National Taco Day

 

Tomorrow is National Taco Day and I would be a liar if I said that holidays related to eating don't have a special place in my heart. I'm pretty serious about Mexican food because I love this: salsa.  Like I will practically drink it down I love it so much. Here is a little roundup of some favorite Mexican spots in the Arklatex…weighted a little more heavily by quality of salsa (QOS) than food.

Texarkana
Fuzzy's Tacos: The crunchy pork are all I eat. The queso is good, too.  Salsa, meh, but the pork tacos are good enough to overlook it.

Ironwood: Not a place to go for salsa either, but the blackened fish tacos here are really good. They don't skimp on the avocado.

On the Border: Don't shoot me, but if you're in a pinch, they really do have good salsa. I don't think I've ever eaten a taco from there, I'd bet they're average, but the salsa = good.

Amigo Juan: I feel like I have to mention this place because it's such a Texarkana institution (ditto Zapata's), but the salsa is just subpar. The salsa verde is good, but I really need the red salsa to be up there too in order to put it over the top. So I don't love it, but some people do and that's what makes America great.

New Boston/Linden

El Inca: This is one of the only places where I am happy just ordering some crunchy (chicken) tacos and eating chips and salsa. Probably the best salsa (that I've tried) in this area. (i.e. north of Shreveport. See: Oyster Bar)

Shreveport

Oyster Bar: Wait, a place called Oyster Bar serves tacos? YES. And has some of the best salsa a girl could ever dream up, it's so good. Get the tilapia puffy tacos and tortilla soup. Nix the taco dressing and pour on some salsa. Repeat.

El Compadre: This family-owned local spot is so charming, the kids work there alongside their parents! Yea so what if they are college-aged nowadays, it's still sweet. I don't even know how to describe the refried beans, um, they black. I think? They taste magical. And the salsa is awesome as well. Get some of each to dunk your chips in.



I'm dying to check out Tacos Mi Pueblo in Txk, but find it very intimidating. Do you have a favorite place I need to try? Let's hear it.


PS- Fuzzy's Tacos is offering $1 tacos all day Wednesday.

gift idea: arm candy kit

If you're like me, the number of summer birthdays in your friend group ( + kids!) can be a little wham-bam, overwhelming on the pocketbook.

For my friend Kristen's recent birthday, she expressed interest in a May 28th watch, so of course I bagged one on sale, and needed a little something to go with it. Here's what I came up with...

 

read more to see what's inside... 

summer fun

A friend and I are going to our local Blues Fest in our Linden, TX this weekend. While it's no Coachella or Bonnaroo (or Blues Fest in New Orleans), I'm looking to the bigger festivals for outfit inspiration to stay cool and breezy. Jorts and cowboy boots anyone?

 

all images from refinery29, harper's bazaar, & the cut.

i went to JC Penney's.

... to check out their collaboration with Joe Fresh. Much like you, I normally think of Penney's as a grandma store. I was pleasantly surprised! Firstly, they have revamped their look, everything was white and glossy. Then I noticed that in addition to Joe Fresh, they have collaborations with Betsey Johnson and Charlotte Ronson. Hm!

Here's what I thought about the Joe Fresh collection, and what I scored...

Stately gifts

AR: A customizable necklace that can feature your favorite city with a heart or star.

LA: The cutest throw pillow, also able to be customized to your location, be it Nola or the Port (or anywhere in between)

TX: Your favorite Texas city, to hang on your wall

soundtrack (under)appreciation

Remember when I mentioned music sometimes being so perfect in a preview it makes you want to see the movie?

This one may have missed the mark, the entire soundtrack is getting less than stellar reviews. What do you think?

Here is another, longer version to check out, as well.

what's up with: hot yoga

Hot yoga spots are popping up all over, are you familiar with it? We have TWO in Texarkana, that is pretty mind-blowing considering the things we don't have, like thai food. Or a Gap. (a little bitter about that one, the wound still feels fresh.)

But yes, there are two places that are offering hot classes, Texarkana Yoga (which as far as I know is closed for renovations right now) and Bimini Yoga. I have tried both and while I'm not going to get into a comparison, right now I'm going to Bimini. They offer a pilates class on Monday nights that is semi-hot, less hot than the hot yoga classes, that I love.

Here's a little info that I was curious about before I started going....

7 things...

 

1. Taste & See Candy and Gelato. (txk) Love their handmade caramels and of course gelato.

2. Bubble tea from the new bubble tea place on Richmond Rd in Texarkana (next to Mathnasium).

3. Pork taco from Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Only the pork taco. 

4. Big Jake's. If you know of a better bbq place in Texarkana, please share!

5. Golden Land in Shreveport. Oh man, the green curry chicken is my life. (Also the tom yum soup!)

6. Fish tacos from Ironwood Grill. (this batch was a little lower on fish than usual)

7. Oh you know, lunch in the car from Old Time Burger. Onion rings are the best. (Reggie's is my favorite burger in town, though.)

It's May 28th, ya'll

 

Watches from the online shop May 28th are half off today ONLY with the code HAPPYMAY28TH, just in case anyone is interested!  Above are just a few of the many style/color options they have. Get one while they are hot (and 50% off)!!

* This is not a sponsored post, I have one of these watches and just wanted to share :) 

Fischer's nautical nursery

Lisa and Brad Thompson were sweet enough to share these photos of their baby (who was born last week!) Fischer Henry's nautical bedroom. Fischer joins his big brother Porter to make the Thompson's a family of four - congrats, Team Thompson!

 

Keep reading for more pictures and details in Lisa's own words.