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Baton Rouge Moms Recommend: Pediatricians

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We have such a supportive community on Facebook, so many wonderful recommendations to the daily questions asked on our page. We decided to use these wonderful recommendations in new series, “Baton Rouge Moms Recommend,” where we will compile the recommendations from all of our Facebook community questions. We have 20 plus recommendation posts in the works, each week we will publish a new post of recommendations to build a resource library for all Baton Rouge area moms. Stay tuned!

Baton Rouge Pediatricians

Baton Rouge Pediatrician

Baton Rouge Area Pediatricians

Whether you’re a new parent or new to the area, trying to find “the perfect pediatrician” is often a difficult task. Baton Rouge is fortunate to have a number of great, caring, passionate pediatricians and Baton Rouge moms are happy to recommend them.

Below are the Baton Rouge area Pediatrician recommendations shared by Baton Rouge Moms on our Facebook page.  If you have additional recommendations please add a comment to this post.

Post by Baton Rouge Moms.

 

Baton Rouge

The Baton Rouge Clinic

7373 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 246-9290

Dr. Susan Bankston at the BR Clinic. We’ve been with her for over 13 years. If we have to be seen on her days off, then Dr. Traci Brummond. Both of those ladies are awesome!!

Dr Susan Bankston at the Baton Rouge Clinic…we LOVE her:)

Dr Susan Bankston at the Baton Rouge Clinic is the best!!

Without question! Dr. Susan Bankston. She’s the one and only Dr. Su B…and is good with it.

Dr Susan Bankston at the Baton Rouge Clinic. Have been with her since we moved here in 1999. Best pediatrician in Baton Rouge.

Catherine Katzenmeyer at BR clinic. They always call you back ASAP when you have questions, you can get in same day, and if have only waited longer than 15 minutes one time. She’s great!

Dr. Catherine Katzenmeyer-the BEST!!!

Dr. Catherine Katzenmeyer!!! She’s wonderful!!!!!!

Catherine Katzenmeyer… amazing!! She is so proactive, sweet, and spend time with you. Wonderful doctor.

Dr. Aimee Ferrell or Dr. Drumm. Pretty much all the docs in the group at Baton Rouge Clinic. They’re great.

Brummund, Stephen Sanchez or gulino are my faves. We see Gulino and love her.

Dr Wood! We love him! When we can’t get in (rare occasion) we Dr Guidroz.

Dr. Danny Wood – we have seen him for 10 years

Dr. Ronald Bombet!! He is incredible, he takes care of our baby girl like she is his own! Best of all, he has twin grandbabies that are about 18 months so he won’t suggest anything for your child that he wouldn’t for his babies!!

Dr Bombet is amazing and has a practice with four other doctors. Bonus: Saturday hours!

Dr Jamar Melton- If your child is in the hospital he will see his patients verses using a hospitalist.

We see Dr Melton. I love him. He has been great with both of my kids. His nurse heather is great as well and calls you back very quickly. I never have a problem getting an appointment and don’t wait very long. I’ve also seen other doctors in the practice who are great. That’s one reason I choose that practice as well. He will also see your child if your child is in the hospital instead of having to use hospitalist.

Dr Melton at br clinic. We have been seeing him for over 13 years and love him.

Dr. Jamar Melton at BR Clinic. Highly recommend him!

We see Jamar Melton at the BR Clinic, but we like all of the doctors in that office.

Douglas Patterson….been with since 1993. Awesome!

Dr. Mark Waggenspack. Baton Rouge Clinic. Wonderful!

 Dr mark Waggenspack (we just call him dr. Wag) at the BR clinic on Perkins.

Dr. Shelly Martin at Baton Rouge Clinic.

 

The Pediatric Clinic

South – 12351 Industriplex Boulevard

1st location – 888 Tara Blvd.
225-926-4400

“}” data-reactid=”.4.1:3:1:$comment543743335694426_4122809:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.3.$likeToggle:0″>Dr. Sanches, Dr. Boudreaux, Dr. Gelpi, Dr. Vick, Dr. Kelleher, and Dr. Schwartzenburg at The Pediatric Clinic – 6 wonderful doctors, 2 locations, evening hours (6-9pm, Monday-Thursday nights) and they’re open BOTH days of the weekend (8:30-12)

Dr Dawn Vick at the pediatric clinic on Tara. She and her staff are amazing! Been there 13 years!!

Dr. Stephanie Kelleher (and all the doctors) at The Pediatric Clinic on the corner of Goodwood & Tara. They also have a second office at Airline & Industriplex near the new Woman’s Hospital. The new Industriplex office is open until 9pm Mon-Thurs!

