No Place Like Home
Our March issue is an exploration of home: why it matters, who it shelters, and how it shapes the way we live.
We open with “Maintaining Outdoor Fountains,” by Jessica Clement, owner of Grandiflora Garden Center, who invites us to see outdoor spaces as an extension of the home itself. Jessica shares how small habits can protect fountains and ensure outdoor spaces are functional and welcoming in every season.
If you’re a dog owner who wants to keep your backyard stress-free and shoes-free, don’t miss “Taking Care of Business,” which features Mandeville firefighter Nick Hatty. His business, Poop Scoop Troop, is revolutionizing neighborhoods throughout Mandeville by turning an overlooked chore into an unexpected luxury.
Next, we feature “Making Homes Smile,” the story of Mary Birch and HomeSmiles. Born in their family’s transition from Mobile to the Northshore, HomeSmiles helps protect homeowners’ largest investments by putting home maintenance on autopilot. Through her deeply rooted commitment to service and her modern, proactive approach to home maintenance, Mary’s game-changing service is easing to-do lists throughout Southeast Louisiana.
Rounding out the issue is our design-focused conversation with interior designer Alexander Blake of Greige Interiors who offers guidance for homeowners navigating design decisions in 2026. From balancing beauty with livability to choosing elements that endure beyond trends, “An Interior Moment ” reveals how Alex’s thoughtful choices in color, function, and customization help shape homes that feel both personal and enduring.
A home is more than a house; it’s a place of belonging that reflects the lives unfolding within its walls. Our hope is that this issue encourages you to see your home not as a finished product, but as a living space that shelters what matters most.
Warmly,
REBECCA GEORGE & CHRISTIAN GEORGE , PUBLISHER & CO-PUBLISHER @MANDEVILLECITYLIFESTYLE
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Rebecca George | rebecca.george@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Christian George | christian.george@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Akifa Ashraf
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christian George, Rebecca George,
Jessica Clement, Rhiannon Johnson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Abby Sands, Hen House Creative
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
business monthly
Beau Chêne Country Club
Nestled within a gated Northshore community, Beau Chêne Country Club— Mandeville’s premier country club—pairs Southern elegance with hospitality. Sweeping oaks frame refined indoor spaces, manicured fairways, and waterfront vistas ideal for weddings, celebrations, and special events. Members and non-members alike are welcome to book their weddings and other special events. For more information, visit beauchenecc.com/weddings or reach out directly by email at ashlee@beauchenecc.com or by phone at (985) 635-0201
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Erin Riecke Rowan, CPA
Erin Riecke Rowan brings clarity and confidence to the often-intimidating world of finance. Known for her thoughtful, client-first approach, Erin helps individuals and business owners navigate tax planning, accounting, and long-term strategy. If you’re looking for the guidance of a leading CPA on the Northshore, you’ll discover that Erin offers more than expertise. She offers direction. You can reach Erin by visiting err-cpa.com, by email at erin@err-cpa. com, or by phone at (985) 951-0137
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Poop Scoop Troop
Poop Scoop Troop is a firefighter-owned pet waste removal service bringing clean, worry-free yards back to the Northshore. Nick offers weekly or twiceweekly dog waste removal and optional yard sanitizing and deodorizing. Tools and boots are sanitized between homes, gates are secured and confirmed by photo, and there are no contracts. Enjoy safer lawns, fewer odors, healthier spaces, and reclaimed time. To schedule your first free month, visit poopscooptroopla.com, email poopscooptroopla@gmail.com, or call 985-264-3645.
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MAINTAINING Outdoor Fountains
Simple fountain care tips to protect your home’s outdoor garden beauty
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CLEMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY SANDS AND PHOTOS PROVIDED
An outdoor fountain adds timeless beauty, movement, and soothing sound to your landscape, but only when it’s properly maintained. With a few mindful habits and seasonal care, your fountain can stay attractive, functional, and stressfree for years to come.
What You Need:
• Soft brush
• Algaecide/clarifier
• Distilled vinegar
DO:
Clean your fountain. Leaves, algae, pollen, and debris can build up quickly, especially in warmer months. A gentle scrub with a soft brush and a fountain-safe cleaner like distilled vinegar every few weeks helps prevent stains and keeps water flowing smoothly.
