TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - DINING
Since 1997
June 2021 | Vol. 25
| Issue 6 | BD2 / SR20
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
Stay at Home Special
DINING
The best of takeout and delivery
PEOPLE
WTM
Conference of Birds’ Fawaz Al Shaikh tells us about his musical journey
Nasreen Sururi on her recent ambitious venture!
DOWNTIME
Colourful Summer Fashion!
All the entertainment you need to keep you safe indoors!
A Quarantine Feast Divine Fine Jewellery
MOTORING
Beauty Essentials
Dick Potter tells us about the electric shift All about the Ferrari Approved Certification www.bahrainthismonth.com
Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Nightlife
Digital Edition
JUNE
ISSUE 286
CONTENTS
INTERVIEWS
8
Tunes that Fly High!
We chat with the solo artist and song writer, Fawaz Al Shaikh, about the Conference of Birds.
14
DINING
14
The best of dining options which you can enjoy safely at home.
MOTORING
19 21 22
The Electric Revolution!
8
Dick Potter delves into a hot topic in the motoring industry – greener vehicles.
22
Maximum Security and Peace of Mind What you need to know about the Ferrari Approved Certification
Motoring Bites
COMMERCE
26 24
Cloud Kitchens – More on-ground than you think!
Pria Masson Tanwar explores the potential of and processes behind Cloud Kitchens.
Business Bites
OPINION
28
19
24
28
30
Nuisance Noise
Bill Grieve explores a relatable issue in residential apartment buildings..
DOWNTIME
30 32 35
9 Movies to Keep you Indoors and Safe!. Our Review on Resident Evil Village. Our favourite tracks this month
4 June 2021
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bhthismonth
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JUNE
ISSUE 218
CONTENTS
Fashion
38
40
38
Life in Vibrant Colour
How you can incorporate bold and bright colours into your summer wardrobe this year.
Interview
40 48 42
PRETTY AMBITIOUS
Nasreen Sururi on her role in the media scene, world of motorsport and more.
Beauty
42 46
Summer essentials for your beauty routine! We put together our top beauty essentials that will have you looking your best this summer.
5 Must-Have Skincare Products!
Parenting
52
48
What Is More Important Than Discipline?
Ouiam El Hassani tells us seven important things when it comes to parenting.
LIFESTYLE
50 50 www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth www.bahrainthismonth.com
57 rhmbahrain
52
The Art of Paring Down
Our take on Minimalism and top picks for to get your home minimalist chic!
Quarantine Cook Off – Recipes You’ll Love!
Stuffed mushrooms, Pad Thai, Chimichurri Steak and Strawberry tarts – what’s not to love?
In Her Shoes
57
We get to know the Digital Media & Marketing Specialist and Certified Dreamer, Tanushree Mathur. June 2021 5
THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton
Bahrain This Month June 2021
Editor Farah Baig Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Kristian Harrison, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Bill Grieve Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Art Director Hatem Monem Webmaster Nishad Eapen CRM & Database Coordinator Muna Yousef Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales Anuradha Manhas anuradha@redhousemarketing.com DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig
Printing Press Union Press, Bahrain Published monthly by
RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2020 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. • Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
W
elcome to the June issue – our special ‘Stay At Home’ edition! Active cases on the island skyrocketed last month, as did the number of daily deaths, which resulted in the need for the temporary closure of venues.
Since it’s everyone’s responsibility to stay in and stay safe, for the well-being of the community, we decided to put together an issue that should make the experience easier to bear. In our dining section, we’ve compiled delectable dining options from hospitality experts such as The Ritz-Carlton, Movenpick and Frasier Suites, which you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home! In our interview section this month, we had a chat with an extremely talented Bahraini musician, Fawaz Al Shaikh, who recently launched his debut album ‘Conference of Birds’. The divinely soothing album, which was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, is sure to bring on waves of nostalgia and inspire your deepest of thoughts. Our Downtime section is your source of endless entertainment this month with several excellent films and series, games, music and more. There’s plenty to read in our Motoring section this month as Dick Potter delves into the motoring industries’ move towards a greener, more electric future. We also find out more about the Ferrari certification and get the latest news from the BIC, London Concours as well as renowned motoring brands. Pria Masson Tanwar, as usual, gave us some eye-opening insight into the hot new business concept of ‘Cloud Kitchens’. On the other hand, Bill Grieve delved into a topic that we can all relate to Nuisance Noise in apartment buildings! Thankfully, he provided us with some vital advice and remedial solutions in case we find ourselves in a similar situation. Woman This Month is jam-packed with fun content that’s cool for the summer. While most people dread the heat, our editorial team was overly enthusiastic about “bringing on the bright colours” and worked on a fun fashion focus for you. They’ve also put together a bunch of beauty essentials, skincare, and dazzling accessories to go with your wardrobe too! On the interview front, we spoke to the ever-so-ambitious media personality and influencer, Nasreen Sururi, who told us about how her career got started and her recent new business venture. Being a woman of many talents, there’s plenty of inspiration here! You’ll also enjoy cooking our delicious recipes and delving into the world of interior design with our take on minimalism. The pandemic has proved to be more resilient than anything we’d dreaded, but the good news is – so are we. We’re positive that our beautiful island will make it through as more people take the vaccination, and continue taking precautions through social distancing and mask wearing in public. STAY responsible and STAY safe, of course! Remember, Bahrain This Month on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter will always be ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.
COVER
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Cover Picture:
Stay at home TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - DINING
Since 1997
June 2021 | Vol. 25
| Issue 6 | BD2 / SR20
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
Stay at Home Special
DINING
The best of takeout and delivery
PEOPLE
WTM
Conference of Birds’ Fawaz Al Shaikh tells us about his musical journey
Nasreen Sururi on her recent ambitious venture!
DOWNTIME
Colourful Summer Fashion!
All the entertainment you need to keep you safe indoors!
A Quarantine Feast Divine Fine Jewellery
MOTORING
Beauty Essentials
Dick Potter tells us about the electric shift
Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine.
All about the Ferrari Approved Certification www.bahrainthismonth.com
Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Digital Edition
Nightlife
June 2021 7
interview
TUNES THAT FLY HIGH! We chat with the ever-so-talented solo artist and song writer, Fawaz Al Shaikh, about the Conference of Birds.
Music is a very welcome escape from reality… especially in this day and age when the world is faced with one of its biggest challenges yet. It’s undeniable - Bahrain has long been home to a multitude of extremely talented musicians who put their heart and soul into their music. One such musician is Fawaz Al Shaikh, whose solo artist name is Conference of Birds. He’s recently released a divinely soothing album of the same name that is sure to bring on waves of nostalgia and inspire your deepest of thoughts.
8 June 2021
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interview Bahrain’s music scene needs no introduction to you, but could you tell our readers about yourself? Music has always been my passion, ever since I was seven years old. In 2014, I co-founded a cover band named BG Harmony. We have been actively performing across the island at music events and festivals. In 2019, I started working on my own, writing my own music, composing and producing them which led to me releasing my first debut album titled ‘Conference of Birds’. What’s the story behind the name ‘Conference of Birds’? I wanted to give myself an artist name rather than using my own name but failed to come up with one which I believed fit. One day, while listening to the song ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ by Coldplay, I heard the reference to a “conference of birds” in the lyrics. So, I humbly borrowed that name for myself, which I chose for many reasons. I’m inspired by the word “togetherness”; it’s a powerful word, and I think its meaning is reflected in the name. Tell us about your current EP. How long did you work on it and what would you consider the most memorable part of the project? It took me about a year to write those songs and almost six months to record, produce, mix and master the EP. There were so many memorable moments during the project, but my favourite would be the choir recording. It was experimental and sensational to have six vocalists recording four out of the five songs that are in the EP. You are the first Bahraini to have your album mastered at Abbey Road Studios - the studio where the Beatles made their albums in London, UK. How does this accomplishment make you feel? What was the experience like and how do you think it made a difference to the finished tracks? With technology and digitalisation, artists around the globe can now master their projects almost anywhere. I specifically chose Abbey Road Studios because I am a huge fan of the Beatles. It’s because of their songs that I became an artist. Just knowing that my music has been processed in that same physical building is enough for me to have that inspiration and satisfaction.
What’s the story behind ‘Two Lost Boys on a Run’? This song is about friendship. I rarely listen to stories about best friends growing apart. So, I wrote a song about it and hope people would be able to relate to it. Where did you find the inspiration for your music? Which of the tracks on your current EP do you believe you connect with the most? My inspiration came from various artists, both: global and local. The Beatles and Queen would top the list of global artists who have inspired me in every way possible. Not only did I listen to their music, but actually studied their songs and analysed most of them. In terms of local artists, I only learned from the best; Ala Ghawas, who in my opinion is the best song writer in our country; the members of Likwid Band - Ahmed Alqasim, Khalid Alshamlan, Ahmed Abdulaziz and AbdulrahmanMalallah; Mohammed Haddad who I consider my prime teacher in music; Na Der and many other artists who support me and many other local artists. I have heard many opinions from listeners regarding their favourite track in the EP. For me personally, I’m highly connected to the song ‘Fly’.
to work on my EP. It was an odd advantage that I took. Tell us about your musician friends that you collaborated with on the project. I have contacted many talented friends and artists locally that I believed would add value to this album. I was blessed enough that none of my approaches were rejected. This includes Ala Ghawas, Abdulla Jamal, Jesse Q, Ismail Gharib, Debbi Francisco, Szabi Nigo and more. What’s next for you? Next stop: waiting for the situation to settle down in Bahrain. When it’s safe enough to go public, I will definitely go live with this album. Once I’m done with that, I will move on to writing my next album hopefully. Where can people find your album? The album is physically available for sale at Virgin Megastore in Bahrain City Center, Room 2 Rock in Saar and La Guitara Music Centre in Hoora. The album is digitally available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Anghami, Youtube Music and more. To follow Fawaz, check out a Conference of Birds on Instagram using the handle @ conferenceofbirds.
You are a renowned musician in Bahrain, considering that you are a part of the band BG Harmony. What are your thoughts on Bahrain’s music scene and how has it adapted during the pandemic? Bahrain’s music scene has been booming positively in the past decade. Many opportunities opened up through music festivals, food festivals, shopping festivals, public and corporate events and many more. It’s a given that the pandemic has affected all industries and the economy as a whole, but for me personally, staying at home during COVID19 was the main factor to give me time
How would you describe your music? I would say my music in this EP is an expression. I admire many artists of all kinds who express themselves through their artwork. In my music, I tried to spread out some positive energy, hope and love in those songs in my own way. However, I am sure listeners would have an even better perspective in describing those songs on the album as they can be interpreted in many ways.
