Lola Magazine April/May 2021

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2. TOC LOUISIANA LADIES 8 The Wives Across The Hall A story of an unexpected bond beating all odds

56 Generations of Beauty FIXX Medical Spa 75 The Working Woman Warrior The daily battle of the working woman

HOME & ENTERTAINING

36 Lou Lou Sucre’ Celebrating Cinco de Mayo 32 The Lola Magazine Inspiration Home 40 Hostess with the Mostess A Mother’s Day breakfast in bed

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

47 Clean Beauty The importance of checking the labels on beauty products 79 Self-Care Be aware of your self-care

FASHION

20 The Southern Rules on Wearing White (and when to break them) 71 The New Shoe This season’s trends on spring and summer shoes

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Spring has sprung!

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an I get a hallelujah?! I don’t know If I have ever been so ready for spring weather and longer, warmer days! This time last year we were all stuck in our homes, our events and gatherings had been canceled, and life was well… a bit depressing. I am reminded of the old saying “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” while waking up bright and early on Saturday mornings, excited to scurry out the door for a Little League soccer game. Before this past year, I would dread my packed schedule of ball games, birthday parties and social events. After a year of cancellations, I am giddy to get dressed and get back out into the world.

Although we must continue to use caution and mask up, the breath of fresh air this season brings is more vibrant than ever before!

We are beyond honored in this issue of Lola Magazine to share the incredible journey of two families. The Senn and Biddy families found an unexpected bond through faith and community while enduring the horrors of COVID-19. The testaments of Sharon Senn and Kylie Biddy are nothing short of admiring and inspiring. We bring you “The Southern Rules on Wearing White” and why in the south, it’s ok to break them. We are elated to announce that Lola Magazine has collaborated with Heard Construction to introduce The 2021 Lola Magazine Inspiration Home.

Be sure to check out the details and follow the progress on Facebook. Sports moms, be sure to take notes with our Ultimate Sports Mom Survival Guide, and if you find yourself in the midst of raising a middle-schooler we have you covered with suggestions and encouragement for happy, healthy kids. Dr. Karen Pendleton reviews the importance of clean beauty and our Hostess with the Mostess shows us how to make the most of Mother’s Day. There is so much to be excited about as we enter into the new season and embrace the little things that we may have taken for granted just a year ago. We hope that your spring is full of music, ball games, birthday parties, memory making with the ones you love and a packed schedule that brings only joy!

READLOLA.COM For subscription information, click on Subscribe Today PUBLISHER Bevin Sutton Hicks Bevin@readlola.com 985-285-3742 MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carie Cotter Hart Carie@readlola.com 318-573-6847 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tommy Stow Sutton 318-560-5785 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Charles Anderson DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE Carl Hammock GRAPHIC ARTIST & ADVERTISING DESIGN Richard Creative Lola@Richard-Creative.com CONTENT EDITOR Kathy Spurlock CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donesa Walker Jessica Comegys Victoria Arnold Sabrina Newell Dr. Karen Pendleton Anna Claire Pritchard Stephanie Jordan Liz Swaine Jessica Carr Felecia Williams Julie Emory Caitlin Busada, MD

4. Contributors

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brittany Strickland Jarrett Warren Victoria Arnold COVER

PHOTOGRAPHY & MAKEUP:

! ll ’a y , g n i r p s y p p Ha -Bevin

Brittany Strickland Rachael McCoy

THE WIVES ACROSS THE HALL:

Sharon Senn and Kylie Biddy FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION carie@readlola.com or visit Readlola.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK lola-magazine-lifestylesof-louisiana-ladies *Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

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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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8. The Wives {assigned L-even start}

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TheWives Across the Hall

The unexpected friendship bonded on the faith of two families

9. The Wives and their

incredible battle

against Covid-19

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA ARNOLD STUDIO PHOTOS BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

9

Slow mechanical beeps, small and steady gushes of air, and the whirling roar of helicopter rotors are sounds that are all too familiar to Sharon Senn.

For Sharon, all of these sounds reflect her experience in the ICU at Louisiana State University Hospital in Shreveport while awaiting for updates from doctors regarding the worsening condition of her husband, Ryan.

O

riginally from Capetown, South Africa, Sharon and her family moved to the United States in 1984, when she was just 12 years old. Though the move resulted in quite a bit of culture shock at first, Sharon integrated into life in Ruston, eventually finding a passion for the medical field and becoming a nurse for various hospitals around northern Louisiana.

It was her job as a nurse at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center that introduced her to her favorite person and future husband, Ryan Senn. She first encountered him while he was working as a Nurse Tech in the E.R. “We were really good friends at the time,” Sharon recalled. “I always thought he was a sweetheart. He was just precious to me, and he just had the sweetest, kindest smile.”

Eventually, the pair tied the knot in 2008. The couple had Shae, Sharon’s then 5-yearold daughter from a previous marriage, and also welcomed a second child named Bre in 2009. Time passed, and life went on as usual. At least until the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic rocked the United States in January of 2020.

“It was scary,” Senn described. Working as a nurse in Ruston, Senn encountered the virus throughout the beginning of the pandemic and witnessed the impact firsthand. “CDC guidelines were changing every day -- it was crazy,” Sharon said. From interacting with sick patients to aiding hospital staff, Sharon was often, yet safely exposed to the damaging aftermath of the virus. For the meantime, COVID seemed as if it could be at least held back at an arm’s length from her own family.

Though she had experienced COVID everyday as a nurse, the devastating effects of the virus didn’t hit home until Friday, October 30. “Ryan works with kids, and I remember him coming home and telling me that he was exposed to a child who tested positive for COVID earlier that day,” Sharon said.

Initially, the news was taken lightly. “The first thing that I did was laugh it off,” said Sharon. “I didn’t think it was going to be bad. I just told him that everything would be alright, and to just take a shower and rinse off and he would be fine.” Later on that weekend, on Sunday November, Ryan officially tested positive for COVID. Without any serious record of illness or any pre-existing conditions, Sharon only expected Ryan to be sick for a handful of days. The first two days consisted of body

10. The Wives

10

The Senn family in the summer of 2020

The Senn family during a mission trip to Zambia with a few of the children they came to love.

aches, followed by migraines on days three and four. Overall, Ryan primarily experienced flu-like symptoms, but nothing drastic.

Though he was ill enough to be temporarily separated from the rest of the family, Ryan wasn’t quite sick enough to warrant a permanent trip to the hospital for treatment. Sharon illustrates: “During the first couple of days when he was sick, we kept him in the back of the house. We hooked up a microwave in the back for him so he could stay separated from the girls and me up front.”

By day 8, Ryan’s health had significantly improved, and it seemed as if an easy, smooth recovery would shortly follow.

“He even started cleaning his bathroom one day because he got bored,” Sharon said.

Unfortunately, 10 days after his confirmed diagnosis, Ryan began to struggle -- an unexpected and nerve-wracking turn for the family. Using her medical knowledge, Sharon spun into action, keeping a close eye on Ryan’s oxygen saturation levels, which began to plummet.

After several calls to friends, Sharon was able to contact the oxygen supplier and had a supply of oxygen delivered to the Senn family home – miraculously -- within the hour. However, even on a high flow of oxygen, Sharon was alarmed to discover that Ryan still had trouble retaining oxygen saturation -- even while on 5-6 liters of it.

“That day, I knew I had to take him to the emergency room,” she remembered. “That was probably the worst day of my life. I just had to leave him there. I had seen enough people get sick...I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to see him again.”

Upon his arrival at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center

later on November 11, there was one phrase that Ryan stated that quickly became a mantra for many following his story: “COVID can’t kill Superman.”

From the start, Ryan faced several obstacles regarding his spiraling physical state. He was immediately placed on 100% high-flow oxygen in the ICU, and doctors prescribed several medicines, including an antiviral drug to combat the virus. Ryan’s doctors advised Sharon that he would need access to convalescent plasma, otherwise referred to as “liquid gold.” Convalescent plasma -- blood collected from patients who have recovered from COVID -- has been proven to significantly aid in the healing of those currently infected.

“The plasma was in high demand and there wasn’t much out there,” Sharon explained.

Over the course of a few days, Ryan’s health seriously began to decline. With no plasma in sight, the doctors delivered more news to Sharon that was another heavy blow: Ryan would need to be placed on a ventilator.

For Sharon, the ventilator was a death sentence. As a medical professional, after seeing so many patients become too dependent on a ventilator to survive after its removal, she was afraid that the machine designed to help save Ryan would ultimately kill him.

However, though Sharon’s fear was growing, she refused to let it paralyze her. As Ryan’s state began to grow more desperate, she reached out to family, friends, and loved ones, as well as her online community on Facebook. She began to thoroughly share Ryan’s every health update, as well as marketing Ryan’s specific needs and specific prayer requests.

In the meantime, Sharon’s desperate search for plasma

11. The Wives

11

compelled her to reach out to her brother and retired Navy Seal Commander, Jon Macaskill. After Macaskill implored peers on LinkedIn and attempted to spread the word about Ryan’s need for plasma.

Meanwhile, after carefully placing Ryan on the ventilator on the morning of November 16, Sharon received a call from his nurse explaining that Ryan’s CO2 levels were critical, and he needed to go to LSUS for further treatment.

“Friends of ours actually arranged for us to be placed on the medical insurance that would cover a helicopter ride, and Ryan was life-aired on to LSUS,” Sharon stated. “As soon as he arrived at LSUS, Ryan’s cousin graciously opened up her home to us in Shreveport, Ryan’s mother, the girls, and I stayed there while he was in the hospital.”

Upon his arrival to LSUS, Sharon received some good news in the midst of the chaos: they had found convalescent plasma for Ryan. She recalled: “The next thing I know I’m getting a phone call from the president of LifeShare Blood Centers, Chad Douglas.” When Sharon visited Ryan the following day, there was a bag of plasma hanging by his bed, which, thanks to the team effort from many kind-hearted individuals, he received in less than 24 hours.

Throughout the first 9 days of his residence at LSUS, Ryan’s health fluctuated, but began to significantly decline. During this time, he actually extubated himself from his ventilator and came very close to dying,” said Sharon. On November 25, Sharon received a phone call from the doctor. “He told me that he needed an ECMO machine, and that if he didn’t get put on a machine, he wasn’t going to make it through the day,” she said.

Hanging up the phone, the search and prayers for finding an ECMO machine, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, began. At 2 a.m., Sharon contacted her brother once again, and the pair began reaching out to individuals across the internet for any aid in finding an accessible machine.

The next morning, Sharon woke up to the seemingly impossible unfolding before her very eyes. “I just laid there by Bre in our bed, and I started getting phone calls from people everywhere. The hospital even called me and told me that they had received a call from Sweden, where the company who manufactures the machines are located.”

Miraculously, an available machine was found in New Jersey. Isaac Leider, owner of VitalOne, an emergency medical transport company, flew the machine down to LSUS on a LearJet. This tremendous feat was the result of another team effort arranged by the Navy SEALs Fund and the Foundation’s CEO Rachel Dzieran. “They raised the money to fly the machine all the way from New Jersey to Shreveport,” Sharon stated. It seemed as if all of the necessary pieces to save Ryan had begun to fall into place.

Ryan remained on ECMO for 18 days. However, his time on ECMO proved to be difficult as well, as he went into renal failure and had to receive dialysis. Sharon continued to update family and friends about Ryan’s medical journey, and she received a call from a friend all the way from Zambia. “Ryan and I have been on two mission trips to Zambia, and we’re still in contact with his partner, Joshua,” she explained. “He called me and we prayed over the phone for at least 30 minutes in the ICU waiting room.” Joshua, Sharon’s brother, her friends,

12. The Wives Ryan Senn being airlifted to Ochsner, Shreveport

Ryan and Sharon Senn 12

loved ones, and all of the “friends of friends” developed a community that surrounded the couple when they needed it most.

Little to her knowledge, Sharon still had one friend left to meet that would be one of her greatest sources of encouragement throughout Ryan’s sickness. Sharon met Kylie Biddy on December 1, the same day that Ryan had his trach put in.

“I had a friend that’s also originally from Louisiana tell me about Ryan’s battle with COVID,” Kylie Biddy, 36-year-old, Louisiana-born, Texas resident recalled. Kylie’s own husband, Blake, only 35 at the time, was also hospitalized at LSUS fighting for his life just a few feet across the hall from Ryan’s hospital room. “I had seen Sharon coming in and out of Ryan’s hospital room, and we would exchange words and prayers for both Ryan and Blake.”

Kylie Biddy and her husband Blake have been happily married for the past seven years. After meeting him at a local restaurant that she was working at, she was immediately attracted to him. She recalled: “I actually already knew his brother’s wife, and they were having a family meal at the restaurant when I first saw him. I was playing on a co-ed softball team at the time, and I played against his youngest brother who was on the opposing team!”

The next day after the game, Blake and his younger brother re-visited the restaurant so Blake could meet Kylie. Not long after, Blake contacted her to ask her out. “On our first date I actually had a pretty bad cold,” she said, “and he brought me all kinds of cough drops and medicine -- he was so sweet.”

