• hurricane season

    Experts: Hurricane Season Could Still Be Above Normal

    2 Min Read

    Just because New Orleans and the Gulf Coast haven’t experience a hurricane in 2022, this year is still likely to be above average for storm activity.

    That’s the word from the experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which tracks storms in the hemisphere.

    Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Still Be Above Average

    The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center recently issued an update that forecasts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season but have tweaked the likelihood down to 60% from 60% in May 2022.

    “We’re just getting into the peak months of August through October for hurricane development, and we anticipate that more storms are on the way,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “NOAA stands ready to deliver timely and accurate forecasts and warnings to help communities prepare in advance of approaching storms.”

    When Is Hurricane Season In New Orleans?

    The peak months of hurricane season are August through October, although big storm season officially ends each year on November 30.

    This year, there are a number of named storms that still need to be formed.

    The latest status update on major storms comes as Tropical Storm Ian churns toward Florida’s east coast. The storm is expected to be a Category 3 if it continues its trajectory.

    Over the weekend, residents in the Florida peninsula and Florida Keys were warned to prepared for a hurricane, which could hit the area as a Category 3 hurricane or higher.

    Meanwhile, New Orleans weather is very normal this time of year: Cool in the mornings and hot in the afternoons. Perfect weather for some football.

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  • best Starbucks coffee in New Orleans

    How To Get Half Off On Starbucks Drinks Right Now

    2 Min Read

    If you love to save money on your coffee, you may be able to get a deal at your local Starbucks in New Orleans. The coffee shop is currently giving some of its customers half off on its drinks.

    The half-off deal at Starbucks will last for one week. It began on September 14, 2022. That means, you’ll be able to take advantage of 50% off Starbucks coffee up until September 22.

    Starbucks Offering Half Off Drinks To Some Customers

    The special price is not available to everyone. You have to be a Starbuck reward member. The company’s most loyal customers are privy to some pretty cool perks like free drinks after a certain number of purchases.

    You also get freebies on your birthday and other days of the year.

    How To Join Starbucks Reward Program

    To join Starbucks’ reward program you can create an account on Starbucks.com. You can also sign up on the Starbucks App to get access to the full range of Starbucks® Rewards benefits.

    Most Accessible Starbucks Locations In New Orleans

    • 700 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119
    •  2801 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
    • Earth & Fire, 7700 Maple St, New Orleans, LA 70118
    • 2851 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125
    • 601 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 70130
    • 8 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
    • 1001 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117
    • 800 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130

    Nothing says good morning like coffee. To sweeten the deal, try it with some beignets.

    Do you love a cup of Joe? Here are the best places to enjoy breakfast brunch in New Orleans.

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  • Relax in New Orleans

    7 Cool Ways To Relax Your Mind And Body In New Orleans

    4 Min Read

    it’s been a long workweek and the stress got to you, but not to worry: You can find a relaxing time at home.

    No need to go out to a noisy restaurant or bustling downtown area. You can relax your mind and body right there in your own home.

    How To Relax Your Mind

    In this article, we’ll show you how to take a moment for yourself away from the outside world. Here’s how to chill.

    Here’s how to relax in your New Orleans home one room at a time:

    1. Sit Down

    One of the most important things you need to do when you get home is to pop a squat: Sit your butt down. It’s been a long day and the body needs rest. 

    One of the most practical ways to save energy after a long day at work is to grab a relaxing seat in your home and pause.

    2. Put On Some Music

    We don’t know why, but when you put on some music, no matter if it’s Satchmo jazz or some TriggaMan, it allows you to decompress much easier. It takes the mind to a place that is relaxing and fun. Stream your favorite music or dust off that old CD you like.

    If you don’t have a streaming service or music system, go to YouTube:

    3. Close Your Eyes

    best mattresses online for good sleep
    Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

    Much of our stimuli comes from what we see. Take a moment and close your eyes. Reflect on not the type of day you had, but the type of day you’re going to have tomorrow.

    Your goal is to come back better and stronger.

    Here are some of the best mattresses for a good night’s rest.

    4. Read The Bible

    5 Bible Verses That Soothe The Soul
    Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

    If you’re a spiritual person, it will do you some good to open the Good Book and read a chapter or two. You can start wherever you want. Or you can take a systematic approach and read a topic that strikes your curiosity.

    You can also read the Bible online. Some good translations are:

    5. Try Some Aromatherapy

    Aromatherapy can really calm you down. It uses natural plant extracts to emit  aromas that promote welling and healthiness.