Dr. Schwartzenberg at pediatric clinic on Tara and goodwood. Love him! And since you will inevitably see another doc in the clinic if your child is sick, you have to look at the doctors as a whole group too. All the doctors at the pediatric clinic are amazing!

Dr. George Schwartzenburg is our fav!!!! Wonderful with kids and very on top of things!

We have been going to Dr. George Schwartzenburg for 13 years, he’s wonderful!

Dr. Schwartzenburg at The Pediatric Clinic on Tara Blvd. The other pediatricians there are great as well!

Anyone at The Pediatric Clinic- 2 locations Airline at Industriplex and Goodwood Blvd. I use George Schwartzenburg.

Dr. Stephen Sanchez with the Pediatric Clinic! My little girl was very premature and he goes above and beyond to keep her healthy!! He cares so much!

Dr. Gelpi or any of his associates at The Pediatric Clinic

Laura Boudreaux!! She is great!!!

Dr Stephanie Hancock McCollister Kelleher. She is THE BEST!!

Dr. Kelleher at pediatric clinic.. Love her!

 

OLOL Pediatric Medical Center

12525 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge
LA, 70810

Dr. Sandra Franz at Pediatric Medical Center OLOL…we LOVE her!

Dr Sandra Franz at Pediatric OLOL Med. Center. She’s awesome!

Dr Sandra Franz! Olol pediatric group on Perkins we adore her! She takes time to answer every question and loves on my boys as if they were her own. Love her!

Sandy Franz or Brett Hutchinson at the Lake pediatric center (Perkins @ YMCA). Both kind, thorough, and respectful of parents’ opinions.

Dr. Hutchinson at Pediatric Medical Center. The entire staff is amazing and all the docs are great.

We love Dr. Flechas and Dr. Hutchinson at Lake Primary on YMCA and Dr Sigsworth at AIPD.

Dr Jennifer Harris at lake pediatric primary care! She’s so personable and spends actual time with you on your visits and listens. Awesome wish she was my Dr.

Dr. Ashley Lucas at Pediatric OLOL medical center on Perkins near Seigen Lane. She is the best both my kids have been going to her for 7 years!!!

 

Pediatrics at Goodwood/ Southeast Pediatrics

8415 Goodwood Blvd.
Baton Rouge
LA, 70806

Dr. Jay Collingsworth@ OLOL pediatrics on Goodwood.

Dr. Canizarro at the Lake physicians on Goodwood. Been with her for 4 years now.

Dr. Christina Cannizzaro and her NP Kelly. She always listened to me with my child’s complex issues when he was born. She trusted the parents!

Dr.Murli Rao The best of the best! Hands Down!

Dr Murli Rao @ Southeast pediatric OLOL on Goodwood. My kids have been with him for 8 years! I love that man! :0)

Dr Amber Denham Lake Pediatrics

 

Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine

8040 Goodwood Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA
(225) 928-0867
Dr Fakouri, 7+ years, 4 kids. All the other MDs in that group are great too. Call first thing in the morning, usually see a dr before lunch if needed.

We love Dr. Fakouri and Elofson at Assoc. in Pediatric Medicine.

Dr Dana Fakouri! At associates in pediatric medicine.

Dr. Roger Elofson. Has great bedside manners, and compassionate heart.

 

The Pediatric Place

18135 East Petroleum Drive,
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

“}” data-reactid=”.4.1:3:1:$comment543743335694426_4122625:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.3.$likeToggle:0″>Dr. Kelly Busenlener is the best! You can’t go wrong with any of the three there.

Dr Dawn Barrient is amazing. She is on Highland Rd.

We love Dr. Barrient and her partners at The Pediatric Place!

Dr. Dawn Barrient, The Pediatric Place, Highland Rd across from Ruffinos

Phillippe and group! love!!!

Cherron Philippe! The absolute best!

 

Pediatrics at O´Neal

2380 O’Neal Lane
Baton Rouge; Louisiana 70816
225-214-3714
Dr.Joseph Thomas…I would go to him if I could!

 

Prairieville

Magnolia pediatrics

17038 Commerce Centre Dr
Prairieville, LA 70769
225.744.4484

Dr. Samantha Gulino at Magnolia pediatrics in Prairieville and Dr. Paige Sigsworth at AIPD (dentist) in Prairieville. Both have wonderful personalities and are very good with kids. Dr. Gulino is always available by email if u have any questions and she’s very informative.

