If you are in New Orleans just the right amount of Cajun Seasoning is all you need to make a dish complete. The unique blend of spices is unforgettable, especially when combined with dishes like Andouille (smoked sausage based dish originally brought to Louisiana by the French colonists).

Can’t make it to New Orleans or don’t want to leave the house? Here is how to make your own Cajun Seasoning Mix.  It is basically salt with a variety of spices.

Ingredients:

• table salt, 26 oz
• cayenne pepper, 5 tbs
• black pepper, 3 tbs
• onion powder, 3 tbs
• garlic powder, 3 tbs
• chili powder, 3 tbs
• thyme, 1 tbs
• sweet basil, 1 tbs
• bay leaf, 1 tbs

Mixing the Seasoning:

Add all the seasoning (except the salt) in a blender.  Cover and blend until it has a fine consistency. (Beware of the dust!) Mix the blended spices with the salt until you achieve a uniform color. Use as you would salt.

If you have been a frequent flier over the years you are a pioneer of change. Air travel has undergone many drastic changes in the past few years, more then we have seen before. On the better side of change you may be thinking of  the ease of self-check in and a seat-back video screen so you can watch that much awaited inflight movie. On the annoying side of change you may be thinking of the long security lines and lack of meals. In order to have a stress free flying experience it is important to keep some of the following factors in mind.

Try to Leave Early: Yes it is important to get to the airport 2 hours earlier for a flight, but we’re talking about leaving a day early if your travel encompasses a special celebration or other important function. In case there are delays you are covered, and have time to defrag as well.

Pick the Right Time to Fly: Early morning flights are the best way to go, just make sure to have that extra cup of Joe to get you on your way. We are always warned about this around holiday time, but as it fades away remember the same applies. One delayed flight has a ripple effect, and your better off avoiding the ripple all together.

Meal Options: If you are on a long flight a meal is part of the trip. If you’re a vegetarian, or require special diets, you should discuss this with your booking agent so that the airline can make the adjustments as needed. There is usually a choice of menus. Planning this ahead of time could save you a grumbly stomach and crankiness if not planned ahead.

Dress Comfortably: Getting through security is the first challenge on your journey so be prepared ahead of time when you are making your wardrobe choice. Wear something that is comfortable to travel in as well. If you are on a long flight temperatures may vary. Layering is a good thing to keep in mind.

Distinguishable Luggage: This is extremely important if you have luggage that will be part of the pile for pick up at baggage claim once you reach your destination. How many black suitcases are there that look exactly like yours? The answer is “to many to count”. There are number of ways to mark your luggage for easy visual identification. A special tag, sticker, or perhaps a sewn in patch. Whatever it be, the time spent looking will significantly decrease.

This week, our focus is on a nonprofit organization established in 1961 with the endorsement of President John F. Kennedy (and backed by a Joint Congressional Resolution), called Operation Sail, Inc. Its mission is to advance sail training and promote goodwill among nations. They have five international sailing events which are tied to a landmark historical event and culminate in a traditional Parade of Sail in New York Harbor. Previous OpSails have been staged in 1964 (the New York World’s Fair), 1976 (the U.S. Bicentennial), 1986 (the Statue of Liberty centennial), 1992 (the Columbus 500th anniversary), and 2000 (the New Millennium).

New Orleans is about share in the honors associated with their mission. In commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, The NOLA Navy Week Host Committee and Operation Sail, Inc. have confirmed that three vintage tall ships will be coming to New Orleans April 17-23, 2012. The historic USCG Barque Eagle will join the Guayas of Ecuador and the Gloria of Colombia, docking alongside the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park. New Orleans was chosen as the host city for the opening events marking the 200th anniversary of what has been referred to as “America’s Second War for Independence.” The three-year celebration will also end in New Orleans where the last battle of the war was fought.

