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Here’s How Louisiana’s Phase 1 Reopening Affects Your Family

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The reopening of Louisiana following the shut down to fight Covid-19 has a lot of parents asking questions about summer camp, parks, libraries, and more. Louisiana will move to Phase One under the White House COVID-19 guidance this Friday, May 15, which removes the Stay at Home order for Louisianans and allows additional businesses to open under strict occupancy, protection, and social distancing guidelines. People who are at a higher risk of becoming ill from COVID-19 are encouraged to continue to Stay at Home. Below we’re sharing how Louisiana’s phase 1 reopening affects your family.

Gov. Edwards outlined the first phase of the Roadmap to a Resilient Louisiana, which adopts every major recommendation of the White House plan in Phase One. Please remember that this plan is subject to change.

Louisiana's Phase 1 Reopening

How long will Phase 1 last?

Edwards said he will issue the proclamation lifting the stay-home order on Thursday to go into effect Friday. The governor said phase one will likely be in effect for 21 days, into June 5, if the state does not see increases in cases.

Louisiana’s Phase 1 Reopening

  • Churches will be able to conduct indoor service at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity, with continued allowance for additional outdoor seating with SFM guidance on social distancing. In line with this, indoor funerals and weddings may resume indoor at 25% capacity of the building and may continue outdoor services with no crowd size limitation as long as social distancing is practiced.

 

  • Restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes will be able to be open to the public for indoor table service at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity, with continued allowance for additional outdoor seating with SFM guidance on social distancing.

 

  • Bars that hold an LDH food service certificate will be able to do or take-out and delivery of food and alcohol and dine-in seating in line with State Fire Marshal guidance on social distancing for restaurants, with no more than 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity. No on-site consumption will be allowed if not seated at SFM approved seating.

 

  • Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to be open to the public at 25% of their capacity. The State Fire Marshal and LDH will be issuing guidance on social distancing and sanitization.

 

  • Stores and shopping malls will be allowed to be open to the public at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity. 

 

  • Movie theaters may be open to the public at 25% of their State Fire Marshal capacity, with new guidance from SFM and LDH on social distancing and sanitation.

 

  • Museums, zoos, and aquariums may be open to the public at 25% of their capacity, with no organized tours and no tactile exhibits. Children’s museums remain closed.

 

  • Barbers, hair salons, and nail salons may be open to the public at 25% of their capacity with SFM guidance on social distancing.

The following businesses remain closed: massage establishments and spas, tattoo parlors, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, fairs, bars and breweries without LDH food permits, pool halls, contact sports, children’s play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, adult entertainment venues, and other similar businesses.

 

East Baton Rouge Parish Library

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library will begin a phased re-opening process starting Monday, May 18. “Libraries serve a broad range of needs in our community. Although we are providing service through digital avenues, we are eager to reopen our libraries and provide a broader range of services”, said Library Director Spencer Watts.

While all 14 Library locations will remain closed to the public during Phase 1, the following services will be available:

Beginning Monday, May 18

  • Telephone assistance will be expanded to all 14 locations from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 2-6 p.m. on Sunday.
  • Patrons may call the Library location of their choice to reserve new books and A/V materials for pickup, get assistance accessing Library databases and online resources in the Digital Library, consult staff for reader’s advisory service, discuss their accounts, obtain a computer-use-only card if needed, and more.
  • Wi-Fi will remain available outside all 14 locations from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily.
  • The Digital Library is always open 24/7 at www.ebrpl.com.

Beginning Wednesday, May 20

  • The “Call Ahead / Pick Up Service” will resume. Patrons may reserve new materials online or over the phone, and check them out via the Drive Through/Pick Up windows at the Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., or the Fairwood Branch, 12910 Old Hammond Hwy., or via lobby pickup service at other locations from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 2-6 p.m. on Sunday.
  • Due dates for all currently checked out Library materials will be extended until Tuesday, June 30. We will begin accepting the return of Library materials at all locations through each location’s exterior return. For the safety of our patrons and staff, returned materials will be quarantined and/or disinfected according to established guidelines before being placed back into circulation

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo has been working diligently to prepare plans for re-opening the facility that properly follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) guidelines. With the modifications listed below, the Zoo plans to re-open for Friends of the Zoo Members only May 18 through May 20 & re-open to the public on May 21. The Zoo will follow normal business hours.

