Spring Summer Special Issue by Modern Grace Magazine

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

SPRING SUMMER SPECIAL ISSUE

MODERN GRACE

CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR remembering what matters most

CONTRIBUTORS the wonderful people who make it possible

REFRESHING AND RENEWAL refresh your skin for spring and summer

MAKE IT COLORFUL this years trends are fresh and bright

WATER, WATER water to fit your tastebuds

SPRING FORTH THIS SEASON into growth, rebirth, and learning

COVER PHOTO: ALEXIS JESTER

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FOOD RECIPES salads for spring and summer

LIVE FOR PURPOSE by expecting purpose to find you

BLOOM IN GRACE renew, and revive, and reassess

REFILLING FOR THE SEASON AHEAD preparing for the season to come

THE NOSTALGIA OF VINYL memories and the sweet sound of vinyl

73 PHOTO: TONY RICHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

MODERN GRACE

CONTENTS

ROCKSTAR TO LOUISIANA PRESERVATIONIST Nicole Brice interviews Rod Roddy from LeRoux

PICTURE LOUISIANA photography highlight

LOUISIANA FESTIVALS where to find the fun

DOLLHOUSE REDO it’s fun and affordable

FONTENOT FARMHOUSE spring and summer décor ideas

DIY FOR YOUR HOUSEPLANTS using our DIY for your houseplants

MODERN GRACE

F ROM TH E E DITOR

ou’ll notice that this edition of Modern Grace is titled the Spring Summer special issue, which wasn’t initially the intention. After the spring photoshoot, several of us toiled over whether to put out a spring edition at all, since we were still unsure about when the governor was going to lift the mask mandate. Everywhere we looked, sources gave different answers, from the end of April to the beginning of June. So, we all decided to wait until the middle of April to decide. Then on April 11, my husband went into emergency surgery, turning my world upside down. Sitting in that empty waiting room at one o’clock in the morning, scared, and alone, praying, I realized, again, just

how fleeting life can be. It is a lesson we all learn over and over in life. We set so many standards, and let too many other things set standards for our lives that sometimes simply don’t fit. It’s good to be dedicated, have goals, deadlines, and to work, however if we find ourselves plummeting when a goal goes unreached or a soccer game gets skipped, it’s unhealthy. In that waiting room, after kissing the love of my life goodbye, and watching as they wheeled him away, skipping the spring issue wasn’t anywhere in my thoughts. Sure, we need deadlines, and yes, they serve a purpose, but they come and go and new ones take their place regularly. Goals are good, but if we have to spend so much time

working to make things work, that we miss the bigger picture, it can be an imbalance we’ll regret later. What I did think about in that waiting room was how thankful to God I was that I have the opportunity to spend time with the people I do, especially my husband. Looking back, I’m thankful that I have a sister and brother-in-law who would drive to be with me that night. Thankful to have a daughter and a father-in-law that would help take care of the house while we were in the hospital, and beautiful friends, neighbors, and a mother-in-law who cooked and watched out for us. I am thankful for the many people, who even though they may not have talked to Larry in the recent past, checked in on him like the brothers and sisters they truly are when it counts the most. During Covid many people took restock of their lives and where they place their efforts. Families became important again, as did family suppers, game and movie nights together. Friends were re-evaluated and people learned to focus their energies on the healthy relationships in their lives, instead of the negative ones. In the hospital with my husband I was reminded of a song, Keep Me in the Moment by Jeremy Camp, and I have listened to it every single day since. As we all restart our lives, I hope we don’t lose sight of what truly matters; what really deserves our efforts and concerns. I don’t think I am going to have to learn that lesson again anytime soon. At least I hope not.

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CONTRIBUTORS

N E LDA A RNOLD Assitant Editor

TAY LOR VOISIN Art Director, Photo Contributor

A LE XIS J ES TE R Lead Photographer, Beauty and Fashion Contributor

L AU RE N PA RROT T Lead Model

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J O S H A RC H OT E Health Contributor

