Fall in Love with Our Lakeside Oasis
February is the month of love, and here at Mandeville City Lifestyle, we’re celebrating all the reasons we adore our vibrant community.
In this issue, you’ll meet Leslie Cuti, owner of Organizing With Leslie (OWL), who transforms chaos into calm with her passion for organizing. Leslie helps families create space for what matters most. Her warm, judgment free expertise brings relief to busy moms, overwhelmed professionals, empty-nesters, and anyone seeking less stress and more serenity.
We also journey back in time to explore a century-old secret that connects John James Audubon—America’s greatest natural history artist and the namesake of our zoo, aquarium, nature institute, park, streets, and neighborhoods—to Mandeville. Whether painting the curve of a heron’s neck or detailing the feathers of a Great Horned Owl, Audubon’s love for Louisiana helped him transform personal loss into lasting legacy.
This month, you’ll also find an array of recipes and DIYs to elevate your Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras celebrations: tips for building the perfect bouquet, a guide to designing gold leaf jewelry dishes, the recipe for a delicious pear and prosciutto salad, and everything you need for a handmade date night.
There’s much to celebrate in our corner of the world, so be sure to check out our Business Monthly, City Scene, and Events calendar.
Mandeville isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place that lives. So here’s to falling in love with life in our lakeside oasis all over again.
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Rebecca George | rebecca.george@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Christian George | christian.george@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bailey Hall, Christian George, Audrey Kuether, Amalia (Amy) Loli
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Abby Sands, Christian George, Angele Crosby, Amalia (Amy) Loli
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
REBECCA GEORGE & CHRISTIAN GEORGE , PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL COORDINATOR @MANDEVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
1: Krisztina Mikolavich at Mandeville Trailhead Community Market 2: Sondra Sercovich at the Old Mandeville Business Association's Christmas Past Festival 3: Karen Cutrell at the Old Mandeville Business Association's Christmas Past Festival 4: Lauren Murphy at Sips of the Season Stroll 5: Jan Boudreaux and Meredith Beauregard at Sips of the Season Stroll 6: Dom Scontrino at McClain's Pizza 7: Jessica Clement at Grandiflora Garden Center
business monthly
Support for Veterans with PTSD and Pain
Healthy Body Healthy Soul is pleased to honor and show gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. In recognition of their sacrifices, they offer veterans four free hours in their EESystem to be used each month. Call their office at (985) 898-9445 to receive your hours for this month and book your session.
https://healthybodyhealthysoul-la.com
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Free Real Estate Photography for Local Agents
Kapture Krewe, locally owned and operated by Bri Wale, is a one-stop shop for real estate media on the Northshore and surrounding areas. Kapture Krewe offers photos, videos, social media reels, and more with a 24-hour turnaround. If you are a local agent seeking high-quality media for your listings, visit the link below to book your free photography session.
https://portal.spiro.media/order/kapture/order
New Men’s Health Center in Mandeville
Local owners Chris and Tonya Beck, along with their team of providers, are pleased to bring comprehensive men’s health services in a man-cave environment to Mandeville. Gameday Men’s Health offers services for testosterone optimization, sexual health, weight loss, and more. Call (985) 317-3577 to schedule your complimentary consultation and complimentary testosterone and PSA tests.
https://linkod.art/p/mandeville
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ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN GEORGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLIE CUTI AND CHRISTIAN GEORGE
What does it feel like to breathe again?
For Leslie Cuti, owner of Organizing With Leslie, it’s the feeling her clients describe after she helps them transform chaos into clarity. “‘I feel like I can breathe again, like there’s been a weight lifted,’” Leslie often hears. “Most people call because they’re just overwhelmed, and they just don’t know where to start.”
FROM CLASSROOMS TO CLOSETS
After a 25-year career as an educator, Leslie knows firsthand the necessity of systems. Teaching and school administration honed her ability to identify unique needs and create tailored solutions, but it was the demands of her personal life—juggling three kids, her husband’s work travel, and a full-time job—that pushed her to develop organizational systems. “To keep our sanity, I had to figure out how to make our lives run smoothly,” Leslie says. “I had to be able to function and go to work every day, so I taught myself organizational strategies.”
Through meal-planning, schedule management, and navigating chaotic days, she realized that organization isn’t one-sizefits-all. “It’s about designing systems that work for you ,” she says.