However, according to Kylie, there was one moment in particular where she knew for sure Blake was “the one.” “We both have a huge passion for LSU football, and he was given tickets to an LSU game,” Kylie explained, smiling. “We traveled to the game and on the way there we had SO much fun, and I just thought -- ‘this is the kind of guy I want to marry.’”

Fortunately, she did. Fast forward seven years, and the family found themselves living a peaceful life on their ranch in Texas. “We have four kids now,” said Kylie. “Blake’s 16-yearold son Keegan, our 7-year -old adopted daughter Ana Grace, 5-year-old son Gauge, and 2-year-old adopted daughter Abigail. God put the call for adoption in our hearts.” she said.

Among Kylie’s numerous reasons why she loves Blake, there’s one thing in particular that makes her fall in love with him all over again. “One thing we always do in our home is turn on Alexa and we’ll two-step in the kitchen,” she said.

As 2020 began and COVID snuck its way into the United States, Kylie and Blake’s original thought was that it wasn’t as serious as many thought it would be. “I have many family members in the medical field, my mom is actually a nurse,” said Kylie. “You know, she of course advised us to wash our hands, wear our masks, and just be careful overall.”

The stay-at-home order and the aftermath of it was hard on the family. Kylie was surprised to discover that she was expecting their second biological child, but the couple unfortunately lost the baby shortly after. “It was really hard,” she described. On top of that, the family also sold their home and built another one -- all during the middle of the pandemic.

The family had only been in their home for about 2 weeks,

13. The Wives

The Biddy Family the day of Abigail Biddy’s adoption

13

Blake with his son Keegan while on ECMO

boxes still left unpacked, when Blake came home from work on November 6th feeling unwell.

Though Blake felt fine at work that day, it was on the evening commute home when he slowly began to feel sick.

“We actually had friends coming over for dinner that night and he felt so bad that he just showered and laid on the couch, which isn’t like him,” Kylie stated. After realizing that Blake had a fever, Kylie recalled: “He just looked at me and said ‘...I just don’t feel right.’”

Later that night, Blake began exhibiting serious symptoms of COVID. From weakness, to body aches, to shortness of breath. After quickly arriving at Hospitality Medical Center in Longview, Texas, medical staff gave him a banana bag, along with several medicines and vitamins to help boost his immune system. “We went home with 13 prescriptions,” she said. After returning home and starting home treatment, however, Blake’s health began to take a turn for the worse.

“I brought him back to the Hospitality E.R. after two days, and they advised us to send him to an overnight monitoring facility,” Kylie recalled. Here, Blake received an additional dosage of vitamins as well as another banana bag to help him regain his strength. “After that, we went home for two days again, and he actually started feeling better. He worked for a little bit on the computer, but then afterwards he felt really drained,” said Kylie.

Seeing Blake’s physical health decline was difficult for Kylie because, like Ryan Senn, he had no prior health issues or medical conditions. She remembers: “Throughout the entire time we’ve been married, I’ve only seen Blake sick once, and it was the stomach bug.”

Once Blake’s oxygen levels reached 78%, Kylie knew Blake needed emergency medical attention. After revisiting the Hospitality Medical Center again, Blake was sent to Regional Medical Center on November 14 in Longview, Texas, and was moved to the ICU unit within a couple of hours.

Like Ryan, Blake needed convalescent plasma, which thankfully came after several perilous hours of waiting. After remaining there for four days, and exhausting all of the medical options to help heal Blake, Kylie received what she described as one of the worst phone calls of her life.

“The nurse practitioner said: ‘He’s gonna be intubated and placed on a ventilator, I need you to collect yourself, and put your kids on FaceTime because he is panicking’.” Tearfully, Kylie explained: “It was hard, you know. It was good for him to see the kids, but it was hard for the kids to see him that way.”

According to Kylie, the nurse then explained that they needed to discuss “the hard thing.” She informed Kylie that Blake needed a machine called ECMO. “I asked her what the side effects of the ECMO machine are, and she just stated: ‘the side effect of not getting treatment from this machine is that he’s going to die’.”

After multiple calls to hospitals and doctors for an available bed and machine, the search grew grim until they discovered an availability at LSUS. Blake was airlifted to LSUS on November 18, and was placed on ECMO on November 20. During his time on ECMO, Kylie described that there were “okay days, bad days, and awful days.” Minute to minute, there was no telling what all could happen, and everything almost did happen. Kylie explained: “They had to temporarily stop his heart to get it back at a regular beat, he underwent an ECMO exchange three different times -- his backup battery even failing at one point, and his ventilator even failed suddenly while I was still in the room.”

But the extent of Blake’s medical conundrums didn’t end there. Though ECMO is designed to help heal a person’s lungs, it can also cause a severe amount of stress on other vital organs -- like the heart. “Blake actually had right-sided heart failure while on ECMO,” stated Kylie. In addition, Blake also had a staggering tower of 11 different IVs that he was connected to.

“To see the strongest guy you know be the sickest guy you

14. The Wives

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Kylie and Blake the day before Blake was released

know...it’s heart-wrenching,” Kylie reflected. “But I cannot say enough words about Blake’s medical staff. They were phenomenal.”

One thing that got both Kylie and Sharon through the hardest days is the outstanding community that encouraged, prayed for, and supported them. From receiving groceries to feed their families, friends mowing their lawns, family offering to watch their children, receiving encouraging texts and phone calls, as well as the overwhelming online presence to spread the word and support Ryan and Blake -- and the generosity didn’t stop there. “We can’t even begin to keep up with all of the various acts of kindness and compassion we have received,” said Kylie.

Sharon described one significant act of kindness from loved ones during the Christmas holidays. “We usually decorate our house for Christmas, but we weren’t able to this year with Ryan being so sick. But one day we came home from the hospital and our house was completely lit up,” she recalled. “The MICU staff even surprised the kids with a basket full of Christmas presents! They treated us like their own family, and we will forever be grateful to them.” Kylie and Blake’s children also got a special Christmas surprise which an effort put together by the community of Jefferson, where Blake is originally from.

“We received gift cards, and Santa and Mrs. Claus even came to our home!”

For the Senn family, that wasn’t the only overwhelming act of kindness they were given. A friend of the couple started a Go-Fund-Me for Ryan, and that’s how the family was still able to pay bills while Ryan was in the hospital and Sharon was unable to work.

Likewise, when Blake’s 36th birthday occurred while he was hospitalized, Kylie recalled, “I bought decorations and Blake’s wonderful night nurse Natalie helped decorate his room with banisters and balloons for him and we had his birthday party at the hospital.” The Biddy family even received numerous

donations of financial support as well. “I came home one day and literally someone had sent about $500 anonymously. And we just want to say thank you and we love you to whoever did that for us,” she said.

Sharon and Kylie also made sure to give back to the community that supported them, too. “People wanted to help us in the beginning, and we weren’t sure at first how to receive the overflowing amount of help. We as a family are doers, and we really wanted to give back to the nurses and medical staff,” Kylie said. Thus, ”Biddy Tribe,” an idea created between Kylie, Kylie’s mother Paula, and Jessie, Kylie’s close friend, was born.

The Tribe began raising money, and Kylie and Jessie began planning the meals for Blake’s medical team. “Jessie and my mom have been my rock -- the whole Biddy Tribe has been my rock,” Kylie stated. “Our friends have held it down. We are so blessed.”

The movement even inspired local restaurants to donate meals to the hospital floor where Blake was located, and tumblers were also made in support of Blake and were given to the medical staff at each facility he resided.

In total, Blake visited six different facilities in his fight with COVID. According to his needs, Blake bounced from Hospitality E.R., Hospitality’s overnight monitoring facility, Regional Medical Center, LSU Medical Center, PAM of Shreveport, and then Willis-Knighton Rehab Facility. Kylie reflected: “At each facility they treated him like family and royalty. They treated him so well, and I think it really prepared him for his transition to come home.”

Though the community surrounding the two men and their families gave Sharon and Kylie encouragement and support, both women agree that it was their Christian faith that gave them something to cling to when all hope felt lost.

“God saved him so many times,” Kylie reflected, tearfully.

Likewise, Sharon also voiced: “Literally, God is the only thing that got us through this, and Ryan and I both knew that this

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Ryan and Sharon Senn’s reunion with with Ochsner staff that cared for him

was going to give God the glory--it was horrible--but God was gonna see us through it.”

Perhaps the sweetest community that helped the two families endure is the quickly formed yet deeply rooted friendship between Sharon and Kylie. From long nights in hospital waiting rooms, to encouraging texts and calls, to crying and praying with one another in the hallway, the women’s friendship blossomed in the midst of one of the darkest moments of their lives. Kylie lovingly described Sharon encouraging her after Ryan achieved a new milestone of his recovery: “Any time Ryan got better or improved she would just keep praying and telling me ‘Blake is next! Y’all are next!’.”

For Sharon, there’s one significant moment where she saw her prayers for Ryan’s recovery coming to life before her eyes.

“He FaceTimed the kids and I from his hospital room and quietly mouthed the words: ‘I love you. I’m gonna be okay.’

And then he pointed up to the ceiling and said ‘God’s got me’,” she said.

Similarly, Kylie witnessed an incredible moment for Blake during his time connected to the ECMO machine. “Blake was on ECMO for 68 days, and on day 61 he stood up out of bed while still attached to the machine -- if that gives you any idea of how strong of a fighter he is.”

Then, miraculously, after a total of 66 days fighting in the hospital, losing over 60 pounds in two months, Ryan began to recover. After 4 days free of the ECMO machine, Ryan left the dreary halls of the ICU unit on December 18, and was transferred to Ruston Regional for rehabilitation, where he remained for a month doing physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Though Blake was in the hospital for a longer period of time, the Senn family continued to pray for, support, and encourage others to pray for and support the

Biddy family.

And finally, after a total of 125 days in the hospital, 68 days on ECMO, and a loss of over 80 pounds, Blake finally returned home as well. Little to Blake’s knowledge, he would be coming home to a celebration. “When we left rehab, the weather was dreary, but by the time we got home the sun was shining and there was a sea of people waiting with signs to greet him. Groups of our family, friends, and people following his story created a warm homecoming for him, and it was very emotional for both of us,” Kylie described. “He didn’t realize how many people he impacted with his journey.”

Currently in recovery at home, Kylie describes how happy he was to see their new house set up as a home -- boxes unpacked and belongings arranged. “The first thing he did was devour tacos from a local place here in Harletown called Wright On Taco. Later on that day he fed our cows and watched our kids fish in the pond for about an hour,” said Kylie. “It was the most peace that we’ve felt in months.”

Though the two have never met, Ryan and Blake both have a connection forged from the one shared between their wives.

Kylie illustrated: “There was one time when Blake actually coded in the hospital, and Ryan could hear it from across the hallway and started immediately praying for Blake.” Because both men are still in recovery, they have yet to meet each other, but look forward to meeting one another in the future.

The journey shared between the Senn family and the Biddy family was a perilous one, with an awe-inspiring story that’s still being written. When describing what helped Sharon and Kylie persevere during some of the darkest moments in their lives, there were two things that they both agreed were the most important: the overwhelming support from the community that surrounded them, and their Christian faith.

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The day Blake walked out of rehab to finally come home March 17, 2021

The Biddy children

For Sharon, there are two Bible verses that she leaned on constantly: Philippians 4:13 and Psalm 23. Kylie also has her own verses from scripture that she held close to her as well: Exodus 14:4, 2 Samuel 22:17-20, and Isaiah 43:1-3. The Old Testament story of Moses parting the waters profoundly resonated with her during Blake’s most critical moments.

Though their own spiritual beliefs helped the two women tremendously, Sharon and Kylie are aware that not everyone shares the same spiritual perspectives. When asked what advice they would give to someone with a loved one in the same unfortunate struggle as Ryan and Blake, the two shared advice that was both encouraging and attainable.

Attempting to create a healthy amount of positivity was an important factor that Sharon implemented right from the start. “I was determined that there was never going to be any negativity in Ryan’s room,” she said. “I put up photos of our family and talked positively to him and would reassure him as much as possible.” The family photos also helped the medical staff connect with the Senn family as a whole, because they got the perspective of them as Students from Blake people, not just as patients. and Kylie’s Sunday Likewise, Kylie elaborates school class lined the further, advising those who feel roads to welcome isolated while watching a loved home Blake

one fighting with COVID, reminding them: “Whatever you may think, you are not alone. It’s so important to remember that you aren’t alone,” she stated. “Even if you may not have a family or friends to lean on, you still have the medical staff attempting to save your loved one, and it’s SO important to connect with them.”

Marvelously, the end of Sharon and Kylie’s story is a happy one. Unfortunately, not everyone has had the same fortunate fate. Their hearts are heavy for others who have lost loved ones from COVID, or are currently witnessing them suffering through it. Though COVID sent devastating shockwaves of loss and grief across the globe, Sharon and Kylie both encourage others to cling to hope, community, and if they desire -- to God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Sharon quoted from one of her Bible favorite verses, Philippians 4:13.

For the two families, life after the beginning of COVID is drastically different, yet still remains the same in many small ways. The ripples of fear and sorrow have slowly, gradually begun to fade away, and are replaced with overflowing thankfulness, gratitude, and awe. Time has crawled on, and everyday Ryan and Blake’s strength rebuilds. Tears and smiles have come and gone, but one thing that remains unshakable is the unconditional love shared within each family.

Now, the continuous and overwhelming sounds of mechanical beeps from hospital machines and roaring helicopters have faded into mere echoes. Instead, they are replaced with the sounds of hopeful laughter. As Sharon told Ryan’s story, she was reminded of his mantra, and grinned.

It would appear that COVID can’t kill Superman after all.

17. The Wives

17

Because Mom’s story deserves to be told

18. Britt Elizabeth

Britt Elizabeth Photography 318.990.1597

GIFT CARDS for Photography Sessions available at brittelizabeth.com

19. Goldie Boutique

116 Park Ave. | Ruston | (318) 251.0990 | shopgoldieboutique.com

S outhern Rules of Wearing White…

THE

and When to Break Them

20. The Southern Rules on Wearing White (Fashion) WALL FLORALS BY AG CREATIVE 20

White.

There is no other color in our closets that comes with more

rules, restrictions, questions or concerns than white. For generations, women have subscribed to the unwritten rules around wearing white to avoid committing one of the Southern woman’s greatest fashion faux pas.

WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE JORDAN

Stephanie Jordan is a

T

he old adage is that wearing white is only acceptable in the summer months stretching between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Although many of us have been taught that it is acceptable to bring out our white clothing starting with Easter Sunday, leeway given in the South likely because temperatures climb faster here than in other regions.

21. Fashion Shreveport native with more than 10 years experience

writing for local publications, including The Shreveport

Times, SB Magazine and City

Life Magazine. Stephanie and her husband, Ty, are parents of two redheads, Tilly and Grady. When not carrying her kids to-and-from after school activities, Stephanie enjoys playing tennis and golf, cooking and spending time with close friends and family.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Victoria Arnold Goldie / Boutique Barr Jarrett Warren Vertage / Pretenses / JAC

While there is some variation on the starting date for wearing white, there never been much sway on where not playing by the age-old rules will land you. A slew of sideways glances and glares from your mother, grandmother, aunt and any other good Southern women who came before you that you seemingly have offended by your fashion choices.

As a result, like it or not, many of us safely shove our white jeans and dresses to the back of the closet for the better part of a year. Katie Bonnette, owner of Goldie Boutique in Ruston, says many of her customers still second guess themselves when it comes to wearing white.

“It’s funny what we consider taboo! Who even said or created this rule? And why can’t we wear white when we want?” Bonnette said. “But it is engrained in us.

It’s a generational thing that we’ve always been taught. We challenge our customers to grow outside their fashion box and to grow into their fashion and learn to create new rules.”

Where the fashion rules around wear white originated is unclear. According to a 2019 Time Magazine article, the reasoning is practical – it was simply a way to stay cool in the dog days of summer. With no air conditioning and fashion still being fairly formal, white clothing was lighter weight and provided greater comfort.

Other historians speculate that the rule may have been established as a social differentiator of the wealthy. In the early 20th century, white was the color of choice for upper-class Americans who could leave the city in summer months for seaside cottages and mountain homes to escape the heat. Heavy, dark city clothes were left behind in exchange for light, white summer outfits. In an era where there was a dress code for everything, the parameters for wearing white between Memorial Day and Labor Day took hold.

21

22. Fashion

CLOTHING PROVIDED BY GOLDIES BOUTIQUE IN RUSTON 22

A

2019 article by Southern Living explains that by the 1950s, the thinking had tricked down to the middle class. With help from women’s magazines, it became widely accepted that wearing white wasn’t appropriate anytime before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. Even today, women struggle to break free from the old rules that no longer apply. Bonnette said the rules of wearing white are always a topic at Goldie Boutique.

“Last winter, we had a pair of winter white slides in the store. I had a customer who loved them, but she just couldn’t do it. She couldn’t wear white before Easter,” Bonnette said.

“I always challenge customers to think new and pivot.

Do whatever you want to do! The key is to feel good and confident in what you’re wearing.”

With trends like winter white pants and stark white boots emerging in recent years, it’s become more evident that the rules of wearing white no longer apply.

“The rules are there are no rules. If you feel good and look good, then rock it,” Bonnette said. “White can be worn all year round now. We sold white boots during the winter last season, and everyone was dying for those boots.”

But if you’re still not comfortable fully breaking the rules of the past, there are easy ways to introduce white into your wardrobe early and extend it further into the fall months.

Madeline Barr, owner of Boutique Barr in Ruston, suggests that people can ease into wearing white by selecting a white top or lightweight sweater that pops with a fun, colorful print. Women can also stick with the timeless look of a crisp white button down paired with a favorite denim.

Barr says rather than letting color be your guide, consider the fabric and material foremost.

“I have white sweaters that I wouldn’t wear in the summer, but because of the weight of the material it is perfect to wear in the winter,” Barr explains. “I wouldn’t wear white linen in the winter either. Always let the material and fabric be your guide.”

Another easy way to introduce white into your wardrobe can be with your shoes. White tennis shoes are a wearable trend for all ages and can be can ease someone who is feeling nervous about wearing white too soon.

Barr says that Louisiana heat is also a reliable guide for fashion choices and should give people more leeway with wearing white.

“As the weather changes and it starts getting warmer, people are fine with wearing white now,” Barr explains. “We recently put out white pants and white paperbag shorts in the store and they are both almost gone!”

There are also simple suggestions for keeping your white in wear as summer transitions into fall. Bonnette says layering is key when wearing white year-round.

“Even with a white dress it is so easy to throw a denim jacket over it and pair it with a cute pair of tennis shoes.

Layering a lot of your white pieces will make them go a lot further. It is still so hot in the fall, so don’t be afraid to wear it,” Bonnette encourages.

As temperatures cool down and seasons transition from fall to winter, Bonnette suggests trading in your white denim for a pair of winter white pants that can be paired with a chunky knit sweater or a fall-colored top. Layering a white button down under a V-neck sweater is also a great way to bring in brightness and a pop of white.

Above all other rules and how-to-wear white suggestions, the most important consideration is how you feel in what you are wearing.

“My thing is that anything goes,” Barr said. “I might not personally wear white pants all the time, but then again I might. There are no rules as long as you feel confident in what you’re wearing.”

23. Fashion

23

BATON ROUGE Acadian Village 3535 Perkins Road Suite 365 (225) 761-1170

LAFAYETTE

24. Boutique Barr

Main Street at River Rance 201 Settlers Trace Blvd.

Suite 3009 (337) 991-9980

SHREVEPORT Shoppes at Bellemead 6535 Youree Drive Suite 406 (318) 798-3265

Vertage Clothing @vertageclothing @VertageClothing

25. Fashion “Wearing all white is risky, yet it’s classy at the same time. I love an all white look, it definitely makes a statement!”

– Emily Miears, Vertage

CLOTHING PROVIDED BY VERTAGE IN SHREVEPORT 25

26. Pretenses Uptown Shopping Center 5802 Line Avenue Shreveport

318-828-1645 @pretensesboutique

27. Fashion

CLOTHING PROVIDED BY PRETENSES IN SHREVEPORT

27

28. Fashion

DOWNTOWN RUSTON 28

“The Louisiana heat is a reliable guide for fashion choices and should give people more leeway with wearing white.”

–Madiline Barr, Boutique Barr

29. Fashion CLOTHING PROVIDED BY BOUTIQUE BARR IN RUSTON

29

30. JAC shopjacclothing.com

6 012 Line Ave. Shreveport

(318) 606-4558

“It’s time to forget all the old fashion rules about when to wear white. I love using white pieces in my wardrobe year around. An all white outfit is timeless and chic!”

– Jennifer Cameron, Owner of JAC Boutique

31. Vertage CLOTHING PROVIDED BY JAC BOUTIQUE IN SHREVEPORT

31

Get Ready to Be

IN S PIRED !

32. Lola Inspiration Home W e are excited to announce that Lola Magazine has collaborated with Heard Construction to bring North Louisiana The Lola Magazine Heard Construction Inspiration Home.

This stunning, Modern Tudor style home is set in the prestigious, gated community of The Orchards at Squire Creek. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home will include a spacious study/parlor, a large upstairs playroom/ gym, full security, smart home technology, cathedral ceilings and is filled with custom details throughout. The grand ceilings offer stunning views overlooking the water from both inside and from the well-equipped outdoor living area. A sprawling owner’s bedroom and bath incorporate separate closets and secret door entry into the study/parlor. The spacious and luxuriously equipped kitchen allows window access to the outdoor living space, counter-to-ceiling custom cabinetry, state-of-

30 32

Introducing the Lola Magazine Heard Construction Inspiration Home

the-art appliances and a custom walk-in pantry with a butler’s station for countertop appliances and extra storage. Every inch of the 5,000 total square foot Inspiration Home is designed and is being constructed with the newest and highest quality materials available.

The Lola Magazine Heard Construction Inspiration Home will be open for touring in December 2021 through January 2022. Ticket sales profits will go directly to Louisiana Life Share Blood Centers who have been such a vital organization for our communities. Local interior designers and decorators are invited to join in the magic of designing and staging this exquisite show home. For more information, please visit readlola.com/inspirationhome.

LOCATION

T

MEETtheTEAM

he Orchards is the exclusive, newly developed, residential neighborhood in North Louisiana’s premier Country Club development, Squire Creek. Enjoy the good life with The Orchards’ carefully crafted amenities in the immaculately designed, gated, friendly and secure, familyoriented neighborhood.

BUILDER: Heard

H

Construction

eard Construction is all about integrity and customer service. Owner Richard Heard has been in the construction industry his entire working life and knows what is required to take projects from start to finish on time and within budget. The company;s services include customs homes, remodeling, and commercial contracting. They have an experienced team of carpenters and painters on staff along with some of the best subcontractors in North Louisiana. Heard Construction’s goal is to make the homebuilding process an enjoyable experience, while maintaining affordable, energy efficient, and high-quality construction.

L

ola Magazine, Lifestyles of Louisiana Ladies, is celebrating its fifth year in North Louisiana. Lola Magazine was created to enrich the lives of women in North Louisiana with honest, inspirational stories, the most exclusive home and entertaining sources, expert advice on health and beauty and much more. It is also the mission of Lola Magazine to support local businesses and community outreach in all outlets.

33. Lola IH ARCHITECT: Larry

L

Hott

arry Hott of RL Hott Designs brings nearly 40 years of experience to North Louisiana. Larry began his career in the home construction industry as a homebuilder. Finding his love for designing homes during his time in construction he transitioned into architecture to create house plans and home designs. Larry’s success as one of North Louisiana’s most sought-after architects is due to his attention to detail and decades of experience.

DESIGN LIAISON TEAM: Laura

L

Dodds & Paige Crawford

aura Dodds and Paige Crawford have joined forces as our dynamic design liaison team. Laura graduated in Interior Design from Louisiana Tech. She brings her experience and talents to customers at Lincoln Flooring & Acoustical and a world of knowledge on design and construction to The Inspiration Home Team. Paige Crawford is an Instagram Influencer with an excellent eye for home design and an unmatched attention for detail. Together, Laura and Paige have created a palate of gorgeous materials and luxury options for our exclusive panel of interior designers to create their personal designs with flow and precision.

Proceeds from Inspiration Home Tour to benefit Life Share Blood Centers

33 31

34. Hart Designsw 1913 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston Hart-Designs.com 318-224-7069 Exclusive Lightning Sponsor of The Lola Magazines Inspiration Home

SHREVEPORT, LA

FOR SALE 428 MOHICAN LANE

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Michelle Savage REALTOR®

318-402-6788 www.HomeSavage.com

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I

’m beyond excited for springtime this year. I think that I probably feel that way every single year, but with the winter that we’ve had and of course all of the virus restrictions, I’m really hoping for some good-ole spring renewal. Once the weather warms up to a comfortable level, one of our favorite things to do is to enjoy evenings on our patio. We love to sit outside with our favorite music and the sound of the fountain in the background and enjoy a springtime dinner al fresco. There really is nothing better. It’s especially great if the cocktail we enjoy for the evening is a Pineapple Mango Mezcal Margarita and the dinner is a few of my favorite Tex-Mex specialties.

Along with a tasty margarita, I love to whip up some super tasty Tex-Mex food for a quick and easy dinner. A few of my favorite recipes to share are my Shrimp, Chorizo, & Sweet Potato Taquitos and my Tomatillo, Chile, & Garlic Guacamole. Both of these recipes are great for a light dinner under the evening sunset. The best part is that everything can be made ahead of time for quick and easy preparation.

This margarita really gives me all of the warm weather feelings. It’s made with one of my favorite spirits, Mezcal, that has been infused with dried mango. This allows the cocktail to have all of the mango flavor without too much juice, leaving it perfectly balanced. It’s also an added sweetener.

