It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Merry Christmas.  Happy Holidays. Season's Greetings. Jesus is the Reason for the Season.  Whether it's one of these sentiments or another, everyone has to admit, this time of year puts a little spring in your step and song in your heart.  The hustle and the bustle of the crowds in your local mall and the traffic that invariably comes with this time of year, is somehow offset by the joyous childlike feelings of seeing your own children open their gifts that Santa has brought them, volunteering at your local food pantry, or simply listening to the Christmas Songs of the season. 

Orange Leaf Monroe
Stuff-A-Bus Drop-off

Orange Leaf West Monroe
Stuff-A-Bus Drop-off

The act of giving is a special one.  You have always heard to give is to receive, but what does that really mean?  Well, to us at Orange Leaf Louisiana, it means much more than those five little words.  

Participating in the Radio People 101.9 Stuff A Bus Toy drive in Monroe and West Monroe brought toys to children that might not have gotten one otherwise.  Serving as drop-off locations for the bus, Orange Leaf was more than proud to participate in this worthy cause.  And yes, if you were wondering, the BUS GOT STUFFED!

In Natchitoches, Orange Leaf Louisiana sponsored  RADIO M*A*S*H, which means Make A Smile Happen! Broadcasting from the Walmart parking lot for 72 hours straight, Elite Broadcasting received basket after basket of donated toys!  It was an honor to be a part of this worthy cause.  

In Mandeville, Orange Leaf was a drop-off point for the St. Tammany Macaroni Toys For Tots drive.  In combination with our Grand Opening Celebration, Orange Leaf was a natural spot for drop-off of toys for those less fortunate.

So, back to the question.  What does to give is to receive mean to us?  Paying it Forward, What goes around comes around.....and there are so many more ways to explain, but the prayer of St. Francis captures it best; 

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we truly receive.

Sharing our love with you this Holiday Season

Merry Christmas from ALL of us here at Orange Leaf Louisiana!

Snowing in Mandeville

Reindeer at ROUSES

A mother and her three children were walking in the Rouses parking lot after seeing REAL REINDEER that had come for a visit, when her little one saw something and squealed!  “Mommy, Mommy, look...it’s snowing over there,” she said.  Her mother squinted, not sure of what she was looking at, and there it was, SNOW!  The SNOW machine dispensed fluffy flakes, without the cold.  They parked and got down to see what all the fuss was about. Little did they know, they had just stumbled into the Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt in Mandeville’s Grand Opening Party in full swing.  They played in the snow for a minute and then headed indoors to find LOTS more surprises.

Can it really be snow?

Snowing FUN!

“Mommy, Mommy, look, it’s the Saintsations!  Can we go see them, I want to get my picture with them,” her son said.  And sure enough, there they were in their Sainsations football jerseys all smiles waving the boy over so they could sign his Saints hat he was wearing. With a calendar signed and in hand, the boy turned and saw the FREAUX YEAUX wall in all its glory.

Orange Leaf LA with the Saintsations

About that time, Susanne, the Orange Leaf manager, walked over to greet them to ask if they had been there before and would they like some taster cups to see which ones hit the spot.  Then, they heard something that was too good to believe!  Susanne said, “Get as much as you want.  It’s free until 5pm.”  The kids looked at their mother for approval and received the it's ok, MOM nod, and off they went. “I like Cookies & Cream,” one child said.  “My favorite is the Birthday Cake,” said another.  


Then it was off to the toppings bar for generous helpings of gummy bears, popping boba, and crushed Snickers just to name a few.  A 20% off card was given to each member of the family for their next visit.

They found a seat in the funky Orange Leaf chairs and noticed another activity going on.  Santa taking pictures and twisting balloons, and Mrs. Claus painting faces. “Mommy, Mommy, can we go see Santa and Mrs. Clause?” they are said in unison.

Mrs. Claus painting faces

Santa twisting balloons

The MOM nod received, they raced over to see them.  When asked by Santa what shape balloon one boy wanted, he said, “I don’t know.”  So, what did Santa make?  A Question Mark!  So talented and funny! 

From the coloring contest to the Jellybean guessing games, the kids made their way all over the store to partake in the festivities.  A balloon was tied to each little wrist, and the Cake Pops and Cupcakes were almost as popular as the Free Freaux Yeaux!

Getting up from their table, the family looked at Susanne and said, “ We will definitely by back, soon!”  That was the most delicious yogurt we have ever tasted!”

Manager Susanne visiting with customers

SO, back through the SNOW they went, turning around to wave at Susanne and get one more look at their new favorite place. 

The family experience at Orange Leaf.  There won't be a Grand Opening Party everyday, but there will always be fun music, friendly smiles, and the best tasting Freaux Yeaux around.  After all, Orange Leaf IS America's Favorite Yogurt & ANYTIME IS FREAUX YEAUX TIME!

Mandeville now knows,
ANYTIME IS FREAUX YEAUX TIME!

Meat Pies, Cajun Baked Potato, and Orange Leaf!

Merci Beaucoup Restaurant
Cajun Baked Potato

Church Street Inn

It all started with the CHURCH STREET INN on 2nd Street and somewhere between a Cajun Potato at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant, Balloon Twisting, and Lemon Cake from The Sugar Shack, we ended up having one of our tastiest, awesome Grand Opening celebrations to date! Natchitoches is rich with history and Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is now officially a part of it’s present and future. With a Meat Pie Breakfast on the top of the menu, a trip to Lasyone’s Restaurant for Breakfast, (Two mornings in a row) seals the deal on this Louisiana treasure that Orange Leaf now calls home. 

