It is 4 a.m. and the alarm that I set has ruined yet another night of good sleeping.
Being a full-time college student and full-time employee can be very hectic and stressful. Waking up every morning takes me an extra thirty minutes, long after my alarm goes ringing off. Every morning I lie awake for those thirty minutes contemplating if getting out of my bed is worth it or not. When I finally decide that it is, now I am thirty minutes behind on my schedule. I have to Comb my hair, brush teeth, iron clothes, make hot tea, grab my gallon of water and I’m running out the door to make it to work on time.
Who has time for make up when you’re in a race to beat time? For me, I’d rather go bare faced than to look like a clown in a rush. I’d love to be at the stage where I can be the type of woman to sit and sip a cup of herbs with her husband, while going through a 10-step facial routine before bed, but I’m not. After completing long hours of homework at the end of day, I am on to the shower and back to bed to get some rest before the next day! As an on the go college student, I’ve adapted to a 6-minute skin care routine every night before my shower. Although I am not going to share my 6-minute routine, I will give you four tips on how to develop clear soft skin and a popping glow.
First and foremast, you want to make sure you are drinking a proper amount of water every day to keep your body and skin hydrated. Water is the most important element for your body and drinking it can provide many of benefits.
Photo Courtesy of Walmart.
Tip #2, Witch Hazel is your friend My favorite brand is made by Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner 16 and sold at Walmart. All you have to do is just pour little Hazel on a dry towel and massage it into your face. You should see the dirt being removed from your face and feel your pores opening. It is such a tingly refreshing feeling.
Photo Courtesy of Walmart.
Tip #3, Cocoa butter is amazing. My favorite brand of Cocoa butter is by Palmer’s of course. A 350 ml bottle from Walmart can take you a long way. I used to work the job of a day care teacher and my babies would always ask me if I had brought them marshmallows. Sadly, I lied and told them yes, but they could only find them if we could go a whole day without anyone in the class having to flip to a red card as a discipline consequence.Needless to say, they never received the chance to eat marshmallows with Ms. P!
Photo Courtesy of Dollar General
Last but not the least, have you heard of Vitamin E oil? The dollar general sells the body Vitamin E oil at a low price of $2. Vitamin E has proven to make the skin healthier and provide a nice glow. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents formation of free radicals that damage our skin cells. Its antioxidant properties neutralize the oxidant effect that damages collagen and makes the skin dry and forms wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and discoloration. Vitamin E also contains anti-inflammatory properties and can protect and repair the skin from cellular damage.
Ladies take care of your skin and your skin will repay you with a healthy glow. It is important when being a lady on the go that you don’t look like you’ve been on the go. Who needs make up when your skin is popping?
Yoga is a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation. It is a system of breathing techniques, physical postures, and often practiced independently to promote physical and emotional well-being. Yoga is a great exercise that helps you relieve stress, burns fat, allows you to gain flexibility and mobility, detoxify the body, aids in organ function, improves your posture, helps with concentration and build your confidence. Citizens across the ArkLaTex practice exercise with yoga every day.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana Yoga
Texarkana, Texas offers the citizens TXK Yoga. Texarkana Yoga is located off I-30 on Mall Drive. The studio is a clean, modern and simply decorated to create a welcoming, peaceful and focused practiced.
The owner Jen Dickerson has spent half of her life in yoga and has over 23 years of experience. Jen mostly teaches the power yoga sessions heavily influenced Bryan Kest’s teachings and inspirations. Jen said “Her mission in life is to bring yoga to everyone who has a pulse. No mater your background, shape, size or physical condition, there is a form of yoga for everyone”.
Classes are offered every week on time schedule from Sunday- Saturday and often taught by different instructors on different days, along with fun and creative yoga workshops during the holidays, wellness, and nutrition classes. The different yoga classes to be offered is Sunrise yoga (Hot), Hot yoga, Cool yoga, Warm yoga, and Mornings for men.
Texarkana Yoga offers a special membership option for students at the rate of $55 a month with unlimited sessions or $10 drop in per session. For more information on TXK Yoga log on to https://www.texarkanayoga.com/ , visit 2011 Mall Drive #5 Texarkana, Texas 75503 or call 903-293-1626.
Download the Texarkana Yoga app today via Android or IOS to sign up for classes.
The JMBLYA is back for 2019 and ready to invade the city of Dallas (May 3rd) and Austin, Texas (May 4th).
Photo Courtesy JMBLYA 2018.
JMBLYA is a recurring outdoor music festival featuring artist from all over the world.