DON’T:
Use harsh chemicals or household cleaners. These can damage finishes, harm wildlife, and disrupt nearby plants. Always choose products specifically designed for fountains.
DO:
Monitor the water level. Evaporation can happen faster than expected, and running a pump without enough water can cause serious damage. Check levels regularly during warm or windy weather.
DON’T:
Ignore the pump. The pump is the heart of your fountain. Clean the intake regularly and inspect it for blockages to maintain proper circulation and prevent burnout.
DO:
Use distilled or treated water when possible. Hard water can leave mineral deposits that clog pumps and discolor surfaces. Adding a fountain-safe algaecide can also help control algae growth without harming birds or plants.
DON’T:
Leave your fountain unprotected in freezing weather. Drain the water, clean the fountain, and either cover it securely or move smaller fountains indoors to prevent cracking.
Interested in purchasing a fountain or caring for one you own? Contact Jessica Clement at Grandiflora Garden Center by phone at (985) 590-0652, by email at grandifloragardencenter@gmail.com, or visit the garden center at 23425 Hwy 435 in Abita Springs.
MAR Y BIRCH’S MODERN APPROACH TO HOME MAINTENANCE DESIGNED TO SIMPLIFY LIFE AND PROTECT WHAT MATTERS
ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN GEORGE, PHD PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY SANDS AND PHOTOS PROVIDED
HOMES SMILE MAKING
In late spring of 2024, as the days grew longer and the Gulf Coast heat settled in, Mary and Jeff Birch made the decision that it was time to move back home to Louisiana. Leaving Mobile, Alabama, meant excitement, but it also meant stepping straight into the whirlwind of coordinating vendors, appointments, and expenses that come with uprooting a household. Standing in their driveway, they were already mentally
tallying the tasks ahead—each one a reminder of how overwhelming home maintenance can feel during life’s biggest transitions.
Roof repair. Gutter cleaning. Pressure washing. Window washing. Dryer vent service. Tree trimming. Different companies. Different schedules. Different invoices. And no one overseeing the whole picture.
“I had to call one person for plumbing, another for gutters, another for tree trimming,” Jeff recalls. “I spent three or four times more than I should have. We had to call so many people, and none of them talked to each other. One guy didn’t even bring a ladder. He had to use ours. I was terrified watching uninsured workers on my roof.”
Mary remembers the mental load of that experience and the creeping realization that even well-intentioned homeowners are set up to fail.
There has to be a better way, she kept thinking. What if one company handled all of it?
Within months, that thought materialized into HomeSmiles—a modern, proactive approach to home maintenance that’s changing homeownership on the Northshore.
A LIFE OF SERVICE
Before HomeSmiles, Mary had already lived several professional lives.
“Whether I was working in healthcare, marketing, or real estate, I was someone who always gravitated toward service and care.”
Each of these careers proved invaluable. Marketing taught her systems and communication, healthcare taught her stewardship, and real estate brought it all together.
“Caring for patients changes you,” she says. “You realize how deeply people rely on others during vulnerable moments. In real estate, I saw that same vulnerability in homeowners navigating major life transitions.”
Over and over, Mary watched buyers overwhelmed, sellers scrambling, and homeowners falling behind.
“People needed a simpler, more organized way to care for their homes,” Mary says. “That’s when I realized service wasn’t just something I did—it was who I was.”
THE GAP EVERYONE ACCEPTS
HomeSmiles didn’t emerge from a business plan; it emerged from a real need Mary kept seeing: homeowners simply overwhelmed by maintenance.
“A HOME IS THE
BIGGEST INVESTMENT
MOST PEOPLE WILL EVER MAKE. YET IT’S THE ONE THING MOST OF US STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN.”
“A home is the biggest investment most people will ever make,” she says. “Yet it’s the one thing most of us struggle to maintain.”
For busy professionals, there are many reasons we defer home maintenance. There’s so much to keep up with—gutter cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, pressure washing, exterior and interior window washing. There’s smoke detector testing and battery replacement, HVAC filter changes, appliance maintenance, and even tree trimming, not to mention fire and water safety checks.
Of course, we make all the right excuses: I’ll get around to it when things settle down, or I’ll get my spouse to do it. Beyond the chaos of our calendars, homeowners also struggle with decision paralysis, which creates a gap between what we intend to do and what actually gets done.
