Summer in Action

JUNE 2015 - 15 L.E. VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

SHOULD YOU HOLD ON OR MOVE ON?

RAMADAN QUESTIONS NO ONE WANTS TO ASK

+

Fall in Love

WITH ALOE VERA

HOW TO QUIT YOUR ADDICTIONS

Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin

UNLEASH YOUR INNER

Summer WITH OUTDOOR SPORTS

Your Complete Summer Beauty Guide Inside

exclusive with

Saba Mubarak Summer in Action

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3

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IDENTITY editor’s note

JUNE 2015 - 15 L.E. VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

SHOUlD YOU HOlD ON OR MOVE ON?

RAMADAN QUESTIONS NO ONE WANTS TO ASk

+

Fall in Love

WITH ALOE VERA

HOW TO QUIT YOUR ADDICTIONS

bE COMfORTAblE in Your own Skin

UNlEASH YOUR INNER

SUMMER WITH OUTDOOR SPORTS

Your Complete Summer BeautY Guide inSide

exclusive with

SAbA MUbARAk

on the cover

Summer in Action

ACTRESS SABA MUBARAK PHOTOGRAPHER ABU SAMRA FASHION STYLIST SAEED RAMZY MAKEUP ARTIST MahmoUd rashad HAIR DRESSER RAFY FROM AL SAGHEER LOCATION MENA HOSE HOTEL COVER DESIGN ALIA ELABD

A

nd so begins a fabulous summertime season. Summertime is the season to revel in the sunshine, sand, and sizzling music. It is the season to get out, be active, and have adventures. It is the season to spend time with friends, make memories, and live with no regrets. The season to laugh. The season to persevere. The season to break free. There is nothing more important than taking every chance we have to enjoy these precious moments under the sun. I hope this summer that you hit the ground running, take off at full throttle, embrace the wind blowing through your hair and enjoy every last bit of it that you possibly can. The world is your playground, the sky your audience. Go for it.

Liza Dunham

SENIOR EDITOR PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR ROLA KAMEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NAWAL ISMAIL Senior Editor Liza DUnham COPY-EDITOR AMINA EL FAYOUMY JUNIOR EDITORS MIRANA TERA, RAGHDA EL-SAYED ONLINE Senior Editor Amira HEGAZY ONLINE WRITERS MOHAMED GHALLY, HAYA ARAFA, MALAK NAGUIB. ALIA SERRY, JOE@banatmasr RELATIONSHIP EXPERT MARWA RAKHA SOCIOLOGY EXPERT MICHAEL RYAN JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ALIA ELABD MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER RIHAM YEHIA DIGITAL MEDIA SENIOR NOURHAN YEHIA DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST MIRNA ALAA DIGITAL SALES HAZEM SADEK WEBSITE COMPANY QPIX SOLUTIONS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY AL AHRAM PRINTING HOUSE INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE (IPH) IDENTITY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS ASHRAF FOUAD & ESSAM IBRAHIM Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities.

Published by Beezarre Publishing Ltd. Themistokli Dervi, 6 Papyros Building, 4th Floor, Flat/Office D5 – P.c 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus.

The Subscription rate to Identity is 180 L.E. for one year (12 issues) by Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

IDENTITYMAGEG

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GOLDEN HOME KITCHEN CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THEIR BIGGEST SHOWROOM GOLDEN HOME KITCHEN CELEBRATED THEIR LARGEST GRAND OPENING EVENT ON MAY 23RD, 2015. THE PLACE TO FIND THE VARIOUS STYLES OF KITCHENS WITH HIGH-TECH OPTIONS LIKE NO OTHER. GOLDEN HOME KITCHEN WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1999 & HAS MORE THAN 720 SHOWROOMS GLOBALLY AS OF 2010, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA, THE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTHEAST ASIA, SOUTH ASIA & THE CARIBBEAN REGION. THEIR MISSION IS TO INTEGRATE GLOBAL DESIGN & MANUFACTURING WITH LOCAL SERVICE & EXPERTISE IN DELIVERING DESIRED KITCHENS. GUESTS WALKED DOWN THE RED CARPET & ENJOYED THE 10 HOUR EVENT OVER ELEGANT HORS D’OEUVRES & DRINKS. UNIQUE DESIGNS AND SPECIAL RATES WERE THE EDGES OF GOLDEN HOME KITCHEN DESIGNS. IN ORDER TO ADD TO THE SOPHISTICATED VIBE, HASSAN RAMZY, A GROWING EGYPTIAN MUSICIAN ENTERTAINED THE GUESTS WITH HIS LIVE PERFORMANCE. FOLLOWED BY, MAGDY AZMY ALONG WITH HIS VIOLIN WRAPPED UP THE NIGHT PERFECTLY. CONGRATULATIONS TO ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH FOR GOLDEN HOME KITCHEN IN CAIRO LOCATED AT 105 EL THAWRA ST. HELIOPOLIS, PRIOR TO CITY STARS BRANCH, AND SOON IN DUBAI.

PHOTO CREDIT: CAIRO ZOOM

FIVE FACTS YOU MIGHT FACT 1

NOT KNOW

ABOUT

PALM OIL

Palm oil is a fruit oil. It is obtained from the fleshy mesocarp of the oil palm fruit. Palm oil is a well-balanced, healthy edible oil suitable for use in a variety of food applications. It is widely acknowledged as a versatile and nutritious vegetable oil with a rich content of vitamins and antioxidants.

FACT 2 Ancient Egyptians used it. The discovery of an earthenware jar containing residues of palm oil, in a tomb over 5000 years old at Abydos in Egypt suggested that palm oil has been used during the time of the Pharaohs.

FACT 3 Palm oil is a rich source of natural vitamin E, both tocopherols and tocotrienols. Among the commercially available refined vegetable oils in the market, palm oil has the highest content of natural vitamin E tocotrienols. Refined palm oil contains up to 500 ppm vitamin E.

FACT 4 Palm olein, the liquid fraction of palm oil, is widely used as cooking oil. It is very stable frying oil due to its balanced fatty acid composition. It is less prone to oxidation and deteriorations. Palm olein also blends well with other vegetable oils that are traditionally used in many parts of the world.

FACT 5 Palm oil products are trans fat free. Palm oil is semi-solid in nature and this makes hydrogenation of palm oil unnecessary, thus avoiding the formation of detrimental trans fatty acid.

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IDENTITY contents

IDENTITY way of life

14 SHOULD I HOLD ON OR MOVE ON 16 Why Aloe Vera

should be your best friend this summer

18 YOUR SUMMER BEACH GUIDE

22 How to choose the right exercise for you 24 HOW TO NOT LET YOUR ADDICTIONS RUIN RAMADAN

IDENTITY how you got there

36 SUMMER IN ACTION 44 BEAT THE HEARTBREAK IDENTITY perspective

46 summer on the edge 48 RAMADAN FOR EXPATS

26 WHAT TO BRING TO 3EZOMA OTHER THAN BASBOOSA

50 WHY I AM COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN 52 RAMADAN QUESTIONS NO ONE WANTS TO ASK

IDENTITY lifestyle

IDENTITY bits & pieces

28 FOURTEEN WAYS TO STOP BEING TIRED 30 SUMMERTIME SURVIVAL 32 PICK WHAT TO WEAR 16

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57 SNAPS & LATEST NEWS 68 HOROSCOPES

IDENTITY way of life His reply was let's go out to talk about it and then he said, “Everything is possible, but now because of my divorce, I'm putting off getting into a relationship for a while.” We went out a few times since then, and he never brought up the topic again, and I never did as well.

Please let me know what I should do, and do you think there is hope for us to end up together or should I just let this go?

Dear Anonymous,

Should I Hold On or Move On? Dear Marwa, I'd like to remain anonymous. This is my story.

I once loved a guy, seven years ago. We dated in the summer of 2009 for a few months, and we broke up. Then we dated again in the summer of 2010; however, we also broke up, and never spoke again. I don't remember the reason why we broke up twice before.

In 2012, we started talking and I found out he was getting married, and we didn't talk again until 2014. When we talked, I found out he got a divorce, and life took us away again from each other until February 2015. Since then we've been talking everyday, and my feelings toward him are starting to come back.

I decided to confront him, so I told him, “I'm starting to love you again, and I want to know if you will ever have feelings for me again, so I don't end up getting attached to you for no reason.”

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One sentence stood out in your message and in it is the key to your dilemma! You said: “I don’t remember the reason we broke up twice before.” Your history with this man says: 1) You like him more than he likes you.

2) You see him as a husband, but he does not share the same vision.

3) He likes your company but there is something about you that puts him off; it could be related to your character, lifestyle, or physical appearance.

4) You are not compatible; this is why you broke up twice and keep drifting apart.

If you want to know if there is hope or not, ask yourself these questions: 1) Does he call you? Or are you the one initiating the calls and he just picks up or returns your calls?

2) When you talk over the phone, how does he sound? Is he excited, lively, and talkative?

3) When you talk over the phone, what is the main thing you talk about? Does he eagerly and keenly ask about your day and its details? Or is he just unloading his burdens, complaints, and aches?

4) When you meet, what do his eyes look like? Does he have a “fish-eye” look? Do his eyes look cold and dead?

Does he look at you? Does he gaze? Do you lock eyes with him? Are you comfortable looking into each other's eyes?

5) When he smiles, which part of his face smiles? Do his eyes light up when he smiles? Do you see his teeth when he smiles? Do you like the way he smiles at you?

6) When you talk, are you really, deeply, and truly talking?

Or do you feel that the words you exchange are just noises lost in the universe!

7) When you are sitting together, where are his shoulders?

Facing you? Tilted slightly? He is just looking at you with his head and his whole body is not facing you?

I know that my questions sound weird, but this is how you know if a man wants to be with you or not! There is a difference between a man who is fully open to the idea of the two of you being together, and a man who is bored and broken.

My advice, as always, is the following: don’t settle, don’t compromise, don’t sell your love cheap, and don’t waste your time!

Marwa Rakha

RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

IDENTITY way of life

Why Aloe Vera should be your best friend this summer Aloe Vera might not be the most glamorous house plant ever, but its many uses will make you want an entire garden of it – especially in the summer. The beauty uses range from hair treatments, to face and skin treatments, to random beauty and health uses that will save your summer out in the sun!

The juicy, transparent substance in the Aloe Vera plant can be a cure for severe acne, a normal moisturizer, a sun protector, and a treatment for sunburns.

