4847 Line Avenue • Shreveport www.clarkesjewelers.com
Jay Mitchell 4th Generation Clarkes Owner
Amanda Woodruff Store Director
C
larkes Jewelers, located on Line Avenue in uptown Shreveport, invites you to explore creating your own stack of diamond bands in a variety of precious metals,
finishes, diamonds, and gemstones. “The cocktail ring of the past has been replaced by each of our clients’ interpretation of their own vision, allowing them to customize their own look that varies from large diamonds to casual blackened metals with more subtle gemstones” explains Jay Mitchell, Clarkes Jewelers 4th generation owner. Amanda Woodruff, Clarkes Jewelers Store Director, says “ Stacking bands are a great way to celebrate and mark milestones or occasions big and small. With so many design options you can create your own personal collection, stack multiple bands, or wear them with rings to create your own look that is ever changing.” Clarkes Jewelers was established in Shreveport in 1931, and continues to serve as Shreveport’s premier jeweler.
HEALTH AND BEAUTY 44 Heart Health Keeping your heart healthy in the age of Covid
BACK TO SCHOOL
58 The Toy Timeline Back to the basics with a blast from toys past 63 Calming The Chaos Keeping your cool with back to school 31 Covid Style Local students embrace the masks and make the best of a new normal 35 Planning for College Your financial game plan 29 School Days Tips for a great start to a new yet different school year 55 What Should I Say How to talk about learning disabilities
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53 8445 Med Spa All That Glitters
HOME AND ENTERTAINING
38 Hostess with the Mostess Meet Chef Allison Gras, The Revenir’s culinary creator 84 LouLou Sucre’ Drink of the Day The Black Widow’s Kiss 76 Before the First Stroke DIY for painting prep
LOUISIANA LADIES
90 Dressing From The Inside Out Life lessons in a string of pearls 48 Payton Denny Fire Life 27 Etta Corbell Southfield School student shares her perspective 72 Masking Up Making mask fun this Halloween
67 Facing aging concerns DIY and expert tips from a facial plastic surgeon
COMMUNITY
8 Made In Louisiana Award Winners Celebrating Louisiana artisans and all the beauty, culture and fun 87 Book Recommendation The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson 96 Love and Light Lola Magazine’s Kindness Challenge 70 Sustainable Living The Path to Environmental Sustainability
GEAR UP FOR GAMEDAY Complete your Living Room today at any of our retail stores.
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READLOLA.COM
PUBLISHER Bevin Sutton Hicks Bevin@readlola.com
My favorite part of this epic year 2020 has been watching the resilience
of human
nature unfold in so many amazing ways.
O
ur children are displaying resilience of a “new normal” we never expected them to endure. Small business owners have continued to roll up their sleeves and get back to work in the midst of uncertainty. Communities have joined together as one to recover from Hurricane Laura’s devastation. Life has definitely thrown us some curveballs this year, but the people of Louisiana have continued to overcome, and we keep on keeping on. This issue of Lola Magazine celebrates resilience! Back to School was different this year but our school leaders worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our children. Our kids have jumped right into school with excitement among many changes. Lola Magazine’s Made in Louisiana Awards give us the opportunity to honor all great talents and small business owners that make our state full of fun and culture. Maybe one day we will look back on all of the challenges that we have faced and realize that the year 2020 gave us some of our greatest experiences. In the middle of a world pandemic and a category 4 hurricane maybe we made some of our most treasured memories. Maybe? Who knows! Crazier things have happened…
Love and Blessing! Bevin
4
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 Donesa Walker Jessica Comegys Payton Denney Sabrina Newell Dr. Karen Pendleton Brittany Strickland Molly Lancaster Anna Claire Pritchard Felecia Williams Anna Underwood Etta Corbell Dr. Michelle Yetman Ben James Rose McMaster Danielle Richard Dr. T.Lamar Goree Dr. Lindsey Pennington CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brittany Strickland Jarrett Warren COVER Made In Louisiana Photography / Brittany Strickland Model / Emma Gayle Frierson A special thank you to Caddo Brothers and C&C Mercantile and Lighting 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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Made in
A AZ
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BY LOLA M
G
S AWARD
INE
PRE
D TE
WINNER
Alexis Walter Fine Art & Textiles • Mignon Faget Over the Moon Greek & Gift • Mallory Patterson Design • Emily Pullin Artwork
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1913 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston Hart-Designs.com 318-224-7069
Made in
S D R A W A
CONGRATULATIONS! your favorites and our panel of local judges selected this year’s winners. We were blown away with the fantastic talent and craftmanship in our area. From the most perfect bloody-mary mix to hand crafted copper lighting, we have a category for all e want to honor and celebrate all the talent that breeds things Louisiana made and we are proud to present the 2020 in our great state of Louisiana. Creative crafters, Made In Louisiana Award Winners. small-business owners, and entrepreneurs need our love and Cheers to the artisans that make Louisiana
Congratulations to the nominees and winners of Lola Magazine’s 2020 Made in Louisiana Awards!
W
support in these uncertain times more than ever. You sent in
8
full of beauty, culture and fun!
OUR ESTEEMED JUDGES
CURTIS R. JOSEPH, JR. is a Partner in the Shreveport law firm, Winchell & Joseph, L.L.C. where he handles defense, as well as plaintiff-oriented litigation. Joseph attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he obtained a B. A. in Mass Communications in 1993 and his Juris Doctorate in 1996. While at W&L, he performed clinical work, focusing on post-conviction relief, with the inmates of the Federal Women¹s Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia. Joseph has taught at Bishop Perry Middle School in New Orleans and has been a founder, member and leader of numerous organizations and boards. A devoted husband and father, Joseph enjoys spending free time with his family and playing drums at local jazz and blues joints.
KATY LARSEN is the owner of the Agora Borealis, an artist marketplace in downtown Shreveport. Originally from the Dallas metroplex, she received her BFA from Louisiana Tech University in Interior Design. Larsen currently manages her store, volunteers her time to specific projects, collaborates on multiple events and spends time with her daughter and husband attending local events, restaurants and shops. Larsen has produced six fashion shows (including Fashion Project and Fashion Prize), eight festivals (including Cirque du Lake) and was Captain 22 for the Krewe of Highland. She is also a set producer, event planner and manager, mentor and leader, actress and model, public speaker, art curator and board member of numerous non-profits and committees.
SAM ORTIZ is a Licensed Master Social Worker at The Philadelphia Center in Shreveport, LA, an organization whose mission is to empower those living with HIV, to eliminate new HIV transmissions and to enhance community wellness. A proud graduate of Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Ortiz went on to earn a master’s degree from Grambling State University. She is passionate about cultivating and diversifying the Shreveport/Bossier City area and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Sam and her wife Nicole are dedicated to raising awareness, raising funds and raising expectations in their community. Sam encourages everyone to “support local, support 318”!
9
WINNER Emily Pullin Artwork
Emily Pullin brings a unique artistic flair to each of her original pieces. She works primarily in acrylic and mixed media to create a contrast between architectural lines and shapes with a more organic flow. She perfects a balance of rigid lines among layers of loose marks and color. Her abstracted geographical maps deliver sentimental value in a stunning artistic display that will become a conversation piece in any home. Emily created E.Pullinart+home: so everyone can display affordable art with a purpose. When you purchase an Emily Pullinart+home piece, you are not only getting an original piece of artwork, but also a USABLE home accessory. Emily is a co-owner of Downtown Ruston’s, The Collective: art+gifts+paper and an art teacher at Cedar Creek School. EPULLINARTWORK.COM THE COLLECTIVE: 103 N TRENTON STREET, RUSTON
HOME FLAIR 10
From porch swings to barware, stunning lighting to rustic farm tables and funky floor coverings to fresh garden designs, this category is all about who is making the latest, locally-made must-have looks for your home.
11
EATS & TREATS 12
WINNER Lowder Baking Company In January 2019, Sarah and Preston Lowder opened the Lowder Baking Company, which has quickly become a distinct and delicious asset to the Shreveport community. Offering highquality baked goods and an alwaysexpanding product line, Lowder Baking Company has attracted a host of fans – especially when it comes to their indulgeworthy bear claws. Made with Louisiana pecans and an over-the-top flavor, this pastry is the perfect combination of cinnamon, sugar, pecans and oh-so-fluffy dough. LOWDERBAKING.COM
Pickle jelly, slap-your-mama praline pie, venison jerky, artisanal cheeses, smoked meats and other delectable eats. Louisiana knows food, so it’s easy to lick your lips while keeping it local. Hungry yet?
13
BEYONDtheBAR 14
WINNER Railway Coffee
Truly great coffee shops combine top-notch brews with bucketloads of local charm and personality, just like Railway Coffee in Ruston. With three locations offering warm drinks and cool merchandise, an independent coffee haven is just what this small college town needed. Senior roaster Andrew is a graduate of the Academy of Coffee Excellence and pursues the highest yield of flavor and character from every small batch of roasted coffee. He is a true devotee to the highest quality, which comes through with every steaming cup of Railway Coffee. RAILWAYCOFFEE.COM
There’s more to the Louisiana beverage scene than mint juleps and hurricanes. Think about the clinking ice of Southern sweet teas, the aroma of robust local coffee and the tang of fresh pressed juices. Ahhh, that’s nice.
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WINNER Breck & Vale Clothing Co.
The groovy vintage t-shirts, hats, jewelry, women’s clothes and upcycled accessories from Breck & Vale Clothing Co. represent more than savvy style. The business was born when Valerie Owens and her family spent four months in Memphis while her son, Breck, was undergoing cancer treatments at St. Jude. Their daughter, Vale, was born while they were there. Valerie noticed many of the families she met had made t-shirts to inspire their kids and other patients on their healing journey. She took this idea to heart and brought it home to Louisiana. BVCLOTHINGCO.COM
Southern
STYLE SETTER
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WINNER Allison Rhymes Jewelry Allison lives by the motto “the world is your oyster,” and she’s also turned it into a booming business. Allison’s jewelry can be spotted all over the 318 by its telltale pairing of oyster shells with unique, feminine materials and designs. Her wearable works of art are simple and Southern and fabulous. Customers also love how her well-made pieces are durable for everyday wear yet also light and comfortable. Allison’s jewelry is the perfect gift for friends who like to support local makers and who love to receive compliments. FACEBOOK.COM/ ARTBYALLISONRHYMES
Calling all style setters of locally made hair ties, jewelry, scarves, purses, hats, belts or bowties. We scoured the sartorial scene for creators of the pieces that make you the best dressed guest at any Southern soirée.
17
CRAFTED 18
WINNER Magnolia Creative Co
Most Louisiana natives have probably seen Emily’s artwork in a shop or a friend’s home by now. Her whimsical and recognizable style combines bright colors and Louisiana hallmarks in deceptively simple designs. She’ll paint on anything that stays still long enough – pottery, tea towels, calendars and more. Emily somehow finds time to manage her thriving business, teach art full-time to talented kids and show her work at the Revel, Les Boutiques, and various other year-round festivals and events. If you haven’t encountered her art yet, you will soon! MAGNOLIACREATIVECO.COM
by HAND
Quilters, potters, stationers, basket weavers, candle and soap makers, oh my! These creative crafters produce handiwork that catches the eye, comes straight from the heart and boasts a big dash of character.
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WINNER Black Sheep Concepts Jake Shaver is a welder, but he’ll tell you he stacks dimes because he’s extremely picky about what he’s welding, and it should look as seamless as a stack of dimes lying on their side. That’s a maker. Whether it’s handcrafted gates and fences, custom art pieces or team pride, each job is unique, and each customer deserves something special. Jake can make just about anything out of metal and wood and loves a challenge. If you’ve got a creative idea that you just can’t shake, meet your new custom welder. FACEBOOK.COM/ BLACKSHEEPCONCEPT
OUTDOOR DECOR & MORE 20
WINNER Hart Designs
Hart Designs offers superior quality and specializes in handcrafted copper lanterns and wrought iron staircases and railings. Chandeliers, sconces and custom residential or commercial lighting projects also give Hart Designs an opportunity to shine and to elevate the everyday. Each piece is handcrafted in Ruston using the finest materials and employing the most talented artisans available. From farmhouse entryways to corporate boardrooms, Hart Designs lighting and ironwork gets noticed for all of the right reasons. HART-DESIGNS.COM
With advances in modern day manufacturing, welding has almost become a lost art. From signage to custom lighting, welding is a meticulous, artisan trade that is well-deserving of admiration.
21
CHEERS 22
WINNER Kaybaby’s
Patrons agree that Kaybaby’s makes THE best smoked Bloody Mary mix, oyster crackers and rice that you will ever eat or drink! Kay is a selfmade business woman who has become such a fixture in Ruston that you can’t go to a party there without one of her products popping up on the menu. Not only is she an incredible cook, Kay is the perfect mix of sweet and sassy, which shines through in her products. Married to the mayor, Kay has made Ruston her home, and residents couldn’t be more thrilled to continue enjoying the spice she brings with her. KAYBABYS.COM
The criteria for this category is pretty simple – we want the best booze! Many toast-worthy vineyards, distillers, master brewers and cocktail mixers hail from the home of letting the good times roll. Cheers to this year’s winner!
