LAGCOE!!

October 25 – 27 Lafayette will host one of this country’s largest energy trade shows.  Louisiana has served as the gateway for America’s energy needs for decades, and at the heart of this gateway is Lafayette, the host city for the country’s 2nd largest energy exposition – LAGCOE.
For more than 57 years, LAGCOE has been providing unprecedented access to key decision makers, state-of-the-art technologies and the very latest in offshore and onshore drilling capabilities.

This access makes LAGCOE a unique experience, as the show is located in the very heart of America’s energy corridor. Here, you’re minutes away from thousands of companies that work directly within the oil and gas industry. In 2009, LAGCOE featured over 400 exhibiting companies, 755 indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces and welcomed over 15,000 attendees.

The Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition (LAGCOE) exhibits and technical sessions are designed to support bold, innovative approaches in the quest for energy. Exhibiting companies display state-of-the-art technology for onshore and offshore drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection. LAGCOE is one of the largest oil and gas industry expositions in the United States.

LAGCOE has been selected continuously since 2003 by the U.S. Department of Commerce for its International Buyer Program.  LAGCOE received the International Achievement Award XII from the International Trade Development Group of Lafayette in 2010.

Exhibits and Technical Sessions showcase the following products and services: Chemicals, Drilling, Engineering, Environmental, Fabrication, Fabrication, Instrumentation & Controls, Marine, Oil Spill Cleanup, Pollution Control, Production & Processing, Safety, Seismic, Sub-Sea Equipment & Services, Surveying, Telecommunications, Training, Transportation, Well Completion, Well Testing & Tools, Wireline and Workover.

We look forward to seeing you at our next expo in 2011. While here, you will experience one of the most culturally inspiring areas in the U.S. – with renowned Cajun food, music and good times at every turn. 

Admission to the show and technical presentations is free, and limited to energy industry personnel.

Extra Extra Read All About It!

NEWS RELEASE

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HITLON LAFAYETTE AIRPORT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: HALEY BUTEAU

DIRECTOR OF SALES

(337) 706-8495

FAX: (337) 264-6417

CELL:  337-280-7897

DATE: 9-7-11

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON LAFAYETTE AIRPORT TO HOST GRAND OPENING AND FUNDRAISER FOR UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE HOSPITALITY DEPARTMENT

Lafayette, LA 9-7-11, The Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette Airport will be hosting their Grand Opening on Thursday September 15, 2011 from 5pm to 7pm. The Ribbon cutting will be at 5:30pm. In conjunction with the Grand Opening the Homewood Suites will be holding a silent auction. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the University of Louisiana Lafayette Hospitality Department.

The theme for this event is All That Jazz and The Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette Airport guarantees you a swinging time with fantastic food and live entertainment by the University of Louisiana Lafayette Jazz Ensemble.

For more information on the grand opening call 337-706-8495 for Haley Buteau, or 337-706-8492 for Summer Marler.   

Freaky Weather

The earthquake on the East Coast this past week  may have been unusual if not large by California standards but it got me thinking about what are some of the most unusual or ‘freaky’ weather conditions Mother Nature has thrown at us?  Everyone knows about hurricanes, blizzards, avalanches, forest fires, floods, tidal waves, and even thunderstorms. But if you thought Mother Nature didn't have many surprises up her sleeve, think again. Nature has a load of other powers that, while less well-known, can only be described as, well, freaky.

The Mother of All Tornadoes
The fastest wind speed ever recorded—318 miles an hour (511 kilometers an hour)—occurred during a tornado near Oklahoma City in 1999. Scientists classify tornadoes by the damage they can do. A tornado with wind speeds of 70 miles an hour can sweep away entire houses and hurl cars through the air like missiles. But a tornado with wind speeds of more than 300 miles an hour has the power to derail train cars, tear grass from the ground, and even rip pavement from the street.

It's Raining Frogs!
Small frogs rained on a town in Serbia, sending residents running for cover. "There were thousands of them," a villager told a local newspaper. "I thought maybe a plane carrying frogs had exploded in midair," said another resident. Had the town gone crazy? Probably not. Scientists believe that waterspouts and tornadoes can suck up the surfaces and lakes, marshes, and other bodies of water. When they do, they can take frogs and fish along for the ride. The tornadoes can then drop them miles away.

