Its-las-tik is a company based in New Orleans that creates reusable, stretchable, adorable totes for those of us trying to live a green lifestyle. All of the manufacturing, design, materials, and brains come straight from New Orleans, which isn’t an easy feat considering the factory was rebuilt after being demolished by Katrina. The great thing about these bags - beyond the fact that you can carry a statement tote to the store or gym, rather than a bunch of heavily advertised eco bags sliding off your shoulder - is that 5% of the profits go to Hope House New Orleans, a non profit organization that helps to feed and clothe New Orleanians. Be a softy and buy, buy, buy - they’re only $25 each!

Check out Its-las-tik at WhatsurBag-USA.com & read up on the good work of Hope House New Orleans at HopeHouseNewOrleans.org.

Just in from Christmas in New Orleans - and as the brief blogging hiatus should suggest - I was enjoying myself way too much to get in front of the computer. My beau grew up in NOLA, in the area uptown called the Garden District - which up until now was always hard for me to identify with as his house is from the 1800’s, the lifestyle is all about celebrating (socializing marathons), and the formalities (balls) are from another time entirely. It’s such a shame that more people don’t know how beautiful and cultural it is in comparison to basically every other city in this country, and it should be preserved and nurtured way more than the Bush administration could comprehend. I could talk ex-pat for hours - but the pictures really speak for themselves - and I’ll be counting down the days until I’m back again for Mardi Gras!

“Fleur De Paris” shop on Royal Street

Ceiling at St. Joe’s bar on Magazine Street

Angela King gallery on Royal Street