A few weekends ago, I helped host a bridal shower for my cousin Jenny at my “aunt” Dinah’s house. Aunt Dinah is actually a cousin and not an aunt. But she’s always operated in my life as an aunt rather than the second cousin that she is, so I branded her as my aunt long ago.

A lot of parents say they don’t want to endure their child’s “meltdowns,” so they would rather give in to their wants rather than endure the “trauma-drama.” Whatever the reason, the word “No” seems to have disappeared in many homes, and it could be having a negative effect on the children in those homes.

So instead of focusing on many things all at once, I decided to set a more achievable goal for reducing the clutter in my home environment: Find one thing a week to donate or throw away. (Bonus points if I get rid of two things in a week, right? Sure.).

The pH levels of food are not just for science experiments anymore. Alkaline diets have become a favorite craze by many extending into the type of water consumed. While alkaline diets remain controversial among health and nutrition experts, many people are quick to point out benefits of alkaline diets, especially when it comes to alkaline water.

You all know I am a “chocolate-dipped, champagne goes with everything” Sovereign of Self-Indulgence, but lately my food dreams are filled with freshly prepared, minimally processed vegetables and fruit being served by more local restaurants. I am thrilled with the latest fresh food options and farm-totable trends.

Consider a nice variety and an appealing presentation. The menu should have selections that encompass both savory and sweet. Drinks span from nectarous and light adult beverages to hot coffee, iced tea and fruit juices.

Our mutual friend, Kevin Bryan, had recommended us, and I was excited to get started. The Loves were wanting a complete kitchen redo including removing a wall to the adjacent dining room. After consulting with them, I recommended an alternate use of the budget.

One of the biggest decisions a woman has to make after saying “yes” is choosing which style dress to wear on her big day. Several local shops consider it their job to help ease that stress and pressure, so the bride can turn from saying yes to her groom, to saying yes to her dress.

“I’ve been baking cakes for forever, but only 38 years for money,” Kathy joked. “I’m now baking wedding cakes for the daughters of the women whose own wedding I did 25-plus years before. I love this ministry!” For Kathy, it’s about a lot more than the love of baking or the money earned.

For many brides, selecting a venue in which to get married is at the top of the list of priorities. There are endless options – destination wedding, church wedding, outdoor wedding – and even more factors to consider about each one, such as the weather.

Bailey Dixon and Jeffrey Jones know what true love looks like. They started dating in February 2011, and after a brief breakup due to long distance, decided they were it for each other. “He was my person, and I was his,” Bailey said.

Dustin Jones and Shae Cacciola are a local couple who knew each other for three years before deciding they were much more than just friends. After six months of dating, Dustin decided proposing to Shae on her birthday was the perfect time to commit to forever.

Checklist here are as many varied styles of weddings as there are varied personalities of brides and grooms, but regardless of the specifics, there are several things a wedding can’t do without! This simple checklist will help brides streamline their important day so they can.

When Brandy Evans took her first steps toward fitness and a healthier outlook, little did she know she would land on national television commercial for Weight Watchers. But the icing on the cake was dinner with talk-show host and mogul Oprah Winfrey..

“I think when a lot of people hear ‘Best in Sheaux’ or live runway dog show, they think of the traditional Kennel Club dog shows,” Kirsten Howard, director of development outreach for Robinson’s Rescue, said. “It is definitely not that. Your dog doesn’t have to be a ‘show dog’ to enter.

Package includes: Two tickets to CORK Wine Festival (April 1, 2017) plus One-night stay for two in best available suite at Hilton Shreveport, $50 food credit for room service or buffet breakfast, and shuttle service to/from CORK..

Dakota Lawrence is a local clairvoyant, medium and psychic paranormal investigator who can assist. Lawrence has a history of gifted psychics in his family, and at the early age of 12, he knew that he was gifted himself and began doing readings for others.

Local foodies are hailing the return of 318 Restaurant Week, which will be held March 14 – 18 at participating restaurants and businesses in Shreveport-Bossier. The first 318 Restaurant Week in the fall of 2016 was conceived and presented by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau to create traffic for downtown restaurants.

“I love singing, playing and writing,” she said. “Few things in life make me happier. My passion for music drives me, my desire to have great influence and make a difference drives me. Music is power, and I’d love the opportunity to use it on a grand scale for good.

JUST FOR YOU THROUGH MARCH 4: THE ALBERT WALKER RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION, that features Albert Walker’s naturalist and aviation art pieces. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 12 - 5 p.m., Saturday. artspace, 710 Texas Street, Shreveport. Call 673-3535..

| Tamra Wichelns.

| Courtney Batts.

A Mardi Gras Jazz Brunch was held at the Woman’s Department Club on Feb. 11. A second line to a live jazz band after a meal of breakfast casserole, cheese grits, king cake and bread pudding featured krewe royalty in costumes. Mimosas were also served..

The “We’re All Mad Here” theme for Christmas in the Sky 2016 kept guests on their toes and the edge of their seats as magical and mad costumed characters lent just the right touch of crazy to the fun-filled event.

Pet lovers and visiting Krewe royalty from all over the Ark-La-Tex turned out to celebrate the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux at a brunch held in the ballroom at Eldorado. King Andy Shehee and Flamingo Queen Laura Schlidt made their debut and welcomed their subjects.