Planning

Happy last day in January! I don't know about you, but this month has dragggged on for me. Despite the fact that I was busy for most of it, every time I looked at the calendar, only a few days had passed.

It's been cold, then warmer, then windy and then cold again in NYC. The wind blew so hard last night that it knocked down my curtain in the bathroom, running Miss Bailey into the living room with her tail between her legs. That dog is skittish. I think she gets it from me.

The cold has kept us indoors thus reminding me of all the projects that I want to do in the apartment. I have to keep telling myself that we are just renters, so don't take on big tasks. But, I'm starting to get antsy and have one that I may try out. But a reminder to myself, I still need to tackle my dining room chairs. I have the fabric and paint, just not the motivation. Here's a hint of something I want to try but DIY:
I'm was also on Pinterest the other and noticed that lots of the bedrooms that I "like" have stripes in common so I might try something with that too...
Keep y'all posted!

Bookcase photos from Lonny.com, bedroom photo from Pinterest.

NOLA

I'm FINALLY getting around to posting about our latest rendezvous down to New Orleans for one of my best friend's (Lo's) bachelorette par-tay. It was fabulous and wild. NOLA did not disappoint.
Look twins! No really...
Most of us got in around lunchtime on Friday. In fact, my best friend Allie and I flew together from Charlotte and chatted the whole way. I'm sure our seat neighbors were not as excited to hear about the latest gossip as we were.

After a delicious shrimp po' boy lunch on Friday, we ran into Shirley McClain shooting a movie (in the red car). We all gasped and shouted "Downton Abbey!!" like little school girls. She didn't seem as amused as the film crew.
On Saturday, we headed to Mardi Gras World for some culture. Mardi Gras world is just that - a world of Mardi Gras floats and costumes. They actually make 80% of the floats here and we were able to see some of this year's...I highly recommend going here if you are looking for a break from all the eating and drinking that New Orleans has to offer.

That afternoon we ate beignets at Cafe du Mond in the French Quarter and like I mentioned, had our cards and future read. Most of ours were (or so we think) on par. If she's right, a year of change for me is in store.
That night, the tomfoolery continued in the French Quarter with dinner, drinking and dancing. I can't speak for the other girls, but I was sore for a few days after. I've got moves like Jagger y'all.
We've been so lucky to see each other so many times throughout the years because of weddings. Lo's big day is in April and then the weddings end until the other girls get asked the big question. Who will be next?!
Stay warm this weekend, y'all!

Art Therapy

The other day, the psychic told me this year would be a year of change. Yes, you read that right.  A year of change. Oh wait, you mean psychic? Yes, I went to see a psychic while on a bachelorette trip in New Orleans last weekend - but more on that in another post.

I haven't written much on the blog in awhile. As my girlfriends exclaimed, "Meredith, you have not updated Southern in the City in foreveraaa." Yes. I know girls. If you do blog, you know that sometimes it can seem like a chore updating and maintaining. I have a theory that blogs are coming to an end anyway. With Pinterest and Instagram - people want to read less and see more.

Nevertheless, I'm going to continue writing and sharing here, at least for a little bit. Oh, and that "change" theory. Well, it happened again at work today. I'm never a receptor of change (especially unexpected) and though I won't get into the details here (or shouldn't) things are going to be different. Again.

The other night I finished watching Downton Abbey. (Sidenote; poor Edith). Afterwards, I found my apartment quiet and still and decided to turn off the TV and pull out a box of paint, brushes and small canvas that I ordered a few months back. I sat at the kitchen table, found an image on Pinterest that I've been admiring for awhile and started sketching. After half an hour, I dipped my paintbrush and began painting.
I put on music and got lost in my piece. As cliche as that sounds, I found it therapeutic and calming. Knowing this week would be rough, having my mind on one thing only kept me focused. I think he's cute. Maybe I'll get another canvas this weekend and see what else I can come up with.

Oh and about that psychic...more on her and the trip later...