Unscripted: the NolaPapa Podcast

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Calling all puzzle lovers! Did you know that January 29th is National Puzzle Day? 

AND January is all about chugging out those addicting little puzzles no matter the age! 

Highlights Magazine Puzzle Expert Allison Kane is here again with me to talk about this incredibly fun month and to also introduce us to Highlights' BRAND NEW Puzzle Book!  The super fun Puzzle-a-Day Challenge was just released and it is 6 thumbs up in this house! ALL 3 of my kiddos love it! 

Remember to check Highlights.com to find ALL SORTS of FREE puzzles and MORE!

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Then later you guys! We welcome back my pal, Jodi Jill! THE CREATOR of National Puzzle Day! Jodi and the world celebrates the 35th Anniversary of her brain child! From what started as a sweet idea has turned into a movement! Puzzlerz UNITE! 

Find all about Jodi's mission and more at nationalpuzzleday.com! 

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

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Season 6!! Is this real life? I am still pinchin' myself! Let's go!

Straight from the Kelly Clarkson show!! Lawrence Zarian, a.k.a. “LZ,” is one of the most sought after on-camera lifestyle and fashion experts in television. With over 15 years of industry experience, it’s clear that he loves what he does—and that’s helping people look and feel their absolute best.

Listening to LZ is like a contemporary Mr. Rogers of style. He brings: Love. Kindness. Confidence. to thousands of people across our beautiful country. Looking your best is one thing. But, FEELING your best is another. And hearing LZ's take on it all is powerfully inspiring to me and I can't wait for you to hear it. We went to CHURCH YALL! 

You can find Lawrence Zarian EVERYWHERE you guys. From Kelly to QVC. From his beautiful book to his riveting podcast.  

Look. We live in a time where positivity has fallen behind cynicism. When there is someone that lights the room, then it is our job as witnesses to celebrate it. 

Find him on Instagram and you will NOT regret it! List your 3 gratefuls! @lawrencezarian

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Then later yall!

We welcome back one of our favorite segments with one of our favorite sponsors! Cafe Du Monde, the world renowned coffee and beignet stand  helps us to find the hottest books on the market today! 

As seen on Stranger Things, discover the ground-breaking, bestselling science fiction and fantasy classic that has delighted readers for over 60 years!

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM DISNEY

Join me as I interview the GRAND DAUGHTER of this ground breaking book! 

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

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Season 5 Finale Comin' in HOT! 

I just cannot believe it has been 5 years. 5 years of hundreds of stories. From all walks of life. From all over America. Stories of grit. Hope. Resilience. Empathy. 

When we are brave enough to share our own deepest, and painful stories that LIT that spark inside of us to RISE. To let GO. To just, BE. It is up to us all to help pull others from their pits of dispare. 

Coming out is harder than anyone can ever realize... that is, unless you are the one coming out. Yes, our country has come a long way. But pockets of our country still blanket this nation like rugged old pair of blue jeans. Tattered, and torn. 

I said it then, and I say it now- in the face of such hostility- shine, baby. Be respectful, charming and truthful. And when you do that, anything is possible. One thing for sure. LOVE will ALWAYS win. 

You Guysssss.... ::blushing:: From American Idol, Season ONE- Top 10. Jim Verraros sits down with me again to talk about his steamy EP Good Boy and what it was like to rev it up again after 14 years. 

Listen as he opens up and uses his voice without singing, to help anyone out there struggling to come out, to be who they truly are. Jim, you're the light! Listen yall. And you'll see too! 

Find Jim's new EP and everything else on YouTube. Just search Jim Verraros!

And from this Papa to all of you. Thank you so much for SUCH an amazing season. From Minnie Mouse to Jim Verraros- 5 was big. and 6 will be even bigger!

From me and krewe, Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays! 

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

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This Holiday train has done left the station yall!! And I got some introductions to make. 

