Dry January

DRY CHAMPAGNE… DRY MARTINI…

DRY JANUARY?

BY ELIZABETH BEARD DEAL BY ELIZABETH BEARD DEAL

Whether it’s a desire to be healthier, recover from the holidays, or reduce overall alcohol consumption, choosing a onemonth sobriety challenge to abstain from alcohol during January is beginning to catch on. A Morning Consult ning to catch on. A Morning Consult poll conducted in January 2021 found that 13 percent of respondents in the U.S. were participating in "Dry January,” up from 11 percent in previous years. Will that number keep rising in 2022? People drink alcohol for a variety of reasons, including to make social connections and manage stress. More recently, it’s not uncommon to hear people admit to drinking more during the pandemic. Read on to find out if participating in during the pandemic. Read on to find out if participating in Dry January might be enticing to you.

Ever thought about some of the negative Ever thought about some of the negative effects alcohol can have? Here are some benefits that may come with Dry January:

• Better Decision-Making • Better Sleep • More Energy • Clearer Head • Healthier Liver • Lower Blood Glucose • Weight Loss • Better Skin

Thinking of trying it? Here are some ways to approach Dry January:

G Plan Ahead. My mother always says, “plan your work and work your plan.” You definitely don’t want to get caught without a plan on this one. Determine what the hardest part will be for you and how you intend to tackle it. Use this list to plan for the resources and people you will turn to for support. G Track Your Progress. Type or handwrite a log for January. Begin with why you are going dry and what you expect to occur. Each day track how you feel, physically and mentally. It’s also a good idea to include other items like social outings, drink choices, exercise, weight, and how you filled your time to see how it changes. G Determine Your New Routine. If you like to come home every day after work and have a drink on your favorite sofa, then your new routine could be as simple as swapping it out for a non-alcoholic drink on the sofa instead.

On the other hand, if you can’t imagine succeeding at that, then replace the entire scenario. Go to another room, or run an errand, visit a friend, or exercise during that time after work. G Replace Your Drink. You may want an alcohol replacement, like non-alcoholic beer, wine, or sparkling wine, or something simple like sparkling water, soda water, or seltzer water with fresh fruit, juice, or herbs. Other options to explore are Kava, Kombucha, Mocktails,

Shrubs, and Tea. Healthy non-alcoholic spirits in different flavors are also available, most with some combination of mixed adaptogens, botanicals, nootropics, spices, or fruits. Many have no calories, sweeteners, animal products, or additives, but you’ll need to check product labels. There are plenty of books and blog articles with recipes and advice for the sober curious. G Ask a Friend to Participate. Having a friend or accountability partner in the challenge will be a big asset toward success. Even if they don’t want to be a part, you can still ask them for support. G Exercise More. Now that you have more time (and energy?), try walking, running, swimming, yoga, meditation, biking, playing a sport, or another favorite activity that gets you moving. G Start Something New. This could be a book or a project or a lesson or a hobby. Something that will appeal to the soul and focus the mind. G Stay Away From Tempting People and Places. It’s only 31 days. Enough said. G Get Back on the Wagon. If you find yourself having a drink, don’t give up completely. Nobody’s perfect. Just start fresh the next day with a goal to finish the month strong. G Reflect. Be proud of your accomplishment and think about how you feel physically and emotionally. Read your log from start to finish to see what your challenges were and how you handled them.

Regardless if you decide to stay alcohol-free, reduce your alcohol intake, or return to your former habits, you will have a newfound awareness of your relationship with alcohol and its impact on your health and lifestyle.

Type or handwrite a log for Jan expect to occur. Each day track how you feel, physically and mentally. It’s also a good idea to include other items

On the other hand, if you can’t imagine succeeding at that, then replace the entire scenario. Go to another room, or run an errand, visit a friend, or exercise during You may want an alcohol replacement, like non-alcoholic beer, wine, or sparkling wine, or something simple like sparkling water, soda water, er options to explore are Kava, Kombucha, Mocktails, es, or fruits. Many have no calories, sweeteners, animal products, or additives, but you’ll need to check product labels. There are plenty of books and blog articles with Having a friend or accountability partner in the challenge will be a big asset toward gy?), try walking, running, swimming, yoga, meditation, biking, playing a sport, or another favorite activity that drink, don’t give up completely. Nobody’s perfect. Just start fresh the next day with a goal to finish the month your log from start to finish to see what your challenges Regardless if you decide to stay alcohol-free, reduce your alcohol intake, or return to your former habits, you will have a newfound awareness of your relationship with alcohol and

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or treatment center before changing your diet or if you need help managing your alcohol consumption.

