Lola Magazine Spring 2023

AT

THE FINEST CRAWFISH IN THE WORLD’S COOLEST BEER GARDEN.

BOS S IE r ci t y , L o ui s i a n A

BEAUTY is in the the Institute Ad 1.EYE WKofEye beholder with

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YOUR LASIK SPECIALISTS Christopher L. Shelby, M.D Wyche T. Coleman III, M.D. Stephen W. Lewis, O.D.

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2. TOC

LOUISIANA LADIES 78 The MAGNITUDE of Your Presence Denise Arthur forever a Louisiana Legend

66 Rebecca Smart Your House of Colour consultant 52 Off My Position but Still on My Purpose Finding purpose each day 44 EXTRA-Ordinary Living an extraordinary life explained

HOME AND ENTERTAINING

28 Hostess with the Mostess Oh Baby! The perfect baby shower 46 Business Spotlight Hart Design Lighting

2

BEAUTY

6 The Beauty Issue

50 The Pros and Cons of Plastic Surgery 34 Makeup Tips from the Pro Go from basic to glam with easy tips and tricks 40 Beauty Product Dupes Beauty on a budget

KIDDOS

83 Girl Dad The stories of two girls and one dad 69 Month Long Road Trip What to know before you go 92 Summer Camp Guide

HEALTH

56 Beating the Blues Managing stress and mental health 61 The Secrets of Sex Hormones Empowering women with hormonal balance

COMMUNITY

76 Life Insurance Matters 87 A Love Letter to Shreveport 94 Must Attend Events

C ONGRATU LAT IONS TO OU R VERY OW N C OV E R GI R L

3.

Kim Mulkey

and the LSU Tigers on their LSU Congrats Mulkey NCAA Championship win!

We knew 2 years ago Kim Mulkey would do great things at LSU, but who would have believed it

would happen so quickly?

Check out our article from 2021 to learn all about

her life and experience

leading up to this season’s championship win at:

Readlola.com/Mulkey

READLOLA.COM For subscription information, click on Subscribe Today

Happy Spring,

S

pring, you’re finally here! It feels like we’ve been waiting for you for ages. Your arrival brings with it a sense of renewal, rejuvenation, and constant reminder of the beauty that

surrounds us. I will speak for myself in saying, Spring is also crazy busy! Schedules can be overwhelming and even with the longer days, there never seems to be enough time. Yet, busy woman is a force to be reckoned with, a master of multitasking and juggler of obligations.

Whether she’s working a full-time job, raising a family, pursuing her passions, or all of

PUBLISHER Bevin Sutton Hicks Bevin@readlola.com 985-285-3742 MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carie Cotter Hart Carie@readlola.com

the above, she keeps rolling; determined, focused, and always striving to give her best to

318-573-6847

everyone, every day. That’s why it’s so important for us to prioritize self-care and make time

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tommy Stow Sutton 318-560-5785

for the things that bring joy and happiness. That being said, let’s embrace the crazy, take a deep breath, get outside, and simply enjoy the simple things in life.

We are thrilled to bring you this issue of Lola Magazine. Look your best and feel confident this spring with our area’s top beauty professionals and their latest-greatest products and procedures. Read up on easy DIY beauty hacks from makeup artist and the best beauty

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Charles Anderson DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE Carl Hammock

always, you will find the latest in health, entertaining and stories of Louisiana Ladies that

GRAPHIC ARTIST & ADVERTISING DESIGN Richard Creative Lola@Richard-Creative.com

continue to inspire us all.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

products on a budget. Check out our Summer Camp Guide to keep the kids busy this summer, plan the perfect baby shower, and take an inside look into a month-long family road trip. As

We hope that no matter how overbooked life may be, you take time for yourself and your own well-being. Our schedules may be packed to the brim, but take care of yourself, keep

4. Contributors

enjoying the things that really matter, and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!

Donesa Walker

Jessica Comegys Dr. Karen Pendleton Megann McDaniel Felecia Williams Rodrigo Martinez Monedero, MD, PhD Stan Popovich Rebecca Smart Jill Robbins Teri Netterville Greg Hicks Alison Alexander Findley COVER

Photographer / Jarrett Warren Floral / Tricia Stewart Make-Up / Michael Angelo Model / Makayla Michaelson FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION carie@readlola.com or visit Readlola.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK lola-magazine-lifestylesof-louisiana-ladies

Cheers!

Bevin & Carie

*Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited Lola Magazine is published bi-monthly by Stamper Marketing, LLC. Lola Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any advertiser. Distribution of Lola Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products and/or services. Lola Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the publication’s content.

Nonetheless, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absence of errors. No responsibility will be assumed. Visit us online at readlola.com to subscribe.

Lola Magazine is owned by Stamper Marketing, LLC.

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08 12 14 16 6. The Beauty Issue lead in 18 23 24 Anna Stephens

AESTHETICS

8445 Med Spa

FACIALS Lang

SMILES WK Eye

LASIK

Bellame

SKINCARE Terra

AESTHETICS

Pennington

FACELIFTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARRETT WARREN MAKE-UP BY MICHAEL ANGELO FLORALS BY TRICIA STEWART MAKAYLA MICHAELSON, MODEL

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the Beauty issue

7. The Beauty Lead in

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AESTHETICS

the Beauty issue

Anna Stephens Aesthetics

8. Anna Stephens

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A

nna Stephens Aesthetics, a full-service medical aesthetics center in Ruston, stands firm on one principle, Quality Should Never Be A Compromise. Anna and her team are committed to being the only place you need to feel confident and maintain your healthy, beautiful look.

Anna Stephens graduated from Northwestern School of Nursing in 1996 with a BSN. She continued her studies and, in 2002, completed her MSN and became a Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. While working as a Nurse Practitioner in a gynecology office, she focused on women’s health while incorporating medical aesthetics into the practice. Anna decided to take a leap of faith and open her own aesthetic business in 2017.

It did not take long for her business to grow, and Anna Stephens Aesthetics has maintained an impeccable reputation with the hundreds of clients she has helped feel more confident and beautiful. One client said, “I love Anna’s compassionate attitude and her personal care with each person. She makes you feel like you’re the only one in her office at the time. Very professional, and you can certainly tell she loves making women feel beautiful.”

Anna Stephens has attained master injector status and was recently awarded a top 250 injectors account by Allergan and was honored as a nominee for the top 100 best aesthetic injectors in the United States by Med-Aesthetics.

Anna is grateful for the trust her clients put in her and the support of her family, allowing her the opportunity to do what she loves on a daily basis.

Game Changer—Emface

In early 2023, Anna Stephens Aesthetics was the first in Louisiana to bring Emface on the scene. They are currently the only practice in North Louisiana to offer Emface, and it is quickly becoming one of the top treatments. They recently added Emsculpt Neo to their menu, and it is a game changer that their clients love, especially when combined with their Cellutone treatments.

What is Emface?

Emface is a revolution in facial treatments. By emitting both synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies, it simultaneously affects the skin and muscles. The end result is fewer wrinkles and more lift naturally without needles. Best of all, Emface treats the full face in only 20 minutes.

How Does Emface Work?

Emface is the first device on the market utilizing the simultaneous application of both the synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies. Synchronized RF remodels and smooths skin by heating the dermis and increasing the levels of collagen and elastin fibers. While the HIFESTM technology restores and elevates support of facial tissues by selectively contracting muscles and increasing the density and quality of muscle structure.

The Science Says It All

9. Anna Stephens

Clinical Studies showed that the simultaneous emission of synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies reduced the effects of the facial aging process.

37% Wrinkle Reduction 23%Lifting Effect 30%Increase in Muscle Tone Anna Stephens Aesthetics offers all the leading fillers and botox as well as the latest FDA-approved jawline filler from Allergan—Volux! Volux is a huge breakthrough in the facial contouring market, and there is more to come in 2023.

For now, Anna and her team are thrilled to supply their clients with all of the latest and greatest treatments and look forward to helping them reach their beauty goals.

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Because YOU’RE NOT READY to show your AGE

10. Anna Stevens Ad (318) 245.8959 2022 North Trenton, Suite 4

Ruston, Louisiana

Elevate Your beauty

11. 8445 Med Spa

Your prem ier Aesthetic Destination

• Facial and Skincare • Medical Needling & Chemical Peels • Laser Services

• Microblading & Eyebrow Services • Waxing • Injectables

8445 Line Avenue, Ste 200 • 8445medicalspa.com

• Diolaze XL • Lumecca • Forma • Morpheus 8

318.553.5800

FACIALS/SKINCARE

the Beauty issue

8445 Med Spa Skin Care Then Aesthetics: Elevate Your Beauty at 8445 Med Spa

W

hen it comes to a boutique med spa with a chic and friendly atmosphere, 8445 is the place. This upscale med spa utilizes science, art, service, and trustbased transparency to enrich each client’s life, propelling them to look and feel their very best!

When one thinks of medical spa services, the first things that come to mind are typically HA fillers and neurotoxins. However, both medical aestheticians and injectors also want you to prioritize skin care.

Not all skin care is created equal. 8445 believes in the science behind medical-grade skincare. Their medical aestheticians, Mari Lou and Katie, and their injector, Taylor Colvin, NPC, are ZO Skin Health certified. They strive to offer a personal approach to beauty and curate a skincare regimen tailored to your individual needs.

“Our skin is our largest organ and yet the least taken care of. When we give our skin what it needs, it can do amazing things!”

- Susanna Van Norman, 8445 Med Spa owner and founder Before you opt for any aesthetic treatments, they want to know how you are currently taking care of

12. 8445 Content

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your skin. Of course, injections, neurotoxins, and lasers are wonderful, but they are developed to enhance your skin and facial features. In order to fully benefit from them, your foundational skin health needs to be addressed.

Medical-grade skin care is a must when it comes to maintaining healthy skin. 8445 can help you start a skincare regimen from the very beginning or even reassess your current skincare plan. Any skincare regimen can be changed or tweaked. The important thing is that you are applying the right products for the right reasons.

Another amazing go-to brand carried at 8445 is Skinbetter Science. Both ZO Skin Health and Skinbetter Science are backed by medical-grade ingredients and proven scientific results that you see all over social media and the internet.

13. 8445 Content

With summer right around the corner, it is important to protect your skin since you’ll be in the sun more. Although skin care is important yearround, we all get more sun exposure during the warmer months. NOW is the perfect time to get your skin healthy and protected.

This top-notch med spa has a plethora of procedures and quality medical-grade treatments available for patients, including Botox, HA Fillers, laser hair removal, Morpheus8, laser treatments, Skinpen, HydraFacial, Microblading, and more.

8445 offers a personalized approach to aesthetics while giving you an out-of-town experience that you’d normally find in larger, metropolitan cities.

“What sets us apart from other medical spas is our passion for what we do as well as the gratification we feel when we see that our patients feel beautiful inside and out!”

- Taylor Colvin, NP-C

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SMILES

the Beauty issue

Lang Orthodontics

14. Lang Content

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Did you know adults and teens are the perfect candidates for Invisalign?

A

t Lang Orthodontics, we are a family-focused office where we offer a wide range of treatment options to suit your individual needs, including Invisalign.

Dr. Morgan Trahant Lang is a Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialist that utilizes the latest technology to straighten teeth without the use of any metal or wires. She will customize your smile with extreme detail and precision as she meets you in person.

With Invisalign, you will have a discreet option to straighten your teeth because the clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible. This means you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. Since the aligners are custom made to fit your teeth perfectly, they are comfortable to wear too! You can remove them when you need to eat and brush your teeth, making them a more convenient option than traditional braces. Straightening your teeth can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and boost your confidence as well. Using the latest technology, Dr. Lang will map out your smile using her iTero scanner giving you a smile that you can be proud of.

Invisalign is FDA-approved for straightening teeth and is a great option for adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly, comfortably, and it’s affordable. It has been shown to be effective therapy for crowded teeth, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Lang Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations and is a preferred provider for several insurances. With three convenient locations, there has never been a better time to consider orthodontic treatment with Dr. Lang. If you are interested in Invisalign, schedule your complementary consultation with Dr. Lang today! We can’t wait to see you Geaux Smile!

15. Lang Content

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LASIK VISION

the Beauty issue

WK Eye Institute

16. WK Eye Content

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LASIK: The Beauty Procedure That Enhances Your Natural Look

W

e all strive for beauty in our lives, whether it’s through skincare routines, makeup, or fashion.

But have you ever considered how your eyesight can impact your overall appearance? Poor vision can lead to squinting, straining, and tired-looking eyes, which can detract from your natural beauty. That’s why more and more people are turning to LASIK as a way to enhance their natural look.

LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a popular and effective surgical procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to allow light to enter the eye and focus directly on the retina, resulting in improved vision. The best part? LASIK is quick, painless, and has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing 20/20 vision or better the following day. “Patients often tell me LASIK is the one thing they didn’t know they were missing out on until after they had it done. Then, they all say they wished they’d had it done sooner,” states Dr. Wyche T. Coleman, III. “LASIK is not just a procedure; it’s an investment in yourself,” says Dr. Christopher Shelby. He goes on to state, “When Improving your vision, you’re investing in your overall well-being and quality of life. Unlike many medical procedures, LASIK isn’t covered by insurance. However, it’s worth the cost when you consider the savings of not having to purchase contact lenses or eyeglasses every year.”

