Country Music Road Trip

Road trips are literally the best. I love the feeling of getting away and starting off on a new adventure--especially when it's to a state you've never been to before!

Josh and I have been on quite a few road trips in our (almost) seven years of dating--our longest being from New Orleans, LA to Pittsburgh, PA (we drive this 17 hours every year!) so this one is like child's play--10 hours is NOTHING!

Besides good company, the best way to make it through a road trip is a good playlist! In fact, I'd argue that it's a necessity. To get us through the second leg of our road trip--here are some songs we are listening to!

Of course it's only about an hour and half playlist and we have a 4+ hour drive--what would you add?

1, 2, 3, 4 Tell Me That You Love Me More

I've probably mentioned this before, but I like countdowns and I like lists. Put them together and I truly cannot contain my excitement. It's not weird--just go with it. So, here's a few things I'd like to get off of my chest.

------------------------

Five: x2=10 more weeks, if my math is right, until Christmas--only the best time of the year duh. I'm ready for it to FINALLY get cold around here and to watch all of the Christmas movies.

Four: years. Laney, the dog child, will be four years old in about four months. I cannot believe my little nugget is going to be older than me (in dog years). They grow up so fast. 

Three: more days until apartment shopping. Crossing my fingers for the PERFECT apartment with lots of natural light. 

Two: teeth I just had pulled. Update: my mouth doesn't hurt much anymore. Make way: perfect teeth coming through. OH and still waiting on my money from the toothfairy--who can I talk to about this?

One: trip left for the year...Pittsburgh. Hoping it snows again this year!

Do you have a running list of things you're looking forward to? 

The Maine Event

Bet you thought you wouldn't see me around here again. That's what happens when life gets in the way and it's easier to just log onto Instagram to post pictures. Anyways, it feels good and almost cathartic to be able to write down my most recent adventures. Enjoy this brain/picture dump of the most funnest wedding ever!

Traveling to Maine for my cousin's wedding was stressful and rewarding and lots of fun. My favorite guy cousin was getting married, finally, this was the family event of the year! 

I'd already been remotely helping Elise, the bride, plan everything from the overall timeline to tiny details here and there for a few weeks, but I'd yet to see the actual space--hello it's in Maine. I'd also been stressing over what to wear. (it ended up being for nothing because believe it or not, the weather in Maine was the exact same in NOLA--oh well)

And, let's face it, going anywhere with my entire family on a time restraint (aka catching a flight) has its ups and downs. I swear I should've had a Xanax with my Chardonnay on the plane. #drunkonaplane

The crew--Ellen selfie style!

We made it to Maine without any MAJOR bumps in the road (though there were actually bumps on the plane ride--hence needing the Xanax--I don't do drugs I promise).

The funny thing about where we were staying in Maine was that there were literally NO major hotel chains to stay in. None. So we were forced to stay in this absolutely GORGEOUS bed and breakfast--Admiral Peary Inn. The leaves actually change colors up north, like it's amazing. On to the wedding festivities.

Admiral Peary Inn -- Freiburg, Maine

My cousin Jonathan and his fiancé, now wife! Elise found the most perfect place to get married, a teen camp. Yep, that's right..who would've thought that it would be an appropriate place to get married (not me), but wait until you see the pictures + it fit their personality perfectly. 

The second full day we were there was for major set up and planning/organizing and the rehearsal dinner. That meant we had to get a place where annoying, grubby teens gather every summer to shove food down their throats into a spick and span place to say nuptials and party the night away in less than 24 hours. Anyone slightly freaking out yet? 

I was, but luckily for me, that fuels my creativity and take charge attitude--besides I'm the resident wedding planner of the family, it's what I do.

Ok so,

Ellzey's--in charge of stringing the lights... How many Ellzey's does it take? (Five plus a Baumgartner)
The Men-- in charge of the heavy lifting (and helping Ellzey girls figure out the best way to hang lights)
Bomar/Baumgartner's-- floral design

AND BREAK!

That's a lot of flowers!

After struggling with stringing the lights for LITERALLY I KID YOU NOT the ENTIRE DAY, they were all hung and they all worked. 

Hint: "Bridal Lights" are the same as Christmas tree lights except they are white. Don't be fooled, be a savvy consumer. So they also work the same way as Christmas lights, as in sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. And if you plug more than three strands into each other a time...NIGHTMARE. Luckily my dad is a whiz at all things tinkering and was able to replace fuses as fast as we could blow them. Now you can see why it almost took the whole day/night.

They looked pretty spectacular in the end AND stayed up and lit the entire time!

We were rewarded after all of our hard work of stringing lights and various other wedding preparation with tacos for dinner! More specifically, it was a taco bar. Died and gone to heaven here people. Perfect ending to a hectic, busy day.

