Yats 3.85/4

If you have never been to Yats! GO NOW!

 

Yats is a quirky, New Orleans-style Cajun Creole restaurant in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. The first location still stands at 54th and College Ave. in Indianapolis and locations have expanded to Fishers, Greenwood, Mass Ave, Carmel ... Columbus, IN and more!

Yats is said to be all about their customers and their love for the community ... it is intended to be a place to hang out with friends and have a good time! I do believe Yats has succeeded in providing an inviting restaurant that will keep you coming back for more! The food is simple and tasty. The prices are extremely affordable. The atmosphere is crazy ... in a good way! 

Today, my sister and I enjoyed the spinach and mushroom and the chipotle Alexio at the 54th and College location on their patio. As you walk in, you can't help but notice that the restaurant is full of quirks. The menu is written on a chalkboard behind the wildly decorated counter. You won't get bored of the decor, that's for sure! They also have several tables outside on the patio.

The menu items are essentially Louisiana cuisine, with heavy emphasis on beans, rich flavorful sauces and rice. The entrees are accompanied by crusty bread. My suggestions is to pile the rice topped with your choice of etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, etc. onto the bread - it makes a delightful combination!

My sister loves the spinach and mushroom dish while I have gotten the chipotle Alexio the past two times I have been there ... the chipolte Alexio has a bit of spice but not too much!

The ALWAYS-friendly staff come in handy when it comes to the menu. They are willing to make a recommendation, explain the dishes and give you samples - this is important if you are new to this Cajun Creole food. The menu items may not be named in a way that you are familiar with, but don't worry, the staff is there to help!

It’s essentially Louisiana cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on beans, rich flavorful sauces, and of course, rice. There are etouffees, gumbos, jambalayas, red beans and rice, in various combinations. - See more at: http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/menu/#sthash.pkKKYzKs.dpuf

The 54th and College location only accepts cash which I find charming. But don't be too worried about the need for cash ... the food is cheap - quality, but cheap!



So, let's get down to the scores!

Here is how this experience at the 54th and College location stacks up based on my 1-4 rating system - 4 being the best:

Food: 3.75
The variety is vast, and the flavors are outstanding. The bread is perfectly paired with the entrees. The portions are large ... I always get the half portion which is just enough for lunch. The food is such a nice departure from the more common sandwiches and salads!

Atmosphere: 3.75
The quirky decor is one-of-a-kind ... there is a carousel horse on the counter! I don't really know why, but I guess the question should be, why not? The restaurant is inviting with plenty of seating indoors and on the patio.

Price: 4
Large portions for cheap! The half-sized portion shown above which includes the bread is ONLY $4.75!!!!!!!

Uniqueness: 3.75
The Louisiana-style food is fairly unique here in Indy! I have never been to another restaurant quite like Yats. From the food to the staff to the decor, it is a special place.

Service: 4
You couldn't ask for much more out of the staff. They are knowledgeable about the food, in good spirits and extremely friendly. A staff member brought our food out to the patio for us and picked up our dishes when we were done!

Overall Average: 3.85
The overall score is the highest of any restaurant that I have rated! The price plays a large role in this score but the food and service just can't be beat in my opinion!

I recommend finding your nearest Yats and giving it a try ... you might just find your new favorite restaurant!

We’re Yats. We’re a local New Orleans style joint. Born on 54th and College, also at Fishers, Greenwood, Mass Ave, Carmel, Traders Point, The Avenue downtown, Columbus, IN and coming soon….Hamilton Town Center and Valparaiso, IN. You could say we’re in the people business and we serve pretty good food at an affordable price. We’re not real sophisticated, and often accused of being irreverent. Maybe so. But we care about our customers and we love our community. Yats is a place you can come hang out with your friends, your family, and other people you love. It’s our place and we want it to be your place too. Oh yea…we are now offering franchise rights to people that feel the same way we do. Let’s spread the love….. - See more at: http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/#sthash.W1RCfV8B.dpuf

