December 2020-January2021 Issue of Inside New Orleans Magazine

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TRIMMING THE TREE •

NEW ORLEANS SELFIE SCENE • GLASS HALF FULL • GIFT GUIDE

DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021 VOL. 7, NO. 6

December 2020-January 2021

Vol. 7, No. 6

Publisher Jonée Daigle-Ferrand ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Editor

Art Director

Leah Draffen Brad Growden

Contributors are featured on page 13.

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On the cover

Artist Josh Hailey.

Find more on page 14.

Visit InsideNewOrleansMagazine.com to view our online issue with direct links to our advertisers’ sites.

INSIDE NEW ORLEANS is published bi-monthly (February, April, June, August, October, December) by JBL Publishing, LLC, PO Box 7603, Metairie, LA 70010-7603 as a means of communication and information for greater New Orleans, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid - New Orleans, LA. Copy­right ©2020 by JBL Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside New Orleans Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

page 22

contents table of

page 52

Features

14 A Creative Mix

Cover Artist Josh Hailey

22 Trimming the Tree

Local Designers Share Their Holiday Decorating Tips 28 The New Orleans Selfie Scene

Exploring the City’s Fun New Interactive Galleries

page 35

34 Holiday Gift Guide 2020

52 Inspired by Nature

Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Designs

54 Glass Half Full

Departments

11 Publisher’s Note

More Than Glass Recycling

page 28

12 Editor’s Note 13 Contributors 18 INside Scoop

56 Get Fit

Kick Off the New Decade with Positivity 57 INside Peek 60 Drinks with Anna

Nogs, Grogs, Punches, Bubbles, and Cocktails for Every Festive Occasion 62 IN the Kitchen

Four-Layer Caviar Dip 63 Haute Plates

66 Last Sip

Broussard’s Restaurant page 34

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Publisher’s Note

by Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

The Christmas/New Year’s holiday gmail.com

season is my favorite time of year. I

reasons: picking out that perfect tree; watching my family decorate the house while listening to Christmas music; then settling down in front of a roaring fire to watch a one of my favorite Christmas

photo: TRENT SPA NN imagesbyrober tt@

love the Christmas holidays for many

movies while sipping a steaming mug of hot chocolate. It sounds like a movie, right?

Well, there’s always the usual family disagreements over which tree is the best, the perfect light colors or ornaments and which movie to watch, but overall, it’s one of my favorite experiences. On Christmas morning we celebrate the same tradition every year, we head to my parents’ house to celebrate and open presents with my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. That is what inspired this issue’s editorial feature, “Trimming the Tree.” I love seeing photos of beautifully decorated trees and homes during the holidays.

Let’s talk about my picture above. Have you heard about ARTmazing Gallery? My staff and some clients met there for a fabulous and fun selfie photo shoot for Leslie Cardé’s “New Orleans Selfie Scene” feature. I had a hard time choosing the best photos because there were so many great backgrounds and colors and themes! I highly recommend checking it out, along with JAMNOLA. I know everyone is ready to put 2020 behind us, and we are all hopeful for a better 2021. This year has been extremely stressful and difficult for everyone. Let’s pray for all of our loved ones who have been affected by this pandemic.

I cannot end my note without saying, please shop local, stay local, dine local and support our advertisers. Inside New Orleans magazine would not be possible without our amazing clients supporting us. Let our clients know you saw their ad too!

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy New Years!

Editor’s Note

by Leah Draffen

We have made it to the 2020 finish line! What a year it has been!

(Or years? I’m not sure.) I don’t know about you, but I’m especially excited for Christmas and the New Year. End of year celebrations seem way more exciting for 2020. Maybe it’s because we have accomplished and learned so very much in the past 11 months.

This year has definitely been my most challenging as an editor.

Finding pandemic appropriate stories in a city that thrives on human interaction has been quite interesting, but I believe we’ve successfully provided New Orleans with interesting reads! We could not have done this without our incredible contributors. They have worked so hard to stay on the pulse of what’s happening in our community all while navigating our new normal of phone interviews and socially distant photo shoots.

In this issue, Leslie Cardé gives the details on two immersive galleries that you can safely enjoy this holiday season (page 28). Be sure to charge your phone before go so you can snap away! And as you pull out the Christmas decorations, be sure to read “Trimming the Tree” on page 22. Three local designers shared décor tips for spreading holiday cheer in your home. As for the holiday spirit, Anna Tusa pens the most perfect recipes for festive cocktails your pod can sip all season long.

We are thrilled and hopeful for what’s next. The new year will bring new art on the cover, fresh recipes and cocktails, compelling people and their stories! On a personal note, in the spring of 2021, my little family will welcome a baby girl into our home! See, 2020 hasn’t been all bad. It has showed us that we are very resilient, and it has laid the groundwork for so many blessings to come! I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Warm wishes,

Contributors Our contributors give Inside New Orleans its voice, its personality and its feel. Here we are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.

Anna Tusa

Anna Tusa is the Director of Operations for Briquette, the Briquette Wine Room and New Orleans Creole Cookery. On page 60, Anna mixes up your holiday cocktail bar.

Ingrid Rinck

Ingrid Rinck is a self-made entrepreneur and CEO of Sensible Meals and has been helping people eat healthier and achieve their weight loss goals since 2014.

Read Ingrid’s tips on how to kick off the new decade with positive vibrations on page 56.

Leslie Cardé Veteran journalist Leslie Cardé began her career reporting for NPR in Los Angeles.

From there, she landed in New Orleans as an anchor/health and science editor before moving on to anchor three hours of daily financial news and host an entertainment show for CNBC. She’s reported from the Middle East for CNN, worked as a producer and narrator for E! Entertainment and wrote, directed and produced the award-winning documentary America Betrayed. Leslie currently writes for The New Orleans Advocate and Los Angeles Magazine. She is also a producer/reporter for CBS Newspath. See Leslie’s article about New Orleans’ newest interactive galleries on page 28.

Lorin Gaudin Lorin Gaudin has passion for all things food, drink and arts. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Loyola University of New Orleans, and a culinary diploma from The Ritz-Escoffier in Paris, she parlayed her education to become a food editor/reporter for national, regional and local publications as well as local television and radio. She is an adjunct instructor in Delgado Community College’s culinary program and the host of a food radio show broadcasting from Delgado’s radio station, WXDR 99.1FM. Lorin is the creator-founder of FiveOhFork, specializing in food journalism and culinary social media/web content for the culinary industry. In this issue, Lorin plates caviar dip fit for the holidays on page 62.

Other Voices: Leah Draffen, Thomas B. Growden and Trent Spann.

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A Creative Mix Cover Artist Josh Hailey

AS THE GRANDSON of a “wacky” engineer, it’s only fitting that artist Josh Hailey’s projects are literally off-the-wall. “I majored in photography and minored in ceramics which shows where my mixed media work comes from,” says Josh. “I can’t make anything completely flat.”

Josh blends his love for photography and art to create mixed media artwork for all. “I try to make a one-of-a-kind piece in everything I do through layering fabric to weaving things to incorporating upcycled items like donated wood, fabric…anything.”

Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Josh attended Mississippi State University to study architecture, but quickly found himself playing in the basement dark room. Following college in 2005, Josh planned to move to New Orleans, but Hurricane Katrina arrived at the same time. “I reverted and started a gallery in Jackson. That is where I learned a lot. I also traveled profusely.” Like many of Josh’s passions, his traveling became a project that eventually landed him in New Orleans.

“In 2012, I put together Photamerica while spending two years on the road.

I self-funded the tour and called it my ‘grad school’ because it combined all of >> 14

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photos courtesy: JOSH HAILEY

by Leah Draffen

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photos courtesy: JOSH HAILEY

Top of page: The 32-foot mural found at the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South’s event space. Above: A Modern Past Present wedding piece Josh made for a client to give to her dad, Joe, after her mom recently passed.

my interests of art, photography and travel. I interviewed three Americans a day, then made photographs, custom artwork and music videos of every state,” Josh explains.

“My sixth state was Louisiana. That’s where I found the Bywater Art Lofts, which is where I live now. And in the 43rd state, New York, I met my wife in a bar. We got accepted into the Lofts and moved down in 2014. New Orleans has been incredible. It really set my artistic brain on fire.”

Josh began selling his Photamerica series at the Frenchman Art Market. He expanded quickly into custom work for hotels, new builds and residential projects. “I like to wear a different hat every day,” laughs Josh. “It keeps things interesting and allows me to do it all.”

Recently, Josh completed an interactive floor mural for JAMNOLA (read more about JAMNOLA on page 30) and a 32-foot mural at the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South’s event space. Josh used over 3,000 pieces of fabric in the WBEC mural. The new Bywater Brew Pub on Royal Street features Josh’s work including a painted wall mural and Josh’s New Orleans Maps.