J’A D O RÉ BAC H E M I N Issue Model

TA B IT H A B E R A R D Health Contributor

A N N A BOY T E R Vegan Food Contributor

DA N E L L B R I C E , PM H N P-B C Contributor

NICOLE BRICE Fashion and Lifestyle Contributor

L AC I B R I C E Lifestyle Contributor

TY BRICE Teen Contributor

T.J. B R U N E R Health Contributor

T Y RO N E CA L L A H A N Lifestyle and Photo Contributor

JC COKER Lifestyle and Photo Contributor

SK YE DIX Teen Contributor

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CONTRIBUTORS

B R IT TA N Y E DWA R D S Inspirational Contributor

A B BY E FA L K N E R Culture and Photo Contributor

CA M F E H R Teen Contributor

K R I S TI W I L LI A M S FO N T E N OT Inspirational and Home Contributor

J E R E M Y G H AWA LY Inspirational Contributor

C U R TI S G R E E N Health and Culture Contributor

LI L LI G R E E N Teen Contributor

T Y H OWA R D Beauty Contributor

E M M A JA M E S Issue Model

AU T U M N J E S T E R Photo Contributor

L A R RY J E S T E R Reluctant Contributor

DÉ JA J O N E S Fashion Contributor and Stylist

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M E RCY J O N E S Lifestyle Contributor

M A RC I E K LO C K Inspirational Contributor

A M B E R L AV I O L E T T E Culture and Photo Contributor

BRANDI LEBLANC Health Contributor

L AY D E N L E W I S Teen Contributor

C.J. M I R A N DA Lifestyle Contributor

K AY L A M O RG A N Vegan Food Contributor

M I L E S PE R AU LT Photo Contributor

LO R A H P O RC H E Photo Contributor

TI A R A PU R N E L L Financial Health Contributor

RO M A N Q U I N N Health Contributor

T R I S TA N R E I D Lifestyle Contributor

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CONTRIBUTORS

K A R E N K . S C OT T Inspirational Contributor

L AY N E E S I M O N E O U X Teen Contributor

SARA SIMONEOUX Inspirational Contributor

A L A N A VO O R H I E S Fashion Contributor

CAY D E N WA L L S Teen Contributor

S E LI N A WAT S O N Food Contributor

A N G E L WAT T S Home and DIY Contributor

Y V E T T E W H IT TI N GTO N Health and Food Contributor

K I RS T E N W I N B U S H Home Contributor

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B E AU T Y

FASHION HEALTH FOOD INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

Refreshing and Renewal Alexis Jester

Cannuka CBD Harmonizing Face Cream

Rich in nutrients, replenishes and leaves behind a radiant, healthylooking glow. It can be used as primer for makeup application a calming aftershave for men. Provides that extra layer of moisture you need to keep skin supple and looking fresh.

e’ve found some flower- and plant-infused products for spring and summer that will renew your skin.

Dr Teal’s Rose Water Witch Hazel Facial Toner

Moisturize and soothe skin with this Vitamin E and Organic Aloe Vera enriched toner. Smooth and balance oils for healthy-looking skin. With calming Rose Water, this toner includes a blend of essential oils to nourish your skin and mind.

Femmue Flower Infused Fine Peel

Soothes and nourishes troubled skin. With cactus extract, centella asiatica, and atlas cedarwood bark oil, it leaves your skin feeling new. Geranium oil boost hydration, while dried and finely blended camellia flowers buff and brighten. .

Blossom All Natural & Hydrating Face Oil (Spring)

Luxurious, all-natural oil made with 9 flower and plant oils and Vitamin E. Protects the elasticity of your skin and smoothes by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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FA S H I O N

BEAUTY HEALTH FOOD INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

make it colorful Alexis Jester

hen you think of spring and summer, you immediately imagine beautiful bright colors, flowers, and fresh fruits. This year, trends are not shying away from any of it!

PHOTOS: ALEXIS AND MICHELLE JESTER

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Mixing textures and pairing flowing with fitted clothing is absolutely acceptable. Embrace loud prints and dazzling colors. Push yourself to be expressive and let your creativity BLOSSOM.

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Show off those shoulders. We can finally go outside, so don’t be afraid to let the sun shine on your skin. Halter tops, sleeveless, deep V-neck, square neckline, asymmetrical and cutouts...try them all!

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Go wild with color pairings such as pink, every shade of yellow, teal, and blue accents. Bring all of it to the table this year, especially ORANGE, ORANGE, ORANGE!

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Netting is big this spring and summer, so play around with dress netting and tulle. Be sure to let your inner child shine and bring all of your ballerina dreams to life.

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Pastels are always a seasonal favorite; Nile green, banana yellow, baby blues, and all the pastel shades are huge this spring. Pair your pastels with whites, creams, or camel colors for that perfect mix!

