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SUMMER RIDING LESSONS

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GET WELL AT DYNAMIC

Are you living with pain or physical limitation? Are you discouraged about how your body may prevent you from living the life you love? Why wait any longer?

Our therapists are ready to help you reach your goals and help you get well.

Call to schedule your Free Screening today! (No referral required)

• Class IV Laser — Call for Free Consultation

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Publisher

Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

Editor

Greta Honsberger

Art Director

Laurie M Jones

Terrabella Residents Contributors

Jason Hand, Jared Miguez, Jennifer Pacione, Donna Naquin, and Rusty Maher

Account Executives

Stacey Lala, Emily Schneider, Genny Buring, Gina Castelluccio-Vick,

Christen Cali

Executive Assistant

Patrick Daigle

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THE sims FAMILY

By Greta Honsberger

The Sims are an adventurous family of six who have made a life filled with exploration, love, and resilience. Dad James is a mechanical engineer for Chevron and is currently seconded to Tengizchevroil in Kazakhstan, where he manages facility turnarounds. Born in Ohio and having moved frequently due to his father’s Air Force career, James settled in Louisiana after graduating from the University of Alabama.

Mom Katherine is the heart and soul of the Sims household. Beyond being CEO of their home, she is also a dedicated dance teacher and director of the competitive program at Applause Dance Academy in Covington. Originally from Chalmette, Katherine relocated to the Northshore after Hurricane Katrina, bringing her passion for dance and family.

Grace, the eldest, is 16 and a junior at Northlake Christian School, where she is a member of the Wolverette dance team. Known for her love of dance, shopping, and helping

her younger siblings, Grace lives up to her nickname, Amazing Grace, especially in times of need.

Affectionately called Georgia Peach, Georgia Kate is a 7-year-old second-grader at Mary Queen of Peace School. She is training for her first competitive gymnastics meet and has a budding talent for art.

Greta James, 6, is also at Mary Queen of Peace, heading into first grade. Greta’s imagination fuels her storytelling, and she loves dancing and cuddling, often claiming the TV remote as her own.

Sweet Baby James is the family’s one-year-old prince who has brought immense joy to what was once an all-girl household. His main job is to bring happiness to all those around him with his laughter, and he is an expert at it. with his laughter, and he is an expert at it. Plus, James is a champion sleeper putting in twelve hours every night, for which Katherine is most grateful.

An equally important family member is their Malshi pup,

coat of soft white paint called Greek Villa gives a warm, cozy, inviting feel, and blue accent walls provide a tranquil vibe, making the Sims’ home appealing and harmonious. In addition to the updated wall color, they changed the light fixtures, and wallpaper was added to a few rooms to make them more personal. For inspiration, Katherine draws ideas from décor and home magazines as she continues to enhance their living space.

Dolly Mae Parton. Santa dropped her on their door step last Christmas. Katherine says, “She is a hot mess, and thinks she is a guard dog.” Although she adds a bit of chaos, the joy she brings to their lives makes her worth it.

The Sims were living in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, before the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, due to safety concerns, Katherine and their three daughters were sent back to Louisiana. They initially moved into the Elan apartments, but after several months of uncertainty about when they could return to Kazakhstan, Katherine began searching for them a permanent home. Fortunately, a friend told them that their future Terra Bella home was about to go on the market. This timely information allowed the Sims to purchase their home and settle in Terra Bella. This important move offered the Sims home offered them stability and a welcoming community during a challenging time.

In the past four years, Katherine and James have only made a couple of cosmetic updates to their home. A fresh

The Sims’ home is designed with family interaction in mind because for James and Katherine, family is at the heart of everything they do.“One of my favorite parts of my home,” Katherine explains, “is the hallway leading from the living room to the master bedroom filled with my children’s baby portraits. It makes me so happy every morning waking up to sunlight streaming in through the windows into the hallway.” The open floor plan allows for cooking, schoolwork, art, and relaxation, all within a shared space. The front porch and courtyard, reminiscent of old New Orleans, provide a perfect morning coffee and evening relaxation setting. The backyard’s hydrangea blooms are a delightful sight beginning in springtime and add to the charm.

Family traditions include movie nights with popcorn and M&M’s, and playing TAKE 2, a variant of Scrabble that Georgia Kate and Greta are mastering. But, traveling as a family is the most beloved activity for this busy family. They’ve had memorable holidays in Phuket and Bangkok, Thailand, Dubai, Istanbul, the Maldives, Paris, and Vienna. Their recent trips to Savannah, Georgia, and the beaches of Alabama and Florida with friends and family are among k

their favorites. These experiences have enriched their lives, and they look forward to Sweet Baby James joining future adventures.

