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Gifts are a SNAP at Enchanted Gardens

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Without spoiling the surprise, I won’t tell you the name of the person for which I was looking for a gift. I’ll just say I stopped by Enchanted Garden in Shreveport with no idea of what I wanted to buy. That Deb Cockrell is one savvy lady. Deb owns Enchanted Garden and is one of the sweetest southern ladies you’d want to meet. She asked me a few questions and in a snap had a suggestion – Gingersnap Jewelery. Apparently this is the new rage with the gals and I’m too old or not cool enough to know.

Ginger Snaps are interchangeable and fun charms that you snap in and out of a variety of jewelry and accessories. They have bracelets, necklaces, rings, shoes, purses and probably more that I didn’t see. There is a limited selection of collegiate snaps for those who want to sport their favorite team. The best part about Gingersnaps is that they are so affordable.

While I was in the store, there were at least three people who came in just for Gingersnaps. So you better head on over and get yours! 

Gifts are a snap at Enchanted Garden, so shop local and keep up online with them:

That just happened (check out pics below),

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

 

Jump for Fitness

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IMG_9311If you are ready to amp up your fitness routine, I’ve got some news for you. My friend, Katie Q. invited me to join her for a fitness class at the new Altitude Trampoline Park in Bossier City. It sounded like fun, so I agreed. Thirty minutes before class started, my sweet friend bailed on me. “Should I go . . .?” I thought. “Yes” was the answer.  Boy! I was in for a workout like I haven’t had in quite a while. This class works out every muscle in your body. And while the class lasted for an hour, I only made it 15 minutes. (Yes, I’m a quitter!)

For anyone looking for a fun and intense workout, you need to check out Altitude’s fitness class. Classes are $8.95 per session (or $4 if you purchase 12 at a time). You will be required to purchase a pair of slip-grip socks for $2. I put those socks in my glove compartment in my car with hopes that I work up the nerve to go back (and Katie doesn’t bail on me).

Get more information about Altitude Trampoline Park:

That just happened (check out pics and video below),

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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Laney takes flight at Holiday Lanes

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pelicanlaneyI’m so excited about the new Laney’s Kid’s Club (LKC) at Holiday Lanes! Why? Because it’s all new AND it’s our own. For the past few years, we have been affiliated with a national program for our summer free bowling. Don’t get me wrong, the program was great and exposed lots of kids to bowling. It’s just that we didn’t have much control over what we were saying or promoting with the program. We wanted to offer something BIGGER & BETTER to our bowlers and that’s where Laney’s Kid’s Club comes in. LKC is a FREE year-round membership for kids 18 & younger that offers 2 free games bowling every day from May 1 – September 30. Not only is this great for the pocketbook, it’s a fun and fit way to keep kids active. ALSO . . . there is a family pass, a shoe pass and a school employee pass offer that extends the value and gives the rest of the family a chance to bowl with the kids.

One of the first sketches of Pelican Laney by Laurie (done on a train bound for Willie Nelson concert)

One of the first sketches of Pelican Laney by Laurie (done on a train bound for Willie Nelson concert)

I love the fact that I work in a job that allows me such creativity and fun. About a month ago, I was just about to sign up with the national program when my boss called and said that we were going to create our own program. I was fortunate that she is connected with other bowling proprietors around the country. My friend and marketing colleague, Rocky from Mel’s Lonestar Lanes, had made a switch last year and designed a program that was working. So I loaded up and headed to Georgetown, TX to pick Rocky’s brain. laney_bowlingLet me tell you, Rocky’s got it going on. After my two day visit with her, I was ready to take on the world. A month wasn’t a lot of time to design web sign ups, email marketing and overall promotions, but projects like this get me on a roll. The next thing I did was call an artist friend of mine, Laurie Jarecki, to design our mascot. Laurie was on a train bound for Austin to see Willie Nelson, but within a few minutes on her sketch pad, Pelican Laney was born. After several proofs, Laurie cranked out the final draft of Laney.  That’s when Laney took flight at Holiday Lanes.

