FACES Issue No. 132 by FACES OMAN

Celebrate Love With FACES On Its Grand 11th Anniversary

Issue 132, February 2018

FACES is 11! FACES, your cherished lifestyle magazine turns 11 this month, Celebrate Love With FACES On Its Grand strengthening its commitment to 11th Anniversary present fresh and contemporary content that is engaging and visually gratifying. Since its inception as the A-5 sized baby in 2007, it has grown into a recognised lifestyle and leisure publication, geared to take on the challenges shadowing the print media with its lucid style and presentation. It has, in the recent past, complemented its print edition with a strong and interactive online presence, even earning a spot in the ‘Top 20 Oman Blogs’ by Feedspot. The mood is, indeed, upbeat in the FACES camp, with this February issue setting the pace for the coming months. To give the month a fitting tribute, we have raised the scaffolding to build, page by page, the universal emotion of love. We have captured the colours, moods and expressions of love in this special anniversary issue, making it a harbinger of all good things that the year promises to usher. We have captured the essence of love, giving marching orders to all things mundane and routine. Whether it is our fashion pages, travel segment or the cover story, love is resplendent in its myriad hues here. The cover story, in particular, takes away the overplayed commercial rigmarole to set the pace for love on an elevated platform. The warm notes of love are replayed in different strokes by our panel of prominent personalities, as they press the pause button to reflect on the universal emotion and present their perspectives on the same. Our regular pages will give love its due to make February all the more special: homes that shine with ‘hygge’, honeymoon destinations that celebrate the spirit of Game of Thrones, gifts that state I-Love-You, soul mates that strengthen the threads of love, fashion that dictate the moods of the season and beauty that spells love. v e o l ia L Spec s Love FACES is unashamedly going over the top ng with its celebration of LOVE this February. sions this ful expres iz its colour love and s and a qu Celebrate with gadgets, app season

All T hi

Family Attitude Class Entertainment Success

Editor’s Note

CONTACT Telephone +968 24136771/2 Email - Editorial editor@facesoman.com Email - Sales sales@facesoman.com Website www.facesoman.com

e of the tim s A Lovegin and pp Gad ets

nships ce relatio long distan your sleeve to foster r heart on ts crafted the gadge make you wear you to Check out Pillowtalk designed s a love guru t app and exactly wha a long , this little suggests t you to As the s to aler special. uses ring gadget someone s from that nology – smart message ected rable tech It is a wea rings - that is conn tooth. and Blue via bracelets smartphoone will receive to your d, you ecte ations Once conn alerts through vibr ring ed ts, ensu ligh customis d ur-code and colo never that you will sages from mes miss any d one. your love

Ringly name

Yes, there is something about love and February. As if Valentine’s Day refuses to be contained to 14th, spilling its brilliant and vibrating hues of love on to the entire month… Come along and savour the delights of Love with FACES!

This is ed for prescrib ial would have ionship. It is a spec relat a case ected to distance that is conn your partner’s bracelet ed under ts and that is plac heartbea get transmit r. The gad pillow to othe , the nts to each real time moveme to feel, in your allows you ements of ther. ts and mov were toge heartbea as if you better half,

Happy anniversary to us!

ruary 201

Feb 44 FACES

Founder / Essa Bin Mohammed Al Zedjali

We are on Facebook! ‘FACES Magazine, Oman’

Chairman & Editor-in-Chief / Mohammed Issa Al Zedjali

Published By / Muscat Media Group

Chief Executive Officer / Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali

PB 770, PC 112, Ruwi, Oman

Business Director / Sophia Raman

Tel: +968 24 811953 . Fax: +968 24 813153

Editorial Consultant / Suzy Fontes

Printed At / Oriental Printing Press

Art Director / Pushpender K. Sharma

Tel: +968 24816952, 24815330

Operations / M.V.V. Sagar Copyright 2018 FACES / All material published remains the copyright of FACES. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. FACES cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material.

FACES Features 12 Cover Story

A tribute to ‘love’ from people who have earned distinction in their chosen paths, proving, once again, that love will continue to rule this world

18 In Conversation

Clews Everard, the brain behind Sununu Muscat, wants to inspire a community of creative folks to explore the world of upcycling and create works of ‘art’ that are emotionally uplifting

20 In The Spotlight

The 18th edition of the popular Muscat Festival, which got underway with the theme ‘Let’s Celebrate Together’, will culminate with the high-voltage Tour of Oman

22 Centre Stage

‘Mastering handstands taught me to stand out of my comfort zone, literally as well as metaphorically’, says Oman’s celebrated handstand artist, Fahad Al Abri

24 Feast On

Whether you are a Thai food devotee or a novice in the arena of Thailand’s culinary marvels, a visit to Kun Restaurant is in order to get a taste of authentic Thai fare

26 Let’s Cook -

Spread the joys of the pleasant season with Simran Dhanju’s winter special recipes Feel the sweet vibes of the season with desserts that spell love

FACES Travel

30 Explore Oman

Oman’s diverse topography is designed for tourists and visitors of every kind, more so fitness enthusiasts who seek destinations that boost their passion

32 Just Travel -

Explore the dramatic vistas of destinations captured in the popular Game of Thrones series Check out some of the romantic destinations for a perfectly planned proposal

FACES Style 28 In The Luxe

With Valentine’s Day round the corner, it’s crucial to find the most heartfelt gift for your partner

36 Look Good

Does being in love make your skin glow?

FACES SPECIAL 44 Special Love

Celebrate love and its colourful expressions this season with gadgets, apps and a quiz

FACES Razzmatazz 08 Star Light

As Meghan Markle gets set to walk down the aisle with Prince Harry, take a quick look at her strong feminist trait

38 Style File

10 Razzle Dazzle

FACES Elements

11 Tittle Tattle

Find out the vibrant colours of love and how they can be worn this season

48 At Home

Experience hygge (Danish for togetherness/cosiness) with simple tweaks and little décor additions in your home

50 Relatively Speaking The belief that soul mates exist and that they are bound together by nature itself, may have the sound and feel of romantic tittle-tattle, but even naysayers will have to admit that certain people are, apparently, destined to be together

52 Mandate

There may be myriad ways to express your feelings for your partner, but saying ‘I love you’ beats them all

Latest celebrity gossip from the world of Hollywood

Heard through the grapevine...

FACES Digest

58 Movies & Books Reviews of upcoming movies and books

60 Gadget Notes

Roundup of new gadgets in the market

Samsung launches Galaxy A8 and A8+ in Oman Samsung Gulf Electronics announced the launch of Galaxy A8 and A8+ in Oman, offering users a stylish design, practical everyday features, advanced camera capabilities, and more. The Galaxy A8 and A8+ also feature Samsung’s staple Infinity Display, enabling an expanded screen size without increasing the size of the phone. With an immersive 18.5:9 display ratio, the smartphones provide an even wider cinematic viewing experience when watching movies or playing games. For the first time in the Galaxy A series, the Galaxy A8 and A8+ feature a 16MP+8MP F1.9 Dual Front Camera to help you capture who you really are at all times. The Dual Front Camera consists of two separate cameras so you can switch between the two to snap bright, clear selfies from crystal clear group photos, to portrait shots with an impressive bokeh effect.

SPAR Oman launches ‘Natural’ To deliver the freshest and healthiest foods to customers and satisfy the growing demand for organic food and drink, SPAR Oman has launched a ‘Natural’ concept at its Madinat Sultan Qaboos branch. It has added products in multiple categories, including gluten free, organic, vegan, wheat free, vegetarian, dairy free, lactose free and sugar free, at the section. SPAR Oman’s organic fruits and vegetables have been sourced from a family farm in Oman, which produces leafy vegetables, fruits, eggs, poultry, milk and meat. This farm is certified by USDA. In all, there are 268 organic and natural products and they will be sourced from countries including Germany, Italy, USA, United Arab Emirates, India, UK, Canada, and many others. The natural products range will include snacks, breakfast items, baby food, confectionery, culinary product, instant prepared food, pulses, breads and rolls, to name a few.

Kargeen Nights now at Muscat Bay Celebrate Omani culture and enjoy Arabian cuisine under the stars at Kargeen Nights, on alternate Fridays at Muscat Bay. Muscat Bay and Kargeen have announced an ongoing series of exclusive VIP dinners at the Experience Centre at Muscat Bay. Kargeen will welcome guests every second Friday, serving up their unique blend of exquisite chicken, beef, lamb and fresh seafood, all 100 percent Halal cuisine, accompanied by an assortment of side dishes and drinks, on a beautiful candle light setting on the lawns of Muscat Bay. Dinner will be served from 7pm to 9:30pm, followed by entertaining eastern music that will extend beyond midnight. Commenting on the launch of Kargeen Nights, Paul Jessup, Vice President of Sales and Marketing said, “We are thrilled to join hands with Kargeen, which is renowned for its exquisite Arabian cuisine, and a relaxing Omani atmosphere.”

FACES February 2018

Beaconhouse International Student Convention Beaconhouse School Muscat is all set to host the prestigious 5 nation Beaconhouse International Student Convention (BISC) on February 20 and 21 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The mega international event, titled ‘Multiple Literacies for a World of Tomorrow’, is the third in the series. It is endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Education. This one-of-a-kind international event will see over 200 Beaconhouse students from Oman, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan and Philippines participate in Futsal, Basketball, Table Tennis, Swimming and Athletics competitions, as well as a host of other activities including: BISC-Talks (the art of oration and discussion), BISC Idol (the search for the next singing sensation), BISC Film Festival (the quest for the next Spielberg), BISQUIZ Show (dueling of brilliant minds), BISCLICK (viewing the world through the eyes of an artist), BISC Exploratorium (a science challenge for our young Einstiens), BISC Biennale (searching for our new Picasso) and the BISC Cultural Show (showcasing the heritage and traditions of participating countries).

MRM unveils first floating Aqua Park in Al Batinah Millennium Resort Mussanah (MRM) inaugurated the first floating aqua park in Al Batinah region. The floating aqua park has a capacity to entertain up to 120 people every hour, with its twists, turns, and sensational creations. The thrilling attraction is situated in the resort’s private marina and leverages the expertise of world-renowned design company Aflex Technology. Welcoming visitors of all ages from its custom-made gangway, the wide variety of world-class rides include plenty of jumps, slides, and spills to keep thrill-seekers busy for hours. A three-metre high tower promises to challenge the most adventurous and stake its claim as the floating aqua park’s leading attraction. Permanent life guards and instructors will be on hand to ensure visitors enjoy optimal security and fun-filled experience throughout their stay.

Turbine & Taps now open at Sheraton Oman Turbine & Taps, an industrial-style restaurant and lounge, recently opened its doors at Sheraton Oman Hotel. Inspired from an era where service, industry and engineering were at the forefront of innovation, Turbine & Taps promises guests engineered mixology, curated blends and a world of hops. With a host of culinary firsts and an extensive gallery of beverages to explore in contemporary style, guests are invited to dine amidst brushed metals, soft leather and bolted detailing, while listening to the smooth beats of resident DJ Loona. Turbine & Taps presents signature dishes such as sticky tamarind-chilli beef short ribs and crunchy creole mustard chicken, encouraging guests to be transported to a time where after-hours were relished and food and drink plentiful.

New features at COMEX 2018 Showcasing trends and breakthrough technologies that impact the way people live, communicate, work and network in the 21st century, Comex will be held from 23-28 April 2018 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Special emphasis is being given this year to Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics, Oil & Gas, Tourism, Healthcare and Education. The private sector’s role in aiding this transformation will be highlighted at Comex Business from 23-25 April 2018 with a special focus on corporate solutions relating to Augmented & Virtual Reality, Smart Cities, Cybersecurity, 3D Printing, Big Data, Cloud Data Centres and Artificial Intelligence. Correspondingly, the public sector’s role in creating the regulatory framework and both corporate and citizen based services through secure connectivity will be showcased at Comex E-Oman. Comex Shopper, held from 24-28 April 2018, will cater to homeowners hoping to invest in smart homes and consumer electronics that offer new and smarter ways to live.

February 2018 FACES

When SPARKS Fly

light

As Meghan Markle gets set to walk down the aisle with Prince Harry, here is a quick look at her strong feminist trait ‘I am proud to be a woman and a feminist.’ Those where Meghan Markle’s opening lines as she addressed the gathering on the 20th anniversary of Beijing Women’s Conference in 2015. There was nothing new in that statement; Meghan has always been a feminist. She was only an 11-year old elementary school student, when she took up the cudgels for gender equality, creating awareness among her school mates and even the world at large. It all began when she took offence

to a commercial for a dishwashing solution, which unapologetically claimed ‘Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.’ When the ad became the focus of a discussion in the class, Meghan overheard a couple of boys backing it by stating that that’s where women belonged – ‘in the kitchen.’ Riled by the way the ad was sending wrong messages to the youth in the country, Meghan decided to write letters to people who could make a difference to the story unfolding, including the then first lady, Hilary Clinton and the manufacturer of the dishwasher. Soon, she found herself in the spotlight and, in a month’s time, the commercial was changed from ‘Women’ to ‘People all over America…’ Recalling that phase, she’d said, “At the age of 11, I had created my small level of impact by standing up for equality.” That spark remained with her long after, and, in 2014, she became an ‘Advocate for Political Participation and Leadership’ for the women’s agency of the United Nations. Following her engagement to Prince Harry, her role as a humanitarian and a feminist will, of course, be reprised, and there is much hope there. In fact, the UN Women expects Meghan to ‘continue to use her visibility and voice to support the advancement of gender equality.’ And she will… 36-year old Rachel Meghan Markle has leveraged her celeb status as an American actress, to garner support for gender equality. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she has stood by

FACES February 2018

ideals, and has, at various forums, demonstrated her interest to continue in that fold. Now, as she gets set to become a member of the British royal family in May this year, Meghan is serious about the next most important chapter in her life. She is pulling the brakes on her acting career, and has deleted all her social media accounts. But that is not to discount her strong personality and her quest to be a woman who works. Even when she first spoke about Prince Harry to an entertainment magazine, last September, she’d said: “We are two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception. Nothing about me changed. I’m still the same person that I am, and I have never defined myself by my relationship”

GET HOME SAFE

HANDS ON THE WHEEL EYES ON THE ROAD Safe MIND ON DRIVING

President Trump apologises for his racist (re)tweet From Oprah to Trump… The President has finally issued an apology for retweeting racist videos from the far-right group ‘Britain First’. He realised his blunder after British Prime Minister Theresa May said the following in a statement: “Britain First seeks to divide communities by their use of hateful narratives that peddle lies and stoke tensions. They cause anxiety to law-abiding people.” In an interview with former ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ winner Piers Morgan, Trump apologised and claimed that he didn’t know who they were. “I don’t want to be involved with these people. If you are telling me they are horrible racist people. I certainly apologise,” he said.

Oprah to run for President?

Following her inspirational speech at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards recently, Oprah Winfrey was hailed as the most qualified candidate to be the next US President. While the media whipped up a frenzy, weighing the reasons why she should run for the next election, she let the discussion rage on, silently. That was until a week ago when she told ‘InStyle’ magazine that she has no interest in running for presidentship in 2020. She said: “I have always felt very secure and confident with myself in knowing what I could do and what I could not, and so it’s not something that interests me. I don’t have the DNA for it.”

Timberlake’s surprise for Ellen DeGeneres

Justin Timberlake surprised Ellen DeGeneres on her birthday. He appeared live via satellite from his rehearsals for the ‘Super Bowl Halftime Show’ to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the talk show host on her 60th birthday. The singer got a bouquet of pink flowers delivered to Ellen in the studio and he also presented a teaser of his upcoming tour, which will kick off in the spring. Ellen also got Timberlake do a specific set of dance moves during the halftime show.

