CONTRIBUTING CREATIVES Emma Veith, Scott Forsythe, Jasmyne White
PHOTO BY LAURA STEFFAN
PHOTO BY LAURA STEFFAN
The Adore team loves shopping local (especially at Judy at the Rink!). Details will continue to showcase great local offerings from shops and businesses around town.
Adores Things
Michaela
(2024 Edition)
Inspired by Spotify Wrapped (the personalized breakdown of Spotify listener data released each December), here are my most frequented spots and shops around town.
I could wax poetic about how much I adore barre3 New Orleans (multiple locations!), and the stats show: I took over 200 classes in 2024! Come for the amazing workout, stay for the good vibes, great tunes, and supportive instructors, staff, and community. I love running into classmates “in the wild” at restaurants, weddings, or even at the dry cleaners and making the barre3 connection. While all of the class formats are wonderful, I enjoy the challenge of using heavier weights in b3 Strength!
I hope you all had a great holiday season! I had a very robust December and am feeling very lucky that I was able to see so many friends and loved ones throughout the month. As the festivities wind down, I’m looking forward to slowing down (as much as one can in New Orleans) this January and enjoying that sliver of quiet time before Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras really take things up a notch.
This edition of Adore has a little something for everyone. You’ll find dozens of amazing Mardi Gras items found at local shops and recipes that you should serve at your watch party on Sunday, February 9 to a gorgeous home designed by Aaron Hahnselle (that graces our cover!) and great organization tips from Felicia Schimpf of Neat Method. We also cover fun fashion and décor trends you’ll see in 2025 and the importance of prioritizing protein. Lastly, we recap Eden Centers’ beautiful Ball Gowns & Blue Jeans event that took place in November. It was a great evening for an incredible cause!
I also wanted to share news about Adore’s next chapter. In 2025, Adore will be reimagined as a monthly publication called Details which publishes inside our incredibly popular Gambit publication. So, while the Adore name may be going away, we know the Adore community is not. Our readers have come along with us for this journey for many years now and we're excited to embark on a new one with you all. Details will feature many of the things you know and love about Adore — local takes on national trends, engaging profiles on individuals and businesses, and rich storytelling and photography of beautiful homes and weddings across the New Orleans area. We're incredibly thankful for the readership and support Adore has received over the years, and we're confident you'll be delighted at this next evolution. Thanks for reading!
- MICHAELA BECHLER
Bearcat Baked (726 Julia Street), from everyone’s favorite Bearcat Café, quickly became my coffee and quick lunch spot when working in the CBD in 2024. It’s almost impossible to go in and come out with just a latte… all of their baked goods and breads are delightful. For lunch, you must try the Beet Reuben — it is juicy, tangy, and delicious all around.
Like a lot of New Orleanians, I fell in love with Trumpet & Drum Coffee House (3642 Magazine Street) this year. The shop quickly became my go-to spot for a coffee meeting or catching up with a friend. Between the cozy aesthetic, delicious drinks, and ample seating inside and outside (which is also dog friendly), Trumpet & Drum is the perfect place to send some emails, read a book, or get your day started.
When I’m not loading up my Kindle with digital library loans (thank you New Orleans Public Library and @libby.app), I’m spending time at The Garden District Book Shop (2727 Prytania Street) and Blue Cypress Books (8123 Oak Street). Both shops are stocked with wide selections of books — BCB also offers secondhand options — and fun features like author events and signings, a gorgeous bar at GDBS, and Miss Kitty Meow, the adorable shop cat, at BCB.
We are lucky that there are so many great places to purchase and drink wine in New Orleans. I’m obsessed with Really Really Nice Wines (3500 Magazine Street) and always have the best time in the beautiful wine bar trying something new. Old Metairie Bottle Shop (3127 Metairie Road) has great options by the glass or bottles to bring home — they also have coffee to sip on while you browse! The Little House (640 Bouny Street) is absolutely precious and offers a curated list of bottles to enjoy in The Wineyard or to take with you on your way out.
