36 minute read
FAMILY VISION
Colby Walker Weaver and her father, Dewey Weaver, worked together to design Intermountain Renovations. Together they created a sanctuary that has become an ideal setting for the company’s growing needs. Their vision of Frank Lloyd Wright meets West Coast is a beautiful addition to Northeast Louisiana.
If you’ve driven down Tower Drive in Monroe, then you’ve glanced at the modern-style architectural building characterized by its sand-colored wood planks, sleek edges, and tinted windows. This prodigious construction is, in many ways, a reflection of the multi-faceted services of the family-owned InterMountain, which specializes in the management, development, and renovation of premium branded hotels nationwide. As the company kept expanding, it only made sense to create a workspace that embodied the company’s success, as well as its artistic vision and capabilities, holding true to the company’s tagline: “a business of a thousand details.”
Though headquarters have been located in Monroe for years, the company has its roots in Emporia, Kansas, where founder Dewey Weaver first developed his knowhow of the hospitality industry in 1966. At the mere age of 11, he would frequent the Ramada Inn every day after school to work as a dishwasher in the hotel restaurant until closing time. When Dewey’s parents moved the family to Northwest Arkansas in 1969, they purchased a motel in Springdale, where Dewey continued to sharpen his service industry skills, from checking-in guests to cleaning rooms. After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1978, he moved his family to Monroe, Louisiana, and alongside his father formed InterMountain Management.
Though now they boast two statement-making structures, the company’s origins are humble. Initially, operations began in a spare bedroom of his mother’s house, but by 2019, the company was in three different buildings, two of which they were leasing. The real need for the new building was that they were officing out of three different buildings on Tower Drive and needed more space for present and future growth because they did not plan on stopping... they planned to continue to grow and evolve. “So, we ran out of space. I mean, just plain and simple,” laughingly admits Colby Weaver Walker. Walker is the Senior Lead Designer for InterMountain Renovations, one of the companies under the InterMountain umbrella. She also oversees owner relationships as well as sales and marketing for the company. The result, the approximately 28,000 square feet of pristine architectural design that’s impossible to miss. “My father and I designed this with the intent of wanting it to be something that was like nothing else that was here locally,” continues Walker, describing the exterior of the building as Frank Lloyd Wright meets the West Coast. “My dad loves Frank Lloyd Wright.” And along the way, as she was designing the new space, he would come to her with magazine clippings, which allowed her to begin creating a mental vision board, which she then translated to the lead architect of the building. “I wanted this building to really showcase our capabilities as a design team and a construction team,” she affirms.
When conceptualizing the building, the InterMountain team kept in mind that InterMountain Renovations, comprised of design, purchasing, and project management, as well as the new construction team, would be working from that space. In other words, the building would also need to exhibit all aspects of what they do as a company. “We knew we were going to have so many people coming through here, we could say, ‘Hey, look, our design team designed that. And, we designed this.’” Unlike much of their commissioned work for hotels like the Marriott, Hyatt, or Hilton, which oftentimes require distinct brand requirements, designing their own workspace gave Walker a blank space to start from. “We were able to think outside of the box... and, so, we were able to do some really neat things and be really creative,” says Walker, considering the end result something that could “grow old with time, but not feel like it was outdated.” They were able to achieve this look pulling in a lot of natural elements like neutral walls layered with greenery, pops of color through furniture and art, and comfortably furnished lounge and patio areas. “We wanted it to be open and airy, yet be inviting. Not feel institutional, because it is big, we still wanted it to feel comfortable and like somewhere you’d want to sit and stay awhile,” she adds.
BELOW: TASKED WITH CREATING A PIECE OF FURNITURE TO ADD TO THE IMPRESSIVE ENTRANCE, KYLE SNELLENBERGER FASHIONED THIS CANOE-SIZED DESK OUT OF A 1000-YEAR-OLD TREE LOG PULLED FROM THE OUACHITA RIVER. BOTTOM LEFT: SNELLENBERGER ALSO CREATED A 28-FOOT-LONG BLACK WALNUT TABLE FOR THE BUILDING’S LARGEST CONFERENCE ROOM.
ABOVE: THE MATERIAL LIBRARY IS COMPRISED OF FLOOR-TO-CEILING CABINETS OCCUPYING TWO WALLS LINED WITH FABRIC SWATCH BOOKS HANGING FROM HOOKS. TOP RIGHT: THE LOUNGE AREA FEATURES UNIQUE WOOD-SLAT WALLS. IN ADDITION TO MOOD LIGHTING CREATED BY DISK PENDANT FIXTURES, THE AREA IS FURNISHED WITH CUSTOM OLIVE-GREEN SOFAS, CUSHIONED ACCENT CHAIRS, AND A GEOMETRIC WOOD TABLE.
