Spring Break at DeSoto State Park

 We have always planned to visit some of Alabama's wonderful waterfalls, and during spring break is a great time to do so because many of the waterfalls are active during the spring.  Spring break of 2021 we were brainstorming what to do and decided to check out DeSoto State Park, which is just outside of Fort Payne, Alabama.  

At DeSoto State Park, we stayed in one of their rustic CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) cabins.  The cabin that we stayed in featured a living area with a fireplace, a small kitchen area, and a separate en suite bedroom.  There was also a grill and picnic area steps away from the cabin.  Our cabin was located near a rock overhang and our children loved playing in that area, which they insisted was inhabited by fairies (I'm not sure if this is true or not, but it definitely seemed magical).  The cabin was small but comfortable for our short stay, and very reasonably priced in my opinion.

Overhang near our cabin

DeSoto State Park features hiking trails, a playground, a camp store, and numerous hiking trails.  You check in at the lodge, which houses a restaurant; however, we cooked at our cabin during our stay and never did try it out.  There are a few small falls in the area of the park where the cabins are; however, the largest fall in the immediate area is located a short drive away at the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area.  There is a viewing overlook near the parking area, and there is also a parking area not far from the picnic area at the trailhead leading down to the base of the falls.  The trail was challenging for our six year-old, but they were able to survive the trek without being carried.

Stairs at the parking area

View from one of the trails at DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park is a short drive from downtown Fort Payne, which has a couple of playgrounds perfect for children as well as a park dedicated to legendary country music act Alabama.  Country music is not my jam, so to speak, or else we may have elected to visit the Alabama Fan Club & Museum.  We enjoyed a short stroll through the downtown area, which was filled with shops and places to grab a bite to eat.

DeSoto State Park is also an easy jumping off point to visit Little River Falls, which is located in the Little River Canyon National Preserve.  There is a large parking area and boardwalk to a nice viewing area.  

Little River Falls

We enjoyed our trip to DeSoto State Park and would love to return.  It was definitely a change of pace from our frequent trips to the Alabama gulf coast beaches, and we all really enjoyed doing something different.  If you like to hike and enjoy spending time in nature, I would definitely recommend planning your own trip to the area.  

My Baby Gear Guide

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm a new mom (so please forgive punctuation/spelling errors!).  I relied heavily on the advice of other moms when creating registries and making purchases for our Little One, so I thought I would return the favor a make a list of baby gear.  Keep in mind that every baby is different (and perfect in their own way), so just because something works for me or your sister or your best friend doesn't mean that you have to have it.  Here's my list:

What I absolutely needed:

Diapers and wipes - I received/registered for/prepurchased a variety in order to see what worked best for my Little One (so far Huggies Pure & Natural diapers and wipes are my favorites, but I have yet to try any of the store brands).
Kimono shirts & pants - These are little shirts that button across baby's chest and don't rub against the umbilical cord stump.  I also used the shirts that they put Little One in at the hospital, but the kimono shirts don't have go to over her head, which she hates, so I preferred these.
Diaper Ointment/Petroleum Jelly/Safety Swabs
Baby Tub/Baby Wash/Hooded Towels
Footie Pajamas - I didn't start putting her in these until after her cord stump fell off.  Little One wears these almost every night because she normally kicks out of her swaddle and this way I don't have to worry about her feet getting cold at night.  Gowns are OK until the cord stump falls off, but they tend to bunch up; therefore, after her cord fell off I quit putting her in gowns.
Receiving Blankets - Square ones work best for swaddling. 
Burp cloths
Socks/Caps - I keep socks on her all the time (it IS winter) and dress her in a cap if we're going somewhere when it's cool.
Books - I constantly refer to What to Expect the First Year & The Nursing Mother's Companion.
Car Seat - We are starting out with the Graco SnugRide 30 and one base for each car, and so far it has  worked well.  We went with the 30 because you can adjust the harness from the front which is SO much easier.  We'll cross the convertible car seat bridge when we get there.
Strollers - I love both of our strollers!  I read everywhere that the travel systems were a waste, but we purchased the equivalent of one by choosing the Graco Trekko stroller (we purchased the components separately to save money), and it works well for us in the rural area in which we live.  Cons are that it is heavy and huge (it won't fit in my car, only my husband's SUV).  I picked up a used Graco Snugrider Stroller Frame, AKA the Mall Crawler, which fits easily into my trunk and is super light.  Cons are that you can only use it for a limited amount of time while they still fit into the SnugRide.  I plan to purchase an umbrella stroller when she grows out of her seat.
Changing table - Some minimalists argue that this isn't a necessity, but when I'm visiting grandparents' and have to bend over to change a diaper I am so glad that we purchased one. 
Fisher Price Rock N Play - We are using this in lieu of a bassinet and she loves it.  It actually hurts my feelings that sometimes when I'm holding her, she'll start to fuss and when I put her down in the Rock N Play, she is happy again.  However, I'm afraid I set myself up for disaster because she loves it so much that we haven't yet been able to get her to sleep in her crib :-/.
Bottles/Nipples - We tried four different kinds of bottles/nipples until we found one that Little One could use.  I suggest not getting heavily invested in any brand in particular until you're sure what your Little One is going to be able to use.  I bought some used bottles and new nipples for trial purposes, and am glad that I didn't waste a whole lot of money on one type of bottle, because the kind that came most heavily recommended didn't work for my Little One.  We are currently using the Medela kind, and I only happened to try it because they included a nipple with the manual breast pump that I purchased.
Dishwasher Caddy - When I first saw one of these on a registry I thought it was ridiculous, but trust me, it works.  It has special spots for nipples/baby utensils, and is easy to keep it all together in the wash without the small parts falling through the cracks and into the pan of the dishwasher.  Genius!
Thermometer

