Trippin' Out: New Orleans

It's been a long while. Sorry. I've been up to a little of this and a little of that....I get lazy with posting since Instagram is my go to socialization platform, but I thought I should try and get my motivation going by posting vacation pics from New Orleans! The sights, the outstanding food, the sounds, the people....an eclectic mix of goodness. Take a scroll through the pictures...some from my camera, some from my iPhone.

I inserted a jump break at the bottom too, so to continue looking through the pictures click the "Read More" tab on the bottom left...

^The Carousel Bar inside Hotel Monteleone. It actually spins slowly!^

^Painted dominoes by local artist, Robin Daning.^

^One of my favorite pictures I snapped!^ (day & night shots)

                                                     

^It's all in the details.^

^Oh man, one of my favorite balconies!^

^Jackson Square performer^

^Jackson Square^

^The old neon sign from the hotel we stayed at. Built in 1886.^

Fact: William Faulkner said it was his favorite hotel!

Weekend Adventure - Part Two: ACL 2011

Im excited to tell you, last weekend was my very first experience at the Austin City Limits Music Festival! The festival was celebrating it's 10th anniversary...I know, I know.....I can't believe I've been missing out for so long either! We only attended the Sunday line-up, which was amazing enough. We were able to catch, The Walkmen, Broken Social Scene, Fleet Foxes, and Arcade Fire!! :) Oh man, you better believe I was all smiles...bobbin' my head, clapping my hands, and singing along!

Hello ACL!! 

After a long, heat induced jaunt and eager as ever..... we arrived :)

Had to hold up the endless flow of people for a perfect photo op!!

All ready to catch our first show, The Walkmen! 

Check out the Austin skyline in the background!

Way cool signage near the stretch of awesome food vendors....Among our choices, were The Mighty Cone and Maine Root, and Amy's Ice Cream!

Broken Social Scene 

Just snapping photos awaiting Arcade Fire...this was taking place behind us!

.....And the crowd went wild!! 

Lead singer of Arcade Fire, Win Butler :)

Yep, this set made me tear up a little....amazing and nostalgic. "The Suburbs" being played with the video of kids riding their bikes :)

ACL, you did this body and soul real good!

Weekend Adventure - Part One: Chinati Hot Springs

Weekend getaways are among my top favorites! Over the past two weekends we've taken jaunts to two amazing destinations....first stop, Chinati Hot Springs, nestled in the Chinati Mountains in Presidio County! This beautiful spot is literally in the middle of nowhere and is perfect for relaxation.....I urge you to visit!

Oh snap!..When we came to this 30 mile bumpy ride of your life road let me tell you, we were one scared, sweating bullets, nervous crew! 1.) We thought we were lost due to lack of signs and the crazy terrain, where we had to literally drive 5-10 mph 2.) There was zero cell phone service...so, if we were lost we were doomed cause we were in the middle of the mountains... AKA nowhere!  3.) We only had a quarter tank of gas 4.) It started to get dark on us...perfect setting for a horror film if you ask me.

The one and only sign at the beginning of the trek... worn and faded, stating it is private property (slightly skeptical, in my opinion)

No other pics were taken on the dirt road journey or that day...pictures were not of importance when you think you are going to be stranded!!....for real!...

But, of course we finally made it and this was taken the following morning! This is the cute community kitchen..complete with everything you need to prepare a mean bbq!

 

Meet our stay..the sea foam door on the left, Numero Uno! Complete with an outdoor shower and tub....water supplied naturally warm from the hot spring!

Zac relaxing in the hot spring, which has natural healing minerals...the water was perfectly warm and fresh, and after you got out your skin felt soft! We were healed for sure :)

The spring-fed pool overlooking the mountains and lodges...it was so clean and refreshingly cold. Zac and his awesome sister, Ashley....most likely pondering whether or not to return to reality or stay here forever!

The view, walking down the path from the pool.

And finally, all smiles on our return home!...First of all, happy cause we knew we weren't lost this time..whew!  Secondly, healed and refreshed from the spring, ready to face the week! 

See you real soon Chinati!