Important Note: Before you try any of these treatments, make sure you aren’t allergic. If you’re allergic to onions and/or garlic, you are likely allergic to Aloe Vera too, and might get a rash from its use.

To extract the gel you’ll need to: 1. Pick a big and juicy leaf from the plant 2. A yellow liquid will start leaking. Let it all out, then start washing the plant with water 3. Cut the leaf in half from the thorny side, and get the gel out with a tea spoon 4. If you need the juice, mix the gel with boiled water until mixed

For Your Hair

Aloe Vera nourishes and conditions the scalp to promote hair growth. It also provides moisture to your hair to eliminate frizz, dandruff, and add softness and shine to it.

Shampoo: Mix 1 cup of coconut milk with a cup of Aloe Vera gel and put the mixture in the freezer. Scoop out a bit of what you’ll need a few hours before you wash your hair.

Hair spray:

Mix 1 cup of Aloe Vera juice with 1 cup of green tea and a few drops of extra virgin coconut oil.

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Leave-in conditioner:

Add 1 tsp. of Aloe Vera gel with ½ a cup of distilled water, and a few drops of essential oils.

Mix them in a spray bottle and shake before use.

For Your Body

Regularly using Aloe Vera will let your skin heal, cool, relax, moisturize and glow!

Stretch mark cream: Use the gel daily on your stretch marks, and they will fade.

Bug bite and sun burn remedy:

Put the gel in an ice cube tray and let it freeze. Get the ice cubes when they’re frozen and place them on the burnt or bit area and they will instantly decrease the pain, redness, and inflation.

A shaving cream: Mix the gel with olive oil, and use it as a shaving cream.

An after shave:

To avoid razor burns, use the gel on the shaved area as soon as you’re done.

For Your Face

Aloe Vera is the perfect skin fixer for imperfections ranging from acne, to wrinkles, aging signs, dark spots, puffiness, and even burns.

Eye gel:

Mix 2 tsp. of Aloe Vera gel with 1 tsp. of almond oil. Use the mixture when you wake up to reduce the puffiness and dark circles, as well as tightening the skin.

Face mask:

Add 2 tsp. of Aloe Vera gel with 1 tsp of sugar and 2 tsp. of coconut milk. Mix together then when the sugar dissolves, add to your face for 10 minutes.

Makeup remover: The gel can be used as a natural

replacement for makeup removal, and it’s especially good for eye makeup.

Raghda El Sayed JUNIOR EDITOR

“always remember to smile”

Dr. Mohamed Emad

Tel: 01110551777 - 01066777295 Address: 123 Hassan El Ma’mon st., in front of El Ahly Sporting Clup, Nasr City, Cairo

IDENTITY way of life

Your Summer

Beach Guide

You know you want to spend your summer days soaking up the sun on Egypt’s phenomenal coast lines, but maybe you are not sure which beach is the right place to spread out your towel and relax next to the water. Whether you are looking for something nearby, quiet, or good for diving, here are some must visit beaches in Egypt.

1

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3

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1. Marsa Matrouh 2. Al Alamein

Located on the Mediterranean 200 km west of Alexandria. Marsa Matrouh’s centrepiece stunner never ceases to enthrall visitors and guests, who find El Obayed, Aguiba, and Cleopatra Beaches some distance away, a much added bonus.

Situated on a secluded beach front site on one of the most beautiful beaches on the North coast of Egypt, it’s easy to see why this area is considered one of the North Coast’s most beautiful locations with stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear seawater and beautiful weather.

3. Sunken City in Sahl Hasheesh

It’s no exaggeration to say that the great Pharaohs left their mark everywhere in Egypt; the sunken city of Sahl Hasheesh is just more proof. This beach gives you the option of exploring the beauty of a Pharaonic city underwater or enjoying the extensive stretch of white sand with very swimming-friendly water. At seven full driving hours, it’s a little further away but the beautiful sea is something you just can’t miss this summer.

4. Sidi Abdel Rahman

This soft, white sandy beach is located 132 km West of Alexandria, some 30 km West of Al Alamein, and about 190 km East of Mersa Matruh. For those travelling to Siwa Oasis or Matrouh from Alexandria, this beach is a good resting point to catch some waves.

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IDENTITY way of life

5

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5. North Coast

There’s a reason the North Coast is probably the most popular destination in the summer with over 100 kilometers of beautiful beaches, compounds, and resorts. It’s vastness helps handle the crowds that flock to its shores.

6. Ras Shitan

Ras Shitan, a popular diving destination in Egypt, is the perfect escape for anyone wanting to find peace, quiet, and relaxation, while still being able to satisfy the adventuring diver inside them. It is a seven hour drive from Cairo, but worth every minute of it.

TOP 8 BOOKS TO READ WHILE YOU’RE ON THE BEACH:

3- Angels & Demons -We all saw the movie and we all were intrigued by it, so why not read the book?

1- The kite runner - Spend your time reading this beautiful book, and the best thing about it, the author is one of our own.

4- The Girl Who Played With Fire -To all the feminists out there, if this isn't your favourite book already, it's about to be.

2- The Fault In Our Stars -If you missed out on the movie, and even if you didn't, here’s a chance to live this beautiful love story with the original piece.

5- Never Let Me Go -Women’s strength have been underestimated the last couple of years, this book shows how women

Here’s your smokin’ summer playlist:

3- Take Me To Church - Hozier

1- Hold Back The River - James Bay 2- FourFiveSeconds - Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney

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4- Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding 5- Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran 6- Uptown Funk ft. Bruno Mars - Mark Ronson 7- King - Years & Years

* identity-mag.com

can live independently and happily at the same time.

6- Eat, Pray, love -Another best-seller with a strong woman behind it, worth reading!

7- The Liar -This is an intense read that will keep you biting your lip the whole way through it and you won’t be able to put it down.

8- Elastic Heart - Sia 9- Cheerleader - OMI 10- Night Changes - One Direction 11- ALIVE - Chase and Status Ft Jacob Banks

8- Garden Of Lies -A murder that has a dilemma and confusion around it, our favourite type, will it have an open end or will we find out who did it

IDENTITY way of life

How to choose the right

exercise for you

Summer is breathing down your neck and you are panicking that you haven’t started a workout routine.

Relax, we all know the best time to start a regiment was three months ago, but the second best time is today.

That only leaves the dilemma of what type of routine to choose. When it comes to working out the important part is to choose the right exercise that suits you and in order to do that you need to consider two things: its intensity and its impact.

Impact

Impact represents the exercise force on the body, the joints and the bones. The higher the impact, the higher its effect on them. So, if you have joint issues like in your knees, ankles or elbows, or if you have weak bones, it’s better for you to choose low impact exercises.

Low Impact

During low impact exercises one or both feet touch the ground at all times.

Examples: Walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, kayaking, biking.

Choose one of these if you have a lot of extra weight to carry in the beginning, have weak joints, or have past injuries that haven't healed yet.

If the above doesn’t apply to you, step up your game with mixing in high impact exercises.

High Impact

In these workouts, both feet leave the ground at the same time.

Examples: Running, jumping jacks, hopping.

Choose that if you don't have any injuries, and if you have strong bones and joints that would withstand the force on it.

Intensity Intensity represents the vigorousness of the training itself, how hard you’re working and how much effort you exert. So, if you are a beginner you should take it slowly at the beginning and start with low intensity workouts.

A good thing to do is short bursts of high intensity workouts with gaps of low intensity or total rest.

This method is called HIIT (High Intensity Intervals Training) exercise. HIIT has a lot of benefits.

It improves blood circulation, burns a lot of calories and keeps burning even after you finish working out. Additionally, it boosts your metabolism and doesn’t take a lot of time. HIIT can be done with high impact exercises, low impact or no impact at all. The trick is to alternate intensities.

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IDENTITY way of life

How to not let your

addictions

ruin your Ramadan

Ramadan: the Muslim’s season to be jolly. Or the season to be completely out of control, because they can’t have their morning fix of whatever they’re on. Whether it’s cigarettes, soda, coffee, sugar, or whatever that makes you go through the day, usually we wait until the first day of Ramadan until we admit that we have an addiction.

Why don’t you work on your addictions a few days in advance so by the time you’re fasting, you’ll be good without your fixes? Here are some quitting methods for you to try before the holy month. Whatever method you pick, make sure you are psychologically ready, don’t let the withdrawal symptoms take over you, and please make sure you don’t let your anger turn you into a psycho version of the Hulk!

The Cold Turkey Method Cold Turkey is when you 1 suddenly stop consuming whatever you’re addicted to.

Some might think that this is what happens in Ramadan anyway, but remember that after Iftar you still go back to smoking, drinking coffee, or having your favorite chocolate, so it’s not actually quitting unless you quit.

Pros: It’s the fastest way to detox everything from your body.

Cons: You will most likely have withdrawal symptoms and give up easily. Going back to the addiction is very common, as is loss of energy and productivity.

tip

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When to try this method: If you waited until the last minute, then this method is for you. However, don’t consume the thing you’re addicted to after Iftar.

Quit for the whole month.

The Weaning Method This is when you quit 2 gradually. Let’s assume you’re addicted to coffee.

Instead of drinking 5 cups per day, cut it to 4, then 3, and keep cutting until your body gets used to functioning without it.

Pros: When Ramadan comes around, there will be less withdrawal symptoms, your body won’t crash, you will have less headaches and physical pain, and you’ll be used to functioning without the habit.

Cons: The detoxing takes more time and planning, you cannot wait until the last minute to start this method.

When to try this method: If you have at least 2 weeks before Ramadan, you can use the detoxing method.

tip

The Meditating Method You can replace your 3 addiction with meditation.

It’s a common misconception that meditation is only yoga. Yoga is a meditation technique, but there are

tip

other methods are well. The best way to find the right method for you is to research many technique, and pick the best fit.

Pros: Meditation will help you with not only your addictions, but your over all mental health. If you like it, it can become a life style even after Ramadan.

Cons: It’s not for everyone, so you might have a hard time being dedicated to it.

The Exercise Method This is quite similar to the 4 meditating method. If you try to work out daily when you wake up, your body will get healthier, you’ll have more energy, and the withdrawal symptoms won’t be as bad.

Pros: You’ll be energetic, and will replace your addiction with something healthier.

