QATAR
Design Trends
Dessert s
With Timothy Corrigan
Decadent From Doha’s Top Chefs
Making Memories
Your family Scrapbook
The Ultimate
Gift Guide inside
Be Party Prepared! With Sarah Haywood
Red Carpet
Style
At DTFF 2011
Effervescent
Magic Interview with Jewelery Designer Suhara
DECEMBER 2011 QR 12
And
the
Special thanks to Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org) The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performs and promotes western and Arabic music in order to inspire the children and adults of Qatar and the Arab world to create and enjoy music. The Philharmonic is a member of the Qatar Foundation, which is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential.
M usic P layed
Victor Sumenkov, Viola, Sub-Principal: has won two international competitions in Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk. Since August 2008 Victor has been part of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and more recently a viola teacher in the Qatar Music Academy.
Aleksandr Haskin Flute, Co-Principal: is a top prize winner of many international competitions and has performed solo concerts at Kennedy Center, Washington DC; Kaufmann Center, New York; and the Great Hall of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 1
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team QATAR
Design Trends
Dessert s
With Timothy Corrigan
Decadent From Doha’s Top Chefs
Making Memories
Your family Scrapbook
The Ultimate
Gift Guide
Be Party Prepared! With Sarah Haywood
Red Carpet
Style
At DTFF 2011
Effervescent
Magic Interview with Jewelery Designer Suhara
DECEMBER 2011 QR 12
inside
On the cover: Photography Jorell Legaspi; Styling Monica Nsima; Creative Direction HayaatiG; Hair & Make-up “La” Salon, Alfardan Towers; Location AHB villa at The Pearl-Qatar; Model: Yezenia at Trinity Talent Qatar; Wardrobe courtesy Salam Stores The model wears Emerald green dress, MSGM, QR2,795 Gold plated and black beaded earrings, LAVISH, QR395 Multicoloured three strand beaded necklace, LAVISH, QR1,550
Chairman Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director Moona Masri-Whitice Associate Editor Nitya Shukla Fashion & Beauty Editor HayaatiG Senior Art Director “Boby” Ildiko Francia Graphic Designer Paola Santin Advertising Manager Deliah Furcoi Business Development Consultant Kristina Helg Marketing Coordinator Katrina Senga Finalizer/ Production Manager Srimani Welagedara Distribution Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors Sydnee Bryant Frank Webb Gloria Duran-Renderos Jorge Granda Lauren Penny Patrese Essel Sone’ Moriarty Victoria Scott Willemina Mansell-van Eeghen Jacqueline Bodnar Tarn de Villiers Photographer Owner & Licensee Printers
Jessie Palanca Print Communications An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group of Companies. Gulf Publishing & Printing Co.
ENQUIRIES ON THE ABOVE SECTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: TEL: +974 4443-2224 FAX: +974 4443-2225 ADVERTISING INFORMATION Qatar: +974 4443-2224 LEGAL NOTICE ABODE is owned and published monthly by Print Communications, P.O. Box 7848, Doha, Qatar. An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group of Companies. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied without the written permission of the publisher under the copyright laws of the State of Qatar. All rights reserved. No responsibility taken for unintentional errors or unsolicited material. Use of trademark is strictly prohibited.
6 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
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16 HOME
PEOPLE
36
16 A Small Nation Making Big Strides
interiors Transform your Outdoor Living Space
40 decor Design Trends 44 feature Ablaze with Style 50 special feature
18 Living an Adventure Called Qatar 21 Effervescent Magic 32 Making News
Welcome the Holiday Season
54 get the look
40
124
Event Decoration
67
LIFESTYLE 106 Turn Your Brain OFF! 108 Creating & Preserving Memories 112 Spa Calm 114 Staying Healthy in
FOOD&
ENTERTAINMENT 58 Be Party Prepared,
Get Set to Impress
62 Get Guest Ready 67 Decadent Desserts 74 Entertainment Wish list,
Gifts for the Kitchen
82 FASHION
the Festive Season
116 Avoiding Wheat -A Gluten Free Diet
120
Everyone Loves New York
78
ABODE Loves, Floral Explosion
124
The Fashionista Car
82
And the Music Played
126
Tech Support
96
The Wish List, for Him, Her and Kids
128 Up Close with DJ Bouji
102 The Best 10 Party Make-up Tips
130
Reader’s Corner
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 7
EDITOR’S
letter
IN THIS ISSUE... As December approaches, it brings with it a time of reflection on the year rapidly fading into memory and yet, also brings with it, a promise of the year to come and the promise the future holds. In this issue we look towards National Day, not just the celebration on December 18th, but also to all that Qatar will accomplish. But since December is also a time to reflect, we will look at some of the many things Qatar has accomplished.
behind the scenes
As all of you know, the weather is beautiful at this time of the year, bringing us blue skies, cool mornings and evenings and the perfect excuse to use your patio. The design team at Forum Design has endeavored to inspire you to revitalize your terrace or patio so that you can entertain your friends and family. For many of our expat readers who live in Doha, this is the holiday season, so to help you celebrate it in style, in this issue you will find a great selection of dessert recipes tried and tested by some of the leading chefs in Doha and the challenge that goes with trying to prepare them. The team has also come up with great ideas to decorate your home, prepare the home for entertainment and special gifts ideas for loved ones.
Say Cheese!
New York is our destination feature, as you make your travel holiday travel plans- why not consider the city that does not sleep, where shopping pleasure abounds and where you can catch a show at any time. We are thankful that you have allowed us to be part of your life this year. We also want to take the opportunity to give our best wishes to those who celebrate Christmas. Have a Happy New Year. Sincerely,
Posing at fashion photo shoot
NASSER AHMED HASSAN BILAL Editor In Chief
Our Favorite Picks
Side Tables 3 pcs – BoConcept–
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Frost Hurricane –THE One–
Leather Bag – Bottega Veneta–
Musician male mo de
Try this Throughout December, PAUL has delicious cakes and cookies available.
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Living an Adventure Called Qatar with H E Ambassador Juan Antonio Hernandéz
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A Small Nation Making Big Strides
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people
Living an Adventure Called Qatar Interview with Ambassador Dr Juan Antonio Hernandéz and his wife Alícia Centeno
people
I love what I do
Ready for The Big Day with St. Regis’s General Manager Tareq Derbas
21 •
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Effervescent Magic Interview with Suhara Jewellery Designer
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Making News Interview with Sarah Worthington DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 9
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Doha at a glance
Plans for Expansion
Announces
Chowking has recently announced plans to add two more locations in 2012, in Abu Hamour and Al Khor. The increasingly popular Chinese-Filipino chain of restaurants is owned by the AHB group and has already gained much praise for its outstanding food. Since opening the first branch on November 18, 2009, the chain has earned a reputation amongst both Filipino and non-Filipino patrons who enjoy the food, impeccable service and home delivery. Commenting on the development plans of the restaurant chain, Mr Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Founder and Chairman of AHB group, stated, “Chowking’s growth signals our corporate commitment to deliver warm and friendly service, a family atmosphere and premium quality food.” Patrons can currently visit Chowking at its branches in Al Sadd and the Ramada junction.
EID celebrations at katara On the occasion of Eid El-Adha, Katara organized a number of spectacles, with fireworks, a stateof-the-art laser show and dancing fountains synchronized with the rhythm of international musical pieces. The celebrations proved to be a huge crowd draw.
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Qatar in 48 hours! Qatar’s thriving tourism and hospitality was showcased at the largest travel show in Asia, ITB Asia, held in Singapore October 19-21, 2011. The Qatar Tourism Authority led a delegation of 11 of the country’s top hotels and tourism operators attending the event, now in its fourth year. Taking part along with the QTA were: Regency Holidays, Grand Hyatt Doha, Oryx Rotana Hotel, Swiss-Bel Hotel, Al Liwan Suites, Doha Golf Club, Millennium Hotel Doha, W Doha Hotel & Residences, Ritz Carlton Doha, Sharq Village & Spa and the Museum of Islamic Art. Qatar Tourism Authority promoted Qatar to the Asian market by focusing on buyers from the MICE and leisure sectors, among them conferences organizers, incentive planners, travel operators, and boards of tourism authorities. The delegation focussed on promoting the QTA’s successful campaign, “48 Hours”, which encourages business travellers to Qatar and those on long-haul flights between Asia and Europe, to stay over and experience the country.
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Kevin Spacey Returns to Qatar! Oscar-winning actor and Artistic Director of The Old Vic, Kevin Spacey will play the title role in Shakespeare’s Richard III for two performances at Qatar National Convention Centre, as part of an international tour backed by the Doha Film Institute (DFI). The production, directed by Academy Award Winner Sam Mendes, who worked with Spacey on the 1999 film American Beauty, will be hosted at the Doha venue on December 16 and 17 in association with the Middle East Theatre Academy. Qatar is the only Middle East destination included in the tour, with scheduled performances in Greece, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore and Istanbul, amongst others. The Richard III tour kicked off amid great critical acclaim at The Old Vic on June 29, 2011. DFI has also partnered with the Kevin Spacey Foundation to offer acting workshops to two local schools as part of its inaugural flagship project Richard’s Rampage, an initiative spanning eleven countries and three continents. Selected students get to participate in an exclusive question and answers session with Kevin Spacey and contribute to creating a film that includes young people from around the world.
World Petroleum Congress Organizing Committee Hosts Industry Briefing The 20th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) organizing committee hosted an industry briefing and venue tour in the build-up to the 20th World Petroleum Congress, which takes place at the Qatar National Convention Centre from December 4-8, 2011. This is the first time since its establishment in 1933 that the triennial World Petroleum Congress will be hosted in the Middle East. The expectations are therefore that it will inspire a positive legacy for the energy sector in general, as well as for the State of Qatar as the host nation. The Congress is set to be the biggest in WPC history, with 3,500 delegates confirmed and 50 corporate sponsors and partners including some of the world’s biggest brands.
Coming Soon: Sizzling Hot Pot! The Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading and Contracting Co. group is poised to open the doors to an exciting culinary experience in Qatar in the beginning of 2012. This new restaurant, Sizzling Hot Pot, will open inside the contemporary Holiday Villa Hotel on C Ring Road and will feature an exciting new culinary concept. Taking a cue from a trend that is sweeping the globe, as a guest of Sizzling Hot Pot you can become your own ‘Chef.’ When socializing with your friends and family, you can impress them with your culinary skills and imagination while enjoying an evening out. Guests can choose from a range of ingredients including meat, beef, lamb, chicken, veal and a wide range of fresh fish and vegetables on iced scales. Diners can further select from a vast variety of spices they love in order to make their own dishes, and in effect create their own signature taste. Sizzling Hot Pot will provide a menu structure to assist you to create mouth watering scrumptious dishes. Guests can also have the staff prepare the dish to their liking before they decide to make their own. Sizzling Hot Pot will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
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Emir Inaugurates GTL FACILITY The world’s largest gas-to-liquid (GTL) facility in the Ras Laffan Industrial City was officially opened by The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on November 23th, 2011. The Pearl Gas To Liquid (GTL) is the largest project ever launched in Qatar and has positioned Qatar as the GTL capital of the world. When fully operational in 2012, Pearl GTL, a Qatar-Shell joint venture, will have the capacity to produce 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) of high quality GTL products, which include “cleaner-burning” diesel and aviation fuel, oils for advanced lubricants, naphtha that is used to make plastics and paraffin for detergents. It will also produce 120,000bpd of natural gas liquids (liquefied petroleum gas and condensate) and ethane. At the peak of construction at Pearl GTL, the project employed 52,000 workers. Despite a massive number of workers involved and the complexity of the Pearl’s construction, a strong safety culture helped Qatar and Shell achieve a record breaking 77 million hours without injuries to time off work. The project took 9 years to complete and involved 13 Shell offices, located in 10 countries to work together.
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Qatar Happening AND I LOVE QATAR.NET LIFESTYLE AWARDS AT Diyafa 2011 Diyafa 2011 was the cynosure of all eyes on the second day when the first ever QH and Iloveqatar.net Lifestyle Awards were handed out to the best hotels and restaurants in Doha at the Exhibition Centre. The awards were a result of collaboration between Qatar Happening magazine and the popular website Iloveqatar.net. At the helm of affairs was Moona Masri Whitice, Executive Director of The Art Of Business and Print Communications and Khalifa Saleh Haroon, Founder of Iloveqatar.net. The awards were handed out by Sydnee Bryant, Executive Editor, Qatar Happening and Bassam Al Ibrahim, Co-founder, Iloveqatar.net. The winners were chosen online by residents of Qatar at IloveQatar.net. At the ceremony a total of 17 awards with the categories ranging from Best Hotel, Best Spa Treatment, Best Dry Cleaning Service, Best Spa Treatment, Best Express Lunch, Best Hotel, Best Restaurant and Best Nightlife. The award ceremony was attended by the hoteliers and who’s who in the hospitality industry.
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Khalifa Saleh Haroon, Founder of Iloveqatar.net and Moona Masri Whitice, Executive Director of The Art of Business and Printcom.
Diyafa 2011
Qatar Happening staff celebrates Qatar’s first Lifestyle Awards at Diyafa 2011
Winners of the Qatar Happening and Iloveqatar.net’s first Lifestyle Awards at Diyafa 2011
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Football Legend Ronaldo Scores with Katara Brazilian football legend Ronaldo was in Qatar recently. His visit was marked with a tour of Katara. Marcio Barbosa, General Manager gave him a tour of Katara, the Cultural Village Foundation.
2011 WISE Summit Held in Qatar The 2011 World Innovation Summit for Education Summit was held between November 1–3, 2011, in Doha, Qatar. The three-day event was entitled “Changing Societies, Changing Education” and a number of key issues were discussed. The summit looked at how innovation and change happen in different sectors, and whether and how these models may inspire new strategies for education. It also looked at possibilities for inter-sectoral collaboration for development as well as models for a whole-system reform of education and individual “break-the-mold” projects that may inspire broader reforms. On the last day, the discussion invited new visions and thinking about how education and lifelong learning systems may better meet the needs of changing societies, and better prepare learners for the future. Throughout the Summit, 1,200 decision-makers, practitioners, and thought leaders from different sectors debated ideas and discussed new ways to address major challenges and promote purposeful action.
In Celebration of Korean Food! The Korean Brunch was hosted recently by H.E. CHANG See-jeong, Korean Ambassador, and sponsored by Korea Foundation. A few famous Korean dishes were cooked and served on the spot at Rocca Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Hotel. The Brunch could serve as a platform to introduce the Korean food to the people in Qatar, and increase the intercultural understanding of the people of the two nations through food.
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New Properties launched The launch celebrations of Renaissance Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center were conducted amidst much hype and high numbers in attendance. We bring you the highlights in pictures.
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Red Bull Racing-Can Event Debuts in Qatar
‘Power Bites’ brightens the scene at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts With the intention to make eating out a more enjoyable yet healthful experience for children, Mövenpick has introduced the new ‘Power Bites’ menu in over 30 hotels across the Middle East and Asia. Commenting on this innovation, Peter Drescher, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Middle East and Asia said “Food should be fun and if it’s nutritious so much the better. We invite children to eat with their fingers, paint carrots, arrange little characters. It’s important that restaurants become welcoming places for children and that they enjoy themselves. After all, families go out to eat to have fun. We’re just here to help.”
Stenden University teamed up with Red Bull Qatar to host its first Red Bull Racing Can qualifier on November 2. The goal of the event was to encourage ingenuity, cool designs and speed among the participating teams. The twelve teams were provided with a small remote controlled car and a six-pack of Red Bull cans. They were tasked with removing the original car body and designing a new one using the cans of the Red Bull drink, all within five days. The students then had to race on a purpose-built track and prove that their car was not only the most creative, but also the fastest. The first prize, an all-expense-paid trip to Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi, went to the all-girls-team Farah Zian and Milena Deltcheva.
Antonio Banderas takes photos with a fan at DTFF
(Left to right) DFI Executive Director Amanda Palmer, Daila El Bahairy, Manish Malhotra, Dorra Zarrouk and Yosra dressed in Manish Malhotra designs
Antonio Banderas at third annual Doha Film Festival The Family Day at this year’s Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) bustled with creative fun as Festival goers of all ages dived into dance, music and improvisational performances, Qatari cultural activities, reading and drawing stations, and special screenings just for family audiences.
Qatar Fights Against Diabetes Qatar Diabetes Association organized several events in Qatar to celebrate World Diabetes day on November 14th, 2011. The walkathon saw a huge participation from the Qatar residents with over 4,000 residents attending and showing their support.
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A Small Nation
Making Big Strides By Meghna Dey Byline: By Meghna Dey
Celebrating a forward-thinking nation that’s beating the odds and pinning itself grandly on the world map.
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hen Qatar pitched its bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ soccer event last year, barely 20 per cent of the population believed it would succeed. Many people, then, must have been surprised on December 2, 2010 — a date that has now been immortalized — when Qatar was announced as the host of the 2022 World Soccer Cup, and the first country in the Middle East to ever host the games. Yet Qatar has managed and achieved many such firsts with its steadfastness and concerted effort to promote itself as a nation of quality, reliability, and view toward the future. This tiny peninsular State has built itself as a benchmark, not just for its people, but for the people of the world – to truly believe that nothing is impossible. As Qatar celebrates its National Day this December, we highlight some of its biggest achievements: from being the richest country in the world to becoming the biggest global exporter of liquid gas to having the first performance-based sustainability rating system in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, amongst many others.
A vision for the future When John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you... ask what you can do for your country”, he hoped every American would take note and engage in nation-building activities. Though Kennedy’s inaugural presidential speech was delivered 50 years ago and half a world away, this renowned credo is one many citizens across the globe seem to have taken on, including the people of Qatar. The government and visionary leaders of Qatar have implemented policies that uplift and motivate its people to work together towards common goals for national development. The most prominent policy is the National Vision 2030. The stated aim of this plan is to transform Qatar into an advanced country by 2030; to become a nation that is capable of sustaining its own development and provide a high standard of living for its people, and to meet the needs of both the present and future generations.
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The Vision rests on the following four pillars: • Human Development - development of its people to enable them to sustain a prosperous society. • Social Development - development of a just and caring society based on high moral standards, and capable of playing a significant role in the global partnership for development. • Economic Development - development of a competitive and diversified economy capable of meeting the needs of, and securing a high standard of living for its people, both for the present and for the future. • Environmental Development - management of the environment such that there is harmony between economic growth, social development and environmental protection.
Pushing for a knowledge-based economy One of the first things that comes to mind when we think of a particular country is its people. A country becomes what it is because of the people and behaviours of those who inhabit it. Ideally this means a healthy, educated population capable of running its nation. Qatar is in complete affirmation of this thought. With the establishment of the World Innovation Summit for Education, there is an ongoing effort to augment the prosperity of each individual through opportunities for education – as was stated in the 2011 edition of the Summit. Viewing education as multi-dimensional, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser said that better educational access would help individuals acquire better critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
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Qatar is also working towards enforcing the reformed K-12 education system. The primary change for the period 2011-2016 is to adopt technology as an important aspect of education. Adjustments in the K-12 system will be implemented from kindergarten through grade 12. In 2011, two major universities – Texas A&M and Qatar University – also started the first Master’s programs in the country.
Providing top-class health care Qatar’s health care sector has come a long way since the first hospital opened its doors almost 50 years ago. Today, the industry boasts the most advanced medical equipment and highly qualified staff, a countrywide network of hospitals and health care centres, and a cardiology department that is referred to by outside specialists as one of the best in the world. There is a precise attempt to encourage maternal and infant care. The maternity wing of Hamad Hospital is planning to implement a program to provide post-natal care for mothers and babies at their homes.
special
Focusing on the environment The environment is increasingly becoming an important topic, as Qatar is forced to deal with local issues such as the impact of diminishing water and hydrocarbon resources, desertification, threats caused by coastal development, and others. Most business organizations, from real estate developers to oil and gas companies, are consciously involved in environmental projects. Initiatives also include the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), started in 2009 as an independent non-profit organization that is committed to developing a sustainable approach to the design and development of buildings. The state of Qatar even has its own green building rating system to help minimize and manage ecological impacts. The Qatar Sustainability Assessment System, or QSAS, is the only kind in the MENA region. QSAS takes into account the specific requirements of the region, with the aim of aiding Qatari companies to save money, reduce energy costs and in the main protect the environment from the effects of climate change. •
Research into health care techniques and medicines will also be conducted in Qatar upon the opening of Sidra Medical and Research Center (Sidra). Sidra will be an ultra modern, all-digital academic medical centre which is being designed and planned to the best international standards in health sciences. It will offer specialty care for women and children. Qatar Health 2012, a platform hosted by Hamad Medical Corporation, will bring together advances in health care research and technology, and provide an international forum for the exchange of expertise between health care professionals.
