I'm in LOVE! And even Oprah agrees with me.

I ADORE the almond flavored macaroons at Sucre in New Orleans! First, I must say that I ADORE bakeries. Pastries are my weakness. One of my favorite aspects of party and wedding planning - is designing and TASTING the cake! Needless to say, I am always looking forward to the "cake consultation". I'm thrilled about this particular project - as both the bride and groom are extremely creative and they have clear-cut and defined ideas about what they want, which happens to be a "winter wonderland" themed wedding. Everything will be ultra-luxe and dreamy, including the wedding cake (with edible diamonds and crystals). Which brings me back to Sucre, this place is simply DIVINE, heaven on earth, perfection on the tongue...(you get my point). I'm not going to be my usual "wordy" self in this post - I only want to say, "get there". Whether by internet and phone order, or in person - Sucre will not disappoint. By the way, William Bryant is the wedding coordinator - and he is a delight to work with, as is the entire staff both, knowledgeable and friendly. If you can't get home for Easter or Mother's Day - Sucre can ship the "sweetest" gift to your loved ones, the macaroons also make perfect end-of-the-school year gifts for teachers. Visit their website under Lovelee Places and Lovelee Things.

Paula Deen and Oprah have both endorsed Sucre and expressed their love of the sweet artistry that Sucre has to offer!

Pretty Paper....

I ADORE all things paper. I love pretty invitations, programs and paper mementos. In this era of e-vites and the totally social no-no (in my humble opinion) of sending an invitation via text message - pretty paper seems almost like it is becoming ex tint! Yikes! Sometimes, when I am working with a bride or someone who is having an event or party, I find myself having to sell them on the significance of spending a little extra on not only paper, but good quality paper and print. What a treat and delight it is for me when I find old wedding programs or invitations of some of my older relatives, or even family friends and relatives who have passed. A beautiful and preserved program or birth announcement gives a glimpse into the past, almost as if I were there. One of my high school classmates, Amanda Alexander, owns The Keeping Room in Baton Rouge. The Keeping Room is one of my favorite places to wonder through, located in a charming old wood frame house on Jefferson Highway, you are sure to find something, whether you are having an event or not. The Keeping Room website, www.thekeepingroombr.com, is listed under "Lovelee Places", get lost in all of the pretty things on the site before stopping by.

Also, I recently had my business cards printed by a very talented, local artist, Kathryn Hunter. I began to do my own business card research late last year, and quickly determined that I wanted something strikingly unique, memorable and different and that also reflects my appreciation for "pretty paper". After much research and debate, I settled on letterpress business cards. Letterpress is the oldest traditional printing technique, dating back to the fifteenth century, it has recently been made popular again by lifestyle and entertaining experts like, Martha Stewart. It is much more expensive than most other types of printing, but the technique of printing a modern design by using such a vintage method is absolutely magical to me. My business cards look and feel classic and hip and chic at the same time. So, you guessed it - I'm going totally "Lady GaGa for all things letterpress!" You can quote me on that. Kathryn does wonderful custom letterpress invitations, announcements, calling cards, business cards and stationary. Her company's website, Blackbird Letterpress, www.blackbirdletterpress.com, is listed under "Lovelee Things".

Jump Start Your Heart 2nd Annual Valentine Gala

I've been very busy lately, and haven't had nearly as much time as I wish I had to blog. But I've been busy with what I like to call a "party with a purpose". This one was so fun, and I came on board a bit late. I am going to attach the link to a great, local non-profit organization, Jump Start Your Heart or, JSYH. Last Saturday, which was the eve of Valentines Day, was the 2nd annual fundraiser. The photographer for the event, Baton Rouge photographer, Darryl Bell, was so kind to get back to me so quickly with a few pictures to post. The Gala was held at the Old State Capital, one of my favorite aspects of my job is being able to work at so many different, beautiful and creative venues. And so far, the Old State Capital is on my very short list of "favorite venues". There are many wonderful and talented florists in Baton Rouge, but I am so partial to Broadmoor Village Florist on Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge. The ladies over there are so easy to work with. I went to them at the last minute looking for Hydrangeas to decorate the ballroom, and as usual - they came through for me (on the day before Valentines Day of course - "Love Them". Thank you all so much!!!) The staff and volunteers at the Old State Capital are also an absolute delight to work with! If you are ever looking for a great place to have a party or reception - you should check it out.

Who are you?

I Am Naked......

