The Mint Experience Westman Jan 2022

Career Connections

Helping you find qualified employees Mint To Be Wedding Guide Hunka Hunka Burning Love on the Menu

The Mint Experience Westman VOL 6 ISS 1 JAN 2022

MADE TO GROW

3RD ANNUAL EVENT Made To Grow is an annual event that gathers women entrepreneurs who are looking to grow and excel in life and in business.

The 3rd Annual Made to Grow Project Event has been thoughtfully curated with a focus on mindfulness and acknowledging our own ability to scale our businesses. With a strategic plan and the right connections, every one of us has the opportunity to turn our dreams into reality. Join us for a life altering event where dreams turn into a plan, and a plan turns into prosperity.

“We are a community of women who fiercely support one another to grow in business, through peer mentorship, personal growth and tactile steps to catapult your business to prosperity.”

EVENT DATE May 9 2022

LOCATION

Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway, Winnipeg MB

Purchase tickets to attend in person or virtual.

EARLY BIRD PRICING

Save $100 when you purchase your ticket by February 28 2022

madetogrowcommunity@gmail.com | www.madetogrow.ca |

What is

The Mint Experience is a local magazine that strives to entertain, inform and connect with the Westman community. We truly aim at being an outlet who really cares and nurtures the people who we are fortunate enough to work with and share their stories with our readers.

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We want to create an experience that can be shared and felt through the pages of our magazine no matter where you are. Our goal at The Mint Experience is to inspire our readers with fresh, smart content.

For the foodie, we vow to share great local spots and refreshing beverages. We strive to look and feel our best with fabulous accessories, all things home and well, life. Diverse in culture and local talent, we highlight extraordinary people, innovative entrepreneurs and the latest must-have finds. Our readers savour and then save each issue to have on hand at the lake or when making reservations at the best restaurants. Our articles are crafted with authenticity for people living right here in Westman.

Join us as we shine a positive light and learn about everything that Westman has to offer.

We create & deliver your local Brand Story to 60,000 target local readers.

Build your brand now with The Mint Experience Winnipeg MB Brandon MB 204-721-1296 jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca

FIRST WORD From Editor in Chief

JAMIE WILLEY

Volume 6 Issue 1, January 2022 Publisher Mint Marketing Experience Inc.

Editor Jamie Willey

Graphic Designer Ghislaine Moffitt

Writer Lisa Cress

new year always brings a new lease on life. Even after a few weeks, when the New Year Resolutions seems to fizzle out, we are surrounded by strong and adaptable communities and amazing people who keep moving forward.

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Our time at home has helped us appreciate the comforts of home, from a romantic date night in, creating our very own Zen Zone, to helping our furbabies get on the healthy food habit too! My wish for you is to take in all of the positive habits that are near and dear to you and smile with gratitude for everything this new year will bring.

Our Cover Feature is two amazing organizations that are dedicated to building community, relationships and above all – people. Read about how they are there to help local businesses through a hiring crisis and how Avis’s Place has been a staple to help people stay connected and interact.

After almost 2 years of lockdowns, restrictions and postponements, our Brides & Grooms and the whole wedding industry has been rocked by these never-ending changes. As Manitobans, we remain resilient and set the scene for a dreamy wedding season with our Mint to Be Wedding Guide.

With gratitude,

Contributing Writers Shelby Wood Kim Raaikamakers Michael van Lierop Nancy Dutiaume Stephanie Baranowski Anna Dumas

Photographer Studio 78

Cover Photo Studio 78

PRINT ADVERTISING & DIGITAL MARKETING INQUIRIES hello@mintmarketingexperience.ca FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES Jamie Willey jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca 204-721-1296 mintmarketingexperience.ca The Mint Experience is published by Mint Marketing Experience Inc. The Mint Experience Westman is published 6 times per calendar year. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the Publisher. The Mint Marketing Experience Inc assumes no responsibility to return any unsolicited editorial or graphic material. The Mint Marketing Experience Inc. considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently readers using this information should do so at their own risk.

Mint Marketing Experience Inc. 29 10th Street Unit J Brandon, MB R7A 4E4

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CONTENTS 8 26 40 51

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Fashion & Beauty

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Health & Wellness

26

Eats & Drinks

34

House & Home

44

Local Culture

FEATURES 26

Hunka Hunka Burning Love on the Menu

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Cover Story: Career Connections & Avis's Place

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Mint to Be Wedding Guide

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CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE

JAMIE WILLEY Born and raised in Manitoba, Jamie comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. Owner of Studio 78 Lofts, and Editor in Chief of The Mint Experience, Jamie has a soft spot for the fearless business community.

Combining her creative photography talents with her business roots, she is proudly bringing stories and inspiration with Westman’s best magazine.

Jamie has a love for cooking, and of course delicious wines. She is very proud of her two boys, Braden and Nate, who never cease to amaze her with their wit, humour and compassion.

ANNA DUMAS Anna is an avid food lover. She has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 18, and specializes in mixology and bartending, and is the Taproom Manager at Black Wheat Brewing. Anne is well known for her unique love of Tequila, Orange, and Cinnamon. She has a passion for wine, and took her WSET level 2 Wine and Spirits course at Banville & Jones.

Her two children take up any additional time she has, unless it’s selflessly trying wines and making pairing notes for Mint.

STEPHANIE BARANOWSKI How can Diamond Lotus help you? Stefanie Baranowski is the CEO and Founder of Diamond Lotus. She lives eats and breathes health and wellness.

With a live to learn spirit that she shares with intentional thoughts and kindness through her corporate wellness services. She has been in the health and wellness field for 20 years with experience, education and knowledge in various areas of health and wellness.

Diamond Lotus works at helping you incorporate your definition of wellness into your daily routines, your workplace, and into your transformative self.

LISA CRESS Lisa Cress is an advertising specialist, writer and wannabe fantasy author living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She started her freelance career under the name Slay it in Writing in 2019 and has had the opportunity to write and create for a variety of publications and companies. Her expertise is in connecting businesses to their audiences with copy and creative that engages, entertains and inspires. Get in touch with her at slayitwithlisa@gmail.com.

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SHELBY WOOD Shelby absolutely has a deep appreciation for food, and is working on putting together a cookbook, which is a real passion project for her. Since her Dad passed pretty horrifically 3 years ago she found herself searching for understanding and mainly ways to work through trauma and grief. For Shelby, food it is not only nourishment, but a real form of love, bringing people together in a special way.

Especially right now with what is going on in our world, it can connect us from right inside our homes. The kitchen is the heart, it’s where the tunes get turned up!

“Probably embarrassingly, if you could be a fly on the wall, as I sing into my kitchen utensil, and sassily dance like I’m Beyonce, but hey, that’s the joy!” says Shelby

MICHAEL VAN LIEROP Michael van Lierop is President & Founder of New Outlook Wealth, a Manitoba-based wealth & advisory firm that brings financial planning and low investment management fees to all Canadians, regardless of their wallet size. Visit their website at www.newoutlook.ca to learn more and to find an advisor!

KIM RAAIJMAKERS Kim Raaijmakers is a mom of two, a business professional of 20+ years and personal development junkie turned transformation coach. Kim is helping women leaders create their best lives, by creating clarity of their vision, developing undeniable belief and discovering strategies that make success inevitable. What began as a personal journey, she has turned into a mission to help women experience the same freedom. When you’re ready for your best life, reach out for a conversation at info@kimraaijmakers.com or check out kimraaijmakers.com

NANCY DUTIAUME Make Up Artists, Entrepreneur, Mentor. Owner and Lead Make Up Artist behind MADE Beauty Company. With a team of 17 professional make up artists and hair stylists, donning professional client services and skills. I am on a mission to bring out the beauty in each person that I meet, through make up artistry, teaching skills and mentor ship. With 20+ years in the Beauty Industry as a Professional Make Up Artist & Beauty Expert, 8 years as an entrepreneur and my experience as a leader in the industry allows me to help others let their lights shine. MADE Beauty Company is a collective of extraordinary make up artists and hair stylists in Winnipeg, MB. We provide onsite beauty services for weddings, engagements, beauty shoots, TV, print, runway, commercial and more. www.madebeautyco.com The Mint Experience

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FASHION & BEAUTY

WALK THE WALK,

rock the boots

Did somebody say they wanted a pair of new kicks? We’ve got your bad self covered.

