Wednesday, May 5, 2010

A FUN TRIP AND A BOTANICAL THEME

I am so excited to say that my birthday trip to New Orleans is booked and we leave in two weeks. My birthday was in February but I wanted to go when the weather was warmer here and we could hop right in to summer. Sounds strange, I know. We are staying at an inn called HH Whitney House. Above and below are pictures from the website. If anyone has stayed there, give me your feedback. It really sounds like a nice place with 5 rooms and a courtyard with a pool. That sounds private and I like it. I also prefer B & B's over hotels, we always meet the nicest people.
Part of our trip involves renting a car and driving to Natchez, Mississippi to visit Christine from Christine's Home And Travel Adventures. It has been a year since we met Christine and her husband John here in Chicago and I can't wait to see her again! I will take a lot of pictures!
I apologize that these pictures are in black and white. I didn't mean for them to be. Somehow, that is the setting on my camera and I don't know how to change it. This is a picture of a plate I won in a giveaway from Mary at Little Red House. I have it on the glass table in my family room which we are in the middle of redecorating. I had been debating what sort of way I wanted the room to go, the kind of artwork I wanted, and when I put the plate in there, it hit me. I am going to go with a botanical theme. More plants and some botanical prints on the walls. I have heard of people designing rooms around one item or piece or color, but that has never happened to me. So thank you, Mary, for sending this beautiful piece of inspiration.
I also won this little dish or trinket that I am using in my newly painted bath to hold Q~tips. It is white and gold and the perfect size.
This is a closer view. Thanks again, Mary. The soap dish, dispenser and cotton ball container are from the Pottery Barn clearance page online. I am so hooked on clearance prices at these shops, I am starting to feel like an old pro. I finally found a Goodwill store near me, I shouldn't say found...I can't locate it even on the Mapquest!! It is really difficult in the city to find things because if you go too slow, you make other drivers angry and if you drive too fast, you may miss the place!! So I have tried twice and can't find it so I am going to call. I HAVE to see this place!!


That's all I have today. The Husband and I are off to La Fiesta for Mexican Food. Happy Cinco de Mayo!


80 comments:

Stacey said...

That sounds like so much fun! We love New Orleans!

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
Your birthday trip sounds so fun. Enjoy every moment.

Maryrose

Sonny G said...

Mexican food sounds yummy. Ya'll have a wonderful time, tonight and on your vacation..

Sonny

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
Your bday trip sounds nice and relaxing and the B&B looks nice. I met so many nice people in the 6 yrs I ran out B&B. Eat some cheese dip for me at the restaurant!
xo
Robin

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Going to New Orleans? You will have a blast...Mr.CC's mother was from NOLA and he spent almost every weekend there when he was growing up. Here are some of our favorite local places to eat... R&O's on the lake in Kenner...great po-boys...Joey K's and Parasol's. You also will love Natchez...the B&B's there are soooo awesome and so many great OLD homes to tour...I'm hope you get lots of pics to share with all of us...it's been years since Mr.CC and I went over there,

Blessings,
Linda

Lorrie said...

Hi Jane, I've missed visiting lately--life has been busy for me. I think your trip sounds great. I've never been to New Orleans, but it seems like such a neat and historical city. I know it will be a great time for you. Hope the weather is beautiful.

Pamela said...

Have a wonderful trip! I have never been to New Orleans but it sounds beautiful especially all that French style!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

That trip sounds like it's going to be a blast! Jane, you make me giggle with your comment about the camera set on B&W. That's so neat that you get to see Christine again too! Hugs, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! How wonderful for you! I love New Orleans! I haven't heard of the place you're going to stay, but it looks wonderful!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, that B&B looks just wonderful!!! How fun that you still have your birthday trip to look forward to... my birthday is next week... wonder if Jack would like to take me to New Orleans as well??? I have tons of relatives down there I have never even met! I love your little bird plate... I think your room decorated in a botanical mode will be perfect! You know me and Nature! Happy Mothers Day to you on Sunday! xoxo Julie Marie

Unknown said...

Have fun in New Orleans! Looking forward to the pics.

Sue said...

What a fun trip and getting to see Christine again will be the icing on the cake! I do tend to make an entire room around 1 piece of something (a rug, a print) so I know how that happens. I think botanical will be lovely...can't wait to see it. Hopefully in color:)

Heidi said...

