New Orleans, Louisiana
Beignets
This picture reminds me of the wonderful Cafe du Monde located in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Cafe du Monde is mostly known for it's French-style beignets. Beignets is French for the word "fritter". Beignets are a New Orleans specialty. They are like a doughnut but are square instead of round and without a hole. After they are fried they are sprinkled with white powdered sugar. The French Colonists brought the recipe to New Orleans during the 18th Century.
Saxophone
Mr. Bingle
Mr. Bingle reminds me of my grandma who used to hang the ornament from her Christmas tree. Mr. Bingle was created as a fictional character who became the mascot for Maison Blanche department store in 1947. Mr. Bingle got his name from the initials of Maison Blanche. Today he still remains a prominent part of the New Orleans heritage.
Saint Louis Cathedral
The Saint Louis Cathedral charm I have is to remind me of the famous New Orleans landmark. Three Roman Catholic Churches have been built on this land since 1718. It is situated next to Jackson Square and facing the Mississipi River in the heart of New Orleans. It is known for being the oldest operating cathedral in the United States.
Streeetcar
I brought back the streetcar to remember the ride I had down St. Charles Avenue. New Orleans has three running streetcars, the St. Charles line, the Riverfront, and the Canal Street line. All three of these street cars are historic landmarks. The oldest streetcar in America is the St. Charles line. These three streetcars were highlighted in the play Streetcar Named Desire; by Tennessee Williams.
Mardi Gras Beads and Mask
Fleur-de-lis
I brought back the fluer-de-lis because it is the official symbol of the New Orleans Saints.The fleur-de-lis is a French term that means "flower of the lily". King Louis VI during his reign from 1108 to 1137 first used the fleur-de-lis for his coat of arms. On July 9th 2008, Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal endorsed a bill into law making the fleur-de-lis a recognized symbol of Louisiana.
Steamboat Natchez
The Steamboat Natchez hot plate reminds me of the time I cruised on the boat down the Mississippi River with my family. The Natchez is an authentic paddle wheel steamboat in New Orleans. It is only one of the six still operating. The cruise takes you back in time as you learn about the history of the Mississippi River, while listening to a Calliope Organ Concert.
King Cake
I brought back the king cake ornament because i love it's delicious, sweet taste. The king cake is a popular food eaten in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season. It is a ring of twisted cinnamon bread topped with purple, green, and gold icing or sugar. Some even have filling on the inside. Also, found on the inside of the cake is a small plastic baby used to represent the Baby Jesus. It is customary for the person who gets the baby to bring the King Cake to the next party. This tradition was brought to the south by Colonists from France and Spain.
Seafood
I brought back the seafood picture to remember the good food from the Galley. In Louisiana fish are another important part of it's economy. Shrimp are the most beneficial catch and are exported globally. In the lower 48 states, Louisiana is the largest seafood manufacturer.