Another developmental jewel comes to St. Tammany Parish. Back in July 2020, Gulf States Real Estate Services was contacted by a broker from Lafayette named Sam Robertson, with whom they have done business with in the past. Sam asked that we help find a site for a new concept in healthcare. NUTEX Micro Hospital Founder, Dr. Tom Vo had already completed approximately thirty of these facilities around the country and fortunately St. Tammany Parish was picked for their 31st. NUTEX provides unique emergency health care services to the public in the area they serve.
Their site criteria was very tough given that most of the interstate interchanges were already developed or unavailable for various reasons. Mike Saucier, President of Gulf States Real Estate Services and local broker handling the transaction, eventually helped create the perfect site for this fabulous development in St. Tammany. “Visibility was number one” in the Owners’ list of site criteria. Additionally, easy access and land large enough to accommodate their 21,000+ square-foot facility was also paramount in the final decision to locate the project at the southeast corner of Interstate 12 and Highway 59. Mike worked with the local landowner and regional developer Dan Waring, and after various site plan options, meetings with the Parish, the DOTD, and others, the site became a reality after six months of intense efforts.
In addition to Gulf States providing real estate brokerage services, Gulf States oversaw the entire site entitlement process and helped pull together the final design and development team and others to help “Turn the Owner’s Vision into Reality”.
Dr. Tom Vo said “Gulf States’ diverse menu of real estate and development services was a perfect fit for our needs. It is difficult to develop in areas where we have no previous development knowledge and having a diverse local firm to oversee the development process and early project management activities which was key to our upcoming successful opening.”
We are pleased to present the Real Estate issue of our magazine for the month of May! This month, we are thrilled to showcase the innovative ways in which real estate leaders are adapting to meet the evolving needs of today’s buyers and sellers, and how they have grown their businesses to achieve success.
In this issue, we have profiles of industry leaders that cover a wide range of topics. You’ll get insights into the latest trends in the housing market and hear from the professionals themselves about who inspired them early in their careers. We are also excited to showcase the winners of the NABOR awards and give you a glimpse into the event they attended.
Our goal is to be your go-to resource for all things local and social, so we are thrilled to bring you this month’s issue filled with insightful information. We hope you enjoy reading it and that it inspires you to get involved in our community’s events this summer!
JEN MEADOWS Editor, Social NorthshoreFind Social Northshore on your phone, tablet, or computer! Make sure to subscribe at www.socialnorthshore.com
On the Cover: Tabitha Tillis, Kay Billiot, Jessica Macaluso, Dianne Vanney & Linda Larkin
The Arena Collective is a boutique law firm providing business consulting services, successions as well as legal and real estate title services through its affiliates, Arena Law Firm and Arena Title Company.
Our Purpose at the Collective is to be provide an environment where our team and our clients can endeavor for excellence, build legacies, and impact others - all through the core values of Leadership, Integrity, Vocation, Legacy and Teamwork.
The door of the Arena opens to those in our communities who recognize these core values, and who, in doing so, strive greatly on their journey through the landscape of life and all of its challenges.
PUBLISHER
David Renfro
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jen Meadows
COPY EDITOR
Lana Cagle
SALES
Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980
David Renfro | 731.499.1414
Trish Trahan | 985.773.4280
PHOTOGRAPHY
Trish Trahan
Katie Ulmer
Kha Tran
Sherri Howard
Leslie Bear
Melissa Calico
Aaryn Crews
Wedding by Michelle Preau Messina
STAFF WRITER
Liesel Schmidt
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Kim Mesman & Chris Shenk
SOCIAL NORTHSHORE MAGAZINE
www.socialnorthshore.com
Stay Connected:
@SocialNorthshore @SocialNorthshore @SocialNSMag
“Social NorthShore is a fun magazine, I look forward for every issue to hit the stands. It was such a fun experience to work with them for the Real Estate Rockstar issue in May 2021! Their writer and photographer (Jen Meadows) were outstanding!”
MEGAN HELWICK REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty Services“Working with Jen and the Social NorthShore team was nothing short of amazing. Her vision, creativity and patience throughout the process was a warm welcome. Jen’s funloving and spunky personality made the shoot so much fun. I would highly recommend working with Jen and her team to help market and advertise your business”
TINA MAUTERER REALTOR®, RE/MAX Northlake Associates“Social NorthShore has been the best publication I have had the opportunity to work with. Their professionalism, attention to detail, quick response time and friendly staff make it a pleasure to do business with them.”
CYNTHIA TARVER CEO NorthShore Area Board of Realtors
BY LIESEL SCHMIDT
With as large as the real estate industry is, there are naturally some who view their work as the means to an end, driven by the commission rather than a passion for their clients. But for the REALTORS® who see their work as a calling, the transactional relationships they create with their clientele are built into genuine connections, and the sales they help facilitate become the foundation of a community.
It is that kind of passion that drives Candy Morse Modeen in her work along the Northshore. A member of the real estate industry for the past 25 years in addition to being co-owner and broker of RE/MAX Northlake Associates, Modeen was elected the 2023 President of the Northshore Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR) after being a member since 1994 and four years of sitting on the board of directors. She served as secretary from 2020 until 2021, then was nominated and elected as president-elect in 2022, which led to her current position as president for 2023. “Serving as a member of our local board has been a true joy and highlight of my real estate career,” Modeen says. “My only regret is taking so long to really engage in what was happening beyond my circle of daily work. From the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), to our state association, Louisiana REALTORS® (LR) and all other nine local real estate boards in Louisiana, there are so many people who are working, whether as employee or volunteer, to support, promote, educate, and protect not only our members, but also our clients! Once I opened my eyes and began to truly appreciate the hard work of these individuals, I quickly realized that it was my time to stop taking and start giving! I believe the longevity of my career and my reputation as a hard-working, full-time REALTOR® was instrumental in securing my current position as president.”
A member-based trade association and local board of REALTORS® established to assist its members in the business of real estate, NABOR provides its members with discounts, continuing education, professional development, and networking opportunities. Real estate licensees who join NABOR also become members of the state association and the National Association of REALTORS®. With a mission to “empower REALTORS® as they preserve, protect, and advance the right to real property for all,” NABOR is extremely driven to meet the needs of REALTOR® members and provide both accountability and resources to further the education, efficacy, and success of the real estate professionals on its board. Naturally, that bears greatly on the client experience as well as their ability to close a deal in the most advantageous way.