Modifications guests will see in place as additional safeguards include:

  • Safari Playground, Cypress Bayou Railroad, L’aquarium de Louisiane, Otter Cabin & Kids’ Zoo Contact Yard may be temporarily closed.
  • Keeper chats & amphitheater shows will be temporarily suspended.
  • Flamingo Café & Cool Critters Café will be open with a limited menu & properly adjusted outdoor seating.
  • The number of guests allowed in the Zoo will be limited to eliminate crowding.
  • Constant disinfection of all touchable surfaces will occur in accordance with CDC & LA Department of Health guidance.
  • Hand sanitation stations provided at multiple locations throughout the Zoo.
  • A one-way path for all visitors will be enacted to avoid passing of guests.
  • Installation of protective panels where face-to-face interactions most frequently take place.
  • Implementation of barriers near exhibit viewing areas with glass to limit touching.
  • Creation of public markers to serve as social distancing reminders.
  • Zoo staff will wear face shields.
  • Guests are encouraged to wear mask face coverings to protect our staff & animals.
  • Protocols will be adjusted as necessary to keep staff, guests and animals safe.

Learn more here!

 

BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

BREC is entering it’s phase 1 plans with partial reopening. BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center will start adjusted hours Tuesday, May  19th.  While the building will be closed, the trails will be open with free admission Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am-noon. 

BREC Dog Parks

The dog parks at Greenwood, Zachary and Forest Community Parks will reopen with some revised guidelines for your safety on Monday, May 18th! Some guidelines to be aware of:

  • Use a glove, waste bag, or grocery bag to open and close the gates and properly dispose of them. Wash/Sanitize your hands. Face masks are recommended for humans.
  • Large dog areas are limited to 25 persons inside the dog park fence.
  • Small dog areas are limited to 10 persons inside the dog park fence.
  • Water fountains will not be available. Bring your own water bottles.
  • Site picnic tables and benches will not be available.

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens will be open as of May 18.

Burden Museum & Gardens Reopening Guidelines

  • Hours of operation: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Gates will open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:30 PM.
  • Visitors to the Rural Life Museum will follow Rural Life Museum Guidelines.
  • Visitors to the Botanic Gardens will follow the Botanic Gardens Guidelines.
  • Staff that will be greeting or managing visitors are required to wear a mask.
  • COVID-19 signage as required by LSU A&M and the LSU AgCenter is posted at the respective entrances to each facility.
  • Tour groups and rentals remain postponed until further notice.

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Guidelines:

  • Offices, conference center and Orangerie are closed to the general public.
  • The Information Center and restrooms are also closed at this time. 
  • The Children’s Garden (Pollinator Garden) is closed and roped off with caution tape and signage.
  • Grounds will be monitored to ensure proper social distancing.

Louisiana guidelines for child care and summer camps:

The Department of Education and the Department of Health have outlined the next steps for the safe operation of child care centers, as well as summer camps, summer school, and summer extracurricular activities.

Child care centers and entities offering summer programs for K-12 students must adhere to certain protective measures set by the Office of Public Health (OPH), including:

  • Social distancing, achieved by maintaining small, static groups that minimally interact with other groups
  • Assessing and monitoring students for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or sore throat
  • Practicing frequent environmental cleaning and hand-washing.

In Phase 1, groups should be limited to 10 people including adults. For child care centers and entities offering summer school, camps, or extracurricular activities, the occupancy rates currently approved for the facility apply. Adjusted occupancy rates are not applicable, as these entities must adhere to strict social distancing and other health and safety measures specific to child care and summer school or camp settings.

Gov. Edwards encourages the public and business owners to proceed cautiously and to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, including wearing a protective face covering like a cloth mask when they are in public, keeping social distance from people outside of their households, and practicing good hygiene.

Click here to read the new order…

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Rainy Day Activities For Kids – Parent Sanity Savers!

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With the never-ending rain and kids being home, we have put together 20 rainy day activities for kids that will help you pass the time with the kids, indoors…

