The 'IT' Bridal Trends of 2019, June 2019, Identity Magazine

JUNE 2019 - 20 L.E., VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

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HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS THE ULTIMATE WEDDING-DAY CHECKLIST

Everything You’ll Need

THE ‘IT’

bridal trends OF 2019 A Star on The Rise:

MALAK BADAWI

A W EDDI NG FOR THE YOUNG AT HE A RT.

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IDENTITY LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

30

A Star on The Rise:

MALAK BADAWI

‘T

is the wedding season and we couldn’t be more excited for our readers who were waiting for the end of Ramadan to tie the knot! Don’t fret even for a minute; our June issue left nothing to speculation. It’s all in there; from bridal hairstyles, makeup, shoes, accessories and packing honeymoon essentials to organizing bachelorette parties, making wedding checklists, choosing your wedding venue and deciding between the most exotic honeymoon destinations. Make sure to benefit from all the expert advice about marriage and relationships; they will sure come in handy as they give you an idea of what to expect in this new and exciting chapter of your life.

Mabrouk!

Rola Kamel

Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s lifestyle, 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 is 240 L.E./year (12 issues) through Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Distribution by AL AHRAM Website: QPIX SOLUTIONS Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

4 June 2019

IDENTITYMAGEG

IDENTITY MASTHEAD

IDENTITY JUNE 2019, VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3

Founder & Managing Editor Rola Kamel Editor-in-Chief Nawal Ismail Art director Alia El Abd Copy-Editor Amina El Fayoumy Senior Staff Writer Amina Moustapha Staff Writers Aya Aboshady & Omnia Essawy Relationship Expert Marwa Rakha Food Writer Soha Darwish Senior Graphic Designer Sandy Saied Marketing & Advertising Manager Riham Yehia Business Developer Raghda El-Sayed Digital Marketing Manager Youssef Ali Social Media Executive Mahmoud Aboudeif Video Editor Ahmed Mostafa Identity Magazine Distributor Ashraf Fouad

6 June 2019

IDENTITY CONTENTS

20 TYING THE KNOT 8 The Lust List 10 How Realistic Are Your

Marriage Expectations?

11 Alternative Bachelorette

Parties and Getaway Ideas

STYLE 12 Fairytale Hairstyles for your

Fairytale Wedding 14 Wedding Makeup Ideas to

Help You Stand out 16 Pre-Wedding Beauty Tips

for Brides!

18 The Shoes of Your

Dreams for the Wedding of Your Dreams 20 Packing essentials for your Honeymoon 22 2019 Wedding Gowns

OUT & ABOUT 52 56 60 64

WONDER WEDDINGS 30 A Star on the Rise:

Advertorial Snaps Press Releases Horoscopes

Malak Badawi 32 Beyond The Planning:

34 36 38 42 44 46 50

An Interview With Wedding Consultant Nada Khedr Relationship Woes The Big Day Checklist Trendiest Wedding Venues Get Ready To Sprint Down The Aisle Nora Robert’s Bride Quartet, Must Read For Brides To Be Honeymoon Destinations Ditch the Carbs

8 June 2019

46

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

2

IDENTITY THE LUST LIST

THE LUST LIST

1

YVONNE LÉON EARRINGS Need a classy and chic vibe? These earrings will work like a charm; they will highlight your face in any beautiful occasion.

3

PULL & BEAR SUMMER WHITE DRESSES There is nothing better than a white summer dress to put on while heading to the beach, going out for lunch or just for a walk. This dress will only make your life easier.

VICTORIA’S SECRET BUTTERFLY BRA TOP Don’t forget to pack this bra top with breathtaking butterfly details while going on your honeymoon.

5

ZARA BLAZER DRESS

Being a bride means you’ve got countless celebratory occasions to attend, this blazer dress will get you through any of these events!

10 June 2019

4

MIU MIU HEELS Pointed toe pumps from Miu Miu with heel-glass, branded insole, ankle strap and side buckle fastening is simply a must have.

Vow Our

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IDENTITY TYING THE KNOT

5. Would you advise divorced women to remarry?

A. Of course. Having learnt from their mistakes, they’ll have a much better chance of making their second marriage work out.

B. Not necessarily. Second marriages require a lot of effort that not many are willing to invest.

6. Your spouse refuses to wash the dishes, no matter how much you plead. You would probably: A. Complain how he doesn’t help enough.

B. Stop fighting a lost battle. Some compromises will need to be made for the relationship to work out.

7. You have been raised in a strict household, having many limits in all areas of life. Do you think marriage will make you free?

A. Yes. Certainly. Being head of the household means a lot of freedom.

B. No. Marriage will bring restrictions of its own.

2. Your parents want to hook you up with a person who comes from a different background. Would you expect your relationship to work out?

A. No way. How will we ever get along?

B. Why not? Being different is often a good thing. One needs to appreciate other people’s differences, or at least make peace with them.

3. In healthy relationships, major disagreements always get resolved over time.

A. True. As you learn to get along with your partner, you’ll understand how to resolve disagreements.

B. False. There are some things that seem simply irresolvable. It’s simply part of any marriage.

4. Your fiancé is not spending as much time with you as you would like. It means he doesn’t love you enough.

A. Certainly. If he really cares for me, he would make the effort to be around me all the time.

B. No. People have different ways of expressing love.

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Mostly As: Unrealistic If your answers are mostly As, then you probably have unrealistic expectations about marriage. You may view it as the perfect utopia that will solve your current issues, and your husband as your loving Prince Charming. Your optimistic approach is certainly needed at this stage, but you need to realize the importance of understanding what will happen in marriage beforehand. Communicate with your partner, and talk about all that comes to your mind: fears, children, in-laws, money, etc.

The more realistic your expectations are, the more likely your marriage will succeed.

1. Your fiancé is driving you nuts with his complaints. Would this make you hesitant about getting married to him?

A. Definitely. If the engagement period is troublesome, then the marriage will probably be hell.

B. No, all marriages have their ups and downs. We just need to find a way to vent our anger proactively.

Flip the Page, for your Answers Mostly Bs: Realistic Well done, bride to be. Having mostly Bs shows that your expectations about marriage are probably realistic. You understand that there are many complications that need to be worked through before getting married. Even better, you understand that you will probably need to live with some of those complications, no matter how hard you may try to overcome them. For a successful marriage, make sure to remain open with your partner about your views and expectations, no matter how difficult they may be to share. After all, he is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with! The more you open your heart to him, the more he will do the same with you.

HOW REALISTIC ARE YOUR MARRIAGE EXPECTATIONS?

8. You owe the bank some money and are getting married soon. You will: A. Wait until you get married to settle your debts.

B. Pay off your debts before marriage. After all, tying the knot will bring its own financial issues.

ALTERNATIVE BACHELORETTE PARTIES & GETAWAY IDEAS Bachelorette parties are becoming a thing in recent years. It’s great for the bride-to-be to be able to enjoy one final day with her girlfriends as she bids farewell to singledom. As fun as a house party might seem, break out of the safe “same-old, sameold” ideas and take your bachelorette party really far. Instead of having a one night party, make it a whole weekend or a getaway. Here are some fun activities you could enjoy with your girlfriends, or even your husband-to-be.

FOR THE TRAVELER BRIDE Beach Party Go for a final single ladies day at the beach. If you have the time, you could head to Sinai for a few days, maybe go diving, snorkeling, hiking, or even party at one of the clubs there. If you don’t have much time, you could simply spend a day in Ain Sokhna and enjoy the beach. Remember to wear lots of sunblock; no one wants to be a bride with skin peeling off!

Camping Take your friends and go camping. You could spend a whole weekend there, or go for a day and enjoy some of the desert activities. From camping, to sitting at the bonfire, barbecuing, stargazing, or even having a Bedouin dance with the locals, with the right company, you’ll have the time of your life.

FOR THE SPORTY BRIDE Pole Fitness Class Pole dancing doesn’t mean stripping. It’s a very good workout, and it’s so much fun. Thankfully, there are many studios in Cairo for pole fitness. You could organize a class for you and your girlfriends to learn a few moves and how to wrap yourself around the pole.

It’ll also help with your muscle control and flexibility. It’s a win/win situation for everyone – it’s fun, will help you on the wedding night, and you’ll bond with your friends.

Sand-boarding Challenge your friends to a sand-boarding tournament. The sport is expanding in Egypt, and many companies now offer organized trips to parts of the desert. Make sure you plan it earlier so you have a private trip. Most safari companies also provide ziplining if boarding isn’t your thing. Just make sure you don’t break a leg, casts don’t go well with heels!

FOR THE STRESSED BRIDE Meditation You’re constantly stressed, and if the spa isn’t really your thing, you could always meditate. Whether you want to meditate mentally, or get physical with some extreme yoga, you’ll find some great classes in Cairo, and some especially great ones in Sinai. Meditation is always a great bonding experience, so it’ll be great for you and your friends. Not to mention that it’s highly recommended for brides dealing with anxiety.

Bonus points: Meditation is also very helpful for sexual healing and performance.

Spa Day You’re stressed, your friends are stressed, your mother is stressed, and everyone is stressed. We get it, girl! Take your friends and family and spend a day at the spa. Chill in a Jacuzzi, and get a facial, massage, and the entire royal treatment. You need it, and definitely deserve it.

IDENTITY BEAUTY

Fairytale Hairstyles for

your Fairytale Wedding

by Omnia Essawy

From your wedding dress to the pins you put in your hair; every single detail of your bridal look speaks volumes on its own. Naturally, the hairstyle you wear on your big day has a big effect on your overall look.

So before you make the big decision of whether to wear your hair up or down, sideways or swept up; you need to consider all the options and decide very carefully what completes your bridal look in the best way possible.

A MESSY SIDE BRAID If you don’t feel like pulling your hair up but still don’t want it to go all crazy, then a messy side braid is the perfect hairstyle for your wedding. It allows your hair to fall down naturally and frame your face perfectly all without letting it go out of control.

