May 2023
nola family Parent Fearlessly May 2023 Houseplants with Health Benefits Brunchin’ in NOLA Mother’s Day Q&A: What Mom Really Wants
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TIKTOK TO LIMIT SCREEN TIME FOR CHILDREN & TEENS TikTok will be setting a 60-minute daily screen time limit for accounts belonging to users under the age of 18. WAYS TO STAY SAFE ON SOCIAL MEDIA Ensure you and your child are using social media in a healthy, productive, and most importantly, safe way. FAMILY FUN TIME: THE ESCAPE GAME NEW ORLEANS Located in the French Quarter, the Escape Game New Orleans is the perfect spot for your family bonding time! DATE NIGHT: VAN GOGH NEW ORLEANS: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE The Van Gogh Experience in New Orleans is an immersive journey through the history of Vincent Van Gogh’s works.
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May 2023 Issue 144
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NOLAFAMILY.COM | MAY 2023 5
nola family CONTENTS MAY 2023
20
22
FEATURES
16
18
20
22
The Perfect Mother’s Day
Teacher Appreciation Week: To Buy or Not To Buy
Clean Air, Clear Minds: The Benefits of Having Houseplants
10 Best Brunches in New Orleans
IN EACH ISSUE
From the Publisher 08
10 12 14
26 30
From the Bookshelf
Spotlight
Mom About Town
Out & About
Things We Love
NOLA FAMILY i s published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. NOLA FAMILY Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.
6 MAY 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
NOLAFAMILY.COM | MAY 2023 7
from the publisher
When I became a mother, my entire world changed. I felt different with a new sense of pride and ownership. Not like I owned my child, but I saw the world differently. I now had this little baby that was looking to me for everything, and I had to become this person she needed. My purpose in life kind of changed. This labor was not a fun one; this girl was stubborn from day one. It was 23 hours of labor before she finally A MOTHER’S DAY WITHOUT MOM
took her first breath. I had two requests during labor: 1. Only my husband is allowed in the delivery room. 2 . My mother was the first to meet our precious daughter before the rest of the family came to the room.
What is a mother? If you “search it up” (as my daughter says today, 15 years later), a mother is a woman who gave birth to a child, or a female parent. While this is accurate, my definition is more. A mother is a selfless, loving person who sacrifices many of their wants and needs for their children. She works hard to make sure her child has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a productive person in today’s world. My mother was all of these things. I lost my mother in December, and I am having to do lots of firsts without her. But I never really knew how much she did for us until looking back over our time together. She sacrificed so much for me and my sister, but at that time we didn’t know. She was a single mother raising two girls. Every time I look at a photo, all I can think of is, how did you do it? How in the world did you do this with a smile on your face? I now understand. I do the same for my children; while I try to shelter them from the bad, we still have to teach them about it. Mothers Day is May 14th, and I hope you celebrate your mother and that your children spoil you. I don’t think we should just celebrate our mothers once a year–we should always celebrate them. A simple text, or answering the phone even though we are super busy, or just popping in to say “hello.” These all are things that I miss from my mother, especially the once or twice a week message that said “please, print this for my trip.” I feel like she refused to get a printer just so she could have those times with me or my kids. I know now more than ever to never take those times for granted. Happy Mother’s Day,
Associate Publisher Email amylynn@familyresourcegroupinc.com to tell me about topics you'd like to see in future issues.
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SPRINGTIME IS SWEET
from the bookshelf
In New Orleans, spring is fleeting, so we take full advantage of the warm weather as much as possible before the summer temperatures sink in. For those rainy days that keep you inside this May, check out these books from the New Orleans Public Library to ease the blow of being inside – some to help you appreciate homes and houses, others to make it feel like you’re still playing in that sweet springtime sun. Children Get your little ones interested in gardening with Christie Matheson’s Plant the Tiny Seed . With interactive, rhyming texts, young readers will surely want to plant their own
seeds after watching this one come to life on the page. Or, introduce them to the world with H is for Home: A Sesame Street Guide to Homes Around the World , by Karen Kenney . From square houses to round ones, or even ones on stilts, this book is a fantastic way to get kids thinking about how other cultures live with familiar characters guiding ready for more hands-on gardening, both Alexis Frederick-Frost’s Maker Comics: Grow a Garden! and Jenny Hendy’s The Best Ever Step-by-Step Kid’s First Gardening are fantastic reads that are them along the way. Middle Grade For older kids that are
sure to inspire your child’s creativity and green thumb. In Frederick-Frost’s graphic novel/DIY guide, readers follow a group of young garden gnomes as they reluctantly take a class on composting with their school’s most unpopular teacher. Along the way, they gain new perspectives and learn that sometimes, the smelliest lessons can be the most fun. Hendy won the Practical Gardening Book of the Year with her step-by- step guide, which is made up of 119 project ideas, each explained with easy-to-follow, color photographs that walk kids along the process of making their very own garden, while also teaching how plants grow.
