Author: Emily Gautreaux

National Society for Human Resource Management Awards Nicholls Chapter

The National Society for Human Resource Management has recently awarded its Superior Merit Award to Nicholls State University for its excellence and achievement observed over the last academic year, according to an NSU statement.

The Society for Human Resource Management at Nicholls State University (SHRM@NSU) is an industry-acclaimed undergraduate Human Resources chapter that prompted the mutually beneficial interaction between students and Human Resource professionals. Holding this membership gives students the opportunity to add practical knowledge and experience to their classroom training.

In fact, the Nicholls chapter of SHRM is the largest of the SHRM groups in the state of Louisiana, and as of Fall 2021, their competitive team remains undefeated in state case competitions. This most recent recognition from the SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program is set to encourage the development of effective student chapters of the SHRM and to distinguish outstanding projects and activities occurring within those chapters. Throughout the year, the national organization will recognize the operations, programming, professional development, and support exhibited by individual chapters.

Melanie Boudreax is an assistant professor of management at Nicholls State University, and she is the SHRM@NSU’s faculty advisor. When asked to comment on the recent achievement, she said, “it is a continuously rewarding experience working with these awesome students. They are our future HR professionals, and they work hard and deserve this honor. I just feel so blessed to share in these wins with them.”

The student chapter at Nicholls State University is a part of the larger, national Society for Human Resource Management, which is the biggest and most reliable resource for HR information worldwide with a network of over 250,000 members. SHRM@NSU holds regular biweekly meetings with programming that is designed to help members learn more about HR, its role within the business landscape, and to also network with each other and with HR professionals. These activities allow members to learn more about human resource management while building relationships with local professionals and other students in an enjoyable fashion.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. SHRM-SCP, SHRM president and CEO, said of Nicholls’ success, “the members of our SHRM student chapters represent the next generation of HR leaders, and it’s critical to highlight the instrumental role they play in SHRM’s success. The hard work of Nicholls State University shows the future of the profession is in good hands. I applaud their accomplishments and ability to foster innovative programming, development and interest in HR as we navigate changing workplaces.”

Throughout the school year, SHRM@NSU will host Human Resources guest speakers, attend both local and state HR conferences, compete in state regional case competitions, attend Bayou SHRM meetings, and raise funds for various charities such as the Thibodaux Toy Drive and the Give-N-Day fundraiser.

Nicholls State University’s SHRM also organizes activities that are based on their members’ interests such as their High School Business Workshop Series. In this series, SHRM@NSU aids with the presentation of valuable insight and industry-specific content to high school juniors and seniors interested in business careers. Additionally, the SHRM@NSU also actively performs an essential role during Nicholls’ New Student Orientation wherein members of the organization welcome students to the College of Business Administration and their specific program.

Nationally, SHRM aims to create better workplaces in which employers and employees can thrive together with the organization being the “foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces.” The organization connects with over 300,000 human resource and business executive membersthroughout 165 countries. With this large impact, they influence and in part, impact the lives of over 115 million families and workers worldwide.

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Where to Stay in Charmingly Rustic North Carolina

When the autumn season is upon us, many people tend to flock to the East Coast, particularly to the Highlands-Cashiers region of North Carolina. These travelers are known to do this to experience the breathtaking fall foliage and cascading waterfalls of the region. So, if you’re also looking to partake in these unforgettable fall treasures, then this article from Travel + Leisure will help you find the perfectly charming luxury hotels to rest in after a long day in North Carolina.

North Carolina tourism often cites the city of Asheville as the most popular and most-visited spot in the state, but the Highlands-Cashiers plateau is the region’s hidden gem that’s home to comfort, beauty, and spectacle. This region is generally compared to the East Coast’s equivalent to Aspen, Colorado. This is mostly because it’s the perfect location in Appalachia for those wishing to partake in the outdoors activity or the quaint, cultured outing. Though your cell reception and internet service may dip in and out because of the elevation, you’ll always be around something exciting and inviting, so take a look at the following accommodations for the next time your need to book a trip to North Carolina’s highlands-cashiers plateau, where your can unwind, unplug, and relax.

High Hampton

This is a masterful, recently-renovated lodge that is utterly perfect for those large reunions, get-togethers, and/or family gatherings. Located just two miles away from the town center of Cashiers, North Carolina, this massive woodland lodge is perfectly situated near the Nantahala National Forest, and it’s quite honestly the perfect resort for your next big trip. While large and spacious, High Hampton is often heralded by reviewers for how it retains an atmosphere of coziness despite the ample space found inside. The welcoming resort makes it the ideal ”home base” for a variety of outdoor excursions that you make scheduled such as swimming, boating, golfing, and so much more. Stop by after a hearty day of outdoor adventure with a meal around the grand, main dining room that holds an atmosphere, not unlike a year-round, charming Thanksgiving dinner.

