November-December 2021 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

495

$

INSIDEPUB.com

GO RED FOR WOMEN •

HOLIDAY DECORATING • BECKY GELATT • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 VOL. 36, NO. 6

page 48

Holiday Decorating Page 37

Holiday Gift Guide 43 Women’s Jewelry 45 Shop Local! Shop Small!

48 Gift Guide

Go Red for Women 68 It’s Time to Talk Women’s Heart Health 70 Join Us in the Circle of Red

contents table of

Departments

Features

8 Publisher Note

2 Colors for a Cause 1 Cover Artist Becky Fos

10 Contributors 16 INside Scoop 20 IN Other Words Dear Santa, 75 Generous Hearts Because of You 76 IN Love & Marriage 84 IN Great Taste Three Cheese Ball Recipes for Holiday Entertaining 86 Last Look Photography by Fox 8’s John Snell 6

Inside Northside

72 Heart-to-Heart with Dr. Jherie Ducombs Trending questions from women answered by an expert.

73 Common Myths about Heart Disease

22 Becky Gelatt Still Listening, Still Learning, Still Lifting Others 32 Réveillon 37 Holiday Decorating 1 Inspiring Renovations 8 Creating the Perfect Chef’s Kitchen

page 68

Editorial Contributors: Bellus Photography, Susan Bonnet Bourgeois, Hilary Creamer, Poki Hampton, Adrienne Jemison. Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Mimi Greenwood Knight, Nae Yao Photography, Michael Palumbo, Pure 7 Studio, Becky Slatten, John Snell.

I know why it is important to me.

Besides being a member of the “zipper club” myself, my father had a quadruple bypass when he was 45, and my father-inlaw died of congestive heart failure. When the American Heart Association asked me to help, I absolutely could not say no. It seems I am not alone. CJ Ladner began supporting them 25 years ago in an effort to further research aimed at her family history of heart disease. The same is true for Meg Williams, Yvette Jemison and many others. Because we need to make a difference, we have all joined the Northshore Circle of Red. It is surprising for many people to hear that heart disease is the leading cause of death in this country. In fact, it kills more women than the top five types of cancer—combined. The American Heart Association and more specifically, the Go Red for Women initiative, raises money to fund research and educates the community on the important warning signs that save lives. Do you know what to watch for?

Heart attack warning signs include: • Discomfort, often in the chest, but can also be felt in the jaw, arm, back, neck or stomach.

• Shortness of breath.

• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Women are more likely to experience some of the less-common symptoms. My heart attack was preceded by nausea and shortness of breath. In a room of volunteers, over and over we talked about recognizing these symptoms in those we love before paying attention to them in ourselves. It is time to change that.

You may have heard the FAST acronym for stroke warning signs.

They include Facial numbness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty—Time to call 911! If you’d like to learn more, check out page 68. Or log onto GoRedForWomen.org.

Contributors Our contributors give Inside Northside its voice, its personality and its feel. We are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.

Lacey Osborne

Lacey Osborne, in her 30th year as a Chamber professional, is President and CEO of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. As a former small business owner and local newspaper writer, she passionately encourages shopping small and local! A New Orleans native and graduate of Nicholls State

November-December 2021 Vol. 36, No. 6

Publisher Lori Murphy

lori@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor Jan Murphy

jan@insidepub.com

Creative Director Brad Growden

brad@insidepub.com Digital Communications Margaret Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Business Manager Jane Quillin

jane@insidepub.com Operations Manager Margaret Rivera

margaret@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertising Account Executives

Barbara Roscoe Poki Hampton barbara@insidepub.com poki@insidepub.com

Pemmie Sheasby Hilary Creamer pemmie@insidepub.com hilary@insidepub.com Stacey Paretti Rase –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the Cover

University, Lacey lives in Covington, gratefully close to her two daughters and her four grandchildren.

Maggie Bokobza

Cover Artist Becky Fos .

Find more on page 12.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact

phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 Advertising Sales sales@insidepub.com Subscriptions subscriptions@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Maggie Bokobza is a freelance writer currently based in Paris, France.

Having grown up on the Northshore, she loves to write about the art and culture of her beloved hometown. And while she takes every opportunity she can to visit, she also loves to explore her new city and is constantly on the hunt for the perfect croissant.

INSIDE NORTHSIDE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana.

Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­right ©2021 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

Cover Artist Becky Fos

WHEN BECKY FOS first picked up a palette knife, the self-taught artist was simply trying to relieve stress. While balancing life as a new mom along with a career and going to school, painting became her outlet. But as she began sharing her work online with family and friends, the word spread and, before she knew it, people were asking to buy her work. She says, “It was truly a hobby that turned into a career through lots of trial and error, 12

Inside Northside

practice, learning and growth.”

Anyone who sees Fos’ work can understand immediately why her pieces are so admired. Her use of vibrant color and rich texture evoke an uncontrollable sense of joy in the viewer. “Happiness is a major component of what influences my work. It may be a little cliché, but the honest truth is that I paint subjects that make me happy.” Her use of the entire rainbow in depicting local wildlife >>

photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

by Maggie Bokobza

Color for a Cause

words my entire career.” But the results speak for themselves. Her unique style is not achieved just from her use of undiluted oil pigments, which lend a deep vibrancy to her colors, but also her use of one tried-and-true tool.

“Paintbrush, what’s that!?” she jokes.

“I have one palette knife that I have used for years—it has many layers of dried paint on it and is worn in some areas from use.” But for Fos, her palette knife must be the right fit. “I only had one knife before this one,” she explains, “but it was chewed up by my dog.” On that sad day, she decided to go out and buy as many palette knives as she could find and then compared them all to find just the right one. Like Cinderella and her glass slipper, finding the perfect fit allows Fos to create magic.

Fos also chooses to mix her colors

photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

and landscapes gives the viewer a boost of endorphins just by looking at them.

“Everything I do is rooted in inspiring happiness, and it’s a whole lot of fun!”

Another major component of her work is her technique, which she has honed over years of practice. She says, “I paint almost every day, and with every application of color, I learn something new about my tool. With every painting I create, my style evolves slightly. When you compare my early work to my current work, you can see my growth.”

When Fos sits down to create a new piece, she enters another world that is all her own. “I sit at my canvas and put on my magical goggles,” she says, describing her process. “I almost enter a form of paint hypnosis. I see highlights and shadows in vibrant hues of color.

It’s a process I have struggled to put into

directly on the canvas, creating a deep texture, or impasto, on her works. She says, “Artists often use the palette knife and a palette to mix the paint. I omit that step. This allows me to leave the thick texture that has become very iconic to my style. Sometimes the paint projects up to two inches from the canvas.”

Her palette knife was one of the items she knew she needed to take with her as her family evacuated for hurricane Ida. Fos saw the devastation taking place in her beloved city. She says, “It was heartwrenching.” So, in the midst of the hurt, she immediately ordered an easel and paint supplies to be delivered to her temporary home. It was there that she created this month’s cover piece, Strength Through Tribulations.

“With the widespread power outages across South Louisiana, I kept dreaming of power lines,” she says of the time following the storm.

The piece translates a topsy-turvy feeling into something relatable.

“While the content and composition may remind us of scary times, I hope the colorful nature inspires hope and strength, because there is beauty even in darkness.” This hope comes, according to Fos, from the outpouring of support the community saw from neighbors helping neighbors, building back what was lost. In this spirit, she knew she had something to contribute.

“I have a unique opportunity to use my talents to support and create awareness in our community.

I struggle to be passive. When I see an opportunity to help, I jump at the cause,” says Fos, explaining her decision to host a fundraiser for the community. She and her team quickly mobilized to sell prints of Strength Through Tribulations on her website to raise funds for the most heavily impacted communities in Terrebonne and Jefferson parishes.

This is not the first time Fos has used her talents for a good cause—but she places the thanks she receives squarely on her loyal community. “I’m thankful to have such great supporters and collectors; without them, I would not have had the same impact. I use my art to create awareness, but it’s my collectors who support the cause.

Together, we have raised funds to help fallen first responders and their families, to bolster employee morale for medical professionals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support Hurricane Ida Relief for communities most affected.

These are causes that are close to my heart.”

Gallery B. Fos is located at 2138 Magazine St. in New Orleans; 504444-2967; beckyfos.com.

November-December 2021 15

p resen t ed b y

Sips of the Season Stroll 2021 Dec. 3, 5-9pm. Grab your friends and join in the merriment of Christmas as you stroll Girod Street in Old Mandeville at dusk, stopping in to the brightly decorated shops and restaurants. Strollers can purchase an official mug for $22 (cash or check only), which is your admission and your souvenir to keep, to be filled at each stop, along with a card listing businesses dispensing their holiday-themed libations. With 25+ stops in all—restaurants, bars and shops, all within walking distance of the Mandeville lakefront—this event is not to be missed. Old Mandeville, 727-7778, oldmandevillebiz.com.

change. More events can be found online at

Fine Jewelry MFG, 2602 Florida St.,

campus to primitive trails in Tamanend.

Mandeville, 674-0007.

Proceeds benefit the Northshore

2021 Abita Springs’ En Plein Air Exhibition

College Enhancement Foundation,

Nov. 12-14, 10am-4pm. Abita Springs’

providing supports for transformational

annual En Plein Air exhibition features

opportunities for students at NTCC.

recent paintings of Louisiana landscapes by

$30 for adults; $20 for youth; $15 for

local artists made on location (“in the open

5-14: Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm;

kids “Gator Gallop” half mile run. 65556

air”) during the weeks leading up to the

Sundays, 2pm. Clue is based on the

Centerpoint Bvld., Lacombe, 545-1284,

event. Admission is free. Trailhead Museum,

screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by

northshorecollege.edu/advancement/

22044 Main St., Abita Springs, 400-5393,

Sandy Rustin, with additional material

gator-tail-5k-trail-2021.

trailheadmuseum.org/en-plein-air.