    6. Clean Up

    If your house has a junky room smaller than the others, that’s the room that you should clean first. Look to get rid of smaller items and rearrange things so that the room is orderly.

    You don’t want to perform a major cleaning, but your goal is to do a small amount of incremental cleaning in your home.

    7. Smell The Flowers

    How to relax in your Atlanta home
    Nellia Kurme / Unsplash

    Smell the flowers, literally. Go outside and check out plants, shrubs and flowers that have fragrances. It can make a difference when you inhale the wonderful smells and see the brilliant colors just outside your home.

    8. Take A Bath

    Few things on Earth are as soothing as taking a bubble bath. Take it up a notch by buying some bath bombs and candles that set the mood for a relaxing hot soak.

    Here are some bath bombs you’ll love:

    Here are some candles you’ll love as well:

    Final Word

    In these moments, you’ll do well to declutter your mind and relax when you get home. Sad to say, many people don’t even know how to take it easy.

    There’s nothing wrong with just taking some time to practice on your self-care. The fancy restaurants and other spots will be waiting on your return, but don’t rush it if you can help it.

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  • New Orleans murder rate

    Report: New Orleans Again Among Worst Cities For Murders

    3 Min Read

    New Orleans once again is among one of the worst metropolitan cities in America when it comes to murders.

    For the Pelican State, it’s not just New Orleans that gets a bad rap. As the New York Times reports, Louisiana has had the nation’s highest murder rate for 31 straight years.

    After a COVID-19 pandemic-induced lull in early 2020, near the end of the that year, violent crime began to rise in many major U.S. cities, with law enforcement officials blaming the prevalence of guns and easy access to them.

    Where Does New Orleans Rank For Murders Per Capita?

    According to World Population Review, a website that analyzes statistical data for metropolitan areas.

    The twenty cities in the United States with the highest murder rates (murders per 100,000 people) are:

    1. St. Louis, MO (69.4)
    2. Baltimore, MD (51.1)
    3. New Orleans, LA (40.6)
    4. Detroit, MI (39.7)
    5. Cleveland, OH (33.7)
    6. Las Vegas, NV (31.4)
    7. Kansas City, MO (31.2)
    8. Memphis, TN (27.1)
    9. Newark, NJ (25.6)
    10. Chicago, IL (24)
    11. Cincinnati, OH (23.8)
    12. Philadelphia, PA (20.2)
    13. Milwaukee, WI (20.0)
    14. Tulsa, OK (18.6)
    15. Pittsburgh, PA (18.4)
    16. Indianapolis, IN (17.7)
    17. Louisville, KY (17.5)
    18. Oakland, CA (17.1)
    19. Washington D.C. (17.0)
    20. Atlanta, GA (16.7)

    Why Does New Orleans Always Rank Near the Top For Murders?

    Now the hard part: Why does New Orleans perennially rank among the worst cities for homicides? The answer to that question had made many policy makers weary.

    Guns

    Former Mayor Marc Morial told the Times the issue could be guns. “Lots of illegal or stolen weapons, an illegal system in trafficking in weapons, plus drugs and narcotics, produce this lethal mixture. Look at the Legislature to see how many criminal laws versus efforts to address homelessness there have been. The state’s response is more of the same rather than addressing what’s driving it.”

    Poverty

    “Poverty by itself is a very powerful variable in trying to make sense out of crime and homicides, but it requires more nuance,” Dee Wood Harper, an emeritus professor of criminal justice at Loyola University, told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “In New Orleans, look across our neighborhoods. In some, homicide is more common than the common cold, while others have never had a homicide.”

    Lack Of Adequate Police Force

    New Orleans Police Department Superintendnet Chief Shaun Ferguson told reporters in December 2021 that he had lost more than 150 officers in 2021 while recruiting 44 new officers. He said he would devote much of 2022 to recruitment and retention of police officers

    Final Word

    Whatever the cause of deadly crime, it’s going to take a citywide effort for New Orleans to break the cycle.

    With that being said, you might be wondering how safe New Orleans is for travel. Find out.

    More Nolafi.com Articles:

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  • How to rent a home on Airbnb in New Orleans

    How To Rent An Airbnb In New Orleans

    4 Min Read

    Airbnb has made it super-easy to rent out your home. If you’re in New Orleans homeowner thinking about making some extra cash, read on.

    You may be wondering how to go about renting your home on Airbnb. This guide breaks the process down step by step.

