That lovely mid-week beach break for the Fourth of July sure did allow the weekend to sneak up on me!
I’ve been looking forward to this weekend for quite a while now because I’ll be heading to Orlando for the day tomorrow to celebrate my best friend Laurel’s 27th birthday! (Orlando friends, a trip to 4 Rivers is on the agenda. Can’t you see why I’m so pumped!?)
Aren’t we a vision in our ‘80s formalwear? I am still in love with Laurel’s crimpy bangs. She was slammin’!
I cannot wait to see Laurel and two of my college girlfriends, Leah and Cherayne, tomorrow. I have a feeling there will be lots of talk about our end-of-August trip to New Orleans for Leah’s bachelorette party. If you’ve ever been to New Orleans or live there and have any awesome bachelorette party recommendations (restaurants, bars, activities, etc.), I’d love to hear them!
Tonight I’m also looking forward to dinner plans with two of my girlfriends and our husbands. This weekend should be an all-around good time!
Lunch
Lunch today rolled around rather quickly thanks to a very productive morning.
I made myself a bowl of chicken and vegetables (Brussels sprouts and broccoli), sautéed in Garlic Gold meyer lemon vinaigrette and sprinkled with chopped cashews.
It’s amazing what the simple addition of a handful of nuts can do to an otherwise basic meal. They kicked this chicken ‘n’ veggie bowl up a notch, that’s for sure!
See ya when it’s officially the weekend! 
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Cashews are my favourite to add to stir fries. Also love adding toasted pine nuts to salads when I can bring myself to splash out the big bucks on them!
Cafe du Monde has the best beignets and coffee. Aunt Sally’s also has amazing pralines and souvenirs, so be sure to check them out. I love New Orleans, and (in my opinion) the best way to enjoy the city is to not make any definite plans. Just grab some breakfast, walk around, and enjoy yourself. Most places to eat have menus outside, so it’s easy to just wander around an pick something for lunch or dinner.
Have fun and be careful! Especially after dark.
You HAVE to try Bourbon House’s fried calamari with chipotle aioli! It is SOOOOO GOOD. I had it 3 times while I was there. I dream about it 🙂
That sweater is super cute! I am loving my new workout clothes that I got on sale at Target! Gotta love sales 🙂