Recap: Summer Summer, Happened So Rápido

October 8, 2014April 18, 2016 / Natalie / Leave a comment

Hey, you! Where the hell have you been?

I know, right. It happens to the best of us. We get busy. Time, it flies.

This summer, poof, has since come and gone like most good times do. Fall is here. We may have a few more warm days, but that little vixen of the sun I call summer is behind us. Rocktober is in full swing.

She really has her way with us each year. Her rays instilling a surge of energy within all earth’s creatures, stirring up the activity of human kind.

So where the hell have I been? It’s the season to play, vacay, and stay-cay. So when I wasn’t working, I did just that.

I spent a good portion of my summer soaking up the sun – the vitamin d, ‘tis good for you – hitting the beach and enjoying the local food and music scene with friends in Charleston. To getting the hell out of dodge, visiting with old friends and making new ones while enjoying some of my favorite bands in other cities. To the highlight of my summer, a family trip south of the border. It was a jam packed, no pun intended, few months.

The summer peaked with a long overdue family vacation in Mexico. Located on the beaches north of Tulum, 16 of us were reuniting for a week-long fiesta now donned Gringos Gone Wild.

Now, I had never been to Mexico before. More specifically flying into Cancun. MTV’s Spring Break sure left a bad taste in my mouth. I envisioned wet t-shirt contests and puke in the pool. Boy, was I wrong. One hour south it was a classy affair and damn, was it breathtaking.

I had been looking forward to this trip not only for the opportunity to reconnect with extended family but as a much needed break from the long days and late nights my schedule had become.

31 years I’ve spent getting to know these people. Hailing from New Orleans and New York, this is not an introverted bunch. I should have known better than to think that there would be much down time.

Far from it.

Every day provided another memorable adventure; snorkeling through coral reefs, scuba diving, cliff jumping, kayaking, a catamaran trip down the coast and an obligatory visit to the Mayan ruins to get our culture on. Each excursion held a dear place in my heart, but my favorite morning was when a small group of us went to The Garden of Eden Cenote.

Having been recommended by several locals in our town, I was hell bent on seeing what all the fuss was about. After one failed attempt, I am forever grateful my Aunt got my ass up on our last day to see my wishes come true. The Garden of Eden it was. A magical place, minus the serpents and forbidden fruit, yet, we did all sport fig leaves.

The fresh water open caves, sought out by snorkel and scuba enthusiasts, are a dime a dozen and each one claims to be better than next. Though, I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than this one.

We arrived early enough to enjoy this sanctuary solo; exploring the pond, cave and cliffs tucked away within the Mexican jungle. Drawn to a tree sitting atop the tallest cliff, we faced our fears by climbing up for a proper entry – diving into the abyss by death defying jump.

‘Do one thing every day that scares you.’ – Eleanor Roosevelt.

And we did.

Not only were our days filled with excitement, but they were just getting us warmed up for our evenings at the Hacienda del Mar. Staying under the same roof, we ended each day with a lively dinner followed by dancing, singing and swimming in the pool by moonlight.

Now, I could go on and on with the mundane details about our daily excursions and nightly ragers or even bore you to death with the details of our murder mystery night, a killer evening indeed; however, I’m going to keep those special moments for myself.

I can’t help but share with you a video my sister made as it truly captures the essence of our trip. She’s a badass filmmaker if I do say so myself, but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Spoiler alert: We like to boogie.

Click here to watch Gringos Gone Wild

To recap, Mexico was awesome. Even with all that tequila, one could never forget the memories that were made. Yes, the amenities were fantastic and the moments never dull, but the people, my family, are what made this vacation so special. We sang and danced. We ate and drank. We laughed till we cried. I love those guys.

I came back to the states thrust back into the fast paced world I had so quickly left behind a week prior. Like a slap in the face, I was stunned by my ever so rapid way of life. Working two jobs while maintaining a healthy social life, left very little time for much else. The next thing I know, two months had flown by and here I am. Summer is over.

Where did the time go?!

Work hard, play hard. It’s a lovely life motto. However, the key here is to achieve a healthy work/life balance.

I spent the past few months doing a lot; a lot of working, traveling, and partying. I got so caught up in the busy-ness that I neglected the most important thing…me.

An ancient Chinese proverb, whose origin is unknown, states:

‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’

Truth.

Always on the go, never taking a moment for myself to just…breathe; I was spreading myself to thin.

FOMO, fear of missing out, is a real thing. I have it. But I now realize I just can’t do it all. It’s exhausting.

This chick is beat.

