It’s not just the exterior of the resort that is amazing – the inside is dripping in luxury as well. The Private Reserve includes 2 master suites with floor to ceiling windows, offering uninterrupted views of the coral reef as well as the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see. It was built with the environment in mind and is created from only natural materials.

The Reserve also includes it’s own spa facilities, including an indoor and outdoor treatment room, sauna, and steam room. Just in case you need it, it also includes a private, air-conditioned gymnasium.

One of my favorite areas of the Private Reserve has to be the entertaining space – with a sunken conversation pit as well as a large dining table. I also love the large daybeds and outdoor lounging areas – the Soneva Gili Private Reserve really looks like the epitome of paradise.

The kid in me is in love with the idea of a water slide that originates on the second floor of the reserve – I think every one of my “dream house” drawings as a child included one of these – I had no idea they actually existed. I’m in awe.

And if you can find me a single person who says that taking a bath in this bathtub doesn’t seem like the best idea ever invented, I’m going to be forced to give up all hope in mankind. Ok, maybe it’s not that severe but c’mon – does this look like heaven or what?

Morgan and I have already chosen to go to Bora Bora for our honeymoon, and we are beyond excited about that, but I still think I’ll add this amazing resort to my bucket list anyway – who knows where life will take me – maybe I’ll actually get to visit it one day.

Do you think my family might all want to chip in and rent this place out together? I’d be game.

What is your idea of paradise?

Photos via the Soneva Gili by Six Senses

Read the original Bucket List Travel: Soneva Gili Private Reserve in the Maldives on Chic Shopper Chick.

Considering all of this, last week I looked at Morgan and I said “I think now is the perfect time for us to visit SeaWorld in San Diego” – and he agreed! So, thanks to the folks at SeaWorld, we are going to do just that tomorrow! I know that the first place we will make a beeline for is the Rocky Point Preserve – the kids are especially curious about dolphins right now and I want to make sure they get to spend time there early in the day before they are totally exhausted. I’m not sure what the feeding schedule looks like there, but I’m hoping the kids might even get to feed them.

I’m also excited because we’re planning to “Dine with Shamu” – the kiddos will not only get the chance to be about 4 feet away from Shamu, but they’ll get to ask their (millions and millions) of questions to the trainers about what they eat, how they learn, etc. We are also looking forward to seeing the Blue Horizons show with the dolphins, and Sea Lions LIVE – I am giddy just thinking of the excitement on their faces when they see this:

Here are my tips for planning a trip to SeaWorld San Diego with two preschoolers:

1) Check out the park schedule online. The schedule was super helpful in planning our day, and also in choosing which seating of “Dine with Shamu” we wanted to check out.

2) Pack a poncho. Oh yeah baby, I’m one of those. I don’t dare deprive my kids of the joy of being “in the splash zone” but I also have this fabulous hair that needs protecting. So, I’ll split the difference and sit in the splash zone – I’ll just be wearing a poncho when I do.

3) Pack extra clothes for everyone – right down to their shoes and socks. I’ve heard there are more than a few “wet” opportunities and the last thing I want are two tired, soggy kiddos who are too miserable to enjoy dinner with Shamu. Or a soggy miserable mommy. She is no fun, either.

4) Bring your own strollers. SeaWorld has strollers for rent ($12 for a single, $17 for a double), but I like to bring my own because I can keep pushing the kids virtually all the way to our car at the end of the day. Plus, it’s one less line to stand in.

5) Wear and bring sunscreen. The high tomorrow is 70, so it should be a perfect day, but both of our kids are fair and will burn easily. Also, I’m not a fan of cancer so I plan on slathering it on myself as well. Probably Morgan too, if he’ll let me.

6) Pack water bottles. You can’t bring snacks or food into SeaWorld, but you can bring your own water, which will be a huge help for us since we have two kids who get “sssooooo ttthhiiirrssssttttyyyy” at the most inconvenient times.

7) Buy tickets online. We actually already have our tickets, but if you’re looking to skip the lines and make your day go much more smoothly, consider buying your tickets in advance. It’s actually a no brainer, especially when you consider that you can save $10 by purchasing online!

The trip to SeaWorld tomorrow is a surprise for both of the kids – I’m so excited to see their reaction. Follow @ErikaB and @MorganB on Twitter tomorrow – we’ll be updating throughout the day!

