Bourbon Street and Beyond

A Memorable Weekend Getaway in the Big Easy

I was invited to a weekend getaway to the Big Easy with my niece and her boyfriend. I went down to conquer Bourbon Street and came back with so much more than I ever expected. 

New Orleans is an amazing place with a vibe that no words can describe, a vibe you can only experience. The city is immensely rich in history, one weekend isn't enough to take it all in. Definitely one for the Bucket List. 

My niece, her boyfriend and myself in New Orleans

Discovering the French Quarter's Hidden Treasures

The French Quarter has so much more to offer than music and drinking. Like most cities in the South with many historic stories to be told, the stories New Orleans has to offer gave me chill bumps.

The French Quarter

Haunted New Orleans

New Orleans is known to be the Most Haunted City in America. Knowing that, we took a Vampires and Ghosts Walking Tour and a St. Louis Cemetery Tour to explore the city's spooky side.

Haunted Hotel

Bourbon Street: All-Day and All-Night Party

We spent most of our time exploring the French Quarter, New Orleans' oldest neighborhood. The nights were spent carousing up and down Bourbon Street dancing, drinking, and people watching. Plus, grabbing a string of beads or two. There is no other street like this in America. It's an all-day and night party with bars, jazz and blues clubs, restaurants, shops, and strip clubs lining the sidewalks.

Downtown New Orleans Selfie

New Orleans' Unique Culture and History

Known for its Mardi Gras party all year long, Bourbon Street is lined with jazz and blues clubs and "take-out" bars. You can party to the wee hours of the morning and drink in the streets, taking your drink from one bar to the next.

Sampling New Orleans' Iconic Drinks

During these jaunts up and down Bourbon Street, we made several stops to our favorite bars and, of course, tried out the several "must-try" drinks New Orleans has to offer.

 

Collage of New Orleans specialty drinks

Sugary Delights

First, we started our day at Fais Deaux Deaux, sharing a Fish Bowl, which is a sugary concoction of fruit punch, vodka, tequila, rum, and Everclear.

Drinking a fish bowl

Haunted Adventures at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Our next stop was Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, a haunted venue on Bourbon Street. The Purple VooDoo Daiquiri was a must-try at this historic bar, the oldest bar in America.

Sign of the oldest bar in America

Hand Grenades and Shark Attacks

Next was the Tropical Isle Bar for a Hand Grenade, a melon-flavored slushy. We made several stops at this bar and even had a surprise experience involving a Shark Attack.

Shark Attack Drink

The Famous Hurricane and Beyond

The Hurricane, one of New Orleans' most famous drinks, was on our list. We picked up Hurricanes at the VooDoo Lounge and enjoyed a buy one get one free deal.

Uncovering the Supernatural

Ghosts and Vampires Galore

We joined a ghosts and vampires walk and explored New Orleans' oldest cemetery, learning about the historical basis for the ghost stories and encountering tales of real-life vampire sightings.  To this day,  there have been many sightings of the Carter brothers, John and Wayne, even by the new owner of the apartment building where the Carter's once called home.  

Ghosts of the Andrew Jackson Hotel

You can even book a stay at local hotels and spend the night with ghosts like at the Andrew Jackson Hotel, where several boys died in a fire decades ago when it was an orphanage.

Ghosts of the French Quarter

New Orleans has a rich history of crime and murder, and some of the city's luxurious mansions are rumored to be haunted. 

Haunted Hotel

Marie Laveau: The Queen of VooDoo

We took a walking tour to learn about Marie Laveau, the Queen of VooDoo, and the misunderstood nature of Louisiana VooDoo, a spiritual religion with roots in West Africa and Native American traditions.

VooDoo has a bad connotation, culturally we think of VooDoo as something evil. Hollywood has sensationalized VooDoo giving it a bad name.

Louisiana VooDoo is a spiritual religion brought to New Orleans from the slaves of West Africa along with traditions from the Native Americans using herbs, poisons, and ritual creation of charms and amulets intended to protect oneself.

Marie Laveau was dedicated to her practice but she couldn't read or write. When she saw her "patient" she would make a doll of them. She would then stick a pin in the doll of where the injury or pain was. New Orleans residents would walk by her shop and see the dolls then see the patient walking down the street looking sickly.

