MSY ---> JFK

It's bizarre to write this or say it out loud, but I'm moving to New York City. I'M MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY!

Recently, I submitted my resignation with my job at PRO Unlimited after I was offered an excellent position at a local interior design firm here, in Baton Rouge. It was the strangest thing, but when I removed the safety net of my career, I felt like this major weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It let me make the decision of my dreams and I couldn't be more terrified excited. So I have two weeks left here, then I'm off!

Until I get on my feet, I'm lucky enough to stay with two friends in their fabulous apartment in TriBeCa. After that, I'm sure I'll be living in a box (literally) in Brooklyn if I'm lucky (Jersey City if I'm not)... but we'll cross that bridge when I get there. For now, I've never been so excited for anything in my like, and while I'll miss my sissies, besties, friends, and family...I know that this is the right decision for me at this moment in my life.

mint

 

 

 

 

Last night, I joined Patty (from "What's in the Box"), Krystal (from APoL), and Jason for the opening of Baton Rouge's newest interior design store/art gallery/seller of fine women's shoes...Mint.

I have to say - this store could not better represent my own personal design aesthetic - very clean, crisp, light, with lots of whites, linens, and soft blues and greens. Mix in some mint juleps, wine, and delicious cookies (yes, i went there), and I'd say that had a stellar opening party.

Mint is located in the old Vespa shop on Corporate Blvd. Check them out - I promise you'll find something you love!

Mexican Cook Out

This past Sunday (the first day of this GORGEOUS weather, we (we being friends, Danielle, Ryan, Brennan, Krystal, and I) decided it was too nice of an evening to sit inside. There's about 7 days a year where this state has enjoyable weather, and I was not planning on wasting it. Solution: cookout by the pool! After a little deliberation, we chose a Mexican theme and got to work on the menu.

While sipping on Skinny Girl margs and beer, we sauteed a veggie medley and grilled chicken and steak for some yummy fajitas (with fresh cilantro, sour creme, salsa, and cheese). That, along with homemade guacamole and black bean salsa...I'd say we did alright.

Bistro Byronz Brunch

I love this place (and not just for their Blue Cheese Chips). Bistro Byronz, located on Government near Superior Grill is one of my favorite dining locations in Baton Rouge. The New Orleansy atmosphere coupled with their delicious cuisine make a perfect setting for a date (or try reserving a room for a great party space).

Either way, Some friends and I brunched there this past Sunday. We chose Bistro Byronz for the reason above AND because of their great patio space (a rarity in Baton Rouge). This weekend, a heavenly cool front came in and made sitting outside not only bearable, but comfortable and enjoyable!

After Party for Five (j/k 6)

Last night, I attended 225's Hot Off the Press Party for their fashion issue at the newly built Renaissance hotel in Baton Rouge. Both 225 and The Renaissance did a great job in terms of putting on a fabulous party. The complimentary food was light (unless you're like me and had several servings #noselfcontrol) and delicious and the overall ambiance of the party was nothing short of bougie. 

Afterwards, friends, Johnny, Patrick, Brittany, Danae, Brennan, and I went right down the road to Perkins Rowe to enjoy a little reverse happy hour at Kona Grill. I was too busy rubbing elbows to take pictures at the event (for which I'm kicking myself now), but I managed to snap a few at Kona. That pizza - DELISH!

Hurricane Isaac

Well this is fun.

But really - for us it's really not to bad...yet. Since we've been off of work since Tuesday (and probably won't go back until Friday), I'm trying to look at this as a nice little vacation. Just one where I can't exactly leave the house. I'm staying with my friend/roommate, Danielle, because I didn't want to leave her alone, and several of our friends have been coming in and out throughout the days. We still haven't lost power, so we're just hanging out, playing cards, watching TV, eating, more eating, and (of course) partaking in beverage consumption.

The weather is starting to get bad, so hopefully this will be able to last a little bit longer. I'm not looking forward to when WE lose power and it "just gets real, real hot"...

Estate Sale

As I was nursing my hangover enjoying a scone and coffee Sunday morning, I ran into my friends, Jason and Lou who had run in to grab a coffee in between estate sale shopping. Lou goes to them all the time (he has this weird obsession with chairs) and I've gone once or twice, but not too, too often. Therefore...I packed up my stuff and decided to join them. As I thought, there was a ton of crap, but there was also some pretty awesome pieces. I can definitely see myself going to more and more!

Coconut Water

This is getting me through it.

Last night, I was convinced to go to Happy's, a local downtown bar where the girls dress in skimpy clothing and serve big pitchers of beer to fat, sloppy frat guys. JK, it's fun. The point, however, is that I got in way past my bedtime and I am struggling this morning. Thank God for coconut water!

"Coconut water is an isotonic solution which replaces the fluids and minerals that the body loses during physical activities. For this reason, many athletes and persons who work out regularly are encouraged to drink coconut water to replace all the minerals and fluid that they lose while working out. " - According to this source.