“The front door was a non-negotiable for us,” admits Walker, referring to the gargantuan pivot door (a swinging door that rotates on a vertical axis) at the main entrance. Anyone who has walked into their headquarters would agree that it’s an experience. “We wanted to make a statement when you walked into the building.” The door is one of the many elements of the lobby that was thought out. Walking in, your gaze is immediately drawn to the front desk. “Everybody asks about that front desk when they walk in,” gleams Walker regarding the impressive natural wood, canoe-sized desk. Her vision was for the front desk to look like a floating piece of wood, and though her father probably “questioned her at first,” he let her take lead. Naturally, she commissioned the masterful Kyle Snellenberger, who already had a 1000-year-old tree log pulled from the Ouachita River. Snellenberger and Walker worked closely together to create this focal piece that is really more like a work of art.
Because the company is team-oriented and functions from collaboration, the main workspaces are open instead of sectioned with cubicles. That way, team members can move amongst each other. “So, this is where all the magic happens for the hotels,” emphasizes Walker, walking into the material library, comprised of floor-to-ceiling cabinets occupying two walls lined with fabric swatch books hanging from hooks. Rolling library ladders rest at each end of the shelves, a huge leap from its previous occupancy—inside of Walker’s old office. “My office was cluttered at all times. You never knew
what you would have to walk over or though,” she jokes. The new building clearly has afforded them more space, allowing rooms like the material library to also act as think tanks. “You can come in here. You can create. You’ve got everything that you need in one spot,” she says, explaining the importance of incorporating operational elements into workrooms, like tackable wall panels.
“We have three or four different task chairs throughout the building,” informs Walker, who went to Dallas and spent two to three days sitting on chairs with the sole purpose of finding the one that would be the most comfortable for all employees. “We sat in a ton of them. Had several brought in. It was a slightly daunting task,” she laughs. Keeping in mind their employees, also took the form of a sleek dining area that is often used for entertaining as well. Modern light fixtures keep with the contemporary elegance of the design and a NanaWall (bifold glass doors) flaunting an outdoor space complete with an outdoor kitchen. “At any given moment, you may find some of our team members sitting out here with their laptops or plans on a nice day working outside and just enjoying the space.”
Another Snellenberger original is featured in the building’s largest conference room. “We didn’t want it to be just your classical, stereotypical traditional conference table,” says Walker, which was no problem for the craftsman who delivered a 28-feet-long functional monument made from black walnut driven down from Oregon. “It’s an art piece in and of itself.” The details of the room also add to the stylish harmony of the room, like the clean texture created by the wood-paneled ceiling.
Keeping with the wood-slat theme is an incredibly chic lounge area seemingly straight out of Architectural Digest, featuring wood slat walls. “This was actually my dad’s idea,” says Walker. “He saw something similar in a magazine. He brought it to me and asked what I thought. I loved it! So, we figured out how to incorporate it where it made the most sense.” In addition to mood lighting created by disk pendant fixtures, the area is furnished with custom olivegreen sofas, cushioned accent chairs, and a geometric wood coffee table. “It feels like a living room,” says Walker. They encourage employees to use the area as another place to get out of their offices and think and work.
We intentionally created a lot of spaces throughout the building for people to work from beyond their desk,” says Walker. Employees can take their laptops and work in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, take a break in the fitness room which features a Peloton bike. The phone systems can connect to employee cell phones, further encouraging a nuanced and holistic approach to the modern workday. “We tried to be forward-thinking with our space and with technology. We travel a lot for work and it affords us the opportunity to see a lot of different spaces in some of the most thriving cities in America. We were able to take things we have seen from our travels and incorporate them here to provide the best work environment possible for our employees,” asserts Walker who understands how difficult it can be to be creative when you are sitting in the same space you sit in every day. “So, let’s get up. Let’s get out. And think. Create.”
By extending mindful practices to employees and clients alike, InterMountain has proven that they are innovative beyond the work that they are commissioned for. With a respect to all the elements that result in a successful business, this family-centered enterprise is steadily expanding, a thousand details at a time.
