As an accessory connoisseur, Little Miss Muffin carries some of my favorite vendors--- Abigails, Vagabond House, Seda France, Niven Morgan, Aidan Gray, Allison Evans, Currey & Co., Thymes and unique finds from many locals including Oysteria, Toodle Lou Design acrylic paintings, NOLA Tawk pillows, Peter Briant watercolors, Heather McFarlaine watermeter designs, pewter graphic glassware, and Melissa Brownlow hand-painted art.
Having Niven Morgan around the house is like creating the perfect setting for extreme relaxation. That means loosening up the muscles and joints while filling your mind with calm soothing scents. Niven Morgan has different lines of scent, and today I will be featuring 4 items from the Gold Scent series.
Who doesn’t like bath salt when it comes to wrapping yourself in warm water? I know I do! I especially like to close my eyes. But while I do so I must have 2 or 3 scoops of bath salt while I am at it. Why? It’s like soaking yourself for maximum rejuvenation while your senses are also being stimulated. Niven Morgan’s Floral Amber Bath Soak helps me achieve that and more because of both the ingredients and the dreamy signature scent. The product itself retails for $28.00 and comes in at 22 fl oz.
The bath salt isn’t your ordinary sea salt that can be bought everyday. It comes with precious sea salt for the Dead Sea! If you don’t know what the Dead Sea is, it is a salt lake bordering Jordan and Israel. It is known to be one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world! But that is not my real point… The real point is that the body of water there is known to cure multiple illnesses and disorders. Hence, the quality of this bath salt is superb! Besides the sea salt there is Vitamin E, Green Tea, and Sunflower Oil.
Besides bathing in Sea Salt, I occasionally want to be living like a kid again. That is why I also play with bubbles. I absolutely hate bubbles that don’t last for a while and have scents of artificial fragrance in them. It just irks me! When I saw Niven Morgan’s Gold Bubble Bath, I didn’t believe that the bubbles would last a long time. I had to put it to a test. The bottle is 18 fl oz in size and retails for $24.00.
When you let the water flow into the tub, make sure to only squeeze once or twice because the formula is amazingly bubbly. It is like reliving a day like a kid again. I picture that all the time because whenever my kids are taking a bath they are always smiling and screaming with joy. Back to the bubble bath, it is blended with Vitamins C, E, and Chamomile for skin benefits. Also, I am not joking, the bubbles lasted a long time, the water almost turned cold.
By now, you probably want to know what this scent is all about. The scent is quite refined and opulent. It smells very natural. The scents all blend in so well that it is the work of a true artisan.
Sophisticated and sexy, Niven Morgan’s dreamy signature fragrance stirs sweet longings and fond memories with its warm top notes of vanilla and floral amber rising from a bouquet of rich Egyptian neroli and Italian bergamot blended in lusciously subtle aromas of sandalwood and musk. For the sensualist.
You gotta love soap and lotion sets especially having them in an uniformed scent. The last item(s), I am going to show you is the Niven Morgan Floral Amber Hand Soap & Hand Lotion set. It comes beautifully wrapped in a white organza draw string bag ready to go. After unwrapping the bag you will find that both bottles come in at 9.5 fl oz each and retails altogether at $34.00.
After using the hand soap I was quite amazed with the amount of bubbles. It was just like a miniature sized bubble bath but for hands! best of all, it was easily rinsed off along with the germs. One of the things that I noticed was there wasn’t a real need for the lotion because the soap is really gentle and rather soothing and moisturizing. It doesn’t dry out the skin. A quick glance at the back of the bottle tells me that there are Aloe Vera, White Tea, and Vitamins A, C, and E.
The other item inside the white organza draw string bag is the match hand lotion. A single pump of the lotion gives your hands a lightweight and quick absorption. The lotion is very refreshing and non-greasy while it holds Aloe Vera, Amica, Shea Butter, and Algae.
Here is a quick glance at the lotion applied on the back of my hand.
You can safely enjoy all Niven Morgan products without the fear or Paraben or Animal Testing. Hence the picture of the man with the horse, cat, and dog in perfect harmony.
Niven Morgan makes high quality products that you can enjoy at the comfort of your own home without going to the spa. Heck! Niven Morgan is SPA Grade quality. The products are like flowing with gold inside the bottles because of how soothing and relaxing it brings to the mind and soul. For Valentine’s, this would actually be the perfect present to share with your loved ones. Who doesn’t want to feel relaxed and pampered?