Dr.Ocmond at Magnolia peds in prairieville and for a dentist I use associates in pediatric dentistry. They have offices in Denham baton rouge and prairieville, when it comes to Dental Implants I prefer to go near the near Dublin, CA area because they are extremely good.

Dr Gulino at Magnolia Pediatrics all the doctors there are amazing

Dr. Ashli West -and Dr. Roger Elofson. Both have great bedside manners, and compassionate hearts. They were voted #1 and #2 pediatricians in the area. It was in Baton Rouge parenting magazine

 

St Elizabeth Phys Pediatrics

17609 Old Jefferson Hwy., Ste. F.
(225) 647-8511

Monica Vosburg PNP-C or Lisa Le, MD in Prairieville I love both of them.

Disclaimer: BatonRougeMoms.com does not endorse or recommend medical professionals. All opinions are those of Baton Rouge Moms Facebook readers. 

Mike the Tiger is Our Mascot {Giveaway}

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{Sponsored}

Mike the Tiger, the famed live Bengal Tiger serves as the graphic image of LSU, he is loved by children and adults alike, in Baton Rouge and beyond. It’s that time of year, we’re all scratching a summer itch for some SEC football and if there is one thing Baton Rougeans love, it’s all things LSU.  There’s a new book series, That’s Not Our Mascot,  that allows parents to share the joy of reading and their love for SEC football with their children.  Take your little one on a fun adventure through LSU campus as you head out to find LSU’s beloved Mike the Tiger….

Mike the Tiger is missing! Can you and your child find him before the big game? Take a trip around the LSU campus looking for Mike. Along the way, you might even run into some other mascots from around the conference who are just as lost as Mike. Mike the Tiger is Our Mascot takes you through LSU’s campus where you will see major landmarks such as Mike’s Tiger Habitat, the Parade Grounds, Alex Box, Memorial Tower and, of course, Tiger Stadium. You’ll also learn about some of LSU’s special traditions such as the Golden Girls, sliding down the Indian Mounds, and singing “Hey Fighting Tigers.”

That's Not Our Mascot - LSU - Mike the Tiger

The authors of the book, Jason Wells and Jeff Wells, are identical twins born in Huntsville, Alabama. Jason and Jeff prove just how divided families can be over SEC rivalries. Jason attended the University of Alabama, while Jeff went to Auburn University. They both enjoy returning to their respective alma maters every chance they get to watch their teams play. While Jason says “Roll Tide” and Jeff says “War Eagle”, they both have a passion for SEC sports. Their passion eventually led them to create a children’s book series entitled, That’s Not Our Mascot. This series enables them to share their SEC passion and introduce children to the landmarks, traditions, and mascots of all the schools of the SEC.

The That’s Not Our Mascot series includes 14 individual books for each of the SEC schools and mascots. Each book is unique to the individual school and its mascot, but also includes all the mascots from the other 13 SEC schools. As graduates of SEC schools themselves and parents of young children, they have combined the adults’ school spirit and pride in the SEC with their kids’ love for their mascots in a unique way. Their series is officially licensed by the SEC and each individual school and is published through Mascot Books, a publisher of collegiate licensed books. Check out Mike the Tiger is Our Mascot and the other 13 titles in the That’s Not Our Mascot series at www.thatsnotourmascot.com!

You can also find That’s Not Our Mascot on Facebook and Twitter!

Buy It!

We have a special coupon code for Baton Rouge Moms readers – type TNOM for 15% off.

You can purchase your own That’s Not Our Mascot  book on the website www.thatsnotourmascot.com. We know it’s summertime and your not ready to hear about the holidays, but keep this in mind as a Christmas gift for your little LSU fans.

Win it!

 Enter to win Mike the Tiger is Our Mascot  or one of the other 14 books in the series…

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter this giveaway. The only required entry is that you “Like” That’s Not Our Mascot on Facebook via the widget.  To increase your odds, complete the extra entry options on the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

The Benefits of Shopping at a Farmers’ Market

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Eating healthy, locally-sourced produce has become all the rage and a growing trend across the country in recent years. Each year the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes a National Directory of Farmers Markets which list farmers markets known to operate in the U.S.  You can clearly see the growth of the farmers market in the U.S. in the following graph.

Farmers Market Benefits

The Benefits of Shopping at a Farmers’ Market…

The benefits of shopping at the local farmers market are many. Markets offer a place to connect with neighbors, meet local farmers, support local small businesses, and provide nutritious food to neighborhoods in need. 

The concept underlying farmers markets is to get customers in touch with those who produce their food. In a highly processed world where much of our food is grown outside of our own country, that’s an admirable goal we should all aim to achieve.