The day of the wedding could NOT have been any more perfect! Sunshine, warm, AH-MAZING!

From the Lodge--reception space looking down at the Beach--ceremony space

Note: See how steep that hill is? Yep, I definitely tripped up the hill a few times during the day--Carol is my only witness, hopefully. It takes skill to trip up. 

Ceremony Space! 

This wedding had a lot of firsts for me. It was really the first wedding I coordinated all on my own AND it was in Maine. People in Maine do weddings way differently than in New Orleans. Also, usually at work I have other people with lots more experience in the industry to help guide me, but this was all me calling the shots. 

This is my "I got this" face + two sisters

I conducted the rehearsal all by myself and people looked to me as the expert to answer questions. 

I was introduced as the wedding coordinator-- OMG BRB DYING

I coordinated when the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and bride walked down the aisle, cued the ceremony music, told the food truck where to park and set up (while the ceremony was going on + yes, there was a food truck--HOW COOL?!)

I made bunches of flower arrangements, don't forget about those lights, set up the decorations, etc.

I guess you could say if I wasn't before, I'm totally a wedding planner/coordinator/extraordonaire now!

Dysfunctional--gotta love em!

Hello food truck!

The personal details throughout the reception space were probably my favorite. The plaque was a gift from us Ellzey's that we were able to display at the reception. They had a friend do all of the chalkboards seen in all of the pictures--she did a fab job too, totally Pinterest worthy. Plus, it was all family that decorated and set up. Very special for them!

Best Men and Best Women!

 Someone found this sign "Elise for Congress" on the side of the road while on the way to the wedding. Boom, instant sign in book. Since they didn't have one before, it was literally the most perfect thing. The T-shirt: JP's Pub was just another personal touch. (Side note: ALL of Jonathan's friends call him JP, which is so weird for me and the rest of the fam. He will always be Jonathan to us!)

Their cake was Vegan Chocolate and "she" was Harry Potter and "he" was a Ninja Turtle--all made out of legos of course. 

The crazy couple during their first dance!

The reception was hands down THE most fun I've had since my last college date party (without my main man, Josh of course). The stressful part was over and it was time to party! My Mimi learned the YMCA and had her first taste of red wine on this trip, my parents were dancing (like I've never seen them dance), we were all drinking like fish, it was an all around great time.

And this is basically my most favorite picture of me and Jonathan-- I mean JP

Dad busting some kind of "old school" dance move.

The best part of helping plan this wedding was that it was for my most favorite cousin AND I got to enjoy it and take part in it instead of just being a bystander. I will never ever forget this experience and will be expecting BOTH of y'all (Jonathan and Elise--since you'll likely read this) at my wedding, eventually!

Getting married and need help planning? Call me. Because I said so! 

Wishing, Hoping, and Dreaming

Happy Hump Day! The weekend is almost here AGAIN and like always, I can't wait!  This Wednesday I'm wishing for time to slow down.  This coming from the girl who just said she can't wait for the weekend and who has a million countdowns in mind (birthday, braces off, Pittsburgh trip...you get the picture). Yes, I can't for this trip or until the weekend, etc. etc. I can't wait to get engaged, get married, and start a life with Joshua.  But, I have to say, I feel like I'm in a really good spot right now. Being 22 (almost 23) I still have the rest of my life to do what I want. I feel content with how my life is going (sure there are things I'd like to change) But overall, I like where I am. I can't really explain it, but life is just good. Every time I start to doubt or freak out that I'm the only one not married/engaged, I remind myself that I like where I am. I don't need a different title to be happy. And keeping up with "whoever" is exhausting. Oh and for those wondering: Braces Off: 659 days
23rd Birthday: 23 days
Pittsburgh (which also happens to be the same as our 6 year dating anniversary): 164 days
I also wish that I could stay up late and get up early.  I seriously can't hang like I used to. For example, last night (and the night before) Joshua and I watched movies until about 1 AM. Last night, we were AT the movies until 1 AM. I know right? Who am I? It was really fun (doing something as scandalous as staying out until 1 AM on a week night) But, like I seriously can't stay up that late and be expected to function at work for 8 hours. What. is. wrong. with. me? I guess I'm not in college anymore! Yay for linking up with Anne from Love the Here and Now! What are you wishing for this week?

Ten Favorites of Traveling

I love linking up with Brianna for my Ten Favorite Things about well, really anything and everything every month.  This month it's My Ten Favorite Things about Traveling! 

1. Seeing new Sights. It's nice to get out of my own comfortable little bubble every once in awhile and be forced to navigate a new, strange place. Even if just to a new city in your own state.