Flaming Twisters
As if tornadoes aren't dangerous enough, one kind is made of fire. Wildfires are so powerful they can create their own weather. As these fires burn, they consume huge quantities of oxygen. The intense heat causes the air to rise. When fresh air swoops in and replaces it, strong winds are produced. Sometimes this self-created weather, or micro-weather, causes swirling tornadoes of fire. These flame-throwing tornadoes, called fire whirls, can be 50 feet (15 meters) wide and grow as tall as a 40-story building.

Mystery Waves
Imagine you're on an ocean liner when a wall of water ten stories tall races toward you like an unstoppable freight train. It's not a tsunami, caused by an undersea earthquake. Tsunamis are tiny in the open ocean and become enormous—and deadly—as they approach the shore. No, what you're witnessing at sea is a rogue wave, also called a freak wave. Scientists aren't sure what causes these waves, but they do know they can appear without any warning in the open sea, even in the clearest of weather.  As recently as 15 years ago these waves were thought to be a myth. But scientists now know they are very real—and very dangerous to even the largest ships.

Great Balls of Fire
During a thunderstorm, a glowing ball the size of your head suddenly appears. It hovers a few feet above the ground, drops down, dances across the yard, and then darts up into the air before it fades away. This freaky phenomenon is ball lightning. Sometimes it disappears with a small explosion. Some scientists think that when normal lightning strikes the ground, it vaporizes a mineral called silicon found in soil. They think this silicon forms a kind of bubble that burns in the oxygen around it.

Shopping Secrets in Lafayette

Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette has some highly fashionable gems for our shopping connoisseurs.  We don’t mind sharing these little treasures with you because when you are here we want you to get the most Lafayette has to offer! 

Vertigo Clothing - opened its doors in the fall of 2000 in Baton Rouge, LA. Their close proximity to LSU’s main campus forged a great relationship with the fashion-minded students and faculty of LSU. They then decided to open a second store in Lafayette, LA in the Shops @ River Ranch in the fall of 2004.  In the fall of 2011, Vertigo opened its third store, this time in Shreveport in the Shoppes at Bellemead.  While maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, Vertigo strives to offer impeccable customer service and offer their clients a wide variety of items and styles to choose from. With their main goal to offer their customers the key trend items of the seasons while stocking classic jeans, tees, dresses, etc., and maintaining an affordable price range for all. Vertigo offers several collection designers but also focuses on stocking trendy pieces that are reasonably priced. The stunning array of items from cocktail to casual will surely find you leaving with something you just had to have!

http://vertigoclothing.com/

Artesia - clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts for the stylishly minded.  Artesia opened its doors in 2002 to eager fashionistas looking for great style at an affordable price. Owner, Gina Babineaux, wanted to create a place that offered unique pieces, great customer service and a laid-back atmosphere that would make any shopper feel like part of the family. Nearly 9 years later, Artesia is still one of the most popular shopping destinations for stylish gals of all ages. Voted Best Women's Clothing Store in the Times of Acadiana Reader's Poll for the last 5 years in a row, Artesia is sure to have what you are looking for. The charming store offers a wide selection of affordable clothing, accessories and gifts from casual to cocktail, classic to trendy and subtle to sparkle.

www.iloveartesia.com

Shoefits - quickly becoming the premier place to shop for the latest in footwear, handbags, and accessories.  This rapidly developing company opened its first store in Houma, Louisiana in September 2004 and its second store in Lafayette, Louisiana in September 2006.  A third location is already under consideration.  Shoefits is owned by two Houma natives, a mother and daughter team--Shanna Trosclair and Jodi Webb. The duo makes a dynamic business team.

They travel heavily to pick up the latest trends and hot fashion.  Due to their extensive traveling they have been the first to bring back and introduce trends to their customers.    Their words to live by: “Buy it, Wear it, Flaunt it because our idea of changing a flat is putting on a new pair of high heels.”

www.shoefitsonline.com

Finding Water in the Airport

When I fly I like to stay well-hydrated, but I’d rather not add to landfills by buying bottled water at the airport.  So in preparation for my next trip, I investigated the question: “Can you travel with an empty bottle, such as sports top bottle, and refill it at water fountains past the TSA checkpoints? ”

The short answer is yes.  

