Lola Magazine September/October 2016

L O U I S I AN A • L A D I ES • L I F EST Y L E

Grieder Sales “Your Outdoor Store” • POTTERY • FOUNTAINS • IRON WORKS • STATUES • OUTDOOR RUGS • UMBRELLAS • FIREPITS

Large Year-Round Selection of

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It may be MORE

than just a

SNORE

Sleep apnea

is a dangerous condition that can effect your health and you may not even know that you or your partner have it.

Find out if you or your loved one is at risk

The good news is sleep apnea and snoring can now be treated using a comfortable oral appliance that can lead to a blissful sleep.

Elite Family Dentistry 2160 B Airline Drive Bossier City, LA 71111

Dr. Jonathan Turgeon DDS

2001 East 70th Street Shreveport, LA 71105

318-741-6778 318-797-3362 Most Major Insurances Accepted

GOODPage SLEEP EVERYTHING. 3 | LOLASOLVES MAGAZINE | September-October

Contents 27 49

FASHION

49 “Fall” Into Fashion Cozy looks for chilly weather.

27 These Booties Are Made for Walking How to style this season’s hottest booties.

59 Let Them Eat Cake Local boutique owner finds success through trying times.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

46 Dr. Nicole Cotter Integrate Your Health: Promoting a Healthy Gut

42 49

36 Break-FAST Quick and easy breakfast for families on the go.

15 Light Therapy Cutting edge technology for health and wellness.

HOME AND ENTERTAINING 42 Floored Finding the right rug for every space 30 Window Wisdom Window treatments done right 9 Hostess With The Mostess An Outdoor Autumn Soriee’

KIDDOS

66 Dyslexia and ADD Awareness An Altered State of Mind.

21 Be Good to your Teeth First visit to the Dentist: What to expect and how to prepare.

23 Fall in Love with Your Smile Orthodontic tips and advice.

LOUISIANA LADIES 33 Terri Netterville Keeping it Real-Marriage

9

61 Patriotic Matriarchs Women in Uniform protecting our communities and our country.

61

69 Brandi Smith Personal story of inspiration and Heart of Hope Foundation 77 Use Your Voice Why women need to vote in the upcoming Presidential election.

COMMUNITY

74 Big Whit Foundation Youth and families thriving through leadership development.

84 From Her Perspective Lindsey Dean: Executive Director with Susan G Komen 80 Calendar of Events

Page 4 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Lake Village

COMMONS

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Shreveport Conveniently Located New Town Home Development Private and Gated Community Professional Maintenance Upkeep Intimate Courtyard Experience

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8950 West Wilderness Way In Spring Lake 318-868-6006

Page 5 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

318-861-4595

READLOLA.COM

Happy Fall Y’all!

We may have to endure this ninety-degree weather a little longer in Louisiana, but I can smell the pumpkin spice lattes brewing. We are all itching to get into our comfy tights and boots, cozy up by the fire, and watch some football! I love this time of year. With the anticipation of a chill in the air, there is so much to look forward to.

This issue of Lola Magazine is filled with goodies to make this Fall a great one for you and your family. This issue’s “Hostess with The Mostess” gives us all the details on hosting a GORGEOUS Fall Dinner Party. Trust me, your guests will swoon. Find this season’s chic yet cozy looks in our Fall Fashion preview, and check out our guide to styling this season’s hottest booties.

In this issue, we are honored to take a look into the lives of five “Patriotic Matriarchs”. They share with us how it feels to walk a day in their shoes, as they serve our country and keep our communities safe. We are humbled and forever grateful to these strong, beautiful Women in Uniform.

I also wanted to say THANK YOU! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the overwhelming support and genuine excitement that you, our readers, have shown for Lola Magazine. We put our hearts and souls into doing the best work that we can for the women in our great state of Louisiana.

Our mission is to “provide a place for our readers to let their hair down and be inspired.” We set out to publish the most authentic magazine possible. I feel that we accomplished that in our first issue of Lola Magazine, but there is SO much more to come. We often say, if Lola Magazine can provide one thing to one woman that enhances her life, then we have done our job.

Thank you for being a part of Team Lola. We continue to be inspired by all of you.

PUBLISHER

Bevin Sutton Hicks bevinlolamag@gmail.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Carie Cotter Hart Carielolamag@gmail.com ASSISTANT ADVERTISING ASSOCIATES

Nikki Butler nikkilolamag@gmail.com Joy Bishop joylolamag@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Tommy Stow Sutton DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE

Carl Hammock GRAPHIC ARTIST

Richard Creative CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Donesa Walker Jennifer McGimsey Dr. Nicole Cotter Dr. Karen Pendleton Tammy Smith Alison Mckenzie Whitney Harmon Jessica Comegys Dr. Morgan Lang Dr. Holly Cook Terri Netterville Brandi Smith Kara Lowrie Lindsay Dean Julie Emory CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wallace Lee Brittany Strickland Candace Chaney Anna Claire Meeds ON THE COVER

Models / Mattie Lusk / Aaron Beeson / McCarthey Drouin / Mi’Quesha October Makeup / Brittany Dye Clothing and Jewelry / Worth New York / Mikey Carlise Location / Parlange Deux Plantation, Home of Steve and Renee Schoonover / Shreveport Photographer / Wallace Lee Special thanks to Mr. Larry Williams property manager FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

The Future is Bright!

Bevin

Call 318-573-6847 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/lola-magazinelifestyles-of-louisiana-ladies Lola Magazine is printed by Bank N Business Systems in Shreveport Louisiana.

CIRCULATION

6,000 copies distributed throughout Northwest Louisiana

*Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited

Page 6 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

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Page 7 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

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Page 8 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

HOSTESS

Mostess with the

AN OU TDOOR AU T UMN SOIREÉ WITH JESSICA COMEGYS

We are all anticipating a crisp chill in the

air after our hot, Louisiana Summer. While the big game is on inside, bring your guests outside to enjoy the weather and a fabulous meal. If you’re hosting a dinner party this Fall, consider these tips to engage your guests in the excitement of the season. Fitting for a cozy and elegant gathering this menu is filled with seasonal flavors sure to impress. Start with tasty appetizers and cocktails. End the evening with beautiful desserts and warm after dinner snacks by the fire. Follow this flawless menu to make your “Hostess with the Mostess” status complete.

 MEN U 

White bean hummus with crackers and crudités

Niçoise salad with roasted green beans & radishes

Red wine braised chicken & grapes with herbed couscous & asparagus Cheese board with nuts, fruit, & chocolate Pumpkin crème brûlée

Chocolate blackberry Syrah cake French macarons

Page 9 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Arrange loaves of bread on the table and let guests pull apart their share.

A beautiful effortless centerpiece can turn any tablespace into a show stopper. Use your fine china and crystal, why else do you have it?

Set out a variety of wines, both a red and a white.

Also try a specialty cocktail such as Lavender Bourbon Milk Punch.

Homemade hummus is a perfect make ahead appetizer that’s easy yet classy.

Light candles and build a warm fire.

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy.

Serving food “family style” can be both elegant and comfortable.

Red wine braised chicken and grapes over couscous taste as beautiful as it looks, and is sure to please everyone.

Set out a basket of throw blankets to elevate the coziness.

PATIO DESIGN/BUILD BY

Duggin Contactors,

TABLE SCAPE PROVIDED BY

Lewis Gifts

& STYLED BY

Page 10 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Rachel Primrose

INGREDIENTS:

Lavender Bourbon Milk Punch

1¼ oz. of Lavender Infused Bourbon ½ oz. of simple syrup

Fill with ice and top with whole milk, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and garnish with fresh lavender Add a little fun for your guests for after dinner! A s’mores station is a simple way to give a nostalgic feel around a warm fire.

Jessica Comegys, owner of Caspiana Catering has been a professional chef for ten years with an eye for detail and a talent for taste. She and her husband Lloyd have one son, William (2), who is her inspiration behind Sweet William Patisserie & Kitchen. Sweet Williams is in the works and much to be anticipated.

Jessica provides healthy prepared meal and at home catering that is truly a treat.

318.869.1236 928 Pierremont Road Shreveport, LA 71106 cubanliquor.com

Featuring the Best Selection of Beer, Wine, & Liquor ARTISAN CHEESES • CHARCUTERIE • HOMEMADE DIPS & CHEESE BALLS • SPECIALTY GOURMET FOODS Page 11 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Weddings

Elegant

Receptions

Intimate

Events

Memorable

Scalable

2nd Annual Bridal Show Sunday, October 2nd 2:00pm-5:00pm

Shreveport’s Finest Wedding Specialists are back!

Food, Drinks, Fashion Show, Dance Instruction

Page 12 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

COME SEE OUR NEWLY REMODELED STORE TODAY!

SHOES. CLOTHING. SPECIAL OCCASION. 4832 Line Ave. - Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 865-0175 M-F: 10am-5:30pm SAT: 10am-5pm

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1300 Hudson Lane Suite 16 Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 812-0182

431A Jefferson Street Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-2250 www.wallplasticsurgery.com Forrest Wall, MD FACS Julianna Aaron, FNP-C

385 West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop - Suite 100 - Shreveport, LA 71106 • (318) 221-1629 Page 14 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Let there be

LIGHT Cutting Edge Technology for Health and Wellness As a state of the art research facility located in Shreveport, LA, White Clover Wellness and Research Center, has brought cutting edge technology to the area. By partnering with UVLrx Therapeutics™ in Santa Barbara, California, White Clover is studying the potential healing power of light. The UVL1000 Treatment System used in clinical trials at White Clover is a new, investigational light therapy system that introduces low-light energy directly into the body by connecting to an intravenous (I.V.) catheter.

White Clover Wellness and Research Center began using the UVL1000 Treatment System in October 2015 and has performed over 1,000 treatments right here in the Arklatex. Subjects have traveled from as far away as southern Florida to participate in trials at White Clover. According to John Reeves, MD, Medical Director of White Clover, “The UVL1000 Treatment System is an investigational device that delivers specific forms of light intravenously through a regular I.V. catheter. The process is as simple as starting an I.V. and the treatment is administered for 60 minutes. The individual wavelengths of light administered during this session have been reported in independent studies to stimulate

Page 15 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Bethany Crosby, PA-C

the body’s natural immune

nose),

extracorporeal.

blood as it circulates through

system and damage pathogens

Extracorporeal light therapy

(viruses, bacteria, fungi) in

requires a transfusion method

the body during the treatment.

the bloodstream. In addition,

by which a very small portion

these individual wavelengths

of

have been shown to reduce

removed and irradiated with a

inflammation, increase energy,

single wavelength of ultraviolet

light concurrently during a 60

and improve blood circulation.

light and transfused back into

minute session.

With each wavelength having

the bloodstream. This age

This

strong clinical support, White

old technology was used for

Clover is proudly evaluating,

decades until it was ultimately

Ultraviolet

in clinical trials, the effect of

supplanted by more modern

delivering

therapies; however, the core

each

wavelength

simultaneously.

patient’s

blood

is

benefit of light irradiation of

In

addition,

the

UVLrx

treatment system administers three different wavelengths of

advancement Light

of

therapy

was made possible by the development of the UV LED light just a few years ago. By

blood has continued to intrigue

integrating this light source

researchers and has reemerged

with the proprietary optics

cells.

in medicine in different forms.

engine, the UVLrx team of

Photoreceptors convert light

Dr. Reeves believes there is a

energy into chemical energy,

place for this technology in

engineers and scientists were

which in turn, can transform

modern medicine for a variety

a cell’s function and behavior.

of disease states as well as drug

A change in cellular behavior

resistant infections.