For cute and trendy clothes that won’t break the bank, Wildflower NOLA (2700 Metairie Road, Suite C) is the perfect place to shop. From denim and dresses to sweaters and shoes, I have it all and always get so many compliments on my pieces. I also love to poke around UAL (multiple locations) — you never know what designer deals you're going to score!
COLOR ME CARNIVAL: Mardi Gras ESSENTIALS
1
Aluminum Crown Server
$525, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com
2
Edeline Lee Turtleneck $720, Midi Skirt $735, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com
3
Carnival Semi-Precious Gemstone Ring $269, Cristy Cali cristycali.com
4
Mardi Gras
Evil Eye Earrings
$98, Cristy Cali cristycali.com
5
Cynthia Kolls Little Crowns $100 Each, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com
6
Tess Bag
$98, Wildfl ower NOLA wildfl owernola.com
7
Handmade Anna-Karin Karlsson
Sunglasses
$1,240-2,465, Art & Eyes artandeyesneworleansla.com
Wanting to purchase their first home together, a local couple found a historic home on Audubon Street — with the authentic New Orleans aesthetic that they desired — in February 2023. The street is dotted with several raised center hall homes, and the neighborhood also boasts a mix of Greek Revival,
Italianate, and Colonial homes. While it was vital for the homeowners to honor the home’s historic architecture, they also wanted to infuse it with their own personal touch. Hosting frequent parties for out-of-town guests, the couple also wanted to design a home that would evoke a true sense of place.
WHITE OUT
Downstairs, designer Aaron Hahnselle blended linen and velvet to maintain a warm, inviting aesthetic. He also designed a custom sixfoot round dining table topped with exquisite Afyon White marble with an antique French iron table base that has been beautifully refinished and retrofitted to complement the elegant design.
After meeting through mutual friends, the homeowners tasked Aaron Hahnselle, designer and producer at Hahnselle Studio, to transform the space. “This was mainly a cosmetic redesign, with paint, wall coverings, light fixtures, and built-ins being the focus,” he says. “I worked with a local contractor Miguel Perez of MP Renovations, [and] it was the start of a great relationship.”
The team began working on the project in June 2023, and they finished in May 2024. In keeping with how he approaches
all of his projects, Aaron rooted this home’s particular design inspiration in storytelling. “I focus on understanding the lives of the people who inhabit the home — how they move through each space and what elements will make the environment distinctly theirs. The primary goal is to create a haven where they can comfortably nest, while also accommodating their entertaining needs. From there, I consider color, mood, and the unique details we can incorporate in each room to surprise and delight.”
COTTAGE DREAMS
The center hall, which spans 10 feet wide and more than 40 feet long with a gilded ceiling and stunning millwork, is an ideal gathering place for entertaining.
Aaron began by developing a cohesive color palette and establishing the overall design inspiration. Then, he turned his attention to space planning, sourcing materials, designing custom pieces, and overseeing the installation and styling to ensure a harmonious and inviting final result.
The biggest transformation took place on the main level.
“The first floor had low ceilings, quirky architectural details, and lacked warmth. Our mission: Create a cozy haven for TV, games, and entertaining. We achieved this with vibrant coastal colors inspired by Florida and Turks and Caicos (two of their favorite vacation spots), lively New Orleans-themed art, and chic touches of glam.”
GAME ON
The teal color creates a backdrop for the playfulness of the room.
The couple also had specific requests that Aaron incorporated into the home. For example, they each wanted their own retreat. While the husband prefers a classic, comfortable look with a hint of modern flair, gravitating toward earthy colors like grays and blues, the wife prefers a blend of classic French and contemporary styles, favoring soft pinks and rich jewel tones, feminine textures, florals, and romantic elements. Now, the husband has a moody whiskey room with a large Italian Neoclassical bookcase to house his extensive collection. And the wife now has a Parisian-inspired lounge with a large antique French daybed upholstered in a dusty-rose velvet. Throughout other areas of the home, Aaron was able to expertly blend their styles to create a cohesive and inviting space.