So, how does LASIK enhance your natural beauty? Firstly, it eliminates the need for glasses or contacts, which can be a hassle to maintain and can even detract from your appearance.

With LASIK, you can enjoy clear, natural vision without the hassle of constantly having to adjust your glasses or put in and take out your contacts.

Secondly, LASIK can also help to reduce the appearance of tired, strained eyes. Poor vision can cause a lot of strain on the eyes, leading to wrinkles, dark circles, and other signs of fatigue. Correcting your vision with LASIK can reduce the

strain on your eyes and maintain a bright, youthful appearance.

Finally, LASIK can give you the confidence to feel beautiful and embrace your natural look. Poor vision can make it challenging to participate in activities you love, whether playing sports or enjoying a night out. With LASIK, you can enjoy life to the fullest without worrying about your vision.

You’ll feel confident and beautiful, with a newfound freedom to embrace your natural look.

As you can imagine, when it comes to LASIK, you want to make sure you choose a trusted and experienced eye care provider. That’s why WK Eye Institute should be your choice for your eye care needs, including LASIK. Selecting a team of expert eyecare professionals, including eye surgeons Dr. Christopher Shelby, Dr. Wyche T. Coleman, III, and one of Shreveport’s leading optometrists, Dr. Stephen Lewis, pair this with our state-of-the-art technology, and you’ve got an unstoppable eye care team whose sole goal is to deliver the visual outcome you desire.

Dr. Stephen Lewis states, “One of the most rewarding aspects of my patient care is when LASIK patients express how having LASIK has literally changed their lives.” This statement perfectly captures the transformative power of LASIK and the positive impact it can have on a person’s life.

LASIK is an elective procedure. However, it’s a procedure that enhances your natural look. It eliminates the need for glasses and contacts, reduces the appearance of tired eyes, and helps to give you the confidence you need to embrace your natural beauty.

WRITTEN BY TANYA SHELTON-HARVILLE

17. WK Eye Content

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SKINCARE/MAKEUP

the Beauty issue

Bellame

Prestige Beauty, Health, and Wealth for the Modern Mature Woman

18. Bellame Content

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I

n today’s world, anyone that is anyone has their name on a skincare and makeup company and will tell you it’s the best. That is why choosing what brand is right for you and your skin can be so hard.

I am Erin Foster, a hairstylist of 22 years. Having owned a hair salon and a boutique in Ruston, LA, for many years, I have always paid close attention to what is going on in the beauty and fashion industry and have never been afraid to step out and try something new. Five years ago, working behind my chair 12 plus hours a day and running a successful boutique in town, I found myself still searching for something different.

Around this time, I ran across a video of a very real woman opening herself up to the public and curating her very own line of skincare. Quickly approaching 40 and having tried most things from the box stores and spending thousands on products from medispas, I thought, why not give it a try? My skin immediately started to change. Dark spots lightened, hydration filled out fine lines and wrinkles, and I had a glow to my skin that everyone else noticed. I wasn’t the only one with these results.

Our CEO and founder, Melissa Thompson, has created a formulation that is suitable for all skin types. Our products reach the cellular level with a patented ingredient, soluxomes, to give your skin just what it needs—repairing it from the inside out. The before and afters speak for themselves. And she didn’t stop there. She worked with top labs in the industry to create an anti-aging makeup line just for us.

In today’s modern world of influencing and affiliate marketing, it is easy to share products you love, especially when you see the benefits these products can have on someone. Plus, with the rising cost of living, why wouldn’t you want to seek out the best financial options for your family and be given a chance to change someone else’s life by helping put bread on their table?

The great thing about our Omni marketing opportunity is that you choose the pace. You can focus on monetizing your brand by influencing your friends and viewers with products you love, or you can take it a step further, like I have done, by

building a team and uniting with inspirational women across the US and soon the globe.

Prestige Beauty is a market that will never fade. You can tap into the beauty world at any age, skin tone, or skin type, which is why it is a continuously growing market. You can have faith knowing that you’ll have an audience of potential clients already interested in beauty products and affiliate marketing.

Erin Foster Platinum Executive Director with Bellame www.Bellame.com/independent_divas

19. Bellame Content

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INSPIRED BY LUXURY POWERED BY SCIENCE

We believe in the power of confidence through products that deliver real results.

We are passionate entrepreneurs coming together from all walks of life to unite as one tribe, one family of friends.

20. Bellame Ad

We put prestige beauty & wellness into the hands of our customers while putting milk on the table for those that share our brand.

We are promoters of beauty from within.

We are a force of good.

WE ARE BELLAME.

Erin Foster

PLATINUM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WITH BELLAME

(318) 548.4798

www.Bellame.com/independent_divas

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Time 22. Terra Ad to Rejuvenate!

Spa Terra

the Beauty issue

O

wner and Nu rs e Practitioner, Tiffany Terra, is passionate about helping her clients look younger and feel more confident. Spa Terra cutting-edge treatments and services to enhance the appearance and wellbeing of its clients. One of the most popular services offered by Spa Terra is Botox and fillers, which are widely recognized for their ability to smooth out wrinkles and restore youthful volume to the face.

Located in a sleek and modern facility, Spa Terra is staffed by a team of highly trained and experienced professionals, including licensed nurses and estheticians. The team is committed to providing each client with personalized attention and care, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident throughout their entire experience.

During a Botox or filler treatment at Spa Terra, Tiffany will work with the client to determine their specific goals and needs. She will then recommend a customized treatment plan, which may include a combination of Botox and filler injections to address different areas of the face. The treatment itself is quick and virtually painless, with most clients experiencing only mild discomfort or temporary redness at the injection site.

One of the key advantages of choosing Spa Terra for Botox and filler treatments is the use of advanced technology and techniques. Spa Terra uses the latest in injection methods to ensure precise and natural-looking results, while minimizing discomfort and downtime.

Additionally, Spa Terra uses only the highest

quality products, such as Juvederm and Botox, which have been proven to deliver safe and effective results.

Beyond Botox and fillers, Spa Terra offers a wide range of other services designed to help clients look and feel their best. One of the newest being The Geneo difference . This patented 3-in1 technology delivers immediate benefits: OXYGENATION: Geneo’s innovative process triggers the release of oxygen from within to prep the skin to absorb nutrients throughout the rest of the facial treatment.

NOURISHMENT: A blend of active ingredients is infused into your newly oxygenated and exfoliated skin during our ultrasound process, allowing for maximum absorption.

SCULPTING: A gentle massage during the last step promotes lymphatic drainage to reduce redness and puffiness.

Another exciting new procedure offering big results, quickly is their Dermaplane Express. Spa Terra’s Dermaplane Express provides instant results and glowing skin in just 30 minutes!

Includes deep cleansing, nourishing exfoliation, Vitamin C, hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen!

Getting your glow can be done in a lunch break!

Call Spa Terra to book an appointment and start your journey towards looking and feeling your best. Tiffany and her team ensure an excellent experience with the highest level of expertise and commitment to personalized care.

1

2 23. Terra Content 3

AESTHETICS

Spa Terra specializes in skin treatments customized to restore, rejuvenate and enhance your natural beauty.

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FACELIFTS

the Beauty issue

Lindsey Pennington MD The truth about Facelifts

F

acelifts and necklifts are becoming more and more common as techniques advance and fallacies fade. In 2022, it was the primary plastic surgical procedure requested for the head and neck region according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. When checking plastic surgery consumer driven websites like Realself, 93% of patients who had undergone a facelift rated it as worth it and would recommend it to a friend or family member.

This is a huge number of satisfied patients across all geographical areas and different providing surgeons. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic

surgery of the face with a practice focusing on addressing concerns of the aging face, I have a lot of experience with facelifts and facial aging.

A rhytidectomy (the medical term for facelift), helps address facial aging associated with sagging loose skin, descent of facial structures and volume loss. In the last ten years, I have seen a lot of advances made in the surgical techniques for face and neck lifts. Results now more than ever are natural looking and lasting longer. Techniques such as the extended deep plane facelift and structural neck lifts in the hands of a skilled surgeon are leaving patients refreshed and youthful with minimal downtime.

24. Pennington Content

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THE MOST COMMON MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH FACELIFTS THAT I SEE.

Myth #1: Gravity and resulting Loose Skin is at Fault for your aging Face

For decades, this has been the thought and taught to surgeons, with primarily skin only facelifts (mini-lifts or traditional facelifts) that dissect and tighten skin being the only treatment offered. This lead to results that were often stretched and unnatural appearing. This spurred along further research and advancement in techniques. Unfortunately, though, a stigma of facelifts leading to unnatural “funny appearing results” remain. During my consultations, my patients are blown away by how natural everyone looks when we review before and after pictures of my actual surgical patients. People are missing out on the opportunity available from advanced techniques, because people are so fearful of the poor outcomes of the past.

Skin only facelifts do not address the deep tissues of the face, including fat and muscle that have loosened and descended. It also does not address the volume loss caused by atrophying fat

and bones.

Modern techniques of deep plane facelifts in the hands of an experienced surgeon focus on both lifting the soft tissues and restoring lost volume for an overall cohesive and natural rejuvenation.

Myth #2: You Must be Older to have a Facelift

In my practice, I see a wide range of patients for surgical consultations. I perform facial rejuvenation surgeries and specifically face/neck lifts on patients in their late 30’s well into their 80’s. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons data for 2022 states the average age of patients seeking out facelifts starts in their mid to late 40’s. The best time is dependent on a patient’s anatomy, genetics, and goals. Patients can come to me in their early 40’s with redundant skin and aging and be perfect candidates. Other patients in their late 50’s and early 60’s might not have the anatomy or aging that is appropriate to treat surgically.

I personally feel that surgical interventions in your later 40’s through mid 50’s is ideal for most patients. Aging has started, but patients are healthy and able to carry through with a seamless recovery. If you’re older than this, the results can be more dramatic, which is fun for me as surgeon, but it also leads to a period of time where the patient hasn’t looked their best for some years. I hear frequent disheartening stories in my office of avoiding photos and personal insecurity prior to surgery. After surgery, they feel great again, so why did they wait? I witness a bigger emotional and physical return on investment for the younger patients. Any age patient can be happy with the results; it’s more about when the time is right for you! Everyone is different, and that is something to explore with a surgical consultation.

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Myth #3: Surgical Recovery is Long

In the past, facelift surgery was considered a major surgery with months of expected downtime. As with other surgeries, as techniques advance, the recovery period shortens.

The majority of my patients are back at work after 2 weeks. Even in the immediate post operative period, my patients wear a dressing for the immediate 24 hours after surgery and then no dressing is required. This makes the recovery period much more comfortable.

In addition, my office has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber that my post operative patients access, helping to speed up the recovery process and decreasing the amount of swelling.

Every patient is different and recovery courses can vary, but I find as my patients age and especially if they have any underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, the recovery time lengthens. For patients over 55-60 years of age, it can take an additional third week before they return to work full time and be back to 100%.

Patients also ask about pain. The surgery is well tolerated. Over 90% of my patients do not take any narcotic pain medications during their recovery. I prescribe a combination of prescription medications for inflammation and muscle relaxation which are enough for patients to be very comfortable. But we tailor each treatment plan to each individual patient.

26. Pennington Content Myth #4: You can achieve Facelift Results with Non-invasive Technology or Injections

As an experienced injector who trains other physicians and providers on a national level on Botox, Juvederm and Restylane products, I have significant experience with how beneficial injections can be for hiding the signs of ageing and improving facial proportions.

In addition, my office carries the most cutting edge technology in non-invasive devices such as Morpheus8 and Facetite. Both are marketed as non-invasive facelifts. To date, there is nothing on the market that achieves anything close to surgical facelift results.

Patients are able to slow down the appearance of aging with these devices and injections, but when procedures stop giving the results that are desired, then more isn’t always better, and it’s usually a sign that it’s time to move on to more definitive treatments.

In general, there are a lot of misconceptions about facelift surgery in general, but with advanced techniques and specialization of surgeons, subtle natural results are becoming the industry standard. When considering facelift surgery, it’s a big decision both emotionally and financially, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Results can truly be life changing and really improve one’s self confidence and quality of life. The most important factors to consider are your surgeon’s specialty, skill set, experience and open communication. It is important to ask for before and after pictures, how much follow up to expect, and what kind of access you will have to the surgeon after surgery. Make sure those fit with the desired results and goals you. Your relationship with your surgeon is so important, so find one who gives you confidence.

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Dr. Lindsey Pennington is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures. Her main area of focus is extended deep plane facelifts, structural neck lifts and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Her office is on Line Avenue in Shreveport.

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

WE HAVE A FULL MEDICAL SPA FOR FACE AND BODY that is supervised by in house board certified physicians and expertly trained medical estheticians: With an array of facials including DiamondGlow dermalinfusion, aquagold, chemical peels, microneedling with PRP, Morpheus 8, Exilis ultra 360, CoolSculpting and much more!

Our Body Center • DiamondGlow Body: Exfoliates and cleanses the skin on the body including the chest, back shoulders, arms, buttocks and legs • Body Chemical Peel: Non-invasive pain free treatment to help with fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, active acne, acne scars and stretch marks

Dr. Pennington is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon, she is an expert injectors through Allergan Aesthetics (the makers of Botox and Juvederm fillers) and Galderma Aesthetics USA (the makers of Restylane filler and Dysport), who is a national speaker and trainer for both companies.

