New Orleans Native to Audition at America's Got Talent Competition!

New Orleans very own, Tedril Jones aka T'Nicole. T'Nicole will be auditioning in San Antonio, Texas on January 29, 2015. T'Nicole is so excited about being chosen to be a contestant. Mardi Gras season is upon us and one of T'Nicole's favorite holidays. T'Nicole says, "New Orleans is rich in heritage and culture, and she is proud to be a New Orleanian." Mardi Gras New Orleans Style publisher caught up with this new artist and found out some interesting details.

INTERVIEW  WITH T'NICOLE

1. What did you have to do to become an America's Got Talent Contestant?
I looked up where the next audition would take place and applied. I was later sent a ticket number with information about audition time.

2. Tell me about yourself.
I am 38 years old, and I have been singing since I was about seven years old. I joined the youth choir at Broadway Missionary Baptist Church and have been singing ever since. I belong to Household of Faith International. I'm currently a member of the praise team for about a year. I have two children and I work at Harrah's Casino in New Orleans.

3. Where have you performed live?
I have performed at Harrah's Theatre and won second place, The Therapy Ultra Lounge, weddings, and funerals.

4. What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy going to the movies with my kids, spending time with family and friends. But, I love singing as much as I can. It makes me happy!

5. What was the last project you headed up, and what was its outcome?
My last project that I had to prepare for was Harrah's Employee Talent Show. The outcome was a success. I won $500 for second place.

6. What are you looking for in terms of career?
I am looking for some genuine people to invest and direct my career in the path. I love to sing, so I would love to continue writing my own songs and singing them.

7. Who are your favorite artist?
My favorite gospel artist is Yolanda Adams. She is amazing and always encouraging young people to chase after their dreams.

8. What's the best movie you've seen in the last year?
The best movie that I've seen and enjoyed very much is The Equalizer with Denzel Washington.

9. Have you spent time in a recording studio?
I've spent a lot of time in several studios writing and formatting my songs.

10. What do you like best about Mardi Gras?
I love Mardi Gras because it brings so many cultures to New Orleans to share our parades, food, and marching bands.

Mardi Gras 2013: "Let the Good Times Roll!"

Five more days to enjoy the Mardi Gras parades before Fat Tuesday. Free entertainment is hard to find, so take the family out for a good time. Pack the lawn chairs, ice chest, and don't forget New Orleans favorite party bites as you and your "krewe" enjoy the spectacular celebration.
Make sure you take advantage of the last five days until Fat Tuesday or you'll have one year until it returns...five, four, three, two, one.. Happy Mardi Gras!

                                                                      Schedule
Uptown  & Westbank (Only)                                                                                           Time
Thur. Feb. 7    Knights of Babylon                                                                               5:45pm
                        Krewe of Muses                                                                                    6:30pm
                        Knights of Chaos                                                                                  6:30pm
Fri.    Feb. 8     Krewe of Hermes                                                                                 6:00pm
                         Krewe d' Eat                                                                                        6:30pm
                         Krewe of Morpheus                                                                             7:00pm
Sat.   Feb. 9      Krewe of Iris                                                                                      11:00am
                         Krewe of Tucks                                                                                  12:00 noon
Sun.  Feb. 10    Krewe of Okeanos                                                                              11:00am
                         Krewe of Mid-City                                                                              11:45am
                         Krewe of Thoth                                                                                   12:00 noon
                         Krewe of Bacchus                                                                                 5:00pm
Mon. Feb. 11    Krewe of Proteus                                                                                  5:15pm
                         Krewe  of Orpheus                                                                                6:00pm
Tues. Feb. 12    Krewe of Zulu                                                                                      8:00am
                          Krewe of Rex                                                                                     10:00am
                          Krewe of Elks Orleans                                                                       Next
                          Krewe of Crescent City                                                                      Next

Westbank
Sat. Feb. 9          Krewe of Nomtoc                                                                             10:45am
Tue. Feb. 12       Krewe of Grela                                                                                 10:00am 








 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The Westbank Healthy Smoothie

Just in time for Mardi Gras, the Westbank Healthy Smoothie easy to prepare and ready to serve in a few minutes.

