#lookbpl

Not all addictions are detrimental to one’s soul [believe you me]. And let’s be honest, the coffee addiction struggle is real - yet manageable. So when I moved to The Big Easy the beginning of this year and wasn’t immediately greeted by the universally known and iconic green + white symbol; which, literally occupies every street corner in Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, Philadelphia, Valencia - Spain (just a few of the fab cities I’ve lived in), as well as, oh practically every other major city worldwide and podunk town across the United States... I immediately began to go into withdrawal.

- The Shakes - Intense Sweating - Extreme Depression

... you know, the Works (OK I may be exaggerating oh ever so slightly... but you get the severity of the situation).

But then. It was as if God himself and/or herself... heard my cries. Felt my pain. And all my prayers were answered.

Apparently, NOLA, being the eccentric city that it is, does not need to conform with mainstream America by littering it’s streets with Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenti (how & why that became a thing) cups. You know why? Because it has something to offers us addicts, that is so. much. more.

- More Splendid - More Delicious - More Yummy

“You know you want this yummy, yummy all in your tummy” Ciara, Level Up

Locally Owned Coffee Boutiques.

Yes, I realize this concept of “independent coffee shops” is nothing new and probably not even worth writing about - I mean every city has them. But the sheer fact that there is more of them than there is of “The Man’s” coffee establishments, brings a happily caffeinated smile to my face. 

Drink it up - here just a few of my coffee faves. And, You’re Welcome 😘

Sacred Grinds 5055 Canal Street

Church Alley Coffee Bar 4201 Canal Street

French Truck Coffee 1200 Magazine Street

Pulp and Grind 644 Camp Street

What & Who inspires The Little Gray Book on our Instagram Weekend Cut: Events & Lifestyle Inspiration

Event Pros Take Action

“epta_outreach Getting the job done! #EPTA

epta_outreach. . . . . #payitforward #neworleans #katrina #stbernardproject #sbp #socialgood #hurricane #afrgivesback #nola #rebuildingnola #sbpnola #togetherwerebuild #disasterrelief #bringingfamilieshome”

“epta_outreach Furniture delivery in New Orleans for EPTA a success! Thank you @afr_rentals for your generosity! Rain didn't slow down the @HopeTheriot Efreight team! Thanks to the driver and hardworking SBJ volunteers! #EPTA #afrgivesback #payitforward #socialgood”

“epta_outreach Newbies Tour! #EPTA

epta_outreach. . . . . #payitforward #neworleans #katrina #stbernardproject #sbp #socialgood #hurricane #afrgivesback #nola”

“epta_outreach @LibertysKitchen - Mentor Teaching Program For Troubled Youth. #EPTA #libertyskitchen #changinglives”

What & Who inspires The Little Gray Book on our Instagram Weekend Cut: Events & Lifestyle Inspiration

Hotel Casa del Mar

“hotelcasadelmar"Orient Bay" - 4 Raspberries muddled, 2 oz. Silver Rum, ½ oz Chambord, ½ oz Raspberry Syrup, ½ oz. Lemon Juice, Top with Courvoisier VS •••••••••••••••••••••• #mixology #recipe #cocktails #cocktailrecipe #yum #instayum @terrazzaloungesm #terrazzasm @hotelcasadelmar #santamonica #livemusic #losangeles #socal #california #beach #beachlife #beachthursday #luxe #luxury #luxtravel #luxuryhotel”

Calligraphy Katrina

“calligkatrinaNot that you all need this reminder but, Wakey Wakey!!! It's Monday again!! Please pray for us as our office will be in a frenzy this week!! We wish you all to have a wonderful week ahead! Let the madness begin!! #calmbeforethestorm #calligraphykatrina #calligraphy #monday #madness #ilovemyjob #curiouscalligrapher #pointedpen #lettering #losangeles #moderncalligraphy”

AOO Events

A video posted by AOO Events (@aooevents) on Apr 6, 2016 at 4:38pm PDT

“aooeventsWe were thrilled to provide these blue rose arrangements for the Facebook Live launch in Hollywood today!! Here is a look at the fun, quick transformation led by our lead floral designer Jason Vorse. A special thank you to @ginawadecreative and the entire team. 💙💙💙#aoofloral aooevents#aooevents #eventdesign #transformation #floraldesign #roses #bluerose #artistry #beforeandafter #Facebooklive #Facebooklauch #DTLA #weddingwednesday #funwithcolors #artproject #designideas #eventproduction #weloveevents #Flipagram #💙”

Mosaic Inc.

A video posted by Mosaic Inc. (@partymosaic) on Jan 27, 2016 at 6:18am PST

“partymosaicHOT OFF THE LOOM! This unique sequin encrusted cloth changes color when you sweep your hand across it. It will surely provide hours of entertainment at your next event. #colorchangingfabric #linenporn”

Scott Cummings Music collaboration with Bottega Louie for their decadent wedding cake preview. 

#lookBPL here. 

Behind Party Lines with special guest Eddie Zaratsian of Eddie Zaratsian Custom Florals and Lifestyle. His talents exceed far beyond being just a floral boutique, he is a design house, capable of styling an event or project from start to finish. With over 27 years of expertise within the events industry Eddie is taking his knowledge and sharing it with those yearning to learn. Flowers are a feast for the soul and Eddie believes everyone deserves a seat at the table.