Johanna

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2012-02-02T09:11:00.000-06:00

2nd Annual Shoe Decorating, Bourbon Tasting, Cigar Smoking Soiree‏

2012-01-28T21:25:00.001-06:00

It's Carnival Season, so that means . . . Muses Shoe decorating parties, yayy!

This insanely glittered shoe is my creation! Found the little gold king cake baby with crazy Mardi Gras feathers to complete my work of art -- hopefully some Muses parade fan will enjoy it!!!

Amie and I showing off our work (while working on our tan in January)

Amie's daughter -- Julia!!!

Additional Birthday Photos

2012-01-25T22:03:00.001-06:00

30 THINGS

2012-01-24T07:15:00.000-06:00

Study hard and take the GRE
Apply to Graduate school
Volunteer more
Get updated with ALL my doctor check-ups
Be happy
Lose 10% (or more) of my body weight
Take a road trip
Work on my Someday List
Go to a local sports game
Ride a horse in Audubon Park
Enjoy New Orleans
Go on a blind date
Pay attention to what I eat
Develop a retirement plan (Roth IRA investment account?)
Stop comparing myself to others
Visit more of my favorite authors' book-signings
Be more fashion-forward
Clean out my email inbox
Travel to Ship Island
Set more goals for myself
Join a local Yoga class
Keep up my daily diary entries
Discover a favorite book that isn't chick-lit or romance related
Pursue a new hobby
Stop trying to "find" myself and actually work on "creating" myself
Figure out what to do with the overabundance of books I own and donate the ones I don’t want to keep
Work on my TBR pile
Be more outdoorsy
Cut back on watching so much TV
Realize that turning 30 is the start of something new . . .

Happy Birthday for Me

2012-01-24T07:12:00.000-06:00

HaHaHa

2012-01-24T06:14:00.002-06:00

New 2012 Look

2012-01-23T06:46:00.000-06:00

I love the new look!!! :) No more red.

My Girlfriends are AWESOME!!!

2012-01-22T17:33:00.009-06:00

I invited my girlfriends over for a Kitten Shower for drinks and introductions to little Dixie. Afterwards we were heading downtown for afternoon tea ... all in early celebrations of my 30th birthday.

For Christmas, Jackie gave me some "mustache party" stick-ons. Thus, we pulled them out for fun and pictures.

Lovely Ladies!!!

When it was time to head downtown, I was all prepared for my friend's husband to pick us up . . . but low-and-behold, they had a stretch limo pick us up instead! What a fun Surprise!!!

More champagne in the limo - heading downtown! ;)

Cheers!!!

Lovely tea service with yummy cakes, scones, chocolate and sandwiches

Sweetness overload that was too cute!!! P.S. You'll have noticed we all had on some fasinators in honor of tea :)

Thank you so much Ladies for a absolutely fabulous afternoon. I had a great time and what a wonderful birthday treat!!!

Early Birthday Celebrations

2012-01-21T23:03:00.005-06:00

Lots going on this Sunday. Friends coming over for a Kitten Shower in honor of my newest family member, Dixie, and than afternoon tea at Le Salon in the French Quarter, can't wait!

For centuries, women in our culture have used bridal and baby showers as a way to celebrate the significant, life-altering events in one another's lives. These gatherings are an opportunity to pass on traditions, to offer advice and to "shower" the woman of honor with gifts to get her started. Blame it on reaching the 30s mark (woo-hoo!), but every time I turned around these last years, someone else was getting married, buying a house, or having a baby. Not only was I spending a lot of money on gifts, but I was being reminded that I wasn't following the "Rites of Sisterhood" - there were no significant events in my life to celebrate. So, when I finally found a new kitten to join my life, years after coming to the conclusion that Draco couldn't possible kill a kitten, it was and is a big, life-altering event. I am embarking on a new leg of my life journey and, darn it, I want a party! Like any new mother, I was so excited about my bundle of joy that I wanted everyone to coo and gasp at her preciousness.

Experience the delightful tradition of afternoon tea in New Orleans at Le Salon. Sip from a selection of 26 of the finest loose-leaf variety brews while your ears enjoy soft melodies from a harpist or string trio. Nibble on an assortment of delicious tea sandwiches as you engage in one of New Orleans most beloved and fashionable pastimes. Those with a taste for bubbly can enjoy one of Le Salon’s many wonderful champagne cocktails.

Meet Dixie

2012-01-20T18:54:00.000-06:00

Sailor (AKA Dixie) was born to a feral mom and was found in a warehouse. Along with her siblings, she was fostered and has come out of her feral shell. I adopted her from the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter almost two weeks ago and since then, she has fit in perfectly with Draco and enjoying her new home.

Too Cute!!!

I'm Back!

2012-01-10T20:22:00.001-06:00

I've been away . . . lots of holiday travel, new kitten in the family, busy at work, etc. I'm getting back into the normal bump 'n grind and will resume posting soon. Cheers!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T06:02:00.000-06:00

LA Ren Fest 2011

2011-12-11T08:19:00.009-06:00

My Christmas Tree Theme: Saints/Black & Gold

2011-12-08T09:10:00.000-06:00

Happy St. Nick

2011-12-06T09:09:00.000-06:00

Krewe of Jingle Parade

2011-12-04T20:16:00.006-06:00

Back for its fourth year, New Orleans’ official holiday parade, the “Krewe of Jingle,” once again delighted locals and visitors alike with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, Christmas characters and many more magical surprises!

We got into the festive spirit . . . reindeer antlers and all!!!

