Destination New Orleans: Strolling The Streets With Both Saints and Sinners

I was lucky enough to celebrate New Year’s in my new favorite city, New Orleans. I’ve been a fan of the crescent city for years but it wasn’t until this trip that I truly felt it was MY New Orleans. A BFF now lives here, so I had a home base in the French Quarter to freely explore the city.

I simply cannot get enough of the balconies, wrought iron, or colorful facades.

How cool are these still working gas lights?

Of course I went to Marie Laveau’s grave (google it) where I left an offering (in sets of 3s) , placed my hand on the stone, and made a wish. But while walking in the cemetery, I found the most wonderful shadows. Below are some of my favorite scenes.

Ms. Laveau’s grave on the left and another voodoo grave on the right.

How cool is the shadow and light play. The city has always been a balance of “light” and “dark” both literally and figuratively. Naturally crosses are abundant in a cemetery, but they’re just so cool and different. I just bought an emerald cross necklace to wear, as my obsession will not fade. Explore the cities “buried treasure” here www.graveaddiction.com.

Some of my favorite views in the Quarter.

I get very excited about hardware and building materials.Want the same architectural details in your home ? Try exploring salvage yards or online at sites like this http://www.thegreenproject.org

This is Kelly Israel’s decorated 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse. Just remember that if you take a photo, drop a donation in the window. Check out his other works at www.myspace.com/deadicateddetail

So these are a few of my favorite things. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and get inspired by your own surroundings. Seeing New Orleans moving forward after Katrina really gives me hope that Haiti will be able to rebuild, as a memorial for those lost and a promise to the future. Plan your New Orleans vacation soon- it’s a perfect place for both families and singles. www.neworleansonline.com

And please continue to support Haiti by donating through various charities.re.clintonbushhaitifund.org

Look for more pictures from my  Mardi Gras trip and be on the lookout for my interview with my  favorite painters in the whole world, right in NOLA – Miss Ashley Longshore. www.ashleylongshore.com

Now if I could just get Brad Pitt to meet me at the Napoleon House for a few Sazeracs, who knows what could happen.

In case you want to see the great work Brad’s organization is doing in the city , click on http://www.makeitrightnola.org/. Photo from celebrity- gossip.net.

GO SAINTS