bazaar December 2020 issue by bazaar magazine

December 2020 | Issue #251 www.bazaar.town

Available Availableininstores storesand andon onkw.hm.com kw.hm.com Customer CustomerService: Service:182 182-12-12 -12-12 4

Bring on the future 5

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Bring Bringon onthe thefuture future 7

GO BEYOND

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Claim based on iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Ceramic Shield front compared with previous-generation iPhone. Accessories are sold separately.

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Int I know……I know……it’s been an incredibly weird/hard year, and it’s hard to believe that its already December, and that we’ve been living with the damn virus for over ten months now, with all that entails from the airport still being practically closed for all intents and purposes, to the realization of the fact that we won’t be able to travel for the Christmas and New Years break, which especially sucks since most of us didn’t get to travel over the summer as well. When you’re an expat which the majority of us are, its especially hard to not be able to travel, since other than simply needing a vacation to take a break, there are family commitments, weddings, funerals, and simply missing one’s family and friends that are all reasons why we need to travel. Let’s hope that the situation eases up soon, and that the recent announcements about vaccines mean that we can all go back to normal sooner than later!

The bazaar team...

We’re still going to soldier on and enjoy the things we can. And what better way to do that than by enjoying the holiday season to the max! If you are still getting into the groove of things and still need to get some holiday shopping done, we’ve got you covered. We have the gift guides that will get the stockings stuffed and get that empty space under the tree full with gifts right away. From the coolest gadgets and tech releases at X-cite, lifestyle essentials at MUJI, perfect gift ideas for friends at Virgin Megastore, lifestyle must-haves from Rocket World, and candle heaven at Bath & Body Works there is a ideal gift for everyone. The Holiday season is never complete without festive treats, and we’ve rounded up our favorites from Williams Sonoma and Dean and Deluca to make your life super easy and breezy for the busy season.

Mixed Media Solutions

‘Tis also the season to eat and be merry. Many of our favorite restaurants have readied their outdoor spaces to welcome the beautiful, if fleeting good weather. Friday Brunch at Al Boom will become an instant family tradition, because who doesn’t want to indulge while chilling on the deck of a beautifully built traditional dhow. If you are up for some gastronomical travel, head to Asha’s for some fabulous sharing and family platters as well as the newest addition to their menu, Thali. Or try P.F. Chang’s new take on their classics, like Dynamite Chicken and Mongolian Chicken. Imagine cruising to all of these amazing destinations in the brand-new Ferrari Roma! Check out this special lifestyle photoshoot from bazaar Studios. We promise that you will be adding this beauty to your dream wish list.

Online Producer/Project Manager

With all this time outdoors, you might want to rethink your footwear and fashion. Find the perfect boots that can take you from a productive day at the office to a holiday party at Milano. Or get a head start on your health resolutions and grab a pair of sneakers from Foot Locker. Feeling festive? Then H&M’s Holiday collection is all about bringing on the style!

Contributing Writers

And let’s not forget the wonderful creative and industrious people in Kuwait who inspire us to keep on going. This month we got the Truth from Sharifa Al Khulaifi about painting murals all over Kuwait. Hala Al-Awadhi let us get Up Close and Personal to tell us why she loves drawing the mundane and everyday objects. And just in case you didn’t notice that there is a curly hair revolution going on, we spoke to Badriya Al Haid of Shop Curls who is helping women (and men) embrace their natural hair and manage their beautiful manes. If you are craving more of an adrenaline rush, meet Omeir Saeed who broke two Guinness World Records in wakeboarding! Despite everything, we’re going to always look back at 2020 and think of it as a learning experience. An opportunity to find comfort and contentment right where we are and making sure that we take care of ourselves and our communities. But we’re also going to celebrate hard that it is over and are totally ready to see what 2021 has in store for us. Merry Christmas and happy new year! Ahmed El-Adly

Boss Ahmed El-Adly

Operations Manager Ihab Youssef

Content Manager Yasmine El Charif

Jennifer Cádiz

Design Shadi Mofeed

Staff Writer/Online Media Farah Barakat Yasmin Gamal

Umika Pidaparthy

Communications Hala Y. Sharara

Editor Alia Al Duaij

Ayman Nassar George Tarabay

Syndicates & Sources Fast Company LA Times MCT International Newsweek

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w w w. b p aw w. c o m The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

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INDEX DECEMBER 2020 80

FERRARI ROMA If you wanted to package romance, luxury, class and elegance into one car you could only create the Ferrari Roma. La Nuova Dolce Vita, carefree post-mid-century Rome living. The newest coupé from The Prancing Horse hides a powerful engine under a sleek and modern body. Discover this unique lifestyle photoshoot by bazaar Studios.

THE NEW PORSCHE PANAMERA

BADRIYA AL HAID

bazaar got behind the wheel of the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S to take it for a spin around K-Town. We were wowed by the model’s best-in-class performance, enhanced comfort and chassis management. It looks sharper, is sportier and is the most affordable Panamera to date.

Kuwait’s curly hair guru and founder of Shop Curls Badriya Al Haid helps us untangle our issues with our hair. It is a loaded issue for many of us that is worth unpacking. Find out how she put down the hair straightener and embraced her natural hair.

FRIDAY BRUNCH AT AL BOOM

H&M HOLIDAY 2020

COZY WINTER WITH MILANO

We were treated to a 21-course plated brunch when we visited the newly revamped Al Boom Steak & Seafood Restaurant deck aboard Mohamedi II at Radisson Blu Hotel. Find out about the delicious food, unparalleled hospitality and a view of the glittering Arabian Gulf.

This holiday season is going to be different compared to anything else we’ve experienced before. H&M’s Holiday Collection celebrates our shared universal experience with cozy glamour that is easy to wear, whimsical and will make you feel like everything is going to be wonderful.

Nancy Sinatra said it best about boots; they were made for walking. And we have found our new favorite pair(s) at Milano. From chunky soled biker boots to studded sleek ankle boots we are going to be fashionably and functionally stomping towards our dreams and goals.

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HALA AL-AWADHI We got Up Close and Personal with illustrator and artist Hala Al-Awadhi. Born to a Kuwaiti father and a Ukrainian mother, Hala is comfortable navigating different worlds and cultures which gives her a different perspective on life and art.

52 DR. YAQOUB AL AWADH We like listening to our gut, but we also like making sure that it is healthy. Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr. Yaqoub Al Awadh at Taibah Hospital spoke to us about the common conditions, symptoms and how the Gastroenterology Clinic at Taiba Hospital can help you get diagnosed and treated.

HUDA ABDULMUGHNI P. 54

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what's trending Dec 2020

What: @rowandoak.kw Info: Artisan-crafted & vintage, rustic-style home accents & lifestyle Editor’s Note: Fast, free delivery within Kuwait on orders over KD 30

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What: @upaintkw Info: Art kit which allows you to paint ready-made or customized artwork Editor’s Note: A great and sentimental birthday gift

www.bazaar.town What: @animeecast Info: Anime adjacent products Editor’s Note: For questions and orders, reach them via whatsapp

What: @thezayinititive Info: A company working to sustain arab fashion history dress by dress Editor’s Note: Check out thezay.org for more info about current webinars

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What: @wood_bicycle Info: Bicycle tables and other designs Editor’s Note: Not your ordinary bicycle!

What: @hug_sleep Info: Sleep solution designed around the science of Deep Touch Pressure Therapy Editor’s Note: Get better sleep with the sleep pod!

As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it! Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more.

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up close & personal

HALA AL-AWADHI The intersection of cultures, identity and art By bazaar staff

When people first meet Hala Al-Awadhi, they are always curious about her origins and sense an incoming plottwist. Born to a Kuwaiti father and a Ukrainian mother, she is proud of both of her identities. The mix always sparks conversation and has given her a unique perspective on life that she welcomes and enjoys engaging in. Her mixed heritage fuels her insatiable desire to explore the world in different ways from art to journalism.

“Being of mixed heritage has shaped me tremendously and makes up a huge part of who I am. I live with two cultures. It has shaped my thinking, and opened me up to various perspectives. Kuwait and Ukraine are obviously two very contrasting sides. Being bicultural is a dichotomy,” Hala says. She goes on to explain that “It’s Ukraine at home, and when we step out beyond our fence it’s Kuwait.” I’m living in two worlds whereby I speak both languages, and eat Kuwaiti food and Ukrainian dishes my mother makes, and all in all I’m upholding both traditions. It’s an intersection of both cultures at home, where we speak English, Russian, and Arabic within the family. Even though I never lived in Ukraine, I spent all my childhood summers there up until my grandparents

[Continued...]

passed away. And still, I feel well-connected culturally and emotionally to the place even having lived in Kuwait my entire life. I always am alternating between both sides and in Kuwaiti society, it can get pretty confusing too!” Hala had always wanted to start drawing or dabbling in some sort of art form. She had been talented in art class at school but hadn’t picked up a pen until very recently. During Kuwait’s first lock down she picked up a black pen in the middle of the night, a journal that was lying in front of her, turned to a blank page and just started drawing a plant pot at home. The connection to art is much older than that, her father is an abstract artist and she has always been exposed to art and surrounded and inspired by it. She

[Continued...]

up close & personal

grew up seeing her father in his gallery, painting his next piece. As a family, they love visiting galleries, museums, and exhibitions every chance they get. “It all happened instinctively and after that I started drawing one object after another around the house at least once per day…and it snowballed from there. I was particularly drawn to pen sketching that was black and white with touches of color in places. Then, I really wanted to learn to add motion to my drawings, so I began playing with animation, adding music and special sound effects. My sketches started to take on another feel and mood,” she explained. Hala enjoys working with black pen and colored pencils. She has also explored using graphite once but continues to gravitate to using a pen. Hala told us that she would love to try different mediums like adding paint to her drawings or translating her sketches onto other surfaces than paper. The use of mixed media definitely has her curiosity piqued. A look at Hala’s illustrations will show mundane and everyday objects like washing machines and baqalas. “For some reason that I can’t explain, I am drawn to sketching household objects, still-life scenes, daily life scenarios, rooms, houses and shops, as well as streets. I get inspired by photography, things I see in the movies, sometimes I read something in a book that conjures up an imaginary scene. I also get inspired by my surroundings on a daily basis,” she explained. Her family’s ongoing support motivates and encourages her to pursue her hobbies and interests. Positive feedback from people pushes her to move forward. People’s reactions to her art are definitely a driver. “I’ve been told my sketches make them feel nostalgic and home-y. Also the drive to get better is

[Continued...]

always there for me. Art is a way of communicating, and I would love to see myself mastering this communication. I envision certain scenarios in my mind, moods, and feelings that I wish to bring to life on paper skillfully,” she elaborated. Art and illustration is not the only creative venue that Hala enjoys dabbling in. She started a blog where she interviews people and experiments with journalism.”Journalism was always my love. Storytelling my experiences and travel accounts as well as my passion for certain subjects brings me joy. Currently I have my web blog where I do this, whenever time allows. Social media has definitely taken over that aspect, but I am honestly still a lover of traditional print and the ol’ blogging. If I were to pursue it further, I would focus more on interviewing people with interesting stories to tell, making mini docu-series and focusing on videography. I guess you could say it’s “an art” too!,”says Hala. Right now, though she is focusing on drawing improving.”With every new drawing I create, I see myself moving forward and learning something about my style. Personally, I just aim to keep improving myself, I don’t have an accomplishment in mind. Drawing just makes me feel happy,” she said. And we are glad because we are enjoying watching her progression. The best advice she received was that the key is finding your own art. Viewers need to instantly recognize “the artist” in a piece. She told us that it might be challenging but the more you practice, the more you find yourself in your art. To aspiring artists Hala’s advice is simple but requires effort. “Practice drawing every day and you will make progress. And most importantly, you have to ask yourself why you are creating. Be authentic. If drawing makes you happy, just go with the flow and see where it takes you,”concludes Hala.

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up close & personal

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do you most value about your friends? Honesty and understanding. Which living person do you most admire? My parents. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Family or friends’ get-togethers over some good food. A bonus if it’s raining outside. It’s such a warm and fuzzy feeling, and a feeling of sheer contentment! What is your greatest extravagance? Stationery. What is your most treasured possession? My diaries and journals. I keep records of pretty much everything! Also, physical photographs of memories. What is your greatest fear? Losing my loved ones. What is your most marked characteristic? Patience. Which talent would you most like to have? Mastering drawing anything that comes to mind. What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for? Being optimistic. Simply believing that things will always work out in the end. What is the human trait you most dislike about others? Insincerity / two-faced people. What is it that you most dislike? Feeling forced to do something I don’t want to do. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “It’s ok” What are your favorite words to live by? Do things your future self will thank you for. I love it because it applies to pretty much everything! Also, make every day worth remembering! Where would you most like to live? In Japan or somewhere with breathtaking nature, like Slovenia. If you could have any job, what would it be? A travel journalist, like the ones on the Travel Channel with my own Travel show! What would you consider your greatest achievement? Starting a small business from scratch and the learning process that goes with it, evolving as a person, reading a lot more books! Pursuing my drawing hobby, being the best daughter, mother, wife that I can be. Sometimes it’s even the little, everyday things that make the greatest achievements. What do you hope for the future? I don’t tend to look too far into the future. I believe in savoring the present moments in life to the utmost - where I am here and now. And to try to get as much out of life every day as I possibly can, because you never know, tomorrow may not come. Check out Hala’s work on Instagram @art.halo and read her musings on thepocketgirl.com. 42

[...Continued]

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TALKING CURLS WITH BADRIYA AL HAID Celebrating twirls, coils and all things curly with the Shop Curls founder By bazaar staff

The curly girl movement might be all the rage right now, but it is also more important than ever. Celebrating natural hair texture outside of mainstream ideals is a refreshing break from the now normalized ideal of perfection. Let’s be clear though. Whether you prefer to wear your hair naturally or not is a matter of choice. And it’s this choice that makes all the difference to women who have been conditioned to styling their hair in a specific way to assimilate to societal norms. Thank you mainstream media. Not. A la mode hairstyles don’t come easily to people with different hair textures, from those famous feathery Farrah Fawcett waves of the 70s, to Jennifer Anniston’s signature ‘The Rachel’ layered cut which was always coiffed to perfection, curly girls always had it hard. Growing up in a Middle Eastern society where Arab women are always expected to have their hair straightened to oblivion because it looked ‘put together’ and ‘more acceptable’ was exhausting, and I still recall the comments from family and friends asking me if I’m “...going to go out like that?” whenever I’d wear my hair naturally. But really, this notion isn’t necessarily native to Arab culture. Any woman with naturally textured hair who happens to live in a place that celebrates straight hair can immediately relate, and 26-year-old curly girl extraordinaire and Shop Curls Founder Badriya Al Haid is no stranger to this struggle. We talk all things curls with Badriya to learn more about why she started Shop Curls, her personal natural hair journey and how she is helping curly girls around the GCC embrace and celebrate their natural hair texture. Besides beautiful curls, what are you passionate about and what do you do from 9-5? I’m passionate about clean beauty, animals, adventures, nature, tv shows and comfort food. I love all things tech and graphic design; I have been creating websites ever since I was in Middle School. By day, I’m a Civil Engineer currently working on a construction site of a large, challenging infrastructure project in Kuwait - very different from Shop Curls but I love it too.

What motivated you to embrace your curls? Was there a specific turning point that made you decide to stop straightening your curls and opt for a more natural look? There definitely was! I was straightening my curls for almost 10 years simply because I did not know how to care for my curls and because our societal norms have conditioned us to believe that curly hair only needs to be straightened to look beautiful. I had a bad experience with a permanent straightening keratin treatment by a salon which resulted in chemically altering my hair to silky straight. My hair grew curly from the roots yet stayed super straight in the bottom. The quick solution was to keep redoing the treatment on my roots every few months to keep it all straight, but I knew this would be a never-ending cycle. I could have done a big chop but I decided to slowly grow it out and only get tiny trims as I love long hair, and this took five of my university years. It was a very tough journey, organizing my time and days around engineering exams and organizing my time around my hair struggles. I just knew I could not go on like this for the rest of my life, it was exhausting and I was giving my blow-drys way too much time and priority. After I graduated from university, I decided it was time to stop. I did not take a job right away so I knew it was my only chance to give my hair a break from heat styling and not worry about where I’ll be seen with my unruly, damaged hair. I really just wanted to experience an easier, more care-free routine where I can wash my hair and leave the house immediately without spending an hour straightening and burning my hair. What is it about our cultural norms that drives women to ‘conform’ and ‘fix their hair’ which bother you the most? What bothers me the most is how it’s very easy for some people, mostly from the older generation, to casually mention how messy our hair looks, how it’s not beautiful. I believe this has a major impact, either on the girl’s confidence, or actually affecting her own opinion on textured hair. It bothers me that so many girls have experienced this, some girls have even reached out to me regarding getting bullied by family members or in school for their hair. It’s actually shocking how unaccepted textured hair was in Kuwait especially when a majority of us have textured hair. It bothers me how normal it is to quickly schedule a blow-dry once invited to any formal occasion. Why? Why is blow-dried hair linked to looking more beautiful for occasions? Can’t someone still look elegant and formal in their natural hair? Many are calling the Curly Girl Movement a trend. How do you feel about that statement? It saddens me that curly hair is being considered a trend as trends come and go. It also saddens me that I have been receiving many emails and messages from girls with straight hair who beg me to help them make their hair curly with products

as it is currently trendy. Curly hair is not a trend this movement is all about embracing natural hair, embracing your own hair and not trying to change it to follow a trend. It’s a nice coincidence that most girls have discovered they have curly hair (or naturally textured hair) during the pandemic when they stopped blow-drying their hair, but it does not make Curly Hair a 2020 trend. If calling it a trend will help push girls into keeping their hair natural and feel trendy, then sure, so be it, but I hope this stays as a “permanent trend.” How did your journey with Shop Curls begin? So once I quit using heat after graduation, I slowly started seeing a little more curls. I lived aboard for a year where I was introduced to so many accessible curly hair brands, I had no idea that all of this existed, it was a whole other world. I then started all my research on curly hair and testing out SO MANY products. I understood my curls more, I understood ingredient selections more and worked on finally recovering my curls and wearing them naturally in a healthy state. I was amazed, my hair never in my whole life looked this curly and this nice. I got compliments about my hair all the time and I slowly started getting more and more confident about it. I then started helping out friends & family who lost their curls from a similar experience and all had great results. All of these experiences inspired me to turn my passion into a business. I was in both the US & the UK at that time where I met some brands’ teams, decided on the partnership and started my business. I am now 3+ years natural & curly.I truly believe beauty is all about embracing what you have and I’m on a mission to make every girl confident about her natural hair.

For anyone interested in pursuing a more natural hair care routine, where would they even begin? There is simply so much information out there and it can be daunting. I suggest by starting with our hashtag on Instagram #ShopCurls101 and our IGTV @ShopCurls for the essential information needed to start. Start by cutting off heat usage, use only clean products and start off with a deep conditioning mask, a cleanser (shampoo), conditioner and a gel to define, style and hold. Slowly start building your routine instead of purchasing so many products at one time. It’s hard to completely guess what suits your hair exactly from the first time without trying something and having an opinion on it or going on YouTube for reviews or some research on the brand and its ingredients. I highly recommend purchasing trial size products from different brands and experimenting with them. Trial and error is essential in figuring out what works for you. You can be using the right products but in the wrong ways which can end with a disappointing result. I suggest contacting us for a one-on-one consultation if things get too overwhelming as people usually quit from the amount of information on the internet. And here’s a special surprise, I have created a custom starter kit that can be found by bazaar readers only, hop onto shopcurls.com and search for bazaarvip!

See more content at bazaar.town! Interested in starting your natural hair journey? Head to shopcurls.com and look up bazaarvip to get your hands on the starter kit! For the latest updates and to book your one-on-one consultation, check out @ShopCurls on Instagram.

truth or dare

EXPERIMENTAL ART

SHARIFA AL KHULAIFI ON ART, MURALS AND BEING AN ARTIST By bazaar staff

At our interview Sharifa Al Khulaifi was soft spoken and thoughtful, defying our expectations for the artist who creates large installations of bold, colorful and very often shocking art on walls all over Kuwait. In 2017, Sharifa was a student at the American University of Kuwait, working towards a degree in Graphic Design when she was approached to create artwork for a cafe in the city.

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truth or dare

She graduated in 2019 but had already been freelancing for a couple of years. If you ask her to describe her art she calls herself an “experimental artist” because she is always excited about trying to combine different mediums and styles that might not traditionally go together. Like most of us, Sharifa enjoyed creating art as a child, but instead of growing out of it she jumped in deeper. It does help that her entire family enjoys, and relishes being hands on artists too who respect and relish the beauty that can be created by humans. So far she has already worked on more than a dozen murals for different concepts and brands all across the country. It has taught her to become an obsessive researcher. Creating commission-based work can be challenging for an artist because it means they need to step away from their own style and be consistent with the client’s branding guidelines. However, Sharifa overcomes this by focusing on the messaging and story they are trying to tell. First she discusses the project with the client, but before she comes up with a concept for the

[Continued...]

piece, she creates a digital mood board and collects visuals like photos and color palettes so she can brainstorm. Once she has come up with the idea, she will sketch it out to share with the client. And then the real fun begins. Surprisingly, or perhaps a sign of her skill and talent, Sharifa then proceeds to freehand the design directly on to the wall without projecting it or using a grid. She’s also quite humble about this mind blowing ability and shrugs it off as something she just learned how to do. However, she does feel quite strongly about the function of art. She believes it needs to be more than just visual entertainment or an object of beauty. “The story behind a piece of work needs to be new, it needs to make people ask questions and have conversations and ideas,” she explained. Sharifa wants people to think when they see something she has painted. She has been though since she started doing her murals. She attributes it to an increased awareness of the importance of art in Kuwait. Businesses are eager to express their branding and identity in unique pieces of work.

Interestingly, her style is flexible and fluid. Because she has to create things for others she has developed her style while keeping her artistic identity separate from her work art. This is quite unique, because most artists can be recognized in their creations. You can still identify a Sharifa original if you look closely, though. While digital art is having its moment because of leaps in technology, Sharifa still loves the tactility of working with mixed media, texture and paint. Which might explain why Sharifa is also curious about exploring other artistic paths like fashion design. The combination of how fabric drapes and behaves when constructed excites her. We would really love to see her ideas and style translated into something wearable. The best advice she received was to follow her passion and that is exactly what she has been doing. “Passion gives people hope and a reason to live,” she explained. But she had some advice for budding artists too. “Everyone is born an artist, but they might not have the tools or be in the right environment, but there’s always a chance to become one, art is just a form of expression,” Sharifa went on to explain.

truth or dare

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word? Mulhima. How would you describe your mother in one word? My supporter. What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? How much do you earn monthly? What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? One day I woke up in the morning and shaved my very very long hair all at once. What is your theme song? I don’t have a specific theme song because my choice of music depends on my mood. What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented? Authenticity. Where would you like to live? I don’t prefer being in one place while I’m young. I want to explore life “I wanna become a world traveling artist”. What is your dream retirement location? A beach house in Santa Monica Pier. What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. it will not lead you astray,” -Rumi. Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life? Horses. Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it? The simplicity of relationships. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? To what would you change it? Shaikha because everyone calls me Shaikha by mistake. How would you describe your handshake, in one word? Warmly grateful handshake. What is the toughest part of your character? I’m a very sensitive person. Who is your favorite historical figure? Rumi. 50

[...Continued]

What in the world do you least desire? Subjectivity. What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place? Acceptance

Why do you think most people who do, like you? I think because I appreciate diversity and accept people the way they are. Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” … something we create”. Find more of Sharifa’s art @ssk.art on Instagram.

DR. YAQOUB AL AWADH THE DOCTOR WHO CAN LISTEN TO AND TREAT YOUR GUT By bazaar staff

As humans, we go about our day without thinking about the amazing things our internal organs need to do to keep us on our feet, functioning and digesting the food we eat to provide us with the energy to do all of these things. Until, something goes terribly wrong. Gastrointestinal issues are more common than you might think and can be quite debilitating, eroding your quality of life and making the most mundane tasks feel quite challenging. This is where Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr. Yaqoub Al Awadh comes in. After completing his degree in medicine at Kuwait University he went on to complete his Internal medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. Later, he received his Advanced Fellowship in Gastrointestinal Motility from the University of Calgary. Dr. Al Awadh was interested in the field because it was a combination of procedures and dealing with complex medical cases that he found fascinating. You might be unfamiliar with the term gastroenterologist and assume it is a branch of the digestive system surgery. However, a gastroenterologist focuses on internal medicine at the beginning of their career and must complete at least three years of residency before they can even think of sitting for a certification in internal medicine. After that they need to pursue a gastroenterology fellowship which takes two to three years. Their training allows them to understand everything about the function of the digestive system including organs like the liver and pancreas. Their training offers them depth and breadth to better treat their patients as well as a more holistic approach to the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s system. Dr. Al Awadh has been at Taiba Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedicated Gastroenterology Clinic for the last two years helping diagnose and treat patients who suffer from a wide range of medical conditions. The three most common cases that he sees are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Heartburn and dyspepsia. The prevalence of each disease is around 20% of the population, making them quite common in any community. Throw in our not-so ideal lifestyle habits in Kuwait and they can become problematic. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and a change in

DR. YAQOUB AL AWADH

bowel habits. Heartburn occurs when some of the stomach contents are forced back up into the esophagus, also known as acid reflux. If it is persistent, it is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Finally, dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion and symptoms are discomfort or pain that occurs in the upper abdomen, often after eating or drinking. Sadly, these can be chronic conditions that need long term management and lifestyle changes. Diagnosing a patient is a skill that doctors acquire after years of studying, practicing and checking for different symptoms. A physician can usually diagnose a patient clinically, i.e. by asking for the patient’s medical history, then they can confirm or investigate further using different tests. Doctor’s now have access to endoscopy, which allows them to examine the gastrointestinal tract up close and personal and helps with diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal problems. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be used for imaging and not just diagnosis. Taiba Hospital has just added the Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) to their arsenal of procedures. POEM is a therapeutic procedure to treat issues related to difficulty swallowing (achalasia). It can also be used treat spastic disorder of the esophageous such as esophageal spasms and jack hammer esophageous. The procedure can be completed in 2 - 3 hours and a patient is expected to go home after a two day hospital stay. The hospital is committed to equipping the Gastroenterology Clinic with the state of the art equipment and the best trained staff to make sure that patients get the best treatment possible. They are the only hospital in Kuwait that offers 24 hours esophageal PH monitoring which allows specialists to monitor patients who are suffering from conditions like refractory heartburn or heartburn patients who are considering surgery. Taiba Hospital also offers Esophageal manometry that is used for patients suffering from swallowing problems, chest pain or heart burn and are considering surgery. The GI clinic will also be adding rectal manometry to their arsenal of tools very soon. Dr. Al Awadh attributes the clinic’s success to the amazing teamwork, collegial attitudes and friendly environment that helps them provide quick and impeccable medical services to everyone. There’s also a lot we can do to make sure that we stay healthy, the doctor advises us to not smoke (and quit if you do), eat healthy and exercise regularly. But he also mentioned that we should be on the lookout for persistent symptoms and to seek the help of a medical professional if we do notice things like intense vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Taiba Hospital is located in Sabah Al Salem, off of route 30 on Road 3. Call them 24 hours at 180 80 88. For updates and information, visit the website taibahospital.com, and follow them on Instagram @taibahospital. 53

ON DOCUMENTING TIME AND PLACE

Kuwaiti photographer Huda Abdulmughni brings relics of Kuwait’s East Ahmadi Market to the heart of Souq Al Mubarakiya By bazaar staff

For Huda Abdulmughni, time and place play an important part of her work as a photographer. She’s always believed that she can use her camera as a way to get closer to people that she’d just met and to document rapidly evolving spaces. Kuwait’s urban landscape is no exception, as buildings are disappearing almost overnight to give way to new structures and developments.