In fact, many airports around the country are actively encouraging travelers to bring their own empty water bottles along, in part because it’s time-consuming and expensive to cart away all those full or half-full bottles, cans and cups that passengers discard at the security checkpoints.  A growing number of airports around the country are installing beverage collection stations at the checkpoints to try to cut down on what gets carted off to landfills. “Travelers can pour beverages into the drains and keep the bottles,” said Steve Johnson of Oregon’s Portland International Airport.

For travelers like me, who want to make sure they can find a place to fill a water bottle post-security, airports such as San Francisco International Airport and Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare airports are  installing special water bottle refill stations.   The hands-free, sensor-activated stations at O’Hare also have counters that have been tallying the number of 16-ounce bottles diverted from landfills.  According to Gregg Cunningham of the Chicago Department of Aviation, since their installation in June and July 2010, the two stations at O'Hare have saved 220,717 bottles.

So next time you travel, feel free to bring your own water bottle.  Do your part to help reduce the number of plastic bottles being put into landfills. 

How to Prepare as Kids Ready for College

High school graduation can sneak up on kids and parents alike. One moment, you are changing dirty diapers or wiping running noses, and the next, you are cheering as your child walks across a stage and receives a diploma.  College is a big step for many kids. No longer do they have their parents or guardians to wake them up, make sure they get to class and make sure they do their homework. When at college, kids also are out on their own living on college campuses, many for the first time. They are responsible for caring for themselves and for studying on a daily basis. You can get your kids ready for college with some preparation

Get kids ready for college years in advance by challenging them to work hard on their college preparatory courses in middle and high schools. Help kids develop strong study habits by sitting down with them at the same time each night to complete school work. Help them study for tests by giving them practice tests verbally and in written form. Check their work and help them learn from their mistakes.

Set up a savings account for kids and help them contribute to their college funds starting in elementary or middle school, if possible. Contribute as much money as you can afford each month and watch the savings compound for their college lives.

Apply for college early. Ask the kids to meet with their high school guidance counselor to look at different college options. School guidance counselors typically maintain files for many different colleges and have a wealth of information ranging from student life to academic programs to applying for colleges. Colleges typically admit new students for fall courses during the spring months. Applying for colleges should be done during the fall and winter months prior to admission to programs. Help the kids apply for the programs of their choice and make sure they have all the materials they need for the applications. Wait to be accepted to the schools and help the kids select which college to choose by visiting different campuses in person and by talking with current college students and staff members.

Prepare a budget for the kids prior to entering college. Make a list of all the expenses that will be included with going to college. This will include costs for room, board, tuition, dorm room supplies and extras. Look at how much money that is saved for school. Help your child apply for financial aid through scholarships and grants by making sure the child fills out the applications on time, completes any corresponding essay questions and tests and sends in the materials.

Shop for dorm room supplies for the kids before sending them off to college. Dorm room supplies will include: bathroom supplies like towels, toiletries and soaps, flip flops for the showers and bathrobes; bedding materials like clean sheets, blankets, pillows and pillow covers; a small dorm refrigerator, if you would like, with beverages and snacks for studying and studying supplies like a computer, notebooks and pens.

Answer any questions your kids have about your college experiences. The more knowledge they have about what can be expected, the more relaxed they will be on the day when they go off to school. Many kids report having a great deal of anxiety during the days they go to college. You can alleviate some of that stress by being calm yourself and telling them how great they'll do in college.

Tips to Stay Fit on the Go

A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it often reeks havoc on your fitness regimen. Fortunately our onsite gym can make sure your lifestyle remains uninterrupted but some people are not comfortable with working out in a new environment.  We understand. 

Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a workout program when away from home. Sure, many have good intentions. They may even pack their workout attire. Unfortunately, it usually never makes it out of the suitcase until it’s unpacked when their back home.

But travel from home doesn’t have to result in an interruption or complete abandonment of your healthy habits. You can still fit in exercise time when away from home, regardless of whether you find yourself in a warm or a cold climate. Even if bad weather forces you into seclusion in your hotel room, there are exercises you can complete without a single piece of equipment.