I’m shifting gears and refocusing my efforts this fall. The wellness of my mind, body, and spirit are at the top of my priority list.

I am going to mimic the changing of the seasons like the leaves on the trees so leisurely turning their autumn hues and slow my fucking roll.

Life will continue to ebb and flow. I will get caught up in the rapid race once again, so I better start storing my nuts before I go nuts.

Busy is not an excuse. We have to make time for ourselves.

Be selfish and take care of yourself. I ain’t teasin’.

Catch yourself before you fall, that’s the reason for the season. And pie. Pie is good too.

Rescue Me

June 19, 2014April 18, 2016 / Natalie / Leave a comment

A year and a half ago I did something that would change my life forever, for the better.

It wasn’t something I had planned, it just sort of happened.

I was enjoying a little Facebook scroll when I came across a friend’s post and a picture that stole my heart.

Her name was Duchess; a scruffy little mutt from the Animal Society. She was found in bad shape and currently living with a foster mom to nurse her back to good health. The caption spoke of how special she was but the picture really said it all.

Something sparked within me that evening. I had to meet her.

If you listen closely, the universe will speak to you. My ears are always open and I relish in its subtle sounds. When it tells you something feels right, go with it.

And I did.

I wasn’t looking for a dog. She found me.

Not one day later did I adopt ‘Duchess’. And on that very day, I changed that god awful name. No way, no how, was that sticking.

Roux Barb. Nailed it. Damn, I’m good.

This sweet pup came into my life so quickly and it all fell into place. You adjust when there is no other option.

Do you have a pet? Did you adopt? Then you can understand just how rewarding having an animal can be especially taking in one that’s been waiting at a shelter for a forever home.

I rescued her. And that gave me great satisfaction.

Now, I’m not recommending we all go out and take in every animal without a home. Cat ladies are weird. But get yourself a pet and do it via adoption. These acts of kindness are not only saving a life but the unconditional love you get in return is quite fulfilling. Roux fucking loves me.

Getting a rescue is also a great way to go as you’ll save money and you won’t be supporting puppy mills or pet stores. There are so many animals out there looking for a home. Adopting should really be the only option.

Why not consider those that are likely not going to have any quality of life otherwise. These are some grateful creatures.

Now this dog is the happiest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s contagious. She jumps so high when she’s trying to say hello and drags her belly across the floor when she gets excited.

All she wants is a little attention. She’ll look at you with her big doe eyes and perma-grin and knows she’s got you hooked. It’s sofa king cute.

She greets me at the door and talks to me when I come home. No really. She speaks, not barks, but tells me about her day and asks about mine. It’s nice. We have a great rapport.

Roux’s presence in my life has changed me. I’ve since developed more tolerance, compassion, patience, and become more accountable. Don’t kill the dog.

I’m a better person with Roux in my life.

I think I rescued her, but she…rescued me.

Man, I love that little doggie.

“Rescue me
Oh take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charms
‘Coz I’m lonely and I’m blue
I need you and your love too”

-Aretha Franklin

Mama, I’m Coming Home

Brown Eyed Girl

You Say You Want a Roux-volution

Party Animal

After Midnight

Reconnect and Recharge

May 15, 2014April 18, 2016 / Natalie / 7 Comments

A few weeks ago my iPhone began dying rapidly. No matter the amount of charge, I now have a very small window for usage.

Yes, I’ve closed my apps. And no, I’m not on the damn thing constantly.

My theory: it’s worn out, technically exhausted, overused and needs a major break.

We’re no different than the machines. Shit. We are ‘on’ all the time; expected to perform to a certain level of standard.

Bottom line: We are all exhausted.

The last time I checked, I was unable to plug my ass into a wall in order to replenish my energy. Sadly, I am no machine.

Must be nice to be so easily recharged, iPhone. – I’m just sitting here waiting for this coconut water to kick in.

Feeling burnt out? Need a break?

Unable to generate a self-sustaining ass-cord that will revive you when you’re feeling ‘low’?

My solution: get the hell out of dodge.

We all need to ‘turn off’ and recharge. There’s no better way to do so then to take a vacation and get away from your mundane daily routine. Taking this time will reinvigorate you; resulting in an even more productive self upon your return.

So that’s just what I did.

I took a much needed vacation to New Orleans; the birthplace of Jazz and yours truly. I returned home to revisit my roots, relax, and recharge.

Now some people may lean towards visiting New Orleans over Mardi Gras. If you never have, I highly recommend you get down there. Do it up like a local and watch the parades on St. Charles Ave. in the Garden District.