“I’m interested in people’s stories and find that photography can be a way to get people to share more about themselves. It’s a process that requires a lot of trust, and can sometimes take weeks to build.” Huda begins by telling bazaar about her early passion for photography, “I was obsessed with the photographs in the National Geographic and Life magazine which I ended up building quite a large collection of! I bought my first camera, the Canon AE-1, when I turned 16, and have been taking photographs ever since. In fact, I still use that camera.” An interior architect by degree but a self professed full time photographer, Huda’s recent focus has shifted toward documenting Kuwait’s evolving urban landscape. She visited the East Ahmadi Market in 2015 out of interest to photograph the building itself. She noted how the building had been abandoned for so many years, barely standing together to represent a relic of an era that is long

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gone. It was the store signs, however, which caught her attention. “The handwritten store signs were still so bright and held their shape well,” she says, “The signs themselves bore a lot of information from the writing style used to display the name of the owners. The year in which the store was registered was also a part of the signage with the earliest store opening in 1961 and the latest in 1972.” With that information in mind, Huda was then able to access the archives of these stores from Kuwait’s National Council of Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and she unearthed an impressive amount of historic documents such as the inventory of the stores, and specific official letters from store owners, such as how one stone owner wanted to change the wording of his store’s signage from selling spare parts to selling winter blankets, but this letter was declined by the municipality. Fascinated by her findings, she delved deeper,

learning more about the now forgotten East Ahmadi Market. “Throughout my research I was constantly told by those that saw the Ahmadi market in the 70s that the people of the city would visit Ahmadi for the market on Fridays. From that I got the idea of bringing the market to people in the city” she explains. What struck Huda on her first visit to the Souq were the store signs; each sign, drawn by hand, displayed a variety of Arabic scripts including naskh, nostalgic, ruq’ah, and free-hand. The signs carried information on the year in which the store opened, mostly ranging from 1965 to 1974, and the names of the Palestinian, Indian, Iranian and Syrian shop-owners. Al-Ahmadi was founded in the forties when oil was discovered in the south of Kuwait, and with its placement and business deeply centered around the oil industry, it mainly served the needs of the employees of the Kuwait Oil Company. Al-Ahmadi not

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only marked a new stage in urban design and planning at the time, it also functioned as a self-contained suburban town. Many curious visitors frequented the town to admire the modern architecture, plentiful walkways and budding greenery, and at the center of it all was the market that was built in 1961. Currently, it stands abandoned, as the urban landscape has

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changed when the country nationalized most of the oil industry. Fast forward to today, Huda brings a huge part of Kuwait’s cultural and commercial past to the heart of Souq Al Mubarakiya via her unique installation of these beautiful storefronts. Each installation of the 12 recreated store fronts comes with a specific QR code which can be scanned by

any smart device to unveil the archival documents that belong to each shop, and in exploring these documents, the viewer relives a time and place in Kuwait that is essentially no longer in existence. Huda creates an esoteric, open air experience that is waiting to be discovered in the heart of Souq Al Mubarakiya, and while the actual installation of these store fronts happened late last year, the twelve installations are scattered all around the souq and still stand today. We initially wanted to run this story back in February of this year, but with every interruption caused by this pandemic comes a new opportunity. This month, bazaar is running a very limited run of beautifully designed maps by Huda of Souq Al Mubarakiya denoting the placement of each installation. So you might be lucky and find the map in your physical copy of the December issue! Huda also agrees that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it positive changes, “Strangely enough, the lockdown ended up opening up a lot of opportunities for me to learn and practice photography. Many different institutions such as VII academy and the Leica academy opened up online workshops that I was able to partake in. If they were in-person, I’m not sure that I would have had the chance to join. I was also able to work on two new projects: one, focusing on self-portraiture for the first time; and another in which I took ‘remote’ portraits of people around the world through their webcams. In the second project, my goal was to capture how people have adapted their homes to also become their school, gym, office, studio and so on.” And while she won’t reveal much about her upcoming projects, we can’t wait to see what Huda comes up with next. For more information, visit hudaabdulmughni.com and check out @takenbyHuda on Instagram.

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BREAKING WORLD RECORDS

Emirati champion wakeboarder Omeir Saeed breaks two Guinness World Records this month By bazaar staff

The 23-year-old Red Bull athlete beat the records for “Farthest Wakeboard Ramp Jump (Male)” and “Most Wakeboard Rail Airs (Supermans) in 30 Seconds”. Emirati wakeboarding champion and Red Bull UAE athlete, Omeir Saeed has broken not one, but two Guinness World Record (GWR) titles this month.

It comes as GWR celebrated its annual recordbreaking “GWR Day” (18 November), this year celebrating the “creativity, dedication, and passion of people around the world following a year of lockdown and restrictions”. Omeir, 23, beat the GWR titles for Farthest Wakeboard Ramp Jump (Male) and Most Wakeboard Rail Airs (Supermans) in 30 Seconds. For his first record, Omeir achieved an impressive 21-metre jump, smashing the previous GWR of 15 metres held by France’s Jérôme Macquart since 2004. His second record saw him achieve 10 wakeboard rail airs in 30 seconds, doubling the previous record also set by Macquart back in 2005. Commenting on his wins, Omeir said: “If there is one thing that I learned from this experience, it 58

is that we hold a big responsibility to inspire the younger generation, to transfer the message and share the passion. “Having this global recognition in hand makes me proud as an Emirati, as this is certainly the jewel in the crown of so many years of achievement and success.” It took three years for Omeir to go from amateur to professional, and that rapid rise showcases his passion for the sport and the drive that is required for any athlete to reach the top. Back in 2011, in Al Forsan Club in Abu Dhabi, a 15-year-old Omeir went to “mess about” on the water with his friends; his previous experience with snowboarding serving the youngster well, as he picked up the skills required to master wakeboarding incredibly quickly.

Omeir entered the first WWA World Championship in Abu Dhabi soon after picking up the sport, and instantly displayed his natural ability by finishing in fifth place – which only embedded the wakeboarding bug in him even further. To transform from amateur to professional in a few short years is a remarkable story and highlights Omeir’s determination to succeed. This is shown through his interests outside the sport, competing in events like the Wings For Life World Run, the Spartan Race, and Desert Warrior Challenge.

To find out more, visit @RedBullKuwait on Instagram and Twitter, and @RedBull on Facebook, or visit redbull.com

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BRING ON THE FASHION

We’re getting all the festive feels with H&M’s Holiday collection By bazaar staff

We’re gearing up for a different kind of holiday season, and we’re still more excited than ever. In a way, we are sharing a universal experience, one that is underpinned by how creativity comes to life in a time of crises. This is H&M’s credo for the holidays, and we’re standing with it.

Let’s make the most out of the holiday season, and come together in different ways. Be it a love for expression, having virtual gatherings, celebrating with our close pods of loved ones, and most importantly, planning something to look forward to with your nearest and dearest. Make it a fashionable holiday season with H&M! The H&M Holiday collection celebrates beauty in all shapes and forms, and lauds self expression and identity without prejudice. They also want to give customers a fashionable choice that they would feel good about, and this is marked by H&M’s massive push toward making sustainability a part of all of their collection releases and this holiday collection is no exception. We’re bidding 2020 farewell in style with H&M, choosing both the pieces that give us a touch of glamour at home, or upping those cozy feels with winter warmers that will make time at home all the more merrier. This season, H&M Holiday celebrates it all. From brand new outfits to dance around the house in, mixing your favorite closet staples with new pieces, and choosing from versatile pieces to reinvent your style. For women, statement pieces like the black tiered tulle dress with cap sleeves or a metallic silver ruched minidress can be styled with oversized parka jackets or a sleek leather biker style jacket. Better yet, you can pair basic jeans with satin camis, sparkly sweaters and biker boots. There’s also an entire collection in jet black in various textures, from velvet, chiffon to crushed satin, giving you endless styling choices. The best part about H&M’s Holiday collection is the freedom to choose and pair different pieces according to your personal style. Having a zoom holiday party? Don a sultry red satin dress with comfy shoes, and for cozy holiday lunches, a puff sleeved oversized shiny sweater paired with jeans and strappy, chunky heels will instantly put you in a festive mood. For men, staples in sleek camel, beige and grey add a cozy feel to festive indoor gatherings, and key separates like the shiny black shirt will make any basic outfit pop. Give the little ones something gorgeous to celebrate in, and choose from a vast array of holiday pieces in shimmery gold, forest green, slate and soft pinks. Little boys can don a soft blue tux for holiday lunch at grandma’s, and styling your little girl by pairing a forest green tulle skirt with a warm pink sweater and a glitzy antler headpiece will surely impress the entire family. Shop the H&M Holiday collection available now at selected H&M stores and via the H&M MENA App on Ios and Android, or visit kw.hm.com. Happy Holidays! 61

TAILORED WITH LOVE

Woman owned Arab brand brings the extra factor to Debenhams By bazaar staff

FAZZALI is an Arab owned clothing line, known for its unique idea of using only two colors, black and white. The line is owned by Azza Fadel who is a spectacular designer with a distinctive concept to branding. Her work is rooted in the elegance and versatility of monochromatic shades. The brand features FAZZALI’s own premium signature 100% cotton fabric which is meticulously manipulated into distinctive sculptural like designs. Azza Fadel’s vision for FAZZALI reflects more than just elegant clothing for women. The brand name is a play on Azza’s first, second and last names; Azza Fadel Ali. Azza aspired to create a comfortable top of the line label which focuses on attending to a woman’s need for effortless styling, while still maintaining an empowering flare giving them her confidence she deserves. We stan a designer who’s all about women empowerment! If you’re into looking like royalty, feeling feminine and modern all while being comfortable, then this line is for you. FAZZALI utilizes a special integrated design and production team that showcases timeless versatile styles, while keeping in mind fashion aesthetics and world trends. In the words of Azza Fadel “Our mindful efforts are to design for real women and if we can dream it, we can do it.” With all FAZZALI’s production taking place under one roof, the only limit on what FAZZALI can do is their imagination. Using traditional, long-standing techniques fused with state-of-the-art technology, Azza can create designs of increasing complexity and quality. This all started in 2012 when FAZZALI was first introduced to the Egyptian market. Since then, it has been introduced to the Kuwait and Bahrain markets. With tremendous success in the region, it expanded into the US, UK and the UAE, making it an international brand. Booming worldwide, FAZZALI collaborated with Debenhams Stores in 2018 and launched locations in four countries, expanding also to Russia. Under the vision of Azza, the brand has evolved over the years to become a staple component in all of her customers’ wardrobes with a romantic, contemporary flare. FAZZALI aims to establish an emotional connection and maintain satisfaction all around the world through the inspiring line. The company’s slogan, tailored with love is not only a slogan, but it’s the vibes spreading all over the brand team. Since FAZZALI started the process from scratch, all the way from manufacturing the fabrics exclusively for every single detail and followed with love for tailoring, the brand, and more importantly the customer. The focus is spreading the mood of love, between the brand directors, staff members and letting love shine through in every detail.

Follow @debenhamsmiddleeast on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates. Shop FAZZALI line at Debenhams in Grand Avenue - The Avenues, Souq Sharq and The Gate Mall. Call Customer Service: 182-12-12. 62

H&M HOME TO COLLABORATE WITH DVF! Diane Von Furstenberg is bringing her iconic vision to our living spaces By bazaar staff

H&M HOME is thrilled to reveal a collaboration with the international fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. With an interiors collection that encourages expressions of personal style in the home launching next year, the collaboration brings together von Furstenberg’s iconic fashion prints and color play to the world of H&M HOME interiors. We cannot wait to see Diane von Furstenberg’s vast archive of prints, along with von Furstenberg’s life experience as a successful and creative woman translate into an interiors collection. And in collaborating with H&M HOME, customers around the world will ultimately feel closer to the designer and her incredible work. The teaser visual shared with press is enough to make us swoon. We immediately thought of DVF’s iconic wrap dresses in that inimitable print. And while we are still waiting on more details, we do know that Diane will be bringing her legendary touch and powerful visual prints that are embody personal expression to vases, cushion covers, blankets, candles and more. “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with H&M HOME, especially since I have such a passion for interiors. The home is both a relaxing and empowering place where you can really ‘own’ a look or feel. With this collaboration, I want people to take charge of their home decor. The only rule I have is that your home xshould reflect who you are. The main point is to create a space that you’re incredibly comfortable in and is a true expression of your personality,” says Diane von Furstenberg.

Watch this space for more updates coming soon! Until then, follow @HMhome on Instagram, shop the H&M MENA App on Ios and Android, and visit kw.hm.com.

Festive Season is here

Customize the ultimate gifts for your loved ones with our wide selection of festive treats. 2nd Avenue - The Avenues

bazaar goes cruising

BEHIND THE

PORSCHE PANAMERA

TURBO S WHEEL

A DRIVING EXPERIENCE THAT RAISES THE BAR SO HIGH By bazaar staff

A Porsche, any Porsche is a symbol of luxury, elegance, prestige and power. You need impeccable taste to want it and the means to afford it. In the past Porsches were for drivers who appreciated the balance of a rear engine vehicle with rear wheel drive. In 2009, the German car brand delighted car enthusiasts everywhere by giving us the Panamera. It was a true sports car and a real Gran Turismo. Fast forward to present day and the model has established itself as an essential pillar in Porsche’s line-up. Initially planned with 20,000 units per year, the brand’s sporty saloon has exceeded all expectations. With 282,000 units sold globally, 11,000 of which in the Middle East and North Africa region, the numbers speak for themselves. The latest model has the best-in-class performance, enhanced comfort and chassis management, looks sharper and sportier and is the most affordable Panamera to date. bazaar was lucky enough to get behind the wheel of the new Panamera Turbo S model and it left us dazed and very much in love. 68

Sharper visual appearance for greater presence Even before getting into the driver’s seat you can tell that this is a beautifully designed car. It looks sleek and majestic. It is the kind of car you can imagine yourself parking anywhere and stepping out of feeling happy with the choices that you made in life to get you to this point. The completely new front end of the Panamera Turbo S is differentiated by the larger side air intakes and newly designed elements in the exterior color, which are connected horizontally and thus emphasise the width of the vehicle. The dual C-shaped front lights make the Turbo models easier to recognize and sets them apart. The new Panamera models – in addition to the sports saloon, can also be ordered as Sport Turismo or Executive with lengthened wheelbase, depending on the drive system – are now equipped from the factory with the previously optional Sport Design front end with striking air intake grilles, large side cooling openings and a single-bar front light module. The light modules of the dual Turbo front lights are now set much further apart. The revamped light strip at the rear now runs seamlessly over the luggage compartment lid with an adapted contour. It thus provides a continuous and flowing connection between the two newly designed LED tail light clusters. GTS models sport the new

darkened Exclusive Design tail light clusters as standard with dynamic coming/leaving home function. Three new 20- and 21-inch wheels have been added to the wheel range, so that a total of 10 different designs are now available. Even more performance: Turbo becomes Turbo S That S after Turbo is more than just a letter from the alphabet. It means speed, and a lot of it. The Turbo S models were built for racing and more. It combines the performance of a sports car with the comfort of an exclusive saloon. With the 463 kW (630 PS) Panamera Turbo S, the sports car manufacturer successfully supports its claim to best-in-class performance. The new top-of-the-range model betters the performance figures of the previous Panamera Turbo by a wide margin. Porsche also continues to pursue its E-Performance strategy. The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is a new addition to the range of plug-in hybrids, offering a completely new drive system with 412 kW (560 PS) system output. Compared with the previous hybrid models, the all-electric range has been boosted by up to 30 per cent. Comfort and sportiness both benefit from enhanced chassis components and control systems in combination with the new-generation steering control and tires.

Turbo S: from zero to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds With a power output of 463 kW (630 PS) and a torque of 820 newton meters, the new Panamera Turbo S offers 59 kW (80 PS) more power and 50 Nm more torque than the previous flagship Turbo with combustion engine. This has a very positive effect on driving performance: in Sport Plus mode, the Turbo S model accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. Developed in Weissach and built in Zuffenhausen, the familiar four-liter V8 biturbo engine has been comprehensively overhauled to enable the car to achieve a top speed of 315 km/h. In order to transfer the enormous power to the road in a controlled manner and maximize cornering performance, the three-chamber air suspension, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the roll stabilization system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) have been customized to each specific model and optimized accordingly. The new Panamera Turbo S has already proven its uncompromising performance capability on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife: test driver Lars Kern completed the 20.832-kilometer-long lap on the most demanding race track in the world in exactly 7:29.81 minutes – the new official record in the “executive cars” class. Increased sportiness and comfort thanks to optimized chassis systems The V8 biturbo engine in the Panamera GTS was optimized with a specific focus on its power delivery. With 353 kW (480 PS) and 620 Nm, the new Panamera GTS delivers 15 kW (20 PS) more power than its predecessor. The power output continuously increases up to close to the engine speed limit. The power delivery is therefore like

that of a classic sports car with naturally aspirated engine. The traditional V8 sound characteristics are even more prominent than before thanks to the new standard sports exhaust system featuring asymmetrically positioned rear silencers. The new Panamera and Panamera 4 are now equipped with the familiar 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine in all markets worldwide. Delivering 243 kW (330 PS) and 450 Nm, the performance remains unchanged. The chassis and control systems have been geared towards a sporty and also comfortable character for all new Panamera models. Some systems have even been applied completely from scratch. For example, the revamped Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system results in a noticeable improvement in damping comfort, while the control of the electric roll stabilization system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) ensures improved body stability. There is also a new equipment generation for the steering control and tires. 4S E-Hybrid with 17.9 kWh battery and an electric range of up to 54 km Porsche is presenting a further performanceoriented plug-in hybrid model with the new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. The intelligent combination of the 100 kW (136 PS) electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission and the 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine with 324 kW (440 PS) generates a system output of 412 kW (560 PS) and a maximum system torque of 750 Nm. The performance figures are therefore very impressive: combined with the standard Sport Chrono Package, the sprint from 0 – 100 km/h is covered in 3.7 seconds. The top speed is 298 km/h. The gross battery capacity has been increased from 14.1 to 17.9 kWh compared with

the previous hybrid models using optimized cells and the driving modes have been optimized for even more efficient energy utilization. The 4S E-Hybrid has an all-electric range of up to 54 km in accordance with WLTP EAER City (NEDC: up to 64 km). Digital connectivity and assistance systems for safety and comfort The Panamera Turbo S boasts some impressive mechanical and engineering specs that make it a sublime performance machine. But the real magic is in the wide array of additions that make it a truly comfortable, safe and enjoyable drive. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) includes additional digital functions and services such as the improved Voice Pilot online voice control, Risk Radar for up-to-date road sign and hazard information, wireless Apple® CarPlay and many other Connect services. The Panamera also offers an extensive range of innovative light and assistance systems, such as the now standard Lane Keeping Assist with road sign recognition, as well as Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control, Night Vision Assist, Lane Change Assist, LED matrix headlights including PDLS Plus, Park Assist including Surround View and head-up display.

For more information check out #DriveDefinesUs and @Porsche on Instagram,Twitter and Facebook. If you are interested in booking a test drive you can contact Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company by calling 1870 870 or heading to porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow @PorscheCentreKuwait on Instagram and Facebook. [...Continued]

COVID-19 AFFECTS KUWAIT’S REAL ESTATE MARKET Insights on what the pandemic means for real estate investors By bazaar staff

If you’re a real estate investor in Kuwait in 2020, you will certainly have asked yourself about the future of the sector and the country in these trying times. In this article, Mohammed Alhussaini (co-founder Banani App - real estate) shares his insights on what the COVID-19 crisis means for real estate investors in Kuwait. For the past few months, the world has been fighting to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and mitigate its impact on our populations and economies. Countries around the world are grappling with the same impossible question: how do you balance the value of human lives against economic costs like debt, unemployment and hits to key industries? The health and economic crises the world is facing right now are inextricable from one another, and will have knock-on effects for everyone, not least real estate investors.

number of businesses across several sectors, real estate included.

Here’s an example: Imagine it is February 2020, and you are the proud owner of a brand new, high tech gym. You have taken on debt and invested startup capital into your new business. In doing so, you’ve committed to compensating your employees, as well as paying off your debt to the bank that loaned you the cash for your equipment and property improvements. Many small businesses start this way. As the owner of the gym, your main costs are divided into two categories: 1. operating expenses (salaries, electricity, disposables) 2. financing expenses (repayment of the loan you took to pay for equipment and remodelling).

How is Kuwait’s government supporting real estate investors? As real estate investors, we typically operate on thin margins, use creative loan-structuring and see large benefits from even 0.25% reductions in loan interest rates. In Kuwait, many consider the real estate market to be overvalued, exhibiting bubble-like characteristics in areas like Shuwaikh. Furthermore, the market is oversupplied, and investors face tough competition to attract tenants to their proper ties. With the coronavirus crisis threatening the livelihoods of rent-paying tenants, the potential problems are cataclysmic. Should enough tenants become unable to pay rent, landlords will, in turn, be unable to pay their mortgages as well. This, in turn, creates a cycle in which banks begin to foreclose on properties and record losses for each one. To mitigate this, the Kuwaiti government and banking association has announced a deferral on mortgage repayments and interest, in addition to lowering interest rates. This is a strategic move that will be crucial in enabling real estate investors to weather the storm.

How is Kuwait’s government supporting businesses? To prevent this from happening, governments step in to ease the burdens of business owners during this time. In Kuwait, the government stepped up to the plate, introducing a loan holiday that enabled most loan-holders to pay off their debts with a six-month delay. Introducing a loan holiday was crucial to retail and hospitality businesses, whose cash flow is completely dependent on consumers visiting stores and making purchases – something that was not possible during full lockdown in Kuwait. It is something that also remains to be affected with the restrictions put in place by public health authorities (understandably so). Kuwait’s loan holiday is likely to save a huge

What’s Next? Of course, mortgage and business loan holidays can only buy time, not solve the problem permanently. COVID-19 is still in full force in Kuwait and the rest of the world and is likely to be with us for many months to come. As long as brick and mortar businesses are unable to operate at their normal capacity, more and more tenants will be unable to make their rent payments. Now, the government has to find a way to mitigate further damage. One probable solution is a devaluation of the Kuwaiti Dinar. Doing this would slightly increase the cost of living in Kuwait but would be helpful for property owners with debt. Due to the recession caused by COVID-19, property prices are likely

to decrease over the next few months. The debt taken on by investors will remain the same, meaning that the debt load will be greater than the actual value of the property, and investors will struggle to pay their loans off, with some defaulting. If, on the other hand, the Dinar is devalued, neither the on-paper value of both properties or the debt load associated with them would change: therefore, the value of the investment would be preserved. Needless to say, this solution is not perfect: devaluation of currency has many knock-on effects in all areas of the economy, especially international trade. However, if the crisis continues to drag on, it will likely become necessary to mitigate economic collapse. The high stakes race for a coronavirus vaccine and the responses of governments to the human and economic effects of the crisis will define the next decade not only in Kuwait but around the world. For more information regarding the app, or investment advice head to bananiapp.com or follow them on Instagram @bananiapp for more information. Photos courtesy of Masrur Rahman on Unsplash.

PASSIVE INCOME EXPLAINED

In the age of uncertainty, preparedness is key. By Ayman Nassar

I know what you’re thinking; not another COVID-19 post! Right, and wrong. this article, albeit inspired by the dreaded C-word, can also be adopted for usage by anyone with a basic understanding of financial concepts, who kept some money tucked away in a nest-egg, and wants to watch that nest grow. The inspiration for this post came when I was entering my building, and saw the landlord had put up a post of shame for all those who had missed out on paying their rent for a period of time. Hence, allow me to attempt to shed a brief light on the concept of “passive income”, a term being thrown around all over the internet, as the take-away lessons in the post-COVID-19 era. Firstly, what is passive income? Simply put, it is a stream of income generated with (a) little effort, besides your regular 9-to-5 paycheck. Some soothsayers say you work for your income, whereas passive income works for you. HOWEVER, before that, it is important to mention that secondly, there is no such thing as risk-free income! COVID-19 taught us that everything is at risk and not to take anything for granted. So, use the following concepts as an introduction to passive income, then do your due diligence and read up more about it before indulging in it. Stock Market Everyone and their second cousin are aware of the stock market. NASDAQ, NYSE, NIKKEI, Kuwait SE etc. it is where one buys and sells shares in companies. These shares can make you a profit in three ways; cash dividend – cash amount paid to the owner of the shares after a year, stock dividend – more shares atop your initial purchase of shares and lastly, selling the shares (hopefully for more than what you paid for them). The stock market is a classic risk-versusreward trade off, for the annual amount to be worthwhile, you’d need to buy a large number of shares. These shares can fall drastically in price, however you can play the long game and hold on to them until their price appreciates again. Word-to-the-wise; never invest more than you are willing to lose. Drop-shipping We’re constantly bombarded by advertisements for really cool gadgets on social media right? Once you click the link to purchase, you see a price correct? Memorize that price, then search for the rough description of the same product online, specifically on Jack Ma’s “express” website. 6/10 times you will find the same exact product, for a fraction of the cost! That is drop shipping. You (simply) create a website with a catchy ad, a payment gateway and sell a product you do not own or store. Once you make 72

a sale, you plug the buyer’s information into the express website, and they ship to them. You’re only the middle-man. The difference in prices is your profit. Once enough people catch on to how dropshipping works it will become a thing of the past. However, until then, several people are making a living off of it. Problems might arise should delays or cancellations occur. Real Estate The price of everything falls; the car you just purchased lost a huge chunk of its value the minute its wheels touched the road. One thing that usually appreciates in value though, is real estate. With this strategy, you begin making payments on a property (then taking out a bank loan or mortgage for the rest) and then start renting it out to tenants (becoming a landlord). The goal here is to rent it out for more per month than you are paying for it. This requires a much larger capital investment than the other two methods, however, the payoff can be enough for you to lead a life of luxury.

That being said, there is a risk to everything. Do your research, take stock of your assets, see how much you are willing to invest and start seeing how you too can hop aboard the financial independence train. The concept here is that you can continue to work for money, by having second and part-time jobs, however you are limited by the number of hours you can put in. As a concept, passive income is a sound strategy. As a risk however, it entirely depends on your appetite.

Like the Rubik’s Cube, Ayman Nassar is multicolored in his interests, from running to organizing races, stand- up comedy and internal audit, plus a little writing on the side. You can find him on YouTube or follow him on Instagram @LordAymz. Photo by BP Miller on Unsplash.