Look and Feel Your Best
Gain Your Confidence Back
THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT AUTUMN that we wait all year for — the pumpkin-flavored drinks, the holidays spent with friends and family, and the fresh displays of that pop up in the windows of all your favorite stores. Basically, fall is the season of comfort food and shopping. There is so much more to fall, though. The cold weather creeping in brings changes in sunlight, lower temperatures, and sometimes a slight change in lifestyle. All of these changes could potentially have some tangible effects on your mind but more specifically your body, no matter how bulletproof you think you are. DermaMediQ offers treatments to help keep your body in prime shape for autumn. DermaMediQ proudly offers a variety of services including BodyTite, Emsculpt, Instalift and Morpheus8 that address problem areas, giving you your self confidence back. Plus, the coming months are the perfect time to plan these procedures since you can cover up with leggings, sweaters and pants.
INSTALIFT
When it comes to someone who has lost weight and your skin has some drooping or you have used fillers and botox and you still aren’t getting the results you want, Dr. Sowma has a non-surgical treatment that uses micro-suspension technology to help you achieve the look you want. This amazing treatment is called Instalift by Silhouette. The Micro-suspension technology immediately lifts your mid-facial skin, including sagging cheeks and deeper nasolabial folds (smile lines) and boosts volume by activating your natural collagen production over time. The results are truly amazing. You get the lift without surgery, and the volume without fillers.
MORPHEUS8
Morpheus8 is a novel technology that lets you discover new depths. It is the first and only full-body fractional technology adjusted for subdermal tissue remodeling, dermal treatment and epidermal resurfacing. Morpheus8 is the deepest lift technology with penetration up to 4000 microns. Morpheus8 is perfect for tightening specific problem areas on the body but also great for treating acne on the face. Some of the key benefits include minimal scarring and downtime and a good option for younger patients not yet ready for a facelift.
EMSCULPT
Emsculpt is intended for improvement of abdominal tone, strengthening of the abdominal muscles, development of firmer abdomen. Strengthening, toning and firming of buttocks, thighs, and calves. Improvement of muscle tone and firmness, for strengthening muscles in arms. The best part is there is no anesthesia or down time.
BODYTITE
Body Tite is a minimally-invasive device for body contouring delivering results previously only achieved through excisional procedures. BodyTite is powered by directional radio frequencies resulting in three-dimensional tissue remodeling through fat coagulation and volumetric heating. The coagulation of fat using radio frequency induced heat results in radio-frequency assisted lipolysis.
No matter your age or issue you want to address, Dr. Sowma-Fakhre and the staff at DermaMediQ can help you achieve your beauty goals and truly put your best face forward. Call the helpful staff today to schedule an appointment or consultation to start your journey to becoming a more confident and better you.
Rebel Runway: A Fashion Event
Benefiting WMHS Cheer Booster Club
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS IN FULL SWING, and the West Monroe Rebel Football team is not the only school group that’s been practicing all summer! 2021 Rebel Runway is slated for Tuesday, October 19th at 6pm at the West Monroe Convention Center. The event is presented by the West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club and title sponsor Jayne Stagg. The annual fashion show is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the cheerleaders and proceeds help support the team throughout the year. Fall and winter fashions for 2021 will be provided by local boutiques including, Blue Line Boutique, Cara’s, Eleven 26, Herringstones, Little Blue Kid’s Boutique, and Pelican State Clothiers.
Rebel Runway is always a sell-out event so be sure to get your tickets early!
The cheerleaders and the West Monroe Cheerleader Booster club would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support and patronage. Without our sponsors Rebel Runway would not be the success it is!
TITLE SPONSOR: Jayne Stagg
LOGO SPONSORS:
Transmission Specialist, Blue Line Boutique, CommuniHealth, Eleven 26, Herringstones, Heather Finley Family Clinic, Newks, Ductwork Inc., Pelican State Clothiers, 4WD Specialists, Cara’s, Melanie Massey Physical Therapy, Little Blue Kid’s Boutique, Origin Bank, Otwell Countertops & Flooring, Tanya Jackson Coldwell Banker, Reflections, River Dental, Faith Over Fear, Security Control, Twin City Transmission, and M & A Investment Properties.
TABLE SPONSORS:
Crop Concepts/Mickayla Knight Family, Jenea Freeman Family, Crystal Hampton Family, Aimwell Center, Witten Roofing, April Jones Family, Banks Family, Barron/Mitchell Family, Hogan Insurance, Diane Day, Spa Bella, Charlie Simpson, Clawdaddy’s, Nicole Leggit, Dusty & Company, Marie’s Medical Supply.