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And of course, jeans transcend every season. Lean into the retro! Bell bottoms, big hoops, sunglasses, decorative collars. Darker washes look great with marigold yellow, royal blue, and linens.

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Lighter wash jeans can go with bright florals and FRUITS! Orange is a huge color for spring and summer, as well as oranges! Coordinate your themes and patterns to look above and beyond.

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You can integrate florals with everything! Sundresses, fitted skirts paired with linen shirts, and flowy slip dresses all work well with flower embellishments.

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Business casualwear is popular this season. Don’t forget to mix it up with florals, such as adding a floral belt with professional brown trousers and a lace blouse. We even paired a flower button up with a blazer shorts set.

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There are no limits this spring and summer! After a year of being cooped up in loungewear and hoodies, we want to see everyone’s everyday fashion being as bold and vibrant as possible!

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H E A LT H

BEAUTY FASHION FOOD INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

Water,Water Y

our skin feels better and so does your body when you are properly hydrated, especially during the spring and summer months. If the main reason you don’t drink water is because it doesn’t have a taste or is boring, you aren’t alone. Many people refuse to drink water simply because they don’t like it. Thankfully, several flavored waters are available: Smartwater+ renew® has a crisp unique flavor, hint® water is fruit-infused and flavorful, or for those who like a lightly flavored water that is carbonated, LaCroix Sparking Water is flavored with natural fruit oils. Still, we have a fun twist on the fruit and vegetable infused water that is not only easy to put together on your rush out the door, but it is also visually appealing and takes only a few minutes of preparation. Get your favorite fruits and vegetables. Cut them into small pieces and store in the freezer, in a freezer-safe container. We suggest that about thirty minutes after you put them in, pull them out and move the pieces around a little so that they don’t form one large solid piece, instead of easy-to-remove pieces. Get creative: Cucumber is not the only tasty veggie to toss into your iced water bottle or insulated cup! You’d be surprised at how refreshing it is to add a raw green bean or two into your lemon water. Also, a favorite of ours is fresh iced water with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Once you fill your cup with iced, toss in a few of your favorite frozen fruit or vegetable pieces, add water and enjoy!

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“New Year” has come and gone. spring TheTemperatures are rising. Bright colors popped out everywhere to replace the forth have subtle fall/winter colors that last season left That can only mean one thing … this behind. SPRING and SUMMER are here! season So what will you accomplish this season?

Brandi LeBlanc, CPT

BRANDI LEBLANC, CPT & PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S BODYBUILDER OWNER OF BARBELLE BEAUTY FITNESS

MODERN GRACE

The winter (and year) we just came out of surely was very new to us. As a fitness professional who has seen many new year resolutioners come and go through the years, I can say that usually a few months after January, many tend to fall away from their resolutions to get fit for the new year. I can also tell you that I believe this year has taken a bigger toll on many than they choose to admit. I actually saw a decline in the number of New Year’s resolutioners this year in the fitness industry for the first time in years. I think there may be more to this than just “physical” as well. So let’s try this again, shall we? Spring is a reminder to many, especially believers, that God is about to make all things new. He promises us in Isaiah 43:1819 “Do not remember the former things, nor the things of old. Behold, I will do something new; Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?” So how about we take God up on that promise. Let’s trust Him that He can and will do something new in us. He continues through His word, and through others, to give us glimpses

of new things that He has in store for us. Maybe this very article is meant for you— to be a little push to put forth new effort to a fresh you. Spring and summer are both times for growth. In nature, that comes from the right combination of sunlight and water. For our spiritual lives, it comes from the right combination of time with God in His word and time with other believers—a community of people who think like you and have the same goals. So this season, I encourage you to find a circle of friends to grow with. Grow in motivation. Grow in discipline to meet your goals. Grow spiritually. Grow relationally. Grow the time you spend outdoors. Maybe take that new circle of friends out for a hike or a walk around the park. Take a look at the flowers and plants that are blooming around you. Whether it’s a long walk, or splashing through puddles on a jog during an unexpected Louisiana summer shower, soak up the blessings of the spring and summer seasons. Not only will you be enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, but you’ll be growing in your fellowship and sharing it with someone else who may need the motivation to get up and moving just as much as you do. You never know what that first step may lead to. How about learning something new? Don’t be afraid to grow your knowledge,

