2020 Winter by Modern Grace Magazine

WINTER 2020

TIMELESS FASHION black will always be classic

HOLIDAY HEALTH

be sure to focus on your whole self

STRESS RELIEVER declutter your inspiration zone

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CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR basic act of love always starts here

CONTRIBUTORS the wonderful people who make it possible

GOTTA SAVE FACE products to help your skin this season

TIMELESS FASHION black will always be classic

HOLIDAY HEALTH the whole you

GET MOVING FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH think of what it does for your brain 30 HOLIDAYS DURING COVID happy end to a stressful year

COVER PHOTO: ALEXIS JESTER

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SOUTHERN FOOD RECIPES holiday favorites

KETO DESSERT RECIPES low carb treats

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A TEEN THING reviews and thoughts

DECLUTTER YOUR INSPIRATION ZONE clear your schedule for creativity

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY get your love priorities in order

RELATING TO EACH OTHER compassion during the holidays

37 PHOTO: TONY RICHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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CONTENTS

BAND AMBASSADOR an interview

PICTURE LOUISIANA photography highlight

LOUISIANA FESTIVALS where to find the fun

THREE-IN-ONE WINTER DÉCOR home diy

FONTENOT FARMHOUSE holiday décor ideas

GARDEN JOURNAL & PLANNER get motivated to have your best garden

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F ROM TH E E DITOR

n this issue we are focusing on aspects of life that are timeless: classic black clothing, laughter, music, and reaching a healthier lifestyle. However, most importantly, we are focusing on the timeless principle of loving one another. Not everything in the world is black and white. Not every decision we make is as easy as a yes or a no. Sometimes, there is an area between the two definitive answers in which we find our own truth, our resolution. Sometimes, the varying shades of grey in decision making isn’t defined to each person in the same way. Every single person in this country stands for something they are passionate about. Along with suicide prevention, which is important to us, veteran care as well as

general care for families in poverty-stricken countries are at the top of my husband’s and my list. We’ve heard people complain over the years about how supporting areas outside of the United States isn’t right. They felt strongly that if people were going to give toward helping alleviate poverty, they should start in North America. We strongly disagree. For one, my husband has witnessed poverty in other countries and it is devastating. Secondly, we know that every single person on this earth, belongs to God. Simply living in the United States doesn’t make anyone rise to the top of the importance list for us. However, there are many more issues in the world and if you asked every person that you know what their top-priority concern is, the list would likely be endless. Abortion. Education reform. Mental illness. Politics. Flags. Starvation. Animal rights. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Debating over one another’s social platform is often fruitless, because we can’t force another to have the same belief we do and people’s passions are different. If we each had the same beliefs about everything, then there would be no cause for us each to have a purpose. Equality is different. Regardless of how you feel, your morality or religious views, equality for all, Americans and non-Americans alike, is the basic act of love. Equality for all people should be our ultimate passion, above our individual purposes. I personally believe in positive change, because I’ve seen it happen time and time again, including in myself. I believe we should always be growing, learning, and implementing positive change throughout our lives and into others.

I know, without any doubt, that positive change is consistently done on the inside. In your own hearts. Inside one’s reach of influence. Police officer to police officer. Neighbor to neighbor. Sister to sister. Friend to friend. People are typically influenced by the people they trust. They go to them for advice and they listen when a trusted friend talks. Sometimes change happens within the circle of power, one person setting another person straight...from the inside. When an angry stranger is banging on your door, screaming to be let in, most people won’t open that door for fear. We will hear that person on the outside, may even feel compassion for the person...still many will likely never open that door to the screaming stranger. Using our voice in our station in life and on personal levels to effect real change around us means helping a friend see that there is no threat in loving all people. There is no threat in standing against violence and inequality. There is no threat in reminding others that inequality is an injustice we all need to be discussing and altering on a personal level. Positivity ripples, just like negativity, unfortunately not as rapidly. So stay diligent in the cause for equal value. Our law already states that we all have equal rights, let’s work together to make our society reflect that. Let’s stand firm in our part of the body of Christ, the body of our nation, and ultimately of our world (because we all belong to God) and let our voices be heard where our influence matters the most... Starting from the inside.

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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

M E G H A N AU TI N Lifestyle and Photo Contributor

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 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 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

DÃ&#x2030; 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 Inspirational Contributor

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

H A D E E L YO U S E F Issue Model

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B E AU T Y

FASHION HEALTH FOOD INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

Gotta Save Face Alexis Jester

inter weather always wreaks havoc on our skin. Combine that with wearing masks everyday along with the stress of quarantine fatigue, and our faces are suffering like never before. We all deserve to treat ourselves to healthy skin. Here are four incredible cruelty-free products that we love! Let us know your thoughts: moderngracemag@gmail.com.

