ICONIQUE MAGAZINE DEC/JAN 2022-23 EDITION

ICONIQUE MAGAZINE

WELCOME TO ICONIQUE MAGAZINE

FASHION MUSIC LIFESTYLE

ICONIQUE MAG

PC: VDONALD

7 WAYS TO ENJOY A MIDWEST WINTER WONDERLAND

(BPT) - Winter is a great time to take a trip and get away from it all while still enjoying the hallmarks of the season. If you’re looking for a place to relax and indulge yourself, consider Destination Kohler.

Located just two hours from Chicago and within an hour’s driving distance from two Wisconsin-based airports, Kohler, Wisconsin, has much to offer visitors from the Midwest and beyond. Check out seven ways you can enjoy a Midwest winter at Destination Kohler.

1. Five-star, five-diamond lodging

Do you want a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of every day with all the amenities? During your visit to Kohler, Wisconsin, stay at the American Club, a five-diamond, five-star resort hotel with storybook charm and deep historical roots tied to the company, the Kohler community and the state of Wisconsin.

At the American Club, you’ll have shuttle service throughout Destination Kohler, access to the Sports Core Health & Racquet Club and, from spring through fall, the ability to book advanced tee times on Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. In your room, enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea, Wi-Fi, video game systems, down comforters and so many more amenities.

2. Relaxing spa experience

Destination Kohler also features an acclaimed spa that offers a complete menu of invigorating

and luxurious ways to pamper your body and soul. The Kohler Waters Spa creates a relaxing and rejuvenating experience where guests can discover the natural, restorative power of earth’s mineral-rich waters.

Enjoy innovative hydrotherapy services, nourishing treatments, relaxation pools and curated culinary offerings. Before you head home, head to the spa boutique and continue the experience at home with Kohler Waters Spa products.

3. A variety of dining experiences

No matter what you’re craving, you can indulge in a vast range of culinary experiences at Destination Kohler’s seven restaurants, including the Four Star Immigrant Room, the Wisconsin Room, and the Horse & Plow at the American Club.

Venture beyond the hotel to River Wildlife, where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal Midwestern fare at a rustic log cabin at the edge of a lush hardwood forest. Or take a break from shopping at the Taverne on Woodlake for an imaginative take on comfort and cuisine.

4. Shopping and indulgence

Take a stroll through the Shops at Woodlake, an open-air collection of more than 20 boutique shops at the lake’s edge. Whether you want to pick up a new outfit, find a souvenir to remember your visit or buy a gift for friends back home, you’ll find everything you need at one of these specialty shops.

One of the must-stops at the Shops at Woodlake is Kohler Chocolates, where chocolatiers create their handcrafted chocolates and other delicacies on-site. Visitors can choose from a full menu of coffees and teas, gelatos, a box of their famous Terrapins, one of their other confectionaries, or a bottle of the decadent Kohler brandy infused with Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Mint.

5. Exciting activities

For those who like to stay active during vacation, Kohler’s Winter Wonderland and Sports Core have something for everyone. Take in the beauty of winter while ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat tire biking. Unleash your inner athlete by playing hockey, curling, tennis and pickleball, as well as indoor swimming, cycling and golfing.

6. Get inspired at the design center

Learn about innovative product design, technology, creative achievement and American history at the Kohler Design Center. This three-level building is open 365 days a year and houses designer rooms filled with inspirational ideas for the kitchen and bath, current and iconic Kohler product designs and a museum that provides a historic snapshot of Kohler’s past.

7. Take in local architecture

Kohler Village was the first planned community in the United States designed by the Olmsted Brothers - known for several notable projects like Central Park in New York City - and later the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The village merges remarkable architectural styles that produce an engaging and provocative self-guided, leisurely tour to entertain novices and aficionados alike.

THE HENDERSONS

THE HENDERSONS

PC: VDONALD

PC: VDONALD

The Henderson’s!