I added pineapple juice and a little Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur for a hint of spice to stay with my TexMex theme. This liqueur is perfect if you want just a touch of spice without a raw pepper burn. (One of the best things is about being your own bartender in your home is that if you aren’t a fan of spice, then leave it out or add more if you want it spicier. Make sure to do the same with simple syrup if you want the cocktail a little bit sweeter.)

WRITTEN BY SABRINA NEWELL

LOULOU

36. Lou Lou Cocktail {L-even start}

36

YOU CAN FIND ALL OF THESE RECIPES AND MANY MORE, PERFECT FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE PATIO AT LOULOUSUCRE.COM

N

o Tex-Mex dinner on the patio is complete without a bite of taco and some guacamole. These dishes can be made for either a great dinner or as appetizers if you are entertaining for a small crowd.

Pineapple Mango Mezcal Margarita SERVES 1 1 ounce pineapple juice 2 ounces mango infused Mezcal ½ ounce Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur ¾ ounce Grand Marnier 1 ounce lime juice GARNISH: Pineapple slice and chili lime salt • Using a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the pineapple juice, mango infused Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur, Grand Marnier, and lime juice. Shake vigorously for

10-15 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a margarita glass rimmed with chili lime salt. Garnish with a slice of pineapple.

MANGO INFUSED MEZCAL: 2 cups Mezcal ¼ cup dried mango slices • Place the Mezcal into a jar and add the mango slices. Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 days, until infused to your taste. Strain and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

Shrimp, Chorizo, & Sweet Potato Taquitos

37. Lou Lou Cocktail SERVES 4 3 teaspoons olive oil + more for brushing on the taquitos 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 red onion, diced 1 poblano pepper, diced Salt and pepper to taste 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ pound chorizo, cooked and crumbled 2/3 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped 2 teaspoons of chipotle chilies in adobo paste 12 corn tortillas ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ¼ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded Serve with pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole • Preheat the oven to 350°.

• Heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the sweet potato, stirring frequently,

until it starts to soften. About 8-10 minutes. (Reduce the heat if the sweet potato starts to brown too fast.) Once the sweet potato softens, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and add the red onion and poblano pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes over medium-low heat until the onion and pepper start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful no to burn the garlic. Remove the vegetables from the heat and set aside.

• Next, add the chorizo to a pan over medium heat and cook until done and crumbled. Set aside and drain on paper towels.

• Lastly, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to a pan and add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and add the chipotle chilies in adobo paste.

Stir well to combine and cook over medium heat until the shrimp are cooked through and no longer transparent.

• Add the shrimp, chorizo, and vegetables to a bowl and stir to combine • Heat the tortillas on the stove over low heat to warm and then lie flat on a baking sheet (Heating the tortillas will keep them from breaking). Add a small amount of the cheeses and the shrimp/ chorizo mixture. Top with more cheese. Roll together and turn over, seam side down. Repeat with all of the tortillas.

• Brush the tortillas lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the taquitos are crispy and the cheese is bubbling.

• Serve with guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, and sour cream.

Tomatillo, Chile, & Garlic Guacamole 4 tomatillos, roasted and diced ½ poblano pepper, roasted and diced ½ jalapeño pepper, roasted and diced 6 cloves garlic, roasted 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 (4 oz.) can chopped fire roasted green chilies 2 avocados ½ teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Pinch of sugar GARNISH: pico de gallo and lime wedges • Preheat the oven to 400°.

• Place the tomatillos, poblano pepper, jalapeño pepper, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and roast for about 10-15 minutes. (You will need to remove the garlic before the other vegetables.) Once the vegetables are roasted and browned, remove from the oven

and allow to cool until they are easy to touch. Peel the vegetable skins. Remove the seeds and chop the peppers. Chop the tomatillos.

Smash the roasted garlic.

• Place the roasted vegetables, fire roasted green chilies, avocados, and remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine, mashing the avocado. Garnish with pico de gallo and lime wedges. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

37

Plan a girlfriend getaway in DeSoto Parish or adventure on your own!

Adventure Your Way!

38. Desoto Travel

Take a day trip or weekend getaway!

Discover B&Bs, a winery and bakeries, along with a variety of cafés and restaurants. Check out gift shops and clothing boutiques. Explore historic sites, take scenic drives and get some of the best gas station eats around!

Check out itineraries on our site and plan your trip now.

DeSoto Parish Tourist Bureau • 115 N Washington Avenue • Mansfield, LA 71052 • (318) 872-1177 • DiscoverDeSoto.com

39. Happily Ever After

(318) 861-0100 4801 Line Ave. • Shreveport

40. Hostess Mothers Day [L-even]

WRITTEN BY JESSICA COMEGYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

40

HOSTESS with the MOSTESS:

JESSICA COMEGYS

Let mom take the morning off and treat her to a breakfast or brunch in bed!

41. Hostess

I

am a working mother and for the last year my husband and I have been blessed to not have to homeschool or work from home. While some people have found more time on their hands for cooking projects and stress baking, I find myself wondering how on earth can I fit everything in the day. I am so grateful to be healthy and have a job that has allowed me to continue to work through these crazy times, but I am just tired.

So, what do I want for Mother’s Day this year? A much-needed break and a few minutes to myself.

Please and thank you! Nothing extravagant! I’d like to sleep in till I wake up on my own (which will probably still be 7am but that’s ok!) Coffee in bed. And I would be over the moon if my family made ME breakfast. Nothing fancy, even a chef appreciates the simple things every now and then.

41

Want to make your mom feel special this

Mother’s Day?

42. Hostess Lemon Greek Yogurt Pancakes

You will love these light and fluffy Lemon Greek Yogurt Pancakes! These easy pancakes are extra thick and soft, packed with protein, and secretly healthy!

2 cups white whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt zest of 2 medium or 3 small lemons ¼ cup lemon juice ¾ cup milk (whole milk is best) 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat) 2 eggs 2 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract FOR SERVING: fresh strawberries and pure maple syrup • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside.

• In a liquid measuring cup, stir together the lemon juice and milk. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the wet ingredients.

• In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, eggs, honey, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined. Whisk in the milk-lemon juice mixture until smooth.

• Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and, using a spoon, stir until barely combined. The batter will be very thick. Be very careful not to overmix. Let stand for 5 minutes.

• Heat nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat; spray with cooking spray.

• Scoop ¼ cup portions of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook on the first side for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles begin to form.

Flip and cook on the second side, 2-3 minutes more. Serve with fresh berries and maple syrup.

42

Let me help you!

Make your wife/mom/motherof-your-children breakfast in bed. I am willing to bet, she won’t argue with being waited on for an hour or two. Here are some easy breakfast-inbed recipes that are stress free and sure to please mom. But do not worry, even if these are intimidating, I am sure mom would still be just as thrilled to get a cup of coffee and a piece of toast brought to her. This is her day, take care of your mom.

Bonus points if you do the laundry and vacuum!

Granola Yogurt Parfait A parfait is pretty and easy to assemble with the younger kids.

Mom’s favorite yogurt Granola Fresh fruit Drizzle of honey • Add cacao nibs, bee pollen or hemp seeds for extra nutrients and texture!

• Serve with coffee, mimosa, and extra fruit with toast. Smash an avocado on the toast for extra credit.

43. Hostess French Toast This recipe is your classic French toast with a surprising ingredient in the batter. You’ll never do French toast any other way after making this recipe!

Equipment needed: Electric Griddle 1 Egg Large 2 Tablespoons Butter Unsalted, melted ¾ Cup Milk Whole 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract 1 Dash Cinnamon (optional) 1 Dash Nutmeg (optional) 2 Tablespoons Sugar 1/3 Cup Flour ¼ Teaspoon Salt 1 Loaf Brioche or Challah Bread, (Texas Toast can be used too)

• Beat the egg in a baking dish or pie plate.

• Whisk in the melted butter, then slowly add the milk and vanilla, whisking to combine.

• Add the sugar, salt and flour while continuing to whisk until totally smooth.

• Soak each side of the bread in the batter for about 15-20 seconds.

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and spread butter all over the bottom. I just hold a stick and rub it everywhere.

• Cook the bread for about 1 minute, or until golden and flip the bread, cooking on the other side for equal time or until golden.

• Serve with buttermilk syrup or any favorite syrup!

43

Want to WOW mom with little effort on your end?

- BREAKFAST KITS for MOM Our “Breakfast In Bed” kits are easy, tasty and beautiful!

44. Hostess

Kit includes: • Blood Orange Mimosas • Granola & Yogurt Parfait • Fresh Fruit • Raspberry Rose Scone w/ Lemon Curd

Find details at HelloLuminousYou.com 44

ORPE V E ENP O IN AER O ECL TL N OE B ! FE! SH R TG ’S E PR MLI EYR W S SE R CA 955 PIERREMONT, SUITE 200 • SHREVEPORT TUES-FRI 11-2 • 955 PIERREMONT, SUITE 200 • SHREVEPORT

Let’s get social:

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45. Glow

- COLD PRESSED JUICE - GRAB & GO

- HEALTHY LUNCH

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BREAKFAST at 8AM TUE-FRI Wellness retail partners include: We proudly bank local!

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Dr. Cassie WILLIAMS PA I D E N D O R S E M E N T

BESE District 4

Dr. Williams’ Priorities for the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education:

46. PDP • Providing an equitable education

for every student, especially when it

comes to the allocating of funding and resources for our schools.

• Getting teachers and families the resources they need to ensure all of our students are

fed and provided a quality education, even during a pandemic.

• Developing and implementing plans to combat

the ongoing special education teacher shortage, to ensure that the needs of our most vulnerable students are being met.

• Being a teacher for the teachers and representing

District 4’s teacher needs. A lot of the districts have

experienced educators representing their needs, it’s time that we had one too.

Williams4BESE.com

Early Voting: April 10-17

ELECTION DAY:

April 24

@ DrWilliams4BESE

@ DrWilliams4BESE

Clean Beauty WRITTEN BY DR. KAREN PENDLETON

47. Karen Pendleton [R-ODD START] 7 ways to avoid toxic makeup ingredients earing makeup is often seen as a rite of passage into womanhood. Whether our first introduction was stage makeup applied for ballet recitals — or lip gloss applied on the school bus away from the prying eyes of our overly protective parents — we adore cosmetics and our bulging makeup bags prove it. According to a survey by Harris Interactive, nearly half of all women start wearing makeup between the ages of 14 to 16. As a medical doctor who wanted to add the services of an esthetician to our patient offerings, I began to research the safety of various cosmetic procedures and products. I was

surprised to learn that two things I believed to be true were, in fact, not true at all.

MISCONCEPTION #1:

Ingredients in Cosmetics Are Approved for Safety First, I discovered there is no government agency issuing approval for the ingredients used in the products we liberally smear on our faces, lips and eyelids. Here’s a quote from the website of the Food and Drug Administration (fda.gov): “The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, except for color additives, to be approved by FDA before they go

47

on the market. However, cosmetics must not be adulterated or misbranded.”

While manufacturers may test for issues like skin reactions, there is no required testing to determine how long-term exposure to ingredients could impact our health in the future.

Two particular groups of chemicals are currently being studied for their link to breast cancer: Parabens are chemicals commonly used as preservatives.

You’ll find them in makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving creams. Parabens absorb into the skin and mimic a weak estrogen in the body. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to fertility problems. In addition, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers could potentially be “turned on” by parabens.

Phthalates, plasticizing chemicals, are found in everything from toys to food packaging, but in the cosmetic world they are used to make fragrances stick to skin, hold color and reduce brittleness in nail polish and hair spray. They’re also found in personal care products such as soaps and shampoos. Phthalates don’t act exactly like estrogen, but they can disrupt the balance of other hormones including testosterone. In the past few years, researchers have linked phthalates to asthma, ADHD, obesity, male fertility issues and more. Compared to other countries, you might expect the United States to do a superior job in protecting its citizens from harmful substances — but you’d be wrong.

The EU Cosmetics Directive was first adopted in 2003 and bans 1,328 chemicals from cosmetics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutations, reproductive harm or birth defects. In the U.S., the FDA has banned or restricted only 11 chemicals from cosmetics. In Canada, the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist is regularly updated and includes hundreds of chemicals restricted from use in cosmetics such as formaldehyde, triclosan, selenium and nitrosamines.

All those ingredients are allowed in U.S. products.

also found in embalming fluid — as well as some nail polish, shampoo, body wash, eyelash glue and hair treatments. You won’t find formaldehyde on the label, though; it will appear as a different name. Look for quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol), glyoxal and oxaldehyde. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes formaldehyde as a carcinogen. It’s been linked to lung cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloid leukemia, reproductive issues, asthma, and more. It’s been banned for use in cosmetics — in Sweden and Japan.

Earlier in my investigation of personal care and beauty products, I always had in my possession my Never Ever List.

I’d like to share with you a respectable number of these bad actors.

48. Karen ton

·

BHA and BHT: BHA and BHT are synthetic

·

Bisphenol A (BPA): This is a hormone

·

The second belief I had to rethink after researching clean cosmetics was that reading labels would allow me to easily avoid toxic ingredients. As a physician, I’m a pretty savvy consumer. I should be able to tell a safe ingredient from an unsafe one, right? Unfortunately, not always. Unsafe ingredients in cosmetics are often listed by names that aren’t immediately recognizable. Let’s consider just one example: formaldehyde.

