“I was unequivocally smitten,” Sara wrote on her website Simply Southern Cottage, which documented her restoration of the home. “I felt the draw and knew it was supposed to be my home. But it was in bad shape. It was rotten on the outside, the roof was bad, and the ceiling was caving in.” 

Unfortunately, it was not for sale.

For the next two years she tried convincing the owners, whose family had owned the property for over 90 years, to sell it. The process proved extremely challenging, even for Sara, a woman of great faith. But her “pleasant persistence” as she describes it, paid off, and she finally purchased the cottage in September 2016.

Upon buying the property, Sara began a full, “down to the studs” restoration. She put on a tin roof, and installed new plumbing, electrical, insulation and HVAC. Three layers of wallpaper, cheesecloth and paneling were torn out, revealing 90+ year-old shiplap. All the existing light fixtures were restored and reused.

To help with the project, Sara was generous in using local talent and supporting locals who work on old houses and crediting them for their work, such as J-Dog Junk Removal of Minden, Red River Remodelers of Shreveport, and Ali’s Creations of Caster, to make her home the special place it is.

Sara said she never felt overwhelmed as she took on the project, and she encourages anyone in the market for a new home to consider taking on similar undertakings. “Do it. Don’t hesitate,” she says, “There are so many houses that are just sitting vacant. Don’t be afraid. It is so rewarding to bring something back to life and houses aren’t built like this anymore.”

Step inside to see this beautiful cottage with lots of charm, both inside and out. Every room offers a bit of a surprise—delivering interesting decor that engages everyone who sets foot in the space. And while Sara brought in a little bit of a funky flair, there’s also a lot of nostalgia worth pointing out.

Don’t Be Afraid to Break with Trends

“I wanted to do something other than a typical island,” says Sara, who took inspiration from the cottage’s light hardwood floors when she settled on the revamped kitchen’s slightly more contemporary island. Shreveport Salvage built and stained the top a honey-blond hue that complements the floors. Light walls, casement windows, and a flat ceiling strike just the right balance and keep the space bright.

A spot to grow plants in the winter and enjoy the backyard in the summer, the new greenhouse is composed of the cottage’s original windows and is home to a wicker settee Sara found on the roadside. The master bath is a testament to the union of beauty and practicality: waterproof laminate planks provide the look of wood; the ladder towel rack was another roadside find; and the vintage-look chandelier is an Amazon purchase.

Embrace That Old-Home Soul

A deft mix of accessories and vintage furniture placed throughout lends the home an immediate sense of both history and personality. A pair of folding wood seats along one wall of the library was salvaged from a Michigan theater. Sara cleverly surrounded an oversize quote artwork with open books. “I used a lot of textural pieces to give the layered, lived-in feel—as well as to give the room some dimension.”

Lean Into the Lifestyle

The kitchen remodel entailed a new farmhouse sink with an old look, white cabinets topped with quartz countertops, and a trio of windows to usher in daylight and cooling breezes. In the upper-level bath, an antique vanity Sara found in a junk shop proved to be a perfect fit under the eaves and atop blue-and-white cement floor tiles that bring a punch of pretty pattern and color to the space. 

Add a Touch of Whimsy

Throughout the house, Sara’s passion for combining family pieces with thrift store finds creates an air of welcoming, collected charm. Sara’s mother found the bench, knowing it would fit perfectly beneath this window beside the kitchen, and a friend made the pillows. Faux herbs wrapped in brown paper tied with twine bring simplicity and everlasting color to the kitchen windowsill.

“I love shopping garage sales the most because of the bargains,” she says. “But I’m very intentional. It’s not a huge investment and gives so much character. I feel like these spaces should be memorable. I want to keep my life—and surroundings—simple.”

One of Benjamin Franklin’s famous sayings was, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Yes, home maintenance means adding more chores to your list. But deferring maintenance is likely to be time consuming and costly. Performing home maintenance tasks can prevent larger problems or deterioration, extend the life and value of the property, and create a safe and comfortable place to live.

To make home maintenance less painful, include home maintenance costs in your monthly budget or set aside funds in your emergency savings account for unexpected repairs.

