BayouLife Magazine

08/01/2025

08/01/2025

If your team participated in Little League (winning state or beyond) or participated in Dixie World Series - please send us a photo to [email protected] with the team name and label players/coaches in order and we will include it in the September issue of BayouLife Magazine.

Edit: make sure to email the address listed above. It needs to be a photo of the entire team (labeled) to be used.

07/31/2025

Bayou Artist | Finding Purpose In Clay: Jansyn Jenkins, a recent ULM graduate with dual degrees in psychology and ceramics, is navigating the challenges of post-college life with resilience and passion, determined to build an intentional, creative career rooted in both personal expression and connection.

A spring graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), local artist Jansyn Jenkins is learning how to navigate life beyond the structure of school and without access to the art-making resources that are afforded to university students. As a ceramicist, this transition has proven challenging, but Jenkins remains optimistic and passionate about making art. It’s easy to let challenging circumstances or disappointing news bring a person down, but Jenkins said something positive always seems to follow on the heels of anything that might bring them down, reassuring them that making art is part of who they are.

“I’ve always done the art thing as far as I can remember,” they said. But their path to dual degrees wasn’t perfectly straight, and it came with side-road lessons in self-discovery and confidence building. Jenkins actually originally intended to major in psychology with only a minor in art. “The more I took classes,” they said, “I realized that I would’ve graduated from ULM in three years, and I wasn’t ready to give up the resources that ULM afforded me. So I was like, ‘I think I’ll find a way to work out this dual degree.’” And they did.

For the full article visit our website, www.bayoulifemag.com.

photography by

07/30/2025

Bayou Fashion | Summer Vibes: Soak up the season in style with these must-have looks from local boutiques—from breezy dresses to bold swimsuits, chic sets to standout sunnies.

HEMLINE MONROE
This cute one piece features a scoop neckline, low-cut strappy back, and an adjustable tie that snatches you in for the perfect fit. Accessorize with a necklace made from hoplite turquoise beads, raffia sandals, Krewe sunglasses and a beaded butterfly bag.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT
MODEL GEORGIA FAITH HILL
SPECIAL THANKS TO JACQUELYN CAIN

07/30/2025

In loving memory of Thurman. ❤️ He was the best sport when we asked him to wear this crown and hold a cake on his shoulder.

He was one of my very first supporters when I started BayouLife. His big smile and constant encouragement meant everything to me. He always bragged about the magazine and never hesitated to help with anything we needed. Thurman had the biggest heart and truly went above and beyond for everyone.

His food was always beautiful, and his cakes were delicious masterpieces - noone could do a layered, piped traditional cake like Thurman (Confection Perfection). When would be at the same event, he’d make sure to let me know if he had onion soufflé and corn chips (they were my fave and GF). Thurman was a true ambassador for our community, and I will miss him dearly. He was our king of cakes, and so much more. ~ Cassie

https://bayoulifemag.com/king-of-cakes/

Photo by Brad Arender for BayouLife Magazine / 2014

07/29/2025

Congratulations to our local teams for their wins in the Dixie World Series Championships - it was a great week in Ruston, La as these girls competed with teams from across the South for this coveted title!

07/29/2025

Bayou Eats | Podnuh's Bar-B-Q: Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q has been well-loved since its 1977 opening, and it would no doubt be one of the favorite establishments listed by residents of the Twin Cities.

Ask a dozen Ouachita Parish natives to list their favorite local landmark, and you’ll probably get 12 different answers. Through the years, the Twin Cities has housed countless beloved establishments, and many of them have been thriving for decades. Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q is one of them. The barbecue joint has been well-loved since its 1977 opening, and it would no doubt be one of the favorites listed by a local or two!

Nearly 50 years ago, James “Freddy” Moses saw a need for a barbecue restaurant in Monroe. When he shared this with two of his close friends, John Hopper and Jerry Keever, they agreed. The three men took it upon themselves to fill the barbecue-shaped void in the Twin Cities and opened the first Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q location at 2400 Louisville Avenue. The restaurant’s name is a very southern, slangy pronunciation of the word “partner.”

“MLB player and sports broadcaster Dizzy Dean used it,” explains Hopper.

Restaurant ownership wasn’t new to Keever, as he owned and operated the now-closed ToTo’s Hamburgers in Monroe. On the other hand, Hopper and Moses were in uncharted territory, coming into the business with experience as a contractor and traveling salesman, respectively.

Still, even with limited food industry experience from two-thirds of the founding “podnuhs,” the barbecue restaurant was a hit. Business boomed, and the demand was so high that the three decided to expand, venturing across the Ouachita River to West Monroe. In 1979, the second Podnuh’s Bar-B-Q location opened on Splane Drive, the same address it has today.

For the full article visit our website, www.bayoulifemag.com.

photography by

07/28/2025

Botanical Butter: This botanical butter swirls fresh herbs and edible flower petals into a spread that’s as pretty as it is delicious!

What you need:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 green onion, salad
Fresh herbs
Petals from edible flowers
Flake sea salt
Pepper
Red chile flakes
Baguettes or favorite bread

Directions:
Using a spatula, spread the butter about 1/4 inch thick onto a platter or board. Generously scatter with herbs, then sprinkle with sliced green onions, flower petals, salt, pepper, and chile flakes. Serve with baguette slices or your favorite bread.

styled by Kate Ashley
photography by

07/27/2025

American Charm: This patriotic mantel blends rustic charm and classic elegance with a framed flag-inspired fabric, timeless candlesticks, and hydrangeas arranged in layered blue and white vases.

Find these items at Muffin Tin/The Trenton House: blue and white box, white vase and blue frame.

styled by Kate Ashley
photography by

07/26/2025

Bayou Fashion | Summer Vibes: Soak up the season in style with these must-have looks from local boutiques—from breezy dresses to bold swimsuits, chic sets to standout sunnies.

MATERIAL THINGS
This half-sleeve swing shirt dress in glazed cherry is the perfect blend of breezy comfort and bold color, making it an effortless summer staple. Pair it with a beautiful linen watercolor scarf and hexagon gold hoop earrings.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT
MODEL GEORGIA FAITH HILL
SPECIAL THANKS TO JACQUELYN CAIN