We’re ELEVEN New Orleans Moms Stronger :: Meet Our New Contributors

We are thrilled to introduce our community to eleven new members of the New Orleans Moms Blog team. Each one is a dynamic, warm and inspiring New Orleans mom, and we can’t wait for you all to get to know them both online and in person at any of our upcoming events. We are humbled and honored to have these women join our team.


Brennan Schexnaydre

Originally from: Destrehan, LA

Her krewe: Scarlett (6 Months)

Her last NOLA meal would be: Crawfish Fettuccine for sure!

Her favorite snowball flavor: wedding cake with a dash of bubble gum and condensed milk (in Destrehan they use to call it a one-legged chicken)

She believes the best king cakes are found: Caluda’s King Cakes because they are always fresh and the icing is amazing! BUT you can really make any king cake good if you just stick it in the microwave for 10 seconds

During Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: at my Aunt Jessica and Uncle Lee’s condo in Lee Circle watching the parade from afar

During Saints games you’ll find her: Not that big on football but if it is an “important game,” you can definitely find me at my mom’s house with family having a mini heart attack saying things that probably don’t make much sense

Kids at Jazz Fest? Depends! Honestly, right now it would probably be easier because Scarlett does not walk yet. Once she is mobile, it may be a completely different answer.

Raising kids in New Orleans is exciting! Our city has so much to offer in terms of exposing kids to the different cultures that make it up.


Meghan Culpepper

Her krewe: Lucas (3) and Logan (9 months)

Originally from: Slidell, LA

Her last NOLA meal would be: To create my own donut flight at District Donuts. I could never pick just one flavor, but Lemon Icebox, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Peanut Butter Cup would all be in there! Give me sweets all day, any day.

Her favorite snowball flavor: Chocolate with condensed milk always.

She believes the best king cakes are found: Sugar Love Bakery in Slidell. She has the best icing, and the king cakes are always delicious!

During Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: At parades in Slidell. We haven’t braved NOLA parades with kids yet.

During Saints games you’ll find her: Either in the Superdome or at our house eating whatever delicious food my husband’s cooking (he’s Cajun, so you know the food is always good!)

Kids at Jazz Fest? I’ve honestly never been to Jazz Fest. I think my mom went when she was pregnant with me, does that count?

Raising kids in New Orleans is: always an adventure!


Amanda Blaum

Originally from: Born, raised, and currently living in Metairie, LA #metryfalife

Her krewe: Benjamin (5) and Zachary (3)

Her last NOLA meal would be: redfish AND veal parmesan from Austin’s. Of course I would have to have the fried oreos for dessert. After dinner, I would go to Jacques Imos for a Mint Julep.

Her favorite snowball flavor: Pink Squirrel (wedding cake mixed with nectar cream) with condensed milk from Sal’s

She believes the best king cakes are found: at Randazzo’s. I have stood in line more times than I can count to have my Randazzo’s.

During Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: Everywhere. For Metairie parades, I walk down my street to catch them with my family, my sister in law’s family, and our close friends/neighbors. I ride in NYX. My family stays at a hotel on St. Charles for Muses. For Endymion, I camp out with my extended family and parents’ friends on Carrollton. Mardi Gras Day, we are back in Metairie.

During Saints games, you’ll find her: at home with my family or down the street at my sister in law’s partying.

Kids at Jazz Fest: not mine! It’s one of the few things my husband and I do just us.

Raising kids in New Orleans is the BEST! I cannot imagine raising my family anywhere else.


Catherine Karas

Originally from: Dublin, GA

Her krewe: Twin boys Remy and Jack (10 months) and wife Claire

Her last NOLA meal would be:  Chef’s table at Commander’s Palace (hey … you gotta dream big!)

Her Favorite snowball flavor: Take me to Creole Creamery instead for some ice cream!

She believes the best King Cakes are found at: Dong Phoung

During Mardi Gras you will find her:  On the route with a daiquiri in hand! (except Muses Thursday when I roll with my fellow Muses)

During Saints Games you will find her:  At the Dome for home games!

Kids at jazz fest?: At least one day with kids and one day adults only!

Raising Kids in New Orleans is non stop entertainment. There is always something to do, a new experience to be had, and usually some friends who want to be in the thick of it with you.


Jen Lassalle

Originally from: Dallas, TX

Her krewe: Charley (7) and Gabe (4) plus hubby Dave

Her last NOLA meal would be: A muffuletta from Napoleon House

Her favorite snowball flavor: Strawberry

She believes the best king cakes are found: Manny Randazzo’s

During Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: On St. Charles neutral ground, between 1st and 2nd, hanging with my favorite Krewe of friends, one of whom owns a house nearby.