As part of the commemoration there will be an air show by the U.S. Naval Air Division’s celebrated Blue Angels aircraft. It is a week-long program that will also include a parades of sail, public visitations to the ships, international athletic competitions, and community relations activities. The theme of the event is, “Our Flag Was Still There.” After 50 years of the Nave andy Operation Sail partnering up to produce these patriotic events it is finally coming to New Orleans.

Why is this war so significant? It began in  1812 in the northern region of the United States and ended with the Battle of New Orleans, fought on the grounds of a plantation in Chalmette, just outside the city, on January 8, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans helped victorious General Andrew Jackson win election as president in 1828. It also marked the last time an invading foreign army ever set foot on American soil and was a significant factor in the strengthening of the American Navy.

Keep these dates in mind when planning your April New Orleans activities. For more information about the event you can visit www.nolanavyweek.com

Mardi Gras parades can be enjoyable for the whole family, and not just the adults. If you are looking for a family friendly spot to go keep the area of St. Charles Avenue in mind. There are many picnic and barbque areas along the parade route there. Keep the following tips in mind to make your family friendly visit fun and unstressful:

• Parking is not always readily available near the parade route area. There will be a certain amount of walking involved, and with children always a lot of “stuff”. Be prepared with easy to carry backpacks, or even a wagon to pull that can make the transport of these items easy.
• There is such a multitude of people around it is easy to get separated. Make sure your children have ID information with them at all times. Make your children aware of local area authorities to look for, such as police officers, in case you get separated.
• A fun part of the parade for children is the “stuff” that they end up getting as its thrown off the parade floats. It can be expected to have a few stuffed animals or the like thrown your way, so make sure to have a bag ready to collect the spoils for easy transport.
• Children are notorious for needing that emergency potty break. Many businesses along the parade route reserve bathroom usage for patrons only. If you know you will be in an area for an extended period of time some restaurants have tickets you can purchase that allow you access to special food and bathroom facilities.
• Pack easy to carry snacks and drinks to minimize cost. Anyone who has children knows that a snack can be an instant mood shifter, especially as the day draws on.

To make your family’s Mardi Gras experience the safest and least stressful, book Limo Livery to get you to and from your favorite spot in New Orleans!

When you think of streetcars, most people think of San Francisco, but did you know that New Orleans’ has the world’s oldest continuously operating electric street railway?

Streetcar beginnings were modest in 1835. It was a steam engine train that ran from the Vieux Carré along St. Charles to the outlying town of Carrollton (now the Uptown Riverbend area). In the 1860s the route became a horse-and mule-drawn line, and then went electric in 1893.

If you are visiting and need to get around this is a good alternate form of transportation to note. There are three different lines: St. Charles, Canal Street, and the Riverfront, each of which originates downtown but takes you different parts of the city.

The St. Charles Line: The cars themselves have mahogany seats and brass fittings. It has been around for more than 150 years. The route forms a 13.2-mile crescent from Carondelet at Canal Street in the Central Business District through the oldest and most majestic section of uptown New Orleans, around the Riverbend to Carrollton at Claiborne Avenue. To see a video about the St. Charles Streetcar visit http://www.neworleansonline.com/tools/transportation/gettingaround/streetcars.html#data

The Canal Street Line: For 40 years the Canal Streetcar has operated in the business district of the city. It travels a five-and-a-half mile route from the French Market, along Canal Street through the Central Business District of New Orleans and into the Mid-City area. The line ends at City Park Avenue and the historic city cemeteries.

The Riverfront Line: In operation since 1926 this streetcar starts in the French Market. The Riverfront Streetcar line is the first major capitol project in New Orleans that combines the resources of the public and private sectors.

New Orleans is known for its entertainment, whether it be street performers all the way through Jazz clubs. A special addition to the vast array of entertainment in the 2011-2012 season at the beautifully renovated Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts has been “Broadway comes to New Orleans”. It is located at the edge of the French Quarter in Louis Armstrong Park, at 801 N. Rampart Street. Post Hurricane Katrina, the Mahalia Jackson Theater has transformed into a state of the art facility in a beautiful setting. Audiences have already enjoyed The Addams Family, Rock of Ages and South Pacific as part of this series. Two excellent shows remain. Catch some of the flavor that helps make New Orleans diverse as it once again absorbs more of the world around it into its local flavor.