Stepping Out in Style
Gearing Up for the Fall Season
FOR OVER TWO DECADES, THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE has served as North Louisiana’s premier boutique for infant and children’s clothing, gifts and toys. The Children’s Shoppe provides timeless children’s fashions for girls – premie to size 16, and boys – premie to size 12. The Children’s Shoppe also carries a vast selection of must-have gifts for newborns, special events, birthdays, or just for play.
The Children’s Shoppe has a whole new selection of fall clothing in for both boys and girls. We have matching boy and girl sets that would be perfect for any family outing or family pictures. It’s time to stock up on fall clothes and The Children’s Shoppe has everything you need at one easy and convenient place.
Help inspire kids to get creative with arts and crafts toys that will spark imagination at any skill level. Choose from deluxe watercolor sets to starter finger paints, sidewalk chalks and mess-free markers. Help kids develop fine motor skills while making beautiful things with great beading and craft projects for kids of all ages.
Have a tiny tyke who loves dinosaurs? The Children’s Shoppe has realistic dinosaurs in every size and color, as well as a party play set with nine collectible miniature dinosaurs in a case. From dinos to tractors, The Children’s Shoppe also stocks John Deere tractors, construction site vehicles, train sets, Thomas & Friends toys, everything little boys dream of. Boys and girls will jump with joy over a PlasmaCar – no batteries, gears or pedals… kid powered and kid approved for hours of endless fun.
Purchasing great quality toys and investing in your children’s toys are great for their brain development. Toys get children engaged in physical activity, by exercising their fine and gross motor skills. Whether they are coloring or dressing and undressing a doll, for example, children are using their sense of touch and sight (fine motor skills) while walkers, tricycles or toy cars boost their gross motor skills and strengthen their arms and legs. Toys also help them discover balance and coordination and by being physically active, children avoid obesity and adopt a healthy life style.
From the time they are born, toys motivate babies to use their feet and hands in order to discover forms, colors and sounds. Once babies know how to sit and crawl, toys incite them to be on the move. If their favorite toy is out of reach, the baby will use its muscles to try and grab it.
Is your little one’s feet growing like crazy and needing new shoes every other month? We have a select group of tennis shoes from Footmates that are on sale and you won’t want to miss out!
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram (@childrensshoppela) to be in the know about our new arrivals and specials. We are conveniently located at 109 N. Trenton in Ruston’s beautiful, historic downtown district and at 1826 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe.
The Platter Celebrates Fall
Local Shop Features Platters, Lunches and More
WITH COOLER TEMPERATURES JUST AROUND THE corner and leaves starting to change, its official, fall is in the air!With fall comes some of our favorite things here in Louisiana, football, friends, and most importantly food.
Whether its a cozy night or a tailgate with friends before the big game, The Platter has everything you need for your next get together.
For an evening with the kiddos or grandkids, grab a S’Mores platter complete with marshmallows, chocolate and a variety of graham crackers, candy and toppings. Looking for something Instagram worthy? Try a custom charcuterie board. With selections ranging from stuffed olives, nuts, prosciutto, ham, cheddar, gouda, provolone, monterey, brie, blue cheese, fresh mozzarella, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, pepper jelly, fig spread, jam, spicy mustard and a variety of crackers, there is surely something to please every palette.
With holiday events on the horizon, The Platter is your go to for all festivities, whether you are seeking individual boxes for each guests or a more interactive experience like a grazing table, which allows guests the opportunity to select items tailored to them. The Platter is perfect for all of your catering needs, whether it’s a wedding, shower, game night, school function, anniversaries, or birthdays, The Platter covers it all.
Now back to football, no matter what team you’re rooting for, The Platter offers options to help fill up your cheering section before, during and after the big game. Need a quick snack? Stop by their grab and go cooler stocked with favorites like buffalo chicken dip, pimento cheese spread, a variety of chicken salads, pasta salads and jalapeño and red pepper queso.
No party? No problem! Let The Platter handle lunch, with specials including southern shrimp and grits, crawfish stuffed baked potatoes, homemade spaghetti with meat sauce and roast beef poboy. Each entree comes with a veggie, salad and a drink and is just $9.50. They also have a variety of salad options like Italian, Keto Italian, Chef, Mandarin and Classic Shrimp.
If you want to plan ahead for dinner, you can always order a casserole that will feed your whole family! Options include homestyle meatloaf, lasagna, cajun chicken and rice, French onion beef casserole and more!