The Maps found at the Brew Pub and on Josh’s website is a favorite project of his. “I love to work with people on custom maps that use a mix of fabric, paint, imagery and gold finishes. I try to make art for anyone and everyone. My whole philosophy is to make artwork that is affordable for all.”

Another favorite is his Modern Past Present series. “I adore doing the Modern Past Present series. You give me 100 or more images of someone in your family and I can make an art piece of them using memorabilia and the photos. It’s a fun, personal and beautiful project.”

While creating art is incredibly exciting for Josh, it’s getting to meet the people who will enjoy it that fills him

even more. “I personally like to meet the person that buys my art,” Josh smiles.

“I like to install it for free, hang out, sign it for you, drink a beer and have a good time. I think that has so much more intrinsic value than just buying the art without ever meeting.”

Celebrating six years in New Orleans, Josh hopes to continue hanging his mixed media works in the homes and buildings of the city he loves.

Clockwise: Josh’s Heart of Gold series that he completed during the summer; a Louisiana burst from Josh’s Photamerica project; Josh with one of his Maps.

Visit Josh’s studio at 3726 Dauphine Street #208. Follow Josh on Instagram @joshhailey. Learn more about Josh’s work at joshhaileystudio.com and his Photamerica series at photamerica.com.

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Celebration In The Oaks

December

1-15 Give a Gift, Get a Treat. Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts hosts its annual toy drive for local children in need. For each gift delivered to a Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts restaurant, the donor will receive a complimentary dessert to enjoy at the end of the meal. For gifts brought to Daiquiri Paradise, the donor will receive 2 for 1 daiquiris. Drop off at any Creole Cuisine restaurant. CreoleCuisine.com.

1-Jan 3 Celebration in the Oaks Driving Tour. Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is the most spectacular holiday lights festival in the country. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in over a million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout the 2.25 mile driving tour of the Park. Guests must remain in their vehicles at all times. New Orleans City Park, 2 Friederich Ave. Closed Dec 24 and 31. neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-inthe-oaks.

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1-Jan 14 Me Time Challenge. The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic and Ochsner Health are teaming up for a brandnew virtual challenge focused on physical and mental health. All challenge proceeds will go directly to the Women’s Wellness and Survivorship Center at Ochsner Baptist. Registrants receive a virtual bib, commemorative Me Time Challenge longsleeve shirt and a finisher’s medallion. $35. ccc10k.com.

3 Good Shepherd School Virtual Gala.

The Good Shepherd School, which provides a free tuition quality Catholic private education to children in New Orleans no matter their financial status, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a memorable virtual Gala. New Orleans’ legendary Commander’s Palace Restaurant will provide fine dining cuisine delivered to your door as you enjoy the sounds of Irma Thomas. 598-9399.

thegoodshepherdschool.org.

4-5 Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Designs Show. View Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Designs at the Bead Shop by appointment.

4612 Magazine St. 895-6161.

5 Art Walk & Wine Tasting. Visit gallery to gallery in the 700 and 800 blocks of Royal Street sipping wines from around the globe while taking in some of New Orleans greatest gifts—rare antiques, fine art, and stunning historic architecture. Tickets are limited. 4-6pm. nowfe.com.

5 Early Childhood Open House. Ursuline Academy, 2635 State St. Register online at go.uanola.org.

5 Improvisations: The New Orleans Jazz Museum Gala. 7-11pm. 400 Esplanade.

Tickets are limited. nolajazzmuseum.org/ events/gala2020.

5-20 Holiday Tea. Continue this festive Ritz-Carlton tradition in the Ritz’s French Quarter Balcony room. The Ritz-Carlton,

photo courtesy: NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK

INSIDE

Dec 1-Jan 3 Celebration in the Oaks Driving Tour. Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is the most spectacular holiday lights festival in the country.

City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in over a million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout the 2.25 mile driving tour of the Park. With more than 165,000 visitors pouring into the Park to see the magical winter spectacle in previous years, 2020 is a special year and City Park has made it happen a driving tour! Guests must remain in their vehicles at all times. New Orleans City Park, 2 Friederich Ave. Closed Dec 24 and 31. neworleanscitypark.com/ celebration-in-the-oaks.

921 Canal St. 12pm. Adults, $75; children 5 and older, $55. Exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations, 940-7658. ritzcarlton.com.

5-20 Gingerbread Build. Children of all ages are invited to build a festive gingerbread house. Price includes one gingerbread house with all the decorating essentials. Adult supervision and reservations are required. The RitzCarlton, 921 Canal St. 1pm. Table of four including children, $175. Reservations, 940-7658. ritzcarlton.com.

5, 12, 19, 22 and 23 Brunch with Santa.

Santa will once again visit the Court of Two Sisters for a festive brunch. Includes three-course brunch with coffee and tea (or buffet if restrictions change before the event), visit with Santa, festive live jazz, and a gift for every child. The Court of Two Sisters, 613 Royal St. 10am or 1pm. $15-$50. Reservations required by >> D e ce m be r 2 0 2 0 - Jan uary 2 0 21

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Inside Scoop email or phone. court2si@courtoftwosisters.com. 522-7261 ext 24.

5, 12, 19, 26 Champagne Saturdays. Symmetry Jewelers & Designers, 8138 Hampson St. symmetryjewelers.com.

8 Drink & Learn: Creole Holiday Traditions. Celebrate the season with Creole history and cocktail recipes that pay homage to New Orleans holiday delights. Hosted by Drinks Historian Elizabeth Pearce and Sazerac House cocktail experts. The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. 4-5:30pm. For tickets, visit sazerachouse.com.

11 A Very Merry Drag Brunch. Hosted by Broussard’s featuring the Southern Barbitchuates, a festive limited menu and specialty cocktails.

All COVID safety procedures will be followed. Broussard’s Restaurant, 819 Conti St. 11am or 1:30pm. Reservations, 581-3866.

11-18 NOLA Virtual Christmasfest: Santa’s Little Helpers Digital Series. Programming includes Christmas crafts, holiday baking and decorating, holiday dance classes, nightly book readings from some our favorite Christmas characters, and so much more. nolachristmasfest.com.

12 Longue Vue’s Merry Market. Outdoor marketplace, photos with Santa and garden crafts. Also introducing Edith and Edgar’s Museum Café. Longue Vue House & Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd. 1-4pm. Tickets and details, longuevue.com.

12 Seated Mini-Vinola. Sample ten wineries from around the world paired with three highly acclaimed New Orleans restaurants all while seated at your table. Each winery or wine representative will mingle throughout the room, pouring these rare and highly valued wines.

Rib Room, 621 Saint Louis Street. 3-5pm. nowfe.com.

12-13 Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Virtual Home

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Tour. The Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Home Tour, presented by McEnery Residential, goes virtual this year, throwing open the doors to stunning historic New Orleans homes for a series of video tours. Participants will enjoy learning about the architecture and design of these grand residences, all decked in holiday finery. $40. 581-7032. prcno.org.

12-13, 19-20 The Nutcracker Ballet. Toy soldiers, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy—experience these classic characters again this holiday season as part of the fantastical journey with The Nutcracker. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. 2pm. jpas.org.

15 Cheers to Cheese: Holiday Gatherings. This holiday themed cheese and cocktail tasting explores spirited pairings. Join St. James Cheese Company and our Sazerac House cocktail experts as we toast to the holidays. The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. 4-6pm.

For tickets, visit sazerachouse.com.

20 Virtual Holiday Concert Series: Rachel Van Voorhees. Tune in for the virtual version of this beloved holiday tradition! Concerts will be streamed live via the French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) Facebook page and YouTube channel. fqfi.org.

21 Virtual Holiday Concert Series: Tim Laughlin. Tune in for the virtual version of this beloved holiday tradition! Concerts will be streamed live via the French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) Facebook page and YouTube channel. fqfi.org.

22 Virtual Holiday Concert Series: Amanda Shaw. Tune in for the virtual version of this beloved holiday tradition! Concerts will be streamed live via the French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) Facebook

page and YouTube channel. fqfi.org.

23 Virtual Holiday Concert Series: Don Vappie- A Very Vappie Christmas. Tune in for the virtual version of this beloved holiday tradition! Concerts will be streamed live via the French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) Facebook page and YouTube channel. fqfi.org.

24 Virtual Holiday Concert Series: Irma Thomas. Tune in for the virtual version of this beloved holiday tradition! Concerts will be streamed live via the French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) Facebook page and YouTube channel. fqfi.org.

25 Christmas Day Jubilee. Enjoy an enhanced four-course menu and unlimited Champagne. The Ritz-Carlton, 921 Canal St. 12-5pm. Adult, $99; 12 and under, $45. Exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations, 940-7658. ritzcarlton.com.