Cons: If you don’t prepare your body for it, you might face dehydration.

tip

Raghda El Sayed JUNIOR EDITOR

IDENTITY way of life

What to bring to 3ezouma Other Than

basboosa

one Mini Burgers

Because it's Ramadan, people always go for authentic Egyptian food. Be different and get them mini burgers.

Everyone loves mini burgers and nobody expected it!

two Salads

Often, the job of the host is to create a large main meal.

So to take the pressure off, it’s good to bring side dishes, allowing the cook time to concentrate on the main act.

Depending on the main dish, versatile sides like rice, pasta, salad, and breads all work well as they can be eaten cold. Try taking something that’s not too niche in terms of cuisine, so it would blend in well with a wide selection of dishes.

three Cheesecake

To ensure everyone’s happiness, bring a cheesecake to finish off the buffet. Many people are already bored of the usual desert, so shake it up with a creamy cheesecake. Carry it on a plate with a dome cover and remember… Keep it upright!

four Pastry Bites

Sausage rolls, cheese straws, and mini pastries are all great to bring to ‘’3ezouma’’ as they can be assembled at home and baked on arrival. You can usually freeze them too, so they’re great as an emergency back up should you be invited to a lastminute gathering.

five Board Games

What better way to treat your loved ones this Ramadan than a traditional board game? It's a great way to hang out together while letting the food sink in, without just falling asleep on the couch.

six Helping Hand

Ramadan gatherings are coming up. Make sure you don’t ring the doorbell empty-handed and forget to get something for your host, but please make it something other than that same plate of traditional desserts that everyone else is bringing.

During the season of perpetual Iftar or Sohour parties, chances are that you will be attending two to three each week. It’s wise for attendees to bring something along, and the key here is to prepare something easily portable, unique, and requires minimal assembling. Here are some clever suggestions.

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This year, get involved with preparing ‘’Iftar’’ or ‘’Sohour’’ and make the experience not only meaningful to you, as you finally became useful, but also to your family and friends once you finally stop nagging about how late the ‘’Maghreb’’ is and help them prepare for ‘’Iftar’’ for a change.

seven An Empty Photo Album

An empty photo album is a classic gift that the hostesses wouldn’t buy for themselves, but they would enjoy using it. It's a gift that will last long after Ramadan is over, and maybe will even be used to showcase the memories made at all those “Iftars” this Ramadan.

Mohamed Ghaly JUNIOR EDITOR

IDENTITY lifestyle

14 ways to

stop being tired

It’s happening to everyone nowadays. Ask anyone how they are, and there’s a high chance they are going to respond with “fine, just tired.” Everyone seems to be tired, consumed, and burnt out all the time. This is because we are all living stressful lives, juggling work and responsibilities with very limited time for ourselves. But this isn’t how it has to be. Don’t live your life tired all the time, instead wake up and make these minor life alterations:

1. Get moving

Some people do the exact opposite, when they feel tired they tend to skip exercise which actually makes them even more tired. Exercise improves your blood circulation delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells more efficiently, leaving you more energized. They say the worst exercise is the one you never did. So when you feel like

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all you need to do is crash on your couch, go have a 10 minute walk in the fresh air or even dance to a couple of your favourite songs to get your blood flowing.

2. Hydrate your body

When you feel like you're running out of energy, the first thing that crosses your mind is to grab a cup of coffee or even an energy drink that's loaded with caffeine. Next time when you're feeling sluggish, drink a glass of water instead. It sounds too simple to be true, but when you’re dehydrated, it slows down everything in your body and makes you feel fatigued and groggy. It doesn’t have the same ‘quick fix’ as caffeine, but is more sustainable in the long run.

3. Take your vitamins

A multi-vitamin is recommended daily for higher energy levels, especially when you are not eating healthy enough to provide your body with all the minerals and vitamins that it needs.

4. Take some time out to meditate

Spending as little as a few minutes daily meditating can do you wonders. Try to start each day with five minutes of silence. In these five minutes forget everything and just focus on yourself inhaling and exhaling.

5. Sleep properly

Everyone’s body has a different amount of sleep it requires, but it is probably somewhere around eight hours every night. At least, try waking up and falling asleep at the same time every day to organize your circadian rhythm. Avoid using your phone before sleeping, the lights can make it harder for your brain to rest while sleeping.

6. Don't over eat

Large meals can drain your energy. Eat more times with fewer quantities. This will result in more constant blood sugar and insulin levels. You'll also find it easier to lose excess body fat. Avoid carbohydrates for maximum effect.

7. Lose weight if you need to

Losing weight definitely helps you re-energize. Any extra fat you carry takes energy from your body with every move you make. If you do lose a couple of kilograms, you'll feel lighter on your feet, too.

8. Breathe

Remember to breathe. Sometimes we breath too lightly to get enough oxygen to our brains.

When you feel like your energy has dropped or you’re too stressed, take a deep breath, hold it in and then exhale.

Repeat for a couple of times and you'll feel relaxed instantly.

9. Eat well

Don't skip breakfast because this meal provides you with a lot of energy you will need to get through your day.

Have snacks like nuts, fruits and veggies, and eat iron rich food to avoid any iron deficiency that causes anemia.

Remember your body is exactly like a machine, so, it's all about what you put into the machine. If you feed it well it will work well.

10. Cat nap

The shorter a cat nap is the more efficient it is. Take a fifteen minute nap when you're exhausted and it will do you wonders, just don't let turn into an hour or two. If you want to enhance this nap take a cup of coffee just before you lay down. It’s actually called a "caffeine-nap," and when you wake up the coffee will have started working.

Extra tips for

Ramadan

Ramadan is knocking at the door again, still falling in the summer months. Fasting gets even harder when the days are hot and long. Most of us feel energy-drained while fasting and sleepy after Iftar.

Ramadan shouldn?t be spent exhausted and unhealthy, it can be the opposite if you do it right. Here are five tips on how to maintain your energy during the holy month:

1. Drink, drink, drink, and drink! Yes, staying hydrated is

that important. During the non-fasting hours, make sure you focus on replenishing your body with fluids, especially water.

2. Don’t over eat during Iftar. We all fall into this very

mistake, instead of eating modestly during Ramadan we tend to binge eat at an Iftar table full of different kinds of food loaded with carbs and fats, followed by oriental desserts immersed in syrup, nuts and cream. Avoid that; keep it light and have your dessert twice or three times a week instead of making it a daily ritual

3.

Have a light, healthy Sohoor. You should aim for something that fills you up but won’t get you thirsty during the day. A Sohoor of yoghurt, beans, and eggs with whole wheat bread would be a perfect choice and maybe a banana to give you energy.

4. Keep moving. Hit the track from time to time instead of being glued to the screen watching all the Ramadan series.

5. Don’t ever break your fast on a cigarette or a cup

of coffee. Instead, break it with dates and a couple of glasses of water. This will ease your transition from fasting to replenishing your energy, and will set the tone to make your Iftar and Sohoor healthier.

Mirana Tera JUNIOR EDITOR

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IDENTITY lifestyle

SUMMERTIME SURVIVAL Summer is beautiful. The sun, the sea, and the sand are a wicked combination hard not to be excited about. However, like everything else in our less-than-perfect world, there are downsides to our favorite season. Our skin gets burnt and damaged. Our hair gets dryer and frizzier. We can’t keep a manicure intact for more than one day because we are always outside. We want you to get out and have the best out of summer while still protecting your health and beauty, so we compiled these helpful tips and tricks for you.

Skin Care

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Covering your whole body, it acts as a shield protecting you from everything around you. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for you to return the favor and protect it.

one. Use sun block. Higher SPFs are

better the protection, but only up to about 50. SPF above 50 is said to be useless and presented only for marketing purposes. So choose an SPF around 50 that is water resistant so it doesn’t wear off during your adventures in the great outdoors. Keep re-applying every couple of hours and don’t forget protecting your hands and feet too.

two.

Take the time to exfoliate. Exfoliation takes off the dead skin and improves the blood circulation to your skin. That leaves your skin glowing and gives you an even tan. Try to exfoliate once or twice weekly during summertime.

three.

Your lips are part of your skin and in fact they’re very sensitive to sunshine. Keep them hydrated and protect them with applying lip balm, it’s better if it has SPF.

four. Don’t underestimate the importance of drinking water

for your skin, especially in summer. The hot weather leaves your skin dehydrated and you need to compensate that by drinking.

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five.

Wear shades and hats while out in the heat of the day.

Shades are important to protect your eyes because too much exposure to the sun’s rays may lead to eye cancer. Wearing hat in general is very useful because it helps protect your ears, neck, face and eyes, which tend to be very sensitive areas that are frustrating when they get burnt.

six.

Use after sun lotion. If you already didn’t protect your skin from the sun for any reason you can still limit the damage by using a moisturizing after sun lotion. Speaking of moisturizers, any moisturizer you use in the summer should be waterbased.

Hair Care

The mix of humidity, salt, sun, and chlorine are more than enough to damage your hair in summer. So in order to lessen the damage and keep your locks silky and strong, follow these tips.

one. Try not to color your hair in summertime because

summer already dries it out. If you want to dye it, do it at least two months before.

two. three Keep your hair healthy by keeping yourself hydrated. four. Wear something on your head when possible: hats,

Avoid heating and styling every chance you get. Ditch the blow dryer and depend instead on drying it naturally.

caps or turbans. Covering your hair from the sun limits the damage. Alia, maybe put a cool picture of a girl with a fashionable turban here?

five. Put on leave-in conditioner, oil, or serum before going for a swim. six. Use hair products with SPF to protect your hair from the sun. seven. If your hair is dyed, use special products to retain its colors. eight. Wear your hair to the back; without partings. You’ll protect it that way. nine. If you suffer from frizzy hair in the summer, let out your inner creative self and experiment with different hairstyles like braids and buns.

Nail Care

Summer time is synonymous with bright, bold nails and at the same time, constantly re-doing them after chipping them at the pool or on the trail. Here’s how to make your manicure last as long as you need it to.

one. Nails get brittle and fragile in summer, make them stronger with a nail hardener.

two. Use a transparent base coat to protect your nails from

the sun, salt, chlorine and humidity.

three. In summer your nail polish doesn’t stay long, it chips

off and get wiped off so here’s how to make your nail polish stay longer:

1. Anytime you do your nails, strengthen them with a

nail hardener.

2. Wipe your nails with distilled vinegar before

putting on your nail polish.