Meeting energy needs with natural gas 2011 has witnessed vital progress within the oil and gas sector of Qatar. First amongst them is the record production capacity of achieving 77 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by Rasgas – the largest production capacity by far in the world. Challenging this feat is the recently launched Barzan Gas Project. The $10.3 billion Barzan project, a QP-ExxonMobil joint venture, will provide 1.4 billion cubic feet a day of lean gas. 2011 also saw Qatargas become one of the world’s largest LNG producer, following production from its newly completed mega Train 7 of the Qatargas 4 project in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The achievement is a significant milestone for Qatar, where all 14 LNG trains are now producing LNG, meeting the energy needs of tens of millions of people around the world.
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Dr Juan Antonio Hernandéz, Ambassador of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Qatar and his wife Alícia Centeno
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Living an Adventure
Called Qatar
By Moona Whitice and Nitya Shukla Photography Jessie Palanca
Having spent the past two years in Qatar, the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency Dr Juan Antonio Hernandéz and his wife Alícia Centeno say Qatar has been a big adventure for them.
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rior to his current role representing Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Qatar, His Excellency Dr Juan Antonio Hernandéz had an impressive cultural resumé. Having earned a PhD in Latin American Studies, he has taught as a professor in renowned universities, won the National Prize of Venezuela, “José Antonio Ramos Sucre”,and authored several articles on Latin America as well as the book Bibliotheca Ayacucho. His current post adds a new dimension to his career. Both he and his wife spoke animatedly about their life here in Qatar, their introduction to camel racing and organizing the recently concluded Latin America Festival 2011. Here are excerpts from our interview: ABODE: What does being in Qatar mean for you? JH: Qatar is my first posting as a diplomat. For me it is a very interesting experience to be here in this time. AC: We have been here for almost two years and a half. Qatar is quiet and safe and perfect for family. In fact, all days are an experience for us! You know you can read about Islam and the Middle East and Qatar, but living it is different and you can learn so much every day. I have tried the Arabic food and I love fasolia and all the kinds of bread that you get here. ABODE: You were a scholar previously, how did you become a diplomat? JH: It was a political appointment by the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Mr Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías. I have been a supporter for many years and that’s the reason I took the appointment of being an Ambassador. ABODE: What are your
recommendations for local Latin restaurants? AC: Paloma and Pampano! ABODE: What about the interaction between the communities? What attracts Qatar to Venezuela? JH: The relationship the between the two communities is very good. The Venezuelan people in Qatar come to work in the energy field, so they are engineers…90 percent are engineers. There is also a small number of Venezuelans who are coming to work as pilots. ABODE: How is the experience of promoting intercultural interactions, like participating in the Latin America Cultural Festival? JH: We got artists and performers from eight countries who participated in the festival. We are now planning to organize the next annual Latin America festival! I am going to really focus on this, as it’s a very big thing but it also needs a lot of preparation. We’d like to bring the best from our culture to Qatar. ABODE: This year The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela completes 200 years of independence. What was done in celebration to mark this occasion? JH: The 200 year celebration was held in July. We brought a very important toy maker from Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mario Calderon. We had an exhibition of the toys he made in the Qatar National Theatre and then we went to Qatari schools. The children loved him! ABODE: What is it about the artist Mario Calderon that you like so much? JH: The toys represent special moments
in the history of Venezuela and have a lot of movement and colour. Some of his representations depict landmark moments in Venezuelan history. He makes toys inspired by Simón Bolívar, Páez and Negro Primero and Antonio José de Sucre, along with battles of Carabobo and Boyacá.
ABODE: What do you find special about the Arabic language? AC: I started learning Arabic but could not continue it for long. But now I am thinking about returning to it, since they have certain sounds that we don’t have in our language. Right now I can speak French thanks to Arabic! [I]think if you learn Arabic with the Holy Book of Quran then you can really embrace this culture. I really love the culture [here in Qatar]. ABODE: Who is your source of inspiration? JH: Simón Bolívar, our historical figure, because he liberated The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and also because he imagined Latin America as a single country. He is very important because he brought about unification and in that sense he is alive, he is a permanent presence in my life and in the life of Venezuelans. He is a great source of motivation for me. ABODE: What was a new discovery for you in Qatar? AC: We went to a camel race when we first came here and loved it. You know everybody was seeing the race and suddenly they started to run and we started to follow them. It was exciting! JH: What was a discovery for me was the milk of the camel, it was very different. It is nothing like you [have tried] before. Also at a Qatari reception, the way they dance with the swords is symbolic of a battle, it is very beautiful. •
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success tips people culture in my team and that is very crucial. You cannot be a good hotelier if you are dealing well with your guests but not taking care of your team. You need to take care of them, provide for them, and connect with them so at least they transfer this to the hotel guest. ABODE: The Butler Service has been the hallmark of St. Regis’s success. We hear this is also one of the key features of the hotel.
Tareq Derbas
Ready for The Big Day By Nitya Shukla Photography Jessie Palanca
ABODE meets Tareq Derbas, General Manager of The St. Regis Doha, ahead of the property’s eagerly awaited opening in January 2012.
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e says he approaches every day as if it were his first day at a new job. But now a real ‘first day’ for Tareq Derbas, General Manager of The St. Regis Doha, lies just weeks away. Part of the Al Gassar Resort and the first-ever St. Regis property in the Middle East, the luxury hotel boasts world-class facilities and features such as the renowned St Regis Butler Service, designed to set this property apart. ABODE met Derbas at a time when one might expect some pre-opening jitters. But we got no sense of this from his calm and cool demeanour and willingness to share what he’s learned in the hotel industry. Here are excerpts from the interview: ABODE: What lessons have you learned from this industry? TD: A lot of people get into the industry because they think it has a lot of flair, and they end up finding it very frustrating because of the long hours. There has to be a lot of positivity towards your
guests, at work, towards team members and the local community and unless you have it within you and you have passion for this, you will not succeed. ABODE: What should new entrants be mindful of? TD: Some people want the post of the General Manager as soon as they graduate, which is dangerous. I had a Master’s degree and yet I started as a receptionist and believe it or not, had I not started from that stage I would have not made it to general manager. Now I know every aspect of the equation, because I have been there. So I can support every operation. Our industry is different and one needs to start from scratch to learn it thoroughly. ABODE: Does this apply to you? TD: The industry matches who I am, and that is definitely very important. I love connecting with people, and creating a
TD: We are bringing around 50 butlers and will have the highest ratio of butlers amongst The St. Regis properties, that is one butler per nine rooms. The butler is not somebody in a uniform. How it works is as a guest you won’t have to speak to 20 people for 20 things. The butler will be your contact person for everything from taking care of unpacking luggage, reservations, ironing the newspaper, personal shopping. ABODE: What is your strategy for success? TD: One of the key strategies is trying to quantify how much experience the team has, because it’s not just me alone. If I depend on the 20 years of experience that I have, I will not succeed. But if I count 50 managers with an average of 10-15 years of luxury experience… then we have a sizable amount. There is a culture of goals within the hotel and team. I hold myself accountable for the delivery and accomplishment of those goals. ABODE: What keeps you motivated? TD: When I come to the office, I treat that day as the first day of my job. I go with this mindset every day… and sometimes you have good days and sometimes not, but if you just tell yourself every morning that, “today is my first day at the job and I will do my best”, you show up with a big smile and stay motivated all day. ABODE: What about the work- life balance? TD: I have a big family, I have four kids and a full-time job ... they really keep me busy. I try to keep a balance in my personal and professional life if I can. I try my best to spend at least a day per week with the kids. •
FAVOURITE THINGS Favourite author: Steven Covey Favourite food: Seafood and steak! Favourite Destination: San Diego, California which is my home and where I started my business life. 20 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
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Suhara
By Nitya Shukla Photography provided by suhara
Fascinated with jewellery since she was a child, Malaysia-based Suhara now creates stunning, nature-inspired works of art that are garnering international attention. Yet she’s stayed close to her roots and explains how a respect for nature — including the beauty and individuality of each client —infuses all aspects of her fastgrowing and ethical business.
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uhara’s latest collection of jewellery, Pari-Pari,sparkles and shimmers just like the source of her inspiration: the ocean. The avid scuba diver says it’s the treasures of the sea that sparked this dazzling array of cuffs, bracelets, rings and earrings recently launched? The pieces are truly a work of art and ABODE was interested to interview this recent participant of Qatar’s Art from the Heart charity event, to find out more about her business philosophies and how she goes about creating such beautiful jewellery every day. ABODE: What inspired you to create Suhara Jewel Art?
SUHARA: I have always loved jewellery, it is that simple. Even as a child, my eyes were drawn to women who wore jewellery,that was the first thing for me, no matter shape or design, they were absolutely fascinating. It’s like magic how jewellery can transform a look of a woman with a very simple outfit to a [more] glamorous look. To me, a woman is an artistic creation of God, they are special and beautiful in their own way. Besides that I am very much influenced by the beauty of nature, and how nature has actually given a life to us. My design philosophy is simple: updating nature-inspired designs to make
them more accessible and wearable in a contemporary setting. As a nature lover, I do a lot to preserve the natural environment around me and increase the awareness and importance of it through Suhara Jewel Art designs. Not only the designs, but if you see our showroom in Malaysia, it is all based on nature materials. ABODE: What is jewellery to a woman, according to you? SUHARA: I am convinced that the most spectacular piece of jewellery is incomplete unless it is actually worn: a jewel will never sparkle as it does when worn by a confident
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I design a number of one-off pieces, making them even more desirable for those who want something unique that reflects their personality
woman. I interpret it as a way a woman expresses her individuality, representing not only her moods, but also her inner flame, her very essence. ABODE: Can you walk us through the process of designing a piece? SUHARA: It starts from imagination, plus my own liking of certain objects of nature. It could be only while looking at the forest, leaves, or while diving and I discover all these underwater treasures…it is amazing, and finally the real challenge is when you want to transform [that into] a piece of jewellery. From a piece of sketch, to a rubber mould where all details need to be done very carefully, we will then move to the casting process and sample pieces. It takes a lot of time in order to get it
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right, my imagination can be very wild, but I am always mindful that whatever shape and design, the piece of jewellery is to be worn, so it must be the best quality, which my team and I will never compromise. I design a number of one-off pieces, making them even more desirable for those who want something unique that reflects their personality. I use a lot of unusual silver pieces, pearls, crystal, semi-precious stones and mother of pearl sourced from all over the world. Somehow when I see all the pieces together I begin to see the final piece of jewellery taking shape. It is something I cannot really explain. Inspired would be the closest word to describe the feeling I get when working on a piece of
jewellery. The real satisfaction is when the client loves the piece and appreciates it. Most of my clients buy a piece of Suhara Jewel Art not so much for its commercial value, but more for the aesthetic value. ABODE: What is your success mantra? (It’s obvious you love what you do!) SUHARA: Passion plays a great role leading to one’s success. When you have the passion, work becomes a hobby; once you do it as hobby, you will be surprised about all the ‘potential’ that you have within yourself. This can only be achieved when you love what you do! Another important mantra is that you need to be able to ’romance the customer’, to understand their needs, moods and feelings and to give them the best service
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I draw my inspiration mainly from nature predominantly underwater creatures like the coral sea horse nautilus and stingray you can, make them feel like a queen, build an honest relationship and help them to build their confidence through my pieces. ABODE: Please tell us about your latest collection. SUHARA: Pari-Pari is a collection of stingray leather, often marketed as ‘galuchat’, [which] is in the midst of a worldwide fashion revival. It has a luxurious texture made up of hundreds of small, rock-hard beads. Nature has chosen to offset this with the shining pearl-white pattern at the centre of each piece that is as individual and distinct as a fingerprint. We have come up with a dazzling array of cuffs, bracelets, rings, earrings and chokers in a multitude of colours, shapes and design. I spearhead the company’s design team and draw my inspiration mainly from nature,
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Suhara
predominantly underwater creatures like the coral, sea horse, nautilus and stingray, as I am an avid scuba diver. I am also enthused by the lines and shapes from other characteristics of nature, such as leaves, feathers, branches and the like. While we work in the business of fashion and glamour, our collection is also rooted in ecology and in helping to improve the livelihood of communities. Our latest collection is made from stingray skin that is procured from fishermen who harvest the stingray for its meat. By buying from them, we are also contributing to their economic advancement. The stingray is also not an endangered animal, so we are subscribing to ethical practices in producing our jewellery. ABODE: What’s next for you?
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What are your future plans? SHUHARA: Suhara Jewel Art has embarked on alliances to support several fashion and beauty events in Malaysia. We will develop and grow our company by increasing existing jewellery lines and expanding to a wider and finer selection, at the same time we will maintain our vision in sharing the green awareness. We will also assess the potential for franchising our stores in selected locations in different countries as well. As we build our business, we plan to simultaneously develop our online website. The power and ease of an online storefront is obvious to us, and we plan to develop one quickly and efficiently. We welcome business investors with a passion for jewellery to explore avenues
that would bring about mutual benefit to both our businesses. ABODE: How can Qatar residents get in touch with you? SHUHARA: We look forward to showcasing our jewellery in Qatar through working with different business partnerships, various people and organizations within the beauty and fashion industry, media associates and events, social networks and charities that are very much in line with the brand’s corporate social responsibility. We recently participated in the Art from the Heart charity event organized with help from Qatar Charity and W Hotel. Some of the future events will most likely be at the Pearl,Royal Plaza and an amazing jewellery party with a difference, so do look out for that! •
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Giving by Lauren Penny, CEO of Art of Abundant Living
But as we land back on our own soil and slip into our everyday lives, our trips some times seem distant memories and our promise sometimes slip away. ‘Charity Travellers’ came about after I was living and working abroad for five years and was able to visit some amazing countries. I travelled to Sri Lanka back in September 2009 and fell in love with the country and people. I visited the Prithipura Infants Home (Mentally and Physically Disabled Children) and met the beautiful children who lived there and the amazing and dedicated local helpers who provide the love and attention these children need.
Whether tangible items such as money or food, or the simple but powerful offering of advice, encouraging words or even a smile, giving can be embodied in countless forms. ABODE profiles five experiences of giving that may inspire you to contribute to something – or someone meaningful to you.
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gift is something that is enjoyed twice: First by the giver who revels in the pleasure of giving and then the person who delights in the unexpectedness of receiving something special. As we approach the end of the year, this is a great time to think about giving. You can be creative and look at ways you can offer your time, your knowledge, your money, or whatever means you will enjoy. And you don’t have to give something big. Some of the smallest, simplest acts are greatly appreciated. Try offering a simple act or deed to every person with whom you come into contact, even just for a day or two. Notice how much better you and others around you feel!
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You may also want to invest yourself in a more substantial project, either locally or abroad. This is how myself and four others have chosen to give:
Charity Travellers: Ingrid Keates We all love to travel and explore, whether overseas or in your own country. I have heard so many stories from travellers about the places and people they have met, leaving enough of a lasting impression that they wanted to raise awareness, provide goods or raise funds to give back a better quality of life.
I asked what kind of assistance they need and they said a new roof. Unfortunately, it took me one year to go back to the orphanage and take the steps to keep my promise. Another year later the roof was demolished and the new project began. I stayed for one week and spent a lot of the time working with local village women and partaking in the daily caring for the children. The roof is complete but we are still fundraising to raise the final amount for the project. I realized how daunting it can be to take the first step to go back and help, but then realized all you need is support. Charity Travellers is in the early stages and our ideas are limitless - already we have had a great response from people working on charity projects and travelling in Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Christchurch, Africa, Thailand and Cambodia. Charity Travellers will assist in promoting those projects and providing ideas for fundraising and recommend other organisations that could assist. Charity Travellers want to help you keep your promise. You can share your experience as a Charity Traveller by emailing them on the following address. charitytravellers@gmail.com www.facebook.com/pages/Charity-Travellers/ 240959279273932
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Supporting an orphanage: Amit Patel The Orphanage School in Gujarat, India is mixed with both blind and disabled kids, taken in by the school because their parents have not been able to support and raise them. The children are from all over the state, with most from a town called Vidyanagar-Anand. The school started with 10 kids and has grown into a school of 150. My parents and I support them financially to provide a better and brighter future for these kids. This means they will be able to stand on their own feet instead of depending on begging on the streets. I heard of this school as I was doing some street feeding and walked past it by chance. Since then, it’s been something I do every year for the past 4 years. The school is now being managed by the senior principal, but my family and other sponsors help it with the day-to-day running. This consists of feeding the kids three meals per day, so the school does not need to bear any costs. My aim is to find 366 friends/people to be able to
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donate QR 300 on their birthday every year: that is the cost per day to feed these 150 kids the three meals per day. We also try and welcome the sponsors to come and visit the school so they can interact with these beautiful and talented children. The day starts off with a morning prayer where the kids sing and play musical instruments (including the blind children), followed by offerings. Then they have normal classroom teaching in the mornings followed by sports activities in the afternoon. Before they go to bed, another prayer is done to thank God for the good things they have in life. Educating at-risk youth: Kumari Middleton Mayibuye is a youth-led organization that uses performing arts to facilitate education for young people, who are vulnerable to negative peer pressures and at-risk behaviour. The grassroots organization is established in South Africa and Australia and is about to launch in Cambodia. Mayibuye means ‘Bringing back what was lost’. Mayibuye is a Zulu word from the townships of South Africa, where elders talk about a time when everyone was happy and life was filled with singing and dancing. A time before the Apartheid and before the societal destruction created by drugs, alcohol and HIV. The youth of today can’t even imagine a world like that. Mayibuye aims to create generations of young people who believe that a better world is possible and who are empowered and enthusiastic about seeing it happen within their lifetime. In two years this group of young people have established over 15 projects including a number of permanent after-school performance troupes engaging students in dance and lifeskills workshops. They also encourage students to become active leaders and positive role models in their community by
educating their friends and family about the issues they face, such as bullying, violence and racism. You can help Mayibuye with their next project by supporting two stipends in South Africa. These will allow two volunteers to work full-time on the projects, launch new educational initiatives and build sustainability in their operations. To learn more, you can contact Kumari Middleton, Founder & CEO info@mayibuyesouthafrica.org www.mayibuye.org.au/
Delivering needed household goods: Lauren Penny I was feeling exhausted, stressed and still had two weeks till the end of a project. To help me to continue my motivation, I booked a “Giving” break for the conclusion of the project. My sister was adopted at three months of age from a Sri Lankan orphanage by my Australian parents. My mother has kept in contact with the family in Sri Lanka. I contacted friends to donate clothes and toys and I travelled to Sri Lanka for three days to visit my sister’s biological family members. Living so close to Sri Lanka , this trip enabled me to assess what was happening and visit the family. I took as
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much donated goods with me as possible due to luggage limitations. Friends donated money to buy books, pens, toothpaste, toothbrushes, household cleaning products, broom etc to buy once I arrived in Sri Lanka . I purchased items from the local supermarket and thought at first this was so little and items we take for granted. The recycled clothes and toys were of no use to those who had donated them but hopefully they were needed by the family. All doubts of their small worth quickly vanished as the taxi drove up the unmade, dirt, bumpy road to the little one room mud house. I quickly realized just how valuable these items were. The ladies wore tops with missing buttons, skirts that were ripped, the new born baby didn’t have nappies (of which I found out the hard way!); there was no electricity, no running water which meant water had to be carted from a village well. This family is battling each day for the basic living needs of shelter, food & water. No way could they afford to buy what we deem as basic necessities such as toothpaste & toothbrushes and other items to prevent ill-health. The following day I returned with new items such as washable and disposable nappies, bibs, baby items and other functional items such as torches and a year supply of batteries. I am so grateful that I spent these three days giving. And I’m positive that I gained more from this trip than the functional pieces now owned by my sisters’ biological Sri Lankan family. I am grateful for my loving younger sister and grateful for the experience of giving to others.
The Humble Child Organization: Rima Arnaout The Humble Child Organization is a non-governmental, non-profit making organization interested in the welfare of the less fortunate children found within the urban areas of the UK. Founded some eight years back by Mrs Houda Noshie Arnaout; Director, as a result of her profound love for humanity. The organization has gone through all the documentations to make it legal and recognized by the laws of the country. Vision: To provide the appropriate environment for the well being of the less fortunate children to make them grow into responsible adults. OBJECTIVES • Providing for the welfare of these children in the form of health care, clothing and feeding. • Assisting single parents, widows, widowers financially to cater for the kids and themselves. •
Assisting these children in academia issues such as paying their school fees and providing them with learning materials. • Some of the children under our care are sometimes placed under apprenticeship study to enable them learn a trade. • To make the children feel loved and accepted by society, the organization organizes annual Christmas parties for them as well as birthday parties. The kids are sometimes taken on trips as well. The organization currently has about 350 kids under its care with the number increasing each day. We are seeking support for a range of projects; expanding the facilities, assistance in feeding, clothing and health care, establish a vocational centre to enrich the children with knowledge and skills, assistance for academic support and materials for school. We would like to host a Christmas party and seeking assistance to be able to do so. Contact details – Rima Arnaout, Director RVPR Email : rima@rvpr.co.uk Contact- 0044 20 7372 0257, 0044 7958765151
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THE ALL - NEW NISSAN JUKE. The funkiest cross-over ever made. Say hi to Juke: Nissan’s new-breed Turbo-charged Sport Cross-over. A compact five-door that seats five friends comfortably. Its 1.6L Direct Injection engine lights up the city streets with energizing performance, smooth acceleration and new-age-smart fuel economy. Switch from Normal to Sport Mode to boost your mood with tighter grip and even more responsive steering control. Juke is the new generation of swift-design, feel-good drives. Get up, get on up.
