Cairo East Dec2014 by Cairo East Magazine

And just like that, in the blink of an eye, we find ourselves at the end of yet another year, 2014. Before we’ve had time to count all the blessings we’ve had in the past year, and to revel in all that we have experienced in 2014, it’s already time to get into the winter-festive mood. The day the calendar strikes December 1st; we shift into full-on holiday mode. Tinsel, carols, gingerbread, you name it; we're going overboard on it. There's just so much about this season that makes us feel warm and gooey inside, from spending time with family to the spirit of generosity. We’ve got a month’s worth of cheer for you, starting with our Christmas Gift Guide, which is packed with great finds for everyone in your life, to party dresses, and hairstyles and Christmas Bazaars you should visit. I also had a chance to speak with Nelly Karim about her new gig as judge on So You Think You Can Dance. Also this month we have the honor to interview four exceptional women, who have excelled in their fields, its a truly inspirational article. Read about Hala Bassiouni, Yasmine Khamis, Heidi Belal, and Deena Fadel on page 20. We delve further into Hypnotherapy, which is all the rave; to features on aiding in weight loss, and dealing with your fears. We've filled this issue with a winter wish list for you - it's packed with so much more. May your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last forever. The New Year brings new light and hope for us all, and it stands before us, like a chapter of a book that has yet to be written. See you in 2015.

editor@cairowestmag.com

CAIRO WEST MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE ON TABLET, IPHONE & ANDROID - YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE IS NOW JUST A TAP AWAY

Our Team

Contents Interview 14

So You Think You Can Dance – with Nelly Karim

Powerful Egyptian Women

Feature 24

The Spiritual Land - The MultiFaith Complex of Old Cairo

Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Bazaars

The Best Christmas trees - Instagram

The Best Cakes in Town - Listing

Holiday Fitness – LAX Gym in Gouna

Crave – Cheesecake

Horoscopes

32 Fashion 32 42

Party Dresses

44 45

Top 10 Perfumes for Women

Hairstyles for the party season - Zakaria Ghoneim Top 10 Perfumes for Men

Chairman Shorouk Abbas Editor-in-Chief Atef Abdelfattah Managing Editor Lydia Schoonderbeek Asst. Managing Editor Hilary Diack Contributing Editor Nahla Samaha Marketing Manager Nehad Ezz El Din Amer Sales & Adv. Manager Mourad Fayez Asst. Marketing Manager Marwa Magdi Imam Contributors Emad Eldin Aysha, Dr. Sherry Nabil, Francesca Sullivan, Marcus O'Neill Graphic Designers Ahmed Salah & Manal Abdel Rehim Production Manager M. Shosha Accountant Mohamed Ragab Distribution Hamed Hussein & Mohamed Shaker Mekkawy Printing IPH (International Printing House) Produced by Cairo West Advertising

Tech Review This magazine is created and owned by Cairo West Advertising. Managing Director: Shorouk Abbas Email: shorouk@cairowestmag.com

For advertising contact: Tel: +2 0122 4300 200 +2 0128 7466 662 +2 02 337 76137 Email: advertising@cairoeastmag.com This magazine is not for sale.

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Contents 24

Wellbeing 54

Food Combinations

The Low Down on Sugar

Tabibi

Acupuncture

Hypnotherapy

66 68

Skin Peeling

Anger Management

Book Review Diwan selection

Music Review 20 Songs for the Festive Season

Movie Review

Best Christmas Movies

82 85 86

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CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

Prima Ballerina Nelly Karim can tell if someone is a good dancer or not in 3 minutes flat. Which is pretty intimidating when she’s standing in front of you “You can usually tell how somebody walks - you see how supple his or her body is.” The So You Think You Can Dance judge and former leading light of the Egyptian Ballet talks to Cairo East Magazine about her newest role as a judge on the show. Please tell me how you came to be par t of So You Think You Can Dance judges? I was asked to join, and of course I knew the program from MBC4, and that it was a huge success. I had previously thought it would never be successful in the Arab world, I thought where would they find all these dancers, most of the professional dancers are male dancers who have successful careers abroad.

Have the competitors faced any obstacles in entering the competition, i.e. from family?

By Lydia Schoonderbeek

No, none have, except for one dancer who only made it through the trials. His father was against him dancing. All of the other contestants’ families are ver y suppor tive towards their ar t. What types of dance are included in the competition?

What are your impressions of the level of skill you have seen so far in the competition? All of the dancers are different; they come from various backgrounds, and schools of dance. What is interesting is the choreography on the show, which makes the dancers look like they ’re professionals. The contestants are 3 Egyptians, 1 Palestinian, 2 Syrians, and the rest are Lebanese.

Contemporary dance, Hiphop, Jazz, and Street dance, there is no ballet as it can be very difficult. I enjoy watching the different variety that the dancers perform. What makes it so special is the choreography, which makes all the difference. The choreographers are from the UK, USA, Morocco and Sweden.

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CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

What is most likely to impress the judges? There are a lot of things; the first thing is you must be charismatic. This is a show, so you must have a bit of ever ything, technique, flexibility, charm, and looks. Why would a contestant receive negative feedback from the judges? I tr y not to be too judgmental with the contestants, all of them are young and all are eager to learn. They are ver y happy to be on the show, and all are ver y keen on improving. Also music plays a big par t, it ’s the whole vibe of the dance, so I’m not par ticularly looking at their footwork. Plus they learn a new dance ever y 5 days, so they put a lot of effor t. It ’s hard to get a per fect results, I look at each dance as a whole. Do you get on with any par ticular judge? We all know how hard it is to get up on stage; nobody is showing off or tr ying to act more knowledgeable than the other. We all get on ver y well together, and respect each other ’s talent. We all come from different backgrounds. Pierre Dulaine is a world-renowned ballroom dancer, Lebanese Hip Hop exper t Charles Makriss, Egyptian actress Rojina, Alissar Caracalla and me who comes from a professional ballet dancing background. Has dancing developed Egypt since you star ted?

I think it ’s more or less the same. We have the Cairo Opera House, which is great, and there are private ballet schools, which are opening up around Cairo, so there is some improvement. Do you still practice ballet? N o, I s t o p p e d 3 y e a r s a g o. But when I have a chance I g i v e t h e o d d c l a s s . I t ’s l i k e a n addiction you can never quit, i t ’s i n y o u r b l o o d . A c t i n g n o w h a s t a k e n o v e r.

What are your upcoming projects?

Best gift you have ever received?

I’ll be working on my new Ramadan series soon, Tahit Il Saytaraah (Under Control) with script writer Mairam Naoum, whom I’ve worked with before, and Director - Tamer Mohsen

It was from my husband, he got me a chain with a special pendant, with the initials of my children and his initials as well. It was very sweet of him!

Quick-fire round: Late night or early riser? Early, but it ’s not a choice, I have to wake up with the kids Tea or coffee? Coffee Sand or snow? Sand Favourite restaurant in Cairo? Steakhouse in Marriott 5 essential items you can’t travel without? My iPad, laptop, my makeup (which I never use, but I always have it with me in case), a scarf as I get cold easily, and my gold bracelet.

Favourite book? My mother ’s recipe book of how to look after yourself with natural remedies. It ’s like holistic medicine, if you have a cold you can use natural remedies to treat

By Mar wa Magdi

Cairo East Magazine in a candid chat with contestants from So You Think You Can Dance How many hours a day do you train? Is there a food routine you follow? Not less than 4 to 5 hours a day and sometimes 8 hours, I don’t often follow any specific food routine but I always prefer healthy food, and here at the show all the dancers have been following a healthy diet.

majoring in choreography and directing ballet. Then I joined Cairo Opera Ballet Company as a soloist and have been dancing there for the past three years.

Tell us about your experience on So You Think You Can Dance CEM: How long have you been dancing? And what initially attracted you to dance? AM: I’ve been dancing since I was 8 years old. I joined Cairo Opera Ballet Company as a professional dancer at the age of 16; I’m 32 years old now. My father is the reason I joined the Academy of Arts (Ballet), as he heard about it from his relatives.

Does your family support your art? Yes, my parents and my whole family are very supportive of my art.

My experience on So You Think You Can Dance is one of the most significant experiences in my life, I have learnt so many different genres of dance, not only ballet. I’ve gotten to know many dancers from the Arab world and benefited a lot from the judges’ experience. To join the show I had to leave my work and my whole life behind, this is how much I love to dance. I also think that it’s a huge step and a big risk, but it is all worth it. I love the American version of this show and I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Does your family support your art? My family supports me to a great extent; my younger brother is also a graduate from the Higher Institution of Arts (Ballet) with high honors, and our parents have always been proud of us.

How many hours a day do you train? Is there a specific diet you follow? I have to train 4 to 5 hours a day, I usually don’t have a particular food routine to follow but here in the show all dancers follow a specific diet.

CEM: How long have you been dancing? M.H.: My mother enrolled me in the Academy of Arts when I was a child; I studied and danced there for 9 years. I received my bachelor degree from the Higher Institution of Arts (Ballet), CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

Tell us about your experience on So You Think You Can Dance. I’m extremely happy with my experience on the show, especially as I entered Arab’s Got Talent before and wasn’t lucky with the voting. I consider this a huge step for my career, and for the world to know that there are professional dancers in Egypt and the Arab world, especially considering the limited market there is for dancers in Egypt. I am also very happy with my new fan base, but am rather nervous when it comes to the judges given the strong dance backgrounds they all come from.

How many hours a day do you need to train? Is there a special diet you follow? We train for 4 to 8 hours every day. Each of the dancers on the show follows a healthy diet that has been provided for each of us since the first day we started.

Tell us about your experience on So You Think You Can Dance.

CEM: How long have you been dancing for, and what was the appeal? Y.E.: I’ve been dancing since I was 7 years old, I joined Cairo Opera Ballet Company as a professional dancer at the age of 16; I’m 22 years old now. Dancing is my passion, I just love how I can express my feelings through it, dancing gives me freedom and happiness, I can never imagine myself other than as a dancer. I just thank God for this talent.

Does your family support your art? My family is very supportive of my art, especially my older sister who is a singer and actress. She is the one who discovered my talent as she once accompanied me to one of her shows and she noticed that I kept imitating the dancers, so she enrolled me in the Academy of Arts (Ballet) after getting the approval of our parents.

My experience on the show is a dream come true. It keeps increasing on a daily basis as I’ve never danced anything in my life except ballet but here at the show we have to perform all forms and styles of dance. This proves that a ballerina can perform any type of dance, as Nelly Karim would say. The judges’ opinions always worry me given the professional backgrounds they all come from, so I always do my best to impress them, and my audience of course. I left my job and whole life in Egypt not knowing what would happen when I got back. This is a huge risk. I also left my parents, who are getting older, but they are a huge motivation for me seeing how supportive they are. I feel like I’m doing this for them to be proud of me. My ambition and dreams are to open the biggest dance school in the Middle East and to perform on my own television show like Sherihan.

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

Who are the women who make us sit up and take notice? The women who have put in the extra effort to break the glass ceiling. The women who shake up the status quo and have the courage to forge their own path. Cairo East Magazine meets four who are truly influential. By Emad El-Din Aysha Hala Bassiouni Helping the Economy One Mortgage at a Time Many of us have issues with purchasing housing. Lack of funds and a fluctuating market lead to insecurities about investing in a house. In the West, getting a mortgage addresses these issues. In Egypt, Hala Bassiouni, Managing Director of Egyptian Housing Finance Company, bridges the gap between East and West through Egypt’s very first private sector mortgage provider. Bassiouni first cut her teeth in the banking sector, at the Egyptian Gulf Bank and the Egyptian American Bank. It’s no coincidence then that she’s ranked number 52 on Forbes magazine’s 200 strong Executive Management list of the ‘Most Powerful Arab Women for 2014’. Becoming a success in a country like Egypt that has more than its fair share of housing problems is no simple task, never mind if you live in a man’s world. Taking time out from an exceptionally busy schedule, Bassiouni had these uplifting words of wisdom for Cairo East Magazine. CEM: What was the ‘pivotal’ moment in your career? HB: Ten and half years ago when I changed my career from corporate banking to mortgages. It was a very difficult moment, moving into such a new line of business. I had been in banking all my life. Who was the strongest influence in your life, personal or professional? Personal, my late father. He taught me to be a fighter; that being a girl didn’t mean I shouldn’t have a career. Professional, a former boss of mine who taught me how to deal with others and to accept people for who they are; be tolerant and not think in black and white terms.

What are the pros/cons of being a businesswoman? How do you balance family and work life? Pros, if you’re a woman men look at your achievements in a very different way, with much more respect. Cons, being a businesswoman in an Arab country, men just don’t trust your capabilities. Balancing is a tough job, being a mother and a wife, and having to make sacrifices. Fortunately my kids are now grown up but, thank goodness, my mother and my sister were always there for me and helped

"You need to take risks. Opportunities don’t come by themselves." with the children. Of all your accomplishments, which do you feel most proud of? Going into the mortgage business here in Egypt. It’s still a green field area and we’re fighting many obstacles after all these years in order to make the sector an engine of growth for the economy. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over the years? How do you approach life? You need to take risks. Opportunities don’t come by themselves. As for my philosophy, I like to think a lot before acting, weigh pros and cons and put

*Interviews have been arranged alphabetically

myself in other people’s shoes. It comes from my legal background. Who’s your favorite global personality? What’s your favorite quote? Anyone who is successful deserves to be a role-model. That’s enough for me. People usually only look at the public glory and don’t realize what’s going on behind the scene, the full extent of the sacrifices that a person has to make to become a success. Favorite quote, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what advice would you give to a young a woman who feels ‘stuck’ at the start of her career? Work is silence. A previous manager cautioned me never to brag about your work. If you’re diligent then your work will eventually speak for itself. My advice is to be tough. There’s no free lunch. At first I used to come home from work crying, literally. Also, you need to accept your new environment and adapt to it. You never choose your name, or your boss!

