Olive and Indigo

Style & Beauty

Olive & Indigo by Kerry Andersen

It is the kind of airy, inviting boutique you pop into while on vacation in a lazy resort town.

Door propped open and white gauzy curtains blowing in the breeze against an interior that looks like it dropped right out of a hip Instagram post. Behind the counter, coowners and arbiters of style Lauren Miller and Suzanne Johnson give off a cool girl vibe that is well earned. Many will remember Johnson and her creative merchandising sensibility for 505 Imports, a furniture store that scoured the world for unique pieces and brought them to Southwest Louisiana. That is where the dynamic duo began handcrafting jewelry and where Olive & Indigo was born. What started as a shop-in-shop concept in 2015 is now a full-fledged storefront expanding to include clothing, artisan gifts and more. The brick-and-mortar location opened in the summer of 2020 on the corner of Broad and Bilbo in downtown Lake Charles. Launching a business in any environment is challenging but the months after Olive & Indigo opened brought a pandemic and a pair of hurricanes. While they were fortunate to avoid severe storm damage, Johnson says “seeing devastation all around us was a lesson in gratitude, flexibility and putting customer needs first.” In response to those challenges, the boutique offers curbside pickup, local delivery, online shopping, and personalized design services.

Jewelry is the star at Olive & Indigo. Miller describes their collection as easy to wear with an artful global influence. “Custom stamping is popular. Choose a piece in your favorite metal and we will imprint it with your birthdate, zodiac sign, zip code or just about anything with personal meaning.” Add gemstones and a custom length chain for a one-of-a-kind look. Hammered disc earrings are another customer favorite along with initial charms made for stacking and hoop earrings of varying size and thickness. Everything goes together in an effortless way, either custom made in their studio or carefully sourced and unique to the market.

The owners chose a thoughtfully curated collection of goods to offer along with their jewelry. You will find gold embellished wine glasses hand painted by Lake Charles artist Cyndi Cagle ($18 each) displayed next to offerings from across the globe created by artisans looking for a better life. Everything here is curated with intention. That includes a selection of all-natural unisex bath and body products which fill the space with soothing scents like lavender, sage and rose (soaps from Los Poblanos Organic Farm are hand poured in New Mexico, $12). Explore their line of house blended essential oils, perfect for diffusing or spritzing, along with incense to create a vibe that matches the Olive & Indigo aesthetic.

In the back of the bright shop is an expanded dressing room filled with cozy seating. Says Suzanne, “Call us and we are happy to host a small group of your friends for an afternoon of shopping or a custom jewelry session. Or reach out for help building an easy, interchangeable wardrobe that cuts down on closet clutter and makes getting dressed less about stress and more about style and comfort."

These are pieces (Grade & Gather Breezy VTop, $48) with timeless silhouettes by brands using natural fabrics from companies run by women committed to social change. This is not just lip service – a portion of all boutique proceeds are donated to Women for Women International, an organization that provides support and vocational training to women in conflict zones. A line of sustainable leather goods from Able rounds out the offering of wardrobe essentials (natural black leather bucket bag, $148).

Olive & Indigo will participate in Artwalk on May 8 and Chuck Fest on October 16.

Olive & Indigo is located at 343 Broad St., Lake Charles. 337-513-7920. Open Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Wednesday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. www.oliveandindigo.com

Trim Down & Tighten Up

With summertime quickly approaching, many of us are turning our thoughts from sherpa-lined jackets and boots to cookouts, vacations, and bathing suits. 2020 was an unusual year with pandemic and hurricane-forced gym shutdowns and quarantine leaving many sitting behind a computer most of the day while leaving us less motivated to trim down and tighten up for warmer weather. Luckily, with non-invasive body contouring options like Coolsculpting and Morpheus 8 on the rise, it is easier than ever before to achieve your sculpted, smooth body before bikini season.

Coolsculpting is currently the number one non-surgical fat reduction treatment on the aesthetic market. It uses FDA-approved technology called “cryolipolysis” to essentially freeze away stubborn fat in nine body areas resulting in up to 25% permanent fat reduction per session. These areas include submentum (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thighs, abdomen, and flank along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as the banana roll), and upper arms. The number of fat cells varies from person to person, but it doesn’t change much once you are an adult. These fat cells just expand or shrink with weight loss or gain. Coolsculpting is an ideal option for people who have reached their goal weight and have stubborn pockets of fat that remain despite diet and exercise. The number of treatments needed is unique to each patient and the area being treated. One can expect to see results in as little as 12 weeks. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding Coolsculpting is, “Does it hurt?” According to Kara Babaz, FNP-C and Coolsculpting provider at Renaitre - A Williamson Cosmetic Center, “Not at all! The patient will feel a cold sensation followed by tingling and then the area will go numb. Our patients are always very comfortable and usually watch Netflix or work on their laptops while undergoing the procedure.” Additionally, there is no down-time or restrictions after the procedure making “trimming down” easy to fit into a hectic schedule. But what about “tightening up?” This is where the other part of Renaitre’s dynamic duo, Morpheus 8, comes into play.