• Saudi Arabia: Alhamrani United Co., Jeddah, Tel: 02-6696690, Alhamrani Trading & Import Co., Riyadh, Tel: 01-4747777, Al-Jabr Trading Company, Damam, Tel: 03-8324300 • Dubai & Northern Emirates: Arabian Automobiles, Tel: 04-2952222 • Abu Dhabi & Al Ain: Al Masaood Automobiles, Tel: 02-6811118 • Kuwait: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co., Tel: 4737977 • Oman: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, Tel: 24560111 • Qatar: Saleh Alhamad Almana Co., Tel: 4283333 • Bahrain: Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons BSC(C), Tel: 736060 • Lebanon: Rasamny Younis Motor Co. S.A.L., Beirut, Tel: 01-273333
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Sous Chefs Onboard
Building upon a tradition of customer satisfaction, Gulf Air has extended its service with a new offering for short and medium-haul travellers: onboard Sous Chefs who serve tailor-made food and beverage options in-flight. Sky Chef Laurent Juste Laurent completed his studies in Toulouse, specializing in patisserie and chocolaterie. He worked at well-known restaurants including Pellon and Octave before leaving for the Savoy in London to work as a pastry chef, prior to taking up his appointment on the Gulf Air team.
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ith in-flight catering identified as one of the primary customer touch points for any airline, Gulf Air has always recognized this as an integral instrument of differentiation — responding innovatively to customer expectations by offering high levels of food and service quality throughout the on board experience. In 2002, Gulf Air was the first Middle East airline to introduce the concept of
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in-flight Sky Chefs, bringing Chefs on board select long-haul routes to provide premium passengers with unparalleled dining service. Highly qualified and Michelin-rated Chefs were selected to prepare tailor-made dishes based on passengers’ particular tastes and preferences. Combined with Gulf Air’s hallmark Arabian hospitality, the service provided an experience akin to a fivestar restaurant, integrating elements of luxury and attention to detail with a highly diverse range and choice of meals.
The success of this program has now prompted the airline to introduce a new concept to ensure consistency in service across all its flights: on board Sous Chefs. Soon passengers on Gulf Air’s short and medium haul flights will also have culinary professionals ready to tailor their in-flight food and beverage options. All Sous Chefs have undergone a rigorous preliminary assessment and then progressed through a comprehensive course, which includes hands-on training at Bahrain’s 5 star Gulf Hotel and BAS
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First batch of Sous Chef graduates are awarded certificates by Gulf Air Chief Services Officer Mr Marcus Bernhardt.
catering unit. December 1, 2011 will herald the graduation of 24 new chefs and as of 2012, all Gulf Air flights will be equipped with a qualified Sous Chef or Sky Chef. The launch of this new service follows both popularity and great success for the Sky Chef concept. In 2005, the number of Sky Chefs on board the airline’s long haul flights passed the 100 mark and the airline released a compilation (entitled “The Flying Chefs”) of unique recipes by Gulf Air’s Sky Chefs, featuring a fusion of international and Middle Eastern cuisine.
to receive their customized breakfast. It’s another in a series of elements of selection Gulf Air is providing to its passengers, to ensure more control and comfort throughout their flight. The lauded Sky Chef service itself has undergone some enhancements: now boasting a new menu featuring scrumptious appetizers, a delectable range of European and Middle Eastern dishes combined in a contemporary style, and the popular Arabic mezze selection. Of the airline’s ongoing developments, Mr Bernhardt states, “Our aspirations throughout are to continue Gulf Air’s tradition of keeping passenger comfort at the forefront and excelling our standards.”
The service also earned accolades in the culinary world. Mr Marcus Bernhardt, Gulf Air’s Chief Services Officer, proudly recounts an award in 2010 at the annual ‘Chef Masters Salon Culinaire Bahrain’, where Sky Chefs were recognized for their excellent demonstration and display of culinary skills. In the same year the airline launched the innovative Breakfast on Demand, whereby Falcon Gold passengers can choose when
Now, with the introduction of Sous Chefs, all Gulf Air passengers will be able to enjoy exceptional dining service and quality, whether they are flying a short trip within the region or travelling further afield. With over 60 years of experience and expertise in flying people across continents, Gulf Air is one of the most powerful brands in the region and in the global aviation industry. The airline currently operates the largest network in the Middle East, providing seamless onward connections and extensive travel options to 51 cities, across 33 countries.
Arabic Fresh Fruit Salad (Marinated in Jasmine Tea) Ingredients 100 g fresh figs 1 fresh pomegranate 100 g fresh pears 1 sprig mint 100 g fresh dates For the Syrup: 200 g sugar 500 ml jasmine tea To serve: 4 sprigs mint Preparation Exotic fruit flavours of the Middle East mix with oriental jasmine in a deliciously refreshing fruit salad. Clean and cut all the fruits (except the dates) into quarters lengthwise, and reserve in a bowl. Halve and stone the dates and simmer slowly in a pan together with the sugar and tea until the sugar is completely dissolved. When cool, pour over the remaining fruits and refrigerate. Serve the salad chilled with a sprig of mint to decorate. (Serves 4)
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Making News By Victoria Scott Photography jessie palanca
Sarah Worthington
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ome TV news managers sit in solitary splendour in offices on the edges of newsrooms, casting an occasional gaze through the sound-proofed glass dividing them from their flock. Not Sarah Worthington. Although she does possess such an office, she chooses to spend most of her time sitting with the news gathering team on the studio floor, which is where I find her when I come to the channel’s Doha headquarters to meet. Worthington looks far too calm to be the woman who’s recently overseen 24hour coverage of the death of Muammar Gaddafi on Al Jazeera English (AJE), and the uprisings of the Arab Spring. I put this to her, and she’s quick to set me straight. “Actually, it’s the quiet news periods that are the hardest,” she tells me. “I come into work for my shift, and just deal with whatever I have to deal with. That’s the job.” There’s no doubt that it’s a job she loves. The daughter of Scottish hill farmers, Worthington grew up listening to the BBC. “I was fascinated by the power of words. Originally, I thought I wanted to be a print journalist.” Fate had different ideas, however. After completing a Master’s in English at Edinburgh University, she
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Television news is an industry well known for its competitive environment, but as the head of output at Al Jazeera English, Sarah Worthington shrugs off any suggestion that being a woman in the media has held her back.
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was offered a job in the USA with a TV station. “I saw what words and pictures could do, and I was hooked,” she tells me. “I began as a research assistant, did a TV internship, and then a month after I finished my internship I was offered a job cutting sports highlights at the weekend. This is why I’m a Washington Redskins fan. I watched every single game and learned how American football worked!” she laughs. “From there, I worked on the news desk, started producing, and it soon became apparent I’d have to move into management, so I moved on to continue making programs. But obviously management caught up with me eventually,” she says, smiling. Worthington remained in the USA until 2005, when she and her husband decided it was time to leave. “We’d got tired of living in a bubble”, she says. “So we left our jobs, sold our houses and moved to the UK. My husband is a carpenter, and he got a job in London as soon as we arrived. The plan for me was to freelance. I did the rounds of Sky, Channel 4 and ITN, and Al Jazeera was last on my list. I called them, had an interview almost immediately, and they offered me the job in Doha.” A big decision, I ask? “Of course,” she says. “My husband and I did the classic pros and cons list, and we decided that if we didn’t do it, we’d regret it. This was the autumn of 2005, and we arrived in Doha on Jan 2nd 2006. For me, you can’t do this kind of journalism anywhere else on the planet. It’s an amazing opportunity.” It’s clear that Worthington’s marriage works on consensus. I ask her how the pressures of her senior role have affected her family life. “Balancing work and family is tricky here,” she tells me. “I think it’s somewhat of an unrecognized issue in Qatar – spouses are employees too, in a way. To be honest, I’m not sure I could be here without my husband. I’m very lucky he’s allowed me to be here: I’ve given him the veto! If he wakes up one day and says he’s had enough, then that’s it, we’ll go home. And when we do leave, my husband will call the shots for a while!” she laughs. Worthington has been in her current post since last year, but she’s been with
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You can’t do this kind of journalism anywhere else on the planet. It’s an amazing opportunity
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AJE since its beginnings in 2006. She has great memories of the early days. “It’s the most amazing thing when you are told you can do whatever you want, with no commercial pressures, just pure editorial decision making,” she says. “Plus what’s been created here, this model that uses home-grown journalists around the world, well, you can’t go wrong. We took ourselves very seriously, and the project seriously, and I think our DNA was born at that time.” As AJE’s Head of Output, Worthington has tremendous responsibility. “I’m in charge of what’s on the screen globally,” she explains. “It’s about making sure that the material we gather is put to air in the most effective way, it’s about keeping the editorial line, it’s about overseeing the massive job of recruiting people for our new 24-hour operation from Doha. The Arab Spring happened, and we got lots of kudos for our coverage of that, but behind the scenes it was really hard work. We weren’t full staffed for 24/7 yet, but our amazing team got it done anyhow.” There are many students around the world who’d love the opportunity to work at AJE. I ask her what advice she has for budding journalists. “Take the first job you’re offered in a newsroom,” she says. “I’m not a great fan of training courses,
because I don’t think you can learn how to do this without actually doing it. It’s a new world now, there are so many outlets, and if you’re willing to go out and ask the right questions, you’ll generally find someone to take you on.” Television news is an industry well known for its competitive environment, but Worthington shrugs off any suggestion that being a woman in the media has proved tricky. “I just get on with my job. There’s no place for politics,” she tells me. “I may be slightly naïve, but I’ve always just believed that if I work hard that’s enough, and if it isn’t, that’s too bad.” Worthington is certainly not one to rest on her laurels. Next year will see a complete rebranding of the channel. “In a year’s time you’ll see a completely new product, including a new studio and graphics. We’re five years old, and it’s time for a spruce up,” she says. Worthington is confident about AJE’s position five years after its launch. “The channel is in a unique position; we’re proved that this year. We have complete freedom, and we’re very well resourced. And now that we’re 24 hours a day from Doha, we speak with one voice. I think we’re a more grown-up channel now.”•
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Be Sophisticated with THE One
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• Transform your Outdoor 36 Living Space abode
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40 • Design Trends home
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44 • Ablaze with Style ABODE
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54 • Event Decoration home
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Use weather proof wall art to add interest and colour to your patio wall
Use fun accessories to make the outdoor living spaces joyful and attractive
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yours is a petite apartment “ Whether patio or a grand terrace, create an inviting and cozy area to enjoy with friends and family
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Megan Bret
esign D m u r o F h it w e At Hom
Transform your Outdoor Living Space By megan bret and Moona Whitice, interior design gihan abdel photography jessie palanca
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With the slightly cooler temperatures ahead of us, it is a good time to revitalize your outdoor living space with fresh ideas. This fall, your balcony or veranda can be a completely new place to enjoy with friends and family this festive season.
To find out more about Forum Design please contact Gihan at their office 974-4456-8716. The company is located on Wardat Al Khail Street, Al Hilal Area. Forum Design P. O. Box 7848, Doha, Qatar Email: gihan@ahbqatar.com Website: www.ahbqatar.com
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SEATING AREA AFTER
DINING AREA AFTER
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ith the sizzling heat of the Doha summer easing up, we start shifting our activities and gatherings to the outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze. An outdoor living space should be just as comfortable and stylish as a home’s interior, while reflecting personal tastes and interests. Whether you are sipping a cup of coffee or entertaining friends, your outdoor living space can be transformed, revamped or just simply touched up. Thankfully, Doha has plenty of options for you to look around and design a space to help you create a fabulous outdoor retreat. Our focus this month is balconies, a common feature of apartment living in Doha. In the pictures that follow, we have transformed a boring, emptylooking space into a place that is as cozy as it is inviting. Our tips are simple and designed as a simple Do-It-Yourself project that you can undertake with your family!
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Just because you may have a small space doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel larger. Creating cozy seating arrangements can help break up the space. On our balcony of choice we paired two red Yoda chairs (available for purchase at Forum Design) with a nice neutral rattan outdoor sofa. Mixing shapes is also important: by using the round tables instead of a large square table the space flows and feels more open. Adding a large outdoor rug softens the concrete floor and creates a more comfortable sitting area. Mixing multiple fabrics and textures is also important and can be applied with accent cushions and accessories. Here are a few tips to get you started: Tip #1: DE-CLUTTER AND CLEAN Start by doing a thorough cleaning to get rid of any dust or seaside moisture that has built up over the summer. Get rid of clutter or any items that are not being used so you have a fresh blank space to work with. Tip #2: ADD INTEREST WITH FABRICS AND ACCESSORIES Adding window and fabric treatments can help soften a space. On our balcony there are no windows or ceiling so we have added a fabric cushions, bamboo sticks, plants to create a
interiors
Tips: Here are a few vital facts when searching for fabrics and outdoor rugs to make sure they can hold up in the Doha climate:
softer cozier atmosphere. When the sun hits the fabric, shadows will be cast on the balcony, which will create a natural movement and add life to the space. Tip #3: GROUP ITEMS TO MAKE A STATEMENT One way to make a statement in any space group objects in odd numbers. In our case, instead of using a single coffee table we have grouped three round Pirouette Tables (available for purchase at Forum Design) with staggering heights. This gives us the opportunity to play with accessories at different heights in order to highlight the individual shapes. If you have a ceiling in your outdoor space you can use the same concept by hanging three pendant lights at staggering heights to add a soft glow of lighting.
• Outdoor Fabrics are designed to withstand the changing conditions of the outdoors, resist stains and mildew, and can resist colour fading. One of our favorite brands of outdoor fabrics is Sunbrella. • When shopping for outdoor rugs you should make sure that they have been treated to be UV resistant, water resistant, and mold and mildew resistant. It is impossible to get something completely resistant to colour fading over time, however there are product lines that offer materials and warranties available for 1000+ hours of UV protection.•
Colour Scheme
SET TO IMPRESS
Choosing a colour scheme is usually a personal preference, however it can be altered by any existing elements that you have to work with. On our balcony we wanted to accomplish a couple of different things: warming up the dull, cool, grey tones and adding some personality with a punch of colour. Our Yoda chairs were our inspiration for colour and character. We continued the red accents in throw pillows and accessories, and kept the rest of the scheme neutral with beige, cream, and chocolate brown.
Gihan Abdel Rahman Senior Interior Designer Forum Design Mobile 66559644
COFFEE TABLE ACCESSORIES
Gray Use it for walls
Chocolate Brown Use it for accents and furniture
Red Use it for accents
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 39
HOME
dĂŠcor
n a g i r r o C y h t o Tim nd red Black, white a ns are atio colour combin e all the rag
Trends in home design closely mimic the trajectory of fashion trends. Just as the couture clothing seen on the runways comes to stores six months later as ready-to-wear, mass-market design trends follow high-end interior design. At the recent Maison-Object home design show held in Paris, I had the opportunity to see the latest in home design trends. Here are my favorite top 5.
Here is a photo of a project that we’ve done in recent years that have helped pave the way for some of these design techniques becoming more mainstream home design trends. They may inspire you to add a little Parisian flair to your own home this season.
Wallpaper is back! and is one of the most contemporary ways to make a room feel fresh and alive
40 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
HOME
décor
It’s important to keep things “ looking fresh and current by carefully injecting the best new ideas.
”
ure tered furnit s l o h p u d e t f Tu rything from e v e n o n e e s was to sofas and headboards, s chair
Advice: It takes a keen eye and understanding of design to spot the difference between new ideas that work today versus ones that will be gasped at tomorrow. A good interior designer has the ability to stay ahead of the pack by setting trends as opposed to following them. The job of any good interior designer is to create client’s homes by adapting trends to suit an individual’s personal preferences, just as a stylist creates outfits that are worthy of the red carpet.
Using slipcovers on upholstered pieces of furniture
By taking note and incorporating some of the trends outlined here, your home will soon be ready for its own close-up photo!
» To contact Timothy Corrigan go to www.timothy-corrigan.com
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 41
ABODE
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REBECA
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42 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
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Available at THE One DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 43
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inside hotel decor
lobby
deluxe suite
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inside hotel decor
pool
Ablaze with Style By Victoria Scott
ABODE fulfills an ambition to see the inside of The Torch, the brand new hotel inside the Aspire Tower
T
here can’t be a single Doha resident who doesn’t harbour a desire to see inside the Aspire Tower. Ever since I moved to Doha three years ago, it’s been both my primary navigation aid (who could get lost when you can see it from all over the city?) and a source of fascination. So when I was given the opportunity to tour the tower – at 300 metres, still Doha’s tallest - in its new incarnation as a five-star hotel, I jumped at the chance. The Torch’s General Manager Gerard Foltin made this possible! Lobby - understated elegance First impressions count, and The Torch’s lobby doesn’t disappoint; it’s simply beautiful. The receptionists sit in a huge white leather frame, living subjects in a piece of modern art. I’m directed to sit in an alcove decorated with quotes about sport in Arabic, which light up at night. The floor, sourced from Colledani in Italy, is highly unusual. The hotel’s interior designer decided against keeping the existing marble floor, which dated back to the Asian Games in 2006, and replaced it with a bespoke white and blue floor, which sparkles and swirls in unique patterns. Above me I can see windows of guest rooms reaching high into the tower, and delicate strings of silver balls hang down from the ceiling, bouncing light around the space. Pool and SPA - Amazing Views The singular highlight for me is the cantilevered swimming pool, perched 80 metres above ground level. The sight of the oval pool, blue and glinting in Doha’s autumn sun, is simply breathtaking. I’ve always looked up from the Villaggio car park, and wondered if the rumours of a pool up here were really true, and now here I am, looking at it. Next, we pause to don our sunglasses
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 45
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inside hotel decor
at the sight of the gold-bedecked steam room. Then we examine the foot massage area, where guests will walk over different shaped stones and then choose between four different settings in a special shower – I decide I prefer the sound of “tropical rain” to “ice”.
junior suite
diplomatic suite ba throom
ROOMS - Technological Innovation We are then led to see one of the hotel’s standard rooms. Standard they may be, but to my eye their technical innovation puts them above many of their peers. A “media centre” beside the bed acts as a phone, gives weather forecasts and stock market updates, plays music, displays photos and even takes your order for room service. The television raises and lowers on the desk at the touch of a button, James Bond-baddie style, and the room’s mood lighting has 12 different colour options. Next, we visit one of the Diplomatic Suites. Aside from the obvious luxury and space, I’m struck in particular by the bathroom, which has an astonishing view from the tub. I’m considering moving into
cture huge window stru
diplomacy, just so I can stay here. UNIQue and breathtaking As we descend in one of the hotel’s express lifts (be prepared for your ears to pop – they take 22 seconds to travel 51 floors), Anna, my guide, tells me the hotel recently joined the Leading Hotels of The World group. “In the application, they ask you to say which rooms have a great view,” she tells me. “So I wrote that they all did. They replied, telling me I must be mistaken!” she laughs. “I had to explain to them that the hotel’s design is somewhat unique.”
ipad system
46 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
This is undoubtedly an understatement, but Doha’s most unusual hotel has certainly lived up to the hype. As I walk away from The Torch, I’m already planning my next visit. •
ICONIC LANDMARK HOTEL OPEN NOW AL WAAB STREET, DOHA, QATAR TEL: (+974) 44465600 WWW.THETORCHDOHA.COM
Congratulations to the winners of QH & iloveqatar.net Lifestyle award
Best Hotel - InterContinental Doha Best Restaurant - Al Mourjan Restaurant Best Spa Treatment - Four Seasons Spa, Winter Magic, Four Seasons Hotel Best Express Lunch - Spice Market W Doha Hotel & Residence Best Lounge - Wahm W Doha Best Sushi - Blue, Grand Heritage Doha Hotel & Spa Best Bakery - National Bakery Best Frozen Treats - Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt Best High Tea - Seasons Tea Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Best CafĂŠ - Biscotti Grand Hyatt Doha Best Dry Cleaning Service - Ramada Hotel Laundry Best Nightlife - Paloma InterContinental Doha Best Brunch- Brasserie on the Beach, Four Seasons Hotel Doha Friday Brunch Best Chocolate - Fauchon Paris Best Steak - Butcher Shop and Grill Best Beach Front - InterContinental Doha Best Spa - Angsana, Wyndham Grand Regency
ABODE
special feature
Welcome the Holiday Season When it comes to decorating for the holiday season, who says it has to be white, green or red? Have some fun and create clever arrangements and stunning decorations with the latest fabulous colour baubles and ornaments available this season.
try this Modern Twist Create festive looks and give a modern twist to a timeless classic by dressing your tree with these trendy hot pink stars and ornaments. Go for the BIG baubles - This is the year of the giant baubles and everyone is selling them. These fabulous ornaments are from a selection available at The Dream Shopping Center inside The Center and Champ-Elysee Palace at Al Nasser Street.
