Vegas & Nola

Time to play catch up on our recent travels!

We spent Valentine's Day weekend in Vegas this year.

I always tell the hubby I'm sick of going to Vegas because 

we go so much & I'd rather visit some new places that we've 

never been to before.

But...we always have a blast in Vegas each and every time!

This time was no different.

We went because my brother invited us as this was

his "honeymoon."

So we were there with my brother & his wife and

my brother's best friend & his wife.

It just so happened that my best friend's sister & her husband

were also there that weekend as well as another friend of mine

that drove up from Arizona.

We gambled some, caught two shows Zarkana & Zumanity (which we didn't really care for either show), hopped on a party bus and went to 3 clubs (Haze, Surrender, & Pure), walked the strip, ate lots of great food, & had an overall fabulous time!

  

I almost hit $500k!

 

Toe socks I wore to "try" and help my feet from a night in heels!

These just helped with friction, but that's about it.

 2 weekends ago we decided at the last minute to go

to Mardi Gras for a day.

I'm glad we went because we had a great time, I can say I've

been, & I just love going to Nola.

The city is already full of crazy people but I think

Mardi Gras brings out the crazy people to the 10th power!

We'll be back in New Orleans next month because we're going on a one week cruise to Mexico, Honduras, & Belize. 

I'm so happy it ports out of Nola so we can get there a day early

and enjoy the city again without so much chaos!

St Patty's Day

 Late recap on our St Patty's Day weekend in Biloxi & New Orleans.

The hubby & I and another couple took a road trip with our first stop being Biloxi, MS.

We stayed at the Grand Casino.

This was our view!

We got there at about 9:30pm, kind of late but NEVER too late 

for a casino since they're open 24 hours of course.

So we grabbed a late dinner and hit the slots for the rest of the night.

Saturday we got up early, had breakfast, and I had a quick (free) manicure at the spa.

We then hopped in the car for the 1.5 hour drive to New Orleans.

Before leaving Biloxi, we passed all the floats that were lined up 

for their St Patty's Day parade.

The couple that went with us had never been to New Orleans.

So of course we had to take them to Cafe Du Monde first.

I LOVE their beignets & iced coffee!

Taste so good you'll slap your mamma!

After our little snack we walked across the street to Jackson Square.

I love seeing all the artists and street performers here.

Then of course we went on a stroll through French Quarter.

The infamous Hand Grendades of New Orleans.

I am never surprised by the craziness I see on Bourbon Street.

Our last stop in New Orleans was at this Cigar Factory.

The guys loved it.

They both got some type of cognac flavored cigars!

 

It was definitely a fun weekend getaway.

We didn't come back millionaires, but the 

Grand Casino did give hubby & I a free 7 day cruise certificate to

use next year with Norwegian Cruise Line.

We are so excited and decided on a cruise that will be going to

Mexico, Honduras, & Belize!

 

Today is my Friday!

Tomorrow we are going to Biloxi & New Orleans for the weekend!

I'm excited for our mini vacay, especially since it's 

practically free.

The casino sent me coupons for a free room,

$450 in free gaming credit, & $75 free food credit! 

And a free cruise to use in 2014 if we come this weekend.

We couldn't pass that up!

So wish us luck! 

 

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!