    Here’s How To Rent Your Home On Airbnb

    In New Orleans, hotels can charge high rates, not to mention a pricey parking fee if you have a vehicle. For many people, it makes sense to rent a home on Airbnb instead.

    All you have to do is be willing to rent your property for a few days to make some good money. But before you do, make sure that you reside in an area / neighborhood where new faces are welcome and guests feel safe.

    It’s also a good idea to to make sure your neighbors are aware of what’s going on to a reasonable degree. You might also want to check to see if your homeowners association forbids it.

    If you’re all clear, then you just need to prepare to rent your home.

    How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent On Airbnb?

    Airbnb’s terms of use indicate, guests and hosts must be 18 years or older. No children are allowed to create an account.

    That means you won’t have to worry about young kids renting out your home for a Sweet 16 party. College students, however, are generally old enough to use the platform.

    What Percentage Of Rent Does Airbnb Take?

    iAirbnb charges a service fee of 3% for hosts with a residential listing. If you have a Super Strict cancellation policy, you  may be charged more based on other factors.

    Now let’s go over how to set up your Airbnb account.

    List Your Home In 6 Steps

    1. Set up an account and log onto Airbnb.com, click on “Add a listing.”

    2. Once you go through the prompts, you’ll choose whether this is a guest house or one where you “keep your personal belongings.”

    You’ll also need to disclose whether you’re listing on behalf of a company or just yourself.

    3. Under “Sleeping Arrangements,” add how many beds are in the bedroom(s) as well as if you have a sofa bed.

    4. Once you add your address, you’ll need to confirm on a Google Map embedded in the page. Next, list any amenities like Wi-Fi, heat, AC (yes, those are all amenities) so that guests know what to expect.

    5. Next list all the “Spaces” that guests can use (pool, washing machine, dryer, etc.).

    6. Upload pictures of your home then describe your place, neighborhood and surrounding features to really sell it to would-be guests.

    Once you do that, you’re ready to press the button to list your home.

    3 Tips & Tricks When Renting Your Home On Airbnb

    • Remember, all transactions should be handled by Airbnb. Do not accept cash payment outside of the online system, that’s how trouble and discrepancies can arise.
    • Always draft some house rules: Let your guests know that this is not an anything-goes residence and that big parties are a no-no.
    • Before you accept a guest, make sure they have great reviews. If you read their ratings on Airbnb, that will give you the greatest indication of what type of guest they are.

    Final Word

    Renting your home out on Airbnb can be an easy way to make some extra cash. If you live in New Orleans, the city has so many visitors that renting a home instead of a hotel is a viable option.

    As you can see, there is some money to be made from renting your home out on Airbnb. To make the most of your home, always communicate your house rules to your guests ahead of time so there’s no misunderstanding.

    Also, we can’t stress it enough: Let your close neighbors know that you’re listing your home on Airbnb.

    There’s nothing worse than you renting out your home only to get a call from the cops hours later, saying that your neighbor reported a suspicious person on your property.

    New Orleans has one of the best real estate markets in the South, with affordable housing in large swaths of the city. Large backyards and strong, vibrant neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants looking for a new home.
    Keep up with what’s going on in New Orleans’ real estate scene here.

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  • New Orleans seafood and oysers

    Harahan Restaurant Week: What To Know

    2 Min Read

    There’s going to be some great food deals these days in Harahan. That’s because of Harahan Restaurant Week. it’s a time to support local businesses as well as enjoy some of the best food in the area.

    When Is Harahan Restaurant Week?

    Harahan Restaurant Week is slated for July 23-31, 2022. Because this is the inaugural event, you can expect a lot of extras thrown in, especially an abundance of food on your plates, in your to-go boxes and extraordinary service.

    Participating Restaurants

    • Liberty’s Cheesesteaks and Subs
    • Uncle Mat’s Bar & Patio
    • Smoked
    • Little J’s
    • Happy Italian Pizzeria
    • Oak Oven
    • Seither’s
    • Colonial
    • Koz’s
    • Red Wagon Grocery
    • Beinvenue
    • Zea Rotisserie and Cafe

    What Are Some Food Specials For Harahan Restaurant Week?

    These are just a few of the great deals being offered for Harahan Restaurant Week.

    Beinvenue

    $12.95 each

    Chicken parmesan over pasta

    Chicken Parmesan poboy

    Meatball poboy

    Meatballs and Spaghetti

    $10.95

    Pulled Pork on a bun

    Droopy’s Snowballs

    Half off Droopy’s cream from 2-5 PM!