Surgical Areas of Expertise • Rhytidectomy (Facelift) • Temporal Brow Lift • Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) • Lip Lift • Submental and Jawline Liposuction • Neck Lift • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) • Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) • Buccal Fat Pad Removal Dr. Lindsey Pennington

• Exilis Ultra: Radio frequency skin tightening for thin, sagging or crepey skin

27. Pennington ad • CoolSculpting: FDA approved permanent fat reduction to contour the body

• Body Tone: Muscle strengthening and toning device to strengthen, sculpt, tone and rebuild muscle mass in the abdomen, buttocks, legs or arms • Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber: HBO helps the body heal faster with pressurized oxygen

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Souyoul, our board certified dermatologist, specializes in cosmetic injections of the face and body, medical grade skincare, mole checks, acne, and rosacea.

She has participated in numerous clinical studies including the studies to get the first FDA approval for jawline and tear trough (under eye) filler. She is an international and national speaker and has over 5 years of experience with CoolSculpting.

Skincare

Dr. Skylar Souyoul

We offer an array of medical grade skincare lines and services including:

HOURS & LOCATION

Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm • Saturday: 9am-1pm 6030 Line Ave, Suite 110 • Shreveport, LA (318) 216-5366 | penningtonfacialplastics.com @penningtonfacialplastics

• Complimentary SkinCeuticals Skinscope • The only SkinCeuticals skinlab and flagship location in the state of Louisiana • Custom D.O.S.E. Machine: personalized compounded medical grade skincare in office

• SkinMedica • Revision Skincare • EltaMD • SkinBetter Science • ColoreScience • Latisse

Oh Baby!

HOSTESS with the MOSTESS Throwing a baby shower is one of the most exciting and heartwarming things you can do for an expecting mother.

WRITTEN BY JESSICA COMEGYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY STRICKLAND

28. Hostess with The Mostess Oh Baby

28

It’s a special way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a precious new life, and to show the momto-be just how much she and her baby are loved and appreciated.

29. Hostess with the Mostess I

f you’re considering throwing a baby shower, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make it an unforgettable experience. From the invitations to the decorations to the games and activities, every detail should be carefully planned to create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.

First and foremost, choose a date and time that works well for the mom-to-be and her guests. Typically, baby showers are held a few weeks before the due date, but this can vary depending on the mom’s preferences and schedule. Once you have a date in mind, start sending out invitations at least a month in advance, giving guests enough time to plan and RSVP. Next, decide on a theme or color scheme for the shower. This can be anything from classic pastels to bold and bright patterns, or even a fun and quirky theme like “Jungle Safari” or “Under the Sea”.

Choose decorations that fit the theme, such as balloons, banners, tablecloths, and centerpieces.

When it comes to food and drinks, keep things simple and crowd-pleasing. Finger foods like sandwiches, fruit platters, and mini quiches are always a hit, as are sweet treats like cupcakes and cookies. For drinks, consider serving up a signature mocktail or two, along with plenty of water, tea, and coffee. And you know me… got to have a mimosa bar! For the rest of us who aren’t pregnant.

29

When it comes to food and drinks, keep things simple and crowd-pleasing.

Diaper Raffle Game A fun baby shower game is the “Diaper Raffle”.

Here’s how it works: • Include a diaper raffle ticket with each invitation. Guests will bring a package of diapers (any size) and the raffle ticket to the shower.

• When guests arrive, collect their raffle tickets and place them in a bowl or container.

• During the shower, draw a few raffle tickets and award prizes to the winners.

• This game is both fun and practical, as the new parents will have plenty of diapers for their little one. Plus, guests get a chance to win a prize for participating.

30. Hostess with the Mostess N

o baby shower is complete without some fun and games! Plan a few activities that will keep guests entertained and engaged, such as guessing the baby’s gender, playing baby shower bingo, or creating a scrapbook page for the mom-to-be. You can also set up a photo booth area with props and backdrops for guests to take silly pictures.

Finally, don’t forget to shower the mom-to-be with love and gifts! Ask guests to bring a small present for the baby, such as clothes, toys, or books, and set up a designated area for the gifts to be displayed. You can also surprise the momto-be with a special gift or two, like a personalized diaper bag or a spa day voucher.

Throwing a baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate new life and the joy of motherhood. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a memorable and meaningful event that will be cherished for years to come.

So gather your friends and family, and get ready to shower the mom-to-be with love and blessings!

30

Diaper Cake A diaper cake is a fun and creative way to incorporate diapers into the baby shower decor, while also providing a practical gift for the mom-to-be. Here’s how to build a basic three-tiered diaper cake: MATERIALS: 60-70 diapers (size 1 or 2) Large rubber bands (3) Cardboard cake round (12-14 inches) Decorative ribbon or twine Scissors Optional: small baby items (such as pacifiers, onesies, or toys) to decorate the cake INSTRUCTIONS: • Begin by rolling up each diaper tightly and securing it with a rubber band. You’ll need about 20-25 diapers for each tier.

• Take one of the rubber bands and wrap it around a small stack of 7-8 diapers to form the base of the bottom tier. Repeat with two more stacks of diapers, stacking them on top of each other to create a threetiered cake.

• Place the cardboard cake round on top of

the bottom tier of diapers.

• Use ribbon or twine to wrap around the base of each tier to cover the rubber bands.

• To add some decorative elements, you can tuck small baby items (such as pacifiers or onesies) into the ribbon or tie them onto the outside of the cake with ribbon.

• Finish the cake by tying a bow or adding a small topper.

VARIATIONS: • Add additional tiers to make a larger cake, or make mini diaper cakes for individual table centerpieces.

• Use different types of ribbon or twine to match the theme or colors of the baby shower.

• Personalize the cake by adding the baby’s name or monogram with letter stickers or cutouts.

Building a diaper cake is a fun and easy DIY project that is sure to impress the guests at the baby shower, while also providing a practical and thoughtful gift for the mom-to-be.

31. Hostess with the Mostess Tea sandwiches Tea sandwiches are a classic and elegant addition to any baby shower menu. Here is a simple recipe for classic cucumber tea sandwiches: INGREDIENTS: 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced 8 oz cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill 1 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper, to taste 16 slices of white bread, crusts removed INSTRUCTIONS: • In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

• Lay out the slices of bread and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice.

• Top half of the slices with a layer of cucumber slices.

• Cover with the remaining bread slices, cream cheese side down.

• Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwiches into triangles or other desired shapes.

• Serve the tea sandwiches immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

VARIATIONS: • Swap out the cucumber for thinly sliced radishes, roasted red peppers, or smoked salmon.

• Use different breads, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or pumpernickel.

• Experiment with different cream cheese mix-ins, such as chives, basil, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Enjoy these delicate and delicious tea sandwiches as a light and refreshing addition to your baby shower menu!

31

Vegetable spring rolls Vegetable spring rolls are a tasty and healthy option for a baby shower appetizer. Here is a recipe for vegetable spring rolls that is easy to make: INGREDIENTS: 8-10 spring roll wrappers 1 large carrot, julienned ½ red bell pepper, julienned ½ yellow bell pepper, julienned ½ cucumber, julienned ½ cup thinly sliced cabbage 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp grated ginger Salt and pepper, to taste INSTRUCTIONS: • In a large bowl, mix together the carrot, bell peppers, cucumber, cabbage, cilantro, mint, and basil.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper to make the dipping sauce.

• Fill a shallow dish with warm water.

• Dip one spring roll wrapper into the water for a few seconds until softened.

• Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface and place a small amount of the vegetable mixture in the center of the wrapper.

• Roll the wrapper around the vegetables, tucking in the sides, and continue rolling until you have a tight cylinder.

• Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

• Serve the vegetable spring rolls with the dipping sauce on the side.

32. Hostess with the Mostess

VARIATIONS: • Add cooked and shredded chicken or shrimp to the vegetable mixture for a protein boost.

• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce.

• Substitute or add other vegetables, such as bean sprouts, snow peas, or jicama.

These vegetable spring rolls are a flavorful and healthy option that are sure to be a hit at any baby shower.

32

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Make Up

TIPS from the

PRO

34. Hair and Makeup

WRITTEN BY ALISON FINDLEY

34

M

ost of us have mastered the basics of makeup application, but a few simple tips from makeup artist,

Alison Findley, can take your look from basic to glam. Even if you’ve had the same makeup routine for decades, Alison offers us some easy tricks that will level up your look without adding application time to your busy day.

35. Hair and Makeup

1

SKIN PREP IS IMPORTANT

It’s all about your canvas. Your makeup will not apply smoothly on top of dry, flakey skin. Moisturizing and/or priming for your skin type will insure for best application.

35

2

EYES BEFORE FACE

I always recommend starting with eyes first so you don’t have any eyeshadow fall out that will ruin your face makeup if done first.

36. Hair and Makeup Tips from 3 Pros USING EYESHADOW AS EYELINER

A dark eyeshadow on a flat angled brush to line the eyes will still define the eye & gives move natural appearance without running or smudging like traditional eyeliner.

4

TRANSLUCENT SETTING POWDER

Using this to set your foundation and concealer will allow your other powder products (bronzer, contour, blush) to blend seamlessly without being patchy or muddy.

36

5

BLUSH IS SO IMPORTANT

Add more than you think you’ll need, as it’s the first thing to fade. Keeping it higher up on the cheekbone instead of the apples of the cheeks give you a more lifted look.

37. Hair 6 and Makeup Tips from Pros HIGHLIGHTING THE INNER CORNERS OF YOUR EYES

This makes your eyes appear more open & makes them pop at any age.

FIVE

FAVORITE PRODUCTS

1. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

2. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

3. Makeup by Mario Master Matte Eyeshadow Palette

4. Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner

5. L’Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara

37

SLEEP...

ESSENTIAL to your

Health

Do you need a good night’s sleep? Are you sleeping well at night? Do you or your partner snore? Do you wake up feeling sleepy or sluggish? Do you need to have a sleep study? Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea and don’t like the CPAP?

Dr. Paige Volentine and her expert team at TRENTON SLEEP SOLUTIONS can help you get

38. Trenton Sleep (pick up) HEALTHIER SLEEP for a HEALTHIER LIFE!

WE HAVE TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Ruston: 1605 North Trenton Street Monroe: 1100 North 18th Street, Suite 10

FAC T S : • Obstructive sleep apnea affects roughly 20% of the US population and of that 80 to 90% are undiagnosed.

• Obstructive sleep apnea can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue but can also increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.

• An estimated 50% of sleep apnea patients cannot tolerate their CPAP. • Give Trenton Sleep Solution a call today at (318) 265.4972 to set up your consultation or visit us on the web at www.trentonsleepsolutions.com.

Did you know that botox has more uses than for cosmetic purposes?

It can be used in dental procedures as well and Elite offers treatments that maximize the potential of botox.

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otox is a muscle relaxer, so it can alleviate the pain of dental problems like

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THE DENTAL USES OF BOTOX In addition to soothing facial and jaw pain, Botox can: › Help fix high lip lines when used with dermal filler therapy. › Retrain muscles during orthodontic therapy. › Help you get used to new dentures.

Don't wait to have better dental health, the world deserves to see your smile and you deserve to love it! Follow Elite at @elitefamilydentistrydds on Facebook.

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VS

LUXE BEAUTY ...on a Budget

$48.00

$4.49

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are fabulous finishing powders. They give a subtle glow without the glitter. For a tenth of the price, you can bring out your natural glow with Essence Pure Nude Highlighter that has a slightly marbled effect

40. Favorite Beauty DupesVS (even)

Product

The Rodin Olio Lusso face oil is nothing short of perfection. Just a tad goes a long way, and it feels like luxury in a jar. The price, however, is hard for most to justify.

$170.00

$20.00

Boots Botanic face oil is 100% organic, nourishes skin and lock in moisture for hours. Rich in hydrating omegas and essential fatty acids from organic rosehip oil, it gives your skin all the goods without breaking the bank.

Charlotte Tilbury Powder is a beautiful, delicately granulated powder that really makes your skin look airbrushed and flawless. It’s incredible on the skin when applied by a brush or a beauty blender.

FLOWER Beauty’s Light Illusion Perfecting Powder brings soft-focus innovation to pressed powder form, delivering a gorgeous glow and a flawless finish almost identical to Charlotte Tilbury.

40

$45.00 VS

$13.99

It Cosmetics CC Cream is an incredible formula and has been particularly hard to dupe. It is full coverage, has clean ingredients, and packs a SPF of 50.

VS

$38.00

$12.99

Although you will read there are differences in the ingredients and the consistency feels slightly different, Maybelline’s Dream Urban Cover’s coverage is almost identical to It Cosmetics CC cream.

MOST OF US LADIES LOVE luxury beauty

products but finding drugstore products that perform just as well as their expensive colleagues feels like a win all around. With a little trial and error, we found some drug store stand outs that offer all the goodness of luxury for a fraction of the cost.

41. Favorite Dupes Fenty Gloss Bomb is glossy, beautiful, and feels like silk without the sticky gloss feel. Milani Keep It Full Lip Plumper delivers hydration and instant volume. The two come in different shades but the feel and shine are virtually equal in comparison.

$18.00

Beauty VS

VS

$34.00

$7.99

Product

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick are one of the most superb and beautiful lipsticks on the market. It is hard to dupe this cult favorite, but we found a winner. FLOWER Beauty’s Petal Pout Lip Color delivers smooth, rich color payoff in a single swipe.