BOHO WAVES If the look you are going for is simple and natural, then letting your hair fall on your back in some naturally flowy boho waves will help you achieve the dreamy bridal look you are aiming for. Adding an elegant headpiece like a flower crown or a golden pin will help your look go the extra mile but still maintain its subtlety vibes.

14 June 2019

LOW PONYTAIL Most people don’t consider ponytails to be a bridal hairstyle, however when done right and after adding some elegant bridal accessories, a ponytail can make for a perfect, and even royal bridal hairstyle.

A ROMANTIC UPDO A swept-up slightly undone updo with a few face-framing strands can accentuate your face while making your hair look effortlessly gorgeous.

CLASSIC HIGH UPDO If you are aiming for a full classic bridal look, then a sleek high bun with some gorgeous hair accessories will give you a graceful classic bridal look while accentuating your neck and highlighting your makeup.

HALF-UP HALF-DOWN The half-up do is one of those bridal hairstyles that never go out of style and is perfect for midlength hair. Adding a simple yet elegant headpiece right around the knot adds an extra glamorous touch to your bridal look without going overboard.

PIXIE Pixie haircuts are considered to be more of a “casual hairstyle”. However, the pixie has more range than people usually tend to give it credit for. It can fit anywhere from the club to the wedding hall.

So if you prefer to wear your hair short in your everyday life, don’t feel pressured to change that on your wedding day. Just play with the bangs a little, style it with an elegant bridal headpiece, and you’ve got yourself a killer bridal hairstyle.

June 2019 15

WEDDING MAKEUP IDEAS TO HELP YOU

Stand Out

by Omnia Essawy

As a bride, makeup is not just another item for you to check off your bridal list. Makeup is a statement, so the makeup look you decide to go with on your wedding day will speak for you. It has a bigger message than just making you look pretty; it expresses who you really are. So before you give your face to your makeup artist, you are going to want to think long and hard about the makeup choices you are making, and most importantly, about the statement you want your wedding makeup look to make for you. To help you make that hard decision, here are some of the many choices you have:

BOLD RED LIPS A bold look is perfect for a bold bride, and nothing says bold like bright red lips. To perfect this look, you’ll want to make your lips draw attention from the rest of your face, so it’s best to use light calm tones for your blush and eyeshadow to make your lips pop even more.

SULTRY SMOKEY LOOK

FLUSHED CHEEKS

If you are aiming for your wedding makeup look to accentuate your natural beauty rather than cover it up, then this naturally flushed romantic bridal look is perfect for you. All you need is an intense rosy hue on your cheeks matching the shade of your glossy lips and soft eyeshadow, and you are good to go.

16 June 2019

If you are not down with the laid back girl next door usual bridal look, and want your wedding look to scream fierce and sultry, then smokey smudged eyes with loads of highlighter and nude lips is the look for you. It will give your bridal look a unique edge that will help you stand out even more than usual.

THE GLOWY LOOK

It is every girl’s dream to sparkle like a star on her wedding day. And while applying loads and loads of highlighter does help, you can still take your glow to the next level and create an all around glossy glowy makeup look by applying an illuminating base to your makeup. That ought to make you shine all through the night.

THE MATTE LOOK

If you take good care of your skin and feel confident enough about it, then a matte polished look is the perfect way for you to demonstrate the fruit of those lengthy complicated skincare routines. An overall matte look with smokey eyes and nude lips will help you achieve the perfectly polished photo perfect look you need for all your wedding shots.

THE WINGED EYELINER

Perfectly winged eyeliner is basically every girl’s dream, there’s no denying that. But its power goes beyond shaping your eyes perfectly, if done right, a sleek winged eyeliner can help frame your whole face and accentuate more than just the colour of your eyes. All you need to do is to go for soft shades of rosey or nude blush, lipstick and shadow to give a chance for the eyeliner to pop more and draw attention to your gorgeous eyes.

PINK HUES

If you have always dreamed of looking and feeling like a princess on your wedding day, then incorporating some rosy pink hues in your wedding makeup look is the way to go for you. Choose a laid back rosy tone for your lips, cheeks and eyes. Make sure to add shimmer to your eyes and cheekbones for an extra pop, and enjoy feeling like an ice princess on your special day.

THE GOLDEN BRIDE

You can’t go wrong with a little gold, but you can do so much right with a lot of gold. Mixing different shades and tones of gold gives your look the majestic and timeless sense that will make you feel like a true queen on your big day.

June 2019 17

Pre-Wedding BEAUTY TIPS FOR BRIDES!

by Aya Aboshady 18 June 2019

W

ith the stress reaching its peak and running around everyday getting everything done for the big day, we all know how hard the pre-wedding blues can hit brides-to-be. It’s a tiring process, but a bride shouldn’t forget the beauty essentials in preparation for the wedding. And that’s why we’re here to help with the pre-wedding beauty tips for all the gorgeous brides out there!

1. MAKEUP WIPES

6. NAIL POLISH

This step is almost always overlooked that it’s dangerous. Using wipes to remove your makeup is not just an essential; it’s actually very unacceptable if you don’t do it. Because you’d be putting your skin at a high risk of damage, blemishes and dark spots, which is why we recommend this awesome Garnier Skin Active Charcoal Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes.

Before all the glam starts on the big day itself, your nails need to be taken cafe of as a preparation. And this Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat is going to get the job done by nourishing and protecting your nails, in addition to growing and strengthening them with the mixture of Vitamin B, Biotin and Calcium.

2. FACE MASK

7. WATER

Homemade face masks are hands down the best and most beneficial! They’re also not at all hard to make.

This mixture of organic papaya, honey and almond oil will brighten your skin, reduce scars and remove discolouration, blemishes and dark spots in no time.

Don’t underestimate this one! Staying hydrated is a priority when it comes to beauty tips and taking care of your skin. Especially that it tends to be forgotten during the hassle. Drinking water gives you a radiant glow and eliminates the chances of blemishes.

3. FACE OIL

8. NIGHT CREAM

Beauty tips would not be fulfilling without a magical face oil! And this Kiehl Midnight Recovery Concentrate one contains a supercharged blend of lavender, primrose, jojoba and other exceptional oils to nourish your skin and give your face a glowy lift.

A lifting night cream is what your skin really needs at the end of the day. So before you have your beauty sleep, this Lancome Renergie will lift and tighten your skin. As well as reduce the unwanted wrinkles and leave a firming effect before your wedding day.

4. ALOE VERA SERUM

9. LIP BALM

Aloe Vera is basically magic for the skin! This Aloe Serum from Private Label Skincare Florida firms and tightens the skin. It also helps repair any damage or sunburns, and fixes blemishes.

Your lips are very important. And they’re very easy to dry out. The Shea Butter Lip Balm from Pixi will nourish and hydrate your lips with the Vitamin E. And it’ll even add a gorgeous hint of colour.

5. EYE CREAM AND TEA BAGS

10. BEAUTY SLEEP

Tired eyes shouldn’t be neglected! And that’s why this L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Volume Filler is great for treating the eye area and skin plumping while smoothly filling in fine lines. Another outstanding treatment for the bride’s eyes is using tea bags to reduce the very unnecessary dark circles, puffiness and redness.

It might seem unimportant, but you really need this. After the long tiring process and the wedding preparations, beauty sleep is an essential to rest your eyes, face and skin.

June 2019 19

IDENTITY STYLE

THE SHOES OF YOUR DREAMS FOR THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS

by Omnia Essawy

Marilyn Monroe once said “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” And if there is one day you need that kind of confidence, it is, indeed, your awaited wedding day for it is the day you welcome the rest of your life. So the least you could do is dress for the occasion! And while wedding dresses are important and all, shoes are really the ‘make it or break it’ factor to perfect the bridal look of your dreams.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN You can’t go wrong if you go with a sparkly Loubiton pump . The high heel and glitter will give you the confidence boost you need for your big day. And Loubiton’s red bottoms will -for suremake you stand out.

JIMMY CHOO If you are going for an outdoors summer wedding, your shoes should complete the picture. So go for something as carefree and liberating as these chic Jimmy Choo sandals. If those don’t say summer ceremony, nothing will!

20 June 2019

Heels

The normal go-to bridal shoes are usually high heels, because they give poise and grace to your look, and let’s face it; the right pair of heels can change your look 100%.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN If you still want to rock some gorgeous heels in your wedding but don’t want to go with classic pumps, a pair of gorgeous sandals like this lace champagne Louboutin will give your overall look a whole different edge yet maintain the whole princess vibes.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN No introduction needed here, we all know that a pair of Louboutins pretty much talk for themselves. And this particular one says it all; elegance, poise, grace, class, and comfort.

How can you possibly go wrong?

Flats

Heels aren’t for everyone, and while that may have caused a problem in the past for some brides, it doesn’t have to anymore, because today, it is easy to capture the elegant poised look without having to kill your feet with a 10-cm-heel.

BELLA BELLE If lace is not your thing, then you can’t miss with a pair of pearl-studdedshoes like this one from Bella Belle. The silk, the pearls and pointed toes front will make you feel like you are a living princess floating on royal clouds!

Comfy Sports Bridal Shoes While looking poised and pretty is important and all, a wedding is about more than just looking pretty. It is a party, the biggest most important party of your life, so it is only fitting that you dance the night away with the love of your life and all your loved ones. But unless you are a professional dancer, it can be very challenging to do so without some comfy dancing shoes. But who says dancing shoes can’t be pretty?

CONVERSE This lacey Converse pair is the best demonstration that you don’t need to change your style or step out of your comfort zone for your bridal look.

BELLA BELLE Nothing says elegant like lace, and nothing says dreamy like ballerina-like shoes. So obviously, nothing says dream shoes like this lacy pair also from Bella Belle.

VANS If you feel like taking it to the next level, this lacey Vans pair will give you all the elegance and beauty needed in your bridal dream shoes, all while allowing you to dance all you want for as long as you want without having to suffer from severe consequences.