 

Ingredients

 

1 cup of 2% milk

 

2 tablespoons of honey

 

1 cup of mixed fruits (mangos, strawberries, and pineapples)

 

1 cup of ice cubes

 

*Garnish with a cherry or strawberry

 

Directions

 

In a blender, add 1 cup of 2% milk, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 cup of mixed fruits, and 1 cup of ice cubes. Blend for about 2 minutes and you'll be able to enjoy this amazing drink. Garnish with a cherry or strawberry. Nothing to feel guilty about later.

 

Mercedes- Benz Superdome (New Orleans)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, a touch of class with elegance. Wow!..What's New Orleans cooking? The place that's home to the New Orleans Saints, and convention headquarters. The  Essence's Festival crowd would love all the new upgrades here. A place where they call home. Welcome the new Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This place is stopping traffic! Thanks for being apart of New Orleans.

 

Terrytown Spring Festival: Fun, Food & Family

Terrytown Spring Festival

Terrytown Spring Festival 2011, an event that you don't want to miss! Terrytown is a suburb, located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on the Westbank of the Mississippi River approximately 3.5 miles from downtown New Orleans.

Terrytown Spring Festival is held on March 18-20, the Terrytown Civic Association merged with the Terrytown Volunteer Fire Department to establish an awesome spring event with family fun in mind.

The festival is located at 341 Heritage Ave, Terrytown, Louisiana featuring amusement rides, approximately 20 food and drink vendors, crafts, live bands for your entertainment and much more. The admission is only $5 per person for more information call (504)349-5551 or send a fax to (504)362-4428.

Are you ready to have a great time? Things that you will need to bring to the festival. You can not forget your lawn chairs, towels, and blankets. Don't worry about looking for a parking spot. Just park your car at Oakwood Center and look for the small white tent and a courtesy shuttle will transport you to the event free!

Mr. Nicholas Chaiban provided safe and friendly service on March 19, 2011. There are a lot of things to do at the fest, Chris Roberts "Council At Large" sponsored free train rides. If you are looking for Fleur de lis jewelry stop by Kay Kay's Bow Bazaar or handmade crafts visit Emmas Princess Boutique.

The kids will enjoy the amusement rides such as bumper cars, merry-go round or playing games to win prizes. Only one more day left, you deserve it!

Food Vendors

CTK Dad's Club- Crawfish Pies, Meat Pies & Pickles

Sunnyside Cafe- Shrimp Etouffee, Shrimp Creole & Chicken Pasta

Old Style Hot Tamales- Beef Tamales & Tamale Casserole

The Levee Bar & Grill- Shiska Bobs, Eggrolls & Vermicelli

Amy's Sno-Balls & Cafe- Sno-Balls, Chicken Tenders & Boneless Wings

Metairie Sunrise Rotary Club- Seafood Stuff Roll & Bread Pudding

Baskin Robbins Ice Cream

Ruby Red's- Hamburgers, Hot Dogs & Fries

Big Al's- Boiled Crawfish, Shrimp & Jambalaya

Boston Club- Duck Po-Boy, Alligator Sausage & Roasted Corn

Krewe of Alla- Soft Shell Crab Po-Boy & Crawfish Pisolettes

Di Martino's- Crawfish Etouffee, Seafood gumbo & Muffaletta's

Algiers Friendship Club- Nacho's, Taco's & Burrito's

Round House Grill- Prime Rib, Ham & Swiss Po-Boys

New Orleans Ladies Ballroom- Meatball & Italian Sausage Po-Boys

Saileys Restaurant- Stuffed Artichoke & Roast Beef Po-BoysPo-Boy Depot- Shrimp & Oyster Po-Boy and many more!

