Weekend Guide To New Orleans

New Orleans is known for its party atmosphere, great food, live music and lively people. All of these reasons make it one of my top favorite cities in the United States that I have traveled. Every time I have been to the Crescent City, I can't help but visit my favorite spots and try a few new ones along the way. 
The city is also celebrating its 300th birthday this year!
If you are planning on spending some time in this city below are my recommendations for a good time!

Places to stay: 

I recommend staying in the Arts district. The area is quieter than staying close to Bourbon street. There are a lot of local art galleries and enough restaurants within walking distance. If you want to stay closer to all of the action, I recommend staying on Canal St. so you can walk over to bourbon and other parts of the city!

Places to eat:

Bourbon House should be on your list for a nicer lunch or dinner! The atmosphere is light and airy with a wide variety of bourbon and oysters!

Sorry Cafe Du Monde, Cafe Beignet  is my favorite place to get beignets in New Orleans. It is a cute tiny shop and has the best cafe ole too! I make sure to always stop in a grab at least a to go bag of beignets.

 

Johnny Sanchez is new to my list of places to eat! My coworkers and I stumbled across this establishment went walking around the arts district. Don't let the casual sign full you! This restaurant is an modern take on Mexican dining owned by TV personality Aaron Sanchez. They even have a late night menu for those looking for the perfect meal at 1AM.

 

For a casual evening try out Lucy's in the arts district or Dat Dog over near Frenchman street! Both unique and laid back. Dat Dog has as you can imagine many variations of hot dogs including a crawfish one and gourmet toppings!

Grab a Drink:

One of my favorite spots to grab a drink is the Carousel bar! Located in Hotel Montelone, this place is picture perfect and rotates (slowly) giving you a view of the hotel and dining room. 

Go to the original Pat O'Brien's on Bourbon. This place is one you need to just to say you went. They are known for their hurricanes, a classic New Orleans drink. This one is a little too sugary for me to order again and again, but at least try it once!

LaFitte's Blacksmith shop is the oldest bar in New Orleans and definitely a must! This small little bar is a fun place to hang out and it makes you feel like you are back in the 1700s. It is still light by candle light and has no air conditioning. 

Go Out:

If you are into karaoke, the Cat's Meow is the place to go. Located on Bourbon street of course! Get up on stage or just watch everyone and sign along you are going to have a good time.

Ticklers bar has dueling pianos and was one of my favorite stops when I went here on my bachelorette. They even put me up on the piano and sang a fun little song.

If you are wanting a more laid back evening, check out the bars and restaurants on Frenchman street. This has more of a local vibe, but still the colorfulness of what you expect from New Orleans. 

Airport Tips for Travelers

I haven't had to travel for work in a little over a month so I was nervous to head back to what is normally my second home: the airport. It made me think about what I should be prepped for my upcoming trip to New Orleans.

5 Travel Tips:

1.Comfy Clothes

 Wear clothes that are comfortable, but not super baggy. You are likely to get patted down in the body scan x-ray with baggy clothes. Stay away from wearing pajamas, you never know who you might run into.

2. Shoes

Wear shoes that can easily come off. No one likes waiting behind the person who is unprepared and taking forever.

3.Organize

I always keep a smaller bag in my purse for things I know I will need like my license, phone/boarding pass,headphones, chargers, etc. This helps with easy access and staying organized!

4.Check your bag

If you can check your bag I recommend it. It is so nice not to go through the hassle of keeping one with you all the time and you don't have to worry about carry-on size products. These days most airlines sending you bag tracking via their app. 

5.Stay Warm

Always bring on a sweater, sweatshirt or a jacket. You never know if your flight is going to be delayed or how cold the actually plane will be. Especially when going to a warmer destination. You may not think to bring one because where you are going is hot, but airports are always cold!

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide

Sometimes it is a struggle to find the perfect gift for Mom. She doesn't always tell us what she wants and mostly leaves me and my siblings to guess. We definitely want to get here stuff she would use and not just put away and forget about it.  

So for those also struggling with what to get their mom like I was, I put together a last minute gift guide below. 

Gifts under $25

Bath bomb set

Boxwood Wreath

Mom's fave!

Gifts under $50

Mantra Bracelet

Corkcicle bottle

Voluspa Candle

Gifts under $100

Viktor Rolf Flower Bomb

Yeti Yoga Mat

Sole Society Weekender

Another sunny weekend in Atlanta celebrating a good friend's birthday and taking in the weather. 

Sunny weather equals brighter clothes and I am embracing it. One of my favorite stores, Loft's spring collection is full of vibrant colors. 

Shop my outfit below!

Easy Guacamole

Someone in college taught me how to make Guacamole the easy way and I have never looked back.  All you need is a couple of avocados and the pre-made pick de gallo that you can pick up at your local Kroger in the summertime! If you like your guac with a little kick then just add some chopped jalapenos!

Steps:

1. Cut avacados, remove pit, and remove from casing into a medium sized bowl

2. Put the Pico de Gallo mixture into the same bowl

3. Mix together until you achieve desired texture

BAM! You are ready to go fiesta!

Charlie Joseph's

My husband is from middle Georgia where time passes by a little slower and everybody knows everybody. I love going back and slowing things down every now and then.
We headed south for a quick visit with Jared’s family and I made my usual request to stop at Charlie Joseph’s, a LaGrange, GA food institution! Like a small town Varsity.

Despite my many requests to dine here we have never had enough time to actually eat there.
This time though Jared made good on his promise! We headed to downtown LaGrange with Jared’s grandmother in tow.

The original is located on Bull St. the restaurant hasn’t changed much since it’s opening in 1920. Two walk up windows outside for those on the go and inside counter seating with a few tabletops. Nostalgia is alive and well with all the product advertising the space has collected in its almost 100 years existence.

The staff is full of southern charm and the food is served cooked to order. This place is a must stop if you find yourself in this small, but growing town!

Top Five Sunglasses

One of my favorite accessories has always been sunglasses! They can show off your mood and set the tone for your outfit. If you know a person's style they are also a great gift to give whether it is a $20 pair or a pair over $100.
My favorite go to color has always been tortoise brown, but lately I have been branching out and bought some sunnies with different color lenses (pink, blue, etc.) 

 Below are some of my all time favorites! 

Rayban Erika

Diff Zoey

Quay After Hours

Target Clubmaster

Rayban Cats 5000