New Orleans Culture: Mr. Bingle started as a puppet on WDSU in 1949 before going on to be a mascot at Maison Blanche and Dillard's Department Stores.

After the parade, all were invited to join in the merriment at The Roosevelt New Orleans hotel’s Baronne Street entrance for the “Jingle Mingle”—a block party that transformed the block into a wonderful wintery wonderland with music, games, food, crafts and more!

Snow (really air blown foam) was out and about this weekend & Michele loved it! ;)

Yum...salted caramel!

After the parade, we had dinner at the new hot-dog place called Dat Dog.

Good Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:54:00.000-06:00

Odyssey Ball

2011-11-13T20:22:00.002-06:00

11-11-11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Jackie & Julia!

It's that time of the year . . .

2011-11-04T20:19:00.002-05:00

Yum . . . my favorite !!!

Boo!

2011-10-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

Decorating Halloween Treats

2011-10-30T07:34:00.000-05:00

Had a little gathering at my place Sunday to decorate some Halloween Treats while in-between drinks and lunch.

2011-10-24T13:30:00.001-05:00

I enjoy how when October rolls around in New Orleans, the spider web decorations come out EVERYWHERE!!!

Sundays in the Park

2011-10-23T13:04:00.004-05:00

What a lovely day!

Oktoberfest @ the Deutsches Haus

2011-10-23T12:27:00.007-05:00

Dinner: Bratwurst, Knackwurst, Rotkohl (Red Cabbage), and warm German potato Salad with pumpernickel bread and cake for dessert.

German beers I drank: Spaten Oktoberfest (Munich) and Warsteiner Dunkel (Warstein)

German shots we enjoyed: Berentzen ApfelKorn Schnapps and Barenjager Honey Liqueur

We were the last table at this Saturday's Oktoberfest celebration! It was a good night!!

Amy's Baby Shower

2011-10-14T20:51:00.004-05:00

Amy's shower for little Emry due in December

Lyla & Dawn

Happy Birthday Michele!

2011-10-13T21:16:00.003-05:00

I love when happy hour drinks end up on Bourbon St

And next time we get up on stage at CATS MEOW to sing for your birthday, please remember to turn ON the camera! ;)

NY Trip: Day 4

2011-10-13T18:14:00.000-05:00

Opened in 1766, St. Paul's Chapel is Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use - a place where George Washington worshiped and 9/11 recovery workers received round-the-clock care. Part of the Episcopal Parish of Trinity Church, St. Paul's is a center for worship and the arts, a community of reconciliation, and a place of pilgrimage for all people.

Occupy Wall Street Protest

The National September 11 Memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in the North America. The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood. Architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker created the Memorial design selected from a global design competition that included more than 5,200 entries from 63 nations. The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into bronze panels edging the Memorial pools, a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in American history.

Had dim-sum for lunch and Korean food for dinner, followed by karaoke on my last night in NYC

NY Trip: Day 3

2011-10-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Day 3

The Charles Engelhard Court: One of New York's great public spaces, this courtyard is filled with American sculpture and two historic building facades. On one end is a 19th-century façade that once fronted a federal bank on Wall Street and now opens into an extraordinary collection of American Art on several floors. On the other end, there is an eclectic porch designed by the great artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany for his home on Long Island: Laurelton Hall.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Diana

Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing: A favorite spot for many visitors, this gallery houses an entire Egyptian temple from the year 15 BC, when Egypt was part of the Roman Empire.

I love Improve Everywhere, that is why I got excited when I saw this painting.

Conservatory Water: Here visitors can rent a model boat to sail on the water or listen to the children's summer storytelling series. Birders also flock to the area searching for signs of the famed red-tailed hawks of Fifth Avenue.

Hans Christian Andersen: Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) is best known for his children's stories such as The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling. Like the Alice in Wonderland sculpture nearby, Hans Christian Andersen is meant to be climbed on.

Bethesda Fountain: Rising from Bethesda Terrace is Angel of the Waters, also called Bethesda Fountain. The statue references the Gospel of John, which describes an angel blessing the Pool of Bethesda and giving it healing powers.

The 20-acre Lake is the second largest of Central Park's man-made water bodies.

Gill: A tumbling stream that cuts through the Ramble, the Gill trickles down a rocky slope before spilling into the Lake. It is a unique habitat and a favorite nook for birding.

The Cloisters: A museum with gardens that is a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, was assembled from architectural elements, both domestic and religious, that date from the twelfth through the fifteenth century. The building and its cloistered gardens—located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan—are treasures in themselves, effectively part of the collection housed there. The Cloisters' collection comprises approximately three thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from about the ninth to the sixteenth century.

The Unicorn in Captivity is the most famous of all the Unicorn Tapestries, woven in the Netherlands in 1500.

NY Trip: Day 2

2011-10-11T17:57:00.000-05:00

The Strand: In 1927, Ben Bass opened Strand Book Store on Fourth Avenue, home of New York’s legendary Book Row. Named after the famous publishing street in London, the Strand was one of 48 bookstores on Book Row, which started in the 1890’s and ran from Union Square to Astor Place. Today, the Strand is the sole survivor.

Union Square Greenmarket: The world-famous Union Square Greenmarket began with just a few farmers in 1976, has grown exponentially over the past 35 years: in peak season, 140 regional farmers, fishermen, and bakers descend upon Union Square to sell their products to a devout legion of city dwellers who support local agriculture with their food dollars.

