I did grow up in New Orleans. I grew up right on the lake, right across the levee.

You know, I think I was always intrigued by theater since I was a small child.

Put every light you have on a dimmer. Because after a certain age, we can play with the lighting and set it on how you look best on it. Its cheaper than plastic surgery.

As a rule, I try to avoid the French Quarter because of the crowds, especially Bourbon Street. But hey, some people love it. A great, wild, adult thing to see is the costume competition in front of the bar Oz on Bourbon early morning on Fat Tuesday.

In the dining room, next to my collection of colorful papier-mache Mardi Gras float art, hang draperies made of the New Orleans toile fabric that I designed pre-Katrina for Hazelnut.

Labels don't really impress, it's the uniqueness and risk in decor that inspire.

We have a costume closet at home. My family will put on a costume for any excuse.