JULIA ROBERTS have the perfect kissable lips ! YEAR ROUND? How can that be?







Photo Credits: instyle.com & facebook.com/juliaroberts

UNHEALTHY LIPS .............

• Dehydration: Feel dry and tight
• Rough Texture: Rough and scale easily
• Diminished Tone: Natural hue appears faded

UNHEALTHY LIPS

• Hydration: Feel moisturized and supple
• Even Texture: Feel soft and smooth
• Healthy Tone: Natural hue

ENTER NESOPORIN.............. and the 3 day challenge!

#1 Get your SavingsCoupon HERE
we don't want to pay full price, you don't have to wait for your coupon, you just make sure your printer is turned on. You can use the back button and "refresh" and print 2 - which is the limit per computer / person. These are HIGH VALUE $3 off any Neosporin product coupon!



#2 LOCATE YOUR LOCAL STORE THAT CARRIES THE PRODUCTS
HERE
RIGHT NOW thru 1/31 WALGREENS has them 2/$8
use the coupons and get back $3 in Register Rewards
for your purchase, yep thats right.......... :)

#3 TAKE THE CHALLENGE..............

THEY ARE NOT JUST GIVING US "LIP SERVICE" THEY ARE DELIVERING CLINICAL RESULTS!






This is just one of the results photos you can find on their website


My experience, (check out those lips...........um yea I have some lips, no botox for me) ............ I have lips that "stick out" pouty full sized lips that are like magnets to the wind and cold. They chap, peel, flake, etc probably easier than the "average lips!"
I NEED the "good stuff!" Lipstick furthers my problems (usually) so I tend to stay away from it , except on special occasions. But I love a gloss, a medication or a tingly experience and I especially need them "in shape" for Valentines day. Its a kissability factor! who wants to kiss a "snake?"



Mom Central and Neoporin asked me to take the 3 day challenge! I used the day and night formula as needed during the day and one last time before going to sleep. I don't know about how they LOOKED after day one, but they felt like a MILLION BUCKS! Sparkly, full moist and soft. OH YEA BABE and it didn't cost a MILLION BUCKS as a matter of fact RIGHT NOW you can get a deal (see step 2) and have some GREAT LIPS in time for HEART DAY!


Photo Credit: http://salvadordalimuseum.org/


After 3 Days of using the NEOSPORIN DAY AND NIGHT FORMULAS I have to say .......... I went and bought MORE to make sure I had enough to at least last me through the WINTER SEASON! NO MORE SNAKE LIKE LIPS FOR ME! ...........


Thanks Mom Central and Neosporin! I have the Kissability factor down pat for this HEART DAY!
MUAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH









Photo Credit: impressionableyouth.com
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"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Neosporin and received a sample of the Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy and the Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate."

Instant Cash Sweepstakes

New Carpet is In! FRUGALLY!

CARPET was our CHRISTMAS PRESENT to each other this year - we did not exchange gifts, not even a stocking, so this was a savings to be applied towards this big purchase! I searched and searched the sales, closeouts , coupons, incentives etc and still could not beat the price & guarantee that Lowes gave us!


this week started off with a "holiday" from work and school at our house we scheduled a team of carpet layers to come in and install our carpetfor 3 rooms + stairs at our house! we were considered a "big job" because they had to move furniture and the rooms were not "small." The real work began
the Sat. before............ WE had to clear the floor of the small things and the knick-knacks etc all had to be moved as well!
we filled more than 10 med. size totes/bins and still could have used a couple more. We stored them in Kelly's old room and now plan on going thru them 1 at a time until we have them unloaded and can move a bed in there, whew, that was a lot of work.........

The new carpet looks great (below is our game room/den and our bedroom) we also had the stairs and sunroom/dining area done as well. Everything looks so clean ..........and uncluttered with it all put away. We are going to have a yardsale in the spring.......with what we don't put back out! Will blog about that later! :)