31 New Year’s Eve Masquerade. End 2020 on a festive and memorable note. Indulge in a five-course dinner perfectly paired with exciting champagnes and wine. The Ritz-Carlton, 921 Canal St. 8pm. 21 and older. $350. Exclusive of tax and gratuity.

Reservations, 940-7658. ritzcarlton.com.

January

1-3 Celebration in the Oaks Driving Tour. Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is the most spectacular holiday lights festival in the country. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in over a million twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout the 2.25 mile driving tour of the Park. Guests must remain in their vehicles at all times. New Orleans City Park, 2 Friederichs Ave. neworleanscitypark.com/celebration-in-the-oaks.

1-14 Me Time Challenge. The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic and Ochsner Health are teaming up for a brand-new virtual challenge focused on physical and mental health. All challenge proceeds and donations from participants will go directly to the Women’s Wellness and Survivorship Center at Ochsner Baptist.

Registrants receive a virtual bib, commemorative Me Time Challenge long-sleeve shirt and a finisher’s medallion. $35. ccc10k.com.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Champagne Saturdays. Symmetry Jewelers & Designers, 8138 Hampson St. symmetryjewelers.com.

20 Virtual Hot Toddy Tasting. Cocktail Kits available for sale for curbside pickup. A portion of the sales benefiting the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. 5-5:45pm. For tickets, visit sazerachouse.com.

23, 24 The World is my Home – The Life of Paul Robeson. A one-man tribute to the life and career of the great African American bass baritone will be presented for two shows only. Written and performed by Stogie Kenyatta. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. Jan 23, 7:30pm; Jan 24, 2pm. jpas.org.

26 Cocoa & Cocktails: Bourbon. Learn why chocolate and whiskey is a pairing steeped in craft and tradition. Hosted by Sazerac House cocktail experts and Piety & Desire Chocolates. The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St. 4-5:30pm. For tickets, visit sazerachouse.com.

NOTE: All dates and events are subject to change or cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Send your event information to scoopINOLA@gmail.com to have it featured in an upcoming issue of Inside New Orleans.

Trimming the Tree Festively decorated fireplace and tree

by Brandy Penedo.

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WHEN THE THANKSGIVING FESTIVITIES are over, pulling out the Christmas decoration boxes can be exciting and nostalgic. Revisiting memories of the unique accents that adorn our homes around the holidays makes Christmas decorating all the more festive and fun. We sat down with three local designers to get tips and tricks on holiday decorating from incorporating fresh décor to tackling the tree.

Brandy Penedo of B Styled Home INO: What’s the most important part of holiday decorating for you?

BP: The most important part of holiday decorating for me is the beloved Christmas tree. The tree always sets the tone for everything.

INO: How do you recommend incorporating old, beloved pieces or family heirlooms into new decor?

BP: My design flare tends to lean toward mixing in the old with the new. A home should always tell the story of the homeowner. Displaying those pieces not only helps tell the story, but also allows for them to cherish their special memories near and dear to their heart. Navigating through and finding new pieces to complete the story is always a fun and exciting challenge.

INO: What’s your advice for decorating a tree?

BP: One of my first steps in decorating a tree following the lights, of course, is to fill in its hollow spots with the largest ornaments and/or pieces. This allows for an even canvas for all of the remaining ornaments and decor.

INO: What are some of your favorite items for the holidays?

BP: Some of my favorite holiday items I like to use are natural elements such as dried foliage, full and large garlands, and of course, vintage pieces.

photos courtesy: BRANDY PENEDO

INO: Trees: Fresh, faux or flocked?

BP: As much as I love the smells of a freshly cut Christmas tree, I typically recommend the investment of a good faux tree. It tends to be easier incorporating the wired branches for installing the ornaments/decor all while keeping things in place. A lightly flocked tip tree is currently my favorite style of tree. I love how it gives a timeless and vintage feel.

INO: What are your tips on choosing ornaments?

BP: My advice for choosing ornaments is to stay within a three-color ornament scheme. This will allow for you to build your ornament collection over time and you will then have the option of interchanging color themes throughout the years without having to buy all new ones.

INO: What’s your most memorable holiday decorating project?

BP: My most memorable holiday decorating project would have to be when a family friend of ours >> D e ce m be r 2 0 2 0 - Jan uary 2 0 21

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unexpectedly lost their son at the beginning of the holiday season. My heart couldn’t let them go through the holidays without a Christmas tree. My husband and I found the most perfect 10-foot flocked real tree (that the tree lot owner ended up donating when hearing the tragic news). I snuck in and fully decorated the tree with all of their family’s special ornaments and added in a few new ones for the finishing touches. Needless to say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when we revealed the tree surprise.

Above: Jacquelyn Lindsey standing next to one of her holiday design projects.

Right: A beautiful monochromatic room grandly decorated by Jacquelyn for Christmas.

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Jacquelyn Lindsey of JL Studio Designs INO: When approaching a holiday decor project, what’s your first step?

JL: When approaching a holiday décor project, I like to first start with deciding on a cohesive theme and color palette. I believe it’s important that each room throughout the home flows together nicely so that spaces don’t clash with each other. For example, maybe your theme is wintery white, or maybe it’s traditional reds and greens. Whatever your theme is, it should be consistent from the exterior to the interior. The outside of your home sets the tone for what’s to come on the inside.

photo: BAK RIZAEV, COURTESY OF JACQUELYN LINDSEY

photo: MARIE-DOMINIQUE VERDIER, COURTESY OF JACQUELYN LINDSEY

INO: What’s your favorite personal holiday tradition?

BP: My personal favorite holiday tradition is watching my daughters decorate their tree that we have especially for them. It is a 1950s vintage style faux tree that they fill each and every branch with their own special handmade ornaments and ones they’ve collected over the years. We always have it displayed it in the dining room for family and guests to enjoy for holiday gatherings and Christmas dinner.

INO: How do you recommend incorporating old, beloved pieces or family heirlooms into new decor?

JL: One of my favorite things when it comes to decorating and design is incorporating newer items with old family heirlooms, but I believe there is an art to properly mixing them together. When it comes to contrasting styles, I consider scale, proportion, color, texture and placement.

For example, I might stage a modern tabletop tree with a traditional picture frame next to it that has an old family photo in it. I love bringing out old picture frames during the holidays because it’s an important time to remember our loved ones and what’s most important to us.

INO: What’s your advice for decorating a tree?

JL: There are many factors to think about when decorating a tree. For starters, you have to decide on what color background you want for the ornaments.

Will your ornaments pop more against a green tree, a flocked tree or a colored tree? Once you decide the tree color, then you should choose an ornament style that you like. I prefer ornaments to have a consistent theme while mixing five to seven different styles, depending on the size of the tree. I use larger, spherical ornaments to disguise gaps and to create layers of depth in natural trees. Then I use smaller, lightweight ornaments for the ends of the branches so the tree doesn’t sag overtime after bearing weight.

When stringing lights on a tree, I like to use lights that have a cord that matches the color of the tree. It’s better if the cord blends into the tree so the attention can be on the ornaments and not the cords. If you’re doing a flocked tree, I recommend thinking about the temperature of the light bulbs and how that affects the color of the flock. Warmer light bulbs can make the white flock turn yellow or lime green while cooler light bulbs will keep your tree looking crisp white when it’s lit.

INO: What are some of your favorite items for the holidays?

JL: Some of my favorite items to incorporate into holiday decorating are floral arrangements, mood lighting, garlands and figurines for tabletops. I personally love reindeer because I think they are elegant and relatable to everyone whereas some guests may be sensitive >> D e ce m be r 2 0 2 0 - Jan uary 2 0 21

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photos courtesy: CHRISTOPHER GUTHRIE

to more specific things like crosses or Santa Claus decorations.

INO: Trees: Fresh, faux or flocked?

JL: I love all Christmas tree types but the selection depends on the style of the home and what vibe you want to create with your tree. Fresh green trees are great in more traditional styled homes while flocked is best for more modern, light and airy spaces. I recommend artificial trees for using larger, heavier ornaments because the wired branches can support weight better.

Above: A table perfectly set

by Christopher Guthrie for holiday gatherings.

Opposite: Red and green traditional decorations placed

by Christopher adorn a client’s brick fireplace.

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INO: Can you share advice on holiday decorating for small spaces?

JL: When decorating smaller spaces, I like to dress up existing elements of the home rather than bringing in new items that take up floor space. Adding a garland to drape your mirror or stair railing can make a huge impact without encroaching on the space. Swapping out throw pillows is also a small, easy way to make the room feel festive. Adding candle lighting to a kitchen island or coffee table is an inexpensive way to create ambiance and make your space smell like the holidays.

INO: What’s your favorite personal holiday tradition?