You can identify potential issues around the home when you engage in ongoing inspections of your property. Here are some ideas for keeping up with home maintenance:

Maintaining the trees in your yard is good for the health of the tree and helps prevent any safety issues. Pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and watering are all important parts of caring for trees, depending on type, age, and size of tree. Inspections help identify pest problems or disease. Consult a certified arborist to inspect and report on the health of your trees. A certified arborist focuses primarily on the long-term health and maintenance of trees, but also removes trees. An arborist can help you determine if a tree can be saved. A tree removal specialist primarily focuses on the safe and efficient removal of trees.

Maintain the lawn area by trimming trees and shrubs, cutting grass, cleaning out gutters, addressing any drainage issues, and inspecting the irrigation system.

Stay on top of safety measures. Some examples are installing, checking, repairing, or replacing smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, alarm systems, door and window locks, first aid kits, indoor and outdoor lighting, stairs, thresholds, and railings.

Keeping your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system properly maintained helps it run efficiently and save energy. Having it serviced once a year by a professional is recommended. Tasks may include cleaning or changing out filters, cleaning vents and ducts, checking thermostats, inspecting, and cleaning outdoor units and servicing the furnace.

Keep Up With Home Maintenance

Create a checklist so all areas and systems are reviewed.
Schedule your review of items on the checklist. Some areas may need to be reviewed more often than others.
Identify and address issues promptly.
Hire a professional when needed for repairs or replacements.
Keep receipts, records, and warranties for any work done.

Happy Homeownership!

The 9th WONDER of the World: WONDERSTICK® to be featured on Best in Chow on A&E.

Shreveport’s own WonderStick® is putting Shreveport-Bossier on the map and taking on a new adventure, national television. 

On Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, at 11:30amET/PT (10:30 Central) the WonderStick® will be featured on Best in Chow, an all-new insanely delicious competition show coming to the A&E network’s “Homemade Nation”. Join host Matt Richards to crown the most outrageously tasty dishes in the country! 

While at a state fair in New Mexico, they were approached by a team from A&E to be featured in an episode on their new show.

Upcoming local dates with WonderStick: Please contact Lee Grigsby (pictured)for interview opportunities.

Sunday, July 2, 7pm – 10pm, Cypress Baptist Church, Benton

Tuesday, July 4, Daytime: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Evening: KTBS Freedom Fest: Shreveport River Front

July 14-15 Red River Balloon Rally at Louisiana Downs

The construction industry has been around for a long time, and makes for some really strange, fun, and interesting facts. From massive skyscrapers that pierce the clouds to incredible technology discoveries and inventions, the industry wows every single day. Here are 10 facts about the construction industry that you probably don’t know—but definitely should.

6. The world’s smallest skyscraper was a con.

Back in 1919, a contractor named JD McMahon raised $200,000 from investors to build a skyscraper in Wichita Falls, Texas. But apparently, he never verbally stated the planned height of the building. Although the blueprints showed 480” (inches), his investors apparently never caught on, and thought they were getting a tall 480 foot—not 40 foot—skyscraper.

7. Drone use has increased. 

As technology has improved over time, construction methods have improved as well. For instance, drone use on construction sites has grown over 239 percent in the past year, the most of any industry. Why? The aerial maneuverability of drones and the ability to record videos and take photos have streamlined and improved the construction project.

8. Most fatalities occur because of a fall.

It’s no surprise that training for safety is crucial. As the demand for craftsmen has gone up, so has the injury rate. Falls are by far the biggest risk, and result in death four more times more than other fatal incidents.

9. World War II encouraged women to enter the construction industry.

During World War II, thousands of women worked construction jobs—between 1940 and 1945, the female labor force grew by 50 percent. After the war ended, up to 85 percent of women wanted to keep their jobs, effectively paving the way for women in the construction labor force.

10. Younger generations are less interested in the construction industry.

According to U.S. Census data, the number of workers aged 24 years or younger entering the construction industry decreased by 30% between 2005 and 2016. They have misconceptions—like that the construction industry is somehow unstable or you can’t earn a lot of money compared to college-educated careers. With cities across the country hiring for construction jobs, there’s never been a better time to start a new career in construction.