Mood Designer Fabric: Located in the heart of New York City’s garment district, Mood’s rich history is firmly rooted in the ever-evolving fashion scene, providing many of America’s top designers and hottest celebrities with the latest in designer fabrics. With an affordable inventory hand-picked from the intimate collection of today’s foremost in American and European designs (Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Valentino, Gandini, Solstiss…etc), plus carrying an extensive collection of the finest in European fabrics inspired by the latest in Italian trends, who wouldn’t come to Mood? In the words of one Mood Client, “If you can’t find it (fabric) at Mood, it doesn’t exist!” With a wide range of fabrics from silk to wool, an abundance of styles and colors and an ever-expanding inventory, Mood has it all. This is why the Mood name is synonymous with excellence and why it is getting so much recognition and publicity. (Plus, I'm a HUGE Project Runway fan!)

The NY Public Library: Libraries are the memory of humankind, irreplaceable repositories of documents of human thought and action. The New York Public Library is such a memory bank par excellence, one of the great knowledge institutions of the world, its myriad collections ranking with those of the British Library, the Library of Congress, and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. Virtually all of the Library's many collections and services are freely available to all comers. In fact, the Library has but one criterion for admission: curiosity.

The New York Public Library opened on May 24, 1911.

“Celebrating 100 Years”: “One of the five greatest public libraries in the world” is the boast made at a new exhibition celebrating its centennial.

The Forever 21 screen in Time Square taking random pictures of the tourists walking by and within 5 minutes of my visit . . .

I ended up on the big screen - Hah! :)

Our Off-Broadway show of the night . . . Avenue Q: Winner of the TONY® “TRIPLE CROWN” for BEST MUSICAL, BEST SCORE and BEST BOOK, AVENUE Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. AVENUE Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named PRINCETON who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets KATE (the girl next door), ROD (the Republican), TREKKIE (the internet sex-pert), LUCY THE SLUT (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help PRINCETON finally discover his purpose in life!My favorite characters were The Bad Idea Bears!

NY Trip: Day 1

2011-10-10T21:46:00.002-05:00

My travel buddy for the NYC trip

Accommodations in Inwood (northern Manhattan), via Airbnb.com

Day 1

Medieval Festival: Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Performers, guests and festival goers dress in medieval costume. Visitors are greeted by authentic medieval music, dance, magic, and minstrels, as well as jugglers and jesters.

After the festival, we visited The Frick Collection: includes some of the best-known paintings by the greatest European artists, major works of sculpture (among them one of the finest groups of small bronzes in the world), superb eighteenth-century French furniture and porcelains, Limoges enamels, Oriental rugs, and other works of remarkable quality. (Sorry, no pics!) Afterwards, we went shopping . . .

SNAP Food Truck: All their food is prepared fresh and cooked to order, they also use only local products and all condiments are house-made. I got the Avocado-chic hot-dog (Panko crusted Hass avocado wedge, deep fried and served with fresh chipotle mayo/mustard and Chicago-style fixings) Yum!!!

Artists & Fleas Artist, Designer & Vintage Market: a weekly Williamsburg Brooklyn indoor market where emerging and independent artists, designers, vintage collectors and DIY'ers can showcase their wares, set up shop and meet their market. It’s a unique destination where consumers can interact and buy directly from the source.

The Flea: hundreds of top vendors of antique and re-purposed furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food.

You may know the sister d.b.a. bar in New Orleans : get away from the tourist traps of Bourbon Street and head down to the "Marigny", just downriver from the French Quarter, voted w/ Williamsburg, Brooklyn and the Inner Mission in San Francisco as one of the hippest neighborhoods in the country.

Who'Dat !

Super Spuds

2011-09-15T20:02:00.003-05:00

Had dinner tonight at a place in town I've been crazy tempted to try!

They serve massive potatoes with tons of toppings and I got the El Toro with lots of jalapenos . . . YUMMY!

Good stuff, Spudly's Super Spuds!!!!

50% Craziness + 50% Knowledge = 100% Awesome

2011-09-12T19:21:00.003-05:00

Ahhh, the Kittens!

[Ed. note: If the kittens don't convince you to do a breast exam, hopefully this bearded hipster dude in an American revolutionary outfit will get you there.]

Not going away . . .

2011-08-30T18:26:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, but this is all smoke! Not so nice smelling smoke actually. It seeps into your homes, covers your clothing when you step outside and casts a hazy/foggy appearance all over town!

NOLA East Marsh Fire

2011-08-29T16:17:00.008-05:00

The New Orleans Fire Department has decided to let the fire burn itself out because the area is too difficult to access and the fire will eventually be extinguished by the surrounding water.

The fire likely was started by lightning, and was in an area that is difficult for firefighters to reach, both because it is far from sources of water, and because of the threat of alligators and snakes.

# 14. Tasseography (Tea Leaf Reading)

2011-08-25T19:28:00.005-05:00

14. Visit a psychic & have my tea leaves read

Went to Bottom of the Cup Tea Room over the weekend and had my tea leaves read. Interesting experience! Some of the highlights that my psychic said ( and I got a CD afterward, so I could re-listen to my reading ):

I'm a very independent self-made lady
I'm more a leader and not really a follower
I come off as a cat with 9-lives since I've been in many places and always land on my feet
Love will find me in the Spring
He even went into funny details on how I will meet this man (a lady in a big red feather hat will introduce us since he is not from NOLA), what this man will look like (blond, blue eyes, deep cleft in his chin), and his job (type of builder outside)
The number "7" is an important number for me to remember
I will have one marriage and three children (twin girls and one boy)
I have no hidden enemies
I plan to go back to school for more education
I have traveled and will travel a lot more in my future. He even said "I will see the world many times over"
I will learn another language or more in my lifetime
He could tell my life was "not that easy" right now, but will get better
He could also tell I will or have "lived in a far-away land" and mentioned France
I'm very visual and would make a great teacher, writer, or photographer
He sees me opening up my own business one day with lots of mirrors and colors
And, almost annoyingly so. . .he said "good" 57 times throughout my reading!!! I counted!