3. Use cuticle oil to soften your cuticles. Don’t soak

your hands in warm water before painting them,

because that make them retain water and expand

and shrink back later when you paint them.

4. Use a transparent base coat to protect your nails

from the sun, salt, chlorine and humidity.

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IDENTITY lifestyle

Pick What To Wear We know how much time you waste when picking an outfit wherever you're heading, and since we appreciate every second of your time we're going to save you that hassle.

Gold Sovereign Bag Aldo-266EGP Black Pleated Skirt Next-280EGP

Black Lace Top H&M-199EGP

Cut-out Dress Zara-399EGP White Crop Top Zara- 299EGP Crossbody Bag Kate Spade-www.nordstorm. com-1214EGP

Jacquard Skirt with Front Zip Detail Stradivarius-249EGP

Jillyy Foil Platform Heeled Sandals Steve Madden www.asos.com-1082EGP

Purple Seude Sandals Steve Madden-678EGP

Posey Espadrille Wedge Sandal-Micheal Kors www.nordstorm.com1148EGP

When Heading to a

Party

Hot, confident and inch-by-inch gorgeous

Best match

Skinny Ripped Jeans Next-220EGP

KUBALA Black Clutch Aldo-305EGP

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Fringed Floral Bustier H&M-199EGP Felicity Black Platform Heeled Sandals Miss KG www.asos.com-1098EGP

White Plain Sun Hat Bershka-169EGP

Fringy Cropped Top H&M-149EGP

Vintage Floral Bikini Top Next-160EGP

Villefranche Sunglasses1870EGP

Short Patterned Beach Dress Mango-699 EGP

Chiffon Flowy Bretelle H&M-159EGP

Vintage High Waist Bikini Bottom NEXT-140EGP

Black One- Piece Swimming Suit With Cut-outs Next-700 EGP

Patterned Retro Short Zara-399EGP

Blue Patterned Shorts Zara-299EGP

Wide Strapped Sandals Aldo -458 EGP

Basic FLip Flops With White Straps Bershka-259 EGP

Basic Flip Flops American Eagle-305EGP

When Heading to the

Light, comfy and sexy

Best match

Basic White Cropped T-shirt With Pockets Stradivarius-199 EGP

Denim Romper Zara -399 EGP

Brown Leather Sandals Pull and Bear - 399 EGP

Beach

Floral Bikini Top H&M-159 EGP Beach Tote Bag Accessorize--412EGP

Floral Bikini Bottom H&M-119 EGP

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IDENTITY lifestyle Stripped Cropped Top Stradivarius-

Long Pattern Kimono Zara trf - 399EGP

Basic Black Tank Top With Lace Trims H&M-99 EGP

Embroidered Kimono Zara trf-699

Basic White Tank Top With Lace Trims H&M-99 EGP

Pocket Faux Leather Backpack Forever21-251EGP Casual Jumpsuit Mango-799

High Waist Leather Leggings H&M-189 EGP

Ripped Mum Jeans Pull and Bear-399EGP

HAPPY Flatform Jelly Shoes www.asos. com-252EGP

Black and Silver Sranded Sandals Pull and Bear-349EGP

Chunky Black Sandals Steve Madden-755EGP

When Heading to the

Fun, fl irty and feminine

Best match

Floral Top Zara-399EGP

Camel Strapped Wedge Sandals Massimo Dutti-999EGP

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City

Skinny Jeans Stradivarius-349EGP

Messenger Bag with Plaited Edges Massimo Dutti-1600EGP

White Gillet Zara - 799EGP

Black Trousers Ted Baker-930EGP

Jumpsuit Mango-799

Black Loose Top Zara- 399EGP

Print Trousers with Leather-Look Edging Stradivarius 349 EGP

Plum Bag Accessorize-678EGP

Fringe Bag H&M-259EGP

Black Chunky Wedge Sandals PullandBear-399EGP

Peach Strappy Wedge Bershka-399EGP

Black Strappy Sandals Stradivarius-399EGP

When Heading to

Work

Professional, ambitious and powerful

Best match

Black Pencil Skirt Next-250EGP

Leather Buckle Tote Tory Burch www.nordstorm. com-2010EGP

Waterfall Blazer Mango-499EGP

Blouse With Butterfly Sleeves H&M-159EGP

Black Leather Pointy-toe Pumps Aldo-120$~915EGP

Mirana Tera JUNIOR EDITOR

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IDENTITY how you got there

Crop Top: Amuse Skirt: Amuse Jewellery: L’Azurde

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SUMMER in ACTION WITH SABA MUBARAK

PHOTOGRAPHER: ABU SAMRA FASHION STYLIST: SAEED RAMZY MAKEUP ARTIST: MAHMOUD RASHAD HAIR DRESSER: RAFI FROM AL SAGHEER LOCATION: MENA HOUSE HOTEL

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IDENTITY how you got there Top: Massimo Dutti Pantalon: Massimo Dutti Bag: Amuse

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Saba Mubarak, starring in this Ramadan’s Al Ahd, is a Jordanian actress with an impressive career in Arab cinema. She is a first rate performer in Arab drama and has performed in over 40 T.V. productions, including “Khaled bin el Waleed” and “Tawq Al Asphalt.” Saba began her accomplished career by studying theater acting and directing at Yarmouk University. She has received awards for her work such as Best Actress Award in the Middle East Film Festival in Italy, Best Jordanian and Arab Actress award in Tyche Awards in Jordan, and also has been dubbed “Queen of Hearts.”

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IDENTITY how you got there

Why should we watch “El 3ahd” this Ramadan and what should we expect?

In my point of view, Al 3ahd series is worth watching and different than all other Ramadan series this year. Al 3ahd is about the struggle for power and rule, and how norms and traditions became much more important than rights in our community.

The series includes a number of actors and actresses from Egypt and the Arab world in a heroic group of complicated characters that don't belong completely to good or absolute evil, but to both sides. The director Khaled Marie and the writer Mohamed Amin Rady both worked really hard to provide the best possible ways to make this series happen.

What is special about shooting for Ramadan series? What makes the experience different than shooting for other shows?

Ramadan series start shooting just a few months before Ramadan, for production reasons, which makes it very exhausting for the actors – especially if they’re working on more than one series. It means long hours of shooting, preparing and researching. Shooting outside of Ramadan is more flexible, but you still have to be committed. In this field of work, time equals money, and the producers have to benefit from every day and keep the budget to a minimum.

What do you do to destress from the pressure of it all?

At the end of the day, an actress is a human being, so therefore I spend my time doing what any other person would: sports, travel, personal interest, quality time with friends and family, and so forth.

Why are you so passionate about acting and what advice do you have for young girls who want to get into the field?

I grew up in an artistic family. I loved acting and studied it. I love what I do and do what I love. Therefore, I’m passionate about all forms of art and always work on developing myself. Besides, if utilized properly, it’s an essential tool to change society and contains nobel messages towards humanity and society. And this is probably one of the most important reasons that I work in the entertainment scene as an actor, director, and producer.

I would tell young girls that being ambitious is one of the most beautiful blessings God gave us. Working hard and enthusiastically make life worthwhile. Acting is a job, but it’s based on talent. If anyone has talent he must shape it with education and knowledge. I encourage anyone with talent and ambitions to take this experience, and I would tell them to work hard and remember that acting doesn’t mean being a superstar. Being a superstar is your reward for working hard.

After you finish shooting the Ramadan series, how do you plan to spend your summer?

The month of Ramadan is special to me. Of course, the month might start without me finishing filming, but after filming is finished, I will accompany my family on summer vacation. To me, family always comes first and is the most important thing in my life. I haven’t decided the destination of the travels yet, but the important thing is that I am with my friends and family.

Do you enjoy any outdoor activities, such as swimming, diving, or hiking?

Naturally I am a fan of sports and nature. I spend a long time on a daily basis in the gym as well as trying to spend time jogging or walking outside in nature. I love swimming, I try to do it as much as possible, and I also love kickboxing.

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Top: Zara Skirt: Nada Akram Accessories: Butterfly Watch: Saint Honore

IDENTITY how you got there Dress: Zara Bag: Amuse Jewellery: L’Azurde

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IDENTITY how you got there

beat the heartbreak

Motivation from Dr. Samiha El Refaey A psychologist, graduated from the American University in Cairo, also studied at the University of California Los Angeles.

Her passion for empowering people, especially women, led her all the way to the Masters and doctorate degrees in sociology and psychology respectively at the AUC and California, together with teaching.

She is also certified motivation and empowerment coach, among other self-development certifications, including stress, emotional intelligence and bereavement management.

She has appeared in the secret life film and numerous media channels discussing empowerment and motivation and recently shifted her career to producing and presenting tv shows that are currently in the works.

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It may seem like a very basic question, but why do you believe being happy is so important?

Because simply happy people live longer. They have more successful relationships, they are way more productive, they take better care of themselves, and they raise better kids.

And the great discovery about this is that happiness is totally a mind state, you can make yourself happy.

So if you can learn the skills to be happy, then it can become second nature, because after three weeks, anything becomes a habit in your brain. You can learn how to be happy on your own.

Then when you go for a physical, check your blood, and your heart, etc… You will find yourself healthy, because so much sickness is caused from stress. It’s a science now. People can live longer, it can be a skill.

as women this is what we usually do. Since we all become addictive when we break up, you can use this positively. You can find positive addictions. You can overwork. You can go to the gym like a crazy person.

And you can use the extra energy for something good.

After a while, those things you are doing, shape the new you.

But what about people going through a heartbreak? What happens to them?

There is also something called a broken heart syndrome, where it is now proven that when you get your heart broken, you actually get your heart broken.

You get physical symptoms. It’s a very strong surge of stress hormones, that make your heart beat very fast.

It exactly mimics a heart attack.

What are some of your favorite motivation tips to share with people?

I read this somewhere, motivation and selfdevelopment are just like showering, you need to do it everyday. Usually when people are not motivated, it’s because they don’t have clear goals. It’s not enough to have goals in your head. I know I want to be rich, that’s not a goal. It needs to be a smart goal. Specific, measurable, achievable, attainable, realistic, and time-framed. I encourage people to have a five year plan. It’s called the back from the future approach.

You are now in the future, 2020. Tell me where you are in five specific areas of your life, that give you balance: career, family, friends, resources, and health. If you want to have an MBA in five years time, what do you do now? You work backwards in order to see what you have to do now. It’s very effective.