Heidi Belal Baking up a Storm with Cookies ‘n More and make sure they get their pay on time is another bonus, not to mention bringing smiles to children’s faces. Positive feedback is a great boon.

Who doesn’t have childhood memories of the smell of freshly baked cookies, made with love and wholesome ingredients? Heidi Belal established her made-toorder cookie enterprise especially for kids of all ages, Made at home, from scratch, using fresh, healthy ingredients, even carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, and apples; her distinctive products have quickly carved a niche for themselves in the market. CEM: When did your business really take off? HB: About two years ago when I took charge of Cookies 'n More. It’s a small enterprise in a big market. I was already a manager with Code Corner and my sister, co-founder of Cookies, was becoming overloaded with work so that’s how the opportunity developed. Who has been the strongest influence in your life? My husband. I have learnt a great deal from him. What are the pros/cons of being a businesswoman? How do you balance family and work life? The main downside is that it’s a maledominated field, and then there’s the problem of prioritizing between work and home. The main perk is self-satisfaction. Being a mother isn’t enough by itself and since becoming a success I feel that I’ve become a better mother, and my two little girls feel this themselves, which will help them with their futures too. You feed off of this sense of achievement. Balancing is hard but my husband

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over the years? How do you approach life?

"Just being able to employ people and make sure they get their pay on time is another bonus."

I’ve learnt to never give up and remember that things always work out in the end. As for my approach to life, I go with the flow and don’t do things I’m not comfortable with – I keep on trying because things settle out in the end. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what advice would you give to a young a woman who feels ‘stuck’ at the start of her career? The best advice I’ve been given is to never take anything for granted, never to assume anything. You have to clarify everything beforehand in contracts and agreements. As for my advice, “If you believe in, it you can do it.”

and our respective parents have been particularly helpful when it comes to taking care of the kids, and my daughters are all too happy when they see their friends eating and loving our cookies. Of all your accomplishments, which do you feel most proud of? Cookies 'n More. It’s much more my baby whereas Code Corner is originally my husband’s initiative. Just being able to employ people

CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

Deena Fadel The Unrestrained Talent of Designer experience and created a space for me where I could dream and roam free. I really couldn’t have done it without them. What are the pros/cons of being a businesswoman? How do you balance family and work life?

Artist and designer Deena Fadel has made her way into many a home with her range of home accessories, capturing quintessentially Egyptian colors and images that celebrate the culture and its people through her line Joud, meaning ‘generosity’ in Arabic. We meet with Fadel to learn more about her successful brand, and about what it takes to “make it”! CEM: What was the pivotal moment in your career? DF: The biggest turning point came with the revolution. I’d only just got around to making the business official and rented space for Joud in January 2011. At first I was terrified. Sales plummeted to zero. I thought I wouldn’t even be able to pay off the rent, then production and exports took off and we were swept away by the wave of hope, seeing the Egyptian people taking their future into their own hands. Now we’ve gained international recognition for ourselves and our country. Who was the strongest influence in your life, personal or professional? Several figures loom large – father, mother, husband and father in-law. All played a role in motivating me and building up my self-confidence and teaching me the tricks of the trade. They have so much more

Pros, the thrill of seeing your own business grow in front of your eyes due to you and your team’s direct effort. The sky’s the limit. The main downside is how external factors, like politics, can get in the way, along with the drudgery of paying your bills. Although there are times where you can be working nonstop, you can revolve work around your life; as a woman it is very important for me to make time for my children and family and friends. I’m nine months pregnant as it is! Of all your accomplishments, which do you feel most proud of? Being a mum and pulling off a successful business in the midst of the 2011 revolution. I’m also stunned that the international media considers me one of top 16 females changing the way business is done in the Arab World.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over the years? How do you approach life? Always be happy, creative, positive, and have faith in yourself. I believe you should never take things as they are, you should dig deeper, go behind the scenes; the world is an open playground, explore it. Who’s your favorite global personality? What’s your favorite quote? Richard Branson and Steve Jobs. Albert Einstein’s saying, “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what advice would you give to a young a woman who feels ‘stuck’ at the start of her career? Have a goal, a vision and do whatever it takes to reach it, but enjoy the journey. Whenever you feel stuck don’t sit there and complain, go out and look for clues. Answers won’t just come to you. Read about other people’s success stories and always surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up.

"Have a goal, a vision and do whatever it takes to reach it, but enjoy the journey."

Yasmine Khamis Colors, Textures and Fibres – Rugs that Please Since 1980 Oriental Weavers has been the “go to” source for carpets and rugs for thousands of Egyptian families. From classic oriental pieces to bright and contemporary ones, they can be found in homes throughout Egypt. When sisters Yasmine and Farida Khamis entered the family business they saw an opportunity to implement their creative energy and ideas, taking things to a new level. Before long the brand was garnering awards, and becoming an even stronger presence on the international scene. The sisters were recently recognised with inclusion in the Forbes 200 list of Powerful Women in the Middle East. Licenced to reproduce work by iconic artist Andy Warhol, as well as National Geographic Magazine, their rugs have become works of art in their own right and treasured ‘statement’ pieces. Cairo East Magazine caught up with Yasmine Khamis to chat about her journey. CEM: Has there been a landmark moment in your career? YK: It was a buildup. I’ve been in the business for 15 years. It came when I found myself trusting my decisions, making truly ‘decisive’ decisions. No shades of grey. But only after dwelling on things. I finally made peace with myself. Who has been the strongest influence in your life? My father, Mohammad Farid Khamis, personally and professionally. A rolemodel because he is such a caring and giving person, full of love and concern. What are the pros and cons of being a businesswoman? How do you balance family and work life? Pros, the satisfaction of seeing the results of your work. It’s what keeps me going, day in and day out as a person, seeing your product everywhere, as far off as Japan and the US. Cons, that my family needs me. I have two children, a boy and girl. My son’s just turned seven. I balance

these demands by taking them to school every day first, head off to 10th Ramadan city, and make sure to get home by 5 or 6pm to help my kids with their homework, see them to bed, take them to karate class. We have a nanny but only for when I’m out, and my husband, bless him, helps tremendously with the kids. My priorities are always, children, family, work. In that order. But it is still hard, making it difficult to meet customers and

"The satisfaction of seeing the results of your work. It’s what keeps me going, day in and day out as a person."

travel abroad, keep up to speed with retailing and the global fashion scene. Of all your accomplishments, which do you feel most proud of? Making the ‘area rug’ a fashion piece. They no longer look at rugs as a necessity but keep their eye on the latest color. We did this. People now change carpets when the fashion changes, not when it falls apart. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over the years? How do you approach life? To appreciate every day and to appreciate the people I love the most – life is too short for anything else. I’m now past the stage of caring about those who pretend to like you or to dwell on small talk. The ‘happy go lucky’ approach, thank God for everything I have and take things one day at a time. What’s your favorite quote, something that resonates with you? My favorite quote is, “Everything bows to innovation, even success.” What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what advice would you give to a young a woman who feels ‘stuck’ at the start of her career? Keep pushing; don’t give up; practice, practice, practice. That’s what I tell my kids. As for my advice, I’d add ‘no in-betweens’. Either give it all you’ve got or don’t do it. Work full-time or go somewhere else. CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

By Manal Abdel Rehim Photography taken by Ahmed Salah & Manal Abdel Rehim

Alley way leading to the small churches & Bazaar

The Hanging Church

Church of Saint George the Martyr

Photographs from the past

Mar Girgis Church ld Cairo offers key historical venues that bring together Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holy Journey that brought him and the Virgin Mary to Egypt came to a three year rest in this area. There are six churches, all of which are about 1600 years old: The Hanging Church, Abu Serga - Al Maghara Church, El Rihan Virgin Mary Church, Mar Girgis Church (The Greek Orthodox Church), Saint Barbara Church, Saint George the Martyr Church, The Coptic Museum, Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque and Ben Ezra Synagogue (The Jewish Chapel). Old Cairo Bazzar

Mar Girgis Church CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

Mar Girgis Church "The Greek Orthodox Church"

The Hanging Church

Named The Hanging Church due to its 16 meter suspension, and for presiding over the Babylon Fortress. The ceiling is modelled after Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark, and the church houses over 100 historically significant Christian icons. This is considered the oldest church in Egypt.

Abu Serga - Al Maghara Church

The catacombs of this church, which can be visited, served as a home for Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and sheltered them from the Romans. The church houses a recently discovered Epiphany tub, which replaced the Nile in the Epiphany celebrations. Abu Serga is considered the smallest church in the world, small but with a huge history!

Mar Girgis Church "The Greek Orthodox Church"

A beautiful church to visit, you will have to ascend many flights of stairs to reach it. There you will find a great statue of Saint George as well as a small room housing torture tools, which the Romans used to torture him.

El Rihan Virgin Mary Church

This small church is as old as the Hanging Church, and it is still undergoing partial restoration under the supervision of architect Medhat Lamey. Ibrahim & Girgis Al Gohary Mausoleum

Statue of Martyr Saint George

CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

The Coptic Museum

The Coptic Museum was built in 1903, if you are interested in Coptic art you will be pleased, it has the world's most important Coptic monuments (Egyptian, Greek and Roman).

Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque Saint George the Martyr Mausoleum

The first ever mosque in Egypt, and the fourth in the world. This great architectural and historic monument still attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

Ben Ezra Synagogue (The Jewish Chapel)

This was initially a church, later converted to a Jewish Synagogue. Church architecture is still present there. It is believed among Jews that Moses came to this spot and prayed. Jewish communities often visit this Synagogue to pray and celebrate their feasts. How to get to The Interfaith Complex? You can take the metro to the Mar Girgis station or a taxi to the old Cairo area.

Best time to go

The middle of the week is the quietest time to enjoy the visit, especially in the morning. The area is very crowded in Ramadan, during feasts and Christmas.

Abu Serga - Al Maghara Church

Epiphany tub , Abu Serga - Al Maghara Church

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HO! HO! HO! W E’ V E G I F T- W R A PPED THE FUN FOR YOU.

C L A S S I C , ST Y L I S H A N D P AC K E D W I T H F U N … W H AT E V E R YO U R F A N C Y, O U R E X C E P T I O N A L F E ST I V I T I E S W I L L M A K E YO U R E Y E S S P A R K L E A S T H E L I G H TS T W I N K L E A N D E X C I T E D L AU G H T E R R I N GS O U T .

Elegant Ristorante Tuscany, JW’s Steakhouse and Saraya Gallery showcase our chefs’ delights on Christmas and New Year’s Eve… as piano, guitar and violin melodies create the merry atmosphere. At Egyptian Nights, sway with palms on New Year’s Eve to the live band and belly dancer Maya. For Stollen cake and all the traditional ‘goodies’ visit the Bakery . Unwrap your magical Christmas and New Year with us.

CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL & OMAR KHAY YAM CASINO 16 SARAY EL GEZIRA ST., PO BOX 33 ZAMALEK, CAIRO 11211, EGYPT. T: 00. 202.27.28.3000 CAIROMARRIOTTHOTEL.COM ARABIC.MARRIOTT.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

By Lydia Schoonderbeek

Our picks of the chicest gifts FOR HER Perfect presents FOR HIM The coolest gift ideas FOR KIDS and luxury buys FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

Ehab mounir necklace, Beymen

Cushions, Zara Home

MARC JACOBS LEAther backpack, Beymen

polka dot bodysuit, Oysho

star pendant, Azza Fahmy

flowerbomb, Victor & Rolf

Fleece jumpsuit, Oysho

blue dress, Ted Baker

Warm vanilla sugar, Bath & Body Works

Hand-made guest towel, Aya Home Textiles

iphone 6, Tradeline Kiboots, Ghazl El Banat

CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

Polaroid iF045 Digital Camera, Jumia.com JACKET, American Eagle

plaid pj bottoms, Gap

Sony Xperia Z3 , Jumia.com

slippers, Marks & Spencer Sweatshirt, Zara t-shirt, Pull & Bear

Gucci leather boots, Beymen

Men's bike , Wheels-Mall of Arabia

Montblanc BohĂ¨me Fountain Pen, The Giftery.com

, bands.com ker azon trac4, Am 2 e up fitness bon w a J

Construction toy, Hedeya

Girl's trainers, Converse

Skullcrushers Throwback Headphone , Jumia.com

Girl's sweater, Zara

Boy's sweater, Zara

Train Station set, Hedeya

Belgian Milk Chocolate Coins, Gourmet Egypt

Casio Baby-G Watch, Souq.com

Reconstruction ANIMALS Kit, Zara Home

drums kit, Toys R Us

star wall lamp, Ikea

Reindeer Onesie with Hat, Marks & Spencer

CAIROEASTMAG.COM

leopard blusher, Zara

loved ones

Mini Cashmere print Pyjamas, Oysho

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

children tent, Ikea

Cashmere & lace scarf, Ghazl El Banat

Campomaggi Bag, Ghazl El Banat

Mili Power Charger for all devices, Kickinshop.com Mugs, Villeroy & Boch

GARDEN-PRINT BEDLINEN, Zara Home Red velvet cake, Crumbs

sweater, Kickinshop.com

Stockist For Her www.ayaht.com www.azzafahmy.com www.bathandbodyworks.com www.beymencairo.com www.facebook.com/ GhazlBanatBoutique www.jumia.com.eg ww.oysho.com www.tedbaker.com www.viktor-rolf.com www.zarahome.com

For Him www.amazon.com www.ae.com www.beymencairo.com www.gap.com www.jumia.com.eg www.massimodutti.com www.egypt.souq.com www.facebook.com/wheels.MOA www.marksandspencer.com www.thegiftery.com www.pullandbear.com www.zara.com

For Kids www.converse.co.uk www.gourmetegypt.com www.hm.com/eg/ www.hedeya.com www.ikea.com www.jumia.com.eg www.marksandspencer.com www.souq.com www.styletreasurekids.com www.toysrus.com www.zarahome.com www.zara.com

For Your Loved ones www.crumbs.com www.facebook.com/ GhazlBanatBoutique www.ikea.com www.kickinshop.com www.oysho.com www.villeroy-boch.com www.zara.com www.zarahome.com

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

How to

Updo with a french twist

Beehive

Stand out this during the festive season Christmas is coming and its the perfect time to try new hairstyles and it's the one time of the year when you can go for a glamorous hairstyle or try a new edgy or androgynous hairstyle just for one night. Our hairstyle expert Zakaria Ghoneim has given some great ideas for achieving the look you want.