23
Mallory Patterson Design Mallory Patterson Designs are cute, custom and convey a sense of playful charm. She adds her artistry to cups, accessories and any paper good you can imagine! @mallorypattersondesigns
Tribe Gypsy
Caddo Brothers
This mother-daughter team knows how to sling some paint and spin a lazy Susan. They offer handcrafted, hand-painted lazy Susans, cheese/charcuterie trays and serving pieces.
Using age-old methods, this gentleman’s brand offers a premier selection of locally made hats. These wearable conversation starters are customizable, steam-fitted and hand-shaped to match your style.
@tribegypsy05
@caddobros
@tribegypsy05
RUNNER UPS ChezSlaughter Chocolate Jeff is a certified chocolatier who makes European-style chocolate bars and bon bons using premium Belgian chocolate. He also offers workshops, tasting parties and a summer program for children. chezslaughterchocolate.com
24
Sweetport Sweetport strives to create unique, homemade ice cream flavors. They handmake every batch with local, fresh ingredients, and each flavor is named for a local spot or attraction in their part of Louisiana. Sweetporticecream.com
So Much Fun Design Camille creates one-of-a-kind wearable art. Everything she makes is bright, cheerful and made to order, including hand-painted gifts and accessories for graduation, bridesmaids, beach parties and more. somuchfundesign.com
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- A Kid’s Perspective WRITTEN BY ETTA CORBELL
6th grader at Southfield School
I
t was mid-March, getting close to ending my 5th-grade year at Southfield School, when we learned we were going to stop in-person classes and move to virtual learning. I’ve never experienced anything like this pandemic, no one my age really has, and with new concepts like social distancing, people wearing masks, panic buying (“who bought all the toilet paper?”) and many businesses closing, it was a little scary. While I missed being around my friends, attending class from my bedroom wasn’t a big deal. My teachers made it a little easier on us. They would do things to make us laugh during our zoom classes. They also allowed us to call or text them if we had questions about anything. It was definitely an adjustment for everyone so at least we were all going through it together. Earlier in the year I had finally convinced my parents to let me take English horse-riding lessons at Hidden Acres Equestrian Center. I’ve been wanting to do this almost my entire life, and I love horses (and really all animals in general). So, while I was free of being in school from 8 to 3, I did have a lot of work to do each day. But not having a
• • • • •
What’s a quarantine? Are we going to be OK? What happens if we get sick? What happens if my parents get sick? What about my friends? As an 11-year-old, you can imagine that I had a LOT of questions.
27
structured schedule I was able to ride horses several days a week and still balance my school requirements. I was missing time with friends at school, but I was making new friends and improving every day in a sport I love. The summer was interesting, because two of my closest friends were moving away and I wanted to spend as much time with them as I could. Sure, you could say that technology makes it easier to stay connected, but I love to just hang out, listen to music, watch shows on Netflix and just be a kid. We did go to the beach for a couple of weeks, and I got to spend time with one of my friends that moved away so that was fun. I also was able to ride horses a few times while we were in Fairhope and had some great sushi! I just started 6th grade and getting back into the school routine after having so much time “off ” was quite an adjustment. I do have to say that Southfield School, (which I think is awesome by the way), has done everything they could to make things seem as “normal” as possible. I guess it’s true we’re just dealing with a “new normal.” Getting temperature checks before going into school, wearing masks, so much hand sanitizer and all the other things we need to do to stay safe ourselves while making sure we’re being good citizens and protecting those around us. Another of the protocols is that our class is kept separate from the other 6th-grade class,
meaning we don’t eat lunch with them and we can’t hang out and talk by the lockers, but I do understand this is to lower risk, so should someone become infected the entire middle school could operate but just that one class could move to virtual learning. All in all, this has been quite the experience. I’m happy to be back in school, but I miss the way things used to be. I really hope we can get through this soon and things can return to normal, or at least another “new normal.”
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1. Structure & Routine: While tensions from the fallout of
the pandemic rise and the world seems increasingly chaotic, children’s needs for structure and routine remain unchanged. Whether they are going to school or learning virtually, children should have a structured day, with consistent sleep / wake times, mealtimes, playtime (both outside and inside), etc. Better yet, think like a preschool teacher and post the schedule. It helps to know what we should be doing and when. Use timers! If dinner is at 6 p.m., the timer should go off at 5:30 p.m. so we can all clean up and start helping to get dinner ready. This way, it is not Mom telling you to stop your video game but it is the timer reminding you it is time to get ready for dinner.
2. Sleep: Not enough can be said about this topic. We are a sleep-deprived
Quick Tips
for Back to School After months of being locked in, parents’ nerves are beginning to fray. Not being able to go to the movies, go out to dinner with friends, and desperately trying to work productively from home while the kids constantly interrupt and the dog barks during your virtual video meeting has taken its toll! Your average parents have found themselves in the role of teacher, lunch lady, P.E. coach, art director and principal in charge of discipline. Managing all of this, while trying to work full time, has caused many parents to have a short fuse and little patience. While summer is a welcome relief from school work, the thought of going into another school year with children at home, even part time, has left many parents feeling apprehensive. While anxiety and uncertainty is part of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are numerous things families can do to manage their home situation and promote good mental health for their family.
WRITTEN BY MICHELLE YETMAN, PHD LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS – CHILDREN’S CENTER
nation and we have the short tempers to show for it. Lack of sleep affects our ability to cope and deal with stress, as well as prevent and fight off infectio ns. Most of us significantly underestimate how much sleep is required for adults and children. To find out just how much sleep each member of your family needs based upon age, check out the National Sleep Foundation website, www.th ensf. org. In addition, make sure your child has a bedtime routine (e.g., brushing teeth, reading a book together, saying prayers, tucking into bed) in order to help them transition into sleep.
3. Exercise: Keeping everyone active during the day will help with an
easier bedtime at night. Play is a child’s form of exercise, so get creative. Take walks while playing “I Spy,” play tag and hide ‘n’ seek, have relay races, and go on bike rides.
4. Manage Expectations: Every parent is worried about
their child’s education and many felt the online virtual experience was less than ideal when the sudden shift occurred in the spring. While events unfold this fall, just remember that there are so many things that can be learned outside of a classroom that parents can teach their children. Cooking is an important life skill that also incorporates math and chemistry. Money management skills, such as budgeting and saving, can be taught through an allowance program linked to chores or other work around the house. Parents may need to adjust their expectations for learning, but remember that life is a long journey with many opportunities to learn.
5. Play as a Family: While the pandemic will pass, the opportunity to be this close as a family may never return. Take advantage of it by having “theme nights.” For example, have board game night on Wednesday, Taco Tuesday, movie night on Friday. By creating “theme nights,” you prevent the phenomenon of “ground hog day” where every day feels the same. Have a family meeting and let the kids decide what kind of theme nights they would like to have. These evenings can create real bonding opportunities and lasting family memories.
6. Communicate: Parents should be mindful of having the television news on when kids are in the room. Some children may not be developmental ly mature enough to process what they are seeing and hearing in a healthy way. This could further exacerbate the anxiety that your child may already be feeling from the changes in their own lives. Therefore, it is important to talk with our kids and have regular “check ins.” Simply getting together regularly for meals as a family can accomplish this. This provides an opportunity to discuss how everyon e is feeling and coping with the stress.
Of course, if you feel that you or your child might benefit from talking to a mental health professional, there are a number of community resources available from the LSU Health Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine that can be found online at www.lsuhs.edu. 29
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Ask the Expert WRITTEN BY BEN JAMES
Planning For:
COLLEGE DURING A PANDEMIC
2020 is different, y’all. Covid-19 has changed the way Americans do almost everything – including college planning. So, we asked Shreveport Financial Advisor Ben James for some tips on how to college plan like a boss during this pandemic. Contrary to what many believe, when it comes to college, 2020 is a buyers’ market. Between 2020 and 2021, schools will be desperate for students and competing for your tuition dollars like never before. But with so many changes, how can you be sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity? Well, we’ve done the homework for you on how to get the most bang for your college buck.
FINANCIAL AID Overview: If like so many in 2020 your income or assets have dropped, don’t be afraid to appeal your student’s financial aid. If you were not previously eligible for need-based financial aid, you might be now. If you were previously eligible for it, you might be eligible for more. Prep: Typically, the more documentation you can provide to the school the better the chance is that your appeal gets approved. Ideally you should provide them with an updated Expected Family Contribution.* Act: Contact the school and ask for their procedure to appeal aid. Let them know if you have other children to send through school. Finally, ask if the school considers home equity for need-based aid. Some private schools will entertain an appeal on how they assess home equity.
GAP YEARS Overview: Who wants to go to school if you can’t actually be on campus? More students will likely be taking a gap year in 2020. However, with colleges desperate for students, they are more likely to accept student requests for deferrals of one or two semesters. Prep: Consider the pros and cons of entering your chosen college now or deferring a year. Maybe you just want your child to stay closer to home, or maybe you need to save money picking up courses at a community college for a year. But before deferring, you need to make sure that it won’t negatively impact your student’s financial aid at their next school. Act: If your student plans on doing some community college courses, ask the admissions and financial aid departments at their next school if the credits will be accepted and work toward fulfilling criteria in your student’s chosen major. Also, ask the chosen school if your student will still be considered a freshman when they eventually enter their committed school.
MORE AGGRESSIVE RECRUITMENT Overview: If you look back at the 2008 recession, state government support for higher education dropped significantly. Back then public schools responded by more aggressively recruiting students, especially out-of-state students. We are likely to see the same thing happen in 2020. Prep: Cast a wider net when looking for schools. Don’t assume that in-state schools will be your best deal. Consider hiring a professional who can help you find a school that is a 35
Contrary to what many believe, when it comes to college, 2020 is a buyers’ market.
good match financially and scholastically. Act: Play each school’s offer against the others to find the best deal. Be bold and forthright when talking about your student’s offer to a different school. But avoid the word “negotiate” -- schools hate that word!
NO STANDARDIZED TESTS? Overview: Perhaps no area of college planning has changed more than standardized tests. As you may know, all SAT and ACT tests were canceled in the spring. Many schools responded by offering “test optional” admissions. Prep: The two big areas to consider are test scores and family income. Gather your test scores, your Expected Family Contributions, and your list of possible schools. Act: If test scores are non-elite a “test optional” school choice might be best. To find the complete list of schools offering “test optional” admissions go to FairTest.org. There are some elite schools on this list – including Yale, Vanderbilt, and Tufts. So, this might open some doors to your family that were previously closed. However, if your chosen schools require a test score, the ACT will still be offered online.
are available on the National Center for Education Statistics website. We hope those tips help your family plan for college during the pandemic. For more advice on your specific situation, please feel free to reach out to us at Deupree James Wealth Management or visit our site at deupreejames.com.
Ben James is the Co-Founder of Deupree James Wealth Management. He and his wife, Dr. Stephanie James, live in Shreveport with their four children.
BUDGET CUTS Overview: 11 colleges closed in 2019, and now Covid-19 is really stretching the budgets of colleges and universities. Some will close and others will cut budgets. Prep: Families should thoroughly research a school’s financial condition before committing. Act: A good place to start your research is the Forbes list of over 900 College’s Financial Health Grades. If you want to dig deeper, enrollment and financial trends for most schools 36
Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advice offered through Goss Advisors, a registered investment adviser. Goss Advisors and Deupree James Wealth Management, LLC are separate entities from Triad Advisors, LLC. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where GWM Advisors, LLC, doing business as Deupree James Wealth Management and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. *If you want help generating your EFC, reach out to us at Deupree James Wealth Management. You can also visit SwiftStudent for free financial aid appeal letter templates.
