Cool Baton Rouge Businesses to Watch in 2015

Anyone living in Baton Rouge knows this city is going up. up. up. We are growing…expanding…Quite frankly-getting cooler.  I've always thought this city had the best of all worlds. It's family accommodating, but there is no shortage of fun when you do get that babysitter on a Saturday Night. Well, enough of my Redstick City plug. Here is my list of "cool" Baton Rouge Businesses to keep an eye on in the New Year.

1. Velvet Cactus

I loved this place in New Orleans. Actually, I lived right behind it. This "Mexican Inspired" Restaurant not only has a great menu and killer Margaritas, it throws one of the Best Cinco De Mayo block parties I have ever attended (and I've attended some doozies). The New Orleans-Art Inspired-Voo Doo themed atmosphere make this a place for a Professional Lunch, Saturday Girls Night Out, or your Date Spot. The outdoor courtyard is going to be my go-to Happy Hour Spot when the weather starts to warm up.

7655 Old Hammond Hwy, Baton Rouge
(225) 227-2563
Go like Velvet Cactus Facebook page for more updates!
Visit Velvet Cactus and post your pictures with #GeauxEat on your social media and you could be featured!

2. Barcadia

                                          Picture Courtesy of Barcadia Facebook Page

Another New Orleans little brother place. This joint is not your typical bar. This is arcade themed bar will feature arcade games to keep you boozing and moving. On some nights you can even win FREE BOOZE. Hence the name "Barcadia." Now you are getting it! So start putting your quarters in that jar by your bed. Now you actually have something to use them for.

3347 Highland Road, Baton Rouge LSU
(225) 224-6000
Go like Barcadia Facebook Page for updates!
Post your pictures from Barcadia with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

3. Matherne's Grocery Store

Ok. Ok. Don't get mad at me. Another one of my faves from New Orleans. If you read this site regularly…you know two things about me. I love downtown Baton Rouge and I like local businesses. And my third weakness?. I am a sucker for doberge cake. And this place is rocking all three of my likes. Move over Whole Foods, this is the new hip grocery store in town.

440 N Third Street Suite 100, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 343-0600
Go like Matherne's Facebook page for more updates and deals!
Post your pictures shopping at Matherne's with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

4. Baton Rouge Krav Maga

 Photo Courtesy of Krav Maga Baton Rouge Facebook Page

Now that you have inhaled your Doberge Cake, Krav Maga Gym and Training is a "killing two birds with one stone" kind of exercise. You get a muscle-building, cardio filled workout while learning how to defend yourself with the art of Krav Maga. The trainers at this gym genuinely care about the super positive atmosphere they provide to their clients. These hour long classes are such a bag-hitting good time…A lot of people gladly stay for multiple classes in a row and get their butt kicked.

10221 Patriot Drive Suite A, Baton Rouge
(225) 329-9820
Go like Baton Rouge Krav Maga Facebook Page for more updates and classes!
Post your pictures at Krav Maga with #GeauxWorkOut and you could be featured!

5. XO Nightclub

A club that opened in 2014,  but I think it is going to really rave in 2015. Already very impressed with this joint and its club feel. Not to mention, I have never seen a room full of such happy people since that epic Lil Jon Concert in 2014.
Bartenders-Friendly. VIP Girls-Hot. Dance Floor-Full. What else were you looking for in your Saturday Night?

150 Mayflower Street, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 381-0606
Go like XO Nightclub on Facebook for updates and performances!
Post your pictures at XO with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

6. Hey Penelope

My last post was about this adorable shop on Jefferson Hwy. that specializes in comfortable-fashionable-Louisanable clothes. From T-shirts to leggings to adorable koozies for POOL SEASON coming up... Stop by. While you are there, pick up one of those Mardi Gras "This is My Bead Catching Shirt" for me...will ya?

7317 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge
(225) 924-5338
Go like Hey Penelope Facebook Page for more updates and sales!
Post your pictures in Hey Penelope with #GeauxShop and #HeyPenelope and you could be featured!

7. Draft House

Beers…Beers…and more Beers. There is already a big beer-lover social scene in Baton Rouge (I personally never turn down a home brew), and now the headquarters for all beer connoisseurs is here! Opening this fall, Draft House is going to be THE place to go for an after work brewski. And I'm not a gambler, but I would put money on the fact that this place will fill up fast on game days.

