28 minute read

HOLIDAY BRUNCH

RESTAURANT COTTON Wake up Christmas morning with southern fried chicken on a fluffy Belgian waffle served with local syrup, cane butter and powdered sugar. CHICKEN SALAD CHICK Scrumptious mini croissants filled with sweet and savory Cranberry Kelli chicken salad served with their famous grape salad topped with brown sugar and chopped pecans.

CC'S COFFEE HOUSE Start off your morning with these mouthwatering bacon and cheese and vegetable egg bites. THE PLATTER Grabbing breakfast in the middle of Santa's festivities? Try this platter with an assortment of delectable meats, flavorful fruits and an array of different cheeses. Garnished with mixed nuts, honey and sweet jams.

THURMAN'S FOOD FACTORY This holiday brunch casserole features bread, sausage, bacon, ham, eggs, sautéed vegetables, cheeses and seasonings. PORTICO BAR & GRILL This brunch burger features sweet jalapeños with an over easy egg on top and melted cheese with a side of fries.

Rebel Runway: In the Air

If you were fortunate enough to be sitting in the audience at the 2021 Rebel Runway, on October 19th, then you were witness to a spectacular fashion shoot. Hosted and presented by the West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club, the West Monroe Convention Center was packed with an eager audience as local models sported ensembles from casual weekend apparel to prom couture. There was something for everyone! The West Monroe High School Cheerleader Booster Club would like to thank all the sponsors, everyone who attended and everyone who participated in the silent auction. A special thanks to all of the local boutiques that participated. You helped make this event great!

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On the BayouScene

1 Kris Lynne FLowers and Paige Chelette 2 Emily Snowden and Cindy Foust 3 Annalee and Emily Snowden 4 Gabbie Groves and Amelia Haynes 5 Tamy Titus, Paula Ford, Tashia Hines and Cindy Foust 6 Robert Scott Foust, Gracie Britt and Ryder Hamilton 7 Cindy Stone and Debbie Herrington 8 J. Jaye Cole and Melanie Massey - Groves 9 Lesleigh Faz and Angel Grace Froust 10 Jayme Garvin and Robert Scott Foust 11 Shannan Tarver, Hallie Mitchell and Amanda Mitchell 12 Kristi Hebert, Traci Babusek and Morgan Buxton 13 Emma Norwood and Kristy Moore 14 Stacey Knox and Lisa Hartmann 15 Models from Dusty and Company 16 Linda Lavender School of Dance Dancers 9

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your guide to HOLIDAY ETIQUETTE

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

WWhen I think of Thanksgiving and Christmas, of course my thoughts go first to recognizing the reason for each holiday and the requirements of food, family and gifts that come with both. But in addition, I think too about the things that need improvement from the year before. We all like to make a good impression, to give meaningful and thoughtful gifts, and to show kindness toward everyone, so I wanted to share a few of my best tips on holiday manners and etiquette.

Etiquette is much more than where to place your fork and how to make a proper introduction. Although those are still very important things to know, etiquette is, in fact, about how to conduct yourself in a way that shows respect and kindness to those around you:

RSVP! I know that we all lead busy lives but responding to an RSVP in a timely manner is a show of respect and consideration. Doing so helps your hostess know how much food to prepare and how to set up the event. Knowing the number of guests arriving will be less stressful for the host or hostess, and he or she will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.

THANK YOU NOTES. If you receive an unexpected gift or kindness, I suggest writing a thank you note to the giver. It will show your appreciation and is always a good idea. To make doing so a little easier, keep a set of thank you notes in your desk drawer or vehicle and write them immediately. I pay bills weekly, so I include writing notes in this task.

NEVER TALK POLITICS. If you are among a group of people with some you do not know, the topic of politics could introduce an unwanted element of contention.

APPLY TABLE MANNERS. Always use appropriate table manners. You don’t have to be an expert on table settings, but you should be able to place a napkin in your lap and not smack, burp, slurp, or slouch at the table. However, I do love and appreciate someone who knows her way around a formal table. It garners immediate respect – and don’t we all want that?

SPEAK TO EVERYONE. Especially if you are giving the party! Graciously thank everyone for coming and engage in light conversation with each guest. It will make them feel special and respected.

NEVER ARRIVE EARLY. I know you expect me to say that you should never arrive late; however, it is more important not to arrive early to a party. Your hostess is most likely adding finishing touches to the event.