Most of us know formaldehyde as the strongsmelling liquid used in biology class to preserve specimens. It’s 48

Pendle-

disruptor that may alter DNA. It is found in plastic bottles, the lining of aluminum food cans, and eye shadow and hair gel.

Coal Tar Ingredients: This is a byproduct of coal processing. It is a known carcinogen.

It is used as a colorant and as an anti-dandruff agent. It is found in hair dye and shampoo.

·

Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening chemical

·

Mercury: Mercury is a metallic element that is

MISCONCEPTION #2:

Reading Labels Will Allow You to Avoid Toxic Cosmetics

antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are most likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors.

They can be found in lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

·

that inhibits the production of melanin and is linked to cancer, organ toxicity, and skin irritation.

Hydroquinone is found in skin-lightening creams.

used as a preservative and antiseptic. It is known to damage brain function. It may be used in mascara.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES): SLS

and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. They are found in shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath. ·

Sulfates: Sulfates have been linked to hormone

·

Synthetic fragrance or flavor: An engineered

disruption, neurotoxicity, and cancer. They can cause eye damage, asthma, and skin irritation.

scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000-plus stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens

Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets, and therefore can remain undisclosed. They are found in all types of cosmetics. ·

Talc: Talc is similar to asbestos in composition. It has

·

Toluene: A volatile petrochemical solvent,

·

been associated with asthma and other respiratory problems. It has also been linked to ovarian cancer.

toluene, is toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. It is found in nail polish.

Triclosan and Triclocarban: These chemicals are antimicrobial pesticides that are toxic to the aquatic environment; and may also impact human reproductive systems. They are found in liquid soap, soap bars, and toothpaste.

But What About Clean Beauty Brands?

If you’ve already replaced your cosmetics with one of the new beauty brands touted as “non-toxic,” you’re probably feeling pretty smart right now. Unfortunately, some of those brands aren’t as safe as they want you to believe. Makeup artist and educator Kristen Arnett (kristenarnett.com) published a list of beauty companies that she deems guilty of greenwashing, or claiming to be healthy and cruelty-free when in reality, they are not. Many popular (and expensive!) brands appear on her list. One additional caution: Your friends, while well-meaning, may not be great resources for clean beauty products. Please do your homework before purchasing products sold via multi-level or network marketing.

Share If You Care

49. Karen ton

Please consider sharing the information in this article with a friend. In 2019, the top two bestselling foundations in the U.S. were made by CoverGirl and Maybelline. The first is currently ranked as a “7” by EWG on a scale of 1-10 (1 being the best). The second has a ranking of “5.” Clearly, our friends and sisters could benefit from the knowledge you now possess.

Let’s give our cosmetic dollars to companies who are devoted to using safe ingredients and supporting good health!

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended or implied to be a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this article with other sources and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician.

7

WAYS TO AVOID TOXIC BEAUTY INGREDIENTS

Now that you’re aware of the problem with toxic beauty ingredients, what can you do to limit your exposure or avoid them altogether? Here are my suggestions:

1 Use less beauty products. Your budget and bloodstream will thank you.

2 Don’t wear makeup

every day. Cleaning house on a Saturday? Let your skin breathe.

3 Be wary of marketing hype. Don’t

Pendle-

fall for words like natural (meaningless) or dermatologist tested (not the same as dermatologist endorsed).

4 Quickly research a brand. Search online for its name followed by the word safe (for example, Arbonne safe). The results might surprise you.

5 Replace items. As you use

up each item in your makeup bag, replace it with a safer choice.

6 Take your time and do research.

Take the time to read labels and research the ingredients in your favorite products.

7 Visit the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website (ewg.org).

Search here for safe cosmetic products or check the rating of your current brand.

D r. K a r e n P e n d l e t o n o f Pair O' Docs Bio-Rejuvenis 49

50. Akins F

or generations, Shreveport has put their trust in Akin’s Nursery and Landscaping to help them turn their yards into gardens. Founded more than 75 years ago and still locally owned, Akin’s takes pride in providing customers with friendly service, quality plants suited for our climate, professional landscape services and the kind of knowledgeable advice that comes from years of area gardening experience.

We invite you to take a stroll through our garden center for ideas on how to make your home and garden a more beautiful place. Ask questions of our experienced staff. Whether you need a pot of petunias or an entire landscape makeover, we’re here to help you put down roots.

Complete garden center with a wide variety of annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, vines, vegetables, herbs, tropical plants, interior plants and seeds.

Seasonal refreshing of porch and patio pots.

Gift cards.

Outdoor accents, such as benches, an extensive collection of pottery planters and more.

Custom silk flower wreaths for any season.

Professional landscaping services.

Whether you need a single tree or an entire makeover, we can handle the job.

Fertilome soil amendments, fertilizers, pesticides and other products to keep your garden lush and pest free.

Experienced staff, including three horticulturists, who are happy to answer questions from beginning to experienced gardeners.

A variety of organic gardening supplies, including Espoma.

Planting mixes, including 100 percent organic compost.

Custom tabletop silk arrangements – you can even supply your own container.

Live plant arrangements and gift baskets for any occasion.

Delivery and installation in the Shreveport/ Bossier City area of everything we sell.

Got a problem? Bring in an affected specimen and we’ll diagnose the issue, then recommend an appropriate treatment.

Gardening gloves, pruners and more.

Ceramic and concrete pots of all different styles and shapes.

Repotting services for plants that have outgrown their containers.

Extensive gift shop with nature-inspired items as well as seasonal decor.

Statuary room, where you can find a wide selection of concrete statues to fit your garden.

Hometown

Heroes: He51. Hometown roes [R-ODD ISTART] C&C Mercantile & Friends WRITTEN BY LIZ SWAINE

t is no secret that the worst of times can bring out the best in people and such was the case during February’s Snowmageddon event. People all over the region were suffering in various ways. Power went out, water pipes froze, streets became impassable, city water pressure dropped and to many areas, ceased altogether. There were lot of references to #PioneerLife as people learned how to haul snow inside to fill toilet tanks, raided meager water caches and ate food that didn’t need to be cooked.

Unknown to many were those who were faring far worse; elderly and disabled in apartment buildings and nursing hometype facilities around the city, persons who depended on public transit that had stopped running early in the week, people who live in neighborhoods largely devoid of ‘neighborhood’ grocery stores that can be walked to if no transportation is available, and people who, because of age or situation were simply unable to prepare for a storm that we knew was coming, but that NO ONE realized would linger so long or create such widespread havoc.

There are many stories of heroes in our community, and all should be remembered and thanked, but this story is about two of them in downtown Shreveport.

51

O

n Tuesday of storm week, C&C Mercantile and Lighting owners Derek Simmons and Lauren Ross Simmons were at home in Highland dealing with low water pressure and rolling power blackouts, uncomfortable and inconvenienced. They read a lot, played with their kids and made the best of it…and then, they started seeing social media posts about people who were in real trouble, people in neighborhoods not that far away.

They reached out to Najeri Camara, a schoolteacher, friend and neighborhood advocate who Derek calls the “Rolodex of Allendale.” Camara’s mother passed away on the Wednesday of storm week so Camara had every right to opt out

Giving BAK Foundation, a group that works to provide food in the aftermath of disasters. They talked about providing meals for 500 beginning on Saturday, Feb. 20, which looked like the first day it would be safe to deliver.

When they reached out to Shreveport Police Department Chief Ben Raymond, the initiative took flight. Raymond’s officers had been delivering emergency water to the homebound and had been seeing other needs first-hand. Raymond tasked Sgt. Van Wray and Sgt. Amy Bowman to provide addresses and information to the Simmons and the floodgate opened. Desperate situations started rolling in: the 110 elderly and physically

of the planning, but she knew that her neighbors needed help and she wanted to assist in providing it. The Simmons reached out in turn to a small group of close friends they asked to volunteer and to Bryan Roppolo, cofounder of the

disabled tenants of Canaan Towers, the 150 tenants at the Wellington Apartments, tenants at Jordan Square, at Woody’s Home for Veterans, from individuals

in neighborhoods around the city. The numbers of those in need -- real need, people who had been without food for several days, showed that the initial outreach needed to grow.

Derek contacted Josh Knicely of Josh Knicely Builders who told them he would fund whatever they needed, and others stepped up and made donations.

Derek and Lauren began calling restaurants, asking for hundreds of meals. All wanted to help, but many had no water and no way to get employees safely to their buildings to cook. Several restaurants were able to make it work anyway.

52. Hometown Heroes

52

Other rockstar individuals who worked in logistics, packed food and made deliveries included:

B

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Melissa Albritton Amy Liles Quinn Bill McGill Najeri Camara Jason Brown James Carmody Denver McLendon Katharine Meldrum Knicely Brett Leigh Chamberlain Andrew Crawford Grant Nuckolls Rev. Larry Otwell- ShreveportBossier Rescue Mission Holly Roca Graceanne Glassell Byrd Kirsi-Marja Hardy Kalandra Kyelle Jones Jeff Spikes Angie Jackson Mallory Jordan Liles Brenton Liles The Martin Family Eric and Nelson – C&C Staff Liz Swaine Kathy May Ross Steve Culp Saletha Clanton Shreveport Police Department The Hammack Family James Carstenson and his daughters

53. Hometown Heroes y Saturday afternoon, C&C’s hastily assembled volunteer army had acquired, packaged and delivered more than 2,000 meals to locations all over the city, travelling from Southern Hills to North Shreveport, to Cedar Grove, Queensborough, Allendale, Highland, West Shreveport, Downtown, Ingleside, Lakeside, and other points in-between. On Sunday, they did it all again, feeding another 1200+. City Council District C’s John Nickelson and District 6 Rep. Thomas Pressley went along on several Sunday deliveries and were both upset and angered by what they saw. Rep. Pressley offered to fund the continuation of the food service from C&C Mercantile and Lighting to two of the apartment buildings suffering the worst of the impacts for the remainder of the week.

The much-used saying is that it takes a village. In the case of this outreach, it took many heroes. Restaurants such as Bon Asian Cafe, Marilynn’s Place, Parish Taceaux and Fertitta’s Deli provided hundreds of meals either free or at less than cost. The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission donated Styrofoam food containers; people stopped by to drop off water, even milk and yogurt.

Over the two days, the delivery volunteers took food to anyone who called and several who stopped in and asked for plates. First responders at the Emergency Operations Center, National Guardsmen in town to help clear roads, City of Shreveport Water Department and Public Works employees were also fed and given water.

There are many people to thank -- the restaurants and donors: Bryan Roppolo of the Giving Bak Foundation, Joshua Knicely of Josh Knicely Builders, Chris Miller at HomeWise Builders, P & S Pantry, Bozz Baucum of Marilynn’s Place, KJ Noh of Bon Asian Cafe, Agatha and Robert McCall of Fertitta’s Deli, William and Jorie O’Brien of Parish Taceaux, and Looosiana Seafood Market.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

And others who likely aren’t listed.

53

So why did a retail business that sells fun lighting and cool art and antiques jump into the fray to become a place of food and hope? Derek Simmons says he considers this work part of C&C’s mission statement.

“Our mission, and one of the reasons we moved to downtown, is that we believe in giving second chances.

We did it with this building. We do it with our repurposed and rehabbed products, and we purposely named our business a ‘Mercantile.’ Mercantiles were traditionally the places where people gathered in neighborhoods and communities. We want to be that place that helps put things and people back together. It’s about people, it’s about culture…these are the things that are important to me and Lauren.”

54. Hometown Heroes • Window Genie ½ We hope that a situation like this doesn’t happen again, but we know if it does, the heroes in our community will be there to help yet again.

LIGHTING | ART | COFFEE | ANTIQUES | SOCIAL EVENTS

1110 Texas Ave., Shreveport • 318.424.4406 • ccmercantileshreveport.com

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WINDOW CLEANING

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Valid only at participating locations. Not valid in combination with any other offer.

Limited time offer. Independently owned and operated franchise. Call for Details.

Valid only at participating locations. Not valid in combination with any other offer.

Limited time offer. Independently owned and operated franchise. Call for Details.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 54

318-626-7667 | WindowGenie.com Neighborly.com | Independently Owned and Operated

55. C&C (pickup UPCOMING EVENTS from last issue) 10am - 8pm SATURDAY April 24

10am - 2pm SUNDAY April 25

LIGHTING | ART | COFFEE | ANTIQUES | SOCIAL EVENTS

1110 Texas Ave., Shreveport • 318.424.4406 • ccmercantileshreveport.com

Fixx Medical SpaA Family Tradition of Beauty For this business spotlight, Lola Magazine had a chance to sit down with Brigette Moss, Family Nurse Practitioner and owner of Fixx Medical Spa in Shreveport.

