Twist of Mint & Vintage Dots

"Ya look like a lost grandma", said the seester. Thank you, thank you very much. Don't mind if I do, actually.

(gifted vintage polka dot pants, haus131 chiffon blouse, f21 hat, zara bag + heels)

Crescent City Farmers Market

Who doesn't love fresh eats? Just the thought & sight in front of one's eyes is literally an eye-opener.  Every week I make it a priority to peruse one of the three farmer's market locations throughout the city. In my case particularly, it's more of an educational field trip incorporated with the best of  local offerings.

Opting for the Uptown location, I forewarned the little sis in tow to bring her appetite. As we set out to stock up on produce & such, the kettle corn man + infamous solar powered empanada producing machine are serving up grub.

 Can't say the same for all, but, the sight anyone/anything pumping out quality food to the masses are such rockstars in my eyes.

Frozen watermelon treats, picking fresh herbs, homemade jams + sauces , quality time with the sis w/in the same parking lot vicinity= success. All this and it's only Tuesday?!

[Click link above for times + locations w/ the happenings] 

empanada intifada

'nuff said

made in the shade..that's just how we roll down here.

poblano pepper mac 'n cheese + chimichurri + beana vista empanadas. *noms

what green okras & big creole tomatoes you have?!?

and a bead dog.

the end.

Life Lately. Chronicles of the Month: April.

I always try my hardest to keep up with posts. But, living down here you hardly get any down time. There's always something going on. Don't believe me? Images speak for themselves. I shall do an outfit post soon.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Laughter. The cure to all.

Life abloom.

Monster Ball.

Mama Monster Aprroved.

Workin' It.

'nuff said.

French Quarter Fest 2011.

The festival season always brings out the best in people.

Rooftop maxin' and relaxin'.

PURA VIDA.

My fave sandwich shop! Behold, the crawfish roll. Yumm-ooo.



Flower Power. My creation for one of my bff's b-day.



I mean, everyone should own one right??

In Memoriam

Those whom are close to me cannot believe how I was not Japanese in my former life. In fact, they've often joked with me about it. "Are you sure you're not Japanese?" or "Wow you're more Japanese than I am!" It's no secret that I've always had such adoration for this beautiful culture. Yes, of course the food has alot to with it. Okay and most importantly the fashion. There's a purity about their culture that I've always admired from afar. The rest of the world seems to think so, too. Needless to say, they did start our love affair with sushi + sake + late nite karaeoke. I, myself,  planned a trip to Japan in the upcoming months for research + pleasure. Sad to say, it might not even happen anymore.

(Putting in some time at a local festival this past weekend for our restaurant. Not bad, ehhh? Keep rollin'..rollin'...

Got sushi?!)

It's hard to believe that it's been exactly one month to this day that Japan was hit with one of history's worst natural disasters. The destruction of the earthquake, tsunami, multiple aftershocks, and radiation exposure is still mind boggling to everyone how much damage has occured. As many as 25,000 lives lost and the death toll still may be on the rise. It's going to take years for Japan to rebuild the empire that was once there. But, being technologically advanced and a structured government to oversee the rebuilding, we all have faith that they will be able to do so. As a matter of fact, most likely better than ever.

(Hong Kong's old world taxi)

Personally experiencing firsthand the destruction of what Mother Nature is capable of, ala Hurricane Katrina; there's only one thing that will get you through it all. Hope. The will to keep on going.

Join the relief efforts if you have not. Check into your local community and see how you can help. Every little bit counts. Here are a couple of sites you can donate to:

Donate here

 Purchase here and proceeds go towards the relief efforts 

Please let us all take a moment to reflect and remember. Send out your heart + thoughts.

What once was....

Images are courtesy of  a friend's recent trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka right before the tsunami and earthquake hit.

Thank you, Jimmy for these.

(Osaka Castle)

(Jimmy, Chiharu & company)

(Gold Temple. Yes it is really made of gold.)

(Mt. Fuji)

(My friend, Chiharu. They said she was praying for a husband.)

(The oldest temple in Japan.)

(Street filled with Harajukus)

(Why can't we have this in America??)

(Part of the Big Easy making it all the way to Japan!)

(My kind of breakfast.)



(Look at how cute she is!!)

(Now that's some fancy panties. I want.)

(Hong Kong skyline)

(Full on fab!)

(Tokyo)

日本のために祈る

Pray for Japan

Anata wa dōmo arigatō