NEAT & TIDY
The whiskey room boasts sumptuous velvet curtains, a sleek leather chair, and a luxurious `silk rug.
ROSY RETREAT
Since the majority of the home was painted in a clean white, Aaron designed each space to have its own unique identity.
One challenge that he faced was the low ceilings and awkward fur downs on the main floor that detracted from the space. To address this, he incorporated built-ins to cleverly conceal the fur downs. He also designed an elegant eight-foot oak bar to act as the focal point at the end of the center hall. It is finished in an ebonized hue, topped with Calacatta Gold marble and has a custom brass foot rail. “We chose low-slung furniture and added paneled walls to create visual interest and depth. To enhance the ambiance, we opted for a single-color scheme from floor to ceiling and strategically placed sconces around the room.”
RAISING THE BAR
A bar at the end of the center hall makes entertaining easy.
IN THE SHADOWS
Wallpaper and paint in the primary bedroom helped to create a space that is warm, moody, and seductive.
The 8,061-square-foot home now evokes the charm of a Parisian apartment with a bright, neutral foundation accented by rich jewel tones, millwork, and artwork. “Art played a significant role in their vision, with a strong emphasis on showcasing local artists. Quite a few pieces came from New Orleans artists [such as Ellen Macomber, Robin Crutcher, and Leroy Miranda, Jr.] and Southern artists [such as Kellie Lawler, Maggie Grier, and Caleb Mahoney].”
SITTING PRETTY
Aaron enjoys allowing a single element — be it a piece of furniture, fabric, or artwork — to guide and influence the overall design of a room.
Raised Bowl
Eclectic Home eclectichome.net
Pampa Bay Snack Bowl $16.95, Forever New Orleans foreverneworleans.com
Halina Pitcher
$110, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com
Gourmet Grillware Pan $80, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com
$24.99, The Garden District Book Shop gardendistrictbookshop.com
2 Mango Wood Serving Tray
$52, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com
3 Football Wine Stopper
$24.95, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com
4 Cheese Knives with Dog Stands
$52, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n 5
Handled Pizza Griller
$68, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com
6 Party Barge Cooler
$260, Judy at the Rink judyattherink.com
2 3 4 5 6
Sideline Snacks Delicious Recipes FOR THE
BIG GAME
BY MICHAELA BECHLER
If Super Bowl LIX tickets weren’t in your stocking this year, you’re still bound to have a great weekend in New Orleans with these tasty bites created by local chefs.
SMOKEY BOURBON SOUR WITH A ROSEMARY & Honey T wist
Yields 1.
Chef Melissa Araujo of Alma Cafe (800 Louisa Street) offers her flavorful take on a bourbon sour. The beverage is both refreshing and fragrant!
2 oz bourbon
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water)
½ oz smoked
rosemary syrup
1 egg white (optional, for froth)
1 sprig of rosemary (for garnish)
A few dashes of Angostura bitters
Prepare smoked rosemary syrup: toast a few sprigs of fresh rosemary in a pan until smoky, then add them to a simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar) and let it infuse for 20 minutes. Strain before using.
Combine bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, smoked rosemary syrup, and egg white (if using) in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white. Add ice and shake vigorously for another 10-15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a toasted rosemary sprig and a few dashes of Angostura bitters for aroma.
BUTTER-FRIED SALTINES WITH P imento C heese
Yields 6 servings.
This recipe by Chef Alon Shaya of Saba (5757 Magazine Street) and Miss River and Chandelier Bar (2 Canal Street) will satisfy the snackers at your gathering.