To spark indoor creativity, pick up Room Love by Heather Wutschke , which offers 50 projects to help kids design their own space. From furniture makeovers to one-of-a-kind decor ideas, this book is a great way to encourage your kid to show off their individuality and create something of their own. Teens For teens interested in nature and sustainability, Joseph Tychonievich’s The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food is an accessible, step-by- step guide to vegetable gardening. Tychonievich’s illustrations start at the planning phase and end in harvesting – and even
provide a “cheat sheet” of key facts and techniques, for those, shall we say, less patient, teens. It’s never too early to start appreciating the amazing architecture of your city, which is why New Orleans Houses: A House- Watcher’s Guide by Lloyd Vogt is a fantastic choice for any local teen. The easy-to- follow, detailed guide helps identify and date different types of houses and places them in their historical context. This book is not only thoughtfully designed, it also offers a deeper understanding of New Orleans, its history, and the details that make our city beautiful.
Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.
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spotlight
GABS PROGRAM
By Sarah Batrous
It’s no secret that when it comes to menstrual struggles, blood-related disorders, and women’s pain in general, they are often overlooked, or ailments are explained away. In 2021, Children’s Hospital New Orleans sought to mitigate this issue by bringing their Our Girls and Adolescents with Bleeding and Sickle Cell (GABS) program to life. Dr. Dana LeBlanc and Dr. Maria Velez, who have been involved with the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders (FWGBD) for many years, were integral to the program’s creation. FWGBD is a national organization with the goal of learning more about and supporting the unique healthcare needs of women and girls with blood disorders, and this goal is what inspired the creation of the GABS program, notably the only one of its kind in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. GABS focuses on providing relief and education opportunities for a variety of blood disorders. Young women who suffer from bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, sickle cell, and other hemoglobinopathies can expect to receive comprehensive care through the program that takes note of both their underlying blood disorder and their reproductive health needs. To best meet these needs, Hematologists and adolescent medicine physicians within the clinic work together to create tailored healthcare plans to meet the individual sexual and reproductive health needs of their patients. After a patient receives an initial diagnosis of a blood disorder or related complication, they are referred to the GABS clinic where comprehensive care and treatment begin. “For example, a young woman with heavy menstrual cycles may develop iron deficiency anemia. Through the GABS clinic, our team can
evaluate for an underlying bleeding disorder, correct the iron deficiency anemia through iron supplementation, and discuss options and initiate hormonal therapy to minimize the ongoing menstrual blood loss that is contributing to the anemia,” shares Dr. LeBlanc. Women with sickle cell disease, where red blood cells have a sickle or crescent shape instead of a round shape, often seek support for pain and other complications that the GABS program is seeking to alleviate. The clinic notes that adolescents often suffer a great amount of sickle cell pain during hormonal changes, and oftentimes these patients are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, which needs to be accounted for (along with how sickle cell disease affects fertility) when choosing contraceptive or hormonal therapy options. Teamwork between the clinic’s team of blood and reproductive experts allows them to put together personalized plans for every patient. The program takes great strides to keep everyone from the patient to the family informed about next steps and strategies to maintain health and minimize pain through print and electronic material. Assistance from social workers who attend each visit helps break down social and financial barriers, ensuring visitors receive the care they need. Additionally, the clinic’s hematology nurse navigators are always ready to provide further education and tackle any challenges with
medication adherence that may arise. After all, their goal is to “make a potentially stressful situation a little less intimidating by providing comprehensive care, education, and support all in one space, alleviating the need to attend multiple clinic visits at different times and places.” Through the staff’s dedication to finding solutions and educating those in need, the clinic has become very popular. It is often booked out for several months in advance, further proving just how much a program like this was needed. “Many young females are not aware of the impact of blood disorders in their reproductive health. Some of them are from remote or underserved areas where access to these services is difficult to find,” attest Dr. LeBlanc and Dr. Velez. “Promoting education and health literacy about the potential impact of their blood disorder using social media and other forms of mass communication facilitates this awareness.” For those with friends, family members, or themselves who may be interested in being seen in the GABS clinic, the path to relief is a phone call away. Feel free to reach out to the Children’s Hospital Hematology office at (504) 896-9740.
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mom about town
THINGS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW 5
Sarah Brichetto is the COO of Green Coast Enterprises, a local real-estate development, energy efficiency, and green building consulting company. Green Coast Enterprises is expanding, from its team, to its service lines and client base, which is plenty to keep its COO busy, but she is glad for the extra work. Sarah lives in New Orleans with her husband, Matt, and their three children: Elizabeth, 9; Paul, 7; and Isaac, 4. SARAH BRICHETTO NEIGHBORHOOD DATE NIGHTS We’ve recovered from Mardi Gras, and the weather is FESTIVAL SEASON
We spend most of our evenings running between the soccer field and the dance studio, so I’m always grateful for a few moments together, alone, in the midst of it all. We recently walked to Le Crepe Nanou for the first time in years, and it was as wonderful as I’d remembered.
beautiful, so my krewe and I are ready to get outside! Some favorites are Freret Street Festival and French Quarter Fest – free and fun for the whole family. CRAWFISH There is not much better on a springtime Saturday than a crawfish boil. It has become a tradition for Paul’s birthday, and we look forward to boiling, peeling, eating, and laughing with friends.
BACKYARD GARDENING
I can’t really take credit for this. Matt is the gardener of the family, but I definitely appreciate the fruits of his labor. We’ve enjoyed kale and collards and broccoli and are looking forward to tomatoes and blackberries this summer!
PIZZA FRIDAYS Whether hitting up local
favorites, Ancora or Theo’s, or making our own at home, I always look forward to our family’s pizza night each Friday. It is a perfect way to wind down at the end of a busy week.