In her work as president of NABOR, Modeen’s greatest priority is to protect the board and to continue to steer it in the right direction. “By doing that, I'm engaging, empowering, educating, and promoting our staff and other board members,” she says. “This ensures that, individually and as a whole, we make sure that we stay an agent-centric association. NABOR is all about our members and what we can do as an association to aid in their success. We plan and implement events, including membership meetings, awards luncheons, social gatherings, and fund-raisers for both local non-profits and Political Action. We also have monthly BOD meetings, a new agent orientation, and annual budgeting meetings. We are a team—no one does this job alone—and I have an amazing team at NABOR!”
As a broker and REALTOR® with the Morse Team, Modeen most loves her work in directly helping with her clients. “There are so many aspects of this work: The people. The gratitude. The trust. The impact,” she says. “Knowing that, through our experience and expertise, we can take our clients by the hand and journey with them, guide them, protect them, and then to celebrate the incredible milestone of home ownership or a successful sale of their property is such an honor. We are truly invested in our clients’ successes, because they have entrusted us to guide them on this path.”
Born and raised in Covington, Modeen spent her college years and the early part of her marriage in Baton Rouge before moving back to her hometown, where she lives within blocks of the home her parents owned when she was born. With ties that deep to the community, there’s little wonder that she feels so strongly about giving back. “I've always had a soft spot for volunteering, even when extra time didn't exist!” she says. “Those years were spent with the Junior League of Greater Covington, STHS Parenting Center, St. Peter School and Church, along with a few others. More recently, the Rotary Club of Covington Feeding the Needy Program is something our family looks forward to every Christmas! I also truly love working with Habitat of West St. Tammany. Their program is a natural fit for any REALTOR® because what they provide for their homebuyers is at the core of why we do what we do! I've had the pleasure of helping at the Community Partners Build sites and the Women's Build sites, and both are incredible experiences.”
Molly Roberts offers holistic, boutiquestyle speech therapy services to support your child’s specific needs which may include speech, language, social-emotional or cognitive development in order to improve overall communication.
“because it really begins with you” -MR
At St. Tammany Health System, a multidisciplinary team of board-certified breast care specialists, fellowship-trained radiologists, and highly skilled technologists and nurses are empowering women like never before. Together with our partner Ochsner Health, we’re giving women on the Northshore many ways to live stronger and better.
Saturday appointments and same-day mammogram appointments are available at the Women’s Pavilion. (985)-773-1500
Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency hosted a breakfast at their facility to give an inside look at the current state of the local healthcare industry in our community. Top executives from area hospitals, including Lakeview Hospital, Ochsner Health, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Slidell Memorial Hospital and St. Tammany Health System were featured speakers sharing their expertise in healthcare.
Professional Women of St. Tammany held their monthly luncheon at the Beau Chene Country Club. This organization encourages women in our community through leadership, networking, events, and workshops.
Linda Larkin, Melissa R Henry, and Monique Carley
Pemmie Sheasby and Wensel Conroy
Jessica Jenkins Brewster, Shandy Arguelles, and Rachel North
Ashley Broyard, Julia FitzPatrick, and Sarah DiLeo
Vanessa Schneider and Allison Looper
Tiffany Gaspard and Emily Hauck
Jennifer Taranto and Shelley Pettus
Candice Sledge and Bailey Martin
Katie Palazzo, Michelle Krebs, and Michelle Schellinger
Donna Naquin, Cynthia Davidson, and Patsy Yates
How long have you been in real estate and what drove you to this career?
I have been in real estate for 5 years now. After an extensive 20+ year career in Physical Therapy, I was led to real estate. It was a career I had been thinking about for a long time and I finally had the nerve to make the change. It was the best decision!
What do you most enjoy about working in the field?
What I enjoy most about being a REALTOR, specifically a buyer’s agent, is that I get the privilege of helping make my clients dreams come true every day.
How long have you been in real estate and what drove you to this career?
I began working in the real estate and development industry eleven years ago and took the real estate exam a few years later. Five and a half years ago, I joined Felicity Kahn as she decided to embark on forming a team - and I've been working in real estate full time since then.
What do you most enjoy about working in the field?
I enjoy the process of getting the home (and the homeowner) ready to sell - whether it's choosing new paint colors to freshen up, doing light staging, helping the sellers get repairs lined up, prioritizing and so forth.
Photography By Jen MeadowsWhat makes you different from other realtors? How do you stand out?
I always put our clients needs above all others, no matter what.
Describe the type of client you serve most frequently. Do you have a special niche?
When we say " full service", we mean it! We are real estate concierges & connect our clients with all the resources to help them seamlessly from contract to close.
Who influenced you early in your professional career and why?
In the beginning, the kindness of some other agents was inspirational. I learned quickly that working as a team during a transaction is crucial.
What's your number one piece of advice to someone just setting out on the journey of finding their first home?
Find a REALTOR you connect with and be patient! Buying a home is a big deal!
(504) 723-4320
(985) 674-5612
www.felicitykahn.com
While Bobby’s career began in nursing, it is his experience growing up in the hardware business that has proven most useful in building Gulf South Property Management. Growing up in Slidell, he worked with his father at Slidell Hardware, a family-owned business that operated from 1960 –2005 when it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The knowledge he gained there has given him the ability to effectively negotiate with contractors on behalf of clients when repairs or improvements are needed. This has proven to be a substantial cost saving for Gulf South Property Management clients.
I’d say there are several things that set us apart. We tailor our offerings to each individual client to ensure they are paying only for the services they need and nothing more. If their needs change, we can add in services at any time to ensure the needs of the community are met. We also do not have a termination penalty in our contract which is markedly different from most other management companies. While we hope that our clients would allow us the opportunity to address issues, should any arise, they are free to terminate the contract with 30-day notice. We have met with several associations trapped in their current contracts with underperforming companies, but they cannot afford the legal fees or hefty penalties to separate from them. We wanted to be different. We get most of our clients by wordof-mouth referrals, so this has proven to be a good decision. It also allows associations the opportunity to try out our services with no risk or penalty.