Lauren Roppolo & Braylon Ash

MAY 28, 2016 F rom the Event Designer/ Coordinator: When I asked Lauren, as I do all of my brides, to describe her wedding vibe in three words, she quickly replied, “ Elegant, modern and southern.” While designing her reception, I knew I wanted to include elements that were timelessly southern, mixed with modern industrial touches and a clean, neutral color palate. Magnolia leaves, a recognized southern staple, and boxwood were the base for the lush greenery that covered much of the reception. Hand-crafted industrial light boards with exposed Edison bulbs, greenery and ribbon chandeliers over the dance floor and rusty lanterns shipped up from New Orleans were large focal points that created the modern southern atmosphere. We also added smaller touches that made a big impact, such as wrought iron candelabras, floral arrangements in antique brass goblets and beautiful hand-written signage from All Things Taylor-Made. The Vendors: • Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Hillary Moss Photographer: Lauren Rinaudo Photography • Floral Design: Adcock & Associates by Jemi Adcock • Invitations: Mint Julep Paperie • Band: The Mix • Fireworks: Durrs Pyromania • Wedding Gown: Low’s Bridal and Formal (Brinkley, Ar.) and A&Be Bridal Shop (Dallas, Tx.) • Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids • Jeweler: Everett Jewelers • Hair: Cheveaux by Robbie Meshell • Makeup: Unfleeting Beauty by Lindsey Blount • Caterer: Chef Holly Schreiber at Sainte Terre • Cake: Sweetie Cakes

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Mary O’Brien and Zackary JordanJUNE 18, 2016

Mary Morgan O’Brien and Zackary Joseph Jordan were united in marriage on June 18, 2016 at St. Mark’s Cathedral. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend M. L. Agnew. Mary Morgan is the daughter of Leigh Ann Lindsey O’Brien and Morgan Patrick O’Brien. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Arthur Lawrence Lindsey, Jr. and the late Dr. A. L. Lindsey, Jr., Edna Marie Whitmeyer O’Brien Allen and William Joseph O’Brien, Jr..Zack is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Damon Jordan and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Don Wayne Jordan, Mrs. Joseph Carnahan LeSage, Jr. and the late Joseph Carnahan LeSage, Jr..The Vendors:• Photographer: Brian LewisFloral Design: Debbie Morgan of The Red GeraniumBand: Windstorm Wedding Gown: Allure Bridal Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Squires Jeweler: McCary’s Bride’s Hair/Makeup: Adrienne Connelly of Chemistry Hair Salon Bridesmaids’ Hair/Makeup: Chemistry Hair Salon Caterer: East Ridge Country Club Bride’s cake: Kathy CubleyGroom’s cake: Silver Palate Cakery Emily Evans and Bryan Overdyke

MAY 28, 2016

On Thursday, May 26, wedding guests arrived in Napa to kick off the weekend with a Welcome Reception at the Silverado Resort. The following evening, wedding attendants and family were wowed by the rehearsal dinner setting at Merryvale Winery hosted by the groom’s parents. Eighty guests dined at the long table in the cask room complete with candelabras and beautiful florals. (Robin Williams also had his rehearsal dinner there!) The afternoon wedding ceremony took place at St. Helena Catholic Church officiated by Father Peter Mangum. Following the ceremony, guests were bused to Inglenook Winery for wine and cheese tastings. The festivities continued at the Silverado Resort and Spa with a cocktail hour that led into the reception. The outdoor reception was picturesque with florals cascading down the trees and fabric draping creating quite the ambiance. Guests feasted on farm-to-table dining and Napa Valley wines to celebrate the occasion. The Vendors:

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Quintana Events •

Photographer: Adeline & Grace Photography •

Videographer: Justin Clough Productions •

Floral Design: Poppystone •

Band: The All-Stars (San Francisco, Ca.) •

Cocktail Hour Venue: Inglenook Winery •

Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza for Stanley Korshak •

Bridesmaids Attire: Lilac Amsale dresses from Bella Bridesmaids •

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Custom Linen suits from John Pickens •

Jeweler: McCary’s

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Morgan Davis and Daniel Simpson

OCTOBER 29, 2016

Although Morgan and Daniel were students at LSU at the same time, they had to go all the way to China on an MBA study abroad trip to meet! It wasn’t until after graduation when Morgan moved to New Orleans and Daniel moved to Shreveport that the romance started. After two and a half years of long distance dating, Daniel popped the question and Morgan said “yes”! When starting the wedding planning, they immediately called event planner, florist and family friend Kendall Bailey. With his help, Morgan’s dream wedding became a reality. Morgan wore a silk white French Chantilly Lace gown over silk satin organza, and a silk illusion veil edged with Chantilly Lace, both designed exclusively for her by Patti Flowers of Dallas. The sheer illusion bateau neckline was adorned with delicate organic lace petals. The ceremony was held at the beautiful flower adorned First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport. A lovely candle lit reception followed in a lavish clear tent on the grounds of David Tom’s Academy 265. Dancing the night away as the star shone in the crystal clear sky, the newly married husband and wife ended their perfect day surrounded by family, friends and love.