June 2019 21

Tom Ford

Jude Benhalim

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR

Honeymoon

by Amina Moustapha

Congrats! What better way to ring in a new chapter than with an indulgent, fabulous honeymoon? Once you’ve picked a destination and booked that honeymoon suite, there’s one big todo left on your list: packing. But no worries, whether you’ll be sunbathing in Bali, or sightseeing in Paris, we’ve got you covered.

Patbo

Innika Choo

Pull & Bear

The Casual Bride

Bershka

Relaxation is the path to romance, so reflect your unique style when picking your honeymoon wardrobe and spend your vacation in comfort and style.

Victoria’s Secret

22 June 2019

Valentino

Jude Benhalim

The Eccentric Bride To up your vacation look’s levels of polish, keep things exciting and elegant.Your honeymoon is a time to play with pops of colour, and make sure to add at least one pair of bold earrings.

Albus Lumen

Coco de Mer Nannacay

Adriana Degrea’s X Cult Gaia

Pull & Bear

Ray-Ban Jude Benhalim

The Ultra-Modern Bride If your trip is more city-chic than deserted island, you can afford to inject more contemporary cool into your packing list. Dresses and statement tops in bright colours will look gorgeous in all the photos you take while making memories.

Pull & Bear

Victoria’s Secret

Pull & Bear

Loup Charmant

June 2019 23 Pull & Bear

IDENTITY VELVET BRIDE

Iman Saab Grace, glamour, and subtleness are the perfect words to describe Iman Saab Atelier’s wedding gowns. Saab Atelier is a Lebanese fashion house that is based in Cairo; they customize bridal gowns and they just launched their ready to wear boutique for evening gowns: IMANSAABRTW. Iman Saab is a Lebanese fashion designer who is an ESMOD graduate. At Saab Atelier, they dye their own fabrics and they make their own embroidery; thus, the dress is more than 80% handmade by their team.

24 June 2019

June 2019 25

Shahira Lasheen

Founded in 2015, Shahira Lasheen luxury fashion house has become synonymous with intricate handembellished couture since its inception. Run by an exceptionally passionate family of four, the designer label specializes in Haute Couture and Pret-a-Porter, as well as majestic bridal designs. Shahira Lasheen was trained by acclaimed designer Tony Ward at the beginning of her career. Meanwhile, she was recognized by Zuhair Murad as one of the 10 best upcoming Arab designers of her generation.

26 June 2019

June 2019 27

Pronovias Whether a clear, midday light, the golden glow of early dusk, or the dancing light of the stars after dark, a garden’s natural brightness offers an effortlessly elegant ambiance for any wedding celebration. Gardens symbolize growth, new beginnings and, above all, romance. Imagine a botanical backdrop of yellow flowers, clusters of purple-petaled blossoms, peaceful Lili pads floating atop a pond that ripples gently in the breeze.

We have selected an edit of gowns that fit beautifully into this composition. Hailing from our Stylish Classics, Ethereal Romance, and Glamorous Laces collections, these picks feature frothy tulle and floating lace petals, gently sparkling details and shimmering patterns that crystalize atop sleek fabrics.

28 June 2019

June 2019 29

Cheri Sami

Beautiful, elegant, feminine. Cheri Sami, as a phenomenal designer, brings all of these concepts to mind and then into her designs. She is a multi-talented artist, who studied management, photography and fashion design.

Later on she founded Cheri Sami haute couture in 2018. Designing dresses for a wide range of occasions from bridal to evening gowns. It did not take Cheri Sami long before she left a strong impression on the high end haute couture market with her outstanding designs and intricate attention to detail.

Photographer: AHMED MEHANNA, Actress: MALAK BADAWI, Headpieces: WAHEKAYA, Styling and Art Direction: NESMA EL-SHAZLY, Makeup artist: RANDA TAWFIK, Hair: TITO FROM RABIE MRAD 30 June 2019

June 2019 31

IDENTITY INTERVIEW

A Star on The Rise:

MALAK BADAWI

by Amina Moustapha

Every so often the acting world births a new rising star that make their way to their acclaimed spot of fame. Malak Badawi had a passion for art since she was just a young girl, and when she stepped in front of the camera and into the spotlight, her debut was more than exceptional. Her career as an actress and a filmmaker is on the rise, so we had to meet up with her and hear all about her phenomenal journey.

Tell us more about yourself.

I am someone who is besotted with art. As a child, I had a passion for painting. I was a shy kid who lived in her own bubble. Painting was my tool to express myself when words would come short, so my mother decided to enroll me in drawing classes. When I became a teenager, I shifted my attention toward dancing. For seven years I took dancing classes, and I remember loving hip-hop due to how expressive it is.

Later on, following my passion for art I picked Applied Arts as a major in college, and that’s was when I fell in love with moving pictures while studying Media Design. Creating short movies was my new tool to express myself. Wanting to deliver certain messages through these short movies, and fearing that if I asked someone to star in them, they wouldn’t portray these messages correctly, I decided to star in them myself.

Even then, even after receiving positive feedback about my acting skills, acting was never on my mind. I loved to highlight bold messages through my movies, things that make people think. I wanted to give a voice to issues no one likes to discuss out loud. That was my main focus then.

When did you realize you wanted to become an actress?

It was after I enrolled with my friends in a competition called 48 Hours Film Projects, which as its name suggests revolves around creating a movie in 48 hours. It’s a worldwide competition and the winner would go to Cannes Film Festival. I was handling the production, styling and art direction of our film.

While shooting we were in need of someone to play a role in the movie, so I did it and I was awarded Best Supporting Actress in the competition! At this moment I realized that maybe I should start listening 32 June 2019

to people’s advice about taking acting seriously, and that’s when I joined acting workshops.

What did you learn the most from these workshops?

If I want to define acting workshops I would say they are ‘How to Live’ workshops. Over there you don’t just learn how to act and perform, you learn how to feel, how to express those feelings vividly, you learn to observe everything and everyone around you, to take notice to details you never knew existed. It opens your eyes to life.

How did you get your first role?

After attending a few workshops in 2017, I went to all and every audition there was for the Ramadan series and I wasn’t accepted in any of them. Later on, I received a call telling me that I was chosen for a role in a TV series called El Toofan even though I didn’t audition for it! The casting team saw one of my recorded auditions for another show, and they liked me. I met with the director Khairy Beshara, and he liked me too and gave me the role. For a great director like him to believe in me, that was a tremendous thing to happen.

What is your favourite role so far? Why? I can’t say I have a favourite role, because I give my all to any character I play. What I can say is that the character that reflected my personality the most was Salma in El Toofan; we have so much in common.

The character I found most challenging was Sarah in La’net Karma, I loved how complicated and also how true her character was. She wasn’t portrayed as someone perfectly evil, because no one is just evil.

She was someone who indeed had flaws but also had some good inside her, like we all do.

Tell us more about El Zoga 18 this Ramadan, how did you get the role and how did you find the experience?

The production team of the show is the same as La’ent Karma’s, so I received a call from them telling me they liked me and wanted to collaborate with me once more. The director of the series, Mostafa Fekry, also wanted me to join the cast, so I was so happy that both sides picked me for the show. My character Reem was also so challenging, because she was this nice sweet college girl who was caught in a love triangle and didn’t know what to do. So I feared that I would fall into the stereotype trap, and portray her in the same way we have been presenting such characters since the 90s. I wanted to give her a 2019

aura, where other girls can relate to her storyline. It made me so happy to receive positive feedback about my performance; many girls sent me messages on social media telling me how they connected with my character and saw themselves in her. Reaching the audience to such great extent is my biggest success.

Now that you became an actress what do you aim for?

I want to show the world my many sides as an artist. I want to prove myself as an actress, and to join Cairo International Film Festival with the short movies I direct.

We thank Malak for such an inspiring interview and wish her all the best in her career.

June 2019 33

BEYOND THE PLANNING: An Interview With Wedding Consultant Nada Khedr

by Amina Moustapha

A wedding can never happen without the vendors who team together to make it possible, to make it special and to make it memorable. With that in mind, we decided to interview Wedding Consultant Nada Khedr, who knows all about putting a wedding team together, and making a dream wedding come true. Many 34 June 2019

brides find it difficult to plan their own weddings; this is when Khedr takes over. Her job is to make the bride and groom happy with what she has created for them.

Are the bride and groom required to book only the vendors you recommend or do they have the freedom to hire anyone even if you haven’t worked with them before?

What inspired you to start a career in the wedding field?

I totally understand that it’s their big day and they have the total freedom to choose whoever they would be comfortable to work with. And on my side, working with new people gives me the chance to increase my list of suppliers so it falls into my benefits as well. It’s quite normal to work with someone new, but I would have to check their work first of course to know who I am dealing with.

It all traces back to when I was still in high school.

While attending any event and specially weddings, I would pay so much attention to every tiny detail and make it a point to check all the factors that helped in making this event come to life. I took things to the next level and started managing school events, which helped me to start building connections with people in the field since a very young age. On the other hand, all my friends started asking me for help with their engagements and weddings, and that’s when I decided to turn this passion into a profession especially since I always received so many compliments about the services I offered. Things started from there.

What are the differences between a Wedding Consultant and a Wedding Planner?

There is no comparison to begin with. As a wedding consultant, I sit with couples in the very first stage of planning their wedding. I listen to what they want and how they want their wedding to be like and based on their preferences, I start directing them to the right vendors who will meet their expectations starting with the venue, wedding dress, hair, makeup, etc... to every single detail in the wedding. And of course everything has to fall within the budget. One of the main vendors I recommend is the wedding planner, so basically my job is totally different than theirs.

What would you tell brides who don’t think they need a Wedding Consultant? What are they missing out on?

My main role is to make sure that the newlyweds get everything they agreed on with the hired vendors. I don’t leave any chance for surprises and I spare the couple the hassle of dealing with everyone working in the wedding. Having a wedding consultant gives them a huge space to enjoy every single moment in their wedding, as I’m the only one responsible for dealing with all the crew.

They are missing the friend who knows a lot about weddings and will definitely do her best to make everything just perfect.

What’s the biggest wedding mishap you’ve ever encountered and how did you deal with it?