But, ladies, please keep your shirts on. Flashing for beads is a tourist phenomenon. But hey, I won’t judge. If you got it, flaunt it, girl.

If you really want a well-rounded cultural experience, then take in the City That Care Forgot during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. There is nothing like it.

I’ve been to festivals all over the country. What makes Jazz Fest the tastiest of musical gumbos is a well-seasoned combination of history, culture, people, food, and, of course, the music.

New Orleans is a music mecca.

From Louis Armstrong, Professor Longhair, and Fats Domino, to Dr. John, The Meters, Allen Toussaint, and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, to Trombone Shorty, Dumpstaphunk, and Anders Osborne, to Lil’ Wayne, Juvenile, and The Hot Boys – these are just a small sampling of the artists that have come out of these muddy waters and shaped the sounds of today’s New Orleans.

A mix of jazz, rhythm & blues, funk, rock & roll, hip-hop, and even electronica are playing a part in the current music scene. And damn, does it sound good.

Jazz Fest is a two-week long musical holy grail for musicians. Traveling from all over the world, they flock to the city to take part in making history; everyone looking for that opportunity to collaborate with one another at the infamous late-night shows. It’s near impossible deciding which ones to attend.

The festival is located at the Fairgrounds in the Mid-City neighborhood. The homes surrounding it are party central. Just walking in and out of the Fest is an experience. House parties for days. You’ll likely be invited in and joined by an impromptu second-line as you walk to your next destination.

Coming home for Jazz Fest is a no-brainer as it allows for me to kill a few birds with one stone. I get to spend time with my family and friends while doing something I most enjoy; seeing live music.

Being that I now live in Charleston, it is vital for me to reconnect with New Orleans and my past. It is every part the reason of who I’ve become today. Remembering where I came from reassures that I am on the right path.

Now here is where I want to stress the importance of ‘turning off’. There is so much to take in when visiting such a special place like New Orleans; the people, the architecture, the food, the landscape, the art, and the music. There is so much history here. It would be a shame to miss any of it.

So put the phone down. Stop Instagramming every picture. Your work emails can wait.

Be present. You are on vacation.

Instead, talk to people. Listen to the sounds of the city. Free yourself from the internet and take this time to recharge your battery.

If I can do it, you can too.

I spent an entire week exploring the New Orleans of my past and becoming acquainted with the new, New Orleans – the city is in constant change and growth. Rebirth is an understatement.

I had the pleasure of making new friends and reminiscing with old ones.

I broke bread with my family and enjoyed some live music with them too.

My belly remained full and I spent every night dancing it all off.

Going from the Fest by day to explore the late-night shows across the city, my musical cup , it run-eth over.

It. Was. Awesome.

But you know what? I didn’t even think twice to ‘share’ it with anyone. I needed to preserve every second I had there. This was precious time and I wanted to savor every last drop.

I had zero obligations and my mission was to kick back and relax.

I returned to Charleston satisfied. Full of energy; recharged and refreshed.

So take some time for yourself when you need it.

If you can’t leave town, step away from technology to connect with others and yourself.

Once you do, you’ll be ready to take on the day in much more positive, productive, and proactive manner. You’ll perform like a machine.

Just don’t wait too long to recharge. Or you’ll end up like my iPhone…dead.

Heading to New Orleans? Here are a few of my must do’s (I’m barely scratching the surface here):

Things to do:

Walk around the French Quarter

Whether it at day or night, walking around the Quarter presents so many options. You can decide to stop in somewhere for a drink, grab some raw oysters, explore an art gallery, or you’ll likely be stopped in your tracks by an unbelievable street performer.

The Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art

This was the first time I had been. City Park has been completely revitalized and this garden is a most impressive combination of fine art and well-planned layout. I was blown away.

Go to the Fly

This is a park behind the Audubon Zoo on the Mississippi River. I like to bring a PoBoy from Domilise’s and sit here in solitude watching the cargo ships pass by. It’s nothing fancy but there’s some nostalgia for me here.

Ride the Streetcar from Downtown to Riverbend

What a fabulous way to see Uptown New Orleans and the homes on St. Charles Ave. Do it with a daiquiri in hand.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

I recently saw Dwayne Burnside perform here. I got to walk three floors exploring works of art by Southerners old and new while listening to some Mississippi blues.

GO SEE LIVE MUSIC

Music to hear:

Frenchmen St.

DBA, The Maison, Snug Harbor, Blue Nile, The Spotted Cat, and The Apple Barrel are just a few of my favorite music venues on this infamous street.

Tipitina’s

Easily one of my favorite venues in the country; Tip’s gets some of the best music in the city.

