Aaahh, another one for the books. We love Jazz Fest! Last year I was pregnant when we saw my all time fave, Tom Petty. This year we went both weekends and Benny got to go too. He was a trooper through the rain, did tons of people watching, and clapped with everyone after each song. We have a little music lover on our hands. By the way, Fleetwood Mac was incredible. Even after our time in New Orleans is over, we will continue to come for Jazz Fest! Rain or shine, it is an amazing time. I highly recommend it.
 

In Love..

04/29/2013

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Oh we had the sweetest little weekend...
Leaves me feeling in love with my family and our little journey.
Albin and I snagged a lunch date on Friday at Cochon Butcher-- a must if you vist New Orleans.
We found a froggie in the backyard and Bennett learned to pick flowers for Mama.
We did alot of neighborhood strolling,
made homemade muffins, and cafe au lait,
and took Bennett to his first Jazz Fest. Pictures to come.
We were rained on and standing in the mud.
Total New Orleans moment.
Benny had his head tilted back, arms swinging in the air, and clapping for Dave Matthews. Pretty adorable.
We are soaking every last drop out of New Orleans from here on out.
Love you NOLA!
 
 
Mother's Day



This year will be my very first Mother's Day! I have loved every moment of motherhood so far, and appreciate my own Mama more than ever. A whole day in celebration of Mothers! How sweet is that?! It totally takes on special meaning now that I am a Mama. I'm already very lucky. In fact, each time I get a hug from those little chubby arms it feels like Mother's Day. Still, it always feels nice to get a little pampered. This is my list of ultimate Mother's Day treats... a brand new bottle of Lollia perfume, some new Hanky Panky's, some cozy summer jammies from J, Crew, Lindt truffles to eat while I'm lounging in those jammies and smelling like Lollia, some peonies-- because there is nothing better, and some Pureology Perfect 4 Platinum hair products. Fainting at the thought of all this pleasure. Sidenote: I am a longtime Pureology junkie.. my favorite being the NanoWorks, but I am really excited to try the Perfect 4 Platinum products. My guess is, they're Perfect 4 Me!!

What do you want for Mother's Day?
 
 
Well, this is an announcement of sorts-- a two part announcement. Maybe you saw this coming..

Last Friday I put in two weeks notice at work. Part of me is so incredibly excited to spend more time with my little man, but the other part of me is recognizing the sadness of leaving a great organization. I have been really blessed to work with a great group of people in the last two years. The on-site childcare they provided made it possible for me to continue working without DYING of mommy-guilt. I don't think I could've done it without them. It has opened my eyes to so much. I've been fortunate.

Now on to the BIG part..

We are leaving New Orleans! If you know me, you know that I have had a love-hate relationship with this place. I love the festivals, Spring-time excitement, decadent food, and sweet people. I hate the intolerable Summer heat, crime, and distance from my family. It just wasn't home... until recently. We live in a home we LOVE, had a baby here, and have really started to feel at home. If you stay here long enough, something about this city will creep into your soul. Maybe it's the daiquiris.

I know this next step is right for our family. It's just scary. I'm not looking at this as the end. It's just the beginning. This is where we got our start. This is where our marriage and family began and I will always treasure it. I will leave NOLA with a heavy heart. But I think when we arrive in CALIFORNIA I will recover quickly. That's right folks, this train is bound for glory. And by glory, I mean West Coast sunshine, and tasty waves. See you in June!
 
 
Haven't had much to say lately.. We are gearing up for a very busy few weeks here in New Orleans. CrawFest, followed by 2 weekends of Jazz Fest, and then on May 18th, Albin's graduation from Business School!

This is hands-down, the best time of year in New Orleans. The weather is nice, and there is an energy in the air that just holds so much promise. A promise of good semi-clean fun, and a carefree feeling I can't really desribe. Festival Season is in full-swing. Maybe it's because the first time I came to New Orleans was around this time of year. I was newly engaged and met Albin and his friends here for Jazz Fest. It was SUCH an exciting weekend. Whatever it is, it is the BEST time.

Stay tuned for more.. and please excuse my hiatus from blogging.
 
 
This Mama got a little quiet time this weekend. We worked ALL day on Saturday making the inside AND outside of the house immaculate. So Sunday evening ended with dinner and a glass of wine on the patio. I'm making it a nightly ritual.
 
 


After being in LA, cruising Venice and getting in touch with my roots, I'm back in a 60's music kind of mood.  In certain parts of Venice Beach, you just get transported into the time of grooviness and incense. It is magic-- really. I like to pretend I'm Pamela Courson or Michelle Phillips strolling through the Venice canals.
I mean is there anything better than a little Gracie Slick? Maybe a little 60's Stones, some Doors, WAR?

*Sigh* I missed LA.
Picture
 
 
Picture this.. me, nearly 100 years ago... I was taking classes at the best community college in the world. I had a bitchin beach bungalow, single- but hangin' with a groovy guy or two, a skinny body, and a job in a boutique that I adored. I was really enjoying life.  

In one of my classes I was always chatting with this girl who sat behind me, rolling our eyes at all the idiots around us. One day, my jeans ripped right at the seat of my pants. As I sat down, I felt the cold of the chair and knew it was going to be a problem to get out of that classroom.  I turned around to this friendly face, and said.. " I need you to walk me to my car." We walked to the car together, her kindly and discreetly walking behind my bare bum. We discovered we had the same interests, love of art and music,, and the same passion for decadence and the pursuit of all things pleasurable. Match made in heaven, or hell if you consider the trouble we got into together. We promptly exchanged phone numbers and the rest is history. She has been one of my favorite people since that day. This girl was my partner in my crime. Lots of crime! We embarked on countless road trips to Mexico for all kinds of fun and trouble.

So much has happened since then. There have been some high highs and some low lows. But Angela and I still laugh in the same way. That belly laugh that hurts!. I spent some time with this "old so and so" in LA and I am so glad I did. A beautiful and talented girl, inside and out. The future looks bright!
 
 
I got to spend a lovely afternoon with my dear friend Jessica visiting our old stomping grounds. We perused the village, enjoyed a lazy lunch in the sun, and stopped into Ribbons to visit the best boss ever and do a little shopping. Ribbonettes for life! It was beyond lovely! The Riviera Village is the best little gem in the South Bay.. truly!
 
 
I always felt lucky to live here. I never took it for granted. I just enjoyed it. It's the coolest place. Even when I was broke, I always felt rich. The air here does that to you. It's refreshing. You don't need to do anything but stroll around the pier or the strand to understand.

Being home and just connecting with this town I love so dearly has been good for my soul. Taking the same walks I've taken for years. Sharing this sweet little life with my son, just as I did with my mom. It's been special.

Do you have a place that your soul just sings and you feel the truest you? It's the best!

There's only one thing that could make this time here better. Having my husband here with me. FaceTime isn't enough! We miss you Albin!