




Welcome to the debut issue of Mandeville City Lifestyle! We are thrilled to be your premier source for all things local here in Mandeville.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we hope our magazine becomes an oasis for you—a tranquil calm in the midst of chaos. A place to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with the heartbeat of local life here in Mandeville.
Celebrate with us the innovative start-ups, seasoned businesses, and talented artists who infuse our community with vibrancy and life. Peek into the homes and daily lives of our residents, and explore the events, local gems, and charitable organizations that improve our community and make a difference in our lives. Our mission is to shine a bright light on the people and places that make Mandeville extraordinary.
Each month, as you flip through these pages, we invite you to journey with us—to revisit the charm and character that have always defined Mandeville. Sometimes, moving forward will mean looking back, capturing the nostalgia of what once was in order to inspire what can be.
In this issue, you’ll enjoy the exquisite designs of Greige Home Interiors as they impart beauty and tranquility to homes on both sides of the lake. You’ll be inspired by delicious recipes and simple DIY projects—easy avenues for spending time with your children, relishing a few peaceful moments by yourself, or inviting friends over to forge new holiday memories. And you’ll be reminded, with each turn of the page, of new ways to connect and contribute in this beautiful place we all call home.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and allowing us to share in your stories. We look forward to seeing you around!
Warmly,
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Rebecca George | rebecca.george@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Christian George | christian.george@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Abby Sands, Hen House Creative, Mindy Wester, Janie Jones, Cassandra Castaneda
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mindy Wester, Erica Bibb, Julie Brown Patton, Alison Stanton, Haley Williams, Christian George
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
Rebecca George and Christian George MANDEVILLE CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHERS
Abby Photo ABBYPHOTO.COM
Apricot Lane Boutique APRICOTLANEBOUTIQUE.COM/MANDEVILLE
Christian Writers for Life CHRISTIANWRITERSFORLIFE.COM
Cindi Raymond, Coldwell Banker TEC CINDIRAYMOND.COM
Concierge Counseling of Mandeville CCMANDEVILLE.COM
Fussell Group Insurance Advisors FGIALA.COM
Grandiflora Garden Center FACEBOOK.COM/GRANDIFLORANORTHSHORE
Greige Home Interiors GREIGEHOME.COM
Healthy Body Healthy Soul HEALTHYBODYHEALTHYSOUL-LA.COM
Hollrah Wellness & Aesthetics HOLLRAHWELLNESS.COM
Jan Rivers, House of Colour HOUSEOFCOLOUR.COM
James M. Robinson, MD MDVIP.COM/JAMESROBINSONMD
Jane “Puddy” Robinson, Sotheby’s PUDDYROBINSON.COM
Lagniappe IT LAGNIAPPEIT.COM
Olivier Couture Bridal Boutique OLIVIERCOUTURE.COM
Organizing with Leslie ORGANIZINGWITHLESLIE.COM
Outdoor Illumination Design OUTDOORILLUMINATIONDESIGN.COM
Pink Magnolia Marketplace PINKMAGNOLIAMARKETPLACE.COM
Pure Barre Mandeville PUREBARRE.COM/LOCATION/MANDEVILLE-LA
Rosé Beauty Studio ROSESALONSPA.COM
Owner Natasha Buckholtz and the small business owners of Pink Magnolia Marketplace invite you to a day of festive holiday shopping. On Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., savor complimentary drinks, explore new collections, and support exciting local businesses as you tackle your Christmas list. Visit Pink Magnolia Marketplace at 1200 W Causeway Approach Suite 12.
Rosé Beauty Studio, a boutique salon and spa, announces the opening of their new location at 1685 N Causeway Boulevard Suite A. Owner Christina Horton joins forces with Erin Corcoran of SpaRinity to offer a wide range of aesthetic and wellness services. Ten percent of Rosé’s proceeds are donated to Pink Heart Funds to compassionately care for cancer patients.