“That’s exactly where HomeSmiles steps in,” Mary says. “We fill that gap by providing a bundled, predictable, professional system that simplifies everything and puts home maintenance on autopilot.”
PUTTING YOUR HOME ON AUTOPILOT
When my wife and I first discovered HomeSmiles, we wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
To our surprise, it only took one to two technicians under four hours to accomplish what normally takes five or six different businesses several days to tackle.
After the technicians left, we glanced at each other, sharing the same thought: This is a no-brainer. How are we just now learning about this?
Mary put it into perspective for us.
“Everyone maintains their car,” she said. “We maintain our health, our teeth, our lawns, our pools. Why wouldn’t we maintain our homes the same way?”
HomeSmiles isn’t a handyman service. It’s proactive, bundled home maintenance designed to eliminate chaos before it starts. The work is never subcontracted. The equipment is professional-grade. The technicians are uniformed and genuinely delightful. And every visit ends with a walkthrough.
“We aren’t a one-and-done service,” says Mary. “We’re a long-term partner. And if the customer’s home isn’t right, we come back. That’s non-negotiable.”
For many clients, the signature offering is HomeSmiles 365, a quarterly maintenance program designed around the seasons and the home itself. Why? Because each season poses unique challenges for home care. Spring brings pressure washing and exterior care. Fall focuses on gutters, tree lines, and weather readiness. Fire alarms, dryer vents, and water safety must be checked routinely.
“Every home has delayed maintenance somewhere,” Jeff says. “Usually in places people don’t even think about.”
SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT
Bringing a new business concept to Southeast Louisiana wasn’t easy, especially when Mary stepped away from the comfort of a successful real estate career into entrepreneurship.
“It was scary and intimidating,” she remembers. “There’s no safety net when you’re building something new. It was a giant leap of faith. But helping homeowners know that someone is looking out for their home has made the risk worth it.”
HomeSmiles serves homeowners, realtors, and property managers alike. All customers receive digital before-and-after reports after each service visit, complete with photos and documentation. “It’s a perfect listing leave-behind for realtors,” Jeff says. “Proof that a home has been cared for.”
“We’re not saving people chores,” he adds. “We’re saving them time with their families.”
If you ask HomeSmiles clients what they appreciate most about the services, you’ll hear different answers. Busy families value reclaimed weekends. Property managers value predictability. Elderly homeowners value the safety.
“You shouldn’t be on a ladder at eighty-three,” Mary says. “If you need lightbulbs changed, we’ll gladly do that so you don’t have to.”
“When people hear the word HomeSmiles, I want them to think, They made life easier. That’s why we started this business. We want to give the neighborhoods and the homeowners of Mandeville something to smile about.”
To schedule your consultation, you can contact Mary Birch by phone at (985) 363-1530, by email at mbirch@homesmiles.com, or by booking through southeastlouisiana. home smiles.com
Taking Care of Business
A Mandeville firefighter turns backyard cleanup into the most unexpected luxury service around
Firefighters, puppies, and immaculate lawns. Mix them together and what do you get?
You get Nick Hatty. You’re welcome, Mandeville!
A Mandeville firefighter and paramedic, Nick answers calls most people hope they never have to make. But when he’s not rescuing puppies or delivering babies, Nick spends his time helping dog owners fall in love with their backyards again.
Nick’s business was born from a simple observation: We happily hire people to mow our lawns, clean our homes, repair our roofs, and haul away our garbage. So why do we still tiptoe around our backyards, negotiating with dog poop?
Enter Poop Scoop Troop, a brand new business that takes care of … well … business.
Each week (or even twice a week), Nick removes, double-bags, and discreetly places pet waste in your outdoor bin. Boots and tools are sanitized between every yard. Gates are secured, photographed, and
texted to you for peace of mind. There are no contracts. If plans change, pausing is easy. If it rains, service still happens. Yard sanitizing and deodorizing are also available.
“I want busy professionals to feel like there’s one less thing on their plate,” Nick says. “Once it’s handled, they don’t want to go back.”
For families already using Nick’s services, the benefits are immediate. Cleaner lawns mean safer play for kids, fewer bacteria and parasites, and no more tracking unwanted surprises back into the house. Odors fade, grass recovers, and the backyard becomes livable again. It’s the difference between watching your step and finally kicking your shoes off.
