Abita Fall Festival, October 10 & 11, 2025

This festival started in 2019 in Abita Springs.

Abita Fall Fest 2025

Abita Springs Trailhead
22044 Main St.
Abita Springs, LA 70420

October 10 & 11, 2025
10:30am – 7:30pm

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Jazz n The Vines Presents, Alex McMurray Band, June 7, 2025

Enjoy live music in Bush.

Jazz’n the Vines Spring Concert Series

June 7, 2025

6:30PM

Wildbush Farms Vineyards
81250 Old Military Rd.
Bush, LA 70431

Admission: $12 ages 18+, $5 ages 13-17, free ages 12 and under

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Bayou Jam Concert, June 8, 2025

Enjoy this concert event in Slidell.

Bayou Jam


Heritage Park
1701 Bayou Lane
Slidell, LA 70458

June 8, 2025
5pm – 7pm

Free Event!

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Bayou Jam Concert, June 1, 2025

Enjoy this concert event in Slidell.

Bayou Jam


Heritage Park
1701 Bayou Lane
Slidell, LA 70458

June 1, 2025
5pm – 7pm

Free Event!

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Home Building Rebounds as Single-Family and Renovation Projects Drive February Growth

Private residential construction saw a modest but meaningful rebound in February, with spending climbing 1.3% after a dip of 1.2% in January. This uptick was fueled largely by renewed strength in single-family homebuilding and a continued surge in residential improvements, signaling cautious optimism in a market still wrestling with elevated interest rates and broader economic uncertainties.

While the month-over-month numbers reflect a bounce back, the year-over-year increase in private residential construction spending was relatively modest at 1.6%. Even so, the growth suggests a degree of resilience within the sector, particularly in key areas of homeowner activity.

Single-family construction spending rose by 1% in February, continuing a gradual recovery after five straight months of decline from April through August 2024. That growth aligned with a strong showing in single-family housing starts for the month, indicating that builders are slowly gaining confidence despite tighter lending conditions and fluctuating input costs. Still, spending in this category remains just under where it was a year ago—down 0.1% compared to February 2024—highlighting the lingering impact of last year’s slowdown.

Meanwhile, residential improvement spending saw a more pronounced jump, increasing by 2% in February. Compared to the same time last year, spending on home renovations and upgrades was up an impressive 8.9%. This trend reflects a growing segment of homeowners choosing to invest in their current properties rather than enter the more expensive market for new homes—a choice likely influenced by higher mortgage rates and a limited resale inventory.

Multifamily construction, however, continued to lose steam. Spending in this category remained flat in February and has been in a downward trajectory since December 2023. Compared to the same period last year, multifamily construction spending was down 11.6%, a sharp contrast to the growth seen in other parts of the residential sector. The slowdown comes amid mounting concerns over overbuilding in some markets and the challenges of securing financing for larger projects.

A closer look at construction trends across sectors also shows that private nonresidential construction held its own, with spending rising 2.5% over the past year. The lion’s share of that growth came from the manufacturing sector, which saw an increase of $10.5 billion, followed by significant gains in power-related construction, up by $6.4 billion.

The NAHB construction spending index helps visualize the broader narrative. Since early 2024, spending on single-family homes has decelerated under pressure from high interest rates and ongoing debates about building material tariffs. Multifamily activity peaked in mid-2023 and has since pulled back. In contrast, home improvement spending has picked up steam, gaining momentum through late 2023 and into early 2025.

Together, the data paints a picture of a residential construction market in flux—cautiously climbing after last year’s softness, with some segments clearly outperforming others. While challenges remain, particularly in the multifamily space, the sustained demand for single-family housing and the boom in home renovations could keep the sector moving forward, albeit at a measured pace.

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Designing Tomorrow Today The Freshest Interior Trends to Elevate Your Home in 2025

Interior design in 2025 is stepping into a bold new era—where beauty meets purpose and style is shaped by sustainability, comfort, and innovation. From the return of rich textures and expressive color to the seamless integration of smart technology and wellness, this year is all about creating living spaces that feel as good as they look. Whether you’re planning a full home makeover or just looking for fresh ideas, here’s how the most exciting trends of 2025 can help you reimagine your space in meaningful ways.