Britney's Big Day
By Michelle Tauber
Happy Tears and Talk of Babies: Britney Spears and Kevin Federline Open Up About Their Surprise Nuptials
PERSONAL TOUCHES
"The two of them wanted to plan everything together," says Alyson Fox, who coordinated the wedding along with her mom, Diane Levine. Guests—who tossed rose petals (right) after the ceremony—received a photo frame and a keychain (above) along with a candle from Niven Morgan.
D210 TV and Takiyah Wallace celebrated the launch of the new Niven Morgan Collection Mustique and benefit the Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer.
Scent-sational Scoop...Paris by Niven Morgan
Anyone who knows me well knows that I love a great candle. As soon as I get home, one of the first things I do is light a candle or two in the parlor, or the den, or the kitchen. Yes! I am a candle-aholic. Now, I said it. I own it.
I have an entire antique bureau at the top of my stairs filled to the limits with candles I enjoy for every season. I buy many, but luckily I am gifted with these gems as well.
Each week on this blog, I hope to feature one candle that I am presently enjoying or have enjoyed in the past.
This week's candle was a holiday host gift I received from BFF Sal (S).
The candle I am presently burning in my parlor and den is Paris from the Doors Collection by Dallas-based fragrance designer Niven Morgan (who was born and raised in good ole Louisiana). The candle Paris smells of blue cypress and absinthe. It is simply amazing. Paris "transports you to the intimate Hemingway bar in the Ritz, where you sip absinthe, eavesdrop on conversation in a half-dozen languages, and fall in love with Paris all over again." Wow! Doesn't that description sound inviting? Sounds like an experience I'd love.
I hope you will enjoy my weekly candle features. Please share your favorites with me. I am always in the market for one or three.
Candles are scent-sational! Enjoy (and always be safe)!
fdluxe.com | 39 "Download PDF Version 1.7MB"
Escape: New Orleans
EASY GOING
Professional sybarite Niven Morgan shares his formula for the perfect New Orleans weekend
By Brittany Edwards
Born on the bayou: Tour guide Niven Morgan
At least once a month, Niven Morgan closes the door on his Dallas-based bath, body and home fragrance business and catches a Fridaymorning Southwest Airlines flight out of Love Field.
Destination: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
“I visited New Orleans for the first time in the eighth grade,” says Morgan, who was born and raised in Shreveport. “I was in Catholic school, and they let us run loose on Bourbon Street. I’ve been in love with the city ever since.”
For the past three decades, Morgan has visited the Big Easy more times than he can count, for pleasure and for business. Six years ago, he gave up his favorite suite at the Ritz-Carlton (one of half a dozen New Orleans spots that sell his products) and rented a cozy French Quarter pied-a`-terre complete with fern-filled courtyard. Although he keeps a tight grip on his Southern roots, Morgan has come a long way from his humble childhood roaming Shreveport’s sleepy bayous and the family farm. Today, his 10-yearold line covers the country and has a celeb-studded clientele that includes fellow Louisianan Britney Spears, who gave his candles as party favors at her nuptials to Kevin Federline.
This spring, Morgan rolls out two new lines: a culinary-inspired kitchen collection that includes velvety soaps and lotions, and a luxury candle collection based on his travels. Among the tributes — to Paris, London, Marrakesh, San Miguel — is a gardenia-and-jasmine- scented homage to his beloved New Orleans. Next month comes the Jean Baptiste 1717 collection, named for the city’s founding father.
Could there be a better tour guide?
8:15 a.m. Arrive on the 6:55 a.m. Southwest Airlines flight out of Love Field. If traffic goes your way, a 25-minute drive from Louis Armstrong International Airport will get you to the historic French Quarter.
10 a.m. Drop off your bags. Morgan is a big fan of the pet-friendly Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (921 Canal St., 504-524-1331; ritzcarlton.com). Expect true Southern hospitality, especially if you splurge on a Concierge Level suite, which includes complimentary appetizers and Champagne around the clock. Looking for something luxe, but a tad more boutique? Hole up in the darling Soniat House (1133 Chartres St., 800-544-8808; soniathouse.com), with period antiques, cozy private courtyards and a friendly resident cat named Clarice.
11:30 a.m.Toast your arrival New Orleans-style at Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St., 504-525-2021; galatoires.com). Scoring a table for Friday lunch is as difficult as bagging an Hermès Birkin. Instead, hike the stairs to the second-floor bar and order an aperitif. (Morgan likes the Bloody Mary.) Plan to stand, as there won’t be an empty seat in the house.
1 p.m. For lunch, hit Mr. B’s Bistro (201 Royal St., 504-523-2078; mrbsbistro.com), a traditional Creole eatery famous for the best barbecue shrimp in town. Don’t skip the complimentary warm French baguette served in a paper bag with a side of salty butter for starters.