JL: This may sound strange, but one of my favorite holiday traditions is actually wrapping the gifts. I enjoy making the wrapping décor of each present something special and unique to open. I like to incorporate greenery, florals and ornaments into the wrapping

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because it becomes an extension of the gift inside.

There is also something magical about spending time with family while admiring the tree, sipping eggnog, looking at the pretty lights and enjoying the fresh scent of the tree.

Christopher Guthrie of Christopher Jeffery Guthrie Events & Design, LLC INO: How do you recommend incorporating old, beloved pieces or family heirlooms into new decor?

CG: I’m a very sentimental person so in my own decor I have lots of family pieces. When it comes to my clients, I love when they have special things they want to use every year. I typically approach it with a “less is more” point of view so that those special items are the highlight of the decor!

INO: What’s your advice for decorating a tree?

CG: The first thing is to commit to an aesthetic.

Whether it’s a color palette, theme or specific style.

Then don’t be afraid to incorporate different textures in the tree, such as glass ornaments, feathers, ribbon, etc. Make it your own! My favorite style is “classic Christmas.”

INO: What are some of your favorite items for the holidays?

CG: Two words: Christmas Spode! I love this time of

year when I get to use my Christmas china! Not only is it festive but it’s meaningful because it’s the same china my Grandma used. I also love to decorate with fresh greenery, Holly berries and the perfect holiday ribbon!

INO: Trees: Fresh, faux or flocked?

CG: My personal favorite is a fresh Christmas tree.

However, that may not be an option for everyone. There are beautiful choices for faux and flocked trees. So just choose what works best for you and make it your own through the decor!

INO: What are your tips on choosing ornaments?

CG: My number one tip is to choose ornaments that evoke joy! Ornaments that are different sizes, finishes, textures, etc., create a visually pleasing Christmas tree.

But my favorite ornaments are those that have been gifted to me by special people, ornaments from my

childhood and ornaments that hold special memories.

INO: Can you share advice on holiday decorating for small spaces?

CG: If you’re decorating a small space, pencil trees are a great option because it provides the same impact as a normal size tree with balance to the rest of the space.

INO: What’s your favorite personal holiday tradition?

CG: There are so many things I love about this time of year—from experiencing all of the New Orleans holiday festivities, to hosting my annual Christmas cocktail party. If I had to choose just one, my favorite holiday tradition is something I’ve been doing since I was a child. I love going to church on Christmas Eve in my hometown and then gathering for family dinner at my Aunt Mike’s house while the children wait for Santa to ride by on the fire truck.

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The New Orleans Selfie Scene

Exploring the City’s Fun New Interactive Galleries Genevieve Buring, Anna Tusa, Sarah Daigle and Susan Poly at ARTmazing Gallery.

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photo: Trent Spann imagesbyrobertt@gmail.com

by Leslie CardĂŠ

photo: Trent Spann imagesbyrobertt@gmail.com

Above: Reagan Charleston Thomas with her daughter Reece in the clouds at ARTmazing.

Left: What’s Your Jam Exhibit at JAMNOLA. Below: Dr. John, one of many notable musicians in JAMNOLA’s Hall of Legends.

photo: LESLIE CARDE

photo: ERIKA GOLDRING

WHETHER YOU LOVE POSTING SELFIES on the various social media platforms or just sending outrageous shots to your friends and relatives, New Orleans is now playing host to two new experiential attractions. One is a selfie museum designed to provide backgrounds for highly unusual photos, and the other a cultural funhouse where background scenes highlight the joy, art and music of the city, as seen through the eyes of its talented local artists.

The ARTmazing Gallery within the French Quarter features 21 settings in which smart phone-toting guests can capture themselves as highfalutin royalty, depict themselves flying through the stratospheric clouds, or romping about within a giant birdcage. You can even photograph yourself in a very realistically improvised bank vault. The idea for this fun-loving play space, which opened at the end of October, came to owner Giselle Monteiro after a trip she made to New York last year.

“I celebrated my 40th birthday there, and had read about this warehouse in Brooklyn called WonderWorld,” Monteiro remembers. “The different walk-in art installations were just so much fun that I thought why not do something interactive like this in New Orleans.”

As she set about looking for space in 2020, the pandemic hit, which modified her thinking in a couple of different arenas.

First off, the interactive displays she had planned had to be modified so surfaces could be easily sanitized, and the space could no longer cater primarily to tourists, as tourism had taken a big hit amidst the viral pandemic. This would mean scenarios would have to change more often than originally planned, rotating every few months to keep locals coming back.

What she eventually found as the gallery’s headquarters was a light and airy second floor space on Decatur Street, previously owned by a restaurant company. It included a central hallway and rooms right and left in which to invent fun and photo-worthy scenes. For safety, the money vault originally planned to blow hundred dollar bills around, instead now has bills hanging from ceiling wires. And the flurry of feathers from the pillow-fight room, for example, had to be scrapped entirely. But, there are still plenty of amazing ways to make the selfie premise work, while putting safety first, including creating your own mug shot, or posing in a decorative bathtub… just for starters.

Monteiro, originally a granite exporter from Brazil, also owns a cabinet refinishing company in New Orleans. However, the artist in her wanted to do something creative, while creating a niche previously unknown to New Orleans. The ideas for all scenarios are largely Monteiro’s but only became a reality when local artists got involved to bring her imaginative stagings >>

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Above: ARTmazing Gallery Owner Giselle Monteiro at the selfie museum’s entrance.

Right: Feather Forest Exhibit at JAMNOLA. 30

to life. And, she has bigger plans on the horizon. “We plan on augmenting selfie-taking by utilizing our bright, beautiful space in the back of the property for brunches, birthday parties and events. We will even have live music,” says Monteiro.

According to Monteiro, the exhibits are meant to be kid-friendly while also catering to adults, and therefore families can make it a destination outing, free from life’s usual stresses.

“There are no politics here,” says Monteiro. “This is a place to escape and just have fun.”

Now, with Christmas approaching, there will be holiday scenarios with wrapped packages piled high, and glittery trees with ladders alongside for shutterbugs to affix the tree-topper, all in time for the festive season.

For a $25 admission, plan to have a lifetime of photo remembrances. Tickets can be ordered online at artmazinggallery.com. Admission is timed so that groups can be sequentially spaced. Masks are required, hand sanitizer is available.

Amble over to the Faubourg-Marigny and encounter JAMNOLA (for the joy, art, and music of NOLA), a phantasmagoric 12-room display which the owners aptly call a cultural funhouse. Owners Jonny

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Liss, originally from New York, and Chad Smith, from Boston, met in California, and had one striking element in common—they both loved New Orleans.

Flash forward and the two transplants have settled in Bywater, a stone’s throw from their other-worldly gallery.

“We like to refer to this place as an art maze or art walk, because museum sounds a bit stuffy,” says Liss.

“Each of the exhibits here give you an entirely different feel of New Orleans. Most of them came from our experiences in this city, whether it’s throwing beads at the Spiritual Tree of Life, or going to a crawfish boil.”

The project was waylaid by four months when the pandemic erupted and wholly finished productions had to be revamped. So, for example the feather forest which brushed against you like a carwash is now about multicolored, illuminated feathers growing out from the walls, down from the ceilings and up from the floor.

photo: MARIANNA MASSEY

photo: LACY D. DAVILLIER

photo courtesy: JAMNOLA

JAMNOLA Founding Partners Jonny Liss and Chad Smith.

photo: CHUNKY B

Marcus Brown Sound Wall at JAMNOLA.

The costume closet has now become a virtual escapade, but a blast nonetheless, as costumes, hats and even cats fly across a screen that encompasses you in all of its wackiness. All the while, photos are being cranked out non-stop to be sent to your e-mail.

“We originally had designed a bracelet for JAMNOLA which would be touched to everything as you wound your way through the various rooms. Now, it’s your own smart phone which connects you to a guided tour,” explains Smith. “It was originally 20 folks to a room, and now it’s six, so we can socially distance everyone.

There’s hand sanitizer outside every room, and cameras to monitor the rooms for security to ensure the rules are being followed. If people know they’re safe here, they’ll come, and the proof is that we’re fully booked into the holidays.”

The property on Royal Street is on the grounds of NOCCA in Faubourg Marigny, and the number of working New Orleans artists who have contributed to the exhibits is staggering. That entourage of artisans includes students from NOCCA, and artists from the Where Y’Art Gallery, as well as painters, sculptors, photographers, welders, and float-builders from all around the city.

JAMNOLA was inspired by The Color Factory and The Museum of Illusions in New York, but the project which Liss and Smith envisioned was decidedly New Orleans, designed to support and pay tribute to the thriving artistic community here. George Porter Williams is the music curator, and folks like Big Freedia and Tank and the Bangas selected music for the individual exhibits.