This family is full of excitement. Malcolm, the king of the castle, is full of love and the ultimate jokester. Nedra, the queen of the throne, is literally a jack of all trades. Together, they share 5 scholar athletes. Machai and Machail excelled in the classroom, on the court, on the football field and the baseball field. Makayla enjoys being a part of the color guard team, gymnastics and cheerleading. Artis is the soccer player of the family. Lastly there’s Nasir, who dibbles and dabbles into everything he sees his older siblings doing. The bond of this family is unbreakable and the love is indescribable. With Malcolm being their leader, the Hendersons will be nothing short of greatness. -Happy holidays.

PC: VDONALD

KELVIN THOMAS

Young Man of Distinction!

In light of circumstances for some, it can be a challenge to allow life to happen as it does. This young man has overcome a world of challenges as I continue to work with him trying to prepare him for tomorrow. Autism is not seen it is often felt or experienced by the person afflicted with it and their caregiver. We are not our challenges we are the resolution to them. Kelvin is one of the most empathetic people I met. We remain in tune, it takes more than a village sometimes, it takes a greatly patient photographer to capture our best essences. This family will always be eternally appreciated of the time and given by Von Donald.

PC: VDONALD

THOMAS

KELVIN

Young Man of Distinction!

PC: VDONALD

COMFORT FOODS THAT SOOTHES A BROKEN HEART

When you think of all the things that happen in the busy month of December, breakups are probably the last thing that come to mind. However, research shows the holidays are a prime time for ending relationships.

Whether it’s a romantic partnership that’s come to an end or a friendship that no longer serves you well, breakups are unfortunately common this time of year. Are you or is someone you know experiencing a breakup?

For many Americans, the winter holidays are a time to pull the plug on romantic relationships. In fact, a vast majority (83%) would consider breaking up with someone ahead of the holidays, according to a Wakefield Research survey for Pacific Foods.

A milestone month

A vast majority of younger adults confirm December is a make-or-break milestone for relationships. Nearly 3 in 5 say they or a couple they know have broken up in the month of December, including 40% who experienced it themselves. No matter the reason or circumstances, breaking up is difficult. While there are numerous ways to help mend a broken heart, seeking comfort foods is one of the most popular breakup solutions among Gen Z and Millennials.

Savory over sweet

When it comes to what cuisine can help mend a broken heart during the holiday season, the majority say comfort food such as soup, pasta and pizza are the way to go, compared to more indulgent choices such as chocolate, ice cream or baked goods. So ditch the sweets this season and grab a bowl of warm and comforting soup. In fact, younger adults’ taste in breakup soup skews toward the traditional. An overwhelming 88% identified soup as a breakup comfort with nearly 3 in 5 Gen Z and Millennials citing chicken noodle as the most comforting soup to eat after a breakup, followed by tomato soup and vegetable soup.

Whether you’ve experienced a breakup or you want to support a friend or family member, you can count on your favorite soup and broth brand, Pacific Foods, to provide you with nourishing products that feel like a warm hug. So stock up on the classics including Hearty Vegetable Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup and Tomato Bisque to help get you through both the good times and the bad.

Prioritize yourself

Everyone experiences breakups differently. Whether you’re getting over your work crush, starting a new solo chapter or have just parted ways with a friend, it’s important to make time for yourself and do things that bring you comfort. This season, no matter your situation, head to PacificFoods.com for delicious recipes, new soup and broth options and more.

MONSEANI

Born at Grady Hospital raised in Southeast ATL, Monseani is the definition of a lyrical southern rapper. With influences from his surroundings like his brothers DJ Da Tripp da Hitmajor and Raymonee, Monseani also keeps his music reflective of the best in the game from Jay-z to Goodie Mobb. His range is worldwide and diverse. Handing out bars on every beat, he draws you in with his own twist on storytelling, dropping game and kicking knowledge. He honed his skills into greatness by staying in the studio day in and out until it paid off. Being in the game for years and having several albums out on Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube , as well as being one of the best in The ATL Playlist Academy, the new album Seeing Money Speaking Music is a perfect blend of skill, word play, and messages. Seasoned and experienced, his latest album is a must hear for all Hip Hop fans. You can also dive deeper into his creativity by checking out his personal clothing line Deveredge & Dukes Of Atlanta sure to intrigue anyones unique eyes. Monseani is a name you will want to know for sure.