We are a truly local company with deep ties to the Northshore. We live where we work so we are fully invested in the success of our clients. With a presence on the North and South shores of Lake Pontchartrain we are available at a moment’s notice and can keep a close eye on vendor performance. And like any truly local company, we offer a little Lagniappe! Twice a year we host a free board member training seminar to current and potential clients. The seminar is led by my wife who is a licensed real estate agent and Louisiana attorney. It’s a great way for our clients to keep up with trends and laws related to association business. It’s also a great way for neighbors who may be tentative about serving in a leadership role to get their questions answered. Our clients enjoy benchmarking with other
local associations and picking her brain about unique issues that arise. It’s always well attended and very much appreciated by our clients. And we always have coffee and donuts!
Who influenced you early in your professional career and why?
I’d have to say my wife, Tara. Forming Gulf South Property Management was largely her idea. She gave me the confidence I needed to make the jump from nursing to opening my own business and is my biggest fan even on difficult days.
What’s something, such as a motto or bit of philosophy that drives you every day?
Transparency, transparency, transparency. Despite all the funny memes about HOA board members, at the end of the day, there is very little to fight over in property management.
HOA's and COA's are run by a Board of Directors made up of neighbors in the association who agree to give their time in hopes of bettering the community. In almost every association, it’s a volunteer position. Property management is simply the enforcing arm of the association.
I like to remind our clients and the neighbors we serve that we are all rowing in the same direction. Every neighbor purchased in their association because they liked the look and feel of the community. In doing so, they agreed to live by the covenants and restrictions of that association. It’s our job to keep the community looking the same or even better by the time they want to sell their home. We do this by a friendly, proactive approach to compliance issues. The best way to effectuate change in an association is to volunteer to help.
Photography By Jen Meadows
The state’s real estate market has been fast-paced and competitive, primarily because the available inventory is low. Whether you are dealing in residential or commercial, especially in this climate, real estate transactions are time-consuming and complicated.
Is it worth your time and money to hire someone who has kept up with industry changes inside and out and is engaged in the business full time? Definitely! A REALTOR® who is knowledgeable and professional will save you time and money. Real estate licensees who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the state association, Louisiana REALTORS® (LR), market themselves as REALTORS®, and they are accountable to a strict Code of Ethics to remain in good standing.
What makes a knowledgeable and professional REALTOR®?
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments you will ever experience. Here are four ways to ensure you are wellrepresented:
Save the Stress. A Professional REALTOR® should make the process feel seamless, handling issues that may arise during negotiations, inspections, the mortgage process, etc. REALTORS® are better equipped to handle difficult negotiations in your best interest, keeping you at ease during what could be a stressful process. More importantly, they should commit to maintaining regular communication from day one to closing so that you are always in the loop on your transaction and prepared for the next step. A REALTOR® will keep you focused on your negotiating position, especially in a multiple offer situation. Leveraging the service of a good REALTOR® to manage your transaction can save you thousands of dollars and unnecessary stress.
An advocate looking out for you and only you. Professional REALTORS® are part of an association to keep a pulse on the everchanging rules and regulations governing property sales, which can directly affect the market. Remember, this is a legal transaction with a lot of moving parts. You need someone who fully understands the entire process and brings expertise to the transaction. Select a REALTOR® that understands your needs and puts your interests at the forefront. Make sure to work with a REALTOR® that has good relationships with others associated with the transaction– this means expert recommendations on professionals to help you navigate any unforeseen issues.
Get the inside scoop. Your REALTOR®’s knowledge of the community and information about specific neighborhoods and development plans is invaluable. REALTORS® are often pillars of their community, serving as a collective voice and invested in issues that protect homeownership and property rights. They know the market and have the tools to identify and connect great opportunities for buyers and sellers. The engaged REALTORS® pays attention to the constant flow of information from NAR & LR on issues that impact the real estate market.
A professional you can trust. Committed to learning. A trusted REALTOR® goes beyond licensing requirements to seek out education opportunities, like nationally recognized designations or certifications. Knowledgeable REALTORS® go beyond the minimum continuing education required for licensees and have a thirst for information. They may leverage the experience of their colleagues or associate with companies that offer ample growth opportunities. Be on the lookout for REALTORS® with valid credentials in their signature or business cards- like ABR, CCIM, CRS, GRI, SRS! Taking and investing in these additional steps better prepares agents to handle tricky transactions with skill and poise.
Louisiana REALTORS® (LR) is the statewide trade association of 16,000+ residential and commercial practitioners. Its mission is to connect REALTORS® to resources for success while championing economic development and serving as an advocate for homeowners and private property rights. There are 10 local associations across the state under the LR umbrella – each one provides location-specific resources and services for its members.
NABOR held their annual awards banquet at The Covington Country Club to celebrate its members and their accomplishments. The mission of NABOR is to provide quality services of value to the REALTOR member and community of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes of Louisiana.
Sonja Burks, Donna Naquin, and Allison Vencil
Tabitha Tillis, Jamie Vicaro, Stacy Gainey, Caelan Phillips, and Shawn Fox
Elizabeth Boggs, Kerri Lawless, Linda Larkin, Shannon Ernest, and Betsy Birdsong
Tina Paretti and Lisa Harris
Jennifer Johnson and Brittany Mumme
Randi Barrett, Kristen O’Keefe, and Nathan Bell Kieran Ginesi and Kelly Wheeler
Charmagne Simon, Betsy Merricj, and Kevin Morgan
Phillip Sutton, Pat Burgoyne, Beverly Tynes, and Jessica Macaluso
Rachel Artega, Todd Pichon, and Kristi Doran
Felicity Kahn, Sharon Latino, Erin Patterson, Melissa Mullis, and Cherice Cowan
Sarah DiLeo, Ashley Meredith, Bucky Meredith, Misty Lopez, Amy Bellony Wagner, and Nathan Templet
Kayla Tolar and Cynthia Tarver
Bella Roberts and Caelan Phillips
Scott McLaughlin and Lindsay Pons
Kay Billiot and Erica Spano
Rachel Smith, Ashley Hawley, and Amy Jobert
Lori Hunter, Mimi Dossett, Puddy Robinson, Hyatt Hood, and Lauren Weeg
Tammy Whitehead, Priscilla Morse, Jenny Mutter, and Dale Burks
Stephanie Kippes, Kacey Conklin, and Amanda Marcel
Debbie Long, Peggy O’Neill, and Albert Long
Veteran Real Estate Brokers Herbert Dubuisson and Chip Gardner are careful observers of market trends, important indicators for sellers and buyers. When comparing the St. Tammany Parish real estate market in 2022 to the prior year, there are several key indicators that effectively illustrate the shift in the local market.