Mila Kunis honoured as Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Mila Kunis was paraded in an open convertible for the ‘2018 Harvard University Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year’ event. Although Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ policy does not allow women to audition for their productions and there were protests and boycotts surrounding the event, the group announced, before the parade, that women will be allowed to audition starting with next year’s show. “With no further fanfare, the graduate board of the Hasty Pudding Institute has determined that the Hasty Pudding welcomes women to audition,” said Amira T. president of the group.

Cyrus, Platt auction for Grammy 2018 charities

Miley Cyrus signed a guitar and a microphone for the 2018 Grammy Awards. She was joined by Broadway star Ben Platt, who auctioned off an autographed ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ CD. Cyrus and Platt are two of the many celebrities who will be auctioning off instruments, tickets and lessons, to benefit the 2018 Grammy Awards. All proceeds of these charities will benefit the Grammy Museum and the MusiCares program.

10 FACES February 2018

Tittle

“There is a part of me that will always feel unattractive … That’s okay, because it will keep me grounded. I don’t need to be so full of myself that I feel I am without flaw. I can feel beautiful and imperfect at the same time. I have a healthy relationship with my aesthetic insecurities.” - Lupita Nyongo talks about her insecurities, the importance of ‘Black Panther’ and her reasons for speaking up about Harvey Weinstein, to an entertainment magazine.

“I was very moved and touched by the people who were disappointed that ‘Wonder Woman’ wasn’t nominated, but we certainly never did the movie for that… I think that you can’t have it all.” - Gal Gadot’s reaction to the Oscar nomination snub for Wonder Woman, despite the movie being touted as a Best Picture contender.

“I just want to go on the bachelor party. That’s all I’m interested in with Harry. Wedding sure… he’s going to have a hell of a bachelor party — that’s what I’m looking forward to.” - James Corden may not be interested in attending Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming royal wedding, but he sure wants to be invited to the bachelor party.

“I actually have bipolar disorder, and I’m very open about that because I think that mental health affects so many people and we need to take the stigma away from it.” - Demi Lovato, who is all set to offer free mental health counseling for fans during her upcoming tour, reveals her struggles with mental health.

“I thought, ‘See, if you start taking care of yourself, you might have a shot of looking OK later on… I’m not good with facial recognition.” - Lisa Kudrow, who appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’, recently, to promote her new role in ‘Grace and Frankie’, recalled not recognising Jane Fonda at a restaurant.

February 2018 FACES

Cover Story

LOVE Stories

‘Have you ever felt so at one with the world, with the universe, with everything that is, that you were overcome with love?’ – Richard Bach (One)

as the modern world, riddled with complexities of life that are easily blameable on technology and all things smartphone, made us lose the plot to the love story that seamlessly wove different time frames? Has love, evocative in stories that ended with a ‘they-lived-happily-ever-after’, taken a toll from the onslaught of information overdose, which is distracting rather than endearing one to the joys of love?

Perhaps not…

Love, the eternal edifice of our being continues to rule our relationships, helping us externalize our thoughts, emotions and our feelings; it is the pacesetter for activities that are governed by our passion to realise our dreams. It is palpable, despite the influx of social media in the everchanging society around us. While our alternate worlds on social media may have spiralled pretend games of love and like, with number of followers and likes establishing popularity or success with others, love has not shirked its responsibility…

Definitely not!

For love, as we know it, cannot be confined to one parameter. It is a fluid state; it can adapt and evolve as it moves. The following tribute to ‘love’ from people who have earned distinction in their chosen paths, is a proof that love will continue to rule this world - forever.

12 FACES February 2018

Cover Story

Badriya Al Siyabi

“I believe that my passion, determination and belief are key to fostering a snowball effect of social benefits”, notes Badriya Al Siyabi*, whose passion for social work comes out vividly in her perspective on love I love my work. It is me. I do it with love and passion, because I believe I can make a difference in people’s lives. Being a social worker and an ex-banker indirectly led me to become Badriya. My dream was always to be part of Omani women’s life and empower them financially where there is opportunity to do so. My work consists of a series of stories that develop through travelling both inside and outside Oman: if I don’t bring back souvenirs, mostly being food, I always carry with me stories. I’m so proud that I was a part of Sidab Women’s Group success story. Who could imagine that a single bag stitched with love would change women’s lives in my home village

Sidab, and it is the reason behind me obtaining my dream job in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Omran; that enlightened me in identifying the difference between social work and CSR and the importance of having sustainable programmes with clear objectives, supply chains and added value. My involvement in all initiatives was based on the community’s needs; hence, it was essential that I engage with the local communities to identify these needs. This gave me the opportunity to meet different categories of people from different backgrounds - teachers and students, entrepreneurs and artisans, business owners and workers and more. Each individual taught me something in life without their intention being so, and they taught me that each person has their own role in developing Oman. Hence, from their stories, I became a storyteller. From Khasab, the ladies of ‘Zaree’ taught me that sacrifices are essential in any change. They are a great example of involving women in the tourism sector and in promoting Khasab through their unique culture. I am so proud of them, as they successfully impacted the tourism industry in Oman. Furthermore, through Salma and Aisha’s business, ‘Salma’s Chocolates’, I was taught how chocolate, made with love and Omani ingredients (except the chocolate itself!) can promote Oman, while being a leading example for youth entrepreneurship. I’m so proud of Salma and Aisha - they inspired others to follow their dreams. Moving to Al Jabal Al Akhdar… I got a chance to visit this

February 2018 FACES

Cover Story

mountain range through my work. The task not only included engaging with the local community; I also had the chance to listen to my colleague’s stories, since I don’t drive to the Jabal. In Al Jabal Al Akdar two stories, specifically, were the most influential; they changed my perception of life. The first story: While we were planting olive trees in the mountain, an old man approached me and thanked me, saying, “My daughter, do you know, that by planting these trees, you are also providing food for the birds and insects? May god bless you!” His words truly touched me, as I never

thought of being able to have such an effect. The second story is regarding the Farming for Hospitality initiative, whereby one of the farmers came to me and said “Do you know that now we have salads on a daily basis on our dining table…” Both stories taught me that when doing good deeds we don’t imagine how the benefit could expand. From Khasab to Musanah, Muscat, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Al Hamra, Masirah and Al Duqm, I met a lot of people though my journey, whose stories changed my life. For that I am truly blessed.

* Badriya is an Omani social worker; committed to making sound differences. She is the founder of ‘Sidab Women Project’ (Instagram: Sidab_Women); CSR Manager of Omran; representative of the people of Wilayat Muscat in the Wilayat of Muscat committee; and a member of several other social NGOs.

Love Yourself Enough to Volunteer

Mohamed Al-Touqi

‘Valentine’s Day is coming up, and the best way to show your love for others is volunteering’, observes Mohamed Al-Touqi, as he talks about his philosophy of love through volunteering 14 FACES February 2018

sually, when we think of Valentine’s Day, things like chocolates, flowers, and cards come to mind; but this year, why not extend Valentine’s Day to caring for others, perhaps total strangers, who are in need of some kindness? There are countless people in need in our communities and abroad, and this February 14th 2018, I encourage you to show your love in a unique manner. Giving time and thought into improving your community is a true measure of compassion.

Reasons I Love to Volunteer:

As a volunteer, you don’t get paid for donating your time. However, there are benefits in it for you and me when we’re unselfish in giving our time to benefit others. The following are five major reasons why I choose to volunteer. Although I don’t receive a check in the mail for my help, these reasons are more motivating than money. 1. I Love Supporting a Cause I Care About We see and experience things every day that scream for our help. God has given me a passion regarding some of them. This passion continues to motivate me to take action and make a difference. Committing my time and energy to a cause that I am passionate about is energizing. 2. I Love Learning and Demonstrating New Skills Volunteering has allowed me many opportunities to:

l l

Continuously learn to improve myself Mentor others by sharing my knowledge, skills and experiences to help others improve

Cover Story

Every volunteer experience has required me to learn and experience new things. I have discovered more about the causes I support. I have also learned and practiced new skills, as I have participated in new ways. Donating my time has also provided me many opportunities to mentor. Being a mentor to kids and to other volunteers continues to be very rewarding. 3. I Love Making New Friends I have made a significant number of new friends through my volunteering efforts. Some of the kindest people that I have met were employees and volunteers of non-profit organisations. This is not a coincidence. These are people who are willing to dedicate some of their time or even their career to making the world a better place. These are the kind of friends that are worth meeting and keeping. 4. I Love the Great Feeling It Brings Have you ever taken a meal to someone who was sick or paid for stranger’s cup of coffee for no reason at all? If you haven’t, give it a try. If you have, then you already know the great feeling you receive when doing something unselfish for someone else. The feeling you get is no different when volunteering your time to a cause you are passionate about. I feel great when I have the opportunity to help someone. In fact, I have found the feeling can be addictive. 5. I Love Making a Difference I want the way I live my life to make a difference. I know that you want that for yourself as well. Volunteering has provided me a significant way to do just that. By donating just, a portion of our time, we can: -

Make a difference in a person’s life Make the world a better place to live Have a long-lasting impact

You can find volunteer opportunities everywhere. Look for opportunities at schools, community organisations, or like our charity – International Volunteers. Get involved in something that you care about and start making a difference. You will be glad you did.

* Mohamed Al-Touqi, who launched International Volunteers Oman on 5th December 2015, with supporting partner Knowledge Oman (www.knowledgeoman.com), is a full time senior instructor/facilitator at Outward Bound Oman.

February 2018 FACES

Cover Story

Love Thyself

Self love will make you aware of your emotional needs, says Dr. Hamed Al Sinawi, senior consultant psychiatrist, as he presents the different facets of human love

ove is one of the first emotions we experience as humans, on the very first day of our lives. It’s the love of the mother; it keeps the newborn warm and well-fed. And, through this love, a mother is able to interpret the child’s cry when he/she is hungry or in pain or needs changing. The love of the father and other family members then follows. They not only celebrate the child’s birthdays, but also minor achievements in his/her life - like the first time he/ she stands or walks, the first word, the first time he/she manages to learn a new skill, say riding the bike or writing his/ her name… Then, through love, you, as an individual know that you are acknowledged by others. This gives you the motivation to face everyday challenges and excel in life. And, when you form a marital relationship, it is love that helps foster a healthy relationship with a partner who accepts you for who you are and assists you to make the changes that make you a better person. During my early days as a medical student, I developed a curiosity for human behaviour. What

makes people do what they do? And how come some people are more successful than others, given the same opportunities? This passion led me to specialise in mental health. During my 20 years of work, including my periods of training in the UK, I came across people who suffered from different forms of mental illnesses. Be it constant worries and anxieties about the future and minor aspects of daily lives, or depression, where the mood is constantly gloomy and sad, or even more severe form of mental illness, which leads one to lose touch with reality and the ability to function, both at social as well as professional level… My love for mental health made me explore other aspects of the profession, such as conducting health awareness programmes to encourage the public to have a dialogue about mental health. Most healthcare experts advocate regular exercise and a balanced diet as a part of a healthy lifestyle; however, not many promote mental well-being and the need to stay calm and learn to deal with everyday stressors. I also have a passion for supervising my students and colleagues in order to ensure best quality of care to our patients. This helps me to be in the right state of mind to keep learning, as I believe that learning is a lifelong process. We learn from everything and everyone around us.

Love yourself

Another important aspect of love that is often forgotten, is to love yourself. Not to become a narcissist or a selfish person, but to be at peace with yourself and not hold yourself responsible for every minor negative event. Your love will make you aware of your emotional needs, help you get more ‘Me’ time and learn to say ‘No’ know when those around you demand more than your capabilities and the time given. Sadly, some people work long hours in quest of money to buy materialistic items that they may not have the time to use, only to discover that they have neglected their mental and physical health. Recent medical research has shown that people living with constant stressors are at high risk of developing chronic physical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. My love for my profession keeps me motivated to continue what I am doing and enjoy every part of it.

Dr. Hamed Al Sinawi (MD, FRCPsych), Senior Consultant, Old age Psychiatrist at Department of behavioural Medicine, SQU, is also the Chairman of Oman Alzheimer’s Society. Dr Hamed is interested in raising public awareness about mental health and has organised, along with colleagues, health education events to discuss mental well-being and fight the stigma associated with mental illness. He is also interested in conducting Research and has few publications in scientific journals.

16 FACES February 2018

The story of ‘Fish Love’

Cover Story

‘If so much of what we know as love is ‘fish love’, can we change it into real love?’ - That’s the premise behind Oman’s celebrated model, Kamil Al Hinai’s take on love

ebruary…a month that has that one special day called Valentine’s Day. A day where some of our loved ones will receive gifts; some romantic letters, others flowers, and some even a wedding proposal. Love has been a topic of many discussions throughout centuries. When I first moved to London, I had plenty of time in between modelling and my first year of doing my degree. I decided to take up practical philosophy at the school of economic science during the summer, and one of the subjects we would focus on for the next twelve weeks would be about love. Looking at love in all the different forms it enters our lives. I remember, in one of the classes we were told a story by Dr. Abraham Twerski, who introduced the concept of fish love. It went like this: ‘Young man. Why are you eating that fish?’ The young man says, ‘Because I love fish.’ He says, ‘Oh. You love the fish. That’s why you took it out of the water, killed it and boiled it.’ He says, ‘Don’t tell me you love the fish. You love yourself, and because the fish tastes good to you; therefore, you took it out of the water and killed it and boiled it.’ ‘So much of what is love is fish love… Young couple falls in love. Young man and young woman fall in love. What does that mean? That means that he saw in this woman someone who he felt could provide him with all of his physical and emotional needs, and

she felt in this man somebody that she can wed, that was love, but each one is looking out for their own needs. It’s not love for the other. The other person becomes a vehicle for the others gratification. ‘An external love is not on what I’m going to get, but I’m going to give. People make a serious mistake in thinking that you give to those whom you love, and the real answer is you love those to whom you give. His point is, if I give something to you, I’ve invested myself in you. Since self-love is a given - everybody loves themselves - now that part of me is becoming you, there’s part of me in you that I love. ‘True love is a love of giving, not a love of receiving.’ On my way home from class that day, I pondered on the story... A lot of us have idealistic views of love, which aren’t realistic. For example, during the honeymoon phase, we see all of the great things about our partner and the various ways that they make us happy. But this kind of love can’t last. Why? Because, eventually, our significant other won’t live up to our expectations. They will leave us unfulfilled, because they aren’t giving us what we need 100 percent of the time. They can’t. It’s impossible.

Kamil Al Hinai (Pic courtesy: Agata Preyss)

I’ll admit that the idea that giving to your partner can make you love them more seemed strange at first, but it makes sense if you really think about it. When we give, we are investing a part of ourselves in another person. The time and effort we spend makes us care more. Of course, love is not just about giving selflessly, there is more to love than that. But the story of ‘Fish Love’ is something I carry with me because it reminds me that everything I choose to do, I should do with love. Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!

So, how do we make love last? How can you change that fish love into real love? By giving!

* Kamil Al Hinai is an international model, represented by Sevens Model Management in Cologne, Germany. He was recently featured in British GQ and British Vogue online magazine, January 2018, for Designer Velsvoir.

February 2018 FACES

In Conversation

Fostering a Creative Hub

n initial 5-year stint in Oman, in the mid-70’s, spurred Clews Everard, founder of Sununu Muscat, a relocation and lifestyle management company, to return back to its sublime shores 12 years ago.

