The Blog

Every couple of years, we’ve compiled our own list of gifts for the holidays. Here are our ten gift ideas for 2022, tested and selected by my team and me,

 Is anything more fun than playing “the floor is lava”? We discovered these from TikTok  @SharonALife and could not resist getting a set for each grandchild! These stepping stones come in multiple colors and sizes that nest together for storage, always ready for deployment at a moment’s notice. 

Stepping Stones for Children

Membership to your local Children’s Museum.  These have developed all over the country and are exceptional venues that make learning fun!   In Baton Rouge, the Knock Knock Museum is our destination favorite. While the grandkids play and pretend, they also experience and learn something new! Excellent, especially for a rainy or cold day.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

Whether completing triathlons or enjoying Planksgiving, we value being active. And getting the gear can be a real carrot. Take shoes, for example.  Varsity Sports Baton Rouge is home to many top brands. Our administrative mastermind and triathlon queen recommends Altras for the wide toes box and zero drop. Our front desk coordinator recommends Hokas and says they’re the talk on campus.

Hoka Running Shoes

What pairs excellently with shoes? Socks. New Orleans brand Bonfolk has a great collection with culturally inspired designs. And it’s meta to stuff your stockings with stockings.

Bonfolk Mardi Gras Socks

We discovered a new favorite getaway this year. The St. Francisville Inn in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a circa 1880 Victoria home (see TikTok here) and underwent a massive renovation that brought the neighborhood inn back to life. Their restaurant and bar, The Saint, serves a great meal and drinks. If you think you want to stay, make reservations early. They fill up fast. 

St. Francisville Inn

Another way to “treat yourself” is a relaxing or not-quit-relaxing-but-oh-so-good-for-the-body massage. Our go-to is anyone at Trifecta Sports Therapy. 

Trifecta Sports Therapy Baton Rouge

For the foodie in your life, might we suggest a cookbook? River Road Recipes IV is a cookbook that can make any kitchen smell like Louisiana cooking. Published by the Junior League of Baton Rouge, the proceeds from the book fund the Junior League’s vision of women as catalysts for lasting community change. Sidenote, the frontispiece (that page when you open it) features artwork by yours truly, Kevin Harris.

Junior League of Baton Rouge River Road Recipes IV

Frontispiece River Road Recipes IV by Kevin Harris

If you’ve made it this far, you like architecture or know someone who does. Membership in the nonprofit Institute of Classical Architecture and Art is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to continue learning about classical architecture. ICAA’s membership represents a diverse cross-section of the building arts, including architects, landscape architects, interior designers, patrons, builders, and artisans. It’s also a favorite for students, realtors, and historic preservation enthusiasts. Members gain access to virtual and in-person local and national programs, networking opportunities, and tours. 

Institute of Classical Architecture and Art Louisiana

I get calls weekly from homeowners who want to consider a renovation to their homes. The best tool for exploring these possibilities is a floor plan. Often the original blueprints are no longer available, and the only reliable option was the time-intensive method of hand measuring.  Enter the new way homeowners can obtain accurate floor plans – Canvas.io. Using the laser lens on your smartphone or tablet, you can now video your house and upload the “point-cloud” image to Canvas.io.  For ten to fifteen cents a square foot, their amazing algorithms generate your plans in 2-D and fifteen cents for 3-D. Here’s an example from one of Kevin’s TikToks. Their output will import directly into most CAD programs.  It’s a game-changer for renovations. You are welcome to try the affiliate link code KEVINHARRIS  to get $100 off your first scan (while it lasts). 

Canvas.io

Last but not least, The Forever Home book by Kevin Harris, an Amazon bestseller and author! The Forever Home is a must-read if you plan to build or renovate your forever home. It is also sold on Amazon and may be ordered through your local bookseller.  And if you want a copy signed, come by the office; Kevin would be happy to sign it for you or your special someone. If you’re out of state, we can mail a signed bookplate to add to the front of the book. 

The Forever Home 

We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Holidays.