LouisianaNorthshore.com.

November Slidell Little Theatre presents Clue Nov.

by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. Based

De Boscq Fine Jewelry 5th Annual Estate

Cruisin’ the Castine Car Show Nov.

on the Paramount Pictures motion

Jewelry Show Nov. 9-13: Tuesday-

13, 2-8:30pm. Over 200 vehicles are

picture and on the Hasbro board game,

Thursday, 10am-5pm; Friday and

anticipated, including antiques, classics,

Clue. Tickets are $28 for adults, $22 for

Saturday, 10am-8pm. The De Boscq’s

muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles, Jeeps,

students and seniors, with discounts

showroom will be host to a variety of

side-by-sides, modern vehicles and more.

for members and season pass holders.

vintage, antique, and contemporary

Also on deck are food trucks, vendors,

Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr.,

jewels. Georgian to art nouveau and

and fireworks at 8 p.m. This is an outdoor

Slidell, 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org/.

Edwardian to retro, we will have it all!

show, though the air conditioned center

Wear your favorite pieces and bring

and restrooms will be open. Registration

6, 7am. The 3rd Annual Gator Tail 5K

anything you may want to sell or trade.

is now open at PelicanPark.com. Free for

Trail Run, presented by Tamanend, is

Over $1 million in antique and estate

spectators. Castine Center, 63350 Pelican

not your typical 5K race! The route takes

pieces will be on hand for this event. Buy,

Drive, Mandeville, 626-7997.

runners over a variety of terrain from the

sell or trade—welcome! De Boscq

3rd Annual Gator Tail 5K Trail Run Nov.

16

Northshore Technical Community College

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Covington Three Rivers Art Festival 2021

photo courtesy: ST. TAMMANY PARISH TOURIST AND CONVENTION COMMISSION

Information is current as of October 26, however, all dates and times are subject to

Nov. 13-14, 10am-5pm. The 25th annual Three Rivers Art Festival, one of the largest juried art festivals in the region and most popular events on the Northshore, brings art lovers to downtown Covington each year for two full days of shopping and entertainment. Admission is free!

Stroll Columbia St., where you’ll find original artworks by artists from across the United States who work in all kinds of media: paintings and drawings, photography, ceramics, sculptures and kinetic art, as well as functional pottery, fine jewelry, handmade clothing and accessories, and more. When you’re ready for a break from strolling and shopping, follow the sound of live music, or follow your nose, to the tented food court to relax with a bite to eat and live music. 200 to 600 blocks of Columbia St., Covington, 789-7183, facebook.com/ Threeriversart.

Lobby Lounge Concert: Shake ‘Em Up Jazz Band Nov. 18, 7-9:30pm. The Shake ’Em Up Jazz Band is an all-female supergroup made up of some of the most sought-after young stars of the New Orleans Traditional Jazz scene. Admission to Lobby Lounge concerts is in advance only, on Eventbrite. General admission, $20; $50 for a 2-seat table and $100 for a 4-seat table (plus sales tax and fees).

The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, 781-3650, harborcenter.org.

Friday Nites on the Square Concert: Four Unplugged Nov. 19, 5:30-8:30pm. Join your friends at TerraBella Village for the next Friday Nites on the Square free concert featuring Four Unplugged. Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The concert is free and open to the public.

111 Terra Bella Blvd., Covington, 871-7171, terrabellavillage.com/.

Bayou Showdown Car Show 2021 Nov. 20-21, 8am. Bayou Showdown is a truck, Hot Rod and bike show, and all >> November-December 2021 17

Inside Scoop vehicles are welcome! Bikes, lowriders,

shops and restaurants. Strollers can

classics, bagged or lifted cars, trucks

purchase an official mug for $22 (cash or

and big rigs. Check out the vendor

check only), which is your admission and

booths with everything for the automotive

your souvenir to keep, to be filled at each

aficionado. $10 for adults, free for kids 12

stop, along with a card listing businesses

and under. Enter your vehicle in the show

dispensing their holiday-themed libations.

for $60. The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor

With 25+ stops in all—restaurants, bars

Center Blvd., Slidell, (228) 324-7671.

and shops, all within walking distance of

Tammany Turkey Trot Nov. 25, 8am. The Tammany Turkey Trot takes to the streets of Covington again on Thanksgiving morning. Ready to experience the history

the Mandeville lakefront—this event is not to be missed. Old Mandeville, 727-7778, oldmandevillebiz.com.

Christmas Under the Stars Dec. 3-4 and

of downtown Covington, or show it off

10-11, 6-9pm The City of Slidell celebrates

to your visiting family and friends? Here’s

the 33rd annual Christmas Under the

your chance to #EarnYourTurkey! Register

Stars in Griffith Park, a celebration of

online. 5K starting at $30, 5-mile starting

twinkling lights, festive decorations, life-

at $35. 701 N Columbia St., Covington,

size Christmas cottages and other family

(504) 952-2899, tammanyturkeytrot.com.

fun. Admission to all displays and activities

Small Business Saturday Sip and Shop Nov. 27, 10am-6pm. Shop local the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Redoux’s

is free. 333 Erlanger St., Slidell, 646-4375, myslidell.com.

Christmas Extravaganza Arts & Crafts

Home & Market, a unique marketplace

Expo Dec. 3-5, 9am-5pm. It’s fun and

of eclectic home decor, furniture, art,

easy to shop under covered pavilions

jewelry and now apparel! Redoux Home

with clean pine shavings on the ground,

& Market, 2938 S. Hwy 190, Mandeville,

making this an ideal Christmas Village

674-8811.

shopping experience. Some 500

Christmas in the Country 2021 Nov. 27-28,

booths have anything you will want

and every Saturday until Dec. 18, 9am-5pm.

to fill your Christmas list, while twenty

Savor the turn-of-the-century charm of

food booths offer some of the best

Lee Lane with your family and friends and

Southern dishes when you’re ready

make holiday memories! Shops throughout

for a break. Plan to arrive early to get

downtown Covington offer special shopping

choice selections. Parking is free, but

events, some with refreshments and live

limited inside the grounds, so come

music, while you discover one-of-a kind gift

early to claim your spot! $5 for ages

items and quality merchandise—everything

13+, free for ages 12 and under. St.

from couture fashions to original fine art,

Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, 1301 N

home furnishings, and antique treasures

Columbia St., Covington, 966-7863,

in dozens of boutiques and galleries. 630-

steinhauerproductions.com.

2865, covla.com.

December Sips of the Season Stroll 2021 Dec. 3,

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Musical Dec. 3-19: Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 2pm. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Musical is

5-9pm. Grab your friends and join in

based on the book by Jahnna Beecham

the merriment of Christmas as you stroll

with music and lyrics by Malcolm

Girod Street in Old Mandeville at dusk,

Hillgarten. Tickets are $28 for adults, $22

stopping in to the brightly decorated

for students and seniors, with discounts

for members and season pass holders.. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org.

Louisiana Food Truck Festival 2021 Dec. 4, 11am-3pm Grab your family, friends and chairs then head to The Harbor Center for the Louisiana Food Truck Festival. This outdoor festival will feature great food, live music, festival vendor booths and more. Admission is free. 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, 781-3650, harborcenter. org.

Winter on the Water 2021 Dec. 4, 11am. The fun begins at the lakefront gazebo, 2623 Lakeshore Drive (between Carroll and Lafitte St.) at 11am with live entertainment, pictures with Santa, face painting, the Grinch and more. Santa’s Walking Parade begins at noon at Lakeshore Drive and Jackson St. and ends at the gazebo. Admission is free. 2623 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, 6243147, cityofmandeville.com.

Merry Madisonville 2021 Dec. 5. Ring in the holiday season and Christmas with a fun, family event including Santa, a parade, caroling, and kids’ activities. Get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in “Santa’s Workshop,” sponsored by the Town of Madisonville. Parade rolls at 2pm. 1007 Pine St., Madisonville, 845-7311, townofmadisonville.org.

Candlelight Caroling at Covington Trailhead 2021 Dec. 10, 7pm. All are invited to join the fun for live music and a sing-along at Candlelight Caroling at the Trailhead, featuring the Northlake Performing Arts Society chorale on the open-air stage. Admission is free. Bring lawn chairs for seating at the open-air pavilion—and a picnic, too! 419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 892-1873, covla.com.

Ballet Apetrei’s The Nutcracker Dec. 10-12: Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; and Sunday, 2pm . Ballet Apetrei presents its 33rd annual performance of The Nutcracker, with just four performances. Tickets available at KFortier Studios (formerly Ballet Apetrei Dance center), 829 Asbury Drive, Ste. 2, Mandeville.

The Nutcracker performances delight Northshore audiences and include the Ballet Apetrei Company and nationally recognized guest artists who will dance featured roles alongside a cast of approximately seventy-five local students selected at community auditions. Tickets $10-$35. Fuhrmann Auditorium, 128 W. 23rd Ave., Covington, 624-3622, BalletApetrei.net Covington’s 12 Days of Christmas Lighted Displays 2021 Dec. 10, 2021-Jan. 6, 2022, dusk to dawn. From a partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming, downtown Covington will be aglow with “Covington’s Twelve Days of Christmas” lighted displays. Twelve lighted silhouettes depicting larger-than-life images from the traditional Old English Christmas carol 12 Days of Christmas will be exhibited at various locales in the downtown historic district. For more information, call the Office of Cultural Arts and Events at 892-1873, covla.com.

