Lola Magazine March/April 2020 by RichardCreative

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WEDDINGS 2020

8 Venues Say “I Do” to the venue 31 Wedding Dress Fashion Something old, something new… 40 Planning Pro tips from the wedding planner

44 Cakes A new take on wedding cakes 48 Budgeting Hidden wedding costs 51 Florals Bouquet basics

54 Best Day Ever It’s all in the special details 57 Dress the Rest Perfect looks for the mother of the bride and your bridal party 58 Cocktails His and her wedding specialty cocktails

C ON T E N T S 2. TOC LOUISIANA LADIES

HEALTH AND BEAUTY COMMUNITY

112 Keeping It Real with Teri 98 Integrate Your Health Netterville Committing to health Tangible Memories 102 Rock-A-Bye Baby 109 Self-Care Your guide to sleep fitness Tips for “cup-full” living 122 Yoga Farm Fest 81 I Woke Up Like This Join the yoga movement Authentic living and learning to laugh at your shortcomings 62 Hostess with the Mostest Introducing Jennifer Terrell, General Manager of the Petroleum Club 94 A Salute to Educators Local educators who are making a difference

71 Fashion Prize 2020 Local designers come together for another epic fashion showdown 106 Ask The Experts The know-how for squeaky clean windows 115 Trash to Treasure Where to take those springcleaning donations 86 Highland Open Studio Tours Showcasing local artists with a special event 76 Twin Blends Blending the wonders of art and local history 120 318 Restaurant Week It’s time to eat in the 318 126 Must Attend Events 128 Love and Light The beauty of kindness

3. Ivan Smith

READLOLA.COM

TODAY is a good day to start making your dreams a reality

uring my senior year of high school, we were asked where we saw ourselves in 20 years. As embarrassing as this is to admit, I wrote, “I will be married to a hot, rich guy and will work at Vogue.” Although I think my husband is very handsome, I do not live in New York and clearly, I do not work for Vogue. I have also learned that “rich” is a relative term. We joke that no matter what, we are “rich” with love. Ha! It’s funny how life plays out, and how our ideas of a “dream life” change and grow as we do. I am not sure if you told the 18-year-old Bevin what her actual reality would be in 20 years, she would have been thrilled. Yet, the person I am today wouldn’t change a thing. Many people ask us how Lola Magazine came to life. Truth is, Lola Magazine came to life 20 years ago when I dreamed of living in New York and working for Vogue. Fast forward 15 years… after ten years in local print media, I decided to make my new and improved dream come to life. I was beyond lucky to have my best friend, Carie Hart, jump in headfirst with a passion and work ethic that continues to amaze me daily. The stars aligned with Richard Creative and Britt Elizabeth Photography to create our team of designers and photographers that is, in my opinion, the best in the world. Our team of writers and our editor Kathy Spurlock have been with us, inspiring us and teaching along the way. Lola Magazine came together with the most talented group of people, and a whole lot of heart and soul. Lola Magazine may not have quite the reach of Vogue, but it has touched many lives in the past four years and for that we are so grateful. This issue of Lola Magazine is one of our most fabulous yet! We are thrilled to bring you Lola Magazine Weddings 2020. This is the ultimate guide for planning the wedding of your dreams, from picking the perfect dress and venue to budgeting for unexpected costs. You will also find the latest research of the importance of good sleep, where to donate your spring cleanout items, and tips on self-care and financial wellbeing. We celebrate teacher appreciation and along with all educators, we honor three local educators making a difference in our communities and helping others achieve their dreams. Although our paths may have twists and turns, whatever chapter of life you may find yourself in, today is a good day to start making your dreams a reality. So, roll up your sleeves and get to work–your teenage self is counting on it. Happy Spring from all of us at Lola Magazine!

PUBLISHER Bevin Sutton Hicks Bevin@readlola.com MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Carie Cotter Hart Carie@readlola.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tommy Stow Sutton 318-560-5785 DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE Carl Hammock 318-607-7106 ART DIRECTION & LAYOUT Richard Creative Lola@richard-creative.com CONTENT EDITOR Kathy Spurlock CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Nicole Cotter Donesa Walker Jessica Comegys Teri Netterville Payton Denney Dr. Colleen Fuller Catherine Calhoun Angela Vinet Tricia Stewart Ray Benefield Allison Brister Jennifer Terrell Sabrina Newell Merwin McCrady Mike Mangham Mark Mangham Karen LaBeau Dr. Karen Pendleton Lauren Pennywell Brittany Strickland Sarah Sledge

4. Contributors

Cheers! -Bevin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jarrett Warren Brittany Strickland Misty Swilley Unveiled Radiance Photography COVER photography: Brittany Strickland and Jarrett Warren model: Taylor Akers makeup: Hannah Whittington styling: Happily Ever After Bridal Boutique / Skeleton Key Vintage / Bullets and Butterflies Vintage SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW WEDDING FASHION photography: Brittany Strickland and Jarrett Warren models: Taylor Akers / Brianna McCoy makeup: Hannah Whittington @hanwhittington hair: Natassia Santiago @tassi_yourhairstylist A special thank you to Happily Ever After Bridal, Skeleton Key Vintage and Bullets and Butterflies Vintage FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Carie@readlola.com *Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited. Lola Magazine is published bi-monthly by Stamper Marketing, LLC. 428 Mohican Lane, Shreveport, La 71106 (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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Radiation for prostate cancer can be a great option, especially if the side effects are minimal. Discover SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel, a prostate-rectum spacer that can minimize the side effects of prostate cancer radiation treatment and help you maintain your long-term urinary, bowel and sexual quality of life.1,2 Talk to your doctor so you thoroughly understand all the potential benefits and risks to see if SpaceOAR Hydrogel is right for you. To learn more and find a doctor offering SpaceOAR Hydrogel, visit SpaceOAR.com/SWGL or call 781-349-7606. There are risks associated with all medical procedures. Potential complications with SpaceOAR Hydrogel include inflammatory reactions, infection, bleeding, and pain or discomfort from the injection.

1. Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Continued benefit to rectal separation for prostate radiation therapy: Final results of a phase III trial. Int J Radial Oncol Biol Phys. 2017 Apr1; 97(5): 976-85. 2. Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Sexual quality of life following prostate intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with a rectal/prostate spacer: Secondary analysis of a phase 3 trial. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2018 Jan - Feb;8(1):e7-e15. CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician All the images are the property of Boston Scientific. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2019 Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. URO-677808-AA SEP 2019 CONTENT IS PROVIDED BY BOSTON SCIENTIFIC. BOSTON SCIENTIFIC IS DEDICATED TO TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SOLUTIONS THAT IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF PATIENTS AROUND THE WORLD.

VENUES

8 Say “I Do” to the venue

51 FLORALS

51 Bouquet basics

31 WEDDING DRESS FASHION 54 BEST DAY EVER 54 It’s all in the special details 31 Something old, something new… 40 PLANNING 40 Pro tips from the wedding planner 44 CAKES 44 A new take on wedding cakes 48 BUDGETING 48 Hidden wedding costs

57 DRESS THE REST

57 Perfect looks for the mother of the bride and your bridal party

58 COCKTAILS

58 His and her wedding specialty cocktails

Lola WEDDINGS 7. Wedding 2020 Cover

inding the perfect venue for your wedding is one the most important and difficult decisions you’ll have to make. If you choose to work with a wedding planner, hire that person before you begin scouting for one. They’ll know which ones are reputable and they’ll know the right questions to ask. Here are a few important questions to ask the venue manager during your first visit.

Is there a service charge and what is it applied to? I can’t stress

›

this enough. The cost of the venue is almost always more than it appears to be. You’ll want to do an apple-toapples comparison between venues, and in order to do so, you need to know the total costs involved and what services and amenities are included.

SAY

“I DO” to the

VENUE WRITTEN BY TRICIA STEWART

8. Venues› Lead in VE NUE | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

How many hours of setup time do we have? This is crucial to know. If the venue only gives you 5 hours to set up prior to the wedding, you need to prepare to have all hands on deck the moment the doors open, which will require you to hire additional staff members or recruit more friends and family to assist. Trust me when I say it WILL take longer than you anticipate!

Will you have a ›during manager on staff my wedding? Invest time in getting to know the venue manager. Chances are, if you have a wedding planner, they will have an established relationship

with them, so you’re covered, but if you don’t have a wedding planner, you’ll need your venue manager to be on point on your wedding day. If the person selling you the venue space will not be present on the day of, don’t be afraid to ask to meet the person who will be. This person will be handling elements of your wedding that are crucial to the overall experience and they are more likely to jump in and help out if they know you personally.

is the venue ›for?What manager responsible

Some venues offer an allinclusive package that includes styling and coordination services. Some venues require their venue managers to assist vendors during load in, assist in bussing the tables, and assist the bridal party with wedding related issues. Some venues don’t require their venue managers to assist in any capacity. Lastly, some venues don’t require a venue manager to be present at all. Know what to expect from the staff so you can be prepared before the day comes.

I choose ›Can vendors?

Some venues choose to exclusively work with their list of preferred vendors, and that’s ok, you just need to know that before you sign the contract. If you’ve dreamed of having a certain photographer shoot your wedding and they are not on the venue’s preferred vendor list, you have a decision to make. Tip - don’t be afraid to ask for an exception.

CARMEL LAKE WRITTEN BY DR. COLLEEN FULLER & CATHERINE CALHOUN

CARMEL

Carmel Lake is a new venue just south of Shreveport in Carmel, Louisiana. Sit down with Dr. Colleen Fuller and Catherine Calhoun as we learn about this venture and gorgeous property. These two sisters tell us about a new wedding spot and the events they host. Their website carmellake.comhas more information on their wedding and rehearsal dinner packages. Follow them @carmellakeevents on Instagram and Carmel Lake on Facebook.

›What is Carmel Lake? Carmel Lake is more than a venue. We can begin by introducing you to the Studio. The Studio is a unique space to host weddings, rehearsal dinners, workshops and classes. The lakefront building is a mix of modern architecture with French inspired textures, expansive windows, an overlooking loft, and a large culinary kitchen. We are currently developing the waterfront area for outside weddings and tented events. We also have The Estate, which is a stunning home, beautifully landscaped for a smaller garden wedding. Next to The Studio, we have two intimate bed and breakfast cabins that are available for nightly rentals. Beyond describing our spaces, we went into this with the mindset of creating experiences. We tried to be intentional about our choices, creating thoughtful events that encourage everyone to look at the big picture, and how we each affect our community. We encourage others to look at the journey from soil to food to plate, or soil to flower to vessel. An important part of our journey is to support our local farmers and growers who are doing things in a clean and restorative manner. They are such valuable assets to our society that often go overlooked, supporting not only our health in a more nutritious way, but also local small businesses and the local economy.

9. Carmel Lake

that we have such a diverse and immense depth of knowledge with our team. From wedding planning and floral design to integrative medicine, acupuncture, reiki, interior design, herbals, styling, regenerative farming, culinary, wine… we can make you look and feel good! No, seriously, we have a wide range of experience to pull from to make these extraordinary events. Carmel Lake was designed for the modern couple. Our vision was to create a luxurious, intimate wedding venue with high9

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›Tell me about your team and the events you host at Carmel Lake. We are beyond grateful

end amenities and award-winning hospitality services. Our streamlined wedding packages are helmed by our in-house wedding planner. Tricia will walk you through the process with ease and our packages make it surprisingly simple. We offer all-inclusive ceremony and reception packages, popup wedding events, elopement options and vow renewals. We also host engagement parties, bridal luncheons, bridal showers, and customized bachelorette parties. The space lends itself as the perfect place for rehearsal dinners accommodating around 100 guests for a seated dinner. We truly feel as though the rehearsal dinner should be just as beautiful as the wedding. A lot of thought went into how we wanted our dinners to look and feel. We opted for custom-made china to enhance the experience. These elevated rehearsal dinners make for one of the most intimate and memorable experiences in the wedding weekend. They feel exquisite and at ease at the same time, allowing friends and family to just enjoy themselves and each other, and create memories you just don’t forget. We love creating these amazing events. We always take it multiple steps beyond. We hope that this is not only a celebratory space but a restorative one as well. Carmel Lake was intentionally designed with workshops and retreats in mind for people to rejuvenate and recharge.

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10. Carmel Lake Half Page Ad 7.25 x 4.6563 inches

Does not bleed, does not need margins. Design right up to the edge.

We offer an opportunity to experience events locally that one normally must travel to find. Our workshops and retreats focus on health and wellness, including learning ways to destress, lessen anxiety, and incorporate healing herbs, meditation, fasting, and yoga into our lives. These events will also include cooking classes, painting, florals, photography, and a variety of makers and crafts. Our corporate retreats are a great way for companies to get their team to a new level. Tools to recharge and rejuvenate are a good idea for everyone! We also host quarterly five- to seven-course wine/spirit paired dinners. We celebrate a variety of talented near and far chefs and collaborate on a local, organic, pasture-raised menu. Old and new friends congregate over delicious food with elements of surprise.

Each day we try to do better than yesterday, remembering that we are human and need abounding grace and mercy. In a nutshell, we are a small business trying to do the right thing.

›What is the Carmel Lake experience? Simply stated… Elevated bespoke celebrations. Our events are more intimate than overreaching. Let us create one of these memorable experiences for you. We invite you to visit our website and contact us for a tour or to attend one of our upcoming events and see firsthand what this experience is like.

›You mentioned a Pop-up Wedding. Can you describe this concept? Pop-up

11. Carmel Lake ½ • Carmel Lake ad ½

weddings are the ultimate wedding hack for couples who want all the beautiful elements of an all-inclusive wedding without the hassle and expense. Our in-house wedding team will create an Instagram worthy wedding including florals, candles, cake, champagne, music, photography, and coordination. We offer pop-up weddings four times a year and they’re on a first come first serve basis. Essentially, we handle everything in-house; just show up in your wedding attire and we’ll take care of the rest.

›Tell me about Carmel Lake and what your goal was when you decided to build it? The most compelling aspect about embarking

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on this adventure has always been about bringing something innovative and restorative to the North Louisiana region, creating an environment where health, craft, nature, relationships, and creativity can flourish. When we both moved back to the area, we decided to share this beautiful landscape with others who need to disconnect and experience something new and exciting. It is a serene experience to be on a private lake surrounded by green, towering trees, fresh air and distance from the hustle of daily life. We want our guests to join us in making small healthy changes, supporting local people, and paying attention to the things you use and where you get them. Daily life choices we think are small, add up. These choices become change. We can make better choices regarding our food, physical and spiritual health, community, and sustainability. Every choice adds up, whether it’s stretching your body for 5 minutes or reducing single-use plastic. We get to make the choices to be better or not. We get to choose daily how our future will look, individually, and as a whole.

IVY VALE MINDEN

12. Ivy Vale Minden A Venue VE NUE | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

Ivy Vale is an authentic, historic event venue located in Minden, Louisiana.

Ivy Vale began as a one room log cabin in 1816 and finished as you see it today in 1855.

This charming southern Antebellum home, formerly known as the Shadow House, was abandoned and severely neglected from 19802016. Ravaged by natural elements, the home was almost lost to time, until 2016 when it was purchased by Denton Culpepper from the Shadow family. 12

fter nearly two years of intense hard work, the restoration was complete, still encompassing the historic integrity of its formal glory. Ivy Vale is set on seven sprawling acres of ancient oaks and formal gardens reflecting the grandeur of the original property. In October 2018 Denton and his staff began hosting events and offering guests over two-hundred years of rich history with the modern conveniences for an unsurpassed, elegant experience. Ivy Vale strives to create an atmosphere that is unique to our area, taking great pride in creating events both abundant in charm and opulence rarely seen today. Ivy Vale hosts several enthralling spaces for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. The lovely natural landscape or the expansive covered porches provide options for both large and intimate wedding ceremonies. The beautifully furnished Bridal Suite at Ivy Vale gives brides and bridal parties a sprawling area to engage and dress for the awaited event. Located adjacent to the bridal suite, the formal dining room allows brides to enjoy a bridal brunch or breakfast in comfortable, historic luxury. Complete with a cocktail bar and cigar lounge furnishings, the Grooms Cottage is a favorite among grooms and groomsmen. Nestled under 100-yearold oaks, beside the reception area, The Grooms Cottage is the ideal rustic setup granting the guys an equal opportunity to unwind and prepare for the big day. Ivy Vale provides couples and their guests with modern conveniences while immersing them in a historically rich atmosphere.