CALL FOR MORE INFO 1823080

MILANO WINTER FAVES

Winter wardrobe sorted in a couple of clicks By bazaar staff

Dressing up for winter is our jam. We love getting cozy in cable-knit sweaters, but really it is the accessories that complete the look. Thick heeled boots, statement bags and bold jewelry take simple winter looks from plain to WOW in a matter of seconds. And while building your personal style can take some time and effort, being able to shop online and see everything in one place really speeds up and simplifies the process.

And you can do just that while you are curled under a blanket sipping hot cocoa on your couch using the new Milano website or app. You can go directly to the “Shop By Look” tab for instant inspiration that works for a wide range of fashion styles. From Eloquent Elegance to Timeless Versatility, there is going to be something for you. The website is cleverly designed. You can see different angles of the product straight from the search results so you can easily compare different boots without having to open lots of tabs in your browser. This winter we’re really into thick chunky soled boots to add a sense of adventure and freedom into our lives. The Imelda is a beautiful classic 74

Chelsea boot with a twist. The practical rubber sole has ample grip with the brogue-inspired feel keeping it contemporary and edgy. Added or oversized details are another trend at the moment and can be best seen on the Avva. The flat-biker lace-up boot has oversized silver buckles that make a statement when you walk in anywhere. They can be easily worn with jeans or dresses. Bags are another easy style-transformation tool. They can add color and style to any outfit, and are functional and practical too! The Zander will take you from the office to the gym. Black quilted fabric makes it blend in with anything you might be wearing and the roomy laptop pocket will keep everything safe. We also love the Lydia, a

hot fuschia croc leather mini bag with contrasting teal handles. It is definitely the hottest bag of the season. Looking fashionable is all about the simpler elements. A scarf is like fairy dust and can add magic to a look. We love being swaddled in a large cozy wrap. Warmth and glamor in one item. Our favorite one this season is The Plain Orange Scarf. With simple fringe details and a beautiful deep burnt orange it works with many color palettes and looks great with formal and casual attire, plus it is so soft. Here’s another secret fashion-hack, swap out your bag strap. Milano stocks a couple of really exciting bag straps that you can attach to any

bag already in your wardrobe. The Studded Bag Strap is a perfect example. Black leather and gold studs on one side and black polka dots on a white background on the other. It is like buying a new bag just by changing a small accessory. And we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about jewelry. Putting on a pair of earrings or a statement necklace will make your face glow. The dangly Double Stone Earrings that come in a variety of semi-precious stone combinations mean that we can put up our hair in a bun, but still look glam and chic. But our all time favorite tab on the website is the MyMilano one. We care about what we wear but we also enjoy taking care of ourselves and love splurging on candles, bath products and fancy

bathrobes. The Hammam collection features lots of beautiful striped robes made from 100% cotton which we love lounging in while we light up one of our Oud scented Black Arabesque Candles.

Shopping the Milano website is very easy and convenient. Shipping is speedy and free for orders over KD 9. Shop for your new winter faves on the Milano website kuwait.milanomena.com or download the app from the App or Google Play Store. For updates and news follow @milanomiddleeast on Instagram. 75

ESCAPE TO ITALY WITH FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KUWAIT AT BURJ ALSHAYA

Experience Italian Culture and Cuisine in Kuwait City with Vieni in Italia Con Me at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya By bazaar staff

What’s not to love about Italy; the food, the culture, the impeccable service, it’s a popular place to visit. It is unfortunate however that events in the last year may have impeded our ability to explore the country first hand. This should not dampen our desire to experience the joy that Italy has to offer however, as Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is successfully bringing Italy to Kuwait!

Executive Chef Sebastiano Spriveri The luxury hoteliers have curated a stunning new stay package fashioned for those of us in Kuwait who may have missed out on any Italian travel plans due to pandemic restrictions. However, now with this wonderfully bellissimo package locals and expats alike in Kuwait can still find their way to an authentic Italian escape, and it’s right here in our own backyard! Vieni in Italia con Me – “Come to Italy with Me” – is a new one-of-a-kind celebration of Italian culture and cuisine at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya. Vieni in Italia con Me may be ideally fashioned for vacationers, honeymooners, italophiles, and all-things-italy aficionados, but it’s also perfetto for those who aspire to simply experience a bit of Italy at home. Without a shadow of a doubt, this celebration of all things Italian with Vieni in Italia con Me will allow you to discover Four Seasons Hotel at Burj Alshaya as the number one destination where you can expect to

experience invitingly warm Italian hospitality, which is second to none outside of Italy itself. The concept of Vieni in Italia con Me was inspired by the recent travels of Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya’s Sicilian-born Executive Chef Sebastiano Spriveri, who brings a lifetime of passion for the cuisine of his homeland to the signature rooftop Italian dining experience Dai Forni and other food & beverage outlets throughout the Hotel. Hampered from leaving Italy for nearly nine months, Chef Spriveri used this unexpected opportunity to travel all over the country reconnecting with former culinary school classmates and mentors. He even met with local suppliers – chocolatiers, cheesemongers, farmers, and more – whose products have proven the inspiration behind the highly praised dishes on the menu at Dai Forni. Justifiably proud of his heritage, and with renewed passion to further impart

the Italian experience to those of us here in Kuwait, Chef Sebastiano’s culinary creations will be at the heart of the Vieni in Italia con Me experience. The Italian Stay Package There will be a smorgasbord of highlights to enjoy during your Vieni in Italia con Me stay, with Chef Spriveri and his fellow Italian Chefs at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya being the vital ingredients in a recipe of experiences which start with: · A stay in a luxury guest room or suite · Breakfast for 2 at Elements · Dinner for 2 at Dai Forni with a menu card signed by the Hotel’s Italian Chefs, and a mocha and cannoli in the company of Chef Spriveri · Gift package brimming with the Chef’s favourite Italian goodies waiting in room · Specially designed Italian spa treatments

Arriving at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya

Guests of Vieni in Italia con Me will be welcomed by the smartest and most attentive of Front Desk staff; gifted a symbolic, beautifully illustrated passport emblazoned with their names and stamped with visa dates; and offered a brochure compiled by Italian team members with suggestions for living a true Italian experience during their stay. The ultimate in gracious hospitality, guests will also be escorted to their rooms by one of the Italian team members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Food & Beverage Division Manager Cosimo Lardo, Executive Pastry Chef Lucio Colombo, Executive Sous Chef Fabio Quarta, Front Office Manager Lisa Monteleone, Chef de Partie/Pastry Enrico Dutto, Assistant Restaurant Manager Riccardo Cappella of Dai Forni, or perhaps even the Maestro himself Chef Spriveri! The Vieni in Italia con Me experience only gets richer from there with keepsake-worthy details including a personalized welcome card on Italian-style stationery from General Manager Didier Jardin - he may be French, but his soul and style exudes La Dolce Vita; a special Italian-style welcome amenity by Chef Lucio; singer Andrea Bocelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice serenades guests in welcome to their accommodation, as a classic Italian movie unspools on the flatscreen TV; and discover an elegantly penned romantic poem on the mirror in red lipstick.

The Ambassador Suite

Dai Forni restaurant

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Experience Italy at the Hotel Whether you opt for the stay package or not, an array of optional activities and extras will also be available for guests and visitors to enjoy: • An Instagrammable Italian dessert of the month created by Chef Lucio incorporating a famous work of Italian art and accompanied by an Italian soft drink like Aranciata or Chinotto at Al Soor Lounge • A specially priced 90-minute Essenza Italiana treatment at the Hotel Spa with espresso-citrus body scrub and massage with aromatic herbs • A special event meal at Dai Forni with menu created by 5 Italian chefs from the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya and from Four Seasons destinations in Milan and Florence

Italian amenities for guests of the Italian Stay Package

• A special “Italians Do It Better” themed menu of Italian cuisine, available for home delivery • Mark your calendars for the festive Italian holiday market that is set to take place in the hotel’s lobby during the middle of this month. For all of us who will be missing the winter markets in Europe this year, the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait City is crafting an unforgettable experience for visitors. You May be Going to Italy! For those of you who have ever been embraced by a Latin family you’ll know that there is no greater invitation than being invited back to their home. Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is extending this generous hospitality with a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the country that inspired this celebration. Incredibly, guests who participate in Vieni in Italia con Me will be automatically entered into a special raffle to win a gourmet tour of Italy. The tour includes a full itinerary, and luxury accommodation at Four Seasons Hotel Milano which is a haven right in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. The stunning hotel with its recent extensive multimillion dollar investment, is a stylish sight to behold and here you can continue to enjoy myriad Italian culinary experiences in the fashion capital of the world. Buon appetito!

The Essanza Italiana Spa package

The prize trip will be available starting May 2021, dependent on government and travel restrictions. For more information on ‘Vieni in Italia con Me’ package rates, or for reservations at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, please call or WhatsApp 2200-6000 and visit fourseasons.com/Kuwait/offers.

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Win a luxury Italian Stay!

a t i V e c l Do

LA NUOVA

Romance, luxury, class and elegance. The Ferrari Roma epitomizes a lifestyle that is sumptuously sweet. Its signature Italian styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of post-mid-century Rome, when Hollywood’s brightest and most beautiful stars came to experience the lap of luxury in the heart of Italy - La Dolce Vita. The newest coupé of The Prancing Horse embodies an utterly refined style which is underpinned by an extremely modern design language that looks just at home here careening along the Gulf as along the Lazio coastline. Picture yourself rolling up to VIP valet at the most luxurious of hotels, the powerful engine purring to an idle as the brightest of suns and bluest of skies greets your arrival. Driving the Ferrari Roma is a distinctly black-tie affair, and the elegance that exudes from the curves of this pristine beauty is comparable to the powerful song of sopranos like Maria Callas. The sleekest of lines on the Roma can be likened to the rippling muscle of the most graceful of equine beauties, the coupé straining at the bit as you build up to a roar along vast roadways, finally releasing the horsepower in a release of strength that comes only from the perfected form of the Ferrari Roma.

With special thanks to Babnimnim Design Studio for allowing us to shoot at Villa #1 (@babnimnim on Instagram, www.babnimnim.com) and Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya (@fskuwait on Instagram, www.fourseasons.com/Kuwait).

For more information about the Ferrari Roma, contact the official Ferrari Showroom in Kuwait- Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co located in Al-Rai, on the 4th Ring Road. Please visit www.safat.ferraridealers.com and follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait for the latest updates. Photography by @hyperali on Instagram for bazaar Studios.

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2020 CONCLUSIONS

What happened? What did we learn? Have we grown from it? Do we even care? By bazaar staff

Saying that 2020 was the year of surprises, unrest, change, fear and hope would be an understatement. There was a shared collective human experience at an unprecedented scale, but the pandemic was also deeply personal. Every person has had to deal with it differently and has had to face their own issues, losses and triumphs. The team at bazaar thought about it and these are our conclusions.

Farah Barakat (Mixed Media Content) 2020 Conclusion: Soldier on with a mask on, you cute thang! I was going to write “to be continued” and call it a day, but the thought of possibly inspiring someone and honestly the peer pressure from my colleagues’ awesome entries to this question motivated me to leave you with this. 2020 has not been easy for anybody, on so many levels. Whether it be on a personal or professional level, or watching the world around you and your loved ones struggle, it has taken a toll on us all. For me personally, 2020 made me live in my head too much. And if i’m being very honest it’s both the greatest and worst place to be. I can be my worst critic which helps me stay on top of my stuff, but it can also make me feel like I’m not accomplishing much (when in reality, the world had come to a stop and there was only so much one could do). The good part? I did some major self reflecting and realized that I didn’t want to be someone who settles for their life, watches it happen to 92

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them and just reacts. I wanted to take charge and whatever that meant I wasn’t gonna let society, or anyone around me decide my path. So, I took a leap of faith when life made me and I set out to do what I deep down always wanted to do. Since fear was the only thing holding me back before, due to the unpredictability of this year I was able to become familiar with letting go of control and just being. Which meant, doing the things I love, being around the people that mean the most to me and letting life unfold that way. And let me tell you, it’s been one of the best years for me as far as inspiring my personal growth. Regardless of the craziness, and the low moments I am very proud of what I managed to accomplish this year. I hope that you too can look back and realize that you too, soldiered on with bravery and crushed your goals. Jennifer Cádiz (Mixed Media Solutions) 2020 Conclusion: Same old same old My brain is a filter which eradicates completely

all memory unless something’s been absolutely horrific or touched me deeply. So, happily, I’ve forgotten most of 2020 already. It feels distant, like I’ve read about world events from a history book. I learned that there are people who care about me and have adopted me so much so that they will make sure I have plenty to eat and send me home cooked meals, but that I still won’t ask for help because it feels burdensome, although I will now accept help when it is offered which is totally new for me. Discovering whole communities of charitable fundraisers and distributors that do things more effectively and with more empathy than organizations built for the job, is an absolute joy, but not surprising. I worry that the spirit of Gen Z who were proving untamable, opinionated and righteous and in whom I held so much hope for the future, is being destroyed on a global scale through the installation of fear and division spread through societal manipulation led by the top tenth of the 1% who are, not coincidentally, the very same titans activists have been begging

governments to tax into impotence for decades. Man’s inhumanity to man is astonishing, but our humanity is also breathtaking. And we’ll continue, until we don’t. Umika Pidaparthy (Online Producer) 2020 Conclusion: Slow down, take a breather and reassess The world before the pandemic was moving at breakneck speed in so many respects. The most pronounced to me was and still is the rate of ecological degradation. At that time environmental disasters like the wildfires in Australia that raged from June 2019 to May 2020, were at their peak. When the lockdowns came into effect, Earth received a brief respite - the air for a short time was cleaner, you could even see the sky in cities that were once blanketed in smog. If that wasn’t a more obvious sign from Mother Nature to slow down, take a break and cleanse ourselves of the figurative gunk that occupied our lives, then I don’t know what is. Let me be clear, the COVID-19 pandemic, when not affecting the health of millions, has been extremely cruel to those who couldn’t afford to slow down, whose livelihoods and existence depended on our capitalistic systems continuing to function. It is a sad state of affairs and a lesson that will hopefully spur change. Yet it can’t be denied that the world slowing down gave those who could an opportunity to stop, breathe, and think. It made me reassess what was important, reconnect with friends and family, savour the chances to go outside when it was allowed. I appreciated the small things and practiced gratitude, whether it

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was taking the time to cook a usually-ordered meal from scratch or swimming in the sea and being amazed by the natural surroundings. And that in turn allowed for self-reflection and rethinking what’s next. 2020 may have put a wrench in my plans but it’s allowing me to make better, more meaningful ones. Life may now be on track to return to its breakneck speed and the smog may have returned. But that does not mean it will be the same for everyone because of this momentary pause. And those who can will exit the systems that caused them sorrow. One can only hope and pray that this will bode well for our Earth. Yasmine El Charif (Content Manager) 2020 Conclusion: This ‘new normal’ is not normal People tend to confuse my sense of realism with pessimism, so I will try to be gentle. 2020 has been a year of big changes (duh), but I personally feel that we rushed into embracing a ‘new normal’ with hopes of quickly going back to ‘normal normal’. Socially distanced physical gatherings are a thing, and they are not fun. Not being able to see young children experience life beyond a screen most certainly should not be considered as the new normal. I can go on and on, but it all boils down to this: Change may be sudden, as it usually is, but it also takes time. We are still reeling. I still wake up some days feeling like I am dangling off the door of a very crowded bus hurtling at 1000 kilometers per hour and I just have to brave the asphalt burns. Other days, I wake up and I don’t even remember that a global

pandemic put the world (and in turn, our lives) on hold. It sucks, but that’s change for you, it’s weird and it’s kind of like experiencing grief. So, let’s not rush to make up new words for what is normal, as normal is a) a social construct and b) a long time away. The way I see it, 2020 is the year of big change, and 2021 will be one of adjustment, with hopes of approaching a sense of ‘new normal’ by 2022 with a vaccine being widely available. Can we speed up the timeline please? Yasmin Gamal (Mixed Media Creator) 2020 Conclusion: It will be ok This was the hardest thing I had to write this year. I mean “2020: 0/10 would not recommend” feels like basically it. But really, I got repeatedly hit with thing after thing and survived. The universe served us a global pandemic, financial uncertainty and social isolation. Yet, we found a way to keep going. And that might be the real conclusion. As a species we don’t give up easily. We created memes, zoom bombed, netflixed, baked sourdough, checked in on friends, crafted and the list goes on. We learned to wear masks and obsess about our hand washing technique. There were undoubtedly some very low moments when we threw our hands up in the air and tried to quit but didn’t. We found a million and one ways to manage our own anxieties while taking care of each other. It is what it is, but we will be ok.

Photo by Wyron A and Mick Haupt on Unsplash.

THE MUJI GIFT GUIDE Special gifts for everyone in your life By bazaar staff

Buying a gift for someone you care about is a special thing. It is a form of intimacy that shows how much you care about the recipient and more importantly, how well you know them. Choosing a gift is a delicate art and we think that the best gift is something that is practical but also helps a person become who they aspire to be. This holiday season we have rounded up some of our favorite items from MUJI that can hit both nails on the head depending on who you are buying for.

The one who loves hosting parties Throwing a dinner is not just about the menu, it is about the ambience and a well designed tablescape screams sophistication and elegance. You can find the prettiest flatware, porcelain pieces and silverware at MUJI. You can choose from glass, white, wooden and dishes with a hint of blue. Everything mixes and matches easily to create balance and visual interest. We love seeing the acacia bowls filled with colorful salads next to carefully plated white dinner plates that are available in several sizes and shapes. The one who loves their coffee We depend on our caffeine for fueling our day, but not all coffee experiences are equal. Making your own drip coffee is a beautiful addition to anyone’s morning routine. It allows you to start your morning with purpose and intention while you watch your cup fill with your favorite beverage. The MUJI dripolator will remind your friends how much you care about them every day as they make coffee. The one who loves being (or is trying to be) organized Being organized is one of those ultimate life hacks to level up your life. It makes life less stressful and frees up time and effort for more fun time or goal getting (whatever floats your boat, we don’t judge). And that is the true gift

you will be giving if you put together a special life-management kit for your loved one. You can customize this depending on the recipient. A stationery set is perfect for people who love keeping a paper schedule. For the friend who loves her jewelry, an acrylic organizer will have her ready in minutes because she can see and access everything quickly. The one who is seeking more zen This also works if you are trying to force that person to be more chill. MUJI stocks our favorite aroma diffusers in Kuwait. The Ultrasonic Moist Aroma Diffuser Approx generates scented mist that will fill any room. It comes in two sizes, and there’s even a portable USB version. But the real gem here is the large range of high-quality essential oils that are available. From eucalyptus to bergamot and Japanese cypress to lavender, there is a scent for every mood and need. The one who loves leisure time If you are buying a gift for someone whose motto in life is “Netflix and Chill” then they need a bean bag in their life. Who wouldn’t love lounging on a body sofa that conforms to their body. Use it vertically or horizontally for different comfort levels and there are different covers to suit any room decor or color palette. On second thought, buy one for yourself because you deserve a gift too!

The one who is a fashionista Fashion accessories can be a difficult purchase, but there is one product that everyone needs and is always practical in the winter. A scarf or stole can turn an outfit from meh into wow in seconds. It can add a pop of color, visual interest and elevate styling in a single swoop. The collection at MUJI are super soft and lightweight but still give the wearer warmth. They can be worn like a scarf or a shawl and your recipient will feel loved and hugged all day long. The one who spends too much time on their devices That’s all of us these days, we’re not even going to try and deny it. The constant blue-light streaming towards our eyes was wreaking havoc on our sleep cycles until we purchased blue light-blocking glasses from MUJI. There are several designs and colors to choose from and we’re sleeping much better, so we have been recommending them to everyone. This is a gift that is life-changing, simple and thoughtful.

Get ahead of your gift shopping by visiting the MUJI stores in Grand Avenue – The Avenues and Al Kout Mall or shop muji.com.kw. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast. 97

bazaar weekends

START A SIDE HUSTLE Having an extra source of income or following your passion never hurt anyone, so what’s holding you back? By bazaar staff

Do you have a hobby or a unique skill? Would you like some extra KDs? Are you looking for something challenging but rewarding to do? Then you might be the perfect candidate to start a side-hustle. By definition, it is something you do next to your job or while still at university to make some money but also test the waters for your business idea. Did you know that some of the world’s biggest companies started as passion projects? Apple, Under Armour and Facebook are just some of so many. There are two ways to go about this; do something you want to grow or do something you are already good at. Obviously, the best case would be to choose something that you both enjoy and are skilled at. If you are lost, sit down and make a list of all the things you think you are good at and start from there. You can offer the world one of two things; products or services. Maybe you are a great baker of cookies or you know how to make artisan soap. These are special things that the majority of us have no idea how to make and would pay for the privilege. Dealing in products means that there might be upfront overhead costs for materials or renting a space to be able to make your goodies. Additionally, there are other logistics like packaging, storage and shipping that you will need to 98

account for. The good news is that you can always start really small and offer your goods to family and friends first before scaling bigger. It can be a great way to see how a larger public will react to your ideas. You can also decide how much you are initially willing to invest in your venture so you don’t go broke. Services on the other hand have the benefit of being intangible. There is so much untapped talent in our region, and these talented individuals deserve to monetize their skills and be given an opportunity to grow. Photography, illustration and coding are just some of the many tasks that people often want to outsource to someone else. There are other things too that you can consider like translation, tutoring or transcription. Just check out any of the many freelance gig websites like PeoplePerHour, Fiver or UpWork and you might be surprised to find that there is someone out there who is looking for your unique skill set. We often think that

freelancing is the realm of creatives and artists, but if you browse the sites you will see projects that need accountants, administrative assistants and customer service people. You can even try becoming a beta reader for upcoming books. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you schedule time for your on-the-side job so you don’t get too overwhelmed or start slacking on your actual job. The hardest thing is taking the first step and telling people that you are going to be doing this. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you, who knows, you might just be the next Steve Jobs.

If you have been successful at a side hustle, we would love to hear your story. DM us on @bazaargram on Instagram, we might even feature your story. Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash.

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FROM X-CITE From Apple to Sony, choose from these exciting releases By bazaar staff

The Holidays are a time of giving, whether it is spending more time with family and friends, or sharing your favorite gifts. Choosing what to give people can be hard. Luckily, we live in a technologically advanced world, and everybody loves a new release gift. This season, different releases from Apple, Sony, Dyson and Microsoft are here to treat us. So whether your family member is a gamer, or likes to have frizz free locks, there’s something for everyone at X-cite!

Apple iPhone 12 The new iPhone 12 comes with the A14 Bionic chip, which is the fastest chip in a smartphone, designed by Apple Inc. So you won’t have to worry about your phone lagging when you’re busy checking your emails, or scrolling through Instagram (we don’t judge). The new edge-to-edge display design also gives it a graceful look. And since Apple is also always listening (maybe literally, but that’s for my #conspiracists), the Ceramic Shield now comes with four times better drop performance. Definitely a win for the clumsy! Night mode is also available on every camera. The iPhone 12 also comes in four different models: iPhone 12 mini (5.4 inches), iPhone 12 (6.1 inches), iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone Pro Max (6.1 / 6.7 inches). The iPhone 12 has it all, including the latest 5G technology, making it the first ever iPhone from Apple that has 5G.

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Sony PlayStation 5 The long awaited Sony PlayStation 5 (known as the PS5) is finally here! And for all the gamers, the wait has felt like forever. This new PS5 is not only a big deal, but it is also bigger in size. With a completely new hardware design, you will want to get your hands on this now. It has been reviewed that wait times for game loads are much shorter than before, as compared to the PS4. The new PS5 also has an amazing DualSense controller (the first major redesign of the PlayStation controller), and a more streamlined UI. Definitely one of the bigger drops of the season.

Microsoft Xbox Series X Microsoft’s fastest, most powerful console ever, designed for a console generation that has you, the player, at its center. The outer design of the console has been changed to a boxy, rectangular, tower-like case to support the exhaust fan placed at the top. Surrounded by a green coating, it looks like there’s an LED light up top. This also works in benefit for gamers, since the console stays cool and quiet. Just like the PS5, the Xbox Series X’s load times have improved tremendously.

Apple Watch Series 6 Although physically indistinguishable from the last generation Apple Watch, there is a new processor inside the Series 6. That being said, it‘s now faster and x2.5 brighter! There is also a new blood oxygen saturation sensor on the back. The new sensor shows how oxygenated your blood is, how well your lungs are working, or how well your body is adjusting to high altitude in theory and can be perfect for athletes. Super comfortable to wear, the watch helps you track your fitness goals while rocking a large range of strap options with new styles.

Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer The holy grail of hairdryers. Not only does the Dyson Supersonic’s appearance set it apart but it also comes with three attachments. These include: a diffuser, a smoothing nozzle and a styling concentrator. The diffuser helps control, soften and diffuse the hair, the smoothing nozzle lets you rough dry with fingers but maintain a smooth finish and the styling concentrator allows you to straighten the hair with a round brush. This means frizz free, gorgeous looking hair that is protected from heat damage!

For a comprehensive list of X-cite’s 43 store locations and to shop online for the latest deals visit www.xcite.com. Download the X-cite app for Android on Google Play or iPhone on the App Store. Follow X-cite social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, @xcitealghanim and Facebook XcitebyAlghanim. Call 180 3535 for further Inquiries.

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ATTENTION CLASS: GEORGE IS HAVING A TIKTOK MOMENT On the new age of marketing By George Tarabay

I know you are sick and tired of hearing the words pandemic, health crisis, virus, corona etc.…So for the sake of this article and this article only, let’s refer to it as: The Event. Ever since The Event, I have been noticing a global and steady growth in a completely new approach to marketing, especially content marketing. As consumers or even as professionals in the field, we have often seen how brands maintained a tone for themselves that was never broken. That changed, and boy was I waiting for it especially that I have advocated for it in numerous articles, two or three years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I still believe in a having a consistent brand tone and brand image applied to communications and in particular content, however to see that today more and more brands are shedding off the self-made boundaries in exchange for a more real consumer tone is a marvelous sight for me, especially when it comes to TikTok. First, if you jump on TikTok, you will see that some brands that have once positioned themselves as classy and high end cast off the restraints of that image while keeping its core, and making content very similar to what their consumer would make or enjoy. Second, the fact that these brands are on TikTok blows my mind. For the longest period, TikTok was construed as a platform for “kids”. But, with the platform growing exponentially in popularity across all age segments, it was only a matter of time before it gained the respect it deserves. It reminds me a lot of the same resistance Instagram faced on its launch. Third, the fact that these brands, and especially because of The Event, have adopted the tone of the platform also blows my mind. When people were forced into forced solitude, many brands quickly realized, either alone or through their agencies, that people they are reaching out to are now living in a different mindset: Cozy. Several brands took it upon themselves to break the brand-client barrier and turned themselves into entertainers. Of course, sales is still key, but they did challenges, games, trends, sketches etc. all centered or around the product. And that is in an attempt to be able to penetrate the cozy-at-home barrier people barricaded themselves behind. Yet what pleasantly shocked me, was the fact that these brands decided to jump on the trends of the TikTok app instead of using the same guidelines they apply on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and so on. It’s like they used the platform as a free pass from their own rules and I kid you not, their results are quite impressive. Luxury or everyday, Fast Moving or Slow Moving, FCMG or Electronics … across the pond all brands are playing the same game on a very well leveled playing field and that makes even more interesting because there is

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nothing to leverage except how quick you are to pick up on the trend. Mind you, I am still an advocate of storytelling for brands and I had written an article about brands that short-live others because of their reliance on trends only. But today, I could be standing corrected in general, however the least I am certain of for TikTok, it does work. And while car manufacturers, watch brands, high end clothing lines have adopted TikTok as their fun channels and are killing it in terms of reach and conversions, we are yet to see others follow. I know it will eventually be the case, just as the Instagram model but there is a key major difference: While for IG, the “what matters is that you’re here now” ideal worked for brands joining late, I

do know for a fact from the way their algorithm works and how the global mass is behaving on the platform, that it wouldn’t work for brands that show up late on TikTok. The app offers a new language for content creators: Short, funny, creative and dense and a super fast lane of information. To join late with and learn it while most have already beat you to it is a high risk and one that could prove more devastating to your business than the event itself that rose the platform to fame. Time is ticking: TikTok! George Tarabay is a marketing expert Filmmaker/ Comedian/Podcaster. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud @GeorgeTarabay. Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash.

