The Reclaimed Travels: Dirty Thirty in NOLA

This past Valentine's Day was my 30th birthday. I wanted to do something big, something major, something I've never done before.

An opportunity opened up for me to take a trip with some of my dearest friends so I packed my zebra suitcase (of course I have a zebra suitcase, I'm a fashion girl) and flew to the Big Easy itself.

I'm in love with this city. The sights, the Jazz...

And of course the food! New Orleans is a food lover's dream! This is just what we ate at the first restaurant we visited, New Orleans Food and Spirits! Amazing.

And of course, wdid a little shopping...just a little. 

The next day was my actual birthday. I was treated to a Chantilly cake, candles and a card before we hit the French Quarter. 

After traipsing through the French Market, we stopped at a little spot known as Cafe Du Monde...

Where I was introduced to these gorgeous confections. These, my friends, are beignets. And they are so good, I wanted to kiss the pastry maker.

That night, I finally got to hit the parades, Endymion. In addition to catching a laundry bag full of beads, toys and other throws, I got to goof around and dance in the street with total strangers. 

All and all, this was a great way to say farewell to a former decade and usher in a new one. NOLA, I am in love and will definitely be back, although most likely not during Mardi Gras. Ciao for now.