13. Ivy Vale Minden Venue

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Ivy Vale offers an affordable yet generous wedding package. The three-day venue rental includes an overnight stay for both the bride and her bridesmaids the day before the event and an overnight stay for the bride and groom on the evening of the event. Ivy Vale provides tables, chairs, and linens for the ceremony and reception. Also included is an extensive collection of antique and vintage decorations, set up by the qualified staff, in-house florals, two professional event planners, outdoor restrooms, and a large parking area. The brides at Ivy Vale are accommodated in a stress-free environment and allowed to use vendors of their choice for catering and reception entertainment. Denton and the staff at Ivy Vale would be honored to host your wedding and would love to welcome you into becoming a part of Ivy Valeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic charm.

14. White Oak Ruston RUSTON

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WHITE OAK White Oak Venue is an ENCHANTING NEW venue north of Ruston, nestled on 70 sprawling acres of BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN landscape.

›This gorgeous venue

is the result of a dream Alli Brister shared with her husband Dustin. In 2017, as a result of a God given vision, Alli set out to create an extraordinary event where special moments could be beautifully celebrated by families and friends. With intentional emphasize on design, the whimsical views and a winding path of large white oak trees, the name White Oak Venue was decided upon. Having spent well over a year designing, planning, and implementing ideas, the venue came to life. White Oak features a multistructural space where brides, grooms, and their families can be joyful in hosting their most memorable moments. 14

›The

bridal suite is an exquisitely designed comfortable area that perfectly accommodates the bride, her bridal party, the mothers, and friends. Featuring muted tones of soft whites and pale pinks, it is a spacious, elegant room with comfortable Aidan Gray chairs for the bride’s relaxation. A sitting nook invites the bride to view her guests arriving or enjoy a champagne brunch. The suite elegantly furnished with a custom-made mirror of architectural interest, a stunning granite make-up vanity, complete with boudoir chairs and Hollywood lighting, as well as a Juliet balcony for the bride’s quiet time.

›The groom’s suite

caters completely to the guys. It was designed with a rustic flair and features a large screen tv for football or video games, an inviting supple leather couch for relaxing, beautiful masculine furnishings, a cowhide rug, as well as a mini- fridge for the guys’ beverages of choice. A fabulous window view overlooking the bottom 20 acres of the property is ideal for watching deer or wild turkey roam. From the very inception of White Oak Venue, Alli knew she wanted this endeavor to be a place where magical memories would be made. She intentionally created the design concept and architecture vision to appeal to all personality types. Therefore, the venue is a blend of modern architecture with French industrial inspirations incorporated throughout. Expansive windows provide not only natural light, but beautiful views of breathtaking landscape. The grand room features elegant over-sized chandeliers, massive wooden beams, custom wrought-iron railing, a fully equipped service kitchen, and five sets of ceiling height French doors for a second entrance. A comfortably furnished mezzanine overlooking the grounds, provides extra seating for larger wedding parties, or can dually function as another small gathering option. White Oak recently added a covered, outdoor ceremony area for weddings and tented events. This open-air chapel features a striking vaulted roofline with a grand beamed

ceiling in all white. The appeal is enhanced with stunning chandeliers that can be dimmed for wedding ambiance. The area is impeccably landscaped and equipped with subtle lighting along the walkway on which the bride proceeds. Seating for 300 guests is provided with antique church pews accommodating couples who may prefer an outdoor wedding. Many gorgeous rainy- day weddings have taken place in this captivating space.

15. White Oak Ruston

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venue, accommodating approximately 200 guests for a seated dinner. Complete with custom design decor to enhance the experience, rehearsal dinners at White Oak make for some of the most intimate and memorable moments of the wedding weekend. Each event at White Oak offers an exquisite experience with ease and comfort, allowing friends and family to enjoy each other, and create lifelong memories. ELOPEMENT WEDDINGS AT WHITE OAK

›Elopement

›The Bridal House

is yet another amenity of White Oak Venue. It is a stunning, two bedroom, newly remodeled home that is available on the property for our brides to enjoy. Being fully furnished, it, too, is decorated in soft shades of whites, greys, pale pinks and splashes of Robin’s Egg Blue. The Bridal House overlooks a serene rolling green pasture and has a gorgeous view of the pond, venue and ceremony areas. Many of our brides choose to spend their wedding night here and some even enjoy it with their bridal party the evening before the wedding. An intimate champagne brunch is provided for the newlyweds the morning after their wedding. Alli is forever grateful for the team at White Oak and the amazing vendors they get to work with each weekend. Everyone is “all in” with the same common goal in mind, giving the families who choose White Oak the absolute best, and most joy-filled day of their lives. White Oak is not all- inclusive so that each bride can bring an element of their personality and implement decor important to them. They also provide every client with a complete list of trusted vendors that includes caterers, a wedding planner, photographers, videographers, DJ’s, bands, bridal dress stores, as well as hair and makeup artists. The White Oak team, the vendors, and Alli herself ensure the highest level of quality service and due diligence in making every detail perfect for couples and their families to create magical memories forever etched in their hearts. White Oak offers wedding and reception packages, elopement options and vow renewals. They also host engagement parties, bridal luncheons, bridal showers, proms, corporate events, New Year’s Eve parties and family reunions. Believing that the rehearsal dinner should be just as lovely as the wedding, the space lends itself as a perfect rehearsal dinner

weddings

center around an elopement like adventure. They are smaller weddings, with a feel for an authentic wedding experience, and the ultimate wedding hack for couples who want all the beautiful elements without the hassle and expense. The in-house wedding team at White Oak will create an Instagram- worthy- wedding including florals, candles, cake, champagne, music, photography, and coordination for 4 hours of time. They offer elopement weddings Monday-Thursday or Sundays only, and they’re on a first come basis. The couple arrives in their wedding attire, and White Oak Venue takes care of all the beautiful details so you can enjoy. With a great passion and love for creating amazing events, Alli and the team at White Oak will always go the extra mile to enhance each detail with perfection to give every bride the wedding of their dreams. White Oak Venue is currently booking for 2021, and has limited dates open for 2020. They are currently offering 10% off to these remaining dates. Please visit www. whiteoakvenue.com for more information and for their calendar. You can also request a tour on their website with Alli personally to come and experience the venue firsthand.

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16. White Oak Ruston

17. White Oaks ad White Oak Venue Ruston, Louisiana

www.whiteoakvenue.com

THE HUB

18. Monroe WRITTEN BY RAY BENEFIELD

MONROE

The Hub is unlike anything in our community, offering 17,000 square feet of luxury and style.

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t is a centralized location for multi-purpose community events, private gatherings, and musical entertainment. With abundant space indoors and outdoors, The Hub will make any occasion a lifetime memory. We’re not simply a music hall; we’re a multi-use event center with versatility. Located in downtown Monroe, LA, our venue consists of four unique spaces, and we’ve utilized every inch to formulate a solid option for your special day. Whether you use all four or choose specific spaces to fit your needs, we know all of your dreams about your ‘big day’ will come true! We offer full venue packages at The Hub! Looking for an all-inclusive wedding venue? Our secret is out. Our venue will sweep you off your feet. The small quaint details and its lavish interior will check all the boxes on your list of needs. From the ornate arched iron gates, to the nine-foot vintage pocket doors, The Hub will take your special occasion to the next level. Make sure to have your picture-perfect wedding, party, graduation, prom, reunion, or charity event here with us!

Want to have your wedding at The Hub? Brides, you’ll start your day in the VIP Suite. The VIP Room is a 3,800 square foot space that can be the cherry on top for a bride preparing to say, “I do.” The VIP Room is an exquisite suite designed with comfort in mind. It is equipped with a full kitchen, spacious living space, bedroom, conference area, two bathrooms, and a small dressing room. It’s luxury at your fingertips that will accommodate all your needs. Want to be VIP with your team? With our VIP Suite, you can pull up to The Hub on the morning of your big day and settle in until it’s your time to shine. This is where you and your bridal party will spend time getting ready. The suite is attached to the venue and consists of a bedroom, two bathrooms, a dressing room, laundry room, full kitchen, and living space. After you’re dressed and ready to say “I Do”, you can sneak out of the back door and step into The Garage through our beautiful 120-year-old arched iron gates from New Orleans.

Clints Venue

The Garage is a beautiful space, consisting of elevated finishes and space to seat up to 200 guests to witness you tie the knot. You’ll walk through the large iron gates that open to the back lawn, down a center aisle. You’ll meet your new husband in front of the beautiful windows and state your vows under a magnificent chandelier. You’ve said “I Do” in one of the most beautiful, yet intimate spaces, so why not have a photo-sesh in front of those beautiful doors that opened up for you to walk down the aisle? While you’re striking a pose, your guests have stepped out of The Garage, and into Ryan Hall for the reception. From Ryan Hall, to The Murphy Lounge, the celebration continues! Sound, lighting, SPACE. Elegance. Once you’ve finished taking pictures with your family and friends, you proceed into Ryan Hall. This ensures that your reception area is not seen until after your ceremony. Ryan Hall is an 8,000 square foot space, consisting of many chandeliers, beautiful linens, and a stage with professional sound & lighting to ensure you and your guests are able to celebrate your big day in luxury! With a total capacity of over 1,000 guests, we’re able to

accommodate almost any size party! Don’t forget the Murphy Lounge while you’re partying! At 1,200 square feet, the Murphy Lounge is a haven for professionals, artists, and enthusiasts seeking a simple and contemporary atmosphere to have a drink. For your wedding day, our bar staff can make our house special drinks (try a booty bounce!) or we can make something special just for your day. This wonderful addition to The Hub is a go-to for nights out on the town and will put your wedding over the top! Now for the best part… after the party has ended, you don’t have far to go - the newlyweds are able to walk back to the VIP Suite and spend the night! The last thing we want is for your beautiful day to come to an end, because it’s truly the beginning in our opinion. The VIP Suite is yours for the evening. How many places can you go for an all-inclusive venue? We’d love to take you on a tour of ours soon! The layout is an example of a total venue wedding with 200 guests. Contact us with your approximate guests expected, and we’ll create a customized layout for your special day! Whether you’re bringing 50 guests or 500, The Hub has you covered!

19. Monroe Clints Venue ½ • ½ Venue Ad

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The Hub Music Hall and Events • 201 Washington Street, Monroe • thehubmonroe.com

20. Park Manor Ad (pickup) Introducing North Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier wedding venue Park Manor. Whatever the season or style, Park Manor can accommodate your dream. Nestled on 150 acres of rolling pasture land backed by rustic woodlands. We offer a wide choice of sites for outdoor ceremonies from the front lawn of our charming 1860â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plantation farmhouse to our 2700 sq. foot pavilion

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or several locations on our beautiful grounds. Contact us to start planning the beginning to your

Happily Ever After

parkmanorvenue.com 318-239-2146

a BEAUTIFUL & HISTORIC wedding and party venue…

21. Park Manor PARK MANOR Bastrop

three daughters, Janet, Beverlee and B.J. in the home. They also started a dairy and poultry farm, MARLATT FARMS. Then in the 1980s, they updated the home to a grand fashion. Great granddaughter Stephanie Smith bought the home in 2009. After her uncle’s death in 2013 she became the next generation to own PARK MANOR. Stephanie has a B.S. in Interior Design so she quickly put it to work in her “new” family estate. She began full restoration again. Parts of the house were completely redone, other parts added to. Many elements from the past were reused in the present. Now the question: What to do with the house now? After some thinking and encouragement from friends, she decided to make it a venue. Barns were torn down and buildings went up! PARK MANOR now has a bridal cottage and pavilion. Stephanie’s wish is that all who come to PARK MANOR enjoy its heritage. Together Stephanie Smith and Tammy Warner work to make every wedding personal and perfect for their brides. Once you are a bride of Park Manor, you are a part of Park Manor’s family and loving heritage. 21

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | V ENUE

hatever the season or style, Park Manor can accommodate your dream. The venue is nestled on 150 acres of rolling pasture land backed by rustic woodlands. We offer a wide choice of sites for outdoor ceremonies from the front lawn of our charming 1860s plantation farmhouse to our 2,700-square-foot pavilion or several locations on our beautiful grounds. The state of Louisiana granted the land in 1858 to David Evans and Park Manor was born. Samuel Warburton Reily bought the land and built the original home in 1860. Mrs. E.E. Marlatt bought the house with 230 acres in 1920 from Samuel Bertley Lane. At that time the house was uninhabited except for goats and raccoons that ran freely through it. Soon after her purchase Mrs. Marlatt and her husband Frank restored Park Manor and updated it. One of the many things they added was a kitchen that had previously been in a separate building behind the house. After skipping a generation, grandson Robert A. Marlatt and his wife Dorothy bought Park Manor in 1954. They raised

BASTROP

WEDDING PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Event Coordinator Day of Event • Enclosed with central a/c and heat • 15-60" Round Tables • 6-96x30" Rectangular Tables • 2-48" Round Tables • 200 White Cushioned Chairs • Tablecloths for the Main Event • Setup/Cleanup of Tables and Chairs • Mobile Bar • Tub for Beverages • Use of Yard & Front Porch of House

• Use of Bridal Cottage: • Includes Room for Getting Dressed • Full Bath • Large Lounge Area with HD Television • Prep Kitchen (Does not have oven) • Use of Pavilion: • Includes Room for the Table and Chairs • Sound System • Lighting and Fans • Two Restrooms (One Handicapped) • Food Serving Area • HD Television • Large Fireplace • Deck with Vinyl Curtains

22. Park Manor Bastrop

VE NUE | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

• Outdoor Heaters (Fuel for heaters extra)

23. Hill Country Ad CHEF BILL KELLY

Hill Country VIL LAGE

12475 Ellerbe Road Shreveport, LA 71115 www.hillcountryvillage.net

HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE SHREVEPORT

VE NUE | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

24. Hill Country H Village ill Country Village, established in 2003, is an exquisite yet rustic event venue located in beautiful South Shreveport. The property both unique in character and authenticity offers several options to impeccably execute the event of your dreams. Executive Chef/Coordinator Bill Kelly can take care of all of your needs, whether it is a rehearsal dinner, wedding, reception, fundraising event, corporate gathering, holiday party or a birthday celebration. The Hill Country Village team will go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction through every stage of the planning process and on the day of your event. The venue is equipped with all of the needed catering essentials and a professional, courteous staff to host any scale of event, ranging from a small intimate ceremony, to large events with extensive guest list.

The picturesque Hill Country Village property offers a wide variety of options to meet each couple’s dream wedding vision.

›The Country Store

is perfect for hosting indoor and outdoor events. The natural charm of old Southern Architecture and a sprawling front porch allow the Country Store to offer a nostalgic sense with modern amenities. The Country Store also host a relaxing, masculine, Groom’s Suite for the groom and his party to gather and make ready for the big day. 24

AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Veteran Chef/Coordinator on property for day of function • Experienced Staff, Kitchen Manager, Servers, Bartenders, Parish Security • Full Kitchen (All food prepared on site.) • Service Bar (Hill Country provides all alcohol requested by client.) • All Tables, Chairs, Table Linens, Plates, Cake Plates, Flatware, Glassware, Napkins included in Property Rental • Clean up by Hill Country Staff • Day-Before-Event Decorating Options • Free Rehearsal Practice • Free Bridal Photo Shoots for our Clients

25. Hill Country › Village › • Bride and Groom Dressing Rooms

The Flagstone Pavilion

offers a second option for a large ceremony or an outdoor reception. Amenities include outside bar, large tv for football, and is sound equipped for a band or D.J. of your choice. Hill Country’s Pavilion is expansive and distinct in that guests can enjoy the natural scenic surroundings that our property has to offer.

The Hill Building is

Country

Entertainment

World Class Cuisine

›

One of Hill Country’s greatest assets is the exquisite cuisine prepared by Chef, Bill Kelly. Chef Kelly has over twenty years’ experience in the culinary industry. He is graduate of Culinary Arts Institute of Louisiana and Scottsdale Culinary Institute’s Patisserie

It would be our pleasure to schedule a tour of the property so that you can see what Hill Country Village has to offer. We would love to make your vision into a reality. Call Bill Kelly at 870 917 9796, or email him at billpkelly@gmail.com. 25

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | V ENUE

often the main attraction for large weddings and events. This lovely, bucolic, structure host a walk-up, mahogany bar, a raised stage, dancing area, and a world of interesting conversation starters to give each guest an exceptional event experience. The Hill Country Entertainment Building also includes a magnificent Bridal Suite for brides and her bridal party to unwind and prepare. The courtyard, also located in the main structure, is a favorite among all patrons of Hill Country Village. This elegant outdoor area, adjacent to the reception building, displays a roaring, wood-burning fireplace and lush greenery for a peaceful dining and intimate conversation space.