November-December 2021 19

IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

Dear Santa, HEY THERE, BIG GUY! How’s it going up there at the North Pole? I’m guessing you’re crazy busy getting ready for Christmas morning but, with all of the weirdness going on in the world, I just have a few questions…

Is there a mask mandate on the North Pole?

I’d hate to think those poor little elves have to wear a mask all day long while they make toys; that’s just elf abuse in my opinion. Are you experiencing any staffing shortages? Do you typically employ

over 100 elves? And because you do business in the United States, are the elves subject to the OSHA vaccine requirements? Are you impacted by inflation, and do you have adequate inventory going into the toy-making season? I certainly hope you stocked up on supplies last year because otherwise your shipment of tiny hammers and candy canes is likely sitting on a container ship idling off the coast of California. These are some important questions for the dicey times we’re living in, and all I know is there better not be a coal shortage this December because there’s a whole bunch of people who should 20 Inside Northside

be waking up to a big load of it on Christmas morning. I’m inclined to believe that Washington, D.C. will be knee-deep in it on December 25, along with parts of China and Australia.

It’s obviously not your fault, but we really could’ve done without a visit from Miss Ida in the middle of all this other craziness (though we did get to suspend Covid for about three weeks, which was nice). I used to think that Ida was such a sweet little grandma name but this old broad rolled into town and wrecked the place. I’m sure you’re inundated with letters from Louisiana children asking for a new roof, or possibly a whole new house, and also for the price of gasoline, labor and building materials to come down, so your help with that would be great.

Thanks. Natural disasters never fail to showcase the best and the worst aspects of human nature; along with the saints who always just magically appear with hot meals and chain saws, the hurricane winds also never fail to blow in a bunch of fraudsters and price gougers, so we’re gonna need a load of coal down here, too.

I’m not asking for much this Christmas, Santa, really just the eradication of Covid, an outstanding new LSU head coach, an uninterrupted supply chain, an unbiased media, the end of government overreach and overspending, civility in political debate, the protection of our personal freedoms and respect for our Constitution—all delivered with a healthy dose of common sense into the stocking of every elected official. And, of course, don’t forget the coal.

Merry Christmas and God Bless America!

Becky Gelatt

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

Still Listening, Still Learning, Still Lifting Others

22 Inside Northside

photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

THERE’S A QUOTE scrawled on the whiteboard at The Yoga School in Covington. “The important thing is this. To be able to sacrifice at any moment what we are for what we could become.” (Charles Frédéric Duboi) It’s a philosophy Becky Gelatt has embraced for most of her 83 years.

And she’s helped others do the same.

Born and raised in New Iberia, Gelatt moved to Covington in the early ’80s with her husband, Dick, and quickly applied that same thinking to her new hometown. Over the past four decades, she’s not only served on existing civic committees but envisioned and initiated new ones, always with an eye toward preserving and restoring her beloved Covington—at the same time imaging what it could become.

It was Gelatt who conceived and launched the Keep Covington Beautiful campaign and the Tree Board, working with then-Downtown Development Coordinator/later Mayor Keith Villere.

Gelatt served as president of the Covington Chamber of Commerce Auxiliary and president of the board of directors of the historic Playmakers Theatre. She helped start Covington’s Old Towne Festival with lifelong Covington residents Pat Clanton and Carol Jahncke, launched the Mayor’s Council on Healthy Lifestyles under then-Mayor Mike Cooper, and is now directing her insights and passions toward a seat on the board of Council on Aging St. Tammany (COAST).

To spend time with Gelatt is to feel fully seen and fully heard. As busy as ever in her ninth decade, she never hesitates to offer the gift of herself to anyone she encounters, be it the barista serving her morning coffee, one of her yoga students, a fellow member of a civic committee, or any one of her Covington neighbors. >> November-December 2021 23

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As Gelatt walks around downtown Covington or enters a local business, faces light up at first glimpse of her.

With each encounter, Gelatt not only enquires about the other person’s life and loved ones but genuinely listens for and cares about their responses.

One of the many gifts Gelatt has given her adopted northshore community over the past 40 years is the gift of yoga. In fact, if you practice yoga in the Covington-Mandeville area, there’s a good chance your teacher was taught by this beloved yogi. Gelatt’s studio, simply named The Yoga School, has been open since the ’80s and a dedicated teachers’ studio for the past 16 years. Surprisingly, Gelatt herself didn’t find her way to the discipline until her 40s. “There was one woman at that time who came from New Orleans to teach yoga in Covington once a week,” she says. “I was at an age where I began to think, ‘My life is half over. How do I want the second half to look?’ I thought yoga might figure into it.”

The more Gelatt learned the more she wanted to know. So, she began attending week-long yoga seminars around the country. “My first one was in Florida. When it was over, I told the teacher, ‘I want more. What should I do?’ So, she helped me work out a schedule. I went from Florida to Montana to Ohio and back to Florida.

I did that for eight or nine years. What I found as I studied is that there’s no end to it. The more I learned, the more there was to know.” She began teaching at a local health club and then opened a small studio herself. In 1991, she opened The Yoga School in a tiny storefront in Covington.

“I thought, ‘If I have enough students to pay the rent, it could work,’” Gelatt says. “Of course, I didn’t >> November-December 2021 25

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photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

think about things like insurance and upkeep on the building.” But for Gelatt, there was no turning back. Three years later, she moved The Yoga School into what became its longtime home in the old Art Lemane Photography Studio on Tyler Street in Covington. As word spread, her classes grew and the school flourished. Hundreds of students moved through, and some went on to be yoga teachers themselves. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Gelatt decided the community needed the healing nature of yoga even more. “I felt like it was more important for me to train others to become yoga teachers,” she says. “I have students who’ve been with me for 30 years, so I still offer classes to them. But since Katrina, most of my efforts have gone into teaching others to become yoga teachers.”

Dozens of students later, Gelatt now has graduates teaching across the U.S. and Europe—even one teaching yoga to medical students in Japan. Janice Rousell is one of her graduates and biggest fans. Although she’d been doing yoga with a teacher in New Orleans for about 30 years, Rousell says she learned things from Gelatt she hadn’t known before. “She teaches a lot of the yoga philosophy, a lot about the anatomy, and how each pose affects the anatomy.

She goes very in-depth about proper alignment and proper thinking and the ‘whys’ of yoga. And we learned each pose in Sanskrit. Becky is very interested in people. When we go out to eat, she knows everybody, and people get so excited to see her.”

Erin Morvant studied under Gelatt herself before she headed off to teach yoga in Colorado. She even had the chance to study under Gelatt’s primary teacher, Gary Kraftsow, one of the top yoga teachers in the world and founder of the American Viniyoga Institute. “He told me, ‘Becky’s more of a teacher to me than I could ever be to her,’” Morvant says.

“Becky is the kindest, most empathetic, caring individual I’ve come to know in my life. She’s someone who can speak to >> November-December 2021 27

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photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

your heart and be completely present when she’s with you. I recently moved back to New Orleans for graduate school and to be near family. It’s been such a gift to be in a place where I can learn from Becky again.”

At an age when most of her contemporaries are slowing down, Gelatt is looking for a new challenge and recently began training to offer therapeutic yoga. “Yoga therapy can help with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual trauma,” she says. “We’re living in stressful times. I want to learn to treat trauma and anxiety and then teach others to help heal physical, emotional, and spiritual injury with yoga.” Yoga therapy uses yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation and guided imagery to improve mental and physical health. “I’m learning a lot more about anatomy, which is important in therapeutic yoga. I’m learning poses and breathing that can help treat anxiety, depression, and anger management. My yoga lineage is Viniyoga, which translates ‘for the individual’. Yoga therapy is very individualized. Some of my students need chair yoga because they can’t get down on the mat. One of my teaching students is using therapeutic yoga to work with those in 12-step programs.

Yoga can be adapted for anyone.

“I’m at an age now where I’m >>

Becky Gelatt, Coast board member (center), with Jorie-Brae Morgan, marketing and resource manager (left),

thinking, ‘What do I want my legacy to be?’ I’d like to leave a legacy of loving Covington,” says Gelatt. “With my work at COAST, I want to help younger people have more integrity in dealing with older people. I want to teach them to have a conversation with a senior and really hear what the senior wants, not what they want for them. At 83, I can speak for those in their 80s. I hope I can make a difference in the way they are heard. And I want to continue making a difference through yoga.”

The past few years have brought a lot of change for Gelatt, most notably the death of her husband, Dick.

“When Dick got sick, life changed a lot for us,” she says. “Then he died, and that was another huge adjustment.

Then came COVID, which changed what we were able to do at The Yoga School.” Then we had Hurricane Ida, when Gelatt had several trees hit her house and gardens. “Through it all, yoga has grounded me. Yoga gives a whole different concept on aging and whatever life brings next.”

Whatever that is, I feel certain at least one octogenarian in Covington will still be listening and learning ways she can use it to become an even better version of herself.

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I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

and Julie Agan, executive director.

Réveillon

by Maggie Bokobza

GROWING UP IN NEW ORLEANS you quickly learn that we love any excuse for a party. So, of course we have a unique take on holiday cheer.

No sooner are we putting away Thanksgiving dishes, than we start to feel the change. Friends send invites to afternoon meals that go into the evening.

Restaurants promote new menus and festive cocktails, “Join us for a réveillon dinner!” they exclaim. So, what is the réveillon? And how has it become such an important part of celebrating the holidays in New Orleans?

The réveillon gets its name from the French verb meaning “awaken.” This is a nod to the fact that the meal would be enjoyed by Catholics following the Christmas Eve midnight mass. The midnight mass, a practice that was first adopted in Europe in the Middle Ages, was a cheeky way to cut down on the amount of time one would spend fasting ahead of Christmas. Guests would arrive at home following mass and were encouraged to remain awake into the wee hours of the morning, breaking their fast with a decadent meal.