The Sims love living in Terrabella because of the neighborhood’s walkability, morning strolls for iced coffee at The Reminding, a bite at The Rusty Pelican, and visits to the playground and pool. The great neighbors and sense of community makes their home even more special.

Locally, James and Katherine enjoy dining at Tavi in downtown Covington and savoring cocktails at the Southern Hotel. Family takeout nights have become a cherished tradition, where they have been known to pick up meals from up to three restaurants to please everyone’s palate.

The Sims support their community by shopping at local stores like Baby’s Corner, Southern Curator, and Juniper and Co. Naturally, the younger girls like Learning Express and Blossom girl, but it is McKenzie and Me for Grace. Even dad endulges in a bit of shopping from time to time searching out the best bourbon and cheese at Aquistapace’s.

Adventurous is the word the Sims chose to describe themselves, and it really is perfect for this crew. They enjoy embracing new experiences, cultures, and cuisines. Experiencing the world firsthand is an important part of the education that James and Katherine have given their children and something that is sure to continue.

Whether through their travels, local outings, or cozy family nights, the Sims make every day one of laugher, love and joy, with new adventure always looming on the horizon.

Photo Credits to HR Collective Photography

REAL ESTATE TIPS by terrabella resident

Donna Naquin

The real estate market sizzles with opportunities as the summer heat rolls in. Whether you’re selling your home or simply looking to enhance its appeal, these unique summer real estate tips can make your property shine. From leveraging efreshing scents to showcasing energy-efficient features, these strategies will help you attract potential buyers and maximize your home’s value this season. Dive into these tips and prepare to splash in the summer market!

1. LEVERAGE SUMMER SCENTS: Appeal to buyers’ senses by using summer-inspired scents in your home. Fresh, clean smells like citrus, lavender, or a subtle ocean breezecan create a welcoming atmosphere. Use candles, diffusers, or even fresh flowers to bring these scents into your space.

2. HIGHLIGHT ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Showcase your home’s energy-efficient features, which are particularly appealing during the hot summer months. Highlight upgrades like energy-efficient windows and smart thermostats. Provide utility bills to demonstrate cost savings to potential buyers.

3. CREATE A HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST: Provide potential buyers with a checklist of recent maintenance tasks you’ve completed, such as HVAC servicing, roof inspections, and pest control treatments. This reassures buyers that the home is well-maintained and move-in ready.

4. ENHANCE INDOOR-OUTDOOR FLOW: Make it easy for buyers to see how they can enjoy both indoor and outdoor living. Set up a table with summer refreshments like lemonade or iced tea to encourage buyers to spend time outdoors.

5. STAGE FOR SUMMER LIFESTYLES: Stage different areas of your home to reflect popular summer activities. Set up a cozy reading nook with a summer-themed book or magazine. Arrange a backyard picnic scene with a blanket. If you have a pool, float an oversized pool float or otherwise stage the pool area. This helps buyers visualize themselves enjoying the space during the summer months.

These tips can help you attract buyers by making your home stand out in the summer market or enhancing your personal space. Best of luck with your summer listings!

BLACKWELL’S OUTDOOR

Business Spotlight

Since its beginning in 1971, Blackwell’s Outdoor has been committed to delivering top-quality, Golf Cars, Go-Karts, UTV’s, ATV’s, and Dirt Bikes to its valued customers. In the subsequent years since it started, Blackwell’s has created a reputation as the leading hub for outdoor enthusiast across Louisiana by boasting only the best and most trusted brands, like Club Car, Evolution, GEM, American Landmaster, Massimo, Trailmaster, and KYMCO. With the main store located in Hammond, offering all types of vehicles, and the Mandeville store, focusing on golf cars, the adventure seeker will find the right fit for their on or off-road experience.

However, they don’t stop with just getting the

985-542-7702 • Hammond & Mandeville

customer in the vehicle. Blackwell’s service department is home to a team of skilled professionals who are dedicated and highly knowledgeable about maintaining and optimizing your vehicle’s performance. Whether you require routine maintenance or repairs, the expert team at Blackwell’s can do the job. With an in-house parts department, customers can count on a speedy turnaround to put their vehicle back in the fun zone.

The folks at Blackwell’s Outdoor are driven by a deep-rooted passion for adventure and dedication to providing top-quality vehicles that remain in working order. Thus, they are your go-to dealer for all your outdoor needs.