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June 2021 9
bystander
Farewell Dinner for the Malaysian Ambassador Lanterns Restaurant Adliya, in their beautiful outdoor dining area, was the setting for a small dinner party with outgoing Malaysian Ambassador, HE Agus Salim Yusof and his wife Wani, at Lanterns, together with Indian Ambassador, HE Piyush Srivastava.
Award Ceremony at the Indian Embassy The Embassy of India awarded certificates to participants from Bahrain in the
online certificate course on Gandhian Philosophy conducted by renowned Gandhian scholar, Shobhana Radhakrishna. During the ceremony, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Mr. Piyush Srivastava, addressed the participants and presented them with their certificates.
10 June 2021
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bystander
Opening of Plums Al Fresco The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held the opening of Plums Al Fresco, run by Chef de Cuisine, Alexis Knecht, under the guidance of newly appointed Director of Culinary and Food and Beverage, Yann Lejard.
Jackson’s Birthday Celebration Natalia and Murat held a party to celebrate precious little Jackson’s first birthday at their residence in the presence of close family and friends.
12 June 2021
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bystander
Welcoming Campaign by the Capital Governorate
The Capital Governorate distributed traditional sweets to the public at The Avenues mall to welcome tourists visiting Bahrain from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
June 2021 13
tablehopping
E M O H YOUR
n o i t a n i t s e D g n i n i D r You #StayHome doesn’t really translate to Stay Boring, thanks to the takeaway services offered by some of the island’s best dining venues. Savour the best and freshest ingredients that are prepared to make a decadent meal that will sweep you off your feet.
STAYING HOME IN STYLE Special occasions don’t have to be downplayed in the current time, when you can celebrate them with supreme gastronomy from the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The hotel, known for its culinary prowess besides its stunning ambience makes it possible for you to treat yourselves to delectable fare in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy indulgent dishes at you dining table with the hotel’s new blended à la carte takeaway menu, which sports top favourites from some of Bahrain’s best-loved venues - Nirvana, Primavera, Cantina Kahlo, Thai Lounge and La Plage. Food can be ordered daily between noon to 10pm, and is to be picked up from La Plage Call 17 586-499. 14 June 2021
FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME From All Day Breakfast like eggs, French Toast, sandwiches and foul medames, to soups and salads, starters, sandwiches and main course, the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain has it all. Guests can choose to make their own pasta by choosing their pasta type along with delicious sauces from Carbonara with turkey bacon, Pomodoro or Bolognese. For those of you feeling local, there is an entire section of the menu dedicated to Arabic foods – mezzeh, lentil soup, succulent lamb chops, shish taouk, sautéed Bahraini prawns and of course, the ultimate crowd-pleaser; a variety of biryani. Select your preferred hot or cold beverages and make it a meal to remember. Remember, you can’t go wrong with five-star flavours of the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Call 17 460-017. www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping
KEEPING IT CLASSY Furn Bakery at The Westin City Centre Bahrain will be open for takeaway from 8am – 10pm every day. The outlet offers a range of delicious bites for those craving something decadent while staying safe at home. Enjoy the well-balanced flavours of a traditional mixed mezzeh, manakeesh and flavoursome mini pizza and then complete the meal with a round of sweet treats, just because you deserve it. When you need a quick fuelling in the morning, opt for Bircher muesli, homemade granola or keep it simple with cut fruits. The outlet has a great selection of desserts and cakes sold by slice, like moist, melt-in-your-mouth carrot cake, red velvet and pistachio slice. The Coconut Bounty cake is one for chocolate lovers and for something unique, the Cafeecrolene cake is a must-try. Call 17 171-441.
AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE Da Rosa Restaurant at Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area offers outstanding international and Middle Eastern cuisine with a touch of traditional Lebanese influence. Besides an extensive range of breakfast items, signature soups and salads, hot and cold mezzeh, pizzas, burgers, grills and sandwiches and native and international favourites, there are also an array of Healthy Options on the menu which are very popular. They are updated every week with different dishes from Sunday to Thursday, offering fresh seasonal food cooked in a healthier style. Keeping in line with trends and demands of its loyal patrons, the restaurant now offers Keto-friendly dishes as well. When you chose Da Rosa Restaurant for takeaway or delivery to your home or workplace, you will experience excellent service and delicious cuisine, made with the freshest and finest ingredients, and prepared with sensitivity and care. Visit www.darosabyfraser.com
AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS Who says staying home has to be mundane? Shake off the lockdown blues with a meal that has the distinct flavours of Korea from Red Plate Korean Restaurant. Conveniently located in Manama, this venue is nown for its serving size of dishes that are uniquely Korean. The team behind the scenes take great care to ensure that clients can savour authentic flavours that guests keep coming back for. The menu itself is a riot of colour – a prelude to the tastes one can expect to experience. The Korean Fried Chicken is happiness on a plate, with fresh, tender chicken coated in an irresistible crunch. The menu also boasts other varieties of this original dish – like Buldak, Honey Butter, Honey Ganjang, Snowing Cheese, Ma La and Creamy Onion fried chicken. Other dishes on the menu include true-blue Korean specialities that will leave your taste buds satiated. Ssam Dak, Dak Gaye Jang, Ojing-Eo Deop Bap, Kimchi Bokkeum Bap and Bi Bim Bap are just a few of the lip-smacking delicacies available at the Red Plate Restaurant, which is open from 3pm – 11.30pm. Call 33 054-233. www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2021 15
tablehopping
AWESOMELY ORIENTAL Bambudha by David & Anne have an exciting offer for guests who order from the venue online. Avail 10 per cent discount along with free delivery when you order online, and a generous 20 per cent discount on takeaway orders. This deal is valid till June 10. Bambudha has been known to residents of the island as one of the best places to savour genuine flavours of Oriental street food tweaked with added flair in a chic bistro style environment. The venue will bring the flavours of the Far East right to your doorstep so you can dig in to Asian culture through its delicious food. From signature dishes like Grilled Chili Prawns with Fresh Mango Salad, Lettuce Wrapped duck or soft-shell Crab with Green Onion Aioli to a range of appetisers and mains, Bambudha does not fail to please the palate and the appetite. Call 17 100-188.
BRING GOURMET HOME Travel back in time to the age of Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier by indulging in dishes inspired by these greats from the The Ritz Gourmet Lounge. This venue, that echoes the idea of the belle epoque, or the beautiful era, embraces the heritage of these two pioneers in international hospitality with a dedicated menu influenced by some of Escoffier’s world classics. Experience the sophisticated tastes of crowd favourites at home, from handpicked salad mix to homemade baked croissant and your favourite cakes. Orders can be placed daily from 8am – 10pm and picked up from the venue itself. Call 17 586-425. 16 June 2021
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tablehopping
HAPPINESS AT YOUR DOORSTEP Here is the answer to the eternal question: So, what do we eat? If you want to choose from a truly international menu that suites a range of discerning taste buds, head online to the InterContinental Regency Hotel’s page on Talabat. Maybe you’re in the mood for some Traditional Italian Lasagna, or you crave the earthy flavours of a Daal Makhani. Fried Crumbed Calamari could be just the thing that your heart (and stomach) desires, or it could be the heartiness of Cream of Mushroom Soup after a long day to bring you solace. From five-star level pastas, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, desserts and even a dedicated kids’ menu, the renowned establishment can bring happiness in the form of great food to you. Don’t miss out on the list of Indian and Arabic specialities as well as party platters including for breakfast, light bites and pastries. Visit talabat.com
Innovative Japanese Cuisine
RIBS CROCANTE
For reservations call: 17522733 @makirest
@makirestaurant
WWW.OLIVERMAKI.COM
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June 2021 17
motoring news
THE ELECTRIC REVOLUTION!
Dick Potter delves into a hot topic in the motoring industry – greener vehicles.
I
should be surprised, but I guess the only surprise is that it took so long for the announcement to be made. Supercar maker Lamborghini is the latest automotive brand to outline how it will transition to greener vehicles in the future. It vows to electrify their current range of models by the end of 2024, as the frightening 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars looms. Returning CEO, Stephan Winkelmann-he was away at Bugatti for a stint- announced that the iconic marque will invest over a billion Euros in the next four years that will see all cars in its line-up switch to petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Whilst this was inevitable-the world’s most flamboyant supercar company was bound to embrace electric sooner or laterit doesn’t really have a choice. Lamborghini’s rivals are pushing ahead, Ferrari for example, recently confirmed its first EV will be with us by 2025. However, unlike rival Ferrari, Lamborghini will adopt a more cautious approach. It has yet to rubber stamp when it will sell its first fully-electric vehicle. While conventional brands such as Ford and Jaguar Land Rover have set out their phased switch to battery power, it’s a more difficult proposal for manufacturers of highperformance premium cars sold on their visceral sound, speed and distribution of weight for handling. For makers such as Lamborghini, abandoning the internal www.bahrainthismonth.com
combustion is both a technical and emotional challenge. The brand with the rampaging bull for a logo is famed for its roaring 12-cylinder powerplants. I am reliably informed that the map for Lamborghini’s change will unfurl thus. The current Aventador, Huracán and Urus line up will keep going for another couple of years. Then over the course of two years – 2023 to 2024 – Lamborghini will electrify its whole line-up, which means plug-in hybrid replacements for the Aventador and Huracán and a heavily-updated, plug-in hybrid Urus.
engined, noisy, high-drama machines. Whilst it must maintain its DNA, to be recognisable as a Lamborghini, there are those CO2 emissions to factor in. Lamborghini claim to have a target of 50 per cent CO2 reduction across the fleet by 2024. With their 60th anniversary in two years’ time, it’s fairly safe to assume Lamborghini won’t disappoint with their EV offerings as the motoring green movement inexorably draws nearer! Safe driving all. dickpotter@redhousemarketing.com
Question is, why wait so long? Well, Winkelmann wants to wait until there’s more development of battery technology and the charging infrastructure. Very wise Mr. Winkelmann. On a technical level, lithium-ion batteries cannot operate for long at top speed - a real issue for a car firm that sells outrageously fast motors. Furthermore, research suggests that one in four drivers plan to buy an electric car in the coming years. For those not planning to buy one, expense is cited as the primary reason- most likely they won’t be buying a Lamborghini then. Concerns around the battery lifespan and charging stations are the next reasons drivers are reluctant to go down electric avenue-(laugh!). Lamborghini have therefore vowed to give top priority to the range aspect in the battery electric era. It’s a time of total revolution for a company whose calling card has always been bigJune 2021 19
bystander
Opening of Suq Al Qaysariyyah
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities held and official opening of Suq Al Qaysariyyah in Muharraq. In one of the oldest parts of Suq Al Muharraq, Suq Al Qaysariyyah opened after its re-development through a two-day event, where the contemporary shops designed by Studio Anne Holtrop, hosted pop-up fashion and jewelry stores, cafés and more in the heart of the historic venue. The event was attended by members of the media apart from art and culture enthusiasts.
