Community Blog

We have five consecutive day’s of triple digit heat ahead of us, according to the weather men. Even here in Louisiana we consider 100° hot. They are actually predicting highs of 103° on Monday, August 2nd.

So, my fellow Towne Oaks residents, this weekend is all about keeping cool. The best advice is probably to stay inside in the air conditioning as much as possible. You can also spend some time in one of the lovely apartment pools here!

However, if you are outside, make sure you have water with you and stay in the shade when possible. If you have a pet who need exercise take your longer walk either early in the morning or after sunset when the temperatures are cooler. Keep any mid-day walks brief for both of your sakes. Make sure your pet has access to water immediately after the walk.

What do you do to beat the heat here in Shreveport?

I think you can safely say that most pups take every opportunity they can to get messy. I know my little pup love little more then getting his coat mussed and tangled. Honestly I’m just not brave enough to tackle grooming him myself, particularly when it comes to trimming him nails. So I take him to a groomer about once a season.

I’ve always used the PetSmart on Youree Drive. Since it’s under a mile away from Town Oaks South, it’s really just terribly convenient. I find their pricing to be pretty reasonable. Plus I can get in a little shopping while my pup gets cleaned up.

Having a groomer you can trust is important for most pet owners. I know that it is for me!

Do you have a favorite groomer here in Shreveport? Someone you would suggest to your neighbors here at Towne Oaks?

This Saturday, July 24th, you can enjoy the flavors of the world without leaving Shreveport! The 5th Annual Taste of Culture will be taking place at the Skybox at Independence Stadium. This event is presented by the Multicultural Center of the South.

The event will give you the opportunity to try a variety of food and drinks from around the world. There will be foods from Japan, Korea, Greece, Iran, Mexico and more. There will be a wine tasting and international beers for your enjoyment as well. Come enjoy the flavors of the world without venturing far from home.

There will also be a silent auction taking place through the evening. The auction will include gift certificates for local restaurants and weekends at local casinos and hotels.

The event is this Saturday, from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Admission is $35 a person for the event. This should be a great event and well worth the price of admission. Try some new food and expand your pallet!

Independence Stadium is just about 16 minutes away from us here at Towne Oaks South.

I am a sushi fanatic. Seriously, it is one of my very favorite foods and I think I could eat it every day for the rest of my life! I have eaten at quite a few different restaurants around Shreveport. I have recently landed on a favorite!

Guess what, my favorite sushi restaurant is less than two miles from us here at Towne Oaks South! It’s darn near walking distance, ok so not really, but you could in a pinch!

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse and Bar has some really good food. Their hibachi is delicious and their chefs are great.  As far as I’m concerned though, the best thing they serve is sushi. I have tried quite a few different rolls and love them all. However, my favorites up to this point are the 911 Roll, the Osaka Roll, and the Crawfish Roll.

It’s a fun atmosphere at Tokyo and I usually just sit at the bar and enjoy my sushi. I’ve also done the hibachi, which was a blast. Dinner there is a bit of a splurge, but it’s not overly expensive. I would say the sushi prices are pretty average.

Are you a sushi fan? Where would you suggest for sushi in Shreveport?

The pool always calls to me in the summer. Luckily, here at Towne Oaks South we have a great pool! I love floating in it and soaking up the rays. However, the pool is not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when I think about working out. For me working out usually means spending some time on a treadmill in the fitness center, possibly followed by some arm work. However, I read a great article on Real Simple about adding swimming to your fitness routine.

I went to the pool and swam some laps last week for the first time in years. I have to say, it was pretty hard! Swimming is one heck of a good workout. It uses your whole body and really makes you work. My arms were sore for two days after swimming laps.

I would definitely suggest going to the pool either in the morning or early evening to avoided dodging other swimmers. Not only is it good exercise, but you won’t get over heated doing it either. It’s also easier on the joints than running!

Are you much of a swimmer? Have you ever headed to the pool to work out?

Summers can get long with the kids at home day in and day out. Being prepared for their time off can makes a huge difference and help keep you sane and the kids engaged. Having a few supplies and go to activities prepared can really make the summer pass more smoothly. Visits to the Towne Oaks pool are always a good way to break up the day; however, you can’t spend all day every day at the pool.

