NOLA

In case you haven't noticed, I LOVE traveling!

I am constantly thinking of ways to visit new places...

I enjoy seeing the world and experiencing new places.

In the past 8 weeks, I took my first and second trip to NOLA.

To say that I love it, would be a huge understatement!

These pics are a recap from Nola round 2,

but I will be documenting all the things I saw and did during my 2 trips.

Sight Seeing

First time on Bourbon.

New Years Eve Day

Kent 

Happy New Year!! 

 Places I went:Bourbon StreetCity ParkAudubon ZooMagazine StreetJackson SquareRiverwalk MallHarrah's CasinoHistoric New Orleans Places I ate:Surrey's Juice BarAcme Oyster HouseCafe Du MondeSaki CafeTheo'sSuperior Bar and GrillLucy'sReginelli'sSlim Goodies DinerBlue Frog Chocolates Night's out:Pat O'Brien'sMonkey Hill BarRendezvousRusty Nail I loved visiting Nola and can't wait to go back!There is so much left to do! Thanks for reading!XoXo And yes, I'm blogging on a Friday night because I am feeling a bit sickly.

It's OK

Good morning friends.

Yes, it is 11:00, but I just woke up!

Go me!

I'm linking up with Neely and Amber for It's OK!

It's OK...

that I am in a wonderful city that I want to explore, but instead I am having a lazy day at home.

I'll be watching this and staying in bed for the most part.

It's OK...

 that I might have splurged a little bit since I have been here...

Merry Christmas to myself.

It's OK...

that I ate my first beignet last night and it was absolutely delish!

It's OK...

that I still don't have an outfit for NYE.

I am not going to stress about this...I will find something!

Happy Thursday lovelies!

XoXo

What I'm Loving Wednesday

A little late, but I am linking up with Jamie for WILW.

{New Orleans}

I'm loving my vacation!!

I'm loving waking up whenever I want.

I'm also loving doing whatever my little heart desires.

I'm loving that today I took Kent to work so that I would have his car.

I feel like such a rockstar in this baby!!! 

 I'm loving that I got an early start this morning.

And I'm loving that I marked some places off of my list that I wanted to see.

Wedding Cake House

 and Blue Frog Chocolates.

I'm loving that I still have 5 more days here!!There are a lot of things that I still want to see!

Ok moving on.

I'm also linking  up with Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting.

Pinterest:  New Years Eve Edition

I'm still clueless as to what I am wearing on NYE.

I would love either of these...k, thanks!

 I do know, however, that my nails will look like this!!

And I'm pretty sure I will have a special kiss at midnight!

Happy Wednesday lovelies.

I now must go get ready for dinner.

XoXo

Monkey Mind

So I've spent my day today walking up and down Magazine Street, a popular street for shopping in New Orleans!

I ate lunch and then walked, walked, and walked some more. I went in some boutiques, antique shops, and a wedding shop (just because).

While pondering the items in the wedding shop, I came across a little book called "1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment" by Barbara Ann Kipfer.

I would consider myself to live in the moment, but after reading chapter 1, I realized that boy was I wrong. Instead, I have realized that I have the mind of a monkey which means that my consciousness resembles that of a restless monkey. I try to do too many things at once, creating a state known as "monkey mind".

As I think back to my day, I never once just enjoyed the fresh air and took in my surroundings. I was constantly texting, taking phone calls, tweeting, and taking pictures.

I feel like all of these these things are ok once you master living in the moment and realize that it is ok to put your phone away for five hours and just enjoy life. I never ever do this. I always have my phone and when it's dying, I kind of feel like I'm dying too. Not really, but it def stresses me out because I rely on my phone for everything!!!

As I read my book, I am going I share some strategies and insights so that we can all live in the moment.

These are a few things that I am really going to focus in on over the next few days!

Time management-
prioritize and be efficient

Be independent from technology-
 be ok with not having my phone attached to my hand at all times.

Be aware of my day to day activities.
 habit is a thief of awareness

Meditate-
 you will breathe more deeply and see more wonders

You will become more insightful, more content, and maybe more trusting.

Be attentive to yourself and others.
Not just friends and family, but also neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this post.
I'm excited to read the rest of my book and learn how to fully live in the moment.

I'm now putting my phone in my purse for the rest of the night. I'm out!

XoXo

Miscellany Monday

Write random and link up.

{New Orleans} 

I had an amazing weekend and already want to go back.

I went to visit my friend, Kent, and we had a great time.

Friday, we spent the day at the zoo...

My favorite animals were the little black bears

 and the white alligator.

Friday night, we went to Celebration in the Oaks in City Park.

It was so much fun.

There were lights everywhere.

We rode some rides...

The ferris wheel

the carousel

and all the spinny rides that I'm so shocked didn't make us sick.

We also walked around and ejoyed seeing all of the lights.

Saturday, we went to Kent's work Christmas party.

It was at an Alabama bar in NOLA and it was so much fun.

It was a blast and I am really looking forward to going back for the National Championship game.

{New Favorite Song}


{Diet}
I am starting fresh with my Vegetarian diet.
The only meat I ate this past week was pepperoni on my pizza, but a fail is a fail and I am now starting over.

My goal is to go 2 weeks.
I will keep you all posted.

{101 in 1001 Update}
It's been a while since I've updated.
Here goes...
Leave a 100% tip for someone.  (1/6)
Kent and I went to lunch today before I flew out and we had the most awesome server ever.
I hope he was happy with his tip.
Pay off credit cards.  (2/3)
Visit friends in other states.  (3/10)

{Mingle Monday}

Happy Mingling!

XoXo