Editor’s Note
When she first moved to Shreveport, she started meal prepping for her family and would cook about 30 meals a day to have a meal ready for each day out of a month. you might think she had a big family, but she didn’t – she had a big idea that gave Shreveport an early start to meal prep options.

CityLife MAGAZINE
CONTRIbuTORS WRITERS Tara Bullock Mandy Byrd Mark Crawford Jo Ann Garner Katie Kilpatrick-Gata Dianne Glasgow Myron Griffing Katie Ho Lynn Laird Stephanie Jordan Susan Reeks Betsy St. Amant Sara Thomas Brittney Trahan Mary Ann Van osdell Karen Wissing.

finding Thanks
Long before any ingredients needed to be collected and recipes made, Big Mick wanted to know who would be seated at his table. And even though Thanksgiving was still weeks away, I would humor him. His anticipation was palpable.

cycling BOND
“I really liked [riding my bike] while I was still getting acquainted with Shreveport,” she said. “To be able to see it on a human level was really cool, and to meet people who enjoy that as well and enjoy all the benefits that not only riding as a person but riding as a culture brings, was a huge reason why I felt like I could belong here.

attitude of Gratitude
The winner for first pin under “thankful?” A lyrical post that read, “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy” by Rumi. Beautiful! I know I’m typically burning appliances or stuffing my face with some kind of dessert, but that Sufi mystic hit me right.

praying for Change
Women of today are concerned with the rights we have in our county – what we are free to do; how we choose to live; how we choose to rear our children; when and where we and our children can share their faith and pray. All of these are being brought to the forefront by today’s newspapers and television stations.

Fabulous in the winter
If there is one thing that you must use for winter, it’s eye cream. This is where we show visible signs of aging first. I am constantly trying new products to solve my own skin care mysteries. While doing some detective work, I’ve discovered La Prairie,.

Room by Room
I am an interior decorator, not an interior designer. I mostly work with the existing layout of a home selecting colors, wall coverings, spacial planning, furniture, lighting, art, accessories, etc. It’s truly an awesome job because I have always been opinionated about decor, but now, I get paid for it.

plans for Pallets
A few years ago I came across several pallets that were up for grabs and I immediately I thought, “What can I use those for?” They were in good shape and seemed like a waste to just toss them out. So after taking them home, my wheels started turning..

endless Options
Something deserving that may not have received as much attention recently. Then it occurred to me that Cheng’s Garden located just south of King Highway on Youree Drive offers the perfect blend of elegant atmosphere and excellent service with a menu full of flavorful options.

Voice of Inspiration
Betty Lewis has been singing since she was a child. A mother of two, grandmother, veteran, missionary and singer, Lewis landed a record deal with KingSnake Records in Orlando, Fla. Her music is truly from her heart and soul, and she credits the Holy Spirit with her inspiration.

Self less Art
Growing up in central Louisiana, Amanda Roe was always intrigued with people and their behaviors. Thankfully, she had a grandmother with crafting skills and a true talent for art.

Healthy for the Holiday
“I also know what it’s like to try to feed a family a healthy meal when your life is crazy busy,” Gieseke said. “That’s why Healthy Chef was created. Our goal is to give Shreveport-Bossier City clean (meaning organic and pesticide free) tasty and healthy meals.

Swapping with Style
It’s cookie time! A good old cookie swap is the perfect way to change up your holiday traditions and try new recipes. CityLife’s.

Nancy Norris Fierce and financial
Nancy Norris is a financial planner for Northwestern Mutual where she helps people grow and protect their incomes. With her background in the Air Force, she is well traveled and has an edgy style that stands out in a crowd..

TWIST on tradition
DIRECTIONS Rinse wild rice in a strainer under cold water for about 1 minute. In a medium saucepan combine rinsed wild rice with 1 tablespoon butter, bouillon and nutmeg. Add wine and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

November [ AGENDA ]
FUN FOR THE FAMILY nOV. 7: THe DaY OF THe DeaD FesTiVal: a CeleBRaTiOn OF liFe, Celebrate this traditional Mexican holiday with altars, crafts, music, face painting, folkloric dances, games and new this year a parade of calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons).

Women Who Care, Share
1. Jacque Vobick, Donna Poimboeuf, Mary Louise Stansell 2. Marilyn Joiner, Dee Bustillo, Deb Cockrell 3. Seated: Marianne Cosse, Jackie Cooper, Virginia Israel Standing: Donna Brazzel, Paige Reagan, Marilyn Merkle, Kristen Bernard 4. Rhonda Dossett, Stephanie Y’Barbo, Dr.

Gingerbread House Luncheon
Guests listened to Former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur share her life story as an incest survivor at the Gingerbread House Partners in Prevention Luncheon on Oct. 14 at Sam’s Town Casino. Also, Executive Director Jessica Milan Miller presented a video about the services the nonprofit provides to children in the community.

CityLife MAGAZINE’ S MOST FAB GIFT GUIDE
Advertise now to be a part of Shreveport-Bossier City’s most requested Holiday Gift Guide to date. Filled with goodies and must-haves for everyone on your list, your customers will crave the hottest items..

Glitz and Grits
The Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum hosted its fundraiser Glitz and Grits to the theme of “Louisiana Saturday Night” on Sept. 26. Guests were entertained by the Bayou Boys and Raku potter Bruce Odell, who showed guests his unique artwork. Buddy Caldwell also performed as Elvis at the event.

True to Life
I read Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” when I first began teaching in a multicultural school and found it an insightful look into the psyche of a young Afghan child. Hosseini’s “And the Mountains Echoed” provides similar insights but across multiple generations and countries.