2023 KITCHEN DESIGNS

The kitchen isn’t just a place where you cook food to nourish your body. It’s a place where you gather with friends and family to connect and make memories. Because it’s the heart of the home and facilitates so many activities, it’s important to consider how your kitchen design can enhance the meaningful moments enjoyed within the space.

With this in mind, many people desire to upgrade their kitchen in 2023. If you’re one of them, consider the top trends in kitchen design and how they can enhance your space:

Trend: Focus on functionality

The kitchen space is significant from an investment point of view, as well as an aesthetic one. Beyond the monetary and cosmetic aspects, it’s important to keep in mind the kitchen is also the hardest-working space in the home. The products you select should be beautiful yet durable, and the materials used are as important as the design itself.

As you begin a project, seek options that enhance work areas, ease of operation and convenience. Consider a chef’s sink that fits your personal needs, a faucet that provides multiple water pressures to conserve output or a separate filter faucet to cut down on bottled water consumption. When researching, look for materials that can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining their luster and depth of color.

Trend: Designer collections

Upscale collections remove guesswork, resulting in a kitchen that is classic and stylish with products that have the strength and durability to withstand the test of time. These attributes are the goals of expert designer Mick De Giulio, who partnered to create collections with KALLISTA starting in 2011 with the introduction of the Multiere and the Soltiere chef-inspired kitchen sinks and accessories, and the Bacifiore entertainment sink, with the addition of the apron front

KAT LATRICE

PHOTO: VON DONALD MUA: OLYMPIA KENT

KAT LATRI

PHOTO: VON DONALD MUA: OLYMPIA KENT

PHOTO: VON DONALD MUA: OLYMPIA KENT

Mr Dimelo is a Bronx native, Dominican artist. He began creating music at the age of 13. He went on to writing and selling poetry at the age of 15 and is using his passion to make a name for himself.

He grew up fluent in Spanish, so his music fuses his Dominican heritage and NY roots. He then added some elements of the southern style when he moved to the city of Atlanta in 2006.

After moving to Atlanta, Mr Dimelo became affiliated with Money MOB Entertainment as an Artist/Songwriter. He has worked with Artists such as Tha Corp, The Power Circle, Yung Wyze, 7ven Thirty, and even the London based company 2Luvly productions.

In 2016, Mr Dimelo released his freshman project known as “Senzu Bean”, available on DatPiff. Since then, he has independently continued to expand his brand, being part of compilation projects with other aspiring artists, also building up a foundation with his team JUK (Just Us Kingz).

Mr Dimelo has had the opportunity to spread his music throughout the world, showcasing in places such as Stockholm (Sweden), as well as having his music played in Africa, Europe, Dominican Republic, and of course all through out North America.

Currently, Mr Dimelo is a part of Tha Corp Life Movement with the latest release of his new project “Back 2 Lyfe”, out now on all platforms.

He is active appearing in various open mic and showcases throughout Atlanta, New York and the rest of the United States, while also venturing out into songwriting, he has already written a song for a TV show production as well for other artists.

AIM

I just want my music to change moods and inspire

I THOUGHT WE WAS JUST MEETING FOR COFFEE!