And how could we forget the sweets? The Platter offers a variety of sweet treats like homemade pies, dipped fruits, cookies and gourmet cakes in a range of flavors help to round out the menu.
Whether you are looking for something for the home team, a quick lunch or a stunning table display for a special event, from sweet to savory, The Platter has everything you need. Stop by their location in West Monroe and see why The Platter is perfect for every occasion! The Platter is located at 120 Blanchard Street in West Monroe.
Now Offering BioTE Pellet Therapy
At The Woman’s Clinic
AT THE WOMAN’S CLINIC WE ARE CONSTANTLY looking for innovative ways to serve our patients. The newest addition to our services is BioTE’s Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). BioTE® Medical’s method of BHRT, uses pellets, which are the preferred method of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They contain bioidentical hormones compounded in qualitycontrolled facilities located in the U.S. Keep reading to learn why pellet therapy has helped thousands of patients.
Age healthier, live happier with the BioTE method. Using our subcutaneous pellet approach to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, some patients report feeling symptom relief in as little as four weeks, but complete symptom relief may take up to six months. Certified BioTE providers at The Woman’s Clinic customize each dose of pellet therapy to the patient’s needs. The BHRT pellets that certified BioTE providers use are made to replicate the hormones men and women lose as they age.
Research has shown that the BioTE method of pellet therapy has helped thousands of people feel their best and achieve hormonal balance. The BioTE method uses bioidentical hormone pellets which contain bioidentical testosterone or estrogen. The pellets are placed subcutaneously in the body and release a continuous stream of bioidentical hormones. Hormone replacement pellets dissolve and are absorbed into the body.
WHAT IS BHRT? BHRT stands for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). What does that mean? Bioidentical refers to how molecularly similar the supplemental hormone is to the human hormone. People who lack certain hormones or who have too much of a certain hormone may benefit from BHRT.
WHAT ARE BHRT PELLETS? BHRT pellets are inserted subcutaneously in the upper buttocks. They are made of customcompounded hormones and binders that hold them together. Every batch of hormones is tested for potency, sterility, and endotoxins, which ensures that BioTE providers’ patients are being provided the best possible therapy to expedite their journey towards optimal wellness.
WHAT IS THE BHRT PELLET INSERTION PROCESS LIKE?
The BHRT pellet insertion process is straightforward, fast, and simple. First, a patient finds a certified BioTE provider. If their provider is not listed, they may nominate them to become BioTE certified. They will then schedule an office visit to have their hormone levels tested. Based on a comprehensive consultation and extensive lab work, the provider will determine if the patient is a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for women. Custom pellet therapy insertion will take place either during this appointment or during a quick follow up appointment.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH PELLET THERAPY? Getting started with pellet therapy for women is as easy as calling The Woman’s Clinic and making an appointment. Or by requesting an appointment in our patient portal.
Can Caffeine Enhance Fat Loss?
BAYOUHEALTH BY SHANNON DAHLUM
Caffeine is the world’s most popular unregulated drug. It occurs naturally in coffee beans, cacao beans and tea leaves where it serves as a pesticide to protect those plants. It’s also artificially added to sodas, energy drinks, medications, workout supplements, and even some foods. Caffeine is commonly added to supplements and drinks marketed for fat loss, but how effective is it for actually enhancing fat loss?
Caffeine is a stimulant. It increases brain activity and heightens awareness. Your nervous system assumes this heightened state of alert means there must be a threat close by, so it triggers the release of adrenaline. Your adrenaline is what gives you that boost of energy and increases heart rate. The caffeine itself isn’t some sort of magical liquid energy; it triggers your stress response, which does temporarily elevate your metabolic rate and enhances fat loss. However, when your nervous system remains in a state of chronic stress, it actually triggers fat storage and makes healthy fat loss extremely difficult.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in how you experience pleasure. It provides a sense of motivation and it helps you focus. Heroin and cocaine increase dopamine levels in the brain by slowing down the rate at which it’s reabsorbed, and this is why those drugs are so addictive; it’s the increase in dopamine levels that feels so good and has people going back for more. Caffeine works in exactly the same way, lighting up the same pleasure centers in your brain, only to a much lesser degree.
In addition, your body also builds a tolerance to caffeine, meaning that if consumed regularly, you’ll continue to need more of it to feel the same effects. Over time, you become physically dependent on it and experience negative withdrawal effects if you stop consuming it cold turkey. The ways in which caffeine stimulates your brain’s pleasure centers, your body’s ability to build a tolerance to it, and the withdrawal symptoms it can lead to are what make caffeine a physically addictive substance.