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special feature
try this
Modern Twigs Opt for a modern version of a tree by decorating a few branches with your favorite ornaments. To create this festive display, simply spray paint a few branches and position them in a large vase. Then hang your ornaments after the paint dries. Can’t find twigs? Create a styled tree by using a cupcake stand instead. Vase available at THE One. Ornaments from Events located at Royal Plaza.
Instant Glamour For inexpensive decorating yet impressive style and glamour, fill a huge vase with shatterproof baubles or make a big impact center piece by using a small bowl. Ornaments available at The Dream Center inside the Center.
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 51
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special feature
So Stylish Add shimmer to your table or mantle by displaying a few seasonal flowers in different size vases. Place a few ornaments and votive or scented candles around them. Remember to group your accessories in uneven sets of 3– 5 -7 to add visual impact.
Candle Magic Buy seasonal coloured candles and decorate them with candy canes, moss or ribbon. Place them in your favorite candle holders and small pots.
try this 52 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
Welcoming Touch Fake garland, wreaths, and trees give a festive feeling to your home when decorated with a few additional ribbons and ornaments. All you need is a glue gun and inspiration to create the look!
ABODE
special feature
ABODE
get the look 1}
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54 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
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get the look
D ecoration Event
1} Photo Frame QR 39. 2} Barel Vase QR 59. 3} Bowl QR 19. 4} Candle Holder QR 109. 5} Vase QR 49. 6} Laundry Hamper QR 319. 7} Vase QR 39. 8} Vase QR 279.
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Available at Home Centre DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 55
67
Decadent Desserts
ABODEfood&entertainment © bl inkweddi
ngs.co.uk
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• Be Party Prepared! with Sarah Haywood 58 Get Set to Impress for the Party Season entertainment
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• Decadent Desserts 67 food
58
wish list
74 • Gifts for the Kitchen ENTERTAINMENT
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 57
ENTERTAINMENT
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Be Party Prepared Get set to impress for the party season By Sarah Haywood, Award winning, internationally acclaimed British wedding designer and coordinator.
“
In the diverse, multi-cultural society in which we now live, different festivals and events are celebrated all year round. Migration and modernization have resulted in many of us choosing to open our homes to guests and embracing elements of the cultures and traditions of our friends and neighbors. So how do you keep your home party ready, your dining table set to impress and constantly be on standby to welcome last minute house guests – especially at this time of year?
”
Party Planning Basics
Being organized is the key to successful and stress-free party planning. Whether you’re thinking about an event tomorrow, next week or next month, it’s important to get to grips with the basics: when is the party, how many guests will there be, how will you accommodate them in the space you have and ultimately, how will you entertain them?
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Sarah Haywood
When drawing up your guest list, think about the mix of people – will they make an interesting ensemble? If there’s time, will you send a formal invitation or will a phone call or email suffice? Cocktails, dinner or both? Indoors or outdoors? Will you need music and entertainment? If a live ensemble is a tad over-the-top or there’s no time to source it, hook up your iPod to speakers: take one quiet evening in advance to pre-prepare varied party
playlists for those impromptu gettogethers so you’re never caught out. Finally, the decorative touches: you’ll need centerpieces and design accents; what those are will depend on how formal your gathering is, how much time you have to prepare and how much you want to spend. Always remember that it’s the people who make a great party – so make your guests’ comfort and happiness your top priority.
ENTERTAINMENT
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BE HOME READY
It takes talent and commitment to truly be party ready all year round. Being party-ready starts with your home – a reflection of you, filled with things you love. Change small elements seasonally to keep your living spaces fresh and up-to-date. Tip 1: To be party-ready for the upcoming season, de-clutter daily and ensure you always have a stunning display of fresh flowers as well as a supply of decorative essentials such as candles, tea lights, votive containers, seasonal house plants and bowls or platters of fresh fruit. Tip 2: For the festive season, consider adding bowls and garden cloches filled with decorations accented with a few sparkly trimmings. Tip 3: When opening your home to guests, a seasonal door wreath (perhaps constructed of fresh or dried flowers and herbs) and a festive decoration in the entrance hall will set the tone for the perfect party as well as provide the perfect welcome to casual callers
Impromptu Entertaining Flash-freeze beverages by placing bottles in a sink or pail surrounded by layers of ice and coarse salt and then topping it up with cold water. The bottles will chill in less than fifteen minutes. Hors d’oeuvre Platters With a little imagination and creativity you can turn anything from a galvanized planter, slate or wooden boards or mismatched old chinaware into presentation plates for those nibbles, canapés and hors d’oeuvres you ‘just happen’ to have to hand. Garnish plates with flowers, herbs, fresh fruit, vegetables or even polished leaves from houseplants. Do not worry that flatware does not match - if the presentation is chic it will look intentional. Fire and Water Centerpieces Create elegant but effortless table centerpieces using candles, coloured water and fruit or flowers you already have in the house. Float flower heads in small bowls and glasses filled with colored water (use food coloring) and arrange votive candles creatively for quick, chic centerpieces. Consider keeping a supply of faux fruits, oranges and lemons, they always look fresh and stylish; update for the festive season alongside velvet leaves and silver or colored balls that you can arrange in a glass - and preferably footed - bowl to create a stunning centerpiece.
Prepare your outdoor spaces Whether you have a small deck, poolside patio or a large garden: • Ensure furniture, awnings and outdoor fabrics are clean and fresh. • Check outside electrics, tiles, patios and masonry are in a good state of repair and that your planting is perfect. • Have hurricane lamps to hand to light pathways, decks and balconies to help create that party ambiance outdoors. • Fill larger glass containers with sand and shells or colored water to add interesting touches to your outdoor spaces.
Guest Baskets Welcoming Touch As well as ensuring you have stocked up on reserves of household and washroom essentials, shield casual-callers or party guests from bugs, burns and irritations with adequate supplies in guest washrooms, nicely presented on a small tray or basket. Include hairspray, perfume and anti-bacterial gel as well as decanting lotions and potions into small decorative jars and bottles, or use travel-sized containers. Place fresh bottles of luxury hand wash and lotion alongside a perfumed candle in your washrooms now - they’ll last for several months and it’s one less detail to worry about. Essential Tableware Every perfect hostess keeps an up-to-date inventory of flatware, dishes, silverware, glassware and linens, and ensures it is always properly organized, clean and accessible. Alternatively, and for larger parties, source a trust-worthy, high-quality business to hire table and glassware from at the last minute. Party Pantry Store the necessary ingredients for your favorite party nibbles in your pantry and consider keeping a quantity of pre-prepared hors d’oeuvres in your freezer for those more spontaneous gatherings. Don’t forget you will always need a plentiful supply of ice, bottled beverages, sodas and simple, high-quality ingredients such as cheeses, olives, fresh fruit and perhaps details like cucumber and mint to create simple but eye-pleasing pitchers of iced water.
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 59
ENTERTAINMENT
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ENTERTAINING ETIQUETTE Perfect Hostess Take the stress out of entertaining by using simple recipes that can be prepared in advance. If you must serve complicated menus source the proper help and staff you’ll need, or risk being the absent hostess who is always in the kitchen. Formal Dining Use your best tableware with sparkling glasses, polished silverware and clean crisp linens. When dressing tables, less is always more. When considering your design and color schemes ensure that your plan is in keeping with the style of both your home and the room you will be dining in: this should always be your starting point. Colour schemes do not need to match, but they do need to complement. © BarkerEvan s.com
© Bark erEvan
s.com
for both your table and home:
Pink grapefruits and oranges make beautiful pomanders
try this
Simply place a rubber band over the middle of the fruit to act as a guide and place an even ring of cloves into the fruit along the line of the band: remove and finish with star anise and bay leaves.
Party favoUrs
Table decorations & centerpieces Consider a stunning but not overly-large floral centerpiece from your florist: too large and it will dominate and not allow sufficient space for the food. If you are having an evening gathering, low-level table lighting and candles are hard to beat, tea lights can be dotted around small, homemade arrangements to great effect. If space is a premium, high floral arrangements that you can see beneath when seated can work well, but containers must be firmly anchored with wide bases so they do not tip over. Candelabras intertwined with greenery and fresh flowers are very seasonal, as are bowls of sugared fruits. Even a simple evergreen collar of leaves on a candlestick for a minimal decoration will suffice – especially if yours is a modern, minimalist home.
• To make your party stand out, consider personalized table favours: perhaps a votive with a photo secured with photo-corners to the outside as place-marker. Small, personalized bags of brightly coloured candies always work a treat, as do prettily packaged individual cookies – especially appealing to children. • Use a seasonal decoration (such as would be hung from an indoor tree) secured with colored ribbon for a festive napkin ring. Or place a decoration on a charger plate over a folded napkin for a more casual setting. Chocolates or truffles over ice in individual caviar dishes add a luxurious touch to any table, and a larger caviar bowl filled in the same way acts as a stunning centerpiece on a coffee table or sideboard. • Finally the perfect hostess will always look perfectly polished. Ensure your party or dinner outfits are cleaned and pressed and matched with accessories you’ve chosen in advance: you and your home are now ready to receive!
Sarah Haywood has been described by Time magazine as “Britain’s premier wedding planner and one of the most highly rated celebrity wedding planners in the world.” Sarah appeared live as CNN’s wedding expert for their world-wide broadcast on the Royal Wedding day. For your own special day, you can contact her on www.sarahhaywood.com or on this number +44 1235 538 126
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Get Guest Ready ABODE
accessories
Prepare your home for family and friends with a few select pieces to help get set organized, serve and be the perfect host.
Hallway combination, black stained oak veneer {QR 3,892}
Mobile Tray table, white lacquered/matt black lacquered, { QR 1,595}
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The working space set up: Wall mounted base cabinet with drop down door, black stained oak veneer { QR 5,022} Wall shelf pcs black stained oak veneer { QR 549} Wall shelf pcs black stained oak veneer { QR 729} Nomi chair with swivel From { QR 2,598} frames
C
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DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 63
Keep Moving. LS Residential brings you exclusive sales and lettings at Sabban Towers, The Pearl-Qatar. Be the first to reside in Doha’s most desired address.
Residential Sales at Sabban Towers, The Pearl-Qatar QAR 2,480,000
QAR 2,500,000
1 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 153.7 SQM REF NO: 1182. READY TO VIEW
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 171 SQM REF NO: 1171. READY TO VIEW
TO VIEW CALL: +974 4491 3222
QAR 2,450,000
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 154.2 SQM REF NO: 1176. READY TO VIEW
TO VIEW CALL: +974 4491 3222
TO VIEW CALL: +974 4491 3222
QAR 3,000,000
QAR 3,000,000
Residential Sales at Sabban Towers, The Pearl-Qatar QAR 2,900,000
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 186.7 SQM REF NO: 1197. READY TO VIEW
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 205.6 SQM REF NO: 1196. READY TO VIEW
TO VIEW CALL: +974 4491 3222
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 172.8 SQM REF NO: 1198. READY TO VIEW
TO VIEW CALL +974 4491 3222
TO VIEW CALL: +974 4491 3222
QAR 2,700,000
QAR 1,600,000
Residential Sales at Sabban Towers, The Pearl-Qatar QAR 1,900,000
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 173.1 SQM REF NO: 1165. READY TO VIEW
2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 207.6 SQM REF NO: 1164. READY TO VIEW
TO VIEW CALL: +974 4491 3222
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2 BEDROOM APARTMENT, SABBAN TOWERS LOCATION: THE PEARL-QATAR SIZE: 125.7 SQM REF NO: 1160. READY TO VIEW
TO VIEW CALL: +974 4491 3222
Decad ent Desserts FOOD
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Create the perfect decadent dessert with the help of Doha finest chefs. The enticing recipes will add a special touch to your holiday meal and impress your guest with your hidden culinary talents! These delectable recipes will Wow your guest through the season and beyond!
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 67
FOOD
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Black Forest Revisited!
INGREDIENTS: For the chocolate biscuit: » 100 g regular sugar » 3 eggs » 70 g flour » 30 g pure cacao powder » 30 g butter melted For the chocolate mousse: » 4 egg yokes » 150 g icing sugar » 300 g melted chocolate » 200 g whipped cream unsweetened PREPARATION: For the chocolate biscuit: » Beat 100 g regular sugar and 3 eggs to fluffy texture. » Add 70 g flour and 30 g pure cacao powder sieved. » End with 30 gr melted butter » Bake on the tray at 170 Degrees C. For the chocolate mousse: » Make a sauce with egg yokes and icing sugar and whip it in a bowl until fluffy ,add melted chocolate, and whipped cream, keep it cold in the refrigerator. » To make the sour candied dark cherry: Make a syrup from juice cherry and boil with equivalent of sugar. Put into the cherry and keep cold over night. » Use the same syrup for the sauce on the plate. Assembling: » On the plate make line with syrup added of a little cherry puree. » Cut rectangular shape biscuit. » Display with chocolate curls ,whipped cream and cherry syrup. » Fixe the chocolate decors and garnishing.
LA Cigale Hotel By Chef RENDI RAHMAT
Holiday Villa By Chef de Partie, Abd Rahma
Chocolate pate with Caramel Sauce ingredients: Ingredients A » 360 gm Dark Chocolate » 120 gm Sugar » 90 ml Water » 220 gm Butter Ingredients B » 6 nos Egg Yolk » 53 gm Sugar Ingredients C » 8 nos Eggs White » A pinch Salt Ingredients D » 300 gm Walnuts » 300 gm Sugar For caramel sauce: » 175 gm Sugar » 270 ml Culinary Cream » 180 gm White Chocolate PREPARATION:
» Melt the dark chocolate. Add Sugar, water and butter. » Beak eggs yolk and sugar separately. » Make meringue » Make sugar caramel and add the walnuts. » Mix all method A,B,C and D together. Pour inside a mould and bake it at the temperature 150°C, using bain marie about 45 minutes. For caramel sauce: » Make sugar caramel. Add culinary cream and white chocolate with caramel. » Top chocolate plate with ganache and serve with caramel sauce.
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FOOD
Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resorts By chef Julien Rozario
St racciatella Cheese Cake
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Iced or hot chocolate shooter with caramel vanilla Espuma froth
INGREDIENTS: For Cœur de Guanaja hot chocolate:» 300 g whipping cream 35% » 700 g whole milk » 200 g Cœur de Guanaja chocolate concentrate » 60 g caster sugar » 2 vanilla pods For Caramel vanilla froth (Espuma): » 850 g whole milk » 300 g whipping cream 35% » 200 g caster sugar » 110 g egg yolks » 10 g gelatine » 2 vanilla beans PREPARATION: For Cœur de Guanaja hot chocolate: » Bring the cream, milk, sugar and vanilla pods, split and scarped to the boil. Place the chocolate concentrate in a blender with about a quarter of the strained milk, start processing and pour the remaining milk gradually in. » Once all the liquid has been incorporated, serve in a glass. » Pastry chef’s tip: To serve hot chocolate with a plated dessert, preferably take it to a quick boil after emulsion as it gives a nice velvety texture. For Caramel vanilla froth (Espuma): » Warm the milk with the cream and the split and scraped vanilla beans. Cook the sugar dry to caramel and deglaze with the hot vanilla milk. Stir the soaked and drained gelatine in. » Pour the hot caramel milk over the egg yolks and set aside in the fridge. » Pour in cream-whipper siphon, screw 2 gas cartridges in and wait 5 minutes before use. » Decor and finishing Pour the hot or iced chocolate in a glass and squeeze the caramel vanilla froth out on top à la minute.
INGREDIENTS: » 500 g cream cheese » 500 ml cream (liquid) » 500 g white chocolate (melted) » 250 g dark chocolate (shavings) » 500 g Digestive Biscuit (crumbled) » 150 g butter (melted) PREPARATION: » Mix the biscuit crumbs and melted butter together and layout in the cake ring. » Next, whip the cream and cheese until smoothened. Now slowly add cream and mix well. » Add in the white chocolate and continue to mix. » Finally, add dark chocolate shavings and mix. » Fill in the cake ring and keep inside the chiller. » Once done glaze with chocolate. » Cut a portion and serve with fresh berries.
Ramada Hotel By chef richard zeber
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 69
FOOD
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Sacher cake with chestnut coconut cream and French macaroon
INGREDIENTS: For Chocolate sacher: » 150 g sugar » 150 g butter » 450 g almond paste » 200 g egg yolks » 150 g eggs » 250 g egg whites » 130 g sugar » 130 g flour » 70 g cocoa powder Chestnut and coconut cream: » 240 g sour cream or crème fraiche » 80 g mascarpone cheese » 60 g coconut milk » 20 g sugar » 50 chestnut in syrup French macaroons recipe: » 900 g almond flour » 900 g icing sugar » 330 g egg whites » 330 g egg whites » 90 g sugar For the syrup: » 900 g sugar » 300 g water For the filling of the macaroons: » 300 g soft butter » 250 g icing sugar » 200 g almond flour
Chestnut and coconut cream: » In the bowl of your electric mixer and using the whisk, place all the ingredients and whip it until the consistency of the whipped cream. » At the end add the chopped chestnut and keep it in the fridge French macaroons recipe: » Sift the almond flour and icing sugar together. » Add the 330 g of egg whites to 1 and mix it with a spatula. » Make a syrup with 900 g of sugar and 300 g of water, cook it until 110*C, start to whip the other 330 g of egg whites with the 90 g of sugar and add slowly the syrup, keep whipping the meringue until gets cold. » When the meringue is cold add it to the first mix of almond flour without breaking the meringue. » Pipe the mix on oven tray, with parchment paper, each macaroon 2 cm diameter and bake it in the oven at 160*C Preparation for the filling of the macaroons: » Put all the ingredients together and mix it with a spatula for 5 minutes.
Saffron Lounge
PREPARATION: For Chocolate sacher: » Mix sugar and butter together with a spatula or using a mixer with the paddle. » Add the almond paste in small pieces. » Then add the egg yolks and eggs to the mixture, slowly. » On the other side make a French meringue with egg whites and sugar, by whipping first the egg whites and adding slowly the sugar. » Add the meringue to the previous mix, by hand incoporing it slowly without breaking the meringue. » Only at the end, sift and add flour and cocoa powder » Pour the mix in the mold with parchment paper in the bottom and bake it at 180 degrees C for approximately 20 minutes.
BY Chef Gautam Jiyal
Ritz-Carlton Hotel By Executive Pastry Chef Jerome
Keshari Shahi Tukda
INGREDIENTS: » 12 White bread slices (1cm thick) » 50 gm Ghee » 100ml Corn oil » 3 cloves » 3 green cardamoms » 100ml saffron sugar syrup » 2 tablespoon Saffron rabadi » 8 Strawberry slices » 1 bunch Red currant » 1/2 teaspoon sugar » 1leaf 24 carat edible gold leaf PREPARATION:
» Take a medium round shape cutter to cut the bread slices, shallow fry the breads in to corn oil and ghee, make it golden brown. wide pan heat it add equal amount of milk and cooking cream add some saffron stigma. Bring it to boil. Slow the fire. Reduce the liquid 70% by volume or till coating consistency. Add sugar, 15 % of total initial liquid by volume and cool it. » Make saffron sugar syrup with equal ratio of water and sugar reduce it, add saffron stigma and add whole spices. Soak the fried golden brown bread into saffron sugar syrup and drain it. » Serve it with rabadi and garnish with 24 carat gold leaves and berries.
» To make rabadi take a thick bottom
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FOOD
Four Seasons Hotel, Doha By Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet
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» Then ripple the mixes and pour in the mould of the desired shape. For the Chocolate sponge: » Whip the eggs and sugar over a bain-marie until it reaches 45-50 degrees. » Cool down on the machine fitted with a whisk. » When cool fold in the sieved flours, bake at 170 degrees and chill. » Cut desired shape to fit the mousse. For the Vanilla foam: » Process the same as the vanilla base, adding the gelatin whilst still hot. » Pour the mix in a canister, cool down and add the gas after 3-4 hours. » Check consistency and fix with more gas if needed. Finishing: » Cut and glaze the mousse. » Display it on top of the sponge. » Decorate the plate with confit chestnuts, chocolate sauce and décor » And at last put the vanilla foam.