So, check off one more thing from My Someday List

Groupon Weekend

2011-08-22T18:58:00.006-05:00

Went to the Quarter this weekend and used TWO Groupon deals.

Feel in LOVE with Marigny Brasserie's Cucumber Basil Lemonade

Ate a delicious Hot Mess Po-Boy ( Chicken & Ham w/ Blue cheese ) along with Jalapeno hush puppies

And checked off another of my To-Do List picks!!!

More to come on that soon . . .

Color Cooridination is Fun

2011-08-16T20:57:00.005-05:00

Library Bookshelves BEFORE And . . . AFTER

I'm kind of shocked I had enough books to pull this off, but I really enjoy it! I should have taken a picture of all the books on the floor -- that was truly chaotic ;)

SF Bouncy Balls

2011-08-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

Enjoy Life . . .

2011-08-11T10:21:00.000-05:00

Dinner in the Sky

2011-08-10T10:51:00.010-05:00

I've decided . . . I want this for my 30th birthday!!!

Otherwise, this may have to be added to my WISH LIST

Dinner in the Sky = Totally Awesome!

I think I could put aside with my fear of heights for one night...maybe.

But, as a friend pointed out, do you think they have a porta-potty in the sky on there as well?!?! That may be a deal breaker for me. And with my luck, I'd probably lose a shoe.

YUM-tastic!

2011-08-08T20:09:00.007-05:00

The Simon Hubig Pie Company was founded in Ft. Worth, TX at the start of World War I by master baker Hubig. One of several plants in his southeastern chain, the New Orleans bakery opened in 1922 in its current Bywater location. Hubig's chain faltered during the Depression and in the end, only the New Orleans location survived. And survive they do today.

Simon Hubig began his baking career at the tender age of six, learning from his mother. Fast forward 100 years and two New Orleans families have also made baking pies a family affair.

Located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans just east of the historic French Quarter, the Simon Hubig Pie Company bakes all of their products daily, as in Hubig's original plant. Fresh, local ingredients are used. And "Savory Simon" is memorialized in the company logo.

Names and faces don't change too often at Hubig's. The Bowman and Ramsey families are in their second generations of owner and operators, with a third ready to take the helm.

Take a tour for their factory HERE. . . for some reason this reminds me so much of Mrs Baird's bread factory in Texas where every elementary kid toured at least once!

Hubig's Pie: Apple, Lemon, Peach, Pineapple, Chocolate, Coconut... and sometimes (since it's seasonal) Strawberry, Blueberry, Sweet Potato, Cherry, and Banana.

I'm on the hunt for blueberry . . . :)

St James Cheese Class - Take Two

2011-08-03T21:25:00.005-05:00

Went to another cheese class tonight at St. James Cheese Company...

Introduced to some lovely wines and creamy cheeses,

but also introduced to some not-so-nice beers . . .

and some pretty skunky cheeses...

Luckily dessert kept us going! :)

Though this was a so-so class, it was nice to be out and I'll maybe do one last class before the years end.

You may remember my first class @ St. James Cheese

Draco Time

2011-08-02T11:33:00.001-05:00

This makes me smile ...

2011-07-28T16:51:00.003-05:00

Out with the old, In with the new . . . hopefully!

2011-07-28T14:08:00.003-05:00

H&M, the Swedish fast-fashion company, reportedly is eyeing former Borders bookstore locations for future stores in New Orleans. H&M doesn't have any stores in Louisiana, and a move into this market would make young, budget-conscious fashionistas fall over with joy.

Booo....Cross-out

2011-07-20T19:43:00.003-05:00

one week ago . . .

I got some beautiful mini roses to go in my kitchen! Little mini pots with little mini buds in yellow, purple, and fuchsia - plus they smelled lovely.

So is it wrong that I'm some how over/under watered or gave too much/too little light or . . . I'll just say it . . . killed brutally

these little babies in less than a week???

I'm almost too embarrassed to show the "after" pictures since they're practically de-leafed and wilted. :( Boo! Lets all admire the once delicate beauties and imagine them still around instead of offering up a moment of silence for their loss!!!! I'm hoping some miracle will befall them before they see the trash-bin.

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

2011-07-20T19:23:00.015-05:00

Tale as old as time, true as it can be: Emma Watson will play Belle in a new live-action version of Beauty And The Beast, directed by Guillermo del Toro.

So excited that this classic fairy tale is getting a remake. Especially now that Del Toro is working on it ... now it'll be even more absurd and darkly twisted!! Cannot wait!!

San Fermin in Nueva Orleans

2011-07-09T19:35:00.001-05:00

San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO) is an annual festival in New Orleans featuring an Encierro (bull run), which replicates and pays homage to the world famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain, or "The Running of the Bulls", only our bulls are none other than members of the Big Easy Rollergirls and select participants from other rollerderby leagues across the country!

This year, San Fermin in Nueva Orleans will be celebrated from July 7 - July 10, featuring an Encierro on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at precisely 8:00 a.m.

At this point you might be asking yourself "Why?", to which we can only respond, "¿Por qué no?"

Snap, Crackle, Pop ... Happy Fourth!