Clews Everard, the brain behind Sununu Muscat, wants to inspire a community of creative folks to explore the world of upcycling and create works of ‘art’ that are emotionally uplifting

The country, which was then on the crest of a new wave of Renaissance, had endeared itself to her, and, nearly three decades later, it beckoned her to open creative avenues for upcycling and introduce the world of Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint to both amateurs and professionals in the world of decorative painting, through Sununu Muscat, a company dedicated to providing bespoke services to people seeking relocation. The result has been spectacular, to say the least. ‘Sununu’, which means swallow in Arabic - to draw parallels with the bird known to migrate and then nest with ease, is a dedicated service company to help people moving to Oman. In recent years, Sununu has expanded its service portfolio to by introducing Annie Sloan Interiors, a 25-year-old British brand of decorative paint. As a part of this initiative, Sununu is also offering workshops using Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan.

Oman and it is fascinating to see what people with no artistic background, as well as established Omani artists, can achieve by using this versatile paint. We are becoming a creative community and a hub for upcycling; we hope to inspire future Omani and expat creatives through these workshops.”

Explaining about Sununu’s artistic foray, Clews says, “Our creative workshops are available to all in

18 FACES February 2018

Before relocating to Oman, Clews was the Director of UK’s national treasure Stonehenge and National Operations Director of English Heritage. Her career has also seen her working in the government and private sectors in the region, and as a television presenter and newscaster in Dubai and Oman.

Up Close & Personal With

Clews Everard

The home I grew up in... I grew up in the English countryside in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by rolling hills, dry stone walls and shire horses. I would ride my pony on to the moors at dawn and return at dusk. Looking back, I realise how much freedom I had as a child and feel sad that it is no longer possible in Europe today. When I was a child I wanted to… Believe in fairies and was quite sure they existed in the overly large tulips in a small garden my parents had given me to tend; my love of flowers, gardens and gardening lives on. I have never lost my belief in ‘magic’ and think you can find magical things in daily life from the tiny snowdrop that pushes up through the ice-hardened ground or the desert rose in Oman that from a seed becomes a chubby little seedling, not willowy like most but intent on surviving the harsh climatic conditions here. The moment that changed me forever… Has to be the birth of my children, from that moment nothing was ever the same. To see them grow, blossom, marry lovely partners and have their

own children, is the greatest pleasure of life. My son and his wife live in Oman and are expecting their first baby in March, and my daughter and her husband live in the UK with my twoyear-old grandson. My greatest inspiration… Annie Sloan. Annie invented Chalk Paint and Annie Sloan Interiors has over 1500 stockists in more than 50 countries. She is unique, funny, immensely talented, unstoppable, hands on, available, one of Britain’s most influential designers and the queen of social media. My hero… Is my late father who was very clever, funny, kind and looked like King Hussain, which is maybe why I feel so at home in the Arab world. He died far too young, but I am lucky, as my son has inherited so many similar qualities that remind me of him, not least watching films, ice-cream and Battenberg cake, even though he never met him! If I could change one thing about myself… It would be to stop trying to eke out time and never be late. I always try to fit too much in, to my detriment, and never wish to be rude by being late, which, of course, it is. I dream of… A world in peace; a world that can accept and tolerate each other regardless of nationality, colour, creed or background; where there are no wars and human suffering is eradicated. If we bottled what Oman has, it may help. What I see when I look in the mirror… A young person in an old body - where have the years gone? It is not fashionable but I like… Disco and the dancing that goes with it – so what if you look like a frog in blender; a night of dancing can only make you happy. My greatest regret… That my father never met my children You may not know it but I am no good at… Map reading, especially if it goes over the page! Thank goodness for Google maps! You may not know it but I am very good at… Making ice cream If I have time to myself… I like to catch up with friends, cook, read, watch films or have a massage.

My house is… Full of photos and things made In or given to me by Conversation friends and family. I particularly love a painting my children gave me of my special dog Lettuce. My favourite haunt/holiday destination... Why go on holiday when you live in Oman! The only thing I might do is take in a city like St Petersburg, where I’d love to go to the Hermitage Museum. My favourite weekend spot in Oman… Is either camping at Barr al Hickman or a weekend at The Chedi, both very different but equally spectacular. I will not leave my house without… My handbag that has all the usual as well as emergency items like antimosquito wipes and family photos. Things I like about Oman… There is nowhere on earth that has the generosity of spirit you find in Oman. Omani hospitality is legendary; the people are so courteous, especially to the elderly; the way Omanis always take time to greet you and the fact that family comes first. The country has such a variety of beautiful scenery to explore. A book that has changed my thinking… A Black Englishman by Carolyn Slaughter set in India in the 1920’s. It is a novel based on a true story about love and loyalty, revenge and faith, race and identity and what it takes to be human. On top of my bucket list is… To go to Bhutan - but my life has been so full, if I don’t go it, no hardship. My success mantra is… Twofold: the first is well known - ‘The only day you have to worry about is today, as yesterday is gone forever and the only thing you know about tomorrow is the sun will rise, therefore you only ever need to worry about one day - today.’ In those dark hours, which we all have, I am reminded that living for today is so important. The second is ‘Be kind and have courage’, which I think covers just about everything. In 10 years I hope to… Still be in Oman.

February 2018 FACES

In the Spotlight

Muscat Festival 2018 The 18th edition of the popular Muscat Festival, which got underway on January 18 with the theme ‘Let’s Celebrate Together’, will culminate with the high-voltage Tour of Oman

ith the ongoing Muscat Festival becoming a permanent fixture in the annual calendars of both residents and visitors, the Naseem Garden and Al Amerat Park have turned into must-visit destinations to partake in the entertainment, enjoy the cultural fiesta, find bargain deals and get on joy rides. While novelty rides, acrobats and firework displays continue to flavour the festival, there are newer amusement options, sports activities and cultural fetes to infuse an element of freshness to this year’s proceedings. As every new Festival outing vies to become better and more colourful, visitors are in for a whole new range of exciting

20 FACES February 2018

opportunities; making repeat visits a must to savour all the different facets of the Festival, whether at Naseem Gardens or Amerat Park. In addition to the parks, the Festival is also alive and happening at Al Madina Theatre, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and Oman Automobile Association.

Tour of Oman

However, with the Festival reaching the final phase, it is the high voltage ‘Tour of Oman’ that everyone is looking forward to. The Tour of Oman, which will run from February 13 to February 18, has achieved remarkable success in the past editions, attracting the attention of global sports community to the Sultanate in general and Muscat in particularly, as important destinations in the region’s sports horizon.

As the Tour of Oman website states, ‘From the very first edition of the Tour of Oman, cycling and our country seemed to fit like a hand in glove, but even its greatest enthusiasts could not have predicted such a resounding success.’ Organised by Muscat Municipality in association with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the race, which was first held in 2010, has, over the years, managed to attract some of the world’s top cyclists and cycling teams. In its forthcoming ninth edition, it will feature World No 1 rider Greg Van Avermaet of the BMC Racing Team, 2014 Tour de France winner and former Tour of Oman champion Vincenzo Nibali of Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team and last year’s runner-up Rui Costa of UAETeam Emirates.

Events at Amerat Park: Tour of Oman route

The peloton will hit the roads of the Sultanate of Oman from 13 to 18 February, promising loads of action to bystanders as well as participants. According to the website, there will be high-speed finishes for sprinters, hilly stages for punchers and Green Mountain for climbers. l The peloton will tackle six stages totalling 914.5 kilometres through the heart of the landscapes of the Sultanate of Oman, and will follow the below routes: - February 13th, 1st stage: Nizwa to Sultan Qaboos University (162.5km) -

February 14th, 2nd stage: Sultan Qaboos University to Al Bustan Palace Hotel (167.5km)

February 15th, 3rd stage: German University of Technology to Wadi Dayqah Dam (179.5km)

February 16th, 4th stage: Yiti (Al Sifah) to Ministry of Tourism (117.5km)

February 17th, 5th stage: Sama’il to Jabal Al Akhdhar ((152km)

February 18th, 6th stage: Al Mouj Muscat to Muttrah Corniche (135.5km) l The ninth Tour of Oman will be the eighth consecutive edition of the race to feature a summit finish on Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain), a 5.7 km climb with an average gradient of 10.5%. l Nine of the eighteen seven-man teams in this year’s Tour of Oman are World Tour -

l l l l l l l l l l l

The Heritage Village Trade Fair Exhibition of documents and archives The Book Corner and the accompanying Literature Café Events square Theatre of events Electronic Games Aerobic Games The Luminous Park Restaurant Corner Daily firework shows (from 8.30pm to 8.35pm)

Events at Naseem Gardens: l The Children’s Theatre (educational competitions and cultural shows) l The Heritage Village l Chinese show of luminous dinosaurs l Consumer Exhibition (more than 350 shops from participating countries, including Omani small and medium-sized enterprises) l Entertainment Arts Park (new electrical and acrobatics games for different age groups) l Open Theatre shows (international acrobatics, comic shows and cartoon characters, as well as folk dance performances) l Skill Square Shows (entertainers, including acrobatic performers, dancers, circus artists and fashion shows) l Folklores (20 popular bands from various Wilayahs of the Sultanate) l Paintball Game l Youth Groups Participation (team events and competitions) l Governmental and National Associations Participation (raising awareness to a variety of topics) l Fireworks (everyday at 8pm)

In addition to the above events, there will be a host of cultural activities at the two main venues as well as The Omani Society for Writers & Literati, Oman Film Society, Photographic Society Of Oman and the Cultural Club.

Timings: Naseem Garden and Amerat Park: 4pm to 11pm Entry Fees Adults: 200Bzs Children: 100Bzs

February 2018 FACES

Centre Stage

Physiology and Philosophy of Handstand – The Fahad Al Abri Way

‘Mastering handstands taught me to stand out of my comfort zone, literally as well as metaphorically’, says Oman’s celebrated handstand artist, Fahad Al Abri, as he draws parallels between the act of handstand and the learning process it spawns to help discover ones true potentials

hat began as an interest to maximize fitness goals and learn a new trick, turned into a lesson in life for Fahad Al Abri, who has, in two years, elevated the acrobatic act of handstand into a motivational channel at various forums, including TEDx. To him, learning to master handstand and overcoming the fear of falling was an educational experience; one that taught him the importance of moving out of the comfort zone to relive life as it should have been - without the crutches of modernisation. “I realised that handstand is one of those lessons that really teaches us how to stand - in

22 FACES February 2018

every field, whether it is business, education or sports,” states Fahad, adding that it spurred him to move away from the comfort zone. “It showed me what I am capable of doing…” he muses.

The beginning

Although Fahad stands on his hands, even walks, with the ease of an acrobat, handstand is a relatively new concept for him. It was about two years ago that he got hooked on to the act, and mastered it, making people wonder if he had some gymnastics background. A student of yoga and a strong advocate of fitness regimes that target both mind

Fahad Al Abri and body, handstand to him was an avenue to challenge his potentials. “It got me thinking,” he recalls. It made him reflect on his physical strengths and the standard of fitness he had attained. “I am a personal trainer* and looking at it from the physical aspect, I analysed my expectations… and I tried. In the beginning, I ended up falling in funny ways, almost every time. Using the wall helped stabilise

Centre Stage

things, but it stopped my progress. Looking back now, I can state that it was really the constant practice that helped me stand the way I can stand now,” he explains. The knowledge that handstand is an important practice of many a fitness school inspired him to follow through and understand why it was so very significant in his life. “I realised that handstand requires more than physical strength. You have to be possessed; you have to be determined not to fear to fall,” he observes, holding fear responsible for most people’s reluctance. “Fear will always stop us. Fear will always be the biggest barrier,” he stresses. He looked beyond fear as a foil and found that, over time, it becomes educational and falling itself becomes a learning process. Once that happens, fear of fall will recede and it will be translated into a deep understanding of self.

Mind and Body

While the mental aspect doesn’t come out starkly, as much as the physical strength in a handstand, it is the most vital facet in pushing one to excel, notes Fahad, stating that handstand taught him how to stand out of his comfort zone. It also created an acute sense of awareness to his surroundings – the connection of the hand with the ground and the flora around. “All human beings, even little children use hands to crawl when they are moving from stage A to B...

We have somehow lost this connection; we have replaced it with artificial supports just like chairs, spoons and forks…” he points out. Seen in that context, handstand is about drawing a fine line between civilisation and practices involving the hand. There will always be a part of our life that goes beyond the dictates of civilisation; one that requires our full potentials as human beings, he observes, stating that people have forgotten the importance of play. “It is so much fun to stand in a different way. It takes you out of the serious mood… People have forgotten that play is a learning process. With modern day stress and the so-called civilised thinking, people have set limits depending on their age,” he notes. According to him, seeing things from upside down is all about gaining a new perspective. “Being able to see things from different perceptions will actually help you in the long run to find solutions and to value things in different way. Many people ask me if, when I am standing on my hands, I am actually lifting the world on my hands. It is all a perception,” he adds. Interestingly, handstand also taught him to observe little changes in his body – like his hands that seemingly got conditioned. “Our human body is very intelligent – it gets conditioned; it is designed to survive. Civilisation does make us stop relying on our

bodies and that kind of negatively affect our postures. It causes aches and pains… We need to ask ourselves, are we living to work or working to live? After all the environment shapes us and we shape the environment,” he asserts.

Handstand journey

Fahad’s handstand journey started as a way to inspire more people to understand the importance of travel. With an objective of doing handstand in every city around the world, and plans to do it in the Seven Wonders of the World this year, he is all set to accomplish his goals. “If you succeed to stand in a different environment, you will feel fulfilled. I did it at the highest sand dune in Oman and it was completely a phenomenal environment. With handstand, I want to promote the concept of wellbeing, happiness and peace. When you invest in developing a noble message to the community and the globe, people will learn to appreciate things in different ways,” he maintains.

* Fahad is a personal trainer at the Wellness Centre in Al Mouj.

February 2018 FACES

Thai Feast at

Feast On

Kun Restaurant Whether you are a Thai food devotee or a novice in the arena of Thailand’s culinary marvels, a visit to Kun Restaurant is in order to get a taste of authentic Thai fare

hai food needs no introduction in this part of the world; Thailand’s popularity as a top billed travel destination has created a sense of familiarity among frequent travellers. But for those seeking authentic Thai food, right here in Muscat, a strong preamble is necessary to throw the spotlight on Kun Restaurant, which is, in every sense, a Thai culinary excursion – an authentic one at that.

fresco dining section, in the front yard. The converted villa does have a majestic bearing about it, with the façade featuring subtle hints of Thai art; miniature fountains adding to the ambience. Thai influence is also discernible in its soft furnishings and wall adornments. There are no showy facades or loud décor though, as the idea, apparently, is to make diners feel truly at home. And, at home is exactly how you are bound to feel with the staff coming out to usher you in, as if they were welcoming house guests.

