The Big Easy | New Orleans

Do you ever wish you could relive something? I'm here to say I wish I could relive my 30th! The hubs and I traveled down to Louisiana and took on New Orleans to celebrate and loved every minute. And now we're headed down to the Big Easy for the second time this weekend -let the reliving begin!

Last August we stayed at Le Meridien. Previously a W Hotel - the grounds are gorgeous. The rooms aren't anything to write home about but the shared spaces (pool, bar, lounge and gym) make up for it!

Beignets from Cafe du Monde are a must!  Devour with joy and lick your sticky fingers - you gotta respect their gooey goodness!

Bring your walking shoes because you are going to walk everywhere to take in the architecture and life of the city!

Muff this! Muffalettas from Central Grocery are no joke. Period. Enough said.

Everyone will recommend you stop by Cochon for a meal and they're right!  Everything on the menu is delicious but especially the grilled oysters and alligator - they're simply perfection.

Other recommendations...

FOOD

+ Cafe Du Monde | For beinets and coffee, of course

+ Central Grocery | Best Muffalettas in the city

+ Cochon | We can't get enough of their oysters or fried alligator

+ Commander's Palace | At least once

+ Mothers | For Po'boys of course

+ Sac-A-Lait | A hot new restaurant honoring hunters, anglers and farmers

DRINKS

+ The Carousel Bar | Touristy but you'll love the slow ride around the bar

+ Latitude 29 | For the best damn tiki drinks you'll ever have

DAY ACTIVITIES

+ New Orleans Pharmacy Museum | Exhibits include apothecary supplies and voodoo potions

+ Gray Line Katrina Tour | The tour explains what really went down during the hurricane and gives you even more respect for the people and their resiliency

+ Backstreet Cultural Museum | A bit off the beaten track but worth every step.  The museum is in a converted home and displays Black Indian costumes from Mardi Gras and other festivities

+ Magazine Street | For boutique shopping of your dreams

NIGHTLIFE 

+ Jazz of course! Don't feel the vibe just venture next door while strolling on Frenchmen Street. It's time to set your soul on fire!

Spring Edit '16

Golly - it's spring already?! Who like me is counting your lucky stars you're no longer having to bundle up in your winter coat? I love layering but my heart is a flutter for bright colors, the smell of hyacinths and sunshine! It is spring! Here are few bits I've got my eye on...

This cheery red umbrella will make any spring shower a delight | And of course you must have this snazzy umbrella stand to hold it - am I right or am I right?! | The palm pillow is a new classic and a great reminder of the ever beautiful Palm Springs (now one of my fav towns in the west!) | A fresh white tote that can me monogramed - eeeeeee! | Put the lime in the coconut and what?? Soludos just get me - cheeky and so comfortable | Lark + Raven are making my mouth water with this delicious card  - check out the entire shop, it's a dream! | Gingham shorts for every day - all of the gingham at J. Crew makes me smile | And how about this sunny chair for our backyard - who's ready for a BBQ!  Pick me, pick me!

Better Belize It

When your blogging break turns into a multiple month hiatus you know you needed it, right?! And you better believe we're on our way to Belize! It's been a bit touch and go with the Zika Virus in full swing but the country remains off the CDC list so we're packing our bags. We've armed ourselves with long sleeves, loose pants and a full gallon of bug spray... But what about the beach, you say?! Here's a little edit for our Central American adventure... ENJOY!

• Swimsuit // Who needs diamonds when you have these good scallops?!
• Straw Hat // Gah....! The price tag means it will never happen but what a daydream...
• Sunnies // Cat Eyes are a must to bring a little Hollywood glam to the beach!
• Straw Tote // This cute little tote just makes me smile.
• Foder's Travel Guide for Belize // Work's been so busy, it looks like I'll have a little reading on the plane!