ladybird December 2012 by sky press

December 2012

Fashion & Lifestyle

“All I need for Christmas is...” Your guide to the season’s best gifts

The top tips for party divas out there!

Inside>>

Egypt’s best Christmas & New Year’s getaways

Holidays

P.88 How to rediscover yourself?

issue!

Ladybird

Contents December ’12 Fashion 10 14 18 20 22

Steal Her Style Ladybird loves: Rami Kadi The Party Girl Bag! For The Party Diva In You! All I Need For Christmas Is… Your guide to the best Christmas gifts! 28 Cairo Fashion Festival

“My idea of Christmas, whether oldfashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” Bob Hope

Beauty

36 11 Festive Makeup Looks for Christmas & New Year’s Eve

Faces of Egypt

40 “Insomnia;” Event Organizers Rafik Karem & Youssef Azer 42 Marie-France Lakah; Designer “By MFL” 44 Judy; Owner of “No Name” Gift Shop 45 Alia Khafaga; A Determined Young Jewelry Designer 46 Marwa Shalabi; Jewelry Designer 47 Dina Ayesh; of “Posh Boutique Cairo” & Fashion Designer “Dina Ayesh Night” 48 Hana S. El-Sherif; Owner of B.E.E. (Basket for Every Event) 50 ariika Comfort; The Story of 4 Young Entrepreneurs 52 Noha Wagih; One of The Very Talented Female Photographers

Home

56 Welcome Home “Christmas!”

Escape

60 We are taking you on a tour to Christmas’ best celebrations all over Egypt! 2|

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Fact not to be missed!

Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.

Tip of the month: • Use self-tanner to keep your skin from looking too pale in cocktail dresses. • Apply shimmer, not glitter, right above the bow of your lip and just a touch down your nose. • Eat before you go out. Crunchy peanut butter on bran crackers will curb your appetite for hours. The combination of sweet and salty kills multiple cravings at once. • Use Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat under your eyes and a bit of Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder to make your eyes look awake. • If you realize you’ve had too much to drink, the work starts that night. Drink two full glasses of water before bed and stay hydrated. • A-line and empire-waist dresses won’t grab on to your stomach, and look great with a pair of black tights and high heels. • Always take off your makeup before bed. Your eyes will be less swollen in the a.m. • Avoid salty foods. They can make you appear bloated.

Health

Spot it

70 Is There Any Proof Smoking Cigarettes Is Deadly?

On Spot 104 Vodafone IMAX Red Carpet Event

fitness

106 Holiday Inn Celebrates 60 years

72 The Seven Days Of Christmas... 74 TRX: The Latest Fitness Trend

Nutrition

108 Coral Beach Rotana Resort Hurghada Hosted the 1st Hurghada International Fine Arts Festival

Recipes

110 Al Gezira Palace celebrated 30 years of the Cairo Marriott Hotel

77 Beat Post Holidays Weight Gain

78 Ho Ho Ho! It’s time for the Gingerbread Cookies!

Love & Relationships

80 365 Days Of Happiness! The best tips to place on your love calendars NOW! 84 She Wants To Be Dominated But Doesn’t Know It?!

Mother & Child

86 Family Bonding; Bonds That Make A Difference

Features 88 Rediscovering yourself

In every issue:

Editor’s letter P.8 Spotted P.30 Shopping cart P.32 Ask Ladybird P.34 Pieces we love! P.54 LB Dr. P.68 Why eat this? P.76 The best, the top & the must do P.92 Reviews P.94 From the readers P.97 Happenings P.98 Offers & Promotions P.100 Horoscope P.102

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CEO Zeyad Sorour Editor-in-Chief Ismail Marzouk Managing Director CaroliNe Coussa PR & Marketing Naira El lamei Project Manager Samar Zaki Editor FARAH ASFOUR

112 Tea Celebration @ Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers

Designers Eman Salama Karim Hedwan Noura Keshk

Bride & Groom 114 Nihal Ashraf Mohamed and Abdel Moneim Mohamed’s Engagement

Financial Director Haitham Hamouda

Party 115 Hilton Pyramids Golf Bal Masque Party 116 O Bar Re-opens at Fairmont Nile City, The Long Wait Is Over, O Bar Is Back With A Glittering Opening Party! What’s hot this issue? • 11 Festive Makeup Looks for Christmas & New Year’s Eve • Christmas & New Years’ best celebrations all over Egypt! • 365 Days Of Happiness!

