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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Our focus has shifted from a general interest lifestyle publication to be one that focuses on empowering and bringing together the women of Northwest Louisiana. These women are strong, often bringing home the bacon as well as caring for the family, the hubby and the house.

CityLife
CityLife is published monthly by Venture Publishing Inc., 1158 Texas Ave., Shreveport, LA 71101. Phone (318) 222-0409. Fax (318) 222-1725. CityLife, at the discretion of the publisher, reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising. No portion of the publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission.

Editor’s Note
You get to see the bride and bridesmaids take a swig of whiskey before the wedding. You notice the bride forgot her bouquet as she walks down the aisle. You are the one that helps the bride get all the gnats off her dress because the photographer puts her in a field before the wedding.

Sweet (Second) child of Mine
In early December, while most people were scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping, I was scrambling for something else. Confirmation for why I was feeling so off. In my gut, I knew what that feeling meant. Tiredness, waves of nausea in tandem with waves of emotion … that only means one thing.

In the stars
Although we’re taught to “never say never,” I probably will never be one to travel to space. Years ago, I would have followed that thought with a shrug and moved on about my day, but today I find myself a bit disappointed that my dream of growing up to be an astronaut was extremely short-lived, if lived at all.

Bridal Bliss or Bust
You can find dresses, decor and desserts. I was so thankful I found Pinterest before my wedding. Even though our day was a small affair (15 people in New Orleans), I still found plenty of inspiration to personalize our day. I love weddings so much that despite the fact I’ve been married for a year and a half, I still pin to my wedding board.

Show love
In the book, “Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk,” there are two pictures of a son and his dad. In the first picture the son is trying to get his father’s attention. The dad is watching TV and never turns around to talk to his son. The son finally said, “Forget it.

Hoops & Hot plates
Sara and I love several local soul food joints – including places like Sherry’s Diner, C&C Café and Taylor’s Restaurant – but we’re always on the look-out for a new place to satisfy our endless hunger for fried catfish, collard greens and cornbread. We stumbled upon a great new spot during a recent lunch date.

In Focus: Advertiser Spotlight | DiamondJacks Casino
Established in 2006, DiamondJacks Casino and hotel in Bossier City is home to a 24-hour casino that features over one thousand slots and video poker machines, as well as classic table games. DiamondJacks offers monthly promotions and their online hall of fame of winners is evidence that it’s a great place to find luck.

In Focus: Advertiser Spotlight | Shoppes at Bellemead
Established in late 2004 by codevelopers Rand Falbaum and Alvin Childs Jr., Shoppes at Bellemead was created with the slogan “A Beautiful Way to Shop” in mind. This vision set the tone for everything about the shopping complex; from the beautifully manicured landscaping, to the attractive architecture, to the choices of retail and restaurants.

Rouse Properties
As a preteen and teenager, there was nothing cooler than being dropped off at the mall with your friends. Shopping, food, entertainment – the mall had it all. And it had a safe, family-friendly atmosphere that made parents feel comfortable letting the reigns loose.

Gumbeaux Event Productions
Shreveport has an on-going love affair with a good party. Whether the occasion is a holiday, a wedding, a fundraiser or just a kick-your-heels up Saturday night, there is always something buzzing in this town, and Gumbeaux Event Productions can often be found right in the center of it.

It’s Your Day
CityLife’s freshest collection of the best tips, ideas and style for a wedding.

Southern Wedding With a Twist
Despite the early connection, the relationship went through an evolution. “We went to different colleges. He was a year older and left my senior year to go to Lexington, Va., to attend Washington and Lee [University], and it was just impossible to realistically maintain a long-distance relationship,” Amanda said.

VENDORS:
Mollie Corbett A-1 Charter Gumbeaux Productions Hilton Hotel Remington Hotel John Cariere Catering AAA Rental H&E Equipment.

From the professionals
When it comes to planning the wedding, there are things that are good to know and things that brides need to know. The big day can involve much more than the white dress and exchanging of vows; it can be chaotic and stressful.

