NOLA.

Growing up I'd watch re-runs of No Reservations constantly and appreciated the fact Anthony Bourdain would go to the places a little less unsung than in the other networks shows. He'd meet his crew's Grandmother or Aunt and they would cook up their local cuisine and that's where the magic stood. I always knew that when I got the opportunity to travel, that I wanted to emulate that style or mentality about visiting new places. Of course, I may not have the luxury of having someone's Grandmother whip me up an amazing home cooked meal, but I privately vowed to take the time to research what makes the place special and really narrow in on that. 

This passed weekend, my girls and I went to New Orleans. Synonymous, with partying we took the a different approach. We ATE and we ate GOOD. Our first dinner was at a restaurant called, Antoine's. It has been around since the 1840's and still serves the original recipes. It was an experience from start to finish. 

We started with the Pommes de Terre Soufflées,that were airy fancy french fries, to put it simply. But they were heavenly. Paired with a light champagne and for my entree, I ordered, Poulet aux Champignons, (chicken breasts with a mushroom sauce served with onion rice). It was an explosion of flavor for my taste buds. Rich, salty decadence with a spike of spice. Nothing like I'd ever tasted before. I ended the meal with a local take on bread pudding with rum and pecans and some very luscious coffee. We all indulged and it was fantastic. The next morning we ate at Brennan's for Brunch. It was a humid rainy morning and we were all so excited for our meal. The decor inside was playful and colorful, reminiscent of Marie Antoinette meets The Beverly Hills hotel, and that is nothing less than a compliment. We started with our beverages of choice, juice, a rum cocktail and I had the New Orleans style coffee. I ordered the Eggs Benedict with coffee crusted bacon. And finally we all were way too full for dessert. The rest of the day was left for sightseeing. We walked the Garden District and saw all the historic homes. Some dating back to the 1830's, we even saw the very first home built in the city of Lafayette, now known as New Orleans. 

  

To Take the Tour We Took, Click the Link!

On our first night there, our Uber driver advised us to check out Frenchmen street, he said it's where the locals go to listen to live music. I'm so glad he mentioned it, because that became our favorite part of the trip. It wasn't as crazy as Bourbon but had a bouncy magnetic energy. We stumbled upon a street market selling art and jewelry, which personally reminded me of the little things I love about Austin. I bought a piece of art to remind me of my trip and the amazing company I had on my trip. My girls are the best travel companions, I have to say. Lastly, our Hotel was this amazing little 4-star  boutique hotel in the middle of everything. We never really spent more than $10 on an uber the entire time we were there. Le Pavillion. Our favorite detail, by far was, at 10 p.m., every night they would serve free PB&J sandwiches and hot chocolate. It was the cutest thing ever. I'm sure all of our family thought, we were intending to party it up in the (real) city of sin,but nope! These girls were in bed before midnight, with PB&J.  I wish we had more time to explore, even 1 more day to try new things. But I think for all of us, it was a little unexpected and a very fun trip. I hope you all enjoyed the little details, I loved about our trip. As Always, Thanks for reading! 

Greetings From San Diego

I was lucky enough to go see a good friend in the beautiful city of San Diego, California. My friend and I met in college we bonded over our mutual love of fashion, and art. We both had a positive energy that the other fed off of. We got along quickly and never lost touch. She was the most gracious host and had the most beautiful home. I swear, as soon as I got home I went straight to IKEA to get more organized! 

She took me everywhere!I got to see so much in the little time I was there, and I'm eternally grateful for her hospitality. I've always heard so many wonderful things about San Diego and I was not expecting to see the most beautiful views of the ocean that I saw. I grew up near a beach, I've visited some but none glistened in the sun like this.

I've never been so close to a Sea Lion before, let alone any kind of wild animal such as that. I was in shock! It was such a surreal experience to be that close and see them. They were so comfortable near people and so unbothered. They only budged if people got a little too close for comfort or too close to the babies. I can still hear their barking in  my mind. 