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BY AMANDA MILLER | PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM The Perfect
If you’re all out of ideas for what to gift your mom for Mother’s Day this year, you’re in luck. We sat down with moms in our office to discuss what they really wanted each year. Surprisingly, many moms are looking forward to time with their kiddos and having a “day off.” Here’s what these moms feel would make their Mother’s Day extraordinary.
“My perfect Mother’s day starts off with church and then spending the day with my children. As our children get older, they have jobs and friends and they’re gone most of the day. I have always said that I don’t want gifts, rather time with them. As a close family, we all gather together with our mother, the heart of our family. I always give my mom carnations and some type of plant for her garden. We usually have a big crawfish boil and swim, play games, and make memories. Sometimes if Easter is later in April, we celebrate our family’s Easter on this day, too. Mother’s Day is a day that I look forward to; it truly is a special day for me.” –Laurie A.
Teri H.
“I want to be out in the sun with my boys. I would love to go to an on-the-water restaurant so we could sit on the patio. I love the springtime, so having a crawfish boil and boiled shrimp would be great. For me, it’s not the gifts or the card, it’s just time together.” –Teri H.
Amy F.
Laurie A.
“I would like to have a day off and sleep in. A spa day would be great, so I could get a facial and a massage. I’d like to go to church with my family after having breakfast cooked by my husband, where we make our own ‘Waffle House.’ I would enjoy going to the movies with the family, especially if a Marvel movie is out. We could end the day with dinner. I wouldn’t want to do any cooking, cleaning, or laundry!” –Amy F.
“Two words: kid free. I would love for my husband to handle everything kid related for the day! I would sleep in a little, pamper myself (manicure, pedicure, massage, facial), grab lunch or dinner with some girlfriends, go shopping, and then come home to a clean/quiet house (kids already bathed and fed), enjoy glass of wine, have a hot bath, and go to sleep!” –Crystal B.
Jeanne J.
“I would love to be with both of my daughters, but one is in Texas and one is here, so that probably won’t happen. They may surprise me though! We could eat, play games, build a fire, sit around and talk, plan our Thanksgiving and Christmas together, or spend time with the grandpuppies. Or, we could even go on a trip to a beautiful place and just kick back and do all of the above there. I don’t need gifts. I truly value time spent together. Time together at a beautiful resort or at a nice restaurant would be very relaxing.” –Jeanne J.
Crystal B.
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Mother’s Day
“My idea of a perfect Mother’s Day would be to have some peace and quiet. Maybe sit out in the yard with a sweet cup of coffee and a blank canvas to work on my next painting. Then later, spend some quality time with my girls, with a delicious meal and a great movie.” –Grace K.
Sam S.
Jennifer H.
“It’s been almost six years since my son passed away, but my favorite Mother’s Day was when coffee was brought to me while still in bed, followed by a card my son made for me (he did this every year), and flowers. Then we went out for brunch at my favorite restaurant. Later that day, we would go to the movies and eat popcorn, and for dinner, my son would cook hot dogs and mac & cheese (that’s all he knew how to cook at the time). While eating dinner, we would tell each other jokes.” –Sam S.
“My idea of a perfect Mother’s Day is not traditional. My mother and grandmother have both passed away. My grandmother lived in Mississippi, and we lived in Baton Rouge, so we buried my mother close by my grandmother so she did not have to travel far. When my grandmother passed away, we had to sell her property, and we no longer have access to that land. Oddly enough, my perfect Mother’s Day would be to travel to Mississippi and have access to the property I spent most of my time at as a kid and tell stories to my three daughters. We can still visit the gravesite, but I would really like to be able to show them the pond and gravel pit where I spent my time with my mom and grandmother on the weekends while my dad hunted. Most Mother’s Days consist of staying busy and avoiding that day. Instead of making it about me, I would rather share my mom’s and grandmother’s memories with my girls.” –Jennifer H.
Grace K.
“My idea of the perfect Mother’s Day gift would be to have a full 12 hours of sleep and wake up to brunch, a clean house, and laundry folded. I would like to have a fun day of activities with my husband and children. The cherry on top would be a 100 lb crawfish boil.” –Ryn W.
Martine M.
“My perfect Mother’s Day would consist of a nice, uninterrupted meal and peace and quiet!” –Martine M.
Ryn W.
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Teacher Appreciation Week: To Buy or Not to Buy
By Sarah Batrous
Teacher Appreciation Week can be a doozy for both teachers and students alike. It’s difficult to pick out a meaningful gift for someone who does so much for our children. Fret not, students and parents, because this guide will help you through it. High school teacher, Joy Holden, offers tips and advice to find the perfect gift. What to Buy I promise that finding the perfect gift to show your appreciation is not as difficult as it seems. Luckily, this is not “go big or go home” territory as many teachers just appreciate being appreciated. “I always advise parents to ask early in the year what are some favorites that teachers have so that you can personalize a gift for them. Honestly,
we want some positive recognition that we are appreciated, and that can be very small,” says Holden. “Gift cards to favorite places to eat/get coffee/bookstores/Target, greeting cards with a personal message, favorite treats (can be favorite candy or chips or snacks), cute mugs, sturdy water bottles, teacher stickers to go on water bottles/ computers, and tote bags are always appreciated.” As suggested, gift cards go a long way, but make sure they are “universal” like a prepaid Visa card or for a store where teachers can buy supplies or something cute for themselves. A favorite shop, restaurant, or even an online shopping hub like Amazon are all great gift card choices. In a similar vein, if your teacher is a parent, find out how old
their kids are and shop for a gift certificate to a fun experience like a trampoline park. Check your beginning-of-the-year supply list and pick a few items to buy from it. Teachers are often stuck purchasing replacement supplies for their students after they “disappear,” are used up, or unfortunately are broken. Lend a helping hand by replenishing the stockpile and maybe picking out something fun, too, like funky scented stickers or “good job” stamps. If you’re going the cup, mug, or wine glass route, exercise some caution. Not everything is dishwasher-safe or microwave-safe or even BPA- free. Before making your drinkware purchase, make your teacher’s quality of life better by checking the
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washing and heating instructions before you purchase.