Below are some tips to help you stay fit away from home. 

Be realistic. You probably won't be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and that's okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.

Plan ahead. Before leaving town, find out what facilities your accommodations will have or if there is a nearby park or jogging track (weather permitting, of course).

Scope out local gyms. If you are staying somewhere that doesn’t provide a workout area then inquire at the nearby local fitness centers or community centers for their rates. Often they offer day passes for minimal fees.

Pack a resistance band in your suitcase. The band takes up very little space, yet can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine.

Don’t deprive yourself of all local delicacies. You can enjoy some special meals without going overboard. Ask the restaurants to prepare your favorite dishes with a few lower fat ingredients.

Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you do when you are at home. Try biking, hiking, a pedal boat excursion, water skiing, beach volleyball, etc. Effective workouts aren’t limited to the standard fares of walking, jogging and fitness machines.

Try out your travel routine at least once at home. A new workout that you’ve never done before will require more time and preparation. This type of frustration just makes for an easy excuse to skip the workout.

Prepare snacks. If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack some healthy snacks so you aren’t forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops along the way.

Play in the pool. If lounging poolside is part of your vacation plans, then hop in the pool every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes of pool walking (try it in waist-deep or higher water for a really challenging workout).

Get comfortable. Don’t forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your destination’s climate.

Traveling with your Pet?

You want to get from here to there as safely and comfortably as you can with your pet. It’s not such an easy proposition. But that’s why we’re here–to make your journey as rewarding as it can be. If it were up to us, we’d have that little guy at the end of the Mr. Peabody cartoons with the sweeper-upper, scooping poop, tidying up, answering any questions you might have, making your trip as pleasant as possible. Well, we can’t find him, but we’re doing our best to get you all the pertinent pet travel information you need.

• Make sure you keep a list of Emergency Veterinary Clinics in the area to which you’re headed. You can find a number of these in our database of emergency vets.
• Rabies vaccinations are a must for all travel abroad, and for returning to the United States. Many airlines also require these vaccinations also. Check with your vet for the complete range of vaccinations required, and of course, check with the airline and country to which you’re heading.
• Unfortunately, if you’re not traveling by car, domestic travel in the US is problematic. While some local transportation businesses and authorities may allow pets, Amtrak and Greyhound buses do not. Therefore, your options for traveling with a pet are drastically reduced.
• Car trips can be hazardous to your pet. How many times have you seen a small dog sitting on the drivers lap, looking out the window? Or the cat lying on the rear shelf on the car? A sudden stop, or even an accident can send your pet flying. A loose pet in a car can also escape if someone opens the door, forgetting that your pet is able to jump out before you can grab him or her. They make special harnesses for dogs like seatbelts, and the cat-carrier can always be used to transport your cat safely. Of course, make sure the carrier is also secured to the back seat with a seatbelt.
• Many dogs and cats do not travel well in a car. Consider speaking with your vet about sedatives. If your pet gets car sick, consider travel-sickness pills. Again, check with your vet for recommendations and dosage before giving your pet any medications.
• There have been too many incidents of cats and dogs suffering from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. Leave at least two windows (for cross draft) open slightly to provide fresh air. You might consider one of those solar powered fans that fit in the window. The fan fits snugly in the window, the sun powers the fan, and air is circulate within your vehicle. However, we strongly recommend that you DON’T leave animals in the car in hot climates or during the warmer months, as even a short time in a hot vehicle can be injurious to your pet.

Keep in mind here at the Homewood Suites Lafayette we are “pet-friendly” and love to accommodate your four-legged family members!  Its always better when the WHOLE family travels together!  See you HERE!

What’s in a Name?

When you’re talking about my city, I’m proud to say, a lot.  Not many people know this but we weren’t always Lafayette.  The original Lafayette was a small suburb of New Orleans that was absorbed in the growth of New Orleans.

In 1821, 18 short years after the Louisiana Purchace,  we were given the name "St. Jean du Vermilionville". Later, the name would be shortened to "Vermilionville".  And before that the earliest records label the area as the Attakapas and Opelousas districts named after the local Indian tribes.  None of those roll off the tongue like Lafayette though. 