JAMNOLA includes historic videos and mind-blowing visual effects including a bead room which transports you to another world, a sort of a hallucinogenic trip, minus the drugs. The exhibits >> D e ce m be r 2 0 2 0 - Jan uary 2 021

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photo: Trent Spann imagesbyrobertt@gmail.com

Anna Tusa, Jessica Marasco Illes, Brittany Picolo-Ramos and Susan Poly posing in a giant bird cage at ARTmazing Gallery.

include a giant crawfish boil, a forest of spirit trees, and a gold sequined Louisiana bayou. Sculptor Marcus Brown has created a sound circle which emits the notes of various musical instruments with just the wave of a hand.

But, the pièce de rÊsistance may just be the Garden of Legends, featuring giant replicas of such luminaries as Dr. John, Professor Longhair and Satchmo himself, Louis Armstrong. The sculptures, made of foam, are from artist Sky Erie, key float-builder for Mardi Gras King of Carnival, Rex. 32

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With the Christmas holidays approaching, expect some whimsical notes to the holidays, in the time of the coronavirus. Upside down trees, distancing with six-foot candy canes and a safe Santa encased in a plexiglass box, are all a nod to the signs of our times.

Timed tickets are available at JAMNOLA.com and are $29 for admission, $20 for seniors and a 15% discount for Louisiana residents.

Bring your camera to both venues, and prepare to have a couple of wacky and wonderful experiences.

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Women’s Jewelry

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1. Sapphire and diamond platinum ring, $14,950. Wellington 6.

& Company, 525-4855, wcjewelry.com. 2. Diamond cross collection, starting at $995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602. 3. Sterling silver Santa necklace, $475.

Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Design, 850-698-3183, JenniferPonson.com. 4. 14k white gold sapphire,

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diamond, and pearl drop earrings with nearly 5 cts of variegated blue sapphires, $5,500. Friend & Company, 866-5433, friendandcompany.com.

5. Gold and silver contemporary rings, $60 each.

Chateau Drugs, Metairie, 889-2300. 6. 14k gold 5.12ct aquamarine and diamond ring, $5,000. Symmetry Jewelers, 861-9925, symmetryjewelers.com. 7. Zebra sparkle cuff

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bracelet, $15. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 985-6244045. 8. Put a bow on it! Audrey bow earrings, cocktail ring and cuff. Available in bronze and sterling silver, $210-$400.

Reagan Charleston Jewelry, reagancharleston.com. 9. 14k gold antique pearl and diamond bracelet, $5,750. Symmetry 9.

Jewelers, 861-9925, symmetryjewelers.com.

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Celebrate In Style

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1. 14k green amethyst and diamond necklace, $525. 2. 24k vermeil and flower necklace, $430. 3. 18k vermeil blue topaz ring, $295.

4. Sterling vermeil pearl ring, $125. 5. 14k .15ct diamond North Star earrings, $525. 6. 24k vermeil flower cz earrings, $135. 7. 24k vermeil turquoise cz earrings, $280. 8. 24k vermeil pearl cz bracelet, $740.

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9. 18k vermeil blue topaz earrings, $100. 10. 18k Art Deco sapphire and diamond earrings, $3,100. 11. 14k Victorian diamond bracelet, $2,700. 12. 14k gold-filled aqua chalcedony earrings, $75.

13. Platinum .53ct diamond and sapphire estate ring, $5,000.

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8138 Hampson Street, New Orleans • (504) 861-9925 • symmetryjewelers.com 36

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Holiday Lights

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1. Biltmore Gala lantern, shown with copper pier mount, three sizes, starting at $740.

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2. Georgetown lantern, shown with French colonial fleur de lis finial, six sizes, starting at $215. 3. Contemporary Collection, Austin, square profile lantern, in gas or electric, three sizes, four finishes, starting at $892. 4. Market Street Post Mount Lantern with historic coach house bars, 3 sizes, starting at $358. 5. Biltmore Gala lantern, shown with moustache arms, three sizes, starting at $740. 6. Somerset Yoke Mount Lantern with French fluted top, four sizes, starting at $376.

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7. Contemporary Collection Paradise Bay, round

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profile lantern, in gas or electric, three sizes, four finishes, starting at $892.

8. Conception Street lantern, shown with classic yoke, four sizes, starting at $420. 9. Biltmore Antler Hill lantern shown with ceiling yoke mount, three sizes, starting at $626. 10. Market Street lantern, shown with pendant yoke, 3 sizes, starting at $358.

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Showroom 401 N. Columbia St., Covington • (800) 910-3275 • (985) 900-2232 • gulfcoastlanterns.com D e ce m be r 2 0 2 0 - Jan uary 2 021

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Let the Shopping Begin!

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1. This iconic Ford pick-up truck beverage cooler is fully insulated, it will keep your drinks

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cooler longer and comes with handy gas struts on both lids as standard. The working wheels allow you to maneuver the truck around your guests when it is time to re-fill drinks. $739.

2. Officially licensed snack helmet. A great gift item for watching the big game. $59. 3. The Big Green Egg offers more cooking options than all other conventional cookers combined.

With an EGG there is simply no need for a separate grill, smoker, pizza oven or rotisserie device...the EGG does all of this and more...to perfection! We also have EGGcessories and lump hardwood charcoal to get your barbeque started! 4. Four piece swing set. Includes swing, tote, back printed pillow and bottom stripe pillow. Assorted designs. $159.

5. Pawley’s Island Poolside hammock in Sunbrella™ sling fabric $199.

Tri-Beam® hammock stand $219. 6. 48” round cast aluminum fire table. Propane tank stores underneath and the full lid makes it a table when not in use. Includes stainless steel burner and fire glass. $2075. 7. Corinthian Bells wind chimes, visually and acoustically exceptional chimes. Starting at $64. 8. Sunrise heron, hand painted metal wall art. $159.

9. Cast iron fire bowl with stand, Three sizes. From $269.

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1331 N. Hwy. 190, Suite 600, Covington • (985) 893-8008 • outdoorlivingcenter.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5:30 • Saturday 9-5 38

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Exquisite Indulgences

1. Georgian-style diamond necklace

1. Baroque pearls, $495.

crafted in silver-topped yellow gold with

2. Dana Stein Angora blend

more than 6 cts of old rose cut diamonds,

interchangeable hat/scarf, $112.

$9,500. 2. Diamond zig-zag bands in white and

3. Agraria AirEssence Lime &

rose gold, perfect for stacking and layering, $750 each.

Orange, $140. 4. Hazel Smyth

3. Midcentury platinum cocktail ring featuring an emerald-

smokey quartz and amethyst

cut aquamarine of 7.85 cts and glittering diamond accents,

stalactite slice earrings, $340.

$5,900. 4. Estate platinum and diamond ring featuring Old

5. Kerisma sweater, $90.

European diamonds and fine filigree detailing, $5,900.

6. Think Royln crossbody, $95; 6.

editor bag, $125; houndstooth reverse close umbrella, $38.

721 Dante Street, New Orleans • (504) 866-4367 2917 Magazine Street, New Orleans • (504) 891-4502

7713 Maple Street, New Orleans • (504) 866-5433 • friendandcompany.com D e ce m be r 2 0 2 0 - Jan uary 2021

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Holiday Happies 1. Sweet Cocoon cart with ABC blocks.

2. Toy barber kit comes with seven grooming kits perfect for junior barbers, $28. 3. “Enjoy

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the little things” mini jewelry box, $26.

Just Imagine medium pouch. 4. Small chubby rabbit; available in blue and pink.

5. Pink Fabulux weekender bag, $50.

6. Luna the owl stuffed animal, $28. 7. Leon the raccoon stuffed animal, $35. 8. Toddler’s wooden toy high chair for babydoll. 9. Mini boom box with Bluetooth, FM Radio, and LED light up dancing speakers, $59.

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70515 Hwy. 21, Covington • (985) 900-2410 • 40

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

1. 14k 7.44ct aquamarine and diamond estate necklace, $5,100.

Symmetry Jewelers, 861-9925,

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symmetryjewelers.com. 2. Cast a romantic glow on your holiday season with Bevolo’s 9� French Quarter Patio Lantern, $300. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, 522-9485, bevolo.com. 3. Gift a modern Creole dinner in a lovingly restored turn of the century warehouse!

Annunciation Restaurant, 5680245, annunciationrestaurant.com.

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

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1. My Saint My Hero’s beautiful selection of wearable blessings makes a wonderful holiday gift for those special

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ones in your life. AURALUZ, Metairie, 888-3313, shopauraluz.com.

2. Try our holiday favorites like the Mr Bingle cotton candy ice cream cone. Fluff Gourmet Fairy Floss, Instagram @fluff.northshore to order.