Light therapy works by activating Amy Reeves, RN

the

and

found

photoreceptors within

able to yield a very specific and consistent dose of light without the thermal effects of a traditional light source.

modulates how it interacts with

The scientists and engineers

adjacent cells and tissue and can

at UVLrx Therapeutics™ have

White Clover is proud to

actually affect cells throughout

worked tirelessly to determine

have been named a UVLrx

the entire body by changing its

the

release of hormones, proteins,

wavelengths to offer the most

Center of Excellence. Clinical

and

effective

enzymes.

Accordingly,

exact

combination treatment

of

session

trials

performed

at

White

Clover Wellness and Research

light stimulation of a single cell

possible. There are several

can have profound therapeutic

differences

effects on the entire body.

System being studied at White

been published in international

For nearly 80 years, light

Clover and the traditional

journals and magazines and

therapy has been used across

light therapy systems. The

the results have been presented

the

UVLrx

at medical conferences. White

globe

to

successfully

in

the

Treatment

UVLrx

System™

treat a variety of diseases and

does not require transfusion.

infections.

delivery

The traditional systems only

methods of light therapy have

treated approximately 5-10%

emerged,

of a patient’s blood, but the

Various which

includes

Center in Shreveport have

Clover

looks

forward

partnering with other cutting edge medical device companies

the

UVLrx System is able to treat

to

skin), intranasal (inside the

close to 100% of a patient’s

technology to the Arklatex.

transdermal

(outside

Page 16 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

to

bring

new

medical

Existing published research have demonstrated a basic effect of each of the three wavelengths of light administered by the UVLrx Treatment System™: UV-A (365nm) – Damages and delays replication of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, in the bloodstream1

UVLrx Therapeutics™ received a CE Mark for their UVL1500 Treatment System, a separate treatment model currently available in Europe. The UVL1500 CE Mark, and only available in Europe, covers the following indications: • Reduction of Pain* • Reduction of pathogens in the blood*

Visible Red (635nm) – Reduces inflammation,

• Reduction of Inflammation*

Increases ATP energy production of cells, improves white blood cell activity and accelerates

• Immune System Modulation* • Improved ATP Synthesis*

cell repair2 Visible Green (530nm) – Increases blood flow and

• Improved Wound Healing*

the delivery of Oxygen to tissues by improving

• Improved Blood Oxygen Transport*

the flexibility of red blood cells3

• Improved Circulation*

*These indications of use represent the UVL1500 Treatment System Model ONLY, and not the UVL1000 Investigational use only model being used at the White Clover Research Center. The UVL1000 has not been proven safe or effective for the treatment of any medical condition or disease and is currently an investigational use only device.

1. Girard PM, F. S. (2011). UVA-induced damage to DNA and proteins: direct versus indirect photochemical processes. J. Phys: Conf Ser, 261, 1-10.

2. Chen CH, Hung HS, Hsu SH. Low-energy laser irradiation increases endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and eNOS gene expression possibly via PI3K signal pathway. Lasers Surg Med. Jan 2008;40(1):46-54.

3. Kassak P, Sikurova L, Kvasnicka P, Bryszewska M. The response of Na/K-ATPase of human erythrocytes to green laser light treatment. Physiol Res. 2006;55:189-194

Services Offered:

Facial Treatments Acne Treatments Body & Face Waxing Lash Extensions Full Service Hair Salon Brazilian Blowout Microdermabrasion 

Leslie

Megan

Tracey

Holly

Hair Stylists Leslie Piazza - 318.532.9306 Holly Brooks - 318.458.7005

Please Call for Appointments

318.865.8020 111 East Kings Hwy.

Estheticians Megan Robinson - 318.364.9905 Tracey Justice - 318.422.2229

Page 17 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

• Orthodontics • Preventative Care • Restorations

• Root Canals • Bleaching • Dental Implants

Also Offfing

Bott and Juveddm

406 Turtle Creek Drive - Shreveport • 318.797.0006 M-W 8:30-5

Thur 8:30-4

Fri 8:30-2

Page 18 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Page 19 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Fall in Love With Your Smile

Dr. Morgan Lang

814 Pierremont Road | Shreveport, LA | 318.861.0700 | GeauxSmile.com Page 20 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Be Good toYour Teeth!

Dr. Holly Cook graduated from LSU School of Dentistry in 2001 and completed a pediatric residency in 2003.

She worked for Children’s Hospital in New Orleans before moving to Shreveport.

She has been in private practice for 9 years.

Dr. Holly and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children be seen by six months after their first tooth erupts, or at one year of age, whichever comes first.

What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist?

The first visit is usually short and simple depending on the age and experience of the patient. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and making him or her comfortable. A thorough exam, professional dental cleaning, fluoride application, and x-rays are routinely attempted, but we really try to focus on what is most important at that initial visit.

• One of our main goals is to advise parents the best possible ways to develop techniques for helping their children maintain healthy teeth and gums.

• Introducing the child to the dental setting and getting them comfortable is most important to our office.

• We invite parents to come back on the first appointment to see our office and meet Dr. Holly. Our goal is to build trust between our staff and your child so that we can provide a comfortable dental setting.

• We want our patients to be excited about going to the dentist!

Our office is geared for young patients with video games in the reception area, TVs on the

How to Floss Your Child’s Teeth 1. Take about 2. Using your 3. Once at 18 inches thumbs the gum of dental and index line, pull floss and fingers as both ends wrap one guides, of the floss end around gently slide in the same each of the floss direction your middle between to form a fingers. two teeth.

“C” shape

against one 4. Pull the 5. Repeat this tooth. Pull floss against for all of the the floss the other teeth. tightly and tooth and move it up repeat the and down motion. against one tooth.

Page 21 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

ceiling in all treatment areas, and a prize machine that takes golden tokens. As pediatric specialists, we have created an environment especially for children, using our best skills to make every visit awesome!!

One of the best things you can do to prepare for your child’s first visit to our office is to maintain a positive attitude.

We believe using “kid friendly” words to describe everything we do is imperative to reduce anxiety.

Your child’s primary teeth are extremely important for

k u n o ow? y d i D Most children spend less than a minute brushing their teeth.

Have your child brush for the duration of their favorite song to ensure he or she is brushing long enough.

Monitor brushing closely until your child is proficient in brushing alone.

Remember, swallowing too much fluoride can cause problems in the future. Teach your child to spit and rinse properly.

nutrition and speech as well as maintaining space for the eruption of permanent teeth.

We are all about establishing healthy habits for life!!

BY LOCALS LOVE US

Page 22 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Fall in Love with your

SMILE

Written by Dr. Morgan Trehant Lang

Why do some children get braces early?

When should you see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontics

Early treatment may help to correct or prevent more serious problems from developing such as skeletal issues. It also may make treatment at a later stage shorter and less complicated.

(AAO) recommends a check-up with

Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: • Guide jaw growth • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth • Correct harmful oral habits • Improve appearance • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position • Improve the way lips meet

erupting teeth while some baby teeth are

What to look for as a parent:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth • Mouth breathing • Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth • Jaws that shift or make sounds • Speech difficulties • Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all • Biting on cheek or roof of the mouth • Facial imbalance • Grinding or clenching of teeth • Thumb or finger sucking

an orthodontic specialist, no later than age 7. Orthodontists have extra training (2-3 years) beyond dental school to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and present. Even if your child’s teeth appear to be straight, there may be an underlying issue. Most often, your child’s bite is fine and we just watch your child’s growth and development. In other cases, an orthodontist might find an issue that your child can benefit from early treatment.

Should I wait until all permanent teeth have come in?

Baby teeth are placeholders for permanent teeth. Sometimes teeth are like children and don’t follow the rules. Permanent teeth that cannot be seen by the naked eye, may be coming in crooked or may be pressing on an adjacent tooth. Therefore, it is important to have your child evaluated prior to all permanent teeth coming in.

Your first visit to the Orthodontist: What to expect

Your first visit to Lang & Blackwood Orthodontics is an exciting time! We offer a complimentary consultation, and it’s a chance for you to learn about the treatments and the services we offer. During that initial visit, we determine what treatment is necessary to correct any problems we may find and whether you should begin promptly or wait until a later time.

Our procedure starts by taking some photographs of your teeth in their present state. Next, we will take a digital panograph which enables us to see what’s going on underneath the gums. This information helps Dr. Lang identify the number of teeth, their position and growth of your bones and joints. After that, it’s time for the exam. Dr. Lang will look at the records and images and perform a careful examination. She may ask additional questions such as are there any problems chewing or swallowing. This information will allow Dr. Lang to make a proper diagnosis and finalize her treatment plan. Whether you are starting now or later, she is always here to answer any questions you may have about you or your child’s treatment. When you leave our office we think you will have a better understanding of how we can help you get the best possible smile.

Page 23 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

ANNUAL 20% Off Sale September 19th - October 1st In Stock & Custom Orders Free Pair of Pillowcases with $500 Order!

318.255.7327 Â 210 West Park Avenue, downtown Ruston Page 24 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Page 25 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

130 W Park Avenue Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 202-3874

Chessy’s BOUTIQUE & TANNING

NOW SHOWING AT CHESSY’S BOUTIQUE

"Let Them Eat Cake"

by Daniel Adams

1913 E Kentucky Ave • Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 255-7888

Page 26 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

THESE WERE MADE FOR How to style this season’s

HOTTEST BOOTIES

DO roll looser fitting pants to hit ½” above your boots

DO wear them with mini and pencil skirts

DO pair leather,

low-heeled booties with your work pants (a ballet flat alternative)

DO wear black

booties with opaque black tights. This will elongate your legs

DON’T tuck

looser fitting pants into your boots

DON’T wear

them with tooshort mini skirts

DON’T wear

sky-high booties to the office

DON’T wear

colored booties with black opaque tights.

It will create a “stumpy leg look”

DON’T be

self-conscious!!

Ankle booties with a maxi, but add an extra ensure some leg dose of style is showing (i.e. to any outfit! through a slit, or the Play around hem should hit a bit and have fun above the boot) with them!

DO wear them

Page 27 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

318-202-5614 110 West Park Ave. Ruston, Louisiana 71270

SINCE 2007

Patton's Downtown | Park Avenue | Ruston | @pattonsdowntown FB: PattonsDowntown Patton's Shreveport | 6120 Line Avenue | Shreveport | @pattonsshreveport FB: PattonsShreveport Patton's Ruston | 814 N. Trenton | Ruston | @pattonsruston FB: PattonsWesternWear

Page 28 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

JEWELERS

102 Park Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 ~ 318.255.1864 ~ baldwinsantiquejewelry.com

Exquisite Antique Engagement Rings Page 29 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

WINDOW WISDOM WRIT TEN BY: WHITNEY HARMON, WHH DESIGNS IN TERIOR DESIGNER: SASHA MALCHI • PHOT OS : SARAH BAKER

Page 30 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Hanging curtains can be very easy when you consider these simple tips ROD PLACEMENT

HEIGHT: First, try to hang the rod high. Hanging the rod near the ceiling will create a sense of height in your room. When you have the option to purchase custom length curtains, a good rule of thumb is to hang the curtain rod within six inches of the ceiling.

