Lola Magazine March/April 2018 by RichardCreative

MAR 16

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MAR 30 tracy byrd

APR 7

JOE NICHOLS BOSSIER, LA

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LOUISIANA LADIES

FASHION

95 A Sisterhood of Leadership Louisiana Tech students receive national award. 81 Keeping it Real with Terri Netterville The privilege of Southern charm. 98 Miss Thirty Something Rachael McCoy has us giggling on her take at life as a thirty-something. 90 Growing in the Garden of Life with Donesa Walker 104 From Her Perspective Dr. Carynn Wiggins

44 Spring Style Watch Fashion Florals and Nautical but Nice 64 Kids Fashion Lolly-Popping looks for the littles. 70 Celebrate Ruston Fashion Week The inside scoop on the week of fashion and fun.

COMMUNITY

7 Agora Borealis Presents Micro/Macro Local artists create textiles that are more than meet the eye. 92 Louisiana Snow Day Our readers share their snow day fun! 85 Altered Guiding young women to become the best they can be. 100 Calendar of Events

C ON T E N T S HOME AND ENTERTAINING

TRAVEL

38 Travel Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hidden Gems Briarwood Nature Preserve. 15 Home Grown Embracing the farm to table movement in North Louisiana.

50 Hostess with the Mostess Wedding registry tips from the experts. 31 The Modern Day Brady Bunch with Myron Griffing. 37 Springtime Wine Crisp sips for sunny days. 76 Beautiful Blooms The Flower Bed Lady shares her secrets for spring blooms.

HEALTH AND FAMILY 60 LEAP Test Tips to prepare students for their best LEAP year yet. 56 Navigating Food Labels Integrate Your Health with Dr. Nicole Cotter. 26 The Deal on Boxed Meals Delivering you the scoop on meal delivery.

Lola Magazine is thrilled to be a part of 2018 Micro/Macro presented by Agora Borealis. We are honored to help promote our local artists and their amazing art in textile form.

page

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READLOLA.COM

ho else is ready for pretty weather? This winter has seemed to be the longest Louisiana winter ever! We enjoyed a couple of snow days, but after the snow melts, I am ready for some sunshine! I love the first days of springfull of new beginnings, Easter eggs, and wearing white (although I break the “no wearing white after Labor Day” rule pretty regularly). Spring is a special time for my family. My daddy plants his garden every spring – and this is not your ordinary garden. He plants plenty of everything, from tomatoes, squash and strawberries, to the sweetest watermelons you have ever tasted. Have you ever had yellow watermelon? If not – you must get one this year. I am not saying this because I think my dad is the absolute best, but his yellow watermelons are absolutely delicious! There is something magical about watching things we have planted and cared for grow and flourish. It is a labor of love, and in literal termsin gardening you see the “fruits of your labor”. What a gratifying concept! We feel like that a little bit with each issue of Lola Magazine. We plant the seeds in our communities in hopes to provide our readers with inspiration to nurture their lives. This issue of Lola Magazine brings so much to the table – straight from the farm to the table. Angela Vinet takes us to several local farms and introduces the families that put their heart and soul into this labor of love. In honor of wedding season, our Hostess with the Mostess helps our modern brides plan a timeless wedding registry that will keep their home classic throughout the years. This issue’s style watch brings flirty florals and crisp spring looks. We also have the kiddos showing off their “Lolly-Popping Looks”. LEAP testing tips for our moms with school age kiddos will give

PUBLISHER Bevin Sutton Hicks Bevin@readlola.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carie Cotter Hart Carie@readlola.com ASSISTANT ADVERTISING ASSOCIATES Mary Anne Whitman, Monroe/West Monroe MaryAnne@readlola.com Ashley Dillard, Shreveport/ Bossier/Natchitoches Ashley@readlola.com Shannon Lewis, Ruston Shannon@readlola.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tommy Stow Sutton 318-560-5785 DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE Carl Hammock ART DIRECTION & LAYOUT Richard Creative CONTENT EDITOR Kathy Spurlock editor@readlola.com Lola Advertising Director Carie Hart & Publisher Bevin Hicks pictured with Art Director Danielle Richard at the 2018 American Advertising Awards.

you guidance for better scores and happier test taking. Dr. Nicole Cotter gives us the real deal on eating organic and what to look for when navigating the organic food scene. Do you remember the song “Rain Rain Go Away”? It is my two-year-old’s FAVORITE! We listen to it on repeat lately, over, and over, and over. I have to admit, it is quite fitting this time of year. We may all be singing “Rain Rain Go Away” after this long, rainy winter. The good news is, these clouds will soon part and spring is on the way. So, put up your winter coat, grab an ice tea, and spring your clocks forward. From all of us at Lola Magazine, we wish you a spring filled with front porch swings, longer days and new beginnings. S O L OM O N 2 : 1 1 - 1 2

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

Blessngs, Bevin

This issue of Lola Magazine is dedicated to the beautiful life of Molley Boone Cartwright who selflessly lost her life after giving birth to her son, Braddock Stone Cartwright. Molley was a shining example of a Louisiana Lady. She will be missed by so many.

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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Rosemary McMasters lolamaginfo@readlola.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Nicole Cotter Donesa Walker Jessica Comegys Teri Netterville Angela Vinet Katy Larsen Evan McCommon Rachael McCoy Myron Griffing Clinton Downing Jordan Stepp Rosemary McMaster Tammie Davis Mandy Smith Turaeza Lopez-Hose Kathy Spurlock Madison Kaufman Dr. Carynn Wiggins CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brittany Strickland Jarrett Warren Misty Swilley Wallace Lee SPRING FASHION Lead Photographer / Brittany Strickland Photographer / Jarrett Warren Models / Thalia Jassemidis / Karlissa Couron Hair and Make Up / Sarah Berthelot with Season’s Salon and Hannah Whittington Location / Provenance Community ON THE COVER Photographer / Brittany Strickland Model / Thalia Jassemidis Makeup / Hannah Whittington Floral Headpiece designed by The Nouveau Wedding FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Email Carie@readlola.com *Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited. Lola Magazine is published bi-monthly by Stamper Marketing, LLC. 3811 Youree Drive, Shreveport, La 71105, Phone (318) 573-6847. Lola Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any advertiser. Distribution of Lola Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products and/or services. Lola Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the publication’s content. Nonetheless, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absence of errors. No responsibility will be assumed. Visit us online at readlola.com to subscribe. Lola Magazine is owned by Stamper Marketing, LLC.

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THE AGORA BOREALIS PRESENTS

MICRO/MACRO Local artists share their talents through textile and design.

The Agora Borealis in downtown Shreveport opened its doors in July 2014 as the first artist marketplace in the area. The name is a play off of the Aurora Borealis, the northern lights, and the agoras of ancient Greece. An agora was a marketplace where people would go to buy local goods, and it also served as a meeting place where people came to hear the

the team at Chemistry Hair Salon NAILS: Salena Davis & Milagreau Gardiner PROPS: House of Props with Jim Hayes THIS PAGE MODEL: Amberly Withers DESIGN: “Stargazer” DESIGNER: Scarlett Proverbs by Melanie Scarlett ACCESSORIES: (rings) Bayou Glass Arts by Contina Pierson

news and share ideas. “The Agora is so much more than just an artist marketplace,” said Katy Larsen, owner of the Agora Borealis. “It’s a place where people can come to be creatively inspired, to share ideas, and collaborate together. The Agora strives to be a beacon for all who have a desire to enrich our city and communities.”

HAIR/MAKEUP:

WRITTEN BY MANDIE EBARB AND RACHEL ADDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

Page 7 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

verything in the store has either been handmade or up-cycled by local artists and artisans. The Agora even goes as far as requiring all of their artists’ raw materials to be as locally sourced as possible with no China-made materials unless the items have been up-cycled and given a new purpose. Within its walls one can find the works and products of over 200 local artists and artisans, from fine art to jewelry, food, bath and body products, clothing, books, and fine furniture. The Agora has something for everyone. “One of the great things about the store is that because everything is made by someone locally, you can commission custom work from the artists,” Larsen said. “Everything in the store has some kind of story behind it and is created by someone who is truly passionate about what they are creating. When you buy something from the Agora, you are

getting more than just a product, you are investing in your community.” In addition to the incredible artworks and products the Agora has to offer, the building itself is a sight to behold. Built in the 1920s by Joseph A. Redding, husband to Mary Byrd, the daughter of prominent educator C.E. Byrd, the building stands in what used to be known as Silver Lake. The building has been through many incarnations, first as a gas station, then a tire and service shop, a radio repair store, and most recently as Lake Street Dancehall. All have left their mark on the building. The original tin ceiling tiles, the turquoise cement floor, the exposed brick walls all have their own story to tell about the history of Shreveport. On the other side of the store, the Agora has an event space for workshops, classes and events where people can meet and talk with the artists. Classes

Jessie LaGrone “Passiflora Vitifolia” DESIGNER: Southern Crimson Studio by Donna Strebeck ACCESSORIES: (necklace) Uniquely Modest by Carlnika Hooks

and workshops range from how to make your own Mardi Gras mask, to jewelry making, painting, kundalini yoga and even self exploration through the experience of creating a mandala. The Agora is always looking for people with knowledge, experience and skills to share with the community. The event space also hosts many private events, including weddings, receptions, showers, fashion shows, performances, and movie shoots, solidifying the Agora as a place where ideas and dreams become a reality. Part of the Agora’s mission is to work with other local businesses to create opportunities for each business to highlight their strengths. Every third Friday of September, the Agora Borealis along with the businesses of Lake Street hold the street festival, Cirque du Lake. Live music, food, entertainment and an entire street full of artists and local

MODEL:

Kalissa Couron DESIGN: “Cosmic Dreams” DESIGNER: Scarlett Proverbs MODEL:

Danielle Miller “Love Me Tender” DESIGNER: Amy Lynn Treme ACCESSORIES: (ring) Bayou Glass Arts MODEL:

DESIGN:

Lindamarie Catanese DESIGN: “Look At Me” DESIGNER: Amy Lynn Treme ACCESSORIES: (ring, bracelet) Bayou Glass Arts MODEL:

Rose McMaster DESIGN: “Fire” (martini dress) MODEL:

DESIGN:

Page 8 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

DESIGNER:

MYFashion

ACCESSORIES:

(necklace) The Blue Albatross by Carly Kinard

businesses come together as a thank in North Louisiana.” After an encouraging response from you to the people of Shreveport– Bossier for one more successful year. As artists and patrons alike, it was clear that Shreveport’s downtown grows, so does the show had to continue. Now, with the festival and the Agora’s other annual much greater ease, the Agora gets to event, a fashion and art show held every explore new and exciting themes each year as a means to inspire local spring. When you have fashion and artisan innovators When it comes to the an idea that to come together under one collaboration of some of brings creative umbrella. the area’s most creative minds together, Now in their fourth minds, the annual there is no lack year having expanded to Fashion Show is their most anticipated event of support from over 300 guests, the Agora our local art seeks event venues with of the year. The annual community in historical significance and Fashion & Art Show may still be in its early North Louisiana. creative vision to host and years, but like most of Larsen’s visions, it has transformed into a collective multi-layered experience with unstoppable momentum. “I wanted to create an all-immersive experience where the viewers felt engaged and part of the excitement,” Larsen said. As one can only imagine, this is not the typical “I’m-too-sexy-forthe-catwalk” fashion show. Complete with performers, custom lighting, a pop-up marketplace and most recently a fine art exhibition, the organizers of the show try to ensure guests are spellbound through the entirety of the three-hour event. The first event brought over 150 people into the space to witness some of the most dazzling local and vintage Mardi Gras fashion ever presented in the Ark-La-Tex. “I remember being so anxious before the beginning of that first show,” Larsen said. “The dress rehearsal the night prior had been a spectacle in and of itself, requiring outfits to be completed, scripts to be fine tuned, and lighting to be re-imagined. But when you have an idea that brings creative minds together, there is no lack of support from our local art community

collaborate with the fashion show each year. This year’s imaginative Textile & Art Show will unveil Micro/ Macro: Under the Microscope, Into the Cosmos. Exploring themes related to growth, preservation and our interconnectedness with the universe, the Agora has partnered with the Marlene Yu Museum and the Rainforest Art Foundation to create a show that celebrates nature and emphasizes sustainability. Featuring over a dozen textile and accessory designers and more than 50 “looks,” the show will provide guests an evening of showmanship and style, all while supporting their community’s makers, performers, and innovators. The masterminds behind the scenes are working collectively to highlight the beauty that appears within nature’s patterns and forms, all within the confines of creating art on a sustainable platform. This year’s theme is progressive in that it will focus on more than just the finished looks but how each element plays into a larger picture. “This year’s theme and focus on sustainability is incredibly exciting and important to me, as fashion can be a very wasteful industry,” said Cookie Dubois,

