It will cast a spell on you!

Nola Blog Cafe Du Monde photo 2017.JPGI’m back from New Orleans AKA Nola and it feels so good…especially in the month of Halloween my fav’ time of year! The city was all  decked out in bewitching hues and decor. Halloween in New Orleans is awesome. I wanted to go on a Ghost or Cemetary tour but ran out of time this trip.

I worked and played. And as always want to take you there! Even if you’ve been or never been there. Here are a few highlights of my adventures.

Cafe du Monde was at the top of my gotta go back and eat a beignet and have that famous New Orleans coffee. So,after checking into the hotel  I devoured a few and walked the streets too.

The smell of  Pralines fills the streets and air with sweetness. You have to try one! This trip I discovered some new ones in Cafe au lait and Bananas Foster flavors. So delightful!

I haven’t been there for a few years and needed to reacquaint myself with the city. My have things grown and some things have stayed the same! If only those building and sidewalks could talk to us. What would they say? Lots I am sure.

The weather was super humid and hot for October… I did not glisten like most southern women say they do. I sweat as usual! No powder or makeup setting spray saved my face. However, the last few days the weather turned into fall like. SO….Heavenly!

Since I love food,beauty,fashion and I love to explore…here is list of the best to see!

Acme Oyster Bar has the freshest and delicious oysters. If you don’t mind waiting in lines this is a great place. Not fancy and pricey.

Monteleone Hotel my fav’ hotel in the city and is an elegant charming place.It is located in the French Quarter downtown.

Carousel  Bar is inside the hotel above. It is an actual OLD carousel and it moves and so do you every 15 minutes. You gotta see this place and feel it to believe it.Drinks are delicious and appetizers too.Not your normal bar food. 

Feeling lucky! In the mood to gamble? Visit Harrah’s Casino.

Irene’s is an Italian eatery with a New Orleans twist. Dinner was amazing and the pasta is made fresh daily.

Papier Plume if you are into all things stationery,REAL pens, journals and wax seals this is the place for you.

Trashy Diva is a clothing store that for the name alone you need to pop in.

Perfume there are two old world perfume shops rich in history and have signature fragrances too I will share more on this in my next blog.

Fifi Mahoney’s is where you’ll find makeup,glitter,wigs and more! They are the company behind some of the faces on floats for Mardi Gras.

New Orleans COOKING school I’ve taken a cooking class with a Cajun twist before. It never disappoints.If you’re a foodie like me…you’d love these classes.

Steamboat Natchez cruise is always a good idea!It is an old time steam boat that takes you around the Mississippi River.

The French Market is located in the Jackson Square area and is filled with shops and pop up vendors from all over the world. You can find art,fashion,old time lace umbrellas,artisan candles and soaps,voodoo dolls and so much more.

I love worshipping and visiting church and the the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis King of France is a beauty you don’t want to miss.

Did you know New Orleans has Voodoo shops,Witchery shops and Vampire shops? Worth exploring.Nola blog Witchery photo.JPG

Window Shopping is the BEST shopping. Since may last trip so many new places have opened.

 

Fun fact…the second day I was there. I was eating a snow ball ice  in the French Market and while sitting on a bench I noticed a float and a police car blocking the street. I ate and kept there waiting to see what might be happening. After ten minutes I was curious what this was all about. So,I walked across the street and who did I bump into on the sidewalk but Katy Perry all dolled up in an adorable so New Orleans fun feather dress. Next, I see Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. The float I now noticed had the logo of American Idol on it. So, what was about to go down was a marching band,people in costumes and a float they shot for TV to welcome the tryouts for American idol at the convention center.Nola American Idol photo

It was so fun. They were so fun! They threw Mardi Gras beads to all of us and we were part of the party. They invited us to follow the float down the streets of Nola but I chose not to. This was such an unexpected treat to my trip! I wish you could hear this video!

You never know who or what you will find in this city. My business went well and my belly was content. I continue to encourage you to explore beyond your front door.

Till my next adventure …have a beauty filled day.