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment Higher end cost, well worth the investment. Reduces the look of superficial fine lines. Improves elasticity and helps hydrate.

SheaMoisture Overnight Face Oil

Brings back moisture and helps skin regulate its own oil production, to help with dry or oily skin types.

Skin Nourishment Hydrating Gel Cream

Smooths and hydrates. Can be used as a moisturizer or under makeup for a dewy look all day.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Mild, cost-efficient chemical peel. Helps reinvigorate skin texture and tone.

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FA S H I O N

BEAUTY HEALTH FOOD INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

timeless fashion Alexis Jester

to two generations share the same fashion sense. For that matter, we overhaul our fashion trends every season! But one thing has remained consistent… nothing beats an all-black outfit. Black clothing is timeless. Even if a certain cut or length goes out of style, your black clothing will never go to waste. That’s likely why it’s so easy to buy clothes that are black, because we know we will get our money’s worth from it.

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This issue is all about the classics and timelessness. What is more â&#x20AC;&#x153;classicâ&#x20AC;? than black? You can construct any kind of outfit, for any event, starting with a black base. A simple black outfit can be dressed up with a bold statement piece, such as a coat with classic patterns like stripes and houndstooth, to the busiest flannels and florals.

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Black shirts can be dressed down with jeans and paired with silver or gold accessories, or decorative artistic pieces! Some of us at Modern Grace, some more than others *wink wink*, try to veer away from fast fashion, mass production, and animal byproducts. Today, unlike the many generations before, we have access to incredible options through the internet!

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Black skirts or pants, which are staples in any wardrobe, can be made formal or casual depending on the shirt and shoe you couple them with. A flowing, silky top with heels can dress up a pair of leisure pants, while a cotton shirt and ankle boots can make an otherwise black dress skirt seem casual and fun.

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What is more timeless than leather and fur in the winter? With little to no effort, you can shop online for secondhand or vintage leather and fur items that still have that “luxurious” quality. In addition, there are many companies that create durable, guilt-free, “leather” fabrics and textiles made from recycled plastic, cactus, and other sustainable resources. Mink quality without any casualties.

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We have access to too many options to let these classic styles die off, but also access to too many alternative options to not be conscious of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at risk when we buy these items brand new and/or inhumanely sourced. Be timeless, be great, and stay radical.

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H E A LT H

BEAUTY FASHION FOOD INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

Holiday Health F

ocusing more on only one aspect of our health, whether it be physical or mental, throughout the holidays can be detrimental. Quarantine fatigue, on top of the already ominous seasonal depression, can cause any one of us to lose our joy and feel overwhelmed by stress. Considering there is no escape, because the whole world is going through the epidemic, can also cause us to have a doomsday mentality. In addition, this season, with Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day, comes with the stress of gift-giving and spending money, which many don’t have. However, we can realign our thoughts to try and focus on making the most of it. Realizing that others are going through the same issues can help us look upon this time as a stand of solidarity. The following articles are centered on our overall health during the holidays in hopes that we can resolve to make the best of our common struggle!

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get moving for your mental health

everal roadblocks prevent people from sticking to an exercise routine. For many, the benefits of exercise on the body aren’t immediate enough to illicit the self-discipline required to stick to a weekly exercise regimen. The benefits not immediately apparent and the reward for your behavior delayed, makes staying faithful to a plan to get in shape difficult. However, thinking of exercise as something strictly beneficial for your physical health is a mistake. The wonder exercise does for your brain and mental health may far outweigh what it does for your body. What Science Tells Us Neuroplasticity, the theory that our brain structure is not fixed but is continually rewired, was not widely accepted by scientists until the 1970s. Before then, the prevailing theory was that the brain was fixed throughout adulthood--its structure could not change after reaching a certain age. It was believed that the number of cells in our brain only decreased as we aged, and there was nothing we could do to protect or grow new ones. That was until scientists discovered the brain is not fixed but rather is plastic-like, able to be significantly molded and adapted in response to our environment. Thus, it was discovered that we could influence the growth and survival of brain cells, a paramount discovery