This year’s lineup includes Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Kevin Gates, Gunna, Sheck Wes, Youngboy Never Broke Again, Bhad bhabie, Blueface, City girls, Maxo Kream, P-Lo, WhooKilledKenny, and 10K.Caash
JMBLYA is a rain or shine event and will open festival gates open at 12PM on Friday, May 3rd (Dallas) and Saturday, May 4th (Austin).
Children 3 1/2 feet tall and shorter are admitted FREE if accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. There will be no children under the age of 14 allowed in without the supervision of an adult.
General admission ticket pricing begins at $109.00, along with four different selections (Pinky Ring, Gator Boots, Fur Coat, Drop Top) of VIP packets to choose from. JMBLYA has a strict no-pet policy, with exceptions only for service animals as specified by federal and state law.
Photo Courtesy JMBLYA 2018.
JMBLYA will offer multiple free water refilling stations. You are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, however, just be sure to have them empty upon entry. There will also be water and other non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the bar.
To ensure the safety of our JMBLYA family, all vehicles, persons and property are always subject to search, failure to consent to a search will result in denial of entry or ejection from the event.
Parking will be available at both festival sites. Stay tuned for more details.
For many people, success in the broadcast journalism career field happens at a rare chance, but for people like Brittanni Strambler, her hustle and networking takes her to the next level.
Brittanni Strambler is a Houston, Texas native who takes her hustle to heart. She is a TV host and radio personality heard on 95.3 Jamz. According to Brittanni, her job in the industry has allowed her to influence the lives of others around the local community. “The impact I have on a community and the responsibilities I hold through storytelling. Staying relevant can be stressful at times, especially when trying to engage millions of people”, she said “working in the industry has many pros that outweigh the cons.”
Broadcast media involves more than sitting behind a microphone and speaking. To get involved in this line of work, “You can never go wrong with a YouTube channel,” Strambler said. Finding mentors and reading about other success stories can also be a great way to gain knowledge on the industry.
“My mentor has definitely played a huge role in my success. He is the CEO of the station I currently work for and he listens in to every show and gives me negative/positive feedback,” Strambler said.
Just recently Brittani and NFL player DeAndre Washington of the Oakland Raiders teamed up on D.Wash Foundation first annual Youth Football Camp at the Thurgood Marshall high school in Missouri,Texas. The event allowed for enhancement of young boys and girls lives to enable them to make a positive impact on the football field and in their community.
Experience and preparation for broadcast journalism comes by taking advantage of internships and mentors, networking, and getting involved with one’s campus radio and television station. Strambler believes the best way to get started with an entry-level position is by applying for positions within a media company and working one’s way up. Strambler said one’s schedule may vary because news, sports, politics, and entertainment change daily.
As a six-year veteran in the broadcast field, Strambler’s best advice for any newcomer is to “Build your network, stay relevant and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
For more about Brittani, follow her on instagram @bri_media.
Marie Stone comes to A&M Texarkana from Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. A native of Pittsburg, Texas, Coach Stone has earned her bachelors degree in Exercise Science at Texas Wesleyan University and a Master in Sports Administration from Texas Woman’s University. In 2010, Coach Stone started the softball program at Our Lady of the Lake University, a member of the Red River Athletics Conference in San Antonio, Texas. In 2013 Coach Stone became head coach of the Murry State softball team. Under the leadership of Coach Stone, the Lady Aggies won NJCAA Regionals in each of the last three seasons. During the 2015 season, the team received numerous honors and was ranked 17th nationally by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for team grade-point average. In the 2016 season the Lady Aggies set single-season team records for total runs scored (218), home runs (26), stolen bases (45), hits (384), and highest batting average (.325). Coach Stone is entering her second season here at Texarkana A&M along with her assistant coach Jordan Gabriel. Coach Gabriel is in her second season and an alum of West Virginia Tech.
Texarkana Yoga is offering a Kids yoga with Santa workshop on Sunday, December 16 from 5-6:30 p.m. The workshop will be instructed by Brittany Carder. Brittany said “I consider my classes an opportunity to teach mindfulness and awareness of the body and the breath, allowing students to cultivate inner peace for themselves as well as build strength and increase flexibility and endurance”. The workshop will be co-instructed by Venus Lillis who has been practicing yoga for about 10 years and teaching since 2017. Venus regularly teaches Hot Power Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and Warm Yoga.
This fun-filled Christmas themed class will encourage self-expression, social interaction and mind/body awareness through games and yoga poses! Santa will make a special stop by the studio at the end of each class to encourage wellness & good behavior! Each child will get to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a special treat bag!