3. Real FyreÂŽ gas logs by R.H. Peterson. Variety of sizes and styles, starting at $434. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 985-893-8008.

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4. Cozy up in the plush signature Pontchartrain robe. With 100% combed cotton velour, shawl collar and two front pockets, this is the perfect at-home indulgence, $119. Pontchartrain Hotel, 800-708-6652, thepontchartrainhotel.com.

5. Gift a heavenly glow to someone you love with a gift card to Saintly Skin, Metairie, 475-5510, saintlyskin.com. 6. Happy, A Colorful Outlook From An Artist’s Perspective, by Becky Fos, $89. Gallery B. Fos, 444-2967, beckyfos.com.

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

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1. Set of four Collins glasses, featuring satin frost and 22k gold details and halo. Glassware by New Orleans local designer Mignon Faget featuring garnish illustrations

by Kate Lacour. Hand wash only. The Sazerac House, 910-0100, sazerachouse.com. 2. Petunia Pickle Bottom Mini Me Critter Pack with open interior, full zipper closure and two exterior side pockets; Black Panda, $65. KiKi & Lolli, Covington, 985-900-2410. 3. Give the gift of theater!

Gift cards available for single and season tickets from Jefferson Performing Arts Society, 885-2000, jpas.org.

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4. The new scent of the season is here!

Antica Farmacista’s new White Spruce scent to get us through this winter. Hilltop Shoppe, 533-9670, hilltopshoppe.com.

5. Love Token faux fur jacket, $190. Ballin’s LTD, 866-4367. 6. Limited edition B. Fos silk neck and bow tie. Gallery B. Fos, 444-2967, beckyfos.com. 7. Omega Seamaster Diver300M, $5,200. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Metairie, 831-2602.

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1. In & Out diamond hoops, $3,950. Wellington & Company, 525-4855, wcjewelry.com. 2. Silk flower robe, $135. Chateau Drugs, Metairie, 889-2300. 3. Let Bill Laderer Catering serve you! Enjoy an over 20-hour smoked brisket weighing approximately 4.5 pounds. Bill Laderer Catering, 296-2452, unclebillscatering.com.

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4. Treat your loved one this holiday season with a gift card from The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Available to use on luxurious overnight accommodations or in the Spa, where indulgent treatments and salon services are tailored for relaxing and unwinding. 524-1331, ritzcarlton. com/neworleans. 5. Cloisonné ornaments, $48 each. Fur.Nish, Metairie, 702-8514, furnishnola.com. 6. Contempo contemporary lantern in three sizes, 18”, 22” and the new 30”, in both electric and gas, starting at $522. Gulf Coast Lantern, Covington, 800-910-3275.

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

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1. Animated character necklace, $268. Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Design, 850-698-3183, JenniferPonson.com.

2. Private golf lessons; three 45-minute private golf lessons with the head golf professional for Money Hill, Gavin Vegas.

No club membership required, $125. Money Hill Golf and Country Club, Abita Springs, 985-892-3300. 3. Over 150 Maison Berger lamps and 70 fragrances to choose from at AURALUZ, Metairie, 888-3313, shopauraluz.com.

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5 4. Exterior Designs by Beverly Katz wants to give you the gift of an outdoor living space makeover. Offering payment plans and can work in stages.

Exterior Designs by Beverly Katz, 8660276, exteriordesignsbev.com.

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5. Reversible acrylic tray featuring the New Orleans skyline and St. Louis Cathedral by Casey Langteau Art, starting at $100. Casey Langteau Art, 500-8164, caseylangteauart.com.

6. Rook Articulating Bridge Faucet with Finished Hose, shown in Polished Gold. Southland Plumbing, Mandeville, 985-893-8883.

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

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1. Jeweled reindeer on pedestal, $69.

Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 985624-4045. 2. Bronze angel candleholder with glass hurricane by Jan Barboglio, $700. Greige Home Interiors, Covington, 985-875-7576. 3. NOLA Tawk Pajamas available in sizes 3 months to 10. Haase’s

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Shoe Store and Haase Young Folks Shop, 866-9944, haaseshoestore.com.

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5 4. Start the New Year in a new home! Realtor Glen Hogh, 427-9012, nolarealty.us. 5. Fleur de Lis available in earrings, ring, pendant, and lapel pin, available in bronze and sterling, $175- $285. Reagan Charleston Jewelry, reagancharleston.com.

6. Handmade 11� William Yeoward jasmine flower center vase with hand-engraved botanical designs throughout the body, $340. Friend & Company, 866-5433, friendandcompany.com.

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INO: What sets your jewelry apart?

JP: It’s one-of-a-kind that nature provides. I spend a lot of time curating just the right parts to create the perfect piece of wearable art.

INO: What can a beautiful piece of jewelry do for an outfit?

JP: The piece can make a statement and generate a conversation. It also gives the wearer a spark of confidence that allows them to connect with others.

INO: How do you source your materials?

JP: Through a network of importers, rock “hounds” and sometimes finished art.

INO: What is your favorite part of owning a jewelry business?

JP: When I’m in my studio surrounded by raw materials, my creative process, or the “magic” happens, and the next thing I know, I have 20 pieces of wearable art which showcase my ideas.

INO: What’s your best advice when helping a customer choose a piece?

JP: Touch it – feel it. All my jewelry pieces have different

Inspired by Nature

JENNIFER PONSON of Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Designs has been preparing for her career as a jewelry designer all her life. From her early days as an orthodontic assistant learning to bend wire to working at Pensacola State College while she accessed the knowledge of the welding and chemistry departments to develop her bonding process and signature patina, Jennifer was always preparing for her creative and unique designs. Jennifer’s daughter’s passion for geology and rocks also inspired her to learn more about semi-precious stones which became a common facet in her pieces. Below, we asked Jennifer a little more about her business.

INO: Why did you start Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Designs?

JP: After 30 years in education, I wanted to do something that made people smile and brings joy. When people see my creations, they smile, and smiles are contagious!

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energy. It should feel good to touch and make you feel good while wearing it.

INO: What part of jewelry making do you like most?

JP: Watching the delight on a customer’s face when they find their perfect piece.

INO: What are your pieces inspired by?

JP: Mother Nature’s beauty and family heirlooms.

INO: How do you hope to make your jewelry wearers feel?

JP: Like they have found something that connects them to its years of history.

You can meet Jennifer at The Bead Shop, 4612 Magazine Street, on December 4 and 5 from 10 am to 5 pm. Reserve a time slot, shop Jennifer’s designs and learn more at jenniferponson.com.

photo courtesy: JENNIFER PONSON

Jennifer Ponson Jewelry Designs

Glass Half Full

Above: Franziska Trautmann holding a bag of Glass Half Full’s sand Above, right: Glass Half Full’s trailer they use to transport glass and sand around New Orleans.

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More Than Glass Recycling

IF THERE’S ONE THING New Orleanians are good at, it’s having a drink.

Whether it’s a glass of wine on a Wednesday, a local brew on a Friday, or a little Champagne on a Sunday, after casually finishing off a bottle, we may think little about where that bottle goes after it’s tossed in the trash bin.

Yet, Max Steitz and Franziska Trautmann were thinking about that bottle—and all of the other glassware landing in New Orleans’ garbage.

“We started the Glass Half Full project in a backyard as seniors at Tulane. We were sitting around complaining about the lack of recycling options in our city and specifically glass ending up in a landfill. We began researching a possible solution for the problem,” says Max. “We found that the solution for recycling glass and diverting it from our landfills could also solve a whole host of problems our city is facing like coastal erosion, coastal land loss, disaster relief sandbags and other flood protection measures.”

He adds, “The fix was and is to take glass and recycle it back into sand locally, transparently and accessibly. Once we got through the research side of things, we jumped into action. We kind of just threw ourselves and everything we had at this issue.”

Max and Franziska along with the help of other students reached out to the community to see if there was

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interest in glass recycling. In true New Orleans fashion, the love was there. “Our city supported it a million times more than we could have ever imagined.”

After a fundraiser, Max and his team began sifting through trash and recycling glass one bottle at a time.

Using a third-hand machine that they brought from rural Louisiana, the group would crush bottles one by one then sifting it to get soft, beach-like sand. At the time, it was just Max, Franziska and other Tulane students doing the work in that borrowed backyard where the idea began.

“We outgrew the backyard pretty quickly, but the pandemic shut us down for a couple months. After opening back up, we rented out a warehouse in Uptown, but again, we quickly maxed out operational capacity. We then secured a second location in New Orleans East where we have the space to crush, process, sift and distribute our product.”

The steps leading to Glass Half Full’s usable product begins with collection and sorting. Glass Half Full provides drop-off locations at 911 Joliet and 3935 Louisa Streets.