especially in the area of your body. Take that circle of friends and take a fitness class together. Learn a new type of exercise together like Yoga, Zumba, or, my personal favorite, weightlifting. And if you haven’t found that circle to get started with yet, let this be your starting point… JOIN a fitness studio or class. As a trainer who specializes in training small groups of women, the comradery that I see form between the ladies that train together in my small groups is absolutely priceless. These women feed on the motivation of one another. They come sometimes more to see one another than to lift weights, getting fit is just one of the perks. The relationships that they form by bonding in this environment, encouraging one another, rooting for one another, and celebrating one another’s victories, is something that I often run off to thank God for allowing me to be a part of—the relationships that are forming between these ladies who were once perfect strangers now becoming sisters… fitness sisters. Who wouldn’t love a tribe of women on their side through so many of life’s challenges? I’m telling you, you’ll find some of the best support ever in a fitness environment. It breeds motivation and encouragement. Spring is the author of “renewal,” and summer is the author of happy times and growth. Did you start at the beginning

of the year and fall off track after a few weeks? Don’t let that discourage you. Just pick yourself up, dust your buns off, and get back in the game. Whether it’s starting completely over, or picking up where you left off, a reset may be just the very thing you need to get recommitted. See this season as that happy renewal period full of growth. Maybe even take this time to ask God to help you. He is, after all, our Helper. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 is a great prayer to start with. By asking Him this one simple prayer, it can change your life in so many ways. He can give you a new heart and a new drive, all you have to do is ask Him. He takes what’s broken down and transforms it into something incredible. If you haven’t read my testimony before, I encourage you to read it. See how God changed my life completely and used FITNESS as a pathway to do so. Fitness brings forth character. It’s the one thing you definitely can’t cheat on and get away with it. God desires us to be disciplined in all aspects of our lives that prosper us, for sure. So, spring forth into your fitness goals this season. Let this season be one of growth, rebirth, and learning something new that can benefit your body and your spirit.

MODERN GRACE

FOOD

BEAUTY FASHION HEALTH INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

Salads for Spring and Summer T

here are many types of salads, including green garden salads, fruit salads, rice and pasta salads, and dessert salads. However, this spring we are focusing on these wonderfully tasty salads that start with lettuce! We suggest iceberg lettuce, simply because the water content makes for a more refreshing

taste; however, you can obviously use whichever type of lettuce you prefer. You’ll recognize some of these alltime favorites. And by adding each of them atop a heaping stack of fresh, crispy, delicious lettuce, you’ll make family favorites for years to come!

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Broccoli Neptune Salad • • • • • • • • • •

3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup white sugar 2 Tbsp. white vinegar 6 cups broccoli, cut into small florets 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste) 3/4 cup raisins or cranberries 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pecans

1. Combine all ingredients. 2. Chill and enjoy!

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Cajun Crab Salad • • • • • • • • • • •

10 oz cream cheese, softened 4 oz. Colby-Jack cheese, shredded 10 oz. crab meat 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbps. Tabasco sauce (or to taste) 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 lemon, juiced 1 Tbsp. Louisiana Cajun seasoning (or to taste) 1/2 cup celery, minced 1/4 cup red bell pepper, minced Two small onions, chopped

1. Combine all ingredients. 2. Chill and enjoy!

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English Pea Salad • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 cups of English peas 1/2 cup red onion, diced 1/2 cup green onion, diced 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon celery salt 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce salt to taste black pepper to taste 1/8 teaspoon lemon juice

1. Combine all ingredients. 2. Chill and enjoy!

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Shrimp Salad • 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1/2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped • 2 tbsp. dill weed • salt to taste • black pepper to taste • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup lemon Juice • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1. Combine all ingredients. 2. Chill and enjoy!

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Spinach Artichoke Dip • 6 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained • 1 can chopped artichoke hearts, drained • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1 clove of garlic, minced • black or white pepper to taste 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 3. In a bowl, stir together all ingredients. Spread mixture evenly pan. 4. Bake about 20 minutes in preheated oven until melted. 5. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers or over fresh bed or baby spinach leaves.