What I've enjoyed having but don't consider absolutely necessary:

Activity Mat - This another thing that I found used, and she enjoys playing with all of her hanging toys.  If you have one of these, you'll also need rings for hanging toys.  I had no idea what rings were before I had a baby, but an experienced mom friend gave me some and they've been helpful.
Cute outfits - Resist the urge to purchase these in abundance.  People will give you adorable outfits, and they grow so fast it seems that she doesn't really have much of a chance to wear them all.  I'm trying hard to get photos of her in each of her outfits, but it's tough.
Good digital camera - I really bought mine to take on vacation before I knew I was pregnant, but it's been nice to be able to take quality photos at home and e-mail them out or upload them and pick up prints (or better yet, send my husband after the prints).  If you spend the money on a nice camera, I would also urge you to spend the time to learn how to use it before Little One arrives because taking photos of a squirmy newborn is not easy.
Bumbo Floor Seat - If I hadn't already bolded that, I would have bolded floor.  I even put something soft under it when she's on the floor since I've heard of kids flipping out of them and I don't want her to hurt her head.  My Little One is not a huge fan of tummy time, so I'm hoping that this will help in that area.
Pacifiers - My Little One prefers the Mam kind, but isn't a huge fan in general.  I would suggest trying a couple different kinds, and then stock up on the kind that they like. 
Bottle Drying Rack  - A paper towel works just as well, but doesn't look as sexy on the counter.
Diaper Bag  - I put off buying one and have been using a large purse and zipper baggies to hold things like diapers and changes of clothing, but I think I'm outgrowing my purse and hope to find one soon. 
Sling/Baby Carrier - We have used a ring sling with Little One and when she likes it, it's been very helpful.  Sometimes she hates it and we end up having to use the stroller. 
Play yard - My mother is going to keep Little One when I return to work, so she has one that she is going to use as a crib, but we don't have one at our house and haven't yet felt that we need one.
Baby monitor - We purchased a used one, and since she's been sleeping in the same room with us we haven't gotten much use out of it.

What I consider completely unnecessary:

Anything in size newborn - Be it diapers or clothes.  My Little One was almost 9 lbs. at birth and didn't fit into newborn diapers at all, and only wore the newborn clothes for a couple of weeks. 
Shoes - Since they can't walk, they don't need them.  I was given a couple of pairs that I put her in on especially cold days.
Powder - I had no idea, but in order to avoid respiratory issues it's no longer recommended for use on babies.

If you are planning to breast feed (in my opinion, why wouldn't you be?), go ahead and check to see if your insurance will cover an electric breast pump.  If they don't and you're not sure if you will need a pump, I would at least recommend purchasing a manual pump.  You'll also need breast milk storage bags, at least a few nipple pads, and if you're shy like me, I'd definitely recommend a feeding cover.  I didn't get this type, but I've heard that there are some with a wire frame that allow you to see the baby and that would definitely be helpful. 

Keep in mind that some items, such as high chairs, aren't needed immediately.  If purchasing all of the gear at one time is causing a money crunch, put off the purchases that you can until you can afford it. 

Consignment sales are where it's at!  Experienced moms told me about these, and we stocked up at our first sale and I'm looking forward to going again.  They can be a bit overwhelming, so I recommend making a list and trying to be strategic.  Seek them out early, since many only come around (at least in my area) a couple of times a year, and if possible register as a first-time parent (if applicable) in order to shop earlier to take advantage of better selection.  I think that this is much better than going to yard sales, because everything is all in the same place rather than getting up early and running around like crazy wasting gas on a Saturday morning.