The philosophy driving home design this year leans into harmony—of nature, of function, of personal expression. Minimalism hasn’t disappeared, but it’s gotten warmer, cozier, and more organic. Influences from Scandinavian and Japanese design continue to blend in the form of Japandi, a style that favors clean lines and neutral palettes, but layers in soft lighting, tactile textiles, and natural materials like bamboo and oak. This isn’t cold minimalism—it’s minimalist living with a human touch.

Texture is making a comeback in a big way. Smooth, flat walls are giving way to dynamic surfaces that draw the eye and create depth. Think wood slats on ceilings, sculpted plaster finishes, and textured wallpapers that stretch beyond just the accent wall. Even ceilings are joining the design conversation, turning into canvas spaces for layered lighting and statement treatments.

Wellness is no longer a luxury in design—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a meditation corner, a yoga studio, or a spa-like bathroom sanctuary, homeowners are investing in spaces that support mental clarity and physical relaxation. Expect to see more plants, water features, sunlight-maximizing layouts, and spaces that prioritize quiet and calm.

As wellness takes root inside the home, the line between indoors and out continues to blur. Retractable doors, open patios, and outdoor lounges are transforming backyards into true extensions of the living room. These transitional spaces reflect a shift toward year-round living that welcomes nature into everyday life—complete with weatherproof furnishings and outdoor kitchens that rival their indoor counterparts.

Technology is still evolving—but it’s getting better at hiding. Discreet tech is quietly reshaping homes, embedding speakers in walls, integrating wireless chargers into tables, and turning everyday lighting into voice-controlled ambiance. The goal is not to showcase the tech but to let it enhance life without interrupting it.

This year also marks a dramatic return to bold color. Gone are the days of endless gray. In its place: rich, saturated hues used across walls, furniture, and accessories to create monochrome, color-drenched rooms that make a striking impact. Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and amethyst bring drama, while golden yellows and warm terracottas add vibrancy with earthy undertones.

Sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a guiding principle. Eco-conscious homeowners are choosing vegan leathers, FSC-certified woods, and recycled materials to reduce their environmental footprint. Furniture is being chosen for longevity, not disposability, with a focus on craftsmanship, durability, and timeless appeal.

Beyond sight, designers are tapping into the full range of human senses. Sensorial interiors emphasize soft fabrics, ambient lighting, subtle scents, and calming sounds. These spaces are created not just to be seen, but to be felt—each element curated to support a sensory experience that nurtures the body and soul.

Comfort is king when it comes to furniture. Oversized sofas, low-slung lounge chairs, and rounded edges are becoming staples of rooms designed to be used and lived in. These pieces strike a balance between form and function, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice beauty to enjoy softness and ease.

Old is becoming new again as vintage and retro styles make their return, often in unexpected ways. A velvet armchair from the 1970s, a record player console, or a retro light fixture becomes a standout element in otherwise modern spaces. This fusion of past and present creates rooms with depth, character, and a sense of personal history.

Maximalism is also enjoying its moment. Layered patterns, eclectic art, vibrant color pairings—it’s about creating spaces that tell a story and reflect the personalities of those who live there. It’s not about clutter, but about curated abundance.

Handcrafted and artisanal pieces are becoming the stars of the show. In a world of mass-produced goods, people are turning to handmade ceramics, one-of-a-kind furniture, and local craftspeople to infuse their homes with uniqueness and authenticity.

And adaptive reuse is gaining momentum. From repurposing vintage cabinets into bathroom vanities to incorporating reclaimed wood as architectural elements, designers are turning the old into something new and inspiring, reducing waste and preserving history in the process.

Even materials are part of the statement. Natural stone—marble, slate, travertine—adds a grounding element to spaces while exuding luxury. These materials are not just elegant but practical, offering durability in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

Lighting is no longer just functional. Sculptural lighting fixtures double as artwork, adding drama, elegance, or whimsy to a room. Whether it’s an oversized chandelier in the dining room or geometric sconces in a hallway, lighting is the jewelry of the home in 2025.

Color palettes continue to evolve as well. Warm neutrals like clay, sand, and sage set a soothing tone, while black accents add sophistication and depth. Metallics—particularly bronze and gold—add polish and shine, balancing the organic with the refined.

The trends of 2025 prove that home design is no longer just about looks—it’s about how a space lives, breathes, and feels. It’s about making choices that reflect your values and support your lifestyle, while surrounding yourself with beauty, purpose, and joy. Whether you’re all-in on bold colors or slowly layering in texture and tech, this year’s design landscape offers the tools to build a home that’s not only stylish, but truly yours.

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