YOU WANT IT? WE HAVE IT! Choose Rocket World this holiday season for the ultimate in gifting choice! The destination for quirky, cute gifts, accessories, gadgets and trinkets for your home, work and everywhere else in between.

Organizer

Fitness Enthusiast

Chef On The Go

Photography Lover

Homebody

Traditionalist

Kitchen Hobbyist

Rocketworldkw

Gadget Fan

Hawalli - The Promenade Mall Rocket World kiosk in 360 Mall, New Extension Rocket World Shop in Shop at Fantasy World - Al Rai, The Avenues, Boulevard & Al Kout Shop Online : fantasyworldtoys.com 103

THE POWER IS YOURS!

Foot Locker celebrates youth culture with the introduction of their Avenues power store By bazaar staff

Sneaker culture has taken Kuwait by storm! We love wearing them, flaunting them and even collecting them. The utilitarian shoes support us all day, during heartbeat-raising workouts and even long walks at The Avenues. Not only are kicks versatile, they have become a fabulous tool of self-expression. Foot Locker, the leading global specialty athletic retailer, in partnership with Alshaya Group, recently opened its pioneering concept Power Store in The Avenues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kuwait, following the successful launch of the first Power Store earlier this year in The Dubai Mall, UAE.

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Foot Locker is leading the sneaker and youth culture revolution around the globe through a portfolio of brands including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Eastbay, Footaction, Runners Point, and Sidestep. With approximately 3,100 retail stores in 27 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as websites and mobile apps, the Company’s purpose is to inspire and empower youth around the world, by fueling a shared passion for self-expression and creating unrivaled experiences at the heart of the global sneaker community. “The opening of The Avenues Power Store is a pinnacle expression of the Foot Locker brand in the Middle East. It will serve as a hub for local sneaker culture, art, music, and sports and engage the sneaker community beyond traditional brick and mortar capabilities,” said Ian Ainsworth,

Business Director, Foot Locker Middle East from Alshaya Group. With more than 730 square meters of retail space, Foot Locker’s newest store model provides full-family shopping for men, women and kids, in footwear, apparel and accessories from top athletic brands including Nike, Jordan, adidas, New Balance, Puma and more. These spaces, designed to inspire youth culture and build communities, will break new ground by delivering an immersive retail experience with premium products, elevated instore presentations including a dedicated women’s section, and enhanced customer experiences through an activation space. “It is our goal at Foot Locker to bring the excitement of sneaker culture to local communities around the world, and that’s what our new Power Store model is all about. With the opening of this

concept in The Avenues, Kuwait, we congratulate Alshaya Group and are delighted to mark another milestone in our Middle East journey to connect with the local sneaker-obsessed community, enhance the in-store experience and continue to inspire and empower youth culture,” said Vijay Talwar, EVP and CEO Foot Locker EMEA. Alshaya Group successfully operates over 70 Foot Locker stores in seven GCC countries, with the addition of two Power Stores – the first of its kind in the region. In addition to Dubai and Kuwait, Foot Locker has community-based Power Stores across the globe in key cities like London, Liverpool, Hong Kong, New York and Detroit and is expected to open more new locations in 2020. To stay updated on opportunities and future events of Foot Locker in the Middle East, please follow @footlockerme on Instagram.

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GOOD DESIGN The secret to a vibrant workplace? Good design. By FastCo Works

In recent years, the corporate workplace has gotten a much-needed facelift. In most modern offices, bland cubicles and austere conference rooms have given way to airy, modular spaces that give employees more options for working, socializing, and collaborating. The changes aren’t all cosmetic: Capital One’s annual Work Environment Survey shows that employees respond to well-designed office spaces, believing they drive better performance and creativity, and foster a greater sense of well-being. In fact, an appealing workplace can even serve as a powerful recruitment tool: 70% of employees say a prospective employer’s workplace design is important when weighing a new job offer. But what does good workplace design actually look like? Is it enough to clear out the cubicles and splash vibrant colors on the walls? And in the age of COVID-19, what design changes are necessary to keep employees safe and productive? For many companies, the answers to these questions go beyond simple aesthetics. Here are five ways firms can tackle office redesigns that support and engage their employees. 1. Focus on safety. These days, companies need to consider how to adapt the workplace—with a focus on safety— as employees migrate back to the office. Nearly two-thirds of professionals expect their employers to make long-term changes to their office layouts as a result of COVID-19. But as public health directives and employee preferences continue to shift, Stefanie Spurlin, vice president of workplace solutions at Capital One, emphasizes that companies will need to remain flexible. 2.Be flexible. The shift away from cubicles picked up steam in the 1990s. Cho, who specializes in workplace design, notes that the post-cubicle office was cemented in the 2000s as emerging technologies such as WiFi untethered employees from their desks. “This kind of non-territorial office made it possible for employees to work from any location they wished to work,” he says. More recently, companies have relied on thoughtful layouts to support employees’ need for mobility. Quieter spaces with more calming color tones may be just what a programmer needs to focus on a challenging coding issue. A social zone with modular furniture can cater to small break-out groups or larger team meetings. 3. Cater to the individual. A workplace redesign shouldn’t be a top-down effort. Instead, Spurlin says companies need to find out what their teams truly need to do their

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best work. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to good workplace design,” she says. “At the end of the day, you want functional spaces that are going to support the company culture and the way work actually gets done.” At Capital One, capturing the voice of the employee is critical to developing workplace design strategy. According to Johnston, the firm employs a variety of approaches to identify how to support individual teams through good workplace design. 4. Support wellness. In recent years, companies have paid more attention to employees’ well-being—including their mental health. That’s led to a raft of workplace benefits and initiatives aimed at supporting healthier habits, happier workplace environments, and more. Most professionals expect this support: 83% of employees say it’s important for their employer to create spaces

and programs that address employees’ mental health. Flexible scheduling—whether in the office or for remote work—continues to top the list of benefits employees want to see. Workplace design elements such as quiet spaces in the office and access to natural light also are among employees’ top five requests for wellness support. 5. Make connections. It’s anyone’s guess when employees will return to the office full time. In the interim, companies need to integrate technology more fully into their workplace designs. From video conferencing to digital whiteboard platforms, technologies can help on-site workers seamlessly connect and collaborate with their remote colleagues. “This will all continue to evolve,” Johnston says. “But it’s imperative to think about how we can adapt to this changing workforce today and in the future.” Photo by Jonathan Farber on Unsplash.

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THE ULTIMATE VIRGIN MEGASTORE GIFT GUIDE Gifting just got easier this holiday season By bazaar staff

What do you buy for the person who has everything? If gift-giving season has you stumped, you are not alone. It often feels like you can’t find the perfect thing for the special people in your life. This season, we’ve got you covered with this quick and easy gift guide from Virgin Megastore. The real secret is to focus on the experience or aspirations instead of the physical item. A gift should give the recipient joy, solve a problem or make their life easier. It signals to them that you care about their needs or their goals and that you invested time, effort and money to help them move towards that.

The Music Lover

The Digital Nomad

If you know someone who loves music then you are in luck. If they collect vinyl records then they need a fancy Crosley Turntable. Virgin has several options from Crosley, like the Cruiser Deluxe Turntable Denim edition is a stunner (KD 54.90) and Crosley Nomad ( KD 115). We love the mid-century inspired sleek suitcase-style shells and portability. With built in speakers and bluetooth connections, you can stream music or enjoy your records. They’re all super easy to use and delightful to look at.

Whether the intended recipient is working from home or in coffee shops, a quality pair of headphones are absolutely essential. Beats sit on the throne of headphone kingdom, especially the Beats Solo Red (KD 97.9) and the Beats Studio 3 Grey Wireless headphones (KD 111.9). With crystal clear sound and sensitive mics, they make Zoom calls a breeze and can help the wearer focus when they need to by cancelling all external noise.

The Environmentally Friendly Friend

The Gamer

They refuse plastic bags at supermarkets, they shun plastic straws and recycle their paper. Help your friend save the planet by helping them replace plastic water bottles with reusable ones. Chilly’s stainless steel bottles come in so many colorful designs that will suit everyone’s style. This is a gift that keeps on giving. We're obsessed with the Chilly's Bottle in the lemon print (KD 8), and Non Red (KD 9).

Despite years of being told that video games will rot our brains, new research is showing that there are lots of benefits to digital fun. The Nintendo Switch (KD 144.9) is still one of the hottest consoles because of its versatility and exciting games to go with it. It is great for on-the-go gaming as well as when hooked up to a TV. Go all the way by pairing it with the Alienware 34.1 inch gaming monitor (KD 335).

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The Organization Lover

People who have Marie Kondoed their lives have realized that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just gain extra space but time too because they spend less time looking for things. Organize your digital life with the Seagate Ultra Slim portable drive in 1 TB (KD 84.9). Sometimes the simplest tools make the best presents. The Anker Magnetic Cable holder (KD 3) will keep the room looking tidy and stop cables from getting tangled for quick and easy access.

The Hot Beverage Connoisseur

Starting the day right includes freshly brewed coffee or tea. And the cup or mug you choose to drink it from can change the experience from something you just do, to a beautiful ritual like the Christina Re (KD 25). Whether your gift recipient needs to be on-the-go (the Chilly's portable mug in a funky avocado print KD 9 is perfect) or prefers to chill at home first, you can find beautiful options at Virgin Megastore.

The Zen Master

If your friend is trying to create more peaceful time in their life, you can give them some help by gifting them something that will create a more relaxing atmosphere. The quickest way to transform a room is by using scent. Candles and diffusers can add instant calm to any space. Reed diffusers are a great alternative for people who prefer a flameless option. We love the Peppermint Grove Coconut Grapefruit & Lime Candle (KD 12) and you can also find the Peppermint Grove Diffuser (KD 15) at Virgin Megastore.

The Mobile Photog

The new iPhone 12 (KD 309.9) and 12 Pro (KD 395.9) have updated cameras that will level up anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selfie game, especially in night mode. If your loved one loves taking photos, the best camera is the one in their pocket. Help them capture beautiful photos with the latest technology.

Virgin Megastore is located at Phase 2 in The Avenues. For more information, check out @VirginMegastoreMe on social media. Shop online at circle.virginmegastore.com.kw! 109

ABTAL DELIVEROO

Deliveroo and Starbucks team up to thank Riders By bazaar staff

With many people opting to order in, food delivery riders undoubtedly played a vital role in keeping our cities moving and our favorite local restaurants running. To thank delivery riders for their continuous support during the most difficult times of the pandemic, Deliveroo Kuwait partnered with Starbucks to extend a well-deserved treat to riders.

After the successful launch of “Abtal Deliveroo” in the UAE, Deliveroo Kuwait has now partnered with Starbucks on their latest “Abtal Deliveroo” initiative. The initiative was launched as a thank you gesture for Deliveroo riders who, in the last few months, have played a key role in keeping the city fed, healthy and moving. On Friday Nov. 6th, Deliveroo riders were able to pick up a free Starbucks drink from participating branches across Kuwait. Riders had their pick between customer favorites like Mixed Berry Shaken Iced Tea, Mango Passion Fruit Shaken Iced Tea, Mixed Berry Blend, and Mango Passion Fruit Blend. The partnership with Starbucks is the first of many planned by Deliveroo to extend an extra special “thank you” to riders for their exceptional work throughout the year. Deliveroo also provides resting areas for riders that are open to delivery

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professionals from all local delivery companies and has also made seasonal additions to rider kits with items like insulated water bottles and protective gloves to ensure that the next few months provide necessary comfort to riders. Additionally, Deliveroo offers ongoing training opportunities and safety sessions to riders throughout the year. Early this year, riders were trained in COVID-19 prevention methods, with the company launching a contactless delivery feature to give customers, riders and restaurants the confidence they need to order safely. In the interest of safety, riders were trained to place their thermal bags open on the ground outside customers’ doors, step back at least one meter, and wait nearby for customers to collect the food before the order can be completed. Seham AlHusaini, General Manager of Deliveroo Kuwait, commented: “We would like to

thank our riders for their dedication and for playing an essential role in keeping the restaurant industry moving throughout one of the most difficult periods in history.” Deliveroo encourages customers to offer riders a bottle of water with each delivery. With both the Deliveroo team and the community coming together with a variety of ways to say thank you, Deliveroo riders are sure to enjoy multiple treats throughout their day — a tribute to their heroic actions during the past few months of the pandemic, and a gesture of thanks for their efforts moving forward.

Follow Deliveroo on Instagram @deliveroo_kw or visit deliveroo.com.kw for more information. Download the app, on the App Store or Google Play for quick and easy delivery from all of your favorite restaurants.

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For more information, please visit your local Bath & Body Works or go to bathandbodyworks.com.kw or call 182 1212. Find out more on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @bathandbodyworksarabia. 112

HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS Get your home smelling like the holidays By bazaar staff

Holiday season begins when you can hear the bells jingling and start seeing the displays changing in stores. But it is really marked by the noticeable change of scents at home. Cinnamon, gingerbread and a cake baking in the oven are surefire ways to get you in the holiday spirit. Sugar cookies, fresh pine, cranberries, peppermint and bubbly drinks: We. Are. Ready! Even non bakers can get in the mood without setting foot in the kitchen with a little help from Bath & Body Works. The brand apparently loves all things holiday and goes all out with their huge Holiday collection and the 2020 collection is no exception. They are a one-stop-all-things holiday shop and are always adding something new to go head-over-heels for. The shelves are decked from top to bottom with the perfect holiday fragrances, the most amazing hand soaps and more. Start with yourself and check out the body care collection – from shower gels and body washes to fine fragrance mists and body lotions. You will be smelling merry and bright all day. They also make fantastic gifts. The travel sizes are great stocking stuffers and the best excuse to try out as many different scents as you want. Next, make sure that you turn your home into a fragrant wonderland. Famous for their candles, Bath & Body Works festive scented ones are magical. with the newest Festive-scented candle or Wallflowers air freshener plug-in. The candles are amazing from beginning to end and are made from evenly melting a soy wax blend. The beautiful roomfilling fragrance lasts for hours, transforming the vibe in your lovely home. Now that your home is set for the holidays, ready to take cheer to-go? Don’t worry, we’ve checked the list twice and got you covered. Why settle for boring hand sanitizer when you can carry your most-loved holiday scents - from cozy vanilla to piney balsam - with you anywhere and keep germs away with a Bath & Body Works PocketBacs hand sanitizer. And up your game by adding a cute Holiday-themed hand sanitizer holder and you’re set! Btw, don’t forget to deck your sleigh with some car fragrances. If you’re tired of running from store to store trying to finish up your gift list, They’ve got your back (and shopping bags). The shelves are jam-packed with goodies for literally everyone. For that last-minute white elephant exchange or the perfect perfume or cologne for that special someone, don’t look anywhere else – Bath & Body Works Holiday Season 2020 has something for everyone. 113

THIS IS THE WAY The Mandalorian just introduced a key Star Wars figure. Here’s her back story By Tracy Brown

Mando’s search for other Mandalorians this season just took a giant leap forward. In “The Heiress,” the third episode of The Mandalorian season two, Mando and the Child find themselves in a bind. Thankfully, a small team of jetpack-clad warriors arrive just in time to save them.

For fans of the animated Star Wars TV shows, the leader’s armor (and voice) is unmistakable: It’s Bo-Katan Kryze. Voiced by Katee Sackhoff — who also plays the live-action version of the character in “The Mandalorian” — Bo-Katan first appeared in Star Wars: The Clone Wars as part of a Mandalorian terrorist group called Death Watch. These insurgents aimed to restore the ancient warrior ways of Mandalore by any means necessary. (Yes, that sounds a lot like the “Children of the Watch” that Bo-Katan mentions during this episode.) At the time, Mandalore’s pacifist government was led by Duchess Satine, Bo-Katan’s sister who was committed to keeping the Outer Rim planet peaceful and neutral during the Clone Wars. Though Bo-Katan was skeptical about teaming up with Sith (Mandalorians have a long history of fighting against Jedi, and to her they’re all the 114

same), Death Watch was able to depose Satine with the help of Maul, his brother and their new crime syndicate. But when the leader of Death Watch tried to turn against Maul, Maul killed him, then he killed Satine and claimed Mandalore for himself. Bo-Katan was not willing to recognize an outside leader and left Maul’s Death Watch with other like-minded Mandalorians. She eventually returned to reclaim Mandalore with the help of Ahsoka Tano and Republic reinforcements before the conclusion of the Clone Wars. Unfortunately, Bo-Katan’s initial tenure as leader of the Mandalorians was short-lived because she refused to obey the Empire. In “Star Wars Rebels,” it is revealed that even though Mandalore is occupied by Imperial forces and many Mandalorians work for the Empire, plenty of them still consider Bo-Katan their rightful ruler.

Bo-Katan and her allies joined Sabine Wren (a Mandalorian member of the Rebellion) and her family to liberate Mandalore from the Empire’s control. After they defeated the Imperial forces, Sabine gave Bo-Katan the Darksaber — a one-of-a-kind black-bladed lightsaber created by the first Mandalorian Jedi — to lead Mandalore once again. But it appears that didn’t last. According to “The Mandalorian,” Imperial forces later managed to wipe out nearly all of the Mandalorians during something called the “Great Purge.” Plus, Moff Gideon has come into possession of the legendary Mandalorian weapon. So Bo-Katan is once again trying to rally the remaining Mandalorians to reclaim the Darksaber and their rightful place on Mandalore. This is the way.

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YOU GET A GIFT, EVERYBODY GETS A GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, ROCKET WORLD IS OUTDOING THEMSELVES By bazaar staff

Known as the ultimate place for all-things-quirky, accessories and gadgets, this season Rocket World has amazing gifts for everybody. From photography lovers, organization advocates, fitness enthusiasts, to tech lovers and ones who love to experiment in the Kitchen, any gift from Rocket World will awaken one’s creativity. Since our friends and family members deserve the best, we’ve split up some holiday gifts into different categories for your inspiration!

Photography Lovers: For the photography lovers, a fresh take on the classic and beloved instant film camera has been made. Introducing the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera! This camera comes in different colors, however the sky blue is our favorite. With a sleek, fun and stylish exterior, this camera prints instant credit cardsized prints. With the new update, this newer model has been updated with an automatic exposure function which means there’s no need to manually adjust it for different lighting conditions. To complete the bundle, enthusiasts should purchase a Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Printer which lets you edit, customize and print pictures directly from your smartphone.

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Organization Advocates: Long gone are the days bulky and heavy projectors that took up more space than they should’ve.This Kodak Luma Portable Wireless Projector is conveniently sized for total portability. Slim and lightweight, it is ideal for meetings, presentations, and more! View slides, photos, or videos on a screen up to 120″, with a play time of up to 2.5 hours when fully charged. Another great portable item that can be found in Rocket World is the Lexon Miami Light. With 6 hours of battery life, this is a great gift for those who don’t like falling asleep in complete darkness. What makes this piece even better is that it has a touch on/off button so no need to be struggling to find that switch by the bed

Technology Lovers: For the tech-savvy friends and family members, we have the purrfect gift for you. This Mobility on Board (MOB) animal cable is both very cute and handy. This clever cat has three retractable cables with different connectors to charge or sync multiple devices all at one-go! Another adorable purchase from MOB’s line (which can be found at Rocket World) is the Dancing Animal Bluetooth Speaker. The Dancing animal enclosure comes alive to the sound of music. Whether cat, dog, bear, unicorn, fox or panda, music will be more entertaining than ever now.

Fitness Enthusiasts: For our fitness enthusiasts, Rocket World has a number of Fitbit’s to choose from. The sleekest Fitbit, Inspire 2 Lunar comes in three different colors, rose, black or white. This fitness tracker is super easy-to-use and packs 24/7 heart rate, Active Zone Minutes and more, giving you the tools you need to reach your fitness goals. And since we all need to reward ourselves every now and then, make sure to grab a mini massage cushion.

Chef-on-the-go: For the ones who like to spend their time experimenting in the kitchen, Rocket World has a plethora of options! The Joseph Joseph 2in1 silicone whisk is a multi-use tool which incorporates two essential whisks in one stylish design, perfect for scraping or combining ingredients together or with a simple turn of the handle,it can become a highly effective balloon whisk. You should also consider purchasing a portable grill. Not only is it something that the average person might not have, but it looks super dope with a leather strap. It is compact for easy storage, has a simple to set up charcoal grill with dedicated skewer slots as well as two grill heights. A gift definitely worth mentioning is the exquisite range of luxury teaware made from the finest quality new bone china and is available in delicate pastels, traditional black and white, polka dots and stripes. Rocket World also offers a charming tea set for two by Cristina Re that come in different colors. If you are into experiencing high tea in style then this classic mix and match range is perfect for you. Those who appreciate fine design and collecting vintage inspired teaware will adore these touches!

Rocket World is located in The Promenade Mall at Hawalli. It can also be found as a ‘Shop in a Shop’ at Fantasy World – Al Rai, The Avenues, Boulevard Mall & Al Kout Mall. For the latest updates, check out @Rocketworldkw on Instagram. Featured image courtesy of Rocket World. 117

WOLFWALKERS The power of sisterhood overcomes fear in the magical animated adventure By Kevin Crust

Wolves often get a raw deal, demonized by the very cultures that historically encroached upon their habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s enchanting hand-drawn animated adventure Wolfwalkers, the beasts get a redemptive tale, one in which the mighty predators become the prey.

The film follows the Irish folklore paths of Moore’s previous Oscar-nominated features, Secret of the Kells and Song of the Sea, echoing his keen interest in ancient fables, supernaturalism and shapeshifting duality. Intoxicating in both its story and craft, Wolfwalkers is almost assured of repeating the success of those films. It may be 1650, but while urbanized Europe experiences the Renaissance, Kilkenny, Ireland, remains in the Middle Ages, rooted in authoritarianism and its chief conduit, fear. It’s a fortressed town surrounded by woods that most of its residents see only through black iron gates. Newly arrived from England are master hunter Bill Goodfellowe (voiced by Sean Bean) and his impish 11-year-old daughter, Robyn (Honor Kneafsey), who despite societal restrictions intends to follow in her father’s crossbow-wielding footsteps. Goodfellowe is ordered by the Lord Protector (Simon McBurney), a towering Oliver Cromwellinspired figure who rules with impunity, to rid Kilkenny of the wolves that inhabit the wilderness beyond its walls. The yellow-eyed creatures threaten farmers and inhibit the townspeople’s ability to clear the forest and expand Kilkenny. 118

Children are forbidden from venturing outside the gates, but Robyn, expected to remain at home to cook and clean for her widowed father, is no ordinary tween. She is soon disobediently out in the natural world with her companion bird of prey, Merlyn, and encounters the menacing wolf pack that rules it, only to discover their magical secrets through a feral child named Mebh Og MacTire (Eva Whittaker). The pair could not be more different: the lithe, blue-eyed Robyn, all English angularity, and Mebh, a sturdy, round ginger fireball glaring out through emerald green eyes. Slightly younger, Mebh proves formidable — her brashness emboldened by the fact that she and her mother, Moll (Maria Doyle Kennedy), are the last of the Wolfwalkers, lupine humans who by night leave their sleeping human forms behind to run free through the forest as wolves. The mother-daughter duo are leaders of the pack, who do not run so much as flow, part of the visual splendor Moore and Stewart unleash in their storytelling. The wolves’ home is awash in color — greens, oranges and golds — almost unencumbered by lines in the fluid backdrops, in contrast to the town, drawn with thick lines and grays, demarcating

the oppressiveness of the puritanical world. Literal cages reinforce the notion that Kilkenny is one giant enclosure, designed as much to pen people in as keep out the “other” — be it human or beast. Crossing the domains brings Robyn into direct conflict with everything she thinks she knows and places her, Mebh and the wolves squarely in the gunsight of the Lord Protector’s ire. As the story intensifies, the filmmakers deploy triptych panels of fierce simultaneous action, a vivid contrast to the Arcadian vistas of earlier scenes. Written by Will Collins, Wolfwalkers has a modern tone and point of view in its portrayal of the transformation of the girls’ relationship from frenemies to a sisterhood of the wolf built on acceptance, fortitude and sacrifice. These themes are carried by the infectious music, composed by Bruno Coulais in collaboration with the Irish group Kila. Much of this may sound dark — and it is — but aside from younger tots, Wolfwalkers is a true family film. It is the type of stirring entertainment that delivers both the thrill of the moment and the kind of sophisticated ideas that can lead to discussion and even debate long after viewing.

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DISCOVER THE BEST FESTIVE STYLES FROM SOLARIS.

YOU WILL LOVE TO GIVE AND RECEIVE

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The season of gifting is among us and what better way to gift our loved ones than with a pair of stylish shades. This season, choose the gift of style for your loved ones with Solaris’ hot new sunnies. Their new Christmas styles are ones that you will love to give, as well as receive. Choose from big statement pieces, such as the Gucci Havana Cat Eye sunglasses where you can be certain the recipient will be rocking their look. Or, go for the more ever so classic look with the Ray-ban Gunmetal shades. Whatever the style or budget, Solaris will surely have what you’re looking for.

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Sunglasses Guide: 1. BVLGARI BV6108 278-13 58. 2. BVLGARI BV6122B 20148G 58. 3. BVLGARI BV6122B 20148G 58. 4. CARRERA 1020-S 003 60-UC. 5. DOLCE & GABBANA DG2252H 13348G 59. 6. DOLCE & GABBANA DG4359 501-8G 52. 7. GUCCI GG0564S 002 51. 8. RAYBAN CARBON FIBRE RB8313 004-N5 58. 9. RAYBAN RB3546 900985 49. 10. TOM FORD FT0755 01A 57. For more information and to shop online visit kw.visionexpress.me or call the customer service hotline on 1821 212. Follow @solaris_middleeast on Instagram and Facebook: Solaris Sunglasses ME for inspiration for your new eyewear looks. 121

OFFICE SPACE CLASS As office buildings empty out, here’s one creative use for all of that space By Nate Berg

Offices around the U.S. are sitting empty, as the pandemic has forced many employees to work from home. Some of these offices will eventually come back to life, but others may lay fallow indefinitely. But, as one project in California shows, they don’t have to fall completely out of use. A formerly vacant office building there has been converted into a new school.

