Laura Pere
Laura is a self-professed "Southern Belle, born and raised in NYC". Raised by musician parents, she developed her love of performing at an early age. A proud alum of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, she spent her 20s performing in Off-Broadway musicals and touring the world with various bands. After a whirlwind courtship, she married her husband Stephen in 2012, and moved down to NOLA. They soon became proud parents to their now 6-year-old "twin tornadoes" - a pair of identical boys who keep everyone on their toes! They now reside in Madisonville, where she works in outside sales. She doesn't have as much time for music as she used to, but still loves singing and playing the piano any chance she gets. She also enjoys spending weekends at her family's camp in MS, and is determined to "smoke a buck" before her sons do. Her other hobbies include cooking, baking, crafting, reading, and watching reality TV.
Are My Motives Selfish?
I feel like I start every post with this sentiment (who am I kidding? These exact words), but – anyone who knows me is well aware that cooking, hosting, and entertaining are my jam....
The One Thing I Won’t Correct
When I was pregnant with my now eight year old boys, I did a lot of daydreaming. I thought about the conversations we would have as they got older, and about watching them learn...
My Culinary Confessions
Anyone who knows me at all, knows I LOVE to cook. Cooking and entertaining feed my soul. I thoroughly enjoy everything from making easy dishes to family favorites, to new ethnic dishes and complicated...
Twenty Years and One Month Later
When I first joined New Orleans Moms, I thought about the post I would write on the anniversary of 9/11 – and I knew for the 20th anniversary, it would be a big one....
My Favorite Second Opinions
I'd like to consider myself pretty well-rounded. I have really great parents, and a great family - most members of which have expertise in one area or another. I've been fortunate to learn from...
Thanks to the Thermos :: The Unsung Hero of the Lunch Kit
When my boys were babies, I made all of their food. I loved steaming vegetables and busting out my food processor to introduce them to new things. As they got older, they continued to...
Treasure Your Grandparents, Y’all
A few months ago, I was talking to my boss and we were discussing Thanksgiving. I mentioned that I was going to be spending it with family, which included my grandmother. Typically, people think...
Thanks, Dad, For Making Me Handy
I'm not quite sure when it started, but I know it was far back enough that I don't remember the first time, which means I was a toddler. I've got a memory like a...
Helping My Boys Through the Loss of Our Pet
Just over 13 years ago, a sweet little white fluffy Maltese was born, and I didn’t even know it. Just about twelve weeks later, I went to look at her, and she chose me...
It Only Takes ONE Hurricane
Call it luck, answered prayer, a fluke, or whatever you want - but somehow, we have managed to avoid major damage from multiple catastrophic storms this year. Between the initial tracks of Laura and...
My Small Indulgences
Everyone talks about self-care. Whether it's a massage, a pedicure, or a new balayage, I think everyone can acknowledge that these creature comforts can put a smile on anyone's face.
But these are largely one-time...
Five Tips for the Gluten Free Beginner
Whether it's by choice or doctor's orders, cutting gluten from your diet can be a daunting task. Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, a wheat allergy, or what have you - there is so much...
Not EVERY Moment Will Be Filled With Fun – And That’s Okay!
Several months ago, I wrote about how things hadn't changed much for my family since the onset of COVID-19. Since then, my husband and I have both had it (thankfully, we are fine, and...
Confessions of a (Formerly Reluctant) Quarantine Barber
There's a lot to miss during the various phases of COVID Quarantine. Dinners out, going to the movies, fun outings, and the list goes on. But I haven't met one person who hasn't mourned...