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Tuna Salad • • • • • • • •

12 oz. drained white meat tuna 1 tablespoon celery, diced 1 tablespoon red onion, diced 1 teaspoon parsley ⅓ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon mustard black pepper to taste freshly squeezed lemon juice (or salt to taste instead)

1. Combine all ingredients. 2. Chill and enjoy!

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INSPIRE

BEAUTY FASHION HEALTH FOOD LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

live for purpose

urpose is a big word. It can be a scary word for someone with commitment issues, a negative word for someone who is still trying to find it, and a condescending word for someone who feels like they’ve lost it. For go-getter’s it can be exhausting, and for the easy-going it can be overwhelming. It’s a word loaded with responsibility, and without a manual. Thankfully, purpose isn’t always something we have to hunt for, because it usually finds us. Paying for someone’s gas at the corner store or cooking for a neighbor when they are going through a difficult time are all purpose driven tasks of opportunity. Living with purpose is when we prepare for opportunities by waking up knowing somewhere in our day we can live our best life and help others. When we focus on the purpose we can anticipate, even if it is simply by being nice to everyone we cross paths with, living becomes more fulfilling and less intimidating. You only have one life, make it count by expecting your purpose to find you.

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Bloom in Grace T

he holidays have come and gone in haste. The cold winter nights have faded into the distance. The slight breeze we enjoy in the morning air and sunset nights will soon subside, and the hot Louisiana heat will take its place. The gardens will bloom and prepare for the harvest, and the grass will grow faster and faster each week without fail. Porches will become gathering places, and sweet iced tea will become the prevalent drink of choice. Most of us will take this time, if we haven’t already, to throw out the old and forgotten things that at one time we treasured. Old furniture we no longer use. A sweater or coat that has seen better days. We’ll organize and spring clean as we prepare for the next twelve months of ever-changing weather. The boxes and bags will start stacking at the end of many driveways, and the children have come out to play more and more. Spring and summer are special times of the year.

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Especially this year, after having missed it altogether last year, we are all primed and ready to mingle amongst family and friends. Many of us have reassessed nonessential things in our lives, and now hold a new appreciation for many things we’d taken for granted for so long. We all carry baggage from the many seasons of our lives. Just as we do when we are spring cleaning and we toss something into a garbage bag, we do our best to put the old stuff behind us. But in doing so, we may also be discarding something valuable. We may even pretend something, such as a relationship that once mattered, now doesn’t. Like Mimi, my child’s faithful stuffed mink she wore around her neck when she was young. She wouldn’t let anyone take that mink off her, even to wash it. Yet it was stored away for years and almost discarded. In the comparison of spring cleaning, we also cleanse our body and soul. A new start, like the blooms on trees. Every year without fail they will die and wither away and fall to the ground. We often forget how stunning spring blossoms are when we witness the other seasons take their place. But still after all the many months lying dormant that plant will begin to bloom again. A beautiful new bloom will take its place, no matter how withered

Yvette Whittington

away or dead the last bloom may have been. The heat of the summer, the dying season of the fall or the cold of the winter, can’t hinder the fruition of that beautiful process. In the first few days of budding we are consumed with each new petal as it resonates in our hearts that a new season is once again upon us. There are moments in our lives when we all wish we had said or done something differently; those woulda, coulda, shoulda moments. We walk through the seasons of our lives, sometimes in haste, not savoring them for the beauty they each bring. The beauty of the fall leaves with their bright, beautiful colors just before they die and fall away. The winter frost on the ground as it sparkles in the light or the icicle that dangles like a shiny piece of glass waiting to drop. Sometimes, in our rush to move through the seasons of life, we toss out what we should perhaps? hold on to, much like Mimi, the stuffed mink. Spring and Summer are new beginnings, a time to renew and revive, but also a time to reassess. That doesn’t mean out with the old and in with the new, because spring is a time to take the nutrients provided through other seasons and to grow from them. A time to let the hurts and sorrows be replaced with a renewed sense of beauty

and learning. God’s grace showers us every day of our lives. With each new hour, week or season He has blessed us with not only the forgiveness and opportunity to let the anger and pain fade away, but also with the wisdom to keep some of the stuff we want to forget because it’s easier, and to work through and resolve it. Surely we are able to forgive and mend ties that have been broken, and soften hearts that have been hardened. There is nothing our God won’t forgive, as it should be true for us. It is pertinent that we water our heart, our lives, and relationships with grace as we do the flowers in our garden. You may be surprised to find the water for your blossoms and the grace in your heart will produce a bountiful harvest. As you take time this season to water and tend to your life, think of His grace in every aspect, every step. You can then appreciate all the beautiful things that will grow from all the seasons of your life and you can learn, when to toss out the trash, and when to keep the important stuff.

