A LOUISIANA THANKSGIVING

JAC’S SMOKEHOUSE

Slow smoked pit ham prepared with house chipotle seasoning and topped with peach molasses glaze

PARISH RESTAURANT

Roasted oysters with greens, parmesan and tasso

BAKE 318

Maple pecan sweet potato pie classic Southern sweet potato pie with maple pecan

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK

Freshly made spicy pimento cheese ball coated in crushed pecans and crispy bacon, surrounded by Ritz crackers

A LOUISIANA THANKSGIVING It’s time to give thanks. This season, gather around the table for a Louisiana Thanksgiving feast full of flavor and seasonal offerings.

photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK styling by TAYLOR BENNETT

TRIO’S DINING

Deliciously seasoned blackened catfish filets with an array of grilled veggies

LA CATRINA

Elote corn on the cob covered with mayonnaise, queso, fresco, and tajin

GENUSA’S RESTAURANT

Herb rubbed grilled duck breast served with a port plum sauce

Blackened redfish topped with shrimp and Sierra sauce and served with corn and green beans

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY

Roasted duck prepared with rosemary and thyme, served over a bed of wild rice pilaf

CATAHOULA’S

Louisiana-style gumbo with smoked sausage, andouille sausage, boiled chicken and trinity of yellow onion, green bell pepper and celery served over perfectly steamed rice

Shrimp and grits dressing featuring Delta Blues Cracked Rice Grits, sustainably harvested shrimp, organic aromatics, dairy free cheese and a house cajun seasoning blend

TRAPP’S

Melee’s Crawfish Étouffée - Louisiana crawfish, trinity of veggies, sautéed in a rich butter cream suace and thickened with a blonde roux

NEWK’S EATERY

Asiago, Vermont white cheddar, Parmesan and Ammerländer Swiss cheeses folded into elbow pasta then topped with yellow cheddar

FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER

A plant-based main course for extraspecial get-togethers, this ham has a tender, smoky flavor, complimented by a sweet, tangy glaze

MIRO’S

Deep fried oysters with lettuce and tomato served on a fresh loaf of French bread and served with fries

THE PLATTER

Seasonal platter with chicken and sausage gumbo, Andouille and alligator sausage links, homemade potato salad, pickled Vidalia onions, pecans, blueberries, cream cheese with Tabasco pepper jelly

How to Weather the Storm

A Louisiana Style Guide from Nude Nomad

OUR LOUISIANA WEATHER IS A LOT LIKE LIFE IN general. You never know what to expect each day, especially this time of the year. Whether you are enduring hurricanes, facing pandemics, moving off to college, struggling with empty nest syndrome, celebrating new relationships or ending old ones, life is unpredictable. The beauty of life is that we have the choice to weather the storm and to learn from the past so that we can look forward to the unknown with anticipation and excitement.

It is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed with all that is going on in the world today. Madison Guerriero, owner of The Nude Nomad, said, “Life is especially crazy right now, and it is no surprise that everyone’s anxiety is at an all time high. But even when it feels like a storm is brewing on the inside and I don’t know what will be thrown at me next, when I wake up and start each day in an outfit that makes me feel really good and put together, it is like I am putting a on a layer of confidence, and I feel like I can weather whatever life throws my way.”

Speaking of layers and our crazy Louisiana weather, the best way to be prepared is to stock your closet full of versatile and timeless layering pieces. It isn’t winter in Louisiana without waking up one morning and wearing a light-weight knit top when it’s 80 degrees and then waking up the very next morning and throwing on a cozy jacket, sweater and scarf when temperatures drop to 30 degrees. Just like preparing for hurricane season, where you always have flashlights and batteries on hand, you should be prepared for our drastic temperature swings with a little bit of everything in your closet.

“Let’s start with the basics. Every woman needs a great pair of denim, some classic knit tops, and versatile jackets that you can mix and match to dress up or down. Running errands? Pair your jeans with a light-weight knit top and a pair of sneakers. Going to a nice dinner that evening? Throw on a sophisticated blazer over your top, add a belt, and wear a pair of chic heels. Going to brunch the next morning? Style a cozy sweater with your pants, booties, and a felt hat. Expecting a cold night on the town? All you have to do is layer a jacket, and you are good to go! It is easy to style trendy seasonal looks as long as you fill your closet with great basics, while also focusing on adding a few statement pieces like a classic blazer, fun jacket, or cute shawl. By investing in great layering pieces, your wardrobe can take you from work to play and day to night,” Guerriero explained.

A great pair of denim can completely change your outlook on fashion and elevate your style by allowing you to be more versatile with your winter wardrobe, because you are no longer limited to only wearing oversized sweaters to cover up your leggings. However, you can still incorporate your oversized sweaters into your new style by simply front tucking your sweaters and adding a belt. This is a great way to give old pieces in your closet new life. Complete the look by styling with new accessories, such as a gorgeous handmade stone necklace, a buttery-soft scarf, and a great pair of booties. Just like each person, jeans come in all shapes and sizes, so there is the perfect fit for everyone. From distressed to clean, faded to dark, high rise to low rise, boyfriend cut to skinny jeans, the options are endless!

