Southern Hospitality Magazine Spring 2015 by Debbie Dillard

Fall 2015

SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER

SPECIAL ISSUE SouthernHospitalityExposure.com

BEST KEPT SECRETS OF WHERE TO GO, PLAY AND STAY IN THE TWIN CITIES! MEET FASCINATING PEOPLE • HOMETOWN FAVORITES

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TableOfContents

REFRESHMENT OF THE SPIRIT SECTION All things New, A Journey to Heaven! Eden Restored: Revelation 22, By Debbie Dillard ..................................................6

Heaven is Filled with Angels That Watch Over Us. ...............................8

HOME IMPROVEMENT Tour of Talent Customer Service Awards ............................................10 Mum's the Word - Classy and So Flashy, Mums Could Be The Answer to a Drab Garden. ................................................12 Shields Metal Roofing North Louisiana's Leading Metal Roofing Company ........................13 Benefits of Metal Roofing.................................................................16 Facelift Painting - "We Can Make It Happen" ....................................18 Prepare Yourselves! Winter is Coming! .............................................21 Red River Lights - Design • Install • Maintain .....................................22 FASCINATING PEOPLE & AWARDS SECTION Fascinating People: Meet Talented and Inspirational Men and Women of Shreveport/Bossier, 2015!.....................................26

HOMETOWN FAVORITES SECTION Best Kept Secrets Shreveport ............................................................54 Annual Best of the City Hometown Favorite Awards Shreveport ...................................................55 Best Kept Secrets Bossier .................................................................56

4 Southern Hospitality | www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com

84 Annual Best of the City Hometown Favorite Awards Bossier .......................................................57 Q&A With Lisha Sikes Of Say Baby Boutique Say Baby wins "Best Boutique" in Minden Louisiana! ...................................58 The People's Voice Not Jindal's Choice:............................................64

HEALTH & FITNESS SECTION Sunscreen Benefits: 5 Reasons You Should Always Wear It ..............................................................68

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid..............................................................72 Pecan Chicken Salad ......................................................................74 Smoothies For Healthy Weight Loss...................................................76 HOSPITALITY SECTION LSU Football, Tailgaiting & Fun!........................................................80 Swineapple Recipe .........................................................................81 Deb's perfect Potato Salad...............................................................81 Indulge in a Culinary Adventure at El Jimador where local flavors and cultures blend in harmony with scratch-made food serving a taste of Mexico to everyone! .................................84

Casino Awards Bossier ...................................................................94 Superb Indian Cuisine In Bossier City Bombay Dreams Indian Cuisine .........................................................102 Casino Awards Shreveport ............................................................108 Hangar 21 Bar & Grille - The Bar With Good Food .........................111

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www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality 5

All things New, A Journey to Heaven! EDEN RESTORED: REVELATION 22 By Debbie Dillard

DEBBIE DILLARD Publisher PUBLISHER & PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR Debbie Dillard CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephanie FrugĂŠ PHOTOGRAPHY John Linden Brent Latin ART DIRECTOR www.PalmerGraphics.net CONTACT INFO Southern Hospitality Magazine Shreveport, LA 71105 Phone:(318) 779-2794 Email: debikdillard@aol.com

www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com

Watch my new Community Talk Show on Youtube! Southern Hospitality Exposure with Debbie Dillard Youtube Keywords: Southern Hospitality Exposure LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Search Keywords: Southern Hospitality Bossier

ABOUT THE COVER El Jimador Grillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest location for Great Mexican Cuisine at 750 Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy.

Eden Restored: Revelation 22 1. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2. down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life,bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. My brother went to his eternal home a year ago this month. He resides with my dad, uncle, nephew, and my grandparents. Over the past year, I have been doing re-

search and studying Heaven. The Bible mentions Heaven over 500 times in the Bible. One day I was searching the web and I came across this video, "A place called Heaven". It was two hours long, a part one and part two. The whole time I was watching this video, I felt I was there, in total peace, with a magnificent experience. This man that saw 8 hours of heaven was in a car wreck. His name was Richard Sigmund. Richard Sigmund, was born on March 19, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa. His grandfather was praying as Richard was being born, and the Lord told him, "Through him, I will answer prayer." Whose prayer? The prayer of his greatgrandfather, who was a Spirit-filled, Jewish, circuit-riding preacher during the Civil War. The Lord first appeared to Richard when he was four years old. As a child, he started preaching in a country Methodist church in

Iowa. His grandfather knew healing evangelist Jack Coe Sr., and Rev. Coe brought Richard to Omaha in 1949 to preach. While the boy who became known as "Little Richard" preached, the anointing came upon him, and he saw angels. Later on in life, Richard was in a car wreck and for several hours pronounced dead. He goes into exquisite detail about his visit to Heaven and God's message for humanity! "Jesus said to him, Never forget how much I love you and what I have done for you and how much I love those in the place you are going back to and I am preparing a place for them. It seemed like the end for Sigmund when he was killed in a car crash – instead, it was a new beginning! In this vivid account, he offers a detailed view of the afterlife. You'll be amazed at his descriptions such as the color of stones, buildings, the architecture, he experiences different aromas and even touches something in heaven and it would be humming, singing songs in praise towards the Lord. At one point,he picks a fruit off a strange tree and eats it. He describes it as a unique taste. Richard says, that everyone that goes through the veil, had a path to follow towards heaven that was unique for them. Everything is alive there, as he saw these huge flowers, which would turn to face him as he walked, and he could pick up the flower, smell it, just put it back into its place, and it would immediately grow again. In the book of Revelations, Chapter 22, Jesus speaks of Heaven as "All things new". Heaven is called Glory! It is beyond our comprehension. All we know for sure is it is a real place with real people whom have real bodies in a eternal life called Home. John 14:2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. There are trees, walls, gates, jewels, a graphic portrait of Paradise! The Bible states there is a river that runs through it. Beautiful pure mountain streams, and the Tree of life that bears fruit that the people there can eat and enjoy. It is a place called Glory, as God is beautiful and glorious! We have things to do there, worship, and serve our Lord Almighty! We never grow old, weary or tired, as we live in perfect fellowship to

him in the gorgeous wonder of his presence. Life there is togetherness, and triumph. Corinthians 13:9 “ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child,” I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. When we get to heaven, we will know each other fully, perfect holiness in presence of our God! But who will be there? People that have washed in my blood, unless they are born again will be on the other side of Heaven's gate. And what does it mean to be "washed in the blood" and be born again?

It means to cleanse oneself from sin through self-examination and repentance, asking God for help, Trust him, and to reform one's life and acknowledge the good that you do is God working within you. All people that believe in Jesus, God's son, and he died and saved them of their sins, and ask forgiveness, will be there! There is no doubt that Jesus is coming suddenly, immensely and no one knows when, but only in a blink of an eye! Revelations is the last book of the Bible. But we as believers will receive messages forever. America is becoming Babylon! We must not be passive! Love powers evil, and Jesus is the overcomer! Victor! It is our duty as Christians to share God's message, and tell people about our Jesus! We need to prepare for his coming because Jesus says to us, "I am coming back soon, at a time when people don't think,” I am coming back ."

www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality 7

HEAVEN is filled with Angels that watch over us!

Guardian Angels are Sometimes Confused with "Spirit Guides."

1. Guardian angels. Everyone has a guardian angel, with no exceptions. I've met people who doubted whether they deserved to have a guardian angel. Please know that you have a guardian angel with you, guaranteed! This is the angel who constantly stays with you, from birth until your transition back to heaven. This angel's love for you is unconditional and bigger than anything on this earth. Your guardian angel makes certain you are safe and guided always. Guardian angels are sometimes confused with "spirit guides." A spirit guide is a loving being who has lived upon the earth in human form. This person then

8 Southern Hospitality | REFRESHMENT OF THE SPIRIT

received special training in the afterlife about how to become a spirit guide. This training emphasizes that the guide is not to interfere with your free will or make decisions for you. The guide is there to give you general advice, comfort, and at times warning and protection. Most spirit guides are deceased loved ones, such as grandparents, siblings, beloved friends, and parents. Your spirit guide may have passedaway in the physical life before you were born. However, this loving being was there at your birth and has been with you every day of your life since. Just as you will always take an interest in your family's future offspring, so do the deceased

family members whom we may have never encountered in physical form. Spirit guides act in the capacity of guardian angels, in that they bring many gifts to our lives. The main difference is that true guardian angels, who have never walked as mortals upon the earth, have a higher vibrating energy frequency. People who are empathic, who can "feel" the sensation of a spiritual presence, can tell the palpable difference between an angelic and a spirit guide appearance. Clairvoyants see that angels' aura is bright white, whereas a spirit guide's aura is not quite as bright and may appear as a bluish-white. 2. Angels. These are the beings of light who respond to our calls for guidance, assistance, protection, and comfort. God's thoughts of love create angels. The angels are here to help us, especially when our intent is to bring joy and healing to the world. Ask for as many angels as you want to surround you. Ask for angels to surround your loved ones, your home, and your business. Angels receive great joy at helping us, and they ask only that we occasionally remember to say, "Thank you" in gratitude for their help. 3. Archangels. These are the angels who supervise the guardian angels and angels upon the earth. You might think of archangels as the "managers" among the earthly angels' hierarchy. You can call upon an archangel whenever you need powerful and immediate assistance. Since angels are purely spiritual beings, they have no time or space restrictions. An archangel can help many people in different geographical locations simultaneously. So, never worry about calling upon an angel because you fear that your need isn't "big enough" or that the angel might be busy. Your call for help is sweet music to an angel's ears. Because of the "Law of Free Will," angels and archangels cannot intervene in our lives unless we specifically ask for their help. The only exception to this is a life-endangering situation, where we could die before our time. Otherwise, it's up to us to remember to constantly invite angels and archangels into our lives. Angels and archangels come to your assistance the moment you call them.

You don't need to say a formal invitation or invocation ritual, and you don't even need to verbalize your call aloud. Just the thought, "Angels!" is enough. If your request for angelic assistance is sincere, the angels appear in response to your call, often before you've finished calling them! You Know That Angels Are Near When…You feel the angels' presence. Perhaps you sense a warm brush across your face, shoulders, hands, or arms. You might feel their hug, or the brush of a wing across your skin. The air pressure changes when angels enter a room. There is a palpable thickening, as if a delicious cloud just rolled in to shield you from the heat. Too, the room temperature may seem to shift, or you might catch a whiff of a beautiful lilting fragrance that you can't quite identify. When the angels hug you, you feel a deep warmth flow through your chest and your heart expands with unearthly love. You see the angels' presence. The calling cards of angels are visible. A sparkle of white light out of the corner of your eye signals that an angel is near. A feather that mysteriously appears from out of nowhere. And the beautiful angels you see in a darkened room, or standing beside a beloved friend or teacher, confirm that the angelic kingdom visits you. You hear the angels' presences. A loving whisper in your ear that urges you to improve your life. Or an unmistakable shout warning you to, "Watch out!" A voice inside your mind counseling you to reach for the stars, and the sweet strains of music coming from out of nowhere. These are the sounds that angels make. You know the angels' presence. When you suddenly get an idea that dramatically transforms your life, an angel has just delivered a message from God and tucked it safely within your heart. When you have an unmistakable knowingness that angels are near to you, trust that it is so. You experience the angels' presence. When they miraculously avert a neartragedy, or an opportune door "coincidentally" opens for you at just the right moment, you know that angels are helping you in the background. When you walk through nature and feel free and joy-filled, you can be sure that angels walk beside you along the way.

When you suddenly get an idea that dramatically transforms your life, an angel has just delivered a message from God and tucked it safely within your heart.

www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality 9

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

TOUR OF TALENT

Customer Service Awards SHREVEPORT & BOSSIER

FACELIFT PAINTING

Facelift Painting Best Commercial, Residential Painter 9133 Candlestick Ln Shreveport, La, 71118 318-771-7798 Office Furniture Source

“We Can Make it Happen”

TG Nursery, Landscaping and Lawncare Best All Around Nursery, Landscaping and Lawncare serving Minden, Shreveport, and Bossier areas! 456 Highway 531 Minden Louisiana, 71056

Roach Plumbing

AND HEATING CO.

Roach Plumber Services Best Plumbing Company Shreveport 5535 Greenwood Rd. Shreveport, LA 71109 318-631-4533

RED RIVER LIGHTING 5150 Interstate Dr, Suite 201 Shreveport, Louisiana (318) 469-3106 www.redriverlights.com

Shields Metal Roofing Best Metal Roofing Company Serving Shreveport, Bossier, and Monroe Monroe La, 71201 318-598-8015

CMI

Office Furniture Source 730 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport, LA 71118 318-687-6714 or 866-902-3453 Fax: 318-687-6711 Email: info@officefurnituresource.net

AIR ZONE 9333 Walker Rd Shreveport, LA 71118 318-671-8959 http://airzoneca.com

CMI Doors Best Garage Door Co. 361 N Willow Dr. Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 834-4770

D O O R S

Mighty Mover Co. Best Moving Co Local and Out of State 323 Hamilton Road Bossier City, LA 71111 www.mighty-movers.net 318-429-7592

10 Southern Hospitality | HOME IMPROVEMENT

HERITAGE PROPERTIES Summit of Shreveport 6051 Roma Drive Shreveport, LA 71105 P: (318) 219-3687 The Landing at Willow Bayou 2940 Le Oaks Dr. Bossier City, LA 71111 P: 318.742.7468

The Reserve at Bossier City 4855 Airline Dr. Bossier City, LA 71111 P: 318.742.5669 www.heritageproperties.com

Lexi Rene Gordon was born on March 30, 2011 and ret

Mum's the Word Classy and so flashy, mums could be the answer to a drab garden.