2011-07-04T22:18:00.002-05:00

9 floor view of the Mississippi from the car

w/ drinks, family, and watermelon! ;)

#1 New Orleans

2011-06-18T15:37:00.008-05:00

America's Biggest Brain Magnets

No. 1: New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, La.

Grad Gain: 36,666 Share of 25+ Population, 2007: 5.42% New Orleans' No. 1 ranking is likely due to former exiles returning after Hurricane Katrina. A recent report from the Census Bureau estimates that area's population in the past decade has shrunk 29%. Recovery in the urban core has remained patchy, but suburban populations have recovered more quickly from the disaster.

America's Dirtiest Cities

No. 1 New Orleans

Can you imagine the cleanup required after Mardi Gras? Both tourists and Mother Nature have sometimes been hard on the Crescent City, which readers voted the dirtiest in America. But that doesn’t stop the good times from rolling on. Voters embraced the city’s fun-loving spirit, ranking New Orleans first for its nightlife and eclectic people-watching.

Operation Renaissance Dress - Part 2

2011-06-17T09:29:00.003-05:00

So, I'm slowly making progress. I have the patterns cut out, the correct fabric in the patterns shape cut out and even some interfacing for behind the fabric ... but ...

I made the mistake of mis-reading the patterns directions and cutting a little too much - thus, now I have a corset front cut right down the middle --- Opps!

Gotta run back to the fabric store to pick up some more material now, plus more interfacing. Live & Learn :)

Operation Renaissance Dress - Part 1

2011-06-14T07:45:00.000-05:00

I'm on a mission this summer to sew my own Rennaissance Costume This is truly a big job I've thrown myself into, but I'm lucky to have found discounted patterns and fabrics/materials to use.

Plus I have a friend lending me her sewing machine, yayy. More to come . . .

Conquering Clutter

2011-06-13T16:22:00.003-05:00

Clutter takes on a life of its own!!!

Recently I had a friend borrow a shirt and gasp when she saw my apartment's (tiny!) overstuffed closets - making it hard to even locate one shirt in the mass.

Thus, that's when I realized it was time - time to finally get control of my bedroom - you know... Do you really need all those shoes? How many t-shirts does a person actually wear? Am I ever going to use all those socks?2 days/numerous hours, one bottle of wine, and some sore muscles later - I now have my labeled trash pile thrown away, one large 'donation' garbage bag ready to drop off, and two large 'sell' bags to go through one last time to clean and prep before taking into a consignment shop. *Phew*

Adventures in Making Cheese

2011-06-13T13:52:00.008-05:00

Ingredients: 1/2 gallon Whole milk, 4-5 Tbsp of Lemon juice, & 1 tsp salt or seasoning

1. Heat the milk to 190F.

You really need a thermometer for other cheeses but you can get by here turning off the heat just before the milk begins to boil.

2. Add the lemon juice (vinegar works as well) and allow the mixture to cool.

3. When cool, pour the mixture, (which now consists of curds and whey as in Miss Muffet food) into a colander and drain off the whey.

4. String up in cheesecloth and let drain from anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours.

5. Pour the curds into a bowl and sprinkle on the salt/seasoning and mix well. It is simply a matter of taste. Overall, I was way more excited about making this than actually enjoying the outcome. It came out with a texture too similar to Feta, a cheese I really do not like - thus I was a bit let down. O'well . . . one day I will move on to something harder and enjoy it a lot more - perhaps Brie.

60. Visit the highlands of Scotland

2011-06-11T18:20:00.008-05:00

#60 - Completed! :)

Single White Feline

2011-06-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Less than 30 seconds...

2011-06-10T12:43:00.005-05:00

Draco loved his Scotland souvenir Obviously yummy stuff! -per Draco

Google Doodle

2011-06-09T20:43:00.003-05:00

This was probably the most distracting Google Doodle to date:

"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles Ohhh so many more . . .

# 14

2011-06-08T13:40:00.001-05:00

Next up on My Someday List

14. Visit a psychic & have my tea leaves read

I found a place in the French Quater and will be going this Summer

YUM!!!!

2011-06-07T13:27:00.001-05:00

Love it!!!

Misc. Scotland

2011-06-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

My photobook is scheduled to arrive later this week, cannot wait!

These are a few of my favorite pages.

Scotland Photobook Completed

2011-06-02T12:13:00.001-05:00

Hurricane Season

2011-06-01T09:05:00.002-05:00

It has begun . . .

NOLA's Greek Festival

2011-05-31T17:37:00.009-05:00

Thier dancers practice throughout the year in preparation for the Festival. On stage, they perform a variety of Greek dances for entertainment.

OR 'outdoor marketplace' Long a Greek symbol of abundance and good luck - we hit the Daiquiri Booth for some frozen pomegranate libation!

The Rotisserie — Take the Festival home with you to savor and share! Slow roasted Spring Lamb (sold by the pound) will be cooking all weekend long. Kali Orexi is the Greek phrase for Bon Apetit! Literally, it translates to good appetite.Jackie and her Gyro with tzatziki sauce :)

The Pastry Shoppe — Over twenty traditional homemade Greek pastries, including baklava, galaktobouriko, kourambiedes, cakes, and cookies

Traditional Greek Dinner — We'll be serving our traditional Greek dinner all three days of the festival. Includes tiropita, spanakopita, pastitsio, meatballs, and a Greek salad with dolma (stuffed grape leaves)

Loukoumades — Hard to say but wonderful to eat, our "lou-coo-ma-days" are the Greek version of beignets --lightly fried golden brown, drenched in honey, and dusted with cinnamon

Amie and her imported Greek red wine :)

Live Greek music outside to relax and/or dance (in the HEAT!)