Housed in a quaint villa on Al Safah Street in north Al Ghubra, the restaurant fits snugly with the low rise structures in the neighbourhood; unpretentious, yet completely in tune with its credentials as an authentic Thai destination. What, perhaps, sets it apart, is its neatly adorned al

Interestingly, that welcome comes across as an extension of the restaurant’s title. For ‘Kun’, we were told, has both Arabic and Thai inferences. While in Arabic it means ‘to be’, in Thai it implies a sense of deep

respect; it was originally a royal title bestowed to show respect. The ‘to be’ in Arabic is a prefix for happiness and health, and for all things that spread joy and a sense of well being while dining at Kun. ‘Be Kun – Kap Kun and enjoy your journey with us’, reads the introduction to the restaurant in the menu folder, and that is what we were set to do. With January weather infusing the air with pleasant chilly notes, even at noon time, we got things on the right footing with a hot bowl of tom yum soup. It is, by all counts, what the weather gods would order to make the most of the weather and rouse a huge appetite. The latter is what we have in abundance, and we let it free to savour the authentic fare at Kun, beginning with the tom yum soup - a hot and sour soup, that has its origin in Thailand (‘tom’

Seafood Fried Rice

Tom Yum Soup

24 FACES February 2018

Mango salad

Chicken and cashew nuts

Feast On

Chicken satay

referring to the boiling process and ‘yum’ to a spicy and sour Thai salad). We had the ‘Tom Yum Seafood’ and the ‘Tom Yum Chicken’ soup, which helped us clear our sinuses. The soup, with the accoutrements of galagal, lemon grass and other paraphernalia, is easily a meal by itself – and a hearty one at that. The fragrant spices and herbs linger on long after you have burped your contentment.

The salads that made to our table – Papaya Salad and Mango Salad – were pure vegetarian delights; they had an underlying tangy flavour that made us, shamelessly, take extra helpings. The salads were accompanied by a platter of ‘Chicken Satay’ and a bowl of ‘Chicken and cashew nuts’. While the satay had a chewy texture, the dish with cashew nuts bowled us over with soft tender bites of chicken.

There is an element of healthy food in the dishes brought to the table, with the focus on fresh ingredients. We were treated to a colourful array of carved fruits and vegetables, as if to drive home the health connotations that Kun is propagating in its fresh fare. While that decorated table came as a treat to our eyes, our fresh fruit juices, sans any artificial sweeteners, indulged our palettes.

For the mains, we were treated to ‘Pad Thai Vegetables and Tofu’ and ‘Fried Rice Seafood’ – both adding to the novelty of authentic Thai food. The creamy Pad Thai had an amazing flavour, while the fried rice had just the right amount of spice and the yum factor to pamper our taste buds. Following the lunch, we plonked ourselves in the patio chairs in the front yard to savour some dessert,

breathe in the fresh January air, feel the laidback mood of the restaurant and watch the flow of traffic on the road in front. If repeat guests are an indication of an outlet’s popularity, Kun, with facilities to cater to birthday parties and candle light dinners, is definitely geared to meet the demands of foodies in town.

February 2018 FACES Photographs: Pushpender Sharma

Let’s Cook

Love and Food

Feel the sweet vibes of the season with desserts that spell love

Decadent Red Velvet Cake Ingredients: l ½ cup (1 stick) butter l 1½ cups sugar l 2 eggs l 1 cup buttermilk l 1 ounce red food coloring l 1tsp vanilla extract l 1½ tsp baking soda l 1tbsp white vinegar l 2 cups all-purpose flour l 5½tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder l 1tsp salt Method: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Line two muffin trays (of 12 cups each) with baking cups. 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with your cake mixer until light and fluffy. 4. Add to it the eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring and vanilla; mix well before stirring in the baking soda and vinegar. 5. Combine the flour, cocoa powder and salt in another bowl and blend it into the batter. 6. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, dividing evenly. 7. Bake for about 25 minutes – the top of the muffin should spring back when lightly pressed. 8. Let it cool over a wire rack. 9. Serve with the frosting of your choice.

Fresh Strawberry delights Ingredients: l 10 fresh strawberries l ½ cup softened cream cheese l 1tbsp chopped walnuts/almonds l ¾tbsp icing sugar Method: 1. Chop one strawberry into cubes and set it aside. 2. Remove the stems of the remaining strawberries in such a way that they can stand erect when arranged on the tray. 3. Now make cross section in each strawberry, starting from the pointed ends. Do not cut it through the stem end as the idea is to create wedges in it. 4. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy and mix in the diced strawberries, nuts and the powdered sugar. 5. Pour the mixture into a piping bag and carefully fill the wedged sections of the strawberry with it. 6. Enjoy!

26 FACES February 2018

Wintry Delights

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cook

Spread the joys of the pleasant season with Simran Dhanjuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter special recipes

Corn, Carrot and Sweet Pepper Fritters Ingredients: l 1/2 cup self-rising flour l 1/2 cup buttermilk (low fat) l 1 egg l 1/2 cup freshly scraped corn kernels l 1 small carrot, coarsely grated l 1 sweet pepper, thinly sliced l 1 green chilli, chopped l 2tbsp red onion, chopped l 2tbsp parsley, chopped l 1/4tsp baking powder l Salt to taste l Sunflower Oil for shallow frying Method: 1. In a bowl, put flour, corn, carrots, sweet peppers, onions, parsley, salt and baking powder. 2. Whisk egg and buttermilk together, pour it into the flour mixture; combine everything together to get a pancake batter consistency. 3. Heat crepe pan and pour some oil. Now drop 2 tablespoons of batter on the pan and spread a little with the back of the spoon. Cook on medium fire, turn over and drizzle some more oil into the pan. Cook until the centre is cooked and golden brown on both sides. 4. Serve with a sweet chilli sauce or peri-peri sauce.

Charred Corncob

Ingredients: l 2 fresh sweet corncobs l 1/4 cup mayonnaise l 1 tbsp extra hot peri-peri sauce l 2tbsp lime and mango peri-peri sauce l 2tbsp paneer (fresh cheese), crumbled l 1/2tsp chilli lime powder l Sea salt l Fresh lime or lemon wedges Method: 1. Peel off the husk from corns. 2. On an open flame or on coals, grill or char the corns on all sides. 3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and both the peri-peri sauces together. Spread it on the charred corns, sprinkle paneer, chilli lime powder and salt and squeeze some lemon juice on top. 4. Enjoy.

Simran is a celebrated chef and a winner of multi cooking competitions; she creates visual delights artfully by merging traditional flavours.

February 2018 FACES

In the Luxe

Gifts That Scream ‘I Love You’ With Valentine’s Day round the corner, it’s crucial to find the most heartfelt gift for your partner, notes Vindhya Krishna, as she suggests a few lavish ideas for those in a dilemma Time Is On Your Side

The Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Duomètre Sphérotourbillon, made with outlines of pink gold and a somber grey dial, has a one-piece cage, machined from a single block of titanium. With a sub-dial at six and a 24-hour sub-dial at 12 o’clock, the Sphérotourbillon is handcrafted with a thick brown leather strap that exudes suave. This model will delight lovers of fine watch making, who are in pursuit of one that combines originality and sophistication. Price: $238,000

Put A Ring On It

The Cactus de Cartier ring in 18-carat yellow gold, with emeralds, carnelians, and a brilliantly-cut 0.10-carat diamond, is everything she will love this season. Ribbed barrel shapes, made with carefully cut emerald, adorned by 18-carat gold imitating thorns, to look like the Californian Barrel cactus, is completed with a topknot made of carnelians and a 0.10-carat diamond. Nothing more could profuse your love than this articulately made ring. Price: $97,255

28 FACES February 2018

In the Luxe

Crystal Crazy

Layered from toe to heel in luxurious black Swarovski crystals, the Ari by Jimmy Choo is a shoe from the pages of fairy tales. Designed with a classic sharp-edged pump and a dramatic pencil heel, this exuberant pair of heels is a twist on the ‘glass-slippers’ of Cinderella. They are made to order with a hand embroidered crystal cluster and come in two other colour variants: Rose gold and Silver. Price: $4,278

Symphony So Sweet:

The Sennheiser HE 1 Headphones delivers ‘a frequency response that extends beyond the range of human hearing’, claims the 63-year-old German audio company. Sennheiser HE 1’s striking design marries form to function. It is perfectly engineered and said to be the world’s best headphones made to date. If your partner is a music lover, this gift will definitely do it. Price: $55,000

Truffle Galore

For the chocolate lovers out there…splurge on the world’s most expensive chocolate, made by Fritz Knipschildt, a Danish chocolatier. The truffle chocolate is made with chocolate ganache, truffle oil, vanilla, and coated with 70 percent Valrhona dark chocolate, which all sounds pretty normal until you consider what’s at its heart — a French Perigord truffle. Price: $3,530 for a pound

Roses For An Eternity

Nothing will say ‘I Love You’, more than a box of Eternity Roses. The Million Large Luxury Eternity Rose Box can be personalised for your loved one’s liking. You can choose letters (initials), numbers and the colour of the roses to be included in your custom box. The preservation technique allows flowers to maintain a completely natural appearance and feel as if they were freshly-cut! Price: $805

22 Carat Magic

The Lux iPhone X Ingot by Brikk made with 250 grams (8.88 ounces) of 22K gold is simple, elegant and uber chic. It comes with a 256 GB storage space, 5.8-inch OLED screen and original apple accessories. The best part is that you are encouraged to indulge in customization by the company, and it comes with a custom waterproof case, lined internally with velvet. The phone has a 1-year warranty globally through Brikk Concierge. Its gender neutrality makes it the ultimate gift for him or her. Price: $49,995

February 2018 FACES

Explore Oman

Explore Oman and experience fitness Oman’s diverse topography is designed for tourists and visitors of every kind, more so fitness enthusiasts who seek destinations that boost their passion

n its drive to present novel ways to discover Oman, the Ministry of Tourism has cobbled together six interesting ways to get fit while experiencing Oman’s natural vistas this winter. For winter, as the Ministry notes, is the perfect time of the year to work on being fit while discovering Oman’s innumerable blessings. It is during this ongoing season that tourists, adventure seekers and even athletes flock to Oman to enjoy its natural vistas and experience its striking beauty, both on land and sea. The Sultanate’s biodiversity is one factor that continues to shape natureinspired experiences for tourists and visitors. Whether it is the spectacular marine life, the indigenous wildlife, or the exotic migrating birds, Oman is a one-stop travel destination that can fit in every travel requirement, even fitness related.

Trekking in Muttrah Mountains

Muttrah’s mountains are perfect spots for trekking and hiking. The Muttrah Geo Trek, commonly known as Riyam Walk, encompasses a route that was made ages ago and used by miners to travel between the different areas of Muttrah. It overlooks the charming Corniche promenade and opens up a panorama of the town from the top.

Swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the most beautiful Omani wadis. Located in Ash Sharqia Governorate, it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape that perfectly merges with the clear blue waters. Although the waters are beckoning, swimming is advisable only if one is a good swimmer, as some of the pools are quite deep. Professional swimmers and divers do flock to the impressive Wadi Bani Khalid to get a taste of an exhilarating swimming and diving experience.

Climbing in Hadash

Hadash, located in Al Dakhilya region near Al Jabal Al Akhdar, is blessed with a beautiful range of colorful mountains, which are in harmony with the few old houses and neighbourhoods in the vicinity. It is a perfect place for mountain climbers, given the fact that it has interesting terrains and rocky facades.

Quad biking in Touq sands

The desert life in Oman is replete with stunning biodiversity; it is a unique world worth discovering from close quarters. Located between Barka and Nakhal in Al Batinah South, Touq is a perfect place to enjoy an exciting desert

30 FACES February 2018

Explore Oman

experience on a quad bike. For, quad biking is one activity that could be enjoyed with abandon in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deserts this winter, especially in Touq sands!

Diving in Duqm

Al Wusta Governorate holds some of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest beaches, and Duqm is one of those must-visit beaches in Oman. Professional divers can look forward to an underwater paradise here, as it is home to some rare and colorful marine life. The less adventurous could simply walk or run along the beautiful beach to enjoy nature.

Cycling in Dhofar

Dhofar is one of the best places to cycle in Oman. It has many breathtaking landmarks and natural vistas in its Wilayats such as Rakhyout, Salalah, Mirbat, and Taqah. Aside from its serene landscapes, visitors could also find a host of cultural heritage elements along the old souq, antiquated houses, mosques, forts, and trips to designated sites.

February 2018 FACES

7 Honeymoon Destinations for the Game of Thrones Fanatic in You

Just Travel

Game of Thrones fan Vindhya Krishna explores the dramatic vistas of the destinations captured in the popular television series to present seven that have the otherworldly charm to attract honeymooners

veryone has been raging on about how this year will be youth-less and unexciting without their favourite HBO period-fantasy drama, Game of Thrones (GOT). Yes, if you are a partaker in this fandom following you’d quite know what I’m talking about. Will Bran finally confide in Jon the plethora of knowledge he part took in, or will Tyrion beat him to it, confessing that he did encounter, or rather eavesdrop on, what the whole fandom was looking forward too, rather predicting since the beginning? If you are wishing for this year to go by at the speed of lightning, just so that you can jump back into a world of dragons, white walkers, evil queens and the wildlings, worry not! We have put together a list of seven destinations, rather seven kingdoms, which will take you back to the sets of GOT – literally! Whether you are looking for vast open landscapes, historic waterfront cities, snow-capped mountains or the roar of the thundering seas, these destinations served as the filming sets of your favourite TV show. Each of the Seven Kingdoms in GOT had unique landscapes and flamboyant sets from sunny Dorne to lush Dothraki fields and icy Winterfell through the seasons. If you want the ‘ideal fantasy get-away’, inspired by GOT, this curated list of holiday destinations will not only feature breathtaking views, but also feed your hungry fanatic soul to the fullest!

1. Iceland

Iceland

32 FACES February 2018

The volcanic yet frozen Fjords of Iceland truly make it the Land of Fire and Ice, with sub-zero climates that make up the White Walker environs, North of the Wall. Visit ‘Lake Mývatn’ (Midge Lake), the ‘Grjótagjá cave’ (where Jon and Ygritte finally make it official), ‘Kirkjufell’ (Arrowhead Mountain) and ‘Reynisfjara’, on Vik’s black sand beach (The Eastern side of The Wall which was brutally destroyed by the White Walkers in the season seven finale, courtesy of their new toy - Viserion). This destination is also perfect for honeymooners who can find comfort in one another sighting the iridescent and renowned, Northern Lights. Travellers can book a stay at the ultra-luxe Trophy Lodge, a mountain resort nestled beneath the ‘Langjokull glacier’, close to the ‘Geysir’ hot springs and ‘Gullfoss waterfall’. For those of you who are on a budget: certain airlines are now offering, subsidised and low-cost travel routes to Iceland, making it much more accessible to savour and gloat over.

Croatia

Just Travel

Croatia

2. Croatia

The home of the iron throne – or, for now, if we must say Croatia, has contributed not only as the set of King’s Landing, but also as the famous city of Braavos. The Battle of Blackwater Bay, general scenes of the busy streets of King’s Landing, bustling markets and sparkling bays, were all shot in the UNESCO listed Old Town of ‘Dubrovnik’. Be sure to pack a pair of walking shoes to climb the 250 steps of the ‘Lovrijean Fortress’ (The Red Keep) overlooking the azure blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, and a walk down the steps of the ‘Church of St. Ignatius Loyola’, re-enacting Cersei’s walk of shame. Apart from these sites, be sure to visit the ‘Split’, ‘Krka National Park’, ‘Hvar’, ‘Plitvice Lakes National Park’ (inland towards the Bosnian border), ‘’Diocletian’s Palace’, ‘Museum of Broken Relationships’ (a tribute to love that was lost), and the most famous beach in all of Croatia, ‘Zaltni Rat Beach’ in ‘Bol’, on the island of ‘Brac’, which is said to change shape and colour in accordance to the wind.