When the French came to New Orleans, they brought their tradition of the réveillon with them. The dishes were usually dependent on where you lived, and what was considered a local luxury.

This often meant seafood, slow-cooked items that could be prepared in advance, like grillades and lots of champagne.

The early morning meal would also often include breakfast dishes, such as grits or eggs. This practice still spills over into many traditional late-night New Orleans meals, including those served around carnival.

When I landed in France five years ago the connections between my hometown and my adopted home of Paris became clearer. There are the expected signs of the season approaching such as lights in the trees, decorated department stores and Christmas markets for everyone to enjoy. But deeper than that is the connection between the food traditions of Paris and New Orleans.

To cater to seasonal demand, many grocery stores carry luxury items you can usually only find in fine épicerie shops; from liver and lobsters to dried fruits and champagne. Like roadside shrimpers in south Louisiana, the streets of Paris host fisherman selling boxes of oysters ready to be served.

The rich history of the réveillon connects us to our French past every holiday season. But one thing is certain: there will always be revelry in the réveillon.

The Pentecostals of Mandeville

The Pentecostals of Mandeville is a thriving apostolic church where

everyone is welcome. Founded in 2005, it has become known as a center of compassion and hope comprised of a body of growing Christians striving to leave an eternal impact on the world around them. Their commitment to community service is felt in many local organizations, such as Keep Mandeville Beautiful, The OWEL Project, James Samaritan Center, Safe Harbor, and local nursing homes. The POM offers something for everyone with ministries, services and events designed to meet the needs and interests of believers of all ages.

Senior Pastor, Paul Trentacoste, and his wife Malinda, share a remarkable testimony of redemption and faith. Their love for people is apparent in each warm, hearty greeting and their genuine concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of everyone they meet. Their unique ministry offers a fresh perspective of Pentecost – one of the fastestgrowing spiritual experiences across the globe!

Friends of The POM, Kenny and Jennifer Adams say, “From the very first day our family walked into The POM, we were treated like family.

There is an undeniable feeling of love and the Holy Spirit in this church that I have never felt anywhere else!” Kelly Brewster, WHNP, of the Center for Women’s Health in Covington, is one of the 36 original members of The POM and says, “There is no place like The POM. Others say everyone is welcome, but when you walk in our doors, you feel like you are home.”

Scan the QR code below to download our app and find out more about service times, upcoming holiday events and our newest church campus, The Pentecostals of Abita Springs!

November 21 – Thanksgiving Celebration, lunch immediately following December 12 & 19 – ‘Make Room’ Christmas Series

625 Lotus Dr. North, Mandeville, 985-727-9886. linktr.ee/POMandeville November-December 2021 35

y a d i Hol orating c e D

by Poki Hampton

THE HOLIDAYS CAME EARLY to Rebel and Charlie Caplinger’s lakefront home in Lewisburg when the 155-year-old center-hall cottage was decorated by four of our designers.

They made the cottage sparkle with holiday flair.

Charlie and Rebel spent seven years looking for a home in the Mandeville area. Friends of theirs owned this house and were ready to move after 20 years. “We spent 20 years coming to parties here and loved the area and the house,” says Rebel.

The previous owners had renovated the cottage into a very livable home, and when the >>

Greige Home Interiors decorated the light-filled dining room with two large glass urns, gold metal Christmas trees and white lighted angels, which are used as favors for the dinner guests.

November-December 2021 37

Redoux Home & Market decorated the kitchen and bar area with white reindeer, glittering Christmas trees, greenery and farmhouse-style mini-cottages.

Caplingers bought it, they did even more renovations, adding what is now the main living room with a beautiful, stacked brick fireplace, a spacious open-concept

38

Inside Northside

kitchen and a window-walled dining room. “Originally, we couldn’t see the lake from the back of the house, and we wanted a more open concept with a large

kitchen where everyone could gather,” says Rebel. Their family members are avid saltwater anglers, enjoy being on or near the water, and when at home, love to entertain. “We wanted open spaces where we could entertain and surfaces that were low maintenance.”

Brittany Taylor and Debbie Howell from Redoux Home & Market decorated the island in the kitchen using mixed metals and Santa’s favorite reindeer in sophisticated white with greenery on one end and a simple bowl with ornaments on the other, leaving plenty of room to serve or eat. A brass reindeer bowl filled with ornaments sits on the other end.

Under the cabinets on the counter are white-and-gold cottages and sparkly Christmas trees. A Victorian-style Santa with a wooden sign and blown glass bottles with Christmas trees fill >>

The white flocked Christmas tree and mantle in the game room were decorated by Niche Modern Home with gold ribbons, green and gold ornaments and frosted greenery.

November-December 2021 39

Gilded reindeer stocking holder

by Niche Modern Home.

the other area. The bar holds one of the owner’s primitive paintings, with a rustic carved wooden bowl with trees and greenery at one end. To the right of the window are a large brass reindeer bowl amongst greenery, ornaments and a metal Christmas tree.

Greige Home Interiors’ designers Michael Burns and Kathleen McCullough decorated the sun-filled dining room with embossed white dinner plates on gold fluted chargers topped with lighted angels, which are to be used as party favors. Gold etched wine glasses with white linen napkins set a beautiful table. Two glass urns are filled with a variety of cut glass and painted ornaments and metal Christmas trees snuggle into a garland of magnolia leaves intertwined with a beaded gold garland. Two large whitebark reindeer top the glass-front Louis Phillippe cabinet.

Lesle Veca of V Home & Interiors filled the stairwell banister with boughs of pine, gold and silver magnolia leaves and creamy velvet ornate magnolia flowers.

Mixing metals in gold and silver hues along with natural and frosted pinecones and large ornaments creates an opulent and striking focal point. Sparkling 40

Inside Northside

feathers and round-beaded bolt brush and frosted fern picks add more glamour. The snow-covered pine boughs and pinecones complete the look.

Steve McCloud of Niche Modern Home decorated the game room in shades of light green in keeping with the subtle colors of the house.

Two contemporary framed lithographs and a contemporary candlestick are surrounded by a pine garland filled with pinecones and ornaments. Cuffed animal print-quilted stockings are held with gold

reindeer stocking hangers. A vintage-style Santa sits beside a white metal fireplace screen. The whitelighted Christmas tree is chock full of gold-beaded ribbon garland, and assorted sizes and shapes of ornaments in shades of green and gold are mixed with gold snowflakes. “We are a game-playing family and love to spend time in this room, playing backgammon, pool or pachinko,” says Rebel.

She adds, “The festive decorations are so pretty that I feel like I now have a jump on the holidays.”

The stairway banister is decorated by V Home & Interiors with an abundance of traditional and contemporary sparkle, including silver and gold magnolia flowers, large gold ornaments, and frosted pinecones.

November-December 2021 41

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. 14K white gold and diamond double pavé teardrop pendant necklace, $2,475. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, New Orleans,

Women’s Jewelry

504-832-0000. 2. Fancy yellow diamond earrings surrounded by white diamonds set in 18K gold, $19,995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 3. Vintage French Baguette Diamond 4.50ct eternity band set in 18K Yellow Gold. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007.

4. Diamond band set in 14K gold, 2.15ct diamonds, $5,395. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 5. Boudreaux’s Signature sapphire and diamond earrings, $4,995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 6. 14K yellow gold and diamond bangle

7.

bracelet, $4,450. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, New Orleans, 504-832-0000. 7. A stunning 2ct radiant cut diamond set in a custom platinum mounting. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007.

November-December 2021 43

! l a c o L Shop ! l l a m S Shop

by Lacey Osborne

AS A TEENAGER, I wanted to open a small retail store, thinking women’s clothing or gifts would be right up my alley. I was fortunate to fulfill my dream, opening a bridal registry and special occasion gift shop. As young mothers, my business partner and I experienced the unknown, unplanned challenges. We loved the fun stuff, like going to market, holding open houses and meeting customers. Then, there were the struggles: accounts payable, tracking inventory, taxes, advertising, promotion expenses, plus!

These and other, bigger challenges continue to face local small business owners every single day.

As a Chamber of Commerce professional, I still fall back on my years of experience when relating to Chamber members. I can relate to the ups—including greatly appreciating our customers—and the downs, the daily struggles.

They work hard to overcome them—and only you can help them keep their doors open.

So much has changed recently in the operations and management of small businesses. Notable small business trends in 2021 include: E-commerce, alternative payment options, and personalized and empathetic customer service. Businesses with virtual and digital services will continue to be in demand; remote work will continue, and best of all—consumers will support local small businesses!

Yes, shopping local is trendy! It’s the act of everyday consumers, deciding to buy your produce, clothing and other day-to-day items from a local small business. The Shop Local/Shop Small trend

Olde Towne Slidell, old Mandeville, downtown Covington. Each has its own unique character, is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood, and is beloved by citizens and tourists alike.

Shopping local benefits the economy. Choosing to spend locally allows money to be cycled back into our community, which means you are helping boost our local economy. It allows opportunities for local businesses to give back in ways of sponsorships and contributions to community events. Investing in people in your area is an easy way for you to pay it forward to people in your community. When you shop local, not only are you helping grow your area’s economy, but you’re helping grow your neighbors’ dreams. Shopping local also helps ensure your tax dollars are going back into your local tax base. Local taxes are then used for schools, parks, roads and community improvements, which we all benefit from on a daily basis.

What does shopping local really mean? Simply put, shopping local means enjoying, sharing acolades about and supporting small businesses in your area. And it’s the perfect way to get to know people and discover new places you love! Shopping at local stores and eating at local restaurants are good ways to build relationships and make your community aware of your support. Putting yourself in the environment to make new friends and get to know those in your community, you are networking and even potentially creating new opportunities for yourself. Visiting local

has many benefits, such as building relationships within the community and helping support the local economy–all while building a more vibrant and unified society.