Covered Bridges in Pittsburgh, PA

2. Not having work. Usually when you travel, it's for a vacation. Which means an escape from the everyday "norm." Which means no work. And if it's not for vacation, it's still out of the norm--and you're still getting a break from work. #heckyes 3. Road Trips.  This is kind of a favorite and kind of a not favorite. For two years now, me and the boyfriend have taken a 17 hour (one way) road trip to Pittsburgh to see the Steelers play. While I like road trips with him, that long of a road trip is tiring and gets old--with limited stops if you know what I mean (How come boys can hold "it" longer than girls? Not fair.) That long with the family and I'd probably go crazy. So I guess this should read "Road Trips if less than 8 hours". 

Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, TN

4. It's a Vacation. See #2. You don't have work. You can relax. You can have fun and let loose. 5. Hotels. I like love staying in hotels. The hotel sample soaps--I collect them for my dad who has a weird collection of them. We literally wouldn't have to buy soap or shampoo/conditioner for months thanks to his stash. Weird I know. Also racking up the hotel points and saving up for a free night is a plus. 6. Sightseeing. Exploring the the ins and outs of a whole new city and playing tourist is just plain cool. I love learning about the culture and history of the different places I visit!

Playing tourist in NOLA, Race and Religious

7. Adventure. Whether it's getting lost, having an impromptu snowball fight on the side of the road, or getting lost (can you tell I get lost a lot), it's all an adventure and you never know where/what you'll end up seeing/doing! 8. Local Treasures. Those not-so touristy things you inevitably find to do that makes the experience that much more special. 9. Being a Tourist. Like who cares if people are looking at you funny or annoyed with you for standing in the street trying to get the perfect picture? You'll never see them again so live it up. 10. Quality Time. Getting to spend every waking hour with the same person/group of people can get old, but always looking back it's worth it. So many new memories are made! Yay for link ups! Link up your favorite things about traveling--because I said so!  

Let the Wedding Festivities BEGIN!

Up bright and early because one of my best friends and sorority sisters is getting married tomorrow!

and....

I CAN'T WAIT TO BE REUNITED WITH MY FRIENDS!

I haven't seen most of them since USM Homecoming in October....It's going to a FUNNN weekend that's for sure.

This will be the first wedding I've actually been in since my cousin got married when I was sixteen. and I. AM. SO. EXCITED!

 Woah. Reality check. Why do I feel so old? Are you sure we aren't still in college and going to date parties, pulling all nighters, and doing each other's hair and make up all night? (let's be real though, I suck at both of those and no one would let me near their hair) Or better yet still in high school?

Anyways..enough with the reminiscing.

It's road trip time for this girl--Mississippi I'm coming for ya!

I have somewhat successfully (although not successful at all) waited until the very last minute to get my nails done, get a rehearsal dinner dress, pack, among many others.

Procrastination at its finest?

So lets recap: in less than eight hours I need to find a dress, get my nails done, get a present for the bride and groom, and make it to the church on time (My Fair Lady anyone?) Needless to say, I'm kinda freaking out and I'm not even the one getting married!

I. AM. SO. EXCITED! (Have I mentioned that yet) I can't wait to see everyone and after working in the wedding industry for almost six months--I'm ready to witness one first hand!

Let's get this show on the road....because I said so!

An (Almost) White Christmas

It's basically a fact that we will never have a "white" Christmas here in Louisiana.

However, last week/weekend I had the opportunity to go to Pittsburgh and was able to experience a white "almost" Christmas!

Day 1: Drove 17.5 hours from Louisiana to Pittsburgh, PA in a Prius.  Needless to say, I needed to stretch my legs desperately.  We first saw snow in West Virginia (same as last year)

Once in Pittsburgh, there was even more snow on the ground! We went out to dinner (courtesy of my parent's gift cards) and bought some last minute cold weather essentials--like gloves and headbands. (That's when I knew it was going to be a great weekend)

Day 2: We woke up to SNOW!! Lots and lots of snow --on the ground and in the air!

We drove. in the snow. super scary. don't do it.

We were lucky enough not to have hit any ice--but we thought about it EVERY TIME we went up and down a steep hill. I do not know how people drive in the mountains! Finding the covered bridges in Pittsburgh's countryside was probably my most favorite part of the whole weekend. When we got to the first one, it was snowing a lot and the scenery was magical. We proceeded to play in the snow and made our way downtown to  explore IN THE SNOW! Did I mention it was snowing!? We visited an "urban winery" in the heart of Pittsburgh which was very cool--Pittsburgh Winery is definitely a place to check out.(hello, free wine tasting) That night, we visited the Phipp's Conservatory and saw all of the pretty Christmas lights and displays they had. We also tried our luck at the River's Casino and didn't do too bad.