Another alternative to jeans and leggings is a gorgeous mid-length skirt. Not only do midi skirts provide the coverage that many people want, they are also having a huge moment in the fashion industry right now. Whether it is pleated or sleek and satin, these go-to skirts can be seen all over the blogs, as well as on celebrities and influencers. They are being styled with anything and everything, from sneakers and a tied up t-shirt with a motto jacket for a day out with family or friends to simple heels and a tucked in sweater for an evening cocktail party. The great thing about midi skirts is that just like a good pair of denim, they are super versatile and allow you to easily change up your look. Midi skirts also have the ability to instantly add a level of trendiness to any outfit without having to buy an entire new wardrobe. These are the types of pieces you should invest in, because you are guaranteed to get more bang for your buck.

Guerriero said, “When shopping for The Nude Nomad for Fall / Winter 2020, I was really inspired by vintage designs and fabrics, which heavily influenced my buying process to include more sophisticated and polished styles, while still offering those fun and funky pieces people expect from us and that we are so well known for. I also focused my buying efforts on a lot of really soft knits, chic dresses, and gorgeous jewelry designs. These are the kinds of things that you will buy now and wear for years to come. I have already had such a great response to our pre-season collection from our loyal customers. I know that those who have not shopped with us before will be pleasantly surprised at what we have in store for them this year.”

Take a lesson from our weather and don’t let your clothing options be predictable. We can’t control the weather, just as we can’t control life. So it’s important to have fun, be creative, and go with the flow in order to be the best you, you can be so that you can be prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Fishing With Kenny

The Colors of Fall article by KENNY COVINGTON

Fall mornings can be majestic. Mother Nature’s masterpieces are on a daily display, and the cool crisp air mixed with an array of colors that creates beauty that can only be described as breathtaking. If you happen to be on one of our area lakes preparing for a day on the water, that makes a day of fishing even better.

One of the major descriptions people will use to describe the fall seasons is colorful. When it comes to fall bass fishing, when it comes to your choice of lure, the color you choose can be just as important. Over the years I have found the fall to be a good time to use particular colors that seem to be more effective this time of year than any other season. The choice of colors for fall bass fishing, while seemingly simple, have proven to be down right effective.

Lure colors have been the subject of debate among fishermen for as long as there has been a choice of favorite lures. I have found all fishermen are peculiar about their color choices but I have also seen particular colors work well on one body of water but won’t do anything but haul water on another lake. While I do believe color choice starts with the anglers own confidence, it’s hard to dispute the effectiveness of these color choices.

FIRETIGER

While most people consider firetiger to be more of a springtime color scheme, I have found it to be a more effective fall color. When fishing off colored waters such as the Ouachita River or Lake Darbonne, this is my favorite color for a fall crankbait. Every major lure manufacturer has their version of Firetiger but my personal favorite crankbaits are the Model A Bomber, a Bandit, and a Norman Middle N.

Firetiger is also one of my favorite spinnerbait colors to use on overcast or rainy days. Even on clear water lakes such as Lake Claiborne or Caney Lake, I have had extremely good luck when using this color scheme. I believe the lure’s contrast with the darker skies is the main attracting point to the fish, making it easier for them to locate.

CHROME/BLUE

Has there ever been a more effective Rat-L-Trap color than chrome/blue in the fall? Sometimes as anglers we are bad about abandoning lures we caught fish on years ago. That goes for colors as well. At one time the ¼ and ½ ounce versions of a chrome/blue RatL-Trap could be found in any serious anglers tackle box. The variety of these style of baits are too numerous to list but the #1 color for fall bass fishing is still chrome/blue. One of my favorite fall topwaters is a Pop-R. A basic chrome/blue version or something of a similar color scheme is an excellent choice when fishing shallow cover in the fall in clearer water situations. All of my topwaters that started out with a chrome/blue color finish now are mostly bone colored due to the number of fish they have caught. Also, chrome/blue is also an excellent choice when choosing a jerkbait when fishing on clear lakes as well.

BLACK/BLUE

Ask any bass fisherman what the most popular color jig and most will tell you black/ blue. I won’t be any different. In the fall of the year it is the only color I throw regardless of where I am fishing;, I have that much confidence in the color. The only thing I do differently than other anglers is I will use a smaller jig like a ⅜ ounce Strike King Bitsy Flip Jig but the color combination always equals out to black/ blue. The basic jig color might be black, but I will use a Zoom Jr Swim Chuck in a shade of blue. If the jig itself is black/blue I might match it up with a black/blue craw worm. This color combination is deadly and it makes choosing this particular lure color much easier.

BLUE SHAD

As I explained earlier, I do like throwing a Firetiger colored spinnerbait in the fall but my first choice is always a Blue Shad colored spinnerbait. If I am not making my own, I purchase my spinnerbait skirts from Strike King. When teamed up with a ½ ounce double willow leaf bladed spinnerbait, you have officially tied on a “fish catcher.” This particular color has worked in every lake I have fished this time of year and has probably won more money than any lure color I own.