If you purchase ready-made curtains, you will want to hang your rod so that the curtain touches the floor, but no more than the bottom inch of the curtain is on the floor.

WIDTH: After you decide the height of your curtain rod, you will need to decide the width of the rod. A good rule of thumb for the width is six inches outside the window on each side. This will allow the curtains to cover the window when closed and will allow the full window to be exposed when the curtain is drawn.

LENGTH: A standard curtain panel will just touch the floor and make for an overall informal and casual aesthetic. If you want a more formal look or wish to dress up your space, you can have a puddling effect with your curtains touching the floor with three inches of extra fabric.

COMPLETELY CUSTOM

A smart way to get a custom look in a room is to coordinate your furniture or bedding with your window treatments. This creates a very cohesive feel to a room that allows your eyes to flow naturally through the space. This option typically takes the longest to complete since the customer is getting a finished product made specifically for their tastes and design.

A simple way to do this is to create pillows from the material you use for your window treatments. A more in-depth project would be upholstering a piece of furniture that coordinates with the window treatments.

ODD SHAPED WINDOW

Round windows or arch top windows are becoming very common in newer homes. However, if you have one of these windows in your home, you may likely realize that window treatments for these windows are not very common. For total coverage of these windows, I recommend a custom treatment such as a specifically designed shutter or a curved rod treatment.

This type of treatment provides a finished look to your window that will provide a deliberate design style. When choosing a partial coverage treatment, the key is to get a treatment that honors the architectural features of the window.

Page 31 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Page 32 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

ERMA BOMBECK ONCE QUIPPED:

Marriage has no guarantees.

If that’s what you’re looking for, go live with a car battery Erma Bombeck was one of the most beloved and respected women in the social realm of our American hstory. The reason for this was simple: she spoke from her heart. She was truthful in her thoughts. And when speaking about marriage and family, she had the ability to use humor in such a way that it resonated with all of us.

Like Erma, I hope to share my life and the lessons I’ve learned from it in a way that makes people think, smile, laugh and hopefully learn to view their situation in a better...and perhaps a more humorous light.

In other words, I plan to keep it real.

With these summer months of weddings taking place every weekend, we thought it would be appropriate to tackle the subject of *marriage*.

There are so many different angles I could have chosen to take with a topic as broad as marriage, but I chose to go in the direction that I felt were of the most interest to married folks.

The success of it.

So, here’s the question: “What do we need to do to achieve that ultimate, grandiose dream of a ‘Happily Ever After’ with our spouse?”

Well, the simple answer from me… if I’m keeping it real… is, “Heck if I know!” Lol! My husband and I have been married for twenty-one years, we continue to be a work in progress. We have a wonderful life with three amazing children, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

Kevin and I have a real marriage, with real issues, just like everyone else. But one of the keys to our personal success is that it’s a journey we only want to take with each other.... and THAT is a very good start to a successful marriage.

For this piece, I decided to ask several couples who have been married for two or more decades to answer this one

question, “What is the key to a long and successful marriage?”

Most couples gave pat answers like, “Laughter is the key”, or “communication” is what keeps a marriage strong, while others said they relied on their faith and commitment to God to get them through the harder parts of their marriage.

And yes, I believe all of those ingredients make for a happy and successful marital cake. However, there is ONE more ingredient to this mix of laughter, faith and communication that I believe is imperative to a fruitful and long-lasting union.

This ingredient is good old-fashion stubbornness.

That’s right: beautiful, wonderful, marital *stubbornness.* Stubbornness usually takes on this negative connotation like it’s a terrible trait to have. Well, in some areas, you would be right. But when it comes to having a determined spirit to keep your marriage strong, alive and thriving, stubbornness is actually a very, very good thing.

Think about it like this.

If you have been married long enough, you most likely have experienced times when you looked at your husband and thought, “Why in the WORLD did I marry that lugnut?!”

Or if you are a man, perhaps you have looked at your wife and pondered, “What a nag. If only I had known before…"

Certainly these thoughts are only fleeting for most of us. But if you are one who allows these negative and toxic thoughts to linger for too long in your mind and heart, you better watch out.

You will have entered into a danger zone of marital collapse that already has yellow caution tape wrapping itself tightly around every corner of your heart.

And if you couple that with a marriage that has stifled all laughter and positive communication, then honey, you better put on a hard hat because the foundation right below your

Page 33 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

feet is crumbling and things are falling apart while you stand heart with thoughts of encouragement like, “Don’t give up! there doing nothing to strengthen your stud that usually Not now.” “Keep trying.”, “You are better than this.” “You holds up the walls of your heart. are stronger than this.” “Prove you got what it takes.” “Prove Some might ponder, “But wait. What about faith? Can’t to your spouse that nothing will be stronger than your faith get us through when we’ve lost all hope?” determined spirit to make this marriage work!”

Well, sure it can. Faith is vital, but sometimes even your Yes, beautiful, wonderful marital stubbornness has saved faith feels shot when your marriage is in a crisis. many marriages.

You see, when one …Including my own. begins to feel hopeless This ingredient…this and helpless in their *key* to marital success marriage, many times is actually a form of they begin to lose their courage. It gives hope spiritual footing. And to the hopeless. It gives very often this will lead dreams to the dreamless. to them questioning It gives encouragement every aspect of their to a time and place we marriage… including hope to see with our wondering if they made a spouse. mistake getting married Ultimately, marital to their spouse in the stubbornness gives us first place. time....time to really But here’s the think things through and beauty of matrimonial time to calm the heck Teri Nettervile with her family stubbornness. It offers down. the time your marriage sometimes needs to heal the wounds Some people, who feel they are in a doomed marriage, say, that need immediate attention.

“I deserve better!”

Yes, indeed, sometimes, a little time is all you need to let Friend, I hear you. Yes, you deserve all the goodness in the dark clouds of your marriage subside, so your heart can the world. We all do… including your spouse. feel the warmth of the sun again.

Here’s the truth about life… sometimes we are put in Good things happen when you allow the light to reach the life situations that force us to dig deep within ourselves and darkest part of your hurting heart. Time and light allow you make strong choices… choices to use our life situations and to grow, to learn and to discover better ways to combat what circumstances as great lessons to make us better people, is meant to harm. stronger souls and more equipped human beings.

I sometimes think in pictures, so let me paint a picture of So, instead of thinking, “I deserve better”, start thinking, what I see when I imagine what marital stubbornness would “I deserve to BE better”, “ I deserve to DO better.” look like in character form: I promise you, when you choose to look at marital Picture a little “Love General” dropping stakes around challenges as ways to become a better person in this world, your heart during a time when you feel as though war your spouse, your family and especially your marriage will has been declared on your marriage. Imagine the walls of begin to fall into place. wedded bliss crumbling all around you. Your spirit wants to Be wonderfully stubborn when it comes to your marriage give up, let go of the pain and your mind begins convincing and your family. Love each other. Learn to accept each other. your heart that it’s best if you just go your own way.

Genuinely work hard to make your life together good and Suddenly, in the midst of your pain and hurt, you feel strong. this twinge of stubbornness swell inside of you. You suddenly *Bottom line: We are all simply imperfect people, living decide that you do NOT want to give up on your marriage… in an imperfect world, trying to make an imperfect marriage You DO want to work things out. work while keeping it real, keeping it good, and above all, THIS is your first clue that your little Love General. (the keeping it worthwhile. stubbornness that resides in each of us) is pumping your Cheers!

Page 34 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

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Page 35 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

What have mothers across the centuries always said?

Breakfast is the most

important meal of the day!

And, in fact, to paraphrase Michael Pollan, author of Food Rules, we

should “Eat like Kings/Queens at Breakfast, Princes/Princesses at Lunch, and Paupers at Dinner”. So, with that being said, mornings can be very hectic for families. But I believe that breakfast can and will set the stage for our children’s success each and every day in school and beyond.

What’s for Breakfast? with Dr. Karen M. Pendleton Thinking back on my childhood, our sweet Momma always prepared breakfast for my younger brother and me.

Some mornings she would hit a homerun with a quick and tasty breakfast meal.

Other times she could totally bomb, causing us to secretly feed it to the dog; flush that serving down the toilet; or let it casually fall out of the car during our school drop-offs. (don’t tell…bad on so many levels).

The traditional breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast is really a nice mainstay but can be impractical, and in some regards not as healthy for some.

My suggestions vary based on the available time in the mornings, the day of the week (weekends can render more time), seasons of the year and documented food sensitivities

/ intolerances / allergies. As the ancient Chinese Proverb states: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. One of my favorite breakfast meal ideas is based on a very nutrientdense protein shake. Other breakfast ideas incorporate preparation in advance, such as overnight oats and breakfast whole wheat pizzas that can be individually frozen and heated up as served.

The beauty with protein shakes is the ingredient versatility that can nourish the consumer, and most importantly, the child.

Another important factor is the time element. Obviously, breakfast protein shakes are super quick. The mixology of the shake can be measured and prepped the evening before. Mason jars can hold the non-perishable goods like

the protein powder, nuts and seeds. Each morning simply add the items, with a liquid of choice, to the blender.

That’s the easy part. The more contemplative aspect is making educated decisions on the fundamental ingredients, i.e., the protein powders and the liquids. Did you know that all protein powders are not created equally? I am here to happily share with you information on which I educate my own patients.

These protein-shake nutrition principles were nicely organized by my colleague, Dr. Ginger Southall Decker, in a report entitled “The Shakedown Report”. As it relates to the 6 deal breakers with protein powders, one should definitely steer clear of the following ingredients: whey (dairy), casein (dairy),

Page 36 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Non-GMO soy, maltodextrin, sucralose (Splenda) and fructose. My recommendation is to choose a plant-based protein meal replacement powder, like one composed of pea protein, hemp protein, organic brown rice and/or cranberry protein.

The toxic reasons behind avoiding protein powders with the 6 deal-breaker constituents is really beyond the scope of this discussion. Suffice it to say, the aforementioned elements can be toxic / inflammatory to our systems, particularly young growing minds and bodies. Additionally, parents should perform their due diligence to avoid protein powders possessing heavy metals, like mercury.

The liquids used to mix with the plant-based protein powders can be a choice of

The fun ingredients:

Here are some fabulous and healthy additives that can really make breakfast shakes delectable and so very nutrient dense. ✓Fresh and/or frozen fruit, particularly all of the berries ✓Super greens like kale and spinach ✓Nut butters, almond in particular. ✓Seeds, which add more protein, ‘good’ fats and fiber: flaxseeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds ✓Other creative ingredients, such as herbs (basil, parsley), ginger root and cacao beans. Cacao beans add a more natural chocolate flavor than the more artificially flavored powders. In addition, the chocolate flavor can be adjusted by the number of beans used in the shake. ✓Lastly, consider coconut water as a potential fluid, particularly from a young coconut.

water (alkaline preferably) and/or any of the nut milks, i.e., almond milk, coconut milk, almond-coconut milk, cashew milk, and my newly discovered macadamia milk. I am certainly not a fan of dairy, even if it is organic milk from grass-fed cows not exposed to hormones and antibiotics.

