slumdogging summer

-that is the equivalent of 4 weeks of hell-

not to mention the countless 100-slide-powerpoints-in-50-minutes and textbooks and review books and every other resource under the sun that's thrown at us. there comes a time (many times) when you have to throw it up in the air and say, "Fuck, it's just not worth me losing another hour of sleep. I'll just take a hit in that section on the test." And I guess the problem arises when you find yourself saying that every ten pages.

So it's with great relief that I announce to the world: I have officially finished my first year in medical school! Wheeeeeee! Yes, no one cares but me and my mama. But for those of you who plan on cashing in on my success in the future, I'm a quarter of a doctor! Aside from the the fact that this past year has been a whirlwind of emotions that ranged from excitement to utter despair, I can't help but walk away with a sense of accomplishment. I learned a ton, but of all the knowledge I've hoarded, learning that there's about 100 billion tons more to learn is the most riveting facet of medical school. I've never valued free time more than I do now. In fact, it feels positively euphoric to be sitting here at 3 in the morning doing absolutely nothing that benefits my future patients. But before I get ahead of myself and commit to a summer of sedimentary inclinations, I am going to be giving a little and learning a little.............in INDIA!

I'm going to India under the guise of doing volunteer work with a great nonprofit organization called UNITE FOR SIGHT. I'll be working hard, saving the world, one eye at a time (so says a friend of mine). And that's not the best part. I'm excited about immersing myself in the rich culture of India. It's going to be in-sane. What's more insane? Through the generosity of the beautiful people around me, I was able to reach my fundraising goal of $1500 for those in rural New Delhi, India in need of eyecare. For more info or to donate, visit my link: https://maestropay.com/go/uniteforsight/volunteers/ref/7cb0f78fd89f4100a768e0df40867456

And as if that's not enough to have me going into epileptic seizures, I'll continue my travels after India in Thailand, Vietnam, and mainland China!

And consistently, one of the most forceful motivating factors behind me going to Asia every year for the last 3 years - shopping!


I almost forgot about these tulip shorts until a girls' night out left me pillaging through my closet. One of many I picked up in Hong Kong last summer. Those Chinese girls can dress. They can't dance, but they sure can dress.



Forever21 belt = $4


ok. The shoes I'll admit are very American-bred - Stuart Weitzman. Absolutely nothing "Asian" about it but I just love his shoes. Comfort. They're currently my fav pair. The patent nude is so versatile. In fact, these are the only heels I packed in my luggage.


Clutch/Purse by Chanel. These have sentimental value (and I guess you can go ahead and say monetary value too. haha) bc my mom picked it out herself and bought it for me as a birthday gift. I usually find her choice in handbags atrocious so this was a pleasant surprise. I love it bc unlike other clutches I can sling this one over my shoulder if I tie a small knot on top and that leaves my hands/arms free to hold drinks or sling it across the opposite shoulder for a more casual look or the chain can disappear altogether!

In addition to those awesome shorts featured above, I got some great hobo bags in Vietnam the previous summer.



Yes, I own them in a multitude of colors. They have become part of my official Festival wear. Jazzfest. French Quarter Fest. You can catch me with one of those. And for $5 a pop, I can grab a few more this summer for anyone who's interested. =)


I'll take plenty of pictures and eat a lot of food. Bet on it. And don't worry, I've already prepared a couple of blogs to post while I'm away so stay tuned.

I hope everyone else has a fabulous summer as well! As for me, I'll be a slumdog in India and a slumdog when I return June 24th. Hallelujah to no more studying!

in my white tee...yep, in my white tee

Michelle Obama riled up some European designers and fashion snobs and had them foaming at the mouth with her recent j crew-inspired outfit choice overseas.



I happen to think it's charming. Any ole run-of-the-mill gal can get dolled up in whatever expensive outfit a stylist conjures up for her. It takes real balls to wear J. Crew in London & meet the "other leader of the free world" and wear it well. She looks like a million bucks to me. And quite frankly, with the economy as it is in the States, I'm quite thankful some of her outfits veered more on the financially conservative end, and by that I mean - affordable. That's if you think $200 is affordable.

I happen to be a fan of J. Crew. I recently picked up this $39.50 cotton white tee in 2 colors...


That's kind of pricey for a plain white tee, but it's def worth it. Perfect fit. Durable quality. Silky smooth, yet still has that feel of cotton we're accustomed to having.





Cotton: the fabric of our lives.

Michael Kors sandals I dug up at UAL for an awesome $75.