Ribbon Cutting in Natchitoches - December 9, 2011

Along side the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, Orange Leaf celebrated it’s official welcome to the Natchitoches community by holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, December 9th.  With about 50 in attendance, it was by far the most attended ribbon to date.  

The Orange Leaf Louisiana team then traveled across the parking lot to deliver toys to the RADIO M*A*S*H tent in the Walmart parking lot to deliver toys for the boys and girls in the Natchitoches area.  Orange Leaf Louisiana was proud to be a part of this worthwhile endeavor and thanks those who sponsor, man the tent, and organize the event. 

Taking a break Christmas shopping on Front Street, the team found themselves in the Rocking Horse Toy Store.  Did you know that you can have your toys delivered by a HORSE DRAWN carriage there?  Only in Natchitoches!  Then on to the Pioneer Pub for their signature burger....YUM!  

Another hot spot was Papa’s Bar and Grill and right next door MAMA’S Oyster House.  Both are a Natchitoches treasure and are not to be missed.

Lasyone's Meat Pie Kitchen

Then, on Saturday the 10th, (after 2nd trip to Lasoyone’s), the Grand Opening celebrations was in full swing.  Santa brightened the day of the young and old alike even hearing Christmas wishes outside the store while the children were still in their parents cars.  Curbside Service with a SMILE!  A color contest held most of the kids attention until the balloon artist arrived.  Balloons were the thing from 3-5 with twisting art that you couldn’t even begin to imagine.  Swords, Penguins, and even a fishing pole with a little fish attached were ordered by each child from a menu of balloon creations.  It was a BIG HIT!  Face painting ended the day, with Butterflies, Ladybugs, to Spiderman creations. 

Balloons anyone?

Santa waving the children in.

Rockelle decided she DID like Santa!

December is a busy month for most.  Full of Christmas songs, parties, and hustle and bustle.  Thank you Natchitoches community, for embracing Orange Leaf and taking time out of your busy schedule to include us in your day.  The Festival of Lights is a special event, but not nearly as special as the people that live there.  We are proud to be a part of your rich tradition!

Let's Celebrate!

When you think of December, CHRISTMAS usually comes to mind.  For us here at Orange Leaf Louisiana, it will be the season of GRAND OPENINGS!  We will start our month off with the Natchitoches Ribbon Cutting on Friday the 9th at 10am & Grand Opening Bash on Saturday the 10th which will be an ALL DAY AFFAIR!   Although the Festival of Lights is happening this weekend in Natchitoches, our little grand opening party might be thought of as small to a newcomer, but those that are in the FREAUX YEAUX know realize, our BASH's are anything but small!  We will hold facility tours after our Ribbon Cutting for those that might want to see behind the "Wizard" curtain!  At first glance, the nuts and bolts seem a little overwhelming with red & blue tubes going everywhere, but with careful attention to detail, our team can explain just how everything works!

Brad Lawrence, Tom Hagan,
and Shane Poole
 Opening Day in Natchitoches

On Saturday the 10th, there are so many things planned it's hard to know where to start!  Santa will be at the store from 11AM until 3PM to hear the children's wishes for Christmas.  From 3-5 PM, we will have a Balloon Twister to amuse young minds while they eat their Freaux Yeaux mix.  From 4-8PM, a face painter will be on deck to create art masterpieces on the children's (and Adults) faces!  All day events include: A Contest to win a KODAK PLAYSPORT CAMERA and a $50 and $25 Orange Leaf Gift Card serving as 2nd and 3rd prize. Guess the number of Jellybeans in the Jar and win a $10 gift card.  Guess the weight of your Freaux Yeaux and receive it free.  And to polish things off, a Coloring Contest with 5 age groups.  Each group will have one $10 Gift Card winner.  Grand Opening Cake from the Sugar Shack, and Cake Pops from Katie Bakes will be the perfect complement to your favorite Freaux Yeaux swirl!  Sounds like fun, right?

The very next weekend, we will hold our Mandeville Grand Opening Party.  Starting the weekend off with our Ribbon Cutting on Friday, December 16th, at 10am, we will have facility tours, Grand Opening Cupcakes from Cupcakes 'N Cream & Cake Pops from Katie Bakes, and our entire Orange Leaf LA team will be on hand to answer any questions and greet our guests before the doors open to the public at 11am.  That same day, we are participating in the St. Tammany Macaroni Kid Christmas Party at Mandeville Karate from 4-7PM.  We will be handing out 300-500 FREE 4 ounce Freaux Yeaux cups and also will have toppings to add as well.  Click this link if you would like to RSVP. St. Tammany Macaroni Kid Christmas Party

On Saturday, December 17th, we will hold our Grand Opening Party starting at 11am.  Like Natchitoches, we will be raffling the KODAK video camera and gift cards.  Also, the ALL DAY activities and prizes are the same.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand from 3-6:30 pm to twist balloons and paint your faces.  The MAIN Event will be the SAINTSATION appearance from 1-5 PM.  They will sign autographs and take a picture with you so make sure to bring your camera. We will also serve FREE Freaux Yeaux during their appearance.  YES, we said FREE!  If you haven't gotten the chance to swing by to taste it, here is your chance.  

So, like we said, Let's Celebrate!  Freaux Yeaux Style!  See you soon!