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Hostess with the Mostess MEETS THE REVENIR’S
Chef Allison Gras HOSTESS with the MOSTESS: JESSICA COMEGYS
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WRITTEN BY JESSICA COMEGYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND
H
ot tempered, egomaniacs in the kitchen have been glamorized traditionally, making celebrities out of men who would otherwise be fired for such shouting in the workplace. In that respect, you never know what you’re going to get with a talented chef. That said, this series featuring local women in the professional kitchen has led me down a path of pleasant surprises. I first heard of Allison from her brother, who at the time worked with me. He would tell me stories of how talented and creative his sister was and how when she returned to Shreveport, she would have the greatest restaurant in town. A young, mild tempered lady with glistening blue eyes, Chef Allison wow’d me in my own kitchen. I invited her and her fiancé to cook my husband's birthday dinner at Glow and it was one of the most elegant dinner services we have ever had. From the delicate hors d’oeuvres to the homemade steak sauce… yes a steak sauce that was elegant enough to sit next to the fork tender, grass-fed filet that was our entree. Each and every detail was thought out to perfection. Chef Allison Gras is a Shreveport native who attended LSU Baton Rouge. Upon graduating with a business degree, she then attended The Culinary Institute in BR. Growing up in a family who centered time together around meals, as many of us do, she was rooted in a lifelong love of cooking. As I mentioned before, her brother is also a chef. Her fiancé Brad Jones, yep, chef too. She and I talked about how long and hard restaurant hours can be. Before her daughter was born she would work 100-120 hour weeks, sometimes not getting home until 2 a.m. and turning around at 6 a.m. to do it all over again. That is something myself and most chefs can relate to. Now, a mom of 14-yearold Harper, finding balance has become the priority. She expressed that she wants to set an example for her young daughter that you can be a mom and a hardworking business owner too. Allison has set out to make her dreams come true. She and her fiancé have partnered on a local project that will bring upscale contemporary French dining to Shreveport. Returning home after her stint in Baton Rouge and a trip to cook at the Cannes Film Festival in France, she and Brad are bringing a taste of their travels and talents back to Shreveport. Hence the name “The Revenir.” The Revenir is set to open early 2021 and when it does, you don’t want to miss it. Until then, Allison and Brad are available for private dinner experiences and catering. She also let me in on a little secret: she loves cooking desserts and she has shared a favorite fall recipe with us! 40
Salted Caramel Nutella Ripple Ice Cream (Makes 1 Quart) 1¼ cup Sugar 2¼ cup Heavy Cream ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt ½ teaspoon Vanilla 1 cup Whole Milk 3 large Eggs 3 Egg Yolks ½ cup Nutella Chocolate Spread 1. Heat 1 cup of the sugar over medium heat, stirring with a fork to heat sugar evenly, until it starts to melt. Stop stirring and let sugar cook until it is a dark amber color. 2. Add 1¼ cup of the heavy cream (mixture will bubble up, can be scary). Stir until all of the browned sugar has dissolved into the cream. 3. Transfer into a bowl, stir in salt and vanilla and cool to room temperature. 4. Bring milk, remaining cup of cream, and remaining sugar to a boil in a small sauce pot, stirring occasionally. 5. Lightly whisk eggs in a bowl, then add half of hot milk mixture slowly, whisking constantly. Pour this back into the sauce pot and cook stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon. 6. Strain liquid through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in the cool caramel cream mixture. Chill mixture 3 to 6 hours. 7. Freeze mixture in ice cream maker. Stir in Nutella to ripple throughout. Store in an air tight container in freezer.
ALLISON GRAS: EXECUTIVE CHEF, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR THE REVENIR RESTAURANT, EVERY MAN A KING THEREVENIR.COM @THEREVENIR
Chocolate Nutella Torte, Salted Caramel Nutella Ripple Ice Cream, Candied Hazelnuts, Gold Leaf, Blackberry Gastrique
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WRITTEN BY DR. KAREN PENDLETON
Heart Disease PREVENTION In The Age Of
C OV I D
M
ay I have your permission to share my family’s heart stories? Reminiscing on the Thanksgiving 1984 family celebration, my mind goes back to all relatives in attendance at our dining room table. Grandfather Joseph Pendleton had come over from Monroe, but this year without Grandmother Velda Pendleton to participate in our family fellowship and feast. We had a grand time as always. Everyone was around the table and there was so much love and plenty of traditional Thanksgiving cuisine. After watching football games, we wrapped up with a little dessert and coffee/tea. As the evening grew old, Papa Pendleton, as we affectionately called him, went around to hug everyone “goodbye” in anticipation of his drive back to Monroe with my cousins. What a joyous day! As my immediate family prepared for bed, we received a phone call. The news was not good. Papa Pendleton had died of a massive heart attack. It is now clear to me that my grandfather possessed underlying heart disease. And, I truly believe he could have also died of a broken heart…broken because for almost a year, he had been without his beloved Velda. You see, Granny Pendleton had developed Alzheimer’s disease and died the year prior. In this day and age, Alzheimer’s disease is considered type 3 diabetes. As I think about the summers spent in Monroe with Papa and Granny Pendleton, I remembered Granny had a really strong sweet tooth! We now know that sugar is addictive and inflammatory. In addition to being classified as type 3 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease represents microvascular disease (small vessel disease). The same microvascular disease can not only affect the brain but can affect the kidneys, the extremities, and in men, the penis. Thus, when there is compromise blood flow in those particular organs, then there will be compromise to the function of those organs. This is represented as kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and erectile dysfunction. My story began with my paternal grandparents, so now on to my Father. At the young age of 54 years, my sweet daddy was diagnosed
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with heart disease that required a double coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In my father’s late sixties, he developed carotid artery disease requiring a carotid artery endarterectomy (rotor rooter procedure as termed by the lay public). Next, in the summer of 2006, while having lunch with my parents I noticed asymmetry to my father’s face as he chewed his food. Immediately, I perform an exam by simply asking daddy to smile and to frown. It was clear one side of his face was not properly functioning. And, I tested him for arm weakness, which was not present. “FAST” is an acronym for the four warning signs of a stroke: .
And, I did call 911, in light of this medical emergency. Daddy was admitted and underwent an evaluation. Throughout his hospitalization, he received excellent care, therapy and adjustment of his medications to control his heart disease, hypertension (blood pressure) and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Unfortunately, my sweet father, Dr. Louis Pendleton developed dementia (microvascular disease of the brain), and on 01/14/2007, daddy received his wings and ascended to Heaven. I share these stories with you because we should know in both men and women heart disease (heart attacks and strokes) is the number one cause of morbidity (sickness) and mortality (death). As a side note, we as women typically are focused on our breast health. This is important but it’s not breast cancer that causes sickness and death. It is heart disease! On several occasion since daddy’s homegoing in 2007, I have had the opportunity to speak before audiences. I always share this… “The knowledge I now possess, I wish I had owned it very early in my career because I truly believe that my father would not only be alive…he would be thriving! However, I count every blessing because I still have my mother, Barbara Chocolate Pendleton in good health and she will celebrate her 89th birthday on 09/10/2020!” In our lifestyle/functional medicine practice, my partner Dr. Jack Ward and I continue to be very proactive in educating our patients, along with managing them with cutting-edge, data-driven and evidence-based resources. This practice style gets to the root cause of any diseases and institutes optimal care…not just standard of care. In general, those patients who have embraced these principles are ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired” and desire more tailored and guided medical care. Fast forward to April 2019. It was my 35th Tulane University School of Medicine (TMS) class reunion. I enjoyed catching up with all of my classmates in attendance, particularly one of my favorites, Dr. Felix Bopp and his wife Dr. Barbara Bopp, who was a couple years behind us at TMS. The four of us had such an amazing conversation, sharing our life, family and practices. When they discovered Dr. Jack and I had been involved in lifestyle/functional Medicine for 20 years, they wanted to continue the conversation, given their 8-year history of being in the wellness space. Over the summer, we did just that. In October 2019, they invited us to a preceptorship, organized by the developers of the BaleDoneen Method of early heart disease prevention. Unfortunately, we had a date conflict with a
commitment to a women’s retreat in Mexico. But in April 2020, Dr. Jack and I completed the BaleDoneen Preceptorship. Between October 2019 and April 2020 a lot of wonderful things transpired including two sad events. Dr. Barbara’s younger brother (age 48 years) suffered a major stroke three days before Christmas; and an office staff member’s husband also had a stroke during the holidays. The second sad event: Living in the age of COVID-19. With intense passion, the four of us have committed to the development of the Bopp Health and Well-being Program. This is similar to the pairO’docs Bio-Rejuvenis Wellness Program. Given the understanding that the majority of diseases, particularly heart disease, is rooted in inflammation, we take an innovative approach to patient evaluation. First of all, patients undergo an 15-minute, non-invasive ultrasound used to view and measure the inner and middle wall thickness of the carotid arteries (the neck arteries that supply blood to the brain, eye and skin of the neck, face and scalp). The ultrasound is termed carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and can determine inflammation and/or plaque within the artery walls. Inflammation and/or plaque equals increased thickness of the artery walls. Secondly, the patients are evaluated with an extremely sophisticated panel of blood work, the Cardio-IQ panel. This is not ‘standard of care’ labs. The Cardio-IQ include categories such as Advanced Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Metabolic Markers and Genetic Bio-markers. Did you know there is a heart attack gene, 9P21? Our aim is to identify inflammation and reverse it, as well as implement measures to stabilize plaque before it ruptures. Rupturing of a soft plaque typically leads to the formation of a blood clot and potentially an “event,” i.e., heart attack or stroke. In the age of COVID-19, it is very clear that having comorbidities like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and cancer can be the tipping point in how well a patient progresses through this viral disease and/or if they succumb. To illustrate this concept, this calls for another personal story. I have a group of classmates from Howard University that pledged Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1978. In October 2018, my pledge line celebrated our 40year reunion at the Homecoming festivities. At the close of our reunion, we vowed to keep in even closer contact. During the 2020 Easter season, I sponsored a Palm Sunday brunch via a 45
Zoom call. In light of the Coronavirus quarantine, spending quality time with my Sorors (line sisters) in this fashion was a real blessing! While on the Zoom call, I received a couple of phone calls and text messages. One of the calls was from a girlfriend and fellow physician in Chicago. She informed me that my relative, also a physician, was diagnosed with COVID-19, intubated and on a ventilator in the ICU. Speaking of comorbidities, this particular relative has had issues controlling her blood pressure and her insulin-dependent diabetes. Once again these comorbidities not only can dictate the positive or negative outcome from this virus but these comorbidities can contribute to heart disease. Happily, she survived and is on a better lifestyle journey! With this collaboration between pairO’docs Bio-Rejuvenis and Bopp Dermatology and Facial Plastic Surgery, we are committed to giving our patients optimal care as it relates to heart attack, stroke and dementia prevention. The protocol includes having the CIMT, the Cardio
IQ bloodwork, and the follow-up appointment to review the results of the aforementioned tests. Then, the patient can make a wise decision to enter the Health and Well-being Program, with the following unique benefits: › A comprehensive assessment and tailored management of medical issues and lifestyle habits based on the 10 Tenets (previously discussed in another Lola Magazine issue) › 24/7 access to the physician (typically me, Dr. Karen): in-office; via phone, i.e., land line and office mobile; secure e-mail; and Telehealth platform › Advocacy, i.e., we will be your voice in communicating with others involved in your care › HIPPA-compliant account with www.gethealthie.com › Online training modules/course based on the 10 Tenets (market value: $110.00) › Partners-In-Wellness: access and/or attractive price points on resources/products.
To better guard yourself, I encourage you to schedule a visit with me; and undergo the very important CIMT and Cardio IQ bloodwork. Do so by contacting me at drkaren@ pairodocsonline.com or call 504-273-7167. In closing, more now than ever, we have to be vigilant about our total health, and in particular, our heart health. This will totally impact your healthspan, which is far more important than your lifespan.