The Wedding Band
Formed in 1986 by guitarist Ron Johnson, the band first set revelers dancing at the Time Out Club, which was on Line Avenue at the time. Their repertoire included the hits of some of their major influences and inspirations.

On Bended Knee
Before the white dress, guest list and exchanging of “I do’s,” the big moment every couple dreams of is the proposal of their lifetime. Big or small, asking those four words can be enough stress for anyone.

‘A YeAr of Weddings’
This stand-alone series, written by 12 different authors and spanning the course of a year, will march down the aisle each month – first in digital format then in multiple print compilations starting in November.

“A Year of Weddings” novellas will include the following titles:
“A December Bride” by Denise Hunter (available now) “A January Bride” by Deborah Raney (available now) “A February Bride” by Betsy St.

Love at First Bite
Though some were wary of Morgan starting a business at such a young age, he has proven he’s got what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and beloved baker. Silver Palate Cakery, located at 1700 Old Minden Road in Bossier City, is only open by appointment.

Say ‘I do to Blue’
Stylish gifts for this bridal season.

Bridal Show
Weddings With Style Magazine’s Signature Bridal Show was held Jan. 26 at the Bossier Civic Center. The Signature Bridal Show is an event designed to introduce brides and grooms to the region’s top wedding vendors and make wedding planning a one-stop-shopping affair.

Keep the Cannoli, leave the Dress
They offer gems of good advice. I am a believer in supporting friends and making sure this is a day to remember (and as drama-free as possible). However, I was disappointed in the lack of bridesmaid advice that actually provided advocacy/reality check and support for the maid herself.

AGENDA
featuring live music, visual art, signature martinis and socializing served with a twist, along with food from 15 area restaurants and music from Super Water Symphony. Artini benefits the Bossier Arts Council. $55 in advance and $65 at the door. 7 p.m. Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, Bossier City.

March [ AGENDA ]
For the Families MARCH 6-9: “TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD,” A classic of modern American literature, this Pulitzer Prizewinning story deals with the serious issues of rape and racial inequality. $17 adults, $15 students, seniors and active military. 8 p.m. Feb. 27-March 1, 6-8; 2 p.

MEET YOUR RE/MAX SALES TEAM
Kimberly LeCount prides herself on customer care and service from beginning to end. “I have no personal assistants, therefore, I am your personal ‘hands on’ realtor,” said LeCount. LeCount is a full time realtor, which enables her to work around her client’s schedules.

RE/MAX Real Estate Services
“We jumped at the chance to open a location in Bossier City,” said Snyder. “We were able to join up with high quality Brokers and Agents, and have agents with worlds of experience in New Construction, Developing and Bank Owned Properties, as well as First Time Home Buyer Programs and Rural Development Purchases.

Creative Crawfish
s mudbug season approaches, I’m sure you’re planning to attend or maybe host a crawfish boil or two. Maybe you will just settle on bringing home a steaming bag of crawfish from your favorite local cooking spot. Between friends and festivals in communities throughout Louisiana, occasions abound from March through June to indulge our crawfish cravings.

Words to AccompAny Art
Atkins works in oil on canvas, pastel, pencil, mixed media collage and giclee prints. Her work is widely collected throughout the United States and Europe. Among her many international exhibitions are: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.

40 Under 40
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce along with CityLife Magazine hosted the annual 40 Under 40 Awards Gala on Dec. 13. The gala took place at Horseshoe’s Riverdome with more than 400 people in attendance. This year’s Professional Of The Year was awarded to Dr.

Shots With Steve
Legendary skateboard artists Steve Olsen, David Hackett, Tim Kerr, Jason Jessee, Lance Mountain, Neil Blender, Brian Lotti, Clint Petterson and Dennis McNett were celebrated at the home of Linda B. Goldsberry as part of Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s UNSCENE! February excitement.

GIFT OF A LIFETIME
Chris Bell, chief engineer/ producer/mixer at Blade Studios in Shreveport, surprised girlfriend Charlotte Rice with a ticket.