This is how the rumors started with VooDoo dolls. People would say she would stick the doll "in the knee" and the person would have knee pain. When it was just the opposite. 

Marie Laveau

Exploring the French Market

The French Market, originally a Native American trading post, now offers a bazaar-like atmosphere with food, music, and shopping.

Beignet

Cafe Du Monde is known for its beignets, but my experience left me less than impressed. 

On a tour bus

A relaxing trolley ride down St. Charles Avenue offered a different perspective of the city.

Check out my other great getaways from my bucket list like San Francisco and my favorite small towns in America. 

Rust Removal Tips for Your Jeep

Keep Your Jeep Rust Free

When I started off-roading and doing off road post checks on my Jeep I began to notice scraps on the undercarriage. Those scraps turned into spots for rust growth. Living in a place that uses road salt on the road exasperates the growth of rust. 

The winter months and all the salt on the road can cause havoc on those scratches. 

Read More ➤➤ Tips to Winterize Your Jeep

Working under my Jeep

There were a lot of scratches, scrapes and dings from my time on the rocky trails. I decided to try some Do-It-Yourself products since at the time that's what fit my budget at the time. 

Rust on My Skid Plates Under My Jeep

If you are looking for a low cost solution this may work. I highly recommend getting a professional undercoating if you have a newer vehicle.

 

Permatex Heavy-Duty Rubberized Undercoating 

Permatex Rust Treatment  

This spray takes 24 hours to set. I decided to test out this rubberized undercoating.  At the time I didn't understand how this product worked. I now wish I would have used it on my bumpers and undercarriage. 

Undercoating

My front and rear bumpers were becoming a real rust infested problem. You could see the rust coming growing underneath the powdercoat. The best solution would be to sandblast the whole bumper and start over. It didn't fit my budget at the time. So I tried out POR-15.

Rusted front bumper

When you expose bare metal to oxygen and moisture you create prime growing conditions for rust. I have dinged my front and rear bumpers a lot over the years while off-roading. 

rusted front bumper

I did my best keeping up with the maintenance of keeping the rust at bay. However, living out East where there is an unusually obscene amount of salt dumping on the road plays havoc with my bumper and the rust invaded. 

Rust Removal Steps 

That nasty, corrosive rust must be stopped. During my rust removal and prevention process I started with sanding. I used a wire brush and sanded away as much of the rust as I could. Then sprayed on a Permatex Rust Treatment and let it dry for 24 hours.

Rust removal tip

Final Step 

I used Krylon Rust Touch spray paint,  semi-flat black paint. I let it dry for about three hours, then I pulled off the tape and paper. 

Top 5 DIY Rust Removal Treatments  

Permatex Rust Treatment
Rustoleom Rust Remover 
Oshpo
Corroseal
Rust and paint stripper wheel

brushing off rust flakes

With each of the liquid products you must prepare the metal. Remove all flaking paint and rust dust. Rinse with water. Then the liquid products can be painted on. I also sanded the bumper as best I could. 

Before and after of rusted bumper

Out of those 5 products, I felt the Oshpo worked the best, but it still didn't prevent the old rust from coming back on my bumpers. It worked great on the rock rash on my sliders.

Rust Prevention Products

POR-15 was another product I tested out on my front & rear bumper.

Rust Prevention in 5 Easy Steps with POR-15

POR-15 Rust Prevention Update 

Testing Out Another Product - POR-15

I tired the product POR-15, the rust prevention kit. It's a 3 step process. I have found in my rust treatments that prepping the metal is the key. I spent a lot of time sanding off the rust as best I could. 

using POR 15

Then it was on to the 3 step process of the POR-15 Kit. It's really very simple. Spray on the degreaser to clean the metal. The instructions stated to keep the metal wet for 15 minutes. During that time I used my wire brush to help remove that stubborn rust. After rinsing off the degreaser, the next step was the metal prep. This is a liquid that needs to remain on the metal for 15 minutes. 

POR 15

After the Metal Prep is rinsed off the the bumper dries, the POR-15 can be painted on the bumper. POR-15 is a thick black paint. I used two coats. Once the POR-15 paint dried I sprayed on a black matte rust prevention spray paint. The POR-15 is sensitive to UV rays. 