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“
When I agreed to this life 16 years ago, I had visions of grandeur: heroic rescues and sexy uniforms. And while those elements of the job do exist, there are parts I didn’t anticipate. WRITTEN BY PAYTON DENNEY
O
ur dog will not stop rolling in poop. Each day she takes to the field behind our house, finds the largest, most foul pile available, drops and rolls. She then trots back to the house like she’s just finished first place in the Boston Marathon. She has yet to understand that a successful dookie rolling is not met with pomp and circumstance. Scrubbing the nasty off the dog is one of many tasks that I regularly perform as the spouse of a first responder. When I agreed to this life 16 years ago, I had visions of grandeur: heroic rescues and sexy uniforms. And while those elements of the job do exist, there are parts I didn’t anticipate. When I was 7, I told my teacher and my classmates that my father was a firefighter. I went as far as to say that he hung his boots and hat in the entryway closet at home. You can imagine everyone’s surprise when my dad showed up for show and tell with
his coin collection. You can’t blame a girl for dreaming. Then I married Pat Denney, and my dream came true. I left my wedding reception in a vintage firetruck. Pat gave me his St Florian necklace to wear for his protection while on duty. I was officially in the club. It didn’t take long however, for me to realize that the electricity will go out and the toilet handle will break while he’s at work. Anniversaries and holidays continue to happen even if C shift is on. Occasionally I need to discuss important matters over the phone, but inevitably we will be interrupted by the bell. Early in our marriage, the issues caused by his shift work were seldom and minor. Then we had kids — a lot of kids born closely together. I was outnumbered. As Pat would leave for work, he would have to pry my grip from around his neck. Sometimes if he was too quick to snatch, I would hang onto his leg. “Don’t leave me with them!” I would plead. “They are
so scary.” But duty called. To date the “kiddo projects” inflicted upon me are too numerous to count. There’s been diaper rash cream tubes emptied and smashed into carpet. Koko took the return address stamper and made an art mural up the wall in the stairway. That was after he used the tweezers on the flat screen TV. Dylan converted her bathtub into a potion-making station which clogs up regularly. My cabinets are peppered with dents from matchbox car chases. Underwear hangs from fan blades. Cheetos are smashed in the couch cushions. Someone tee teed in the closet. Every now and then, Pat will have a momentary lapse in judgment and ask me why the house isn’t clean. Disaster camouflaged as creativity followed by clean-up is our rhythm. I coached myself through those early years with the hope that the challenges of first responder wife parenting would get easier as the kids aged. That has not been the case. As of late, Koko about burned the house
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down when he decided to melt his Lego men in his bathroom. In all fairness, my instructions to him before going to sleep was “please do not burn things on the front porch.” We are working on our communication. I make no excuses about the fact that I am a kept woman. However, I have had to learn a few basic survival skills, such as how to dislodge a roofing nail from the garbage disposal. I’ve also learned that warm baths can happen without electricity as long as you have a large pot full of water and a gas range. I’m still working on a strategy for keeping all three kids from getting the stomach bug at shift change. I have learned that being the nice parent has gotten me nowhere. As it turns out, I’m an easy target. What my kids weren’t aware of until just recently is that I am skilled in taking a door off its hinges. I also know how to change wifi passwords. But most importantly, I make the grocery list. That one will get a person where it hurts. The drama in Pat’s absence is not caused by the kids alone. I have a very bad habit of losing my keys. Once I lost them for over a week. Not wanting to admit my mistake to Pat, I diligently searched for them each day until one afternoon when Pat said, “You’ve lost your keys again, haven’t you?” Hanging my head in defeat, I admitted that I had. To make matters worse, that key ring held the keys to my house and my office. Pat was not happy. A few hours later, Pat sent me a screen shot of a post from the Town of Stonewall Facebook page. It was a picture of my keys. They had been found by strangers. We would not be getting them back before nightfall. The remainder of my evening was filled with preparations for the following day. We crawled in bed and turned out the lights. Around 2am, I woke. I lay there a few minutes hoping to fall back to sleep. Nothing, so I got up and went to check on the kids. All were sleeping soundly. As I went to climb back into bed, the house alarm began to shriek. I panicked, “It’s happening! The finder of the lost keys has broken in and is coming to kill me!” I ran around in circles in my bedroom. “What do I do? What’s the code to the gun safe?!” The phone rang. It was the alarm monitoring company. “Mrs. Denney?” Me, “Yes!” Alarm company, “We see that your alarm has been tripped? Did you set it off?” Me, “No! I lost my keys. Someone found them. And now they are coming to get me!” 50
Alarm company, “Excuse me ma’am. What?” To which I repeated myself. Alarm company, “Do you want me to send the police?” Me, still running in circles, “Yes, please. Right now!” I sure hope that the cop who showed up and paraded through my house wasn’t a single rookie, because, if so, he may never get married. I opened that door in my ratty nightshirt, bedhead and halitosis talking 90 to nothing. I was not a good representation for my fellow females, and for that I am ashamed. I’m pretty sure my address has now been flagged on their wacko lady house list. There was no one in the house. The upstairs window sensor was faulty, but I lost a few years off my life that night due to the tripped alarm while Pat was on duty. When our daddy is home, things fall into place. We sleep better. We’re complete. But we have learned to share, because the reality is that we live with a man who was born to serve. And he’s good at what he does. The bonus to loving a first responder is that you gain another family. It’s difficult to explain, but our fire family, for better or worse, is special. And while that family is made up of imperfect people, they are perfectly our people. They know my kids’ names. They bake our favorite treats. They listen as we vent about our spouses, because that’s what friendship is about. They build our houses, repair our roofs, fix our vehicles. They tell you the truth when no one else will. Most people will never witness the devastation and heartache that these men and women see on a daily basis. And yet, they continue to show up shift after shift. The work of a first responder is selfless and brave. They represent the best humanity has to offer. In my opinion, that’s a reason to celebrate even if we have to wait until days off to schedule the party.
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What BY DONESA WALKER, M.ED
T
he art of conversation is often difficult with people when it comes to discussing the needs and expectations of a child with learning differences, and in today’s society this becomes even harder due to the overwhelming social media presence and the need to present the best side of all of us to the adoring world. It seems that every parent wants the perfect child who has no issues and yet is there really such a thing as a perfect human? The offense comes when the child appears to be all that is “normal” but struggles with the unseen learning challenge that sneaks upon the parent all of the sudden as the student is leaving for college or heading into high school. Then the blame game starts with parents blaming one another, the school, the teachers, the ex, or even CoVid. This past week, I struggled with telling a friend of mine that her child had a learning difference that she needed to address. I do this all day long at my office but struggled to find the right words to let her know that it was time to step up and do something now. Why is this so uncomfortable to us as a society? I discovered that this is the unseen and unrecognized “shame” issue. Understand, there is nothing wrong with having
a learning difference or learning struggle and yet we have a really hard time telling others that there is something that needs a helping hand. Is this the same as telling a friend that they have muck on their face or their panty line is showing? No, absolutely not. It is, however, similar to telling someone that they have an emotional/mental issue such as depression or anxiety or discussing that someone needs to intervene in their health like their weight. These are not popular conversations and these are very hard places. What should I say and how do I say it? First, it has to be a person that allows you to speak into their life. You need to have that relationship already so that speaking into their life is allowed. Second, the best way is not to state it as a fact, but rather to ask leading questions so that they can see what you are trying to say is something that you have observed. Third, it is important that you not use a judgmental tone so that it is clear that you are speaking out of love and not out of malice or spite. Finally, you must offer options or solutions to help them find resources to get to the root of the issue you are concerned about most. What are the leading questions you should ask? Have 55
you noticed that your child (use their name) struggles a bit with schoolwork/homework/conversation/etc.? Have you recognized a difference in your child (name please) from their peers or siblings? Have the child’s teachers/coaches/or other adult influencers mentioned anything to you about your child’s behavior/learning/etc.? Have you had any frustrations in working with your child in homework/schoolwork/ remembering directions/etc.? These are just a few of the possible questions you can ask to open the conversation. Resources: Know what is available and be able to offer these or perhaps you can purchase a gift card to LearningRx where they can get an assessment of the learning skills and a complimentary consultation with a specialist.
The MISUNDERSTOOD CHILD A poem about children with hidden disabilities by Kathy Winters
Understand that knowing what to say and when to ask these questions is really important. Perfection is not possible for any human but learning easily is and that is the opportunity that you are offering. So, how did my conversation go with my friend? She was already feeling like there was a problem and had wondered why I had not said something! She felt like I as her friend and a specialist would notice if there was something that was going on and I should have said something. So, in short, she was very grateful and now I have the opportunity to bring massive change into that family’s life because make no mistake, this affects the whole family and the environment in the home.
I AM THE CHILD that looks healthy and fine. I was born with ten fingers and toes. But something is different, somewhere in my mind, and what it is, nobody knows. I AM THE CHILD that struggles in school, though they say that i’m perfectly smart. They tell me i’m lazy -- can learn if i try -- but i don’t seem to know where to start. I AM THE CHILD that won’t wear the clothes which hurt me or bother my feet. I dread sudden noises, can’t handle most smells, and tastes -- there are few foods i’ll eat. I AM THE CHILD that can’t catch the ball and runs with an awkward gait. I am the one chosen last on the team and i cringe as i stand there and wait. I AM THE CHILD with whom no one will play -- the one that gets bullied and teased. I try to fit in and i want to be liked, but
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nothing i do seems to please. I AM THE CHILD that tantrums and freaks over things that seem petty and trite. You’ll never know how i panic inside, when i’m lost in my anger and fright. I AM THE CHILD that fidgets and squirms though i’m told to sit still and be good. Do you think that i choose to be out of control? Don’t you know that i would if i could? I AM THE CHILD with the broken heart though i act like i don’t really care. Perhaps there’s a reason god made me this way -- some message he sent me to share. For I AM THE CHILD that needs to be loved and accepted and valued too. I AM THE CHILD that is misunderstood. I AM DIFFERENT - but look just like you.
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BACKto the BASICS The Power of Play WRITTEN BY ANNA CLAIRE PRITCHARD
S
chool year 2020 has begun, and whether you find yourself packing lunches and sending your kids off to school or staying home to juggle life and the virtual classroom - know that you’ve got this! You’re doing a great job! One thing this season of life has taught me is to slow down and get back to the basics. We’ve spent more intentional time as a family around the dinner table, enjoying walks around the neighborhood, and just relaxing when we aren’t busy fixing up things around our house. Research shows that 16% of typically developing children demonstrate difficulties with sensory processing. While it’s not 100% attributed to toys these days, I do think what our children play with is a large factor. We want toys to enrich their learning and expand on skills they already have. Toys are a means of interaction and a way to foster growth and development in language, gross, and fine motor skills. The more toys blink and talk, the less need for our children to engage socially such as mimicking facial expressions, gestures, or vocalizations. Let’s talk about sensory overload - we’ve all experienced this feeling at one time or another. Think back to your first concert - tons of people crowded together, bright lights flashing, and overpowering speakers blaring music for all to hear. Depending on your personality type (and taste in music) this was either a wonderful experience
1900: Crayons
Now - Crayola Ultimate Crayon Collection (3+), Melissa & Doug Jumbo Triangular Crayons (3-6): These are a staple in the area of play in a child’s life. They allow for creativity, visual-motor integration skills, and fine motor control. Not to mention there are endless possibilities for creativity at a very reasonable price. This 152-count set can be purchased for less than $15.
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LEARN the LINGO ✔ Visual-Motor Integration - The ability to coordinate and translate what you see into fine motor control. For example: copying a triangle with the correct size and orientation.
✔ Working Memory - A temporary holding and computing of information that is easily accessible at that moment. For example: recalling a sequence of numbers, like a phone number given to you over the phone. More than likely you won’t remember this number tomorrow, but you were able to retain it long enough to write it down.
1910: Erector Sets & Lincoln Logs
Now - Melissa & Doug Construction Set in a Box (4-6), IRON COMMANDER Cool Metal Erector Set (8-13), Erector by Meccano Super Construction 25-In-1 Motorized Building Set (10+): These are great sets to learn how to follow written and illustrated
directions while still allowing for open-ended play across a wide age-range.
Now - Playstix (4+): These color-coded stix make assembly easy when using the illustrated manual to build various structures. This set provides a great opportunity to build on attention skills and creativity.
WRITTEN BY ANNA CLAIRE PRITCHARD MOT, LOTR Anna Claire is a pediatric occupational therapist at Building Futures Pediatric Therapy Center. Her love of occupational therapy began at a young age. She incorporates fun, creative facets as well as holistic approaches to better assist her clients in reaching their goals. She has experience in a variety of settings from a multidisciplinary center for children with Autism and communication disorders to home health and an outpatient clinic for children and adults with a wide variety of diagnoses such as traumatic brain injury, CVA, cerebral palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder and dysgraphia. Her diverse population of patients is one of her favorite aspects of occupational therapy. Due to her innate love for children, she chose Pediatric occupational therapy as her focus. Anna Claire cares for all of her patients on a personal and professional level.
or a “little much” for your body to handle. Sensory overload occurs when our body is overstimulated by one of our five senses. Toys today tend to create the same environment in your home. If your children’s toys are driving you bananas from the other room, chances are they are overstimulating your little one. Big-name toy companies do an excellent job of marketing their latest and greatest “educational” toys that talk, dance, teach children ABCs and 123s. In reality, these toys could be overstimulating for little eyes and ears, leading to difficulties regulating the central nervous system (brain). Now, don’t run to your playroom and throw out everything with batteries. That’s not what I’m saying. But instead, look to see what is in your child’s play environment. Take a mental inventory of your child’s toys. Are there toys you can remove and later bring back? Maybe instead of 5 toys that sing and dance, let’s rotate 1 or 2 at a time. Are there multiple toys that share the same purpose? Leave one out and store the others - think quality, not quantity. Is the toy entertaining or educational? The more the toy does, the less the child has to do. I love “old” toys, they are great for more than one reason, but most of all for their simplicity. Toys are meant to guide or facilitate play. We (parents/caregivers) are to put the life or the “battery power” into toys. We help to expand language skills, teach coping and self-regulation skills as well as guide social-emotional development. These are crucial skills that cannot be replaced by a battery-operated toy. There is no current evidence that interactive media or toys match the benefits of active, creative, hands-on, pretend play with traditional toys. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the most popular toys during each decade of the 1900s. While the “then” option in almost every decade is still a great option for today, the “now” option offers great alternatives to toys that are currently on the market. Some toys are just hard to beat, like crayons, Legos, and Lite-Brite. Notice that very few of these toys have batteries, make sounds or perform on their own. My hope is that you and your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews enjoy spending time together creating, playing, and promoting warm and supportive interactions and relationships.
1920: Tinker Toys & Pop Up Books
Now - K’NEX TINKERTOY - Classic Building Tin (3+), Kid K’NEX – Budding Builders Building Set (3+), Joinks (3+), BMAG Magnetic Building Rods (18months+): All of these sets are great options for the child who
loves to build and create. These promote skills such as bilateral coordination and grip strength.
Now - Poke-A-Dot! Books (1+), Pop Up Books (3+), The Color Monster (3-7): Books are a
wonderful tool to facilitate and introduce language to your child. Catch their attention with these interactive and 3D books. There is a wide variety of Poke-A-Dot books for your little ones. These are not only great for language skills, but cause-and-effect play as well. Push the dot, hear a sound - the simplicity of this idea is brilliant. The Color Monster is a great conversation starter for little ones struggling to express emotions - social-emotional development is an area that today’s toys just aren’t fit to address.