What Not to Buy Don’t base your gifts around how the classroom is themed and decorated. If the classroom is decked out in all things farm animal related, that doesn’t mean you should follow suit with a cow-shaped mug. Sometimes, the simpler or more neutral the gift, the better. Put the candles and lotions down. What smells good to you may not smell that wonderful to your giftee, which is an unfortunate disappointment for both of you. “Stay away from candles and lotions unless you know that it is a specific brand or scent that the teacher prefers,” warns Holden. “I have thrown away and/or regifted several candles and lotions and soaps that I couldn’t stand the smell of. Scents are so subjective, so if you like giving them as gifts in candles, lotions, or soaps, ask the teachers beforehand which ones they like.” Don’t be Afraid to Ask It’s tough to give out gifts, even tougher when you don’t have a close relationship with a person. It’s good to ask what someone would like before you go gift shopping, but don’t trust everything that comes out of your child’s mouth when they make suggestions. Holden recommends creating a Google form or a template email that asks the teacher about their favorite restaurants, scents, brands, sports teams, snacks, desserts, and colors. She notes that this is great to have on hand since you can reference the response for buying presents beyond Teacher Appreciation Week, like for holidays or birthdays. That’s a convenient, win-win situation for everyone. A Gift From the Heart Sometimes, spending money isn’t an option, and that’s okay. One great way to show your teacher that you appreciate all that they do is to write a thank-you note. You can even write two–one from you as the parents and another from your child. This is especially good to do for older students who likely have multiple teachers. All in all, Teacher Appreciation Week is a time for your student to show how thankful they are to receive an education and for all the sacrifices that educators have had to make for the school year to run successfully while still being fun and exciting. Besides, who doesn’t love getting warm fuzzies from giving a well-meaning gift?
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Clean Air, Clear Minds: The Benefits of Having Houseplants
By Austria Cohn
It’s no secret that plants play a vital role in our natural environment for many different reasons, from taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen for us to breathe to providing insects with a safe haven. Plants are essential for keeping our natural world moving, living, and breathing. Bringing plants inside our homes can improve the air quality and our psychological and physical health and further children’s understanding of the natural world around us. Cleaning Our Air “We know that plants also clean air so they can remove air pollutants and particulates,” says Heather Kirk-Ballard, an assistant professor of Consumer Horticulture at Louisiana State
University. “They remove carbon dioxide, particulates, benzene, and up to 90 percent of formaldehyde.” The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that particulates, benzene, and formaldehyde are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). “VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Paints, varnishes and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products.” Not only do plants provide oxygen, but houseplants also clean the air we breathe in our homes by removing VOCs that come from various products we use around our house.
If you’re not persuaded to add a houseplant to your home, let’s discuss the psychological and physiological benefits. Physical and Mental Benefits “They can also help with our well-being. Indoor plants can simulate the psychological and the physiological relaxation response,” says Kirk- Ballard. “In fact, in schools, they’ve shown that it can improve test grades.” Research shows that workplaces with indoor plants positively affect individuals, from reducing fatigue to inspiring creativity. In a classroom full of students, plants simulating a calming response can help children that struggle to focus. The National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) mentions the greener the play area/
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learning environment is for children, the less severe the symptoms of ADD are. “Just looking at pots of flowers and plants make people more relaxed and aware. A study of EEG (electrical brain activity) measurements shows more relaxation when viewing greenery compared to looking at a concrete structure,” states the NICH. The same effects are seen in an office. A plant nearby can help lower workers’ blood pressure and reduce stress, which in turn, makes it easier to focus on a task. Plants indoors bring a comforting and professional feel to the environment, and according to the NICH, “workers in the office with plants felt more comfortable, productive, healthier and creative. People in offices with plants and windows have increased job satisfaction and report a higher quality of life.” In hospitals, patients with rooms containing plants took fewer pain relievers than patients who didn’t have plants. “Plants used as part of room décor reduce the stress of hospital patients and lower their blood pressure. New breast cancer patients were better
able to tolerate life’s disruptions caused by the diagnosis, surgery, and treatments through interacting with nature,” states the NICH. Children + Plants We all know that children love to ask questions, and sometimes we don’t even know the answer to their inquiries. Having a houseplant can spark interest in your child and get them excited about nature, science, and maybe even vegetables! By exposing your kiddo to plants, they will begin to have a deeper understanding of the world around them, which includes beginning to understand health and wellness. For example, if one of the houseplants is wilting or losing color, explain to your child why this is happening and what steps can help revive the plant (more or less water and sunshine or trimming dead leaves). When your child is caring for a houseplant, explain to them that plants harness energy from the sun. Depending on their age, explain photosynthesis and its impact on insects and other living things. Kirk-Ballard also suggests talking to children about edible plants because that can be a fun way for them to become excited about nature and science.