Hillary Frazier “In Bloom” DESIGNER: Vintage Wilde by Sherri Winseman ACCESSORIES: (rings) Bayou Glass Arts MODEL:

DESIGN:

Page 9 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

“I wanted to create an all‑immersive experience where the viewers felt engaged and part of the excitement.” ~Katy Larsen Page 10 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

THIS PAGE

Rose McMaster “Kaleidoscope Bell” DESIGNER: Golden Threaded by Leah Golden MODEL:

DESIGN:

Jade Kerouac “Zinnia Bloom” DESIGNER: Golden Threaded ACCESSORIES: (headpiece) The Blue Albatross MODEL:

DESIGN:

one of the designers who has participated in the fashion show from its beginning. “A yardage of purchased fabric intended for a skirt can mean up to 50 percent unused material. I really wanted to dive all in on a recycled material theme so my process for this collection was backwards. Instead of coming up with the design then sourcing fabrics, I had to find materials first and let them guide the process. I shopped secondhand stores and received donated materials with the only guidelines being colorful! I used so many different kinds

of materials for this collection; shower curtains, stuffed animals, Mardi Gras beads, fabric remnants from previous projects, and even my own couch!” This year will also include a fine art juried exhibition inspired by the “Micro/Macro” theme in the Rainforest Art Foundation Gallery. An exclusive Preview Dinner will be hosted at the Marlene Yu Museum on Wednesday, April 11, from 6-8 p.m. Ticketed guests can expect talks from the top three artists, and a special announcement about the exhibition. The Rainforest

Complete with performers, custom lighting, a pop‑up marketplace and most recently a fine art exhibition, the organizers of the show try to ensure guests are spellbound through the entirety of the three‑hour event.

Art Foundation Gallery will be open to the public Sunday, April 15, from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 20, doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the Textile Show. General Admission will include light hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, access to the fine art gallery, and opportunity to shop in both the Marlene Yu gift shop and Textile Show marketplace. A limited number of VIP tickets are available. VIPs will have access to their own champagne bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, prime seating and an exclusive tote bag full of gifts and special offers from local businesses. Ten percent of all sales will go to the Rainforest Art Foundation to further the foundation’s agenda to increase appreciation of nature through the arts. Once again, the Agora strives to remind the area that artists are their neighbors. Supporting each other is the most effective way to build a web of success throughout the city. Every article of clothing, piece of jewelry, and custom accessory is available for purchase directly off the runway. Each intermission allows those in pursuit of one-of-a-kind clothing an opportunity to engage with the artists and designers. Every detail is thoughtfully curated right down to the hair, make up and nails. That’s right, even the model’s nails are uniquely crafted for each outfit! The Agora’s Textile & Art Show will be an event to remember, bringing to light the talented individuals that make up Northwest Louisiana. You can experience the wonder and save yourself a seat by visiting the Agora Borealis or by calling (318) 2683011. All tickets must be picked up from the Agora at 421 Lake St., Shreveport. You can visit from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for more information.

Page 11 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

THE AGORA BOREALIS PRESENTS

MICRO/MACRO UNDER THE MICROSCOPE, INTO THE COSMOS

APRIL 20 2018 • AT THE MARLENE YU MUSEUM

Tina Craig “Support bacteria, it’s the only culture we have left” DESIGNER: Cookie DuBois Clothing ACCESSORIES: (ring) Bayou Glass Arts MODEL:

DESIGN:

Johnathan Courter

MODEL:

SWEATER FASHIONER:

Cherish McCormick DESIGN: “I would go to space but the cost is astronomical” DESIGNER: Cookie DuBois Clothing by Cookie DuBois MODEL:

Vintage Wilde “Lotus”

YOGA PANTS:

YOGA PANTS DESIGNER:

MYFashion

ACCESSORIES:

(necklace) Bayou Glass Arts

Page 12 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

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is I M P O R T A N T to us

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HOME GROWN Louisiana locals have embraced the farm-to-table movement. From first-

generation farmers to seasoned life-timers, growing your own means farming has turned into a daily part of life. Building relationships with customers, making deliveries fresh off the vine, or hand making treats for the customers they know so well - all of our Cultivate the 318 group pours every ounce of their heart and soul into their ventures. From bees that buzz to the flowers that feed, these farmers care where your food comes from and want the simplest of ingredients when making products. WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET

#cultivatethe318 Page 15 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Mahaffey Farms

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ROBISON AND DENNY CULBERT WRITTEN BY EVAN MCCOMMON

A new way of growing… Every time I meet someone new these days, I feel a little more uneasy and anxious than I did when I was younger. You would think that now in my forties I would be more confident than ever. And that would probably be true if I hadn’t made a decision several years ago that has completely changed who I am and how I see the world. When faced with new social situations and people I know I have to answer that dreaded question… “What do you do for a living?” Now, I know most people dread that question a little bit, right? But for me, it often comes with a barrage of questions that I still to this day haven’t fully figured out how to handle. Not because they are difficult questions or

what I do is in anyway hard for people to understand, in fact, it’s probably considered to be the most “simple” occupation on the planet. I’m a farmer. That’s simple enough. Where the struggle comes in for me is when they ask, “What kind of farm?” or “What made you decide to get into farming?” Maybe these two questions cause me such anxiety because I’m insecure about what people normally think of as a farmer and I feel like there is a longer explanation needed. There’s a new movement going on in farming and local food that is breathing new life and health into the community. I’m going to try and answer these questions in a way that tells the story of my farm and why I feel like what I do for a living is making a small difference in the world.

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www.MahaffeyFarms.com

THE FIRST QUESTION:

What kind of farm? Two major things set our farm apart from conventional farms. The first way our farm is unique is in our effort to practice Regenerative Agriculture. Our focus is on the whole system of animals and plants that make up an ecosystem. We mimic the patterns of nature to grow food and use this holistic approach to build soil and biodiversity without chemicals. The result is more nutrient dense, better tasting, clean food. It’s more like the old-fashioned family farms of the early 1900s but with a twist of sophistication and new technology. We grow vegetables, trees, pigs, chickens, cattle, fruit, etc., but are most well known for our pastureraised pork, chicken and beef. The second thing that makes us unique is our direct marketing. We sell our products directly to our customers and local businesses. You can come to the farm, catch us at the farmers’ market, order online for home delivery, find us in locally owned health food groceries, and on the menus of several local restaurants. THE SECOND QUESTION:

What got you into farming?

Well, you could say that I grew up on the farm, but really, I grew up on the crumbling remains of a farm. Our family farm was started here in Bossier Parish in the mid 1920s by my great-uncle, H. H. Mahaffey. He ran a couple hundred head of cattle as well as managing gardens, orchards, and a large hay operation. He died suddenly in the 1950s without children to take over, leaving his wife Nora to continue running the farm for another decade or so until it collapsed. Eventually the cattle were sold and the property went into disrepair and became an overgrown pine forest.

Sadly, this was the fate of most American family farms after WWII. Most were lost forever. Through family circumstances the land management was entrusted to me when I was about 20 years old. Timber production was our best use for the land and my efforts had been focused on forestry and conservation. Despite loving to work on the land I hadn’t considered farming full time as a possibility in my life. It wasn’t until the economic crash of 2008 and my family’s interest in eating healthier started me on a new line of thinking. The timber market was in major decline and I wanted to find a way to diversify. What if I could grow healthy sustainable food on our land along with timber? What if I brought the family farm back from the grave? This idea ignited a fire deep inside, which led me to find my purpose in life. My eyes were opened and I saw a growing local/sustainable/regenerative food movement all over the world. Shreveport’s local food scene was in its infant stages, but I could feel the demand for REAL local food. I pitched the idea to my family and they fell in love with it. Along with my wife, son and my mother, we set out on this crazy new endeavor to rebuild a family farm. We decided to call it Mahaffey Farms in honor of my uncle. By 2012, we were selling our first products at the Shreveport Farmers’ Market. Now in 2018 we’ve served thousands of customers and had people from all over the world visit our farm. We’ve been involved in dozens of community events and farm to table dinners and our farm is expanding. We have become part of something bigger. Obviously, I’m very proud to call myself a small regenerative family farmer. It’s just hard to explain what I do for a living at dinner parties.

Page 17 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Stow Valley Farms PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALLACE LEE • WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET

Husband and wife team Nikki and Mark Johnson, along with their lifelong friend Tommy Sutton, embarked on a berry-licious journey in the fall of 2016 that yielded a newfound passion: strawberries. This year, Stow Valley Farms near Ruston, Louisiana, has planted 20,000 strawberry plants on 2 acres with tender love and care. Once the foliage begins to grow in February, a field of white blooms and future strawberries follows soon after, with the luscious red berries making their appearance around March 1.

With two hives of bees to help pollinate and increase the strawberry yield, Stow Valley Farms hopes to sell out just as they did this past growing season. Stop by their Strawberry stand

116

Hodges

Road and Hwy. 33, or visit them on Saturdays at the Ruston Farmer’s Market for strawberries hand-picked by the team. Stow Valley Farms typically sells out within 2 hours of the market, so be sure to make them a first stop when you go! Page 18 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Mitcham Farms PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALLACE LEE • WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET

Mouthwatering Ruston peaches only come around once a year. When the peaches turn ripe, it’s best to swing by Mitcham Farms to grab a box before they’re all gone. A hot commodity in North Louisiana and available only as a pick-up item, Mitcham Peaches have been precious cargo ever since J.E. Mitcham Sr. planted the first orchard in 1946. So popular, Louisiana residents bearing gifts of peaches either had to drive through Ruston, Louisiana, themselves, or have someone love them enough to share their stash of peaches. Second-generation peach farmer Joe Mitcham was raised in the fields he now tends. With 25 acres of peach producing trees (around 1,500), Mitcham has been planting new trees in the rolling hills that

allow the warm sun to ripen each mouthwatering bite. If the peach season slipped by without a trip to Ruston, stop by the store just off of I-20 for any of the jarred delights pairing perfectly with fine cheeses or spread over breakfast toast. With jellies, preserves, and relishes made from their very own peaches, a gift basket can be whipped up in no time. Since there is a limited supply of peaches, it’s best to mark on the calendar May 20, since this is the date (give or take a few days) that the first crop of peaches typically starts to ripen. Peach lovers have through the beginning of August to stop by the store for some fresh peach ice cream while grabbing a bag of peaches or plums, which they grow as well.

Page 19 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Nappier Valley Farm PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN ANDERSON • WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET

Just North of West Monroe, Louisiana, lies the first-generation Nappier Valley Farm in the tight-knit community of Rocky Branch. Offering something that’s hard to come by - goat milk products, Malissa and Matt Nappier jumped feet first into the goat business and are spreading their wings to try other aspects to the farm as well by adding bee hives, chickens, and milking cows. The Nappiers and their three girls tend to the goats daily milking twice a day and feeding over 60 egg-laying chickens. What started out as an interest in a healthier, more organic life, the Nappiers left the city for 60 green acres in the country. Offering unique goat milk soaps and

lotions handmade by Malissa as well as tasty caramel treats made in their kitchen by Matt, this duo has found their niche. Schedule a Friday farm tour where city dwellers can learn how to milk a goat and see life on the farm firsthand with happy animals roaming the green field, or check their products on-line at https:// www.nappiervalleyfarm.com/ If you happen to be close, Matt enjoys personally delivering his goods so he has a chance to get to know his customers when he delivers their farm-fresh, freerange eggs. With 9 goats, 60 egg-laying chickens, 1 cow, and 3 bee hives, the Nappiers enjoy every minute of farm life and so do their animals.

