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Louisiana Children’s Museum to Reopen this Summer

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It’s been over a year since our children have enjoyed some of our most beloved play areas, but they are opening back up little by little. We’re so excited to share that the Louisiana Children’s Museum will be reopening just in time for the summer on Saturday, May 29.

“We are counting down the days until we can gather together and focus on creating joy for children and families within our Museum once again.” said Julia Bland, LCM CEO. “We’ve been busy planning and preparing for expanded play opportunities both indoors and outdoors and programs that will support the unique needs of children and families as our city and state continue to open up.”

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Louisiana Children’s Museum COVID Precautions 

There will be frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces and exhibit pieces, hand sanitizing stations. The museum will also encourage social distancing and repeated hand washing. Masks will be required for all staff, volunteers, and guests, including children ages eight and older. Masks are strongly encouraged for children ages four and older, according to the news release.

“The LCM is uniquely designed to offer state-of-the-art air and water quality,” Bland said. “For example, the Mississippi River water exhibit was specifically designed to ensure that the water that flows is purified and consumable. Even the cistern-runnel water features outdoors have purified water. These are safeguards that we planned and put in place when designing our state-of-the-art exhibits,” added Bland.

Louisiana Children’s Museum Summer Admission & Memberships 

Advance timed-entry tickets will be required to effectively manage the number of guests. Advance timed-entry tickets will be available beginning Monday, May 17 at 9 a.m. at www.lcm.org/tickets.

Admission to the LCM is $14 per person for adults and children 12 months and older. LCM Family Memberships are also available for purchase and include general admission for a full year of play and exploration.

LCM memberships that were active when the museum closed will automatically be extended. All members will receive their full 12-month value of membership. New membership cards with updated expiration dates will be mailed to members in early May.

Louisiana Children’s Museum Hours

The Museum will open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. throughout the summer.

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond – 2020

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One of our favorite family traditions is taking an evening car ride in search of the best Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond. Now more than ever, we are in need of safe Christmas fun, and perusing lights is at the top of our list!  From the houses with thousands of synchronized dancing lights to the simple and elegant, we appreciate the time it takes to share the beauty of their Christmas lights with the community. 

Many of you have asked us where to go to see the best Christmas lights in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas and we are working to create a list for you. If you know of a light display not on this list, we want to know! I’m sure they would love to share their Christmas cheer with more of the community.
 
Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Lights Guide.PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN OUR CLINIC AREA.

 

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond 

ZooLights 2020

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge

November 27 – December 30

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Admission gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

Admission: Adults/Teens: $5, Seniors: $4, Ages 2-12: $3, Friends of the Zoo Members: $3 per person​

The Zoo is partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank again this year! Every guest presenting a non-perishable food item during the hours of Zoolights, will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. All food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In 2019, nearly 4,000 pounds of food were collected during this drive.

Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General

The lights are lit! This year we’ve implemented new guidelines to keep families safe while still spreading joy including masks requirements, limited capacity (you may have to wait a few minutes in line), no food or drinks and hand sanitizer stations throughout.

While they won’t be hosting weekly family nights with Santa, snow and food trucks this year because they draw such large crowds, you can still enjoy the lights nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. until December 31. #BRGLights 

 

Baton Rouge Christmas lights stretch across five neighboring homes!

Szewc light display is located at 13514 Rendale Ave in Brookhollow Glen subdivision – off Perkins Road. 

 

Chuck’s Christmas Lights
Cottingham Ct
Baton Rouge, LA 70817

 

 

Messenger’s Christmas Land
9481 Prince Charles, Denham Springs

The story of the Messenger’s Christmas Land starts over 50 years ago with Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Messenger Jr. and their 9 kids. With just a few lights and home made animated scenes, word quickly spread about the unusual display for the public. The original location was at the Messenger’s home in Red Oaks, Baton Rouge and then relocated in 1992 to Plantation Estates, Denham Springs where Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Messenger III took over for the next 21 years. Now, going on 53 years, this family tradition can still be visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Messenger off Prince Charles Street, Denham Springs. With lights everywhere, home made animated scenes, a timeline, and even the north pole, the display continues to open every Christmas season to all of the public with no charge. Come stop by and be apart of this 53 year Christmas tradition. 

