My First Mardi Gras

Happy Fat Tuesday. I spent the weekend in New Orleans celebrating Mardi Gras, and it was quite the celebration! A city wide party. Millions of people clad in green, gold, and purple. Ornately decorated floats throwing beads and random toys. The country's best bands. And 75-degree weather. It was a happy, happy place to be.

For years, my best friend Emily has invited me and I have never been able to attend. This year, just two days before she casually mentioned it, and my schedule happened to be clear-able! So, we were off to New Orleans. Her grandmother lives on St. Charles Avenue and her family welcomed me with open arms and graciously included me in all of their festivities.

And we did Mardi Gras in a classy, hassle-free manner. And I loved every minute of it. I could explain all day and it would still sound absurd, so I'll save us both the time. Even these pictures do not nearly do it justice, but here is my documentation of a wonderful weekend in Nola!

 

 

 

 

And one of the most fun parts of Emily's sweet sweet family, who were all incredible hosts, were her cute little bitty cousins. Vivian turned three on Sunday, so she blew out the candles on her giant crab shaped king cake and enjoyed the massive party that the city of New Orleans threw for her!

Happy Mardi Gras!

xoxo

The Grut: Livvy's Birthday Edition

My lovely roommate Livvy is now a quarter of a century old! We had quite the celebration last night...it was wonderful!

Happy, happy [late] birthday, liv!

Xoxo

Tuesday Night: Roommate Dinner

Here at The Grut, Livvy recently started the brilliant tradition of alternating who cooks for the whole house on Tuesday evenings. Livvy is the chef extraordinare, but so far we have all successfully cooked delicious meals for the house!

Two weeks ago, I was in charge and I made all the fixings for personal pizzas (including the famous homemade dough, compliments of my mom!). We had fun preparing them together and they tasted fabulous.

Last week, I came home to the aurora of cajun cuisine and I was thrilled. Camille had prepared an amazing kinua jumbalaya, a delicious salad, and warm, french bread.

Rita showed us all up this week with amazing chicken stuffed with feta cheese and spices, wrapped in bacon. Just typing about it makes my mouth water. The asparagus, rosemary potatoes, and bread were delectable as well.

 We are loving this new little tradition because its a healthy, inexpensive way to make sure that we all eat one meal together each week…and a good way to make us practice our culinary skills!

xoxo

The Loveliest, Outdoor Weekend

True to Nashville character, we had a randomly warm weekend in February, and everyone was thrilled! This winter has been long (although nothing compared to the winter I experienced last year!)...

My friends and I took full advantage of the sunny, 70 degree weather this weekend…walks, outdoor meals, wiffle ball games, picnics, national margarita day, outdoor study sessions, and just soaking up that sunshine! 

 

 

 

We all happily bid adieu to Seasonal Affective Disorder, winter coats, and icy mornings. Nashville springtime, we are ready to welcome you with open arms!

xoxo

Life as of Late...

As I laid awake in bed last night, I ran through so many various topics and events that I have been wanting to blog about lately but have not found the time for. So, this is my "catch all" post. Here is how I have been spending my time lately…

The Fabulous Friends Valentine Dance…which is an annual event that I always love attending. This year it raised over $80,000 for African Leadership.

 

I spent the weekend at "Winter Camp" with my freshman d-group, which was quite the flashback to my high school days. It was a blast, but not much sleep was acquired.

Chocolate covered strawberries at our weekly Bachelor viewing party. Yum!

I have been puppy-sitting this little fur ball, Beyonce! She is just too cute!

And I have mixed emotions on this topic, but next week is my last week of tutoring/testing for the year. I will miss my [usually] precious kiddos, but the free time in my schedule is much needed.

Even in this freezing winter weather, I love me some Jeni's ice cream!

Camille left flowers beside all of our beds for Valentines cheer. There are perks to living with four single ladies!

This winter, I am loving the booties [and so are all my friends!]

And, despite all the busyness, I love love love to stop for little lunch dates!

What has been occupying your time this winter? I hope you are finding the joy along the journey in whatever you may be doing.

xoxo