The Bridge’s services are free of charge and available to Northwest Louisiana residents affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families and caregivers. Two of the most meaningful services that The Bridge offers are support groups for caregivers and families, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Support groups are a wonderful way for loved ones to see that they aren’t alone. “It provides much-needed social support because group members validate each other’s experiences. It’s a way to connect with people who have similar experiences that they may not find in their friends or even family. Our support groups are led by trained facilitators and are held throughout the community at various locations, days, and times,” says Freeman. The one-on-one confidential counseling and coaching sessions are led by licensed professionals to assist individuals and family members with the realities of their newfound journey. 

The organization is also heavily involved with outreach in the community. They have a speaker’s bureau that covers topics such as Normal Aging vs. Dementia and Dementia Myth Busters. The Bridge can plan an Alzheimer’s Forum with groups, churches, and other organizations throughout Northwest Louisiana. They also offer in-person educational workshops every month for caregivers (later available on YouTube), and each November in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Month they offer an Education Conference for the public providing the latest information, care, and research. “Everybody knows somebody with dementia which is why outreach is important to us. Community awareness of dementia is a huge part of our mission,” says Freeman.

Originally, there were two rooms on each side of the long center hallway, each room having a cast iron mantelpiece. Two rooms on one side were left intact, one serving as the business office and the other as the office of the Symphony conductor. The partition between the other two rooms was removed to provide one larger room. This was furnished in the décor of the 1870s. 

On August 20, 2001, the Shreveport Symphony Guild, which had been under the umbrella of the Shreveport Symphony until then, was incorporated as a separate 501c3 non-profit corporation and the Symphony House was placed in the care of the new Guild organization. Today, the Symphony House is used primarily for meetings, concerts, and rented for private affairs. Additional antique furniture, accessories, and artwork have been donated to the house over the years by Symphony Guild members.

Over the last few years, more renovations were required. The exterior front wall and porch floor, handles and spindles were repaired and painted, a new AC/Furnace installed, and part of the house roof replaced. Part of the cut etched glass windows in the front door was damaged and repaired. Currently, the list of needed renovations includes repair of the exterior wood siding, interior plaster and windowsill repair, and attic insulation and duct work, among others.

The Symphony House is a beautiful reminder of the history of Shreveport and the architectural design of its day. For more information or to donate to the ongoing restoration of the historic house, contact the Guild through the

Facebook page: facebook.com/shrevesymphonyguild.

Potting Mix
A lightweight potting mix should be used for container gardening.  oil straight from the garden shouldn’t be used in a container because it is usually too heavy, and clay soil should be avoided. The soil should be porous in order to support the plants because the roots require both air and water. Packaged potting soil available at local garden centers is relatively lightweight.

Water and Fertilizer
One of the main drawbacks to container gardening is the fact that your plants will need continual watering and fertilizing. The roots of the plants are confined in the container, and they use all the water that is available to them. Also, remember that with the constant watering, many of the nutrients in the soil are leached when the water drains out of the bottom of the container.  There are some good all-purpose fertilizers on the market.  Slow-release fertilizer needs to be added at planting time and should be thoroughly incorporated in the soil mix.  Look for a complete balanced type such as a 10-10-10 formulation. Water-soluble fertilizers are added about mid-season when the plants begin to produce or bloom. A fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (P), will stimulate blooms. You can also use manure or compost for organic container gardening.  

Watering your plants this time of year is obviously a real concern and many may need to be watered twice a day. For those with automatic watering systems you can add a small hose and sprinkler through the watering system, and this will take care of watering, especially while you are out of town.

Thank you to Akin’s Nursery & Landscape for the containers and arrangements in the photos!

7. Brighten Things Up.

One of the biggest hotel decor missteps is when an otherwise nice room has no light to read by. It’s always helpful to have a light control near the bed so your guest won’t have to stumble around in the dark to turn a light on. If nothing else, provide a good reading light near a chair or over the bed. Another fixture or lamp near the desk would be great. A small night light is helpful, and a lighted magnifying makeup mirror is a real luxury.

