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Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr signed a four-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, ending days of anticipation for the ballclub looking for some stability among signal calling.
The Saints give Carr a solid defense, which he’s never had in his career, while New Orleans gets a veteran quarterback with good skills and great come-from-behind abilities.
New Orleans Saints Sign Derek Carr To 4-Year Deal
The deal, which includes $150 million, immediately seats Carr as the best quarterback in the NFC South.
Carr was drafted by the Raiders in 2014 after a stellar college career at Fresno State, where he twice received first-team All-MWC honors.
Can Carr Revive The Saints Offense?
He is surrounded by deep talent at the wide receiver position, including Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave.
Carr is expected to move into the upper echelon as a member of the black and gold, with many saying that the team should win a minimum of 10 games.
Final Word
Carr’s signing comes one day after Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson became available to other teams. Jackson and the Ravens have not been on the same page for contract negotiations, which could bode well for Saints arch rival, the Atlanta Falcons, who reportedly are interested in bringing a dynamic quarterback.
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A new French brasserie is set to open in New Orleans’ Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, NolaFi.com has learned.
The restaurant, King, will welcome diners to an upscale casual atmosphere where breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served New Orleans-style.
The hotel, located in the city’s Central Business District, has been undergoing massive renovations over the past year.
When Will King Restaurant Open?
King restaurant, which will have ground level access from Tchoupitoulas Street, is slated to open on March 30, 2023.
“We’ve worked hard to create a restaurant that will be both a jewel for locals and a culinary must-try for visitors to the city,” Kimpton Hotel Fontenot Director of Food and Beverage Jessica Retif said in a statement. “We see King becoming a favorite neighborhood spot in true brasserie fashion that’s both comfortable and lively and always giving people a reason to come back.”
What Are King Restaurant’s Hours?
The operating hours for King are:
Breakfast:
Daily: 7am – 11am
Lunch:
Daily: 11am – 4pm
Dinner:
Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 5pm – 10pm
Bar:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 11pm
Where Is King Restaurant Located?
King is located at 501 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA 70130. Here’s a map to help you find it.
“After spending many months developing menus and dishes that emphasize the freshness and flavor of Louisiana seafood and feature unique interpretations of some of my favorite French classics, we can’t wait to start serving. I’m so proud of what the team has been able to build here,” says Kimpton Hotel Fontenot Executive Chef Samuel Peery.
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culture / fashion / general / lifestyle / photography1 Min Read
What you put on your feet is very important. When it comes to women’s shoes and sandals, comfort is the key to happiness. And who doesn’t like cute sandals on their feet?
This article will show you some of the best sandals for your feet this season.
What Makes For Some Comfortable Sandals?
The most comfortable sandals have a combination or one of the following qualities:
- Arch support
- Secure footing
- They’re cute!
On a serious note, you’ll want to make sure your sandals fit you well. Pay close attention to the size you’re ordering so that there won’t be any problems there.
Here Are Some Great Sandals For Walking
We’ve researched some of the best deals on sandals right now and listed them below.
Steve Madden Women’s Dina Flat Sandal
Gladiator Sandals
Open Toe Knee High Sandals
Summer Flat Strappy Lace-Ups
Toe Ring Summer Sandals
Black Zipper Gladiator Vamp Sandals
Final Word
High fashion is more than a buzzword, it’s a portal you tap into when you look and feel your best. These sandals are what you wear on your feet to get there.
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Looking for an excuse to enjoy a strong margarita? Celebrate National Tequila Day!
When Is National Tequila Day?
National Tequila Day this year is Monday, July 24, 2023. This annual holiday has become somewhat of a restaurant event as many eateries feature their best tequila deals.
This article will show you some of the best places to prepare margaritas.
What Places Have The Best Margaritas In New Orleans?
A tasty margarita contains the right amount of tequila, agave and liqueur to make it something special. These eateries and bars know just how to make it.
Cuñada
833 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 525-9200
Here’s what one patron says about Cuñada: “My first time at Canada was great. I had the guacamole and chips and the elote (corn), both appetizers were excellent. The mixed tacos were very good too. I only wish they would come rice and beans like the other main dishes. But you can order side dishes. The margarita was ver good too.”
Superior Grill
3636 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 899-4200
Here is what a Superior Grill customer says about their margaritas: “Margaritas and fajitas are soooo good here! One of the few places that when you order skirt steak for your fajitas they ask you what temperature instead of just cooking it well done like most places! Will definitely be back!”