Page 20 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Jennings Apiaries WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET

Cultivated locally, hand made, and pure, Jennings Apiaries is a sweet spot for lotions, honey-based products and tonics made with honey from thousands of Louisiana honey bees. With over 100 hives spanning three parishes (Claiborne, Union, and Ouachita) this husband and wife team has come a long way since their first hive in 2012. Lauren and Aaron Jennings tend to their hives themselves while providing their bees with delicious treats of lavender, bee balm, honey basil, and herbs like thyme and oregano. With bees buzzing around their favorite flowers, the golden honey yield is not limited to Jennings Apiaries, as their honey is used all over the state to brew beer, serve as a sweetener in

coffee houses, and being available in every Louisiana Whole Foods store. When the flowers come out, the honey starts flowing and Aaron beings gathering the precious gold liquid for Lauren to use in her lotions. Aaron recommends trying out the Spicy Honey Cider to take every day as preventative maintenance for your body as the elixir is anti inflammatory as well as a good decongestant. You can find these two selling honey by the gallon or any of their honey products by using their website jenningsapiaries. com to place an order and save 10% with the code BEESALE or visit the Ruston Farmer’s Market on Saturdays in the spring and summer.

Page 21 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Serve the best

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Honey-Goat Cheese Ice Cream with Chamomile Poached Peach Swirl & Honey Pecans 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup milk (I substituted almond milk with wonderful results) 4 egg yolks 1/3 cup local honey 3-4 oz local creamy goat cheese 1 poached peach (recipe below) 1 cup poached peach syrup Honey Pecans for topping • Add the cream, milk, honey, and goat cheese to the same pot and heat over medium heat, stirring until mixture barely begins to bubble on the edges and all ingredients are dissolved. Immediately remove from heat. • Whisk egg yolks together. Temper by whisking the warm cream mixture into the egg, a spoonful at a time, until you’ve added about half the cream. Pour the warmed egg mixture back into the original saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. For me, this took about 15 minutes (which can feel a bit long, but it’s worth it!) • Refrigerate mixture until chilled– ideally overnight. Process in your ice cream maker as per the manufacturer’s instructions. When ice cream is finished churning, add a layer to the bottom of a large tin. Add a drizzle of the peach syrup, then lightly swirl in with a chopstick or knife. (Don’t worry too much about swirling -- you could just drizzle it and add another layer and the swirl effect will come through just fine.) Add another layer of ice cream and repeat. Continue until all the ice cream is in the tin. • Serve with poached peaches and honey pecans on top!

Poached Peach 2 cups water 2/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp ground chamomile from tea bag 1 cinnamon stick (or about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon) 2-3 medium Ruston peaches, ripe but still firm, sliced into halves • In a pot, combine water, sugar, vanilla, chamomile, and cinnamon and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add the peaches and cook for 10-20 minutes or until peaches are tender. Remove and reserve the syrup for other uses.

Honey Pecans 2 cups local pecan halves 1/4 cup local honey • Line baking sheet with parchment for cooling and set aside. Place pecans and honey in a nonstick pan and heat over medium heat. When honey starts to bubble reduce to simmer and cook stirring for 3-4 mins. Place on parchment to cool in a single layer overnight.

Tyler Family Pecans PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALLACE LEE • WRITTEN BY JESSICA COMEGYS In late October when the leaves in Louisiana finally start to turn bright orange and red, you’ll see 100-foot-high native pecan trees start to drop their precious fruit. This brings a sense of urgency in the Red River community of Caspiana for pecan farmers James Tyler and his 87-year-old mother Louise. In the midst of this season you’ll find them scurrying around 60-plus acres underneath neatly groomed trees, picking up this golden bounty delivered by Mother Nature before the busy squirrels get to them or worse, they rot on the soggy ground. Pecans are not a fabrication of science labs or a newly franchised food factory product. The pecan tree can be dated back to native America. When not only the Mississippi but the Red rivers would flood, it created a mixture of sand, mud and silt that emptied into this rich, fertile delta, leaving behind the perfect nutrient- rich soil for a pecan tree to thrive.

In recent years, the 100-hundred-year-old trees have started to die off, but that didn’t stop Tyler’s passion for growing and harvesting this nutrient-rich nut. He’s spent many hours planting and nurturing new trees and toying with a few of the 500-plus varieties of pecans. He meticulously keeps the grass around the base neat and short, making harvesting easier. After they are gathered, they are cleaned and run through a machine for cracking. Once cracked, the nuts are shelled carefully by hand. You can always expect their phone to start ringing in the weeks before Thanksgiving from returning customers and referrals looking for the top-notch golden beauties for holiday pies and candies. You may even catch the white-bearded man selling them from the back of his truck. But never will you find such a quality item in a store with a fancy label. This is food that comes from a farm, not a factory.

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hat is GLOW Technology? We use technology every day, so we believe it also makes sense that we can use technology to Get Back Your Body. Glow uses safe, painless, and completely non-invasive LED light technology that targets troubled areas of the body and safely shrinks fat. Our clients are both men and women. They have found hard to reduce trouble spots, such as love handles, tummy bulge, saddlebags, underarms, inner thighs and more – are significantly reduced within a matter of weeks without breaking a sweat in a comfortable spa-like setting! Clients can optimize their results through simple nutrition changes and physical activity after their session, even if it’s a brisk 30-minute walk.

What about diet and exercise? Losing fat is not just about diet and ex-

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Page 25 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

DEAL on BOXED MEALS The

BY KATHY SPURLOCK

o doubt your inbox is as full as mine with offers for boxed meals. My husband and I, who love to cook, had hit not only a very busy time in our lives, but also a level of boredom with our dinner preparations. So we decided to test some of these meal plans and decide if anything was worth keeping up with to order regularly. We tested Home Chef, Plated, Blue Apron and Hello Fresh. We ordered a minimum of two weeks’ plans from each service. Here are our thoughts:All of these meal plans cost about the same -- $10-$12 per plate. Some are generous enough to leave a few leftovers, others are not. Some offer upsells for special items, like higher-end steak or seafood. Some sell other meals. Some sell wine. It’s a little scary when you look at that $60 per week for three meals. But when you break it down per meal, per person, you realize you’re probably spending that much for fast food, and definitely more when you’re ordering from a delivery service that picks up a restaurant meal and drives it to your door. All of these plans require you to have basic kitchen pans and cookie sheets, aluminum foil, olive oil, salt and pepper.

But if you select meals that feature ingredients you don’t often use, and you aren’t sure you want to keep in your pantry, they’re a great bargain. And, if you just want to test drive some new recipes – you’ve got that, too. All of the plans offer full color, illustrated recipe cards with step-by-step instructions. We had one “fail” on ours – a recipe for Greek meatballs with orzo from Plated didn’t tell us how to cook the orzo and we had never cooked it. Had to go to the Internet for that one! Home Chef was by far our favorite because of the restaurant quality of the meals we selected and ease of preparation. They really looked just like the pictures on the recipe cards! But each meal plan we tried had at least one dish that we loved, and in talking to local residents about the meal plans they’ve tried, I found people who have stuck with these services have become fiercely loyal to the plan of their choice. Others, like Terrie Roberts of Monroe, were just excited to try something new. “Oh, my goodness!” she said. “Just had my first Hello Fresh meal at my mom’s tonight. Chicken fajitas, delish. She loved the ease of preparation, no waste. Ideal for a single person.”

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PLATED

Here are some notes about all of the services we tried:

Plated’s chicken shawarma with tomatoes, cucumber and tahini tastes great, but the recipe has a lot of steps and ingredients that make this a somewhat difficult meal to throw together after work.

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Blue Apron’s Thai Curry Chicken carries a warning about the curry paste. We like heat. We only used a little of the paste because we know you can always add heat, but…. it was still too hot.

HOME CHEF Home Chef ’s fig-glazed pork tenderloin with feta-topped roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots. This very easy dish only has a few steps and is prepared in less than an hour.

All of these boxes arrived in good condition with the food still cold and ingredients still fresh. Granted, we were ordering during the winter and none of them had to withstand a hot afternoon sitting on my sunny front porch. One box actually remained outside overnight during freezing temperatures because we did not have space in our refrigerators!

Ordering in time. I missed a deadline with Hello Fresh and the selected items were not what I would have chosen.

BIGGEST SURPRISE Plated’s Beef Bolognese over roasted spaghetti squash. Three days later we were still talking about how good that was!

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT Hello Fresh’s chicken sausage pizzas. Trying a meal plan to spice up your dinners is a great idea, especially if you’re in the “if this is Monday, we must have red beans and rice” rut. You learn some new cooking techniques, try some new ingredients and keep the recipe cards to prepare these meals again.

Ramona Caldwell of Monroe is a confirmed Blue Apron fan. “Still lovin’ Blue Apron after 16 months,” she said. “Great meals, great flavors and now they have Whole 30-approved meals.” But Paula Burgess of Monroe loves a different service. “We are avid Hello Fresh fans,” she said. “I have learned so much about cooking. Jimmy doesn’t want us to stop.” And some, like busy mom Emma Heatherly Loyless of Monroe, have tried them all and gone to Freshly, a service that provides already prepared meals.

Page Page 3 27 | LOLA | LOLA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | January-February | March-April 2018 2018

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Myron Griffing & James Osborne

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By Myron Griff ing ho remembers rushing home from school to watch “The Brady Bunch”? They are probably one of the most recognizable TV families around the world, right up there with the Huxtables and Clampetts. The story of a blended family bordered on the ridiculous. But, it was the ‘70s and we didn’t have the seemingly endless options of today, so we watched. It’s fascinating when life actually does imitate “art.” This happened recently when we were called to a home in Long Lake to meet with a newly blended family. One half of this new family was Pete (and his 3 kiddos), a former bachelor client we had worked with two years prior. Since then, he had met Shelly (and her 3 kids), decided to get married, and moved into a big house along with 2 cats and 4 dogs to start a new life together. That’s a sitcom right there! Our task was to touch every room in this home with a new color palette, while focusing new purchases primarily in four rooms: dining, study/office, den/kitchen, and master suite. It is important to keep a balance of masculine/feminine when designing a home, especially with a newly meshed couple. We wanted it to look like “their” home, not just his or hers. Shelly sold her previous home with ALL the furnishings included and Pete had a ton of new items from our prior collaboration. Every new purchase had to compliment his existing items while meeting the needs of the family. In the den, one of our first finds was a HUGE sectional to accommodate the entire crew along with a couple of chairs from Pete’s house. This was accented by a large concrete coffee table and custom rug. Throw in a couple of lamps, 2 metal consoles, some awesome Blush-colored Mongolian fur pillows, and faster than Cindy can lisp her way into your heart, the den was done.

PHOTOGRAPHPY BY JARRETT WARREN

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In the dining room, we found an A-mazing wallpaper that mimicked an ancient worn wall of faded blues, greys and ivories. It serendipitously matched a highly distressed hutch perfectly. We added library molding on the walls to create a more formal vibe but, also double as a “frame” to introduce a dusty-blue accent color called Tinsmith. Custom window treatments added an additional layer of relaxed formality. Toss in a relocated wood bead chandelier, a reclaimed wood table from Pier One, chairs from At Home and a rug from HomeGoods, and quicker than Marcia can outshine Jan, the dining room was complete. The office/study is where the majority of Pete’s previous possessions (P3) found their home. The room already had great tin ceiling tiles and prism-cut crystal chandelier, which blended well with his 1940s bar, Chesterfield sofa, Acacia wood coffee table and antique brass lamp. This room has a relaxed “throw-back” vibe Page 33 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

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which makes you want to grab a drink and nestle in to read a good book or peruse the internet. For continuity, we added the same custom window treatments as the dining room. We hung muted, organic art and a rug that spirals out like the galaxy, and sooner than Carol can change her hairstyle, this room was finalized. In the master suite, we pulled our color palette from the existing tiles in the en-suite bath. At Space: interiors, we love for our ceilings to be the star of the show. We found a metallic, geometric wallpaper to guide the direction of this space. A custom headboard of swirling blues and greys; simple white/grey bedding, and modern white bedside tables topped with swirled Venetian glass lamps anchor one end of this large room. We added a modern seating area on the opposing wall surrounded by accent tables and lamps from “P3.” Toss in custom velvet window treatments, accent pillows and a few additional case goods (shelves, dresser), and swifter than cousin Oliver can annoyingly outstay his welcome, the master was finished. It is always a pleasure to work with folks whom trust you enough to allow your vision to come to life. None of this beautiful home would have been realized without this trust and for that, Pete and Shelly, we thank you a whole “Bunch!”