So here are the details:

signupSign up kids online to become Laney’s Kid’s Club members. As a Laney’s Kid’s Club member, you’ll receive the following just for signing up:

  • 2 FREE Bowling games every day May 1 – Sept 30, 2015. (Awesome Approx Value $1530 per person)
  • Coupons emailed each Saturday
  • Exclusive Event Access all year long
  • A fun and fit activity – BOWLING is healthy!
  • LKC members who book their birthday party at Holiday Lanes will receive a free Laney t-shirt for the birthday child.
  • Opportunity to extend value by purchasing a family pass for up to 4 other adults in the household
  • $20 Shoe passes available to cover the entire 5 months of shoe rental with your bowling
  • & More to come!

ATTENTION TEACHERS: As a way of thanking teachers and school employees for sharing info about Laney’s Kid’s Club with students, Holiday Lanes is extending a FUN & FIT summer of bowling with 2 FREE games for teachers and school employees too. It’s free to sign up for a Teacher and School Employee pass

Bowling builds community. It’s a fit activity (burns lots of calories!) and so much fun. Laughter is guaranteed when you bowl. Our intentions with Laney’s Kid’s Club is to expose as many children to the sport of bowling as a healthy life choice. Holiday Lanes is a great smoke-free environment for adults and kids to play.

Make sure you are following Holiday Lanes to keep up with all the fun and fit stuff going on:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Bugs and Beer

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 Have you heard about Slow Food North Louisiana? Slow Food North Louisiana, which was founded in 2007 in Shreveport, is a chapter of Slow Food USA, and shares the mission to ensure good, clean and fair food for all. I have been fortunate to be a part of the Slow Food activities because of my job with Holiday Lanes. In an effort to continually improve the quality of food that we serve, Holiday Lanes became a corporate sponsor of Slow Food North Louisiana this year. We did so in order to keep our finger on the pulse of the Slow Food mission.

Slow Food is about real food. It’s about connecting the planet to the plate. It’s about celebrating the bounty of this planet through shared meals. And making sure we can continue to do this for generations to come. Today, I attended the Slow Food North Louisiana’s 4th annual crawfish boil. The event partnered with local Great Raft Brewing for an awesome bugs and beer event. I’m a big fan of “All you can eat crawfish” and today was no exception. The bugs and beer were flowing to the awesome music by Twang Darkly. 

Angie White, HBIC

Angie White, chairwoman of Slow Food NLA, is passionate about sharing the message of encouraging people to eat real food. She says that SFNLA is the opposite of fast food . . . Real food. Memberships are available and she wants you to join!

Make sure you go check out these links:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

 

Lindsay says hi

  

Twang Darkly

    



Bugs and Beer



My daughter, Laura, and me

  

I have Jada privileges

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I have Jada privileges. And by “Jada Privileges”, I mean I get to do all the fun stuff when Jada Durden calls. If you don’t know Jada, I’m afraid you are just not a cool kid.

To describe Jada as a blogger would be a disservice. Jada is a blogger, but more importantly she is a connecter of people. She is on a mission (like me) to dispel the idea that there is nothing to do in Shreveport-Bossier City. Jada was tired of hearing it and decided to start making a list of things to do in the community.  Her blog “Lovin’ This Life” sparked. From there, the Shreveport Times asked her to publish that list in the ACE entertainment section. History! Recently Jada’s blog was listed as a blog to follow on the Travel Louisiana website, which shares information about travel and tourism in the state of Louisiana. This is huge!  As a person who has tried to make the same impact, I am so honored to know that Jada is “doing it” with “Lovin’ this Life“. 

Loving This Life! has partnered with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau to provide one lucky winner a fantastic Staycation adventure in Shreveport-Bossier City. Be sure to check out and sign up for Jada’s “Loving This City-Giveaway” contest. Contest ends today.

Today, Jada was being interviewed by Clay Ostarly at KSLA about the influence her blog is having on our community. She asked a few of her friends to come out and support her. This is where I felt the “Jada Privilege”.  I feel like a cool kid when I get to be a part of her group. 

