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Thin RedLine Project – Baton Rouge Spotlight

December 6, 2016 by Meghan Matt

“This is what it feels like to heard… It feels like being trapped inside a dark room with no windows or lights. There is a singular door locked from the outside. You scream but the room is soundproof; no one hears you. One day someone opens the door and the light rushes in, blinding you. Someone takes you by the hand and leads you. You look around and there’s a room full of people who you never knew were there and you know that you are seen, that you are heard, that you are not invisible.”

It has been my goal over the last few years to give people a platform to tell their stories, to be heard. When I brought the Listen to Your Mother show to Baton Rouge in 2015 I realized the enormity of the impact felt by those who were able to share their experiences with others. I have a very even left brain/right brain split so sometimes my creative energies are battling with my detail-oriented perfectionistic historian, but I knew there was something else in my heart that needed to be breathed to life.

After the tragic Summer of ’16 I found myself deeply saddened-as we all were- not only by the horrific events that had transpired, but also by the response of people around me to the suffering and pain felt by so many in our community. As men and women took to the street to protest what they understood to be injustice, thousands of angry folks flooded the internet with their opinions of them, and having read many of the comments you would have thought we were flashing back to the 1950s. I saw so many assumptions made about my black brothers and sisters regarding them being lazy or ignorant or dangerous. I remembered how Martin Luther King, Jr. was treated during the first Civil Rights movement and the awful hate speech that was poured against him and those who fought beside him. I checked that place in my heart that wanted to help people tell their truths, and a vision began.

Thin RedLine Project

I shared my vision with a high school friend who is very involved in the community to be sure that the idea would be respectful and never feel exploitative. Walter “Geno” McLaughlin jumped on-board and added his creativity, background and expertise, and within a month the Thin RedLine Project was born. He has been the perfect partner for this project and has elevated it in fresh and powerful ways. 

Thin RedLine Project

The name “Thin RedLine Project” comes from the act of redlining- the official practice of grouping black people into specific communities and then denying those same neighborhoods of resources, infrastructure, and investment. Though no longer officially sanctioned, the effects of decades of these practices and others like them are still felt strongly today. Many people feel that the realities of some African-Americans are solely a result of poor choices rather than a product of institutions and policies. But in fact, through systemic issues in our structures and laws we have created and maintained generations of inequality in a cycle that seems stuck on “repeat.

We all know that the mainstream media picks and chooses what stories to tell and sadly, they too often continue the false narrative that black people are inferior, less educated, criminal or come from broken families. We hope to shine a positive light on hard-working individuals, close-knit families, and creative souls- dispelling myths and crushing stereotypes. We also hope to help educate the public about the policies and practices like redlining and others that continue to hinder progress in certain communities.

We hope you will join us as we offer stories of hope to the world from across the Thin RedLine.

You can check out our website at thinredlineproject.com, follow us on Facebook or Instagram and nominate people or events to be featured by emailing meghanmatt@gmail.com.

You can read more about the Thin RedLine Project in this months 225 Magazine.

Thin RedLine Project

 

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Local Business Spotlight, Social Good Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Causes, Social Good, Thin RedLine Project

Give Baton Rouge – #GiveBR

November 29, 2016 by Tiany Davis

Baton Rouge Moms was created with the hope that we could find ways to collectively give back to the place we call home. Last year we started a new series “Baton Rouge Gives Back”, when many of you asked for ways to help and volunteer right here in our community. Today is Giving Tuesday #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that brings people together around the values of service and giving back to others, the perfect time to bring back our Baton Rouge Gives Back series!

Our local Giving Tuesday effort, “#GiveBR” Give Baton Rouge highlights 100 nonprofit organizations who uplift and strengthen our community. As part of our series, we will be hosting a “#GiveBR” takeover across our website and our social media platforms. Throughout the day, we will highlight some of the organizations taking part in this year’s “#GiveBR”. You can also go to GiveBR.org to learn more about the participating organizations!

Give Baton Rouge “#GiveBR” is an online giving event that encourages those who love Greater Baton Rouge-whether near or far- to support the nonprofit organizations who uplift and strengthen our community. #GiveBR is held on Tuesday, November 29th, which is also the National Day of Giving, #GivingTuesday.  

Give Baton Rouge

This holiday season and throughout the year we can make a difference right here at home by giving and or volunteering.  There are over 100 nonprofit organizations to support in the Baton Rouge area. Make it a family effort, go through the list of organizations and ask the kids who they would like to support and why. There is no better way to teach our children that we value our community and our neighbors than by giving back as a family.

Collectively, we can strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need; our efforts will in turn help create a stronger, healthier Baton Rouge for all! Join your neighbors today and become part of a growing tradition of helping and giving. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn more about this year’s Give Baton Rouge participants!

List of Participating Give Baton Rouge Organizations

 
Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area
  Anna’s Grace Foundation
Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre
 Baton Rouge Blues Foundation
 Baton Rouge Epicurean Society
Baton Rouge General Foundation
 Baton Rouge Wheelchair Tennis Association
Beat The Streets
Big Buddy Program
 Bike Baton Rouge
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge
 Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA)
Cajun Relief Foundation 
 Cancer Services
Capital Area CASA Association
Capital Area United Way
Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX)
 Child Evangelism Fellowship of Louisiana
City Year Baton Rouge
Companion Animal Alliance
Crisis Intervention Center
Diocese of Baton Rouge Program for Exceptional Students
 Downtown Business Association
 Epilepsy Foundation Louisiana
Face to Face Enrichment Center
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, Inc.
Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge
Forum 35 
Foundation for Historical Louisiana
Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System
 Friends of the Animals BR
 Friends of the Louisiana Museum of Natural History Foundation
 GaitWay Therapeutic Horsemanship
 Gardere Community Christian School
 Gardere Initiative
  Gateway Transition Center
Girl Scouts Louisiana East
Girls on the Run South Louisiana
 Gloryland Educational Research Center
Grief Recovery Center
  H.O.P.E. Ministry of Pointe Coupee
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge
Heritage Ranch Christian Children’s Home
HOPE Ministries of Baton Rouge
  LATAN (Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network)
 Launch
Lexlee’s Kids, Inc.
 Lighthouse Louisiana
 Louisiana Youth Leadership Seminar Corp (HOBY)  
 Louisiana Architectural Foundation
Louisiana Area Women in Ministry
 Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Louisiana MOWW Patriotic Education Foundation
Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families
 Louisiana Wildlife Federation
  LouisianaChildren.org
LSU Museum of Art
 Manners of the Heart
 Manship Theatre
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mental Health Association for Greater Baton Rouge
Metromorphosis
 Mid City Redevelopment Alliance
 New Venture Theatre
O’Brien House
 Open Health Care Clinic
 Opera Louisiane, Inc.
 Playmakers of Baton Rouge
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana
 Rebuild Livingston
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue
Red Stick Project
Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response (STAR)
 Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
St. Elizabeth Foundation
 Stand for Children Louisiana
Susan G. Komen Baton Rouge
 Swine Palace
 The Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS)
The Emerge Center
 The Life of A Single Mom
The Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge
 The Walls Project
 Theatre Baton Rouge
U.S. Green Building Council Louisiana Chapter
Up Alliance
UpLIFTD
 Women’s Council of GBR
 Yelp! Baton Rouge
 YMCA of the Capital Area
 YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Local Business Spotlight, Louisiana Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Gives, Baton Rouge Gives Back, Christmas, GiveBR, Giving Tuesday