Kempinski Residences and Suites
Chocolate-Chestnut Mousse, light chocolate cake,
By chef reza fahlevi
confit chestnut, vanilla foam
INGREDIENTS: For the Vanilla base cream: » 250 g milk » 250 g whipping cream » 100 g egg yolks » 50 g sugar » ½ vanilla pod For the Chestnut mousse: » 300 g vanilla base » 6 g gelatin » 250 g whipped cream » 55 g chestnut paste For the Chocolate mousse: » 200 g vanilla base » 200 g whipped cream » 200 g 65% chocolate For the Chocolate sponge: » 6 eggs » 200 g sugar » 150 g flour » 25 g corn flour For the Vanilla foam: » 125 g milk » 125 g whipping cream » 80 g egg yolks » 50 g sugar » ½ vanilla pod » 3 g gelatin
St ars Cinnamon Cookies
PREPARATION: For the Vanilla base cream: » Mix the sugar and egg yolks, boil the cream and milk and then pour it onto the yolks mix. Cook on the stove at 84 degrees, strain. For the Chestnut mousse: » Dissolve the gelatin in the hot vanilla base, add the chestnut paste and blitz » Cool down a bit and fold in the whipped cream, reserve on the side. For the Chocolate mousse: » Use the hot vanilla base to dissolve the chocolate. » When it reaches 40 degrees, fold in the whipped cream. *both mousse need to be ready at the same time, start with the chestnut and follow by the chocolate, make sure to have same consistency;
INGREDIENTS: » 200 g Almond Powder » 4 g Cinnamon Powder » 200 g Sugar » 72 g Egg White For Royal Icing: » 250 g Icing sugar » 2 pieces Egg white PREPARATION: » Warm Egg white to 40 C and dissolved sugar. » Mix Almond powder and cinnamon powder into egg white mixture to form dough. » Roll out dough to 6mm. » Cover lightly with royal icing and cut out with star cutter dipped in water. » Place on tray and leave out overnight.
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Cranberry Orange Bread INGREDIENTS: » 2 cups flour » 1 cup sugar » 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder » 1 teaspoon salt » 1/2 teaspoon baking soda » 3/4 cup orange juice » 1 tablespoon grated orange peel » 2 tablespoons shortening » 1 egg, well beaten » 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries » 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional PREPARATION: » Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. » Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg. Mix until well blended. » Stir in cranberries and nuts, if using. Spread evenly in loaf pan. » Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight. » Makes 1 loaf (16 slices)
Gluten-free mexican Flourless Chocolate Cake wedding Cookies INGREDIENTS: » 1 pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces » 1 stick unsalted butter* » 9 large eggs, separated » 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon » 2 cups heavy cream, cold » Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting PREPARATION: » Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan. » Put the chocolate and butter into the top of a double boiler (or in a heatproof bowl) and heat over (but not touching) about 1 inch of simmering water until melted. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar in a mixing bowl until light yellow in color. Whisk a little of the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs - this will keep the eggs from scrambling from the heat of the chocolate - then whisk in the rest of the chocolate mixture.
» Beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form and fold into the chocolate mixture. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until the cake is set, the top starts to crack and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes, then remove sides of pan.
» While the cake is cooking, whip the cream until it becomes light and fluffy.
» Serve at room temperature dusted with confectioners’ sugar and topped with whipped cream.
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INGREDIENTS: » 1/2 cup pecans » 3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting the cookies » 280 grams Aherns’ all-purpose gluten-free flour mix » 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum » 1/4 teaspoon guar gum » 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt » 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks » 1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening » 1 large egg, at room temperature PREPARATION: » Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat. » Put the pecans in a food processor and whirl them up until they are ground fine. Add the powdered sugar and pulse the food processor until the pecans and sugar are combined. Set aside. » Put the flour, xanthan gum, guar gum, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the chunks of cold butter and vegetable shortening and begin working them into the flour immediately, quickly. Work the fats into the flour until you have a coarse, crumbly dough. » Add the pecan and sugar mixture to the dough. Crack the egg into the bowl and combine everything together, thoroughly, using your hands. (And be sure to work quickly. You don’t want that butter and shortening to warm up too much.) Work the dough until it comes together as one ball of dough. » Make a ball of dough about 1-inch wide. Pat down the dough ball just a bit with your fingertips. Leaving about 1 inch of space between all the dough balls, fill the cookie sheet. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cookies about 12 to 15 minutes. » Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and immediately dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
FOOD
feature
ENTERTAINMENT
wish list
Lakeland
Keep Cool Cake Box • For pavlovas, cheesecakes and gateau on the go, you need our ingenious carrier. Simply freeze the gel-filled disc, slip it into the base, pop the lid on and your creations will be kept cool and fresh, ready for transportation or storage. Also useful for taking meat or fish to a barbecue. {QR 79}
Table Arts Happy
Cuisine Large Poultry Dishes By Revol
Gifts for the
• Dare to dazzle your guests with bright, creative buffets! The Revol Happy Cuisine Large Poultry Dish is not only a decorative piece, to hold your fruit, eggs, kitchen utensils etc, it is also a functional baker that bakes the perfect chicken. You can bake in the large poultry dish and bring it straight to the table. A real advantage everyday. Available in lime green and pepper red colours. Dimensions: 34 x 22 x 7.5 cm. {QR 223}
Kitchen Give your kitchen a special treat. Add the best cooking aids, serving dishes and kitchen helpers from Lakeland Store (City Centre) and Table Arts (Salwa Road).
Lakeland
Cookbook Stand
Lakeland
Lakeland
Garden Fête Collection
• With a few pretty touches the simplest cakes can be transformed into something really special. Pop a fancy floral topper into cupcakes or present your treats in a pretty box and they’ll look even more delicious and desirable. With vintage-style blooms and coordinating polka dots, there’s something for all occasions. Prices from. {QR 19}
74 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
Bag Heat Sealer
Artisan Stand Mixer By Kitchen Aid™
Table Arts
• Professional Performance that is made entirely in metal that is sturdy, stable and durable. Original Planetary movement for rapid and homogeneous mixing. Has silent, reliable and durable rounded design is easy to use and to clean. Unique fixation system and elegant new design. Is available in many colours In addition to the above colours we also carry Brushed Nickel and Chrome colour mixers for a slightly higher price. {QR 2,650}
• What a neat little gadget! Giving an instant seal to fresh produce in its original packaging, it’s a quick, inexpensive and really effective way to preserve freshness and flavour, as well as preventing food spills in the freezer. {QR 79}
• With a toughened glass cover to keep your pages clean, our stand holds all sizes of cookbook on its stainless steel base, and is a great present for keen cooks. {QR 199}
ENTERTAINMENT
wish list
Lakeland Cupcake
Caddy
• The convenient way to carry cup cakes, muffins and more. It really is the most secure way of transporting your baking; versatile too because the reversible tray holds 12 standard or 24 mini cup cakes, and can be removed to allow room for a bigger cake, up to 23 x 33cm (9” x 13”) and as they stack, batch bakers are going to love it. {QR 159}
Lakeland
Emma Bridgewater Cake Tins
Table Arts
Happy Cuisine Crumpled Roasting Dishes By Revol
• Your cakes will look splendid in these extra-deep, brightly coloured floral tins designed by Emma Bridgewater. Set of 3 – 20cm Dia. x 9.5cm H. to 25cm Dia. x 15cm H. (8” x 3¾” to 10” x 6”). {QR 229}
• A practical rectangular crumpled roasting dish. Made out of porcelain, it can withstand both mechanical shock & thermal shock so it can go from refrigerator or freezer to oven to table. It can also be used in a microwave and is dishwasher safe for easy maintenance. Available in aubergine, red, yellow and white bold colors for inventive presentations. Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 7.5 cm.
Lakeland
Masterclass Professional Blowtorch
• In the hands of a serious cook, this becomes a magic wand! With the extra-powerful 1500°C flame temperature you can cover a large area fast. Perfect when catering for a dinner party. Requires Butane Gas for refill. {QR 159}
{QR 246}
Lakeland Electric Cupcake Maker
• Scrumptious home-made cupcakes without having to turn the oven on? With Lakeland’s new machine, it’s as simple as making a toasted sandwich, and they’re ready in no time! Just like a sandwich maker, our cute cupcake creator is extremely easy to use – plug it in and lights indicate when it’s ready; follow one of the included recipes, pour in the mix and in 9 to 10 minutes your cupcakes are baked to perfection! {QR 299}
Lakeland Prestige
Twin Pan
• Two pans that take the space of one in use? Sounds good to us! It’s a greener alternative for starters as it saves on energ y, but the benefits don’t stop there – each pan is a virtual ‘extra hob’, allowing you to cook more food varieties without needing extra cooking space. With more than one in your collection, dinner parties become a piece of cake, and they’re superbly crafted too. Suitable for gas, electric, solid fuel and ceramic hobs. {QR 319}
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And the Music Played
ABODE 78 •
abode
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loves
Floral Explosion
Fashion
82 •
Orange Crush
fashion
92 •
notebook
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And the Music Played
personal shopper
80
96 •
ask ABODE
Always Bet On Black!
personal shopper
festive wish list
Him, Her and Kids
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 77
L oves
• Photography Jessie Palanca • Styling: HayaatiG
l a r o l F n o i s o l p Ex The passion for colour continues strongly into winter, and from Sergio Rossi – a renowned brand for beautiful accessories– comes a shoe line bursting forth in an array of fun and flirty hues. In suede high heel pumps or shoe-booties, this collection simply is a true work of art; sculptured lines of black suede finishing and spectacular decorative spiral detailing, all combine to offer a dramatic yet feminine look. This quite frankly, is MORE THAN JUST A SHOE...
78 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
Heeled Pumps QR3,435 Heeled Booties QR3,930
FASHION
notebook
Salvatore Ferragamo
Zilli
Paul Smith
Louis Vuitton
CP Company
River Island
• BY Patrese Essel
Orange Crush During 2011, we have noticed pops of colour are being introduced into new collections on the runway. Rustic orange has especially been a favourite throughout A/W. We have seen the likes of Louis Vuitton using the colour in soft tailoring, casual jackets by Paul Smith, and beautiful orange Burberry overcoats, that are one of the most sought after and highly anticipated pieces of the year. Rustic orange sits somewhere between yellow and red, meaning we have everything from pale orange and nectarine to neon highlighter orange to deeper burnt orange hues. Depending on your style and character, see how you can incorporate this warming colour into your clothing.
Swarovski 12. Octea Sport_Watches Collection
Furla
ETRO
80 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
ETRO
Fratelli Rossetti
FASHION
notebook
Cruise Control
It’s resort time again and for those of us who escape to the warmer climates during the winter, 2012 resort trends are a cute and flirty mix of exciting and fresh colours. Consisting of fuchsia pink, greens and blues, the key trend of the season is mirrored patterns and colour blocking accessories. You can carry through the resort season feeling confident that you’re completely on-trend. Bottega Veneta
Versace
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta
Versace
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 81
• by Patrese Essel
Versace
FASHION
editorial
And
the
M usic P layed Get into the swing of the party season, where glamorous fashion meets festive music; and slip into chic cocktail dresses, floor sweeping gowns and fabulous statement jewellery to provide a sophisticated dress code for any glitzy soiree.
• Photography Jorell Legaspi • Styling Monica Nsima • Creative Direction HayaatiG • Hair + Make-up Darin Fares at “La” Salon Spa Chakra Alfardan Towers • Location ahb villa At The Pearl-Qatar
BELLE OF THE BALL Pink chiffon and beaded crystal dress, REVE, QR4,995 Black silk and wool mix tiered cape, TEMPERELY LONDON, QR3,350 Gold plated and black beaded earrings, LAVISH, QR395 Blue and black fox fur jacket, MSGM, QR9,095 White sleeveless silk and ostrich feather top, PRABAL GURUNG, QR8,995 Navy wool trousers, RED VALENTINO, QR1,495
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DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 83
FASHION
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SHOW STOPPER Silk dress, MATTHEW WILLIAMSON, QR7,150 Gold plated and black beaded earrings, LAVISH, QR395 Gold plated cocktail ring, ALEXIS BITTAR, QR950
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FASHION
editorial
FABULOUSLY FESTIVE Silk cocktail dress, MATTHEW WILLIAMSON, QR8,795 Fascinator, stylist own
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 85
FASHION
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SPARKLE. SHIMMER. CELEBRATE Black tailored wool tail-coat jacket, PRABAL GURUNG, QR7,995 Midnight blue silk beaded dress, HAUTE HIPPIE, QR4,350 Gold bead multi-strand necklace, NOIR, QR1,025 Gold plated with black crystal stones cocktail ring, NOIR, QR1,250 Leather round-toe shoes, MARC JACOBS, QR1,795 Red wool shift dress with metal and brass floral appliquĂŠ and embroidery, MATTHEW WILLIAMSON, QR13,995
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SWING INTO STYLE Purple chiffon one-shoulder pleated dress, HOLSTON, QR4,895 Black cotton bolero jacket with Swarovski embroidered shoulders, TEMPERELY LONDON, QR6,350 Gold plated and black beaded earrings, LAVISH, QR395 Satin and Swarovski crystals peep-toe sandals, L.K. BENNETT, QR2,095 Pink silk and Swarovski crystal halter neck dress, MATTHEW WILLIAMSON, QR5,995 Silver leather clutch bag, BALMAIN, QR12,395 Multi-coloured gold plated beaded earrings, LAVISH, QR595 Gold plated with black crystal stones cocktail ring, NOIR, QR1,250 All clothing and accessories available at Salam Stores (+974 4448 5555) “La” Salon is located at Alfardan Towers, 39th Floor (+974 44999250) Pictures Editor: Claire Link Stylist Assistant: Asma Ashimi Models: Yezenia and Carla at Trinity Talent Qatar (www.trinityqatar.com) Musicians: Victor and Aleksandr from Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 87
FASHION
style
Steal Their
Red Carpet Style
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eads s turning h k o lo t e rp a reat red c r. We took so many g val, in Qata ti re s e e w F re e ilm et style h F T a ble red carp oha Tribec a D rd s o r’ ff a a e t y e y at this morous ced. ring you gla b d n a and be noti te e o n rg a h c e – so tak inspirations
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a atig by hay
Freida Pinto & Dev Patel both in Salvatore Ferragamo
Canali
Salvatore Ferragamo Resort 2012
Canali
Canali
Versus Reiss
{ Oasis
88 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
No one does demure glamour better than Freida Pinto, and with the added candy of Dev Patel by her side, she looked effortlessly sophisticated in this Grecian inspired gown by Salvatore Ferragamo.
FASHION
{
Nadine Labaki masters a chic off-duty look in a relaxed slouchy jersey dress and hot-to-trot Hoss Intropia must have heels.
style
H&M
Nadine Labaki in Hoss Intropia shoes
Benetton
B enet t
on Hoss Intropia
Hoss Intropia
Jon Richard at Debenhams
}
Yousra raised the red carpet style stakes at the opening ceremony, in a stunning architectural-esq StĂŠphane Rolland Haute Couture figure hugging gown. Yousra in StĂŠphane Rolland Haute Couture
Monsoon
Mango By Malene Birger Reiss
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 89
FASHION
forward
Holiday Season In Style by Patrese Essel
It’s that time of year again when we think of festive dressing! We often are searching for that bit of sparkle or shimmer, sweater for a loved one or your favourite boots, hats, scarves or gloves. Well look no further, ABODE was able to take a sneak peek at the Banana Republic holiday collection at the Monarch Hotel Dubai. The collection was truly well rounded and clearly had something for everyone. The collection offers covetable looks and perfect gift options for everyone on your list. The spirit of the collection is adventurous, trustworthy and romantic, giving sportswear classics a modern and relevant twist. We saw sweaters and cardigans that were authentic and rich in detail, textured stitches, chunky cables and luxurious yarn mixes. The sportsman influence shows up in cleancut sweater colorations and stripes
inspired by vintage St. Moritz ski styles, which lends a decidedly sportier feel. Imagine under suit tops in rich lace and satin paired with velvets and brocades that add a touch of regality and luxury. In bright colours from gems such as sapphire, amethyst and agate green. Totally irresistible faux fur and leopard print were also scattered across categories for a touch of wit.
In contrast to the rogue-ish menswear, the ladies wear was alluring with magical sparkle, gems and embellishments. Occasion dresses were soft, light and enchanted.
90 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
FASHION
forward
“
Banana Republic’s holiday collection is intended to make festive dressing stylishly easy. We’ve done all the work for you – from party dressing, to gifting your loved ones, or spoiling yourself – leaving more time to enjoy the season with friends and family
”
Simon Kneen, Creative Director, EVP states
» You can find Banana Republic at Villaggio Mall.
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 91
Personal Shopper
ask ABODE
Always bet on by Patrese Essel Image Consultant
Black!
If you are an Apple body shape, you’ll be larger around the tummy. Wear fabric that doesn’t draw attention to that area. Wear a dress that will guide the eye to your best assets. Rhinestone detailing necklace, Hoss Intropia
Strawberry, bring your broad
shoulders into proportion by wearing a dress that slightly flares at the waist, creating an illusion of wider hips. Draw the eye towards your face and team your dress with this cute fascinator. To maintain the vintage look, pair with these suede shoes to bring your outfit together!
Ribbon detail drop earrings, Hoss Intropia
Patrese Essel
The time of the year where we important last minute events. The question that always
Ruffle-trimmed silk-crepe dress, Rochas at NET-A-PORTER.COM
are called to attend those allVintage style clutch bag, Hoss Intropia
springs to mind is… “What am I going to wear?” Well, ask this question no more as ABODE speaks to Image Consultant, Patrese Essel for this exact advice. She says the little black dress is a timeless statement piece every woman should have in her closet. As long as the fit is perfect, no
Slash necked jaquard print shift dress, Hoss Intropia
Again we reach party season!
matter how many times it is worn, you will always look and feel fabulous. Choosing the right accessories is the key to keeping your LBD current. The question is, which one?
92 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
Feather fringe peep toe shoes, River Island
Velvet two tone T-bar shoes, Hoss Intropia
Satin fascinator, Hoss Intropia
Personal Shopper
Rectangle, you can get away with
This dress will be perfect for the
wearing this full sequin dress! The sequins will shine in the right places, bringing your figure to life! Keep to one colour with these fantastic shoes and make your outfit pop!
Hourglass lady. Notice its structure, it
is the exact shape of an hourglass, that’s the key to dressing your shape! Vintage is timeless, so team with these classic accessories and wear your LBD with style!
Feather fascinator, Hoss Intropia
Bronze & coloured earrings Hoss Intropia
Brass and pearl drop earrings, Hoss Intropia
ask ABODE
If you are a Pear shape, you will be small on the top half of your body and heavier on the bottom. Wear a dress that is structured on top with fabric that skims over the bottom half of your body. This will accentuate your frame. Keep your accessories bold, but feminine.
Pearl effect clutch bag, Hoss Intropia
Tassel earrings, H&M
Cut out detailed bodice dress with organza skirt, Monsoon
Cowl-neck stretch-jersey dress, Splendid at NET-A-PORTER.com
Paillette shift dress, Banana Republic
Bow detailed handbag, CH by Carolina Herrera
Suede box clutch, Hoss Intropia Suede stilettos, CH by Carolina Herrera Lace effect peep toe ankle boots, Hoss Intropia
Suede ‘Heath Bow’ peep toe shoe-boots, NW3 by Hobbs
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 93
Personal Shopper
style guide
Help Me
Look Festive Ready
We’ve all had that frustrating time when we glance into the wardrobe only to end up concluding: “I don’t have anything to wear!” With the help of industry experts Nanci Hall (Head Talent Agent of Trinity Talent Qatar) and Shawn Stephens (Account Director with Z7 Communications Dubai), ABODE overhauled the wardrobe of two fashion-consciousness readers.
The Working Mother sun kim, 30, loves nothing
Dress: Mango
more than to let her hair down when she is either not working as a part-time VIP Protocol Hostess or looking after her two children
Cocktail Ring: Jon Richard
D
uring her working schedule as a hostess for events, Sun Kim usually has to stick to a formal attire of white shirt and black pencil skirt teamed with a simple, yet classic pair of black heels. However, Kim’s off-duty look tends to consist of easy, casual separates that can comfortably allow her to run around after her three-year-old daughter and twoyear-old son. Kim enjoys dressing up and is not afraid to embrace colour in her outfit choices and with her dark Asian features, I believe Kim is more than capable of pulling off a bright colour pallet. Dressing up for a party should not be a chore; rather, it should make you feel good about yourself and the outfit should become an extension of your individual personality. Putting together a party outfit that is stylish as well as unique should not have to be costly. If you prefer not to be seen in clothes that you will most likely see others wearing on the dance floor with, then shop at thrift stores or vintage shops, which can be found easily online. However, I had the pleasure of stumbling across an amazing boutique in Bin Mahmoud called Moda Key, which can only be described as an Aladdin’s cave of pure treasure. Filled with the most delightful and fashionable hand-made clothing, accessories, art and everything else in between, Moda Key stocks limited pieces and even one-off items, ensuring that you stand out from the crowd. The key to giving your affordable outfit that expensive look is in the finishing details of accessorizing. Add a waist-cinching belt, bejewelled footwear, and a statement handbag will all allow you to make an impact on entrance into any party.
Shoes: Mango
Bag: Dune
Shoes: Dune
Dress: Monsoon
Bangle: Mood
TRINITY TALENT QATAR (www.trinityqatar.com)... Nanci Hall Trinity Talent Qatar, founded in 2006, became Qatar’s first ever talent agency and remains today as the leading talent agency in Doha. Run and owned by the dynamic duo of Nanci Hall and Gwen Newnham, Trinity consists of a team of young, vibrant and experienced professionals who aim to provide reliable service in the field of models, actors, hostesses and event planning.