But becoming a professional organizer wasn’t a one-day decision. The seeds of her business were planted during one of the
most challenging seasons of her life. Exactly two months after moving into their dream home, Hurricane Ida struck, “placing four oak trees right in the middle of our brand-new house.” One moment, her family was settling in, and the next, they were packing up again.
In the aftermath, Leslie had to organize everything: insurance claims, logistics, receipts, and the emotional toll. Systems became her lifeline. “The more I took care of these various parts, I realized that there’s a need for people to live organized.” For Leslie, organization isn’t just about a tidy space. It’s about creating calm when life feels out of control, when the storm outside matches the one inside.
LIKE FAILURE.
WE’RE TAUGHT TO THINK WE SHOULD JUST KNOW HOW TO DO IT ALL. WHEN WE CAN’T, IT FEELS
Her husband encouraged her to turn her talents into a business. “I thought being organized was just something everyone had to figure out on their own,” Leslie laughs. But when she realized how much relief she could bring to others, it all clicked. “I knew this was what I was meant to do.”
Eighteen months later, Leslie left education to launch her full-time business. It was a leap of faith, but she knew she was being called to help others experience more freedom.
THE “WITH” MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Leslie chose her company’s name, Organizing With Leslie, with intention. “The with is the biggest part,” she says. “I don’t just walk into your home and organize it while you’re gone. I teach you, walk you through it, and help you create systems that are sustainable.”
Leslie tailors her services to the holistic needs of each client. She helps families declutter, coaches overwhelmed moms to manage busy schedules, optimizes business and office workflows, and even assists with packing and unpacking during moves (what she calls “purge-and-pack”).
“I organize for your lifestyle. I teach you how to maintain a calendar and a schedule
that works for you. I teach how to plan weekly meals so that you’re not scrambling at the end of the day when you don’t feel like making dinner or even thinking about whether what’s in the pantry could be made into a meal.”
Leslie also understands that asking for help—and inviting someone into your mess—can feel vulnerable. “We’re taught to think we should just know how to do it all—manage our homes, kids, schedules, meals, and work. When we can’t, it feels
like failure,” she says. “But we’re so busy, and these are skills that I didn’t learn in high school or college. It’s okay to reach out for help, and I don’t judge.”
Combining her organizing expertise with life coaching principles, Leslie adds, “Sometimes, the problem isn’t the clutter—it’s our mindset. If you think it’s hopeless, you stay stuck. But when you realize, ‘I can do this,’ everything changes.”
HOW TO START LIVING ORGANIZED
For those ready to clean up the clutter, Leslie’s process is simple. “It starts with a free consultation,” she says. “No cleaning up beforehand—I need to see real life so we can create systems that truly work for you.”
Whether it’s a one-time reset or ongoing support, Leslie empowers her clients to sustain their progress long-term. “I don’t just ‘fix it’ and walk away,” she says. “I check in, adjust as life changes, and help you maintain your systems for the long haul.”
For busy moms, overwhelmed professionals, empty-nesters ready to downsize, or anyone craving less stress, Leslie says, “You don’t have to live in chaos. Organization is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.”
This February, as we reflect on what we love most, Leslie encourages us to remember that blessings often wear disguises. Reflecting on the oak trees that destroyed her home but launched her new business, she adds, “Sometimes, seeds are planted when we least expect it.”
In just two years, Leslie has grown a thriving business that helps families love their space—and make space for what matters most. “Every day, I get confirmation that I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do,” she says. “Organizing isn’t just my job—it brings me pure joy.”
To connect with Leslie and start your own journey toward an organized life, visit organizingwithleslie.com and schedule your free consultation.
DIY GOLD LEAF JEWELRY DISHES
supplies you’ll need:
• Wooden bowls, trays, etc.
• Gold leaf (or metallic gold paint)
• Gentle gold leaf brush
• Mod Podge (or gold leaf adhesive)
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Painters tape (optional)
I’m a 100% disabled veteran and have been suffering from severe back pain for years. A f ter 4 hours in the EESystem at Hea lthy Body Hea lthy Soul, I came out pain-free and with a smile on my face that I a lmost can ’ t wipe off. It’s tota lly life-changing! If you ’ re suffering from any k ind of ailment, I highly recommend visiting for yourself.”
steps to do:
• Grab a wooden bowl, some acrylic paint, and a brush.
• Hand paint some paint on one section of the bowl.
• Let the first coat dry and paint another two to three coats of paint until you’re happy with the result.
• Let the paint fully dry.
