Talkin' Bout Hey Now

I've said it before but on the totem pole of holidays, Mard Gras ranks half a tic under Christmas for me, if even that. This Mardi Gras measured to up to be one of the best yet!

This past weekend Trey and Marie invited Brad and I to New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras Richoux-style. The weather was a bit daunting on the drive down Saturday, but nothing was going to rain on our parade (because we had our rain boots on of course)! After an amazing dinner Saturday night at Coquette on Magazine, Sunday was filled with parade after parade. In high school there was always something special about Mardi Gras that Marie and I shared and it had been awhile since we'd been together on this, our second favorite day, of the year. The weekend ended with breakfast at Camellia Grill and we drove home talking about next year's plans.

Newman/Cameron Engagement | Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012

The weekend before I got the opportunity to watch one of my very best friends get engaged at a Mardi Gras ball in Mobile. What a special moment to witness and fortunately I was there, camera ready, even though I didn't realize what was happening until Nathan got down on one knee. On a sentimental note, it seems just like yesterday that Amanda and I pledged Dee Gee, gallivanting around Hattiesburg and making memories that would last a lifetime with "the circle," a nickname branded upon a group of us that roomed together during Spring Break 2011...

Back on track, I couldn't be happier for Amanda and Nathan. They seem perfect for each other, I look forward to all of the festivities the next several months bring and am honored that Brad and I were asked to be a part of their wedding day.

I think we're going to need to recreate this photo at the wedding.
Here's to Nov. 17, 2012 and all the festivities in between!

"Motifs by Marie"

We did it! On Feb. 3 we closed on our new home and moved in immediately. It couldn't have been done so quickly without the help of our amazing family. They all swept in like little moving angels and by mid-day Saturday all of our belongings had been delivered to our newest place of residence. Our first meal consisted of pizza and wine... and more wine... on the floor in our living room.

Each room is slowly coming together, piece by piece. I couldn't do this part without my mom and my best friend (who just so happens to be an interior designer). Props to Laurie and Marie. This may sound light but seriously, without the two of them and all of their hard work, we may have had to put Bob Marley back on the wall. (No offense Brad.) I've threatened to start Marie a blog so cleverly titled "Motifs by Marie" so you too can see how talented she is. Launch date to be announced.

Cosmetically, our first purchase for the new home was our living room rug. Told you Marie has an eye for this decorating thing! With Marie's help of course, we thumbed through several different rugs and chose this beautiful piece of floor art.


The "To-do" list that I have running right now is more than a mile long, but I'll be patient. I know that it will all come together with time and will, for awhile at least, be a work in progress.

Cheers!