While there was a 122 percent increase in months of inventory based on closed sales from 0.9 to 2.0, the numbers still indicate a sellers’ market – less than three months on the market. For reference, a balanced/neutral market is defined as three to six months of inventory, and a buyers' market is defined as more than six months. Gardner expects the shift to a more balanced/neutral market to continue this year, which is a typical part of the market cycle given the strong sellers’ market of recent years.
“Delivering news to our seller clients that their property may take longer to sell than a neighbor’s house took last year or the days of multiple offers in the first twenty-four hours is a thing of the past, is never easy. However, providing accurate information and setting realistic expectations are two of the most important parts of being a trusted real estate advisor. Providing our clients with accurate information allows them to make informed decisions so they can achieve their real estate goals and avoid disappointment. We take this responsibility very seriously. We consider the advice we give and our performance as a reflection on our families’ long standing reputations of service excellence across the region.” Herbert Dubuisson added.
St. Tammany Parish remains a bright spot for the Greater New Orleans real estate market; it continues to outperform Orleans and Jefferson Parishes in key metrics such as the average sales price percent increase and months of inventory based on closed sales.
Overall, there were twice as many homes for sale with a 15 percent decrease in closed sales. There was strong appreciation over the past year with a 9.3% percent average sales price increase to $342,300.
“We expect the trend of year-over-year population increases into St. Tammany Parish to continue over the coming years. Movement out of the City to the north shore due to an array of issues such as crime does not show any indication of slowing down anytime soon. What this means for the local real estate market is the demand side of the equation - buyers - will remain relatively strong despite macroeconomic headwinds such as higher interest rates. If we start to see an increasing supply of homes for sale - sellers - this year, this would put pressure on pricing compared to prior years where the inventory of homes for sale has remained relatively tight, which has been key in the strong price appreciation over the past three years.” Gardner said.
Dubuisson sees a shifting real estate market locally, across the region and the country. “The market is always changing: It’s what all cyclical markets do. One thing that remains consistent is that buyers and sellers in Metro New Orleans, on the Northshore and across the Mississippi Gulf Coast have looked to our families to guide them through market changes, for a combined 128 years. Having a deep knowledge of the markets we serve is an obligation we take seriously. That’s why we run and publish market stats every month. Comparing where we are to where we’ve been and where we might be going leads to clarity, proper pricing and a successful ending for our clients.”
Sponsored by Chip Gardner & Herbert Dubuisson of Latter & BlumGolden Fine Homes is a Custom Building and Remodeling company owned by husband and wife team Brett & Jodi Golden. We are rapidly approaching our 10th year of custom home building and remodeling.
We just received the Houzz.com “2023 Best of Houzz Design” award for the 6th year in a row.
What makes you different from other builders? How do you stand out?
We make a normally stressful event, fun and enjoyable by following a step by step, well orchestrated plan. We pride ourselves in utilizing the latest building science methods and materials combined with our focus on craftsmanship and luxury design. Home health, air quality, and overall family safety is extremely important to us. Brett spends countless hours staying on top of the latest research and incorporates that knowledge into his designs. He has a gift of spatial awareness so he meticulously designs breathtaking homes while focusing on liveability and the cohesive flow of a home. I am there for the clients 110%. I know remodeling or building your home can be daunting. I will hold your hand through it all and I’m here for you whenever you have a thought, concern or design idea. I want you to feel great about our services and your home. As Brett likes to say, our clients’ enjoyable experience during the process is as important as the end result.
(985) 282-2570
www.GoldenFineHomes.com
Photography By Jen Meadows
Vince Liuzza has a passion for matching great people with beautiful homes and he has a 20 year track record of success. From southeast Louisiana to the Florida panhandle, his specialty is high-end homes in luxury neighborhoods, such as The Sanctuary, where he has solidified his position as the expert broker of the neighborhood having managed over $75,000,000 in home sales.
“Luxury homes deserve to be marketed by a luxury broker” says Liuzza, and he is committed to marketing his entire listing portfolio in the most exceptional manner possible whether he lists a $100,000 home or a $1,000,000 home.
Vince makes continuous investments in new technology as evidenced by Liuzza Realty Group’s dynamic new website which features enhanced functionality, high-definition video tours and integrated digital storybooks – a technology that no other broker in the region has invested in.
Vince and his company have recently expanded their services across the Gulf Coast to the Florida panhandle, and have launched a Concierge Program that manages client’s home improvement services which include repairs, painting, updating, and staging.
Vince is also proud that Liuzza Realty Group is an attractive option for realtors who are tired of the heavy blanket of traditional corporate brokerages. He encourages and supports realtors to build their own personal brand - not the brokerage brand, and offers marketing and administrative support to streamline realtor’s workflow so they can focus on their clients.
“So when you are ready to buy or sell, let me and the Liuzza Realty Group’s experience, professionalism and attention to detail help you navigate today’s challenging real estate market – and we are always working to EARN your business.”
(504) 237-9634
liuzzarealtygroup.com
For the last four years, I have been blessed to be the broker and co-owner of TEAM GEAUX REALTY with the support of my husband and co-owner Albert Long. Brittany Uzun and Katherine Racine complete our team, along with Associate Brokers, Listing Specialists, and over 30 agents. I received my SRES Designation (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) through the NAR, which in turn led to the launch of our "Platinum Division" of Team Geaux. We are an elite group of Realtors and Brokers who are certified to work with the unique needs of the senior buyer and/or seller, empty-nesters, or families needing to upsize to a multigenerational family living situation.
Being recognized as NABOR 2022 “REALTOR of the Year” was one of the most humbling experiences of my life due to the qualifications for the award. This honor is not awarded based solely on sales volume, but is also judged by a person's ethical behavior, heart for their community, and passion for the real estate industry as a whole.
What makes me different/stand out?
I lead with my heart and strive to place my ego on the bench. It is important to me to balance being respected not only by our clients but also by other Realtors and professionals in our industry. One of my favorite expressions is “Do not mistake my kindness for weakness.”
How long have you been in Real Estate? What drove you to this career?
I was originally licensed in 1992. I built my experience by combining work in the title and mortgage fields as well as being a licensed real estate assistant to a top-producing Realtor.
What do you most enjoy about working in the field?