½ cup ghee
1 sleeve Saltines (about 36 crackers)
16 oz aged cheddar cheese, preferably a blend of white and yellow cheeses
4 oz jar pimentos, drained and chopped (about ½ cup)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup thinly sliced green onions (about 1 bunch), white and light green parts only
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp hot sauce, preferably Crystal
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Melt the ghee in a skillet over medium heat. When it starts to shimmer, fry the crackers in batches until they’re crisp and golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute per side (tongs make it easiest to do this gently). Remove and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
To make the pimento cheese, stir all remaining ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until fully combined. The consistency should be nice and soft. Serve right away or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
PHOTO COURTESY OF POMEGRANATE HOSPITALITY
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALMA CAFE
Drain the beans and set them aside. Warm the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally to break it up, for 6 to 8 minutes, until it's golden.
Meanwhile, chop one of the onions. When most of the bacon’s fat has rendered, add the onion to the pot along with the celery, bell pepper, and one of the bay leaves, stirring well to coat everything with the fat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the celery and bell pepper just start to soften. Stir in the paprika and cayenne, allowing the spices to toast for a minute or so.
Add the beans, ham hock, and stock. Increase the heat to high to bring everything up to a boil, then skim any foam from the top of the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cover with the lid. Let it cook, low and slow, for at least 3 hours, until the beans are falling apart. It's not a soup, but there should be enough broth so that you see some movement in the pot; top it off with more stock if you need to.
Fish the ham hock out of the pot, pull all the meat off the bone, give it a rough chop, and add it back to the pot, slice
EMILY SHAYA’S FAMOUS
Red B eans & Rice
Yields 10-12 servings.
Emily Shaya, Founder and Director of New Projects at Pomegranate Hospitality (and wife to Alon Shaya!), shares her delicious take on the New Orleans classic. This big pot of red beans and rice is the perfect serve-yourself dish.
2 lbs dried red beans, soaked overnight
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
6 oz bacon, chopped
2 yellow onions, divided
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 dried bay leaves, divided
1 tbsp sweet paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 large smoked ham hock or shank
1 ½ qts chicken stock
1 lb smoked pork sausage
4 tsp Morton Kosher Salt, divided
4 tsp Tabasco Sauce, plus more for serving
2 tsp sugar
½ cup canola oil
4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter
1 lb jasmine rice
3 cups water, or more as needed
1 bunch scallions, sliced
the sausage about an inch thick and add that, too. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, Tabasco, and sugar. (Yes, sugar — it might seem odd, but it gets all the ingredients to pay together nicely.) Continue to cook, covered, over low heat, for at least another ½ hour, until it all starts to pull together. At this point, if you prefer, you can just leave it alone for a couple of hours, returning just to stir occasionally.
While that happens, make the rice: First chop the other onion. Combine the canola oil and butter with the other bay leaf in a separate pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the onion and the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. As soon as the onion is translucent, stir in the rice. Defer to the package instructions for a water ratio; for 1 pound (about 2 cups) of jasmine rice, add 3 cups of water. Increase the heat to high and bring to a simmer; then decrease the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes or so, until it's tender.
Remove the rice from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on, then fluff it with a fork. Remove and discard the bay leaves from both pots. Serve red beans over a scoop of rice, and sprinkle with scallions.
PHOTO BY RUSH JAGOE
MINI CHICKEN BISCUITS WITH C rystal Honey
G astrique
Yields 8-10 bites.
For maximum flavor, these chicken biscuits from Chef Eric Cook’s cookbook Modern Creole: A Taste of New Orleans Culture and Cuisine (written with Jyl Benson) will really pack a punch. To experience his cooking IRL, visit Gris-Gris (1800 Magazine Street) and Saint John (715 St. Charles Avenue).
1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup Creole mustard
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
1 tbsp celery salt
1 tsp white pepper
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp granulated garlic
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsp Creole seasoning
Blended oil or vegetable oil, for frying
1 ½ cups Crystal honey gastrique
1 batch miniature Buttermilk Biscuits warmed, split in half
Combine the buttermilk and Creole mustard in a medium bowl. Add the chicken pieces and soak, refrigerated, for at least 1 hour. Combine the flour, cornstarch, celery salt, white pepper, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, and Creole seasoning in a large bowl and mix.