An enormous range of colors, forms and shapes give the gardener a lot of mums to choose from.

Back in mid-15th-century China, mums were so revered that only the royals were allowed to grow them. Today, these crowned jewels grace gardens all over the world, and there are enough shapes, sizes, colors and forms to give an old-world favorite plenty of present-day appeal. For more than half a century mum expert Ted King has been growing these flowers. "I was just amazed at all the differences — from the tiny little buttons to the vast number of colors," says King. Mums are one of the easiest plants to propagate; new growth is the most viable from tender cuttings. Simply cut a small section of the stem and remove a few leaves from the bottom. Rooting compound speeds rooting. Dip the cut-

ting, and then plant it in the soil. King recommends initially planting

the cuttings in small pots like this. As soon as roots begin coming out of the drainage holes, it's time to repot. King's potting-mix recipe is eight parts fine fir bark, one part sand and one part sawdust. Mums are short-day bloomers, and even young mums are programmed to bloom when they get 12 to 13 hours of darkness a day. King suggests mid-summer planting in the garden to help the plant get well established before setting bud. Such a late planting also minimizes prolonged sun exposure. "The sun has a fading affect on mums, so if you have long days, sunny weather and mostly heat, they're not quite as effective as in the Northwest."

When the plants begin to fade, King cuts off the blossoms. And that's all you have to do until the plant is ready to be cut back. When the new growth sprouts along the base of the plant — in spring in colder climates — cut the stem to 4 to 6 inches tall. If you offer winter protection and depending on variety, mums can be grown in almost any climate zone. Some are adaptable to colder climates, and others will do better in warmer climates, so you'll want to find out which varieties will do well in your area. 'Pacificum' is one of only a few evergreen mums. It's grown as much for its silver-edged foliage as it is for its flowers. The plant can be used as a potted plant or as a

12 Southern Hospitality | HOME IMPROVEMENT

groundcover, says King. This mum is hardy to USDA Zone 5, and it's very easy to grow. Cascading mums are trained horizontally to a wire frame to give the appearance of tumbling over it. This project definitely takes dedication, but if you've got the time, King has the tips: Root small cuttings in February, and plant them in small pots. Repot the plants in larger pots in April, and by October you should have a cascade.

If you received a potted chrysanthemum as a gift and live in a milder climate, King says you can over-winter the plant — pot and all — in the ground. Just dig a hole, and bury the pot at least halfway up the sides. That decreases winter transplant shock, keeps the root ball warmer and increases drainage. When spring arrives, you're ready to put your mum in the ground. With nearly 25 new varieties of chrysanthemums introduced to gardeners every year, which one will you choose?

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www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality 13

14 Southern Hospitality | HOME IMPROVEMENT

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www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality 15

BENEFITS OF METAL ROOFING The Durability and Longevity of Metal Roofs Asphalt can require re-roofing every 12 to 20 years, with the average age of roofing replaced in the U.S. being only 17 years. That's because asphalt roofing, being made of oil impregnated paper or fiberglass, begins to deteriorate as soon as you put it on your roof. Just normal weather and the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays add to an asphalt roof's deterioration. A metal roof, however, will not decompose. And unlike asphalt and other roofing styles, a metal roof can withstand just about everything Mother Nature throws at it. Other roofing materials such as wood shingles and tile have varying degrees of weather related problems also. Wood shingles dry out, cracking and curling over a rel-

atively short time. Recent wood shingle and shake roofs have needed replacement before twenty years. Concrete tile roofs have experienced problems with freeze/ thaw cycles, especially in northern climates. Both of these products are outlasted by metal roofing that retains its good looks, whether that be shake, tile or vertical seam panels. A Wide Variety of Metal Roofing Styles, Patterns and Designs Across the United States and Canada, there are many different regional preferences of roofing types, depending on the climate and architectural style of your neighborhood. No matter what the climate or style, you can find a metal roof to match. Most consumers and installers are surprised to discover that metal roofs come in a

16 Southern Hospitality | HOME IMPROVEMENT

wide variety of styles, designed to fit into any neighborhood and that look just like typical roofing styles including cedar shake, slate, tile, shingle, and standing seam vertical panels. Visit the Metal Roofing Photo Gallery to see the wide variety of metal roofing styles, patterns, and designs. Visit MRAs Metal Roofing Styles page to see the wide variety of metal roofing styles, patterns, and designs. Great for Your Home, Great for the Environment According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 Billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If one loaded those in 40,000 pound trailers and lined them up end-to-end they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New

York City and on to Chicago. What a way to treat our land. The recycled content of the steel in a metal roof is about 56% from production to installation to reuse - far superior to asphalt. And a metal roof can often be installed over your current roof, without tearing off what's already there. Not only that, metal roofs are excellent insulators. Not only will your metal roof keep your house comfortable regardless of the weather outside, but it can actually lower your air conditioning and heating bills. Long-Term Value of a Metal Roof A metal roof is a premium roof system which adds value to your most important investment-your home. Initially, a metal roof will likely cost more than an asphalt roof, comparable to some other systems like tile or shake and less than slate. While these premium roof systems look good initially, they breakdown over time and you wind up having to install two or more while your metal roof will keep on providing the protection for you and your home. A metal roof will indeed save you money over time-in fact, most metal roofs come with a true 30 to 50 year warrantee. Then, add that all in with what you'll save in roof maintenance costs. To make sure an asphalt roof lasts as long as possible, extra roof maintenance is essential. But a metal roof is just about maintenance-free. All you have to do is occasionally hose it down from the ground. Metal roofs not only save you money - they'll save you time and worry, too.

will indeed save you money in the long run. Even better, most metal roofs come with up to a 50-year warranty. Then, add all that in with what you'll save in roof maintenance costs. To make sure an asphalt roof lasts as long as possible, extra roof maintenance is essential. But a metal roof is just about maintenance-free. All you have to do is occasionally hose it down from the ground. Metal roofs not only save you money - they'll save you time and worry, too. Another added benefit of metal roofing if you live in Texas: Some insurance companies in those states offer discounts of up to 35% to homeowners with metal roofs. Save Money on Heating and Air Conditioning With a Metal Roof With home heating costs doubling in the last year, you may be surprised to learn that metal roofs are excellent insulators. Not only will a metal roof keep your house comfortable, regardless of the weather outside, it can actually lower your air conditioning and heating bills. An asphalt roof, primarily made of paper, slowly begins to deteriorate, due to extreme weather and the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. But a light-colored metal roof actually

deflects UV radiation, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Valuable Warranties Provide Added Protection For You and Your Home When you install a metal roof on your home, you'll receive a valuable long-term warranty from the product manufacturer plus a valuable workmanship warranty from the installer. Many of these warranties also transfer to future owners of your home. Warranties vary somewhat between manufacturers and products but the bottom line is that the security and value of your home will be enhanced by the warranted long-term protection of a metal roof. This protection affords you peace-of-mind and security while you own your home and, oftentimes, increased resale value when you sell your home. When you install a metal roof on your home, you'll receive a warranty for up to 50 years. This means you're covered in the event anything should go wrong with your roof not likely, but it's piece of mind you won't get from warranties on most other roofing products. See more at: www.metalroofing.com/ v2/content/news/benefits1.cfm#sthash.q5jxthom.dpuf

Save Money with a Metal Roof Even on Your Insurance Initially the cost of a metal roof can be substantially more than a premium asphalt roof. This is due to two factors- first a metal roof is a premium product which does not begin deteriorating as soon as it is installed and second it takes more skilled application for installation. But, overall it will save you money in the long run versus other roofing products. That's because once you've installed a metal roof, chances are you'll never have to re-roof your home again. Consider the cost over a 30-year period - when you'd likely have to replace 2 asphalt roofs - a metal roof

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VOTED # 1 PAINTER CONTRACTOR & CUSTOMER SERVICE WINNER

R E T N I A P T S BE

ial Resident , l ia c r e Comm 201

5 WINNE

FACELIFT PAINTING “We Can Make it Happen” Aaron Okey, owner of Facelift Painting Company, takes pride in his dedication of attention to detail and precision in a perfect paint job that satisfies his customers each and every time. Aaron's attitude is " We Can Make It Happen," offering an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service. His skilled staff has had extensive training and has built a reputation and client base that now spans across the Ark-La-Tex. Like any company founder, Aaron started out with a unique vision, "First and foremost I value my efforts in helping others succeed." Aaron' says, "We offer services for

both commercial and residential properties and treat each project as more than just a job. We really think about the clients we are working for. Our highly skilled master house painters will work with you to find that perfect color - one that will fit your personal wants, needs and lifestyle." He continued, "We will also work with your schedule. If you are hiring us for an interior residential paint job we realize how difficult it can be to find the right time to have someone come in. That is why we will come at your convenience, as well as take special care to not intrude into your personal space. We offer a free estimate at competitive

18 Southern Hospitality | HOME IMPROVEMENT

prices. Our mission is to make sure the product we provide you is exactly what you want. Your home is a reflection of more than just your taste for design, but also an expression of who you are as a person. This is why we take the time and go the extra mile to secure the style each customer is looking for in their home improvement needs." In addition to painting, Facelift Painting Company offers other services including drywall installation and repairs, carpentry, flooring installation and more. So, what are you waiting for? Give Facelift Painting a call today at 318-4264134. You will be glad you did!

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PREPARE YOURSELVES! WINTER IS COMING!

There are several Mayhem commercials that make light of winter problems. The main point the commercials intend to get across is for homeowners to be prepared. Disaster can strike at any time, and no one wants to be caught unprepared. This year, Roach Plumbing wantes to offer our clients a few helpful plumbing tips. Prepare yourselves! Winter is coming! While this is not Game of Thrones, the classic line is still vital. No one wants to be in the middle of the coldest months of the year and have a broken water or sewer line. Avoid this problem with these helpful winterization tips. FALL PLUMBING MAINTENANCE TIPS • Hoses and sprinklers should be disconnected and stored • Inspect all hose bibbs or outdoor spigots, faucets, fixtures, and pipes for drips or leaks. Be sure to have these repaired before winter. • Insulate all exposed pipes in areas such as crawl spaces or along exterior walls. • Have your hot water heater inspected. This ensures your unit will continueworking through the winter months without

problems. Our plumbing technicians can spot potential problems and offer solutions before it gets too cold. • Schedule routine maintenance for your furnace and sewer/septic systems. • Clear all gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris that have collected. Be sure to do this regularly throughout the fall so that they are always clear. Debris can cause major problems if not cleared before winter. As the water collects and freezes, the weight can become too much for the gutter, causing it to rip from the wall. The water could also collect and freeze on the roof, causing serious damage. Now, these are only a few of the many tips you can follow to be prepared for the winter months. For more information or to schedule a routine maintenance inspection, give Roach Plumbing a call today. We are always available to help answer your questions and resolve your plumbing problems. Remember, no matter what issue you may experience, it’s Roach Plumbing to the Rescue! 318-631-4533

www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern | Southern Hospitality Hos21

Red River Lights Design â&#x20AC;˘ Install â&#x20AC;˘ Maintain ABOUT RED RIVER LIGHTS Red River Lights, LLC is an outdoor lighting company, serving Shreveport & Bossier, specializing in custom and unique designs that capture the hidden beauty of any landscape. We strive to incorporate the style and personality of each customer, while highlighting your architecture and landscape. We also take pride in assuring you exceptional customer service. From consultation and design through maintenance and service, we guarantee your satisfaction with the end product with lifetime warranties on all transformers, labor and materials. Fixtures are warranted for 10 years to lifetime, and lamps for one year based on usage. Our business philosophy dictates that a system is not complete until you are satisfied with all aspects, and each light is perfectly positioned to reduce glare, or to produce the perfect shadow. Red River Lights is a Registered Home Improvement Contractor with the State of Louisiana, and we annually attend continuing education classes to maintain a strong focus on safety and to stay abreast of lighting trends and products. Our team is particularly proud of its specialty work in lightscapes, and has completed Nightscaping University in Low Voltage Technology to be able to offer you the latest in landscape lighting technology and design available anywhere in the United States. We BEFORE

are fully insured with both Liability and Workers Compensation Coverage. GIVING BACK At Red River Lights, we feel that one person or even a group of people, can not out give God, and we strive to represent ourselves accordingly. It is our goal to be able to assist organizations and individuals with lighting needs in every way possible. We have been blessed in our lives and wish to bless those around us. We are looking forward to helping our community churches, youth organizations, and other non-profit groups design and specify custom outdoor lighting for their next event or project. Watch for our giving back and our community involvement impact to continue to expand as we grow! LANDSCAPE LIGHTING DEVELOPMENT PROCESS CONSULTATION Upon contact for a free consultation, our designer will visit your home or business to determine your specific landscape lighting needs and desired style. First, we will tour the various indoor living areas (those areas which are important for viewing your outdoor lighting from indoors) to survey your tastes and styles. We will review our portfolio with you and develop outdoor lighting ideas for your landscape and AFTER

Safety and Security - See, in this Before and After photo, how the addition of a Custom Light-Scape can not only enhance the Night-time aesthetics of a home; but ,also provide Excellent Security Lighting!