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SPRING TIME

Spring Wine WRITTEN BY JORDAN STEPP

s the weather starts to warm, we breathe new life into our wine choices. We break free from the cozy blanket of big cabs and gravitate toward crisp whites and light-bodied reds. Weight, not color, is the main factor in choosing wines for spring, climate being another important factor. Comparing similar climates to what we experience during spring helps me find wines with ease.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Chardonnay originated in Burgundy, France, and is one of the world’s most famous white-wine grapes. Chardonnay moved into the California wine market around 1956. By the 1970s, the number of chardonnayproducing wineries in California had doubled in less than a decade. Carneros, California, straddles the county line of Napa and Sonoma valleys, making this area one of the top regions in the world for chardonnay and pinot noir. Carneros provides a cool and windy climate, making wines higher in acidity. These wines are light to medium bodied, bursting with flavor, and ideal for spring.

Buehler Chardonnay – 100% chardonnay Carneros, Napa Valley Aromas of peach, pineapple, and citrus meet a soft, lingering finish. Malolactic fermentation creates creamy, buttery notes. I usually do not enjoy chardonnay, but this will blow your socks off. Anthony and Dominic Pinot Noir 96% pinot noir 4% syrah – Carneros, Napa Valley Warm balance of berry and spice accents. Some say this wine is medium-bodied – I consider it light-bodied and so perfect for this time of year. You be the judge. Soft tannins lead to a satisfying finish.

Sauvignon Blanc Winemakers began planting sauvignon blanc in New Zealand in the 1970s. The oceanic climate of the Marlborough region features sandy soil over slate singles; the long grow season allows grapes to achieve the desired balance of acidity and sweetness. Herbaceous flavors like green bell pepper, asparagus, and green grass are embraced by New Zealand, whereas many other wineries choose to suppress them. The lighter notes range from kiwi, green apple, and lime to guava and passionfruit.

Kono Sauvignon Blanc – 100% sauvignon blanc - Marlborough, New Zealand Fruit driven and bursting with citrus and tropical flavors. Zesty acidity makes for a long and dry finish. Kono vineyard and winery is accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). The SWNZ logo displayed on the bottle guarantees that environmentally sustainable practices have been used from the vineyard to the bottle.

I hope this helps you find your next favorite bottle!

Cheers!

Page 37 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Travel Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hidden Gems

BRIARWOOD NATURE PRESERVE

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Upon taking the drive to Briarwood, the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve, you might think you are headed to the end of the earth.

n actuality, the 224 acres in remote Saline, Louisiana, hold an abundance of natural harmony with God. It is a place of great serenity. It is a passion in natural preservation that has spanned three generations of the Johnson family. Before I get into any more detail about this breathtaking escape from humanity, let me elaborate on how it received its name and came into existence. Caroline Coroneos Dormon was an American botanist, horticulturist, ornithologist, historian, archaeologist, preservationist, naturalist, conservationist and author from Louisiana. She was born on July 19, 1888, at the family’s summer retreat at Briarwood in northern Natchitoches Parish to prominent lawyer James Alexander Dormon and the former Caroline Trotti Sweat. She was reared in Arcadia in Bienville Parish. As a child, Dormon developed a great interest in plants and wildlife. She and her siblings were encouraged to explore the longleaf pine forests of Kisatchie Wold. She was educated at Judson College in Marion, Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in literature and art. She taught for several years in Louisiana schools before succumbing

WRITTEN BY CLINTON WHITNEY DOWNING

to the primal attraction of the pine forest of her birth. Chronic ill health and an unconventional upbringing made it difficult for her to hold a standard wage-paying job, and Caroline reestablished her home at Briarwood in 1918 with her sister Virginia Miller. It was then that she began to collect and preserve native trees and shrubs. In 1921, she was lured out of her self-imposed retirement and became a representative for the Louisiana Forestry Department. She attended a Southern Forestry Congress in 1922 and persuaded the United States Forestry Service to establish a national forest in Louisiana, now known as the Kisatchie National Forest. In 1941, Dormon joined the Louisiana Highway Department as beautification consultant. She later was a landscape consultant for the Huey P. Long Charity Hospital in Pineville as well as a consultant for Hodges Gardens. Dormon also proposed what became the Louisiana State Arboretum north of Ville Platte as part of Chicot State Park, which was dedicated in 1964. The Caroline Dormon Lodge opened there in 1965, serving as a visitor center, library and herbarium of native plants. Also in 1965, she was presented with an honorary Doctor of Science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. The Dormon Collection is located at the Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Much of Caroline’s life was dedicated to Briarwood. Caroline never married though she had several suitors in her life. Her lifelong commitment to Briarwood extinguished all her relationships. Besides her sister, Caroline established a friendship with a local, Nora Patterson. Even in a time of segregation, Caroline saw beyond racial barriers. It was established that Nora did not work for her but rather with her. Nora became the right-hand lady to Caroline at Briarwood. Countless hours over the years she worked side by side with her to cultivate and preserve the native species of plants. Throughout her lifetime, Dorman rarely strayed far from her heart’s stronghold, Briarwood. With the support of Nora, her sister Virginia, and friends like Cammie Henry of Melrose

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Plantation, Edith Stern of Longue Vue, Lyle Saxon of the Federal Writers Project, John R. Swanton of the BAE, John Collier of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and others, Dorman was able to quench her vigorous thirst for knowledge on a wide span of interests. In the process she was able to enlighten and educate the public about the wondrous beauty to be found in old growth forests, hidden bogs, and Native American basketry. Once a lone voice in the wilderness of the forest, Caroline Dorman is now considered Louisiana’s first true conservationist, whose lifelong efforts helped to protect our vast natural and cultural treasures. As an author, her published works include: Wild Flowers of Louisiana, Forest Trees of Louisiana, Flowers Native to the Deep South, Natives Preferred, Southern Indian Boy and Bird Talk. Caroline Dormon passed away on November 21, 1971, in Shreveport. She was interred at the Briarwood Baptist Church Cemetery near her home. Dormon willed her home, Briarwood, to the public. Natchitoches attorney and philanthropist Arthur C. Watson organized the Foundation for the Preservation of the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve and served as its treasurer until his death in 1984. On my visit, I was greeted by the three generations of Johnson men. They were celebrating the dedication of one of the nature paths on the property to Nora Patterson, who passed away at the age of 92 in 1992. Not even the misty rain could put a damper on the day’s event as descendants of her family came to honor her life’s work with Caroline with the unveiling of the bronze plaque. The elder Richard L. Johnson, now in his 90s, and his wife Jessie moved to Briarwood in 1972 after Caroline’s passing. They helped to establish the nature preserve. He would work at the local sawmill and take $5 of each week’s earnings to pay for the pristine pine boards to build their home

envisioned by architect E. B. Dobson on the property between 1974 and 1976. They would become the curators of the preserve until mid-2013. In August 2013, his son, Robert M. Johnson and wife Denise, would return from a life in Dallas, Texas, to take over Briarwood. They would move into the home and take over as curators of the preserve. Together they worked to transition the curation while maintaining the integrity of Caroline’s mission. Three years later, their grandson and son, respectively, Robert “David” Johnson, would join them as assistant curator while studying at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. These three generations continue to live on the grounds of Briarwood to cultivate and preserve her legacy. On my day trip, Robert David treated me to a private tour of this massive acreage. It was an overcast day with a continual mist in the air that mimicked a rain forest. It was the perfect setting and climate to take in an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Though there was a shortage of blooms at this time of the year, he toured me around the grounds with the anticipation of what spring would have in store. Visualizing the meadows of wildflowers, the vast iris gardens, and the field of daffodil species had me excited to make a return trip in the spring. One of the largest known and documented White Ash trees remains on the property. It once housed the tree house fort for Caroline and her siblings as children. As we made the journey around the property, her story began to unfold among the foliage and timber. It was a treat learning about the various native trees and the aromatic properties of some of the foliage and stems of many botanical jewels. I also learned that the native Spanish moss is in the pineapple family, bananas are a berry and strawberries are in the rose hip family. It was more than one can take in within a few hours.

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It was that special moment when we took a tour through her home looking at the collections of her botanical drawings and artwork. She was a unique and multifaceted lady. Caroline Dormon can best be summed up as she was to natural conservation what Jane Goodall was to the gorillas, a true gift. Briarwood Nature Preserve is one of those hidden jewels in our state that has a great significance and relevance to our state. It is natural beauty at its finest. It is a place to gladly seek serenity. Briarwood has events that take place throughout the year. Private tours are always welcomed for scouts, schools and church groups. Twice a year, Tom Sawyer days are held at Briarwood in February and October. Volunteers fuel up on coffee and pastries before strapping on the work gloves to do a lot of work and visiting. The February event just passed, but

the next one is Oct. 27, 2018. Briarwood also holds its biggest fundraiser with its annual picnic on April 7, 2018. It cultivates the most contributions to keep the preserve sustainable throughout the year. Food, fun and festivities for the family as well as nature tours take place. It is a great day to spend in nature for a greater cause. One of my most anticipated events is the annual plant sale of native trees and bulbs to our area in Louisiana. This year’s sale takes place on Nov. 3, 2018. If you are a conservationist at heart or a southern gardener, this is the place to log into your calendar of day trips. Annual memberships and more information on this wonderful legacy of Caroline Dormon is available at www.briarwoodnp.org. All of Caroline Dormon’s books as well as postcards of her handdrawn botanical renderings are available as well. As I left that day from Briarwood, I sensed that I was not leaving behind a great display of nature but that I was gaining a refuge to retreat to for peace of mind in one of the most heavenly places on earth tucked in the middle of our state. I hope to return to the writer’s cabin on the grounds for more inspiration and storytelling.

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e’ve come a long way from Emily Post’s first book on wedding etiquette in 1922. Some tidbits of advice have stood the test of time. Having both sets of parents meet before the wedding is still a must, but no wearing white as a wedding guest can be broken, as long as in good taste. In my experience with weddings, being an attendant, and being the bride, I have always felt it best to err heavy on the side of classic. I am a believer in timeless, with a bit of new age flair to set your special day apart. Your wedding registry should be no different. Keep it classic, but your still you own style. With all the “do’s and don’ts” it can be hard to decide what will best suit your style and your new home. After all, the wedding pieces you choose will be with you for life, just like your groom. We’ve asked the experts to give us a few tips on making your wedding registry stand the test of time.

TIPS FROM THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS: JESSICA COMEGYS ◆ When it comes to registering, choose items that you know you will use every day in your home. My top item is a quality dinnerware that is durable, dishwasher and microwave safe. ◆ There are so many beautiful options out there now that fit what I call “requirements”. Try to avoid trendy patterns and colors. Who doesn’t remember their mother’s beige plates with yellow flowers from the 70’s? The last thing you want to be stuck with is a set of expensive dinnerware that doesn’t match your updated decor in 10 years and not even an eBay buyer would want. ◆ A big trend these days is mixing everyday and fine china. Or, If you want a classic look with a little flair, try a patterned charger to add a pop of color. ◆ Be sure to register for a few extra place settings. Over the years you may break a piece and it can be difficult finding a replacement.

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FROM LEWIS GIFTS DO SOME research before registering- come look in our store! Check out the various patterns of China and everyday dishes and all the beautiful entertaining and servicing pieces you’ll fall in love with. REGISTER 6-8 months before the wedding. MAKE AN appointment with our bridal consultants and reserve plenty of time to have your perfect bridal registry. REGISTER FOR ITEMS that you know you will use and enjoy, whether for entertaining or everyday use. So put some thought in how you would like to live and entertain!