The design team behind the award-winning Blackberry Farm are the ones responsible for High House’s 2020 renovation. They were successful in not only bringing new, rustic life into the hallowed halls and suites of the resort lodge, but they also took genuine care to properly maintain and secure the property’s storied past. Book a stay in this literal autumnal lodge straight out of a storybook and allow yourself to take part in a long-standing tradition of travelers wanting to escape in style. In fact, you can read about the previous guests’ stays by perusing their hand-written accounts in the cataloged ledgers found lining the literal walls of the main inn in the form of storytelling wallpaper. This location is truly magical and must be seen to be believed.

Highlander Mountain House

If your traveling party is lighter than that of the above residence, then take a look at this boutique hotel located in Highlands, North Carolina, just in the past two years. Opening up as recently as 2019, the Highlander Mountain House, or HMH, is a perfect pairing of Appalachian comfort and accommodations akin to the English countryside. Quaint, charming, and warm are adjectives that attempt to accurately describe the sensation that you’ll breathe in once you’re rocking along in the porch’s Adirondack chair while enjoying a dawn-laden cup of chicory coffee. This hotel is truly a welcomed salve to your mental health as it’s slow-paced as any proper trip in the Carolinas should be. The majestic view of the Western North Carolina Mountains that are viewable from the porch and rooms of the property’s Mountain House and Bunk House are just the confirmation you’ll need to know that you made the right choice. You’ll find five district room types that each offer a different vibe or atmosphere to your stay, but it’s the conversations that you’ll find yourself partaking in once setting foot in the communal commons area that will stay with you long after you pack your bags.

Other suggested stays in the area include: the Southern-inspired Skyline Lodge, gorgeous Half Mile Farm, and the relaxing Old Edwards Inn & Spa.

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What to do on a New Orleans Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving serves as a time to gather together to be completely humbled and thankful for all the blessings and benefits of the past year. This is often done over excellently prepared meals, so it stands to reason that there’s no better city to gather for the celebration than New Orleans, Louisiana, and thanks to this excellently compiled holiday resource from NewOrleans.com, you’ve never been in a better position to enjoy the Crescent City in all its bounty.

Before we give an overview of the food offerings in the city on the infamous Thursday for those of us wishing to take the day off, sit back, and enjoy the world-class cuisine of the various chefs and culinary artists found in the city, you should know about the various Thanksgiving Day activities that are available city-wide this autumnal holiday season.

Particular events that are positioned to be a large draw on Thanksgiving Day are the horse races at the Fair Groundsand the annual Turkey Day Race at Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park. Outside of athletic racing events, the New Orleans tourism site suggests digesting your Turkey Day meal with a carriage ride across the French Quarter so that you can learn about the elaborate history of the city. And of course, there are always plenty of movie theatres open throughout the city on Thanksgiving Day for those of us wanting to digest amidst amazing narratives and visuals.

However, if you prefer the holiday season that begins immediately following your Thanksgiving Meal, then you’ll be delighted to hear that Celebration in the Oaks will return to New Orleans City Park from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Thursday the 25th, and it’s set to last until January 2, 2022- with tickets costing $35. This annual holiday festivity is always heralded as a must-see of the New Orleans holiday tradition, as this incredible, breathtaking holiday light show transforms the already beautiful grounds of City Park into 25 acres of dazzling lights and impressive festive displays. In total, the winter wonderland is spread throughout the Park, Botanical Garden, Storyland, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park with millions of lights scattered throughout the 2.25-mile expanse.

Now it’s time for the food. On Thanksgiving, you’re essentially left with two options in New Orleans if you want to take the day off from cooking or organizing a family potluck: you can dine out or order catering from the many restaurants offering to do the cooking for you. If catering, some suggested favorites are Deanie’s Seafood, Mother’s, Brigtsen’s, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, Blue Oak BBQ, Central City BBQ, and Cochon Butcher for your savory meals and Willa Jean, Bywater Bakery, Beth Biundo Sweets, Camellia Grill, La Boulangerie, and Levee Baking Co. for sweets.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to experience the classic and authentic New Orleans dining atmosphere, then you’re left with plenty of options for restaurants open in the city on Thanksgiving Day, leaving you more time to celebrate and less time coordinating, stressing, and planning.

It should definitely be noted that most of the city’s finer hotels offer excellent meals on Thanksgiving, but for those of us who want to enjoy a great meal “in-house,” then the following restaurants are set to be open on Thanksgiving and are recommended for a pleasant, decadent, and well-rounded experience.

