Need help tippling in the French Quarter?

Ever wonder how your tattoos will fit in at, say, Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street? Something tribal or floral ought to blend in fine, but don’t fret, you won’t run into locals.

Fleur-de-lis and celtic tats may mark you as a local at Kerry Irish Pub, where they’ll pour you a Guinness.

No one will even be peeking for ink at The Rib Room bar, where a specialty cocktail should set you back $10.

What to swill, who your drinking buddies will be, a musical heads up and best features are outlined in “The French Quarter Drinking Companion.”

With lalugh-out-loud reading, very useful tips and the occasional photograph that makes you miss New Orleans, Allison Alsup, Elizabeth Pearce and Richard Read decipher the libation scene of “America’s most eclectic neighborhood.” You’ll get both a “been there” and “gotta try that” vibe.

These three have courageously and generously outlined neighborhood, Bourbon Street, high-brow hipster and beer bars, as well as those that fly the rainbow flag.

Grab a bitters and soda or pop open an Abita beer and settle in for a cozy night’s read. You can snuggle in a blanket as you prepare for your next crawl through the French Quarter. It’s a Pelican Publishing Co. thing.

Your mama’s crafts

Back in the ‘70s we made our crafts from scraps. Moms sent salad empty salad dressing bottles to school, potato crisp cans became canisters and one of my teachers saved her air freshener cones for a science lover to make rocket ships.

Later crafters headed to stores where sealed bags of tiny accessories were sold for big bucks.

Alison Caporimo is bringing the spirit of making something from nothing back in “Instacraft: Fun & Simple Projects for Adorable Gifts, Décor and More.” ShalI I begin with bricks painted to look like classic books, to prop up your real books? How about a ripped lace stocking covering your basic clay pot to fancy up your aloe display?

This author wants to make every surface sparkle, as evidenced by the Master lock done up in nail polish. I get her. One quickie is to decorate a cloth bag with markers and sprits it with alcohol for a run-together of colors. This book will create hours of bonding time with parents and kids and older girlfriends. We all need more of that.

Mangos and Mimosa

Sea salts are a natural luxury we are familiar with, or should be. Ever had loofah in your scrub? Kanshi Salted Mango Hand & Body Scrub (Repêchage.com) comes from a jar you’ll be happy to see at the end of a rough day. What an aroma, what a soothing feeling to go on, and what a conditioned feeling for the rest of the evening. Oh well, might as well start the day with another scrub.

Kanshi makes a Mimosa Natural Soy Candle to burn for more than 36 hours. Does a lead-free wick excite you? The smooth amber tint of this votive pairs well with fall evenings.

 Dark calcium

Ever thought you’d have to hide your calcium supplements? I’m keeping Adora premium all-natural dark chocolates are 30 calories a serving and provide up to 50 percent of the daily value of calcium plus vitamin D3 and magnesium. Adora acknowledges supplements aren’t “sexy” and thinks these, also available in milk chocolate, could become your “BFF,” that’s best friend forever. Thompson Brands, chocolatiers with a heritage since 1879, have made these supplements into something else. They look like a candy and come wrapped up like one. I keep them with Kisses and consider them a daily treat.