Distribution AHMED ABU EL EILA AHMED FAWZY Ahmed Ibrahim Amr Selim Contributors Professional Fitness Coach Natascia Paolucci Professional Caterer Maha Alfy Editor Randa dessouky Makeup Artist Jolanda Bakker Fashion Editor Reham mostafa Fitness & Nutrition Advisor valentina kendall

Ladybird

Distributed by Al-Ahram Association 23 Emad El Din Kamel St., Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: (+202) 22627533 www.ladybirdmagazine.com

Contributors Randa Dessouky

Editor Studied Political Science but never worked with it. She is a working mom, worked as an editor for 4 years she found my passion in writing featured articles that discuss controversial and tangible topics that affect and touch her life and her friends’ and families’. She is interested in problems concerning women and their relationships and knowing more about children’s problems and giving advice to mothers on how to raise better, intelligent and healthy kids.

Reham Moustafa

Fashion Editor A Pharmacy student who happened to find the chemistry outside the lab. Fashion is her one and only drug, the department store is her crack house and the occasional new outfit is her dose. In an attempt to spread the fashion bug around, Reham started a fashion blog where she shares new trends and some of her broke ass shopping confessions.

Valentina Kendall

Fitness and Nutrition Advisor Born and raised in Russia where she studied and graduated with a degree in physiology. She has a dancing background and has always been interested in music, both of which led to her job with a radio station in Russia where she conducted an on-air program about healthy life. She received diplomas in fitness and nutrition. Today she combines all of these elements and knowledge together to help people change their lives by following healthy habits.

For more advice, please contact: valentine.kendall@yahoo.com

Contact her via her blog: www.loudandbold.me

Natascia Paolucci

Professional Fitness Coach Between 1983 and 1989 she won several fitness competitions in the Netherlands, later she started to work as a model, made the cover of the first Marie Claire in Turkey. She became GO for the fabulous Club Méditerranée. Now she coaches in Katameya Heights and Palm Hills. For (private) classes, please contact: natascia.paolucci@hotmail.com

Jolanda Bakker

Makeup Artist A Dutch beauty and effect makeup artist is a professional educated at London’s Delamar Academy. Starting at a very young age and throughout her life, she has been passionate about makeup and design.

For advice, please contact: jolandabakker@mac.com 6|

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Maha Alfy

Professional Caterer Owner of Home Made Catering. For more than 15 years, she has been offering a wide range of food in the finest quality and the most exquisite sense of tastefulness.

For catering & orders, please contact: maha.alfy@gmail.com

Trees

Being an environmental freak, having grown tress all my life, I can proudly say: I LOVE YOU TREES! Not just because it’s Christmas season, but because all year long they bring me so much joy and optimism… and above all, they bring me hope… It’s not a coincidence that various religious versus, traditional proverbs, famous sayings include the mention of trees. They are more than just attached living companions on this planet, they are more than stories said about the wonders of their existence; they are an inspirational symbol of hope… They fall, but they grow again. They get sick, but they never disappear. They evolve, but they never change. Be this tree. The tree that no matter how hard the wind blows it, it stands tall in pride… Be this tree that brings optimism and joy to everyone around it… Be the breath of fresh air in the middle of a polluted environment… This tree that no matter how rainy, cloudy, gloomy, it is around it, it will always remain the same, even if it fell apart, it will always, always rise again… Even if you fall, remember that you will rise again stronger and harder, just if you believed that you are a true tree. Be this tree that sees its offspring as their new fallen seeds, that will soon grow and make the tree a garden, makes it a whole new, bigger existence. And it is you who chooses for this new existence to be a vacant jungle or a to be Eden’s garden. Be this tree that’s solidly attached to the ground, with a firm base and proud stand… No matter how many years passed and how many will come, you will always stand tall… Be this tree, that stands on the same ground of truth regardless of the circumstances… Last but not least, you may see trees weak and easily removed by brutal people, but the truth is tress have their own way of punishing you! First, a paper cut! Which is really nature’s way of punishing you and on the other hand, their existence is equal to human’s existence. So, see yourself as this tree, that when hurt, its pain will backfire on the people around, not in a bad or vengeance way, but in a soft reminder that you are too precious for anyone to lose… Be a tree… Merry Christmas to all of you and may the New Year bring us endless joy, happiness & hope… The best is yet to come…

| December 2012

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN 20th Anniversary Pigalove patent-leather ballet flats