20 June 2021
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motoring news
MAXIMUM SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND What you need to know about the Ferrari Approved Certification
A
t the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy and across the world at the authorised dealerships, a heritage of excellence is maintained through the Ferrari Approved Certification. This application of the highest possible standards allows the Prancing Horse team to deliver the best possible customer experience for Ferrari owners. The Approved pre-owned certification programme reflects the marque’s unrivalled standards through an intricate inspection process that guarantees the ultimate satisfaction for the programme’s customers. Pristine Ferrari vehicles that were once completely out of reach to many have become that little bit more accessible. But before these pre-owned vehicles are made available to the public, they have to undergo a rigorous process comprising a series of wide-ranging checks and numerous guarantees that have been approved by the parent company. To ensure that any pre-owned Ferrari is operating at standards comparable to a brand-new vehicle, the local Ferrari dealership starts by implementing a detailed technical inspection of each and every car. This is carried out by a team of highly skilled Ferrari technicians who have undergone extensive training at Maranello in Northern Italy, the home of Ferrari. One of their very first tasks is to verify the origin and maintenance history of these vehicles to ensure they have been properly taken care of and have no major accidents in their service history. These technicians painstakingly prepare both the exterior and interior of each car to ensure that every aspect of the vehicle is in top condition, a fastidious process which enables them to provide a www.bahrainthismonth.com
guarantee for the cars of up to 24 months. If you are wondering how thorough these inspections are, all in all a total of 190 individual checks are carried out before a used Ferrari may be bestowed with an Approved “license”. This detailed examination includes a mechanical operation test as well as a test on the operation of the electrical system. Liquid levels are also carefully examined, as are the state of the suspension, brakes, cooling system and steering system. These are but a handful of the primary checks implemented on all vehicles. On top of these, secondary checks are carried out on air conditioning, the dashboard and all safety systems. Operation of lights, wheels and tires (including tread depth and pressure) are yet more examples of the car’s functional capabilities that are carefully inspected. All of this takes place in compliance with Ferrari standards of safety, performance and reliability.
that it has an unlimited mileage warranty, except for parts subject to routine maintenance such as brake pads & disks, tyres and other normal wear and tear. With such a comprehensive certification programme being applied, the Ferrari Approved pre-owned initiative guarantees the quality of all vehicles being sold as well as the support required to ensure a positive experience for all owners.
Once these checks have been completed, seasoned testers put the car through its paces to ensure it is functioning at 100 percent. Thanks to these detailed inspections, all those who purchase a pre-owned vehicle from an authorised Ferrari dealership will receive a written analysis of all of the tests performed. The transparent nature of the history of Ferrari Approved models ensures every item of information is verified, and anyone purchasing a Ferrari Approved car will enjoy the benefits of a Ferrari warranty as well, which covers the parts and labour for major repairs. Another benefit of a Ferrari Approved car is June 2021 21
motoring news
ON-ROAD TESTING INITIATED
After initial testing on the proving grounds of the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach, the all-electric Macan is ready for the road, with the well camouflaged next-generation prototypes of the compact SUV now heading outside Porsche premises for the first time. “Testing in a real-life environment is now getting underway – one of the most important milestones in the development process,” says Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development, at Porsche AG. By the time the all-electric Macan is launched onto the market in 2023, it will have covered some three million test kilometres worldwide in varying conditions. The prototypes are able to incorporate the experience gained from countless previous test kilometres driven in a virtual space. Digital development and testing preserve resources and therefore enhance sustainability. Instead of real vehicles, the engineers use digital prototypes – computational models that replicate the properties, systems and power units of a vehicle to a high degree of accuracy. There are 20 digital prototypes for the purpose of simulation in a number of development categories, such as aerodynamics, energy management, operation and acoustics.
New Supercar Day
The London Concours presented by Montres Breguet is now extended over three days, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s top motoring events. The third and final day of this year’s event is ‘Supercar Day’, in association with Drivers Union. The exclusive supercar owners club will bring 60 of its members’ finest cars to grace the lawns of the Honourable Artillery Club, alongside 100 of the world’s rarest and most collectible cars. Among the 60 eclectic supercars will be a beautiful, limited edition Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Spitfire edition, which was a unique tribute by Aston Martin Cambridge to the Supermarine Spitfire, celebrating its 80th anniversary. Also making an appearance on the lawns will be one of many stunning Ferraris. The Ferrari 575 was launched in 2002, designed by styling house Pininfarina, the car was essentially a tweaked version of the beautiful 550 Maranello. Adding to the collection of supercars on display are a few quirkier vehicles which include a BMW Z8 which was most famous for its role in in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, the ultimate 80s pinup the Porsche 911 930 Turbo, and the definitive hellraiser from Blackpool, the outrageous TVR Sagaris, complete with side-exit exhaust pipes. The London Concours takes place from 8-10 June 2021.
A LITTLE WAY TO PRESERVE HISTORY
The Little Car Company, makers of the limited-edition Bugatti Baby II, are thrilled to commence deliveries to customers around the world. Built in partnership with Bugatti, the Bugatti Baby II is a contemporary tribute to Ettore Bugatti’s original masterpiece, the Bugatti Baby, built in 1926. The vehicle was developed to celebrate Bugatti’s 110th anniversary, and is not only significant in preserving the history of the Bugatti marque, but also inspiring a new generation of young Bugatti enthusiasts. The very first of 500 bespoke Baby II models have started to reach owners across the globe, sparking excitement with Bugatti collectors both old and new. One of the first Bugatti Baby II vehicles has arrived with a long-time Bugatti owner in Dubai. The carbon fiber ‘Vitesse’ version of the Baby II will be deployed for private transfers to VIP sections of the airport. Passengers passing through Al Maktoum International Airport may catch a glimpse of the visually striking Baby II – finished in a completely custom paint colour – on their next visit. 22 June 2021
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motoring news
REPORTING A SURGE
As PEUGEOT continues to buck the automotive industry with its strong comeback into the GCC, the French automaker announced positive sales results in its first quarter. Buoyed by a successful performance to the fourth quarter in 2020, recent figures released by PEUGEOT indicate an increase of 210 percent and 420 percent for its passenger and light commercial vehicle (LCV) segments respectively. During Q1 of 2021, PEUGEOT expanded its operations in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, growing its customer base and resulting in a significant increase in sales. Its passenger vehicle sales more than tripled, with products such as the 3008 SUV and 5008 SUV driving growth by 173 percent and 254 percent respectively and the 508 increasing by 270 percent. With the onset of COVID-19, Peugeot struck key deals with Noon, Amazon and DHL to support the rise of E-commerce. In addition, the brand prioritised the production of LCVs like the Partner, which accounted for a significant proportion of new vehicles in the GCC, to support deliveries and distribution networks. This resulted in the brand’s LCV segment performing strongly with sales up by 420 percent.
HERE ARE YOUR CHAMPIONS!
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) hosted the fifth and final round of the Bahrain Rotax Max Challenge (BRMC) 2021 over the weekend, and the newest series of champions emerged at BIC’s world-class karting track. Taking impressive victories in the season-finale were Fahad Alkhaled in the Senior Max class, Fahad Almuqla in the Junior Max category, Luca Houghton in the Mini Max and Shaikh Rashid bin Salman Al Khalifa in the Micro Max. All four winners were also crowned the season’s champions in their respective divisions. Amongst the season’s title-winning Entrants, Forza Bahrain Racing were winners in the Senior Max category, BirelArt Bahrain in the Junior Max and Mini Max, and Praga ME in the Micro Max. The BRMC was part of this year’s Bahrain Karting Sprint Championship. All the action in the season-finale took place along the 1.414-kilometre CIK-FIA track of Bahrain International Karting Circuit. The 2021 championship-finale was run with strict health protection measures in place, in line with government regulations and guidance.
IN THE MILLIONS
Lexus has announced that the luxury brand eclipsed the milestone of 2 million global sales of electrified vehicles at the end of April 2021. Since the launch of the RX400h in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market, and the models have continued to evolve on the mission of balancing excellent driving performance with environmental sensitivity. Based on a philosophy of “right time, right product, right place”, Lexus hopes to further develop its electrified product portfolio to best respond to a varied range of energy sources and infrastructure environments encountered around the world. As a result, Lexus now sells nine models of electrified vehicles, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles www.bahrainthismonth.com
(BEVs), in approximately 90 countries and regions around the world. In 2020, 33% of the Lexus models sold globally were of the electrified variety. Since 2005, Lexus electrified vehicles have contributed to a cumulative reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 19 million tons. This reduction is equivalent to the combined CO2 output of approximately 300,000 passenger cars each year for the past 15 years. Lexus will continue to lead the steady growth of electrified vehicles and the reduction of
CO2 emissions in line with our corporate mission of carbon neutrality and Sustainable Development Goals.
June 2021 23
business bites
A Joint Cooperation The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) received an official delegation from the Abdulla bin Khalid College for Islamic Studies to discuss joint cooperation between the two parties in offering training programs in the fields of Islamic banking and information technology. The BIBF Director, Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, welcomed the delegation, praising the efforts made in establishing the Abdulla bin Khalid College for Islamic Studies, as a great achievement that will serve the educational process in Bahrain. The meeting
also highlighted the BIBF’s expertise in offering academic and training programmes, and concluded with forming a committee to coordinate joint activities. Due to the international trust in the BIBF as a Centre of Excellence for specialised training, an increased number of delegations are visiting the institute to discuss ways of cooperation, whereby training arrangements are done for human capital development locally, regionally and on a global scale.
AGAINST ALL ODDS Bahrain Car Parks Company (trading symbol: CPARK) has announced its financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2021.
