Queens of Mardi Gras | Inspiration from the Women of Shreveport-Bossier City | The “Throw Me Something, Mister” Issue.

Like so many, I’ve always been hesitant to take on a New Year’s resolution. It feels like setting myself up for failure because, without really meaning to, I make a goal that I inevitably cannot meet.

We hear this all the time: “This generation has become the ‘Me’ generation, always thinking of self and no one else.” But if everyone has “Me” mentality all the time, our society will become a not so nice place to live in.

King cake, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. With Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras fast approaching, it seems like the perfect time to celebrate how many ways we can enjoy this seasonal treat! From Epiphany to the Fat Tuesday before Lent, we eagerly share these delicacies at nearly every occasion.

I have had more patients asking about plant-based diets, some crediting this to the movie “Forks Over Knives,” others crediting their doctors. Plant-based diets range from vegan to “flexitarians,” who occasionally eat meat products.

I gotta tell ya, folks, I struggled on what topic to write about in this first article and issue of 2017. It has been a tumultuous and divisive time for a lot of folks out there, but we must play the cards we’ve been dealt.

So Valentine's Day, as always, falls on the 14th of February, and Mardi Gras this year runs from the 24th of February and ends on Fat Tuesday, the 28th.

Sauté sausage in a small Dutch oven over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic; sauté five minutes. Add rice and Creole seasoning; sauté two minutes. Add broth; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover with lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer 30 minutes.

What better way to enhance your experience of Mardi Gras in Shreveport- Bossier than to get to know the Queens of Mardi Gras? Catering to more than 400,000 parade-goers each year, the krewes of Shreveport-Bossier have a storied history, and each are as unique as their queens.

Search: The Forum / City Life.

| Krystle Grindley.

Oh, what a night it was, with gorgeous guests flying in from far and wide to celebrate Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s gala to end all galas. The Mad Hatter himself would be hard-pressed to outdo the fun and flair that filled the air at Christmas in the Sky 2016 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

| Courtney Batts.

The glitter and glam of North Louisiana gathered at Sci-Port to usher in the new year with a Toast of champagne and heaping helping of good cheer..

Professional Laser Center in Monroe and Shreveport proves once again it’s at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in medical aesthetics in North Louisiana. It’s one of only six providers of the Dermapen TattOff Tattoo Removal System in the entire country.

The Shreveport Little Theatre hosted an exclusive Downton Abbeythemed cocktail party at the home of Dr. Sherry Kerr on Oct. 28. A historic home on Fairfield Avenue known as Pinewold Manor was the perfect setting for the event, where local actors played the parts of valets and footmen, just like on the TV show.

“Snoopy Takes a Road Trip” was the theme of the 64th Annual Style Show and Luncheon presented by the Loyola Parents Association at the Shreveport Convention Center, Nov. 9. Students modeled fashions from local merchants at the school’s largest annual fund-raising project.

In November, the Shreveport Opera Guild hosted their annual fund-raiser, Les Boutiques de Noël. This year’s theme was “The Great Outdoors.” Dozens of vendors were on hand with all kinds of items for sale, clothing, food, jewelry, yard art and more. Proceeds benefit the Shreveport Opera.

SandysDance Center recently hosted their Christmas Showcase 2016 at SandysDance Center in Shreveport. The show, referred to as Shreveport’s version of “Dancing with the Stars,” consisted of over 20 performances in ballroom, swing, country and Latin dancing.

Flower girls were Allie Melancon, niece of the bride, Presleigh Walton and Libby Claire Robinson, cousins of the bride The best man was Mikey Tracey, best friend of the groom. Groomsmen were Jack Harkey and Claude Comeau, friends of the Groom. Ring bearer was Hudson Walton, cousin of the bride.