Ms JULY 12, 2015
ISSUE NO. 160
The name game Guide to choose the perfect name for a baby
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Dress smart this Eid page
6 inside En vogue — Sleek silhouettes
Domestic goddess —
Crispy chicken
Section In-Charge: Dilaira Dubash Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Designer: Umar Waqas Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk
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The inspirational Hina Jadav Sunil
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The buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JULY 12, 2015
by Hurmat Majid
The joys of having a child are innumerable. They can be as simple as the pregnancy glow everyone has been complimenting you on or the first time you see your little one in an ultrasound. But with the expectant arrival of the little bundle of joy a few months from now, there comes a great responsibility of picking the perfect name. Even though you may consider it a privilege and brainstorm all kinds of cool names for your offspring, remember the name should be one the child would be happy with rather than yourself. The idea of naming a child may appear seemingly easy but there is a lot that needs to be considered since the name you give your child is going to stick with them forever. Numerous researches suggest that a name can have a profound impact on a child that reverberates well into adulthood. For instance, if you give a boy a girly name, he could suffer from behavioural problems later in life. The same goes for unique names. Therefore, a significant amount of thought has to be put into finding a suitable name for your child, and the following dos and don’ts will ensure that you are on the right track.
Spend some time doing research on the possible names you have on your list. Consult family members and friends in the process to shortlist the best names. Find names with powerful meanings as the meaning of a name has great influence on the person it is attributed to. A name doesn’t necessarily have to come from the Arabic language, but Arabic names, specifically from the Quran, are preferable. If your heart is set on an Arabic name, consider names with a similar pronunciation in your local language. This would avoid changing the meaning of the name due to a shift in the pronunciation. Remember that Allah’s 99 names can only be used with the prefix Abdul, which means ‘servant of.’ For instance, Abdul Rahman means ‘servant of the Merciful’. It is also equally important to understand that if you are naming your child Muhammad, there is a certain amount of respect that the name commands. As a result, you and everyone around you will have to take the child’s full name as there is no room for shortening it to create a nickname.
Names that give an impression of pomposity and vainglory should be avoided. Even those that translate into ‘king of kings’ or ‘the most powerful of all’ are not a good idea as these names imply perfection which can only be attributed to Allah. You may have your heart set on a beautiful girly name, but if your child is a boy please avoid names such as Yasmeen or Sanober and save them a lifetime of awkward explanations. Another situation that should ideally be avoided is giving your child the same name as someone in your immediate family. However, if you do have your heart set on the name, then give your child a middle name as well to avoid confusion. There is a simple name etiquette that needs to be considered: if someone tells you they would like to give a certain name to their child and you like it too, then always ask them if they’re okay with you naming your child the same. Another mistake people make is to add a prefix to their child’s name, such as Umme or Abu, which mean ‘mother’ or ‘father’. For instance, Umme Kulsoom would mean Kulsoom’s mother. These names, although common in the Islamic tradition, were actually titles given to people to refer to them by their child’s names.
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JULY 12, 2015
SOURCE: MUSLIMNAMES.INFO
Apart from the aforementioned guidelines, people belonging to different religious or cultural backgrounds follow certain naming traditions. One such tradition is known as nisbat (meaning an affinity or connection between two people), according to which a child is named after someone with great religious significance with the belief that the child will mirror the qualities of the concerned person. This tradition is popular in the Shia community as many prefer naming their boys after one of the 12 Imams in the correct order. “The first male born in the family will be named Ali”, explains Samar Zehra Zaidi, a member of the community. “The next one shall be named Hassan and the one after that Hussain and so on and so forth,” she explains. In families where nisbat is practiced, it is common for boys to have a middle name in order to avoid confusion. Samra says that her family members use the full name to refer to the children. Many others in the community also use a common middle name, such as Fatima or Batool. On the other hand, some families follow a trend whereby grandparents select a name for their grandchildren. “My father-in-law chose names for all my children,” says Sajida Majid, a housewife and a mother of five. “He picked names from the Quran for all my daughters, but with my son he was adamant to name him Khalid, despite the girls wanting to name their brother Waqas,” she says, adding that the reason behind it was her father-in-law’s immense fondness of the name. Even though this is a declining trend as new parents want to name their own children, some still consider keeping elders in the loop a good idea. Even though selecting baby names is considered a big honour, it is eventually the name that matters the most and its meaning. The power that comes with naming a child can be both intimidating and addictive, so make a wise decision.
Hurmat Majid is a subeditor at The Express Tribune magazine desk. She tweets as @bhandprogramme
It may not be common practice in our culture to name children after their grandparents but it’s customary in some cultures around the world. In Judaism, there are specific rules that surround the tradition, depending on which part of the world the family is from. Ashkenzi Jews from Central and Eastern Europe name a newborn after a relative who has recently passed away, while Jews from the Middle East name a child after a grandparent who lives with them. The Greeks, on the other hand, name their first daughter after the paternal grandmother and the second after the maternal grandmother.
The Scots take this a step further, with a third son being named after the father and a third daughter after the mother. The French often use a child’s middle name to pay homage to a set of grandparents, using both grandmothers’ first names for a girl and both grandfathers’ names for a boy.
