Shoe Lovers Unite
Shoes Make the Woman Someone once said to me, “As long as you’ve got on a cool pair of shoes, you’re good.” And I’ve gladly lived by that adage ever since. If you’re a shoe lover like I am, you believe that accessories make the outfit. All I’ve ever wanted to shop for was shoes. And clearly, I’m obsessed. I remember every pair I’ve coveted over the years, where and when I purchased them, and the special occasions I’ve worn them to -- from Saints games to social functions. And I often refurbish the ones I just can’t part ways with. * Confession: My shoe collection would definitely be bigger and better if I didn’t wear a triple A narrow. (Yes, there is such a size, and it’s a rare find.) Saints Fan Shoes I searched (for years!) for the perfect pair of gold shoes to wear to Saints games, until I found these in the Barney’s catalog. Because they were 50% off, I went for it. The brand is Marsell -- my absolute favorite. They’ve seen a lot of Superdome action, and it’s probably time for a new pair! The Ultimate Black Loafer Although these Prada loafers make a great casual shoe, I wear them when I need to step things up -- for weddings and other dressy occasions. I first saw them on a guy walking down Magazine St., and I was like, OMG, I have to have those shoes. But my rule is -- only when they’re on sale. Crazy Colorful Loafers These beauties are from Burberry. The name of the style is “Graffiti”, and I just thought they were super fun ;-) Notice a trend? Yes, loafers are my thing. According to Kathy Kelada, author of Be the Shoe, loafer lovers are meticulous, perfectionistic, and steadfast. They get things done, and they do it right. And I’d say, that’s pretty fitting. Canvas High Tops These Converse canvas high tops pretty much speak for themselves. I don’t wear them often, but they always get great comments. Hot Pink Suede Sneakers These Gucci low top suede sneakers were a gift to myself after closing a big real estate deal worth $2 million. And perfect for going to see the Barbie movie, too!
7 Ideas for Summer Fun In and Around New Orleans
How can you beat the heat and enjoy some summer fun, New Orleans-style? With a slew of ideas that keep things easy and breezy. Get my tips below: 1. Try a coffee shop that’s new to you. We all play favorites, but why not check out a different spot and taste-test their iced coffee or affogato? It’s a cool, caffeinated way to enjoy a summer day. Try Cherry Espresso Bar, CR Coffee Shop (ask for the Swamp Monster!), or HiVolt Coffee. 2. Learn to kayak on Bayou St. John. Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Bayou Paddlesports, and get out on the water. Go for a late afternoon rental from 5-7 pm, or take lessons on Saturday mornings from 9-11 am. 3. Indulge in delicious frozen treats. Sometimes only a frozen concoction will do the trick. If you’re looking to cool off with a cocktail, sip the hibiscus watermelon daiquiri at Wonderland & Sea, the frosé at Gracious Bakery, or the froscrew at Café Navarre. You’ll thank me later. Or make a plan to try a different snoball stand every week! 4. Sneak off to Waveland or Bay St. Louis, MS for the day or overnight. These relaxing spots are just a short drive from New Orleans, but you’ll feel a million miles away. Pro tip: the Washington St. Pavilion at 601 S. Beach Blvd offers cover, public bathrooms, and outdoor showers. 5. Take advantage of COOLinary New Orleans from August 1-31st with specially curated prix-fixe menus that offer amazing deals at great restaurants. Now’s the time to try that new place on your list. 6. Act like a tourist, and hang poolside at The Chloe. Float in the pool and enjoy drinks and snacks from the pool bar. Day passes get you pool access from 11 am - 8 pm, use of a towel, and access to their lovely backyard. 7. Host a game night. Whether it’s poker, mah jongg, Rummikub, or Bourre, gather together in the air conditioning, set out snacks, and start playing!
Cancer Is Tough – We Are Tougher
To honor the memory of my late friend Robert Grace, I recently competed in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) New Orleans Visionary of the Year campaign. And I’m incredibly humbled to have received the award for top fundraiser by raising over $70,000 in just 10 weeks. I couldn’t have done it without surrounding myself with a group of dedicated folks called Team Grace – including Joe Grace, (Robert’s brother), who won an award for raising the most money as a team member. And I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of the friends, family, co-workers, and clients who donated to our campaign. Thank you so much – we did it together! Because we’ve raised over $50,000, an LLS research portfolio will be named in honor of Robert. In addition, I’m selecting “Realizing Breakthroughs Through Research” as the organization’s funding area we’ll support with the money we’ve raised. I Lost Two Close Friends to Cancer When They Were Young The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. And it’s especially important to me because at the age of 35, Robert Grace had his whole life ahead of him. Robert and I loved listening to music together, dancing, and laughing. He had the most amazing record collection and made me mixed tapes that I still have and treasure to this day! I’ve stayed close to his family over the years and would do anything to help others dealing with the same diagnosis. Obviously, Joe Grace feels the same way, which is why he so lovingly and willingly joined me in this effort. Another close friend named Jeanne Bernos was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, at age 35. (Jeanne introduced me to Robert while the three of us were LSU students.) Just like Robert was young when he was diagnosed with leukemia, she too was young and vibrant with so much to look forward to. Losing two close friends when we were all in our 30s was devastating. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Inspires Me Robert and Jeanne are the reasons I worked to raise critical funds for LLS. What’s so inspiring to me is that LLS-supported discoveries and therapies not only help blood cancer patients, but they’ve also led to ground-breaking treatments for brain, breast, and bone cancers. Which means others who face these same diagnoses will benefit from increased support, more promise, and real hope. In addition, LLS funds research to develop "targeted therapies" that kill cancer cells selectively. These treatments don't harm a patient’s healthy cells, which results in fewer treatment-related side effects. And at any one time, LLS is actively supporting over 300 research projects that result in real progress for curing blood cancers, including “out-of-the-box” research; many researchers who are ineligible for traditional government grants, receive grants from LLS! This leads to clinical trials and other discoveries that save lives. Thank You for Your Support Because of YOU, LLS is able to fund lifesaving cancer research and provide free information and counseling to patients navigating their cancer journey. And that means the world to patients and their families. I can’t thank you enough for your support! To learn more, visit www.lls.org.
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