$8.99

La Mer Cream is a fan favorite for all the right reasons, the aroma, the packaging, and it is nutrient -rich ingredients make it worth the hype.

When your budget wont allow for Le Mer, Eucerin Q10 AntiWrinkle Face Cream is rich and as luxurious as its department store counterpart. It is also completely scent free, making it great for sensitive skin. The price is a dream in itself.

$310.00 VS

$20.00 41

Available on amazon.com and Kindle

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Reflections of God Moments 42

to jump on failures and blow them up to immense means,” she writes. “In Matthew, Jesus instructs the people who follow Him to be different. He instructs us to look for good!” Other entries focus on sensing God, discovering beauty, how love banishes fear, grand hopes, walking in light, and much more. Get actionable guidance to bolster your relationship with the Lord and insights that will help you appreciate Oceans of God’s Love.

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E-X-T-R-A-ordinary!

The question is asked: why be the ordinary when you can be the extraordinary?

What is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary?

I

t’s the extra of course.

In a world with so much technology, advances, and things that are catching people’s attention, how do we become extraordinary and stand out? What is it that makes the difference in the lives of those people around you? It’s the extra. Lately, many of my sweet friends and people who mean a lot to me have left this ordinary life for a different journey and so I have become pensive by looking at what makes the difference.

My favorite bird is the peacock. But the peacock is just a bird. It doesn’t even really fly. The peafowl can fly but not him. He walks around and does all the other things that other birds do and yet the peacock is seen differently, why? It’s the extra of course the peacock is overly dramatic and its behaviors, and in the tail that is just extraordinarily beautiful, large, and in charge. I’ve always loved the peacock for the colors and the vivaciousness of it but I have loved it more because of the extra. What is the extra?

In the peacock, the extra is that 60% of the bird is in the feathery tail that he uses to draw a mate. That is the beauty part that fascinates us.

The extra is the perception of the peacock as Outgoing, confident, and friendly.

Peacock personalities are warm and entertaining, which can become dramatic under pressure. These people are motivated by recognition, applause, and acknowledgement/acceptance. Peacocks live by the mantra: “Hey, world – look at me!” Imaginative and noisy, Peacock personality people thrive when they can openly share their ideas and feelings. I might be a peacock, but the extra is what I strive to be. What is the extra that makes the extraordinary? Most people don’t realize that it is the extra that makes your brain rewire such as trying new things to become creative and grow. When we challenge ourselves to stretch out of our comfort zone and become more than what we are used to being; when we feel tapped out and yet we go the extra mile, that’s when we get true growth. Muscles only grow when you push them beyond what their actual capacity is; not a lot because that will cause damage, but just a little, just a little stretch, just a little more of what you have given to those around you. So, let’s examine the extra.

44. Donesa (even)

44

Written by Donesa Walker, M.Ed. BCCS, LearningRx Shreveport

E stands for Excellence .

This conveys excellence and customer service, friendship, provision, or just being there in a quiet and steady manner excellence means doing more than is required. In today’s society, excellence stands out, because so many are settling for the ordinary.

Excellence means that you go the extra step, go the extra mile, be willing to take that phone call, that extra minute to listen, that time, that effort to be the difference. Many have asked what makes my business so extraordinary and it is because of my staff and their willingness to go to excellence no matter what that takes. Research link: Excellence through Mind-Brain Development: The Secrets of WorldClass Performers

X stands for Xenacious

which means eager to try new things and being willing to stretch ourselves outside of our Normal.

Being xenacious means trying to be more than who you are and this is a powerful way to grow your brain. When the brain is learning, it builds new synapses and grows. This is how the brain stays healthy and active by learning new things whether that be a new language, a new way to do things, a new location, or any type of stretching outside of what the brain is used to doing. Research link: The hidden pattern that drives brain growth | Stanford News

stands for Tenaciousness..

45. TDonesa

There are over 385 words in the English language that stand for being terrific, amazing and good but none of them hold the candle to tenaciousness. Being tenacious, or having tenacity means to hold on to what is good, even when things are going bad.

Another word for this as far as brain growth is called grit.

Dr. Carol Dwyer has done a lot of research when it comes to grit and the incredible value that it has in determining future potential and the ability for the brain to grow and change. In fact, she has coined the term growth mindset. The growth mindset is one that has tenacity or grits, and is willing to work through difficult times, holding onto hope or believing that better things are coming. This growth mindset is always looking for the next thing to change grow, and become so that the brain can get more, and be more, the growth mindset actually is one of the major determining skills and the ability to be successful in life even more than IQ alone. Tenacity or tenaciousness has been lost a lot in today’s society where we jump from one thing to the other when it’s uncomfortable or we don’t like the experience. It is very important to the brain that we learn to work through difficult circumstances and stick with it despite it not being a fun thing or even something we fo not see great value in doing. This is especially important to young children when being enrolled in sports or other activities. Parents should not allow them just to quit because it is difficult or hard, but instead teach train them in tenacity and

growth mindset by making them go through the process of sticking with it. Many adults still need to learn this themselves.

The extra tenacity pays off in the long term. Research link: Developing Resilience, Tenacity, and Grit

R stands for Real .

While our could easily stand for radiance, refreshing renewing and resilience stands for real because the truth is often lost in our day today lives and real means that we stand the test of time. One of my favorite books growing up was The Velveteen Rabbit. The velveteen rabbit was just a little stuffed animal given to a small child as a toy. In the story, the rabbit only became real by enduring all the difficulties of life, and it was actually through hard circumstances, and being discarded that the velveteen rabbit came to life as a real bunny. The truth is that the extra in being real means being open, truthful, and frank. It means not hiding behind other things but being willing to take the brunt of someone’s frustration, being willing to say yes, I did that to hard things or no, someone else deserves that honor when they are the one who did the work. In the world of Fakebook, most people really appreciate things that are real, and they can rely on. Experience matters. Developing the brain requires real life experiences and one interesting thing is that one cannot lie to oneself so real becomes extremely important in the extra of ordinary life. Research link: The Role of Experience in Brain Development | Better Brains for Babies

A stands for Affirmation..

Affirmation is incredibly positive and incredibly necessary for the brain.

This is how the brain knows that something is to be done again and again, because it receives rewards affirmation, and this builds confidence. Technology has been built with this in mind.

In fact, one of the most addictive things about technology and iPhone in particular is because they are constantly rewarding the brain which makes this highly addictive to the brain. Affirmation is a trait that can change behavior and change the way we do things just by the right things being affirmed in our lives consistently. This can be by surrounding yourselves by positive people, positive words, uplifting things, and consistency. The extra and affirmation is being willing to affirm the good things in the lives of the people around you, and in your own life. Look in the mirror, affirm who you are, and who you want to be daily and watch it happen.

Research link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/GolnazTabibnia/publication/323707692_Resilience_training_that_ can_change_the_brain/links/5f2430e692851cd302cbabed/ Resilience-training-that-can-change-the-brain.pdf Being ordinary isn’t a bad thing. But being extraordinary is a terrific thing. The extra is just stretching yourself, and those around you to become more, do more, be more, strive for more, want more in life not things and desire more of the good from all around you. So back to my question: why the ordinary when you can be extraordinary?

45

LOLA MAGAZINE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT, Spring 2023 Chris Hart grew up in Ruston with craftsmanship in his blood.

His grandfather was a cabinet maker and a skilled woodworker.

When his grandfather wasn’t working on houses, he was crafting wooden boats and had the honor of creating handcarved longbows for the LSU Archery Team. Chris’s father, Bill Hart, learned the skills of craftsmanship from his father.

He established Hart Country Shop in the early 1960s, building accent furniture and chandeliers from wood and metal. Later Bill partnered with his brother, and the two brothers operated as Hart Associates for forty years until Bill retired in 2003.

46. Chris Hart (even)

C

hris said, “As a child, I can remember being by my dad’s side constantly. He was someone that knew how to do a little bit of everything. He took the time to teach me how to do anything and everything that he could. I wasn’t big into sports or normal activities kids my age were into, so I spent most of my time in Dad’s shop. I started with sorting parts and painting, eventually working my way up to using the machinery, learning to weld, and fabricating lights and furniture.

Of all the facets of fabrication in the shop, I gravitated to welding and metalwork most. I spent most of my summers and any free time I had learning the skill of welding.”

46

A

fter working various jobs throughout college, Chris kept feeling a strong urge to carry on a part of his family legacy and try to carve out a living doing what he loved.

In 2007, Chris established Hart Designs. Starting simply, his first shop was in a separate garage at his family home.

He needed a high-demand product that could be built in a

47. Chris Hart

small shop with limited equipment. After much thought, and trial and error, Chris landed on copper lanterns.

With no capital for marketing, he went to Office Depot and printed some trifold brochures with a few lantern designs. Chris reflects, saying, “I always splurged and got the fanciest paper they had!” He crafted several of each style, loaded them up in his SUV, and traveled to Dallas and New Orleans, visiting lighting showrooms. Hoping to convince store owners to display his lanterns in their store, Chris found his niche saying, “They usually didn’t think much of my literature, but when I would bring the lanterns in to show them the quality, they were sold almost instantly!”

A

fter establishing a few quality accounts, lantern orders began coming in, and Hart Designs slowly started to grow. Chris had a good handle on his lighting business when he began noticing a local need for ornamental ironwork, custom vent hoods, railings, and awnings. Chris developed his skills for crafting these items and added them to his company’s offerings. Chris established solid relationships with designers and contractors, and Hart Designs began to quickly take off. His customers encouraged Chris to open a retail lighting showroom that would offer popular lighting brands as well as custom-built items.

In 2015, Chris opened his first retail lighting store by adding on to his home shop and keeping the fabrication side there. In 2018, Hart Designs moved to its current location in Ruston, a full-service lighting showroom and fabrication shop.

47

Over the past sixteen years, Hart Designs has had the opportunity to work on numerous distinguished projects. Their lanterns light one of the oldest sections of Hollywood Boulevard, The MGM Grand Casino Resort, a castle built into a hillside in Canada, and countless homes and businesses throughout the United States. Chris expressed his gratitude saying, ‘’I’m just so grateful to be able to do what I love for a living and to interact with some of the best employees and customers every day. I absolutely love Ruston and the surrounding areas. I always speak up about what a wonderful community we are blessed to live in.”

From giant chandeliers to copper range hoods and handcrafted iron doors, Hart Designs has a full set of projects in the works for 2023 and 2024. Chris maintains his mission for Hart Design’s handcrafted lanterns to light up beautiful spaces around the country and provide quality ornamental ironwork for our local area. Built on a standard of excellence and generations of quality craftsmanship, Hart Designs continues to base its business on just that, hard work and a lot of heart.

48. Chris Hart • ad ½

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Behind the Scenes of

Facial Plastic Surgery

50. LSUS Content (even) The public often envisions facial plastic surgery as esthetic surgery, the correction of minor defects and the repair of the manifestations of the ravages of aging.

reality

The is that facial aesthetics and reconstructive . surgery are

inseparable

Balancing the needs of functional and aesthetic facial reconstruction requires a unique blending of art, science and innovation. Facial plastic surgeons have the unique privilege to take care of such an intimate part of people’s bodies- their faces. We are surgeons of the face that are concerned with deformities and defects on the skin and the underlying musculoskeletal framework.

O

ur profession is an art form. Facial plastic surgery is a science, supported by the fundamentals of physiology, physics and wound healing. We can describe it as “architectural medicine” because a pleasing appearance is created from the foundation outward.

Unless attention is paid to the foundation (bone structure, muscles, and fat) as well as to the exterior (the skin), over time the foundation shifts and collapses. And, unless the foundation is supported by longlasting materials, the structure is destined to become undone sooner than expected.

Tagliacocci, an XVI-century Italian plastic surgery pioneer wrote: “We reconstruct and complete parts which nature had given but which were destroyed by fate, and we do so not so much for the enjoyment of the eye as for psychic comfort to the afflicted.” Malformations, cutaneous defects and bony or soft-tissue changes caused by trauma

50

or neoplasms (abnormal tissue growth) can drastically alter a patient’s appearance, impacting their self-confidence.

Patients are moved to seek corrective surgery for signs of aging by a desire for self-improvement or a desire to preserve a youthful appearance.

There are numerous myths about having a procedure done on the face for improvement like: “People who have plastic surgery have complicated feelings about it”. Facial plastic surgeons agree when they say “No, they do not – not usually.”

Those who have not had plastic surgery hyper analyze the motivations of those who have. For most of our patients, it is a simple decision. They want to fix something that bothers them. Period. No Freudian analysis, no overthinking.

Facial plastic surgeons operate on patients of all ages with procedural diversity ranging from non-surgical treatments such as laser resurfacing and injectable fillers to reconstruction after oncologic procedures. With safer and minimally invasive procedures, facial plastic surgery has evolved into a natural extension of today’s pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. A good rule for patients to live by is “surgery corrects sagging and/or bulging facial tissues, skin resurfacing smooths wrinkles.” A well-conceived facial rejuvenation plan must incorporate these and other fundamental principles of engineering, architecture, design and prudence.

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons have extensive training specialized in the face. This surgical craft is best developed over time and seasoned with experience.