I have to start this story to explain why I had my affair, it’s in no way saying I’m shallow or a bad person, but we all have our moments of weakness and we all do have expectations of what our partner should be to hold our sexual attraction toward them, and a lot of the time this is why people break up or get a divorce. When I was 22 years old I was in a long distance relationship with my then girlfriend (20 years old) whom was away at university. We were going through a bit of a rough patch as she spent most of her time “studying” and couldn’t talk to me online or on the phone during normal hours but then I’d find out later in the week that she was at the bars partying it up like every other college/university aged person would do. I never went to college/university myself, I instead started a career in the military. We had talked about me getting out to follow her and be stay at home dad while she went to work and made more than enough to support us. I admit it sounded like a good idea at the time, she was one of the smartest people in her high school when she graduated but the stress of university level courses started to make her second guess herself when she would fail quizes and tests she had been up all night studying for. I would get phone calls at 1 am of her crying and wanting to quit university, but I would remind her of our plans and she couldn’t give up on our future because I just couldn’t see us being together if her only option was to work at McDonalds for the rest of her life. This went on for the first year of her away at university, then she spent the summer with her mother traveling Europe. When she started back at school in the fall she met some new friends and started living in a house off campus. When I saw her she definitely exceeded the “Freshman 15” rule and put on a lot of weight. She started listening to different music and hanging out with new goth friends that talked her into trying marijuana, getting her belly button, tongue, and nipples pierced, tattoos during drunken spontaneous adventures, and dying her hair unnatural bright colours (her friends told her I would like these changes and I infact did not). By now she was 21 and I was 23, I was starting to think about buying a house, getting married, and having children. I started wondering if I had other options out there and signed up for a dating site to see what they might be. I listed myself for “friends only” because I wasn’t actively looking for a new girlfriend. I didn’t get very many hits

had blonde curly hair, and she was 6 months pregnant. She was using the dating website to find friends saying “she was lonely at home during the day because she was had started maternity leave early, and there was no father of the baby in the picture anymore”. I figured a 6 month pregnant woman was ok to talk too, she likely wasn’t looking for a relationship or even sex. When we started talking I immediately told her I was in a long distance relationship with a younger woman that was away at school and was a totally different person than I had first met and started dating almost year and half earlier. Each time we talked it was always in chat windows and didn’t go on for very long. We started out with friendly greetings and she would jump right to “So how’s the gf situation?”. I would just rant for a few paragraphs about a phone call early in the morning yet again or my wasted visit to her see her at her house where I ended up just doing dishes that had been piled on the counter for a week and neglected by her roommates. I even once had to clean her room for her and throw out all of the pizza boxes and empty pop cans that had been there for a while. After three weeks of chatting online Kim finally asked me if I wanted to meet up in person and have coffee together. She asked me to come and pick her up at her place, not far from where I lived. She said she would be the pregnant lady waiting on the side walk next to her apartment building. When I arrived there she was, an average woman with dark blonde curly hair in a long t-shirt and leggings carrying a purse. She wasn’t dressed to impress but I did get out of the car and shook her hand when we both

said it’s finally nice to meet in person, and then opened the door for her to get in. She talked to me like I didn’t know where I was going and directed me to the only coffee shop in town. I got a coffee and she got an ice’d coffee. She asked me if I wanted to drive around the small town and if I knew about the beach in town, which I infact did not. We drove down and it was starting to get dark out. She told me to park in the parking lot and we just started talking again. This is where she told me that she used to be in the military reserves and was taking time off to start a family when the father of her baby decided he was going to leave her and then go on deployment. She asked me a question about my gf that I do not remember because the next second her hands were holding my belt buckle and she was trying to get it undone. I said “Whoa! I uh...”, and Kim replied “I thought this is why what you wanted? A blow job isn’t really cheating now is it?”. I honestly had no argument and she just continued and told me to lower my seat so she could get in closer. The windows to my car had started to fog up and after a few minutes I couldn’t see outside anymore, but then I heard gravel moving in the parking lot that sounded like a car driving and I wiped away the window to see a local police cruiser. I told her we needed to stop and should go. “We can go back to my apartment if you want too, we can hang out there?”. I tucked my hard cock back into my pants as best I could and sorted out my seat before turning on the car and leaving the parking lot. The windows were defogged by the time we got back onto the road and I could see Kim looking at me with my girlfriend, it felt