Previous to the Louisiana Purchase, in an effort to colinize the area, in the latter half of the 18^th century, both the French and Spanish officials granted lands freely along the bayous Carencro and Vermilion. Generally, the size of 6-8 arpents along the stream with a depth of 40 arpents (arpent is a French measurment equaling 0.84 acre so these were generally 5 - 6.75 acres by 33.5 acres).

Before 1765, very few Europeans settled in the area other than trappers and smugglers. The earliest settlers in the area were Attakapas Indians. Several burial mounds exist along the Vermilion and Bayou Teche.  By 1765, Acadians were arriving in New Orleans and the Spanish governor began settling them in the Lafayette area at St. Martinville and Opelousas.

In 1803, Thomas Jeferson, negotiated one of America’s biggest achievement in History with the Louisiana Purchase from Nepolian.  Our French roots are still felt throughout Louisiana.  In 1823, the Louisiana legislature divided St. Martin parish and created Lafayette Parish. The parish name Lafayette was chosen due to the enthusiasm of General Lafayette's visit to the United States. However, the city's name remained Vermilionville due to the fact that the name "Lafayette" was already given to a suburb of New Orleans. Eventually, in 1884, the suburb was incorporated into New Orleans and Vermilionville became Lafayette.

Lafayette and the surrounding area is a mix of American Indian, African American, English, French and Spanish culture. The area is situated in the region known as Southwest Louisiana. The Vermilion River runs through the city. Today, the city and parish are at the heart of Acadiana.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton, Lafayette embarks on its Grand Opening and while we are excited about our future we still find it enlightening to reflect on our rich history! 

Lafayette Summer Ideas

We here at the Homewood Suites Lafayette have a lot of events that draw crowds from all over just to see our shows.  We have chosen these three to showcase as some of the diverse and wonderful family events you can enjoy in our area! 

ACADIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and Grammy award winner, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band

A symphony and sunset before the fireworks display!  ASO & Chubby Carrier live music performances; Hot Dog eating contest; Watermelon Seed Spitting contest; Costume contest; Raffles; Food and Drinks; Face Painting

Over 5,000 people attended the 2010 Red, White and Boom, making it our largest crowd to date. It's a new day at the ASO and we want to make this 4th of July bigger and better for our community. This year the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, the City of Lafayette, and the Acadiana Center of the Arts will present the 2011 Red, White and Boom. Grammy award winner Chubby Carrier and his Bayou Swamp Band will be our headliner. Chubby and his band will be working with some of our summer camp children the week prior to the 2011 Red, White and Boom. Those children will perform with Chubby, his band, and your Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. This year we will offer additional musical performances during the afternoon, multiple children's activities, fun contests and of course a finale full of some of our favorite patriotic music choreographed to an amazing fireworks display. Celebrate with friends, celebrate with music, celebrate with the City of Lafayette, the AcA and your Acadiana Symphony Orchestra.

Join us for the Erath 4th of July Celebration June 30th-July 4th!

Liz from Swamp People attends June 26th Events!

WATER FIGHTS BETWEEN THE AREA FIRE DEPARTMENTS

A few hours before the sun goes down there will be a parade at 5pm.

No one is exactly sure of the year in which the Erath began celebrating the 4th of July. The holiday was celebrated in Erath with a festival prior to World War II, but no festival was held during the war. In 1946, however, the festival was re-established with Roy Theriot serving as the first President and Curney Dronet as the first Parade Chairman. Theriot and Dronet worked in conjunction with the Erath Lions Club to re-establish the festival.

Throughout the late 1940’s and 1950’s, the festival was run by the area merchants as a way to promote Erath, and thereby bring more business to Erath. The Erath merchants would contribute money each year to stage the festival. Several Erath residents that were instrumental in the early success of the festival included: B.J. Gary, Marion Boudreaux, Johnny Suire, Edward Suire, K.A. Bolner, J.P. Landry, Leo Bernard, Sulie Dubois, Emmett Bares, J.D. Vincent, Inez LeBlanc Vincent, Neuby LeBlanc, Fred Dugas, Wilton “Belu” Sonnier, Lee Bernard, and Curney Dronet.

