Birthday Weekend Recap

New Orleans was fabulous as always. I had a wonderful birthday weekend thanks to the hubby.  We didn't leave GA til 10am Friday so we got to Nola about 4pm (3pm their time).

We arrived at the W Hotel New Orleans and I was immediately annoyed when we pulled in and they told us parking was $35 per day...even for guests. I really think they should put this information on their website or at least tell you this when you book the room. So luckily one of the valets let us know that we could park across the street at Harrah's Casino and they would validate our parking if we gambled for at least 30 minutes per day. *whew* So we saved $105 by doing this. 

The second thing that annoyed me was that we had to put down a $150 cash deposit. Again, something they should tell you. When I booked the room, I gave my credit card and was told no pre-authorization or deposit was needed because the room was free (due to my comps from Vegas). But they said it would be used for incidentals. Again, they should have told us this UP FRONT. 

Third, they asked us if we wanted a non-smoking room. I said smoking, then she said this is a non-smoking hotel. Ok, so why'd you ask me to begin with?

The room itself...well it wasn't horrid but the pictures on their website were obviously taken after the hotel was built because you could definitely see everything was old. It still looked nice and the room was clean but it was just aged.

The bathroom was decent but small.

 Bed was comfy

 at least it was clean!

And this what was in the fridge...

a plastic lid for a cup and a bottled water that had already been opened. 

EWWW.

They had a bar & lounge downstairs in the "living room" aka lobby which was cool. We didn't spend time there but lots of people were coming to the hotel to hang out there.

After we got settled in we headed directly to French Quarter for dinner. Initially I was thinking I wanted to do something fancy & get all dolled up but after being on the road for 6 hours and being pissed off by the hotel I was just tired & hungry. We found a great little restaurant on Bourbon St and had dinner. Hubby surprised me with a Michael Kors watch. I didn't realized how HUGE it really was. He said he saw the site pulled up one day to the watch but I had NO idea he knew I wanted it. 

He also got me some eye make up. It looks super glittery but it goes on VERY light. It's like a gel and ads a little sparkle. At first I was thinking, "Lord I'm gonna look Lady Gaga with this!" Ha! But it's actually very subtle & I love it.

After dinner we stopped in a little jazz bar and had some drinks and listened to a band. I love old cover bands and they were belting out tunes like "My Girl," "When a Man Loves a Woman," etc. New Orleans has such an awesome vibe for music & art. 

Saturday we rode the street car down St Charles. It was our first time on a street car and we got to see a lot of New Orleans this way.

 I loved all the homes on St Charles St

 Many of the homes had porches with ceilings painted
"haint blue"!

We decided to have lunch at The Camellia Grille.

I am sorry to report the food was TERRIBLE. I have no idea what all the rave is about or why the lines are so long. But if anyone thinks their food is super good, you must eat bland food on a regular basis. I would NEVER go back to this place.

After lunch we hopped back on the street car...

And went to Cafe Du Monde. You HAVE to go to Cafe Du Monde when in New Orleans. OMG their beignets were the best thing I ate while there. 

We even went back Sunday for seconds! lol

 Heavenly!

We had a full day exploring the art and shops of New Orleans. We drove around and played at Harrah's Casino which was fun.  I won a few dollars but not enough to retire on, Ha!

On the way home Sunday we stopped by the Prime Outlet Mall in Gulport, MS & I scored a new Coach bag. My mom gave me some birthday money so this is really from her.

It's really funky & not what I would typically buy...but since it was 70% off I figured why not!

Although I think it would be perfect without all the colorful graphics.

 I love the green color on the inside!

 

 We had a fabulousss weekend & I can't wait to go back!

In other exciting news...

Have you ever participated in a Blog Swap? 

They are SO fun! 

And I am so thrilled that Star over at Star's pink World is hosting a Halloween Blog swap!

I'd love for any readers to sign up!

Viva Las Vegas!

I am SO excited that we have decided to go to Las Vegas (yet again) for the 4th of July! We even decided to rescheduled our May 1st cruise to the Bahamas just so we can save a little more for VEGAS! Yes, I we love to gamble! So we need to save as much as possible.

As much as I love Vegas, year after year we say we're going to go somewhere else. But with all the wonderful free Hotel offers, it's just a great deal. This time we had free hotel offers from the Venetian & Caesars Palace. We've stayed at the Venetian for the last 4 trips so this time we decided to try out Caesars. 

Group shot of me with the girls last year!

 We absolutely love Las Vegas and I never get tired of going. I feel like a teen when I'm there! LOL! But seriously, we have got to stop going every year. The one major bonus is my bestie Lynda lives in AZ so she always meets us out there. So I get to see her once a year. :)

So to get in shape for Vegas, today was day 1 of Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred. I've read a lot of good reviews so I am very optimistic! She is NO.JOKE.

I also had a friend tell me about something called SENSA. Have any of you heard of it or tried it? My friend has gone from a size 22 to 16 in 3 months. I did a little research but I am always skeptical of things that sound too good to be true. I've read a lot of good reviews so far though. If anyone decides to try it, go to GNC and avoid any auto-ship charges.

As for tonight's weekly dinner, we have decided this week's theme will be "Breakfast for Dinner"!

Pics will be posted tomorrow!

Happy Thursday All!