Scotland: Part Two

2011-05-30T15:52:00.001-05:00

Enjoy!

Scotland: Part One

2011-05-29T20:40:00.002-05:00

Instead of posting an insane amount of photos,

I'm compiling my adventure in Scotland into different parts.

Enjoy!

Scotland!

2011-05-18T07:16:00.003-05:00

About to do # 60 on My Someday List, totally NOT # 78 ;)

Mississippi River closed at Natchez

2011-05-17T12:15:00.004-05:00

Record flooding has caused authorities to close the Mississippi River at the port in Natchez because barge traffic could put more pressure on the levees. Coast Guard Petty Officer Bill Colclough said the port was closed Monday, leaving two vessels waiting to head north and one waiting to go south. The U.S. economy could face a bill running into the hundreds of millions of dollars a day if the lower Mississippi River is closed to shipping for days or weeks, port officials said. It wasn't clear when the river would reopen to traffic. The Mississippi River is expected to crest Saturday in Natchez at 63 feet, down a half-foot than earlier predictions, but almost five feet above a record set in 1937. The river at Natchez was already 3 feet above the 1937 level as of Monday morning. To the north, the river is projected to crest Thursday at Vicksburg at 57.5 feet, more than a foot above the 1927 record there. It could take weeks for the water to recede to normal levels. During the spring, the Mississippi is a highway for towboats bushing barges laden with corn, soybeans and other crops brought down from the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi river systems. Grain and other farm products come down the river, mostly by barge but some by rail, to the Port of South Louisiana, north of New Orleans, for export. They are loaded onto massive grain carriers headed overseas.

Packing Tips

2011-05-17T09:22:00.003-05:00

When I have to sit on my suitcase to get it to closed -- I know somethings wrong. Packing and I have a love/hate relationship that seems to rejuvenate itself every time I prep for a trip, and no matter how much I learn about unnecessary travel gear, I always fear about getting my suitcase within the weight limit. So I'm on a mission this time to follow three "simple" packing tips:

1) Know your Weight Limits

This trips packing adventure cannot be another lost cause for me. Since I’m heading to Scotland for 7 days, I know I’m allowed to bring one 50 lb bag. I’m using my trusty silver rolly suitcase for the trip which (while packing) beautifully fit the necessities for warmth in the wet, chilly weather. Keeping my fingers crossed for the final result!

2) Pack Your Bag: Then Take out A Third and Put it Back in Your Closet

So I really started to look at what all I so far packed and decided to sort my clothes into piles of cardigans/sweaters, fancy clothes, wet weather clothes, sleeping clothes– you get the picture. I chose my favorites from each pile, discarding about 1/3 of the apparel spread on my bed. Yet, I’ve stubbornly refused to travel without my yoga pants, my fur lined boots and fun colorful tanks to go under my cardigans and overall, I’m super proud of myself–I think I’m learning. This time I didn’t even reach for the hair curler, I’m no longer bringing three scarves and I decided on lots of easy switchable clothing to create layers. Plus I did keep room for my bulky wool sweaters that I learned were so valuable during my last British Isle trip and so after three hours of packing, jamming items in and throwing them out -- I finally think I'm done.

3) Pack for the Climate

Sounds like a no-brainer but for those who don't know it ... most of the UK is chilly and damp - the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and stays there ’til you spend several days in the very hot sun ... which means lots of bulky items to pack. Yet, I hate lugging my suitcase through airports and if better packing means less weight and easier mobility, I’ll be the first one to go tossing items out.

Last Time . . .

2011-05-16T06:38:00.001-05:00

I was in the U.K. - I developed a taste for some favorites : esp. Drifter Bars!

Plus, I'm ready to see some more castles...

and much much more!

2011-05-16T06:19:00.003-05:00

War of 1812 --- Bicentennial

2011-05-15T08:15:00.000-05:00

The Navy plans to kick off four years of international events in New Orleans next April to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The celebration will bring to the Crescent City a flotilla of U.S. and foreign warships and tall sailing ships on the Mississippi River and an air show over Lake Pontchartrain. The bicentennial events, which will include port visits and air shows at four other U.S. cities and in following years will highlight War of 1812 battles in the Great Lakes and Canada, also will be concluded in the Crescent City in 2015, to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans, officials said. New Orleans; Norfolk, Va.; New York; Boston; and Baltimore have been designated as “signature cities” next year, meaning the bicentennial activities will include port calls and air shows featuring the Blue Angels.

Something Silly on Saturday

2011-05-14T17:07:00.002-05:00

While many of you have seen this image, some of you have not. Rumor has it that the "artist" made changes, darkening Cinderella's hair and changing the colors of the stepsisters' gowns. Still, this is clever. Enjoy.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu

2011-05-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

2:32 p.m.

"The bottom line is that as of right now ... the situation is that the city of New Orleans is safe," the mayor says. Landrieu notes a predicted May 23 crest at 19.5 feet in the city without the opening of the Morganza Spillway. If the spillway is opened, which Landrieu said he expects, the crest would be 17 feet. "Minimal shipping delays" and few delays in river commerce are expected, he says. "New Orleans is not expected to flood due to the strong levee protection that we have," he says.

Last of my Jazz Fest 2011 Random Pics

2011-05-11T18:03:00.000-05:00

Kentucky Derby Mint Juleps Chance drawing on Derby horses Horseman Cafeteria - Job Headquarters

A deserted closed down Acura stage at night

Not yet open fairgrounds in the AM

The Massive Crowds

What the . . . ?