Disclosure: The folks at SeaWorld are providing us with tickets for tomorrow. Our excitement however, is all our own. Ahhh! We’re going to SeaWorld!

Read the original 7 Ways To Get Ready For A Trip To SeaWorld With The Kids on Chic Shopper Chick.

Do you know how many pairs of shoes I could buy with that?!

Walmart has struck up a limited time partnership with Murphy USA to make summer travel more affordable! Per Walmart, folks in the following states can take advantage of the Rollback:

Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia) – Our Great Gas Rollback will take 10 cents off every gallon when you fill up at over 800 participating Murphy USA and Walmart Gas stations at your local Walmart using your Walmart Credit Card, Walmart MoneyCard or a Walmart Gift Card. Not valid in all areas.

And for those of you in Florida and Alabama you will receive a 10 cent credit on every gallon when you fill up at participating Murphy USA and Walmart Gas stations at your local Walmart using your Walmart Credit Card. Awesome, right?

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program, and this post was sponsored. All opinions are, and always have been, my own.

Read the original Walmart’s Great Gas Rollback on Chic Shopper Chick.

Our kiddos had an amazing time – riding together in the front of the Monorail, Finding Nemo as a family, spinning like crazy on the Teacups, and Soarin’ Over California. It was a really amazing time for the four of us, and I cannot thank Christine and Rayovac enough for making it all happen.

Though I haven’t done as much blogging about Disney here on Chic Shopper Chick, I’ve done a fair share of writing and tweeting (and most certainly Facebooking and Flickring) about the fact that I’m a Disney FANATIC. We are annual passholders to both parks (as in Disneyland and Walt Disney World), DVC members, and at this point, we’ve been so frequently that my daughter thinks the Southwest airplanes are actually “Mickey airplanes”. Also, this marked her 10th visit to a Disney Resort of some sort. She is 4.

Heck, I love the Disney Resorts SO much that I was even able to share that love with others in a Disney Parks commercial!

I’m sure you can see why, when Rayovac came to me with an insanely cool proposal involving the Cars 2 Premiere, I jumped at the chance to get involved. Check out the announcement video that I made for you at the not-yet-finished Cars Land in Disney’s California Adventure!

You heard right – I’m going to be representing Rayovac on the Red Carpet for the premiere of Cars 2 in Hollywood! I’m so excited to be reporting on behalf of Rayovac, and I’ll be sure to be back here to update you as the June 18th premiere gets closer!

Disclosure: While this post was not compensated, I did benefit from the ongoing relationship that I have with Rayovac, and this post is a reflection of that relationship. However, my opinions are and always have been 100% mine.

Read the original Rayovac, Disneyland, & the Cars 2 Premiere! on Chic Shopper Chick.

About a week and a half later, they got back to me with said details – I was being asked to walk in a Fashion Show, hosted by Kelly Ripa, on September 8th, along with nine other incredible fashion bloggers.

Oh. Emm. Gee.

I was being asked to wa…hold on while I gather my composure and pretend like I don’t think this is a big deal.

So, tomorrow, September 8th, I will be exuberantly crossing something off of my bucket list by walking in a runway show – something I had pretty much filed under the bucket list category of “Don’t Be Absurd Erika, You Will Never Get To Do This But Since This Is A Bucket List You May As Well Write It Down”. I know what you’re thinking so I’ll just go ahead and acknowledge that yes, I know I should probably work on shortening my category titles but hey, IT’S MY LIST PEOPLE.

So where was I? Oh, right.

HOLY SCHNIKES, I’M GOING TO BE IN A FASHION SHOW.

(Why did I eat french fries for dinner last night?!)

Walking in the show hasn’t been all glitz and glamour – it came with a challenge: create the perfect white-hot weekend look for the runway, polished with teal accessories (teal is the official color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month). Naturally, I whined a bit – it was the end of summer, so how would I ever find something in white that is suitable for a RUNWAY?! Oh, and did I mention that I live in LA – as in LOUISIANA? Home of if-you-can’t-get-it-at-a-department-store-you-can’t-get-it-anywhere, sugah?