The “Match-Making!” I love making the connections between the home and its potential new owner. I love listening to the stories, memories, and dreams, and how I can help them focus on the next chapter in their individual story.
What's a motto/philosophy that drives you?
“Never quit or give up. Someone is being inspired by you at this very moment!” For me, those people are without a doubt, my 2 daughters and my 4 amazing grandchildren.
Who influenced you early in your career?
My biggest influencer has been my husband Albert Long. After 32 years of marriage, he has never “not” believed in me. I hope to one day see myself through his eyes.
Describe the type of client you serve frequently. Do you have a niche?
I specialize in listing and pricing homes to go on the market from day one presenting the home's best foot forward. Our brokerage focuses on servicing our clients best interests to the fullest. Our niche through our “Platinum” division allows us to help provide specialty services for senior clients and their families. I enjoy helping them navigate these life transitions which can be emotional and stressful. I truly listen and care!
Number one piece of advice:
Research the professionals you are considering hiring and ask as many questions as possible until you are comfortable. The right person will appreciate the fact that you are choosing them and they should love teaching you every step of the process.
Photography By Jen Meadows
Being a REALTOR® isn’t just Brittany’s job, it’s her CALLING. Brittany has been one of the top real estate agents in the Greater New Orleans area since 2015 with over $200M in sales and counting! She is now President and co-owner Godwyn Realty, ERA Powered with her husband, Marco Ramos, and she is also the star of the show “Selling the Big Easy” which made its debut on HGTV in 2020. Whether you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, an investment properaty, a commercial building, a luxury mansion, or anything in-between, call Brittany and her team today at 504.500.7653!
House of Seven is a full service residential design studio located in Historic Downtown Covington. The designers, Lindsay Wipperling and Mikel Burns, explore the 7 elements of design in each customized project they execute: Space, Line, Form, Light, Color, Texture, Pattern. Lindsay and Mikel’s design philosophy is creating purposeful spaces that are timeless, classic, and curated with their use of European antiques, original art and refreshing use of color. With a 3,000 square foot retail showroom and an extensive in-house library dedicated to custom upholstery, wallpaper, and lighting, these designers can create a look specifically tailored to each client.
It’s a phrase that we’re all familiar with, a dream and a goal that people live their entire lives working toward. All of us have a need to feel as though we’ve found a home of our own, a place that is ours and ours alone, somewhere that is safe and comforting even on the darkest of days.
Unfortunately, home comes at a cost, and that cost can sometimes be out of the realm of possibility when financial strain keeps every last dollar in its miserly grasp. In situations like these, hardworking families all over the country are often forced to give up their dreams of owning a home, living instead in rented houses or apartments where safety is questionable and conditions are far from ideal, never feeling as though they have a sanctuary and a place to build a better life and a better future.
In an effort to rebuild those dreams and offer people a true chance at owning a home, Habitat for Humanity was begun in 1976, pouring the foundations of its first houses in Georgia and sparking the hopes of people all over the country as it grew to become a nationwide organization. Theirs is a mission driven by heart, by hands, and by determination—and that home equity is earned through sweat equity, the volunteer work that goes into every square foot of the homes that are built each year for deserving families. As the highpitched hum of ripsaws and the rhythm of hammers harmonize to play out the soundtrack to long days of labor, simple beams transform to become the framework of a future filled with new hope.
In 1991, the hands of a crew consisting entirely of women built the first HFH house in Charlotte, North Carolina, and those hands laid not only the foundation of a home, but the foundation of a movement. As the idea of “all-women” crews spread, the Women Build project became an official Habitat for Humanity Initiative in 1998. Four years later, in 2002, the construction of a home in Mandeville became HFH St. Tammany West’s first Women Build project.
“The goal of Women Build is to empower women—without excluding men— to positively impact the lives of families by making homeownership a reality,” says Terri Gage, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West. “Women Build is a dynamic annual fundraiser and homebuilding project centered on the construction of two homes in partnership with two local families. Each fall, with funding from corporate and individual sponsors, volunteer groups of 25 per day work with our professional construction site supervisors over the course of several weeks to start and make significant progress on the homes, which are completed and sold the following spring. Our Hammer and Heels Fashion show in April and our WATCH (Women Accepting the Challenge of Housing) Socials throughout the summer and
fall help fund Women Build and provide opportunities to spread the word about Habitat’s work and its impacts.”
Those impacts are many, as St Tammany West celebrated its 20th year participating in the WB project, with the kick-off of construction of their 34th and 35th WB homes in 2022. At the same time, their very first WB homebuyer, Aline Orkes, paid off her mortgage. “She graciously spoke to WB participants about the impact on her family of purchasing a safe, stable, affordable home and of building it alongside the women of WB,” Gage notes.
Each year, HFH St. Tammany West welcomes often more than 400 volunteers contributing over 2,000 volunteer hours during Women Build. “Each year’s project is an incredible accomplishment, as we see women and the community at large join together with homebuyers as well as our board and staff to create something bigger than all of us,” Gage notes. “Our mission statement says that, in seeking to put God’s love into action, we ‘bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope,’ and Women Build is a very visible and vibrant example of living out that mission.
“There is such potential that is unlocked when families have stable, affordable home ownership,” Gage continues. “Homeowners are often able to go back to school to pursue dreams and better position themselves financially, and children growing up in stable homes have a more solid foundation, making them more likely to go to college or obtain other training for stable, productive lives. Simply owning a home opens the door to family wealth building, a benefit from which first generation homebuyers have never benefitted.”
“The goal of Women Build is to empower women— without excluding men—to positively impact the lives of families by making homeownership a reality.”
Habitat for Humanity itself is an incredibly life-changing organization— and one that affects the entire community, not simply those for whom it builds a home. “The HFH partnership housing program is an ingenious and inspiring concept, providing the opportunity for homeownership to so many people priced out of the conventional housing market, as well as providing benefits to volunteers and donors and the community at large,” Gage says. “The core of the program is partnership—between the affiliate, the homebuyer, and the community. Once approved into the program, homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of sweat equity on the build site, in the ReStore, and in the classroom gaining skills and knowledge in Financial Fitness, Homebuyer Education, and home care and maintenance. They then buy the home with a zero percent interest mortgage, financed by the affiliate, at an amount affordable to the family. We are both the builder and the lender, and so financial support and volunteers from the community play a critical role in making the work possible. The wider community benefits not only through the business activity of home construction and property taxes paid by new homeowners, but more broadly by the fact that more stable families make for more stable communities.”