The constituents of cow’s milk are difficult for our digestive tract to fully break down; and this can lead to “leaky gut” (inflammation). Have you heard that we as humans are the only species that drinks another species’ milk after birth?

Soy milk, Non-GMO and definitely GMO (genetically modified / engineered

Page 37 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

organisms) is not encouraged for use in plant-based protein powdered shakes! As a lesson, soy is a phytoestrogen, thus a plant-based source of estrogen. Remember, too much of a ‘good’ thing can be problematic, and hormones are powerful.

Switching gears, I made reference to a couple of other breakfast recommendations.

The overnight oats and the breakfast pizzas. Both can be prepared ahead of time and simply served. The creation of the overnight oats allows the preparer to really get fancy! A nice twist is to soak the rolled oats (preferably gluten-free) overnight in fresh-squeezed orange juice

with either vanilla extract or dried vanilla powder. To add to the delight and nutrition, soak raw sunflower and/or pumpkin seeds in water. Both soaked items (oats and seeds) should be refrigerated.

Now, comes the fun and visuallyappealing construction.

Use those cute mason jars with or without latches and scoop out a couple of spoonfuls of the soaked seeds, followed by the soaked oat porridge. Next, top with fresh fruit (you know I love berries) and lightly toasted coconut flakes.

What child doesn’t just love pizza? That calls to mind my sweet niece who was hospitalized for a gut problem. During her short stay she was kept NPO (nothing by mouth) and as a side note she received animal therapy (possibly a contributor to her rapid recovery).

One day she asked her pediatrician mother if they could take their

midday walk past the cafeteria, so she could at least “smell the pizza”!

Breakfast pizza is as full of flavor as its traditional counterpart.

The use of whole wheat crust, egg substitute and whole food dairy-free cheese substitutes will increase the overall nutrition, while lowering the calories and fat. By using salsa and/or other veggies you can absolutely give the breakfast pizza an extra flavor kick.

Once prepared, the cooled pizza slices can be wrapped individually in foil and placed in labeled gallon freezer bags. On that cool Fall morning (or any morning), the individual breakfast pizza can be warmed for feeding the mind, body and soul. Yum! Be Healthy…

Look Better…

Perform Well, Karen M. Pendleton, M.D. aka “Dr. Karen”.

Dr. Karen M. Pendleton is the owner/CEO of the concierge medical practice: Pair O’ Docs on Line Avenue.

Dr. Pendleton earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her Ophthalmology Residency and Fellowship training in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the LSU Eye Center. Complimenting her medical education, Dr. Karen received certifications from Tulane’s Institute for Culinary Medicine and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City.

She brings a wealth of resources to the table, so as to assist her community’s health, personal fulfillment and the goal-attainment of “Be Healthy…Look Better…

Perform Well”.

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Tejas Fuses

Southwestern Flavors with Upscale Casual to Create an

Unforgettable Experience Page 40 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

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Chef and Owner Weston McElwee, Chef Paul Poe, and Manager Taylor Morgan

The culinary brainchild of celebrated local chef Weston McElwee, Tejas features a unique blend of rustic decor and flavors reminiscent of southwestern adventure, with an upscale twist. McElwee is known for his work as former partner and executive chef at Bella Fresca, as well as his time at the Cambridge Club, Jack Binion’s Steak House, the Vintage Steakhouse, and others. Joining him at Tejas are chef Paul Poe and manager Taylor Morgan, both

of whom he has worked closely with at previous restaurants.

Inspired by his own “country” upbringing, McElwee wanted to bring together a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere and his eclectic cooking style – and the result was Tejas. He has brought his vision to life in a beautifully curated space that formerly housed The Real Pickle on Line Avenue. Pared down to the studs, McElwee personally designed and rebuilt every square inch to embody the rustic, Southwestern atmosphere of both his memories and his dreams.

The menu at Tejas offers dishes that pair fine dining ingredients with exotic flavors, elevating classic elements to new, imaginative heights.

Tejas is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Stop by to try an exciting new dish, or hang out at the bar.

Pierremont at Line Ave in Shreveport

(in the former Real Pickle location)

(318) 629-9292 www.tejaskitchen.com

Photos by Brittany Strickland Photography

Page 41 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

FLOORED • ALISON MCKENZIE • MEDINA IN TERIORS •

RUGS:

the bigger, the better. Nothing shrinks a room faster than a tiny “Postage Stamp” at the seating area. Best rule of thumb: Keep 12” of wood showing around the perimeter.

One of the main purposes of a rug is to help define a space. When choosing one, you will be considering the floor space you have, what furniture you want on and around it and the connection and balance between the two. Some typical rug sizes are: 4x6 or 5x7 ft. (standard), 6x9 (large), and 8x10 or 9x12 (extra large), but often you can have a rug custom sized. Before you go shopping, use masking tape or newspaper to map out the ideal rug size on your floor and see how your furniture will fit. When in doubt, go slightly bigger – it’s always easier to tuck some of the rug under your furniture than it is to make a small rug fill a big space.

WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL SHAPES & SIZES? Square rugs are for square rooms! That

is all! Round rugs are for foyers, entries or kid spaces that are more playful!

If you find a rug that is too small, but you love it otherwise, you could always buy a larger sisal rug that fits your whole seating area, and layer your favorite smaller rug on top. I do this ALL THE TIME! Sisal, jutes and seagrass rugs are certainly a cheaper alternative to an antique kilim.

Make sure that your rug extends at least 6-10" outward on either side of the sofa. This is crucial! If the width of the rug is the same as the width of the sofa, you may be in trouble. It will look way too small and create a bowling alley effect.

Page 42 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Guidelines to follow to help you choose the right rug for your space: WHAT ABOUT SOFAS? Ideally, all the

legs of your sofa should be on top of the rug. However, I have seen and styled sofas, which were only halfway on top. Each are a great look! If you have to choose which legs should be on top, then choose those that are the least obvious. For example, if your sofa is low and close to the wall then you are less likely to see under it and reveal the fact that it’s not fully sitting on top.

LEGS ON OR OFF?

This is the question I get ALL the time and my best tip is: BE CONSISTENT. I prefer for the rug to be larger so the furniture can be evenly spaced on the rug which helps pull the room together.

If you have a smaller rug and cannot fit the furniture on it then stay consistent and keep all of the legs off of the rug.

MEASURE FIRST!

Pre-measure the size of your seating area before shopping, then choose the closest size up from that. In general people buy rugs that are too small because they are less expensive but it’s often going to make the whole space look chopped up and out of proportion. One of the main functions of a rug is to pull the room together, not chop it up.

Page 43 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

WHAT’S THE BEST RUG FOR YOUR DINING ROOM? Dining room area rugs are great

because they add a bit of drama, luxury and personality to all kinds of spaces. The rule here is clear: your table and chairs should be completely on the rug. The rug should extend 2 feet behind and be a minimum of 2 feet wider than the table on all sides. Your guests should be able to slide their chairs all the way out without catching the edge of the rug.

Your area rug should also be proportional to your table. The size and shape of your table will determine the size of the right rug. An extralarge, round dining room table means an extra-large round area rug!

Remember when selecting a dining room area rug that your table and chairs will actually cover the center of the rug. Be sure to choose a large enough size so that the pattern or texture will be visible on the outside edges.

Page 44 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

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Page 45 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

O

ne of the most exciting fields of medical exploration these days is studying the gut. It seems that everywhere we turn people are talking about gut health, whether from the perspective of nutrition, food intolerances, disease or one of the many other angles from which this topic can be approached.

In the last issue of LOLA, I talked about the Mind-Body Connection and how your mind can influence health. In this issue, I want to talk about a different brain…the brain in your gut.

The gut is often referred to as “the second brain”. It is your digestive tract, which starts at your mouth and ends at your bottom. Many of us think of the gut simply as the part of the body responsible for digestion, but it is actually a complex organ system that is constantly communicating with the brain in your head and other organ systems to maintain balance in your body. It is not only involved in the

breakdown and absorption of food, but also in protecting the body from the invasion of pathogens, keeping the immune system strong and

balancing the nervous system.

These functions are possible because of the microorganisms that live in our intestines known as the microbiome.

The microbiome is a term used to describe the trillions of microbes (bacteria, viruses and fungi) that normally live in and on us. The microbiome is established at birth and develops based on our exposures and interactions with our environment.

Scientists think that what we eat, where we live, our genetic makeup and many other factors contribute to which organisms colonize our bodies. Therefore, each one of us has a unique group of microorganisms making up our microbiome.

We are dependent on these “bugs” for our health because they help to keep our body in balance. The gut microbiome has been described as a control center. If these microorganisms are out of balance (dysbiosis), it can be detrimental to our health. Basically, when the gut is out of balance, the body can become out of balance, leading to illness.

Dysbiosis occurs when there are too many harmful or too few helpful kinds of microorganisms in the gut.

We all know that eating contaminated food (“food poisoning”) or getting a “stomach bug” can lead to things like stomach pain and diarrhea, but imbalance in the gut appears to be much more

Page 46 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

complex than this simple cause and effect. Dysbiosis has, not surprisingly, been linked to a number of gastrointestinal diseases, including stomach ulcers, colitis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Dysbiosis, however, has also been linked to medical problems beyond the gut, including obesity, allergies, skin disorders, and autoimmune disease. What causes an imbalance in the gut microbiome? Many things are thought to contribute, including cesarean birth, infant formula feeding, oversanitation, antibiotic use, poor nutrition and infection.

What can we do to promote a healthy gut environment?

Eat Prebiotic Foods.

Prebiotics are fuel for the good gut bacteria. By eating prebiotics, you can nourish the good bacteria in your gut and promote a healthy gut environment. Foods high in fiber are good prebiotics.

Examples are salad greens, asparagus, artichokes, legumes, bananas, apples, onions, and garlic.

Consider Probiotics.

Probiotics are microorganisms that aid in digestion and gut health. They can be obtained in supplement form and are also found in many foods

Integrate Your Health with Dr. Nicole Cotter

we

eat.

Foods

probiotics

containing

include

yogurt,

cultured vegetables (pickles, sauerkraut and kimchi), kefir and kombucha. There is a great deal of research looking at the health benefits of probiotics.

Preliminary evidence suggests that

supplementation

may

be helpful in certain medical problems, such as infectious diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. We don’t have all the answers, but the research is

ongoing.

Probiotics

are

relatively safe, but there are times when taking a probiotic may be harmful, such as if your immune system is weak.

It is important to talk with your doctor when starting supplements like probiotics.

Eat real food.

This may be the best thing you can do. Instead of focusing on one or two foods to incorporate into your diet, look at your diet as a whole. The Standard American Diet is crummy for the gut. It is high in processed foods, refined flours and sugars that lead to inflammation and an

unbalanced,

gut

environment.

unhealthy A

diet

rich in plants and low in processed foods and sugars cools inflammation, feeds the good bacteria in your gut and promotes health in and far beyond the gut.

Avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

Antibiotics revolutionized medicine in the 20th century.

They can be lifesaving and are an important part of many medical treatments. Antibiotics kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, which is a good thing when you are targeting a bad bug. They also kill or inhibit the good bacteria in your gut, which can potentially have negative consequences. It is important that we reserve antibiotics for the times when they are necessary. Avoid taking antibiotics unless your doctor tells you that you need them.

