LAKE LIFE

THE SEASON’S HOTTEST LOOKS– FLORAL PRINT DRESSES WHITE LINEN, TWO-PIECE SWIMSUITS – ARE YOUR PASSPORT FOR LAKE LIVING.

SHOP ALL DAYE

Both cool and comfortable, this button-down midi dress boasts a floral print with belt at the waist. Pair it with a multi-color bag with pompom accessory, white platform sneakers and a white hat with frayed rim.

HEMLINE MONROE

This Caribbean blue crinkle two-piece is an 80s-inspired swimsuit that offers stretch recovery, allowing it to fit seven sizes in one. Pair with a white linen top elevated by cuffed and tacked sleeves, shell buttons and a cutie collar. Accessorize with chunky oversized hexagonal sunglasses, straw hat with scarf, natural raffia sandals and a multicolored block bag.

Hair and Makeup: Meka Bennett Model: Georgia Faith Hill Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Special thanks to the Gillikin family for allowing us to use their beautiful home for our Lake Life fashion shoot.

PALETTE HOUSE AND PLUME

Georgia Faith is comfy chic in this striped linen dress with adjustable sleeves. Pair it with gold hoop earrings and straw hat with genuine leather chin strap and wood bead .

DUSTY & COMPANY

A green sleeveless top with lace embroidery is worn with super distressed Judy Blue midrise denim shorts. Accessorize with white sandals with mesh straps, loop earrings and stackable beaded bracelets.

HERRINGSTONES

A yellow and cantaloupe ruffle top is paired with a white button-down duster. A high rise vintage loose leg denim short is worn with these Italian-made platform sandals featuring a chunky heel and wide leather strap. Accessorize with yellow acrylic hoop earrings, black straw hat, horse bit necklace, Diff sunglasses and a multi-colored jute bag.

HARTFORSTYLE

An upcycled kelly green knit sweater with block print is accessorized with a paisley print scarf and a khaki mini skirt with belted waist.

TRAVELING CHIC BOUTIQUE

An aqua seamless crop tank is worn with high-rise distressed denim jeans. A flowy kimono with butterfly design completes the look. Travel in style with this blue tote, espadrille flats, and straw hat.

What’s All the Bruja?

New Beers from Spoetzl Brewery

BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

IN 1909 THE RESIDENTS OF SHINER, TEXAS DIDN’T strike gold. They struck water. And shortly thereafter, they learned that they could turn that water into some pretty tasty beer. Today, every drop of Shiner is still brewed with the same pure artesian well water that has wet the town’s whistle for more than a hundred years.

The modern day Spoetzl Brewery is a far cry from the old tin shed where Shiner first flowed back in 1909. Born in Bavaria, founder Kosmos Spoetzl’s passion for beer carried him as far as Egypt before arriving in tiny Shiner, Texas. There, he purchased the town’s brewery and became Shiner’s first official brewmaster, a post that he held for nearly half a century. After a long day’s toil in the fields, hardworking farmers around Shiner would often find a cold bottle of Shiner beer waiting on a fence post, left there by Kosmos Spoetzl. The farmers enjoyed some cold refreshments, and Shiner earned more loyal fans. Today, the employees at the brewery still raise a glass to Kosmos Spoetzl, creator of the original Shiner Beer Break.

In the 1970s Shiner Beer’s reputation began to spread beyond the town of Shiner, eventually rising to fame in the Cosmic Cowboy Capital of Austin, Texas. There, in venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters, an eclectic group of hippies and rednecks enjoyed Shiner for just three dimes a glass. The beer was a hit, and a sign of things to come as Shiner would soon be enjoyed by drinkers across the country. Today, Shiner, Texas is home to 2,069 residents and a pretty famous little brewery.

They say some things never change, but Shiner has added some great new brews to its lineup over the years. Here are some of the newest offerings.

BRUJA TEX HEX IPA, 7% ABV, 60 IBUS*

The newest beer in Shiner’s lineup is Texhex Bruja Brew IPA is a mythical IPA brewed with cactus water and Amarillo hops, delivering a medley of flavors from tangerine and pineapple to citrus and stone fruit. This brew has a bright, fruity finish with notes of minerality and cactus blossom. Pair with loaded nachos or beef brisket.