in the beginning, but then after a couple of weeks one of the few women I started talking to was also listed as “friends only”. Her name was Kim, she through the corner of my eye as I slightly grinned. I managed to get us back to her apartment building where she showed me where to park across the street and then we went inside. The apartment was very cluttered with luggage and boxes, Kim told me her girlfriend had just moved in a few weeks ago and was still unpacking. I asked if her roommate was there but Kim said she was out for the night and said she had asked her give her the apartment for the night. I wasn’t very fast to figure out that Kim had this all planned out as she brought me onto the balcony and she lit a cigarette. I didn’t say anything about her being pregnant and smoking, it wasn’t my place to tell her she should stop and I thought she might get mad and kick me out. She stood up and said she was going inside for a second, I thought she was coming back but after five minutes I heard her call out to me and I walked in and she directed me to her bedroom. There she was, laying completely naked on her bed with her beautiful large breasts and very pregnant belly bare for me to see. She said “I thought you were going to follow me in?”, I replied “I didn’t know we were going to do this? I have a girlfriend”. Kim said “I figured this is what you wanted all along, to have sex with someone else and have no strings attached? So if you do take off your clothes and come here”. I stripped naked very quickly and climbed onto the bed. Kim spread her legs and I could see her very hairy bush and very wet pussy waiting for my hard cock. She grabbed it and guided it before I could put it in and handed me a condom “I don’t know where it’s been and I want to protect my baby, so put it on”. I didn’t argue and when I

tighter and more forbidden. Then the dirty sex talk started “Oh, gawd this is so good, I’ve wanted to feel a nice hard cock in my pussy for months...mmm...slower, push deeper...you won’t hurt the baby, it’s ok....”. I asked her if I was the first guy she had fucked since she got pregnant and she said “yes, you are the first guy but not the first person, I had sex with my room mate before she moved in”. I got even harder and Kim noticed that “did you like me saying that, I could tell, your cock feels even bigger now. I nodded and said “Yes”. I asked “have you ever been in threesome before?”. Kim said “Yes, I’ve been in a threesome, have you?, “No, I’ve always wanted too, even talked about it with my gf but she really likes Indian girls and we haven’t really been around each other to find one we could hook up with”. Kim told me “you should definitely try it, it’s great having another person to play with”. I then asked her “maybe your roommate can come and join us?”. “She’s out for the night, and besides, I haven’t had a threesome in a long time, not since before I got pregnant and I don’t want to do that while I am pregnant”. I kind of felt like I was being shot down for a moment, and I guess Kim wanted to change the direction we were going. She made me lay on my back and climbed on top of me. She then said “I want to keep this more one on one between us, more intimate and meaningful. She started to gyrate faster on my cock and I was about to cum when she started having an orgasm and pulled off my cock and squirted all over me, I thought she was peeing on me since I had never experienced that before. She kept fingering her clit as she finishe squirting. She then climbed back on and in a few more minutes she made my cock erupt deep inside of her, and I could feel my cum collecting into the end of the condom. She got off and told me to go to the

bathroom and clean up. When I came back she was dressed again and told me I was the highlight of her day. I noticed it was daylight out, thankfully I wasn’t working that morning or I would have been very late. I got dressed and she walked me down to my car. She gave me a good-bye kiss and as I was getting into my car she called out “I Love You!”....WHAM! That was my wakeup call, I immediately knew this could not happen again and that she was just looking for a baby daddy. I smiled and waved and drove off. My heart racing as I got back to my place and checked my computer to see that my girlfriend had messaged me and called and left several messages asking me where I was and why I wasn’t answering my phone. The next day she called I acted as if nothing happened and told her I was at the bar that night with friends and had too much to drink and was passed out in my room with a hangover and my phone was dead. I also checked the dating site app to see that Kim had messaged me the next day and was asking me why I wasn’t replying to her messages. After two days she asked me if it was because she had said she loved me. I replied “Yes, that is why. I’m confused about my gf and what I wanted. Kim said she would give me some space and that she was here for me if I ever wanted to come over and fuck her again. It was only ever a one night affair and eventually her husband went back to her and I steered clear of that part of town. As for my girlfriend back then she still to this day doesn’t know I cheated on her.....multiple times with different women. I guess it was my way of trying to find an excuse to get caught so I could break up with her, but it took another year and half for us to call it quits after three years together.