Messenger's Christmas Land

 

The Willows Winter Wonderland
The Willows subdivision
1457 Weeping Willow Drive in
Denham Springs

No annual Christmas display walkthrough due to COVID. They will however continue to decorate the front yard and do welcome everyone to drive by.

 

Wilson Christmas Lights
9615 Sagefield Dr Central City, LA 70818

This is a stay in your vehicle to watch the show, just tune your radio to 96.7 FM to listen to the music. If you enjoy the show please tell all of your family and friends. We enjoy spreading Christmas joy doing this for you.

Below you will find the show hours:
Sunday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Monday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Tuesday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Wednesday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Thursday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Friday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Saturday 5:30pm – 10:00 pm
 

Brannon Daisey Denham Springs 

Families can catch this fun Christmas light show every day starting at 5:30 p.m.
You can also listen to the light show music live from your car by tuning in to 105.9FM. 
26225 Cottonwood Court in Denham Springs

 

Lighting up Zachary

Celebrate Christmas with a colorful light show and music!
This year, our donations are for a local non-profit:
http://www.nomadsandnobles.com/donate-1/
1136 Eagle Dr Zachary, LA 70791

The Griswold’s of Oak Place
34819 Oak Place Drive, Denham Springs, LA 70706

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond – 2020

 

 

The Davis’ Magical Christmas Land
26658 John L Ln Denham Springs, LA 70726

The Christmas Display is open nightly (weather permitting) for walk through visitors. Weekends will feature a Hot Cocoa Bar and visits from Santa on December 11th, 18th and 20th!!
 
 

Christmas lights at The Stroud’s
Plantation Ave, Denham Springs

Old Dutchtown Christmas Light Show
13124 Mill Grove Dr. Gonzales LA 70737

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge
 
 
Set to music with dazzling lights. Runs nightly from 6 to 9 starting December 1st through New Years Day (weather permitting). 

Sevario Family Light Show
13378 Lonnie Wascom Drive
Walker, LA 70785

🚨Light show will begin December 5th running from 5:30-10PM 🚨
Listen to the lights – 90.1 FM
 

Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge

THE WESTSIDE CHRISTMAS FEST HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020.  HOWEVER THERE WILL BE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON DISPLAY ON WESTPORT AND OFFICE PARK DRIVE. UP NIGHTLY FROM DECEMBER 4-31.

PLANS TO RESUME REFLECTIONS OF THE SEASON IN DECEMBER 2021.

More Christmas Light Display Recommendations:

  • Hundred Oaks and Arlington
  • 5735 Antioch Blvd
  • Woodridge Subdivision off Pecou Lane – Many Lit Houses
  • The Garden District
  • Elliot Rd. – Home lights synced to music
  • Southwind & Wyndy in Parkview off of Stumberg

West Baton Rouge 

  • Molaison St in Addis
  • Emily Drive in Brusly

Central

  • 9615 Sagefield Dr.
  • 14003 Triple B Rd.
  • 15901 Chanove Ave.
  • Zoar Baptist Church 
  •  

Ascension

  • Oak Alley Subdivision, Giesmer
  • Fields Ct. Off 44 near the Dollar General, Prairieville
  • 13255 Old Dutchtown Ave, Gonzales, LA Multipls homes with lights and music. 
  • Most of the subdivisions along Bluff Rd

🎄 Download your own Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt HERE for some extra Family fun! 

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

 

 

 

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

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Tis’ the season to get into the holiday spirit! We are RACKing up Random Acts of Christmas Kindness this season and we would love for you to join us! We are spreading the joy of the holidays by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness each day throughout the month of December. This is the perfect way to enjoy the true reason for the season… family, togetherness, community, and giving!

The best part of taking part in even the smallest act of kindness and or giving is that generosity and kindness are contagious!

Goodness spurs goodness: A single act can influence dozens more.

Please join us for our 6th Annual RACK! We are showering the Baton Rouge community with Christmas Kindness all month long!

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

What is RACK and how does it work?

 It’s a way to infuse holiday spirit in others by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness throughout the month of December! Many do a RACK a day for 25 days leading up to Christmas, an advent of sorts. However, we are asking you to join us in doing what you can, when you can, however big, however small. Be creative and lead with your heart! Most importantly, get the whole family involved!