I'll be in the sweltering continent of Asia for much of this summer (more on that later), so a great white tee + sandals will pretty much be my game plan.

lobster attack

Apparently, the Marriot Hotel on Canal St. has undergone some swanky renovations. I walked in and thought I was in the middle of a Las Vegas hotel lobby. I’m definitely going to have to find more reasons to go there…starting with…

Reason #1 – Restaurant 5 Fifty 5




Bread + Options. I get really excited when restaurants offer different varieties of bread or if they offer unwhipped solid chunks of real butter. They had both here! That flat cracker w/sunflower seeds was so addictive.


Traditional seafood gumbo. Gumbo is my all-time favorite. I don’t even care if it’s not good. I’ll order it anyway. It’s how I judge a New Orleans restaurant – by it’s gumbo. You can get a really good feel of a place by tasting their soups. This one fared well.


Sampler Slider with crab cake, lobster salad, prime rib debris, and duck.
three letters: O-M-G…


Lobster mac n cheese. Some shaved truffles would have really set this dish off. However, it was comfort food at it’s best. Next time, though, I’ll just get a side of it with another entrée. It’s a little rich after a few bites.


I love date nights.

serial taster

Who says a little bit of an indulgence can't hurt? I’m sure my report card will probably beg to differ at the end of the semester! When everyone else was at home cramming for the upcoming set of tests, I attended the 8th annual Taste of the Town event with my mommy and her sisters. I wish I could say I was sorry.
Well, I’m sorry for not being sorry.


It’s usually held at Lafrienne Park once a year. Due to some severe weather conditions (which aren’t uncommon in New Orleans…in fact, learn to relish this about the city) the location moved to a covered parking lot. It was a little bit of a buzz kill, but at the end of the night good food is still good food.


There were so many great vendors. All the heavy hitters of New Orleans and some refreshing surprises too!


You can’t really go wrong with Drago’s charbroiled oysters. I believe my mom went back for seconds…and thirds…and fourths. I kid you not. At one point, I had to get in line for the woman.


Cocktail shrimp. It’s nothing you can’t find on any good ole Shoney’s buffet line, but check out the display. I was thoroughly impressed for some odd reason.


Seared tuna. I forgot the restaurant’s name but she’s a beauty, huh?


Ruth’s Chris’ steak sandwich.


5 Fifty 5’s lobster mac n cheese.


Commander Palace’s famous turtle soup w/a shot of sherry.


John Besh’s BBQ shrimp.


Lilette’s cold radish soup.

The battle of the corn grits:





The old favorite wins. I prefer Zea’s corn grits with alligator over Sandro’s shrimp version. Creamy, smooth, and consistent. You can take this girl to Zea’s any day!



Sucre of Magazine St also made a debut. In my opinion: still overrated.



Cupcakes by Melange.
I believe the phrase, “too pretty to eat,” applies here. They actually tasted better in my head than they did in my mouth. The cake was heavy and dry. The frosting was unimaginative. But they sure are a sight for the eyes and in this superficial world you can’t really fault something that looks so darn good!

And if you’re a drinker, the $90 ticket basically pays for itself. There were unlimited offerings of wine, Pat O’s famous hurricanes (and let me tell you, not one bit diluted, whew!), beer, and specialty drinks made with premium spirits…


my mommy, the alcoholic =)








Mmmmm…my life revolves around food.

let the good times ROAR

New Orleans restaurants + unlimited wine + contemporary art = one great cause

Camp Tiger, a nonprofit organization started in 1985, has a mission that includes giving disabled & challenged kids of the greater New Orleans area an enriching summer camp experience. It’s such a source of pride since it’s completely staffed and organized by us, the first year medical students at LSU. A major portion of the fundraising for this free-of-charge camp is derived from our annual Camp Tiger Silent Auction Benefit and it was a success this year!

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)


Music by Dr. Jazz and the New Orleans Dixieland Sounds


NOMA is such a neat space. It definitely ranks up there in my potential wedding site list.



There was an abundant supply of great food donated by local New Orleans restaurants and the bar (where I happened to be working my shift) was kept flowing with unlimited wine and beer all night (also donated).

Some good friends of mine were able to contribute to the cause by contributing their own goods…
Chez Pierre - a local bakery known for their fruit tarts, custard, French pastries, and cake.


Hoshun - by far, the most popular table at the event…mainly due to his awesome presentation and on site sushi rolling; they’re open until 2 am daily and have a prime location on St. Charles Ave.


Auction items ranged from dermatologic peels, spa packages, artwork, jewelry, vacation packages, etc.


We raised almost $35,000. The camp will definitely be on this year.

Such a beautiful, fun evening. Looking forward to tons of fun with the kids of Camp Tiger this summer.

On a side note, I want this in my living room.


Stuart Weitzman. Shoes this good looking can’t possibly be this comfortable to work in.