BUILDER TIPS from terrabella resident

Jason Hand

A Few Things to Consider When Designing Your Custom ‘Forever’ Home

Building your forever custom-design home is an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. Thus, to ensure your home is precisely how you envision it to be, it’s essential to plan and consider the process carefully. The following explores a few key insights and recommendations to guide you through as you create a forever home that reflects your unique style and needs today and tomorrow.

Consider the Layout When planning the layout of your forever home, consider your current lifestyle but also consider your lifestyle years down the road. For example, consider placing the primary bedroom on the ground floor. This serves a number of purposes but is a safe bet in terms of convenience now and in the future.

Consider Size and Installation

Installing a zero-threshold shower is a great feature for your home now and in the future. A no-threshold shower is easy to clean and also gives the bathroom a larger feel. It may become essential and serve an important purpose in the coming years, as it is convenient, safe, and navigable for any age.

Installing wider doorframes is easier during initial construction than during a renovation later. Wider doorframes also allow more natural light, make moving furniture easier, and increase the home’s accessibility, which may be needed in the future.

Install a shaft that could be used as a closet now, and easily converted to an elevator should the need arise. Install convenient technologies, such as automatic window shades and smart appliances. These modern conveniences are always great features to have in your home and increase your home’s accessibility, which may be needed in the future.

At J Hand Homes, we have the expertise and experience to assist you in designing a forever home that meets your needs now and in the future. We have successfully guided numerous clients in this process and are eager to discuss your project and help you find the best path forward.

Louisiana’s Premier Homebuilder & Remodeling Company

crna GRADUATE

Ally Miller

Graduating from East Ascension High School in 2013, Ally Miller’s journey from high school soccer fields to the intricate world of anesthesia is characterized by determination, passion, and a thirst for knowledge. Her interest in the anesthesia field was due to a particular person. “My grandmother was a CRNA, and I did a project on CRNAs in my high school allied health class. I immediately fell in love with the science, complexity, and art of anesthesia,” emphasizes Ally. The project on her grandmother’s career laid the foundation for her future endeavors, setting her on the path toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Southeastern Louisiana University, which she completed in May 2017. Ally, however, was just getting started.

With a clear goal in mind, Ally set out to pursue her dream of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Accepted into both the LSU program in New Orleans and the Our Lady of the Lake program in Baton Rouge, Ally, having always wanted to live in the Crescent City, would soon find herself in the rigorous program at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. As Ally recalls, it was an eventful time, “It was a doctoral program! (DNP). I had a baby with my fiance at the end of my first year, took three

weeks off, and then continued the next two years of class and clinical training. I traveled to 11 different clinical sites throughout the state of LA.” Even on the most challenging days, she was determined, and with her unrelenting dedication to her dream and her family’s faithful support, she completed the doctoral program on May 16th.

Still, there was one more big hurdle ahead: studying for and passing the National Board of Certification for Nurse Anesthetists exam. After three years of the challenging CRNA program, a new baby, and countless hours of studying, Ally accomplished her dream and passed her board exams in early June. Ally’s plans for the immediate future are simple yet profound. She is going to enjoy a well-deserved summer with her family.

Through her story, Ally hopes to illuminate the often-overlooked contributions of CRNAs, dispel misconceptions, and inspire others to pursue their passions in the medical field. She will make New Orleans her permanent home and start her career at Ochsner’s main campus in August. Ally’s CRNA journey is a model of the power of perseverance and the boundless potential of those who dare to dream big and work hard to obtain it.

Jennifer Pacione With Shading Places

Essential Do’s

and Don’ts

for Stylish Window Coverings

Window coverings play a crucial role in a home’s functionality and aesthetics. They also provide privacy, control natural light, and help regulate indoor temperatures, making them energy efficient. Additionally, window coverings can add a stylish touch to any room, complementing the décor and creating a cohesive look. Thus, investing in quality window coverings is an important factor in your home decor.

Below are some important DO’S and DON’TS to consider when choosing and installing your window coverings.

• DO...

Go as high as you can with your drapes. This is true in almost all instances. Higher drape installations create height and drama.

Layer your shades and drapes. Shades can filter light and for bedrooms, blackout drapes are wonderful for managing light. Layers also let you easily change the style and function of a room; close the full set for movie night in the family room or just pull the sheer drapes closed to set the mood for a casual Sunday brunch.

Use the same shade throughout. Use the same woven wood shades throughout your living and dining room area and add side panels. This will allow for a more formal look.