Hand me downs are where it's at!  I am very fortunate that quite a few friends were willing to part with their gently used baby gear.  What a huge help!  Think of the money that you can put into their college fund rather than spending it on new clothes that they won't get to wear for long.

If there's something that I've overlooked, feel free to add it below.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

My absence may not have been conspicuous, but I have a good excuse nonetheless.  My husband and I welcomed our first child into the world going on three months ago, and I have been devoting most of my energy to her.  I return to work shortly (next week!) and thought I may as well update my blog before I get into the thick of it.

Today is one of my favorite days on the calendar - Mardi Gras.  I've celebrated in New Orleans, but my favorite Mardi Gras celebration takes place right here in my own hometown of Mobile, Alabama.  This year, a 2 1/2 month old and a dreary day are definitely putting a dent in my celebration, but I'm not going to let the day pass without letting the good times roll, even if those good times are somewhat abbreviated.

Little One and I are dressed in our Mardi Gras finest.  Check out Little One's "They found me in a king cake" onsie here. 

I've never made gumbo before, as my husband so lovingly pointed out to me a short time ago, so we're trying out Emeril's Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo.  Roux has intimidated me in the past, but after reading the primer in Southern Living's February 2013 issue, I felt prepared to give it a try.  It is still cooking at this point, but if it tastes half as good as it smells then it will be a success. 

I cheated for dessert and bought a King Cake cupcake from my favorite local cupcakery since I've already made three King Cakes this year.  However, if you feel so moved to bake a King Cake, check out this recipe from Southern Living.   I took it to a Super Bowl party and received lots of compliments.

If you've never been to Mardi Gras and would like to check it out, or if you're interested in the history, I suggest you start by checking out Mobile's celebration here. 

Fall in Love (at a fall BBQ wedding shower)

One of my dearest friends is getting married Halloween weekend (Tim Burton theme - can't wait!), and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the impending nuptials than with a shower.  The proposed  shower date fell during the first weekend of fall, which inspired the theme "Fall in Love".  I enlisted the help of another good friend, and we co-hosted the shower at my place.  I love to share hosting duties, because it helps keep the costs down, keeps the ideas fresh, and gives you and your co-host a great excuse to have a party planning party. 

My search for the perfect invite was initially unsuccessful, so I asked the honoree to send some favorite photos of the happy couple.  I used one of the photos to create a custom invitation on Shutterfly.  It was less expensive and more personal than the other invitations that I found, and they fit the theme perfectly. 

I trolled Pinterest for decoration inspiration, and found tons of great ideas.  I wanted to make sure that the decor reflected the theme but I also wanted to keep the cost down, so many of the decorations were either homemade or borrowed.  I outfitted the front door with a simple burlap wreath.

I made a garland for the mantel out of paper bag flowers, scrapbook paper pennants, and sisal rope and I used popcorn kernels, split peas, and red kidney beans in hurricanes to jazz up pillar candles.



Since it was a couples shower, we wanted to have substantial food that would satisfy the guys.  We decided to go with pork and chicken barbecue with all the fixins' - baked beans, corn on the cob, and potato salad.  I borrowed a burlap running to use under the spread, and found some last minute inspiration in BHG to identify the various barbecue sauces.

For munchies, we had some BLT dip w/ crackers and veggies.  BLT dip is so easy - mix equal parts mayo and sour cream, add some bacon bits and small diced tomatoes (drained), and add salt & pepper to taste.  Good and done!  I also picked up some caramel corn that I served in a tall, pretty glass container.  Our local popcorn shop will dye the popcorn to match your particular occasion, but since caramel corn is the perfect fall color I went with it as is.  It looks great displayed in an apothecary jar or other pretty container.

For dessert we had pie rather than cake, since I associate pie with fall/winter.  The bride-to-be requested something chocolate, so I went with my Fudge Bottom pie.  I used a premade crust to keep it simple, there's no baking involved, and it was as easy as pie (pun intended). 

Fudge Bottom Pie

1 bag of chocolate chips

1 1/2 c half & half

1 box instant white chocolate pudding mix

1 c whole milk

1 c heavy cream

2 - 3 tbsp powdered sugar (or to taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 graham cracker pie crust

Combine chocolate chips and 1/2 c of half & half in a sauce pan, and melt the chips over low to medium low heat.  Stir continuously while melting.  When the chips are fully melted, pour the chocolate mixture into the bottom of the pie crust. 

Combine the remaining cup of half & half and 1 c whole milk with the pudding mix, and mix until the right consistency for pudding.  Add this on top of the chocolate mixture.