Gone are the days of dressing only top up for zoom calls, 2022 is the year to dress all the way up – from head to toe. We all know that footwear can elevate even the simplest of outfits. Our top picks are versatile, offering practicality and style. Whether you’re styling your boots for a night out with the girls or dressing up for a date with a formal black dress, there are many cute outfits with boots to consider.

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THE SLOUCH

THE COMBAT A personal favorite for everyday, taking on the snow day errands is the Combat Boot. These aren’t the same combat boots we had back in highschool. Chunkier, these boots pair with your jeans, or add the perfect contrasting detail to a feminine skirt.

Slouchy boots are riding the revival train. Shiny patents give this is a relaxed look a fresh feel. Slouchy boots in black, brown, or gray will look great with practically any outfit!

You can go for a monochromatic look by matching your pants or dress to your boot color or wear bold colors or prints with a neutral-colored boot.

A classic brown slouch looks great with everything from flowing skirts to tucked in jeans.

Complete your delectable look with lace up combat boots, in a feminine off-white hue. We love the lace up look with the convenience of the inner zipper. The heavy black block adds just the right amount of contrast.

THE KNEE-HIGH Knee high boots are officially taking over your Over-The-Knee boots. For a casual look, wear them with a cozy knitted dress or jeans. Go for an edgy vibe with a black mini skirt and long coat. For something all year round, flat knee-high boots are perfect for all types of outfits. Whether you want to dress it up or down, flat boots are worth having for days you want to look fashionable but feel comfortable.

THE SKINNY For the girls who love heels, but haven’t worn actual heels since pre-pandemic, we are loving skinny-heeled boots. You can reach for the skyhigh stilettos or skinny kitten heels. The shorter stiletto looks chic for everyday wear. Add a bit of interest with a flared out skinny heel.

You don’t need to have an occasion to wear your favorite boot! Add transition pieces to your boots so they can evolve from winter, to spring, to fall. Make a glamorous impact by wearing skirts with a hem that ends where the boots end, or you can incorporate these boots with almost any long top, starting from vests, shirts, dresses to sweater and tunics. Have fun and experiment with different heel heights, colors and fabrics to build your fave looks.

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WHAT TO WEAR

For your Date Night at home?

Even though restrictions have made date nights harder to manage, there is no denying that they are important in any relationship. Connections happen at every stage of a relationship.

Build the excitement of getting ready to hit the town, even when that town is your very own dining room. It’s easy to want to stay in your comfortable clothes when you are at home, so make your date night feel special and create your very own romantic experience. Dress up, set the mood for your amazing ‘night out’ at home.

FOR HIM Bringing Sexy Back A classic white shirt with beige chinos will always make you super stylish and cause heads to turn, even in your very own kitchen. They are comfortable, yet stylish and can be worn for your date night in. Add a beige blazer for a monochromatic look that will step it up a few notches.

Chinos are as versatile as jeans and can easily be dressed up for more formal occasions. In fact, you can wear chinos just about anywhere – to the office, on a date, or on holiday.

Just make sure that you choose the right top and shoes, and you can rock a different look with the same chinos every day of the week.

FOR HER It’s all about the dress We all love a Little Black Dress, and this dress is no exception. Get the classic and chic vibe with a one shoulder neckline and a mid-length form hugging fit to flatter all of your curves. We love how this dress shows off the back and shoulders for that romantic feel.

Grab those high heels that have been hidden in your closet and wear them knowing your feet won’t be killing you by the end of the night from all the walking. Feel sexy and glamorous and kick them off when it’s time to cozy up.

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Tips

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How To Keep Your Locks Lush Through Winter

BY NANCY DUTIAUME, MADE BEAUTY COMPANY

1 | PRE-SHAMPOO TREATMENT MASK

2 | SUDS UP

The R+Co Palm Springs Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask is dreamy. To be applied to hair 20 - 30 minutes before washing, this restorative concoction of butters, oils and extracts penetrates deep into the hair shaft, strengthening from within. Designed to manage even the most damaged hair, this mask provides repair from heat, chemical processing and colour treatments. And you’ll smell divine!

When using Shampoo & Conditioner with moisture components, it’s easy to over moisturize and your locks are left less than desirable. I love the Milk Shake Moisture Plus Shampoo & Conditioner. The shampoo delicately adds softness without over moisturizing. It contains luxurious ingredients that keep your hair at optimal health, while also protecting your colour. The conditioner quenches dry hair and creates the most silky-smooth finish. Be prepared for more brushing and less breaking.

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3 | PROTECTION IS BEST I’ve been in absolute awe of the Color Wow hair care line.

Every product I’ve used has been magic for my dry, course, frizzy, very 80’s may I say, hair. The Dream Coat Supernatrual Spray Anti - Frizz Treatment is a game changer. Frizz control, heat protectant AND a keratin treatment that adds an invisible, waterproof polymer that is the most humidity resistant product I’ve found, to date. The absolute smoothest, most flawless blow dry’s yet. This one does require a blow dry to activate those delicious ingredients. I love using my Sutra Blowout Brush.

The magic of drying and straightening all at once? Oh sure, save me a step and give me the best hair ever!

4 | GLOSS I’m going to stick with my love for Color Wow for just a minute. To find a product that smoothes those pesky flyaways that doesn’t weigh my hair down, is great. To find a product that smooths, polishes, adds shine, gives me UV protection and a glossy finish without even a glimpse of greasiness? Well that’s just sorcery. The Pop + Lock Frizz Control + Glossing Serum lives up to its hype. This amazing product has been used on Jennifer Lopez by her amazing stylist Chris Appleton, to create the most amazing sexy and sleek styles. The results. Pure hair envy.

5 | IT’S IN THE SILK Need extra help with your staticky locks? If you’ve ever needed an excuse for a Silk Pillowcase, here it is. The Slip Silk Pillowcase. Not only does it help to curb breakage, it also helps to keep bed head in check.

Alongside alleviating that pesky static, it decreases skin creasing. You also get to choose your colour. An absolutely essential addition to your hair care routine.

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MADE inReview

BY NANCY DUTIAUME, MADE BEAUTY COMPANY

Your Most Hydrating Skin Yet. Hand up if your skin is waning the hardship of insufferable winter impacts. Put down that light, warm weather moisturizer and pull out those thick creams and oils. Warm cozy sweaters are needed for winter dressing. The same is necessary to transition to changing elements for our skin.

Learning the best tips and tricks on how to manage the dreaded dryness, is its own winding journey.

These are my top 5 items to help you bring your skin to its optimal winter hydration.

2.

1.

SCRUB SCRUB, BUT GENTLY. Dull winter skin is tricky to brighten in the harsh winter months. Removing any buildup can reveal your brightest skin yet.

My favourite, Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub. A gentle exfoliator that Scrub removes that nasty flakey skin, donning pineapple and papaya enzymes to tighten and brighten, leaving behind all the glow.

Removing the bad stuff will allow the good stuff to penetrate deeper, maximizing the benefits of all the skin loving ingredients we put on top.

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LEAVE THE SURFACTANTS BEHIND. Many cleansers contain surfactants that dry out our skin. To preserve our moisture barrier, we need to ensure we’re not stripping unnecessarily. Using an oil cleanser can seem scary. But oil cleansers allow us to protect our lipid barrier while gently removing makeup and impurities. I love the way the Beautycounter Lipid Defence Cleansing Oil, not only removes even my waterproof makeup products, but leaves my skin hydrated and plump. I’d say that’s a win win! Another tip, skip the additional cleanse in the morning.

3.

IT’S IN THE EYE ( CREAM ) OF THE BEHOLDER. A separate eye cream is essential. The skin surrounding our orbital bone is much more delicate than the rest of our face. Thus, it requires a more specialized formulation of ingredients. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme is just the right balance of hydration, colour correction, and brightness for my dry, dark, under eye area. The result, I’m moisturized and prepped for makeup application.

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4.

SEAL THE DEAL. Let’s change it up. Generally, we apply an oil under our night cream. To seal in our delicious night cream ingredients, try switching it up and adding your oil on top of your night cream. By playing around with your technique, you’ll find the perfect fit for you and your skin.

Another tip, use your night cream, *gasp, during the day!

When our skin needs extra moisture, simply repurposing our products can give us big results. While it may impact your makeup application, try rocking the full glow and lighter application results from super hydrated skin. The Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream provides just the right amount of moisture with their proprietary blend of peptides, improving skin’s elasticity and visibly plumping your skin. Glow on friend!