PS

Pictures to come. I have been up to my lips with work since I returned. Tonight I am a guest on a panel for Fashion Group International in NE Florida. So, I have to prep for that.

Hot Spots in Las Vegas you’ll dine and LOVE!

LV SIGN photo

As some of you who read my blog know I love to work,play,SPA and shop in Las Vegas this year was no exception.After my work day guest speaking at the IECSC spa and beauty conference… Inbetween my I DON’T GAMBLE…I play the .5 cent slot machines and stop after losing $5.00 or $10.00 dollars.I’d rather spend my money on dining and shopping.
I promised I’d share with you highlights you might enjoy.

Hot Spots I HIGHLY recommend:

Shopping at any of the hotel resorts is so much  fun and it seems to be better and feel more fun in Las Vegas! I enjoy the Forum Shops at Caesers Palace and a the entire dining experience and shops at Caesars.
Next, I like a place called Fashion Mall. Outside decor reminds me of a space ship….inside are a variety of the chain nationwide big box stores however they are mixed with wonderful stores I am not familiar with. You might even be lucky enough to see a live runway fashion show like I have.
The other beautiful hotels have shopping areas where you will find Chanel and other designer brands. But I love more bang for my buck and don’t need a designer LABEL to make me happy!!!

*Fashion Alert! It was a steamy 105 degrees and we know in our down time about town to DRESS accordingly and comfortably. Wear sensible not sex kitten high shoes.Bring a pashmina in case you get cold from air conditioning.

Looking for a delicious awesome Sunday Brunch?

Craving PIZZA like NEW YORK City?

Stop at the Cosmopolitan hotel for a fresh,cheesy hot and fabulous slice or a whole PIZZA pie!

Look no further the Bellagio Buffet with champagne mimosas is a delightful staff and yummy food place.Crab legs cut special to devour quickly,Kobe beef,sushi,gourmet assorted mini pizza slices,salads with kale.Just to name a few.The desserts to die for! While you’re there you might just be in time to see the fountain water show outside or out your hotel window that is set to the most goose bump creating music your ears and spirit will LOVE!

The Stratosphere Hotel has the most AMAZING VIEW and bar too.You can’t miss this view from the top.It is named the Top of the World restaurant. You see this building as soon as you land.I recommend you go to lunch there too. The food will fill you, the price is right and you do not have to get all dressed up.Also the place revolves on top and you will enjoy ever corner of LV and the strip.You can even bungee jump from the top of here.

Wanna take a nice road trip away from the strip?

Less than an hour is Mt. Charleston and my husband LOVES this place. It is often fifteen to twenty degrees cooler than in the city Of Las Vegas,it has mountains and what a gorgeous peaceful view!!!

Want to cool off from the heat?

Go to Serendipity 3 for a refreshing lunch or FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE.It is a chocolate tease! So COOL and delicious.YOU haven’t lived until you had one of these drinks!!!

Almost any spa on the strip is fabulous! They really know how to SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH. I love many of the spas on the strip.

Looking for Chinese food and don’t want to pay a fortune at some she she, fifi place on the strip….that is OUT OF THIS WORLD? Take a ride over to Orchids Garden.
It has ALL DAY DIM SUM and yummy dining. The service is fabulous and the food is so delicious.If you haven’t tried Dim Sum this is a must. YOU’LL FEEL like you JUST traveled to HONG KONG.WORTH THE TRIP! Even if it is by cab.

I know.I am still talking about food… BUT if you have never had one before a trip to IN & OUT Burger is a drive thru or east in MUST. It is very popular in NEVADA and Cali and the food is very fresh.They are minutes away from the airport when you arrive or when you depart.Lucky you!

I hope you enjoyed my latest trip fave’s and my regular spots to stop.

The beauty of Las Vegas is you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun.
Have you booked your ticket yet? What are you waiting for?
I ALWAYS try to book some business with pleasure.Don’t you?
IF YOU DON’T maybe its time to start NOW!
Life is for the LIVING.
Explore beyond your door!