One of my favorite reasons to shop local is it creates the identity of your community. Think

shops and restaurants and choosing to spend locally gives you the opportunity to network and befriend your neighbors. Making

>>

l a c ! o L ay p rd o Sh atu S November-December 2021 45

connections with the people that surround you encourages word-of-mouth marketing and creates the unified community that we all dream of.

Shopping local also means recommending and sharing your experiences. The power of a personal referral is unparalleled to any other form of marketing.

Sharing your recent treasures and finds on social media and by word of mouth allows your friends and followers to see that you’re proud to support local businesses— and they should be, too! Using the hashtag #shoplocal connects you with other lovers of local businesses and helps grow the community surrounding this movement.

Even just tagging the city that you live in allows your posts to reach a bigger audience and helps keep the trend alive. Social media has helped small business owners have more affordable options to promote their products and services. Still a mainstay, networking events like those our Chamber offers, are great ways to build relationships and a customer base.

The Chamber is a champion once again for Small Business Saturday, which is Saturday, November 27. Small Business Saturday continues to be an annual holiday shopping tradition—just one part of the larger Shop Small Movement.

Small Business Saturday and National Small Business Week are holidays started about a decade ago that have helped jumpstart a trend of shopping local and are celebrated nationally in communities large and small. In 2018, an estimated 17 billion consumers reported shopping or dining at local independently-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday, generating a record-high amount in spending. That’s tremendous! However, shouldn’t we be supporting our local businesses year-round?

YOU can be the difference in whether the shop down the street survives or dies after 2 years. YOU can be the regular customer that makes the difference so a local craftsman is able to send his children to college. By spending your time and money in local stores, you are changing lives for the better.

Making a point to shop local and show your support at least once a week throughout the year will change your community. So instead of waiting until Small Business Saturday to stop by a local retailer, go today to check out and uncover your new favorite places on the northshore!

Lacey Osborne is the President & CEO of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce.

46

Inside Northside

Holiday Dresses!

236 N Columbia St., Covington • (985) 809-1690 • shopmercantile.com 48

Inside Northside

1.

2.

Holiday Happies

3.

1. Janod 2-in-1 rocking bike. Goes from rocking toy to ride on push bike.

2. Hollis Blush Leopard Weekender bag.

3. Properly Tied Weathered Weekender Bag, available in charcoal, olive & wheat.

4. Candy Chic push doll pram.

5. Warmies Super Sized Lavender Hamster Hugger. 6. Rainbow Bluetooth Bling Boombox and Light Up Microphone,

4.

sold separately. 7. Janod progressive play table, table top rotates to white board.

5.

7.

6.

70515 Hwy. 21, Covington • (985) 900-2410 • November-December 2021 49

2.

1.

3.

4.

Timeless Gifts 1. Amorphic table lamp in antique brass. Lamp is made by hand using artisanal primitive bending and welding techniques. No two will be identical. 2. Elegant square open frame pendant light in a rich gold leaf finish. 3. The slender shape of this buffet lamp has a coffee bronze finish and is accented at the base with a starburst of selenite accents. 4. Golden Raindrops hand painted canvas. 5. Side table with graceful 5.

loops of hand forged metal finished in a lightly glazed gold leaf with an antique mirror top. 6. Mirror shaped frame with rounded corners, is made of a wide band of metal and has a thin inner metal tubing. It is finished in a gold leaf. 7. This two-drawer nightstand in the French country style features push-to-open drawers. Set on gently tapering legs, it features a carved, reeded frame around the drawer fronts and on the leg posts. The case is finished in a distressed cream with gold detailing. 8. Sitting upon four turned and tapered legs finished in Aztec gold, the tops of this pair of

6.

nesting tables are inlaid in crocodile-patterned textured resin and finished in a variegated cream and white.

8.

7.

50

Inside Northside

2981 Hwy 190, Mandeville • (985) 231-7411 • vhomeinteriors@yahoo.com

2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Fabulous Gifts

1. Set of 4 Holiday Napkins. $44 each set. 2. Micro Pixie Purse made from pebble grain leather with matching velvet interior.

8.

$325. 3. Botanical LUXE set of 2 dome bags $78. 4. Yellow Faux Fur Slippers $28. 5. Silent Night candle small $44. Large $50. 6. Mini top handle LUXE Jewelry Case $48. 7. Veuve Clicquot Bubbly coaster set of two. $42 Bubbly Small Tray $76. 8. All Smiles Slippers. $32.

1281 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville • (985) 626-9797 •

b November-December 2021 51

1.

2.

3.

4.

Santa Shops Local 1. Stemless Oyster Wine glasses, $19 each. 2. Party Earrings, $19 pair. 3. Lollia Bubble Bath, $40.

4. Cocktail Weenies Hand Towel, $16. 5. Champagne dreams PJ Set, $45. 6. Luster Martini glasses, $15/stem. 7. Diva Glamour Wash

by Tyler, starting at $9.

6.

7.

deCoeur • 228 N. Columbia St., Covington • (985) 809-3244 • deCoeur.net 52

Inside Northside

2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1. Sapphire and diamond ring

in

18kt. Gold, 2.84ct. sapphires, .41ct diamonds, $7,400. 2. Ruby and

7.

diamond necklace in 14kt. Gold, 2.33ct ruby, .39ct. diamonds, $6,995. 3. Gilded angels, starting at $59. 4. Gold trimmed marble trinket box with geode handle, $47.95. 5. Emerald and diamond ring in 14kt. Gold, 2.50 ct. emerald, .12 diamonds, $1,995. 6. Ornament shaped candle, $32.95. 7. Sparkling Santa water globe lantern for use with USB port or battery, $59.95.

842 N. Collins Blvd., Covington • (985) 892-2317 • delucasjewelry.com November-December 2021 53

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Give Unique!

1. Ceramic with gold serving tray, dishwasher safe, $45. 2. E Newton “Swim, sweat & shower in style” locket necklace, $148. 3. Antica Prosecco bubble bath, $38. 4. Hand-painted inspirational pillow, $45. 5. Willow Tree angel keepsake tree topper, $58.

1814 N. Causeway Blvd, Mandeville • (985) 807-7652 Next to Joe’s Shoes • mymelangebykp.com 54

Inside Northside

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Dreaming of a White Christmas

1. White french glass jewelry by Susan Shaw, Starting at $39.

2. Glass croco bootie with flare heel, $79. 3. Milk croco mini handbag, $60. 4. Earrings by local designer, Taylor Shaye, $39. 5. Cream bootie with elastic goring, $69. 6. Sugar mid calf bootie, $99. 7. Cream embossed

7.

combat boot with clear sole, $79.

Shoefflé • 228 N. Columbia St., Covington • (985) 898-6465 • shoeffle.com November-December 2021 55

Holiday Gift Guide

3

4

2

1

1. Gold metal buck deer bowl, $125.95. Redoux Home & Market, Mandeville, 674-8811. 2. Double old-fashioned glasses, Stag Head 5

design. Can be purchased as a set or individually. The Chiffarobe Clothing Women + Men, Franklinton, 207-2200. 3. Market Street lantern, shown with pendant yoke, in three sizes, starting at $358. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 900-2232, GulfCoastLanterns.com.

4. Mary pendant with blush crystals, $29. deCoeur, Covington, 809-

6

3244. 5. Natural pink quartz and brass sculptures on white marble base, $135-$175. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 6. Carved gypsum Santa with shaved-wood 7

appearance, over two feet tall, $49.95. Redoux Home & Market, Mandeville, 674-8811. 7. 14K 8

gold bolo bar bracelet, $435.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, New Orleans, 504-832-0000.

8. Astoria quartz rectangular boxes covered in lacquered gold leaf with smoky natural quartz stone handles. V Home & Interiors, Mandeville, 237-7411. 9. Lupine Christmas dog collar, $14-$20.

9

Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital, Covington, 888-1566.

56

Inside Northside

November-December 2021 57

Holiday Gift Guide 1

4 1. Bracha fashion jewelry; layered necklaces

2

shown, starting at $61.95. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 2. Insulated wine and cheese cooler with cheese board, knife & corkscrew. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 3. Glass resin wing sculpture on marble base, $520. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 4. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701. 5. Bid a long overdue farewell to 2021 3

and start 2022 with Nothing Bundt fun! Nothing Bundt Cakes, Covington, 888-6555.

5

6. Stuff her stocking with gift certificates for services from Northshore Rejuvenation, Slidell, 265-4544.

7. Champagne sequined top with satin pants. Ballin’s Ltd., Covington, 809-3244. 8. Paintings by Alabama artist Lorrie Lane, 6” x 6”, $95 each.

Greige Home Interiors, Covington,

10

875-7576. 9. Pick-Up Truck beverage coolers, 48”-40” long, from $639.

Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 10. Beaded Santa earrings.

9

Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1690 or 809-1789.

7

6

8

Holiday Gift Guide 1

2

3

4

5

6

7 1. Fresh Mexican cuisine including queso, fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more! La Carreta’s Restaurant, Mandeville, Covington, & Hammond, carretarestaurant.com. 2. We are all about delicious, fun, and shareable donut experiences that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth. Peace, Love, & Little Donuts, Covington, 400-9780. 3. Give Pat’s Seafood gift cards to the foodie in your life this holiday. Pat’s Seafood, Covington, 892-7287 & 400-5800. 4. Inspired mid-century modern setting, graceful service and new American cuisine that simply tastes delicious. One thirteen, Hammond, 402-3483. 5. Original New Orleans inspired dishes to the table with a side of Southern hospitality. Half Shell Oyster House, Covington, 276-4500. 6. Unwind and treat yourself to delectable, authentic Creole cuisine - from fresh fried seafood, to our famous Fried Green Tomateauxs, to overstuffed Po-boys. Creole Tomateaux, Mandeville, 951-2650. 7.