1909, 4.5% ABV, 11 IBUS

Brewed with Heritage 2-row barley and Noble hops, this lager is delightfully flavorful and perfectly balanced. It has a subtle toasty aroma with restrained bitterness and a pleasant malt sweetness. Pair with grilled burgers, brats, steak kabobs and soft pretzels.

STRAWBERRY BLONDE, 4.3% ABV, 11 IBUS

The ideal spring seasonal beer, Strawberry Blonde is brewed with a mix of pale and wheat malts for a crisp finish. Nugget hops add a hint of resin, and lager yeast rounds out the fruit. The fresh strawberries come straight from Jim Collums Farm in Poteet, Texas.

ORALE MEXICAN STYLE CERVEZA, 4.5% ABV, 9 IBUS

Orale is a Mexican style cerveza brewed with agave, which gives it an earthy, mildly sweet flavor. Crisp and sessionable, Orale is vibrant, memorable, and delivers the excitement of a stand-out cerveza. Pair Orale with buffalo chicken or pork carnitas tacos.

BREWERY TOUR VARIETY PACK

Everyone’s favorite variety pack is back, but now in six pack cans. Brewery tour gives you gives you six different shiner brews in one package. Shiner Bock (the brewery’s flagship) is a rich American style dark lager with roasted barley malt and German specialty hops. Shiner Light Blonde is a smooth, easy drinking light beer with only 90 calories and 3.4 grams of carbs. Ruby Redbird has a hint of ginger and a kick of tart Texas Ruby Red grapefruit, making it ripe for the drinking. Agua Fresca is a brand new creation which takes inspiration from the traditional beverage served all over Texas. Brewed with watermelon and lime, it is light, fruity, and fresh. Sea Salt and Lime is a version of a light lager dressed with salt and lime. It is brewed with real lime peel and artisanal sea salt for a crisp flavor and refreshing finish. Lastly, Weisse ‘N Easy is an easy-drinking unfiltered wheat beer that is full of flavor but low in calories and carbs. Brewed with native Texas dewberries, it finishes slightly sweet.

*ABV: Alcohol by Volume, IBU: International Bitterness Units

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Snap, Crackle, Pop

Why Are My Joints So Noisy?

BY VAL IRION, MD

WE’VE ALL EXPERIENCED IT: KNEES THAT SNAP WHEN we stand up, a neck that cracks when we turn our head and ankles that pop when we rotate them. Often, joint cracking can be loud – and perhaps a little disconcerting. It is no wonder that many people think there might be something wrong with their joints when they hear them snapping, popping, and cracking. Creaking and snapping joints can be annoying, but for the most part, they are nothing to worry about. Unless popping and cracking are accompanied by pain and swelling. These “POPs” are not good. These painful joint noises are often the result of an injury and needs to be addressed sooner versus later.

Why do joints make noise? I hear about creaky joints from patients of all ages almost every day and the bottom line is that joints just make noise. Some of the more common reasons for popping joints: • Nitrogen bubbles: The joints surrounding tissues make synovial fluid to lubricate the surrounding area, protecting them from abrasion as you move. Nitrogen bubbles, a component of this fluid, often form in your joints. The cracking is the sound of gas being released from the joint, an action called cavitation. This process often occurs unintentionally when you walk, exercise, or get up from a still position. It takes time for nitrogen bubbles to form again, which is why you can’t repetitively crack the same joint until about 10 to 30 minutes pass. • Ligament Movements: Ligaments are composed of strong fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to each other. Your ligaments can be tight and may pop when you suddenly move or rotate at an unusual angle. • Rough Joint Surfaces: People often notice that their joints seem to make more noise as they get older. There is a good reason for that. The older you get, the more noise your joints can make, because some of your cartilage wears away as part of the normal aging process. The surfaces get rougher and your joints get a little noisy when they rub together. Joint sounds can come and go, depending on how you position your body when you sit and sleep, the amount of exercise you get, your age and just general wear and tear.

