Wherever Lola takes us, we go together — hearts open, stories shared, and friendships renewed.
We’ve made it through the sun-filled days of summer to the soft, golden light of autumn — that magical season when the South comes alive with festival life. From the smooth sounds of the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival to the aroma of food-truck favorites and the buzz of the 49th Red River Revel, we’ve found joy in volunteering, greeting friends old and new, and sharing the spirit of Lola along the way. The joy of giving back to our community — and the laughter that fills those long festival days — has truly been the icing on the cake.
Between issues, Lola life has taken us to the doorsteps of new beginnings — stories of courage, creativity, and community. We’ve watched Sara McDaniel open the doors of Purvey Minden, celebrated Dr. Jode Burgin’s return to solo practice with her concierge medical care, and witnessed the next chapter of Glow Alchemy Kitchen as Britni Sternard steps in to carry its torch while founder Jessica Comegys embarks on her newest venture, Balanced Travel. Each story reminds us that the heart of Lola is — and always will be — relationships. Our mission has never changed: to connect women who inform, inspire, encourage, and invest in one another.
As the seasons shift, we feel the call to slow down and savor life’s simple graces — nights around the firepit, hearty meals at the family table, an evening walk with a cherished companion, or a mid-afternoon coffee paired with warm apple crumble (see recipe below). Autumn invites us to gather, to linger, and to open our doors to the people who add richness to our days.
That reminder came to us recently through a post by local news anchor Johnette Magner. She shared a hauntingly beautiful image of ducks gliding together through fog, captioned: “We are not put on this earth to travel alone. We are social beings who need one another, especially when the path is unclear.” Her words struck a chord — clear, resonant, and true.
Friendship is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It anchors us when life feels uncertain and reminds us who we are when the world shifts beneath our feet. Research affirms what our hearts already know — connection protects our health, steadies our emotions, and strengthens our sense of belonging. Around tables and firepits, through laughter and conversation, friendship becomes a sacred pause in the swirl of busy lives — a gift we give ourselves and one another.
As we turn the page into this new season, we invite you to celebrate with us — to gather, to connect, and to embrace the beauty of togetherness. Wherever Lola takes you next, we hope you’ll find yourself surrounded by good company and even better stories.
We’ll hope to see you along the way.
– Sarah & Ellyn
In this issue:
- Lasers in Modern Skin Care
Dr. Cynthia Noguera talks technology for common skin concerns - Fall Front Porch Style
A Guide to Southern Front Porch Style - The Real Facelift Story
Lori Haygood Recounts Her Facelift Journey - The Heron
A Southern Escape Crafted by Chef Blake Jackson - Lola Magazine Presents: Fall Festivals Across North Louisiana
- Glow Alchemy Kitchen
From Vision to Evolution - Sandy + Rizzo
How Friendship and Playdates Turned into an Earring Empire - Loyola Style Show
Honoring a Fall Fashion Event - Walking Together
Awareness, Healing and Hope in the Fight Against Breast Cancer - AI in Education
AI and the Brain- A Brave New World - Main to Main Trade Days
Get Ready for Fall in Webster Parish - Miss Louisiana Volunteer
A Celebration of Sisterhood, Service and Style - Les Boutique de Noel
Celebrate the Season at a Cherished Shreveport Tradition
Shug’s Apple Crumble
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 ½ T. fresh lemon juice
- ½ c brown sugar
- ½ c sugar
- 1 ½ T flour
- 2 t ground cinnamon
- ¼ t kosher salt
Topping:
- 1 ½ c brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ c all-purpose flower
- 1 ½ c chopped pecans
- ½ t baking soda
- ½ t baking powder
- ¼ t kosher salt
- 1 ½ stick melted butter
Instructions:
- Grease 9 x 13 Baking Dish with salted butter
- Place apples in large bowl and add lemon juice – toss gently
- Mix remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and mix
- Combine dry ingredients with apples and toss until apples are well-coated
- Spread apples in baking dish – evenly
Topping:
- Mix all ingredients together
- Stir in melted butter
- Mixture will be crumbly – sprinkle over apples
- Bake @ 350 for 1 hour or until topping is golden brown
Serve with vanilla ice cream – Call us when it is ready!