I remember handling a big destination wedding and we had an entertainer coming from abroad, but due to unforeseen circumstances the day before the wedding, he couldn’t make it. So I managed to find a substitute that falls within the same genre that the bride likes.

I didn’t let the bride know about the problem until I had already found a replacement. For that reason and for similar circumstances it’s very important to understand and know the wedding requirements very well.

Do you take clients who have a very low budget for their wedding?

Of course yes. It’s my job to help brides have their dream wedding and provide them with what they need within their budget.

How do you help brides and grooms stay within their budget?

I have a long list of suppliers and vendors with different price ranges, so I guide them through it to always make sure we are within their budget.

Will you be the person on-site the day of the wedding or will it be another consultant? Do you have assistants?

Of course it will be me personally handling everything from start to finish; that’s why I can’t have more than one wedding per day. Yes, I do have assistants but they are handling other tasks, the on-site job is totally my responsibility.

June 2019 35

IDENTITY ADVICE

Relationship

Woes

by Marwa Rakha

Dear Marwa, I have had it! I met a man who is kind and sweet but he’s a mama’s boy. He is so attached to her. He calls her several times during our outings; he tells her where we are, what we are doing, what we are eating, who we’re with, who will join us, and what we are talking about. Every time he calls her, he hands over the phone to me and insists that I speak to her too. Last time we were out, after he told her that we were on our way to a boatman on the Nile to rent a felucca, she told him that she did not feel good about the idea and that she fears for our safety. He cancelled our plans. As simple as that! I really like him.

He is everything I ever wanted in a man, but his mother is unbelievable and their bond is scary. How can I have a relationship with him minus her?

F Dear F, Wow? I have seen cases where the boy is attached to his mom but this one tops it all. Look at the bright side: she is not trying to sabotage your relationship – yet! I will not waste your time in psychological analysis and I will tell you flat out that you have one of two options: take him with his mama or leave him with his mama! This is a bond that you can never break, and the more you try to break it, the more you will face resistance. It will get even worse if she dies. She will leave a void that no one will ever fill. Poor guy was never weaned! She stopped breast-feeding him, but all the other things never stopped.

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You are the best judge of the scenario: can you marry him and his mama knowing that this is his only disadvantage? Can you befriend her? Can you promise her to become a nurturing nanny that will take the best care of her baby boy? All she needs to see to accept you is a “nanny” not a “woman”. For instance, if you kiss him in her presence, you kiss his forehead not his lips. I hope you get the picture.

If you cannot be that person and if deep down you know that she will always get on your nerves, then walk away while you still can. I have seen men resent their wives because of how “bad” they were to their mothers. After the mother is gone the only thing that is left behind is the memory of how the wife tried to separate the boy from his mama.

IS HE “THE ONE”?

Dear Marwa, How do I know if he is THE ONE? We have been dating for a year and I’ve heard you talk about uncertainty; I feel uncertain. He wants to propose and I wonder if there is someone out there who is better for me.

H Dear H, Before I give you some clues that he is THE ONE, let me ask you first: why do you feel uncertain? Uncertainty happens in the beginning of the relationship when you still feel the need to explore other options. But if you have been dating for a year and you still feel uncertain, this means that you are not totally convinced. What

is it about him that you do not approve of? What is it about this relationship that is alarming you? I want you to review how close, or how far apart, are your belief systems, values, ethics, priorities in life, goals and purpose, and expectations. Those are points you cannot compromise upon. Do not expect to have an identical code of ethics for example, but at the least you should be on the same page.

As for your question, if he is THE ONE, you should NOT:

• Feel inhibited in his presence • Censor your thoughts before speaking up • Hide your intentions regarding any matter of your

present or future

• Feel lack of interest in spending every waking

moment with him

• Lie or fake anything when it comes to who you are • Be crying most of the time • Prefer the company of your friends to his

company • Flirt with anyone online or offline • Feel that you do not care about your apartment, your wedding, or your future • Insist on separate bedrooms • Try to change him • Disrespect him in his presence or absence If he is THE ONE you should:

• Feel radiant and glowing most of the time • Feel at ease in his company • Feel comfortable around his family • Enjoy his silly stories • Agree on how to bring up kids • Agree on how to spend money • Have at least three common interests • Have at least five things you want him to teach

your kids

• Have at least five special things about him which

you have not found in any other man • See his flaws and accept him for who he is • Be his best friend and he should be yours • Like holding his hand in public • Feel that he is pushing you forward in whatever direction you choose • Are sure that you can depend on him and that he will always be there • Smile every time you see him June 2019 37

IDENTITY WONDER WEDDINGS

THE BIG DAY

Checklist

The question’s popped, the ring is on, and stars are in your eyes…but now what? With so many tasks to take care of and details to arrange, planning a wedding can seem overwhelming. But, if you give yourself enough time to plan and sort the tasks month by month with a wedding-planning checklist, the job becomes more fun and less stressful.

12 MONTHS OUT Determine your budget Make a guest list Hire a wedding consultant Decide formality and overall theme Select the venue Select the caterer 11 MONTHS OUT Choose colour theme and start thinking of overall design Start dress shopping to find the gown of your dreams 10 MONTHS OUT Book hotel-room blocks for guests Take engagement photos Start looking at invitations 9 MONTHS OUT Buy your wedding dress Create a Facebook Event 8 MONTHS OUT Register for gifts Select the bridesmaids’ dresses and schedule fittings within the month Meet with potential florists 7 MONTHS OUT Hire the ceremony musicians 6 MONTHS OUT Start planning your honeymoon Select a date and reserve a venue Hire a photographer Hire a wedding planner 38 June 2019

Hire makeup artist & hairstylist 5 MONTHS OUT Book the bride and groom’s transportation (limo, specialty car, etc.)

Book the honeymoon Buy the groom’s tuxedo 4 MONTHS OUT Have your final tasting with the caterer Choose your cake Select groomsmen’s attire and schedule fittings within the month Hair and makeup trial 3 MONTHS OUT Create or plan your menu Brainstorm guest favours and gift bags 2 MONTHS OUT Send the wedding invitations (with RSVPs due one month before the wedding) First dress fitting Pick up your marriage license Give the song selections to your band or DJ 1 MONTH OUT Decide on a wedding hashtag Chase all who haven’t RSVP’d Call all vendors to reconfirm bookings are still on and confirm arrival times Finalize the seating chart Get ready for your bachelorette party Put together a full dress rehearsal with accessories and shoes so you can make sure you’ll look flawless on your wedding day and have enough time to change any tiny detail

THE COUNTDOWN IS OVER! DON’T FORGET THESE ITEMS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY 1. Have a high protein and complex carb breakfast 2. Double check your list of things to pack 3. Confirm arrangements with your vendors 4. Bring extra cash 5. Collect a wedding day survival kit 6. Pack a pair of flats for the late hours of the wedding 7. Drop off your luggage at the hotel early 8. Assign a wedding-day supervisor 9. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready 10. Take some selfies 11. Wear a loose dress when getting your hair and make-up done 12. Nominate someone to save you from chatty guests 13. Don’t forget to dance :) APPAREL Gown Bridal shoes Lingerie Jewellery Bridal headpiece/veil Bridesmaid dresses/shoes Groom’s tux/shoes Groomsmen tuxes Honeymoon clothes BEAUTY Manicure/pedicure Hairdresser Make-up stylist FLOWERS Bride’s bouquet Throw away bouquet Centerpieces Flower girl’s flowers PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY Photographer fee Videographer fee Wedding day signature photo Photo album

HONEYMOON Any regular medicines Extra emergency cash Toothbrush/toothpaste Slippers Aspirin Razor, hair dryer Make-up bag Clothes depending on destination Lingerie Swimsuits Airfare Hotel fee Airport transportation Car rental Camera

June 2019 39

Trendiest

WEDDING VENUES The wedding venue is where all the magic happens. And while pretty much every aspect in your wedding is optional, picking a wedding venue is the one thing you just can’t skip! That being said, we understand that it’s not an easy task so we decided to present you with the trendiest wedding venues nowadays, and let you decide for yourself!

IN TOWN JW MARRIOT HOTEL CAIRO It’s suited for every bride’s dream wedding.

If you are looking for a small reception, their 43,486 square feet of wedding hall space could accommodate up to 200 guests, and if you are more into large weddings their Tutankhamun venue will serve your needs. Their wedding planners are referred to as the “Dream Team” because they will turn your dream into a mesmerizing reality.

HILTON CAIRO ZAMALEK RESIDENCES Hilton Cairo Zamalek will ensure that your wedding day is a resounding success and guarantee that it is glitch-free. If an elegant open-air ceremony is what you’re looking for, contact them immediately. And if remarkable indoor classic is what you picture for your wedding day, also contact them immediately.

NILE RITZ CARLTON The Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel is very aware of the significance of the decision at hand and that’s why they not only offer the assistance of the hotel’s wedding experts, who will guide couples through choosing the perfect indoor or open air venue, the décor, the menu and the entertainment, but also the hotel’s tailored wedding and bridal spa packages to ensure you have a pampered smooth experience.

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CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL & OMAR KHAYYAM CASINO You know how the saying goes “old is gold”, and quite frankly, there is nothing as gold as Cairo Marriot’s five royal venues to pick from. We’ve all fantasized about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding one day, didn’t we? Well, we don’t need to fantasize no more.

The “Salon Royal” and “Eugenie Ballroom” are where royalty happens. With their beautiful chandeliers and marble floors, there is no telling what royal family you were born into. And if you’re looking for more intimate, yet, still, royal celebrations then “Verdi”, “Memphis” and “Thebes” halls are just the perfect venues for you!

HILTON CAIRO HELIOPOLIS Practice your “I Do’s” with Hilton Cairo Heliopolis.

Located only a few minutes from Cairo International Airport and Central Cairo, paired with their keen eye to details, which made them the pinnacle of wedding venues. From savoury authentic cuisine by top worldwide chefs to high-quality décor, they know no limit to the amazements they provide the guests.