8. Make Room for a Suitcase and Provide an Empty Closet or Dresser.

Clear a space to put a luggage rack or provide a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of socks. Even a chair is better than nothing. Very few people like living out of a suitcase, where all their belongings descend into a wrinkly chaos. Most house guests GREATLY appreciate being able to unpack their items into an empty space, so clear out the guest room closet or provide a chest of drawers for use. Don’t forget a supply of six to eight hangers. A simple hook on the wall or behind a closet door can hold a robe, coat, or a purse.

9. Provide a Small Coffee or Tea Station.

Find a small space where you can safely set a Keurig coffee pot, and place packets of coffee, creamer, and tea bags alongside. If you have the room, a mini fridge would be a great addition, as well. If a guest feels like a late night or early morning cup of tea, it’s much more comfortable for them to brew it in their own room than have to knock around in an unfamiliar kitchen. Just don’t forget to include the cream and sugar!

10. Provide the Wi-Fi Password.

It’s a fact of modern life—we really can’t live without our phones. Save guests from asking this crucial question by printing the info onto card stock and framing it.

It’s important to make sure that your home internet is able to support an additional user or two, as well. If you’re frequently experiencing lag or even interruptions to your connection, especially if you live out in the country, then finding your rural internet options for more stability and speed will greatly improve not just your guest experience, but your whole quality of life, too.

The list of ideas you’ve just read might seem long, but everything is simple and logical to provide. By thinking of what you would like to find in a fine hotel room, you’ll be on your way to creating a perfect guest room.

4. Make Certain Toys Disappear.

Your kid will be gifted toys that make unholy noises— high-pitched sounds and piercing chirps that grate on your ears and, eventually, your soul. Trust me when I say you’ll want to destroy—cough—I mean remove these things at all costs. But the moment you try to do so in view of your child will be the moment when that stuffed abomination becomes his favorite toy ever. Do the proper adult, manly thing, and raid the toy bins under cover of darkness. Then dump the karaoke microphone and singing robot where he’ll never find it—like at the bottom of the Red River or North Dakota. No kid under the age of three will remember that toy, and older kids can always be blamed for “losing” the toy.

5. Ignore The Tantrum.

Children are smart—smarter than we give them credit for. They know they have the upper hand. All they have to do is cry or be cute or maybe throw a little mini-tantrum to get what they want. And, yes, most times we cave in. But there comes a point where we become smart as the parent. We allow them to cry themselves to sleep. They realize tantrums no longer work when the father sits back and says, “You know what? You can cry all you want. This house is soundproof. No one will hear you, and no one will care. I’m going to go watch the game.” That’s when you get the upper hand.

9. Outsource The Areas Where You Are Weak.

You and your wife probably have complementary skill sets. Use that to your advantage. Say she’s calm and organized, whereas you’re stylish and a better-than-average line cook. Let her handle buying the clothes while you whip up a bomb grilled cheese sandwich for lunch.

10. Strategically Time Your Daily Chores.

When it seems like a tantrum is coming, dive into kitchen cleanup. When your wife looks at you to take care of the tantrum, you glance back like, “See? I’ve got my arms submerged in dishwater right now! You got this, honey!” 

11. Say No To Pre-K Algebra and Language Lessons.

In most societies, children are left to grow up at their own pace. In our society, most parents can’t wait to turn them into dutiful little pupils. It’s amazing to see perfectly normal middle-class parents using flash cards to teach arithmetic to 2-year-olds. STOP! STOP! STOP! That is insane. We’ve developed this idea that we must optimize our kids—and all that is doing is stealing their childhood. It’s ok to them be kids—after all they are, in fact, KIDS!

12. Whatever Mom Says Is CORRECT.

A happy wife is a happy life!

A stellar place to start is with the top trends of 2023. Swimwear trends tend to follow after fashion trends but with unique adaptations to address swim needs. The sheer looks that were prevalent on Spring 2023 runways are reimagined as barely-there cover-ups, while cutouts have inspired alluring cutout one-pieces and unique bikinis. 

As your resident Fashionista, I present to you the hottest colors, accessories, details, and silhouettes that will be everywhere this season. Stay ahead of the biggest fashion trends with SB Magazine to showcase your unique style while lounging by the pool or enjoying a beach vacation. Snag these sizzling must-haves before your eagle-eyed fellow fashion lovers do!