The recycled glass products are then sorted by color and any metal or plastic parts are removed before pulverizing and crushing begins. After the glass is crushed, the sand, glass cullet and labels are sorted and separated. Lastly, the sand and cullet are used in many ways including glass

photos courtesy: GLASS HALF FULL

by Leah Draffen

products, disaster relief sandbags and more.

Max explains, “With the sand we create, we aim to provide an alternative to harmful sand extraction techniques like dredging and mining. These methods disrupt local ecosystems and contribute to the coastal erosion crisis.”

Partnering with coastal preservation entities that study coastal erosion on a day to day basis, Glass Half Full is also learning where and how their sand can help rebuild

RECYCLING DROP OFF TIPS • Rinse your glass bottles and jars. This helps ensure that machines stay functional.

• Remove any corks and caps. Metal jar caps and corks can damage processing equipment.

• Shred or tear up your cardboard and paper bags after drop-off. While optional, it is very helpful and speeds up composting.

Louisiana’s coast. “We want to understand that side of things. Sand is used in just about everything from water filtration to our toothpaste, roads and buildings. Being able to substitute our sand is relatively easily so we want to work with different groups to see where we’re we can be most helpful.”

Taking our glass waste and turning it into a usable product that solves multiple problems sounds like a winwin for our community and environment. Supporters near and far agree. This grassroots project would not have grown into what it is today without the help of its 100 to 150 volunteers from all around Louisiana. “We operate off small dollar donations and our volunteers,” adds Max. “It is growing into something that I hope will become much larger than us.

“It has been really cool to see how much the city and the state care about this problem. We want to spread the word that the city does and can recycle their glass now.

We’re fighting for this city and hope to not only take care of the city’s glass, but ultimately our state’s.”

Businesses, organizations and residents can drop off glass at 3935 Louisa Street on Mondays and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm; and residents only at 911 Joliet Street on Wednesdays from 9am to 6pm. To volunteer, donate and learn more, visit glasshalffullnola.org.

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Get Fit

by Ingrid Rinck

Kick Off Positivity Ways to

the New Decade with

DOES ANYONE ELSE feel like the year 2020 was longer than all of our prior years put together? Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted and unorganized? The beginning of a new year, or decade in this instance, is the perfect time to reset yourself. Let’s turn your inner light back on, clear out the haze and get you on track to vibrating higher.

Everything is made of energy and has its own individual vibration. You have your own unique energy. Everything around us is in a constant state of receiving and emitting energy. The frequency of this energy falls on a spectrum from light to dark with light energy being rooted in love and dark energy rooted in fear. As an electromagnetic being, you attract experiences and relationships that match your frequency.

I’ll bet you are wondering why this new information matters and how it can affect your new decade. After a really intense year filled with a pandemic, high unemployment, contentious election campaigns and limited schooling, the air is dense with dark energy. It is up to you to clear out the environment within and around you. Don’t be consumed by outside influences. Take back control of your emotions and path by seeking light and accepting it back in.

Here are some ways you can re-introduce positive energy. Start with simple tasks such as unenrolling from spam email lists of products you do not use, unsubscribing from apps you pay for and never open, throwing away expired foods and medicines hiding in your cabinets, and deleting old contacts you haven’t spoken to 56

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in the past year. This opens up new space for good energy.

Have you been putting off going to the doctor, calling your personal trainer, or starting a new healthy relationship with food? There is no better time to do those things than today! Go forth into the new decade with everything in order, scheduled and planned. New decade, new you. Plus, (hint, hint) many health and fitness companies have end of the year pricing to set you up for success in the coming months.

While on the topic of health, remember that the food you eat will determine how you feel each day. Eating nutritious, lowcalorie foods that fuel your body is an important factor in your overall energy. In fact, even if you are not trying to drop any excess pounds, eating a reduced-calorie diet has so many benefits: weight control, antiaging, anti-inflammatory, better memory, sleep and mood. A calorie-reduced diet is quite easily the fountain of youth. My company, Sensible Meals, has several lowcalorie meal plans to choose from that help to raise your vibration level.

Just as valuable is the space in which you live. It should be kept clean and organized.

Many studies have shown that cleaning has a positive effect on our mental health by helping us gain a sense of control over our environment. Focusing on, and being absorbed in, the activity itself can also help calm your mind and can relieve anxiety and mild depression, especially the holiday, end-of-year blues. Keeping your living space clutter free has also been found to help improve mood and provide us with a sense of

satisfaction. One helpful tip I use is moving items around in my home to recharge my space. Seasonally or yearly, move furniture, hang pictures of your loved ones, or update fragrances in your home. What we see, feel and smell affects our energy level.

Now what about taking it to a more spiritual level? When creating light in your space, here are some of my go-to daily steps to banish destructive cycles, garner strength and draw in a healing dynamic: 1. Wake up with gratitude.

2. Replace a negative thought with a positive thought.

3. Cut off negative influences.

4. Recognize your power. Learn to love and accept your unique self.

5. Learn to be ok with silence.

6. Heal yourself first. Do whatever it takes to make all roads lead to healing.

When you are healing, you radiate light that was once overshadowed. These are things I have found to help me ward off the endof-year slump and go into a brand-new year feeling my best. When we feel our best and love ourselves, we glow with positive energy which attracts people, things and experiences that glow as well.

If you’re reading this and have enjoyed it, have a question, or just want to say hello, please follow me @IngridRinck. I would love to help bring more positivity to your days.

You can also learn more about my business at eatsensiblemeals.com or follow along @SensibleMeals.

INside Peek

An ARTmazing Morning

photos: Trent Spann imagesbyrobertt@gmail.com

Inside New Orleans staff and clients spent a beautiful fall morning at the ARTmazing Gallery. All loved taking selfies and having fun!

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INside Peek Lilette’s 10th Birthday Publisher Joneé Daigle-Ferrand’s daughter, Lilette, had the most amazing 10th birthday party thanks to her amazing family, friends and Inside New Orleans clients. Celebrity Limousine safely drove the kids while The Shard Shop went above and beyond to make her party perfect! Lilette’s guests enjoyed Nola Snowballs, Fluff Gourmet Fairy Floss’ delicious cotton candy, and a birthday cake by Posh Custom Cakes, LLC. Before the party kicked off, Fmd Salon fixed the birthday girl’s hair and Blossom Girl had the perfect dress. SG Northshore created a fun and colorful yard sign

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1.-2. Delgado Community College collected hundreds of cases of water, personal toiletry items, diapers, and gift cards to share with their fellow LCTCS system college, SOWELA in Lake Charles. 3. Jennifer Ponson (right) helping a customer find the perfect piece at The Bead Shop. 4. Cristy Cali of Cristy Cali Jewelry adding another customer to the “Cali Krewe�! 5. Broker Marlene Miller and realtor Glen Hogh showing a renovated shotgun in Mid-City. 6. Megan

photos courtesy: SOWELA College

Naccari (bottom right) and the Saintly Skin staff celebrating their 4th anniversary.

1

2

4

5

3

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Drinks with Anna

by Anna Tusa

PUNCHES

SPARKLING CRANBERRY PUNCH Serves 12 14 oz Vodka 1 ¼ pints cranberry juice 1 ¼ pints pink grapefruit juice 12 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters 1 ½ liters chilled Brut Prosecco Frozen cranberries and lime wedges for garnish *Mix all ingredients in the bowl except the Prosecco and garnish, stir and let sit in the fridge until ready to serve. Once ready to serve, remove and add a few ice cubes. Place the garnish in the bottom of the glasses, ladle punch, and top with Prosecco.

ANNA’S HOT MARTELL BLUE SWIFT CIDER Serves 10-12 14 oz Martell Blue Swift ½ gallon of apple cider (Found at any grocery) ½ gallon of caramel apple cider (Found at any grocery) Cinnamon to taste 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 honey crisp apples 12 cinnamon sticks *Mix all ingredients in the bowl (except the apples and cinnamon sticks) and place in the fridge overnight.

One hour before serving allow it to get room temperature.

Ten minutes prior to serving, heat it on the stove top and serve in a glass with a fresh apple garnish and cinnamon stick.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE TIMES of the year. It is when we truly cherish moments with family and friends. While it’s special, it can also be overwhelming and stressful. But I am here to make your cocktail serving experience easy like Sunday morning! Whether you are hosting your family over the holiday season, friends for brunch, or just want to warm up while enjoying the beautiful weather, you should not be stuck behind the bar. I have created drinks that can be batched, or made with simple ingredients, so that you can enjoy the festivities too.

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1 3 3 8

BANANA SYRUP banana Tbsp brown sugar oz banana liqueur oz water *Heat on the stove top until it forms a syrup.