Jingle & Mingle Shopping Event – Giveaway

November 28, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

‘Tis the season for shopping local! We have so many wonderful homegrown merchants in the Baton Rouge area and you’ll get a chance to shop with a few this weekend at Jingle & Mingle,  a one of a kind “evening stroll” shopping event just in time for the gift giving season. There will be a variety of well known vendors showcasing their specialty merchandise just for you. Plus balloon and photo fun for the whole family! This will be the perfect place to shop for all of those hard-to-find items for the upcoming holidays.

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Jingle & Mingle will take place this weekend, December 2nd & 3rd.
Sip, Stroll, and Shop!
$20 – All you can drink wine and all you can eat Hor d’oeuvres
$7 Bowl of Gumbo
$7 Bowl of Crawfish Etoufee

Free Parking.
Stroller Friendly.

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Red Nose Run

Jingle & Mingle is also hosting a Red Nose Run on Saturday, Dec. 3rd.
Race Location: The Legacy at Bonne Esperance 1655 Sherwood Forest Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Staggered Start – 5K at 8:00 a.m., Kids Fun Run at 9:00 a.m.
Awards: Overall male/female winners, and the top male/female in the following age divisions:
Fun Run – 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12;
5K -14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Award ceremony for 5K and Fun Run will be at the completion of the Fun Run.
Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. This is a rain or shine event.

Use discount code “Rednose” to receive $15 off your registration!!
https://legacyrednoserun.eventbrite.com

 

jingle-mingle

We are excited to partner with The Legacy to host a giveaway for TWO All You Can Eat and Drink bracelets to this year’s 2nd Annual Jingle & Mingle Shopping Event! {$40 Value}

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

Winner will be chosen and announced Tuesday at 9pm!!

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.

Filed Under: Baton Rouge Resources, Community Outreach, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Giveaways & Freebies, Local Business Spotlight Tagged With: Baton Rouge Moms, Baton Rouge shopping, Christmas shop, Jingle and Mingle, Shopping

Elf on the Shelf Help is here with “Shhhelf Help”

November 23, 2016 by Tiany Davis

We’ve already started seeing the Elf on the Shelf memes, helping a little Elf entertain through the holidays is hard work. We are busy, especially through the holidays and remembering to move the little Elf at all is a miracle, let alone coming up with creative and imaginative ways to entertain said Elf. A young Shark Tank enthusiast from Mandeville has come up with the perfect solution to make life through the holidays a tad easier with “Shhhelf Help”.

Elf on the Shelf Help

Shhhelf Help will be delivered to your door in an unsuspecting white box that holds 25 days of Elf on the Shelf activities and includes everything you need (Elf not included) to entertain your Elf and the kids!

A note from our Junior Entrepreneurs mom:

My family has enjoyed shark tank for years. My daughter and I discussed the project for a good while when all of a sudden Halloween was upon us. She hired three high school students to help her with assembly and she used a unoccupied suite next to my dental office.

shhhelf-help-giveaway-49-99-value

You can check out her Etsy shop and purchase your own “Shhhelf Help”  kit here: http://bit.ly/ShhhelfHelp

GIVEAWAY:
We are hosting a two day Flash Giveaway on our Facebook and Instagram pages, enter to win a “Shhhelf Help”  kit or make sure you get yours today and buy one before they sell out! http://bit.ly/ShhhelfHelp

 

 

Filed Under: Local Business Spotlight, Louisiana Tagged With: Baton Rouge Christmas, Christmas, Elf on the Shelf, Louisiana, Mandeviile

Mistletoe in the Morning ViP Shopping Experience

November 10, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

Mistletoe in the Morning ViP Shopping Experience  will be taking place Saturday Nov. 12th

Mistletoe Market is offering shoppers an exclusive shopping experience at the second “Mistletoe in the Morning VIP Shopping Experience!”

Purchase a VIP Shopping Pass and receive discounts, FREE premiere parking, sweets & treats, surprises and fun in a relaxed, comfortable shopping atmosphere.

What is included?
  1. VIP Shopping from 8am to 10am
  2. Premiere Parking {FREE & close}
  3. Princess Greeting
  4. Royal Shopping with complimentary orange juice in champagne glasses and sweets and treats at the Baton Rouge Moms table in Booth 150
  5. Exclusive discounts! (Receive 20% off select popular retailers from 8am to 10am)
  6. Photo fun on our Mistletoe Red Carpet hosted by Baton Rouge Moms in Booth 150
  7. Get your shopping done early, before the crowds in a fun, comfortable atmosphere!
ViP sales are only valid for ViP shoppers during ViP shopping hours.
 
20% OFF your entire purchase at these select retailers.

KB Designs

Premier Jewelry

Katie’s Jewelry & Gifts

Monogram Parade

The Silver Sun

CC Elite Essentials

The Garage Man

All Star Dips

SwampRabbit Designs

Stitch Magic

LulaRoe

Beautycounter

Gameday Designs

Young Living Essentials

Advocare

Usborne Books & More

BR Arts & Crafts

Rodan + Fields

Mary Kay

Filed Under: Community Outreach, Local Business Spotlight Tagged With: Mistletoe in the Morning ViP Shopping Experience

Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide – Sponsored by Associates in Pediatric Dentistry

October 31, 2016 by Baton Rouge Moms

The 2017 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide can be found HERE:
http://batonrougemoms.com/baton-rouge-holiday-christmas-events/

 

Our 2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide is our largest guide to date with over 50 events.  This list will be updated daily as we learn of new events being hosted in our area. We’re sharing events within a 60 mile radius of Baton Rouge. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, or lights display, there’s the cornucopia of holiday-themed programs and events throughout the season. If you have an event or activity to add, please email us – info@BatonRougeMoms.com

Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Events Guide.PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN OUR CLINIC AREA. 