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1930: Finger Paint & View Master
Now - Color Wonder Mess-Free Fingerpaints and Paper (3+), Crayola My First Fingerpaint Kit, Washable Paint (1-5), Crayola Giant Fingerpaint Paper (1+): Not a fan of messy play? Crayola makes a great mess-free option for finger paints,
much like the color wonder markers. While I believe there is a need for messy play and at times we forget this - remember that messy play is a safe time for your children to explore different textures.
Now - Crayola Picture Projector (5+): This simple little gadget provides endless opportunities for creativity - from projecting illustrations of stories on the ceiling to learning spelling words in the dark.
1940: Silly Putty & Scrabble
Now - Aarons Crazy Thinking Putty (3+): I LOVE
Aarons Crazy Thinking Putty. This is a great strength builder for little (and big) hands. They have an endless variety of colors with different properties - like glow in the dark and color-changing options.
Now - Bananagrams (4-7+): Be the first to use all your tiles to build a crossword collection of words and you win. There’s a junior version of this game, which is a great option for early readers - the tiles use lower case letters to form words. Is your child not quite ready to spell on his or her own? Bananagrams offer multiple printable worksheets online for preparatory skills such as sequencing the alphabet.
1950: Play-Doh & Paint by Number Now - Play-Doh sets (3+): Just like
crayons, Play-Doh is a hard to beat toy for the price. Play-Doh has numerous reasonably priced kits to engage your child in creative play. I know Play-Doh isn’t every parent’s ideal playtime activity - but it’s a great tool for strengthening hands and improving bilateral-coordination.
Now - Paint by Sticker (5-9), DIY 5D Diamond Painting Kits (6+): I love the idea of using stickers
to assemble a beautiful masterpiece. One of my favorite mediums to use during therapy is stickers - they address so many skills that help little hands work in a more skilled and precise manner. One of my sweet co-workers filled me in on these 5D diamond painting kits and they are quite a hit with older kiddos. They take a lot of patience and fine motor control, but the end product is so rewarding.
1960: Lego & Lite-Brite
Now - Lego Duplo Classic Brick Box (18months+), Lego Classic Set (4+), Lite Brite (4+): You can’t reinvent the wheel - the ’60s is the toy lover’s dream
decade. I love these classic options for open-ended play. It’s every parent’s nightmare to step on a Lego headed to the kitchen in the dark, BUT hear me out - these are awesome toys! They provide a great underlying skillset for kiddos learning to write and fasten clothing items such as buttons and snaps - same goes for the Lite-Brite!
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1970: Tonka Truck & UNO
1980: Simon & Big Wheel
brand - Green Toys are 100% made and assembled in the USA. They use recycled milk jugs and other household plastic recyclables to create sturdy sustainable toys. Check them out - they make a wide variety of toys from dump trucks to bath toys.
AIR is a new spin on an old favorite! Single-player or two-player, this is a great game to improve working memory!
Now - Green Toys (12months+): I have grown to love this
Now - Character UNO (7+), UNO attack (7+), UNO Moo! (3+), UNO Junior (3+):
Now - Simon Air (8+), Simon Micro series (8+): Simon
Now - Radio Flyer Cyclone (3-9): The cyclone is a great ride-on
toy that improves upper body strength and coordination while having fun on the move.
Card games are a great way to facilitate socialemotional development and social skills, such as regulating emotions and turn-taking. UNO has created a game for everyone in the family!
1990: Skip-it & Magic Mitt
Now - 2-in-1 Musical Jump ‘n Toss (4-6): The Jump ‘n Toss offers 3 variations of jumping set up and 2 speeds as well as a moving ring toss option. This is a great way to get kids up and moving in a small space indoors or outdoors.
Now - Little Tikes Catch and Stick (2+), OgoDisk XS Disc Set (6+): Is your little one having a hard time
learning to catch with a glove? Make it just a little easier by using a Magic Mitt to teach the basics of hand-eye coordination. Once they have mastered the Magic Mitt, bring the glove back out. These Little Tikes Catch and Stick Mitts are the same basic idea of the Magic Mitt but also add in the squeeze component of a mitt - the Velcro inside ensures greater success with catching. The OgoDisk can be used in a variety of ways and is a great option for older kids.
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Calming the
Back-to-School
CHAOS WRITTEN BY MOLLY LANCASTER
S
o, what is the best way to quell the back to school jitters, both for your kids and yourself?
I think a lot of us have gotten used to a slower pace in the past few months. No morning hustle and bustle. No after school meltdowns, because school has been held in our living rooms. No late-night crunch to finish the project you were just told about that day. Exactly how do we ease the transition back to the “new� normal? Whatever it is that YOU do, remember: KISS. Keep it simple,
Super-Mom!
There is no right answer on how to do any of this mom stuff, especially when it seems like different schools are making different choices with respect to our children’s educations. For example, our school is doing a hybrid model that combines in-person and at-home learning, which means I’ll be setting an alarm clock for the first time in quite a while. I think I will have to remember what a regular bedtime is!
When it comes to bedtime, keep it consistent. Shower or bathe
Just as my mom used to, each year before the first day of school, I tell my kids that it is going to be the best one yet. They roll their eyes at me and say that I repeat the same thing every year (which is true.) However, with the advent of the most unusual back-to-school situation any of us has ever known, I think the optimism is more warranted this year than ever! This long, strange, unusual year of life/work/school has tested all of your Super-Mom superpowers. It promises to continue to try your patience, sap your energy, and demand your best organizational skills. And you’re left wondering just how to pull it all off.
the kids the night before school and tuck everyone in on time. Save yourself enough precious time to recap their day, say prayers or thankfuls with them, read a book, or talk about what tomorrow may hold. Everyone is lacking in social interaction these days and the dearth of human touch has taken a toll on each of us. For kids that attend in-person school, they are instructed not to hug or fist-bump their friends. This goes against every instinct our little ones have! Overcompensate -- snuggle a little longer, hug a little tighter, and love a little louder.
Set the alarm earlier than you think you need to, if only to give yourself a moment of peace before the day breaks wide open. If you have kids that can handle the responsibility, have them set an alarm, but if they are like mine, you’ll have to make sure they don’t hit that snooze button too many times. Try rousing the kiddos by blinking the
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KISS.
Keep it simple, Super-Mom! overhead light on and off, or sing a familiar morning rise song, so it sets a cheerful tone of the day for all of you. (And let me know if this gentle approach to wake-up time actually works for you on your first try!) I would suggest pouring a glass of water on those recalcitrant sleepy heads, but that would involve more wash for mom!
One way to help manage the morning routine is to make a weekly/bi-weekly breakfast calendar. Select an
easy morning meal that appeals to your family, and make it each day that you have to get your crew up and out. For examples, Mondays are for oatmeal. Tuesdays, eggs. Do this each week or every other week and you will always know what to put on your shopping list. As an added bonus, after a while, you can almost prepare it on autopilot! Lastly, make it a rule that they have to come to the breakfast table (or counter or couch or wherever your kids eat) already dressed for the day.
My children wear uniforms, but every night, I make sure that they have selected one for the next day so that they are ready to go the following morning. This is
especially helpful if your school does not require uniforms. If that is the case, put a bin under the bed with five days’ worth of outfits containing everything your child
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will need- including a mask! They can exercise some autonomy and choose their clothes, but won’t be searching for a pair of socks at the last minute. One mom I knew just let her kids sleep in their clothes for the next day, which certainly sounded odd until I tried to get three kids out the door on time. If it works for you, do it! Either way, you’re not scrambling for a clean shirt when you’re trying to arrive at school before the bell rings. This probably doesn’t sound like groundbreaking advice, but it’s a habit I still carry over to this day.
Speaking of suggestions that might not be groundbreaking but will break the morning chaos cycle, if your kids take a lunch, make it the night before. Have them help you
prepare it with food they like so you know it won’t be traded for someone else’s Swiss cake roll when you sent carrot sticks. Put their lunch in the fridge with a sticky note on the front door as a reminder, and have their backpacks lined up nearby so you’re not running after the bus or making an extra trip to school to deliver the forgotten items.
Set a timer. Watching the
numbers count down on the microwave (or better yet, listening to the ticking of an “old school� egg timer) helps children grasp how much time they can spend dawdling before they actually have to put on their shoes and brush their teeth. It might even save you from repeating (or yelling) for the umpteenth time for them to go and do those same exact things! A parent can dream, right?
Turning to after school, if it all possible, have snacks waiting for them when they get off the bus.
Alternatively, employ the tactic that one parent I know used: feed them dinner right after school. Then later in the evening, have a second dinner of cereal or something equally light and easy. I can think of some teenagers that would love to fit in a fourth meal of the day! (Mine included!)
Before you dive right into homework, let them jump around a little bit. Take a
minute for some downtime and chill. Have that afternoon snack or early dinner. It’ll give them some brain food to focus on their homework. On the subject of homework, put a calendar by their homework/virtual school area. Mark off due dates, and later, note the grades they received so they can chart their progress. It helps ease the stress of a deadline to see it written down. As I told my son, doing the prep work isn’t always fun, but the feeling of preparedness is the best confidence booster. When they see for themselves the outcome of the hard work they put in, their commitment to success is perpetuated.
When moving from downtime to homework time, or really from any one activity to another, remember that kids do not shift gears well. They
cannot turn on a dime from one thing to another, and function best in a structured environment. Knowing what is next eases the anxiety of any transition. Give your children a countdown to the end of the current activity, and moving to the next phase will be much easier. When I call out “five minutes,� my youngest knows that is the fiveminute warning, and is satisfied to happily wrap up her task at hand. They can focus on completion and adjust accordingly whatever comes next.
While you are on the task of stocking their distance learning area and searching endlessly for those elusive Clorox wipes, think about making an “extras� basket. Supply shopping can be fun
for kids if they get to select their notebook colors and label their USB drives in preparation for the new year. It eases some of the angst they may feel by having their gear in order. Knowing they have a surplus of supplies for future use or to share with a friend who might not be quite as equipped will surely make back-to-school a little brighter. While you’re at it, don’t forget to grab some poster board and at least one project board that will most assuredly be needed at the last minute. One thing is certain -- buy early because these necessities will cost a lot more in January!
To continue cultivating your routine, assign your kids a “day.� For example, if you have two kids, one gets an even numbered day and the other an odd one. Rotate the number as needed to work for your family (1, 2, 3, if you have three kids, a day off and a day on if you have one child, etc.) This works for the “who gets the front seat� debate if you have more than one child old enough to sit in the coveted right hand spot. It will also solve the dilemma of what to watch on movie night as well as who gets to make the dinner selection or select a special treat if they meet a goal. (It is also worth noting that I am all about a harmless bribe. No one -including you -- cried on distance learning day? Goal met! Ice cream for everyone!)
As for a special treat, consider incorporating a small tradition into back to school. For example, we get frozen yogurt on the first day of school. We might not get it for the rest of the year, but it makes
the first day momentous. I get to hear all about their inaugural adventure in a fun and neutral environment. This year, of course, it might be fro-yo to go in the park, but it’s still going to be a celebration of our “thing.� And for those parents who share their babies and might miss the first morning and taking those back to school pics (that you’re sure to have to see plastered all over social media), having a tradition of your own will make YOUR first day back with them just as memorable and special (and likely a lot less stressful) than the actual first day of the school calendar.
Lastly, school nights can be hectic. Sometimes, at least in the “before
time,� we often ate on the fly, rushing from school to practices to games. If you rarely get the opportunity to sit down at the table as a family, try to make it a priority, even if it is only once in a blue moon. Moving dinner from the couch (or the car) and being able to relax and actually talk over a meal will renew your mom heart when the conversation starts flowing around the dinner table. It won’t happen every night (and if it does in your house, I am one amazed mama!) but achieving that goal will be as rewarding as the meal you share with your people.
Above all, do it YOUR way. Pick and choose ideas and tips that work for your life. Especially now, as we head back to learning in unprecedented times, just remember that parenting in a pandemic (and of course parenting in general!) definitely doesn’t come with a handbook! You got this, Super-Mom.
Molly Lancaster Hailing from Mandeville, LA, Molly has a flair for adventure, an affinity for spicy food and Sonic coke, and is rarely happier than when she is at a music festival. When she is not busy being the proud mom of George, James, and Charlie, Molly works as a criminal prosecutor based in South Louisiana. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech before going to LSU but part of her heart will always be in North Louisiana. Molly reads a lot, enjoys a wide variety of different craft projects that she occasionally even completes, and doesn’t think tacos should be relegated to Tuesdays.
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FACING AGING CONCERNS
DIY&Expert Tips FROM A FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON
WRITTEN BY DR. LINDSEY PENNINGTON, FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON
I
often see patients in my office, who say to me “when did this happen? I just feel like overnight things
Dr. Pennington is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon, she is the only female facial plastic suegon in the state of Louisiana with her own solo private practice. She along with here medial esthetician Crystal Villarreal are available for complimentary skin consultations, to assess what products and treatment plans are best for you individually. Dr. Pennington is highly
changed.” They are feeling great, but when they look in the mirror or see a picture of themselves, it’s not ‘them’. It doesn’t match how they are feeling. There are a few simple things you can do at home to help prevent and reverse some of the most common concerns.
specialized in facial procedures, Injections, and surgery. She offers full an array of services from non-invasive injections of Botox and dermal filler such as Juvéderm and Restylane. To more in depth surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose job), blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts), and rhytidectomy (facelifts and neck lifts). All cosmetic consults are complimentary. If you have questions, or would like custom skincare recommendations, please call our office at 318-216-5366, email us at info@penningtonfacialplastics.com, or message us on our Facebook or Instagram @penningtonfacialplastics.