22 Southern Hospitality | HOME IMPROVEMENT

architecture. As a next step, we will tour the outside of your property to discover focal points and points of interest, specimen flowers and trees, and discuss your specific requests. At this time, we will make sketches, take notes, and shoot pictures for references, so we will have visual aids throughout the design process, to create an outdoor light-scape that is uniquely yours. Finally, our designer will contact you with a proposal, within a couple of days, for you to review. The details of the plans and design are not included with the post-consultation proposal, but may be purchased. DESIGN & BUILD Your design includes all steps discussed in the consultation and agreed upon in the proposal. In addition, you will be provided with a professionally drawn schematic and plans detailing all aspects of the design and proposal. There is no charge for design and consultation when you sign a contract with us to install your landscape lighting system. If you wish to purchase our design without a lighting installation contract, we will be pleased to provide it to you for the labor invested in the design effort. INSTALLATION Red River Lights guarantees a quality installation with seamless integration into your landscape. We take great care in every detail to assure that you barely know that we were there. We will install your outdoor lighting system with minimum disturbance of your landscape. Red River Lights will work closely with your arborist, landscape designer, or architect to insure the greatest quality and least amount of impact to your property. We our proud of our ability to be creative with our installation, and we guarantee you will not see the wiring. Please contact us at (318) 469-3106 to schedule a consultation.

Bring Elegance to Your Night!

No Landscape is complete without Outdoor Lighting! Red River Lights, LLC designs, installs and maintains low-voltage outdoor lighting systems which create a custom light-scape for your home or business. We are dedicated to providing each customer with a unique outdoor lighting experience from consultation through continued main-

tenance. We specialize in custom outdoor lighting designs to illuminate your landscape in a stunning display of subtle effects that dramatically enhance the aesthetics of your night- time landscape, while setting the mood and creating an atmosphere that will extend the usable hours of your landscape well into the night.

• CUSTOM LED OUTDOOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS DESIGN AND INSTALL • QUALITY MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE • 10YR - LIFETIME WARRANTIES ON PRODUCT AND LABOR • CHRISTMAS LIGHTING

www.redriverlights.com Phone: (318) 469-3106 • E-mail: info@redriverlights.com • Like Us on Facebook

We Pack, move, and deliver safely. If you need to move your home or business anywhere in the Shreveport-Bossier area or entire Ark-La-Tex area, in state or out of state we're your best choice. We make moving easy.

STURDY PACKING SUPPLIES • Boxes • Bubble wrap • Packing paper • Paper tape

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WHY CALL US • Specializing in last-minute and same-day moves • After-hours moves for businesses • Dependable and careful staff • Packing and unpacking services • FREE estimate for out-of-town moves • We offer Military and Senior discount

Local and Out of State 318-429-7592

1 VOTED #

. O C G N I V O M T S BE of State t u O , l Loca 201

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323 Hamilton Road • Bossier City, LA 71111

www.mighty-movers.net • 318-429-7592

Monday to Friday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM After hour and weekend calls accepted 8:00AM - 9:00PM - Monday through Sunday

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Exp

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GARAGE DOOR CO. Shrevep 20

ort, Bos sier

WINNER

Interior and Exterior of Doors For An Outdoor Kitchen Shown Above.

CMI D O O R S Garage Doors Operators Sales & Service Installation

ADDRESS 361 N Willow Dr. Bossier City, LA 71111 PHONE (318) 834-4770 HOURS Monday-Friday 7:00 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 pm

FASCINATING

PEOPLE Shreveport/Bossier City

2015 26 Southern Hospitality | www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

JANE

RYDER Jane Ryder is a British fashion and hat designer, She has extensive experience in the theatre and film industry as a professional costume designer. Originally from Devon, England, she now resides and works in Shreveport, Louisiana. One of her exquisite designer dresses was worn by an Oscar's winner's wife, Shannon Oldenburg. Jane's hats have also been in UK Vogue Magazines!

28 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

JOHN

LINDEN John is an award winning TV Director, Photographer and a Louisiana transplant from Chicagoland. He has authored and photographed for various publications, websites, and is often asked to photograph actors, celebrities, musicians, and various events in our area. He is also a Retired/Disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, a member of the NWLA Artist's Directory, a Proud Sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Project and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and has been featured in the Shreveport Times

30 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

BETTY

LEWIS Betty Lewis began her singing career performing with her brothers and sister, in the church choir and Booker T. Washington High School Stage Band. Her illustrious professional career began in Baton Rouge, La. Performing at Tabby's Blues Box at the request of the late great Tabby Thomas.(1986) And would go on to spend ten years performing gospel in Dallas, with Betty Lewis and the Angelics. In the West End Tourism District. Ms. Lewis has worked with: Joe Simon, Johnny Taylor, Lattimore, Willie Hutch, Millie Jackson, Stevie Ray Vaughn Band, Vince Vance and Valients in the Greenville Bar & Grill, Historical District Deep Ellum Live, Blind Lemon Jefferson Comes District. Mississsippi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Betty Lewis won her first competition which led to her going to the Delta Blues Festival played Beal St.

32 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

COLE

VOSBURY

Cole Vosbury attracted local attention when he made the top 4 on the 5th season of NBC’s hit show, The Voice. Cole was one of only seven out of about forty-thousand, nationwide open-audition contestants chosen to actually appear on the program. A little known fact about The voice is that the vast majority of the contestants are either repeat performers, or they are invited by show’s producers. Very few are actually chosen to appear from the audition process.

Cole was born into a family whose musical roots stretch back into the fifties. His grandmother, the former Nita Lynn, traveled with Gov. Jimmie Davis, and with swing/bop pioneer Paul Howard (and his Arkansas Cotton Pickers). She appeared regularly on The Louisiana Hayride as well as The Grand Ol’ Opry in the mid-to-late 50’s. Nita had two sons, Robin (Cole’s father), and Keith Vosbury, who continue to carry on the family gift. They have both been well-known on the local music scene since the mid seventies, and Robin has appeared on Hee Haw, Nashville Now, Crook and Chase, New Country, The Wild Rose and other network music shows. Today, the brothers perform (occasionally with Cole) as The WizardsofVoz.

Cole was born in Shreveport on April 29, 1993, to Robin Vosbury and Lauri Palmer. He attended Stockwell Elementary, Cope Middle School and Evangel Christian Academy. Shortly after High School, he formed The Cole Vosbury Trio, playing local clubs and private parties He also played piano music at Superior Steakhouse and at his favorite place to eat, 2 Johns Steakhouse. Cole has taken the family musical legacy to the next level in both ability and notoriety. He is completely self-taught, and he plays several instruments very fluently. Though guitar is his primary instrument these days, he is just as comfortable with keyboards, bass or even drums (the instrument that won him a scholarship). People are amazed to see that, though Cole is left-handed, he plays guitar almost equally as well either upside down (strung for right-handers), or strung correctly left-handed. Though he remains humble and gracious, there is no doubt Vosbury is a musical force we will see much more of.

He currently resides in Nashville, and he has attracted the attention and focus of some very major movers and shakers in the music industry. Stay tuned---big things are in his future.

34 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

BOBBIE ROSE

WHORTON The Lord has been good to me and richly blessed me with a loving family of which is my greatest treasure. Establishing and chartering the Commission for Women of Bossier has been one of my greatest privileges and honors which would not have been possible without the support of Mayor Don Jones. The Commission continues to be a strong and vital part of the future for women in our ever changing and growing city.

36 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

BILLY J.

MORRIS

Inducted into the *Louisiana Hall of Fame” in 1999, drummer and vocalist Billy J. Morris commands your attention from the stage, as he connects with his audience with a little Cajun charm and a whole lot of talent and magnetism. Whether singing lead or harmony arrangements, Billy J’s unique style of powerful, soul-filled renditions will keep you wanting more as he belts out songs that he was born to sing. He is a native of Bayou Blanc, Louisiana (Avoyelles Parish), which is also known as “The Cajun Crossroads”. Whether singing in English or in Cajun, his unique vocal range and style are most sought after, and have only improved with age and experience. He’ll quickly tell you, with that smile he always wears, “I’m not a singer...I’m a song stylist!” *The Louisiana Hall of Fame (Entertainment Division) – Lafayette, founded by Mrs. Lou Gabis, was incorporated in Louisiana in 1990. It IS NOT related to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame that was formed by Mike Shepherd in 2005. The two organizations both honor entertainers and musicians but are two different entities. The original Hall of Fame founded by Mrs. Gabis bears the Louisiana State Seal as well as the sitting Lt. Governor’s signature signifying its authorization, authenticity and recognition of the musician being

38 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

LISHA

SIKES

Lisha Sikes is a successful business owner of Say Baby boutique in Minden Louisiana. She is very entrepreneurial-minded and driven with a combination of savvy business skills and in-depth knowledge of the fashion retail industry that appeals to her customers. She is a jack and jill of all trades as she overseas all aspects of operations including marketing, purchasing the inventory setting up the in-store displays. She has an expert eye when it comes to buying trendy fashion and Say Baby has recently been awarded as Best Woman's Boutique in Minden, Louisiana!

40 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

BRENT

LATIN

Brent Latin is the President/CEO of Young Professionals Entertainment, an audio, video, and photography production company located in downtown Shreveport. The company also functions as a professional recording studio where many local and regional artists record.

Brent is also a talented musician that plays several instruments, and has played for many artists and events. As a young child, Brent fell in love with music and started playing the drums in church at the age of 4. Throughout elementary school at South Highlands Performing Arts School, Brent’s passion for music increased and he began playing the piano at age 8. In his early pre-teen years, his interests in audio and video production grew and in high school, Brent and several friends decided to start Young Professionals Entertainment.

On January 8th, 2008, less than a year after graduating high school, a legal entity was formed. Initially the company focused on providing music production for local artist, but now the company has expanded to offering many other business and entertainment services. After completing college, the business moved to a commercial location in downtown Shreveport. In 2013 Young Professionals Entertainment was named Small Business of the Year by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce.

Brent is one of the youngest business owners not only in the city of Shreveport, but in the state of Louisiana. In 2011 Brent received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Louisiana Tech University and is a member of the 2007 class of CE Byrd High School. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity. His greatest accomplishments are marrying his college sweetheart, Jessica Latin in May 2013, and becoming a father to his son, Alex in February 2014.

42 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

CHRISTIN

REED

Christin Reed is a Norfolk State Public Relations Alumni and a Graduate of KD Studios Actors Conservatory in Applied Performing Arts.

With her company Number 4, she helps develop and grow local businesses. She also designs and manages events such as corporate meetings, fundraisers, concerts, community events and weddings.

She is the founder of Words Over Lattes. Words Over Lattes is a weekly event for performing arts. The proceeds from the event go to the Nubian Cultural Outreach Center. WOLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening night was December 6, 2010. Since then it has become the longest running event in Shreveport and has won Best Poetry Venue in Louisiana for 2012, and 2013 at the National Poetry Awards. Christin is on the Jazz in the Park Planning Committee for SPAR, as well as the Social Committee for Urban Progressive (an extension of the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce). She is a Fine Arts Instructor for the Nubian Cultural Outreach Center, and is on the committee of the State of Black Shreveport. She has a passion for business, designing and community. She strives to be an example for the younger generation and to uplift the community through education and culture.

44 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

TOM

PACE

Now celebrating his 50th anniversary in broadcasting and marketing, Tom Pace still continues his love of radio, beginning his third year on The Promise 90.7FM, M-F, 5-6pm, Live from Studio 3A (also streaming worldwide on www.PromiseTalkRadio.org.)

Starting back in 1965 on 1,000 watt KDXE in Little Rock, Arkansas, a young 18 year-old Tom diversified his career to also include television reporting and producing at KTHV-TV Channel 11 in Little Rock, onto marketing in print, billboards, Yellow Pages, eventually becoming a Certified Radio Marketing Consultant (CRMC) as designated by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB).

During his half-century in broadcasting, Tom made several stops along the way as an ‘on-air personality’: KRRP in Coushatta, KCOZ-FM in Shreveport, along with KWKH-AM1130, KRMD-AM1340, and finally as talk-show host and executive producer of the “Talk of the Town with Tom Pace” for the past 10 years (first on KRMD-AM, then the past three years on The Promise 90.7FM. And most recently, for the past two years, he was chosen to Co-Host, “Talk Mavericks Basketball with Coach Steve Tucker” on The Promise90.7FM. “Quite honestly,” said Tom, “This had to be the most fun, and such a great opportunity to work alongside such a legendary basketball coach and Christian as Coach T.”

I’ve been very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunities to meet and interview many greats in news, entertainment and sports over my 50 years in the media.

Before I go any further, anyone who has ever achieved a goal has not done it on their own. My personal hero, mentor and friend, (like a Father to me), was the late Frank Page, a true radio icon and legend, known by most listeners as “Mr. KWKH.” Affectionately called “The man who introduced Elvis to the world on the Louisiana Hayride, October 16, 1954 at the Municipal” – Frank embodied all the qualities you would ever want in a role model. Frank Page and I worked together at KWKH for 35 years. He encouraged me, guided me, and helped me achieve the passion for radio I’ve always loved. I miss him greatly.