RAY-BAN Wayfarer acetate sunglasses

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick strawberry red available at beauty retailers

l a e t S Taylor Swift’s OLIVER PEOPLES Shean round-frame acetate sunglasses

Fall 2012’s Look!

CHINTI AND PARKER, find yours at Zara or H&M

KENNETH JAY LANE

VICTORIA BECKHAM DENIM Power mid-rise skinny jeans

Style

LANVIN Leather ballet flats

MILLY Gabriella textured-leather shoulder bag

Fashion

Mercedes-Benz

Fashion Week Amman By: REHAM MOSTAFA

Dina Magdan

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is back for the second time in Amman, showcasing some of the region’s most talented designers including Egypt’s Hany El Behairy. This collection with not very different from what we’re used to from him, with over the top designs and fully embellished gowns, Hany El Behairy gave us the variety and a gown for every shape and age. Designer Rana Dabbour chose to go basic with the little black dress, the dresses looked young and fresh but then the playboy bunny came out and left me confused. The show stopper was Alma Panturu, a Romanian designer who made a bold statement on the runway sending models down with cigarettes and some serious attitude! But I couldn’t help but think how JPG is this? Not questioning the originality but power girl meets men’s wear always screams Jean Paul Gaultier to me. But again, very strong pieces. Basma Omar and Dina Maqdah, as practical as the two collection seemed, there was a huge lack of design that it didn’t really look like they were throwing a show. Sorry, had to let it out. Black took over at Kamil Shaheen. Bijou Couture combined the femininity and edge of the modern woman. With strong cuts and vibrant colors it was a show for every woman. And then there’s Abeer Ghanem, who took us back to the traditional Middle Eastern woman apparel with a little twist. Last and not least, Raffaella Curiel and finally some colorful prints, love!

Hany El Behairy 12 |

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Basma Omar

Raffaella Curiel

Rana Dabbour

Abeer Ghanem

Bijou Couture

Alma Panturu December 2012 |

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Fashion

Rami Kadi

t just 25 years old, Beirut-based Rami Kadi has built a loyal clientele on feminine designs, luxurious material, and a perfectionist’s attention to detail. Born in the US and raised in Lebanon, Lebanese designer Rami Kadi’s passion for designing was obvious very early on. It was only natural that Rami enrolled in fashion design school, Esmod Beirut in 2005, from which he graduated with honors and distinctions in 2008. He then gained experience working with world renowned Lebanese designers Rabih Kayrouz and Georges Chakra. In 2008, he was selected by the Starch Foundation,

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(founded by Rabih Kayrouz and Tala Hajjar), which promotes promising fresh fashion graduates, to showcase his first and second collection. His work gained instant success and recognition, which led him to co-open in 2010 “Madame Muguet”, a luxury multibrand boutique, where he stocked his own designs and those of other equally talented Lebanese designers. His intricate couture designs, his attention to luxurious handmade details and his impeccable craftsmanship attracted a highly discerning local and middleeastern clientele. His rise to an elite circle of couture designers was astonishingly quick for someone his age and in May of 2011, Rami Kadi opened his first flagship Boutique and Atelier in Beirut, where he showcases his Ready to Wear, Couture, Accessories and Bridal collections.>>

December 2012 |

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inally, the long-awaited Fall/Winter 2012/2013 collection by Rami Kadi has been released. Through this baroque-inspired collection with its rich fabrics, voluminous designs, floral patterns and embroidery, Rami has just succeeded again to dazzle us with his creativity and mind-blowing gowns.

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December 2012 |

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Fashion

The Party Girl Bag!