Program. Chef Kelly has worked in every level of the culinary industry, bringing his talent and expertise to Hill Country Village. Chef Kelly began his professional career as the assistant head chef at Squire Creek Country Club. Chef Kelly moved to Shreveport in 2007 to assume the role of kitchen manager for Superior Steakhouse and was quickly promoted to Executive Chef. Chef Kelly then began his new culinary adventure catering events full time for Hill Country Village in 2009. Chef Kelly has created an impeccable reputation from his clients for being accommodating, and his delicious cuisine speaks for itself. Patrons of Hill Country Village come from all over Louisiana and surrounding states. Having hosted more than seven- hundred events, Chef Kelly and his staff are experts in the event business. All dishes are prepared on-site, made from scratch, using only fresh, local ingredients. Famously known for smoked meats, Louisiana fare, and favorite southern staples, Chef Kelly will customize every client’s menu to suit his or her taste. Chef Kelly and Kitchen Manager/, Helen Rimmer are present at each function to ensure your special event is truly unforgettable.

26. Lockhart Ad C R E AT I N G WEDDING MEMORIES

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | VE NUE

•

SINCE 1960

•

6601 Youree Drive Shreveport, La 71105 318-797-5544 www.lockhartjewelers.com

CREATING

Wedding Memories SINCE 1960 WRITTEN BY AMANDA LOCKHART YOUSEF

ockhart Jewelers has been a locally owned store since the 1960’s. This year we celebrate 60 years in business. We started in the industry by doing repair work and custom jewelry - not only for our friends but for other jewelry stores as well. Our team has a combined experience of over 100 years. We work hard together with each client to make sure every dream or vision is brought to life in the best way possible. I am the third generation to be a part of the store. I have taken so much pride in the hard work my grandfather and father have done to get us where we are today. To see the many generations come in and talk of their experience is priceless. Most people start out by coming in to look at engagement rings. We are known in the community for our custom bridal jewelry and beautiful selection of diamonds. I get to hear all the stories of what their vision was and how my father or grandfather made it happen within whatever price point they had. I love to hear from our friends that we have a “home like” environment and we make everyone feel comfortable

no matter what their budget is. Most women dream of their wedding day, the man they will marry and of course the ring. The ring is a symbol of the love and commitment to one another and we are honored to be a part of their forever story. It does not matter the size diamond, colored stone or maybe you want just a simple wedding band we have you covered. We love that the trend right now is either a simple solitaire or something extremely different they may have seen on Pinterest. Maybe you are looking to redo your bridal set because your style has changed over the years? We can do that too. Do not forget we also have our Vintage Collection next door to Lockhart’s with a unique selection of bridal jewelry, which is personally my favorite. Our team at Lockhart Jewelers is one step above the rest in my opinion because we LOVE what we do, and you really can’t put a price tag on that! Come by and look at the selection of engagement rings, wedding bands or just fill out a wish list so your love knows exactly what you want. Oh and don’t forget to say hello to the most favorite Lockhart, Mr.Gunner!

27. Lockhart Ad

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | RING

28. Pretenses Ad Uptown Shopping Center 5802 Line Avenue Shreveport

318-828-1645 @pretensesboutique

be the

BEST DRESSED

Guest

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring trends are brave with bright pinks, yellows and greens. The bride should be the spotlight, but you can still stand out from the crowd with fun, bright colors.

Dramatic shoulders are the perfect way to blend a classic look with flirty flair.

Soft animal prints in comfortable fits are all the rage this spring. Look fabulous and still be able dance all night with friends and family.

29. Pretenses Ad

(318) 861.0100 4801 Line Ave. Shreveport, Louisiana

30. Happily Ever After Ad

something

OLD something NEW A special thank you to Happily Ever After Bridal Boutique, Skeleton Key Vintage and Bullets and Butterflies Vintage for creating the most beautifully styled wedding shoot.

31. Wedding Fashion

To shop their styles please visit:

Happily Ever After Bridal Boutique 4801 Line Ave. #13, Shreveport, La 71106 www.happilyeverafterbb.com

Skeleton Key Vintage and Bullets and Butterflies Vintage at Kings Antique Mall 133 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, La 71104 @skeletonkeyvintage @bulletsandbutterfliesvintage

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | DRESS

t’s a long-standing wedding tradition that brides wear something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue on their wedding day for good luck. Most brides incorporate that practice in a similar way—a blue garter, some borrowed and old jewelry or a new wedding dress. But if you’re looking to add some creativity to your special day, there are many ways to incorporate these old customs while adding a modern flair. Lola Magazine teamed up with Happily Ever After Bridal Boutique, Skelton Key Vintage and Bullets and Butterflies Vintage to show you some trendy ways to combine the old with the new.

something

OLD T

he bride’s “Something Old” item symbolizes her family, her past, and their traditions. The vintage trend is strong and here to stay, so there are plenty of ways to incorporate an “old” item into your ensemble. In addition to wearing a relative’s dress and jewelry from her wedding day, you can use: ›› A vintage hat or headpiece ›› Your grandmother’s brooch ›› A vintage veil ›› Lace gloves ›› An old locket, pin, or pocket watch incorporated into the bouquet ›› An old family Bible with the rings tied on top ›› A strip of lace from your mom’s wedding dress wrapped around the bouquet or sewn into your dress

DRESS | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

32. Wedding Dress Fashion

“S

omething New” is a symbol of a bride’s new life ahead of her. You may choose to select your dress as your “something new,” as many brides do, or you may receive a gift on the morning of the wedding from your fiancé. It could be earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet that would be suitable for the ceremony. Shop Happily Ever After Bridal Boutique for these wedding dress looks.

33. Wedding Dress Fashion NEW 33

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | DRESS

something

BORROWED

raditionally on loan from another happy bride, the “borrowed” item symbolizes happiness. Potential “borrowed” items include:

›› A friend’s veil from her wedding ›› A cake knife or cake topper from a relative or friend’s wedding ›› Your cousin’s wedding shoes ›› The earrings your mother wore on her wedding day ›› Flowers from a family member’s garden for inclusion in the bouquet

34. Wedding Dress Fashion DRESS | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

›› Your grandmother’s fur

35. Wedding Dress Fashion something

omething Blue” is a symbol of fidelity, purity, and love. For Christian brides, it is also a symbol of the Virgin Mary. Options for “something blue” include: ›› The couple’s names and wedding date embroidered inside the wedding dress in blue thread ›› Sapphire jewelry ›› Bright blue heels or blue-bottomed flats ›› Blue nail polish ›› A Vintage blue veil 35

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | DRESS

“S

BLUE

vintage ADORNMENTS T

o achieve these looks on your wedding day, or any day, contact Sarah Lyles and Summer Swearingen with Skeleton Key Vintage and Bullets and Butterflies Vintage.

›› Charming Costume Bracelets ›› Colorful Wedding Veil ›› Floral Head Pin ›› Black Lace Gloves ›› White Woven Hat ›› Sapphire Brooch ›› Bold Statement Necklace and Earrings

DRESS | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

36. Wedding Dress Fashion

37. Wedding Dress Fashion

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | DRESS

At The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery, we believe in providing a comprehensive approach to beauty to help our patients look and feel their very best. Our team of plastic surgeons takes the time to understand your cosmetic concerns and develop a plan that makes sense for your lifestyle.

The Wall Center for Plastic Surgery 8600 Fern Ave. - Shreveport - (318) 795-0801

At Jade MediSpa, our team of highly skilled and educated skincare consultants are devoted to your beauty, comfort, and well being. In fact, the Jade MediSpa experience is all about helping you achieve a body that you can enjoy from head to toe through a variety of minimally invasive treatments that require little to no downtime.

Jade MediSpa 8600 Fern Ave. - Shreveport - (318) 213-1772 Call now to check our availability of same day services and saturday appointments.

38. Vertage Ad Dr. Simeon Wall Sr. specializing in

natural facelifts with hidden incisions blephorplasty - eyelid surgery facial implants (chin, lips, cheeks, dorsal) closed rhinpolasty (hidden incisions)

Dr. Holly Wall specializing in natural-looking breast augmentations short-scar breast lifts and reductions excess skin removal (ex: after major weight loss) mommy makeovers labiaplasty otoplasty

Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. specializing in breast augmentations with lipo of axillas short-scar breast lifts and reductions no scar nipple lift tummy tuck with 360Â° shrink wrap SAFELipo and BBL male chest enhancement - SAFELipo and fat transfer complex revision surgeries

MediSpa Services specializing in

Neurotoxins - Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Juveau

Dermal Fillers - Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Belotero, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure Injectables - Kybella, Sclerotherapy Coolsculpting - noninvasive fat reduction Lasers - Hair Reduction, Infini, Fraxel, IPL, Tattoo Removal Microdermabrasion HydraFacial Zo 3-Step Stimulation Chemical Peel ThermiVa - feminine rejuvenation Cellfina - cellulite treatment

Medical Grade Skincare ZO Obagi Revision Skin Medica Latisse AlphaLash

39. Nouveau THE NOUVEAU WEDDING Wedding ad FULL

SERVICE

WEDDING

PLANNING

FLORAL

DESIGN

STUDIO

PRO-TIPS

from the PLANNER

WRITTEN BY TRICIA STEWART WITH THE NOUVEAU WEDDING

You got engaged,

We asked Tricia,

your Pinterest

florist at The Nouveau

wedding planner and

40. Pro Tip from the Planner boards are

Wedding, to share her

overflowing with

engaged

images of stylish

insider tips for newly couples.

wedding gowns

and lush bouquets.

Now what?

PLA NNING | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

the budget talk out of 1 Get the way first.

Seriously… Just do it. I create budgets for all of my clients, but they are always customized to fit the couple’s specific wants and needs. Make a list of the top three things that are important to you. That’s where you should spend your money. If the food isn’t on that list, don’t splurge on catering. If flowers aren’t important to you, forgo those trendy floral installations (because they are not cheap, trust me). If entertainment is important to you, reach out to a booking agent and have them send you a list of bands that will bring the house down! The budget is nothing more than a reflection of what you want your wedding day to look and feel like.

If you haven’t set a date, do not 2 commit yourselves to any vendors within the first 3 weeks of getting engaged. If there’s a vendor you know for certain you want to work with, call them first and inquire about availability. Ask them to give 40

you 2 or 3 dates that they’re available around the time you want to get married, then call the venue to see if they’re available on any of those dates. Most vendors will put a temporary hold on a date to allow time to get your vendors lined up. Take the first 3 weeks to establish a budget and talk with family members who will be financially contributing to your wedding.

Open up a separate checking account for your wedding expenses. Most of your

vendors will invoice you with an option to pay online and will require you to keep a credit card on file. It becomes confusing (and frustrating) when you pay some vendors with a check and some vendors with mom’s credit card and some vendors with your personal debit card, etc. Worst case scenario? Often vendors will charge the card on file for the remaining balance and oftentimes the card on file is not the card you wanted to use for the final payment. I’ve had this happen to friends and clients on their honeymoon, and guess what? They were stuck in another country without funds.

When working with your florist, know that they have no control 4 over mother nature, so be flexible about your floral design plan.

If your wedding is at the end of a season, your florist can’t guarantee that every flower you’ve shown them will be available. The absolute best way to convey your vision to a florist is to give them examples of the colors and shapes of arrangements and bouquets that you love and let them take it from there. Chances are, you hired them because you loved their style, so let them do what they do!

more people you invite, the more be afraid to ask for payment 5 The expensive your wedding will be. 6 Don’t plans.

41. Pro Tips from the 7 Planner

Say it again out loud with me. “The more people you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be.” Creating a guest list is one of the most difficult tasks involved in planning a wedding. When clients come to me upset because they can’t afford the wedding dress they want, I say “yeah ya can. How bad do you want your mom’s Sunday school class to come to your wedding? Knock 5 people off your list and the dress is yours.” See how that works?

As a wedding planner, we’re often the first vendor a client hires, so we tend to work with the client for a longer period of time. We have a payment plan that allows the client to pay an initial deposit, and then make monthly payments until 30 days prior to the wedding. If a vendor isn’t open to the idea of a payment plan, it’s most likely for a good reason, so don’t feel defeated if they can’t accommodate this request.

Have a Rain Plan!

TENT PROVIDED BY PELICAN TENTS & EVENTS I hope this list helps ease a little bit of the anxiety that comes with planning a wedding. I’m biased of course, but I can honestly say that one of your best investments would be to hire a professional to plan or assist you with planning your wedding. We have invaluable information and relationships that ultimately save you money in the long run. I also want to encourage you to use local wedding vendors.

We have such an amazing group of talented professionals in our area and, with your support, our industry will continue to thrive. Set up a free consultation with us online at www.thenouveauwedding. com to see if we are the right fit. Pro-tip, you’ll be spending A LOT of time with your wedding planner, so you definitely want to make sure you vibe with them before signing a contract! 41

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | P LANNING

Mother nature attends every wedding, so you need to prepare for her presence. I’m not just referring to rain; extreme temperatures and wind can also disrupt your wedding plans. If you are having an outside wedding, please consider budgeting for a tent. 1. It not only serves as coverage from rain, it also shields your guests and your decor from the wind. If you are battling extreme temperatures, renting heaters or an AC unit will not suffice if you don’t have a tent to hold the temperature in. Also, I can’t stress enough about how important it is to hire a reputable, local tent company. This is not an area you want to cut cost in. Ask your planner who they recommend. Read online reviews. Talk with your venue manager about it. If there is a drastic difference in cost, there’s probably a reason why, so do the research and make an educated decision.

WRITTEN BY MOSS DUVALL

42. Pelican Tents OUR START

elican Tents & Events is owned and operated by my wife, Michel, and myself. We started the company in 2008 as newlyweds with 3 small tents, 10 tables and 100 chairs. Working in and then later owning the family business, Duvall’s Amusement Rentals, is what inspired us to take it to the next level. Our desire has always been to offer quality items as well as quality service to our customers. Over the years, we have been able to grow our inventory and create so much more of an experience for our clients. 42

OUR WHY

e strive to create a personal relationship and experience with every client that chooses us to assist in executing their special day or event. To do this, time and attention to detail is imperative, not only in the office but also on the job site. Pelican Tents & Events is fortunate to have such a great team that shares our same vision for our company, which is one of our most valued assets. We are one big family and that shows when you see our staff interact with our customers. We create 3D CAD drawings to bring your vision to life. Our production team takes pride and ownership in creating your dream wedding. Our product quality is important to our team as they take great care of the items we provide. Because of this, as well as our loyal customers, we are able to diversify and grow our inventory. This allows us to provide our area the same products that you would find in a larger market.

WE OFFER

ur inventory is always growing and evolving to our customers’ needs. We value the opinion of all the creative wedding coordinators, florists, venue coordinators and so many more talented individuals we have the pleasure of working with. Their input influences our decision-making process on what items to add to our collection. We offer several unique styles of tents from Sailcloth, Clear, Century Twin Pole to traditional white frame tents. Our inventory also consists of, but not limited to, chairs, tables, dance floors, flooring, carpet, bars, staging, facade, grass walls, linens, specialty lighting, and hundreds of other items.

43. Pelican Tents W OUR MOTTO

e treat each event with the same attention to detail, no matter how large or small. We want each customer to feel special and that their day is just as important to us as it is to them. We are able to accommodate any size wedding or event. There is nothing too big or too small.

MORE TO COME

e are in the process of acquiring different styles and types of lounge furniture. We have several different bar options to choose from and strive to provide new options as local trends change. We feel confident our New Vineyard Chairs will be an exciting addition for the upcoming wedding season. We will be showcasing our new grass walls, lighting options and other exciting items this Spring. Be sure to Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Sincerely, Michel and Moss Duvall

a new

TAKE on the

CAKE

44. A New Take on the Cake WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET

Goodbye wedding cake, hello dessert table.

CAKE | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

he latest and greatest wedding craze has brides ditching sweet tradition from the standard, tiered, white wedding cake to a mouthwatering dessert table full of assorted confections sure to make the strictest of dieters grab a quick nibble. Offering an assortment of goods, brides are commissioning their bakers to get creative in the kitchen by whipping up sweet treats for wedding quests in the form of smaller portions with plenty of savory variety. As an alternative to the standard white wedding cake, towers of couplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite desserts, tiered dessert trays, grab-n-go bite-size portions, as well as several smaller wedding cakes varying in flavors are some of the hottest trends in weddings. Brides have been having fun with their confections of choice, offering their favorite sweets for all to eat.

rom brownies, cupcakes, and cake pops to mini bundt cakes and donuts, brides have been serving beloved

favorite sweets as a treat for all. A budget-friendly option, couples are finding this less wasteful when serving bitesized portions. Placing favorite sweets on the tiers, guests can peruse the desserts quickly and easily.