The challenge, of course, comes in the significant increase in the cost of building homes while keeping them affordable to the families who purchase them. Both COVID and recent hurricanes significantly increased building costs, and the homeowner’s insurance crisis places pressure on the affordability of mortgage payments.
Even so, Habitat for Humanity and all those who lend their hands each year to Women Build continue to press on, lacing up their work boots and picking up their tools to bring houses from concept to reality—from unreachable dream to home
At Children’s Hospital New Orleans, our transformed hospital was designed with kids at the center - with 50 percent more space, 40 pediatric specialties, and more than 600 pediatric providers. Today, as the Gulf South’s largest children’s hospital, there are so many big reasons to choose Children’s Hospital New Orleans. But we like to focus on the little ones. We’ve built extraordinary, because they are.
Lakeview Hospital & the Junior League of Greater Covington partnered for the 10th year, collaborating on the annual Girls Health Day. This community event, designed for girls aged 8 - 17 and their moms, aimed to educate girls on topics related to health and social issues.
While white is technically the absence of color, for Jack E. “Bobby” and Kathy Truitt, the difficulty and perfection of white was the ideal canvas on which to paint the design for their home. Even the exterior tends to the colorless side, as lime-washed brick and white siding clad the house, with white accents and light seafoam green shutters completing a picture trimmed out by perfectly manicured landscaping and a stucco privacy wall tracing along the back. The self-described “Creole cottage” is unassuming on approach—and, like an oyster pried open to reveal a pearl, what’s inside is the real treasure.
Story: Liesel Schmidt // Photos: Eugenia Lubrano-Gangi of NOLA RE Marketing
“RENOIR SAID ONCE THAT NOTHING WAS SO DIFFICULT, AND AT THE SAME TIME SO EXCITING, TO PAINT, AS WHITE ON WHITE.”
- Ambroise Vollard, French Contemporary artist, 1866-1939
AAt 2,445 square feet, the Truitt home is hardly small, comprising three bedrooms and two and a half baths, along with the kitchen, dining room, laundry room, and living room in its two levels. Outside, the living space is maximized with a full outdoor kitchen, sparkling pool and hot tub, and outdoor sitting area. But inside is where white proves its strength in standing on its own. Walls, ceilings, molding, trim, even window treatments and cabinetry and counters…all perfect in their stark whiteness, yet somehow managing to avoid the cold sterility one would expect of such an expanse of white. The trick? Mixing in elements of wood and gold, and introducing different textures as well as muted colors through the use of various pieces of artwork, including custom works from Maddie Goff and Elizabeth Impastato. In doing so, designer Lesle Veca of V Interiors created a tranquil look that also humanizes the space and gives it a welcoming, liveable feel.
Whitewashed pine grounds the bright, ethereal rooms, flowing throughout the home and unifying the spaces. In the kitchen, the use of wood is amplified: Raw pine beams crisscross overhead, creating a coffered ceiling that is, essentially, one of the most stunning features of the space. Along one wall, a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows spills natural light into the L-shaped kitchen. A massive island crowned with white quartzite offers prep space and casual seating, echoing the white custom cabinetry and countertop along the back wall. Stainless steel Electrolux appliances including a gas range and wine cooler are a perfect addition to the beautiful kitchen—a space which is one of the couple’s most-used and most-loved in the home.
The open plan space flows into a living/dining area delineated by the use of additional beams across the ceiling. A massive farm table provides dining space for eight and adds another textural, organic element to the room, while the look of the living room is softened by upholstered furniture and the muted tones of an area rug that pulls everything together.
In the master suite, the use of white lends itself to creating a spa-like space perfect for escaping after a long day at work. The spacious master bath features a freestanding clawfoot tub and separate walk-in double shower, with a dual-sink vanity that runs the length of one wall.
“We love living here,” says Bobby, founding partner of The Truitt Law Firm. “We enjoy the small, walkable nature of the neighborhood and differing architecture here.” He and Kathy, a paralegal at the firm, have raised three boys together.
It was a beautiful evening in TerraBella Village as community members gathered to sip premium wines and enjoy signature bites from local restaurants while strolling to the tunes of Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces. Local artists were also showcased with some of their best pieces and crafts. The Annual “Sip and Stroll” in TerraBella Village is presented by The Terra Bella Institute and a celebration and appreciation of our local culture. Their mission is to support the arts and encourage the preservation of nature through charitable giving. Each year, The Institute chooses an Annual Partner Charity to support and for 2023 they partnered with New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center!
Jim & Stephanie Irwin
Warren & Joan Scull
Jeffrey & Sydney Fussell
Steven & Annalisa Latino
Patrick Brady, Louise Brady, Allison Panter
Teri Brasher, Julie Fritscher, Joyce Schuylar
Paige Egan, Danielle Marinello
Photos by Sherri Howard
Emily Achee, LuAnn Parks, Mary Achee, Janet Dufrene
Chad & Amy Koons, Michelle & Ryan Bourgeois
Jesse & Colette Martin, Annie, Joseph & Jackson Colbin
Parish President Mike Cooper, Catherine, Whitney, Rachel, Alex, Frank & Matt Cooper
Arlette Aguirre, Dareni Lahud, Rosy Lahud, Valerie Perez
Having made the transition from educator to small business owner, LouLa’s and Company frontwoman Lindsey Jenkins has to wear many more hats— and balance all of that with her role as a mother. “LouLa’s and Company, LLC, includes a small gift shop that specializes in local Louisiana items and also sells CBD as well as LouLa’s Snowballs,” says Jenkins, who is raising three children between the ages of ten and 18 with her husband. “Now that I am not teaching anymore and am running the businesses full time, I have more flexibility to be there for my kids at their current schools. I volunteer at my youngest son’s school and am on the PTA, and I’m very involved with my older two at MHS in the cheer program. I am president of their booster club and spend a lot of my time volunteering for the cheer team.”