•

DON’T…

Opt for a different look in every room. Consistency makes the home feel cohesive.

Puddle drapes. Although once popular in traditional and formal settings, their popularity has waned recently. Cleaner lines and more minimalistic approaches are now more the trend.

Hang drapes too low. Installing drapes that are too low visually reduces the perceived height of the window and the entire room.

SHADING PLACES

DESIGNS BY JENNIFER PACIONE

flo & glo IV WELLNESS LOUNGE

Business Spotlight

Flo and Glo IV Wellness Lounge is a business driven by a deep-rooted passion for holistic health and wellness. Since 2018, founder Johnny Schmidt, an independent health coach, has been on a mission to empower others to achieve optimal health.

Inspired by the transformative benefits of IV therapy, Johnny began researching existing IV franchises to determine which would be the best fit for him. After discovering that a fellow health coach friend had opened an IV infusion business in Amite, the two decided to collaborate acquiring their Flo and Glo franchise, leading to the birth of the second Flo and Glo location in Covington.”

Flo and Glo offers a comprehensive range of IV therapy services to meet diverse health needs. Its services include IV infusions supporting immune health, boosting metabolism, managing stress, and alleviating chronic conditions like migraines and headaches. Flo and Glo also offers infusions to enhance an active lifestyle, booster shots for vitamin D and B-12 deficiencies, and energy-boosting and weight-loss support. The wellness establishment will soon be expanding to offer medical weight loss services and NAD+ injections.

At Flo and Glo, personalization is not just a buzzword; it’s a commitment. Every client’s experience begins with a one-on-one consultation with a dedicated nurse practitioner. This session is meticulously designed to customize the IV therapy to the client’s unique medical history and current health status, addressing specific issues such as dehydration, fatigue, and chronic conditions.

Flo and Glo also offers premium spray tanning services using the Versa Spa Pro machine. This state-of-the-art tanning equipment uses all-natural, chemical-free ingredients infused with marine algae to detoxify, firm, and rejuvenate the skin. The unique formula guarantees a natural-looking tan without unpleasant odors, gluten, paraben additives, or non-comedogenic products. Its cruelty-free promise assures that the formula is never tested on animals.

The Flo and Glo team is made up of highly skilled professionals, including a full-time nurse practitioner with over 14 years of critical care experience and a team of RNs with ER experience. This wealth of expertise ensures that clients are in safe hands and can trust the quality of their services.

“Our goal is to offer complimentary and holistic therapies to help support the immune system and assist with managing or preventing chronic conditions, all within a very relaxing, spa-like environment,” owner Johnny Schmidt explains. With a focus on personalized service, Flo and Glo provides IV therapies in a relaxing spa environment, prioritizing building personal client relationships and ensuring a comfortable and individualized experience.

Jared Miquez of Arena Collective

THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (“FTC”) RECENTLY ISSUED A FINAL RULE BANNING NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS NATIONWIDE.

The ban will go into effect in September 2024. With this ruling and subsequent ban, the FTC hopes to promote new business operations, freedom for workers looking for new employment, and competition.

The rule will not only prohibit new noncompete agreements with workers but also deem existing agreements unenforceable, with some exceptions. Exceptions to this ban include, but are not limited to, (1) agreements with senior executives that were executed prior to the effective date, (2) agreements between franchisors and franchisees, and (3) business-tobusiness agreements.

How to protect yourself and your business as an employer prior to the ban’s effective date:

1. Review existing agreements and company policies with workers to assess the extent to which these agreements would be deemed noncompete agreements under the ban.

2. If there are any current agreements that could be deemed to violate this ban, devise a strategy to revise or roll back those provisions.

3. Review company policies and training procedures to ensure human resources, managers, and other workers are educated on these bans to ensure your company is mitigating the risk of violations.

4. Consider the practical ways to retain good talent and promote loyalty.

Experience an artistic journey through Earth’s elements at the annual Summer Fundraiser for New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center. Inspired by the Met Gala, Nature Through Art is a one-of-a-kind, can’t miss event.

THE Niette’s family pet

Turk Niette

Meet Turk, the adorable 9-week-old French Bulldog who has quickly become the heart of Ashley Niette’s family. Turk joined the family in May, thanks to a family friend’s dog having puppies.

Turk is a beautiful little boy with an equally stunning and unique coat. Called a Merle pattern, his fur features a blend of colors, creating a marbled effect that is truly adorable. His coat’s base color has lighter shades of cream, white, and light gray, with distinguishing patches of darker colors, including black, blue, or chocolate, interwoven throughout. This distinctive dappled pattern extends to his bright blue eyes, adding to his unique appearance.