The office-to-school conversion was designed by architect Danish Kurani, who has developed a specialization in converting commercial buildings into innovative new educational facilities. In 2019, his firm converted a vacant office building in the San Francisco suburb of Livermore into the new home of Acton Academy East Bay, an affiliate of the Austin-based private school Acton Academy. The Livermore version of the school is showing how underutilized office spaces can take on different forms to meet changing demands. As the pandemic adjusts many companies’ expectations about their future office needs, these kinds of reuse projects may be a way to give emptying commercial real estate a new life. It’s an environmentally friendly form of development, Kurani says, since it takes advantage of space already built and sidesteps the need for the resource-intensive materials required for constructing a building from scratch. It’s also an economically flexible option for small and startup organizations, especially schools. “For these micro-schools and startup schools, being able to do adaptive reuse gives them a fighting chance,” Kurani says. “Real estate is the barrier to entry. So by being able to take what’s

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there and make the most of it, you really give these types of programs a chance to get off the ground.” The school Kurani designed was a fairly simple adaptation of the office building. At a relatively compact 3,600 square feet, the building was already subdivided into several private offices, which fit well with the various classroom needs of the school and enabled the design to function with the existing plumbing and electrical infrastructure. To increase the size of some rooms and improve connections, Kurani tore down a few walls and added new windows to increase natural light. These small changes also created some new opportunities. After the walls were demolished, Kurani reused some of the former offices’ doors and windows as material for other parts of the project, like desks and bookshelves. These are tricks he’s picked up in previous projects converting commercial spaces to learning environments, like the Khan Lab School built in a former office building in Mountain View, California, and the Black Girls Code Lab, a techfocused learning space built inside a Google office building in New York. Adapting a former office into

a learning environment isn’t a huge stretch, he says. It also has the added benefit of bringing kids into closer contact with the community. “There’s something about the way that schools and learning centers are currently done in most of America, where they feel so isolated and detached from the rest of society, especially in suburbia,” Kurani says. “When we do these learning spaces where we’ve done some adaptive reuse, it actually helps the learning get closer to reality. The kids are closer to the real world, they’re less isolated, they’re near adults who are going to work.” This kind of office space reuse may start to become more commonplace as companies reconsider their needs and remote working leads to smaller offices. Kurani says it won’t just be schools, but other kinds of community- and youthfocused uses that can take over and keep these buildings from sitting empty. “Obviously with COVID, it’s helped companies realize they can get by with less commercial real estate, so there’s going to be plenty of vacancy in office spaces,” Kurani says. “So it would be good to figure out what [are] the highest-value things we can put in those spaces.”

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SAVE THE UNDERPERFORMERS Here’s how to give feedback without crushing confidence By Aytekin Tank

“Rob isn’t doing his job.” I received this message, in similar forms, from two different team members this week. Rob—a normally strong performer back in the office—wasn’t delivering his reports on time or fully engaged during their weekly Zoom meetings. His emails were often one-liners, they said. Essentially, things were falling through the cracks. Since the beginning of the pandemic and its ensuing crisis, our collective nerves have taken a hit; remote work hasn’t helped much to calm them. In fact, our new routine of working remotely can make even the most skilled leader feel less confident about keeping people accountable. A large part of this fear stems from the challenge of giving feedback virtually, which then snowballs into more anxiety and confrontation avoidance. As CEO of my own company, I’m a big advocate for leading with compassion. People are dealing with innumerable struggles right now, from lack of childcare, to health care concerns, to financial uncertainty; things are difficult across the board. But,as Ron Carucci writes for HBR, compassion is not the opposite of avoiding any critique or cowardly limping away from constructive feedback. More so, it requires an eye to meeting goals, while also practicing sensitivity. Carucci writes, “You can demonstrate your care for an employee’s struggles by both acknowledging their hardship and redoubling efforts to help them succeed.” So, how exactly can we as leaders be sensitive to the times without ignoring performance problems? In my experience, the key is taking a more diagnostic approach. Here are a few ways you can effectively help employees remotely. Begin with tracking down the weakest points Before attempting to address any issues, the first thing you need to do is, so to speak, get our house in order. This means not reflexively zeroing in on an underperformer’s faults and assuming everything comes down to a lack of initiative or poor attitude. Instead, you should also look at broader organizational areas that might be weak. For instance, are you working with outmoded technologies, relying on spreadsheets alone to manage workflow, or overusing communication platforms? Considering all the factors that could influence a person’s performance gives you the information needed for when you talk to them one on one. But it also confers another advantage. According to Carucci, you’re also breeding trust: “You want your employee to trust that you’ve thought through the situation and considered it from their view,” he writes. “They will be less likely to use those broader issues as an excuse.” 124

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Evaluate yourself Equally important as identifying organizational weak points, is managing your own feelings of frustration or guilt. “Healthy accountability starts with a leader acknowledging they may play a role in someone’s underperformance,” Carucci explains. It also allows you to separate your emotions from what’s factually true. According to Harvard Business Review contributor Sabina Nawaz, manager distancing is frustrating employees and stalling work. Ask yourself the following: Have you been clear in setting expectations? Regularly checked-in with them? Provided needed support and resources so they can perform their work properly? As leaders, it’s vital we ask ourselves the hard questions and see how a gap in our own leadership may be contributing to the problem. Choose guidance over disapproval Once we’ve asked ourselves the right questions, it’s now time to ask your workers. Carucci recommends having these conversations through a video call, so that you are better able to read each other’s tone and expressions. When you speak, start by checking-in with your employee first. How are things going at home? How is their workload? Then address the problem you’d like to resolve. Here’s where many leaders often stumble: Rather than go full into corrective feedback, try listening first. Ask relevant questions like why they think a specific issue is happening, and then let them carefully describe the situation. This doesn’t mean letting someone off the hook (especially if they start pointing fingers or refusing to take responsibility). The point in confronting someone who is underperforming isn’t about rehashing all their shortfalls, it’s about finding the best way to resolve the problem at hand. Once you’ve identified what the issue is, Carucci suggests asking, “What would you change if you could?” or “What can we all learn from this?” When you opt for guidance (rather than showing your disapproval), this opens their imagination and signals that you trust their ability to improve. “Reassuring your employee that you are okay with missteps, as long as they are corrected and learned [upon], will help empower them to solve the problem on their own,” Carucci adds.

Create a shared sense of accountability After a one-on-one conversation with the person underperforming, there’s one final issue you need to address. In the case of Rob, the worker mentioned above, it wasn’t just that his colleagues took note of his struggles that was cause for concern. Instead of reaching out to him directly and offering their support, they came to me with their complaints. This meant that it wasn’t just Rob that needed to be kept accountable, it was the entire team. Remember, accountability within an organization isn’t a one-way street. It’s important that each team-member feel empowered to tackle issues without involving you as their immediate response. As Carucci puts it “Your biggest contribution to those you lead is helping them be, and contribute, their best.” During these extraordinary times, what will keep you and your team afloat isn’t simply making sure everyone is performing to the best of their abilities. It’s a shared sense of commitment to one another that will keep your head above water.

Photos by Matthew Waring and Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash.

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COVID-19 HITS THE STARS Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney bond over how they’re surviving the pandemic By Christie D’Zurilla

Like many of us, Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney have had a lot of time on their hands during the pandemic. The two musicians, however, have channeled that energy into something more significant than doing puzzles and making sourdough bread.

McCartney and Swift talked about their songwriting processes in creating solo releases McCartney III and Folklore in a new Rolling Stone interview for its latest Musicians on Musicians issue. The former Beatle noted that while he was writing the lyrics for “McCartney III,” made during the pandemic and due out Dec. 11, he was reading a book about Venus and the constellations, which led to the song “The Kiss of Venus.” “I was actually just taking phrases out of the book, harmonic sounds. And the book is talking about the maths of the universe, and how when things orbit around each other, and if you trace all the patterns, it becomes like a lotus flower,” he said. He talked about almost knowing a song before it’s been written and just “trying to remember the lyrics” along the way. Swift declared that process magical. “I definitely relate to needing to find magical things in this very not-magical time, needing to read more books and learn to sew, and watch

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movies that take place hundreds of years ago,” Swift said. “In a time where, if you look at the news, you just want to have a panic attack — I really relate to the idea that you are thinking about stars and constellations.” The 30-year-old took the opportunity to use “bigger, flowerier, prettier words” in her lyrics without fear of those words not tracking on pop radio. “If there’s chaos everywhere, why don’t I just use the damn word I want to use in the song?,” she posited. So, some incidental things Swift loves, according to the interview: numerology, pseudonyms and the words “elegies,” “epiphany” and “divorcee.” And she also loves the way McCartney is living his pandemic life — surrounded by his daughters and a son-in-law and grandchildren who get to hear his musical noodlings in progress as a sort of ritual while the household prepares meals. “That’s the coziest thing I’ve ever heard,” she said. And the “Cardigan” songstress does know cozy, people.

By the way, music isn’t the only thing Swift has going in quarantine. In addition to releasing “Folklore” in July, Swift has been crafting things for a slew of pregnant friends. She’s sewn handmade stuffed animals like flying squirrels and teddy bears and has embroidered silk baby blankets. “It’s gotten pretty fancy,” she said. McCartney also confessed to having an OK time while hunkering down, while still understanding that people are suffering. “I would say to people, ‘I feel a bit guilty about saying I’m actually enjoying this quarantine thing,’” he said, “and people go, ‘Yeah, I know, don’t say it to anyone.’” Still, amid those flashes of guilt, McCartney said all people need somewhere to go right now, mentally. “I think you’ve got to have dreams, particularly this year. You’ve got to have something to escape to,” he said. “When you say ‘escapism,’ it sounds like a dirty word, but this year, it definitely wasn’t.”

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REMOTE WORK IS NOT JUST A PHASE More companies are hiring a ‘director of remote work’ By Stephanie Vozza

Remote work has become the norm thanks to COVID-19, and the pivot is accelerating the adoption of a fairly new job title for several companies, including Facebook: director of remote work. The position at Facebook is designed to support CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to allow employees to continue to work from home through Summer 2021 and his pledge to have half of the company’s global workforce working remotely within the next 5 to 10 years. The job isn’t entirely new. In 2019, before the pandemic, tech company GitLab hired Darren Murph to be its head of remote, helping manage the employee experience for its entirely remote workforce. Since the pandemic, Murph has been advising other companies on designing successful remote working arrangements, including Facebook. “Darren Murph has been a good adviser to us,” says Brynn Harrington, vice president of people growth at Facebook. “He’s helped us consider what steps we need to take for our staff to make the shift.” And the responsibility of executing the shift will fall into the lap of the new director. According to the job ad: “The Director of Remote Work will be a strategic thinker who understands distributed and virtual teams, an outstanding relationship builder, and a change agent. Our ideal candidate is someone who can collaboratively build on and evolve our remote workforce strategy with a passion and proven acumen for experience design, process excellence and change management.” “We expect offices to continue to be important from a talent perspective,” Harrington says. “But remote is an important part of the future, too. We’re looking for the person with influence, skills, and experience who can help us pivot the company. When we think about the transformation to remote, it’s a wholesale shift in how we run.” Harrington expects to have someone hired by the end the year, and speed is important. “Our remote transformation is well underway,” she says. “Individual teams are working independently and determining what it looks like to work remotely. Our concern is that we’re at risk of not designing a unified connected Facebook experience.” Designing for Inclusion Facebook wants all employees—whether they’re on campus or working remotely—to have the same employee experience. “The remote experience should be the Facebook experience,” Harrington says. “We need people to be successful whether they’re at the office or not. We need to be able to enable teams to work connected in a unified experience. This person will be responsible for defining what it will look like to work at Facebook, leading a broad transformation of culture.” While employees who are working remotely 128

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may need the most guidance and help feeling connected, Harrington notes that companies need to think about those employees working on campus as well. “We know we can’t just design a remote experience and leave the office as it was,” she says. “We need to help people be successful where they are. As we define the employee experience for a remote future, we’re discovering that this approach uses a lot of the same things we use when we design for inclusion—rigorous career conversations, an understanding of what employees need, and a more structured approach.” Will Director of Remote Work Become a Trend? Arran Stewart, CEO of Job.com, expects it will. “I see a shift toward hiring remote specialists, those know who know how to manage and get the most effectiveness out of remote teams,” he

says. “Several Silicon Valley and Bay Area tech companies are pledging to work from home until at least through next summer, and some, like Microsoft, have said their employees never have to return. It doesn’t detract from the fact that these companies need leadership to get the best out of those teams.” Yet while the job title may be new, Stewart says that in a way, the role is not. “Many companies already manage offshore tech teams,” he says. “But the position Facebook is creating takes it to a new level of responsibility and organization and structure. I definitely expect other companies to follow suit with similar titles. It will likely cascade down into other sectors, but tech often leads the way and is the most reactive with other industries following their lead.” Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash.

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BEING PRINCESS DI Emma Corrin was always drawn to Princess Diana. Now she knows her from the inside out By Meredith Blake

The reality of playing one of the most famous women of the 20th century set in for Emma Corrin one day on the streets of West London. She was filming a scene for Season 4 of The Crown re-creating the early media frenzy around Princess Diana — nee Lady Diana Spencer — the bashful 19-year-old nursery school assistant who became the subject of insatiable public curiosity thanks to her burgeoning romance with Prince Charles.

Corrin, in character in a feathered blond wig, stepped out of Diana's former building in Earl's Court and was swarmed by extras clicking away on vintage cameras. But just beyond the actors pretending to be photographers was a throng of real-life paparazzi, there to get a shot of the young, unknown actress stepping into a career-making role as "the people's princess," a woman who redefined contemporary celebrity. In that surreal moment, Corrin tried to seize on the advice that director Benjamin Caron had given her when she got the part. "He took me aside and very helpfully said, 'You and Diana are going through a very similar thing. You're going to suddenly be in the public eye, in a role that everyone has had their eyes on,'" Corrin recalls. "'You will be in the newspaper and you'll 130

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be papped. Anything you feel about it, be it fear or excitement or nervousness, be aware of it because that's exactly how she would have been feeling.'" "God," she continues, "he was so right." Corrin is speaking via video conference from a friend's home in the English countryside, where she's enjoying a few days of quiet before "The Crown" returned to Netflix and beams her likeness into living rooms around the world. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, she's sitting at her laptop wearing earbuds and a cozy sweater instead of strutting the red carpet in a couture gown. But she doesn't know anything different: Prior to The Crown, the 24-year-old had only a few acting credits, the most notable a recurring part in the Batman prequel series Pennyworth. Covering the late '70s through the early '90s,

Season 4 of The Crown explores the sad saga of Charles and Diana, whose whirlwind courtship and storybook wedding captivated the world but whose fundamental incompatibility and mutual infidelity resulted in a messy split more than a decade later. For viewers who lived through the era, new episodes offer a highbrow take on a familiar royal soap opera that has already been chronicled in numerous tell-alls and made-for-TV movies. But for a younger generation, who might know Diana primarily as Meghan Markle's late mother-in-law, The Crown provides a humanizing glimpse at a woman whose saintly posthumous image has been oversimplified. Creator Peter Morgan isn't afraid to delve into the less flattering aspects of Charles and Diana's relationship. Diana is a sheltered teenager when

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she gets engaged to Charles, nearly 13 years her senior (played by Josh O'Connor), in what is essentially an arranged marriage. The Crown also graphically depicts Diana's ongoing struggle with bulimia and her sometimes embarrassing desire for public adulation. Charles, for his part, is a snobbish bore who resents his wife's popularity and doesn't bother to conceal his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles (Emerald Fennell). If Corrin's Diana is embarrassingly needy, her in-laws are a dysfunctionally frosty clan only capable of bonding through a shared love of horses and hunting. The Crown's new season premieres at a moment when Diana is back in the zeitgeist. Her son, Prince Harry, has fought the intrusive British press and distanced himself from the royal family, in ways that speak to her influence. Other projects about the princess of Walesare on the way, including Diana: A True Musical Story,a Broadway show soon heading to Netflix, and Spencer, a film set to star Kristen Stewart. This week, the BBC also ordered an inquiry into a notorious 1995 interview with Diana conducted by Martin Bashir. Previously, The Crown has often focused on obscure or forgotten chapters in British history, but many people vividly remember the Charles and Di era — and have fixed opinions about it. Caron admits that moving into a more recent period "feels uncomfortable." ("I really hope none of the royal family watches it," he adds.) The delicate subject matter made it even more essential to find the right actress to play Diana. An executive producer on the series, Caron also directed three episodes this season, including the standout Fairytale, which follows Diana during the lonely, disillusioning months before her wedding in July 1981. In a sequence that drives home her youthful naivete, the princess-to-be skates through the halls of Buckingham Palace while listening to Duran Duran.

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[...Continued]

"There's a massive arc for Diana in the season. From a young adult to a mother with two small children and a failing marriage to the future king of England. That's a big space to occupy and Emma fills it," says Caron. (In Season 5, following Diana in the last years of her life, the part will be played by Elizabeth Debicki.) "Emma effortlessly walked that line between strength and vulnerability." Though Corrin has no living memory of the princess, who died when she was a toddler, she says she still felt her influence. "I grew up very aware of her being generous and empathetic — a people person — and how rare that was. Whenever I heard about her with someone or watch a documentary I remember thinking, 'Oh, this is the kind of person who I want to be, which is now weird," she says, laughing. "I went a little too far." And she has Camilla to thank for it, in a sense. Producers were casting the role of Charles' longtime mistress. Though Season 3 hadn't even begun to film, Morgan had already written a scene from Season 4 in which Camilla takes Diana, her lover's fiancee, out for an awkward lunch date/ power move. Corrin was asked to read for Diana. "I remember calling my agent and saying, 'My God, I think they liked me. I think that's a good sign?' Corrin says. "She said, 'Please don't get your knickers in a twist.'" Some months later she was called in for a formal audition with Morgan, Caron and casting director Robert Sterne. She dazzled them with a spontaneous karaoke rendition of "All I Ask of You," a song from "Phantom of the Opera" that features in one of Season 4's more cringeworthy moments. Caron had a single reservation: He worried that, with her wide blue eyes, Corrin looked too much like Diana. "Normally we don't go to someone who is almost a lookalike. We find the best actor," he says. "But she had both, and that felt a little bit unnerving."

"Diana is constantly in a state of flux between" strength and vulnerability, says Corrin. "A lot of people refer to young Diana as sweet and shy, and yeah, a lot of us are when we're 18 or whatever. But she also so knew what she was about. When she goes to Balmoral" — for a weekend with the royal family that amounts to an audition to be Charles' wife — '"she knows exactly what she's doing. It's outrageous." Corrin read biographies of Diana sent by the show's research team, but the most useful source she found was the documentary "Diana: In Her Own Words," which uses recordings of Diana's interviews with biographer Andrew Morton. Corrin has watched it so many times she says it still comes up in her Netflix homepage. Corrin trained with movement coach Polly Bennett to understand Diana's distinctive mannerisms — her bashful head tilt, sidelong glances and tall-girl slouch — from the inside out. With someone as well-known as Diana, Bennett explained in an email, "the challenge was to look at her afresh, as if we had no idea who she was or what she was known for doing, so we (could) imagine why her behaviors manifested themselves the way they did. We worked together to get to the core of what made Diana who she was, rather than proliferate what we think we see." Suddenly being trailed by photographers would have been a huge change for an unassuming nursery school teacher who had rarely attracted much attention. "We imagined laser beams sniping through space towards Emma, which immediately gave Emma the reflex of lowering her chin and shrinking her frame to hide," Bennett wrote. "Suddenly we have an active reason for Diana's trademark head tilt, which is far more practical to play for an actor than a direction of 'just tilt your head' that can leave them stuck and overthinking." Together they also spent many hours researching the psychological impact of bulimia and reviewing footage of Diana's body language to anchor the performance "in truth rather than mimicry," she says. Perfecting Diana's accent required a bit less imagination. "I'm kind of a bit posh, so it was not a huge leap," says Corrin, who grew up in Sevenoaks, an affluent commuter town outside London, and attended Cambridge. But she was moved by the way Diana's tone dropped the end of each sentence, "which makes everything she says sound quite sad." As for her own take on this painful chapter from royal history, Corrin is diplomatic. "I have come to know Diana better than anyone else, so my sympathy will always lie with her," she says. "But I also have a huge appreciation of Charles, and what they both had to endure in that marriage. I don't think you can pick a side." Spoken like a true queen. Or at least a princess.

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bazaar goes dining

FRIDAY BRUNCH AT AL BOOM A 21-course al fresco boat deck dining experience awaits By bazaar staff

We love brunch. We love dining outdoors this time of year. But most of all we love Al Boom. Over the years it has been a source of happy memories. For some of us birthdays, special occasions, and major life milestones have all been marked by a celebratory dinner on the boat. And now you can finally enjoy Friday brunches on the newly revamped deck of the traditional Arabic dhow at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait.

Part of the beauty of a visit to Al Boom Steak & Seafood Restaurant aboard Mohamedi II at Radisson Blu Hotel is that it is a part of history. Not just our personal timelines, but it is a reminder of a period when things were made by hand and designed to last generations. It was built in Calicut, India and took three years to be completed. In 1980 the dhow sailed to Kuwait where it started a new life as Kuwaitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most unique dining destination. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably already familiar with the steak and seafood menu served under the lavish gold leaf accented ceilings. This winter you will be treated to something completely new. A 21-course plated brunch that was designed to give your palates a whirlwind tour of flavors, colors and cuisines. After being cooped up for months we were so ready to be spending more time outdoors in the fresh air and wonderful winter Kuwaiti sunshine. The brunch is scheduled to run every Friday from noon until 4 pm. It is the perfect time to be outside, getting your dose of vitamin D. The view from all of the tables is fantastic. You can see the glittering Arabian Gulf and the majestic Al Hashemi II dhow, one of the largest wooden ships ever built. We were already in a fabulous mood when we sat down. It is a plated brunch, so all you have to do is arrive with an appetite and sit back and enjoy being treated like royalty by the lovely staff at Al Boom. The Mezzes on Wood Fired Flatbreads arrive first. It is a new take on the concept. Instead of separate dishes, the chef has combined our favorite morning Middle Eastern dips in a modern, colorful tapestry of colorful spreads and fresh herbs on freshly baked 134

hot bread. The carrot and beetroot hummus were delicious and a pleasant surprise. The cracked falafel were crunchy and exciting. Peppered with beautifully roasted vegetables throughout, enjoy a bite of sumptuous roasted beetroot and caramelized beetroot as you dive into this sharable plate. It was fun to try the different flavors and textures. As soon as we were done with the mezze, the salads arrived. The Torched Buffalo Mozzarella was so creamy and perfectly paired with the tangy matured balsamic dressing. The pumpkin seeds added a complementary crunch to the dish. And then there was the Classic Shrimp and Avocado Cocktail, which signaled that there was more of Al Boom’s famous seafood coming our way. The sea breeze and the sound of lulling waves are the perfect background for a brunch like this. It slows down time and you can focus on having a meaningful conversation with the people at your table. We reminisced about all the times we’d visited Al Boom before, we talked about food, philosophy and future plans. It felt like the first time in months that we were this relaxed. The hot tapas made an entrance. Beautifully plated; Dynamite Shrimp, Punjabi Samosa, Lobster and Prawn Momos and Cauliflower Nuggets with their dips. There was Spicy Mayo, Mint Chutney, Tomato Adjika and Dukka and Garlic Sauce. It was a party of spice, heat and flavor. They play well together, complement each other and are zesty. You might need to pace yourself because there’s still a delicious Morroccan Harrira with Hamour and Prawns before you get to the Grills segment of the dining experience. It is a rich, thick and hearty soup, with crunchy garlic croutons. Soup is usually an underrated dish in any meal, but this one stands on its own.

You can hear the sizzling plates, just off the grill as they make their way to your table. There was Scallop Gratin with Cream Mushroom Sauce and Roasted Butternut with Young Hamour Filet, Beurre Blanc and Grilled Asparagus. We also loved the Omani Lobster Tail that came with the most delicate Coconut Green Curry with Lemongrass Saffron Rice. Even the humble chicken made an appearance as Baby Chicken Musahab with Grilled Tomatoes, Green Chili, Garlic Mayo and Skinny Fries which was out of this world. Serious meat lovers will love the Koobideh with Grilled Tomatoes, Red Onion and Tahina Sauce and the Prime Tenderloin Skewers, Bordelaise Sauce, Buttered Potato Mash. There are two types of people in this world. Those who save room for dessert and those who don’t. But even if you are the former, the Al Boom Brunch will be too tempting. And the dessert game is serious. Saffron Om Ali with toasted Pistachio and Almonds, sliced fruit and Petit Four mini desserts selection. But we fell in love with the Chocolate Espresso Torte. It is a flourless chocolatey gooey wonder that might make you rethink your choices in life. The Real Profiterole was a show stopper too, fresh crispy choux pastry with vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Life is sweet. Designing a menu is a science and an art. Portions and flavors need to be carefully measured. The order and the timing of their arrival also needs to be studied because it needs to work like a well oiled machine. There are so many moving parts in a meal like this, but the staff at Radisson Blu pulls it off perfectly. The brunch is balanced in every way, without a single overpowering taste; it is a beautiful symphony created in the kitchen and served by wonderful staff. We can’t wait to do it all over again soon.

Al Boom is located in the Radisson Blu Hotel. For more reservations call 2567 3000, visit the website radissonhotels.com/blu or follow @radissonblukuwait on Instagram for more information. Friday Brunch runs from 12 - 4 pm and the restaurant is open 6–11 pm Monday - Saturday and is closed on Sunday. 135

SHAKE SHACK BRINGS BACK HOT CHICK’N

This winter turn up the heat and pair your favorite Shack choices with a Holiday Cookie Shake! By bazaar staff

There is no doubt that Shake Shack is responsive to the feedback of customers, and we love and ask for Hot Chick’n so much that they are bringing it back for us with a new version! Hot Chick’n has been re-introduced to the Shake Shack's menu after being crafted and perfected to delight Shack fans this holiday season. For the past year Shake Shack‘s culinary team has taken the time and care to make sure that the perfect Hot Chick’n Burger makes it back onto the menu. Shake Shack starts with delicious real, all natural, 100% Halal white-meat chicken breast which is hormones and antibiotic-free. To keep it wonderfully moist the breast meat is marinated in creamy buttermilk and slow-cooked sous vide for the juiciest of experiences. The chicken is then breaded by hand and crisp-fried-to-order giving you that wonderful contrast of crunchy and tender chicken in each and every bite. The wonderfully moist chicken breast is dusted with Shake Shack’s very own special mix of paprika and cayenne pepper for a fiery flavor. Adding to the beautifully blended flavor profile of the sandwich, Shake Shack’s cherry pepper slaw introduces further texture and taste adding a contrasting and cooling effect. Top this all off with crunchy pickles, wrap it all up in Shake Shack’s famous non-GMO potato bun and you’ve got a Hot Chick’n experience that’s decidedly moreish. What could be better than this? Well, you can customize your level of heat for your Hot Chick’n by asking for it ‘hot’ which is the regular version or ‘extra hot’! And, what’s even more, the Hot Chick’n is now a permanent fixture on the Shake Shack menu! Thank you, Shake Shack! Even if you do like it a little hot, there’s nothing more classically Shake Shack than a hand-spun shake to enjoy your burger with. This holiday season Shake Shack introduces the Holiday Cookie Shake. The brand has taken their best-selling vanilla custard, and hand-spun it with a holiday cookie. With a beautifully applied topping of whipped cream, Shake Shack keeps the festive feel going with a scattering of red and green sprinkles and a crumbling of shortbread on top! Delightful. All you have to do now is stop off at your nearest Shake Shack to enjoy the Holiday Cookie Shake, or preorder it for pick-up at order.shakeshack.me, but don’t wait too long as this particular shake is only around for the holidays! You can enjoy the Hot Chick’n now at any of Shake Shack’s locations across the Middle East! You can also visit order.shakeshack.me for ordering ahead and picking up from the Shack or get your Shack fix at home with delivery through Talabat, Deliveroo or Cravez. Keep up to date by following @shakeshackme on Facebook and Instagram.