3. Morocco

Aromatic, spice-filled air, with a hint of freshly baked bread, this Middle Eastern country was the primary setting of Deanerys’ conquests during season three. ‘Essaouira’, Morocco

Northern Ireland

a port city of Morocco, situated in the western region of ‘MarrakeshSafi’, on the coast of the Atlantic Sea, played house to the Slaver’s Bay - the city of Astapor and Yunkai, where Deanerys is introduced to the Unsullied army. French inspired fortresses and a popular surfing spot, ‘Essaouira isn’t just for the beach bums; it is filled with eighteenth century history for cultural buffs. If you seek the full Moroccan experience, make sure to stay in a ‘riad’ (a traditional Moroccan house built with interior courtyards and open terraces), visit the populous markets, souks, open-air tanneries, and drink Morocco’s famous mint tea. For a slice of the Sahara, the desert town of ‘Merzouga’, near the impressive ‘Erg Chebbi’ sand dunes,

Northern Ireland

is accessible via camel treks. Lastly, visit the intricately painted mosaic tiles and stuccos of the Moroccan Mosques, especially the ‘Hassan II Mosque’ that is open to non-Muslims as well.

4. Northern Ireland

The patulous greens, rocky landscapes and historic structures are where most of the GOT scenes were filmed in Northern Ireland. Even though most of the magic takes place in the ‘Titanic Studios’ at Belfast, at the Titanic Quarter’s, one can still take a road trip down The ‘Dark Hedges County’/’The King’s Road’ till the ‘Giant’s Causeway’. Visit the ‘Tolley Forest Park’ (the Stark’s family compound), the ‘Glens of Antrim’ (the picturesque Dothraki sea landscapes) and ‘Ballintoy’ (the Greyjoy-led Iron Islands) for the full experience outside the Titanic Studios. If you prefer to stay put in one place that channels the show’s epic scenery, try ‘Ballyfin’, a castle hotel at the foot of the ‘Slieve Bloom Mountains’ in ‘County Laois’. Other touristy destinations to visit would be the ‘Marble Arch Cave Global Geopark’, the ‘Botanic Gardens’, ‘The Guildhall’, ‘The Peace Wall’ and ‘Castle Ward’.

February 2018 FACES

Just Travel

Malta

5. Malta

Honey- coloured stones, set against the cerulean blues of the Mediterranean Sea, create the contrasting artistry of an archipelago of three islands that sit between Sicily and the Northern African coast - Malta, Gozo and Comino. Malta is known to be the biggest island where most of the population resides, just like in the first season of GOT, where it constituted much of King’s Landing, Pentos and Dothraki lands. Filming for Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo’s wedding scene took place at the breathtaking ‘Azure Window’, a natural limestone arch on Malta’s island of Gozo. Sadly, the arch collapsed in March due to natural wear and tear, but Malta still has plenty of beautiful spots to explore, like Gozo’s other natural limestone arch, the ‘Wied il-Miela ’Window’. Valetta, a UNESCO listed city, founded in the 1500s, is said to have more than 7000 years of history under its belt, sun clad streets and beaches; an aptly secluded holiday destination for honeymooners.

6. Greece

Travelling through the culturally rich streets of Greece, standing amongst the mightiest of gods once

known to man, is an experience everyone should have at least once in a lifetime. The entire country is breathtakingly beautiful, from the massive cliffs of ‘Meteora’ in the north with ancient Orthodox churches to the ‘Peloponnesus Peninsula’ covered with orange groves to the strikingly spectacular islands scattered throughout the Aegean Sea. ‘Meteora’ in Greece consists of six Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on monolithic pillars. It’s a paradise for hikers, and offers stunning views over the valley. In GOT, it was used as an inspiration for the Eyrie Castle in the sky. If nature is not enough of an excuse to visit Greece, then there are thousands of years of history and civilisation that were left behind as magnificent structures - like the ‘Acropolis’, the ‘Parthenon’, ‘Epidaurus Theater’ and ‘Delphi’s Ruins’. A must-visit would be the city of ‘Santorini’; travellers usually take on a full day tour of the city, engulfing themselves in the euphoric sight of pure white against cobalt blue walls, and the chatter of the busy streets lined with home-grown cafés.

Spain

Greece

34 FACES February 2018

7. Spain

Desert-like landscapes and rugged rock formations are the backdrops to many of the GOT filming sets for the recent season - from the city of Braavos to the waterfront palaces of Dorne and Highgarden. Dragonstone, the former Targyrean stronghold that Daenerys recently reclaimed (the Basque Country’s ‘San Juan de Gaztelugatxe’ and ‘Itzurun Beach’); Highgarden Castle (the eighth-century ‘Castillo de Almodóvar del Río’, near Córdoba), that former Tyrell stronghold now occupied by the Lannisters, and the ‘Alcázar of Seville’; the famed Andalusian royal palace that stands in for Dorne’s Water Palace of Sunspear, home of the royal Martell family... North to the city of Seville is the Roman ruins of an amphitheatre that becomes the infamous Dragonpit of King’s Landing. To get the whole package, make sure to visit the city of ‘Madrid’ and ‘Valencia’ (the city of arts and science), the ‘Alhambra’ at Granada, the Byzantine-influenced ‘Mezquita Mosque’ at Cordoba and the bounteous 10th-century Roman cathedrals sprawled all over the country.

Tried & Tested

Dior Capture Youth ‘Yesterday is over. Tomorrow is too late. The time is now.’

f that little intro hit the nail, go on; grab Dior’s Capture Youth and revel in the glow of youth that the product promises. With Capture Youth, Dior Science has once again pushed the boundaries of beauty and created the first mix and match active age delay regimen. Launched early this year, the new skincare line has popular fashion model and actress Cara Delevingne fronting the campaign. It features 6 products that are developed in collaboration between Dior Science and the Université Pierre et Marie Curie. They are mainly focused on improving the skin's immunity to oxidation; the serums and crèmes are designed to enhance the antioxidant effect on your skin, while reducing the appearance of ageing signs. What make these Dior products all the more appealing is that they contain natural components and are ideal

for all skin types. We tried the Age Delay Serum and have seen visible difference in the skin tone and texture. Of course, reducing age signs will take time, but what is immediately apparent is the radiance it spreads on to the skin. There is a smooth texture and a feel of elasticity, as if the skin has been rejuvenated with some magic formula. For, the Dior Skincare (r)evolution is the first age–delay regimen that acts now to delay future signs of aging. Its focus is on anticipating, controlling and maximising the effect on the skin. It features a selection of the most powerful natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin; a regimen combining an ultra-prevention Creme to help delay visible signs of aging and 5 complementary serums to fade away signs of aging as they appear. The new skincare line comprises 6 formulas that can be used in 3 regimens.

4. 5. 6.

The Matte Maximiser (Lactic Acid) controls excess shine and refines the skin’s texture. The Lift Sculptor is an effective treatment to lift, firm and sculpt. The Redness Soother calms and relieves irritated and sensitised skin.

Capture Youth: 3 Regimens 1. 2. 3.

Layering: Apply the serum then the Crème Mix & Match: Mix two to three drops of Serum directly in the Crème Intensive Treatment: Apply a Serum then the Crème for 30 days as a cure when the skin is particularly stressed (change of seasons/fatigues/skin issues/ repeated irritation)

Capture Youth: 6 Formulas 1. 2. 3.

Age Delay Advanced Creme delays the signs of aging. The Glow Booster restores radiance with Vitamin C. The Plump Filler (Hyaluronic Acid) plumps the skin and boosts elasticity.

February 2018 FACES

Look Good

LOVE YOUR

SKIN

n a quest to discovering the perfect skincare routine, one must ask if a tale as old as time is possibly true? Yes, it is. Being in love does make your skin glow; but not just being in love... The hormone ‘Oxytocin’, also called the love hormone or the ‘attachment hormone,’ is secreted by the pituitary gland when there is a surge of happiness, joy, excitement or even love. This hormone is the reason for your cheeks to turn red and even the reason for you to possibly glow. Surges of oxytocin are responsible for the bonds between partners, between mother and child — even between people and their pets. The hormone is thought to reduce some of the inflammatory factors that slow healing. So, more oxytocin means potentially less irritation and more glow. Oxytocin helps lower the body’s production of cortisol, a stress hormone that is produced when stressed, anxious or sad; it can have negative effects on the skin. Here are some of the reasons why being in LOVE is making you look fresh, elated and beautiful than ever:

36 FACES February 2018

Does being in love make your skin glow, asks Vindhya Krishna, as she weighs the universal constants to find that the answer is, after all, a ‘yes’

augh And Help Your Heart:

Another reason love is good for your heart? Spending quality time with a loved one and having a good laugh lowers your blood pressure. This, in turn, works towards the betterment of a healthy heart and, a longer lifespan. It is the best medicine that can be prescribed to anyone at any given time.

vercome Inertia And Become Fit:

Making a big change in your life is never easy, whether you are changing your diet drastically or finally starting to hit the gym. But when you are in a relationship, your partner has a great influence on your confidence and the choices you make to lead a better lifestyle. This will mean cutting back on the junk that you have been feeding your body and increased levels of oxytocin that give boost the drive you need.

anquish Sadness And Anxiety:

We can all agree that being in a melancholic mood is not a pleasant state of mind. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t look good either. People who are sad or anxious tend to stay indoors and not participate in activities, which can give the skin a sallow look. When you are sad and anxious, your blood vessels constrict, causing your skin to look even paler.

xcitement Fuels Oxytocin:

Do you ever notice a healthy flush fill your skin after an exciting event? That’s because the face contains thousands of tiny capillaries that can become dilated anytime you feel an emotional rush of adrenaline, giving you that rosy glow. It is a proven fact that being around a person who plays a special role in your life, provides you with happiness, excitement, and joy, fueling all those love hormones.

LIFESTYLE MANTRA

RED, RED… By Sophia Raman AS THE WORLD BRACES UP FOR THE UPCOMING VALENTINE’S DAY AND THE INEVITABLE OVERDOSE OF RED IN CLOTHES, CARDS AND IRRESISTIBLE ROSES, HERE IS A QUICK TAKE FROM SOPHIA RAMAN ON THE WAYS AND WHYS OF WEARING THE ETERNAL SHADE OF LOVE How much red is too much? There is no such thing as too much red? Yes and no... Yes, you will be doing justice to the colour that is equated with love and all things grand if you, say, opt for a red bodycon dress or slip into bold red stilettos or wear blood red lipstick and carry a red velvet clutch. But it is a definite ‘no’, if you plan on wearing all of them together. For, there is something called contrast in fashion that demands an eye for balance with colours, designs or patterns that complement. The best way to wear red is to pair it with neutral shades and enhance its appeal. Red is the most vibrant in the family of colours and, Valentine’s Day or no, can easily add panache to your appearance. But if red is not on the top of your list of favourites, it is time to make peace and pay your tribute to the colour with the shade that best suits your personality. Red comes in several avatars – some reds have a universal appeal about them, while the bright ones are picky about who they will add their charm to. From cherry red and rose red to blood red and berry, red is a striking colour, packed with energy and passion. Find your red!

* A self professed lifestyle guru, Sophia Raman has honed her expertise for beauty and fashion with a natural flair for all things chic and a distinctive style quotient. She is a sophisticated socialite who brings her love for fashion, style and travel to this column.

February 2018 FACES

Style File

For the LOVE of Fashion Vindhya Krishna presents the vibrant colours of love and shows how they can be worn this season

t’s the season of happiness, joy, romance, and love. Yes, it’s that time of the year when the scent of roses and chocolates engulf your senses and magic is in the air. Putting your best foot forward will sure make a difference and, if you are wondering what to wear for that perfect date, what colours best compliment you, what colours are ‘in’ this season, or the trends that are ruling the international runways, you have reached the right place. The desire for colourful self-expression is a key trend for Spring 2018. There is a feeling of optimism and confidence driving a new vitality of force into fashion trends. That doesn’t mean that we don’t continue to look for more neutral or classic shades that compliment and flaunt our assets, but these core basics colours are seasonal essentials! Not only have they been named as The Pantone Colours of the Season but have also been showcased by world-renowned designers on international platforms.

more versatile in their spectrum. Not limiting one another to these specific shades, but carrying forward the aura of romance and sensuality, these trending hues are perfect for the season and are sure to complement varied skin tones.

Pink Lavender: Pink lavender is a soft and romantic violet rose that is the sister of lavender. It has seen a rise from last year with the emergence of unicorn pastels, ultraviolet spectrums, and candy floss pink.

With seeming rise in out-of-the-box dressing, personal expression through fashion and going against the rules, the colours for each season are becoming Pink Lavender

38 FACES February 2018

Blooming Dahlia Pink: With its seemingly

Style File

suggestive scent, the subtly alluring Blooming Dahlia pink is an intriguing hue with threads of peach and orange. It is a flowery desert pink that is fresh and opulent.

Crabapple Pink: Crabapple pink is a muted

peachy-pink, yet sophisticated and effervescent like the flower. A great example of a colour that oozes feminism with bold and prominent notes of pink.

Cherry Tomato Red: Cherry tomato is a tempestuous orangey red that exudes heat and energy. Demanding attention, this courageous, never to be ignored, shade is viscerally alive. True Red: A fierce, persistent and strut-worthy red that is so versatile in its appearance is the colour, True Red (a name given by Pantone). It is the most commonly known red that captures attention in the blink of an eye. It suits every skin tone and brings out the strong, independent, 21st century women in you, at any given hour of the day. Now that you have gotten a gist of this season›s crucial colours of love, here are a few instants and how they have been used on international stages by the best designers of this generation. Cherry Tomato Red

BACK IN TIME (60’s inspired silhouettes):

Back to the era of padded shoulders, boxed yet feminine silhouettes, puffball skirts, ruching and asymmetrical hemlines. This season has seen an abundance of 60’s inspired cuts and styles back on the runway, with works of designers like Off- White’s polka dotted hot pink dress, and Alexander McQueen’s off-shoulder red leather midi length flared dress with metal bustier lace knots that give you a southern country feel. Brick reds, cherry tomato reds, and bright reds were some of the colours that were most prominent during the 60’s; they are back this season by Salvatore Ferragamo with deep necklines and semi-formal shirt dresses, Victoria Beckham’s ruffled necklines, and free-flowing summer dresses, and metallic latex trousers by Topshop. The most prominent style of them all was seen by Tibi’s collection of pink lavender and mauve pantsuits, power shorts and silk blouses.

February 2018 FACES

Style File

PICTURE PERFECT

(Art inspired fashion):

Is fashion art? An answer to that eternal question was once given by Pierre Bergé, who said: ‘Fashion is not art, but it needs an artist to create it’. But that didn’t stop Miuccia Prada from collaborating with eight illustrators to take inspiration from comics for her wellcurated garments, nor Donatella Versace, as she reprinted works of Andy Warhol and pop art Vogue covers all over her collection, in tribute to her brother Gianni Versace. House of Dolce & Gabbana showcased a story of love through the medium of print works and embellishments inspired by the queen of hearts. A more modern approach to art inspired fashion was seen by Coach with graphic prints, typography, and pop art. Lastly, the master of art in fashion, Alexander McQueen, took the audience into a world of lust, power and the fragility of love through colour, expression of makeup and his Avant Garde creations that included materials like sheer, latex, plastic and tulle.

A PLUS (Asymmetrical hemlines):

A myriad of hemlines that promise to take you from day to night adorned many designers’ collections this season. The asymmetrical hems were once spring’s biggest statements, one that promotes unique cuts in looks that best describe the ‘sexy without trying too hard’ attitude; only this year its back with more finesse - lengthened skirts and dresses. Asymmetrical cherry tomato red, open front, ruffled skirts was the highlight of Victoria Beckham, while Alexander McQueen took ruffles to a new height with an Avant-Garde tomato red bustier dress. Altuzarra showcased varied asymmetrical hemlines through easy silhouettes and breezy fabrics, keeping the summer heat in mind. Unlike Altuzarra, Paco Rabanne went against the spirit of summer with a red silk- oneshouldered dress with ruching at the waist embellished with silver buttons.

