BayouLife Magazine

🧡 What object tells your Thanksgiving story?

Maybe it’s your grandmother’s gravy boat that has graced the table for generations. Maybe it’s a fishing rod that belonged to your dad, carrying memories of time spent together on the water. Or maybe it’s something unexpected that holds a story only your family could tell.

This Thanksgiving, we want to hear about the objects you hold dear, the ones that carry memories, tradition and a little piece of the people you love.

If you have a meaningful object and would be willing to share its story, and have your photo taken with it, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Send your story and contact information to [email protected].

Bayou Artist | Natalie Sturgis
For Natalie Sturgis, art is key to her survival. It’s both an outlet and a compulsion. From drawing in the school pickup line to seeing the potential in ‘trash’ at Waffle House, Natalie’s art courses through all parts of her life. Over time, she’s come to understand that her art can serve a function for not only herself but for others as well. It’s no longer just a means of surviving but also of thriving. Through a chain of small events her confidence has grown, proving that there is an audience for the art that even she admits is “weird.”

Continue the article on our website: https://bayoulifemag.com/bayou-artist-natalie-sturgis/

Article by Lakelynn Honaker
Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

Bayou Fashion | In Black and White
These looks from area boutiques showcase fall’s best, from statement-making styles for dressy occasions to effortless date-night ensembles. Find inspiration for every moment on your calendar this season.

MAX PORTER PROVISIONS
Soon to be the spiffiest shirt in your closet, this jacquard fabric is breathable and structured. Wear with a dark wash denim jean and brown and white embroidered leather belt.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
MODEL LUKE HODNETT
ART DIRECTION MARÉ BRENNAN

FALLING FOR COLOR
To celebrate the change of seasons, we planted a trio of colorful and hearty plants that can handle indoor or outdoor living.

We chose a variegated croton with bright yellow spots (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Star’) and (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’), a croton with long, wavy edged, and distinctively colored red, gold, orange, purple, and green hued leaves and paired them with a cute, round-leafed Pepperomia obtusifolia, or baby rubber plant. Choose a pot with drainage and use a well-draining potting mix with a mixture of peat, perlite and coarse sand. Only water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not over water and water less frequently in the winter months. Indirect sunlight is best as direct sun can scorch the leaves. Prune to remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Fertilize once a month in the spring and summer, and avoid fertilizer in the fall and winter.

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark
Styled by Maré Brennan

Bayou Fashion | In Black and White
These looks from area boutiques showcase fall’s best, from statement-making styles for dressy occasions to effortless date-night ensembles. Find inspiration for every moment on your calendar this season.

THE FASHION OF RUSTON
Graceful, sophisticated, and undeniably timeless, this House of MBR caftan is designed to make every occasion feel extraordinary. Relaxed elbow-length sleeves and a full-length skirt add graceful movement, making this piece perfect for everything from cocktail parties and holiday gatherings to destination dinners and special celebrations.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
MODEL KAYLA MURRY
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT
ART DIRECTION MARÉ BRENNAN

BROCCOLI BURRATA PASTA SALAD
As we transition into fall, this light but hearty pasta and broccoli salad is perfect for making ahead of time when days get hectic with school schedules. You’ll love the creaminess of the homemade basil ranch dressing, the brightness of the basil pesto, the sweetness of the roasted corn, and the crisp and savory prosciutto crisps. This recipe is adapted from HalfBakedHarvest.com. Makes 6-8 servings.

WHAT YOU NEED:
Basil Ranch dressing:
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayo
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup fresh basil
1/4 cup fresh chopped chives
2 teaspoons Worcestershire
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta Salad:
3 ounces prosciutto
1 pound short cut pasta, I used Radiatori (radiator-shaped) with little ridges that act as magnets for the dressing and pesto.
2 cups chopped broccoli
3 ears of grilled corn
1/4 cup basil pesto
8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature

DIRECTIONS:
1. To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper. You may want to double this recipe if your family loves ranch dressing. It’s that good!
2. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the prosciutto in an even layer. Transfer to the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes, until crisp.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Add the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain.
4. In a large bowl, toss together the hot pasta with the dressing. Mix in the corn and pesto. Toss to coat.
5. Serve warm or cold. The salad will develop more flavor as it sits. Add the burrata cheese and prosciutto just before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark
Written and Styled by Maré Brennan

THE BAG EDIT
From statement-making embroidery to polished croc minis, these bags from local boutiques are top-picks for fall.

Gold and green clutch from The N**e Nomad, Iris embroidered clutch from Material Things, Black croc handle bag from Hemline Monroe, Camel-colored bag from Herringstones, Quilted chocolate bag from The Fashion of Ruston.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark
Dress from Herringstones

PEAR AND POMEGRANATE SANGRIA
Pears and pomegranates are coming into season, and this sangria packs a spicy ginger punch with the addition of candied ginger and ginger b**r. Make a pitcher ahead of time and let the flavors meld together. Enjoy the flavors of early fall in a light and refreshing sangria cocktail.

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 (750 ml) bottle of Pinot Grigio
1/2 cup pear brandy
1/3 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup apple c***r
2 Bartlett pears, sliced
2 blood oranges, sliced
1 cup pomegranate arils
1/4 cup candied ginger
3 cinnamon sticks
1-2 (12 ounce) ginger b**rs

DIRECTIONS:
In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients except the ginger b**r. Stir and then place in the fridge until chilled. Before serving, add the ginger b**r. Fill each glass with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. If desired top with more ginger b**r.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark
Written and Styled by Maré Brennan

Bayou Fashion | In Black and White
These looks from area boutiques showcase fall’s best, from statement-making styles for dressy occasions to effortless date-night ensembles. Find inspiration for every moment on your calendar this season.

RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS
This modern, charcoal suit is crafted from premium tropical worsted merino wool. It features a clean single-breasted, two-button jacket with dual side vents and matching flat-front trousers for a sharp, tailored silhouette. Pair with a custom-fit crisp white shirt, coordinating tie, and silk pocket square.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK
MODEL LUKE HODNETT
ART DIRECTION MARÉ BRENNAN

Bayou Eats | Timez Kitchen and Kocktail
The Timez menu is diverse enough to accommodate a variety of tastes and includes dishes like the Old Timez Cheeseburger, chicken tenders and wings, chef and spring salads, grilled salmon, and fried catfish. Besides an impressive lunch and dinner menu, Timez Kitchen and Kocktails also has an extensive drink menu complete with plenty of signature drinks.

Breshatta Davis likes to say she went from the bar to the state bar. Since graduating from the Southern University Law Center and passing the Louisiana State Bar Exam in 2019, Davis has been an attorney, splitting her time between her two law firms in Monroe and Baton Rouge, respectively. She also leads Future Lawyer Academy, a nonprofit focused on mentoring students who aspire to legal careers.

Before beginning her legal career, Davis could most often be found mixing and serving drinks. Years of working as a bartender helped the Monroe native pay her way through law school. Beyond that, it sparked a love for the service industry within her, and that passion for serving guests quality food and drink is the very foundation on which she has built Timez Kitchen and Kocktail.

Timez opened at 1207 Desiard Street in March 2026, but the idea of restaurateurship existed in Davis’s mind long before then.

Continue the article on our website: https://bayoulifemag.com/bayou-eats-timez-kitchen-and-kocktail/

Article by Starla Gatson
Styling by Maré Brennan
Photography by Kelly Moore Clark