If you are taking antibiotics, it may be a good time to supplement with a probiotic to help restore some of the good bacteria to your gut.

Manage Stress.

Remember what I told you last time about stress and its consequences on health? The gut is no exception. Stress can negatively affect the way the digestive system works. Stress management promotes proper digestion and motility of the gut.

Exercise.

We are not meant to be sedentary. It is important that we get regular physical exercise to promote health and wellness.

Research also suggests that exercise may benefit our gut health.

Get adequate sleep.

Not

getting

enough has

sleep

many

health

consequences.

Changes in the gut microbiota

may

be

one of them. It appears that the types of food we eat and when we eat can affect our circadian rhythms.

Conversely, disruption in sleep may also change the good rhythms in the gut and the health of the gut environment.

In

2008,

the

Human

Microbiome

Project

started

the

Institute

at of

was

National

Health

with

the goal of identifying the microorganisms

making

Dr. Nicole Cotter is a rheumatologist currently practicing medicine in Shreveport, Louisiana.

She is board-certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine and is studying Integrative Medicine through the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Cotter believes that an integrative

up the human microbiome

approach to health is ideal.

so that their role in human

When not in clinic, you can

health and disease could be

find her reading, running,

studied. Research in this field

cooking with her husband

has exploded, and it appears we may have underestimated the importance of the little bugs living in our gut. Making healthy lifestyle choices to promote gut health can have far-reaching effects. We will surely be hearing much more about this topic. For now, treat your body (and your bugs) well, and better health will follow.

Page 47 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

or chasing her two kids.

Page 48 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

For an appointment to see the Collection or a business opportunity contact mcarlisle@worthnewyork.com 318-458-3541

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Long Sleeve Lace Ivory Dress with Fringe Swede Cardigan THE FASHION RUSTON

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Hudson Jeans, Silk Blouse, Cardigan and Zip Boots THE FASHION OF RUSTON

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Mocha to Powder Pink Reversible Poncho.

Mocha Ottoman Wool Pant.

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Page 57 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

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Page 58 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

LET THEM EAT CAKE Resilience with Style B Y Bevin Hicks

When you walk into Krush Boutique, you immediately feel a wave of positive energy.

That positive energy is Daniel Adams. As a young teen, he fell in love with retail while working in his aunt’s Christian bookstore. Even at a young age, Daniel genuinely got to know his customers. He loved to hear their stories, and of course, he has always been a genius at helping them shop. He hit the fashion retail

industry in 2004, the ripe old age of seventeen.

Growing up in small town Louisiana in a devout Pentecostal family, fashion was not a top priority.

Despite his humble beginnings, when Daniel walked into the fashion industry he found his calling. Not only did he find his passion, he found his unsurpassed talent for dressing women.

Krush opened in Shreveport, spring of 2012, and quickly grew to locations in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Longview, Texas.

This past year has been quite a mixture of excitement and challenge for Daniel. With much success, he launched his own clothing line, LET THEM EAT CAKE, in early 2016. He created LET THEM EAT CAKE when he noticed

there was a void in the fashion industry for women in our part of this country. With his years of experience and his eye for design, he began designing his own clothes. LET THEM EAT CAKE is a line designed in beautiful prints. These clothes are transitional, comfortable, and simply fabulous for women of all shapes and sizes.

All of his clothes are made in the USA. He was not sure how the retail industry would take to his new line, but he put his heart and soul into it, and it took off! In the midst of his success with launching LET THEM EAT CAKE, life threw Daniel a huge curve.

This curve is called Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. Cancer!

For most people, a curve of this magnitude would throw us right off the road. Not Daniel.

He handled this challenge like he handles everything in his life. With his electric energy and his brilliant, sarcastic wit, Daniel faced Cancer with a smile on his face.

As he was going to daily cancer treatments, he was

Page 59 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

working even harder to bring the women in our area clothes that make them feel beautiful. LET THEM EAT CAKE grew from being sold in twenty-five locations to over six hundred boutiques in just five months- the same months that challenged him the most. Daniels cancer is not completely curable, but he is stable and will continue to undergo treatment. Daniel said that he named his clothing line LET THEM EAT CAKE because “it sounded empowering”. Daniel Adam’s himself is empowering! He is talented, full of resilience, and carries a sense of style that is unmatched. Daniel has a certain honesty that can make you feel fabulous even if he gives you his “that’s not the outfit for you” look. You can be sure that he will help you find the outfit for you, and it will be perfect. Daniel is a reminder to all of us; when the cards seem to be stacked against you, keep your head held high and simply LET THEM EAT CAKE.

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ebrating cel

W

om

o en i n U nif

rm

As we face trying times in our communities and our country, these Women in Uniform continue to serve and protect.

We are forever grateful for their service and strength.

“Give your hands to Serve and your hearts to Love� ~Mother Teresa Page 61 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Deborah COCHRAN

Sue

CORPORAL SUSAN MENDELS

LT COL DEBORAH “DJ” COCHRAN, WHNP CLIN ICAL MEDICINE FLT CC I realized in my early 30’s as a high school dropout and mother of three that I needed to make a change in my life so I began nursing school. One of my first nursing instructors was a Captain in the Army Reserves.

Knowing that I was living on student loans and below the poverty level, she urged me to consider the military reserves until I graduated. I did so and joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves. I had a small income and a ray of hope for our future.

After graduating from college, I went active duty. I have been serving in the U.S. Air Force for over 30 years and will retire next year as a lieutenant colonel. This Air Force career has been so good to me and the best decision I have ever made.

The Air Force paid for me to continue my education and my master’s degree in nursing as a women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been doing that for 10 years now and could not be happier. I take great pleasure knowing I take care of the women that take care of our country ‐ both dependents and active duty. Though I would love to say there was some altruistic self-sacrificial reason that guided me into service of my country - that was not the case. I joined for a career, which could give me stability and a retirement when I was older.

In the Air Force one of our core values is “Service

MENDELS

before self ”. Military members typically don’t just work 40 hours a week and go home.

There are frequent requirements for extended work hours such as unexpected duty days, sixmonth deployments, and frequent war-training exercises.

These work schedules require a great network of family and/or friends to help work these hours.

For myself this juggling act has not been an extraordinary challenge because of the spouse I married 21 years ago. He is a wonderful man! He found himself within the first year of our marriage, alone, in full charge of my six‐year‐old daughter, when I was deployed to the Middle East. He did a great job with her even though she swears all she ever ate while I was gone were chicken nugget TV dinners with corn and chocolate pudding. He has been my helpmate during my entire career, and I would have found it difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish everything I have without the support of such a

wonderful man in my life.

One meaningful experience that continues to this day is when I am outside on a military base and it is 5 p.m. I hear the bugle sounding retreat, knowing the Star Spangled Banner is about to be broadcast over the base’s outdoor loudspeakers.

Just imagine seeing an entire military base population stop and focus together collectively.

Cars pull over on the streets.

Children, men, and women stop to put their hand on their hearts, and military members in uniform snap a crisp salute at the first notes of our national anthem. An intense patriotic feeling still sweeps over me.

I know whether I am at home in the U.S. or across the world on another military base, I will hear and treasure this feeling. Everyone stops, put aside differences, and are just Americans for those short 92 seconds while paying respect to the country I serve and love so very much.

Page 62 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

As far back as I can remember I wanted to be a police officer. I couldn’t join a police force until I was 21 years old, so I joined the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer. I grew up in an Air Force family.

Both of my grandfathers served in the Navy and Army, and my brother also joined the Army so I guess serving was in my blood. I deployed twice: once to Somalia and once to Honduras. After leaving the Army, I applied with a police agency in Kansas but was turned down. I let that discourage me and I pursued a career as a certified HVAC

Mariah CARRICO CAPTAIN/DEPUTY WARDEN MARIAH CARRICO, LINCOLN PARISH My love for law enforcement began at an early age. My father was a police officer for approximately ten years of my childhood. Therefore, I grew up in a very strict environment where you were to always mind your manners, respect your elders, obey the law, and most of all “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. I was raised with high morals to respect the law and the ones that uphold the law.

Growing up and still to this day, I enjoy making a difference in people’s lives and feel that law enforcement is one of the

technician. I stayed in that field for several years but knew that was not what I was meant to do. I moved to Shreveport in 1999 and after a couple of years, I decided that I needed to go back to what I loved. I

applied to the Shreveport P o l i c e Department, was accepted, and joined the force in 2002. I am currently a Corporal in the Uniformed S e r v i c e s Division. I met my spouse in the Army and we have been married for 20 years. We have an amazing eleven-year-old daughter.

Being a public servant has its ups and downs. Too often you have to work holidays and special events instead of spending that time with your

family. Sometimes I miss out on school plays and other events due to work. I often feel that I am being overly protective of my daughter due to the things I deal with at work. At times it is hard to find the middle ground between wanting to keep her safe and still letting her experience life to the fullest. I try to give her privacy, but it’s really hard to be a cop and not be nosey.

When I’m off duty, I try to just be mom and do my best not to bring work home. Although she doesn’t talk about, I know she sees the things that are happening around our country, and she worries about me and my career. It can be tough for all of us.

I love being an officer!

Every day is something new.

I am always learning. It’s hard for me to think of one incident in my career as an officer that stands out the most for me. More often than not, if someone has an encounter with a police officer, it’s usually due to something unpleasant.

Police usually only get called when something bad has happened, but to see the relief on someone’s face when I pull up on the scene, that makes the job worth it. I get to spend my time trying to bring comfort to victims by investigating the crimes against them and hopefully by getting them justice. I hope to bring them peace of mind. After a total of 18 years in law enforcement, I still love to get up everyday and go to work. I can’t see myself doing anything else.

most important ways to do so.

As kids, my brother, sister, and I would play the game of cops and robbers. I never liked being the “bad” guy. I always wanted to be the “good guy”, the one that did the good deed by putting the bad guy away. Now, I am not assigned to a position that allows me to “put the bad guy away”. I am assigned to the Corrections Division as a Deputy Warden, which is a position of ensuring the care, custody, and control of the “bad guys that were put away”.

God and my family are my true inspiration behind me going in the direction of service. To know that I am assisting in making the world a safer place for my family and others keeps me going.

Having a family of five, my husband, two daughters, and

my son, is a full-time job in itself and a highly demanding job at that. It is extremely challenging. It is not only challenging for me but also for my family. If I didn’t have such a wonderful family who helps with household responsibilities, I would not be as successful in my career as a law enforcement officer. My family comes first and my career second.

However, there are times when I am sure my family may not think so. I usually put in more than fifty hours a week, some of which may be at midnight or on a weekend. I go to work early as often as possible so that I may be able to accomplish more in that day and still come home at a decent hour to spend time with my family.

As you may imagine, working in a prison provides

many interesting experiences.

The most meaningful experience for me would be witnessing an offender accepting Jesus Christ and actually changing his or her heart from bad to good.

Each and every minute I spend in the prison, I attempt to make a difference in someone’s life. I am always reminding my employees that the offenders we are housing are people too and that we are not to judge them, but to provide care, custody, and control. Most of the offenders we house are generally good people and just got lost for a bit.