OIL ISN’T JUST FOR DRESSING. In Western culture, we have long misunderstood the beauty of adding oils to our skincare and makeup routines.

Our skin has its own lipid barrier, AKA- fat and oil. These are essential for healthy, radiant skin. When we are depleted, it shows up as dry, flakey-ness.

Our skin will just drink up additional hydration. An oil that meets your needs with an iridescent moonstone drop? Well now we’re just showing off. Hands down my favourite for years, Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops Makeup Priming and Highlighting Oil. An Argan based oil, delivering a holographic highlight to be used under, and hey, why not OVER makeup, to create a perfectly dewy, gorgeously flawless makeup application. You can thank me later.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Face life with a smile Easing Dental Fear with Princess Dental If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Dental phobia leaves people panic stricken, and while they are aware of the fear and feel that it is irrational, they are unable to do much about it. This can lead to classic avoidance, as they will do everything possible to avoid any visits with the dentists and only, hesitantly, go when they are in extreme pain.

Why are people afraid to go to the dentist?

There are many reasons why people have dental anxiety and fears. Some of the common reasons may include:

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Fear of Pain – This can stem from a previous unpleasant or painful experience, or even a story told by others

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Fear of Injections – many people have a fear of needles, especially when the thought of the needles being injected in their mouths. From the pain of the

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needle to the fear that the anesthetic won’t take and will feel pain during the procedure.

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Fear of Side Effects – Some people fear the potential aftereffects such as dizziness, nausea or feeling faint.

How to eliminate fear.

The most significant factor in reducing dental fear is the ability of the dentist and staff to quickly develop a connection with each patient. With a connected relationship the patient feels understood, and as safe as he or she can. Knowing how to ask the patient what he or she is thinking, what they are feeling or want is crucial to developing a connection.

What is conscious sedation?

Conscious sedation allows you to be relaxed enough to be comfortable and unaware of the treatment, as

if you were sleeping. Sedation during dental procedures can help you if you have sensitive teeth, a fear of dentists, have a bad gag reflex, hate needles, or have limited time to spend on dental care at the dentist.

Since you are completely comfortable and relaxed your dentist can do years of dental treatments in typically one or two dental visits. With sedation your dentist can perform extensive dental work quickly and comfortably.

NitrousOxide Sometimes called Laughing Gas, Nitrous Oxide Gas is the oldest and most tested form of sedation for dentistry.

The effects are completely reversed at the end of the appointment allowing the patient to drive themselves home. When you use Nitrous Oxide you are awake and you can converse with your dentist during your dental visit.

Oral Sedation This sedative medication is taken at the start of your appointment and takes effect quickly and will allow you to feel very calm, relaxed and drowsy. Occasionally, people will actually fall asleep.

IV Sedation I.V. sedation is the most predictable form of conscious sedation available and our level of sedation is 100% controlled and immediate. Your vital signs are constantly being monitored to provide for a safe environment and, like a visit to the oral surgeon to have your wisdom teeth removed, you typically don’t remember a thing.

Sedation may be the greatest advance ever made towards truly anxiety-free dentistry. Dental treatment can create an enormous amount of fear for many people. Minimize the fear and tension associated with your dental care needs. Sedation dentistry can even be used for routine procedures such as teeth cleaning and check-ups.

Princess Dental 3409 Victoria Ave Brandon MB 204-727-0440 info@princessdental.com www. princessdental.com

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CONFIDENCE is an inside game

BY KIM RAAIJMAKERS

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Have you ever found yourself tongue-tied having this great idea that you wanted to share in a meeting and you just couldn’t find the words?

You may have told yourself – the idea wasn’t that good.

Or that you didn’t want to interrupt your colleague or manager.

And if it isn’t at work, you might find yourself saying ‘yes’ instead of ‘no. How often have you been doing things for your family, friends and others that you did out of guilt or a sense of obligation?

Don’t get me wrong, in small amounts, this is all ok.

The problem is often we allow our own internal doubts leads us to overdoing it and doing too many of these obligatory activities.

So why is feeling and being confident so hard to do?

The majority of the time you are acting from fear. Your brain is wired for safety, comfort & community. So if at anytime your brain sees a risk to one of those areas, it will send fear signals throughout your mind and body.

So when you are looking to be more confident, more secure in who you are and what you’re doing, most people look to control their external world.

You may feel confident because of your job title, the responsibilities you have at work or the clothes you wear. It could be by your accomplishments; think of the degrees you may hold, all the training courses you’ve completed or the projects you’ve achieved.

All this continues to ignore your more powerful opportunity to increase your growth potential – mastering your internal confidence!

Here’s the thing, you were already born with all the confidence that you seek.

Let me explain.

Can you remember the last time you’ve been with a baby or toddler? They believe that to their core that they can do anything, be anything.

A baby is born with all the confidence and trust they could ever want in themselves. Babies also have no set language preference or skills. They learn everything over time from their parents, siblings, schools, community, etc.

So if you were born confident, then you have access to it now. And this is why confidence in an inside game.

But mastering your internal confidence does not happen through what others may have told you: positive thinking, reading self help books, or ‘faking it until you make it’.

Or the one that comes up most often in performance reviews - a new course or training you need to follow.

Confidence doesn’t come from the experience or the knowledge. Not entirely.

Experience and knowledge can give you temporary confidence, and yes over time that may build some reserves of confidence – but again you’re relying on external factors – job titles and achieved certificates to provide you with the confidence you seek.

In the long run though, it doesn’t solve the root of where the lack of confidence exists.

So if you want to get to the root, you need to do the inside work.

1. Uncover the stories that you’re telling yourself about who you are, what you can do and your confidence.

You can then create new stories that have you showing up as the person you want to be.

2. Build confidence habits.

3. And most importantly retrain your mind to so that you have your own internal source of unstoppable confidence. One that no one else can touch!

And really, who wouldn’t want that!

As Albert Einstein has said “the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again expecting different results”.

So if you’re look to seeing new results in your career and life, you need to make a choice.

Continue doing what you always have or choose to master your own inner confidence.

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Healthy Habits and the Mindful Brain

BY STEFANIE BARANOWSKI, DIAMOND LOTUS YOGA

I get up nice and early with the best intentions of waking up slowly, enjoying my morning and having a good steady rhythm of healthy habits but I’m not perfect. Mornings for me are filled with habits; some are healthy habits and some are habits that could use a make-over. Notice how I didn’t label my habits neither good nor bad habits; mindset is everything in how you create change in your habits and create healthy habit making.

Half of everything you do in a day is habits such as the time you get up in the morning, the usage of your cell phone, driving a car, eating and exercising; us humans are creatures of habits.

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WHAT ARE HABITS AND HOW CAN WE CHANGE THEM? Most of us can probably recognize which habits fall into the ‘healthy’ category and which habits fall into the ‘work towards change’ category. In order to effectively bring those habits that fall in the ‘work towards change’ into the ‘healthy’ category, we need to understand how habits are formed in order to break the habit loop and create new connections for change.

A habit is a behaviour stuck in a loop. These behaviours are repeated over and over again and run in our subconscious minds. After continuous repetition we no longer become consciously aware of them. The behaviour is triggered by a cue and supported by a reward and with repetition becomes a habit. Most times we aren’t consciously aware of these behaviours and don’t know there needs to be a habit change and then sometimes we are conscious of it but don’t know how to create that change.

Even when we know we need to change them or have the best intentions at changing them, it’s challenging in a society that is driven by instant gratification. In order to create change we really need to work on: noticing the habit, wanting to change it, doing the change needed and liking the change that is occurring for there to be a successful change.

Here is a great way to implement that process: Step 1: Mindfulness; to bring yourself into conscious awareness of your behaviour and your habit loops both ‘healthy’ and ‘work towards change’ types of habits.

Step 2: Find out what your cue or also known as the “why?” behind the behaviours in your habit loops.

Why do you engage in that behaviour/what’s the excuse you tell yourself?

Step 3: Find out what the reward for the behaviour is.

What is it that is reinforcing you to continue to engage in the behaviour and the habit loop. What is the reward system that is causing the dopamine release?

Step 4: Create an action plan for change by writing out your behaviour loops and what you want to change your behaviour to.

Make sure to set a new reward system for yourself or think of what the reward would be if you created a new habit loop. Ex: Not making my bed in the morning Making my bed in the morning.

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Step 5: Rewiring the brain and rewiring the habit loops. Start catching yourself engaging in the habit loop and then implementing the action plan. With time and repetition of the new action plan, eventually the new action plan becomes the new habit loop but instead of it being the habit loop of ‘work towards change’, it then becomes a ‘healthy’ habit loop.