SONESTA Whether you are dreaming of a royal or intimate wedding celebration, Sonesta eases the worry of wedding planning. For a royal wedding, their Iris Ballroom is magnificently decorated with French hand painted tableau. And for an intimate celebration, the Prince Ballroom is the ideal venue with a wide array of packages to ensure your satisfaction.

MENA HOUSE ORBEROI The Mena House has always been and will always be one of the trendiest places to exchange your vows, especially for those of you who want to capture the moment with mystery, magic and beautiful history in the background. The hotel offers luxurious interiors that are adorned with exquisite antiques, but let’s face it, all that counts for nothing when compared to the mesmerizing view of the Giza pyramids in the background. With Mena House venues, outdoor weddings never felt like a better idea, the best part is their garden venue accommodates up to 1000 guests.

And if you are not the type of person who would settle for a typical traditional wedding, and you don’t feel like limiting yourself to the ordinary. How about you check the out of town wedding venues we provided?

They’re not the kind of “wedding venues” you would find on Google by searching those terms!

June 2019 41

OUT OF TOWN What’s the attraction when it comes to out of town wedding destinations, you ask? Not only is it a special occasion made more special for the bride and groom, but it’s also a mini vacation for everyone involved and invited to the wedding. When you plan an out of town wedding, you are bound to make it more intimate and intimate weddings are the cosiest and most memorable of all. Many people nowadays are ditching traditional local wedding venues and opting for more secluded and far away destinations. We present you with some of the hottest out of town wedding destinations that will guarantee that yours is THE wedding of the year!

HOTEL SOFITEL LEGEND OLD CATARACT If you want your wedding to be a tale to be told, this is the right place. When you blend Nubian and French atmosphere, the outcome is definitely bound to be magical. Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract is a picturesque 5-starluxury hotel in Aswan. If you want to feel like a true princess on your special day then the 19th century Victorian palace, which integrates French art de recevoir with Pharaonic treasures, is the place for you.

SANTORINI From the breathtaking sunsets and romantic atmospheres to the mystic beauty and deep blue seas, there are several Santorini wedding packages that will accommodate every type of couple out there. There are even packages that will fit your budget and won’t make you spend your entire fortune just so you could have an exquisite wedding. A few of the places you should check out are Aegean Plaza Hotel, Aigialos Hotel, Enigma Aprtments & Suites and Petit Palace Suites Hotel.

LA MAISON BLEUE As the name suggests, at La Maison Bleue in Gouna, blue waters will surround you at all times.

At the luxurious mansion, even the slightest details are carefully chosen to whisk you and your guests away in a 10th century fairytale like fashion. If legendary is the word you wish to describe your wedding, look no more.

42 June 2019

SOMA BAY Soma Bay across the Red Sea coast is a secluded spot that is surrounded by the sea from all sides, which guarantees a nice view wherever you look. There are also a variety of options that you can choose from such as: Kempinski, La Residence des Cascades, The Breakers and Sheraton to name a few.

Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay

MATARMA BAY Beach weddings are the stuff that dreams are made of, and even the most phenomenally decorated venues can never beat a cozy and idyllic beach setting! If you’re looking for something local but still counts as out of town, we highly recommend you throw your wedding bash at Matarma Bay. The area has several kite surfing centers and beach spots – that accommodate weddings- and will make each and every one of your wedding photos look like it just came out of a catalogue.

SOFITEL WINTER PALACE Originally a British colonial era palace, Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor is now a prestigious hotel that accommodates intimate wedding receptions as well as large lavish wedding ceremonies. The palace offers a spectacular view of the Valley of the Kings and is known for its famous lush gardens. You have your choice of an indoor wedding, which would be housed in the Royal Victorian Lounge, and of an outdoor big wedding, which would be housed in the garden outdoor setting.

Your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life, if not the happiest. Don’t settle for second best and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have your dream wedding wherever you are. Whether you wish to have it in a castle, by the beach or indoors, you deserve to get what you wish for.

June 2019 43

IDENTITY HEALTH

GET READY TO SPRINT DOWN THE AISLE

by Train For Aim

Every girl out there wants to look gorgeous for her wedding day, and every bride definitely knows that it takes a bit of effort to look her very best for that special day.

We have put together 6 different workout routines that will help you brides achieve your goals and be the best version of yourself in 4 weeks. You get to choose 3 or 4 of the workouts to do every week, depending on the areas of your body you want to target the most.

GENERAL WARMUP *Before you begin, make sure you warm up. 30 seconds each. a. Butt kicks b. Alternating toe touches c. Mountain Climbers 1. SUPERSET RESISTANCE TRAINING This workout focuses on resistance lower body training (hips, thighs & butt), while incorporating some cardio at the same time. *Superset - A set that incorporates two different back to back exercises. ex: 20x Squats followed by 15x Burpees without rest in between. *Rest for 30 seconds between each superset. a. 20x Squats - into - 15x Burpees b. 20x Standing Lunges - into - 15x Power Jacks c. 20x Sumo Squats - into - 15x Mountain Climbers d. 20x Reverse Lunges - into - 15x Star Jumps e. 20x Squat Pulses - into - 15x Plank Jacks f. 20x Side Lunges - into - 15x High Jumps *Repeat this 3 times with 2 minutes rest between each set.

44 June 2019

2. THE OUT AND ABOUT WORKOUT This workout focuses on steady fat loss, while also promoting blood flow to stimulate recovery. * This workout should be done for up to one hour. a. Walking b. Jogging c. Running d. Cycling e. Swimming *Feel free to do different variations of the list above, rather than sticking to just one of them.

3. HIIT HARD CORE This workout focuses on strengthening and toning your core, abs and back in under 30 minutes.

*Time each exercise for 50 seconds, and rest for 10 seconds before the next one. a. Ab Crunches b. Static Plank c. Butt Lifts d. Ankle Touches a. Bent Leg Sit-ups b. Wall Sit c. Russian Twist d. Superman Pulses a. Right Side Elbow to Opposite Knee Crunches b. Right Side Static Plank c. Leg Raises d. Static V Sit a. Left Side Elbow to Opposite Knee Crunches b. Left Side Static Plank c. Hip Raises d. Bicycle Crunches 4*Rest for 1 minute between each set.

4. FULL BODY WORKOUT This workout focuses on shaping & toning your entire body. From legs and arms, to core and cardio. *Perform all exercises back to back. a. 15x Push-ups b. 15x Jumping Jacks c. 15x Comandos d. 15x Squats e. 15x Elephant Walk f. 15x Sit Ups a. 15x Diamond Push-ups b. 15x Butt Kicks c. 15x Plank Shoulder Taps d. 15x Standing Lunges e. 15x Tricep Dips f. 15x Russian Twists

a. 15x Chest To Floor Push-ups b. 15x High Knees c. 15x Alternating Side Planks d. 15x Sumo Squat Pulses e. 15x Box Push-ups f. 15x Leg Raises *Rest for 1 minute between each set.

5.TFA CARDIO BLAST This workout focuses on raising your heart rate. It is designed to boost your strength, endurance and muscle definition. *Time each exercise for 50 seconds, and rest for 10 seconds before the next one. a. High Knees b. Right Reverse Lunge + Kick c. Left Reverse Lunge + kick d. Squat Jumps e. Mountain Climbers f. High Jumps g. Plank Jacks h. Star Jumps i. Jumping Lunges j. Jumping Jacks *Repeat this 3 times with 2 minutes rest between each set.

6. SUPERSET ARMS AND ABS This workout focuses on resistance upper body training (Arms & shoulders), while incorporating some abdominal exercises at the same time. *Superset - A set that incorporates two different back to back exercises. ex: 20x Push-ups followed by 15x Crunches without rest in between. *Rest for 30 seconds between each superset. a. 20x Push-ups - into - 15x Crunches b. 20x Tricep Dips - into - 15x Leg Raises c. 20x Comandos - into - 15x Russian Twists d. 20x Box Push-ups - into - 15x Sit Ups e. 20x Plank Shoulder Taps - into - 15x Bicycle Crunches f. 20x Forggers - into - 15x Toe Touches *Repeat this 3 times with 2 minutes rest between each set.

June 2019 45

IDENTITY REVIEW

Nora Robert’s Bride Quartet MUST READ FOR BRIDES TO BE

by Amina Moustapha

Congratulations! You said yes, and it’s time to plan a wedding. Now what? Before you panic and Google “How to plan a wedding,” don’t worry—all the information you need is in the Bride Quartet. #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel and Mac, the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies. The quartet is composed of four novels; Vision in White, Bed of Roses, Savour the Moment and Happy Ever After. Four books, four friends, four stories and four weddings; what better read can put you in the mood for your big day? These are the best books for brides to help navigate everything that happens between saying Yes and saying I do, and here is why…

Delve Into The World of Wedding Planning

See Yourself In One The Four Brides

Roberts will take you into the backstage of the wedding planning business through her four characters. The four childhood friends have teamed up to form Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies. Mac the photographer, Emma the florist, Laurel the pastry chef, and Parker the organizer, together they will make you witness the amount of work spent to put a wedding together, and how much details can make a difference…towards the end of the last book you would want to book a consultation at Vows, but unfortunately, it’s a fictional company!

The beauty of Roberts’ writing is always shown in how fully fleshed, distinct, and most importantly relatable her characters are. As a bride to be can easily find herself mirrored in one of the four characters or in bits of them, Mac the casual bride (book #1 Vision in White), Emma the romantic bride (book #2 Bed of Roses), Laurel the creative bride (book #3 Savour the Moment) and Parker the planning bride (book #4 Happy Ever After). You can’t help but to get drawn in and care about these people; it’s almost magical.

Their stories will accompany you throughout the preparation of your wedding; they will inspire you and they will be the perfect guide to creating your big day.

Learn About Wedding Dramas People tend to focus on the gleaming side of weddings, which is great until you become a bride yourself and witness firsthand the amount of drama a wedding can bring into your life. Throughout the four books, countless wedding disasters and family dramas will occur, but luckily Parker Brown, with her detail oriented, problem solving mind, can handle anything and everything that comes her way, so you need to absorb her character into you and pray that if you bump into a problem while planning your wedding, you will learn how to dodge it and come out as a winner.