Gretna, Louisiana Small City-Big Heart: Cast Your Vote Today!

 

"We Hear You America 100 cities-100days"

Gretna, Louisiana the home of the Heritage Festival and the Gretna Art Walk, located in the historic downtown area, with Ronnie Harris residing as Mayor. Mayor Harris has already received an award in the amount of $1,000 stimulus check for being chosen as one of the 100 best cities in America. The promotion sponsored by, Readers Digest is to help cities affected by the economic downturn.

 Gretna citizens need to show their support by casting their vote today, visit www.rd.com or click on the link below. The contest ends on May 17, 2011. The First prize is $40,000, Second prize $25,000, and Third Prize $10,000. Please spread the word to your friends, colleagues, and family.

Gretna's Ferry

Gretna's Ferry is located on Huey P. Long Avenue at the River, for more information about scheduled service to Canal Street (downtown New Orleans) call (504)376-8180 for daily information. The ferry departs daily from Gretna on the half hour and from Canal Street on the hour

Runda's Favorite Picks

The Real Pie Man- 170 Franklin Ave, Gretna, LA 70053 (504)362-4545
Hooters- 2781 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, LA  70053 (504)393-7177
Cafe du Monde Coffe Stand- located inside Oakwood Center, 197 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053 (504)587-0849
Gambino's Bakeries-300 Lapalco Blvd, Gretna, LA 70056 (504)391-0600
Piccadilly Cafeteria- 533 Lapalco Blvd, Gretna, LA 70056 (504)391-1063

Release & Heal: A Broken Heart, Disappointments & Relationships

I Apologize

I apologize for not acknowledging you, when you walked by.

I apologize for not saying, 'thank you' for your assistance.

I apologize for not offering a helping hand.

I apologize for not returning your calls.

I apologize for not taking your advice.

I apologize for being rude and disrespectful.

I apologize for thinking that the world only revolves around me.

I apologize for not wanting children.

I apologize for hitting you.

I apologize for not admitting that I was wrong.

There is power and forgiveness in apology!

© Runda Poe 2011

Character (kar-ik-ter)

An image desired to be admired.

Details should consist of moral or ethical quality.

Should be bound and formed as one such feature.

Incompressible and indispensable.

Ageless or Timeless. 

Exercising magic power, delightful!

Attractive ♥ with an intriguing, compelling mannerism.

Mastery over one's enemies without deceit and pride.

Gratification and fulfillment will always compense.

As everyone gather to explore this ornate and timeless masterpiece.

© Runda Poe 2011

Hurricane Katrina: 6 Years Later Recognizing Acts of Kindness

The Past, The Present, and the Future "Keeping Hope Alive!"

Remembering the events of the past, Hurricane Katrina was very catastrophic, and struck New Orleans, and the entire gulf coast area, on August 29, 2005. We've approached another anniversary, six years later observing memorials, and giving special thanks to the individuals whom dedicated their time to help others in need.

Many New Orleans residents continue the rebuilding process after many years of agony. Residents have been scammed out of their money from contractors, and having to seek arbitration with insurance companies to receive fair compensation for their loss during the storm.

During tough times, and having to make tough choices, it's always good to have a friend. Simple acts of kindness can make the difference in a person's life. "The home- where I lay. The streets- where I used to play. Now, I found Jesus in my life, and he's here to stay. And, it's all through him, because I wouldn't be here talking to you. If it wasn't for him. Amen, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! says, Robert Claverie."

Inspirational Harmony

Robert Claverie is a very loving and compassionate life-long resident of New Orleans, and if others could grasps the principles that he share, the world would be a better place. Mr. Claverie and his lovely wife Ann, have beautiful flower gardens and vegetable gardens that are shared with friends, and the homeless.