Luckily, after THREE very intense shopping excursions and at least one whiny phone call to LA Stylist Mom (who lives in the real LA, people) I found myself with two very viable options, a delicately draped strapless dress from White House Black Market, and a Grecian-inspired Calvin Klein dress that I purchased months ago but have never had the occasion to wear. My original intention was to wear the dress from White House Black Market but after speaking to Mindy, the stylist for the event, on the phone – I decided to bring both options and see what worked the best for the show. I’m not sure what dress I’ll actually be wearing in the show yet, though I will find out today – but you’ll have to tune in to the show live on September 8th to see the final look!

Strapless Drape Blouson Dress from White House Black Market

So, returning back to the important part of this article, and the whole reason that I have this opportunity; beginning on September 8th (that’s tomorrow!) you can help to do your part to support this very worthy cause as well. Ovarian Cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer in US women, and The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010, 21,880 women will be diagnosed with it, and 13,850 women will die from the disease. (via OCRF.org). By visiting the Wash ‘n Care lounge at Kelly Confidential, you can support the cause by entering to win a Perfect Steam washer and dryer from Electrolux, as well as a daily shopping spree. Each time that you enter by pressing the Perfect Steam button at Kelly Confidential, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

In addition, if you’d like to watch me potentially make a fool out of myself on the runway, simply by looking gloriously happy to be struttin’ my stuff, you can watch the live stream of the show at Kelly Confidential or on the Kelly Confidential Facebook Page. The show will be live on September 8th at 1 pm Eastern time (for those of you counting backwards, that’s 12 pm Central, 11 am Mountain, 10 am Pacific).

You should definitely watch. I’ll do a little wink, and you’ll know it’s just for you.

For now, good night from New York City, the home of fashion and NYFW, where for one delicious season I will be on the runway and not in the audience. Wish me luck (I need it!).

(My participation in the ‘Rumpled to Runway’ Campaign was sponsored by Electrolux, who provided me with a $150 stipend to style my look as well as travel arrangements to and accommodations in New York to participate.)

Read the original Rumpled to Runway or Oh. Emm. Gee. I’m in a Fashion Show! on Chic Shopper Chick.

I was so glad that my guests Shannon from Traveling Mamas, Stefanie from Mommy Musings, and Debba from Girlfriendology could join me at this fun event! Michael Moloney of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was on hand to teach us how to reorganize our sock and underwear drawers (seriously, when is the last time that you did that? It’s time!) and also to show us just how quickly it could be done. Celebrity stylist Jenn Falik went back-to-basics and showed us how to create some super-stylish outfits using the awesome new Hanes bras (bandeau? one shoulder? both straps? one bra does it all!) and by layering items like the tanks and tees – great ideas for fall!

It was so great to relax, hang out with my fellow Comfort Crew members, and sip a Comfortini. I loved learning about all of the new Hanes products in person (I swear that the ComfortFlex Fit Bandini bra is my new BFF – sorry dad for the TMI) and loved feeling like I’m a continued part of Hanes’ social media efforts. I have learned so much about the brand over the last 7 months, and I am incredibly proud of everything that the brand stands for (green initiatives, support of Susan G. Komen, committment to it’s customers) both online and off. If you take a minute to watch the video below, you’ll hear me say that I believe Social Media is really important because it’s how people nowadays communicate and relate – and that Hanes is doing an amazing job. I mean that 100% – Hanes is a standout in this space.

Thanks so much to Hanes and everyone who played a part in hosting such a wonderful, relaxing event in NYC! Check out Shannon’s post about the Hanes event on Traveling Mamas – including 10 travel tips for packing for comfort!

Read the original Getting Comfortable with Hanes In New York City on Chic Shopper Chick.

I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up with the most incredible powder white sand beaches and clear water just hours away from my doorstep in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. One of my family’s favorite destinations for years, I had the opportunity to visit Orange Beach again this past June with my family. The experience was an incredible one, but one that left me full of determination to do my part to help this oil spill affected area along the gulf coast. The reality and the gravity of the situation really sank in as I watched the waves crash onshore from our balcony, and realized that it could be years before tourism was back to normal.

