Yesterday we wrapped up another amazing shoot for our April issue. Sounds early, I know, but we are thinking spring now! Alison Conklin and I met up at the former residence of J.I. Rodale (founder of Rodale Inc.), a breathtaking 60-acre property nestled on a picturesque country road in between Allentown and Emmaus.

Our models. They wouldn't shut up!

This week, I decided I would provide you with a sneak peek into our August issue’s fashion spread. I don’t want to give anything away, so you’ll have to pick up a copy for the full effect. Lots of running around, shopping, lugging mannequins (borrowed from the gracious Baum School of Art), pulling weeds, getting down and dirty, wading through the creek, and sun-burned arms were all completely worth it.  

Model family fighting the chill.

I’m often asked a) if I like my job and b) what do I do exactly. I can easily answer the first with a simple “absolutely” and it’s usually followed up with the “did you go to school for that?” question. I did, in fact, attend college for Journalism and I am certainly fortunate to put that degree to good use. Question b) is rather difficult as my position is somewhat flexible and my job description is open-ended. My boss, Lisa, likes to call it the little asterisk at the bottom of the page that reads “Editor reserves the right to add or delete duties as necessary.”