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refilling for the seasons ahead Kristi Williams Fontenot

found myself extremely excited to get back into my garden this spring. There is something so refreshing to me when it comes to getting my hands dirty in God’s soil. It really does have a way of refreshing my soul. I learn so much every year and I always look forward to adding what I have learned into the next year, with hopes of watching my garden thrive as I nourish it into the summer months At the beginning of every season, I assessed my garden and one thing I noticed pretty quickly was that I needed to refill it with the proper soil and nutrients to make sure everything I planned to plant thrives to the best of their ability. As I looked at my vegetable boxes, it was astonishing to see how low my soil had gotten throughout the winter months. It was as though it had been beaten down and washed away throughout all the winter storms. Soil filled with proper nutrients is vital for a plant’s survival. If the soil is not deep enough the roots will not be able to

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grow down deep to provide the proper stability needed to survive through the spring storms. Likewise, refilling the boxes with the best soil possible is equally important. If I fill my boxes with only plain dirt the plants may grow, but they will never grow to what I need so that they can provide for my family. But if I take the time and fill the boxes with the proper nutrient- rich soil, not only will my vegetables thrive, but they will also provide enough vegetables to eat and store for future use. Just like my vegetable boxes, as one season comes to an end and a new one begins, we need to make sure that we are refilling ourselves for the season to come. The fact is, often we will go through seasons in life where when the season is over, we are left feeling depleted. Maybe we walked through life struggles, maybe we experienced unnecessary sickness, or maybe it was simply a busy season of our lives. Nonetheless, we must take care of ourselves so that we are prepared for the season ahead.

There are many ways in which we can refill ourselves, but most earthly ways will leave us empty in the end. Maybe we take a quick vacation to release stress. Or maybe we have a weekly appointment with our favorite massage therapist to work out those kinks. While those things are perfectly fine to enjoy, they only provide temporary relief, and won’t produce enough for us to thrive in the long-term. Refilling ourselves properly with something that is everlasting can only come when we spend time with God. Ephesians 3:19 says, “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” The love that Paul is talking about is the love of God in all its fullness. God wants nothing more than for us to truly know that love and feel that love. And the only way that is possible is if we are spending time with Him. Throughout scripture God promised many things to us and one of those promises is that with Him we will never lack. Not meant to be applied in a physical

way, because of course, God does not give us everything that we want. But instead, it is meant in a spiritual way. God will always be there to refill us spiritually, no matter what our need is. As a matter of fact, God promises that when we seek Him, He will fill us with His Holy Spirit. And when He does, we will be filled and refreshed with His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His kindness, His goodness, His faithfulness, His gentleness, and His self-control as we put our trust in Him. Even in the middle of whatever season you are in, know that God is waiting for you right where you are. And if you are having a hard time, rest in this promise to you from God: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. In the same way that I take the time to refresh and refill my garden, God will do that and so much more for us when we trust in Him.

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LIFESTYLE

BEAUTY FASHION HEALTH FOOD

The Nostalgia of Vinyl G

rowing up in my parent’s household, music was always a staple. Everything from Led Zeppelin to Motown and everything in between, you name it, it was there. Even though at a young age one of the earliest recollections I have of really getting into music was when my dad put Kraftwerk’s “Man Machine” on the record player. The huge bright cover with red, and the men of Kraftwerk looking like robots in their matching suits, were fascinating to me. Hearing that needle pop as it hit the vinyl for the first time and then, the music. There was no better sound or feeling. I had a yellow Little Tikes table as a child and when my dad would put a record on in the living room, I’d move all my little yellow chairs in there so I could dance on them like they did with the huge platforms on American Bandstand. My dad and I would jam out and have a good ole time. Mom listened to more Motown than Dad did. Dad was more of a Hard Rock guy and into atmospheric, meaningful, sounding music. Music with a real message. I loved the stories he would tell on the meaning of the lyrics with certain songs. He really taught me to broaden my tastes and that all music influences artists, no matter the type. I still recall vinyl shopping at K-Mart with my mom. In fact, the first record she ever bought me, was a Care Bears record, titled, “The Care Bears off to see the