The Vendors:

• Venue: David Tom’s Academy 265 Florist: Kendall Bailey of Kendall and Company • Pelican Tents and Events • Brian Lewis Photography • Hitched Film • Southern Fork Catering of the Jason Brady Restaurant Group • Band: Musical Fantasy • Bride’s Cake: GeorigeGirl Cakery •

• Groom’s Cake: Alyson Foreman Wedding Dress, Mother of Bride, & Mother of Groom’s Dresses: Custom designed by Patti Flowers of Dallas • Bella Bridesmaids • Drake Valet

Sherricka Fields and Vernon JonesAUGUST 22, 2015

Carol Nunley, a Shreveport, Louisiana Accredited wedding / event planner and designer, is known for creating your event with passion, and personalization. As an independent planner, Carol work one-on-one with her clients and provide a unique experience with all the pampering and respect they deserve. Preparing for your special day should be fun and exciting. Her wedding and event planning service will be a welcomed relief to the sometimes hectic details. Carol is a Certified Sandals / Beaches Resorts / Grand Pineapple Specialist. Sandals is the luxury resort with more included than any other resort. Sherricka and Vernon Jones of Shreveport, La., were married on August 22, 2015 at four o’clock in the evening at Brown Chapel of Centenary College. After finishing active military duty and seeking degrees in paramedics and kinesiology, Vernon met Sherricka while she was pursuing her career in finance. Sherricka’s ballet students performed a number at her wedding that Sherricka choreographed herself. The Vendors: • Wedding Planner/ Coordinator: Carol Nunley at Circle of Love• Photographer: Ephraim Fields & Jeremy Brown• Videographer: Nicoby Watkins• Wedding Gown: Happily Ever After• Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids• Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Al’s Formalwear• Hair: Yoloanda Gales of Benote’ Salon• Makeup: Pavunae Jones of Pretty Please Cosmetics• String Quartet: Four Seasons Quartet• Wedding Decor: Patricia Jenkins, Bernadette Stroud Love in Bloom Donna Brian D onna Brian, MWP™ is known as the only Master Wedding Planner in Louisiana. Donna, and her team of event professionals, is an award winning, full service wedding and event certified planners. Having been in the industry for more than 18 years, she is sought after for her expertise and trend setting ideas. She has won numerous awards including the Miss Dorothy Heart Award. This award demonstrates a “passion for the wedding industry” and is nominated by her peers in the Association of Bridal Consultants. Other awards include Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year, Voted Knot Best of Weddings, Knot Hall of Fame, Locals Love Us and Brides Choice Award. She is a certified Sandals Wedding and Honeymoon specialist and will recommend what Caribbean property will meet a couple needs. She loves planning destination weddings for domestic and international locations.Donna is dedicated to making her client’s events unique, personal, and unforgettable with providing exceptional customer service. She is passionate about weddings, and strives to make dreams come true For more information or to book your wedding, honeymoon or event call us to schedule an appointment 318-469-2044 .

• Sara Morgan and Cole Davis MARCH 5, 2015S ara and Cole wanted to create a “wow factor” for their wedding guests throughout the course of the evening. Their desire was to host their ceremony and reception at an upscale outdoor venue while incorporating traditional flair. The ceremony took place on the rooftop where the floral design was elegant and the ballroom was illuminated with candles throughout. Guests were then treated to a magical fireworks display during the reception. It was definitely an evening to remember.Wedding by MOONLIGHT & LACE and photography by OLIVIA LOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Featuring Vendors:• Videographer: Braniff Productions• Floral Design: Kyle Loyd at Colony House of Flowers• Fireworks Display: Pyromania Fireworks, LLC • Band: Earshot Graffiti• Wedding Gown: Martina Liana at Happily Ever After• Bridesmaids Attire: Joanna August at Bella Bridesmaid• Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Squires• Hair: Shannon Lare at The Ritz Makeup: Bel Viso Makeup Artistry

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