Jaithan and I are finally back from New Orleans, so to recap, let's start with the glorious cocktail party Valorie, the Visual Vamp, threw in our honor at her super stylish home, just off Magazine Street. Blogland, we've come to learn, is so full of the most caring and warm-hearted people. In just a short time, Valorie became such an amazing friend to us both. She's sassy and chic with an incredibly generous spirit. Here's the living room of her home with a gorgeous set of antique shutters she installed so the windows would appear centered. The white faux leather Valorie found on ebay, then used it to cover several pieces of furniture, including this camelback sofa. We actually have the same piece in our dining room that's just waiting to be recovered as well. Simple greens in a modern white vase add a wow factor without being overwhelming.

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How great is this side chair covered in the same faux leather? I love too how the nailheads run throughout.

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Here's where the Vamp retreats! It's soothing and beautiful with burlap-covered walls, great symmetry, all white bedding with gray linen pillows from Perch, and a pair of lamps so ingenious, you just have to take a closer look.

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Marble, right? Well, that's what I thought. Would you believe they're actually faux-painted? Valorie even did them herself! They really are so convincing, I can't wait to try something like that myself! 

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You know how much I love white ironstone, and Valorie's collection is to-die-for. in fact, her kitchen is filled with it, all on open shelves so she and her guests can admire it.

VampIronstone

Here's our fabulous hostess, together with her charming and very funny husband Alberto who, by the way, makes a killer guacamole!

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The two of them are world-class tango dancers and even gave guests a show to remember! 

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Here I am with Mad Men's Bryan Batt who, together with his partner Tom, own a great home furnishings and accessories store on Magazine called Hazelnut.

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Just down the street is blogger and lighting designer Julie Neill, specializing in beautiful, gold leaf pieces, one of which we were even lucky enough to borrow for the show!  

VampJulie

And finally, the group: Jaithan, Valorie and me, together with Jordan and our good friend and fellow blogger Sara Jonas, whom we met on a shopping trip to Scott's back in January. 

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A tremendous thank you to Valorie, the Visual Vamp, and her husband Alberto for such a fantastic evening! We'll be back Friday with more from New Orleans, including a Before & After of the room we did for the Home & Garden Show you don't want to miss!