Blue Man Group – January 31- February 5

Founded in 1987 they are described as a mix of comedy, music and multimedia theatrics with a spot of blue. All of the organization’s appearances star a trio of performers called Blue Men, who all wear a blue “skin”. They are an experimental musical theatre troupe with an unforgettable and unique style. For more information about them visit http://www.blueman.com

The Lion King March 14-April 15, 2012

The anticipation for this show is putting it up as the most popular and in-demand production of the 2011-2012 BAA Season, The Lion King had an estimated 500 people waiting on line at the Mahalia Jackson Theater box office on the day tickets went on sale in mid-November.  This production is very unique from its costume style through the way the animal characters are portrayed by the performers. The performance is powerful and unforgettable for all ages. It is based on the multi-award-winning Disney animated feature, you will experience the phenomenon of this heartwarming story. You will marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors. To see a clip of this amazing performance visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pgZtzDj_7o

Tickets can be ordered by calling 1-800-218-7469 or purchased at the theater box office in Louis Armstrong Park. For more information about individual shows go to the Broadway Across America website.

There are a number of interesting and different winter holidays celebrated around the world. Here are some tidbits about how the world celebrates this season!

Japanese New Year

New Year celebration is one of the most major events in Japan. New Year’s Eve is known as Omisoka in Japan. The Japanese spend a lot of time shopping and cleaning their houses in preparation for the new year. This symbolizes getting rid of the past and starting afresh. The celebration on the New Year’s day itself is known as Shogatsu. The Japanese decorate their houses and give their children gifts of toys and money and greeting cards to friends and family. There are certain delicacies, which are a part of the festive spread, like fish cakes, boiled seaweed, mashed sweet potato with chestnut, soybean preparation, etc. At the stroke of midnight on the 31st December, there are bells ringing in the Buddhist temples for a total of 108 times. After the ringing of the bells, there is a feast of soba noodles, which everyone partakes.

Boxing Day

Also known as St. Stephen’s Day, is celebrated the day after Christmas. On this day it is common to give gifts to the poor and needy. In some places, there is also the tradition of gifting people in service positions. The traditions followed in different parts of the world are different. In countries like New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Britain, etc., it is jokingly often referred to as ‘Shopping Day’, for there are great items for grab at discounted prices. There are various sporting events, which especially take place on this day. Hunting has been a tradition, which has been a part of celebration on this day. Although this practice is now discontinued owing to the ban on hunting in most parts of the world.

Las Posadas

This is a traditional winter holiday celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala and Southern parts of United States of America, between December 16 and December 24. The nine day celebration symbolically represents the months of pregnancy. In English, the term Las Posadas translates to ‘the Inn’, and therefore is a re-enactment of Joseph searching for a room at the inn. Hence, every Christmas, there is a procession carrying a doll, which represents Christ as a child and the images of Mary and Joseph riding a small donkey, which goes through the streets. Many houses have a nativity scenes, where the hosts enact the roles of innkeepers.

Hogmanay

This is a Scottish word which means the last day of the year and is basically celebrating the New Year, according to the Gregorian calendar, in the Scottish way. It begin on the night of December 31, lasting all through the night and carrying on until the ‘Ne’erday’ or January 1, and sometimes even carrying on to January 2, which is a bank holiday in Scotland. The customs associated with Hogmanay are different for different parts of Scotland. There is the fireball swinging custom in Stonehaven, in north-eastern part of Scotland, burning of the clavie common to Burghead in Moray, etc.

Excerpts from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/winter-holidays-around-the-world.html

This time of year is not only a time for family and friends, but it is a time to remember those who are in need. Everyone has a different level of giving that can be done. Make a challenge to yourself this year and keep some of these local charities in mind so that we can help revitalize our community going into 2012.

