For the Foodies

Life in New Orleans is made rich in many ways, not the least of which is the delicious food we enjoy from a melting pot of cultures. Such is our shared love of food that we often find ourselves enjoying a delicious meal while talking about the last delicious meals we enjoyed. Kit Wohl did us a great service in her post-Katrina reinvention by archiving many of the classic recipes enjoyed regionally and sharing them in her beautiful New Orleans Classic cookbooks series. Her Gumbos and Soups was the Gourmet Magazine Cookbook of the Month (February 2009).  You fellow foodies and fabulous cooks may wish to check out her website at www.kitwohl.com.

A New Era

Last night was one of those nights when I could not imagine living anywhere else but New Orleans. Gerry and I relaxed on our balcony as the sunset shared its afterglow. The pleasant breeze brought with it the scent of Confederate Jasmine and the sound of laughter from people dining al fresco at the restaurant across the street. But, I digress….

I love fashion and art. I love to watch for the coming fashion trends in color, style, and the new, interesting ways that pieces are combined. But, above all, I love accessories. I love the flexibility they offer fashionable women and men. I am thrilled with the return of the fashion of the 1940s. What an era in fashion! Designs were innovative and elegant—and women dressed like ladies! I also love seeing the return of the LBD, the piece that was a staple of my wardrobe as far back as high school. Whether the “little black dress” is black or any other color, I love that so much can be done with so little. The classic wardrobe is my friend, and that of any woman with a passion, like mine, for jewelry, but I would not consider my wardrobe complete without some trendy and dramatic clothes. Most importantly, I believe that jewelry is the key to a complete look. I see jewelry as pieces of art, but they need not be outrageously expensive. My heart must race when I see it and it must add something unique to the wearer and the outfit. It was with this in mind that Gerry, my multi-talented (writer, singer, artist) husband and I created our jewelry line. Well, that and the “Mother of Invention”, need.  After Hurricane Katrina rearranged many of our life plans, we found ourselves in need of reinvention. So, Gerry began making miniatures of his etched glass sculptures and I turned them into jewelry.

With the help of Nevenah, our powerhouse personal assistant, we have reached the point of writing this blog in order to promote our hand-made etched glass jewelry. Did I say that she helped us? Mostly we helped her— she represents the high tech end of our operation. So low tech are Gerry and I, that it came as a surprise to us that getting a web store operational was only the first step to effectively market, on-line, our unique, often one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted jewelry. But, at last we are ready to invite you to visit our web store at www.MelissaandGerryJewelry.com. I would love to hear from you and know your thoughts on fashion and jewelry.

Melissa

July 17, 2009