Run! Hide! The kids are coming!

What a strange world to go from being a stay at home mom to a working mom to being at home with the kids again. Talk about culture shock. Did you know that a game of hide and seek can work highly in your favor as a parent? Case and point, I was able to finish reading a whole chapter of a book once while hiding in the shower.
Needless to say, after a week of the kids being home on Christmas break, I felt a lot like the picture below...

I asked my husband for just one day off as my Christmas present. I just want a day to stay in bed with a book and Chinese food. I don't want to break up any more girl drama. The only way that  I can describe his face was that he looked...scared. After some hesitation, he just asked if he could buy me a present.

It was an excellent present...

I have to give a HUGE thank you to my mom for making these beautiful dresses for my girls! Didn't she do an amazing job? The back is my favorite part. I was able to use extra fabric to make their headbands. 

As much as I would've like to find the best hiding spot and stay there throughout Christmas break, I knew I had to be smart. I needed to find things to do with the girls that were FREE (I bet your ears perked up) and let them have great experiences.

Now, I can't plan your whole time, but one thing that they loved doing was visiting the local fire department. Love the guys who serve. We took them a huge batch of mini brownies, and they took the girls on a tour. 

My second idea was to visit the beautiful Audubon park (a beautiful day out AND exercise!). I took the opportunity to update their photos. They change so quickly. So, we loaded up some new props: a cute tea set, a picnic basket, and a great little bench (thanks so much to my hubby for making it!). I haven't finished editing all the photos, but here's one little snapshot...

My other favorite idea is to visit the library. I love searching for books, especially since my girls are fascinated with them. My oldest reads through big, chapter books faster than I can keep up with, so a more cost effective way is to check some out for awhile.

If you're still looking for ideas, my last one is one that was passed onto me. The kids got so many toys that it was overwhelming. So, I actually put away most, and everyday I brought out a new gift.

I hope that you are having a great start the your new year!

Stick around because I'm hoping for a great year, and I'd love for you to join me on my journey!

Thursday Beats: Lagniappe Brass Band

I think that the current, over-produced music jaded me for awhile. My love of music was revived when I started going out to the Marigny to see the most passionate and talented bands. And it's just too exciting not to share it all with you (haven't you been able to tell??)! Some bands are great to just chill and absorb the awesomeness. However, some bands are too thrilling to let you stay in your seat. Now, I fully realize my human limitations. I am not a dancer by any means. However, sometimes I just can't stop myself! The music is just so good that it just has to come out of me!

This week's Thursday Beats group doesn't just stop at amazing music. These musicians give a high octane performance that calls for equal amounts of crowd participation. My Thursday Beats pick is Lagniappe Brass Band. In New Orleans, we understand 'lagniappe' to mean 'a little something extra.' These guys give you their great gift of music and then extra with their passion. LPP is a band that you cannot miss! From the beginning to the very last note, these guys make you feel like you've been part of the best party ever. Stop thinking that life has to be monotonous; get out their and support our great musicians!

You can find them playing at my favorite places, including the Balcony Music Club, VASO, and the Maison. 

Two ways to stay current on what these guys are doing:

http://www.lagniappebrassband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lbbneworleans

Thursday Beats: Blues4Sale

I am NOT a homebody. I get really antsy after two days of only going from work to home. I go crazy! I can't take life being monotonous or predictable. I need something new or different. The ups and downs and all arounds of life might make my stomach sick, but I'd rather that than living it in the same walls day in and day out. Life is too short not to add some Tony Chachere's every now and then!

Please tell me you can relate! 

I think this is part of the reason that pushed me to start finding the awesomeness of this city. I remember being a teenager and just being sooo bored. But with all the great stuff that I can find in my backyard, I can't ever imagine a bored moment. 

So what is this awesome post Thanksgiving Thursday Beats all about? The amazing guys who form Blues4Sale. Just because they sing the blues doesn't mean these guys will leave you crying for some lost dog. The music captivates and draws you in. But I'm sure at some point, you'll begin to hate the woman who broke their heart.