My new perfume! I love it. This year is off to a wonderful start, and I have a new product that I could hardly wait to tell everyone about. I returned my from quick road trip on yesterday, and I shared on Monday that Vogue Pilates in Ridgeland, Mississippi, carries the "I Am" perfume line by Danica Aromatics. The eleven fragrances have fun names such as: "I Am Wild", "I Am Rich", "I Am Hot", "I Am Real". In addition, there is a diverse variation of scents. There is a fragrance for just about everyone. Of course, I had a difficult time deciding which ones to buy, as I liked just about all of them! So I bought a few. This week, I am wearing, "I am Naked", the description on the box says, "Floral Oriental. I am a natural woman. Aglow in moonlight, radiant as the sun. Removing my veil, I am perfect just as I am. Clothed in my true colors. I am naked." The ingredients are described as: Clean bergamot, sheer melon, gardenia, rose and earthy vetivert. I would describe the price point of the "I Am" fragrances as low-moderate. A great value for the price. There are very handy purse size roll-ons available for sale - these make great little gifts. Check out Danica Aromatics, Inc. website here: www.iamdanica.com or under "Lovelee Things".

Proposals, Pilates and Products (What a combo!)

I mentioned a few days ago that my cousin, Dewain and her fiance, Irvin Williams were selected by Essence Magazine as finalists in the Essence Magazine "Will You Marry Me" contest. Voting has begun and I would appreciate if you guys would support them by casting your vote. Dewain and Irvin will be on the Today Show on Valentines Day of this year, along with the other finalists, when the winning couple will be announced.

I have been hired to design the wedding, which will take place in New Orleans on December 18, 2010. They are going to have a 'winter wonderland' theme, and everything will be SUPER luxurious and ultra glam!!! I will keep you guys posted on the details and give a peak into the wedding design details soon. I have enjoyed all of the couples that have had the honor and pleasure of working with, but this wedding will be extra special for me, not only because Dewain is one of my favorite cousins, but also because both Dewain and Irvin are very creative. Irvin gave Dewain a fabulous Tiffany & Co. themed, 40th birthday party last September, where no stone was left unturned. (There are photos from the birthday party on the Essence magazine website under their profile.) Irvin has worked in the fine catering and service industries for many years, Dewain has an impeccable sense of style and I adore the details - this one is gonna be good kids...hold on to your hats! I'm really looking forward to working with them both. Remember to click on the following site and vote! http://www1.essence.com/packages/willyoumarryme. Thanks in advance.

Also, today I am leaving for a bit of a road trip. My first one of the year! I'm looking forward to the opportunity to sit back and ride, take in the scenery and draw design inspiration from all that I see. I will be going to Jackson, Mississippi via the Natchez Trace Parkway (rather than the interstate). I'm going to have lunch with my dear friend, Reesheda Carter, owner of Vogue Pilates Studio in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Reesheda is not only very knowledgeable and experienced in several Pilates methods, but her studio has great products, some of which are sold exclusively at her studio, including the 'I Am Danica' perfume line, fun wrap tops and Pilates and Yoga apparel, and yummy smelling custom candles. I LOVE products! I'm sure I will return with a much lighter wallet. Check out the Vogue Pilates website as well, they take phone orders for products. I will post pictures as soon as I arrive.

Have a great first Monday of the New Year!

Nikki

Thou Shall Not Covet....

It's so hard not to covet these absolutely gorgeous keys from Tiffany & Co. I am loving these! And, evidently so does everyone else because right now, they are sold out. The Tiffany & Co. key collection is all that is fabulous! They have such a detail and sort of vintage look and feel to them. I would love to design a wedding with or a party with a cool "key to my heart" theme. Oh, and the tenth commandment actually says something about coveting your neighbors "wife, house, male servant, female servant, ox or donkey".....nothing about their Tiffany keys!

Resolutions? Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)

Happy New Year and Happy New Decade! I am very excited about the new year, and all of the new possibilities that come with it. I want to share a few things with everyone that I am currently going absolutely lady Gaga over!