Meet Will Barrios, the founder of Tatro® Toys, a Louisiana-based company specializing in, inclusive, and magnetic, hand-built, or, customizable, playsets designed to foster creativity. After a pandemic-related pause, Barrios is currently in a soft-relaunch phase, focusing on diverse, modern family representation with a planned full, product, launch, in, 2026. Key Details About Tatro Toys:

• The Concept: The toys are designed for children (and adults) to create, mix-and-match, and tell stories, using magnetic, soft-touch, foam-based materials.
• Founder: Will Barrios is a certified play expert with a background in design and, production, who began, developing, the concept at age 10.
• New Direction: The 2026, relaunch emphasizes, diversity, featuring, characters, that, represent, Two-mom, families, Two-dad, families, single, parents, multiracial, families, and, gender-diverse, characters.

Find their Brand NEW product, FLICKER over on their website at tatrotoys.com. He is adorable and our kids love him! 

Flicker LAUNCHES SOON! FIND HIM AT www.tatrotoys.com

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Then we welcome a local, New Orleans hero. He'd slap me if he knew I'd introduce him like that but it's true, y'all. Listen.

Dan Forman is the co owner of this miraculous recovery center located now on BOTH sides of the lake here in New Orleans and Slidell. At NOLA Detox & Recovery Center, we understand that addiction is complex and deeply personal. Our treatment programs address the physical and emotional sides of recovery, blending medical expertise, evidence-based therapies, and the comforts of home.

Whether you need inpatient care, outpatient flexibility, or a safe medical detox, we’re here to help you or your loved one take the next step toward lasting recovery.

Dan's story is so incredibly inspiring. Listen to the light behind his message of hope. Of resilience. Of empathy. You're the light Dan! And I am glad to know you. 

He also shares some personal tidbits around his own Hanukkah Holiday!  

And if you or someone you love is in need of help this holiday season or any other day of the week, Nola Detox is here. Visit them at www.noladetox.com

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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Can you believe this is the 4th annual telling of the TRUE story of Saint Nicholassssss? Well, I indeed cannot!!

Our DEAR friend, Dominican Friar, Brother Todd is back with a show not just filled with amazing true life history, but MY BABIES are here too! They asked their cute questions and Brother Todd was perfectly poised to answer them all! And yall! This stump jumpin' Papa learned something. Like.... Why does the Candy Cane look like it does? Hmmmm? 

Gather the kids and start a new tradition with us you guys. 

And learn along with us! Merry Christmas!  

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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What is a Reveillon feast, you may ask? "A Réveillon dinner is a traditional, lavish French Creole holiday feast in New Orleans, named from the French word for "awakening," originally eaten late after midnight mass on Christmas Eve but now offered throughout December in many restaurants as multi-course, prix-fixe menus featuring rich dishes like gumbo, turtle soup, seafood, roasted meats, and decadent desserts. It's a festive culinary event showcasing Creole culture, with menus evolving from traditional breakfasts to elaborate dinners with modern twists. " -the google. 

This year,  I am over the moon! We are welcoming back my buddy, veteran and super chef, Eric Cook! Chef Cook is the restauranteur behind the beloved Saint John and Gris-Gris restaurants. Listen to how Chef Cook is able to articulate his love language about New Orleans, their own direction and his committed dedication to this jewel of a city. His passion burns hotter than a black iron skillet.  Hear how he selects his menu and how he wants both restaurants to bring out different tastes of our great city.  Book your rez's now yall! Saint John:Address: 715 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130Hours: Open · Closes 9 PM · More hours___________________

Then Later we WELCOME AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 2 TOP 3!!!!

Kimberley Locke sat down with me to talk about what a sensational season that was!  They made history that year, y'all. The Beetles MANIA had set in and Kimberley is here to talk all about it. From closing down stores to being rushed. Talk about exhilaration! Season two- just to jog your memory is the season with Clay Aiken and Rueben Studdard. And Kimberley Locke joined them ALL THE WAY hunny. They even got to go back to their hometowns. Remember how emotional all that was? Yea- I could have cried multiple times while cutting onions. All of this leads to what Kimberley is up to today! She is joining forces with the Lythgoe family after all these years! Yes- from American Idol! Listen Now to find out where!