Heavy Eyelids
Heavy eyelids are one of the first signs of facial aging that presents. They can cause you to look tired and aged, even when you are feeling great. Eyelids, unlike the rest of the skin on your face, are very thin, delicate skin and should be treated as such. ›
DIY Tips: Wearing › Expert Tips: For sunglasses routinely mild excess upper which helps prevent eyelid skin, chronic squinting is obtaining a subtle a BIG thing that can brow lift with Botox help. Once you have and also addressing the excess skin, the creases around though, start using products like Revision the eyes “crows feet” with Botox can help the Skincare’s Revox 7 serum ($130), which is a eyes appear more open and refreshed with peptide blend that addresses fine lines and results typically last 3-4 months. The gold modest skin laxity. It’s often touted as Botox standard for addressed moderate to severe in a bottle. No needles needed, and it is excess upper eyelid skin consists of an eyelid pregnancy safe. SkinMedica’s TNS Eye Repair lift (blepharoplasty) and/or a later brow lift, cream ($102) is another option that contains which will lift the lids while also lifting the growth factors that will help thin, delicate brows. Make sure to always consult with a eyelid skin appear tighter and healthier. board certified plastic surgeon.
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Age Spots and Facial Pigment
Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Uneven skin tone, brown spots, sun spots, and age spots are all secondary to over production of melanin due to sun damage. Uneven skintone and pigment can quickly give the appearance of ageing. ›
Despite popular belief, dark circles under the eyes aren’t caused by sleep deprivation. (Hey new moms!). Genetics and chronic allergies can play a roll, but it’s commonly due to volume loss under the eyes and cheeks in combination with thin skin.
tolerate the Skinceutical serum and DIY Tip: this formula doesn’t oxidize like the Vitamin C serum. and sunscreen › Expert Tip: It’s best to bring are key up any pigment concerns with your players in dermatologist or plastic surgeon. skincare If you have history of sun exposure when it comes to both treating and and sun damage, routine skin preventing bothersome checks are important to monitor discoloration. Because the sun will for signs of skin cancer. Medical worsen any type of dark spot, we grade chemical peels such as Vi recommend a quality mineral Peel precision plus can reduce sunscreen such as Skinceuticals the appearance of age spots and Physical Fusion ($34) or sun damage. You typically peel Colorscience face shield ($39) that similar to a sunburn on average has blue light and infrared for 3-5 days, it can take a series of protection to help even when indoors. For Vitamin C, CE Ferulic by 2-3 for max effect but noticeable differences are seen after 1 peel. SkinCeuticals ($166) is the most IPL (intense pulse light) targets studied form of Vitamin C on the the unwanted melanin and is market. It is proven and effective. another great option to help Another fantastic option is Revision decrease and treat unwanted Skincare Vitamin C + Correcting Complex 30% ($160) which is great pigment and even out skin tone. This has minimal to no downtime, for more oily skin that doesn’t but may take several sessions.
›
DIY Tips: Drinking plenty of water and sleeping adequately help, but often that won’t get rid of the dark circles. Instant Bright Eye Cream by SkinMedica ($88) contains key ingredients that balance pigment, helps to hydrate the eye area, and reduce puffiness, all of which help improve dark circles. Colorescience Total Eye 3 in 1 Renewal Therapy kit ($169) is a great kit that includes protection for eye area from sun + environmental damage that causes darkening and aging of skin. Plus, it also provides coverage and acts as a concealer to help cover while treating and brightening the eyelid skin in addition mask for fine lines and wrinkles.
› Expert Tip: Seeing a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for injectable fillers, Juvederm or Restylane products can be injected into the cheek and under eye area to help improve volume loss. Results can last on average 12-18 months. Fillers can be a very gratifying instant fix in office, and they are safe and effective in skilled hands. If fillers aren’t the best option, a lower eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty can make all the difference.
Thin Crepey Skin
Loss of collagen (keeps skin looking plump and young) and elastin (helps your skin “snap back” when pulled or pinched) is behind this skin concern. Boosting your body’s own collagen and elastin production and preserving the collagen you have is the perfect game plan for this issue. Sun Damage is a major contributing factor. So continue to slather up on that sunscreen. ›
DIY Tip: Boosting your body’s own collagen production and preserving the collagen you have is very important. Retinols and growth factors can help to accomplish this. Starting with DEJ Night ($150) A nighttime moisturizer formulated to work while you sleep, with time-released 0.25% Retinol combined with Bakuchiol, to work at the dermal epidermal junction. This is a very well tolerated retinol for most patients, will help to stimulate your body’s own collagen and elastin over time. It is also formulated with other ingredients that enhance this retinol’s anti-aging abilities while decreasing risk for peeling and irritation. Adding in SkinMedica’s TNS growth factor and peptide technology to help you skin build collagen faster than it breaks it down. With three options depending on skin type and concern, Recovery for younger, or acne prone, Essential for normal to dry and moderate aging, and Advanced for significant aging or need for colorless and fragrance free. Using as tolerated will make improvements in your skin over time and prevent further breakdown.
LINKS FOR PRODUCT PURCHASE
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›
Expert Tip: The gold standard for crepey skin is laser resurfacing with a fractionated Co2 laser or Erbium yag laser. These come with some downtime afterwards (4-8 days) while healing takes place, but they can address overall tone, texture, and even pigment irregularities. If you don’t have the downtime for a laser resurfacing, Microneedling with PRP (platelet rich plasma) is an excellent alternative to improve overall tone and texture with minimal downtime. This procedure consists of withdrawing a patient’s own blood and processing it with a centrifuge to isolate the concentrated growth factor-rich plasma and platelets. These growth factors can now be placed back into the skin to stimulate skin rejuvenation pathways. Microneedling alone has been used for years to increase a patient’s own collagen growth within the skin. Now with the addition of PRP, the microneedling works synergistically with the growth factors from the PRP to recreate the collagen formation needed for young, healthly skin. An added benefit of the PRP is the decreased downtime associated with microneedling due to the growth factors accelerating healing time.
SkinMedica - penningtonmdfacialplastics.brilliantconnections.com/home?lang=en_US Revison - revisionskincare.com/penningtonfacialplastics SkinCeutical - refer.skinceuticals.com/224691 Colorscience - can be color matched and purchased in office or shipped to you: Lindsey Pennington, MD Facial Plastics is located in Shreveport at 6030 Line Ave, Suite 110
Double Chin and Loose Neck Skin (Turkey Neck)
The Neck can be one of the main areas which women become most self-conscious as they age. Fullness and loose skin can cause a loss of definition along the jaw line, some heaviness and an overall aged appearance. Many of my patients present saying, ‘How do I get rid of this turkey neck?’ ›
DIY Tip: Mild amounts of loose skin and fullness can be addressed using Nectifirm ADVANCED ($133), by Revision Skincare helps to improve skin quality and texture of the neck and décolletage with peptides and microbiome technology. Using a daily anti-aging mineral sunscreen can certainly be helpful, as well, to prevent further sun damage to already thin and fragile neck skin. For this, we recommend Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical ($75). It is a 5 in 1 product that moisturizes, contains all mineral SPF 45, has a universal tint, and contains anti-aging peptides and antioxidants.
›
Expert Tips: Kybella is a great option for people at their ideal weight with a little stubborn fat pocket under their chin. It is a fat dissolving enzyme, which through a series of injections (2-4), can dissolve fat and improve your profile without surgery. Alternatively, liposuction is a short procedure where fat can be permanently removed in one sitting to contour the jawline. It’s great for people who have a little more volume or want everything completed in one procedure.
Microneedling with radio frequency (RF) is the latest technology in non-invasive skin rejuvenation. As discussed previously, microneedling has been in practice for a while, but the recent addition of radio frequency to the needles themselves has created a synergistic effect that has greatly improved the results. RF has been used safely for years in the fight against aging and scarring to deliver thermal energy to the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues 2.5-4 mm below the surface. This thermal energy causes collagen contraction and collagen production, which will help decrease wrinkling and tighten the skin. Radio frequency also has the added advantage of increasing the density of another important skin protein, elastin, which can aid in additional skin tightening. The microneedling allows deeper penetration of the energy thus improving the results. Surgical Neck Lift is reserved for those patients who have a combination of excess fat and skin that cannot be address with non-invasive measures. It can be a life changing procedure to have a neck lift done, both improving confidence and quality of life. Discuss with your board certificated facial plastic surgeon what may be the best option for you.
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The Path to
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY WRITTEN BY ROSE MCMASTER
M
y journey into environmental sustainability actually started when I was looking into ways to save money. As I did my research into reusable and cash-saving items, I also learned more about the amount of waste we as humans produce every day. The more I discovered, the more I wanted to change my lifestyle, and so I started this journey with simple yet effective swaps. That’s why I have gathered a list of ten crazy-easy ways that we can all be
friendlier to our Earth and start the path into environmental sustainability. I think a lot of people believe that converting to a lowwaste lifestyle is intimidating and difficult, and that deflects them from it. The truth is, though, that caring about the environment doesn’t have to be hard. By taking these simple steps and learning more about what you can do to help, you will already be making a huge difference to save our planet!
TEN CRAZY-EASY ways to help the planet 1
To begin with, one of the most basic tips we’ve all
REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS. These bags are great since
heard before: Plastic water bottles are truly unnecessary
they are large, sturdy, and able to fit a ton of groceries
and one of the largest contributors to waste. So if you
without fear of busting open. Reusable grocery bags
haven’t already, it’s time to get yourself a REUSABLE
are also vital as the typical thin-plastic sacks are one of
WATER BOTTLE! Not only will these cut back on plastic
the most difficult materials to recycle. So throw a few of
use, but insulated bottles will keep your water ice cold
reusable bags in your car to have on hand whenever you
for hours and save you having to constantly buy packs
make a trip to the store.
of water. 2
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Something I’m sure you’ve seen before are those
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If you haven’t seen the uproar about straws, I’m not
sure where you’ve been! Similar to bottles, PLASTIC
STRAWS really are superfluous for most people. If
SANDWICH BAGGIES. They come in all sorts of sizes and
you prefer drinking from straws, though, look into
will end up saving you money in the long run.
REUSABLE VERSIONS. There are tons of collapsible and easily portable options. Another tip if you’re looking to
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avoid plastic straws at restaurants: Let your waiter know
towels being one of the most common. Now, I knew
you don’t need a straw when you order your drink. You
abandoning paper towels wouldn’t be easy, and I can
want to tell them early because if straws are put on the
even say myself that I still have to use paper towels
table and even if they are unopened, they usually still go
often. Nevertheless, I try to use DISH TOWELS in lieu of
in the trash.
paper towels as much as I can. Keep a stack of rags for
4
A lot of our refuse appears in the kitchen with paper
whenever you need to wipe down your counters or dry One effortless change I’ve made was ditching the
disposable cotton pads and makeup wipes. You can
off any dishes and then throw them in the wash after.
easily find REUSABLE COTTON PADS online, and they’ll
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always come with a mesh baggy you can just throw in
ALTERNATIVES. Bamboo is a great material because,
your washing machine. In the same vein, you can find
unlike plastic, it’s biodegradable. So look to swap
microfiber makeup cloths that only have to be wet with
items that would normally be made of plastic – such as
water to wipe your makeup right off. I personally use an
toothbrushes, kitchen utensils, sponges, dish brushes,
oil-based cleanser – really just plain ol’ coconut oil – to
etc. – for the bamboo alternative.
break up my makeup and wipe it away with a cloth.
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5
Another simple change is switching to soap and
someone who is into thrifting, then you are already
shampoo bars to cut down on the amount of plastic in
helping to save a lot of resources. Still, look into buying
your bathroom. SHAMPOO BARS are no problem to use;
used appliances, technology, furniture, and more to
you can actually buy conditioner bars as well, although I
further cut back on the amount of waste that goes
know from experience that these take a little more time
behind the production of consumer products.
to adjust to. Nevertheless, if you are looking to make the
10 The main thing to keep in mind when trying to find
change, this is a great step!
When it comes to buying products, aim for BAMBOO
Another great tip is to BUY USED ITEMS. If you’re
a sustainable lifestyle is the three R’s: REDUCE, REUSE,
One thing that drives me nuts is sandwich bags! Cut
AND RECYCLE. The phrase is in this order for a reason, as
out sandwich bags and switch to Tupperware. While
the first step to eco-friendly living is reducing the amount
disposable bags are easy to throw out, taking the extra
of unnecessary products in your life. Reuse different
few minutes to clean the Tupperware at the end of the
items to expand their lifespan and keep them out of the
day will save on so much plastic. If you are in need
trash. Finally, recycle responsibly and appropriately to
of a baggy, though, look into REUSABLE, SILICON
keep waste out of landfills.