40 FACES February 2018

BURLESQUE (Slip dresses):

A 90’s classic, the slip dress has slowly made its way back onto the runway since 2016, with new re-inventions of the classic. It once stood as a symbol of dexterity, worn by Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow. Today, the slip dress is a classic piece adorned by women all over the world as an ode to sophistication and, most importantly, as an appreciation to the fashion rulers of this generation. Ralph Lauren showcased a collection inspired by collectible cars of which was a stunning floor-length slip dress, rather gown, with a panel of black through the centre mimicking a Ferrari. Oscar De La Renta gave the slip dress a makeover with heavy embellishments and sequins - a perfect dress for a night out with the girls. Nina Ricci, Coach, and Salvatore Ferragamo re-invented the slip dress with lace trims, lengthening the silhouette and ruching at the waistline.

Style File

SUMMER SPECIALS

(Midi to maxi length dresses):

A summer essential, midi and maxi length dresses have always been wardrobe must-haves for the season, be it boho prints, florals or solid colours. This season, this garment has taken a twist on the runway, with Calvin Klein’s flash dance shouldered midi length dress made of plastic and Valentino’s interpretation of the maxi dress, made of sheer fabric with pearl embellishments. Tom Ford, favouring the trend of ruching, created a powder pink evening number with geometric metal finish embellished sleeves. Marc Jacob’s crabapple pink maxi dress was the highlight of the show with a handcrafted rosette at the waistline and metallic trims that covered the entirety of the garment. Tibi stuck to the essence of a summer midi dress with a pink lavender A-line dress, an orchid neckline, and double folded hemlines.

February 2018 FACES

Style File

WALL STREET WOMEN (Power suits):

The future is female! Hot off the spring 2018 runway, the power suit trend is quickly emerging this season. In a time of political unrest, designers are strongly vocalising their support for female power through design. Proof that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much more to the conservative two-piece than the parody of a 1980s executive woman; double-breasted blazers and a pair of crisp, tailored trousers is an ensemble that commands attention. Now, they are neat, androgynous and statementmaking with pops of colour, prints, and embellishments. Designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and Oscar De La Renta had an array of pastel pink to blazing red power suits with varying lengths, panelling, trims and detailing. Donatella put out a different kind of power suit with a bodycon tailor-made dress and blazer that screamed feminism. Victoria Beckham went with a lilac double-breasted oversized blazer, straight cut trousers, and a pink lavender dress shirt, while Tom Ford kept it fresh and simple with a hot pink double-breasted blazer and a floor-length jumpsuit with a plunging neckline.

42 FACES February 2018

ESQUE IT WITH ALE

FASHION CONTROVERSIES

COULD 2018 BE THE YEAR OF FASHION CONTROVERSY, ASKS ALE AL ZADJALI, AS HE CHECKS OUT SOME OF THE STORMS THAT ROCKED THE WORLD OF FASHION THIS JANUARY Controversy and fashion have been simultaneous since the dawn of time; however, it feels like in 2018 all you read about are controversial stories. You have Victoria Beckham facing social media attacks for hiring a model deemed ‘too thin’, and you have Kendall Jenner falling in hot water because she walked the DSquared show in fur.

Perhaps, celebrities are immune to this by now and the public will be over them before this column gets printed.

Lifestyle Jewellery The concept of ‘Lifestyle Jewellery’ from Malabar Gold and Diamonds (MGD), is the latest offering from the Group that is focusing on trendy and lightweight jewellery that represents the independent and modern woman through its designs and collections

GD - Lifestyle Jewellery offers a wide range of jewellery that includes 18K and 22K gold jewellery, diamond jewellery, uncut diamond jewellery, precious gem jewellery and pearl jewellery. These pieces of jewellery are designed in a way so they can be used as practical, convenient and simple jewellery for daily use without compromising on service or quality. The vision of this retail concept is to be the preferred one-stop destination for lifestyle jewellery, offering unique designs and styles. The jewellery showcases at MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery are sources from various parts of the world like Europe, Far East and Asia. The designs are inspired by the spirit of the youth and young adults keeping in mind what they would love in jewellery.

Then we have the H&M controversy which led to celebrities cutting ties and stores getting trashed, which, honestly, if you were fine with them allegedly hiring underage factory workers but draw the line at an advertising mistake, then you need to re-think your problems. Their future is possibly risked, but I’m sure they will put out another sale and people will flock back in. There is also Marc Jacobs’ SS18 show that had models in head wraps; but by now we know that he does things like this with the intention to upset people, so let us not give him more attention. Mind you, at the time I wrote this it was only the 20th of Jan and the MET Gala is quickly approaching. I am not hearing much about the shows, but I am very aware of the controversy and, perhaps, that is what has me more excited for 2018’s fashion. Ale Al Zadjali is a 24 year-old award-winning fashion designer; he is the brain behind the ‘Esque By Ale’ line of clothing

February 2018 FACES

All T

Special Love

n i h

ove L s g

Celebrate love and its colourful expressions this season with gadgets, apps and a quiz

Love in the time of Gadgets and Apps Check out the gadgets crafted to foster long distance relationships and apps designed to make you wear your heart on your sleeve Ringly

As the name suggests, this little gadget uses rings to alert you to messages from that someone special. It is a wearable technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; smart bracelets and rings - that is connected to your smartphoone via Bluetooth. Once connected, you will receive customised alerts through vibrations and colour-coded lights, ensuring that you will never miss any messages from your loved one.

44 FACES February 2018

Pillowtalk

This is exactly what a love guru would have prescribed for a long distance relationship. It is a special bracelet that is connected to a case that is placed under your partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pillow to transmit heartbeats and movements to each other. The gadget allows you to feel, in real time, the heartbeats and movements of your better half, as if you were together.

Special Love

Love Inspired Tech (LIT)

Let technology inspire you in your love zone. LIT will make your long distance video calls qualitatively better; you will be able to see your partner in a natural light, whatever be the time zone. The gadget is compatible with laptop, desktop, smartphone and tablet.

Dreamdays

Counting days when you will see him/her again? Here is a countdown app that will make it easy to track days left until you will see your special someone again. You could also use this app to create a calendar of important days and events.

HEY bracelets

Stay connected with bracelets. HEY bracelets will let you communicate remotely with your partner, simply just wearing the bracelet. These bracelets let you feel your loved one – whatever be the distance. The wearable tech can mimic a real human touch, by actually generating a gentle squeeze.

Couple

Right, there are several messaging apps to stay connected, but if you want something that is exclusive to you and your partner, check out Couple, a social networking app for just you two. The app also allows you to share photos and videos. Check out also ‘Avocado’ and ‘Between’ apps, which are designed to work on similar platforms.

Glympse

Glympse is exactly what a glimpse from your partner would do to your mood. The app will let you share your plans for a specific period of time in the day, so that your partner can track your trip through Glympse notifications. The app allows you to set who can see you and for how long.

February 2018 FACES

Special Love Frebble

If you are looking for a reassuring squeeze from your long distance partner, this Frebble is what would help you get it. It is a set of two devices: when one partner squeezes his Frebble, the corresponding device in her hand will gently apply pressure to the back of her hand. The Frebble duo will simulate a sensation of holding hands next to each other.

TapTap wristband

A tap is all that you need to do to let your partner know that you are thinking of him/ her. The TapTap is set a of wristbands that are connected to each other – each wears one and uses it to tap and tell the other that he/she is on your mind. What is more, the bands can lso track your activity and your sleep.

Touch Lamps

Touch Room

These in-sync touch lamps will let your loved ones know that you are thinking about them in real time. After the partners connect their respective lamps to Wi-Fi, the lamps will sync up and will allow the duo to send messages with quick touch of the hands. So, when one lamp is connected, the other lamp will give off the same glow.

Create a virtual room with this app to see the part of the screen your partner is touching. It lets you add your handprint to feel a buzz, indicating that you are now virtually holding hands.

Goodnight Lamp

Another lamp that can evoke similar sensation is the Goodnight Lamp; quaint house-shaped lamps that can connect you and your partner through their warm glow. It works by connecting the bigger lamp with the smaller one. So, when you turn the large lamp on to indicate you are available for chat, the little lamp given to your partner, wherever he/she may be, will turn on too.

46 FACES February 2018

Lovebox

Here is a messenger that is designed along the lines of the classic love note. The cloud-connected ‘Lovebox Messenger’ lets you send notes to your loved one at any time. The box is connected to the phone, letting you to use the app to send messages. When receiving a message, the heart on the box will spin and your partner will be able to read the message on the screen placed inside, instead of the boring phone screen.

Happily Ever After…? Are you investing your time and effort in your relationship to make it work on all counts? How would you rate yourself as a partner? Find out how good a partner you are with the following quiz…

Ask yourself these questions and tick the answer that best suits you: 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Do you forget to say ‘thank you’ to your partner when he/she does something nice for you? o Yes o No

Do you have trouble making time to listen to your partner even when you know there is something bothering him/her? o Yes o No Are you prone to text or call your partner repeatedly, if he/she doesn’t respond to you? o Yes o No Do you get upset and angry when your partner wants to hang out with his/her friends or family? o Yes o No If you are frustrated, do you use your partner as a scapegoat and take it all out on him/her? o Yes o No Do you take pleasure in teasing your partner about things that he/she is insecure about? o Yes o No Do you dictate to your partner who he/she can/cannot hang out with? o Yes o No Do you expect your partner to ask your permission before joining a club or an activity? o Yes o No

10. 11. 12.

13. 14. 15. 16.

Do you crosscheck and counter crosscheck with your partner to make sure he/she was not lying about attending a party/event? o Yes o No Do you accuse your partner of cheating on you, even when there is no reason to doubt him/her? o Yes o No Do you find fault with your partner’s figure or appearance? o Yes o No Do you read your partner’s texts or check his/her emails and even social media accounts, without his/ her knowledge? o Yes o No Do you make your partner feel guilty about the things he/she has no control over? o Yes o No Do you, sometimes, say things to your partner even when you know it is hurtful to him/her? o Yes o No Do you talk down to your partner or find ways to embarrass him/ her in front of others? o Yes o No Do you go about throwing things around the house or slap/hit your partner when you are angry? o Yes o No

(Disclaimer: This is a generic quiz, intended solely to highlight some of the negative behaviours that could affect a relationship.)

Your score

Give the following points to every ‘no’ answer that you ticked: 1. Give 1 point each for questions 1to 5 2. Give 3 points each for questions 6 to 10 3. Give 5 points each for questions 11 to 14 4. Give 15 points each for questions 15 and 16 Add up all your scores and see where you fit in. 15 or more: Right, you are a good partner. You are aware of the consequences pegged on to actions and are always respectful of your partner’s thoughts and feelings. You are definitely working to make your relationship work. 6 to 14: You and your partner have your occasional differences, but then nobody is perfect. You need to pay attention to the issues that are affecting the relationship and things can be easily smoothened up. 1 to 5: You need to iron out things and understand that some actions are not aligning right in your partnership. You may not be overtly abusive in your behaviour, but there is no saying when it could worsen if you don’t get a hold on it. Have a control on your emotions and do not indulge in words/acts that will hurt him/her. 0: Whether you realise it or not, some of your actions are definitely abusive. These very acts will cause damage to your relationship unless you wake up, press the pause button to analyse and assess your actions. Becoming aware of your behaviour is the first step. Follow that up by taking responsibility for it and seek ways to rectify it. So, are in a happily-ever-after relationship?

February 2018 FACES

At Home

A little n i ’ e g g y ‘H e m o H your

Experience hygge (Danish for togetherness/cosiness) with simple tweaks and little décor additions in your home

lthough ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’ or ‘hue-gah’) devotees insist it is a state of mind rather than the décor and design elements that adorn your living spaces, hygge can be fostered with some tried and tested methods demonstrated by experts in the world of home décor. It is, understandably, a simple concept that has its core the basic premise of home as a cosy den; one that gives it a much wider connotation and which could be interpreted in myriad ways. Like a cosy dinner with friends around the dining table with soothing music playing in the background and camaraderie floating around with laughter and even discussions about topics of interest. There are, however, little dos and don’ts that will help create the ambience to evoke the inherent mood of ‘hygge’ in your home. Here are a few tips to help you get there:

Candle glow

Flickering light from a candle wick can speak in languages that need no translation. There is instant warmth there. Even when the soft luminous glow is restricted to the corner where the candle is lit, it can kindle a sense of oneness that can envelope the entire room. Aroma candles that produce your favourite scents can enhance the mood further.

48 FACES February 2018

Lamp light

Lamps, like candles, have their own charm. Place it in strategic places around the room to create a soft hygge atmosphere. Reading under the glow of a lamp is a beautiful expression of this concept. Place a lamp above your dining table as well, to create a circle of love that the table can inspire when all family members gather together for dinner.

At Home

Accessory talk

Read that as suitable accessories… For, not all accessories have that element of hygge in them. And that means no plastics, rather restrained amount of plastic accessories. Natural is the flavour of hygge, and finding décor accessories that are leaning towards organic look are apt – like soft rugs in tonal colours.

Music note

Soothing music is a beautiful expression of cosiness in your living space. But the idea should be to create a piped music effect, with no obvious signs of speakers and electronic gadgets. According to hygge principles, electronics, with their rigid appearance, can dampen the effect.

Texture touch

The texture of your room is all the more important in staying focused with your hygge task. In hygge, texture is synonymous with soft surfaces that have an inherent feel of cosiness and warmth. Add cushions with soft covers or even knit ones, alongside throw rugs that have a fluffy look about them.

Minimal look

Less is always more in the world of hygge. Filling your home with too many décor elements and artefacts can make it look cluttered and take away the mood you were planning on creating. Depending on the size of the room, pick and chose items that create oneness with you; remember, the size of your furniture also matters. The idea is to give your room an everything-fits-in feel; not to overindulge or impress your guests.

Clutter-free

In every home décor concept, the one big ‘no’ is clutter. It is the basis of creating a stress-free home. Clutter can give negative vibes to the surroundings and spread it to the residents of the home. The best way to create an easy solution to things that are essential in the house and yet make them inconspicuous is to create hidden storage spaces that can hold those items.

Snug nook

Whether you live in a villa or an apartment, ensure that your home has at least one cosy space that you can call your favourite. Windows that

can be modified as seats are the best to get some nature therapy into the home. When padded with cushions, that spot can scream hygge like nothing else can.

