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New Orleans has a rich history with significant contributions from its African-American community, from scientists, doctors, actors, musicians and more.
African-Americans have contributed mightily to the Crescent City’s culture, music, cuisine, and overall identity. From the contributions of enslaved Africans and free people of color to the development of jazz and other musical genres, to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, Black history is deeply intertwined with the history of New Orleans.
The city’s vibrant Black community has produced numerous influential figures in music, literature, politics, and activism, making it an important center of African American culture in the United States.
Congo Square
Located within Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square was a gathering place for enslaved and free people of color, where African cultural traditions, including music and dance, were preserved and blended with European influences, laying the foundation for jazz and other musical genres.
Creole Culture
New Orleans is home to a unique Creole culture, which developed among the city’s mixed-race population. Creole cuisine, music, and architecture all bear the influence of African, Native American, and European traditions.
The Haitian Connection
After the Haitian Revolution in the early 19th century, many free people of color from Haiti fled to New Orleans, enriching the city’s culture and contributing to its vibrant Creole community.
Civil Rights Movement
New Orleans played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. The city was the site of several key events, including the 1960 New Orleans school desegregation crisis and the founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Notable Figures
New Orleans has been home to many notable Black figures, including jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton, as well as civil rights leaders like A.P. Tureaud and Oretha Castle Haley.
Mardi Gras Indians
The Mardi Gras Indian tradition, where African American communities in New Orleans create elaborate costumes and parade through the streets during Mardi Gras, is a vibrant expression of cultural pride and heritage.
These are just a few examples of the rich Black history in New Orleans, which has contributed significantly to the city’s unique cultural identity.
Final Word
The black experience has defined a part of New Orleans’ culture for sure. from the innovation of jazz to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.
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A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great way to put your money away for medical bills and other health-related expenses.
In this article, I will show you how an HSA can help you save money.
What Is an HSA?
An HSA is a savings account that you can fund through tax-deductible contributions. These contributions reduce your taxable income.
Another good thing about an HSA is that anu withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.
How Can an HSA Help You To Save Money
The money in an HSA can be invested, allowing it to grow over time. This growth is tax-free as long as the funds are used for qualified medical expenses.
Another way an HSA allows you to save money is that unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), funds in an HSA roll over from year to year, so you don’t lose any unused money at the end of the year.
Portability
HSAs are portable, meaning you can keep the account and use the funds even if you change jobs or health insurance plans.
Covering Medical Expenses
Using an HSA to pay for medical expenses can help you avoid using high-interest credit cards or dipping into your emergency savings.
Retirement Savings
Once you turn 65, you can withdraw funds from an HSA for non-medical expenses without penalty (though you’ll pay income tax on the withdrawal). This can make an HSA a useful retirement savings tool.
Final Word
An HSA is a type of savings account that can help you ward off medical expenses.
Your contributions are tax-free and if you wait until retirement age, your withdrawals are too. What’s not to love?
Read more in our Money Section.
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Grocery prices are sky-high right now and there’s not much we can do about them. However, when it comes to our spending habits, there are quite a few things we can do to tighten our financial belts while grocery shopping.
Overall, food prices have jumped nearly 10% over the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How To Save On Your Groceries
Here are some of ways you can cut down on your grocery bill.
Eat Inside More
Along with your groceries going up, restaurants are raising their prices as well. Instead of going out to eat as much, see if you can cut down and eat at home more often.
My girlfriend who is a graduate student at Xavier University in New Orleans actually cut down on dining out by relegating one weekend night for restaurant food. Over a two-month span, she saved $300! It can change your life!
Learn some recipes so that you can save more of your cash. Follow this delicious gumbo recipe.
Sign Up For Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime costs $139 a year, but it can save you money on food items that you love. If you have a Whole Foods in your area, you can get a discount on quality items if you’re a Prime member.
You can also save on bulk items that can be shipped to you in two days or less in some cases.
Have you tried it? If not, you can sign up for Amazon Prime at Amazon.com/Prime.
Clip Coupons
I know what you’re thinking: Clipping coupons is so 1990s, but they continue to be a way you can save on foods you love.
Grab the weekly ads from your favorite grocery store and cut out all the food items that you like that are on sale. You can also use online coupons from Coupons.com.
Shop At Discount Stores
Stay away from the Whole Foods grocery aisles if you’re not an Amazon Prime member! Shop instead at discount grocery stores like Save-A-Lot, Aldi and Lidl, where you can find cheaper items.
Buy Generic Brands
One way you can keep more money in your pocket is to buy generic brands rather than the big name brands that are well known.
Make a list of the name-brand items you love then do a Google search for “[name-brand item] alternatives” and see what comes up. You might find a new favorite brand!
Final Word
Although we see the increases in certain foods, we know that our paychecks aren’t increasing at the same rate. That’s why it makes sense to see how we can cut down on our grocery bills.