I use a Kitchenaid with the whisk attachment to make the whipped cream for the top.  Pour 1 c heavy cream into a chilled bowl, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and whisk until peaks form.  This is the third and final layer, and I just spread it out on top with a spatula.

I recommend chilling the pie overnight (at least four hours if this isn't possible), and then serve.  It's rich, so cut small pieces.  I promise you'll love it!

From Paris, just a little bit tardy

My husband and I were very fortunate to swing a trip to Paris in March.  We were there for about seven incredible days, and we immensely enjoyed ourselves.  I love getting recommendations before I leave for a trip, and I wanted to share some of mine with you.

Accommodations - We stayed at the Emeraude Hotel Lodge Du Centre and were very happy with our budget choice.  It is located in the theater district, not far from Metro stations.  It was within walking distance of the Galeries Lafayette.  The staff was very friendly, the room was small but clean, and we had a great little balcony where we would have afternoon glasses of wine.  It was right across the street from a Franprix (grocery store) and there were lots of restaurants nearby. 

Food - We were trying to stay on a budget, so no mind-blowing 4 course meal recommendations here.  We ate at a lot of sandwich shops and small bistros, but we had great food almost everywhere we went. 

• Our favorite bakery for sandwiches was a chain Paul.  
• We had a really nice dinner at Chartier, which was right near our hotel.   The waiter was extremely helpful - drawing pictures of menu items since we don't speak much French, and steering me away from intestine.  I had the special, pot au feu, and it was great. 
• A friend of ours recommended Angelina for hot chocolate and dessert, and it was AMAZING!  We split a limited time offering Mont Blanc at their location at Versailles, and it was to die for.  The hot chocolate is super-rich, so stick to a small (especially if you're ordering a dessert too).   
• I love chocolate, and wanted to bring some home for myself and for gifts.  We stumbled on the cutest shop Jeff de Bruges, and I'm so glad we stopped in to check it out.  The chocolates were super cute, and they were delicious.  I bought a small menagerie of Easter chocolates for a very reasonable price (compared to other places we looked).   

Experiences - Everyone goes for a different reason, so don't take our word for it and go try the things you want to try.  We purchased a 4 day Paris museum pass, which I definitely recommend, since it gets you into many of the places listed below.  It also allows you to skip the line since you don't have to wait to buy tickets. Here are some notes from some of the places we went:

• Eiffel Tower - We didn't go up into the tower, but I really didn't want to.  It was breathtaking to behold.  The hotel's desk clerk recommended that we get off at the Metro stop "Trocadero", and the view was so magnificent when you come around the corner that I teared up.  I've loved the Eiffel Tower since I was a little kid, and this was the first stop after dropping our bags at the hotel. 
• Musée du Louvre - It was great.  Overwhelming, huge, crowded, but great.  I regret that we only went once.
• Musée d'Orsay - This was my favorite museum.  I think the train station in the movie Hugo had to have been inspired, at least in part, by this beautiful space. I like that the art was arranged to make it easier to see many different types of pieces, whereas at the Louvre they are arranged very methodically. 
• Chateau de Versailles - The Palace was crowded with tour groups, which definitely took away from the experience (especially the Hall of Mirrors), but the gardens on the grounds were stunning.  We spent most of the day exploring the gardens and the other palaces and estates.  If you plan to do this, definitely wear comfortable shoes because it is a huge area to cover.  They have a tram, bicycles and golf carts for rent, but we chose to explore on foot. 
• Notre-Dame - Gorgeous!  We went through the cathedral and then went back the next day (early a.m. to try to get a good spot in line) to go up into the Towers.  I loved the view from the top of the towers, but hated the hike to the top (up a circular stone staircase single-file); however, the photos that I took from the towers definitely made it worth the torture of the climb.
• Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise - This is the final resting place of many famous people, including Jim Morrison.  His grave is barricaded due to vandalism, and it is really a shame to see how the neighboring monuments have been defaced.  We enjoyed our peaceful stroll among the intricate monuments.
• Les Catacombes de Paris - Crazy macabre and interesting.  In preparation for our trip, I read a very cool vignette in the book Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris by Graham Robb about how the catacombs came into existence, which definitely enhanced my visit.  It's also close to the chocolate shop mentioned above.
• Palais Garnier - Bravo!  We only did a tour, but I imagine it would have been amazing to see a performance in such a breathtaking venue.  If you are at all interested in opera/theatre/ballet, I would not miss it.
• Folies Bergere - We had no plans to go see a show while in Paris, but the theatre was just down the street from our hotel so we decided to check it out.  The theatre is definitely showing age, but it was a wonderful venue to see a show.  We saw the show Shadowland, and really enjoyed it.  It was a very pleasant surprise.
• Musée de l'Orangerie - A custom and fitting home for Monet's water lilies.  It's not a large museum, and is a great way to pass a couple of hours in the afternoon while exploring the Tuileries. 
• Musée Rodin - We didn't make it to the museum until late in the afternoon, so we focused on the outdoor sculpture garden.  If I were going to get married again in Paris, this would be a gorgeous place to do so.  The Thinker appears right at home, mulling in the midst of the manicured garden.
• Sacré-Cœur - We had our only negative experience here.  You walk up hill through a shady neighborhood to get to the steps that lead up to the Basilica.  When we reached the hill, we were inundated by men trying to make string bracelets on our arm, even after we let them know that we weren't interested.  It seemed like pickpocket central, and our plan to watch the sun set from a spectacular vantage point quickly changed when we realized that we definitely did not want to be in the area after the sun went down.   

