Dreaming of New Orleans

 Morgan is in New Orleans for work, and it has me dreaming of a life spent in Julia Reed's home in the Garden District, as featured in Elle Decor.

 I love her bright and open kitchen, crammed with cookbooks.   I would make a lot of étouffée on that stove- I mean, there is no way you could burn a roux on those beautiful burners.

 I can just imagine taking a long bath to prepare for a party in this beautiful tub.

This library/study just screams for a gloomy day or waiting out a summer thunderstorm with a good mystery and a glass of tea.

The room I long for the most? Ms. Reed's sunroom.

Look at all those art and design books!!  I could lose myself for hours.  It reminds me of my friend Joyce, whose collection of books pertaining to design and food is truly outstanding.  I spent a few hours just in Joyce's storage unit of books (a storage unit just of books!  my heaven!), examining all her tomes  that didn't make the cut to reside in her house.  Incidentally, Joyce has two recipes featured in Julia's latest book, which totally makes me feel famous by association.

In related matters, my sister in law gave me this book by Bryan Batt, of Mad Men fame, and co-owner of Hazelnut in New Orleans.

 Oh, I could just eat up every room featured in the book- color, pattern, art!

Maybe Morgan can bring me back a tray in Hazelnut's signature New Orleans toile.  I can drink chicory coffee and nibble on beignets in bed, while pretending I'm in Julia Reed's beauty of a house.