What’s that sound? There are a few reasons why your joints snap and crack. If you are at the gym doing repetitive exercises, such as lifting weights or pushups, you might notice a clicking or soft snapping sound each time you bend your arm or leg. This sound may be indicative that a muscle is tight and is rubbing and causing friction around the bone. The sound also could be coming from tendons rubbing over the bone. In this instance stretching before exercise can really help to reduce the joint noise. The shoulder is one of the noisiest joints… particularly during exercise. There are a lot of moving parts in the shoulder and several tendons that move over bones often resulting in snapping and cracking noises.

What about cracking your knuckles? When you crack your knuckles, the sound is the result of the compression of nitrogen bubbles (cavitation) that naturally occur in the spaces of the joints. Even though you may have been told that cracking your knuckles will cause you to suffer from arthritis or make your knuckles swell or get larger, there actually is no scientific evidence to prove this.

Popping and pain…time to see a doctor? If you hear or “feel “a popping sound in joint and it is accompanied by pain or swelling, you may have an injury that requires treatment. You should see your doctor popping is accompanied by: • Pain • Swelling • Bruising • Limited range of motion • The joint suddenly locks up after it pops.

Cracking noises, which often sound like popping and often can be a sign of problems that require treatment, like gout, ligament tears, inflammation, and joint dislocation.

How to avoid creaky joints… Move! Move! Move! You can avoid creaking joints by getting up and moving throughout your day. The more you move the more your body lubricates itself. If you are sitting or lying around, the fluid in your joints doesn’t move either. Activity and movement mean lubricated joints.

My partners and I want to wish you and your loved ones a happy spring…get out there and enjoy the great weather and feel free to give us a call if you need to have a musculoskeletal spring check-up… we want to help keep you moving!

Val Irion, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint replacement. To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Irion or the team at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, please visit: orthopedicspecialistla.com or 866.759.9679

Calendar of Events

For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

April 1 - 3

She Loves Me She Loves Me is a musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and music by Jerry Bock. The musical is the third adaptation of the 1937 play Parfumerie by Hungarian playwright Miklós László, following the 1940 James Stewart-Margaret Sullavan film The Shop Around the Corner and the 1949 Judy Garland-Van Johnson musical version In the Good Old Summertime. It surfaced again in 1998 as the Tom HanksMeg Ryan feature You've Got Mail. The plot revolves around Budapest shop employees Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash who, despite being consistently at odds with each other at work, are unaware that each is the other's secret pen pal met through lonely-hearts ads. Hours: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $15 Venue: ULM Brown Theatre 4001 DeSiard St, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-3811

April 2

Landry Vineyards Concert - Code Blue & The Flatliners Landry Vineyards is proud to host a live performance by Code Blue & The Flatliners! If you enjoy rock, country, or just great dance music then this is for you. There will be food trucks available for food purchases. Also, Wine Bellini’s and drinks will be offered for purchase to support Landry Vineyards. Do not forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket so you can have a place to sit. Spend your afternoon with your family while listening to local music, eating food and drinking Landry Vineyards wine! You can even take a wagon tour through the vineyards during the concert. Hours: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Adults: $10.00 Young Adults (13-18): $5.00 Children Under 12: Free Venue: Landry Vineyards, 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 557-9050

Rickey Smiley and Friends Rickey Smiley is a legendary comedian, actor, author, television host and award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Hours: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $60 Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe

Warhawk Harley-Davidson’s 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil Warhawk Harley-Davidson will be having a crawfish boil, jumper for the kids, games, music, motorcycle test rides and more! Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Venue: Warhawk Harley-Davidson, 6200 Frontage Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 343-1650

North Louisiana Makers & Producers Market North Louisiana Makers and Producers Market is working to bring artisans, makers, crafters, livestock producers, and food producers together in North Louisiana. This is a community service that gives the area a fun, healthy way to come together and get to know their local makers and producers. Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Paramount Healthcare Consultants 1905 N 7th St, West Monroe Phone: (318) 372-4753