I’m really glad that Jada is sharing the love of our community and our state. Keep it up Jada! 

Follow Jada:

Jada Durden:   Facebook   |   Website  | Twitter

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

LokSafe on the move

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loksafefrontFor over 20 years, LokSafe Services, and Door Hardware, Inc. has provided the largest, most trusted, professional locksmith in Shreveport-Bossier at their location on Grimmett Drive. Today they celebrated their move to 933 Grimmett Drive with a ribbon cutting, along with their neighbors Richardson Auto Glass. Their new location will allow them to continue providing the great service they have been giving and allow for growth.

loksafedoorlocksI’ve been honored to serve in the past with Katie Queen as a diplomat for the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. Katie is part of the family who owns and operates LokSafe. Katie has been an inspiring community representative for LokSafe and I was glad to show up today for the Grand Opening of their new location.

LokSafe was founded in 1992 and was recognized as the Top Business of the Year by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce in 2013. They have seven licensed and insured locksmiths on staff with one master locksmith and three certified registered locksmiths. They have six fully equipped service trucks ready for immediate response. Commercial and residential lock services are available.

loksafewallOn the commercial side, they can handle all door and lock work in any kind of business, from keying locks and installing doors, to full-site security inspections. On the residential side, Loksafe can do everything from rekeying current locks to performing free home security inspections. They can also provide high security locks, cameras, or keyless electronic
locks for home and businesses.

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If you are looking to be the owner of a new AMSEC gun safe valued $1500, all you have to do is crack the code. They will give you a few numbers to the combination, you guess the rest. Open it and its YOURS! I tried, I failed, maybe you will be the lucky one. Stop by their store and give it a try.

Congrats to LokSafe Services, Inc on your move!

Follow them:

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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We Gave For Good!

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Give for GoodI really do have the best job ever! I’m so fortunate that I get to share in the goodness of helping others, while promoting Holiday Lanes. Today was The Community Foundation of North Louisiana Give for Good Day. Give for Good day is a 24-hour online giving challenge led by The Community Foundation of North Louisiana to raise unrestricted dollars for the nonprofits in our community. It is a day of giving to celebrate the nonprofits in our community and a chance to raise thousands of dollars to make our community even better.

11174313_971517712881107_3734241190176820297_oHoliday Lanes was approached by the dynamic duo over at APEX Events and was asked to partner with The Gingerbread House for a Give For Good Event. The Gingerbread House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works collaboratively with law enforcement, child protective services, medical and mental health professionals to serve child victims of abuse. The “Strike Out Child Abuse: A Give For Good Event Supporting Gingerbread House” was the first partnership between the two. A $10 donation allowed for a try at getting a strike on the Gingerbread lanes. McAlister’s Deli in both Shreveport and Bossier City helped with the cause by collecting donations at their locations all week to add to the total. Barrels were also placed at Holiday Lanes during the week. A total of $667.67 was collected and Holiday Lanes rounded up the donation to make it an even $1000! At the time of this blog, the total showing on the Give For Good Leaderboard for The Gingerbread House was $5635. That’s an awesome way to end the day.

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That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

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Go see this documentary about fencing!

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Andy Shaw

My son used to tell me about this guy called Andy. Andy taught fencing at Centenary College. Chase excitedly told me about all the famous people that Andy had taught and I could tell that Chase admired this guy so much. Chase taking fencing seemed unlikely, but he really enjoyed the community he had found with this guy called Andy.

I adore these two! Directos: Michele & Jay

So when my friends, Jay and Michele Carter, started promoting a documentary about this guy, Andy, I immediately knew I had to go. Tonight, with little knowledge of what I was getting into,  I viewed Jay and Michele’s Beyond Meaure Media production of “Southern Fried Fencing“. The documentary held the Louisiana premier at the Robinson Fim Center (RFC) in Shreveport. (RFC is one of my favorite places in Shreveport.) It played to a sold out crowd with all 126 seats filled.