Kids may bring a bottle of water, please no other drinks or snacks. Mats provided. Wear comfortable clothing.
Limited Spots Available! Class drop-in is $15. For more information or to sign up for yoga with Santa click here.
For the first time in 40 years the Perot Theatre is open to the public to play holiday movies, in a collaboration between the City of Texarkana, Texas and TRAHC, and Perot Theatre to bring Texarkana a new holiday tradition.
The event will take place on December 22, 2018 at the Perot Theatre in Downtown Texarkana. This is an all day event for the community to come and enjoy. There will also be food trucks, vendors, crafts, refreshments, and holiday movies shown throughout the day. The forecast has predicted for snow to fall on Main Street.
The first holiday movie to be shown will be Polar Express at 10:30 a.m. followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas (short film) at 1 p.m. The Elf will be shown at 1:30 p.m., with the grand finale of It’s a Wonderful Life at 7 p.m.
Santa Claus will make a stop for photo appearances.
Ticket prices range from $5-7. To purchase tickets call (903) 792-4992. For more information click here.
“When their heart is hurt, especially in that age range they feel like it’s the end of the world. It is so depressing,” says Producer Brigette Talbert, who will be showcasing the stage play Outside Child (Inside Pain) in the Sullivan Performing Arts Center, on Saturday December 1, 2018.
“It’s a learning experience, it’s about old secrets. Learning how to love again through heart ache, infidelity and lies, the Outside Child (Inside Pain) setting is an African-American community, portraying a family learning to love again, overcoming infidelity, while saving a lost tradition. This play can relate to any race. Think about all of the single parent households, they don’t have to be black”.
Brigette Talbert has been involved in radio, film and production for over 15 years. This will be Bridgette’s second play to independently write and produce. “I’m always nervous when its time to hit the stage, because you know what you have written, you know what your words are and how you want them to be portrayed. You know that it tells a story. You just wondering if that audience is picking up the story that you’re trying to tell.”
Brigette casting role involves plenty of personality and experience that makes the play better. “When you have a cast that feels like family then you’ve cast the right people.” The cast includes Fel Davis, Sharnette Hyter, Jousha Fitzpatrick aka J-Fitz, Jordon Ballard, Alicia Gulley-Malone, Nikki Wadley, and Amanda Virtuous Henderson.
“Community should support community.We’re bringing entertainment to the community,It’s a small town setting and there’s not really a lot going on. There will be lots of laughter, crying, you’ll feel every emotion while having a learning experience”.
Get your tickets today at the Golden Lady Restaurant in Texarkana, Texas, KZRB studios in Hooks, Texas or from cast members Lisa Gulley-Malone and Amanda Henderson. PayPal is accepted. betalbertproductions@gmail.com
In the midst of holiday season and chilly weather, moms and dads are preparing to bring their families to Main Street Texarkana for the 34th Annual Christmas Parade. Main Street Texarkana will be hosting the parade Sunday, December 2, 2018 in downtown Texarkana, free of charge to all.
The theme of this year’s parade will reflect “My Favorite Christmas Memory”.
Main Street Texarkana will be filled with lots of entertainment for the night, featuring local businesses, schools, churches, and non-profits. With a host of floats, Christmas lights, trees, antique vehicles, music, and dancers.
With Bowie County (Texas) and Miller County (Arkansas) combined, Texarkana is home to over 65,000 residents. The City of Texarkana, Texas has placed eleven beautiful parks, recreation and running trails throughout local neighborhoods (Tamut, Pleasant Grove ISD, Texas ISD, Liberty Eylau ISD) of Texarkana with the mission to improve the quality and life of citizens.
(TAMUT & PGISD) Bringle Lake Park East, West and Wilderness are three different areas combined in one. Bringle Lake, known for being the most popular park and having the best running trails, is found right by the A&M Texarkana
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks (7602 Bringle Lake Road Texarkana, TX 75501)
Bringle lake Wilderness Area is 144 acres of nature area. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the wilderness area and the park is of day time use only. Bringle Lake Wilderness features ten foot wide bike and running trails that lead right into Bringle Lake East at approximately two miles.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks (7500 Bringle Park Rd)
Bringle lake East is an eight acre park that sits on the east side of Bringle Lake Wilderness. The park features bike and running trails, a playground for children, picnic areas, a floating fishing pier, grills and restrooms.
