Celebrating the New Year in NOLA

Imagine celebrating the incoming year of 2007 in New Orleans! You will have numerous choices for fun. To name a few ~ Beginning at 8PM on December 31, 2006, there will be a free New Year's Eve party in Jackson Square. Fireworks, live music and a lighted ball which will drop on Jackson Brewery at midnight. Several bars on lower Decatur Street (such as the Whirling Dervish) will have free champagne for a gathering in the street to welcome the New Year. You can also take cruises on the Steamboat Natchez or the Paddlewheel Boat Cajun Queen to see the incredible fireworks that will be set off from barges on the mighty Mississippi River. Each ship offers food, music, party favors and a spectacular view. No matter where you are, Enjoy 2007!!!

Reveillon - a Creole Tradition

New Orleans is a city of tradition. One beautiful example of this is Reveillon ~ an elaborate meal that broke the daylong fast after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. And, was offered again on New Year's Eve. In French, Reveillon means "awakening." Currently, it is celebrated nightly during the Christmas season at several restaurants ~ Commander's Palace, NOLA, Court of the Two Sisters, Galatoire's, Tujague's, Emeril's, Muriel's Jackson Square, Gumbo Shop, Brennan's to name a few.

Ho-Ho-Ho! Merry Everything!!!

I hope you have a warm, wonderful and SAFE Christmas season! Best wishes for a New Year filled with good stuff! :)

Mercy Corps Katrina Kit

Mercy Corps is a venerable charitable organization which has been helping people around the world for years. Currently, they have a "Katrina Rebuilding Kit" available for a donation of $100! Of course, you may also simply choose to donate any amount instead of specifically purchasing the kit. You can still designate that you want your money used for revitalizing NOLA and the Gulf Coast.

www.mercycorps.org/mercykits/970
or by phone ( 888 ) 256-1900

Shopping to help local merchants in NOLA!

We are happy to hear about those of you who have joined us in shopping online with the local merchants in NOLA. I have read distressing reports that many of the great "Mom & Pop" businesses that make New Orleans so unique are struggling (to say the least) since Hurricane Katrina. My worst nightmare would be if the strip mall clones that clog most major cities move in and take over. Please, continue to support local business owners ~ in your own community too. :) Magazine Street is a shoppers dream! It is one of our fave destinations outside of the French Quarter. Lined with fun boutiques, art galleries, cafes and much more.

www.magazinestreet.com