BayouLife

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

PUBLISHER & OWNER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com

COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust

I have long enjoyed Seventh Square Coffee Co. when they were housed in For His Temple Family Foods, but now Nick Carlson has opened up his own brick and mortar in downtown West Monroe. In December 2022, at 414 Wood St. West Monroe, the Seventh Square team established what has become a hub abuzz with conversation, casual hangs, and of course, premium coffee. Read about them on page 108.

The physical practice of yoga has long been known to supply practitioners with many health benefits from improving flexibility to helping stress relief, and increasing strength. While some poses can be intimidating, there are many simple poses that, when done consistently, can go a long way for mind, body, and spirit. Vanelis Rivera demonstrates some poses that have helped her maintain flexibility and improve body strength, consider incorporating any of these as part of a pre or post-workout, and/or combined into a peaceful morning or evening flow. Find this on page 76.

We hope that you have a great Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras and that you enjoy reading this issue of BayouLife Magazine

Cassie

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nathan Coker nathan@bayoulifemag.com

Advertising Sales Executives

Sarah McElroy sarah@bayoulifemag.com

Katelyn Tolbert katelyn@bayoulifemag.com

Courtney Thomas courtney@bayoulifemag.com

ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark

Contributing Writers

Darian Atkins

Dan Chason

Laura W. Clark

Kenny Covington Shannon Dahlum

Cindy Gist Foust Dr. Mohamed Bakeer Starla Gatson Heather Land

Paul Lipe Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Georgiann Potts Delia Simpson Beatrice A. Tatem Vanelis Rivera Danelle Ware

Contributing Photographers

Kelly Moore Clark D. Jones Visuals

ON THE COVER photography by KELLY MOORE CLARK

BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.