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Josh Archote

with vast implications. Understanding neuroplasticity is crucial to understanding how exercise improves our brain function and mental health. The ways in which aerobic exercise benefits our mental state are manifold. Learning Getting your heart rate up for an extended period—oeven as little as ten minutes of intense exercise—oprevents natural cell death in your brain, known as neurodegeneration, and promotes neurogenesis, the growth of new cells and the survival of existing ones. More cells mean more potential to process and memorize complex information; exercise encourages these cells to bind to one another and strengthens existing connections, which is a key factor in learning. Exercise also increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or “BDNF,” a protein referred to as Miracle-Gro for the brain due to its effect on neurons. BDNF encourages the survival and strengthening of neurons and plays a crucial role in memory and learning. This means that if you exercise regularly, you could have the ability to learn, process, and memorize information more efficiently than your non-active counterparts. Stress Chronic stress is detrimental to our

brains and mental health. Prolonged stress has coercive effects on our brains by limiting neurogenesis and killing neurons and leading to an array of other health problems. Paradoxically, exercise is a form of mild stress for the brain, but not high enough to cause damage. Instead, the mild stress your brain experiences during an intense cardio session increases your neuronsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; threshold for stress, inoculating the brain against future, more intense stress. The process of aging naturally lowers our ability to handle stress, but regular exercise acts as a countermeasure to increase our stress threshold. This means that regular exercise could make you more resilient to stressful situations. Anxiety and Depression Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to note that while several academic studies support the claim that exercise is an effective treatment for both anxiety and depression, the evidence is not conclusive (which is why you will rarely hear doctors prescribe exercise as a proven treatment for these problems). However, several studies suggest exercise is an effective remedy to treat depression and anxiety. One of the most frequently cited studies is an experiment conducted by Duke University in 1999, which concluded that exercise was as effective in

treating depression as Zoloft, a popularly prescribed antidepressant. Aside from providing a feeling of accomplishment and improvements in self-esteem, exercise regulates the very neurotransmitters targeted by antidepressants, such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. For these same reasons, anecdotal evidence has suggested that anxiety, both chronic anxiety and regular feelings of anxiousness, can be significantly curbed by routine exercise. A New Way to Think About Exercise Looking at exercise as a chore only useful for losing weight is increasingly appearing to be an incomplete picture of what exercise can do for us. Scientists are still uncovering the mechanisms that underlie the benefits exercise has on our brains. However, the emerging research all points in the same direction: breaking a sweat does wonders for your brain by growing new brain cells and regulating critical neurotransmitters and proteins responsible for your mood and brain function. If the idea of losing weight does not motivate you to start exercising, imagine what it can do for your brain.

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Holidays During COVID Danell Brice, PMHNP-BC

he holidays are here, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for family, friends, parties, and celebrations! What? Another guest? Who invited COVID to the party?! Holidays bring joy and happiness, but can also be a source of stress and sometimes the blues. COVID restraints of social distancing and quarantines do not help. Yes, this season will be different, but you can still enjoy Christmas cheer and stay healthy during the holidays!

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Below are a few tips to keep you joyful and help you maintain a happy mind, body, and spirit: You may be grounded at home and practicing social distancing, but you can still enjoy your holiday traditions: Your phone or computer is perfect for keeping up with everyone this year, celebrate the season, virtually. Holiday decorations always light up a smile! Facetime your loved ones, and decorate the house. Laugh as you get tangled up in the lights; do your shopping online or share favorite holiday movies with hot chocolate and popcorn. The key is doing it together. Head to the kitchen! Prop your phone up on the counter and prepare holiday favorites with your bestie or family members. Share the meal after, add some music, and dress for the occasion. Bake cookies using family recipes, and go crazy with decorations. Get the children involved and listen to the laughter. Their happiness and excitement are contagious—and no need to mask up! Turn off the television, and turn on your tunes! Free your mind! Music can lift your spirits and chase away holiday blues. Let go of the stressful day, and feel the music! Get up and dance! Drag a family member to the floor. Dancing is great exercise and works

wonder to lift your spirits by kicking in endorphins. Get out of the house! Let nature free your spirit. Take a walk, and enjoy the scenery early in the mornings. Try an evening walk, and check out the lights and decorations. Feel the season. Share the views with friends and family via Facetime. Take the kids to the park, and leave your phone in the car. Go down the slide! Hop on a swing next to them. Find the child inside of you. Laugh, and enjoy their laughter, as they see the smile on your face! Throw a holiday happy hour or virtual party! Gather friends and family together, along with your favorite appetizers, libations or mocktails, and Zoom it! Play silly holiday games, dress in cocktail attire, or dress as your favorite holiday character like the leg lamp from The Christmas Story! Nothing says Happy Holidays like a party. Do something for someone else. Make your favorite holiday dish, or bake a batch of cookies, and share it with a neighbor or friend. Wrap it with a bow, and leave it by the front door. Collect a few grocery items, and place the bag on someone’s porch. Call a friend or family member who is alone this year. Share your time by making someone else feel joy. The