National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C. (NBB) has reported a 1.3% increase in its net profit attributable to equity shareholders to BD 15.6 million (USD 41.4 million) for the three months ended 31 March 2021, compared to BD 15.4 million (USD 40.8 million) in the same period of 2020. The increase in net profit is predominantly due to lower provisioning levels in 2021, as 2020 included precautionary provisioning requirements attributable to the pandemic.
As for the company’s financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2021, net profit reached BD199k compared to BD137k reported for the same period last year, an increase of 44%. Basic and diluted earnings per share were at 1.82 fils, compared to 1.26 fils for the same period in 2020. The company reported a total comprehensive income of BD144k, 716% higher compared to BD18k reported in the previous year, and a decrease of 7% decrease in operating income, BD437k compared to BD 468k for the same period in 2020. Commenting on the financial results, Chairman of Bahrain Car Parks Company, Amin Alarrayed, said: “We are delighted with the resilience of our financial results for the first quarter of the 2021. The company continues to invest in world class technologies and solutions to upgrade the customer journey for both public and private clients.”
INVESTING IN TODAY’S YOUTH Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the largest real estate development companies in Bahrain, has announced the launch of its graduate internship programme, Tumouh, which will take place from July to December this year. The programme is designed for Bahraini graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in the fields of engineering such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, architecture and real estate development. During their training, the selected graduates will be mentored by a team of Diyar Al Muharraq experts while benefiting from hands-on experience through placement across the Company’s various engineering and real estate development departments. The 24 June 2021
A PROFITABLE QUARTER
Total comprehensive income attributable to NBB’s equity shareholders for the quarter increased to BHD 16.1 million (USD 42.7 million) compared with a comprehensive loss attributable to NBB’s equity shareholders of BHD 39.3 million (USD 104.2 million) in the same period of 2020. The increase is predominantly attributable to the mark-to-market movements of the Bahrain Sovereign bond portfolio.
programme will empower the interns with skills through practical and online training courses delivered by global institutions. “We firmly believe in the importance of investing in today’s youth and providing them with opportunities to enhance their skills and talents. This programme will enable Bahraini graduates to further improve their skills, hone their talents, fuel their ambition, and ultimately enhance their CVs, making it easier for them to enter the job market in the future,” said CEO of Diyar Al Muharraq, Eng. Ahmed Ali Alammadi. Applications will be accepted starting from May 5 until May 31. www.bahrainthismonth.com
business bites
LEADING THE WAY The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s General Manager, Bernard de Villèle has announced the appointment of new personnel: Director of Culinary and Food and Beverage, Yann Bernard Lejard; Executive Assistant Manager in-charge of Sales, Marketing and Public Relations, Jeremy Canivet; Director of Human Resources, Rasha Ghoul and Senior Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, Alper Kucukbaycan.
in-room dining, and banquets catering division. In his new role, Mr. Canivet will continue to direct the Sales and Marketing and oversee the hotel in the absence of the General Manager. Mr. Canivet began his hospitality career in Sales and Marketing in Toronto, Canada before moving on to positions in Europe followed by the Middle East in 2010.
With over 15 years in luxury hospitality, Ms. Ghoul will oversee all aspects of the Human Resources division for the five-star beachfront resort, including the resort’s award-winning Community Footprints program, Leadership Voyager program, Talent Acquisition and Management, and Employee Relations strategies.
In this new role, Mr. Lejard will oversee a Culinary and Fand B team of 220 personnel along with the entire strategic vision and operation of the hotel’s unique gastronomic experience. Mr. Lejard intends to continue to keep the property’s 12 restaurants and banqueting facilities in prime positions within the local market. Bringing nearly two decades of luxury hospitality experience to the resort, Mr. Kucukbaycan will oversee all facets of the food and beverage operations under the guidance of Mr. Lejard, including the resort’s award-winning restaurants,
A RENEWED AGREEMENT Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eskan Bank to provide financing to customers who wish to own their dream home in Danaat Al Baraka as part of the Ministry of Housing’s Mazaya Social Housing Finance
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Scheme. The real estate financing offer, which is in compliance with the principles of Islamic Shari’a, includes competitive annual profit rates without administrative fees, a flexible payment period of up to 30 years, a zero down-payment for
additional financing covering the property value, and more. The Danaat Al Baraka project, located in Jannusan, includes 211 modern villas with four different contemporary designs.
June 2021 25
commerce
CLOUD KITCHENS More on-ground than you think!
Pria Masson Tanwar explores the potential of and processes behind Cloud Kitchens.
R
ecently, some frequently used terms have the word “cloud” attached to them like cloud computing, cloud servers, etc. One such term that caught my eye recently was the concept of cloud kitchens. Simply put, these are delivery-only food service operators. This core concept got me very confused since to my mind, that’s really the same as a restaurant using a delivery platform like Zomato, etc. Turns out, this is just the tip of the iceberg and the potential of this business is significant. So, what are cloud kitchens? Think of them as a large warehouse space where a custombuilt assembly line and cleverly planned logistics and supply chains ensure quick turnarounds and efficient cost numbers. That’s exactly what cloud kitchens are – a very large food court where space is rented out for a fee and an online platform is
provided to interact with customers. One popular format is to offer “Kitchen-as-a service (KaaS) or satellite kitchens” that provide a space to existing brands. The other format is “virtual restaurants” wherein the chefs, cuisines and menu items are curated and offered under a new umbrella. How does this process begin? As always, with an investor, with deep enough financial resources, who owns or takes on a long-term lease for a significant space. This space is then custom-built or developed for either specific cuisines, specific brands or a mix of the above. It’s then organised for efficiency similar to an assembly line for a factory so that volume is easier and quality uncompromised. In return for this entire set up, a tenants fee plus a commission on each delivery is often charged. As a business, it’s of significant interest.
Online food delivery in the MENA region, which includes regular restaurants using delivery platforms, is a USD three billion market, more than 65% of which is accounted for by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. As per a KPMG Food and Beverage report for 2019-2020, more than 80% of consumers surveyed used apps to order food. Another interesting statistic out of the same report is that 22% of the operators saw delivery contributing more than 25% of sales and is on an upward trajectory. By reducing overheads and making costs efficient, the barriers to entry for talent are reduced. Also, technology provides malleability and allows the menu options and cuisines themselves to be tweaked by demand. The data available with delivery apps allows cloud kitchens to offer food demanded by specific locations. The benefits of this system is the flexibility and opportunity that it provides for new talent to enter in a protected space. Operationally, there is no physical interaction with any client and the entire loop of communication is virtual. Since the entire focus is efficient delivery, the staff and overhead costs- which form a significant part of operational expenses for a restaurant – are minimised. For the investor, the rent received and commission along with the diversified cuisines offer a commercial hedge from low demand.
26 June 2021
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September 2020 61 www.bahrainthismonth.com
e c n a s i u N Noise!
Bill Grieve explores a relatable issue in residential apartment buildings. Bill Grieve
“It doesn’t matter if you are a pilot, a pastor, a plumber or a professor - if your neighbors complain about you making noise - you’re being a nuisance!” Nuisance noise in an apartment building can be one of the greatest negative impacts on modern lifestyle living regardless of the highest standards of a building. Inconsiderate neighbours generally know they are making a noise and simply don’t care - that’s why good building management is a crucial consideration when selecting an apartment. Ask the building management what the nuisance noise policies are and how they deal with noise makers - in writing. “You don’t have to be a genius to know that when you live in a residential apartment you have a moral duty to be considerate of your neighbours and the effect of your actions on them.” Most residential apartment building areas already have more than enough external noise from sewerage removal pump trucks, refuse removal, inconsiderate drivers “hooning” around, loud motorcycles or scooters, public transport and especially construction and maintenance.
That being said, the main internal residential building related noise sources are: • Constantly activated fire alarms. • Slamming of doors. • Loud and unruly behaviour in common areas or
It is often the case that people downsizing from villas to apartment buildings continue to generate the same amount of noise they did in their villa or house and show little consideration for adjacent neighbours - especially underneath them. Another significant frustration is caused by introducing “villagers” and people who are not accustomed to the refinements and protocols of residential apartment living and due to their ignorance perpetually set off fire alarms, bang doors, drop items on the tiled or hard floors and adopt a couldn’t care less attitude about noise sources like music, loud voices, scraping furniture across the floor and causing a raucous when watching sports on TV showing little or no consideration for those around them.
• Scraping furniture across tiled or hard surfaces. • Walking in hard heels on tiled or hard floors or
No! - it’s not ok to cause a nuisance noise until the early hours of the morning
• Loud and inconsiderate neighbours - music, parties, get togethers and sports event gatherings.
facilities - especially near lifts.
dropping items continuously. • Unruly or constantly crying or performing children. • Personal relationship inconsiderations - screaming, shouting. Pets and toys - Both being the responsibility of the tenant or resident. 28 June 2021
even if your favourite team is playing - use earphones, make use of party halls or building TV rooms, watch your loud sports, TV programmes or make your music in an environment that does not cause a disturbance to your neighbours - just because you have rented the apartment does not give you, your family, friends or visitors the right to be a nuisance or cause other tenants to complain about you making a racket or disturbing their peace.
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THE SOLUTION
Report It to Sort It!! General Resident Rules
• Use outside facilities for gatherings and get togethers where there may be noise.
• Behave as though your parents lived in the same building. • Your noise may be causing someone else’s discomfort - be
Question What is an acceptable level of noise in a residential apartment building?
Answer - The level where no one in an adjacent apartment or in your building has reason to complain about you - when someone complains about noise you are making you should apologise, turn it down and learn a lesson - embarrassingly and stop being a nuisance! It’s not rocket science to be considerate and actually a direct reflection on upbringing, culture, education, intelligence, common sense and simply put what your parents taught you - to be well behaved. Nuisance noise makers are nothing new and history depicts these inconsiderate scrotes, regardless of their standing or position in society, and describes them accordingly throughout - Charles Babbage the well-known anti-noise activist circa 1741 related:“Actually, I have for a long time been of the opinion that the quantity of noise anyone can comfortably endure is in inverse proportion to their mental powers, and can therefore be regarded as a rough measure of them. When I therefore hear dogs barking hour upon hour unrestrained in the courtyard of a house, I know what to think of the mental powers of the inhabitants. Whoever habitually slams doors rather than closing them by hand, or allows this happen in their house, is not merely ill-mannered, but a crude and obtuse person”.
considerate at all times.
• If you live in a residential apartment remember it’s NOT a villa or a village hut.