Sometimes when people get divorced or heart broken, they take that as an opportunity to completely turn it around and find out who they are. So I saw a lot of people changing the experience into the happiest thing in their lives. But some people struggle. I have seen major heartbreaks ruin their lives. You can become the worst version of yourself, bitter, and angry.

There is also an hour in the morning that people can use to completely change their lives. It’s called the Power Hour. Twenty minutes of exercising, twenty minutes of visualizing and meditating, and twenty minutes of reading or watching something inspirational. This way you set up your brain to be ready for the day. You rule the day, the day doesn’t rule you.

“

A heartbreak is an opportunity. It’s all in your mind. If you see it as an opportunity to improve, it is. If you see it as the end of your life, you’re right. It’s totally up to you.

What if someone cannot go to a specialist, what can they do?

If someone cannot go to a specialist they need to read, read, read. They need to not bottle up the emotions, at all, and they need to realize that the only way to the other side of grief is walking through it. Not around it. So you need to feel awful. And you need to cry. And you need to eat lots of chocolate. Because

“

That sounds really difficult, how can you get over the heartbreak?

If you don’t beat the heartbreak, it’s going to beat you. You have to heal. So if someone goes through a heartbreak, they have to try to use the help of a specialist to coach them through the healing process.

Every relationship takes different amounts of time to heal from. It can take as short as six months up to years and years. It depends. But you can definitely get to the other side of grief. You can. So if you can use someone to help you that would be so much better.

You would learn so much about yourself, and you would feel so much stronger.

What role do you think being active plays in the success of self development and stress management in particular?

Being physically active and eating healthy are a definite recipe for a long, happy and productive life. Physical activity enhances bodily functions, prevents disease, maintains one’s weight and, hence, appearance and self confidence; in addition to improving mood and preventing depression and anxiety. When one is stressed out, stress hormones are secreted in the body such as adrenaline and cortisol that are detrimental on the long run for a person’s well being. On the other hand, when one is physically active, stress hormones are reduced and the body produces chemicals called endorphins which trigger an overall positive feeling in the body and mind that can even be euphoric. Don’t forget that being active should be physical, mental (through being intellectually engaged in things you are interested in) and also emotional (through giving and receiving love and compassion).

IDENTITY perspective

Summer on the edge

This is the summer for you to take the leap, the leap out of the gym and into Egypt’s amazing playground of outdoor activities.

Egypt is a sizzling location for many sports that people travel around the globe to enjoy, and here they are in your own backyard.

There’s snorkeling, diving and wreck diving, bungee jumping, parasailing, hiking, sand boarding, surf boarding, kitesurfing, and the list goes on.

There might be nothing more cutting edge than the growing popularity of kitesurfing in Egypt. According to Red Sea Zone, kitesurfing is the fastest growing watersport in the world and Egypt is considered as a top training destination. It doesn’t take an extreme athlete to jump into this bandwagon, it is a beginner-friendly sport.

“Kitesurfing attracts all kinds of people – young and mature, sporty and non-sporty, foreigners and more and

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more Egyptians. The best idea behind the sport is that anyone can learn. Initially it might seem difficult and strength requiring but it is easier than everyone thinks,” commented Lidia Kruk of Red Sea Zone. The only thing she warned against is how addictive the activity is. “In comparison to surfing and parasailing – it is a wind dependent sport, so it gives you the greatest feeling of freedom. Once you set the sail and go into the open sea you will get a feeling of adventure, wilderness and happiness. I have never felt this way with any other sport.”

Kitesurfing isn’t the only activity sprinting to the forefront of everyone’s bucket list. Bungee jumping has been giving adrenaline rushes in Alexandria since 2013 with Bungee Egypt, the only water touch jump site in all of Africa and the Middle East. Founder Carlo Mosca Dionisio stated that bungee jumping is even more extreme than skydiving, because at a lesser height the mind is fully aware of the reality of the ground. “We have had several skydivers jump with us and all of them attest to the fact that bungy jumping is far more extreme. The good news is that if you are able to bungee jump then you know you can now easily skydive,” said Carlo.

perfect routine and all of the rules, we will be successful in being healthy and fit. We tell ourselves that as long as we eat the right diet, go to the gym the correct number of days, do the right sets for the right amount of reps, that we have done our duty. We don’t seem to realize that this mentality can turn us into robots that don’t enjoy the actual benefits of working out anymore.

There is one easy solution to this: get outside.

The wild outdoors is our natural gym. Nothing can become repetitive or mundane when every session is as fundamentally different as the weather or your geographical surroundings. There is a thrill and excitement that can only come from surrounding yourself with the unknown that will add so much to your workout routine.

In reality, your workout routine will no longer feel like a workout routine, but like you are playing and having fun.

Your body will get strong the way it was meant to, by being active and having natural physical accomplishments.

This could be biking that hilly terrain, or diving to that shipwreck, or reaching that mountain peak, rather than just turning your brain off while sitting on a cycling machine watching soap opera reruns.

Being active outdoors offers us so much more than the sluggish mentality of the gym. The sky becomes our ceiling and the horizon our limits. This inspiring freedom makes working outside so much more beneficial.

He added, “bungee jumping is a personal test of mental stamina. It is in fact a mental sport as the jumper can be of any age (over 10), weight or body type, there are no limits… It is the most challenging activity a human being can do on this planet, it is a personal achievement.”

For those of you looking for a more lengthy time commitment, Egypt is home to a beautiful combination of countless shipwrecks off the coast just waiting to be explored and crystal clear waters with high visibility.

“Diving is all about the silence, the adventure, a totally relaxing atmosphere,” explained Sylvie Lanckriet, of Blue

“

Why working out outside is better for you: 1. The fresh air is better for your body and mind, and will make your breathe deeper and stronger.

2. You will burn more calories because your body will have to work harder to regulate its temperature in a natural environment.

3. Your mind will get stronger as you have to overcome obstacles and solve unexpected problems.

Once you set the sail and go into the open sea you will get a feeling of adventure, wilderness and happiness

Make the great outdoors your gym this summer There is something about working out and being active outdoors that an indoor gym can never hope to replace.

We like to tell ourselves that as long as we follow the

“

Paradise Diving Center. “The underwater world is a new world that opens for each and every diver. Some divers love reefs with the abundant and colorful fish, others love to dive on wrecks. Wrecks are fascinating windows to the past. Ships, airplanes and even bikes or cars offer a chance for discovery, potentially unlocking a mystery or spying something others have missed.”

With all of these incredible options, this summer is one that is going into the record books.

4. You will not suffer from the boredom of a sterile gym workout.

5. Studies show you are more likely to stay committed to exercise if you regularly exercise outside.

6. You will feel more accomplished because you did something that was both physically and mentally strenuous.

7. The sun will give you a natural dose of vitamin D. 8. You will overall be happier and more positive.

Liza Dunham

SENIOR EDITOR

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Ramadan FOR Expats

IDENTITY perspective

Ramadan is a very special time in Egypt and that is no less the case for expats living here. Although many of the expats living in Egypt are not themselves Muslim, Ramadan is still an opportunity to share in one of the most beautiful (and sometimes frustrating) pillars of Islam. The Iftar dinners, the colourful decorations, and the solemn reminder that Egypt is, above all, a place of warm, hospitable people are just some of the many reasons why expats enjoy being a part of this magical month.

F

or me personally, the most beautiful aspect of Ramadan is the strong sense of community that it invokes, even among the non-Muslims. The omnipresent Ramadan tents set up for Iftar around the city are a continual reminder that this is a time of sharing and community. The communal Iftar dinners, and the sharing of those dinners with those unable to afford their own, is a truly welcome communitarian event, especially to those of us from more individualistic societies.

Stephen Urgola, an American who has been living in Cairo for the last 14 years, recounts that some of his favorite memories are of “having Iftar at Hussein but even more at the meat restaurant at Sayda Zeinab where I shared a table with strangers who were very welcoming despite language barriers.”

The support shown by Copts for their Muslim country people is another fondly recounted memory among expats. As many of us expats come from countries where religion is far more divisive than it is here in Egypt, seeing people put aside religious differences to support one another is a welcome sight. Rashmika Pandya, an Indian-Canadian now living in Cairo, recounts how one of her favorite things is seeing how Coptic waiters will take over for their Muslim colleagues so that they can enjoy the Iftar dinner. It is truly a time when community trumps religion.

The traditional lanterns (fawanees) and bright festive Ramadan decorations everywhere are another favorite among expats. In fact, Urgola

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says that searching for these lanterns is one of his favorite things to do at Ramadan. Indeed, many expats I talked to noted how one of their favorite things about Ramadan was watching Cairo transform from an otherwise monotone brown city into one of bright, cheerful colors.

Ramadan can also be a frustrating experience for many expats. Many who are fasting, especially in the intense heat of summer, can become cranky and short-tempered (and understandably so!). As a professor, the change in energy level and attitudes of my students during the summer once Ramadan begins is noteworthy. Food options are also not always available. Ryder Kouba, a native Texan who has lived in Cairo for just over a year now, laments that many of his favorite koshary places are closed during the day. For many, even when their favorite restaurants are open, they still avoid eating and drinking in front of their friends and colleagues who are fasting as a sign of respect. The festivities that often go long into the night can be another source of frustration for those who have to wake up early for work (although, alternatively, for those of us who are night owls we appreciate the comparative silence during the day!) Despite these frustrations, however, most expats view Ramadan as a welcome reminder of the kind of warm, hospitable people who make Egypt what it is. And, as Jason Blum, an expat living in Cairo for the last three years, adds, “at least there is less traffic!” Ramadan kareem!

Dr. Michael Ryan

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY (THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO)

IDENTITY perspective

Comfortable

Why I Am In My Own Skin

It all started in a popular boutique’s fitting room. I was trying on this super trendy, little white dress that I was so excited to finally find and buy for myself, but the excitement I had walking in with the dress in my hand vanished as soon as I slipped it on and zipped it up. I saw my reflection in the floor length mirrors on every side and my heart sank into my stomach, realizing it was all wrong. It didn’t look like how I saw it on the model in the magazine, all cute and cut perfectly for her body. It pinched in some places but at the same time was too big in others, and overall looked nothing like I pictured it. I was suddenly filled with painful disappointment combined with frustrated anger. I actually hated myself and my body because I felt I wasn’t pretty enough to wear this dress!