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New Year’s comes around every year with great celebration and intentions to set new big goals for the new year, also known as resolutions, that will help improve our life from the previous year; everyone wants a transformation. However, it’s not those big goals that really change us, it’s those small habits that are transforming us every day. You won’t see those small habits create change in your life right away but slowly overtime they will make an impact.

COMMON SMALL HABITS that create positive healthy changes over time: 1.

Gratitude (look for the positive in each day).

2.

Get up right away when you need to (Avoid pressing snooze).

3.

Exercise for one minute (ex: lunges, squats, crunches).

4.

Invest in experiences (What we remember isn’t objects, its experiences).

5.

Organize your home and vehicle (A clear space is a clear mind).

6.

Stand up every hour (I love when my Apple Watch reminds of this one).

7.

Ask open ended questions.

8.

Turn off notifications.

9.

Drink more water.

THE BEAUTY OF LIFE IS YOU GET TO BE THE AUTHOR OF YOUR OWN LIFE STORY.

10. Discover one new thing a month (keeps us curious and expands our knowledge over time).

11. Make your bed.

12. Spend a minute during the day with just yourself. Start with a minute and increase as you go.

13. Ask yourself whether what you are doing is worth it.

14. If a task takes 2 minutes, then do it right away.

15. Take care of your posture.

16. Read for 15 minutes a day.

Leaders are readers.

Habits are neither good nor bad, they are just lifestyle practices that create the life we live. The beauty of life is you get to be the author of your own life story.

At any time, you get to change the way your life story is written just like you have the power within you to change your lifestyle practices. With any practice, practice makes progress; and practicing habit loop change with consistency brings on a narrative transformation of your life story.

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Just Write

Creative journaling for self-care

Journals can often be a safe space to express difficult emotions. Journaling allows you to track patterns, improvements and changes over time. Looking back at previous entries you will be able to see problems that you’ve been able to overcome.

Being reminded of the strength that you had in other situations helps us to move forward with more confidence.

Keeping a journal helps you create order when your world feels like it’s in chaos. You get to know yourself by revealing your most private fears, thoughts, and feelings. Look at your writing time as personal relaxation time. It’s a time when you can de-stress and wind down.

WHAT IS JOURNALING? Journaling is the practice of writing your thoughts, feelings and reflecting on your experiences. It’s just as important to create a meaningful connection with ourselves as it is with people in our lives. So then why should we write? This helps up label our emotions and concretely look at them to get them out of our heads.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? While you are writing and when you finish, notice how you feel. Did you like the process?

Were you feeling relaxed and soothed during or after writing? Did you feel at times frustrated, angry, confused, despairing? Recognziging this is a part of the process of journal writing.

HOW TO JOURNAL & HOW TO START There are no rules about when and how often you should write. Just like anything else that 24

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is good for you, you need to do what feels right for you. However, just like healthy eating and exercise, you will see the best results when you remain consistent and do it regularly.

HOW TO USE JOURNALING PROMPTS Reading your past entries is a way to learn more about yourself, but journaling goes beyond keeping tabs on your daily events. Prompts can help direct you to collect your thoughts, to write more freely about your emotions .

Challenge yourself to explore and see everyday things that we may normally overlook. Daily reflection on experiences, relationships and with yourself can help guide you to get in touch with your thoughts and feelings. We all need to take some time to think about our own wellness, let journaling be your journey to explore all the aspects of yourself. Find your own tools and make your own way as you write. The only way to journaling, is to write. Then write some more.

JOURNALING PROMPTS •

How do you draw strengths from loved ones?

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What are 2 things you would like to tell a family member or a partner?

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What are you grateful for and why?

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What part of your work do you enjoy the most?

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When do you trust yourself the most?

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What part of your daily life can cause stress and what can you do to change it?

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Make a goal list and how you feel in the vision of your goal achieved.

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EATS & DRINKS

Hunka Hunka Burning Love

BY SHELBY WOOD PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

I

think for a lot of us growing up Valentine’s would be a day of cards being passed out of “secret admirers” that would make you feel if you didn’t receive, it was a day that was solely for the people who were wanted by another, BUT I like to think of the cute heart shape candies, the red roses that fill the flower areas of our grocery stores and all the sappy romantic movies that either are reruns or newly come out.

A dinner lit by candle light and maybe a glass of your favourite wine, whether you are sharing it with a partner or for yourself, it’s about LOVE and what that means and looks like to you.

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It’s an opportunity to set aside time to fall a little more in that love; with your life and all the things that bring happiness to it.

I hope you are sending and receiving all the heart shaped emojis or many X’s and O’s with a little extra fun with your affection… And most of all, if you are having that classic “What Do You Want!?” moment from The Notebook… that these recipes help you answer that question ;) xox. Shelby

Cajun Shrimp Butternut Squash Pasta Ingredients:

Directions:

Vegetable soup stock - half a carton

• In a deep saucepan add 2 tbsps butter and chopped onion and cook down for approx 5 minutes.

4 tbsp Butter 1 pkg of Butternut squash “zoodles”

• Add butternut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and cherry tomatoes. (you can use the squash as the “pasta” to cut out the carb completely or add your spaghetti).

8-10 Cherry tomatoes, chopped into halves

• Let cook while stirring for about 15 minutes on medium.

1 medium white onion, finely chopped

• Add vegetable stock and parmesan cheese to simmer for the duration of then your pasta cook time. I used spaghetti, but you can use any style you like.

4 tbsp Olive oil

1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper ½ cup Parmesan cheese 1-2 tbsp Cajun spice mix Spaghetti noodles 1 bag of Shrimp, un-cooked

• In another small pan with 2 tbsp butter and your thawed, drained and de-tailed shrimp, add cajun spice (depending on how you like heat). Cook on low until pink.

• When pasta is ready, add it to your butternut sauce and then add in the shrimp.

• Toss until all combined and serve with more parmesan to top and cracked pepper.

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Oreo Cheesecake Ingredients:

Directions:

8 Oreo Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350.

2 cups Oreo crumbs

• Add melted butter to baking crumbs and then press into the bottom of a springform pan.

⅓ cup melted butter 3 blocks Cream Cheese ¾ cup sugar

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla.

2 teaspoons vanilla

• Add in eggs one at a time.

3 eggs

• Chop or crush Oreo cookies into various sized chunks.

• Stir in the cookies until fully mixed and then pour into baking pan.

• Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Test with a toothpick to the center, when there is a little bit of stick “almost set” take out and let cool completely.

• Add your fave topping.

Here, I topped it with cherry pie filling.

• Place into fridge for at least an hour to chill before serving.

• Best to make the night before.

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WATCH ME SIP.... and chardonnay-nay

BY ANNA DUMAS

There are so many different types of wine, it’s hard to keep them straight. But you don’t have to be a sommelier to understand the basics of wine, wine types, and flavors!

I’m here to teach you a thing or two about wine, so you can easily impress your friends at girl’s night in when you bring out the perfect bottle. Or at the very least, you’ll be able to nod along when they gush at the amazing flavours.

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SILENI SAUVINGON BLANC, paired with Cajun Shrimp

WILLIAM HILL CHARDONNAY, paired with Oreo Cheesecake My initial thought with pairing chardonnay with oreo cheesecake was.....skeptical. When pairing a wine with something sweet I always go for a port or an ice wine. My preference is a tawny port. Then I tried it.

Finding this unique balance between the vanilla flavors from the oak in the chardonnay and the creaminess of the cheesecake was a game changer. I chose this chardonnay I knew had a sweeter base to make sure there was a correlation with it being an unconventional dessert pairing. I was pleasantly surprised when the contrast of flavors came together so perfectly. The chardonnay having it’s traditional brown spice and oaky highlight brought out the velvety mouthfeel of the cheesecake while the chocolate from the oreo showcased and complimented the ripe tree fruit of the wine.

Without rambling on too much this pair goes together like peanut butter and banana, like pickles and ice cream, like oreos and mustard.... uncanny but it works, all in all don’t miss this pairing even if you are leary to try something new, it will surprise you.

Perfect cozy easy meal for a girl’s night. With the spice of the chili accentuated but the acidity of the sauvignon blanc, the flavors change by adding the perfect wine. The base of butter in the pasta brings out the freshness and gooseberry undertones of a well-made sauvignon blanc. This wine is a perfect pairing with any seafood because it has so many levels of ripe freshness which is complimentary for a seafood dish adding flavors to any evening.