The family-owned business was founded in 2005 by Denise Moss. Today, they have expanded their offering of services and products to provide clients with everything they need to keep their skin glowing and beautiful. Let’s learn more about how this business

56. FIXX Medical Business Spotlight {L-even start} got started.

- WRITTEN BY JESSICA CARR

56

1. Fixx Medical Spa is a family business that's been passed down for a few generations. How did the business get started?

The business started in 2005 when my mother-in-law, Denise Moss, wanted to follow her passion and use her nursing degree to begin a career in aesthetics.

She started out doing facials for friends and family and as they kept coming back, requesting more services, and the business grew. My husband and I moved back here in 2016, and that's when I went to work with her.

2. What is it like working with your family?

It is so fun! My husband, Dr. Jared Moss, is a great teammate when it comes to running the spa. We almost always have the same vision for where we want things to go in the future. He trusts my input and I trust his advice with business and medical advice.

Working alongside my sister-in-law, Sydney Moss, is also a blast. She is our esthetician and is a miracle worker with skincare products and her treatments.

We both get so excited seeing good skin results walk in the door and love making relationships with our clients.

My husband, myself, and Sydney are all indebted to Denise Moss and Jimmy Moss, my in-laws, who started Fixx over a decade ago. Her passion sparked our passion, and she was such an amazing mentor to help us get started in this field. We also have the honor of working with Physician Assistant Kendall Pilgreen, who brings her knowledge and expertise in derma fillers and Botox treatments to our team.

4. How rewarding is it to see clients reach their skin goals?

It is what makes us love our jobs! We love when clients come for return visits and can notice a difference as they walk in. Some results take time and even watching the progression to healthier skin is so exciting.

5. What makes a medical spa different from the traditional spa experience?

We are able to sell prescription strength, medicalgrade skincare products since we are under the supervision of practitioners and a physician. We are able to offer treatments that can only be performed by a physician, practitioner, or nurse, like lasers, injectables, plasma treatments, etc. We also have relaxing treatment options with our estheticians. Our estheticians manage a lot of our skincare, offer facials, dermaplane, chemical peels, and more.

6. What makes your business stand out from the rest?

A Medical Spa is a place focused on cosmetic/skincare treatments. Our skin professionals want to build a lasting relationship with you to assist with your skin needs as years go by. Each professional has services that they specialize in, so you are seeing someone that is an expert in that treatment. Treatments are by appointment only, but you may stop in for skincare products, gift cards, or to speak with our secretary.

57. FIXX Medical 3. What services do you offer clients?

We offer Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, medical-grade skin-care products, hydrafacials, chemical peels, microneedling, plasma skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and dermaplane.

7. What advice would you give to someone that wanted healthier skin, but didn't know how to achieve that goal?

The best place to start is to come in for an in-person consult. We offer these complimentary. If we can look at your facial features, see your skin without makeup, discuss budget, then we can create a treatment plan that works best for you. There are a million ways to improve your skin, some very expensive, some not as much. Some with quick results and some that take more time. We help guide the person to know what treatments or skincare products would be the best use of their time and money.

8. What is your approach when it comes to cosmetic treatments?

Caring for your skin is a lifelong endeavor. I prefer to help someone achieve healthy skin prior to looking at fixing wrinkles with injectables. Once the skin is healthy, they will not need as many fillers or Botox to be happy with their look. Injectables can do wonders though, so if they need a little instant gratification, injectables are a great option!

9. What do you love most about your job?

I love that this field is constantly coming out with new treatments and always improving. It is never boring! At work I love the ladies I work with, building relationships with clients, and seeing someone improve their confidence and skin health!

10. If someone is interested in your services, how can they book an appointment?

We have online booking on our website (www.fixxmedicalspa.com), Facebook, or Instagram @fixxmedicalspa. They can also call 318-990-1092 to book Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. if they need some assistance.

57

SHO

VE

T

� fA<o · let S, fiJag! "When someone looks and feels their best, that translates into all aspects of their life."

58. FIXX Medical -KENDALL PILGREEN, PA-C

AESTHETIC TREATMENTS

> Dermaplane > PCA Chemical Peel > Hydrafacial Treatments > Teeth Whitening > Microneedling

Sydney Moss, Brigette Aesthetician Moss, FNP

Kendall Pilgreen, PA

MEDICAL TREATMENTS

> PRP Face Injections > Forever Young BBL Laser Treatment

> Skin Tyte Laser

> PRP Hair Restoration > Botox > Dermal Fillers

Treatment

FREE CONSULTATIONS

OUR NEW LOC ATION

6930 Fern Ave. Suite 150 (next to Sports Spectrum)

MEDICAL

fixxmedicalspa.com 11@

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Treatment of Eye Conditions and Diseases

• Lenses • Frames • Contacts

visionsource-adamseyecare.com 1911 BENTON ROAD - SUITE C - BOSSIER CITY

318-742-4012

When

Learning is Easier...

Reading is Easier

The ReadRx® program can provide an incredible foundation in reading skills for those clients just learning to read. It also aids individuals of all ages who struggle with reading difficulties and is especially beneficial for LearningRx clients who might have developed inefficient or inaccurate reading habits.

Comprehension

is Easier

For readers who lack reading speed, who read well but can’t remember what they’ve read, or who have to read something more than once to grasp the meaning, ComprehendRx gets to the root of the problem with a proven, life-changing solution.

Math is Easier 60. Donesa

MathRx targets the underlying cognitive skills that are required to efficiently and effectively learn mathematical concepts, solve problems, and perform mathematical calculations. While these LearningRx exercises are generally non-academic, many drills are focused on promoting numerical fluency, since children and adults with dyscalculia, poor executive function, and other severe math difficulties often struggle because of deficiencies in this core mathematical skill area.

Focusing

is Easier

Brain Training addresses the underlying cause of ADHD – weaker memory, processing speed, and attention skills—as well as other brain skills that we need for focusing, learning, and staying on task. That’s why so many of our clients with ADHD have reported that their lives have improved dramatically as a result of one-on-one brain training.

Remembering is Easier LearningRx has worked with nearly 300 older adults, many of whom reported age-related memory decline.

Overall, the largest gains were seen in IQ score, auditory processing, and long-term memory, followed by logic & reasoning, working memory, and visual processing.

Brain Training Makes Learning Easier!

8856 Youree Dr., Ste D, Shreveport, LA 71115 | 318.797.8523 | LearningRx.com/Shreveport

Soaring into

Adolescence

61. Donesa (middle schoolers) [asSuch is the balance of signed R-ODD the line with teens.

START] Navigating the woes of Middle-School

The first time flying a kite is an experience of wonder and frustration until you begin to understand the power of the tether or line is what allows the kit to fly the best. Holding the line too tight will cause the kite to miss the wind and lose altitude. Being too loose with the kite makes it dance and dive but eventually crash.

My parents and I recently had a good laugh as I related how I was such a good teen and so easy to manage. I never got into “trouble,” but I did have lots of ups/ downs in moods. The laugh was on the part of my parents for what I perceived as such an easy time, to them was a roller coaster and the same is true with my boys who are thankfully on the “other side” of these years and into the next phase of life. The key to navigating the tween to teen years is in the tether.

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

61

T

he first stage of frustration reminds one a lot of the terrible twos…when the tween is just too little to be big enough to do what other teens do, but they are too old/big to do what little kids do, especially in areas of group events. This stage is fraught with body awareness and a desire to explore but not always in a safe or healthy manner and this requires the tightening of the string in order for that kite to catch the right wind and not get all tangled up with the other kites flying in all kinds of directions. The best advice for this is stage is to create boundaries

and safety nets. Boundaries that are clear and enforced will allow the tween/teen to spend time with friends and provide a safety net of outs. This is a time that the child is really discovering who they are outside the parent. All of the new winds look so enticing and feel so exciting but without a strong tether will lead to a crash. For parents, the roller coaster of finding balance is so frightening and somewhat overwhelming that many become too tight and the child completely rebels and others let loose too much and the child flounders without boundaries. What are the right things to do? Build a kite and go fly it together.

1 62. Donesa • ½ Fairy Room 2 Create the framework of kite together. Open the doors of conversation as a must daily.

There must be times each day that the parent and the child talk -really talk, not the text/call talk but the how I am feeling kind of talk. This is easier with girls most times as boys tend to struggle with finding the words to voice their feelings.

Cut the fabric on the pattern for the kite. This is a time to teach them the value of choosing the right fabric to build upon and the right tools to use to get where you need to get. This is the time you can discuss choosing the right friends and connections to begin planning for the future, setting goals and ways to meet them. This is time to begin opening the door to the ways you will be a different role in their future…a role that is much more demanding but very different.

3

Attach the tether string. Make an open channel of trust and sharing of expectations/non-negotiables. Allow the tween/teen to express their own thoughts and set the guidelines of dates/events/group gatherings/online chats/ gaming/etc. together and allow them to input what discipline should be given for breaking the expectations you agree upon. .

62

4

Attach the tail string. Discuss the kite concept that you are there for their safety and for tether. Allow them to know that there are certain rights and privileges that they have but there are also expectations that must be fulfilled. Explain that you are their safety net and the tough call when they are in uncomfortable situations. I told my boys that I can be the bad guy you can blame all the no can dos on. Set up a security text word or even a letter that they can text you when they need you to get them out of a situation. Being the tether means that you can pull that kite in when the winds are too high, or they get too near the branches or power lines that would damage them. .

5

Decorate the kite together. Discuss how adorning themselves should be a reflection of who they are and not their peers or the current fads. Allow them to understand that while another person may want a kite/life filled with certain things, that these things are not who they are nor who they will be, so they need to fill their kite up with who they are and who they want to be in the future. My dad always told me the I was the mother of the woman I would become so I needed to remember that… and allow the person I wanted to be drive my life choices. .

8

Be the wind beneath their wings. Provide opportunities for them to flourish and fly. Give them encouragement and plenty of opportunities to make good choices. Be like the mother bird who pushes the baby out to try its wings but is there to help the baby get back to the nest safely. .

Repair the kite to fly again when it crashes or gets too close to a power line and burns. Reattach the tether when they cut it carelessly with their actions. .

6

Put in the support bars for the kite structure. Be aware of learning issues and make sure you get these evaluated and treated as this is a time these often flare up when they have been hidden. Get support and testing from local experts such as LearningRx to know the baseline of their cognitive skills before they are involved in sports/driving/adventures that could lead to head trauma or learning issues. Recognize any issues with the emotional systems and reach out to local counselors. This is the time to teach them the value of support systems for using throughout life. .

7

Go fly the kite together! Remind them that they are a part of you and always will be. Teach them the principles of the kite and the value of the tether. The principles and morals you have instilled from God’s heart to theirs will still be there as long as they remember the value of the tether. .

Fly with them for it will not be long until they are your tether, and you are the one dependent on them. Share that you too understand the value of the tether and that you will be the tether for them now as they will be your tether to this life by carrying on your legacy as life marches on.

Now, as Julie Andrews so beautifully sang…

“Let’s go fly a kite, up to its highest height!

Let’s go fly a kite and send it soaring… up to the atmosphere, up where the air is clear, oh, let’s go…fly a kite! “

63. Learning RX Ad Princess Annaiya's Fairytale Room

A

nnaiya Brownfield was recently adopted when a few of her “fairy godmothers” went to work on transforming the family’s guest room in for a fairytale princess room.

Annaiya wanted everything with pink and purple unicorns, so armed with wall stickers, new bedding and curtains to match, a new rug, ribbons, a special float, a unicorn pillow and some balloons from LearningExpress... Anniyas room was indeed fit for a fairytale princess.

One of the particulars she had asked for was a princess curtain, which was purchased and draped over the unicorn float to make a special reading corner.

Curtains with fairy lights draped behind them gave the room an ethereal look.

A special jewelry tray and unicorn lip-gloss complimented the dresser, where we added a little ribbon and some stuffed treasures to give the girly feel to the room. Tying strips of ribbon to the bed transformation gave it a magical feel and adding the special letter lights and wall decals made the room have zest and be a sweet surprise.

Annaiya was thrilled with the transformation exclaiming over and over in delight as she couldn't believe her fairytale dream had come to life. With a small budget and a couple hours of time the guest room became this little girl's dream room! Her surprise and delight tickled us as we were able to celebrate this child's transition from nightmare to fairytale life. Her life of struggles was changed by this family taking her to be their own and her dream room sprung to life with the touch of a few others who took a moment to stretch out their hands to inspire a little girl's future. After all, fairytales are simply dreams come true with a fairy godmother or two!

WRITTEN BY DONESA WALKER

63

The Power of Play

64. Play Therapy Time for Travel (Getting There is Half the Battle) WRITTEN BY ANNA CLAIRE PRITCHARD, MOT, LOTR

S

pring has arrived and summer is just around the corner. This means it is time for family vacations, and your little ones will be in the car for long hours on the road. It may be your first trip traveling with children or you may be a car seat loading, snack packing pro, either way, traveling with children has its challenges.

From what to pack to how to get there, a lot of work goes into a successful family vacation… especially how to keep them happy and entertained on the road. We know it is wonderfully convenient and super easy to hand them an electronic device or put on their favorite movie. Mine would be content watching Toy Story on repeat for hours, but time on the road can also give our kiddos a great opportunity for learning and fun without the trusty screens.