I feel that helping to provide

programs for the offenders may assist in bringing them back so they may return to society as a successful citizen. We have offenders that may never be able to return to society as a successful citizen and I realize that. I just want to serve to the best of my ability and help who I can.

Page 63 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Lacey DURHAM DETECTIVE LACEY DURHAM Growing up, I was tomboy and always on the hunt for adrenaline pumping adventures.

When I wasn’t outside crawling on my belly through the woods with my Red Ryder BB gun pretending to be on SWAT, I was inside sending my Air Force Barbie on rescue missions to rescue the other Barbie’s from certain death. I’m not sure where the drive came from, but I never could imagine myself in any other career, even when I tried.

I graduated high school at 18 years old, and I was disappointed to find out that I had to be 21 before I could apply to work as a police officer. I then decided that the next best thing would be an E.M.T. I could get the skills needed to save lives when I became a police officer and first responder. My husband and I had our first son when I was 19. I was a stay- at- home mom by day and attended EMT classes at night. I started working as an EMT and enjoyed it, but I was still anxiously waiting for my 21st birthday so that I could apply with the police department.

My 21st birthday rolled around and I went straight to the department to drop off my application. Almost a year later I had finally completed all of the hiring steps and was told that I passed everything and would be a great candidate for the next police academy. My dreams were crushed when my application was denied. I did not reapply

because I knew that I had done my absolute best on the tests and interviews. I felt that I wasn’t good enough. I changed my major back to Paramedic and continued working as an EMT but felt like a complete failure.

After applying for a position with the fire department, another candidate was chosen but the chief asked why I had not applied to be a police officer? He said, “From your application it appears you would make a great police officer!” I was stunned… Really? All these years later and NOW I look like a good candidate? I’m old and fat! I’ve also spent the last 6 years unmotivated and could not do push-ups like I once could.

They told me, “If you can pass a physical agility test in 2 weeks and all your scores will transferyou will start the Academy next month!”

The day of the test rolled around, and I PASSED. My score was not as high of as it was when I was 21, but I passed. I finally got that official letter offering that employment as a POLICE

OFFICER. After a year of patrolling and responding to more shootings, stabbings, armed robberies, wrecks, burglaries in progress, fights, domestic disputes and barking dog complaints than I could even count, I realize why the graveyard shifts are short staffed. But still, I loved it, and looked forward to hitting the ground running from roll call every night.

Fast-forward to my seventh year of graveyard patrolling I was divorced and remarried, with a total of six kids. I was informed that a detective position in the Tactical Robbery Unit had become available. I thought about applying, but that old inner struggle began; What if I try and fail? There had never been a female in the robbery unit.

I was scared to get my hopes up, just to be let down, but I knew it would be a good move for my family. Finally, 30 minutes before the deadline, I turned in my resume. A week later I got a call from the Lieutenant of the Robbery Unit, “You made the

Page 64 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

highest scores; you have been selected as a Tactical Robbery Unit Detective.” I did it!

A couple of weeks ago my teenage sons were watching the live news broadcasts of the officers shot and killed in Dallas.

They turned to me horrified and teary eyed and said, “Mom, do you HAVE to go back to work?? What if that happens here?? Please don’t go back!” I hesitated and thought what If I just didn’t go back? What other career would I like to do? I told them, “I am that responder and not only is it my sworn duty to protect, but I feel it is what I was put on this earth to do. I love being your mom and I would never ever want to leave this earth while you guys need me, but also I feel that I have to try and help stop or save anyone else’s mom or dad or brother or sister from leaving this earth and their family before their time. We just have to continue to pray that God keeps us safe.”

Heather DECKER MAJ HEATHER DECKER 93D BOMB SQUADRON ADO/EVALUATOR AND INSTRUCTOR PILOT I was born to a military family. Both my father and grandfathers were Air force.

It wasn’t until college that I really decided I wanted to fly airplanes. My dad was a military and civilian pilot at the time. Seeing my father’s work and success gave me the motivation to follow in his footsteps. I started flying small civilian airplanes in between semesters at LSU. I earned several ratings before deciding to join The United States Air Force Reserves. I absolutely loved flying and made the decision to make a career out of it. Originally, I wanted to be an airline pilot. My dad advised that if I was serious about pursuing a career as a pilot I needed to join the military.

The military would provide me the best training available.

For those of you that know me… know that I AM NOT THE TYPICAL MILITARY KIND OF GIRL! Before I knew it I was raising my right hand and swearing to honor and defend our country in the mighty B-52. This made me a third generation bomber pilot.

My dad flew B-52s & A-10s, & my paternal grandfather flew B-57s and helicopters.

I was the first female to fly B-52s in the reserves; a major accomplishment at 23 years old. Being the first female pilot in a community of men who

thought women shouldn’t really be here was no easy feat! Prior to my pilot training, 9-11 hit our country. I had just started my Officer Training School, so my dreams of being an airline pilot by the time I was 25 didn’t happen! Yet, in January 2002 I began my training at Laughlin AFB. This is where I met my husband. We have been married twelve years. I graduated pilot training in January 2003 and finished B-52 school in August 2003. I flew in a combat coded squadron from 2003-2013 to become not only combat coded, but nuclear qualified...SCARY! I now work at the 93d BS teaching students how to fly the B-52. I don’t always love what I do, but it is very rewarding.

I do feel very lucky to be part of a great organization. During my Military Career, I had 2 children; Landon 6 and Isabella 3.

Juggling life between service & family can be very difficult at times. I am fortunate enough to have a job that predominantly allows me to come home every night to my kids (one reason I haven’t left it for the airlines). Being part of the school house keeps me from being in a deployable job, so instead I train pilots to become combat aviators! I live a very structured life. I like a tight schedule; otherwise, I could not fit it all in!! My husband is also a pilot. He flies for FedEx and just recently started flying the B-52. This requires him to travel quite a bit, but one of us is always home for our kids!

I’ve had several interesting experiences throughout my military career. One of the

most memorable moments is when we made history by flying an all female formation flight out of Barksdale and my flight ended in an emergency where we had to return home right after take-off. I was flying with the BIG BOSS-the first female 2d Bomb Wing Commander at Barksdale. Women have come a long way since I started my career. Other memorable moment- experiencing my

first live weapons drop, flying on the border of North & South Korea and being able to actually see all the SAMs that could shoot me down! A final and not so great memory was having the courage to stand up to my Commander when he was out of line. This was a very hard thing to do, but I knew that I had to stand up for what was right no matter the consequences.

Page 65 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Overcoming Struggles with Learning Disorders

An

Altered State of Mind

Donesa Walker, M.Ed, is the owner of LearningRx of Shreveport-Bossier.

“Issues with School failure, low self-esteem, early drug use and higher rates of juvenile delinquency” quotes The Advocate of Dr. Steven Felix, a Louisiana pediatrician are all side effects of learning disorders especially that of ADHD, and yet Louisiana has over 18% of our kids diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and the highest percentage in the nation of kids on meds for this disorder according to a recent study. Over 10% of our state’s kids are on ADD meds and this is simply unacceptable with the long term side effects and results. Additionally, Dyslexia and other related disorders now affect as much as 15-20% of our kids in Louisiana. That’s 1 in 5 kids or 4-5 kids per classroom.

2 out of 5 kids are not reading at grade level by 4th grade according to the Nation’s report card and this rate is even higher in LA. The effects of ADD/ ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc. on our economy are overwhelming.

Dr. Sandra Chapman of The Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas in Dallas calls it BRAINOMICS and cites that the cost of cognitive deficits leading to learning disorders is an economic crisis we must address. Enough with the bad news! Let’s get busy correcting this trend.

How to make change?

First, understand that ADHD is a brain disorder which has symptoms

Page 66 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

including difficulty completing tasks, impulsiveness, being restless and compulsive, all of which many struggle with at various points in their lives.

Dyslexia along with its partners, dyscalculia and dysgraphia are also brain disorders with a wide range of symptoms that are growing in our population.

Additionally, environmental factors including television, smart phones and computer usage as well as more severe factors such as poverty induced nutritional deficits, neglect/ abuse, and exposure to alcohol/ drugs in the womb and in early life all lead to a higher rate of occurrence. Louisiana ranks at the very bottom in several areas on the Nation’s Report Card as of current research released in August 2016. It is hard to educate a population struggling with so many factors contributing to learning delays, but it can be done.

Second, we must take community ownership by stepping up to partner with community efforts such as STEP FORWARD that are striving to make inroads in these areas of concern and give of our time to be a community partner.

Third, we must take steps in our own lives to diligently address the environmental factors we have within our control such as dietary optionseating more leafy greens and nuts to increase our magnesium intake. Did you know that a magnesium deficit has the same symptoms of ADD?

Are you getting an adequate amount into your diet or taking a supplement to enhance your brain performance? 80% of Americans are not getting enough into their diet through regular means. In society today, there are alternate ways to get this into your system such as lotions, oils, and over the counter minerals but nothing beats eating it naturally.

Another environmental factor we must address is overuse of technology in our lives. Have you honestly charted how much time you & your children spend on smartphones, televisions, computers, etc? Is the WIFI constantly running in your home? The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that a child use only 10 minutes of data streaming (technology) times the age of the child and none at least one hour prior to bed. So for the under 1 year age, that’s no TV! For the elementary aged child, that means only 1 hour or less of technology including video games daily and definitely not any 1 hour before bed. In this techno-age, many children spend hours each day gleaning information from technology and even in some cases have textbooks gone to tablets.

So how do you combat this techno-age and keep our brains healthy? Train the brain. You are training your brain every moment of every day in some way but a deliberate approach is recommended to reverse the effects of too much/too little of all.

What are some ways to train the brain effectively and efficiently? One way is simply

a family game night. This is a simple solution that addresses ways the brain learns. Another way is to partner with a brain trainer via a local training facility such as LearningRx so you can be guided in the correct games/activities for your child’s brain. Getting a cognitive assessment so you know how your child’s brain learns is the key. Third, you can read every night to your child no matter what their age as this builds vocabulary and social interaction skills. Fourth, you can use the 1 hour of techno time for valuable brain training games aimed at your child’s ability by choosing wisely at Learningworksforkids.com or stop by LearningRx to pick up a FREE game pack and/or list of 100 APPS that are good for the brain (these are also available for download online on the website www.learningrx.com/ shreveport ).

Finally, combating a learning disorder whether you are an adult or a child starts with positive steps to address it and being deliberate about taking charge of your own abilities. Don’t let weaknesses overwhelm you. Address them.

Don’t let excuses rule your life.

Instead make a deliberate plan to boost your brain and that of your children, parents, etc. The growth long term is worth the time and effort now.

For more information: contact Donesa Walker at LearningRx ShreveportBossier.

318.797.8523 or email us to receive the free game packs at Shreveport.la@ learningrx.net.

QUICK TIPS for

ADHD & DYSLEXIA Identify the Cognitive weaknesses by getting an assessment-available via local psychologists and through LearningRx. LearningRx does NOT diagnose learning disorders but only looks at the weak cognitive skills to individualize a brain training intervention.

• Limit technology reasonably - 10 min x age of child or not more than 3 hours daily for adults.

• Boost nutritional benefits of magnesium & other minerals via a healthy diet-ask your doctor or see a lifestyle physician.