Tom Pace has been actively involved in the Shreveport-Bossier communities thru various organizations: Board Member, Past President and current Membership Chair of the North Shreveport Lions Club; Board Member & Past President of Christian Service of Shreveport-Bossier; Past President of West Shreveport Rotary Club; Media Chairman for the Medal of Honor Convention 2002 hosted by Shreveport-Bossier; Media Coordinator for The Miss USA & Miss Teen USA Pageants held in Shreveport by the Trump Organization; volunteer for several other organizations including: the Independence Bowl, the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana; The Strand Theatre; Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Visitors Bureau; Board Member of the James Burton Foundation for the Kids, and many others.

46 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

EMERIE ECK

GENTRY

Emerie Eck Gentry is the Common Area Coordinator for Rouse Properties, a national real estate investment company, which owns and operates both Pierre Bossier Mall and Mall St. Vincent. As the Common Area Coordinator, Emerie serves as the Business Development and Strategic Partnership local contact and is responsible for extensive tenant interaction, ensuring compliance with mall policies and procedures, revenue generation, and budget management. A Shreveport native, Emerie earned her High School Diploma from Northwood High School in 1999. In 2006, she obtained her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration from Bossier Parish Community College. She continues to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana Tech University.

While Emerie is very active in the community, her first love and passion is the Young Professional Initiative. She is proudly serving her second term as President for the Young Professional Initiative and fifth year on the Executive Committee. Prior to serving as President, she tackled such roles as the Membership Chair, Social Chair, and 40 Under 40 Co-Chair. Under her leadership, along with her amazing team, YPI has flourished. The YPI community has grown in numbers, projects, participation, and events. Emerie received the Very Important Volunteer Award (VIVA) from the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce in 2015 for her outstanding service and commitment to this organization. Other positions and organizations with which Emerie has served include the 2014 Souvenir Committee Chair for the James Burton International Guitar Festival, the Veterans for Veterans Silent Auction Committee in 2012 and 2013, Easter Seals of Louisiana, Mudbug Madness, Red River Revel, Louisiana StartUp and Film Prize, and the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau. Emerie was honored as Junior Achievement of North Louisiana’s New Outstanding School Coordinator for 2009 – 2010. She is also a graduate of the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ 2012 Community Leadership Program. Emerie is the daughter of Joseph Albert Eck and Debbie Grant McGuire. She is a proud, mother of two wonderful boys, Ethan and Trevor.

Emerie is a driven, fun-loving, outgoing, and thoughtful individual. She is a loyal family member and friend. Emerie is dedicated to working hard and being a good role model for her children and the community.

48 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

JOHN

LORICK

John Lorick is a name synonymous with business, community involvement and local politics. Lorick has been part of the Shreveport community for over forty years.

At age 25, John was the youngest Caddo Parish School Board member to ever serve. His entrepreneurial spirit has resulted in numerous business ventures. The former Shreveport Journal newspaper featured him at age 30 as a “mini-conglomerate”. Today, he is still an active businessman focusing his skills primarily in the real estate market. The city of Shreveport has benefited from Lorick’s dedication to his community. As founder of the Southern Hills Business Association and Southern Hills Homeowners’ Association, a dozen years ago, his leadership is credited with helping to preserve and revitalize the Southern Hills are of Shreveport. The SHBA is the largest and most respected business association in northwest Louisiana. In 1984, Lorick helped found the Ellerbe Rd. Volunteer Fire Department, which is now Caddo Parish Fire District 5.

When it comes to local politics, John Lorick is somewhere in the mix. His political support is often sought by political candidates. Among his political memoirs are dinner photos with U. S. presidents, governors, and numerous other successful political figures. He is also the author of the book See You At The Bottom, A Book Of Hope, Not Hype.

John founded the Maria Lorick Heart of Hope Cancer Foundation in honor of his late wife. He partnered with Cancer Treatment Centers of America and developed the Journey Counseling program to encourage and support family members who have a loved one suffering with cancer. John is the proud father of five children and fourteen grandchildren. “My family is my greatest accomplishment,” he said.

50 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

ROBERT

IVEY

Robert Ivey, is a long lived singer/songwriter whose greatest aspiration is to release his voice as a singer and songwriter with a number 1 hit! His first CD (released Winter 2007), featuring a wide variety of completed tunes written over the year with his talented band members including John Peck,(fiddler player for Mark Chestnut), Paul Morgan,(lead guitar), Robby Primm,(steel guitar), Bobby Langston, (Base), daughter Amanda Ivey, (Back up Vocal), Chip Bricker, (Keyboard), and Mike Broche', (drums). For Robert, music is the diary of his life, and through it he shares some of his most personal and emotional experience that speaks the truth in his music , giving every person something to relate to. While his sound is all his own, he has had many significant influences, including Lionel Richie, Michael Bolton, and Glen Campbell. Robert has done studio time with many greats such as Willie Nelson, Jimmy Day, and many others. The trick is that the music, and even the lead singer, takes a back seat to the real star: the SONGS! His Cd's showcases his gift for writing an interesting blend including cajun, country, and pop tunes. But his unique style and original voice has found a home in his love songs as explained as defined, and heartfelt.

Robert has a massive collection of over 2000 songs written that traces back to the first song he wrote, "Pretending through a Window", Robert is a homegrown Shreveport Louisianian, and was born with music in his blood, and creativity in every direction.

He credits his love of music at an early age of 12-years old and began developing his voice, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;daydreaming about the mysterious and creative world of songwriting. Robert pursued his musical ambitions with the same vigor most 13 year-olds apply to major league baseball aspirations. He started putting together bands and singing at high school jamborees and talent shows, and now plays at gigs, casino's, concerts and more! He now has his 3rd CD published working on #4!

52 Southern Hospitality | FASCINATING PEOPLE AND AWARDS

KEPT

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

BEST

secrets!

SHREVEPORT

LOGANS FARMS Best Honey Glazed Hams and Market Place 855 Pierremont Suite 138 Shreveport, LA 318-861-0707 www.shreveport.loganfarms.com HANGAR 21 Best Rock n- Roll Night Club 616 Commerce St. Shreveport, LA 318-221-0064 NOTHING BUNDT CAKES Best New Bundt Cake Shop 7423 Youree Dr. Suite #300 Shreveport, LA 71105 (Regal Drive) Phone: (318) 798-6535 DINE IN THE ARTS Best food that truly is a work of art! Garden fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts 710 Texas St. Shreveport, LA MARKET 104 RESTAURANT HILTON SHREVEPORT Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant 104 Market St. Shreveport, LA 318-698-0501

THINGS TO DO! ARK-LA-TEX FLYBOARDING Best Water Sport The only place in a 200 mile radius that you can enjoy the "thrill of flying" above the water. 550 Cross Lake Blv. Shreveport, LA 844try-2fly 1 arklatexflyboard.com AMERICAN ROSE CENTER Best Scenic Home Tour America's Largest Garden dedicated to Roses 1-20-Exit 8 (Follow signs) 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd. Shreveport, LA 318-938-5402 ROBINSON'S FILM CENTER Best Dinner and a Movie 617 Texas Street Downtown Shreveport 318-459-4122 HILTON HOTEL Best Stay Hotel (in Shreveport) 104 Market St. Shreveport, LA SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER MAVERICKS Best Event Venue SBMAVS.COM 3 TIME ABA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

54 Southern Hospitality | HOMETOWN FAVORITES

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

ANNUAL BEST OF THE CITY Hometown Favorite Awards SHREVEPORT

Ernest Orleans Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge Overall Best Fine Dining Restaurant 1601 Spring St., Shreveport 318-226-1325 www.ernestsorleans.comz

Wine Country Bistro & Bottle Shop Best Bistro Dining 4801 Line Ave., Shreveport 318-629-9463

Giuseppe Casual dining at its finest! Best Italian Restaurant 4800 Line Ave., Shreveport 318-869-4548

Shanes Barbeque Best Barbeque & Seafood 5914 Youree, Shreveport 318-865-6088

Blind Tiger Best Cajun/Creole 120 Texas St., Shreveport 319-226-8747 blindtigerrestaurant.com

Copelands Restaurant Best Cajun 1665 Bertkouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport 318-797-0143

Smitty's Pizza Best Pizza, Hands down! 9375 Mansfield Rd., Shreveport 318-687-303 smittyspizza.net

Sho Gun 1409 E 70th St, Shreveport (318) 798-1001 www.myshogun.com/

Strawns Eat Shop Best Southern Cooking 125 Kings Hwy, Shreveport 318-868-0634 318-798-7117

Buttercups Cupcakes Best Sweet Treats! 6535 Youree Drive Shreveport 318-797-6696

Southern Maid Donuts Best Donuts Hearne Ave., Shreveport 318-636-7202

www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality 55

KEPT

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

BEST

secrets!

BOSSIER CITY/MINDEN

Bombay Indian Cuisine Best Indian Restaurant 2100 Benton Rd #d Bossier City, LA (318) 918-7844

Flying Heart Brewing Bossier City's First Brewery 700 Barksdale Bossier City, LA (318) 344-8775

Chocolate Factory Gourmet Chocolates Best candy coated apples! 711 Horseshoe Blvd Bossier City, LA

Tom and Chee Best Grilled Cheese Donuts! Eat what is fun! 4200 Airline Drive Bossier City, LA (318) 746-0067

8 Oz. Burger Place Best 8 oz Â Burgers! 711 Horseshoe Blvd, Bossier, LA (318) 741-7908 1800 Prime Steakhouse Best PrimeBeef and seafood Boomtown Casino 300 Riverside Dr Bossier City, LA (318) 746-0711 Lemon Grass Best Vietnamese Food 3244 Barksdale Bossier City, LA (318) 550-5698 Cake Fairee Bakery and Supplies One stop shop for all your baking needs! Best cakes, cookies, and candy! 1120 Airline, Suite 200, Bossier City, LA 318-746-2253

Gallery of Fine Art Center Best Art Gallery 2151 Airline, Suite 200 Bossier City, LA (318) 741-9192 Bossier City Farmers Market Newest Farmer Market, Fresh homegrown veggies, fruits and more! 2950 East Texas Bossier City, LA (318) 210-3588

MINDEN Say Baby Sassy Ladies Fashion Jewelry, Bling, Decor 200 Sibley Road Minden, LA 71055 (318) 382-9090

56 Southern Hospitality | HOMETOWN FAVORITES

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

ANNUAL BEST OF THE CITY Hometown Favorite Awards BOSSIER CITY

NICKY'S Best Ambiance Mexican Restaurant 7960 East Texas Bossier La, 71111

NOTINI'S Best Family Italian Restaurant, Best Mint Tea! 318-742-6660 2013 Airline Drive Bossier City, La, 71111

SILVER STAR Best Barbeque Smokehouse, Best Rib-Eye Steaks! 318-752-3633 1201 Dixie Overland Rd Bossier City , La

CENTURYLINK CENTER Best Entertainment Center 2000 Century Link Center Drive Bossier City, La 71112 318-747-2501 Fax: 747-2505 info@centurylinkcenter.com

STAGE Best Venue for Live Music, Wedding Receptions, Corporate and Special Events! 120 Dixie Overland Rd Bossier City, La

LOUISIANA BOARDWALK OUTLETS Best Outlet Mall & Shops! 540 Boardwalk Boulevard Bossier City, La

2 JOHNS STEAKHOUSE AND SEAFOOD Signature dish,Steak Au Poivre, 2151 Airline Dr, Bossier City 318-841-5646

RALPH AND KACOOS Best Seafood 1700 Old Minden Rd Bossier City, La 71112 318-747-6660,

SHOGUN Best Japanese Habachi Restaurant 3150 E. Texas St. Bossier City, LA 71111 Map | (318) 752-3118

VILLAGGIO MAIN STREET SHOPS Best Community Luxury Apartment Shopping District 318-741-9582 5200 E. Texas St, Bossier City

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with Lisha Sikes of Say Baby Say Baby wins “Best Boutique” in Minden Louisiana! When did you become interested in fashion? I became interested in fashion as a young girl…I worked part time at Palis Royal, in young ladies fashion, I also worked at the Ranch and Brooks in the mall. I did the window displays and just was in love with creating and displaying pretty fashions at a young age. I sold more as a part time school employee. I later went to Dallas and worked in the retail fashion world, and life began to turn other directions for me. Later after my children were grown and my love for fashion led me to open my own boutique, Say Baby! Was your degree in Marketing in the fashion industry? I do not have a degree as such, but went to school to take courses in business management. I went to many seminars pertaining to the industry. I was self taught! How long have you been a boutique owner? I have been a owner now for 6 years

and loving each moment of it! I am a Shreveport girl, but came to Minden after meeting my sweet cowboy /husband, Grover! What are some things that you can point to in your background that you think were instrumental in giving you the tools to open your own store? Meet! Greet! and Excite! I just adore that Say Baby is known as a Girl Cave. It is a place that each girl/ladies can come and feel comfortable! Each person is treated differently, one on one attention, and offering a fun experience for everyone who walks in the door. Expect to be pampered with the best in Quality, Customer Service! What are some of your favorite beauty secrets that pertain to fashion? I feel the secret to being successful in the boutique world is creating a feeling of connecting with not just the need but the want for something that is just for us, sometimes we girls need it to just be all about Me! I feel the secret is no secret if you feel good, then you look

Meet! Greet! and Excite! I just adore that Say Baby is known as a Girl Cave.