Uptown/Garden District

Central Business District/ Downtown

The French Quarter

 Greater New Orleans Area

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Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

When it comes to Thanksgiving Dinner, the turkey, ham, dressing, stuffing, sweets, and plenty of other hearty dishes get the spotlight and often leave vegetables behind or overshadowed. Luckily, this curated list of 60 Favorite Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes from Food52 is just the thing you need to keep your Thanksgiving dinner from being unbalanced or overtly unhealthy.

The holiday table on Thanksgiving is best when it’s colorful, diverse, and health-conscious, so consider making an active effort this year and whip up some of these vitamin-rich and heart-happy side dishes to add some green to that Thanksgiving table and compliment the golden brown color scheme of the various potato-crusted dishes on its surface.

Green Beans Vinaigrette

Tangy, seasoned, and delicious, these salt-boiled green beans are just the dish to prepare if you’re looking to spice up a traditional serving of so-called “boring” green beans. This dish has you combining red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, honey, high-quality olive oil, and dijon mustard for a vinaigrette that is well-served on essentially any salad or vegetable side, but when it’s placed atop brightly colored and tender green beans that are fresh out of a salt boil, the acidic flavor is elevated and leaving your palette satisfied after a hearty serving of any of your other dinner table offerings.

Twice-Baked Potatoes With Kale

It may be time to blend the warmth that comes from an all-time fan favorite: baked russet potatoes and the vitamin-rich superfood that is kale in this heart-conscious side dish that will leave all who survey it wanting more. In this recipe, you essentially soften the russet potatoes with an initial bake before sautéing your roughly-chopped bunch of lacinato kale. What follows is a delicious, seasoned, and expertly-textured side dish that tastes absolutely wonderful and (get this) good for you!

Caramelized Butternut Squash Wedges With Sage-Hazelnut Pesto

Autumn comes out in full force alongside this impeccable sage-hazelnut pesto and all the oft-ignored flavor notes that it’s able to bring out. Also, while it’s absolutely delicious and well-suited to serve this herbal and nutty pesto atop sweetened, caramelized butternut squash wedges, you’re free to substitute another favorite vegetable in its place such as parsnips, carrots, or zucchini. Though, a combination of all four might not be a bad idea; just ensure you have enough pesto to go around!

Mashed Maple Chipotle Sweet Potatoes

Sometimes opposites attract; it’s proven to be true in romantic comedies and this side dish that has you take the sweetness of sweet potatoes and maple syrup and plate them against the distinct flavor palette and spice of smoky chipotles. What transpires is a dish that is sure to stick with you long after the meal is over, though it does compliment the various starchy dishes likely beside it on the table as well. Most of all, the soft orange glow of this dish will serve as a welcome addition to your table, no matter the case.

Brussels Sprouts Caesar

Admit it, salad is always a winner, but it can often be lost in the Thanksgiving shuffle and forgotten about. However, this Brussel-sprout Caesar salad has a texture and color that will literally brighten up your dinner table, plate, and taste buds. Consider preparing extra Brussel sprouts and shaving them with a knife or mandoline for excellent flavor pairings outside of this off-the-beaten-path salad.

Besides those dishes listed above, the following encompasses a variety of vegetable-focused side dishes that are sure to delight and impress.

Whether they’re proper side dishes or hors d’oeuvres, the above recipes are sure to serve you and your guest right at Thanksgiving dinner.

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Thanksgiving Weekend Getaways

For those with ample time off around Thanksgiving week, the weekend before, the day of, and the weekend after can all present themselves as an excellent opportunity to escape the city for some much-needed self-care or quiet family time. No matter the reason, this article from Travel Off Path for the best getaways to experience in the United States might be just the push you need to enjoy the holiday without the stress traditionally associated with Thanksgiving dinner.  Keep reading for Thanksgiving weekend travel ideas.

