Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!

 (Images via google)

Let the good times roll!! Boy, did they this past weekend! Jen's hubby, Mark, called it a 'rock star' weekend, and I believe he was right!

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I was fortunate to spend a few days with my friend Jen from the lovely blog Nola Girl. If you aren't familiar with Jen's amazing blog, get your booty on over there! She did a lovely recap of the weekend yesterday! 

There has never been a lady love a city more than Jen loves New Orleans, and I couldn't have had a better weekend frolicking around the city with such a great friend!

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(Images via google)

Jen picked me up from the airport on Friday evening, and we did a driving tour of the homes on St. Charles Avenue all decked out for Christmas, it was beautiful! Then we went to St. James Cheese Company to pick up a little pre-dinner snack. My first night in Nola, Jen and Mark treated me to a fabulous dinner at La Petite Grocery on Magazine Street. Lobster beignets, steak with caramelized onions and a mojito? Yum!

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On Saturday we headed down to the French Quarter on the streetcar and met up with Jen's sister. We had beignets at Cafe du Monde and shopped around the Quarter. One of the most magical moments on Saturday was when we saw a couple who had just gotten married being led through the French Quarter by a brass band! It was amazing!

(As I mentioned in my post on Friday, I took 'Flat Anne' along with me on my trip and captured some pictures of her for the kids at school!)

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After strolling around the Quarter and snapping some more photos we met up with fellow bloggers, Michelle and Lacey, for lunch at Stanley. It was wonderful to see these ladies and spend some time together! How great is this picture?!

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After doing a little shopping on Magazine Street we headed home and got all dolled up for a night out at a Christmas party benefiting the Al Copeland Foundation. Not only did we eat some great food (including cheesecake with caramel sauce) and dance our booties off, Jen and I met Saints great Mike McKenzie! What a night and what a nice guy- so kind and down-to-earth.

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After enjoying a yummy brunch of turtle soup and eggs benedict at Muriel's in Jackson Square on Sunday, Jen, her friend Sara and I headed over to Saks and Anthropologie for a little shopping before making our way to the Superdome for the Saints game!! What an awesome experience! Jen and I got to do the 'Halftime' dance several times on Sunday. Not familiar with the song? Click that link and prepare to shake your booty! WHO DAT!!

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I couldn't have asked for a more amazing weekend, and can't wait to see Jen again! Hope you all enjoyed the recap, I think I managed to cram all the goodness in this one post!

Happy Wednesday, my dears!

XoXo,

'When the Saints Go Marching In'

Hello!

(Image via Style Me Pretty)

Apologies for the delayed post since returning home! It has been a little crazy since I got back from New Orleans yesterday, gang. I came home to about 3 or 4 inches of new snow on the ground and have been a little frantic. Was I afraid I may get stuck in Dallas yesterday?? Yes!

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I promise I will do a full recap of the amazing weekend tomorrow, with detailed events and pictures. For right now though, let me say that Jen is possibly one of the sweetest ladies ever, and I am so blessed to have her as a life-long friend. She and Mark were incredible hosts during my visit and I was sad to leave them.

Here is a picture of Jen and me at the Saints game on Sunday to hold y'all over until the full recap.

See you back here tomorrow, everyone!

XoXo

Off to New Orleans!

As you read this post I'm either heading to the airport, in the airport or on a plane bound for New Orleans!! Jen and I have been anxiously awaiting my visit for a few months now, and I can't believe it's finally here! 

As I've mentioned before, after my first trip down to Nola I knew when I returned home that I had left a piece of my heart there. That special place just does that to you, wraps you up in it's welcoming embrace and puts a sweet Cajun spell on you.

 (Images via Style Me Pretty)

 As many of you know by now, my dear friend Trish and her husband Matt are moving back home to New Orleans in a couple weeks- just in time for Christmas! Please scoot on over to her blog and send her well-wishes during this whirlwind (and exciting) time!

