PLANET LAFAYETTE
If you can’t make it to go shopping in Baluchistan, the Pakistan province can come to you. Catherine Sarwar and her niece Sahar Khursheed have opened up an international bazaar called Earthly Treasures, filled with exotic discoveries from all over the world. Handmade Pakistani hangings cover the walls, Lapis jewelry from Afghanistan — perfect for brides — jingles on wrists and foreheads, and tiny, exquisite Tonga nut carvings from Hong Kong nestle in the palm of your hand. You’ll be fascinated by the gorgeous polished nautilus fossils and humongous trilobites. Or explore the Indian sub-continent through the heavy, detailed silver necklaces. Prices are as little as $10 for purses stitched by Afghan refugees, and go up into the hundreds of dollars for rare, one-of-a kind items. Earthly Treasures is tucked away next to Michael’s in the Centerpiece Shopping Center; call 981-3455 for more information. — Mary Tutwiler

GERMAN INVASION
Henryk “Heiner” Orlick did his share of drinking in college. But for Orlick, who spent more than seven years obtaining his degree from the Doemens School of Brewers and Maltsters, it was part of his studies. The certified German Brew Master now operates out of Covington, where he recently launched Heiner Brau brewery in 2006. The microbrew’s distribution has been steadily expanding and Heiner Brau beer is now available locally at Marcello’s, Philippe’s Wine Cellar, Albertsons and Champagne’s Market. Look for the award winning Maibock, or Heiner’s personal favorite, Hefe Weisse, which was the subject of his college thesis. — Nathan Stubbs

MUSICAL CHILD’S PLAY
Never again will you have to explain to a 3-year-old what “get down” means in terms of dancing or music. The compilation CD Funky Kidz features a dozen tracks of New Orleans’ finest musicians reinterpreting classic songs for kids, with a sound that won’t drive parents to suicidal thoughts of Wiggles proportions. Big Sam’s Funky Nation takes on “Hokey-Pokey,” Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk funks up “Zip A Dee Doo Dah,” George Porter Jr. brings church back into “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” Theresa Andersson takes us “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Walter “Wolfman” Washington reminds us that “This Land Is Your Land.” Funky Kidz retails for $13.99 and can be ordered online at www.funkykidzmusic.com. — R. Reese Fuller