First Lovelee thing of the New Year: "The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine" by Chef John D. Folse. One of my very best and dear friends purchased this book sometimes last year. Every time that I am in her kitchen, I find myself thumbing through what is truly a huge encyclopedia of Cajun and Creole culinary mastery. The book is so much more than a cookbook, it is filled with history, stories, entire menu selections for large gatherings and intimate dinners. The photography is stunning, and the recipes are easy to follow. Much to my surprise and delight, Lawren purchased me my very own copy of the book! I'm thrilled. And today, for New Years Day dinner, I made my very first recipe from the book, it is Leah Chase's "Gumbo Des Herbes", which translated means "Gumbo of Herbs". An absolutely delicious twist on any other gumbo like seafood or chicken and sausage, but with many wonderful and fresh greens, such as turnips, mustards, collards, cabbage, spinach, beet tops, carrot tops. As per the recipe, I also added salt and pork meats along with a few shrimp. Can I tell you the pot is empty!! Again, a wonderful addition and twist on traditional New Years Day Cabbage. The book also makes a creative and thoughtful gift for any historian, cook or photography fan that you may know.

"Sippin' on Syrup"

As a few of you know, I am currently working on a coffee table/lifestyle reference book on my own. Since I have been working on the book, I have had the pleasure of visiting some really cool places in and around South Louisiana with my photographer, Sean Griffin. At the beginning of December we went down River Road almost exactly between Baton Rouge and New Orleans to Oak Alley Plantation for Mint Juleps. I am a sucker for a great cocktail, and I had been told that Oak Alley has some of the best Mint Juleps. Mint Juleps are a cocktail that are typically associated with the Southern United States. I would imagine that their association with the South stems from the fact that sugar is a primary ingredient of the mixture. The traditional Mint Julep consists of only four ingredients: Mint, Sugar, Water and Bourbon. A fresh mint spring is typically used as a garnish for the drink. Debra Mahey and her husband own the Plantation and live there too, (which I thought was really cool). Debra was a delight to work with, Sean and I, were practically given the run of the place and were able to get lots of great pics, which of course will be posted in the book. And the Mint Juleps did not disappoint! :) If you are ever looking for a cool little ride, and an even cooler drink at the other end - Oak Alley is the place to find it. The setting is gorgeous and serene, the scenery is so incredible that Beyonce filmed a video for a song from her last album there, and did the cd sleeve pictures from her "B Day" album, on the grounds. Many movies are regularly filmed there too. Tours are available daily, and there is even a neat gift shop and restaurant. Their website is http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/. I've decided to post a very simple and easy recipe for Mint Juleps, if you don't have a chance to visit Oak Alley, perhaps you can make your own.

Mint Julep Recipe

What you need:

About 20 Fresh Mint Leaves

2 tsp. Sugar or Simple Syrup or Simple Mint Syrup

2 to 3 oz. good Bourbon

Lots of crushed ice

How you do it:

1. Put mint leaves and sugar in Mint Julep cup or similar old fashioned glass.

2. Mix by stirring together the leaves and the sugar until the sugar dissolves. (Don't get discouraged, even though this is not an easy task the sugar and mint do come together in a wonderful and fragrant mixture.

3. Add Bourbon, and stir. Fill the glass with the crushed ice.

4. Garnish with the additional mint. Serve immediately and enjoy.

"Even More That's Lovelee"

Also last month, Sean and I had a chance to go to the Grapevine restaurant in Donaldsonville, LA. I love this place! Again, totally lady Gaga over it! Grapevine is a cafe and an art gallery! Superb food and stunning art work in one place. What more can one ask for. Cynthia Schneider is one of the owners and the chef. She is a total gem! Again, if you are ever in the area - you won't be disappointed. Turtle soup is on the menu everyday! And my most favorite dish that they make is the Crabmeat Stuffed Eggplant Wheels (it is topped with crawfish or crabmeat au gratin!!!) Warning: don't try and adhere to your New Years diet when you go there! I've included some of the pictures of the gallery and dining room. It's a great place to host a dinner party or shower.

As I close on this, the end of the first day of the new year I have to mention some great family news: I am so excited for my cousin, Dewain Lee and her fiance, Irvin Williams. They have been selected out of thousands of couples as finalists in the Essence Magazine, "Will You Marry Me" contest! This is very special news for them. And I want to wish them many congratulations. The winners will be announced on the Today Show on NBC, where they will be appearing with the other three finalist couples! Congratulations Dewain and Irwin, I love you both! I will post more info next week on how everyone can vote online for them. And, there is no limit to how many times you can vote for them! (hint, hint)

Finally, if you are wondering about the title of this post, I started off thinking I would be rather wordy and philosphical about the new year and keeping resolutions and promises to ourselves, and I listened to words of the song, "Que Sera" by Doris Day. I realize that on this, the first day of a new year - truer words have not been spoken!

Until next time, stay Lovelee and inspired!