PUNCH 7oz cinnamon rum 7oz banana liqueur Banana Syrup

*Combine the syrup and punch on the stove to heat; pour into a heat proof pitcher. In your glasses scoop creole cream cheese ice cream, pour punch over it, whipped cream, and a squeeze of caramel.

photos courtesy: ANNA TUSA

Nogs, Grogs, Punches, Bubbles, and Cocktails for Every Festive Occasion

BANANAS FOSTER PUNCH Serves 20 1-gallon Creole Cream Cheese Ice Cream Carmel syrup in a squeeze bottle Whipped cream

NOGS

All recipes start with a half-gallon of non-alcoholic egg nog (buy it to save time) CINNAMON NOG 14oz Fireball ½ gallon of egg nog *Stir together in a pitcher add cinnamon to taste. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a nutmeg sprinkle when serving.

PRALINE NOG 14oz Bird Dog Praline Whiskey ½ gallon of egg nog *Stir together in a pitcher add cinnamon to taste. Garnish with candied pecans when serving.

COCKTAILS

HOT BUTTERED CINNAMON RUM 1 stick of salted butter 3 Tbsp of Sugar ½ Tbsp Cinnamon ½ Tbsp all spice ¼ tsp ground cloves *Beat butter mixture together; store in fridge until ready to serve.

1 Liter Cinnamon Rum *To serve, place two scoops of butter mixture in a shatter resistant glass. Pour a shot of the cinnamon rum, then top with boiling water.

APPLE BRANDY SOUR 2oz apple brandy 1 oz lemon juice ¾ oz maple syrup 3 dashes of bitters ½ oz egg white Maraschino cherry to garnish *Freeze a coupe glass for 15 minutes. Pour brandy, lemon juice, maple syrup into a shaker with ice, add bitters, shake well, then strain into a clean glass. Discard ice, add the cocktail back to the shaker, pour in the egg white, and shake for 30 seconds. Drop a maraschino cherry into the coupe glass and strain cocktail over cherry.

OH SNAP! 3 oz Cask and Crew Ginger Spice Whiskey 1 oz simple syrup 4 oz whole milk Cinnamon to taste and crushed ginger snap garnish

CHERRY SOUR FIZZ 3 oz Maraschino liqueur 2 oz lemon sour mix 3 oz Champagne

*Combine all ingredients except the ginger snap garnish in a shaker with ice. Shake then strain over ice. Top with cinnamon and ginger snap garnish.

ANNA’S MARTELL CIDER (This is for the leftovers of the cider if you have any) 5 oz of cider mixture 3 oz Champagne

BUBBLES

3 2 2 2

A TROPICAL HOLIDAY oz Malibu oz orange juice oz pineapple juice oz Brut Champagne

*In a champagne flute combine Malibu, orange and pineapple juice. Top with Champagne and garnish with pineapple.

*Rim a champagne glass with red sugar, combine all ingredients and top with Champagne.

*Rim a champagne glass with cinnamon pour both ingredients and serve with an apple garnish.

I hope that you enjoy these festive cocktails with family and friends this holiday season. I know many of you have not been able to spend time together this year, so I hope these wonderful drinks will be a great part of your 2020 memories. Maybe you will find a new favorite or tradition.

Cheers and see you in 2021!

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IN the Kitchen

by Lorin Gaudin

IT IS FAMILY LEGEND that at age 5 or 6, I once ate an entire tin of caviar set out for a special party thrown by my Mom. Lovingly teased ever since about my passion for caviar, my maternal grandmother (she helped give the party and it was her caviar dish that I devoured) made sure all my birthday celebrations included her roetopped “Egg Timbale.” Yes, the “dip” is rich, but it’s also eye-catching, easy to make, and a great way to get caviar with garnishes all in one bite. My version of Grandma Leila’s timbale is a staple at family holiday gatherings, and it’s always a hit. Serve the caviar dip with simple water crackers and glasses of chilled bubbly, beer or vodka. Happy Holidays!

FOUR-LAYER CAVIAR DIP 6 large hard-cooked eggs, chopped 4 Tbsp softened unsalted butter

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photo: LORIN GAUDIN

Four-Layer Caviar Dip ½ tsp salt 1 cup finely chopped red onion, rinsed and dried 8 ounces softened cream cheese 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions 2-4 ounces black or red lumpfish caviar 1 box of Carr’s Water Crackers (or your favorite cracker) Lightly grease a 6-inch ring mold with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped eggs, softened butter and salt. Spoon egg mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly. Top evenly with rinsed and dried red onion. In a clean bowl, stir together softened cream cheese and sliced scallions. Gently spread over red onion.

Top with caviar, cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least two hours. Unmold onto a serving plate or board to serve with crackers.

Haute Plates

Beach Walk Café 2700 SCENIC HWY 98,

DESTIN • 850-650-7100 BEACHWALKCAFE.COM Beach Walk Café remains Destin’s singular adults-only fine dining located directly on the stunning beaches of the Emerald Coast. This award-winning restaurant offers spectacular views of the Gulf along with a delectable selection of food and wine.

Bill Laderer Catering 504-296-2452

UNCLEBILLSCATERING@GMAIL.COM Bill Laderer has been serving delicious cuisine to the New Orleans area for over 35 years. Today, Bill Laderer serves specialty menus for house parties, company parties, Holiday events, off-site and on-site catering!

Reserve your catered party by calling or texting today.

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Haute Plates

Boulevard American Bistro

A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found in New Orleans and beyond.

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701 SOUTH PETERS ST.

5171 CITRUS BLVD.

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Classic American bistro offering

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Award-winning contemporary

Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard

Everyday Keto To Go

NEW ORLEANS 504-581-3866

504-957-9033

819 RUE CONTI

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Celebrate this holiday season with

specialty cocktails and quality hand-

coastal cuisine featuring Gulf

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or Elmwood locations for Happy Hour

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Monday-Friday from 3-6pm featuring

specials daily. Lunch, Dinner, Happy

In honor of our 100th birthday, we’re also

$3 beers, $5 glasses of wine, $6

Hour, Private Parties. Make your

offering $19.20 bottles of wine, which taste

specialty cocktails, and $7 small plates.

reservations on OpenTable.

even better when enjoyed in our courtyard.

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METAIRIE, LA

EVERYDAYKETOTOGO. COM

Voted Best Gluten Free Bakery of 2019 by The Gluten Free Guide to New Orleans. Local Bakery specializing in KETO, Gluten Free, Low Carb, and Sugar free baked goods including breads, cookies, cakes, and more!

New Orleans Creole Cookery

The Ritz-Carlton

The Sazerac House

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504-940-7658

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NEW ORLEANS 504-524-9632

RITZCARLTON.COM/

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130

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Celebrate the night before

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OVER TEN PICK-UP 985-237-1011

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season with friends, family and The

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Last Sip

Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard

The Rougarou.

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IN CONTINUED COMMEMORATION of Broussard’s 100th anniversary, the French Creole restaurant is offering specialty cocktails representing each decade it has been in service.

Throughout the month of December, sip a cocktail in the restaurant or Empire Bar Thursdays through Sundays. “We are excited to showcase one iconic beverage from each decade since the 1920s when Broussard’s first opened,” says Executive Chef Jimi Setchim. “This is the culmination of a year of celebration with special menus focusing on key ingredients from the culture of New Orleans.”

The decade cocktails begin with a 1920s Bee’s Knees then lead into a 1930s Dorothy Lamour, 1940s Isadora Duncan, 1950s The Big Hopper, 1960s Georgia on My Mind, 1970s Another Tequila Sunrise, 1980s Risky Business, 1990s Mr. Big Blues, 2000s Millennial Mule, 2010s Rougarou and 2020 Broussard’s Smile. Fitting for the selection of inviting cocktails, Chef Setchim will highlight Louisiana citrus with several special menu items on the traditional Reveillon menu.

Explaining the conclusion of Broussard’s centennial menu, Chef Setchim says: “Satsumas and kumquats are often eaten as snacks. Oranges, grapefruits, and tangelos are juiced to drink.

Lemons and limes are used to brighten-up beverages or cooked into desserts. Any Louisiana citrus can be made into jam, pepper jelly, or marmalade. In typical New Orleans fashion, citrus can also be made into a nice afternoon cocktail or version of limoncello. The fragrant leaves brighten up pastas, soups, or curries.”

To add to the festivities, pay the bar a visit to get your punch card, and start your trip through the decades. Each drink you savor earns you a mark on your punch card. Enjoy them all, and you’ll be rewarded with a Broussard’s apron, champagne flute, and holiday ornament. Cheers!

Broussard’s is located at 819 Conti Street.

For more information on Broussard’s Centennial menus, the Empire Bar, and its signature drinks, visit broussards.com. Reservations, 581-3866.

photo courtesy: BROUSSARD’S

Sippin’ through the Decades at Broussard’s