The Chloe
4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 541-5500
The Chloe is known as a historic mansion hotel with a top-notch restaurant and manicured grounds, but its drinks are underrated.
Here is what one drink lover says about The Chloe: The drinks and ambiance were good … Very beautiful vibe! The food was thought out and flavorful. The shrimp scampi dumplings were pretty tasty. Our server was super friendly & amazing! The sweet potato curry was the perfect fall dish to start the season!”
Coquette
2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 265-0421
Here’s what one customer says about Coquette: “Every dish was a well balanced pairing of local flavor and impressive culinary capacity. The way they put these dishes together is going to stick with me for a while. Everything was wonderfully paired with the other components on the dish. Perfect for a nice dinner on a quiet night. Stick around for dessert and the Amaro list. We will be coming back again!”
Oceana Grill
739 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-6002
Here’s what one diner says about Oceana Grill: “As always the food was great Maw Maw’s Cajun Breakfast never disappoints and pairs really well with their amazing Bloody Mary.”
Final Word
Who doesn’t enjoy sipping on a nice well-crafted margarita? There are some New Orleans restaurants that go a cut above the rest when it comes to preparing margaritas.
Before we end this, let’s go over some house rules when you’re out and about in the big city:
- Drink responsibly
- Never accept a drink from a stranger that doesn’t come directly from the bartender or server.
- Always have a designated driver or call a friend, family member, taxi, Uber or Lyft to get home.
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New Orleans is full of great spots for delicious gumbo, po-boys and other seafood but burgers are another matter. Now celebrity chef Bobby Flay has brought his table to Nola’s kitchen.
Flay recently opened Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay at Harrah’s New Orleans, the latest stop for the franchise chain. The eatery specializes in interesting varieties of burgers, sodas and milkshakes.
When Did Bobby’s Burgers Open In New Orleans?
Bobby’s Burgers opened on February 10, 2023 inside the popular casino. The restaurant joins Bobby’s Burger locations in the following cities:
- Atlantic City
- Las Vegas
- New York
What’s On The Menu At Bobby’s Burgers?
The menu includes veggie burgers, a fried chicken sandwich and burger varieties such as the BBQ Smokehouse Burger, the Palace Classic Burger, Bacon Crunchburger and Nacho Burger. Some locations also feature a breakfast menu with items such as Brunch Burger and Bobby’s Breakfast Burrito.
In a written statement, Flay said he can’t wait to get to it.
“I’m thrilled to open Bobby’s Burgers in one of America’s great food cities,” Flay said. “I’m confident that the New Orleans community will appreciate the big flavors of our burgers, fries and shakes.”
Where Is Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay Be Located?
Bobby’s Burgers is located at Harrah’s casino, 228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Along with Flay’s Burgers, guests that visit the casino’s food hall will also find PizzaCake by Buddy Valastro and Nina’s Creole Cottage.
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay has locations around the country, including Las Vegas, Yankee Stadium and Atlantic City. The brand’s franchising company, Intelligration Capital BB, also has plans to expand to even more U.S. cities beyond New Orleans this year.
“With each new location opening, more people get the opportunity to dine by Bobby Flay, and we are committed to serving our guests the highest-quality menu that makes for an unforgettable experience,” said Intelligration president Michael McGill.
Final Bite
Burgers may not be one of New Orleans’ signature dishes — yet, but we’ll see how things go. South Louisiana is not the only place for you to enjoy top-notch cuisine, but it’s a favorite place.
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Buying a vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases you can make. One thing that can make it cheaper is the condition of your credit score. With a good credit score, the cheaper your car note can be.
In this article, we’re going to show you what your credit score needs to be to buy a car.
What Is A Decent Credit Score To Buy A Car?
A decent credit score to buy a car is anything in the 600 range. That should be the target crest score for those who want to qualify for auto financing.
Anything under 600 would typically be considered poor credit, while anything over 700 is deemed good credit.
Is A 600 Credit Score Enough To Buy A Car?
Once you hit 600, your lender can reason that you have enough creditworthiness to pay monthly notes on your vehicle.
Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. It’s typical today that car loans last up to eight years.
With that kind of time, it’s important to stay on top of your credit. But let’s look at what your credit score needs to be to finance a vehicle.
The Higher Your Credit, The Less You’ll Pay
The truth is that the higher your credit score, the lower your payments will be. That’s because your score is used by lenders to determine your interest rate.
