Anniversary Dinner at Playa, Orange Beach

Let’s be real. Fancy, childless dates are hard to come by these days. We were so excited to get to plan our 3rd wedding anniversary while we were on vacation in Orange Beach, where William’s mom lives. We scored big because not only did we get the best suggestions from her as a fun-loving local, but we also got the best possible babysitter we could have had as a loving YaYa. She really gave us one choice for where to go for dinner saying, “Oh, you have to go to Playa!” And we were not disappointed! She kept baby Hanson while we lived it up and ate our body weight in the most perfectly seasoned seafood we have ever had, in the hippest place ever. Playa definitely feels more like San Diego than Orange Beach. The atmosphere is sophisticated, but not stuffy in the least, and fancy, but you’re fine to still wear flip flops. The décor is somewhat like a cross between Miami in the 60’s and a hip coffee shop in Brooklyn circa now.  There was someone singing and playing acoustic guitar upstairs that echoed down to the patio on the water where we dined. We had the hot crab dip with blue corn chips for an appetizer. I was so hungry I ate nearly the whole dish. Poor William. For entrees, I ordered the red fish. One bite in, I could not believe how great this fish tasted. Having grown up the daughter of an avid fisherman and incredible cook, I’ve had a lot of fish in my life, and this red fish may have taken the prize. It was grilled skin-side-down, covered in seasonings, and served with a cold avocado and tomato salsa on top. William had the chorizo tacos and the tuna poke bowl, which was way too much food for him and he took the entire plate of tacos home. I think he ate them for a midnight snack and shared with YaYa, but I can’t remember him telling me if they were as fantastic as everything else, though, I am sure they were. He says the tuna poke bowl was amazing and “super fresh.” I love tuna poke, and was sad that I couldn’t eat some of it because of my pregnancy. Next time!! I had big plans for dessert, but when the time came, I had not a bite left in me to take. We were stuffed and happy! We took a stroll around the marina to watch the sun set, which made a perfect ending to the date.

It was all around a great experience I’m sure we will remember forever! Thanks for the wonderful time, Playa! We’ll surely be back.

Barre and Brews

Holy Cow.  

Can I just start by saying that everyone who thinks Pure Barre is an “easy workout” is dead wrong.  That being said, I should also preface this with the fact that I haven’t attended a workout class in a solid 5 years, but do stroll with Hanson about 8 or so miles a week.  I took the class on Friday and I’m writing this on a Monday, still feeling the soreness in my stomach as I sit at my desk.  I was lured to the class with the promise of “brews” at the end of it, as part of a fun promotional class the Pure Barre studio in Jackson is offering at the courtyard at Highland Village called ‘Barre and Brews’. Hey, whatever it takes! Now, after feeling how many muscles I haven’t been using, I’ll for sure be back for more. At the class, I met up with one of my best friends, Summer, who is a regular with these kinds of workout classes.  When I asked her how often she takes them, she said, “3-4x a week”, very casually, yet, somehow simultaneously intimidatingly. Thinking I was in over my head, I started the class with a huge nervous-excited-ness about me. Even if I look crazy trying, at least I have a new Lululemon outfit and it’ll probably make a good story, right? The movements the instructor was having us do looked very easy, but let me tell you, they most certainly were not. She gave out commands like “tuck, hold, pulse” and although it was new, the lingo was easy to pick up and follow.  Pure Barre is essentially micro movements that isolate muscles you didn’t realize were there and tear them to shreds.  It does also tap into cardio, but not a ton.  I would say it’s 70% muscle toning and 25% cardio.  And 5% laying on the mat crying. I’m just kidding, it was actually very enjoyable. But, as I laid there out of breath on the mat, I realized that this is why Elle Woods knew Brooke Wyndham couldn’t have killed her husband. My endorphins were so electric, I literally turned to my friend Summer and said, “This is better than the cocktail!” Yes, the very cocktail that lured me there in the first place—but that was fun too. And although I am still very sore, I think you would want to feel like you’ve worked out if you’re going to the trouble of taking a work out class. I loved it, and, also loved the social set up of it, too.  I thought working out in the courtyard of Highland Village sounded a little intimidating, but it was very fun and made me work out a little bit harder knowing people were watching (probably laughing, but watching). 

I love that even when I’m just passing through, Jackson is my favorite city for visiting, shopping, dining, exploring, and more.  There’s always something fun to do in #mycity. Jackson friends, y’all have got to check Barre and Brews out.  It was oh-so-much fun!

#CityWithSoul #ExcerciseYourSoul #IndulgeYourSoul #MyCity #myJXN

MS Childrens' Museum

Jackson was my city while I was in school at Millsaps College , and it is now full circle as I get to bring my son here to Jackson to the children’s museum to play with friends and learn about both science and Mississippi.

From fishing for catfish in the man-made river, running through the playhouse-sized capitol building, dancing to Elvis records in the dance studio, to playing chef in the full-sized toddler kitchen, there was no shortage of things to do at the MS Children's museum.  In fact, after 4 hours of non-stop playing and learning, I think we left having tackled about half of what was offered.  Hanson’s favorite part of the children’s museum was the literacy garden located outside. There is a magical quality about it that I can't quite put my finger on. They had music playing over the loudspeaker-Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" being one of the songs played that sticks out in my memory.  Books and passages from nursery rhymes were read, there was a tree house for climbing, and interactive games offered by the staff. And ice cream sandwiches were enjoyed by all. Can’t forget those! 

I'm not going to lie, it may have been just as much fun for me as an adult as it was for my son, Hanson.  We seriously had so much fun and the employees of the museum were so kind and generous to us throughout our day there.  I definitely recommend making a day of going and enjoying all that this incredible place has to offer.

After being away so long, it was great to be back in my old city. And, Jackson is still my city for entertainment! Thank you so much for having us, @mschildsmuseum ! #MyCity#CitywithSoul #VisitJacksonMS#JacksonMS #EntertainYourSoul