Teaching children about plants opens the door to many other learning opportunities, like why it’s important to recycle plastic or how vegetables and fruits have natural sugars that energize us. There are several reasons why we should have household plants, including having healthy and clean air to breathe, improving our psychological and physiological health, and exposing children to the natural world. In May, many grocery stores and plant shops have beautiful flowers and plants to choose from. So next time you head to the store, bring your kiddo and have them pick out a plant to take care of. maintenance plant, consider buying a Remo’s Tongue (Snake Plant), Mother in Law’s Tongue, Swiss Cheese Plant, or a ZZ plant. These plants tolerate low sunlight and don’t require very much water to flourish. Another easy-starter plant is Aloe Vera, which would be especially fun for kids when they get a sunburn and break off a leaf to help. The carnivorous plants like Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher, and Sun-dew Plants aren’t the easiest to care for, but kids will love the exotic plant. Best Houseplants to Start With To start your kiddos off with an easy, low-
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10 Best Brunches in New Orleans
By Emily Drez
Mother’s Day is May 14 this year, the perfect time to get together with your family and celebrate the moms that made everything possible. And, what a better time of the day to do it than brunch? There are so many places in New Orleans with fantastic brunch menus, but we’ve compiled a list of a select few to help you make a decision. Happy Mother’s Day! Ruby Slipper Cafe The Ruby Slipper Cafe is so passionate about brunch that its motto is “That Brunch Life.” For starters, you’ll have to make a hard choice between the French Toast Bites, Pig Candy Bacon Bites, Fried Green Tomatoes, Loaded Tots, and the Seasonal Beignets (though there is no shame in ordering several). If you love eggs for breakfast, look no further than the “Bennies” on the menu;
if you can’t choose just one unique twist on Eggs Benedict, you can go with The Peacemaker and pick two! There is an Eggs & Omelets menu as well, and, of course, plenty of options for pancake and French toast lovers. Some of Ruby Slipper’s specialties include: Breakfast Tacos, Migas (Tex- Mex scrambled eggs), and The Trifecta (which includes samples of Eggs Cochon, Chicken St. Charles, and Bayou Shrimp Benedicts). Atchafalaya Restaurant Set in a creole cottage in a New Orleans neighborhood, Atchafalaya Restaurant is an elegant and rustic local gem. Its famous brunch menu includes Tuscan Eggs, Duck Hash, and Smoked Chili Gulf Fish, but more traditional brunch eaters can select from Chicken & Waffles, Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits, and Huevos
Rancheros. You can also order King Cake Waffles, Creole Country Boudin, biscuits, eggs, and more a la carte! Monty’s on the Square Come to Monty’s on the Square for an authentic New Orleans brunch experience in Jackson Square. The Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Bites look like a tempting appetizer to start with! Monty’s also offers some unique, Louisiana- coded dishes such as King Cake Beignets, a Brunch Po’boy, Jambalaya Omelettes, and Sweet Cream Pancakes. There is a Kids’ Menu for the little ones in your party as well. The Court of Two Sisters The iconic Court of Two Sisters has a live jazz
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band seven days a week during brunch time. Its Breakfast Classics include scrambled eggs, hash browns, grits & grillades, and more. You can also select from the New Orleans Favorites menu: chicken & sausage gumbo, red beans & rice, shrimp etouffee, corn macque choux, and turtle soup au sherry. The Lunch Lagniappe menu, dessert menu, and salad bar are available as well for brunch-goers. Junior’s on Harrison Make Junior’s on Harrison your next Sunday brunch destination! Your table can snack on Truffle Parmesan French Fries while considering one of the Handhelds (how about the Breakfast Burrito or the Gail’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich?). For something heartier, there is the All-American Breakfast, along with entrees such as the Smoked Salmon Bagel, Country Fried Steak, and the Harrison Ave Benedict. There are plenty of brunch and specialty cocktails for the adults to choose from as well, and, of course, all kinds of coffee. Sala Nola Another popular brunch spot in town is Sala Nola. Its menu starts with delicious Benedicts: traditional; crab cakes; smoked salmon; and eggs Sardou, Pontchartrain, and Blackstone. Its omelette menu features Crawfish Saute, Crab & Bacon, the Farmer’s Omelette, and more. You have an extensive house specials menu to peruse as well: savory fish tacos, sweet French toast, fresh seared tuna salad–oh my! Cane & Table Cane & Table offers local flavors with a Caribbean twist–the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a more offbeat brunch menu. Both the dinner and brunch menu are seasonal, so you’re up for a new treat each season. Its small plates currently include Biscuit & Jam, Shaved Vegetable Salad, Pork Skins, and Tostones, while the entrees include (but are not limited to) the Frita Cubano, Dulce de Leche French Toast, and the Brunch Rundown which comes with fried drum, lump crab, coconut curry, and coconut grits. Jimmy J’s Cafe The funkiest cafe in New Orleans is Jimmy J’s Cafe! Since breakfast is perfect at any time of the day, breakfast items are available all day at Jimmy J’s. Try one of the Jimmy’s Favorites such as the smoked salmon bagel or the Blueberry Brandy Glazed French Toast. Other unique spins on French toast include Shrimp and Garlic Aioli French Toast and Banana Bread French Toast. Eggs-for-breakfast enthusiasts have a lot to choose from: N’awlins Eggs Ranchero, Crab Cake Benedict, Three Meat Omelette, and more. Whether you want something savory or something sweet, Jimmy J’s has it on its menu!