We’re Yats. We’re a local New Orleans style joint. Born on 54th and College, also at Fishers, Greenwood, Mass Ave, Carmel, Traders Point, The Avenue downtown, Columbus, IN and coming soon….Hamilton Town Center and Valparaiso, IN. You could say we’re in the people business and we serve pretty good food at an affordable price. We’re not real sophisticated, and often accused of being irreverent. Maybe so. But we care about our customers and we love our community. Yats is a place you can come hang out with your friends, your family, and other people you love. It’s our place and we want it to be your place too. Oh yea…we are now offering franchise rights to people that feel the same way we do. Let’s spread the love….. - See more at: http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/#sthash.W1RCfV8B.dpuf

We’re Yats. We’re a local New Orleans style joint. Born on 54th and College, also at Fishers, Greenwood, Mass Ave, Carmel, Traders Point, The Avenue downtown, Columbus, IN and coming soon….Hamilton Town Center and Valparaiso, IN. You could say we’re in the people business and we serve pretty good food at an affordable price. We’re not real sophisticated, and often accused of being irreverent. Maybe so. But we care about our customers and we love our community. Yats is a place you can come hang out with your friends, your family, and other people you love. It’s our place and we want it to be your place too. Oh yea…we are now offering franchise rights to people that feel the same way we do. Let’s spread the love….. - See more at: http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/#sthash.W1RCfV8B.dpuf

Antique Objects Turned Functional Home Decor

I have found a new appreciation for antiques and vintage items lately. Old items have such character, such personality. Over the past month I have purchased a few decor items from local antique shops. One of the items I sought out after a creative project idea popped in my head. Two of the items I had to have after spotting them at a shop and I knew I could put them to good use!

Item #1 is an old yellow, weathered wooden Coca-Cola crate. I sought this piece out to create a magazine and laptop holder to sit on my new coffee table. I needed a better place to put magazines that usually sit haphazardly on my table and a spot designated for our laptop that didn't have an official  "home". 

 

To create this magazine/laptop holder all I had to do was saw the compartments out of the middle of the crate, place it on my coffee table and fill it. It adds visual interest to my coffee table and helps organize items that would otherwise look like clutter. 

 

 

Items #2 and #3 were impulse buys which could be dangerous - you could end up with a items you don't NEED or items with no purpose. I don't typically impulse buy, so I figured these purchases were justified.

Item #2 is a bright yellow metal "basket" with interesting curves. The paint is a little worn which adds character. I really liked the color and thought I could put this to go use ... Somewhere.

After bringing home the basket, I figured it out! This item makes the perfect dog toy holder!

 

Item #3 is an old egg basket. It's silver metal. I fell in love with how the basket opens and closes. I liked the lines and the raw metal look. Again, I figured I could always use another container ...

I ended up using this egg basket to hold my coffee and K-Cups near my Keurig. It now hangs from a hook in my kitchen.

 

Adding some vintage, colorful flare to my home has been a joy! I enjoy the hunt for the item and then figuring out a creative way to use it. I also love organization, so these items bring me twice the pleasure! It's all about thinking outside of the box!

Challenge Nation - 5K Scavenger Hunt

I can't think of anything more fun than completing a 5K Scavenger Hunt with my sisters wearing neon tutus! So, that is exactly what I did this weekend! Aren't our tutus THE BEST thanks to my sister's craftiness!

Challenge Nation is a series of urban adventure races that take place across the nation. Our race took place in downtown Indianapolis where we had to solve 11 out of 12 clues by racing around the city and taking pictures of our team at the location of each answer. The clues could be answered in any order but the goal was to find each answer and race back to the finish line first! Racers were encouraged to dress in wacky costumes and enjoy exploring the city while staying fit.

My team called We Do Track-Well, a play on words of my and my sister's maiden name Trackwell, finished 73rd out of 123 teams ... 73rd isn't great but we had a blast running up and down the city streets and just simply spending time together. We had a bit of a miscommunication on the rules and had to go back and re-find a few answers, so I am confident we would have finished better than we did if that mishap hadn't happened, but oh well!