421 Third Street, Downtown Baton Rouge
(225) 246-2547
Go like Draft House on Facebook for more updates.
Post your pictures at Draft House with #GeauxOut and you could be featured!

8. Tiger Deaux Nuts

There goes my low carb diet out the window. Tiger Deaux-nuts has caused quite the stir as everyone anxiously waited for the doors to open at their new Government location. And how could we not? Bacon Crumbled donuts and king cake that I would probably not be willing to share...This might be my newest "sweet craving" spot.

5162 Government, Mid-City Baton Rouge
(225) 421-1091
Go like Tiger Deaux-Nuts on Facebook for updates!
Post your pictures at Tiger Deaux-Nuts with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

 

9. Modern Meals

And for the days you are more loyal to your diet…There is Modern Meals. This place is more "Take Out" orientated, but it is said to have tables and chairs for your slower paced days. But for all you fast paced, clean eaters...Here is your easy fix. Their menu is endless and their food...gorgeous! Can't wait for this opening.

2921 Government Street, Mid-City Baton Rouge
(225) 317-2673
Go like Modern Meals on Facebook for updates!
Post your pictures at ModernMeals with #GeauxEat and you could be featured!

Hey Penelope...My Newest Shopping Addiction

I am so so so into this "comfortable-effortless but still worked at it" fashion trend going on right now. Seriously...Where were all the flow-y tops and leggings when I was in college???

I was in the "powder room" one evening when I spotted this adorable, but rather comfy looking chick washing her hands. Her shirt said "Bless your heart."

 (Was not this particular shirt but how cozy does this shirt look?! Pocket tee shirts are my fave!)

I stood right next to her and shouted, "Oh my gah. All the women in my family say that ALLL the time! I have to know where you got that shirt." (Yes...the shouting was probably due to the two glasses of wine from dinner.)

"Hey Penelope." my new best friend stated calmly.

"Come again?" I asked.

This, now rather annoyed, girl didn't know she had just open up my shopping world. I started noticing Hey Penelope popping up on Jamie Lynn Spears Instagram account (Don't knock it until you have heard the girl sing). I had to find this magical land of comfortable but adorable clothes. I found a few places here and there that carried some of the items...but then...then it happened. Finally. Hey Penelope Store. 

Located at 7317 Jefferson Hwy. Suite A

 I have to admit...I do not have too much patience for store shopping. But I have frequented the Hey Penelope store on Jefferson Hwy. so often, Desiree (Desiree Guidry-the owner of Hey Penelope) probably thinks I have some Carrie Bradshaw-esq shopping addiction for leggings and scarves.

From Jewelry-to koozies-to shoes-to the most comfortable leggings you will EVER wear (No..I'm not exaggerating), you won't just leave this place with one of her cozy shirts galore.

Go check out these designs at www.heypenelopedesigns.com,  Follow Hey Penelope's Facebook Page or go look up Hey Penelope on your IG Account. Tweet them @HeyPenelopeArt

Don't forget to take pictures in your Hey Penelope threads and tag @HeyPenelope and @BatonRougeGeaux. And as always...whenever you are shopping at your favorite, send me a picture by #GeauxShop.

STYLE-ENCORE COMING TO BATON ROUGE!

 Expected to Open Mid-August but if they build up inventory...Possibly sooner!

Oh, you haven't heard of Style-Encore? Me Either! But when Plato's Closet told me some of my brands were not what they were looking for (translation: Not Forever 21), they told me about Style-Encore. It is the same concept as a Plato's Closet, but with more designer, retail, and well..."work-appropriate" wear. They are aiming for an opening on August 20th, but are currently buying inventory. The quicker the inventory grows, the sooner they could open! So pour a glass of wine, make a promise to be real honest with yourself, and go dig through that closet of yours. Your size 2 jeans from High school...Come on, sister. Sell those and treat yourself to a Coach Purse. Tell them I sent ya!

Go check out the website and facebook page. Get on the mailing list to keep up with the opening!

Get Organized, Baton Rouge.