So, to do my part, I’m hitting the road headed to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach next Friday, August 20th (my 28th birthday!) to party it up in style with two friends who will also be celebrating their birthdays on that day – Shannon of TravelingMamas.com (@Cajun_Mama) and Jay of BiteandBooze.com (@biteandbooze) – to raise money for charity. We’re hosting a tweetup in honor of ourselves ;) – but it’s really just an excuse to raise money for this amazing tourist destination that has been hit hard by the oil spill.

So why am I telling you all of this?

I want you to come with us! It’s not a party without you there! We have a great, family-oriented weekend planned that will show you the best that the Gulf Coast has to offer, all administered with a hefty dose of Southern Hospitality. Think of how much fun it would be to pull your family and friends together for the weekend and spend some time on the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The food and shopping there are to die for, and for the record the swimming advisory has been lifted from the beaches in this region – the oil spill is capped and the water has been deemed safe. Check out the awesome hotel packages that the area has put together just for this weekend – some that include free nights at the Gulf Shores Deals page. We have planned activities the entire weekend of August 20-22, but feel free to come for one night or 7 nights – the choice is yours.

They say a photo is worth a thousand words – so here are 8,000 “words” from our trip in June to show you what an amazing time you’re in for!

If you can’t stay the weekend, we’d still love to have you attend the tweetup at Live Bait at the Wharf on Friday night. Tickets are $5 but every cent will go to local charity Share the Beach who’s mission is to protect the endangered mama sea turtles during nesting season along the Alabama beaches (part of which is a national wildlife refuge). The oil in the water has taken it’s toll on the nesting habits of the sea turtle, and so the money from this event will go towards making sure that they are able to continue to nest and reproduce. Of course, since the three of us are from Louisiana, an area that is also affected by the spill, a portion of the proceeds will also go towards a Louisiana-based charity that we are in the process of selecting. The tweetup will be from 5:30 – 8:00 pm on August 20th and we will be giving out lots of door prizes and even a few free vacations – so please come join us for a celebration for a cause!

Even if you can’t join us on the 20th, we would love for you to consider making a donation. You can still purchase a ticket for $5 or you can opt to donate more. Remember, every cent of your money will go to two very worthy causes. There is an option on the ticket purchase page for donations only, and we would really appreciate your support of the area.

For more information you can check out the Mamas4Mamas official page, or tweet at us with the hashtag #Mamas4Mamas.

Hope to see you there!

Read the original Celebration for a Cause – Mamas4Mamas Birthday Tweetup on Chic Shopper Chick.

If you are going to be at BlogHer I absolutely want to meet you. Please come say hi, and we can do the girly thing where we squeal, hug, then jump up and down while holding hands. If you’re more low-key than that, I am equally skilled at the cordial handshake and warm smile – so don’t let my southern affection scare you off! With that said, I figured the easiest thing to do was to post my schedule so you could see where to find me – so here we go:

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

12:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Walmart Moms welcome reception at The Heartland Brewery

3 pm – 5 pm – Hanes party (I heart the Comfort Crew!)at Nikki Beach Midtown

7 pm – 10 pm – Nikon Party at the Bryant Park Grill with my girl Katja Presnal

Friday, August 6th, 2010

9:00 am – 9:45 am – Skechers Shape-Up Walk with my roomie Sheena Tatum

10:00 am – 11:15 am – Hanging out in the Walmart Booth with Amy Allen Clark (come visit!)

11:45 am – 12:00 pm – Picking up my loaner Asus UL30 (a Windows 7 PC) in the Windows Suite

12:30 pm – 12:45 pm – Video shoot with Beth and Kimberley

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm – Getting Gorgeous at the Warwick Hotel

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Workshop time!!! “Social Media is Bringing Sexy Back to Branding – Do You Have the Social Media Strategy and Tools for Success?”

6:00 pm – Wine In the City. Excited to be hosting this event along with Shannon Hurst Lane and Tim Hayden. Reception at the Hilton Manhattan East with Kendall-Jackson Wines.

8:00 pm – Wine In The City dinner and artisan wine pairing (and wine preview!) at The Capital Grille.

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

8:00 am – 9:30 am – Unilever Penthouse

10:30 am – 10:50 – Meeting with Windows Phone

11:00 am – 11:20 am – Momversation interview at the PepsiCo booth

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm – Hanging out with my gals in the Walmart booth (come visit me!)

3:30 pm – ELF and XBox Party with Renee.