2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide

2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide 

Baton Rouge Events and Christmas Guide

Mistletoe Market of Baton Rouge

Mistletoe Market of Baton Rouge

Catch up on holiday shopping while taking the kids to the Kids Zone at Mistletoe Market!! With over 120 merchants, you can shop local in a fun and friendly environment, strollers welcome, I was able to get OROGOLD products which are one of the healthiest products for your skin! Photo ops with Santa, Petite Princess Company Princesses, activities for kids, face painting fun and more!

Princesses Meet & Greet from Petite Princess Company

Saturday, November 12th
8:00am-10:00am (VIP) The Snow Sisters
10:00am-12:00pm        The Cinder Princess
12:30pm-2:30pm          The Tower Princess
2:30pm-3:30pm            The Tinker Fairy
3:30pm-5:00pm            The Little Mermaid

 
Sunday, November 13th
10:00am-12:00pm        Beauty
12:00pm-2:00pm          The Sleeping Princess
2:00pm-4:00pm            [Surprise Princess]
4:00pm-5:00pm            The Scottish Princess
 

Giggles

Giggles of Baton Rouge

On Saturday, November 12, Giggles will join hundreds of locally owned toy stores across the country to celebrate the seventh national Neighborhood Toy Store Day, an annual celebration in which independent toy shops kick off the holiday season with special events to introduce consumers to the benefits of shopping local.

Giggles will offer free, fun, child-friendly activities including:

•Santa Photos: 11 am – 5 pm
•Face Painting: 11 am – 12 pm
•Magician: 1 pm – 3 pm
•Balloon Twisting with Balloonatics of Baton Rouge: 3 pm – 5 pm
*****************************************************************************
•Raffles and Giveaways!
•Popcorn Bar
•Holiday Wish Lists (Have your child fill out a wish list and we will file it away for shopping!)
•Product Demonstrations

LSU Holiday Spectacular

LSU Holiday Spectacular

Tuesday, November 29, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. in the LSU Student Union.

They are still planning for 2016, but last year’s events included:

Holiday Performances
5 p.m. | LSU Student Union Theater
Featuring performances from LSU students, faculty & community organizations.

LSU Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. | Free Speech Circle

Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” Concert
featuring LSU Women’s Chorale with the St. James Treble Choir
7:30 p.m. | St. Alban’s Chapel, Highland Road at Dalrymple Drive


Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade

Baton Rouge Christmas Parade CortanaDECEMBER 12th – Find Parade Map HERE.

The 65th Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge Saturday, December 1oth at 5:30 p.m. Every year, more than 70,000 people watch the parade live and thousands more enjoy it on television through the holiday season. The Parade is a celebration and a great way to connect with the community. The parade is open to everyone. Typically the parade includes about 80 entries. These entries are a mix of marching bands, celebrities, dance troups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes.


ZooLights 2016

November 25 – December 30
Beginning November 25th, visitors will enjoy the lights and displays of all your favorite Zoo animals and holiday traditions. Walk through the Zoo and be amazed by larger-than-life light displays. Bring the whole family and get in the holiday spirit of the season. Hot cocoa and other treats will be available to purchase.

ZooLights will take place November 27 – December 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). For more information, call 225.775.3877.

ZooLights 2015 Baton RougeSpecial Activities:

11/25 Coke Santa
11/26 Making Ornaments
12/2 & 12/3 Safari Santa
12/9 & 12/10 Making Ornaments
12/16 & 12/17 Safari Santa

LIGHTED DISPLAYS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.
GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!
ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.
VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari Photo Booth Seasonal Specials from the Flamingo Cafe Safari Post Gift Shop


A Rural Life Christmas Baton Rouge

A Rural Life Christmas

2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events GuideTBA

Ring in the Christmas season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration. Musical groups, demonstrating artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will be present to set the holiday mood. The event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel.

Regular fee for adults and seniors; children under 10 are free.


River Center Ice SkatingHoliday Skating on the River

TBA
It might not get snow in Baton Rouge, but you can still have fun on the ice at the Baton Rouge River Center with its holiday tradition, “Ice Skating on the River.”

A fun filled holiday event for all ages, Ice Skating on the River will have 75 minute sessions nearly every day until January.


Baton Rouge Downtown Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights at Far-Out First Friday

Friday, December 2, 2016 at 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Two popular events intertwine for a special holiday Far-Out First Friday combined with the annual Festival of Light’s activities – all rolled into one exciting night! Join an evening under downtown’s historic oaks to commemorate Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition. Transforming the winter sky into a wonderland, the Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 35-foot Christmas tree in Town Square. Bethlehem Village with a real life village set in Biblical times where children can craft ornaments and decorations, plus a magical train ride on the Mansion Express at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Visit Santa’s Gift Shoppe and listen to holiday music during an evening of visual, culinary, and performing arts.

 


LASM Holiday Events

Baton Rouge Christmas Events GuideFriday, December 2, 2016 at 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Join us on Friday, December 2, as two popular events intertwine for a special holiday Far-Out First Friday combined with our annual Festival of Light’s activities – all rolled into one exciting night!

In addition to hands-on craft stations where you can create your own holiday ornaments or keepsakes, experience special holiday shows projected fulldome in our planetarium. Enter a winter wonderland of dancing nutcrackers, sledding penguins, and your favorite holiday songs in Let it Snow at 5, 7, and 8 PM. At 9:00 PM, go on a live-mixed journey through the music of the season coupled with digitally-rendered visuals in Holiday Synesthesia.

Enjoy complimentary coffee and treats; be among the first to experience our new Contemporary Old Masters, Drawings by Gerry Wubben, and Selections from the Collection exhibitions; get your holiday shopping done early with unique finds in The Museum Store; and more! 

Admission is free with the donation of one new toy per person that benefits Toys for Tots; otherwise, regular admission prices apply. Toys may be purchased in The Museum Store.