ECO-FRIENDLY IMPROVEMENTS HELP SAVE MONEY

Today’s home improvements aren’t just about updating your home to make it more functional. Many homeowners are making strategic improvements that also help green their home and boost its resale value. One of the best places to start is also one of the most frequented rooms in the house: the bathroom.

Eco-friendly improvements help save money on utility bills, but that’s just the start. Green updates help you feel good about your impact on the earth, helping you eliminate water waste, use less energy and reduce use of toxic chemicals.

What’s more, green home improvements are in high demand in real estate, meaning your home can command a higher price at resale. Over half of agents and brokers found that consumers were interested in sustainability when shopping for a home, according to a 2021 report by the National Association of Realtors.

Bathrooms are one of the best places to make green updates that streamline use and reduce waste because they make your home more comfortable and they get noticed if you decide to sell. For example, toilets can be huge water-wasters, but a simple update can provide significant savings.

1) Opt for water-saving toilets

Dual-flush toilet systems are a modern option that lets you choose how much water is used when you flush based on if there is liquid or solid matter that needs disposal. Update your current bathrooms with dual-flush models, and to add even more value to your home, add a new bathroom that features this water-saving toilet.

With modern technology, you can install a bathroom virtually anywhere. Saniflo has created innovative, eco-friendly, above-floor plumbing technology that allows for quick and easy installation with minimal hassle and mess. Highly focused on sustainability, these macerators and grinders work throughout a home, including on a second story, in a basement, in a garage or in a structure that sits on a slab, like a shed that would traditionally require concrete cutting to create below-floor drainage.

For example, the Sanicompact can be used to add a small guest bathroom in an existing space without drilling through concrete, which saves materials and reduces waste. The dual-flush feature flushes waste with 1.28 gallons per flush and liquids with 1 gallon. The Saniaccess 3 macerating unit paired with the company’s water-saving rear-discharge toilet is ideal for full bathrooms, using a smaller amount of water than conventional toilets: 1.28 versus 1.6 gallons per flush with no sacrifice in flushing power. It is also recognized as water-saving by the EPA’s WaterSense program.

Dino and Beth Gregorich of San Diego, California, opted for the Sanicompact that helped them transform a storage shed behind their swimming pool into a half-bath and changing room without breaking through concrete. Saniflo toilets and self-contained macerating units are CEC (California Energy Commission) listed.

“You can use light flush with less water and a full flush with more,” he explains. “In San Diego, we pay a fortune for water, so we try to save as much as possible. Ultra-low-flush, high-efficiency toilets are very important here.”

2) Switch to energy-efficient lighting

In addition to upgrading the toilet, there are other important steps you can take to green the bathroom. Natural light and energy-efficient lighting are two practical and environmentally friendly ways to light the bathroom.

To start, swap out all light bulbs for long-lasting, energy-efficient LED bulbs. Then, consider opportunities for adding more natural light, such as a skylight that allows light in without sacrificing privacy. Depending on the type of skylight you select, this upgrade can provide solar heating, better ventilation, and reduce mildew and mold growth.

3) Use natural materials

Finally, to truly green your bathroom, it’s important to be mindful about using natural materials and avoiding VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are toxic to the environment. Popular eco-friendly products include glass, reclaimed wood, metal, bamboo, cork and porcelain. When choosing your materials, consider whether the materials will serve a long-lasting purpose and can eventually be recycled.

Iconique Mag

PC: VON DONALD

There may be nothing more sweet in this big, wide world than gazing upon photos and videos of your kids or grandkids - with smiles a mile wide - holding up what they think is a huge “monster” fish (even if it’s just a small sunfish or bluegill), or photos of your family all together enjoying a day of fishing and having fun on the water.