    Uncle Mat’s Bar & Patio

    14 inch Happy Italian pepperoni Pizza and a bucket of domestic Beer for $20!

    Smoked

    Smoked Turkey Breast BLT!

    Turkey breast, candied bacon, lettuce, creole tomato, & honey BBQ sauce with one side for $17.

    Final Word

    You don’t want to miss the many local food events, including festivals in the New Orleans area. For the very latest in what to do and what to eat in New Orleans, stay with NolaFi.com.

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  • funeral costs in Louisiana

    How Much Does A Funeral Cost In Louisiana?

    3 Min Read

    If you have the unfortunate task of planning a funeral for a loved one, it’s not for the faint of heart. Aside from the emotional toll, there will be quite a few monetary options to consider.

    In this article, we’ll take a look at how much it costs for a funeral in Louisiana as well as other associated expenses.

    Funeral Costs In Louisiana

    In Louisiana, you can typically expect to pay between $6,000 and $10,000 for a funeral. Unlike other regions, in south Louisiana, specifically the New Orleans area, you could face an additional charge due to “jazz funerals” or “second line” processions in which brass bands are hired to perform in outdoor conditions.

    You might wonder how the cost of a typical Louisiana funeral might compare to the rest of the nation. Here’s what we found:

    How Much Does The Average Funeral Cost?

    According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average funeral costs $7,848. That includes a viewing and burial, which among other things, is always charged separately.

    In Louisiana, you’ll find funeral costs that range between $6,000 to $13,000, depending on how elaborate the plans are and what material the casket is made of.

    If you want to save money, it’s proven that the way to go is cremation.

    How Much Does The Average Cremation Cost?

    According to the NFDA, the average cremation costs about $2,550.

    In Louisiana, you’ll find similar prices for cremation here. Here’s a breakdown provided by the NFDA that shows how much you’ll pay for added funeral services.

    advance charges, such as for flowers or an obituary.

    Item20212016% Change
    Nondeclinable basic services fee$2,300$2,1009.5%
    Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home$350$3257.7%
    Embalming$775$7256.9%
    Other preparation of the body$275$25010.0%
    Use of facilities/staff for viewing$450$4255.9%
    Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony$515$5003.0%
    Hearse$350$3257.7%
    Service car/van$150$1500.0%
    Printed materials (basic memorial package)$183$16014.1%
    Metal burial casket$2,500$2,4004.2%
    Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Burial$7,848$7,3606.6%*
    Vault$1,572$1,39512.7%
    Total with vault$9,420$8,7757.6%

    How To Save Money On A Funeral

    To save cash, consider the following steps:

    • Forego embalming. Many families opt for the embalming process even though they have chosen to have a closed-casket funeral! Why?
    • Skip the fancy caskets: Funeral directors may try to sell you on a “gasketed casket,” which slows decomposition. Decline it. If you’re burying the body within a week or two, it won’t decompose that much.
    • Decline the extras: Turn down the carriage funeral, as well as the jazz funeral, as this will significantly add to the bill.

    Last Word

    Funeral expenses shouldn’t be so burdensome that the survivors of the deceased are plunged into poverty. Taking the steps now to plan the funeral of your loved one will ensure that you save money and still carry out a dignified funeral.


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  • best books to read about New Orleans

    6 Books You Should Read About New Orleans

    2 Min Read

    If you want to learn about New Orleans, the most knowledge can be found between the pages of a good book. While that’s true of many things, it’s absolutely on point when referring to New Orleans.

    The Crescent City has been immortalized in tomes since its creation. This article will show you some great books to increase your knowledge about Louisiana’s largest city and its culture.

    What Are Some Good Books About New Orleans?

    New Orleans is one of the most renown destinations in books, from the settings in Agatha Christie novels to major poems, movies like A Streetcar Named Desire and countless historical books.

    Let’s get into some great Nola-centric books for you to check out.

    Frommer’s Easyguide To New Orleans

    Written by travel experts Diana K. Schwam and Lavinia Spalding, Frommer’s EasyGuide to New Orleans gives readers a glimpse of the city in a way that the everyday tourist would never see.

    Little Maid of New Orleans

    Originally published in 1930, this historical novel for girls aged 7 to 12 is set in New Orleans at the time of the War of 1812

    Obituary Cocktail: The Great Saloons Of New Orleans

    Lavishly illustrated with more than 200 photographs, Obituary Cocktail’s pictorial history provides a look into the architectural and cultural treasures of the city’s great watering holes.

