Welcome to our weekly slice of St. Tammany life! As summer breezes start to give way to the first whispers of fall (… sort of… lol) , our community is buzzing with activity. This week, we're exploring everything from home organization tips to the latest on our vibrant local farmers markets. Whether you're looking to refresh your living space, curious about market trends, or simply want to know where to find the best local produce, we've got you covered. So grab your favorite beverage, settle into your favorite spot (indoors or out!), and let's dive into the latest news and insights from our beautiful corner of Louisiana.

As always, your resource for everything real estate,

^Nicole

Discover the bounty of our local farmers markets, offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a vibrant community atmosphere across St. Tammany Parish. From Covington to Pearl River, these markets showcase the best of local agriculture and craftsmanship – find more market info here.

COVINGTON: There’s more than prepared foods, of course, at the Covington Farmer’s Market. Real farmers truck their produce in for the twice-weekly markets in historic downtown Covington--Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lawn of the Covington Police Department. Also in Covington is a small market just outside of downtown at the junction of Hwy 190 and Hwy 21. The Claiborne Place Makers Market held Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., offers fresh produce, prepared foods, local honey, breads, clothing, incense, jewelry, toys and more.

MANDEVILLE:  A few miles away, in Old Mandeville, the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market is abuzz on Saturday mornings, showcasing area arts and crafts, handmade soaps and cute birdhouses, and featuring local singer-songwriters on the pavilion stage. Also on Saturday mornings, just steps away at 725 Lafitte St., is the indoor/outdoor Lafitte Street Market with great offerings and arts and crafts.

SLIDELL: Camellia City Market sets up on Saturday mornings in Olde Towne's Griffith Park at 333 Erlanger Ave. (by Slidell Auditorium parking lot), spreading the love with local produce, prepared foods, seasonal citrus, baked goods, dog treats, Hawaiian jerky, coffee, arts and crafts, fresh cut flowers and more.

ABITA SPRINGS: The Springs Art & Farmers Market tempts on Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Located adjacent to the Tammany Trace at the Abita trailhead, the market offers shoppers all kinds of locally-sourced goods, including pastured poultry, wild-caught seafood, honey, prepared foods, fresh produce and baked goods, as well as plants, personal care products and works by artisans and crafters.

FOLSOM: Farmers and growers in Folsom have their own weekly market, too at the Paddock Farmers Market at the Giddy Up Folsom, held Thursdays, 2-6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, because the market features live music.

PEARL RIVER:  The Pearl River Farmers Market & Craft Show, held on first Saturdays of the month, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., features more than 30 vendors offering fresh vegetables and fruits and artisan crafts. Held at 39437 Hwy. 41 Spur, across from Pearl River Town Hall, beside Pearl River and Honey Island Museum and Research Center.

Last week, we talked about understanding how you live in your home and identifying problem areas. This week, we're diving deeper into solutions that can help you maximize your space and create a more functional, joyful home.

Reclaiming Your Space

We've all been there – that guest bedroom that's become a storage unit, or the craft corner that's taken over the dining room. It's time to take back control! Here's how:

• Tackle those "dumping grounds”: Start with rooms that have lost their purpose. Guest bedrooms are often culprits. Don't scramble when visitors come – purge unnecessary items or find proper storage solutions now.

• Return to original purposes: You'll be amazed at the sense of relief and accomplishment you'll feel when you reclaim a space.

Embracing Multipurpose Living

• Create zones within rooms: A family room can double as a playroom, or a bedroom can include a work area. The key is clear definition.

• Use visual cues: Area rugs, furniture placement, or even a change in wall color can help separate different zones within a room.

• Organize efficiently: Each zone should have its own storage solutions – baskets, bins, shelving – to keep everything in its place.

Don't Forget the Great Outdoors!

• Transform neglected areas: Even a small porch can become a cozy retreat or a mini garden with the right touches.

• Think multipurpose outdoors too: Your patio could be a relaxation spot, an entertainment area, or even an outdoor office on nice days.

Smart Solutions for a Happier Home

• Explore smart devices: From automated sprinklers to voice-controlled lighting, there are many options to make daily life easier.

• Create a family command center: Combine traditional organization (calendars, file boxes) with tech solutions for a central hub that keeps everyone on track.

Adapting as Life Changes

How you use your home will evolve over time. Be open to reassessing and adjusting your space as needed. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference!

By reimagining your space, creating multipurpose zones, and embracing both indoor and outdoor areas, you can significantly improve your home's functionality and your quality of life. These changes don't have to be expensive – often, it's about creativity and a fresh perspective.

And remember, if you find that despite your best efforts, your current home just isn't meeting your needs anymore, I'm always here to help you find a new place to call home.

Stay well and enjoy your sanctuary!