The Big Easy

We had a great time in New Orleans last weekend.  My first visit did not disappoint.  I love the architecture and culture, and of course the food.  It actually reminds me a lot of Charleston.  I wish we were there longer than 48hrs.  We will definitely be making a trip back this spring.


I finally got my camera back, and have realized that my phone takes better pictures.  I have had this camera for a while (it only has 6 megapixels), so way past time to upgrade.  I'm hoping to get a new one for Christmas (hint, hint).


We passed by the basketball arena and the Superdome on our way from the airport to the hotel.

We all stayed at the Hotel Monteoleone which is a beautiful hotel on Royal Street in the French Quarter.

Lobby

Carousel Bar inside hotel

  We had a great time just walking up and down Bourbon Street...  

 and collecting beads...

and drinking.

Architecture

     

St.Louis Cathedral during day

and at night-- this picture does not do it justice. 

Better picture- fotolibra

Music was everywhere...

...even in the artwork.

The food was great.  We had a birthday brunch for my grandmother's 90th at Court of Two Sisters.  The food was amazing.  I tried duck for the first (and last time).

What I wore to brunch

Random snapshots

Tarot reading

Real life statue.  

I don't know how many times we passed by this store, but the cat was always sleeping.

 There were a lot of weddings that weekend. We passed by this beautiful reception.

 I took so many pictures, I can't put them all on here.  I can't wait to get back.  

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I have a few more items to get, but overall my Christmas decor is complete.  

My step-mom did a wonderful job with the outside lights

Hubby is going to add some lights to our trees.

My first Christmas manicure of the season

Animal Instincts

I am so in to animal prints this season.  I currently have a multitude of scarves, a couple sweaters, a purse, a pair of shoes, and even a pair of jeans.  I am looking into incorporating a dress before the new year.  


This is the dress that started my search.  

$985

I love the silhouette and the print.  It also comes in a long sleeve version

$1,195

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to hit the powerball, so I can only admire from afar.  I have been looking for a similar affordable version.

Here are some top contenders

Just Cavalli $187.50 on sale

www.theoutnet.com

Vince Camuto $78 on sale 

Dillard's

Leopard Print Cashmere $227 on sale

Neiman Marcus

Nine West $77.40 on sale

Dillard's

Miss Sixty $76.36 on sale

Asos

Lauren by Ralph Lauren $89.40

Dillard's

Magaschoni $209

www.bluefly.com

And last but not least, my new favorite which is currently sold out in my size.  If you are a size 2, you are in luck.

Topshop $95

Celeb inspirations

Thanksgiving Recap

We hosted Thanksgiving this year in our new home.  This was my first real Thanksgiving as the hostess, and I was nervous about how it would all come together.  Thank goodness for Honey Baked Ham and Bojangles.  I am not a fan of their ham, but love love love their sweet potato souffle.  It is always a huge hit.  I also got their cranberry walnut chutney this year.  Oh my gosh, where has this been all my life!  It is so good y'all.  


We ate fried turkey last year and wanted to do that again this year.  Unfortunately, our friend who cooked last year has a 9 month pregnant wife, so we were on our own.  I was a bit skeptical when my husband suggested Bojangles' fried turkey, but it was delicious, and was ready in about 2 hours!  I usually don't want turkey again for Christmas, but wouldn't mind this fried turkey again.

This was the line outside of Honey Baked Ham on Wednesday.  So glad I went the day before.  A friend was  in that line and she ended up waiting 1 1/2 hours.

I was a little underwhelmed about the table decor.  It didn't have that wow factor to me.  Oh well, I am definitely excited to try something different next year.  

I obviously need some serving dishes, so forgive my bootleg setup.  I made the cornbread dressing and my MIL helped me out by making the green beans and mac and cheese.  

 I have started putting up my Christmas decorations, and only have a few more items left to get.  The only place I went on Black Friday was Hobby Lobby and I am so glad I did.  I went again this week and there is hardly anything left. Can't wait to show the finished product.  Have a great weekend!