If you need comfort food with comfort wine this is your go to. I don’t know about anyone else, but I could use a really good girls night, weekend, week, maybe even month.

SERVING YOUR CHARDONNAY & SAUVIGNON BLANC Like all whites, they should be served chilled.

If the wine is too warm, the alcohol tastes hot while the flavors are muddled. Too cold, and the aromas and flavors are muted. The best temperature range is 50–55°F, which can be achieved by two hours in the refrigerator or 30–40 minutes in an ice-water bath. White is best pulled from the refrigerator 10 minutes before drinking. If you don’t finish a bottle, replace the cork and stick it back in the fridge, as the flavors will stay fresh for 2–4 days.

Beyond that, the wine will start to oxidize.

At that point, it’s best used for cooking.

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Business Profile | Stone City Coffee Roasters

Small Batch Hand Roasted with PASSION

Our love for freshly roasted specialty coffee began many years ago while visiting family in California that owns a roastery. We would sip freshly roasted coffee every day knowing it was something special. We would bring the beans home and serve their coffee to our friends, we would always hear, the best coffee we have ever had!

And we began to dream.

to reflect, to think about the world and our role in it. We want you to feel seen, heard and valued. To feel welcome and accepted. To belong. We are passionate about people and awesome coffee!

Our freshly roasted 100% Arabica specialty coffee is now available across Manitoba.

What started as a dream turned into reality in 2019 when the planning began for us to start roasting specialty coffee.

We received our final inspection on March 9th, 2020 and had no idea 10 days later the whole world would shut down. No daycare, no school and we had to pivot. We began offering free home deliveries and our 10-yearold son earned 10 cents per delivery. We pivoted; we didn’t give up. By Jan 2021 both my husband and I had quit our jobs of 20+ years of service and were full-time roasting coffee.

Our hand-crafted, small-batch approach is what makes our relationship with our coffee unique. Our method ensures the beans are roasted to perfection, which inevitably results in an exquisitely smooth cup of coffee, bursting with flavor, every time. Our purpose is to create belonging within the community- through coffee. Why coffee? A really good cup of coffee is often shared and it brings people together. And when it’s not it’s a moment

Stone City Coffee Roasters 1-204-371-9489 info@stonecitycoffeeroasters.com www.stonecitycoffeeroasters.com

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“A really good cup of coffee is often shared and it brings people together.”

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HOUSE & HOME

The Purr-fect list Tech Toys to keep your fur baby entertained and happy

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If you are a pet parent, you know that your pet needs mental enrichment to release energy, learn more efficiently, decrease separation anxiety and relieve boredom. We all love our tech toys and our furbabies are no different. Here are 5 of our favorite tech toys that will not only help your pet, but build a bond between you and your pet, creating lasting memories.

1

If only your pet could talk – what would they tell you? Or is that a case of be careful for what you wish for? Do you have an escape artist in the making? The Whistle Health & GPS can really give you the best of both worlds. The GPS sends maps and notifications directly to your phone, eliminating the drives around the block call for your Fur Baby. Health monitoring, fitness feature and a portion calculator, the Health Monitoring capabilities can help you catch potential issues before they become a problem.

2

Cats have their own unique personalities so why shouldn’t their toys? The Cheeble Ball is a tiny Smart Ball for your cat’s entertainment! An interactive toy with he perfect balance of play and rest. The Cheerbul has 3 modes for different cat personalities and activity levels.

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3 It’s a dog’s life. The GoPro pet harness gives us a live action view of what your pup really gets into on their travels. This harness features camera mounts on the back and chest for a variety of perspectives - from bone-chewing, digging and front-paw action, to over-the-head shots of playing, running, fetch and more.

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5

Drop. Fetch. Repeat. Do you want to treat your best friend with a toy that is fun for both of you? iFetch automatic ball launcher comes in 2 sizes for large and small dogs, as well as three launch distances. Offering a whole new twist to the game of fetch! This is a great opportunity for training for solo play and to keep up with your dog that loves to play fetch all day long.

4

The ultimate pet monitor. Perfect for cats or dogs, give your pet mental and physical stimulation while you are away. See, talk and play with your pet on-the-go with the 160° full-room view.

Watch your pet in 1080p HD video, use 4x digital zoom to see up close, and know what they are up to with clear night vision feature. The laser toy keeps cats entertained and moving around adding a touch of cardio to their day.

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BONE-APPETITE Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats Spoil your fur-riend with easy and healthy cookies. Your pup loves treats and may even love human treats even more. We can tell every time we get those puppydog eyes when we prepare our own snacks. Plus, unlike store-bought pet treats, you’ll know exactly what goes into them, and can even tailor it to your dog’s individual preferences or needs.

Best of all? It’ll be made with pure, extra added love! These super easy treats are sure to be a hit and will leave your pup barking from the wooftops.

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INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

•

2/3 cup pumpkin puree

•

1/4 cup peanut butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.

•

2 large eggs

•

2 1/2 – 3 cups whole wheat flour

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.

3. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.

Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.

4. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

5. Let cool completely.

Tip:

The peanut butter dog treats are fully baked at 20 minutes and just get crunchier the longer they bake, so it’s really up to your pup’s preference. They also get crunchier after they’ve cooled so keep that in mind.

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COVER FEATURE

No luck hiring?

Employers can find qualified job candidates through Career Connections

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

If traditional hiring methods aren’t getting you the results you’re looking for, consider contacting Career Connections. Whether you’re looking to bring in fresh talent or top up your staff roster, Career Connections can help you find qualified job seekers ready to work and get the job done.

Career Connections is an employment agency that specializes in securing work for people living with a disability. The agency works with job candidates across all industries and skill levels. From entry level labour force workers to seasoned professionals with academic degrees, Career Connections can help you find the right hire for the job.

“When employers connect with us, we discuss what type of candidate you’re looking for and what your business needs are,” explains Tracy Williams, Executive Director, Career Connections. “Our employment counselors will

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then connect you to our talent pool, finding you the best person for the job and providing you with the support and tools you may need to onboard your new employee.”

Williams points out that the word ‘disability’ often comes with a very narrow understanding. Individuals who are living with a ‘disability’ come in many forms. Career Connections works with a wide range of job seeking clients.

“While we do provide career services to people who have physical and intellectual disabilities, we also help people who are hearing or vision impaired or who are living with things like depression or anxiety,” says Williams.

“Disability is a big word with many misconceptions - but the reality is it includes a whole wide world of capable, qualified people who are often overlooked by employers.”

It’s been proven that inclusive hiring can help boost an organization’s productivity, profits and public profile.

“We’re here to support our local businesses and our clients. It’s been a tough couple of years, but programs like ours can help our community persevere and hang on to hope.” - Tracy Williams In fact, research has shown that when an organization invests in accommodating a variety of people from different walks of life, it benefits their workplace culture, customer reach and the community.

“Staffing shortages are everywhere right now. We are seeing so many local businesses struggling to hire and retain staff,” says Williams, “My team and I are here to support local businesses in Brandon and connect them with the right job candidates. We have an exceptional vocational development program and we can guarantee we have a talent pool that is qualified, ready to work and can do the job.”

The vocational training program at Career Connections prepares job seekers for careers in almost any industry.

Hospitality, data processing, administration, construction, manufacturing and woodworking are just a few of the many programs Career Connections offers training and development in.

“We’re here to support our local businesses and our clients. It’s been a tough couple of years, but programs like ours can help our community persevere and hang on to hope,” Williams says. “We have people with skills who can do real jobs and fill labour market needs. So many people are losing hope, but through our programs and the connections we make possible, I think we can bring back hope to people.”

Career Connections Inc. 710 3rd Street Brandon MB 204-728-9594 www.cciwestman.ca

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Avis’s Place provides connection and support for adults with an intellectual disability in Brandon

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

People living with an intellectual disability have the same needs as everybody else. We all need food, water, shelter, sleep, compassion and connection. With COVID impacting countless events and gatherings over the past few years, everyone has felt the sting of isolation and loneliness. If anything, we’re going to come out of these unprecedented times with a stronger understanding of how important it is to connect with each other.

recreational and educational programming with the goal to increase the involvement of persons living with an intellectual disability in their community and decrease their isolation.

That’s what makes organizations like Avis’s Place critical to our community.