During Saints games you’ll find her: At home in front of the TV. We don’t like distractions when there’s football to be watched!

Kids at Jazz Fest? Not for me. I’m a fan of the Miller Lite tent!

Raising kids in New Orleans is … So much fun! There is so much passion and diversity in this city. They get to foster a sense of adventure and open-minded camaraderie that I love. New Orleans is a big city that feels like a small town. Plus they learn about humidity. In depth.


Alison Ruth Zeringue

Originally from: Metry, baby!

Her krewe: Caroline (15 months)

Her last NOLA meal would be: a roast beef poboy, the kind that results in gravy dripping down your chin and arms

Her favorite snowball flavor: Chocolate stuffed with vanilla soft serve from Sal’s

She believes the best king cakes are found: Haydel’s Bakery, pecan praline filled

During Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: Neutral Ground side all the way! Typically on Napoleon, depending on the parade

During Saints games you’ll find her: Typically at home with the hubs

Kids at Jazz Fest? You do you, but no kids for me thanks 🙂

Raising kids in New Orleans is: fun but hot as hell!


Tae Jo

Originally from: New Orleans, LA

Her krewe: Antonio (5) and Jhiri (3)

Her last NOLA meal would be: BBQ Oyster Poboy from Red Fish Grill

Her favorite snowball flavor: Bubble Gum with gummy bears

She believes the best king cakes are found: at McKenzie’s; it’s the New Orleans Original

On Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: at Basin and St. Louis enjoying the Zulu Parade

During Saints games you’ll find her: in the Bunker Club, Section 143

Kids at Jazz Fest? Only on the first Thursday

Raising kids in New Orleans is a beautiful nightmare. Our city offers so many kid friendly festivals and museums. Our children can’t help but to grow into creative adults with great taste, if they survive the less than mediocre school systems.


Alisha Reed

Originally from: New Orleans, LA

Her krewe: Morris “Mojo” Reed, III (2)

Her last NOLA meal would be: Shrimp and Grits

Her favorite snowball flavor: Wedding Cake

She believes the best king cakes are found: at Randazzos

During Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: in the stands with a drink in her hand!

During Saints games you’ll find her: in the mall

Kids at Jazz Fest? What did you say? Lol

Raising a kid in New Orleans is FUN! He is exposed to great food, music and an amazing culture!


Jaime Mitchell

Originally from: Monroe, La

Her krewe: Cash (8), Urban (5), Ever (2)

Her last NOLA meal would be: Crawfish!

Her favorite snowball flavor: Where I’m from we call ‘em sno-cones! I’m not a big fan… but I can always enjoy a Pink Squirrel w/ condensed milk from Sal’s!

She believes the best king cakes are found: Dong Phuong.

During Mardi Gras, you’ll find her: Near a bathroom, in good weather, with good friends!

During Saints games you’ll find her: Studying or grocery shopping… yikes.. I know.

Kids at Jazz Fest? No way! But maybe when they’re (much) older 😉

Raising kids in New Orleans is… so much FUN! I love that good friends and good plans are never very far!


Katy Dean

Originally from: I lived in New Orleans East until age 11, then moved to Slidell, LA

Her krewe: Maggie (9), Mollie (8) , Adeline (5), Charlotte (2), Lucy (3 months)

Her last NOLA meal would be: Hot boiled crawfish with a cold Abita Strawberry

Her favorite snowball flavor: Half strawberry shortcake/half wedding cake with lots of condensed milk

She believes the best kingcakes are found: at Randazzo’s – definitely cream cheese filled

During Mardi Gras you’ll find her: sidewalk side on Napoleon in front of Superior Seafood with a frozen pomegranate mojito in hand!

During Saints games you’ll find her: At home with family and friends over, lots of food and plenty of drinks!

Kids at Jazz Fest? Maybe when they are older, but for now, no.

Raising kids in New Orleans is: a dream. I love that my girls are surrounded by so much culture, history, and amazing food. After living in the Midwest for five years, we appreciate the city in such a different way now.


Leslie Williams

Originally from: New Orleans born and raised

Her krewe: Sebastian, 1 year old

Her last NOLA meal would be: A big bowl of okra gumbo, or red beans and rice – my favorite!

Favorite snowball flavor: Rainbow all the way, or tropical punch and pineapple

The best king cakes are found at: Dong Phuong

During Mardi Gras you’ll find her: Somewhere on the parade route on St. Charles Avenue

During Saints games you’ll find her: having an anxiety attack with my husband at home in front of the tv

Kids at Jazz Fest: Yep!

Raising kids in New Orleans is: an unique experience like no other.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Wheeeew! Geaux Tae Jo!!!
    She’s definitely going to give a mom perspective that’s worth reading!
    Tae Jo is so honest with it!

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