• Don’t be the rotten apple in the basket - behave - it’s not a kindergarten you’re living in.
Advice to Building Management -
• When a nuisance noise is reported - ACT! • Giving lip service or excuses is unnecessary and only grows mushrooms.
• Do your job - manage noise complaints effectively. Improperly handled or unaddressed nuisance noise quickly becomes a vicious cycle often leading to severe consequences.
The 3 rules of nuisance noise Report, Record, Repeat.
Always report nuisance noise and keep a good record of every occurrence and the actions involved and resultant events or occurrences. You can also report nuisance noise makers to the municipality or even the police however this should be a last resort. If you have a nuisance noise comment please visit the online version and share it through this QR code and share this article with anyone it may be relevant or appropriate to.
Building management is also often to blame Nuisance noise creation is not always the tenants’ fault - building management has a responsibility to address areas of nuisance noise creation that they create through faulty interior decorating design choices I.e. Heavy doors that slam easily with no braking or self-closing systems and especially common - the scraping sounds of floor contact furniture on hard floors, the drill like resonance of which could probably wake the dead when furniture is inconsiderately dragged, pulled, pushed or move especially late at night or early morning and which easily pierces through ceilings, floors and adjacent walls. There is also a duty of care to residents to act on nuisance noise complaints without delay. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Made by Bill Grieve
June 2021 29
tv releases
9 Movies to Keep you Indoors and Safe! Here’s Kristian Harrison’s list of TV releases to keep you indoors and safe this month.
Solos
The Underground Railroad
This dramatic anthology series asks what it truly means to be human, arguing that we are ultimately connected to others through our shared experiences, even in the moments where we may feel our most isolated or alone. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Helen Mirren, Uzo Aduba, and Constance Wu, this is a touching and relatable series that will be especially impactful for those still missing human connection during this age of a pandemic where social distance and separation reign supreme..
Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel of the same name, Barry Jenkins’s long awaited project The Underground Railroad is finally pulling into Amazon Prime. Starring Thuso Mbedu as Cora Randall, the limited series follows Cora as she escapes her Georgia plantation by using the Underground Railroad – depicted in the series as a literal railroad system in tunnels underground. The cast will also include Aaron Pierre, Joel Edgerton, and William Jackson Harper.
Army of the Dead
From filmmaker Zack Snyder, Army of the Dead takes place following a zombie outbreak that has left Las Vegas in ruins and walled off from the rest of the world. When Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), a displaced Vegas local, former zombie war hero who’s flipping burgers on the outskirts of the town he now calls home, is approached by casino boss Bly Tanaka (Hiroyuki Sanada), it’s with the ultimate proposition: Break into the zombie-infested quarantine zone to retrieve $200 million sitting in a vault beneath the strip before the city is nuked by the government in 32 hours. 30 June 2021
The Boy from Medellín
The Boy From Medellin presents a week in the life of J Balvin, the Colombian reggaeton superstar who broke worldwide with hits like ‘Ginza’ and ‘Mi Gente’ and the Cardi B and Bad Bunny collaboration ‘I Like It.’ 40 million units shifted and billions of YouTube streams later, he’s brought it all home to Medellin for the biggest concert of his life.
Sweet Tooth
As one of a number of upcoming DC projects on Netflix, Sweet Tooth is a series adaptation of one of the best DC comics by Jeff Lemire with Robert Downey Jr serving as an executive producer. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows a young boy who is half-human and half-deer looking for a new life. He soon finds many dangers lurk outside of the comfort of his forest.
Awake
Global hysteria ensues after a mysterious catastrophe wipes out all electronics and takes away humanity’s ability to sleep. Scientists race against the clock to find a cure for the unexplained insomnia before its fatal effects eliminate the human race. When Jill (Gina Rodriguez), a former soldier, discovers her young daughter may be the key to salvation, she must decide whether to protect her children at all costs or sacrifice everything to save the world.. www.bahrainthismonth.com
tv releases
Loki After stealing the Tesseract during the events of Avengers: Endgame, an alternate version of Loki is brought to the mysterious Time Variance Authority (TVA), a bureaucratic organisation that exists outside of time and space and monitors the timeline. They give Loki a choice: face being deleted from existence due to being a ‘time variant’, or help fix the timeline and stop a greater threat. Loki ends up trapped in his own crime thriller, traveling through time and altering human history. Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant.
Raya and the Last Dragon In the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world – it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well. Raya and the Last Dragon features the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, a warrior whose wit is as sharp as her blade, and Awkwafina as magical, mythical, selfdeprecating dragon named Sisu.
Star Wars – The Bad Batch This animated series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in ‘The Clone Wars’) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the galactic conflict. Members of Bad Batch – a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army – each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.
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June 2021 31
games
GAMES
WHAT IS IT?
Resident Evil Village is a survival horror game developed and published by Capcom. A major instalment in the Resident Evil series and a narrative sequel to 2017’s Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, the game follows Ethan Winters, who, after a fateful encounter with Chris Redfield, finds himself in a village filled with mutant creatures in an effort to find his kidnapped daughter. While Village maintains the series’ mainstay survival horror elements, the game adopts a more action-oriented gameplay style compared to its predecessor.
GAMEPLAY
Resident Evil Village uses a first-person perspective and is set in a snowy explorable Eastern European village. The inventory management mechanic features a briefcase and the ability to move and rotate items for better storage space. Players can buy supplies, weapons, items from a merchant, called the Duke and can also hunt animals in the village and have them cooked into dishes by him. Eating side dishes allows the player to gain certain advantages such as decreasing the damage taken while blocking.
GRAPHICS
The eponymous village consists of numerous visually distinctive domains that you must survive, from the opulent gold-trimmed interiors of Castle Dimitrescu to the grungy mechanical works of Heisenberg’s subterranean facility. There are noticeable shifts in mood between each setting, with one demanding a more stealth-driven approach while another leans more into psychological horror than combat. Delving into the darkest corners of Village’s world and uncovering the real reason these fairytale freaks have come into existence in the present day makes for a compelling mystery.
SUBNAUTICA: BELOW ZERO
Below Zero is an underwater adventure game set on an alien ocean world developed by Unknown Worlds. Dive into a freezing underwater adventure in an arctic region of planet 4546B. As a scientist posted to a research station on the planet’s surface, you are tasked with studying alien artefacts. Meanwhile, the Vesper space station orbits high above you, sending supplies, instructions, and receiving samples you launch from the surface. When disaster strikes the research station, you must improvise to survive: construct habitats, scavenge for resources, hunt for food and craft equipment. 32 June 2021
VERDICT:
Another brilliant horror classic.
RATING:
MASS EFFECT LEGENDARY EDITION
One person is all that stands between humanity and the greatest threat it’s ever faced. Relive the legend of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, remastered and optimised for 4K Ultra HD. This includes the single-player base content and over 40 downloadable packs from Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 including promo weapons, armours and packs. Experience an amazingly rich and detailed universe where your decisions have profound consequences on the action and the outcome.
BIOMUTANT
Biomutant is an open-world, post-apocalyptic KungFu fable RPG, with a unique martial arts styled combat system allowing you to mix melee, shooting and mutant ability action. A plague is ruining the land and the Tree-of-Life is bleeding death from its roots. The Tribes stand divided. Explore a world in turmoil and define its fate – will you be its saviour or lead it to an even darker destiny?
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websites Exploring the world of the internet? Check out these sites that we found quite useful.
www.spreeder.com
Spreeder is the web’s leading destination for speed reading. It helps you read faster and comprehend more of the text you’re reading, so you can save time and be more productive in life. It’s a simple, but effective tool. It basically lets you upload text and practice reading at speeds way higher than you imagine you could possibly read at.
www.typing.com/student/game/type-a-balloon
For those in office-bound jobs looking to improve their typing, this website might be a good port of call. This Type-A-Balloon game is one of the simplest. Balloons with letters on them float down your screen, and your job is to burst them by hitting the right key before they reach the bottom. Hit the wrong key or you’re too slow, then you lose.
www. woofme.ie/tools/ vision-converter
Ever wondered what a dog pictures when it sees something? It definitely wouldn’t be able to visualise the amazing rainbow that you marvel at. This website lets you upload an image and it renders the image to reflect what a dog would see.
www.googlefeud.com
This Family Fortunes-style game is a brilliant website that will kill hours of time with your friends or in the office. You have to complete questions across four different categories to predict the top ten Google autocomplete suggestions. The more you guess correctly, the higher you score.
WEAR A FACE MASK
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
CLEANING HANDS WITH ANTISEPTIC
AVOID CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE bahrainthismonth
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June 2021 33
APPS REVIEW HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING AND USEFUL APPS KRISTIAN HARRISON CAME ACROSS THIS MONTH!
Hear My Baby This app allows pregnant women to record and share their baby’s heartbeat. It doesn’t require any additional accessories for your phone, simply follow the directions by placing your iPhone’s microphone on your stomach and watch as the audio feed comes to life. The app’s unique sound isolation algorithm allows it to hear a baby’s heartbeat from 27 weeks and on.
Windy Windy combines natural wind recordings with stunning artwork to help you sleep, relax, study, or meditate. It utilises stereoscopic 3-D audio that’s optimised for headphones, so you can drift off into your own little world. The six natural wind recordings can be mixed with rain, river sounds, birds, and crickets. There’s also a whimsical story embedded within the app, allowing you to follow Windy on her journey to breath-taking locations.
One Tomato One Tomato follows the Pomodoro technique, a tried and true method that helps you define clear goals and get them done faster by setting aside blocks of time. Access the tag drawer on the right side of the screen with a tap and you’re able to choose from 14 pre-built tags or create your own. Then choose your focus duration - the most common being 25 minutes - and get to work. When time is up, you’ll receive a short break. Repeat the process over and over until your tasks and your day is complete. The app includes a white noise option, 3D Touch support, and stats that can be shared.
34 June 2021
Dreambase Dreambase is a minimalist dream journal that›s easy on the eyes in the early hours. It offers iCloud Sync, Tags & Filters, TouchID Lock, and Dream Statistics. Incredibly easy to use, just type in your dream, add some tags, mark it as lucid (or not), and start your day. Recording your dreams first thing in the morning quickly leads to improved dream recall. Detailed dream recall is a large part of becoming proficient at lucid dreaming.