• Drink plenty of water to combat short term memory loss-example: 100lbs=50oz water daily.

• Read with your child/family members daily/nightly & play rhyming games, word games, and vocabulary building games often.

• Family game night playing board games that boost brain skills-list available from LearningRx. • Engage in purposeful brain trainingeither with a personal trainer (LearningRx) or via a deliberate approach.

• For ADD/ADHD, try alternate treatment methods such as behavioral therapy versus medication or with medication as recommended by your doctor.

• For dyslexia, get engaged with intervention programs such as LearningRx , Masonic Lodge programs, A Kids Choice Foundation or working with a speech/language specialist as well as those offered by your local school.

• Keep a positive mindset and Switch on Your Brain per Dr. Caroline Leaf by engaging in positive thought and restatements during the harder times.

Page 67 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

SEPTEMBER IS A.D.H.D./A.D.D. AWARENESS MONTH OCTOBER IS DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH

Learning Struggles Can Be Difficult.

Getting Help is Easy.

ADHD

LearningRx has improved the cognitive skills of thousands of children with ADHD. While we do not diagnose or treat ADHD, our programs have improved cognitive performance for clients with many diagnoses, including ADHD. Over a six-year period, 5,416 children and adults came to LearningRx with the diagnoses of ADHD. We measured the cognitive skills of these clients before and after the brain training. Here’s what the research revealed:* • Among 5,416 clients who came to us with ADHD, the mean age was 12 years, and largest improvements were seen in IQ, long-term memory, broad attention, and auditory processing.

• Broad attention skills improved an average of 24 percentile points following LearningRx brain training.

• IQ scores improved by an average of 15 standard points after LearningRx brain training.

DYSLEXIA

Cognitive skills are responsible for the ability to read. If certain skills are weak, reading becomes more difficult than it needs to be. That’s why LearningRx works on correcting weak cognitive skills. Once the weak cognitive skills are trained and strengthened, the jumble of letters gets straightened out, and reading becomes easy.

CALL TODAY!

Let us develop a personalized brain training program that fits your budget and schedule. Take the first step by scheduling a Cognitive Skills Assessment.

The first 75 callers who mention code “EASY” will receive the Assessment for $99, normally $299. Offer ends 10.31.16

* Based on past LearningRx clients. You may or may not achieve similar results. To learn more about our research and results on thousands of LearningRx clients, visit: www.learningrx.com/results.

8856 Youree Dr., Ste. D, ShreveportPage | 318.797.8523 | www.learningrx.com/shreveport 68 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

, Brandi s Story DECISION OF A LIFETIME

I

magine your first week of your junior year of high school in American history class and your teacher calls on you to read

out loud. Your last name starts with an “A” so of course she calls on you first. You begin to read the first sentence of the textbook,

“Christopher Columbus circumcised the world….”

Wait! What?! Did I just say that out loud?

My face burned with embarrassment as my classmates and my teacher tried not to laugh too hard at my misrepresentation of what Columbus actually did. All of a sudden the room got smaller and I heard a voice say, “You’re pregnant with a boy!”

With all the excitement a new school year brings and being halfway through high school, I just never imagined anything disrupting this mundane day-to-day high school life.

My thoughts were racing and I could not focus on anything the rest of the day. “Pregnant? I don’t even have a boyfriend. He was just a summer fling to make my ex jealous and it backfired.

There’s no way!”

Every part of my life at that moment felt out of control. I wondered, “Why me?” I wasn’t the promiscuous girl that you see in the movies. I loved Jesus and believed in Him. How could this be happening, and what was I going to do?

T

his moment in American history class was the scariest moment in my life.

Before any pregnancy test could confirm what the voice told me, I knew it was true and that there was a life growing inside me that deserved so much more than this 15 year old girl could offer.

The road of teenage pregnancy is a lonely one when you come from a small town. Whispers and rumors swirl about like a thick fog

that weighs you down as you are walking through a season of uncertainty and feeling as if your every move is being judged as your belly grows and grows. Your “Sweet Sixteen” doesn’t feel as sweet when you feel alone and nauseous.

My dad gave me advice that I live by to this day, “You and only you have to answer for the choices you make in life.” I’m not so sure he realized at that time how profound that statement has been in my life.

I knew I had a choice to make and he was right, I was the only one who had to answer for it. I was the only one who could answer for my unborn child.

After much prayer, council and sleepless nights, I decided the best gift I could give my child was a loving, committed, Christian family, complete with a mom and a dad under the same roof. My heart desired to raise my children in a home with a mom and dad

Page 69 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

together since I came from a divorced family. Since I knew I was not marrying his father, the only logical choice was adoption.

Everybody had an opinion on the subject. Some thought I should let an agency choose for me and never look back. I had teachers even ask if they could adopt my baby. Neither of those options seemed like what I wanted. I needed to know he was going to be well cared for, and that if at any time

he ever wanted to know me he could reach out to me without a long grueling search. My aunt, a hair dresser, had one of her clients ask her to pray for her sister and brother-in-law who were not able to conceive naturally and were considering adoption. Immediately my aunt told her about me. The couple mailed me a letter and a picture of them. As soon as I saw the picture, I knew that I was carrying their child. In the letter she told me their names, Tina Marie and Chad.

Tina Marie just happens to be my mother’s name, and Marie is my grandmother’s name. It didn’t take me long to know these people were sent to me from above.

The day “our” son Brandon was born, Tina and Chad were both there. Brandon has been raised to be a kind, handsome, Godly, well-mannered young man. I could not have asked for better parents for him.

He has never been without a parent a day in his life. He is now 20 years old, and he will tell you that he is blessed to be adopted.

Adoption is not an easy road. It is filled with lots of emotions and uncertainty, but it is worth every tear shed and every prayer prayed. There is no doubt that like all good things, adoption was designed

by God as a gift; a gift to those who long to have children but may be unable, or a gift to those who cannot raise a child

Brandi and son Brandon

due to their circumstances.

Twenty years ago there were not a lot of resources for single and pregnant women in our community. Today, I am proud to say that I volunteer for two amazing ministries that help women who are pregnant and unmarried right here in the ARKLATEX. Heart of Hope – A Sanctuary for Women is a 501(c)3 non-profit maternity home in Keithville, Louisiana, for women ages 11-23 who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. It is a safe haven for pregnant women to continue their education with a certified teacher on staff.

Along with continuing their education, young women also learn parenting and life skills and take budgeting and sexual integrity classes. Heart of Hope is a Christ-centered environment with a licensed

counselor and full time house parents on staff. Here any young pregnant woman can come to find peace during her pregnancy as she prepares to bring her baby home and parent or if so chooses or gift

her baby in adoption.

Not only have I volunteered at Heart of Hope for the past five years, I was also on staff as an event coordinator for a year. My connection to Heart of Hope led me to another ministry called Embrace Grace.

Embrace Grace is also a 501(c)3 Non Profit Ministry created by Amy Ford and Salina Duffy from Gateway Church in Fort Worth, Texas .

Embrace Grace is a small group study led from the church to show a young single pregnant woman that she is loved and not judged. It is for the church to be a safe place and a place of peace and support during an unintended pregnancy.

I have had the privilege of leading an Embrace Grace group for three semesters,

Brandi with husband Clay

Page 70 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

and each time it is amazing to watch the young women come to the realization that they are not alone. As these beautiful mommas are learning how big God’s love is, they are also finding support in a nonjudgmental way from of all places, the church. For many years the church has been the last place a young pregnant woman would turn to for fear of judgment. Embrace Grace is the opportunity for the church to prove we are not just Pro Life, we are Pro Love. Loving her through her unplanned pregnancy and celebrating the fact that she chose life is life changing. Anna E. came to one of my Embrace Grace groups in 2015. She was pregnant with her second unplanned baby and was trying to sort her life out in what seemed to be a roller coaster. Anna wrote an article for the Heart of Hope newsletter shortly after her semester was over. Here is what she had to say about EG: “God has a plan for my life far beyond what I can dream or imagine. Embrace Grace has given me peace in my heart and a love and respect for myself that no one will take away.”

I was so blessed to be a part of Anna’s story and I am very proud of the momma she has become to her two precious babies. I am grateful for the journey God has given me. It hasn’t always been easy, but I know that without my faith in

God, my situation would have been hopeless. It is because of God’s love and grace that I am able to share my story in hopes that someone who may be walking the same road of being a single and pregnant woman will know she is not alone. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Since Brandon was born in the spring of 1996, I went on to beat the statistics and graduated with my high school class without delay. I began college in the fall of 1997 and met my now husband of almost 17 years, Clay. We have two daughters of our own, Carlee and Avery. Being a wife and a mother has taught me to respect my decision to gift Brandon even more.

All three of Brandi’s children – Brandon, Carlee, and Avery

If you or someone you know is single and pregnant and would like to know more about Embrace Grace or Heart of Hope, please visit their websites… www.embracegrace.com and www.heartofhopeministry.org Page 71 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? Join an Embrace Grace group where you will learn how to dream big while also receiving help with the practical and spiritual aspects of life. There is a place for you at First Bossier Church!

“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matt 11:28

For more information Contact:

Brandi Smith

318.469.5336

Phone: Email: EmbraceGrace@First Bossier.com

Join

UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

First Bossier Women 318.746.7940

AN EMBRACE GRACE GROUP

MAKE NEW FRIENDS IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES RECEIVE A BABY SHOWER WITH NEW BABY ITEMS BE INSPIRED & HOPE FILLED THROUGH AN AWESOME SUPPORT SYSTEM GO TO: EMBRACEGRACE.COM TO FIND A GROUP NEAR YOU!

Page 72 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Nursery and Décor Furniture Baby Gear Clothing Gifts Toys more and mo

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Big Whitt FOUNDATION

77

Andrew encourages students to network with other students with similiar interest.

Written by Julie Emory In 2008, NFL football player Andrew Whitworth and wife Melissa made a decision to invest back into their community by creating a non-profit organization that would impact area youth and families. Andrew Whitworth, a former West Monroe High school and LSU football star, was drafted in the second round to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006. His wife, Melissa Clark Whitworth, is a Louisiana Tech graduate, former Miss Louisiana and award winning journalist that spent time on the air as a news anchor.

The Whitworths felt strongly that their success was rooted deeply in the community and the friends and family that helped them along the way. Youth development was an idea that resonated with Andrew from the beginning. At 6 feet, 8 inches tall, most of us can’t help but look up to him. However, it is the weight with which he speaks that truly creates the impact. The ideas of hard work, perseverance, passion, dedication, and “Reckless

optimism” are his focus when speaking to young leaders.

His desire is to inspire youth to have fun and be optimistic and to remember that attitude and reactions matter. How one responds to any and all situations will be a big factor that determines future success.

Andrew’s 10 years in the NFL has certainly served as a testament to these statements.

Serving as a team leader for many years, he has been able to be a part of the daily lives of many players. He values his role as a teacher and leader both on and off the field. His focus earned him a spot in the 2015 Pro Bowl, a welldeserved honor.

The Big Whit 77 foundation serves a mission to impact the lives of youth and families in local communities. Because of Andrew’s commitment to positive development of youth, the scholarship program was the first to launch from the foundation. Whit’s Warriors offers financial assistance to high school seniors in Ouachita and Lincoln Parishes. Selection criteria include a minimum 3.0 GPA,

campus and community involvement, athletic or arts participation and willingness to pursue higher education.