Photo by Freepik.com
Stanley of New Orleans Another all-day breakfast spot is Stanley of New Orleans. Its pancakes come with vanilla ice cream, to which you can add bananas, blueberries, and/or toasted walnuts. You should also highly consider the Breakfast Seafood Platter, Bananas Foster French Toast, Eggs Stanley, and Omelet Sandwich. Those looking for lunch have a list of tasty soups, salads, and sandwiches to choose from (how about a Shrimp and Oyster Poor Boy Combo with a side of filet gumbo?)., so everyone will be satisfied at Stanley of New Orleans.
Willa Jean Willa Jean offers the perfect chic brunch cafe experience with unique, Southern-inspired dishes. Start with the grilled banana bread and make your way over to the Biscuit Situation, where you may have to choose between the Fried Chicken + Tabasco Honey, Bacon + Sunny Side Up + Pimento Cheese, or the Jam + Butter (along with a few others). Its brunch plates look even tastier, from the WJ brunch burger, to the WJ granola, to the crawfish roll, and to the BBQ shrimp toast and beyond.
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out & about
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read, sing, and play together at the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library from 10:30-11:30 a.m. nolalibrary.org Parent Rights in Special Education. Webinar from 10-11 a.m. Discuss the rights that parents have when it comes to their child’s special education. fhfofgno.org Seal. Saenger Theatre at 7:30 p.m. saengernola.com Yoga with a Vue. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 at Long Vue Gardens. An all-levels yoga class beneath the oak trees. longvue.com 3 Wednesday Advocacy 101. Webinar from 10-11 a.m. Learn how to become an effective advocate. fhfofgno.org Lafreniere Park Farmers Arts Market. Every Wednesday from 2-7 p.m. lafrenierepark.org RosaWay Pop: Jazz Quartet. Jefferson Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. jeffersonpac.com T(w)een Chess Club. Teens and tweens can learn the basics of chess and compete against each other from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Children’s Resource Center Library. nolalibrary.org Twilight at Long Vue: Freddie Blue & the Friendship Circle Band . A series of open-air showcases for local performers at Long Vue Gardens. Bring snacks and a picnic blanket! 5–7 p.m. longvue.com Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience New Orleans. Scottish Rite Temple in New Orleans. vangoghexpo.com/new-orleans Virtual Spanish Conversation Group. Improve your Spanish skills from 6-6:45 p.m. Register at nolalibrary.org YLC Wednesday at the Square. Lafayette Square from 5-8 p.m. Performances by The Soul
Rebels. ylcwats.com
1 Monday Beginner Cooking Class for Kids . Kids ages 7-10 are encouraged to learn kitchen skills every Monday night with Culinary Kids. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $45/session or $165/month. culinarykidsns.com Crafting with Literature. Make cute crafts and learn about stories at the Children’s Resource Center Library. 4:30-5:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org. Crawfish Festival. A weekend (May 1-3) of crawfish eating and boiling and live performances. Tickets available online. nolacrawfishfestival.com How I Learned What I Learned. A one-man, autobiographical performance written by August Wilson. Performances until May 7 at Le Petit Theatre. lepetittheatre.com New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest. Back- to-back days of live music, food, and culture at the Fair Grounds Race Course through May 7. Tickets available online. nojazzfest.com 2 Tuesday National Teacher Appreciation Day Activate STEAM Afternoon: Leaning Tower of Pasta. Experiment, create, and craft at this hands-on STEAM event for children ages 6-12 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library from 3:30- 4:30 p.m. nolalibrary.org Advanced Cooking Class for Kids. Kids ages 10-16 are encouraged to learn kitchen skills every Tuesday night with Culinary Kids. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $45/session or $165/month. culinarykidsns.com Best Buy Teen Tech Community Center Day. Discover all the Best Buy Teen Tech Community Center has to offer on the first Tuesday of every month. 1-5:30 p.m. at the Main Library. nolalibrary.org Outdoor Storytime. Children ages birth to 5 years old and their caregivers are invited to
4 Thursday Autism Acceptance Webinar Series for Parents. Webinar at noon. Professionals will share their knowledge and evidence-based strategies to further support children and encourage positive behavior function. ochsner.org Omm Ogden Museum Meditation. Join the Ogden Museum every Thursday from 12:30-1 p.m. for a free meditation session. ogdenmuseum.org Original Sewing & Quilt Expo. An event from May 4-6 for those who want to improve their sewing and quilting skills and enjoy gorgeous displays. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Center. $8/person. sewingexpo.com Pirate Festival. The pirates are back in Lake Charles for the 66th annual Pirate Festival! May 4-14 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. louisianapiratefestival.com Special Needs Class. Ages 10-adult are encouraged to learn kitchen skills every Thursday night with Culinary Kids. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $45/ session or $165/month. culinarykidsns.com Thursdays at Twilight . Music lovers are invited to City Park to enjoy an indoor concert at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. 6-8 p.m. $15/person. neworleanscitypark.org When Parents and Schools Disagree. Webinar from noon-1 p.m. Training session delves into Louisiana’s Special Education dispute resolution options and what to do when you disagree with the school regarding your child’s special education services. fhfofgno.org 5 Friday Cinco de Mayo Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival . Breaux