Once the boost in adrenaline and dopamine from caffeine consumption wears off, you’re left with a more depressed mood and energy than before and you’ll likely start craving another boost. Caffeine has a half life of six hours, which means that if you drink two cups of coffee containing a total of 200 mg of caffeine at 8:00am, you still have 100 mg of caffeine in your system at 2:00 pm. Of course, everyone responds to and metabolizes caffeine differently, so this can certainly vary. Assuming you still have 100 mg of caffeine in your body when that 2:00 pm slump hits and you drink another two cups of coffee, you now have 300 mg of caffeine in your body. Six hours after this, at 8:00 pm, you may still have 150 mg of caffeine affecting your system and disrupting your sleep that night. Even if you sleep through the night, you likely
won’t fully benefit from the deepest stages of restful sleep and you’ll wake up groggily reaching for a mug of coffee. In this scenario, you literally have caffeine in your system from morning to night and a consistently overstimulated nervous system.
If you do a quick search for studies touting the benefits of caffeine consumption, there are many. A decreased risk for Parkinson’s Disease, cirrhosis, colon cancer, and gallstones have been shown with regular coffee consumption, for example. As with most things, however, more isn’t always better. According to the American Medical Association, a safe amount for daily consumption tops out at 400 mg for adults, which is the equivalent of about four cups of coffee. The FDA regulates the amount of caffeine added to sodas, allowing a maximum of 0.02% caffeine concentration. This means a 12 ounce soda can have no more than 71 mg of caffeine. However, this rule applies to carbonated beverages only. When it comes to other beverages, foods, and supplements, there is no limit to the amount of caffeine manufacturers can add. Energy drinks are completely unregulated; 5 Hour Energy shots contain 200 mg of caffeine and Bang contains a whopping 300 mg.
Your body is very intelligent and it’s always working in your favor to ensure your survival. Your stress hormones serve a very important and beneficial purpose; to help you have the energy necessary to deal with imminent threats. But when stress hormones are consistently coursing through your body, they begin to have very negative consequences. Consistently elevated stress hormones enhance inflammation and contribute to the breakdown of healthy tissue.
When your brain senses a consistently elevated level of these stress hormones, it will shut down their production to protect your body. Even though you continue drinking caffeine to try and trigger another energy boost, your brain won’t allow your adrenal glads to pump out any more adrenaline. No matter how much caffeine you consume, you may continue feeling completely wiped out. At this point, you may also begin to struggle with weight loss resistance, as your body also holds on to as much body fat as possible. Fat is stored energy, and since your body has essentially gone into an energetic debt, your brain forces your body to hold onto as much of it as possible. Metabolism has slowed to decrease energy consumption and enhance energy storage.
Yes, caffeine can temporarily boost your mood and metabolism, but how it impacts you depends on your total stress load. If you’re already experiencing a high level of physical and/ or mental stress, adding to the stress response through caffeine consumption will be detrimental, leaving you feeling jumpy, wired, strung out, and even lower in energy.
When you’re in a resilient state of balance, with a healthy stress load and recovery, a morning dose of caffeine can give you a boost without overtaxing your system. Yes, it can have a positive effect on fat loss, too. Beware, though, because of it’s addictive quality, it’s easy to overdo in the long run. The key, as always, is to pay attention to how you’re affected by it and adjust your consumption accordingly.
Walsworth and Company
When Leaves Start Falling, Walsworth’s Is Calling
YOUR HOME SHOULD TELL the story of who you are and should be a collection of what you love. If the past year has taught us anything, it is that the right decor can really set the scene, even when you are indoors. With the fall season upon us, that means stocking your home with warm tones, cozy textures, and crisp autumn scents.
Local interior design and furniture shop, Walsworth and Company has been a downtown staple since opening its doors in 2014. Featuring a premier decorator showroom, Walsworth and company offers selections from furniture, bedding, and lighting, with fully customizable and unique pieces from The MT Company, Uttermost / Revelation, Wesley Allen, McKinley Leather Furniture, Riverside and Universal Furniture allowing you to commission pieces that reflect your unique style and specifications.
Their walls are adorned with curated works of art, intricately designed mirrors, and unique wall hangings all complemented by plush sofas, coffee tables, dining and bedroom furniture. In addition to their vast selection of furniture finds, Walsworth & company has a robust collection of accent pieces fit for any space; from area rugs, throw pillows to vases and coffee table accessories. With such a vast selection, it’s no surprise that Walsworth & Company is the decorator destination for the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.