BESIDES the bridal basics of China, flatware, glassware and serving pieces, you will also need bedding, rugs, lamps, and home accessories you can add to your list. YOU CAN start a bridal registry online and then finish off in the store. YOUR GUESTS can shop online - your registry will be on our bridal website for convenience and online shopping.

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THE MAN MATTERS TIPS TO IN CLU DE YO U R GR O O M

3 Today’s bride’s lifestyle is more casual and

filled with more casual gatherings and grooms are often the cook of the household.

1 Today’s brides have become more

practical and are registering for things they know will be put to great use by her and the groom. 2 Dual registration for the bride and groom are typical in today’s world with the groom having a say in the selections as much as the bride.

Today’s Groom is requesting that he list

4 things like barware, grilling accessories

and Vanguard horn handled steak knives and serving pieces for great outdoor entertaining.

5 Sheets and towels are especially important to include your groom in on making the best choice for you both.

EAT CLEAN - EAT PRETTY NUTRITION FOR LIFE ON THE GO Caspiana Catering Boutique

Page 53 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018 Page 53 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

A fast and fresh wedding shower appetizer to wow your guests!

Fresh Avocado Fruit Salad 1 jar refrigerated orange and grapefruit sections, rinsed, drained, and patted dry 1 jar refrigerated tropical mixed fruit in light syrup, rinsed, drained, and patted dry 2 cups cubed fresh cantaloupe 1 medium-size ripe avocado, halved and cut into chunks 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons lime juice Garnishes: light sour cream, crushed pistachios • Toss together first 6 ingredients. Cover and chill 1 hour. Garnish, if desired.

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Page 55 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

F O L L O W U S O N F A C E B O O K & I N S TA G R A M

NAVIGATING

FOOD LABELS

o eat organic or to not eat organic…that is the question. In my opinion, the answer is to eat organic, but allow me to explain.

INTEGRATE YOUR HEALTH with Dr. Nicole Cotter

here are many buzz words used by the food industry to sell product. Some of these labels are useful and some completely meaningless. It can be a challenge to navigate through this marketing maze, but understanding a few key terms will be well worth your time, benefit your health, and help you to spend your money where it matters most. One of the terms most commonly touted by the health food industry is “organic,” but what does that mean? In short, organic is a labeling term that means pesticides were not used in the production of that food item. There is an ongoing argument about whether organic produce is nutritionally superior to nonorganic produce and in some ways, it does appear to be. However, the more important question

in determining the importance of the “organic” label may not be “What does organic food have that nonorganic does not?” but rather “What does organic food NOT have that nonorganic does?” The answer: chemicals that could be detrimental to your health and the environment. The USDA’s definition of organic states that “synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used” in the production of organic food. Sign me up! Choosing organic products is a way to diminish our exposure to some of these potentially harmful chemicals. Certified Organic is a certification provided by the USDA, meaning that the farm has met the standards for organic practices. Keep in mind that, for many reasons, some excellent farms lack organic certification but follow organic standards.

Page 56 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

With regards to nutrition, we do know that the minute produce is harvested, it starts to lose some of its nutritional value. Therefore, eating LOCAL is preferred. The farther food must travel to get to your kitchen, the greater the loss of nutritional value. If you are eating locally, you are also getting food that is in season. Seasonal foods are picked at the height of freshness and offer greater nutritional content than out-of-season foods. They are also usually less expensive. Ever wonder why strawberries taste better in the summer or their price doubles in the winter? Strawberries are out of season in winter, so the crop has traveled a far distance to arrive in our supermarkets. It is easier to eat on a budget (and afford the organic options) if you buy foods that are in season. You can find local and seasonal food at your Farmer’s Market, giving you the opportunity to meet and talk to your farmers. Ask them about their farming practices. Do they use pesticides? Do they follow organic practices? These questions can create meaningful discussion and allow you to make informed decisions about the food you feed your family. The Environmental Working Group puts out a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce each year. They provide a list of the “Dirty Dozen” (the twelve fruits and vegetables found to have the most pesticide residues) and the “Clean Fifteen” (the fifteen fruits and vegetables found to have few if any pesticide residues). If you can’t buy all your produce organic, reference this list and try to at least buy the Dirty Dozen organic and save your money with conventionally grown Clean Fifteen. (Dr. Cotter’s health plug: Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that organic equals healthy. An organic hot dog is still a hot dog, right?) Other areas of the food industry with an abundance of buzz words are the meat, dairy and egg industries. When you think of beef, you probably have an image of a cow grazing peacefully in a field of green grass. When you think of eggs, you may have an image of a hen laying an egg in an uncrowded space. The reality is that almost all the meat, eggs, and dairy products found in a supermarket come from animals raised in confinement feedlots. They are fed corn, soy, and other inexpensive products, while often being treated with hormones and antibiotics to manage diseases that occur as a result of the confinement

PHOTO CREDITS: MISTY SWILLEY

DIRTY DOZEN (EWG 2017)

1. Strawberries 2. Spinach 3. Nectarines 4. Apples 5. Peaches 6. Pears 7. Cherries 8. Grapes 9. Celery 10. Tomato 11. Sweet Bell Peppers 12. Potatoes

Page 57 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

CLEAN FIFTEEN (EWG 2017)

1. Sweet Corn 2. Avocado 3. Pineapple 4. Cabbage 5. Onions 6. Sweet peas 7. Papaya 8. Asparagus 9. Mangos 10. Eggplant 11. Honeydew Melon 12. Kiwi 13. Cantaloupe 14. Cauliflower 15. Grapefruit

and altered diet. Beef from cows that are fed their native diet (grass) and raised in a pasture has superior nutritional value to that of feedlot beef. The same is true for other animal protein and eggs. When purchasing meat or eggs, it is ideal to seek out local farms and avoid the traditional supermarket altogether. While the practices of “grass-fed” and “pasture-raised” are important, these claims are largely unverified on food labels. The best way to ensure you are getting a product that meets your standards is to know the farmer who raised the animal and see the farm for yourself. If you do shop at the supermarket, research your products, read your labels, and educate yourself on the meaning of those labels. Talk to your butcher. Talk to your farmer. We fortunately have several farms in our area that care for their animals and provide quality, trusted products. The best way to start learning about the food you eat is to simply start paying attention. Think about how produce is grown or how animals are raised and you will naturally start to question the products available to you. Check out the Animal Welfare Institute’s “Consumer’s Guide to Food Labels and Animal Welfare” to educate yourself about food labels. Meet your local farmers. Visit a Farmer’s Market. With a little thought and constructive questioning, you can make wise choices about the food you eat and your health in general.

Dr. Nicole Cotter is a board-certified Integrative Medicine doctor in Shreveport, Louisiana. She graduated from LSU School of Medicine. She completed residency in Internal Medicine and fellowships in both Rheumatology and Integrative Medicine. She is the owner of Integrative Medicine of Shreveport-Bossier (www. integrativemedicinesb.com), a consultative practice where she partners with patients to create personalized health plans that integrate complementary medicine with conventional to care for the whole person.

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Page 58 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Page 59 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Written by

DONESA WALKER, LEARNINGRX

TIPS

that will make this the best LEAP year ever

and help with every test to come, too!

t’s that time of year again when the dreaded high-stakes LEAP testing looms over schools across the state. The mandatory LEAP2025, or Louisiana Educational Assessment Program, is designed to provide insight into how well our schools are instilling grade-level skills and knowledge, but for families, it’s often a high-pressure time of stress and dread, especially with testing changing constantly and pass/fail attached. Obviously the best way to get a good LEAP score is to know the material and be able to recall and use it in a timely manner. Aside from that, there are things students and parents can do to make taking the LEAP and other tests a little easier.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to help your child take better LEAPs is a different kind of test –

A COGNITIVE SKILLS TEST... Just one weak skill can keep your child from doing well on LEAP and school in general."

Page 60 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Parents can start by going over these tips with their students: 1. Pay close attention to all the directions. Don’t just assume you’ll know how to fill in the blank or when to stop. Practice bubbling in answers. 2. Use all the time. If you finish the test and have time left over, review your work. Make sure you’ve answered all the questions, shown your work and used proper punctuation. 3. Skip the hard questions and move on. Come back to them if you have time. 4. Finish the test! If you’re running out of time, quickly scan what remains and take your best guess on multiple choice questions. You’ll have a better chance of getting it right than if you write down nothing at all. 5. Breathe deeply! Stress and shallow breathing can cause each other. If you breathe more than 15 times per minute your brain gets 40 percent less oxygen than needed for normal functioning. This oxygen deprivation is often why kids who should do well on tests, simply don’t. To reduce stress, and increase oxygen levels, take a deep breath, briefly hold it and slowly let it out. Repeat five times.

Parents can also help their child take a great LEAP with these: 6. Make sure they get a good night’s sleep. Studies show a sleepy brain works harder and accomplishes less. Sleep deprivation decreases attentiveness, response time, memory and performance.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to help your child take better LEAPs is a different kind of test – a cognitive skills test. This will assess their underlying mental skills like attention, memory, logic and reasoning, processing speed and visual and auditory processing. Just one weak skill can keep your child from doing well on LEAP and school in general. After the assessment pinpoints your child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, you can focus on the best ways to make weak skills stronger, which will lead to better LEAPs and a lifetime of easier learning and testing.

DONESA WALKER, LEARNINGRX

Longtime educator, reading coordinator and dyslexia specialist Donesa Walker, is the Executive Director and Owner of LearningRx Shreveport/Bossier City. LearningRx specializes in identifying weak cognitive skills and strengthening them through intense, one-onone, game-like brain training. For a free twopage guide with more test-taking tips, email Donesa at d.walker@learningrx.net.

7. Feed them well. The right combination of foods can help them get that good night’s sleep and power up their brain. “Carbohydrates are associated with producing serotonin which can be a calming influence,” says Shreveport registered dietician and counselor Emily Cascio. “So an extra serving of complex carbs, such as whole grains, at dinner or before bed can help initiate sleep. Protein is associated with making them more alert – making it an essential part of a pretest breakfast.” 8. Water them. Even slight dehydration can cause a physical shrinkage of the brain and impair concentration and thinking. 9. Encourage them. Studies show kids do better work when praised for their effort, not for their grades or results. Instead of focusing on getting top scores, encourage them to work their hardest and try their best and the scores will follow. 10. Practice. The Louisiana Department of Education’s Testing Resource Center at LouisiananBelieves.com is loaded with materials to help kids with the various LEAP tests. Don’t overdo it! After all, the LEAP is designed to test what your children know, not what they can cram in with test prep materials. But simply running through a previous LEAP may reduce some of the stress because they’ll know what’s coming. Page 61 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

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Ruston Fashion Week is back this Spring!

Ruston’s Fashion Week was created in the fall of 2015 when several local downtown businesses came together to coordinate a week-long experience centered on the impressive selection of products and brands that are represented in Ruston. What began as a grassroots effort to showcase Ruston’s thriving retail community has transformed into a celebration of our wealth of creativity, highlighting local designers, artists and boutiques, all while introducing upcoming trends to fashion enthusiasts. 2016 was an incredible year for Ruston Fashion Week. Following the inaugural event’s success, local merchants partnered with Ruston’s main street organization and the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau to expand Fashion Week possibilities. Merchants and local businesses teamed up to host runway shows and cultural events. Local artists, university students, and even restaurants came on board to create excitement from residents and engagement from surrounding communities. The week ended with a sold-out finale event held in a vacant warehouse in downtown Ruston.

thefashionofruston.com Page 71 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

The first public party of its kind, guests danced the night away to Los Angeles-style entertainment in an exclusive venue. Now solely under the organization of Ruston’s Main Street Association, Ruston Fashion Week 2018 promises to be bigger and better than ever. Events throughout the week will showcase the unique and creative community that is Ruston. We’re excited to say even more diverse types of business are participating – emphasizing fashion trends in children’s clothing, home décor, and even in the culinary scene. You can still look forward to the festive parties, extended shopping hours, designer trunk shows, and more that Ruston Fashion Week has offered in the past, but we have some new things in store as well. Over 20 businesses have signed on, most located in downtown Ruston’s shopping district, and formed partnerships to produce much larger, block party-style events. And Friday night’s street party is one not to be missed. Twinkling lights, music, delicious food, flowing drinks… Imagine having all this in an entire block of Ruston’s thriving downtown district shut down for you to party with 500 of your closest friends. Well, that’s much like what’s happening Friday, April 13, on West Mississippi Avenue in downtown Ruston. The evening will begin with a Sip & Stroll from 6-8 p.m. Participating fashion week locations will be staying open late for you to browse while enjoying the festive downtown

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atmosphere. At 8 p.m., the sun is going down and the street dance is starting up. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site for your enjoyment. Be sure to bring your ID for the purchase of alcohol. Tickets for this event are only $5 but must be purchased in advance. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find them at our sponsor Durrett Law & Titleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location during regular business hours. To learn more about Ruston Fashion Week, find a list of participants, and see fashion week activities, follow along at facebook.com/ rustonfw and on Instagram @ rustonfashionweek.