Heat the oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven. Line a plate with paper towels. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Add the chicken to the bowl with the seasoned flour and toss to coat. Shake off any excess dredge. Working in batches, if necessary, fry the chicken in the hot oil until it is golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F. Drain the chicken on the paper towel–lined plate.
Pour the gastrique into a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Form miniature sandwiches with the chicken and the biscuits.
CRYSTAL HONEY G astrique
Yield 2 cups.
1 cup Crystal hot sauce
1 cup local honey
2 tbsp light brown sugar
Combine the hot sauce, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook until the honey has melted and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.
BUTTERMILK B iscuits
Makes 4 large or 8-10 cocktail-size biscuits.
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tbsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp sugar, plus more for sprinkling (omit for savory biscuits)
1 cup buttermilk
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, cream, and buttermilk in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Combine the dough at low speed until it pulls away from the bowl, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary. The dough should be stiff, yet tacky to the touch. Scrape the dough onto a floured surface, knead it into a smooth ball, then roll it out into a 1-inch-thick mass. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out large biscuits. For cocktail biscuits, use a 1-inch biscuit cutter.
Place the biscuits 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops lightly with sugar.
For large biscuits, bake for 7 minutes, rotate the baking sheet, and bake for 7 more minutes, or until just turning golden brown. For cocktail-size biscuits, check for doneness at 4 minutes.
PHOTO BY SAM HANNA
NEW ORLEANS BBQ SHRIMP & B eef Meatball P istolettes
Yields 60.
If you’re looking for a savory dish to feed the masses, try these Cajun stuffed shrimp and meatball rolls from Executive Chef Marcus Woodham of The Bower (1320 Magazine Street).
5 lbs ground grass-fed beef
3 lbs ground Gulf shrimp
1 onion, small dice
5 oz minced garlic
2 bunches fresh parsley
1 cup chopped rosemary
3 eggs
2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
2 cups Parmigiano, grated
5 lemons zested (save juice for sauce)
6 tbsp black pepper
Salt and Creole seasoning to taste
Combine all the ingredients into 2-ounce portions and roast at 400◦F for 8-10 minutes.
S AUCE
¼ cup olive oil
5 tbsp minced garlic
4 Abita Amber Lagers
3 cups Worcestershire
5 sprigs fresh rosemary
Juice from 5 lemons
2 tbsp raw cane sugar
1 lb butter
In a pot big enough to fi t your meatballs, add olive oil and sauté garlic. Then add the remaining ingredients for the sauce EXCEPT the butter and reduce the liquid by half. Once reduced, add butter. When that’s melted, add roasted meatballs and let simmer for 45 minutes.
Add the meatballs to pistolettes and add Blue Plate Mayo and your favorite slaw.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOWER
SUSTAINABLE Stylish & S IMPLE,
Get Organized in 2025
BY FELICIA SCHIMPF OF NEAT METHOD
As we head into 2025, home organization is no longer just about tidying up — it’s about creating spaces that reflect personal style while enhancing daily life. The latest trends combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, making homes not only more organized but also more enjoyable to live in.
Whether you’re tackling an entire home or focusing on specific areas like pantries or tech zones, these ideas will inspire a fresh, organized start to the year.
1. Minimalism WITH PERSONALITY
Decluttering with Meaning
Minimalism remains a cornerstone of home organization. Homeowners are embracing curated minimalism, where every item serves a purpose or holds sentimental value. This approach reduces clutter while creating displays that tell a personal story, such as arranging books, art, or heirlooms in an intentional and visually pleasing way.
Neutral Tones + Pops of Color
Storage solutions are shifting from utilitarian to stylish, incorporating muted palettes — think soft grays, whites, and beiges — accented with bold, colorful details like drawer hardware, labels, or storage lids. This balance of subtlety and vibrancy makes organizational tools feel like part of the décor.