INSPIRE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

Nicole Brice

World.” Believe it or not, she still has that record on her shelf at home. (I need to go steal it back so I can annoy my husband with it while dancing around, ha!) Throughout the ‘80s, I didn’t buy any more records. Cassette tapes had become the new norm and so I started to amass a collection of tapes from all my favorite artists at the time. In middle school, Compact Discs became the new medium. As the ‘90s wore on, cassettes were fading out and quickly became a thing of the past. Everyone wanted that crisp, digital, sound that only a CD could offer. In high school, I still had a love for the old record player collecting dust in our living room. I remember my brother buying Pearl Jam’s “Vitalogy” on vinyl, as it was just released in limited quantities as part of this big promotion for the album. Even though we knew we should not have opened the record we simply had to hear it on the turntable. Once that needle hit, I was hooked again. My new norm, when I was 16-17 years old, became lying down on the living room carpet, when no one was home, and going through my parents’ record collection. It was my “happy” place. My place where I could totally relax. I would just lie there in peace, daydreaming. High school was when CDs were the standard and digital downloads were just coming into play. In 2004, my brother

introduced me to the iPod Mini. My brother had recently purchased this new device to house all of his music. It was this gorgeous turquoise color, and I was in love. He told me I could have it because he needed one with more space. His music collection was just too big, he said. Sweet, I thought, I can’t wait to get music on this thing. The iPod changed my life. Plain and simple. I no longer had to carry these gigantic CD books in my car, but instead, I had this nifty little device that plugged into my auxillary port in my car, and I had my entire collection right there at my fingertips, but one thing was still missing. It was that sound quality you can only get from listening to a vinyl record. When I was in college vinyl started making a comeback, and I got really into it! After college, I realized that I had a massive collection of vinyl and nothing to play it on, so my mom surprised me with a record player for one of my birthdays. Since then, I have had my record player set up in my bedroom on the dresser with all of my records neatly standing up on a shelf nearby. Some are vintage, and were willed to me when my aunt passed away, and some are new presses of old albums. Even though I do listen to digital music in my vehicle each day, when I come home or need a bit of fun nostalgia, I always go back to the sweet sound of vinyl. MODERN GRACE

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rockstar to louisiana preservationist

NB: Well, good morning, to you, too! I’m going to call you “Louisiana Legend Rod Roddy,” okay? [laughs] RR: [laughs]

Nicole Brice

orn in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but the product of Yankee parents, I first was introduced to the band, LeRoux, and Rod Roddy when I was 6 or 7 years old. LeRoux takes its name from, you guessed it, everyone’s favorite staple in their gumbo, the roux! Rod had recently taken a hiatus from his band and was working at the same business as my dad. My dad would take me to work with him on some Saturdays, and I would hang out with everyone, including Rod. Back then, you could NOT go anywhere without hearing “New Orleans Ladies” on the radio. Everyone knew the song. Although“New Orleans Ladies” may be the first song that comes to mind when you think of LeRoux, they are also well-known for many other hits that were on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. They’ve toured with The Doobie Brothers, The Allman Brothers, Journey, Kansas, Heart, Marshall Tucker, and many others. Here I am now, almost 40 years old, and LeRoux’s music still resonates. I attended a wedding recently, and lo and behold, what did the DJ play? You guessed it, “New Orleans Ladies!” LeRoux is a classic rock band. They were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame as its 50th inductee. These incredible musicians have a sound with influences ranging from Jazz to Blues and everything in between. Even though many line-up changes have occurred over the years, the one thing that has remained is the sound. The LeRoux sound is one all its own, and

their latest musical offering, “One of Those Days,” released on July 24, 2020, is a true testament to their enduring sound. I had the pleasure of being reacquainted with Rod Roddy recently and was honored to be able to speak with him at length on LeRoux, Déjà Vu Properties, and what it was like to tour with the greats in the heyday of Rock music.

LeRoux’s “One of Those Days” is available on all streaming platforms with information at www.GulfCoastRecords.net. This album is a musical journey from start to finish. I highly recommend it. From the amazing intro on “Lucy Anna” with drums and keys full circle to the crisp, clean, bluesy guitar sound on “Don’t Rescue Me,” this album does not disappoint! The final track on the album is also an amazing new arrangement of the fanfavorite, “New Orleans Ladies,” and it includes Tab Benoit as a guest musician, as well. Be sure to check it out! RR: Good morning, Nicole!

