The Express Tribune hi five - October 19

Ms OCTOBER 19, 2014

ISSUE NO. 122

Bridal Galore

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For A Happy You

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inside lifestyle —

How to be a morning person

domestic goddess —

Experience the goodness of Thai food

Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk

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The Ethnic Goddess Zara Shahjahan

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Ms

the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 19, 2014

by Mehreen Ovais

Does happiness really wane as women age?

Ask any woman about ageing and she probably won’t respond in the same vein as Cameron Diaz does, every time she is probed about being in her forties. “It’s the best age,” the 42-year-old actress recently told Esquire Magazine. “That’s when a woman knows how to work things or she doesn’t care about that anymore. You just stop being afraid!”

Unfortunately, women around the world don’t share the same enthusiasm as Diaz, and associate ageing with deteriorating health, psychosocial problems and fading beauty. For most of us, ageing is a long, arduous decline from sunny mountain peaks towards the valley of death — something to be dreaded and delayed as much as possible. We obsess over the faintest wrinkles, indulge in gruelling diets and buy expensive anti-ageing products — all in the hope to hinder, if not reverse, the natural process of growing old. What remains unclear, however, is exactly why we are so terrified of something so inevitable. “Our perception of old age is very dark,” explains 60-year-old homemaker Sultana Habib. “We believe the older we get, the less happy we will be.

For me, it was always the idea of being unhappy that made me fear old age. ” Although Sultana admits that she doesn’t feel unhappy, despite having become a grandmother, her experience implies that a woman’s happiness is inversely proportional to how old she is — or at least, so she might think. It leads us to question whether there is any legitimacy to this fear women suffer from. Is there really some sort of natural trajectory of happiness across the female lifespan and if yes, then when exactly are women their happiest?

According to renowned British newspaper, The Daily Mail, the ripe age of female contentment falls around the mid-twenties as this is when women generally embark on exciting new journeys like careers, marriage and motherhood. The results — derived from a study of over 2,000 women — depicted lower stress levels around the age of 25 as this is when women are most satisfied with themselves — mind, body and soul.

A woman within this age bracket has figured out her body image. And with ample time to invest in her personal and professional growth, the 20-something enjoys an active, flexible life without having to worry about keeping house or raising children.

However, as a woman gradually progresses towards her thirties, she can no longer live as voraciously as she used to and her happiness often takes a U-turn. By this time, she has settled into her career, found a partner and is contemplating having a family. The constant pressure to balance domestic and professional life takes a toll on many a 30-something woman, as explained by 35-year-old banker Farheen Anwar.

“My boss takes up all my time during the day and my nights

belong to my husband and daughters completely,” she shares.

“I wouldn’t say I am unhappy but I am definitely exhausted all the time. It often makes me grouchy and I end up frustrated with everyone and everything.”

The thirties era can, therefore, be very tiring as the average woman has a great deal on her plate. In fact, according to popular British nutritionist and well-being expert Amanda Hamilton, this decade is the worst. “It is interesting to note how women can go from the happiest, most carefree time of their lives to the most stressful one in just under a decade,” she says. Farheen lends credence to Amanda’s assertion by sharing her inner-most fears as a woman of her age. “I am perpetually in a state of worry,” she confesses. “I worry about everything from my husband’s job to not having enough money for my daughters and even the maid cleaning my house!”

There is, however, a flipside to the coin. For some women, the twenties can arguably be worse due to the pressures of finding the right partner, maintaining an attractive appearance and

• Hate the queasy feeling of butterflies in your tummy? Dont! Research from the University of Rochester has proved that racing of your pulse, outbreak of sweat and nervous stomach are actually nature’s way of carrying oxygen to your brain in times of stress and anxiety. This helps us overcome the shock and perform better under pressure.

• According to a study conducted at the Harvard Business School, the more work you have to do, the more likely you are to have control over yourself and your emotions. This results in a great moral boost and lower stress so that you can continue toiling away.