Morpheus 8 is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure used for subdermal adipose remodeling and collagen induction for face, neck, and body. It uses radiofrequency energy to coagulate fat combined with micro needling to help induce collagen, resurface, and tighten skin. One can effectively treat many areas to include the face, neck, abdomen, arms, and thighs and achieve results in as little as three sessions done six weeks apart. Acne scarring, cellulite, stretch marks, and that annoying “chicken neck” are a few other problem areas that Morpheus can address. Results will continue to improve even up to six months after the last session and can be repeated as needed. There is minimal downtime with Morpheus 8. Expected aftercare instructions include not wearing makeup for 24-48 hours after the procedure, no exercise or sweating, and avoiding sun exposure. Morpheus 8 can be used alone for skin tightening and superficial fat reduction and can also be used after completion of Coolsculpting treatments to further enhance body contouring outcomes. It can be used on all skin types safely and is well tolerated by utilizing minimally invasive anesthetic techniques. “It is one of my favorite procedures to perform because of its effectiveness and ability to address so many of my patients’ skin concerns associated with aging,” says Renaitre’s registered nurse Morgan Fairchild. Because of its versatility, there is no question why it is considered part of the dynamic duo of body contouring.

No matter your age, it’s important to feel good in your own skin. With these advanced technologies making it easier to trim down and tighten up locally and without surgery, you can have the summer-ready body you have always wanted.

Kara Babaz FNP-C is a Nurse Practitioner at Renaitre- A Williamson Cosmetic Center with over 10 years of experience. She is extensively trained in many aesthetic areas to include Botox, Dermal Filler, Sclerotherapy, Coolsculpting, and Morpheus 8.

Call Renaitre - A Williamson Cosmetic Center at 337-508-2559 for a complimentary consultation and let the body contouring experts customize a plan that’s right for you.

Home & Family

CARS & DRIVERS GUIDE

Most of us rely on our vehicles to get us from Point A to Point B on a daily basis. As an integral part of our lives, we take cars for granted, until they break down, or they need to be in the shop for a few days for maintenance or repair, and we’re reminded how very much we depend on them. This special section is dedicated to cars and the people who love them. You’ll find articles with tips on car buying, maintenance, restoration, local car washes to help keep your car looking spiffy and spotless, and a story on how to navigate the paperwork involved with car ownership while the local OMV offices are closed.

NEW RIDE, NO HASSLE

HOW TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF BUYING A NEW VEHICLE

Buying a new car can be an exciting time for anyone. The prospect of purchasing a shiny new set of wheels, loaded with the latest features and emanating that new car smell is enough to drive car lovers straight to the dealership.

But the process of buying a new car can also be a frustrating and confounding experience. At best, you’ll spend – or finance – a significant sum of money; at worst, you may get burned. Indeed, the car-buying process can be a financial minefield, especially if you’re dealing with salesmen who are not on the level.

So, before you take your first test drive, follow these tips to make your car buying experience a little easier for you and your wallet.

DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET

Car salesmen have one primary goal – getting you to sign on the dotted line. Whether you can truly afford the car is of no consequence to them; that’s your job to determine. Experts say you should spend no more than 25 percent of your monthly household income for all the cars in your garage. In addition to monthly finance payments, this figure should include all annual fuel and car expenses. There are many home budget calculators available online to help you determine the car you can comfortably afford.

DETERMINE IF A NEW CAR THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU

Customers today have the option of buying certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles or leasing a car – new or a CPO – for a predetermined period of time. If you decide to go the CPO route, you’ll get the most car for your money, but you will be given a shorter warranty period. Unless you pay for a Carfax report, you also won’t know the car’s entire history. Leasing a car may get you into a more expensive make and model but you’ll never own the car outright. The lease terms may also limit the number of miles you can travel with your car within a year. Go beyond this limit and you’ll have to either buy additional miles or face significant penalties. A new car, however, will afford you a full warranty and a lower interest rate than if you were to finance a used car. You may sacrifice a few features but, depending on the dealership from which you buy the car, you may get free maintenance. Most new vehicles today also come with free roadside assistance.

ONCE YOU’VE NARROWED YOUR SEARCH, DETERMINE VEHICLE INVOICE PRICES.

Websites like Kelley Blue Book are helpful in educating customers on the difference between a car’s invoice or wholesale price, its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), and the dealer’s asking price. Some also give the average price for which the cars sold in a particular area. Armed with this information, you’ll know ahead of time how much the dealer paid for the cars you are interested in. Your goal should be to negotiate a price that is as close to the dealer’s cost before any discounts are applied.