Week of the Young Child

Join the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana at Kiroli Park to celebrate the National Week of the Young Child with a picnic in the park. Admission to the park, sack lunches and activities will be provided. Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 323-8775

April 3

Goat Yoga at Double BB Farms Come join Double BB Farms for Goat Yoga at the farm! Goat yoga is for people of all ability or no ability at all! Hours: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Cost: $20 Venue: Double BB Farms 1816 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe Phone: (318) 237-0827

April 5 - 16

Easter Village Come see the World’s Biggest Chocolate Bunny! The Children's Museum is hosting Easter Village in April. Bring your family in for baskets full of family fun! DEGGorate cookies, do an EGGperiment, visit with The Easter Bunny and more. Cost: $10 per person ages 2 and up Venue: Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum 323 Walnut St, Monroe Phone: (318) 361-9611

April 7

Downtown Gallery Crawl

It's time to Crawl! Come and celebrate and experience the work of talented local artists while enjoying the warmth and charm of locally owned shops, businesses and eateries in Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Venue: Historic Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Phone: (513) 857-1292

April 8

Off The Wall 2022

The 13th Annual Off the Wall fundraiser at the Masur Museum of Art is the area’s premier art auction featuring an excellent selection of art by artists in the community and from around the country. The party includes an expanded bar and delicious food, both of which pair nicely with live music! Don't forget the ever-popular Bon Voyage Raffle. The raffle is a cash prize of $3,000! Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cost: $50 Venue: Masur Museum of Art 1400 South Grand, Monroe Phone: (318) 329-2237

April 8-10

Big Creek Trade Days Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly on the weekend before the second Monday of the month with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages! Hours: Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Cost: $5 per vehicle for the weekend Venue: 327 California Plant Rd. Dubach Phone: (318) 680-1304

April 9

Woofstock 22

Woofstock 22 is NELA's largest one day pet festival. One of the day's highlights is the Pet Advocacy Award given to an unsung hero who works tirelessly for the betterment of local animals. All area pet nonprofits will be on hand participating. Activities include a hippie pet pageant, all dog dash/dachshund dash, hippie costume contest, pet/family parade, fun run, pet/owner look alike, live music, and much more! Shop local with area artisans, boutiques, and unique finds. Bring your chair or blanket, grab something to eat from one of the food trucks, and enjoy the day. Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Venue: Forsythe Park 2300 Sycamore St, Monroe

Bunny & Me Breakfast Join the Easter bunny and enjoy the Bunny & Me Breakfast. Includes a CHICK-cuterie box and a visit with the Easter bunny. Tickets must be purchased in advance at nelcm.org.

Hours: 10:00-11:30 AM Cost: $15 per person Venue: NELA Children's Museum 323 Walnut Street, Monroe

Cancer Foundation League's An Evening of Southern Elegance The mission of the Cancer Foundation League is to provide services to area cancer patients and to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation. Join the Cancer Foundation League at their annual gala: An Evening of Southern Elegance. Seldom Seen, but strongly felt. Phone: 318-966-1953

April 10

Power & Grace This performance is the most requested performance Louisiana Delta Ballet performs. It is the Easter story told through scripture, dance, and a lot of emotion. It is a must see! Great for families, youth groups, Sunday School groups, or any group you can put together! Hours: 3:00 PM - Until Cost: Adults - $25; Students - $15 Venue: Monroe Civic Center, 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 345-1155

April 15

Pictures With the Easter Bunny Looking for a special way to enjoy spring and Easter? Kiroli Foundation and the City of West Monroe will be featuring fun events with a special guest on Friday, April 15th! Hours: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Cost: $5 Venue: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 396-4016

April 16

Landry Vineyards Concert - Buddy Terzia & Friends

Come celebrate an afternoon of fun with your family and community while listening to local music, eating local foods and drinking Landry Vineyards wine! Hours: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Cost: Adults: $10.00 Young Adults (13-18): $5.00 Children Under 12: Free Venue: Landry Vineyards, 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 557-9050