9 “Must Haves” For Your Party Purse By: Caroline Coussa

Small, Chic Compact Mirror: You want to check if your makeup is messed up, your hair is in shape, and you don’t want to make a trip to the bathroom every 30 minutes, so all you have to do is have this tiny mirror with you! Long Lasting Lip-Gloss/lipstick: It is annoying to have to reapply it every other hour, but sadly that’s the way it works! So have a piece that’s long lasting and will give you the look and feel you want all night long! Hair Pin: No girl safe from a hair disaster; starting from sweating, to having something spilt over your head! So a tiny hair pin in your bag might be your biggest savior that day! Mini Wipes/Sanitizer Or Tissue Pack: For the toilet, fixing your make up, sticky hands, just anything that crosses your mind can be fixed with these, so have them with you in mini versions! A Gum: Ok, no female wants to eat something during the party and smell it afterwards! So have a mint, refreshing gum with you, it makes you freshened up every time you dip something into your mouth! Money: Starting from paying parking to flat tires on your way back, a bad situation can happen after a happy night out! Stay safe and have just a few bucks with you for any emergency. Kohl or eyeliner: Just to give your eye a fresh look! Keys: You don’t want to spend the night on the porch and neither do you want to wake your family to open the door for you around dawn, so have your keys! Safety Pins: This is also one of the most essential of “Things To Bring“. It can help to close broken zipper on your dress, or missing buttons, or even to tie back the a broken necklace. 18 |

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Fashion

ForThe Party Diva InYou! Everything you need to know for looking stunning! The secrets, the tips & the must-dos D ONNA KARAN

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

ROBERTO CAVALLI This tip seems obvious for holiday dressing, but the trick is in the execution. To avoid looking like a Christmas tree while donning sequins, don’t let your extras compete for the attention.

Sparkle and Shine

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS ALEX MONROE

Turn Up the Floral Factor Thanks to the burgeoning options of winterfield florals, we’re putting the springtime staple on rotation early this year. Paired with sheer insets and featured on a sexy silhouette, these flowers are far from frumpy.

J IMMY CHOO

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA

Put a Slit on It MASON BY MICHELLE MASON

Ever since Angelina Jolie at the Golden Globes this year, the slit is having a comeback. We love Diane Kruger’s demure take on the trend. Paired with a ladylike blouse and bare legs it shows off the perfect amount of skin.

DOLCE & GABBANA

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Embellish a Little (Or a Lot)

LULU FROST

This is the season for beading, sequins and jewels. Look for a frock with a 3-D effect to stand out in the crowd of accoutrements. Tip: Keep the details the same color as the fabric to avoid festive overload. DOLCE & GABBANA

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CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

MICHAE L MICHAE L KORS

Fashion

for the geek in you

Beats Solo HD Red special edition by Tradeline available on TheGiftery.com for EGP1650

The SanDisk Cruzer® Facet Offers a Stylish, Compact Way to Transport Your Data

Bose Sound Dock Portable by Tradeline available on TheGiftery.com for EGP2990

All I Need For Christmas Is… Your guide to the best Christmas gifts!

The Ultrabook™ represents a leap forward in the mobile computing experience over the next three years and beyond. Thinner, lighter, sexier, longer battery life, more responsive and more secure designs than ever before will make Ultrabook™ devices the “must-have” device. The Ultrabook™ category is about technology that is attuned to the users’ needs and fits with their lifestyle while reflecting their personalities as trendy innovators and active users who enjoy high technology passion.

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for your sanctuary Black Ashtray factory by Invotis available on TheGiftery.com for EGP160 per ashtray

‘Fatboy’ Original Red Bean Bag by Fatboy available on TheGiftery.com for EGP2200 Black Ashtray factory by Invotis available on TheGiftery. com for EGP160

Turath New Pastel Collection available on style-treasure. com

Lara’s crafts Letters Small Astray availabe on styletreasure.com

available on TheGiftery. com

Joud Christmas Tea Box available on style-treasure.com

Assault Paper Towel Holder by Invotis available on TheGiftery.com for EGP240

Lara’s crafts Arabic Calligraphy Glass Jars availabe on style-treasure.com

Plexi & More available on style-treasure.com

High Heel Cake Server by Invotis available on TheGiftery.com for EGP180 Bean Bag available on www.ariika.com