2011-05-11T17:44:00.000-05:00

That's right - It's a COME AND TAKE IT FLAG with some Gonzales, Texas people under it as well this last weekend at Jazz Fest! ;)

Too close for comfort

2011-05-11T08:50:00.004-05:00

If the Morganza Floodway is not opened to funnel 300,000 cubic feet per second of water from the Mississippi River into the Atchafalaya River basin, the additional water could cause levees to fail along the river from Morganza to Plaquemines Parish, including all of the New Orleans area, resulting in as much as 25 feet of floodwater.

The National Weather Service has predicted that at its crest, 1.9 million cubic feet per second of water will flow past the Red River Landing if the floodway is not opened. That would result in a crest of 19.5 feet at the Carrollton Gauge in New Orleans, which is 2.5 feet above official flood stage and just 6 inches below the top of floodwalls. "With a stage at Carrollton of 19.5 feet, we would have to close most of the floodgates along the Mississippi River levee within our jurisdiction," he said. "The port, Public Belt Railroad, recreational areas like the Audubon Aquarium and the Butterfly Park would have to close."

Kid Rock - Jazz Fest 2011

2011-05-10T19:21:00.004-05:00

Congrats Dawn & Matt

2011-05-09T20:26:00.002-05:00

Lyla Cowen 9 lbs, 5 oz. 20.5 inches

So Very Japanese!!

2011-05-09T11:29:00.001-05:00

Ever wish you had cat ears?

Thanks to a new quirky device out of Japan, now you can. A new communication tool called "necommi" - from the company neurowear - uses brain waves from emotions to control and wiggle wearable cat ears. Just as a cat's ears are likely to drop down when it's relaxed, the device reads the emotional state of humans and acts it out through the cat ears. When wearing the ears and feeling relaxed, your own set of cat ears would drop down too. Meanwhile, ears jump up as you concentrate.

Bonnet Carre Spillway

2011-05-09T09:47:00.002-05:00

Waging war on a flood of historic proportions that has already affected thousands in eight Midwestern and Southern states, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flooded a spillway Monday north of New Orleans in an effort to calm the rising Mississippi River.

The Corps' decision to open the Bonnet Carre spillway was part of its overall plan to reduce pressure on the levee system and reduce river levels to reduce the threat to low-lying New Orleans and other southern Louisiana communities. The spillway opened on Monday can accommodate about 1.87 million gallons of water per second, diverting water from the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico by way of Lake Pontchartrain.

America's Coolest City Parks

2011-05-04T14:38:00.004-05:00

#7 0f 14

Jazz Fest 2011 - John Mellencamp

2011-05-03T21:25:00.010-05:00

The Girlfriend - Meg Ryan

Jazz Fest 2011 - Amos Lee

2011-05-03T20:27:00.005-05:00

Happy Jazz Fest Everyone!

2011-04-29T20:55:00.005-05:00

Got my credentials . . .Got my staff shirt . . .

Got my favorite band playing tomorrow...

I'm set . . . let's go!

A Happy Easter

2011-04-24T07:47:00.000-05:00

Guaranteed to make you Smile

2011-04-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

Tickling a Penguin

One Year Later . . .

2011-04-20T08:40:00.004-05:00

Last year, Associated Press photographer Gerald Herbert covered the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and its aftermath. This month, he returned to see how one impacted area off the coast of Louisiana, Cat Island, is faring a year after the environmental disaster. See picture comparisons here: http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/20/6497331-a-year-after-the-oil-spill-the-cat-island-ecosystem-struggles-to-recover

2011 SAINTS Schedule

2011-04-19T19:32:00.006-05:00

The New Orleans Saints' 2011 schedule was released today, though everything should be written in pencil until after the NFL lockout is lifted.

At first glance, it appears very favorable for the Saints.

An earlier report had the Saints playing the New York Giants on Nov. 27, but that game is actually scheduled for Nov. 28, a Monday Night game at the Superdome.

All times central

HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS * = nationally-televised prime-time games

*WEEK 1: at Green Bay, Thursday Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., NBC WEEK 2: VS CHICAGO, Sunday Sept. 18, Noon, FOX WEEK 3: VS HOUSTON, Sunday Sept. 25, Noon, CBS WEEK 4: at Jacksonville, Sunday Oct. 2, Noon, FOX WEEK 5: at Carolina, Sunday Oct. 9, Noon, FOX WEEK 6: at Tampa Bay, Sunday Oct. 16, 3:15 p.m., FOX *WEEK 7: VS INDIANAPOLIS, Sunday, Oct. 23, 7:20 p.m., NBC WEEK 8: at St. Louis, Sunday Oct. 30, Noon, FOX WEEK 9: VS TAMPA BAY, Sunday, Nov. 6, Noon, FOX WEEK 10: at Atlanta, Sunday Nov. 13, Noon, FOX WEEK 11: BYE *WEEK 12: VS N.Y. GIANTS, Monday Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m., ESPN WEEK 13: VS DETROIT, Sunday Dec. 4, Noon, FOX WEEK 14: at Tennessee, Sunday Dec. 11, Noon, FOX WEEK 15: at Minnesota, Sunday Dec. 18, Noon, FOX *WEEK 16: VS ATLANTA, Monday Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m., ESPN WEEK 17: VS CAROLINA, Sunday Jan. 1, Noon, FOX

2011 Jazz Fest Posters

2011-04-16T13:18:00.002-05:00

I really like this year's CONGO SQUARE poster and may just have to purchase it!!!