NEVER ARRIVE EMPTY HANDED. As one of the golden rules of etiquette, it is very important never to arrive empty handed. When you RSVP to an event, ask what you can bring. If no specific item is needed, I suggest bringing a box of baked goods, a lightly scented candle or chocolates. Or you could bring something with a little more meaning behind it, like a homemade Christmas tree ornament or a bottle of local honey.

TAKE SPECIAL CARE WITH WRAPPING. Try to make extra effort wrapping your gifts. Presentation is just as important as the gift itself. When the recipient notices that you wrapped a gift in a beautiful manner, it will mean so much more!

ALWAYS TELL THE HOST ABOUT DIET RESTRICTIONS. I know this

tip personally because I am a vegetarian. When I RSVP to an event, I always let the hostess know that I am happy to bring a vegetarian dish so that she is not pressured to change her menu just for me. The same applies with food allergies. A food allergy is more important than just a diet preference, so if you have any allergies, be sure to mention them.

Above all, be kind and gracious. There is not enough thoughtfulness in this world, so help make that change. One kind act can be a good example for many people around you to follow. Will you be that good example?

Holiday Chiropractic Care

Coleman Chiropractic Explains the Benefits During These Winter Months

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS A BUSY TIME, FULL OF HUSTLE and bustle, and sometimes people forget to maintain their self care routines. The holiday season can be especially hard on our bodies for many reasons. People may experience increased aches and pains , higher levels of stress, or even injury. Drs. Brian and Beaux Coleman and their staff strive to offer patients the best chiropractic care especially during the holiday season when our bodies are put under more stress and strain than any other time of the year. Chiropractic Care can be especially beneficial during these winter months.

The holidays are a time for visiting family and friends, and travel takes a toll on your body. Sitting for extended periods of time can cause damage to your lumbar discs. Maintaining good posture while traveling will help with these issues. Our doctors remain on the cutting edge of chiropractic care as they offer a holistic approach to their patients with massage therapy, custom orthotic solutions, physician grade supplements and dietary recommendations.

We tend to lift and carry more objects than usual this time of year. Are you climbing up the ladder to put those lights on your house? Or are you out shopping carrying heavy bags, boxes of decorations, and lifting large items? This may cause pain in your neck, back and shoulders. With all the parties, family gatherings and daily responsibilities, most people tend to carry the stress and tension in these areas as well. Our clinic offers adjustments, wellness management and extremity manipulation to individuals from all walks of life in a welcoming and relaxing environment.

With so many extra activities during the holidays, it may be hard to maintain your regular routine. Eating habits change, increased work hours or even decreased sunlight will lower your mood. Cold weather affects arthritis. These changes will make you start to feel achy and sore. Our team provides treatments that no only aid in the reduction of aches and pains but also in relaxation. The goal of Coleman Chiropractic is to make our community a healthier and happier place one person at a time by educating patients on matters of health and wellness all in a spirit of loving, giving and serving.

You may not associate some of these issues with chiropractic care, our clinic is here to educate you on treatments specifically for any strains that your body may be telling you need to address. Preventive care fosters good health within in the body, and can speed up recovery time and even prevent injuries from happening in the first place.

Among the 22 million Americans who visit chiropractors annually, 35% are seeking relief from back pain, muscle strains and headaches. In our care, we will enable the body to heal it’s self without surgery or medication. We restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury that may be caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper support.

Dr. Brian Coleman has provided chiropractic care in the Monroe area for more than thirty years, his son Dr. Beaux Coleman joined the practice in the spring of 2021. Together our trained specialists know how important it is it is to understand that the human body is a complex system of organs that function in tandem with one another. Chiropractic Care focuses more than just the patient’s spine, it involves the nervous system which communicates with every part of the body. Patients who trust the experience of their doctors are more likely to return for follow up visits, change behaviors and have better outcomes. Our clinic prides itself on the knowledge of both our doctors. Chiropractic care not only treats the spine, but the body as a whole, holistically. Our services and products inlcude: • Massage therapy • Piezowave • Foot detox • Supplements • X-rays • Gift certificates for your loved ones.

Coleman Chiropractic Clinic is conveniently located at 2501 Ferrand Street in Monroe, Louisiana. Our team is ready to help you find optimum health in their assessments. Schedule your appointment today to help prevent the winter blues with aches and pains. We will create a customized treatment plan specific to each patients needs. Be sure to follow and like them on Facebook @colemanchiro2501.