Show admission is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no late seating. Doors open 4:30 PM. All ages may attend Let it Snow; Holiday Synesthesia is for ages 3 and up.


The Nutcracker : A Tale from the Bayou

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the BayouDecember 17th and 18th 2016 2PM and 6PM

The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, created by Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews in 1992, has become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the holiday season. Accompanied by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the production incorporates local landmarks while maintaining the grandeur and integrity of the classic ballet. This lavish production continues to thrill children and adults alike, and snow is always guaranteed!


The Happy Elf

Harry Connick, Jr.'s The Happy ElfDecember 9-18, 2016

A new musical comedy by Grammy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist, Harry Connick, Jr.; The Happy Elf tells the tale of Eubie the Elf, a lovable fellow who wants to spread Christmas joy throughout the town of Bluesville. Hoping to introduce a new generation of children to the joys of jazz, Connick has crafted a musical landscape against which Eubie’s story unfolds.

Adults: $21.00
Children (Ages 2-11): $15.75
Seats are reserved.
and can be purchased at PlaymakersBR.org.  (225) 578-6996.


The Living Nativity  

December 11th & 12thTBA

The 6th Annual Drive Through Live Nativity takes place on the parking lot of FBBC. Load up your family and journey back to the first Christmas as represented through 12 different scenes.


Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra ChristmasThis years holiday BRSO events will include:

  • A Very Jazzy Christmas at Hemingbough December 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
    The BRSO has enjoyed a popular following in St. Francisville for many years, and  Hemingbough provides the perfect setting. Jump-start your festive season with a hip holiday celebration you won’t want to miss! Willis Delony and friends perform favorite seasonal arrangements in the Key of J –“J” for Jazz, that is!
  • Home for the Holidays December 2 @ 7:30 pm – December 4 @ 3:00 pm The Holiday Season would not be complete without the Family Pops annual Home for the Holidays concert! Join Maestro Muffitt as he leads this spectacular cast of hundreds featuring our very own Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, and numerous guest performers and musical groups from across our city.  Join us in a musical celebration of community and the spirit of the season.
  • Holiday Brass in Central December 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church 19421 Greenwell Springs Rd. The BRSO is excited to reach out to the communities of Central, Zachary and Denham for our performance of Holiday Brass, Percussion and Harp.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as Associate Conductor David Torns and the BRSO visit Greenwell Springs Baptist Church to perform all of your cherished holiday favorites.
  • Lamar Holiday Brass December 9 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm This concert is an experience truly unique to the community of Baton Rouge.  St. Joseph Cathedral is a breath-taking setting for this cherished family tradition of the Lamar Holiday Brass concert.  The sounds of The BRSO Brass and Percussion are joined by organist Robbie Giroir, and a special appearance by the Baton Rouge Magnet High School Festival Singers.  In addition, the BRSO welcomes Stephanie Gustafson on the harp as a featured soloist.  Don’t wait to purchase your tickets as this concert sells out quickly!

Christmas events for kidsManship Theatre Holiday Events

Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas – What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and can’t wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? Multiple dates in December.

A Very Electric Christmas – Brighten your holidays with Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. In this wonderful story, Santa’s helpers are putting the final touches on presents as a young bird named Max and his family head south for the winter.


BREC Holiday EventsBREC Holiday Events

Gingerbread House Decorating: Plank Road Park – Friday, Nov 11, 2016 6:30 pm
Gingerbread House Decorating: Highland Road Community Park Friday, Nov 18, 2016 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Have an evening of family fun that can be shared over and over again throughout the holiday. Create a gingerbread masterpiece with lots of graham crackers, icing and candy trims. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reindeer Ride Downtown Celebration: Skip Bertman Drive Trailhead – Friday, Dec 02, 2016 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – 8 & older
Welcome the holiday season with a unique nighttime family bike ride up the levy from Skip Bertman Drive to downtown Baton Rouge to be a part of Baton Rouge’s Downtown Christmas Lighting Celebration. Participants will leave the levy trail head and join in a colorful bike parade through the downtown area, participate in the many fun evening activities and return together.

Caroling in the Park: City-Brooks Community Park – Friday, Dec 09, 2016 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mark your calendars for BREC’s annual Caroling in City Park featuring a park lighting ceremony, candlelight caroling and a host of other family activities for all ages to enjoy.

Creole Christmas: Magnolia Mound Plantation – Sunday, Dec 11, 2016 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Creole Christmas is an annual event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house, traditional songs in French and Spanish sung by local school children, period demonstrations, folk crafts and the annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel.


 Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train

Kansas City Southern Holiday ExpressKCS Holiday Express will be making stops throughout Louisiana.  Meet Santa and receive a holiday treat bag! For more information, download the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train app from the iTunes store.

At each scheduled stop, The KCS Charitable Fund makes a contribution of gift cards to the local Salvation Army to provide warm clothing and other necessities for children in need. Over the past 11 years, thanks to the generous contributions of KCS’ employees, vendors and friends, the Holiday Express has donated over $1 million in gift cards to this cause.

      • Nov 9th 4 p.m. Monroe LA  – Third & Desiard Street
      • Dec 5th 4 p.m. Zwolle LA 1400 North Main Street
      • Dec 6th 4 p.m. Leesville LA KCS Yard, 901 South Third Street
      • Dec 7th  4 p.m. DeQuincy LA Railroad Museum, 400 Lake Charles Avenue
      • Dec 4th 4 p.m. Pearl ( Jackson) MSKCS Yard, 201 Industrial Park Road

Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge

Holiday Spirit at the Reflections of the Season Christmas Light Display. Get into the Holiday Spirit at the Reflections of the Season Christmas Light Display.

PLEASE NOTE PRICE CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE FOR ADMISSION INTO THIS EVENT!!

$5.00 per Car & Passenger Vans or Buses $1 per person

This walk or drive through display is open to the public from December 8th – 11th & 15th – 23rd.

Drive through the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Conference Center and view the spectacular lights. Take advantage of the FREE shuttle service as there is no parking available on the grounds of the WBR Conference Center during this event; Parking will be at Louis Mouch Multipurpose arena located at 152 Turner Road.

You must obtain a wrist band at the entrance gate to participate in all the activities.

Come inside the conference center to visit “Trevor” the talking reindeer. Walk through the holiday decorated rooms. Enjoy carnival rides for the children or buy those last minute gifts from our crafters, they have gifts perfect for clients that keep them on coming back. Take your holiday pictures with Santa and his elves.