Memory zone

Displaying all the treasured memories, whether captured in photographs, souvenirs or paintings, has all the right notes of hygge packed in them. You could use the treasures to adorn your wall or a mounted bracket and let it envelope you and your family in shared togetherness that can only translate as happiness. Find creative ways to display the memories and add your own touch to the room. Hygge, in its basic form, is the art of creating a sense of intimacy in a given moment. It could be in an act of drinking your morning cuppa with the morning sun reflecting on the walls, reading a book in a cosy corner, watching your favourite television show with family or simply soaking in a long tub bath with aroma candles for company

February 2018 FACES

Relatively Speaking

Soul Mates

The belief that soul mates exist and that they are bound together by nature itself, may have the sound and feel of romantic tittle-tattle, but even naysayers will have to admit that certain people are, apparently, destined to be together

theory of soul mates, presented by Aristophanes in Plato’s ‘Symposium’, states that humans originally had four arms, four legs and a single head made of two faces, and that Zeus, god of the sky, feared their power and split them in half. This condemned them to spend their lives searching for the other half to complete them. That little story may not find any takers today, but many people do believe that souls are fated to be together. People even believe that a soul mate is someone with whom a person has shared other lifetimes, through reincarnation. Richard Bach, one of the biggest proponents of soul mates, believed in it completely; even after his separation from Leslie Parrish, his ‘soul mate’. According to him, soul mate is someone who has the locks

to fit the keys. He’d said: “When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and for who we are pretending to be. Each of us unveils the best part of one another. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we are safe in our paradise. Our soul mate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. Our soul mate is the one who makes life come to life.” But for Randall Munroe, NASA roboticist specialist, the mathematics of soul mates is simply impossible to achieve. In the book ‘What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions’, he tries to solve the question, ‘What if everyone actually had only one soul mate, a random

person somewhere in the world?’ In mathematical equation, he points out, the chances of finding that one soul mate are as good as none, because that pits each person against 500 million potential candidates in the same age group as you! And that again means that ‘you will find true love in one lifetime out of 10,000,’ he concludes. But if you, like Richard Back and Leslie Parrish, are inclined to believe otherwise, you may want to know whether you have any chance of finding your soul mate. Bach’s idea of soul mate, which comes through in his book ‘The Bridge Across Forever’, is a woman who could share his prejudices and passions, embrace adventure, laugh like a child, and be physically beautiful and supremely self-reliant; someone who could find her independent ways, the road to internal beauty and spiritual growth… In this book, which is an autobiographical account of how he found Leslie, Bach makes readers believe in the perfection in life and love and stresses that the capacity

50 FACES February 2018

Relatively Speaking

for divine joy and completeness can be truly found. ‘I believe that Leslie and I were led to find each other…’ But when their fairytale marriage broke after 22 years, Bach told a reporter, “Soul mates, to me, don’t define themselves by legal marriage. There’s a learning connection that exists between those two souls. Leslie and I had that for the longest time…” So how do you know if you have found your soul mate? What applies to one may not fit the jigsaw puzzle for another, but there is a kind of consensus among love gurus who ask to look for the following triggers:

Intuition: Call it your sixth sense

or a feeling of instant familiarity with the other person; your intuition will play a role in identifying your soul mate.

Morals and values: Shared morals and values are like magnets that attract you to each other. When conversations veer towards individual likes, dislikes, values and beliefs, there is an instinctive reflection of your own ideals. Best friends: Often, soul mates

are made of friends who have endured and endeared to each other. Respect: One of the things that define soul mates is their respect for each other that comes from knowing each other. Acceptance is the equaliser here.

Communication: There is

a strong line of communication between soul mates. There are no hesitations and no awkwardness in communicating various aspects of life, from trivial to sublime. Dreams and aspirations: Whether your dreams and aspirations for the future are on the same line or no,

your soul mate knows how to make you believe in yours and take it forward.

Special: Soul mate makes you feel special all the time. You feel you can achieve self-actualisation with him/ her.

Complement each other:

Soul mate knows just how to challenge you to achieve your best and is always there to make the relationship work.

P.N. – As Bach constantly stressed, as humans we have a need to complete our lives by looking for those who are our true soul mates - the single one person in our lives with whom we can entwine perfectly and take steps towards making a glorious union of two souls into one - where the sum of one and one, can be infinity!

February 2018 FACES

Mandate

Say ‘I love you’

There may be myriad ways to express your feelings for your partner, but saying those three words beats them all

lame it on the universal mindset; men simply are not crafted to utter those three words, you think? They may hem and haw or blurt it out if decorum demands it, but are, commonly, wont to find other avenues to express their feelings – right? Men, seemingly, have some level of difficulty in sharing their emotions in a romantic relationship. But what do you know… Psychologists have studies to prove that men are not necessarily reticent when it comes to saying ‘I love you’. In fact, contrary to popular beliefs, men are the ones who first say those words. Although the study is nearly seven years old, psychologist found that men do the first bidding; which, they opine,

52 FACES February 2018

could be because they feel love first. The study, reported in ‘The Journal of Social Psychology’, way back in 2011, stated that while men confessed love just few weeks into a new relationship, women took their time. Experts have proposed a variety of theories why men do say ‘I love you’ before women, but, according to Joshua Ackerman, a researcher of the said study, there is a cultural reason why men say it earlier. It is the stereotypical expectation for men to take the lead in a relationship that drives them to confess. For, traditionally, it has always been men who made the first move, whether to ask for a date or propose marriage. And men, say psychologists, believe that women need to be reassured of an emotional connect.

Now, if you have been nodding your head to the above diatribe, do a quick retrospection to ask yourself when was the last time you said I love you to your partner. Perhaps, you say it all the time…? But if you are in a new relationship and wondering if the time is right to say those three little words, here is a quick guide to help you get a grip on your relationship status. To begin, there is no specific time frame to express love, nor can it be dictated by any set norms. Nevertheless, a little self assessment could help you understand the comfort level you have achieved in your relationship to create the right ambience for the famous one-liner. As an online dating expert pointed out, finding answers to a few mental questions could help establish if the time is right to say ‘I love you’.

Mandate

The idea is to find out how well you know your girl friend… -

Do you know the names of her friends or her close relatives?

Would you be able to name her favourite movies/books or songs? Do you know the most special event in her life or her favourite travel destination? Do you know where her native town is and where she studied? Can you guess rightly what she would do if she won some prize money?

If you were able to answer ‘yes’ to any of the three questions, then you

could go ahead and say those words; but not before you consider a few pointers, rather dos and don’ts, shared by experts in the game of dating. 1.

The biggest one is to not say the words in a highly intimate situation. It should not have a cause and effect relationship. Those words, even if genuine, might be misconstrued as the result of the intimate situation. Make sure you are in your senses when you say it. Any sign of intoxication could ruin the moment completely; making her wonder if you really meant it at all. There is no need for grandiosity

when it comes to saying ‘I love you’. If you attempt to create a sequence of events, with a lot of planning going into it, the words may have lesser impact than if it seemed spontaneous. 4. Agree, love is a strong emotion and requires one to fully comprehend the impact of those words, but over-thinking will not make it better. Instead of making her play the roulette with he loves me, he loves me not chant, say it if you feel it. 5. Remember, after all is said and done, what matters is how you say it, not when or where. Go on…

February 2018 FACES

Bank Muscat launches state-of-art B2B Connect platform

Bank Muscat launched a state-of-the-art Business to Business (B2B) Connect platform to address the dynamic business requirements of Government and corporate entities. The B2B Connect platform launch was held at an event focusing on the future trends of transaction banking services, in the presence of Abdul Razak Ali Issa, Chief Executive, Management Team members, Government and corporate leaders. The niche B2B Connect solution is an advanced version of online banking targeted mainly at large corporates. With the B2B Connect solution, corporates can carry out payment approvals in their ERP and the information can flow to the bank for processing. Speaking on the occasion, Tariq Atiq, DGM – International Banking & Transaction Banking, said: “Businesses have gone digital covering a wide range of activities from marketing to supply chain to finance management. This shift to digital has immense benefits for corporates and the economy, notably efficiency, cost reduction, accountability, speed and scalability.”

Oman Air appoints Suleiman Al Ghannami as Chief Financial Officer

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, announced the appointment of Suleiman Al Ghannami as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective February 1, 2018. He joins the airline at a transitional time of network and fleet expansion. Suleiman brings 13 years’ of professional and international experience to the role of Oman Air’s CFO; he worked for Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) for seven years, with four of these years being in PwC’s international offices. More recently he was employed for six years, (until October 2017) at the Oman Drydock Company, where he was Finance Director and acting Deputy CEO - Administration. Suleiman joins a group of highly experienced EVPs and senior management, whom along with the A/CEO, Chairman and the Executive Directors will support him as he commences the role of the Chief Financial Officer of Oman Air.

Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics opens its 8th branch Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics officially launched their 8th branch in the Sultanate, with Aster Al Raffah Polyclinic in Ma’abela. The inauguration of the new facility was officiated by H.H. AlSayyad Hujaija Jaifer Al Said, Chairman of Association for the Welfare of the handicapped children and Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, in the presence of officials and staff of Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics, Oman. Aster Al Raffah Polyclinic in Ma’abela offers a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services. Conveniently located in Al Ma’abela, behind Nesto Supermarket, the new facility will function within regular working hours from 9 am to 9 pm.

54 FACES February 2018

Joyalukkas ‘Be Mine’ diamond jewellery collection Jewellery Superbrand Joyalukkas continues to capture hearts all over the globe with a million world-class designs and awardwinning service. For the month of February, the world’s favourite jeweller shines once again with a glittering new collection of love-inspired diamond, pearl and 18K gold jewellery in time for Valentine’s Day. Till February 17, 2018, shoppers can fall in love with a gorgeous selection of necklaces, earrings, bangles and rings with unique heart designs in the limited edition ‘Be Mine Collection’. Along with the launch of the limited edition ‘Be Mine Collection’, shoppers can also enjoy special cashback offers and discounts across Joyalukkas over 140 showrooms in 11 countries. Meanwhile, one lucky winner received an Audi A3 in Joyalukkas Shop & Win promotion. Audi A3 was presented to the winner Miss Jane Gracy David by Mr. Anto Ignatious in the presence of Joyalukkas officials and various customers.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort wins ‘Luxury New Hotel’

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort won the global ‘Luxury New Hotel’ category, and was the country winner in the ‘Luxury Mountain Resort’ category, at the World Luxury Travel Awards that took place in December 2017. The awards recognise luxury hotels for their worldclass facilities and excellence in customer service, making it a fantastic recognition for the Omanbased resort, which recently celebrated its oneyear anniversary. Darren Darwin, General Manager of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort says, “The resort has had an extremely successful first year of operation, with an impressive collection of awards to its name to date. These awards are a huge testament to the incredible team we have here and firmly places Oman on the map as a luxury destination.”

Promotional offers at MGM

Muscat Grand Mall (MGM), one of the participating sponsors for Muscat Festival 2018, has initiated a ‘Shop and Win’ campaign. Commenting on the popularity of the festival, Hassan Jaboub, General Manager of MGM noted, “To celebrate the festival, we are introducing a new ‘Shop and Win’ campaign to provide shoppers with great offers and special discounts at many of the mall’s stores. The promotion gives shoppers the chance of winning the grand prize of a stunning Lexus LX 570. Additionally, we will also be hosting family friendly events and activities in the mall.” ‘Shop and Win’ is the first shopper campaign launched by MGM this year. Customers spending RO20 at any participating MGM retailer can enter the prize draw to win a Lexus LX 570.The campaign also includes special in store discounts of up to 70 percent, as participating outlets.

Khimji Ramdas’ Eshraqa launches its 2018 calendar

Khimji Ramdas’ Eshraqa thematic calendar for 2018 was recently launched, signalling the start of a new year for Eshraqa’s multi-pronged community drive. The calendar pays tribute to social media influencers across Oman. Commenting on the new calendar release, Nailesh Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, said, “The Khimji Ramdas Eshraqa Calendar reiterates our commitment to inspire and celebrate local talent. Each year we spotlight individuals from the local Omani community who have achieved noteworthy accomplishments, whether these are in sports, art, literature, culture.” The calendar this year included Fahmi Al Mawaali, Maha Al Balushi, Saif Al Foori, Halima Al Abdulsalam, Mohammed Al Arimi, Ashwaq Al Maskery, Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Ghazi Al Balushi, Mohammed Al Noufali, Madiha Al Sulimani, Issam Al Zadjali, Ghada Al Zadjali and Hatim Al Abdissalaam.

February 2018 FACES

Auto News

Infiniti QX80 makes Oman debut

Following the World Premiere at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show, Infiniti in Oman launched the new Infiniti QX80 at an exclusive event held at its showroom in Muscat. Further advancing Infiniti’s market-leading presence in the full-size luxury SUV segment, the QX80 takes Infiniti’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language in a bold new direction, creating a powerful, contemporary and commanding aesthetic. The new model has been created to meet the needs of today’s luxury car buyers, and introduces a more modern interpretation of upscale luxury to the full-size SUV segment. It will appeal to a buyer that wants for nothing: affluent, highachieving entrepreneurs and business leaders, often with families, who demand space and utility, hand-crafted quality and modern design, and effortless on-road performance. Infiniti customers enjoy using technology and innovations to make their lives more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Alfardan Motors presents Ferrari Portofino in the Sultanate

Alfardan Motors, the official Ferrari importer in Oman, staged an exclusive VIP launch event for the Portofino, the latest model from the iconic Ferrari stable. The chic event, held at the luxury Alfardan Motors showroom in Muscat, was designed to capture the ambiance of the beautiful Italian town after which it is named, and was attended by an exclusive guest list of clients and high-profile connoisseurs. Ferrari has chosen a particularly evocative name for this exceptionally versatile drop-top car. Portofino is renowned for its charming port and, over the years, has become internationally synonymous with elegance, sportiness and understated luxury. The launch colour of the new Ferrari has also been dedicated to this marvellous town: Rosso Portofino.

Audi closes 2017 with new record-breaking sales

AUDI AG has increased its global sales for the eighth year in a row. Despite a turbulent first half of the year, the company achieved a new record-breaking figure: Around 1,878,100 deliveries represent an increase of 0.6 percent. The Four Rings sold more than in the previous year in all three core markets in 2017: In the United States, Audi achieved new record-breaking sales month by month and closed the year 2017 with growth of 7.8 percent. In China, Audi not only managed to offset the poor delivery figures from the first half of the year, but even achieved a cumulative increase of 1.1 percent in the year-end spurt. In Germany, sales built on the very high level in 2016 with an increase of 0.4 percent. The global increase in demand for the Q models (+10.8% to around 689,150 cars) was a major factor in the growth of the Four Rings in 2017. More than one out of every three Audi models sold was therefore an SUV. In 2017, the most successful member of the Q family was the Audi Q5 with around 281,850 automobiles delivered.

56 FACES February 2018

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars 2017: The Year of Bespoke

The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke department is an extraordinary collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, who bring the marque’s discerning and influential patrons’ most ambitious and personal visions to reality. 2017 was the year that Rolls-Royce elevated Bespoke to unprecedented new levels, resulting in one of the most significant years for Bespoke in the 114-year history of the brand. Some of the finest examples of Bespoke design and craftsmanship to be completed by the luxury house over the past 12 months, include ‘Sweptail’, a compelling representation of true luxury, taking Bespoke coach build personalisation to new heights; new RollsRoyce Phantom, which was unveiled to global critical acclaim in 2017; and the Bespoke ‘Spirit of Calligraphy’ Ghost, which draws its design inspiration from the ancient art of Arabic calligraphy. The Ghost ‘Elegance’ raised the bar of Bespoke by becoming the first Rolls-Royce to be finished in a paint infused with diamonds.

Nissan Patrol Super Safari

With its proud heritage, composed of power, determination and strength, the Nissan Patrol Super Safari transcends one’s expectations of any vehicle. The re-imagined Nissan Patrol Super Safari retains all the elements that have elevated the vehicle to iconic status such as the rugged design and the off-road capability, while delivering a modern approach that is complimented by the special upgrades and enhancements that add to its usability and visual appeal. The Patrol Super Safari boasts all-new tan leather seats and door trim with 8-way power seats for the driver and 4-way for the front passenger. New driver aids include a navigation system as well as front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, Bluetooth, USB, CD, auxiliary input socket and FM/AM radio to complete the in-car entertainment offering. The vehicle comes equipped with automatic climate control and a built-in, refrigerated cool box.