Coleman Chiropractic Clinic 2501 Ferrand Street, Monroe, LA 318.388.2215 | colemanchiropractic.net

Spa Bella and Bella Magnolia

Two Local Businesses Located in One Convenient Location

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, YOU CAN CONVENIENTLY SHOP two locations under one roof when you visit Spa Bella and Bella Magnolia. The two local stores are owned by Kristan Berry and offer something for everyone! Bella Magnolia carries a variety of home decor including furniture, accent pieces, candles and more, as well as gift items for everyone on your list. The perfect holiday happy or hostess gift is a tea towel and Bella Magnolia has quite the selection with Christmas themes, puppies and fun Southern sayings. They also carry fun napkins and drink ware, that all the nice….and naughty… girls will love!

If you are still looking to put the finishing touches on your holiday decor, Bella Magnolia has plenty to choose from. They have festive pillows, tree skirts, nutcrackers and wreaths. The store is decked out with Christmas trees full of ornaments - from classic wooden ornaments to shiny, mercury glass, adding a special sparkle to any tree. You can get these ornaments for your house or they make the perfect teacher gift! One of the best things about the holidays is the hosting and parties and Bella Magnolia has plenty to choose from to ensure your’s is a hit. From ceramic Santa platters to wooden cheese boards, these will add just the right touch. And if you have someone with a sweet tooth on your list, be sure to grab a bag of specialty popcorn, chocolate covered pretzels or delicious truffles.

Right next door is Spa Bella, one of the top spas in Northeast Louisiana. They offer massages, aesthetics services, manicures, pedicures and more. If you are looking to relax or put your best face forward going into the holiday season, you have to come to Spa Bella. With three massage therapists on staff, you can make an appointment for a variety of treatments - from sports massage to lymphatic to prenatal, there is a massage option for everyone.

Everyone’s skin can be affected this time of year when the weather changes. The aesthetics team can customize a facial just for you that addresses needs and concerns like dry skin, breakouts, fine lines and more. They also offer Botox and Juvederm so be sure to book your appointment early so you will be ready for holiday parties and pictures! This is the perfect time of year to get a dermaplane treatment, a non-invasive skin procedure that involves using a sharp tool to exfoliate the surface of your skin, while also removing small, fine hairs. This leaves your skin dewy, increases cell turnover and produces a smoother texture, allowing your make up to go on smoother and your skin care products to penetrate deeper.

Spa Bella prides itself on always offering the newest and latest in products and technology. They have the entire line of Osea and SkinBetter Science products, featuring award winning cleansers, serums, moisturizers and more. They also carry the entire line of Bathouse Soapery, including bath bombs, lotions, scrubs and more, perfect to create a unique gift basket.

And they are excited to bring something new to the area - the HALO™, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, delivering both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to the same or different microscopic treatment zones to provide ablative results, with nonablative downtime. Long term sun exposure, active lifestyle and the wear and tear of everyday living results in visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles, discoloration, scars and laxity. A fractional treatment, whether ablative or coagulative, allows the epidermis to heal quickly as long as the dermis remains intact. Ablative fractional resurfacing is a well-established treatment that vaporizes aged tissue with less thermal injury, with mild to moderate levels of morbidity and downtime. Conversely, non-ablative fractional resurfacing causes thermal injury and tissue coagulation with lower levels of morbidity. The HALO hybrid fractional laser combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths delivered to the same microscopic treatment zone to maximize clinical results and minimize downtimes. The benefits include the ability to treat pigmentary issues, wrinkles and pores, it is less painful than traditional fractional resurfacing and you will see results in one to two treatments. If you suffer from sun damage, acne scars, pigmented lesions or just need overall resurfacing, HALO is the answer. It can treat all skin types, on the face as well as the body. “We are excited to bring this technology to Northeast Louisiana,” said Kristan. “This just shows that we strive to always be on the cutting edge and offer the best of the best to the community!”

Whether you need a gift, to add some last minute holiday decor, need to relax before the hustle and bustle of hosting or want to get a gift card for someone on your list, Bella Magnolia and Spa Bella can help you do it all. Be sure to stop in and shop local this holiday season. Both businesses are located on Wood Street in the heart of downtown West Monroe, just around the corner from historic Trenton Street.