The clues were kind of challenging - we were allowed to use smartphones, gps or phone a friend to help crack the clues, which really helped. The clues were vague, in a rhyme or asked you to find something but didn't tell you were it was located ... you had to use your brain and problem solving skills. The smarts of our phones were a nice addition as well!

To start, the team captain from each of the 123 teams stood in a circle outside of Scotty's Brewhouse and received the clues - each of the captains were asked to not look at the clues until everyone had received theirs  - and then we were off!

We started with Clue #1 where we had to run quit a distance to a location north of an obelisk in Military Park and hula hoop. Clue #1 - check:

For Clue #2, we had to locate a small sculpture, that has been stolen 3 times, of "a boy that never ages" and draw a picture, using sidewalk chalk, of our favorite thing about Indy. The little sculpture was really hard to find - none of us had ever heard of it. Colts was our obvious favorite thing! Clue #2 - check:

Clue #3 asked that we go to the location where the King "left the building" for the last time ever, which was the location where Market Square Arena used to stand, and rock out with some props. I love my sister's face as she is singing into the microphone! Clue #3 - check:

For Clue #4, we had to find an out-of-towner wearing non-sports related hometown garb - but not from Indiana. Once we found the person we were asked to take a photo acting out what we think the home is like. The guy we found was from Pennsylvania and he said "there is nothing good about Pennsylvania", so we all gave a thumbs down and made a sad face - the guy is smiling while giving his thumbs down, what's up with that! Clue #4 - check:

 

Clue #5 lead us to the Indiana State Museum where we had to locate a plaque designed for a county of Indiana that borders another state - Spencer County it was. Clue #5 - check:

Clue #6 was solved by figuring out 2 words to fill in the blanks of a phrase. The 2 words were the names of Indianapolis downtown streets that intersected. At that site, we had to play a quick game and take a photo with the Challenge Nation staff member. Clue #6 - check:

For Clue #7, we had to take a photo with a statue of any President that appears on Mount Rushmore and act out a scene from their life. Abraham Lincoln was our man, and we acted out his death. I was John Wilkes Booth, Melanie was Lincoln and Megan was his wife ... so silly! Clue #7 - check:

 

Clue #8 was to take a photo of either a clown, a traditional barber pole, a tricycle, a person wearing overalls or any pet other than a dog or a horse. We found a barber pole and a barber that WOULDN'T STOP TALKING TO US ... we just had to run away from the shop after giving the man a few seconds of courtesy conversation. Clue #8  check:

 

 

Clue #9 eluded to engraved bricks in front of a famous place. We had to find a brick that bore the first or last name of any Indiana Governor ... the smart phone was of great help on this one. We found a brick at St. Elmo's Steakhouse with the name "James" on it to represent James B. Ray, a former governor. Clue #9 - check:

 

 

For Clue #10, we had to buy a postcard, address it, write a message and snap a pic in front of an "old style" blue mailbox. We were surprised how hard it was to find a mailbox, but we finally stumbled upon one. Clue #10 - check:

 



Clue #11 was a funny one! We had to pair up with another team and 2 strangers and act out a scene from a movie set in Indiana while in front of a theater downtown. We acted out Close Encounters of the Third Kind, apparently filmed at Ball State. This movie is supposedly about aliens. I loved how the strangers got so in to the acting, and my sister makes a fine alien! Clue #11 - check:

 

Lastly, Clue #12 involved us battling it out as pirates against another challenge team. There were props on Monument Circle to pose with. Clue #12 - check:

 

 

After completing the clues, we ran to the finish line to end the race! We did it!

 

 

This race was pure fun! You didn't even realize that you were completing a 5K while searching for answers to the clues. It ended up being a nice workout!

 

 

Besides sharing this experience with my sisters and wearing a tutu, my favorite thing about the race was how much those in downtown Indy that were NOT in the race, reacted to all of us crazy people running around. I believe there were close to 450 people involved in the challenge. Those people dining at outdoor restaurants and those walking around downtown were so curious about what we were doing and wanted to help us anyway they could. It was great to see strangers get excited for us and cheer us on all in the name of FUN! 