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See Your Relationship In One of The Four Love Stories From Mackenzie & Carter who are awfully cute and fumbling to make their relationship work despite the emotional baggage they both brought into the relationship, Emma & Jack who prove that friends can turn into lovers and create something that can last forever, Laurel & Del who show once again how longtime friends can make excellent lovers, and that there will always be more to learn about the other person, and finally Parker and Malcolm who prove that the opposites attract theory is true, and that it is okay to fall in love with someone whom you consider different than you, and somehow you will complete each other.

Read. Laugh. Cry. Be uplifted. Simply, enjoy The most enjoyable aspect of the book is the friendship between the four female leads. This series shows the ins and outs of girls’ relationships, lives and loves and of course in this case weddings!

together to ‘complete’ each other. Where one fails, the others seem to pick up. These books take you on a journey of joy, family disillusionment, family support and the true meaning of friendship, ending with a love that supports and encourages.

Your big day will be much brighter with the You will fall in love with how close they are. Despite company of Roberts’ enjoyable quartet. their own issues, the four of them seem to come

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IDENTITY TRAVEL

Honeymoon DESTINATIONS

BALI - INDONESIA 6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS Departure: Upon request Starting from: 16960 EGP For more information visit: www.egyptexpresstvl.com

PACKAGE INCLUDES • Round-trip economy airfare on Emirates Airways, including taxes • 5 nights accommodation including breakfast & hotel taxes

MALDIVES 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Departure: Upon request Starting from: 26900 EGP For more information visit: www.travcoholidays.travel 48 June 2019

PACKAGE INCLUDES • Round-trip economy airfare on board regular flights, including taxes • 5 nights accommodation including breakfast and taxes • Round-trip airport transfers in the Maldives • For our honeymooners only special treatment

ATHENS - GREECE 6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS Departure: Upon request Starting from: 8020 EGP For more information visit: www.egyptexpresstvl.com

PACKAGE INCLUDES • Round-trip economy airfare on Aegean Airlines regular flights, including taxes • 5 nights accommodation including breakfast & hotel taxes

THE BALKANS TRAIL : BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA, CROATIA, MONTENEGRO, SLOVENIA 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHT Departure: Upon request Starting from: 2200 USD For more information visit: www.destination31.com

PACKAGE INCLUDES • Accommodation for 10 nights in standard hotels in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Montenegro • Accommodation for 2 nights in a standard guesthouse in a forest village in Croatia • Accommodation for 1 night in a mountain hut in Bohinj in Slovenia • All mentioned activities and tours • All land transfers

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SEYCHELLES ISLANDS 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Dates: Upon request Starting from: 33900 EGP For more information visit: www.travcoholidays.travel

PACKAGE INCLUDES • Round-trip economy airfare on board Emirates Airlines, including taxes • 5 nights accommodation in Seychelles including breakfast and taxes • Round-trip airport transfers in Seychelles • For our honeymooners only special treatment

AYIA NAPA - CYPRUS 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Departure: Upon request Starting from: 6830 EGP For more information visit: www.egyptexpresstvl.com

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PACKAGE INCLUDES • Round-trip economy airfare on EgyptAir lines, including taxes • 5 nights accommodation including breakfast & hotel taxes

June 2019 51

IDENTITY GOURMET

DITCH THE CARBS!

by Soha Darwish Food writer & Critic - Menu Consultant.

Diploma in Food Journalism - London, Uk

An active and anxious bride-to-be with a tick list to execute every day simply needs to eat well, feel satisfied and stay energetic. All, whilst keeping her weight under control and in most cases shedding a few kilos - my answer to that would be ditch the carbs, just know your food and indulge!

Carbs in all forms convert into sugar and as far as the body’s metabolism is concerned, carbohydrates do help the secretion of insulin which in turn encourages fat to be produced and stored. I’m sure most people are OK to give up on sweets and fizzy drinks, but the real challenge is always bread, pasta and rice. I can tell in confidence that once we allow sugar withdrawal from our bodies, craving for it will dramatically diminish. This will also happen to ‘feeling hungry’, as protein takes longer time to be digested. I refuse to call this crash dieting because your body will be constantly nourished science of cutting down on carbs in order to make with nutrient-packed food; good fats, non-starchy our bodies burn out stored fat for energy, instead of vegetables, dairy, nuts and seeds plus proteins. relying on the sugar we consume.

Hence the successful low carbs diet trends that are Here are my suggested recipes all tested and tried; followed by celebrities and influencers such as Keto, which can be part of those diets or even as glutenDukan, Atkins and Paleo diets..etc. - all sharing the free options:

Chia Seed Pudding: Serves 1

This exuberant delight is extremely easy to make. You can start and end your day with it or have it as a snack while you’re on the go. Just delish!

Shopping Basket: 3 tbsp Chia seeds – 3/4 cup of coconut/ almond milk – ½ tsp sweetener – handful of fresh berries- 1 tbsp dried coconut shavings– 1 tbsp raw almonds shavings– splash of vanilla extract.

Steps:

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1. In your favourite glass, put Chia seeds, milk, sweetener and vanilla together. Mix well and leave it in the fridge overnight.

2. When it turns into pudding consistency, give it a good stir then top it with fruits and nuts. To be enjoyed chilled.

Meat balls on Cauliflower Rice: Serves 2 You’re hungry and you want real food to tuck in - this hearty dish will be the answer to all that and much more!

Shopping Basket: 500g ground beef– 1 grated small onion– 100g grated mozzarella – 1 egg – 50g grated parmesan -2 tbsp parsley – ½ tsp paprika – ½ tsp oregano½ tsp basil – ½ cup almond flour – ¼ tsp mixed spices - 1 chopped tomatoes can – 3 garlic cloves - 4 tbsp olive oil – ½ cauliflower- salt & pepper.

Steps: 1. In a food processor, add all ingredients except cauliflower and 2 garlic cloves. Blitz until mixed well, then form small size balls.

2. In a large deep pan with heated olive oil, lay the meat balls gently and sear them from all sides - until brown.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes with 2 crushed garlic cloves then season well with fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer until meat is cooked.

4. Meanwhile, grate (or use food processor grater) the cauliflower. Squeeze excess moisture with a kitchen towel then sauté in 1 tbsp of olive oil and cover for 5-8 minutes until cooked. Season well.

5. Serve the meatballs on the cauliflower rice sprinkled with parmesan. Tuck in!

My Flourless Quiche: Serves 2 Really happy with this recipe that I came up with to fit in my Keto days; I usually have it split over two meals. I can actually have it every day!

Shopping Basket: 2 marrows – ½ onion -4 mushrooms – 1 chilli pepper - 3 eggs – ½ cup cream or milk – 2 tbsp almond flour- ½ tsp baking powder- 3 tbsp olive oil – 80g grated mozzarella - salt & pepper.

Steps: 1. Blitz all vegetables in the food processor, then sauté in olive oil in a large pan. I like to add the salt to vegetables while cooking.

2. Meanwhile, blend the eggs with cream, almond flour, baking soda and black pepper in the same food processor. Then pour over the sautéed vegetables and sprinkle the cheese.

3. Bake in a preheated oven 180 ̊ for 20 – 30 minutes. Tuck in when slightly cooled down.

Other known dishes that can also fit those diets include Sheikh Mahshi (Stuffed Marrows with minced meat covered with yoghurt sauce), my Aubergine Rolls recipe as well as the Meat Pizza from last month’s Ramadan issue. I’m sure you will come up with plenty of delicious creations!

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THE ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 508…

DESIGNED TO STANDOUT Amidst sheer anticipation by Peugeot lovers and car enthusiasts all over Egypt, on April 6th 2019, the Allnew Peugeot 508 was introduced to the Egyptian Market by Mansco, Peugeot’s exclusive distributor in Egypt. You might think that any hype usually fades away through time but it looks like the hype around the All-new Peugeot 508 is not ending any time soon… and here is why!

UNIQUE DESIGN AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL When you see the All-new Peugeot 508 you will instantly admire the unparalleled design which is far from a traditional looking four-door sedan. When you take a look around you’ll notice how carefully crafted details formed such an astonishing vehicle, from the Panoramic Electric Roof to sporty Frameless Doors to the dazzling 18” Two Tone Diamond Finish Alloy Wheels…

Now entering the vehicle is another thing… The interior will make you want to spend the day roaming the streets in the comfort of the Electric Nappa Leather Seats that remember your seating position thanks to the Memory function. As if that’s not enough, you can have a massage while driving as the front seats are equipped with a massage function and heating seats.

This modern look combining; boldness, strength, elegance and passion will attract many personalities.

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY The design is complemented by unique technology focused on the comfort and entertainment of all those on-board. The new Peugeot iCockpit packs a 10” touch screen which is the entertainment - informative vehicle hub supported by Piano buttons and a 12.3” head-up digital instrument panel for a more dynamic driving experience. It does not matter what brand your smartphone is because you can enjoy Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, & Mirror Link and wirelessly charge your phone.

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Technology is also utilized for convenience… with the Allnew 508 you can open the tailgate hands free.

DRIVE IN CONFIDENCE Park hassle-free with front & rear parking sensors which come as standard on all trims. For reassurance you can explore your surroundings with the 360 degrees camera.

See and be seen in the clearest form there is with the Peugeot Full LED headlights and the 3D rear LED lights.

UNTAMED PERFORMANCE Taking the All-new 508 from 0-100 km/h only takes 8.7 seconds thanks to its 1.6 litre THP engine which generates 165 HP. BEST AFTERSALES SERVICE Since Mansco- by Al Mansour Automotive and Scope Investment - was established as the exclusive distributor for Peugeot cars in Egypt, the objective was not only to avail the best cars in the Egyptian market but also to provide the best levels of after sales service through 25 showrooms and service centers equipped with the highest level of equipment and led by best-in-class engineers, technicians and administrators.