Chocolate Fountain by A2Z available on TheGiftery.com for EGP480

Lara’s crafts Arabic Calligraphy Glass Jars availabe on style-treasure.com

Plexi & More available on styletreasure.com

Wayne Wine Cooler by Fatboy available on TheGiftery.com for EGP130 per piece

Lugano Picnic Set for 4 persons by A2Z available on TheGiftery.com for EGP480

Thinker Frame by The Crib available on TheGiftery.com for EGP160

Small Green Christmas Tree by Kalla avaialbe on TheGiftery.com for EGP 325

Joud Christmas Coaster Tray available on style-treasure.com December 2012 |

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for your fashion & beauty

dina Maghawry jewelry

Alia Khafaga Jewelry is available on facebook fanpage BAGGU Availabe on AliA Khafaga cherryblossom-books. com Givenchy DAHLIA NOIR

BAGGU www. cherryblossombooks.com BAGGU www. cherryblossombooks.com

Boho Sharky Arabian Desert Collection available on styletreasure.com

dina Maghawry jewelry dina Maghawry jewelry Celine Daoud Lizard Wallet Clutches available on style-treasure.com

Nada Basta availabe at Kriss El Korba branch, and on facebook group nada basta designs

Be Fashion debut collection available on style-treasure. com Simply Moka Fall 2012 2013 Collection available on style-treasure.com Simply Moka Fall 2012 2013 Collection available on style-treasure.com

Alia Khafaga Jewelry is available on facebook fanpage AliA Khafaga

Fruttini Tube_ scrub_cherry Nanas jewelry availabe on style-treasure.com

Nanas jewelry availabe on style-treasure.com

Fruttini Dusche_ cherry

Nanas jewelry availabe on style-treasure.com

Fruttini Bodyspray cherry

Nanas jewelry availabe on style-treasure.com

Nanas jewelry availabe on styletreasure.com 24 |

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Fruttini Butter_ cherry

Fruttini Lipbalm_ cherry

available on cherryblossombooks.com Eddie The Elephant by Hedeya available on TheGiftery.com for EGP200

Doll Making Kit by Diwan Kids available on TheGiftery.com for EGP70

for your little ones

Loukiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hair Accessories available on style-treasurekids.com

Availabe on styletreasurekids.com

Availabe on styletreasurekids.com Availabe on styletreasurekids.com Basic Rhythms Piano by Step 2 available on TheGiftery. com for EGP310

Paint your own Porcelain Trinket Box available on TheGiftery.com for EGP70

Availabe on styletreasurekids.com

Crafty Christmas by Alex Toys available on TheGiftery.com for EGP230

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for the love of healthy YOU

adidas Women’s Training new FallWinter 2012 collection

Available at Reebok

Available at Reebok Available at Reebok

Available at Reebok

SIE2i Green Sport Headphones by Audio - Bose distributor avaialbe on TheGiftery.com for EGP 935 26 |

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SIE2i Orange Sport Headphones by Audio - Bose distributor avaialbe on TheGiftery.com for EGP 935

Fashion

We were there! At the Cairo Fashion Festival By: Reham Mostafa

he long awaited night has finally came, the city’s biggest fashion night, Cairo Fashion Festival featured the new faces in fashion and some of our old favorites, and we were there to bring you the latest in scene! The environment was very refreshing being outdoors, the shows were mixed between traditional and Grecian, right down to futuristic! Traditional being Abayology with their simple lines and clean cuts, then mixing with some prints and colors Deana Shaaban and her Grecian sense of design, and saving the best for last they wrapped it up with Yasmine. Yasmine is a very young designer who showed such a mature talent, interning for the big dogs like Balmain has certainly paid off. The collection was edgy with a futuristic angle, and different silhouettes. Although I have to say most of the dresses and skirts were too short to sit in, I couldn’t imagine the models sitting or crossing their legs without flashing something extra to the audience, and who wants that? I mean, at least not for free, right? I think a couple more inches would have kept it sexy and classy. The final catwalk was done by Egypt’s miss congeniality in a gorgeous neon green gown that went perfectly with her tan, very jealous I have to admit. Everything was smooth but of course a fashion night couldn’t end without a bit of drama. Apparently the organizers went too literal with the “Don’t feed the model” joke and one of them was let loose, dehydrated and screaming at everyone for what seems to be a lack of communication claiming that no one is taking proper care of the models. I don’t mind the lash out but couldn’t you at least wait for the guests to leave? How professional! But hey, gotta thank her for giving us something to gossip about! Cairo Fashion Festival promised to be there next year and maybe then you too can join us!