Access to fresh, locally grown foods may be one of the greatest benefits to shopping at the farmer’s market. Farmers’ markets have fruits and vegetables at the peak of the growing season. This means produce is at its freshest and tastes the best.

Buying local keeps our dollars circulating in our community and ensures that farming and local food production will remain viable in our area. What can be better than forming a relationship with those that grow your food, you can ask questions, know exactly where your food is coming from and how it’s grown.

Farmers markets are kid-friendly. Let your kids pick out something new to try. Then, let them help prepare a meal or choose a snack based on what caught their eye.

Baton Rouge Area Farmers Markets

 Our local farmers’ market includes not only farmers, but local producers of food, products, arts and crafts. Customers will find in season farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, locally produced salad dressings, hummus, sauces, artisan cheeses, fresh breads, honey, jams, handmade soaps, candles and more.

BREADA CMYK logo

 Red Stick Farmers Market Times and Locations:
225-267-5060 Main Office
Thursdays
(8am-noon) Pennington Biomedical Research Center at 6400 Perkins Road
 
Saturdays
(8am-noon) Downtown Baton Rouge at 5th and Main Streets

The Red Stick Farmers Market also has Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market, an effort to help expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables to areas of the parish labeled “food deserts.

According to a 2012 report by Pennington Biomedical Research Center scientists , as many as 103,000 East Baton Rouge Parish residents — including 25,000 children — live in food deserts — areas with high poverty rates and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Red Stick Mobile Farmers Market Times and Locations:
Wednesdays
9-11 am Scotlandville Library, 7373 Scenic Hwy
12:30-2 pm Star Hill Church, 1400 N Foster Drive
 
Thursdays
8:30-10:30 am Delmont Service Center, 3535 Riley Street
12-2 pm Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center, 950 East Washington Street
 
Alexander’s Pop-up Market
The first pop-up market kicked off in May of this year. Be sure to check Alexander’s calendar for future markets.

Sunday our family took a quick stroll through the Pop Up Farmers Market sponsored by Alexander’s Highland Market. The pop up farmers’ market is much smaller than the Breada markets but continues to grow and does showcases some of our most popular farmers, local artisans and food producers, as well as food samples. 

The best part of these farmers’ markets… meeting the smart, innovative, entrepreneurs behind the goods that are sold.

Ruth's Hummus Baton Rouge

Ruth’s Hummus – the best in town!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexander's Pop Up Farmers MarketFrom left to right Mystic Bayou Candles, Courtlyn & Company handcrafted frames and home decor, Grinning Jupitor Jammery and Red Stick Spice Company

Hooked on Re: Baton Rouge

Re:- dressing and marinade is everywhere! We can’t get enough of this stuff!

 

Baton Rouge Farmers' MarketHollywood Livestock – {local grassfed} and Lucket Farms were also at the market, along with face painting for the children…

Baton Rouge Face Painting

As you can see, the Farmer’s Market is a lively spot and a great place to try a variety of local foods. National Farmers Market Week is coming up August 3 through August 9; if you have never visited one of our local farmer’s markets, National Farmers Market Week would be a great time to check one out.

Resources: usda.gov

4th of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge and Beyond

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Check out our 2017 Fourth of July Guide HERE!

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

We are fortunate to live in the land of the free, home of the brave, thanks to our founders and those who fought for freedom so long ago. The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Today, we celebrate America’s Independence with food, fun, family gatherings, fireworks and most importantly, honoring those who have served and continue to serve.

Baton Rouge Moms will always bring you the best in Family Friendly events in and around the Baton Rouge area, we have gathered the latest list of Family Friendly events for 4th of July festivities…

Family Friendly Baton Rouge 4th of July

4TH OF JULY FAMILY CELEBRATIONS IN BATON ROUGE AND BEYOND:

 

July 3rd Fireworks on the River celebration

July 3rd

Baton Rouge

Farm to Fourth Market –  8am – Noon. Local farmers and food artisans will be sampling their favorite Fourth of July foods at the Breada Farmers Markets on Thursday, July 3rd! Taste our smoked brisket sandwiches, marinated and grilled veggies, fresh salads made with local dressings, and find everything you need for your Fourth of July celebration! #eatlocal #farmtofourth