2:30 p.m. Walk off lunch (well, maybe just the baguette) with a French Quarter shopping spree. Morgan starts at the Michalopoulos Gallery (617 Bienville St., 504-558-0505; michalopoulos.com). New Orleans-themed works by artist-owner James Michalopoulos that used to go for $100 to $200 on the street now bring in five figures. Morgan was lucky enough to score a piece during the early days, and hangs the prize in his pied-à-terre. Believe in witchcraft? Even if you don’t, swoop into Marie Laveau (739 Bourbon St., 504-581-3751), named for New Orleans’ infamous “Queen of Voodoo.” The place is packed with superstitious wares; there’s even a tarot-card reader tucked in the back room. Morgan recently took home a rosary that now dangles from his front doorknob for good luck. Feel like an insider at hidden-gem home shop Nadine Blake (1036 Royal St., 504-529-4913, nadineblake.com). Morgan scored a vintage turquoise glass lamp and navy-and-white striped pillow for his master bedroom here. Uncover unique antique treasures — brass jewelry boxes, hand-painted ceramic dishes — along with whimsical stationery and Les Indiennes bedding handmade in India. n Get a jump on Mardi Gras at Fifi Mahony’s (934 Royal St., 504-525-4343; fifi-mahony.com), one of the city’s most fabulous dress-up shops. From a fake-eyelash bar to costume jewelry and an impressive wig boutique in back, there’s something for every diva. Niven Morgan rarely visits town without popping into Tommy’s Flowers (933 Royal St., 504-522-6563) for an armload of hydrangeas to decorate his digs. The glass decanters, birdcage candleholders, ceramic vases and blue-and-white Chinese planters are worth the visit — not to mention the intoxicating aroma of stargazer lilies that greets you at the door. Before freshening up for dinner, swing by Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal St., 504-523-3341; hotelmonteleone.com) for cocktails at the revolving, circus-themed Carousel Bar. If the decor doesn’t make your head spin, a Southern Belle — Southern Comfort, peach puree, Champagne and black raspberry liquer — should do the trick.
7:30 p.m. Leave your heels at the hotel and head to Adolfo’s (611 Frenchmen St., 504-948-3800). The cash-only, Faubourg Marigny district eatery serves no-frills Italian, including a couple of mean cannelloni dishes. Don’t mind the gritty atmosphere, advises Morgan, “That’s part of its charm.”
9:30 p.m. Not ready to call it a night? Morgan loves to put back a Pimm’s Cup at 200-year-old landmark bar Napoleon House (500 Chartres St., 504-524-9752; napoleonhouse.com). Another favorite is the legendary Café du Monde (800 Decatur St., 504-525-4544; cafedumonde.com) for the requisite café au lait and beignets.
10:30 p.m. Wired on caffeine? Get another kind of buzz at the Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon St., 504-523-3181; oldabsinthehouse.com), which serves absinthe cocktails with baskets of free buttery popcorn. If you’re not a fan of the liquor’s anise flavor, the blueberry option does a good job of masking the bitter taste, if not the green fairy effect. Tout sweet: a Lilette dessert by pastry chef and SMU grad Beth Biundo After a celebratory cocktail at Galatoire’s (above), Morgan gets a Creole cooking fix at Mr. B’s Bistro (left). Post-lunch shopping kicks off at Michalopoulos Gallery (below).
9 a.m. Work off a fraction of last night’s sins at the New Orleans Athletic Club (222 N. Rampart St., 504-525-2375; neworleans athleticclub.com). A $20 multiple-access day pass grants admission to the historic landmark’s indoor marble pool, ballroom yoga classes, boxing ring and cardio rooms, still outfitted with the original crown moldings, Venetian plaster, vintage fireplaces and chandeliers. Even if you’re not in the mood to sweat, a tour (don’t miss the full-service bar, barber shop and impressive library) is worth the visit.
11 a.m. Indulge your senses with a formal jazz brunch at Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221; commanders palace.com), which serves wicked butter-drenched garlic toast for starters. Morgan never leaves without ordering the house’s famous turtle soup (“so good it makes my hair stand up”), and requesting a side of “You Are My Sunshine” and “Jambalaya” from the Joe Simon jazz trio. Try to score a table in the second-floor Garden Room, with views of the manicured courtyard.