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beautiful

BLOOMS BY “THE FLOWERBED LADY” TAMMIE DAVIS

Page Page 72 76 | LOLA | LOLA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | January-February | March-April 2018 2018

I have always loved being outside and growing plants. It is something us Southern women have instilled in us at a young age. Gardening is a genuine passion of mine, so much so that I decided to share my passion with others and formed my business. Since then, I have built up a monthly clientele and gladly welcome new customers. There is nothing more exciting than waking up on a warm spring morning to enjoy a cup of coffee outside on the porch. You can smell and hear the earth coming back to life after a cold, dreary winter. In the planting world, spring is just as exciting to a gardener as Christmas morning is to a child. Your flower beds are one of the first things a guest, potential home buyer, or family member will see as they drive up to your home. Your home is the cake, and your flower beds are the icing on the cake. Who wants to eat cake without icing? WEEDS | In the spring, one of your biggest obstacles will be the weeds. They love to come to life in warmer weather. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an easy way to get rid of weeds other than digging them up. I am not a fan of using chemicals to kill weeds. I believe chemicals can wreak havoc in our soil and create

future weeds. Weeds love unattended areas that receive sunlight, so it is very important to cover any exposed areas with pine straw or mulch. In my opinion, pine straw is more effective in keeping weeds at bay. COLOR SCHEME | When you are planting shrubs, pick a color scheme and mimic that color throughout your landscape. I like to plant in groupings of three with particular plants that will bloom separately throughout the year. This way there is always something colorful to admire. I follow this same color pattern with bedding plants, annuals or perennials, or a combination of both. CLEANING AND PLANTING | I generally use annuals and change them out in the fall and spring. I start in the spring by cleaning out my flower beds. I remove any debris, weeds, and clippings that may have fallen after shaping up my existing shrubs. Once that is done, I add some new soil into the existing soil and mix in a slow-release fertilizer. I turn the soil and mix it all together. Once that step has been completed, I start planting the flowers that I have selected to coordinate with my existing shrubs. After I have completed planting my spring flowers, I then top everything with mulch to help retain moisture. PRUNING | If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pruned your Crepe Myrtles, you

Page Page 73 77 | LOLA | LOLA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | January-February | March-April 2018 2018

“Any lawn can be beautiful.” may have time to prune them before they start showing signs of new growth. Late winter is the best time to prune a Crepe Myrtle. They bloom on new growth, so trimming them will increase the amount of blooms. There is an art to trimming these beautiful southern trees. You do not want to hack them down and commit Crepe murder. This is chopping them down too low and creating ugly knots. It isn’t healthy for your Crepe Myrtles either, and only allows whip-like shoots to grow. You want to see the beautiful mottled bark on maturing trunks. I start with my hand pruners and remove all the suckers coming from the base and also the ones on each branch. My goal is to have the larger branches growing straight up and completely cleaned of any smaller twig-like branches. In our area, we usually have one last freeze before Easter, so it is best to wait until after Easter to plant annuals. I know it takes a lot of restraint to wait that long, but better safe than sorry. If you are planting shrubs, they will need to be watered thoroughly several times each week for the first month. Hand

water with your hose, adding enough water to fill up the hole that you dug to plant the shrub. If you plant late in the summer, you will want to water daily, due to the heat. WATERING | Watering is the most important step in maintaining your flower beds. You need to know how much to water each planting. Annuals can get water logged and develop root rot. This is very common in Vinca flowers. They require very little water as opposed to Zinnias that require more watering. I do a lot of hand watering with the hose and use our irrigation system for the grass only. This method helps me determine if one area of my flower beds need more water and attention than others. It takes more work, but if you want to reap the rewards of beautifully manicured flower beds, you will have to put forth the effort. Any lawn can be beautiful. The sky is the limit as to the type of shrubs, annuals, perennials, bulbs, and trees that you can plant. And if you want those gorgeous flower beds but don’t want to battle the bugs and heat, call me. I’ll help you obtain the most beautiful flower beds on the block. If you have any questions about my services, please call me. Happy planting!

Page Page 72 78 | LOLA | LOLA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | January-February | March-April 2018 2018

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A Good

outhern Woman

Winston Churchill once said, “The most beautiful voice in the world is that of an educated southern woman.”

WRITTEN BY: TERI NETTERVILLE

or us southern women, however, the most beautiful voice in the world is the voice of our daughters, once they discover it and then find the courage to use it. For when we make the choice to use our voice to make the world a better place, the universe will step aside and allow us to do just that. A good southern woman will teach ya that. Here’s the thing about a good, traditional southern woman: We are very proud of our heritage. ...Very proud of who we are, what we stand for and where we come from. Those of us who have chosen and look forward to being wives and mothers relish in our roles as the one who keeps the household managed and the heartstrings strumming. Yes, we quite like being the gatekeeper to the hearts of those we hold near and dear to our own heart.

Page 81 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

We are good daughters, mothers, sisters, cousins and very good company. We are strong enough to lift up our men, while simultaneously making them weak in the knees. We feel empowered when we outshine or outsmart an opponent who felt they were above us simply because of the way we look, the way we talk or the way we move across a room. There are actually quite a few misconceptions about a southern woman, but the reality of these misconceptions might surprise many who aren’t from around these parts. Sometimes, people mistake our southern kindness for weakness, our southern charm for flirtation, our southern accent for backwoods thinkin' and our quiet strength for being submissive. But it doesn’t take too terribly long for them to realize that our kindness is simply our natural approach; our southern accent is just an indicator to where we hail from, and our quiet strength derives from southern wisdom that we garnered by watching our own mamas who were able to maintain a calm composure during life’s many storms. My paternal grandmother, Grace Ann Allen Spinks, was the quintessential southern woman. In my eyes, she was the perfect picture of how a southern woman should look, behave and carry herself. She was the pinnacle for me. In fact, I would have to say that she was the one southern woman in my life who left the greatest impact on my heart.

We feel empowered when we outshine or outsmart an opponent who felt they were above us simply because of the way we look, the way we talk or the way we move across a room.

Her grand influence over my life is etched in the deepest pockets of my heart. And the light of her gracious southern spirit will live in mine forever. Young, blonde, beautiful and statuesque in high school, Grace Allen was slated to become valedictorian for her high school class when she met my Methodist preaching

grandfather at a tent revival in her hometown. In an instant, her world was changed forever. It wasn’t too long after that first meeting that she broke off her engagement with the town pharmacist and gave her hand in marriage to this handsome Methodist preacher who had stolen every part of her heart… and all of this to the chagrin of her Baptist Bible-thumpin’ mama, the woman we all called “Gran.” That’s another thing you must understand about a good and strong southern woman: Once we’ve made up our mind and heart, there isn’t much that can be done to stop us. We are capable of thinking rationally and logically, but we usually go with our gut when it comes to matters of the heart. Gracie, as we grandkids called her, was the consummate preacher’s wife. She taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, made more covered dishes than you can shake a stick at and extended her sweet friendship to everyone in the community…Methodist or not. She had the beautiful God-given ability to play the piano by ear; she always wore the latest fashion trends with refined taste and could talk football with anyone at any time. Her beauty was undeniable, while her sense of humor could disarm a drill sergeant. She was a spectacular hostess at social gatherings and had the ability to set those around her at ease, no matter the situation or circumstance. This is an art form perfected by good southern women. On top of that, she also made time to volunteer at the Methodist Children’s Home, while continuing to successfully cater to the needs of her beloved husband and three children. They were her whole world. THIS was what I grew up believing was the standard of a strong, capable, precious and good southern woman. What we are taught by the good southern women in our lives, from a very early age, is that kindness is the master key that unlocks the door to goodness and ultimate greatness. Once we open that door, we are led down the corridor of faith that leads us straight to our divine purpose for this world. Southern women are a fascinating bunch, to say the least. We are a paradoxical blend of strength and softness. We can be that soft place to land, while also being the reservoir of steely strength with firm resolve to move forward even when our world feels like it has fallen apart. This is in our DNA. It is embedded in the deepest part of who we are as southern women. We carry on in the light of great faith, even during those times when the light in our own life has been dimmed by one of life’s inevitable hurts. We are souls born to rely on our intuition when logic has no place in the decision we are forced to make. We believe this is a gift from God. We believe we are a gift from God. And we

Page 82 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

believe our children are our greatest gift from Him. In order to leave a lasting legacy that our daughters will want to carry on, we must do as the southern women before us did. We must stand on the side of righteousness, while encouraging our daughters to do the same. We must master the art of inspiration in a world that attempts to force cynicism on us. We must always find ways to empower the powerless, while doing our best to shed our own worry and fear that can tend to shade our hopeful hearts at times. We must choose to be the guiding light for those who feel lost in the dark. All of this we learned from the good southern women in our lives. Southern women are strong and fearless in their pursuit of ultimate happiness for themselves and for the ones they hold so dear and close to their hearts. There is nothing quite like a good, strong southern woman of great hope and great faith. Our southern mamas taught us that, too. We give God all the glory for it. And lastly, good southern women always like to... keep it southern real. As ever, Teri Netterville

Southern women are a fascinating bunch, to say the least. We are a paradoxical blend of strength and softness. We can be that soft place to land, while also being the reservoir of steely strength with firm resolve to move forward even when our world feels like it has fallen apart.

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You know what it feels like to have a safe place to share your struggles? A community of women who welcome you as you are and support you to get where you want to be? An uplifting environment with the tools and resources to help you go further, be a leader, build you up and help you succeed?

Jeannette Sibley and Christy Johnson

his is what Christy Johnston and Jeanette Sibley envisioned for the local community when they sat down at Taziki’s for a quick lunch in November 2016 and set a plan to change the lives of young women. Christy, a single mother with two children, was born and raised in the Bossier area and grew up with a tumultuous and unstable childhood. She was born to high school addicts, and raised between her mother, her father and her grandparents. Throughout her childhood she lived in 27 different homes, including a stint at the local Young Women’s Christian Association. Afraid to disappoint her mother and tell her she didn’t want to live with her, at 14 Christy tried to take her own life as a way to get out. Christy was then adopted by another family member and remembers pretending to be a “normal” teenager to just blend in during high school. Soon though, Christy became pregnant and married the father of her child. After high school, she began working in retail sales positions. From here she worked her way up the corporate ladder including positions in training, management, hiring and promoting teams and brands and she acquired many awards and accolades along the way. Because of her past, in essence, she spent most of time in these positions seeking out driven women like herself, who she could mentor and help get to the next step in their life, something she wishes she had when she was younger.

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Now, Christy has a very successful long-term career in sales and marketing and is also an entrepreneur. She has partnered with Bee Hippie, local bath and body brand, to launch Queen Bee Hippie, a natural beauty and hair care line. Her passion is to help young women develop confidence and self love, empowering them to develop leadership abilities and find independence.