“It’s about restoring health and peace of mind,” Nick says. “I enjoy freeing up your time so you can spend it with your family.”
To schedule your first free month with Poop Scoop Troop, email Nick Hatty at poop scooptroopla@gmail.com, call (985) 264-3645, or visit his website at poopscooptroopla.com.
ARTICLE BY REBECCA GEORGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEN HOUSE CREATIVE
AN INTERIOR MOMENT
GREIGE INTERIORS DESIGNER ALEXANDER BLAKE ON THE PRINCIPLES TO EMBRACE—AND THE PITFALLS TO AVOID—WHEN DESIGNING HOMES THAT SHINE IN 2026
With more than a decade of experience in the design industry, Alexander Blake shares the principles behind elevated home style on the Northshore.
In 2026, what elements of interior design feel truly timeless?
Antiques, beautiful lighting, antique brass, rich textures, thoughtful spacing, and skillful feng shui all contribute to interiors that feel timeless. Bright, stark white is out; black is in, along with bold colors. Wallpaper, and both abstract and landscape fine art, are making a comeback. Color palettes evolve year after year; all you need to know is what you like, and a great designer will handle the rest. Anything can feel timeless when you love it enough.
Are there any “safe” design choices that actually date a space faster than we realize?
If using white, be sure to accentuate the space with fine art, accessories, and furnishings that enhance the aesthetic with visual intrigue. Chrome or nickel hardware can make a home look out of date faster. Millennial gray is out, as is color-drenching. You want the eye to move effortlessly from point to point, with every element serving a purpose and working in harmony with the overall design.
How are changing lifestyles influencing the way homes are designed in 2026?
We see more office space for working from home, powder rooms for guests and entertainment, and a merging of maximalist stylings with minimalism. There’s a clear emphasis on making the home a haven—one that supports both relaxation and productivity in a balanced, non-intrusive way.
What one functional design upgrade will dramatically improve homeowners’ day-to-day living?
Window treatments—simple or dramatic, motorized or traditional—play a major role in regulating natural light throughout the day and into the evening. Stylish privacy never goes out of style.
Where should homeowners splurge on interior design?
It truly depends on the client. We work with the budget and let the client decide. Some people like to spend a little extra on custom furnishings for comfort and design cohesiveness. Others enjoy enhancing their space by splurging on fine art, lighting, or antiques. We are of the opinion that homeowners should splurge on what they absolutely love and cannot imagine living without.
“WHY SETTLE FOR ORDINARY WHEN DISTINCTION AWAITS? INSPIRATION AND EXPRESSION OF STYLE IS THE INVESTMENT OF A LIFETIME, BORN FROM OUR LOVE OF QUALITY.”
What factors should homeowners consider when setting an interior design budget?
Consider the number of rooms needing to be done. Remember to take into consideration scheduling and time management. Behind the scenes, it’s more than just choosing selections from floor to ceiling; it’s curation, planning, development, and so much more. Give yourself a little wiggle room in anticipation of anything unforeseen.
What’s one way homeowners can make their space feel custom without a full renovation?
Update paint colors, furnishings, and accessories, or change a few lights to accentuate the space, creating a brand new vibe.
What are the most common (and costly) mistakes homeowners make when they design without professional guidance?
Non-cohesive textures, materials, and color combinations; misaligned budgets; poor planning; and incorrect measurements. A professional helps prevent all of these.
What defines your design philosophy at Greige Interiors?
Why settle for ordinary when distinction awaits? Inspiration and expression of style is the investment of a lifetime, born from our love of quality.
How do you want clients to feel when they walk into a home you’ve designed?
We hope our clients feel that our services provide a true reflection of who they are, what they love, and how they live. We want them to find a place of peace, relaxation, and serenity that is deeply personal and lovely.
If a homeowner could take just one design principle to carry through 2026, what should it be?
Lean on experienced professionals, and stay true to what you love when designing and styling your home.
Visit Greige Interiors at 3553 US-190 or call (985) 875-7576.
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Stunning and UNIQUE HOMES
Find inspiration in these four gorgeous books.
It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and ideas into reality. One way is to immerse yourself in the advice and visions of award-winning architects and designers.
Flip through the gorgeous, glossy, photo-filled pages of these beautiful books and apply their lessons to your own home.