In the early 1962, Dr. Leroy Suire and his wife, Elvie, along with Richard Dubois, Wilton “Belu” Sonnier, and Eddie Shiner took over the operation of the festival. John Earl LeBlanc was elected President around 1964, and served for several years. Les Travailleuses took over the organization of the Erath 4th of July Celebration in 1972. This local women’s organization ran the festival until 1975.

Two people that played an integral part in the Erath 4th of July Celebration throughout the years were Richard Dubois and Relie LeBlanc. Both men were involved in the organization, off and on, since the 1950’s. One of the events that the two men used to stage on the day of July 4th was the go kart races. waterfights. For many years, the special contests were held following the waterfights. These contest included the watermelon and cracker eating contest, which are still held along with the potato relays, and the greasy pole contest, which is no longer held.

South Broadway Street

was closed the morning of the 4th, and all telephone poles and fire hydrants were covered with hay to protect the participants. Go kart races were then held up and down

Broadway Street

. Later on that day, the area fire departments would participate in the

The Acadian Museum in Erath has also been a major benefactor of the funds raised by the Association. The museum has received several donations from the Association to ensure the continued success of the museum. The Association also donated the flag poles in front of the Erath City Hall. The Association voted to donate funds to the Erath Backers Club for use in the construction of a baseball field for the Erath High School Baseball team. Funds were also donated for town lights in Erath, technology at Dozier Elementary and two large signs for the town of Erath. The Association also donated barricades to Dozier Elementary.

New Iberia 4^th of July Parade

New Iberia’s schedule includes many things, among them ecumenical services at St. Peter’s Church, a parade down

Main Street

and a ceremony at Bouligny Plaza.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. at

Main Street

and

Prairie Avenue

, and will progress to Bouligny Plaza.  Once the parade reaches its destination around 7:30 p.m., the ceremony will begin.  The parade will be flanked at each end by a firetruck, the second and last of which will be carrying local artist Paul Schexnayder dressed as Uncle Sam. His family will be riding along with him.

This is Schexnayder first time participating in the Fourth of July parade, but he once dressed up as the Easter Bunny.

Eight civil war re-enactors will be in the parade, shooting volleys (of blanks) down

Main Street

.

Veterans and pageant queens will also be among those in the parade.  Veterans and Boy Scouts will carry a flag measuring 12 feet by 20 feet in the parade, and will hoist it up the flag pole at their destination.

In previous years attendees filled up all 400 chairs set up in the plaza, and people were lined up standing along the sides.  So if you want a seat come early.

The Iberia Community Band and Louisiana Kids will be providing music at different points in the ceremony, as well as during the parade.

The re-enactors also will do a Civil War drill during the ceremony.  There will not be fireworks, but civil war re-enactors will shoot their muskets by the bayou. Schwing and fellow veteran John Cobbes will shoot a miniature cannon.  The cannon packs such a punch that most can’t be closer than twenty feet from it! 

Luggage and Security

No one who has kept even half an eye on the news in the last couple of years could fail to be aware of the increasing need for airports and airlines to be ever more vigilant regarding security. Luggage remains one of the most scrutinized aspects of this security, and information is widely publicized regarding general advice and ways in which the public can help airports to maintain this level of risk reduction.

But although we generally understand the need for tightened security I want to give some tips on getting through security fairly easily as well as getting my bag at the end of my trip.  How many black bags look just like MINE! 

Obviously making your luggage easy to identify quickly saves time at the airline baggage carousel. I’ve seen  a brightly colored tape, available at art or office supply stores, and made into an 8 inch tall initial and stuck to the luggage. Easy to pick out, even from a distance. But over all a little ugly.

And how many times have we seen the handkerchief tied to the handle… to many times and what happens if the airline handlers loose it for some reason??  Not that they’re ever rough.

I’ve seen stenciled paw prints on luggage. I think this is a crafty way to make your bag unique.  You can get original stencils from a craft store and you can pick up some colored paint or ink designed for fabric that you like.