If you love fishing and you want to share it with your family, it’s important to put a little planning in up front to help the experience go as smooth as it can to create those lasting memories and those stories that will be told for years of the monsters that were caught, and the big ones that got away.

To help you introduce the ones you love to a lifetime of fishing fun, the folks at Rapala, the legendary lure maker, offer these tips:

TEN TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE MORE FUN FISHING

Remember, it’s all about the little wins - If you have smaller kids or beginners in the family, it’s likely they’ll be pulling up smaller catches. Though their sunfish might look measly to you, they might think it’s a monster! Hint, hint: So should you. Snap a picture to remember the beaming look on their faces and use this opportunity to show them how to conserve fish for future generations.

Let them guide you - When and where it’s safe, let the kids “co-pilot” with you by operating your boat’s trolling motor and guiding you to the perfect spot. Kids want to experience what the adults do. Operating a trolling motor will give them experience in positioning the boat and learning how to approach a spot.

Include your partner/spouse or others in your family in the fun - Families come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. Use fishing as an opportunity to gather in the great outdoors and share some precious time together. Involve your partner or spouse, uncles and aunts, grandparents and close friends who feel like family. A day on or near the water can be a great way for a family to get away from our always-on digital world.

Use good quality gear - Don’t skimp on cheap fishing gear. If your low-quality fishing gear breaks or malfunctions, it could ruin the moment. Good gear doesn’t cost a fortune. Choose gear with a lot of positive reviews and fishing lures, like Rapala lures, which are well-known for catching fish. Similarly, be prepared for accidents that happen and practice patience if a rod tip gets broken, a fishing rod falls into the water, or a fishing lure gets stuck high up in a tree. Stuff happens.

Safety first - Being in or around water means safety comes first. Make sure everyone has lifejackets, stays hydrated, and that you brief the kids on hook and water safety before handing over the rod. Remember to check the weather ahead of time so you can bundle up if it’s a crisp morning, and bring sunscreen and hats if the sun is blazing.

Bring a scale - Practice catch-weigh-photo-release to get the family in the swing of things. You can even have a competition to see who had the heaviest catch! Weigh the fish caught with a Rapala scale, perfect for taking photos that display just how hefty your catch is.

Don’t forget the snacks! - Make everyone’s day and keep spirits high by bringing special treats along for the ride. Ask each family member their favorite snack beforehand to make sure everyone is included. The only ‘hangry’ ones on your fishing trip should be the fish!

Think beyond fishing to get fishing - Tell stories, take pictures, and bring coloring books for the little ones if they need a break. And remember, it’s okay if not everyone wants to fish. Some members of your family may not be too keen on fishing. Make sure they feel welcome and invite them to read a book or do another activity while others in your family are fishing. They will surely want to be there when the others are showing their catches off.

Fishing is about learning - Fishing can be fun, but it’s also an opportunity to be part of nature and experience other precious moments, such as watching other wildlife (turtles, frogs, ducks, squirrels), identifying plants and trees, learning how a boat works, and trying different types of presentations to see which one is most effective in catching fish. If some members of your family really turn on to fishing, feed that passion with videos about fishing. Rapala has more than 600 informative videos on its YouTube channel alone.

Make a video - Take lots of photos and videos of your fishing trips with the family, then create a short movie with iMovie to help them relive the memories of fishing when it’s cold and wet outside. It’ll be fun to make, and the final product will be a memento your family will cherish forever.

Get in

Accessories can be real statement pieces and a way to show your personality in an otherwise classic outfit. Fashion accessories are a great way to spice up any wardrobe, especially one that could use an updating.

Are you interested in updating your appearance, at least in terms of your fashion? If you are, you may not only want to examine the latest in clothing fashion trends, but also the latest trends in fashion accessories. Fashion accessories are rapidly increasing in popularity, particularly in our celebrity-obsessed culture. But many of us still do not know exactly how to use them to our best advantage.