We have created printable RACK cards in different sizes, simply print and attach them to your RACK.  There are many ways to offer a RACK, we have put together an extensive list of ideas as well as a calendar if you want to follow a list of acts.

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Ideas:

  1. Rake the yard of a neighbor who isn’t able to rake it themselves.  
  2. Make Christmas special for girls and boys…DONATE to Sylvia’s Toys!
  3. Bless your garbage collectors with a treat or small gift card for lunch.
  4. Have your children make the mailman or lady a Thank You card or poster with treats taped to it.
  5. Tape coins on vending machines for snacks, or sodas. The hospital would be a great place for this!
  6. Tape single dollars to items at the dollar store. (plus a dime for tax)
  7. RACK a Red Box by leaving a dollar or two and some popcorn or a candy cane.
  8. Donate items to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
  9. Pack toiletry or snack bags for Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge homeless shelters.
  10. Donate a coat to Pat’s Coats for Kids.
  11. Bake treats and take them to the police station and or fire station with thank you cards for their service. 
  12. Take a break from texting and e-mail. Mail an actual handwritten letter or card to someone you love. Just because.
  13. Send letters or gifts to an assisted living home. Coordinate with your local nursing or retirement home first.
  14. Take get well balloons or flowers to the hospital and leave them with a nurse for someone who is alone.
  15. Fill a Good Samaritans Christmas Box
  16. Tape quarters to laundromat machines.
  17. Leave a basket of Christmas gifts on the doorstep of a family in need.
  18. Leave a $5 bill on the pump at a gas station.
  19. Bring treats to your local urgent care office on Christmas Eve.
  20. Cook a meal and deliver it to someone who could use a meal. Someone who is sick, a new family in the neighborhood or at church, a new mom.
  21. Take a person who’s working on Christmas Eve something special.
  22. Drop off books to give to patients at the OLOL Children’s Hospital.
  23. Drop off a coffee and a treat to a busy mom.
  24. Bring a gift to Santa.
  25. ‘Ding dong ditch’ your neighbors with fresh-baked goods.
  26. Before paying at the grocery store, buy a gift card, and then turn around and hand it to the person behind you or to the cashier.
  27. Leave an extra big tip at a restaurant.
  28. Donate to the local animal shelter. Contact a local animal shelter to find out what they need. (food, blankets, towels, and food bowls, etc.)
  29. Put something you no longer need on Craigslist’s FREE section.
  30. Fill purses you no longer use with toiletries and fun items for men and donate to your local womans shelter. 

Rack Tag printables…

RACK CardsDownload Medium RACK Cards HERE.

RACK Christmas TagDownload Small RACK Cards HERE.

Small RACK CircleDownload XSmall Circle TACK Tags HERE

 

 A RACK Advent calendar can be found here.

 More cards and tags can be found here.

It’s our responsibility to discuss gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and service not just during the holidays but year-round. We are our children’s greatest role models — we should start early to mold our children’s perspectives on the holiday season. May we create such treasured memories of family time and togetherness, and the joy of giving, that our children will hold on to these memories for a lifetime and pass them on to their own children.

If we missed a great RACK idea, please leave it in the comments below!

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas Season full of RACK!

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Giving Tuesday Baton Rouge and Beyond – 225 Gives

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Baton Rouge Family Fun was created to support families in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Our hope has always been that as we with the hope that we could find ways to collectively give back to the place we call home. Last year we started a 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 where we highlight local nonprofits. 225 Gives.

Our local Giving Tuesday effort, 225 Gives highlights local nonprofit organizations who uplift and strengthen our community. As part of our series, we will be hosting a “225 Gives” 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 “225 Give”. You can also go to 225gives.org to learn more about the participating organizations!

225 GIVES, presented by Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) and Capital Area United Way (CAUW), is a 24-hour online giving day taking place December 1, 2020 with a one week early giving period set to open on Tuesday, November 24th. 225 GIVES has set a goal of helping generate over $4,225,000 for area nonprofits. This powerful online fundraising initiative will unite the Capital Region in support of the nonprofit community.
 
225 Gives

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 225 Gives Baton Rouge participants!

Brec’s Baton Rouge Zoolights – Making Spirits Bright

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Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Zoolights (Friday, November 27 – Wednesday, December 30)! Baton Rouge Zoolights festive mile-long trail through the Zoo in the evening boasts more than 50 illuminated sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays for the whole family to enjoy. 

