New Orleans Part 1

We escaped to NOLA for my birthday. I had never been and now I am in love and can't wait to go back. We drove and anyone who knows me knows this is not my thing but it was a beautiful drive with the promise of 200 old trees to visit along the way.

We dropped the dogs at my moms and I threw on my sporty spice travel clothes and hit the road. Loved my new kicks ;)

You can find them here

First stop Nottaway Plantation on river road. As you can see you are immediately transferred back in time. Read more about it here 

The grounds were stunning and we would even like to stay here next time I think. They turned it into a lovely resort and the weather could not have been better.

We contined to drive a long river road.

The Mississippi is so much larger than you think and I can't help but picture it 200 years ago and imagine how people tried to cross it. 

Then we came to one of the most beautiful sites I have seen this close to home.

Oak Alley it is majestic I have no better word. A truely amazing site. (read more about it here)

Look at those trees to think of all they have seen and survived. I really wanted to get my blanket out of the car and nap under them for hours and one day I think I will ;)

As you stood there the river behind you facing the house the trees did just as intended... You felt a wonderfully cool breeze off the river heading to the house. 

It is such a beatifiul place you almost forget that it was the site and cause of so much horrible American history and reminds me that beauty is most often deceiving. I love and appreciate history and I think it makes us better people to understand and acknowledge the past good and bad. It also makes me very greatful for who I am and all my blessings I have today.

Anyway sorry for the rant ;) this ended up a reflective vacation maybe because it was my birthday and I am getting older...

So we pressed on to NO

Arrived at our hotel. It was lovely.

There was a birthday gift to greet us...my favorite kind.

The bed was huge and the view  was perfect.

We laid around the room sipping champagne, looking over the courtyard and listening to the bustle of the city. So far it was looking like NOLA and I were going to be best of friends...

Part 2 coming later this week. 

Patio Revamp

Hello there!

It is Easter week and such a beautiful time of year, yesterday was Palm Sunday and even though we had some rain on our way to church there was sunshine when we got out. Saturday, however was perfection so we decided to finish the patio. I have been wanting to spruce it up for sometime. This is place I probably spend the most time in the spring and summer. We eat out here I have my morning quite time and coffee out here and I often nap on the patio as well :) it's our own little vacation spot at home and now it really reflects a peaceful environment. Take a look...

This is the before ...pretty terrible due to winter and the fact that our larger dog had been using one bench for a spring board. Also, we have had this furniture for about 5 years. 

You can see the guilty party standing there in the back. 

And here is the after...

She is still there ;)

So we decided to keep the furniture after we cleaned it, it was in good shape and we found new cushions. Not so easy to do on a budget! 

I also added an outdoor rug to keep the space feeling like an indoor space cozy and grounded. I purchased the cushions and rug at big lots. 

My favorite part is that I painted the ceiling!!! It's a perfect sky blue. This image captures the color the best it looks brighter in some of the others. The blue celiling is very common in southern older homes they had this done to keep the bugs out, apparently they don't fly up there and hang out since they think it's the sky. Also, I heard they did it to keep sprits out and just to extend the daylight and surround themselves with the colors of nature. We will see how it works to keep the bugs out this summer. I love the look of it and you can see it from inside the house. It just really brings it together. Feels so cool and luxurious. I also tried to use all colors in nature with the blues and greens and it just flows great from house to yard.

Some before and during

It looks brighter blue in these images its actually a great combination between bright and soft blue.

The details

I pretty much had everything here just added a plant.

I love this pot I had purchased a couple years ago at hobby lobby. The lanterns were a gift.

I had the lanterns awhile we like them in the evening and this little bar cart I had and decided to use it to hold my plants it was too short for actual bar cart use indoors but perfect as a space for your drink out here.

From the other side

Barbie likes the rug...since she has been banned from the new sofa ;)

I love this plant they had it marked down to 5 dollars at Lowes this weekend and it needs shade. My favorite plants catch the wind and make you feel cool and happy.

Here it is again

I hope to entertain many friends and family and have lots of quite nights here this season! We only have the overhead lights to add.

We also bought this rose bush to start a rose garden. We have several rose bushes already and we are going to make a formal garden section in the back of the yard. I am excited to get started! Coming from Tyler, TX I guess I have rose love in my blood :) 

I hope you like the patio all and all it cost about $150 to redo not too bad and we are very happy with the transformation! My husband wanted to sit out there all weekend and he loved the ceiling being blue he said it made him feel like he was on vacation....ahhh yes mission accomplished ;)

Next we will be working on the yard I will keep you updated.

Thank you and have a lovely Easter week!

Favorite Month of the Year

It's April!!

April is my favorite month of the year!! It's my wedding anniversary, Easter, my birthday and the time everything begins to become green and beautiful again. 

Spring time is so lovely with it's sweet blooms and a green color in the foliage that seems almost electric. I feel the need to be outside as much as possible to enjoy the cool breezes before it turns to the Texas hot summer. 

In honor of my favorite month I wanted to share some spring and Easter decor I added to the casa.

I use these cute little chicks every year they were a gift from a sweet friend and they make me so happy.

I switched to my mothers china sugar bowl and creamer, I love the rose bud on top.

Lavender ball

Bunnies

Spring scent lemon mint

Fresh white linens and summer pillows

And put some blooms out

Spring, we joyfully welcome you!!

New Natural Products

Hello there, I know it has been a little while since I have posted anything...I think the cold makes me hibernate. I am feeling much more adventurous and energized with the warmer weather approaching!

I had to tell you about these face products I found.

Andalou. You can get them at Sprouts, Market Street or online.

I really wish I had taken before and after photos. The have evened my skin tone and really helped in my wrinkle areas. I turn the big 35 in April and I am all for preventative measures. Plus I really like the idea of not using harsh chemicals on my skin. So let me introduce you to the line up...

This is the overnight cream I am using now it is from their "Brighting" line. It is creamy and luxurious but not greasy. It also smells like citrus. Before this I tried the anti-aging and I loved it!! It smelled like cocoa and felt like I was having an amazing spa treatment each time I put it on, they both do really and I have decided to alternate them...when one is out I buy the other and so on.

This is the perfect day cream with sunscreen. Not too oily and doesn't smell  too terribly much like sunscreen. Light and pretty perfect. I use it on my face, neck and hands! Don't forget those.

I think this little jewel may be my favorite. I have pretty deep expression lines on myforehead  and starting to get some around my eyes. After about three weeks of using this I am noticing a significant difference. 

Any how if you are looking for some vegan face products that are reasonably priced, check them out I have been impressed! 

Here is me with no makeup, close up so you can see my skin well.

My nose and cheeks are always a little pink but the tone over all looks much more even...and the lines on my forehead much better!!! Sorry I don't have a before and excuse the shinny eyes I sleep with Vaseline around them ;) 

I will keep you posted on others in the line I try. They even have a cute little starter kit here if you would like to check it out.

Taking care of you skin will be the best thing you ever do! Don't forget...

Get good sleep

Exfoliate

Drink lots of water

Always wash your face 

Wear sunscreen 

And as my mother would say "don't squint" (this is my problem) 

Have a great week!