After viewing Q&A with Directors and cast

I knew with great certainty, within a few minutes, that I was  going to like this guy called Andy. The eclectic Andy, from New York, drew me in and mesmerized me for the entire film. Without a spoiler for the film, my expectation, based on a news clip, was that this guy was a wacky soul. Perhaps, yet I found so much heart and wisdom in Andy. I now understand the excitement my son had brought home from Centenary. Andy is not just a fencing teacher/coach, he is a teacher/coach of life. Andy sees things a little differently than most. He knows how to bring out the potential in people. Jay and Michele captured the exact thing that we, as an audience, needed to see – the humanity of Andy. Andy has considerable compassion for people and animals.

If you live in the Shreveport area, I  encourage . . . no, I command you to go see this film at RFC by Thursday, April 30, 2015. If you don’t live in the Shreveport area, be sure to follow their Facebook page so that you can find out when it will be streaming online. DVD’s should be available by the end of the year which will make great Christmas presents. (Don’t tell Chase he’s getting a copy) Here is the trailer for the film.

I’m so glad to have seen this film and hope you see it soon too. Be sure to follow Jay and Michele on social media and as they head to Madrid, Spain to open there.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

Be still my Flying Heart

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Flying Heart Brewing is preparing to celebrate its grand opening. On May 1, 2015, you will get a chance to taste Bossier City’s first craft beer. Don’t hate me because I got a sip tonight. I tasted the Fire House Blonde, and be still my flying heart, it was quite tasty. It was a light and crisp Kolsch. I’m not a beer drinker, and yet I really enjoyed this beer. I think you will too.

Ben Hart shows the custom made flight

Ben Hart, co-founder, and as I found out quite handy guy, was so kind to tell me some of the history of the brewery. Flying Heart Brewing is located in historic and restored Bossier City Fire Station 6. I want to tell you all about it, but I’d prefer that you stop by on May 1st and let him tell you all about it. Ask him about the antique cooler and the 513 fire box.

Flying Heart does all brewing right on site in Bossier City. There are currently six flagship brews. Check them out. At their grand opening on May 1, you will be able to taste three of those brews. Louisiana Amber, Milk Maid Stout and Barrel 52.

Let’s celebrate this new business in Bossier City. Be sure to follow them on social media and show up for their grand opening on May 1. They are located at 700 Barksdale Boulevard in downtown Bossier.

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes

 

      

National Travel and Tourism Week cometh

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One of my pet peeves is when people in Shreveport-Bossier say there’s nothing to do. If you believe that statement then listen up. There’s stuff to do!

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB) will be celebrating national travel and tourism week from May 2-10, 2015. This is an opportunity to share all the good stuff going on in Shreveport-Bossier. Part of the celebration will be the annual P.R.I.D.E. awards to be held on May 7 and will celebrate the outstanding tourism employees in our area. As a previous P.R.I.D.E award recipient, I can tell you that it’s an honor to be recognized for efforts in the tourism industry.

The SBCTB is a great resource for not only visitors to our community, but to our local citizens. Have you visited any of the welcome centers? I encourage you to stop by one soon. I promise you will learn something that you didn’t know before about our area. I find something new every time I stop in. I think it’s fun to be a tourist in my own town. 

Today I was fortunate enough to be included as a representative of Holiday Lanes in an interview that KTAL will be airing on Wednesday, May 6. I shared the camera with Stacy Brown, the president of SBCTB, and Fred Moss of the Let the Good Times Roll Festival. The festival will be held on June 19-21, 2015. You should check it out.

I serve as a board member on the Attractions Association and I can tell you that the resources available to local businesses, such as Holiday Lanes, is extremely beneficial. This SBCTB is absolutely wonderful at encouraging and celebrating Shreveport-Bossier as a tourism destination and local fun hot spot.

The message that I want to pass along to you is that whether you live in Shreveport-Bossier, or are a visitor to our community, there is tons to do. To find out more about the awesome events, festivals, hotels and attractions in our community go to the Shreveport Bossier Fun Guide which lists lots of the fun that you can have. Celebrate the upcoming National Travel and Tourism week by being a tourist in Shreveport-Bossier!

That just happened,

Robin Williams,

Marketing Maven at Holiday Lanes