NOLA Gossip

2011-04-16T13:09:00.004-05:00

Details of actor Nicolas Cage's arrest released by NOPD New Orleans police have just released details on the domestic disturbance involving actor Nicolas Cage, who was arrested early today.

ABC's of ME

2011-04-15T14:59:00.005-05:00

A. Age: 29 B. Bed size: Queen. But, most nights, it seems much smaller with a cat who can hog the bed. C. Chore you hate: Washing dishes! D. Dogs: Dogs!?! I'm more of a cat person E. Essential start to your day: Alarm Clock F. Favorite color: This month - Mauve G. Gold or silver: Gold H. Height: 5’9” I. Instruments you play: Ha! The Shiner School Song on the flute and some random song on the piano, but neither very well! J. Job title: Blogger. Arts Administrator. Kitty Momma. K. Kids: Someday. Not for a long, long time. L. Live: New Orleans Shotgun House. M. Mom’s name: Faith N. Nicknames: Jo-Jo. Texas. Hanna. O. Overnight hospital stays: *knock on wood* Haven't had one. P. Pet peeve: People not using turning blinkers when driving. Q. Quote from a movie: “Oh, go fly a kite.” R. Right or left handed: Right. S. Siblings: One brother. T. Time you wake up: 7:30'ish U. Underwear: Hipster. V. Vegetables you dislike: I actually like all veggies, but greatly dislike melons (like cantaloupe and honeydew) W. What makes you run late: Road Construction or Flooded streets (which happens more than you think in NOLA) X. X-Rays you’ve had: You name it - teeth, ribs, etc. Y. Yummy food you make: Cookies!!! Z. Zoo – favorite animal: Otters!

5 Don't-miss Festivals Across the US

2011-04-13T15:09:00.002-05:00

Food, wine, parades, live music and finally getting outdoors after a long winter ... what's not to love about the spring festival season? If you're seeking inspiration for a last-minute spring trip, don't miss the festivities going on around the U.S. in celebration of everything from strawberries to Cinco de Mayo. Read on for info on our five favorite upcoming spring festivals.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival New Orleans, La.

Despite its name, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival showcases much more than just jazz music; headliners this year include Jimmy Buffett, Robert Plant & the Band of Joy, Cyndi Lauper, Wilco, Wyclef Jean and dozens of other artists in every musical genre you can imagine. In addition to live concerts every day, the festival — which runs for 10 days from April 29 through May 8 — also offers a Louisiana Folklife Village and a Native American Village where visitors can watch crafts demonstrations and enjoy traditional local music. And don't forget the food! This is your chance to sample N'awlins favorites like muffuletta, red beans and rice, po'boys, and crawfish pie.

See the others listed . . .

Wow!

2011-04-12T09:15:00.002-05:00

Volker Kraft decorates a tree with 9,800 Easter eggs at the garden of pensionar couple Christa and Volker Kraft in Saalfeld, Germany, Monday, April 11, 2011. The Kraft family have decorated their tree for Easter for more than forty years.

Japanese Warnings from Ancestors

2011-04-08T10:14:00.000-05:00

Modern sea walls failed to protect coastal towns from Japan's destructive tsunami last month. But in the hamlet of Aneyoshi, a single centuries-old tablet saved the day. "High dwellings are the peace and harmony of our descendants," the stone slab reads. "Remember the calamity of the great tsunamis. Do not build any homes below this point." It was advice the dozen or so households of Aneyoshi heeded, and their homes emerged unscathed from a disaster that flattened low-lying communities elsewhere and killed thousands along Japan's northeastern shore. Hundreds of such markers dot the coastline, some more than 600 years old. Collectively they form a crude warning system for Japan, whose long coasts along major fault lines have made it a repeated target of earthquakes and tsunamis over the centuries. The markers don't all indicate where it's safe to build. Some simply stand — or stood, until they were washed away by the tsunami — as daily reminders of the risk. "If an earthquake comes, beware of tsunamis," reads one. In the bustle of modern life, many forgot. Read more here . . .

Jean d'Alos Cheese

2011-04-07T09:22:00.003-05:00

So I went to my first ever Cheese Class last night Held after hours at St. James Cheese Company on Prytania Street We had a fine selection of cheeses that were personally chosen and flown in specially from France Full list of cheeses above

I highly enjoyed almost all the cheeses on my plate, but there were a few I would have been happy to skip (ie. some having an ash-y flavoring)

The team at Jean D'Alos works closely with local producers primarily from the area of the Pyrenees, France. Cheeses are selected at the small farms and dairies, and finished and matured in the cellars at Jean D'Alos. Below was our visiting French representative.

Jean D'Alos, is a highly regarded cheese shop and affineur in Bordeaux, France.

Fun class! I'd like to go another night and sample a different cheese theme.

Cheese Class

2011-04-05T11:46:00.001-05:00

April 6

The Cheeses of Jean d'Alos featuring Affineur Jean d'Alos

(all the way from France, y'all!)

So, I'm going to a cheese class tomorrow.

I've been wanting to do this for awhile now, esp. when I saw Cheese/Wine or Cheese/Beer classes being offered last Fall. Alas, some of my girlfriends were able to agree on a night and apparently the class will cover a wide variety of cheeses - cows' milk, goats' milk, different types of rinds, etc. Whoo-Hoo!!!

You know you wanna . . .

2011-04-01T21:13:00.003-05:00

Have a little fun @ http://www.photofunia.com/