Tip: No jeans allowed. Not in the mood for fancy fare? Hit Theo’s (4218 Magazine St., 504-894-8554; theospizza.com) for an early lunch instead. The neighborhood joint is known for its thin-crust pizza and Greek salad with homemade Romano cheese dressing. Antique treasures at Magazine Street’s Bremermann Designs Commander’s Palace serves brunch with a side of jazz. Artisan tarts at Sucré 42 | fdluxe.com | May 2009
12:30 p.m. If you have the will to skip dessert at Commander’s, satisfy your sweet tooth at Lilette (3637 Magazine St., 504-895-1636; liletterestaurant.com), a charming French bistro in the heart of Magazine Street’s antique district. In-house pastry chef and SMU grad Beth Biundo dishes a heavenly Nutella custard, as well as beautiful artisan ice creams, which are Morgan’s favorite. Locals stop in for her famous double-chocolate
cookies, too.
1 p.m. Spend the afternoon exploring Magazine Street, which packs nearly 300 shops into a six-mile stretch from Canal Street to the meandering Mississippi River. There’s no right way to scour the shops, but here are some suggestions starting at the eastern end. Tip: Sidewalks are wobbly, so wear walking shoes. n Home shop Source (2103 Magazine St., 504-561-7558; sourcenola.com) is a survivor. After opening the same weekend Hurricane Gustav hit last August, it’s moved full speed ahead. Locals flock here for upscale Swedish antiques, on-trend home accessories, abstract artwork by co-owner Evie Clinton and, yes, Niven Morgan candles. Inexpensive glassware, contemporary table linens and Moroccan cookware are abundant at Quince (2115 Magazine St., 504-556-9668), where the display cases and messy concrete floors are as cool as the unique merchandise. From gift items to big home purchases, Perch Home (2844 Magazine St., 504-899-2122; perch-home.com) has a leg to stand on. The six-room shop with soaring ceilings brims with unique finds, including reworked vintage furniture, Missoni chairs by Kartell, iron chandeliers, salvaged doors and pretty paper goods. Take five at Sucré (3025 Magazine St., 504-520-8311; shopsucre.com), an artisan bakery and gelato boutique known for its macaroons and signature “Tiffany” chocolate and raspberry mousse dessert. Morgan’s crazy for the orange and vanilla Dreamsicle gelato. Although most of Magazine is hopping with home shops, Style Lab for Men (3326 Magazine St., 504-304-5072; stylelabformen.com) caters to gents with looks by, among others, John Varvatos, Paul Smith and Jack Spade. Leontine Linens (3806 Magazine St., 504-899-7833; leontinelinens.com) serves Southern hospitality at its best. The cut- and sewn-to-order linens are a staple in these parts for their unparalleled quality and impeccable monograms. Morgan rarely visits the Big Easy without hitting Bremermann Designs (3943 Magazine St., 504-891-7763; bremermanndesigns.com), an exquisite antiques shop that can also be found on 1stdibs.com, the online retailer for collectibles from around the globe. The authentic furnishings and chandeliers put this place on the map both locally and internationally. Stop by sleek apothecary Bamboo (4112 Magazine St., 504-895-1664; bambooapothecary.com) for trendy makeup, skincare, and bath and body products, as well as a relaxing manicure or pedicure. Hazelnut (5515 Magazine St., 504-891-2424; hazelnutneworleans.com) home accessories and small furnishings shop is co-owned by Mad Men star and New Orleans native Bryan Batt. Morgan frequents for gift items, which include crystal book ends, Jonathan Adler ceramics and chic coffee-table hardbacks. If your schedule has room for only a couple of shops, make one Pied Nu (5521 Magazine St., 504-899-4118; piednuneworleans.com). The boutique’s front half is dedicated to chic home curiosities such as vintage Kantha shams, tea glasses, fashionable barware, metallic Moroccan poufs and sheepskin rugs from Kenya. Under-the-radar women’s clothing labels and jewelry dazzle in the pretty back room.
7 p.m. Stash the shopping bags and dress for dinner at Stella (1032 Chartres St., 504-587-0091; restaurantstella.com). Actress Anne Hathawaywas recently spotted at the intimate fine-dining establishment with cozy corner fireplace. Morgan adores it for the exquisite global-modern dishes and impressive wine list. For a more casual dinner, try laid-back neighborhood bistro Clancy’s Restaurant (6100 Annunciation St., 504-895-1111), which dishes innovative twists on traditional Creole cuisine. Request a bistro table in the front living room for prime people-watching.
10 p.m. Whether or not you stay at the Ritz-Carlton, the hotel’s live jazz music by Jeremy Davenport from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. is a must. The cutie crooner fills the dance floor with his Rat Pack-flavored tunes. Jazz not your thing? Morgan advises checking out the entertainment schedule at Harrah’s (4 Canal St., 504-533-6000; harrahsneworleans.com), too. Work up a sweat (and appetite) in the New Orleans Athletic Club’s ballroom gym. Bourbon-lacquered Mississippi quail at Commander’s Aromatherapy at the Ritz-Carlton spa Adonkey-drawncarriage ride
8 a.m. Morgan starts Sundays with café au lait and The Times-Picayune newspaper at Community Coffee House, a.k.a. CCs (communitycoffee.com for multiple locations). Afterward, he likes to roam the French Quarter while it’s slowly waking.