Tiers of Treats

45. A New Take on the Cake Macaron Towers

owers of these specialized, delicate French cookie sandwiches are not only a feast for the eyes, but perfect

for sophisticated tastes.Â A sweet ganache of any flavor filling inside two light meringue biscuits is a delicate treat for the taste buds. While not excessively sweet, the appeal of these savory cookies as a high-end dessert is due to their airy and delicate taste coupled with their difficulty to create. These chic towers are works of art, as are the cookies themselves.

Personalized Desserts fruit

tartlets,

mini

parfaits, small cheesecake

bites topped with berries - these small desserts are by far the most popular new trend for brides. Guests are enjoying the sampling, while some of these dessert bites are too beautiful to eat. Visually appealing,

the

personalized

dessert table is where couples will find their guests returning throughout the entire evening.Â 45

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | CAKE

ibrant

46. A New Take on the Cake • ½ Uptown/ Downtown (nov/dec 19 pickup) Mini Wedding Cakes

rides wanting a variety of flavors

for their wedding cake can have it

all with several smaller wedding cakes. Quite lovely when all placed together

on the table, these smaller versions of

the mega wedding cake allow guests to sample their favorite flavors, thus accommodating everyone’s taste buds. Mini cakes with bold blooms, wildflowers and fruits are trending with brides. Still

a timeless look, mini cakes add a little

CAKE | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

variety.

Uptown Taste. Downtown Flavor. 9 4 S V I E NNA • R U STO N • 318-255-6771

47. McCarys Ad

LOVE

don’t cost a thing… Or does it? WRITTEN BY TRICIA STEWART

Top five unexpected wedding costs

Alterations

Very rarely will a bride be able to buy an item off the rack and wear it down the aisle. Wedding dress designers design dresses according to standardized sample sizes, and unless you’re extremely lucky, your wedding gown is going to require some alterations, whether that means hemming the gown, taking it in (or letting it out), or structural changes like adding or removing straps.

48. Hidden Cost 2 Pre-wedding attire

COST | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

Don’t kid yourself. You are going to want a new dress for your rehearsal dinner... and most likely your showers... and of course, your bachelorette party! It’s fine, just budget for it!

3 Hair and makeup trials

Brides usually budget for the cost of hair and makeup services on the day-of, but often forget how important it is to have a trial done to ensure the look you’re going for can be achieved.

49. Hidden Cost 4 ½ • Please and Thank You ½ 5 Day of stationary

Don’t forget about the “Welcome” sign… the “His and Hers Cocktail” sign… the “Gifts” sign... With all of the amazing calligraphy and paper options we have now, it’s easy to get carried away with signage. Pro Tip: If it’s an area that guests will not be spending too much time in, don’t spend too much money elevating it. One professionally designed sign makes more of an impact than several small signs.

Postage

You know you’ll need stamps for your outer envelope, but don’t assume you can get by with a standard stamp. An invitation with inserts, such as a direction card or map, will require additional postage due to the increased weight. You’ll also want to pre-stamp the RSVP envelope. Your cost per invitation can increase from the standard $0.35 [for a postcard] to as much as a couple dollars. If you have a guest list of 200 people, the additional postage quickly adds up.

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | COST

(318) 861.4247 3730 Youree Drive Shreveport, LA

50. Avalon Ad On your big day, you want to shine. Be pampered as our talented stylists use professional, high-end products to create that special glow. In our salon or on-site for groups, your hair and make-up will look itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best.

Budget

If you have a budget, tell your florist. A good florist will be able to advise on effective ways to reduce the costs.

your florist 2 Book early

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave it to the last minute and risk being disappointed as a good florist will always be highly sought after.

BOUQUET 51. Bouquet 3 BASICS Basics Find out what flowers are in season on your wedding day Flowers

have seasons so make sure you take this into consideration when choosing which flowers to incorporate in your bouquet.

WRITTEN BY TRICIA STEWART

As well as considering blooms that best express your personality, they need to also complement your wedding gown and tie in with the general look and theme youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve selected for the day. Remember to take a picture of your dress when you meet with your florist as the style, shape and detail of your dress will help determine the design of your bouquet.

the shape and size of your 5 Consider bouquet carefully

For example, if you have a long train or bustle at the back of your dress, you might want to balance the look with a more dramatic bouquet. A ballgown should be able to hold its own against an overflowing cascading bouquet. However, a simple sheath gown would not.

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | BOU QUE T

Consider Your 4 W e d d i n g Gown

52. Bouquet 7 ½ 8 Basics • Lauren Roebuck ad ½ 6 How to hold your bouquet in photos

If you can remember (ask your maid of honor to remind you), hold your bouquet in one hand and below your hip, slightly away from your dress so that you can see the silhouette of your dress. This will also relax and open your shoulders, which improves your posture and looks much more relaxed in photos.

Make perfect

picture

Photos of bouquets and flower arrangements make stunning pictures, so be sure to ask your photographer to get plenty. A good photographer will be able to come up with some creative ways on how to best photograph them and incorporate the surrounding props.

Keep your bouquet looking fresh into the evening If you have a hand-tied bouquet, you are likely to be able to refresh it at the end of the day by cutting an inch off the stems and dropping it into water. Perhaps a job for your mom or maid of honor.

BOU QUET | L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0

Enjoy your beautiful bouquet and remember you don’t have to toss it, you can always preserve it!

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Abby Inabnet & Derek Axelson - March 14 Kristin LeBlanc & Pierce Ponder - March 14 Ashley Lillis & Christian Spano - March 21 Kenzie Holley & Colin Moran - March 21 Elizabeth Glassell & John Foster - March 28 Sarah Green & Kyle Acklin - March 28

APRIL

Lillian Comegys & Raymond Jones - April 4 Katherine Herrin & Colin Willoughby - April 18 Allison Haynie & Jeffrey Kerst - April 25 Rachel Williams & Drew Christianson - April 25

MAY

Rachel Reeves & Skylar Ryan - May 16 Donna Cameron & Robert Gracey - May 16 Anne Marie Post and Tanner Boose - May 16 Megan Wilmore & Michael Doucet - May 23 Alex Boudreaux & Alex Martin - May 30 Ryan Barham & Foster Hinton - May 30

JUNE

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Madeline Wheelahan & Layne Davison - June 6 Katie Frierson & Max Young - June 6 Mary Katherine Ledbetter & Austin Fellows - June 9 Mary Martha Gaiennie & Richard Yancey - June 13 Ashleigh McInnis & John Thomas Terzia - June 27 Alex Morgan & Andrew Harlow - June 27

BEST DAY EVER it’s all in the DETAILS DECORATIONS AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS BY EVERYTHING ARTSY EVENTS CALLIGRAPHY BY PAPERGLAZE CALLIGRAPHY

our wedding day is one you will never forget. Make your big day a day your guests will never forget as well as one with fun, festive details. This bride and groom exchanged vows with a traditional church ceremony followed by an outdoor reception overflowing with all the darling details. Every corner of the venue was lined with charming elements both heartfelt and fun. Whatever size or style your wedding may be, it is your day to make BAR MENU Display a fun as memorable as possible. drink menu so your guests know what to expect before ordering Unique and thoughtful details their beverage. This will cut down time in line and get them on will help make your wedding their the dance floor faster. truly unforgettable.

54. Details >

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | KIDS

Display your <HASHTAG wedding hashtag so guests know

how to share their personal photos on social media. This guarantees you won’t miss any party pics from your big day.

DIRECTIONS>If your venue has several different areas, directions come in handy for both guests and any staff you may have helping with your celebration.

OF <WORDS WISDOM Give your guests the opportunity to share their “words of wisdom” on marriage. These treasured keepsakes will be sure to bring you joy for years to come.

DANCING SHOES

If the band is rocking, make sure the dance floor is too! Providing a basket full of dancing shoes (aka inexpensive flip-flops) will be the hero for ladies in heels. Keep them comfortable and keep them dancing.

PARTY FAVORS>Party favor options are available for every kind of wedding celebration. This outdoor reception provided guests with light-up tambourines, microphones, and feather boas. These fun additions kept the whole wedding engaged in celebrating with the band and the happy couple all evening long.

SENTIMENTAL <TOUCHES The brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father,

who also happens to be a talented artist, hand drew Save the Date postcards and wedding invitations that were also displayed at the reception. Even if your father is not an artist, finding ways to add a sentimental touch to your stationary creates anticipation for how unique your celebration will be.

55. Details

KIDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TABLES>Keeping your little guests happy will in turn keep all your

SPARKLER SENDOFF STATION Setting up a sendoff station

guests happy. Designate an area for children to be children and enjoy themselves. Set out baskets of crayons, coloring books, bubbles, and games on kid-sized tables, keeping in mind items that will not stain their wedding attire. These thoughtful goodies will make children feel like the special little guests they are.

will let everyone know the plan and politely inform them what time the party is over.

After hours of dancing and celebrating, guests can work up an appetite. This groom served up his personal favorite, a platter of pizza rolls, as the band played the last few songs of the night. There were a lot of happy groomsman to be found, but not a pizza roll to spare. 55

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | KIDS

^LATE NIGHT SNACKS

56. Bella Bridesmaids

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DRESS the REST WRITTEN BY TRICIA STEWART

MOTHER of the BRIDE • • • • •

Because it’s your BIG day, too

oogle “What is the mother of the bride supposed to wear?” and you’ll find hundreds of articles stating what the mother of the bride is not supposed to wear. Red is too flashy, black represents mourning, and of course white is a major no-no. Thankfully, we’re starting to see a shift in MOB fashion expectations and finding the perfect outfit can be as easy as heading to your favorite local boutique. We know it’s “your wedding,” but your mother is feeling just as much pressure to look gorgeous on your special day as you are. Encourage her to complement the color scheme of the bridal party but let her choose her own fabric and style. If your mom has a favorite local clothing boutique, start there. If they don’t have something suitable in stock, ask them to keep you in mind the next time they go to market. They can also call their designers to see if they can ship a few options to their store for her to try on.

57. Dress the Rest

›Keep the color palette in mind

Consult the bride

›Choose a dress early on Consider the location › ›Make sure you’re comfortable

Traditionally, the mother of the bride picks her dress before the mother of the groom. The mother-of-thebride dress should complement the venue’s vibe.

Comfort is key. Continue to search until you find the right dress that you can stand in, sit in, and dance in. No matter how gorgeous a dress is, the last thing you want to be doing on your daughter’s big day is fidgeting with your dress.

TIPS FOR PICKING A COLOR: ›› If the bridesmaids wear black or navy, try wearing silver, champagne or charcoal grey ›› If the bridesmaids wear gold or neutrals, try wearing gold, champagne or ivory ›› If the bridesmaids wear red or pink, try wearing champagne, taupe or floral prints with red or pink tones ›› If the bridesmaids wear blush, try wearing burgundy, champagne, or floral print with pink or neutral tones

›› If the bridesmaids wear light blue or silver, try wearing navy, charcoal or French blues

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | FA SHION

›

Ask your daughter what vision she has for her wedding so you can shop accordingly - is she going for a boho feel or a black-tie dress code?

It is important that the photos and the overall style and color blends nicely with the bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party.

58. Wedding “HIS & HER” Cocktails COCKTAILS

Wedding Specialty

t’s your big day, so why wouldn’t you want to make it your own from start to finish? One of the most amazing ways to put your mark on your celebration

is with signature his & her cocktails. Coming up with “his & her cocktails” is a fun way to show your guests who you are. Some couples serve cocktails such as what they enjoyed on their first date or something fun that they’ve enjoyed at one of their favorite vacation destinations. The sky is the limit really. It’s also such a great way to let your guests know how special they are for attending by serving them a custom cocktail. When choosing your custom “his & her cocktails” you should consider the ingredients, colors, and even the theme of your wedding. Also, make sure not to

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | COCKTAILS

forget about the vessel and even the garnishes. For these “his & her cocktails,” I took traditional cocktails such as a sidecar and a French 75 base and tweaked them a little. The great part about using a classic cocktail is that you can change the spirit base and add a few different ingredients and you get a fun, custom libation perfect for your big day. WRITTEN BY SABRINA NEWELL OF LOU LOU SUCRE’ 58

For more fun cocktails and entertaining tips follow Sabrina on Instagram and at LouLouSucre.com

59. Wedding Cocktails Blackberry Rum Sidecar

3 blackberries ¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice ¾ oz. Grand Marnier 2 oz. dark Rum, I used Bayou Rum Special Release Single Barrel 1 drop Habanero Bitters (I used Bitterman’s) Garnish with 3 blackberries TO MAKE THE COCKTAIL: • Muddle the blackberries in the bottom of a shaker.

• Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, Grand Marnier, and rum. Add ice and shake vigorously to combine. • Place a large single ice cube in a double old-fashioned glass and pour contents of shaker over the ice.

• Add the drop of habanero bitters and garnish with blackberries.

½ oz. cucumber juice, finely strained to remove seeds 2 oz. spiced citrus juice* ½ oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 2 oz. Yellowfin Otoro Vodka Champagne or Sparkling Wine Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of fresh mint

• Combine all juices, cardamon seeds, and mint in a covered glass jar and allow to sit in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, until desired taste.

FOR THE SPICED CITRUS JUICE: 2 large ruby red grapefruit, juiced 2 Cara Cara oranges, juiced 2 blood oranges, juiced 2 lemons, juiced 2 limes, juiced ¼ cup cardamon seeds ½ cup fresh mint

TO MAKE THE COCKTAIL: • Combine the cucumber juice, spiced citrus juice, St. Germain, and vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

• Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Pour into a coupe glass and top with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of fresh mint.

L O L A W E D D I N G I S S U E 2 0 2 0 | COCKTAILS

Spiced Cucumber Citrus Sparkling Cocktail

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Hostess with the

Mostess WRITTEN BY JESSICA COMEGYS AND JENNIFER TERRELL

Lola Magazine’s Hostess with the Mostess, Chef Jessica Comegys, is on a new mission in 2020 to introduce you to other female chefs and restaurateurs who share her passion and who are making a name for themselves in the industry. Join her on this exciting journey to see what’s cooking in the land of Lola!

62. Hostess

INTRODUCING JENNIFER TERRELL General Manager of the Petroleum Club

THE WEDDING DAY ... the most dreamt about time in a lady’s life and quite possibly the most terrifying. With so many changing trends, budgets, checklists, and dates to remember, it can be very difficult to navigate all alone! When you throw in opinions and advice from all your family and friends, it can get overwhelming quickly. So I invited wedding guru Jennifer Terrell, the general manager of the Petroleum Club of Shreveport, into the Glow Kitchen for some oneon-one cooking fun and asked her the questions all brides-to-be could benefit by knowing the answers. Jennifer handles wedding receptions of all sizes and budgets and knows the current trends and what will wow wedding guests! As a trained chef herself, she is the go-to wedding planner in our area for an outstanding event that’s sure to be remembered! 62

THE INTERVIEW | Jennifer Terrell • Where did you go to culinary school? I went to Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I., and graduated with my degree in Culinary Arts in 1985. How long have you worked at the Petroleum Club? I started in April of 1992. I was the director of catering for 21 years and promoted to general manager in June of 2013. • Do you like to entertain in your off time? What’s your favorite dish to cook? I do like to entertain – I love a good party whether at work or home. Because I have three children, I cook things they like. I like comfort foods and recently have been playing with Thai food. • How far in advance should you book a wedding reception? Most secure the date one year out. I have planned receptions in as little as six weeks however!

63. Hostess

• Tips for planning: Should you consider a Wedding Coordinator? Wedding coordinators can be a gift, and there are several coordinators in this area that are creative, knowledgeable and experienced. They make planning stress-free as they can assist you with budgets, contracts, vendors, accessories, invitations and etiquette. They can coordinate the entire event as opposed to just one aspect of your event.

At the Petroleum Club, we are happy to assist you with your reception details and are on-site before, during and after your event to coordinate everything from your arrival and formal photos to your grand exit. • Food Trends for 2020 At the Petroleum Club, we are seeing lots of “live-action” and “create-your-own” stations. We’ve done everything from soup shooters and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to a Jambalaya station to a Caprese bar. I love action stations because they engage all the senses – you see the food, hear it cooking, smell it and then taste! Often we find our brides come to us with specific ideas that reflect the bride and groom – a Texas BBQ station with assorted sauces, a bacon bar and a Mediterranean grazing station are some of the most recent things we’ve created.

