To Market I Did Not Go

market_bagDDHow many times have you said you were going to the Farmer’s Market to purchase locally grown fresh foods and then forgot? Yeah, for me, too many times. Well I’ve got a great suggestion for those of you in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Delta Delivered. This is an awesome service that delivers local and organic meals and groceries. lemon cucumberToday, to market I did not go, but I received my first Market Bag full of fresh fruits and veggies. It came just in time to use for dinner. I already had a pork roast in the oven and was trying to decide what to add to the meal. Inside the bag I found lettuce, peppers, a variety of tomatoes, corn, eggplant, zucchini, squash, blue berries, peaches, an onion, and one item that I’ve never seen before. My friend Jada also received a bag and she flushed out the question on social media. We now believe it is a lemon cucumber.

saladFrom the bag, I was able to add a nice garden salad to my pork roast dinner, along with lovely sautéed zucchini. It was almost as if someone went to a garden, picked the veggies and dropped them off to my door. Actually, I think that is exactly what happened.

zuchinniDelta Delivered sells and delivers fruits, veggies, berries, meats, coffee, prepared meals, soaps and flowers right to your door. They source locally from the following vendors:

We are all busy with family, work, fun and play. This is a convenient service that helps balance your time and interest in eating healthy and fresh local products.

Want more information about Delta Delivered? Check them out:

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Disclaimer: I received products for review in exchange for writing this blog, although all opinions are my own.

It really takes a community

People tell me every day that I seem to have such a fun life and then they ask how I know what’s going on in the Shreveport-Bossier community. Most of the time, I rattle off how I heard about particular events. One of the things that annoys me most is when people say that there is nothing to do in our locale. It is so NOT true. Sometimes my calendar has so many events that I have to cull my choices. I thought it might be fun to make a list of the people and organizations who contribute community event information to my life each day.

BCC new logoBossier Chamber of Commerce – I have been a diplomat for the Bossier Chamber for 5 years. This year I decided to take some time off in an official capacity, but I still make an effort to be at the events. The Bossier Chamber is probably my best resource for networking. I find the info to attend on their website calendars:

facebookFacebook Events – I hear people say they hate getting all of the event invites on Facebook. Not me! I rejoice in them, because behind each one is a person that created the event with hopes for even one “going” response. This is my main resource for finding out information about events in our community. Of course, from time to time, there are events that I’m not interested in attending, but I still look at them and value them as a contribution of knowledge in my life. I link my Facebook events with my iCal and Google calendars so that I don’t miss an opportunity. ALSO, I invite people to those events and share, share, share!

IMG_9723Jada Durden – Recently Jada was named my true soul mate by Captain Quizz, so you know it must be true. Jada has a very similar vision as mine and has made a huge impact in contributing to my life. She is in the know when it comes to the events, restaurants and attractions that are appealing. Jada writes the Loving This Life blog and has been honored by Louisiana Travel as a top 11 blogs to follow in Louisiana. She also writes for the Shreveport Times, has her own videographer and more plans in the works for sharing.  Her contribution is enormous and you should be following her every move.

IMG_7664Chris Jay and Sara Hebert – This dynamic duo = THE cool kids in town. Chris knows lots, and even more about food. Sara is who I strive to be, even though I’m sure she is 20 years younger. I follow both on social media just to pick up any nuggets they might be chucking, especially the events that they share. They know about music, food, events and even weird stuff that you didn’t think you needed to know. I’ll let you figure out those on your own. Oh, and they dress really cool. I want to rip off their style, yet I’m afraid I’m too old to pull it off. Together Sara and Chris produce the All Y’all Blog, Live Storytelling Events and Podcasts. Sara is the marketing genius at Moonbot Studios and Chris is the extra hard working Public Relations and Social Media Manager for the Shreveport- Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and writes the 20×49 Blog (listed next).  I hear that Chris writes for six magazines. Ask him about it.

19120_10153133965946328_887482314413511101_nShreveport- Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB) – I serve on the Attractions Association Board with the SBCTB and get lots of info just by hanging around those folks. On days when I can’t think of anything to do, I check out the SB Fun Guide and 20×49 blog:

1507837_10201883458861266_1240861387_nRobert Trudeau – Robert is one of those people who you just want to stand close to in hopes that his creativity will waft over to you. If I’m looking for info about music, art, or community, Robert is the one I look to. Robert is the editor of the Shreveport Blog and I look to him for my cultural arts fill. His wife Talbot is a fabulous artist and they make a great team.

Shreveport Chamber of Commerce – As with the Bossier Chamber, the Shreveport Chamber has many opportunities to connect with others in our community.

These are just a few of the info powerhouses that I look to for my pulse on the community. I wanted to add paragraphs to acknowledge the likes of:

but we would be here for quite a while. It really takes a community to know your community. I guess what I’m saying is . . . get to know those who know.

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Peanut Butter for Chimps

IMG_9881

These chimps made me smile today!

Have you ever been to Chimp Haven? Do you know what Chimp Haven is? Before today, I knew what Chimp Haven was, but had not ever visited the facility. I’m so glad I had this opportunity and can share with you.

Chimp Haven is a non-profit National Chimpanzee Sanctuary located in Keithville, Louisiana inside the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park. They provide housing and humane care for over 200 chimpanzees who have been subjects of biomedical research and other purposes for which they are no longer being used. In addition, Chimp Haven is committed to educating the public about these endangered nonhuman primates and the needs for conservation in the wild and protection in captivity.

