B3 Summer 2016

A Model Mom:

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Cynthia Bailey on Mentoring, Modeling and Mothering

Mini Models Do You Have A Model Child?

Summer Issue 2016 • Vol.2 Issue 2

J$700 • EC$16 • TT$40 • US$6 • £4

Kidspiration Meet These Kids Who Create, Design and Inspire!

Speak BEWARE! Words Have Power

THE CARIBBEAN'S PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE • WWW.B3CARIBBEANMAGAZINE.COM

Love is all you need.

Everything else is included.

JA M A I C A • A N T I G UA • SA I N T LU C I A • B A H A M AS • G R E N A DA • B A R B A D OS

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Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts.

SUMMER ISSUE 2016

BUMP 16 PICTURE PERFECT The Ladies Behind The Lens

24 MY BIRTH STORY One Mother’s Journey – Third Time’s the Charm

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26 MOTHER’S SIMPLE PLEASURES From One Mother to Another – Products Tried and Tested

30 COZI The App That Keeps Families Together

BABY 32 ANANCY VILLAGE AT HALF MOON A Taste of Jamaican Culture in Fine Old World Style

36 NATURAL CHILDHOOD A Chemical-Free Summer For Your Child To Enjoy

66 A Model Mom: COVER STORY

38 DOING DAD

Tarik Ffrench Creates Children’s Murals

40 7 MYTHS ABOUT NATURAL HAIR Debunking the Myths

Cynthia Bailey on Mentoring, Modeling and Mothering

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COMING SOON

SUMMER ISSUE 2016

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ON THE COVER Cover : Cynthia Bailey and daughter Noelle Photography: Dwayne Watkins

16 42 B3 BOOKS

80 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Featuring Great Caribbean Reads

Empowering Your Kids Through Food

46 SPEAK

84 BRESHEH BAGS

BEWARE! Words Have Power

Bags For All Occasions: Locally Created, Designed and Manufactured

BEYOND

Wardrobe : The Verda Collection (Cynthia and Noelle) Shot on Location: The W Hotel, Downtown New York

48 MINI MODELS Do You Have A Model Child?

58 KIDSPIRATION Meet These Kids Who Create, Design and Inspire!

62 GOOD FIT KIDS Fit Kids Are Hip

78 HEAVEN ON EARTH Meet This Great Teen On The Right Track

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Editor's Note

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met 9-year-old Natalia 2 days before our recent casting call.

I was entering the supermarket as she and her aunt were leaving and I immediately noticed her incredibly smooth dark skin and piercing eyes. I stopped the pair to tell them about a fantastic opportunity coming up - the Caribbean’s first all-children’s runway event and couldn’t help but notice her aunt’s mocking laugh and Natalia’s eyes focused on her feet. Neither of them believed that I meant what I said: “What a beautiful child!” But I did mean it.

Throughout the days leading up to Island Child Style, I encountered an overwhelming number of children from all walks of life who, though beautiful on the outside, lacked the confidence to step out, not hoping or wishing, but knowing that they would succeed.

There are so many forces at work today that make our job as parents more challenging. But the fact remains that it is our responsibility to equip our children with the tools they will later use to become successful – no matter what they choose to do in life.

In this issue, I had the pleasure of working with Cynthia Bailey, star of Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Atlanta and owner and founder of The Bailey Agency School of Fashion. Cynthia reminded me in both word and deed, just how powerful it is to believe in self. It’s not a one-time lesson, but rather something we have to constantly teach our children. My team and I had a wonderful time with Cynthia and her daughter Noelle in fabulous New York City and are happy to welcome them to Jamaica for Island Child Style! Check out our Model Mom cover story on page 66.

Today our children are free to make choices that were previously not accepted as mainstream. They are embracing responsibilities much earlier than we did making ‘kidtrepreneurs’ commonplace.

Our roles as involved parents raising a generation bolstered by a creative revolution, is even more critical as we guide them in the art of achieving their dreams.

We have spent the past few weeks getting to know almost 80 children who all form part of an amazing event! Island Child Style will define a regional children’s fashion industry like never before. The children have worked hard to overcome their initial fears and inhibitions.

Shyness has been replaced with courage and nervousness with calm. With all my heart I believe in empowering our children to be brave and bold because that’s where true beauty lies. At the end of the day, we will all discover that the most beautiful child is a confident child.

Enjoy… .

Editor-in-Chief

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Best.

ENSURING THE VERY Web: www.dwaynewatkins.com • Email: info@dwaynewatkins.com Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @TeamDWP

Boy O Boy Limited PUBLISHER Michelle Gordon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Dwayne Watkins PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Dwayne Jureidini ART DIRECTOR & LAYOUT ARTIST

Kimberley Dunkley SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Angelie Spencer FASHION EDITOR & STYLIST

Norma Williams CREATIVE CONSULTANT

Arlene L. Martin ASSISTANT EDITOR

Ayesha Barnett EDITOR'S ASSISTANT

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Contributing Writers Abigail Rowe, Alana Kirschner, Ayesha Barnett, Gayle Cunningham, Kristina Neil, Natalie Desnoes, Sara Conner

Copy Editor Danielle Leyow

Contributing Photographers: Dale Hines

Special thanks to Marie Panton, Vikhe Lewis, Tracey Kemble Leslie Peebles (W Hotel, Downtown NY), Norma Williams (Consultant, Dr. Paula Jackson (Consultant), Brandon Ferguson (Model Training Instructor), Angelie Spencer (Model Training Instructor), Deiwght Peters (Saint International), Steven Pottinger (Saint International), Cecile Levee (Model Search Selector), Akeem Mignott (Model Search Selector), Laura Redpath (Half Moon Resorts), Colwyn Henton (Caribbean Airlines), Jennifer Azan (Flirt Boutique)

Advertising Sales Jamaica and the Caribbean advertising@b3caribbeanmagazine.com Canada and the United States Leeanne Bayley-Hay b3magazineadvertising@gmail.com

Digital Newsstands www.issuu.com and www.ezinesreader.com

Copyright © 2016 Boy O Boy Limited. All rights reserved.

This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of Boy O Boy Ltd. For permission, please contact myboyoboy@gmail.com

Email: info@dwaynewatkins.com Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @TeamDWP

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“

YOU DON’T MAKE A PHOTOGRAPH JUST WITH A CAMERA.

YOU BRING TO THE ACT OF PHOTOGRAPHY ALL THE PICTURES YOU HAVE SEEN, THE BOOKS YOU HAVE READ, THE MUSIC YOU HAVE HEARD, THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE LOVED.” .

- Ansel Adams

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As the famous American photographer Ansel Adams quoted, photographs, good ones are the culmination of memories past. It is the essence of a moment, captured without uttering a word. As we experience what can only be described as a creative revolution,

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we find that our memories and moments are no longer just pictures but that photography now lends itself to careers and opportunities. In this issue, we have found 3 amazing photographers from 3 different cultures and backgrounds; Germany, New York and Jamaica, to share what they believe are the best tips when taking photographs and how photography has influenced their lives.

Emily Kornya Photo

Picture Perfect Ladies Behind the Lens

By Ayesha Barnett • Photos Contributed

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Emily Kornya .