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Bridge through May 7. Music, cuisine, crawfish races, dance contests, crawfish eating contests, and a parade. bbcrawfest.com May Food Truck Round Up. A free, family- friendly event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Abita Brewing Company. facebook.com/abitabeer Nature at Night. Parents can drop their children off for a safe, fun, and educational night for kids at the Audubon Zoo. 6-9 p.m. audubonnatureinstitute.org O First Friday Free Admission for College Students. College students are welcome to explore the Ogden Museum for free on the first Friday of each month. ogdenmuseum.org Parents’ Night Out! Drop off your kids at Culinary Kids every Friday night for a movie- themed night of dinner, dessert, and, of course, movies. Every Friday night from 6-9 p.m. Ages 5-12. $35/child. culinarykidsns.com Songs on Sala. Jefferson Performing Arts Society at 6:30 p.m. Live music series featuring emerging artists. jpas.org Spongebob the Musical. Performances until May 21 at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. rivertowntheaters.com The Avett Brothers. Saenger Theatre through May 6. saengernola.com The Disco Biscuits. Mahalia Jackson Theater through May 6. mahaliajacksontheater.com The Greater N.O. Bromeliad Society Show & Sale. Veterans Skylight through May 7. lakesideshopping.com 6 Saturday Bayou Region Championships. Alario Center through May 7. USA volleyball. alariocenter.com Family Flower Crown Workshop. Wear what’s in bloom! Family members of all ages will enjoy this hands-on workshop and lesson on the flowers from Long Vue Gardens. 1-2:30 p.m. $75 general admission, $65 for members, $40 ages 3-12. longvue.com Gretna Farmers Market . Gretna Market from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts. gretnala.com Nature at Night. Parents can drop their children off for a safe, fun, and educational night for kids at the Audubon Zoo. 6-9 p.m. audubonnatureinstitute.org
Sunset Herb & Garden Festival. Sunset Festival Grounds from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Vendors specializing in plants. sunsetherbfestival.com Sprouts - Mayday, Festival of Spring. Children ages five and under and their parents are invited to Long Vue Gardens for structured garden exploration, creativity, and free play. The first and third Saturday of the month from 9:30- 11 a.m. $10/person. longvue.com Tai Chi: Introduction to the Long Yang Form. Every Saturday at Long Vue Gardens from 8:30-10 a.m. $15/person. longvue.com. The Urban Fiction Book Club. Adults are welcome to the Norman Mayer Library from 3-4 p.m. to discuss some of today’s most popular books. nolalibrary.org Vue Crew Kids Garden Club - Vegetable Gardening II. Students ages 5-10 are invited to make new friends and learn about all things gardening. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $20/student, $10 for family-level members. longvue.com 7 Sunday Crescent City Farmers Market. Every Sunday at the Tad Gormley Stadium from 8 a.m.-noon. neworleanscitypark.org Harahan Farmers Market. Harahan from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Focuses on health, wellness, and positivity. visitjeffersonparish.com Zumba with the Mayor. Bogue Falaya Hall at noon. A perfect opportunity to hang out with Mayor Mark and get your work out on. mayormark@covla.com 8 Monday Coffee Break. Webinar from 10-10:15 a.m. 15-minute mini-training aimed at answering a single disability-related dilemma. fhfofgno.org 9 Tuesday Adult Figure Drawing Studi-O. Adults ages 18 and older can learn how to draw the human figure at the Ogden Museum on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. $180/members, $200/non-members. ogdenmuseum.org Art Smarts. Make and learn about art with other children ages 6-12 from 5-6 p.m. at the Robert E. Smith Library. nolalibrary.org
Evening Storytime. Children ages birth to 5 and their caregivers are invited to read, sing, and play together from 5-6 p.m. at the East New Orleans Regional Library and 5-5:45 p.m. at the Main Library. nolalibrary.org Special Education: Dispute Resolution Webinar. Webinar with Families Helping Families Northshore at 2 p.m. Discuss how to solve issues on a district and state level. fhfnorthshore.org 10 Wednesday A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Family- friendly, outdoor performances until May 28 at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. nolaproject.com/midsummer Related Services. Webinar from 10-11 a.m. Participants will learn several critical elements used to determine what related services a student needs. fhfofgno.org The Cure. Smoothie King Center at 7 p.m. Performance by The Cure with special guest, The Twilight Sad. smoothiekingcenter.com YLC Wednesday at the Square. Lafayette Square from 5-8 p.m. Performances by Nigel Hall. ylcwats.com 11 Thursday Autism Acceptance Webinar Series for Parents. Webinar at noon. Professionals will share their knowledge and evidence-based strategies to further support children and encourage positive behavior function. ochsner.org Book Club Curatorial Program with Curator Lisa Rotondo-McCord. New Orleans Museum of Art from noon-1 p.m. The NOMA Book Club meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books related to art in NOMA’s collection and exhibitions. noma.org Getting and Keeping Your First Job. Webinar from noon-1 p.m. This training will go over why work is important, challenges for youth, the labor market, disability disclosure, and accommodations. fhfofgno.org Happy Hour: Toulouse Theater. Toulouse Theater at 6 p.m. lpomusic.com Hey Y’all Art Talk. Every second Thursday at the NOLAFAMILY.COM | MAY 2023 27