Along with providing the Twin Cities with one of the most distinct home decor assortments, the team at Walsworth and Company have created Down the Aisle, the premiere wedding registry of Northeast Louisiana. Down the Aisle is a transformed space, boasting more than 1,400 square feet devoted to “must-haves” for the modern bride. The reimagined space incorporates original architectural elements such as exposed beams and original hardwood elements to create an accent wall. Down the Aisle exudes a romantic vibe and classic elegance, continuing in true Walsworth and Co. fashion.
Least we forget their fantastic collection of specialty gift items; housing home fragrance brands such as Nest, Capri Blue, Nouvelle, as well as Orleans, perfect for creating the fall ambiance we all crave.
If you are seeking something with a little sparkle, Walsworth & Company is home to jewelry collections from both Ronaldo and Mariana.
And when you want to retreat for a fall night in, indulge with our luxurious bath collections from Lollia or Spongelle. Cap the night off in a buttery soft pajama set from Barefoot Dreams or PJ Harlow sure to induce some much deserved sweet dreams.
With fall and the holiday season upon us, Walsworth & Company is sure to have all of the items you need to complete your shopping or wish lists. After shopping, simply leave the wrapping to the professionals; where you can always expect a beautifully wrapped gift anyone would be thrilled to receive.
Whether it’s time for a new accent piece, holiday home makeover, or if it simply time to pamper yourself. The staff at Walsworth and Company are fully prepared to assist you.
Walsworth and Company, your home decor and gift headquarters, located at 311 Trenton Street in downtown West Monroe. Open Monday - Friday 10 AM- 5:30 PM.
Follow us on Facebook for design inspiration and product updates!
The Perfect Match
Harrison Paint Co. Is Your One-Stop Paint Shop
HAVE YOU BEEN LOOKING FOR A reason to add a little color to your life? Harrison Paint Co. can offer a little “primer” on why you should add color to your walls this season. Paint is one of the easiest and quickest ways to transform any space. Whether you want to turn your room into a serene sanctuary or a shade that will shine, the professionals at Harrison Paint will help direct you to the Benjamin Moore color best suited for your space.
Livability. Flexibility. Universality. These are just a few of the essentials that make a Benjamin Moore paint popular–and beloved. No matter what your color preference is, Harrison Paint Co. has a match. While grey, beige, white and earth tones dominate bestseller lists, Benjamin Moore’s saturated hues pack a punch.
Looking for a beautiful jewel tone? Salamander is a gorgeous, emerald-esque green that infuses any room with sumptuous color. Need a rich, deep color? Kendall Charcoal is a luxurious paint that pops beautifully when combined with a crisp white room. As a versatile neutral, it also works well with most color schemes. Crazy about nature? Fallen Timber imbues a natural elegance. This pure shade is a perfect combination of gray and beige, evoking thoughts of walks in timbered woods while soaking in the brisk autumn air.
Still unsure of what color to choose, contact the professionals at Harrison Paint Co. This one- stop-shop has been serving the ArkLaTex since 1950. As a minority-owned small business, Harrison Paint Co. can help with all of your paint, coatings, stain, stucco and sundries needs. They are proud to be a Graco Facility Trained Service Center with two certified repair technicians. Industry specific education and training is a priority as evident of the MPI Level 1 Architectural Coating Technologists and NACE Level 3 Certified Coating Inspector. You can purchase a color sample of any of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500+ paint colors at Harrison Paint Co. There’s no better way to find the perfect paint than by brushing it on before you buy.
With multiple locations to serve you, Harrison Paint is conveniently located at 1900 Cypress Street in West Monroe. They also have locations in Bossier City and Shreveport, with on-line ordering available at all locations. For more information, call them at (318) 812-0932 or visit their website harrisonpaintco.com. Looking for design inspiration? Be sure to check out their blog for the latest in design and color trends for your next home project.
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting
Celebrating 25 Years of Service in Ouachita Parish
MOTHER DAUGHTER DUO, NANCY Guy and Brittany Forbis are the women behind Spherion’s success, and they are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Their business focuses on driving careers, supporting businesses, and serving the community. Although the pandemic has caused a hurdle in the staffing industry, they are still smiling and thanking God for their many blessings. I wanted to take a moment to give readers a sneak peek behind the scenes and get to know these remarkable women. BL: Take me back to the beginning, what drove your decision to start a staffing company? N: I have always been passionate about helping others. My goal from the beginning was to provide an environment where everyone felt valued and appreciated. I wanted to partner with local companies and provide a service they couldn’t get anywhere else. And after 25 years, I believe I’ve accomplished that. BL: What is it like being a mother daughter duo in the workforce? B: Well, if you want me to be honest, over the past 18 years, I’ve quit and been fired several times. I started working for my mom right out of high school and I thought I knew it all. I came in and tried to run the show. I wanted to be the boss and it caused quite a bit of tension.