Meredith’s Musingsarticle by MEREDITH MCKINNIE DEAR SANTA

Do kids still write and mail letters to Santa? Do they rely on whispers exchanged on his lap? Can we text Santa now? With toddlers, these issues matter to me again. I remember composing letters to Santa as a kid. Mother was the keeper of all things and found one the other day. I had asked for a purple suede skirt. I smiled when I read it. The penmanship was loopy and feminine. I took extra care in the presentation. I figured Santa received so many letters that mine needed to stand out. And I got that electric purple suede skirt. It grazed my kneecaps and was probably more appropriate on a 30-year-old woman than a teenaged girl, but I felt powerful in that skirt. Santa made sure the skirt belonged to me because I wrote beautiful letters. Santa and I understood each other.

My daughter Wilder is learning to write. Each day after school we trace her name on her “homework.” She awkwardly holds the pen between her middle and forefinger, sloppily mimicking each letter with intense concentration. After she completes each line she draws her teacher a little picture in the corner of the paper, more confident in her artistic abilities than I ever was. Her friend Caroline sends her little pictures in the mail with drawings of the two of them in our backyard tossing acorns to squirrels. She’ll write little messages in her own 4-year-old penmanship, emphatically lined and precise. Wilder squeals when she gets mail. It warms my heart as I am a longtime advocate of the handwritten note. So, this year I am going to encourage Wilder to write a letter to Santa. I wonder what she’ll say.

Family traditions resonate during the holiday season. It’s when we remember. It’s when we gather. It’s when we share with one another. The world slows down for that delightful week between Christmas and New Year’s and we all take a well-deserved rest, if we’re so fortunate. As a parent, the responsibility of establishing those traditions I hold so dear weighs heavy. I’ve given up trying to make moments that will be remembered. We have no control over that. Moments lodge themselves in our brains regardless of our intention. But I do feel compelled to keep existing traditions going. I’ve bought holiday paper and a fancy pen for composing. I’ll start by asking what she wants to say to Santa and help her write it. I think brevity is key with a preschooler. I hope she asks for something indicative of her lovable personality, that will remind her of her childhood. The last time I mentioned Christmas she voiced a desire for a merry-go-round. Her father and I exchanged eyebrow raises and buried our heads in our soup. Hopefully I can veer her in another direction. I can’t have Santa ignoring her first letter. Their relationship is too important. I will encourage a friendly greeting and proper introduction. Don’t launch right into the asking part. Inquire about his health and be sure to say how grateful you are that he and the elves have been working hard all year. Establish a rapport. I want my daughter to be a believer. I want her to hope and dream and love beyond what she can touch or see. Santa is appealing not just because he brings the presents, but because he is magic. And kids need enchantment. I know some parents waffle about establishing a belief in Santa, but I always land on the side of the magical. My Christmas wish is that my girls fall in love with Santa and the Christmas season.

BayouLife Readers, I wish all of you a little magic this holiday season.

Special Delivery

Spread the Christmas cheer with thoughtful gifts handdelivered with love. ‘Tis the season for neighborly kindness, and what better way to show your holiday spirit than with small tokens dropped in mailboxes or a front porch. From spiced tea wrapped with merry toppers to a small fir in a beautiful vase.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark and Styled by Taylor Bennett and Tiffany Jones

BAYOU HOLIDAY

For an easy spiced tea recipe, mix 1/2 cup of unsweetened instant iced tea, 1 cup Tang orange drink mix, 1/2 cup sweetened lemonade powder (like Country Time), 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

BAYOU HOLIDAY

Spread glad tidings this holiday season with edible entertaining. Gussy up your food spread, and wow guests with a beautiful, charcuterie wreath. Arrange cheeses, nuts, fruits, cured meats and more in a circle, add a satin ribbon and a few evergreen sprigs for a festive look.

STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

HOLIDAY PUNCH

Welcome guests into your home with a glass of our favorite Christmas punch. A hint of tartness from cranberry juice blends well with the fizz of ginger ale. Relish in the seasonal ingredients and spirited colors. Sip with good company while celebrating Christmas cheer.

Ingredients 6 cups Oceanspray cranberry juice or pomegranate cranberry juice 3 cups pineapple juice 1 Tbsp almond extract 3 liters ginger ale 1 12 oz. bag fresh cranberries (optional) 2 fresh limes, sliced (optional) Ice

Pour cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and almond extract into a large drink dispenser and mix. Pour in ginger ale and give it one quick stir. Add in cranberries, ice and ginger ale. Serve within a few hours for best results as it will start to go flat. (100% cranberry juice is too tart for this recipe).