Ogden Museum, participants can take a guided gallery tour for free from 1-2 p.m. ogdenmuseum.org 12 Friday Cochon De Lait Festival. Mansura through May 13. Mixes great Cajun food, good times, and Louisiana music with the famous cochon de lait. cochondelaitfestival.com Free Friday Concert Series. Mandeville Trailhead from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Music, food trucks, and concessions. experiencemandeville.org Pelican Greenhouse Plant Sale. On May 12, 13, and 14 you can stop by the Pelican Greenhouse and select from hundreds of varieties of plants from 9 a.m.-noon. neworleanscitypark.org The Music Of Queen. Mahalia Jackson Theater at 8 p.m. Bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music, The Louisiana Philharmonic performs The Music of Queen. lpomusic.com 13 Saturday Arts Market. Featuring more than 30 local artists, the Arts Market takes place every second Saturday of the month on the Great Lawn. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. artsneworleans.org Calming Your New Baby. Zoom from 10-11:30 a.m. Learn what to expect during the first few months, also known as “the fourth trimester,” including techniques to quickly calm crying and boost infant sleep. chnola.org Create a Cookbook Class. Learn about how to write your own cookbook at the Southern Food and Beverage Research Center. Nunez Community Library from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. southernfood.org Dine & Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra. The National WWII Museum’s Victory Swing Orchestra will celebrate the bands of the WWII era from 6-8:30 p.m. Dinner and wine included! Tickets available online. nationalww2museum.org Expressions of America Family Night. The National WWII Museum invites you and your family for a night of discounted ticket prices, outdoor activities before the show, access to the Walt Disney Studios and World War II special exhibit, and more. Expressions of America show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available online. nationalww2museum.org 28 MAY 2023 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
Gretna Farmers Market. Gretna Market from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts. gretnala.com Romeo and Juliet. Performed by the New Orleans Ballet Theatre at the Orpheum Theater. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. orpheumnola.com School of Rock Spring Music Festival. Zony Mash Beer Project through May 14. eventbrite.com Susanne Duplantis Lagniappe Leftovers Author Signing. Barnes & Noble Metairie at 11 a.m. Local author Susanne Duplantis signs her book. bn.com 14 Sunday Mother’s Day Harahan Farmers Market. Harahan from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Focuses on health, wellness, and positivity. visitjeffersonparish.com Letters from Home . This duo is bringing back the style of the USO and performing at the National WWII Museum at the Louisiana leg of their 50-state tour. 2-3:45 p.m. $35/non-member, $32/member. nationalww2museum.org Music in the Garden. NOMA presents Music in the Garden, an outdoor music series in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens from 2-4 p.m. noma.org LOOP NOLA General Public Day. Complete the only high-ropes course in New Orleans at City Park! 10 a.m.-noon. Tickets must be purchased to reserve a spot. neworleanscitypark.org Romeo and Juliet. Performed by the New Orleans Ballet Theatre at the Orpheum Theater. 2 p.m. orpheumnola.com 15 Monday Planning for Adulthood: Your High School IEP Questions Answered. Webinar from noon-1 p.m. Learn more about how the IEP and transition supports in high school can help your child prepare for adult life. fhfofgno.org 16 Tuesday Car Seat Fitting Station. Children’s Hospital parking garage first floor from 9-11 a.m. Installation by a nationally certified technician. Drop-ins welcome, appointments preferred. Free. chnola.org
Growing Up for Girls. Worley Hall from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Practical information about female anatomy, what happens during puberty, body image, menstruation, and hygiene is presented in an informal, fun and hands-on manner. chnola.org JCC Book Club. New Orleans JCC - Uptown from 1:30-3 p.m. Windy City Blues by Renee Rosen. nojcc.org 17 Wednesday Hitting the High Points: An Overview of The Individualized Education Program. Webinar from 10-11 a.m. This webinar will take a birds-eye look at this plan that drives your child’s education and services. fhfofgno.org Twilight at Long Vue: KatieCat & Cain Featuring the Hiptones. A series of open- air showcases for local performers at Long Vue Gardens. Bring snacks and a picnic blanket! 5-7 p.m. longvue.com YLC Wednesday at the Square. Lafayette Square from 5-8 p.m. Performances by glbl wrmng. ylcwats.com 18 Thursday ABLE Club Dinner in May. Isabella’s Pizzeria at 5:30 p.m. Monthly group dinner. fhfnorthshore.org IEPs and Behavior and Discipline - Oh My! Webinar from noon-1 p.m. Talk about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, functional behavior assessments, and disciplinary issues in school. fhfofgno.org Infant and Child CPR. Worley Hall from 6:30-9 p.m. American Heart Association’s “Family and Friends” non-certification class is back in person. Class size is limited. Fee is $35. chnola.org The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- time . An award-winning play based on the novel by Mark Haddon. Performances until June 14 at Le Petit Theatre. lepetittheatre.com Women on Weights. New Orleans JCC: Uptown from 11 a.m.-noon. Female-focused session to explore weight training. nojcc.org 19 Friday Bayou Boogaloo Music Festival. May 19- 21. Family-friendly music festival with food,
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