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Get through Morning Madness

Grab some coffee from Everyday Roastery (essentials first)

Never skip breakfast! Just add a protein bar or some bananas for later (to make sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go bananas)

Throw in some toothpaste and a toothbrush - you know, just in case

Save some time & go to talabat mart in the groceries section of our app. Whatever it is you might need when you're in a rush, we're here to get you through the madness.

Just talabat it. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there in 30 mins!

Your everyday, right away 137

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES 4 ways to stay happy and productive all winter By Carson Tate

Winter is here. As it gets darker and colder, the desire to snuggle up on your couch in your well-worn yoga pants and sweatshirt is stronger than it was at the start of the pandemic. This is where the pandemic blues merge with the winter blues and you watch your motivation and productivity plummet with the temperature. It’s time to stoke the fire. Here are four things you can do to combat the winter doldrums and stay productive this winter. Use a 15-minute list When the last thing you want to do on a cold winter morning is draft the PowerPoint presentation for Thursday’s product review meeting, turn to your 15-minute list. A 15-minute list is a list of tasks that you can do in 15 minutes or less. For example, call and schedule your dog’s annual check-up at the vet, prepare an agenda for your meeting with your direct report, or brainstorm topics for the monthly newsletter. These are easy, quick tasks that you can complete with minimum effort and brainpower. As you quickly cross items off your 15-minute list, it jump-starts your mojo and productivity. Feeling the warm glow of getting things done, you are now ready to move onto the product review meeting PowerPoint. And, as a bonus, you can also use this list to capitalize on those micro-segments of your day when you are waiting for the Zoom meeting to start or the tech help desk to answer your call to get work done. The next time procrastination strikes or you are waiting for a Zoom call to start, open your 15-minute list and check a few tasks off the list. Work in vacation mode Think back to your last vacation. I get it. It feels like a lifetime ago. Dig deep and remember. Now, think about what happened in the week prior to you sitting on a sunny beach with an umbrella drink in your hand. Did you complete a significant amount of work at warp speed? We all have this mode of work. When you have a hard deadline, your productivity amplifies, so you can hit the road. You do not check the fridge a fourth time or linger on your Zoom calls discussing documentaries to watch. Set mini-vacation deadlines, like turning off your computer at 5:30 instead of 6:30 and watch your productivity soar. And, give yourself a reason to leave work early. Take the earlier streaming yoga class, read a new book, or have a virtual wine date with a friend. Shorten your workday with a self-imposed mini-vacation (something that makes you smile) and leave. Winterize your task list Tasks list can take on a life of their own and

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grow unchecked exponentially. Now is the time to winterize your task list and remove tasks. Open your task list. Remove tasks that do not: • Align with why your company hired you • Leverage and highlight your unique strengths, skills, and experiences • Bring you meaning, joy, and purpose • Support the obtainment of a team or company goal • Generate revenue • Support revenue generation • Serve customers Remember the Pareto Principle or the Law of the Vital Few: 80% of the results are generated by 20% of the effort. Focus your time and energy on high ROI tasks. Automate The work must be completed. However, you don’t have to do it all. Identify the tasks that have become so routine you can basically do them in your sleep and automate these first. Next, pinpoint the tasks that don’t require human finesse, but are components of a complex process. Even though the entire process cannot be automated, there may be pieces that can be outsourced which will still save you time and energy. Now you are ready to leverage powerful automation tools.

Here are two of the best: Zapier is a powerful integration tool that easily connects the other web apps you use in order to automate tasks. With Zapier, you can connect Evernote to task management apps like Asana and Trello, as well as, to your Google calendar. Or you can save your PayPal sales to a Google spreadsheet or post new BaseCamp activity to Slack. IfThisThenThat is a web service that allows you to plug information from one app to another, allowing you to create custom tasks to mirror a specific workflow: “If [this things happens on one service], then [do that on another service].” For example, “If I post a new photo to Instagram, then download it to Dropbox. You can also use “recipes,” which are simply prebuilt tasks made by other users that you can add to your own IFTTT account The next time the pull of your sofa is stronger than your computer, use a 15-minute list, work in vacation mode, winterize your task list, and automate to increase your productivity this winter and beyond.

Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash.

CHICKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;N IS BACK! Crispy, antibiotic free Chicken breast dusted with a fiery cayenne and paprika blend, topped with spicy slaw and pickles.

Skip the wait and pre-order at order.ShakeShack.me

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’TIS THE SEASON AT WILLIAMS SONOMA From stocking stuffers to festive gifts, we’re rounding up our favorite products from Williams Sonoma By bazaar staff

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and while it’s not snowy outside, we can always recreate the magic of the festive season indoors. It’s all about those unforgettable moments with loved ones, and giving them a cozy experience from the seasonal collection of delectable offerings at Williams Sonoma is always a great idea. From stocking stuffers to little presents and gift baskets, here are our favorite holiday choices which you can get your hands on today. Signature Hot Chocolate The temperatures are dropping and while we don’t usually get snow days in Kuwait, you can make every day a snow day with Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate. Made with real chocolate shavings rather than the typical cocoa powder variety, Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate is inspired by the velvety hot chocolate served at the renowned Angelina café in Paris. Discover a rich, intensely chocolaty flavor, smooth texture and exquisite aroma. To guarantee the silkiest sip, Williams Sonoma chose a couverture bittersweet chocolate from Guittard that melts quickly and consistently in hot milk. The result is a world-class beverage with a perfectly balanced chocolate flavor, perfect for gifting, and for enjoying with your nearest and dearest on a cool winter evening. There’s also a fall flavor offering too with the ideal hint of spice, catch it before it runs out! The Original Holiday Peppermint Bark We knew we’d be writing accolades about this as soon as we received news that the famous holiday Peppermint Bark is making a comeback at Williams Sonoma this year. The Original Peppermint Bark is the perfect way to celebrate the season. True to Williams Sonoma tradition, this nostalgic confection combines layers of Guittard’s velvety white chocolate and infused with triple distilled peppermint oil, all topped with a merry snowfall of crisp peppermint candy bits. While the original Peppermint Bark first made its debut in 1998, Williams Sonoma continues to pour their heart and soul into the process of perfecting it, by trying out more than 20 rounds till they settled on that one famous recipe that everyone’s obsessed with. Essentially spending 12 weeks every year, and more than 24 hours to make a batch of the Bark, the effort shows in every single flavorful bite! Not only is the signature flavor emblematic of the holiday season, the special, colorful packaging of red, white and silver tins will add a festive touch to your home in no time. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark Dark chocolate fans will love this luscious new version of the legendary holiday peppermint bark. For the most intense chocolate flavor, this exclusive confection showcases layers of Guittard premium semisweet and bittersweet chocolates, infused with cool, refreshing oil of peppermint. Just like the classic bark, this irresistible holiday treat is topped with red-and-white peppermint candy bits – plus rich, chocolaty cocoa nibs.

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Peppermint Bark Pretzels Yup! You read that correctly. For fans of all things sweet but with a savory edge, the salty crunch of pretzels gives Williams Sonoma’s famous peppermint bark a whole new taste sensation. They’ve basically combined two of our favorite things into one addictive offering, the savory bite of pretzels with the velvety richness of peppermint bark. To make them, their dedicated chocolatiers bake batches of lightly salted mini pretzels in classic holiday shapes, then handdunk them in peppermint-infused dark chocolate or creamy white chocolate. A sprinkling of crushed peppermint candy adds a cool bite et voila, you’ve got the perfect holiday snack! We’re also quite obsessed with the decorative tin, which you can reuse for storing cookies and treats all throughout the year. BONUS! Peppermint Bark Food Ideas We love Williams Sonoma because every visit sparks our culinary imagination. When it comes to using their iconic holiday peppermint bark, the ideas are endless. You can level up the normal Affogato experience and make something different. Start with peppermint flavored ice cream, pour over espresso, and top off with crumbled pieces of peppermint bark.

You can also give your holiday cakes a festive twist and use the peppermint bark as a cake topping! Building a gingerbread house is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, and using Williams Sonoma signature Peppermint Bark as shingles, roof decorations or crumbled for a wintery, snowy effect, will make for an unforgettable experience. We personally love using the Peppermint Bark as a brownie topper, but that’s just us. Let your imagination run wild, and get creative with your holiday creations. Jacobsen Salted Caramels Get the best of both worlds and indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors with handmade caramels prepared with the renowned Jacobsen’s hand-harvested sea salt. The caramels are crafted in small batches with natural cane sugar and butter for creamy, chewy texture, then finished with delicate sea salt flakes.

You can find Williams Sonoma at Grand Avenue – The Avenues (2228 3101). Check out Williams Sonoma Home on Instagram @WilliamsSonomaHomeMena and Williams Sonoma on @williamssonomamena.

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TWO POSSIBLE VACCINES But how do they stack up By James Paton

The first two COVID-19 vaccines out of the gate have now delivered positive news in the quest to end the pandemic. The encouraging late-stage trial results from Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc. set a high bar for rivals such as AstraZeneca Plc that are expected to follow soon with their own pivotal reports.

The data will likely increase confidence that more vaccines will work and that the world may soon find a way to get the coronavirus under control. Here’s what we know about the two shots.

making factories. The vaccines instruct cells to make copies of the spike protein of the coronavirus, stimulating the creation of protective antibodies.

How do the results compare? Moderna said Monday its vaccine was 94.5% effective in a preliminary analysis. That compares favorably with the lofty level achieved a week earlier by Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech SE. The shot created by the U.S. and German companies was found to be more than 90% effective. Moderna data showed that side effects were generally short-lived and there were no significant safety concerns, while no serious COVID cases developed among trial participants who got the vaccine. U.S. regulators earlier this year released guidance that said any shot should be at least 50% effective.

How are they different? Moderna received $955 million from the U.S. Operation Warp Speed program. Pfizerhas said it didn’t receive any federal funding to develop its vaccine, though BioNTech got as much as 375 million euros ($444 million) in German government assistance. Still, Pfizer has struck a supply agreement with the U.S. worth nearly $2 billion. The U.S. has agreed to pay up to $1.53 billion to purchase supply of the Moderna shot.

What do the two vaccines have in common? Both shots rely on a technology called messenger RNA that has never been used before to develop an approved vaccine. The approach is designed to transform the body’s own cells into vaccine142

What are the storage and distribution challenges? After vaccines are approved, the effort to immunize hundreds of millions of people will need to overcome a series of other hurdles. Storage and distribution for some of the products is complex. Pfizer’s vaccine must be stored ultracold until a few days before it is used, but can be kept at refrigerator temperatures for as much

as five days. Moderna, meanwhile, pointed to new data showing its vaccine is stable at refrigerator temperatures for 30 days, much longer than a previously estimated seven days. It can be kept in freezers over the longer term and doesn’t need the special facilities required for the Pfizer vaccine. Where will vaccines go first? Global demand for vaccines initially is expected to far exceed supplies despite significant efforts to ramp up production ahead of time. Moderna has already reached agreements to supply 100 million doses to the U.S. and 80 million to the European Union, among others. Pfizer and BioNTech also have their own deals for hundreds of millions of shots. When could they be ready to deploy? The results are preliminary, but both Moderna and Pfizer are expected to seek emergency-use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration if further review demonstrates their vaccines are safe. Moderna said it could seek clearance from regulators in the coming weeks.

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YOU CAN STILL LAND A NEW JOB 5 ways job seekers can stand out this COVID-19 winter By Gwen Moran

If you’re looking for a job and watching the coming COVID-19 holiday season loom, don’t despair: It could be your lucky break. “My advice around the holiday season is to keep the search active,” says Sharon Patterson, chief human resources officer for LHH, the talent development and career transition division of recruitment firm, The Addecco Group. Companies have budgets for 2021 and often want to have new team members in January. That makes the holidays one of the busiest times of the year for some HR teams, she says. Of course, this year, the job-hunting is complicated. COVID-19 risks, social distancing measures, a challenging job market, and recession have made finding a job, especially in hard-hit sectors, more of a challenge than in recent years. But as you keep pursing your next opportunity, keep these tips in mind to stand out: Keep your good habits—especially the last step Searching for a job now requires all of the same job-hunting etiquette as any other time of year. So, keep up your good habits, says career coach ErinBlythe “EB” Sanders, who specializes in career shifts. Research the company. Study the job description or ad. Check out the interviewer to see if there are some common interest points you can chat about. Be ready to talk about yourself. But where some candidates are slipping is in the follow-up, she says. Because most interviews are videoconferences, it may feel less formal than a meeting and handshake. Be sure to follow up. Send a heartfelt and authentic thank you. Address any questions that came up in the interview. And reiterate your interest and enthusiasm. “It’s your chance to really prove that you’re the right candidate for the job,” she says. “The follow up can really change the candidate that’s chosen.” Spruce up your virtual presence Patterson says that, because many HR professionals are relying on video interviews, they’re also looking for ways to get a better feel for who the candidates are. As a result, many are turning to social media profiles and looking for evidence of the candidate’s work online. So, spend some time polishing your LinkedIn profile, ensuring it reflects your most recent accomplishments and any skills you wish to highlight. Sanders says it’s a good idea to create some sort of digital portfolio where you can put samples of your work, if appropriate, as well as additional background or testimonials. “Having a personal portfolio that can showcase what you do, how you do it, who you are, can really give you a leg up,” she says.

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Highlight transferrable skills Some industries have been particularly hard-hit during the pandemic, such as hospitality, airlines, and some retail businesses, while others are “growing like crazy,” Patterson says. Think about how the skills you’ve developed in your previous roles can be applicable to new opportunities in thriving sectors. Highlight those skills in your online presence, résumé, and in interviews and you might find new opportunities, she says. Let’s say you have worked at an airline and your job related to logistics. Perhaps you have the skills to work in an e-commerce distribution center that’s growing. “I think the real focus that people may want to have, if they’ve come from one of those industries, is how do they reframe that experience to another industry that is in growth mode?” she says. Get past the ATS Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to store and sort résumés. You need to do some work to be sure the ATS is serving up your résumé for appropriate jobs, says Candace Nicolls, senior vice president of People and Workplace at Snagajob, a job search platform for hourly workers. Be sure that your résumé mirrors words and phrases in the job description. However, if you are trying to move into a new field, be sure you also focus on the transferrable skills you identified and use keywords that are relevant to jobs the company has.

Up your video interview game We’re well into the videoconferencing era and hiring managers and HR reps expect you to be able to handle the basics, Sanders says. “It’s about finding that corner that face or you can present yourself in the very best light possible without technological glitches, distractions, problems. It’s along the lines of showing up late for an interview if you can’t get into your video call at the right time,” she says. But that’s also an advantage of videoconferencing—you can practice it any time, Nicolls says. Spend some time working with the technology, getting a friend to do a practice run with you if you can. Find a quiet spot with decent lighting and try out some of the features of the platform you’ll be using, such as sharing your screen, if you plan to show some of your work during the interview. And keep at it. In addition to the number of openings because of budgets, you may find you’re facing less competition because people assume nothing happens around the holidays, Patterson says. She’s speaking from experience: A few years ago, her husband was job-searching at yearend and got three job offers between December 24 and January 2. “This is a time of year when you can actually get a little bit ahead of the curve.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.

get the pepperoni deal! 2 pepperoni pizzas for kd 3.500

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bazaar music

DECEMBER MUSIC

The holidays may be a mixed bag for many of us this year after what can only be described as a tumultuous 2020. For those few that can have family gatherings, within the confines of COVID-19 restrictions of course, will we continue the little tiffs that often come with forced togetherness or will we appreciate even more our familial ties. The global impact of pandemic and politics, will these actually have an impact at the dinner table within our households? This season is the perfect time to put all of this to the test. Why not do so with some aptly titled new albums as background music, or put on some classic ditties.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS?

KELLY JONES

December 4th Album – Don’t Let The Devil Take Another Day Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones releases his new solo album Don’t Let The Devil Take Another Day, which sees him putting an intimate, acoustic spin on some of the band’s biggest tracks. Check out the documentary of the same name which tells of secrets and turmoil within the singer’s own personal life. Describing the new documentary, filmmaker Ben Lowe said: “I’ve never experienced a show quite like Kelly’s on this tour. Recorded across the UK in 2019, the album includes Jones’ take on Kris Kristofferson‘s “Help Me Make It Through The Night”, which was sung to the Welsh star by his father when he was a child.

THE KILLS

December 11th Album – Little Bastards This English-American rock duo was formed in 2001 by Brit guitarist Jamie Hince and US singer Alison Mosshart. Their sixth album, Little Bastards is an extraordinary compilation of b-sides and rarities spanning the career of The Kills. The twenty songs date back from the band’s first 7-inch singles in 2002 through to 2009. All of the material has been newly remastered for release on double LP featuring yellow colored vinyl, CD & Digital. This LP marks the first ever vinyl pressing for some of these tracks so will be an ideal gift for fans of The Kills.

RICO NASTY

December tbc Album – Nightmare Vacation The artist has been described as like some wild convergence of Missy Elliott, Bjork, Danny Brown and Johnny Rotten; marvellously in-your-face. “I definitely feel like this is just a whole new vibe. It sounds natural. It’s really fire. I’m happy that I locked myself in the studio and didn’t give up on life,” says the American rapper who, although this is her debut studio album has already released seven mixtapes, seventy-one singles (including thirty-seven as a featured artist), forty-two music videos, and one promotional single. Songs on the album feature appearances from rappers Trippie Redd, Aminé, Gucci Mane and Don Toliver.

CRIMBO CROONERS

MATT NATHANSON

Album – Farewell December If there is anything we can all agree on, it’s that we are looking forward to saying goodbye to December and the end of 2020. Here Nathanson’s 12-track set tackles old chestnuts such as “Blue Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” and Joni Mitchell’s “River” and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus on “Christmas Time Is Here.” Also be on the lookout for covers of more rocking holiday songs by John Denver & the Muppets (“When the River Meets the Sea”), The Kinks “Father Christmas”, Harry Nilsson “Snow” and Greg Lake “I Believe in Father Christmas”.

ANDREW BIRD

Album - Hark The singer/songwriter best known for his signature whistling and violin playing -- as well as a recurring role in the current season of Fargo -- has cooked up an eclectic mix for his first Christmas full length, mixing in beloved standards “Oh Holy Night,” “White Christmas,” “Auld Lang Syne”, originals like the first-ever COVID-inspired holiday song, “Christmas in April” “This I wrote in April during the most disorienting phase of the pandemic, when I couldn’t help but wonder where we’ll be when the holidays come, if we could be together or not. I’ve been writing a lot of songs inspired by this uninspiring predicament.”

Sources: albumoftheyear.org, nme.com, grammy.com, billboard.com 146

SHAGGY

Album – Christmas in the Islands Just like having Christmas in Kuwait, Mr. Boombastic is here to bring a warm-weather glow to the winter months with his 15-track, sunsplashed holiday collection. Shaggy sings duets and collaborations, and mixes in originals with covers done reggae-style. “Since I was a child, I can remember seeing tourists flock to Jamaica during Christmastime for some sun, fun and great parties!” says the artist. “Our island is all about family, friends, food, great beaches, warm, welcoming people, and a strong culture, which is the perfect recipe for a joyous Christmas, so we decided to embody all of that into one album.”

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A FESTIVE SEASON WITH DEAN & DELUCA

Discover artful gift baskets and delectable feasts for an unforgettable holiday season By bazaar staff

Leave it to the food experts at Dean & Deluca to make this special holiday season an unforgettable experience. And while we are spending more time indoors, we can rely on the purveyors of gourmet goodness for all the little details that complete the holiday experience at home. Think chocolates, candy canes, cookies galore and scrumptious dinner feasts all wrapped up in a merry, festive colors, all presented in gorgeous gift baskets and food experiences that would make for stunning holiday gifts. 148

The good folks at Dean & Deluca take all the guesswork out of holiday gifting, as they’ve done all of the hard work for you! From amazing ideas for stocking stuffers, to immaculately decorated gift baskets that are complete with delicious offerings, you can rest easy and limit the search for that special holiday gift. Their gift baskets are available in a variety of sizes and may be customized, with themed cookies, candies and chocolates to get those festive vibes going. We personally love Dean & Deluca’s selection of Cocoabean treats, shaped into snowmen, baubles, penguins, and hanging tree decorations. Nothing says the holidays like a full on Cocoabean tree slab with Christmas decorations, or a robin in a box. There are so many chocolate and fudge options to choose from, but our favorite has to be the iconic golden milk chocolate coins, and the Mr. Stanley clotted cream fudge. Yum! Reignite your passion for candy this holiday season with Dean & Deluca, as they offer a vast array of this seasonal favorite in mini candy canes to the giant Stanley Candy Cane, artisanal fizzy strawberries and cola bottles, to the famous Jealous Sweets fruit grizzly bears! There’s also nothing quite like Cartwright and Buttler’s Rhubarb & Custard sweets, or festive Reindeer lollies to get you in a merry mood. If you want to gift your vegan friends with seasonal candies, Dean & Deluca has got you covered, too. Choose from vegan watermelon slices, toffee bon bons, strawberries and cream and so much more. Biscuits are available in the form of seasonal Gingerbread Santa Helpers, decorated sugar cookies, and of course, a wide selection of Handmade Shortbread Mini Biscuits in mouth-watering flavor combos like spiced stem ginger, the holiday favorite of chocolate and orange, demerara sugar and cinnamon, macadamia nuts and lemon. Have the best time with your little ones at home and get the Gingerbread decorating kits! There’s the Train Kit, Reindeer Kit and of course the House kit, making for endless hours of fun for the entire family at home. We can’t deny that our favorite part of the whole process is enjoying every bite of yummy gingerbread once we’re done decorating it. Of course, no holiday gift basket is complete without the seasonal Italian sweetbread that is Panettone. Choose from the best out there and opt for Vergani’s traditional Milanese Panettone, also available in pistachio and chocolate for a terrific, flavorful twist. Gift yourself and your loved ones the gift of relaxation. Spend more time with your nearest and dearest at home, and let Dean & Deluca do all the work. You can create that showstopping holiday spread without stepping foot in the kitchen with the expert advice of Dean &

Deluca’s catering and delivery services. Hours spent basting that holiday Turkey until you get that gorgeous roasted sheen are now a thing of the past, and you can get the whole thing, complete with those highly desirable side dishes all planned out with Dean & Deluca. It begins with aromatic bread and cranberry stuffing, and fluffy, golden Yorkshire puddings to carry the yummy gravy. They also offer all of the right accompaniments to your holiday feast, from honey glazed carrots, brussel sprouts and green beans with bacon bits, the creamiest mashed potatoes (we personally would opt for crispy herbed roasted potatoes, also available!), to cranberry sauce turkey stuffed chestnuts! Wow your guests even further by ordering ahead and preparing an impressive dessert spread. Choose from Dean & Deluca’s homemade cakes, their famous date pudding, and a selection of pies like pecan, which you

can order by the slice, apple pie and of course seasonal pumpkin pie. Available in a variety of sizes, you can order a selection of small pies in every available flavor to spoil your guests, and yourself, with the ultimate sweet treat. The end of the year is always hectic and exhausting, as the festive season is usually the busiest time of year, so why not give yourself a break from the holiday rush and head to Dean & Deluca? With endless options for their gift baskets, to planning the perfect holiday dinner, you’re all set to take on the next year with a rested mind and body, a positive attitude, and a merry happy belly to boot.

For more information and for catering inquiries, check out @Deandelucame on Instagram. Find the holiday gift baskets at Dean & Deluca at the Avenues. 149

bazaar Apps

LINGBE

UPSTREAM

AIRSEND Whether you have fully embraced the work-fromhome life or doing some sort of hybrid model, the way we work has fundamentally changed. If you need to brainstorm or share documents seamlessly without worrying about security or needing several apps or platforms, try Airsend. You can have conversations, voice and video calls, share files, manage tasks, and keep notes. Complete projects with team members and clients in one workspace. You also get 100GB free, to get you started.

TYPESTUDIO

LEVER Having a personal coach and trainer is one of the best ways to make sure you are hitting your health and fitness goals. If you haven’t been getting to the gym or aren’t as comfortable with in-person training as you used to be, consider joining Lever. The app matches you with a coach that will work one-on-one with you to help you figure out what getting healthy means for you, and how to achieve that. Eat, sleep and workout better with the help of experts who can support you on your journey to health.

CLIP DROP This is one of those apps that needs to be seen and used to be fully understood. Clip Drop blurs the boundaries between real life and digital. You can take pictures of text or objects and the app then allows you to drop them onto your computer screen so you can use them anywhere. We think it is great for snapping phone numbers on posters or similar info. But really we think we would use it the most at clothes stores to think about and compare possible fashion purchases later.

Learning a new language can be challenging especially as an adult. One of the best ways to get better at it is by practicing with a native speaker. Fortunately you can now start real-time conversations with native speakers at the touch of a button with Lingbe. Help others practice too, earn rewards and join a community of curious learners. Whenever you have 10 minutes of free time, just use the app and you will be speaking fluently in no time.

“You are only as good as your network,” modern business proverb. Not true, we just made that up, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Being able to quickly reach out to people for help or new hires can make or break your business. And before you tell us that’s what LinkedIn is supposed to be for, we all know that isn’t true anymore. This is a new, fresh and refreshing way to do business and connect with others in your industry.