6 pm – Vegging, relaxing, and hopefully catching up with people that I love. My only free time before my 7 am flight!

* * *

So there you have it – I have a crazy, whirlwind 3 days in the Big Apple. I really want to meet you, so please come say hi if you see me at one of these events or just hanging out! Thanks to Walmart for sending me to BlogHer this year – and to my amazing Wine In The City co-hosts for making this year’s BlogHer one that I know I won’t forget!

See ya in NYC!

Read the original BlogHer ’10 – A Crazy Good Time on Chic Shopper Chick.

The US Virgin Islands department of tourism is giving away a shopping trip to two to St. Thomas, which includes a 5-night stay at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort and free tickets to concerts featuring Wyclef Jean, Chrisette Michelle and more. And really, couldn’t you use a (free) vacation right about now?

@USVIMockoJumbie will be tweeting updates on St. Thomas shopping deals/discounts and shopping tips now and during the Festival. Travelers love shopping in the USVI because there’s a $1600 duty-free allowance for U.S. residents, and prices on electronics, jewelry and designer good are typically lower than on the U.S. mainland. Here’s a list of some deals you can expect to find on St. Thomas during the USVI Shopping Festival:

*30 percent off swimsuits at Purple Papaya, Charlotte Amalie,
*70 percent off select jewelry at Alpha jewelers
*Coupons for free merchandise at A.H. Riise stores
*Designer sunglasses on sale at Solstice Sunglass Hut
*$25 certificate and a free gift at Golden Star Jewelers

So how excited are you?!?! Go check out the Shopping Festival page for the rules on how to enter. Go, run, TWEET! (And don’t forget your favorite fashion blogger if you win – she LOVES to travel!)

Read the original Shopping and Relaxing in the US Virgin Islands – Win it! on Chic Shopper Chick.

My family says this is my lifelong motto. To be blunt (and slightly morbid), they say that on my tombstone, it will be written “I meant to.”

Because I did. Truly I did. I’m a good intentioned soul. I meant to.

Which brings me to this: Back in February I was given the most amazing opportunity I’ve yet to have as a blogger. I was extended the opportunity to join the Hanes Comfort Crew – which as you might be able to guess is a natural fit with my brand. Bonus? They offered us the chance to go to Walt Disney World on a VIP experience to discover Hanes’ role as the official apparel brand of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Take a gander at the looks of delight on Audrey Grace’s face as she experienced Walt Disney World, the Hanes way.

Today as Audrey and I prepared for our trip back to Walt Disney World in September (85 days, but who is counting?!), we looked back through pictures from our time in February and I was re-inspired by the memories and found myself nostalgic for our Hanes friends.

It was the experience of a lifetime, and I got the most incredible education on Hanes and their role in the apparel world. Plus, I made some of the closest, most amazing friends from the Comfort Crew and the brand team. More than that? Hanes unwittingly turned me into a brand ambassador and believer. (And for the record, they more than converted my mom too!)

So what is it about Hanes?

First of all, they’re a brand that cares. If you’ve ever visited the Hanes Green site, you know about their commitment to sustainability. It’s everything from their EcoSmart

Read the original There’s Something About Hanes on Chic Shopper Chick.

Brightly Colored Dresses
I am so excited that colors are here for spring. While I do love black and tend to wear a lot of it, I love color. When I saw this Carolina Herrera dress {$1990} it was love at first sight. This dress will get you noticed as soon as you step foot into your party but for all the right reasons. Check out T-bags asymmetrical dress {$275} in the same color. You’ll be sure to create the same buzz for a less bang to your wallet.

Military Inspired
When some of my favorite designers are screaming that military-inspired jackets are the next big thing, I do what any fashion lover does and say “Sir, yes sir…or Ma’am!” Which brings me to my next love…Balmain. I’m obsessed. I would be marching left, right, left to the nearest Balmain boutique to get my hands on their studded military jacket {$6225}. When I say I’m in love I mean, L-O-V-E! If only my wallet would agree. Thankfully the Gap has a military anorak jacket {$79.50} that will easily fit into your current wardrobe. With authentic military details, you will be effortlessly chic this spring.