• When the human body has too much going on, it tends to breathe in a steady, rhythmic fashion. When we sigh out of stress or exhaustion, we actually open air sacs inside us that have stiffened due to frustration or disappointment. Keeping this in mind, we can safely say that softly breathing in and out can actually relieve you of your stress.

• The death of a loved one is considered to be the worst inducer of anxiety but the experience can also make one more compassionate and peaceful in life as it reminds us of mortality and encourages us to appreciate the good in our lives.

SOURCE: OPRAH.COM

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 19, 2014

20’s

During her twenties a woman is the most happiest and active. She has no responsiblities or commitments to worry about. She has enough time to invest in both her personal and professional life by making the best decisions.

In her thirties, a woman is faced with a lot of issues to worry about, from taking care of her family to giving her 100% at work. During this period, she finds herself trapped in a constant struggle between her professional and personal life, which ends up draining her.

40’s

30’s

A woman is independent and self-assured in her forties. A period where she is content with life has less on her plate to worry about and more time for herself.

We all love the beautiful Cameron Diaz for her acting prowess but did you know she is now a published author as well? In December 2013, the Hollywood diva released her first book entitled The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength and Other Way to Love Your Amazing Body. Now a New York Times bestseller, the book educates women on how to feed, move and care for their bodies and lead a strong, healthy life. Cameron shares some of her own reallife experiences about nutrition and exercise and encourages women to love themselves, regardless of their shape and size.

establishing a career for financial stability. “It all depends on a person’s priorities and personality,” explains 24-year-old aspiring doctor Maleeha Khan. “Right now, my main source of worry is landing a house job for myself. On the other hand, some of my colleagues are looking to get married.” The latter also places a great strain on young women who often find themselves under the scrutiny of prospective in-laws, trying to impress them. “I can’t wait until we grow out of this stage,” says Maleeha. “There is so much work we must do to make our mark that we get drained emotionally, regardless of what our aspirations may be.”

Perhaps it’s for this reason that a woman begins to feel more self-assured, independent and liberated upon reaching the later half of her life. “By my 40s, my children were older and my husband and I had saved enough for their education and marriage,” shares Sultana. “Overall, I think I was calmer then than ever before. I had more time to myself. I exercised regularly and felt healthy too.”

Ideally, the average woman has, by now, ticked off some major goals and settled into her personal and professional state completely. Not only has she learnt from her mistakes and honed her knowledge of the world, she also possesses the resources to deal with any adversity life may throw her way. She is free from apprehension and familial or societal constraints she might have had to adhere to previously.

A lifestyle study conducted by Chicago-based consulting think tank, the TrendSight Group, also states that women are happiest during the ‘second adulthood’ phase of life: the 50s to 70s. This was furthered by research undertaken

by Dr Saverio Stranges at the University of Warwick which studied 10,000 participants across the UK and US and found that people had better mental quality of life as they grew older. “We suggest that this could be due to better coping abilities, an interpretation supported by previous research showing older people tend to have internal mechanisms to deal better with hardship or negative circumstances than those who are younger,” said Saverio about his study. He also cited lowered expectations from life as a contributing factor since older people feel less pressure in both personal and professional spheres. This phenomenon has led to the coining of the term ‘PrimeTime Women’ by Marti Barletta, founder of the TrendSight Group, for women who feel at their peak during their latter years.

Of course, the evidence provides merely an estimate of findings. In actuality, it is very difficult to determine something as subjective as the level of happiness one feels, for it depends on the personality and mental health of the subject. Not to mention, happiness is directly affected by the individual experiences one might have had in their lifetime.

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Ms

en vogue

Nida Azwer showcases her latest bridal collection Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Styling: Tabish Khoja Hair & makeup: N Pro by Nabila Designer: Nida Azwer Photography: Umair bin Nisar Model: Areeba Habib

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 19, 2014

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 19, 2014

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lifestyle

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 19, 2014

by Wishal Khalid

Good news for all night owls! You too can now wake up bright-eyed and fresh in the mornings. Research shows that students and professionals who haven’t had a good night’s sleep and must adhere to early morning check-ins end up compromising their attention span. This tired and disruptive state of mind hinders productivity and they achieve lesser than those who are well-rested in the mornings.