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Pure Barre Mandeville celebrates one year under the new ownership of Aimee Gibbe. Committed to building a vibrant and welcoming fitness community, the studio has seen incredible growth and strengthened connections over the past year. Offering classes tailored to all fitness levels, Pure Barre Mandeville invites you to experience the transformative power of barre with a free introductory class.
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Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. While a simple cup of hot cocoa can warm the soul, why not take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board? Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy. Let’s explore the wonders of old-fashioned hot cocoa and all the accompaniments you can use to create your very own hot cocoa charcuterie board.
THE DELIGHTS OF OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Old-fashioned hot cocoa transports us to simpler times and brings with it a sense of nostalgia. The slow, traditional process of making hot chocolate from scratch – with real chocolate, milk and a touch of sweetness – provides a distinctly memorable experience for the holidays.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Ingredients
• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA
CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure, and serve as a sweet centerpiece to your holiday gatherings.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
VARIATIONS TO SAVOR
Indulge in some exciting recipes that are sure to elevate your hot chocolate into fun and festive beverages during the holidays and throughout the colder months.
MINTY FRESH WONDER
Embrace the festive season with a mint-infused hot cocoa. Fancify your beverage with a peppermint stick or make your
own crushed candy cane dust for a touch of holiday cheer. This minty delight is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect indulgence for cozy winter evenings.
SPICY AZTEC ELIXIR
Channel your inner adventurer with an Aztec-inspired hot cocoa. Infuse your drink with a touch of chili powder and a dash of cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation. This fiery blend will ignite your senses and warm you from the inside out.
GROWN-UP GRASSHOPPER
Transform your drink into a rich adult-only grasshopper hot cocoa by adding 2 oz. of crème de menthe or a shot of peppermint schnapps. Adorn with a crushed candy cane rim for a playful offering.
DECADENT SALTED CARAMEL INDULGENCE
Elevate your hot cocoa experience with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. The combination of slightly bitter cocoa and sweet, buttery caramel is a match made in heaven. Sprinkle an extra pinch of sea salt for that irresistible contrast.
ARTICLE
BIBB
• 22 gauge wire
• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes
• Wire snips
Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”
Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.
Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.
Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.
Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!
Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!
We met as undergraduates at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and got married on the evening of Christian’s graduation. We lived in St. Andrews, Scotland, for three years while Christian completed a PhD.
We Love Mandeville!
Rebecca grew up in New Orleans, and five years ago, we settled in Mandeville. We’re completely in love with the rich history, warm community, and peaceful lifestyle of the Northshore.
For 20 years, we’ve been authors, and for the last decade we’ve written books for large nonprofits who needed their stories told. A couple recent favorites are Miracle Wheels and Imprisoned with ISIS
We have old favorites—like Rips on the Lake and Trey Yuen, where we celebrated special occasions with Rebecca’s grandparents—along with newer go-to’s, like Parish Tacos and Sake Garden.
… would be waking up early and playing some Bach (Christian), heading to Franco’s for racquetball and the elliptical, and then exploring Fontainebleau before joining family for “Throwback Thursday” at the Beau Chêne clubhouse.
DIY Gift Wrapping That Stands Out During The Season
‘Tis the season to get crafty, clever or characterized! Well-wrapped holiday packages create immediate enthusiasm and somehow seem to make gifts more meaningful. Whether going for shiny, vintage, colorful, rustic, playful or eco-friendly impressions, the following are some Do-ItYourself gift-wrapping ideas to make the wrapping process even more satisfying. Simply applying jute twine to gifts provides a ‘less is more’ vibe.
ADD NATURAL TOUCHES TO CRAFT PAPER:
For gifts with a rustic, organic feel, use seasonal accents, such as sprigs, pine cones and cinnamon sticks, tied up with twine, encircling recycled paper for the wrapping.
In lieu of a gift tag, attach an oversized paper mâché letter of the recipient’s first initial to the top of the box. The letter then can serve as customized décor, too.