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN Keeping it safe and spooky this year W
ho could have guessed back in March, when we were searching for how to make fabric face masks and first buying face masks online, that we’d still be thinking about masks in October? But here we are! We have since become experts at social distancing, hand washing, and, yes, mask wearing, and we want everyone to stay safe on Halloween. Whether you’re going trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, hosting a Halloween Party, or even visiting a local pumpkin patch, you’ll want to be decked out in cute Halloween gear. There are plenty of
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fun mask options to wear in October—from something that coordinates with your costume to a mask that is the costume all on its own. We asked local artist Lauren Ross Simmons to create some fun Halloween mask that can add to your costume this year or simply wear on its own. Just like every year, celebrate Halloween 2020 with safety in mind. If you’re going out with the family, take along some flashlights or glow sticks for visibility, try to stay 6 feet apart from other partygoers, and toss a travel-size hand sanitizer in that trick-or treat bag!
Special Thanks to ART BY LAUREN ROSS SIMMONS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND
Models: Emma Gayle Frierson Denver McLendon
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DIY with BRIDGET
Before The First Stroke YOUR GUIDE TO THE THREE PS: PREPPING, PRIMING AND PAINTING
S
hortcuts are great for avoiding traffic or beating video games, but not so much for painting. In fact, no matter the size of the painting project, its success really does depend on how much time and effort is put into preparation. There’s simply no way around it. Primer is the essential foundation of every paint
job. It helps paint to adhere to the surface by making it more “accepting” of the finish coat; it blocks stains and tannins from bleeding through; it penetrates and seals problem substrates; and finally, it improves the color performance and prolongs the durability and smoothness of your paint job.
1.1. BEFORE YOU PRIME Preparation Tips
BEFORE YOU BEGIN, move all furniture out of the room. Larger items can be placed in the center of the room and covered with a plastic or canvas drop cloth. TAKE DOWN ANY pictures, wall hangings or removable fixtures as well as the nails holding them up. This is also the time to remove electrical plates and switch covers as well as air vents you don’t want to get paint on. (This is a step I have skipped before – I do not recommend skipping!) SCRAPE OFF ANY loose, flaky paint. Patch holes and repair any other imperfections with spackling compound. Allow to dry and then sand down until the surface is smooth. CLEAN THE WALLS with a sponge and TSP (Trisodium Phosphate should be used if the walls are greasy, especially in the kitchen) or a mild cleaning solution of water and detergent. Rinse the sponge frequently and repeat as necessary. Once dry, go over the surface with a microfiber cloth or a trap-and-loc style duster. COLLECT AND ASSEMBLE all of the tools and supplies you’ll need for the job: paint, stir sticks, brushes, rollers and painting tape. APPLY A HIGH quality painter’s tape on trim, baseboards, window and doorframes to protect everything you don’t want to get paint on. SECURE A DROP cloth to the floors to protect carpeting, linoleum or hardwood flooring. 76
Written by Bridget Hamm
BEFORE YOU PAINT 2.2. Priming Tips a IT IS ESPECIALLY important to use primer when painting a new wood or surface that has never been painted before, or when repainting a surface that is uneven, stripped, or badly deteriorated (sand it down before priming). Prime the walls if the lighter color is being painted over a darker color. Semi-gloss paints need a coat of primer as they tend to absorb unevenly. b MATCH THE PRIMER to the job. Tinting your primer first will give you a head start when painting darker colors and will require fewer coats. c REMEMBER THAT LATEX-BASED can’t be used over oil-based paints. Ask the experts at Harrison Paint Co. for advice on the best primer to use. d LASTLY, BE SURE to start painting only after the primer has dried completely. Check the paint can’s instruction to find out how long to wait between coats.
TEAL GREEN
PRO TIP
There are 2-in-1 paint and primer products available on the market, but it’s important to note that they work well on already painted surfaces, not never-before painted surfaces. While they may seem to eliminate a step, 2-in-1 products may require extra coats to give as effective coverage as the traditional primer and paint process. 77
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For parents with school-aged children, this academic year is bringing with it numerous new considerations for ensuring their success. I’ve heard many parents asking a similar question: How can I meet my child’s unique academic needs while keeping him or her safe and engaged? After 30 years of professional education experience and raising three boys of my own, I have a few tips on adapting to the situation and meeting children where they are – technology helps, too!
Tips for a Successful School Year
� Successful learning starts
with the right environment.
� Let’s be as adaptable as
our children.
As a result of the pandemic, the landscape has changed, and many children will not be attending in-personal school either because their schools have shut down or due to families making a personal decision to stay home. We are all dealing with change and lots of it. But you know what hasn’t changed? The resiliency and adaptability of children. My business, At Home Academy, has also had to pivot and is now offering services anytime, anywhere and with any type of social distancing that meets your family’s comfort level. This includes virtual, one-on-one, small groups, and we can even tether back and forth between these options. Children are absolute pros at adapting to fit the situation; let’s get creative and follow their lead.
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With a multitude of distractions, fighting for our children’s attention is harder than ever these days. Being in an environment that sets them up for success by minimizing distractions and providing accountability can be crucial. One of our newest offerings is the At Home Academy Study Hall and Café, a physical space where high school students can come on their virtual days to be in a safe, comfortable, "cafe-like" atmosphere to work on their virtual platforms. There will be a proctor onsite to facilitate learning and to answer questions regarding the virtual platform. AHA has installed a new, modern coffee bar with high-speed internet, along with plenty of plugs for electronics. We also offer free coffee, water and snacks to reenergize students as they break a mental sweat. The Café will be open every morning starting with the first required log-on day for schools. Registration is required, and spaces are limited due to social distancing requirements. This offering is intended for distance learners on their virtual days or for homeschool students looking for a different setting in which to complete their curriculum. Private tutors will be available upon request. By providing an environment that sets them up for success, students are much more likely to thrive.
�Your child needs an accountability
partner – and it doesn’t have to be you!
Keeping students accountable will be another challenge for parents and educators this school year. With hybrid schedules, distance learning and many new and returning home school students, it will take a village to work together to make sure no child slips through the cracks or gets left behind. To help alleviate this potential dilemma, At Home Academy is also offering Virtual Mentors for any age student in elementary, middle or high school. We will assign a personal mentor to check-in with your child 2-3 times a week. This relationship is designed to relieve worry and stress for parents navigating the new Canvas platform, as well as alleviate concerns about if your child is keeping up, completing assignments or falling behind. A mentor will follow them through the virtual process and alert parents if more assistance is needed. This allows parents to work, while also providing their children with accountability and being in the know when it comes to academic progress.
Wherever your learning journey takes your family this year, remember that children are resilient and will adapt. We are all in this together. Please keep At Home Academy in mind as a safe space, a guide and a resource, and know that we are taking both your child’s education and the current safety guidelines seriously. The students are ready to get back to work, and so are we!
� Leverage the resources that are
available to you.
No one expects parents to immediately know how to handle their child’s learning this year, and we will all need a little help. Consider At Home Academy an advocate to call upon or an extra tool in your toolbox. By taking advantage of any of our services, your student becomes a member and can use our space for study time when we are open, as well as receive tutoring on-call as needed. Tutoring can be done virtually or in-person (or a combination of both) for any subject or grade level. With our professional virtual studio, tutors can engage with Zoom in a cutting-edge setting or offer one-on-one and small group ACT classes. The technological quality of these sessions makes a big difference in the learning process.
Beth Logan Woods Office: 318.458.5820 Email: athomeacad@gmail.com www.athomeacademy.net 4845 Line Avenue Shreveport, LA 71106
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C O C K TA I L WRITTEN BY SABRINA NEWELL OF LOU LOU SUCRE’
H
alloween is probably one of my all-time favorite holidays for cocktails. The Black Widow’s Kiss Cocktail…the “spookiest” and dare I say, “creepiest” of Halloween cocktails that happens to be frighteningly delicious. This haunted brew is made with sweet pomegranate syrup paired with the most enchanted gin you can imagine, a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of fresh blackberries, and delicious elderflower liqueur. A generous helping of Cocktail Caviar provides the ultimate “frightening” touch. This cocktail is delicious and absolutely perfect for Halloween. Giving a delicious cocktail a fun, spooky name and adding different elements to bring out all of the flavors is the best part of creating cocktails. I started experimenting with ingredients for this cocktail and iit really reminded me of a delicate kiss-like the one you just might get from a spider. You don’t even realize that it’s there until it’s too late. The spirit is what really inspired this cocktail. I began with a bottle of Empress 1908 Gin. It’s an absolutely beautiful spirit that is purple in color thanks to the Butterfly Pea Extract. It pairs wonderfully with lemon, florals, and berries. After developing the cocktail, I also knew that it would be perfectly spooky to add a little helping of Cocktail Caviar to the top of each, because it resembles spider eggs and what is a spider cocktail without spider eggs. Adding an egg white to this cocktail to give it a silky smooth texture and a frothy topping for the spider eggs to sit. It’s double shaken to give it a decadent frothiness. It is perfect, perfectly spooky, that is. So whether you are celebrating at home or with a small group this year, make sure to add this cocktail to your celebration.
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The Black Widow’s Kiss 4 blackberries 2 ounces Empress 1908 Gin 1 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ ounce pomegranate simple syrup 1 egg white Garnish with Cocktail Caviar (for the spider eggs) •
Muddle the blackberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. • Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously to combine for 15 to 20 seconds until the mixture starts to sound thick. • Add ice and shake again for another 15 seconds until chilled. Pour into a double old-fashioned over ice and top with Cocktail Caviar. TO MAKE THE POMEGRANATE SIMPLE SYRUP: • Combine 1 cup pomegranate juice, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar (or sweetener or your choice) to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool completely before using. *You can substitute your favorite gin for the Empress 1908 Gin but the color will be different.
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Pretty x Practical Design = Clear, Concise Communication for your organization
LOGO & BRANDING DESIGN
PRINT COLLATERAL & MERCH DESIGN
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
Whether 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.
From brochures to rack cards, business cards to pocket folders, it’s important to keep your brand looking polished and consistent.
Functional. Beautiful. User-friendly. A great website sets your business up for success.
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. If you have an idea in your head, a sketch on a napkin, or no clue where to begin, we can help.
Most smaller print projects like business cards would only need about an hour of design time. Medium sized projects like brochures can range from 2 to 4 hours each, with larger, more complex items like annual reports & booklets requiring around 7-15 hours total.
• Wordpress platform with blogging capability • Photo Gallery capability • Email newsletter signup form with Mailchimp integration • Responsive (re-sizes for both desktop and mobile) • Links to social media platforms • Home/About pages (at a minimum) to get started • Google Analytics to inform future development • Training session for key staff
Richard Creative is proud to design Lola Magazine and ReadLola.com
Let us help refine and polish your organization’s visual communications. info@Richard-Creative.com
318-490-6555
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: A historical study written ten years ago? YES! This famous surgeon is originally from Monroe, Louisiana. Learn why he fled the south, and how his story shapes up compared to two other participants in The Great Migration. MONROE NATIVE: DR. ROBERT JOSEPH PERSHING FOSTER
D
“They did what human beings looking for freedom, throughout history, have often done. They left.” — ISABEL WILKERSON, THE WARMTH OF OTHER SUNS
on’t let the thickness of this Pulitzer Prizewinner scare you. You’ll soon be caught up in the story of three special (yet typical) southerners and their life-changing journeys: Ida Mae Gladney, George Starling, and Dr. Bob Foster. “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” is a historical study of the lives of these three Black people who become participants in what is now referred to as the Great Migration of southern Blacks to the north during the decades between 1915-1970. Not only does this book thoroughly document the challenging experiences of these three individuals, it does a great job of putting the greater movement into perspective. Wilkerson weaves in the works of Black poets, authors, and artists of this era, as well as establishes the motivation for the massive 6 million Black Americans who would relocate to northern cities during this period. Besides being an important work and a national bestseller, the draw for Louisiana residents will certainly be to learn about one of the three featured: Dr. Foster -a talented surgeon born a hundred years ago in 1919, and raised in Monroe. His parents were educators and Dr. Foster highly valued education himself. We learn how Black teenagers in Monroe would watch Hollywood films in the segregated balcony of the movie theater. A young Dr. Foster is there in the 1930s to witness the construction of a then state-of-the-art Neville High School that would remain closed to Black students until the 1970s. More familiar references to the Picadilly, Ouachita River, and Desiard Street will take your mind to a Monroe from decades ago. Where this highly educated, seasoned, award-winning, military-trained surgeon wouldn’t be allowed admitting priviledges to any of the local hospitals because of his race. You’ll have to read the book to learn how Dr. Foster fares on his journey to California, but know that it will be an uphill battle the entire way. In California, people were said to follow the elevated-sounding “James Crow” rather than the average “Jim Crow” rules from their origins in the rural south. None of those nuances could be known ahead of time -- they are the sort of rules only available to discover upon arrival in a society without cell phones or internet to inform the masses. It is a credit to his skill and talent as a physician that Dr. Foster is able to build a thriving practice 87
Dr. Robert Joseph Pershing Foster George Swanson Starling Ida Mae Brandon Gladney
leaves for Chicago
leaves for New York City
leaves for California
The GREAT MIGRATION of 6 million Black people
1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970
born in born in born in Wildwood, Monroe, Chickasaw Florida Louisiana County, Mississippi
WORLD WAR I
GREAT DEPRESSION
Neville HS opens in Monroe for whites only
in Los Angeles, where he becomes the personal doctor of musician Ray Charles. In fact, the song “Hide nor Hair” from 1965 is truly based on and dedicated to this very same Dr. Foster from Monroe, Louisiana. The singer was so grateful for the care provided when he needed a career-saving operation and showed his appreciation with this hit tune. All three journeys of Dr. Foster from Louisiana, Ida Mae Gladney from Mississippi, and George Starling from Florida are fascinating to consider as part of this larger movement
WORLD WAR II
US Armed First Black forces de- student segregated registers at LSU
New Orleans US Civil street cars Rights Act desegregated ends Jim Crow Laws
of the Great Migration. It reminds the reader of how living through historic times and movements can be thrilling, terrifying, and fraught with unforeseen obstacles. We can be proud of the familiar, local, humble beginnings of Dr. Foster, while also remorseful that he had to leave Louisiana in order to reach a fuller potential. At the same time, we can commit to building a better environment in Louisiana in which our many talented native-born citizens can stay home and thrive in the future.