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mily Kornya has been interested in both art and fashion for as many of her 23 years as she can remember. Photography though, is her personal favourite, giving her the opportunity to create stories makes people think, wonder, laugh or smile. “As a child, I would never just draw a picture of a house or a cat, I would draw a whole scene of people interacting, like I do typically with my photos.” Emily is originally from Toronto, but now lives near Munich, where she is making her name as a top children’s fashion photographer. She values her first experience in the children’s fashion world shooting for Smallish Magazine UK, and her first designer campaign for The Small Gatsby AW15.

What inspired you to start working specifically with children?

I love working with children because they are so creative, honest and playful. I love their spirit, its truly unique and really uplifting.

How do you find inspiration for each shoot and how do you transfer this across to your child models?

Typically my shoots are pretty simple. I love the look of kids playing on the beautiful European streets especially! I also love when there is an opportunity to shoot on a set or studio arranged by the designer, its fun to shoot in different spots with different looks, and themes! In each case, I just let the kids play and see where it goes!

Each time the results are different, as the kids have new experiences to share, or interact differently with certain kids. When its a more serious shoot, or one with one child I usually ask the child questions, or show them photos or videos on my phone to provoke a natural reaction from them, I love for kids to smile naturally, not forced or on cue.

What would you say is unique about shooting children?

What are Emily Kornya’s top 3 tips for parents who want to capture special moments?

My top 3 tips would be 1) use a real camera, not a phone or a tablet, if you want to seriously capture a beautiful photo and something to frame, or use in a Christmas card then you definitely want the photo to be of a good quality, everything looks better with a real camera. 2) Let your children play and explore their surroundings, they will look relaxed and you’ll get authentic emotions. 3) Don’t force them to do it and don’t force them to pose. Kids, especially the little ones enjoy the freedom of movement, and will respond to photos much better when its a fun activity. If your child really dislikes photos then try to capture them while they play and aren’t looking!

We believe the most beautiful child is a confident child, in your opinion, what makes a child beautiful?

I would say imagination; I think imagination is such a magical thing. And it is unique as well. I really find it beautiful when a child has a sweet personality and is just really kind. It shows in their pictures.

They are very fun! They are creative and happy to play, they are pretty easy going and don’t have demands on how they look, or worry if they look good or if their hair is perfect, like adults tend to worry more about. They are very happy and very uplifting, and usually don’t want to finish shooting, its all play for them, not like a ‘job’. I like that I get opportunity to be a role model to them because I remember how important older female figures were to me as a kid.

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Tiffany Lue-Yen .

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iffany Lue-Yen developed a love for photography when she was a young girl and decided unequivocally at the tender age of 16, that photography would be her career. She is a passionate and empathetic individual who gets great pleasure in creating beauty for others to enjoy. “I enjoyed collecting magazines, cd booklets and photos of celebrities when I was younger. I was attracted to the overall mood and essence of the images. Wanting to capture the spirit of my friends, family and now clients, has transformed itself in to a career in portrait photography.” For Tiffany, the emotion expressed by her clients, especially the parents of her young models, is positive indication that she has captured something special.

How do you find inspiration for each shoot and how do you transfer this across to your clients?

I find inspiration through my client’s personal style. Whether it is their clothing, the decor of their home or even their personality.

All those elements help to piece together an image that is a true reflection of their character.

What are Tiffany Lue-Yen's top 3 tips for parents who want to capture special moments?

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When taking photos, you should have at least one person behind the camera that your child is completely comfortable with and knows how to get them to smile.

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Have their favourite toy handy

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Be equipped with nice snacks or a meal if needed. A nourished/satisfied child is a happy child!

We believe the most beautiful child is a confident child, in your opinion as a photographer, what makes a child beautiful?

I agree that a child who is self assured, will in turn be comfortable being their true selves. Living an authentic life is key and if this is learnt at an early age, children grow up to be the amazing individuals they were meant to be. To me, that is beautiful.

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LIV TIERNAN

iv Tiernan’s love of photography was etched in stone from the first time she turned a roll of film into a strip of negatives and watched it come to life in the dark room. Liv is an observer and a storyteller whose stories are created by portraits and not words.

Liv’s photo sessions today are booked solid long before she even schedules one. With more than 10 years experience in digital photography, her schedule has her always shooting and continuously studying. “There is always more to learn, someone else to be inspired by and something new to capture. It is an endlessly fascinating medium and industry.”

How do you find inspiration for each shoot and how do you transfer this across to your clients?

I’m inspired by light, and by emotion. I need to connect with my clients in order to be able to capture them correctly, and I need to know how to style and set the session so that I can create their story. A photography session with me is a collaborative experience, customized for each client. I want each session to be unique to my client and their family.

Tell us about one of your most rewarding photoshoots, to date.

I always encourage parents (and grandparents, if present) to be in some portraits with the children. My usual pitch is to tell them that they do not need to do anything at all with the images, but at least they have them. I did a newborn session where I used this same explanation as a way of encouraging grandparents who had unexpectedly arrived at the home so that the grandfather, who had been receiving cancer treatment, could meet his new granddaughter, to be in a few portraits even though they had not planned on being photographed. About 3 months later I received an email from my client. It turns out that a few days after the session the grandfather became ill again and the grandchildren were not permitted to visit him in the hospital, so they surrounded him with the printed portraits from the newborn session so that his grandchildren could still be somehow present with him. My client wrote me to say “Little did we know then that your suggestion to get in the picture would turn into one of my most prized possessions. From the bottom of my heart thank you for capturing that moment in time.”

As a photographer I am allowed to create memories for a family that will last a lifetime. There is nothing more rewarding than that.

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My Birth Story

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By Alanna Kirschner

lanning the birth of my third child was not easy. One thing was for sure, I knew what I didn’t want; a repeat C-section. They say once a C-section, always a C-section, but I just couldn’t imagine going through the process and the down time again. I really wanted to have the experience that I had for the birth of my first child.

It was a midwife-assisted water birth in a hospital facility in Switzerland. Being that I no longer live in Europe and the time and financial output to birth my daughter there would be unreasonable, I had to find a way to emulate the same scenario here in Jamaica – a country where traditional hospital births are more commonplace than not.

As chance meeting would have it, I met a midwife named Tioma through a doula that I knew. We discussed my options. Initially, we made an arrangement with a hospital to have the midwife present at the hospital with a tub for a water birth.

However as the time drew closer to my due date and a bacterial outbreak in NICUs came to light, we decided to try for a home water birth instead. Even though I’m a “high risk” mother due to my being over 40; a previous C-section plus I had a blood clotting disorder, both Tioma and I were content with this scenario.

As it turns out, we made the best decision. My water broke and no strong contractions came until 2 days later. Day three brought progress, albeit very slow.

Apparently, there was no hurry. My body and baby were taking their own sweet time! Much later into the third day I started to panic, as it seemed that the labor halted.

I no longer had contractions. In utter despair I felt that I might still have to undergo a C-section. I felt so defeated but I refused to give up. We checked the baby’s heart rate with the portable monitor. It was faint and .

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difficult to find.

This turned out to be the answer as to why the contractions had stopped.

She had turned herself around and was no longer applying pressure. By simply assuming a particular position, we were able to urge the baby to move back into position. Within minutes, hard labor set in and I thought about how handy an epidural would have been! Needless to say, all went extremely well and we had a healthy, successful home birth.

The satisfaction and pride that I felt cannot be expressed in words. To be in my own comfort zone, to scream into my own pillow and to move about as needed was amazing. Without the incredible knowledge that a midwife can offer I would have succumbed to another C-section.