2. Multifunctional ORGANIZATION
Hidden Storage
From pull-out pantry shelves to under-couch storage bins, maximizing every square inch of a home is key. Multifunctional solutions keep items out of sight yet easily accessible, ensuring that spaces feel uncluttered without sacrificing utility.
3. THE RISE OF THE Micro-Zone
Micro-Zones — dedicated, compact areas tailored for specific activities — are revolutionizing how people think about organization. These zones create efficiency and reduce visual clutter by keeping items related to one task in a single location. Popular examples include:
Coffee Stations: Complete with mugs, coffee beans, fixings and a machine.
Tech Drop Zones: A place to charge and store gadgets, with labeled cords and trays for accessories.
Gift-Wrapping Zones: Organized wrapping paper, ribbons, and scissors in a compact station.
Drawer Dividers and Inserts: Inside drawers and cabinets, dividers and inserts are being used to create mini zones for smaller items like utensils, toiletries, or offi ce supplies. This trend is perfect for anyone looking to maintain order in often-overlooked spaces.
4. AESTHETIC PANTRY Makeovers
Uniform Containers for a Streamlined Look
The pantry has become a focal point for home organizing enthusiasts, with matching containers and bins leading the charge. Uniform containers not only make a pantry look sleek and cohesive but also make it easier to locate items at a glance.
Labels for Clarity and Style
Minimalist black-and-white labels ensure that pantries look beautiful while staying practical.
Vertical Storage Solutions
Tiered shelving, under-shelf baskets, and hanging racks maximize vertical space, keeping pantries tidy and accessible. These tools are especially useful for small kitchens, helping to create a functional yet Instagram-worthy pantry setup.
WITH
POWER Protein UP
BY JENNY PETERSON
Whether it’s part of a New Year’s resolution or just a desire for healthier habits, focusing on better eating can make a huge difference in how we feel and perform daily.
Molly Kimball, a registered dietitian, cookbook author, and founder of the nonprofit restaurant initiative Ochsner Eat Fit, said those looking to lose weight and feel better can often benefit from adding one specific food group into their diet: protein. And not just a handful of nuts, either. According to Molly, your daily protein target can be calculated based on your body weight or a healthy weight for a person of your height. Aim for half a gram of protein — up to one gram of protein — per pound of healthy body weight. For a 150-pound person, this translates to 75-150 grams of protein daily.
“Many convenience foods that are easy to reach for tend to be carbohydrate-rich foods like crackers, pretzels, or chips. These refined, processed carbs set us up on a blood-sugar rollercoaster, with a quick release of energy, followed by a crash, leaving us craving more carbs.”
Protein, on the other hand, packs a punch: it provides a slow, steady release of energy, helps people feel fuller longer, helps to build and maintain muscles, and can even aid in mental sharpness.
Something to note is that not all protein sources are created equal. Molly’s team of dietitians with Ochsner’s Lifestyle Nutrition department typically recommends seafood rich in omega-3 like salmon, as well as locally sourced seafood, along with lean cuts of beef, pork, or poultry. There are also meatless protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt with no added sugars or cottage cheese. Be sure to check labels on protein bars for low-sugar options. Alternative plantbased protein options have been making great strides with high-protein chips, snack bars, and crackers. Vegans can
PHOTO BY VIETA COLLINS
PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES / A_NAMENKO
Molly Kimball
enjoy plant-based options like milk made from pea protein and chickpea pasta, which offers significantly more protein than its wheat flour counterpart.
“Protein is often overlooked when we don't prioritize it. It’s all about finding options that help to nudge up protein intake, looking at what are you are choosing to eat, and asking yourself if there's an alternative that could be more nutrient-rich.”
HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE WAYS TO
ADD MORE PROTEIN TO YOUR DIET:
Indulge in the local bounty. Fish, shrimp, and seafood make great protein-rich choices.