HI Blondie,
I can tell how much you are looking forward to your birthday trip. It sounds like so much fun. Staying in a B&B must be very interesting, so different from a hotel. The one you chose looks great! I've always wanted to see New Orleans but it's just so far from California. We do most of our traveling on this side of the country. Someday I will make it out there, though!
Have a wonderful Mexican dinner. Viva La Mexico! Buenos Noches,
Heidi - Heart and Home

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Have a wonderful if belated birthday trip!

Unknown said...

Oh, I am envious! I love LOVE New Orleans ... you will have a wonderful time. What a beautiful birthday trip.
Enjoy it, my friend.

Have a blessed Mother's Day.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
That looks like a lovely place to stay. I just know you will have a great time.

Enjoy your mexican feast!

hugs
Sissie

Betsy Brock said...

You're going to have so much fun!

Gypsy Heart said...

You're going to have so much fun! I love New Orleans ~ the people, the food, the fun & excitement. I can't wait to see pictures.

xoxo
Pat

Gracefully Vintage said...

How Lucky are you-that sounds amzing- and so beautiful, What a Great Trip to do.
LOVE your BLOG Karryann

susan said...

Jane-I know you will have such a good time! The weather should be just perfect then! Hope your foot is better!

stefanie said...

ooo, how much FUN!!!!!

Melissa Miller said...

Jane this sounds really fun!
I just adore New Orleans. I have not been to visit there in so long. You have me inspired.

~Enjoy your trip! ~Melissa :)

Joanne Kennedy said...

Oh can I go with you? I have always wanted to go to New Orleans.

Have a wonderful time. Don't you love when you get to celebrate your birthday even months later. That's the way to do it! Stretch it out as long as possible.

Hugs,
Joanne

Pondside said...

It's been years since The Great Dane and I were in New Orleans. I love the idea of staying in a B&B. Like you, that's my preferred way of visiting a place - a great breakfast and lots of tips on things to see and do from hosts who take the time to sit and visit with their guests.
You know, I rather like the black and white!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Jane
I love the photos in black and white.. especially that sweet plate!! Well I can't blame you for waiting for warmer weather to tavel.. and you will get to use that pool!! wonderful... I'm sure you will have a great trip!! and we will get to see the fab photos!! hint hint.. xxx Julie

ps.. thanks for your encouraging comments.. xx

Maria | Vintage Simple said...

Oh, your trip to New Orleans sounds perfect..! Happy birthday over and over again, and I hope you have the best time, dear!

xoox,
-maria

Knitty said...

Ooooh, that sounds great! My hubby has never stayed at a B&B and won't. It is way out of his comfort zone. :(

I've only been to New Orleans for 10 hours on a cruise stop. I definitely want to go back and spend much more time there!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Now, this sounds like a great trip! To go to NOLA and see Christine all in one fell swoop sounds great to me! I hope you have a fabulous time, Janie. Take LOTS of pictures.

Sending you big hugs...

XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

P.S. Loved your blog wins, too! Glad you won!!!

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi Jane, I hope you have a wonderful trip! I can't wait to see alll your pictures, especially with all of the history and French style of New Orleans. Happy Belated Birthday, Blondie!
Hugz,
Kim
PS love all the black and white photo's they are perfect!

Barb said...

Hope you have a wonderful birthday trip, Jane. New Orleans is a lovely town.

Anita Diaz said...

Oh how fun that will be!! I haven't been to NO since before Katrina. I used to go there often in college. Have a great trip and happy belated birthday!!

Decor To Adore said...

That reminds me. Now that the magazine is out I need to post the other photos leftover from my New Orleans trip.

I would love to carry your luggage. :)

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

How fun a trip to NO for your birthday...friends of ours just went on there for their honeymoon, from their stories I know you'll love it!

From the Kitchen said...

New Orleans is so unique. I know that you will have a wonderful time. I actually like those black and white images. They recall a past era that I just love.

Best,
Bonnie

FrenchGardenHouse said...

That sounds so wonderful! It's totally fun to stretch out your celebration. Looks like a gorgeous place. xo Lidy

GwendolynKay said...