Baton Rouge Zoolights

This year, the Zoo is partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring more impact & excitement to Zoolights. Every guest presenting non-perishable food items (minimum of one per person) during the hours of Zoolights will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. Regular admission prices are $5 for adults/teens, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children (2-12 years old), and $3 for Friends of the Zoo members. These amounts will be cut in half when a non-perishable food item is presented at the time of entry & all food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Learn more at www.brzoo.org. 

Zoo Lights


 

Baton Rouge Zoolights

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Admissions gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

Admission:

Adults/Teens: $5
Seniors: $4
Ages 2-12: $3
Friends of the Zoo Members: $3 per person​

Prices will be reduced by 50% when guests present non-perishable food items to be donated to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. 

ZOOLIGHTS IS:

  • A mile-long trail through the Zoo
  • More than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays
  • A festive family activity, adding to the quality of life for residents throughout the region.

Baton Rouge Zoolights displays will include the following:

BREC Baton Rouge Zoolights

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

Hurricane Laura Relief: How to Help Louisiana Victims

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Hurricane Laura was the strongest of any hurricane making landfall in Louisiana since the Last Island Storm in 1856, according to NBC meteorologist Bill Karins said. The storm has seen over 580,000 coastal residents placed under evacuation orders, while nearly 470,000 homes and businesses were left without power, as the hurricane made landfall in Louisiana early Thursday. We’ve put together a list of Hurricane Laura Relief organizations directly helping those impacted by the storm. 

Hurricane Laura Relief

Hurricane Laura Relief – How You Can Help:

Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana: The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana is raising money to issue grants to local non-profits that will help people recover from Hurricane Laura.

The Salvation Army: Your donation helps keep The Salvation Army on the front-lines, buying meals, drinks, snacks, and other critical commodities desperately needed by survivors and rescue workers.  For more information, visit  www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.  Or if you or someone you know needs to talk, please call our emotional & spiritual care hotline at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673).

Catholic Charities USA: Your support helps people through the immediate aftermath and continues helping them as they work through the long process of recovery. 100% of donations go to relief efforts through this link. 

Save The Children: Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.

Second Harvest Food Bank – Feeding South Louisiana: The team stands ready to respond to Hurricane Laura. They are in need of volunteers to help prepare meals for this devastating storm. Please consider signing up or donating at no-hunger.org/volunteer

Delgado Athletics: the Delgado Athletic Department is relaunching its Delgado Cares Project, which will be collecting gift cards of any denomination that can be shared directly with those impacted by the storm.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – Meets the urgent needs of communities in crisis, from serving food to volunteers in rebuilding communities.

Direct Relief USA: Direct Relief offers prescription drugs and other medical supplies to those who need it in emergency situations, and works with clinics and primary care doctors to ensure that people are able to get what they need when they need it. 

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area (AAVA)
 

Bethany Church: Bethany is focusing our finances and manpower on feeding thousands of displaced people and helping to muck out flooded homes and churches. They are partnering with organizations to make efforts more efficient.

Fine and Dandy in Gonzales: My husband and I will be collecting items Friday from 10-5, Saturday 10-2, and Sunday 12-4 pm at the storefront location 38011 HWY 621, next to Ace Hardware. We will be delivering these items to needed communities Monday. If you feel it in your heart to help, here is an Amazon wish list you can order from, or a list of needed items that can be purchased and dropped at the store during those set times.
 

Louisiana Hospitality Foundation The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is planning to deploy resources shortly after Hurricane Laura’s landfall to provide hot meals for first responders and community members impacted across southwest Louisiana. Please consider donating to help offset the costs of this effort: https://louisianahospitalityfoundation.org/laura/

Samaritan’s Purse : Samaritan’s Purse is deploying staff members and one of our Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief units to Lake Charles, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

We will continue updating this list daily as we receive news of more ways to help and assist the victims of Hurricane Laura. 

Face Masks in Baton Rouge and Beyond – Where to Buy

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Gov. John Bel Edwards has announced new restrictions that include a statewide mask mandate beginning Monday, July 13th for ages 8 and up. The exception being those with medical conditions that prevent the use of a mask. The mandatory statewide mask mandate will stay in place through July 24th. The mandate will mirror those already in place in East Baton Rouge and requires that all commercial and nonprofit entities providing goods or services directly to the public require patrons to wear masks or face coverings.

