👉 What if we just drove somewhere instead?

And just like that, we pivoted to a quick road trip to New Orleans.

Saturday Night: French Quarter Energy

We arrived Saturday night and headed straight to the French Quarter.

Our first stop was dinner at Napoleon House.

I originally wanted to try the Natchitoches Meat Pies… but they were sold out (I was lowkey disappointed lol).

So I went with the crab cakes instead—they were just okay.

But my husband got a chicken BLT and loved it. I definitely had to resist the urge to try his plate this time 😂

After dinner, we made our way to Bourbon Street.

Of course, we grabbed a Hand Grenade and just hung out for a bit before heading back.

Hands-Free, But Still Cute

Now I already knew we’d be doing a lot of walking (and a little drinking 😏), so I wanted to keep things simple and hands-free while still feeling put together.

I picked up a bumbag from Amazon before the trip, and it ended up being PERFECT.

Lightweight, secure, and the gold hardware gave it just enough of a polished look. It even reminded me of that highly sought-after LV style—but for under $15… yeah, it did what needed to be done.

Where We Stayed

We stayed in an Airbnb in the Bywater neighborhood, and I’m so glad we did.

We chose it because it gave us a more modern, clean feel while still being in a historic area—and honestly…

Chef’s kiss.

Sunday = Rest (No Guilt)

Y’all…

We slept in the ENTIRE day 😂

And you know what? That’s exactly what we needed.

Sometimes a quick getaway isn’t about doing the most. Sometimes it’s just about resting and resetting—without guilt.

My Quick Photoshoot Moment 📸

Before the sun went down, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a few photos.

I brought my Canon R50 (my go-to camera), and as always—it came through.

Using my phone as a remote, I’m able to take my own photos that come out sharp and perfectly framed. People never believe I shoot my own content, but this setup makes it so easy.

Monday: Slow, Easy, and So Good

The next day we headed back to the French Quarter—this time with no real agenda.

Just walking, exploring, and taking it all in.

We stopped at Cafe du Monde for beignets (of course).

But the real highlight?

👉 Mambo’s

Oh. My. Goodness.

I had the blackened redfish

My husband had the blackened ribeye

And everything was so good—but especially the greens.

We both agreed… this is definitely our spot when we come back.

Final Thoughts 💛

This trip wasn’t planned.

It wasn’t perfect.

And honestly… that’s what made it so good.

We pivoted, slowed down, ate good food, and just enjoyed each other.

And shoutout to my husband for driving the entire trip from Dallas—because while I always offer…

👉 I fully embrace my passenger princess era 😂

PS 💁🏽‍♀️

If you want to check out the items I mentioned (my bag, camera, etc.),

you can find them all in my HERE 💛

We hopped on a nonstop flight from Dallas to LaGuardia Airport, excited for the adventure ahead. Although I’m not particularly fond of the cold weather (being a true Texan), I knew it would be worth it. Typically, I prefer renting a car to explore at my own pace, but New York City demands a different approach. With my previous NYC experience, I took on the role of subway guide for my daughter and sister.

On the big day of visiting Rockefeller Center, the scene wasn’t quite as I’d envisioned—massive crowds filled the area. Despite the hustle and bustle, seeing the towering Christmas tree in person was still a wonderful experience. The festive atmosphere and sparkling lights made it all worthwhile.

Our trip also included a visit to the World Trade Memorial site. No matter how many times I go, it always brings tears to my eyes. It’s a place of deep reflection and remembrance. After paying our respects, we indulged in some shopping at the Oculus, marveling at its stunning architecture.

We couldn’t miss the chance to see the Statue of Liberty, so we hopped on the Staten Island Ferry for way to enjoy the unique sight. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge was another highlight, offering spectacular views of the city skyline. And no trip to Brooklyn is complete without indulging in some delicious soul food, which warmed us up nicely on a chilly day.

Although the trip was a bit different from what I had envisioned, it was still a win. Spending quality time with my sister and daughter in such an incredible city was priceless. I can’t wait to return to NYC, hopefully when the weather is warmer, and create even more unforgettable memories.

New York City never disappoints, and our girls’ trip was filled with laughter, exploration, and a shared dream come true. If you’ve never experienced the Big Apple during the holidays, I highly recommend it—crowds, cold weather and all.