Does anyone else feel like the ‘90s were ten years ago? I watched my son walk to the car this morning with his Spiderman lunchbox and teared up. I’m not sure if it was the fact I have given into tacky Spiderman lunchboxes or that we celebrate his 4th birthday this weekend. I’m not ready for him to be a big kid. I’m not ready for him to grow out of my lap. I’m not ready for my daughter to be in junior high. I’m not exactly ready to get …
This is 40
Forty is upon me like the impending hangover from a cheap vodka martini. It’s coming, and it’s going to be painful. And although, I’ve had some subtle hints of its arrival along the way, I’m bracing for more not-so-subtle change. Last month I threw out my back while assembling the Christmas tree. It’s a thing that happens to me more and more these days. There’s a spot in between my shoulder blades that hates me. I feel great when crawling in bed for the night, but in the morning, I …
Keeping it Real: Trust the Journey
When a city girl marries a country boy, it can sometimes feel like you are living right smack dab in the middle of a sitcom or a Saturday Night Live skit. It’s a collision course of two worlds that can be a beautiful, wonderful and hilarious ride…IF…you don’t take life too seriously and if you are able to find the humor in your differences. The very first time I took note of how different my husband’s world was to mine was when I made the trip to meet his family …
Supercharge your MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
“So, what’s your New Year’s Resolution?” The question on everyone’s lips these days. While the most common answers fall in line with physical changes (hitting the gym, losing weight), the New Year is the perfect time to focus on our mental and emotional health as well by beginning a meditation practice. Meditation is a habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. You can use it to increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress and …
Jacob Talley: An American Cowboy From Tragedy to Triumph
An arena packed with thousands of rodeo-loving fans at the Calgary Stampede was witness to an incredible event July 5th – 14th watching America’s cowboy, Jacob Talley, wrestle steer only 11 weeks after a complete pectoralis tear. Pure grit and determination by Talley to repair his body coupled with dedicated trainers and physical therapists reaped huge rewards as Talley was crowned the second best steer wrestler in the world, missing first place by only .03 seconds – just the beginning for this American cowboy. Jacob’s path to becoming one of …
Mini Mozarts: The Importance Of Music Education In Children
Written by Marcie Ellen Duplantis What if I told you there is one activity that can help your child to make sense of the world around them? An activity that can teach them how to self-regulate their emotions, help to learn languages, solve complex problems, increase memory, and help their little brains to be happier and healthier in later life? What if this activity was actually enjoyable for everyone involved? Now, I know you are expecting me to reveal a new type of super food, a special pill, or an …
DETOXIFICATION: What, How, When & Why
New Year, New You, correct? We’ve now entered a New Decade, 2020! Many of you may now have resolved to finally get serious about your health. Starting today… But first need to cleanse yourself, eliminating last year’s / last decade’s lifestyle and dietary faux pas. I dare to say that you’ve seen the ads and the social media links, all suggesting you need a “detox”, “cleanse” or “flush” to be healthy. Supplements, teas, homeopathy, coffee enemas, ear candles, and footbaths promise you a detoxified body. Major retailers have entire detox …
TAKE A CRACK AT IT: A quick DIY guide to repairing imperfections in your walls
Whether Uncle Eddie is finally gone or the cousins played ball in the house one too many times, you may now need to fix a few holes or cracks in the walls. Don’t worry, I can help. Although I hoped that painting over cracks and holes would make them disappear, I was dead wrong. Actually skipping the patching process will make those imperfections even worse! Good news – it’s simple to fill gaps with just a little time and a few tools. What you need: putty knife fine-grit sandpaper sponge …
It’s Never Too Late for Love
#MeetTheFoxes Life happens so fast. Every day makes us who we are, for better or for worse. When you’re young, you see things one way, but as you get older, you start to see things differently. To some people, growing up and getting older means more endings than beginnings. For Ricky and me, it’s just the opposite! You might think you know how your life will turn out, but you never know when it could grow into something beautiful that you’d never expect. If there’s anything I’ve learned in my …
Best in Sheaux: The Robinson’s Rescue Runway Dog Show
Stella’s journey to Best in Sheaux was not easy. The winter of 2016 was a cold one, and the scruffy ball of grey fur found herself living rough, dodging cars and people on Kings Highway, making her home somewhere in the environs of Mall St. Vincent. Locals and passersby had spotted her all around the neighborhood for weeks, and tried to catch her numerous times, but had no luck. She was utterly terrified of people, and remained at large until one particularly cold night. It had dropped below freezing, and …
Get Fit Fashion