Nanci Hall
94 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
Personal Shopper
style guide
The Aspiring Actor 23-year-old actor and model OSAMA LOKYA from Egypt is Qatar’s very own rising superstar, featured in numerous TV commercials and proudly being the main hero in the official FIFA 2022 World Cup video; Leckie is always looking for ways to update his image
Woollen Neckties: Alexander Olch at MRPORTER.COM
Suit: Gucci at MRPORTER.COM
A
s an up and coming actor and model, Lokya keeps a very busy schedule of dashing around from one freelance job to another, Bow ties: T&A and reason why he practically lives in jeans, T-shirt and Converse Alexander McQueen both at trainers. MRPORTER.COM For the festive season, Lokya, who is constantly updating his image, wants to try his hand at the art of wearing a necktie, and my advice is that there is no such thing as owning too many neckties, especially for men who take pride in dressing well. The easiest way for Lokya to update his wardrobe this winter, is to add a woollen tie to his formal suited party outfit. Woollen ties are very in-vogue this season, and for the festive activities Lokya can pick up something as elegant as a simple black and silver tie; which in combination with a white shirt and a black suit, will ensure a soigné and suave look for him. As an actor and model, Lokya is no wallflower and therefore can try out prominent, bold colours in a range of bow ties, keeping other pieces of the outfit subtle and understated, and pair it with a matching belt or a pair of socks for added sartorial appeal. Bow ties are horizontal accessories in contrast to neckties. There is a wide selection of bow ties, and just like the necktie, it takes only a few steps to tie; however, most men prefer the convenience of the ready tied ones. Which other tie colours in combination with the black suit and white shirt also provide an elegant appearance? Lilac and purple coloured ties as well as ties in soft golden shades are very stylish and give a sophisticated touch to the evening dress. For the younger and fashion-conscious men such as Lokya, trendy skinny ties are the best direction to take if wanting to don a necktie. The skinny tie is less common in business with two-piece suit. Such a tie is often worn for trendy-casual attire by men who don’t usually dress in suit and tie for work – and with Lokya regularly seen in jeans and t-shirt, the skinny tie and suit combo should definitely transform him into a suited and booted party-ready gentleman.
Tie: Gucci at MRPORTER.COM
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR... Shawn Stephens Shawn Stephens works as Account Director with Z7 communications in Dubai, handling the PR and communications for fashion labels such as THE OUTNET.COM, MRPORTER.COM and Hoss Intropia, while also supporting with media relations on other Z7 Communications books, which include Versace, TODs, Salvatore Ferragamo and Net-a-Porter. Having worked for seven years within the PR industry, Shawn is a red carpet regular and is known for making show stopping entrances at some of the most chic events and parties in Dubai and around the Middle East.
Shawn Stephen s
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 95
Personal Shopper
festive wish list
THE WISH LIST
Forget the socks and slippers this season and get inspired by the ultimate gift guide. You will be able to find the perfect gifts for everyone this holiday season
Comme des Garรงons Half-Zip Embossed Leather Wallet www.mrporter.com {QR 455} Mulberry Heathcliffe in Black Natural Check {QR 4,500}
Mulberry Ipad case in Oak {QR 880}
FOR HIM Loro Piana Fringed Cashmere Scarf www.mrporter.com {QR 1,355.30}
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Swaine Adeney Brigg Westminster 2 Bridle Leather Briefcase www.mrporter.com {QR 3,973.95}
LANVIN Platinum Plated and Onyx cufflinks www.mrporter.com {QR 729.99}
Personal Shopper
festive wish list
Luphia Online Fashion Boutique Mustard Knit Cardigan www.luphia.co.uk {QR 195}
Kirsty Salazar Sterling silver, coral and fresh water pearl earings twigwink@yahoo.co.uk {QR 210} Hoss Intropia Scarf www.hosintropia.com {QR 405}
Made Nne Moja set of four brass rings www.theoutnet.com {QR 175}
Face Body Soul Room diffuser www.kivafacebodysoul.com {QR 100}
FOR HER MADE Bule brass and cord bracelet www.theoutnet.com {QR 125} Mulberry Evelina Hobo in Camel Leopard Haircalf {QR 1,200}
Hoss Intropia Shoes www.hossintropia.com {QR 930}
Face Body Soul Room diffusers { QR100} Candles 50 hour { QR 100} Candles 15 hour { QR 50} www.kivafacebodysoul.com
Hoss Intropia FW11-12 jacket www.hossintropia.com {QR 850}
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 97
Personal Shopper
festive wish list
Cath Kidston Zoo Animals Set of 8 Figures www.cathkidston.co.uk {QR 92}
Cath Kidston Owl Wheatie www.cathkidston.co.uk {QR 145}
FOR kids
Luphia Online Fashion Boutique Gorjuss Foxes Bag www.luphia.co.uk {QR 180}
Cath Kidston Bouquet Floral Girls Dressing Gown Dinosaur Boys Dressing Gown www.cathkidston.co.uk {QR 160}
The ultimate online gift guide for the kids Cath Kidston Spray Flowers Tin Tea Set www.cathkidston.co.uk {QR 115}
Cath Kidston Flower Satchel www.cathkidston.co.uk {QR 160}
Kirsty Salazar Silver plated bracelet tigwink@yahoo.co.uk {QR 75}
KIRSTY SALAZAR Baby Boy gift box tigwink@yahoo.co.uk {QR 120}
Cath Kidston Tiger Satchel www.cathkidston.co.uk {QR 160}
98 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
FASHION
special
Kids grow up so fast. That’s why you need a pause button sometimes.
S P EC I A L W EEKEND R AT E Losing yourself has never felt this good. For reservations,
contact your travel consultant, Four Seasons at 974-4494-8888, or visit www.fourseasons.com /doha
Rates of the Family Getaway Package start at QR1600 per room, per night. The package includes luxurious accommodation in double room with daily breakfast at the Brasserie on the beach, 50% savings on the room rate of the second room when booked, 25% savings on Spa treatments and late check out up to 6 pm.
FASHION
beauty feature
A Mythic Legend By HayaatiG
Beautiful, healthy and nourished hair has always been desired and sought after by women throughout the ages, and women of today still demand easy-to-use and effective products. So, can a new hair oil on the market created by L’Oréal Professionnel and peculiarly named “Mythic”, provide the answer to these hair desires? ABODE believes a true legend in hair care has been born.
W
ith the combination of modern technology and the legendary nourishing benefits of natural oils – unearthed centuries ago by Middle Eastern women – a new chapter in hair care begins.
The arrival of Mythic Oil by L’Oréal Professionnel contains all the exceptional properties of traditional hair oils, but also proudly boasts of being free from any odour or stickiness. This is L’Oréal Professionnel’s first foray into hair oils, and in addition to making your hair sound edible; the extraordinary mixture of avocado and grape-seed oil ensures your hair is left deeply nourished, shiny and
supple. With its lightweight effect, versatility for all hair types and lovely light floral fragrance, Mythic Oil is the perfect and most convenient addition to any woman’s daily hair care regime: DIRECTIONs... How to Apply: Depending on hair type, dispense one to two pumps of Mythic Oil into your hand and apply to dry or damp hair. CONSTRUCTION... Pre Blow-dry: 1. After shampooing and towel-drying, section hair into segments. 2. Warm Mythic Oil in the palms of your hands and apply to each section, starting from the ends (thirstiest and most damaged part) and work your way to the crown. 3. Leave for two minutes before blow drying and styling as normal. FINISHING... The Sleek Effect: Apply lightly on your hair after styling it for an instant anti-frizz action, to enhance layers and movement and for added sheen. Holding some truth to its Mythic name, the finishing results will leave the ends of your hair feeling and looking softer and smoother, with no greasiness or wetness – the properties in the oil work to permeate your hair cuticle and nourish each strand from within. L’Oréal Professionnel’s Mythic Oil indeed is the perfect solution for women, inspired by Oriental traditions of beauty; it fulfills its undying promise of giving you sparkling and luscious locks that you can flaunt all day, every day. •
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FASHION
beauty feature
Precious ingredients:
Avocado Oil: Packed with vitamins A, B1, B2 and D and essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9, avocado oil is a natural lightweight oil with intense nourishing and shine enhancing benefits. Grape Seed Oil: Renowned for its nutritional properties, grape seed oil is also highly concentrated in essential fatty acids and linoleic acid, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world.
5 Spectacular results:
C Mythic Oil by L’Oréal Professionnel Available in all L’Oréal Professionnel Salons in Qatar (and the GCC){ QR 125}
1. Deep Nourishment 2. Intense Shine 3. Supple Hair 4. Blow-drying made easier 5. Long-lasting anti-frizz protection
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 101
FASHION
beauty box
The Best
10 Party Make-up Tips by sonÉ moriarty
The party season has arrived so it’s time to put on those heels and look fabulous with some make up tips to guide you through.
W
hen I think of Christmas I think of an overload of sugar, festive foods and drinks which is all good in well in small proportions but let’s be frank, we all tend to over indulge during the festive season and that usually takes a toll on our skin. I’ve drawn up the ultimate 10 Make-up tips for a glamorous and more youthful looking you. Follow it, and you won’t look around in the room wondering why everybody else looks 10 years younger than you.
1. APPLY PRIMER It might seem that primer might just be another add on to the list of things you need to be applying onto your skin but it’s the secret to really perfecting your skin and ensures makeup stays on. You can’t beat Bourjois translucent smoothing primer, it even has a build in applicator smoothing sponge.
TIP “Moisturising before applying primer allows the skin to appear younger, fresher and more translucent.” 2. USE A SPF FOUNDATION For the festive season, stick to a SPF foundation that will protect you all day long from the sun. Boujois Flower Perfection Youth Extension foundation protects cells’ youth and keeps your skin looking healthier and younger. It evens the complexion and hides blemishes. The fine texture has a lightweight feel and softens your skin.
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3. REV UP THE VOLUME WITH THOSE LASHES Turn your lash volume to max with Rimmel Volume Accelerator Mascara this party season. Having good mascara is like having a great pair of shoes.
Who doesn’t want fabulously full and luxuriously lush lashes? Mascara is one item that becomes your best friend. It’s an every day must and Rimmel Volume Accelerator have just taken fuller and thicker lashes to a new entire level.
TIP “If your mascara is new and the deposit on the wand is plentiful, tissue off the wand before applying to prevent smudging.”
4. GOING SMOKY Use Sephora Imperial Blue Smoky kohl eyeliner along the lashline and smudge it up onto the shadow for that smoky eye effect. Keep your eyes sexy and smoky to enhance spectacular eyes that glint and glimmer.
5. COLOURFULL EYES Given that the eyes are the most prominent part in our face most people often notice first, we are now more conscious on how they can even make their eyes stand out. Therefore MAC colourization pro palette eye shadow a favourite with makeup artists, models and celebs takes care of the windows to our soul with bright and exciting colours for this festive season.
FASHION
beauty box
6. GO GLOSSY
Soné Moriarty
A little gloss in the center of the mouth always makes for instant sexy youth. Try UNE Glimmer Lips Gloss which keeps your lips moisturised for up to 8 hours, and is non-sticky, fresh and fragrant thanks to certified organic tomato extract.
8. RED LIPPY Do you have a brown caramel lipstick in your bag ? Shuck it! They make your teeth appear yellow. Grab a fun and flirty red lippy from Bourjois Paris. My favourite is the Rose Cachemire 82. It’s warmer, and much more flattering to the complexion.
7. MISCHIEVOUS EYES Achieve that 1920’s romantic flicks by using Bourjois Liner Feutre Eyeliner in Ultra black. The long pointy tip makes it easy to use and creates sexy flirty eyes. Remember less is more, so be careful not to overdo the liner like Amy Winehouse did.
9. FAKE DON’T BAKE Thanks to Healthy-Glow enhancer Fluide by UNE gives a sunkissed glow to your complexion. It’s much healthier for your skin and you won’t be walking around like a Jersy Shore girl dipped in orange paint
10. MISCHIEVOUS EYES Achieve that 1920’s romantic flicks by using Bourjois Liner Feutre Eyeliner in Ultra black. The long pointy tip makes it easy to use and creates sexy flirty eyes. Remember less is more, so be careful not to overdo the liner like Amy Winehouse did.
“Soné loves nothing more than to discover fresh new trends...” Soné Moriarty is the face behind the fabulous ‘Polli’ blog. Originally a South African, Soné immigrated with her family to New Zealand, and this year she and her husband moved to Qatar seeking fun and adventure. Her blog is an extension of her love for fashion, and is also a treasure trove of inspiring and creative DYI projects. Soné loves nothing more than to discover fresh new trends from around the world to share with her followers and fellow bloggers.
Pop in for a visit at www.polliblog.com, email: sone@printcomqatar.com
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 103
120
Lifestyle Travel Everyone Loves New York
ABODE 106 •
column
lifestyle
Turn Your Brain OFF!
Dj Bouji
114 •
feature
116 •
health
120 •
travel
lifestyle
Keeping it Healthy for the Festive Season
lifestyle
128
Avoiding Wheat A Gluten Free Diet
lifestyle
128 •
Everyone Loves New York
lifestyle
musical notes
Up Close with Dj Bouji
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 105
LIFESTYLE
column
Turn Your
Brain OFF!
By Lauren Penny
Lauren Penny Lauren Penny is CEO of Art of Abundant Living, offering corporate consultancy services in Employee Engagement, Wellness Programs & Health Coaching.
your questions answered: q: I can’t fall asleep, when I lay in bed my mind just keeps thinking, thinking, thinking. How can I turn this off? (Maya) A: This is a common battle as our brains are working overload during the day, and once you start to slow down a million thoughts appear to rise. “Our body craves routine and likes to know what’s coming” says Dr Lawrence Epstein, co-author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep. As we create a pre-sleep ritual, we are establishing a link between certain activities and sleep.
Technology has ramped up our work lives and many of us are now addicted to being plugged in 24 hours a day. This year-end, learn to flick the “OFF” switch on your work brain and reap full enjoyment of your precious time off.
H
olidays, holidays, holidays! When the holiday time arrives, it’s time to stop working. You are supposed to simply wind down and relax. However, although you might be drawn to the idea of reading a book in the cool breeze, meeting friends for a juice, swimming in the ocean with the sun blazing or catching up on lots of personal tasks you want to finish, you still find yourself working on the laptop, madly sending emails on your blackberry or trying to add the last touches to a project, unable to wind down and detach.
Activity suggestions include dimming your lights, turning off noise such as the TV and radio, taking a bath, meditating, reading, and writing day-end notes in your diary. If you do have thoughts or remember tasks, simply write them down in a notebook so you can deal with them tomorrow.
When approaching holiday time you need to concentrate on slowing down and actually switching off your work brain. Do yourself a favour and actually allow yourself the time to rejuvenate and reconnect with yourself and loved ones at this time. Here are a few ideas you can implement to help you switch off your brain:
If this continues to be a challenge over time, you may need to consult your physician.
Lay some ground rules before you leave
Q: On holidays my husband likes to relax, yet I like to plan each day. What do you recommend to save this battle? (Carol) A: You are both individuals and have your own views of what constitutes a holiday. Talk to each other and discuss a compromise, for example some days can be his way and the other days are days for your plans. Support each other, as there is no right or wrong but a healthy synergy to be found.
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Before you go on leave, arrange who will be responsible for your role. Train someone and allow the person the time to learn the given tasks while you are still in the office. Set the rules around if and when you are to be contacted while you are on holidays. Clearly outline what constitutes an emergency and when it is permissible to call you; otherwise staff
are to deal with the situation themselves. Define your expectations of relevant team members.
Don’t take your phone or laptop Instigate a policy of no email and no mobile while you are on holiday. If you do take communication devices, you will be inclined to log on and check what is happening, and this will not contribute to your holiday. Assess the need to take your computer or phone if there are alternative
»You can write to Lauren with questions regarding corporate living. Questions will be selected for the next publication with your permission. Please email: lauren@artofabundantliving.com
LIFESTYLE
column
facilities available that will allow you to get in touch in the event of an emergency.
Plan ahead Plan when you will do certain activities, even relaxation days! You don’t want to be caught up doing things that prevent you achieving what you set out to do on your time off. Define what you want and then plan how to get the most out of your holiday so you have a balance of busy/ exciting/lazy days. If you want to meet up with friends, plan these ahead, so you will not be disappointed and miss out on catching up.
Learn to say NO On holidays, you frequently get involved in many things and then at the end of the holidays you realize you didn’t do what you had planned; like reading that book that’s been waiting for you or having the massage you visualized. Learn to say no so you give yourself time to do the
your stress levels and create new healthy habits to introduce into your work life.
Take a breather wonderful activities you had thought of when anticipating your vacation.
Spend time with your family This is the ideal time to make sure you spend quality time with your family and friends, which may be a challenge during your typical working week. Nurture yourself and your relationships.
Create new healthy habits Take time to focus on energizing activities such as walking, running, yoga, sports or fishing by the sea. By getting involved in these type of activities, you will reduce
You’re on holidays so make time for yourself. Sit alone without distractions for at least 20 minutes a day. Listen to music, take a stroll by the water, find something that reduces your stress level and helps clear your mind. Relax, slow your breathing and restore inner calm. Allow yourself to switch off and take steps to reduce stress over your holiday. Holidays are to enjoy and nourish other areas of your life, so do whatever makes you happy. With just a little bit of planning and taking some time out of the rat race, you will be geared up to enjoy the break with your loved ones and enjoy the best holiday ever. •
Success Tip of Month Grab a book! Indulge in a helpful self-development book, a recommended novel or inspiring biography – whichever you choose, pick a quiet, relaxed area and enjoy the quiet moments as you immerse yourself in the pages and learn something new.
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 107
Lifestyle
focus
J
ust as recording details about great world events is important, so is preserving the memory of great-grandpa. People may never stand in line to purchase your family history books, but the impact it has on future generations can still be significant. Knowing why it’s important, and learning how to create and preserve memories will help you head in the right direction when preserving your family history. Such Significance Mary Nemitz, a senior consultant for Creative Memories, a scrap booking company, in Reno, Nevada, knows just how important photos and other preserved memories can be. In 2001, she created an album from all the loose photos that her father had around the house. When she sent the album to him, he really appreciated the gift.
d n a g n i t a Cre reserving ries o P m e M
lize You Rea r n a h t t rtan odna eline B re Impo o M y Jacqu B d n a is Easier
According to Webster, history is a chronological record of significant events. One walk through the history section of any large bookstore shows just how important events are. While books filled with historical events line the shelves of every bookstore, they are no more important than the preserved history of your own family.
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“When he received it, he sat down and took an hour looking through it. He loved having images of his family,” says Nemitz. “Fast forward to 2004: my dad was in the hospital because of a heart attack, and his lungs weren’t recovering. What did he want with him at the hospital? His album, so his family was with him. He didn’t recover, and now that album is our connection to him.” Most of us take photos at one time or another, even if it’s only at holidays and birthdays. But many people don’t realize just how easy it is to do something meaningful with them after pushing the button on the camera. Today, it’s easier than ever to take those memories and use them in a multitude of ways, to better share them with others. “Photos are a connection to who we are, who we’ve been, who we’ve come from,” adds Nemitz. “It’s a way to remember our children as cute little toddlers, and the funny things they did. It’s a way to remember when we were young, and that we were never as fat as we thought we were.” Getting Started “Creating memories requires looking to the present and the future. It is proactive,” explains Charlyce Altom, owner of All
Lifestyle
About Photos, located in Reno. “Through writing and photographs, we choose what we will remember. Creating memories is not accidental. In essence, we must plan to create those memories.” And most of us do, by remembering to grab the camera as we head out to a family reunion or the birth of a new baby. We also do things like arranging for group family photos, keeping diaries and journals. All of this is our effort to remember those things that are special to us and that we want the next generations to know about. The first step is to decide what memories you want preserved and in what method you want them saved. Some things make more sense to photograph, while others will be better preserved with a video recording. It’s a good idea to save memories in a variety of ways.
tools, glue guns, etc., but their lack of knowledge about where to start and how to use everything made it all seem a bit overwhelming.
Nemitz. “When a person journals, writing about the photos, the event or their feelings about the people in the pictures, the album becomes more meaningful.”
Today, scrap booking has been made simple through classes, workshops, crops and even the use of online digital software, which can be used to create custom pages in minutes that can then be printed and put into albums.