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I will also be meeting Lacey and KB while I'm there and possibly Melanie! Four blog friends in one trip? It's nearly too much for me to handle!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend keeping busy with Christmas parties, shopping, wrapping presents, caroling and toasting to this magical season. My sweet friend Dawn will be paying you all a visit on Monday so it doesn't get too quiet around these parts. If you don't know Miss Dawn, I assure you that you will absolutely adore her!

(Last two images via Trishy)

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One last little note. Have you all heard of the 'Flat Stanley' project? If not, click the link and read about it. The second grade class at the school where I work is doing their own project and one of their little characters is coming with me on my trip. Meet Flat Anne, my travel partner:

(She was styled and colored by one of the second grade girls. Isn't she adorable?)

I can't wait to snap some pictures of her on the street car, eating some beignets, strolling around the Quarter, and cheering on the Saints. The kids are just gonna love it!

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Hugs and love from Nola! See you soon!

XoXo,

Gearing Up!

(Images via Olivia Graham)

I want the hair in that second photo, how about you?! Gorgeous.

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Well, happy Thursday, dolls! This has officially been the longest week ever. The kids at school are crazy with thoughts of Santa, sugar-plum fairies, and the extended vacation from school. Wait, maybe that's the faculty. Either way, we're all in desperate need of the coming break!

The only thing that's keeping me chugging along today is gearing up for Nola this weekend. My bags are nearly packed and the itinerary is set! I told Jen last night that this trip was coming at the perfect time. I can feel the stress melting away already. You hear this song? Yes, it's my inspiration today. Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?

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Thank you all so much for a fantastic week here at BeB. Your comments on my decorations, the Kate Spade holiday campaign and the lovely SJP were just what I needed!

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Sorry so short today, everyone- today is exceptionally busy! I hope your week is going well so far and that you're making fun plans for the weekend. Happy Thursday!

"Louis Armstrong- Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?"

This Time Next Week...(and other things)

...I won't be sporting pink platform pumps (black riding boots, most likely), but I will be leaving on a jet plane!

I'm kissing the chilly weather & snow flurries good bye and heading to a warmer climate.....

(Images via we heart it)

I'm ready for the jazz, the shopping, the food, the Saints, the people, the Christmas decorations, and of course finally meeting Jen! T-minus one week!

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A few random thoughts on my mind as we start the weekend.....

This is my last weekend of class for the semester. Only one semester left after this!

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(Image via Martha Stewart)

I am so ready for Christmas. It took me several weeks to get here, but I am in full holiday spirit!

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(Image via we heart it)

Bre from Aubrey LaRue sent me this lovely picture this week! Isn't it just gorgeous?

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(Image via Karen Kane)

My blog was the featured link on the Karen Kane facebook page this week! You all know how much I love this brand, so you can imagine how flattered I was! Thank you, KK!

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Happy, happy birthday today to my wonderful Daddy!! I'm sending all kinds of love, hugs and kisses to you, Dad!

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Happy Friday, everyone! Thank you for another fabulous week here at Brown Eyed Belle!

Xo,

Countdown.

The countdown is on. 

One month from today.....

I will be bound for this gorgeous little place....

One ticket bound for sweet Nola....

and this darling girl!

That's right, gang, my first blog friend visit is only a few weeks away! My sweet Jen from Nola Girl and I will be frolicking around the Big Easy oh so soon!

I can't begin to tell you all how excited we are! So excited that I'm devoting this entire post to the Nola countdown! T-minus 30 days!

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(Image via Olivia Graham)

(via The Sartorialist)

(All other images via we heart it)

Jealous?? Yea, I thought so. I probably would be too!

The countdown is on!

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If you're in need of some more Brown Eyed Belle, I wrote a 'what inspires me' post for my sweet friend Terri over at My Creative Pathway. Please go visit today!

Hugs and love to you all!

Xo,

Music Info:

Artist: Coralie Clement

Song: Samba de mon coqeur qui bat