The Maple Leaf

A locals venue. Stop in on a Tuesday night to see Rebirth Brass Band, they play here every week.

Places to Eat and Drink:

The Delachaise

This was a recent find and I’m hooked. This Hipster friendly wine bar offers up some tasty bites. Order at the bar and grab at table on St. Charles Ave.

Bacchanal

One of my family’s favorite spot to let loose. This little gem is a wine shop/restaurant/live music venue in the ByWater. Buy a bottle of wine and some cheese in the wine shop and post up at a plastic table with mismatched chairs in the backyard for some live jazz under the banana trees.

Booty’s Street Food

Featuring street food from around the world, a new artist does installations in the bathroom every Monday.

The Columns Hotel

An old historic hotel on St. Charles Ave that serves up classic New Orleans cocktails; I like to enjoy mine outside.

Café Du Monde

As cliché as it is, I always make it in. The infamous 24hours café serves up the best coffee and beignets. I recommend stopping in on your way home from Frenchmen St at 5am.

The Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone

Order a Bourbon Milk Punch and try your best at a shot at the Carousel Bar. Yes, it is a functioning carousel.

Cure

This James Beard award winning bar is the place to get a crafted cocktail in New Orleans. The bartenders here will blow your mind.

Recap: Birthrift Day

April 17, 2014April 18, 2016 / Natalie / 4 Comments

Dun nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh:

“They say it’s your birthday.

Well it’s my birthday too, yeah.

They say it’s your birthday.

We’re gonna have a good time.

I’m glad it’s your birthday.

Happy birthday to you!”

The Beatles

This is your golden opportunity. A once in a year, take full advantage of the situation, sit-u-ation.

It’s your day.

It happens once a year, folks. We all have one. It’s either your favorite, dreaded, or perhaps even regretted day, every year.

This is yo, motha fuckin’ birthday.

The only time, unless you’re an asshole, you can make your friends do whatever you want to do (willingly).

So, it’s time to get creative. Make it memorable. It could be your last.

Just kidding, you look great.

This year I wanted to take it to the streets with some of my best *ladies and hit up my favorite second-hand stores in Charleston. *My brother made my day by driving in town to join us. Best present ever.

Misson: Thrift like there’s no tomorrow.

Being such a special occasion, we opted for a limo. Riding in style, popping bottles while we shop just seemed a bit more appealing.

Yes, we did end our shopping extravaganza listening to Macklemore and Lewis’s, Thrift Shop. And it was fucking awesome.

Here’s a map of my favorite second-hand locales in the Charleston area:

For the interactive map, click here: Shop on the Cheap: Best Second-Hand Stores in Charleston

These locations are on the map because I have found something either epic, noteworthy, one-of-a-kind, fabulous, funky, and/or awesome from said place.

My love for thrifting may make me seem like a cheap ass. I am not. I simply value a vintage, one-of-a-kind, find over mass-produced ‘refail’ any day. This is my love of the hunt. There comes great pleasure when you find a piece of clothing or furniture at an extreme discount that seems to have been waiting just for you. Speaking of which, this was my re-diculous find of the day:

Cinco de Mayo or bust.

The day was an outright blast. I got to spend time with my favorite people doing one of my favorite things. This made for one happy birthday girl.

Many thanks to everyone for indulging my little plan. You rock!

So whether it’s your birthday or a Tuesday, take time to rediscover some alternative shopping options in your area. You’ll be amazed to see what’s out there, just begging for you to take it home.

Refresh Spring

April 3, 2014April 18, 2016 / Natalie / 2 Comments

Well, there you are. It’s about damn time.

Old man winter really pulled one on us this go ‘round (we’ll discuss environmental concerns at later date).

Finally! It’s Spring. My favorite time of year, perhaps a little biased being the Aries that I am, but how can one disagree when your surroundings are in full bloom. The vibrant green growth filling out the ragged bones of plants the cold left behind. The sunshine is out and it’s ours to embrace.

Refreshing your space this Spring will allow you to achieve the ultimate reward from the season within your home. Imagine living in an atmosphere of Sheng Chi, the most positive and beneficial energy to your health and well-being, achieved by creating the good energy flow known as Feng Shui.

The result: one happy dweller.

Sheng Chi is attained by creating a harmonious environment with a good flow of Feng Shui energy, clean air and natural light. Key words here being fresh, clear and free-flowing. Being that we live in a world of constant change it is important to remember that creating a Feng Shui space is not something you do once, it is maintained by keeping the energy fresh and flowing in your home.