Not only will our budgets be healthier, but we could actually lose some pounds.
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They say weight loss begins with a change of mindset. I also know it takes a lot of work — exercise and diet discipline!
If you’re trying to drop some pounds, the main thing you need to know is that you can do it. Yes, you can.
CanYou Lose Weight Without Exercising? Yes, Here’s How
This article will show you some easy ways to lose weight without even lifting weights, running or exerting yourself physically.
Are you ready to lose the weight? Let’s get started.
1. Cut The Sugar
You don’t have to do on the latest fad diet to lose weight without exercise, but you do have to eat better and cleaner. The #1 to do that is to cut out sugar.
If you’re serious about losing weight, it’s not enough to just cut down on the sugar, you need to cut it out completely.
2. Drink Plenty Of Water
In addition to cutting the sugar, you’re going to have to increase your water intake big-time.
But how much water should you drink a day? Physicians typically say that the average person needs eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
That’s the equivalent of drinking a 2 liter of water in a bottle, or a half gallon. That’s a good way to stay hydrated and get your body to flush itself out continually.
3. Get Plenty Of Rest
If you want your body to work for you, you need to get plenty of rest. Going to sleep early can give your body the rest it needs as well as cut down on late-night snacking.
But here’s the thing: Not a lot of people know that the way we actually lose pounds is through our sleep. By sleeping our body emits pounds through our mouth. Get some rest!
If you do want to take your weight loss to another level, there are some things you can buy to bring the gym to your home.
Gym Equipment For Beginners
Workout equipment is an important part of getting in shape. Here are some pieces we recommend:
A Punching Bag
If you want the convenience of working on your body in your own home, you might want to invest in a punching bag. Here are some good ones from Amazon:
Free Weights
You might want to think about investing in some free weights to build muscle and tone along with your workouts. Here are some free weight options from Amazon:
- Adjustable Dumbbells
- AmazonBasics 20 lb Adjustable Barbells
- Balance From BF 32 lb Barbells
- Bowflex Selectech Adjustable Dumbbells
Final Word
You can start the year off right with a little determination and hard work — and you don’t have to do it in the gym.
The key to losing weight is to believe you can do it. You already know that quitters never win, but it’s especially true for those who begin a weight-loss process and toss it aside.
You may also need to drown out the naysayers who say you can’t lose the weight. All that matters is that you develop a program that fits your unique personal journey and all that it entails.
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Your face is your best investment, especially if you’re on camera. That’s why you need a good face cream to care for your pores.
This article will show you the best face creams to use on a regular basis.
What’s The Difference Between A Face Cream And A Moisturizer?
Face creams are typically thicker than moisturizers because they are made up of so much more oil. Because of that, creams are generally used less frequently than moisturizers. With that being said, many retailers use the terms “face cream” and “moisturizer” interchangeably.
Make sure you read the label to find out if you’re allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients listed on the product.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about face creams!
What Face Creams Are Good For Daily Use?
When it comes to daily use, we’ve gathered up some stellar creams that you can try immediately.
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Face Moisturizer
L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Cream
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm
Olay Regenerist Mineral Sunscreen Face Moisturizer
Pond’s Dark Spot Corrector Clarant B3
Eucerin Q10 Anti Wrinkle Face Cream Bundle
Final Word
No matter if you’re trying to reduce wrinkles or just smooth out your skin, cream is a good thing.
Now that you’ve seen some of the best face creams on the market, you may be thinking about which one is best for you. Obviously, each brand has its good points and otherwise.
When deciding to buy a face cream, think about how it can promote skin hydration for your particular type of skin.
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Taking care of your health is your mind and body’s most important job. Do you know what that entails?
This article will tell you some easy things you can do to manage your health.
Here’s How To Take Care Of Your Health
Taking care of your health is an important part of maintaining a happy and fulfilling life. Here are some tips to help you take care of your health:
Eat A Balanced And Nutritious Diet
Your body needs a variety of nutrients to function properly, so it’s important to eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Here are the best healthy foods you should eat.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your mental health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Read how you can get in shape fast.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep every night is absolutely crucial for both your physical and mental well-being. It’s like giving your body a chance to recharge and restore, allowing you to function at your best the next day.
Getting enough sleep can make the difference between functioning properly during the day and being a low achiever physically and mentally. Most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
While you slumber, your body repairs and rebuilds tissues, essential for muscle recovery and overall health.
Sleep also plays a big role in regulating your hormones. Adequate sleep has been linked to lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
A good mattress will help.
Read our guide on the best mattresses to buy.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can have negative effects on your health, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress. This can include practicing mindfulness, getting regular exercise, and spending time with loved ones.
Here are some other reasons why managing stress is super important:
- Weakened immune system: Stress hormones can suppress your immune function, making you more susceptible to illness and infection.