It took me a long time to see her as a successful businesswoman and not just my mom. Over the past several years, we have grown to have a mutual respect for each other and to embrace each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
N: I totally agree with Brittany. There were definitely some struggles in the beginning, but we have grown into a Dynamic Duo. I think Brittany is at a place in her life that she is ready to run the show, as she’s always wanted. All joking aside, working together has allowed us to build a relationship that others only dream of. As I have watched Brittany grow into the leader she is today, I know Spherion has a very bright future.
BL: What is something about Nancy that people don’t know?
B: She’s my best friend and she is really funny. She’s lightened up a lot over the years. She has a serious side but we also laugh any time we are together. Not everyone understands our humor, but we both find each other to be really funny!
N: (Laughing) That’s so true!
BL: What makes your business unique?
N: First and foremost, we know we would not be where we are today without The Lord’s blessing. Referrals have always been a major part of our recruiting process. When someone has a positive experience, they can’t help but tell others about it. Even if we are not able to help an individual directly, we strive to provide them with an alternate solution. Over the years, our reputation has grown with us and to me, that is the definition of success.
BL: The workforce has changed since opening in 1996, have any of your processes stayed the same?
B: Our goal is to find the best fit for our applicants and clients, therefore, we still do face-to-face interviews with everyone. There are some things we believe should never change.
BL: Where do you hope to see Spherion in the next five years?
B: I’m going to leave that up to God. I have learned from the best but our future success is His will and all I can do is strive to do His work daily.
N: Amen!
If you are a business searching for Top Talent or an applicant seeking employment opportunities in our area, the team at Spherion looks forward to working with you.
Dr. Resham Poudel, Endocrinologist
St. Francis Medical Group
AFTER FINISHING MY INTERNAL MEDICINE TRAINING IN 2019, I moved to Shreveport to complete my fellowship training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at LSU Health. I have enjoyed living in Northern Louisiana and was excited to join St Francis Medical Group here in Monroe, where I would have the opportunity to serve the same patient population I learned from.
As an endocrinologist, I see adult patients with ‘hormonerelated diseases’ or ‘disorders of glands that produce hormones.’ The most common endocrine problem is diabetes. Other frequently seen problems are underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), thyroid nodule or goiter, osteoporosis, high calcium problems, adrenal nodule, pituitary tumor, low testosterone, etc.
More than 30 million Americans have diabetes. High blood sugar level is the hallmark of this disease. Normally, an organ called the pancreas in our body produces the hormone ‘insulin’ which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. When a person gets diabetes, the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot properly utilize the available insulin to pump the sugars from the blood into cells, resulting in high blood sugar levels. When the blood sugar remains high for a long time it damages eyes (blindness), kidneys (kidney failure), heart (heart attack), and nerves (pain, loss of sense, foot amputation). It’s important to prevent and treat diabetes to avoid these complications.
There are three major types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is mainly diagnosed in children and young adults where an auto-immune process destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas and patients need insulin to stay alive. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy, and frequently goes away after the baby is delivered; however, these people will have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and is associated with obesity, lack of activity, and a high carbohydrate diet. It also has genetic risk factors. It usually happens in middle-age and older people but is becoming increasingly more common in the young. Most of the time, there’s a phase of prediabetes where blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Almost 90 million Americans have prediabetes. We can prevent the progression of prediabetes to diabetes by losing weight and then maintaining normal weight. This can be achieved by eating a diet with less fat and less calories (carbohydrates) combined with regular exercise.
In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin and is unable to control blood sugar. This is initially treated with oral pills or non-insulin injections. With disease progression, insulin production ceases, and the person may need insulin treatment. There are a variety of medications available for treating diabetes. It’s important to choose the ones which not only lower the blood sugar levels, but are also helpful in losing weight, and improving heart and kidney health.
Resham Poudel, MD practices at the St. Francis Endocrinology Clinic located in the St. Francis Community Health Center, 2600 Tower Drive, Suite 215, in Monroe; phone number (318) 966-6490.