Kenilworth Independence Day Parade – “Learning to Love Liberty” – On this 70th anniversary of D-Day, come celebrate our nation’s birthday at the parade and join us for one of Baton Rouge’s premier Independence Day events! The parade features military and civic groups, bagpipers, antique cars, buggies, elected officials, horse groups, and more!!  Swing by Kenilworth Science & Technology School for the start of the parade. Enjoy the music of the Jemini Venture bluegrass band. Come visit with the animal adoption agencies who will be there. The Baton Rouge Sheriff Department wil be on the school grounds taking identification fingerprints for kids. Thursday, July 3, 2014 6:30 pm 

Donaldsonville

Fireworks on the River – The annual July 3rd Fireworks on the River celebration will be held Thursday from 5-11 p.m. in Donaldsonville. The only public fireworks event in Ascension Parish, the show will be along the Mississippi River levee and Crescent Park. For details, call (225) 323-2555

4th of July Downtown Baton Rouge

July 4th

Baton Rouge

Downtown Development District Events:

8 a.m. – BASF Freedom Mile

Join BASF and Club South Runners for a one-mile race through downtown Baton Rouge. Race begins on River Road near the USS Kidd. A series of one-mile races and a half-mile Parent/Child Run. Transportation provided to start area. Watermelon, fruit, Coca Cola products and Mockler Beerages afterwards. 1st race to start at 7:30 a.m. with other events to follow every 20 minutes. For more information visit www.rrca.org or 927-9200, www.clubsouthrunners.net

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. USS KIDD Freedon Festival – FREE

They will have games, an inflatable 7 Element Obstacle course, a toddler bounce house, face painters, a balloonist, plate lunches for sale benefiting the KIDD, sno-balls, gelato, and much more!

Museum and Levee green North of Museum: Walk the decks of one of America’s most outstanding historic vessels, the USS KIDD (DD-661), and explore the Veteran’s Memorial Museum and learn of the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans to insure the freedoms we celebrate on the 4th. The USS KIDD will be open for touring until 3 p.m. with patriotic music broadcast. For more information call 342-1942 or visit www.usskidd.com No ice chests, barbecue pits, tents or pets allowed.

9 p.m. Fireworks On The Mississippi – This year’s fireworks display can be viewed from either side of the Mississippi River, either in Downtown Baton Rouge or in Port Allen. WBRZ would like to encourage the public to join us in our annual tradition of honoring our troops and our great nation. NOTE: No ice chests, BBQ pits, tents or pets allowed. Tours of the USS KIDD Veterans Memorial will be available, at the regular admission price, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the 4th of July.

North Bouleard Town Square : “Patriots on the Beacon”

Honoring our Patriots on the North Boulevard Town Square beacon with over 100 photos of men and women who are serving or have served in the military. Patriotic music and movies will also play throughout the day and night in the Square.

BATON ROUGE CONCERT BAND “INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT: 7:30 p.m. – All are welcome to hear BRCB at their annual Independence Day concert. Bring friends and family to enjoy great music and watch the fireworks display. Steps of the State Capitol. For more information visit www.batonrougeconcertband.org

 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Hot-air balloons to light up the evening skies.

West Baton Rouge Parish

4th Fest – The best view anywhere in the Baton Rouge area for 4th of July fireworks on the Mississippi River. Held July 4th in downtown Port Allen at the Riverfront on the Mississippi River Levee. The fun starts annually at 4:00 pm and ends at 10:30 pm. Free to the public and includes face painting, magicians, clowns and space walks for the children. Beverage & food vendors line the levee for all to enjoy. Live entertainment with several local bands allow the crowds plenty of dance music to enjoy before and after the spectacular fireworks show on the river. Click on file below for more information.

4th Fest Flyer

Clinton

RED WHITE AND BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: The opening ceremonies will begin Friday, July 4 at 12:00 in front of the Town Hall.  There will be various activities to include wild game cook off, gospel singers, choirs, soloists, liturgical dancers, inflatables, face painting, vendors, fresh blueberries, games, bands.  The fireworks presentation will take place on Friday night behind Lawyers Row.      

Everyone is cordially invited to come out and celebrate with the Town of Clinton as we embark on this momentous family oriented festival. (225) 683-5531.

Walker

Old Fashioned Family Day Celebration: 9:00am to 9:00pm Sidney Hutchinson Park. Come Join the FUN, FOOD, & FESTIVITIES! FREE ADMISSION, FREE EVENTS, FREE RIDES!

Schedule of Events
9:00 a.m. 16u Girls Fast Pitch Round Robin
12:00 noon Food, Rides, Inflatables, Water Slides, Snowballs, and more!
3:00 p.m. Join the Events: (Medals Awarded to Ages 6-12)
Old Fashion Races; Home Run Derby; Baseball Speed Throw
Other Events: Volleyball; Horseshoes; Tug of War; Sack Races; Wheel Barrow Races; 3-Legged Race

5:00 p.m. Dedication Ceremony
6:00 p.m. Walker Parks ‘Challenger Division’ Game
7:30 p.m. DJ Entertainment
9:00 p.m./Dark FIREWORKS!!!

Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen and bug spray!!!
No alcohol is permitted in the park. Details at http://www.walker.la.us/.

Iberville Parish

14th Annual July 4th Hometown Celebration  7/04/2014, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Plaquemine Lock SHS will be open for tours and demonstrations, free admission.  Friends of the Lock will be sponsoring putt-putt boat rides beginning at noon.  The Iberville Museum will also open at noon and admission is free. 3:00-9:00 p.m.  Mouth watering food will be served from the Waterfront Park (please no ice chest, pets or tents).  3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Veterans Boat Parade – theme decorated boats are welcome.  6:00 p.m. Dancin’ on the boardwalk until the Firework Display at 9:00 p.m.! Phone: 225-687-3116 Website: www.plaquemine.org 

Pointe Coupee Parish

Old River Landing Fireworks 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM Jul 4, 2014 at Old River Landing, Batchelor Louisiana, 70715. For More Information Contact: (225) 492-3474 www.oldriverlanding.com .

West Feliciana Parish

Red, White, Blue Festival July 4-5: Clinton Lion’s Club patriotic Red, White and Blue Festival will be held in the historic town of Clinton for a two-day celebration on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5.

The patriotic family-friendly event will be held at the American Legion Hall Fairgrounds.

A musical tribute to veterans and active military members, a patriotic fireworks program, golf cart parade, pony rides, two-day softball tournament, Eddie Hopper Greased Watermelon Relay Race, BBQ cooking contest, blueberry cooking contest, pancake breakfast, classic car and truck show, craft booths, Laser Tag, 5-K Run-Walk and live blue grass, country, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll music will entertain attendees of the festival.

Bring your lawn chairs and tents. All military and veterans are special guests and are particularly invited.

No coolers, food or drinks will be allowed in the parks as local restaurants and vendors will be selling food.

JULY 5TH

Baton Rouge

STAR SPANGLED SATURDAY: 8 a.m. to noon, Red Stick Farmers Market, Fifth and Main streets. 
Red Stick Farmers Market will celebrate the 4th of July with locally grown produce, live music and plenty of red, white and blue. Local musician John Gray will open the Market with a special rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and continue with other patriotic tunes throughout the morning with his jazz trio. Shoppers can find fresh items for holiday barbeques including sweet corn, squash varieties, sausage, shrimp, watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches and blueberries. Student chefs from the Louisiana Culinary Institute will join host chef Celeste Gill during the Fresh from the Market cooking demonstration with suggestions for patriotic picnic fare utilizing fresh produce from the Red Stick Farmers Market.

Pointe Coupee Parish

False River Annual Boat Parade Will Be Held On July 5, 2014 beginning at 1:00 p.m. This year’s boat parade will sail through New Roads on July 5 instead of on the Fourth of July. The date change allows the city to host the boat parade in conjunction with its annual River Rhythms Fest at Morrison Parkway. For More Information Contact: (225) 638-5360

St. Mary Parish

Rock the 5th – Morgan City’s Independence Day Celebration. Takes place Saturday, July 5 from 4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Lawrence Park and the Riverfront.  4 to 5:30 p.m. — Hal Bruni Band 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Band Camp 9 p.m. – – Fireworks over a Atchafalaya River Food and drinks will be accessible for purchase.

Happy Fourth of July! We hope you have a fun, safe and beautiful holiday weekend!

Baton Rouge has grown on me, but it took some time

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They say home is where your heart is. In February of 2006 I left Virginia, the place I’d called home for 13 years. Virginia is where I went to school, made friends, knew everyone and their business. I grew up in a very small town where everyone knew you and you knew them. You knew their mother, father, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles. When I left my home in Virginia, I left my heart there.

Moving from what was familiar to me was really a challenge, and I almost gave up a few times. After getting married and a job relocation, we ended up in Louisiana. 

Welcome to Louisiana

I didn’t give Louisiana a fair chance. I didn’t want to. I wanted to be back in Virginia with my friends and family. I missed the familiar sights, the weather, and everything there was to do there. I went back to Virginia every chance I could during our first year of marriage. I even went so far as to drive back to Virginia and apply for my old job, which I got but eventually turned down to stay with Sean in Louisiana. 