Half up Long curly

Updo with a dramatic look

Hairstyles available at Zakaria Ghoneim Plaited Bun

Demure Updo

French Braids

Updo

Dandy Mall: 02 3539 0863 | 0106 700 1615 Mohandessin: 59A, Abdel Moneim Riad St, Giza | 02 3304 1018 Zakaria_ghoneim@hotmail.com

A New Year with delight. New Year, New Defiance! Enjoy New Year’s Eve at JW Marriott Cairo’s dining outlets for a night full of endless possibilities and a memorable experience. CUCINA

Cucina will take you and your loved ones on an Italian adventure through a fabulous 4-course set menu while enjoying a live guitarist and an exotic belly dancer show. MIRAGE CAFÉ

Mirage Café is adding a twist to New Year’s Eve dinner with an elegant spread of globally-inspired buffet offerings paired with flavorsome delicacies.

the oriental tunes of our live band and a stunning belly dancer performance. LEMONGRASS

Get together with friends and family and feel the spirit of New Year with an enticing 4-course set menu in contemporary Asian surroundings. THE VIEW LOUNGE & BAR

Toast New Year with premium cocktails of your choice and refreshing festive sips at The View Lounge & Bar on the tunes of an international band and a belly dancer.

JW’S STEAKHOUSE

JW’s Steakhouse will surprise your taste buds with an sumptuous 4-course set menu on New Year’s Eve on the rhythms of a talented pianist. AHLEIN

Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Lebanese way with Ahlein’s 4-course set menu that will take you on a culinary adventure. Feel the Lebanese vibes from

JW Marriott Cairo, Ring Road, Mirage City, P.O. BOX 427, 11757, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Tel.: +(202) 2411 5588 Fax: +(202) 2411 2266 jwmarriottcairo.com

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FASHION

Flora - Gucci Furiosa - Fendi Dahlia Divin Givenchy

Stars - Jimmy Choo

#women perfumes

EDITORS’ PICKS Rosabotanica Balenciaga

Womanity Thierry Mugler

Dolce - Dolce & Gabbana

Velvet Rose - Dolce & Gabbana

Patchouli Absolu Tom Ford

Daisy Dream Marc Jacobs

Our Marketing Assistant’s favorite perfume Burberry Body Burberry

21 45

Bottega Veneta Pour Homme - Bottega Veneta

Code Ice Armani Ambre Nuit Christian Dior

#men perfumes

EDITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PICKS Gentlemen Only Intense Givenchy

Jimmy Choo Man Jimmy Choo Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme Dolce & Gabbana

L'Homme Ideal Guerlain

Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle Bvlgari Man in Black - Bvlgari

Colonia Leather Eau de Cologne - Aqua Di Parma CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

Feel the Christmas spirit all over Cairo this season; from East to West, here is a list of the Christmas events we are so looking forward to this December! Kattameya Heights

Galleria 40

The Style Treasure Christmas Bazaar Date: 6th and 7th of December From: 11 am - 10 pm Organized by Kattameya Heights and Style Treasure Location: Kattameya Heights Club House Two days of shopping from Style Treasure’s young Egyptian and Arab designers, just in time for Christmas gift giving. Fashion, accessories and home accents with a unique flair will be on display.

Christmas Bazaar Date: 12th of December From: 12 pm - 10 pm Location: Galleria 40 Situated in a premium location alongside the 26th July Corridor in Sheikh Zayed. A winter wonderland awaits you at Galleria40. Bring the whole family along for a dazzling day of entertainment, shopping, gourmet delights and much more! The likes of the Riff Band and Abou Wel Shabab will be taking to the stage rocking out with your favorite festive tunes, while the city’s coolest concept stores and designers will be setting up shop for the day.

Downtown Mall Christmas Bazaar Date: 12th of December. From: 11 am - 10 pm Location: Downtown Mall, 5th Settlement The bazaar will have lots of entertainments where a band will be playing Christmas Carols; Santa will be visiting Downtown, Many kids’ activities, and a select shopping bazaar that will include a wide range of exhibitors who will display all kinds of different products, such as fashion, jewelry, accessories, and more. The District Christmas Bazaar at The District Date: 18, 19 and 20th of December From: 2 pm - 11 pm Several exhibitors will feature their products, Christmas decorations, women’s accessories, women’s fashion, home accessories and so much more. There will also be a Santa Corner for kids every Friday for the whole month of December. Organized by Bazaary Team.

Arkan Mall Christmas Bazaar at Arkan Date: 5th and 6th of December From: 11 am - 10 pm Come and witness Arkan transformed to a gorgeous Christmas themed promenade with Santa & his elves. Listen to Christmas carols; Get ready for a one of a kind Christmas Bazaar, including the most selective exhibitors in town offering a variety of products, from Christmas ornaments, to home accessories, women’s jewelry and fashion items. Organized by Lavish events Conrad Cairo Hotel European Community Christmas Charity Bazaar Date: Saturday 6th of December From 9:30 am - 3 pm Location: Conrad Cairo Hotel Find a wonderful array of goodies and handcrafts from many European countries. There will be food stalls and lots of atmosphere, so mark it on your calendar.

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

The Platform

SODIC West

The Platform Christmas Festival Date: Friday 19th December From 12:00 pm - 10 pm Location: Platform Maadi Live the Christmas spirit with Santa and his friends giving away gifts and candy!

The Westown Hub Winter Festival Date: Saturday 6th of December From: 12 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 pm Location: SODIC, KM 38 Cairo Alexandria Desert Road, 6th of October. Join us at the Westown Hub Winter Festival with your family for a day filled with exciting activities, live entertainment, delicious food, shopping and lots of magical Christmas surprises and a chance to meet Santa!

Select Shopping Bazaar, Live Christmas Carols, Santa and friends meet and greet, Live family entertainments, kids rides and games, Christmas Arts and crafts corner, Surprises and grand prize raffle draw, free Nile taxi rides, delicious Christmas treats and desserts! and more!!

Top Christmas Trees Instagram Accounts

Christmas decorations and ideas. @christmasdesigners

The best way to spread Christmas cheer. @christmasglitter

Christmas everything!

Discover all kinds of Christmas trees.

@chr1stmas4ever

@nataletree

Spreading Christmas cheer for everyone to hear! @christmas__magic

Songs

For the festive season Jackson 5 Frosty The Snowman

Judy Garland Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Bobby Helms Jingle Bell Rock

Bruce Springsteen & Bon Jovi Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Chris Rea Driving Home For Christmas

Jewel Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Andy Williams It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Bing Crosby White Christmas

Abba Happy New Year

Mariah Carey All I Want for Christmas Is You

David Bowie & Bing Crosby The Little Drummer Boy

Taking Back Sunday The 12 Days of Christmas

Celine Dion O Holy Night

Jackie Evancho Silent Night

Diana Krall Jingle Bells

Michael Bolton Joy to the World Josh Groban It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Jose Feliciano Feliz Navidad Clay Aiken & Megan Mullally Silver Bells Wham Last Christmas

CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE MOVIE REVIEW

BEST MOVIES Home Alone (1990) An 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas must defend his home against idiotic burglars.

Jingle All the Way (1996) A salesman for a mattress company is constantly busy at his job, and he also constantly disappoints his son, he tries hard to come up with a way to make it up to him, this is when his son tells him that he wants for Christmas is an action figure of his son’s television hero, Turbo Man. Unfotunately for him, it is Christmas Eve, and every store is sold out of Turbo Man figures, now he must travel all over town and compete with everybody else to find a Turbo Man action figure.

Love Actually (2003) Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.

A Christmas Carol (2009) An animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

Arthur Christmas (2011) Santa’s exhilarating, ultrahigh-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. And Arthur, Santa’s clumsy grandson, has an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

Four Christmases (2008) Brad and Kate have been together three years, in love, having fun, doing all sorts of things together with no intention of marriage or children. Christmas morning, they struggles to visit all four of their divorced parents on one day.

The Christmas Candle (2013) Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end.

CAKES In Town

Batter Half & Co

Cake Café

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

17 Mohamed Mazhar St, Zamalek, Cairo. 02 2737 0036 info@thebatterhalf.com 14, Al Sheikh El Marsafi St. Zamalek. 0106 041 9070

Cookies 'N More

8. 9.

Le Bec Sucré

22 Taha Hussein St. Zamalek. 02 2735 0652, 02 2291 4185 www.presidenthotelcairo.com

Le Carnaval

Heliopolis: Roxy Square Mohandeseen: Al Hijaz St. Dokki: Michelle Backum St. Hotline: 16075

Crumbs cupcakes & more

10.

Devour Cupcakes

11.

Nola Bakery

Dina Cantina

12.

Tingles

0109 143 3740 www.cookiesnmorestore.com 5, Ibn Nabih Street, On corner of Ismail Mohamed St, Zamalek. 0100 211 5455

Mohandeseen: 18 El Fawakeh St. off Abdelhamid Lotfy St. 0122 080 6066 Heliopolis: 21 Cleopatra St. Korba. 0101 511 1151 www.devour-cupcakes.com DownTown Kattameya, New Cairo 0100 008 3807 Sky Mall, Near New Cairo Court, New Cairo 0100 008 3806 www.dinacantina.com

Four Fat Ladies

0127 001 1701 nira@thefourfatladies.com

13.

14.

Nino's

7 Okkba St., Dokki. 0102 314 7888 facebook.com/ninosegypt

Mohandeseen: 6 Lebanon st. Heliopolis: Korba, 1 Ibrahim Pacha st. Maadi: 84 Road 9 6 October: Americana Plaza Rehab: Gate 6 www.nolabakery.com Haram. 0127 146 0500 tinglesegypt@gmail.com

Tortalicious

Arkan Mall, Sheikh Zayed. 0114 884 6630

Tortina

Zamalek. www.tortinashop.com facebook.com/tortinashop CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE WELLBEING

By Dr. Sherry Nabil Rizk

Eating all the right foods but still facing digestive problems and weight control issues? The key may not be what you eat, but how you eat it. Our bodies produce digestive enzymes to help us break down, assimilate and utilize the foods we consume, but often we mix things together in meals that end up confusing our systems.

Different enzymes are required for different types of food, and the result when too many are called into play at one time can have adverse effects. You will be surprised to see how many common combinations and eating habits can be culprits.

1. Fruit should be eaten alone: When you combine fruit with foods that take longer to digest such as meat and starches it stays too long in your stomach and starts to ferment. It is best eaten half an hour to an hour before a main meal, never directly after a meal. When fruit is eaten alone on an empty stomach before a meal, it prepares the digestive tract for what’s to come. Melons in particular should be eaten alone as they decompose very quickly in the stomach and are almost sure to cause trouble if eaten with other foods. A separate meal should be made of them so that they are quickly passed out of the stomach, and can be enjoyed for their nutritional benefits.

2. Avoid having proteins and starch in the same meal: Proteins and starch need different enzymes and different levels of acidity to be digested. When eaten together, your body is forced to make a choice to digest protein but not starch. This results in undigested starchy food undergoing fermentation and decomposition, which leads to unpleasant end products. The protein will putrefy and the carbohydrate will ferment. The result is gas and flatulence in the system. Top tip Combine protein or starch with nonstarchy vegetables. If you do have to mix animal protein and starch, add leafy green vegetables to minimize the negative side effects.

3. Mixing two concentrated types of protein: In general protein/protein combinations are not recommended. One single concentrated protein per meal is easier to digest and won’t require as much energy. Concentrated proteins take a long time to break down, tax the digestive system and deplete energy.