- Increased risk of heart disease: Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation, all risk factors for heart disease.
- Digestive problems: Stress can trigger digestive issues like stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome,
Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands regularly, can help prevent the spread of illness and infection.
Some other ways you can practice good hygiene include:
- Washing your hands frequently: Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, after handling pets, and after blowing your nose.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria between your teeth.
- Cleaning your face: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. This helps remove dirt, oil, and bacteria, preventing breakouts and irritation.
Get Regular Check-Ups
Going to the doctor regularly is a necessity. Seeing a healthcare provider for regular check-ups and screenings can help detect health issues early, when they are easier to treat.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Avoiding habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can help protect your health.
Final Word
As the adage goes, health is wealth. By following these tips, you can help maintain your physical and mental health and improve your overall well-being.
Here’s what to eat before a workout.
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When it’s time to workout, your food choices play a big role in how your exercise regimen will go.
Choosing the right pre-workout healthy food depends on several factors, including the intensity and duration of your workout, your personal preferences, and how much time you have before you exercise. Here are some general guidelines:
For Workouts Under 60 Minutes
- Focus on easily digestible carbohydrates: These provide quick energy without weighing you down. Good options include fruits like bananas, berries, or apples; whole grains like toast or crackers; or yogurt with granola.
- Consider including a small amount of protein: Protein helps repair muscle tissue and promote satiety. Add some nuts, nut butter, Greek yogurt, or a boiled egg to your carbohydrate source.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and also 15-20 minutes before your workout.
For Workouts Longer Than 60 Minutes
- You can consume slightly more carbohydrates: Opt for complex carbs like oatmeal, brown rice, or sweet potatoes that release energy slowly.
- Include a bit more protein: Aim for 15-20 grams to support muscle repair and endurance. Lean chicken, fish, tofu, or beans are good choices.
- Fuel up earlier: Eat your pre-workout meal 2-3 hours before exercise to allow for proper digestion.
Here are some specific examples of pre-workout meals based on timing:
- 1-2 hours before: Oatmeal with berries and nuts, whole-wheat toast with avocado and egg, chicken stir-fry with brown rice and vegetables.
- 30-60 minutes before: Banana with peanut butter, Greek yogurt with granola and fruit, smoothie with protein powder, fruit, and spinach.
- 15-20 minutes before: Energy bar with nuts and fruit, small piece of fruit with almonds, banana with a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Foods To Avoid
- High-fat foods: These take longer to digest and can cause stomach upset during exercise.
- Sugary foods: They cause a quick spike and crash in blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
- Spicy foods: They can irritate your stomach, especially during intense exercise.
Final Word
Remember to personalize your pre-workout meal based on your own needs and preferences. Experiment and find what works best for you to fuel your workouts and feel your best!
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It’s that time in New Orleans! Yes, we’re talking about oyster season. If you love the little sea creatures charbroiled or fried, this oyster season is going to be good to you.
When Is New Orleans’ Oyster Season?
Oyster season in New Orleans runs roughly from September 1 to May 1 of the following year. That’s when oyster harvesting season takes place.
During that time, which corresponds to winter through the spring, you can enjoy some of the top oyster varieties and dishes.
If you choose to eat oysters outside of that season, you could get some that have a watery or “fishy” taste, or worse, come down with a bad case of food poisoning!
What Kind Of Oysters Does New Orleans Have?
New Orleans, quite naturally, is known for its Gulf oyster, which is harvested and used by many of the local restaurants, oyster bars and fish houses in the region.
Where Do Locals Go For Oysters On A Half Shell?
Bourbon Street has plenty of oyster joints, of course, you can’t go wrong with Acme, which is perhaps the most renown spot in the city. No matter how you like them — raw, chargrilled, or Rockefeller style — you can get them in New Orleans.
Final Word
Remember, oyster season in Louisiana is from around Labor Day to April 30 of the next year. Anytime outside of that, you’ll have to trust the reputation of the restaurant.
Eating in season is one of the best ways to enjoy Louisiana cuisine. From oysters to crawfish and other delicacies, pay attention to the calendar before you order from the menu.
When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.
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If you want to dine on the healthier side in New Orleans, you’ve got to be more picky than the casual eater. But don’t fret, many New Orleans restaurants serve vegan dishes.
in this article, we’ll show you the best vegan restaurants in New Orleans.
Is New Orleans A Good City For Vegans?
New Orleans is great city for vegans despite its reputation as a meat eaters paradise. When you think of New Orleans cuisine, you may think of spices sauces that flood over a bed of rice or a slab of meat, but that’s not the only offering (although that is a very tasty one).
It’s pretty easy to find some healthy options at even the most decadent of city restaurants, but you need to do your research to find out what’s on the menu.