When it comes to car buying, being forewarned is being forearmed. Do your research and print out the numbers before you head to a dealer. You may want that snazzy new ragtop, but it may be the wrong car at the wrong time for you. Buy a car that’s just as comfortable to afford as it is to drive.

DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS copiers • scanners • printers • fax • shredders

Locally owned and operated for over 30 years

600 W McNeese Street, Lake Charles | (337) 474-9913 asiofficesystems.com

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or call for details 337.478.6253.

PUTTING THE PIECES

TOGETHER by Matt Dye

As spring turns to summer, vintage cars start rolling out of garages and onto trailers and highways to be shown off at any number of car shows along the I-10 corridor. These beauties are known to turn heads of adults and children alike, but for most of the driving public, entry into this world of car restoration feels like something only gearheads do.

While you’ll probably be an expert on turning wrenches when you’re finished, getting into this game only takes the desire, some spare coin, and a little free time to get started on your own masterpiece.

Jonathan Unglaube, a 21 year old SOWELA student and member of the Cajun Mustangers, might have grown up in his father’s garage, but car restoration wasn’t always a family affair. “When my dad brought home his first car, my grandfather asked him why he hated himself,” he says with a chuckle. He admits you do have to have a high tolerance for frustration when dealing with restoring cars, but that it’s well worth it.

So, where to get started?

“The key when putting a car together is to research,” Jonathan says. And in the 21st century, it’s never been easier. The new class of car experts aren’t found only in junkyards or used car lots, but instead on a plethora of online forums geared to the hobby. There you can research car types, where to find potential fixer-uppers near you, and a passionate fan base eager to point you in the right direction.

“Online drastically changed the game. You no longer have to go and find a frame or a wreck and hope that it is what you were looking for. My dad got started before after-market parts, so he would have to go to the junkyard and cut them out of a car.”

The internet makes getting started easier, but this is still a hobby that takes both money and free time. Jonathan started three years ago when he purchased his ’67 Mustang Coupe at an estate sale in Westlake.

“I drug mine home for $1500. The ’67 was originally the grandkid’s college present. This car was pieced together. The floorboards were originally street signs, it was sitting on cinder blocks, and it was ripped into a million pieces. It took us two days of searching through a barn to find them all.”

Since then Jonathan estimates he’s put a little over $20,000 into the car, but stresses that “you do that slowly.” Over the course of the rebuild, he’s also learned a number of things about working on cars, and has appreciated the time he’s gotten to spend working with his father, Ralph Unglaube. And if there’s something he doesn’t know or wants to try, there’s always a video on YouTube or a post on an online forum with some helpful advice.

But he also points out that if you do the research and have an idea what you want, you can get started at any time.

“I would buy parts on the side over three years, so I had parts stacked on shelves just ready because I know I’d need this, so when I put the car together last year, the parts were already bought and ready to roll.”

Now, with a little help from free time during the pandemic, Jonathan’s three-year project is on the road and running off to car shows. There, he points out, is another great place to get ideas and to network with other people as you begin your restoration adventure, which he admits never really ends, as he’s always tweaking something or taking inspiration from another enthusiast’s upgrades.

Next on the list for Jonathan is a hunt for a 1969 Chevy Truck and helping his little brother, Alex, with his own ’73 Mustang.

As for the ’67 . . . “I wouldn’t sell my car. This one has sentimental value to me because it’s the one that me and my dad put together.”

ALTERNATE OFFICE OF MOTOR VEHICLES SERVICES

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state Offices of Motor Vehicles (OMV) nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. With the Lake Charles and Sulphur OMV offices still closed due to significant hurricane damage and no re-opening dates yet announced, how do we renew a driver’s license or car registration, take the tests required to get a driver’s license, or any of the many other reasons we visit the local OMV?

The OMVs in Jennings and DeQuincy are open, but the latter requires an appointment. Most OMV functions can be managed by mail or online at dmv.org/la or expresslane.org. If possible, residents should use the OMV’s online services to complete relevant transactions. But there are some exceptions and alternative ways to conduct business.

Many Auto Title Companies and Public Tag Agents have assumed the functions of the OMV. Tara Pederson, owner at Pedersen Title Co., says they offer most OMV services regardless of their closure. “The main services people utilize are vehicle registration/license plates, handicap hang tags, duplicate titles, duplicate driver’s license/ID, DL/ID renewals, and notary public work. We also process quite a few learner’s permits and intermediate DLs,” she says. We do not offer CDLs, Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) cards, reinstatement clearance, and out of state driver’s license transfers.