giving of yourself can fill your spirit. Do something for you. Engage your senses. Light a fragrant candle, cuddle up in your favorite PJs and blanket, watch the fire, drink a cup of tea or holiday coffee, read a book, enjoy a bubble bath. De-stress by stepping away for a moment. Reach out. Some anxiety and stress can be normal this time of the year. Change is hard, and this year has been difficult for all of us. You are not alone. Give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions you have. Talk to someone. Share with family or friends, let them know this season may be harder for you. Share your feelings— don’t keep them bottled up inside. And if you feel it is more than just “the seasonal blues,” contact a professional. Crisis lines, health care providers, and mental health professionals understand and are ready to help you through this. Trust their expertise and caring. Don’t let the pandemic steal your joy! This holiday can be a happy end to a stressful year. With a little creativity, you can still enjoy the spirit of the season and share your happiness with family and friends. Fill your heart with love, happiness, and peace. MODERN GRACE

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FOOD

BEAUTY FASHION HEALTH INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

Party Sandwiches Nelda Arnold

Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches • • • • • • • • •

1 can chopped chicken, drained 1 small can chopped black olives, drained 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 4 chopped green onions 1 ½ tsp. lemon juice ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce ¼ tsp. garlic salt 1 cup mayo Pepperidge Farm party rolls

1. Mix ingredients together and fill hollowed out party rolls. 2. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. 3. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.

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Shrimp Mold • • • • • • • • • • •

1 ½ cups chopped cooked shrimp, do not drain ¾ cup chopped green onion ¾ cup chopped celery 1 can cream of shrimp soup 8 ounces softened cream cheese 2 tablespoons gelatin ⅓ cup shrimp, liquid ¾ cup mayonnaise 3 dashes Tabasco sauce 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce Salt to taste

1. Bring soup to boil, then add to cream cheese and blend until smooth and creamy. 2. Dissolve gelatin in shrimp liquid, and add to soup mix. 3. Add vegetables and mayonnaise. Add seasonings and salt. 4. Pour in greased mold. 5. Cover with cling wrap and chill at least 3 hours before serving.

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Corn Dip • • • • • •

2 cans white shoe peg corn 1 small chopped onion 1 cup mayo 1 cup sour cream 1-2 Tbsp. chopped jalapenos 2 cups grated sharp cheddar

Nelda Arnold

1. In a large serving bowl, mix all ingredients together and chill overnight. 2. Serve with Fritos.

• 2 packages party rolls, potato rolls, Hawaiian rolls, or your favorite rolls. • 1 stick butter • 2 tsp. minced onions • 2 Tbsp. sugar • 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds • 2 Tbsp. sandwich spread • Sliced ham • Sliced cheese

Nelda Arnold

1. Cut rolls in half and put bottoms into foil pan. 2. Line with ham and cheese, then replace top half of rolls. 3. Heat other ingredients in pan and pour over top. 4. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

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Keto Glazed Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe Taylor Voisin /keto.sweetness

Entire cake = 25.43g net carbs Cut into 8 slices, each slice = 3.18g net carbs

Cake: • 1 large egg • 1 cup pumpkin purée • ½ cup granular golden monk fruit sweetener • ½ cup almond flour • ¼ cup coconut flour • ¼ cup vegetable oil • 2 tsp. imitation vanilla extract • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. sea salt • 1 tsp. cinnamon • ½ tsp. ground ginger • ½ tsp. ground nutmeg • ½ tsp. xanthan gum • ¼ tsp. ground allspice

Icing: • ½ cup powdered monkfruit sweetener • 4 Tbsp. water • 1 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream • ½ tsp. cinnamon (optional)

Cake: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, and grease a 7" bundt cake pan. (I used a springform pan with straight walls for presentation). 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, golden monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, sea salt, xanthan gum). Mix well. 3. Add wet ingredients into bowl (egg, pumpkin purée, water, vegetable oil, imitation vanilla extract). Mix well. 4. Pour batter into cake pan. 5. Bake for 50-60 minutes and let cool completely. (The cake will flatten). Icing: 1. In a blender, combine powdered monk fruit sweetener, Tbsp. water, and heavy whipping cream. 2. Add 1 Tbsp. of water as needed. 3. Add cinnamon (optional). 4. Pour mixture onto cooled cake.