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music
Paul Weller Fat Pop, Vol.1
Fat Pop, Vol. 1 is a dense, oversaturated collection of bold hooks, easy melodies, and multi-coloured sonics, a record that happily blurs distinctions between genre as it hops from mood to mood. Plenty of Weller touchstones are evident within the contours of its 12 songs, featuring familiar sounds that seem fresh due to unpredictable production juxtapositions, and a sharp decision to keep things tight and breezy. Half of the album’s tracks clock in at under three minutes, a move that allows for the mellow closing numbers “In Better Time” and “Still Glides the Stream” to play a bit like a reflective coda. Weller may often be adventurous, yet he rarely seems as loose and playful as he does here, and that sense of mischief is an unexpected and welcome gift.
The Black Keys Delta Kream Verdict: A fun batch of covers
What’s the story? Delta Kream is the tenth album by American rock duo the Black Keys and is a cover album of hill country blues songs. The album was recorded in about 10 hours over two afternoons at Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville at the end of the Let’s Rock tour, with little planning and no advance rehearsals.
Worth a listen? This record finds the duo of singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney putting their distinctive, garage rock stamp onto songs by such Mississippi blues legends as Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Reinterpreting the work of landmark Southern Black artists is a tricky proposition for most bands, let alone a group of white indie rockers like the Black Keys. Thankfully, while it’s somewhat looser and more low-key than the group’s sonically ambitious studio efforts, Delta Kream percolates with a respect for the source material. Laconic and acidly textured, Delta Kream is a perfect balance of the Black Keys’ lo-fi swagger and keen ear for the Mississippi blues traditions that inspired it.
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Phoebe Bridgers Copycat Killer
Phoebe Bridgers’ sophomore album solidifies the songwriter’s style with some of her most well-constructed and emotionally moving songs. “Kyoto” is a dynamic pop tune made up of perky horn parts, an upbeat tempo, and a soaring chorus. Copycat Killer conveys a different kind of emotional heaviness than her debut, and serves as a fantastic counterpoint for the more indie-oriented sound. More than anything, these songs speak to both the versatility and singularity of Bridgers’ song writing, which manages to be gripping in whatever form it takes.
Sons of Kemet Black to the Future
Before listening to Black to the Future, Sons of Kemet’s fourth album, reading the track list first is recommended. Band leader Shabaka Hutchings sequenced it as a poetic statement to accurately and aesthetically foreshadow the record’s narrative, thereby framing the context for its music. Sons of Kemet address the Black experience from colonial slavery to Black Lives Matter’s international ascendancy amid the struggle for self-determination while erasing artificial boundaries between jazz, dub, highlife, Afrobeat, calypso, rap, funk, and soul, without sterile posturing. June 2021 35
gadgets
GADGETS
BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.
POLAROID PLAY 3D PEN
This device allows you to draw and create three-dimensional images and structures. The pen comes with access to a Polaroid Trace App, so you can bring up a stencil to ‘trace’ from on your smartphone or tablet. You can ‘trace’ over it and create the pieces to assemble incredible 3D models. Alternatively, you can free-draw a model for yourself. Available now from www.red5.co.uk
JAR PASSWORD DEVICE
ORKA SMART WATER BOTTLE
You can replace all of your passwords with this hardware. Instead of using passwords to access websites, you can log in or register with the touch of your finger. Available at: www.amazon.co.uk
Track your water intake with this bottle. It keeps you hydrated as a Bluetooth signal will be sent to your phone and syncs your intake data, keeping you updated on your hydration level. Available at: www.gadgetflow.com
TRANQUIL MOMENTS BEDSIDE SPEAKER
The speaker maximises sleep relaxation. The brain will try to match the rhythms of the sound you hear on this speaker and coax you into an ideal sleep you desire. Just twist the dial to choose any tune from the 12 digital sound programmes. The speaker will gradually slow playback over 30 minutes and lull you to sleep. Available at: www.amazon.co.uk
THERMO PROJECTION CLOCK
This weather clock displays the time along with temperature, humidity, day and date. It will also project the time anywhere you want, whether that be the wall or ceiling, thanks to its adjustable projection arm. Available at: thegadgetflow.com
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Bahrain Edition
BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES
June 2021 | Issue 218
BEAUTY Makeup and Perfumery that you need to get your hands on. The best of Skincare
FASHION
Living Life in Colour!
Dazzling Fine Jewellery
INTERVIEW Media personality, Nasreen Sururi, on her recent ambitious venture!
LIFESTYLE Minimalistic Design Four Recipes You’ll Love! www.womanthismonth.com
FASHION | trend
LIFE IN VIBRANT COLOUR
GANT
This spring, you can live a little, and take some inspiration from fashion houses’ look books, when you mix and match your colours. Go bright! It is spring after all. We love going in for primary and secondary colours, so think shades of orange, red, purple or blue. Colour has always been ‘in’, so there’s no question of it being a part of your OOTD whether you’re thinking of a casual chic look for daytime, a corporate look or evening a glitzy evening look in a more subdued hue. While colour blocking is hardly a new concept, this summer GANT is giving it a signature update. So, take advantage of the changing seasons to simultaneously pile on the colours, without the layers! This seasonal collection paints the town in a bold palette - the first drop of SS21 celebrates colourful city life, bold statement dressing and playful fashion expressions. With Genny, it’s all about familiar patterns, textured fabric and a vibe that’s prim and proper. We loved their fun take on colour with the sky blue pant set and purple coat dress. If you’re looking for another playful take on colour this summer, you can draw inspiration from Berluti which has a range of colourful shirts, belts, bags and more!
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Spiros Stefanoudakis
GENNY
GANT
GENNY
Spiros Stefanoudakis
For the evening, you can delve into the rich tones of Spiros Stephanoudakis gowns and more. Vertiginous slits, pleats executed to perfection to highlight the feminine curves. The colours combine with the exuberance of summer: royal blue and flashy pink for the day, deep green and black for the long summer nights. A graphic, chic and sensual collection
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BERLUTI
Berluti
Berluti
CAR CRL
FASHION | trend
The right bag will take your colourful ensemble to a whole other level. Our editor loved these pieces from Versace’s La Medua line, Berlutti and Cartier – all paired with your outfit depending on the occasion.
Versace
VERSACE
Medusa is an instantly recognisable symbol and muse of the Versace brand. Choose from vibrant hues like lavender, blue, orange and red when choosing your Italian-made La Medusa hangbag. The Double C de Cartier mini shoulder bag in cherry red has a beautiful gold and cherry red enamel-finish clasp, golden hot stamped “Cartier” signature inside and three inside compartments, making itfunctional and chic.
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June 2021
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PEOPLE | interview
y t t e r Pmbitious A NASREEN SURURI IS A YOUNG BAHRAINI WOMAN WHO IS MAKING WAVES IN THE MEDIA SCENE, WORLD OF MOTORSPORT AND MORE. HERE’S HER STORY.
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PEOPLE | interview
s a young influencer and renowned media personality, Nasreen Sururi believes it is her responsibility to spread positivity among all her followers and fans. Having started her media career in 2008 as a TV presenter, Ms. Sururi has adapted to the industry while following her passion.
grab it with its risks or leave it. I’ve taken every chance I had whether it has to do with social media, business or myself,” she says. She believes her family was supportive of her efforts throughout. “I’d also like to thank MP Ahmed Al Saloom for his efforts and support for entrepreneurs and new projects,” she says.
“I went on to be an actress in 2014 and am currently a TV presenter with Kuwait TV specialising in the exciting world of motorsport,” said Ms. Sururi, adding that she has been in love with motorsport since she was a teenager.
“I’m grateful to every person who has been there to support me and make me a stronger person through all my up and downs,” she adds.
“It was karting that ignited my interest in motorsports. I love everything about the motoring scene – the smell of burning tyres, fuel, the spectators… it’s all so enthralling! From karting my interests grew to include autocross and drag races,” she explained.
For Ms. Sururi’s next project, she will be the face of a jewellery shop in the Kingdom and will also be launching her first gold line. “I will also be launching a fashion line among other projects… but let’s keep them a surprise,” she concluded.
One of her most recent acting projects was a live children’s theatre show which was the first live online streaming show in the Kingdom of Bahrain. “It was produced by my company with the artist, Mohamed Qamber, and proved to be a very positive experience for everyone involved,” she said, adding that the show was viewed over 3100 times over two days. Steadily growing in popularity over the years, Ms. Sururi has amassed a following of over 105,000 on social media. “During the pandemic, I’ve felt that it is my responsibility to encourage my followers, as much as I can, to stay at home and remain safe. I also do my best to create interesting content to keep my followers in high spirits while highlighting subjects that are beneficial to them,” she says. Overcoming the challenges presented by the pandemic, Ms. Sururi has taken the opportunity to adapt and delve into the world of business. “I tried to find ways to change my life for the better. One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic is that it’s been the longest period of time that I have been in my beloved country – Bahrain,” she said. “While here, I’ve realised that there are several opportunities here in the business field and with social media too,” she said, adding that it was at this time that she took on her recent venture in the food industry. “Tito’s Café has always been in the Diplomatic Area and taking on this venture, getting into a new field and market was quite a big challenge for me,” she said, adding that she has worked tirelessly on the restaurant’s menu to ensure the best of flavours and presentation. “However, for myself, I don’t see it as just a venture or a restaurant; this step changed many things in my life starting with the people surrounding me,” she added. Given that the new venture took root during COVID-19, not everyone was in favour of the decision. “Despite people believing it was not the right time, I saw it as the best time as sometimes chances come once and you either www.womanthismonth.com
June 2021
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BEAUTY | news
GET YOUR GLOW ON Reinventing matte lipstick, in a glowy way YSL Beauté’s SLIM GLOW MATTE embraces the luminous matte trend, and brings it to the lips in stunning fashion. Thanks to a formula enriched with light reflecting micro-fine pearls you get the feeling of bare lips, but with colour that makes an impact, and a luminous matte finish. THE SLIM has reinvented the lipstick as you know it, with an ultra-slim, square-cut bullet that gives you precision to push and accentuate lips’ curves. It’s available in 12 amazing colours at leading beauty retailers.
SUMMER ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE! Perfumes, makeup, hair care products… we love them all! We put together our top beauty essentials that will have you looking your best this summer.
REINVENTING LIPSTICK WITH VALENTINO BEAUTY Embodying both style and substance, Rosso Valentino is set to reinvent the modern lipstick category. Built from an extensive colour palette of 50 shades, the range includes shades of classic reds, pinks, plums, modern nudes, luminous oranges, rich corals and statement-making purple and blue. The lip colour of dreams. Created using the Roma-Light ComplexTM, a colour booster that ensures luminosity and intensity, Rosso Valentino highlights a skill and grasp concerning the nuances of undertones. It delivers striking colour in one stroke.