NB: Tell me a little background on the band after your “heyday,” which, I do not believe a band has a “heyday.” To me, once you have longevity in the music scene, that’s it, and your loyal fans will follow. RR: Yeah, we disappeared for a while. See, we broke up at the tail end of ‘83 or first part of ‘84, and then we did a few so-called “reunion gigs.” Then, um, we kind of just disappeared. Everybody went their own way and then about 10 years later, Razor & Tie Records, unbeknownst to us, released the “Bayou Degradable— Best Of” collection. We met at the House of Blues in ‘92 or ‘93, and the band had a rehearsal from about noon-to-five, but we hadn’t seen or talked to each other but occasionally, and so we did a show at the House of Blues, and from that point on, we started playing again. NB: That’s amazing! Music is just not something you can put down and then pick back up later. It’s just always with you. You always have that itch—that need to CREATE something. You guys have had an amazing career and now you have this incredible new album that was released on July 24, 2020. I just have to say that the title track has SUCH a strong opening that I was blown away! I was like, “let me crank this sucker up!” RR: Yeah, it’s funny because it was released in July, when it was supposed to be released in June... CONTINUED AT MODERNGRACEONLINE.COM

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Layden Lewis

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louisiana

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Taylor Voisin /tayjeanvoiz

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Laura Plantation: Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site 2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090 37 Acres Opened in 1805

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Louisiana Festivals SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE • CROSSROADS • CAJUN COUNTRY • PLANTATION COUNTRY • GREATER NEW ORLEANS For information on festivals and fairs in Louisiana, explore these websites: shreveport-bossier.org/event-overview natchitoches.com/annual-events-festivals lafayettetravel.com/events/festivals visitbatonrouge.com/events neworleans.com/things-to-do/festivals louisiana-destinations.com/louisianafestivals-events-2019 louisianatravel.com **FOR A MORE IN-DEPTH LIST OF MARDI GRAS PARADES IN NEW ORLEANS AREA VISIT WWW.MARDIGRASNEWORLEANS.COM/PARADES**

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dollhouse redo Alexis Jester

y dad has always been super artistic and his work has always inspired me.I remember when he started playing around with clay modeling and scale modeling when I was a kid. As I got older, his skills got better and better. He was talking to me about integrating more artistic techniques into his scale modeling to really bring them to life. He was trying to figure out where my interests overlap his in that field, so we could do a project together. And I was, like...a dollhouse. Let’s reinvigorate a dollhouse. We decided to find a dollhouse at a local thrift store, Joseph’s Storehouse, and give it a complete makeover. As we started the project, Dad had an even better idea. Let’s make it a shelf for displaying houseplants. (See Garden section) Not too optimistic on the types of dollhouses I would find, given how sought after they are, I actually stumbled upon this MAGNIFICENT Fisher-Price Nickelodeon Shimmer & Shine, Magical Light-Up Genie Place Playset™. I was stopped dead in my tracks. Magnifique. I brought it home and showed my dad and we were on the same page immediately—Russian Revival. We took the toy apart and scrubbed it head-to-toe, removed all the stickers and electronics. Then we started with a Krylon antique-white base coat on the building and a metallic gold for the tops and balconies. Dad taught me his technique on how to do an acrylic wash to really age the piece. First with a brown, then with a patina. We loved the experience, and it turned out beautiful. I can’t wait to mount it to my wall at home, just inside one of my bright, sunny windows and have this statement piece for my plants to be displayed on.

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fontenot farmhouse Kristi Williams Fontenot /fontenotfarmhouse

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DIY for Your Houseplants O

ur DIY is not only fun, it is useful. The dollhouse redo made for the perfect small houseplants stand! You can make it as unique as you want to fit your individuality with your own touch of style.

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You are

NOT

alone.

On average, one person dies by suicide every 13 hours in Louisiana. In the United States, there is an average of 123 suicides per day, and an average of 44,965 suicides a year. Only 1 in every 25 attempts are fatal, which means that in America alone, 1,124,125 people attempt to commit suicide each year. Globally, 800,000 suicides are fatal every year, one every 40 seconds. Thought to be only 1 in every 20 attempts, around the world 16,000,000 people attempt to commit suicide each year.

CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 800-273-TALK (8255) OR VISIT ONLINE: WWW.SUICIDEPREVENTIONLIFELINE.ORG info: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization 76

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