• I wanted my gold leaf paper to overlap the paint for a layered look, so I took a paint brush and painted some Mod Podge in an overlapping pattern.
• Once the Mod Podge gets tacky, use your hand to apply the gold leaf and accompanying wax sheet.
• Push the gold leaf onto the tacky glue, then remove the top layer of paper.
• Use your fingers to gently push the gold leaf onto the glue a little further.
• Next, use the gold leaf brush to smooth over the whole area and gently wipe away any excess gold leaf. Pay extra attention to the edges.
• Next, smooth the gold leaf section as much as possible, but don’t worry about any imperfections. The organic look of the gold leaf being imperfect gives the piece character.
• Next, work your way to the outer edge.
• Once the gold leaf is perfected, gently brush over the leaf with some Mod Podge to seal it to the bowl.
• Let it completely dry and enjoy!
“They’re a great and affordable gift idea for friends.”
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
The Man, the Myth, and His Surprising Connection to Mandeville
ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN GEORGE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
John James Audubon, the famed namesake of Audubon Zoo and Audubon Park, is synonymous with the breathtaking artistry of American wildlife. His masterpiece, The Birds of America , secured his place as the nation’s greatest natural history artist.
Louisiana Heron, John James Audubon, 1834
“The State of Louisiana has always been my favourite portion of the Union.”
— John James Audubon
Yet behind his enduring legacy is a story few know—a tale of personal loss, social stigma, and an unexpected connection to Mandeville.
For over a century, people believed John James Audubon was born in Mandeville. This myth, fueled by Audubon himself and his biographers, captured imaginations worldwide and lent the small town of Mandeville a brush with immortality. Pilgrims flocked to Fontainebleau—the supposed site of his birth—to see the origins of the man who painted birds with a level of detail so exacting that it rivaled the science of his time.
But how did this legend take flight? And what does it say about Audubon’s love for Louisiana?
SCANDALOUS BEGINNINGS
Audubon’s early life was as transient as the migratory birds he would later immortalize. Born April 26, 1785, on a Santo Domingo sugar plantation (now
Haiti), he was the son of a French sea captain and Jeanne Rabine, his mother who died soon after his birth. Under French law, his illegitimacy denied him inheritance, baptism, and social acceptance — a stigma that followed him throughout his life.
To protect him, Audubon’s father sent him to France, where his wife, Anne Moynet, lovingly adopted and raised him. To avoid Napoleon’s draft, his father sent him to Pennsylvania with a forged passport claiming Audubon was born in Louisiana.
A LOVE FOR LOUISIANA
To anyone who lives on the Northshore, it’s small wonder that Audubon tried to root his family tree in Mandeville. “The State of Louisiana has always been my favourite portion of the Union,” he wrote.
Audubon fell in love with Louisiana in 1820 during a challenging time in his life. His ventures as a merchant, mill owner, and farmer had failed, leaving
Trumpeter Swan, John James Audubon, 1838
him in debt and struggling to support his family. Turning to his artistic talent and passion for ornithology, he sought a fresh start in New Orleans. “I parted with every particle of property,” he said, “keeping only the clothes I wore, my original drawings, and my gun.”
Hoping to find patrons to publish The Birds of America , his early efforts yielded little success. In 1821, he briefly tutored at Oakley Plantation in St. Francisville. The lush environment inspired him, offering countless bird species to study. Of the Louisiana Heron, he wrote, “Delicate in form, beautiful in plumage, and graceful in its movements … I never see this Heron without calling it the Lady of the Waters.”
Sketching the graceful arc of a wing or the delicate curve of a Brown Pelican’s beak, Audubon was reminded that even in the wild’s harsh realities, courage still existed. Even after the devastating death of his infant daughter, Rosa, in 1811, there was still hope, still life.
Audubon paintings, to be sure, are anything but still
Unlike his contemporaries who painted stilted birds that looked like wooden statues, Audubon’s works exploded with life—birds mid-flight, caught in the act of hunting, preening, and feeding. His love for birds was more than a passion; it became his vocation that soared to the heights of art, science, and storytelling. Each painting told a story, complete with a beginning, middle, and ending—a testament to Audubon’s belief that nature is not to be merely observed but experienced.
Top: John James Audubon by John Syme, 1826
Bottom: Snowy Heron or White Egret, John James Audubon, 1835
“I never for a day gave up listening to the songs of our birds…. This never failed to bring me the most valuable of thoughts and always comfort.”