Bold Prints
Multi-colored, bold prints were all over the S/S 10 runways. These are a must-buy for the spring. Besides being trendsetting, they are great transitional pieces to get one ready for the new spring season. This Miu Miu dress {$265} is two trends in one…bold print and florals. This is a trendsetter piece for sure and perfect for a weekend getaway. Channel Alexander McQueen’s S/S 10 runway look, in Armani Exchange’s graphic snake print {$120} for a lot less. Pair with some flat strappy sandals and you’re all set for brunch with the girls.

Embellished Bags
We’ve been seeing more embellished bags and once again my fashion true love delivered. This Balmain punk suede studded bag {$3925} is so fun and will give you that instant luxe edge to keep everyone on their toes. If you prefer to have more money inside of your handbag, check out Antik Batik’s Lola beaded bag {$190}.

Ruffles
Nothing screams romance more than ruffles, and they were seen everywhere on the S/S 10 runways. From tops, skirts, dresses even shoes, ruffles are big this season. One can easily create an instant feminine look with a bold ruffled top. Oscar de la Renta once again shows us his skills at making women look like ladies with his clothes, especially with this gorgeous ruffled top {$690}. It is the perfect day-to-night item when paired with simple, chic pants. Check out Ellavie Jabot’s ruffle blouse {$41} for the same elegance at a more affordable price.

Shorts
Shorts are the new pants for this spring. When I saw these gold harem lamé shorts from 3.1 Phillip Lim {$350} I was smitten. These are perfect for daytime with a white boyfriend top and strappy flat sandals. Pair with open-toe booties and a fitted black tank, your favorite clutch and you are cocktail party ready. Not ready to embrace harem-style shorts, check out Ann Taylor’s cotton twill walking shorts {$48} for a more classic look.

Camisole
Lingerie was on the minds of many designers when designing their collections for spring. A camisole is a perfect way to embrace this trend. Pair with a fitted blazer and a pair of jeans for a sexy, yet elegant date-night ensemble. I loved how elegant this Carine Gilson silk-satin and lace camisole {$770} looks and it’s the perfect color, as turquoise is a must-have color this season. Check out Vanity Fair’s elegance camisole {$27} for a price-conscious choice without losing the style.

Peep-Toe Booties
Not only are booties still going strong, but we saw a lot of open-toed versions on the runways. Nude is another big trend for spring and when I saw these booties from Maison Martin Margiela {$1045} I knew I needed to figure out how to get them in my closet for spring…still working on it! For an alternative version, check out Biviel’s booties {$139}.

Something Red…
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day I felt I should have something red…so I splurged with my pick, but I love anything Agent Provocateur.

Have a happy heart day!

Read the original Nothing but Love for Spring Fashion on Chic Shopper Chick.

Holiday Inn has stayed well within my clean, safe, and comfy realm for some time now. I’ve stayed at at least 15 different Holiday Inns in my lifetime, so it’s a name and brand that I trust. In the past year, Holiday Inn has been doing a major brand relaunch, and they reached out to me to see if I was interested in doing a girlfriend getaway “state-cation”. Of course I did! Some time with my girlfriends in my hometown of New Orleans that would qualify as “work”? That, my friends, is what we call a no brainer!

I arrived at the Holiday Inn and immediately noticed that the logo looked completely different. As part of the relaunch, I learned that hotels sporting this spiffy new logo had successfully completed the re-branding process. When I walked into the lobby I was greeted by soft music and a friendly staff member. He walked behind the desk after introducing himself as the manager and I told him I was there to check in. When I mentioned my name, he immediately pulled out an envelope with my name on it and said “Yes, Ms. Lehmann – we’ve been waiting for you!” (Really? Lil’ ole me?)

We were given a room on the 17th floor and when we walked in I turned around and looked at my friend in disbelief. I mean, I know I was there to check out the “rebranding” but um, this was INCREDIBLY nice. Very modern, great colors, upholstered headboard with tons of pillows (heck, I could pick the “type” of pillow I wanted – soft, firm, etc.) and even the artwork on the wall was nice – black and white photographs – not your typical “hotel room” artwork, you know? Très, très cool, et très, très chic!

The first thing I did, because I’m a big kid, was throw my body onto the bed. My friend T just rolled her eyes at me because well, she was not surprised. Then I hopped up and threw open the curtains of the room and, well, hello New Orleans! We had a spectacular view of the city. We were staying on the westbank at the Holiday Inn in Gretna, so we had a view of the Crescent City Connection and the Mississippi River – with the city of New Orleans behind it.