The preference to birth at home has steadily increased and has recently come to its highest point over the last 40 years according to U.S. studies. For further information, or to locate a midwife or doula, please contact Tioma Allison at 466 7555, email Meskhenet.tioma@gmail.com

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Bump If you get to know me, you’ll learn quickly that I’m a big advocate for Me Time, Mommy Time… any time for us mothers that gives us the space to e-x-h-a-l-e. It’s our time to put us first, if only for a few moments. Let’s face it, when mommy is happy, the entire family is happy. My disclaimer here is that I really do try all the products that I review and I genuinely like them! If a product or service featured here is not available in-stores in the Caribbean, they’ll be available online for sure. Here, I share some of the little niceties that make my busy, often-complicated life, a little .

simpler.

Mother’s Simple Pleasures LUX MAMA Though I wish I did, I don’t have time for long ‘drawn’ baths over-flowing with bubbles, lit scented candles and therapeutic bath salts. I mean which Mom does? And I am pretty oldfashioned when it comes to bath time. I’m a bar soap-bather and while my soap must be more refreshing than sweet, the most important factor for me is that squeaky-clean, yet soft feeling left on my skin when I’m done.

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Bump YOU ARE LOVED GIFT SET BY OLIVINE The owner of Olivine makes perfumes simply because she loves the way it makes her feel when she puts it on...Sexy, Vibrant, Sassy, Alluring, Confident and Happy. Well Julie, I concur! Their new body mist gift set, is a delicate combination of long-lasting freshness after a cool summer bath, memories past and memories to be made.

Olivine is love and life in a bottle. www.olivine.com, $26

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BLUSH CRUSH You could be using the best makeup in the world, and applying it to the most perfect skin ever, but every professional makeup artist knows if your tools aren’t up to scratch, then all your efforts will be in vain. I fell in love with the softest, yet firmest brushes from L’Eclisse.

I’m not a stickler for natural-fiber brushes, but L’Eclisse brushes are vegan-approved - so these 100% premium synthetic fibers are perfectly fine for anyone to use.

It’s very important to me that the products I use are ‘cruelty-free’, this means these amazing brushes are not only soft to the touch, but harmless to nature. www.leclissecosmetic.com, $155

YUM Probably my most recent and exciting simple pleasure, came out of Jamaica’s very own first subscription box. A most indulgent tropical treat is the Yum Skin Snacks, Coconut Jelly Moisturizing Face Serum! A mouthful (I know), but oh-so-worth-it. Made with all-natural ingredients, this Aloe Vera-Coconut serum is bursting with the best nutrients to revitalize and nourish our sun-drenched skin. www.yumskinsnacks.com 1oz $3 or 2oz $5

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Editor's NFF (New Found Favourite)

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Cozi

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f you’re a parent in 2016, then chances are that at some point in time, you’ve struggled with balancing work, family and your personal lifestyle. From meetings to school timetables to activities, appointments and every other aspect of your family’s life - making it all run like a well-greased machine can be challenging. We’ve all bought diaries and planners too numerous to mention and I know many mothers who have written more Post-its notes than they care to remember, but somehow, we’re yet to feel like we’ve got a firm hand on this scheduling thing. Until now… I found Cozi!

Cozi is the leading digital organizer for families and includes a shared calendar, shopping lists, to do lists, recipe box, and journal so everyone can see each other’s activities, chores, and more in real-time. It also sends reminders and an automated agenda for the upcoming week to any family member. Most importantly, Cozi is FREE and available on every platform: iPhone/iPad, Android phone/ tablet, Windows phone/tablet, PC, and Mac. No matter where or how family members access Cozi – they’ll always be looking at the same information.

Cozi has a 4.5 star rating in iTunes and Google Play and is consistently named a top app for moms and families. Visit Cozi.com or search for Cozi in your favorite app store.

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COZI FEATURES INCLUDE: ˏˏ

Family Calendar: An easy to use color-coded calendar, view an individual's schedule or the whole family at once. Get reminders so no one misses an important appointment and get an automated agenda for the upcoming week emailed to any family member.

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Shopping Lists: A real-time grocery list the whole family can access. See items added by other family members when you›re on the go, no more coming home with everything but the one thing you really needed.

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To Do Lists: Create as many lists as you want accessible anytime, anywhere. A shared to do list, honey do list, chore list for the kids, emergency supplies, packing lists, and more.

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Recipe Box: Store all your recipes in one easy-to-access place.

Add ingredients from your recipes to your Cozi shopping list with one click.

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Family Journal: Designed especially for busy moms and dads, Cozi’s journal makes it quick and easy to keep favorite memories you don’t want to forget.

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Baby b3ESCAPES

Anancy Children’ s Village at Half Moon Resort .

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he art of storytelling transcends time and place, creed and culture. When a child’s mind is opened to the thrill of an interesting and exciting journey, the wheels of creativity begin to turn.

For hundreds of young guests at Montego Bay’s Half Moon Resort, this storytelling journey comes to life at the Anancy Children’s Village, through the tales of Brer Anancy – a legendary character whose antics and escapades have captivated the

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minds of children (and adults) for generations. Under the guidance of certified childcare staff, children from all over the world learn about the exploits of Anancy and his pals Brer Rabbit, Tacoomah, Brer Goat, Brer Tiger and Brer Cow, or they make up their own! If your stay at Half Moon falls on a local holiday, Anancy himself may even pop in for a surprise for the little ones.

Half Moon’s ode to the strength and influence of Jamaican folklore is evidenced by the naming of their children’s activity centre in honour of this fictitious icon. Legendary tales of his wit leave Jamaica and travel the globe, continuing to excite

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the imaginations of the children who hear them. The Anancy Children’s Village is modeled after the village concept of rural Jamaica – a staple in the Jamaican country lifestyle, where the village remains a wholesome foundation that contributes to the collective well being of the child. The 22,000 sq. foot village features a craft centre, as well as 6 other buildings with age-relevant activities targeted to children ages 3 – 12.

Half Moon ensures that while parents do the things that parents do on vacation, their children are free to do the same. Your stay at one of Jamaica’s most venerable resort properties takes you

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to a place where old world charm reigns supreme and modern day amenities simply enhance the experience. V.I.L.P.S. (Very Important Little People Service) offer extra special attention for children where service is personalized and your child is treated like royalty.

The Hype Zone for the bigger children is cool…if you know what I mean. It’s designed for teens whose interests are more mature and include activities like movie and disco nights, organized sporting events, and age-appropriate spa services.

However, you know you’ve found a gem when playing video

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games is trumped by the thrill of a bicycle ride or a swim with the dolphins. The sense of freedom that a child experiences knowing that they are free to explore the vast property is bolstered because they also know that they are safe. The squeal of a child high on a swing, the satisfaction of a successful treasure hunt or the gentle rhythm of your horse in canter, are all icing on the top of this proverbial vacation cake!

“Anancy has played a significant role in Jamaican culture – children grow up hearing about Anancy and apart from being entertained, they learn important life lessons through his adventures. Half Moon celebrates Jamaica and the long-standing tradition of oral story-telling by sharing this wonderful experience with our guests from all over the world”, says Shernette Crichton, Director of Resort Operations.

