A.C. in N.O

The beautiful silver-haired, topaz-eyed super Cooper made his monthly voyage to N.O. yesterday and I got to see him speak at Tulane University (excuse the blurry pic). He talks fast and is just freakin' adorable. He couldn't directly answer some the questions though - mainly because he was asked things like "Rate TV, newspapers and Internet by which is least bias" and "I'm in med school and I don't have a lot of time to get the news-what do you think is the best source?" To which Anderson answered, "Um, I do work for CNN . . ."

One decent question was "How much do ratings affect what is covered?" He answered it eloquently explaining that it's not the media that sets the agenda anymore, its the audience. Essentially saying ratings mean a lot and that viewers would rather watch Obama's former pastor Rev. Wright's antics than hear about tornadoes in Virginia. Yes, we've dumbed down.

On a lighter note (really there's nothing light about this), I took my friend to Sucre, www.shopsucre.com, a new sweets shop on Magazine St. These aren't just desserts - they're works of art! Pastel colored macaroons and marshmallows, glittery cupcakes and gelato! OH MY! And I didn't eat any- just brought one home to my mom.

Fonville UNLIMITED! Free on Flickr!

Perhaps the most renowned photographer of South Louisiana, Fonville Winans was famous for capturing the culture of South Louisiana during the 1930s. Among numerous others, he shot black and white series of Grand Isle, Cajun culture, LSU and scenes in Louisiana after a rare snow storm.

In addition, Fonville had a studio in Baton Rouge from 1941-1991, where he photographed individual portraits - it was a big deal to have a photograph by Fonville. Fonville shot portraits of both my mother and father as toddlers.

I've heard he was a lover of all women and many ladies believed him to be undressing them with his eyes during their photo session.

The equally famous Louisianian Chef John Folse has imitated Fonville's shots for the covers of his cookbooks.

Thanks to his son Bob, web surfers can now view thousands of his photos for free on Fonville Winan's photostream on flickr. To get there visit http://www.fonvillewinans.com/ and click on Flickr Gallery icon on the left hand side.

Mississippi Rising

Currently, the Mississippi River has surpassed flood stage. It's a good thing we have these trusty levees at the Port of Baton Rouge. I was told (who knows if it's reliable source) that 6-7 steps are underwater.

Normally, one can see BATON ROUGE spelled out - though not lately.

My Personal Valet

During an assignment at my last job, I had to check out one of those genuine (one you have to actually dig through) antique stores to look for unique light fixtures. I previously wasn't a fan of antique/vintage stores (this was before my fascination with Time Warp, see earlier posts) period, the end. I can honestly say I wasn't really a shopper extraordinaire till I entered this world.

I entered Aladdin's Lamp Antiques (225-336-0969; 2648 Government St. B.R., La. 70806), looking for light fixtures and came out with a personal valet, well, valet chair FOR ONLY$16! Besides the mod design (they were invented in 1953), I love how functional it is. There is a hanger for one's coat, a ledge for shoes and extra storage in the seat. A fine greeter to have in my apt everyday when I get home!

Purple & Gold Toile - ON SALE!

Somewhere in the massive cupboard that is Williams-Sonoma, there is a creative soul that knows their resources and how to use them. The company sought the textile archives of the State Museum of Louisiana for inspiration and has revived a 19th-century toile de Jouy print in napkins, table cloths, place mats and chair pads. As an LSU fan I'm rejoicing that there's now decor on the other side of "tacky tigers!" And it's on sale!

TO ORDER VISIT http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/9944349/index.cfm?pkey=ctbllin&cm%5Fsrc=hero

More Celebrating of the Shotgun

May is shotgun house month! Be prepared with this notepad from NOLA stationary/invitation designer Two Sprouts

http://twosprouts.com/products-page/?category=46

N.O. Folk Art by Tamar Taylor

Great folk art is readily available in the Quarter and on Magazine. I found this shotgun at Miss Smarty Pants/Importicos at 5523 Magazine. (504)891-6141.

TO ORDER ONLINE: http://www.littlemissmuffin.biz/pages/new_orleans_pages/tamar.html

Shotgun, bang!

I'm crazy about shotgun houses! New Orleans' Favorite Shotguns features antedotes from locals who spent their childhood in the slender buildings along with photos of different architectural styles and colors. It also delves into the origin of these N.O treasures. The book was published last year by the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. For more info or to purchase go to http://octaviabooks.booksense.com/NASApp/store/Product?s=showproduct&isbn=9780977316519 . The proceeds go to the to PRC, which helps to perserve historic neighborhoods throughout the Crescent City.

It's here! Sephora comes to Baton Rouge

Last week, Sephora opened its doors to an anxious crowd at Baton Rouge's The Boulevard at the Mall of Louisiana. I know I'm all for keeping it local, but shopping at the black and white cosmetic mecca is more fun than dippin' dots!

More obscure lines like Urban Decay and Nars (no, before last week you couldn't find Orgasm in this town if your life depended on it) are perfectly lined up next to popular Lancome, Clinique and a commotion of Bliss lotions. Many brands have colors exclusive to Sephora - like a two-sided Nars Orgasm/another universal hue lip gloss!

Of course, there's also a buffet of beauty tools. I personally love the Sephora Nourishing Cuticle Oil pen ($12). It's easy to use and soothes irritatingly dry cuticles.

George Rodrigue at NOMA

Last week I visited New Orleans to check out the heavily promoted George Rodrigue exhibit at New Orleans Museum of Art. I saw so much more than the blue dog and learned a good bit about the Cajuns' harrowing journey to Louisiana.

I highly recommend checking it out - Most of Rodrigue's hurricane pieces have never been on display. Visit http://www.noma.org/ for details.

WELCOME!

In my first post, I'll pay tribute to the dress (see Liv Tyler on the right) I can't forget. The masterful use of bombshell red with naurple (navy/purple) and miky purples- BRILLIANT!

Check out my Baton Rouge find! A $28 version of Liv Tyler's 2004 SAG Marc Jacobs SAG gown. Def. with red lipstick. This vintage draping frock was floating in the entranceway of TIME WARP, 3001 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806(225) 377-8550, a great stop for vintage treasures!

"Lipstick Necklace" Another Time Warp find!

Anne klein short vintage necklace. I love that it looks like little lip gloss testers.