Paula Deen really does rock!

Whenever I interview even the tiniest celebrity I am kind of nervous. But then I'm kind of nervous over just about everything...Enough of my phobias though!
I talked with Paula Deen, star of the Food Network yesterday for a profile I did on her for the The Times Living section and Bossier Voices magazine.
I expected not to like her, but I did. She was very warm and inviting right from the start. We talked about our weight and even my dislike of liver.
"I eat everything," Deen said. "Liver included."
She said the ladies were liking her new husband more because he lost about 30 pounds.
She said she was eating to make up for the weight her husband lost.
Really, she was funny and real - and everything people say about her is true.
Paula Deen will be at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 2. To buy tickets, access the CenteryTel website.

McBlogging contest for Bossier Voices

In a tribute to Teddy Allen and really to find out if it's true that people in Bossier City do really well at contests - I am starting a quiz contest to find out if you're reading Bossier Voices or secretly using it to wrap your fish.
On a really occasional basis, I will call on you, loyal Bossier City readers, to answer questions based on the articles on the cover of each weekly Bossier Voices. The winner will get a McArch card worth at least a hamburger, small coke and fries - all provided by me (and my non-existant trust fund).
Are you ready to play the first McBlog game?
Just email the answer to this question:
How many years has Notini's restaurant been open on Airline Drive in Bossier City?
Along with your answer, send me a story idea you might like to hear about...
Good luck!
A yummy McDonald's Arch card is just an answer away. And remember, for the latest in Bossier City news, log on to www.bossiervoices.com.
Thanks!
Jane

Garage sale addict

I admit it - I am addicted to finding useless items and adding them to my already overcrowded junk-filled home.
A few weeks ago I went to Goodwill in Haughton (a personal favorite because they are so friendly and then I can go to Brookshire's and buy groceries) and bought a bottle that looked old for $1.
"It even has the bubbles blown into the glass," said the clerk.
"Wow," I agreed, thinking those bubbles probably made the bottle worth millions. Take that PBS Antiques Roadshow.
It's amazing what people will buy if it has the promise of more worth or it's on sale.
People used to say my sister would buy a stack of 2x4s if she were homeless and they were on sale.
Along those lines, there is a humongous garage sale coming up at Louisiana Downs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday.
I plan to be there so don't even think about buying any bottles with bubbles in them.
In fact, send me your stories from the garage sale - it's not a treasure unless you can brag about the bargain you got!

Salsa Dance with the Stars in Bossier

I just discovered SandysDance Center and plan to take lessons for the express purpose of staying alive. My cholesterol is terrible and I thought this might help. Who knows? I'll chronicle my dance moves in this blog and see if by the end I am svelte and healthy.

But, for those who just want to boogy, there will be a Salsa/Bachata Workshop at the school on
May 19, 2007 1-4pm with Robyn and Mikko, who were featured on the cover of The Times Preview Section on Friday. The workshop will be at SandysDance Center, 1959 Airline Drive in Bossier City.
When: Saturday, May 19, 2007
1-4pm
$20 PER PERSON
Mikko Kemppe is the founder of the Salsa Community in Monroe, LA and the Salsa Dance Team Enfuego. Starting in 2005 with one couple, he has helped Monroe's salsa community to grow to more than 100 dancers. Instructor of now two years, he has personally learned from and been influenced by many of the salsa's best: Alex Da Silva (Choreographer for You Think You Can Dance), John Narvaez & Liz Rojas (3rd place World Salsa Champions), Leon Rose (Creator of London Style Salsa), and Edie "the Salsa Freak".
For more info call Sandy at SandysDance Center at 318-465-4534.

Get Your Style on today!

I, for one of many, am going to be at the Quota International of Bossier Club style show this morning.
Why?
Because I'm a clothes hound with a philanthropic bent.
First let me say, I love clothes, I find new fashions as soothing as a hot bath on a chilly day. Today at the Horseshoe Casino, designer fashions will be the order of the day when the Quota International of Bossier club has its style show with clothes by Rachelli’s, Chico’s, Custom Creations and Pope’s.
“There is still time to get tickets,” said Marlene Harner, a coordinator.
Quota International helps those with speech and hearing disabilities as well as disadvantaged women and children.
Today’s event will have a raffle along with other entertainment and honors.
If you go…
Quota International of Bossier style show
When: 11 a.m. luncheon, 11:30 a.m. style show, Tuesday, May 1
Tickets: $20 each or table of eight $160.
Where: Horseshoe Riverdome
711 Horseshoe BlvdBossier City, LA 71111(318) 742-0711

For more information about the event call Marlene Harner at (318) 470-4116.