20 Rainy Day Activities For Kids:

  1. Get out the crafts – Let the kids use their imaginations and create some Mother’s Day masterpieces.
  2. Make a fort in the living room out of blankets.
  3. Play Restaurant – Let the kids help in the kitchen for a day – bake cookies, make lunch and dinner together, and have them “critique” meals.
  4. Write letters to friends and family or fill out a year’s worth of birthday cards.
  5. Have a fashion show or photoshoot or better yet, make a photo booth and take lots of funny pictures. Making photo props can be fun and allow the creative juices to flow!
  6. Read books, Make a book or flipbook – You can rent books online or via the Library & Amazon! 
  7. Put on a puppet show – During Hurricane Katrina, we had our boys put on a play with puppets, or paper dolls. They drew the characters, cut them out, glued them to cardboard and glued a stick on the backside,  fixed a stage out of a large shipping box, wrote a script and put on a play. This entertained them for hours!
  8. Make paper airplanes and have a flying contest.
  9. Cleaning party – Crank up the radio and have a dance party while cleaning the house.
  10. Zoom Playdate –  Catch up with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. 20 Rainy Day Activities For Kids
  11. Donate – Go through your home with the kids and find items {clothes, toys, appliances} to donate.
  12. Camp out– Create an indoor camp with tents and use the microwave to make s’mores.
  13. Bowling – Create your own bowling game with items around the house. 
  14. Try to make Origami – this site has tons of great ideas.
  15. Go to the movies at home –  pop some popcorn and catch up on movies you have yet to see or revisit an old favorite.
  16. Puzzles, board games, Freeze Dance and Charades are always a must on a snow day…try to change things up or make up your own games. Use this Charades generator to get ideas.
  17. Have a beach party – indoors! Get creative with crafts, treats, and a beach-themed movie!
  18. Paint Rocks of Kindness and leave around Baton Rouge once the rain stops. 😉
  19. Go through old photos – this always offers plenty of entertainment.
  20. Blow up some balloons –  toss ’em in the air, and don’t let them touch the ground, or grab some paddles or kitchen spoons for balloon tennis.

We would love to hear your ideas for indoor activities, please share them with us on Facebook!

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When You’re Stuck Between Gratitude and Frustration

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It’s so easy to get caught up in the fear and frustrations of our stay at home order. To get wrapped up in the what if’s? The planning for the just in case. The worry, the isolation, the concerns on the impact all this will have on our homes much less our nation. I’m constantly having to pray away my fears. I’m also stuck between being so grateful for the blessings my household currently has; compared to so many others who are in a much more intense dilemma. Keeping your glass half full is effort. 

Gratitude

Not going to lie to you…after a month of staring at my khaki walls and losing track of what day we’re on; I’m getting close to over waiting out this Stay At Home Order. I get it, our world is in the middle of fighting a pandemic. We are trying to flatten the curve. All we’re being asked to do is stay our booties home. It’s not that difficult. But yet, it is pretty difficult. If you are an extrovert with toddlers.

Gratitude

My kids and I are stir crazy. We miss our friends and school, and I’m pretty sure they’re tired of seeing just mine and their dad’s face every day. We’ve crafted, sang, done school work until we’re blue in the face; and we just need to see something new now. The feeling of entrapment is starting to settle in, and the battle to fight civic duty and emotional well being has begun. So what’s the solution here? It’s joy & gratitude. 

Choose Gratitude

Gratitude reminds me that my sweet husband is able to still go to work while others can’t. I think of the house full of food my grubby toddlers get to snack on all day. The air-conditioned home I live in with electricity and internet! In 2016, after the flood, we didn’t have a kitchen or a put-together home. All I’m being asked to do is sit in my home. I don’t do well feeling trapped which is what I’m struggling with the most. But, oh how gratitude and thoughts of gratefulness have helped me distract those feelings.

Choose Joy

Find joy in the mundane. Find time for yourself. Even if it’s just to put a face of makeup on; so you can remind your husband he has a hot wife and not a homeless person for a partner. It’s a five-minute shower, and a FaceTime chat with a friend. Even if you have to scream at the kids in the middle of your convo; and y’all are having to restart the same sentence five times. It’s ordering a new book. It’s starting a journal. It’s watching your kids play peek-a-boo and chasing after the new puppy. It’s a glass of wine after a hard day. It’s appreciation, for your health, for your income, and for your home. “Joy comes in the morning.” Tomorrow is a new day; right now find your joy in the mundane. We’ll make it through; and when we do, come find me. I have a hug waiting for you.

Baton Rouge Family Fun Ambassador – Courtney Cotharn-Lambert

Courtney Cotharn-LambertI am a Design Consultant, Event Planner, and Doula. My hope is to help a mom: plan her baby shower, design her nursery, help her during labor and birth, and lastly help plan the baby’s first Birthday. Find me online at www.courtneyaid.com

“A one stop support shop for all her baby needs.”

 

 

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Louisiana Boot Trail – Sharing Hope & Cheer One Window at a Time!

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As most of us are sheltering in place and practicing social distancing, our walks outside  for some fresh air and exercise will be more precious than ever! Let’s add something lovely to to our daily walk or bike ride – something we can do without touching! Something to remind us that even through this time of uncertainty there is hope and we are Louisiana Strong! 

Let’s launch a Louisiana Boot Trail! Spread the happy, not the virus! 

Louisiana Boot Trail

 

Color a Louisiana Boot — out of any material — or just print one out, and put it in your window!