“Avis’s Place is where people living with a disability can come and interact with their peers in a safe environment,” explains Tracy Williams, Executive Director, Career Connections. “We do everything from cooking classes and job training to bingo nights and group dinners. Avis’s

Avis’s Place is a drop-in program for adults living with an intellectual disability. The drop-in center offers social, 42

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Avis’s Place is a program offered through Career Connections Inc., which is a charitable, nonprofit organization.

Place is all about building life skills and fostering friendships. Everything we do at the Centre is based on the wants and interests of our members.”

Avis’s Place has given many people exciting outings, gatherings and events to look forward to - but being shut down due to COVID for the better part of a year has been hard on members.

“Our programming has been consumed by COVID. People - everyone, really – we’ve missed out on and have lost so much,” says Williams. “No matter who you are, it’s been tough. Being able to re-open and provide a safe space for the connections and interactions people were missing during the toughest months has been extremely beneficial for the mental health of our membership.”

Despite setbacks, Avis’s Place has managed to relocate to a new building and find innovative ways to connect their membership and continue their programming remotely “The new space is wonderful and allows us to keep our members safe and be diligent with following public health orders and guidelines,” Williams says. “We’ve also started virtual activities for our membership, doing things like musical performances, coffee and chat, bingo and making crafts together. The response has been really good and we’re hoping to continue to offer more online as we go.”

Avis’s Place has even led some of its membership to job opportunities through pre-employment skill development and volunteer and work experience.

Anybody who receives funding from Community Living Disability Services (CLDS) is eligible for Avis’s Place membership.

“People living with a disability are just like you and I – their needs are the same. Every person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be part of our community,” says Williams. “Avis’s Place is a starting point for people living with intellectual disabilities and gives them something to look forward to. Our programming doesn’t just connect members and teach employment and life skills – we’re helping people hang on to hope for a better tomorrow.”

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LOCAL CULTURE

4 Ways Epp Law Office Can help your Company’s Business Development & Growth

BY EPP LAW OFFICE

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Running your business and managing the day-to-day operations is already challenging. Add in legal jargon and issues that can be impossible to navigate without expert help, turning to the experience of Epp Law Office makes sense. No two businesses are identical, and a cookie cutter approach won’t cut it with the endless rules and ever-changing regulations. Obtaining legal advice from Westman based Epp Law Office is the ideal way to figure out what you can and can’t do.

lies in advising corporations on their legal duties, facilitating partnerships, working with businesses to ensure the legality of commercial transactions and taking a proactive approach with their clients to avoid getting caught up in legal disputes.

Corporate law can be broad. When it comes down to it, their role is to help business owners understand their rights, how to function efficiently and to avoid any foreseeable legal issues. Epp Law Office’s experience

1. SUPPORT BUSINESS OPERATIONS

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Consider these four crucial ways Epp Law Office will help your business establish a solid foundation and generate long-term growth.

As any business owner can tell you, there’s already not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything you need to get done. With the help of an experienced

corporate lawyer, they can take care of the piles of administrative legal paperwork that most businesses encounter. This way, you can focus on setting up your company and spend vital time working on other areas, such as product development or marketing.

In addition, commercial lawyers play an essential role in the incorporation of new businesses. From important tasks like the preparation of complicated documents, establishing a legal structure that best suits your business direction, corporate lawyers can also help source investors and generate a forward-thinking corporate structure.

2. REVIEWING LEGAL DOCUMENTS

4. SETTLING DISPUTES Encountering a dispute that requires legal assistance can be unsettling and fortunately, a corporate law firm can offer comprehensive advice no matter what kind of disagreement you face. Whether you take the problem to court or decide to settle, a corporate lawyer can handle these problematic events so you can get back to business.

Don’t let your new or growing business get dragged down by avoidable commercial problems. Contact Epp Law Office for your essential legal support. We have the expertise to find a suitable solution to any kind of legal issue. Run your business with confidence with our professional legal advice.

Small and medium-sized businesses regularly have to sign new contracts with clients, suppliers, employees and investors, among many other parties. Making sure these documents are legally sound is something you can’t ignore. Backed by a commercial lawyer who understands your industry, you can ensure your business isn’t slowed down by needless contractual disputes.

A corporate lawyer will review these deals to ensure your business is protecting itself. From reviewing documents or commercial property agreements, a corporate law firm is the simplest way to ensure the smooth operation of your business.

3. ADVICE ON LEGAL MATTERS In a perfect world, your business will run smoothly with no issues arising. Having a legal expert by your side is always going to be an advantage to help your business ensure your compliance the various areas related to the growth and success of your business.

Professional commercial lawyers are great for anticipating potential issues in the future, while they will provide imperative advice when you have to weigh up the potential risks and benefits of a deal.

Epp Law Office 642 18th Street, Unit A Brandon, MB 204-717-3775 reception@epplawoffice.ca

Keeping up to date with the latest regulatory changes is a daunting task and talking regularly to a corporate lawyer will mean that you stay in the loop on how any of these may affect your business. While you might be too busy to keep on top of how the local government is shifting regulations, a dedicated legal advisor will have a precise understanding of how these developments will impact your business going forward.

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It’s time for some

INVESTMENT INTROSPECTION

BY MICHAEL VAN LIEROP, PRESIDENT OF NEW OUTLOOK WEALTH INC.

The new year brings most people a sense of renewal and hope. In the world of wealth management, the last year was a roller-coaster but ultimately one that saw enormous market returns for most portfolios. Indeed, even poorly managed investments did well in 2021!

That being said, good returns are really good at masking underlying problems, and complacency can cost you dearly – especially when the next market correction occurs.

There are key metrics you should still use to evaluate the performance and suitability of the advice and service you’re paying for – be it from a bank branch advisor, an independent broker, or a financial planner. The lack of clarity and transparency with investments statements continues to haunt the mutual fund industry, for example, so many investors struggle to understand what their portfolios are actually doing. This seems absurd in this day and age, but it remains a big problem despite socalled client-focused reforms in the mutual fund industry.

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Why does clarity and transparency matter? Wealth management and financial advice is highly regulated in Canada, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to understand.

There are fees being charged by those actually managing the money (portfolio management, MERs) fees for holding the money safely (a custodian), and fees for advice (advisory or planning fees). In Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) for instance, these fees are well laid out and displayed for all to see – they are, by design and by regulation, extremely transparent.

By contrast, mutual funds remain - in many instances - a black box.

A “black box” isn’t always bad – the pooled investing that comes with mutual funds is attractive in many ways and has introduced millions of small investors to the public markets. Likewise, the Participating Account of a Participating Whole Life insurance policy is routinely viewed as the ultimate in “black boxes” – most regular folks have zero clue what goes on inside them – and yet they have an important role to play in building wealth tax free inside permanent, whole life insurance. That said, unless it’s to record flight data in an airplane, most people don’t like the idea of a “black box” – especially when it comes to their money.

Indeed, product design and product choice has never been more advanced and diversified than it is today in 48

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The long-argued rebuttal of “you get what you pay for” is nonsense when it comes to managing money.

The quality and efficacy of money management cannot be compared to the quality of high priced, high-end furniture, high-end audio equipment, or a luxury car brand.

Canada. The 1980s and 1990s saw the explosion of mutual fund sales in Canada. Today, Canadian investors have vastly more choice in wealth management than ever before. With this choice comes a diversity of product offering, strategy, sectoral and geographic exposure, tax efficiency, cost, and a diversity of performance.

While self directed investing and online brokerages have become a very low cost option for those looking to manage their own money in their own way, professionally managed portfolios continue to be home for the bulk of Canadian wealth. How this money is managed and at what price point is not trivial. Why? The long-term ramifications of high fees can be enormous. For example, a 50 year old with a $500,000 investment portfolio generating an average annual return of 7% will turn into $1.5 million in 25 years at an investment fee of 2.5%, $1.7 million at a 2% fee, and $1.9 million in 25 years at a 1.5% investment fee. That 1% difference in fees amounts to $400,000 more for you, your retirement, or your estate.

The long-argued rebuttal of “you get what you pay for” is nonsense when it comes to managing money. The quality

and efficacy of money management cannot be compared to the quality of high priced, high-end furniture, highend audio equipment, or a luxury car brand. Some of the best ETFs (exchange trade funds) which are passively managed investments and are very cheap, routinely match or outperform the overall markets when highcost, actively managed funds struggle to do the same.

Now, high-cost advice? That’s a different metric. Paying your financial planner well is critical to ensuring you’re getting the best advice, strategic direction, and financial coaching. The measure of advice, in some cases, can far exceed the returns of a portfolio.