This experience starts early on in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery training, as it has become an integral part of the otolaryngology residency experience. After the residency, there are facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowships, a highly competitive fellowship that affords the surgeon the opportunity of a one-year, focused

experience in the evaluation and medical and surgical management of aesthetic and reconstructive issues of the face. These fellowship programs are widely respected by the medical community and represent the finest postgraduate programs in the world for the training of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

Facial cosmetic procedures are more popular today than ever. The rigorous training of the facial plastic surgeon provides an unrivaled understanding of the anatomy and aesthetics of the face. We are trained to perform safely the following procedures:

51. LSUS Content

• Facial rejuvenation (facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery) • Rhinoplasty • Skin rejuvenation (Botox, fillers, implants) • Skin resurfacing techniques (laser and peels) • Treatment of facial skin disorders (photoaging, pigmentation, scars, acne, keloids).

• Facial reanimation for patients suffering from facial nerve paralysis.

• Reconstructive facial surgery for skin cancer, trauma, and congenital facial malformations.

We focus on beauty and restoration that are natural and complimentary to the diverse population of patients being treated. Surgical implants, skin repositioning and feature balancing remain integral to the paradigm with thoughtful use of cosmetic injection.

Facial plastic surgery requires unparalleled precision and attention to detail. The thought process required in the planning of facial procedures may even supersede the technical skill involved. Beauty is our business. Natural beauty should be the goal.

Rodrigo Martinez Monedero, MD, PhD Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Division LSU Health Shreveport

51

but still on my purpose

I

don’t know about anyone else but I am exhausted, mentally drained, and physically weary. I asked for my goals to be met, I asked for my life to change, and thought it would all happen the way I planned, let me say it didn’t. I don’t have all the answers and am sometimes so confused that I am not sure I understand all the questions.

We are many times so busy solving problems, listening to friends and family in their time of need, and making sure our family is taken care of that we forget our own purpose and lose our position as we strive to achieve too many goals. Let me tell you about a thirty-something-year-old who thought she was ready to take on the world. Ready to leave the big city of Atlanta Georgia and could conquer a small town called Shreveport. Wow, how wrong I was. What I thought would take me 12 months took 10 years. I lost my position, my purpose, and hell my passion all along the way. Even writing my article which is past my deadline has overwhelmed me.

Ladies, I am off my position but I know god still knows my purpose.

This lost girl still today questions how people see her, if I did or said the right thing, if she will ever find someone to love her just as she is, and how to make everyone happy while figuring out what makes her happy. I guess you could say I am still working to be whole from the holes left in my life. Many times we confuse the look of someone having it all together as not needing help or always being prepared for whatever comes their way, type A meaning “always having the answer.” Let me be the first to say even the strong struggle and sometimes my “A” simply means to ask because I have no clue…..

When seeking life’s purpose or seeking a purpose-driven life, each day must have a goal. When setting your goal if you are able to understand your why then you can find your how. How to overcome doubting yourself, how to say I need help, how to stumble and fall without feeling like you’ve failed, and continuing to move even when you have no energy left to stand.

52. Felicia (even)

52

pany many post-covid, my com As I had to pivot like so e “My d my own skin care lin has changed. I introduce y Style anded my boutique “M Skin My Way” and exp look giving women who may My Way” in the hopes of more shape, skin type, or race different based on body I have as instead of excluded, options to feel included, ke these with other vendors to ma for so long. Well, I work ations are ing so sometimes expect dreams a reality and in do meeting ies are not achieved. When not met and opportunit and I saw client this is what happens a potential investor and my goals g into nightmares and my dreams quickly turnin nt said unreachable. When the clie becoming more and more ign was result, not because the des they did not like the end ause the vity wasn’t there, but bec not on point or my creati leave my y done. I felt all the air final execution was poorl numb all over. body and felt as if I was have I did not even take time to I knew I had grown when t a loss but and told myself it was no a pity party. I took the “L” My ‘L’ was and move on to the next. a second chance to let go for many was a lifetime in business a reminder that 16 years but a miracle for me.

53. Felicia

As the time for women is now , we cannot afford to loll or pass the day without purpos e. Every minute matters. Eve ry action executed impacts the rest of us. Every win is one for all of us. Therefore, identifying you r why is critical as it directly or indirectly represents every woman you know today, every woman you are standing on the shoulders of, and every woman who will stand on you rs.

Having an objective each day is the expression of your ‘why’. Knowing why you are doing something and owning that why is the founda tion for a successful life and a happy sense of self. Thi s is how entrepreneurs create products and lead businesses seemingly out of thin air, this is how activists create mass movements, and how athlete s come back from the grips of certain failures and painful injuries and find a way to win . It’s because they know their why. However, now more tha n ever, it’s important to have a purpose bigger than yourself and not exclusive to just you r personal desires and person al ambitions. Thus, the deeper why goes beyond just yourself and a ‘successful” life. Having a deeper why is a sturdy founda tion you grab onto when the winds blow strong and when those around you let you fall .

That deeper why helps you wak e up in the morning and fight another day. It makes a purpos e-driven life worth fighting for. It reminds you even when off your position you still hav e purpose.

53

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Beating the Blues: Tips and Tricks for Managing Stress and Balancing Your Mental Health

56. Mental Health tips (even)

Written by Stan Popovich

56

1. Know your weaknesses and strengths.

It is important to know what skills you have in your life. Taking a skills assessment test is a great way to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Once you realize your skill sets, the next step is to focus on your talents.

2. Accept who you are.

Do not get into the habit of comparing yourself to others. You are unique in this world and it is important that you realize that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. All it takes is a little bit of effort on your part.

In addition, it is important to learn how to relax. Take a deep breath to help reduce your anxieties when you are doing things during the day. If you still feel stressed, then get some fresh air or do something fun to help calm down. You will feel better and gain a fresh perspective on your current situation. This will make it easier to be happy and successful which can help with your selfconfidence.

3. Remember your successes.

Some people downplay their successes and focus on those things they struggle with. Always remind yourself of your past accomplishments no matter how small they may be. Stop focusing on the negative parts of your life and remember your past achievements.

57. Mental Health tips 4. Think about your future.

Tips On How To Improve Your Self-Confidence

Many people struggle with their self-confidence throughout their everyday lives.

It can also be even more challenging to be confident in yourself when your struggling with fear and anxiety.

As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to increase your self-esteem and live a productive life.

Take time to think about what you really want out of life. Do not live your life for others. Once you determine what you want to accomplish, the next step is to develop a strategy that will help you to accomplish your goals.

5. Create goals.

Set achievable goals on a regular basis and then take small steps to accomplish them. Make sure your goals are measurable and monitor your progress. Don’t get upset if you don’t accomplish all of your goals. You can always change your goals so that you can be more successful.

In addition, always try to learn from your mistakes. If you make a mistake, do not get angry with yourself. The key is to learn from your experiences and continue to move forward in achieving what you want out of life.

6. Talk to others.

It is important that you talk to other successful people in order to get a better perspective of your life. Listening to other people’s challenges and accomplishments can go a long way in feeling better about yourself. You can also learn how to overcome the obstacles in your life.

7. Be persistent.

Do not give up in achieving your goals in your life. Learn from your mistakes and try to improve on your situation. Do not make excuses on why you should quit or give up. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to be successful. The key is to keep at it until you get what you want.

57

1. Set goals.

An important way to remove stress is to set goals for yourself when you manage your family or career. When you get up in the mornings, try to set some daily goals for you to accomplish. When you accomplish these goals, you will feel happier and more confident to do more things.

2. Delegate.

When taking care of your family, get your spouse to help you out. If your kids are older, get them to assist you. If you are at work, only take on what you can handle. Don’t try to do everything all at once. Learn to delegate and work with other people.

3. Evaluate your situation.

If you try to do everything, you will get stressed out and anxious. A person can only do so much in a given day. Learn to manage your responsibilities. If you feel like you are doing too much, then take a break and evaluate your situation.

4. Learn to calm down.

Take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get your mind off of your anxieties and stresses. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, watch TV, play on the computer, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This will distract you from your current worries.

TipsMental On 58.

Health tips Balancing Your 5. Prioritize.

Family, Career, And Your Anxieties

It can be difficult for adults to take care of their families, careers, and stresses at the same time.

Many times, worry and fear can get the best of you when your overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done.

As a result, here are six work life balance tips on how to take care of your family and your career without getting overly stressed.

58

Try to do things in terms of their importance. Let’s say that you have to clean the living room, go to the supermarket, and wash the dishes.

You decide to go to the supermarket since that is the most important thing that needs to be accomplished. You make the choice to do the other two tasks later on. Determine what needs done right away and do those things first.

It is much easier to accomplish something if you know what you are going to do ahead of time. Proper planning will help reduce your everyday stresses and help you to stay organized.

6. Communication is important.

It is important to talk to your friends and family in order to avoid any potential problems. Get into the habit of talking to others in order to get things accomplished. Do not get upset when things don’t work according to plan. Learning how to work with others can save you a lot of time and prevent any worrying.

Worrying can make things worse. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and when something does happen, take it in stride. If you still have trouble dealing with the stress and anxiety of everyday life, then talk to a mental health counselor who can give you additional advice.

1. Take deep breaths.

A person should take some deep breaths to help feel better and to get rid of some of the excessive fear and anxiety. There are many kinds of mindfulness activities a person can learn to follow with the help of a mental health counselor.

2. Don’t dwell on your thoughts.

A person must not dwell or focus on their thoughts when they become anxious. The more a person tries to reason out their thoughts the longer their anxieties will last. Read some positive statements from your favorite self-help book to help overcome your negative thoughts when you get stressed out.

In addition, a person should visualize a red stop sign in their mind when they encounter a fearful thought. When the negative thought comes, a person should think of a red stop sign that serves as a reminder to stop focusing on that thought and to think of something else. A person can then try to think of something positive to replace the negative thought.

3. Get all of the facts of the situation.

Gathering the facts of a certain event can prevent us from relying on exaggerated and fearful assumptions. By focusing on the facts, a person can rely on what is reality and what is not.

While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that cannot be anticipated and can affect the results of any situation. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.

Tips On How To Get The Edge Off From Your Anxieties And Fears Do you ever feel that your overwhelmed with anxiety and your mind is overrun with fearful and negative thoughts?

If so, it can be very challenging in getting relief from your current situation.

As a result, here are six tips on how to quickly relieve your nerves and clear your head from your current anxieties.

59. Mental Health Tips 4. Do something you enjoy.

Doing something that you like to do is another way to get rid of your anxieties. You will also increase your chances of meeting other people. As a result, you will feel better and you will get a fresh perspective on things.

In addition, spending time with your friends is a great way to relieve your stresses. Talking to your friends will help you to focus on other things rather than thinking about your problems. Your friends will make you laugh and help you to relax.

5. Exercise.

The best way to get rid of your anxieties is to do some kind of physical activity such as taking a brisk walk or a short run. Exercise is a great way to help relieve your tension and to get your anxieties under control.

6. Consider your options.

You may feel lost and confused, but the answers to your specific problems are out there. The first thing to do is to calm down. Once you start thinking clearly, the next step is to consider what you should do next to get rid of your anxieties. You have the opportunity to change course and find another way of doing things that will help get rid of your current fears and anxieties. The key is to look at the bigger picture.

Stan Popovich, award winning author of A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear has personally delt with fear and anxiety for over 20 years.Stan shares his mental health advice on his website managingfear.com to help others begin implementing positive changes in their own lives. He fully understands how battling fear and anxiety takes an emotional toll on your mind and body. Stan has been featured on countless TV and radio programs throughout the U.S. offering expert advice on mental health and managing anxiety and depression.

59

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the SECRETS of

SEX HORMONES… Empowering Women With the Importance of Hormonal Balance

61. Dr Karen (odd) And…just Sick ‘N’ Tired of 9 Headaches 9 Hot Flashes / Night Sweats 9 Menstrual Irregularities, including heavy bleeding, cramps 9 PMS 9 Breast Issues, i.e., tenderness, fibrocystic changes 9 Insomnia / Sleep Disorders 9 Brain Fog 9 Low Libido / Sexual Dysfunction 9 Vaginal Dryness 9 Anxiety 9 Moodiness / Irritability 9 Situational Depression 9 Food Cravings / Sweet Cravings 9 Weight Gain 9 Hair Loss 9 Bloating 9 Decreased Muscle Mass 9 Deceased Stamina 9 Bone Loss 9 Cold Body Temperature 9 Fatigue / Lack of Energy 9 Aches and Pains 9 Troubled Skin

being Sick ‘N’ Tired "The stigma around women's bodies has been ingrained in our culture for generations. As young girls, we were often silenced and shamed about the natural changes our bodies go through and taught to accept normal symptoms as just part of being a female. As women, we decided to rewrite the narrative. That's why we developed OVA." -Asma Ishaq, Modere CEO In speaking with many women in both a professional and social setting, I’ve found that many do NOT feel seen or heard by their healthcare providers.

And, that’s so unfortunate. Patients tell me if their provider does pay attention to them, the healthcare professional, while patting them on the knee, gives advice that includes this: “Just ignore it; you’ll get better over time.” Or “I’ll prescribe an anti-depressant that will help your hot flashes… but it possibly may lower your sex drive and cause weight gain.” Or, “Fill this prescription

WRITTEN BY DR. KAREN PENDLETON 61

for synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but it may increase your risks of heart attack, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer.” (See Below – The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study)

HERE ARE SOME CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS…

• The classic female cycle is 28 days.