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Keto Pumpkin Pie Recipe Taylor Voisin /keto.sweetness

Cake: • 1 large egg • 1⅓ cup almond flour • ¼ cup granular monk fruit sweetener • 3 Tbsp. melted butter • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. imitation vanilla extract

Entire pie = 41.81g net carbs Cut into 12 slices, each slice = 3.48g net carbs

Pie Filling: • 2 large eggs • 2 cup pumpkin purée • ¾ cup granular golden monk fruit sweetener • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. imitation vanilla extract • ½ tsp. ginger • ½ tsp. nutmeg • ½ tsp. sea salt • ¼ tsp. allspice

Crust: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and lightly grease bottom of a 9" pie pan. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, and cinnamon. Mix well. 3. Add egg, melted butter, and imitation vanilla extract to mixing bowl. Mix well. 4. Spread evenly along bottom and sides of pie pan. 5. Bake until lightly golden (about 12 minutes), and set aside. Pie Filling: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, eggs, and imitation vanilla extract. Mix well. 3. Add golden monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, sea salt, and allspice to mixing bowl. Mix well. 4. Pour mixture into pie crust, and bake until almost fully set (about 40 minutes). 5. Prop oven door open, and let pie cool inside oven for another 40 minutes. 6. Garnish with sugar-free whipped cream (optional). 7. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

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FIND US ONLINE moderngraceonline.com @moderngracemag

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It’s a Thing

teen

s w e i v e R y t u Bea Cam Fehr

ArtNaturals LUXE Vitamin C Serum Skincare is important to me, and this serum is one of my favorites. It has no pungent fragrance like many skincare products. After applying it, my skin feels fresh and clean. I can wear no makeup and apply this, and my skin looks glowy and bright since it evens out skin tone. This is now my go-to product I use daily.

ColourPop Lux Lip Oil I had never tried lip oil before, but this is my favorite lip product now. It is perfect to put on with a chapstick for a little shimmer or putting it over a matte lipstick. The colors are so pretty and it’s the perfect amount of glossy and glittery. 42

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ColourPop Garden Variety Eyeshadow Palette As someone who loves all things succulents, my eyes were hooked on the packaging. All of the colors are so gorgeous and bright. The color combination I wear every day now is Prickly Please, Over the Bloom, Stay Sharp, and Don’t Leaf. The eyeshadows do have some fallout; however, it is worth a little fallout for the bright colors. The perfect spring eyeshadows.

iT melessness

Lilli Green

ove is timeless. Love can be the embrace a mother feels for her child, caring and gentle, but also stern and strict. Maybe love is in the relationship of two best friends, supporting each other through life, through thick and thin. I have a best friend, who has been with me for over 2 years now. We have had a few fallouts, arguments, bickering over things that now seem small and unimportant. But I would not trade her for anything; she has been there for me through our transition to a new school, to new and difficult classes. She is like my rock. Just like siblings, who will bicker and fight, but the moment someone else tries to harm them, they are inseparable. A quote from a man I have looked up to for a while now, Lin-Manuel Miranda: “And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.” Love cannot, love binds and holds and doesn’t leave. Through hardships and storms, and through rough times and dark days. Love strives, love perseveres, love is timeless. I have had my fair share of experiences trying to bind down my love for the Lord, my love for my family and friends, but most importantly, my love for myself. It is challenging to love yourself when no one will do it for you, but give it time. Don't be afraid to love yourself, to love others, to love family and friends. Love is the most timeless thing we have. Don’t let it slip away from you.

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INSPIRE

BEAUTY FASHION HEALTH FOOD LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME GARDEN

declutter your inspiration zone

t is easy to focus on what we don’t have, versus what we do. We often find that we have to readjust our thoughts so that the negative falls to the bottom and the positive thoughts float to the top. Sometimes, in the midst of difficulty, it feels impossible to find anything positive around us. We spend so much time thinking about our mandatory responsibilities that we often don’t focus on creative stress relievers. Keeping a calendar and making a priority list, starting with the commitments we have to fulfill, such as work obligations, and ending with the things that aren’t essential, can help clear our minds of clutter and free up our creativity. Start with one week at a time, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. After you organize your required tasks on paper, you will begin to see where you can insert positive things throughout the day to help alleviate stress, even something as small as a break where you read a chapter from a book or listen to a song. When we release stress we also increase our positivity. Soon, you’ll find that you are inspired to fill in more of it. Don’t know where to begin on creating a planner? Start by downloading free calendar and planner pages from one of