This is what spring cleaning is all about; re-energizing your space with Sheng Chi.

Now cleaning sounds like a chore and a bore, but I promise it isn’t. It can be absolutely satisfying and I’m going to make it a bit easier for you.

Music makes everything better, doesn’t it? Listen to my Refresh Spring playlist on Spotify to ease you into the idea that you are in fact cleaning.

Make some iced tea, grab a six-pack of local beer, or make my favorite spring cocktail from Cypress Restaurant in Charleston:

Lavender Martini

1.5oz vanilla vodka

1oz lemon juice

1oz lavender Infused simple syrup

Shake with ice. Serve straight up in a martini glass. Sip and smile. You fancy now.

So basically we’ve just turned spring cleaning into a fucking party – excellent. Let’s begin.

1) Reduce

Get rid of yo shit! Make that trip to Goodwill.

When was the last time you wore that shirt? If it didn’t make it onto your back once in the last year, it’s time to say goodbye. De-cluttering is a key element in creating a Feng Shui environment. Clutter blocks the free-flowing energy. So seriously, admit that shirt is ugly and you will never wear it again. Be free from these things that are taking up prime real estate within your home.

* Getting rid of things you don’t use, wear, or love to pieces, will free up space for those new finds that you can’t live without.

2) Clean

My plan works like so: take it one room at a time, clean those places that you tend to ignore with your regular sweep; baseboards, under furniture, wipe your fans. It’s amazing to see just how damn gross you let things get – don’t even try to act like you aren’t as guilty as the rest of us. I see that dust bunny.

3) Rearrange

While you have all of your furniture pulled out to clean, take this opportunity to create fresh energy. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh your home is use what you already have just rethink how you have it; move your furniture, switch up your art, display a treasured collection.

How does your new room feel? – Great! How much did that cost? – Not a penny! Awesome.

A few other ideas for refreshing your space Feng Shui style for spring:

Bring plants inside to help clean the air in your home
Place cut flowers or greenery in every room, better yet, cut them from your own yard

Repaint a piece of furniture with a bright accent color
Change out your lampshades, or even paint one as I did here:

Refresh your pillows and add a new pop of color
Open your curtains and let that sun shine in
Leave your windows open and feel the fresh air breeze through

We spend so much time in our homes. Make it the retreat you want to come home to after a long day. Make it Refresh Spring.

Extensive tips for creating your Feng Shui space from HGTV.com: http://bit.ly/QIYnGQ

Lifestyle Recycle

March 26, 2014April 18, 2016 / Natalie / 2 Comments

A favorite quote,

‘You are the author of your own experience.’

Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books? – Same concept. If you aren’t happy with your current state, do something about it.

We all have this ability to make things happen; I think many forget just how powerful they are. You are in control of yourself and no one else. So, if you aren’t pleased with something, then…make a change.

What, at this very moment, would make you happy?

Is it plausible? Is it unselfish? Does it make you smile? Do it.

Are you bored? Go do something.

Feel like dancing? Put that shit on.

Want to cry? Put that shit on.

Impulsive living isn’t so bad. It’s the non-moving folks, stuck in their lack of effort, that really suffer.

So make the move – life is full of options. Renew yourself.

Take a moment and explore the infinite. Rediscover the life you are living > the life you will be loving.

This is your time to enjoy what’s out there. Just Re-yourself.

Life. Style. Recycle.

Reduce. Reuse. Remake. Reinvent.

Refresh. Rejoice. Redesign. Repair. Repurpose. Relate. Redo.

Repaint. Rethink. Revamp. Remedy. Refurbish. Rebirth. Restructure. Reassess.

Remodel. Revive. Reimagine. Replant. Revolutionize.

Rehearse. Regrow. Renew. Reflect. Rebuild. Resurge.

Rewrite. Renovate. Realize. Recreate. Replace. Resurrect.

Rework. Refurnish. Rehab. Rescue. Relearn. Replenish. Reform.

Reorganize. Reprise. Reshape. Recoup. Refinish. Rediscover.

Refuel. Remove. Restore. Reframe. Redeem. Refortify. Reminisce.

Reclaim. Refocus. Resource. Respect.

Rekindle. Refine. Redevelop. Restart. Reconnect.

Refashion. Research. Relax. Recover. Revision. Rearrange. Reawaken.

Rebel. Reveal. Repeat.

Frenchmen + Dauphine

Life. Style. Recycled.

Lifestyle

Recap: Summer Summer, Happened So Rápido

Rescue Me

Reconnect and Recharge

Recap: Birthrift Day

Refresh Spring

Lifestyle Recycle

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