Dec. 10th & 17th will be ice fishing for $5.00 per person. On Dec. 17th is snow night for $5.00 per person.
Kids Craft Night will also be Dec. 17th.

Cuddle up in a blanket next to your friends and loved ones and take a ride through the lights in a mule or horse drawn wagon for $2.00 per person.

Bring your family and friends and make West Baton Rouge and “Reflections of the Season” part of your Christmas tradition.


Strands Christmas Tea TBA

2016 Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide


Holiday Events Beyond Baton Rouge

Notaway-Mansion-Christmas-

Nottaway’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – White Castle

Friday December 11th from 5 pm to 9:30pm: Holidays at Nottaway Plantation are absolutely breathtaking! Live music includes The Navy Band New Orleans Ceremonial Band, Church choirs will be performing throughout the grounds and food and Beverage stations will be open. Enjoy the Hand Bell Choir, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Fireworks on the Levee and Santa’s arrival. Bring your camera and take photos of your kids with Santa on the front balcony of the Mansion!

 
BONFIRES ON THE LEVEE / TREE LIGHTING
Bonfire Christmas Festival
 

Christmas Marketplace Nights

NEW! On the 3 different December nights when the American Queen docks here at Nottoway, we will hold our Christmas Marketplace! Come enjoy a night of shopping and fantastic sights!

  • Marketplace Dates: Tues., Dec. 6 | Fri. Dec. 16 | Tues. Dec. 20
  • Time: 5 – 9 pm
  • Vendors selling arts, crafts & holiday merchandise
  • Bonfires on the Levee
  • Fireworks
  • Open to the public at no charge

Oak Alley Plantation’s 41st Annual Christmas Bonfire Party

Saturday, December 3, 2016 – 7:00pm
Oak Alley Plantation – 7PM to Midnight!

Celebrate the Christmas Season in one of the southland’s most beautiful settings. The mansion will be dressed in fresh fruit, greenery and seasonal floral arrangements, reminiscent of Creole Christmases past. Delicious Cajun/Creole buffet, open bar, lively dance band, and plenty of good cheer combine to heighten the holiday spirit throughout the famous alley of oaks and the lovely antebellum mansion.


Celebration In The Oaks- New Orleans

Celebration In The Oaks- New Olreans

The 2016-2017 season:
November 25, 2016 through January 1, 2017.
Closed November 28, 29, 30 and December 1st.
Closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country. This beloved annual celebration is fun for all ages and has become an enduring holiday tradition for families, who come to Celebration in the Oaks to ride the train or carousel every year. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions, from light displays to the walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun night before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle.


Family Preview Party – New Orleans

celebration_in_the_oaks-family_party_logo_4_600_510November 20, 2016 – Kids get the royal holiday treatment at their own Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party and – bonus! – mom and dad can enjoy this family experience without lifting a finger. Your little ones will feel like the kings and queens of the ball at this fun-filled party.

And special this year at the Celebration in the Oaks Family Party – we’ll have the characters from FROZEN! That’s right, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and the lovable Olaf. They’ll be walking around and will be ready to take photos with the kids (and those who are kids at heart, too). Don’t forget your camera.

ddd_parade_2016-768x679Krewe of Jingle Parade & More! – New Orleans – TBA

New Orleans’ official holiday parade, the “Krewe of Jingle,” will once again delight locals and visitors alike with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, Christmas characters and many more magical surprises!

Canal Street Lighting Ceremony

Tuesday, November 22 | 5:00 – 7:00pm Astor Crowne Plaza 739 Canal Street. St.


A Civil War Christmas- – St. Francisville

December 3rd 6-8pm

Visitors will see a recreation of the sights and sounds of St. Francisville in 1864 during the American Civil War. Throughout the day walk through the soldiers camps and see Living History demonstrations of soldier life. You will hear black powder weapon demonstrations of both rifle and cannons. Each day will feature a small reenactment of the October 1864 Battle Oakley Plantation which happened across the grounds of the park. On Saturday night the plantation comes to life during the Holidays as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor in a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. See the glow of the blacksmith at work, take a taste of what’s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the live period music. Included is our yearly Christmas dance and hot Christmas Punch. The program is free to all paying the park admission fee. For more information please contact Audubon State Historic Site in St. Francisville, La. at 1-225-635-3739.


Christmas in the Country St. FrancisvilleChristmas in the Country St. Francisville

December 2, 3 and 4
– Nothing says Christmas to an excited child more than a parade, especially a safe small-town one like St. Francisville’s popular Christmas in the Country parade the first Saturday each December, complete with marching bands and decorated floats, Santa resplendent in his sleigh. Millions of tiny white lights trace soaring Victorian trimwork and grace gallery posts to transform the entire town into a veritable winter wonderland for Christmas in the Country, as special activities throughout the extensive National Register-listed downtown Historic District provide fun for the whole family at this celebration of the season, a joyful alternative to mall madness. View the full schedule of events here.


Christmas in the Village – Zachary

Zachary's Christmas in the Village



Denham Springs Christmas Parade

30th  Annual Zachary Christmas Parade

Main Street, Zachary – December 3rd 10:00am Celebrate the sights and sounds of Christmas in Zachary. Enjoy this annual parade in the heart of town.

Denham Springs Christmas Parade

December 10th at 2:00pm Denham Springs Christmas Parade – Parade begins at Denham Springs High School and travels down Range Ave. through the Antique District turning right onto Florida Blvd. and ending at Veterans Blvd.

Christmas in Central Square

Christmas in Central SquareCentral Square December 3, 2016  5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Price: FREE (225) 261-5988

This year, Central is celebrating Christmas bigger and better than ever! Join us on December 3rd for a family Christmas celebration you won’t forget! Festivities include: fireworks, train rides, live nativity, horse and carriage rides, live music, inflatables, gaga pit, carousel and s’mores. Even Santa Clause will be there! We can’t wait to see you at Christmas in Central Square!


Noel Acadien au Village – Lafayette

LARC’s Acadian Village

December 1-23, 2016 5:30-9:00pm Nightly (weather permitting) HALF A MILLION LIGHTS ~ ANIMATED DISPLAYS ~ CARNIVAL RIDES ~ PHOTOS WITH SANTA LIVE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT ~ LOCAL CUISINE ~ ARTS & CRAFTS

LARC’s Acadian Village hosts its 23 night Christmas festival fundraiser annually in December to benefit LARC, a local 501c(3) non-profit organization benefiting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit  Chapel, themed Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store & The Village Art Gallery, and much more! Displays include themed acadian homes, lighted grounds, Santa’s Sleigh, floating oil rigs, The Gingerbread House, and The Christmas Carolers.