Closet Craze is the All the Organizing...Well Craze!

Have you ever experimented with one of your Pinterest projects only to find yourself covered in paint, saw dust, or glue 2 hours later with a bigger mess than when you started with? And I'm not just talking about the "chic-chalkboard paint-no primer-BS" we have all pinned to our boards. I'm talking about the organizing stuff. You know... it's that "Organized/Cleaning" board that you keep telling yourself "Next weekend, I'm totally having a re-organizing of the house." Ladies (and some gents)... You're kidding yourself. And I'm only saying this as your friend. Even if you DO get around to it, it will not look like the nice picture on your Pinterest board. Now don't click off yet because I have now insulted your DIY-natural born skills. It's just some things are best left to the professionals. See the picture above? Probably have something similar sitting in one of those lovely Pinterest boards now, huh? What if I told you there is a local company right here in Baton Rouge to make your closet make Carrie Bradshaw's closet look like a swamp.

Meet Katie Holt and her business Closet Craze. 

"I created Closet Craze about a year ago to offer my organizing and designing services for those who really just don't have the time to get to their closets! I always had a niche for closets so one day I thought, "Why not let others know I can help and turn this into a little business?!" There is no job too messy or too small! I receive feedback of clients fearing I will judge their messy closets. NEVER!  Not only does the end result look great, it becomes more user friendly!

I offer free consultations where I speak with the client and see what they're looking for! I take inventory of supplies needed (which I go out and get) and determine time and cost.

As for designing, the same consultation process applies. I outsource a carpenter to build and I come in and finish with organizing! The customer will deal only with me and I will communicate with the builder behind the scenes.

I can also provide wardrobe consulting...but this is a fine line that really depends on the customer! You don't want to dig deep and overstep as I've realized everyone is unique and sensitive when it comes to their style:)

I think that's a wrap! A basic summary of what Closet Craze offers!"

-Katie Holt, Closet Craze

So we can't have the Matching Outfits Computer Software from Clueless, but who cares? Now Baton Rouge has Closet Craze!

Go check out more about Closet Craze here and go like the Facebook Page Here!

Need your advice!

         Haven't been but dying to go!

One of my fellow shopaholic, label junkie friends sent me an invite to like Swap Boutiques Facebook page. Ever since, my newsfeed has been filled with gorgeous, gently used, absolutely authentic designer apparel. I love this concept. One problem: I'm scared to go in here! I know me and I know I will have... Positively HAVE to buy something. So before I go blow my budget... What I want to know is have you been in? Were you impressed? Email me directly or comment below. Because I just must know!

You Haven't Shopped Yet!

Until you have been to Circa 1857 located on Government Street. 

I was introduced to this place on their annual Hot Art, Cold Nights event and immediately fell in love. My Partner in Crime Holly and I stumbled upon this gorgeous Antique Mall while running errands today. She could not believe this piece of heaven existed, and she never knew about it. Equipped with local artist, gift shops, decor, and even an adorable cafe that STILL smelled delicious hours after closing the kitchen...We could not stop looking. Door after door, shop after shop, there was more than enough to explore. This gem also holds multiple events throughout the year to support local artist and sponsored by Mid City Merchants. Events such as "A Mid City Night's Dream", White Light Night, and my personal favorite... "Cold Nights, Hot Art". With locals, wine, refreshments, and the eccentric friendly shop/cafe owners...you will catch me at every event held here. #GeauxShop and tell them I sent ya!

This Olde Shoppe on Tiger Bend

You will Spend Hours..I promise you.

My friend Holly introduced me to this place a couple of months ago, and we never go in there unless we have time to spare. You may miss this gem, located on Tiger Bend, because it looks like most the homes lining that side of the road. But it is so much more. This antique/consignment shop is a journey has you walk from room to room with Gorgeous things to decorate your home with. From the letters (pictured above) which can be ordered to your custom or the beloved "green", no sanding-no priming  Ce Ce Caldwell chalkboard paint we all look for (Pictured Below, best for those pinterest projects).

They also carry my favorite Home fragrance line that is also pretty hard to find...Orleans Fragrance Co.

Stop on in and tell them I sent you. Check out their hours and more information here or go check out their facebook page here.