the host of websites focused on helping you declutter your mind. One that we love is The Make Your Own Zone.* Bev not only has the planner pages for free, she also shares many wonderful DIY and frugal recipes to help you stretch your dollars. Another site we love is The Organized Mom Life.** Laura offers free downloads as well as low-cost, in-depth planner and organizers along with links to fun, affordable projects to keep you organized and motivated. Being inspired can also seem overwhelming at times, because after the list of top priorities are complete, we may not have enough mind-energy to think about inventive ways to relieve anxiety; so it becomes just another task on the list. However, taking a few moments to focus on the positives in your life, such as your home or family, a car that runs or a phone that works, can help increase our levels of thankfulness and promote overall wellness of mind. It may seem ridiculous at first, but the more you do it and feel the positive change in your mind, life and relationships, the more you’ll do it. Promote the positives in your own life today!

*themakeyourownzone.com/2021-free-printable-planner-pages ** theorganizedmomlife.com/2021-calendar MODERN GRACE

Southern Hospitality Kristi Williams Fontenot

n the south, one thing I think we all pride ourselves on is hospitality. I have been from one side of the United States to the other throughout my adulthood. I have even been as far east as Africa and as far south as Mexico! I have seen many different cultures and different ways people show hospitality, but I can honestly say southern hospitality is as welcoming as it can possibly get. It is a way of life and ultimately culture to us. It is in the way we raise our children to say ma’am and sir. It is in the way we never meet a stranger. It is in the way we open our house to guests and prepare meals for them like no other. It is the way we “do” for others expecting nothing in return. Ultimately, it is in how we show those around us that we respect, love, and appreciate them. The way we show southern hospitality reminded me a lot of how Martha showed hospitality toward Jesus and His disciples in the book of Luke. Martha was so excited

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to know that they were in town and had invited them into her home in an effort to show them some good ole southern hospitality. Scripture says “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.” Luke 10:38. Martha was so busy being a good hostess by getting supper ready and making sure everything was perfect for her guests when she noticed her sister Mary sitting at Jesus’s feet instead of helping. In her frustration she turns to Jesus and says “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Luke 10:40. I am sure we have all felt that way in the busyness of trying to take care of our guests. It can be exhausting preparing for a crowd. And maybe we have even had a moment where we’ve seen the rest of our family gathered around our guest listening to all their stories and enjoying each other’s company. We may even feel frustrated like Martha did and want to fuss and complain about it. But next, we see how Jesus quickly reminds Martha what is most important, and it is not the cooking. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from

her.” Luke 10:41-42. You see, Mary realized that it was more important to spend time with the guest than it was to get things prepared for the guest. Jesus reminded Martha that spending time with Him was not just important, it was the most important thing that she could do! We are reminded that priorities matter. Martha was so worried about getting the table set before dinner, but Jesus says the only thing that needed to be worried about was the time visiting. While being a good hostess is very important, we see in Martha’s story that even with good intentions we can sometimes miss what’s most important. The time we spend building relationships far outweighs anything else we can spend time doing, and in loving others, we are also loving Jesus, and that is more important than all the southern hospitality in the world! Martha had all the best intentions, but she was missing out on the bigger picture. Good deeds are important, but spending time with people, instead of always busying ourselves to serve them, is the ultimate act of love and hospitality. “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:8-9

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relating to each other

e’ve all had something really bad happen to us. We’ve all been in situations where the world is spinning out of control. In the moments following, we often feel alone, worried, or afraid of what the future holds. Many of us are looking around at the constant changes taking place, and we feel displaced. While some of the changes are definitely long overdue, other changes may be tragic, uncertain, or frightening. We wonder how so much hate amongst God’s children is festering into this boiling pot of emotions. Each of us is faced with our own set of circumstances and beliefs, in a world full of other people’s circumstances and beliefs. Especially in this grand era of social media, we often forget that the person on the other end of the keypad is human. I do believe social media is a wonderful outlet for reaching more people than we ever imagined, I also believe in some ways it has desensitized us and taken away the empathy we should have for one another. If each one of us were the same, if we all had the same beliefs, same circumstances, how could there be any complete happiness for any of us? Also, how would we be someone else’s shoulder to cry on when they need it? Sometimes, it takes us going through a difficult season of life, where everything isn’t always even and life isn’t happy, to understand what it’s like for others when they struggle, to honestly offer a hand. God made us all in His image. So when you look at the homeless man on the corner, the disgruntled cashier, or distracted lady crying as she drives, find a way to intercede for that person in their time of need, even