Clearly, Jenkins is a hands-on mom and one who enjoys being closely involved with what her children are doing. Both in her work as a teacher and now as the owner of LouLa’s, she has made her kids a priority—but showing them an example of hard work and balance is also important to her. “My kids have always seen me working, whether it was teaching, tutoring, housework, yard work or running businesses,” she notes. “Showing them the importance of working for what you need and want was always important to my husband and me. My oldest two started working at the snowball stand at 13 and 14. Teaching them work ethic and balance of work and play was a priority. They also learned at a young age that sacrifices sometimes have to be made with being a responsible worker. My modeling the balance of work and play has hopefully instilled good work ethic and the importance of always working hard and putting 100 percent in everything you do. I believe having my kids growing up seeing me work has helped them balance their school, extracurricular activities and work schedules.”
As a former teacher and a mother, Jenkins knows well the importance of teachable moments; but she also realizes that, even in her 40’s, she’s still learning. “I’ve had to learn to know—and recognize—when I have too much on my plate and need to give something up,” she says. “My mom and I opened LouLa’s in 2019, and I still taught school full time. I continued teaching the first three years of running LouLa’s, but with the business growing, I knew I was spreading myself too thin and was not able to give 100 percent to either teaching or the business. It bothered me because I noticed myself taking shortcuts just to get a task done, and this was totally against my what I was trying to teach my kids. I knew I had to make a change in my life and leave teaching, which was all I knew for 20 years, to focus on growing and expanding the business—even though I had no business experience. This was so scary, but I knew I had to do it.”
“I believe having my kids growing up seeing me work has helped them balance their school, extracurricular activities and work schedules.”
Proud as she is of that accomplishment, Jenkins is even prouder of her three children and the people they’re becoming. “I am so proud of the way my kids are turning into young adults,” she says. “I am huge on respect, and believe everyone deserves it, and I’ve instilled this in my kids. Now, everyone I encounter tells me how respectful and well-mannered they are. I am incredibly proud to be their mother. They are not perfect by any means—none of us are—but it warms my heart when I hear other parents compliment my kids and share with me some of the kind things they do. I feel that is reinforcement that we have taught them well and raised them to be good and kind humans.”
As her children become adults with their own lives and families of their own, Jenkins hopes they remember the love she has always had for them. “Although I have worked their whole life, the most important and most meaningful job I have is being their mother,” she says. “I also want them to know how proud I am of them and all of their accomplishments. I cherish each and every minute I spend with them, and I will always be their loudest cheerleader.”
The Girod Street Stroll is one of Old Mandeville’s most popular annual events where ticket holders spent the evening strolling, sampling, and supporting. Over 30 local chefs and restaurants provided tasting bites while the cocktail stops were pouring classic bourbon cocktails into commemorative cups. Local artists and live music filled the streets with impressive art. This event was hosted by the Old Mandeville Business Association which is a nonprofit organization that connects with businesses who are committed to serving, supporting, and preserving the spirit of the Old Mandeville Community.
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We aim to improve, change and sustain the overall physical health of our patients, and provide exceptional medical care through a personalized program based on a specific patient needs to achieve an overall improvement in health and well-being.
Who, specifically, in your life influenced your decision to become a teacher?
I always knew I wanted to become a mom and have lots of kids. I would have to thank God for my guidance in becoming a classroom teacher/ mom to all my kiddos throughout the years!
What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?
The biggest challenge as a teacher is keeping the classroom dynamics engaging for all students. I strive to have class structure, rules, daily routines, and high expectations for my students to be successful throughout their day.
What do you feel is the biggest reward?
I feel the biggest reward for me is to be able to make a difference in a child’s life. Seeing a child grow in any aspect of life is rewarding and heartfelt. Teaching is inspirational, fun, challenging and rewarding all at the same time.
How do you make learning fun for your students?
I sing EVERYTHING! I make up songs all day long for everything and anything we are learning. The kiddos think it is so funny and it makes learning fun!
If you could leave your students with one message, what would it be?
Always try your best!
PHOTOS BY TRISH TRAHAN
@JESSWILLIAMS_ART
JWILLIAMSGALLERY.COM
Nestled in the marshes of southern Louisiana and serving an ever-expanding range of customers, Jess strives to provide beauty and color through brush strokes of imagination.
We are a gallery which started from the smallest ember of childhood adventures, where dreams were wild and love was abundant. This grew into a promise to return to southern roots and all that is natural and pure with hopes to share the love and beauty of Louisiana. Graduate of Southeastern LA Univ 2009, BA Art concentration in painting and art education.
The idea for Garden Spot of Mandeville began decades ago when Judy King started growing ferns in greenhouses on her property, in Bush, Louisiana. Ferns take a while to grow to a size in which they are sellable and so Tommy, King’s husband, started growing vegetables to sell since they are faster and smaller. It was at this time he realized the potential of growing annuals and perennials and selling them to friends.
Word began to spread and people from all over started coming to the greenhouses in search of beautiful plants. They eventually had the idea to open The Garden Spot of Franklinton, an outdoor store created to sell locally grown, quality plants. The store became very popular, enticing people from all over and so the King’s decided to open a store in Mandeville to reach a larger audience.
Thus Garden Spot of Mandeville was born and today both locations are run by Tommy and Judy’s daughter, Sandy, and her husband Tony. Just as they started, annuals and perennials are still grown at the local greenhouses and both locations continue to serve their communities well with high quality, locally grown plant materials and expert customer service.
Garden Spot of Mandeville is a family-owned retail garden center, offering customers a wide selection of high-quality products. Our annuals and perennials are grown at our nursery located in Bush, Louisiana, and our shrubs and trees are sourced from local nurseries so you can rest assured that your plants are coming directly from the grower to you.
There’s something to be said for the ability of social media to bring people together—and that was certainly the case for Olivia Gallego and Bradley “Scott” Johnson II. When the two met in 2018, Olivia’s younger brother was working at Scott’s family restaurant, and Scott used that “mutual connection” to reach out to her online.
Over the next two and a half years, they created a strong, deep connection of their own, and then Scott took their relationship even deeper. “He took me to Keith Young’s Steakhouse, because it has always been a special place for him,” says Olivia. “His grandfather would take him there a lot when he was young and while he was growing up. When he proposed, the whole dining room cheered after he announced that I said, ‘Yes!’”
Olivia answered again in the affirmative to a very important question when, on November 18, 2022, she stood at the altar with Scott at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, wearing a fitted lace open-back dress with cap sleeves and beading on the bodice and skirt, designed by Sherri Hill. After being pronounced married, the newlyweds joined their 170 guests for a reception at The Greystone in Mandeville, where they dined on a buffet style selection of food catered by Keith Young Steakhouse that included a meat carving station and mashed potato bar.