Jennifer Terrell • Any foods to avoid for big parties? It’s important to consider what kind of party you’re having and the comfort of your guests. If you are having a cocktail reception, remember the guest may be standing and will probably be holding a drink, so you don’t want them to have to juggle too many things at one time. The food style and service style have to match.

lots of experience and knowledge and can handle anything that may or may not happen on your special day. I am also a big believer in supporting the local talent. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working hand-in-hand with so many wonderful, creative and committed people here in our local scene. They are excited about what they do and always work well together. And when we work together, it creates dynamic synergy, and the end result is always spectacular!

Any other tips or advice you’d like to add? My biggest suggestion is to hire professional people. They have

We wiggled a popular hors d’oeuvre recipe out of her, too!

64. Hostess

Seared Beef Tenderloin with Cipriani Sauce 8 oz filet ½ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos 2 garlic gloves, crushed 1 tbsp black pepper 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil •

Marinate for 2 hours before searing on all sides until a nice crust forms from the hot pan or grill. About 2 mins a side.

Cipriani Sauce ½ cup mayo 1 glove garlic, crushed Dash Worcestershire Pinch of grated parmesan 1 tsp brandy • •

65. Hostess

Whisk until combined. Once tenderloin has cooled, (this can be made ahead and stored in the fridge) slice thinly. Spread a little Cipriani sauce on a toasted crostini and top with a slice of steak. Garnish with green onion or micro greens. Serve chilled or at room temp.

Photography by Brittany Strickland

Wedding CRASH the

2020

Good News Band F E AT U R I NG

66. Crash The Wedding Ad

Thursday, March 19 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Tickets $25 Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite Petroleum Club of Shreveport 416 Travis St., 16th Floor • Shreveport, LA At Crash the Wedding, you will be treated as an actual wedding guest during a faux wedding reception complete with a bride and groom, wedding party, and all the “bells and whistles”! Crashers will be wined and dined and see Shreveport/Bossier’s most prominent vendors in action at this annual event unrivaled by any bridal show in Louisiana!

Guests will be provided with: • Complimentary valet parking • Passed champagne upon arrival

• Heavy hors d’oeuvres • Swag bags • Amazing giveaways

For more information contact Teresa Manley (318) 425.4251 or teresamanley@petroleumclub.com

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70. Brittany Elizabeth

2020

Fashion Project the Catwalk to Fashion Prize Comes Wrapped in Diamonds and Silk

71. Fashion Prize Content

AUTHOR: MERWIN MCCRADY

magine driving up to the entrance of Horseshoe Casino and being greeted by a fountain full of mermaids adorned with seashells. You approach a table full of hors d’oeuvres and shish-kebabs and make your way around the perimeter of a tropical space to visit vendors selling goods under flowy cabanas. More mermaids are floating in a lit pool, tossing around glow urchins while basking in the glittering sunset of the last evening in May. Then the main

event starts. Models emerge, strutting across a runway floating on top of the shimmering pool, showing off collections varying from elaborate evening gowns to neon swimsuits. This was the setting of the 2019 Fashion Project which took place at Horseshoe Casino’s Dare Ultra Pool. It was the first time the annual fashion show created by Katy Larsen, owner of the Agora Borealis, partnered with the Prize Foundation. This turned the usually themed fashion shows Larsen

has been curating since 2015, into a fashion competition. It was a time of summer fun and innovative clothing designs. This year promises to be an even bigger experience. In lieu of a breezy and sunny walkway, you will be led into an area embellished with beaded chandeliers, wall sconces, and draping sheers all aglow. Jazz music will be flowing through the air. You’ll be served a multi-course dinner prepared by renowned chef and Shreveport

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

KA TY

native Blake Jackson, who has recently been featured on Food Network. These succulent dishes are being created to complement the outfits being modeled around the ballroom, which are from the collection crafted by Donna Strebeck, winner of the 2019 Fashion Prize. VIPs will enjoy the premier lounge room, where guests can catch the main event while sipping on a local favorite Great Raft Beer and perusing the Bailey’s Jewelry Diamond Bar. Silver Lake Ballroom will house hundreds of models displaying over a dozen designers’ looks in a space usually used for bridal showers and weddings. The annual Fashion Project is the preliminary round for Fashion Prize. This is a competition where designers from all over the region sign up to show off their skills in front of a broad audience of fellow fashion lovers and judges. The first event takes place in the spring on Friday, April 17th, 2020. Only the top three designers of Fashion Project will be able to show their expanded collection at the Fashion Prize, the second and final leg of the competition. The FashEx team, designers and models are excited to have another opportunity to collaborate with the Prize Festival, this year at the beginning of October. One designer will be crowned winner of the 2020 Fashion Prize and take home a reward of $2000. The Fashion Project & Prize have already gained national attention in bigger cities such as Santa Fe, New Orleans, Memphis, Atlanta and Brooklyn. As exciting as this annual event is, it does have deeper meaning; it is a chance to see the hidden talents of Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana, an area where many people feel exciting things rarely happen and creative outlets are few. Attendees will have the opportunity to see models of different gender, age, shape, race and size, putting diversity to the forefront. This event opens doors for designers and models who never thought they’d see themselves on the runway. It also focuses on sustainability, keeping the integrity of the environment in mind. Picture yourself buying a beautiful garment from the event, knowing you’re doing your part to keep the environment safe, and your money goes into your neighbor’s pocket. The Fashion Project & Prize all began when an associate

asked Katy Larsen about what wasn’t selling in the marketplace. It forced Larsen to be mindful that wearable art could use a bigger platform and a sustainable course of action in our local arts community. In January of 2015, with the help of friends and supporters, the Agora Borealis held its first fashion show, showcasing designs by local artists with the theme of Mardi Gras. Each year the fashion show expanded, quickly outgrowing the store space and moving into various venues around town. I personally remember going to the 2017 fashion show themed Shrevepunk. This show was a nod to steampunk fashion taking inspiration from the designs of the aeronautic, locomotive and vast varieties of architectural cityscapes of Shreveport. At one pointa model walked on stage in a dress that seemed to be made of champagne glasses. She then filled the glasses, plucked them one by one from her bubbling gown and handed one to each VIP guest mid show. A true vision of Dreamport! The 2019 Fashion Project & Prize was the first of its kind. Designers weren’t restricted to a specific theme unlike years prior, and it was the most impactful experience yet for fashion lovers in the SBC. In fact, last year’s event held over 350 guests in attendance, including the Shreveport mayor. This year however, there are over a dozen competing designers with over 150 models walking for the event and an expected attendance of over 500 guests. There will be designs ranging from soft and whimsical, to classic and vintage, and even retro pop with a modern flair. You’re bound to find something that will catch your eye and make you fall in love with local, wearable art once more. Although only three designers can advance to Fashion Prize for the final round in the competition, all the designers will get a chance to showcase a portion of their collections at the finale. Most of this year’s

72. Fashion Prize Content

73. Fashion Prize Content ½ • Chateau En Mae ad ½

Designers competing in 2020 SHOW:

Clinton Downing Christine Duke Rusty Faye Crystal Green Jessica Hall Kirsi-Marja Hardy

Wanda Sandifer Brittani Shabazz Charnel Smith

designers are local, giving audience members a chance to purchase a designer’s work from the Agora Borealis marketplace or get something custom made. Who doesn’t want to wear something that is one of a kind?! If you missed last year’s event, don’t make the same mistake twice; catch the 2020 Fashion Project! The event takes place Friday, April

17 at Silver Lake Ballroom on the corner of Market Street and Lake Street in downtown Shreveport. Tickets are on sale now. You can purchase tickets online at https://tinyurl.com/ FashionProject2020 or follow the link from the Fashion Prize ’s Facebook event page. Call the Agora Borealis Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM for more information.

Victoria Smith Donna Strebeck Hephzibah Thomas Karisca Wheeler Emily Zering

Chateau En Mae ad ½ 73

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81. Payton I Denney Death by Comparison WRITTEN BY PAYTON DENNEY

own a fake Louis Vuitton handbag. My sister calls it the “Flouis.” It came to live in my closet a few years ago when a friend gifted it to me. I’m positive that she was tired of hearing me lust over the authentic ones. I was enamored by them. Other women looked legit sporting them. I was too cheap to shell out the cash for an authentic one, so I decided to fake it while I test drove. The counterfeit purse was so realistic that my friend and I were the only ones who knew the truth. I overcame the urge to purchase the real purse on the same day that the handle broke.

I’m not sure what I thought owning the handbag was going to do for me. Louis Vuitton makes beautiful products, and there is nothing wrong with owning them. But presenting a counterfeit front ultimately makes me the real fake. I’ve always prided myself on offering up nothing other than my authentic self. But truth be told, I’ve pretended more than I would like to admit.

s a young adult entering the professional arena, I was invited to attend the Provisional Party for the Junior League. I arrived at the party raring to go—ready to make new friends and embark on philanthropic adventures. I parked along the street as other young women clicked down the driveway in their summer sandals. As I was three feet from the front door, one of the leather straps on the top of my shoe snapped. There was no time to react as more recruits closed in behind me on the front porch. Just then, the host opened the door and ushered us inside. 81

he foyer of the grand home was so large that I could have parked my car in it. The décor was breathtakingly beautiful, and everyone agreed that a home tour was in order. I looked down at the frayed fragment of shoe strap saluting me from atop my big toe. “Maybe no one will notice,” I told myself. But as I began to follow the crowd into the next room, my shoe swung out and then snapped back into place making a loud clapping sound. Taking steps forward created an awkward gait and an echo. My only option to keep from interrupting the tour was to slide my foot along behind me as we progressed from room to room. When someone would turn to engage me in conversation, I stood in third position attempting to hide my situation. For an hour, I conversed with other Provisionals and party hosts. No one mentioned my predicament nor did I. Once I was back outside heading to my car, I slipped the perpetrator off my foot. I could hear my college roommate’s voice in my head, “I told you to throw those shoes away!” I never became an active member of the Junior League. I would like to say that today, 15 years after my self-conscious charade, I am much more selfassured. I would love to tell you that today, given the same circumstances, I would double over with laughter and ask the host for some slippers, but I’m not sure that would be accurate. The thing about authenticity is that it involves vulnerability.

And to be vulnerable is to be brave—to laugh at your shortcomings. I’m not sure that I always have what it takes to be 100% myself. Regularly, I get hijacked by the social media highlight reel. I tell myself ugly things about my lack of talent in certain required areas, such as “My skin should be clearer. My cellulite should vanish. Our family should travel more.” Then, I start to notice things I haven’t before. My wardrobe needs refreshing. My home décor is outdated. My kid should play travel ball. Shortly afterward, I embark on an unintentional proving contest, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t avoid the eventual emergence of my authentic self. Those are the days when my shoes reveal the truth about who I really am. My authentic self wears leggings that are past their useful life. I clean out my handbag once a year. Sometimes I don’t call people back. If my family didn’t wake me up, I would sleep the entire day. After years of practice, I’m a mediocre cook. Sometimes, at social gatherings, I say inappropriate things for the pleasure of experiencing the other person’s reaction. Embarrassingly so, I derive a large amount of my self-worth from my work. Often, when I’m lost emotionally, I look to the lovers of the real me to get me back on track. They can see through the smoke and mirrors of my latest charade. After listening to my struggling rant, they effortlessly hand back to me the reality of who I really am at my core. To them, it’s clear.

82. Payton Denney

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At the end of the day, I’m still that little girl who entered this world late in July 1980. My heart still belongs to the man who raised me on butterfly kisses. I still value birthdays because my Mama made them so very special. My sister is still my best friend. My most difficult trials have been shared with my high school sweetheart. He is my safe place, my happiness, the love of my life. I don’t sleep well when he’s not home. My world is in balance when we are together. With every year that passes, I realize the magnitude of life’s trials. The responsibility and the honor of raising three kiddos is overwhelming. But my hope lies in the fact that my Creator is the one true lover of the real me. The relationships that support me in my weak times are of His making. Every day, we have a choice on how to handle our circumstances. We can fold and become victim to them, or we can dig deep into who we were created to be and plant our heels. My reality is that I’ll be holding my ground in baggy leggings and outdated shoes. Maybe I’ll post that on social media.

Make no mistake, there is death in comparison. The result is the loss of the best parts of our authenticity. That’s a loss I’m not willing to accept. I say that we start by turning off the filters on our lives. If we can do that, our emancipation from self-destruction may just be at the tipping point.

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IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE LIKE WE’RE 125 Remembering • Discovering • Envisioning

Happy Birthday La Tech!

hat’s been planned for more than 20 months will become reality when Louisiana Tech joins hands across generations for the University’s 125th Anniversary Celebration during the final weekend of April. It will be a weekend of remembering and discovering.

Alumni who have not been to campus lately are in for pleasant surprises. And for those who have seen the expanding and improving college campus lately, there will still be much to appreciate and learn and share — especially concerning the historic, fast-paced past quarter century — as the Tech Family walks together into its next 125 years. “We want everyone to remember the past and their favorite moments and to reconnect,” said Tech’s Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Regional Development, Michele Robinson (’85), “but we also hope we’ve set the stage well enough so they’ll discover what’s going on here now and envision what’s possible in the future, and how they can become a part of that.” To do that, the committee has blocked

out chunks of time for alumni to enjoy larger events — the Procession of Rings, the Ring Ceremony, Spring Fling, tours of the individual colleges — and non-competing blocks of time for more intimate gatherings of all past and present organizations from student recruiters to Greek and faith based groups. “For Celebration Weekend,” Robinson said, “we feel we’ve come up with something for everyone.” “With everything we’ve strategically identified through this anniversary year, we’ve wanted the celebration weekend to have an anniversary flair,” said committee member Cathi Cox-Boniol (’82, ‘83). “We wanted to offer an elevated experience for this once-in-a-lifetime event.” Around the scheduled events will be plenty of time to just wander through campus, and see the 125 Years Anniversary Exhibit on the fourth floor of Prescott Memorial Library, assembled by University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Nolan Eller and his staff. “It’s like the Tech Smithsonian,” said Cox-Boniol. The weekend will be celebrated with one of Tech’s biggest partners, the City of Ruston.

Downtown festivities, included concerts at the Dixie Center for the Arts as well as shopping and dining at both the old and best-loved as well as some newer favorites. “There was a time when this wasn’t a college town, even though it might have wanted to be,” Cox-Boniol said. “It’s a totally different ballgame now. We want people to experience that.” Future students are also welcomed to join the celebration. “While we want this to be a celebratory experience for everyone,” Cox-Boniol said, “we want it at the same time to be an opportunity to plant the seeds for the next 25 years.” Celebration Weekend is all about engagement, about alumni and friends interacting in meaningful ways to grow both relationships and the University through communication, events, volunteering, and philanthropy. We celebrate relationships, our Forever Loyal bond, and this: what began as The Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana with six faculty members and 202 students has grown into the region’s flagship University. The challenge now – together –

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86. Highland Open HOST local artist WHO: WHAT: WHEN: WHERE:

Highland Studio Open Tour Sundays HOSTS After Dark! March 8th from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 1529 Texas Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103

ighland Open Studio Tours Sunday was inaugurated in May 2013 by pioneers Su Stella and Curt Harville. At the time, opportunities for local artists to showcase their latest work in the Shreveport/Bossier were rare and sporadic. HOSTS was the only reoccurring monthly art event. Several artists in the Highland Historic District would open their home studios and have two to five artists set up their latest projects for the public to come in and connect with. Stella and Harville relocated in 2017 and Karen La Beau began coordinating the event with the assistance of Kathryn Usher at that time. Usher assisted with HOSTS for two years. Today, there are many art events and opportunities in Shreveport/Bossier so HOSTS has scaled back to a quarterly occurrence on the 2nd Sunday of each season, taking place

from noon to 4:00 p.m. This year, HOSTS is kicking off this season with a different spin. On March 8th, HOSTS After Dark! will be unveiled and will take place at Eleven Events from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be at least 20 vendors and artists will be set up. The remaining HOSTS for the year will occur on June 17th, September 13th and December 13 and will follow the normal format of artists set up in their home studios in the Highland neighborhood. Karen La Beau works hard on a budget of zero to keep the tour exciting and interesting. “It really does take a village. Lynn Laird, Christina Francis and Tori Ladd assist with getting the press releases out. Marci Gatlin Hicks is our graphics designer and so many others assist behind the scenes,” says La Beau. La Beau is a noted collectible artist through the Shreveport Arts Council as well as a past recipient of the SRAC fellowship grant. Recently, she won the Love Shreveport award. “Keeping HOSTS going can be a challenge. However, I have a commitment to continue to assist the art community in Shreveport with growth,” La Beau said. Originally from New Orleans, La Beau moved to Shreveport over fourteen years ago and has been working as a professional artist for the past twelve years. If you have never attended the Highland Open Studio Tours, you are invited to visit to join us and engage with some of Shreveport’s best artists and greatest talents.