Going back to the need to get out of the house, these guys are regulars at the Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur Street  New Orleans) on Wednesday nights. You no longer have to wait til the weekend for amazing night out! Trust me, you need it.

To hear samples and see more about these guys, check out http://www.myspace.com/blues4sale4

I know a website for them will be up soon.

                                              

Thursday Beats! First edition: Dana Abbott Band

Welcome to my first edition of Thursday Beats! Let me take a poll. When you think of New Orleans, what comes to mind? Yeah, yeah food. Besides that. Okay, and besides having to work off the weight after eating your way through New Orleans. My recent tourist friends know what I'm talking about. We get amnesia or something down here when it comes to eating. You stop at one place and stuff your face. Leave that place, promising to never eat again. But the moment you walk out of the doors, you start looking for somewhere to eat! I know. Sidetracked here with food. Look, I had a Lean Cuisine for dinner, but I was also making 60 plus brownies for my kids' parties at school. My mind can't focus when there are brownies around that I can't eat.

Let me take a moment and refocus.

Another thing associated with New Orleans is the absolutely amazing time people have in the city. That credit should be given to those who are not just talented, but more like gifted with a perfect marriage of vocals, performance and instrumental abilities. And we can go see them any night of the week that we want! They are playing their hearts out, doing what they love. Are you fortunate enough to be able to do what you love?

For my first artist, let me introduce you to the Dana Abbott Band! These photos were taken at her performance at Tipitina's. However, you are more likely to find her at the Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur Street, 70116) in the Marigny. Catch her Fridays from 9-11:30. She has this amazing soulful voice that makes you want to hear more. And she's backed by a band that makes for a perfect marinade of sounds. You won't be able to sit still when this band takes over (perfect enough to dance off all that eatin'). Click the links below to follow. ReverbNation lets you hear some her tunes (my personal favorite is "What it is", and my husband can't get enough of "Hey Pocky A-way"). 

www.reverbnation.com/DanaAbbott

www.facebook.com/DanaAbbottband

Let me break it down for you. You are willing to get dressed and head out to an over-priced movie, paying for over-priced snacks and drinks. You'll even remark at how ridiculous it is. Then, the movie is lackluster, but then the money is already wasted. Instead, why not change your usual of a boring night in or an over-priced night to the movies. Go on and head out to where you can have a night sure to be one of your best ever. Get out and support New Orleans!

For Those Who Serve

What do you get with me, a beautiful day and a camera in my hand? An awesome birthday celebration with a super excited me, that's what! In the morning, I took photos of my beautiful girls (posted at an earlier date). Then, my husband and I spent the afternoon photographing different parts of where his unit is stationed- Jackson Barracks. 

The area to build Jackson Barracks was bought in 1833, where four forts were built in 1815 to protect against seaborne invasions. The site was originally named the New Orleans Barracks, but in 1866 it was renamed Jackson Barracks for Andrew Jackson.

The area is beautiful. Of course, I think any area with deconstructed buildings are beautiful, so am I the best judge? I wanted to capture some of the buildings before they were either torn down or reconstructed. The first three photos are of a few buildings. My favorite set start with number 4, so scroll down! I'm so excited...

This wall (shown in the next two photos) served to protect the old armory building (the plaque in the third photo explains its history). Soldiers had a tradition of etching into this brick gate. Up close photos are shown below with names and dates. My husband and I were astounded to find dates in the early 40s...But check the last two photos with dates even earlier that I found...

 See the 1879 in the middle??

Isn't that awesome?? I tried to find information on this Z.T. Friend from 1867, but my detective skills for people are not sharp.

I hope that you're having a great week! Ready for Thanksgiving? Do not fret! I hope that you look forward to time with family (and off of work/school!).

Check back tomorrow for a new segment I am starting, called Thursday Beats. It'll be a time when I post about an awesome musician/band and link you up to them! You never need to feel stuck or bored on a weekend in this city. Go out and support!