Keep that in mind as you manage your credit. You should be able to get a car loan if your credit score is anything above the 600-mark. The key is to get a good annual percentage rate that is in line with the market.(3.5% to 5.5% is good).
Final Word
Before you sign the dotted line for auto financing, make sure you understand what your monthly payments are going to be and how long the loan will be.
Always remember that no matter what your credit score is today, it can change tomorrow. That’s why you should always monitor it and try to raise it.
Here’s how to get a FREE credit report.
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New Orleans, Louisiana is the perfect city in indulge in when it comes to cool things to to see and do for a cheap date. The city’s rich history only adds to the adventures you can experience.
What Can You Do For A Cheap Date In New Orleans?
Let’s look at some of the best cheap date ideas you can do in New Orleans.
Rendezvous At The Library
You’d be surprised how romantic it could be to lose yourself among the thousands of books inside your local library. Why not pick a day and time and get together to read the best of Hemingway, Alice Walker and other great authors?
Choose a branch of the New Orleans Public Library System.
Check Out a Sports Game
Photo by Jep Gambardella: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-orange-blouse-looking-at-her-date-5083581/ The Saints and Pelicans are two of the hottest tickets in town. If you can’t get inside the game, don’t sweat it. Go to a sports bar instead. It will be much cheaper!
Here are some great sports bars in New Orleans.
Take A Swamp Tour
When you come to Nola, there are few things as bayou-authentic as a swamp tour. You’ll enjoy the time outdoors, get a real taste of the bayou and even get to see some alligators.
Explore Your Local Farmer’s Market
Another cheap and fun time can be had at your local farmer’s market. Just think of the delicious foods you can try as you ripen your relationship aisle after aisle with deep, insightful conversation.
Here are the best farmer’s markets in New Orleans.
Do A Game Night
What’s better than Monopoly or a good game of Spades at the house? The conversation will be great and you can’t beat the price.
Game night can also be a great time to try some made-from-scratch recipes you’ve been starving to make.
Go On A Picnic
New Orleans has some really beautiful parks. Take advantage of the scenery by finding a cute spot in the shade and bringing some food stuffs for a modest picnic.
Go For Some Beignets
Beignets are one of the calling cards of New Orleans cuisine. The sweet treat paired with some coffee is a great way to get to know someone.
Here are the best places in New Orleans for some good beignets.
Final Word
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice time on a budget? If you’re thinking about going on a date in New Orleans, it’s even better when it’s affordable!
As you can see, going out on the town doesn’t have to break the bank. There are so many things to get into once you decide to save money on your activities.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans
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Home sales in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have fallen to their lowest levels in seven years, according to the latest report from the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service.
The report, based on January 2023 data, shows that home sales were uncharacteristically slow, even though real estate transactions typically drop during wintertime.
New Listing 2022 2023 New Listings 546 477 Pending Sales 557 386 Closed Sales 438 267 Median Sales Price $243,450 $262,658 Days on Market Until Sale 38 71 Inventory of Homes for Sale 699 1,224 Months Supply of Inventory 1.2 2.7 How To Sell Your Home During Slow Periods
To sell your home during a lull in the real estate market, you’ll need to be especially adept to take advantage of any strengths your house has to offer.
Make Minor Improvements
You don’t have to make expensive repairs to sell your home relatively fast, but it has to look livable. Sometimes, minor improvements, like a paint job, can go a long way toward getting your home sold.
Price Your Home Properly
Make sure you check the comps or comparable homes in your area before coming up with a price to sell your home. You can do this by looking at the public records at the county recorder or the tax assessor’s office.
Doing your research will also give you a feel for the market and the latest trends as far as price is concerned.
Go For Curb Appeal
Giving your home curb appeal can mean something as simple as cutting the grass to trimming the hedges, trees and shrubs in front of the home. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see are wayward vines and branches encroaching on the porch or walkway.
Final Word
Housing prices are climbing in New Orleans and elsewhere. It’s time that we leveled up when it comes to the real estate industry.
The pandemic set off a buying frenzy that will be hard to sustain. As prices continue to level off, make sure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage so that you can take advantage of low rates.
If your finances need work, make sure you try to raise your credit score so you are an attractive homebuyer.
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One of the best ways to save money for your retirement is to open a Roth IRA. Some people are intimidated by tax advantaged accounts, but you shouldn’t be.
This article will tell you how to set up a Roth IRA so you can plan for your retirement.
