In March News

THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH:

The absolute highlight of this month was a quick trip to New Orleans for spring break. My mom, sister, Haley, and myself were there to attend the Irish Channel parades and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our family. We drove down on a Friday, through some pretty nasty rain and wind. When we arrived that night at my aunt’s farm, we were welcomed by a pot of gumbo and a giant sack of crawfish ready for a boil. And of course, plenty of hugs from aunts and cousins. That kind of humid, family-filled night is my favorite sign of spring.

Saturday was parade day, and we were up bright and early packing coolers and picking which lucky socks to wear. I have been going to parades in New Orleans since before I was born, but they never fail to be the most exciting event of my life. Elaborate themed outfits, sandwiches on French bread, and the sunny New Orleans streets filled with giant parade floats is a beyond magical sight. This was Haley’s first time at a real parade in the city, and I couldn’t wait for her to experience the indescribable way the city comes alive. It’s better than Disney World. We had the best time catching buckets and buckets of beads, koozies, Irish Spring soap, and Lucky Charms snacks. We were handed a million plastic flowers in exchange for cheek kisses and exclamations of “Happy St. Pats!” After the parade, it was time for my favorite spot in all of New Orleans: Angelo Brocato’s. Cannoli and cappuccinos from Brocato’s are the answer to everything, I swear it. That evening, back from the city, we ate a dinner of seafood, po’boys, and large sweet teas at a restaurant a mere 5 minutes from my aunt’s house.

Sunday morning, my aunt invited us to the local Catholic church for mass and an extraordinary St. Joseph’s altar. The day was made whole by most of the family gathering for a lunch of beef stew (my great-grandma’s recipe) and piles of French bread and butter.

I’m so grateful to have had just those few days on the break to spend time with family in my favorite place. Other than a little rain, the weather was gorgeous. The food, as always, was incredible. The best part by far, however, was the people ❤

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

1. Pretty Boy- The Neighbourhood: I’m just hopelessly addicted to this song. I listen to it at least once a day, and so should you. It’s the perfect addition to a summer playlist. (And spring is the perfect time to start curating that playlist!)
2. Bad Omens- 5SOS: I love 5sos. Everyone knows I love 5sos. I’ve been a fan since I was about 10 years old, and I swear they’ll never do me wrong. Listen to this song driving with your windows down. 10/10 experience, I promise you.
3. Think Fast- Dominic Fike & Weezer: Collab of the century!! Another perfect song for your summer playlist. I listen to this on repeat while I tan and the vibes are PERFECT.
4. Too Late To Get Out- Carver Commodore: This entire EP is so incredible, and even more incredible because Carver is local! These guys are the absolute coolest and make some really sick music. They also put on an incredible live show so go see them if you ever get the chance!
5. Seven Wonders- Fleetwood Mac: I mean, this is an absolute classic. What is there even to say?

WHAT I’M WATCHING:

FILM: The Way Way Back (2013)

I’m not sure how I’ve never seen this movie, but a favorite creator of mine (Meg Hughes) recently posted a review of it and I added it to my watchlist. I’m so glad I did. Such a good coming of age story, with lots of humor and plenty of feeling as well. The cast is so stacked, and Sam Rockwell is of course a standout for me, easily at his most charming in this film. I had a lot of fun watching it and will probably revisit it in the summer again. It is available to rent on Prime and YouTube!

TV: Superstore

Surprise, another sitcom! Give me a quirky ensemble of unlikely friends and I am HOOKED. This one had me laughing out loud so many times and also had some genuine heartfelt moments right when you needed them. I wish it had like 10 more seasons, but I think the finale was done really well (coming from a person who usually skips finales because I hate to see things end). America Ferrera deserves so much more credit. She’s absolutely hilarious in this! It’s streaming on Hulu and I highly recommend!

WHAT I’M LOVING:

1. Crawfish- Every single day I mourn the fact that it can’t be crawfish season all year long. There’s nothing I love more than a boil on a summer night with super spicy crawfish, garlic, potatoes, and corn. I’ll also never say no to a crawfish pasta, po’boy, or etouffee. The leftover tails make for a really good chowder, too. (and now I’m starving…)
2. My Dad’s art- My dad has been an artist of multiple facets my whole life, but lately he’s been placing special emphasis on painting and mixed media work. Since February, some of his work has been on display at the Lowe Mill in Huntsville. On March 30, we got to attend a gallery open-house and celebrate this super cool accomplishment. My dad is one of the coolest people I know, and you should most definitely check out his art here and on Instagram.
3. Breakfast at Second Street– For most of this semester, I haven’t been working regularly at the coffee shop in Pulaski like I usually do. Instead, I’ve actually gotten a chance to enjoy the shop quite a bit as a customer. Haley and I usually meet there for breakfast once or twice a week before class, and it really is such a wonderful way to start the day. It’s even better on the rare occasions it’s warm enough to sit outside.
4. Warm Spring weather- I always forget how much winter weather affects me, until Tennessee gets the first few days of sunny and 75. Then I realize just how much better my mood is and how much more energy I have. I turn into the most annoying person you know once I get a little bit of tan and it’s comfortable to drive with the windows down, and no, I won’t apologize for it.
5. T-Bones Records & Cafe- If you ever find yourself in Hattiesburg, MS, please stop by T-Bones. This has become an essential road-trip stop for me on the way back from Louisiana. Being able to grab lunch and shop for records in the same building is practically my dream. Do yourself a favor and try their muffaletta and lavender lemonade, and browse their collection of vinyl, books, and memorabilia while you’re at it. I’ve bought several of my favorite albums at this shop, and I always anticipate the next time I can visit.

FAREWELL

Thanks for tagging along with me on a little recap of my March. I really like writing posts like these; they give me a little journal-like recap to look back on. I hate that February didn’t get its own post, but such is life! I’m happy to be back sharing little joys with you. Please share your monthly favorites, playlists, and watchlists with me as well. I always love to hear about it!

See you next time!

Sophia ❤