Yvette Whittington

offering a friendly word, handshake, or hug. That may be all someone needs to turn their day around. I know it’s been all I’ve needed to turn many of my days around. Hurt, pain, and disappointment is real, and as God’s children it is our duty to be that beacon of hope to others when we can. When we need it, He’ll supply our beacon of hope as well. Sports teams, political beliefs, relationships, and employment are all things that change over seasons. When you leave that job you worked at for thirty years, no one will remember your name five years in the future. But the relationships, with God and others, are what will remain timeless. Love remains timeless. That cashier will remember the customer who looked them in the eye and said, “I’m so sorry you are having a bad day.” The homeless man’s faith in people could be restored when the passerby offers food. The lady crying as she drives down the road will remember you looked at her with compassion and mouthed, “I am so sorry,” not even knowing what her tears were for. The relationships we build, even in passing, should be at the forefront of our minds daily, because soon enough, we’ll need others who have it in the forefront of their minds. With this season of holidays you can feel the happiness in the air. You can also feel the despair. For some, this is a season of sadness and tears. Be kind, be genuine, and let others see your compassion. I know the relationships you build in love and compassion will forever be timeless. And that love will always come back to you.

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LIFESTYLE

BEAUTY FASHION HEALTH FOOD

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September 18th, which coincidentally, is my husband’s and nephew’s birthdays.

Mixing Genres for a New Sound

mbassador is a post-punk band based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They released two albums independently, with the most recent one, “Care Vale,” on September 18, 2020. Influenced by many genres, bands, eras, and sounds, they have managed to find a cult following in the underground scene. I sat down with Gabe Vicknair, lead singer for Ambassador, to get a little perspective on the band, the new album, and what the future holds. NB: I’m sitting here today with Gabe from

GV: Oh wow… Nicole Brice

NB: You guys have such a unique sound, and you have hints of many influences in your music, but I can honestly say that your band has a sound that is all its own. What other comparisons have been made as far as your sound?

GV: [laughs] I know, that’s unfortunate.

GV: Any band we throw out there is not going to be a direct comparison. We try to give small hints and ideas of what our influences are, which is really the best we can do. When it comes to direct comparison, I haven’t really heard of any that I thought were accurate. The way we write…the music is influenced by many different genres, lots of different bands over different eras, so the best we can really do is pull certain similarities from these bands to describe our sound. Pink Floyd, obviously, would be one that has the mid-tempo kind of spacy atmospheric sound, which we are really influenced by Pink Floyd. We don’t call them out as an influence now, but we used to at one point. It’s kind of tricky, because people are selective on what they listen to, so you don’t want to give them the wrong idea. But as you said, everything from Russian Circles to Depeche Mode. Those influences are certainly there in some form, but you would never say we sound exactly like those bands.

NB: We’re into all the same music, and we know all the same people. So, new album, man…it’s amazing…I’ve been listening to it for two days straight. You released it on

NB: I even hear hints of The Cure in your music with a little Sonic Youthsounding guitar, and then your vocals are reminiscent of Ian Curtis from Joy

Ambassador to discuss their new album and what else makes up this intriguing band and their sound. We have known each other since high school, right, but we’ve never talked. How crazy is that?

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Taylor Voisin /tayjeanvoiz

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louisiana

Rip Van Winkle Gardens & Joseph Jefferson House 5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560 20 Acres Opened in 1870

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J.C. Coker /tentex12

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louisiana

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

Division. You have this nice, smooth, raspy, type delivery of your vocals and I honestly have never heard another singer with a voice like yours. You really can’t compare it. GV: You mentioned several similarities between some of the New Wave and Dark Wave bands, and I think that’s fairly accurate because I do have a raspy, kind of aggressive at times, tone that would be more in line with Southern Metal or Blues. But I’ve listened to a lot of indie music over the years, and my delivery is a little similar with the timing and sometimes it’s a little more laid back, not really trying to impress and hit the highest notes. It’s about the delivery.

you a type of lens that you see everything through. It also plays into your judgement and situations. I think it instills a sense of conviction, and I think a lot of that album, lyrically, is not direct references to the Bible, but there are some references here and there to stories in the Bible and the struggle of the human spirit through the lens of someone that was raised up in religion. I always find myself comparing situations to situations in the Bible. Not literally, I don’t know a whole lot about the Bible itself and have not read the entire Bible. So I go back to these simple parables and stories that I know well. “Belly of the Whale” is like Jonah and the Belly of the Whale…just kind of dealing with