Shared Housing of New Orleans

They help elderly and disabled individuals stay out of nursing homes in New Orleans with the Shared Housing of New Orleans program. It is a preventative program that allows elderly and/or disabled individuals to remain in their homes who would like to, and who do not need to be in nursing homes. They do this by matching a Homeowner with a Homeseeker. The Homeseeker provides light housekeeping and companionship. The Homeowner, in return, provides room and board. We take self-referrals or referrals from others.

For More Information: http://www.sharedhousingofneworleans.org/

What is Mistletoe?

Mistletoe is a plant that grows on branches or trunks of trees. There are two types of mistletoe. The mistletoe that is commonly used as a Christmas decoration is native to North America and grows as a parasite on trees in the west, as well as in a line down the east from New Jersey to Florida. The other type of mistletoe is of European origin. The European mistletoe is a green shrub with small, yellow flowers and white, sticky berries which are considered poisonous.

Does Mistletoe have Magic?

It had been thought that mistletoe had magical qualities. The druids utilized mistletoe as part of a fertility ceremony. The ritual of cutting the mistletoe from the oak evolved to symbolize the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Mistletoe was long regarded as both a sexual symbol and the “soul” of the oak. It was gathered at both mid-summer and winter solstices, and the custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of the Druid and other pre-Christian traditions.  Middle Ages and later, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In Europe, it was placed over the house and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches. It was also believed that the oak mistletoe could extinguish fire, associated with an earlier belief that the mistletoe itself could come to the tree during a flash of lightning.

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

Kissing under the mistletoe started with the Greeks in their celebration of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites due to its power of fertility. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. In the eighteenth-century the English came up with the idea of the kissing ball. At Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. The kiss signified deep romance, lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed, she could not expect not to marry the following year. In European countries and Canada a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, and is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. In France, the custom linked to mistletoe was reserved for New Year’s Day: “Au gui l’An neuf” (Mistletoe for the New Year). Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season.

May the mistletoe be plentiful and your holidays be joyful!

Adapted from: http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe.htm

Whether you’re visiting New Orleans and looking for something unique to do, or planning a conference or meeting in our area and looking for some extracurricular ideas, New Orleans has some great and very unique venues that are somewhat off the beaten path of the standard New Orleans experience.  Our travel experts can help you plan the most unique, most memorable experience for your party or group.

Celebration Distillery located in the Gentilly area of New Orleans

It is the Oldest Premium Rum Distillery in US and the only in Louisiana. Old New Orleans Rum was born in the back streets of New Orleans 9th Ward. The startup of their business success would not have been possible if not for a band of artists and musicians better known for consumption than fabrication. Together they managed to start production of what are now considered some of the world’s best rums. Drop by for a tour, some tasting and it is even possible to hold events there as well. http://www.neworleansrum.com/

Lousiana Swamp Tours

In the early days of Louisiana, the people of the bayou survived by hunting and fishing. There are a number of swamp tours available to show you the basic nature of the area around the beloved city we call New Orleans. Finding the right swamp tour can be a challenge. Check out the reviews here.

Pontchartrain Vineyard

Pontchartrain  Vineyard is one of 4 vineyards in the state of Lousiana. It is about an hours drive from New Orleans and offers distinct regional wines produced to complement the unique local cuisine of Southern Louisiana. For a $3 tasting fee, you can sample their entire selection. If you can’t get out to the vineyard the vineyard has come to you…its wine is sold in many shops around New Orleans. Visit here to learn more about the vineyard itself.

Any Architects out there?…Go on a Cornstalk Fence Search

There are three cornstalk fences left in New Orleans. The most famous is located at 915 Royal Street in the French Quarter. This cast iron gate was installed in 1856 and is especially popular because of how all the details are highlighted in colours. According to the story, the fence was added for a young bride who had been forced to leave her native Iowa and move with her husband to Louisiana. The groom hoped that seeing the cornstalks would remind her of the cornfields from back home.

To visit any or all of the unique venues New Orleans offers, give us a call.  Our experts can plan and arrange your tour for a flawless, stress-free experience!