POLKA DOTS:
Wrap gifts in plain craft paper and then cut out big, multicolored polka dots to glue down. It’s hard not to smile at big, bright dots.
CARDBOARD BOX SNOWPERSON:
Wrap three or four boxes in white paper, with different gifts inside, and then stack them. Tape the boxes together, tapering to the top. Glue buttons on the bottom ones, create a snowperson’s face on the top one, with carrot nose cut out of orange paper.
Attach a real hat, if desired. Tie wider, festive bow around the snowperson’s ‘neck.’
Add a real corncob pipe for a bonus finishing touch, if preferred.
MINI TREE GIFT WRAPPING:
Pine needles and small tips of real tree branches make quick and easy mini Christmas trees that can be glued onto Christmas gifts. They will smell nice, too.
BOOK PAGE WRAPPING PAPER:
Repurpose old book pages by cutting out shapes of dreidels, snowflakes, ornaments, candles or reindeer to paste on gifts.
DIY STAMP WRAPPING PAPER:
Wrap gifts in solid colors of paper. Secure ink stamps and an ink pad in a themed color(s), and stamp the paper as much or as little as desired.
UNBOXED:
Apply other types of containers, rather than boxes or bags, for gift wrapping; examples: canisters, pillow cases, baskets, fabric scraps, maps, glass containers, towels, blankets, scarves, Bento bags (also called triangle bags or origami bags).
HOW TO MAKE “THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR” GENTLER ON YOUR WALLET
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
The holiday season can be a fun time filled with family get-togethers, festive decorations, cookie baking and other merry moments.
It can also be a spendy time of year, especially when it comes to gift-giving.
If you are hoping to make this holiday season more budget-friendly than in years past, the following tips may help:
Your kids’ wish lists might be longer than the Declaration of Independence, but take heed. According to Whyzz, research has found that what kids really want for the holidays are enjoyable family traditions, relaxing days with people who love them, and a few gifts.
Interestingly, research also shows that kids have pretty reasonable expectations on how many gifts they will receive, as well as how much money will be spent on them.
With this in mind, before you start your holiday shopping, Whyzz advises sitting down with your kids and letting them know how much you have to spend on gifts this year. Be upfront about what they can expect, and encourage each child to suggest one larger gift or perhaps a few smaller ones that will fit into your budget.
FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO TRIM THE HOLIDAY BUDGET
Buying presents for lots of friends and family members can really add up. To trim back your spending, Nerd Wallet suggests that people draw names to help lower the number of gifts you’ll purchase, and/or proposing a budget-friendly price limit for each person.
Other ways to pare back your holiday spending include asking family to come visit this season, rather than you booking costly airline trips and paying for hotels; or choosing just one seasonal play, performance, carnival or other event to attend, rather than several.
You can also challenge your kids to come up with ideas for inexpensive and fun things to do as a family. You might
find that your child’s suggestion of filling travel mugs with cocoa and heading out in the car to admire the many amazing holiday displays is a fun and memorable experience.
ENCOURAGE GIFT RECIPIENTS TO TELL YOU WHAT THEY TRULY WANT OR NEED
Another way to make your holiday spending smarter than ever this year is to purchase gifts that your loved ones truly need. At times, this might involve thinking outside of the gift box a bit, and that’s okay.
Ask each person on your list for ideas, and let them know it’s okay if it’s not a “traditional” gift. For instance, maybe your aunt would love it if you paid for her Netflix subscription for a couple of months, your college-aged nephew could really use a gift card to Amazon or Target, and your grandpa would really be thrilled if you took him out to lunch once the busy holidays are over.
TRY TO AVOID IMPULSE SPENDING ON “DEALS”
Yes, Black Friday typically features amazing deals on a wide selection of items. But unless you are really sure that one of your gift recipients wants that mega-marked-down item, try to resist succumbing to the temptation of these sales. Buying something just because it’s a terrific price is a sure way to bust that newly-trimmed down budget, and you might end up with gifts that were a great price, but not really useful to anyone on your list.