As an IRA (individual retirement account), a Roth has some cool features that make it a great way to fund your retirement and not be penalized by taxes.
Everything You Need To Know About Roth IRAs
Not everyone qualifies to open a Roth IRA, but if you have earned income, you’re good.
With that being said, If you make more than $140,000 as a single person or $208,000 as a married couple filing jointly, you don’t qualify to contribute to a Roth IRA.
But let’s find out exactly what a Roth IRA is and how it works.
What Is a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA is tax-advantaged individual retirement account named after the late Delaware Sen. William Roth, who championed its creation in 1998.
What makes the Roth IRA different from traditional IRAs is that the Roth version is funded with after-tax dollars and allows the owner to make tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Here are some key features of a Roth IRA that you should know about.
- You cannot deduct contributions to a Roth IRA.
If you satisfy the requirements, qualified distributions are tax-free.
- You can make contributions to your Roth IRA after you reach age 70 ½.
- You can leave amounts in your Roth IRA as long as you live.
What Are The Advantages Of A Roth IRA?
These accounts come with many advantages. With a Roth IRA, you get to invest after-tax dollars and take tax-free distributions.
Another advantage is that instead of making deductible contributions, which is what you’d expect for a typical account, Roth IRA account holders are allowed to make after-tax contributions. They can then turnaround and withdraw their money tax free in retirement, including on investment gains.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Roth IRA?
Some disadvantages of Roth IRAs is that you can’t roll them over to a traditional retirement plan.
Another disadvantage is that if you make too much income, you won’t be able to contribute to a Roth IRA. There’s also an annual contribution limit that you must adhere to. Because of that resin, you’ll need other investment options to live comfortably in retirement.
You also aren’t allowed to make tax-deductible contributions to a Roth IRA.
How To Open A Roth IRA
It’s very easy to open a Roth IRA. You can do it online or in person at a bank, mutual fund firm or brokerage.
Open A Roth IRA With Fidelity.
How Much Money Can I Make From a Roth IRA?
How much money you can make from a Roth IRA depends on how long you let it grow.
Let’s say you open a Roth IRA with an initial $6,000 investment. With an annual rate of return of about 7%, your money can top $20,000 or more over two decades..
You can make even more money with your Roth IRA with a 8% or 9% average annual return, which can happen.
What Is The 5-Year Roth Rule?
The 5-year Roth rule requires account holders to wait five years before withdrawing any converted balances — contributions or earnings — regardless of your age.
You’ll pay a 10% penalty when you file your tax return if you take money out before five years elapses.
Final Word
A Roth IRA is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to be strategic in how you to contribute your post-tax earnings.
Taking care of yourself financially is the #1 way to live better later in life. If you do so, you can save money on travel, what you pay at the grocery store and other expenses.
Read how to get out of debt right now.
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Examining your credit score is a good way to stay informed about your financial well-being.
This article will explain all there is to know about having a good credit score, including what it is and why it’s so important.
What Is A Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that credit bureaus give you to rate your credit risk. When companies consider lending to you, they use your credit score to determine the interest rate you pay and the terms attached to that arrangement.
You can find your credit score by going to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion and accessing your report.
What Is A Good Credit Score?
A good credit score is one that allows you to borrow the money you need for your home, car and other purchases made on your credit card. Once you receive your credit report, you’ll see scores ranging from 300 to 850. Here are the credit score ranges for a consumer:
- Excellent Credit: 850-800
- Very Good Credit: 799-750
- Good Credit: 749-700
- Fair Credit: 699-650
- Bad Credit: 649-600
- Poor Credit: 599-300
What Can You Buy With A Good Credit Score?
With a good credit score (anything above 700) you can typically get special rates that are affordable. With elite credit (800_) you get exempt from credit checks and things of that nature.
But if you have a credit score above 700, you don’t have to worry about what type of financing you’ll receive. Here are some things you’ll have no problem borrowing on with a 600-700 credit score:
- Vehicle — standard interest rate
- Automobile –standard interest rate
- Credit Card — standard rate
What To Do If You Have Bad Credit
One of the most disheartening things about borrowing is to find out that you don’t qualify for a certain purchase or terms that aren’t sky-high. The reason will usually be because your credit is bad.
If you find that your credit is poor, don’t be discouraged. There are ways to raise your credit. It will take time, but the process is pretty straightforward.
Here’s how to fix your credit the legal way.
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