Ok. You know  I can’t ignore Katrina on the fifth anniversary of the levee break, right? After all, I did go to school there and live there for a total of almost eight years. It really is another home to me. A good friend has even dubbed me the “fake local” because after all that time in the Big Easy, well, let’s just say I assimilated really well. Even in VA people assume I am from New Orleans! It’s an honor to be mistaken as a true blood! Anyway, I know that Katrina is all you’ve heard about on the news lately so I need not go into detail about that horrific event. All I want to say is:

1. I can’t believe it’s been five years.

2. I am so thankful that a lot of the city has been cleaned up (a lot of it has not been…I am hopeful!).

3. Most of all, I am relieved and thankful that all of our dear friends and their families are safe and back in NOLA. They are all a big part of the reason the city has survived: pure tenacity, endurance, and a refusal to take “no” for an answer. I am humbled by them all.

For a full commentary and true local perspective, visit Jessie’s blog, The Gimlet Eye.

To remember Katrina and support the city that survived it, let’s shop a little at the local boutiques from New Orleans.

Two Sprouts: “New Orleans Inspired Stationery and Invitations”

A perfect crawfish invite for your crawfish boil! Yes, even waaaay up here in VA, Tripp and I always host a crawfish boil in the Spring. Countdown to Spring begins now!

Calling cards for your little sweetie. I may have to buy these for Miss Babe!

How can you not love the Jazz Fest Stroller invite?? For a true New Orleanian!

Doing their part to help save the coast as well. Buy a t-shirt or onesie for your babe here!

Perch New Orleans: Beautiful and stylish interiors!

Check out their blog for their latest shipments…including these papier mache birds! I have seen these in a local White Stone store. They are just as cool as they look!

Clip on butterflies…loving the idea of these spontaneously clipped to drapes in a nursery!

Perch has many other fabulous things to fancy your eyes!! Visit their site and see more of their interior design genius and clever items like note card wallets.

Orient Expressed: A Magazine Street Must Have!

It’s truly everything from smocked clothing to stylish gifts:

A classic…

Adorable smocked pillow!

The perfect host gift! Lovin’ those fleur-de-lis!

I think everyone should book a flight to New Orleans right now! If you can’t swing it, though, at least visit one of the sites I mentioned here and buy something for yourself or someone you love.

Safe and sound to you today!

Adrianne