Add protein on top of salads. Many restaurants also o er portions of protein as an add-on for salads.
Plan to plan ahead. Most proteins need to be cooked, so meal planning — like cooking several servings of chicken or fi sh to keep in the fridge throughout the week or making egg mu ns ahead of time — can make grabbing a protein-rich meal easier.
Supplement by adding a scoop of protein powder in smoothies, baked goods, and even stirred into co ee.
FOR MORE TIPS AND HEALTHY RECIPES, VISIT OCHSNEREATFIT.COM.
PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES / SAMINALEO
Area
Cashmere Scarf
$45, Alice & Amelia shopaliceandamelia.com 2
Pearl Trim Cardigan $49, Wildfl ower NOLA wildfl owernola.com 3 Sport Coat
$795, Ted and George tedandgeorgenola.com 4 Philosophy Tropical Wool Dress $830, Sosusu sosusuboutique.com
5 COMMONGROUND
Matte Gray Frames
$495, Art & Eyes artandeyesneworleansla.com
6
ORI Paddington Bag $49.95, Forever New Orleans shopforeverneworleans.com
7 Flint Side Table $1,245, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net 8
Faherty Sweater Shirt $178, Ted and George tedandgeorgenola.com
9 Coil Sculpture on Acrylic Base $995, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 Printed Mock Neck Top
$118, Ballin’s ballinsltd.com
2
Pissenlit Reversible
Cashmere Silk Cape
$350, Maisonette maisonetteshop.com
3
Marelle Textured Robe
$278, Maisonette maisonetteshop.com
4
Peter Millar Crown Heritage
Cashmere Sweater $350, Iron Horse ironhorseclothier.com
Cloud Gray Marble Tray $220, Eclectic Home eclectichome.net
8 Marble Coaster Set $20 / Set of 4, Little Miss Muffi n shoplittlemissmuffi n.com
9 Pastori Decius Suede Loafers $325, Ted and George tedandgeorgenola.com 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
BUILDING DREAMS: Ball Gowns and Blue Jeans 2024
BY MICHAELA BECHLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF EDEN CENTERS FOR HOPE AND HEALING
During the first and long-awaited chill of the season, supporters of Eden Centers for Hope and Healing gathered for the organization’s annual fall fundraiser Building Dreams: Ball Gowns and Blue Jeans. The festive Westerninspired evening took place Wednesday, November 20 at the beautiful home of Mr. and
Mrs. Dennis P. Lauscha which dazzled and glowed with holiday décor. This year’s benefit was co-chaired by Marilee Keenan Hovet and Helen Read Young and supported by many generous sponsors and a 40-plus person host committee. The sold-out event raised critical funds to support the recovery of survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The Eden Centers for Hope and Healing team
With Eden Centers’ important mission on everyone’s minds, the patron party kicked off the evening with style. Guests leaned into the theme and arrived wearing everything from sparkly gowns and cocktail dresses to denim, boots, and cowboy hats. Fabulous coats and winter accessories were also debuted for the first time that season with the sudden temperature drop. Bubbly was offered as patrons made their way into the party, and inside, a special piano performance by Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper (Classical Shindig) was underway. Catering was provided by boutique caterer Palate New Orleans, and guests enjoyed a chilled seafood bar and passed apps including Cajun Caviar and rosemary beef.
The fun continued during the main gala with Ted Hefko and the Thousandaires playing country favorites. A savory country feast included a Creole charcuterie station stocked with crawfish maque choux cheesecake, cochon de lait, crawfish macaroni and cheese, and maque choux grits.
Ball Gowns and Blue Jeans co-chairs Helen Read Young and Marilee Keenan Hovet
A Wagyu cow, donated by John Scialdone at Stone Creek Cattle, was cooked by Louis Freeman, Jr., Al Bienvenu, and Chris Roos. Shrimp, crab claws, crawfish, and oysters were donated by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, and Fortune Fish and Gourmet donated 80 pounds of drum. Alcohol was donated by Sazerac/Goldring Family Foundation with wine and champagne provided by The Wine Seller.