A SNAPSHOT OF TIME

Twisting off to our new adventure, we are thrilled to have embarked on a creative opportunity that brings our work full circle. We have loved sharing a snapshot of ideas and inspirations for you within the past five years...thank you for this lovely stop on our journey.

IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT the purest forms of life are seen as snapshots in time…whether through our own vision of a passing moment or a more permanent picture through the lens of a camera. Peter Beard was one of those artists whose photographs left an impact in recognizing the authentic beauty of the natural world. He especially loved Africa, and Kenya was a base where he photographed hundreds of thousands of images.

Charismatic, connected and discerning, he was just as comfortable living outdoors in a thatched roof in the African hills as he was in his sprawling Hamptons estate. His body of work included capturing high fashion, exotic wildlife and everyday rural workers in their native habitat. Such diversity allowed his magnetic personality to develop lifelong friendships from all walks of life.

As Peter had developed a bond with Karen Blixen over the years, he knew the places and sceneries intimately that were featured in the film about her life. “Out of Africa” idealized living in Africa during the early decades of the 1900’s and cemented the idea of glamorous safaris balanced with the harsh realities of life in the bush. He was much like Karen himself, living through the glory and tragedy of a life filled with purpose and conviction. Snapshots of a character in his own drama, Peter Beard’s photographs continue for those of us that remain in awe of his visual legacy.

Here I am, where I ought to be.

- KAREN BLIXEN

THE STOCKING STORY

Holidays are full of traditions, from hanging heirloom ornaments on the Christmas tree to decorating gingerbread houses with the family. Nostalgia is part of what makes the holidays so much fun, but this year we are encouraging our readers to try something new. When packing away your stockings, ask everyone to tuck in a list of their goals and dreams for the upcoming year. Next year, as you are getting ready to unpack and hang your stockings on the mantel, take time to gather around and reflect on what was accomplished on your list. Laugh at the misses, be inspired by the accomplishments, and be encouraged for the next season. Styled by Taylor Bennett and photography by Kelly Moore Clark.

CHAI CIDER

Cold hands, warm heart. I absolutely love holding a warm mug in my chilled hands, especially when the weather calls for it. Light a fire - inside or outdoors. Gather your people. Sip and share. That is the spirit of Christmas.

INGREDIENTS Serves {roughly} 4 small sipping mugs

1 TBSP Chai blend 2 cups apple cider (unspiced) 1 cinnamon stick A splash of fresh squeezed orange juice A few slices of fresh orange Spring of fresh rosemary Whiskey if your Merry

Add all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cut heat off and allow to steep covered for 5-10 minutes. Strain with mesh strainer. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for your senses, or to stir a splash of whiskey or bourbon.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS FOR KIDS

My children love to make crafts all-year round, whether it's inventing their own board games or creating tiny villages with popsicle sticks – there is something about the art of creating that brings them so much joy. Usually after our December issue is at the printer, we take time together to decorate and ready our house for the holidays. I tasked Taylor Bennett with finding an easy, yuletide craft that our family could pull together this holiday season. Below are simple directions for a holiday tree toppper that Taylor and his mom, Tiffany, created for our family and yours.

What you’ll need: pipe cleaner in varying colors scissors

First, pick out the pipe cleaner colors that coordinate with your décor. You can use the entire pipe or cut smaller for varying-sized ornaments. Combine 6 to 8 pipe cleaners and tie them in the center. Next, fan out to make a 3-dimensional shape. Nest it in your tree, garland or wreath for a fun, family-created decoration.

STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT AND TIFFANY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

From Top: Cathedral - Haven, Marie Antoinette - Material Things, White and Lavender Geometric Ball - Walsworth & Company, Pink velvet and gold ball - Parterre, Girl with a Pearl Earring - Palette House & Plume, Peace sign - Three Threads, Santa ornament - Bella Magnolia, Louisiana map - Vee's Flowers, Elton John - Revival Design & Consign, Small geometric shapes - Woodstock Home and Gift, Red bird ornament - Dusty & Company

DECORATING THE TREE

Add a new ornament to your family’s collection this holiday season. Whether you prefer traditional ornaments or something more unique, these area retailers have everything you need to trim your tree.