Louisiana Bonfires Chrsitmas25th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James Parish

December 9, 10, 11, 2016 Lutcher Recreational Park Lutcher Avenue- La HWY 3193 Lutcher, LA 70071 CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER…CAJUN STYLE! Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!! 


Christmas Past Festival: Old Mandeville

Christmas Past Festival December 10th, 9 am-3 pm

The Christmas Past street festival is packed with over 40 vendors lining Girod Street.  The festival will extend from near the Mandeville Trailhead complex and continue down to the lakefront.  Keeping with an international season theme, each block will highlight a different region: Germany, England, France, Louisiana, and America.  For maps and the program of events,  please visit their Christmas Past Festival Facebook Page.


Christmas Under the Stars – Slidell

The City of Slidell celebrates the holiday season with Christmas Under the Stars, an annual celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Parade of Trees, the life-size Christmas Cottages, Slidell’s Nativity, Christmas songs, and much more. The four day celebration begins on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, and resumes on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, at Griffith Park in Olde Towne Slidell. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.


8th Annual “Christmas at TerraBella”

Sunday, December 4, 2016 3pm-6pm TerraBella Village, Covington LA 70433

Join our community as we celebrate the spirit of the season and experience the magic of Christmas. Enjoy live holiday music from local talent, hot chocolate, Christmas crafts, write letters to Santa, and ride the TerraBella Express. Special appearance from Santa Clause to greet and consult with children about their wish lists. Complementary and festive holiday event all children are sure to love. For more information email: laura@terrabellavillage.com or call 985-871-7171


Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

Holiday Trail of Lights

This would be another option for a day trip and lots of driving along with lots of memories made.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights has existed for nearly 30 years to enhance the holiday experiences for locals, visitors and group tours. The trail spans I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana and incorporates Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville.

Festivities generally start in mid-November and run through the New Year. Some of the popular and recurring events include shopping/dining/entertainment at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Shreveport-Bossier, Fasching Festival in Minden, shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches and the Christmas parades in Alexandria/Pineville.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights can be experienced in one day or a week with each day totally unique and special. The cities are all within driving distance of one another, making the tour a convenient hour-long trip from any one city to its neighboring city. Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant lights, dine at the local restaurants, dance at the festivals, shop, and play in all of the eight festive cities.

See a full list of featured events—> https://www.holidaytrailoflights.com/


Facebook Holiday Events Guide

This is a comprehensive round-up of Family Friendly Holiday events & activities in Baton Rouge & beyond to make it easy for Baton Rouge families to find things to do this Christmas season, we hope you enjoy it! Be sure to click  “GOING” on the Event Page to receive updates on Baton Rouge area holiday events and activities! We will update the list daily and welcome the community to list events as well!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM  for more community info, activities and events!

Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring the Holiday Events Guide.PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN OUR CLINIC AREA.

Filed Under: Baton Rouge Resources, Entertainment, Events, Family Friendly Baton Rouge, Holidays, Local Business Spotlight, Louisiana Tagged With: Baton Rouge Christmas, BREC, Christmas, Giggles Baton Rouge, Holidays, Kids activities, Mistletoe Market, To Do in Baton Rouge

NEW 2016 Tiger Stadium Policies – LSU Bag Giveaway

July 15, 2016 by Tiany Davis

Football season is just around the corner; we’re ready for tailgating with family and friends, Tiger Band marching down Victory Hill, LSU cheerleaders, the unparalleled energy of the crowd inside Tiger Stadium and of course singing the LSU Fight Song at the top of our lungs!

With college football season starting in a few months, some universities are tightening up security with a new clear bag rule. LSU has adopted the “GEAUX CLEAR!” bag policy to be implemented for the upcoming college football season. We’re hoping the new policy will speed up checkpoints and provide a safer environment for all fans.

2016 Tiger Stadium

NEW 2016 Tiger Stadium Policies

LSU Tiger Stadium Backpacks and Bags Policy:

GEAUX CLEAR! Only CLEAR tote bags smaller than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ will be allowed into Tiger Stadium and all other LSU Athletic venues. One-gallon clear plastic bags and/or small handheld clutch purses (approx. the size of a person’s hand) will also be allowed to enter. All backpacks regardless of size are prohibited and any bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, clear or non-clear will be strictly prohibited. Exceptions will be made for approved medical needs and diaper bags (with baby). All bags will be subject to search and inspection.
Reason: Due to national and global events, security officials have deemed backpacks and large bags as heightened security threats. LSU Athletics is dedicated to enhancing fan safety and security measures and the use of clear bags is a recommended best practice throughout the industry.

LSU goes clear with new bag policy at Tiger Stadium for football games

Recommendation:

LSU recommends fans only bring what is absolutely necessary with you to LSU Athletics venues – phone, wallet, money, credit cards, car keys. Please leave all unnecessary items at home or in your vehicle. Backpacks and bags may not be stored at the gates or outside of the venue – any unattended bags will be confiscated and removed immediately (all items will be discarded). LSU Athletics is not responsible for the care or security of any items left unattended.

Cameras Policy:

Cameras are permitted in Tiger Stadium for both fans and working news media. All photos taken in Tiger Stadium must be for editorial or personal use only and may not be used for advertising, promotions or other trade purposes, or any other commercial or promotional endeavor, without the permission of LSU. Contact the LSU Office of Finance and Administrative Services at (225) 578-3386 with any questions.
Reason: The sale of images with current student-athletes is against NCAA rules and can risk the eligibility of LSU student-athletes. Additionally, any commercial use of photos of Tiger Stadium, campus landmarks or identifiable campus elements is prohibited without the prior written approval of the University.

Thankfully, we have a few stylish options to take the place of our bags on game day. The two clear totes can be found at collegefootballstore.com and the envelope purse can be found at sportsunlimitedinc.com. Lucky for three LSU fans, we are giving away all three purses! 

#GeauxClearLSU BagGiveaway

GIVEAWAY: We are giving THREE Clear LSU Bags (pictured) Enter via the Rafflceopter widget below and be sure to enter on our Facebook and Instagram pages too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLICK HERE to see all of the in-stadium policies for Tiger Stadium. 