Justin Marshall Half Page Ad 318-742-3600 8510 Youree Drive, Shreveport geico.com/shreveport
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Where cozy meets luxury
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DRESSING Inside Out from the
WRITTEN BY FELECIA WILLIAMS | OWNER OF MY SPA MY WAY
southern women, we are taught etiquette, grace, manners, poise and style from birth. These are the nuggets of wisdom that we were taught and that our grandmothers and mothers were taught by their matriarchs. And all this was done in preparation for our rite of passage into womanhood, where -- come to think of it -- many of us would receive our first strand of genuine pearls. And as important as that first strand of pearls is to tradition and passing a torch to the next generation, I think it’s equally as important to discover what type of pearl you are -- as an individual-- and realizing your true value, not the world’s perceived value of you. As southern women, we are born with a smile that comes with the same ease as saying hello to everyone you meet; saying yes sir or yes ma’am to every elder and having sweet tea running through our veins. These are just a few of the ingredients to creating not just a true southern belle, but also a beautiful, unique, highly prized pearl. Our mothers and grandmothers taught us the art of cooking, keeping a clean home and other lessons that groomed us to be wives and mothers from the time we took our first steps. They handed down all the skills needed to make a happy home or give the illusion thereof. With that singular, perfectly placed strand of pearls, we 90
learned our place as women; how to be seen and not heard -- to take the good with the bad and never complain. We learned to take care of our families and serve our church and community like it’s a full-time job. And all this was done while in four-inch heels, a dress, the perfect shade of lipstick and not a hair out of place. But amidst all that tradition and womanhood, many of us never took the time to acknowledge ourselves and our true worth. Please understand, some of us can do this better than others, or so it would appear. Then one day we wake up and realize we have lost the most important thing along the way, self -- the core of the highly valued and coveted pearl that we are. Somewhere between being a child and having one, we forgot our own needs, desires and dreams. It doesn’t mean we don’t love our family and friends; we simply need to remember our own worth, because the pearl we truly are is more valuable than society’s appraisal of us. Knowing that
having goals and achieving them reminds us of our own talent. Fueling ourselves first allows us to be better mothers and wives. Setting goals and having mental stimulation -- outside of Pokemon and happy meals -- helps make us better for others and even better for and to ourselves. Now I do not profess to be some worldrenowned speaker who has traveled all over the world, met the Obamas, sat on Oprah Winfrey’s couch, or even graced the cover of any magazine. But I have cried until I couldn’t breathe, fallen on my knees and asked God why, wondered what this world would be like without me, dated and had sex with men who didn’t even desire to hold my hand or even caress my body. Yes, I said it! So unclutch your pearls and breathe! We have all dated dogs. So, let’s make a deal. I will give you a heads up on the pearl-clutching moments. This way you can act surprised or shocked as you continue reading. Instead of clutching your pearls, how about seeing yourself as one. We are pearls! Precious and valuable stones to be admired and prized for their luster and shimmer and treated like a one-of-a-kind beauty. And I thank God that no two pearls are the same, but they do have a common trait. All of them were shaped in secret to be prized in public. Now let’s walk through the stages of discovering the type of pearl you are. When you think about a pearl, we see delicate, smooth, rays of color that reflect in the light. But many of us never think about the work involved in its creation and how critical a role that work plays in the pearl’s overall value and worth. The work matters. Acknowledge: I wasn’t always a pearl. But that doesn’t mean I couldn’t become one. A pearl starts as a piece of matter -- let’s say a pebble -- that gets inside an oyster. Until that pebble begins to be coated with nacre -- a substance created and released by an oyster -- it is still a pebble. One can’t exist without the other. A pearl has to have a strong core. So, you can’t become a pearl unless your foundation is strong and enduring, and you have to be willing to put in the work. Realize what makes you feel whole and not fragmented? Once you unearth those pieces and connect them to allow you to feel complete, your pearl can continue taking shape and adding inherent value.
...unclutch your pearls and breathe! Identify: WHAT COLORS DO YOU WANT THE LIGHT
TO CATCH? The more layers of nacre that the pebble is coated with, the more vibrant the colors are that the light captures. Just like the pearl, you have to decide what colors you want the world to see, but first those colors have to be genuine, real and specific to you. Fill your life with positive people and purpose because there are already enough challenges in the world around us. Let the light pick up the color in your heart, your spirit and your mind. Show the world your true colors.
Shape: YOUR PEARL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE MIKIMOTO As more layers of pearl are added to you, you also get to determine how large of a pearl you want to be. Some pearls are prized for their natural, genuine shape, which oftentimes isn’t perfectly round. Some pearls are prized when the pearl material drips away from the pebble a little to form a drape or skirt. That pearl’s beauty, color and value is shaped by its signature mark that can’t be replicated. You have to determine what your pearl -- your true self-- is and enrich your life with the people, places, practices and purpose that will help it to take shape. Polish: REFINE YOUR PEARL TO YOUR SATISFACTION
Determine how much you want to be polished and what method is best for you. Just like anything else we value, we like to keep it clean and polished so that it looks its very best. Show your care for your pearl -- your essence -- by cleaning it, protecting it and polishing it to enhance its value, but not to disguise it. Remove barriers and set boundaries! This may sometimes mean that some family and friends may no longer have a place in your life. Remember, you can’t find your worth if you are constantly allowing others to misuse, abuse, or take advantage of you.
Perfect: BY THEIR VERY NATURE, PEARLS ARE NOT PERFECT Pearls are not white. They are not perfectly rounded. And most importantly, they are not flawless. Although our essence -- our true self -- strives for perfection, it is our imperfection that makes us all the more beautiful, enduring, graceful and poised. This realization helps us become the perfectly imperfect pearls that we were always meant to be. 91
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Back to school in Caddo Parish brings new opportunity to reimagine education
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n late August, Caddo Schools opened to more than 37,000 students who had not set foot onto a school campus since March 13. The very notion of this undertaking is unlike any school opening in the history of Caddo Schools. The closest correlation in regard to scope and scale would be the reopening of schools in South Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. In many ways, the coronavirus pandemic has been a national hurricane barreling down on school districts since last spring. In mere days with little notice, Caddo led the state in launching a virtual instructional model for all students, deploying thousands of devices and partnered with telecommunications companies to offer free or low-cost internet services. Over the weeks to come, we also distributed nearly 700,000 meals to our students. To say I’m proud of what our teachers, students and staff accomplished is an understatement. For months, we have worked to navigate what school would look like when we were permitted to reopen and how we could ensure the safety of our students and staff while providing highquality instruction. If there is one certainty I’ve learned through this process, it is that you cannot please everyone. Instead, the decisions made in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year have been made focused on two aspects: what is safe based on science and what is educationally sound. I would like to thank Dr. Martha Whyte, Louisiana Department of Health’s Region 7 Medical Director, and our community’s foremost pediatric infectious disease experts including Dr. John Vanchiere and Dr. Joseph Bocchini who have been with our district from the earliest days of the virus providing insight and recommendations. Their guidance has been steadfast and based on the virus’ spread in Caddo Parish. Using their insight, along with recommendations and requirements from additional Louisiana Department of Health specialists, our district developed Caddo Strong Start: The Roadmap to Reopening. This guidance document provides Dr. T. Lamar Goree is information on instructional models and requirements of our school superintendent of Caddo system to ensure the safest school year Parish Public Schools. A Broad possible. Academy Fellow, Dr. Goree was Like many urban school systems named the 2019 Louisiana State across our country, our community Superintendent of the Year and has seen firsthand the effects of COVID-19. Families have been selected to serve as member devastated and, thus, neighborhoods of the Racial Equity Leadership changed as fathers, mothers, brothers, Network through the Southern sisters, and children have lost their Education Foundation.
lives to this virus right here in Caddo Parish. With these realities, it is imperative for our district to understand our community and to respond in ways that support our families. This was the rationale in developing our instructional models which include a traditional model with social distancing requirements, a hybrid model to reduce the number of individuals on campus at a given time and a virtual model for families who do not yet feel comfortable sending their children back to school. In creating these models, our district stood at a crossroads. We could have determined we should not provide online instruction, and, require families in their minds to choose between the safety of their child or being reported as truant. Or we could do what we knew was right. In a diverse community with very different needs, Caddo has an opportunity to provide individualized learning and supports in ways we could not dream before this pandemic. This was an chance to reimagine the way we have provided instruction in a manner different than what we’ve done since the inception of our country and how we could do so with the lessons learned through this experience. Through this thought process, we are strengthening the relationship with our parents and arming them with the tools and resources needed to work hand-in-hand with some of the most gifted teachers I’ve ever met. From our district, we have partnered with the nation’s leader in online learning platforms, Canvas, and conducted a thorough assessment of technology inventory in our district. This has included purchasing thousands of devices and strengthening the partnership established in the spring in regard to internet access. Our families were surveyed and affirmed that over 95 percent of families had internet access, but we have plans in place for those who do not. We’ve also received waivers from the USDA and the Louisiana Department of Education to allow our virtual students to continue to receive breakfast and lunch and increased free access to all schools in our district. Our teachers have worked through the summer to prepare for this task and the launch of our learning management platform that allows them to simultaneously provide instruction in-person and online. This means students will be receiving the same top-rated curriculum and instruction regardless of their physical location. District policies will continue to apply such as daily attendance requirements, grading of assignments and expectations for conduct during instruction. We’ve also worked with families to ensure they understand virtual learning and affirm it is the best instructional model for their child. This includes clear guidance on what is required of students and families. Ultimately, we are prepared to greet students and to ensure we do everything we can for our students to receive the highestquality instruction in the safest environment regardless if that is at home or on campus. That is not only what is medically but morally sound as we support students and families in achieving their big dreams.
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o you remember the last time you received an unexpected compliment? How did it make you feel? Did it make an impression on you? When I consider the different types of impressions we make on people, there are none more powerful than when you do something unexpected to show people kindness. When you take the time to surprise people with compassion and love, you make them feel noticed and appreciated. You will also benefit because there is joy in unselfish acts when you give yourself or your resources. In 2020, Lola Magazine wants to challenge you to be better, be kinder and develop habits that may enhance the daily lives of others. Try implementing these eight ideas over the next couple months and let us know how it makes you feel. We know times have changed recently and we are unable to extend a hug or a high five. We encourage you to take this time to really soak in your family and dig deep to find the things in your life that are really important. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. - Howard Zinn
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND
Kiss your children and teach them to be kind. It all starts with us.
Remember, you are NOT THE JUDGE! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. We may not like it, but we must respect it. Stop assuming! You do not know everything!
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Schedule time with your friends and family. We need each other more than ever in today’s world.
Do not forget to stop and take a breath. Be thankful for the blessings in your life.
Take responsibility for your actions. Stop blaming others.
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Lend a helping hand or a listening ear.
NEVER forget the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would do unto them” (Matt 7:12).
Optimize your quality of life. Optimize your quality of life. Minimize your side effects.
Minimize your side effects.
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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 DA, the images areN, theSylvester propertyJ,ofet Boston Scientific.benefit All trademarks the property their respective owners. 1. Hamstra Mariados al. Continued to rectalare separation forofprostate radiation therapy: Final results of a phase III trial. © 2019 Boston Corporation or its976-85. affiliates. All rights reserved. URO-677808-AA SEP 2019 Int J Radial Oncol BiolScientific Phys. 2017 Apr1; 97(5): 2. Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et SCIENTIFIC. al. Sexual quality life following prostate TO intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with a rectal/prostate CONTENT IS PROVIDED BY BOSTON BOSTONofSCIENTIFIC IS DEDICATED TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SOLUTIONS spacer: Secondary THAT THE HEALTH OF PATIENTS WORLD. Pract Radiat Oncol. AROUND 2018 Jan THE - Feb;8(1):e7-e15. analysis of aIMPROVE phase 3 trial.
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
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