NOLA DINING GUIDE

Pardon my lengthy absence here on MDP! I've just returned from a much needed vacation to the magical city of New Orleans. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was- the history, excitement, music, and most notably the dining experiences at the local restaurants! I went to about 15 in all, but these are the top spots that I insist you visit if you ever find yourself in NOLA...

COOP'S PLACE $$

VIBE: An un-pretentious hole in the wall with a ton of charm.

DRESS: Casual

TIP: Usually a wait outside, so if it's cold bring a coat!

SITE

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CAFE DU MONDE $

VIBE: Outdoor historical café great for people watching.

DRESS: Casual. But no dark clothing. Beignet's leave powedered sugar everywhere!

TIP: Seat yourself! It can be a bit confusing when you first walk up.

SITE

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COURT OF TWO SISTERS $$$

VIBE: Beautiful garden scenery with live Jazz music during brunch.

DRESS: Dressy- Casual

TIP: It's a buffet, so be hungry when you get there!

SITE

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COMMANDER'S PALACE $$$$

VIBE: Upscale dining in one of the most historical restaurants in NOLA.

DRESS: Dressy

TIP: The lunch special offers 25¢ martinis!

SITE

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COCHON BUTCHER $$

VIBE: A little deli-style spot packed with a young hip crowd.

DRESS: Casual

TIP: There may a bit of a line, but the Cochon Muffaletta is well worth it!

SITE

Hanging Kisses

So many ways to sneak a little kiss in this holiday season...

1-diy felt // 2-gift bag // 3-diy ornament // 4-diy embroider // 5-diy cutout

6-yankee candle // 7-watercolor // 8-romance gift // 9-anthropologie // 10-ball

MDP 2011 Holiday Gift Guide : Bedtime!

Happy Humpday everyone... or better yet... Happy Holidays! That's right, because it's here. No use in denying it, folks! Have no worries, More Design Please is here to help! Today I'm presenting Part One of a series I'll be doing over the next few months for the Holidays! Gift-giving can be quite a hassle for some of us- so I've started collecting some ideas/images that'll give you a jump-start! And of course, the DIY's will be coming very soon too ;)

1. Bathrobe | 2. Pajama Crop Top | 3. Pajama Trouser

4. Pink Knit Footsie | 5. Gray Onesie | 6. Knit Mohair Socks

7. Velvet Kitty Slippers | 8. Electric Kettle | 9. Tea Cup

10. Striped Candles | 11. Hot Chocolate & Cozy Mug  | 12. Peacock Sleep Mask

13. Bedding | 14. Recycled Euro Pillow | 15. Deny Designs Bedding

Buyer's Guide: FALL 2011

I always look forward to seeing what thrift-trade stores like Crossroads & Buffalo Exchange have on their buying lists each season. I use it as a sort of personal shopping guide when I go out. Their employees spend loads of time researching trends- doing all the hard work for the rest of us! This is the little buyer's chart Crossroads just posted up- and it may give you some ideas for your shopping list this Fall... and I must say I like what I'm seeing!

ALSO, you should totally check out THIS great article about how to sell your own clothes at stores like Crossroads. "Beth Jones is a well-known stylist and blogger and a long-time Crossroads customer. If you ever wondered how to sell to Crossroads, this practical guide from Beth makes it easy…" CLICK TO READ MORE...

Etsy Treasury For Your Valentine

So so so super busy this week. Squuuuezzzzing in a little post- The Valentines Gift Guide- via the Etsy Treasury. So cute right!?

Inspiration : Packaging Design

I spent about 5 hours wrapping Christmas gifts yesterday. I think that's more time than I spent shopping for them! Thats because as a designer- I can't help but recognize the importance of presentation and packaging. It gives the product (or gift) some kind of context. Package design is the visual appetizer for a product. It's the fist thing people get to enjoy- and in some cases, it can even leave a longer lasting impression than the product itself! Once you've won someone over with the presentation- they're prepared to enjoy it's contents. A wonderful site that I find inspiration from is called Lovely Package. It's a collection of packaging designs from professional design studios, artist portfolios, even student work- ALL of which is unique and beautiful. Here are some of my favorite pieces: from bags and bottles, to boxes, containers and wrappings- this site has everything covered... heh.