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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Boy what a show! Annnnd It's Christmas time!!! I am just beaming, y'all! 

We have a from the Grammy award winning, sensational A cappella group Pentatonix, Scott Hoying and his charming husband Mark Hoying!!! 

To make this interview even more fun, it was recorded DURING Scott's time on Dancing with the Stars! Wow, what a whirlwind. ANNND to make it even more special, they are expecting their first baby. Oh my lanta. All the feels. It makes me think back 10 years ago when we first brought our little nugget home. In fact, yesterday- December 4 made 10 years. And man, they go by fast. 

While ALL of that was going on they released their second children's book!                  Fa La La La Family is the most adorable book that brings representation to Christmastime. This gorgeous picture book is sure to inspire anyone out there- kid or the raisins!!!! (Me. I am the raisin.) 

I am just tickled all shades of pink for this one, y'all. They are the REAL DEAL. 

Pick up their brand new book ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE. And you can keep up with all of their things at www.scottandmarkhoying.com

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Then later, we welcome back my most favorite pediatric ER doc from Ochsner's Children's Hospital, Dr. Lauren Mutter!! Oh gosh we always have the best time. 

This episode, I thought it would be super fun to ask our audience to submit their own HOLIDAY THEMED Pediatric Emergency questions. And they came though, you guys! I am 44 years old, I am not too proud to say that Dr. Mutter taught ME something today! 

We even partnered with our other friends at Rouses Markets to give to the winning submission a $25 gift card that Dr. Mutter selected! Buuut Ya Gotta listen to find out who won! 

From our family to you and to the entire team at Ochsner Health-                                We love yall and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

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Thanksgiving. Man. Again, pinchin' my dedgum self y'all. Thanksgiving for me is SO special because it revolves around being grateful. Being thankful. Knowing that we are blessed. Sometimes it may be hard to see the ground through the fog but with faith in your heart, there's no tellin' how many blessin's you can count. 

AND TY HERNDON is here to tell us all about it, folks. From his sensational song that ear wormed its way into my 44 year old self to this DAY.... to his brand new album with the likes of LeAnn Rimes, Michael Ray, Kristin Chenoweth, Brooke Eden, and Ashley McBryde. Like- FOR REAL. And doofus papa is here to talk about it all!!!!!

Not to mention his BRAND NEW MEMOIR that isn't even released yet, y'all! 'What Mattered Most' An intimate, often hilarious but always sincere memoir from country legend Ty Herndon on his struggles with addiction, mental health, his career, relationships, and being the first openly gay male country superstar.

This episode is from my heart to yours... and Ty's on this Thanksgiving eve. Remember to stay true to WHO YOU ARE. And then? Everything will fall into place. 

Love yall and God bless ya. papa

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

Send us Fan Mail

Our 2025 Culinary Thanksgiving Special is here yall. This time- with ya papa's favorite- upper end Italian and it is some better than Venice. I said it. I had it. and I know it. But this is deeper than that. It is deeper than the menu, the ambience. This is where legacies are made. And this Restaurant's story is unlike anything I have ever heard. I knew it was special, but boy Heidi. This is a unique rendition of a chef to table story.      

The Late, Vincent Catalanotto Sr. learned to love and appreciate food at an early age, and then spent most of his life working in the service industry, fueling his passion for the restaurant business while allowing him to hone his innate ability to create fabulous meals and to make people happy. His years of experience as a waiter convinced him that people like to eat food that is familiar, but which has a spark of uniqueness about it.

Vincent opened the first of his successful neighborhood restaurants in 1989. The "little Italian place on the side street" quickly became Metairie's hidden jewel. Vincent developed a menu that showcases the finest and freshest ingredients available. He blended his own ideas about New Orleans style Italian cooking with some things he learned while working in fine dining rooms around the city. Locals returned often because of the quality and value of the food as well as for the comfortable atmosphere created by Vincent and his well-chosen staff. It wasn't long before Vincent had more customers than chairs; the addition of a second location was inevitable.