NB: So, new album, which I touched on a bit, and then you had your debut album, “Belly of the Whale,” in 2018. This goround, you did fewer songs, but the songs are just as long. GV: Yeah, I think the entire album is like 36 minutes…our songs are between five and six minutes. The run time is not as short as an EP, but then, of course, we can’t call it a full LP either. NB: The titles of your albums are very interesting. Let’s start with “Belly of the Whale.” What was the inspiration behind that title? GV: You know, “Belly of the Whale,” there’s a lot of language that’s a reflection of struggles with religion growing up in a pretty religious environment and having that instilled in you from an early age. Everything in your life…regardless of where you’re at in life…whether you’re a strong believer or a weak believer…if you grow up in that environment, it gives 56

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temptations and this sense of conviction that never leaves and will probably never leave. The album is a loose reference to a story of Jonah and kind of being in this vessel to escape your own convictions. That’s the best way I can describe it. NB: Wow! That’s an amazing backstory on the title…so, “Care Vale,” what’s the inspiration behind that title? GV: “Care Vale” is loosely translated as “Sorrow Valley,” and the album cover has this large, dark, mysterious expanse of landscape. It doesn’t have a true focal point or subject. It’s about this dark void…a

place of refuge to be okay to feel sorrow and bask in the darkness at times. And this album is a lot of frustration from the last album…and disappointment…and animosity…toward how it was critiqued. We wrote that album not caring if it was heavy, not caring if it was soft enough to really reach the indie crowd. We just wrote what came naturally. I find myself inbetween with the critiques we received because it was like, “You’re not heavy enough for the indie crowd,” so we felt shortcomings related to that, because we like heavy music, but we didn’t write heavy music and then also on the other side…maybe we’re a little too alternative for the hipster crowd…the judgmental indie crowd…there was also a lot of disappointment, not in the quality or success of the album, but not being able to reach the right people. Nowadays, everything is so stuck in these genres and it’s like, where do you fit? It makes it tough. That’s not really the most important thing for us, though. There were these feelings towards the first album that aggravated us and put us in a bit of a darker place due to how we felt about it. We felt a need to prove ourselves. We were definitely in a sulky mood and at the beginning of it, I didn’t see “Care Vale” as the title. Care Vale was a term that Dustin and I had named a song years back. It seemed like it applied to the vibe of the new record and lent itself to that. The artwork and design were inspired by this sorrow valley and this place of refuge where you can go and be in that state of sorrow. For the full interview, visit moderngraceonline.com.

C U LT U R E

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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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three-in-one winter décor

he winter season has three major national holidays: Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s. What is more cost efficient than one decoration you can use all season long? For under twenty-five dollars, you can visit your local craft store and purchase items such as: • Simple clear vase (which you may already have) • Bag of pinecones (or even more cost efficient: find them outside) • Silver tinsel garland • Low-cost bundle of fabric flowers or a bag of fabric rose petals (found on the wedding aisle) • Battery-powered fairy lights (also on wedding aisle) These are simple suggestions; however, you can take it your own direction and spice it up with your own decorating preferences!

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fontenot farmhouse Kristi Williams Fontenot /fontenotfarmhouse

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GARDEN

BEAUTY FASHION HEALTH FOOD INSPIRE LIFESTYLE CULTURE HOME/DIY

Garden Journal & Planner W

ith so much extra time on our hands we thought how fun it would be to work on a garden journal or planner. Sounds boring but think again! This provides a fun way of jotting down all of those projects for your gardens that you keep dreaming about. There are so many cute free printouts online that will help you fill up your planner and give you extra ideas to spice up your projects. Two of our favorites are Green in Real Life and Gingham Gardens. They each provide, step by step, how to create

your own garden journal & planner. Green in Real Life doesn’t require an email to download, and the pages are all provided in different colors! Some of the reasons to keep a garden journal and planner are to not only organize, but also keep track from year-toyear what works best and what doesn’t. It helps us track problems and results. And… it’s fun! We found this to be a fulfilling DIY that will keep us motivated to have the best garden possible!

Here is all you need to get started: • Printables, which are available for free download • A 2" 3-ring binder • Erasable colored pencils • Monthly dividers • Tab dividers • Clear photo insert pages for holding seed packets and plant tags • Clear zippered pouches for holding larger plant tags, bulb package labels and gardening receipts FREE printables are found at: • greeninreallife.com/free-garden-journal-page-printables/ • ginghamgardens.com/free-gardening-printables/ Step-by-step guides: • greeninreallife.com/free-garden-journal-page-printables/ • ginghamgardens.com/diy-garden-journal/

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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 68

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2020 Winter

Articles inside

Keto Glazed Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches

Corn Dip

Party Sandwiches