 

Challenge Nation is a great event and a BLAST! I look forward to making this race a tradition with my sisters. Next year's Indianapolis race is already scheduled for August 9, 2014 - consider signing up, you won't regret it!

Refinishing an Old Table using Tung Oil Finish

My husband and I were on the hunt for the perfect coffee table for our living room for what seemed like FOREVER! We wanted something old, something with character, a project! We hit up every antique mall, garage sale and second hand store in the area and were beginning to think that thee table did not exist. We tried to think outside the box - we searched for unique objects that might make for a creative base or re-claimed molding and wood that we could re-purpose but still NOTHING ... until we stumbled upon the Indie Art & Vintage Marketplace.

For starters, the Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace is great! This outdoor marketplace takes place one Saturday a month at the Glendale Towne Center in Indy. It began May 4th and goes through October 5th (the remaining dates are August 3rd, September 2nd and October 5th). There are many vendors offering "vintage, antique, modern, shabby, chippy, rustic and eclectic" items. Cost is $5 per person. The event also features food trucks and beer for purchase.

We walked around the marketplace looking for key items that might be able to be used for a coffee table, and then we saw it ... an old, antique folding table with rustic appeal!

 

The table is made of old wood and coolest part is that the legs are designed to fold in. There were some knots and discoloration, which we loved! The got the table for a heck of a deal - $40!

There were a few issues with the table though. For one, it was too tall - the table is intended to be used with chairs. Also, there was some glue dried to the top. So, my husband and his friend sawed off the legs creating a 19" high coffee table, and I started refinishing!

I began refinishing by using a stiff brush to clean off the table and knock down some of the glue. I then took some sand paper and lightly sanded down the areas with glue. I intentionally did not sand out all of the imperfections because I wanted to keep the character. Once the table was cleaned up, it was ready for its finish.

After some research, I choose to finish the table with Tung Oil Finish. Tung Oil Finish penetrates and protects wood making it water resistant. We chose a low gloss version that will provide a beautiful hand rubbed finish. To use the Tung Oil Finish you simply need the oil, wipe cloths and gloves (all can be purchased at your local hardwood store). All the supplies cost me about $15.

I applied the first coat of oil over the whole table, top, legs, etc. You pour the oil on your rag and begin rubbing it into the wood, like you would wax a car - a thin coat is suggested. It only took we about 20 minutes to apply the first coat.

Look how much that one thin coat enhanced the look of the old wood! Talk about breathing new life into an old piece!

After letting the first coat dry over night, I applied a second coat for added protection and let it dry over night once again. And that was it!

 

 

Only Fifteen dollars worth of supplies about 1 hour total labor, and we now we have a beautiful, character-filled coffee table that's one-of-a-kind ... and it was so easy!

 

 

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Camping Breakfast Recipe - Mexican Skillet

When camping, we always try to come up with new ideas for cooking over the fire. My sister-n-law had the brilliant breakfast idea to create a copycat version of a Mexican Skillet served at her favorite breakfast restaurant ... and it was delicious!

This recipe does involve a bit of prep time and it takes a while to cook, but the result is worth the extra effort! Plus, it's camping, so you are bound to have time on your hands.

Mexican Skillet Recipe

Supplies:

• Iron Skillet
• Spatula

Ingredients:

• Chorizo - 1 lb. (seasoned sausage)
• Egg/Milk Mixture - 1 dozen mixed with 1 cup milk
• Jalapenos - to taste
• Chopped Onions - to taste
• Frozen Hash Browns - 15 oz.
• Shredded Cheese - 8 oz. package
• Sour Cream - to taste
• Salsa - to taste
• Oil

The portions of the ingredients above will vary depending on the number of people you are feeding - all of the above mentioned can be eyeballed. 

Directions:

1. First, cook the chorizo in an oiled iron skillet - remove from the skillet, cover with foil and set aside.

2. Second, cook the egg mixture with the jalapenos in the same oiled iron skillet used above - remove from the skillet, cover with foil and set aside.