If you’re in need of Face Masks in Baton Rouge, we’ve got you covered! 😉

Should children wear cloth face coverings?

Children under the age of 2 years should not wear cloth face coverings.

Should I be wearing a face mask outside?

It is strongly encouraged that non-healthcare workers wear fabric face coverings when they go out in public. These coverings may include cloth masks or scarves. The virus travels in small respiratory liquid droplets that we exhale when we are talking, sneezing, and coughing. Many people who have the virus and are asymptomatic can spread COVID-19 unconsciously.

Where to Buy Face Masks in Baton Rouge and Beyond

If you’re not in the mood for crafts, there are many in Baton Rouge and beyond making and selling masks. We asked the Baton Rouge Family Fun community where they were buying masks and we have compiled a comprehensive list from those recommendations. A new study has shown that some of the most effective materials for face masks ― when factoring in filtration and breathability ― are cotton, denim, and canvas. The study also shows that multiple layers of material are more effective at blocking coronavirus particles than just one single layer.

Face Masks in Baton Rouge and Beyond

Giggles

Wanderlust by Abby

KraftyKravingz

Red Stick Sports

Rainbows by Paulette

Merci Beaucoup

Vinh Phat Market | Baton Rouge

Sanctuary Home & Gifts | Baton Rouge

Young Fashions Uniforms | Baton Rouge

My Holistic Journey to Wellness | Baton Rouge

Stitch | Baton Rouge 

AIM Print & Ship | Baton Rouge

Belle Cher

Mae Lah Maternity Boutique or First Glimpse 3D/4D/HD Ultrasound Group & Baby Boutique Group are selling masks $4-5/each at

Tiger Wear & Dancer’s Lair | Gonzales
To place an order visit www.eurotard.com – Don’t forget to enter discount code for 10% Off (code is 82433-TWDLMASK) – Please email TWDLOrders@eatel.net or Text at 225-363-8389 for additional information or bulk orders!

Monogramming Unlimited | Gonzales
Please call 225-644-0464 to place your prepaid order. Orders filled daily. Available in both Adult and Youth. Double layer of 100% Cotton with lining. Washer and dryer safe. Please call 644-0464 or email team@monogrammingunlimited.com with any questions.

@alfrieda_judson on Instagram – Zachary, La.

Face Masks in Baton Rouge

D & D Creations, Inc. | Kenner
Order here: www.dndcreations.net/store/c7/Masks
Masks with elastic are $4. Masks with cloth ties are $6. Female and male versions of the “shapes mask” are available.Where to Buy Face Masks in Baton Rouge

NOLA MASKS | New Orleans
Handmade masks with NOLA spirit!
https://www.nolamasks.com/

Dead Oak Crafts | Houma 

Loveyourmelon.com

Etsy 

How to Make a No-Sew Face Mask

Making a no-sew face mask is easier than you might think, and is a great alternative if you can’t sew or don’t have the proper materials. You can find a great tutorial here and see the video below for a simple t-shirt sleeve option. 


How to Properly Wear a Facemask for COVID-19 Protection

Putting on a cloth facemask is simple. Make sure you know these important points to get the mask on right so it will protect you and taking it off so you don’t contaminate your hands. Watch as Patty George, MD, demonstrates the correct way to put on and take off a cloth mask. 

More posts you might find helpful:

 

Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

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We know the Governor’s announcement that all public schools will be closing through April 13th has left us all with lots of questions. Unexpectedly staying home can have some complications beyond having enough food and supplies. Many are wondering what they are going to do with the kids for the next month. There is a plethora of resources for our families to learn and enjoy the extra time we will have together. How about Family Night at the Museum??? According to Fast Company, Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world. 

Now, families can “go to the museum” and never have to leave the couch.

Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

British Museum, London

This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer – even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum – the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

European artworks from as far back as the 8th Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de’Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de’Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.

MASP, São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil’s first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.

Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be included on Google Arts & Culture’s collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website. There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites.

This article originally appeared on TravelandLeisure.com.

Top 5 Baton Rouge King Cakes

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King Cake truly is the demise of many New Year’s resolutions, but how can we resist this buttery danish pastry, sweetened with dusted sugar, icing and a plethora of flavored fillings? Not us! Here are the top 5 King Cakes in Baton Rouge according to YOU, Baton Rouge moms! Enjoy this trail of delicious King Cakes, try them all to decide the best for yourself. 