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I went home empty-handed, carrying only my disappointment with me. I kept on thinking about it over and over, until suddenly I realized that it doesn’t really matter. I realized that it isn’t right to define my beauty by how sexy I look in a short, white dress, how fit I look in a bikini, how pretty I look wearing my hair and makeup in a certain style, or even how chic I look with an expensive Gucci bag on my side.

I realized that beauty is far more than this. Beauty is something that comes from within and has nothing to do with how you look or what you own. To prove this idea to myself, I thought about the people I have stumbled across in my life and appreciated their presence. I asked myself why I loved them, what attracted me to them, and I knew deep-down that it was never about how they looked or how they dressed; it was rather about the person they were on the inside. Maybe outside appearance attracted you at first because, unfortunately, we've grown up in a materialistic world, but in the long run what matters is how beautiful they are on the inside, how comfortable they are in their own skin, and how much inner peace they have.

It was in this moment of realization that I knew that I needed to change how I think about myself and beauty.

I needed to get back to who I actually was, before I was changed in reaction to life and cultures, traditions, education systems, and media. Each of us were born with an authentic self; however, it changed over time as it reacted to everything around it. These things affected us in so many ways. They mostly taught us that first impressions are indispensable, that how we look and what we own define us, and that what people think of us actually matters. In a world that constantly pushes us to change and improve ourselves to impress others, I found it is so important to remember that what really matters is to impress our own selves! So the key isn't to change, it's to be our original selves.

“

To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself - Thich Nhat Hanh

“

I couldn't imagine that it was as simple as that. Since that moment, I started focusing on the right things. I started spending my time and energy on things that actually mattered and had a long-lasting happiness effect rather than a surge of happiness that instantly disappears. I stopped fishing for compliments or attention to make me happy. I knew that what really mattered is how I see myself. I made a list to remind myself of the things I need to do to maintain this new mind set.

Honor my body

Now I appreciate my body’s capabilities, I thank it for what it does for me instead of hating it all the time and only noticing its flaws. I pay it back by giving it the care it needs; have enough sleep, take long showers, exercise, meditate, floss, and eat healthy. But I don't totally ditch chocolate, I believe moderate quantities are good for my soul.

Stop trying so hard to please others

Whenever I catch myself doing something that I am not proud of or feels unnatural to me just to impress someone else, whether it’s my boss, friend, client, or whoever, I stop it immediately and think it through. Do I really want to wear that, say that, or do that? Bit by bit, I’m becoming more and more my own person.

Stay away from all the negativity

This includes gossiping, judging others, being pessimistic, criticizing myself constantly, and reminiscing about the past. It’s not good for me or how I view myself.

Lift myself up

I couldn’t keep telling myself that I can't, but rather insist that I can. Even if I can't do it today, I can still try for tomorrow. As long as I’m trying I know I’m on the right path. I must believe in myself.

Stop comparing myself to others

Instead, compare myself to how I was yesterday.

Comparing myself to others only makes me jealous, gloat, and in the end, never satisfied. There's nothing wrong with getting inspired or motivated by someone's accomplishments; however, there's a very thin line between that and actually envying someone for it. I want to be happy with who I am while still happy for others for their accomplishments.

I know that this realization is not new, and has been repeated over and over to the point we find it cliche. But the reason that they keep showing up is because they are true. I am determined to make this time different. I am determined to actually think it through, believe it and become convinced by it. I know the change won’t happen all at once, but being aware of it is the first step I can take. I can already see the difference in what makes me happy, what makes me confident, and there’s one thing that I know. I will never let a little white dress ruin my happiness again.

“ The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.” - C. JoyBell C.

Mirana Tera JUNIOR EDITOR

IDENTITY perspective

R

amadan is just around the corner, and just like every Ramadan you might be confused with the do's and the don'ts of the upcoming holy month. It can be uncomfortable asking some of the very basic questions, since you feel that you should know the answers but are still not positive.

We collected some of the most common questions people are curious about, and asked a local sheikh for the answers.

Other than not eating and drinking, what’s fasting?

Fasting is basically about having control over your needs.

Eating and drinking, of course, and sexual needs are all included. Fasting is controlling yourself in general, especially negative emotions, and not letting anything get inside your system, even through your blood or inhaling through the nose. God is more accepting through the whole month of Ramadan, so anything good that’s done will be accepted more, and it’s a good chance for atonement because your soul will be clear.

If someone drank alcohol right before Ramadan, are they not allowed to fast?

Many think the “40 days cleansing” thing is actually a thing. It’s not! It’s exactly like Hijab. If you did something, God will accept it, no matter what else happens. Going to hell or heaven is about your overall actions throughout your life, and yet no one is even sure how it will work.

It’s all about your intentions. That being said, drinking is considered a sin, and shouldn’t be done in Ramadan or any other day.

Are married couples allowed to have sex during Ramadan?

Sex is only forbidden while fasting, and that includes foreplay or anything that will sexually arouse you. After “Iftar,” you can be with each other as you want.

Does fasting count for unveiled women?

It does. God is always accepting and forgiving, so the fasting alone will definitely count.

Does it count as “wearing the veil” for women who just wear it during fasting or only Ramadan?

This is very debatable. To settle the debate, think of the intentions behind wearing the veil. If it’s for the people, or self-image, and not for God, then this is a huge problem.

You should be doing everything for God, and God only. If it’s for anything else, then it means you’re putting people above God, and that is a terrible thing to do.

Are women allowed to wear makeup during fasting?

If it’s subtle make up, then yes, it’s acceptable. If it’s an over-the-top look that will grab people’s attention, it’s not.

It’s exactly the same as makeup when it's not Ramadan.

But during Ramadan, lipstick or anything on the lips, shouldn’t be applied because it will get in your system and will leave a taste.

What about smoking when you’re fasting? Is it allowed?

Many have said that it’s acceptable because you inhale it, just like any smoke in the street. The reality is, any inhalation is, in fact, going to break your fast, but if you inhaled smoke accidentally, it won’t break your fast because it wasn’t intentional. So yes, smoking does break your fast, and even lighting a cigarette and intentionally inhaling the smoke without actually smoking it will break your fast as well.

Ramadan questions

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IDENTITY review

‫عيش أجمل األوقات الرمضانية‬ ‫في خيمة أبوعلي والتراس‬ ‫رمضــان صحيــح لكــن بشــكل جديــد فــى أجمــل موقــع علــي نيــل الزمالــك الســاحر‬ ‫إقضــي أحلــى ســهرة ســحور بخيمــة ابــو علــي والتراس‪ ،‬والتــي تقــدﻡ مجموعــة مختارة مــن المقبالت واألكالت‬ ‫اللبنانيــة والمصريــة البــاردة والســاخنة باإلضافــة الــي الشيشــة بنكهــات مختلفــة فــي جــو رمضانــي ســاحر على‬ ‫نهــر النيــل مــع برنامــج غنائــي متميــز ومــا تفضلونــه من ألعاب وتســالي من‬ ‫طاولــة ‪ ،‬دومينــو وبالي ستيشــن‬ ‫للحجــز واإلســتعالﻡ برجــاء اإلتصــال ‪01001604031‬‬

‫‪21 Mohamed Mazhar Street | Cairo| 11211 | EGYPT‬‬ ‫شروﻁ األحكاﻡ ‪©2014 Hilton Worldwide‬‬

IDENTITY review

Philip Bryson, Alex Kyriakidis, Arne Sorenson, Ghada Abdelkhalek, Heba Eissa

Marriott team with booking.com team #Activ8Egypt

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO EGYPT WITH #ACTIV8EGYPT CAMPAIGN Marriott International is reaffirming its commitment to the revival of Egypt’s tourism sector through the regional announcement of the #Activ8Egypt campaign. First presented to ministers and attendees of the U.S. Egypt Business Summit in late 2014, #Activ8Egypt emphasizes Marriott International’s commitment to work with partners to revive tourism in Egypt, focusing on driving significant incremental revenues through three strategic pillars – local, GCC and international inbound tourism.

The company has had a long-standing history of supporting Egypt’s vibrant tourism sector, dating back to its very first hotel in Africa, the Cairo Marriot. During recent times, which saw a slowdown of the country’s tourisms sector, Marriott International maintained staff levels at all its properties, reaffirming its commitment to the country and along with it, the belief in its competitive edge over other major touristic and investment destinations.

Sayed Haggag, Heba Eissa, Ghada Abdelkhalek, H.E Khaled Ramy, Omar Tantawy

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The #Activ8Egypt campaign consolidates this longstanding support in a uniquely modern way. The campaign’s hashtag addresses the young dynamic society that is helping to shape Egypt’s future while the logo of the campaign features the word MISR, which is how Egypt is pronounced in Arabic. The campaign was built using these letters as they each represent words that can describe Egypt’s tourism offer: Magnificent, Inviting, Sensational and Rewarding.

“Despite the challenges in recent years, Marriott International never wavered for a moment in its support for Egypt and in fact, during this challenging time, we maintained our employee levels and vowed to stay the course, launching the #Activ8Egypt initiative late last year,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President, Middle East & Africa of Marriott International.

Marriott Global Team with Mr. Samy Mahmoud, Chairman of Egyptian Tourist Authority #Activ8Egypt

editorial chipsy

IDENTITY review

City Centre Maadi Celebrates Spring with Renowned Fashion & Beauty Experts City Centre Maadi welcomed spring with a flair for fashion by hosting a Spring Fashion Campaign from April 11- May 8. Owned and managed by Majid Al Futtaim, the mall featured numerous zones dedicated to the likes of fashion, beauty and health, along with numerous competitions designed to address the needs/tastes of the most affluent customers. In addition, the mall organized a shop and win campaign to allow customers to win a complete make-over in the biggest hairdresser’s and make-up house in town as well as shopping vouchers worth 3000 EGP from the biggest fashion shops in the mall.

“We are not only celebrating and sharing fashion trends with our customers, but we are also providing a sustainable platform for supporting young designers,” said Adel Tawakol, Mall Manager at City Centre Maadi.

“With a mission to create great moments for everyone, everyday, City Centre Maadi will continue to play a key role in driving the growth of Cairo’s unique retail market offerings through initiatives to bring new and innovative fashion brands to the city.”

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IDENTITY review

A Tale of Two Emirates by Hilton Worldwide This April, Hilton Worldwide took us on a magical trip to UAE in order to discover the largest hospitality company in the world. Just because you have stayed with Hilton before, doesn't mean you have had all the Hilton experience, because Hilton has 12 different brands and experiences varying from luxury to mid-market. We were thrilled to discover the professionals' art of hospitality, and were so impressed that we never wanted the tour to end.