Seed
1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 417-7333
Here’s what one customer says about seed: “So yummy, we enjoyed it all but my favorite was the Thai noodle salad, my kids favorite was the fried tofu. A pretty atmosphere and very good service. We will be back.”
Sweet Soul Food
1025 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 821-2669
Here’s what one customer says about Sweet Soul Food. “About 7 years ago I was laughed out of room after suggesting a vegan restaurant concept serving classic southern food and other typical New Orleans cuisine. Well, Sweet Soulfood is who’s laughing now. Every dish from their cafeteria style serving line is not only a staple, soul food item like collard greens, red beans & rice, cornbread dressing and shepherds pie. Rather, they’re as rich, decadent and flavorful as their Animalia cousins. And that, is where the real praise is given because that’s where the doubt and criticism always lurked..”
Kindred
7537 Maple St, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 841-9538
Here’s what one patron says about Kindred. “I ordered the brussel sprouts and Mac ‘n cheese to start and ordered the 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐁𝐨𝐲 as my entree. “
I-Tal Garden
810 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 515-7321
Here’s what one customer says about I-Tal Garden. “The customer service was great and the food was to die for! Will definitely be back, their rodeo burger was the BEST plant based burger I’ve ever had. I’ve tried many but this one was the best.”
Vegan Wit A Twist
514 S Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70113 | (504) 766-0336
Here’s what one reviewer says about Vegan Wit A Twist: “Some of the best burgers in the city! Vegan or not! Nice central location, great prices, awesome staff. Easy, clean, and safe pandemic pickup. Will be back very soon.”
Plant-Based Nola
540 Adele St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 217-5939
Here’s what one patron says about Plant-Based Nola. “Great food ! Good service.”
Breads On Oak
8640 Oak St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 324-8271
Here’s what one reviewer says about Breads On Oak: “Best bakery in Nola! The tiramisu eclaires are amazing. All the breads are spectacular. Super friendly service and nice outdoor seating.”
The Daily Beet
1000 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70113 | (504) 605-4413
Here’s what one customer says about The Daily Beet. “Best Vegetarian breakfast tacos I’ve ever had! Blue dream smoothie was the icing on the cake!”
Final Word
Plant-based food is in for a lot of reasons, especially if you’re trying to get in shape. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, no doubt you want to eat clean with some food that include meatless options and more.
Please support these restaurants. Here’s more of what one customer says about Kindred. “However, I would go back for the PoBoy. This was the best PoBoy I’ve ever had so the standard is set pretty high. The buffalo sauce really topped it off making me forgot it was cauliflower.”
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There’s nothing like getting a nice run or jog in on a nice, crisp morning in the city. But where will you go?
In this article, we’ll list some of the best New Orleans parks for an early morning jog.
New Orleans: Where To Go For An Early Morning Jog
All of these parks are some beautiful places to run or walk in the daytime. Of course, you may also choose a brisk walk in the evenings after work. Ready to get started?
City Park
1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 482-4888
Here’s what one family says about City Park: “Beautiful amazing park… Trails to walk, a butterfly garden, a pretty bridge to walk over and a pond with swan peddle boats and kayaks… The Louisiana Children’s Museum is here too, it’s an absolute must do when in New Orleans!! One of the best city parks I’ve ever been to.”
Lafitte Greenway
Jackson Square
701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
Here’s what one park lover says about Jackson Square: “Absolutely beautiful. Would recommend a visit. And if your there in time I recommend going to the mass and the church right on the square. They have daily mass at 12:05.”
Louis Armstrong Park
701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
Here’s what one parent says about Louis Armstrong Park: “I really liked the artwork in the park and it was also beautiful there. I wish there was a splash pad for the kids somewhere in the park though…it is sooooooo very hot in New Orleans and it would be nice if we could cool off somewhere. A little playground would be nice too. The kids still enjoyed themselves running around and looking at the statues. I sat under a tree on the grass to try and cool down.”
Confetti Park
451 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114 | (504) 658-3201
Here’s what one park lover says about Confetti Park: “Cute, little neighborhood park. The gate can be a bit tricky/difficult, but my toddler enjoyed playing here. There isn’t too much shade over the playground area, but there are plenty of seating areas and trees throughout.”
Crescent Park
Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117 | (504) 636-6400
Here’s what one parkgoer says about Crescent Park: “Very nice park with clean, well kept grounds. It is a cool place to see tucked between a set of train tracks and the Mississippi River. Superb for running, walking and features a decent sized Dog park so the pups can get their hooman(s) out of the house! Definitely worth stopping by on a nice afternoon.”
Final Word
Finding a place to run or walk around New Orleans, Louisiana is easy due to the city’s many pathways and parks.
When it comes to taking care of your body, the key is to have a consistent routine. One thing you’re definitely going to need is good gym equipment.
Don’t think you have to go to a fitness center either. You can make your own home gym.
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