After POR-15 was applied! 

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Be Yourself

How to Live Authentically and Embrace a Fulfilling Life

Why letting go of outside approval helps you reclaim your time, energy & joy

As I grow older, the value of time becomes clearer every single day. It’s the one resource we can’t earn back, replenish, or replace. Once it’s gone, it's gone. And when I finally got honest with myself, I realized just how much of that precious time I had spent worrying about what other people thought.

Living authentically isn’t just a mindset shift, it’s a lifestyle change. It’s choosing to use your time intentionally rather than giving it away to expectations, pressures, or approval-seeking. This shift has shaped my Jeep adventures, my personal transformation journey, and the way I approach life now.

Selfie in nature

Escaping the Trap of Seeking Approval

One of the biggest time-wasters in my life was the constant chase for acceptance by friends, coworkers, peers, society, and (thanks to social media) even strangers.

The desire for approval is human.
But living for approval is exhausting.

When you constantly worry about how others see you, you lose connection with your own needs and values. Over time, this creates:

• feelings of unworthiness

• stress you don’t even notice building

• habits of comparison

• self-doubt disguised as “trying to fit in”

Simplifying my life helped me finally see how much time I was losing to this mental loop. And once you see it you can’t unsee it.

Yosemite National Park selfie

Choosing Individuality Over Conformity

Throughout my journey, especially during major life transitions, I often found myself blending in just to feel accepted. But there’s a cost to that kind of blending: you slowly disappear from your own life.

With experience, age, and a whole lot of Je

 unsure who I am anymore?

ep trail therapy, I’ve learned something freeing:

👉 You don’t owe anyone a performance.
👉 You don’t have to fit into any group to be worthy.
👉 You are allowed to choose yourself.

Letting go of conformity opened doors: more joy, more confidence, and more time for the adventures that matter.

Embracing Personal Authenticity

Time is our most valuable currency. Once spent, it’s gone forever. That realization pushed me to stop giving mine away to things that didn’t serve me.

This is my time.
Your time is your time.

And living authentically means:

• refusing to be shaped by other people’s expectations

• choosing what feels right for your life

• acting from integrity, not fear

• giving yourself permission to evolve

As long as you’re living with kindness and intention, you don’t need approval to be yourself.

10 Ways to Live Your Life for YOU

1. Embrace Your Individuality

You are one-of-a-kind. Your experiences, your values, your dreams are yours alone. Stop trying to measure them against someone else’s expectations.

2. Focus on Your Own Goals

Shift your attention from “What will people think?” to “What do I want?” Set goals that excite you and work toward them intentionally.

3. Build Real Self-Confidence

Confidence comes from action trying, learning, failing, growing. The more you strengthen your belief in yourself, the less outside approval matters.

4. Choose Positive People

Your circle should lift you up, not drain you. Surround yourself with those who encourage your growth, not those who clip your wings.

5. Practice Letting Go

Not every opinion deserves space in your mind. Let go of what doesn’t serve your growth or peace.

6. Show Yourself Compassion

Perfection is a myth. Treat yourself with the same patience, kindness, and grace you offer to others.

7. Be Assertive About Your Needs

Your voice matters. Speak up for your boundaries, your dreams, and your well-being.

8. Learn to Laugh at Yourself

Life is lighter when you don’t take everything so seriously. Humor is a powerful tool for resilience and perspective.

9. Take More Risks

Growth happens outside your comfort zone. When you try new things, you discover who you really are without limits.

10. Remember: You Only Live Once

Life is too short to be controlled by opinions. Choose joy. Choose adventure. Choose authenticity. Check out my post about How to Live your life to the fullest 

FAQ: Living Authentically & Taking Back Your Time

1. What does “living authentically” really mean?

Living authentically means making decisions based on your values—not on fear, pressure, or expectations. It’s choosing what feels true to you, even if it doesn’t make sense to others.

2. How do I stop caring about what others think?

Start by reconnecting with your own goals and priorities. When your focus shifts inward, outside opinions lose power. (Related: See my post on Living Your Best Life.)