4. Avoid eating carbohydrates and acidic foods in the same meal: Tomatoes should ideally not be combined with any starchy food. They may be safely eaten with leafy vegetables and fat foods. The combination of citric, malic and oxalic acids found in tomatoes, (which are released and intensified by cooking), is very antagonistic to the alkaline digestion of starches in the mouth and stomach. They should not be used on salads in a starch meal. Tomatoes are considered acidic and are not advised to be mixed with starchy carbs such as pasta. Adding dairy to this already difficult combo in the form of cheese sets you up for digestive problems. Try pasta with pesto or grilled vegetables instead.

chemicals can cause distress and slow digestion. Fatty acids lessen the activity of the gastric glands, the gastric juice, and lower the amount of pepsin and hydrochloric acid. While we should all make an effort to reduce to reduce consumption of harmful trans-fats and saturated fats we do need a certain level of fat in our diet. Use small amounts of fat — particularly, organic, unrefined oils like olive or coconut — when cooking vegetables, grains, and protein. Protein fats like avocados, seeds, and nuts should be combined only with non-starchy vegetables. It helps to include a raw leafy green vegetable when eating fats.

6. Liquids with Meals: Any liquid in your stomach dilutes the enzymes your body needs to digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. This covers drinking water or juice during your meal or tea directly after eating. Water goes through the stomach in about 10 minutes while juice takes 15 to 30 minutes. So drink as much water as you wish at least 10 minutes before sitting down to eat, then after eating wait about an hour to have any liquid.

5. Fats with Proteins: This combination is one of the worst offenders in our daily diets. Fats require bile salts from the liver and gall bladder to break down; mixing them with other digestive

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CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE WELLBEING

7. Starch and sugar together: Combining starch with sugary foods is a bad way to eat carbohydrates. When sugar is eaten the mouth quickly fills with saliva, but no ptyalin is present. Ptyalin is essential for the digestion of starch. If the starch is disguised with sugar, jellies, jams, or syrups the taste buds are confused, and carbohydrate digestion is impaired. Monosaccharides and disaccharides ferment more quickly than polysaccharides, so are prone to ferment in the stomach while awaiting the completion of starch digestion.

8. Time counts: Some foods take a long time to digest while others move through the body relatively quickly. Bear in mind that on average, fruits take 30 to 60 minutes to digest; vegetables, grains, and beans take one to two hours; cooked meat and fish take at least three to four hours; and shellfish takes four to eight hours. When you combine foods with different digestion periods you may face discomfort because your digestion isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as efficient. If you combine fruit with a slower digesting protein it sits in the stomach hours longer than it would on its own. As a result, the sugars in the sweet fruit ferment, leading to bloating and gas. If food rots in the stomach or intestines instead of being efficiently digested, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t absorb all of its nutrients. Any time you have fermentation or putrefaction, it can create gases that are toxic and even carcinogenic. These toxins in the system may also cause fatigue, irritability, headaches, and foul breath initially, then later may result in colitis, inflammation, constipation, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

9. All in good order: The order in which you eat various foods can also affect your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chemistry. Different categories of foods require different digestive enzymes to break them down, and those enzymes come from different parts of the body. Amylase

and lipase come from the mouth and the small intestines digest carbohydrates and fats. Pepsin comes from the stomach and other enzymes from the pancreas to help break down proteins. Bile salts come from the liver and gallbladder to emulsify fats. And enzymes in the small intestine digest the sugars in fruits.

Try the following eating schedule: Morning meal: The least concentrated foods, in the greatest amount. Fruit makes a great start to the day. Middle of the day: More complex foods, but in a smaller amount than your first meal. Starchy carbohydrates will give you energy to burn. Evening: The most concentrated foods, but in the smallest amount. This is when you can go for foods that take longest to digest, proteins work well.

Dr. Sherry Nabil Rizk is a Professor at Cairo University. She is also available as a nutritionist and body shaping consultant by appointment at In Shape Clinic.

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE WELLBEING

By Marcus O’Neill, MSc RD

The holiday season is right around the corner. For many of us that means sweets and treats are abound in the workplace, at family get-togethers and at parties. All of that extra sugar in our diets can’t be good for us, right? Let’s take a look at what the science says. What is sugar? First it’s important to establish exactly what sugar is. Sugar is a term that encompasses a group of compounds that fall under the larger classification of carbohydrates, more specifically simple carbohydrates. When reading an ingredient label, sugars are easy to spot – they all end with the letters “ose”. Some of the more common sugars you’re likely to encounter in your diet are glucose, fructose, sucrose and lactose. Most digestible carbohydrates, whether they are simple or complex (i.e. starches), are broken down into glucose or fructose before they are absorbed into the bloodstream where they can be used for energy or stored as glycogen. Each gram of carbohydrate contains 4 calories (vs. 9 calories/gram for fat). Sugar is naturally found in many of the foods we eat, including fruits, vegetables and dairy products. It is also added to many processed foods to improve flavours and textures and increase shelf life. Your body does not distinguish between natural versus added sugar. It treats both the same.

Does sugar cause disease? There have been numerous studies examining the role that sugar plays in the development of many diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and depression. While there have been some studies that appear to show a positive correlation between sugar intake and certain diseases (in in vitro studies and using animal models), the majority do not. It is also important to

note that there is little to suggest that sugar plays a direct role in the development of disease in actual human trials.

So should you even bother monitoring your sugar intake? It’s still a good idea to keep an eye on how much sugar you consume. While there may not be anything inherently toxic about sugar, foods that are packed with a lot of added sugar tend to be high in fat and calories, leading to weight gain; which is one of the top risk factors for the development of many of the diseases listed above. At the same time these high sugar foods are typically void of other nutrients so there’s little nutritional upside for overindulging. If you’re still craving sweetness and don’t want to miss out on that holiday baking, opt for foods containing low- to no-calorie artificial sweeteners.

The Bottom Line Sugar might not be the toxic additive it is sometimes made out to be, but it’s still a good idea to try to limit your intake during the holiday season (and frankly all year round). That means keeping an eye on the extra desserts, chocolates, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages you consume, all while monitoring your overall diet quality and calorie intake. If you really want to indulge, do so, but ask yourself, “What’s the least amount I can eat that will make me happy?” If you’re honest, this tends to be a good guideline to follow which will still allow you to eat the foods you love, but reduce the amount of sugar and/ or calories you would otherwise consume. Marcus O’Neill is a Registered Dietitian from Canada, currently residing in Maadi. He can be reached by email at marcusoneill79@ yahoo.com, or you can follow him via Twitter (@marcusoneillrd), or his website (www.dietitianabroad.com).

It is hard to find a child who doesn’t love sugary foods. Although many parents know that too much sugar is bad for kids, although it’s hard to keep track of how much our children actually consume. Of course, not all sugar is evil; sugar can be naturally occurring in some healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and grains. What’s dangerous to your child’s health is the added sugar, which is put in foods during preparation or processing. The major sources of added sugars are regular soft drinks, table sugar, candy, cakes, cookies, pies, icecream, and desserts in general. White bread, white pasta and even condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce also contain added sugar. Pediatricians and nutritionists agree that in modest amounts, sugar can have a healthful place in a child’s diet (or an adult’s). But many kids get too much too often. Worse, sugar-rich foods tend to be full of empty calories i.e. too many calories but not enough nutrients. If you think of the daily calorie needs as a budget, you’d want to “spend” most of the calories on “essentials” to meet the body needs and use only left over calories for “extras” that provide little or no nutritional benefit, such as sugar. Eating high-sugar foods early on makes children crave them more later. Fortunately, parents can do a lot to train their young children’s taste buds to redirect these cravings. Just as children differ in body type, activity level, and temper, there’s no set measuring spoon for the right amount of sugar in their diet. However, dietary guidelines recommend that sugar intake constitutes from 5 to 15% of total calories.

Pre-schoolers with a daily caloric intake of 1,200 to 1,400 calories shouldn’t consume any more than 170 calories, or about 4 teaspoons, of added sugar a day. Children ages 4-8 with a daily caloric intake of 1,600 calories should consume no more than 130 calories, or about 3 teaspoons a day. (In order to accommodate all the nutritional requirements for this age group, there are fewer calories available for discretionary allowances like sugar.) As your child grows into his pre-teen and teen years, and his caloric range increases to 1,800 to 2,000 a day, the maximum amount of added sugar included in his daily diet should be 5 to 8 teaspoons. At the same time, how sugar plays into various health considerations can help guide you toward the right balance for your child. So, in what way is sugar harmful? Cavities Sugar fuels the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. So while, regular tooth brushing can help prevent cavities, a steady stream of sugar in the mouth increases their likelihood. That’s why dentists advise against putting babies to sleep with a bottle of milk (it contains milk sugar) or fruit juice, or letting them sip the stuff throughout the day. Obesity Children gain weight when they take in more calories than they burn. Unfortunately, sugary drinks and sweets typically supply calories beyond what kids need to satisfy their hunger. Sugar calories also tend to go down too fast and easy. Do you know that regularly drinking even

one sugary drink a day increases the risk of obesity! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises age-by-age limits: • No fruit juice for babies under 6 months. • No more than 6 ounces (˜ 175 ml) a day for babies 6 months to 6 years. • No more than 12 ounces (˜350 ml) a day for kids over 6. Diabetes According to endocrinologists, a high-sugar diet may raise the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome indirectly, by contributing to obesity (a strong risk factor) and directly, by overworking the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. So what can parents and caregivers do to take the sugar out of their kitchens? • Desserts & sweets. Limit portions of cookies, candies and other baked goods. Instead try fruitbased desserts. • Cereals. Limit sugary cereals. Look for whole-grain cereals, such as oatmeal, that don’t have added sugar — or salt. Add nuts, fruit or cinnamon if you want to jazz it up. • Yoghurts. Many flavoured yogurts also have a significant amount of added sugar. Avoid those and instead opt for plain yogurt and add your own sweetness by blending in fresh fruits. • Beverages. Limit juices, sports drinks and other flavoured beverages. Finally, it is important for both children and adults to be sensible and enjoy all foods and beverages, but not to overdo it!

CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE WELLBEING

The Ancient Art of

A Chinese Treatment that Spans Centuries By Francesca Sullivan

When seeking help for a physical or psychological problem, a visit to an acupuncture specialist is not what most people consider, especially here in Egypt. But for those interested in a holistic approach, and one that can possibly work where conventional medicine has failed, treatment by acupuncture can be a revelation. Dr Hamed El Fishawy, an acupuncturist with a clinic in Maadi, has been practising this form of ancient Chinese medicine in Cairo since 2000. Cairo East Magazine met with him to find out more. CEM: Where did acupuncture originate, and what are the principles behind it? HF: Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine which has been used for centuries. It is based on the theory that energy, or chi, flows around the body continuously along pathways known as meridians. Illness occurs when these pathways become blocked, and the body’s yin and yang (opposite energies that complement each other and work together to form a whole) are out of balance. Acupuncture is employed to get the energy moving correctly again. The premise behind this form of alternative medicine is about stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself, and conventional medicine might interpret the application of acupuncture as

stimulation of nerves, muscles and connective tissue in order to increase blood flow and increase the body’s own healing mechanisms. How did you first become involved with acupuncture? I studied medicine at Cairo University, and in 1996 immigrated to New Zealand, where I was specializing in neurosurgery. I was picked as one of a group of doctors taking part in an experiment to look at the benefits of Chinese traditional medicine, and at first I was highly sceptical, in fact I was thinking ‘Oh no, why me?’. I was ill at the time with a sore throat and told the Chinese master instructing the sessions that I couldn’t make it. He suggested going to the doctor and getting some conventional medicine, since he’d already guessed I was resistant to the idea of acupuncture. But when the sore throat persisted for two more weeks, I finally went along to meet him. He treated me, and to my amazement it was cured in one session. I was intrigued and began to study Chinese medicine, going deeply into the subject. The more I studied it the more I became convinced.

What kind of conditions can it treat, and which parts of the body respond the best? Acupuncture can in theory cure a long list of diseases, but there are definitely certain conditions that respond to it better than others. These include those related to the muscular- skeletal system: chronic back, neck, shoulder or joint problems; osteoarthritis; also head ache and migraine; diseases of the endocrinal, lymphatic and nervous systems, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, sciatica, and facial palsy. It is effective for menstrual problems such as PMS and irregular bleeding. It can be helpful for stroke victims, and for relieving specific types of pain. It can also be effective for treating depression and stress. When treating depression I use a holistic approach combining acupuncture with counselling. A lot of my Egyptian clients come for help in losing weight. The treatment consists of applying acupuncture to small points on the ear which send messages to the brain centre simulating satiety, thereby acting as an appetite suppressant.

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What happens during an acupuncture treatment session?

take a decision to discontinue other medication right away.

• Clinic For Acupuncture Treatment Dr. Laila Ahmed Abou Ismail

Tiny non-invasive needles, barely wider than a hair, are placed in very specific points in the top layer of the skin, sometimes with the addition of heat, pressure or a mild electric current. Other related treatments are moxibustion (heat created by burning a certain kind of herb in a cigar-shaped stick and applying it close to the skin) and cupping (suction applied to the skin to increase blood flow).

Is anyone a suitable candidate?