Not too shabby, right?

Naturally, because Murphy’s Law pretty much exists for me, the power went out shortly after we arrived, leaving us in the dark for about an hour. Granted, we live in Southern Louisiana. We have wind, rain, and power that is mostly above ground. Power goes out on a fairly regular basis ’round these parts, so we just giggled about our luck and relaxed in the room until it came back on.

The manager called the room and apologized for the inconvenience, which I thought was really sweet, but naturally no one can help the power going out! The weather started to get rainy and yucky, so after a quick dinner, we curled up in the bed and watched a movie – my favorite – Love Actually. Ok, we fell asleep halfway through it. We are both workin’ mamas! What can I say?!

Don’t laugh, but the best part about a girlfriend getaway? SLEEPING IN!

The next day we did a little work on our computers (yay for WiFi!), and grabbed lunch in the hotel’s restaurant, the Round House Bar & Grill. After I was stuffed with sweet potato fries and a yummy wrap, we decided to make the uber-short 10 minute trip across the bridge into the city to have a little fun. We walked, shopped, checked out the river and had beignets. (Yes, even locals love beignets and chicory coffee!) We had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants Lüke, and then walked over to have drinks at my favorite cocktail spot – loa.

Holiday Inn Round House Bar and Grill

Overall Holiday Inn provided us with an awesome chance to have a fun girlfriend getaway in my home state. So often I forget to be a tourist in my own city, so this was a great opportunity for me to do a little something different (and to SLEEP IN!).

Disclosure: Holiday Inn provided us with a 2-night stay, as well as meal vouchers for the hotel restaurant and gift cards to cover our gas. However, the opinions I expressed are all mine. You know, because that’s how I roll. Feel free to hold me to it.

Read the original Girlfriend Getaway with Holiday Inn on Chic Shopper Chick.

So, today I’m on Google, searching for pictures of myself and my friend Katja for this way cool NYC Tweetup that we’re hosting on January 13th at the Roger Smith Hotel, and I come across this photo!

And I’m all … awwww … what a CUTE photo!

But then…then I came across this video. And I’m giggling like a madwoman because here I am, looking like a total goober throughout the entire thing, and I didn’t even know it existed.

And, because I love you, my readers, I thought I would share my gooberness with you. I’m especially fond of the 14 second mark, where I make a quick appearance just to drawl “bubbles”. Tee hee!

By the way – my dress is from one of my favorite online stores – ModCloth, and the shoes are Steve Madden. The crazy mad scientist lab coat was courtesy of Wisk HE. I especially love that Nichelle from StyleMom immediately cinched hers up with a belt. Only someone that fashionable could make a lab coat look good. I’m just sayin’.

Read the original More Bubbles and Bubbly Fun on Chic Shopper Chick.

Oh yeah, so I moderated this panel today on the Ethics of Mommyblogging with Colleen Padilla, Lindsay Lebresco, and Ted Murphy. It was really cool, and tons of fun. We didn’t have cupcakes like Shama – but let’s just say that we’ve learned our lesson for next year! It went really well, so a huge thank you to all of them!

Speaking of cool – check out these two cool, yet exceedingly silly chicks. :)

Read the original See? I’m not the only one… on Chic Shopper Chick.

Yay! Thanks to Collective Bias, I’ll be on a plane flying to Las Vegas for Blog World Expo in less than 10 hours! Why am I not sleeping, you ask? (By the way, that’s so sweet of you to be so concerned about me!) Well, because I’m vlogging. And also, because I’m a procrastinator. Will I regret this in the morning? Yes.

Ohh, but look! I made you a video!

Now you can probably figure out why, after 6 days, I’m still not packed.

PS — Feel the urge to comment yet? How about some motivation? All comments left on my site for the month of October will be entered to win an iPod shuffle! To enter to win, just leave some sort of comment on any post from the month of October. You may enter as many times as there are posts, and get extra entries for tweeting. Comments that had a bit of thought put into them are greatly appreciated. Good luck, contest ends October 31st and 11:59 pm CST.

Read the original Wakin’ Up In Vegas {Video} on Chic Shopper Chick.