I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Blessings
Gwen

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

You are going to have such a fun birthday trip, Jane....I bet you can't wait!

Hugs!

Together We Save said...

Sound like you have had an amazing trip.

Privet and Holly said...

Hi Jane! Thank you for visiting me today at P&H and leaving such lovely comments. I had to beat a path to your door immediately and return the call! I was very excited to see that you are going to NOLA and also to Natchez! My mom and I take a trip around April or May every year to celebrate my b-day and I just returned last week from NATCHEZ. We love history and touring historic homes and gardens and visited New Orleans the spring before Hurricane K. hit. I did quite a bit of blogging about the trip this year, in case you'd like to take a peek. I'll be very excited to see what you think about both cities! I wonder what you have on your itinerary? I know you'll be making great memories : )
xx P&H {Suzanne}

Heartfelt living said...

It sounds like a wonderful time! I hope you enjoy every moment. Take lts of pictures! : )

Jane B. said...

The black and white made your photos look all artsy...lol!! Seriously though great finds. Have fun on your trip, it sounds wonderful.

Jane
FF

Kathleen Ellis said...

Jane, that looks like a lovely place to celebrate your b-day! How fun!
Thanks for stopping by and "weighing" in on my snack! I, too, agree...as Pam pointed out, it is a well rounded snack!
Happy Mother's Day!
;-D Kathleen

koralee said...

Oh New Orleans is high on my must visit list...you lucky girl!!! Love your photos..even in black and white. oxoxo

Kathleen said...

Jane, I remember you talking about your trip.
Give Christine a hug for me..bring an extra suitcase..She has so much stuff she will never notice if you borrow some of her beautiful things..go for the Polish pottery!
I am sure you will have a great time!

savvycityfarmer said...

darlin' ... this one's for you...

live it up ... better go visit karina ... her shop is to die for

Mary said...

Have a fabulous time - so much to do in New Orleans - and great shops!!

See you when we are both back in blog land Jane - stay safe and have fun. If I'm gone before my package arrives forgive me as the thank you will be a while coming to you! I'll be home 5/29.

Hugs - Mary

xinex said...

The little dish is so cute, Janie but the plate is stunning, I love it! Congrats for winning! I am so excited about you visiting. We will have so much fun. Do you think we'll get some sleep? LOL! Don't forget to bring your bathing suit. And you can keep blogging cause we have a laptop in the guest room. Did you read John's email? He even took a day off. What a nice place you are staying at in New Orl. I haven't been there but looks really good in the pictures.....Christine

Melanie said...

Oh Jane, have a great time! We love New Orleans. Eat some good food for me.

When was your BDay? Mine is Feb. 17 and you said that yours was in Feb.

Tina said...

Oh how fabulous, your birthday trip sounds wonderful Jane! Enjoy your mexican food too - Yum!!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend ~ Tina xx

Rettabug said...

I sure hope you figure out how to reset your camera, Jane, before you leave on your trip!!
We ♥'d New Orleans & did all the typical tourist things...horse carriage ride, parade with umbrellas, visited the cemetery & the aquarium, ate beignets at Cafe Du Monde. You're going to have a blast, esp. with getting to visit Christine!! Have FUN!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good morning my Dear friend...I Hope you have a GREAT Mother's day...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Anonymous said...

Hey Jane, sometimes our inspiration comes from the strangest places but it always works. :) Have a super great weekend.

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Your trip sounds like so much fun. The place that you are staying at is so pretty. Have a great time:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

Nancy said...

Jane, we don't know this one, maybe my BIL knows the owner. (He knows everyone in town, it seems.) I think you are close to the trolley line. I'm sure you will go up St. Charles, and the trolley also goes there. My son is in college right on that beautiful street. It's his neighborhood and I am SO jealous, but SO happy for him. His apartment is right there, too. I am leaving on the 25th unless my husband is stuck in Taiwan. One day off!!!

Unknown said...

What a fun trip, I have never been there, but I can only imagine how gorgeous it must be this time of year. Congratulations on your win, I love Mary. It's always so nice to look forward to going away.

Happy Mother's Day.

Karen

Lovely Scribbles said...

Wow, your trip sounds like a blast, and that B&B looks lovely! :) I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy your upcoming trip, Jane!!