Getting through the security lines you may think there’s no help here… it’s just SLOW!  Well here are some tips from TSA themselves to help move you along:

• Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers – a layer of clothes, then electronics, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see what's in your bag. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they are packed.
• When possible, do not pack oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in checked baggage. However, please be advised that these items must be removed from carry-on bags and submitted separately for X-ray screening. Click here for "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag procedures. Small electronics, such as iPods, can remain in carry-on baggage.
• Prepare a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport. For more information on liquid rules: 3-1-1 for carry-ons, click here.
• Pack all coats and jackets in checked baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.
• Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap the gift. Passengers should refrain from wrapping gifts until arriving at their final destination.  
• Film. Undeveloped film should go in carry-on bags. Passengers will be able to declare film that is faster than 800-speed to a transportation security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.
• When in doubt, leave it out. Unsure if an item is prohibited or not? Travelers should place such items in their checked baggage or leave the item at home. Click here to see the list of prohibited items.

I hope this list helps you get through the security check points… Now if only you can arrive on time!  Good luck traveling and we’ll see you here!

Cane Cutters

4 miles away for our hotel is the home of Lafayette’s very own, Cane Cutters! Home field is stationed at Fabacher Field which is a wonderful family-friendly stadium where family and friends can gather to take in some All-American baseball.


In September 2010, Richard Chalmers, with Baseball Ventures of Louisiana, announced the acquisition of the Acadiana Cane Cutters baseball team. The team is part of the Texas Collegiate League, which is a wooden bat league comprised of college baseball players. The team will be owned and run by local people, and the team will own an interest in the league.


The ownership has a real focus on community and it shows in the amount of community events that the team and the field host. If you come to one of the games while you are in Lafayette you may get to see one of their popular community programs in action. The ‘Field of Dreams’ program gives children of the Acadiana area the opportunity to take the field with the players of the Cane Cutters. There is only one ‘Field of Dreams’ team per game but the team chosen gets to accompany the Cane Cutters to their positions during the introduction of the starting line-up and will remain on the field during the National Anthem. After the game the team is invited to stay and take pictures and get autographs from Cane Cutters.


If you are traveling to Lafayette for business or are hosting a meeting with the Homewood Suites we can partner with Fabacher Field to organize a special team building event for you if you’d like. This is a great way to add some fun to your meeting!


We’re really excited about the 2011 roster since they have acquired All-American, former Teurlings Catholic standout and current Alabama Crimson Tide outfielder, Taylor Dugas. The junior was named to the 2011 Preseason National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-America Team.


The 60 league games run from the beginning of June to the middle of August. The Cane Cutters will play their home games at Fabacher Field, which is currently going through an expansion to accommodate the home schedule. Additional information is available at CaneCuttersbaseball.com or the team office at (337)451-6582.

Lafayette Weather

Hurricane season comes roaring in every year and somehow manages to catch some locals by surprise.   I think some people have the “it will never happen to me” mentality, but it only takes one disaster to change that way of thinking.

History teaches us that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster, and it’s still not too late to get prepared.

Hurricane Season starts June 1^st and goes to the 30^th of November with its peak in late August to early October.  Not to worry if you’re traveling to Homewood Suites in Lafayette though, our entire staff will be trained with proper hurricane procedures to ensure your stay with us will be comforting in your time of need. If you are from out of the area and you experience a hurricane, which can be downright scary, do not worry, we are always prepared.

If you and your family find yourself needing to get prepared, I suggest you take a look at couple of the following websites to make sure you have everything you might need.  Here is a list of 10 things you should do before a hurricane.  During a hurricane you should follow this advice.  And here is a list to go through after a hurricane.  Also www.katc.com is the website for the local news station in Lafayette which has a hurricane tracking chart and should have some extra tips for preparedness.

  

A few simple steps will help us to protect ourselves and our families, assure that our children feel safe, and make it easier to recover if and when we have to go through a disaster.  Disasters are familiar to us all. Hurricanes, floods, forest fires, tornadoes, earthquakes and human caused disasters can affect anyone in the United States.

Pre-disaster planning and emergency readiness is a complex issue.  Different types of disasters may require different knowledge and skills. Although each family needs to prepare in its own way, it is important that all members, parents, children and others, are provided with information that will help them handle a disaster.  As you travel it is a fair question that you can ask your airline, hotel or any other service, “What kinds of plans do you have if a disaster strikes?”

Click HERE to get some great in depth information on how to keep you family safe!