The Spanish, known for their traditionalism, have rigid rules till date. The first daughter is named after the paternal grandmother, whereas the first son is named after the paternal grandfather.
Design by Hira Fareed
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En vogue
Dazzle in Zari Faisal’s fusion collection this Eid Make-up and styling: Palwasha Yousuf Designer: Zari Faisal Photography: Humayun M at 18 Percent Grey Model: Syra Shehroz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JULY 12, 2015
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JULY 12, 2015
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Lifestyle
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JULY 12, 2015
Tired of searching for the best outfit this Eid? Follow our simple guide to look nothing less than a runway model By Neha Javed With Eid just around the corner, markets all over the country are flooded with women choosing and picking the finest to look their best this Eid. The ordeal of going from every nook of the city to get your hands on the most stylish attire can nonetheless be exhausting, especially when there is so much to choose from. But fret not as we have come up with a list of guidelines to help you choose your outfits making you look chic yet classy. Read on to find out what’s in and trending this Eid. The fusion collection: Fashion trends this Eid are a mix of Eastern and Western inspirations, a unique look with a classic appeal. In fact, even the fashion gurus this year have incorporated fun elements such as soothing colours, patterns and themes in their latest collections. So, don’t go all plain or all prints. Instead, add a little bit of both; for instance, if you are opting for a plain pastel coloured kurti, go for bottoms with artistic patterns — even floral can work wonders. If you are not a fan of patterns, then simple prints at the bottom of your cigarette pants can be enough to give you an edgy look. White is the new black: White is definitely the hottest colour this summer. From fashion weeks to the high street, white has become the go-to option. Even the models at Telenor Fashion Pakistan Week this year dazzled in white, upbeat dresses while across the border, renowned fashion designer and stylist Manish Malhotra showcased his Mijwan collection with a signature white segment. So set your heart on white, it will give you a vibrant look! But remember too much of anything is always a bad idea, so look for dresses that have coloured intricate embroidery around the neckline or daaman. We assure you that white can never go wrong!
Colour the summer with pastels: If you are not a white person, despite it being the most trending colour this season, go for pastels. Nude hues, greys, beige, off-white and subtle hints of pink are the next best option to give your Eid attire a soothing colour palette. Accessorise the right way: The best thing about Eid is that it gives us the opportunity to accessorise every outfit: three-days of sheer delight! However, remaining simple is the key to an elegant look. If your dress is adorned with unique embellishments, minimise the jewellery. Opt for simple studs for your ears, while a meek, thin bracelet will do the trick for a classic look. Beat the heat with nets and chiffon: Considering the soaring temperature, opt for summer-friendly material. Luxe fabrics such as organza, chiffon, cotton net and silk nets should be your go-to material. They allow you to look smart and are comfortable, giving you enough room to breathe. Invest in statement heels: With minimalism topping our guide, we suggest you to invest in statement heels to give your ‘outfit of the day’ a bold touch. Vibrant and graphic heels can make even your simplest, basic looks brand new!
Experts from the fashion industry share some advice to help you look glamorous this Eid.
Sania Maskatiya:
It is exceptionally hot this summer so consider using all pure fabrics, which are by nature breathable. On the other hand, pure fabrics give you a cool yet sophisticated look. Crepes, silk, cotton net and hand woven fabric should be preferred and are also considered soothing prints. If your outfit has a lot of colour, wear minimum accessories like a string of pearls or a nice pair of earrings. However, if you’re wearing a tone on tone or monochromatic outfit, add colour to compliment the prints.
Deepak Perwani: Light coloured collections on cotton and cotton net with a little bit of crepe silk and raw silk are the options this season. In fact, even our collection at the design house is very upbeat navy blue, purple and lilac. We have even opted for lots of embroidery and embellishments to give one a formal look and at the same time be comfortable enough to flaunt in the hot, humid weather. I suggest don’t go overboard with accessorising and, to look smart, style the dresses with only a nice pair of earrings or perhaps just a scarf.
Neha Javed is a textile designer. She likes to write about fashion and beauty in her free time.
Design/Illustration by Eesha Azam
Domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, JULY 12, 2015
By Huba Akbar
Pan-seared chicken thighs
Crispy chicken bits with nutritious boiled vegetables on the side
Ingredients
PHOTO: HUBA AKBAR
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Chicken thighs (with bone and skin) 4-6 pieces Garlic cloves (minced) 2 Fresh basil leaves (chopped) 1/2 cup Chili powder 1/2 tsp Red chili flakes 1 tbsp Mustard paste 1/2 tsp Coriander powder 1/2 tsp Olive oil 2 tbsp Cauliflower (small) 1 Carrot 1 Pinch of thyme Pinch of rosemary Freshly-ground black pepper 1 tsp Salt to taste
Method • Boil the vegetables, adding black pepper, red chili flakes and a pinch of salt to the water. Allow them to cook for about 15 minutes, making sure they do not become too soft. • Preheat the oven to 450o C. • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, red chili powder, mustard paste and coriander, rubbing the ingredients on both sides. • Heat olive oil at a medium-high temperature in a large, oven-friendly cast-iron skillet. Once the oil is hot, cook the chicken for about five minutes until it is crisp and golden-brown. • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken, flipping it over about half-way through. • In the meantime, fry the seasoned vegetables in the remaining olive oil at medium heat. Season the cooked vegetables with fresh basil leaves and pour in a little bit of the leftover residue water for added taste. • Retrieve the chicken from the oven and garnish it with thyme, rosemary, chilies and remaining basil leaves. • Serve the chicken and vegetables together, placed decoratively in a large plate.