Villa d’Este:
LEGEND ON LAKE COMO
In 1568 Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a grand villa overlooking Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. After two centuries in the Gallio family, Villa d’Este became home to multiple members of the aristocracy before being transformed into an elegant five-star resort in 1873. After 150 years of catering to an endless array of famous guests wishing to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita,” Villa d’Este stands as an example of blending tradition and modernity to create absolute luxury.
Palm Beach Style:
THE ARCHITECTURE AND ADVOCACY OF JOHN AND JANE VOLK
In the 1920s, American royalty wanted to establish a winter retreat and show off their newfound wealth. Building grand homes inspired by European palaces, they created one of the world’s most famous resort towns. Commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his sixty years of practice, John Volk’s legacy as one of the “big five” architects of Palm Beach, can now be seen on almost every street.
Learn how to integrate elegant timelessness, celebrate bold colors and eclectic patterns, or embrace the past while living stylishly in the present.
Whether you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, or your home is simply a constant work in progress, these four new releases are sure to provide the inspiration you need to transition your house into your dream home—whatever that may look like and wherever that may be. Enjoy!
Home:
THE RESIDENTIALARCHITECTURE OF D. STANLEY DIXON
Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon has received tremendous media attention since the founding of his firm D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His highly-anticipated debut book showcases thirteen projects from across the country. From a relaxed Jupiter Island coastal retreat to an elegant English-manorinspired South Carolina home, each project varies geographically and stylistically, highlighting a variety of different aesthetic components.
Our Way Home:
REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN FARMHOUSE
The defined style of cozy and simple living has led to a rise in American farmhouse design in recent years. Interior designer Heide Hendricks and architect-builder Rafe Churchill show how they have brought twenty-first-century living to their late nineteenth-century New England farmhouse. This husband-and-wife team combined their talents to create a historic home that is both a personal retreat designed for everyday life and a constant source of inspiration for their other projects.
MARCH 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 7TH
The Louisiana Food Truck Festival
100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell | 11:00 AM
Get ready to eat, dance, and celebrate flavor at The Louisiana Food Truck Festival. This free, family-friendly event promises a full day of delicious food, live music, and local flair and features over 25 food trucks offering mouthwatering cuisines, from street tacos and BBQ to local favorites like fried seafood and more. Come hungry! For more information, call 985-781-3650
MARCH 7TH
Northshore Classics: French Fables & Fantasies
128 West 23rd Avenue, Covington 7:30 PM
Experience Northshore Classics: French Fables & Fantasies at the Fuhrmann Auditorium in Covington. Performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, this concert features French masterpieces by Fauré, Poulenc, Ravel, and more, led by conductor Daniela Candillari. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. This concert is currently available for subscription packages only. For tickets, visit pomusic.com.
MARCH 14TH
The 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Historic Downtown Covington | 12:00 PM
Celebrate Irish spirit at The 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Enjoy live entertainment, festive crowds, and a spirited celebration that brings the entire Northshore community together. The parade begins at the Columbia Street Tap Room and ends at Jewel’s Cigar & Briar Shop.
events
CONTINUED
MARCH 20TH
Louisiana Under the Stars 347 Girod Street, Mandeville | 6:00 PM
Enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating the wild, untamed beauty of Louisiana at the North Star Theatre & Cultural Center in Old Mandeville. This gala features a curated fine-art photography gallery, local cuisine and cocktails, and exclusive screenings from the upcoming wildlife documentary Louisiana: Our Home. If you’d like to attend, sponsor, or learn more, contact Eric McVicker at eyeoferic@gmail.com (202-674-2337)
MARCH 20TH
Mandeville Live!
Mandeville Trailhead | 6:30 PM
Grab your blankets and chairs and kick off the weekend at Mandeville Live! The six-week music series begins on March 20 and features popular local bands performing pop, rock, blues, and country hits, and originals. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will provide food and drinks for purchase. Come early to pick your spot on the lawn!
MARCH 21ST
Claws and Paws
Crawfish Cook-Off
1200 W Causeway Approach, Mandeville | 1:00 PM
Join the First Annual Claws & Paws Crawfish Cook-Off from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This lively community event benefits the Northshore Humane Society and features competing crawfish teams, live music, refreshments, and adoptable dogs. General admission starts at $30; kids 10 and under are free. Come eat, cheer, and support animals in need. Purchase tickets through ticketsignup.io
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