French Quarter Festival 2016

Allow yourself to daydream for a minute and picture this scene - it's slightly windy, around 79 degrees, cumulus clouds fill the sky, brass bands are blowing, people are smiling, children are dancing, colorful clothes decorate the streets, fried fish and shrimp aromas float in the air and a thick, joyous spirit hovers around the atmosphere and covers you like a blanket.  Ladies and Gents, welcome to the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, LA.

The French Quarter Festival (FQF) always gives me the art I fiend for, and this year was no different.  I got to witness an array of fashion, taste my favorite foods, and observe different vibes.  Check out the FQF through my curious eyes and camera lens.

Mardi Gras Indian.

That's right sweetie, stay camera ready!

The dashiki was in full effect at the fest.  I saw this look a few times on both men and women. 

The hat crew.

This dish is called "Crawfish Louise."  It consists of crawfish (my fav!), green onions, breadcrumbs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese.  Delicious! 

Squad love.

Chicken and sausage jambalaya.

Crawfish pies!

Plum Street snoball with a shot of rum!

Rompers are popular this summer.  They go with festivals like red beans go with rice (yes, I'm currently hungry, hence the food analogy). 

Shorts are always a festival staple.  They keep you cool and cute at the same time.  

I wore a tee created by Chokolat Creme (available here), some BDG cut-off shorts (Urban Outfitters) and Steve Madden combat boots.  I try to be as comfortable as possible when I'm at these festivals. An uncomfortable outfit literally ruins an event for me.  I'm an advocate for functional fashion!   

The FQF 2016 did not disappoint me at all.  There is no other festival that has a similar vibe.

Until next time - Laissez les bons temps rouler!!! (French for let the good times roll.)

What's your favorite festival to attend?

- Samjah Iman

Rejuvenation - Creole Style

When life gets busy and a little stressful, sometimes you have to let go, vibe out and adopt an "I don't give a damn" attitude like my friend in the picture above.  

On Thursday of this past week, I declared that I was going to do nothing this weekend but sleep in and rot my brain with reality television shows.  I was dead tired, and I felt that my body and mind needed a huge break.  However, Friday rolled around and the weather was perfect.  I then checked the weather report and discovered that Saturday would be beautiful as well.  I told myself that I would rest Friday evening and take advantage of Saturday.  I woke up Saturday morning and had that "do something" energy within me.  I needed to get out of the house and bask in the lovely weather that Louisiana was experiencing.  We do not get many pleasant, warm days here - so I wasn't letting this one slide.  

I decided to get dressed, pack my camera and head south to New Orleans, LA (NOLA).  NOLA holds a special place in my heart.  There is a vibrant spirit in that city, and I feel it each time I visit.  I love the culture, the cuisine, the free spirits, the art, and the music; it all envelops me.  

I walked miles around the downtown area just to see what I could see.  It was entertaining to say the least (as usual), and it was also refreshing and relaxing - just what my weekend needed.  Check out what I captured in NOLA below.  

I quickly gave this man a dollar....I was about to give him $5 but I remembered that I wanted to eat later on. 

Jazz art in the French Quarter.

Here vibe was peaceful. 

Window art on Royal Street.

I thought he was a cool subject to shoot. #fashionablyliberated

I love the architecture in NOLA.  The detailing and colors of the houses are so artsy.  

Art on the front of a building on Frenchmen Street.

A creepy bar that I won't be having a Bloody Mary at....ever.

People watching.

A simple wedding on Bourbon Street.

Somebody literally read my mind and put it on a shirt! Ha!!

A cool band taking a break in between sets. 

I am trying to take a picture while she is asking me to reveal my breast.  Obviously the party and ignorance never dies on Bourbon Street.   

I was tempted to sit next to her. 

My sentiments, exactly.  

After being flipped off by the silver man above, I felt is was time to dip into a cool restaurant, take a break from walking and feed my face.  I went into Bourbon House (a restaurant on Bourbon Street) that specializes in Creole cuisine.  Check out what I feasted on below. 

For starters, I had charbroiled oysters topped with crawfish.  It was dreamy and delicious. 

For my main course, I had Catfish Pecan served with sautéed shrimp, popcorn rice, Creole meunière, and seasonal vegetables.  God is good.

After dinner, I was back at it.  I recorded some live video of a jazz band playing on the street. The video came out blurry so I won't be sharing it; nonetheless, the music was jumping. 

Overall, my time in NOLA was an adventurous one.  I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend, and now I am rejuvenated and ready to tackle another week.  Until next time!

What do you like to do to rejuvenate your mind and spirit? 

- Samjah Iman