HOLIDAY 2021
MORGAN KIMBERLY
Custom Bridal and Formal Wear Intentionally designed for your sophisticated side with a touch of class and elegance, Morgan Kimberly offers one of a kind tailored pieces wearable for every special occasion Find us on Instagram
@morgankimberlydesigns Order your custom piece today
(301) 741-9374 morgankimberlydesigns@gmail.com
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HOLIDAY 2021
ON THE COVER
Model: Allie Abid
Photographer: Jonathon Peyton
20 Manoir 8 Jewelry by Rael Cohen 14 Exclusive Online Italian Luxury by Mozzafiato
30 Winter White
18 Stone Fox Gems
34 Plaid
28 Wearing Confidence
38 Travel to Kenya
WES BROWN Co-Host
Giving Voice to the Visual Arts
PHOTOGRAPHER
Apple Podcast
TODD PIERSON Co-Host PHOTOGRAPHER
@tenet — Subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts. www.tenetpodcast.com
Valentine Soiree 2nd annual
Feb 12, 2022 Denver, CO
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JOIN THE FUN valentinesoiree.com
JEWELRY
by
RAEL COHEN
Symbolism is the crux of connection. It is through symbols that we display our allegiances, values, and the sentiments of our lives. I created my jewelry line as a way for individuals to adorn themselves with symbols that they find resonance with. I began designing when I was about five years old, living in Belfast, ME, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature. I spent my time savoring the warm sun, the crisp snow, the drama of the seasons, and playing dress up. I was delighted by how putting on a different color of clothes, or changing my clip-on earrings could make me feel. At a fairly young age, I was addicted to the fun of fashion and its ability to transform how I felt.
As a young adult, I studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I found that my passion for design stemmed almost exclusively from a desire to express, to showcase those unique portions of a personality that can be translated visually. As my desire and career evolved, I found myself wanting to express concepts greater than just myself or my personal point of view. I began to travel, and to explore both the inner and outer landscapes of reality.
I spent seven years as a nomad, and I have traveled to many places; from prominent cities and towns of affluence, to places of heart-breaking poverty. I am continually learning from each place I visit, and each soul I meet. I find the experience of being alive continually mystical and breathtaking. The inspiration for my lines comes from my travels in both the physical and metaphysical realms. I love thinking about the spiraling Feng shui of the cosmos, the infinite beauty within a flower, the uplifting presence of a butterfly, or contemplating heady translation of the universal language
of mathematics. The jewelry I’m inspired to produce symbolizes the different facets of time, culture, creativity and consciousness. My hope is that by sharing these symbols, you will recognize a portion of your greater self within them, and that we will continue to take pause and appreciate the beauty of life that inspired them. Follow the beauty way.
MOZZAFIATO Rooted in Italy
Italy is a country full of sensory experiences – whether it’s the taste of a handmade pasta, the texture of a leather jacket, the historic sights, or the sounds of a vespa on a cobblestone street. I just had the opportunity to travel in Italy for three weeks, on my honeymoon, and I noticed each city had a unique smell. It’s difficult to put that smell into words, but I can describe one location without a doubt. The island of Capri, off the Amalfi coast, is a mix of salt, ocean, pine, citrus and florals. It’s a rocky island surrounded by aqua blue water, multi-million dollar yachts and a non-stop ferry
service bringing tourists ashore. When you arrive at the main port, you’ll walk up 921 steps to reach the city center – full of every designer store one could imagine. Past Prada, Gucci and Valentino is the real gem of the island, Carthusia, a perfumery soaked in history. The factory sits next door to the place where perfume was first invented by monks in 1380. At the time, the monks gathered flowers from around the Island in preparation for a queen’s visit. They soaked the flowers in water and noticed
the amazing aroma – perfume was born! Now over 600 years later, Carthusia’s scents are still inspired by this discovery in the monastery. Of course, they have evolved to many different scents, but the hand-crafted aspect and care I could see in all of the products – each and everything they sell is hand packaged. When I visited the factory, I had to buy some perfume myself, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever smelled before. I was also so drawn to the product because of the history and story behind it. That’s what so many new brands are trying to accomplish right now, telling the story behind their product or service. It’s not every brand that has centuries of history behind it, but in Italy, there are many stories just like this one. I feel lucky to have visited, touched, smelled and seen many of these artisans, but what if you don’t have the opportunity to travel? That’s where Denver-based company, Mozza-
fiato, comes in. The Italian word translates directly to breathtaking – and that’s what some of their products imported directly from Italy will do to your senses! Mozzafiato curates Italian products to transport you to a different place without having to physically travel there. The company describes their 17 brands as “carefully selected as an embodiment of incomparable Italian standard and sensibility.” Mozzafiato came to be last year and, fortunately, these brands were open to the idea and to being innovative, as everyone was impacted by the pandemic. Now the company’s CEO, Amy Parsons, is all in on growing Mozzafiato, and bringing a taste, feel, and smell of Italy to U.S. consumers. Whether that’s a home fragrance diffuser from Acqua dell’Elba, bath salts from Ortigia Sicilia, or beard balm from Proraso – over a dozen brands are on board to share their stories and products with a whole new audience. If you’re not sure where to start, Mozzafiato just launched their quarterly subscription boxes so you can sample beauty products for men and women, bath and body or even products for your home. Get ready to discover a centuries old brand for the first time and have you breath taken away by Mozzafiato!
