The third day of our great Blog Tour NOLA adventure began at Bevolo. It doesn't get much more "New Orleans" than Bevolo, a company specializing in gas and electric lights. In fact, Bevolo, along with renowned architect A. Hays Town, was the creator of the iconic "French Quarter Lamp". This copper gas lantern-style lamp was developed in the 1940s, is still being manufactured by this family business and is now a trademark of the New Orleans landscape. There are two things that are really different about Bevolo. One is the way they work and the other is their insistence on quality and design over quantity. They would rather sell you one fixture that is right than three that are wrong! Here's how they roll: Just send them a copy of your plans and they will develop a complimentary, comprehensive lighting plan for your home including photos and schematics. That is some special service! Exploring their showroom, located on 318 Royal St. is akin to a treasure hunt. Not only are their stunning hand-riveted light fixtures on display against a backdrop of authentic exposed brick but look what else I found!

Everyone at Bevolo is friendly and immensely approachable. They have two locations in New Orleans and one in Mandeville, Louisiana. If you're in the area stop in and have a peak. If you're in the market for the perfect light fixture to illuminate your home definitely check them out. Even if the New Orleans look is not your cup of tea there's something for you. They also offer some stylish solutions for interiors. Check out the kitchen fixtures.After beignets (but of course), excellent coffee and hospitality we were off to the next adventure. This one, not about beauty, but about survival and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Next: Day 3 Continues in Gentilly

Actually it really was pretty easy, despite ramped up security measures in the wake of yesterday's Boston tragedy. My prayers and good wished are with all the good people who were affected in Boston.

I spent a lovely afternoon in the company of Patty Davis Brown of Dig This Design and her hubs, Lee. They hail from Vero Beach so we were on the same flight. We were greeted in style so, of course, I had to get picture of it!After a short delay in getting our bags, we were on our way to the Renaissance Arts Hotel, about a 25 minute drive. The hotel is lovely and features artwork scattered throughout.We were given a map of all the art locations so we can explore at our leisure.After checking in we spent the afternoon lost in the streets of the Crescent City in search of some lunch and sight seeing.On the way back to the hotel we found the two items that prove without a doubt we are in New Orleans, beads and masks.

Then I discovered Naghi's at 637 Canal Street. It's sort of an antiques/jewelry/bronze sculpture/judaica store. At cocktail hour the blog tour assembled to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with each other and with these yummy drinks called St. Germains.We also met two NOLA natives, Angel of Write Robinson and Stacy of Stacy Naquin Interiors. They are local bloggers who welcomed us with open arms bearing gifts to boot including gourmet cupcakes and personalized stationery! There was also a lovely goody bag, courtesy of Modenus, full of treats and most amazingly a personalized embroidered tote made for each of us from Toma, the Antiques Diva.At SoBou we indulged in tapas which highlighted the local cuisine and were delicious.

This day and the next four are courtesy of Modenus.com and the sponsors of this tour who we will learn all about in the days to come. Ok I'm pooped. Although the weather is certainly steamy, I'm out of steam so I'll see you tomorrow.

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