Tips for the perfect crispy chicken skin When it comes to food, there are few things loved as universally as the classic chicken roast. Many favour the succulent white meat of the breast piece; others the flavourful legs or wings. Regardless, any bit of roasted chicken is incomplete without a deliciously crispy, golden-bronze layer of skin on top. From simple three-step methods to stringent, three-day preparations, no wonder there are so many recipes detailing how to get the chicken just right. We can’t tell you which recipe is the best but we can dole out some advice on how to achieve the perfect skin. Read on some quick tips for some finger-lickin’ chicken roast. 1. Your first step towards tasty meat, no matter what you are cooking, should always be high-quality, clean and healthy animals. We all love an indulgent meal but not at the expense of our health! 2. For maximum crispness, the skin on your bird has to be dry and remain dry. Leftover water will create steam which ultimately, inhibits crisping. Therefore, prep the chicken a day prior to cooking but dry it thoroughly inside and out once it has been rinsed. 3. Separating the skin from the meat also helps in crisping. For this, you should gently run your fingers between the skin and breast meat, being careful not to tear it. Many cooks add butter in between for extra taste but the ingredient contains water and creates moisture. 4. It is advisable to retrieve the chicken from the refrigerator at least half an hour prior to roasting. Different recipes recommend different styles of roasting — in pans or on racks, etcetera — but every recipe asks for adequate airflow around the meat. If you’re using a rack, make sure to start cooking breast-side down for a good crisp. 5. Unfortunately, the gas ovens we all use are the least helpful when it comes to crispiness. It is recommended that the chicken is cooked at a high temperature for it to cook through. However, it is always great to keep tabs on the internal temperature in the oven with a chef’s thermometer, lest the meat is overcooked. 6. Many professionals follow the age-old technique of pulling the chicken out about 10 minutes earlier. The bird will continue to cook once it is out of the oven as well. SOURCE: DARTAGNAN.COM/TIPS-FOR-CRISPY-CHICKEN-SKIN
Woman of the week 8
Posing for a selfie.
Enjoying at the beach with my son.
Author Reminiscing my wedding
When we are getting dressed every morning, the main thing we keep in mind is the weather. Other than that, pretty much anything goes so long as it suits us and we are looking and feeling good. But none of us ever give our outfits much thought from a health perspective. While proper hygiene and common sense can keep us safe, there are some serious health risks hiding in our closets, making our body vulnerable every time we wear them. Read on to find out about some common items of clothing which can be surprisingly detrimental to the human body. We might love how good our legs look in these figure-hugging pants but there is a high chance they may be compressing the nerves in the groin and leg region, restricting blood flow. This can lead to muscle damage, swelling and even numbness. These symptoms might sound a bit extreme but when we wear clothing that’s too tight, the fabric rubs against skin and disrupts the natural skin barrier that protects us from infections. Also, skin tight clothing produces more sweat, creating the ideal breeding ground for viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Therefore, if skinny jeans are your go-to fashion fix then opt for ones that have a little stretch in the material and wash them after every couple wears. In fact, it is best to avoid wearing them for long periods of time. No matter how confortable they might be, it’s important to change your pajamas as regularly as underwear — particularly if you sleep without the latter. For those who don’t know, a rivet-button is the round, metallic piece of hardware that secures our jeans at the waist. Since this button comprises of nickel, a common skin irritant, it often triggers rashes just below the belly. A great solution is to just apply clear nail polish on to the rivet to provide a barrier between the metal and skin.
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According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, wearing high heels just a few times a week, over a long period of time can lead to imbalances in the ankle muscles and set one up for injury. Fortunately for heel-lovers, however, the research also points out that heel lifts and drops can help curtail the damage, in case flat shoes aren’t an option. Experts claim that flip-flops expose the feet to all kinds of external impurities like dirt, bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause infection. On top of this, sandals can disfigure toes and affect our postures adversely. Flat shoes are also the leading cause of heel and back pains so save them for the shower and rely on more supportive footwear for everywhere else. SOURCE: COSMOPOLITAN.COM
The wrong type, size and colour of lingerie are perhaps the most detrimental of all clothing items. For instance, the fabric dyes in coloured underwear have been shown to irritate the delicate skin in the nether regions, often leading to infections and general discomfort. Coloured undergarments made of synthetic materials are the most harmful so the best option is to stick to plain, cotton whites. In addition to this, the wire found in most underwired bras is, once again, comprised of nickel. To protect yourself, remove the wire from your bras, coat it with nail enamel and place it back in.
Design by Eesha Azam