Here are some great summer survival suggestions:

• Have a stash of new coloring books, bubbles, dollar-store toys, and books to break out on a rainy day.
• A play tent will keep your kids occupied for hours. You can find them for as little $20 at Wal-Mart. A large box will do pretty much the same thing, it just doesn’t collapse and store as easily.
• A library card so you can all go visit the Shreveport Public Library to borrow books, movies and enjoy an occasional story time.
• Sweet treats like popsicles or chocolate to prompt good behavior.

There are ton’s of way’s to keep your kids happy and occupied, these are just a few of them. Yahoo Shine has a great article about surviving the long summer with the kids. Do you have any go to activities to entertain your kids? How do you usually spend the summers?

The Fourth of July means it’s time to dress in your patriotic best. I know I can’t resist breaking out the red, white and blue. To be completely honest, I actually have a headband with stars on it that I bought specifically for Independence day. I know, it’s a little dorky, but I love it!

If you don’t already have s 4th of July outfit planned here are a few pieces you might want to check these out:

For a more casual look just layer some festively colored tank tops over a jean skirt.

Or, be a little kitschy and rock an American flag t-shirt.

Add some red and blue accessories to a white dress for a little more dressed up outfit.

For men, break out a red or blue t-shirt and you’ll be properly patriotic. Add white shorts and you’re way ahead of the game.

Do you usually dress for the holiday?

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays! I love spending time by the pool, and grilling with friends, and fireworks. I really love the fireworks! They are easily one of my favorite summer events. There is just something kind of magical about the bright sparkle of fireworks that I have always loved.

The long weekend is just around the corner so it’s time to make your plans now! Here are some of the great Independence Day events taking place in Shreveport:

The Keatchie Independence Day celebration is about 16 miles south of Towne Oaks this Saturday, July 3rd. This is a free event that includes a bluegrass band prior to the fireworks, which will start at 9:30 pm.

Join the Firecracker 5k on Saturday, July 3rd, starting the Mall St. Vincent parking lot. The check-in starts at 7:00 am and the race begins at 7:30 and 8:00am. There will be some great catering and music after the race.

Visit the Louisiana’s Science Center on both Saturday, July 3rd, and Sunday, July 4th, for some great fireworks fun. Enjoy some pre-firework festivities on Sunday starting at 6:00 pm.

Shreveport Riverblast is a wonderful fireworks event on Sunday, July 4th, starting at 4:00 pm at Riverview Park. There will be music, food and fun for everyone to enjoy prior to the fireworks at 9:20 pm.

There are lots of fun way’s to celebrate the 4th of July this weekend! What are your plans?

If you are even slightly technologically inclined then I’m sure you have heard all about the new iPhone 4! Released day’s ago, the iPhone may be recalled due to problems with the reception and calls getting dropped. However, Apple hasn’t made any official announcement on the subject yet.

Even with the problem related to the antenna, I still want one of these bad boys! They have some amazing new features like iMovie and a better in-phone camera. Another interesting feature that the iPhone 4 has – FaceTime video calling! iPhone 4 user will be able to make video calls with this feature and be able to switch to the rear-mounted 5 megapixel camera to show callers what they are looking at or use the front facing camera for face to face calling. With the plethora of features Apple offers on it’s iPhone devices, it’s no secret that this device will be the talk of the summer.

Are you thinking about getting the new iPhone 4g?

This Saturday the Annual Gumbo Gala returns to the Little Shanty Folk Art Gallery here in Shreveport. This is always a great event, definitely one worth attending. It is on Saturday, June 26th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free!

There will be live music, wonderful Creole food and great art. There will be an assortment of vendors with everything from food to folk art to handmade candles. I got a beautiful piece of jewelry there last year that I always get compliments on!

There will be a petting zoo for the kids, complete with ponies and a variety of farm animals. It will be a great way to spend the afternoon!

Parking will be available around the gallery and the surrounding businesses.

For more information visit the Shreveport Fun Guide website.

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