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SOLUTI ONS

8 habits to better cognitive fitness 91. Donessa Brain health Brain is one of the most important topics of 2020 and knowing your own brain health can affect your future as much of your brain processes affect your lifestyle. It is exciting to know that through the science of neuroplasticity, we know that our brain can change and grow. We are not stuck with the brain that we were born with nor with the brain we have trained into bad habits. Growth and change are possible.

abits are formed when you do something long enough that it becomes ingrained or automatic such as brushing your teeth. The rule of thumb to enforce a habit being only 21 days is a myth. The reality is that researchers from University College London found that the average was closer to 66 days with some individuals succeeding at only 18 days and others (the hard-headed ones) taking almost a full year at 254 days. Unfortunately, breaking a good intention is pretty easy and quick, like some people do this daily, while breaking a bad habit is much harder. According to recent research from Yale University, a bad habit (not an addiction) takes a sustained abstinence of the habit of

90 days to allow the gradual re-engaging of proper decision making and analytical functions in the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prefrontal cortex. Addictions on the other hand can be a life-long enemy as recovery can be a daily battle especially with certain drugs and lifestyles. The reality is that this is why so many people have already failed at their new yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals by the time that you read this article. The goal is to make a new habit by doing it consistently one day at a time for at least two months. So, as you set your sights on the habits of brain health below, pick one or two to follow through on and when that becomes a habit, add another and by this time next year you could have 8 new great brain healthy habits and a healthier brain, happier life. 91

• Habit #1: Hydration/Nutrition. Plan

to drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water daily and eat lean/green, organic foods, which are rich in nutrients such as magnesium. When you feel stressed, eat some nuts, dark chocolate and drink plenty of fluids. Add spice, reduce wheats and eliminate sugars.

• Habit #2: Read daily for at least 15 minutes. It doesn’t matter whether this is a magazine

or a book but reading not flipping through the pictures is the point -- in fact, you are doing your brain good while reading this. When you feel pressure, take a moment to focus on something else by picking up a book/magazine and deep breathing while you read. Perhaps, have a daily scripture reading or chapter in a book if you are not a reader.

• Habit #3: Focus on the blessings

that you have each day and spend time in meditation and prayer so that your mind can enrich. When you feel stressed, journal about

• Habit #6: Invest in yourself. Take time

to enjoy something fun, pleasurable and relaxing daily. This can be the good book in the bath with scented candles and bubble bath or it can be a night out with a friend, or even just a piece of indulgent chocolate. It can also be choosing to set aside time to work with a personal fitness trainer or a personal brain trainer which can benefit both the body and the brain. Remember, indulging yourself is not the same as investing in yourself. Do something that leads to a better you and start small with perhaps making an invest in me calendar.

• Habit #7: Create an atmosphere of rest around you.

Sleep properly by making your sleeping environment a healthy place with no TV, electronics, blue lights, etc. Add scents and perhaps an infuser or a room spray that has a relaxing scent like lavender. Strive to reduce your technological intake to a limited amount and cut it off one hour prior to bed. Play soothing music or listen to an audiobook as you drift away. Leave all phones and other WIFI enabled gear out of your sleeping places so that you can dream uninterrupted.

92. Donessa Brain it and let the stress flow out into private thoughts that you can pray and meditate on. An attitude of gratitude fuels the brain as it builds up the hope and happiness hormonal levels which leads to a more positive outlook.

• Habit #4: Learn something new and challenging whether this be picking up crocheting or puzzles. Try something that has

been hard for you in the past and keep trying it daily as this help forms new brain connections. When you feel anxious about this, try saying the alphabet backwards! Challenge yourself by partnering with a personal brain trainer who will hold you accountable and push you to learn.

• Habit #5: Socialize with friends and

family in a tech free environment at least once daily. Social connections are important for the

brain so spending time tech-free while conversing with others will build the auditory/listening skills and fire up new synaptic connections. If socializing makes you tense, try starting with one friend/family member at a time and make a “date” of it.

• Habit #8: Set goals for new healthy

habits by controlling risky behaviors or habits and breaking out of them. Choose

one habit that is bothering you or irritating those around you who love you and deliberately choose to break that habit whether that be an eating issue, an addiction, or just an annoying habit several others have commented on. While this may be the most difficult of the tasks, it can also be the most rewarding. Choose to be deliberate and substitute the habit with a healthy brain habit such as doing a logic puzzle. If tech addiction is the issue, try going back to a paper/pen world for a while. Partner with a local counselor or therapist who specializes in breaking addiction. Do not let life’s cares throw you back into the path of that addiction but get an accountability partner who will hold you to your goals.

Join the Shreveport-Bossier Community in a Healthy Brain, Healthy Workplace, Healthy Life,

BY DONESA WALKER, M.ED. OWNER OF THE BRAIN TRAIN LEARNING SOLUTIONS AND LEARNINGRX OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

Brain Fitness Summit on March 13 and 14. For more information or to reach out to someone to partner with you on these goals, reach out to us at The Brain Train Learning Solutions. 318.655.3884 or LearningRx at 318.797.8523.

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A Salute to

Educators Take a gander at the Nation’s Report Card and you will see that little has changed in the last 30 years in education and Louisiana is still at the bottom of the barrel. That’s the bad news. That’s the news that gets a lot of media wave, but the truth is our educators are some of the best above all the rest and it is time to highlight those who raise the tide. We choose to salute those who are rising above and may not be catching the mainstream media cycle but have definitely caught the vision.

Debbie Kurkiewicz

Mooringsport Elementary

he first salute goes to Debbie Kurkiewicz, often known as Debbie K. or Ms. K to her kids. She has been in education over 37 years and leads at Mooringsport Elementary for the past 13 years with her fine example. Mooringsport is a small community in north Caddo that is rarely recognized for the gem that it is as it sits on Caddo Lake and hosts a tight-knit community of people who are driven to get the best for their kids but also believe in supporting their local school. Ms. K. started her journey to leading at Mooringsport when she received a B.A. degree from LSU-Shreveport; Master’s Plus 30 from Centenary and an ED.S from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Mooringsport is recognized as an A+ school and is participating in the George Rodrigues Foundation Louisiana A+ Schools program. Ms. K. thrives on knowing that her students are getting exposed to art and culture and is proud to be a participant in making learning an exciting adventure through art. This program has greatly improved motivation across the board as students’ creativity is highlighted through core subjects. She is very mindful and proud of the history of Mooringsport as they celebrated the 100 th year of the school in 2011. She believes that the consistency she provides in the position of principal for over a decade has helped to build trust in the community. Mooringsport’s motto is “Together We Encourage, Together We Achieve.” This is Mrs. K’s philosophy as well as she will soon complete 4 decades in the educational system of Caddo Parish Schools. She continues to be a stabilizing asset to the school and to the community as a whole. Today, she is the principal to her former students’ children. Throughout the years of her tenure in Caddo, she has seen many changes in the educational system and has learned to weather these and build upon them with fire and passion. The advances in technology have provided opportunities as well as challenges. Data analysis, real-time reports, strategy meetings to target strengths and areas of needed improvement are part of the everyday life of today’s educators, which Ms. K has embraced and refined while acknowledging its challenges for our community. Ms. K is most proud of the way her staff works together to provide great educational experiences for the students, while balancing the requirements and demands of targeted instruction. Celebration of dedication to service, leading by example and longevity is why we salute Ms. K!

94. Salute to Educators

This salute starts with those who lead by example and a fine example it is.

BY DONESA WALKER, M.ED. OWNER OF LEARNINGRX AND BRAIN TRAIN LEARNING SOLUTIONS

Kasie Mainiero

 Un i v e r s i t y E l e m e n t a r y

he second salute, Kasie Mainiero, is a product of the community who is now giving back to her community. As a National Board-Certified teacher and a reading specialist, she is a graduate of several of our local universities including Centenary for her undergraduate teaching degree, Louisiana Tech for her graduate degree in Counseling as well as her Reading Specialist certification and LSUS for her Supervision/Administration certification. She has written and won grants for her school totaling well over $100,000. She is super proud of the We Care program that she has established in partnership with Community Renewal at University Elementary in south Caddo Parish as this teaches her students to have a servant’s heart and desire to serve others above themselves, which is a true need in today’s society. University Elementary is recognized for its Project Lead the Way science-based pre-engineering program. It is the only program of its kind in Caddo Parish that has real-world applications such as studying flood effects and plans for hurricanes using active engineering software. Mrs. Mainiero is a proud mother and wife who loves supporting her family and school. She is often about in the community supporting the arts, sports and her church family. Raised by her grandparents due to the death of her parents at a young age, Mrs. Mainiero understands the challenges of families who struggle with loss and other major issues such as addiction. She was

motivated to turn to education from other pursuits like law when she realized how much fun learning was with little ones. She loves to write and had considered that as a major as well as several others, but when observing how excited the younger elementary children were about learning, she caught the flame and her biggest goal is to make learning exciting and a life-long adventure for her students by showing them that learning can and should be FUN! The thing that she would like to leave as her legacy to education is to inspire the next generations to be well rounded by using a holistic approach to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. She has been honored by the Shreveport Chamber as a 40 under 40 recipient as well as being recognized as a true leader in our community. Her passion is creating great neighbors and citizens of all of her students while educating them in the latest practices using restorative practices and TBRI/ACES training for the teachers in order to encourage wellrounded students who want to come to school and learn. She says, “kindness and caring are the most important things we can ever teach children” and she is right!

95. Salute to Educators

Elizabeth Disbrow LSU Health Shreveport

ast salute for this time but by no means the least, Elizabeth Disbrow, Ph.D., is an often-unrecognized jewel in our community for her contributions. Her unheralded leadership as the Director of the Center for Brain Health and her continued passion for sharing her knowledge of the brain through teaching at LSU Health Shreveport began as an undergraduate sitting in her neurophysiology class. She caught the fascinating vision of the brain through an MRI and thought how cool it would be to explore. Her mom was a nurse and her dad an electrical engineer, so it was natural for her to be interested in the way body systems work. She began to build a toolbelt of knowledge about studying the brain and most recently is exploring how neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson’s affect the brain’s processes. 95

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Moving from CA to LA was a step into a different world and inspired her to take some of the knowledge of her toolbelt and pursue a Brain Health Center. Shreveport has lots of resources here and some of these are the best in the nation but without an organized voice, monies and resources were bypassing our community. What gets Liz, as she is known to her colleagues, out of bed in the morning is her goal to unite the talented clinicians, researchers and trainees in our great underserved community, building the infrastructure to meet the needs of those struggling with brain health. Clinicians and researchers can move faster working together, as the dire need for intervention in brain health is rapidly increasing each day. Having the latest in medicines, research, clinical trials, rehabilitation through physical and cognitive therapy and connections in the community to resources for caregivers and families is exciting and groundbreaking. She states that she is passionate about education because “biology doesn’t stop innovating, so I’m committed to teaching the next generation about how the brain works and what happens when it doesn’t.” She and her colleagues reach out to young students through the Society for Neuroscience program called “Brain Awareness Week.” She thinks providing hands-on education, like the opportunity to hold and examine a sheep’s brain, can perhaps spark the next generation of neuroscientists as that was a gamechanger for her.

And there are many more educators out there who deserve a shoutout in celebration of the hard work they do every day to change lives and inspire greatness in our students. Know a wonderful example of this type of leadership in the classroom or in the field of education? We would love for you to interview them and submit a story highlighting their greatness so that we too can champion them as the leaders of our future generations! To submit a story on your favorite educator, send article to: bevinlolamag@gmail.com.

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98. Integrate COMMITMENT Your Health W Integrate Your Health:

edding season is upon us. Looking through the pages of this issue will inspire many of you who are planning your big day and remind others of their wedding in the recent or distant past. Although there is much excitement around the dress, flowers, and reception, we all know that a wedding is really a celebration of a commitment between two people building a life together. Commitment. Marriage is the quintessential example of commitment, but we make commitments throughout our lives, big and small. We commit to our children in motherhood. We commit to our education and careers. We commit to the PTA, our children’s sports teams, our neighborhood associations. Most of these things we do with gusto because we love the people in our lives and relish caring for others. But what about commitment to ourselves? Do we so readily commit to our physical and mental health? Our body is a complex system that requires self-care to function optimally: nourishing food, restful sleep, regular movement, and a peaceful environment. Think of the last time you didn’t get a good night’s sleep. I’ll bet the following day your brain was foggy, energy zapped, and temper short. How can we possibly expect to function at our best if we aren’t treating our bodies with respect? Self-care is not selfish. It is a necessity. There is truth in the saying “if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be much good to anyone else.” When our health is ignored, all of our commitments suffer.

When you commit to true health, your perspective changes.

99. Integrate Your Health

Health is not merely the absence of disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. While many of us are not sick, it does not mean that we are well. I argue that health, as defined by the WHO, is the real prize. When you commit to true health, your perspective changes. You deserve to be in a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being! In knowing that, you no longer avoid detrimental activities out of deprivation but rather engage in positive behaviors because you deserve it. Motivation is not found on a scale but through the enjoyment of life. It is easier to avoid an unhealthy lunch if you know it will make you feel tired by the time you pick your kids up from school. In choosing the healthy option at mealtime, you are choosing YOU. Carving out time for exercise is a priority because you know that your energy level is better when you do and you are grateful that you can. Going to bed on time sets you up for a productive day tomorrow. You surround yourself with positive and uplifting people because these relationships make you feel good and lead to longevity. The healthy lifestyle is not a chore. It is a gift we give ourselves - an infectious gift that permeates our relationships and ultimately benefits everyone around us. The new year brought a time of resolutions, but I encourage you to make a commitment to yourself instead. When you are truly caring for yourself, you will function at your best and be better able to care for and commit to those around you. You deserve it!

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i l e m s t u a n e d e u e N Need a smile tune up? p? Resu

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101. Foster (pickup?)

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! y a d to m a x ye r a t n e lim p m o c a e l u Sched SHREVEPORT

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BOSSIER CITY

3011 Airline Dr.101

Rock-A-Bye Baby…

Your Guide to Sleep Fitness I absolutely concur with the statement made by my colleague, Dr. Michael Breus aka the Sleep Doctor: “Sleep has a direct effect on anxiety, depression, moodiness. Literally everything you do, you do better with a good night’s sleep.” Sleep should be considered one of the three pillars of good health, along with diet and exercise, and should be prioritized as part of a healthy lifestyle. The need for sleep never goes away, especially if we’re pushing ourselves creatively, professionally or athletically. Did you know the average person may spend more than 26 years of their life sleeping? I’ll say that’s 26 years well spent. Are you getting 7 to 8.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep or your own “sleep need”? FYI: “sleep need” varies with age and socially determined wake-up time)? Besides feeling rested in the morning, there are some significant benefits derived from experiencing quality and quantity of sleep on a nightly basis. Good sleep can turn on about 700 health-promoting genes. Besides staying healthier, longer, I bet you’re interested in the benefits of achieving those 7 - 8.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep!

102. Dr Karen Sleep

Here’s a listing of the benefits of sleep:

9 Release of Melatonin = Modulation of the Immune System 9 Decrease Heart Rate = Decrease Blood Pressure = Decrease Risk of Heart Disease (heart attack and stroke) 9 Better Blood Sugar Control = Decrease Risk of Diabetes 9 Resting of Digestive Tract (Intermittent Fasting) 9 Weight Loss/Maintenance 9 Increase in Collagen Synthesis = Beautiful Facial Skin 9 Muscle and Tissue Repair = Better Athletic Performance 9 Realignment and Elongation of the Spine 9 Improvement in Learning (productivity/less “hangry” mistakes), Memory (better performance) and Mood (decrease risk of anxiety & depression)

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WRITTEN BY DR. KAREN PENDLETON

First things first.

Do you know your chronotype?

ions wake up early to roar. Owls stay up all night. Bears are somewhere in between. When one understands the way our bodies react, we can better prepare for the day. We humans operate according to a circadian rhythm that is encoded in us. It’s a roughly 24-hour rhythm of the sun that sets the pace for our bodies and minds – in quite a steady manner. For example, ever wonder why we tend to get sleepy and hungry at the same time of day? That’s our circadian rhythm at work. In principle, we should try to follow these so-called internal clocks, and let our bodies function according to their pace. Disruptions in the rhythm (evident in shift-workers, for example) can cause different types of health problems such as sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, G-I issues, i.e., heartburn and ulcers, and even some cancers.