The term “fashion accessories” is very broad and includes a number of products. Just like fashion clothing pieces, accessories come in virtually every size, shape and style under the sun. There are fashion accessories that are designed for children, teens, men, women, petite sized, and plus sized individuals. Below are a few of the major fashion accessory items you might want consider in order to keep your look current and expand your coordination options.

Style

Accessorize

The most well known fashion accessory is of course, jewelry. For teenagers and children, fashion jewelry pieces that are popular often include colorful, oversized pieces, as well as charm necklaces or charm bracelets. For men, a popular piece of jewelry often includes large pendant necklaces, many of which display a cross or another popular or meaningful symbol. As for women, popular pieces of fashion jewelry include watches, earnings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and so forth.

Another major fashion accessory that you might want to look at is a new handbag. While purses can also be trendy, it is the handbag that has become a real status symbol and major fashion accessory. They come in a huge array of different styles so it is common to own more than one if your budget allows. In fact, many women out there like to match their fashion accessories, including their purses and handbags, with the clothing that they wear. [Continue on Page 24]

Updating your handbag every season can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to update your whole look.

BODY DIVERSITY IN FASHION

Looking retrospectively at 2017 the industry cited important shifts across the diversity spectrum and for the year that was, racial diversity came out the winner with 32.5% of the top international publications featuring people of colour, a 3.5% increase over 2017. (The fashion spot)

Body diversity saw a marginal increase from the previous year and it’s greatest triumph the inclusion of 90 ‘plus size’ models on the runways for Spring Fashion Week in New York. The real figures though revealing that the 90 who walked, represented less than 4% of the 2601 runway appearances in total. Not quite as impressive, but yes still an important step in the right direction.

The least exciting number for body diversity was it’s representation across the top international publications with just 1% of plus size models featured, showing a marginal increase on 2016’s 0.9%. That number equates to just 8 covers out of 679 belonging to a model, size 12 or over.

These numbers are significant because they tell a story and part of that narrative is that the real work on the inclusion of diverse representation within the fashion industry has only just begun with much work needing to be done if we want to see this small yet meaningful increasing advancing to normal.

The Fashion Law cited the Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan in stating,

“We need to get to a point at which inclusiveness feels organic. And IS organic. That we get to a point where the shows feel like they are speaking to the wide range of consumers, but without turning the runway into some kind of human assembly line in which one-of-each is the standard.”

As consumers, we look to the industry to lead the change, but are our expectations a little misplaced? Is it only the responsibility of the ‘giants’?

I have been recently challenged myself with this question; not that of the importance of diversity in body image because I am 100% behind that, but found myself wrestling with how this belief shows up in my own life and in my work as a fashion stylist.

The catalyst, a newly launched swimwear label I was introduced to, Harmony Swim. This is a brand that not only speaks the message of beauty at every size, but also demonstrates the heart of their message visually in the upfront marketing of their brand, and that, is unfortunately rare.

So the question remains. How authentic is our support of body diversity in our everyday? Do we genuinely back the message or are we simply giving it lip service? How do we really feel about cellulite on the runway, in our magazines and Instagram feeds? Are we comfortable with that? And if the answer is yes, how are we personally promoting that message?

And to the high street and mainstream fashion brands, the brands that the vast majority of us are wearing; size ranges might well be available from a size 4 to a 16, but how many of them are using size 16 models to front campaigns?

The requirement doesn’t just rest on the shoulders of Vogue or Harpers Bazaar, or even New York Fashion Week. It has to become ingrained in our personal value system as individuals, as consumers, as fashion retailers, and as designers, stylists, photographers, and hair and make up artists, creative directors and influencers.

And yes, Vogue.

My feeling is that it’s going to take a shift from ‘the one’ to fuel and support the work that is being done at the top.

The truth is the platform for body diversity is emerging even if the stats look small and new opportunities are starting to develop but this mountain is a long way from being conquered and until we start to consider our individual role in the game, 1% just might remain 1%.

Let’s be the game changers. #isupportbodydiversity allmyfriendsaremodels.com