But fret not, night-crawlers! Follow these quick and easy tips to rise and shine every morning. After all, the early bird gets the worm.

A real eye opener: Invite light in!

Science has proven that the human brain is sensitive to light and temperature, explaining why we find it hard to sleep well after a certain time in the morning – particularly when the sun comes up. If you have trouble waking up in the morning, you should place your bed in front of or near the window so that the sunlight may wake you up.

Exercise: The earlier, the better!

According to fitness guru Jeannette Faruque, a quick pre-breakfast work out is perhaps the best way to wake your body up. “Early morning exercise is particularly helpful for an active state of mind and body throughout the day,” she says.

“A simple 15 minute walk around your garden can energise you and give some much-needed fresh air as outdoors are always better than indoors,” adds Jeannette.

If you are unable to head out in the wee hours of the morning, 15 minutes on the treadmill will also do you good. “Exercising in the mornings not only brightens your day but also keeps weight in check,” shares health-enthusiast and aspiring doctor, Maleeha Khan. “It’s a great way for busy women to get active before they begin the day’s activities.”

For those who are willing to go the extra mile, Jeannette recommends five rounds of the popular yogi mantra, The Sun Salutation. This involves a sequence of yoga poses – designed to be done in the direction of the sun – which stretch, warm and awaken the human body. Practising the Salutation every day will gradually strengthen your body and make it supple so it’s great not just for early mornings but your muscles as well!

Have a glass full of these delicious energy drinks for breakfast and stay healthy and alert throughout the day.

• Banana-almond crush: Mix two bananas, one cup of orange juice, 3/4 cup plain yogurt and one tablespoon of raw honey together. Dash it with 1/3 cup of raw almonds and a dash of nutmeg.

• Blueberry breakfast shake: Blend together 2 and 1/2 cups of frozen blueberries, 1 and 1/4 cups of apple juice, 1 cup frozen yogurt (vanilla) and 1/4 cup of skim milk in a food processor. Add 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for added taste.

• Lemonade wake-up call: Mix one cup lemonade, 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 3/4 cup of pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup pineapple juice and ice tremendously well to make this revitalising energy drink.

• Ginger mix: A glass of warm water with a dash of lemon juice and some ginger is a great antioxidant and serves as the ideal pick-me-up in the morning.

MORNING MIND TRICKS Are you a Smartphone addict looking to become a morning person? Try these cool, new morning apps to stimulate your brain every morning.

The Sleep Cycle Alarm App: Available on both Apple and Android, the app tracks your sleep cycle by monitoring your movements through the night. Sleep Cycle then uses a three minute alarm window that ends at the alarm time set by you and wakes you up in the lightest phase of your sleep.

The Math Alarm App: This fun app doesn’t let you hit snooze until you have successfully solved a math problem, by which time your brain is too awake to go back to sleep.

The Rise Alarm App: Thanks to Rise, you can create your own morning playlist! Wake up and get into the groove to your favourite songs without having to move a muscle. Rise also offers an option for a going-to-sleep playlist as well.

SOURCE: ENTREPRENUER.COM

Napping: No More!

Diet: Proteins by day, dairy by night!

The food you eat plays an integral role in your physical and psychological well-being.

Generally, we should include a portion of each food group in our daily diet but what should you eat to boost your energy? According to Dr Moti Khan, a nutritionist at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, “The reason why most people are dull during the day is because they either choose to eat too heavy a breakfast or skip the meal completely.” Moti advises against consuming rich dishes like fried eggs and parathay as these can cause acidity and eventually trouble the body. “The word breakfast literally means breaking the fast from the previous night,” she explains. “It acts as your energy fuel for the rest of the day so it must be healthy.” A hearty breakfast can include: • A bowl of whole-wheat cereal with milk and fruit • Two slices of bread with egg or milk • A plain roti with either egg or yogurt and one fruit • An omelette sandwhich with butter and a glass of milk Most nutritionists also suggest consuming protein during the day as they are harder to digest than other food groups and disrupt your sleep cycle if consumed at night. It is better to indulge in dairy products post sundown as these contain tryptophan which is known to induce sleep.