Half Moon is located on 400 beautifully-manicured acres and features a two mile, white sand beach, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 10-hole golf course, renowned golf academy, luxury accommodation including suites, cottages and staffed villas, 13 floodlit tennis courts, equestrian centre, an exclusive dolphin lagoon, fitness centre, spinning studio, several swimming pools, the Anancy Children’s Centre, numerous water sports, bars and restaurants. #HalfMoonResorts @HalfMoonJamaica For more information visit www.halfmoon.com

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Natural Childhood Summer is upon us once again, which probably means the children will be outside having more fun and soaking up more sun. It’s easier than you think to keep them hydrated and cool without the introduction of chemicals and skin irritants. .

Mother Nature herself offers us plenty of natural solutions that are readily accessible, easy to use

SHADE

and extremely cost effective.

Wherever you go, look for a sweet spot of shade where you and your child can seek refuge from the pelting rays.

ALOE VERA The ultimate cooling agent on overexposed or burned skin.

Just cut a leaf lengthwise and apply the gel to the surface.

WATER Drink up. It’s that simple.

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BABYGANICS The power of natural essential aromatic oils (citronella, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass, geranium) keeps babies safe and free - this blend of oils smells pungent to insects!

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MINT Try infusing a few mint leaves or peppermint essential oils into a spray bottle of water and spritz as needed. The mint can ‘trick’ our skin’s nerve receptors into feeling chilled.

MOGI MOUSSE With raw African Shea butter as the main ingredient this buttery cream is high in fatty acids, protecting the skin from environmental and freeradical damage. Mogi Mousse is completely free of chemical processing offering an all-natural, vegan skincare line perfect for your child’s tender skin.

Doing DAD! T

arik Ffrench is an artist whose daytime job as graphic designer helps him express himself digitally, while his hobby as a muralist gives him the freedom to express himself on a larger scale. He’s naturally imaginative, so when his daughter was born five years ago, his inspiration to create grew even stronger. Tarik started turning walls into canvasses after his first mural was a huge hit with not just his daughter, but also for everyone who saw it.

“After doing Layla’s mural and then needing storage for all her toys, I saw a perfect opportunity to start a business for hand crafted, practical and creative elements that all factor into a child’s life. As an artist who’s trying to get recognized, this has become the perfect “stepping stone to realizing other artistic dreams.”

Tarik Ffrench creates murals, custom children’s furniture and toy boxes. If you’re looking for long-lasting gifts that endure, give Tarik a call. 876-533-8557 or email him at tarikffrench@gmail.com

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Myths About Natural Black Hair

by Ayesha Barnett here has been a hair revolution recently; a movement of sorts to have women wear their naturally amazing tresses freely and authentically. This movement has brought with it some less than accurate truths about black hair, and by black hair we mean kinky hair. The term “kinky” refers to tightly coiled, thick tresses often categorized in the hair industry as 4B or 4C hair. Though the standards may differ for everyone, here are some common misconceptions about this texture hair.

MYTH 1:

Natural Hair Is Healthier Than Relaxed Black Hair.

Properly maintained hair is the only form of healthy hair! Relaxed and natural hair can suffer from breakage if not properly cared and maintained.

MYTH 2:

Natural Hair Care is Cheaper To Maintain Than Relaxed Hair.

Hair care can get expensive! Period. Regardless of whether you are purchasing natural hair care products or products for relaxed hair, the same effort is required. And that bill can get pricey.

MYTH 3:

Black Hair is Hard to Manage.

As with anything, knowledge is power. Once you learn the dynamics of your particular hair type and what products and styles promote healthy hair growth, it becomes easier.

MYTH 5:

grease products are made up of artificial ingredients such as petroleum and mineral oils which may clog your scalp. Water based moisturizers are great for the penetration of black hair and natural oils such as coconut oil and shea butter are great for sealing in moisture.

MYTH 6:

Black Hair Grows Slow or Not At All. “People assume that because my hair is kinky rather than curly or coily, it doesn’t grow.” Fact: Black Hair grows an average of 1/2 an inch every month or 6-inches a year like every other race. There is no genetic difference which makes one type grow faster. It all comes down to proper hair care and maintenance.

MYTH 7:

Natural Hair Means You Are Making a Political Statement or You’re a Feminist.

Nope! I just can’t be bothered with relaxers anymore.

Grease Is the Best Moisturizer For My Scalp.

False! The best moisturizer for black hair is actually water. Most

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Expectations & Answers Maternity Seminar

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3 10 17 24

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Ultra Mom Morning Hospital Visit Parent’s Date Night

Baby

B3 Books .

Magnus The Mongoose

Written by Alison and Anieph Latchman and illustrated

by Marlo Scott ere in the Caribbean, the mongoose is a mischievous little creature that disappears as quickly as it appears. For writers Alison and Anieph Latchman, Magnus is the lead character in the book series for children aged 4-6 years. He is the creative manifestation of true Caribbean childhood adventure filled with culture, discovery and real pickney fun!

The characters represent the diversity of the region while addressing relevant topics for children. The first in the series Magnus the Mongoose Meets New Friends, speaks to the dangers of going off with strangers, while the upcoming book Magnus the Mongoose and the Litter Cow, will address the issue of littering.

H

www.magnusthemongoose.com

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Baby

B3 Books continued...

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“Please Don’t Touch My Tomato!” and “Please Don’t Touch My Banana!”

Written by Cecile Levee and illustrated

by Rorie Atkinson

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hose two exclamations used as titles for cutely illustrated books had my six year old tickled with curiosity. She was enthralled by the sweet imagery of the cute girl tomato and then intrigued by their message.

“Please Don’t Touch My Tomato” and its male counterpart “Please Don’t Touch My Banana” cleverly broaches to children (and their parents) the sticky subject of who has permission to touch children’s private parts. A Caribbean spin on good touch, bad touch, which will help parents to open the lines of communication with their children about this subject.

Cecile Levee does an excellent job of pointing out to little ones all their parts. They are reminded that they have a say in who sees and/or touches them. The book speaks about persons who may feel they are entitled to see or touch those ‘tomatoes or bananas’ and it discusses the situations in which they may find themselves. Both books help boys and girls with the ‘NO’ and what to do after they have said NO. ‘Please Don’t Touch My Tomato!” and ‘Please Don’t Touch My Banana’ are a must read. www.cecileleveesays.com

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Baby

K A E SP

By Sara C

on ner

Warning. What you are about to read will change your life. This is neither an idle suggestion nor an empty promise. I’ve never been more serious. If internalized, you have the power to change your life and the lives of your children immediately with this one principle. As children we sang this song: Be careful little mouth what you say Be careful little mouth what you say For there’s a Father up above Looking down in tender love So be careful little mouth what you say .

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e also teased each other and in defending ourselves shot back nonchalantly, “Sticks and bones may break my bones but words will never hurt me, when I’m dead and in my grave then you will be sorry.” I don’t even get the last part – did it mean I planned on haunting the person? But I certainly said the first part with conviction trying to soothe myself from the preceding shame or embarrassment. But they did hurt.

The words. They still hurt. Those words. Spoken by friends, foes, teachers, parents and strangers. Words of annoyance “go find something to do, get out of big people business.” Words of shame, “You stupid child.” Words of manipulation and fear, “...

If you ever do that you see, I will…” Words.

We toss them around and shoot them off, not realizing the poisoned arrows of negativity spread like an unwanted cancer and show up years later in unruly behavior, self-loathing and lack of motivation. Once a child begins to absorb the words spoken to them, at them and over them, it is only a matter of time before they believe them and begin to rehearse them to themselves.

Words. They create. They create fights. They create treaties, compromise, kingdoms, divorces, confidence, fear, motivation and results. That’s the thing. Words are creative – positive or negative they will create whatever you say. They hold within themselves the POWER to yield results.

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The Japanese Scientist Masaru Emoto’s study on the effects of words on water found that water retains memory within its molecules and shows its effects when frozen. Words such as “love” and “gratitude” created the most stunning bursts, while “hate” formed harsh jagged crystals. Well, we are made of about 70% water, so it stands to reason the impact that words have on us. What smooth, beautiful effects or ragged impacts are we having on our children? The Bible has long stated this idea in 2 Corinthians 4:13 “It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak. Words are evidence of our faith. They are agents of change. They create images and define futures. So yes, words hurt but they also heal. arents ask me all the time the secret to my children being obedient. The trick is to getting them socially conscious, personally responsible and generous. My husband and I speak to them about who they are, the fact that they have a purpose, the character we desire to see and the potential that is within them.

We have a confession written on their mirrors they recite before going to school. A declaration before they lay down at night. They believe what we say because we are the authority figures in their lives. We hold the sword of power. We can yell and find fault. We can scream about what they are not doing. Belittle and embarrass them into subjection, but that’s just exhausting to me. It is just as easy to speak to their potential and confirm their worth. I am not exempting discipline - I am encouraging discussion on destiny.

My six year olds’ before-school-confession: I am smart, I am strong, I am compassionate. I love learning. I love doing the right thing. While at nighttime he says: I have a great purpose, I choose wisely, I have good sleep, I praise God with my life.

When he does something wrong I say, “Your choice was below your intelligence, so now your consequence will meet the ignorance you displayed”. Yes, I speak just like that.

Why? Why not? I believe I am speaking with a brilliant person so through my conversation, I validate my belief in him and in turn, he believes himself brilliant enough to understand.

I am not perfect. I do my own share of out of control yelling and frustration but it is much smaller than my efforts to build up.

If you understand every time you speak to yourself or your child you sling a rock to crush or a brick to build, we will be more selective. If this really gets in your heart, we won’t be so random in our speaking. I really could make this a funny article, but this is a principle that can’t be taken lightly. We all know the feelings of shame we endured when our parents blasted us, yet we do little to change that. We think to ourselves, we survived it we are

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fine – but are we really? How is communication in our marriage?

Why do we walk off the job so easily, withdraw from the friendship, doubt ourselves, wonder who is talking about us and try to please everyone?

We swallowed whole, the words of acceptance, affection, affirmation and assurance that we needed. And in its place, we heard how big our bottoms were, how hard our hair was to comb, how dirty our face was, bent our legs seemed, poorly cleaned our rooms looked. We were laughed at through puberty, ignored when we had school problems, spanked when the grades weren’t right – words – yes we have had a lot of WORDS just not enough of the right ones. mothered the way I was mothered – with a strict hand, a firm mouth and a critical eye. When my daughter was in the second grade I realized this way of berating and intimidating wasn’t sensible. I began to change my words to her and she rose to the occasion. I am so proud of the woman she is becoming.

She runs her own charity for students, leads worship in our church, excels in her class, knows her purpose, chooses great friends, maintains purity and is focused. I think if I had said “you’re good for nothing” nothing good would have come but instead I chose to say, “I’m so blessed I get to be your parent, you are so amazing, the big things you have ahead of you are incredible. I love how you love to work, I admire your compassion, I respect your choices in friends, you are so beautiful and I am proud of who you are.”

I hope this makes sense. If you have a history of negativity and faultfinding, just apologize. Say, “I know I am tough on you and have said things that make you feel you’re not good enough. For that I am sorry and I am working on fixing that.”

I

.

HERE ARE SOME STARTERS IF YOU’RE A LITTLE TONGUE-TIED: I love when you …..

You are so good at ….

I am impressed by ….

You make me proud when ….

My life is better because you …

THINGS YOU CAN NOTICE AND VALIDATE: ˏˏ When they are polite to someone. “I saw when you let her go first, that was really good.” ˏˏ When they are courageous in making a good choice. “You could have chosen to lie and you didn’t, that’s my girl / boy.” ˏˏ When they do what you asked them without a fuss. “Thank you for obeying on the first try, I noticed that.” ˏˏ When they learn from a mistake. “You are so brave, I really admire how you didn’t let it stop you from trying again.” ˏˏ When they do their best. “I know you made your best effort, that’s awesome.” If they failed something add, “Let me see how we can do this together.”

Your child is wired to maximize their potential. Remember water responds to voice. Vocal power can change the world. Let’s begin by changing the ones in which we have the most influence. @pastorsara

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Beyond

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Mini Models .

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by Abigail Rowe • Photography: Dwayne Watkins Styling and Makeup: Angelie Spencer

Beyond

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E

very mother believes her child is special.

Each child is unique and individually gifted, but is your child meant for the spotlight? We’re talking about the spotlight other than the one on the end of your camera at home where Mommy and Daddy proudly cheer on their little superstar. Let’s take a look at the process of creating a mini model.

The first question that begs to be asked and answered is “does my child want to model, or do I?” Many parents live vicariously through their children and in the case of having your child fulfill your dreams; this is often the source of resentment and disappointment in both parent and child. So be honest with yourself and true to your child.

CONFIDENCE CREATION 101

Going to an audition can be intimidating for anyone, and even more so for a child.

Having to stand and speak in front of a group of unfamiliar faces can reverse all the practice sessions you have endured with your child at home. But it’s par for the course. They have to master this first step in order to make it to the next. Simple confidence builders can include letting your child do some of the things that you automatically do for them; place their own order at a restaurant, tell the doctor how they feel and ask the store attendant where the bathroom is. You’d be surprised how these small acts help to reduce their fear of interacting with others. Start early and you’ll reap early results.

WORK, WORK, WORK… ETHIC

Though your child may think this is all fun and games, they can also develop meaningful skills. Listening to and following instructions given to them by a grown-up other than a parent is important in helping them to learn from different sources. They’ll learn how to be on time, work hard and interact well with other children; valuable life skills that are best learned from an early age.

GREAT REWARDS

Children receive compensation for jobs depending on a variety of factors ranging from clients with big budgets to pay handsome cheques, to smaller businesses that may only offer products and or services in lieu of cash. Once your child starts ‘working’ you should definitely open a savings account for them. This can give you and them the opportunity to learn about saving and using money and it can also serve as a way in securing their future. So, if you have a budding lawyer or doctor on your hands, at least you’d have had some money saved up for their tuition-with a little help from them!

“MODELING IS AN INCREDIBLE JOB FOR A GIRL IF SHE APPROACHES IT WITH HER HEAD ON HER SHOULDERS. YOU TRAVEL, YOU SPEAK TO PEOPLE AND IT OPENS YOUR MIND TO DIFFERENT THINGS.” - Anja Rubik

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Mini model hopefuls: Back row, left to right: Bethany Hill, Breanna Campbell, Ajeda Thomas, Ella McConnell, Kailen-Jade Wiggan and Sadhbh Delves Front row, left to right: Jah Chrisi Beadle, Chelsea Wright, Emily Black and Cai Roberts

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Beyond

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If you decide to have your child enter the modeling scene, here are a few things to consider:

BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING.

Get some basic, but nice photos taken. Don’t spend tons of money on this part of the process. Not yet, at least. How your child photographs is not just about how cute they look on your phone camera. There’s no doubt that your child is the most adorable out there but there are some agencies that aren’t totally hung up on outstanding looks.

They look for children who ooze charisma and are able to adapt well to different circumstances. Agencies aren’t always looking for the most picture-perfect child.

FIND A REPUTABLE AGENCY.

“GIRLS OF ALL KINDS CAN BE BEAUTIFUL – FROM THE THIN, PLUS-SIZED, SHORT, VERY TALL EBONY TO PORCELAINSKINNED, THE QUIRKY, CLUMSY, SHY, OUTGOING, AND ALL IN BETWEEN” - Tyra Banks

Modeling agencies that work specifically with children in the Caribbean are few and far between. Check around though, because there are several smaller companies that

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CREATING CONTENT THAT CONNECTS

A GAME CHANGER IN ADVERTISING, PUBLISHING, CREATIVE EDUCATION AND TV & FILM PRODUCTION. WWW.JOINEMEDIA.COM

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BUILT ON

CREATIVITY

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TECHNOLOGY

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Beyond

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offer representational services. The market for child model placement is significantly smaller in this region, but the small global community provided by the Internet has eliminated such barriers. Be aware of illegitimate proposals that are often identified by exorbitant commission rates and requests for early payment.

BE REALISTIC.

“Your child can be very beautiful, very handsome, and still not be model material.

Height, weight, bone structure, skin texture, teeth, and hair all play a major role.

Esthetically the standards are high, and it is almost impossible to have the entire package,” shares Cynthia Bailey, owner of The Bailey Agency School of Fashion in Atlanta. “The industry has set guidelines, but be sure your child KNOWS that acceptance or rejection in the modeling industry does not define their beauty or their worth.”

Interested? Then get on it! Do your research, find the right agency for you and your child, get ready to run from one audition to the next and remember, this should be fun for your child!

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Beyond

Kidspiration

By Kristina Neil

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Solae and Sahai Panton

After meeting Solae and Sahai Panton, I’ve decided that a more stylish pairs of sisters has yet to emerge. They are 8 and 9 years old, so how is it possible for them to even know style, you ask? Well, the chips don’t fall far from the block, and further reiterating one of my fundamental beliefs that children live what they learn. Their mother Aiesha is an artiste who sees life through style-infused lens.

“My girls are true thinkers who don’t depend on outside opinions to form theirs. They take their cues from the little things and the big things around them and filter them with a unique mix of brighteyed optimism and unadulterated genius of a child. I love that about them. They are among my greatest teachers!”

Solae and Sahai are a dynamic duo clearly demonstrating that artistic expression not just an act, but a way of life. They have been styling their dolls and themselves with pieces from their mother’s wardrobe since they were 2 and 3. Now even before they enter double digits Solae and Sahai are ready to launch SolSai, their first clothing line. Their collection #hashtag hits the runway with whimsical and edgy clothing for the rocker in every kid!

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Beyond

Raina Vaz

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8-year-old Raina Vaz, the creative force behind Diva Designs by Raina always knew she had a passion for ‘anything fashion’. From make-up to wardrobe and styling, she never missed the opportunity to give her friends and family styling tips. But there is a root; Raina’s grandmother was once a belle in Jamaica’s fashion industry. If you’ve ever heard of Soni Vaz, then you would know one of the sources of Raina’s artistic and entrepreneurial influence. With her degree in hand from New York’s established Fashion Institute of Technology, Sonia Vaz built an empire on beautiful Jamaican swimwear and was even featured in a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. So with her collection Diva Designs by Raina, Raina is ready to show Caribbean children just how stylish they can be for any occasion!

Island Child Style is gearing up to fill a longstanding gap in the children’s fashion industry by hosting this event designed specifically for kids. With several fashion designers launching their children’s collections on the runway, Island Child Style will revolutionize the way we see fashion. Embarking on the journey of the very first children’s runway event, Island Child Style takes kid designers Solae and Sahai Panton and Raina Vaz along for the ride. Both SolSai and Diva Designs by Raina are excited to bring their own brand of sass and flair to the world of children’s fashion!

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DO MORE Go Digital With Website Development

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Reach more of your target audience, in more places, more often on custom networks through effective targeting with The Google Display Network.

Our Digital advertising solutions provide you with measurable performance and maximized results.

Experience unmatched reach, real results and value for your advertising dollar with Jamaica Yellow Pages today.

Call our Sales Department at 936-3940.

• Search Engine Marketing and Google Adwords S•U Enhanced MMER 2016 Profile Pages

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Beyond

Good Fit Kids

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By Natalie Desnoes, Jamaica

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tatistics now show that more than one-third of children in the Caribbean are overweight or obese.

The average child spends more 6 hours a day either sitting or reclining; this includes TV/ internet, video games and homework. Without outdoor activities or sports to balance this sedentary life, these children are at risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

As they get older it can be a challenge for kids to get enough daily activity especially if they have not developed the habit of being active. Reasons for a lack of physical activity include increasing demands of school; the perception that they are not good at sports, a lack of active

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role models, and busy working families where physical activity is not promoted or prioritized.

It hardly bears mentioning the fact that physical activity is very important to children physically, mentally, and psychologically. But if we look at some of these benefits we might realize how important it is to make the effort to break the habit of inactivity.

BENEFITS

When kids are active in casual or organized sports or play, their bodies become able to do the things they want and need them to do now, and later in life. They become less injury prone, heal faster, and have more active brains.

Regular exercise creates strong muscles and bones, greater flexibility and weight control, increased levels of endorphins which make kids feel good about

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Beyond themselves, decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, resilience to certain allergies and infections, better sleep and a better overall outlook on life.

Because of increased brain activity, healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert and successful. They are more likely to develop long lasting social skills and less likely to suffer from depression. Physical competence builds self-esteem at every age.

HOW DO WE MOTIVATE OUR KIDS?

It is our job as parents, coaches, teachers and caregivers to motivate the kids in our circles to be physically active. This can be challenging, especially for parents who must endure increasingly busy lifestyles to keep pace with society. However, it is not impossible. Of course you can Google how to motivate your kids to exercise, but you’re probably better off following some basic principles to achieve your goals.

First, be committed. Realize that in all likelihood, if your child hasn’t shown the natural propensity for exercise yet, it means it’s going to take some effort and consistency on your part. ˏˏ Talk to them about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating ˏˏ Explain how the body works and exercise helps ˏˏ Set an example - children naturally mimic their parents ˏˏ Praise and encourage even thwwe smallest goals met: a faster time, a higher jump or simply great sportsmanship or joining in. This will boost their self-esteem and they will want to continue. Where there are no measurable improvements, praise the effort and encourage them to keep trying.

The most effective tool in your kit will probably be to set an example. Children naturally mimic their parents. If you truly believe in the benefits of physical activity, make the lifestyle change.. Play sports with your kids, and let them see you playing sports with your friends, exercise with them or take them to your workouts. They are likely to follow your example.

Start NOW and make if FUN! Classes are held daily from 4-5pm at the Football Factory in Kingston.

6-8 year-olds on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 10 year-olds and up on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Drop in class $1500.00, Term of 10 weeks: $12,000.00 per term for one class a week, $24,000.00 for 2 classes per week GoodFit Kids is an after-school fitness program and Summer Camp, designed to teach children how to be healthy and responsible about fitness from a young age. . GoodFit offers a fun fitness program which builds endurance, agility, balance, hand eye coordination, strength, sportsmanship and team building skills using various different drills, games and equipment Contact Natalie Desnoes for more information. 276 9038 or email ndesnoes@hotmail.com

.

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Pick only the most Nutritious for your baby It’s natural to give your baby the best.

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GERBER® Baby Food Purees are made with real fruits & vegetables which are carefully selected to meet GERBER® high quality standards & provide a good source of nutrition.  NO PRESERVATIVES  NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURS GERBER® Baby Food Purees may be introduced from 6 months onward as part of a healthy weaning diet.

Trusted by moms, loved by babies

Beyond

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sit with Cynthia Bailey in the warm comfort of the EWOW Suite at downtown New York City’s W Hotel.

I had our photo shoot all planned out; the iconic street scene in Times Square, the traditional NYC hot dog stand, the picturesque bonding moment in Central Park…you name it, I planned it. My weather search a few days prior advised me of cool, yet comfortable 50-degree temperatures. Instead, today is on record as the coldest day for the 2015-2016 winter season. Perfect. This would happen just when I travel from a balmy 93-degreesin-the-shade in Kingston, Jamaica, to the icebox that is New York. But life has a way of teaching us lessons when we’re not even remotely close to a classroom.

If you do a Google search of Cynthia Bailey, you’ll quickly learn about her illustrious 30-year career on the covers of the world’s preeminent magazines and walking the runways for some of the leading names in fashion. Her accolades in the industry recognize her as one of the most successful international models out of the United States and then some, as she graced both the silver and small screens adding film credits to her impressive resume.

In fact, Cynthia’s bio reads much like a

SUMMER 2016

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By Michelle Gordon * Photography: Dwayne Watkins Stylist: Norma Williams • Wardrobe: Kurt Campbell, Flirt Boutique, Verda Collections • Hair: Natalie Tomlinson • Makeup: Paul March Shot on location: The W Hotel, Downtown New York fairy tale for many young girls who dream of super stardom in an industry known for both breaking and making legends. And legendary she is. Within days of journeying from her hometown in Alabama to New York City, Cynthia was signed to Wilhemina Models and there began her fairy tale career.

Cynthia and her daughter Noelle arrive for our shoot ready and rearing to get started. They’re both stunning, sans

makeup and looking less like a mother and daughter pair and more like fraternal twins.

They both laugh simultaneously – clearly they’re accustomed to hearing just how much they look alike. It’s not long before the ice is broken, hair, makeup and wardrobe are in full swing, and I get a glimpse into Cynthia’s most important role yet.

“

BEFORE I BECAME A MOTHER, MY CAREER WAS MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY,” - Cynthia speaks with great pride as she turns her attention to her daughter.

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Beyond

BUT THAT “CHANGED

THE MOMENT NOELLE CAME INTO MY LIFE.” .

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ynthia already had 15 years of modeling under her belt when Noelle was born.

That’s 15 years of traveling the world, of working tirelessly through challenges and triumphs. 15 years of working in an industry that taught her so much before realizing just how much more there was to learn. “Noelle teaches me to be fearless. I am more determined, more ambitious, and more successful because of her.”

A quick glance across the room sees Noelle in ‘selfie-mode’. She’s 16 years old, but seemingly wiser and definitely more humble than expected of the typical teenager who happens to be the daughter of a supermodel. “I don't have a parenting style,” is Cynthia’s response to the ‘how’ of raising her daughter. It’s no secret that parenting a teenager ranks as one of the worlds hardest jobs. But as this mother and daughter show without even trying, central to that relationship at this critical stage, is communication. It’s the unsolicited “…you ok Mom?” that Noelle asks without missing a beat on her iPhone, and the gentle reply of “yes baby girl” from her mother, lips pursed as the final touches on her makeup are applied.

The relationship between mothers and daughters the world over, has long been the subject of discussions and in-depth studies. There is a connection -a bond, which a mother has with her daughter that transcends the din of the photo shoot set around us.

I can’t think of a mother who at some point or another hasn’t questioned her own role in her child’s life. Am I doing it right? Are my examples good ones? Will I make her proud?

“My real life role as a mother never stops worrying, caring, loving and protecting my child.” Cynthia is keen to point out that people only get to see snippets of who she is as a mother on television.

Cynthia plays herself on Bravo’s hit TV series Real Housewives of Atlanta – a reality show that chronicles the daily lives of seven celebrity ladies. By virtue of being ‘reality’, millions of viewers (the show’s ratings continue to skyrocket) have come to know Cynthia’s

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“

NOELLE TEACHES ME TO BE

FEARLESS. I AM MORE DETERMINED, MORE AMBITIOUS, AND MORE SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF HER.”

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“

MY REAL LIFE ROLE AS A MOTHER NEVER STOPS WORRYING, CARING, LOVING AND PROTECTING MY CHILD.”

Beyond

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only child who like her mom, shines in the limelight. There are no surprises here. Noelle's parents have both had long successful careers in the entertainment industry. Her dad Leon, has been a staple on the acting scene for many years and well, Cynthia continues to chart new courses in modeling, acting and business. “This is the world that Noelle was raised in, and the only world she knows. She wants to be an actress and we just want her to be happy and successful, so we support her,” Cynthia shares. upport. It’s in a mother’s DNA. You want the best for your child, better than you had in fact, and a mother will do what she has to do in order to make that happen. Being Noelle’s mom is a role that Cynthia cherishes and respects.

“I don't have any dreams or goals for Noelle.

She has to have them for herself. I am living my life, and she has to live hers. I pray that she keeps God first, finds her true purpose, and walks towards greatness. I wish for my daughter a lifetime of love, peace, and happiness.”

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CYNTHIA’S ADVICE TO PARENTS

If you have a child who is interested in modeling, be honest, supportive, and realistic. I would never advise anyone to choose any career or profession based on someone else's dreams, or goals. Your child has to want it for him or herself. No one can want it for you and it doesn’t work if it’s what you want for them.

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CYNTHIA’S GREATEST GIFT TO NOELLE

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As a model, you have to have confidence to successfully ‘walk the runway’ in front of hundreds of people. And it’s the same in real life. Self-confidence is one of the best qualities that I have instilled in Noelle so that she can walk life’s runway completely self-assured.

In today’s world we are bombarded with images of what someone else says beauty is, it’s important to have that solid foundation and to not be easily swayed by pressure whether from peers or the media. “We raised Noelle to be an independent thinker, and to have self respect.” And that she is, and does. At 16, Noelle has already set her bar high enough for her peers to look up to her. She’s a typical teenager who being raised in a digital age, has a large Instagram following of over 100,000 fans. Does this change Noelle in any way? “Not at all.

Noelle is beautiful and trendy, but she’s also very level-headed. I can see why she has so many fans!”

For Cynthia, open communication and trust are crucial to having a healthy relationship with her daughter. “My life today is everything that I planned, and so much more. I trust Noelle completely. She knows that I am always here for her, and she can talk to me about anything. I just do what works for Noelle and me.”