Tips - Here are just a few things I wish I would have known before we arrived.  I read guide books, but somehow I missed the following:

• Cash is king!  I normally operate on a credit/debit card only basis, and it's entirely possible to do so in Paris, but it definitely seemed that the vast majority of purchases in Paris are made in cash.  At restaurants, the server would have to come back around with a portable swiping machine, which would delay our departure (good thing we were on vacation and were never in a hurry).  Many stores have a credit/debit minimum, and you need to be prepared to pay cash if your purchase falls below the minimum.  In summation, carry cash.
• Exchanging currency is expensive.  You can minimize the cost by activating your debit card for international travel before you leave, and then just withdrawing cash from the ATM just like in the US.  If you have to exchange at a currency exchange, it's normally less expensive to change further from the touristy areas.  Finally, if you don't like the rate that they give you at the currency exchange, it is negotiable.
• If you go to the theatre, be prepared to tip the usher who shows you to your seat.  We didn't figure this out until we saw most theatregoers offer some coins to the usher.  Also, be sure to arrive on time because when the house lights go down, there's a mad stampede to any open seat ahead of that in which you were ticketed. 

I was so overwhelmed upon seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time.  It was a dream come true, and I couldn't imagine why I had never been before.  If going to Paris is a dream of yours, don't needlessly complicate it - make a plan, buy a ticket, and go there!  It really was amazing, and I can't wait to go back.

Fabric-covered Canvas Key Holder

I hate to see something go to waste, but I also hate to see junk lying around.  I had a little extra fabric from recovering some seat cushions and wanted to use it for something, but I wasn't sure what.  It's been hanging out in the utility room for a while, until I saw an idea while browsing Pinterest.  The ideas that I saw on Pinterest were more geared towards jewelry, but I needed something to hang keys on so here's what I came up with:

1.  I purchased a 12" x 12" square canvas from Michael's. 

2. I cut the fabric that I had a few inches bigger than the canvas, and the wrapped it almost like a present.  Don't forget to wrap it tightly, and be sure to iron the fabric before you start if it is wrinkled.  I secured the fabric to the back with staples.

3. I pre-drilled holes in the bottom of fabric-covered canvas with a small bit, and then screwed in hooks that I picked up at Home Depot.  They only had brass and silver, but I'm sure they could be spray-painted for a particular look.

Voila!  Here it is on the wall:

This project didn't take very long at all, and now that I have all of the hooks it would be easy to do again.  Christmas gift anyone?

Cornbread Salad

I love to go to a restaurant and then go home and attempt to recreate a favorite dish.  This recipe is inspired by a side that I had years ago at the Red Brick Cafe in Mobile, AL.  Since I last tried it they've relocated and I'm not sure if it's still on the menu or not. 

I haven't had it in a while, but I had some leftover cornbread and didn't want it to go to waste.  I used the leftover cornbread to make the salad and took over to my parents' house to watch the Saints, much to their delight (it's a favorite of my mom's).

2 packages cornbread mix of your choice (I like the Cottonpickin' Cornbread, but any will do)
4 slices of bacon, fried and crumbled
1 cup of mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced, green tops only
1 - 2 cups shredded cheddar, to your taste

Prepare the cornbread according to the package directions, and bake in an 9 x 12" pan.  After the cornbread has cooled, crumble it into a large mixing bowl.  Add all of the other ingredients and mix until incorporated.  Serve at room temperature or chilled.

The leftover cornbread that I used was jalapeno cornbread.  Feel free to improvise.  You could also add diced tomatoes, corn (into the cornbread or just into the salad), chopped green pepper, etc.