You don’t have to wait until you’re FIT to look good while working out. In fact, what you wear to the gym can go a long way toward helping you stay motivated and confident. Putting on a flattering outfit motivates people to get to the gym or even workout outdoors or in public. Kristin Kirk is your one-stop shop for all the latest fashion workout brands. For more information on buying these brands locally contact Kristin at 318-458-1723. Special Thank You to Our Models: Marguerite Papa Kourtney Tomlinson Kendell Gross …
“Us Up North” Cabbage Greens
Written By Chef Hardette Harris, The Boss of Southern Cuisine Ingredients: 1 large cabbage 2½ – 3 lbs., select one with green outer leaves 1½ C sliced smoked sausage* 3 large smoked turkey necks* ½ med onion yellow chopped ½ green bell pepper small chopped 2 C water 2 T seasoned salt 1 T garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder Salt & Pepper to taste Cover turkey with water and boil until the meat is tender but not falling apart (about 45-50 min). Saute onions, bell pepper, and sausage until …
Audiobook Review: “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell
#1 New York Times bestselling author and host of the podcast Revisionist History Malcolm Gladwell, Read by the author Malcolm Gladwell’s “Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know” was released in audiobook format in September of 2019 and I was eager to listen. Gladwell has earned a reputation for well-researched writing and captivating storytelling and I was already a fan. Much to my delight, I found that Gladwell himself provided the narration. Personally, I am a big fan of audiobooks read by the author. …
Hostess with the Mostess: The Magical Season of Mardi Gras
Mid-January through February can seemingly drag on with its bitter wet cold winter weather and no fun in sight. After all, the holiday hustle and bustle has died down and everyone has recovered, we are all looking forward to spring and tired of being stuck inside. Never fear my friends… here in Louisiana, we do not let the winter blues drag us down. We Mardi Gras. We revel in this carnival celebration that lasts several weeks until Ash Wednesday, then and only then do we really start our “resolutions” for …
REVIVAL: A Resolution of Restoration
Revival is defined as an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again. As we begin a new year, we make promises to revive ourselves from the year that has passed. Many times, we resolve to restore our lives mentally, physically and emotionally. We make lists within our minds to make ultimate transformations. It’s that time of year when the tradition of New Year’s resolutions manifests. We all make that promise to ourselves to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice as opening doors for people beginning …
2020 Design Trends
Well my goodness gracious, it’s 2020…Sounds so futuristic, doesn’t it? But, alas, no flying cars, no personal jetpacks and we still put our pants on one leg at a time. Some things never change, but styles and trends do. It is my job to be aware of new trends, colors, styles, etc. So let’s just jump right in, shall we? Colors Warmer tones are making a comeback. Not abrasive vivid colors like red, orange, yellow, but their softer-toned cousins of merlot, burnt orange/terracotta and ochre. These colors are best used …
From Her Perspective: Emerie Eck Gentry
I remember sitting in my counselor’s office, staring at a bunch of self-help books with tears rolling down my face, wondering how I ended up at this point in my life. I was thirty years old, going through a divorce, raising two young boys, in a job with little pay, and not enough college credits to obtain an undergraduate degree. Yikes! The situation didn’t look good at all! Then, the counselor asked “What makes you happy?” In my mind I was thinking “none of this mess!” He continued “What do …
Lola Lady | Lynette Wade
The Rural Practitioner of the Year recognizes a direct healthcare clinical provider for their leadership in delivering health services to rural populations. Factors taken into consideration for this honor include providing outstanding care, involvement in the community, and lasting contributions to the healthcare system. In grateful appreciation and distinguished recognition of her hard work, devotion and commitment to rural healthcare, the Louisiana Rural Health Association is honored to recognize Mary Lynette Wade as the 2019 Rural Practitioner of the Year. Lynette Wade was born in Downsville. She is married to …
Dyslexia: The Superhero Returns
The jumble of letters and symbols wasn’t getting any better no matter how long he looked at it. It didn’t seem to matter how strong the medicine was that his doctor prescribed, his mind still couldn’t focus on these archaic symbols and understand their meaning so once again, he gave up with a headache and a sigh of frustration. It was now an everyday occurrence and he was tired of fighting to try. Kevin* begin to try to think back to his whole school career and when was the last …
Integrate Your Health: Beating the Winter Blues
Fall is a favorite season for many people. From October to January, there is an abundance of holidays full of excitement and celebration. For some, however, the winter season brings melancholy. The days become shorter and the temperatures colder, creating a setup for the winter blues. The winter blues are feelings of sadness and a lack of energy that occur during the winter season. It is very common and can lead to trouble sleeping, feeling less social, and a lack of motivation. It is thought that the winter blues are …