Jeannette, originally from San Diego, California, has always had a passion for helping young women. She left home at 16 and lived out of a truck until she found out she was pregnant. She then moved back home before having her first child at 17. She married at 19, and by age 22, she had filed bankruptcy. After several trying years, at 27 she took a financial course and learned financial independence. This allowed her the freedom to leave her failing marriage. She bought a home in 2006, and after the market crash in 2008, she found herself with a failing business and lost her home, moving into an apartment. She refused to allow circumstances to define her, and found a coach and

business mentor who encouraged her to keep pushing toward her goals. Eventually she became 1 of the 2 short sale specialists in the ShreveportBossier City area. Jeannette is now happily married with 4 sons, and is a highly successful Real Estate professional, a productivity coach and a licensed Insurance agent. Her goal is to provide mentorship to give young women the tools to learn the essential money management skills needed for financial independence. So back to that lunch at Taziki’s. Christy and Jeannette have been friends for over 20 years and have shared the same passion of empowering women, but only then at that lunch did they make a pact to make their vision a reality. In May 2017, Altered was launched. Though they are two powerhouses, this was not done alone. They knew they needed a tribe of powerhouses along with them. Christy and Jeanette reached out to women in the community who they knew exemplified the strong characteristics needed to add value to the organization and to the mentorship program. This team is now the dynamic group of ambassadors who bring their unique backgrounds and skill sets to the organization. The Altered ambassadors are the tribe of dedicated and diverse women who are passionate about developing confident and empowered young women. So what exactly is Altered NWLA? Altered NWLA is a local non-profit organization that provides mentorship and empowerment programs for young women between the ages of 16-25 in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. The mission is to provide a network for young women to access information,

tools, and resources needed to ALTER their path in life. The name Altered represents women being/ feeling ACCOUNTABLE. LOVED. TRANSFORMED. EMPOWERED. RESILIENT. EDUCATED. DRIVEN and is a collective summary of our statement of affirmation that “I Am.” How powerful is that?! The curriculum is designed to develop and encourage leadership ability, define and achieve personal goals, teach financial literacy, explore individual career options, research and seek continuing education, as well as develop basic life skills needed for a solid foundation to build a successful and happy future. These courses dive deeper into these areas and are instructed by volunteers or local leaders and mentors. Each student attends bi-monthly group classes and has their own mentor who is directly accessible one-on-one. This one-on-one and class interaction with the mentors demonstrates resilience and helps the young girls understand they are not alone and someone will be by their side through it all. Moreover, this organization is open to women of all walks of life and is free of charge. Inspiring young women to believe in themselves, to reach higher and dream bigger is Altered’s passion, because when young women are given a chance, they can impact the community. Altered lifts and supports young women from all backgrounds to build a better and brighter future not only for themselves, but for all women in our community. The organization seeks to find the future CEOs for our community, the world-changers, the speakers and the leaders. Even though Altered is still in the infancy stages, they have already made huge impacts in some of the young ladies’ lives. These ladies willingly find a way to show up twice a month early on a Saturday morning to be loved on, filled up and supported.

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ACCOUNTABLE. LOVED. TRANSFORMED. EMPOWERED. RESILIENT. EDUCATED. DRIVEN.

HERE IS WHAT A FEW OF THE LADIES HAD TO SAY: Kayleigh, a 16-year-old mentee, said, “Altered has helped me come out of my shell a lot and showed that there are more ways of life then just getting high on a bunch of drugs. I feel as if before Altered, I was in a mindset where drugs were the only thing I cared about. All my money went to drugs and this program has motivated me to better myself and actually want to take care of myself.” Nicole, a 25-year-old mother in the program, said, “Altered has helped me in so many ways… I have learned that self love is so important for a healthy and independent

Christy Johnson Co-Founder

Jeannette Sibley Co-Founder

Mandy Smith Ambassador

Turaeza “Tess” Lopez-Hose Social Media/ Marketing Director

you. Without self-love, you kind of leave the door open for toxic people to walk into your life. I’ve also learned that with the right support group you can move mountains.“ Imagine the community-changing possibilities! Altered’s first year has been greater than anticipated and will continue to grow. With this growth Altered will be seeking additional ambassadors, mentors, sponsors and students for the program. If you would like to register a student or you are interested in becoming a mentor, please visit us at alterednwla.org for more information.

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By Donesa Walker winter winds down and I look forward to spring, I watch for the small green shoots to begin poking their arms up from the ground and the tiny buds to raise their heads on my rose bushes. This year holds a special spring for me as the year of many changes in my garden, and not the one I tend in my yard. This year, the changes are to my garden of life. My sons are crossing new thresholds in college, career and family choices, while my husband is making a career change after retiring from his first career. So, I became pretty reflective on this as I make plans to celebrate these changes and I realized that these changes to my garden of life can be quite shaking to me much like a storm to a garden bed. Rules for gardening include having the proper implements to use when planting, nurturing, watering, pruning and harvesting. So, what implements should I have in my garden of life as I walk through these important steps of spring? A good tiller, a hoe, gloves, a pair of pruning shears... hmmm... Planting requires good soil, the plants or seeds, and of course, the right fertilizer. Digging up worn-out ground soil of old habits in life is hard when you have invested hours, days, months

and years spreading and growing roots there. Scripture alludes over 16 times to this process of growing and planting as it was an important part of the culture of that day and time. I think a good tiller is one of the main implements I need in this new experience. Guidance, like a good fertilizer, comes from wise words of truthful friends and most importantly from the One who knows and numbers all the hairs on my head that are even fewer than they were a year ago! Growing requires the soil of life to be aerated with truth so that new roots with new depths can take place in life. Often this means that a painful process of tilling up happens, and this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fun or always easy. It means that truth speaking by friends and colleagues has to be taken and examined, even acted upon without delay. The fallowed ground of life will often begin to take shape and shake up the status quo. Then the seeds and plants of newness can be planted. From experience, lots of the watering that takes place at this point is with tears. Buckets of tears can water the new as the old is exposed and reformed. Change is not easy and for some of us, seems impossible, but new things can only grow if we are willing to take on this process. Sometimes, this process requires letting go of others that are attached and growing in the same soil, separation and moving on so that they too may grow stronger and richer. Letting go of

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the young ones that have grown up under the protection of the main plant encourages growth of the main plant as well as the young ones. Now that the inevitable has happened and change has come, new has begun to grow in this tilled-up ground. Learning to walk in the new without stumbling into the old and comfortable is my challenge. Accepting that this new growth is the best and now I have some pruning to do on myself. The ground around me has changed and I have replanted into new areas, watered and fertilized so that I am adjusting and even beginning to put out new growth and now you want me to prune me… seriously? I like my thorns and flowers just where they are, thank you very much. But I do understand that this new area of growth may require me to pull back in some areas and branch out in others… oh, that is what pruning is about? Pruning requires gloves and shears for a reason because it is a process that means reshaping the plant to grow in new directions, catch sunlight in a new way and encourages more growth than even the replanting did as that was somewhat a shock to the plant’s system. Pruning may require pulling back on connections with other “plants” and activities to reconnect and reprioritize things like marriage and spouse. Pruning may require a letting go of the other plants that

have become interwoven so they may separate and grow on theirown. Pruning definitely requires someof the thorniness to be alleviated so that new buds can grow and produce life, color, beauty and fragrance. Developing the fruit of the plant means cutting off the dead weight that has hindered the plant and it means plucking up the weeds and thistles that have choked off the life of the plant. Weeding is my least favorite part of gardening as it is the part that is tedious, constant and requires a tenacious dedication. For some, weeds are beautiful and fragrant in the right placement, such as my favorite wisteria, but it will just as soon choke a tree and cut off its life source if allowed. Plucking those weeds can be harsh as some of these “weeds” have flourished by my side, taking from me the nourishment my plants needed without me realizing it and they have become beautiful to look at and deadly to my life source. Like social media and even work sometimes, taking time from my family, giving back some beauty but ultimately sucking life from me… time to weed those places, things and people that are not helping my garden to grow healthy. Storms will come and go, rain with fall, drought will happen, but if I am firmly rooted in the right things while I am planted on the solid rock, then I will weather these storms and become more beautiful inside and the garden of my life with produce fruit for all to enjoy. Ultimately, having a garden is about the harvest… what kinds of harvest am I growing in my garden? For today, I intend to plant the right seeds of kindness, mercy, gentleness, patience, love, joy, peace and meekness as I desire a harvest of these same. I cannot plant an acorn and get a rose nor can I plant hate and grow love. I’m putting my gloves on to get to work on this garden of my life.

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Louisiana When it snows in Louisiana, everyone comes out to play! Thank you to our Facebook followers for sharing their winter fun with us.

Photo from: Elva Romero

Photo from: Kelli Bagley Miers Photo from: Marisol Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal

Photo from: Kathy May Ross

Photo from: Lindsay Suzanne Smith

Page Page92 2 || LOLA LOLAMAGAZINE MAGAZINE || March-April March-April2018 2018

Photo from: Emily Young Feazel

Photo from: Ashley Dalton Atkins

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Photo from: Carli Tidwell Tuma Photo from: Danae Guillory Day

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Page Page93 3 || LOLA LOLAMAGAZINE MAGAZINE || March-April March-April2018 2018

Photo from: Melanie Alexander

2018 Winners: (L to R) Madeline Kaufman & Lizzie Hummel with Corre Stegall

Corre in her time as National President

A SISTERHOOD of LEADERSHIP

LOUISIANA TECH STUDENTS RECEIVE THE CORRE ANDING STEGALL LEADERSHIP AWARD- KAPPA DELTA’S HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL COLLEGIATE HONOR.

BY MADELINE KAUFMAN

ollege. It’s something that you think about a lot growing up. What will it be like? Where will I go? How will I be involved? People tell you it’s where you’ll meet lifelong friends and make memories you’ll tell your kids about. And, hopefully, you’ll get a great education! Possibly every day of your college experience was exactly as you envisioned. Maybe it was nothing like you expected. Or

maybe, if you’re like me, it’s a little bit of both. Sororities seemed fun when I saw pictures on web sites, but envisioning my college experience, I didn’t see myself in a sorority. I pictured myself going off to swim competitively and forging an incredible comeback story - the girl who was diagnosed with Paradoxical Vocal Chord Dysfunction and went on to be a collegiate swimmer. Fortunately, the Lord had a very different plan -- one that included meeting some of the most selfless, incredible women I’ve ever known, dedicated women that build confidence in others and inspire them to action. These are ladies I would have never met if I had not decided in the final months of my senior year in High School to attend Louisiana Tech (Ruston is my home) and go through sorority recruitment. When I received a bid from Kappa Delta, I had no clue that the adventure ahead was one full of laughter, personal growth, leadership opportunities, and inspirational women. At the time, I was unaware that I had joined an organization with a vast network of influential female leaders such as current Miss America Cara Mund; Louisiana’s first and only female governor Kathleen Blanco; and renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe. I certainly was unaware that I was joining one of the top Kappa Delta chapters in the nation, a chapter with an alumnae base of influential leaders on a campus with great female role models including multiple campus deans, department heads and current Provost Terry McConathy. You see, I joined an incredibly special Kappa Delta chapter… the Alpha Chi Chapter... the only chapter in the sorority’s history to be named its most outstanding chapter three times. The first few weeks in a sorority are a frenzy of information, meeting new faces and making new friends. For me, one these friendships began over a love of Gilmore Girls with Lizzie Hummel, who now serves as the chapter president and who has been a big part of my life. The initial weeks in Kappa Delta are busy and exciting as girls are guided through the New Member Program to gain important knowledge about this lifetime membership in the sorority they’re joining. During this period, girls first learn about a National Kappa Delta award: The Corre Anding Stegall Leadership Award, Kappa Delta’s highest individual collegiate honor, presented annually to those who have distinguished themselves in chapter, campus, and community leadership. Each year, Kappa Delta’s 166 collegiate chapters nationwide have active memberships of approximately 24,000 members. Each chapter is allowed to nominate their most highly achieving members for the award, and selection is done by a large national committee composed of outstanding professional women leaders.