Going Digital and Online If you have a computer, you have a wide range of options at your fingertips for preserving memories. Some of the options available for projects like this include:
Journaling often goes hand in hand with scrapbooks. Many people journal without adding photos or other moments, but it’s an easy way to add a reminder to the information in an album page. A picture may say a thousand words, but it never hurts to add a few more of your own about what was happening in the photos. “When people go back and look at pictures of themselves, they can see the friends and family around them,” says
Scrapbook Websites Mixbook
Precious Preserves Snapping the photos is probably the easiest part of the entire process and one of the quickest. But unless you actually do something with those memories, it’s like burying treasure in your backyard: it’s only valuable if it’s dug up, so that someone actually gets to see it, learn from it and enjoy it. With today’s technology, there are many options available for preserving memories. Some of the more popular ones include scrap booking, “journaling” and creating albums. At one time, most people thought of scrap booking as something done by moms with a lot of time on their hands. Many mothers interested in the pastime were a little intimidated if they took a walk into a scrapbook store. There they saw aisle after aisle of things that looked really neat, like special papers, cut-outs,
focus
If you love to scrapbook then this is your going to be your favourite photo book website. With Mixbook, you aren’t limited to static pre-designed templates like so many others. In fact, this website offers a design software gives you the freedom to lay out and design your own creations to your heart’s content. www.mixbook.com
Shut terfly
Create photo albums, calendars, mugs plus share and store your digital photos. Shutterfly makes memorykeeping (you can store your photos on their website) and gift-giving easy with dozens of suitable photo gifts for any occasion. www.shutterfly.com
Software – While it may require a short learning curve, the software that’s available will end up saving you time, in the long run. There are programs for scrap booking, storing photos, and creating photobooks. The programs also allow you to enhance your pictures by removing red-eye, cropping and even changing the picture’s rotation. Getting Creative – Sites like Snapfish. com, Shutterfly.com and Mixbook.com,
photos, story and design - and Creative Memories provides specially treated papers, pigment-based inks and quality stitched bindings. Use StoryBook Creator 4.0 ( must download) or sbcStudio Software to create your book, then follow the simple instructions to upload the project to their Digital Center. Order as many copies as you like, and have them shipped to you or a lucky loved one. www.creativememories.com
Jalbum
Create beautiful online photo albums and movies with their free software. Choose from tons of beautiful themes (skins), or create your own skin to get the gallery presentation you want, then upload it to any site with jAlbum’s built in FTP support. www.jalbum.com
Creative Memories – Digital
StoryBook photo books are customized photo books you create. You provide the
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 109
not only allow you to print and have your pictures delivered to your house, they also allow you to easily and quickly turn your photo memories into unique and meaningful gifts. Within minutes, you can put your favorite images on objects like mugs, posters, ties and mouse pads.
“In short, there is no better time than now to get started, both in capturing today’s memories and in collecting and preserving memories from the past,” adds Altom. “Incredible advances in technology make it not only possible, but tremendous fun. Ready, set…go!”
Publishing – Web sites like blurb.com, picaboo.com and photoworks.com are all user-friendly avenues that let you create customized bookstore-quality photo books that will look just like those history books in the stores -- and for about the same cost!
LEGRIA
HF G10 Q
Sharing with Others “What a joy it is to see my children open their albums and talk about their life moments,” says Jackie Draper, a Renobased mom and Creative Memories consultant. “Sharing and documenting special moments allows them to feel special, feel connected and it helps build self esteem in a world that isn’t always happy and positive.”
Power
Shot
D10 Q R 1,199
Doing digital? Creating and preserving memories allows us to enjoy that happy experience for years to come, and to pass it on to others. It’s also a great opportunity to sit back with a good cup of tea and reminisce about the different chapters of your life. But whatever you do, be sure to share the memories with others, since that’s where the greatest fun and reward come in. Your choices are endless, you can create a favorite family recipe collection or a belly cast during pregnancy. Whether you’re recording the birth of your child or video interviewing Grandpa about how it was in his younger days, it’s sure to be a source of joy, later on.
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When it comes to doing it digitally, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 1. Know your camera and read the manual. 2. If you are shooting digital, ignore the “digital zoom” feature and only use the “optical zoom.” 3. Practice so you can see what your camera is capable of, when adjusting for difficult lighting situations.
4. Move in close, and keep horizons level. 5. Be bold and try all of the different settings on your camera. 6. When storing the photographs on your computer, make sure that you create new folder names within your My Pictures file to coincide with the themes and events. 7. Always back up your files to CD or an external hard-drive. Or do both, and keep one copy in a safe. That way, if there’s a house fire or a flood, your pictures won’t be destroyed.
R 4999
LIFESTYLE
spa
Spa Calm
By Tarn de Villiers
Next time your wired brain begs for indulgence, be spa confident now that ABODE has gone ahead and done the hard work for you! Here is a year-end spa guide of some of the pampering options in Qatar that provide great service and are easy on the pocketbook.
Thai Massage Atmosphere: Rich with tradition, this spa creates an authentic Thai experience, which promotes rejuvenation and full body relaxation. The mood is mellow and the people are welcoming. Being experts in their trade, these therapists will leave you feeling healed and euphoric. Speciality: Foot Massage. Thai massage therapy is based on the belief that air travels through the body via the “sen” (meaning vessels) pathway. Sen is not a physical part of one’s anatomy, but rather an energy system that is believed to connect the body and surrounding space. By massaging different points of the feet and lower legs, this pathway is stimulated; relieving stress, aches and pains and promoting general well-being. Cost: QR130 for 60 minutes Contact: +974 44350143
Women Style Centre
Atmosphere: This fast paced, Lebanese owned beauty salon bustles daily with clients strutting in and out of its frosted glass doors. Beauty treatments include hair, nails, waxing and facials. They are quick and thorough and offer great styling tips. Book an appointment to avoid disappointment.
Inner Peace Atmosphere: Using Chinese medicinal methods, Inner Peace focuses on restoring balance to your health through various techniques including acupuncture and acupressure, massage and aromatherapy. The tone is serene and healing, offering clients an inwardfocused escape to ground you before you head outdoors.
Cost: QR100 for full leg or arm, QR70 for bikini. It should take 20-30minutes.
Speciality: Hot Stone Massage. Flat, smooth, and heated rocks are placed on certain areas of the body. As the heat is applied, the corresponding muscles loosen up, causing full-body relaxation and allowing muscles to become more susceptible to manipulation during massage. The technique was originated by Native Americans who used hot, sunbaked stones to ease muscle aches. It is also a great way to warm the body during the winter months.
Contact: +974 44552084
Cost: QR180 for 60 minutes
Speciality: Sugar Wax. Sugar waxing is a unique hair-removal technique which uses a sticky fusion of heated sugar and lemon to pull the hair out from the root. Hair re-growth can be expected after three to four weeks and the procedure is considerably less painful than strip or hot wax.
Contact: +974 44115728
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LIFESTYLE
Diva Lounge Atmosphere: A pale green and white interior complemented by shiny-clean surfaces, smiling faces and lavender aromas creates a fresh, calming haven where your body, face, hair and nails will be excellently cared for. Speciality: Hammam Damashqi. This is a truly purifying full-body exfoliation treatment and is highly recommended. It involves a series of secret soaks and scrubs all performed in a blissful bath of steam. Honey, sea-salt and olive-extract enchant your being, transporting it to a place of fragrant peace. An additional softening hair mask may be applied during the treatment. Sips of chilled mineral water are offered during intervals, followed by a selection of teas and coffee after a hot shower to end off. Each client will receive a gift of exfoliation sponges to maintain the soft-skin result at home. Hammam Damashqi also helps to ease insomnia (I honestly cannot remember the last time I slept that peacefully!).
Cost: QR300; additional hair-mask, QR60-80.
Glow
Atmosphere: Having been in operation for ten years, this Thai owned parlour guarantees quality. The vibe is laid-back yet professional. Heavenly aromatic massages as well as nail and eyelash extensions are available here. Speciality: Plastic/gel nail extensions. These ladies are expert nail technicians; they work meticulously and the result is perfection. Though they are generally long-lasting (about three weeks before re-filling is needed), should you encounter any hitches — they’ll be happy to fix you up in no time. Cost: QR250; takes roughly 120 minutes. Contact: +974 44354115
Mashata
Atmosphere: This sophisticated salon oozes style and professionalism. Glow prides itself on creating a multinational environment in which women from all walks of life meet with one common goal; to get gorgeously glamourized! Kick off your heels, sip on something soothing, relax, chit-chat and allow these leading ladies to transform you into your super-self.
Atmosphere: Sliding glass doors open into a wide chandelier-centred entrance hall, where therapists are called via microphone to greet their clients. Manicures, pedicures, hairstyling, facials, body treatments, gym and sauna are all available here. You’ll feel pampered and adored and leave feeling on top of your game!
Speciality: Brazilian Blowout. This is a Brazilian pioneered technique which relaxes all types of chemically treated hair (coloured, bleached, high-lighted, straightened, permed). The Keratin Treatment is sealed into the hair using a flat iron. The treatment does not completely straighten the hair follicle, but rather soothes it, eliminating frizz and unruly curls. This treatment is very effective and a perfect grooming-solution for Qatar’s humid climate. It lasts up to 4 months.
Speciality: Slimming Treatment. This is a quick solution for ladies who seek to drop a few centimetres around the body. It involves massaging and wrapping the body, which releases water retention, thereby creating the effective “inch-loss” effect.
Cost: Depending on hair length and texture, the Brazilian blowout ranges between QR1400 and QR2100, special shampoo is also recommended. Contact: +974 44117652
Contact: +974 44130672
Lady Siam
spa
Barbie Salon Atmosphere: When asking Douhouk, the manager of this salon “Why the name Barbie?” She beamed and answered, “We have everything needed to make you look as perfect as a Barbie.” With twenty years of experience, I believe her. The interior feels like home with comfy sofas and a flat-screen television screening local soaps so you may relax and zoneout while the masters take over. Speciality: Whitening Facial. This treatment lightens one’s complexion and helps with the removal of dark patches. Esthederm products (which are welltrusted by the salon) are used. The effects can last over one month. Cost: QR350 for 90 minutes. Note: Bring this article along with you to Barbie Salon and get 25% off any treatment valued at QR200 or more! Contact: +974 44369393
Cost: QR350 for 90 minutes Contact: +974 44662377
Foot Care Centre Atmosphere: The Foot Care Centre specializes in the health and well-being of your feet. A large amount of pressure is put on our feet daily, as they support the weight of our entire bodies while being squashed into stilettos, strappysandals, wedges or whatever your preferred choice of fashionable shoes. It is therefore vital that we take good care of our feet, beyond simply making them look pretty. Book an appointment at one of their three centres in Doha (City Centre, The Centre or Lulu Gharafa) and get the spring back into your step. Speciality: Professional Pedicure. This procedure, cares for your feet by removing dead skin cells, corns and calluses. It is not your regular buff and polish pedicure, but rather a healthcare treatment that leaves your feet looking naturally beautiful. Cost: QR150 for 45 minutes Contact: +974 44930394
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 113
LIFESTYLE
healthy socializing
Staying Healthy in the
Festive Season
By Lauren Penny
The festive season is here, hooray! Diaries are booked with parties, social dinners and exciting events to celebrate the year-end. You are excited but also thinking... what about my healthy routine and bank balance; will it all go to waste? Can I have my cake and eat it too?
T
he diary is jammed with work projects, the evenings are booked solid to fit in social nights with your friends, the kids are asleep, the plates are full, drinks are flowing, the wallet is getting thinner yet your waistline is expanding and you find yourself wondering... what about all the good I have done this year managing the kids while exercising and keeping up my fitness level! Does it all get blown away as we enjoy the year-end? To overcome this battle, here are three great tips so you can have your cake and eat it too!
Ladies Social Night Stay in and invite your friends, host an evening, and create a healthy theme in the comfort of your own home. Surprise your guests with something different. Introduce a cooking night and try vegetarian cooking, raw food dishes or research recipes for a healthful three-course dinner. Then enjoy preparing and cooking together while catching up on what is happening in your lives. Create a fun and memorable night that is easy on your wallet and good for your health. Vegetarian Cooking - Arrange to cook only vegetarian meals and enjoy the tastes of these delicious dinners. Healthy Food Menu - Try stir fries, frittatas, chicken with quinoa salad, and fruit salad for dessert. There is an abundance of healthy recipes available on websites such as epicurious.com. You will feel great and so will your jeans! Raw Food Night - Explore raw foods, delicious salads, raw pasta with marinara sauce, nori nori rolls and a nut based dessert. Explore our recipes in the monthly Art of Abundant Living
114 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
e-newsletter or on our website at www.abundantliving.com. Three-Course Dinner - Each person brings a dish; entrée, main and dessert. Discuss each dish as you savour the new flavours of the unique entertaining experience.
Exercise Together Find a convenient location to meet and exercise. Walking takes the least preparation and is the easiest form. Simply park your car and meet at your favourite walking track on the Corniche. Enjoy the cool breeze and catch up over a 30 or 60 minute walk. Your body is designed to move and will release endorphins that will allow you to feel great and energized, you will breathe in healthy, oxygenated air and expel the unwanted toxins from your body.
After the walk, enjoy a refreshing juice, tea or water at a nearby café. Feel abundantly healthy with your social fitness catch-up.
Relax Together Do you complain that you never have time to relax? There just are not enough hours in the day? We all know how to multi-task, so why not multi-task your relaxation time? Arrange to have a massage and a relaxing tea or juice together. You will enjoy the catch-up and also get rid of toxins! Refer to ABODE’s tips on massage locations in Qatar for less than QR 200. These easy-to-arrange social nights will ensure you can continue to be healthy while meeting your friends to celebrate the year-end. Enjoy! •
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Day with family and friends as our talented chefs present enticing holiday menus at the Seasons restaurant with special treats for the little ones. Entertain in style and wow your guests with an unforgettable festive spread without the hassle of cooking, drop by at L’Espresso for an attractive selection of holiday feasts all ready to go. Capping off the season, ring in the New Year with an extravagant affair at Seasons restaurant and dance the night away at Jazz up.
Time to get
festive.
MĂśvenpick Hotel Doha Corniche Road, P.O. Box 24220, Doha, Qatar Phone +974 4429 1111, Fax +974 4429 1100 hotel.doha@moevenpick.com
LIFESTYLE
healt
Avoiding
Wheat
A Gluten Free Diet
By Gloria Duran-Renderos
B.Sc., M.P.H., J.V.P.M 2, Nutritionist
Have you ever been advised or recommended to start eating gluten-free food? When a physician advises you to eat gluten-free, do not underestimate this tip. Eating gluten-free can be a cornerstone to better health.
I
t has become increasingly common to see people who are told to avoid or completely remove gluten from their diets. If they do not eat foods containing gluten, they can suffer from various symptoms which include bloating, weight gain or loss, stomach problems, abdominal pain and nausea. The only way to eliminate the symptoms or heal problem, is to completely delete gluten from their diets. A “detox gluten” so to speak. What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in various levels in barley, rye, wheat and some other grains. It gives a pale or flexible consistency to flour and it enables to bread to rise. As a result, we use the seeds extensively in bread and other baked goods. It is also used in processed and manufactured foods, in which wheat is often added as a thickening agent or filler. So reading product labels is a must for living gluten-free!
How it affects your body? Gluten may affect people in three distinct ways: as in Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, or a full-blown Wheat Allergy. Gluten sensitivity is a subtle and insidious condition that will last for life. If not treated it will cause unnecessary pain and disease. If you continue to ingest gluten against doctor’s orders, the damage could begin in your gut but it could end up in your bones, brain, liver or pancreas. It’s important to remember that while sensitivity to gluten is not life-threatening it will cause unnecessary discomfort. Food intolerances and allergies on the other hand, can cause severe reactions requiring medical attention. If diagnosed with one of the above conditions, your health demands that you become a ‘gluten-free’ person. There are
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three components to follow in order to do this successfully:
1. Follow a gluten-free diet: Eating gluten-free is not easy at first. But if you try the diet for at least six months, many of your symptoms will decrease or disappear. Eating gluten-free is a form of life; it is a discipline that will help you to live longer, with more zest and less pain. Adopting a gluten-free diet is a worthwhile lifestyle change that can definitely improve your quality of life. • Avoid wheat, barley, rye and oats (oats because of crosscontamination). • Carefully read labels of ingredients in all packaged foods, medications, cosmetics, perfumes. Gluten can be hidden in all of these products. • Beware of words such as Malt Dextrose, Oat Fiber, MSG, Soya Sauce, Malt, Modified Food Starch, Brewer’s Yeast. • Always look for the gluten-free label or its recognized symbol.
LIFESTYLE
• Avoid alcoholic drinks or vino if you are not sure the type of cereal used in their making.
2. Create a gluten-free kitchen:
healt
ailable v A Food ee Gluten Fr Lulu Hypermarket in Doha at Snacks and Treats
For additional help in the kitchen, look for gluten-free cookbooks on the internet, there are many gluten-free websites and an excellent food website that provides gluten-free advice to give you ideas to help you develop your own style cooking of gluten-free foods.
Breakfast Breads
• When cooking, make your gluten-free foods first. Before you start the meal, make sure the cooking surfaces are cleaned from gluten contaminants.
FROZEN foods
• Keep all of the fresh gluten-free ingredients in a closed plastic container, inside the refrigerator. • Prepare a small food pantry for dry goods, separated from the normal pantry. • Separate all cooking utensils, pots and pans used to cook gluten-free foods. It’s especially important to do this for the cutting board. • Learn to bake with alternative ingredients like polenta, ground almonds, crushed potatoes or even crushed sweet potatoes.
3. ADD Food supplements to your DIET: B Complex Vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Folic Acid are important vitamins and supplements to include in your diet plan when you must follow a gluten-free diet. • Do not forget to ask your physician or nutritionist about what amount and what nutrients to take to suit your special nutritional needs.
4. Do not become obsessed with what you lose: Focus on all the new food and taste attractive, you can explore and add to your diet.
Tip Shop gluten-free: • Become a perimeter shopper. Most gluten-free foods will be around the perimeter of the store: fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. • Organize your shopping list to select fresh products first. If you
need packaged products, make sure you read the labels. • Do not go supermarket shopping without a shopping list. Your list should be the outcome of a good gluten-free menu. • Choose the most natural foods you find. If you want to add flavour and health go organic.
Book: The Gluten-Free Diet. Review by Amazon.com A Comprehensive Resource Guide contains practical information about the gluten-free diet. Includes detailed information about allowed foods, foods to question and foods to avoid; American and Canadian labeling regulations; nutritional aspects; meal planning and shopping guidelines; recipes; over 1800 gluten-free products listed by product name, company name and package size; a directory of more than 130 American, Canadian and international companies; celiac support groups and resources such as books, cookbooks, magazines, newsletters, web sites and more!
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 117
Lifestyle
travel
What better city for a quick winter getaway than New York? With famous landmarks and monuments, hundreds of cultural options, extensive shopping, and a pulse that continues around the clock, even a short trip will give you a good taste of the Big Apple.
New York Everyone Loves New York
WORDS AND photography By Frank Webb
I
f you want to wake up in a city that never sleeps, as the famous Sinatra song proclaims, then New York City is your kind of town. New York is certainly my kind of town. You can get anything your heart desires in “The City” – at 3 o’clock in the morning, no less. And if it can’t be found, then it simply does not exist. Obviously, someone could spend years exploring The Big Apple and still not see it all. But if you only have a day or two, here are some recommendations:
March to the Guns Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park is where the first Dutch settlers landed in 1623, and it has been a military fortification for much of its history. A brisk walk in this small park won’t take long, but if you linger at any of numerous monuments that dot the park, an hour or two will slip by before you know it. The main feature in Battery Park is Castle Clinton. Built in anticipation of the War of 1812, this fortification was restored to its original appearance in 1975, and among other things, is the ticket office for the Ellis Island – Statue of Liberty ferry.
The High and the Mighty The Empire State Building is perhaps the most iconic skyscraper in the world – not the tallest, certainly not the most modern, but definitely the coolest. Looking up from 5th Avenue, you can’t help but think, “Superman lives here.” Open 365 days per year, the 86th floor observatory offers a 360-degree view, outdoor deck, and indoor viewing galleries for guests to enjoy the views rain or shine, day or night. For an additional $15 you can be elevated to an even higher plain - the 102nd floor observatory. Until the new World Trade Center opens for business, this is the highest point tourists can reach in the Manhattan sky, soaring 1,250 feet (381 metres) above street level. Hours: 8 AM until 2 AM.
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Clinton Castle in Battery Park – restored to its original 1812 appearance.
Empire State Building main entrance – maybe Superman does live here.
Lifestyle
travel
The Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island ferry.
Ferr y Terminal adjacent to Batt
ery Park.
Art and Artifacts If you are a museum lover, New York can keep you enthralled for years. There are dozens of world-class museums to choose from, but near or at the top of any list will be the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of Art. This internationally renowned art museum is also one of the most significant architectural structures of the 20th century. The Guggenheim is mainly devoted to the art of the 20th century, but its vast collection extends well beyond into other periods.
See the Face of America The Statue of Liberty, France’s centennial gift to the United States, has become the worldwide emblem of liberty and freedom. And nothing says “America” more loudly, or clearly, than the Statue of Liberty. No visit to New York is complete without at least a photo of the Statue of Liberty. If you just want a great picture of Lady Liberty, but are not particularly interested in going to Liberty Island or Ellis Island, then try the Staten Island Ferry. This commuter ferry operates year round 24/7 from the terminal next to Battery Park, sails right in front of the Statue of Liberty, and is free. Yes – free! The best time for photos is early to mid-morning, but the Lady is well lit and looks just as spectacular at night.
At the other end of the museum spectrum is Ripley’s Believe It or Not on 42nd Street in the heart of Times Square. If the Guggenheim is the Ritz, then Ripley’s is McDonald’s, (but to be honest, I like a good ‘Big Mac’ now and again). Spread over twenty galleries, you’ll find outrageous interactive, video and archival exhibits that will definitely convince you that fact is always stranger than fiction. At the conclusion of your selfguided tour, at the very least, you will admit that this is a one-ofa-kind museum.