It is also advisable to replace your morning coffee run with a simple cup of tea, so long as it doesn’t serve as breakfast. Caffeine in the coffee gives a sudden energy boost which eventually dulls the senses down later on.

Napping for more than 25 minutes during the day makes it difficult to sleep at night, triggering a cycle of late nights and rough mornings. It is best to avoid napping unless you feel you can’t continue without the shut-eye.

Night-time activities: No burning the midnight oil How can you possibly become more of a morning person if you don’t get sufficient hours of good quality sleep? Your nocturnal routine is essential in determining whether you wake up on the right or wrong side of the bed and must be kept in check. For instance, both Jeannette and Moti recommend an early dinner – at least four hours prior to bedtime.

“You should be done with eating maximum by half past eight,” says Moti. “This will give your body ample time to digest meals properly.” Smoking, too, should be avoided at night for cigarettes contain nicotine, a drug so addictive that the body craves it during sleep as well, causing restlessness and insomnia.

Many people consciously slash an hour or two from their day to rake in more hours of rest. Trimming evening or late-night obligations down prevents overexertion of the human body and induces slumber, increasing the chance of you waking up happy the next day. Of course, once you are in bed, you must keep all electronic devices off and focus on falling asleep.

In fact, Maleeha suggests turning the volumes of your TV and phones low during the night to lull you into sleep mode. “This helps condition the mind to slow down at night. It’s hard to relax if your room is as loud at bedtime as it is at five pm.”

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 19, 2014

By Huba Akbar

Bring restaurant-style Thai food to your home with this quick and easy recipe for everyone’s favourite green coconut curry. It is fragrant, creamy and rich in the sweet goodness of coconuts and chicken.

Yogurt 1 cup Salt 1 tsp Medium-sized onion (chopped) 1 Medium-sized green chillies 30

Coconut powder (dried) 1/2 cup Coconut cream 2 tbsp Roasted cumin powder 2 tbsp Ginger garlic paste 1 tbsp

Fresh coriander 1 cup

Garlic cloves 10

Mint leaves 6

Chicken chunks

Oil 4 tbsp

Benefits of coconut consumption Coconut is one of the most beneficial fruits on the planet.

There are several advantages of consuming coconut in every form, be it raw coconut milk. In fact, the fruit is so beneficial that residents of the Pacific islands regard palm trees (which bears coconuts) as ‘Trees of Life.’ Some major benefits include: • Coconut is full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids that kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. As a result, coconut helps prevent illnesses such like influenza, herpes, bronchitis and urinary tract infection.

• Raw coconut helps develop strong bones and teeth.

• The fruit speeds up metabolism and provides an immediate source of energy. Faster metabolism prevents obesity and the instant boost of energy also results in an improved physical and athletic performance.

• Coconut reduces the risk of diabetes as it assists in the release of stress from the pancreas and enzymes in the body. It also reduces sweet cravings owing to the healthy fat in coconut that slows down spikes in blood sugar.

• Coconut-eaters are protected against heart diseases as the fruit provides good fat and lowers the ratio between good and bad cholesterol. This also prevents brain disorders such as Alzheimers.

Use coconut oil outside the kitchen Method • Add yogurt, coriander, mint leaves, green chillies, garlic cloves, cumin powder and dried coconut powder in a blender and blitz into a smooth paste.

• In a pan, heat oil and add ginger garlic paste to it. Fry the chicken, adding salt according to taste.

• Pour in the blended green mixture into the pan and cook until the chicken is tender.