The key message is this: after an investment year like 2021, don’t let amazing returns mask underlying issues in the management of your wealth. Take the time to review your portfolio and ask the tough questions to your financial advisor – what am I paying and to whom?

What are you getting paid to manage my money? If you’re not happy with the answer, it’s time to look around for a 2nd opinion – and don’t wait for the next market correction to take action.

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You Are Unique. You Are Powerful. Be Confident With Who You Are. Understanding your strengths unlocks your potential and leads you to greater performance.

BY WENDY HOFFORD, WH STRATEGIC DRIVE

There are 34 talent themes in CliftonStrengths with distinct common traits. They can also look different to individuals depending on their life experiences.

This is why doing the CliftonStrengths assessment can help identify what you are naturally gifted at, helping you better understand how you are wired to process information and situations.

What are some specific strengths people could learn about themselves from the assessment?

Most people don’t realize that what they take for granted is actually a talent they bring to this world. That what they thought made them so different was actually what makes them unique. This provides clarity to leverage talents to learn, grow, develop and succeed in both personally and professionally lives.

Take a look at your top 5 talents, reflect over the last few days and write down what situations you faced where your talents helped you or maybe even hurt you.

Sometimes when we use too much of our talent, it can be in the way of ourselves or others.

When you start your day with your talents and strengths in mind and apply them with positive intention you will begin to strengthen them.

Just like any language, if you don’t use it, you lose it.

Learning your strengths and talents can change your life and can change the culture in your workplaces, and personal relationships. Learn what your talents are, embrace them and own them, discover how to apply them and practice them everyday.

How do you grow your strengths?

It is one thing to know your strengths but what do you do with them takes a bit of intention. Learning how to use your strengths every single day and understanding how they show up for you, when they help you and when they get in your way are keys to discovering more about your talents.

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WH Strategic Drive 204-981-3967 wendy@wendyhofford.com www.wendyhofford.com

Mint to Be Wedding Guide 2022

With a new year on the horizon for weddings — lots and lots of weddings. So many of you planned and rescheduled, then rescheduled again... they will definielty be worth the wait. Find inspo in our 1st annual trends feature, where we feature wedding dresses, rings, flowers and more!

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Make the magic of a memory last

Capture your special day with 6 Degrees Photobooth

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY DANIEL CRUMP PHOTOGRAPHY

Weddings, bridal showers and other special events that are carefully planned with love and attention to detail deserve to be remembered. Photo booths are an excellent way to entertain, bring guests together and capture the magic of the evening. Printed photos also make for fantastic keepsakes.

With a photo booth, your guests make memories they can take home.

However, not every photo booth experience is the same – and no one knows that better than Sambath and Cristina San, a husbandand-wife duo who own and operate 6 Degrees Photobooth.

“When we started the company, we knew we wanted to provide a modern, stylish experience that sets us apart from other photo booth rental services,” explains Sambath San, Owner, 6 Degrees Photobooth.

“Our booths and equipment are minimal and sleek in design. From the backdrops, template designs, props and images – we really pride ourselves in the quality of our services, booths and the final product.”- Sambath San The Mint Experience

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“Our booths and equipment are minimal and sleek in design. From the backdrops, template designs, props and images – we really pride ourselves in the quality of our services, booths and the final product.”

For couples looking for quality photos and services sensitive to their wedding aesthetic, 6 Degrees Photobooth goes above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience.

“We really like to build a relationship with our clients and get to know them through their wedding planning,” says Cristina San, Owner. “We ask our couples for their wedding invitation or inspiration boards so we can personalize their templates and curate props to compliment their event colours and decor.”

For booth rentals, 6 Degrees Photobooth offers couples the choice between the Legacy Booth or the Boomy Booth.

“Our website is laid out nicely. It’s very easy for couples to find and view the different packages we offer and see examples of photos we’ve taken in the past,” Sambath says. “The rental price will depend on the type of booth you book and how long you book it for. The Legacy Booth offers a three-hour package which is the most popular but we are always open to customizing rental packages to fit your event’s needs.”

The Legacy Booth is an open-air set-up. It includes a choice of backdrop and a booth attendant, so you get 54

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consistent, high-quality photos with every snap. Guests receive beautiful instant prints to take home. After the event, couples will receive a link to an online gallery where they can download the photos taken with the booth. Print templates, props and backdrops can be customized or selected to match your celebration.

The Boomy Booth provides images in a digital format only.

This booth is user-operated and creates photos, GIFs and boomerangs that are instantly sent to you via text or email for quick and easy sharing. A new feature that has recently been added is the ability to record a short video message for the couple.

“Couples love our Boomy Booth because it’s simple to use and interactive,” Cristina adds. “Black and white photos also seem to be the trend right now – we’ve had a lot of people fall in love with that classic, clean look after it was made popular by the Kardashians.”

Photo booths are becoming a must-have for wedding receptions and celebrations. Since starting the business in late 2016, Sambath and Cristina have watched the demand for their services grow.

“COVID has obviously disrupted weddings and events the past couple of years. It’s been really difficult as restrictions constantly change,” Sambath says. “Many of our couples have had to postpone, sometimes more than once. It’s been really tough on everyone. We do our best

to be accommodating with new dates and help where we can. We are so grateful to our clients who have stuck it out with us.”

Despite COVID – life doesn’t stop. Special milestones are happening and deserve to be celebrated. That’s why 6 Degrees Photobooth created their virtual photo booth to compliment celebrations happening online or six feet apart.

“The virtual photo booth is 100% remote and can be accessed through a browser on your phone or computer,” explains Cristina. “You’ll get a direct link that takes you to the virtual booth where you can take photos or GIFs. Then, you can send the images to your email or text them to your phone. It’s been especially great for companies holding conferences or galas because it’s fun and gives guests a keepsake from a virtual event.”

Just like the in-person booths, the virtual booth can be customized to your event with templates, digital backgrounds and digital stickers.

“We’ve had to shift our business strategy a bit to focus on virtual events and celebrations,” Sambath says. “But we’re getting prepared and anticipating a burst of bookings for 2022 and 2023 that will come when the pandemic is finally over. People are definitely excited and ready to party again – and we want to be there to help them capture it.”

Photo booths are a fun addition to any event. They can also make for a thoughtful party gift or wedding surprise for any couple.

“It’s been really sweet to see parents or bridal parties pitching in to surprise couples with a photo booth,” Cristina says.

Coming together is at the heart of the business. In fact, the name of Sambath and Cristina’s business is a tribute to human connection.

“Our business name comes from the theory of six degrees of separation and how everyone is connected through their relationships with others,” Sambath says. “This is especially true for Winnipeg. When you’re at an event, you’re for sure going to meet other guests and find you are connected somehow.”

Connection has played a vital role in the growth of 6 Degrees Photobooth. Sambath and Cristina credit local businesses Coal and Canary Candles and Third + Bird for helping them get their start, gain traction and find their clientele.

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“Those two local businesses are so loved and cherished in the community and connecting with them early on was a pivotal moment in our business when we were starting out,” Cristina says. “We learned a lot from them and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”

6 Degrees Photobooth is here to make your event unforgettable. Learn more about rental packages and get in touch with Sambath and Cristina at 6degreesphotobooth.com.

6 Degrees Photobooth 204-510-5874 hello@6degreesphotobooth.com www.6degreesphotobooth.com

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Unlock the Beauty in You Shopping for your wedding, graduation, or special occasion should be stress-free and fun.

We encourage you to choose a dress that you absolutely love. At Muse Bridal Studio, we are supportive and honest, and definitely won’t stop helping until you choose the dress of your dreams.

Muse Boutique & Bridal Studio 29-10th Street Brandon, MB 204-727-5248 hello@musebridalstudio.com www.musebridal.ca

Be the Unconventional

BRIDE

BY NANCY DUTIAUME, MADE BEAUTY COMPANY PHOTOS BY KASS DONALDSON @KASSDONALDSON HAIR BY ANNETTE OF @MADEBEAUTYCO MAKEUP BY NANCY OF @MADEBEAUTYCO

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Aspire to bring forward the very best of you on your wedding day.

The choices are endless. Bridal style should reflect a feel that is comfortable for you. That emits the most amazing joy and brings a smile to your face and gets you giddy with excitement. You don’t need to be matchy-matchy.

Aspire to bring forward the very best of you on your wedding day.