The program has grown tremendously over the last few years and has awarded over 400,000 dollars in scholarships and school supplies. All students who apply for the scholarship are invited to attend a leadership conference hosted by Andrew and Melissa Whitworth. Students are given the opportunity to network among other students, increase team building abilities, and ask questions of a panel of community professionals.

Students gain knowledge on what it takes to succeed in fields such as medicine, engineering, finance, ministry, and many more. Many of our former Whit’s Warriors have graduated college and moved into an established career field.

The second program introduced from the Big Whit 77 Foundation was Open Arms. This piece was driven

by Melissa’s passion that families who have the heart to adopt should be supported and encouraged throughout

Page 74 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Board members Rick Guillot and Gary Stokley along with Foundation Director Julie Emory award an Open Arms grant to Aly and Josh Taylor for the adoption of baby Genevieve.

their journey. Open Arms is one of the only programs in the state that offers financial assistance to families in the process of adoption. It is important to us that those families who are called to adoption are not turned away because of overwhelming cost.

The foundation has awarded 6 grants to 6 wonderful families over the last 3 years. Being a part of their journey has made a lasting impact for all those involved. Interested applicants must be from Ouachita or Lincoln parishes (or close surrounding areas) and have completed a home study.

Additional guidelines and the application are available on the website and are accepted October 1st and April 1st of each year.

pizza and games and then a video message from Andrew.

Within the message, Andrew surprises the families with a shopping spree to Toys R Us! The last two years of this event have been an amazing experience and has blessed 20 families.

The foundation is financially supported by countless community sponsors

Louisiana Tech and ULM athletes help families shop for gifts at the Wish List Event.

The most recent program developed by the Big Whit77 Foundation is the annual Wish List Event. This event partners ULM and Louisiana Tech athletes with local families for fellowship and fun during the Christmas season.

With the help of community organizations, families who have had a tough year for various reasons are selected and invited to Chuck E Cheese to hang out with collegiate athletes from a variety of sports. Everyone is treated to

particular program, donate in general, or attend fundraisers when available to support the steadfast mission.

The Whitworths divide their time among Louisiana and Cincinnati and stay busy on and off season. They have 4 children: 5 year old twins Drew and Sarah, 4 year old Michael, and 1 year old Katherine. Both Andrew and

6'8" of RECKLESS OPTIMISM and individual donations, as well as Andrew and Melissa Whitworth. We truly could not have the reach that we do without the dedication, commitment and investment the community has made in the foundation. Supporters can earmark donations to a

Page 75 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Melissa stay involved in the foundation as well as countless other organizations.

For more information on the Big Whit77 Foundation contact Foundation Director Julie Emory at foundation@ bigwhit77.com or visit www. bigwhit77.com

Page 76 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

W RIT T E N BY KAR A LOWR I E

Women wear many hats

with little time or energy to give to politics. As time and energy continue to become a limited commodity, women must muster up their time and energy to get involved and stay involved. The mere thought of wading into the political arena is a daunting one to say the least. The politicians view themselves as omnipotent and most of the time they no longer represent us. They are emboldened to follow out personal agendas with little consequence. They know we are busy raising families and pushing through the minutia of the day and count on us to assume someone else will out part for us.

I, for one, am tired of being quiet. Lately, I have been asking myself what did the great number of countless veterans fight for?

Let me tell you, it was for a free society and for our politicians to be our representatives. The issues of the day have never been more important. Women must decide if we want a say in how we are represented or do we want our politicians to think and act for us as we blindly follow. We have seen how this works in the past. This election is long term and breasts do not automatically qualify or disqualify a candidate from getting my vote. Their vision for this country does!

Consider these questions and if you answer yes to any, then this election matters to you…

•ACCO UNTABILITY •

• EM P L OY M EN T •

Do you know someone who has lost their job or cannot find one and has stopped looking? Does your current job exist in a Socialist country? Has your job moved to another country?

• P R OT ECT ION / SECU R I T Y•

Do you chose to protect yourself with a weapon? Can you physically defend yourself against someone wanting to do you harm? Maybe? Do you want the choice of how to protect your family? Do you want to be totally dependent on someone taking care of you and rendering aid? Do you have second thoughts about going to a movie or another crowded place with your family and friends?

• ED U CAT ION •

Do you teach your children accountability for the decisions they Have you noticed how the textbooks of today are dramatically make? Is lying acceptable? different from when were in school? Have you noticed how children are being taught now compared to in the past?

•HEALTHCARE•

Do you struggle with healthcare costs and spending 3 hours at the Dr.’s office with a sick child in your lap? Have you had to switch Doctors? Have your premiums increased? Did your tax liability increase to the IRS? Did you skip that vacation because of the increased costs? Was your employer able to give you that raise, or was it just applied to the increased healthcare costs?

• FAIT H •

Have you been made to feel uncomfortable because you want to pray before an event or function? Are you nervous even bringing it up? Are you afraid of being attacked for your faith?

Politics are exhausting! Women must dig deep and make the time to get involved. It doesn’t mean 10 hours a week. Contact a friend in another state to vote, send $20 to the candidate that supports Do you spend more time complying with overreaching your view points. DO SOMETHING! If we don’t, someone will. regulations in your workplace? Did your employer not give you a It does not matter what your views may be. We have a voice and raise because they had to hire another person just for compliance? we need to make sure that our voices are heard.

•REGULATIO N•

Page 77 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 5-8 P.M. Parish Taceaux, with Dirty Redd

Downtown ArtWalk

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 5-8 P.M..

Starts at Agora Borealis

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 8 P.M. The Strand Theater

Red River Revel

O CT O B ER

Yuengling Block Party

SE PT EM B ER

CA LE ND AR OF E VENTS

Shreveport-Bossier SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1-8 Festival Plaza Downtown Shreveport

Octonauts Live

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 6 P.M. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

ZZ Top

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 7 P.M. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

Driving Miss Daisy

Gary Allen

Legends of Southern Hip Hop

Highland Jazz and Blues Festival presented by Twisted Root

Keb’ Mo’ Band

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7 P.M. The Strand Theater FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 8 P.M. Horseshoe Riverdome

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 12-5 P.M. Columbia Park

NeedToBreathe

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7 P.M. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Cirque du Lake Annual Block Party FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 4-8 P.M. Lake Street

Wayne Brady

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 8 P.M. Margaritaville Resort Casino

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 8 P.M. The Strand Theater FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 7 P.M. CenturyLink Center

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 8 P.M. The Strand Theater

Heart

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 8 P.M. Horseshoe Riverdome

3 Doors Down

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7 P.M. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Pumpkin Shine on Line

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 4:30-8:30 P.M. Betty Virginia Park (RAIN DAY: OCTOBER 27, 4:30-8:30 P.M.)

Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Show

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 7:30 P.M. The Strand Theater

Oktoberfest

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Zocolo

Wine Tasting and Mingle OCTOBER 27, 6:30 Chianti’s

Bee Gees Gold Tribute

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 8 P.M. Margaritaville Resort Casino

I Love the 90’s

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 8 P.M. CenturyLink Center

Bill Gaither Presents The Gaither Vocal Band

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 6 P.M. Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Page 80 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Ruston Big Creek Trade Days

SEPTEMBER 9-11 327 California Plant Road Friday-Saturday- 9a.m.-6p.m.

Sunday-10a.m.-4p.m.

Reel Paddling Film Festival

SEPTEMBER 22, 6 P.M.- 8 P.M. Louisiana Tech Planetarium

Ruston Maker’s Fair OCTOBER 8

_______________________ Ruston Fashion Week OCTOBER 10-15 _______________________

Monroe First Thursday Downtown 100-400 Blocks of Trenton Street

Painting in the Park

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 9A.M.-12P.M. Kiroli Park Tennis Shelter

My Mini Masur Drop In Activity SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2-5P.M. Masur Museum

Landry Vineyards Presents: Code Blue & The Flatliners SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 4P.M.-7:30P.M. Landry Vineyards

Komen Jambalaya Cook-Off SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER, 17 10A.M.-2P.M. Forsythe Park

Landry Vineyards presents: The Cartoon SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 3:30-7P.M. Landry’s Vineyard

The Chianti Fall Wine Tasting and Mingle October 27 - 6:30

Spicy, Warm Reds and Hearty Whites Hors d’oeuvres included $35 per guest

6535 Line Avenue Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 868-5566

Call to reserve your seat 318.564.2073 Page 81 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

www.brittelizabeth.com

318-990-1597 britt@brittelizabeth.com

Page 82 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

Staffing Solutions • Companion Services Page 83 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

FROM HER PERSPECTIVE Executive Director of Susan G Komen North Louisiana In a time when HOPE means so many different things to so many different people this is what it means to me. My name is Lindsay Dean and I am the Executive Director for the North Louisiana affiliate of Susan G. Komen.

I’m a wife and a mother of three boys. At the age of 21, I experienced the first real loss of my young life as my college boyfriend, only 22 himself, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. After a 10-month battle which all happened very quickly, he passed away in August 2004.

That single experience made me who I am today.

More determined than ever to recreate hope, hope that I very much needed to believe existed, I received my Master’s degree in human services administration.

From there I went to work for the American Cancer Society in Shreveport. A few years later an amazing opportunity presented itself

to streamline my efforts into eradicating one specific type of cancer- breast cancer.

For the last five almost six years I have laid my head on the pillow each night feeling truly thankful that I get to do what I do meet whom I meet and hopefully making some smidgen of a difference in the lives of women and their families in the same community in which I grew up.

Back to hope - every day at Susan G. Komen I meet women facing every stage of the disease from very early diagnosis of breast cancer to a woman battling breast cancer for the third time in just a few years.

I am simply amazed at what faith, family, friends, and I can do to instill hope at every level of a cancer diagnosis. When I see hope, I see a 28-yearold mother facing infertility, facing financial problems, facing things no 28-year-old should ever have to be facing, yet still smiling participating in

Komen activities and trying to help others.

When I see hope, I see a 50-year breast cancer survivor who walks with a cane and can barely hear me talk, coming to the office every chance she gets to volunteer even if it’s 150 degrees outside.

When I see hope it’s 200 friends and family members who come together to walk in honor of a teacher with whom they teach and love every day.

When I see hope, it’s a single breast cancer survivor who starts a local breast cancer support group to be an inspiration to others.

When I see hope, I see a lady so inspired to help people with financial issues during breast cancer treatment that she creates her own financial assistance organizationthe only one serving breast

cancer patients in northwest Louisiana.

Even in the darkest times, hope is all around. If these ladies can find hope in the darkest of hours, we should all be able to find

“Even in the darkest times hope is all around.”

Page 84 | LOLA MAGAZINE | September-October

hope

in

our

lives. Hope in our lives, hope for our country, hope for our children

and

hope for the eradication

of

breast cancer.

If you don’t know the story of Susan G. Komen, I encourage you to take a moment to read it. It’s a beautiful story of hope and love and it will inspire you to be a better person. If you have the opportunity and the time, get involved. It may not be with Susan G., but there are many other organizations that need volunteers.

Perhaps

you

someone’s hope.

could

be

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