Ashley showed me around Chimp Haven. She's awesome!

Ashley showed me around Chimp Haven. She’s awesome!

Part of my job with Holiday Lanes is to build community within our area. It’s important for us to be a leader in cross-promoting other attractions and non-profits. What this does for us is to help us see beyond ourselves. By learning what other organizations are doing and offering, we learn how to serve in a bigger way. It also gives us an opportunity to share the sport of bowling with a wider audience. Today, I met with Ashley at Chimp Haven to discuss our involvement with their June Fest 2015 – Discovery Day. A bowling lane in the relay race it is!

This is Matthew.

This is Matthew.

Chimp Haven June Fest 2015 event is being held on June 20, 2015 from 9 am – 1 pm. June Fest is going to be a super fun day of activities and exploration. You will be able to observe over 50 chimpanzees in the natural wooded habitat. You can talk to staff about the chimpanzee’s personalities and natural behavior. There will be games and field day activities (INCLUDING BOWLING!).  The cost for the day is

  • Adult (13 and older): $6
  • Children (12-6): $3
  • Children (5 and younger): Free
  • Optional Behind-The-Scene Hayrides: Adults: $10; Children: $5

IMG_9873I want you to consider making the drive to Chimp Haven. I really think you will be amazed at the service they are providing for these amazing primates. If you are interested in helping Chimp Haven, they have opportunities for volunteerism, donation and participation. Check out the ways that Chimp Haven relies on generosity. 

IMG_9887So now, about this peanut butter. Ashley tells me that they are having a peanut butter drive during the June Fest event. Peanut butter is a great supplement to the chimpanzees diet. With over 200 chimps, can you imagine how much peanut butter they might need? Everyone is encouraged to bring a jar of peanut butter for chimps. There will be prizes for the person who brings the most peanut butter. Will it be you?

Follow Chimp Haven:  Facebook  |  Website  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

That just happened.
Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Komé Austin

My daughter and I wanted sushi, but when we couldn’t find parking in downtown Austin, we headed back to our hotel with the idea in mind to just stop wherever we see a place. We landed at Komé. Woah! This is the good stuff. Lucky us!   

  

  

salmon sashimi

  

salmon box roll

  

kayaka udon

   

apple pie spring roll with miso caramel ice cream

 

Interested, follow Komé:  Facebook  | Twitter  | Instagram |  Website

That just happened,

Robin Williams,
Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

What is possible?

I’m away right now. Away searching for the possibilities in my life. I’m at The Landmark Forum. Landmark Forum is held over a 5 day period. I came without a clear understanding of what I wanted to accomplish. After day one, it was clear that I was supposed to be inventing possibilities for my life to be extraordinary. After day one and a half, I made significant strides in coming up with some of those possibilities. After day one and three quarters, I’m wavering. I am quite sure that wherever I am right now is where I’m supposed to be.

I want to acknowledge my friends, Melanie and Shannon, for thinking enough of me to encourage me to come. I want to acknowledge my friend Jada for letting me share a few of my possibilities for my life. I’m hoping I have the courage soon to share my possibilities with everyone in my life.

imagine-what-is-possible

The 2015 Shreveport Farmers’ Market opens 

UPDATE 3/16/16: This was a post from 2015, please don’t confuse dates. Click here for current info

 It’s that time of year. Time for fruits, veggies and other goodies at The Shreveport Farmers Market. Today’s market opened with a thundering sky that didn’t stop the crowd.  I’m going to need more money in my pocket to buy up everything that I want!


    

The folks from Highland Table

My grab today

 

I can’t wait to crack open the honey butter I purchased from the Highland table.

The market runs 7 am – noon each Saturday from May 30, 2015 through August 29, 2015, with exception of June 20; AND Tuesday’s  from 3 pm to 6 pm from June 2 throug July 14, 2015. It is held at Shreveport’s Festival Plaza, 101 Crockett Street.

In addition, don’t miss the Shreveport Artists’ Market, located in the Red River District, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Follow them:

Facebook:

Website: The Shreveport Farmers’ Market

That just happened.

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Summer is here at Mall St. Vincent

Summer has arrived and Mall St. Vincent is bringing fun and fresh food to the Shreveport-Bossier area. Every Friday (May 15 – July 24) from 5pm to 9pm, located in the parking lot near Fairfield Avenue Entrance. Featuring live music, fresh organic produce, artisan crafted items, homemade food products and more.

That just happened.

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

How fun are these carrots?

Love our awesome beach bag find

Fresh fruit and veggies!

It’s Red Nose Day

Screen Shot 2015-05-21 at 10.12.42 AMIt’s Red Nose Day and time to get in on the fun and philanthropy. I found my red nose at Walgreens and thought it was such an enjoyable and innovative way to bring attention to a worthy cause.

According to rednoseday.org, Red Nose Day is a campaign dedicated to raising money for children and young people living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh. The inaugural Red Nose Day will be held in the US on May 21st, 2015. People across the country will come together to have fun and raise funds and awareness. The day’s events will culminate in a three-hour entertainment TV special on NBC featuring the country’s favorite comedians, musicians and Hollywood stars—it’s a show not to be missed!

Run as quick as you can to get your red nose at Walgreens. Don’t worry if you can’t find one, there are still lots of ways to get involved in your community by having fun, raising money and changing lives. Check out some of the ideas on the Red Nose idea website.

That just happened.

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes