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B3 Sporting Kids A Balancing Act B3 Momtrepreneur Bambiniware’s Riche Holmes Summer Issue 2017 • Vol.2 Issue 4
RASTA LOVE with Ziggy Marley and Family
J$700 • EC$16 • TT$40 • US$6 • £4
THE CARIBBEAN'S PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE • WWW.B3PARENTING.COM
American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. Š 2017 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.
Baby’s Developmental Milestones
Month 1
Month 2
At the end of his first month, your baby may be able to lift his head when laying on his tummy. Be sure to give him lots of tummy time!
Your baby is trying to communicate with you using gurgles and coos. Be sure to respond – this will help your baby learn speech patterns.
Month 3
Month 4
This may be the month you see your baby’s first smile! Try playing peek-a-boo with his favourite toy for a response.
By this month, your baby may be able to bear weight on his legs when held upright. See if you can help him to take a few steps!
Month 5
Month 6
Baby is discovering his own hands and feet! Playing “This little piggy” will make him more aware of his little toes!
Baby can now turn towards sounds and familiar voices. See if he can hear you when you are not directly in his line of sight.
Month 7
This month you might see baby’s first teeth beginning to show! Be sure to have a teething ring on hand to help soothe baby.
A! MADMADA!
Month 8
You may just hear “mama” or “dada” for the first time this month! Get ready to respond when you do.
Month 9
Month 10
Baby may now be able to combine syllables. Speak and read to him often to help him develop his vocabulary.
Your baby should be able to crawl well. Be sure to baby-proof your home with appliance straps, bumpers, gates and socket covers to keep baby safe.
Month 11
Month 12
Baby may now be able to stand unassisted for the first time! Ensure you’re around to help him recover from small bumps and falls.
Baby may now be able to imitate you. Have fun with baby by making funny faces and sounds to help him learn how to communicate.
All babies develop at their own pace, but it’s important for you to help them along.
Put Your Best LIFE Forward
NCB Jamaica Limited | NCB Insurance Company Limited | NCB (Cayman) Limited Advantage General Insurance Company Limited | NCB Global Finance Limited | N.C.B. Foundation
1-888-MY-NEEDS | www.ncbinsurance.com
Sitting in tiny chairs today... Sitting as chairman tomorrow.
Save toward your child’s education with OMNI Educator and benefit from a 35% grant on top of your savings. Call an Insurance Advisor today at 1-888-MY-NEEDS (69-63337) or visit an NCB Branch. Text ‘Grant’ to 383-1729
SUMMER ISSUE 2017
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16 EDITOR’S NFF Time To Go Potty - KooKooLoos
18 WANT TO RAISE A GREEN BABY?
RASTA LOVE
with Ziggy Marley and Family
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24 HOPE FOR HOPE Kingston’s Zoo is Back!
BABY 26 SAFE & SOUND Protecting Your Family
30 SELFIE STYLE Protecting Your Family
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SUMMER ISSUE 2017
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ON THE COVER Cover : Ziggy Marley and Family Photography: Dwayne Watkins Styling: Norma Williams
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Make-up: Danilo Cifuentes Hairstyling: Ashley Elbeck Shot on Location: Beverly Hills, California
BEYOND 54 B3 CONNECTIONS
68 FFF – FANTASTIC FASHION FIND
Chef Denise Caplan
56 FOR MOM OR DAD
Infantium Victoria
Kinbuilt Unisex Diaper Bags
58 ARIA’S STORY
72 KIDS LOVE… DOWNTOWN KINGSTON
60 B3 BOOKS
78 LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES
Featuring Great Caribbean Reads
62 B3 EATS
84 B3 SPORTING KIDS A Balancing Act - Gymnastics
Breakfast for Reggae Royalty: Mancakes Recipe by Ziggy Marley
90 MOM LIFE YO!
64 B3 EXPLORE River Bumpkin Farms
A New Global Platform For Moms to Connect & Share 92 Retreat
66 MADE IN JAMAICA
94 B3 MOMTREPRENEUR
Jamiacan-made products just for kids!
Bambiniware’s Riche Holmes
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Editor's Note
I
am reminded each time I sit to write one of these Editor’s Notes, just how fortunate I am to share this medium with parents from far and wide. Whether you’re parenting in Kingston or Kuala Lumpur, B3 remains a valuable resource for mothers and fathers who look to other mothers and fathers for support, advice and sometimes just for a sense of community. We all want to know that we’re not alone on this journey trying to be all, do all and achieve all. In this issue, we celebrate parents who embody that elusive balance and as always, we embrace the children who are at the centre of this balancing act. To me, they’re all magicians, because they’re doing the impossible, right before our very eyes – working, playing, praying and building families with the tools they have been given. Ziggy Marley manages to be a hands-on and very involved Daddy while balancing life on tour as the world reggae superstar that he is. The music icon opened his doors to my team and me as we did a ‘mini take-over’ of his home. We saw first-hand that #FamilyTime is not just the name of one of his albums. Ziggy and his family cover this issue of B3 with their #RastaLove story starting on Page **. We couldn’t be prouder to have reggae royalty as the face of our 5th anniversary issue! Momtrepreneurs across the globe continue to define and redefine what it really means to balance. Riche Holmes Grant – CEO of Bambiniware, shares her story on page ** and two of the coolest moms around join forces to create an exciting online radio show. L.A. based T. Lopez and Breegan Jane are all about MOM LIFE YO! Check them out on page ** This is my 14th B3 editor’s note. Thanks to all our readers for giving me reasons to look forward to 14 more. .
Enjoy! @MitsubishiJamaica
THE SUV FAMILY
BORN FROM CHAMPIONS The Mitsubishi brand is renowned for its victorious sport heritage across the globe facing only the toughest challenges to come out on top. Our winning technology and durable build quality is exactly what accounts for decades of championships. This is how we guarantee our drivers that Mitsubishi is one of the most secure SUVs on the Jamaican roads.
Call: 928.5041-7 or visit our showroom: 49-51 South Camp Rd, Kgn 4
www.mitsubishijamaica.com
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Yello knows how to find whatever you’re looking for.
www.findyello.com
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Boy O Boy Limited PUBLISHER Michelle Gordon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kimberley Dunkley SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Dwayne Jureidini ART DIRECTOR & LAYOUT ARTIST
Norma Williams CREATIVE CONSULTANT & STYLIST
Dwayne Watkins PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR
Ayesha Barnett EDITOR'S ASSISTANT
• Contributing Writers Leisha Wong Sara Conner John Azar Robyn Miller Anna Schwengle
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Special thanks to
Look out for our children. Keep them safe!
Lorraine D’Aguilar Julia Hernandez American Airlines Sundra Oakley Allie Carvalho Katie Hammond 9SPR Adrienne Dorsey Magnolia PR Cecy Galvan BE PR Agency Denise Caplan OnSet Catering , Los Angeles
Advertising Sales Jamaica and the Caribbean advertising@b3caribbeanmagazine.com
Digital Newsstands
OFFICE OF THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE
www.issuu.com and www.ezinesreader.com
Copyright © 2017 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
SUMMER 2017
72 Harbour Street, Air Jamaica Building 11th Floor, Kingston, Jamaica W.I. Telephone (876) 948-1293, 948-3279, 948-3771, 967-5890 Toll Free: 1-888-948-1134, Fax: (876) 922-6785 Email: info@oca.gov.jm // Website: www.oca.gov.jm
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Office of the Children’s Advocate (Jamaica)
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Time To Go Potty .
If you thought potty training was just about graduating from diapers to big kid undies, then think again! There’s a new kid on the block and
we’re going goo goo for Kookooloos!
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K
ooKooLoos were designed to turn the boring toilet paper holder on its head, literally - by introducing a fun, new way to engage children during different stages of potty development. The product was founded by creative and totally ‘KooKoo’ parents, Katheleen and Scott Peiffer, who wanted to ‘think outside the bathroom’ to tackle the one part of childcare that no parent can avoid. “Most training products like potty seats become obsolete after a period of time. But potty training doesn’t stop at the diaper-free mark. There are other important milestones such as wiping and flushing that you need to keep reinforcing with your child, especially when you have to send them off to school on their own. So we developed a product that could grow with the needs of our family,” says stay-at-home mom, turned entrepreneur, Kathleen Peiffer. From engaging tots during early training to reminding older kids about important potty rituals (like wiping), KooKooLoos
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is a special pal that will help you and your child conquer parenting’s most intimidating milestone–potty training! Offering eight adorable, silly-eyed characters for families to choose from, KooKooLoos’ patented one- and tworoll “no-drill-required” designs, allows for easy install and removal on any surface in your home. Dadprenuer and professional Creative Director Scott Peiffer says “You can put it up anywhere you want in your home to establish as your potty training zone and create a comfortable environment for your child.” Beyond potty training, these cute potty pals bring a splash of color and personality to your home as a unique child’s bathroom decor element. Parents can follow @kookooloos on Instagram and Facebook for fun potty training tips and product updates. www.KooKooLoos.com
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Want to Raise a Green Baby? It’s easier than you might think! These days, babies seem to come with a lot of stuff. Even before they are born, parents-to-be are bombarded with ads and catalogues, all spurring a buying frenzy on a large range of items that are considered ‘essential’ for baby’s wellbeing.
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here’s something to be said, however, for going back to basics. A simpler, more environmentally friendly attitude towards child rearing can make everyone’s lives a little calmer and less filled with ‘stuff’. A wet wipe warmer and a diaper disposal contraption are conveniences, not necessities; eventually filling garbage dumps and landfills for centuries to come. While some people are ever concerned that being environmentally friendly is more work and less expedient, there are plenty of ways you can raise a green baby without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It’s easy! .
FEEDING A GREEN BABY
Whether breast or bottle-feeding, your baby is happiest and healthiest when getting fed. So leaving that debate aside, let’s look at how you can feed green. While breastfeeding has no impact to the environment, for obvious reasons, bottlefeeding needs a little more forethought in order to be green. ! Go for glass bottles instead of plastic. They’re better for baby, and the environment. ! Avoid bottles with disposable inserts. If you have enough bottles, keeping on top of washing them isn’t a big a deal. ! Use washable nipple pads, instead of disposable. There are great ones made from organic cotton that work beautifully. As you switch to solids, you can avoid preprepared and packaged foods easily with a little forethought and preparation. Fresh veggies and fruits that have been puréed are perfect for little ones and the bulk store is a great place to stock up on dry cereals and baby pasta!
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SLEEP SETUP FOR A GREEN BABY
Babies spend a lot of time in their cribs, napping and sleeping. It’s best if they are doing it safely with organic bedding. Investing in a crib that converts into a toddler bed down the road is much more friendly because it reduces waste. Consider also furniture that is made from sustainable materials and limited chemicals. Carpets, paints and and finishes are often replete with VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are toxic chemical compounds found in synthetic materials.
In fact, the whole nursery where baby spends a large amount of time every day and night will benefit from keeping it allergen free. Limit the number of stuffed animals and toys to a select few and make sure that your rugs and other accessories like cushion covers are made from organic materials and are easy to wash and maintain. Indoor air quality is important, so investing in air purifiers is a great way to keep dust and other allergens down.
CLOTHING A GREEN BABY
Organic clothing is another great way to minimize baby’s exposure to harsh chemicals. Non-organic fibers contain petrochemicals, PVC and other compounds that have been linked to health issues. Organic clothes provide a double bonus for the environment too because their manufacturing processes are sustainable. Almost 20% of all water pollution occurs in the manufacturing of non-organic clothes! And, fortunately, organic does not have to mean blah, fun, modern designs, colors and styles are no w available through brands like Finn + Emma. When it comes to the fabrics that are closest to baby, forget the packaged wet wipes and get a batch of washable organic cloths!
They’re all you’ll need, along with a wet bag for when you’re on the road, to keep baby clean. As for diapering, consider this: the average baby will use up to 6500 diapers before they start potty training. It takes up to 500 years for disposables to decompose. If you do the math, you can see why landfills are overflowing! If you’re not keen on washing them yourself, there are plenty of services that will pick up the soiled ones and leave you with a fresh pile of clean ones. Look for a local service that doesn’t employ harsh chemicals in the cleaning process, minimizing the eco-footprint in more ways than one!
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR A GREEN BABY
From toys to laundry detergent, you can always make a choice that is more environmentally friendly and those ones, not coincidentally, are usually better for baby’s health and wellbeing. Rather than a chemical and scent infused soap, opt for a gentle and natural detergent that still gets the job done without risking skin allergies or other reactions. Always remember too that baby’s first instinct is to put things in their mouth. Toys made from organic cotton yarn, or untreated woods preserved with natural waxes, are safer options. Look for the G.O.T.S. certification on the textile based products you select, which show that the fiber used is certified at least 95% organic, inks and dyes meet specified toxicity and
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biodegradability levels and certain metals and chemical compounds are not used in the manufacturing process, such as heavy metals and nickel. Whatever choices you make for baby, and for you, an environmentally friendly one is always available and more accessible than you might think! Anna Schwengle is the founder of Finn + Emma, a land where sustainability, fair trade, and organically grown cottons live. But Finn + Emma collections aren’t just sustainable, they are also contemporary, whimsical, and sophisticated. Perfect for the trendy baby in your house. There are no boring designs and toxic chemicals here. Just an abundance of fresh prints and heirloom quality construction. Only the finest 100% organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and all natural, untreated Indian wood will do for your little munchkin. https://www.finnandemma.com
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Oh Mama! .
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A DV E R TO R I A L
HOPE FOR HOPE .
H
ope Zoo has a special place in the hearts of many Jamaicans. Some of us remember a childhood visit with family and friends, or even a school trip. However, recurring hurricanes, neglect and lack of funds forced the zoo into virtual oblivion. “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” - Mahatma Gandhi. The Hope Zoo was given hope when businessman Kenneth Benjamin and the Guardsman Group commenced renovation at the Zoo and initiated a drive to inspire love, respect, acceptance and protection of all animals. Today, walk through lush lawns with towering trees and abundant shade and
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enjoy animals from Jamaica and all over the world. Lions, deer, bobcats, crocodiles and snakes are among the catalogue of animals that inspire amusement and excitement for Jamaica’s families. Hope Zoo offers family activities each weekend including Kids Night Out, where the kids participate in activities, while the parents enjoy the live band and good food at The Serengeti Bistro. The Serengeti Bistro hosts the renowned Rib Cage Grill Thursday to Saturday. Zoociting Saturday activities include Zoo Scouts, movie nights, camp outs and zoo hunts. The zoo’s theatre hosts also local and international performances. Hope Zoo recently launched the Animal Angel Program facilitating animal adoption at the zoo for one year, where adoptive ‘parents’ have the opportunity to assist the
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zookeeper to take care of their animals. Packages range from $5,000 to $50,000 and annual sponsorship benefits include unlimited access to the zoo for the adopted parent, passes for friends and discounts on birthday parties. Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation launched the izoocyle environmental program, where up until September 30, 2017, families can get half off of admission by bringing 20 plastic bottles each. For more information on discounted tickets or to help fund this program on www. isupportjamaica.com or #izoocyle The Hope Zoo team welcomes guests seven days a week and will tell you, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO AT THE ZOO. Connect with Hope Zoo Kingston on Google Play
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DESITINŽ products help prevent and immediately treat diaper rash effectively. When baby sleeps better, everyone sleeps better. Š Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2017
desitin.com
Baby
Safe & Sound By John Azar
Most of us when asked, will readily state that we are concerned about safeguarding our homes and, protecting our loved ones. That said, many of us are also unclear as to how to go about doing so, and oftentimes may unknowingly place ourselves and our loved ones, in harm’s way.
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here are lots of alarm systems and security gadgets that can aid us in protecting ourselves and our surroundings, but a commonly overlooked fact is that good security starts with avoiding certain situations in the first place. Criminal elements will almost always look for a “soft target” where they perceive they will encounter the least resistance. The challenge therefore is for all of us to learn the “Dos and Don’ts” of good security and, in so doing, making ourselves our homes and our loved ones “Hard Targets” for the criminal element and therefore greatly reducing the chances of becoming a victim of crime. .
HARD TARGET VERSUS SOFT TARGET
One of the most common mistakes that persons often unknowingly make is discussing confidential information whilst in public or over the telephone without being cognizant of the fact strangers are around and quite possibly overhearing information that may compromise their security. On my few and far between visits to the supermarket – normally with my kids in tow – I am oftentimes amazed at how much information I can stumble upon simply by being within the earshot of other shoppers whilst they are speaking to friends or on their cell phones:I may learn that someone is travelling for the weekend, their home address, that their children are alone at home perhaps; they will be going to the bank at a certain time or even that their husband is away. The lesson to be learned here is that wouldbe criminals will oftentimes disguise themselves in similar fashion, blending into our surroundings and overhearing our sensitive conversations. We must therefore always be careful of what we say in such public spaces and situations!
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A
wareness of our surroundings is a critical factor in safeguarding ourselves and our families. Would you notice if you saw the same car or individual multiple times for the day while going about your day to day business? If not, you certainly should be! What about when stationary at a traffic light, has someone ever knocked on your glass and startled you? If the answer is yes, it simply means that you were possibly preoccupied while on the telephone, talking to your kids or some other daily task when you should have been aware that you were in a vulnerable situation and been fully focused on your surroundings while parked. An aware driver would certainly have detected a potentially oncoming threat far sooner and therefore been in a position to take evasive action if necessary. Important Safety Tip: When in traffic if you are unable to see the tyres of the car in front of you, along with sections of the road then you are too close to the car in front of you and therefore unable to maneuver around them and escape if forced to do so.
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PROTECT AND FORTIFY
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So how exactly do you fortify your home to become a hard target and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones? Education and planning are key so use these steps below and get started! !
AT HOME ! !
!
!
!
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Get to know your neighbours. Keep external doors and/or grill doors locked at all times. If possible, all external doors should be solid wood rather than hollow-core wood doors. Burglar bars on windows should always be installed inside. Where there are air conditioning units, the space occupied by these should be burglar-barred. A pin-hole viewer in a front door is a good way to screen visitors before opening the door. If you return home to find your door tampered with, do not enter or make an alarm. Use your cell phone, or borrow your neighbourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s telephone and, immediately contact the police or your security provider.
!
!
!
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Household helpers and gardeners should be properly screened before employment. When new ones are employed, references should be supplied and unexpected checks should be made at their home. Do not leave ladders and tools outside as they can assist a burglar in breaking into your house. If household chores are being done at the back of the premises, see to it that the front is secured or vice versa. Never admit strangers. If necessary speak to them through an open window until proper identification is supplied. Children should be told not to allow strangers to enter during the absence of their parents. The authenticity of delivery and service personnel must be verified before allowing entry to your home. Helpers and children should be advised when repairmen are expected. Employ known repairmen, or those from established firms whose identity can be checked by a telephone call.
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!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Avoid high hedges and trim overgrown hedges and bushes near entrance ways or under windows. Always make a keen observation of surroundings before entering driveways, especially at nights. Many burglaries take place at night so be sure to install adequate outside lighting and be sure to replace burnt out bulbs. Do not leave house keys under doormats or in flower pots. Provide a key for each member of the household. If you have an Intrusion Detection System at your home, arm it whenever leaving the house unoccupied or when going to bed. Motion Detectors can be bypassed to allow you to arm the perimeter of the house even when occupants are moving around inside. Uncollected mail and newspapers are tell-tale signs that you are not home. If on vacation, have your mail and newspapers collected by a friend or neighbor so would-be burglars won’t know that you’re away. Install smoke detectors on ceilings
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!
!
!
!
or walls within 15 feet of each sleeping area and at least one on each floor of the home. A small fire extinguisher is a must in your kitchen. If you see any suspicious person (s) on the outside of your home, or are awakened by any strange noises, alert the Police or your Security Provider immediately. Invest in a CCTV System. Which criminal do you think wants to be watched or recorded while perpetrating a crime? In addition to being a great deterrent to crime, CCTV Systems provide excellent evidentiary value to investigators. Be aware of trash you are putting out. Break down boxes from recently purchased items such as TVs and conceal them from prying eyes. Have a plan for your family or roommates in your home in the event of a home invasion. Talk it over and know what each person’s responsibilities are. That plan should include ways to escape the home if necessary.
!
Consider a safe room as a rally point where you have the ability to protect yourself and call the police. Stash a spare cell phone here. ! Keep your cell phone by the bed ready for you or another person to call the Police or your Security Company. ! Be on the alert at stop signs and traffic lights. ! Discuss the importance of home security with everyone in your household including children, it only takes one person to forget to lock a door or window. Even the most cautious individuals seem to believe that crime is something that only happens to other people. Becoming more alert and aware of our surroundings, along with practicing good security habits and rehearsing what you would do in certain situations, will go a long way towards enhancing your overall security and peace of mind. John Azar is father to four children and the owner of King Alarm Security Company.
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Selfie-Style Navigating the world of self-dressing for your toddler By Leisha Wong
My six-year-old and three-year-old daughters are mothers to nine babies. Baby Alive babies that is. Oh, and one American Girl Doll. That’s 10 babies in all.
N
ow, as much as I fought it, my daughters (especially my six-year-old), spend hours looking after their babies. Getting them ready in the morning, taking them to “school”, feeding them, getting them ready for bed. And when they are not physically playing with them, they are online watching videos of other little girls taking care of their babies. I wondered what I should do. Do I encourage this maternal instinct that had risen at such a young age? What could they
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possibly be getting out of this? But then I looked at it a different way. This nurturing was teaching my three-year-old the basics of how to take care of others, and as a result, herself. Dressing the doll, feeding her, combing her hair, changing her diaper; she was building life skills through role-play. Learning through play, the best kind of learning. She was also coming into her own when it came to independence. Her favourite phrase “I do it!” led the charge as she forged ahead
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with teeth brushing and even potty training. And as she grew more confident each day, we took on more tasks, but nothing was more fun than dressing herself. In truth, it was a “proud mama” moment when she came down in her pink tutu and t-shirt for the first time! It has always been important for me that I raise “independent ladies”, learning to do things for herself, by herself. And this independence has also defined her fashion sense. As a person whose wardrobe is a kaleidoscope of black, white, grey and denim, how do I balance the fact that my daughter wants to wear her pink tutu with everything—especially her rain boots. The flip side of independence…is allowing them to make their own decision, even when you sometimes think it is not the right one. When it comes to your little one dressing themselves, you may not recognize it, but it is an important skill that will help them master their wardrobe, and conquer the road to independence. Here are a few tips: .
1.
Best Foot Forward — “Is this right?” my daughter will ask me as she attempts to put her shoes on the correct feet. Sometimes they are, and sometimes they are not. Just be patient, and be prepared for your child to come home with shoes on the wrong feet fairly often.
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Up and Down — Potty training and dressing merge when it comes to pulling up and down pants. This is really just a case of practice makes perfect. Make it easier by dressing them in outfits that are simple to pull up and down (save buttons and zips for later).
3.
Wrap it Up — Jackets are not so frequently used in our tropical climate, and yet my little three-year-old finds many opportunities to don her puffy coat (as well as the rain boots and her umbrella). But I don’t fight this one…maneuvering the arms into the coat is another skill she has now perfected and a skill that works with cardigans also.
4.
Zips and Buttons — When it does come time for buttons and zips, the bigger the better. The bigger the hardware, the easier it is for little fingers to maneuver. This alongside educational board books with giant zips and buttons, are great ways to get those little fingers moving.
Leisha is a lifestyle writer and editor; as well as creator of globally-inspired food events Dîner en Blanc, K6 Lounge and Kingston Kitchen. She is also a mother to two girls (who think they are mermaids), Isabella who is 6 and Layla who is 4.
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Beyond
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Rasta Love Story by Michelle Gordon Photography: Dwayne Watkins Styling: Norma Williams Makeup: Danilo Cifuentes Hairstyling: Ashley Elbeck Shot on location in Beverley Hills, California
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When Ziggy Marley won his eighth Grammy Award in February 2017, 12-year old Judah Marley already had a foregone conclusion in her mind. “I knew Daddy would definitely win again,” she smiles proudly, as if she’s speaking of her latest science project and not of her musician father. “Daddy’s music is pretty cool and so is he.” She shrugs casually. “Yeah, I knew he’d win!” When a pre-teen thinks that a parent is pretty cool, that’s a pretty big deal. SUMMER 2017
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J Beyond
udah is the oldest of Ziggy’s four children with his wife Orly. She stands on the brink of becoming a teenager, and is already a little lady with the poise and style of someone far older than her 12 years. Her attentiveness to her baby brother Isaiah was the first thing I noticed about her. For that matter, Judah, Gideon and Abraham – all three of them dote on their baby brother Isaiah. Less than an hour into our meeting, I had to pause to ask Ziggy and Orly to tell me their secret! I had heard no cries, no arguing – nothing. There was no sign of sibling rivalry and that is no small feat with 4 children. Having interviewed Ziggy Marley once before, I looked forward to meeting with him 5 years on to see the changes. Well there’s a new baby for starters, 2 more Grammys, an Emmy and 5 more years of being the indomitable Ziggy. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, very little introduction is needed for this son of Jamaica’s soil and one of the country’s best-known exports. He’s a global musical sensation, an entrepreneurial powerhouse, a loving husband and a very involved and dedicated father. Oh, and he’s Bob Marley’s eldest son. I asked him an obvious and expected question; was he tired of being acknowledged as Bob Marley’s son? Is he bothered by the constant comparison? “Naww man,” he answers through a laugh, “How can I be tired of who and what I am? It don’t bodder me at all. People will always compare us because most of them never know Daddy, they only knew him in pictures. I knew my father well and it’s an honour to be compared to him.” This is Ziggy; unfiltered, no ‘twang’ and as authentic as they come. I got my first glimpse into a relationship that many people have tried to understand. Bob Marley the father, set a foundation for his own children, his children’s children and other generations to come. .
I KNEW MY “ FATHER WELL
AND IT’S AN HONOUR TO BE COMPARED TO HIM.
”
Z
iggy recalls one of his fondest memories of his father during a 1980 trip to Zimbabwe, when he and his brother Stephen travelled to the African state to celebrate that country’s independence. It’s a memory that stands out in his mind, because he knew how important that trip was to his father and he was right there by his Daddy’s side. That memory laid part of the foundation from which he raises his own children. Today, Ziggy speaks proudly of lessons he learned from his father that he applies today. That’s what it’s all about, right? Parents teaching and equipping their children to function and thrive independently. Like many forward-thinking parents today, we agreed that how we parent our kids today is the sole most important factor in how they grow up and ultimately, how they too will parent their children
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in the future. And Ziggy is clear on the importance of his role as father. “How I saw my father and mother live is the basis of how I parent - discipline, respect, focus & hardwork.” Orly and Ziggy make a good team. Clearly still in love after many years together, Ziggy shares quietly that he knew she was ‘the one’ the first time he laid eyes on her. Quietly because Orly he says, ‘gets all shy’ when he talks about it. Who knew this Rastaman was such a romantic? “Yeah man,” he continued, “I knew right away. And when you know, you just know.” The couple giggle and laugh together like young lovers, and I can tell it’s not staged. Judah and Gideon roll their eyes with the embarrassed annoyance not uncommon with children seeing their parents showing affection. This is not new to them; their parents love each other, and they know it.
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“T
hey go to school and learn plenty things, but we parents are their greatest teachers.” We speak about topics that many fathers are uncomfortable discussing – their daughter’s dating. Judah is only 12, so there’s still time, and if it’s up to Ziggy, there’ll be lots of time! “Naww man,” the laughter begins. “Judah can date when shi bout 20.” In the meantime, it is a priority of both parents to teach her how to be wise. Ziggy and Orly take a hands-on approach to parenting because ‘times are different’. “We are building relationships with each of our kids to ensure that they trust coming to us as parents – they have to feel comfortable. We let them win some of the battles so it’s not always seen that mummy and daddy are ‘no’ people.” Ziggy offers praise to Orly when he speaks about the importance of raising Judah to be a strong and wise woman. “I couldn’t want a better role model for my daughter. Orly is di real deal! The woman side of the
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parenting equation is crucial. Woman is key. If yuh have a good woman in yuh life, life better and easier.” Ziggy’s pride in his wife as the mother she is to his children, is
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WE “HOW RAISE THE KIDS IS VERY SIMPLE.
THEY ARE RAISED TO KNOW AND SHOW LOVE.
”
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mirrored by the respect and admiration he expresses for his own mother, who he describes as a ‘strong woman who raised her children the right way’, with discipline, respect, friendship and love. That was the way of the Marley household then, with Bob and Rita at its helm, and the same remains today, as Ziggy and Orly chart a modern course for their four children and instill togetherness. They are brothers and sisters – united by blood, in love. The fact that their home is a mecca of diversity with multicultural and ethnic differences, serves as an ideal foundation for Ziggy’s mantra of love being their religion. “How we raise the kids is very simple. They are raised to know and show love. This really has nothing to do with Rasta or Judaism or anything other than love. Our children are no respecters of colour, class or creed.” Ziggy’s marriage to a Hebrew woman raised more than a few eyebrows when the pair wed years ago. But as they raise their children to be resolute in the face of public opinion, so too were they, as many had much to say. Yes, there are bi-cultural influences, but the young Marleys are learning balance. They visit Jamaica and are connected to the island through music and the tenets of Rastafari. They celebrate Jewish holidays, Shabbat dinners and they study Hebrew and the history of Israel. “All of that is fine, but I promise you, in any culture or religion, there is no doctrine better than love.” sit with Judah and Gideon and we chat casually for a bit; they’re the two older children. Abraham, the third child, has enough energy for all of us and is not the least bit interested in anything other than running around, for now. Baby Isaiah is just up from his afternoon nap, and his big sister reaches for him with the care and attentiveness of a grown up. Gideon impresses me on the piano. I really shouldn’t be impressed though – he is a Marley, but he is only 10 years old. He’s playing a rendition of a vaguely familiar pop song and only glances at his father when he is unsure of the chord he has just played. Gideon likes rock music and though I really wanted to hear him sing, that wasn’t happening. I enjoy a rare moment as I peek into the life of father and son, demonstrating the diligence and patience needed to teach and guide. I look at the two and see the weight of a father’s
success shadowing over his son and the spark of a child’s creative uniqueness come to life. udah plays the guitar. Her playlist may potentially have one or two of her father’s song, but for the most part, she’s rocking to Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and the Beatles. She’s ‘old school’, and though she appreciates all the hip stuff, she really has a genuine love for music.
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iggy is proud to be an example to his children. “They are why I do what I do. They see me dream, create, practice and work hard. It is important that my kids know and appreciate the satisfaction that comes with working and making a contribution, knowing that you are doing something with your life.” Ziggy’s work ethic sets the bar pretty high for his children. He continues to share his music with sold out tours across the U.S. and the U.K. - currently with his Grammywinning 2016 self-titled album and Exodus 40 – a ‘restatement’ release of his father’s original classic album Exodus, from 40 years ago. Bob would be proud for sure. Today his eldest son stands at the helm of Tuff Gong Worldwide and Ishti Music Publishing: his
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own record label and publishing companies respectively. He is living his dream while simultaneously realizing his father’s ultimate vision. Ziggy is also a celebrated author of a children’s storybook I Love You Too and he has most recently released the
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Ziggy Marley &Family Cookbook. The Marley Legacy is a powerful one, but Ziggy dispels any misconceptions about resting on the laurels of his father’s success. “Work is not something that I’m afraid of. Money is simply money and money doesn’t last
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I WANT MY CHILDREN TO BE
GOOD HUMAN BEINGS;
STRONG INDEPENDENTMINDED, VIRTUOUS PEOPLE, WITH CONSCIENCE AND EMPATHY. .
forever. My children will know that work is not only about money, but also about independence, expression and freedom. That’s very important to me.” When Ziggy is not hard at work on the road or in studio, he’s at home doing what he loves most – spending time with his family. He’s there with them, doing everything and nothing at the same time – kicking ball, cooking or playing music. For this Daddy, the values and morals he wishes for his kids are easy for them to pattern off him because they see these same qualities in him. The children see their father’s lifestyle and it’s an exemplary one. Ziggy runs a couple of miles three to four days each week; he’s a healthy eater and avid reader. But what does he want for his children? “Simple. I want my children to be good human beings; strong independentminded, virtuous people, with conscience and empathy. Everything else will come after that. They can do anything they want in life. I want them to follow their own instinct, be true to themselves and authentic in dealing with people.” That’s not too much for a father to want of his children – honesty and authenticity. I was curious though, to know how this father would broach the
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ZIGGY’S PRIDE IN HIS WIFE
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AS THE MOTHER SHE IS TO HIS CHILDREN, IS MIRRORED BY THE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION HE EXPRESSES FOR HIS OWN MOTHER
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subject of smoking in an era where kids are exposed to so much more than in previous years, and in an environment where marijuana use is now legal for recreational purposes. “Firstly, I don’t do things because people want me to or expect me to, and this is something that my kids [will] understand. That’s what peer pressure is. I don’t drink and I don’t have a habit of smoking. But my children are informed about the plant because there is so much negativity surrounding it, so they know about the plant from an herbal and medicinal standpoint. But I have never smoked in front of, or in the presence of my children.” When Ziggy speaks about his children, he does so with fixity of purpose. I’m inclined to believe that he is the ‘strict’ one. But Abraham comes in to romp and his father obliges while
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I WANT THEM TO
“ FOLLOW
THEIR OWN INSTINCT,
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BE TRUE TO THEMSELVES AND AUTHENTIC IN DEALING WITH PEOPLE. ”
never missing a beat in our conversation. Abraham seems more than comfortable being upside down, and when his feet get too close to Isaiah who is in-arm, Ziggy casually shifts his position and continues speaking. He admits to loving video games and lists Battlefield and FIFA17 as his favourites. His brilliant smile lights up his face as he unknowingly reveals the inner child that his children adore. efore long, the boys are on the piano again, and their dad joins them to tickle the ivories. Ziggy melts with them around. These moments are special for him and yes; his inspiration comes from many like exchanges with his own father. “I remember having plenty fun with Daddy (Bob) and I want my kids to have fun with me too. That’s the legacy I want to leave; kids who know love, live love and are love.”
B
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Wardrobe: Ziggy Marley - Carlton Brown (Jamaica), Mark Anthony Designs (Jamaica), Kokobeenz (Jamaica), Anthony Reid for Meiling (Trinidad)
Orly Marley - Dior (Los Angeles), Keneea Linton Boutique (Jamaica), Kokobeenz (Jamaica), Mahambeth (Jamaica)
Marley Children - Appaman (Los Angeles), Footwear – Native Kids (NYC), Imoga Collection (NYC), Infantium Victoria (Germany), Knock-About-Ja (Jamaica), Kokobeenz (Jamaica), Monkey Tree (Jamaica), N'light'N Children (Jamaica), Nununu (Los Angeles), Prince Street Brooklyn (NYC), Sugarcane Baby (Los Angeles)
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B3 Connections with Denise A. Caplan CARIBBEAN CHEF DE CUISINE | FUSION FRENCH & ITALIAN | SUPERVISED KOSHER
T
he same village that raises a child also continues to support long after those children are grown! The B3 team offers a huge thank you to Chef Denise Caplan – a part of B3’s village, who went above and beyond to support our LA trip. Denise catered our photoshoot with Ziggy Marley and family and created a star-studded itinerary for our short West Coast visit. Denise brings to the table an authentic love and genuine care for the people that she caters to – literally. She has been catering in the United States since 2009 having started out providing personal chef services for a couple that hired her on Craigslist. She had placed an advertisement offering personal chef service for a “Valentine’s Day romantic dinner for two,” and with that one job and subsequent referrals, she has built a clientele throughout Southern California, New York, and her native Jamaica. “As a chef I try to be open-minded and listen to what my clients want. I cater to special tastes such as vegetarian and vegan dishes and enjoy coming up with new ideas for dietary and other specialty needs. I travel the world exploring food of Michelin-starred restaurants and strive to emulate their standards. Some of my recipes are inspired by places to which I have traveled, including Istanbul, Sicily, and France. Each meal has to be memorable and unique to my clients with uncompromised execution from handpicked, organic ingredients. I also use seasonal products unless otherwise requested so that we may enjoy nature the way it intends us to appreciate its gifts.” This summer, be sure to check out Denise’s upcoming venture as she opens her exclusive Jamaican villa “Daniela Private Residence” providing indigenous Jamaican cuisine prepared by guest chefs from around the world. .
Follow Chef Denise Caplan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONsetcateringinc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise_caplan/ Web site: http://www.onsetcateringinc.com/
Crab Capellini Pasta
D
enise shared her favourite quick dinner recipe with us – perfect for the busy mom or dad who still want to provide the family with a healthy and delicious meal. It was incredibly refreshing and simple traditional Sicilian pasta with a touch of Caribbean flavour, we just had to share it with you!
INGREDIENTS: (4 Servings) ! 8.5 oz. Capellini or spaghetti pasta ! ½ tsp. salt for pasta ! 2 fl oz. olive oil ! 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved ! 2.5 oz. minced shallots ! 2 tbl. garlic chopped ! ¼ scotch bonnet or habanero pepper minced ! Salt to taste ! ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ! 8 oz. fresh lump crab meat or lobster diced ! ½ lemon, freshly squeezed ! Sprigs of cilantro as needed for garnish
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For Mom OR Dad
METHOD OF PREPARATION: 1.
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Prep time 15 minutes, total cooking time under 20 minutes… 2. In a large pasta pot ¾ filled with water add ½ tsp. salt, bring water to a boil then add pasta. 3. Cook al dente, 8-10 minutes, drain and set aside in container… 4. Meanwhile heat large sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil. (About 2 minutes) 5. Add shallots, garlic and scotch bonnet, sauté until translucent 6. Add tomatoes and sauté another 3 minutes constantly coating tomatoes to avoid skin slip. 7. Add salt and pepper 8. Add crabmeat or lobster or you can totally create a vegan dish by using these simple ingredients above! 9. Add Lemon juice, and incorporate all the ingredients 10. Cover and cook for approximately 4 minutes. For uncooked lobster, coat in oil for a couple minutes before covering then cover and cook for an additional 6 minutes! 11. Presentation: 12. Be careful not to break pasta. Incorporate sauté ingredients into pasta container and tossed. For individual platings, in a separate bowl mix serving portion with cilantro leaves and pour into serving dish, allowing fresh cilantro leaves to blend well with pasta.
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KINBUILT Unisex Diaper Bags
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hen you think of the owner of a diaper bag, it’s mom who usually comes to mind. But when KINBUILT created a rugged and unisex alternative to today’s diaper bags, they changed the diaper bag game! With 20 storage areas that separate parent and baby essentials, moms, or dads can simply focus on the task at hand without giving up their style. Both parents of any gender can breath a sigh of relief in any environment with this rugged workhorse. The KINBUILT Diaper Bag is designed to last beyond diapering years and can be used by anyone seeking a
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better way to stay organized while looking understated. The KINBUILT Diaper Bag is a modern, spacious messenger that features the brand’s signature Stay-Open structure with a wireframe rim. The top unzips to a wide, rectangular compartment allowing for quick line-of-sight object finding and less fumbling with over-designed flaps, or buckles. The KINBUILT Diaper Bag minimizes the steps in organization and maximizes practical functionality for parents with active lifestyles. www.kinbuilt.com $120 at the end
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WHERE FUN HAPPENS! .
Offering 268 rooms including 62 connecting, ideal for families, 8 fabulous dining options, 3 sparkling pools, pristine beach, water sports and more. Plus, at Jewel Runaway Bay, you never hear your child say “there’s nothing to do” because we’ve created fun and exciting activities with them in mind. We want to make sure that the whole family, including the tweens and teens, have great a stay!
FUN KID ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Jewel Lagoon Waterpark Red Ruby Ranch / Horse Grooming Teen Camp / Lounge / Laser Tag / Hayrides Bonfires / Snorkeling / Beach Olympics Glass Bottom Boat Rides / Water Polo / Water War Golf Lessons / Board & Video Games Mommy & Me Spa Day
Mother-Son & Father-Daughter Dances Reggae Dance Class / Karaoke / Dive-in Movies Dodge Ball / Soccer / Field Hockey / Archery Pool & Ping Pong Tournaments Talent Shows / Scavenger Hunts Cooking & Sushi Making Classes Music Studio Session ...and more!
For Reservations, See Your Travel Professional, Call US: 1-800-605-2512 | Local Reservations: 876-972-8318 or Visit: JewelResorts.com/RunawayBay /JewelResorts
Beyond
Aria's Story .
Why An Online Story? Jamaica has a very strong oral tradition, when compared to other countries who perhaps have a more intrinsic reading culture. Digital animation is fun and engaging and has the power to entertain while teaching. This format will engage and entertain children and the wider public, while at the same time, educate them. The stories and the situations put the pain and the negative experiences children face into sharp focus BUT end with that reverberating message of hope, resilience and
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ARIA’S STORY Aria’s Story is an online journey of a little girl who experiences the harsh reality of domestic servitude and sexual abuse at the hands of a family member. This is riveting story that is relevant to the Jamaican context and address several issues that for many people, are difficult to address. The story cuts across socio-economic backgrounds as well as the rural and urban divide. Aria’s Story is an initiative of The Office of the Children’s Advocate in Jamaica. It is a mini-series that unfolds over various social media platforms. The characters have been specifically created and developed for the OCA and are presented throughout in digital animation. The characters look and sound Jamaican and depict what Jamaican ‘runnings’ are like.
the ultimate lessons that are taught through each episode. The OCA’s hope is for children in Jamaica is that they will be empowered through the knowledge that they will garner, to be assured that they are not alone in their various situations and for adults to
be exposed to the realities that some of our children face and ultimately for them to model appropriate responses to these situations. www.ariastory.com Instagram, Twitter, Facebook @readariastor #AriaStoryOCA
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Regulatory standards are different around the world, so we always go with the toughest. We meet or exceed 15 global regulatory standards for baby products. That includes Europe, Japan, we always choose the toughest. So no matter where you live, your baby is always getting the best.
Learn more about our commitment to safety at
johnsonsbaby.com/safety
Beyond
B3 Books MILES & MIA Miles & Mia A to Z is an educational, picture book that teaches children different letters of the alphabet in a fun way. Featuring rhyming text and colourful original illustrations, Miles & Mia A to Z is sure to delight children of all ages…as well as parents. Great for children up to 7 years old.
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www.milesandmia.com
MANNERS BOOK Book 1 - With A Grateful Heart
Book 2 - Liar, Liar Pants on Fire
Book 3 - Practice What Yuh Preach
How Fi Grow Yuh Pickney books showcases everyday scenarios in our culture where values are lacking. This book series is for adults as much as it is for children as we go back to basic values that need to be reintroduced and reinforced throughout our society. The 3 short stories are written in English with the character dialogue in Patois. Targeting inner city communities, How Fi Grow Yuh Pickney is available to read for free on Bookfusion.com, the Ministry of Education’s digital library. Hard copies are available by order on Amazon.com.
RILEY CAN BE ANYTHING By Davina Hamilton When Riley is grown up, what can he do? He honestly doesn’t have a clue! But big cousin Joe helps Riley to see, He can be anything he chooses to be. Riley Can Be Anything is the debut children’s book from Davina Hamilton. The inspiring rhyming story follows Riley as he discovers some of the wonderful things he can do when he grows up. With the help of his big cousin Joe, Riley is taken on a series of imaginative journeys that allow him to realise he can be anything he wants to be. 60 | BUMP • BABY & BEYOND b3 |
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PUBLISHER: The Ella Riley Group PRICE: £4.99 (paperback); £3.50 (digital) Davina lives in London, England with her husband and two children. She is available for interview upon request. www.davinahamilton.com
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B3 Eats
Judah, Gideon and Abraham shared with us their favourites recipe from their family cookbook! Right now, Isaiah still loves just about anything that Daddy makes! But for the older children, it’s a hands down win for Ziggy’s ‘Mancakes’! They’re a godsend for those of us who love the deliciousness of pancakes, but would rather do without the guilty feeling that comes with a stack of flour pancakes. .
For kids who can eat these ‘every day and twice on Sundays’, Ziggy’s Vegetarian/ Gluten-Free Mancakes are a hit!
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“MANCAKES GOT MORE TO IT THAN JUST FLOUR AND WATER. MANCAKES GOT TO NOURISH. ON SATURDAY MORNINGS, ILL MAKE MY KIDS MANCAKES WITH MAPLE SYRUP AS A TREAT.” -Ziggy Marley
Mancakes Serves 3-4
INGREDIENTS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
2 cups of flour, or substitute gluten-free flour 2 tablespoons brown sugar ½ teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, crushed 1 tablespoon flaxseeds 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon walnuts, crushed 2 eggs, beaten 4 tablespoons Ziggy Marley’s Coco’Mon Coconut Oil, or coconut oil of your choosing 2 cups water, or substitute coconut, soy, almond, rice, or whole milk
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PREPARATION 1.
2. 3. 4.
Mix all dry ingredients together, then add eggs, coconut oil and water and blend well. Spoon batter onto a hot grill Once pancakes, bubble, flip over and cook until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup and enjoy! available at Amazon.com
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Beyond b3EXPLORE
River Bumpkin Farms by Island Routes
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If you drive around Jamaica, you’ll notice that there are lots of rivers. You may also notice that that they are often ‘in use’. From women washing to boys expertly navigating the rapids, there is just something about Jamaican river life that brings about a certain joie de vivre. From one end of the island to the next, our more than 100 rivers provide life to some and to others; the roaring waters provide one adventure after another.
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sland Routes invites you to ‘escape from reality to a world of rustic charm’ at their The River Bumpkin Farm, hidden circumspectly by Mother Nature in the heart of the hills of Trelawny. It’s an eco-excursion with activities for the entire family that will almost guarantee three things at the end of the day; you’ll laugh a lot, you’ll love the experience and you’ll create lasting memories. The Martha Brae River is the star of the show. Jump in a kayak or a tube, and she’ll offer you a splash-filled ride that will have you and your children literally laughing out loud! SUMMER 2017
If you’re not bold enough to brave the rapids, you can hop on a bicycle and enjoy the expansive property. Now, when I say rapids, I don’t mean severely turbulent waters overflowing steep banks in the water. Though that would be exciting, River Bumpkin offers a more sedate experience with strong ‘enough’ flows over moderate cascades. Don’t worry; the children will love it nonetheless. Old ruins from the original plantation present a history lesson outside the classroom. And it’s fascinating actually, to see the wheels of the children’s minds turning over as they literally absorb the words coming from the tour guides. The Island Routes team knows their stuff and more importantly, they know how to impart WWW.B3PARENTING.COM
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Beyond the information. As a dry-land tourist (as I sometimes call myself) participating in real tourist-centered activities, I’ve always found it slightly irritating when the history of our island is reported in the boring matter-of-fact manner as if learning a language on an audio tape. The tour guides impress with a knowledgeable mix of culture, history and information about the island’s natural beauty, in a casual and conversational manner. The historic ruins tell remarkable tales, making even the forest seem to come to life. When you’re ready to get your feet wet, well – your entire body to be exact, try rope swinging and platform diving! Can you say awesome?! Be careful though, it’s addictive. You say you’ll do it just once – but you can’t. I dare you!
7 RIVER FACTS 1. 2. 3.
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Made in Jamaica Pretty Little Teepee
retty Little Teepee was conceptualized from a simple weekend of play and facilitates children’s imagination, while enriching the beauty of their play experience. Momtrepreneur and owner of Pretty Little Teepee Angella Blair, decided to try something new one weekend to keep her active toddler engaged. She built a fort
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Jamaica is home to more than 100 rivers The mountains territory causes the rivers to run swiftly in deep beds, with many of their courses being broken by waterfalls Electricity is generated by several rivers in Jamaica including The Rio Cobre, Negro, White River, Roaring River, Martha Brae, and also the more popularly known Black River. The most popular rivers for rafting and watersports recreation in Jamaica are the Great River, the Rio Grande and the Martha Brae River. The Black River is the widest river in Jamaica. The first seventeen and a half miles from its mouth is navigable for small vessels, and it is used for ecological tours. Hydroelectric power currently accounts for 30 megawatts of Jamaica’s installed capacity. For the most part, rivers in Jamaica are used for irrigation, drinking water, and domestic purposes, watersport activities.
in the living room of their home, recalling her own childhood with her siblings who would do the same thing using broomsticks and sheets from the linen closet. Today, doing the same thing with her daughter, she has created a collection of custom-made teepees in three sizes; 6ft, regular and doll. Customers select their choice of colour, theme and fabric and then
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wait 2-3 weeks for delivery of a world of imagination! All teepees are skillfully made with pride and love that come with building Brand Jamaica. Contact Pretty Little TeePee prettylittleteepee@gmail.com IG: @prettylittleteepee FB: @prettylittleteepee
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Flowers in Concrete W
hen high-end fashion meets organic and vegan designs, you end up with the creative genius of a brand like Infantium Victoria. German in its origin, but global in its appeal, Flowers in Concrete delivers sophisticated quality in the practical designs for children. Exclusive European men’s avant-garde men’s wear designer Sandro Marzo adds his flair to this collection inspired by Flemish artist Jef Geyes. Infantium Victoria (punk aesthetics + rocking ethics) Infantium Victoria clothes are 100% vegan and produced according to high ethical standards. The brand offers a ‘true alternative to mainstream fast-fashion’ and is for the edgy child, strong in character and full of life. With organic fabrics that are 100% biodegradable and recyclable, buttons made from coconut shells (how cool!) and ecological and sustainable production conditions, Infantium Victoria ranks pretty high up on my list of favourite children’s brands. The floral accents across this collection emerge from obscurity to represent transition from winter to spring, or even from the caterpillar to the butterfly. ‘There is a mystery behind the vigour of weeds that would gently break the overall dark surfaces and symbolize growth and the future’. With much to love about this collection, my favourite reason may just be that these colours (black, green and gold) remind me of the Jamaican flag! .
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Fantastic Fashion Find!
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GREEN LONG SLEEVE SHIRT DRESS Simple long-sleeved and doublevented collar dress made from green organic cotton with a front buttonline and drawstring at the waist. Square sleeve insert.
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BOMBER JACKET Classic bomber jacket made from organic cotton canvas with a soft light blue lining and zipper and a beautiful floral embroidery on the back. Ribbed stand-up collar, flap side pockets with a press-stud, a zipped pocket on one sleeve and ribbing at the cuffs and hem.
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CIRCULAR FLORAL SKIRT Playful skirt made from black organic cotton voile with a soft light blue linen lining, a beautiful floral embroidery on the front and simple centre back button and zipper closing.
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LONG -SLEEVE FLORAL DRESS Elegant long-sleeved tunica dress made from black organic cotton canvas with black organic cotton voile sleeves with a square neckline featuring two buttons to pass the head, a soft light blue linen lining and a beautiful floral embroidery on the front. www.infantiumvictoria.com PADDED SKIRT IN BLACK- GREEN AND WHITE Chic layered and padded mini-skirt made from organic Pied-de-poule fabric (Jindo), organic linen and a soft Villasor jersey lining in black with elastication at the waist.
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Kids Love… Downtown Kingston
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By Gayle Cunningham
Kingston, Jamaica is a really happening place. What, with all the food to eat, movies to watch, parties to dress up for, clubs to hop and wine to
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enjoy. Plus, there’s reggae and dancehall to our hearts content. Oh to be an adult in Kingston!
ut what is there to do if you are not an adult? As a parent raising children in Kingston, this has been an interesting dilemma. Of course there is school, but there are only so many hours that they can keep the children, right? Outside of school, and the obligatory extracurricular activities of swimming, dancing, football and running, what is there to do that the entire family can enjoy? At first glance you could fling your hands up in frustration, but if you are open to adventures there are many a cool and interesting thing to do within Kingston that won’t necessarily hurt your pocket, but will definitely entertain, educate and possibly intrigue you and your crew. Join me as I cart my children, kicking, and screaming (I joke) to discover the some of the delights, that City Kingston, downtown
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Kingston to be exact, has to offer to our under 18 crew.
ACTING UP I do not know if it is because I didn’t grow up in Jamaica, but I love driving through the area called Downtown. It’s located along the south eastern shore of the 7th largest natural harbor in the world. Yes, the entire world. The architecture is beautiful; it must have been a sight to behold back in the day. To me, there is still plenty charm to it, with the hustle and bustle of a busy town and people spilling out everywhere, it certainly is exciting. This day I chose to don a tour guide hat and pointed these things out to the children, remarking at the old Ward Theatre - (now being renovated – yayy!) and the productions that took place there. The Ward Theatre is a national icon and one of the last vestiges of a time when going to the theatre meant fancy cars and dressing to the nines, and I can’t wait for her glory days to return.
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ALL ABOUT THE MONEY Did you know that in the Bank Of Jamaica there is a Money Museum? Well there is and we went there. First, let’s talk about BOJ. Before getting into the building you have to walk past the awesome statue of Noel Newton Nethersole, the founder of the Central Bank. The statue is really intimidating as it stands well over ‘giant’ tall. All four of my children stood with heads back and mouths wide open. After that moment of gawking we all raced up the steep, steep, very steep stairs that lead us into the Bank of Jamaica. They had some kicks over being scanned by security and soon we were in the Money Museum, which quite honestly is awesome. My usually rambunctious crew were instantly muted. Even the teenagers wiped off their disapproving ‘I can’t believe you took me to a museum’ scowl and enjoyed the bright graphics, vivid photographs and of
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course the various forms of currency. They were most impressed with the fact that at one point in Jamaica’s history, beans were used as a form of money! They were all ready to empty out my cupboard until I reminded them that we don’t use beans any more and I definitely didn’t have any of those. They all wanted to take ‘souvenirs’! Thank goodness everything was behind glass cases. Money Museum is definitely a win if you need a short, simple diversion for your kiddies. Oh I didn’t mention that entrance is free? So, that is a plus. They’re open Monday to Friday from 10am - 4pm And when you are leaving be sure to stand by the water line to see if you can glimpse a ship or a seagull and feel the pure force of the wind as they try to blow you away.
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ART SMART We stopped at the now popular Fleet Street. 41 Fleet Street to be exact. Nestled in the midst of the inner city the exceptional artists of Paint Jamaica have completely transformed an abandoned warehouse into a kaleidoscope of colour, in the hopes of changing the negative stigma that the inner cities currently have. Sky-high murals cover the remaining walls of the warehouse depicting messages of positivity, peace and empowerment. The children and I were in awe of the secret beauty that lay within the ruins. We debated which was the best, as we all had our own favourites. What fun it was standing next to those murals and trying to mimic the poses. A marked difference from the National
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Gallery that allows you to see the beautiful art displayed, but only from a safe distance. You dare not stand too close to a painting or statue lest a cross-looking security guard would come and scold you. True story - we were scolded for hugging the statue outside of the building. At Fleet Street you can be one with the painting… okay not really, but you can pretend! You can touch, take pictures or stay in the car and just soak in the beauty. If you haven’t visited it yet you should it is really a sight to behold. Where next will the kids love? Summer is coming up. Lots to do, and lots of time on our hands. Let’s see….
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Let’s Go To The Movies
Going to the movies is always a treat for the children and often a break for mom and dad. We’ve looked into the near future and compiled a list of upcoming flicks that the entire family can .
enjoy. Check your local theatre for listings.
TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT MARK WAHLBERG, ISABELA MONER
BLAZING SAMURAI MICHAEL CERA, SAMUEL L. JACKSON, MICHELLE YEOH, GEORGE TAKEI, GABRIEL IGLESIAS, DJIMON HOUNSOU, AASIF MANDVI, RICKY GERVAIS AND MEL B.
Transformers: The Last Knight Humanity is under attack from the evil Decepticons and Cade Yeager tries to lead a seemingly hopeless resistance with the help of a tech-savvy girl named Izabella. Meanwhile Optimus Prime, the “good guy” Autobot and Earth’s last hope, is off on a distant planet.
Inspired by Mel Brooks’ comedy classic Blazing Saddles, the Open Road release is about a dog who dreams of becoming a great warrior and saving the town of Kakamucho from becoming the litter box of a nefarious feline warlord.
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CARS 3 OWEN WILSON, ARMIE HAMMER, CRISTELA ALONZO
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Cars 3 returns to Radiator Springs to shine its headlights back on Lightning McQueen. Once a champion racer, McQueen is now being pushed out of the sport he loves by younger, flashier cars like phenom Jackson Storm With the help of race technician Cruz Ramirez McQueen trains hard to again compete for the Piston Cup.
SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING TOM HOLLAND, MARISA TOMEI, ROBERT DOWNEY, JR., MICHAEL KEATON A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man is thrilled by his experience with the Avengers. He returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark. Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine.
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE KEVIN HART, THOMAS MIDDLEDITCH, ED HELMS Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is an animated comedy where fourth graders George Beard and Harold Hutchins hypnotize their mean-hearted principal and turn him into Captain Underpants. As long as he’s under their control, Captain Underpants fights bad guys wearing nothing but… his underpants.
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DESPICABLE ME 3 STEVE CARELL, KRISTEN WIIG, TREY PARKER Despicable Me 3 “threequel” brings back old favorites — like the ever-popular Minions and Gru’s girlfriend, Lucy— as well as new characters, including Gru’s twin brother, Dru. And, of course, there’s a new villain out for world domination: Bathalzar Bratt.
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Beyond WONDER WOMAN GAL GADOT AND CHRIS PINE Wonder Woman is the comics’ most famous female superhero. Diana, princess of the Amazons and unbeatable warrior, leaves her all-female island paradise to help save humanity. By becoming Wonder Woman, she aims to stop the spread of mass destruction during World War I.