Throughout the event, attendees learned more about Eden Centers’ initiatives from the kind and informative staff members stationed throughout the party. They also had the opportunity to continue their support by purchasing Registry Board items like dental visits, I.D. documents, personal stipends, and more.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EDEN CENTERS FOR HOPE AND HEALING, VISIT EDEN-CENTERS.ORG. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING, EMAIL ASSISTANT@EDEN-CENTERS.ORG.
Eden Centers FOR HOPE & HEALING
In 2011, Kara Van de Carr founded Eden House, the first recovery home in the Greater New Orleans area. A few years later, the outreach and prevention program launched followed by Especially Eden, its social enterprise that empowers survivors to build job skills and become financially stable. The organization’s second home Garden House opened in 2022 and was followed by the opening of The Eden Emergency Center in January 2023, which is the first shelter for human trafficking victims in the country that is partnered with a hospital. This partnership is vital to providing life-saving medical services. The organization officially became Eden Centers for Hope and Healing to represent its entire community and services offered. More than just a safe and comfortable shelter, Eden Centers helps with medical and dental bills, tuition towards school, starter home kits, and lifelong continuum of care at no cost to survivors.
Many of the Ball Gowns and Blue Jeans host committee with founder Kara Van de Carr and co-chairs Helen Read Young and Marilee Keenan Hovet.
Michael Harold, Marilee Keenan Hovet, and Quinn Peeper
Ayame Dinkler, Natalie Laborde, and Olivia Johnston
BY MARIGNY LANAUX
Shop Dogs LILO & Charlie
For those always hosting or en route to an event, turn to Le Provisions, a specialty market stocked with everything you need for entertaining! The quaint storefront is owned by Pigéon Caterers, a local catering company that crafts the perfect menu for any occasion.
“At our old location in MidCity, our customers would come to pick up their Pigéon Caterers orders and wait in a small lobby,” shares events sales manager Lauren Pigéon. “In our new Jefferson location, the space where guests would pick up their orders is fairly large, so Dean Pigéon saw the opportunity to make a store where guests could grab some last-minute things they might have forgotten!”
Gifts, charcuterie accompaniments, an impressive wine selection, disposable utensils, and prepared dishes are a few things shoppers can purchase to make any event run smoothly. Besides the wide variety of party essentials, Lilo and Charlie add to the shop’s allure! The dynamic duo loves meeting new people,
which makes entertaining customers an easy task.
The Golden Labrador Retriever and Black Labrador Brittany Spaniel Mix are two peas in a pod. Technically Charlie’s aunt, Lilo balances out Charlie’s energetic personality during their daily duties. Both pups are hard workers as they are tied for Employee of the Month, every month. The two also love being “in uniform,” which consists of dressing up in fun costumes or matching merchandise. One of their favorite parts of working at Le Provisions is being surrounded by food! As you browse the shelves, they might nudge you to check out the toast point crackers — their favorite snack and product.
Stay tuned for delicious king cakes, a new wedding venue, and exciting in-house happenings in 2025! “Le Provisions is more than a store — it’s a celebration of New Orleans’ culinary culture… with engaging events like wine tastings and paint-andsip nights, Le Provisions is a place where food, wine, and community come together in true New Orleans style.”
Zodiac sign: Aries
Breed: Golden Labrador Retriever
Favorite things: Her dad, booty scratches, her brother’s bed (but only when he's gone), cheese, and swimming
Impressive trick: Can open the door to let herself outside
Favorite things: Her mom, all food (except lettuce), playing with all her toys at the same time, bacon, and watching Bluey
Impressive trick: Can say "please"
Name: Lilo
Name: Charlie
Zodiac sign: Virgo Breed: Black Labrador Brittany Spaniel Mix