These are some of my favorites for travel play. This list of items offers a variety of options to encourage fine motor skill development and cognitive learning… Don’t worry, they don’t know they are learning, they are simply playing and that makes for happy children and happy parents!

64

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.

ages

2-4

SGILE Magnetic Drawing Board - Draw, write and play games on the erasable sketch pad using the stylus to develop fine motor control and visual motor skills.

This is a great open-ended toy to draw letters and numbers or what you see out the window while driving.

Water WOW - No-mess painting for kids! Each of these engaging paint-with-water coloring books includes four

ages

4-6

reusable pages and a refillable water pen. Simply use the pen to color in each scene--details and vibrant color appear with every stroke! Then let the page dry to erase the pictures and fill it in again and again. The chunky-sized water pen is easy for kids to hold and stores neatly right in the front cover, so these animal, alphabet and vehicle-themed Water WOW books make ideal travel activity toys for kids.

Wikki Stix - Wikki Stixs are perfect for road-trips, airplanes, and restaurants to entertain and engage children. Wikki Stix are unique and unusual, which makes them intriguing... and pique the child’s curiosity. They are soft, pliable and easy to use... so kids get involved and engaged right away.

change? It is easy to lift, switch, layer, and rearrange for whatever tale your kids can imagine. The play sets offer endless opportunities for kids to express their creativity and have lots of pretend-play fun, all while improving fine motor skills and communication. They are great for travel: The sturdy backgrounds (with built-in handles!) fold to neatly store them all away.

Boredom Busters - Skillmatics Boredom Buster is the perfect companion to keep your little one occupied. The highly engaging activities are carefully designed to ensure that your child practices key concepts while having loads of fun! This holistic pack is easy to carry around and will ensure your child is never bored during long road trips!

Toysmith Road Trip Bingo Cards Travel Bundle - Great for long trips or just a trip to the store, Road Trip Bingo engages kids in their environment. It can be played over and over and delivers miles and hours of fun with no screens or batteries. Bring back the glory days of childhood travel games with a rousing round of road trip bingo on your next journey.

It keeps kids occupied by interacting with the scenery. Spot various items from the backseat such as a school, dump truck, stop sign, etc. Slide the “fingertip” shutter cards to mark the space. The first to get 5 in a row wins!

Makes a great gift and is also great for travel, schools, camps and so much more!

65. Play Therapy Reusable Stickers - Puffy-stickerc are fun, dimensional stickers with different scenes to create endless possibilities! Each set comes with a folding background card and reusable puffy stickers to fill the scenes. Just place and layer the stickers onto the glossy double-sided background boards. Ready for a story

ages

7+

Scavenger Hunt for Kids Travel Card Game - The classic card game of search and find for kids!

Travel Scavenger Hunt is the ultimate boredom beater and perfect passenger for your next family road trip.

With cards that keep your eyes, ears, and even nose on the lookout, you will wonder where the time on the road went!

Cat’s Cradle, A Book of String Figures - As long as there’s been string, people have played string games. With this kit, you will learn how to make 5 string figures, including The Cup and Saucer, The Witch’s Broom, and Jacob’s

Ladder. With simple instructions and ultra-clear instructional art, each string picture is foolproof.

Cat’s Cradle comes with a never-ending loop of rainbow-colored string for hours of entertainment.

Mad Libs Workbooks! - A classic that never goes out of style. Mad Libs Workbooks are designed to reinforce language arts lessons learned in class with all the silly Mad Libs fun!

*Travel toys are NOT recommended for children under two in rear facing car seats.

65

ENROLLING NOW In-person classes with virtual options as necessary

66. St Marks

Preschool 2 through 8th Grade Episcopal Private School

Call 318-221-7454 for more information or visit www.StMarksSchool.com

You have to start early

for a LIFETIME OF healthy teeth!

67. Richard Creative/Dr. Cassie Williams SUBSCRIBE TO…

Sign up for our new patient e-newsletter

To Sign Up: Scan the QR Code, visit pediatricdentalpartners.com, or facebook.com/PDPShreveportBossier

SHREVEPORT

318 Carroll Street (318) 865-2250

BOSSIER CITY

www.pediatricdentalpartners.com

4001 Viking Dr, Suite A (318) 747-7020

The Sports Mom’s

ULTIMATE

SURVIVAL LIST WRITTEN BY JULIE RUDDICK EMORY

“ 68. Sports Mom Survival [L-Even start] As a sports mom you are given multiple titles: CHEERLEADER, COUNSELOR, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, COACH, CHAUFFEUR, and LAUNDROMAT MANAGER, just to name a few."

68

B

efore having my kids, I dreamed of twirling tutus, music lessons and maybe some low-key sporting activities here and there. I quickly realized that my kids were heading in a different direction and I was about to be thrown into a club of sweat, cleats, and dirty everything. My 10-year-old Landon (girl with a boy name) and 8-yearold Ruddick (it’s my maiden name, don’t judge) wanted nothing to do with anything “lowkey” and everything to do with all of the sports – all of the time.

As a sports mom you are given multiple titles. Cheerleader, counselor, motivational speaker, coach, chauffeur, and laundry mat staff just to name a few. We do our best to encourage our children through adversity, teach them all the lessons team sports have to offer, and try to not push too hard or too little. But let’s cut to the chase. Being a “soccer mom” isn’t really about the athletawear and Starbucks coffee. Most of us fly by the seat of our pants, fuel tank on empty, and just hope we show up to the right game with the right kid.

It took me years of hearing “I need this” and “can you go to the store?” and feeling grossly unprepared to finally “arrive” as the go-to mom for all the random needs tucked away into my Mary Poppins bag (specifically a Bogg bag). Let ME help YOU as we enter the great season of spring sports to prepare the ultimate mom sports bag.

Julie Emory, M.S. Outside of all the sports, Julie is an Early Childhood Program Director for the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, the Executive Director of the Big Whit 77 Foundation, and a TBRI practitioner. She enjoys volunteering her time for organizations such as the The Wellspring, Foster Care Alliance, and the Sterlington Little League.

69. Sports Mom SurNext Level vival The Basics

• Sunscreen • Chapstick • Toilet Paper

(they will always run out)

• Sunglasses • Snacks • Travel Chairs • Pain relievers • Cooling towel • More water than you think • Hair ties

BOGG BAG

• Weather Pod

(the ultimate climate bubble)

• Diaper cream (if you know, you know)

• Baby Powder • Contact Solution • Ziplock bags • Breakable Ice packs • Pedialyte • Liquid IV (Louisiana summers)

• Wagon • Portable charger • Bug Spray • First Aid Kit • Towel • Propane Heater • Extra Propane • Spray Deodorant (you may have to share)

• Lots of gum/ sunflower seeds (nervous energy)

• Hand warmers • Portable fans • Umbrella • Eye black • Benadryl cream • Tent

Advanced

• Dry Energy Tea (mama is tired) • Sewing Kit • Baby Wipes • Water resistant zipper pouches • Extra cup (THAT cup) • Safety Pins • Ammonia Water • Sports Wraps • Zip ties (you just never know)

• Extra shoelaces • Bag for muddy clothes/ shoes • Pencil/Pencil Sharpener • Pitch counter • Travel tool set (sometime gear breaks)

• Air freshener for the car • Gatorade chews 69

70. Orangetheor y MORE ENERGY. MORE STRENGTH. (pickupLIFE from last MORE time) EXPERIENCE THE 1-HOUR FULL-BODY WORKOUT THAT GIVES YOU MORE.

More motivation. More results. And a more vibrant life. We use heart rate-based training that burns calories longer and produces results from the inside out. There’s technology to track your progress. And every workout is led by certified coaches that tailor your workout to your fitness level.

BOOK A FREE WORKOUT * AT ORANGETHEORY.COM

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS - SHREVEPORT 1370 E 70th St, #1000 | Shreveport, LA 71105 | 318.716.7776

*First-time visitors and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. $28 minimum value. At participating studios only.

Orangetheory® and other Orangetheory® marks are registered trademarks of OTF IP Holder, LLC. © Copyright 2019 OTF IP Holder, LLC and its affiliates.

TREND ALERT 2021 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARRETT WARREN

o t n i e d i S“ l yo”ur s l a d n a S

71. New Shoe Trend I

t’s that time of year again where a cool breeze is a hot commodity so ‘less is more’ when it comes to, well everything, especially footwear.

Warm weather brings the need for a pair (or two) of solid summer sandals. No longer does style mean sacrificing on comfort, this season’s sandal staples combine both form and function.

Whether you’re after a pair to rock with a breezy babydoll dress or lived-in Levi’s, we’ve rounded up the sandals we’ll be stepping into this summer.

AVAILABLE AT JAC

71

1. Flatforms

Add a little height without sacrificing comfort? Yes please. Enter summer 2021’s overarching sandal trend: the flatform. This thoughtful style was designed with comfort and fashion in mind. The heel doesn’t strain the arch of your foot, so it feels like you’re walking on elevated flats. The long-lasting and lightweight technology delivers an ideal balance of cushioning and rebound.

72. New Shoe Trend AVAILABLE AT JAC

If you buy only one sandal this season, then make it a slide: modern comfort and

multipurpose. Trust us, you’ll never want to take them off. Whether metallic and strappy, clean and minimal or two-toned and textured, they’re always the right fit.

72

2. Slides

AVAILABLE AT BOUTIQUE BARR

3. Go with the Toe AVAILABLE AT PRETENSES

Flip-Flops, but make it 2021. Add a heel for a little

lift and boom, your favorite summer shoe is transformed.

You may not want to wear these to the beach, but they’re perfect for a date night ‘fit and some sweet summer love.

73. New Shoe

73

LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER

74. Victoria Arnold

74

www.victorialarnold.com

Working Women’s

Art of War Ladies, Let’s Get Ready For Battle WRITTEN BY FELECIA WILLIAMS | OWNER OF MY SPA MY WAY

75. Felicia [R-ODD I START] t’s time to arm ourselves with people and tools

for our next transformation. You can’t set out on a new journey with the same old dead weight,

doubt and disappointment. Stop using failure as

an excuse to not achieve your success. No horrible

job, unhappy relationship, judgmental people,

or even Covid-19 can stop your opportunity

for success. We lose people, money, jobs, homes, and even our support system, but ladies, we still have self. Your success and happiness begins and starts with one thing and one thing only, YOU. You can’t have success without failure. Looking back at some of my monumental failures, I allowed myself to be disappointed but not discouraged enough to quit. I channeled that negative energy into fuel and forced myself to begin again. It seems that failure always has more followers than success has supporters. The simple truth is no great success was achieved without failure. Yet while knowing the struggle it takes to accomplish success, we still spend time dealing with the fear of failure.

75

W

e allow work, friends, family, and others in today’s society to push us to be obsessed with success and achievement and failure is definitely not an option. Climbing

the corporate ladder, being a part of the right social clubs and organizations, having our kids accepted to the right schools, and even attending the perfect church have become more important than peace and happiness. What a price to pay to just think you have made it.

We sell our soul and trade our peace of mind and sense of self just for the mere appearance of success. We spend valuable time treating failure like a weakness instead of learning what a valuable tool it is. This is a tool I use frequently and know all too well. Spending time and emotion stressing about the fear of failure instead of the opportunity to try again to achieve one’s success has cost me and others opportunities and increased selfdoubt.

”

We spend valuable time treating

failure like a weakness

instead of learning what a valuable tool it is.

76. Felicia E My greatest success has been knowing I can believe in myself

enough to always get up, get going and get to the finish line.

Ladies, don’t let me fool you. I have not always been mentally

mbrace your failure, whether it’s one

and emotionally strong enough to start over and keep moving.

failure or many. It may be one of the

It was my failures that taught me what I was made of and how many times I could fight this battle called LIFE.

greatest weapons in your arsenal,

if you learn to make it work for you and master it. The willingness to learn from your mistakes guarantees you endless possibilities for success. Never let success get to your head. Never let failure get to your heart. The year 2021 is our year to live our dreams and no one else’s. There is no dream too small, no desire too great and no hurt too painful to heal. Rather you believe in God, Buddha, or worship a tree just ask for the strength to fight for you first and then stand in battle for everyone and everything else. You can’t win a war if you haven’t done the work to arm yourself for the fight and you can’t fight to win the battle if you don’t get up after every fall.

76

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77. Trios

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photos by Collin Shivley

www.triosdining.com

@triosdining 77

78. Ochsner Ad 7 Simple Self-Care Tips Every Woman Needs to Know About

By Caitlin Busada, MD | Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport

78

P

ut down the to-do list, ladies. It’s time to focus more on you, your heath and physical, mental and emotional well-being. With the constantly growing workload we carry, whether that’s from a career, being a parent or caregiver, or from the stresses of everyday life – it may seem like there’s no room or time for taking care of you. It’s important to prioritize your health and remember that in the busy and bustle of your week, self-care shouldn’t be considered an option. Here are seven simple ways to squeeze self-care into your schedule:

1 Drink more water. This is such a simple habit to implement and has so many benefits. Keeping your water bottle filled up and staying

hydrated with fluids can boost your beauty and skin health, help improve focus,

79. Ochsner Medical {assigned L-even start} help maintain blood pressure, help with weight loss, and boost performance.

2 Breathe.

Breathing, slowly and concretely can lift your mood and

even improve your memory. Taking deep breaths can improve your reaction to stress and allow you to create space for emotional response. Women tend to put their own needs on the back burner while letting others come first. Schedule some “me time” to reboot with focused breathing.

