Mardi Gras New Orleans

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras has always been one of my favorite times. There is just something about people dancing through the streets, wearing beautiful masks and parades on every corner that seems to epitomize life.

Last year we took my daughter to a St. Patrick's day parade in New Orleans. I blogged a couple photos here. She had a blast! This year we decided to go back for the first weekend of Mardi Gras. We could not have asked for better weather. It was a beautiful weekend and such a fun and memorable trip.

 

 Early Saturday morning walk through the French Quarter.

 

Delicious coffee and beignets at the famous Cafe Du Monde.

One of the Krewe of Choctaw parade floats.

So much fun! Maybe we should make this a tradition?

Simple Beauty

This morning, while stuck in traffic, I took a minute to pay attention to the beauty that was surrounding me. Although it was dreary, it was picture perfect! (pun intended)

Fall Foliage

Three different states displaying the beauty of the season.

How stunning are these changing leaves? Instant inspiration.

Alabama Treasures

After living in Alabama for a total of 10+ years, I am still constantly amazed at the little treasures that are hidden in the state that I call home. A month or so ago, we visited 2 spots that I had never seen. We took F camping with friends at Little River Canyon. She is officially a fan of camping. I am officially a fan of this little piece of Alabama.

This is Little River Falls which is located in Little River Canyon, in the Northeast part of Alabama.

 

The photo above is of Desoto Falls, which is located in Desoto State Park. It is a short distance from Little River Canyon. Both spots are free and require little to no hiking to view the falls. 

My hubby and I also spent a weekend at Joe Wheeler State Park while attending a wedding on the other side of the state. We enjoyed the peaceful vibe of the park and watching all the boats come in late Saturday afternoon from our balcony. There was a steady stream of boats for more than an hour and it was mesmerizing to watch them float into the harbor. 

If you are in the Southeast, both make for great affordable weekend getaways.

I heart NY

Two weeks ago, I spoke at the Future of Web Design conference in NYC. It was an incredible opportunity and experience. Aside from all the brilliant people met and the wealth of knowledge gained from the event, New York City is such an amazing city to visit and this trip did not disappoint. Check out few Instagram shots below.

 

From the 10th floor of Yotel NYC

  

a few blocks from the hotel - great weather for a walk

 

inside New World Stages

 

Central Park East

  

final night walking through Times Square

Comfort Zone

A few weeks ago, I read a quote by Neale Donald Walsch that says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” This is so true. It’s important to reach beyond what feels obtainable. In all reality, you are capable of much more than you think. You just have to do it.

I signed up for a half marathon back in March. This was totally out of my comfort zone. The furthest I had run, prior to this training, was about 4 miles. Running a half marathon has been on my bucket list for quite some time and I figured I am not getting any younger, so I decided to do it. It was hard. There were plenty of, “What have I gotten myself into?” moments. It took a lot of commitment and perseverance. But I did it. It felt amazing and now I feel as if I can conquer the world.

Here’s to living outside your comfort zone! Hope your weekend is fantastic.

Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th! 

  

Flower Bouquet

Gardening is something I truly enjoy. It is a great way to spend time outside, it makes your environment much more beautiful and it's fun to watch your efforts literally grow in front of you.

Some of our flowers have been growing out of control! It was time for a trim if we wanted to continue using our sidewalk. Luckily, Roses and Gladiolas make great cut flowers. Due to yesterday's efforts, we now have a beautiful arrangement in our kitchen!

Gladiolas and Roses just after being cut.

The beautiful bouquet we now have in our kitchen!

Walt Disney World via Instagram

It's true. Disney World is simply magical. Every last detail was taken into account while making this the happiest place on Earth.

Here are a few photos documenting our vacation through Instagram.

The castle at Magic Kingom

Watching the sunset from the ferry crossing over to Magic Kingdom.

The Electrical Parade has always been my favorite thing to do at Disney! 

Listening to African beats in Animal Kingdom. I had so much fun dancing with these guys.

Epcot 

If you are thinking about taking a trip to Disney, we were happy with the resort where we stayed. Check out my travel review here on TripAdvisor. 

If you have questions about an upcoming trip, please ask! I would love to help out in any way possible. This is one trip we are sure not to forget.

Pretty Roses

Our rose bushes are covered in roses! They are so beautiful and bring a smile to my face each time I drive up to our house!

Pirate Birthday Party

This post is long overdue however I could not pass up posting the details from my daughter's birthday last August. At the time, she was obsessed with Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

I created this invitation for the party.

My mom is responsible for each of the following details which made the party absolutely perfect.

 How am I going to top this next year?!?!

Instagrams

A couple of Instagram shots I took this past weekend in Perdido Key.

Plum Happiness

Three years ago I planted a Plum Tree in our backyard. I have always wanted a fruit tree and honestly did not think we would still be in our current home to see the tree come to fruition. I was wrong! It now has little baby plums and I'm so excited!

Easter Eggs

The Big Easy

New Orleans never fails me in its ability to provide endless inspiration. Below are a couple of pictures I snapped at a Parade on St. Charles Ave. in the Garden District.

Costa Rican Birds

My hubby and I went to Costa Rica over New Year's Eve to celebrate 5 years of marital bliss. I've always been fascinated by birds, their symbolism and their sense of freedom. While in Costa Rica, we saw (and heard) many species. Here are just a few.

Stylish Umbrellas

We've been having a lot of rain, which has me thinking that I should really invest in an umbrella. I like these three. What do you think?


#1, #2, #3

Haleakala Sunrise

The one highlight of getting to work at 5:15 a.m. is that you get to see the sunrise from your office! (You’re jealous…I know) but this got me thinking about one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, which was with my hubby in Maui, HI at the top of Haleakala Volcano. Isn’t this gorgeous?!?!? Seeing the sunrise above the clouds is quite the experience.