Tuesday, April 27, 2010

NOLA

Thanks to my generous in laws, John and I were able to sneak away for a long weekend in New Orleans. 


I love my husband every day, but what a fun gift when life slows down just enough to remind you how much you downright enjoy each other. When "i love you" AND "i LIKE you" days are combined. bliss.

John and I honestly have very little to "escape" besides the hustle of everyday work and life, but this was our first trip just the two of us, since our honeymoon almost five years ago. I am always amazed how much easier it is to just "be" away from home...no distractions of chores and responsibilities...our daily "to dos" only included having fun and enjoying our time.

We gathered tips from our most NOLA savvy friends, and set out with our own agenda which of course had to kick off each day with BRUNCH...

Quite possibly my favorite company for any meal, especially my favorite meal... AND if you ask him to smile in the morning with his bacon and toast...

Court of Two Sisters

odds are he'll probably make you take an awkward solo shot with your mimosa


 ...Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait
  


...Pat O'Brien's courtyard for the infamous hurricane...

i think one will do!


...Stopping in the Cigar factory to watch these craftsmen hard at work



...Walking lots and lots with my favorite "double fist-er"


...taking a street car ride all the way down St. Charles 

...stopping to enjoy the beautiful trees, scenery and fun shops, the d-day museum and eat, eat, eat!


We came home fat and happy.

Friday, April 23, 2010

meet bonnie

this is one of my fabulous aunts. her name is bonnie.

this birthday post was more about the birthday GIRL than the birthday CAKE...but since you asked for it... you got it!


a "MADE FROM SCRATCH, DECORATIONS AND ALL CAKE" shout out!!!


great job Bonnie! I love you!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

good friday

Isn't it amazing to think these sweet little babies


turned in to these fun, full of personality, coloring toddlers in just ONE year!?!


Incredible.

We so enjoyed our time in Hartselle. Great family, great food, and great weather to enjoy!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

grandmother


Happy Birthday Grandmother! 89 never looked so good!
I love you!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

sittin on the dock of the bay...

Any time spent with this guy is time well spent.


Add in these TWO sunbathing beauties...

(no,  don't let the hat confuse you, that's not K-Fed, that's Leslie and her mini me, Abby)

this little love nugget...

(Miles)
and of course this guy...

(John hard at work trying to find the sparkplug Abby sweetly tossed under the hood of the car and announced, 
"I fixed Mommy's car!")

and I'm over the moon! 


Just when I thought my weekend could not get ANY better John and I stopped here...




where they just happened to serve this

(Catherine's Eggs Benny AND a delicious latte)
Perfection.



Happy weekend!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

before & after

This beauty made her big debut in my Mom and Dad's first home in Georgia over 30 years ago. At the time she was dressed in a fabric my mom fondly recalls as "lemon ice". I can vaguley remember the pale yellow and soft blue pattern of the original fabric pattern from my childhood.

Years later she decided it was time for a new look. What better to represent the early 90s than burgundy flamestitch?! She sat proudly in our home for years among all the navy and hunter green that was all the rage. Years came and gone and the neutrals crept in pushing this classic beauty to the side...until my Mom and Dad generously allowed her to come live in Montgomery with us.

Here she is the day she moved in. Tired, yes. Faded? yes. but still... a classic. We were thrilled to have her!


Before
(sorry poor quality, cell phone picture)

Last week she kicked that flamestitch to the curb and got a full out facelift! She sits a little taller in her new herringbone fabric.


After





After all these years she's still a classic! Never looked better if I do say so myself!


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

happy st. patty's day!

look what my little leprechan left me...


these happy, hoping for spring, green canisters from tar-jay! if the color is called "guacamole", how it could it ever be bad!?


"A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have."
-Author Unknown