This one’s not a downloadable app in the traditional sense, but it is a mobile web app. You don’t need to install it to be able to use it. If you are creating video content and want to add subtitles and captions, TypeStudio does it for you automatically, which you can then edit to your liking. Many of us don’t always watch videos with the sound on or might need accessibility options, and this app makes adding text a breeze. You get 20 minutes free every month so you can even try it before you buy it.

play.google.com itunes.apple.com 150

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YOU TOO CAN BE A GREAT INNOVATOR

If you just learn to work with this By Todd Saxton—The Conversation

Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, was America’s first female self-made millionaire. She pioneered a line of haircare and beauty products for people of color early in the 20th century, and the recent Netflix series Self Made details the story of this talented innovator and the challenges she overcame on the way to her success. To accomplish her goals, she had to face overwhelming uncertainties. How would she finance her business? Would her partnerships fail? Would her products sell? Would ruthless competition and racism get in her way? Madame Walker’s future was far from certain when she began her journey, but that did not dissuade her. I am a researcher and professor who studies strategy and entrepreneurship. I am also myself an entrepreneur, angel investor, and board member for startups and innovative firms. Pop culture might have you believe it is a tolerance for or even an obsession with risk that makes great innovators. But in fact, research has for decades demonstrated that innovators and entrepreneurs are no more risk-taking than the average person. It is tempting to think that innovators are a breed apart or perhaps lucky to be in the right place and time. But research shows this is not the case. So what characteristics do innovators like Madam Walker have that lead them to the seemingly serendipitous moment? What makes for a successful innovator or entrepreneur? Generally, innovators are much more comfortable making decisions under conditions of uncertainty than the average person. Additionally, innovators tend to have a set of skills that allows them to better navigate this uncertainty. My experience and research has shown that not only are these abilities effective, but they can also be learned and practiced and anyone can improve their innovation skills. What is risk? What is uncertainty? Risk is when the factors determining success or failure are out of your control but the odds of success are known–a game of dice, for example. You can’t control whether a 2 or a 12 is rolled, but you know the odds. Uncertainty is when the factors determining success or failure are not necessarily out of your control, but are simply unknown. It is accepting a 152

challenge to play a game that you do not completely know the rules of. Innovators tend to be more willing to venture into the unknown, and therefore are more likely to engage in ambitious projects even when outcomes and probabilities are a mystery. Interestingly, risk and uncertainty appear to trigger activity in different parts of the brain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging has allowed researchers to discover that risk analysis is a largely rational and calculation-driven process, but uncertainty triggers the ancient fight-or-flight part of the brain. This research would suggest that experienced innovators are better able to maintain their analytical capabilities in spite of the adrenaline and instinctual response that arises when confronting uncertainty. Innovators don’t ignore risk; they are just better able to analyze it in uncertain situations. Skills of innovation can be learned The chemical response to risk and uncertainty may be hardwired in our brains, but that doesn’t mean you are either born an innovator or not. Innovative capacity can be learned. Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, and the late Clay Christensen spent years investigating the characteristics of successful innovators and broadly divide the skills of innovation into two categories: delivery skills and discovery skills. Delivery skills include quantitative analysis, planning, detail-oriented implementation, and disciplined execution. These are certainly essential characteristics for success in many occupations, but for innovation, discovery must come before delivery.

Discovery skills are the ones more involved in developing ideas and managing uncertain situations. The most notable are: • The ability to draw connections between seemingly disparate ideas and contexts. • A tendency to question assumptions and the status quo. • A habit of looking at what is contributing to a problem before rushing to a solution. • The frequent use of systematic experimentation to prove hypotheses about cause and effect. • The ability to network and broaden a set of relationships, even without an intentional purpose. Like any skills, these can be learned and cultivated through a combination of guidance, practice, and experience. By asking the right questions, being observant or mindful, experimenting, and networking with the right supporters, innovators will be more likely to identify opportunity and succeed. My colleagues’ and my own research and experience are summed up in our book The Titanic Effect. We describe the PEP model of successful entrepreneurs and innovators. It stands for passion, experience, and persistence. Successful innovators are passionate about the problem they are solving and share this passion with friends and family, potential customers, supporters, and other stakeholders. Innovators also tend to have personal experience

with the problem they are solving, and this yields valuable insight and firsthand knowledge. Finally, innovation takes persistence. As Walker experienced, growing a business—even with proven products—does not happen overnight. It takes someone willing to push the boulder uphill to make it happen, and often, the more disruptive the innovation, the longer society may take to embrace it. Madam Walker amply personifies the PEP model. Innovation now and in the future During this pandemic, many people might be inclined to batten down the hatches, tighten their belts, and ride things out by sticking to what they already know. But uncertainty and change create opportunity and a need for innovation. The pandemic has created or exacerbated many problems that are ripe for innovative solutions. Practices that were until recently on the fringe of acceptance—such as telehealth, food or grocery delivery, e-sports, and online education— are now being accepted by mainstream society. As with anything relatively new, there is lots of room for radical improvement. Now is not the time to puRRt blinders on and close your eyes to uncertainty. If you build your discovery skills, you are more likely to create opportunity and persist through uncertainty. Like Walker, anyone can cultivate the abilities to navigate uncertainty and create positive change. Innovators are not a breed apart. Photos by Nikita Kachanovsky and Matt Ridley on Unsplash.

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THIS ONE REMOTE-WORK HACK WILL MAKE YOUR VIRTUAL MEETINGS MORE PRODUCTIVE Why turning on video is so important By Tracy Brower

Over the past months, how you manage your work, connections, and careers has changed dramatically. You’re demonstrating value without being able to see your boss in person. You’re managing your projects despite no central war room, and you’re finding ways to get coaching from your mentor without the benefit of meeting for coffee. But in addition to figuring out all of that, there’s one surprising thing you must also do to be successful: Turn on the video during your virtual calls. There are pros and cons to almost all virtual communication. For instance, it’s easier to connect and work from anywhere, but it’s tougher to build relationships. It’s pretty terrific to wear your sweatpants and fuzzy slippers to work, but it can be a challenge to network effectively and make strides toward your next career opportunity. One surprising element, which can make a huge difference to your progression at your job, is your video camera. Using video every day for meetings is admittedly exhausting. It puts us under a microscope—forcing us to watch ourselves on camera with greater frequency than ever before. It can make us hypervigilant about our flaws, and it can exacerbate stress that comes from comparisons with others (“Her apartment looks so much cooler than mine”). But overall, video is here to stay. Even when we get back to the benefits of the office, people will likely still work remotely to a greater extent than they did before the pandemic, and this will make virtual communication—and video connections—a feature of the future as well as the present. However, there are reasons, for your workplace involvement and career development, to keep your camera on. Video demonstrates responsibility. When you have your video on, you show not only that you’re camera-ready but ready for your day and your work. It is sad, but true, that we tend to judge others more harshly than ourselves. This is especially the case when we don’t know others well. If you choose not to turn on video, others may conclude you didn’t get up early enough to

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shower, do your hair, or change out of your pajamas. On the other hand, when you turn on your camera, you demonstrate you’re ready to go. Video communicates confidence. Without video, you may unintentionally communicate you have something to hide or something you’re unsure about—or something that’s keeping you from being fully prepared to engage. By having your camera on, you show you’re self-assured, transparent, and ready to move ahead. Video builds trust and rapport. People don’t trust what they don’t understand, and when you’re on video, you’re providing plenty of information about yourself. People can see your nonverbal behaviors and get a sense of your mood, your manner, and your mindset. These factors all help to communicate a sense of openness. This, in turn, tends to encourage others to share, building a positive reinforcing loop. When you’re open and share, others talk about themselves as well. The entire process builds rapport and relationships. Video helps you engage. When you’re on video, you’re more likely to engage in meetings. When your video is off, it’s more tempting to multitask or let your mind wander. Knowing others can see you will help you listen, pay attention, and contribute. This will make you more effective and put you in a

better place to grow your career. Video makes you memorable. To make progress in your career, your colleagues need to know who you are and appreciate your contributions. The brain remembers significantly better with both video and audio cues, and being off camera makes you little more than a voice. You may be brilliant, but you’ll be a forgettable audio wave, rather than a memorable contributor. Turning on your camera will help people get to know you and remember you better. Video sets the meeting’s tone. When you turn on your video, it sets the tone for others to do the same and creates the conditions for more effective virtual communication. When others have their cameras on, you can read nonverbal signals and make comments targeted to the situation. You can see when others are about to speak, and therefore when you need to hold back. Or perhaps you can see that others are resistant, and you can find ways to make your points more persuasive. You can also see when others are struggling and when you need to demonstrate empathy or compassion. All of this helps make you more effective. Turning on your video sends an important signal for others to turn it on as well—and benefits not only you but everyone in the meeting. Photo by visuals on Unsplash.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH US!

Visit us at: The Avenues • Ahmadi Park Jabriya • Shuwaikh 125 • Da’iya Co-Op Arabian Gulf Street, Bneid Al Gar

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THE EMIRGAN SÜTIŞ STORY

Discover a rich history and delicious dishes By bazaar staff

Anyone who visits Emirgan Sütis is part of a story that started in Batum, Georgia with two men called Hacı Mehmet Aga, who was famous for his cakes and pastries and Sütçü Ahmet, who was famous for his milky desserts. Mevlüt Kocadag, the former’s grandson and the latter’s son-in-law left the family business in 1953 to establish the very first Sütis shop in Nisantası. The move was bold and entrepreneurial and it laid the foundation for the Emirgan Sütis brand we all know and love today.

Half a century later, Sütiş had become one of the most famous milk pudding shops in Istanbul after opening the Taksim Branch in addition to the Nişantaşı branch in 1982. Four years later, the first official “Emirgan Sütiş” restaurant was opened in the Emirgan neighborhood overlooking the Bosphorus. Three generations of a commitment to customer satisfaction and enjoyment that started with milky dessert has driven the brand’s continued and dynamic success. Impeccable customer service and hospitality keeps guests coming back for more. Original recipes that are developed and constantly honed in-house make sure that things are always delicious and fresh and every visit is a true treat. For all of us in Kuwait, Emirgan Sütiş is our number one destination when we are craving Turkish cuisine. From the East meets West vibes to tradition and heritage that can still exist in a modern world, it is a charming and magical cuisine. The restaurants here have been designed to evoke a sense of wanderlust and travel to a mystical land of simit and spice. We truly appreciate the variety and richness of all the menu items at Sütiş. Whether we are there for breakfast, lunch or dinner we always leave with full bellies and hearts. They specialize in freshly baked simit

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that arrives steaming hot at your table. And there are so many options to choose from like the classic round ones to cheese or chocolate stuffed simit. A Turkish breakfast is deceptively simple, but it is always hearty and delicious. The borek is always a star at the table, and with fillings like spinach and meat, who wouldn’t want to eat a whole plate (or more). Don’t forget to finish it all off with a cup of Traditional Turkish Tea. Lunch and dinner are an even more exciting affair at Sütiş. Classic appetizers like Ezme which is made from tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, parsley, olive oil, paprika, lemon, red onion and pomegranate sauce or Cacik which is made from yogurt, cucumber, mint and olive oil will rev you and your palette up for the oncoming feast. The main dishes are where the real party is at. There are so many different beautifully grilled meats with the perfect char marks that you can order. The Adana kebab is available in beef or chicken with the same rich spices. There’s the lighter Etli Gozleme which is a Turkish pastry filled with minced meat, Turkish spices, & cheese. Served with french fries. Or try the Sutis Gurme, a platter of mixed grills inclusive of lamb chops, cheese kofte, flank steak, shish tawouq and grilled chicken served with sautéed vegetables and spinach, with your choice of french fries, white rice,

baked potato or bulgur. We love dishes that are unique to the restaurant like Doner simit, a sesame simit bread filled with doner meat, tahini sauce, sumac, lettuce and white onions and served with french fries. You might think that Sütiş’ menu is mostly meat based, but vegetarians can still enjoy the sweet grills in the form of the Eggplant Kebab. We’re almost always stuffed after a meal like this but we make sure that there is still room for dessert. The Baklava is a must-try! There is even a mixed dish that allows you to try the different flavors without committing to one in particular. Our favorite though is the Katmer which is a traditional Turkish sweet filled with kaymak and topped with pistachio. Or try the Keskul which is fresh milk with Turkish buffalo thick cream, almond, rice starch freshly prepared in a traditional Turkish way. A visit to Emirgan Sütiş is like a visit to Turkey itself. It is exciting, fun and very filling. Emirgan Sutis is located in The Gate Mall in Egaila and The Souk (Phase 4) at The Avenues. Delivery through the Sutis website www.emirgansutiskw.com, Talabat, Carriage and Bilbayt or call 1850 005 for more information and delivery. Follow them on Instagram @sutis_kw for the latest.

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bazaar books

PIRATE STEW

by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell, Children’s Fantasy

MISCONDUCT

by Penelope Douglas, Romance

Long John has a whole crew of wild pirates in tow, and - for one boy and his sister - he’s about to transform a perfectly ordinary evening into a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon. It’s time to make some PIRATE STEW. Marvelously silly and gloriously entertaining, this tale of pirates, flying ships, doughnut feasts and some rather magical stew is perfect for all pirates, both young and old. With a deliciously rhyming text from master storyteller Neil Gaiman and spellbinding illustrations by the supremely talented Chris Riddell, this is the picture book of the year! Pirate Stew! Pirate Stew! Pirate Stew for me and you! Pirate Stew, Pirate Stew Eat it and you won’t be blue You can be a pirate too!

SAFECRACKER

Former tennis player Easton Bradbury is trying to be the best teacher she can be, trying to reach her bored students and trying to forget her past. What brought her to this stage in her life isn’t important. She can’t let it be. But now, one parent-teacher meeting may be her undoing… Meeting Tyler Marek for the first time makes it easy for Easton to see why his son is having trouble in school. The man knows how to manage businesses and wealth, not a teenage boy. Or a young teacher, for that matter, though he tries to. And yet…there is something about him that draws Easton in - a hint of vulnerability, a flash of attraction, a spark that might burn. Wanting him is taboo. Needing him is undeniable. And his long-awaited touch will weaken Easton’s resolve - and reveal what should stay hidden…

THE COUSINS

by Ryan Wick, Thriller

by Karen M McManus, Young Adult

Safecracker Michael Maven’s latest job should be simple: steal a rare coin from a New York apartment. Then the coin’s owner comes home with a beautiful woman. So he hides. Then she murders him. So he hides a bit better. Then she tries to take the coin herself, which is the last straw. While Maven narrowly escapes being killed himself, he’s then coerced by her boss, a sadistic drug lord, into a far more complicated, far more dangerous job. If Maven fails to crack the safe of a rival cartel boss in Miami, his friends and family will die. If he succeeds, they still might. Which means he not only has to somehow pull off an impossible heist, but also outwit two crime bosses as well as the woman, his reluctant new partner. Safecracker is fast-paced, has tons of action, and it’s cinematic in the most appealing way.

THE MYSTERY OF MRS CHRISTIE

by Marie Benedict, Historical Fiction

In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. Investigators find her empty car on the edge of a deep, gloomy pond, the only clues are some tire tracks nearby and a fur coat left in the car - strange for a frigid night. Her husband and daughter have no knowledge of her whereabouts, and England unleashes an unprecedented manhunt to find the up-and-coming mystery author. Eleven days later, she reappears, just as mysteriously as she disappeared, claiming amnesia and providing no explanations for her time away. The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. With her trademark exploration into the shadows of history, acclaimed author Marie Benedict brings us into the world of Agatha Christie, imagining why such a brilliant woman would find herself at the center of such a murky story. What is real, and what is mystery? What role did her unfaithful husband play, and what was he not telling investigators?

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Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each other, and they’ve never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they’re surprised and curious. Their parents are all clear on one point - not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother’s good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it’s immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious - and dark - their family’s past is. The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn’t overand, this summer, the cousins will learn everything.

MEDIOCRE

by Ijeoma Oluo, Non Fiction

After the election of Donald Trump, and the escalation of white male rage and increased hostility toward immigrants that came with him, New York Times-bestselling author Ijeoma Oluo found herself in conversation with Americans around the country, pondering one central question: How did we get here? In this ambitious survey of the last century of American history, Oluo answers that question by pinpointing white men’s deliberate efforts to subvert women, people of color, and the disenfranchised. Through research, interviews, and the powerful, personal writing for which she is celebrated, Oluo investigates the backstory of America’s growth, from immigrant migration to our national ethos around ingenuity, from the shaping of economic policy to the protection of sociopolitical movements that fortify male power. In the end, she shows how white men have long maintained a stranglehold on leadership and sorely undermined the pursuit of happiness for all. Source: Goodreads.com

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A FEAST FOR EVERYONE AT ASHA’S

Experience Thali, sharing platters and family meals By bazaar staff

There’s nothing wrong with eating alone, but experiencing delicious dishes is a culinary journey best savored with company. Few cuisines lend themselves to sharing like Indian and where better to enjoy the different flavors, rich spices and tantalizing textures than Asha’s.

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If you have never heard of Thali, you are in for a treat. A Thali refers to a large round metal tray or the meal served on it. Traditionally the plate should include six different flavours; sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy. Asha’s has just launched two specially developed Thali’s; vegetarian and chicken. Both dishes include Bhindi Masala or Aloo Matar Gobhi, Dal Makhani, Biryani Rice, Butter Naan and Gulab Jamun. The vegetarian option features Vegetable Samosas and Paneer Makhni while the chicken option features Murg Malai Kebab and Murg Makhni (AKA the bestselling Butter Chicken). Thalis are the perfect way to taste lots of different options and enjoy them all without feeling overstuffed. The balance between the six flavors and tastes offers even the most discerning connoisseurs a delightful treat. The combinations in the dishes are designed to contrast but also complement each other. The smaller but multiple portions are cute but ohso satisfying. Asha’s menus are extensively well-thought out and the utmost care is given to ensure an incomparable experience. The freshest ingredients of highest quality are sourced and used for authentic taste. The chefs are not only experienced and talented at creating culinary masterpieces but also at plating them like artwork. If you are more excited about splitting a meal, then the sharing platters are there for you. The eponymous Asha’s Sharing Platter is a selection of fan-favorites. Cheese Samosa, Chicken Tikka, Samosa, Aloo Matar Ki Tikki, Tandoori Tikka and Kheenga Naar. Everyone at the table will get something they love. If you are a vegetarian, the Vegetable Kebab Platter is perfect for you. To be honest, even meat-eaters will love the vitamin and color rich Achari Gobhi, Paneer Ka Soola and Aloo Khushnuma. If grills are your thing, order the Speciality Platter; which includes a selection of our all-time favorite Murg Malai, Chicken Tikka and Gosht Seekh Kebab. For the truly regal, then order the Emperor Platter; a combination of the emperor’s favorite kebabs – Murg Malai, Gosht Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Machli and Kerala Chilli Garlic Prawns served with cheese garlic naan. Ordering for a family can be tricky, but is now much easier with Family Meals. Whether you are trying to feed two people or four, Asha’s has given you all the options you need. Start with Shorba (soup), Murg Nizami or Dal. The family meal for two includes: one portion of Chicken or Vegetarian Kebab, your choice of Chicken or Vegetarian Curry and your choice of Chicken or Vegetarian Biryani. The meal also includes water and two Butter Naans. If you order the meal for four family members you will be getting a portion of Mixed Samosa Selection, Specialty Kebab Platter or Vegetarian Kebab Platter, your choice of two Curries: Chicken or Vegetarian and your choice of two Biryanis: Chicken or Vegetarian. You will also be getting water and four Butter Naans. Asha’s excels at homestyle North Indian cuisine, but they go above and beyond with their hospitality, welcoming ambience and helpful staff that can help guide you while you order and also keep you happy during your visit. The food is cozy, comforting and tastes like your favorite meal cooked with love by your grandma, even if she is not Indian. It is about the effort, commitment and good vibes that infuse the food. Visit the new Asha’s at Arabian Gulf Street, Bneid Al Gar, next to the Kuwait Towers, The Avenues (2228 3503), 360 Mall (2208132/24), Boulevard (2208 1374/5), and Spoons (2225 4097). Visit ashasrestaurants.com or follow @ashasmiddleeast on Instagram for up to date information.

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ONEWHEEL+ XR

660 KD buys you the freedom to break your neck on a board that sits on one wheel rather than four. Fans say that the XR is like snowboarding all year around, but that’s really for the 99% as true 1% can follow the powder slopes. It’s supposed to be a way to hack your commute as you can get up to 29km to the charge, but how this beats the chauffeur driven Bentley, I’m not so sure. Plus, this only really works if the commute is within your gated community mansion’s grounds as 29km most probably doesn’t even get you past the granny flat, swimming pool or the security guards’ huts.

GITA

Gita is a following robot. If you are fed up of having a PA running around after you dropping your items and spilling your coffee, this is the silent box on wheels for you. It carries your stuff so you can walk outdoors for local errands and trips instead of driving or riding in cars. It is designed and built in Boston by Piaggio Fast Forward, a member of the Piaggio Group, the Italian manufacturer of the iconic Vespa scooter. At 993 KD it’s a little more expensive than the salaries you’re probably paying your maid, but it at least gives you that tech edge that cheap human labor doesn’t.

EMBRAER + PORSCHE DUET JET & CAR COMBO

KLEIN VISION AIRCAR V5

This Chrimbo buy an Embraer Phenom 300E business jet with an exclusive 911 Turbo S as Gift With Purchase! Both share design details such as the special two-tone metallic colorway in Platinum Silver and Jet Grey. The air intakes on the 911 are chrome like the leading edge of the engine nacelles of the Phenom, and “No Step” is on the door sills in lettering similar to the warnings on the wings of the jet. For just 33,656,000 KD they also throw in a luggage-set and a Porsche Design 1919 Globe timer UTC titanium-case inspired by the jet’s cockpit.

Flying cars have been a dream since the 1950s. There have been contenders over the years, but Elon Musk shooting cars from rockets doesn’t count. The AirCar is expected to clear certification in 2021. The AirCar converts from auto to airplane in three minutes, requires just under 1,000 feet of runway, so you can lift off from your driveway, and is powered by a 300 hp BMW engine. Range is over 600 miles and the AirCar carries two passengers with up to 204 KG of cargo. AirCar has been designed to be as aerodynamically stable as possible, making it easy for substandard yet egotistical rich pilots.

EWOOL HEATED GLOVE LINER

ROSE QUARTZ TRAY

Keep your digits warm this winter. For 100 KD these electronic, heated glove liners will do just the job. Featuring stretch-fit design, these gloves which can be used on their own, are powered by a battery that delivers up to 30% more heat; 30% more than ‘what’ we can’t say, but most likely 30% more than your assistant blowing on your hands and rubbing them furiously. The fingers are each individually heated as the powerful heating elements run around every finger. The gloves are touch screen compatible so you can wild tweet your outrage at the 99% in warm comfort.

Artisanally mined semi-precious gemstone rose quartz from Madagascar is what the 1% need to reset for 2021. With a spiritual significance of love it’s exactly what is needed to bring love back into the world. This 245 KD stunning vanity tray (not named ironically) is even more valuable because the healing crystal of which the made-to-order item is comprised, has been clawed out of the earth by families living below the official poverty line of half a dinar a day, on this tropical island known best for its depleting rainforest. More things should be artisanally mined; it sounds like a large-scale jobs program gift for the 99%.

live like the 99% SECOND CHANCE It’s getting colder and the winds are whipping up. Maybe the rains will come too. You may be thinking about a new winter wardrobe but for some, it’s simply not possible to follow the seasons with an on trend set of duds. Perhaps spare a moment to go through your clothes cupboards or hidden away boxes and consider donating your clothes to charities that can distribute your unwanted items to those in need. Second Chance is a charity that encourages us to renew, reuse and recycle, and through monies raised have recently paid school fees, provided laptops & tablets, paid vet bills, improved living conditions, helped renew visas and distributed clothing. They are always on the lookout for donations of various items in good condition that may of use to others, and if you have the following please contact the corresponding number: baby items 9443 4040, games, jewelry, bags 9767 7278, adult clothes 6704 0196 & 6009 3162, household & furniture 6996 4911 and Books on 6669 3722. Ideally, follow @secondchanceq8 on Instagram, where you can also pick up a bargain! Sources: Instagram.com, uncrate.com, goop.com, mikeandally.com

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THE OG CREATORS OF DYNAMITE SHRIMP ARE AT IT AGAIN Fresh ingredients, everyday at every P.F. Chang’s keep us coming back for more By bazaar staff

P.F Chang’s has been around for 27 years and has left an impression on the entire world. An Asian concept founded on making food from scratch every day, P.F Chang’s was created in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming. P.F. Chang’s was also the first multi-unit restaurant concept in the U.S. to honor and celebrate the tradition of wok cooking. Since inception, P.F. Chang’s chefs have been big on constructing every detail of the dishes they serve with love, as well as completely from scratch. That is what made them world-wide famous. “At P.F. Chang’s, we’re proud to make our food fresh, from scratch, every day at every restaurant around the world. Spread the joy!” Phiip Chiang (cofounder). Imitated by many, P.F. Chang’s is a pioneer in many things including their popular Dynamite Shrimp. The Original Dynamite Shrimp is a tempurabattered, tossed with a sriracha aioli delicious 164

signature appetizer dish. Ever since the creation of this dish, there have been many replicas from the biggest chains, to smaller diners. But, no one can do it quite like P.F. Chang’s. The new Grand Plaza- Avenues location is quite beautiful. With elegant modern seating that extends into the outdoor/indoor area, giving you an “outdoors” experience. With original art decor and wall art, this spot has an entirely sleek and unique feel to it. A must-visit for sure! Today, P.F. Chang’s has 210+ restaurants in the U.S, plus over 95 restaurants in more than 25

countries across the globe. The famous Mongolian Beef is the ultimate perennial guest favorite. With Ingredients that include a deliciously sweet soy glaze, flank steak, garlic and snipped green onions, you can’t go wrong with this classic. This recipe is rooted from the Mongolian region of China and is all about being prepared with very balanced sauce. Another one of P.F. Chang’s well known dishes is the Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps (which is a secret Chiang family recipe). It is a delicious combination of chicken and other traditional

ingredients prepared in the wok. It is then also served with fresh iceberg lettuce leaves to wrap with. A mouth-watering experience that you can only have at P.F. Chang’s locations. For the sushi lovers, take your pick from Shrimp Tempura rolls, to California rolls or Dynamite Shrimp rolls which are exclusive at P.F. Changs. The highly in demand and iconic dishes of Dynamite Shrimp and Mongolian beef have become so popular, that the brand has now blessed us with the release of two similar dishes. The Mongolian Chicken and the Dynamite Chicken. The taste is just as impeccable as the classics but with a different meat, chicken! Layered with complex flavors that are artfully presented, you’re bound to see these on every table. The Mongolian Chicken is prepared with the same traditional recipe from the Mongolian region of China. It includes thin slices of caramelized Chicken in a very balanced sauce that is also

tossed with green onions. The Dynamite Chicken also remains true to the original recipe being tempura-battered and tossed with a delicious sriracha aioli sauce. In P.F. Chang’s there are also many other beef, chicken, seafood and vegetarian options to select from. Making it a perfect place to take the family during your next dine in opportunity! A new addition to the menu that was once a limited edition item is the Korean Surf and Turf plate. The dish is a delightful combination of delicious Bulgogi marinated ribeye steak and prawns which is then grilled and glazed with Teriyaki sauce. It is also served over caramelized Kimchi. Can you say delish? bazaar was also pleasantly surprised on our latest trip to P.F. Chang’s to find out about their extraordinary drinks and dessert menu. On the menu, there is a variety of juices, mocktails, iced teas and coolers that come in carafes (which are glass containers that have no handles).

Aside from trying the new OG offerings of Dynamite Chicken and Mongolian Chicken, we also spiced things up (literally) by trying the Spicy Chengdu Beef and the Ring of Fire Shrimp. For dessert, their absolute best seller is the Great Wall of Chocolate, which is a rich six layered chocolate cake, served with fresh strawberries and sauce. P.F. Chang’s is the place to be with your family and friends while enjoying spectacular flavors that won’t be found elsewhere. So, on your next trip make sure you indulge in their new menu items and enjoy some of your favorite Asian inspired foods.