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great, so by creating an enchanting shopping experience will go hand in hand with finding things that make you feel like a princess. What’s your favorite item in your wardrobe? Bling, Fun Hats, Maxie dresses, Palazzo pants, flowing fabrics, linen and lace seem to be strong this year. “I look forward to each day meeting and greeting all the friends that walk through my door as every day is a blessing!”

creating an enchanting shopping experience will go hand in hand with finding things that

make you feel like a princess 60 Southern Hospitality

Explain to us what Say Baby is all about! How did “Say Baby” come into mind when naming the shop? When i would call my husband, Grover, on the phone I would say, “Hey Baby” and he would reply, “Say Baby”! I wanted something short and sassy so he said, "You are already Say Baby, so that is how she got her name! How do you visualize your boutique through your customers eyes? I want to think in the eyes of my customers, Say Baby is unique in the since of a place to come to and hang out with other gal friends. I don’t have a Face Book page for that reason of just coming in the store, and having fun shopping! The one on one girlfriend time amongst other girl pals enjoying their time together. I have been told by many of my customers, Say Baby is the Honey Hole as the best Girl Cave Ever! I’m loving and enjoying every moment of it!

What are your favorite trends for the spring/summer of 2015? My spring and summer months are light colors, and airy, as well as bright, and bold pinks, and mints. It is fun to match jewelry, scarves, and other accessories including fun sunglasses, and cute hats! Name three favorite items in your store right now! I love pink for the support of Breast Cancer awareness, as well as any feel good inspirational gifts, such as bracelets, crosses, cards that brings joy and happiness to someone that needs to feel loved. Your boutique design is Amazing! Can you tell us about some of the items you will be stocking in the upcoming weeks/months? When Market comes back around in August, we will be introducing the new colors and fashion trends for Fall/Winter, 2015. Fringe looks to stay along with denim vests, and few surprises along the way! Congrats on your award voted Best Boutique in Minden Louisiana! This is the time to take a drive and enjoy the day with your Family, Friends, and Sisters! Make Say Baby your number one stop because she has it all! So many unique, fun, sassy, and classy items you will love at affordable prices! Don't forget to say, “Southern Hospitality Exposure sent you there!”

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Education should be a family function, not a federal function.

The People's Voice Not Jindal's Choice: If an attractive red-haired lady shows up at your door, it just might be Glynis Johnston asking for your vote. She is a mother, grandmother and teacher. Ms. Johnston is running for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Seat for District 4. The district covers Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Desoto, Sabine, Nachitoches, Red River, Vernon, Webster, and Winn Parishes. Glynis is a current classroom teacher, and was Teacher of the Year for Caddo Parish 2014-15. She teaches third grade at Caddoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic A. C. Steere Elementary. Glynis is a 1974 graduate of Fair Park High School and alumnus of LSUS. Not ordinarily a politician, Glynis was motivated to run for the seat by frustration with the direction education has taken due to the implementation of the federal initiative called the Common Core. She is driven by passion, not politics as usual. She was at the forefront of the movement against Common Core by frustrated teachers, parents and even students. Although this grassroots effort resulted in a legislative compromise that calls for numerous opportunities for public input and involvement, and also ended Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in what is known as PARCC testing and called for a new bid process for Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standardized testing, Ms. Johnston stated that our children are not a commodity and should not be a compromise. Since the compromise, some of the members on the board have done an about face and appear to be supporting

these reforms They were initially supporters of the federal initiative. There is fear among the many detractors that the responsible committee will merely rewrite these standards and rename them. Glynis is determined that this will not happen. It is important to recognize that the current BESE did not support reform until it was recently required by the legislature. Ms. Johnston states that education should be a family function, not a federal function. The candidate states that Amer-

at the forefront of the movement against Common Core ica should return to the basics of a strong quality American education provided on a local level without federal mandate. She is determined to change the failed policies of the Jindal administration and is working throughout the parishes to earn the confidence and support of the voters.

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The People’s Voice Not Jindal’s Choice I am a third grade teacher. I am the only candidate presently dealing firsthand with Common Core standards and its devastating effects in the classroom. Governor Jindal is trying to control the BESE Board by appointing one of my opponents, because she will follow his instructions. When it comes to educating our children, I have learned from experience that “one size does not fit all.” As the only teacher in the race for BESE District 4 seat, and the only candidate with experience teaching Common Core, I sympathize and understand the stress Common Core is placing on our students, parents, and teachers. I am not a politician or administrator. I was honored to be selected as the 2014-2015 Caddo Parish Teacher of the Year. I am a teacher, currently in the trenches, guiding and caring for our children. I recognized the detrimental effects of the Common Core initiative early on, and I adamantly opposed this educational experiment. The resulting anxiety on teachers, children, and parents motivated me to try to stop this federal education travesty. I don’t believe the U.S. government knows what is best in our local classrooms. I am asking for your support and vote Oct. 24, 2015. Glynis Johnston

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Sunscreen Benefits:

5 Reasons

You Should Always Wear It

I'm always preaching to my family, friends and co-workers the benefits of wearing sunscreen. I've learned so much about sun protection as a beauty editor, but there are an alarming amount of people who brave the UV rays without applying sunblock. (Isn't skin cancer scary enough?) On my campaign for sunscreen, I've heard just about every excuse as to why it's "okay" to skip it. So I reached out to Dr. Wendy Roberts, a board certified dermatopathologist, to take on the antisunscreen argument. Read on for Dr. Roberts' top five reasons why we should all amp up on SPF products, as well as her take on spray-on sunscreens and medications that increase risk of sun burns. What straight-up advice (or words of caution) can you offer people who never wear sunscreen? You will regret not having worn sunscreen when you look at your skin

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compared to friends and family who have worn daily sunscreen 20 years from now. What are the top five reasons you believe everyone should wear sunscreen? 1. The ozone layer is depleting and your body needs shielding from harmful rays. 2. Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer. 3. It helps to prevent facial brown spots and skin discolorations. 4. It also helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness. 5. It slows down the development of wrinkled, premature aging skin. Continued on Page 12

By Leslie Matthews

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What about the need for obtaining vitamin D via the sun? Most people can fulfill their vitamin D requirements of 600 IU or 15mcg per day with normal daily outdoor activities amounting to five to 30 minutes twice per week. Equally, a healthy vitamin D rich diet of fish, milk, dairy, liver, eggs and vitamin D supplementation provides daily requirements. Prolonged sun exposure gives no extra production of necessary vitamin D, and it exposes the skin to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation which includes development of skin cancers and photodamage. There are medications that increase risks of sun burns and damage. How is this? There are many medications which may make the skin extra susceptible to sun. These include anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications. Oral medications Doxycycline and Minocycline used in the treatment of acne may cause skin problems when exposed to direct and prolonged UV.

Isotretinoin, popularly called Accutane, is a vitamin A derived medication which may make your skin burn easily. Topical acne products, such as vitamin A derived tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide, may make certain skin types burn easier through photosensitization and irritation, respectively. Are there any natural sunscreen alternatives that don't leave behind a garish white film from the zinc oxide? Yes, the newest kids on the sunscreen block are tinted mineralized zinc and titanium oxide formulations which bronze the skin or can be matched to skin color. (Ed. note: MDSolarSciences and EltaMD are two brands that have tinted natural sunscreens.) What is your expert take on spray-on sunscreens? Love them! Spray-on sunscreen has an important role in the sun defense arsenal. I specifically like it for the outdoor enthusiast, who needs to reapply every two hours daytime

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sunlight, and also for people who don't like the feel of lotion on their hands. I counsel these two groups of patients to use a lotion to exposed sites, then in two hours, reapply with sunscreen spray. Is there harm in using expired sunscreen? Expired sunscreen has literally fallen apart, so the formulation no longer works as a sun protectant. You get zero sun protection. In addition, you may experience changes in the color and consistency of the product. Skin irritation may occur from an expired product.

DOES THIS CONVINCE YOU TO ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN?

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Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid INTRODUCTION Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, HA) has many benefits and is one of the most interesting ingredients in skin care, specifically. Naturally found in the body, hyaluronic acid secures moisture and creates fullnessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;youthful skin naturally abounds with hyaluronic acid. In skin care, you can find hyaluronic acid creams, serums, injectables (aka: Restylane), and hyaluronic acid supplements. IS HYALURONIC ACID NATURAL? Hyaluronic acid is a natural glycosaminoglycan (polysaccharides that are an important component of connective tissue) and can be derived from multiple resources, foods, supplements and HA powders. HA is distributed widely throughout connective, neural, and epithelial tissue. It is of the chief components of the extra-cellular matrix (the tissue that provides structural support to cells). In short, hyaluronic acid supports many important areas of the body, with notable benefit to joints and skin. HYALURONIC ACID IN THE BODY Interestingly, the average human has approximately 15 grams of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) in the body, one-third of which is "turned over" (degraded and synthesized) every day. FUNCTIONS OF HYALURONIC ACID Hyaluronic acid benefits soft tissue function, such as joint support, and combatting osteoarthritis. HA is

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responsible, in part, for the resilience of cartilage and its ability to resist compression. As one of the chief components of the extra-cellular matrix, Hyaluronan is an important component of articular cartilage1, where it is present as a coat around each cell (chondrocyte). BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID AND SKIN WHY HYALURONIC ACID IS IMPORTANT FOR THE SKIN As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which makes the skin lose elasticity and expose the signs of aging on the skin. Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in skin health with its unique ability to hold in moisture (1000 ml of water per gram of hyaluronic acid). Hyaluronic acid is also a “smart nutrient” as it can adjust its moisture absorption rate based on the humidity – relative to the season and the climate. HYALURONIC ACID RESEARCH Researchers have found Hyaluronic Acid supplementation to be directly correlated to measured increases in skin moisture. Microscopic skin surface analysis shows increased skin smoothness, and amelioration of wrinkles. 2 TYPES OF HYALURONIC ACID PRODUCTS AS A TOPICAL SKIN CREAM OR SKIN SERUM Unlike collagen, Hyaluronic Acid is able to penetrate the skin’s upper layers to improve and benefit the skin when applied topically. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of skin, where it benefits tissue repair and protection. When applied in an HA cream or serum, hyaluronic acid forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, which gives the skin a youthful appearance.

Caution Regarding Hyaluronic Acid Serums and Creams In choosing an HA serum or cream, there are a couple attributes to look for: • Hyaluronic Acid from a vegan source is preferred. • Avoid HA serums that also contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or other ingredients that are harmful to the skin. More often than not, a “pure hyaluronic acid” serum will contain alcohol or preservatives that counteract the benefits of hyaluronic acid as a topical. Avoid these products. Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and UVB Sun Protection One of the most skin damaging elements are UVB rays from the sun. Hyaluronic acid benefits the skin as it protects the skin from UVB rays (and the scavenging reactive oxygen species they generate), which can cause sunspots. HYALURONIC ACID AS A SUPPLEMENT Hyaluronic acid is extremely beneficial as an oral supplement as it plays a critical role in the production of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen is critical to the skin because it supports skin structure. As body collagen declines, the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration become more visible. Maximizing collagen levels will keep skin supple. Hyaluronic acid keeps collagen synthesis up, as well as retaining skin moisture, contributing to the anti-aging benefits to the skin. Higher levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid are related to skin that is more supple and resistant to wrinkles and fine lines. Effectiveness of an oral Hyaluronic Acid supplementation has been somewhat controversial. There have been studies showing hyaluronic acid to be ex-

tremely effective with oral supplementation. Theories abound whether Hyaluronic Acid is actually directly affecting the outcome, or if it is an indirect effect due to higher blood levels—prompting the body to respond by generating its own supply of hyaluronic acid (proven due to the supplementation). Hyaluronic acid is of great benefit when applied topically and taken as an oral supplement. WHERE CAN I GET HYALURONIC ACID? AS A SUPPLEMENT: Elavonne's Amino Collagen C with Hyaluronic Acid provides 50mg of pure, vegan sourced Hyaluronic Acid plus 5,000 mg of fish peptide collagen protein. This powerful duo promotes skin fullness and lessens the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration. 93% of users reported improved hair, nails, and skin with continued use. AS A TOPICAL: Élavonne offers an Organic skin care line that provides the maximum in anti-aging benefits of Hyaluronic Acid without harmful ingredients. Alcohol free, paraben free, organic, and made in the USA.

