Melanie Spencer

New Orleans

Deputy Editor at Gulfshore Life (Bonita Springs, Florida)

Journalist, photographer and nap enthusiast.

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Articles

Wediquette Wednesday: How long do I have to give a wedding gift?

2 weeks ago | myneworleans.com | Melanie Spencer

Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)Question: My friend got married a couple of months ago and at the time, I didn’t really have it in my budget to get the gift I planned to present at the wedding reception. I’m finally able to do it. Is it true that I have a year to get them the gift?
Wediquette Wednesday: What do you wear to a formal afternoon to evening wedding?

3 weeks ago | myneworleans.com | Melanie Spencer

Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)Question: My boyfriend and I got invited to a friend’s destination wedding that will (lucky for us) be in New Orleans.
Cinclare Bar & Table's Shrimp Boil Butter Recipe

3 weeks ago | acadianaprofile.com | Melanie Spencer

Much like beginning musicians learn by imitating the music and style of musical masters of the craft, chefs learn at the knees of family members and under the tutelage of expert cooks, chefs and culinary school instructors — or sometimes from all of the above. The similarities between music and cooking don’t end there, to the tune that often, people who work in the back of the house at a restaurant also play music.
Meet the Makers: Trailblazers 2025

3 weeks ago | acadianaprofile.com | Chere Coen |Laura McKnight |Melanie Spencer

Tiffany LoweryThe Nature’s Clay, Moss BluffAs a freshman working toward a journalism degree at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Tiffany Lowery was talked into taking an elective pottery class. “I was against it,” says Lowery, a Moss Bluff native, who at first told her friend no, citing that she didn’t want to get dirty, especially in the middle of the day. “But once we got into the class, I fell in love with it.
Crowley Home's Timeless Transformation

3 weeks ago | acadianaprofile.com | Melanie Spencer

Rice is a way of life for many in Crowley, the self-proclaimed Rice Capital of America, including the owners of a home designed in the style of the late, local architect A. Hays Town. The brick-, wood- and hardy plank-clad home — built in 2008 — is the refuge and gathering place for the family that owns Supreme Rice.
In Defense of Quirky Louisiana Laws

3 weeks ago | myneworleans.com | Melanie Spencer |Mark Spencer

From the state’s beginnings as a French colony, Louisiana laws have always been unique. Being heavily based on civil law, the rest of the country practiced common law, which was in turn based on English legal traditions. However, much like Napoleon never stepping foot in the Napoleon House and French Quarter architecture being primarily Spanish style, rather than French, Louisiana’s laws aren’t strictly based on the Napoleonic Code.
Good Catch For Lent, Late Nights at Junebug, New Items at Gianna and more

3 weeks ago | myneworleans.com | Melanie Spencer

Psst, you know you don’t have to be Catholic to partake in meat-free dining on Fridays throughout Lent, right? There is a wealth of fresh seafood and vegetarian fare available at local eateries and one such place is Good Catch Thai Urban Bistro at 828 Gravier St. in the Central Business District. It’s one of those IYKYK places owned by Executive Chef Aom Srisuk and her husband and business partner Frankie Weinberg, who also own the diminutive Uptown eatery Pomelo.
Do I have to go to my ex-girlfriend's wedding?

1 month ago | myneworleans.com | Melanie Spencer

Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)Question: I recently got an invitation to my ex girlfriend’s wedding. We dated for about four years and the breakup, after the initial drama, was pretty amicable. We’ve remained friends and frequently hang out at the same time with our friend group.
Are we supposed to include my fiance's parents on the wedding invitation if they aren't contributing?

1 month ago | myneworleans.com | Melanie Spencer

Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)Question: My parents are financing our wedding and reception. Are we supposed to include my fiancé’s parents on wedding the invitation if they aren’t contributing?
Easy Escape - louisianalife.com

1 month ago | louisianalife.com | Melanie Spencer

The natural beauty of St. Francisville’s rolling hills, bluffs and ridges, pristine historic homes, quaint boutiques and top-notch eateries is like a “Gilmore Girls” Stars Hollow fever-dream. For our three-day escape to the charming town, my husband Mark and I had hiking in nearby Tunica Hills and biking downtown on our agenda, but rainy weather changed our plans. You might say we didn’t get the trip we wanted, but we got the one we needed.