As the celebration commenced, so did the dancing: “I loved surprising my dad with our father/daughter dance by switching up the songs from a slow song to a quick one,” says Olivia. “It was also so much fun to see everyone participating on the dance floor, even the grandparents!”
The day became even sweeter when Scott and Olivia cut into their cake, a four-tier confection with different flavors for each tier: almond, sweet creme, berry Chantilly, and almond for their top tier to take home. A monogramed gold “J” topped the cake, and each tier was wrapped in gold, with a cascade of fresh flowers creating a waterfall effect down the side of the cake. Customized to two of Scott’s favorite things, the groom’s cake was chocolate with raspberry filling, designed to look like an LSU Rolex watch.
With the festivities coming to an end, it was time to send off the happy couple to begin their new life together—and what a send off it was! “We had this amazing bubble exit that was probably the most memorable part of the night!” says Olivia. “Seeing all our guests having fun and blowing bubbles made it very special, and we could see how much of a great time everyone had. Our bridal party also made it very special, as we had a large one—11 bridesmaids and groomsmen.”
Scott and Olivia honeymooned in the mountains during Thanksgiving week, spending a few days in a cabin in Pigeon Forge before driving on to Asheville, North Carolina, where they stayed at the Omni Grove Park Inn Hotel. It was amazing,” says Olivia. “And we highly recommend visiting the Biltmore when it’s decorated for Christmas.” Now back home to reality, the two have really begun their life together, happy to be Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.
CHURCH: Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church
RECEPTION VENUE: The Greystone
PLANNING: Mint Events
PHOTOGRAPHER: Michelle Preau Messina
VIDEOGRAPHER/DJ: Music Source Media
FLORIST: Delphine Floral Design
CAKES: Sweet Stirrings
STATIONARY: Amber Leblanc Studio
TRANSPORTATION: Royal Coach Limousine
JEWELRY: Johnson Diamond Jewelers
DRESS: Classy Threads Bridal/ Sherri Hill
MAKEUP: Jessica Boudreaux Gonzalez LLC
HAIR: Glam on Location
I loved surprising my dad with our father/ daughter dance by switching up the songs from a slow song to a quick one. It was also so much fun to see everyone participating on the dance floor, even the grandparents!”
EXCEPTIONAL FULL-SERVICE MEDICAL CARE FOR YOUR EXCEPTIONAL PETS.
WE ARE NOT JUST AHEAD OF THE CURVE - WE ARE DEFINING IT.
“If you want the best, most caring veterinarians and staff, this is the place to bring your fur baby. The first visit to Dr G, my 12 year old toy poodle Phillipe had almost no use of his hind legs. One acupuncture and laser treatment and he was walking again. After a few more treatments he was running and jumping like a young pup. Thank you Dr G for giving him 3 more quality years of life.”
- Debbie Howard“We love it here—so much that I drove 2.5 hours one way for appointments for our senior dogs. I have never experienced vet care like we received here. Thank you Dr. G & staff for your kindness, compassion & love for our beloved pets. The service & quality of care here are unmatched.”
- Kelli Nambo“I have taken my dog there to get acupuncture and other means of alleviating his pain and helping him with his back legs. He has had hip dysplasia surgery and spinal surgery and they work with him on the treadmill and with acupuncture and have prescribed Chinese herbs to help with, his issues they are very loving and kind and professional and Alex loves going there.”
- Chris MacLeodThe best way to spring forward was with Spring for Art, a celebration of the arts in historic downtown Covington. Spring for Art featured a sprawling art market all along Columbia Street with live music, demonstrations, and the return of a local mixologist cocktail competition, Mix Masters. Produced by St. Tammany Art Association, the annual event is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and is administered by the St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs.
Ginny & Becca Merritt
Tommy Egler, Sarah Calioppa
Marinda Patin, Kevin Barnes
Kathy & Dick Cyr, Gilda & Billy Mares
Charlie Taylor, Lisa Knower, Donna Pelops, Henry Kenner
Erin Condon, Lexi McWiggins
For more information reach out to: Jen@SocialReallyWorks.com or Trish@SocialReallyWorks.com
At the Champions for Children Breakfast, which is sponsored by the IJN Foundation (In Jesus’ Name), protectors and survivors shared their stories and anyone can become a champion for children. Hope House honored 7 local champions - nominated by members of the communitywho are improving the quality of life and safety of children in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. These everyday heroes deserve our thanks, and their efforts inspire us to be champions for children in our own lives.
BACA Bubba, BACA ID Crisis, BACA Big Papa, BACA Buzz, BACA Spili, and BACA Cheeto
Photos by Sherri Howard
Steve Tukague, Lucy Tukague, and Gia Baker Stacy Robertson, Donna Cancienne, and Diane Brehm
Giselle Ellis and Clara Morrison
Laura White and Amy Kudel
Katie Rose Norman and Shannon Capouch
Noble-Bates Young and Dean Madeline Landrieu
Stephanie Miller and Christian Monson
Dora James, Ron Smith, and Tiffany McGary-Cyprian
Christwood offers a choice of cottages and apartment homes for independent living, with all maintenance services and membership in our Community Fitness Center included. Residents choose from delicious dining options, a host of amenities, and an array of activities, entertainment, special interest clubs, and more.
2 1/4 cups of flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 egg
1/4 cup milk at room temp
3 tsp of vanilla extract
1 cup of room temp butter
1 cup of sugar
2/3 cup of brown sugar
2 cups of your favorite chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)
MAY: THE MONTH OF MOVING!
Whether you are moving from your home or on the move with the kids out for the summer, you need a sweet treat to get you going.
Baking these cookies before showing your home will leave buyers enticed to your kitchen where they will start dreaming what they will create. Not to mention, they’ll appreciate you leaving out a few to grab! The kids (and adult kids) will thank you for the happy pick-me-up as well.
Let the butter come to room temp along with the egg and milk
Put the egg, vanilla and milk in a bowl together and set aside
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda and set aside
In a mixer, mix the butter and sugars together
Slowly add in the egg, milk and vanilla mixture
Slowly add in the flour mixture
Add in chocolate chips, and stir them around Scoop out cookies, spacing them about 3 inches apart
Bake on 375 for about 10-12 minutes or until done
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