34 El Batrawy St. Off Abbas El Akkad St., Floor 4 Flat 10, Beside Genina Mall, Nasr City, Cairo Tel: 02-24027435, 0100-3062677, 0122-7655327

How many sessions on average does acupuncture require, and how long would each session last? The length of the first session is an hour, as I spend time taking the patient’s history. Follow up sessions usually last around twenty minutes. The number of sessions needed depends on the individual’s response, but also on how long they’ve had the condition; chronic conditions will need more sessions. Acupuncture is about trying to find the root cause of a problem, not just treating the symptoms. It’s like trying to take a photograph; when the picture isn’t clear you have to keep focussing in until it becomes sharper. That’s why it can take quite a few treatments to get down to the root of the problem and clear it. Once treated are the effects long-lasting, or do you need a follow-up? This depends on the response of the client and on the problem itself. Sometimes you need to give a booster even if the patient is completely healed, rather like an injection to prevent future recurrences. Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment? Certainly, though we sometimes ask the patient to discontinue other medication if their condition has stabilized. For example in the case of hypertension we would recommend they keep taking their medication but to monitor their blood pressure with the aim of gradually reducing it, and let the acupuncture eventually replace it. If a condition is chronic we can’t

Since there are no side effects, anyone can safely be a suitable candidate. However for about twenty per cent of the population acupuncture does not work. (This percentage is similar to other forms of medicine – antibiotics for example.) If the response is poor I would never encourage a patient to continue with it. Can you cite any specific cases you have treated successfully? Yes, quite a few. Facial palsy has a 95% success rate even when it has become chronic. It takes between seven and eighteen sessions. I successfully treated a patient with lymphatic filariasis (elephantitis); she had extreme swelling in her leg, and conventional medicine hadn’t been effective for her. I also a treated a foreign patient with fertility problems; she had had several unsuccessful IVF treatments, and got pregnant after acupuncture. How do you see the future of acupuncture treatment in Egypt? I have developed a good reputation here, and even have support from some doctors, but in general it has been quite difficult to overcome prejudices in Egypt when it comes to alternative medicine. Acupuncture has a clientele mainly from the upper social segments; many in the medical profession view it with suspicion, or dismiss it. Sadly I don’t see this changing at the present time. Listing of Acupuncture treatment centres • Egypt Acupuncture Dr. Hamed El Fishawy, MD. Medical Acupuncturist Location: Maadi Corniche & Heliopolis, Cairo Contact Info Phone: 0100 677 7752 Email: egypt.acupuncture@gmail. com Website: www.egypt-acupuncture. com www.nuncenter.com

• Cura Egypt 01226 7777 50 16 Osman Towers beside Maadi Hospital, Corniche El Nil, Maadi, Cairo The Clinic is open Saturday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM www.cura-egypt.com • Dutch Care Physiotherapy Phone: 1070700480 / 225165747 Address: 3G Road 212 (from road 231) #4 Degla Maadi,Cairo Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Swedish Deep Tissue Massage, Classic Thai Massage, Weight Loss Center • Haiyan Chinese Health Center Dr. Haiyan Wang Haiyan Chinese Health Center 3 G Rd. 199 Degla, Maadi, Cairo Phone: 02-2754-9167, 0128-1122518, 0128-6652-538 • Revive Center Dr. Heba Elnazer 47 Mohamed Mazhar St., 1st Floor, Zamalek, Cairo Phone:+2010 9555 5975 Email:Info@revivembs.com www.revivembs.com

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By Francesca Sullivan

Sometimes we need to delve beneath the surface to get to the root of what is troubling us. That’s where the skills of an experienced hypnotherapist can be invaluable. Cairo East Magazine spoke with Salima Barakat to learn what is involved. CEM: What is your background, and how did you become a hypnotherapist? SB: I graduated from the AUC with a bachelor degree in psychology, and went to work at the Behman Hospital, under Dr. Nasser Loza. After that I spent a while teaching at the Misr Language School in the American section, before returning to the Behman to work in the addiction clinic for one year. I then left the clinical world for a while, and went to Dubai, where I took a course in clinical hypnosis before returning to Cairo and opening a wellness studio, Tawazon. Hypnosis is one of the therapies we provide there. How would you describe your approach to hypnotherapy? My background means that my sessions tend to be a blend between hypnosis and more traditional clinical psychology. I personally believe that human beings are far too complex to uniformly follow one route of treatment; it depends totally on the individual. I felt drawn to hypnotherapy as opposed to conventional psychological counselling because of its less formalized approach; a big part of me feels that complementary therapy is more flexible and involves a different kind of energy between the practitioner and the client. When you are putting someone into a relaxed state you are more relaxed as well. At the same time there is a lot of psychology within hypnotherapy, and I always wanted my approach to have a scientific base. There is so much misconception about hypnosis, and I usually spend

the first session just talking with the patient, taking a detailed history, and explaining exactly what the therapy is and what it isn’t. The subconscious makes up about ninety percent of the mind’s capacity, and it is active all the time; we constantly have thoughts we are not even aware of. When I have put someone into a relaxed state they are able to receive suggestions more easily, but I cannot manipulate them by giving them suggestions that go against their own belief system. This would be completely unethical, and probably wouldn’t work. If the client doesn’t want to make a shift they can’t, no matter how many suggestions I make. In general resistance to suggestion will happen when the client has been sent for a session by someone else who means well and wants to help them. But if they don’t have the desire to change, I can’t make them. What are the kinds of problems you mainly see? Before I started I was told to expect lots of clients wanting to give up smoking or lose weight. But in fact, perhaps due to the timing (I opened my clinic shortly prior to the 2011 revolution) I found a lot of people coming to me with psychological issues such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Compulsive habits are relatively easy to deal with, but fears and phobias require a different approach. On an immediate level I can suggest to someone under hypnosis that they no longer fear that thing; ask them to imagine the stimulus and then help them to picture it as bigger or smaller; begin to control it and take back their own power in the situation. When I feel that the person would benefit from psychoanalysis I will refer them to a psychologist and then work in conjunction with the therapy.

always hides something deeper. The therapy might involve age regression; taking the client back to childhood or an earlier time in their life when the behaviour was triggered by an emotional situation. This is particularly true of eating disorders and other addictions. The problem is that unless you deal with the root issue, they will replace one addiction with another – cigarettes with food, for example. That’s why so many people put on weight when they give up smoking. How many sessions would you give, on average? Of course it depends on the individual case. After the initial session I will make a tailored treatment plan. For emotional and psychological issues I have clients I’ve been seeing for years, others come for just two or three months. But in reality I can only give back to the client as much as they have given me; they must be prepared to work through their issues and ready to make the changes. With phobias people often come because of an immediate situation that’s arisen in which they are about to be exposed to the stimulus, for example they are due to travel somewhere and they have a fear of flying. But they can feel the difference in their response in as little as two sessions. Can you tell us more about Tawazon? It’s a wellness centre where we offer activities such as yoga, Reiki and dance meditation, as well as complementary therapies. We often have visiting instructors and courses, as well as regular classes. We are currently relocating from Downtown, and operating out of Horizon in Zamalek.

Both fears and addictions have an emotional base, and you need to go in and find the root cause. In most cases people present with a particular fear or issue, but it almost CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE WELLBEING

By Francesca Sullivan How many sessions does it normally take?

Are you a smoker but dying to kick the habit? Compulsive eater and don’t know how to stop? Hypnotherapist Mohamed Hazem has fast been building a reputation in Cairo for treating addiction under hypnosis, and his success rate is remarkable. Cairo East Magazine went to find out more.

It varies from one person to another. Usually a minimum of two sessions and a maximum of twelve – but around four to six is the most common. It is very important that the patient comes to each appointment regularly; by skipping a session you can be put back to square one and the effect will be cancelled. You will have to start the process again.

CEM: How did you first become involved with hypnotherapy? MH: I have always been drawn towards alternative ways of looking at health and lifestyle. I studied Feng Shui in China and also have a certificate in Reiki, and I am currently studying for a bachelor degree in alternative medicine. On a trip to Thailand I was introduced to hypnotherapy and trained there. I used to be a smoker myself, but it was on that trip that I gave it up. When working with people who have cigarette or food addiction, I want them to understand that they themselves have the power within to free themselves from the behaviour. Whether our problems are physical or psychological, too often we give away that power, to doctors or drugs. But the mind itself has the key. What should people expect when they come for a session? When I put someone into a trance, the filter between their conscious and unconscious mind is cleared and they become open to suggestions and visualizations. To help them arrive at this half-awake state I use relaxation techniques, asking them to concentrate on the sound of my voice and encouraging them to relax their body muscle by muscle. When the body is relaxed the mind also slows down and becomes more receptive to imagination. The immediate environment is very important when promoting relaxation, and in

my office I use décor, lighting and colours that aid calmness; sometimes music too. Cigarette addiction is in the subconscious, and by suggesting to your subconscious that you are no longer addicted, and reinforcing this message each session, you will begin to change your behaviour. For example once you are in a state of deep relaxation I might take you on a visualization exercise to your favourite socializing venue where you go with friends, and everyone is smoking. I ask you to visualize being offered a cigarette (it is important to make the imaginary situation as vivid and real as possible) and to refuse it, feeling proud of yourself and telling your subconscious that you no longer smoke, and don’t need cigarettes. I am effectively tricking your mind into thinking you hate smoking. It is actually an extremely simple process. No drugs are needed to reprogramme your brain. You can even self- hypnotize, something which I encourage my clients to do before they go to sleep at night. Once you are in a state of extreme relaxation you can begin visualizing the changes you want to make in your life, as if they are already happening.

The first session is always the hardest, as the stage is set for you and your own conscious brain to fight each other. You may leave feeling relaxed, but later at the first temptation it gets much harder. Usually after the second session there will be a shift. Are there any concerns regarding accessing the unconscious mind? Many people are worried by the idea of hypnosis and think that once they are in a trance they will be under my control and not aware of what is happening. This is a complete misconception. During ‘clinical’ hypnosis you are in a relaxed state but aware of everything around you, aware enough to get up and leave if I suggest something you don’t like! It is true that some people are far more easily hypnotized than others. If you are the kind of person that tends to only focus on one thing at a time, you are more easily put into a trance. If on the other hand you are good at doing several things at once and are easily distracted, you may be more resistant to hypnosis. How do you rate your success? Of all the people I have treated for cigarette addiction, none have come back to me! One of my recent clients had given up for fifteen years and started again, but hopefully this time he’ll have quit for good.

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CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE WELLBEING

By Hilary Diack The ongoing quest to improve the health and vitality of our skin is under the microscope again this month. We speak with two leading cosmetic specialists, Prof. Dr. Heba Hussein and Dr. Mohamed Mongy, about the most effective treatments available, along with the pros and cons. CEM: Peeling is becoming very popular, what conditions can it be used for? HH: There are various types of chemical peels, of different strengths. They can be used for treating many conditions, from light wrinkles to brown age spots, and acne. What visible improvement can you expect after a peel? It definitely gives a much better appearance; the skin is fresh and healthy and with an improved tone. It does not lift or reduce the flesh, only plastic surgery can achieve that. What is the actual process, and how often can it be done? The peel is an acid that actually burns off the outer layer of your skin, removing the damaged cells and letting the body produce a new layer to replace it. In most cases it can take between a few days to a week to slough off the dead skin and have the new skin shine through. For deeper peels it can take up to three weeks to heal. The usual course for light peels is four to five peels every one or two weeks, then you can repeat it again after six months. The heavier peels should only be used once. What are the most commonly used peels? Beta Hydroxy, or salicylic acid chemical peel, is popular for evening out skin tone and removing acne blemishes. Alpha Hydroxy, or glycolic acid peels, also help with skin tone, and deal with

fine lines, as well as doing a deep cleanse that can help with blackheads. The Jessner peel is good for those with oily, acne-prone skin rather than for those with sensitive or dry skin. It is stronger than glycolic or salicylic acid peels, but weaker than TCA peels. The retinoic acid peel helps reverse environmental and sun damage to your skin and is effective and safe for any skin tone. The stronger TCA and Phenol peels are not usually handled in-office; they can be uncomfortable and need anesthetic. Generally it is better to consider alternative therapies like Fraxel for more severe skin problems. Can you have an allergic reaction to chemical peels? There is a natural amount of trauma in the process, but so long as you avoid sun exposure there should not be any other reaction. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why winter is the best season. You should only have treatment with a certified doctor, that way you can avoid complications. Is chemical peeling suitable for everyone? Generally yes, although redheads and people with fine, sensitive skin should try to avoid them. We also start with young people who need peel treatments for acne. What are other popular noninvasive treatments? Laser hair removal, mesotherapy, fillers and Botox. When used judiciously by an experienced doctor Botox can create a much more youthful appearance. As we age our facial muscles contract, creating tension and frown lines. That can give us a badtempered appearance, so by working on specific areas we can still allow a mobile, expressive face, just minus those trouble spots.

What vitamins can help us look after our skin?

What are the most popular treatments at present?

By following a balanced healthy diet, with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and protein a person should get enough of the necessary nutrients. Skin specifics are zinc, manganese, magnesium, vitamin E and selenium. Strangely, here in Egypt we see a big lack of Vitamin D, in spite of having constant sunshine we tend to cover ourselves up. Enjoy some time in the sun, especially before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

Laser hair removal is by far the most popular procedure of all. And that is for both men and women. Laser stretch marks removal and leg veins removal are becoming more and more popular these days. Of course, no skin clinic operates without injecting Botox and dermal fillers.