We have a set of three printables below for you to print and decorate! Get together with the family and decorate your Louisiana Boot with signs of hope and cheer!

When we enjoy our neighborhood walks outside we can look for each other’s Louisiana Boots – be sure to share with your neighborhood association! 

If you see one or create your own, snap a pic and share it back on our Facebook post here!

If you share it on Instagram, tag @BatonRougeFamilyFun so we can see them! 

Let’s get the Louisiana Boot Trail started! 

Printables – Click on the image to print! 

Louisiana Boot TrailLouisiana Boot TrailLouisiana Boot Trail

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When Social Distancing Cancels Your Kid’s Birthday Party

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I’m sad today. I needed to cancel my kid’s Birthday party because of Covid-19. I understand why. I appreciate the steps my government and my community are taking to lessen the curve of people contracting the virus. But, this still stinks. My sweet girl only turns two once and I was really looking forward to making her day special. The event coordinator in me was really looking forward to decorating and not having to clean my own house!

cancelled-kids-birthday-party

We were having it at Java Mama on Bluebonnet. I know she won’t remember this. I know this is more for me than her, but now I feel like I won’t be able to make it as special and that’s the part that stinks. She’s so special and deserves to be celebrated and she’s getting cheated of that. I appreciate and respect our current health situations and I’m more than willing to abide by the suggestions; but it doesn’t mean that it’s not upsetting or that we won’t miss out on important moments of life.

cancelled-kids-birthday-party

Coming together with friends and family, and celebrating milestones are parts of life that bring so much joy. When we celebrate together, we’re reminded that even though life can be ugly, turbulent, and difficult. Some parts really are worth celebrating. Covid-19 will impact us in ways we still don’t fully understand; both personally and environmentally. So we will do the best in following protocol. We will count our blessings and be appreciative of our health; and we will spend time with our families and make other memories that maybe weren’t attainable without being home. We soldier on when life gets complicated. Stay healthy, practice social distancing, and go make some new memories hopefully happy ones!

Baton Rouge Moms Ambassador – Courtney Cotharn-Lambert

Courtney Cotharn-Lambert
-Wife and doula
-Mom of 2 human babies and fur mom to 3 hairy ones.

I am a Design Consultant, Event Planner, and Doula. My hope is to help a mom: plan her baby shower, design her nursery, help her during labor and birth, and lastly help plan the baby’s first Birthday. Find me online at www.courtneyaid.com

“A one stop support shop for all her baby needs.”

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Introducing Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates – Join us for some virtual fun!

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As you already know, events are being canceled, businesses are temporarily closing and kids are out of school for the next month. We know that school closings will cause lot of disruption and worry for some families. Baton Rouge Moms (soon to be Baton Rouge Family Fun) hopes to make the transition a little easier and a little more fun! Beginning this week, we will be partnering with local businesses and organizations to help you over the upcoming weeks – in the form of Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates!!

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

Many thanks to our community partners for making this project possible.

Do you have a business or organization that would like to get involved? Email Tiany at Tiany@batonrougemoms.com to let us know you are interested.

 

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

We’re lining up some of your favorite small businesses, organizations and groups to lead us through daily 15-30 minute activities via video.

The Virtual Playdate videos will be available each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We hope that this will be a great way to keep our families engaged in the community even while practicing social distancing.

Look Forward to:

  • Follow-Along Dance Lessons
  • Special Character Appearances
  • Study Tips for doing Schoolwork at Home
  • Fun Science Experiments (Video demos you can follow along to)
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Fun Treats Kids Can Make at Home
  • Easy Art & Craft Ideas (How to videos with these too)
  • Family Challenges
  • Ideas for Helping Families in need
    and more!

How to Follow Along 

>> Virtual Playdate videos will be posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages starting this week! 

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Facebook

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Instagram

Stay tuned for all this and more in upcoming emails! Sign up to receive the emails to be notified about each days video and any prep you might need to participate.

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See below for links to each day’s posts; we will add them as they are published.

 

More posts relating to COVID – 19

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.

The Joint Chiropractic – Free Visit – adjustment, exam, consultation.

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The Joint Chiropractic is opening up a new location and they currently have a fabulous special and giveaway that you won’t want to miss!

The Joint Chiropractic #TextInToWin FREE ADJUSTMENT! Hey, Baton Rouge Moms! You work hard and we totally feel your pain! Take a break, we’ve got your back!! The Joint Chiropractic will be OPENING a second location in Arlington Market Place next to Rouses soon!! If you are or know someone who is a NEW patient, they can ENJOY a FREE VISIT by texting “ARLINGTON” to 89000. This also enters you into a $1000 VISA GIFT CARD drawing. Includes adjustment, exam, and consultation. $39 Value. No appointments or insurance needed!! Just WALK-IN!!