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THE EMOJI MOVIE T.J. MILLER, JAMES CORDEN, ILANA GLAZER The Emoji Movie unlocks the neverbefore-seen secret world inside your smartphone. Hidden within the messaging app is Textopolis, a bustling city where all your favorite emojis live, hoping to be selected by the phone’s user. The characters embark on an epic “app-venture” through the apps on the phone, each its own wild and fun world, to find the Code that will fix Gene. But when a greater danger threatens the phone, the fate of all emojis depends on these three unlikely friends who must save their world before it’s deleted forever.
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THE NUT JOB 2 WILL ARNETT, KATHERINE HEIGL, MAYA RUDOLPH, GABRIEL IGLESIAS, JACKIE CHAN, BOBBY CANNAVALE, BOBBY MOYNIHAN AND JEFF DUNHAM. The Cal Brunker sequel sees the animals joining to save their home from an evil mayor who decides to bulldoze Liberty Park to build a dangerous amusement park.
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Tel: 1-876-764-8717 1-876-758-6673
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Sporting Kids By Robyn Miller • Photography: Dwayne Watkins
Every now and again a sporting genius comes along that the world simply cannot get enough of. Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Chris Gayle are just a few of the sporting kids that have become the geniuses of today.
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Mikala Virgo
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ut there’s a back-story to the gold mine that Jamaica and other places have managed to churn out over the years. Those hair-raising moments didn’t just happen by chance. They are often the result of a lot of hard work, discipline, dedication, sacrifice, and, yes…pain. You could say it’s a serious balancing act. A sport that is fast rising in popularity following island girl Toni-Ann Williams’ appearance at last year’s Olympics, B3 Magazine found a hive of emerging
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sporting geniuses among the talented pool of gymnasts at Nishida’s Gymnastics in Kingston. These little stars are the surest indication of what Jamaica and the world are soon to discover. One of the bright sparks who got our attention more than a year ago is the 12-year-old dynamo Danyella Holmes. A Level 8 gymnast, Danyella, who left Nishida’s a year ago to take up a scholarship in Virgina is described as having “amazing” work ethic by her US coaches. “Danyella is a talented young lady that displays
perseverance, commitment, determination, and passion for the sport of gymnastics”, qualities coach Macey Watson says make a successful gymnast. The talented gymnast copped a bronze medal at the recent USA Gymnastics (USAG) Virginia State Championships for her “impressive” floor routine. An Olympic hopeful for Tokyo, Japan 2020, Watson feels young Danyella’s “chances of making the Games are good” and “if she qualifies, she will represent her home country of Jamaica well”.
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Danyella Richards
ike many of the gymnasts she left back home, Danyella started gymnastics from a tender age. The earlier the start, the better says Nishida’s Gymnastics coach, Nicholas Tai, as it is the perfect time to condition their little bodies. Eleven years old and barely looking like it, Brianne Woon is special! Another Level 8 gymnast, with two levels to go before she officially enters the elite category, Brianne has won numerous awards both for her club, Nishida, and her country. She walked away with a third place all-round finish at the USAG tournament in Orlando, Florida in January, this after an excellent showing in Baltimore that same month. Brianne is a beauty on the bars! Like several of the gymnasts, the bars are her favourite routine as she gets to “swing on them”, Disciplined, poised and businesslike in her approach to her craft, Brianne transforms when she gets into action. “I’m always doing hand stands and cart wheel, and I do back tuck, which is like a back flip,” the agile youngster told B3 Magazine as her busy little body sprang into a combination of routine during our interview. Following in Brianne’s footsteps are cousins, Kailey Ho, aged 10, and eight-yearold Sydney Chung (known as ‘Ling Ling’ and ‘Shing Shing’ to their coaches. Her small hands pressed up against smiling cheeks in a peek-a-boolike gesture, the bright and pleasant Kailey sounded a warning to her opponents for the Barbados tour for which she was about to set off at the end of April.
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Adana Johnson
“I plan to take home all the medals!” said a confident Kailey. But even at their tender age these little sporting stars sacrifice a lot. School and social events often take a back seat due to the gruelling schedule, explains Danyella’s mom, Haedi-Kaye Holmes. Yet, Danyella maintains her honour role status at Virginia Academy in what is a serious balancing act. “Sometimes we get so much work we’re tired when we get home,” 12 year-old Level 5 gymnast, Asasia Malcolm, said. Her friend Jamila ‘Apple’ Duffus’, also 12, agrees.
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Still, the two are adamant they’ll wear the Jamaican colours at the 2024 Olympics. On average, these gymnasts train around 25 hours weekly – for four to five hours, up to five days a week. “Hardworking and dedicated”, much is expected from India Shirley, or ‘Ten Brain’ as coach Shenice Martin likes to call her for her smarts. But for now, the focus is on getting the 12 year-old to complete the USAG levels. “After that, she moves up, so let’s say, give her another five years and you’ll see great things from her,” coach Martin promised.
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A shy but fierce competitor, 10 year yearold Adana Johnson has come a long way from the five-year old coaches say they met when she first started at Nishida’s. Adana has suffered some nasty injuries in the past including rips (literally tearing) to the palm of her small hands from doing the gritty bar routine. But the fierce competitor has bounced back so nicely coach Martin says she now is not only physically, but mentally stronger and tougher. Coach Tai, who has been a gymnast since he was five and is now a World Championship competitor, said the sport
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Breanne Woon
India Shirley
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provides some of the greatest lessons in discipline and confidence and that the falls and injuries are only part of those lessons. Nishida Gymnastics is home to approximately 70 children and adult gymnasts, all of whom must complete a mandatory recreation routine before taking on the USAG training programme. Title holders of the 2015 Florida Crown Championship and winners of numerous individual and team awards, this tightknit unit and its crop of sporting kids are definitely ones to watch!
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MOM LIFE YO!
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think the best thing about mommyhood is that no matter where in the world you call home, our experiences are all the same. It’s ike once you become a mom, you automatically inducted into an exclusive global club creativity is a rite- of passage and membership is what really counts! Meet California-based super-moms T. Lopez and Breegan Jane. These two mompreneurs united to create a globally diverse discussion space that highlights the real issues and behind-the-scenes conversations moms need (and want) to have. Their creativity gave birth to Mom Life Yo, a one-hour radio show where “The Moms” discuss with open and honest authenticity any- and everything on the minds of involved moms, including money and time saving tips, health and fitness discussions, breastfeeding rights and child welfare. Unafraid to tackle any topic, their conversations cover both the highlights and behind-the-scene reels of motherhood often unacknowledged in media coverage and
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everyday mom interactions. Designed for busy, on-the-go moms to enjoy while involved in multitasking mayhem, the MOM LIFE YO app is a free download in the App Store or on Google Play and gives moms anywhere on the planet a lighthearted, genuine, judgmentfree outlet where both new and experienced moms can exchange mommy-exclusive stories and support, while sharing a few laughs along the way. Check them out - their radio show now airs every Wednesdays at 1m (PST)/4(ET) on Dash Talk Radio Instagram @momlifeyo www.momlifeyo.com T. Lopez T Lopez is an award-winning Latina recording artist, and TV host from Southern California. A former member of the music group Soluna, T Lopez has toured the world with Grammy artists Enrique Iglesias and Marc Anthony; she has also recorded with top artists T-Pain and Lil Wayne. Now a solo artist and mother of two girls, T Lopez is serving up bilingual entertainment on the stage, television, big screen and behind the mic. Breegan Jane Breegan Jane is an interior designer, entrepreneur and creative influencer from Southern California. She styles exclusive elegance for top-tier residential and commercial developments and seemlessly transitions from kid snuggler to interior designer to DJ and music curator. She loves every moment of being a great mom to her two boys and sharing their story and child engagement tips on her blog. Instagram for more info: @momlifeyo www.momlifeyo.com
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RETREAT By Sara Conner, Arlington, Texas
Sitting here in the bathroom with the door closed. Deliberately. Intentionally. Closed door. I am attempting to escape the .
onslaught of “Mom, Mom, where is my …., have you seen the …? I have to be …, Can my friends…?, Did you …?” requests, complaints, notifications, updates and tasks. You would think this is a safe zone. Absolutely not. Taking a shower or going to the bathroom in case you did not know, is actually an invitation for kids to go into stealth mode and locate you by any means necessary. The joy of parenting can get sucked out of you as you find yourself moving from one event, birthday party, school meeting, afterschool games to another bout of fussing, feeding and fueling little humans, all while desperately trying to find that bathroom for five
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minutes of peace and quiet.
s we scroll through the timelines of our friends photographed lives, they are relaxing on the beach while their children obediently play in the sand. Smiling just ‘so’, it all seems so surreal. We question ourselves. We berate ourselves for trying to escape for a few moments. Maybe we are being greedy or worse, maybe we are being selfish. Fighting within ourselves, we compare and evaluate, think and taunt all the while canvasing our hectic lives against the edited version of those around us. We may want to resign, but really what we need to do is to retreat. Retreat isn’t giving up, it’s giving in to the need to replenish. It’s taking a step back so the next step forward can be more effective. It is attainable and important. Being a parent doesn’t mean we stop being a person. We can fail to realize the oldest relationship we have is the one with ourselves. While nurturing others, it is important
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we nourish ourselves. Amidst the chaos we have to make a special effort to create calm moments for ourselves. One of the reasons “me time” ends up becoming “we time”, every time, is because we trick ourselves into believing we need long extended periods to rejuvenate. Since it is hard to find hours of time to block out we can choose to not block any time out at all. We ridicule the little and don’t value the small. This mistake costs us the much-needed retreats our souls need. The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. The depth of love, care and enrichment we bring to our children and spouses are directly related to how we love ourselves. It must be done. We have to take and make time to retreat. Retreating creates a sense of value. It restores mental strength. It recharges worn emotions. It repairs fatigued bodies and frayed nerves. Retreating is not a luxury it is a necessity.