AKA - it's also a great cure a hang over...when a Bloody Mary isn't an option. I've only picked them up from Whole Foods, but I'm sure other over-priced-but-super-chic grocery stores sell them, too. Cheers!

Talenti Gelato

Mmm...I loooove Talenti gelato. It's now become one of those nightly guilty pleasures...

Since moving out of my house, I've been temporarily staying with my friends, Ryan and Danielle, who were gracious enough to take me in (allowing me to avoid the commute to/from Gonzales where a lot of my things are). Since they live within walking distance, I've been picking up a lot of dinners from Whole Foods. While it may not be the most cost effective option...I love it. My favorite thing has become grabbing an iced tea from Starbucks, then running into Whole Foods for a fresh salad with chicken and quinoa and enjoying my dinner on their outside patio.

The point of this post: when we were shopping for dinner one night, my friend, Ryan introduced me to this gelato that's sold there. There are tons of flavors, but so far my favorite is the Sicilian Pistachio. Two spoonfuls a night and I'm good to go. I have a major sweet tooth, and that does the trick. Next time you're at Whole Foods check them out - I promise you'll love them!

Black Socks

EVERYONE makes fun of me about this, but I'm telling you it's in! My younger brother and his friends started wearing black crew socks, and at first I was how you probably are - completely not on board. Then, more and more I started seeing them around. I don't know why (okay I do - sometimes I like trashy things) but I'm really digging this look! THEN, my good friend, Jeff wore them with hightops and I was completely sold.

Normally, I would pair the socks/shoes combo with a preppy outfit, but I opted for this casual, semi-preppy, but mostly comfortable look when I was taking pictures for Krystal's Deconstructed post. (Thank, Krystal for taking the pictures!)

Either way - I love this look, so everyone can roll their eyes now (but you'll be seeing it more and more!)

Shirt: Hanes
Shorts: J.Crew
Socks: Nike
Shoes: Nike
Glasses: Ray-Bans
Watch: Timex (with military strap)

Art Show: Scott Finch

Last night, friends Matt, Ryan, and Brennan (and I) attended an art show for a few local artists including my good friend, Scott Finch. Last year was pretty great, but this year was even better. Maybe it was the company? Hosted at the Baton Rouge Art Gallery, it's always fun to get dressed up and do something other than our typical drinking/eating routine. I guess I'm speaking for all of us when I say that we had a great time viewing the art, mingling with people who are much more funky and hipster than I'll ever be, and enjoying some hors d'oeuvres and several glasses of free wine.

Afterwards, we headed over to the Bulldog for a few beers and then (I'm embarrassed to say) to Red Zeppelin Pizza...where I ate pretty much an entire pizza. So worth it at the time...not so much now. #where'smygirdle

Superior Saturday

 

Can you just hold our table for brunch tomorrow?

This is what we asked as we left Superior Grill after enjoying a few of the city's best margaritas. Superior Sunday has become somewhat of a tradition for about 10 of our friends considering we enjoy a delicious brunch almost weekly. However, this past Saturday, we stopped by after a dinner at Reginelli's for a night cap and a few several laughs. We we re lucky to even get a table; it's always packed for dinner and for good reason. It's delicious and the margs. Oh the margs. If you've never been...GO!

Hot Night, Cool Drinks

Well that was fun!

Last night, a few friends and I enjoyed some wine, beer, and spirits at Bin 77 (formerly The Grape) in Perkins Rowe. What started as a little date with Krystal from A Pinch of Lovely turned into a pretty large get together with pretty much the usual suspects. Even though it's often crowded and a little "chainy", Perkins Rowe really is a fun place to go for some after work drinks and eats. I just feel so so fancy when I'm there.

PS - Happy Friday!

I Just Knew It

Like...how typical. I really try to avoid chain restaurants at all costs. No, I do not think I'm better than them - I just think that there are too many good local eateries to enjoy to ever have to go to places like (insert chain here). Well, this weekend, Ryan INSISTED that we go to Olive Garden because he was craving their bread sticks and pasta.

Well...we got the bread sticks, but we never made it to the pasta. Why do you ask? Well...we had to evacuate the restaurant...because the kitchen caught on fire. We knew that there was SOMEthing was up whenever our server said that we couldn't get anymore Alfredo sauce for the bread sticks because there was an "issue" in the kitchen. 5 minutes later, we had to evacuate. Well, in the spirit of Trashy Sunday, we tried our luck at another popular dining establishment...(I can't believe I'm about to say this as a resident of Louisiana)...Red Lobster.

The food, service, and experience were all exactly what I was expecting: mediocre at BEST. But you know what - I've never laughed more. It just goes to show you - as long as you're in good company, it's easy to find a good time in just about anything.