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Beyond

“

THE MODELING INDUSTRY HAS SET GUIDELINES, BUT BE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS THAT ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION DOES NOT DEFINE THEIR BEAUTY OR THEIR WORTH.” .

- Cynthia Bailey

CYNTHIA’S 5 PEARLS OF WISDOM FOR MOMS OF TEENS! 1.

Communication is key. Make sure they know they can tell you anything.

2.

Listen to your children. They are usually trying to tell you something. It could be important.

3.

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Tell your kids that you love

them everyday. I don't miss a day.

4.

Tell them the truth. If they can't handle it, they will let you know.

5.

Spend quality time together.

They will remember those moments forever.

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Heaven on Earth

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evolutionary is usually ascribed to rebels; those tearing things down instead of building them up. Out the box individuals who rile against king and country. What about a different kind of revolutionary who resists the ‘statusquo’ of the usual teenage jargon? Instead of ‘unruly’, ‘too grown’, ‘hard-headed’ and ‘feisty’, one is associated with, ‘compassionate’, ‘purposeful’, ‘obedient’ and ‘focused’.

Meet Heaven Conner, a 17 year old, ‘tour de force’ who models, sings, plays guitar and excels at academics.

She is a member of the National Scholastic Society, a remarkable athlete who has helped lead her high school to being District Champions with 21 goals scored and she’s also the founder of ClothesEd, a charity benefitting students from all walks of life. With so much going on, our curiosity into her drive, her plans and process were inevitable.

At the core of who she is exists a girl whose faith in God leads her with a desire to impact the world through music and generosity. Compassion is a family value passed down from her parents. She founded ClothesEd in 2012 helping students by providing them with school supplies and other necessities. Ultimately she hopes to build schools for girls as their global marginalization breaks her heart.

Heaven has a big vision with plans to unite people to that end through music. She is a singer and musician with a sultry, eclectic voice who will be performing Saturday, June 4th at the Island Child Fashion Runway Show in Kingston, Jamaica. Heaven inspires young people and has spoken in High Schools where she tells her peers, “you’re never too small, to do something big”.

Heaven is of American and Jamaican heritage and lives in Texas with her parents Eben & Sara and brother Landon. Learn more about Heaven at www.clothesed.org , www. heavenconner.com or find her on Instagram @heavenconner

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Beyond

"TEACH A CHILD TO COOK AND THEY FEED THEMSELVES FOR LIFE"

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Kids in the Kitchen

By Gayle Cunningham

I

went to meet with Latoya Panton chef and owner of Delicious Occasions Catering Services and Cooking Classes because I am a mother of four kiddies who are biting at the bit to start cooking - but for my fear of them burning down the house. Damn you, Food Network

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for sparking the children’s interest in food.

I was unprepared for the tiny teenybopper who stood waiting on me.

When I think of a cooking instructor, instantly images of a Julia Child-like woman pops into my head. I expected someone slightly eccentric; tallish, buxom

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and slightly round, with hair lightly dusted with flour. Suffice to say, Latoya totally blasted that theory to smithereens. Her calm, soft-spoken disposition makes it easy to understand just why her young students bond with her almost immediately.

A powerhouse of ideas, Latoya eats, sleeps and dreams food. When asked how long she has been into cooking, she immediately describes her early years growing up in the kitchen cooking with her mother and aunt.

Her aunt would give her a pot and some stock and let her experiment with making her own soup. It was this freedom to explore and create that inspired and encouraged her on her journey to becoming a Chef. And it is this spirit that she encourages in her students, both young and old. “Cooking is an adventure which ought to be seen as a

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Beyond

creative journey, where lessons are learned instead of mistakes made.”

With her chef hat properly earned at the Institutional and Catering Management at the University of Technology, Latoya started her catering business, Delicious Occasions.

Her friends would ask her to teach them how she did this dish and that, so she would gather up a few of them and give them a lesson or two. Interest grew from friends, to friends of friends and progressed naturally to children. .

TEACH A CHILD TO COOK AND THEY FEED THEMSELVES FOR LIFE

This is one of Latoya’s mantras and it is also why she starts teaching cooking to children as young as 4. For the past 10 years, Latoya has been inviting children who are passionate about food into her classroom kitchen for a summer of cooking and fun.

Eventually, Young Chefs Cooking Club was started as an extension to the summer classes for those children who wanted to continue cooking beyond the summer holidays. The Cooking Club meets once per week for classes designed to not only teach children to cook and bake, but also to help build their confidence and self-reliance.

Don’t Be Fearful, Be Careful Each student goes through a mandatory kitchen safety instruction, which includes how to handle knives. Yes, this includes the 4-year-olds.

This session is designed to eliminate fear from both child and also the parents. Cook What They Want To Eat

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Latoya’s ultimate goal is to have her students appreciate good food. If you want to ease your child into cooking, here are three tips she shared to help your child get started in the kitchen.

1. Breakfast is the easiest meal that they can do. Start with eggs, either boiled or scrambled, with a side of toast.

2. As the parent, you should be involved, even if it's just to give them company.

3. Let them cook what they want to eat. This is one of the ‘tricks’ that Latoya uses with her little students. Start with what they love to eat – get them excited with the accomplishment and in no time, they will be much more inclined to try other dishes.

So, she teaches classes to students of all ages, she has a catering business, she is also a personal chef and has a cooking television show in the works. I had to ask how she balanced life as a working mother of two.

“It’s hard!” Latoya said. ”But apart from cooking, my children and I love to read, so I make sure to read with them. That is our thing.”

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Young Chefs classes start from June 19 - August 19 Delicious Occasions Catering Services and Cooking Classes deliciousoccasions@yahoo.com 876-509-0093 or 876-819-0959

SUMMER 2016

“EDUCATION is the most POWERFUL weapon which you can use to CHANGE the WORLD.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Start planning your child’s

FUTURE today! .

Together we can make that CHANGE.

Contact us TODAY to find out how to get STARTED.

Heritage Education Funds International has been helping families save for post-secondary/tertiary education for over 30 years -- celebrating 20 years in Jamaica this year. With over US$108 million in assets, we’ve paid over US$137.8 million in Payouts throughout the Caribbean Region (as at September 30, 2015).

HOME OFFICE:

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2005 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2J 5B4.

Winchester Business Center, Unit #29, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10

PO Box N7519, 15-8 Terrace East

Washington Mall 1, Unit #45, 20 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11

Phone: 416.502.2500

Phone: 876.968.1601

Phone: 242.325.2441

Phone: 441.296.8528

Their FUTURE. Your PRESENT.

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HeritageESP.com

The Heritage Plan is offered by Prospectus only. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. ® The Heritage design is a registered trademark of Heritage Education Funds Inc., used under license by Heritage Education Funds International, LLC.

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© 2015, Heritage Education Funds International, LLC.

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Beyond

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Bresheh Bags

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resheh captures the essence of Jamaican and Caribbean culture in a range of high-quality, locally manufactured products, including bags. The bags are 100% customizable, allowing customers to choose the design, size, colours and materials used. Customers can also add names, initials or logo to their Bresheh backpack, laptop bag, lunch bag, pencil case or tote. Bresheh also offers after sales support to guarantee their customers’ ongoing satisfaction, this includes refurbishing, repairs and trade in. www.bresheh.com Stay in touch on social media Instagram: @pickbresheh Twitter @pickbresheh Facebook.com/pickbresheh Email randy@bresheh.com Call 1 (876) 893-9713

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