Focusing on feature defining dresses, hair and makeup, will have you revelling in your collective look. The rest is the magic of that bridal glow. In the end, remember the beauty of the union you are about to partake in, is the best dream of them all.

There’s much to be said about the bridal experience.

Saying “yes to the dress” has amassed its own following, and the approval of an entire bridal party or group of family members of your chosen gown, has taken precedence. Often leaving a Bride choosing a gown for approval, and not her dreams coming true.

Practicality when choosing your gown shouldn’t be your winning decision, and it’s not always easy finding exactly what you hope for, right off the rack. Lose the traditional collective yes’s and find new ways to create the bridal look of your dreams.

It may be a classic white gown paired with an elegant cathedral length veil, or a slim silhouette defining your features. Adding your own character through jewelry, designed with you in mind. Balance these details with and understated hair style, and the most feature defining makeup application. The result, elegance at its best.

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An inviting space, ready to host!

The Backyard on Aberdeen offers a completely tailored event experience, from event space booking, décor, event planning and catering.

Venue Rental Our beautiful venue is sure to please your guests, whether you are hosting a wedding, client appreciation, networking event, or simply looking for a reason to celebrate.

The convenience and luxury of bringing you indoors and outdoors for your event.

We believe that your wedding day should be as unique as you are, offering a variety of add-on items to help you create your perfect day.

Event Rentals We are here to take the stress out of event booking, preparation and planning. The Backyard on Aberdeen offers a wide variety of décor and we will help you create your special day with our onsite planner.

The Backyard on Aberdeen Unit B – 1624 13th Street | Brandon, Manitoba | (204)-520-0812 thebackyardonaberdeen@gmail.com | www.thebackyardonaberdeen.ca |

Fabulous florals Hot wedding flower trends for 2022 Each year, a new set of trends emerge and color and texture combinations become popular. Wedding planning has become so much more intentional this year, perhaps even more than before. Couples are getting more creative, striving for the WOW factor.

Embrace traditional choices while adding a personal fresh touch to your wedding florals.

Bright and Bold Being locked in the house these last 18+ months and everyone dreaming and planning of bright and bolder days. While earth tones are still on trend, there’s a move towards brighter hues and florists are ecstatic to create your color story. Loving the fresh and fun colors that pop next to the green eucalyptus and capture the light and make a statement.

Texture on Texture Embrace your unique traits and welcome the imperfect growth of flowers. As they don’t grow into a perfect shape in nature, embrace their organic shape at your wedding. Just as your love will flourish in many different directions, that is what makes this floral trend so beautiful. Placed organically on table centrepieces or cascading overhead canopy gives off an artistic vibe. This trend will pull into wedding flowers, along with ceremony and reception décor as well.

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Nature Focused Aisles For many of us, our love for nature has recently ignited throughout the pandemic. Our walks and nature paths have flooded Instagram feeds. You can bring in your love for nature into your wedding.

Let the texture and aromas of nature take your guests to a dreamy naturescape and get some unique and stunning images to share on your own social media and share your wedding love and love for nature.

Designer tablescapes Focusing your wedding on gathering around a stunning table and enjoying fabulous company and great food – no matter the count on the guest list. Due to the various restrictions, guests have had to remain seated longer and that has brought table décor to the spotlight. A continuous runner of flowers on their own or a stunning textured fabric to greenery going down the length of the table, complete the look with candles in a bold accent color to elevate the look.

TIP - be mindful of the height of the centrepieces so that guests can easily communicate with each other.

Working closely with a professional florist will guide you the seasonal blooms, the ones that will fit your budget and your dream vision.

Doing exactly what you want for your wedding, is a mindset that has been growing, as we have taken this time to really figure out who we are and how to express that. Flower are the perfect way to bring color and energy to your wedding day, especially if you have been waiting a while for this day to arrive.

What will your floral fix look like for your 2022 wedding?

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Engagement

RINGS rocking the aisles in 2022

This is the year to get creative and nothing says “I’m engaged” like a classic engagement ring. Since you are planning on wearing your ring for the rest of your life, it only makes sense to choose one that you will love as much now as you will on your 50th wedding anniversary. Pick from the heart and find a ring that speaks to you. Don’t get caught up in the current trend of the centre stone only. Choose a ring that is authentic, personal and reflective of your personality.

Hidden Halo If you’re not familiar with the term “halo”, you will definitely recognize the design – a row of diamonds that frame the center stone. The hidden halo is a modern take on a traditional design. From a bird’s eye view, you may not be able to see the halo, but from any other angle, the hidden halo stands out and accentuates the precious center stone. The hidden halo setting can make the center stone appear larger. It gives the diamond a platform made of even more diamonds that allows it to shine center stage. While it may seem like a minor addition, it is an impactful detail which makes the ring shine beautifully when the light hits it right.

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Oval You can never go wrong with the enduring sophistication of an oval-shaped stone. Unlike round stones, the oval shape is ideal for elegantly elongating fingers in the most sophisticated way. While some cuts come and go, others will always remain timeless. Oval-cut diamonds will never go out of style because of their versatility and their classic elegance. Ovals have the ability to feel feminine and fresh but are still more timeless than trendier shapes like pears or marquises.

FAQ Does carat size matter?

It’s easy to think bigger is better, however that should all be considered with the cut and clarity of the diamond. A bigger diamond will show imperfections if the stone is low quality.

Is the color or clarity more important to consider?

Solitaire A jewellery icon that’s been around for over a century, its classic and feel good without any of the fuss. Solitaries have long remained the preferred choice of brides all over the world. While solitaires seem like a plain setting, they really have many variations. The most popular styles in the jewelry world are Tiffany-set solitaires and cathedral solitaire engagement rings. The Tiffany setting comes up from underneath the diamond to form a basket.

Both are important, however, depending on the shape of your diamond, one may be more relevant than the other. The bottom line is that a perfect diamond takes both into account.

What are the elements of a timeless cut?

The trendier the style, the more likely it will go out of style as time goes on. Research the various styles and see the pattern of their trendiness. Opting for a solitaire ring is sure to remain timeless while a cluster style may not.

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What to know when planning

Destination Wedding

T

here is something special about saying your vows against a stunning ocean backdrop. A fabulous destination miles away from home often means that you are in for a much more intimate ceremony and have a built in honeymoon at the same time.

Before jetting off to an exotic location, there are details that should be considered. Follow these tips to plan a memorable day and a destination wedding to remember.

Destination Wedding Etiquette When should I have my wedding?

As much as this depends on your schedules and availability, the seasonal changes at your dream destination play a huge part. The best weather season tends to lead to a busy tourist season. On the other hand, the off-season will tend to have less tourists, but make sure that you aren’t planning to say I Do right in the middle of hurricane or monsoon season.

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When do I notify my guests?

Since destination weddings can be a higher ticket vacation, giving your guests at least 12 months notice to allow guests to plan and budget accordingly. You can also tell your bridal party well in advance, so they can gracefully decline if finances are tight. Plan to send the official invites 3-4 months before.

Do I need a registry for a Destination Wedding?

As the guests are paying for their trip to your wedding, you may want to let people know that their presence is the best gift. If you decide to have a registry for the guests who are unable to attend, opt for virtual gift cards or a donation to the honeymoon fund.

Factor in the Extra Expenses If done right, a destination wedding can cost no more—and maybe even less—than hosting the same

Incorporate local blooms and serve local delicacies to embrace everything your destination has to offer.

party at home (depending on where you live, of course).

Incorporate local blooms and serve local delicacies to embrace everything your destination has to offer. Make a budget that’s realistic and factor in any extra costs.

Destination Wedding Planning Tips Choosing a location Make sure the destination is safe and has all of the resources that you need – such as adequate accommodations, no recent travel warnings or political issues in the area.

Hire a pro Most destination hotels boast their very own wedding planner, so take advantage of their knowledge and expertise of the local landscape. Instead of dealing with calls in different time zones, overcoming language barriers, you’ll have an expert taking care of all of it for you.

Secure passports and other documents Double and triple check all of the expiration dates as soon as you set your destination wedding date. Look into the countries requirements for entry, as well as any new health requirements for re-entry into your country. And then check one more time.

Tailor your wedding dress to the location Carefully consider the temperatures, season and humidity. Breathable fabrics work best for hot, tropical destinations just as much as a fur shawl works on the snow capped mountain destinations.

We also recommend – no, insist – that you carry your dress on the plane, even if it means a quick steam before your wedding day.

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