— John James Audubon
FROM LOSS TO LEGACY
Louisiana gave Audubon more than a home— it offered solace. Near the end of his life, as dementia clouded his memory, he reflected on how he coped with loss:
“One of the most extraordinary things among all these adverse circumstances was that I never for a day gave up listening to the songs of our birds, or watching their peculiar habits, or delineating them in the best way that I could …. During my deepest troubles I frequently would wrench myself from the persons around me and
retire to some secluded part of our noble forests; and many a time, at the sound of the woodthrush’s melodies have I fallen on my knees, and there prayed earnestly to our God. This never failed to bring me the most valuable of thoughts and always comfort.”
Despite the stigma of his birth and the sorrows he endured, John James Audubon discovered a truth that still applies to all of us who call Louisiana home:
You don’t have to be born in Mandeville for Mandeville to be born in you.
Cardinal Grosbeak, John James Audubon, 1833
A Handmade Date Night
Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.
A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.
From-Scratch Pasta
what you need
Lavender Bath Salt Blend
what you need
16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil
what you do
In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com
Yield: 1 pound
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4 large eggs
what you do
1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.
2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.
3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com
Dark Chocolate Truffles
what you need
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
what you do
1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature.
2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm.
3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com
A SALAD REC IPE TO LOV E
A GORGEOUS, FRESH AND SIMPLE DISH
PEAR, PROSCIUTTO,
Burrata Salad
INGREDIENTS
• Ripe Pear
• Prosciutto
• Burrata
• Lemon Zest
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Dried Figs
• Red Pepper Flakes
DIRECTIONS
1. Slice the ripe pear into thin slices.
2. Arrange pear slices on a plate, creating a base for the salad.
3. Nestle slices of prosciutto in-between pear slices, a perfect combo of sweet and savory.
4. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the salad adding a velvety creaminess to the ensemble.
5. Grate fresh lemon zest over the entire salad, infusing it with citrus flavor.
6. Top with fresh basil, figs and pepper flakes.
7. Finish by generously drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the salad, creating a silky texture that ties it all together.
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 13TH
Gentle Yoga at Healthy Body Healthy Soul
Healthy Body Healthy Soul | 8:30 AM
Every other Thursday morning, join Healthy Body Healthy Soul for an hour of gentle yoga in their EESystem room, located at 220 Park Place Suite 300 in Covington. Experience the amplified benefits of yin and restorative yoga when practiced in this therapeutic energy environment. This class is perfect for practitioners of all levels and costs $30.
FEBRUARY 16TH
Third Sunday Concert: Loyola Winds
Christ Episcopal Church | 5:00 PM
Classical selections by Loyola Winds will be featured at this month’s Third Sunday Concert at Christ Episcopal Church. The Third Sunday Concert Series are free one-hour concerts and are open to the public. Enjoy a reception after in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. in the main church building at 120 S. New Hampshire St.
FEBRUARY 18TH
Mandeville High School –100 Years of Broadway
Mandeville High Auditorium | 7:00 PM
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7:00 p.m., Mandeville High School’s Show Choir presents their annual showcase, 100 Years of Broadway. Tickets are $8 and are available for purchase at https://gofan.co/event/1727206
Celebrate the talent of local youth performers as they feature some of the most popular and timeless tunes of Broadway.
FEBRUARY 21ST
Krewe of Eve Parade
Mandeville | 7:00 PM
The 39th annual Krewe of Eve Parade will roll on the streets of Mandeville Friday, Feb. 21, at 7:00 p.m. with a theme of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” The parade will feature 80 units including themed floats, the Eve Express train, high energy local high school marching bands, dance teams, and plenty of throws. Learn more at http://www.kreweofeve.com.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Bayou Gardens
Open House
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe | 9:00 AM
Enjoy the 15th annual Bayou Gardens Open House on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges’ Bayou Lacombe Center at 61389 Highway 434. The open house features garden tours, workshops on gardening with native plants and how to host butterflies and pollinators, family-friendly craft activities, exhibits from local area organizations, a “bug-arium” exhibit for kids, and more.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Krewe of Tchefuncte
Mardi Gras Boat Parade
Tchefuncte River in Madisonville | 12:00 PM
The Krewe of Tchefuncte celebrates 52 years of parading its decorated boats on a cruise of the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville each year. Bring the family to the banks of the scenic river and cheer on the krewe. The parade starts at Salty’s Marina around noon then heads downriver. King Neptune’s Marching Society precedes the boat parade on Water Street.
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