Upscale waterfront dining in Madisonville along the Tchefuncte River. We prepare ingredient-driven cuisine that celebrates the bounty of the region.

Tchefuncte’s & The Anchor, Madisonville, 323-4800.

60

Inside Northside

Holiday Gift Guide

4 1

1. Seasonal whispers bracelets.

The Chiffarobe Clothing Women + Men, Franklinton, 207-2200.

2

3

2. Bevolo’s 9” French Quarter patio lantern, $300. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Mandeville, 2496040. 3. Wilshire crystal decanter, $70. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 4. Assorted hand-painted ornaments, $24.95 each. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Covington, 892-2317.

62

Inside Northside

5 5. Hand-blown glass ornaments,

8

starting at $14. The Villa, Mandeville, 674-9797. 6. Daisy

6

wrap cuff bracelet with beaded adornment, $74. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652. 7. Brizo Litze articulating kitchen faucet with finished hose. Southland Plumbing, Mandeville, 893-8883. 8. Diamond initial pendant, all letters available, $695. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry,

7

New Orleans, 504-832-0000.

November-December 2021 63

Holiday Gift Guide

3

1. Acrylic frosted icicle tree with lights. Available in 13.5”, 17.75”, 24.5”. $29-$69. Corrinn Fisher Interiors, Covington, 888-1229. 2. Soft sneaker 2

1

with a wedge and smoke metallic finish, $129.

Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 3. 24K handcast, gold-plated ivory crystal chain necklace, $98, with coordinating earrings, $49. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 4. Beautiful and glowing skin begins with a daily regimen. Bleu proprietary medical-grade skin care products are customized to your skin type and skin goals. Bleu Med Spa & Laser Clinic, Covington, 710-1331. 5. Liana travel jewelry case, $75. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 6244045. 6. The Big Easy NOLA throw, $27. deCoeur, Covington, 809-3244. 7. Bottle-green velvet blazer and flowy wide-leg trousers. Jacket, $82; trouser, $66. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200.

4

7

5

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Inside Northside

6

November-December 2021 65

Holiday Gift Guide 1

3

4 1. Ginkgo leaf-shape earrings. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 2. Saint 2

candle with a prayer to the patron saint, holy oil, and Italian prayer coin blessed by priest and rabbi. $55. Corrinn Fisher Interiors, Covington, 888-1229. 3. Give the gift of pampering this holiday season. H20 Salon, Mandeville, 9518166. 4. Artisanal and handmade tiles and natural stones sourced from quarries worldwide. Stafford Tile & Stone, New Orleans, 504-895-5000.

5

5. Sorrento loop earrings, $102.

6 7

The Villa, Mandeville, 674-9797.

6. Women’s black faux-fur, openfront jacket with textured stripes, $54.

Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1690 or 809-1789. 7. Vietri rainbow martini glass, $15 each, with Cosmo drink bomb, $8 each. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652. 8. Soft Enough for a King: A Christmas Tradition of Service gift set. As your family fills the manger with fresh straw, with each strand representing an act of kindness to others, you’ll remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Kiki & Lolli, Covington, 900-2410.

8

LADIES, WE GET IT—it’s hard to spare a few minutes for you. Your time is valuable.

But so is your health. Let’s cut to the chase.

Here’s our reality—cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. 90% of women have or will have risk factors for heart disease at some point in their lives.

But here’s our bright side—the majority of cardiovascular diseases are preventable and easily treatable.

Now, be honest. You probably prioritize time for 68

Inside Northside

photo: MICHAEL PALUMBO

It’s Time to talk Women’s Heart Health

hair appointments and extensive skincare regimes to prevent signs of aging, right? But do you give the same attention to your preventive health care routine?

Only 1 in 5 women believe heart disease is her greatest health threat. What do you believe is the greatest threat to your health? Can you confidently say that you know your risk for cardiovascular disease? It’s time to make your heart health a priority.

First, schedule a wellness visit with your primary care provider (PCP). This annual visit gives your PCP insight into what’s happening internally because many signs of cardiovascular disease cannot be seen or even felt. Here’s what needs to happen during this time with your PCP: • Thorough health risk assessment • Lab work to determine your “baseline numbers” • Candid conversation about factors that affect your health.

Go Red for Women

And we’ll save you prep time! Use this guide and don’t walk out of the office until you fully understand your health status and next steps.

Locally presented by:

2021 Northshore Go Red For

Know Your Numbers!

Women Co-Chairs Suzie

Get a baseline report for your: • Blood pressure • Blood sugar • Total cholesterol • HDL (good cholesterol) • LDL (bad cholesterol) • Triglycerides • Vitamin levels Then Find Out More.

• What do these numbers mean?

• What can I do to improve?

• How often do I need to have my numbers checked?

Villere and Tammy O’Shea.

Dr. Rainier Batiste, a hospitalist with North Oaks Medical Center, says, “I treat women in the hospital every single day who could have easily avoided time on my floor and health complications if they would have just stayed on track with their PCP. I can never stress this enough—it’s crucial to make the time now to prevent bigger issues down the road.”

Continue to see your PCP for annual check-ups and lab work even if you feel fine because he/she knows your health history and can tell when things might be off.

2022 Northshore Go Red For Women Co-Chairs Lauren Andrews and Maura Donahue.

Must-Ask Questions

• What’s my risk of developing heart disease? How can I reduce my risk?

• How does my family history affect my risk of developing certain conditions?

• What preventive care measures are right for me and my lifestyle?

Let’s change the narrative around women’s heart health and improve the statistics. It starts with YOU. Make the time, make the appointment and make the change for your future.

(Source: American Heart Association)

photos: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

• What should be my weight/BMI? How can I get there?

My mother suffered a heart attack in her early 60’s so I decided to be proactive as I aged.

I met these wonderful ladies promoting the Circle of Red and I was all in. – Susie Villere November-December 2021 69

Go Red for Women Locally presented by:

Northshore Circle of Red Co-Chairs Debra Ethridge Lendon Noel

Lessley Adams Angelle Albright Lauren Andrews Julie Arena Gretchen Armbruster Beth Assaf Randi Barrett Michelle Boudreaux Michelle Bowers Naz Butcher Diane Cory Maura Donahue Mimi Dossett Annette Dowdle Shalena Drury Jherie Ducombs Marguerite Duvic Rhonda Eckholdt Patti Ellish Carrie Ferrell Tina Flick Susan Geoghegan Donna Giardina Samantha Goodwin Elizabeth Healy Yvette Jemison Courtney Jenkins Julie Johnson Suzy Kessenich Christina Ladner CJ Ladner Melonie Lagalante Kim Lanasa Maria Landry Diane Laplace Heather Mahoney Christel Malinski Amy McIntyre Lori Murphy Stephanie Miller Murphy Tammy O'Shea Nancy Jean Read Jennifer Rice Norma Richard Jeanine Riecke Louise Rusch Laurie Schneiderhan Kristen Cobb Simpson Becky Slatten Janet Fabre Smith Melita St. Romain Toni Stevens Karen Treuting Cindy Trist Melissa Varnado Suzie Villere Lisa Ward Elizabeth Westervelt Stacey Whittemore Meg Williams

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Join us in the circle of red

CIRCLE OF RED IS AN INSPIRATIONAL GROUP of dedicated supporters who have the passion, motivation and inspiration to drive change in their community regarding the heart health of women. They’re devoted to amplifying the reality that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women by supporting Go Red for Women with their time, influence and financial resources.

Circle of Red Members are standing together with Go Red for Women to change the world.

Suzy Kessenich

Meg Williams

CJ Ladner

I was excited to Chair Go Red for Women because each member has their own connection to the disease and passion to make a difference.

Members have been able to help spread awareness and education. It’s rewarding to align with such an impactful organization. Together, we raise awareness, we raise dollars and we raise up the level of fun and fashion.

– Tammy O’Shea 2021 Go Red for Women Co-Chair

Yvette Jemison

Maria Landry

Become a part of the Circle of Red. Your support, influence and gift will make a tremendous impact in the lives of so many women.

Please contact Your Go Red for Women Team at AHANewOrleans@heart. org or 504.872.3500 for more information on how you can join the Circle of Red. Diane Laplace

Annette Dowdle

The Circle of Red has so much positive energy! It reminds me to keep fun in everything I do.

– Annette Dowdle

Go Red for Women Locally presented by:

Heart-to-Heart with Dr. Jherie Ducombs

Trending questions from women answered by an expert.

What symptoms do women often downplay or ignore that can be a warning sign of heart issues?

Women are more likely than men to experience “atypical” symptoms of heart disease and brush off signs like nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain, cold sweats, shortness of breath or lightheadedness. These issues may come and go, making it less likely for women to seek medical care. I can’t say it enough—make the appointment when you think something isn’t normal.

What advice do you have for women when it comes to heart disease prevention?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

You need to know, understand and get control of 4 things: your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and BMI. Discuss your lifestyle with your health care provider and make changes that will improve your life.

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) “Life’s Simple 7” is a great plan to follow. For more information please visit: heart.org/healthyforgood.

How can stress impact my heart?

Stress can cause high blood pressure; poor sleep (ugh!); “stress hormones” that trigger blood vessel inflammation; and a higher likelihood of alcohol/ tobacco consumption. Severe stress can even lead to a temporary heart condition called “broken heart syndrome.” And guess what—all of these conditions increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

I am a mom, wife, professional, friend, chef, chauffeur, dog walker—all the things that you probably are too!