    New Orleans Trumpet: A Down Home Conservatory Method

    If you’re an aspiring musician or even a well-seasoned one, this book gives an in-depth view of playing New Orleans-style trumpet.

    The New Orleans Kitchen

    Looking to cook New Orleans-style? This book offers instructional guide for 120 recipes for classic New Orleans cooking, from James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Justin Devillier.

    Mob Rule In New Orleans

    This account from none other than freedom rights activist Ida Bell Wells-Barnett (1862–1931) tells of the atmosphere during one of the most tumultuous times in the nation’s and city’s history.

    Final Word

    Reading is fundamental in the big city. Not only does reading strengthen your comprehension, but it expands your mind and improves your memory.

    Educate yourself on what it takes to eat and drink like a local when you come to New Orleans.

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  • best places for photography in New Orleans

    8 Places Around New Orleans To Take Instagram-Worthy Photos

    3 Min Read

    New Orleans is a very photogenic city, from the skyscrapers to the renovated shotgun houses in the neighborhoods. It’s clear that New Orleans is one of the most instagrammable cities in America. 

    Want to know what places make for the best Instagram-worthy photos around the Crescent City? We’re going to show you.

    Bourbon Street

    If you can avoid the overzealous reveler, Bourbon Street is a must-visit to document the colorful charm of one of America’s oldest cities.

    Preservation Hall

    726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

    One of the most musically important sites in New Orleans, Preservation Hall seems to play a tune when you look at each wall.

    Lafayette Square

    S Maestri Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130

    One of New Orleans’ best parks, Lafayette Square is located in the heart of the city’s business district, but it’s also close to some great dining spots.

    St. Louis Cathedral

    615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116

    The St. Louis Cathedral is actually on Jackson Square, so you can photograph two birds with one stone, as they say. The cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans and is the oldest active cathedral in America.

    Jackson Square

    701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

    The Garden District

    Known for its many stately homes, the Garden District is labeled as such because after its incorporation into the city, the houses, many times only two structures were built on one city block, typically were surrounded by large gardens.

    Steamboat Natchez

    If you really want to enjoy the breeze on the lakefront, there’s no better view than the Steamboat Natchez, which has daily voyages for super-cheap.

    New Orleans Museum Of Art

    Along with the beautiful views, you can learn some history at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Pictured here is the museum’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

    Final Word

    If you’re thinking about visiting New Orleans, you should definitely put these places on your must-visit list. Not only will it deepen your appreciation for the city’s many sights, but you’ll capture some of the most beautiful photos of New Orleans.

    New Orleans is a top destination for air travelers the world over. The reason? The city’s vibrant culture, top-notch cuisine and its many things to do and see.

    Looking to visit the Crescent City? Here’s the cheapest time to travel to New Orleans.

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  • Louisiana unemployment rate

    Louisiana Unemployment Rate Just Went To A Record Low

    2 Min Read

    The Louisiana unemployment rate has dropped to one of the lowest levels it’s ever been.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana has a 4.1% unemployment rate. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has dropped for 14 straight months, according to the agency.

    The labor force participation rate, which counts the people ages 16 – 64 who are working or actively looking for work, has increased steadily as well as is at nearly 60%, according to the latest figures.

    Why Is The Job Market So Good Right Now?

    The rosy employment outlook can be attributed to several factors, including the post-COVID-19 pandemic rebound, in which businesses were helped by an influx of cash by the U.S. government.

    There are more than 12 million jobs available in the United States right now, which means that workers can pick and choose where they want to work.

    This has put pressure on employers to sweetened the pot, so to speak, to lure and retain workers. The emergence of full-time or hybrid remote positions is a direct result of this.

    How To Find A Job Right Now

    If you’re a jobseeker, there are certain ways you can increase your chances to find work.

    1. Network: Use your phone contacts or social media followers to reach out to people you may know or those who work at your prospective employers.
    2. Jobs Websites: Apply on career sites like Indeed.com, Monster.com and LinkedIn.
    3. Job Fairs: Companies and organizations are hosting job fairs again. Check with your local Department of Labor to see if they have a calendar of events with job fairs listed for your area.

    Final Word

    It’s one of the best times to be job hunting right now, so you need to take advantage. If you’re looking for employment, here’s how to find a job.

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