STONE FOX GEMS
Colombian Emeralds .925 Silver
Aricanga Tourmaline .925 Silver
Ethiopian Opal with Citrine Gradient .925 Silver
Every stone has a purpose, the same way that every person has a purpose. When I make jewelry I let the crystal guide my creative process. I prefer to use precious metals to encase the gemstone, this makes for a truly valuable piece of art; the gemstones are protected and displayed all at once. The process of figuring out how to shape the metal is ancient, timeless and intuitive. I listen to the essence of the stone, the contours, the colors; everything that makes it brilliant and unique.
Ethiopian Opal, 4 Mint Tourmalines, Hessonite Garnet .925 Silver
I'm inspired by the story each stone tells, how far and long they travel to end up with me and then as a treasure for someone to adorn them self with. The one who wears the jewelry is destined to spend extended time with that particular gemstone, isn't that lovely? Energetically, there is lots of symbolism in the crystals we attract into our lives, and also those which we seek. Beyond the stones, I'm inspired by all the talented artists in my life, by my friends past and present who make life a grand adventure, by my fur babies who are bundles of joy, by nature with its purity. There is beauty all around us, in the silence, energies, thoughts and visions. Often times in a memory that makes us feel that zest for life! How do we capture a moment and encapsulate it in something everlasting? There are many ways, one way I do this is through making jewelry. Existence as human or as precious stone; both made of earth and stars sharing space in the same way. If you want to follow my journey with the crystals check out my instagram @StoneFoxGems
Ethiopian Opal .925 Silver
MANOIR
Our goal with Manoir was to create a nostalgic scenescape paired with an editorial feel showcasing the age of Charles Towne Landing (Charleston's oldest building) and beauty. My inspiration came from The Shining and The Secret Garden. I wanted to incorporate aspects of both while giving a youthful feel. Once we had been granted permission to shoot on location, our team set out to create something striking. We were able to swiftly shoot around most of the house, using lamps and natural light, plus an old television found in the attic for lighting. But upon arriving in the piano room, we were met with an unruly entity. We believe the late owner of the house did not enjoy us playing the piano. At quite a rapid pace, we experienced bumps, thuds, chairs moving, and doors slamming. Luckily, we'd caught everything we planned and quickly wrapped up inside. The second we stepped outside, there was an obvious lift of pressure and ease in tension. Overall, it was an amazing experience and the first time I've encountered anything of the sort. I'm excited to continue shooting in the historic buildings of Charleston. —Dalton Rock Barber
Photography: Dalton Rook Barber IG: @Rookbarber Hair/Makeup: Victoria Behrends Victoriaimage.net IG: @victoriaimage Email: victoriaimage1@gmail.com Models: Alexandra Bobey IG: @alexandra.ooo8 Shelby Stephens IG: @justshelbs_
SELF-CONFIDENCE by Jennifer Adamson
The Most Important Thing You Wear Isn’t Something You Can See
Photograph by Cassidy Malk / @badcassphotography
As a registered nurse and purpose coach, I have a surprising confession about something important being taught today in many nursing schools that the general public is likely not aware of: displaying confidence is essential. This turns out to be one of the most critical components of the curriculum in nursing academia, especially as many new nurses are about to enter the fray as frontline workers in a pandemic that continues to over burden hospitals nationwide. When I got accepted into the highly competitive nursing school, I almost fell out of my seat on the first day when my professor told us: “Fake it until you make it.” It seemed crazy for the professor to say something like that. Since the program was designed for those entering into nursing as a second career, most of the people there were former corporate leaders, attorneys and teachers. The fake-it attitude may work in the boardroom or classroom, but with people’s lives on the line in nursing, this advice initially felt reckless. The next day we were told to show up full throttle. We had our scrubs pressed and stethoscopes in hand at 6 am for our first simulation. Here we stood, a group of 20+ nursing students with varying degrees of leadership experience, totally panic-stricken! But that statement from the first day would prove to be a guiding light over the next year of nursing school. The first lesson was to learn how to take a manual blood pressure, and I could feel the tension in the room. Everyone’s hands, mine included, trembled when it was their turn to practice. Several were so scared they couldn’t hear through their stethoscopes. And with all that pressure, of course, everyone’s blood pressure was elevated that day. It was evident how much my class and I were wrestling with massive self-doubt, questioning if we were actually capable of becoming strong nurses who could save lives in emergency situations. I remember thinking, “What did I just get myself into?” As the weeks progressed on and my fellow classmates and I continued to stretch beyond our comfort zone, it became clear how important the “fake it until you make it” mindset actually was in developing our nursing skills. The educators provided the class with the knowledge we needed to practice safely; they worked fastidiously to develop us into the nurses that everyone looks to. Yet, it was up to us, as the students, to build a healthy dose of self-confidence. The growth of my confidence as a nurse served me well when I transitioned to my nursing practice with real patients in the hospital setting. Today, the “Fake it until you make it” attitude still holds true in my career as a frontline worker. Over time, I developed my own variation on the phrase; I prefer to say, “Be it until you become it.”
