how long has it been...

via

After being gone for the better part of a month, I'm finally back.  I can't believe its been almost a month since I returned from New Orleans (which was amazing by the way) but its feels good to be on track again.  Did anyone else notice that in my last post titled deep south I posted a picture of a girl with a bunch of suitcases in the desert? #fail

During my travels I was able to make a stop at Ikea and finally bought curtains for the living room which I'm currently dressing up a tad with a bubble hem.  I also will finally be getting my coveted bar this weekend.  My dad graciously build it and is bringing it up this weekend.  Its not the bar cart I originally wanted but I think its going to work great in the space I have.

If your a housewives fan, which of course you are, because who doesn't love rich catty women fighting with each other, indulge in this.

Sometimes being a teenage girl was really hard.

Is anyone else currently daydreaming about their life after tonight?  $500 million.  That's a lot of dough.  My office did a ticket pool and we are all anxiously awaiting the winning numbers knowing for sure we will be cruising the Caribbean, flying around in our G6, and spending the summers in our European villa within the next 24 hours.

And with that, I'll see you tomorrow (potentially a lot richer)!

xo

travel essentials.

luggage // sunglasses // blazer // scarf // wallet // bag // studs // smoking slippers

I've always felt that the fall is a hard time to travel weather wise as temperatures can fluctuate significantly week to week.  For this trip I feel like I packed an entire closet to take with me as temperatures in NC have been incredibly low for this time of the year but I've heard its going to be in the 70s in Nola.  Hallelujah!  I am always cold, in NYC this summer I had my scarf wrapped around me when sitting in the shade, never mind that it was upwards of 90 degrees outside, therefore I thrive with layers.  Cardigans, blazers, and scarves are my go to for traveling.  

Here are a few of my other travel essentials.

Luggage- I like to take either a large bag or a rolling suitcase when traveling and depending on the destination and how long I'll be there.  Now lets not get carried away, no my Louis is not packed in my car right now, but hey we can all pretend like we have a $3,000 piece of luggage that we like to submit to traveling.

Sunglasses- Essential.  

Blazer- As I said, layers make me happy and blazers are so easy.  If your cold throw it on, if your hot take it off.  Plus as they are smaller and less bulky than a coat you can keep it in your purse when not in use.

Scarf- Perfect for when its hot but you know inside you may be cold.  Use it as a wrap when cold.

Wallet- Best thing ever invented.  Brightly colored wallets.  How many of you have been trying to pay for something, digging around in your purse for the infamous black/brown wallet that is the same color as the inside of your purse.  I currently own this one but in red, so easy to find in the catastrophic state that my purse is usually in.

Purse- If your anything like me you carry about everything in your purse.  I need something that is big especially when traveling because at any one time I can have a camera, travel guide, all of my normal purse gear, water, diet coke (essential!), phone, and the list goes on.

Studs- I don't usually change out my jewelry a lot when traveling unless needed so these studs are perfect for day and night.

Smoking slippers- Only thing necessary for travel shoes are comfort and stylish.  These slippers are perfect.

nola.

via

I'm off on a quick trip to Nola (as the locals call it) on Thursday and couldn't be more excited.  I've never been to what around here we call the deep south and am literally bouncing out of my seat with excitement to see what everyone tells me is one of the greatest cities in the US.  The food, the music, the booze all that combined with French influence, I'm already in love!

I plan on hitting all the major tourist spots (yes I know, don't judge, I've never been) but a few that top my list are Cafe du Monde, the French Market and Flea Market, Jackson Square, the Garden District, The Columns Hotel, and Old Vally Plantation.  I definitely want to see one of the cemeteries and would like to do a bike tour one day.  We only have two and half days because we are driving so time is limited but nevertheless I'm going to fit in as much as possible.  As much as I thought I would dread the road trip I'm actually looking forward to the scenery as I've never been to that part of the US before. 

Does anyone have any tips on things to do or places to go in Nola?  What is your favorite restaurant?  As we all know one of my favorite things to do while on a trip is eat so I'll be trying as many differnt Creole and Cajun dishes as possible!

xo