Day 3:  This day was dedicated to what Josh wanted to do (and arguably the whole reason we even came to Pittsburgh) The NFL Steeler's Game (which they won--thank goodness). I became famous on twitter, froze my butt off (apparently three+ layers are not enough), and then froze even more. The game was fun and we had better seats than we did last year--but it was the COLDEST game ever. Even the locals sitting next to us were sympathizing with us and agreed that this was the coldest game they've ever been to. My water bottle FROZE in the cup holder. Yea it was COLD.

Day 4: Monday, we almost couldn't find anything to do! We did everything we could think of--next time we will have to come with more of a plan. We explored more of downtown, went ice skating, checked out a brewery inside an old church (way cool), and ate at a restaurant on top of Mt. Washington overlooking the whole city! So it wasn't a boring day at all. There's always something different and interesting to do!

Day 5: Drove 17.5 hours away from the snow and back to Louisiana. Least favorite day. EVER. Especially since we woke up at 3:30 am to drive back.

Pretty sure I've said this before, but for real..Next year we are FLYING!

Because I Said So!!!!!

Snow in West Virginia!

Freezing at the Steelers Game!

Pittsburgh Winery visit

Phipp's Conservatory

I tweeted this picture of the city and it got retweeted by the Weather Channel and I was asked if it could be used on NBC Nightly News!! #famousstatus

Ice Skating--lasted for about 5 mins--it was in the 20s that day

Church Works Brewery inside of an old church--it was said that the priest of the church used to come for a beer every week after the church closed.

And We're Off

Pittsburgh here we come!!

After a rather stressful 24 hours of making triple sure I have everything packed for the trip and squared away at work, I'm proud to report that we are on the way!

Josh made the rookie mistake of telling me to pack light. Um excuse me, but what does that even mean? Have you met me? This will be my first major snow experience so I cannot just "pack light" I NEED all 5 pairs of boots and all 4 jackets. Yes, NEED. However, I did manage to fit everything into two bags so gold star for Allison.

This is what my apartment looked like in the midst of packing!




This is about to be the longest 18 hour drive ever, I just know it. I guess it's a good thing I'm not driving :) (Josh is such a trooper) I'm going to be in desperate need of something to do other than sleeping and eating! (Any ideas are greatly appreciated)

Also, this trip will be the first time I take my new camera for a spin. I'm hoping to get some good pictures that I can frame for my apartment!

Needless to say, I'm super excited and wish we could be there already (and we've only been in the car for about 30 mins)

Next year we are flying--BECAUSE I SAID SO!

Pittsbrrrrrgh

Yep that's the forecast for Pittsburgh this weekend..the weekend we will be there!!! It's time for our 2nd annual road trip to watch the Steelers play!

Last year on the way up, we first saw snow when we got to West Virginia. But it was way up in the mountains so we didn't get to actually experience it. This year, I think we will be seeing snow a lot sooner and a lot more frequently because of all of the recent snow storms.

With snow in the forecast, this southern girl is having trouble figuring out what to wear!! I mean, what does one where to sit through a football game in the snow (possibly) and actually still look cute? My guess is I'm just going to end up looking like a big puffball and still freeze. Oh the things I do for my football obsessed boyfriend. Just kidding, but really.

The only time it's actually snowed in Louisiana was my senior year in high school and that was, let's face it, about 5 years ago.

So here we are about to go on our road trip (yes, an 18 hour road trip--those are fun right?) and I have no cold weather clothes....it was pretty much 70 degrees last week here. Regardless, I'm so excited that I could care less if I freeze. If worse comes to worse, then I'll just buy a parka once I get up there. Yep, that's the plan and I'm sticking with it.

In addition to the Steelers game, I hope to go see the many covered bridges in Allegheny County, as well as, visit the Phipps Conservatory. Josh wants to eat the famous "Roethlis-burger", visit the beer barn, and start tailgating the moment we get there.

Thursday needs to hurry up and get here BECAUSE I SAID SO!

Off to D.C.

Well it's off to Washington D.C....

Not for me (I wish), but for my sister Carol.

If I thought I was getting up early yesterday, boy was I in for a rude awakening this morning. That would be a 3:30 AM wake up call early. But that's what being a supportive big sister is all about :)

Little Carol isn't so little anymore. Besides the fact that she is already taller than me, she's off to a brand new city without mom or dad--I know she's thrilled! She went on this trip with her school and they have a super packed itinerary! But in order to see most everything in D.C. in 4 days, with a bunch of twelve years, I guess that's the way it has to be done.

Besides all of the exciting, new sites I'm sure she's more than happy to: a. not be wearing her uniform b. be able to wear leggings and L.L. Bean boots everyday and c. showcase all of her new clothes bought just for the trip! She is quite the little fashionista!

We are staying in touch through our NOTORIOUS family group messages and a shared photo stream (thanks to me giving her my old iPhone). So far, she says its cold and overcast, but SHE. LOVES. IT! I can't wait to hear more about her trip...

Have fun Carol--you got it, because I said so!