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Like anything else in our lives, we must plan our personal time and guard it fiercely. We have to draw strong boundaries. Some of the things we can do to replenish are: ! Take time to pray, workout, walk or ! Take a class you’re interested in like silly things make us laugh and meditate for 15 minutes or more painting or dancing laughing itself is a retreat ! Create a strong routine for your ! Attend church ! Love yourself, you are worth it. children so they are in bed by ! Get up before your family or stay up 7:30pm or 8:00pm. This allows you a little after they go to sleep Retreating makes us calmer, more fun to to take an uninterrupted bath, chat ! Maximize your lunch break. Instead be around, more productive and intentional. with your spouse, watch Netflix, of rushing through it, savor the Our children will benefit from the overflow. read a book or probe the Internet. moments. Eat in a beautiful spot, Parenting becomes more joyful and those ! Find out what makes you feel slow down and ‘smell the roses’ as mad runs to the restroom trying to escape cherished they say can become a thing of the distant past. ! Instead of long vacations take a ! Play. Do random things such as Breathe. Retreat. Repeat. couple of overnight stays instead coloring, playing catch, hopscotch, Connect with Sara @pastorsara
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B3 Momtrepreneur Riche Holmes Grant When you walk away from the professional career you dreamed about, planned and studied for, to end up with a 4-year-old boss, you know you’re either slightly crazy or onto something really big. Meet Riche Holmes. She is a graduate of Columbia University, who had big plans to .
dominate the legal world. And she did. But after the birth of her first child, she also birthed an idea that captivated her heart and held the interest of a new generation of mothers. Today, Riche’s boss is a toddler. Her beautiful 5-year-old daughter who she calls #toddlerboss, runs the show and is the foundation for Riche’s success as a Momtrepreneur and designer and CEO of Bambiniware - a brand of smart + stylish baby and mommy gear.
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iche recalls the last conversation with her grandfather who told the lawyer-to-be to take 6 months off and figure out what she wanted to do with her life. Not the advice you’d expect while forging through her 3rd year of law school, but it was sound advice that this mom took and made it work! Common to most momtrepreneurs is the willingness to take risk and an innate desire to leave a strong legacy to her children and Riche is no different. She was on maternity leave from her then job as an attorney when she realized that she would no longer to be able to work in the same capacity after her baby arrived. The seed that was planted during her pregnancy bore fruit when her daughter was only 2 months old. With hard work and sleepless nights on repeat, the then new mom was relentless in creating ideas and designing the kind of products that she knew would have helped her as a first-time mother who wanted the balance
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of the practical items that she needed to use, and stylish designs that fit her glamourous lifestyle. “It’s very easy to slide into the world of ‘frumpy’, but I found that I could be a mom, still be fashionable with sophisticated baby products.” Bambiniware quickly became a lifestyle brand. I sit with Riche as she shares how, why and how again!
You have done what so many women and mothers only dream about, and I know it could not have been easy to make the decision to leave ‘sure for unsure’. Becoming a mom brought a refreshing and much-needed change of pace to my life. Before I had my daughter Riley, and even to a certain extent while I was pregnant, I was always working. As an entrepreneur for almost 10 years, I had a difficult time leaving the work at work. Even if I wasn’t actively working, there was never really a time when I wasn’t at least thinking about work, even
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Beyond during vacations. When Riley was born, everything changed. To say that I was overwhelmed is an understatement. Even though all I should have been doing was basking in the glow of motherhood in the early months, I nearly drove myself crazy thinking about how I was going to manage raising a child and running a business at the same time. After a lot of soul-searching, I decided that the two were not mutually exclusive. My focus shifted from trying to fit Riley into my previous work life as I knew it to creating a new model based on what would work best for her. In the end, I feel like I started a new life with BambiniWare and I think we both won.
What would you say to other women who are considering becoming Momtrepreneurs? .
It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but if it’s something that you’ve been considering, you definitely should go for it. You’ll never really know what it’s like until you try it for yourself. Fight back as hard as you can against excuses like not having enough time. We can all relate to the feeling of not having enough hours in the day. Between work, spouses, children and everything else we have going on, it can be difficult to find a free moment. But somehow, we still often find time to indulge in our “guilty pleasures.” Real Housewives, anyone? Whether your vice is TV, social media or anything else that sucks up mindless hours of your time, press the “off” button and start taking back your time. Try not to beat yourself up if you don’t get everything accomplished exactly as you planned each day or week. In my case, I already knew that it would take me three times longer to do things than before, so I built in extra time and I tempered my expectations. If I got three things done in a day, I was happy. And in the instances where I only got one thing done, I looked at it as one thing that moved me closer to my goal. Lastly, I’m a firm believer in vision boards and speaking success into my life. For me, that’s happened when I’ve stopped wondering “WHAT IF?” and started planning for “WHEN…” It’s a life lesson that I pass on to everyone I know because it really works. Each December, I make a vision board of what I want the upcoming
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year to look like in various areas of my life. The only rule I have when I make my board is that I don’t put any limits on my goals. In a world where literally anything is possible, the only thing that can stop you from creating the life of your dreams is your own imagination.
What makes it all worthwhile for you? I’ve prioritized motherhood in my life and reinvented my career around my daughter’s needs, but I’ve also figured out how not to lose myself in the process. Admittedly, I work harder for myself than I would for anyone else, but that’s because the stakes are so much higher for me. Every day, I have this little person looking up to me wondering what’s next. She’s what makes it worthwhile for me. Of all the things that I’ve done, what I’m most proud of is teaching my daughter how to be an entrepreneur.
Knowing what you know today, is there anything you would have done differently in the beginning of becoming a Momtrepreneur?
One thing that I would have done more is gotten more sleep. It sounds like a simple thing, but when I first started out, I actually thought that I was being more productive by
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sleeping less. It wasn’t until I read Arianna Huffington’s book, “Thrive,” a few years ago that I started sleeping more. Reading the story about how she woke up at her desk in a pool of blood after passing out from exhaustion was a real wake-up call for me. Now that I’m getting more sleep, I’m way more productive the next day, my mind is sharper, my energy level is higher and I’m so much happier.
relax before the day really starts. Lately, I’ve been enjoying experimenting with making homemade body products or catching up on my favorite shows during this time too! In addition to my daily rituals, I try to dedicate one day a week (usually) Fridays to my dedicated personal time. It’s so important to Maybe I’ll catch a yoga class, a movie, treat myself to lunch or just do nothing, which is always a great option too.
How do you maintain focus on days when life ‘gets in the way.’
You’ve been quoted as saying that ‘you don’t have to have a big budget to make an impact.’ Share with us your essentials of launching a business with limited funding.
I work really hard to limit my heavy work hours to the time when my Riley is at school. That way, she doesn’t miss out on my attention and I don’t feel like I’m missing out on my work when I’m with her. This system keeps us happy and feeling connected, even if it means that I don’t always get to finish all of my work when I’d like to. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned since becoming an entrepreneur, it’s that the work will always be there. As a mom, I think it’s so important for us to have “me” time too because we’re always taking care of everyone else’s needs, very often to the detriment of our own. If I’m not happy, I can’t focus. One of the things I love doing is getting up a couple of hours earlier than my husband and Riley. It’s my time to meditate, drink a cup of tea and just
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Yes! When you’re on a limited budget, it really forces you to tap into your own resources and get creative with what you have in order to project the kind of image you want the world to see. When we first started out, we didn’t have a photography budget, so I took Riley’s first cover shot in my bedroom with a point-and-shoot camera against a white comforter as the background. The resulting image was stunning. Who knew? I still keep that image on my business cards as a reminder of how we were able to do so much with so little at the time. For aspiring momtrepreneurs, I think the
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Beyond key is always starting by thinking about where you ultimately want to be and working backwards from there. When I started, I looked at the bigger brands that were out there, and many of them started out just like I did--a mom with a baby and an idea. That was so reassuring to me. I knew that if they could do it, so could I. Along the same lines, one of the things I that always recommend is finding out who the experts are in your industry and learning from them. And there’s so much free content and resources out there, that often your only investment is the time that you set aside to learn.
Mothers in business, especially baby-related businesses, are often inspired by their personal journey to motherhood, but balancing parenting and a successful business can be challenging. How do you do it?
There are some days when I’m super productive and other days when I feel like I haven’t gotten anything done. There are some days when I’m able to go to sleep when I put Riley to bed and other days when I do have to stay up and work to get caught up for the next day. It’s always going to be a work in progress. Outside of being a mom, I’m wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend and an individual. When the stars align, these things all fit together perfectly, but there are times when they just don’t and I’m okay with that too. I think the key is to be flexible. Know when it’s time to change so you don’t sacrifice your happiness—especially when the status quo is no longer working. .
How does Riley, your Toddler Boss, influence your creations?
Riley is my muse, she’s the “why” behind everything that I create as a designer. When she was a baby, my focus was on functionality: How can I create something that will make my life easier as a mom? Now that she’s older, she’s developed her own style, and my focus is on: What colors, prints or shapes would she like? As we continue to grow, I’d love to see an apparel line in our future.
What’s the most important lesson that you have learned from your daughter?
She’s got this huge personality that’s so different than mine when I was her age, and that’s one of the many things that I love her. At 4 years old, she’s bold, fearless, independent and determined. It wasn’t until I was much older that I started to feel comfortable in my own skin, but for her, I think she was born that way, and I’m so proud to be known in many circles these days as simply “Riley’s mom.” The most important lesson that I’ve learned from her is the importance of looking at every day as a new adventure, an opportunity to learn something new, do something you love or create something beautiful. Like many moms, Riche wears many hats. She is a lifestyle contributor to MarthaStewart.com, blogger and gourmet baby + toddler food chef. You can follow her on social media via @BambiniWare.
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