Then, I was pregnant and we bought a house. We were pregnant again with Sean in December of 2010. I was laying down roots in a place I hated, but didn’t really have any reason to dislike. Sean and I would talk about moving back. He was hesitant and I could understand why. Sean makes a pretty good income and he just wanted to start enjoying life, not continue moving. Looking back, I feel awful for what I put my poor husband through. The truth is, for five or six years after we moved to Louisiana, I kept my heart in Virginia. 

After one more trip back to Virginia with the kids during the summer of 2013, I finally realized what I was doing by leaving my heart in Virginia, when what I really needed to do was make my home in Louisiana. On my drive back home this time, I realized that I had missed Louisiana – the swamps, the beautiful sunsets and, of course, the food. When I hit Louisiana with the kids, I knew it wasn’t the physical place I missed about Virginia, it was the community, and the love I felt for the people there.

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Coincidentally, it was shortly after a summer in Virginia that Tiany e-mailed me and asked if I’d like to help her launch BatonRougeMoms.com. I jumped at the chance! Then, I met Maggie of MyBatonRougeMommy.com. Maggie and Tiany are the sweetest. Maggie was born and raised right here in Louisiana and she loves her state. Tiany moved to Louisiana and she even said it took some time for her to like it here, but now she loves it and enjoys the community, especially other moms. Between Tiany and Maggie, I knew I had found a great group of friends who would support me and help me to realize just how amazing Louisiana is and what it has to offer. 

Baton Rouge Moms Groups

Joining BatonRougeMoms.com and making an effort to contact other moms to set up play-dates and girl’s nights out has made life so much more enjoyable. I realized that making friends and having “sisters” to lean on is just what I needed. Truly, home is where the heart is. For me, that means that wherever you have love, you’ll have a home. 

If you’re new to the area, don’t hide out as long as I did. Make the first step. Reach out to other moms in your area, put yourself out there, mingle, don’t be afraid to speak up. Go on adventures with your family. Louisiana is a beautiful state, rich in tradition and southern hospitality. Don’t miss out for as long as I did!

Whole Foods Market on a Budget

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imageIt’s no secret that I love Whole Foods Market. I’m probably there four or five times out of the week. There are even events that the store hosts where you will often spot me and my family. Due to the fact that I was there so often, at one point, an employee pointed out that there’s a 20 % discount that would help out a lot if I were to get a job there! Well I jumped right on it. So I’ve even had a brief stint as an employee too!

One of the things that people tend to ask me “a lot”, is how I can shop there when it’s so expensive. Believe me folks, it can definitely get expensive in there, but I’ve found what works for me and my family and it helps us stay in budget when we go. Yes, I’ve heard people refer to the store as “Whole Paychecks”, but it doesn’t have to be so! Here’s what helps me keep my shopping trips affordable.

Whole Foods Market on a Budget

Whole Foods on a budget

First, establish what you and your family absolutely have to purchase that is organic. For me,  it’s meat (grass fed, vegetarian diet, no hormones or antibiotics,) and produce. I use the “dirty dozen” list  for our produce.

In 2013, the Environmental Working Group released an updated report that identified foods in the conventional, non-organic food supply that contained the highest number of pesticide residues. The worst offenders—which were nicknamed the “Dirty Dozen Plus”—included:

Apples, Strawberries, Grapes, Celery, Peaches, Spinach, Sweet bell peppers, Nectarines-imported, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Cherry tomatoes, Hot peppers – via http://whfoods.org

brmtaresaThis list contains all the produce that we should purchase organic. For instance, strawberries are on the list as one of the items we should try to buy organic due to the fact that there is no protective skin on the fruit to keep it from absorbing pesticides. So I buy organic strawberries. Organic produce is usually more expensive, but again, first establish what you personally feel like you have to have that’s organic. This way, when you walk in the store you’re not tempted to put Hass Avocados in your buggy that can cost around 3.99 each. The skin on avocado is so thick that it’s not affected by pesticides so you’re free to purchase those anywhere for much less.

Secondly, buy the store brand. Just like Walmart, Target, and most other stores carry their own generic store brand which is usually cheaper, so does Whole Foods. The store brand is 365, and I promise some of  the products run about the same as your normal grocery store.

Lastly, get the sales flyer and the coupons because they really help out. And check your local grocery store for some of the same products because they’re usually cheaper. A few things that I purchase at Whole Foods I’ve found right up the street from my home so I don’t have to travel all the way to Whole Foods for our turkey bacon or my son’s favorite chicken nuggets.

I hope these few things help make a difference in your grocery total the next time you’re shopping at one of my favorite stores!!