Here’s to a jolly holiday season filled with special moments, and smart spending!
Sources: whyzz.com/storiestalking-with-children-about-holiday-budgets nerdwallet.com/articlefinancehow-to-build-a-holidaybudget-that-works-every-year
If what they say is true—that a home is like a body—then standing on LaSalle Place in 1910 would have been like listening to New Orleans’ own heartbeat. Beneath outstretched arms of ancient oaks, the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carriages mingled with distant strains of early jazz. LaSalle Place was more than a street; it was an artery nourishing the city’s flourishing growth spurt. Newly built neighborhoods veined across the landscape. And at the
ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEN HOUSE CREATIVE
heart of this legacy stood 11 LaSalle Place, its bones crafted from longleaf pine and cypress timbers harvested from the forests of Mandeville, one of the nation’s top lumber-producing cities.
Today, nearly 115 years later, the Northshore continues to bring new life to the enduring charm of New Orleans’ homes. Nestled in Audubon, 11 LaSalle Place—recently redesigned by the expert design firm Greige Home Interiors—has emerged as a fusion of historic elegance and modern sophistication.
“To arrive at the home,” says project manager Ryan Jordan, “you drive through 100-plus-year-old oaks and onto a brickpaved road.” Situated within a privately-walled compound, the historic estate comes into view.
As you pass through the entrance of the home, you are greeted by gleaming pine floors, which accentuate the finely crafted millwork and elegant crown molding. The foyer opens into a formal dining room and an expansive living area where a wall of French doors reveals the
“A home’s interior should mirror the beauty and intentionality of its exterior.”
meticulously landscaped grounds, merging the indoor and outdoor spaces.
“This design was unique,” Jordan says, “because we crafted visually striking spaces with custom furniture, furnishings, and lighting fixtures.” Guided by the belief that a home’s interior should mirror the beauty and intentionality of its exterior, Jordan’s careful attention to detail is evident everywhere. “The relationship between exterior and interior of the home was greatly influenced by the full wall of windows in the main living and entertaining space of the home. We used original art, décor, and finishes to pull the exterior in.”
A grand staircase ascends to the second floor, where a set of antique chandeliers casts a warm glow along the hallway leading to the primary suite. This suite embodies the home’s refined elegance. The handcrafted chandeliers evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. To Jordan and his team, these fixtures held a unique allure, becoming, as he describes, “the main inspiration for our project”—a centerpiece that bridges history and luxury, the past and the present. “Designing with custom fabrics and the blending of antique and new,” Jordan explains, “is what makes a space feel truly special to individual homeowners.” And perhaps the
true takeaway from this project is a paradoxical one: that sometimes, in order to move forward, we must go back to retrieve what is worth preserving.
Over time, cars replaced the horsedrawn carriages that once rolled down LaSalle Place, and the rhythmic clatter of hooves gave way to the quiet hum of engines. Yet, 11 LaSalle Place remains a sanctuary of sophistication that celebrates the marriage of tradition and modernity, past and present. For those who visit, the home stands as proudly as it did over a century ago, its walls quietly recounting New Orleans’ history—echoes of elegance woven into every corner. As Jordan notes, “The beauty and experience of this home is an inspiration in itself.”
In the end, 11 LaSalle Place is more than just a home; it’s a living legacy, an alchemy of architecture and design that bridges the Northshore and New Orleans, the past and the future, the early 20th century with our own—a place where each room, finish, and fixture tells a story worth preserving.
Dr. James Robinson offers a different approach to internal medicine in Madisonville. He sees fewer patients so he has more time for you. That means he can offer same/next-day appointments that start on time and last as long as needed. Plus, Dr. Robinson has time to focus on prevention and really get to know you. Learn more today by calling the office or visiting his website.
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
Everyone dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get our time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.
It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.
Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.
Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.
Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.
Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.
The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!
Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.
Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.
Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.