Hilton provides an incredible experience at each brand that is characterized by generous hospitality, breathtaking views, amazing comfort, and of course, scrumptious cuisine. Whether it was the jaw-dropping presidential suite at “Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah,” or the creative chocolate chip cookie welcome at “DoubleTree

by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island,” Hilton is undoubtedly the expert at making their guests feel honored and welcomed.

The moment we arrived to “Hilton Dubai The Walk”, the staff welcomed us with a smile that ensured that we would have a pleasant stay.

We were escorted to a room high up on the 15th floor, which exceeded our expectations in terms of everything we could ask for: size, organization, cleanliness, comfort, and a breathtaking view over the beach. “Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort” was our next stop for a welcome reception and drinks at “Wavebreaker” followed by a lovely dinner at “Bice Italian restaurant.” We were able to meet the Hilton management team based in Dubai and other media from all over the world over the incredibly savory Italian cuisine. We relaxed back in Hilton Dubai The Walk with a warm cup of green tea and the amazing view from the balcony.

The next day, Hilton ensured we experienced the best of Dubai tourism, including entrance to Burj Khalifa and its “At the Top” experience. The highest tower in the world provides unparalleled views of Dubai, we reached the 142 floor in less than 10

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seconds, which was an experience by itself. There are no words that can give justice to the view of Dubai from the top of the Burj.

“Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah”, Hilton's fastest growing brand with its own distinct character, timeless architecture, and special history, was next on our itinerary. The moment we arrived on its premises, we were amazed by the hospitality of the crew which made us curious to discover this luxury brand. We started the tour with the famous Waldorf Astoria clock in the lobby, followed by the hotel restaurants, spa, and we were even lucky enough to visit the presidential suite (390 sq m/4197 sq ft), complete with an incredible living space, lounge, kitchen and dining room open to a generous balcony, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. We were sad to leave the brand after ending the tour with exquisite dishes that can only create happy taste buds.

The phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” never rang more true, we didn’t want the extraordinary trip to ever come to an end. Luckily, we still were able to head to Ras Al Khaimah, an authentic destination an hour away from Dubai, and a choice for adventure, nature, and tranquility.

It is also home to “Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah,” the Hilton brand characterized by timeless elegance, luxurious comfort, and classic sophistication. Set in

the grand entrance lobby, the famous “Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah” clock stands over three meters high. This beautiful, jaw-dropping timepiece is worth 1.5 million AED, it announces prayer time and can be set for up to 10 years ahead. We toured through the hotel's 11 restaurants, lounges and bars, followed by the spa which is strategically surrounded by fragrant gardens and set to the sound, sight, and smell of the sea. Each corner of this landmark is a masterpiece.

“Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah” is definitely the ultimate destination for discerning travelers seeking refined style, flawless service and sumptuous comfort.

Only five minutes away was “DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island,” which we called Hilton's joyful brand, because of the unique way they welcome their guests. At check-in, they offer each guest one of their legendary warm chocolate chip cookies.

It was by far one of the best cookies we have ever had, setting the tone of feeling happy, comfortable, and welcomed. Talking about “the cookie hotel” still puts a smile on our faces now.

“DoubleTree by Hilton” focuses on the little things that make it different and better for a guest's stay. We call the cookie the “taste of the service experience to come” because it puts a smile on your face - It is a sample of the kind of experience we believe you will have,” John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton After wards we had a delicious grilled lunch with a magnificent view of the beach and enjoying a live band singing. Now, let the fun begin! We had two options of either massage and spa or water activities. The inner child played a big role, so we chose the water activities: parasailing, banana boat, donut and beach buggy.

We spent our evening at “Hilton Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort,” with a tour of the gorgeous hotel.

This was followed by sunset cocktails and dinner at Trader Vic’s, a Polynesian lounge, where we met Hilton Ras Al Khaimah General Managers and the Country Manager of Ras Al Khaimah - Mr. Mohab Ghali - which made us even more proud of our Egyptian nationality.

Great company, lovely people and appetizing nourishment created a beautiful night that we didn’t want to come to an end.

The kind of hospitality one experiences at “Hilton Worldwide” is unforgettable. They know how to make travelers return to their hotel chains for the renowned “Art of Hilton”. They went above and beyond our expectations with the extensive range of brands and services.

Happily the first DoubleTree hotel aka the cookie hotel will open in Ain Al Sokhna in 2017.

Hilton HHonors program register now: Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program is one of the largest of its kind [4] and has numerous partnerships with airlines and car rental companies. Some Hilton Hotels feature an Executive Level lounge for HHonors Gold and Diamond members and those willing to pay for Executive Rooms. The lounge is normally located on the highest floor of the hotel building. In addition to Hilton Hotels, the Hilton HHonors membership can also be used at all other Hilton Worldwide brands.

Download the application: The Hilton HHonors™ mobile app provides you access to easy travel planning tools. Search, book and modify your stay. Plus manage and redeem your HHonors points. It’s all of your member benefits to make life on-the-go easier.

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IDENTITY bits & pieces

Art of Hospitality The main event of the whole trip took place at “Conrad Dubai,” located in the heart of cosmopolitan Dubai. This brand promises to offer the greatest luxury of all: the luxury of being yourself. The main event was a workshop where we learned about each of Hilton’s brands, including its luxurious ones. Meeting with the Global Hilton Brands Heads themselves was an astonishing opportunity to learn more about the big picture of the international brands, and only convinced us more of Hilton’s superiority in hospitality and hotel management. The workshop was followed by a nice party showcasing Hilton’s impressive range of talents in the kitchen.

Brands we wish to have in Egypt: Curio DoubleTree Waldorf Astoria

Mercedes-Benz Egypt hosts its 7th round of the Mercedes Trophy at the Sokhna Golf Club

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For its 7thround, the MercedesTrophy has been concluded,at the Sokhna Golf Club, where Egypt’s top golf players competed together at thenational final. Three Egyptians- Mansour Kabbani, Kareem Fawzy and Hesham El Baddaly- qualified to the tournament’s world final in Stuttgart, Germany, due to be played in October 2015, when they will contend against participants from over 60 countries. The qualifying rounds took place at the Allegria Golf Club, Alexandria Sporting Club, theKatameya Dunes Golf Club andfor the first time at the Gezirah Golf club, Egypt’s first golf club and one of the oldest golf courses in Africa and the Middle East.

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Home grown stars Cairokee held a signing session to launch their latest album ‘Nas O Nas’ at Virgin Megastore City stars.

The 3 hour event was a huge success and every fan who attended got to take pictures with the band as well as their signed CDs. The event was presented by Ramez Youssef.

Cairokee’s album was sold exclusively at Virgin Megastores during it’s first week of release.

IDENTITY bits & pieces

Break Free with Braun and Embrace Unlimited Fashion Choices

Introducing the NEW Braun Silk-épil 9 for non-stop beautiful smooth skin The biggest beauty event in Cairo hosted by Braun Middle East celebrated the launch of the brand new Silk-épil 9. The summer-themed event: Break Free into Unlimited Fashion Choices welcomed an exclusive ladies-only guest list discussing all aspects of beauty with a focus on achieving smooth, hair-free skin, just in time for the start of the summer season.

For the first time in Egypt Cairo Festival City Mall brings Transformers live show

For the first time in Egypt, Cairo Festival City Mall brought your favorite Transformers show for their first ever stage performance in Egypt, as part of upcoming shows till the end of the year.

The show brought to life three of Cybertron’s legendary inhabitants.

Philips partners with El-Araby Group to inaugurate the first joint production line for steam irons in Egypt

Philips Egypt and the El-Araby group inaugurated their first joint production line of steam irons for the Egyptian market in Benha today. This collaboration marks the next big step in Philips’ strategy to expand its business and commercial footprint in Egypt.

Egypt’s Moms Transform Fabrics into Biggest Messages of Love to their Children thanks to Downy’s Long Lasting Freshness

Imagine if our clothes had the power to remind us of our mom’s love?

Sprinkled with freshness and sweet love, “Downy’s Biggest Message of Love” event was one of the warmest days this spring. Thousands of moms gathered in Cairo Festival City to express their affection to their kids and create the nation’s biggest message of love to mark the launch of Downy Concentrate in Egypt, the world’s number 1 fabric softener*.

International brand ACE Hardware Store Now Open in Egypt

The largest international home improvement franchise in the world, ACE Hardware is now open in Egypt, with the recent opening of its first store in Heliopolis. Offering a range of home essentials and home improvement products, ACE offers everything from interior and exterior design products, landscaping, outdoor living and housewares to electrical, plumbing and sports equipment, with a wide range of hand and power tools to help you do it yourself! Set over 3 floors, the 3,000 sqm store offers a one stop shop for any home improvement fanatic and a diverse product range.

“1001 NIGHTS” AT FAIRMONT NILE CITY

In prosperous partnership with Marvel, aiming at fun & entertainment

Doritos, together with its lovers, celebrates “The Avengers” premiere amid spectacular turnout Doritos,PepsiCo’s popular snack brand, celebrated the premiere of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” with its lovers in an exclusive show for the first time in Egypt and the entire world before the official show time in US, as part of a prosperous partnership between Doritos and Marvel.

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KidZania Cairo joins International Jazz Day through a spectacular celebration and a Jazz Parade for kids and families

KidZania Cairo, the first Edutainment city in Egypt, joined the celebrations of International Jazz Day on Friday May 1st through its own entertaining and unique way. The city held a spectacular Jazz Parade that toured Cairo Festival City Mall and KidZania Cairo with “Oscar Band” a marching band and an energizing atmosphere full of jazz music.

- A Step into a Fairytale – After the success of Fairmont Nile City’s Ramadan nostalgic concepts the past few years with “Ramadan Zaman” and “El Leila El Kebiera,” we are taking you this year on a trip to fantasy land, bringing back to life the legendary fairytales of “1001 Nights.” Once you step into the hotel, you’ll be taken on a mind blowing good old days fairytale-like journey to the time of Shahrazad and Shahriar, Aladdin, Sindbad, Ali Baba, Morgana, and Masrour, where you can relive the tales and be part of them.