New York City, New York

This one may be obvious, but that doesn’t make it a poor decision. As many can attest, the Big Apple transforms into a different place over the holidays, so why not flock to the city and see the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person or simply experience the world-class culinary experiences across the infamous city. If visiting on Thanksgiving Day and starting in an extravagant hotel, then consider the Frenchetter, which will serve as a great choice for those of us wanting to partake in a comforting, traditional Thanksgiving Day feast from the safety and congenial warmth of our hotel room. Stop by the city that never sleeps and breathe in the blessings and beginnings of holiday spectacle by taking a stroll through the wonderful Central Park, witnessing the literal wonderland and skating the ice rink at theBank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, or see an unforgettable performance of Christmas Spectacular by The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Set your sights west this year on Turkey Day by seeing an alternative side to Thanksgiving in Santa Fe, a city that prides itself and is renowned for its focus, origins, and respect for Native American culture, traditions, and experiences. Around this week specifically, the city is home to various festivals and special events that allow you to experience this time-honored holiday through a specific cultural lens that takes focus away from the perspective of the pilgrims. One way to really make the most of your trip is to head over to the Winter Indian Market for some perusing of local crafts, artwork, and wares of the Santa Fe community. Additionally, stop by the Wind River Trading Company and take home some authentic Native American jewelry from local artists, and then top off your meaningful day with a Thanksgiving dinner meal at La Casa Sena, Geronimo, Terra Restaurant, The Compound, Santacafe, or Sassella for an unforgettable and delicious adventure.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Leave the stress emitting from Thanksgiving prep, planning, and organizing behind and surround yourself in one of the most comforting, slow-paced, and extravagant environments imaginable with a trip to Nantucket. This quaint island community located just off of Cape Cod is home to many excellent experiences this holiday season such as a wonderful stay at The Nantucket Hotel and Resort for some of the coziest accommodations in the area. Located in close proximity to the various activities available in the city, this hotel has a special experience in store for guests booking on for the turkey-laden holiday in particular. Guests will be able to enjoy an expertly-crafted Thanksgiving meal at Breeze, the award-winning restaurant located in-house. Book a stay and enjoy all the delicious flavors that Executive Chef Adam Votow has to offer such as the Skillet Roasted Brussel Sprouts or the Four Cheese Baked Macaroni; either of which is sure to knock you on your feet. Outside of this world-class hotel, many visitors flock to this East Coast staple to either observe or participate in the town’s Cold Turkey Plunge, a beloved tradition in which townsfolk and visitors dive into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean in traditional solidarity before warming up by the various fires of the local living rooms, restaurants, and hotels for a communal meal or nightcap.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

Roasted Chicken With Lemon Curd, Garlic & Chiles

Excellently-roasted chicken that’s properly seasoned and cooked with herbs is the perfect hearty dinnertime meal for this time of year, and this particularly delicious recipe from Food 52 hits the savory and sweet spot needed for the fall or winter season.

One of the impressive choices this recipe makes is using the traditionally sweet lemon curd for a savory pairing, thus adding a tart-full richness to herb-encrusted sheet pan chicken thighs. What’s left is a medley of tender chicken, seasoned vegetables, and garlic-spread sourdough toast that will be sure to surprise and delight anyone eating alongside you at Sunday night dinner.

Ingredients For Roasted Chicken Thighs:

  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs with the skin still on
  • 3 garlic heads with the top third sliced off
  • 7 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 4 sprigs of rosemary
  • 3 tablespoons of lemon curd
  • 2 teaspoons of urfa biber or ¾ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 2 lemons, each halved horizontally
  • 1 loaf of sourdough, toasted
  • Kosher salt, for taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for sprinkling
  • Flaky salt, for sprinkling

Directions for Roasted Chicken Thighs:

  1. You’ll begin this delicious recipe by patting your bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a dry paper towel, so as to soak up any excess juices from the packaging. Then you’ll set the chicken thighs on a small tray or plate and season them all over with salt. Then set them aside as you prep the other ingredients.
  2. At this point, open your oven and position one rack in the center and one in the top slot. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  3. Place your garlic heads (with each head’s top third sliced off) on a rimmed sheet pan alongside your peeled and cut carrots. Drizzle this garlic and carrot-filled sheet pan generously with olive oil, season it with salt and pepper, and toss it all together to coat fully. Lastly, turn the garlic so that the cut-side is facing downward.
  4. Next, finely chop enough sprigs of rosemary to yield 1 teaspoon. Transfer your chicken thighs (with the skin-side facing upward) to the sheet pan with garlic and carrots. At this point, you’ll carefully peel back the skin on the chicken thighs and evenly spread the lemon curd on the top of each thigh. Next, evenly sprinkle your chicken with the chopped rosemary and follow it by sprinkling the urfa biber or red pepper flakes. Smooth the skin back over the lemon curd and season your thighs with salt and pepper. Lightly-drizzle the thighs with oil, place the remaining rosemary sprigs onto the sheet pan, and add your lemon halves with the cut-side facing downward.
  5. Roast this filled sheet pan on the center rack for 25 minutes. Throughout the cooking process, rotate your thighsand shuffle the ones near the edges of the sheet tray toward the middle and vice versa. Flip over your lemon and garlic heads after the initial 25 minutes are through, and then continue roasting for 5-7 more minutes. You should be sure to keep a watchful eye on the chicken thighs and roast them until the skin is golden. If you want extra crispy skin, you can place the sheet pan under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  6. Lastly, to finish things off, you’ll bring your sheet pan to the table, set it atop a trivet, divide the pieces among three plates, and sprinkle it all with flaky salt. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its papery sheaths and spread it onto the sourdough toast. Squeeze the lemons all over, and enjoy!

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