Filed Under: Baton Rouge Resources, Local Business Spotlight, Louisiana Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Moms, LSU, LSU Bag Policy, LSU Football, Tiger Stadium, Tiger Stadium Policy

Baton Rouge Real Estate 101 for First Time Homebuyers – Part 1

June 7, 2016 by Melanie Murr

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Baton Rouge recently ranked as the No. 7 city in the country for first time home buyers according to realtor.com. High mortgage availability, along with a low unemployment rate and a fun, festive culture were cited as reasons the Baton Rouge area has become a “nouveau hipster haven” for first time home buyers. 52% of all mortgages in Baton Rouge have gone to homeowners between the ages of 25 and 34, placing Baton Rouge at the top spot for mortgages in that age bracket among all ranked markets.

Home Buying Baton RougePhoto credit – Darrell Miller

The biggest question most first time home buyers face is “how do I know when I’m ready to buy a home?” The very first step I recommend is speaking with a good mortgage loan officer. There are thousands of articles online with many competing opinions about when is the right time to buy a home, but nothing determines your readiness more than the bottom line. A good loan officer will explain the criteria to obtain a loan, the loan approval process, and all the potential costs. After going over everything and reviewing your financial information, you should come away with one of two things, a letter of pre-approval or a plan.

A pre-approval letter is your green light to start house shopping. You meet all the criteria to obtain a mortgage for an amount that you can afford based on your credit, income, and existing debt.

If you don’t meet the criteria to be approved for a mortgage yet, or you aren’t happy about the amount you can get approved for, or you just aren’t quite ready, your loan officer is an invaluable resource for coming up with a plan to raise your credit score, or strategically reduce debt so that you can purchase in the future.

 Baton Rouge Realtor

If you are ready to take the next step and continue down the path to home ownership, your loan officer will help you determine what type of mortgage is right for you. If you don’t have a large chunk of cash saved for a down payment, Baton Rouge first time home buyers have an abundance of options for purchasing a home with little or no money down. According to Tasha Guarisco with Assurance Financial, some of the most popular options include the USDA Rural Development program, FHA loans, the new HomeReady conventional loan from Fannie Mae, and Capital Area Finance Authority’s Capital Advantage Program.

So you’ve dug through your tax returns, W2’s, pay stubs, and bank statements, given them to your loan officer and gotten your pre-approval letter. You’ve carefully thought it over and decided how much you really want to spend based on your desired budget… Show me the houses already!

Melanie Murr can help you with with your home buying needs at Third Coast Realty Group. Third Coast Realty Group is a locally owner Boutique Real Estate Firm with offices in Baton Rouge and Denham Springs connecting you to real estate throughout the Gulf South.

Resources
Third Coast Realty Group
Los Suenos Luxury Real Estate
Rural Development Loan Information
Capital Advantage Program
Top 10 Cities for First Time Homebuyers – realtor.com

Filed Under: Ask the Expert, Baton Rouge Resources, Education, Local Business Spotlight, Louisiana Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Real Estate, Baton Rouge Realtor, Baton Rouge Realty Group, Buying a home, First time homebuyer

Gluten Free Labeling Info for Mompreneurs

May 26, 2016 by Jodi Stewart

I recently met the owner of Andi Lynn’s Elderberries, a local business that produces herbal syrups, tinctures, glycerites, and tonics. Her supplements are made with farm sourced, wild harvested, and organic ingredients then handcrafted according to traditional herbal preparations.

And her product contains no gluten ingredients, but she was wondering how a small business should go about labeling products as gluten free. I researched a little bit and I hope this info can help her and other mompreneurs.

gluten free baton rouge

If you label your product Gluten Free it means that:

  • None of the ingredients is a gluten-containing grain. Gluten-containing grains are wheat, rye, barley or spelt.
  • None of the ingredients is made from a gluten-including grain without the gluten removed. Wheat flour and malt are just two examples of ingredients that are made from gluten-including grains.
  • If an ingredient is made with a gluten-including grain with the gluten removed, it must test below 20ppm (parts per million) gluten. Wheat starch is an ingredient made from a gluten-including grain that has had the gluten removed.

Should you test?

You are not required to test your ingredients, but you are responsible for ensuring that your finished product contains less than 20ppm from any source of cross contamination. If you want to have laboratory testing done, ELISA Technologies will test a sample for $75.

The FDA encourages  you to use effective measures to ensure that you are complying with their requirements such as: laboratory testing, requesting certificates of gluten analysis from your ingredient suppliers, or seeking third party certification from organizations like the Celiac Sprue Association or the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

gluten free

What should your label look like?

The “Gluten Free” label can be anywhere on your package and can look however you’d like it to look.

You must comply by these rules if you make any gluten free claim such as “free of gluten” or “no gluten.”

You are not required to use “may contain” or “produced in a facility that also uses” warnings on your labels.

You are not required to label your product “Gluten Free”, even if it is gluten free, unless you want to.

Even if you don’t label gluten free, you ARE required to list the top 8 allergens that your product contains. These are: Milk, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat and Soybeans.

For more info:

Guidance for Industry: Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods; Small Entity Compliance Guide

Food Allergies, what you need to know: A guide for consumers. (Includes information on May Contain statements.)

Gluten Free Testing Laboratory

Filed Under: Food, Local Business Spotlight, Louisiana, Mompreneur Tagged With: Andi Lynns Elderberries, gluten free, gluten free Baton Rouge

Becoming Mom Strong : Baby Boot Camp Baton Rouge

May 26, 2016 by Guest Contributor

ouIn November I had this four month old infant and I was struggling to find my place as a mother and regain my health. I visited gym after gym, none were a fit for me. Enter Baby Boot Camp Baton Rouge. I reached out to get some questions answered and had the pleasure of speaking with Mauree Brooksher, the owner, who come to find out had just had a baby. So she was already winning in my book. I was not answering client emails a week after birth. She helped me sign up for my first class. It was free and I had nothing to lose.

I went to my first class and Christina was teaching. She was sweet. She took the time to calm my baby girl. She brought the fitness to my level (that level where you haven’t worked out in 18 months). I was hooked. All the moms. All the kiddos. I knew I was in the right place. I wanted my Birdie to grow up seeing her mom taking care of herself, becoming strong, mom strong. I know I couldn’t do Baby Boot Camp justice, so I decided to talk to Mauree and interview her in my best Rolling Stone interview skills. 