• Serve with boiled rice or bread. Your delicious Thai delicacy is now ready.

• Make a homemade moisturiser by mixing coconut oil with baking soda and rubbing it onto your skin in circular motion. The solution works as a great exfoliant and hydrates the skin. You may also use the solution on your teeth for a quick, pearly-white effect.

• Coconut oil mixed with honey is a cheap and effective source of fatty acids which condition and soften the hair from the first wash. Apply the mixture onto your hair and let it sit for about 40 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water.

• Mix some tea tree oil with coconut oil for soft and deodorised feet without any cracks or calluses. Gently massage the oil into the soles of your feet at night and slip on a pair of socks to lock in the moisture. This can also help prevent Athlete’s Foot, a contagious infection which causes fungus around the toes.

woman of the week 8 e world A glimpse into th rhouses we po i of Pakistan

At Kensington

Palace.

With Ali Zafar, Ayesha Fazli and Saif in Bombay.

Fashion Designer

At Lakme Fashion

Week 2014 in Ind ia.

Heels to Die For! Marilyn Monroe nailed it when she said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” We’ve all experienced it — that strange surge of confidence and attitude with each click of our heels. Yup, that’s exactly what we are going for with this short guide to the ideal pair of heels for every occasion. It’s retail therapy at its best!

Stilettos: The queen of high-heels, stilettos might be a little difficult to walk in but add an elegance unparalleled by any other shoe. The stiletto — literally meaning a small, metal dagger — can range from two to 10 inches and make you stand tall in a large crowd. And the best part is that a smoking pair of stilettos can transform even the most boring outfit into something to die for. A word of warning though: make sure the height of the heel is comfortable enough for you to walk in lest you trip!

Where to wear? Evening parties and semi-formal to formal events Where to get? Servis Shoes, starting from Rs 1,499.

Wedges: Casual, chic and the rulers of summer footwear, wedges are flat on the top to make it easy to for you to walk in. The wide, flat sole distributes your weight across the shoe and affords good posture and balance. Wedges are designed to give more arch support and are ideal for a newbie heel-wearer or those with knee, back or ankle problems.

Where to wear? Wedges look great with pants, shoes and shalwar-kameez so they can be worn with any type of outfit, be it formal or casual.

Where to get? Bata (Marie Claire), worth Rs 2,999.

Kittens: Despite many new trends in the footwear industry, kitten heels have never gone out of fashion. These traditional-looking shoes were first introduced as ‘trainer heels’ for girls. The style was then popularised during the 1950s by the late Audrey Hepburn, a style icon of her era. At just about two inches high, kitten heels are the ideal mix of comfort and elegance and can be worn by girls and women alike. Kitten heels are also easily adaptable — they look as stylish in the boardroom as on the dance floor.

Where to wear? Casual lunches, tea parties or other day-time outings. You can also wear them to work.

Where to get? Lace Up, worth Rs 2,295.

Boots: Boots are the most versatile type of shoes. Ankle-length, cowboy style, concealedheal, above-the-knee and Uggs are just some of the many types of boots available in the market today. By design, boots combine heels and flat shoes, meaning you can find boots with stiletto heels, wedge heels or no heel at all. Not only can they be worn throughout the year and add a few inches to your height but knee-high boots also give a perfect fit around your shin which makes you appear slimmer. Remember to match the colour of your boots with your top, purse or scarf to give your outfit a complete look!

Where to wear? Boots are good to go for just about any gathering, except official ones.

Where to get? Next, starting from approximately Rs. 3,000.

Pumps and platforms heels: These must-have shoes are rounded at the front and heeled at the bottom, making them a mix of stilettos and ballerina-pumps. The round shape of the heel helps elevate your foot and make the shoe easy to walk in.

Where to wear? These shoes look great with skinny or straight-fitted pants so they can be worn to both formal events and casual gatherings.

Where to get? Metro Shoes for Rs 2,395 or Insignia worth Rs 8,900.