Blessings,
Nikki

Scent Magic said...

You are going to have such fun! Takes me back - my husband and I got married in the French Quarter in 1997 - and New Orleans has had a special place in my heart ever since. Enjoy the food, the history, but most of all the people!

laura

Dana and Daisy said...

what a pretty little dish you won! I love it! Enjoy your trip! Can't wait to see pics when you get home!

I just might have to steal your Keep Calm and Carry On button! ;)

Shellbelle said...

Oh, I can't wait to see the pics from your trip! Love New Orleans, especially all the wonderful food, I'm getting hungry thinking about it.

Receiving goodies from our blogging friends is always fun, but to get one that inspires a whole room is priceless! I love our blogging world.

My Grama's Soul said...

Good morning, I have never been to New Orleans. I hope someday to be able to travel there.

Your black and white pics made me smile.......It took me back to my childhood when that was all that was available.

Have a wonderful B-day!!

Jo

SmilingSally said...

Your birthday trip will be so much nicer with better weather; you made a good choice. I've never been there, so I can't help.

Congratulations on all of your wins.

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Jane,
Ooh, you are going to have such a wonderful time. Can't wait to see photos of the inn and your trip. Happy weekend!

From the Old InkWell said...

Sounds like a great trip you have planned! Planning is half the fun of traveling, don't you think?

Elaine said...

You are on countdown time for your trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

I am hooked on clearance sales too.
Pottery Barn has some great stuff on clearance.

Happy Mother's Day.

Paula@SweetPea said...

Enjoy your birthday trip! The place where you are staying looks fabulous!

Theresa said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip:) Can't wait to hear all about it and see bunches of pictures! Enjoy your day my friend! HUGS!

Penny said...

Have fun in New Orlean. If you get a chance do Magazine Street in the Garden District. Great shopping. More antique shops and boutiques than you can imagine.

Rubyred said...

A Botanical theme sounds gorgeous! Hope you have a lovely time tonight and in New Orleans! How exciting!
Thank you for the kind comments on my fabric strawberries too!
Rachel x

Cass @ That Old House said...

Hi Jane! Hope the Mexican Food was delish. I love your black and white pics -- very stylish. Very artsy.

I have never been to New Orleans so I'm looking forward to a FULL report when you return. How exciting!
Cass

myletterstoemily said...

such a fun trip!!

have a wonderful mother's
day!!!!

Charlene said...

Jane, thank you for your sweet comments about my photos from Savannah. Oh those gals sure did an amazing job with the whole event!

New Orleans is such a fun place. We haven't been since all of the damage from Hurricane Katrina but, I know they have worked hard to rebuild the area. And the B&B looks wonderful!!!! We also prefer B&B's. Like you said... the people you meet are often delightful. HAVE FUN & take lots of photos. HUGS!
Charlene

Karena said...

Jane have a great birthday trip, it sounds wonderful!

Karena
Art by Karena

Monica said...

Love B&Bs too... hope you have a great trip!
Your prizes look lovely, and your redecorated bathroom beautiful!
Happy Mother's Day, Jane!
Monicax.

Brenda Pruitt said...

You're going to have a blast. And we'll enjoy the trip in your photos.
Brenda

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

How Fun!!! Wishing you a happy birthday!
XO
Kristin

Anonymous said...

You are going to have a great time in New Orleans. Just be warned if you go to the French Quarters...it's not always the cleanest place if you know what I mean. The city is so beautiful so bring your camera. I cant wait to hear all about it. Have a great week ahead! xoxox Susie~

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Jane..but of course you would love garage sales! :) Aren't they an adventure though. There were not many this Saturaday..with Mother's Day pending. I did find a few things..but not a lot. And even those I gave second thought to. It was fun though..
Thank you so much for the sweet Mother's Day comment...how kind of you!
I do run on..don't I?? LOL
Love and hugs,
Mona

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

What a fun trip you have planned, Jane! And you know what...I have the same trip planned for my birthday! lol I guess NOLA is a great place to celebrate! Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Are you going to have so much fun?!! We love New Orleans! Make sure you have breakfast at Brennan's - mmmmmm!
Your B&W photos are fun - it really makes you notice the details more!
Can't wait to hear all about your trip :)