I feel as though as if I won the lottery in surreal experiences. Earlier this year it was Metropolitan Opera and now it was the distinct and potent smell of the sea air at the La Jolla Cove. We rode along the Pacific Coast Highway! I'm so lucky beyond measure. I couldn't help but continue to pinch myself while I was there. Just soaking in all the natural wonder that my eyes had never glimpsed. We ate delicious foods. We went to the cutest spots and I had farm fresh eggs everyday. I sipped on crisp Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc while in cool California air. I'm certain I must of thought more than once, I could get used to this. 

We also went to the San Diego Zoo, of course!It was so fun and such an experience. There are no words to describe seeing these animals so close and walk the park. We spent hours trying to see every single animal we could. 

I'm just the girl from a small border town, who I'm sure even some family thought I would never amount to anything but I knew in my heart I would make my dreams happen. I would see the world and make lifelong friends to see the world with. I'm well on my way. In the end what made the trip so special was my friend. She and I spilled our deepest and darkest secrets, I know can you believe I have more secrets I haven't already spilled here? We reminded each other the beauty and the joys that life brings and the comfort that only true friendship can create. I could not be luckier with the friends I have been blessed with and I hope that we all just have amazing other experiences together. 

My Tour of the East Coast

Get The Look!
Coat - Ted Baker ( Found the short version of my coat on Poshmark!) , Pants -Madewell (Similar), Sweater - Lillia P (Similar)  

I am so lucky to of been able to take a trip of a lifetime! As adults we all know how difficult it can be to make time with your best friends, let alone plan a trip with them....and when they live across the country. But if you want something bad enough, you make it happen. My first stop was to see my best friend in her new home, in Baltimore. My best friend and I have been friends for more than half our lives. We've witnessed ups and downs and mistakes and triumphs. We support each other whole-heartily and it's such a beautiful thing. I had no idea what to expect of the city, but I have to honestly say, it left an impression! The city and it's people have been through a lot, but the people are friendly and the city unique. I loved seeing all the adorable town homes and walking around the inner harbor. The day I arrived, the pink magnolias were still closed and the day I left, they were in full bloom and gorgeous to behold! 

 Ever since I could remember, we day dream of being artists living in New York, and living the city life. Maybe those days are ahead of us, but regardless of that it meant a lot to us to experience the city together. It wasn't our first time, but it was very special. Not only did we get to walk around the city, but we saw an opera at the Metropolitan Opera. We saw Lucia di Lammermoor. It was magnificent. The set brought tears to my eyes, in all it's beauty. 

Get The Look!
Coat - Ted Baker , Sneakers - Target   

Then finally we traveled on to Washington D.C. I remember as a child dreaming of going to the Smithsonian. I LOVE history, especially American History. I love art even more, it was such a pleasure to visit the Smithsonian of American Art to see the portrait gallery of our American Presidents. It was such a sight to see Obama's Avant Garde portrait in person. The colors so rich, and striking. My best friend and I had an amazing time. We happened upon this adorable little coffee shop, and  I had a delicious croissant. Almost as good as the ones in Paris. 

Get  The Look!
Dress - Old Navy ( Similar) , Scarf - J.Crew (Similar), Cardigan - Nordstrom (Similar) 

I hope you enjoyed my snaps! Until the next trip, Thank You for Reading! 

My Scotland Get-a-way: Part One

Last week I visited Scotland with my family. It was an amazing time filled with beautiful scenery, gorgeous hotels and friendly faces. We first stayed on Loch Lommond, then we headed to Ayr, followed by Dornoch and finally ended in Glasgow. The summers are mild and usually damp, although our stay could not of been anymore delightful. It was cool and sunny which as my fellow Texans know, was a welcomed relief. I think it only drizzled the first and last day.

Map of Scotland

 I wore layers and scarves my whole trip, my favorite way of dressing.

 Here are some of my favorite looks below!

Shirt: (Similar) Loft, Scarf: (Similar) World Market, Shoes: DSW, Handbag: House of Fraser, Jacket: (Similar) Bebe

Ayr, Scotland

Robert Burns wrote his beautiful poetry here

Scarf: (Same as Above) Blouse: Ann Taylor, Leggings: Ann Taylor, Sweater: Loft

More photos to come.. stay tuned!