Oohlala New Orleans

I'll start the architectural tour with St. Louis Cathedral.

Theses apartments surround the square in front to the church.

These great old buildings were down every side street.  Great colors, wonderful wrought iron balconies.   Some simple, some more ornate.

Another reason I have to go back is because I still haven't tried Court of Two Sister's yet, I hear the brunch is the greatest. I have been to Maspero's several times. My advice, share the sandwich.

The Hotel Monteleone, I did stay here once a long time ago, before the recent renovation.

Check out the plants.  The date these pictures were taken was January 23rd!

Oh my the size of these ferns.  The below was my favorite side street.  

There are for sale signs!

To see my garden district visit from last year go here.

Have you been?  What's your favorite spot?

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NOLA - New Orleans, Louisiana

I got to spend some time in a great old city.  New Orleans, Louisiana is celebrating it's bicentennial this year.  I think you can see all 200 years in this one photo.  The 200 year old building on the right, 100 year old way back center as the city expanded.  The modern day Mardi Gras beads hanging from the light post, signs and the 2012 security lights.  

I know the sign says 1807, but it was after the war of 1812 that Andrew Jackson took the city from the British.  The actual city is much older than 200 years.

It was founded as a french colony in 1718.

A feast for your eyes and your stomach.

Yes, I did eat all my crawfish etouffee and the onion rings were great too. Oh and don't forget to order the bread pudding for dessert.  I didn't forget.  

I brought home some of these too.  I will share.

I thought about it.  The Hurricane will have to wait until my next trip.  

Getting all artsy on you with some black and whites.  

My favorite lamps in the whole city block.

This looks like it had been locked to that post for a while.  Happy Mardi Gras y'all!  

Next up my architecture tour.  If you like wrought iron this is the city for you.

Fun day with flowers!

I was busy this weekend.

This is a wonderful venue in downtown Dallas.

Hickory Street Annex - now I want to go to a party here some time.  

Roses ~ Just shout love don't they.

Arabian Nights and a Mardi Gras Ball

The theme for the Ball was Arabian Nights.

There were "camels".  One of our friends greated us at the entrance tent in her "costume" for the night.

Each Krewe member decorated their table for the night.  It was fun to wander around and see all the different table decorations.  Some were very elaborate.

Yep you are correct, table number 79.  This was a huge party.  Live band for dancing the night away and a full buffet breakfast after midnight.  

To start the party off the harem paraded in throwing beads of course.

Our very brave and beautiful hostess for the night was part of the belly dance team that started off the night.  She (in purple) did a wonderful job by the way and said they had been practicing since June.   

The harem then paraded around the dance floor, right after they announced the King and the party was underway.  

If you ever get the chance you have to go to one of these events.  I'm still afraid of New Orleans Mardi Gras though.  Let's just say it's not on my bucket list of things to do. 

Mardi Gras Ball

Lucky us got invited to a Mardi Gras Ball in Alexandria, LA.   It was so much fun and wow the work that must go into one of these events.  No wonder they need a whole "krewe" to make these things happen.  I made and took favors for the guests at our table.  Mardi Gras Pins.  They looked great on the guys tux lapels.

I bought the fleur de lis charms at Michael's. ~ My Michael's craft store no longer will take one Michael's coupon and a Joanne's coupon in the same transaction.  I'm a little mad at Michael's for that.  But, of course I just drop in for back to back visits and get that extra 40% off. Or take someone along that can stand in line behind me to make a second purchase.  Bit of a hassle, anyway I digress.

I had all the ribbon and the peacock feathers already.  Tied them together with florist tape in little bundles.  They looked great against a black tux.

Now for the before and after of me.  My Mom was the photographer, sorry for a bit of a blur.  Next time I will make her use the timer to help cut down on her shake.  Her shake is partly due to her CIDP, which thankfully is in remission right now.  

Getting ready for the ball at Mom's house.

and the transformation.  

A bit better picture of me and my date.  Pretty handsome fella if you ask me.  You did ask didn't you?

More Ball fun to follow, stay tuned.

Nothing Bundt Cakes!

Do you have one of these bakeries close to you?  Nothing Bundt Cakes are yummy.  This is the bundtlett, a mini cake.  They also make their signature huge ones and a mini cupcake sized one. 

I enjoyed this one with the napkins I am using now.

Nothing says love like red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting and a fork.  Share one with your sweetheart.  Or just all by yourself.

We caught the blue hour

Last weekend, we caught the blue hour while sitting outside under blankets in the back yard.  

Burning old Christmas tree boughs really makes for a great display.

Hope you had a warm weekend or at least a warm fire to sit by.