Massimo Dutti Celebrates SS15 collection at CFC

Massimo Dutti invited fashion bloggers and lifestyle media to celebrate the launch of SS15 collection and to showcase the must have items for this season. The variety of color in the collection is unimaginable. All the blues are on board and are combined with earthy colors, warm yellows, ochers, neutrals and whites. The Massimo Dutti Women Collection is inspired by the beaches of the world, an intense journey around the best spots on the planet, from Greece to the Caribbean, via ancient Egypt.

In the case of the Men’s collection, the inspiration comes from multicultural Miami.

OYSHO

our health advocate hosted an in store event to celebrate the launch of #OYSHOMoments campaign and OYSHO’s SS15 collection which focuses on yoga, wellness, fitness and a healthy lifestyle. #OYSHOMoments campaign is all about your OYSHO moment, which is whatever you do to relax and indulge yourself to shut down from the world and get in your comfort zone, to recharge and reboot. The media and fashion bloggers enjoyed the celebration that reflected OYSHO’s concept of health and wellbeing. Don’t forget to check out OYSHO’s range of stylish gym wear which is a must-have for everyone this summer!

Pull&Bear

Spring Summer 2015 collection was a festival for the senses for all the bona-fide trend setters at an exclusive event for media and select fashion bloggers at the bohemian rustic, cool Eat&Barrell! Guests enjoyed brunch and cocktails while getting their fashion fill of the season’s star garments, bohemian finishes and adventurer inspired prints. Pull&Bear SS15 Looks are fashionable but mainly focus on the comfort needed for an outdoor, dynamic lifestyle. Star garments include shorts (made of both denim and lighter, floaty fabrics), which go well with knitwear jackets and tops. West Coast-inspired images and print text messages provide content to plenty of T-shirts, while trendy navy stripes are present in a variety of garments, along with details bringing a touch of sophistication.

Samsung Electronics Egypt unveils Its Vision for Living Smarter at the 2015 Consumer ElectronicsEventwith NextGeneration Technologies

Samsung Electronics Egypt recently demonstratedits vision for smarter living at the 2015Consumer Electronics Eventinthe Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel. Strengthening its leadership in theconsumer electronics market, Samsungintroduced its 65-inch SUHD TV, which redefines picture quality with superior brightness and widest color spectrum, while it also showcased the Activ Dualwash top-loading washing machine, which delivers an all-in-one solution for pre-treating laundry.

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IDENTITY bits & pieces

Ramadan at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence Bringing Back Street-chic Experience at the cairo MARRIOTT

The graceful month of Ramadan is almost upon us and brings with it the excitement of enjoying oriental dishes, family gatherings and of course the infamous Ramadan tents. This year, we’re celebrating the holy month a little differently but with classic familiarity; bringing together street style cuisine with palatial poise. Various stations laid out around The Fountain Patio where guests can see their Sohour being prepared and enjoy the real street experience in style.

Imagine this… hot pots of fool, the splashing sounds of ta’meya, the magical moves of the feteer chef and the beautiful display of oriental desserts. All while enjoying classic Ramadan drinks, flavourful shisha and the moving tunes of the Arabian music.

AHLAN RAMADAN at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino- Cairo

Enjoy the summer breeze accompanied by the unique Ramadan atmosphere at the Swimming pool Lounge IN’n’IN at Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino Cairo.

Treat yourself to our delicious “Iftar” & “Sohour” Specialties, while enjoying the traditional Ramadan spirit and nightly live oriental entertainment overwhelmed by typical Ramadan decorations and various “Shisha” flavors.

Special prices for groups and companies Iftar & Sohour.

Sheraton Miramar El Gouna welcomes your family to an exotic, Ramadan seaside retreat by the shimmering shores of the Red Sea. With the stunning views of the Rea Sea, Sheraton Miramar offers a fabulous Oriental Iftar Buffet and set menu sohour served daily at Miramar Restaurant overlooking the Red Sea.

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This year, Ramadan in Cairo promises to be a festive affair at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence, whether gathering with family, friends or work colleagues for Iftar in Cairo while enjoying the sunset over the waters of the Nile. Head to a stylish Iftar in the La Gourmandise Ramadan Tent, one of the best Ramadan Tent’s in Cairo or opting for a magical late night Sohour at Aura restaurant overlooking the magical lit rooftop pool.

Ramadan is special at Sheraton Montazah:

Ramadan by the Nile At Hilton Zamalek

Celebrate the Holy Month at Sheraton Miramar El Gouna

Enjoy Oriental inspired style sights and sounds from Iftar till Sohour

Egypt, Cairo – 24th June, 2015This year celebrate Ramadan differently in Hilton Zamalek, feel the Nile breeze while enjoying your Sohour in open air on pool deck at “The Terrace” / indoor “Abu Ali”, a unique Sohour menu has been prepared for you to choose from, along with BBQ festival and flavoured shisha, enjoy our daily live entertainment program and games “ Backgammon, Domino and PlayStation” throughout the night.

Come along with your friends and family and break your fast with our famous Ramadan daily wide buffet at our main restaurant overlooking the stunning view of the Nile.

For more information please call 01001604031.

Sheraton Montazah Hotel invites you to celebrate Ramadan in luxury with all its amazing spirit and sharing traditions . A variety of outlets are there for Ramadan nights’ fans ; “Bedouin Tent” situated at Beach Café overlooking the superb view of the Mediterranean seashore with elegant seating serves sumptuous sohour meal, mouthwatering Ramadan drinks and your choice of flavored shisha along with the oriental tunes of Takhat Sharky and live songs throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

WHAT’S ON RAMADAN AT SOFITEL CAIRO EL GEZIRAH!

Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah welcomes you this year to celebrate the holy month and spend its magical nights with your family and friends at our various dining options, where you can enjoy Iftar and Sohour.

Feast on Moroccan specialties at La Palmeraie, one of the best restaurants for authentic tagines.

Enjoy Ramadan at Ramses Hilton

Break your fast and enjoy our spectacular Oriental Iftar Buffet served daily from sunset at the Terrace Café located at the “R” level overlooking the Nile River.In addition to the Sohour Buffet with a wide variety of Ramadan specialties.

‘FAWANEES’ LIGHTS UP RAMADAN AT SEMIRAMIS INTERCONTINENTAL CAIRO

Ramadan festivities at the Semiramis InterContinental Cairo are always sought after as landmark events, fittingly for the hotel that proudly sits alongside the Nile as one of the city’s own iconic landmarks.

When you take in the Iftar and Sohour spectaculars at the Nile Terrace and ‘live cooking stations’ at Night & Day as Ramadan begins this year, we bet you, your family, friends and loved ones won’t stray anywhere else.

Embrace the spirit of Ramadan with Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo

Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo invites you to celebrate Ramadan in style at their world-class “Ramadan tent”. Enjoy an amazing iftar and sohour experience along with oriental live takht sharki, a singer, and Dusit’s resident DJ in an open air setting overlooking the pool. There is an array of delicious flavors of Arab cuisine to choose from including oriental Egyptian delicacies, live cooking stations, a large selection of hot and cold mezzah, mouthwatering Ramadan drinks, sumptuous main courses and a wide selection of oriental desserts. You will also find your choice of flavored shisha with superb backdrop of greenery and lake views highlight this memorable dining experience.

Relish the spirit of the Holy Month Ramadan Offerings at JW Marriott Cairo

The time spent with, family and friends during Ramadan is priceless so let us help you create memories to cherish by spending Iftar and Sohour at JW Marriott Cairo and Renaissance Cairo Mirage where you will enjoy impeccable service and exquisite cuisine surrounded by the unique atmosphere of the Holy Month.

CELEBRATE AT LAIALY MIRAGE. Enjoy the sumptuous offerings for Iftar and Sohour at Laialy Mirage at The Beach, while traditional Oriental tunes and melodies float through the air to add to the festive ambience.

Relish the spirit of the Holy Month Ramadan Offerings Ramadan nights at Conrad Cairo Ramadan-cation on the Shores of the Mediterranean at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano

This year, Ramadan will be starting by mid June, just as summer is beginning. Both Alexandrians and visitors will be looking to enjoy a local taste of the city throughout the month.

It offers a spiritual journey that reflects Ramadan traditions for all the family, just like home, and with the Mediterranean Sea.

Conrad Cairo welcomes you this year to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan and spend its magical nights with your family and friends.

Enjoy iftar at Solana restaurant with a spectacular view of the Nile, offering a delicious open buffet specially created for Ramadan only at LE 199++ Feast on the Lebanese specialties for Iftar at LE 185++ at the open air restaurant Jayda overlooking the majestic Nile or Sohour at LE 155++ while enjoying the shisha flavors and the oriental takht.

AGAMEYA AT RENAISSANCE CAIRO The stunning Agameya setting beside the main pool is a feast for the eyes at Renaissance Cairo, while the irresistible attractions of choices for Iftar and Sohour will exceed every expectation. Our early-evening Iftar buffet, including shisha, runs until 9:00 pm. Sway to the rhythms of Takht, while enjoying the freshly-baked bread and watching Ramadan episodes on the large screen.

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IDENTITY bits & pieces

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Strength Energetic Clever Imaginative Witty Adaptable

Weakness Superficial Impulsive Restless Devious Indecisive

Most compatible with Leo, Aries, Libra, Aquarius

Famous Geminis Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp and Prince William.

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* identity-mag.com

Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac, and those born under this sign will be the first to tell you all about it. That’s because they love to talk! Since Gemini are bright, imaginative, and usually the stars of the party, they’re always enjoyable to hang out with. A Gemini can never be boring.

Ruled by Mercury, Gemini’s exhibit a strong dose of mercurial energy. They are quick-thinkers, quick-doers and fast on their feet, much like the messenger god of Roman mythology that rules their sign.

Gemini are both curious and clever, which is why they are such a hit at cocktail parties.

Gemini generally have their hearts in the right place, it’s that overload of energy which can paint them as lost and unfocused.

The element associated with Gemini is air. Air is the sign for thinking, and Gemini do not disappoint. Those born under this sign consider it the key to all things. At work, they are the clearest of thinkers, looking at a project from all sides and putting forth some logical and well-thought ideas. This quality makes Gemini a great asset to any team.

The Gemini also enjoy bringing their objective reasoning and big-picture ability into their personal relationships. While some may perceive all this logical thought as cold and unemotional, it’s simply how these folks tick.

They want to connect; they just do it their own way. Luckily for Gemini’s, the lightness and the youthfulness of their spirit help them to appear forever young.