As a Charge Nurse on a Progressive Care Unit, my administrative leaders and staff look to me to coach nurses on how to access their inner confidence so they can become effective nurses. Rarely does a patient in the hospital ever feel comfortable with a nurse that carries themself with uncertainty. A nurse that is highly knowledgeable, but has shaky hands when trying to start an IV can quickly lose a patient’s trust. And once that trust is gone, it’s difficult to restore. This is why when I’m coaching nurses on how to be it until you become it. I start by addressing the nurse’s body language, along with their inner dialogue. How is he carrying himself? Is her head down and shoulders hunched over most of the time? What are they telling himself during a 12 hour shift? You’d be surprised to know that some of the nurses with the highest potential can be some of the most self-deprecating.
I developed my own maxim: “Be it until you become it.” These questions are all critical pieces to address in order preserve trust between a nurse and his/her patients. It is also the first step in a nurse becoming an effective practitioner. I teach these nurses that it’s okay to feign a little confidence when entering a patient’s room. It’s fine if they don’t have all the answers. And it’s safe for them to tell a patient, “I don’t know, but let me find out for you.” This guidance immediately takes the pressure off the nurse to perform perfectly. This concept of “be it until you become it” isn’t limited to just healthcare, though. It can apply to all walks of life, particularly when it comes to fashion and wanting to feel great when trying on a new style that feels unfamiliar at first. For example, I have a friend who embodies this saying. She exudes confidence no matter what she’s wearing. She can pull off any style at any time. She might have a full face of makeup and hair fully done, or she could be bare faced and lounging around. No matter the style of her clothes, she radiates unbounded beauty. The point here is that the truest essence of our beauty lies within and that begins with our confidence. No amount of designer fashion can look good on someone who isn’t comfortable in their own skin. It’s an inside job to achieve impeccable style. And the more in alignment you are with your true nature, the more beautiful you become.
WINTER WHITE Model: Jessica Giordino Photography: George Brown @reelnrawphotography
Fashion: Sketchy Thread Boutique @sketchythreadboutique
PLAID Photography: Jonathon Peyton jpeytonphotography.com Model: Allie Abid @mabidallie
KENYA
The Ultimate Safari by Michele Friedmann
A Kenya safari had been on my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. Ever since watching the Lion King, I dreamed of witnessing the Great Migration across Masai Mara. Home to Africa’s most iconic parks, game reserves and the famous Big Five, Kenya guarantees both diversity and breathtaking wildlife. When I heard September was an ideal time to witness one of the world’s natural wonders, and COVID rates were low, I jumped on the opportunity to visit! Giraffe Manor You never know if a place is going to live up to all the hype. Well…Giraffe Manor certainly does! I felt as though
I walked into the film Out of Africa, and I didn’t ever want to leave. Delightful courtyards, green gardens, sunny terraces and an elegant interior make up this boutique property. The best part however are the Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the grounds like they own the place. I was awoken at 6am my first morning by a hungry and sassy giraffe named Kelly. Kelly walked straight up to my porch and wasn’t shy about letting me know she was hungry! It was one of the most surreal moments of my life. I also enjoyed eating breakfast with these social giraffes who like to steal your food anytime you’re not paying attention. The food was delicious and the new addition consisting of a bar, additional rooms, and a beautiful pool is a real plus. If you’re hesitating on whether to add this to your itineraryhesitate no longer, it is absolutely worth it!
Emakoko I can’t think of a better way to kick-off your safari than staying in a lodge inside Nairobi National Park, which is filled with wildlife! Simply getting there was an adventure. We saw black rhinos and white rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and lions. In addition to amazing access to wildlife, you will also fall in love with the food. The eggs benedict is to die for! The owner, Anthony Childs, is in the Guinness book of world records for having a record-size spitting cobra. Don’t worry, I saw no snakes at the lodge! Loisaba Tented Camp & Starbeds I smile just thinking about this property. Perched on an escarpment, Loisaba Tented Camp offers sweeping views of Laikipia’s mottled landscape all the way to Mt Kenya. We wound up with our own private infinity pool and views for miles. I loved watching the giraffes and elephants grazing below. Spacious tents adorned with Africana furniture make you feel like you are in true Kenya. Our butler couldn’t have been sweeter- writing us handwritten notes each night before going to bed. On our game drives we spotted hippos, giraffes, elephants and finally- a leopard! Crossing off the Big 5 at last. Our guide was determined and clearly very passionate!