• On average, the first 3 – 7 days of the cycle is the time of menstruation. The term is menses or period.

• Ovulation typically occurs on Day 14.

• Perimenopause is a time before Menopause when the monthly cycle becomes irregular (longer or shorter), the character of the period changes (heavy or light), and some of the menopausal symptoms rare their ugly head.

• Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. Menopause marks the end of our reproductive years.

• Post-Menopause is the phase occurring after Menopause that can include the continuation of those commonplace menopausal symptoms.

I believe, it is the ‘pauses’ of our lives that we discover magic.

A major hormonal transition in every woman's life, Menopause heralds a season of new freedoms, potential and empowerment. But this necessary transition often also brings with it uncomfortable symptoms as stated above. In my practice, one of the most common symptoms I’ve encountered in my female patients is the dreaded weight gain. Even while eating and exercising as usual, most menopausal women experience frustrating weight gain. Being overweight/obese can make the other symptoms worse, as well as, contribute to the 60+ preventable diseases, such as heart disease (heart attack, stroke and dementia).

The foundation of my well-established practice, and one of my 10 Tenets of Optimal Health is Hormonal Balance in women and men. I strive to enlighten my patients about the connection between what we eat and how it affects our hormones. Food is a direct hormone regulator, so when hormones shift we must shift as well. Choosing ingredients and bioceuticals (quality supplements) wisely is the best way to help reduce symptoms including preventable weight gain.

My management style includes both a detailed initial consultation and a follow-up consultation, upon the finalization of results from both saliva hormone evaluation and comprehensive blood work. The majority of my patients are found to have evidence-based hormonal imbalances, for

62. Dr Karen

62

which I recommend Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

Unlike the synthetic, patentable forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that has been found to increase cancer risk in some women and men, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can greatly improve your quality of life with virtually little to no risk of the side effects associated with synthetic HRT. Bio-identical hormones are produced from natural sources (wild yam and soybean) by chemical conversion. They are identical in all aspects to and absolutely indistinguishable from the hormones our bodies produce. Also, a substance that occurs in nature cannot be patented; therefore, less financial gain in the eyes of pharmaceutical companies.

Artificial, synthetic, patentable hormones are not found in nature. Patentable hormone replacements that can be financially more rewarding, will generally perform some functions of the natural (bio-identical) hormone, but not all. And, because they are structured differently than natural hormones, they will interact poorly with hormone receptors and can cause: 1. unwanted side effects, or 2. be ineffective or render no results.

Bio-identical hormones can be used to supplement any of your body’s endogenous (native) hormones, including: • Estriol • Estrone • Estradiol • Progesterone • Dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA) • Testosterone

WHAT DO THE HORMONES DO? In general, the Estrogens: Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol are proliferative hormones. They stimulate cellular growth throughout the body.

They are responsible for development of most secondary sexual characteristics of the female.

Estrogens slow bone loss.

• ESTRONE (El) (10-20% of circulating

estrogens): *The major circulating estrogen in menopausal women *Implicated in hormone-mediated cancers, i.e., breast

• ESTRADIOL (E2) (10-20% of circulating

estrogens): *The major circulating estrogen in pre-menopausal women *The most potent of the Estrogens

• ESTRIOL (E3) (60-80% of circulating estrogen):

*The estrogen thought to be anti-carcinogenic, i.e., particularly protective against breast cancer *The weakest of the 3 Estrogens

• PROGESTERONE (Pg):

*Nature’s balancer to the Estrogens, i.e., counteracts estrogen’s tendency to induce excess growth *Should be given to all women on the estrogen therapy despite hysterectomy *Should be given to all men on the testosterone therapy to decrease risk of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and/or prostate cancer *Stimulates new bone formation, leading to increased bone mass and density *Given that there are specific progesterone receptors in the brain, Pg can address sleep issues and mood problems, i.e., anxiety and/or situational depression. *Assists in raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels (if combined with natural estrogen), thus reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering the potential for cholesterol plaque formation.

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA):

*The most highly produced steroid hormone *The “Mother” of the steroid/sex hormones. *Unmetabolized DHEA has independent effects including: -Prevention of heart disease and cancer -Weight loss

63. Dr Karen • TESTOSTERONE (T)

*The “Lion(ess)” of hormones – The king/queen *Replaces inadequate testosterone levels *Protects heart function *Increases calcium retention, thus making stronger bones *Improves mental alertness *Revives a lagging sex life (libido) Using bio-identical hormones to supplement any deficiencies in your body’s endogenous (native) hormones can lead to: • Reduced hot flashes / night sweats and vaginal dryness • Improved sleep and better mood, concentration and memory • Reduced risk of anxiety and/or situational depression • Improved libido and sexual function • Improved cholesterol levels • Provides support to hair, skin and nails • Better maintenance of muscle mass and strength • Restoration of bone strength • Prevention of Osteoporosis • Protection against heart disease, i.e., heart attack, stroke and dementia • Reduced risk of endometrial and breast cancer

Some of the most common diseases that affect women after menopause are cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death among U.S. women), breast cancer (the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S. women), colorectal cancer (the third-leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women), and osteoporosis (the leading cause of bone fracture in U.S. women).

In 1991, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of NIH, launched the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to understand better how these diseases affect post-menopausal women and to reduce the number of women who develop and die from these diseases.

More than 160,000 post-menopausal women ages 50 to 79 participated in the 15-year study, making it one of the largest prevention studies involving women in the United States.

WHI results in 2002 found that postmenopausal women taking combination (synthetic estrogen and progestin, i.e., PREMPRO) hormone therapy for menopause symptoms had an increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and urinary incontinence. But the participants in this study using the above stated combined synthetic hormone therapy had a lower risk of fractures and colorectal cancer; however, these benefits did not outweigh the risks.

In 2002, the combined synthetic estrogen plus progestin (E+P) trial of the WHI was terminated after 5.6 years, having found NO coronary benefit, and a rate of breast cancer that crossed preset boundaries (high rates). As a result, many women stopped taking hormone therapy, reducing their risk for breast cancer.

One of the most important outcomes of the WHI was the sharp decline in breast cancer in 2003 after the WHI results were released in 2002. https://www.womenshealth.gov/30achievements/25#:~:text=WHI%20results%20 in%202002%20found,blood%20clots%2C%20 and%20urinary%20incontinence...

For those of you who are still reticent about incorporating hormones, even Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) into your regimen, there are other options. I share 63

the following informational resources with my family, friends and patients (those on BHRT, like me, and those not on any hormone therapy). The best science backed, doctor recommended option at this time centers around two new patent-pending formulations

by Modere (clean-label company) that leverage the emerging science of intuitive nutrition. The concept of intuitive nutrition is used to optimize hormonal health, thus improving upon commonplace menstrual and menopausal symptoms, all without hormones or soy isoflavones.

Recall: Soy is a plant-based source of estrogen. Too much of a 'good' thing can be problematic.

Modere's OVA possesses 3 proprietary formulas, “Release”, “Renew” and “Balance”, in a smart blister pack. It is synced to your unique menstrual cycle with bioceuticals that target your period, pre-ovulation and post-ovulation.

Modere's OVA-m is one proprietary formula, designed to help improve upon the commonplace menopausal symptoms in the 3 phases of menopause, i.e., perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause. It works synergistically with your body’s biochemical responses.

The formulator of both Modere's OVA and OVA-m is a colleague, Dr. Jane Frederick, a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist in Orange County, CA. Dr. Frederick states "Women have over 50 hormones in their bodies, all working together toward a natural state of balance. The OVA line takes an intuitive approach that supports this balance without directly acting on your hormones. Surprisingly, hormonal fluctuations are not the only culprit behind normal period or menopausal discomfort. Fluctuating nutrient levels can also affect hormones, leading to unwanted symptoms. Modere women's health formulas take a distinctly intuitive approach to hormonal health by addressing a woman's changing nutritional needs throughout her menstrual cycle and menopause, allowing her to sync these targeted formulas to her unique cycle without hormones or isoflavones."

Benefits of OVA:

• Reduces PMS symptoms, including cramps, bloating, breast tenderness Improves fatigue, thus more energy • Supports libido • Supports digestive tract • Supports healthy skin

Benefits of OVA-M:

64. Dr Karen

64

• Reduces mild hot flashes and night sweats • Reduces mild vaginal dryness • Supports libido • Supports cardiovascular health • Supports cognitive (brain) health • Improves sleep • Supports energy levels • Supports mood • Supports healthy skin, hair and nails • Protects cells from Oxidative Stress, the root cause of ALL diseases.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Stop blaming your hormones… empower them!!!

Reinvent your hormone story.

If you are open to try either Modere's OVA or Modere's OVA-m, here is a link to order (1st time customers receive my “Share the Love” $10 off discount: https://modere.com/7842487 For those of you in North LA, if you have any questions about your hormonal status, BHRT, Modere’s OVA and Modere’s OVA-m, or would like to schedule your initial evaluation, feel free to contact me, Karen M. Pendleton, M.D. at 318-550-0050.

And, for those in South LA, I can be reached at 504-455-2574 All of the information and resources found in this article are based on the opinions of the author Karen M. Pendleton, M.D. They are meant to motivate readers to make their own health decisions after consulting with their own health care providers. All readers should consult a doctor before making a health change, especially those that are related to a specific diagnosis or health condition. No information in this article should be relied on in determining a diet, making a medical diagnosis or determining a treatment for a medical condition. The information in this article is not intended to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare practitioner and is not intended as medical advice. No information in this article should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

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Fashion is Important but TRUE STYLE is Personal

Meet:

REBECCA SMART Yo u r H o u s e o f C o l o u r I m a g e C o n s u l t a n t

I

’m Rebecca Smart, wife, mom of three under four, Ruston native and owner of House of Colour Ruston. I am overjoyed to bring this concept to the North Louisiana area. My goal in this business is to build up other people and show them how to look and feel confident in their skin. I truly love people and nothing brings me more joy than to see someone’s eyes light up when they love what they see in the mirror. Inspiring confidence through style and color allows me to show others how to always put their best foot forward.

I went to a color appointment with one goal- to look and feel better about myself. After watching nine other women gain confidence and walk out of their appointments feeling amazingI knew I had to provide this service to my community. So, I went home and told my husband I wanted to buy a franchise and he immediately told me no. So naturally, I proceeded with my plan, I just knew he would get on board and when he did, I wanted to be ready. A few weeks later- he told me I seemed different, like I truly felt better about myself and if I felt like I could give the gift of confidence to other people, then we should do it! I had my yes! I signed my contract and headed to training within two months. On October 22, I opened and have had the joy of seeing over 200 clients sinceall of which have made my days brighter and I know they are feeling amazing in their optimal color palettes.

House of Colour is a global image company with 35 years of experience. Our extensive training program features both in-person and virtual training to become certified in color and style analysis. At House of Colour, we are celebrators of individuality and curators of confidence! I offer a combination of two initial appointments 1) a color analysis and 2) a style analysis. The combo of these two appointments provides clients customized guidelines and information they can use to shop better for their lifestyle, budget, spend less time getting ready, minimize shopping stress and feel confident what they’re buying not only compliments their unique features, but also feels like their authentic self. I offer closet clean outs, personal shopping, and customized appointments for all life’s events and transitions!

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Photos: Christi Martin Photography 66

WHAT IS A HOUSE OF COLOUR, COLOR ANALYSIS? House of Colour has been an expert in color analysis for 35+ years. We are expertly trained to see the changes color has on each individual and provide the optimal color palette, that flatters each unique client’s features.

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN ANALYSIS?

›We start by determining if a client is warm or cool. ›We then determine the client’s most optimal color palette (we classify these by season) and let them know which specific colors within that palette are their 10/10 showstoppers-we call these WOW colors. We then let a client know how to best wear the colors within their palette (head to toe vs pop of color vs pants ect.)

For those interested in makeup, we’ll show you: ›how to shop our makeup products which are all specifically formulated for each season ›how to create a quick, simple makeup look using our products so you can look and feel great in 90 seconds ›show you your signature blush and then guide you on the lip colors that work best with your seasonal palette.

67. House of Colour Content WHAT IS A STYLE ANALYSIS? At House of Colour, we know how you feel on the inside is just as if not more impactful to our confidence than how we appear on the outside. That’s why, to form a client’s style profile, we refer to these as clothing personalities, we use a client’s unique body geometrics combined with who someone is and how they want to be perceived.

Rebecca Smart Once we identify a client’s style profile, we help guide the client on how to style pieces to best flatter their unique body geometrics, how to shop for pieces that both feel authentic to you and flatter your body, how to budget based on a client’s individual lifestyle, what pieces to splurge on and where to save. and more! These appointments can be more customized than the initial color appointment in many ways.

I would LOVE to have you in the studio!

Email me at:

Rebecca.smart@ houseofcolour.com

or check me out on Instagram

@houseofcolour_ rebeccasmart

for booking information.

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68. House of Colour (pick up)

We All SURVIVE D

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69. Month Road Trip- Family Travel (odd) Solo parent road trip: My kids and I traveled through

the Southeast for a month, and here’s why you should, too.

M Written By Jill Robbins

y “just me and the kids” road trip with my tween sons (12 and 13) took shape when I started planning a four-day family rafting trip in West Virginia. Airfare for four people was expensive, but my husband didn’t have enough vacation days for a road trip.

We decided the kids and I would road trip from Texas to West Virginia and have some adventures along the way. We bought my husband a ticket and made plans for him to meet us in Charleston and started planning.

