NOLA Trip

Hello, hello from NC! I am back after my fabulous trip to see my childhood bestie and her hubby!! Get ready for all the deets [with the help of a picture overload]. Here it goes!

 My flight from ILM left at 5:29 A.M., which put me in CLT in time to see the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen in my life...with my lovely hometown in in the background. Bless. I know I am a goob when it comes to happy tears, but watching this and thinking about the greatness, the vastness, and the glory of God...I couldn't help but tear up.
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Psalm 19:1

SATURDAY 

Here I am!!! NOLA! I kind of started crying when Ashley picked me up because I was that excited to see her. We hadn't seen each other in 6 months, and that's just weird for us. Happy tears indeed! Our first stop was Starbucks, naturally.

I was over the moon to see where Ash and William have been living since they got married in 2011. We usually see each other at when we're both at home in Charlotte in summer or for holidays, so it was such a treat to travel down to their home in NOLA.

Their place is in a home divided into 3 apartments! How lovely is this!?

That also means that they live in an absolutely stunning, historical residential area. 

I love old homes, so I was in awe driving down their neighborhood streets. 

After Ash and I sat and talked for a couple hours (...typical), we headed to Magazine Street to eat some lunch and meander into some local shops and boutiques!  

We dined at The Rum House, NOLA's only Caribbean taqueria! YUM!

  
 
All of the drinks were served in giant mason jars with neon straws! Love.

Chips + guac plus mango!? Yes.

A rumba taco and a brisket taco....yum!

We didn't buy anything in the shops, but I loved walking up and down the street and seeing all of the local businesses. There were some awesome consignment stores too. 

...And then we went home and took a power nap. Which was glorious. (Obviously.) When we woke up, we walked from her house to the big jogging path around Audubon Park (so convenient!).

 Of course I was drooling over every grand, gorgeous, historical home on the way to Audubon. I have a thing for white houses. And this one looks like a dollhouse (like so many others there!)!

After our walk we got ready for dinner at Lebanon's Cafe, a McEachern family favorite. It did not disapoint. Though I forgot to take pics, I loved my chicken, greek salad, pita, and hummus! 

We went out for one drink afterwards at Oak [since we knew we'd stay in Sunday night for Sean and Catherine's wedding...duh]. 

Oak is beautiful (obviously). 

Awesome atmosphere, live music, beautiful setting, and gorgeous artwork on the walls.

 Though they took this drink off the menu, Ashley managed to help the bartender figure out how to create the lovely pink drink they used to offer. Cheers!
 

 My favorite high school sweethearts (and my sweet host and hostess)!

SUNDAY

Ash and I started the morning reading through and discussing day 26 and 27 of the Wife After God devotional. Next up: brunch and my first visit to the French Quarter!

2 cups of coffee (each), Wife After God, a Bible, and some rich discussion. 

Love, love, love sweet Ash and and feel so grateful that we have seen each other through so many seasons of life.
Our friendship is an extraordinary treasure.

 Brunch at Dante's Kitchen

That's a crab meat and brie omelet. Oh, and the alligator sausage Ashley ordered for us isn't pictured. ;)

Downtown NOLA: Borbon Street Call me lame or un-fun (I will not take offense), but Bourbon street is not my jam.I appreciated the street signs on the building walls downtown that reminded me of my study abroad in Spain!

This is palm tree lined Canal Street. Palm trees...who knew?! (Not me.) 

Beautiful architecture all over this city. 

Jackson Square

My first look at the Mississippi River!  You know what's fun about visiting girlfriends? Wearing their clothes instead of yours.(Yep...that would be Ashley's sweater, necklace, and v-neck tee that I'm wearing! ;)) 

Final French Quarter stop: Cafe Du MondeCafe au lait and beignets!

We rounded up the night with The Bachelor Wedding. It was complete with comfy clothes, takeout pizza, Meomi, and some yummy chocolate truffles Ashley made. A perfect, girly, relaxing end to the trip! Totally grown sexy. (...You only get that if you watched the wedding. ;))

I flew home yesterday morning, and though I was sad to leave my sweet bffie, I was eager to get home and kiss my hubby! I miss him anytime we're apart...no matter how long or how short! :)

Cheers to travels, to lifelong friends, and to family! 

Have a wonderful Tuesday, y'all!

 Now go visit my lovely sponsor, Khala!