There are variations in our alignment to the 24-hour circadian rhythm. Some people operate with a slightly faster paced rhythm than the 24-hour cycle, and others have internal clocks that are a bit slower than the 24-hour cycle. Our alignment to the circadian rhythm is called chronotype. For example, the slightly faster-paced individuals are often referred to as “morning people” – brisk, attentive and ready to go at dawn – whereas the slower-paced ones are often referred to as “evening people,” reaching their peak performance at dusk. According to research, chronotype seems to be related to genetics while circadian alignment can change a bit according to age. Thus, we should be aware of our own circadian rhythm. In addition, to avoid the negative health effects of circadian misalignment, we should schedule our lifestyle according to our own rhythm. Aligning our sleep schedule with our own unique circadian rhythm is very important for getting adequate amounts of deep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, both of which play a significant role in your recovery. As I personally share with my family, friends and patients, a somewhat structured but consistent sleep routine is paramount! Value your sleep as much as you do your diet and physical fitness. Going to bed at the same hour on school nights and weekend nights is a must. Just know that we cannot make up hours of sleep on the weekend. Training ourselves to sleep along with our natural circadian rhythms will lead to better overall health and performance. Hint: Set an alarm for when it’s bedtime; and within 30 minutes upon arising, get a minimum of 15 minutes of light, i.e., sunlight and/or blue light. Thirty to forty-five minutes of daily exercise can prepare us for a good night’s rest. As a general rule, you should not exercise too close to bedtime (within 4 hours before of falling asleep). It will stimulate your metabolism, which can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Speaking of stimulation and caffeinated beverages, 2 p.m. is a well-accepted cutoff time for drinking coffee. Experts have proven that the effects of a late afternoon cup of coffee (caffeinated beverage) can last much longer than perceived, so much so that it can cause restless sleep, even hours later. Drinking alcohol to aid your sleep is a terrible idea because it prevents getting into Stage 3 and 4 of that deep, refreshing and physically restoring sleep. Therefore, time your glass of wine (alcohol) with the knowledge that it takes an hour to digest it. And, eating after 7 p.m. can be problematic, in that it takes energy for digestion. This too can “wire” you up, as well as cause your blood sugar to roller coaster. The above factors affect your resting heart rate and thus, are a good way to push your sleep cycle out of whack.

Here is an example of a proper bedtime ritual. Make sure your sleep environment is conducive to a comfortable experience , i.e., good temperature (65F / 18.5C).) and no stray light (including the glow from electronics). Our sleep/wake cycle is run by light. The bed linens and sleepwear should be comfortable and inviting. Remember only use your bedroom for sleeping and romance! Consider “powering down” by avoiding technology, i.e., white and blue lighted screens one hour before falling asleep. You know what they are…TV, desktop computers/ laptops, cell phones, pads/tablets. The content you are viewing can elevate your heart-rate and/or may cause stress (from work email, for example), and the highintensity blue light emitted from electronics regulates your melatonin, the sleep hormone. So tune out early and take advantage of screen filters or special glasses that block blue light. Remember that blue light represents ‘coffee for the brain’! There are some excellent sciencebased lighting resources that are centered around healthy lighting. Additionally, make sure the all sources of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) are at least 15 feet away from you.

103. Dr Karen Sleep

An evening bathtub soak in Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and mindful music is so relaxing! Most people who suffer with sleep disorders possess a mineral deficiency, i.e., magnesium, calcium and/or both, thus get tested. Completion of personal hygiene, i.e., facial and dental care and emptying of the bladder round out the bathroom experience. Suggestions for the bedroom may include a carafe of Electrolyzed Reduced Water, the Bible and/or rosary, a journal, good reading material, a “worry box,” relaxing essential oils (lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang and Vetiver) and possibly Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, i.e., topical Progesterone. Bio-identical Progesterone is nature’s balancer to the estrogens. It interacts with the sleep center in the brain as well as the GABA receptors, thus acting not only as a sleep aid but also as a natural anti-anxiolytic / antidepressive agent. When medically indicated, topical Progesterone is typically applied it to the flexor (inner) aspect of the forearm. The essential oils can be used topically to the soles of the feet, sprinkled on the bedlinens and/or placed into a diffuser. If your mind is still racing with thoughts and/or worries, write those things down. Get a “worry box” and place those written worries in it. I promise you that this action is very effective. Let it go…Let it go… I recommend journaling in the morning but if you don’t accomplish it, then use the evening to write down at least 3 things that you are grateful for. Because I believe that we spiritual beings in a material world, having conversation with the Higher Being, for me, God, is cherished quiet time…prayer. And finally, enjoying a sip or two of the Electrolyzed Reduced Water and/or a non-caffeinated tea will support the body during the 7 to 8.5 hours of potential dehydration.

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104. Dr Karen Sleep ½ • ad

When it comes to “sleep mistakes,” you can correct them once they are revealed and handled. We live in a 24/7 excitotoxic society with roundthe-clock light. Did you know that the Amish are the population of people with the lowest incidence of sleep disorders/insomnia? Just appreciate their simplistic lifestyle. Having adrenal gland dysfunction is equivalent to cortisol (stress hormone) dysregulation, and thus impaired sleep. Regarding the gut microbiome, parasite infections can definitely disrupt sleeping patterns. So, it would behoove you to have the adrenals and the gut evaluated by your healthcare provider, particularly a lifestyle medicine physician, like me. Follow these guidelines for a set period – just a week or two to start – and track how you feel every morning and throughout your day. The results will be a more effective, cognizant understanding of how you can empower yourself for a better night’s rest. Awareness and control over your environment and sustaining this positive viewpoint of sleep’s importance will continue to have lasting effects for you and your overall performance today and for your future.

Additional resources to consider incorporating into a good sleep fitness routine:

• Oura Ring

• CBD Oil (Isolate, Broad Spectrum or Full Spectrum)

• ‘Correct’ forms of Melatonin, Serotonin, GABA (As opposed to the ‘masking’ effects of prescriptive, and potentially addictive drug-induced sleep medications) • Adaptogenic Herbs like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola

• Quality Mattress and Pillows • Wicking Bed Linens • Weighted Blanket

• White Noise (Sound Machine) • Hypnosis and other Mental Exercises (Distract the brain’s thinking) • Mindful Music or Audiobooks (Provide a right balance in distraction of thoughts without too much stimulation) • Yoga (Relieve tension and stress) • Meditation / Slow Breathing / Sleep Stories – The APP: Calm • 20-Minute Power Naps

DISCLAIMER: All of the information found in this article is based on the opinion of the author Karen M. Pendleton, M.D. The information is meant to motivate readers to make their own health decisions after consulting with their own health care providers. All readers should consult a doctor before making a health change, especially those that are related to a specific diagnosis or health condition. No information in this article should be relied on in determining a diet, making a medical diagnosis or determining a treatment for a medical condition. The information in this article is not intended to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare practitioner and is not intended as medical advice. No information in this article should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

We are pleased to announce

Anna B. Gleason CPA, CGMA, MACC

has joined the audit & advisory practice of

Now located at 2640 Youree Drive, Suite 100 Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

318.221.3615 • agleason@rbm.com and online at www.RBM.com

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• Eye Mask (To further block out stray light)

105. C&C Lighting New things in store…

LITERALLY Custom Furniture Custom Lighting

Antiques Lamp Repair

Craft Coffee Local Art

2430 Line Ave Shreveport, LA 71104 318.424.4406 • ccmercantileshreveport.com

Restorations Vintage Lighting

Ask the Expert WRITTEN BY ERIC GNANN

For The HOME

aintaining the look and value of your home is important. Whether you’re looking to sell this spring or want to enjoy your home for the next 30 years, Window Genie’s exterior cleaning services are the perfect way to boost curb appeal! We can:

PRESSURE WASH YOUR SIDING, PATIO, DECK AND/OR DRIVEWAY

106. Ask the expert

CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS Windows are the eyes of your home. It’s hard to enjoy your home’s view through a window covered in dirt. While clean windows LOOK good, it’s also important to consider the longterm effects proper window maintenance can have on your home’s look and feel. Regular cleanings are important because glass is a porous surface that when penetrated by dirt, sap and dust, can develop cracks and irreversible stains or clouding. Maintenance will be cheaper than replacement. Dirty, damaged windows can be a major red flag if you are trying to sell your home. You might be thinking, “I don’t do windows.” Cleaning your own windows is an incredibly time consuming, difficult and potentially dangerous chore. Climbing up and down a ladder all day with bulky equipment that may yield a so-so streaky result isn’t ideal. Hiring a local team of trained, insured professionals will free up time to focus on the rest of your curb appeal to-do list. 106

Taking care of your home’s siding, deck, patio and driveway is a great may to manage the look and the value of your home. A dingy, dirty, cracked, moldy home is not appealing to potential buyers or neighbors. As with window cleaning, regular exterior cleaning keeps your home’s vinyl, wood, concrete and brick surfaces not only looking good, but in great working condition. Allowing years of dirt, grease and grime to cake onto and penetrate these surfaces can lead to irreversible damage. If you are planning to sell your home, prospective home buyers WILL notice. You may be thinking you can handle these cleanings yourself. “Why hire a professional?” you might ask. The use of a pressure washer can be dangerous to the surfaces you are cleaning and to you. Many DIY enthusiasts will strip and dent their homes and decks this year with rental equipment in an attempt to go it alone and save money. Professional pressure washers are fully trained and equipped with the appropriate machines required for every job and every stain. Too much pressure or the wrong tools can cause damage, and too little pressure just makes everything wet, doing little to remove stains and dirt. Hiring a professional for your pressure washing service ensures a safe, thorough clean every time.

irreversible damage when it seeps into the fascia board or foundation. A rotten, moldy, cracked house is EXPENSIVE to fix. Louisiana has enough mosquitos already and standing water in packed gutters becomes an ideal breeding ground for them and other insects. Neglected gutters will begin to distance themselves, literally! Gutter nails that expand and contract with the weather will end up pulling your gutters away from the home and can fall off bringing down siding, shingles and landscaping with it. A simple gutter re-securing service tacked onto a professional gutter clean-out is a cheap and easy way to avoid costly repairs that NO potential buyer wants to inherit. In addition to window cleaning, pressure washing and gutter cleaning, we also offer residential window tinting, roof washing, holiday light installation and more. Contact Eric at Window Genie of Shreveport today for a free estimate on all services. Don’t forget to ask about special pricing for bundling services! Call 318-626-7667 or visit WindowGenie.com/ Shreveport to learn more.

107. Ask the expert ½ • Window Window Genie ½ Genie ½

CLEAN THOSE GUTTERS

Too many homeowners ignore their gutters until there is a problem. By the time you notice that your gutters need to be cleaned, the damage has already begun to set in. Often neglected, this “out of sight, out of mind” chore WILL rebel against you for ignoring it. When gutters are clogged, water finds the path of least resistance, which many times leads to

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2/15/20107 4:34 PM

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Exceeding Expectations since 1997

Self Care is Great and all...

But

Where are the instructions?

ou know you are supposed to be leading this magical life but you’re barely sure what day it is. It’s Tuesday, right? How are we going to find our personal legend when we can barely keep up with our iPhone? Never have I felt more like I needed a wand or a fairy godmother or Oprah, than in 2016. That's the year I became: • a single mom • a VP at a local oil company • an engineer who almost lost her marbles Sis, it was a struggle. Just getting my precious boys ready and getting to work and getting the homework done was this whole thing! I'm not talking Pinterestlevel birthday parties, I'm talking basic, head above water, mom stuff. If I hadn't had my parents and my sister just down the street, I'm not sure I could have done it. Do you ever feel like you deserve a round of applause when you walk in the office in the morning, because anyone who's put out as many fires as you have before 8 a.m. deserves some recognition!

Have you ever sat in front of a mountain of unfolded laundry and thought, where is

my magic wand? WRITTEN BY LAUREN PENNYWELL

Hello. My name is Lauren and I am a recovering perfectionist. I’m also a proud member of the over-thinkers’ club, so I figured I could just use podcasts and self-help books to engineer my way back to “normal.” I noticed that most of these books (while helpful!) were pretty much saying the same thing, and they were all missing something: INSTRUCTIONS! My background is engineering/ corporate planning so my logical brain needed a PLAN to follow to start living a life aligned with my values. Because this “life aligned with your values” stuff is at the center of living a magical life where you are kinder to your friends and more patient with your children and you hardly ever lose your iPhone. I couldn’t find a plan on how to live a life aligned with my values, so I made one. That’s when I realized that living a value-centered, cups-full life, is kind of like having a magic wand. Let me explain. What we really want with most of our magic wand requests can be solved with either more time, or more money. Before you dismiss this as an impossibility, I challenge you to think about it. What is something you really

want? If you had unlimited time and money, could you get the thing/take the trip/quit the job? I bet you could! Now, think about all the times when you’ve been in a really good place in your life and the stars are aligned and you felt like anything was possible. How much can you get accomplished on those days? How much love do you have to give to the people you care about when you are in that space? Conversely, think about the last time you were really sick or even just a day where you just felt “off.” When I feel like that, everything is a struggle and even simple tasks take me twice as long as they should. That’s how the PLAN can help you! It teaches you how to have more of those “stars-aligned days” and less of the “I don’t feel like myself today” days. Have you ever noticed that time expands and contracts based on how you’re feeling? That’s the secret to the magic wand! You can get more done in less time and spend more time doing what you love if you start scheduling cup fillers in your life. So what’s the plan and what the heck is a cup-filler? I’m so glad you asked!

109. Lauren Pennywell

Lauren Pennywell, owner of Pennywell Creative, lives in Shreveport, LA with her husband Tim Wakeman and her two boys (5 and 7). Lauren has degrees in Biology and Chemical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University and over 10 years of experience in engineering/corporate planning roles. Through Pennywell Creative, Lauren teaches classes and provides one-on-one coaching for anyone looking to clarify their values, understand their numbers, and grown their business or their life. She also creates super-cute spreadsheets. Seriously, you won't even believe they are spreadsheets they’re so cute!

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that's you, ROCK ON! Write those values down and head to step 2. My fellow over-thinkers that cannot make anything that simple, I FEEL YOU! Look at the "Value Advice for Over-Thinkers" box.

The Plan

1. Discover Your Core Values: Some of my friends can look at a list of values and pick their top 3-4. If

Where are the

instructions?

2. Label Your Cups: Imagine you are holding one of those 4 drink coffee holders that you get at Starbucks

with a big order. Now imagine that written on the side of each cup, in the spot where your ridiculously misspelled name normally lives, is each of your values. So now you have 4 cups filled with your favorite hot beverage of choice held in the imaginary coffee cup holder in your mind. Are you still with me?

3. Understand Your Cups: On those magical days when you are living in total alignment, all of these

cups are totally full. On those crappy days where you don't feel like yourself at all, someone or something has been poking holes in the bottom of your cups and draining out all the deliciousness that makes you YOU.

4. Notice, Adjust, Repeat: Once you understand that you have value cups, you will start to notice what

fills them up and who's poking holes in the bottom. Do more of what fills you up and avoid the drainers as much as possible. Give yourself a pat on the back every time you notice. The plan is SIMPLE, but changing decades of programmed behavior isn't easy.

BEFORE YOU DECIDE THIS WILL NEVER WORK: Just try it! I bet you are already doing this and you don’t realize it.

110. Lauren Pennywell Tips for Cups-Full Living: • Notice your tendency to scroll through Instagram or play a mindless game on your phone when you are feeling bored, stressed, or depleted. These might be cup fillers for you! The question is, can you find a better one? • Notice how certain songs, movies, friends, or favorite quotes will make you feel full of the things you value the most. How can you intentionally introduce more of those into your life when you’re feeling “off”?

• Notice how certain people and situations (probably those things you avoid!) have you feel like you have less of the things you value the most. Are any of these things you can cut or minimize in your life? • Before you default to the “but I don’t have enough time” excuse, remember that taking time to fill your cups means that you can be more productive doing the things in life you have to do. When your cups are full, you can get more done in less time. • ABOVE ALL ELSE: DO NOT use this as another excuse to beat yourself up. You are still going to have days where you push yourself too far and all your cups are empty. Those are the days where you will snap at someone you love and then think about beating yourself up about it. Start apologizing to yourself with the same sincerity that you apologize to the people you love.