10 a.m. To miss brunch at Cafe Amelie (912 Royal St., 504-412-8965; neworleansrestaurants.com/cafe amelie) would be a sin, Morgan says. Request a white-linen-covered table on the patio, which he praises as the prettiest in town. Nothing disappoints on the seasonal menu, especially the beet salad with goat cheese, and velvety rich coffee poured from an antique silver pot.
Noon Visit with locals at Jackson Square (Decatur Street in front of the St. Louis Cathedral; jackson-square.com), where a mix of artists, street performers, musicians and tarot readers hang. Bring cash; many vendors don’t take credit cards. If there’s time, jump over to the historic French Market (1008 N. Peter’s St., 504-522-2621; frenchmarket.org) at the banks of the Mississippi River. Dubbed America’s oldest public market, the rows of offerings include cheap costume jewelry, hand-knitted hammocks and wooden African masks. Pre-flightWould you believe Popeyes? Morgan never departs New Orleans before downing a plate of fried shrimp, red beans, rice and biscuits from the Louisiana-based fast food joint inside the airport terminal. “Don’t forget the tartar sauce!”
4:20 p.m. Takeoff time. Enjoy one St. Louis Cathedral rises behind a street musician in Jackson Square. last look back at New Orleans. The courtyard entry to Morgan’s French Quarter apartment Cocktails chez Morgan
The new Saint Hotel stocks luxe treats in its guest suites
The new Saint Hotel, opening in the next few weeks in the Audubon building at Canal and Burgundy streets, has planted little treats in the guest suites. The hotel bathrooms will be kitted out with Niven Morgan shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, reed room diffusers and seersucker robes.
A rendering of a guest room in the new Saint Hotel, 931 Canal St.
The 2.3 ounce toiletries are from Morgan’s “Blue” line, scented with bergamot and amber.
A Shreveport native, Dallas resident and adoptive son of New Orleans (he travels here almost monthly); Morgan has been expanding his presence in luxury resorts. His candles, lotions and bath goodies are sold at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans gift shop and stocked in the villas of Mustique, a small private Caribbean island that caters to the types of visitors accustomed to traveling with a staff in tow.
As for the Saint, its choice in guest toiletries is in keeping with other Louisiana-centric touches scattered about the hotel. Historic black and white photos of New Orleans will hang in the lobby, French Quarter-based Bevelo Gas & Electric Lights made the lanterns at the entrance, and 42-inch televisions near the elevators will play a continuous video loop of Elvis Presley in “King Creole” and performances by Louis Armstrong.
Best Scents: Niven Morgan
We remember a time when Dallas entrepreneur Niven Morgan was relatively unknown and we thought we were so cool to have discovered his Oak Moss candles. Flash forward 10 years. Niven Morgan is a household name, and while the genteel Louisiana-born gentleman now makes a complete line of home fragrances and skin and body care in myriad scents—white grapefruit and lime hand lotion and blue cypress and absinthe candles are new favorites from the spring collection—we still feel so cool to know him. And we’re still burning those Oak Moss candles. Available at Stanley Korshak and Nuvo.
Dallas: Niven Morgan concept store
Geez, guys, I'm sorry for not posting for so long. My computer crashed last week (tears. lots of tears) and I've been working non-stop trying to re-write all kinds of stuff that was lost. I'm done. I'm back. I'm ready to let you in on a little something: Niven Morgan's concept store at Cebolla.
Last Friday, Morgan took me on a tour his new bath and body spot on the second floor of the Lovers Lane flower shop and I must say, I kind of flipped out.
It's filled with every kind of luxe item you'd ever want for your bathroom - woven leather waste basket with matching tray and tissue holder, anyone? - plus all of Morgan's incredible lines.
I bought a slew of candles - Jasmine and Moss is my new favorite - along with some crazy good budget-friendly teachers gifts for C & P to give out on the last day of school.
Merch is still rolling into the store, but you must stop by in the meantime. Those teachers gifts I told you about: I bought a few of these delicate and just plain pretty glass containers and had them filled with Morgan's bath salts. Total cost for each one: about $14. Can you believe? The glass looks and feels just like Juliska.
In the coming weeks there will be a full-on bath salts bar (you chose the scent and container for the ultimate personalized gift) and you'll also be able to buy containers that can work as bubble bath bottles or flower vases. How much do you love the versatility of that?