With sufficient stock of genuine spare parts and expansion plans in the making, Peugeot customers will always be receiving the service they deserve.

TAPAS SENSATION AT THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON, CAIRO In honor of World’s Tapas Day, One Michelin Star Chef Ruben Arnanz will fly in from Spain for a threeday feast of Tapas extravaganza at The Nile RitzCarlton, Cairo. Guests will tuck into a tapas world, discover culinary specialties and gastronomic tips as we celebrate tapas and the Spanish culture.

In partnership with the Spanish Embassy in Cairo, Tapas Sensation will run from Monday 17th of June to Friday 21st of June, as Chef Arnanz takes guests on a journey of Spanish flavors; offering exclusive dining experiences with unique innovations and unforgettable flavors.

Born in Segovia, Chef Ruben Arnanz received his first Michelin star at the age of 29, being one of the youngest chefs to receive this honor. Being well travelled to various countries and exposed to different

cultures, Arnanz mastered cooking in a number of leading restaurants around the world that enabled him to lead the culinary movement that actively promoted his region “Castilla” in the last couple of years. Juan Bravo is the name of his “Little Fonda Illustrada” located at the Plaza Mayor in Segovia, where he offers a cuisine full of roots and some of his most popular recipes are served as Tapas.

Arnanz also directs his own gastronomic consulting group, creating and settling common objectives with owners who wish to start or enhance their culinary proposals in the world. Arnanz has published his first book titled “Ancha es Castilla”, meaning New Castilian Cuisine that reflects his native land and culture and includes 120 recipes.

Guests will enjoy learning the Spanish culinary arts from Chef Arnanz at two exclusive cooking classes taking place on the 18th and 19th of June at Nox at noon time and followed by a delicious rooftop lunch at the hotel’s famous rooftop with breathtaking views of the Nile River and Cairo Tower.

At night, Chef Arnanz has put together ten must try waves of tapas served at Bar’Oro and complemented by a live band. Finally, Culina’s renowned Farm-ToTable Friday brunch will have an enhanced edge on Friday the 21st of June with a special Spanish corner with live stations and tapas specialties, along with unlimited sangrias and live entertainment.

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IDENTITY OUT & ABOUT

Antica... A New Dining Destination on the Cairo Marriott Palace Rooftop This year the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino has introduced its latest brand new dining destination at the Palace rooftop. Located at a stunning location overlooking the Nile with a unique setup, Antica opened its doors this Ramadan for guests to meet their loved ones for sohour or to enjoy watching the sunset through booking their corporate iftar events at Antica.

From the original antiques in the entrance, cozy chairs and lounges to the customized cushions, vintage dĂŠcor and lighting all combined to trigger a nostalgic feel right upon entering Antica.

A mouthwatering menu is not to be missed, guests will be able to indulge in a variety of goodies whether they are craving a light snack or a full meal. It is a perfect place to chill and enjoy Cairo’s evening breeze as a selection of songs is being played in the background.

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Steaming from its Ramadan slogan ‘Yalla Nekamel Lametna’, PepsiCo Egypt seized the occasion of the Holy Month with all the positive vibes and held its Annual Suhoor at The Nile Ritz Cartlon Hotel. The event was attended by an amazing number of celebrities who participated in Pepsi and 7UP Ramadan 2019 campaigns in a strong come back after being away of TVs for 4 years. PepsiCo had the honor to host its’ Ramadan stars Hussien Fahmy, Ahmed Fahmy, Fadya Abdel Ghany, Alaa Morsi, Ahmed Saeed Abdel-Ghany and Abdallah Meshref along with the prestigious PepsiCo partners of success the Egyptian media.

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Afandina Fe Mirage Opening at Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel Renaissance Cairo Mirage City hotel shined bright for the third year in a row at the opening of Afandina Fe Mirage Ramadan venue located within the stylish sanctuary of the floodlit pool terrace.

Media identities, artists, and many of Cairo’s most popular social butterflies gathered at the vibrant venue after sundown to enjoy a wonderful Indian themed ambiance and an incredible sohour under the stars.

Ramadan @ Hilton Cairo Heliopolis

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This year Hilton Cairo Heliopolis hosted the media over an extensive selection of authentic dishes at Egyptian Nights restaurant and lounge.

The Hilton Cairo Heliopolis management team represented by Stephan Stoss; General Manager and the commercial team celebrated with the media the festive spirit of Ramadan’s atmosphere against the backdrop of contemporary design overlooking the gardens.

This peaceful atmosphere allowed them all to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy a special Ramadan evening.

The Luxor African Film Festival (LAFF) unveils features of the ninth edition on the sidelines of Cannes International Film Festival

HONOR Celebrate their anniversary amongst the tech world leaders and influencers HONOR, the leading and innovative smart phone brand for youth, celebrated their first year anniversary in the Egyptian market.

Moreover, HONOR announced their intentions for being amongst the top 3 smart phones brands after being in the top 5.

Kenya country of honor. Ninth edition named after Egyptian actor Farid Shawki. “African Diaspora”, new competition.

Malmo celebrates LAFF in northern Europe. “Youssef Chahine Day” in many African countries.

Otlob is hiring more than 4,500 drivers in bold move to break out of restaurant delivery Otlob breaks out of restaurant delivery into chips, snacks, Pepsi and more in revolutionary move. Walid El Saadany, the general manager of the leading food ordering platform “Otlob,” has announced the launch of a new service on the platform.

Xiaomi Makes Forbes’ Global 2000 List for First Time, Ranks 426th Xiaomi Corporation (“Xiaomi” or the “Group”, made Forbes’ 2019 Global 2000 list for the first time, ranking 426th. Xiaomi featured on the list thanks to its strong performance in market capitalization and strong growth in multiple performance indicators, including revenue, profit and assets.

Egypt to step in the fine dining world with Baky Hospitality in 2019 Exciting news for the food industry of the country: For the first time in Egypt, Baky Hospitality’s new exclusive Culinary Advisor, a renowned top Chef, Reif Othman is bringing Egypt’s name to an international scale with its locally made fine dishes. Othman is a multiaward-winning international chef whose work has been instrumental in transforming the culinary landscape of Dubai, Monaco, London, Miami, Singapore and the U.A.E. His inventive culinary creations have seen Othman gain global recognition and become one of the most sought-after chefs in the world.

Grand Nile Tower hosted its media partners for Sohour gathering Grand Nile Tower held a charming Sohour evening for its press and media partners at Marquise Boat where they enjoyed the Ramadan lovely atmosphere and the delicious Sohour specialties, at the moon deck Terrace at Marquise Boat overlooking the Nile and the oriental takht which provided a perfect setting to enjoy Ramadan social evenings.

They expressed their admiration for the place and their excitement to spending extraordinary Ramadan experience.

The Guinness World Records Official Attempt: Real-Estate Pioneers Memaar Al Morshedy bring glory to Egypt with SKYLINE Placing Egypt on the global realestate landscape, Memaar Al Morshedy brings glory home with the Guinness World Records Official Attempt for the largest residential building in the world; SKYLINE. June 2019 61

LG Reveals One of a Kind Energysaving Air Conditioners Multi Split Solutions and Dual Cool

Random Acts Of Hospitality By Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences’ Passionate Team

Eid Al Fitr festivities at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir

Equipped with the latest Inverter technology, providing up to 60% energy savings In light of the holy month of Ramadan, LG hosted a sohour gathering at Kempinski hotel, attended by esteemed media representatives, company suppliers and partner, Hazem Emam, an iconic football figure and LG ambassador. LG has also announced its latest product additions, the Dual Cool and Multi Split Solutions air conditioners, which are equipped with the company’s latest high technology that allows them to save up to 60% of energy.

“Hospitality is everywhere” believing in this slogan, Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences’ team decided to show the world their passion towards spreading hospitality to our neighbours and passers.

Celebrate the festivities of Eid Al Fitr with family, friends and loved ones at Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir with a variety of culinary and leisure offerings to mark the conclusion of the holy month.

During Ramadan Iftar time, the team has approached people in the street who were in a hurry to arrive to their homes to have Ramadan Iftar with their families, presenting them Ramadan Iftar box to break their fasting and wishing them blessed Ramadan.

This act created a positive vibe on them and made them appreciative to our hospitable gesture.

Offering sumptuous dining choices that guarantee a truly festive setting for families and friends. Feast your eyes on our “Downtown” buffet with live cooking stations featuring mouth-watering specialties, as well as a bright Lobby bar serving specialty tea, coffee, refreshing drinks and light bites.

Hero Baby hosted a Sohour event as a Ramadan celebration at Sheraton Cairo Hotel Hero Baby hosted an event for Sohour to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan at Sheraton Cairo Hotel to announce the launch of its new milk products in the Egyptian Market. Hero Baby is proud to be the first to introduce two baby milk products that serve for medical purposes for the infants; Hero Baby FEH for protein allergy and Hero Baby Digest for infants.

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57357 Heroes Spending Quality Time at the Cairo Marriott Hotel BOSS continues bold new direction with Spring/Summer 2019 campaign The signature ambition of the BOSS brand is carried forward into a new season, with a striking campaign for Spring/Summer 2019 shot by Craig McDean.

A series of portraits celebrates the individuality of the BOSS man and woman, with each member of a diverse cast captured against a limitless blue sky.

It is this time of the year where the Cairo Marriott Hotel’s team welcomes the little fighters of 57357 Children’s Cancer Hospital along with their families and team and representatives from the hospital management for an iftar event. As part the Cairo Marriott Hotel “Serve 360” initiative to support community- doing good in all directions, the hotel invited over 150 guests for the annual iftar at Empress Ballroom.

Inertia revives the Ramadan spirit for the 3rd year in a row with the “Digital Fasting For Good” initiative Every 30 minutes of digital fasting, 4 meals will be automatically donated for the unprivileged by Inertia and Egyptian Food bank Inertia is holding its “Digital Fasting For Good” initiative this Ramadan in cooperation with Egyptian Food Bank for the third time in a row. This year, the initiative is on a bigger and wider scale, implemented in different locations during the 4 weekends of Ramadan; enabling people to spend quality time with their loved ones with limited screen time. Hence, disconnecting to connect with their communities and families.