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Pecan Chicken Salad Thank God boring salads are out! You can take a bed a greens from dull to decadent with this recipe. With pecan-crusted chicken, topped with mandarin oranges, sweet glazed pecans, celery, dried cranberries and blue cheese, all tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette, you'll get a kick in the mouth without making a dent in your wallet. Don't shy away from all the ingredients here. The dressing is a cakewalk, since you just pour everything (except the garlic) into a blender. The pecan-crusted chicken is a simple breading procedure, and the chicken cooks up in a snap. You'll be spending most of your time at the chopping block as you hack pecans into little pieces and get the lettuce, garlic and celery ready. I've made this recipe to serve four, but if there are only two of you, you can easily cut it in half.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pecan-Crusted Chicken 4 chicken breast fillets, skinless 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped 1/2 cup corn flake crumbs 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup canola oil Balsamic vinaigrette 1 cup canola oil 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

COOKING DIRECTIONS We'll make the pecan-crusted chicken first since it is served cold. Pound each chicken fillet to about 1/2inch thick. You can do this easily by covering each chicken breast in plastic wrap and pounding away with a kitchen mallet. Combine 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, corn flake crumbs and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a shallow bowl. Combine milk with beaten eggs in another shallow bowl. Dump the flour into another shallow bowl. Bread each chicken breast by coating each with flour. Dip the flour-dusted chicken into the egg mixture, and then coat the chicken with a thick coating of the pecans and corn flake crumbs. Preheat 1/2 cup of canola oil in a large skillet over medium/low heat. When the oil is hot, saut?? the chicken fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Cool chicken on a rack or paper towels. When you can handle the chicken, cover it and refrigerate for at least two hours. As the chicken chills, you can make the balsamic vinaigrette by combining 1 cup canola oil, balsamic

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• • • • • • • • • • •

4 teaspoons mustard (Grey Poupon Dijon) 4 teaspoons granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (2 cloves) Salad 1 cup dried cranberries 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped 12 cups copped romaine lettuce (2 heads) 1 cup sliced celery (2 stalks) 2 cans mandarin orange segments, drained (11-ounce cans) • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese vinegar, mustard, granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender. Blend on low speed for just a few seconds, or until the dressing begins to thicken. Don't blend too long or your vinaigrette will get too thick, like mayonnaise. Pour vinaigrette into a small bowl and mix in minced garlic. Chill this until you're ready to use it. When you're ready to build your salads, toss lettuce and celery with about 3/4 cup of the balsamic vinaigrette. Arrange the lettuce on four plates, then sprinkle the cranberries over the lettuce (about 1/4 cup per serving). Combine the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of this mixture on each salad. Sprinkle about 1/2 can of drained mandarin segments over each salad, followed by about 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese. Slice each fillet into thin strips. Arrange one sliced chicken fillet on top of each salad and serve.

Smoothies For Healthy Weight Loss Smoothies are a great tool for weight loss because you control the ingredients. They make perfect vehicles for relatively low-calorie, yet nutrient-laden ingredients that are capable of keeping you full for a long time. By combining the right ingredients, you can create smoothies that taste great and help you drop pounds. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long to learn what to use and how to make the right combinations.Â Just keep reading and start losing! SMOOTHIES FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS The reason that smoothies can help you lose weight is that you can get all of your necessary nutrients in one glass without adding in excess or empty calories. When you learn about the ingredients that create a balanced smoothie, you will be able to include a good balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, as well as

vitamins and nutrients. Besides the basics, you can include powerhouse ingredients that up the nutritional value of your smoothie without adding extra calories. You can also include elements that enhance your weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, giving you more energy, and filling you up for hours. INGREDIENTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS While many of the traditional ingredients in healthful smoothies support a healthy weight, some are better than others. There are certain things you can put in your smoothie that will boost your weight loss by different means. Avocado: Alligator pears are the preferred weight loss smoothie thickener, or ingredient that provides that signature smoothie creaminess. They supply ample healthy fat, which will keep you satiated and satisfied until your next meal, and an array of health

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promoting vitamins and minerals. Berries: Any kind of berry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry for instance, add a ton of flavor to a smoothie without adding very many calories or sugar. Additionally, they are high in fiber, which helps to keep you full, and antioxidants for your overall health. Cayenne pepper: This spice not only adds a kick to your smoothie, it also boosts your weight loss capability. The compound responsible is called capsaicin. Research has shown that adding it to breakfast reduces consumption of fat and carbohydrates later in the day. In other words, consuming a little cayenne pepper will curb your appetite. Chia seeds: The same little seeds that make hair grow on ceramic animals are a great tool for weight loss. They are packed with fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied and they contain numerous healthful nutrients like calcium, an-

tioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also known to absorb toxins from your digestive tract. Many of my recipes call for chia seeds or chia seed gel. I prefer the gel because it helps unlock the nutrition, is slightly easier to digest, and adds to the creaminess of your smoothie. To make chia seed gel, combine equal parts chia seeds and water in a small container and let sit for 5 – 10 minutes to gel. Stores in the fridge for a good month. Cinnamon: The popular spice helps regulate blood sugar levels by improving the metabolism of glucose. This results in a reduction of the amount of excess blood glucose that can be stored as fat. Abdominal fat, studies have shown, is more sensitive to the effects of cinnamon than fat from any other part of the body. Coconut oil: This is my number one smoothie weight loss ingredient. As you’ll soon read all about below, ample healthy fat in your smoothies and diet is imperative if you’re serious about losing weight, and achieving optimal health. The predominant fats (medium chain) in coconut oil are used by the body for energy as opposed to being stored as fat. This superfood keeps you satiated, energized, and feeling good. Go with an organic virgin coconut oil for your smoothies and internal consumption.

Greek yogurt: Compared to other styles of yogurt, Greek yogurt is much higher in protein. This means it can fill you up and keep you fuller longer. Opt for the full-fat variety, and stick with plain. The flavored varieties usually have a lot of added sugar. Healthy fats: Healthy fats are vital to your overall health and help keep you satiated for hours. Totally denying fat is not a way to lose weight. You will only feel unsatisfied when you eat. Consuming ample healthy fat is actually an integral part of any weight loss plan. Include fats in your smoothies by adding avocado, coconut oil, or nuts and nut butters. If you make elixirs, butter and cream are good options too. Leafy greens: Greens, like kale, spinach, dandelion, and romaine lettuce, are packed with phytonutrients and low in calories. They are also high in fiber. Make sure to rotate your greens on a regular basis. Pulp from fruit: If you have a juicer, you know that in addition to the juice, you end up with a pile of throwaway pulp. This is all of the fiber from the fruits and instead of throwing it out or composting it, you can add it to your smoothies for a natural source of fiber. Stevia: If the fruit you add to your smoothies is not enough sweetness

for you, consider using stevia. This natural, zero-calorie sweetener comes from a plant and is free from the side effects and possible risks of artificial sweeteners. Tea/water/ice: Many smoothie recipes call for milk or fruit juice to create the right consistency. To avoid the extra calories, substitute them with tea, water, or ice. A fruity, herbal tea is a good substitute for juice. Green tea contains healthful nutrients, including a compound thought to aid in weight loss, and it has a mild flavor. For a consistency more like a shake, use ice. INGREDIENTS TO AVOID There are plenty of great foods and supplements to put in your smoothies that will give you flavor without excess calories. There are also some pitfalls. Too many people assume that any smoothie is a healthy option, but there are some ingredients that should be avoided if you are using smoothies as a weight loss tool. The most important thing you want to avoid in your smoothies is excess sugar. Even “healthier” sugar from natural sources such as fruit, honey, and maple syrup should be minimized. Canned fruits or vegetables: Fresh produce is always best, but when you can’t find what you want,

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turn to frozen foods before cans. Canned fruits and vegetables often have added preservatives or sweeteners that increase the amount of calories. They have also lost a significant amount of their nutritional value. Fresh and frozen veggies and fruits maintain nutrient content much longer than canned products. Dairy: Dairy products like milk, ice cream, or frozen yogurt are common ingredients in smoothies, but they are chock full of extra calories. There are exceptions, such as raw milk and plain, full-fat Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and low in sugar, but most dairy should be avoided. Fruit juice: Juice is often high in sugar and calories and low in nutritional value, especially store-bought products. Many contain added sweeteners, and all have lost the fiber of the whole fruit. A limited amount of 100 percent juice is fine, but too much will just increase your total (bad) calorie intake. Protein powders: This may seem like a good way to get protein in your diet, but natural sources are a better choice when it comes to weight loss, IMO. Protein powders are good for bulking up and adding weight. For weight loss, stick with vegetables and other healthy sources of protein such as nuts, seeds, gelatin, and Greek yogurt. Caveat, for anyone that requires more calories than normal due to age and lifestyle factors, a reputable protein supplement is perfectly acceptable. If you’re not sure if a protein powder is right for you, give one a try and see how you respond. If you’re wondering, I recommend Sun Warrior protein. Sweeteners: If your smoothie tastes very sweet, you are probably over doing it on the sweetener and potentially consuming too much sugar for a weight loss plan. Stevia is a natural, no-calories sweetener that you can use. Other good sweeteners, such as honey and maple syrup should be used in moderation. For the full download on sweeteners, see my article on the best and worst sweeteners.

Too much sweet fruit: Whole, fresh fruits are good for you, and a natural way to add flavor and a little sweetness to your smoothie, but too much can be a problem. A lot of fruit in one smoothie can spike your blood sugar and cause digestive problems. A good rule of thumb is to stick to avocados and berries. Small amounts of sweeter fruits such as banana, apple, mango, and pineapple is fine, but keep those to a minimum. Smoothies high in sugar are a recipe for weight gain. AN OVERALL WEIGHT LOSS PLAN As you work towards your weight loss goal with tasty smoothies as your tool, keep in mind that the healthy way to lose weight includes more than just dietary changes. Your smoothies, if created thoughtfully, will provide you with many of the nutrients you need including protein, carbohydrates, good fats, and vitamins and minerals. But, don’t forget to eat healthful foods in addition to those smoothies. Get plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, high quality proteins, whole grains, and moderate amounts of fruit at your regular meals. Healthy fats were mentioned above as an important weight loss smoothie ingredient and a vital part of a healthy diet. I can’t overemphasize this point. Getting adequate amount of healthy fat and completely eliminating unhealthy fat from your diet of paramount. Of all the dietary and lifestyle changes I’ve made over the years, getting my fats straight has had the biggest impact on my health and well-being. The Skinny on Fat: Good Fats vs. Bad Fats In addition to a balanced diet, you will also need to get plenty of exercise. Try to get some amount of physical activity every day, even if it is just a short walk. High intensity, short duration workouts two to three times a week have been proven to be the most effective form of exercise and great for shedding excess poundage. This form of exercise is also known as High Intensity Interval Training (HITT) and Peak Per-

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formance. Dr. Mercola explains it as well as anyone: 10 Minutes of Exercise Yields Hour-Long Effects Other factors that contribute to weight loss are adequate sleep (underrated), stress reduction, hydration (your liver doesn’t metabolize body fat well when burdened by dehydration), and a positive outlook. There’s often an emotional component preventing people from losing weight, which is rarely easy to address. Resolving issues in your relationships, career, or past, often leads to profound breakthroughs. Everyone’s body is different and not all of us are meant to be as skinny as a supermodel or have 6-pack abs. Learn to love your body and don’t get caught up in the game of comparing yourself to others. Staying active while also eating right, getting ample sleep, reducing stress, and enjoying healthful and nutritious smoothies are steps you can take that will get you to your goal weight before you know it. SMOOTHIE DIET Smoothie diets have become quite popular. I want to make it clear that I’m not an advocate of smoothie diets. I recommend a smoothie for breakfast and two regular meals for lunch and dinner. Substituting a smoothie for another meal once in a while or having one after working out is perfectly acceptable. Note, most people enjoy smoothies for breakfast. Having your one smoothie for the day at lunch or dinner is absolutely fine. I’m not a fan of smoothie diets, or detox diets, because they’re often undertaken as a quick fix. These diets usually involve severely restricting calories, which is not easy and can actually cause you harm. You may lose weight on a smoothie or detox diet, but it’s usually temporary. In the long run you end of gaining the weight you lost back and then some. This yo-yo dieting is not something you want to get caught up in. I recommend a “real” diet. One based on traditional foods, those that our great grandparents consumed, and in many cases our species has

consumed for hundreds and even thousands of years. This diet is based on the work of Weston A. Price and what I personally consume and advocate. For more information, see WAPF Dietary Guidelines. After experimenting with vegetarianism and veganism I found these dietary guidelines work best for me and have been following them since late 2010. We are unique individuals with unique dietary requirements. There’s not one perfect diet that everyone should be on. I recommend experimenting and paying close attention to your body and how you feel to arrive at what diet most resonates with you. WEIGHT LOSS SMOOTHIE RECIPES Here are a couple of ideas for weight loss smoothies to get you started in addition to the majority for the smoothie recipes you’ll find on my site. Note, some of these smoothies may seem high in calories, but keep mind those are good calories that will help you shed weight and feel full until your next meal. Each smoothie is 1 serving for an average size person.

RECIPIES

Mango Avocado Berry Banana water Green Tea Smoothie 11 cup cup fresh/frozen mixed berries 1 cup green tea 1 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks 1/2 medium avocado 1 cup spinach 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil A dash of sea salt A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional, mango provides enough sweet for me)

Nutrition Information Calories: 329 Fat: 22g Protein: 4g Carbohydrates: 35g Fiber: 10g Sugar: 23g Vitamin C: 131% RDA Vitamin K: 216% RDA Calcium: 6% RDA Iron: 14% RDA

Blueberry Greek Yogurt Smoothie

1/2 cup water 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 3/4 cup of plain, Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat) 1 tablespoon chia seeds or chia seed gel 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 tablespoon honey (optionally use stevia or maple syrup or 1/2 banana to sweeten) Nutrition Information Calories: 327 Fat: 20g Protein: 8g Carbohydrates: 31g Fiber: 5g Sugar: 21g Vitamin C: 13% RDA Vitamin K: 86% RDA Calcium: 30% RDA Iron: 9% RDA

1/2 fresh or frozen banana 1 cup spinach 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon gelatin (optional, for protein) Nutrition Information Calories: 251 Fat: 14g Protein: 3g Carbohydrates: 32g Fiber: 5g Sugar: 18g Vitamin C: 43% RDA Vitamin K: 181% RDA Calcium: 10% RDA Iron: 10% RDA BLENDING INSTUCTIONS For each of these smoothie recipes place all of the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth. If you don’t have a very powerful blender and your coconut oil is in liquid form, you might want to blend everything except the coconut oil first, then drizzle it on and blend for another 5-10 seconds to avoid clumping. As always, feel free to add and subtract ingredients based on what you prefer and have on hand.