Try incorporating simple stress coping mechanisms into your daily routine. Take breaks, practice breathing 72

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exercises, laugh and try something that fits your lifestyle like yoga, meditation or regular exercise.

What’s your “go-to” heart-healthy meal?

Super Foods Salad—I can’t get enough of it. It’s loaded with vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Find lots of free and easy heart healthy recipes like my favorite at recipes.heart.org. Overall, I’m a big fan of the Mediterranean Diet, which is associated with decreased risk of new-onset or recurrent cardiovascular disease and is recommended by the AHA. With this nutritious lifestyle, you’ll consume plant-based foods (whole grains, veggies, legumes, fruits, nuts), olive oil (a primary source of healthy fat) and fish, seafood, dairy and poultry in moderation.

Any final thoughts?

Despite an increase in awareness over the past decade, only 56% of women recognize that heart disease is their number one killer. We have to do better, especially since the majority of cardiovascular diseases are preventable with treatment or lifestyle changes.

Ladies, you know your body best, so seek care when you feel something isn’t right. Get hold of your heart health now so you won’t miss a beat!

Jherie Ducombs, MD, FACC, a board-certified cardiologist at North Oaks Cardiology in Hammond, is passionate about heart disease prevention. She is the assistant chief medical officer at North Oaks Health System, serves on the American Heart Association Southeast Board of Directors and is a Circle of Red member. Dr. Ducombs was chosen as a “Women in Medicine” honoree by the AHA-Greater New Orleans in 2019.

Common myths about heart disease “It’s a man’s disease.”

“But I’m too young.”

“Breast cancer is the real threat.”

IF YOU’VE HEARD OR SAID any of these before, you’re not alone.

It’s time to set the record straight and start thinking of this as a disease that doesn’t spare women and children. Your health is non-negotiable; we need to separate fact from fiction so that together we can stop this killer once and for all.

Myth: Heart disease is for men, and cancer is the real threat for women.

Fact: Heart disease is a killer that strikes more women than men and is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined.

While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, heart disease is the cause of one out of every three deaths.

That’s roughly one death each minute.

Myth: Heart disease is for old people.

Fact: Heart disease affects women of all ages. For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent. And while the risks do increase with age, things like overeating and a sedentary lifestyle can cause plaque to accumulate and lead to clogged arteries later in life. But even if you lead a completely healthy lifestyle, being born with an underlying heart condition can be a risk factor.

Myth: I don’t have any symptoms.

Fact: Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Because these symptoms vary greatly between men and women, they’re often misunderstood. The media has conditioned us to believe that the telltale sign of a heart attack is extreme chest pain.

But in reality, women are somewhat more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Other symptoms women should look out for are dizziness, feeling lightheaded or fainting, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen and extreme fatigue.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers.

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Generous Hearts

by Susan Bonnett Bourgeois

THE TITLE OF THIS RECURRING SEGMENT, “Generous Hearts,” always makes me smile, especially at this time of year. As we take a cumulative sigh coming off a really challenging two years, this holiday season causes me to reflect on all the good that the incredibly generous hearts on the Northshore have made possible through our trying, exhausting, pandemic- and hurricanefilled lives.

In the midst of unchartered challenges, and because of you, your Northshore Community Foundation accomplished some very unique things for some truly amazing people.

September heat is hard on all of us, but it is unsafe for our golden generation. We helped to deliver generators, fuel, fans, and food to homebound elderly neighbors who needed it the most. We even made sure that the equipment was safely installed and in working order.

Facts from The Front Lines - When confusion seemed to be leading the Covid dialogue, we assembled the Northshore medical community and hundreds of people heard directly from doctors to get firsthand information to inform themselves, their families, their employees, and their entire communities on the resurgence of the pandemic.

More Nurses, More Care – We supported an exceptional effort between Slidell Memorial Hospital and Northshore Technical Community College to get expedited training for healthcare workers, enabling them to be on the healthcare front lines during the pandemic.

Fueling Communities, Literally – We worked with our partners at Chevron to provide 10,000 gallons of gas, free of charge, for the desperate need to keep fueling our homes, cars and lives immediately after the storm.

Feeding our Neighbors - From Good Sam’s Ministry in Slidell to Our Daily Bread in Hammond, we helped to support critical community partners and the resources they needed to feed our communities.

Keeping our Old Folks Safe - South Louisiana

Giving Kids and Parents a Break – We enabled the Louisiana Children’s Museum to open its doors immediately after Hurricane Ida, free of charge, at the height of our desperation and stress so kids and parents alike could cool off and forget about the challenges at home.

Sometimes people think of the Northshore Community Foundation as a sort of charitable bank, writing checks from 9-5 and calling it a day. The reality could not be more different, as we spend our days making vital connections, addressing needs and directly impacting lives throughout the region. The only way we are able to do all of this is because of the generous hearts on the Northshore and our absolute commitment to one another. We are humbled and grateful to act as a catalyst for good.

Because of You

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M A R R I A G E A N D

LoCicero-Trist

L O V E

Strike up the band! Guests knew Peyton Elizabeth LoCicero

and James Boëhringer “Beau” Trist’s celebration would be something special even before some dubbed it Louisiana’s “wedding of the year!”

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No detail was overlooked in the events planned by Peyton’s mom, who was lured out of retirement as a highly sought after wedding guru to add her legendary flair to the festivities. Heidi’s one request was to fully enjoy her role as mother of the bride, so the ZEvent staff became an integral part of the wedding dream team.

Their love of the city and desire to make the weekend a family affair made New Orleans the perfect backdrop. The new Higgins Hotel served as “home base” for the weekend. A reception featuring the couple’s signature drinks and a jazz band welcomed out-of-towners.

The bridesmaids luncheon at Commander’s Palace was hosted by family friends in Peyton’s honor. The groom’s late aunt, the restaurant’s original grand dame, Ella Brennan, was known for saying, “I don’t want a restaurant where a jazz band can’t come marching through!” So, that is exactly what the Kinfolk Brass Band did!

Restauranteurs Dickie Brennan, Beau’s godfather, and Lauren Brower, his godmother, welcomed the bridal party to the rehearsal dinner at Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse hosted by the groom’s parents. A special video by Peyton’s news team brought hearty laughter!

After a private “first look,” the church bells at Old Saint Patrick’s Church rang out. Guests entered through an arch of 2,000 white roses, ranunculus, peonies and hydrangeas designed

by Sue Rudiger of Beth’s Flowers.

A trumpeter heralded Peyton and her father’s arrival, as organist Andrew Mills played The Formal Wedding March. Her Vagabond Bridal in South Africa, was made from dove-white sequin lace with a structured bodice, scoop open back and a dramatic scalloped statement train. For her church look, the bride wore a full tulle overskirt with a hand-beaded belt.

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photos: PURE 7 STUDIO

contemporary, off-the-shoulder gown, by Valery Zelenyuk of

Peyton’s cathedral-length veil was adorned with crystals and pearls. Her something borrowed was a strand of pearls from her mother-in-law, which held a gift from her father—a pendant of her new monogram—and something blue was her mother’s sapphire and pearl bracelet. A lucky six pence from England was tucked in her shoe!

Peyton’s bouquet was a sentimental assortment of flowers that Beau had given her during their courtship, consisting of peonies, sweet peas, roses and hydrangeas. The 14 bridesmaids carried a Mayfair bouquet and wore one-shoulder gowns with an elegant, long side train. The flower girls carried silver baskets with white roses.

Beau’s groomsmen wore white dinner jacket tuxedos, with fleur de lis cufflinks from the bride and groom, and monogrammed suspenders.

For Peyton and Beau, the sacrament of marriage was the highlight of their wedding weekend. With the guidance of longtime family friend Father Tom Bouterie, they recognized faith-filled family relationships that had stood the test of time.

Beau surprised Peyton with the wedding band her paternal grandmother had worn for 50 years, and Peyton presented Beau with the ring his grandfather and namesake, General James Boëhringer Cobb, wore during his 50 years of marriage.

Following the ceremony, the church doors swung open to reveal a strolling bar to keep guests entertained while the photos were taking place inside the church. The Kinfolk Brass Band led a second line to buses for the short trip to the Capital, an old bank lobby transformed into a reception venue with bespoke southern charm and elegance.

Guests entered through spectacular floral installations by MOSS New Orleans, as white-gloved servers greeted them with champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Food stations filled the ballroom. A 4-foot ice sculpture offered seafood treats. Other delicious options from redfish almandine to filet mignon were served. Soaring wrought iron and glass candelabras held lush floral arrangements that cascaded onto the floor.

As Beau led Peyton to the dance floor, The Mixed Nuts

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band played the couple’s song, You Are The Best Thing. Later, the LoCicero and Trist families linked arms to sing and dance to We Are Family!

Band leader Will Credo interrupted the family song, pointing to floor-toceiling curtains that opened, revealing an LSU/Ole Miss tailgating area. Team tents had chefs preparing LSU treats for Beau, an LSU graduate—jambalaya, crawfish pies, filet gumbo and corn dogs, of course. Under the glistening chandelier-lit Ole Miss tent for Rebel Peyton, a chef was serving up Hotty Toddy fare, such as chicken on a stick, chicken and waffles and sliders. Each tent had photos of the bride and groom from childhood on, along with couches with team pillows and tall glass vases filled with personalized pennants.

The pièce de résistance was the groom’s cake, a chocolate doberge replica of LSU’s Tiger Stadium, surrounded by the Golden Band, guarded by a 7-foot tiger and flanked by Ole Miss’s iconic Walk of Champions arch, which the bride’s mother made.

Once revelers got their fill in the tailgate area, they headed to the photo booth.