 

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale – March 15th and 16th

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Posh Petites has announced its Baton Rouge Liquidation sale on March 15th and 16th! Shop THOUSANDS of NAME BRAND BOUTIQUE style boy and girls clothing at wholesale prices! The Posh Petites Warehouse Sale will only be open to the public for TWO DAYS so you won’t want to miss this sale.  Be the first to shop Posh Petites massive collection of new Children’s Smocked and Applique Clothing at WHOLESALE PRICES, it’s the perfect time to stock up for Easter, spring and summer clothing! Plus, ALL THINGS EASTER will be 40% off at the Spring Sale! You’ll want to get there early because they will go fast!

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale

WHERE: Posh Petites 11811 Industriplex Suite B, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
 
WHEN: March 15th 2-5pm VIP Shoppers only (Purchase VIP tickets here!)
March 16th 9-2:30 Open  to the public and FREE to enter.
 
 
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.  

Red Stick Refinement – Eat, Drink, and Mind Your Manners

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There’s a new etiquette teacher in town and our kids may need her more than we would like to admit! Manners, politeness and being confident in social situations are characteristics of proper etiquette — imperative lifelong skills that will transform the lives of our children. While we do our best to teach our children these basic skills at home, with full days and the busyness of life some important lessons can fall through the cracks… that’s where Red Stick Refinement can make all the difference!
 
Red Stick Refinement
 
Red Stick Refinement’s Baton Rouge Etiquette Classes focus on teaching both traditional etiquette and also modern etiquette. Founder, April Palombo Setliff, teaches the Importance of Eye Contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions. These are skills students will use their whole life, instilling confidence in children and teens so that they feel confident in any social situation. During class students also learn to set a formal table and learn how to eat both American and Continental (European) Style. They also write thank you notes and for the teenagers discuss Social Media Etiquette. Our children are considered digital natives, and with our digital world managing your social media presence is important. 
 
Red Stick Refinement

April has taught hundreds of kids from over 20 different schools in the Baton Rouge Area. In addition to teaching classes out of her home, she also travels to campuses to teach. Below are a few options for classes at Red Stick Refinement:

PART I – SOCIAL SKILLS 
We discuss Eye Contact, Handshakes and Proper Introductions. We also talk about respecting others and writing Thank You Notes. Social Media Etiquette is addressed for classes of teenagers.

PART II – DINING ETIQUETTE 
Students learn all there is to know about table manners for both ladies and gentlemen. They learn to set a formal table and also how to eat both American Style and Continental (European) Style.

Red Stick Refinement

Red Stick Refinement‘s Top 5 Etiquette Lessons a Child Needs to Know

1.) Put the device down and make Eye contact. Eye contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions are the first things in teach in my class. Having a firm handshake and making Eye Contact not only shows the other person respect, but it also shows self-confidence. I want students to walk away with self-confidence to succeed in any social situation.

2.) For teens, I discuss Social Media Etiquette. They have heard the bad that can happen by posts, so I try to encourage the good. I teach there is a way to position yourself in the best light online.

3.) Send thank-you notes! Thank you notes are becoming a lost art but they are still so very important in my opinion. Send thank-you notes in a prompt manner. State the gift or service you are thankful for then state WHY. 

4.) Table Manners: Learning table manners are important because it’s a skill set they will use their whole life. Have your kids take turns setting the dinner table. Make it a fun activity instead of a chore. 

5.) Be Kind & Mind Your Manners: I feel a person with good manners can carry a conversation and make the people around them feel comfortable, respected and welcome. When making a proper introduction say the name of the older person first out of respect. Or the person of higher authority. For example, if a teen is introducing a new friend to their parent the parent’s name should be said first. “Dad, I’d like to introduce to you my new friend, Matt. Matt, this is my Dad.” A good conversationalist takes it a step further by making a connection between the two people. This encourages the conversation to continue. “Dad, Matt plays soccer at his school. Matt, my Dad coaches my soccer team. We have a game coming up this weekend. When is your next game?” Make a connection then you could ask an opened ended question.

The above is just a glimpse of some of the lessons kids and teens will learn with April at Red Stick Refinement. And Etiquette lessons are not just for children and teens, April also teaches business and personal etiquette for adults!

For more info., visit Red Stick Refinement online on Facebook, Instagram and on their website www.redstickrefinement.com.

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.