HAVE YOU LOST WEIGHT WITH SMOOTHIES? Do you have questions about the above weight loss advice? I’d love to hear from you – please leave a comment below.

Happy Blending!

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LSU Football, Tailgaiting & Fun!

The SEC released its' conference schedule for the upcoming football season and the loss of an extra open date was noticeable right away. Â In 2014 each team has two open dates on their season, next season there will be only one.

As they have in years past, the LSU Tigers have opted to schedule theirs before the ALabama game. The 2015 schedule sets up with home and away tilts for the first half and then following the bye it resumes with the same format.

2015 LSU Schedule Sept. 5 - McNEESE STATE Sept. 12 - at Mississippi State Sept. 19 - AUBURN Sept. 26 - at Syracuse Oct. 3 - EASTERN MICHIGAN Oct. 10 - at South Carolina

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Oct. 17 - FLORIDA Oct. 24 - WESTERN KENTUCKY Oct. 31 - Open date Nov. 7 - at Alabama Nov. 14 - ARKANSAS Nov. 21 - at Ole Miss

Swineapple Recipe

INGREDIENTS 1 Large Pineapple (Larger the better) 12 Strips good quality bacon 5/6 Boneless Pork Ribs 1 Bottle Historic Lynchburg Tennessee Whiskey Swineapple Rib Glaze & Dippin' Sauce (Or your favorite BBQ sauce)

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 180 degrees. (Or use a BBQ Smoker if you have one) 2. Peel the pineapple, cut off one end (do not discard) and carefully hollow out the center leaving an outer edge of approx 1" thickness. 3. Stuff the hollowed out pineapple with the boneless pork ribs, pack them in as tight as you can! 4. Carefully position the pineapple end you saved earlier back onto the end of the pineapple. 5. Wrap the pineapple/ribs with the rashers of bacon, you can pin them in place with cocktail sticks if necessary. 6. Generously smother the "Swineapple" with the bottle of Historic Lynchburg Tennessee Whiskey Swineapple Rib Glaze & Dippin' Sauce 7. Place in the pre-heated oven/ BBQ smoker for 4 1/2 - 5 hours. Slice and enjoy!

Deb's Perfect Potato Salad The salt amounts in this recipe may vary if you boil your potatoes with salt so make sure you taste along the way so the salad isn't too salty (or undersalted)! INGREDIENTS DRESSING: 2 - cups mayonnaise (I use Hellmans Light Mayo with great results) 2/3 - cup buttermilk 1 1/2 - teaspoons dried parsley 1 to 1 1/2 - teaspoons salt (adjust according to taste - you may want to sue the greater amount if your potatoes were boiled with out salt) 1 1/2 - teaspoons minced dried onions or 1 - teaspoon onion powder 1 - teaspoon garlic powder 1 - teaspoon seasoned salt

1 - teaspoon ground black pepper 2 - tablespoons Durkey's Salad Dressing 2 - tablespoons of yellow mustard 1/4th - cup of olive oil SALAD: 5 - pounds potatoes (I prefer to use red potatoes or yukon gold potatoes because I like their firm non-grainy texture but russet potatoes work, too) 1 - 15-ounce can olives, cut in half 10 - hard-boiled eggs*, diced DIRECTIONS 1. For the dressing, the easiest way to make this is to add all the ingredients to the mayo jar and shake like your life depends on it until everything is combined. Of course, this requires that the mayo jar is half empty (with only 2 cups of mayo in it). If this is not the case, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender and give it a whirl until all ingredients are combined. 2. For the salad, peel, dice, and boil

potatoes until tender but not mushy (I cut my potatoes into bite-size pieces and boil for about 8-10 minutes). Drain potatoes well and pour into a large bowl. Add sliced olives and hard-boiled eggs. Pour dressing over warm potatoes until desired “dressing-level” is reached. I usually make this salad the night before and I pour a thin coating of dressing over the potatoes, olives and eggs while they rest in the fridge overnight. Before serving the next day, I add the rest of the dressing and mix until it looks just right. Most importantly be sure and taste so you can add extra salt and pepper to taste! NOTES *For perfect hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a deep saucepan; cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 14 minutes. Transfer to an iced water bath; let cool completely. Unpeeled eggs can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

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Websites are everywhere, on your Desktop, in your hand, in your car... The list goes on. We are leading the way for Web Design in Shreveport to bring the flexible web to every business to improve the experiences of their customers online. For 12 years and running, our award winning team has created nearly one thousand websites for the ShreveportBossier community and around the world. Using the most robust and cost effective technologies on the web, we have the experience and resources to handle any need. Whether it’s a new website, or a custom application designed to enhance your business operations, Bandwise delivers.

What We Do • Custom Web Design • Application Programming • Hosting Services • Search Engine Optimization • Responsive Websites

For more about about Bandwise and What We Do, visit us online at

www.bandwise.com or Call 318.841.0199 333 Texas St., Suite 505 | Shreveport, LA 71101 | Phone: 318.841.0199 | Toll Free: 888.847.2906

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Indulge in a culinary adventure at

El Jimador

where local flavors and cultures blend in harmony with scratch-made food serving a taste of Mexico to everyone! El Jimador Mexican Grill and Cantina is the epitome of the family-owned and operated restaurant. The patriarch of the family is Ramiro Gutierrez, who was born and raised in Mexico but now calls Shreveport Louisiana his home.

Ramiro has always had a passion for the business and he admits he started out at the bottom as a dishwasher, gradually working his way up the ladder, and finally ownership of El Jimador Restaurant. He owns 3 locations, one in Minden Louisiana, and two in the Shreveport area. The newest location is at 750 Shreveport, Barksdale Highway. “I love working with people and serving them” Ramiro said, “I believe in

excellence - I want everything to be just right. I saw an opportunity to create a special restaurant with an atmosphere that would make the citizens of Shreveport proud and would be a great addition to the community. I wanted a place that would offer high quality food and I’m very strict about cleanliness and consistent quality and service. I started out with that in mind and that’s what we have maintained.”

Our philosophy: Everything is prepared fresh everyday! They offer a great variety of Mexican food and a large menu of American specialties as well. So let’s break it up a bit and talk about a few of their specialties; their salsa is made fresh with just the right amount of hotness and their chips are organic, meaning less fat, less chemicals, and pure taste! Their Guacamole is made with fresh avocados from Mexico. Upon re-

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quest, they make it right at your table! Their house dressing is a customer favorite! It is their own family secret recipe, also made from scratch daily. The thickness of the dressing is also used for dipping as well as a dressing for all of our salads. Their most popular entree’s include their loaded nachos and nacho supreme, Molcajete Jimador, Chicken Soft Tacos, Ranchero Chicken, Ranchero Jalisco, Guacamole, Seafood Enchilada, & Chimichanga Cheesecake! Try their mouth-watering appetizers including the white Queso dip to their tasty fajita nachos. Their customers rave over their fajitas, (shrimp, chicken, steak), and taco salads. They use high quality meat and special secret seasonings that make their fajitas exceptional and a customer favorite! Say “Mexican steaks” and probably the first thing you think of is fajitas made with sizzling skirt steak. As good as fajitas are, it might surprise you to discover at El Jimador, their steak dishes are often more sophisticated. They feature juicy, tender steaks like rib-eyes, served up with rich, bold spices . But Ramiro says their steaks are also one of their most popular entrees. Their famous rib-eye steaks are high quality meat, grilled to perfection each time. It is amazing how many people come to their restaurant and order their rib-eye steaks! They order a couple hundred steaks just for the weekend! Their best kept secret is their steaks! El Jimador offers a lot of health conscious entrees including a variety

of soups, salads, and seafood dishes, such as their amazing seasoned tilapia, scallops, fresh crab meat and salmon. They cook each dish with their secret ingredient that promises less fat, less calories, and very healthy for you. Matter of fact, even their chips are considered low fat as well! “We have an excellent, accommodating staff! They are all very respectful to our customers as we spend a lot of time in training them. They all speak english and are very presentable each day. We pride our self in giving the best quality service possible as our customers are very important to us. It's a privilege to be located in such a nice place in Shreveport, and the community here has made me feel at home. I love it here and I intend on opening up another location in Bossier City soon. I have

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been fortunate to go out and find my dream and I would like to encourage young people to go for their dreams as well - to set goals, work hard and be responsible, because there is no greater feeling than success. I feel very blessed for all of this,” he added. “I have a wonderful family with 10 brothers and sisters. I was number 9, in between 3 of my sisters and they are the reason I do this - my sisters taught me how to be a respectful man to women, to work hard for what I want in life and to maintain good values. They taught me how to cook, and make customers happy. But most importantly, they taught me to believe in myself! I feel I really learned so much from them.

Indulge in a culinary adventure at El Jimador, where local flavors and cultures blend in harmony with scratch-made food serving a taste of Mexico to everyone! Whether you crave fresh seafood, steak, or a gourmet mexican dish, El Jimador offers tantalizing dining experiences that feed your senses.

Please visit their website online for store hours, locations and more at www.el-jimador-grill.com. Don’t forget to tell them, Southern Hospitality Exposure sent you! No wonder it is voted the Best Hometown Favorite Mexican Restaurant in the area! See Partial Menu on the following two pages.

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Partial Menu: Please see website for full menu at www.el-jimador-grill.com

2711 Alkay Dr, Shreveport Phone: 318-686-9199 750 Shreveport-Barksdale, Shreveport Phone: (318) 686-9199 121 Homer Rd, Minden Phone: 318-377-5112 www.el-jimador-grill.com

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Thank You For All You Do!

BARRY REGULA General Manager Margaritaville Resort Casino

LO WALKER Mayor Bossier City, Louisiana

AUSTIN MUCHEMORE General Manager Boomtown Casino & Hotel

CASINO

HOTEL

BOSSIER CITY, LA

MIKE RICH General Manager Horseshoe Casino & Hotel

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

CASINO AWARDS BOSSIER tions and approximately 1,500-square-feet of meeting and conference space. A person can workup quite an appetite by mingling with friendly strangers and familiar faces. So why not invite your new and old friends to break bread? Whatever food you’re craving, you’re sure to find it at Boomtown. From juicy steaks to your favorite Mexican dishes, a snack from our café or a feast at our buffet, we know what you like and serve it up with a smile. 1800 PRIME STEAKHOUSE You’re invited to experience Prime Steak perfection. We serve the very best in steakhouse dining that includes a selection of quality prime rib and seafood. BOOMTOWN CASINO VOTED #1 IN FRIENDLIEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Boomtown Bossier City, located off I-20 in Bossier City, Louisiana, approximately three hours east of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, opened in 1996. The property features a 30,000-square-foot casino with more than 1,000 slot machines and 28 table games including high limit slots and tables. Offering approximately 1,800 parking spaces, the resort also features a 187-guestroom hotel with pool, three signature restaurant op-

CATTLEMAN'S BUFFET From succulent prime rib to delicious fried shrimp and cajun-style cooking. SUNDANCE CANTINA In between the action at the tables and slots come and enjoy a delicious signature "Boomarita” or a refreshing beer as you relax at our unique circular bar. BOOMER'S CAFE For a tasty meal or quick snack on the go, Boomer's Cafe offers a variety of tasty food that's always on the money. 711 DiamondJacks Blvd Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel: (318) 678-7777 Fax: (318) 425-7273 Web: www.diamondjacks.com DJ’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS DJ's Seafood and Steaks is DiamondJack's signature restaurant offering steaks, pork chops, seafood and more. Dine in a classic steakhouse ambiance with an open kitchen. The bar has a wide selection of cocktails and wines. LEGEND'S BUFFET From succulent prime rib to delicious fried shrimp and cajun-style cooking.

DIAMOND JACKS VOTED BEST ENTERTAINMENT CASINO Enjoy some of the hottest gaming action around with an entire floor of penny slots and a variety of table games to choose from. Come hungry but keep your wallet full at one of three delicious restaurants. The hotel features more than 500 rooms, resort-style pool, fitness center, arcade room and meeting space. You’ll sleep well knowing you saved money. Come visit and see why you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great experience.

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THE GRILL The Most Delicious Deal Around. A quick on-the-go or sit down stop offering hamburgers, sandwiches, desserts, coffee and more. Now serving breakfast Tuesday-Thursday - 7am-11am. AGAVE A full service sports bar with a selection of light appetizers. The perfect place for friends to meet and enjoy a drink. Live entertainment every Friday & Saturday night.