The bride curated musical instruments so guests could “strike up the band” in the photos. A specialty drink station was also a hub of activity. Peyton co-hosts a TV show, News with a Twist, so her drink, a spicy margarita, was named “News with a TRIST.” The “Money Maker,” a signature margarita, was named for Beau’s profession.

When the Soul Sisters band joined The Mixed Nuts on stage, they whipped the crowd into a frenzy with soulful renditions of Motown classics and dance favorites including Twist & Shout and Twisting the Night Away. A giant balloon and marquee light-letter installation spelled out TRIST & SHOUT. Ole Miss-colored pom poms. A vintage Rolls Royce took the couple on a romantic ride through the Big Easy before taking them to their honeymoon suite.

Following a trip to Rivera Maya, Mexico, Peyton and Beau are back in New Orleans ready to cheer on their Rebels, Tigers and Saints—oh my!

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photos: PURE 7 STUDIO

When the last call was made, the couple left through a tunnel of LSU- and

M A R R I A G E A N D L O V E

Cousin-Caruso

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Natalie Claire Cousin of Mandeville and Nicholas Paul Caruso of Baton Rouge exchanged wedding vows at Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church in New Orleans in a ceremony officiated by Father Anthony McGinn.

Escorted down the aisle by her father, the bride wore a fit-n-flare ivory Mikado gown featuring a ruched top with a sophisticated side bow designed by EddyK from Olivier Couture. The bridesmaids’ modified-halter, A-line dresses in taupe satin-twill were from The Dessy Group. Nick and his groomsmen wore classic black tailored suits with black ties. Flowers for the ceremony were a variety of white and pale blush roses with different shades of wispy greenery by Meade Wenzel.

The Orpheum Theater, a century-old Beaux Arts theater, was the stunning setting for the reception following the ceremony. The interior boasts beautiful, fluted columns, accented with acanthus leaf laurels hand-painted to match the original 1920s’ color palate, a stucco ceiling with garlands and medallions, and marble entry and bar.

Luxurious red velvet curtains unveiled the couple as they were announced to their guests. Dancing started immediately to music by The Boogie Men. Family and guests enjoyed Southern cuisine by Bella Luna Catering, featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, penne pasta with barbequed shrimp and smoked brisket of beef.

The bride’s four-tiered cake by Nonna Randazzo was set off by fresh flowers and greenery and highlighted with spotlights in one of the balcony loge boxes for a dramatic display. The groom’s cake by Sweet Life Bakery depicted his love of fishing with a fondant-covered RTIC ice chest filled with crushed ice and redfish, photos: NAE YAO PHOTOGRAPHY

with beer on the side.

In true Italian tradition, loved ones circled the couple dancing to Louis Prima’s Che La Luna. A table was dedicated to Italian cookies handmade with love by the groom’s family from family recipes dating back to the early 1900s.

At the end of the night, the couple whisked away to the sounds of cheering through a tunnel of sparklers for their honeymoon in St. Lucia. They reside in Baton Rouge.

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Inspiring Renovations Creating the Perfect Chef’s Kitchen

photos: YVETTE ZUNIGA JEMISON YDelicacies.com

by Adrienne Jemison

WITH MY SISTER AND I BOTH LIVING on opposite coasts, our holidays at home in Louisiana have turned to focus more on the time our family gets to spend together and less on all of the extra preparations. While my mother and I worked together this year to renovate our family home, this was an important factor in many of our decisions.

We wanted to focus not just on how the home functions every day, but also how it functions on special days. We reminisced on past years for inspiration that led to these changes.

In the living room where we open our gifts on Christmas morning, we replaced a pair of chairs with a cozy white sofa so that we can all sit together as a family.

The kitchen island is where guests gather around as we lay out all of the dishes at Thanksgiving, where

we decorate my mom’s homemade sugar cookies and where my dad wraps everyone’s gifts. We decided to lower the bar-height portion to create one large, level countertop for a more inviting, communal feeling and a little extra surface space.

In the formal dining room, where we enjoy our Christmas dinner every year, we incorporated lighter curtains and chair upholstery so the room would feel softer, brighter and more festive at nighttime.

Below are some of our favorite constructionfree tips for simplifying your home this holiday season so you can focus less on planning and more on quality time.

Swap out some of your everyday decor for soft neutrals and mixed metallics. As the trees begin to lose their leaves outside, borrow a few branches to add a more organic feel.If you prefer a little more >>

Adrienne and Yvette Jemison.

November-December 2021 81

color, pairing bright greenery with gold will give you a festive pop of contrast. Both of these looks are subtle enough that you can make these simple changes well in advance, then sit back and relax when the peak holiday craze hits. And the best part?

Come January 1, there’s no rush to put it all away.

Clearing off your countertops as much as possible will offer some much needed extra room for decorating cookies, wrapping gifts, and laying out your Thanksgiving dinner spread.

Having fewer items on the counters will also allow your decorations to truly shine. The kitchen is a perfect spot to showcase some of your favorite holiday cookbooks, a cake stand for festive treats, flowers, or an arrangement of seasonal produce.

If you’re the chef in your family, find an afternoon when you can clean out and take inventory of your spice drawer.

Knowing what you already have and making it easily accessible will make your holiday cooking faster and more flavorful! If 82

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photos: YVETTE ZUNIGA JEMISON YDelicacies.com

Marketplace

you’ll be hosting out-of-town relatives or plan on throwing any dinner parties this year, try setting up a coffee and tea station in your bar. Your guests will feel welcome to help themselves to a beverage, while minimizing traffic jams in the kitchen at breakfast time and post-dinner. Some favorites to include are a coffee machine or electric kettle, assortment of teas and coffee pods, sweeteners, mugs and teaspoons, and a cookie jar of biscotti. Don’t have a designated bar area? Not to worry - this can easily be set up on a sideboard or console table in your living or dining room, too!

November-December 2021 83

IN Great Taste

by Yvette Zuniga Jemison

Cheese Balls for Holiday Entertaining

WHEN CREAM CHEESE and your favorite add-ins are blended together, you’ll easily create a popular party food—a cheese ball. Whether you add a cheese ball to a snack tray or serve it as a stand-alone treat, they’re ideal for casual gatherings and parties. You can go the traditional route with these make-ahead appetizers and shape them into a ball that is rolled in chopped nuts. For an updated twist that allows everyone to have their own serving, simply roll into bite-size portions and create picks with thinly sliced salami and cornichons. We’ve rounded up three of our favorite flavor combinations. Our white cheddar and walnut cheese ball gets a little kick from prepared horseradish. For a sweet-and-savory combination, serve the pistachio and goat cheese torte with sliced apples. For a bold flavor, try our smoked almond and cheddar cheese ball, which gets its smoky flavor from smoked paprika and smoked almonds.

As the busy holiday entertaining season approaches, master the art of making this retro hors d’oeuvre with a few tips. Use room-temperature cream cheese as your foundation. Your additional cheese should also be at room temperature for smooth mixing. Scoop the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap, and use the wrap to help 84

Inside Northside

you shape it. Allow two hours for the cheese ball to become firm before coating with garnishes. For cheese balls that have been chilled overnight, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Create contrast between the creamy interior by serving your cheese ball with crunchy crackers, crisp vegetable sticks or apple slices.

White Cheddar and Walnut Cheese Ball Servings: 8-10 ½ cup walnuts 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish 2 teaspoons lemon zest 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, grated crackers for serving

1. In a medium skillet on medium heat, cook the walnuts, occasionally stirring, until toasted in spots. Transfer to a cutting board and coarsely chop; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl with a mixer on medium speed, blend the cream cheese, horseradish, lemon zest, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes until well combined. Fold in the white cheddar cheese until combined.

3. Scoop the mixture onto the center of a large piece of plastic wrap. Lift all the corners of the plastic wrap and bring them together above the cheese mixture. Press the mixture through the plastic wrap to shape into a ball. Securely close the plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheese ball until firm, 2 hours and up to 1 day ahead.

4. Roll the cheese ball in the walnuts until completely coated. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving with crackers.

Pistachio and Goat Cheese Ball Servings: 8-10 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 4 ounces goat cheese, room temperature ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ cup dried apricots, finely chopped ½ cup pistachios, chopped 1-2 sliced apples or crackers for serving

Smoked Almond and Cheddar Cheese Ball Servings: 8-10 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon sea salt 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated ½ cup smoked almonds Crackers or vegetable sticks for serving

1. In a medium bowl, using a hand-held mixer, blend the cream cheese, paprika, garlic powder and salt until well combined. Fold in the cheddar cheese until combined.

2. Scoop the mixture onto the center of a large piece of plastic wrap. Lift all the corners of the plastic wrap and bring them together above the cheese mixture.

Press the mixture through the plastic wrap to shape into a ball. Securely close the plastic wrap, and refrigerate the cheese ball until firm, 2 hours and up to 1 day ahead.

3. When ready to serve, press the round end of the almonds into the top and sides of the cheese ball. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving with crackers or vegetable sticks.

1. In a medium bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, blend the cream cheese, goat cheese, onions, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well blended. Fold in the apricots until combined.

2. Scoop the mixture onto the center of a large piece of plastic wrap. Lift all the corners of the plastic wrap and bring them together above the cheese mixture. Press the mixture through the plastic wrap to shape into a ball. Securely close the plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheese ball until firm, 2 hours and up to 1 day ahead.

3. Roll the cheese ball in the pistachios until completely coated. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving with sliced apples or crackers.

We’d like to see which recipe you’ve made, so share with us on Instagram @insidenorthside and @y_delicacies.

Scan QR code to go @y_delicacies

by Yvette Jemison on Instagram.

November-December 2021 85

Last Look

by John Snell

Tchefuncte Daybreak Reflections by FOX 8’s John Snell.

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