Mitsubishi Lancer EX now available from RO4,495

General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, has announced its latest offer titled ‘The best time to buy a Mitsubishi is now’. GAC is offering cash gifts starting from RO1,000 up to RO3,795. As part of this offer, the Lancer EX is now available at an unbeatable price of just RO4,495 after with cash gift. The offer, which is available until February 9, also includes one year free insurance on select models and a free service package of 2 years/30,000km. The stunning Lancer EX is powered by either a l.6 litre or 2.0 litre engine, depending on the model. The sedan features 57 February 2018also FACES a wide range of safety equipment including an Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and two SRS Airbags. It is also known for its responsive automatic transmission and wide range of other great features.

Chill Out

Movies

MOVIE REVIEW

Director Ryan Coogler

Cast

ND I N G

CHART TOPPERS

Chadwick Boseman Michael B. Jordan Lupita Nyong’o Danai Gurira Martin Freeman Daniel Kaluuya Letitia Wright Winston Duke Angela Bassett Forest Whitaker Andy Serkis

Despacito: Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

That’s What I Like : Bruno Mars

I’m The One: DJ Khaled

Humble: Kendrick Lamar

Shape of You: Ed Sheeran

Mask Off: Future iSy: Lyle & Lil Yachty

Something Just Like This: Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Stay: Zedd & Alessia Cara

XO Tour Lif3: Lil Uzi Vert

10. Sign Of The Times: Harry Styles

58 FACES February 2018

Black Panther Black Panther springs into action when an old enemy threatens the fate of his nation and the world. Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther’ follows T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman)who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, ‘Black Panther’ is intended to be the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget UPCOMING RELEASES

Winchester

Annihilation

Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tuva Novotny, Natalie Portman In seeking answers to her husband’s tragic disappearance, a biologist volunteers for an expedition into an area sealed off by the government for the last 30 years as an environmental disaster zone. A secret agency known as the Southern Reach has sent in 11 expeditions over those years to discover the truth about Area X, and those attempts were failures. She and her team find a pristine wilderness, but they also notice quickly that the rules of nature and evolution seem to work a little differently. And the creature they find is dangerous.

Peter Rabbit

James Corden (Peter Rabbit - voice), Rose Byrne (Bea), Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Margot Robbie, Domhnall Gleeson (McGregor) Peter Rabbit is an upcoming 3D live-action/CGI animated adventure comedy film directed by Will Gluck from a screenplay by Gluck and Rob Lieber, based on the stories of the character of the same name created by Beatrix Potter. In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before, as they rival for the affections of the warmhearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne).

BOOK REVIEW

Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, Sarah Snook, Angus Sampson, Finn SciclunaO’Prey On an isolated stretch of land, 50 miles outside of San Francisco, sits the most haunted house in the world. Built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester fortune, it is a house that knows no end. It stands seven stories tall and contains hundreds of rooms. To the outsider it looks like a monstrous monument to a disturbed woman’s madness. But Sarah is not building for herself, for her niece or for the brilliant Doctor Eric Price whom she has summoned to the house. She is building a prison, an asylum for hundreds of vengeful ghosts, and the most terrifying among them have a score to settle with the Winchesters...

First Comes Love, Then Comes Money

Authors: Bethany and Scott Palmer The book is based on the premise that happy couples know how to talk about money. According to the authors, the number one cause for divorce is financial infidelity. Described as ‘The Money Couple’, they reveal that the missing ingredient needed before any financial programme or plan can work is a healthy financial communication, and then go ahead to tell the reader how to do it…

The Art of Loving Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man

Author: Steve Harvey American comedian, television host, producer and radio personality, Harvey instructs women on how to be a ‘keeper’, instead of a ‘sports fish’. He presents his concept of what men really think about love, relationships, intimacy and commitment, while encouraging women to understand that they can never be first in a man’s life without understanding and accepting that men are driven by who and what they are and how much they make.

Author: Erich Fromm In this classic work, renowned psychoanalyst and social philosopher Erich Fromm explores love in all its aspects; not only romantic love, steeped in false conceptions and lofty expectations, but also brotherly love, erotic love, self-love, the love of God, and the love of parents for their children. He presents love as a skill that can be taught and developed. He rejects the idea of loving as something magical and mysterious that cannot be analysed and explained.

February 2018 FACES

Chill Out

Movies

WEB WORLD

Teaching children about LOVE Love, understandably, requires no training, but to create a positive environment of love and spread its powerful message, it is important to inculcate certain habits in children through activities or games With the online world dictating all aspects of our lives, including love, it is no wonder that it has turned into a treasure house of valuable inputs to teach children the basic values of love. One such website is Momentsaday.com, which is packed with resources and inspirational activities to help families grow closer and kinder with each day. On the top menu bar of the home page of the website is the ‘Blog’ button with a drop-down menu including ‘Activities for Kids’, which leads you to activities to teach children about love (http:// www. momentsaday.com/ activities-

to-teach-children-about-love/). This page presents carefully culled 10 easy activities to help children learn about love, with tasks, craft works and probing questions. For starters, it asks parents to find out how their child/children like to feel loved by asking “How do you know when someone loves you?” This could be a family discussion, with each member sharing their perspective on understanding love. The list ranges from creative

Riddle Time

1 2 3 4 5

What do you call a condiment with a hit single? Why did the balloon burst? What did the stamp say to the envelope? What do you call a magician on a plane? When do you stop at green and go at red?

60 FACES February 2018

activities like making a ‘love heart’ and making lists of qualities that demonstrate love to making cards for that special someone and discussing ‘unconditional love’. What is also interesting is a subhead that encourages children to show their love for the earth. This takes the concept of love, one that parents ought to inculcate in their children at a young age, to another level. It could involve collecting recyclable items in the house, keeping the neighbourhood clean, and the like. The idea is to make children understand that love can be expressed in myriad ways.

Riddle Time Answers ( January 2018)

1 2 3 4 5

Where do crayons go on vacation? Answer: Color-ado! What is it called when a cat wins a dog show? Answer: A CAT-HAS-TROPHY! What did the baby corn say to the mama corn? Answer: ‘Where’s Popcorn?’ What happened to the dog that swallowed a firefly? Answer: It barked with de-light!

What do you call a man with no body and just a nose? Answer: Nobody nose.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget GADGET NOTES Sleep better with Philips’ new SmartSleep

Good news for people seeking quality sleep. Philips’ new headband promises better sleep by whispering in your ear all night long. The company has created a headband that plays special sounds designed to encourage the brain to remain in its most restful deep sleep state. Philips’ new SmartSleep uses built-in sensors touching the forehead and behind the ears to monitor the brain activity and share that data with an accompanying mobile app. When deep or slow-wave sleep is detected, the speakers in the headband play a subtle white noise in a repeating pattern that matches the rise and fall of your brain activity. The noise is said to reinforce that deep, slow-wave sleep activity, maximizing the amount of rest and recovery the brain is able to get overnight.

Battery-free wireless gaming mouse

Razer’s new battery-free wireless gaming mouse, the Razer Mamba Hyperflux, powers itself entirely from the mousepad. The Firefly Hyperflux has a magnetic coil built-in that powers the mouse no matter where it is on the pad. The pad’s surface is replaceable, allowing users to switch between a hard surface similar to the original Firefly or a soft surface similar to the regular mousepads. Since it doesn’t have a battery, it weighs a mere .21 pounds; it has also moved over to a 16,000 DPI optical sensor. The Mamba Hyperflux and Firefly Hyperflux are expected to be available for sale by the end of the first quarter of 2018.

Standalone VR Headset from Google and Lenovo

Here is Google’s first standalone virtual reality (VR) headset, thanks to Lenovo. Google and Lenovo have unveiled the Mirage Solo headset, which runs on Google’s Daydream VR platform and is being built by Lenovo. The headset works without the need for a PC or phone to run VR experiences, and features integrated positional tracking. The Mirage Solo comes with an integrated 5.5 inch LCD screen that offers a 110-degree field of view, and packs 4GB of memory and 64 GB of storage for apps and content. Users are able to expand that storage with SD cards of up to 256 GB. There are no integrated headphones, but the Mirage Solo comes with a traditional headphone jack. The headset is expected to become commercially available in the second quarter of 2018.

Bites

ohnny, a wannabe businessman, was working at a construction site when he came across a bottle. He popped it open and out came a Genie. ‘I gotta warn you,’ said the Genie ‘I’m not that powerful but I’ll try my best.’ ‘Well’ said Johnny, happy to receive any help, ‘I’m trying desperately to start a new business and I have a very important meeting tonight with a potential investor.’

The Genie thought it over and said: ‘I’ll not make tall claims as this is the best I can do. I’ll give you a one-time good luck charm. To start it, you need to say ‘123’. And when you are done, simply say ‘1234’.’ With that the Genie was gone in a puff of smoke.

Johnny couldn’t believe his good luck. As he nervously tied his tie in front of the mirror, later that evening, he kept on repeating over in his head 123, 123, 123. He nervously knocked on the rich man’s office. ‘Come in,’ said the man in a deep, imposing voice. This is it thought Johnny to himself, as he sat down across from the man. He muttered to himself ‘123’, suddenly feeling everything would be just fine. He then opened his mouth to broach his business proposal, but before he could say anything, the man, sitting comfortably behind the desk, pleasantly asked, ‘What did you say 123, for?’

February 2018 FACES

Chill Out

Movies

FUTURESCOPE

February 2018

Aquarius

(January 19 to February 18) This is your month to shine; this is the time, like every year, when you begin your journey of life all over again. Take time to love and appreciate yourself for a change, before you go out and enhance the quality of life for others. Appreciate your unique way of looking at the world and your desires to make changes that benefit all. But before you can make the dreams for a better world come true, it’s important to know what makes you happy.

Taurus

Now is the time to plant seeds of your aspirations and decide what you want to create in your career. While you do value your physical and emotional comforts above all else, this new month will help trigger the part of you that is set and willing to make changes that are long overdue. You know that it takes a lot to make changes that disturb your sense of comfort, but when you do, remember, there is no stopping you.

Gemini

Gemini, invest your resources in what you truly believe in. While there may be disagreements and arguments in your intimate relationships, there is also the opportunity for greater honesty and intimacy if you are willing to be honest in your relationship. Yes, now is the time to clear the air. You will have greater clarity and awareness about your relationships.

Cancer

You may hate to rock the boat in your relationships for fear of rejection and abandonment, but you need to remember that you are more important. It is up to you to make your inner child feel loved. Leave the past in the past. And while confrontation may not always

feel comfortable because you think it threatens your security, you will feel more self-confident and self-empowered if you stand up for yourself.

Leo

Be ready for romance, because it is coming your way. But try not to lose your temper if things don’t go exactly as you wish they would. You may find that what once attracted you no longer does. Or, on the other hand, you may feel attracted to something or someone brand new. Be direct, straightforward and honest with those closest to you.

Virgo

Now is the time to trust and go with the flow, especially in your relationships. Instead of analysing every last detail, follow your heart and make everything right. Give your relationships issues some serious thought. As far as career is concerned, don’t give up at the first sign of trouble. Find out what you are missing and what you think you want.

Libra

Get ready to feel a breath of fresh air. You may want to challenge convention and feel the energy building up in your life. This is the right time to reflect on and re-evaluate all your relationships, beginning with your relationship with yourself; your relationship to work, to money, to your health, car, etc. Now is also the time to restore balance in your life and create harmony.

Scorpio

Scorpio, you may find yourself pulling back from the world to cocoon and probe the depths of your psyche for a change. Embrace thoughts and memories of the past, knowing that you can create a new life of greater passion by transforming any negative emotional baggage you may

Bob Marley

(February 6, 1945 to May 11, 1981) Bob Marley, born Nesta Robert Marley, was a Jamaican singersongwriter who became an international musical and cultural icon, blending mostly reggae, ska and rocksteady in his compositions. He became known as the Ambassador of Third World for his music and sold over 75 million reggae albums worldwide. Starting out in 1963 with the group ‘the Wailers’, he forged a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that would later resonate with audiences worldwide. He died of cancer at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida.

62 FACES February 2018

still be carrying. And nobody understands you better than you.

Sagittarius

Of course, it is easy for you to see the glass as half full because you know there is meaning and purpose in everything, but universe wants you to dig deeper inside as you seek to understand what your life is all about. Although you love the freedom to travel the wide open spaces, most of your travel might be internal now.

Capricorn

Your usual get-up-and-go attitude will become unstoppable this month. This is the time to become one with your passion. Nothing less will do. Be aware that you could easily run over others now in your desire to reach your goals. You may depart to some extent from your usual reserved and serious way of doing things, but that is because you know there is a more innovative way to use your talents and your resources.

Pisces

You are, usually, reflective and introspective by nature, but you may really feel like nesting and cocooning as you allow yourself to let go of the whole last year before your birthday. But you will feel more at home in your skin. Your sensitivity to others will be heightened now; it is even more important to set personal boundaries while you also remain open to others.

Aries

All will be fine if you do not over-indulge yourself. If you find yourself getting a tad bit selfish, put the brakes on. Take things one at a time. Follow your usual modus operandi as you pursue your passions and desires spontaneously and without much forethought. You will know how to add practicality and orderliness to your bold, daring, courageous, pioneering nature.

Books

s Gadget Riddle Web World Horoscope Trivia Books Gadget

WEIRD NEWS Destiny of errors

When fortune comes calling, nothing can stand in its way. A woman who accidentally received the wrong lottery ticket from a cashier has won the $5 million prize money. 46-year old Oksana Zaharov was shopping in Manhattan when she asked a clerk for a $1 New York Lottery scratch-off ticket. Instead, the man unwittingly handed her a $10 ‘Set For Life’ ticket. She noticed the mistake, but decided to buy it and even used it as a bookmark for a couple weeks before scratching it to find her windfall. Zaharov won the $5 million to be distributed over 20 years, plus annual net sums of $172,068 after that for the rest of her life.

Love Theories Did you know…? l

l l l

Solo flight of another kind

A lucky passenger got a plane entirely to herself after getting booked on a wrong type of flight. Beth VerSteeg’s original flight had been cancelled and the passengers were moved to a ‘crew only’ aircraft. The airline soon realised its mistake and contacted the people affected to put them on an earlier flight. However, Beth missed the announcement and realised something was wrong only when she noticed she was the only person in the gate waiting area. The airline staff let her board the plane and even went through the safety demonstration for their only passenger. Onboard, Beth took a selfie showing the rows and rows of empty seats on her flight.

Arrested for taking shortcut across runway

A man who was spotted running across a restricted area of Miami International Airport told police that he was trying to take a shortcut to get to a terminal. The Miami-Dade police said they received a call about a man dressed in red wandering around on one of the runways. They rushed to the spot and were able to detain him within minutes. But they soon learnt that he wasn’t posing any security threat… According to what he told the cops, he was dropped off at the airport to fill out an application, but he realised he was in the wrong place and decided to jump over the fence and make a break for it across the runway.

That the heart rate of two lovers gets synchronised when they stare at each others’ eyes? And again, looking into each others’ eyes can even make strangers fall in love… Believe it or not, it takes up to 4 minutes to decide whether you like someone or not. Cuddling is said to release natural painkillers, for Oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, is produced during an embrace or cuddle. And if cuddling is not an option, even looking at a picture of a loved one can do the job of relieving pain. An experiment has found that participants, exposed to pictures of their beloved when experiencing pain, found that their pain reduced significantly. While couples who are too similar or too different from each other do not last long as a couple, the ones who share the same level of attractiveness are more likely to end up together. Heartbreak is real; it is not a metaphor for the emotional upheaval. According to research, traumatising events, such as a break-up or loss of a loved one, can cause real physical pain in the area of one’s heart. Interestingly, people who are in love have chemical similarities with people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Monogamous relationships exist even in the animal kingdom - wolves, swans, gibbons, black vultures, albatrosses and even termites are some of those animals that find a mate for a lifetime.

February 2018 FACES