Turk’s striking blue eyes are reminiscent of the

crystal-clear waters of Turks & Caicos, which inspired his name. This little Frenchie is incredibly cute and has a delightful personality. “He is the happiest and sweetest little guy. He loves playing fetch with his favorite blue bone and running after me outside,” shares Ashley. One funny quirk about Turk is his eagerness to join Ashley in the bathtub, constantly trying to jump in with her.

Chosen for his intelligence, sweet nature, and adorable personality, this Mommy’s boy’s playful spirit and loving nature have brought immeasurable joy to Ashley’s life. His charm and endearing antics will no doubt bring many more years of love and laughter to this Terra Bella home.

Dr. Maher With Maher Animal Hospital

LET’S TALK ABOUT PET WEIGHT

Lose a few pounds, gain a few years!!

LOSS!

We all love our animals and want to shower them with treats, food, love, and happiness, but we also want them to live long pain-free lives! Sometimes, a weight adjustment is needed for this to happen. If you believe your pet is overweight, or have been told so by your veterinarian, these weight management tips can help you plan for weight loss that stays off.

• STEP ONE: Diet

—The biggest step is to write down everything your pet consumes daily. There are usually two categories: dog food and treats (including human food).

• STEP TWO: Properly Measure Food

—Use a MEASURING CUP, not a Mardi Gras cup, to apportion the amount of food you are feeding your pet. Decrease this amount by 1/8 or 1/4 cup and stick with it. For example, if you feed your pet 2 cups a day, instead feed 1.75 cups daily for three months and watch the weight fall off!

— Treats: Pick one treat and throw the rest away. Then, pour that one treat bag on the counter and break each

piece into two or three pieces. Put them back in the bag. Ta-da! Your dog is now getting one milk bone rather than three per day.

• STEP THREE: Exercise

—Exercise is great for the muscles and the brain, but it doesn’t result in weight loss.

—If your dog is young, add a walk a day if it fits into your schedule. If you have an older or sometimes arthritic dog, keep the walks short and focus on the diet.

• STEP FOUR: The Reminder

—Put your action plan listing exercise, amount of food, & number of treats on the fridge! If it’s in plain sight, it’s more likely to happen!

If these changes don’t work, talk to your vet about their favorite prescription weight loss food. With the prescription food, pets get a decent amount of food they get to eat a decent volume of food, and after they lose the weight, they can stay on this food, at an increased amount.

If your pet continues to gain weight or refuses to lose weight despite sticking to a strict regimen, it may be time for some bloodwork to check for other underlying issues. Your vet can help design a plan for your family to get those calories and pounds off your pet. It will lead to less arthritic pain, fewer medications commonly prescribed for arthritis, and will truly give your pet more years with you.

MAHER ANIMAL HOSPITAL

as well as

habitat for humanity Hammers forHeels Fashion Show

In a delightful gesture of community collaboration, Maison Lafitte, graciously hosted by owner Sara Sinclair, set the stage for the 5th annual Hammers & Heels Fashion Show in mid-April. This event, which brought together nineteen boutiques, twelve vendors, and fifteen stylists, was a resounding success, selling out and raising significant funds for Habitat STW’s Women Build initiative.

The Lakehouse provided a delectable spread leading up to the main event fashion show. The fashion presentation started with a unique twist, as the Habitat St. Tammany Parish West construction crew took to the runway, showcasing their dedication. This was followed by models showing off the latest trends from local boutiques and shops. The excitement concluded with a successful silent auction and a cork pull wall, where supporters could choose

a random bottle of wine from a wall.

With the guidance of fourteen committee members, Habitat construction crew leaders, and generous donations from hundreds of local businesses, the occasion raised over $70,000, a substantial contribution that will make a real difference in the lives of those in need through Habitat STW’s Women Build initiative.

The day was a true testament to community support for Women Build, an annual Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West initiative that rallies women to build homes and fulfill families’ dreams of homeownership. With over 400 volunteers contributing 2,065 hours yearly in West St. Tammany Parish, Women Build leaves a lasting impact. All Hammer and Heels Fashion Show proceeds will support this vital cause.

TERRABELLA VILLAGEResidents

When you live at TerraBella, you’ll be part of the daily moments, seasonal events, and annual traditions that make living here so special. Email TerraBellaLivingMagazine@gmail.com to submit your photos for TerraBella Living Magazine resident photos.