CEM: Dr. Mohamed, what is the latest in skin resurfacing? MM: The latest laser platform used for skin resurfacing is the Palmar Icon 1540 (XD & XF). How long does the treatment take? A full face session can take up to 15 minutes in the hands of a skilled laser operator and may need as little as a couple of minutes when doing a smaller area such as cheeks .

Are there any specific vitamins that help our skin? Well, it is simple really. Use a good moisturizing cream or lotion at night and a decent sunblock with SPF 30+ in the morning if you are an outdoor activity lover. Vitamin E is actually good for puffy eyelids and dark circles under the eyes, while selenium sulfide is important for a healthy scalp free of dandruff. I also advise Egyptian women to take glutathione supplement as it is proven to give skin a lighter color tone and prevents darkening under the arms and inner thigh areas.

Is it uncomfortable? Surprisingly the treatment is very tolerable and I have used it on myself! It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even need any numbing creams. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s due to the sapphire lens contact cooling technology that leaves the surface of the skin ice cold that it becomes insensitive to pain. Is there a recommended recovery period, and what are the immediate effects? The nature of this laser is non-ablative, meaning the skin absorbs the laser beams without being wounded. Think of sun rays passing through glass without breaking it. The result is a pinkish skin that mimics an early tan for 24-48 hours only. Social downtime is zero as cover make-up can be applied as soon as treatment is over. How is the treatment carried out and how many sessions are required? The laser hand-piece moves over the skin in a stamping mode. The stamp is moved from one point to the next till the whole face is covered. According to each case and careful examination, a series of 3-5 treatments may be recommended for optimal results. How does it compare with older techniques, and what are the advantages? The ICON 1540 is considered the new gold standard for facial skin resurfacing due to its advanced spectrum shifting technology that adapts to each skin type and problem like artificial intelligence. The results are far superior to its predecessors with much less sessions and zero pain.

Prof. Dr. Heba Mohamed Hussein MD Professor of Plastic Surgery Professor at Ain Shams University Cairo www.rscosmeticclinic.com Dr. Mohamed Mongy ASLMS , AAAM , MSc www.drmongy.com

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Keeping Cool

under Pressure

Anger Management with Sarah Maamoun By Hilary Diack

We have all been there. Blood pressure rocketing. Feeling hot under the collar. Clenching our teeth. The signs that something is getting you all riled up. Just how harmful is anger, and how can we deal with it? Cairo East Magazine addressed the subject with life coach Sarah Maamoun. CEM: What are the various forms of ‘anger’ that we experience? SM: It boils down to three things, these are key in any situation where anger arises, whether it is domestic, work-related or in a close emotional relationship. First, we get upset because our needs are not being met. Secondly, we want to blame someone else for what we don’t want, or what we are not receiving. The third point is when we feel the urge to speak or act in a way that does not foster our best interests. Anger is a wake-up call that indicates something is awry in these areas. We must consider that every human has five basic needs: Autonomy, appreciation, attention, acknowledgement and affection. And of course, respect. These evolve at stages of our life, as part of the maturing process. Frustration inevitably arises when we do not have these important needs met. Interestingly, studies have shown that it is men who most commonly complain about being misunderstood.

What are typical situations that can trigger an attack of anger? Usually it will be situations that involve hurt or fear. A person may feel that they have been wronged, or hurt by someone. It should be noted that often hurtful behaviour is instigated by people who have been hurt themselves, thus creating a negative cycle. Fear can cover many areas; fear of rejection, possible divorce, loss of security, challenges to financial and social position. This can build up a resentment that expresses itself in either a passive/aggressive or directly aggressive way. Why do some people have more trouble controlling their temper than others? People who have an easier time of controlling their temper are generally more mature and self-actualized, and more in tune with their needs and feelings. They can empathize more with others’ behaviour, a lot of it comes with life experience. What are the best ways of defusing a potentially aggressive or confrontational interaction? Find a place of consciousness. In addition to connecting to what we feel we must try to understand what the other person needs or feels. This is where empathy comes into play. Don’t repress anger, try to transform it into positive communication. See the other person’s point of view, put yourself in their shoes. Communicate respectfully. How can we cope with ‘road rage’ and other negative social situations? Again, take a deep breath. Identify our judgmental thoughts, connect

with what our needs are. Don’t deflect your anger onto others. Be aware of your physical state. Yoga breathing has proved to be helpful, it can calm and give focus. Use your senses to de-stress, find out what calms you. Playing music may help. How can we raise our kids to avoid temper tantrums when they don’t get their own way?

don’t want to be perceived as bullies or monsters. They must learn to open up and communicate, and work on their self-understanding. Pent-up anger can be eased through burning it off in a physical activity that we enjoy. Dancing, a good work-out, or a long walk. Getting in touch with nature and ourselves is a great way to put things back into perspective.

Take a deep breath! Teach them emotional intelligence, how to recognize their feelings, but keep it in terms they can understand. They should learn to connect with and understand their needs and feelings and how to communicate them effectively. Learn how to calm them by being in touch with their senses. How potentially harmful is it when we try to supress our anger? What are good ways to get it out of our system? Trying to stop aggressive behavior without addressing the reasons for it can send a person into a depressive state. This is common with men who

Sarah Maamoun

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CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

Escaping the city for a welldeserved break in one of Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prime get-away locations neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean losing the things you enjoy about your daily routine, including staying at your peak of fitness. Cairo East Magazine was inspired by this helpful advice from Nirvana Zaher, General Manager of LAX Gym in El Gouna. CEM: Should people take some 'down time' from their normal workout routine when they are on holiday? NZ: Downtime is Downtime is an important component to any exercise routine, but it must be scheduled in way that does not compromise the overall effectiveness of the training program. If your training has been practiced at high intensity for a few consecutive weeks, it would be beneficial to schedule a 5-7 day time out period in order to give your body and your mind an opportunity to recover. Having said that, a holiday should not always be an excuse to skip your workout; there are plenty of practical training techniques you can implement while on vacation that will maintain your fitness while giving you space for a well earned snooze on the beach.

Beaching & Exercising in Gouna! By Hilary Diack

for exercises such as pull ups, squats, leg lifts, and suspension training. For a really exciting workout, ask one of our trainers if you can bring some toys outside such as dumbbell, kettlebells and medicine balls and all of a sudden you have limitless possibilities for a fitness fiesta! How can sport and recreational activities be used as a substitute for gym work, and give the same benefits?

If so, what changes should you make to your normal routine? Keep your training as varied as you can. Take advantage of the accessible outdoors such as the mountains, the sea, and the beautiful roads that run throughout El Gouna. LAX has an outdoor playground with a multi-purpose rack that you can use

Nirvana Zaher

The training that is practiced in a gym setting is a complement to any sports and other leisure activities that take place in parallel outside of the gym. Although most research demonstrates that exercising outdoors promotes fitness, improves mental wellbeing,

LAX Gym

and boosts overall morale, such activities should not be used as a permanent substitute for the gym, but rather should be incorporated into a larger frame of work. In the gym, we focus on building a strength and endurance base, then we progress to building functional strength and anaerobic fitness, and once this foundation is created, we begin to introduce more advanced training techniques. This style of training is not generally followed in a recreational sports setting. It is also important to note that in dedicating time to your gym routine, you will experience significant improvements in your game whether it is on the court, field, or any other sporting grounds. Therefore, try to find a healthy balance between both training styles. What program would you recommend for someone to keep in shape if they are in Gouna for a one week break? LAX offers a variety of classes throughout the week that target different fitness components in an effort to keep your training balanced. For metabolic conditioning, which promotes weight loss and athletic performance, we recommend our CrossHIIT (High-Intensity-IntervalCross-Training) program that is offered three times per week. Each session focuses on building strength and muscles mass through weight training, developing muscle endurance and stamina through calisthenics or what is known as bodyweight exercises, and finally an outdoor boot camp style course

that takes you through a scenic route in town. As a complement to CrossHIIT, we also suggest that our clients attend a yoga class in order to lengthen muscles that have been strengthened. Yoga is also a great way to relax the mind, and bring harmony back into the body. Similar to yoga is our Core Control class, one of two signature classes developed by our consultants at The Fitness Playground. Finally, for those who really enjoy indoor cycling, not only do we offer daily Spinning classes, but also Spintonic. This is a second class brought to us by our friends at The Fitness Playground that will leave you energetically buzzing from the high you get as a result of the combination between Spinning and Toning.

How about jogging/running outdoors in Gouna? Is there a special route one can take?Â At LAX, we have a 6km loop that we use as a practice run with our clients. The run starts at LAX, takes you along the New Marina, over the bridge that drops you off at the beach where all the kite surf stations are, veering left at La Maison Bleue, through desert roads next to Ancient Sands Resort, to the horse stables, and finally through the popular Abu Tig Marina and back to the gym. We have seen lots of progress with our clients on this 6km loop as it follows a flat course, and takes you through a beautiful scenic route to accompany you on your run.

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CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

Do you work with clients on a one to one basis? If yes, how long is the workout for, and how intense is it? In addition to indoor and outdoor group fitness classes, as well as customized group fitness programs, we also offer tailor-made personal training for clients looking to work closely with a fitness practitioner. Most of our programs at LAX take place in an intimate setting; we have developed more or less as a boutique gym offering exclusive services to people who prefer small group fitness solutions. Most one-on-one training sessions are between 45 and 60 minutes long, and cover a functional warm up that energizes the body and prepares tendons and ligaments and connective tissue for exercise. Next we prescribe a circuit of exercises that focuses on a particular fitness component or body part – this depends on the day and on the client’s training goal – and finally we always finish with a cool down and stretch portion in order to relax the body following a rigorous workout. The intensity of the training sessions will fluctuate depending on where our clients are in their training program, and how they are feeling on the day of their training. We work closely with all our clients in order to ensure that they see progress, get results, and feel good while doing so.

What type of workout routine would you advice an intermediate gym goer, such as a 45 min workout routine at the gym? Below are two 45 minute workouts you can alternate between for a training duration of two weeks. We suggest you schedule a day of cardio, core, and stretching in between the two sessions. Make sure to warm up prior to starting the circuits. For more training ideas, and for exercise instruction you may visit www. facebook.com/tfpredsea.

Workout 1

Workout 2

(rest 1 min between sets)

(rest 1 min between sets) 1km fast pace (75% effort) run

Super Set #1 3 sets of: * 10 reps bench press into 10 reps bend over row

Tri Set #1

* 12 reps sumo squat into 12 reps stability ball hamstring curl

* DB alternating chest press 10 reps

* 30 reps MB weighted sit up and toss into 30 reps superman *Run a 1km time trial on the treadmill.

Super Set #2 3 sets of: * 10 reps single arm cable chest press into 10 reps single arm cable row * 8 reps DB overhead alternating lunges * 40 reps crunches into 40 reps reverse crunches * Run a 1km time trial on the treadmill.

3 sets of: * Walking lunges 10 reps

* V ups 20 reps * 20 burpees

Tri Set #2 3 sets of: * Weighted squats 12 reps * Renegade row 8 reps * Russian twist 30 reps * 10 m bear crawl forward and backward

Tri Set #3 3 sets of: * Rear leg elevated squat 10 reps * 1 burpee into 1 pull up 10 reps

* Try to beat time trial from Super Set Circuit #1.

* Spiderman pushup 12 reps

* Stretch

* 1 minute 10 m Side shuffle right and left

Tri Set #4 3 sets of: * Weighted squat and shoulder press 10 reps * Mountain climber into spiderman 15 reps of each * 20 Box jumps * Stretch

www.facebook.com/laxgouna, Instagram @LAXGYM_LOUNGE, Emai: info@lax-gouna.com. Nirvana Zaher MS, CSCS: Founder of The Fitness Playground, General Manager LAX Gym and Lounge. El Gouna, Red Sea

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE TECH REVIEW

5 Smartphones, Tablets and Phablets that work for usâ&#x20AC;Ś By Hilary Diack

iPhone 6 We all have friends that are loyal to Apple products, and they are justified about feeling a bit smug about the latest offering from the Apple stable. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are living up to a lot of expectations. Pros: A good-looker, with a body of beautiful anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and glass Thinner 6.9 millimeters profile with a smooth, continuous form Multiâ&#x20AC;&#x2018;Touch display iOS swipe gestures make it easy to navigate iPhone with one hand New OS active notification system Sleep/Wake button Cons: None that we can think of, apart from the price! Note: The iPhone 6 Plus offers the best of the iPad and the iPhone rolled into one great device, with the bonus of a bigger battery. Does it bend? The jury is still out.

Sony Xperia Z3 This update on the Sony Xperia Z2 came along rather quickly, but it has successfully addressed a few of the small glitches its predecessor was burdened with. The result? The most beautiful smartphone Sony has built to date. Pros: Curved at the edges for a fresh new look, the handset offers improved ergonomics The rubber finish at the edges provides better protection against accidental drops Waterproof Cons: Non user-replaceable battery Slightly larger than most direct rivals Note: The Sony Xperia Z3 Compact comes with a smaller 720p display but the offers incredible battery life!