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While she is not involved in the selection of recipients, the award was named for former National President Corre Anding Stegall. In her humility, she fails to recognize herself as one of the greatest role models for young women across the nation. Tech’s first female vice president, she is a member of Kappa Delta’s prestigious Hall of Honor. And she still is active in advising and mentoring collegians through KD and panhellenic. As a new member, understanding the value KD placed on leadership motivated me to get involved, but I never imagined joining the ranks of women who receive such an honor, along with three other women whom I consider dear friends. These women are servant leaders with enormous hearts. They face adversity graciously, and would never acknowledge their influence and enormous contributions. In 2017, Annie Carlisle of Shreveport and Sarah Head of St. Joseph, Louisiana, were two of the nation’s 23 award winners and brought Leadership Awards back to Ruston for the first time since 2014. Annie served as the chapter’s president while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average majoring in PreProfessional Speech Pathology. Actively involved on campus and in the community, Annie Carlisle is one of the kindest people I know, always making time for others. When asked about her time in Kappa Delta, she said: “Throughout my time in KD, I have seen women, including myself, be empowered to lead within our chapter and on our campus. Because of the wisdom from alumnae mentors and the gement received from Kappa Delta sisters, I could go forward as a confident leader knowing that I had a team of people in my corner cheering for me and supporting me along the way.” Sarah Head is driven and spirited. She served as the chapter Vice President of Operations as a marketing major with a 4.0 GPA. Among her many campus activities was serving as an Orientation Student Leader, a Student Recruiter, and a College of Business ambassador. On the confidence that KD gave Sarah to lead, she says: “Women’s leadership is all about believing in yourself and your abilities and then inspiring that same confidence in others. During my time as a Kappa Delta at Louisiana Tech, I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by strong, captivating women leaders who have shared their confidence with me and encouraged me to grow into the leader I am today.” This year Lizzie Hummel of Mandeville and I were able to repeat Annie’s and Sarah’s feat when we were presented with the leadership award as two of the 17 recipients for 2018. A junior, Lizzie serves as KD’s current president. As a first-generation college student, she leads a chapter of more than 200 women while maintaining a 3.6 GPA in Biomedical Engineering. She is a student worker in the university president’s office, volunteer in Tech’s sports medicine program, a member of

Order of Omega and recently served as director of student affairs for the Student Government Association. Lizzie says: “In Kappa Delta, there is a focus for each girl to grow and flourish during her time as a collegiate member, which is why every member has a position in our chapter. As a new member, I held the office of Girl Scout chair, which led to my desire to be the VP of community service and eventually president. Being surrounded by girls that push me to be a better person and servant leader, I have grown into the person I am today. Kappa Delta and the Tech community challenge me every day to be the best version of myself, and I am forever grateful to be a part of such a supportive community.” And then there’s me, Madison Kaufman, junior Communications major with a 3.9 GPA. I serve as the Vice President of Public Relations. I was previously the Vice President of Member Education and a Shamrock Project assistant. I am a student worker in the College of Education and a member of numerous campus organizations, including Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Order of Omega, ESPN Street Crew, and formerly served on the executive council for Bulldog Belles & Beaux. I also serve on the college leadership team at the Bridge Community Church. When I stepped out for a leadership role in Kappa Delta, my sisters in KD recognized leadership potential I had not seen in myself. Being part of community of women that celebrates individual skills and unique stories pushed me to lead confidently and encouraged me into other leadership roles. From alumnae who are conquering the world to the sisters who have led before me, I am surrounded by women that inspire me to strive for greatness, and that has made all the difference. We’re evidence of what Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” Our sorority focuses on building leaders, generation after generation. Building Confidence. Inspiring Action. Kappa Delta’s tagline. We’re the products of that tradition, and we embrace our responsibility to continue it.

2017 Winners: (L to R) Annie Carlisle & Sarah Head | January-February Page Page 93 95 | LOLA | LOLA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | March-April 2018 2018

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s I sit here writing, my hair in a scrunchie and dressed in this is it? I’m going to die alone”? Her job pays the bills, buys my favorite stained, oversized sweatshirt, I can’t help but Christmas for the kids, and occasionally pays for a trip to the think how blessed I am. I have my health (what’s left of it), my nail salon. She doesn’t visit the bar as much, only periodically. family (that is just as dysfunctional as yours) and a good man She realizes a night out is not worth the hangover. who loves me. So, why do I go to bed at night with a sense of It eventually comes full circle. She’s not “living the dream,” being unfulfilled? Then it hits me. (Insert face palm emoji.) but it’s not too bad. She meets someone who has had his I’m in my 30s. My youth is behind me, but I am not old. Let struggles and a couple of kids, but he is kink and makes her me explain. We women spend our twenties in 6-inch heels laugh. Every day she goes to work, stops by Walmart with a with big aspirations. We are driven, we have plans that have budgeted grocery list, goes home to feed her family and doesn’t been in the making since childhood. Everything sits where it’s fight about bath time anymore- She is just too tired. She put the supposed to and everything hangs just right. Make-up stays kids to bed, gets herself with a glass of wine and she smiles. She put. We eat whatever we want, and wearing heels is second knows deep down she is okay. Despite what she once thought nature. life would be, she’s going On the eve of the 29th to make it. She keeps it birthday, those 6-inch together the best she heels snap, and we become can with that spark she that runway model in the still has. She will always video that wobble like a keep moving forward as baby giraffes and fall for the beautiful, hot mess an eternity. It hits us that she is, one unfolded our aspirations are distant, laundry pile at a time. and our drive only exists Remember “the after three cups of coffee. plan” I referenced Our big plans for life seem earlier? The one we had to disappear like magic all through childhood ink. Nothing sits where it to find Prince Charming used to, and let’s be honest, and live happily ever some “things” hang much after? It belonged lower. especially to The Fairy Sometimes we sit Tale 30 Something! She in a little self-pity, eat a married young to her dozen donuts, and realize junior high boyfriend this is what our Mamas that played quarterWRITTEN BY RACHAEL McCOY were talking about. These back on the high-school moments of despair. Yet, football team. The ages we always pull ourselves up of her children are by our, now-required, underwire bra straps and keep pushing spaced to a tee, except for the last one, a little surprise. She on. always knew that she wanted to be a great wife and mother. There are different types of “30 somethings”, we may not all She does it, but in her late twenties she has a small quarter-life fit perfectly in these categories, but we can all relate. crisis and wishes she had sowed her wild oats a bit longer. Let’s start with what I lovingly call The Hot Mess 30 She recovers by mid-30s and finds a balance between Something. This is the woman who was invincible in her getting up, putting on her over-priced yoga pants, getting the twenties. She was the one who was a regular at the bar and kids to school, cleaning house, and making that workout no could drink the guys under the table. Yet, this girl still managed matter what (She worked REALLY hard to get that pre-baby to make it to her great job on time looking like a million bucks. body back.). She swings by Target for her kid’s gluten free, no She could eat what she wanted and never gained a pound. peanut, snacks for school and brings lunch by her husband’s Then as thirty approached it kind of fell apart like her favorite office. pair of six-inch heels. She wakes up with smeared mascara and At 4 p.m., things get crazy. The kids are home, dogs are hair four days deep in dry shampoo. She’s left thinking, “Is barking, so she internalizes her mom guilt and orders pizza for

Miss

Something

Page 98 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

dinner. Then it’s homework, baths, and conversation with her little humans about too much screen time. After the kids are in bed, she sits with her husband and they chat about the day. He is her best friend and they know each other better than they know themselves. They plan a weekend trip for two because she no longer feels as guilty about leaving the kids. She has realized the house WILL NOT crumble if she’s gone for more than the hour. She knows if the grandparents give her kids kool-aid and twinkies, they will still survive. She looks around at her messy, beautiful home that she has already picked up four times that day, and smiles. She knows that she is, in fact, living her fairy tale. She’s her family’s Wonder Woman, flying through the air with individually wrapped snacks pouring from her purse -- gluten free, of course. There is a song that Cher covered in the ‘90s, “This Is a Man’s World.” It says that the world could still turn for a while without women, but eventually is would all fall apart. This is The Entrepreneur 30 Something. She probably thought she had it all figured out in her early to mid-twenties. She may have married her high school sweetheart, had a kid or two, and then found that the person was not the right one for her. It was not necessarily anyone’s fault--just different paths. Or maybe she’s single with no kids and spent her twenties working her way up the corporate ladder. Nonetheless, she wakes up one day and realizes, like she did with her first husband, this is not the job for her.

So, she starts over! Kids in tow, learning how to co-parent, she moves into an apartment, much smaller than the fourbedroom, three-bath she had worked so hard for. She goes through her mental notes, finds her passion, her purpose, and begins to make her way up her own ladder of success. Maybe she loves making people feel beautiful. Maybe she finds a way to tell her story through art, design, writing or photography. At times the glitter fades and reality strikes that it takes more than passion to the pay bills, yet slowly and surely, she finds her balance. She moves out of that apartment into a cute, little house in a great neighborhood. She provides for her kids and show them they are capable of anything. She makes difference, an impact on people, and answers to no-one but herself. At the end of the day, hair held up by a pen she forgot was there, in a band tee-shirt and pink pants, she kicks her feet up and smiles. She realizes that with a lot of faith and a lot of sacrifice, SHE DID IT! To all of you 30 Somethings, I leave you with this: Get up, put your face on, make it through the day without crying, and if you can do that, consider it a success. Whatever 30 Something you may be, remember that you have got this! You are beautiful, you are loved, and thank goodness “kitten heels” are in this season. Until next time… Yours Truly, Miss 30 Something

Page 99 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

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What’s in a brand? Branding is a combination of elements that tell the story of your business. Your logo, the wording on your website and Facebook page, the look of your printed materials – those pieces work together to present who you are to the public. What does YOUR brand say?

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THE FACE OF YO U R B RAN D

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Your message is your promise to your

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our favorite ways to promote a brand

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• KEEP IT SIMPLE and easy to remember!

• CHOOSE A STRONG SILHOUETTE that works well in color or black and white.

• PUT IT EVERYWHERE. From

• DEVELOP A ONE-LINE PITCH of

your advertising dollars to work

what you offer.

while supporting the organizations

• GET AN OBJECTIVE OPINION.

your prospective clients support!

• IDENTIFY your target audience. • CONSIDER what organization

Make sure your message is clear.

• MAKE IT CONSISTENT. From your website and social media

you might partner with to offer

office stationary and new

pages, to your printed materials

support.

business cards, to your Facebook

and elevator pitch. A consistent

profile image. Make sure it is

message is memorable and

can be a presence at an event

associated with your brand at

effective.

to connect with your market in

• GET INVOLVED. Ask how you

every opportunity.

A Creative Agency for Smart Businesses info@Richard-Creative.com

318-490-6555 Richard-Creative.com

person.

Here is the “Branding 101” recap:

1 2

Get a great logo… and put it everywhere! Hone your mission statement: Clear. Concise. Consistent.

Identify your audience, and take steps to connect with them. Take an honest look at your branding elements– are they telling your story effectively?

We would love to learn more about your business, and share our ideas with you.

Give us Page 102 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018a

call!

Page 103 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

As I approach the

end of my 38th year in education, I reflect on what I have learned

GIFTS to give

along the way — as

a teacher, a principal,

a college professor, but mostly as a mother.

to your children “From Her Perspective” Dr. Carynn Wiggins

suggest you begin with the end in mind — what kind of person do you want your child to be? Most of us would respond that we want our children to be successful, responsible, caring adults. Now, with that goal in mind, how do we get there?

Teach your children manners— not just “please” and “thank you” but the genteel southern charm of your grandmother. Steep your children in your faith but teach them also to respect the faith of others. Teach them to be kind and gentle with all God’s creatures — birds’ eggs, butterflies, and people.

First, begin with unconditional love. Your child must understand that you love him or her no matter what. Give them the gift of your time and undivided attention. When you are with them, turn off electronic devices and focus on the child. If you have more than one, make sure you find time to be one-on-one with each of them. Eat together as a family with no television in the background. Talk to each other.

Teach them to make wise choices, and though it is painful, allow them to suffer the consequences for poor choices or the lack of age-appropriate responsibility. And for goodness sake, don’t believe everything they tell you. All children will spin the truth to get out of trouble. Be the adult in any situation. Don’t lose your temper, but if you do, apologize.

Page 104 | LOLA MAGAZINE | March-April 2018

Make the important decisions, like where your child will attend school, based on a thorough investigation of the options available. Be firm and don’t be afraid to be the “bad guy.” Tell your children they can always blame you as an excuse not to do something that makes them uncomfortable. Help your child develop friendships but be there when friendships fall apart. Remind them that the longest relationship they will have is with their siblings. Give your children roots as well as wings. But most of all, teach your children how to live without you, for some day they will have to. In doing these things, you will leave a legacy of love for generations to come.

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