CRAWFISH COLORS

I didn’t list a specific color for this section for a reason. Oftentimes in the fall, as anglers, we get overly focused on matching the shad color that we forget about crawfish colors. Crawfish imitations are especially effective on the Ouachita River system or any of the other abundance of bayous in our area. I have found crankbaits that have chartreuse as part of the crawfish pattern, especially on the belly, to be good once the water gets into the lower 60’s and high 50’s.

One of the things I want to point out about the previous color choices is the lures, just as the colors, are very basic. I have found in the fall of the year I can choose a handful of lures and apply the right color choices and enjoy good days on the water. These are a handful of choices I use for my own guidelines when trying to decide what might work best for that particular day on the water. Don’t be afraid to experiment, remember, in fishing there are no absolutes!

Lakes have color characteristics as well. Lake Claiborne is a body of water where chartreuse has always been a great color. On lakes that have an overabundance of Cypress trees, shades of dark purple such as Junebug have always been effective fish catchers. One of the more popular color soft plastics to use on Caney Lake is a color called CandyBug. How many times have you seen a chartreuse/ white spinnerbait in someone’s boat? Or maybe a watermelon/red soft plastic? The colors are numerous, but the basic ones always seem to shine.

Well, it looks like we have run out of space and time again for another month. I hope we were able to share some information that will help make your next fishing trip more enjoyable and put a few more fish in your livewell. We are right in the middle of hunting season so please be extra careful when you are out enjoying Mother Nature’s world. Be safe and make sure you catch one for me. See you next month!

Pennington Financial, LLC

The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning with a Knowledgeable Professional

FOR MOST AMERICANS, THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY may one day have to reside in a nursing home is very disturbing. In addition to giving up living independently, they might have to give up everything they have worked a lifetime to acquire. The reality is that out of the 40 million Americans over the age of 65, fifty percent will require some form of long-term care. Unfortunately, 93% of the current aging population has not purchased long term care insurance, it is likely they do not have an asset protection plan in place either. The cost of nursing home care is high. The average cost for nursing home care in Louisiana is approximately $5,000 per month, or $60,000 per year. It becomes very easy to spend a family’s life savings in a short amount of time which might bankrupt a healthy spouse living at home.

The average senior American has no idea what it takes to qualify for government programs like Medicaid that can help cover the cost of nursing home care in most situations. Like most programs established by our bureaucratic system, the devil lies in the details. The majority of American citizens think that Medicaid only applies to the “poor.” Actually, for qualified persons, it’s also there to prevent impoverishment of families who have a loved one requiring long term care in a nursing home. However; in order to qualify, one should seek a professional who has knowledge of the detailed regulations to ensure that this program is fairly administered as intended for all.

The Medicaid rules make it difficult for nursing home residents needing financial assistance to qualify for Medicaid. The most recent rule change modified the “look-back” period from three years to five years. This means that when you apply for Medicaid, you must disclose all gifts, sales, and expenditures that were made within five years prior to the date an applicant applies for Medicaid. The penalty period was also modified under the most recent rule change; now the penalty period does not begin until you apply for Medicaid.

To qualify for Medicaid, you must submit a comprehensive, multiple page application and provide detailed proof of all of your financial transactions (bank accounts, CD’s, stocks, bonds, income, expenses, annuities, gifts, etc...) for the previous 60 months. Medicaid applications have many pitfalls and with the wrong answer comes unintended consequences.

The laws around Medicaid qualification are extensive without many exceptions. Often, hospitals and nursing homes will offer to help a patient/resident complete the Medicaid application. Even with the best of intentions they often do not have the knowledge or licenses that are necessary to assist you and/or determine whether you meet the eligibility qualifications. This is where an experienced professional can really be of value. Often times we are able to get you or your loved one benefits much sooner without having to experience the forced spend-down or be subject to unnecessary penalties.

At Pennington Financial, LLC we have over 40 years of financial experience and specialize in long term care planning with asset protection as a key part of our services. We encourage pre-planning, but we realize that unforeseen health events like major illness, heart attack, stroke, and serious falls can happen. These types of events can potentially cause significant financial harm for the unprepared. For those that don’t have a long-term care plan in place, it’s not too late. At Pennington Financial, LLC we offer free consultations and free quarterly public seminars to help educate the public about their options. You don’t have to go broke to provide your loved one with quality care during a healthcare crisis. Let our family help your family. Call today for your free consultation.

This article was written and submitted by Chuck Barber of Pennington Financial, LLC. He has over 10 years’ experience as a highly qualified Financial Estate planner with a specialty in asset protection. Other services include Pre-Retirement planning, Post Retirement planning, Long-term Care insurance, Life insurance and Annuities, Registered Investment Advisor services, and Notary Public. Visit our website for additional information: www. Penningtonfinancial.net

Pennington Financial, LLC is located at 1900 N. 18th St. #211 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 855-4690

Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and Pennington Financial, LLC are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.