The Financial District at the southern tip of Manhattan.
If you do go to Liberty Island, the only way to get there is by boat. Pick up the ferry tickets at Castle Clinton. The cost is $13 for adults, and $5 for kids, but admission to the Statue is free. Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day except 25 December.
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 121
Lifestyle
travel
The Chrysler Building – the best of New York art deco architecture.
Time Square.
Crossroads of the World Often called the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is part Disneyland, part NASA space launch, and is undeniably the heart of New York City. TV studios, giant electronic billboards, the crush of people, police on horseback; it’s just a fun place to be. It is hard to imagine that not so long ago, Times Square was a crime infested, urban blight, known mainly for drugs and prostitution, but along came Mayor Rudy Giuliani in the 1990s and things changed. Things changed a lot. Now you can take the kids, visit Times Square, and then walk down Broadway to see one of several family friendly shows, such as Mary Poppins or The Lion King. That would have been unimaginable in the 1980s.
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Rockefeller Center.
Retail Therapy Want your own little miracle on 34th Street? Then a visit to Macy’s, the world’s largest department store and a registered New York City landmark, is in order. Macy’s is a shopping empire, akin to Harrods of London. Ride the old fashioned wooden escalators up to the sixth floor and browse. You can find everything from wedding dresses to “I Love NY” coffee mugs. It will be an hour (or afternoon) well spent. •
Macy’s – the NYC prescription for ‘Retail Therapy.’
LIFESTYLE
automotive
The Fashionista Car By Deliah Furcoi
As the resident auto enthusiast, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to test drive the new Nissan JUKE!
A
n urban dweller’s dream come true, all packaged into one perfect ‘Sportcross’— the Nissan Juke has arrived and is here to stay. This driving machine is not only the transporter’s latest getaway vehicle, but a fashionista’s ‘must have’ this month. The Nissan JUKE is sure to impress and a double-take on this one is a guarantee in the ride. As the warmer months are behind us and the smell of rain and cooler evenings are near, the Nissan JUKE is flaming hot with its great looks and array of fun colours to match any outfit. Sitting pretty with a curvy rear hatch, poofy wheel arches accented by
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lifted front lights gives her a distinctive look. She’s sleek and super chic with disguised door handles, such that I almost mistook the JUKE to be a two-door oversized coupe at first glance. On the inside the Nissan JUKE feels like getting into a sub woofer: compact, techy and bursting with energy. The centre stock, or as Nissan likes to calls it the ‘ICON’ of the car gleams with colourful buttons and the brightly lit centre display give a diagnosis of the car with every breath it takes. The centre console dominates the interiors with its motorbike shaped fuel tank look alike, sporting a fire engine red that slaps you in the face.
LIFESTYLE
automotive
As a natural-born speed junkie, the turbo feature got my heart skipping a beat and I was itching to put it to the test. The Nissan JUKE boasts 100% turbo-charged goodness, powered by a six speed 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbo engine. To my surprise, when in ‘sport’ mode, the Juke is primal. It should have been painted with flames, along with dragon wings strapped onto the roof to match its darting responsiveness. Even more, the JUKE has a built in G-meter to make sure you stay in tune with your juvenile displays of speed. The Nissan JUKE calls out to us city people. Living the all new urban lifestyle with our 10+ hour days, hectic deadlines, pending assignments, decisions to be made, people to see, people to call back, events to arrange, numbers to calculate, groceries to be bought, bills yet to be paid, the email that never went, the dog that needs to be walked…how does one cope? ABODE recommends you get into a Nissan JUKE and take some time out for you. Live a little, and why not do it in JUKE style. •
“
Your experience is similar to floating on a puffy cloud!
”
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 125
LIFESTYLE
technology
«TECH SUPPORT» What’s HOT this month
We continue to see an exciting line up of Smartphones this month. Here’s a peek at what’s coming out:
ZiPhone 4S: The iPhone 4S may not look very different from the iPhone4; however, there are plenty of reasons to make the jump to the new model. First, the 4S has a better camera; it is now 8MP with improved low-light performance and capture speed. The video is now capable of shooting full 1080p HD. The processor is a lot faster (dual core) and the antenna has been improved. Apple has also added a larger memory size, 64GB. The biggest change, though, has to be Siri, the voice recognition engine that is better than anything else in the market. You can use your voice to send messages, set reminders, search for information via the internet and lots more. The only drawback is that it understands American English better than other accents; however, we this will improve with future software releases. The iPhone4S will be available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB memory sizes, in both Black and White colours, and will be coming soon to Vodafone. Y
ZSamsung Galaxy Note: Is it a phone or a tablet? Some would say it is a bit of both. With a 5.3 inch screen, the Galaxy Note has the world’s very first HD Super AMOLED display, providing you with an expansive highresolution screen for an immersive viewing experience. The Galaxy Note also comes with a ‘S Pen’, the most advanced pen input technology, featuring an array of functions including pressure sensitivity. With the S Pen you can easily sketch drawings or make notes with accuracy and ease. The Galaxy Note comes with a powerful 8MP camera, with professional photography functions. The Galaxy Note runs on the Android Gingerbread operating system, giving you access to all the latest Apps via Google’s Marketplace. The Samsung Galaxy Note will be coming soon to Vodafone.Y
126 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
LIFESTYLE
technology
ZBlackBerry Curve 9360: As with all BlackBerry Curve models, the Curve 9360 is packed with great features and comes at an affordable price. The ultra-thin 11mm design means this smartphone is easier to hold and use. Users can see things more clearly with the Curve 9360’s large and clear TFT screen. What’s more, If you like to chat to friends online or just see what’s new on the web, then the BlackBerry 9360 makes this faster and easier to do. That’s because it uses the latest BlackBerry 7 operating system, which makes for a smoother web browsing experience. As you would expect from most advanced smartphones nowadays, the 9360 supports a good 5MP camera with LED flash, an 800MHZ processor and NFC support. The BlackBerry Curve 9360 is now available at all Vodafone Retail outlets and online with one month free BlackBerry service.Y
ZHTC Explorer: The most affordable smartphone from HTC has finally arrived. The Explorer is light on the wallet and filled with tons of great features. This compact sized smartphone has a 3.2 inch touch screen, 3MP camera, weighs just over 108 grams and runs on Android, giving you access to loads of cool Apps. An intuitive, easy to use lockscreen and homescreen lets you access your most important information and tasks. Enjoy web browsing similar to your desktop. Keeping in touch with loved ones is now even easier with email designed for easy navigation and quick reply. And the People Widget lets you group up your favourite people and view all your communication options on one screen for simple access. The HTC Explorer will be coming soon to Vodafone.Y Vodafone Qatar offers all of these exciting smartphones. For futher information, visit your nearest Vodafone retail store or visit us online at www.vodafone.com.qa
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 127
Lifestyle
musical notes
Visiting Artist
Stocking fillers Susan Boyle: Someone to Watch Over Me In her third album, the Scottish gem is taking to the 80s, having added covers of Depeche Mode’s Enjoy the Silence and Tears For Fears’ Mad World to her compilation of classics. Watch out for the new sweeping epic of a song You Have to Be There.
Up Close with DJ Bouji By Sydnee Bryant
Lincoln Madley, also known as DJ Bouji, is busy travelling the world as part of the W Hotels/Burn Lab tour. The intriguing young DJ, who is based in New York, recently came to Doha to play for one of Doha Tribeca Film Festival’s after-parties in Wahm. ABODE learns more about this talented DJ. ABODE: How did you get your start in the music industry? LM: I was in a band in New York and when that broke up, I went back to L.A. I was writing songs, making beats, recording demos, listening to all kinds of music. I had a roommate who taught me how to DJ hip-hop and 80s music, so I got two turntables, a mixer and some speakers and started showing up at people’s parties - art openings, house parties, raves, burlesque shows, wherever I could find a gig. I was doing odd jobs and working construction five days a week to pay the rent. I’d get off work on Friday, shower, sleep for an hour or two and then go DJ. Eventually I got a residency and started doing things like music programming for hotels to make enough money to quit construction and support myself. ABODE: How would you describe your style and sound? LM: Broad! I do a lot of different genres - rock, hip hop, pop, electro, soul, disco and deep house. I’ve been the opening DJ for several of the W Symmetry Live
128 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
events, which is cool because it’s an opportunity to do a set that’s inspired by the featured artist. When I opened for Cee-Lo in New York, I played classic soul and Motown. When I opened for Theophilus London in Miami, I went towards hip-hop, dirty south, Cash Money stuff because I knew that would get everyone hyped for what he does.
II Divo: Wicked Game Handsome men and marvelous, soulful ballads! The polished foursome from II Divo sing in English, Spanish and Italian, and will captivate you with their powerful vocal beauty.
Pearl Jam: Pearl Jam Twenty Original Motion Picture
LM: Music and dancing. That shared feeling you get from a good song. Also, I thought most of the music DJs were playing was boring and that I could do a better job.
Director Cameron Crowe delivers Pearl Jam Twenty, a new documentary that captures the band’s exhaustive history, celebrating the little details that all fans are sure to enjoy. The resulting soundtrack to the film is just as tailored for their audience, providing two discs full of live performances, rarities, and demos.
ABODE: Tell us about some of your most memorable performances.
West life:
ABODE: What attracted you to DJing?
LM: I got to DJ Jennifer Anniston’s birthday with Michaelangelo L’Acqua about a year ago. We had too much fun. It was really intimate, like DJing a house party. I kept thinking, “What am I doing here?” It was in Cabo, so that was totally amazing. I wore mariachi pants. ABODE: What are your plans for 2011? LM: Get in a studio and do some producing. I’ll continue to travel for the W Hotels/Burn Lab tour.
Greatest Hits Greatest Hits is the twelfth and final album by Irish boy group West life. Be prepared to be wooed by West life’s numerous singles that have spanned throughout the band’s career, as well as four new tracks, which includes the lead single Lighthouse.
Special Reader´s Corner
LIFESTYLE
books
For foodies Ministry of Food by Jamie Oliver This book is for all those people who do not own cookbooks, either because they are reluctant cooks or rarely have time to prepare a meal. The book starts with the basics and then gives the reader three or four different alternative ingredients to the basic recipes. This increases the alternatives while keeping recipes simple. The book also has brilliant photography to show the reluctant chef how the meal should look when completed.
Planet Cake by Paris Cutler
Simple Asian Cookery,
This gem from the world famous Sydney bakery shop offers an array of cakes to suit anyone and everyone’s sweet tooth recipes start with the basics and then instruct the novice baker how to build on the base and create beautiful masterpieces. The book contains recipes, suggestions for equipment and techniques for creating tasty and photograph-worthy cakes.
by Ken Hom Offering great recipes, easy to read and follow recipes and helpful photographs, readers will be thrilled with this book. It helps budding chefs by simplifying meals so you don’t have to run to an Asian supermarket every time you want to cook something from this region.
Hummingbird Bakery Cake Days by Tarek Malouf From the world famous London bakery comes Cake Days, a gorgeously photographed cookbook that offers easy to prepare cupcakes and cakes for every occasion. The book is equally useful throughout the year and for those special occasions that arise from time to time. The reader will love the great tips and advice.
Japanese by The Australian Women’s Weekly This book provides the perfect library addition for anyone who loves to heat healthfully. Japanese food has become the most popular Asian fare over the last few years. Why? Because it is packed with low fat, packed with nutrition and it tastes good. The book has plenty of recipes that are low in fat and all contain healthy ingredients.
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Kitchens Recipes from the Heart This is the book every kitchen must have. From the title, it is clear the book centres on the kitchen, the food we eat and owing to our hectic lifestyles, how we eat. This book has great tips on how to prepare last-minute meals based on what you find in the refrigerator using leftovers and new ingredients. It also has meals that one can prepare on lazy weekends and family occasions. Plenty by YotamOtto lenghi The second book by this renowned chef has been long anticipated. Plenty is a beautifully photographed cookbook about one subject: vegetables. The book shows you how to eat and prepare vegetables everyday and for every occasion. This book transforms the boring vegetable from a side dish into a memorable meal and shows you how to combine the vegetable with ingredients you might not have considered. The result is tasty delicacies everyone will love.
For the kids Ministry of Lost Hero
For your entertainment The Kingdom (A Fargo Adventure), by Clive Cussler Cussler writes his third novel in the series of books tracing the adventures of a husband and wife team of treasure hunters, Sam and Remi Fargo. Usually known for hunting treasures in the far-out reaches of the planet, the Fargos are asked by a wealthy oil man to find two people: the oil man’s missing father and the investigator originally hired to find him. This adventure novel takes the reader to Tibet, Nepal, India and Europe and into the world of stolen fossils and black marketers. You will enjoy the ride. Only Time Will Tell, by Jeffrey Archer The first novel in a series of five (Clifton Chronicles) set over a hundred-year span introduces Harry Clifton, a young boy in 1920s who is facing an uncertain future. Harry is destined to be a dock worker in turn of the century England. However, fate, the kindness of others and his unique singing talent leads Harry to a new life path. Harry is changed forever and the reader is transported into the lives of the Clifton family as Harry and future generations continue the journey Harry has begun: their triumphs, defeats, betrayals and travels. This book does not disappoint. The Race, by Clive Cussler Set in 1910, with aviation is in its infancy, a newspaper is promoting a cash prize of $50,000 USD to the first person to fly across the United States in fifty days or less. One intrepid adventurer is Josephina Frost, the estranged wife of crime boss Harry Frost. Harry Frost has just killed a friend of Josephina’s and it looks like he might be trying to kill her as well. Through this, we encounter a recurring character from author Cussler’s arsenal, Detective Isaac Bell. Bell must protect Mrs. Frost from danger while putting himself into the crosshairs of her husband. A fun time will be had by the reader. The Litigators,by John Grisham Grisham returns once again to the world of attorneys, clients, and courtrooms as he explores the life of litigators who make their living in the courtroom. Grisham’s latest legal thriller introduces the boutique law firm of Finley and Figg, run by two partners whose dreams of glory and deep-pocket clients have long since evaporated into small time drunk-driving and divorces. That is until Dave Zinc, a burned out attorney with big law firm experience turns up at their front door looking for redemption. A must read.
by Rick Riordin This children’s adventure novel, published in 2010, is the first in a series of books that utilizes the backdrop of ancient Greek and Roman mythology brought forth to the modern era. In Lost Hero, the reader is introduced to three new characters, Jason Grace, Piper McLean and Leo Valdez. The characters are not who they appear to be. The story is relayed to the reader through first person accounts of the three protagonists, two chapters at a time. Riordin weaves magic, mythology, dimension-travel, villains, heroes and all-around high adventure, keeping the young reader glued to the chair, unable to put the novel down. Warning: don’t let the kids read this one while getting ready for school, they might be late.
Roderick Rules by Jeff Kinney originally titled Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this series of children’s books features Greg Heffley and the contents of his diary. In his latest book, Kinney has Greg entering the new school year with a secret and Greg’s older older, antagonistic brother Roderick knows it. Roderick uses the threat of revealing the secret to rule over his younger brother and make him do things he would not normally do. The adventures begin with blackmail, secret teenage parties, middle school, girls and a dreaded talent show. Almost surprisingly, the truth behind this book is really brotherly love. Pick it up for the kids, but parents might enjoy it as well.
All books available at Virgin Megastore, Qatar
DECEMBER 2011 ABODE 131
New Yea r
abode
december
T
Resolutions
he hope of the New Year brings with it a time of hope, renewal, refection and an almost universal desire to change bad habits and start anew. Many of us will look at our lives and determine certain things need to be changed or improved. We then make what have come to be called New Year’s Resolutions. Although most of us will state a willingness to implement the resolutions into our lives, many, if not most of us will soon find our resolutions derailed within a few weeks due to lack of will power or determination.
According to usa.gov website there are a few New Year’s Resolution ideas that are popular year after year. Here is an example of the few resolutions that many wish to keep in order to start a brand new year: • • • • • • • • • • •
Get a Better Education Get a Better Job Get Fit Lose Weight Manage Debt Manage Stress Quit Smoking Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Save Money Take a Trip Volunteer to Help Others
With that in mind ABODE has discovered that there is now hope for those of us who make New Year Resolutions year after year and really want to keep them. Experts agree that no matter how stubborn a habit you’ve developed, lack of exercise, bad eating habits or even smoking, there are ways to break those negative patterns and keep healthy resolutions throughout the New Year. The trick is to keep everything in perspective and find a partner willing to keep you on track. So, if you are serious about your New Year’s Resolution and need help staying focused to accomplish them, ABODE recommends you visit the Goals Guy website and sign a contract. By signing a contract you will hold yourself accountable as you strive to accomplish your goals. Post the contract on your refrigerator so you can see it every morning.
132 ABODE DECEMBER 2011
Gary Ryan Blair, from Goals Guy.com is the man behind New Year’s Resolution Week. This annual event was founded on the premise that a single resolution that is kept can positively and profoundly create lasting change in your life and help to make the world a better place. To become part of the world’s largest personal change initiative, visit www.GoalsGuy.com.
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Tornado Tower, Ground Floor 4491-3222
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ADOBE
horoscope Scorpio (Oct 23th-Nov 21st)
» Delays along the way can help you to see the longer view this month. Money problems may be related to a need for control. Patience will improve your communication if you have a tendency to quarrel. Toward the end of December you will have opportunities to do unusual things, and there will be a few surprises. Time to let go of the past and clear the way for a new beginning.
YOUR DECEMBER STARS By Milina
The Lunar Eclipse in Gemini on 10 December signals a time to turn words into action. In which way does this apply to your life?
Sagittarius (Nov 22nd-Dec 21st)
» You will have to develop some selfdiscipline this month. Try to concentrate on what you really need in terms of time, money and energy. Decisions need to be made concerning relationships. If you give more than you receive, you may have to look at your own insecurities. After the Winter Solstice on 22 December your finances will improve. Count your blessings!
Aries (March 21st-April 20th)
» You may get into conflict with a person in authority at the beginning of the month, but don’t waste your time. Try to motivate yourself instead. Around the Full Moon on 10 December your persistence will help you to reach your goals. Stay cool and complete things as planned. Think globally and act locally!
Taurus (April 21st-May 20th)
» December is a month of great intensity for you, and important changes are bound to happen. Valuing yourself plays an important part in your relationships. Express your true feelings! Fun and excitement will come your way toward the end of the month. Align your life with your heart, and you will find real stability.
Gemini (May 21st-June 20th)
» Around the Lunar Eclipse in your sign on 10 December, you may be tempted to rationalize your emotions. It is important to let go of an issue that keeps turning up. Retrograde Mercury until 13 December, is a good time for reviewing old relationships. Stretch yourself and reach for higher goals. Travel and education bring liberating ideas to your ever-curious mind.
Cancer (June 21st-July 20th)
» There is a great deal of work to do this month, with a lot of responsibility involved. Be honest about your feelings in one-toone relationships, and make sure there are no misunderstandings. Around the New Moon in Capricorn on 24 December you will feel there is quite a bit of turmoil in your life. Try things a new way!
Leo (July 21st-August 22nd)
Capricorn (Dec 22nd-Jan 19th)
» An important issue at work needs to be dealt with in December. You need patience, but it will pay off in the future. Criticism may become destructive if you’re not careful. Don’t take on too much and start preparing for the holiday after 13 December, when Mercury turns direct. Blend creative ideas with routine matters and expect the unexpected!
» Pluto in your sign will heat passions this month. Communication problems may occur until 13 December, when Mercury turns direct. You are in a process of transformation and will have to let go of old structures that no longer work for you. Make the necessary adjustments in financial matters. You may find you can be quite happy with less! Someone you love may surprise you.
Virgo (August 23th-Sept 22nd)
Aquarius (Jan 20th-Feb 18th)
Libra (Sept 23th-Oct 22nd)
Pisces
» Romance is in the air this month. Your emotions can lead to creative inspiration if you allow yourself. There may be a dilemma between your over-committed work schedule and plans with the family. Focus on things that are essential in your life. Toward the end of December you will be asked to let go of the past and embrace the future.
» You will be required to turn your attention away from others in favour of your own needs and goals in December. It is a good time for self-reflection. Focus on the things that can be eliminated from your life. Putting yourself first can give you the stamina to help other people in your life even better. Your natural diplomatic skills can overcome any differences in a relationship.
» You ruling planet Uranus goes direct on 10 December, and you are ready to move on. A partner may resist change, and it is possible you may have to negotiate your need for freedom. Close friends or colleagues can help you. Order is not easy to establish, and change may be inevitable. Retrenching is more appropriate than retreating. (Feb 19th-March 20th)
» Delicate family matters require you to be very flexible around 10 December. Be patient and enjoy yourself. You are like the caterpillar undergoing a powerful metamorphosis at the end of the month. Seeing clearly in your mind’s eye what is important in the future will help you to achieve it. You are in a partying mode, which allows you to express your positive feelings.