Thinking about a family trip this summer or planning a romantic getaway? Southwest Louisiana locals are lucky to live within an easy drive of two major cruise ports— two and a half hours from Galveston and three hours from New Orleans. Already a seasoned sailor or maybe you just want to test the waters of cruising? Here are the dreamboats and dream itineraries offered from both ports.

Are you designing or redesigning your landscape? It’s important for you to know there are two 

basic components to landscape design: hardscape and softscape. 

With summer swiftly approaching, you can feel the excitement in the air as your children dream of spending time at the pool or frolicking with friends outdoors without the thought of homework looming over their heads. Before you send them out into the sunshine, consider these tips from Dr. Stephanie Treme of the Children’s Clinic, Lake Charles, to keep your loved ones healthy and safe all summer long.

It often seems as though mosquitoes make a beeline for one person in a group, leaving them full of bites when others aren’t nearly as bothered. The itchy bites can be enough of a nuisance, but for those who are allergic to mosquitoes, the bites can swell and become painful. Can anything be done to lessen one’s attraction to mosquitoes?

School's out next month, meaning vacation expectations will rise along with the temperatures. For many, the destination will be Walt Disney World — the most-visited entertainment resort on the planet. Southwest Louisiana's proximity to Florida means many of us are repeat, or even regular, visitors.