Blog Tour NOLA Redux

This month is the ten year anniversary of hurricane Katrina.  All my memories of New Orleans come to the forefront and today I pay homage to the grand adventure that was Blog Tour NOLA.I still think about this visit to New Orleans and what a full rich experience it was, encompassing so much more than design.Quintessential New Orleans style in the Garden DistrictIn 2013 I had the exciting opportunity to meet this special city in a most comprehensive and in depth way thanks to the innovative design resource Modenus. I also had the pleasure of meeting and touring with some super talented design pros who remain my friends.Enjoying KBIS2013 with (left to right) Eric Schimelpfenig of SketchThis, myself, Corey Klassen of Corey Klassen Interior Design and Linda Merrill of Decorative SurroundingsKBIS was held in NOLA that year and was a key part of the agenda however, thanks to our sponsors,  we also saw, tasted (culinary heaven), touched and felt the culture of New Orleans.  As I read and hear about the Katrina aftermath today, I am reminded of our visit to the Lower Ninth Ward and the realization that in the bleakest of times there is hope.Photographer L. Kasimu Harris says he "didn't become a photographer until Katrina." Photo courtesy of NPRArt documents culture and artists have found beauty and expression in the midst of destruction.  This morning I was touched by this story of creativity that has blossomed in the Crescent City. You can listen to it on  NPR.  It mentions the Ogden Museum of Southern Art which we also visited!Talulah Moon preforming at The Spotted Cat on Frenchman Street.One of my favorite NOLA moments was on Frenchmen Street where we popped into The Spotted Cat and roamed neighboring Frenchmen Street Art Market.8 years after Katrina recovery efforts were still underway in the Lower Ninth Ward.The day we visited the Lower Ninth, St. Paul's Homecoming Center, World Vision and KBIS united to tell the world through this press event that recovery was still in process and despite the fact that so much more needed to be done there was hope and progress. Homing pigeons as a symbol of home and hope over the Lower Ninth2013-04-18 11.00.26Today I proudly display the photo (below) by New Orleans photographer Andy Levine in my home. It was taken by him in the aftermath of Katrina. Thank you Modenus for the lasting gift of this special blog tour I was honored to be a part of.  If you'd like to go back and see what I wrote of my experiences, including the culinary treats, in 2013 it starts here.  Andy Levine with the photo he sold me at Frenchman Street MarketAlso, I must say , if you like Houzz you will love the new Modenus.  It's a straight up honest design resource that facilitates connections between designers and homeowners  as well as being a beautiful source of  inspiration.  Check it out! PS I got through this whole post without mentioning BEIGNETS once! Oooops.

Gearing Up as Countdown To Blog Tour NOLA Continues

 Livingston, our outside cat who was busted by a neighbor. Don't worry. Not gonna show you the hub's eye as it's not as pretty.With one week to go before the start of Blog Tour Nola my head is swimming not only with preparations to go away but with all the crazy events happening here at home.  Sunday our outside/inside cat was trapped by a friendly neighbor and taken to the pound, my daughter and her boyfriend broke up and my hubs gave himself a black eye whilst executing our bi-annual stint of  yard work.  (Yes, it was the shovel.) Throw a jury duty stint in there too and that's how my life looks right now.The Rennaisance Art Hotel in the warehouse district in New Orleans will be my home away from home.In the meantime, Modenus has unveiled more of the details of our trip and I am excited to say the least.  This post has also got me thinking of this opportunity from a deeper perspective.  Naturally I’m excited to immerse myself in design nirvana, to dig into all the new products and design buzz at KBIS, but New Orleans runs deeper.  This blog tour will have a significance that is totally unique from previous ones.  My respect for Veronika Miller, CEO of Modenus only grows, for at every turn she is innovating and pushing the envelope for new insights and perceptions.  She “gets it” that design is not a mutually exclusive enterprise.  It is informed by the life and atmosphere around it.  To illustrate this point we will be visiting a local couple hard hit by the economy and ravages of Katrina which still linger.Homes from the Make It Right Project. Right or Wrong??In addition we will tour and learn about Brad Pitt's "Make it Right Foundation", a controversial project seeking to build sustainable homes in communities in need.  What's controversial you may ask?  Well some peeps think that the very modern design of the homes are just plain wrong.  I'm looking forward to giving you my take on the matter.  Lastly, you may know of my love/hate relationship with HGTV but I must share with you this delightful little clip all about the Big Easy style of New Orleans, a combination of French, Caribbean with a dose of good ole southern comfort thrown in.If you will be in the Big Easy for KBIS come by and mingle with us at:Beignets & Bubbly Meet Up at KBIS Design StudiosWhen? Friday, Apr 19 @ 10:30am - 11:30am (CST) Where? KBIS New Orleans Convention Center Booth # 3352 - New Orleans, LouisianaPS Cat was located and he’ll be back (one way or another) tomorrow.  Daughter is sad but she is young and will maximize her youth and beauty to bounce back.  Hubs is depleting my makeup but the bruise is healing nicely.