Since I don’t like to drive long distances, I started looking at places we could stop along the way. We’re outdoorsy, so we focused on parks along what ended up being a not-very-direct route to West Virginia.

Our trip lasted a month, with stops in seven states. I got a few things wrong but a few things right, too.

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• MY KIDS WERE

HOMESICK, AND I SHOULDN’T HAVE TAKEN THAT PERSONALLY

My kids missed my husband, their familiar home environment, friends, and our family pets. At first, I interpreted this as a slight or lack of enthusiasm for the trip.

My big lesson learned was that excitement about the present and missing home aren’t mutually exclusive.

70. Month Road Trip • MY PIT-STOP PLANNING WASN’T THE BEST My desire to “just power through and get there” didn’t gel with my kids’ needs. I skipped roadside attractions or detours we might have enjoyed just to make it to the next pit stop.

I wish I’d taken more time to be in the moment. I’d have taken the detours and visited the wacky roadside attractions my kids expressed interest in.

My youngest is a hardcore car napper and my most vocal complainer. Car rides are easier when he’s sleeping. At first, I didn’t communicate when I planned to stop, which almost always meant waking him up.

I also wish we’d spent more time at rest stops. Most areas have green spaces or playgrounds, and I should have taken time to stretch and let my kids run around. That would have made long driving stretches easier.

• BUDGET FOR SPLURGES Gas, hotels, and food were expensive on this extended trip, so staying within our budget was important. If I had a do-over, I would have allocated more wiggle room for splurges, like the occasional suite or adjoining room, to give us some much-needed space and privacy.

Also, sometimes it’s easier to buy Pringles in the hotel gift shop. Yes, you’ll pay three times as much for a can of chips, but a quick snack can trump a grocery store run at the end of a long day. Sometimes, instant gratification needs to win.

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• I LET UP ON MY

(USUALLY) RIGID RULES

I let my kids eat what they wanted in the car. I made them clean the back seat after every day of driving, so it wasn’t too bad.

I allowed swimming to count as a bath. Not every night but more nights than I can count on my hand (or want to admit.) We had ice cream and wine for dinner, also more times than I want to admit. Ice cream them, wine me, of course.

And yes, I know there are things in pool water that make swimming the opposite of a bath but I chose to ignore that. Zero regrets.

• KID OF THE DAY “Kid of the day” got to push elevator buttons, unlock hotel r o o m doors, and

choose the playlist. I came up with this during a moment of intense bickering, not expecting it to work. Surprise, it did.

I didn’t expect my tweens to be that into pushing the elevator button, but it kept the peace and focused them on helping me.

• I MAKE A DIGITAL ITINERARY

I created a digital itinerary, texted it to my kids, and printed a copy to keep in the car.

Some of our plans were loose, but having links and pictures that showed what was up next helped them feel in control of what we were doing. One of my kids told me this made him feel like it was really “our trip.”

My older kids liked being informed about what was going to come next.

As children crave autonomy, they appreciate processing information at their own pace versus being fed details

71. Month Road Trip

by adults.Zero regrets. No harm came from more snacks and fewer baths.

They’ll (hopefully) remember when mom said yes to things she usually said no to.

WHAT’S THE TAKEAWAY? It was fun to switch up the group dynamics. My kids got to see me troubleshoot weird car noises, build fires, and deal with a rodent issue in a hotel room, all things that would have usually landed in the dad job jar.

And while I can’t say this trip solved all of our family problems, I do notice we seek out each other’s company more often. My kids choose to play together more versus alone or with friends. We’re all more intentional about family time.

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Our Stops ã Hot Springs Arkansas/Hot Springs National Park

ã Bowling Green, Kentucky/Mammoth Cave National Park

ã Pigeon Forge, Tennessee/Great Smoky Mountains National Park

ã New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

ã Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

72. Month Road Trip ã Lake Charles, Louisiana

(saved the best for last before heading back across the Texas state line.)

Jill Robbins is a Texas mom who loves to roam. She has a 30-year-old daughter and two sons in middle school. She knows that’s a big gap in age, but she tries to be polite when people point that out. Her writing has appeared in Business Insider, Tripsavvy, Wealth of Geeks, San Antonio Magazine, and more.

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

Adventure Your Way!

73. Desoto Parish AD

Take a day trip or weekend getaway!

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

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

DeSoto Parish Tourist Bureau • 115 N Washington Avenue • Mansfield, LA 71052 • (318) 872-1177 • DiscoverDeSoto.com 73

74. La Life Ad

Rest easy, let us find you the ideal coverage for your family or business.

Louisiana Insurance Services offers a wide range of personal, business, life, long-term care and disability insurance products. We’re local and independent, which means that we can search numerous leading companies to find you the best insurance product at the best possible price.

Life is complicated.

Insurance doesn’t have to be.

75. La Life Ad

Serving our Louisiana Community for over 40 years 2814 North Trenton Street • Ruston, Louisiana • (318) 251.1711 • louins.com

Life Insurance Matters Louisiana Insurance is a family-owned agency serving our community for over 40 years.

O

ne thing that sets Louisiana Insurance Agency apart is their commitment to personalized service. They take the time to get to know each of their clients, listening carefully to their needs and concerns, and providing tailored insurance solutions to meet their unique requirements.

In addition to their focus on customer service, Louisiana Insurance is also deeply involved in the local community.

They support a variety of local charities and events, and they’re always looking for ways to give back to the community that has supported them over the years.

Buying life insurance may not be as exciting as booking your next vacation or a new pair of shoes, but it is definitely more important. You are doing the work every day to keep your family happy and healthy. We can hope for a world where accidents never happen and illnesses are non-existent, but let’s face it, tomorrow is no guarantee. After an accident happens or an illness appears, it’s too late to protect your family. It would be unfathomable for your family to run without, but knowing they are cared for if The Good Lord calls you home is even more important than matching Easter outfits. Not only is life insurance a necessity, Louisiana Insurance can help you style your policy as one of the best finical investments you can make. So, when you are still around for the great grandbabies, you are finically secure, can sit back, and enjoy your golden years.

Overall, while life insurance may not be the most exciting purchase, it will provide important financial protection for you and your loved ones. Be the smart mom, invest in life insurance, and then splurge on those fancy shoes, guilt-free!

There are several important reasons why women should consider buying life insurance:

Financial protection for loved ones

If you have people in your life who depend on your income or would be financially impacted by your death, life insurance can provide them with a source of financial support. This is especially important for women who may be the primary breadwinner or caregiver for their family.

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Childcare and household expenses

Even if you don’t work outside the home, your contributions to your family are still significant. Life insurance can help ensure that your family is able to pay for things like childcare, housekeeping, and other expenses that you would have taken care of if you were still alive.

Debt and final expenses

If you have outstanding debts or final expenses like funeral costs, life insurance can help ensure that your loved ones aren’t burdened with these expenses after you’re gone.

Estate planning

Life insurance can be an important component of estate planning, helping to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and minimizing the tax burden on your loved ones.

Longer life expectancy

Women tend to have longer life expectancies than men, which means they may need to plan for a longer retirement. Life insurance can be an important part of retirement planning, providing a source of income for your loved ones if you were to pass away unexpectedly.

“Major shout out to Stows Moving Company.

They bent over backwards to make our move a success. Stow’s professional crew loaded and unloaded carefully and efficiently. We could not be more grateful to them for busting it to help “Exceptional Service!

The guys were incredibly careful with all of our things, and not to mention helpful

us out of our bind we were in from a different moving company.”

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and friendly.

Highly recommend!!”

Emily Lawson

77. Stows Moving

Call us today for a free quote

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The MAGNITUDE of Your Presence Denise Arthur Forever a Louisiana Lady and Legend

78. Teri Netterville (even)

Written by Teri Netterville 78

If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.

79. Teri Netterville

Mr. Fred Rogers Teri Netterville and Denise

Arthur

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I

f we truly walked through life fully understanding the magnitude of our presence in the lives of every single soul who happened along our life path, would we live and love a little differently? Would we open our hearts, our minds and even our homes a little more readily? If you think about it, we’ve all been exposed to those souls in our world.

One such soul was our very own Denise Arthur. Born and bred in Shreveport, Louisiana, Denise grew up understanding the great value of this concept. As a loving wife, devoted mom, loyal friend and beloved local radio show cohost, Denise Arthur was willing to use whatever medium and means necessary to enrich the lives of those with whom she crossed paths.

She never shied away from sharing her own life experiences, hard-earned lessons or thoughtprovoking opinions, if she felt it would benefit the greater good.

Blessed with the gift of gab and a Dolly Parton-esque brand of rapid-fire quick wit, she had everybody within earshot gravitating towards her in hopes to be noticed by her and especially befriended by her.

People like Denise are among God’s sweetest blessings to our lives. It is because of their presence in our own lives that we are better aware and have a better understanding of who we are, who we want to be in this life and how we hope to be remembered long after our time on earth is done.

DENISE ARTHUR Forever a Louisiana Legend and Lady

80. Teri Netterville

May the goodness and richness of her life reside in the deepest part of our hearts forever

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These are the people who teach us, by example, that kindness matters; service to others matters and ultimately, connecting with the people in our lives is what matters most of all. That connection is an unyielding gift that will continue to be far-reaching into the hearts of thousands upon thousands of people who will reside in a time and space beyond our wildest comprehension. This is actually referred to as the “butterfly effect”.

My favorite author, Andy Andrews, posed this question in his book, The Butterfly Effect: “How far forward would we need to go in your life to show the difference your life makes?” Andy’s response could potentially change the way you view your place in this world...and the importance of it. Here is part of that response: “There are generations yet unborn whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you make and the actions you take today. And tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind.

The rarities that make you special are no mere accident or quirk of fate. You have been created in order that you might make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.” And change the world she did. When thinking about Denise and the impact she had on the thousands upon thousands of people who not only happened along her life path but who fully connected with her spirit, I cannot help but give God all the glory for creating a soul whom He knew He could use to give all of us an earthly tangible sense of His presence...a friend we could count on to be an example of a good, loving and faithful servant in this world.

When your life message exceeds your time on earth, you become legendary in the hearts and minds of every soul influenced by your mere presence on this earth. We are forever indebted to Denise for so selflessly using her amazing life to touch all of ours.

81. Teri Netterville

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Girl Dad Girl dad. That’s me. But it hasn’t always been me. In fact, I was 180 degrees away

Written by G re

g Hicks

from this life in 2007. I work in a blue-collar industry that’s rough and gritty, I love hunting and fishing, and was once called “a man’s man” by a coworker because of my carefree do what I want when I wanted lifestyle.

T

83. Girl Dad

rust me, that lifestyle was good…. but it’s nothing like the life I’ve come to learn since becoming a girl dad.

The key word in that last sentence is everything these days; learn.

See, my life before my two daughters came was strictly instinctual. I’m not sure what it takes to be a lady, but it’s definitely not hard to be a man! Get up, go to work, go to the gym, come home, do it again. It’s that easy.

My parents divorced when I was 6 years old. My mother knew that I needed my dad and needed his male influence, so she allowed me to stay with him most of my childhood. Through that, I watched my dad sacrifice a lot for my benefit, so the firsthand effort I watched him go through set me on the right path for what it takes to be a good dad.

But there’s a whole other aspect to being a good GIRL dad. That’s where the learning had to happen. And it had to happen fast.

The girl’s mom and I brought our first daughter home in Jan of 2008. Neither of us had any experience with babies. Apparently, we did ok! I didn’t sleep the first night she was home. Thank goodness for Nick At Night and Sanford and Son reruns.

Our second daughter came 18 months later and by then we were seasoned vets at the basics of child rearing. That’s also where the effort my dad showed me was easy to follow. We just had to work together to cover the bases now that we had two under two.

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he girl’s mom and I divorced in 2013 and my girl dad life was kicked into four-wheel drive.

Everything that happened when they were with me, was my responsibility. I referenced 4-wheel drive for a reason. We went over some rough terrain in those early days. Y’all picture this; a 36-year-old man with two little girls decorating a Christmas tree with no direction at all. The blind leading the blind if you will.

“Put it there” and “Not so close together” were the only pieces of advice I could give them because I didn’t know.

It was decorated with old secondhand ornaments and had a set of deer antlers on top. It was our first figure it out as we go moment, and it went ok. The girls acted like it was perfect too. Sometimes I look back and think that maybe they saw the effort I was giving and tried to be a positive light. I can’t tell you enough how good these two have been to me, even as little girls. And if I’m confessing all my Christmas tree sins…..I still suck at decorating a tree.

84. Girl Dad

I mentally struggled with everything that first year. The divorce hurt me more than most realize and my confidence in being what the girls needed as a dad was always on the forefront of my mind. “Can I do this? I know a little about girls but nothing about these next stages of their life. Can I do this alone?”

This is where my mother really started to show up in my life. A devout Christian, her faith was stronger than anyone I’ve ever known. I remember vividly the conversation we had about my concerns one evening after dinner.

“Greg Hicks don’t you ever give up on these two. Don’t ever question yourself as a daddy. They need you and son, you need them. Just do your best and God will work it out. Your focus as a dad isn’t about you; it’s about them”.

Mother passed away in 2017 and I think about her and that advice all the time.

If I had to write one line about what it takes to be a good girl dad, I’d have to say that’s the #1 thing I’ve learned; It’s not about you; it’s about them.