Each year, in remembrance of Hurricane Katrina, a memorial gathering is held at their home. Mr. and Mrs. Claverie displayed an eloquent flower arrangement made from sunflowers and eucalyptus straight from the garden. The aroma from the eucalyptus, had an exceptional -compelling essence, stunned the guest. Also, he gave everyone a few informational facts about sunflowers, and demonstrated where the sunflower seeds were stored.

Thank You!

A lover of nature, servant of the community, and member of Saint Maria Goretti. Mr. Claverie is very active in the community. He has dedicated 47 years to feed the homeless. "I don't think about my pain. I think about others, Pain. In Jesus Name," says Mr. Claverie.
Over the years, he have been a true friend to many people, in the time of need. You may have seen him underneath the expressway bridge, on the corner of Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, Lee Circle, Jackson Square, Lafayette Square, Claiborne and Canal, or Elysian Fields and N. Peters.

New Orleans Westbank Parade: Krewe of Alla 2011

Grab the King Cake

On February 27, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Free family fun and excitement as the Krewe of Alla kicks-off the 2011 Mardi Gras season. The Krewe was formed in 1932 with only 35 members. Now, with over 500 members. Yes, It's king cake time! Grab the lawn chairs and ice coolers and get ready to have a grand time.

Oh, "Yes indeed" as the locals and tourist enjoy the live music performed by area junior high and high school marching bands. Archbishop Shaw, Dominican, John Ehret, West Jefferson, O' Perry Walker, Edna Karr, Chalmette and many more.

It's Carnival Time! New Orleans

The city referred to as the "Big Easy" are preparing for another carnival season. Every year locals and visitors from all over the world travel to New Orleans and area parishes to celebrate the Mardi Gras Carnival Season. New Orleans residents and businesses are still rebuilding after recovering from devastating hurricane Katrina in August, 2005.

There are plenty of things to do in New Orleans. If you do not like large crowds, do not worry just relax with a cruise on the Mississippi River. Steamboat Natchez features daily dinner and jazz cruises for your entertainment. New Orleans is the home of many festivals such as the Essence Fest, Jazz Fest, Voo Doo Fest and many more.

The "Big Easy " is open for business. Come and meet with friendly people, enjoy wonderful prepared meals, walk through Bourbon Street, and leave the city saying, "Yes Indeed" a phrase often used with locals. If you enjoyed this article, please read New Orleans Westbank Parade: Krewe of Alla 2011.

It's Carnival Time here in New Orleans make your reservations soon. You do not want to miss out on all the excitement.

Mardi Gras: Traditions & Costumes

Throw Me Something Mister
Mardi Gras 2011 was definitely a success. The crowds were large and everyone united together as one. What to expect on "Fat Tuesday?" Fat Tuesday is a holiday celebrated in New Orleans and area parishes. However, Mardi Gras is celebrated in Canada, Detroit, Galveston Island, St. Louis, Mobile, San Diego, and other cities and countries around the world. In the New Orleans area, there will be no school, government buildings will be closed , and if you are looking for that perfect outfit to wear, sorry the malls are closed too.

Traditionally, Mardi Gras is celebrated as a big outdoor picnic. Children are playing outside either throwing a ball, walking or grooving to the beat of music. The crowds are screaming as the floats pass by, "Throw Me Something Mister!" The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. You can become your wildest fantasy on this day!

Get Ready to Party New Orleans Style!

Jester
You probably have seen "Jester" as a figurine or stuff animal, and often wondered the meaning behind the action figure. Jester, according to dictionary.com, is a person who is given to witticisms, jokes and pranks or a professional fool or clown. Centuries ago, "Jester," were hired to tell jokes to the royalty for entertainment purposes.

If you are ever in the New Orleans area visit, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. You can explore the magic, up close and personal as history unfolds right before your eyes. Since, 1947 Blaine Kern's Studios has become a part of Carnival.

Highlights of Mardi Gras 2011

Link to more Mardi Gras fun here. 

It's Carnival Time! New Orleans