GLOW THIS SUMMER WITH NOTE COSMÉTIQUE! Summer is the time to shine. Sultry bold eyes, bright statement lips, and the glowing look – together they make a woman look formidable. Blend with the summer sun with gorgeous sun-kissed, golden looks. By adding the perfect highlighter to your makeup look, you can emphasise your cheekbones beautifully and bring out your inner and outer glow. You can also add this Terracotta Blusher to your look for a pop of colour. Available in UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and more. Check out @ NoteCosmeticsMENA on Instagram and for more information.
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BEAUTY | news
PUT YOUR BEST CURL FORWARD When it comes to naturally curly hair, we all know that curly strands are fragile and require special care to keep them looking fresh, frizz-free and defined. Olew, a Welsh natural haircare brand, specialises in products that are specifically designed for curly hair and will help you put your shiniest and bounciest curls forward! We loved the naturally hydrating Olew Curl
Cream which nourishes and defines your curls while minimising frizz. The special blend of jojoba, avocado and Aloe, adds moisture to restore curls back to their happy, original curl pattern. Olew is currently available for purchase online on: www.projectcurls.com/(Dubai). For more information about Olew, visit the website www.olew.cymru
TRAILS OF HAPPINESS WITH LANCÔME Lancôme has cultivated a vision of generous and radiant happiness and considers happiness to be the very expression of beauty. Lancôme drew inspiration from this conviction when it designed the latest version of its iconic fragrance, La Vie est Belle Soleil Cristal. This fragrance features a radiant trail like a halo of happiness. The stunning fragrance features a joyful blend of premium Madagascar Bourbon vanilla infusion, Balinese patchouli essence and other fragrant ingredients.
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GUERLAIN’S ABSOLUS D’ORIENT COLLECTION From Santal Royal to Oud Essentiel and Patchouli Ardent, woody notes are elevated throughout the Absolus d’Orient collection with the sumptuousness of sandalwood, the complexity of Oud and the depth of patchouli. SANTAL ROYAL, plays off the contrasts between a luminous bouquet of jasmine and rose, deep leather notes and an Oud accord. In all, it makes for majestic shadow play, all furled within enchanting sandalwood notes. OUDES SENTIEL, on the other hand, radiates its deep and complex fragrance from within. Smooth notes of rose meet mysterious leather notes and incense in a soft, yet powerful fragrance. Showcasing the very opposite of the sombre register that it has been traditionally associated with, PATCHOULI ARDENT offers up a luminous, bright and vibrant play on patchouli. Energised with pepper, it marries rose absolute with a majestic accord of musks and leather. March 2021
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FASHION | accessories
BRING ON THE BLING! Here’s some jewellery we have our eye on this month. Accessories make all the difference with it comes to taking your outfit to the next level. There’s no shortage of earrings, pendants, embellished cuffs and more, btu here are some of the brands which really stood out this month.
DOWN TO THE GEM WITH POMELLATO’S NUDO 2021 COLLECTION For 2021, Pomellato crafts new amethyst, prasiolite and white topaz Nudo jewels to appeal to the woman of distinction. As Pomellato’s most iconic design, Nudo pieces are immediately recognisable, with no-prong ‘naked’ gemstones in a rainbow of colors. To make her perfect style statement, Nudo’s 2021 collection adds more gem hues and sizes to choose from. The Nudo woman feels free to be herself: striking, strong, unconventional, and full of color. Nudo copyrighted gem design adds new must-haves in petit and classic-size stones of amethyst, prasiolite and white topaz rings, with diamond pavé encrusted on rose gold bands.
CHARLOTTE CHESNAIS’ CONTEMPORARY LINES
GLOW GREEN WITH NINA RUNSDORF’S EMERALD HUES Nina Runsdorf invites the wearer to embark on a journey to rejuvenation and ingenuity with a unique selection of the rarest gemstones - Emeralds. Nina Runsdorf’s distinctive, show-stopping pieces seamlessly fuse quality and character while staying true to a simple motto - Never too precious to wear. We particularly loved the earrings from the collection, including the double-spiraled hoops, pear-shape emerald earrings, emerald mix-shape earrings and more.
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Parisian jewellery label, Charlotte Chesnais, are celebrating their 5 year anniversary this year and launching a new collection for Resort 2021, introducing colour for the first time in their designs. While the colourful collection did attract our attention, what stole the show (for us) was this stunning Turtle-chain link necklace. The statement piece is made in France from 18kt gold-plated sterling silver with slim interlocking links and secures with a T-bar. For more information, check out www.charlottechesnais.fr. www.womanthismonth.com
FASHION | accessories
A WILD STATEMENT WITH CARTIER The Panthère de Cartier collection caught our eye for many reasons this month. Firstly, the brand’s beautiful craftsmanship can be seen in every piece – flawlessly executed. Secondly, the pieces are original and make a statement albeit being subtle. The two pieces from the collection which we added to our wishlist this month were the Panthère de Cartier necklace and bracelet, each made from stunning 18K yellow gold. The necklace features a pendant with beautiful details of the panther set out with onyx and two tsavorite garnets. The bracelet, on the other hand, features brilliant-cut diamonds, glistening emeralds and onyx too.
INSPIRED BY THE CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND LOVE OF ARTS A-list luxury fine jewelry label, Jacquie Aiche joins hands with esteemed Middle-Eastern non-profit organisation, Fashion Trust Arabia to bring forth a unique and exciting limited-edition collection. The collaboration features two gemstone shaker beaded necklaces, inspired by the creative expression and love of arts found in the Middle East. Designed and handcrafted in Aiche's Los Angeles studio, each necklace within the collection is fitted with vibrant coloured hand-selected gemstones that carry intention. Throughout the collection, the handcrafted pieces embrace sunstone, peach moonstone, rutilated quartz, green calcite, green amethyst, aqua, pearl adorned with 14-carat gold, rose gold or silver. For more information and to shop the collection, visit www.jacquieaiche.com.
FABERGÉ DEBUTS THE1842 COLLECTION Fabergé’s 1842 collection pays homage to the year when Gustav Fabergé opened his jewellery boutique in St. Petersburg. Comprising 11 pieces, this fine jewellery collection showcases Fabergé’s iconic eggshaped hallmark and has been designed with versatility in mind – perfect for stacking and layering, and effortlessly adapting to modern life. Comprising necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, all crafted from 18k yellow gold, there is a combination of delicate engraving alongside cut-out designs to create contrast. In keeping with Fabergé’s penchant for surprise, a ruby, responsibly sourced from Gemfields Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, is hidden within. www.womanthismonth.com
June 2021
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BEAUTY | skincare
5 PRODUCTS YOUR SKIN WILL LOVE! There’s no shortage of beauty products on the market, but with 100s to choose from, which one is your best bet? Here are our favourite result-driven skincare products this month.
RITUALS COSMETICS NAMASTE BOOSTERS The Ritual of Namaste Vitamin C Natural Booster is the perfect addition to your skincare routine for a more radiant looking complexion. The vitamin derivative in this 98% natural booster helps to revitalise your skin while also improving the skin tone and visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines. Infuse your daily skincare routine with the antioxidant and anti-ageing properties of Vitamin C and revel in the lightweight, silky finish of the waterbased formula. The booster can be used on its own, day or night, or before applying your skincare serum or day or night cream. The products are available at Rituals Cosmetics stores and selected department stores.
ETHICAL BEAUTY IN EVERY WAY Neal’s Yard Remedies is the UK’s first certified organic health and beauty company. Whether you are a starting to make more ethical choices when it comes to health and beauty, or you are fully immersed in leading a natural and organic lifestyle, Neal’s Yard Remedies is set to become your go-to beauty brand. From skincare, bath and body, hand care, hair care, aromatherapy and wellbeing, Neal’s Yard Remedies has it all. Our favourite is this divine beauty balm!
SUPREME ANTIAGING An all-intensive feat of formulation, FILORGA’s Global-Repair Eyes and Lips is a specialist product which contains a microcirculation-activating tuberose extract to give an intensive rejuvenating effect on the eye countour and smoothing sesame seed extract to redefine the lip contour. Global-Repair Eyes and Lips is perfect for the treatment of dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet wrinkles, barcode wrinkles and nasogenian furrows. A thin layer of its lightweight melting texture to the eye and lip contours in the daytime and/or evening is the recommended usage. Available for purchase at leading pharmacies including Bin Sina Pharmacies, Boots Pharmacies and online at www.basharacare.com.
REINVIGORATE DULL SKIN
Rhug Wild Beauty’s Replenishing Mask with Rhug Honey is a mineralrich purifying treatment mask that targets dull, dehydrated and congested skin for a smoother, brighter and more refined complexion. This mask is power-packed with organic Hemp Seed Oil, Plum Seed Oil and Rhug Honey that nourishes, protects and removes toxins and free radicals from the skin. All Wild Beauty products are gluten-free, sulfate-free, and without genetically modified ingredients, artificial fragrances, artificial colours, parabens and harsh chemicals. For more information on Rhug Wild Beauty, visit www.thesecretskin.com.
KIEHL’S LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION Kiehl’s, the renowned purveyor of fine quality skin care, is celebrating 170 years of service in 2021. On this momentous 170th anniversary, the celebration begins with a Limited-Edition Commemorative Collection; a specially curated array of the brand’s most beloved and best-selling formulas of all time: Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Ultra Facial Cream, Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. This iconic collection of Kiehl’s classics comes in stunning new white and goldadorned glass packaging.
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parenting
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN DISCIPLINE?
Ouiam El Hassani tells us seven important things when it comes to parenting. Parenting is a very complex task; if we're not careful, we will become too focused on one aspect and let the others fall by the wayside. Sometimes we get very caught up with the “What do I do when?" or “How do I get my kid to?" and lose sight of the bigger picture. The truth is… there are many things that are more important in shaping our children than the methods and techniques we use to modify their behavior.