Mauree Brooksher

Mauree Brooksher, Owner of Baby Boot Camp Baton Rouge

 
Not sound cliche, but tell us about yourself. How many kids? Are you from here? Etc. 
I am a wife, mommy, fitness instructor, & business owner.  My better half is Steven & he is my rock & adds so much fun to our family!  We have 3 children whom we have been blessed with: Christopher (5), Marguerite Jane (3), & Anna Beth (6 months).  Fitness and early childhood education are my two passions.  And Baby Boot Camp is the best way for me to merge the two!  
 

 Have you always had a passion for health and nutrition? 

I have!  I grew up active.  I’m always looking for a way to keep my body moving.
I grew up participating in gymnastics, tumbling, dance, cheer leading, swimming, tennis, & running.  As soon as I got to LSU I fell in love with first walking the lakes, but that quickly turned into running the lakes outside my sorority house & I completed my first half marathon my 2nd year at LSU.  I’ve been running races ever since.  I’m not fast, but I love the goal races provide me.  I took nutrition courses at LSU with Mrs. Myhand and have enjoyed learning about nutrition ever since.  I’m a firm believer that the key to nutrition and maintaining a healthy body is eating nutritiously and clean 70-80% of the time and other foods 20-30% of the time.  
 

Let’s get to what the people what to know, what is Baby Boot Camp Baton Rouge?

Baby Boot Camp is a stroller-based fitness franchise.  We offer fitness classes for moms in which they are able to bring their baby to.  Our classes are for the prenatal & postnatal mother.  
STROLLFIT is our most popular class format.  It is one hour of cardio, strength training, core work, & stretching.  During class we engage the children by singing, reading stories, blowing bubbles, & more while we provide moms with a challenging yet fun workout!  
STROLLGA+core is a class I added my own touch to based on the needs of my clients.  We offer this class in the evening so that moms can come for one hour without baby to focus on themselves and have a a 1 hour break from the busy week.  It is 30 minutes of mat-based Pilates where we focus on our “mummy tummy” and 30 minutes of Yoga.  My goal is that moms feel sore in their core the next day & that they walk away from their Yoga mat feeling rejuvinated to return to serving their families at home.  
At Baby Boot Camp we also offer running training once in the Fall & once in the Spring.  
We also offer a community called Stroller Friends, we have the best double strollers.  Through Stroller Friends we offer opportunities for our moms (& families) to connect on a social & emotional level.  We offer a play date & Mom’s Night Out once a month.  
 

I am a mom who is not in great shape, could I still follow along?

ABSOLUTELY!  This class is for YOU and for the mom who has participated in Baby Boot Camp for 2+years.  EVERY single exercise can be modified and taken up a notch, I also recommend checking buysteroidsonline org which can help you better your health.  At every STROLLGA+Core class I always remind moms, “this is your yoga, not your neighbors” and I mean this for STROLLFIT too.  Every single mom has a different goal.  Baby Boot Camp is not a cookie cutter program.  It is a program that welcomes ALL fitness levels and caters to each.  I want moms to focus on working at their own pace, not trying to keep up with their neighbor or instructor.  Yet, they may be inspired by their neighbor.  We want no mom left behind.  It takes a village to raise our children and a village to reach our individual goals.  We cannot do it alone.  I do not believe we were created to be alone.  We were created to be in community with one another supporting one another.  I strive to keep a positive atmosphere at Baby Boot Camp.  
 

 What kind of work-outs/classes can a mom expect?

STROLLFIT is one hour.  We begin with a warm up.  We do this is so the mom running 5 minutes late can sneak on in and jump right into the warm up.  After warm up, we alternate between cardio & strength training.  We mix up moving the strollers and stopping the strollers, jogging and everything, we read about the Best Jogging Stroller Reviews and took off from there.  Babies like to be on the GO. We end class with 10-15 minutes of core work & stretching on our Yoga mat.  During this time babies can come out of the stroller and play with a bag of toys.  Class ALWAYS ends with stretching out our most important stretch of all, our smiles and a sticker for each baby!  
 

What makes Baby Boot Camp unique?

Gosh, there is SO much that makes it unique.  However, if I had to say one thing, I would say our amazing community! Community is SO important to me!  I know every mom and child’s name.  I know what type of stroller they push.  I remember most mom’s first class too.  And my amazing instructor team does too.  And if we don’t know a mom, we are making it a point to get to know them!  If a mom hasn’t been to class in a few weeks we are asking about her.  We have a very holisitic approach to gaining optimal health & wellness. We celebrate when a moms has a baby and we support moms who miscarry.  I believe this is why our moms stick with Baby Boot Camp for so long.  They feel they are a part of our supportive community.  
 

Is BBC only for stay at home moms?

NO!  We 3 evening classes a week & class on Saturday mornings 🙂  We are for moms who work at home & moms who workout outside the home!
 
Now for the question I was so concerned about…What if my baby/toddler/kiddo doesn’t sit still when I bring them to work out?
It’s ok!  We encourage moms to be consistent!  Consistency not only helps mommy achieve her goals, but helps baby learn our expectations.   Our instructors are happy to push the stroller, if baby prefers to move or even hold baby!  Our instructors also carry a giant bag of toys for children to choose from.  
 

What benefits are there to bringing your kiddos to work out?

The children are learning that exercising is FUN!  And they are learning at a young age the importance of taking care of your body.  The children get to listen to stories & songs which has many language development benefits.  They children are learning to count, the days of the week, & the months of the year too!  The children also benefit socially as they meet other Stroller Friends!  
 

 If you could share one thing with a mom, what would it be?

Love the season you’re in & savor the season you are in.  My oldest starts Kindergarten in the Fall & I cannot believe it.  He won’t be riding in the stroller any more. Every single season comes with its own challenges & joys!  Whether the challenge is lack of sleep, toddler tantrums, potty training, colic, accept it, learn from it, & choose to be grateful for the blessings.  Once your baby moves on to the next stage of life, you will miss the previous stage.  No matter how hard motherhood can be, be grateful for its gift. 

You can get more information about Baby Boot Camp and chat with Mauree yourself by emailing her at mauree.brooksher@babybootcamp.com!

Baton Rouge Community Business Spotlight

Filed Under: Local Business Spotlight Tagged With: Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge baby, Baton Rouge Blogger, Baton Rouge community, Baton Rouge Family, Baton Rouge Moms, Red Stick, support local

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