Samsung Note 4 TThe Galaxy Note 4 phablet hits the market close on the heels of its main competitor, the iPhone 6 Plus. It manages to be a less bulky product, making it easier to handle. Pros: 16-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization Superior AMOLED screen with crisp clear colors Heart rate monitor Ultra Power Saving Mode to extend battery life Metal-accented side trim Handy S pen for making quick notes on screen Cons: Fiddly finger-print scanner

HTC Desire Eye The perfect tool for party animals, the HTC Desire Eye is made for shooting great videos and selfies. The front and back cameras will make it easier than ever to catch the moment. Pros: IPX7 water resistance (up to 1m for 30 min) Three microphones BoomSound stereo speakers on the front Cons: Its plastic exterior may not attract some buyers, but it is robust and practical.

Nokia Lumia 1520 The Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet offers advanced imaging and the custom app selection by Nokia that will compete nicely against Android phablets. Pros: Dual-LED flash Free lifetime worldwide voice-guided navigation Digital compass Nokia Music FM radio Cons: Screen has average sunlight legibility Non-user-replaceable battery No system-wide file manager No lock screen shortcuts CAIROEASTMAG.COM

CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE BOOK REVIEW

Bestsellers November 2014 By

I Am Malala

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Malala Yousafzai & Christina Lamb

Robin S. Sharma

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Gone Girl

Stephen Chbosky

Gillian Flynn

The Blue Elephant

Black Befitting You

Ahmed Mourad

Ahlam Mistghanmy

The Barman Ashraf EL Ashmawy

The Great Gatsby Francis-Scott Fitzgerald

Big Nate Great Minds Think Alike Lincoln Peirce

Pyramids and Mummies Anne Bolton

By Crave Plain, coated in sauce or blended with nuts - this soft & creamy dessert remains one of the most favored on any menu, to many. Whether it’s the creaminess of the cream cheese, crumble of the crust or a combo of both, it definitely has won many hearts over. With the U.S. taking over this delicacy and bringing the New York version to the forefront, this delicious dessert has interesting facts to share about its origin.

Where & How?

• Originating in Greece, it is said that the first cheesecake hailed from the island of Samos. • The original version of it consisted of flour, wheat, honey and remnants of different cheeses, which was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BC as well as at Greek weddings.

• With Romans conquering Greece, the recipe eventually start spreading out to Europe then to America with each continent adding its own twist to the recipe, bringing in eggs and cream cheese to the hot and cold version of the cake.

Cheesecakes around the world – did you know?

A quick look into the history of cheesecake revealed that it differs from region to region. Sometimes blending in fruit within the cheese mix is one version. • Italians use ricotta in the cream cheese mix. • Germans use a very sour type of cheese which tastes very much like yogurt. • The French use Neufchatel cheese (one of the oldest in France). • In Belgium the crust is made used

a chocolate based Dutch-Belgian biscuit. • Matcha Green Tea in Japan is folded in with the cheese.

COLD VS. HOT

You can prepare cheesecake either by baking or refrigerating – they’re both as delicious and creamy. The difference is the hot version requires incorporating eggs into the cream cheese mixture and baking the crust. The cold version requires you to freeze the crust for 10 minutes and then chill the cream cheese filling for about 3-4 hours. Below is the Classic New Yorker Cheesecake recipe, but we decided to share the hot method as there’s a bit of baking in there which makes it very therapeutic.

Classic New Yorker Cheesecake Recipe For The Crust 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus room-temperature butter for pan 12 digestive biscuits/graham crackers – crushed 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt For The Filling 2 -3 packs (Philadelphia or Kiri) 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 large eggs 1 cup sour cream

Method 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (moderate) and butter a round oven baking pan while you make the crust.

in boiling water to come halfway up side of pan.

2. Mix biscuits, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press mixture into pan and bake until it’s set (12 to 15 minutes); let it cool down.

6. Run a knife around edge; let cool completely.

3. Beat cream cheese with sugar, until fluffy. Add lemon zest/ juice, and salt. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down side of bowl after each addition, then add sour cream at the end.

5. Bake until just set in center, about 1 3/4 hours. Remove pan from water; let cool 20 minutes.

6. Cover; chill overnight before serving. Add caramel, blueberry, raspberry or chocolate sauce before serving.

4. Boil some water in a kettle and wrap bottom half of pan in foil. Pour in filling; place in a roasting pan. Pour

FB : Facebook.com/craveegypt Instagram : @craveegypt Twitter : @CraveEgypt

For further references : www.cheesecake.com/History-Of-Cheesecake.asp

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CAIRO EAST MAGAZINE FEATURE

Your December

Stars

The year may be winding down, but there is still plenty of action in store for the month ahead. If you know your rising sign we suggest that you read that as well to get extra insight. By Maeri Frances Is it a time for reflection, or anticipation? December signals the end of this year, and a truly pivotal one it has proved to be for many of us. Can anyone truly say it has left them unmoved and unchanged? We have seen a seachange in many of our processes, a breaking down of institutions we had thought rock solid, and the emergence of a new mindset amongst many of our peers. Somewhere in amongst the confusion that we may be feeling there is a clarity and hope that we can grasp onto. It takes faith, self-knowledge, empathy and generosity of spirit. The planetary line-ups are powerful, tap into their energy positively!

Aries 21 March –20 April Your insistence on doing things your own way may leave you facing some opposition, especially in your career. Try to be a little more flexible. Efforts made last month to recoup money owed or tied up in a

legal case could bear fruit by the end of the month. Smart Aries will mix career networking with partying to wind up the year.

Taurus 21 April –21 May Distant climes may be beckoning as the month draws to a close, so keep your bags packed and ready. There may be an opportunity to slip out of town for a few days. New Year’s Eve will see the Moon in your sign, so you could definitely be getting your share of attention. Dress for the occasion.

Gemini 22 May –21 June The earlier part of the month should see you upbeat and enjoying a key relationship, especially around the 4th of December. People should be supportive and give you the boost of energy you need. Communication is well aspected so get any important matters finalized before the party season sets in.

Cancer 22 June –22 July Work and health matters, along with routine chores, may be uppermost in your mind for the first couple of weeks of December. Try to put any career hiccups to one side and make sure that you spend the latter part of the month enjoying quality time with your significant other; it’s time to celebrate togetherness.

Leo 23 July –22 August Don’t turn down invitations; most of the month should be a bit of a romp for you. Much as you love to do things in style, your plans to host and entertain may be restricted by lack of ready cash towards month’s end. Jupiter going retrograde in your sun sign isn’t so helpful. Much as you would love to fit in a quick trip, it seems that it may also be put on a back burner.

Virgo 23 August –23 September Spend time making your home a haven of peace and beauty as early as possible, you will find that a build-up of planets in fellow earth sign Capricorn is putting a focus on parties, friends and a spot of flirting towards the end of the month. In spite of a stack of chores and an extra workload you should still remember that having fun is just as important, so let yourself go a bit and relax.

Libra 24 September - 23 October The first half of the month puts a focus on communication and short trips. Try to clear the decks so you can spend some quality time with friends and family around the home base. It seems to be a good year for you to open up your home; you may have spent both time and money on redecorating and stocking up the cupboards. Be organized, then it won’t faze you if someone unintentionally messes up some of your plans mid-month.

Scorpio 24 October –22 November You can heave a sigh of relief as Saturn slips out of your birth sign as the year draws to a close. Even though it may have been tough at times this year remember that gains

made when Saturn is around are generally hard-won and long-lasting. Those efforts could have paid off with extra cash, finances are looking healthier. The second half of the month could see visits to or from relatives, and a spot of travelling, even if it just around town.

Sagittarius 23 November –21 December With the Sun, Mercury and Venus lighting up your birth sign you may feel as though you are flavor of the month. Don’t let it go to your head too much, but it seems that you have bankable qualities; your finances are looking better than they have for a while. Your mind is very much on money as the year ends, so make a good investment or saving plan one of your resolutions, tempting though it may be to splurge on an item you have had your eye on.

Capricorn 22 December –20 January Quiet planning behind the scenes will pay off when you are suddenly in the driver’s seat in the latter part of December. You should be looking great, feeling great, and being your usual efficient self to boot. Uranus may be keeping domestic matters a bit tospy-turvy, take extra care with both your home and family around the 15th. It’s not the best period for trying

out DIY skills, best to avoid those days, and leave it to the experts.

Aquarius 21 January –19 February Felling a bit grumpy? It’s not your best time of year, and with Mars transiting your birth sign you may be losing your cool more than usual. It seems that the festive spirit just isn’t working for you. Cheer up, there are days when you can manage to have fun, and remember that you are blessed with good friends. The 21st is a good day for rolling up your sleeves and getting things done, energy levels look great.

Pisces 20 February –20 March Your ruling planet, Neptune, is still nestled comfortably in its own sign, helping you stay philosophical and nicely chilled out. The month will transition from career highs and work-related commitments to cosier times with friends. Money matters may still be frustratingly like a roller coaster, so do avoid financial risks, especially around the 15th. The party season looks just fine for you, share the joy!

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Events in December 2014 at Gayer Anderson Museum and Ibn Tulun Wednesday, December 9 9.00am-2.30pm

Make-up Workshop Wednesday, December 17 10.00am-12.00pm Cost: $25

By appointment only

Cost: $35

Visit Gayer Anderson Museum and see one of the finest collections of Islamic, Coptic and Pharaonic art in Cairo. From there you will walk 5 minutes to Ibn Tulun, one of the oldest mosques surviving in its original form.

Islamic Cairo Tuesday, January 20 9.00am-2.30pm Cost: $35

This walking tour through Islamic Cairo will transport you back in time to a world of ancient mosques and 1,500 hundred year old markets. The tour includes a visit to the mosque and Madrassa of Sultan Hasan and Al-Rifai mosque.

Monday, December 1 to Thursday December 4 Cost: Regular 25 min $60, Indepth 50 min $100 (USD only)

Anne Austin is an International Medium/Clairvoyant. She works as a spiritual teacher and healer all over the world. Anne will be at CSA offering private regular and in-depth sessions of clairvoyance and medium for 4 days only. Please visit the programs desk at CSA to book an appointment or if you have further questions.

SAT Class Tuesday, December 2, 5.00pm7.00pm AND Friday, December 5, 2.00pm4.00pm Cost: Free

Learn professional makeup techniques such as evening and holiday makeup, smoky eye, face contouring and more. Bring along your own makeup with the option to purchase new items at the salon. This class will take place at a professional salon in Maadi. Space is limited.

Christmas Cookies Sunday, December 14th 10.00am-1.00pm Cost: $45

Christmas cookies remind us of holiday traditions at Grandma's. In this class, we will be creating, baking, and decorating a variety of Christmas cookies. You will also be able to take home some of the delicious treats that you create. Space is limited.

The Abdeen Palace museum

Need extra help before the December SAT? Join us at CSA in collaboration with Paradigm Egypt as they help you review for the exam.

Tuesday, January 27

Russian Christmas Salads

Coaster Workshop

Thursday, December 11

9.00am-2.30pm Cost: $35

Formerly serving as a royal palace until the end of the monarchy in 1952, this museum features a large collection of weapons and medals including knives, guns, cannons and an exhibit of medals. There is also a large collection of the belongings of King Farouk, the head of the last royal family of Egypt. End your tour with a local Egyptian koshary lunch at the famous Abou Tarek. Price includes museum entrance and lunch.

Past Life Regression & Clairvoyant Medium Sessions

Monday, December 15 Wednesday, December 17

10.00am-1.00pm Cost: $40 and

10.00 am-1.00pm Cost: $40

In this 2 session class you will learn the basics in creating beautiful pictures and designs on veneer. These designs are a great accessory for your home or to share with friends.

Add a Russian twist to your holiday cooking this year. Come and join Svetlana as she teaches you how to make delicious and healthy Russian Christmas salads, including selyodka pod shuboy, vinaigrette and olivier. Enjoy some great food in the company of family and friends.

Community Services Association (CSA) 4 Road 21,Maadi ,Cairo Tel: 235 85284 / 235 80754 Mobile No: 0106 882 8540 Facebook: csa.egypt Twitter: @csamaadi www.livinginegypt.org

CAIROEASTMAG.COM

By Tati Hafez

Capoeira for Kids – Brazilian Martial Art at Flow Center A Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, music and acrobatic movements can be considered a game too. Mestre Passoka has come from Bahia, Brazil to introduce this incredible energetic art created by African descendants in Brazil, to Cairo residents. Flow Center, along with Mestre Passoka undertook the initiative to teach Capoeira moves exclusively to kids. This formula has proved to be a great success with kids enthusiastically showing off their ginga during lessons. Children as young as 4 years-old are welcome.

