Carnival Couples
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in New Orleans … Carnival season. This past weekend was the first full weekend of Carnival and though there was a little rain, it mostly went off fabulously. Many may wonder what…
Weekly Blogs
Lundi Gras - The Making of a New Old Tradition
There are some old traditions in Carnival. There are also some traditions thought to be ancient, but really are not. One of the latter is “Lundi Gras.” While, the practice of Rex arriving…
I Love Mardi Ball
It’s awesome that New Orleans loves the kick off of the college baseball season so much that they throw parade after parade for it. The throws, the marching bands, the guys in weird masks all come together to tell the…
Isn’t It Romantic?
Today is the day of love – it’s Valentine’s Day. This is not everyone’s favorite holiday, but we look at it as a way to add a little romance into a couple’s life pre-wedding, post wedding or just a regular…
NOLA Mock-Tales: The EatFit Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge with a Twist
Melanie: In 2016 when Registered Dietitian, author, podcaster and EatFitNOLA founder Molly Kimball announced the first #AlcoholFreeFor40 Challenge I decided to go for it. Frankly, laying off of the booze after a full Carnival season and excessive Fat Tuesday…
Purpose-Driven Planners
Today, The Knot, magazine and leading online planning aid, released its 13th Real Weddings Study. Each year, The Knot looks at real weddings and couples from the prior year, reporting on trends, motivators and primary planning priorities for couples.…
Crawfish and Dips
I have traveled around Louisiana for around 30 of my 50 years in one professional capacity or another, and I am very interested in food. Some might call me obsessed, but I prefer to think I’m focused. Wherever I…
Wine Not?
No matter where you end up during this year's biggest free party of the year, you are sure to find fun, festive wine and cocktail events inspired by revelry and royalty. Bacchanal Wine (600 Poland Ave.) is turning 18.…
The Best Things to Do at The Higgins Hotel
My late father, Andrew Ernest Benson, Jr., was born in May of 1929. He was a war history buff, particularly when it came to WWII, which dominated his New Orleans childhood. For years I have gone to Parkway Bakery when…
Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras Season Kicks Off
This weekend marks the return of floats, costumes and public intoxication with Mardi Gras! Whether you celebrate with your friends, children or just looking to stumble upon something exciting, this weekend won’t disappoint. And this year Mardi Gras coincides with…
A Man Without A Portfolio
When folks around here get upset about local street musicians playing too loud, too late or too close to something, they generally work to pass a law. Several years ago, the Archdiocese convinced the city to create the St.…
Be Like Water: This All-Inclusive, Adults-Only Wellness Retreat Comes with Your Own Sensei
Aloha shirts, hula, fragrant floral leis, surfboards, ukulele music, gin-clear water, verdant mountain peaks – Hawaii has been your dream honeymoon since the first time you saw Elvis crooning a tune in Paradise, Hawaiian Style. Sample a vintage slice of…
It’s Carnival Time
So for those who might be wondering: I did take Ruby to Krewe du Vieux this weekend, and she loved it. We laughed at the floats, we caught some blinky rings and some…
Making Of A Carnival King
It has happened before – the evolution of a head of state in America was rumored to be linked with a prominent Russian. Legend has it that the first parade of Rex King of Carnival, was created in 1872 as…
Watch The Wave
There hasn’t been a more intense year from day one for the Tulane Green Wave baseball team since I’ve started writing this blog. If you’ve read my humble corner of the web more than once you know that I am…
Makeup Must Haves For 2020’s Most Discerning Brides
With so many makeup brands available is there need for more? Yes, we say, because with new technology and innovations, products just keep getting better and better. Here are a few of the new launches we couldn’t wait to share.…
Top Of The List
Financial website WalletHub recently released their 2020 list of Best Places to Get Married and New Orleans has topped the list. The rankings take a look at 180 cities around the country for the cheapest and most convenient wedding…
Flora Fete
On Sunday, Feb. 9, FAIT | NOLA will host a Mardi Gras Headdress Workshop and lunch at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. The workshop will provide guests with the opportunity to create an exciting piece to add to their…
Brennan’s
I had a chance to sample the new menu at Brennan’s recently. The occasion was the restaurant’s announcement of Ryan Hacker as the new executive chef, replacing Chef Slade Rushing. I loved what Slade did at Brennan’s when he…
The Best Fun Things Going on This Week
New Orleans became home to many thousands of Vietnamese people following the fall of Saigon in the early 1970s. This weekend, the Vietnamese community celebrates the annual free, family-friendly Tet Fest at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church (14001 Dwyer Blvd.)…
Coming Around Again
Sometimes that which we really love just disappears. Take certain models of automobiles, or a high school sweetheart, or a favorite store, or even something as mundane as Windows 7. Gone. And there is nothing we can do about…
Louisiana Pet Parades
Mardi Gras parades have long gone to the dogs. We can’t celebrate the Carnival season without our pets! Yes, we parade anything and everything here in Louisiana. Most of the pet krewes features the canine variety but a few, such…
Wediquette Wednesday: Is it ever OK to have a cash bar at your reception?
Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.) …