Have questions? Want to share your cup-filling success stories or your epic fails? I am here for all of it and I would love to hear from you. Go design an abundant life aligned with your values, and be the most you YOU possible!

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Value Advice for

OVER-THINKERS:

Hello my fellow over-thinkers! Here is the information you need to get to your core values: Answer these questions in your journal of choice: • What did you want to be when you were little and still believed anything was possible? • Who are your heroes? Favorite authors, actors, real life humans, etc. • What are you crazy about? Songs, movies, anything that makes you crazy happy

Look at your answers and ask yourself what value each answer points to. Here is an example: • Brene Brown is one of my hero’s. I love her for her: authenticity, wisdom, courage.

Notice which values are showing up in the most answers. These are your core values. Want more help, download my “Love Your Crazy” workbook. It’s free! https://www.pennywellcreative. com/love-your-crazy

Suited for Success

111. Dress May 7, 2020 for Success

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One Table – 10 seats at each table Company Name included in Event Program Company Name and Logo included on Event Displayed in the Event Space Company Name and Logo included on Dress for Success Facebook Page

One Table – 10 seats at each table Name included in Event Program Name included on Event Sponsor Displayed in the Event Space

Individual Sponsor: $50 •

1 Event Ticket

WRITTEN BY TERI NETTERVILLE

ave you ever been rummaging through old drawers or found yourself digging through cluttered closets looking for something when suddenly, your eyes land on an old keepsake that you had totally forgotten about? Once you spot it, you quickly grab it and spend the next few moments just staring at it as a smile shoots across your lips. In a flash, your mind races back in time to that place when this possession became so special to you. This is what I call a tangible memory. A tangible memory is any possession that we hold onto for the sake of the memory that comes with it. And I have to wonder why pondering the past makes us feel so good and maybe a little sad at the same time. You know what I mean? It hurts the heart, while at the same time, shooting darts of sweetness into it all at the same time. It hurts so good, I guess you could say. To have something tangible in our possession that brings with it significant meaning is to have healing power at our fingertips. Most of us parents have drawers, closets or bins in our possession that hold some of our children’s sweetest childhood mementos…like their childhood drawings, or their baby teeth, maybe even a tiny capsule of their baby hair. As they grow older, we hang onto their report cards, art projects, trophies, field day ribbons and everything else we can fit into our vault of happy memories. And of course, we store away pictures of them cheerfully celebrating every

special occasion that ever happened in their entire life because…well…that’s what we do. It’s who we are. We will hang onto these tangibles until we can share these priceless treasures with our grandchildren one day. When a loved one dies, some of us might take comfort in having pictures of them displayed around the house reminding us of happier times when they were with us on this earth. Some might take comfort in having their loved one’s old Bible neatly stowed away on their nightstand. For others, they might draw comfort from wearing their loved one’s jewelry or keeping a handwritten note from them in their coat pocket. There are so many ways people honor their loved ones, once that loved one has passed away. One of my greatest and most cherished treasures was given to me almost a decade ago for my 40th birthday. My mom had gathered some of my late father’s white buttoned down shirts, cut them up in quilt squares, pieced and sewed them together, adding the coziest coverlet to create me the greatest and most special blanket I will ever own in my life. I knew instantly what this blanket was and even though she had washed it, I could still smell my father. I quickly wrapped myself up in this blanket and tears streamed down my cheeks as I felt my father’s hug through this blanket for the first time since he had taken his last breath on earth. These tangible memories possess

112. Teri Netterville

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healing agents that can actual heal one’s heart, even when they feel their heart is breaking. *Fun fact: I am literally wrapped up in this blanket right now as I type this piece for all of you.

By my mom creating this special blanket for me, I was able to start thinking of ways that I could possibly gift my own children with something as sweet and meaningful as well. Like many of you, I have kept and safely stored away every special shirt that ever represented a meaningful chapter in each of my children’s lives. So, following my mom’s lead, I wondered if I could find someone who knew how to piece all of these childhood shirts together and create one big, beautiful blanket of memories for a special graduation gift. With one phone call, my friend said, “Teri Ann, call Ann Chandler. She is an amazing quilter and she does this kind of quilt all of the time!”

113. Teri W Netterville hen I presented my daughter with her “Lifetime of Memories” T-shirt quilt on her graduation day, she was truly overwhelmed. Thrilled. We had the best time going over each and every square, simply reliving the past, while tangibly holding onto a piece of it in the present. I’ve noticed that possessions, like this type of heirloom quilt, can hold such power and comfort within them for the person who cherishes it. There is so much meaning…so many feelings and memories. We are reminded of who we are, where we come from and what we hope to become for this world. Mostly, however, these treasures connect us to a time and a place when our lives were shared with those who happened along our life path during that special part of our journey here on earth. The element of sacredness and holiness that comes with these memories spills into any tangible possession from that time period. For many people, memories from the past can bring about pain and heartache. But they can also flood the heart with sweet memories of such good and happy times…. challenging times…exciting times…crazy times…simple times…and as always, memories of those times when life, quite frankly, kept us real.

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Branding 101 part 1

Read Online:

MERCH

WEBSITE

part 2

LOGO

part 3

hether you are a long-time business owner, launching a new venture, or still in the dreaming stages of owning your own business, it’s crucial to invest time and strategy in your brand.

114. Richard Creative ad

What’s in a brand? Your brand is a visual representation of who you are as a company. Through your logo, your wording, and your images, your brand presents the face of your business, and it is often your first impression to potential customers.

A strong brand has a few key elements: 1. Recognizable, memorable logo

How To Get Started:

2. Clear, concise message

There are many ways to create a logo – you can take the DIY approach through websites like Canva.com, or you can partner with a professional.

3. Consistency

Creating a professional, timeless logo is often the first step in establishing yourself as a bona fide business. The most effective logo will be instantly recognizable. Here are a few tried and true tips to create a logo that tells your story, and sticks with potential clients…

1. Create a strong silhouette Choose something that looks great in color or in black and white - this will give you flexibility, and give you the chance to save money on future printing projects! 2. Keep it simple Simple = easy to remember. That’s the main goal! 3. Put. It. Everywhere! From office stationary and new business cards, to your Facebook profile image and giveaways – make sure your logo is tied to your business at every opportunity

Working with a professional designer will take an upfront investment (typically starting at $250+), but it definitely comes with perks! •

Polished, thoughtful design

•

Professional-grade files, in multiple formats for different applications

•

High resolution and quality, so that your design never looks pixilated or warped

Working with a local designer will also allow you to collaborate on future projects, like applying your logo to marketing material, merchandise, and websites. These tasks will be much easier with a pro on your team!

Need a hand bringing your logo to life? Contact the Richard Creative team!

Our experience and know-how are at your disposal, and we would love to partner with you to create a successful, lasting brand. info@Richard-Creative.com

318-490-6555

Richard-Creative.com

WRITTEN BY ANGELA VINET

DE-CLUTTER AND

DONATE Good Hearts Good Intentions Good Giving

L115. Trash ouisiana ranks 48th in the national poverty rate at 19.6%, and has one out of every 5.1 residents considered living in poverty, according to the Welfare Info website. Quite a staggering number for our state where a large portion of this 19.6% of the Louisiana population is poverty stricken children.

SHREVEPORT

PROVIDENCE HOUSE theprovidencehouse.com Serving Northwest Louisiana as transitional housing for families with children to help provide long-term solutions to break the homeless cycle with comprehensive help services to help families address the main causes that led them to homelessness while moving them toward their highest level of self-sufficiency. Offering education, housing, and support services, Providence House accepts monetary donations, volunteers, closet/household clean outs, toys and household fresh starts. Where to DONATE: 814 Cotton Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101 | 318.221.7887 What to DONATE: Household items such as pillows, blankets, bed and bath linens, office supplies like file folders and notebooks, gently used school supplies, gently used cleaning supplies, plastic grocery bags, over the counter medicines, feminine hygiene products, clothing, shoes, men’s shoes, mother’s day type items, apartment furniture, dish ware.

to Treasure Non-Profit

Consider the pressures an hourly wage worker faces living paycheck to paycheck. What happens when illness attacks, injury impedes work or a child gets sick? Quickly getting behind, it only takes one brief illness to fall on hard times for those living week to week. With little to no savings, when minimum wage workers aren’t working, they aren’t earning. Sadly, in this day and time there are those that struggle to make ends meet even with government assistance. Many Louisiana residents find no funds left for non-necessity type items such as clothing, shoes, or household goods. In a day and age where those that have often have too much, many are left wondering, where can I donate gently used items? Thankfully, North Louisiana offers several programs directly benefiting the people that live there, people who have fallen on hard times and need a hand up, not a hand out. By simply collecting unwanted household items or cleaning out the family closets, people can find their excess a good home with any of their local non-profits which are in desperate need of donations. Helping local people in the community benefit is as easy as doing a little spring cleaning and taking your things to a place that can make a positive difference in someone’s life.

THE SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER RESCUE MISSION THRIFT STORE A Christian based mission to provide needed clothing, appliances, mattresses and household items that would have been thrown away to families at a reduced price. Where to DONATE: The Shreveport-Bossier Store at 6800 Mansfield Road, Shreveport Several drop off bins are placed around town: Drug Emporium | 5819 East Kings Hwy, Shreveport Haynes Ave. Baptist | 610 Haynes Ave., Shreveport Riverpark Church | 3232 E. 70th Street, Shreveport, Shreveport Community Church | 5720 Buncombe Rd., Shreveport Life United Shreveport – 4425 Meriwether Rd., Shreveport Call 318.629.3300 What to DONATE: Used furniture, clothing, household items, appliances, books, linens, toys, king and queen mattresses and bed sets. 115

HOPE CONNECTIONS A day shelter for the homeless in Shreveport, HOPE’s mission is to be the front door to the homeless by providing showers, laundry, mail service, telephones, computers, and a variety of trainings/classes for people experiencing homelessness. The goal is for any person experiencing homelessness to find housing and work toward a permanent solution. Where to DONATE: During the business hours at 2350 Levy Street Shreveport, LA 71103 | 318.670.4591 What to DONATE: Travel soaps/shampoos, hygiene products, laundry soaps, towels, and wash cloths. DRESS FOR SUCCESS The Dress for Success empowers women by helping with professional attire when entering the workplace. Their goals are to provide a network of support and developmental tools for women to thrive in work and life. Where to DONATE: Monday 11am-4pm 1520 N. Hearne Ave., Suite 108 Shreveport, Louisiana 71107 | 318.674.3509 What to DONATE: Professional women’s clothing.

or schedule a pick up request from the website at www.renestingprojectinc.org/pickup Call 318.747.5520 What to DONATE: Furniture and household items

RUSTON ROLLING HILLS MINISTRIES (RHM) rollinghillsministries.com Serving North Louisiana through 5 core ministries, disaster relief, compassionate services, thrift stores, international missions and recreation programs, the store helps to generate the funds for North Louisiana disaster relief and mission work. They pick up items from Monroe to Bossier City. Where to DONATE: 3487 Highway 33, Ruston, LA 71270 or schedule a pick up https://rollinghillsministries.com/ donate/ What to DONATE: Clothing, shoes, household goods, books, jewelry, furniture, working electronics, televisions, computers, lawn equipment, bicycles.

116. Trash to Treasure

COMMON GROUND COMMUNITY CENTER Located in Shreveport’s Cedar Grove neighborhood, Common Ground’s mission is to build deep and meaningful relationships with the neighbors in Cedar Grove by providing opportunities for educational, spiritual, and personal growth through mentoring, community meals and the Common Ground store. Where to DONATE: 6806 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71106 What to DONATE: Non-perishable food for the pantry, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, warm clothes for all, school uniforms, and school supplies.

BOSSIER CITY RENESTING PROJECT www.renestingprojectinc.org Serving both Caddo and Bossier parishes, the Renesting project serves a diverse cross section of the community helping improve the quality of life for those transitioning into permanent housing with basic furniture and household items. By gathering gently used furniture and household goods, this 501c3 organization cleans, repairs, and repurposes furniture and household items. Where to DONATE: Drop offs on T/Th 9-3 and the second Sat. 8-11 The ReNest Warehouse -1331 Driftwood Dr. Bossier City, Louisiana 71111 116

DOMESTIC ABUSE RESISTANCE www.dartla.org D.A.R.T. provides help to families looking to escape domestic violence in North Central Louisiana. Providing crisis intervention, shelter, free and confidential counseling for children and adults as well as a children’s program for those that have experienced or witnessed abuse at home, the agency services between 900-1,000 victims. D.A.R.T.’s mission is to help keep families safe with a crisis hotline and shelter. Where to DONATE: Please call the office at 318.513.9373 to schedule a drop off. Serving individuals and families, the center will have several options for your donation. What to DONATE: Clothing, toiletries, furniture, household goods. ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE teenchallengeusa.org/centers/tcla104 Helping provide teens and adults the freedom from addiction and other life-controlling issues, this Christian based organization hopes to help people obtain a drug-free future. Donations are a large amount of their income providing much needed funds to help those that battle addiction. The Ruston center helps the surrounding Northeast Louisiana areas, while the Shreveport location handles the Northwest Louisiana territory. Where to DONATE: Look for the large green metal boxes or call the center for large items to be picked up. 411 East California Ave., Ruston, LA 71270 | 318.254.2830 What to DONATE: Clothing, shoes, household and kitchen items, furniture

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MONROE

OUACHITA PARISH ANIMAL SHELTER www.oppj.org/departments/animal_control/index.php Responsible for the public safety and health associated with domestic and wild animals, the Department of Animal Control houses a large population of animals up for adoption. Always in need of used towels and linens or unused pet supplies. Where to DONATE: M-Sat. 7am-4pm 417 Well Road, West Monroe 318.323.4032 What to DONATE: Used towels, wash cloths, linens, pet supplies. CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY MINISTRIES christiancommunityministries.org/current-needs/ Serving homeless clients daily in downtown Monroe, each client’s crisis needs are evaluated during a brief interview where volunteers assist in selecting needed items from the store. Where to DONATE: M-Th 9-noon 322 Harrison Street, Monroe, LA 71201 | 318.325.8467 What to DONATE: Canned goods, hygiene kits, clothing, shoes, linens, towels, comforters, cookware, dishes, men’s clothing and shoes, toys, stuffed animals.

FIRST WEST THRIFT STORE fwthriftstore.cc With a mission to bring hope to Northeast Louisiana, First West Thrift Store is committed to helping local Northeast Louisiana residents by reinvesting all profits from the store back into local ministries and organizations of Northeast Louisiana. Where to DONATE: The Donation Building on 4th Street in West Monroe, LA during store hours. M-F 9-6pm | Sat. 9-4pm | 318.410.0999 What to DONATE: Gently used and brand new items, First West Thrift will pick up furniture donations.

Angela Vinet, Author

A Louisiana freelance writer for over 20 years, Angela Vinet calls North

Louisiana home. As a nature enthusiast,

she enjoys any outdoor adventure in her beloved Louisiana. Wife to Robert for

half of her life and mom to three active boys, this former science teacher turned writer’s perspective begins with finding silver linings in life for there is always something to be happy about.

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March 14, 2020 9am-3pm

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Cognitive Skills in the Workplace Screenagers Donesa Walker Growing up in the Digital Age LearningRx of Shreveport-Bossier

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Digital Wellbeing Johnette Magner, Ph.D. LA Tech

Screenagers Next Chapter Thriving in a Stress Filled World

Overcoming Digital Addiction Clint Davis Clint Davis Counseling

The Leadership Mindset

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The Organized Brain

Impact of Technology on the Brain

Erika Mateus Quantum Transformation Centre

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Craig Gilliam Gilliam & Associates

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Donesa Walker LearningRx of Shreveport-Bossier The Brain Train Learning Solutions

The Happy Brain Brentwood Doctors

Teri Spinks Netterville & Denise Arthur American Mamas Radio Show Johnette Magner, Ph.D. LA Tech

The Integrity Mindset

Nutrition to Boost the Brain

The Productive Brain

Interaction and the Effect on the Brain

State of the Brain in Louisiana

Intervention at All Ages

Karen Johnson Your Executive Solutions

Lanetta Blanks Clint Davis Counseling

James Patterson II, MD. PhD. Chair of Department of Psychiatry LSU-HSC, Chair of Neurobiology Christus Schumpert Elizabeth Disbrow, Ph.D. Director, Center for Brain Health Associate Professor, Dept. of Neurology, LSU-HSC Christina Ledbetter, Ph.D. Neuroscientist, Dept. of Neurology, LSU-HSC

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Julie Hartley, RDN, CHC Willis-Knighton Health Systems

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