Vincent Catalanotto's son, and new proprietor of Vincent's Italian Cuisine in Matairie, Vincent Catalanotto Jr. sat down with me recently in their Metairie location. It was special. And I very much appreciate V talking to me about his one of a kind, late pops. Wow, what an inspiration. 

I gotta tell ya- it was so moving that the lights flickered a couple times. Not gonna lie. This one was very special.  Happy Thanksgiving you's guys. I am getting the cataloni asap!  

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Then later we welcome back our long time partners, Ochsner Children's Hospital! 

For first time parents, finding your new pediatrician can be a tall order. At least it was for me and Douglas. There were so many boxes to check! Luckily, we have our friends at Ochsner Children's Hospital to walk us through the process! 

Today, we have Dr. Nick Algu joining me to talk about the important key things to remember when selecting your baby's very first doc! He even throws out a couple of pointers for new parents taking their itty bitties into the holiday season this year. From outdoor gatherings to vaccines- Dr. Algu has got ya covered! 

Learn more about all things Ochsner Health at www.ochsner.org

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...

Send us Fan Mail

Can you believe CBS's Let's Make a Deal has been on the air for 17 years?! 17 YEARS! that means, in 3 years it will be TWENTY FREAKING YEARS. 2 things. 

Either that makes me as old as a slap bracelet- OR I am aging as graceful as a blind drag queen on a unicycle! OOF! Either way, Jonathan Mangum, the show's announcer by day but... but night? His 3 row keyboard. OH YES. The muse runs in his blood! 

Recently Jonathan sat down with me to talk about it all! 17 years of laughter and shenanigans but ALSO what he does on his "off" time. HA! This man is busy! From Who's line is it anyway to taking up a brand new passion project... 80's style baby.

Listen, in a time and place where many things overload us- it's the magic makers that bring it all back home and in balance. Laughter does so much good for our world. Our society. And for 17 years, this IMPROV at heart, Game show has changed lives every single week. And Jonathan Mangum is part of it.  Thank you, sir. You are the light!!! 

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Then later we welcome another New York Times Best seller yall! Thanks to our friends at Cafe Du Monde, you know that Papa brings in some talented authors and this time OMGGGG. 

From the author of New York Times Best Seller, All Because You Matter, Tami Charles' final installment of her beautiful trilogy, Together United was just released and folks, it is gorgeous. A lyrical and astounding proclamation of unity and love, this stunning picture book serves as a reminder and a clear declaration that together, we are all part of something much greater. Courageous and bold, this final follow-up to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter and acclaimed We Are Here is a message of optimism: that alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable!

Tami Charles’ powerful and rhythmic text reminds young readers of their brilliance as individuals and the immense power they hold when their voices come together as one. Breathtaking illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, evoke the beauty and wonder of how we are all connected together in the world and our ability to change it for the better. Together, United is a community touchstone and a reminder that the best way to a better future is to create it together… united.

Find it WHEREVER books are sold! 

ANNND! This is one of our NolaPapa Kid's Book Club Selections for 2026! To learn more about having your child join, email at [email protected]

Support the show

Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors of UNSCRIPTED: The NolaPapa Podcast                                                 

Ochsner Children’s Hospital
Www.ochsner.org

Rouses Markets
Www.ochsner.org

STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri                www.ridewithla.com

Audubon Nature Institute                                                                                                   www.aduboninstutue.org 

Cafe Du Monde                                                                            www.shop.cafedumonde.com                                                                         

Sandpiper Vacations                                                                www.sandpipervacations.com

New Orleans Ice Cream Company                                 www.neworleansicecream.com

ERA TOP REALTY: Realtor Pamela Breaux                                                                Email to:[email protected]

New Orleans Tea Co.                                                 www.neworleansteacompany.com

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room                                                www.bottomofthecup.com

And thank you to our AFTER DARK! Sponsors

Mockly: Alcohol Free Spritzers              ...