Here are seven things that are more important than any method you choose: RELATIONSHIP
The relationship that we have with our children is the single biggest influence on them. Our relationship sets an example for how relationships should be throughout the rest of their lives. If we have a healthy relationship based on respect, empathy, and compassion, we have set a standard. They will grow to expect that this is what a relationship looks like and will likely not settle for less. If, however, our relationship is based on control, coercion, and manipulation, well, you see where I'm going with this. In addition to that, our influence comes from a good relationship. Children are more likely to listen to and cooperate with an adult who they are connected to. In other words, if we build trust and open communication when they are small, they will come to us when they are not so small. Our attachment helps wire healthy brains, and our responses set the tone for how they respond to us (they are little mirrors).
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parenting
YOUR CUP
How full is it? You have to take care of you so you can take care of them. If your cup is full, you are more patient, more empathetic, and have more energy. Not only that, but a child who sees his parents respect themselves learns to have selfrespect. Put yourself back on your list.
YOUR LENS
When you look at your child, who do you see? Do you see the positives or the negatives? The way you think about them influences the way you treat them. Your thoughts also influence the way you feel emotionally and physically throughout the day. "He is in the terrible twos" will cause you to look for terrible things, to focus on them, and therefore try to correct them… constantly. Try to turn negative thoughts like this into positive thoughts, like, "He is inquisitive and fun!". Try to start seeing misbehaviour as a clue that calls for help rather than something that needs to be squashed immediately. Correction is not needed nearly as often as you might think.
MEDIA. TELEVISION. VIDEO GAMES. SOCIAL MEDIA. They are always sending messages to your kids, I am not saying don’t allow them, just be aware of what your kids are getting from what they're watching.
Monitor how you talk about them when they are present, watch your tone, your words, and how you verbalise the way you see your children.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER Your kids are watching and learning. The way you and your partner treat each other again sets a standard. Happy parents make happy kids.
BASIC NEEDS
Adequate nutrition, sleep, and exercise are not only essential for the well-being of your child but also influence behaviour. They might not be able to recognise or verbalise their needs, but it will still mess with their behaviour and how cooperative they are during the day.
THE ATMOSPHERE OF YOUR HOME
All of the things mentioned above come together to create the atmosphere in your home. If you have loving and connected relationships, you likely have a warm atmosphere in your home. If there is discord between you and your spouse, or you and your child, or your child and your other child, then the overall atmosphere will suffer. Have you ever gone to someone's home and just felt a negative atmosphere?
s children lp e h e is c r e x Finally, e attention, ir e h t s u c o f learn to improve d n a t s r u b t u limit anger o motor skills.
You want your home to be a safe, warm, inviting, and loving place for all family members. www.womanthismonth.com
June 2021
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LIFESTYLE | home
THE ART OF PARING DOWN
If the current times have taught us anything, it is that less is more. Allowing you to apply this thought to your personal spaces is the idea of Minimalism. This home décor concept is a nod to neat, organised, open spaces. The overall colour palette is neutral, making use of different textures for an interesting appeal, while colours and prints are used judiciously and only as accents. Don’t confuse Minimalism for boring. See it as an exercise in restraint, curating your interiors with minimal basics that have maximum impact. Clean lines, fuss-free furniture, modular storage, light fabrics and furnishings, sleek accessories and fixtures that reflect a bright, open-plan interior is what you want to go for.
et
White Velv Sofa Bed
Home Box
Store and Stash Coffee Table with stools
Home Box
Aesthetically Pleasing Plant Shelf
Lifestyle
Stand it
Magazine Holder
Lifestyle
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LIFESTYLE | home
Sleek Side Console
THE One
Lighting is Key Floor Lamp
THE One
Comfy Seat
Black n’ White
Stool
Cushion
Insidherland
H&M
Aqua Accent Dining Chair
Insidherland
Woodenware Bowls
H&M
Whimsical Adornment
Clean Eating
namshi.com
Home Centre
Jewellery stand
Crockery
Wired Up
Copper wired fruit basket
namshi.com www.womanthismonth.com
June 2021
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QUARANTINE COOK sOFF e! You’ll Lov Recipe
SUPER STUFFED CHEESY MUSHROOMS
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Staying in (and entertained) can be quite the challenge for just about everyone as the pandemic seems to have soldiered on for well over a year now. Cooking, whether for/with family or friends, can be quite entertaining and rewarding with a tasty treat at the end of it all. We put together a selection of our favourite recipes which you’re sure to enjoy cooking, and tucking into, too! Each recipe is good for four to six people.
Ingredients 2 boxes of white mushrooms 50 gms of butter 4 cloves of garlic, chopped 100 gms cream cheese 100 gms grated parmesan 100 gms grated cheddar cheese 2 tsps oregano Salt and pepper to taste I tbsp olive oil
• In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic with the oregano. Once lightly browned, combine the mixture with the cream cheese, salt, pepper and most of the grated parmesan and cheddar cheese.
• Separately, wash the mushrooms and remove the stems. Set them on a baking tray lined with baking paper and brush with olive oil.
• Spoon the cheese mixture generously onto the
mushrooms and top them generously with cheddar and parmesan cheese. Bake at 180C for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and the mushrooms change colour.
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PLAYFUL PAD THAI
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Ingredients 1 packet of cooked flat noodles 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp tamarind paste 2 eggs beaten 200 gms frozen peas 400 gms sliced cabbage 1 bunch spring onions sliced Juice of 2 limes 100 gms crushed salted peanuts 250 gms peeled and deveined prawns (can be substituted for chicken) Bean sprouts
To serve: Fish Sauce Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
• Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan, add the garlic,
cabbage and white spring onion and fry for a few minutes. Next, add the prawns and stir well. Separately, in a bowl, mix together the sugar, soy sauce, tamarind paste and lime juice.
• Shift the veggies and prawns to one side, add in the beaten egg and gently scramble before adding your noodles and tossing the mixture together.
• Stir in the peas, sauce mixture, half the peanuts and
combine well. Plate the pad thai, topped off with peanuts and a side of fresh bean sprouts.
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CHIMICHURRI STEAK
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Ingredients 750 gms flank steak Salt and pepper to season Canola Oil
• Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl
For the sauce: I cup parsley, chopped 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 1-2 tsp red chilli flakes ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup vinegar Salt and pepper to taste
• Once done, rest your steak on a cutting board or
and set aside for 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can store the mixture in the fridge overnight.
• Heat the grill and oil the grill using canola oil. Cook the steak to your preferred doneness.
tray for 8-12 minutes. Slice your steak against the grain and place on the serving plate. Top the steak generously with the Chimichurri sauce, reserving some for the side. Enjoy!
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DELIGHTFUL STRAWBERRY CUSTARD TARTS
Ingredients For the Pastry: 225 gms flour 115 gms unsalted butter 1 tbsp sugar 1 egg yolk A pinch of salt For the topping: 2 cups sliced strawberries 250 ml cream 3 tsp vanilla essence 3 egg yolks 45 g caster sugar
• Put the flour into a bowl. Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the flour. Combine together till the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Add the sugar, egg yolk, and 2-3 tsps of water. Mix the
pastry together with your hands, then wrap the mixture in clingfilm and chill for 15 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 180C and heat a baking tray. Grease your tart tins. Roll out the pastry, line the tart tins with it. Cover the tarts with baking paper, place the tart tins over the baking tray and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the baking paper and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Separately, bring the cream to a boil in a saucepan and
remove from the heat. Add the vanilla essence. Whisk in the egg yolks and sugar, making sure to combine it well till it coats the back of a spoon.
• Spoon the custard mixture into the tarts and bake for another 5 minutes then leave it to cool.
• Place the sliced strawberries over the tarts and cool in the refrigerator till you are ready to treat yourself!
www.womanthismonth.com
June 2021
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BEAUTY | trend
YOU WILL NEVER SMELL THE WORLD THE WAY I DO. What exactly is a scent profile? We find out how to find our signature scent.
E
ven as our relationships with makeup and hair care have shifted over the past year, fragrance has remained a reliable way to transcend our homes, conjure closeness to faraway relatives, and find elevation in a string of mundane days. As we emerge into more social situations, finding a signature scent may seem like a relevant search. But how do you go about it? Unpacking the notes and recognising how they work with your unique body chemistry is the first step, and one of the key classifications of a particular perfume is its scent profile. From detailing the layered notes to identifying its scent “family,” the profile is an easy way to understand a fragrance's composition while matching it up against the mood you want to be in when you apply. "In the fragrance world, olfactive families are a way to break down and classify how a perfume smells rather than what it contains,” says Julien Sprecher, Creative Director of Parfums de Marly. “Simply put, there are eight olfactive families that are divided into two groups: in the Warm group, there is fougere, oriental, and leather. In the Fresh group, you have citrus, floral, and aromatic. Interestingly, the chypre and woody families are a cross between warm and fresh. A profile can serve as the umbrella term for the main notes of a particular fragrance, it can also touch on the layers of a scent, such as the top, middle, and base notes, or how the fragrance is built." The profile itself does not change, as the notes it was created with will always be in the scent, but the way it smells on your skin often does. Some fragrances are linear, meaning they smell the same throughout the entirety of the wear. Most fragrances, though, do evolve on your skin over time. Therefore, finding the right signature fragrance ultimately comes down to your personality and the mood you're looking to access as everyone will smell it slightly differently and wear it on the skin differently too! How do you make the selection? Well you could start by having a look through Parfum de Marly's most sought after fragrances.
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In Her Shoes
Life could use a lot more creativity, dance, optimism and vivid dreams - especially now. This month we caught up with the Digital Media & Marketing Specialist and Certified Dreamer, Tanushree Mathur, who gave us an insight into her life.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Three things that you don’t leave your house without are…
That’s a tough one but I am an avid soup lover, so that gives me a lot of variety to play with!
My big back pack that contains the three things that I need and more!
What would your life be incomplete without?
People who love me for who I am.
Tanushree Mathur What’s your proudest achievement?
Learning to love myself more and being comfortable in my own skin.
What skill would you like to learn? ‘Skills’ would be the word – Photography and Video Editing.
Which song is guaranteed to make you dance? Everybody - Backstreet Boys (Don’t deny you would too!)
What is your dream holiday destination? Any place with the ocean is a dream holiday destination for me! www.womanthismonth.com
What’s your favourite film? Why?
Aliens by James Cameron – Apocalyptic action heavy sci-fi masterpiece where Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) challenged gender representation and she sure operates a mean flamethrower! It introduced the Xenomorph which was inspired by one of my favourite artists – H.R Giger.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Art and dance have always been my passion since I was a child. It puts me in a meditative and calm state. I love teaming up and supporting local designers, artists and creative collaborators to create and be a part of interesting projects. June 2021
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