Photo by Kelly Moore Clark

Haven’s Holiday Gift Guide

Haven Has Selected Some of Their Favorite Gifts to Make Your Shopping Easy

HAVEN PREPARED EARLY AND HAS AMAZING gifts for gift-giving this year! They have such a wide selection, you are sure to find the perfect present for everyone on your list. 1. RELIGIOUS JEWELRY: A bronze pendant with a favorite bible verse makes a thoughtful gift. Available in several lengths, Madison Sterling necklaces are a beautiful reminder year-round of God’s importance in our life. 2. ROBE: Give the gift of luxury with a Little Giraffe robe. Reversible from satin to Luxe chenille, it is a gorgeous robe that anyone will love. Several other robes available at Haven in fluffy bamboo or satin. 3. MEN’S GIFTS: Leather dopp kits and wallets are a great gift for your guy this holiday season. Many new additions to the men’s section including books, cooking and camping gear, woven belts, canvas travel bags and new loungewear by Barefoot Dreams. 4. PAJAMAS: PJ Harlow loungewear has long been a staple at Haven. Whether you prefer neutrals, or the new soft blue, these heavenly pajamas are comfortable and beautiful. Need a new robe? Pj Harlow’s robes are stylish and roomy in the sleeve. 5. GLASSES: New hand-crafted artisan glasses paired with a book would be appreciated by any whiskey lover. So many new books for guys, these can provide a connoisseur new ideas of things to try, as well as ways to display your collection. 6. TODDLER GIFTS: Jellycat stuffed animals for the little ones is a must! Add a new book, puzzle, or matching game to make a fun present to open! 7. CANDLES: NEST candles are a wonderful gift and, as always Haven has a large selection of candles and diffusers. Come choose a holiday scent or one of the everyday favorites. 8. BARWARE: Elevate your bar this holiday season! New Hammered Brass decanters, and bar tools have just arrived. New Artisan Whiskey glasses and the wine and champagne glasses have been restocked. Sallie Bynum Oyster glasses are always a hit. 9. PURSES: Perfect for a night out! This leather clutch from GIGI New York will complete any outfit and is available in several colors. Other leather purses from GIGI are also in-stock at Haven. 10. HAZEN: Make a statement! Hazen necklaces and earrings are a striking combination of semi-precious stones. Choose an iconic Margaret bracelet paired with a colored bamboo bangle for an impeccable combination. 11. BAREFOOT DREAMS: Their throws are the most sought-after gift! So many options this year in different textures and colors, as well as safari prints. Cozy, warm and machine washable, these throws are also a practical gift. 12. ART: Give a pop of color this season! Baton Rouge artist Jennifer Poe has created these small wonders for Haven. Your choice of works on canvas or paper that can be placed in an acrylic frame. Perfect for a bookcase! 13. CHARCUTERIE: Check out the Charcuterie section at Haven! Select a wood or marble board; add small bowls, serving pieces and spreaders for the perfect combination. Haven has gourmet foods, such as marinated okra, pickles, jams, cheese straws, pecans, etc. that would make a wonderful addition to your charcuterie board. Gourmet gift baskets are also available. 14. PLANNERS: Time to plan! 2022 is almost here. Haven has planners and calendars to get you organized. Grab one before they are gone! 15. DESIGN: Design books are an interesting way to decorate your home and provide design ideas for the gift recipient. Stack several together with a design accessory and you have a perfect addition to someone’s coffee table. Decorative trays and design accessories are a welcomed add to any home. 16. BATH PRODUCTS: Lovely hand lotions, bubble baths and soaps made in a small batch perfumery. Beautiful packaging, and they offer scents that appeal to everyone!

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are great days to support local businesses. Haven is providing a complimentary gift for the first 10 purchases both Friday and Saturday and several discounts in the shop these days. Continue shopping local after hours on Haven’s Website ShopHavenMonroe.com. You can ship gifts to friends and family with such ease!

Haven’s new holiday hours provide more shopping time! Monday through Friday 10:00- 5:30, Saturday 10:00-4:00 and now open Sundays in December from 1:00-4:00. Use their “Text to Shop” service if you need gift ideas or you are in a hurry. Text (318)-267-7577 and their helpful staff can send pictures in your desired price range and get it wrapped and ready for you to pick up!

It’s “Wish List” time! Visit the store to make a wish list or text it to Haven at (318)-267-7577! Then the Haven Staff can help your family and loved ones know which items are your favorites. Shop with Haven this holiday season and you will be glad you did! As Monroe’s premier shopping destination, the gift you give from Haven will be the best one under the tree, so stop by today!