It’s been tested. It’s been tried.

When they would cry for their mom when they were little or when they want to swap a night with me now because of something going on with friends, I remember those words.

It’s not about me; it’s about them.

My ego has taken some huge hits through the years but in the end, I’ve learned to just be patient and let it roll. I’ve also had a lot of help from their mom. Yep, the woman that I’m divorced from has helped me understand the girls and what

IT’S NOT ABOUT ME ; IT’S ABOUT THEM. 84

85. Girl Dad

they’re going through or moods that they may be in each day. Even though we aren’t together anymore doesn’t take away from the fact that we still have joint responsibilities. I’m sure she gets frustrated with me some days and I get frustrated with her too but all that goes to the side to ensure that we’re raising these two the right way.

I’ve done a lot of different things in my life.

My day job is a safety supervisor for a division of the largest lumber manufacturer in North America, I’ve moonlighted as an outdoor writer in several popular magazines, I have an outdoor related podcast called “Antlers & Hicks”, and I’ve even started doing voiceover work for ads and commercials.

I quit writing for hunting magazines a few years ago because it was so exhausting telling someone else’s story. I always said that if I ever wrote again, it would be our story.

But there’s one thing that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God put me on earth to be, and that’s a girl dad. I may not be the best at any of those other activities but in my mind, girl dad is the most important job of all.

At the end of the day, I can honestly say that while I’ve been raising and influencing my daughters, they’ve been raising and influencing me at the same time. They’ve taken a man their mom called “rude, crude, and socially unacceptable” and molded him into someone who’s learning the art of voice tone, picking the right words, and choosing which hills to die on.

When our oldest had a meltdown at 14 years old right as we were walking out the door for our family Christmas because her hair wouldn’t do what she wanted it to do, I didn’t yell. I didn’t fuss or rush her. As she sat in the kitchen floor and cried, I gave her a few minutes, got her a glass of water, and a rag to wipe her face.

And just like that she stood up, hugged me, and was ready to go. My mother’s words rang true.

So here I am, writing for a publication where I never dreamed, I’d see my name printed.

Penning about a topic that I love so dearly.

My girls and our life.

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Helping You

BUILD AND PRESERVE Your BEST LIFE in Retirement

86. Mc Daniels (pickup) 401K/IRA Rollovers: Evaluating the options available with your employer plans, whether current or left-behind. Determining an effective plan of access based on intentional goals.

Tax Efficient Strategies: Working with a tax advisor to establish a plan for when to use certain types of money in order to help minimize income tax exposure. Identifying areas where taxation could legally be avoided can make a significant impact.

Inheritance & Wealth Transfer: Working closely with an estate planning attorney to determine what legal documents or tools you need or that may need updating to help with your wealth transfer goals.

Spousal Legacy Planning: Analyzing the impact to one spouse’s financial situation that could result from the death or disability of the other.

Retirement Planning: Analyzing your Social Security and/or pension options. Are they optimized for your situation? Analyzing how much of your annual retirement income could be sourced from accounts exposed to potential market volatility. This could help you determine an acceptable level of income and investment risk. What is the probability of running out of money in retirement?

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Wealth Management: Personalized portfolio review and discussion.

Are you properly diversified with your investment portfolio and are you having regular reviews?

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McDanielFinancial.net 6969 Fern Loop, Ste. 203 | Shreveport

Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and McDaniel Financial are not affiliated companies. McDaniel Financial is an independent financial services firm that utilizes insurance products. 1311482-4/29

Investment advisory services offered only by duty registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and McDaniel Financial are not affiliated companies. McDaniel Financial is an independent financial services firm that utilizes insurance products. 1296262 – 4/22

(318) 798.9022

A Love Letter

to Shreveport I have noticed many times that people are harder on themselves than they are with friends, neighbors, and even strangers. To others we may offer grace and forgiveness at times that we don’t extend to ourselves. I encourage others (and need to hear it myself as well) to be just as kind, loving, patient, and accepting of ourselves as we are with others. I also feel many in our community should offer the same to Shreveport. I hear locals complain, insult, and state embarrassment of the town they live.

Those that know me know that I love my Shreveport community. However, my love is more like the love a parent has for their child, spouse, or close friend. We know those people are not perfect, yet we accept their flaws because they come with all their strengths and in the end, they are always worth it. I know Shreveport has areas that could be improved upon, but I also know with full conviction that it offers so many enviable (and often underappreciated) qualities.

I ask (maybe even beg) you to try to see and appreciate the good in our community. Maybe even ‘date your city’ by exploring new places, engaging with a variety of people with an open mind, and taking in all the flavor our town has to offer.

The theme of this article is a Love Letter To Shreveport. But rather than a fairy tale love story it is one of the ‘slow burn’ type where you learn to appreciate it over time (sometimes after realizing the grass is not always greener other places) and where

Written by Megann McDaniel

87. McDaniel Financial Content (odd) the love is lasting and passed down to other generations.

I sat down with a couple friends that have experienced the slow burn appreciation of Shreveport. Katie was a local that left for greener pastures and returned by choice. Linnae moved here for romantic love with no intention to stay but has learned to appreciate all our community has to offer.

Katie MacMurray Katie is the Marketing and Business development coordinator for McDaniel Financial. In this role, she partners with Community Organizations to contribute to the growth and betterment of our beautiful city along with coordinating and executing company events and developing marketing strategies.

Katie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University where she majored in Political

Science with a minor in History. After college, she worked in Governmental Relations, where she served a diverse group of clients with varying interests. Katie then moved to Dallas where she entered the luxury furniture industry as a Sales Consultant to the Design Trade.

Katie is elated to be back in her hometown of Shreveport and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Katie loves to travel, is an avid runner, loves to cook and is a fanatic football fan.

You grew up in Shreveport, then moved around for work, and then recently moved back to Shreveport by choice. Can you tell me what you missed about Shreveport that made you move back?

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I missed familiar faces. So many times, I would hear my friends and family complain that everywhere they went they saw someone they Katie, Megann, & Mayor Tom knew. This is the thing I Arceneaux missed the most, I never saw familiar faces who asked how my momma was doing.

It is so hard to make strong relationships as an adult, with work, kids, and all of life’s competing demands. Dallas was such a transient city that in the 10 years I lived there, I met few people born and raised locally. People were there because of jobs and chasing money. As soon as you met a friend, formed relationships, they were gone. They moved back to where they came from or were transferred. There is something special about the stability of Shreveport, people who have stayed and returned.

As with most things in life, we can sometimes take things/ people for granted without even knowing it. What are some things people that live in this community may take for granted that is not the same in other communities you have visited, lived, or worked?

What really put things in perspective for me was when I broke my foot. I realized how important the support and the comfort of just knowing that friends and family are close when you are in need. When your car breaks down or you have a flat tire, you have someone to call that can be there in a minute. Shreveport has a strong community that supports each other in times of need but also celebrates others when their neighbors achieve great things.

Simple things like drivers not honking at you ALL of time, waving when someone lets you in, saying thank you and mam, or opening doors. Here it is easier to maintain relationships.

With traffic and the rat race of larger cities, visits are scheduled.

There is no spontaneity, there is no just dropping by to say hi.

Shreveport is close to bigger cities offering the best of both worlds. Live here where you have the comfort of home and when there is an event or place, larger cities are close and great weekend getaway.

my work, living, and travel, I was exposed to so many people from different countries, backgrounds that looked and sounded different from me and from the people I grew up around. Exposure to different cultures, expanded my view of the world - I learned about religion, music, tradition. I find people and their stories fascinating. I was and continue to be curious to learn about other people’s lives and experiences, day to day life in places and how they ended up in this place at this time.

One thing that may help advance our community is to encourage people to take the time to have a genuine interest in learning about other cultures, backgrounds, and histories.

You are well traveled. When you tell people you are from Shreveport, Louisiana, what is their typical reaction/ perception of Shreveport or Louisiana?

Hahaha, they think we’re all Cajun. I would tell people, I have never and have no idea how to cook gumbo, that’s south Louisiana. Louisiana is very diverse and also, we talk really slow. There is much more to Louisiana than Mardi Gras, gumbo, and hunting.

I have recently heard many people say that Shreveport has an identity crisis or a self esteem problem. I agree in many ways. How would you describe Shreveport to an outsider?

What could/should we do to help our community improve their perception of Shreveport?

I am passionate about changing the narrative of Shreveport.

It first starts with citizens acknowledging the good instead of the bad. When describing Shreveport, the first thing that comes to mind is FUN. The people are fun, full of personality, we laugh, we love, we dance. The people of Shreveport welcome you with open arms and it’s a come as you are community.

The grass is not always greener on the other side. Every place has good, bad, and ugly. My friends that live in other cities, states are talking about the same issues we are experiencing here. Just as I mentioned in a previous answer, if we took the time to learn from others that have lived in other cities, we may realize that many of our problems are global issues. They may also realize that Shreveport has their own problems, but it also has a lot to offer.

88. McDaniel Financial Content

What are some things you have observed in other communities that we may be able to do help make Shreveport an even better place to live?

Through my experiences, I learned many of us don’t realize how great we have it, we are lucky and should be grateful. At the core, all people are essentially the same. Just trying to make it through this thing called life, loving our family, wanting more for our children than what you had and living your American dream. I feel our community has made progress but still has room for more acceptance of diversity. Through 88

Tell me 5 underrated things, places in Shreveport?

1. The FOOD - we have fantastic locally owned restaurants.

For 10 years I tried to find “Dallas’s Imperial Cathay” never found a restaurant even close and believe me I tried. And a muffaletta, where else would you be able to get this, nowhere.

2. Nature - easy access to lakes and hiking.

3. Events - festivals, live music, the arts community here is amazing. Shreveport has an Opera, a Symphony, Abby Singers, The Film Prize, The Strand Theater just to name a few.

4. Beauty of Norton Art Gallery

Linnae Magyar 5. Highway System Linnae was born in Chicago and moved to Memphis when she was 10 years old. She got her undergraduate degree in Managerial Finance from the University of Mississippi (Go Rebs) and moved to Nashville to work for a financial planning firm. She then got the opportunity to work for a world renown speaker/bible teacher (Priscilla Shirer) and moved to Dallas to run her non-profit for 5+ years. She moved to Shreveport in 2014 to get married and worked in medical sales for several years. She currently works as the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for the Shreveport Bar Foundation planning free legal education for Caddo and Bossier Parish. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and 2 children, volunteering with Young Life at CE Byrd, running, and playing music with her husband!

What brought you to Shreveport? What did you know about Shreveport prior to moving? What were some perceptions/expectations based on things people told you or things you read online?

I moved to Shreveport in 2014 to get married to my husband. At the time that I met him I was living in Dallas. My best friend, Margie Lott, from college at Ole Miss moved to Shreveport after we graduated and was on staff with Young Life here. My husband moved to Shreveport after Law School and got involved with Young Life and became good friends with Margie and her husband. Margie decided that Stephen and I needed to meet so I came to town one weekend from Dallas to meet him and hang out, and obviously we really liked each other =) I told Stephen that I would move to Shreveport, but he had 1 year to get me out and back to Texas. The only thing I really knew about Shreveport from visiting Margie a few times was that there are drive through daiquiri places and that every store/shop was packed into E 70th and Youree Drive. My perception of Shreveport was that it was a very small town with not a whole lot going on. I had met some really nice people, but I was convinced that we would be moving back to Texas since my husband is from Houston and I have always lived in large cities my whole life.

changed, my appreciation for Shreveport has grown over the years. We LOVE where we live in South Highlands, we LOVE that we drive basically 5-10 minutes to get everywhere we need to go, and we LOVE the people! While my best friends live in Nashville, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Austin etc., the cost of living is so much lower in Shreveport, and we can spend money on traveling to those places and more. We are never bored, there are always things to do, and the people here are wonderful! It has certainly been a place of peace for me after having lived in “busy” cities.

As with most things in life, we can sometimes take things/ people for granted without even knowing it. What are some things that people that live in this community may take for granted that is not the same in other communities you have visited, lived, or worked?

For sure the community. Familiar faces everywhere you go. NO TRAFFIC. As a runner, there is ALWAYS someone to run with. It is rare that I run alone unless I want to. Living expenses are a lot less than bigger cities.

Tell me 5 underrated things, places in Shreveport?

Sportspectrum: quite possibly one of the largest running/ outdoor stores I’ve ever been to.

Ki Mexico, Dahn’s Garden, Well Fed, East Ridge Country Club (sitting outside at the restaurant overlooking the golf course: it’s really quite a beautiful view). Also, the food court at Whole Foods is clutch!

89. McDaniel Financia

How has the reality been different or the same as the expectations of living in Shreveport?

While my expectations of “small town” living haven’t

You have been working with the youth at Byrd through Young Life for over 9 years now. How do you feel the youth perceive Shreveport? Are they proud to call it home, are they optimistic? If not, how could we help change their view/experience of living in Shreveport?

I think most of them feel like they need to get away and do not want to come back. A lot of them do not realize how many job opportunities are available. I feel like some of the local companies could improve their marketing and engagement with young professionals and recent graduates.

Also, for those that leave they sometimes do not want to return. Many of them say there is not enough going on that may allow them to find people they may want to date. We have a strong church community and plenty of bars, but we need other options for ways people can meet each other.

If we could create more things to do outside of the church and bar/nightlife scene they may consider staying or returning here.

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