Aldau Development Marks 2019 With Its First Major Corporate Rebranding ALDAU Development (ADD), a leading hotel, real estate and retail developer, underwent its first major corporate rebranding, aligning its three divisions under one umbrella with a remarkable vision. Currently ALDAU Development portfolio includes many business units consisting of hotels, F&B outlets, residential complexes and retail projects.

Ora Developers Inaugurates ZED Park, to officially open gates in October Ora Developers host first of many events to come at the 65 feddan newly revamped ZED Park. Ora Developers introduces Egypt to park-side living in the heart of Sheikh Zayed Ora Developers hosted a Ramadan night on Thursday, May 23rd in occasion of its recent launch of ZED, a flagship mixed-use development located in the heart of Sheikh Zayed and the first of its kind in Egypt with an investment of 35 billion Egyptian Pounds. Spanning over 165 feddans with the Park in the heart of it, ZED will offer Egypt the first park-side living experience.

Marking 20 years of operations in Egypt, NAMAA Development and Real Estate Investment announces its newest project ‘Capital One’ the biggest formal offices facility in the Administrative Capital NAMAA Development and Real Estate Investment Company announced the launch of its latest project ‘Capital One’; the biggest office property offered by the private sector in the Financial and Business district in the new Administrative Capital.

Ahmed Rady is Appointed as Coca-Cola Egypt General Manager, Asserting Commitment to The Egyptian Market Coca-Cola’s presence in Egypt is a historic one since it started operation in Egypt in 1942. Asserting its commitment to the Egyptian market, Coca-Cola has announced the appointment of Ahmed Rady as the new General Manager for CocaCola in Egypt. The newly appointed leader managed to deliver strong results, fast expansion plans of a large portfolio of products that included juice, VAD, tea, malt, and coffee. During this tenure, he served as the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in the last 2 years with great milestones including AMCHAM’s Big 4 Summit, where several deals worth $100 million were signed. Furthermore, Rady joined Coca-Cola 20 years ago.

Shahira Lasheen, Dieu De La Vie A new chapter told by Shahira Lasheen, this Haute Couture collection depicts cosmic power and its magnificent implications. Believed to be the source of life and its power, the sun is Lasheen’s latest muse.

Powerful and invincible, this massive star occupies center-stage as the leading symbol for the tremendous women the designer envisions dressing in her creations.

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MG Developments announces the launch of the first permanent center for Kitesurfing in Al Ain Sukhna as a part of its entertainment and sports services at Blue Blue Sokhna Resort MG Developments, the owner of Blue Blue El Sokhna Resort, announced the launch of the first permanent kitesurfing center in Ain Sukhna after the period of trial run.

The launch of the center will be one of a range of entertainment and sports services at Blue Blue Resort at Al- Sukhna, which financed with LE 2 billion investments.

Chic Celebration At Le Meridien Cairo Airport At Le Méridien infuse every experience with lighthearted sophistication and a lively spirit of discovery. From intimate gatherings to visionary ceremonies, we offer matchless service, inventive cuisine and evocative settings to unlock stylish festivities. Let your wedding become a source of inspiration and a celebration for you and your guests.

OUTDOOR WEDDING Le Méridien Cairo Airport Patio offering uncommon outdoor wedding space, features breathtaking scenery and romantic settings.

Brings together chic and glamorous for your once in a lifetime occasion.

57357 Hospital children having Iftar Ramadan at Marriott Mena House, Cairo As part of Marriott Mena House’s “Serve 360: Doing good in every direction” initiatives, the hotel invited a group of children from Children’s Cancer Hospital 57357 over Ramadan Iftar at Churchill garden.

Children enjoyed DJ tunes, and lots of fun games and activities including gypsum painting of Fanous Ramadan.

A clown was in attendance making balloon shapes for all the children in their favourite colours balloons.

Jw Marriott & Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotels Authentic Customer Sohour Celebrating Ramadan vibes, OPPO hosted a dazzling Sohour that took place in El-Hara tent, powered by OPPO, at the Sky Resort, Fifth Settlement.

The Sohour was attended by Egyptian media and Khaled Shokry, Senior Marketing Planning Manager OPPO Egypt, Marwa Moneer Senior PR Manager OPPO Egypt together with OPPO team.

The attendees enjoyed their quality time and an authentic Ramadan experience with a special performance by the 90’s music icon Hisham Abbas.

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Celebrate Eid El Fitr in an exceptional way at Marriott Mena House, Cairo The Marriott Mena House festive setting unfolds a collection of dining experiences and entertaining activities promising to be a special treat for the whole family.

Spend time in a relaxing mood at the swimming pool while your little ones are entertained with Disney show, magician and face painting.

JW Marriott & Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotels hosted a remarkable Customer sohour this Ramadan at The Beach by inviting the top corporate accounts, travel agents, media figures and JW Charms Ladies Society members.

The night kicked off with Takht that included all the Egyptian nostalgic folklore songs in a warm atmosphere followed by exquisite tastes of hot and cold mezzah, oriental grills, delectable desserts and an endless range of flavored shisha. The guests were entertained by “Bossy & El Laithy” who set an incredible engaging ambiance giving a special taste to the Sohour.

Steingenberger Egypt celebrated Ramadan with Egypt’s top media representatives as well as representatives from the hotel at Steigenberger Pyramids for an unforgettable Sohour night

Eid El Fitr at Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino

What’s On Eid At Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah!

This year Eid Al Fitr vacation is a long weekend, which means lots of celebration in the city. Can’t get away? Not to worry, there is plenty to do across our venues at Sheraton Cairo. After Ramadan everyone is craving a rich breakfast with a cup of eye-opening coffee.

Here at Sheraton Cairo we offer a variety of breakfast offerings, breakfast buffet at Rawi Restaurant, Nespresso Coffee and Cake from café Fontaine or Starbucks coffee and fresh pastry from Bridge Café.

Spend the rest of your morning enjoying the sun by the pool while sipping into a cold beer. Do not miss on the pizza and burgers offered by the pool deck and delivered in a take away style boxes.

This year Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah invites you to celebrate Eid and spend an unforgettable night with your family and friends in one of our luxurious rooms while enjoying the infinity outdoor swimming pool that seems to spill into the Nile!

You can also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the scenery of Cairo while dining in one of our dining options. Feast on Moroccan specialties at La Palmeraie, one of the best restaurants for authentic tagines and a variety of shisha flavours, with Oriental live entertainment and belly dancer.

Safir Hotel Cairo awarded as a Green Star Hotel 2018-2020 Safir Hotel Cairo acquired the Green Star Award, which represents an International standard for excellence in the field of the environmental responsibility and sustainable operations as well as reflects the hotel’s commitment to implement a set of standards which the Green Star program certified and recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), managed by the Egyptian Hotel Association and under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism.

SODIC Hosts its Annual Media Iftar In a warm Ramadan ambiance, SODIC hosted the annual Iftar for its valued media partners at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza hotel.

The Iftar was followed by an open discussion between Sherif and the media who engaged in an enthusiastic talk about the outlook of the real estate sector and unlocking its massive potentials at large as well as SODIC’s ambitious plans for 2019.

Inertia’s real estate inventory has reached approximately 100 billion EGP With a land bank of more than 7.5 million sqm. Adawy: “I would like to extend my gratitude for all of our brokers and success partners for their tremendous efforts during the previous years” Inertia the leading Egyptian real estate company celebrated last year’s achievements and discussed upcoming plans and projects during the Sohour they hosted this year which brought together the Inertia sales team & top management as well as their brokers.

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IDENTITY SIGNS

GEMINI

21 May - 22 June

STRENGTHS: Adaptable, outgoing, intelligent, tender, obtrusive and curious.

WEAKNESSES: Indecisive, impulsive, unreliable, nervous and incoherent.

CAREER: Geminis possess extraordinary skills, are original and creative, quite intelligent and energetic. Notwithstanding, they hate routine.

They are extremely successful in professions that involve wide communication such as teaching, journalism, marketing…etc MOST COMPATIBLE WITH AT WORK: Aries, Leo, Libra & Sagittarius VIRGO Geminis are dreamy and artistic, Virgos like rules, regulations, and boundaries. Though they would give a working relationship their best shot, they don’t quite see eye to eye.

WORK COMPATIBILITY ARIES Aries’ fiery nature can be counted on to push through any obstacles, whereas Gemini’s needs to express ideas can come in handy while conceiving the work.

TAURUS Taurus is a slow moving earth sign that makes sure everything is comfortable, while Gemini is a fastmoving air sign that wants to move as quickly as possible toward work goals. Very bad match.

GEMINI Once Geminis are in agreement, there’s nothing they can’t do together. They just need to leave plenty of time for the debating beforehand. It will take time but they will eventually get there.

CANCER Terrible match! Gemini’s constant talking gets on Cancer’s nerves, and Cancer’s need to nest at the office bothers Gemini.

LEO Gemini has many great ideas; they may not have enough time to express them all. Leo can get these ideas out to a bigger audience.

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LIBRA As fellow air signs, Gemini and Libra get along really well, and share some of the same goals in their careers. They may even become friends outside the workplace.

SCORPIO Gemini needs to share their ideas while Scorpio is very internal, using their deep nature to understand the world.

Eventually they end up getting on each other’s nerves.

SAGITTARIUS Gemini is all about exploring the boundaries of communication. Sagittarius wants to explore the boundaries of the world. These two can combine forces to get the job done perfectly.

CAPRICORN Gemini and Capricorn rub each other the wrong way.

Gemini needs constant stimulation in any career.

Capricorn has no patience for that, preferring to stick to the tried and true.

AQUARIUS As long as they agree that it’s not a competition, this is a perfect match. If they let each other shine, this match will garner career success.

PISCES A tricky match because Gemini, though talkative by nature, doesn’t want to offend sensitive Pisces, leading to miscommunication and little work progress.

1817-2017.

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