The Tap – Your Authentic Pub in Town Great deals for Ladies’ Night Out with special sangria. Happy Hour from 5 pm to 6 pm, real pub food. Fancy some music? Every Wednesday there is live performance. The Tap promises to bring you a true pub experience, whether you’re in for a drink, a quick meal, to catch up with friends or to enjoy some live music. 17 Road 257, Maadi Saturday – Wednesday 1pm to 1am Thursday – Friday 1pm to 2am For reservations: 0101 600 0558 or 0101 600 0559

Style Treasure Christmas Bazaar 5th & 6th December 2014

Classes on Tuesday at 5:30pm & Saturdays at 12pm starting December, Flow Center 13 Dr Naguib Hashad Street, Garden Entrance Heliopolis, Al Qahirah, Egypt Tel: 0122 771 9608 www.flow-egypt.com

The Space - Business with a Mission The Space is committed to boosting the local economy by promoting small businesses. Under the concept of Reduce, Recycle and Reuse, The Space offers a variety of products from their recycled clothing options at the Vintage Corner, from home grown dried fruits and homemade Kay’s chutney at their Food Corner to supporting many NGOs in their Crafts Corner. You can sell your new to ‘almost new’ clothes or any other items like chinaware on consignment. 3 Road 16, Maadi From 12 to 7pm daily, expect Fridays Tel: 0100 179 1821

Kattameya Heights Clubhouse Exclusively for Kattameya Heights residents and clubhouse members, a two day shopping spree featuring some of Style Treasure's talented designers. From clothing to accessories, to home accents, furniture and more. Free gift-wrapping and credit card payments will be available. Facebook: The Style Treasure Christmas Bazaar at Kattameya Heights

The Eating the Rainbow HEALTHY SNACKS FOR KIDS Starting December 4th, 2014 In each day of the workshop, you will learn about and watch demonstrations of core recipes, followed by a tasting session and Q&A. DATE: Thursdays: December 4th, 11th, & the 18th TIME: 11:00am-1:30pm WHERE: Flow Wellness Center, Heliopolis FEE: 450 LE for all three sessions, or 180 LE for only one session Session 1: juices, purees, smoothies, and raw snacks Session 2: baked and gluten free snacks Session 3: lunchbox and sweet snacks

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Now open in cairo festival city

Now open in the district

WHAT’S NEW

new mobile shopping application Kickin' means awesome or cool. Therefore, Kickinshop.com is made for you to live the Cool Shopping Experience. Kickin' brings creative, colorful and vintage products that will always stand out in the crowd. Our Products are all about cool gadgets, colorful home accessories and creative fashion designs for you to enjoy. NŪn Center October Calendar

Farmers Market Every Saturday 10am – 2pm

A weekly get-together for Cairo’s Organic and GAP certified farmers, craftspeople and local producers, Nūn Center will provide you with all the fresh produce, baked goods, as well as other products, that you could possibly need.

Seeds of Consciousness workshop Dec 4 – 6 All Day

Aoun Abi Aoun & Shirin Sakr Seeds of consciousness - A path to your heart and the heart of humanity. This seminar includes spirituality as well as energetic science to enable you to evolve on an individual and collective level. Know & Heal Yourself through self-awareness and meditation.

Transcendental Meditation - Miral Shaaban Dec 4 - 7

Transcendental Meditation (TM) Technique is a simple, natural, effortless procedure practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It’s not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. It’s the most widely practiced, most researched, and most effective method of self-development.

Thai Yoga Massage – Bob Haddad Dec 11 - 13, All Day

This is a unique workshop by Bob Haddad who founded the Thai Yoga Alliance International. Whether you are an existing therapist looking to deepen your knowledge or whether you are looking at learning some precious techniques to comfort your loved ones, this course is for you.

First Aid & CPR for Children Jan 17, 11am – 3pm

The Emergency First Response Care for Children course is an innovative CPR, AED and First Aid training course that teaches participants how to provide emergency care for injured or ill children (ages one to eight) and infants less than one year old. Participants learn about the types of medical emergencies that children face, and how they differ from adult conditions.

Naturopathic Consultations Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays

The key principles of naturopathic medicine are to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities while treating the underlying cause of disease. In your first consult the N.D. will conduct an interview and help identify the root causes of your complaint. As a result, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual needs of the patient. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, mind-body medicine and acupuncture, may also be used during treatments

Martial Arts – Chi Kung Ongoing

MYoga & Prenatal Classes Ongoing

Based on 5 animals postures: Dragon, tiger, leopard, snake, and crane, this ancient taoist exercise helps to improve the internal and external health of the practitioner. The postures improve the chi circulation and the functions of the 5 organs: Kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen, and heart. New Yoga schedule & great teachers. We all need different things & that is also true when it comes to yoga. Come experience a selection of yoga classes that vary in styles, intensity, and timing. Check out our website for the exact class schedule www. nuncenter.com CAIROEASTMAG.COM

For Halloween, Akala surprised their guests by dressing up their staff in Halloween costumes for 3 consecutive days to celebrate the event. Everyone enjoyed the fun of the costumes which created a joyful vibe at the restaurant.

AKALA is to be expected to open soon at The Courtyard Maadi next to Bandar Mall by mid December to mid January. Stay tuned!

American Eagle Outfitters has announced the launch of its AEO Holiday Collections. The collections continue to emphasize individual style by incorporating unique textures, fun prints and chunky accessories in their casual collection. For those looking for the perfect outfit for their holiday events, the collection also brings customers fancy dresses and shirts. Winter usually means boring, ill-fitting and monotone sweaters - but not for the AEO Girl! This season is all about Navajo prints, lace, floral and sparkle sweaters. Girls can stay cozy but still look cute in feminine sweaters, cardigans and tops. Sparkle and shine is integrated in multiple items throughout the collection from sweaters to shift dresses. Lace and floral tops make great for layering under AEO denim jackets and cardigans. The collection stays grounded to the simple and casual AEO girl with lots of signature hoodies, tees and denim. For those of you traveling to cooler temperatures you can “Get Down” in down-filled puffer jackets and vests over colorful thermals. The Men’s Holiday Collection brings the rugged outdoors feel to life with heritage fleece and flannels, camouflage and thermals. Outerwear is big this season in menswear as down-filled puffer jackets come in a wide variety of colors from silver to red and orange! Denim and plaid western shirts are still an AEO staple this collection but with new styles, washes and colors. Layering is also key for the AEO guy this season as the collection includes lots of fleece, flannel, thermals and winter jackets and scarves.

EAST SIDE Last month Cairo Festival City (Al Futtaim Group) witnessed the grand opening of Cairo Fashion Festival 3 (CFF 3) brought to you by Souq.com. The bazaar featured over 50 different exhibitors. CFF 3 honored designer Farida Temraz who is back from London Fashion Week after her first runway show at CFF 2. This season CFF 3 showcased more designers and more fashion shows like Deana Shaaban Clothing from ABn’G World as well as Okhtein Bag Accessories, Norine Farrah, Heba Edris, Alia El-Nahhas, Iman Saab and Plush. The day started with casual shows courtesy of Levis, Timberland, Quicksilver, Rockport, Geox, Vans, Max, U.S Polo, and Splash. Designer Deana Shaaban, who collaborated with ABn’G and showcased their collection “Legends of the Fall,” which featured 12 different designs inspired by classic Disney movies! The haute couture fashion shows started with Jordanian bridal designer Heba Edris, followed by Iman Saab who wowed the crowd with her stunning masterpieces. Models were provided by Face to Face Agency (Youssef Spahi) and hair & makeup were done by Pace e Luce. A mini‐orchestra on the red carpet serenaded arriving guests and the band Screwdriver, as well as Cadencia provided musical entertainment. The event was hosted by famous actors Ashraf Hamdi and Amina Khalil. Amina was wearing a stunning dress provided by Malak El Ezzawy. Mona Siag provided jewelry for the designers. Vichi Blog, in association with Fashion Garage awarded the best-dressed male and female guests with a certificate. Building on CFF’s motives and values of sustainability and encouragement, CFF 3 has partnered with the ultra exclusive EGO Department Store to offer CFF designers a unique retail space in their store to showcase the designers’ products post‐event.

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Daniel Hechter, the sporty-chic, French brand, has re-launched in Egypt with the Autumn-Winter 2014 collection. Brand designers have given the new collection a more youthful and fashion-forward look. The Autumn-Winter 2014 women collection is based on five themes: French Kiss, Nature Spirit, Smokey Eyes, Rock around the clock, and Material Girl. They represent a casual, sportive, yet fashionable collection. All the themes are implemented with stylish cuts, trendy textures, and creative prints. For the men’s collection, softness is the keyword of inspiration and the core-theme. The men’s Autumn-Winter 2014-2015 is divided into the areas of “the business”, “the semi-dressed”, and “the weekend”: all areas impressed by the use of high quality materials, a variety of combinations, functional outfits, trendy colors, and modern details. In celebration of the re-launch, an in-store fashion show was held on November 13th, 2014 to present the new sportychic collection to the fashion world. The show took place at the new Daniel Hechter branch at the Cairo Festival City Mall, featuring a talk by Paul Antaki.

The Pull&Bear FW2014 collection was a feast for fashion connoisseurs at an exclusive event for media and select fashion bloggers at The Garden in Heliopolis. Guests enjoyed brunch and cocktails while getting their fashion fill of the season’s innovative textures, sophisticated finishes and inspired prints. The unique women’s collection features A-line dresses, pleats, culottes, aviator, and bomber jackets as key garments. Guests were ushered into fall/winter with color palettes including winter pastels, green hues, strong maroons and blues; combined with timeless white, black and camel. The FW 2014 collection from Pull&Bear features items to fit every individual style. Cold weather doesn’t matter when you already look this cool.

EAST SIDE

As a part of “Egyptian Automotive & Trading Co.” social responsibility, Volkswagen Egypt was honored to organize an event for SITI center’s children celebrating the renovation of treatment and training equipment. The main objective of SITI centre Caritas Egypt is “building a society for all.” This objective will be achieved by working alongside people with special needs, whether the needs are physical or psychological, to obtain rehabilitation and become integrated into the community to participate effectively as a member. Which is aligned with the “Egyptian Automotive & Trading Co.”mission, to participate in the developmental side of the individual. The programs work on many levels starting with staff training, to family rehabilitation to teaching families how to train their children with special needs, as well as training the children themselves to improve their chances of getting on an education. The program also helps adults with special needs get a fair chance in the labor market and achieve greater participation in their professional career. “Egyptian Automotive & Trading Co.” organized an entertainment ceremony that included some entertaining activities suitable for children and aligned with the training and rehabilitation programs.

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At Cairo Marriott Hotel This year the Cairo Marriott Hotel will be transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland” with the world’s favorite holidays, Christmas and New Year’s eve. The feeling of warmth, joy and sharing is our definition of Christmas. Santa will be waiting for our little ones to spend the holidays in a very special way this year. The breathtaking Christmas decorations and the long-awaited gingerbread will also make it a holiday to remember for the whole family. Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the kids at Roy’s Country Kitchen lunch buffet then pass by the “Bakery” for a treat of Christmas cookies, Santa Claus Chocolates, and Christmas cake. For your Christmas Eve dinner where better to celebrate than at our “Ristorante Tuscany” & “JW’s Steakhouse” with a lavish set menu that includes Duck Foie Gras, Oven Roasted Dover Sole, Crusted Rack Lamb and much more. On Christmas day a lunch set menu at “Saraya Gallery” awaits you with Sea Scallops, Lobster & Sweet Corn Tortellini and for our guests with a sweet tooth, we have prepared Banana Tart Tatin, Pistachio Ice cream and Dulce De Leche. Top off your holiday with a superb New Year’s celebration full of optimism, enthusiasm and pleasure at the hotel with a night-long Khedivial festivities. Enjoy a special set menu tailored for the festive occasion at “Saraya Gallery”, or at “Ristorante Tuscany” with the romance of Italy. At “JW’s Steakhouse” the violin will rule with the supreme U.S beef cuts. You can make it a night to remember and welcome the New Year at “Harry’s Pub” or pass by Egyptian Nights to see the famous belly dancer Maya.

Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo names Rehab Youssef as Director of Events. Joining from Semiramis Intercontinental, Fairmont, and Conrad hotels, Rehab brings 15 years of experience in hospitality working to this new role.

In the spirit of Christmas, by the 7th of December The First Residence’s Executive Chef Erwan Laurenceau will be holding a cooking class inspired by Christmas. STRADA, the fine dining Italian cuisine restaurant is holding its annual Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve December 24th. Chef Riccardo Parissi has prepared a joyful 4 course menu that brings an authentic Italian taste. On the following Friday December 26th, La Gourmandise at The First Mall will be holding its significant Friday Brunch inspired by the holiday season. On New Year’s Eve Lai Thai authentic Thai restaurant and STRADA will be opening their doors for a New Year’s dinner based on a delicious set menu. La Gourmandise will be hosting one of the biggest New Year’s parties in the city featuring live entertainment by a surprise super-star singer.

The newest addition to the Fairmont family is Lan Tania's Executive Chef Pitchaphat Duangkhum. “We are pleased to have Chef Pitchaphat on board,” said Marketing Manager Yara Atlam. “We’re sure she’s going to take Lan Tania to a new level, making it a market favorite in the city.” The stylish, yet conveniently positioned property welcomed some of Cairo’s hottest media outlets and influencers to partake in a day in the kitchen. Thai was the cuisine of the afternoon, and guests cooked up succulent dishes . Chef Duangkhum taught invitees how to extract the most flavor from an array of authentic Thai ingredients, including citrusy lemongrass, ginger-like galangal, fresh Kaffir lime leaves and bold red eye chili. Guests’ knife skills were put to the test, along with each of their five senses, in order to cook up a mouthwatering menu of Chicken Coconut Soup, Thai Beef Salad, Chicken and Beef Satay, Green Curry Prawns, Thai Beef Salad, and last but not least Cucumber Arjard Sauce and Peanut Sauce. An array of scrumptious bites, consumed by the happy bunch.

Kang Kaew, Goong (Green curry with shrimps) CAIROEASTMAG.COM

EAST SIDE

2014 is coming to an end, and it was quite a year full of events. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence is pleased to share in your celebrations with family and loved ones.