3. Cook the chopped onions and add in frozen hash browns. Cook through adding oil as needed - this could be a slower process, so be patient!

4. Add the chorizo and egg mixture to the hash brown mixture and mix in 1 bag of shredded cheese.

5. Serve with sour cream and salsa to taste.

This Mexican Skillet is better than any restaurants' ... in my opinion! This is breakfast at it's finest, and it's made right over the campfire. Add a bit of coffee to the meal, and you will be eating well!

Give it a try next time you are enjoying a weekend of camping - you will thank me!

DIY Suede Band Bracelet Watch

I often times draw creative inspiration from online images or items I see in stores and, of course, Pinterest. And sometimes I am able to re-create the inspiration piece using my own personal flare!

I saw a photo of a leather band bracelet watch and decided I could re-create the piece. I headed to JoAnn Fabrics (there are always coupons on their website!) and bought some suede for the band and a watch face. I then took the items home and did a lot of troubleshooting until I figured it all out. I actually came up with a solution that I think works better than the inspiration piece ... plus, I was able to re-create it for much less than the inspiration piece as well!

DIY Suede Band Bracelet Watch Directions:

Supplies

• Suede Cord, approximately 60 inches long
• Watch Face 

 

Instructions

1. Cut the suede cord to 60 inches. The length of the cord will depend on your wrist size and the number of times you want the cord to wrap around your wrist. Mine ended up being closer to 55", but I suggest starting with a bit of excess.

2. Fold the cord in half creating two equal 30" sides. Create a loop by tying a knot with the folded side of the cord - the side opposite the two ends.

3. Thread the ends through the watch face - the looped side of the cord will be on one side of the watch face and the loose ends on the other.

4. Loop the loose ends through the watch face a second time creating the bracelet portion of the watch - you should be able to slip your wrist through the bracelet you created.

 

5. Create a knot with the two loose ends of the cord. Trim excess cord.

 

6. Slip your wrist through the bracelet and wrap the long ends around your wrist on either side of the watch face. Secure the watch by slipping the knotted end through the looped end.

7. The final product is a stylish, bracelet watch with a casual feel.

I re-created this watch for less than $15. The price is dependent on the cost of the watch face though - you could go more expensive with the watch face if you wanted to. It might take some trial and error when creating your own Suede Band Bracelet Watch, but it will be fun designing your own one-of-a kind piece. Consider choosing your favorite color for the suede cord or combining multiple colors ... choose a playful watch face or possibly re-purpose a vintage one ... the design is completely up to you! Enjoy!

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How To Grow Lemon Plants

When I came across a picture sequence on how to grow lemon plants on Pinterest, I knew I had to give it a try! Quick growing plants from seeds of a fruit that I always have on hand and a little extra decor for my kitchen, I'm all about that. The post consisted only of a picture of the growing process, no link to detailed directions, so I decided to try to re-create it. 

Unfortunately, my track record of keeping plants alive inside my home is something like, 0/10 ... no plant comes out alive! I had basically retired my gardening skills in order to protect innocent plant life from the torture that is my attempt to garden, but then I saw this idea and decided to give my green thumb one more shot ... and I found success!

1. Begin by extracting lemon seeds from ordinary lemons.

2. Soak the lemon seeds in water for approx. 30 minutes. Remove any pulp.

3. Choose a container for your lemon plants. The post showed a flower part, but I chose plastic containers with suction cups on the back (found in the bathroom aisles at most department stores ... I got mine at Burlington Coat Factory).

4. Fill the containers with soil and insert the lemon seeds - cover the seeds with soil.

5. Place a single layer of rocks over the soil (optional).

6. Place your containers in a location that gets some sun. My kitchen window does not get full sun, but the seeds still grew. Water regularly.

8. After 2-3 weeks, you should have green sprouts - a lemon plant!

Compared to the pictures I saw in the Pinterest post, my plants are a bit more sparse, but I plan to add a few more lemon seeds to create fuller containers. The plants unfortunately do not smell like lemons, as described by the post, but they look cute and add some pizazz to my kitchen!

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