Surrounded by an abundance of trees and nature, the relaxing walking trails on Bringle Lake East are designed to bring you right into the boardwalk of Bringle Lake West.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks (7602 Bringle Lake Road Texarkana, TX 75501)
The west side of the Bringle Lake is an open seven acre park offering a boat ramp, fishing piers, trails, exercise equipment, volleyball sand courts, restrooms, playgrounds and a 1500 Sq. Feet pavilion looking over Bringle lake.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks (4303 North Park Road)
Does your dog need a breath of fresh air too? There is a local park for your pet. Kylee Sullivan Dog Park has a fenced in area for them to play with other dogs their size or feel free to roam on the dog trails. The dog park can be found on North Park Road, open seven days a week.
Right beside the Kylee Sullivan Dog Park you can find Spring Lake Park, located in a central area of Texarkana.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks(4303 N. Park Road Texarkana, TX 75501)
With 145 acres, this park features a spring fed lake, concert area, playground units, rotary splash pad, 18 hole disc golf course, picnic areas, 1.75 mile trail walking throughout the park , baseball and softball diamond, fishing, and restrooms. Spring Lake is the host of “Movies in the Park” during the Spring and Fall season offering new and classic releases.
Bell Park is in the heart of “New Town”. It is a four-acre neighborhood park offering a multi purpose baseball court, four sets of playground equipment, pavilion, restrooms and picnic tables. Bell Park is commonly used for community events and family gatherings. Around the corner from Bell Park , in the Highland Park area there is a 5 acre playground nestled in a beautiful tree line historic area. Ferguson Park is found just south of College Drive and Adjacent to the Collins Senior Center.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks (2612 New Boston Road Texarkana, TX 75501)
Located on New Boston Rd. Beverly Park is a 7 acre playground park with a heavily wooded area and that features playground equipment and picnic tables. Beverly Park is perfect for your lunch time activities.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks
Right off 7th Street, home to the recreation staff services is located at 3222 West 7th Street. The South West Community Center and Park is 20,000 sq ft building featuring a gymnasium, multi-purpose room, game room and kid’s library, meeting rooms, exercise room and kitchen. The Southwest center offers weekly recreational activities such as yoga and Zumba classes, youth and adult open gym activities, senior citizen’s bingo, and pool table and games.The Center also offers seasonal programs and sports event, health fairs, summer youth programs and much more. Meeting rooms can be reserved for individual, groups, or family functions. The park area of the Southwest Center offers four lighted tennis courts, playground equipment, and a multi-purpose open space area.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks(201 Oak St. Texarkana, TX 75501)
(LE ISD) Kidtopia is a playground designed for kids by kids! Located in Downtown Texarkana, the park is the perfect place to let kids express themselves. Kidtopia features a multi purpose playground, public restrooms and don’t forget your skates for Skatetopia.
Skateopia is the newest adjacent to Kidtopia in Downtown Texarkana. Built completely from custom concrete and designed by our local skateboarding community,the Skate Park is made for users of all skill levels to enjoy.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks(201 Oak St. Texarkana, TX 75501)
Featuring ledges, stair sets, down rails and an open bowl section, the park is great for all-wheel use. At Skatetopia, operational hours differ from Park curfew and both are open for day use only.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks(410 Findley St. Texarkana, TX 75501)
Located just off of highway 59, Findley park is a 5-acre, tree-lined neighbor hood park. Featuring a basketball court, playground and multi purpose recreational area.
Scott Joplin Park is a beautiful wooded area and a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks(1621 W. St. Texarkana, TX 75501)
This 7 acre park features various play equipment, public restrooms, a pedestrian walking bridge and a 1260 Sq. Feet pavilion perfect for picnics, family gatherings and community social events.
The park is located at 1621 West Street, just off of State Highway 59 in South Texarkana.
Image Courtesy of Texarkana, Texas Parks
Karrh Park is a 33-acre gem surrounded by wooded areas and a quiet neighborhood. Karrh Park features four softball fields and is the home to the Girls Softball Association where leagues and tournaments are in full swing from the month of March to October.The park provides a serene picnic area with a small pond for recreational fishing,(1656 Sq. Feet) pavilion, playground equipment and public restrooms. Located at 2102 South Ann Street (just off of State Highway 59 South)
Located at 3419 Leopard Drive in the Liberty-Eylau area of Texarkana, Grady T. Wallace Park features 5 softball fields, 12 soccer fields and is the home to the Texarkana United Soccer Association with children and adult leagues in the Spring and Fall. Wallace Park offers active recreational space covering over 70 acres.
Featuring playground units, a walking/jogging trail around the 5-acre lake, a basketball court, two pavilions (2400 Sq. Feet) for social gatherings and public restrooms.