Here’s more info on the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen !

Dirty Dozen / Clean 15 Image source http://www.offgridworld.com

Mobil Fashion Camp by Sharmooz

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For the past two years, Mobile Fashion Camp by Sharmooz Los Angeles has brought style, fun, and creativity to young minds.  The participants have created jeweled collars, drawstring backpacks, recycled skirts and other fun fashion pieces they learned to do from a recycling blog called iSustain Recycling.  Mobile Fashion Camp is a non-profit community based organization with 70% of participants attending on our scholarship program.

Fashion Camp

Mobile Fashion Camp

Mobile Fashion Camp strives to ignite creativity and self-esteem through education and hard work in creating projects from start to finish. The awakening of their creativity is priceless and the enthusiasm is infectious with our high-energy structured camps.  Class starts with a mini-history on the chosen project, intro to sewing swatches, fabric selection, pattern cutting and sewing pieces together with fun embellishing.  Fabrics, sewing machines, and supplies have been donated and sponsored by several local businesses.

Sharmooz Fashion Camp

Volunteers have graciously donated their time with assisting in completion of products, set-up and break-down of the camps.  Another unique fact about fashion camp: we are mobile!  We bring the sewing studio to you.  We transport the items to your event, church, social group, organization or any sponsored location provided by the community.  For registration for our camps or sponsor/donor opportunities please email info@sharmooz.com or visit www.FashionCamps.org

Give a girl a dress and clothe her for a day.  Teach a girl how to sew and she’ll be clothed for a lifetime ~ Ann Tillage, Designer of Sharmooz Los Angeles and Director/Founder of Mobile Fashion Camp received official recognition on the National Day of Service by the City of Baton Rouge.

summer schedule fashion camp 2014-2

National Moms Night Out – Baton Rouge

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Moms all over the US will be celebrating  National Moms Nite Out™ on Thursday, May 8th and Baton Rouge Moms will be joining them! This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever as moms across the country gather to watch a  premiere screening of Moms Night Out the movie and celebrate the beautiful mess that is Motherhood!

national-moms-nite-out

We are thrilled to partner with Kendra Scott at Perkins Rowe and Louisiana Dream Teachers for a wonderful evening of Red Carpet fun, sips, sweets provided by Endless Cakeabilities, shopping and socializing! Louisiana Dream Teachers is a nonprofit organization that celebrates Louisiana’s finest educators and educational leaders.

Kendra Scott Perkins Rowe Baton Rouge

 Kendra Scott has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community and for supporting education. To honor teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 – 9, Kendra Scott, Dream Teachers and Baton Rouge Moms will partner in a “Kendra Gives Back Party” to be held May 8, from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM at the Kendra Scott Perkins Rowe showroom. This is a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself, a teacher, a Mom (for Mother’s Day), or a friend with your purchase and also support the fund-raising efforts of the Dream Teachers organization! All moms will receive 10% off of their purchase and 10% of all sales from the party will go to Dream Teachers.

After the Kendra Scott event, we will take a few steps down the walkway to Cinemark Perkins Rowe for a 7pm showing of Moms Night Out.

“All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a paper bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for three hours… what could go wrong? This film is an endearing true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting.”

The cost of this event is ONLY $12 and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to Louisiana Dream Teachers!

Cost Includes:

Kendra Scott Gives Back Red Carpet Event:

  • 10156 Perkins Rowe, Suite 150 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810

5:00pm to 6:15pm–  Stop by for your Moms Night Out Red Carpet photo and enjoy some Sips, Sweets,  Shopping  & Socializing! (Photo‘s taken by Rachel Ezzo Portraits, we will upload all photos to the Baton Rouge Moms Facebook page for you to grab) 

Moms Night Out Movie: Cinemark Perkins Rowe

6:30 – Swag bags and raffle coupons are handed out as moms enter the theater.
6:50 – Door Prizes in theater.
7:00 – Private Moms Night Out screening begins!

Swag Bag:

(provided by Alexander’s Highland Market)
Swag bags will include a mini spa treatment from Woodhouse Day Spa, sweets, a free coffee courtesy of Alexander’s Highland Market Cafe, Jamberry Nail Wrap sample, One hour pampering session with Beauticontrol.

 

Door Prizes:

– California Pizza Kitchen – Perkins Rowe –  Dinner for two.
– Woodhouse Day Spa, – Spa Treatment
– Official Moms Night Out Movie Swag Bag
– Two – Moms Night Out Devotional & Mug Gift Baskets
– Target Gift Card
and more!