Swamp People + Gator Bait

Every two years, the Creole side of my family reunites to reminisce our history, honor our loved ones lost, share laughs, and of course...eat! This year's family reunion brought us back to our roots in Louisiana. 

One thing we've never done is a swamp tour. So, my sister was determined that this year was the year we would take to the swamps! Booking a tour with Cajun Encounters, we boarded the Gator Bait with Captain Jonathan at the helm. Since the captain grew up in Slidell, Louisiana, he was no stranger to Honey Island Swamp and zipped through the channels.

The gator above, Bacon, was the first of many we saw. Apparently he got his name after eating an entire pig on a tour! We only fed him marshmallows; I don't think he was disappointed. In fact, all of the gators we saw loved those sweet puffs. Including Priscilla, the largest gator in the swamp who hadn't been seen in a couple weeks, but decided to break her dessert fast for a treat.

Captain Jonathan reminded us that it's been decades since a human was endangered by a gator. So, even though they fed close to the boat, we weren't so nervous. That is until he said something about if the boat capsized we'd be fine as long as we weren't wearing white because it looks like a marshmallow. Gulp.

My sister and step-mom watch the reality show Swamp People, so they had all the idioms like "Give 'em a headache!" and "Choot 'em!" in their pocket. But on the tour, we were only observing. Which I felt we had to remind the good captain when he tried to get giant swamp spiders to climb/jump into the boat!

In addition to alligators, spiders, beautiful scenery, and prayers not to capsize, we saw wild pigs. They were doing what pigs do best––munch. Some of them were pretty cute, especially the baby ones. I couldn't help but think of a time dré, her husband, and I ate delicious wild boar at a restaurant in downtown Seattle. Just being honest!

Overall it was a great tour. Poor outfit choice, but great tour. I definitely recommend that you take a break from the Quarter and head to our side of Louisiana for a tour. Maybe Priscilla will even come say hello.

xo | din

shirt | Mossimo

shorts | Express

sandals | Mix No. 6

din's Travel Notes

Be sure to check out the souvenir shop! There are several great products such as local cooking spices and honey, home décor, and gator meat! I snagged these two sticks and a fleur d'lis for my apartment. I've had gator meat before (now that's a funny video!), but these two are mixed with other meat so we'll see how this experience goes. Who wants to try with me?

Merry Christmas

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

he is Christ the Lord. "

Merry Christmas from us to you! We wish you all joy and peace this season! Hold your loved ones near and count your blessings...

Oh...and don't forget to be fabulous!

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men 

on whom his favor rests."

xo | drédin 

Luke 2: 11,14

Christmas Eve

The past few weeks have been crazy! Between Nutcracker practices for my girls, and parties to attend, I haven't gotten much sleep! With that said, today was needed!

My favorite uncle is in town, so I scooped him up this morning for a coffee date with my girls and me. I decided to be a bit more casual this morning, since I'll be dressing it up tonight for a Christmas Eve service at church. 

The coffee was tasty, the decorations were festive, the company was fantastic, and my youngest wore her Minnetonka moccasins to match me <3 

Merry Christmas! 

XOXO dré 

poncho | H&M

moccasins | Minnetonka 

nail polish | OPI We'll Always Have Paris

My First Crush

When I think of a man who has knocked fatherhood out of the park, I don't have to look far for the answer.

A man of God, he is courageous.

Both a leader and a friend, he is present.

A guiding hand and a soft heart, he is nourishing.

Selfless and humble, he is a protector.

Forever grateful to always be his "baby."

Although I wear this sweatshirt less for warmth and more for mixing up my fashion looks, it never ceases to remind me of how grateful I am for a father who has been selfless with not only me, but to countless others as he served for this country.

My father was my first crush. I remember one evening distinctly telling my mom that he was my boyfriend. She of course countered that "no, he's my boyfriend." We went back and forth for awhile, and eventually she won that conversation. Looking back, I don't blame my younger self-- my dad's a looker, y'all! He's a catch in general-- looks, book and street smarts, strong faith, exceptional steward (of everything!), grill king, and a DIYer.

He is the one who taught me how to ride a bike, and later how to drive (on a manual vehicle because "if you can drive a manual, you can drive anything."). He taught me how to shoot and dribble the basketball using both hands which gave me an edge as a point guard. He also is the one that chased me around with the spider I asked him to catch, but I still love him.

I love you, Dad, for being present in our lives and standing for your family when life strapped us on a roller-coaster ride we didn't ask to take a part of. For showing me what an exceptional man looks like day after day. I am extremely proud of you and continuously in awe and inspired by who you have been throughout your life regardless of circumstance.

Happy Father's Day. I am immensely grateful for...everything.














My very first date I ever went on was to see Peter Pan on the big screen. I was 5, and my date was my dad. My dad was always Mr. Fun, and when my mom wasn't around, we had party time! But of all the things I have to cherish that my dad gave to me, I have to share the top 8 qualities that have enabled me to be the best fashionista I can be.

1. I loved having my nails polished when I was little. Not only would my dad polish them for me, but he bought me my first bottle of purple nail polish ( which was so much more exciting than pink! ). The rest is history!

2. My dad ALWAYS smells good! And not just from cologne! He's not a sweaty man and I inherited that "no sweat" gene! It's always a bonus to smell fab when you look fab right?!

3. My dad has this amazing tan complexion! So with exception of the winter months, I get to have a healthy glow.

4. Happy is an understatement of my dad's personality. Like him, I tend to be pretty cheery, and laugh my way through life. They say a smile is your best accessory!

5. Women around the world would die for my dad's hair, and although I didn't get his exact mane, I have him to credit for the natural beach waves I got!

6. I got my long legs from my dad, and even though he's not a fan, they serve me well in my short skirts;)

7. My dad used to work in the shoe department at the Bon Marché back in the day, and he was always so proud of his taste in shoes! Ha! I guess that's where my shoe craze came from!

8. My dad is really creative! He is the king of DIY! From gardening to cooking to fixing a car, he's the guy for the job! I'm not much of a mechanic or a green thumb, BUT I LOVE art and it's what makes me function!

I love you, Dad! Happy Father's Day!

xoxo drédin

From Victoria To Victorian

A couple weeks ago I took a trip with my family to Victoria, B.C., to visit my husband's family. His family is rich with heritage, as he has a Polish grandfather and a Scottish grandmother. I always enjoy our visits with them, and leave feeling like I got a better history lesson than I ever received in school.

On this particular visit however, I received an item that is truly a treasure to me. My husband's grandmother handed down to me a vintage necklace that has been in the family for decades, dating back to the 1840's . It's a gorgeous Victorian style necklace made of gold, that has a removable pendant hanging from it, which is deep emerald on one side, and blood red on the other. The chain resembles a rope, and with its extreme length, can be worn a variety of ways.

Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to own this heirloom, and I look forward to the day I can pass it down to my little princesses!

XOXO Dré