April 21 - 24

Ballet Under the Stars

Beautiful dancing and an outdoor setting combine to make an unforgettable evening for patrons of North Louisiana’s signature Spring arts event. Celebrated choreographers will work their magic to produce a varied, full-spectrum concert of dance that covers many genres. Picturesque Kiroli Park creates the perfect backdrop for dancers to share their incredible strength, musicality, beauty and joy of dance. Venue: Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3011

April 21

Wine Over Water Wine Over Water is your opportunity to support scholarship funding by attending an elegant party on the beautiful ULM campus and Bayou Desiard. This year's event will create a new culinary experience for guests featuring suggested wine/beer and food pairings that is sure to make the evening special, informative, and deliciously fun! Enjoy Proceeds support "The Spirit of The Warhawk" scholarship (started by the Ouachita Parish Alumni chapter) and the ULM Alumni Association. Hours: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Cost: $60 Venue: Bayou Pointe Event Center, 100 Warhawk Way, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-5420

April 22-24

USA BMX Cajun Nationals The USA BMX World converges on the Ike Hamilton Expo Center for another exciting episode of the 2022 National Series. With a great, fun and fast track and killer competition, the action will be as awesome as ever! Venue: Ike Hamilton Expo Center, 501 Mane Street, West Monroe

April 22 – May 1

Company: A Musical Comedy In this Stephen Sondheim musical comedy classic,35-year-old Robert struggles to make a wish as he blows out his birthday candles. Over a series of dinner parties, first dates, and thoughtful conversations, Robert attempts to understand the pros and cons of marriage from his hilarious friends while beginning to understand his persistent bachelorhood. Hours: 7:00 PM-9:30 PM; Except Sundays: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Cost: General Admission: $30; Students: $15 Venue: Strauss Theatre Center 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-6681

April 23

Celebrate Your Heroes 5K

Fast 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Celebrating Your Heroes and supporting hospice patients and families with living and burial expenses in Northeast Louisiana through the Hospice Promise Foundation. Dogs are welcome to sign up and costumes to dress as your hero are encouraged. Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM Cost: $30 Venue: Forsythe Park, 2300 Sycamore St, Monroe Phone: (318) 322-2235

April 29

Ouachita Live Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live! With delicious offerings from food trucks and great music, it’s sure to be a good time! Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Alley Park, 250 Trenton St, West Monroe

April 30

Claws for a Cause Don't miss out on Dead Reckoning String Band playing, Spinner Entertainment's circus acts, and face painting with LA LunaChicks. The 318 Swampers will be out being Swampy. There will even be a petting zoo. 25% of profits raised will go to MedCamps to revamp their pool house! Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cost: $50 per person and includes 3lb crawfish with potatoes, corn and free beer; Children - $10 Venue: Krewe de Riviere Den, 2519 S Grand St, Monroe

Caney Lake Gumbo Cookoff and Spring Festival Come out and support the community and local vendors at the 6th annual Gumbo Cook. Festival will include a silent auction, raffles, games and fun for the whole family. Venue: 400 Spillway Road, Chatham, Hours: 9 AM - until

Shedfest Makers Market Come support the local craftsmen of the Ruston Community Men's Shed at their Annual Shedfest Makers Market. This is a fun event showcasing a large display of craftsmanship and woodworking talent here in Ruston. Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Ruston Men’s Shed, 2782 Hwy. 33 Ruston Phone: (318) 548-8722

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Ruston Farmers Market Shop, eat, and support local at the Ruston Farmers Market. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, jams, and other locally produced goods. Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Cost: Free Venue: Ruston Farmers Market, 220 E Mississippi Ave, Ruston Phone: (318) 957-1305

April 6, 13, 20, 27

Brown Bag Concert Series Join us every Wednesday in April for the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s noontime outdoor Brown Bag Concerts Series. Come on down to the lush green Palace Park at 220 DeSiard Street. Bring your lunch or grab a $5 box lunch on site. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! Performances are FREE, thanks to our sponsors Mulhearn’s, Newk’s Eatery, The Palace, and the City of Monroe. Hours: 12:00 PM - until Cost: Free Venue:Palace Park, 220 DeSiard Street, Monroe Phone: org (318) 397-6754