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SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

CASINO AWARDS BOSSIER Open 7 days a week. Wheelchair accessible. 8000 E Texas St Bossier City, LA 71111 PHONE: (318) 742-5555 www.harrahslouisianadowns.com MARKET PLACE CAFÉ The Market Place Café is a great place for casual dining experience with a wide variety of items. Start your meal with one of our tasty appetizers like our Louisiana Meat Pies or peel and eat Shrimp. For Entrées we have a range of items from American burgers, Rib Eye steaks, Chicken, Seafood, and much more! Don’t forget to leave room for our Spectacular desserts ranging from Ice Cream to New York Cheesecake. HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS VOTED BEST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT/ BEST THOROUGHBRED RACING TRACK Wire-to-wire action of live and simulcast thoroughbred racing. Glass enclosed and air-conditioned. With over 150,000 sq. ft. of fun, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is the place to Come Out and Play your favorite slots. This new Bossier City entertainment complex offers casino gambling at its finest and most fun, and features 22-foot-high ceilings, a High Limit area and dozens of big screen tv’s where you can watch simulcast racing from across the country or catch your favorite sport while you play the slots.

HARRAH’S CLUB Southern cuisine is featured at the elegant Harrah’s Club restaurant, overlooking the racetrack from the third level. PEPPER ROSE TOO Pepper Rose Too features deli sandwiches and Cowboy Creole cuisine. FUDRUCKERS Fuddruckers is known as the home of the world’s greatest hamburgers, and offers much more than that. featuring refrigerators. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and separate sitting areas. REC, SPA, PREMIUM AMENITIES Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After enjoying recreational amenities such as a nightclub and a health club, a lucky night at the casino is the perfect end to the day. This hotel also features wireless Internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.

HORSESHOE CASINO & HOTEL VOTED #1 BEST CASINO/HOTEL IN BOSSIER CITY When you stay at Horseshoe Bossier Casino & Hotel in Bossier City, you'll be in a shopping district and minutes from Bossier Arts Council and Louisiana Boardwalk. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Sci-Port Louisiana's Science Center and Riverview Park. ROOMS Make yourself at home in one of the 606 air-conditioned rooms

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DINING Enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's dining establishments, which include 5 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. From your room, you can also access 24-hour room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. BUSINESS, OTHER AMENITIES Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a computer station, and express check-out. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and meeting rooms. Free valet parking is available onsite.

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SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

CASINO AWARDS BOSSIER 777 Margaritaville Way Bossier City, LA 71111 Tel:Â (318) 698-7177 Fax:Â (318) 212-0239 www.margaritavillebossiercity.com JIMMY'S SEAFOOD & STEAK Featuring prime steak and signature seafood entrĂŠes straight from the Gulf of Mexico. Our exquisite menu is complimented with an extensive, handpicked selection of fine wines.

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT CASINO VOTED NICEST & NEWEST CASINO/HOTEL Margaritaville provides its guests with a comfortable atmosphere and memorable entertainment experience. The single-level casino offers more than 1,300 slot machines and 46 table games. Guests enjoy a 180-degree skyline and river views, while watchinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the sun bake in Margaritaville. Two-room luxury suites are available with one king or two queen beds complete with upgraded linens, custom amenities, and marble finishes.

MARGARITAVILLE RESTAURANT A wide selection of appetizers, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, along with specialty dishes like our irresistible Volcano Nachos, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave hungry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially if you finish your meal with a delicious dessert, margarita or cold draft beer. WORLD TOUR BUFFET With so many mouth-watering dishes to choose from, you'll want to try a little â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or a lot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of everything on the menu. BANYAN TREE COFFEE BAR Grab a bite to eat or a delicious coffee at the Banyan Tree Coffee Bar. Great spot for a change of pace and to recharge your batteries.

$ 99 o to-g ers

orldcome!

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Call Ahead Seating C Seating! g! 318 8-746-7122

$ *RXOG 'U Â&#x2021; %RVVLHU &LW\ /$

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2100 Benton Rd. Bossier City LA, 71111 | 318-918-7844 | www.bombaydreamsindiancuisine.org

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Superb Indian Cuisine In Bossier City!

or sheer elegance of cuisine and setting, the new Indian restaurant Bombay Dreams is hard to beat! With a balanced mix of chic and comfort, the ambience is likely to be the first perk noticed. The lighting is delicately dimmed and wraps the restaurant with a relaxed intimate aura. The background music soothes the soul. Bombay Dreams owner, Rajiv Astharna, (pictured right) has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and catering business. Expect to be graciously pampered as Bombay Dreams Restaurant is committed to superior customer service! It is no wonder Bombay Dreams Restaurant is earning a sterling reputation, as well as glowing reviews, which re-define perceptions of Indian food.. Each dish is prepared with an infusion of passion and creativity, and the aromas of exotic spices promise a feast of internationalized flavors . In addition to various breads, the Naam bread is rapidly winning over new fans. It is served in copious portions and complimentary with lunch, on a daily buffet. The chef

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Innovative, chic, trendy, intimate and the food is on another level too!â&#x20AC;?

s Owner Bombay Dream a Rajiv Astharn

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specialists feature a starred menu matched with great wines. Vegetarians will love the non-meat dishes each served with rice, while carnivores can enjoy plenty of authentic favorites, such as Chicken Tikka Masala (lemon rice, mushroom broculi), Tandoori chicken, chicken curry, and vegetable korma (dal tarka). Bombay Dreams Restaurant’s aim is to prepare a combination of fresh ingredients, high-quality dishes all while emphasizing healthy eating. Chefs prepare each dish with fresh spices, and low fat oils to flavor each entree'. It has been quite an achievement for owner, Rajiv Astharna as he took a risk and opened his first restaurant serving Indian dishes in our hometown of Bossier City, Louisiana. The reviews have outlined his food as “innovative.” He has landed a spot as the best Indian Cuisine in the Ark-la-Tex! Bombay Dreams landed the number-one spot in Southern Hospitality Exposure, Digital Magazine as the Best New Restaurant and Hometown Favorite place to dine; listed as “Hands Down, Best in Indian Cuisine.” People come from all over Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas to eat at Bombay Dreams. Try their cuisine today! What are you waiting for? Experience spicy, unspicy, sweet, heart melting, mouthwatering, delicious and satisfying Indian cuisine at Bombay Dreams restaurant. Bombay Dreams is open for lunch, serving a daily buffet from 11am-2pm, and their dinner menu starts at 5:00 PM to 9:30pm, Monday through Saturday. You will be glad you did! Visit there web site at www.bombaydreamsindiancuisine.org! v

BombayDreams INDIAN CUISINE 2100 Benton Rd. Bossier City LA, 71111

318-918-7844 HOURS Open Tuesday - Sunday Lunch Buffet: 11:00am - 2:30pm Dinner: 5:00pm - 9:30pm Closed Monday

www.bombaydreamsindiancuisine.org

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SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE

CASINO AWARDS SHREVEPORT 315 Clyde Fant Pkwy • Shreveport, LA 71101 Tel: (318) 424-7777 • Fax: (318) 429-5406 www.samstownshreveport.com WILLIAM B’S STEAKHOUSE The elegant and comfortable ambiance, with impeccable service to match, makes this a truly memorable experience. In addition to superb steaks and seafood, this unique restaurant is proud to offer an award-winning wine list. William B's is the perfect spot for any special occasion, when you want to make your night out one to remember. INTERNATIONAL BUFFET Buffet serving a “Taste of the World,” with a global experience fit for a king. Asian to Cajun to Italian, and even delicious desserts! SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & CASINO VOTED BEST CASINO EMPLOYEES/ BEST TABLE GAMES/BEST AMENITIES Good Eats, Good Entertainment, Good Excitement, Good Experience, Good Energy! Unwind in one of 514 large, spacious rooms, or enjoy the heated pool, spa and fitness center. There are four award-winning restaurants to choose from, and 18,000 square feet of convention and banquet space available. Service pets only. The casino has more than 1,100 of the hottest slot machines and 30 fast-action table games. Open 7 days a week, 24-hours a day.

SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE Featuring Southern "down home" cooking, this fun and festive restaurant is open daily. Experience the hot and spicy tradition of cuisine from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas that is our cafe's specialty. Smokey Joe's offers a complete menu, including breakfast items, sandwiches and salads. JAVA’S DELI The perfect service for guests on the go, Java’s Deli offers gourmet coffees, deli sandwiches and much more. 451 Clyde Fant Parkway Shreveport, LA 71101 Tel: (318) 220-0711 Fax: (318) 220-0981 www.eldoradoshreveport.com THE VINTAGE The Vintage, 140-seat gourmet steakhouse offering prime steaks, the freshest seafood, and the best wine list in town. THE BUFFET This 326-seat buffet serves an array of culinary items, from fresh salads to delicious entrees to mouth-watering desserts.

ELDORADO RESORT • CASINO VOTED #1 BEST OVERALL BEST CASINO (IN SHREVEPORT) Escape to the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport and experience timeless luxury and friendly, personal service in the heart of Downtown Shreveport. Experience a variety of world-class fine dining from four award-winning restaurants. Shop for one-of-akind memorabilia in the Eldorado Gift Shop and Oakley Store! Unwind or turn up the heat in Shreveport’s hottest nightspot – Eldorado Celebrity Lounge, with the area’s best LIVE entertainment.

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CINEMA CAFÉ Cinema Café is a 43-seat self service deli, featuring pre-made sandwiches, fresh pastries, salads, desserts and ice cream. SPORTSMANS' PARADISE CAFÉ From fluffy omelets and buttermilk pancakes to thick steaks and gourmet burgers, all the classics are here for casual dining. NOODLE BAR A one-of-a-kind dining experience in the Shreveport market, The Noodle Bar serves authentic Vietnamese dishes like egg rolls, pho beef, and ox tail.

VOT E D B ES ST RESTAU R A N T *

njjo oy sophis sophisticated dining featuring g prime prrim steaks and a signa si ture entree enttrees wiith a riverfront erf on view at the t e Be B st Restaur u ant in i the Mid-S i South.* o Call 318-698-7186 to make ake your ur re r servation. ti

*Winner of 2015 Southern o Gaming Readerrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Awards

GAMB BLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-80 0-522-4470 0.

Largest Liquor Selection • Craft Beers • Karaoke Great Food • and The Best Rock Bands in The Area

616 Commerce St • Shreveport, Louisiana Phone: 318-221-0064 Email: Hangar21Shreveport@gmail.com Like Us On Facebook: Keyword Hangar 21 Shreveport

hangar21shreveport.com

Status and fun await guests passing through downtown Shreveport Louisiana at the newest hotspot for live music and karaoke entertainment, Hangar 21. As you enter the nightclub, the crisp sound of music expels off the walls of this acoustically inclined venue. Located at 616 Commerce Street, Hangar 21 is the best bar to experience upscale nightlife, pool, entertainment and delicious happy hour appetizers. Owner of Hangar 21, Billy Huffman, has 30 years of experience in the nightclub

business. The 4,500 sq. ft. space is perfect for entertaining both clients and friends with an atmosphere and energy that comfortably accommodates any audience. You can check out great bands every Friday night. Hangar 21 is open Tuesday thru Thursday from 6:00pm to 4:00am, and Friday and Saturday from 6:00pm to 6:00am. With conveniently close and well lit parking, you can feel safe walking to and from your vehicle. For more information see us online at hangar21shreveport.com

Hangar 21

is the best bar to experience upscale nightlife, pool, entertainment and delicious happy hour appetizers

“It’s the Best Care for Your Car by Far!” • Full Service Oil Change & 20 Point Inspection • Xpress Car Wash (see website for locations) • Windshield Repair at All Locations

• Battery Replacement Services at All Locations • Inspection Stickers at All Locations • See All Services at www.timeitlube.com

Time It Lube. Fast. Friendly. Professional.

For more information on Time It Lube, locations with Xpress Car Wash and our locations in Louisiana & Texas visit us online at:

w w w. t i m e i t l u b e . c o m www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com | Southern Hospitality 111

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY EXPOSURE

TELEVISION SHOW

WITH DEBBIE DILLARD, EXPOSING YOUR BUISNESS TO NEW CLIENTS ARE YOU TIRED OF SPENDING MONEY ON ADVERTISING THAT DOESN'T GIVE YOU THE EXPOSURE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR? A well executed TV commercial has the power to make us experience all kinds of emotion – laughter, sadness, fear even, all in a matter of minutes. An art form in their own right, they showcase the latest trends in design, culture and music. Let us promote your business with a 15 second, or 30 second spot on Southern Hospitality Exposure with Debbie Dillard! The show airs on KMSS/FOX 33 and filters into You Tube for Global Distribution Forever! View it on our Facebook page, Southern Hospitality Bossier, and also my new upcoming web site, southernhospitalityexposure.com (coming soon). Also, call for information and check out out our segment buys along with ads in our digital magazine! A One Stop Shop for all your Advertising needs! One price pays for 3 months, After all, We are a Quarterly Digital Magazine! Give Debbie Dillard a call today at 318779-2794 or email her at debikdillard@aol.com. Don't forget to view our last show and flip page our Digital Magazine page per page on southern hospitality bossier on Facebook and like us and share!!!

(318) 779-2794 • debikdillard@aol.com 112 Southern Hospitality | HOSPITALITY SECTION

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116 Southern Hospitality | www.SouthernHospitalityExposure.com GAMBLIN NG PROBL LEM? CALL L 1-800-52 22-4700.