Thee Heavenly Donut – Home of the BOUDIN king cake and Pecan Praline, Banana Foster, Turtle, LA Cajun Mud, Strawberry, and famous Fried King Cakes! Owned by a fellow Baton Rouge mom, THEE HEAVENLY Donut’s mission is to offer the freshest (made daily), handmade donuts, kolaches, king cakes, cupcakes, and specialty cakes– all year round. Owners Kara and Shane Castille have a passion for great customer service and treating their customers like family. Their products are like no other in the greater Baton Rouge area!
Baton Rouge King Cake

Oak Point Fresh Market – You can stop by both Watson and Central to grab a specialty King Cake!! Baked fresh daily. Flavors include Chantilly, Black Forest, Caramel Apple Heath, Turtle King Cake, and more! 

 

Rouses – Rouses king cakes are made with their exclusive gourmet cinnamon dough, iced, and sprinkled with decorative sugars in the carnival colors of purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power).  

Baton Rouge King Cake

Calandro’s – With over 50 flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect King Cake at Calandro’s! The new flavor for 2019 is an exciting one.  In 2018, Calandro’s started making their own Italian cookies, so of course, they had to infuse a King Cake with Italian Cookie goodness.  So the brand new “Little Italy” Gourmet flavor now has Italian cookie crumbles inside and crumbled on top along with a Fig & Bavarian Creme fill combo that is to die for!

Randazzo’s  – Your source for the original Randazzo family mardi gras king cake. You can get your Baton Rouge Randazzo’s at Carnival Mart off Florida BLVD and at Capital City Crawfish! Every cake is “hand-braided” and baked fresh daily. Their traditional King Cake is cinnamon flavored, colored with Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, iced with our just made icing, and festively decorated with candy non-pariels. Each cake contains a baby. King Cakes are complemented by Cream Cheese, Strawberry Cream Cheese, and Pecan Praline. They pump the filling into the braids of the cake before it is baked.
Randazzos King Cake Baton Rouge
Carnival Mart
8696 Florline Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA  70815
225-248-9720

Honorable Mention

Ambrosia – There are many options when it comes to The Ambrosia King Cake!  The Traditional King Cake (shown here for an “In-Store Pickup”) has cinnamon and sugar inside of our family secret King Cake dough.  Purchase a “Mardi Gras King Cake Kit” and take your King Cake home for the kids to decorate and have a Mardi Gras Party! 
Best Baton Rouge King Cake

Ralph’s Market -A locally owned business, Ralph’s Market wants the best for our families and yours. That’s why we always offer a large selection of freshhigh-qualityty products that includes many grown right here in Louisiana! We‘d love to serve you at any of our three convenient and friendly locations in Gonzales, at Pelican Point, and on Jones’ Creek in Baton Rouge.

Ralph's Supermarkey King Cake Baton Rouge
Gambino’s – In New Orleans and around the world, Gambino’s Bakery is a household tradition that offers over sixty-five years of experience with delicious baked goods.
Gambino's King-Cake Baton Rouge

Alexander’s Highland Market – Gluten-sensitive? Cutting back on carbs? Trying to follow a keto diet? Along with their regular king cakes, Alexander’s is catering to you this Mardi Gras season!  Alexander’s Highland Market is partnering with Eat Fit BR to provide 100 percent all natural, gluten-friendly, low-carb, keto-friendly king cakes for those whose dietary restrictions prevent them in indulging in the traditional Mardi Gras desserts. The cakes are also soy-free, preservative-free, and have no added sugar.

Baton Rouge King Cake

Be sure to check out Baton Rouge Family Fun’s 2021 King Cake Guide here! 

 

 

LSU Football Day declared in Louisiana: Monday, Dec. 16th

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In honor of the success of the LSU football team and their historic season and honors, Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has proclaimed Monday, Dec. 16,  “LSU Football Day” in Louisiana! Bust out your purple and gold and wear it with pride! This has been a season we will not soon forget, definitely one that we will share with our children and our children’s children. 

Credit: Macon Telegraph

LSU Football Day

LSU Football DayCongratulations to Coach O and the Fighting Tigers!