A LITTLE FEATHER

I sat down this morning to a small package on my desk {I love getting mail, it makes me giddy}. One of my sweet friends {+ a college roommate} has started making jewelry + sent me a bracelet. I absolutely love it {the little feather is my favorite part}. She always had good taste in things {fashion, interiors, colors, etc} so I knew it would be good. She is a New Orleans native who transplanted to Vail, CO {we all miss her, BUT we know she is tres happy}. So thank you dear friend for this, it is already on my wrist. If you are interested in any of her jewelry or seeing what else she designs you can email her at elizabethfavrotdesigns@gmail.com. Happy Monday!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

DIRECTIONS FROM OTHERS

I frequently take the streetcar home from work downtown {another perk of downtown}. It is only a few more extra blocks to walk than the bus + it is calm and quite {at least in my head, decompression time}. The other day when I jumped on at Lafayette Square, I walked down the aisle looking for an empty seat + found one somewhere in the middle + sat down. I always stare out the window + on this particular day, I looked down + saw this. Now, I don't condone graffiti or vandalizing public property, BUT I was so thankful someone had written explicit directions for me to follow on my ride home. I felt my phone ringing in my pocket, I just let it go to VM + sat + listened. The calmness you get from not looking at your phone, not thinking about the million things you have to do + taking deep breaths is wonderful. So thank you to whomever wrote this, you inspired me to step away from the world + be still for a single streetcar ride. TGIF!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

ON TO THE NEXT ONE

A dear friend of mine's {Jessica} parents commissioned me to do a painting for her as a birthday present. It's such a challenge to paint the essence of someone + still keep yourself in it as well. BUT I like challenges + I think I sincerely enjoyed it. So on to the next one {as they say}. Happy Hump Day!

Recent inspiring work I have found Christopher Wool // Karine Leger // Richard Aldrich

THE PERKS OF DOWNTOWN

Oh the perks of being a downtowner {specifically the CBD in New Orleans}. I enjoy working downtown in New Orleans, there is lots to do { + it makes my grandfather proud, as he is a retired CBDer}. The commute to + from downtown is not that great I have to admit {it's a little tricky} BUT once you get here it's fine. So here is a list of a few of my favorite things about downtown. The view from my office {bridge + river} // Coffee via PJs on Camp St. // Sit down lunch via The Store on Gravier St. // To go lunch via Rouses Grocery on Barrone St. // Shopping lunch break via UAL on Chartres St.// Happy Hour via Domenica in the Roosevelt Hotel on Baronne St. // Transit via the St. Charles Streetcar. Happy Tuesday!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 5s + VSCOcam app.

COUNT DOWN

The count down begins. We have exactly 46 days till Fat Tuesday, BUT only 28 days till the first big parade of the season {Krewe du Vieux}. It is a magical time of year in New Orleans {there is nothing like it}. It's like Halloween + New Year's Eve on steroids for a week. Cannot wait. TGIF!

LUCKY NEW YEAR

I was very meticulous last week {when we had the freezing weather} to bring all my plants {the babies} inside, so they didn't freeze their petunias off. In doing so my ornamental cabbage has blossomed, + is quite lovely right now {+ it's good luck for the new year}. I get the majority of my plants {including this one} from Urban Roots on Tchoupitoulas Street. I adore my little garden on my back deck. I try to grow seasonal herbs + veggies with a few flowers to brighten things up. If you are wondering what to plant when {especially in New Orleans, since our weather is crazy} check out a vegetable guide here + an herb guide here. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

All photographs are taken with an iphone 4 + VSCOcam app.

BASIC BLACK

I've been on the look out for a new purse + just want something simple + black {so it will go with everything}. Here are my picks. Happy Monday {hopefully it's not too dreary with this weather}.

Plain Shopper Zara // Basic Tote Baggu // Vegan Leather Tote Urban Outfitters