3. What are signs I’m living for approval instead of myself?

Some common signs include constant overthinking, hesitation to set boundaries, seeking validation, and feeling guilty for choosing what you want.

4. How do I rebuild confidence after years of putting others first?

Small steps. New experiences. Self-kindness. Your confidence grows every time you keep a promise to yourself. (Related: Empty Nest Tips for Getting Through Challenges.)

5. Is it selfish to live life for myself?

Not at all. Taking care of your own well-being allows you to show up more fully for others.

6. Why does approval-seeking waste so much time?

Because it causes delay, hesitation, and second-guessing—habits that drain energy and keep you from meaningful progress.

7. How do I find my passion if I’m

Start exploring small curiosities, new hobbies, and experiences. Passion is rarely found—it’s built over time. (Related: How to Find Your Passion.)

7 Must-Have Winter Accessories for Your Jeep Wrangler

Embracing Old Man Winter

When Old Man Winter rolls in, Jeep owners experience a completely different season depending on where they live. While some Southern Jeepers are still driving topless, those of us in colder climates are staring down snowstorms, icy roads, sleet, slush, mud, and salt-covered highways.

Preparing your Jeep for winter isn’t just smart—it's essential for safe driving and stress-free adventures. After more than a decade of winter wheeling and cold-weather commuting, these are the 7 must-have winter Jeep accessories every Wrangler owner should consider.

Jeep with piles of snow

Watch ➤➤ Top 5 Winter Accessories 

Quick Answer: What Accessories Do You Really Need for Winter?

To prepare your Jeep for snow, ice, salt, and freezing temperatures, you need:

1. Snow tires

2. Winter wiper blades

3. All-weather floor mats

4. Grille guard or front-end protection

5. Jeep-specific winter emergency kit

6. Heated seat covers or steering wheel wrap

7. Long-reach snow brush and ice scraper

Scroll down for why each one matters—and the gear I personally use.

 

1. Snow Tires (or Studded Tires in Harsh Climates)

Winter driving requires more than 4WD. It requires traction, and nothing provides better cold-weather grip than dedicated winter tires.

Snow and ice tires use:

• Softer rubber compounds (stay flexible in freezing temps)

• Deeper tread patterns

• Ice-gripping siping

• Optional studs for extreme climates

If you live where winters are unpredictable (snow one day, slush the next), snow tires make the biggest difference in braking, turning, and overall control.

My go-to winter/off-road tire:
➡ Nexen Roadian MTX Tire   — they’ve served me well both on snowy roads and off-road winter trails.

tire treads

2. Winter Wiper Blades

Regular blades freeze easily, streak in slush, and fail quickly in cold weather.
Winter wiper blades are built with:

• A rubber boot to prevent ice buildup

• Heavier framing for snow

• High-quality rubber for wet winter performance

Pair them with a full wiper fluid reservoir and you’ll have clearer visibility on snowy mountain roads, icy highways, and blustery trail days.

Winter visibility is safety. Don’t skip this one. It may not seem like a big deal but Wiper Blade Maintenance can be crucial when driving in the winter. Especially on snowy mountain roads.  

3. All-Weather Deep-Dish Floor Mats

Winter means slush, mud, melted snow, rock salt, and dirt. Without protection, your Jeep’s carpet will soak it all up.

Invest in floor liners with:

• High side walls

• Deep grooves

• Rubberized or molded plastic material

These liners trap the mess and make cleaning effortless. Simply pull them out, shake or hose them down, and pop them back in.

I’ve personally reviewed and used:

• Rugged Ridge Floor Mats

•  Lasfit Floor Mats

Both were excellent and winter-ready.

All weather floor mats

 

4. Grille Guard for Winter Protection

A grille guard is more than an aesthetic upgrade—it’s front-end armor. Winter driving often involves slipping, sliding, and unexpected “kiss-the-snowbank” moments.

A grille guard helps protect:

• Your grille

• Radiator

• Headlights

• Front bumper

Whether you get an inch or several feet of snow, that extra protection can save you from costly repairs.

front Jeep Grille

5. Jeep Winter Emergency Kit

A dedicated winter kit is essential. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it must include basics that keep you safe when temperatures drop.