3 Enjoy

some sunshine.

Being outside can make you feel

calmer, sharpen your thinking, and boost your mood. Exposure to sunlight is good for mental health triggering the release of serotonin, giving your brain the right hormones to allow you to feel at ease and focused.

4 Sweat it out. Exercise isn’t just for weight-loss. It has many other positive benefits and has been proven to help with depression and anxiety.

Finding 20-30 minutes to move your body, in your hectic schedule has never been easier in a time when everything has gone virtual. There are tons of online

workouts you can stream, or classes you can join. Find something and get that heartbeat up!

5 Unplug

from screen time.

If you’re someone who

works from a desk all day, turning off the phone or tv in the evenings may be just what the doctor ordered. So much of our day is spent in front of a screen.

Take time to be present, and tune into the people around you, or just enjoy some quiet time for yourself.

79

6 Meditate.

Women are the world’s

best at multitasking – or at least trying. So, it

goes without saying that while we may be doing one thing, our mind is probably doing another.

Often, our brains are working in overdrive, running

100 miles per hour with thoughts and reminders of things to do or accomplish. It’s necessary to allow yourself to pause, shut out the world and let

your mind rest. Meditation doesn’t have to take 30 minutes of your day. You can do it from your

office chair several times a day for five minutes or less. Mediation can help control anxiety, enhance

self-awareness, promote emotional health, and improve sleep.

7 Make

Priority.

Your Healthcare a

Far too often, women focus so

much on the health and well-being of others at the

expense of their own. Make sure your pap smears, mammograms, and colonoscopies are up to date.

Set aside time to complete your annual wellness check-ups, and talk to your doctor about any issues you may be having. Your body and health

are the main vessels that drive your happiness and

wellbeing, and they must be maintained and taken care of at all costs. At times these simple checkups can be tempting to put on hold or reschedule, yet they are so crucially important to detect and prevent any problems in the future.

80. Ochsner Medical Giving yourself a break and integrating these simple actions into your routine will go a long way toward good health.

Self-care is not selfish, remember that. Women’s health is not something to focus on one time a year at your annual wellwoman exam. It’s something to prioritize every single day. It is also important to have good communication with your OB/GYN provider, and let your doctor know of any concerns you may have.

Shreveport Bossier City Stonewall

Smile Specialists 80

Dr. Benjamin E Foster Dr. Benjamin C Foster Dr. Allison Haynie

Compassionate OB/GYN care.

81. Ochsner Medical • ½ Foster Kristy Waltman, MD

Our team is committed to providing an excellent experience for patients. From having babies to menopause, and everything in between, we have the care you need for all stages of your life.

At Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, our physicians and patient care team provide expert and compassionate care in a comfortable setting.

To schedule an appointment, call 318-626-2800.

One St. Mary Place, Ste. 106 Shreveport, LA 71101

Most insurances accepted.

82. Painting With a Twist Twist Kids Summer Camp Times: 9am - 12pm (drop-off begins at 8:30am) DATES May 31-June 4 June 14-18 June 28-July 2

July 12-16 July 26-30 August 9-13

We will provide a snack and a drink during our craft break!

Pre-register online at https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/shreveport/calendar/ 1409 E. 70th St. Suite 125-126 • Shreveport, La 71105 3 1 8 - 5 2 4 - 9 9 2 8 Shreveport@paintingwithatwist.com

GUIDE 2021 83. Summer Camp W [R-ODD] WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE JORDAN

ith just a few weeks left on the school calendar, the countdown to summer is officially under way! Parents and kids alike are anticipating the lax schedule and outdoor activities that are synonymous with summer fun. We are already daydreaming about hours spent poolside, letting Mom steal away time to read her favorite novel (we can all dream, right?). Or maybe you are fantasizing about that weeklong family vacation in the mountains or on a faraway beach somewhere (pandemics are not barred from daydreams, too!). Perhaps it is even the simple things like time spent grilling a delicious meal to enjoy with friends on your back patio.

As much as we love all the simple pleasures of summer, truth be told, the 10-week stretch comes with moments that are not quite as lovely. There are days spent battling with kids over tablet time. Afternoons telling the kids to go play outside while they insist that it is far too hot for them to endure. And days where you feel like if you were rewarded with a dollar every time someone said, “I’m bored” that you could at least afford a long weekend by yourself somewhere … anywhere.

Our 2021 Summer Camp Guide is here to help! Stretching across North Louisiana, from the Shreveport-Bossier area into Ruston and Monroe, there are summer day camps that

can prevent brain drain and keep your kids physically and mentally engaged until school starts back in August.

There is a camp for every kid, whatever their interests may be. Our area provides day camps that cover everything from Lego-building to coding and STEAM activities, performing arts, painting and crafts. There are sports camps for every athlete, including soccer, karate, rock climbing and horseback riding.

Summer camp is an opportunity for your child to try something that has always piqued their interest or a chance to get additional instruction and progress in an activity they’ve always loved. According to the American Camp Association, the benefits of summer camp are far reaching. Children develop social skills like leadership, communication and participation, as well as developing self-respect and character by learning responsibility, resourcefulness and resilience.

Children also develop a greater understanding of community living and service by learning fairness, caring and citizenship.

Let our Summer Camp Guide be your first resource for a creating an exciting summer for your children that is filled engaging activities and lifelong memories that they will talk about for years to come.

83

SHREVEPORT

BOSSIER

St. Mark’s Cathedral School Soccer Camp

All Saints Summer Camps

Pak’s Karate

Camp Fuego

Youth Enrichment Program

903.816.0698 abergman@smc.school

St. Mark’s Cathedral School-Beyond the Classroom

stmarksschool.com/beyond-theclassroom/summer-camp 318.208.0092 llewis@smc.school

Painting with a Twist

Pre-register online at paintingwithatwist.com/studio/ shreveport/calendar/ 318.524.9928 Shreveport@paintingwithatwist.com

Sci-Port

Bricks 4 Kidz Camps Bricks4Kidz.com/sb Challenge Island® Camps Challenge-Island.com/sb

allsaintssummercamp.org/mailto 318.455.4219 800.478.3755 info@campfuego.com

Challenge Island

318.383.3638 emcfarland@challenge-island.com

Young Life Shreveport 318.861.1000 ylshreveport@gmail.com

Shreveport/ Bossier City KOA

318.687.1010 shreveportkoa@gmail.com

Shreveport Acrosports 318.868.3547 AcroSports1@aol.com

The Swim School

Shreveport Aquarium Summer Camp

Southfield School– Play Hard. Get Smart.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Camps and Classes

318.752.2221 bossier@pakskarate.com

318.865.0749

Bossier Olympiad Gymnastics 318.741.3547

Kiddie City DayCamp 318.584.7179

Redeemed Ranch Camp 318.470.7917

BPCC Camp Cavs 318.678.6015

84. Summer Camp 318.222.SWIM theswimschool.org

southfield-school.org/camp

St. Joseph Catholic Church Vacation Bible School- Wilderness Adventure June 21-25 318.865.3581

Bricks 4 Kidz

318.734.5346 emcfarland@bricks4kidz.com

LEARNING RX BRAIN CAMP (318) 719-7443 LearningRX.com

84

318.383.0601 jason@shreveportaquarium.com

318.868.2774 welcome@caddosheriff.org

Code Ninjas 855.446.4652

Cabosa Soccer Camp 318.861.5920

Louisiana Cheernastics 318.865.0264

LSUS Continuing Education Programs 318.798.4177

MONROE KidsFit Summer Camp @ The Wellness Center

318.329.9100 thewmwellnesscenter@gmail.com

Monroe’s Best Summer Camp

318.426.4912 monroekidcamp@gmail.com

ISR Monroe Swim Camp l.barnidge@infantswim.com c.summerville@infantswim.com

Double BB Farms

318.237.0827 info@doublebbfarms.com

MoJoy Art Studio 318.884.8334 admin@mymojoy.com

Camp Ch-Yo-Ca Overnight Camps 318.397.2313

Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum 318.361.9611 nelcm1@gmail.com

Kidcam Summer Camp at Kiroli Park

977.454.3226 SummersRock@KidcamCamps.com

MedCamps of Louisiana 318.329.8405 medcamps.org

Girl Scouts of Louisiana - Pines to the Gulf 800.960.2093 gslpg.org

Seeker Springs Ministry Camps 318.249.4495

Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Monroe 318.325.4754

Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts

318.812.7922 info@syaaonline.com

RUSTON

85. Summer Camp 2High Trampoline Park

318.224.7052 office@2hightrampolinepark.com

Pinecove-Ruston 877.474.6326

North Central Louisiana Arts Council Summer Art Camps 318.255.1450 nclac5@gmail.com

The Zone Sports Camps 318.254.1111 thezoneofruston@gmail.com

Paradigm Gym Camps 318.202.2122

Boys & Girls Club of Ruston 318.255.2242

Temple Baptist Church Vacation Bible School 318.255.3745 events.temple.life

KidCam Camps at Lincoln Parish Park

977.454.3226 SummersRock@KidcamCamps. comKidCam 85

Begins JUNE 7 and will run ALL SUMMER!

86. Swim School Ages 3-10

Includes swim lessons, FREE Swim and Playtime from 8am-12pm

Junior Lifeguard Camp Ages 12-15: June 7-11 • June 12-15 • June 21-25 • July 12-16 • July 19-23

This camp will be taught by our very own Patrick Garrett and will include running, swimming, calisthenics,and introductory lifeguard skills.

If your camper is 15 by the end of the camp week, they can be certified as an American Red Cross Lifeguard.

318 . 222.S W I M / T H ES W I MSCH OO L .O RG 22.SWIM / THESWIMSCHOOL.ORG

Have a

T R O P SCI-ummer S

Bricks 4 Kidz programs provide an

Challenge Island®, The World’s #1 STEM/

87. Sci-port extraordinary atmosphere for children to build unique creations, play exciting games, and have loads of fun using LEGO® bricks. The activities are designed to trigger children’s lively imaginations and build their selfconfidence. Bricks 4 Kidz® Summer camps are a fresh and fun way for kids to spend their school break! Children will enjoy using LEGO® Bricks to build specially-designed models, play games, explore the world of coding, engineering, architecture and more!

STEAM program, is a high-energy, handson fusion of STEAM, 21st Century Skills, Problem-Solving Adventure, Project-Based Learning and our trademark STEAMbuilding® experience. Campers embark on fantastical themed STEAM journeys where they work in collaborative tribes to tackle various exciting challenges using only the materials in their treasure chest and their boundless imaginations.

Camp Times

Morning: 9:00-Noon Afternoon: 1:00-4:00 Full-Day: 9:00-4:00 We are running an “early bird” discount until mid-April • “HALFDAY15” gets you $15 off each and every half day camp “FULLDAY25” gets you $25 off each and every full-day camp

SIGN UP TODAY AT www.Challenge-Island.com/sb | www.Bricks4Kidz.com/sb

820 Cl 318-42 www.

GIVING BACK Spotlight:

CNC Oilfield Services, LLC

W

e were not planning to work the evening of February 16 because I had to shut down all operations the night before. I got a phone call that morning saying the hospitals were in dire need of water and I told them we had shut down all operations and could not do it.

But it weighed on my heart and couldn’t let the folks up there go without heat. Shreveport water system was down and all of the hospitals’ heat systems run off of water. They were in a panic and didn’t know how they were going to get water to their boiler to keep the heat system going for all the patients to stay warm.

We also helped out with nursing homes.

The selfless group of people we have at CNC jumped right in to help in a time of need. We were able to get water to Christus Highland, Ochsner LSU Health Systems, Willis-Knighton Pierremont, Willis-Knighton North and Progressive Care Center. We love our community and wanted to help out wherever needed. Thank you to James Caskey, Kris Cooper, Jamie Burford and Brian Sneed for all your help!

In addition, CNC construction crew joined the efforts with motor graders across the area and were able to get ice off some problem roads where there were multiple wrecks. CNC water trucks were able to provide over 100,000 gallons of water alongside the National Guard!

A special thanks to all my guys working around the clock at the hospitals. I can’t thank our CNC team enough.

There are so many people to thank that helped put this together. I am overwhelmed with all the love and support everyone has shown me and my team. Thanks y’all! We live in the best community!

It’s truly a work of heart. People helping people.

88. Give Back Spotlight {L-even start}

COLTON SANDERS, owner of CNC

88 96

A special THANK YOU to all of our first responders and healthcare workers! You guys are our everyday heroes!

We Build Families!

We Build Families!

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833-POS-STEP (767-7837)

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Family

CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS

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