We enjoyed Sundowners in the evening and I loved the array of activities. We rode horses, took a safari on camelback, and even considered mountain biking. Sleeping under the stars in Loisaba Star Bed was an experience I will never forget. I can still picture my fantastic outdoor shower with direct views of elephants and giraffes playing at the waterhole nearby. I kept grabbing my binoculars- I didn’t want to miss the spectacle below! Thousands of stars adorned the night sky while I tried to sleep with the sounds of nearby animal noises and roars. Ernest Hemingway once said, “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and wasn’t happy.” Touché Hemingway, touché. Black Rhino Trekking & Saruni Samburu We tested our fate with black rhino trekking- which was both exhilarating and challenging. Spotters sit atop a large rock with binoculars and search for these nearly extinct animals. Once spotted, you start your trek to get closer and catch a glimpse of them. We didn’t have to hike far to see a family together! My favorite part however was getting close to the baby black Rhino and watching it play. A well-rounded safari trip must include some pampering along the way. Particularly after trekking for black rhino in the hot sun! And why not choose a spot with sweeping 360-degree views, private large villas and a free massage included? Our stay at Saruni Samburu was heavenly, and I savored the views from both pools. I woke up early to take in the sunrise over the “thumb.” This luxury resort is excellent for both families and honeymooners. Sarara Treetops As an adventure lover- I fell hard for this property! Perched on treetops overlooking the Mathews Mountain range and surrounded by wildlife roaming freely below you. It is no wonder National Geographic voted this retreat one of the most unique lodges in the world. I couldn’t get enough of the infinity pool and found myself constantly checking the nearby water-hole to count how many giraffes and elephants were drinking below. I lucked out and met new and extraordinary friends that happened to own a helicopter. Never once did a “helicopter safari” cross my
mind to add to the itinerary, but here we were gliding over the Seiya River on our way to Lake Logipi! As the helicopter dipped closer to the lake hundreds of flamingos flew away from us. It doesn’t get much cooler than that! By this point on the trip I was longing for some exercise- and fully enjoyed a sunrise hike up the mountain side located just feet away from the lodge. Retiti Elephant Sanctuary and Singing Wells Our next stop was Retiti Elephant Sanctuary where we watched the 9am elephant feeding. Witnessing these young orphans all sprint for their milk bottles while caretakers carefully fed them is the cutest thing I have ever seen! They do extraordinary work here and I’m inspired to get more involved. Afterwards, we visited Namunyak Singing Wells- which happens to be the only place on the planet to witness the local Samburu tradition. To keep their cattle nourished, the warriors will dig wells along the riverbed until they reach water. Throughout the process they sing in unison to keep the rhythm of the digging, and then stay in sync while passing the water up to their cattle. I enjoyed learning about the Samburu traditions and felt privileged our guides were so open to share about their culture!
Mara Bushtops Camp When I heard that Obama and his family had stayed at Mara Bushtops Camp- I knew it had to be special. And it didn’t disappoint! Situated alongside the Masai, this private oasis has everything you can imagine and more. Animals roam freely and the view from your abode goes on for days. Voted “best safari spa in Africa” I didn’t miss my chance to enjoy a massage- and wow it was spectacular! Serenaded with animal noises on all sides plus a spectacular masseuse- it was the perfect way to end a long day out on safari. But my all-time favorite part was the post-safari bubble bath with roses accompanied with the drink of the day that awaited me each afternoon. Honestly- that spoiled me for life. The Masai Mara is full of wildlife. We saw a dozen lions, a cheetah eating a hare, a momma and her baby leopard playing and the great migration of wildebeest and zebras! We took a hot air balloon ride that was unforgettable. I
couldn’t believe how much we spotted from the air- four cheetahs running, thousands of zebras migrating and elephants playing. Witnessing the sunrise over the Masai Mara was well worth the early wake-up call. To top off my already unreal experience – my guide drove me across the border into Tanzania one day to eat lunch, drink a beer and watch more of the wildebeest migration. It was only one afternoon, but it still counts. Country #62 I can’t wait to go back and explore further! It was tough to leave Kenya, but I know in my heart I’ll be back. I have a long list of things I want to experience next time around. They say East Africa is addicting- once you go you’ll want to return over and over again. Well, they are right! Kenya is beautiful, brave, wild, free, friendly, and unforgettable! I specialize in this part of the world. If you are looking to book an Africa Safari, email me: info@micheletravels.com