Build your winter emergency kit with:

• Jumper cables 

• Emergency signals or flares

• Blanket

• Portable shovel

• Tire pressure gauge

• First-aid kit

• Water + snacks

• Flashlight

• Tow strap or recovery gear (especially if you wheel in winter)

This is one of the most important “accessories” you can carry. If you hit the trails a good off-road recovery kit is necessary. 

6. Heated Seat Covers or Steering Wheel Wrap

If you’re a cold-weather Jeeper who still likes going topless (or at least windowless on warmer winter days), heated accessories are a game changer.

Benefits:

• Warm up faster than the Jeep’s HVAC

• Help with stiff backs and sore muscles

• Keep the cabin comfortable even in freezing temps

They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and make winter driving much more enjoyable.

7. Long-Reach Snow Brush & Ice Scraper

A simple tool, but absolutely essential for Jeep owners—especially lifted Jeep owners.

Look for a snow brush with:

• Telescoping handle

• Foam or soft bristles

• Built-in scraper

• Angled head (better for Jeep windshields)

This is one accessory you’ll use almost every single winter day.

Tips for First Time Off-Roaders

Lessons Learned on Rocky Gravel Roads

When I first ventured onto those rugged gravel roads, I had no understanding of off-roading. To be honest, I didn’t even grasp the intensity of the experience or what it truly entailed. I simply assumed it was just driving on gravel with a bit of mud sprinkled in for good measure.

Looking back, there are several key techniques I wish I had known during those early trail adventures. These insights could have made my initial experiences not only smoother but also more enjoyable

You can also check out these Off-Road Basics on my YouTube Channel. 

My Jeep climbing a rock obstacle

One of them was simultaneous brake/throttle operation otherwise known as “Two Footed Driving”. There are several off-road conditions that require this type of driving. When climbing rocks or stepped objects using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the vehicle from jerking or lurching.

This technique should also be used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a steep incline. 

Climbing an obstacle with a spotters help

Another important key for a successful off-road trip is controlling your vehicle. Each different terrain has a different effect on the steering which means you always need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and maintain a good driving posture. 

Even when your Jeep goes off camber you need to keep your back parallel to the seat. You need to resist the urge to stay “upright” and go “off camber” in your seat with the Jeep. This will help you become familiar with what it feels like and give you a better feel for off-camber situations to help you control your Jeep better. 

Off camber at Rausch Creek

Airing down your tires is a must to give you a bigger footprint while you are out on the trails or in the sand or mud or snow.  When you do air down you need to be aware of your air pressure while you are off-road. Reduced tire pressures could cause tire unseating and total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire unseasting while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. 

Read more about Off-Road Basics: Airing Down

Airing up my tires

Slowing down in general is a good idea anyway. Take your time to traverse those obstacles and trails to prevent any damage or injury. Taking your time also allows you to enjoy nature and gives you a break from the busy everyday stresses of life.

Additional Tips

• Never go off-road alone on the trails. 

• Use a spotter if you don't feel confident going over obstacles.

• Have a recovery kit and plan. 

• Use the words passenger and driver instead of left and right when spotting. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most important skill for off-roading?

The most important skill is knowing how to pick the right line while driving over obstacles. Understanding vehicle clearance, traction control, and proper throttle application is also key.

2. What’s the best tire pressure for off-roading?

Lowering your tire pressure to 12-18 PSI helps improve traction by increasing the tire’s surface area. The exact PSI depends on terrain—rocks and sand require lower PSI, while mud may need slightly higher PSI to prevent sidewall damage.

3. What gear should I use for off-roading?

Use 4WD Low (4L) for steep climbs, descents, or rock crawling. Use 4WD High (4H) for mud, sand, or snow where you need momentum. 

4. How do I recover a stuck Jeep safely?

First, assess the situation—never rush. Use recovery boards, a winch, or a tow strap if necessary. Always attach recovery gear to proper recovery points (not the bumper or axle) and avoid jerky movements when pulling a stuck vehicle.

5. Do I need a lift kit for off-roading?

A lift kit helps with ground clearance, but it’s not required for light off-roading. Stock Wranglers handle most trails, but a 2-3” lift and 33-35” tires improve capability for tougher terrain.