Fall is always a busy time. There’s back to school activities, football games and the gradual build towards the busy holiday months. I always feel relieved to put away the heat of the summer months, and use the time for fall cleaning and organizing, shopping for school supplies and clothes and getting my kids back on track with a daily schedule.
This year, students will be returning to school after what was, for some, a full year of remote learning. This comes with both a sense of excitement and trepidation. School plays an essential role in learning and growing, as well as having access to nutritious food to help build both mind and body. In this issue, we go beyond old school cafeteria sheet pan pizza and Taco Tuesdays, and take a look at how innovative new school lunches can give students a boost to thrive and learn in and out of the classroom.
Our cover feature highlights the area’s boutiques, shops and stores that set New Orleans apart from online retailers and big boxes. One of the best ways we can keep our communities thriving is to spend locally, supporting small businesses while investing in products that deliver what they promise in quality, style and construction. We’ve put together your new go-to resource list from “A”ccessories to “Z”oom-able home office décor that will carry you through fall and into the upcoming gift giving season.
Finally, we have our annual list of top real estate professionals and we take a look at the ever-changing landscape of home buying, with insight from some of the area’s top pros. COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of the economy. We break down everything you need to know to when approaching buying or selling your home during this pandemic time.
My to-do list is jam-packed this fall. I hope yours is filled with fun, family and friends. Be sure to check out our News and Notes for plenty of things to do and places to go.
Happy reading!