For more information follow @pfchangsme or, visit its various locations at 1st Avenue – The Avenues, Sidra Restaurants, Grand Plaza – The Avenues and Al Kout Mall.

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bazaar movie night

Because there’s nothing like being at home during the holidays, we’ve curated a favorite holiday movies list:

HOLIDATE

DIE HARD (YES, THIS IS A HOLIDAY MOVIE)

LAST HOLIDAY

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

KLAUS

OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Release Date: October 28, 2020 Genre: Comedy, Romance Cast: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Kristin Chenoweth Synopsis: Feeling all alone during the holidays and tired of their family’s criticism about being single, two strangers make a pact during the holidays. They agree to be each other’s “platonic” plus ones all year long. Along the way they start to catch real feelings. So much for being strangers.

Release Date: December 11,1992 Genre: Comedy, Drama Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, The Great Gonzo Synopsis: The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, Ebenezer Scrooge’s clerk. Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases -past, present and future where they show him the error of his self-serving ways.

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Release Date: July 20,1988 Genre: Action,Thriller Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia Synopsis: A New York city policeman joins his wife at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business that she works for. During their outing, the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the place and everyone in it. Very soon, he realizes that there’s no one to save the hostages - but him.

Release Date: November 15,2019 Genre: Animation, Adventure Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones Synopsis: An animated Christmas movie where the worst postman at the academy is sent to a frozen town in the North above the Arctic Circle. He is about to give up when he finds an ally in local teacher Alva and later discovers where Santa is hiding out. In a turn of events, a desperate postman accidentally brings about the genesis of Santa Claus.

Release Date: January 13, 2006 Genre: Adventure, Comedy Cast: Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton Synopsis: Finding out that she has a terminal illness prompts saleswoman Georgia Byrd to reflect on her overly cautious life. So, she withdraws her life savings and jets off to Europe where she lives like a millionaire. Not only is she living her best life, but she is no longer the shy woman she once was.

Release Date: 9 December 2016 Genre: Comedy Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn Synopsis: Ever heard of a party gone wrong? Well, this is an office party gone wrong story. When the branch office manager plans and throws a Christmas party, things quickly get out of control. To make matters worse, this celebration was to impress a client and retain his branch and employees from his sister. Disastrous or genius? You be the judge.

indulgent frozen yogurt flavors Creamy, Smooth & Rich

lotus chocolate hazelnut

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GETTING THE NATURAL BENEFITS Healthy drinks from Ahmad Tea By bazaar staff

Cooler months are ahead of us and we just love chilling on the couch with a warm beverage. Yet weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always on the lookout for a warm beverage that is caffeine and sugar-free so we can indulge as much as we want without being wired and constantly high on sucrose. It appears that Ahmad Tea was listening to our secret desires and has just launched a new range of herbal and green infusions with added functional ingredients.

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The family-run UK tea company, has come up with six blends in the range – Energy, Beauty, Immune, Digest, Slim and Sleep. Each one has been fortified with extra ingredients to provide you with support all day long whatever your needs might be. The blends are made from all-natural ingredients and combine herbs, fruit and tea, with added fortification from vitamins and botanicals. Ahmad Tea didn’t just come up with these blends, but instead relied heavily on market research and testing. Consumers are now more aware of what they’re putting in their bodies and want to make sure that the long-term effect of anything they consume is positive, not just on themselves but on the planet too. “Research tells us that much of the world is shifting towards products that support a healthy lifestyle,” said Dominic Marriott, Tea Taster at Ahmad Tea’s UK HQ. This last year hasn’t been easy on anyone, and it can be tempting to reach for an energy drink to keep up, but the ensuing crash is never worth the risk. Our fast-paced, anxiety stricken lives are already negatively affecting our health. From working at home to dealing with home-based schooled kids and a raging pandemic daily life is proving to be a difficult balancing act. The Natural Benefits range could not have come at a better time. Energy: We have more ideas, ambitions and goals than we have energy, so a little help in that department is definitely a good thing. The energy infusion is a bold blend of caffeine-rich mate, mint, grapefruit and lemongrass. It is like sunshine on a cloudy day, uplifting energy in a cup. Beauty: Your outer beauty truly begins inside. The Beauty Infusion helps you regain your natural glow. Soft, juicy peach and luxurious aloe vera blend with lemon verbena and carob to deliver a naturally sweet and enriching herbal tea.

Immune: This infusion helps keep you feeling on top with a restorative blend of ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and vitamin C. Now, more than ever make sure to give your immune system a boost with this punchy and stimulating fruit and herb tea. Digest: We try our best to eat healthy most of the time, but our bodies still need some help sometimes to run smoothly. Digest Infusion lends a helping hand to the digestive system with its cleansing blend of mint, liquorice, fennel and biotin (aka vitamin H). It’s a deliciously minty herbal tea that soothes and restores. Slim: Trying to maintain your weight or lose the extra pounds can be challenging. The Slim Infusion is a metabolism-boosting matcha and zinc blend with cleansing mint, lemon balm and caffeinerich mate to create a naturally stimulating and

supportive sip. Give your body a natural boost. Sleep: A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mental and physical well being. A light yet luxurious blend of flowers, honey and lemon balm, it’s the ideal herbal tea to soothe you into a more relaxed state so you’re ready for bed in no time. We really appreciate that we can reach for the right infusion blend during the day and get what we need. We stock the pantry at home and at the office so we can have a “pick me up” cuppa anytime.

Find your new favorite Natural Benefits Ahmad Tea in supermarkets, co-ops, and roomserviceq8.com. For tantalizing tea recipes, information and inspiration, follow @ahmadteaarabia on Instagram. 169

bazaar techno

MOMENT MAGSAFE IPHONE 12 MOUNTS NATIVE UNION SMART HUB WALL CHARGER As you may, or may not know (if you live under a rock) Apple has once again released its latest iPhone, the iPhone 12. The iPhone twelve promises to be the most advanced phone on the market. With that being said, every phone needs its accessories. That is where the new MagSafe accessories come in. With a compatible mounting system, this release will include attachments that allow your phone to be mounted on walls, car vents, and tripods along with connectors to mount microphones and lights. And since our phones are very dear to us, each piece comes with a proprietary configuration of magnets and grippy backer pad for a strong, secure hold.

Charging your electronics shouldn’t be a hassle, and let’s be real sharing charger ports can get really annoying. Between losing them, to needing to carry them around from one place to another, this product is perfect. This Smart Hub Charger by Native Union supplies power to three devices at a time. Making it perfect for those working from home, or people who like to charge multiple devices at the same time. With two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, it can quickly charge everything from phones to laptops. A total maximum output of 45W ensures all devices are juicing up speedily, and design is highly portable while keeping your space from looking chunky.

MATADOR PACKABLE WATER BOTTLE

SIMPLISAFE VIDEO DOORBELL

LENOVO THINKPAD X1 FOLD PC

CHILI PEPPER CAPSAICIN DETECTOR

Safety is not something you should skimpon. That being said this SimpliSafe Video Doorbell device is pretty reasonable for your peace of mind. Whether you would like to see who’s dropping off your packages, or everything happening in front of your home while you’re away, this top-notch security device can do that for you. Giving you crisp 1080 HDR video with an ultra-wide, 162° field of view and infrared night vision, you won’t have to worry about not being able to spot intruders. The great thing about this doorbell is that it is multifunctional, meaning it works as a doorbell and a camera. It is easy to install (takes less than 30 minutes) and unlike others on the market, it detects people and ignores distractions.

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Since folding phones have made their debut in the market, it was only a matter of time before the rest of tech got onto this trend as well. Introducing Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Fold! The world’s first foldable PC, built around a 13-inch OLED touchscreen. Super easy to carry, and move around with but still provides you with the more traditional PC experience. It can be used as a penbased tablet and is powered by 11th Generation Intel processors, offering 8GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, and equipped for 5G support. Preorders are now open.

Staying hydrated is essential to our health but little do we know that plastic bottles contain endocrine disruptors that can be affecting our health. This water bottle from Matador is made from BPA & PVC-free TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane), and can hold up to a liter of liquid inside. It also comes with a full-length straw and lockable bite valve for easy sipping on the go. The zippered bottom allows for quick refills, the built-in handle makes it easy to carry, and the collapsible design takes up very little space when not in use. So if you wanna stay hydrated, healthy and look cool, this is it folks.

Probably one of the most interesting detectors you will hear of. This product uses a paper-based electrochemical sensor to accurately detect the presence of capsaicin.It then displays the results on your attached smartphone, telling you how spicy the content you’re about to consume is. Since it can be hard to tell how hot something is before tasting it, this chili pepper shaped detector is pretty cool and convenient. Probably saves a lot of poor souls from crying on the inside while pretending they’re okay. Although not on the market yet, we truly believe someone should make this happen (since the research is there).

Source: Uncrate.com

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PLANET CHUBBY

The story behind the dessert that stole our hearts By bazaar staff

The Chubby Balls line has become quite popular in Kuwait and their desserts can almost always be found in every gathering. From Chubby balls, to crepes and cookies, the name is a common household favorite nowadays. But the story behind the Chubby Line is a pretty interesting one to say the least.

This story takes us way back to family get-togethers in the Jaffar family. The Chubby Balls original recipe is based on a Kuwaiti dessert that can be found in the Kuwait Mills recipe book. It was also a loved dessert in the Jaffar family. Chubby balls is a dessert which consists of edible cookie dough balls in a thick layer of sweet cream sauce which is lightly drizzled with chocolate sauce. Over time, the family adapted the recipe and it became a special family recipe. In 2009, the Chubby Balls started as a homemade dessert which stole people’s hearts. Using a simple, yet delicious recipe this biscuit-based dessert was sold in Kuwait London Company’s restaurants and rose to popularity. The dessert was first featured on a menu in 2009 in the original KLC restaurant, The Kitchen, and quickly became one of the most popular selling items on the menu. When the dessert quickly rose in popularity, there was only one thing to do, and that was to take this dessert and turn it into a brand. The company’s ultimate plan was to spread the Chubby Love into people's lives. For that reason, they started delivering the famous dessert from locations all throughout Kuwait to keep up with demand. Eventually, the first standalone location opened its doors in Kuwait City (Sawaber) in 2017 and the rest was history! 172

Another pivotal point for the brand was when they started experimenting and adding different varieties of flavors to their Chubby Balls line in 2017.As a brand, Chubby Balls understands that life is all about those special moments with family and friends and what better way to share those beautiful moments than with a cup full of Chubby happiness. We agree! In 2018, crepes were the latest habba (trend) at the time so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for the brand to expand. For that reason, a second concept of the Chubby Line was launched, called Chubby Crepes. Chubby Crepes offers delicious crepes with different toppings and fillings. Some of their offerings include the Kinda Chubby which is a classic crepe with Kinder chocolate as a topping. Another fan favorite is the Nutty Chubby, which is a classic crepe filled with Nutella. With the launch and demand of Chubby Crepes came the Chubby Station for catering.The Chubby Station is the perfect gathering addition! On the company’s next endeavor in 2019, Chubby Cookies was created. A space themed concept that originally only offered molten cookie cups filled with warm gooey cookies and chocolate goodness. Although the cookie cup is perfect and a cross between a Chubby balls cup and a cookie, they also offer standard cookies in a variety of flavors in space themes!

The company’s grand vision is to keep providing the market with delicious treats that are authentic and unique to the brand. The Chubby universe plans to continue to grow and expand with more tasty items and possibly new Chubby Brands and we can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

You can order Chubby Balls on Talabat, or you can call their hotline 180 0050 for delivery and catering. For more information and for the latest updates, follow @ChubbyBalls or @KuwaitLondonCompany on Instagram.

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bazaar around town

“RED” ACCOUNT – GULF BANK We love spending our hard-earned money and there’s no greater reward for spending than getting cash back. “red” account was created for High school, College and University students between the age of 15-25 years old and the lifestyle they lead. With numerous features and benefits this card gives you more than what meets the eye. Like to spend money? Gulf Bank is the first bank that offers cash back every month just by using your debit card! With discounts at renowned retail stores and dining outlets, this debit card doesn’t fail to impress. That’s not all, just transferring your “student allowance” gives you the chance to win 12x your student allowance! Go “red”! Because “red” suits you. For more information on Gulf Points, please visit the website e-gulfbank.com/en/personal/accounts/youth-programs/red/points or follow Gulf Bank on Instagram and Twitter @Gulf_Bank or on Facebook and LinkedIn @GulfBank. AUK COMMUNITY PARTICIPATES IN WORLD CLEAN UP DAY Members of the AUK community—including students, alumni, faculty, and staff—participated in the global initiative hosted by Alnowair which aimed to tackle mismanaged solid waste that create environmental challenges. This year is the first in which Kuwait participates alongside 180 countries worldwide; the event was held at AlKhuwaisat in the AlJahra Governorate, Kuwait where volunteers gathered to clean the area of excess litter. The event garnered a great deal of support from the AUK community as an important initiative for community service and development. This event endorses the University’s mission to join efforts in support of improving Kuwait’s environmental well-being and educating the local community on sustainability and ways to reduce pollution. Alnowair, a first of its kind non-profit initiative in the region, was founded in 2013 by Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah. Dedicated to promoting a positive attitude in Kuwait, Alnowair was born out of scientific research and her personal experience that a positive attitude is the most important contributor to our overall well-being and happiness. Recognized by the United Nations Development Program, Alnowair’s work is rooted in research in positive psychology and targets at bringing about a positive social behavioral change in Kuwait. For more information visit the AUK website auk.edu.kw. Follow them on social media to stay up-to-date with their news on Instagram @auk_kuwait, Twitter @AUKTweets and at The American University of Kuwait on Facebook. MAX&CO. UNVEILS NEW AUTUMN-WINTER 2020 CAMPAIGN AND IT ALL STARTS WITH A SMILE… MAX&Co. introduces its new seasonal AW20 campaign, amplifying the brand’s ethos and motto: MAX IT UP. More than just a slogan, MAX IT UP is a way of life. It’s a reminder to be bolder, braver and shine your brightest. It’s about self-expression and always living life to the MAX. This positivity, energy and self-confidence is captured in the bold new campaign. The MAX&Co. woman is serious about style, quality and craftsmanship but never takes herself too seriously. She has a playful approach to getting dressed. This buoyant, happy spirit takes center stage in the uplifting campaign which puts smiling center stage. Models laugh and grin, empowering slogans - MAX Up your smile, Smile to the MAX, All MAXed up with smiles - are peppered throughout and the iconic Dot bag is transformed into a smiley face. From the styling to the graphic layout and punchy pops of the signature brand color, red, the bold design reflects the MAX&Co. woman’s fearlessness and confidence. For more information, visit the MAX&Co. boutique at the 2nd Avenue – The Avenues. Please call 2259 8073 or find their latest updates on Instagram by following Alyasra Fashion @alyasra.

MONKI IS FIRST IN THE WORLD TO RECYCLE BLEND TEXTILES AT SCALE This November, Monki was proud to introduce the Green Machine. A machine that, for the first time, can fully separate and recycle cotton and polyester blends at scale. Most of the clothes we wear today are made of blends of different fibers, and the most common one is cotton and polyester blends. The Green Machine uses a hydrothermal method to separate these blends – using a closed loop of only water, heat and biodegradable green chemicals. Monki has created the brand’s first collection using the Green Machine system. The online exclusive grey tracksuit set features the statement, respect your mother (nature), embroidered on the hoodie and trackpants. While this is a smaller scale production at the moment, the brand aims to roll out the process on a larger scale by autumn 2021. The Green Machine is a result of a research collaboration between the non-profit H&M Foundation, HKRITA (The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel) and one of Monki’s key suppliers. Monki is the first brand to have the opportunity to use this technology and offer it to its customers. The capsule collection is available online.

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‫متوازنة وترويك بنقاوتها‬

bazaar around town AL AHLI BANK OF KUWAIT PARTNERS WITH EMIRATES SKYWARDS TO OFFER ABK CUSTOMERS TRIPLE MILES WHILE SHOPPING ONLINE Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), has partnered with Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, to launch a lucrative Miles multiplier campaign exclusively for ABK Emirates Visa Infinite and Signature credit cardholders. ABK customers can earn double or triple Skywards Miles while shopping online with their favourite UK and US brands on skywardsmilesmall.com. The exclusive offer is valid for all purchases made online until the 13th December 2020. ABK Emirates Visa Infinite credit cardholders can earn up to 18 Skywards Miles for every KD 1 spent, and ABK Emirates Visa Signature customers can earn up to 8 Skywards Miles per KD 1 spent on purchases made via skywardsmilesmall.com. To start earning Miles, cardholders need to visit skywardsmilesmall.com. Skywards Miles earned will be credited to the ABK Emirates Visa Infinite and Signature cardholders’ Emirates Skywards membership account within 45 days. Miles can then be redeemed for reward flights, flight upgrades with Emirates and flydubai, hotel stays, and a variety of money-can’t-buy experiences. For more information about ABK, please visit eahli.com or contact an ABK customer service agent via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899899. HOLIDAY SEASON WITH BATH & BODY WORKS Hear those jingle bells? It can only mean one thing – the holidays are here, and we couldn’t be more excited. Sugar cookies, fresh pine, cranberries, cinnamon, peppermint and bubbly drinks! Bath & Body Works love all things holiday, which is why they go all out with their huge Holiday 2020 collection. They are one-stop-all-things Holiday shop and we’re always adding something new to go head-over-heels for. Discover the perfect holiday fragrance, the most amazing hand soap and more. Speaking of festive favorites, have you explored everything Bath & Body Works has to offer? We’re super hyped about the body care collection – from shower gels and body washes to fine fragrance mists and body lotions, we’ll have you smelling merry and bright all day. If you’re tired of running from store to store trying to finish up your gift list, they’ve got your back (and shopping bags). The shelves are jam-packed with goodies for literally everyone. For that last-minute white elephant exchange or the perfect perfume or cologne for that special someone, don’t look anywhere else – Bath & Body Works Holiday Season 2020 has something for everyone. Visit your local Bath & Body Works or go to bathandbodyworks.com.kw for all of your Holiday shopping needs. Find out more on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @bathandbodyworksarabia. BUNDLE OFFERS FROM PINKBERRY ! The more the merrier! The original, crave-able frozen yogurt brand continues to treat it’s swirlers with their special bundle offers! If you are a small cup fan or want to give the mini cups a try you can enjoy either now times 4. Even better than that you get to choose from any of the flavor ranges, add limitless toppings and get them at a great value! So, this is just perfect for satisfying all your cravings and allowing you to share it with your friends or family. After all happiness shared is happiness multiplied! For more information and for the latest updates follow Pinkberry on Instagram @pinkberryME. GET CLICKEN’ FOR CHICKEN! Shout out to all Caniacs. You can now pre-order your favorite chicken meals for Take Away or to Dine In via order. raisingcanes.me. Not only does this platform offer you the chance to contactless ordering and payment. It adds more convenience to your life because you won’t have to wait in the queue, at the clearly marked social distancing points leading to the till area. All you have to do is order ahead and know your chicken meals are being freshly prepared & cooked to order from the moment you click ‘pay’. For Raising Cane’s latest updates check out @raisingcanesme on Instagram.

BRUNCH AT THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY We all know and love The Cheesecake Factory’s larger than life portions, and menu that’s so colossal - the thrill of what to order is real! But have you ever experienced brunch at The Cheesecake Factory? Real breakfast enthusiasts would be happy to know that The Cheesecake Factory offers a special breakfast menu only on Fridays & Saturdays from 10 AM – 2 PM. What better way to start the day than with delicious dishes such as Eggs Benedict, Bruléed French Toast, and Fried Chicken & Waffles, and for those with a sweet tooth the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a must have. Not a morning person? They also serve eggs and omelets all day every day with great selections such as Breakfast Tacos, California Omelets, Factory Huevos Rancheros and many more. Check out their latest location on the Arabian Gulf Street – Dasman beside the iconic Kuwait Towers or order from the comfort of your home by visiting their website at www.thecheesecakefactoryme.com Follow The Cheesecake Factory on Instagram @TheCheesecakeFactoryME or Facebook at / TheCheesecakeFactoryMiddleEast for the latest offerings.

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bazaar around town PORSCHE TAYCAN DRIFTS INTO THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

The Porsche Taycan has entered the Guinness World Records for the longest drift with an electric vehicle. The scene of the world record was the Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) Hockenheimring. Porsche instructor Dennis Retera did 210 laps on the 200 meter-long drift circle without the front wheels ever pointing in the same direction as the curve: after 55 minutes the sideways expert had covered a total of 42.171 kilometers. By completing this marathon distance, Retera secured the world record for the longest continuous drift in an electric car. The average speed was 46 km/h. The record was achieved with the rear-wheel drive version of the Taycan, which is already on sale in China. “When the driving stability programes are switched off, a power slide with the electric Porsche is extremely easy, especially of course with this model variant, which is driven exclusively via the rear wheels,” says Dennis Retera, “Sufficient power is always available. The low center of gravity and the long wheelbase ensure stability. The precise design of the chassis and steering allows for perfect control at all times, even when moving sideways”. The Dutch is now the Chief Instructor at the Porsche Experience Centre Hockenheimring, but previously competed in karting, single seaters and endurance races. “Nevertheless, it was also very tiring for me to keep my concentration high for 210 laps, especially as the irrigated asphalt of the drift circuit does not provide the same grip everywhere. I concentrated on controlling the drift with the steering – this is more efficient than using the accelerator pedal and reduces the risk of spinning.” The Porsche Taycan is already a record holder in many other disciplines: whether it is the grueling 24-hour endurance run over 3,425 km on the high-speed track in Nardò; the best time in its class of 7:42 minutes on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife or the 26 sprints from a standing start to 200 km/h at the airfield in Lahr – the record statistics of the first all-electric sports car from Porsche make impressive reading. For more information, visit Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, please call 1870 870 or head to porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow @PorscheCentreKuwait on Instagram and Facebook.

KLC VIRTUAL RESTAURANTS OPENS SECOND KITCHEN IN DUBAI The Kuwaiti based multi-brand virtual restaurant company expanded to Dubai earlier this year. After performing well in the Dubai market, they opened a new kitchen in November to expand their reach. The second kitchen means KLC can bring over more of the brands Kuwait has come to love to Dubai. Currently KLC is home to over 30 virtual brands offering a variety of cuisines. Their portfolio includes established brands such as Proper Sliders and The Kitchen, as well as some newer concepts like Battle Of The Brands and Generation Acai. KLC is always working on bringing new flavor to the market by studying worldwide trends and analyzing the local market. KLC prides itself on being the largest virtual restaurant group in the region, and it aspires to expand to the rest of the GCC region in the following years. For the latest updates on KLC, follow @KuwaitLondonCompany on Instagram.

THE WAIT IS OVER – STARBUCKS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE HOLIDAY FAVORITE, TOFFEE NUT LATTE It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for – yes, the Starbucks winter menu is here in stores across the Kuwait and we can’t wait to try the much-loved espresso-based delights. Keeping customers warm this winter season, the special menu includes Toffee Nut Latte and the Toffee Nut Crunch Latte, that will be available across at all Starbucks stores. The Toffee Nut Latte’s rich, buttery flavor of sweet toffee is combined with the warmth of toasted nuts and blended with Starbucks’ smooth espresso and velvety steamed milk; topped with whipped cream and Toffee Nut Sprinkles. Along with the Toffee Nut Latte is the Toffee Nut Crunch Latte, shots of rich espresso join the heart-warming flavors of buttery toffee nut balanced by subtle notes of toasted nuts. The crescendo is a whipped cream peak sprinkled in a crunchy toffee nut topping. Toffee Nut Latte fans will be able to sip on their favorites drinks as they are currently available across all stores in the Middle East and North Africa region for a limited time only. For the first time, the beverages are also available to order on Deliveroo across Kuwait For more information follow @StarbucksMiddleEast on Instagram.

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bazaar scopes

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 Increasing efficiency, getting organized, and harmonizing with others are in strong focus this month. It’s a good month for solving problems and attention to the practical details of your daily existence. The emphasis is often on getting a handle on the “little things” that make your life run more smoothly. Although routine matters can get boring at times, reworking and reorganizing these things can be satisfying.

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22 December holds good energy for leisure and creative pursuits. You are in a rather dramatic phase right now, and your desire to express yourself is powerful. By the last week of the month, a new cycle begins where work or routines occupy much of your time. Delayed initiatives can reawaken after the 6th. News might arrive that moves you forward, or you finally get a chance to put a project into motion.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21 You continue to experience a greater need for rest in the first weeks of December, with the month building in momentum as it advances. You’re more inclined to keep some things to yourself. Even so, the activity you do have with friends and networking can be immensely rewarding until the 21st.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19 While your professional life or world of responsibilities continue to benefit this month, your focus is increasingly personal and social in December. Being in charge is terrific at times, but we all need a break from too much action, pressure, decision-making, and this month brings opportunities for pursuing happiness goals.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 This is a month when you’re particularly competent and attentive. While some people could be feeling left out of your life as you attend to your responsibilities and personal need for space, the month is mostly favorable for your personal life. In the first half of the month, you can be revisiting old problems, but you also have the chance to breathe new life into past projects.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 Ideas exchanged this month can be a huge source of inspiration. You can be itching for a change of pace. Venturing forth on unfamiliar ground can bring up opportunities and benefits. Nevertheless, there can be some complications with your plans in the first week of December. Vigilantly check your calendar and schedules and watch that you don’t misrepresent yourself.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 A strong focus on family, home, and other domestic matters continues and develops further this month. Attention to your home base is vital for the new cycle beginning near the end of December, when creativity, romance, children, and pleasure come into prominence. The stronger you feel on the inside, the easier it will be to share and enjoy yourself later.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 You’re in particularly good shape for financial, creative, and learning endeavors in December. Love is simpler, and attraction is easy and natural. You’re coming to a place of peace about your personal finances. The last week of December brings an increased need to be around family and familiar situations. Nevertheless, there could be professional opportunities that present themselves. Recognition for your work could be forthcoming now.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 December is a strong month for personal appeal, taking care of business, practical matters, and money matters. Venus works its way through your sign until the 21st, boosting your natural magnetic appeal. You are in your element, and others take note. Choose your words - and your battles - wisely, especially around the 6th and 9th. The last week of November, generally speaking, is about connecting and communicating;you’re set to learn a great deal.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 December can be a month of meaningful changes, on both internal and external levels. From the 10th, you find your voice. The New Moon in your sign mid-month brings a chance for a new personal beginning, so that if you are looking to reinvent yourself, this is the time to share yourself in an all-new way. Your impact is substantial. And, from the 21st, you feel more comfortable with attention coming your way.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19 Both personal and professional development are in focus this month. Finances, taxes, and intimacy are main themes with a focus on your solar eighth house. You’re in particularly good shape for making lifestyle changes, especially after midmonth. Mars turns direct on the 13th, and your confidence rebuilds. Slowly but surely, you feel that things are moving forward.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 December can be a relationship-centered month for you. Personal energy levels remain on the low side, but some key planetary turnarounds suggest a sense of forward motion. Satisfying work and health routines figure strongly, and your social life tends to take center stage. A significant other can help give you perspective this month, and shared plans and ideas can improve your bond.

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Source: cafeastrology.com

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