For first-time driver’s license applicants, Pedersen says a student must first be issued a TIP card from an OMV office such as the Jennings location and register with a local driving school. Students take both their written and driving tests at the driving school. Once the student has a TIP card they are able to utilize a title company for their learner’s permit and intermediate driver’s license.

Pedersen says title companies such as hers are also able to issue REAL ID cards. “Beginning October 1, 2021, in order to board a domestic flight (any flight within the United States) a REAL ID or valid U.S. passport will be required. A passport is STILL required for international travel regardless of REAL ID status.” Pedersen suggests customers call before coming to ensure they have all proper documentation required.

For more information, call Pedersen Title Co. at 337-478-5454.

MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

by Scott Waldrop

As vehicle technology continues to evolve, so does the maintenance required to keep everything running properly. Take oil changes, for example. The price for service has gone up over the years, but it is likely you only need your oil changed every 10,000 miles rather than every 3,000 miles. Another traditional maintenance item is drive belts. If you’ve purchased a new car in the past few years you may have noticed that some manufacturers have moved away from the use of belts which eliminates the need to replace them. So, sometimes maintenance updates save owners money, and other times they can be more costly.

A new maintenance requirement that you may not be aware of are tire pressure sensors (TPS). TPS have replaced traditional tire valve stems on many modern vehicles, and they conveniently communicate the pressure level in your tires to the dashboard and warn you if one or more of your tires are running low or have too much air. These sensors help prevent you from driving around with a nail in your tire or worse, a flat tire you may be unaware of. Some TPS are more advanced and even show you the exact amount of pressure in each tire, including the spare. There is nothing worse than getting a flat only to find out your spare doesn’t have air either.

How do TPS operate? These sensors require power so they can communicate with the rest of the vehicle and send the data from the tires to the warning lights on your dash. A small button-style watch battery keeps the sensors working properly but eventually, these batteries die and that’s when a tire pressure sensor needs to be replaced. Your dash light will come on and stay on until a new sensor is installed in your tire and then programed for your car to communicate with it.

TPS batteries last anywhere from three to five years. Kenny Guillory, Service Manager at Lake Charles Toyota, says, “If any of your sensors fail in the first three years, it may still be covered by the factory warranty. After that, maintaining the TPS becomes regular maintenance.” It is also common that when one TPS stops working, the others are likely to fail soon after.

If you have any questions about tire pressure sensors or general vehicle maintenance, email questions to questions@lakecharlestoyota. com or text them from their website, LakeCharlesToyota.com.

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FOR TOP VEHICLE PERFORMANCE

• Check oil regularly and keep up to date with oil and filter changes. • Top off fluids as required. • Check tire pressures or watch for tire pressure sensor warning lights. • Periodically check your lights to ensure they are working. • Maintain your state inspection schedule.

LOCAL CAR WASHES by Brooke Lawton

May is the perfect month to clean the car inside and out and get it ready for those summer road trips. Whether covered in pollen, dust, or dirt, several local car washes are available to help make your vehicle sparkle and shine. With a wax, tire cleaning, and a thorough vacuuming, you might feel like you’re driving off in a new car! (Cue the iconic Rose Royce tune, “Car Wash”)

BILLY NAVARRE QUICK LUBE & CAR WASH

Customers can pull in and get their vehicles washed here but there are a variety of other services available, including oil lube and filter service as well as a tire center for alignment, tire rotation, etc. The self-serve vacuum will have the inside looking fresh, too.

Car wash and quick lube hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

1310 E. College St., Lake Charles. 337-474-1999.

CORMIE’S CAR & PET WASH

At this spot, you can get your vehicle looking spiffy, and make sure your pooch is clean, too. It’s all self-serve and there’s an automatic car wash. Take care of your ice and water needs with the vending machines located on the premises.

For car/ice/water, open 24 hours; dog wash hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

4917 Big Lake Rd., Lake Charles. 337-661-5955.

DON’S ALL CLOTH CARWASH & QUICK LUBE

Get your vehicle looking in tip-tip shape and get an oil change while you’re at it when you stop by Don’s. Finish off by vacuuming the interior and you’re all set.

Car wash hours are Monday-Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Oil change hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

4050 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles. 337-480-1188.

3700 Ryan St., Lake Charles. (The car wash received damages in the hurricanes and won’t be open for a few months.) You can still get an oil change at this location, though. Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 337-479-0315.

2325 E. McNeese, Lake Charles. (This location received damages in the hurricanes and is temporarily closed.)

MIKE’S CAR WASH & THE LUBE SHOP

At Mike’s, customers can get express washes, full-service oil changes, transmission service, state inspections, system flushes, and more.

Car wash hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Lube hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday.

1970 Country Club Rd., Lake Charles. 337-508-2007. 1605 Ruth St., Sulphur. 337-527-5300.