Crescent Park--Phase II

[This is the only section the public could see throughout construction. 

The rest was a mystery...until this weekend]

I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. Patiently waiting for nearly a year and a half for Crescent Park to finish its expansion--a continuation of the path that creates a direct shot to the French Quarter from my Bywater neighborhood -- allowing more time on the river while I run or walk the pups. Time spent on the water (along the Riverwalk promonade or the lake front) is not only beautiful, but also much cooler in these hot months.

Just in time for the Fourth of July weekend, CP took down the barriers and revealed the second phase of this wonderful addition to our city. I've already been out there 3 times...with the pups, on a solo walk and, of course, on a leisurely 4-miler before drinks and fireworks.

Everyone should have a spot like this in their town, to use for alone time, reflection, and admiration of the place they call home.

[Piety Street Warf]

 

[Opening to the new section]

[Even closer views of the NOLA skyline] 

[New view of my 'hood, as seen from the staircase shown at the top of this post]

 [...and you can see the city from the other side. Looking down the steep staircase that now dumps us right at the base of Esplanade Ave.]

[I think the pups enjoyed the new park after they were doused with water]

 

[Look at that face: pure bliss]

[View from the swings at night]

Whole Life Challenge-The Lists...

via

You'd think that waiting around for the end of this no-wine-or-cheese-or-sugar-or bread death sentence would drag on, but the last two weeks of the Whole Life Challenge has really flown by. The anticipation of the next challenge or waiting around for the next time temptation would sneak up and then quietly dismiss herself has accelerated each day.

The Lifestyle challenge for Week 3 was to get 7 or more hours of sleep each night (check and done), and Week 4 was to encourage your teammates on the communication feed. Both of those are things I already try to do in my daily life so, once again, these points came easily...though it was nice to have my existing habits highlighted for a bit. Go, me!

Aside from the self-improvements made by the lifestyle changes, I'm still busy in the kitchen trying to translate our family meals into truly whole foods that will nourish us in greater ways. Forever. #wholelifeSHIFT is my goal.

My husband recently sent me this handy link containing info that I believe should be a staple every kitchen. Similarly, I've found related posts on Pintrest that achieve the same goals. The more informed the better. The more tricks, the more likely you are to get it right.

In the spirit of the LISTS Meggie and I love, here is a list of the lists I've gathered so far over the course of this challenge.

1. Smoothies 

2. Stretching Routines

3. Preparing for post-WLC life: Spring will bring a second attempt at a more sophistocated veggie garden.

4. Honoring the supplement component of the challenge, I'm finding more  natural solutions far outweighs popping a pill every day.

5. Seeing as the Lifestyle challenge for Week 5 is to make time every day to do something you love, I'm forced to make more time for reading. Darn. There are few things I love more than finding new books to read. The first book shown here I've just startied and the second will follow.

6. New running gear for the impending change in season.
My new kicks are shown above. Swoon.

Meanwhile, I'm still truckin' along with the overall points. Though, knowing my husband, his competitive side is not going to budge, so my ambition now is to stay in second place;  "Winner" might as well be tatooed on his beautiful bald head. Well played, my love.

Monday Motivators: Lundi Gras!

Happy Lundi Gras!

Tomorrow is the big day. The last day. For the past two weeks, NOLA has been accumulating energy, creativity, comradery and debauchery...but after tomorrow's Fat Tuesday parades, it comes to a screetching halt.

Today, the people of New Orleans are hitting the streets to soak up as much of this month-long party as possible because today is Lundi Gras...or Fat Monday (why not, right?).

Over the past 8 years, my husband and I have developed our own traditions and preferences when it come to how and what we participate in during Carnival season. I think I like parades a bit more than he does, but when the weather, mood and crowd is just right, he's all in.

It's got to be said that the Whole Life Challenge hasn't made it easy on us this year because taking advantage of the open container law couldn't be more fun than during Mardi Gras. Well, the "no alcohol" rule of the game has sliced that privilege off at the knees. Lucky for me, I've saved up some indulgence ponits along the way, and couldn't have picked a better time to spend them. It may not be full-on inebriation but, at my age, that's probably not a bad thing.

I've managed to make it to a few parades so far this year and, if the weather behaves, I'll catch the last few tomorrow.

 [My buddy, Kim, doesn't hold back when it comes to beggin for good throws]

I've made some parades part of my runs--interesting to have beads thrown at you while you're also in motion.  I always bump into someone I know, so take advantage of a few minutes to rest and yell at a few floats.

[My baby girl throwing a tantrum during costume try-on session.]

[You're looking into the eyes of Darth Vader]

 

I've marched in one--with Apple--only the costume aspect of it didn't exactly go as planned. It was warm out and covering my already hyper English Bulldog in all black didn't seem like the responsible parenting move. 

[Unfortunately for me, Darth decided to stay home, 

but Leila tried to make an appearance.]

[We had our fun. And we saw so many people we knew along the route. Guess that's what counts.]

This past weekend, my husband and I biked Uptown to one of my favorite parades, Tucks.

I just can't help myself: this krewe is all toilets and rolls of toilet paper and plungers...it's rediculously beatufiful...and right up my alley.

Can't believe Carnival 2015 has already come...and is almost gone. Tomorrow, the St. Anne parade will roll right by our house, here in the Bywater, and then we'll say goodbye until 2016. Maybe one of these years we'll get some more Michigan folks to witness the magic!