The face behind Yasmine 28 |

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Miss Congeniality

Yasmine

Deana Shaaban

SPOTTED CELEBS LATEST NEWS & GOSSIP

Emma Stone Buys New Mansion with Andrew Garfield The couple, who have been dating for more than a year since meeting on the set of “The Amazing Spiderman” and are both set to reprise their roles in the soon to be filmed sequel, have reportedly bought a plush new $2.5 million house in Beverly Hills, California. The four-bedroom property is said to be located in one of the most exclusive gated communities in the area and was once owned by the late actor Dudley Moore, according to real estate site RealEstalker.com. Despite signing off on their new home, friends of the couple recently said they are in no rush to marry and are eager to focus on their careers.

Jessica Simpson Films Weight Watchers Commercial, Shows Off Super Skinny Body Weight Watchers spokesperson Jessica Simpson filmed a new commercial for the brand, in which she flaunts her 30-plus-kg weight loss. She has been steadily shrinking over the last few months, thanks to the Weight Watchers Points Plus program and four-times-a-week workout sessions with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak.

Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher Announce Plan to Continue Joint Charity Work One Year After Split Nearly one year after Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher split, the former pair is revamping their charity, Demi and Ashton Foundation. They issued a joint statement announcing a new name and specific direction for their charity, and say they will both continue to work on it. The DNA Foundation will now be known as THORN: Digital Defenders of Children. The foundation will now focus on the role technology plays in crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

Rihanna Parties on Plane to Mark the Start of ‘777’ Tour Rihanna held a party on board her Delta Boeing plane to mark the start of her ‘777’ tour. Rihanna began her rock ‘n’ roll adventure by serving champagne, cognac and tequila on board her private plane as she and her guests flew from Los Angeles to Mexico City for the first concert of her unique run of shows. The ‘777’ tour sees Rihanna perform concerts in seven different cities in seven different countries in North America and Europe in seven days.

Keira Knightley: Wedding Planning is “Terrifying” Keira Knightley has admitted that she finds wedding planning “terrifying” and that she has looked to the internet for guidance in preparing for her big day. The actress has been engaged to her musician boyfriend, James Righton, since May. “I’m just not one of those girls that’s had the kind of fantasy wedding thing,” Knightley said during an appearance on The Ellen Show. “We haven’t planned anything and it’s all quite terrifying and I sort of looked it up on the internet: ‘If you’re getting married, what should you do?’” she told show host Ellen DeGeneres. “I really don’t have a clue.” 30 |

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MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Sequined jersey top available on netaporter.com for EGP 1,944

MICHAEL KORS Stainless steel chronograph watch available on michaelkors.com for EGP 3,060

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Animal-print ear buds available on netaporter.com for 189 EGP

JIMMY CHOO Chandra chain clutch available on polyvore. com for EGP 9,221

Koky quilted leather jacket by Simply Moka Fall 2012 2013 Collection available on style-treasure.com

MOSCHINO Appliquéd Wool Turtleneck Sweater available On netaporter.com for EGP 5,080

MOSCHINO Reindeer appliquéd knitted wool sweater available On polyvore.com for EGP 5,081

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PREEN MERINO WOOL INTARSIA SWEATER available On shirts. wantering.com for EGP 7,778

ALICE + OLIVIA Victoria jersey peplum dress available on shopbop.com for EGP 2,631

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Skullprint silk-chiffon scarf available on alexandermcqueen. com for EGP 2,134

*All prices are subjected to change

*All products mentioned are available at beauty retailers and pharmacies

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1. How can I deal with the problem of dry cracked hands in winter? Always wear gloves outdoors when it is cold to protect them and wear rubber gloves when using any kind of cleaning or laundry detergent. Apply hand cream every time you wash your hands to keep them soft and smooth (and if you apply it before you put on gloves you’ll have lovely soft hands when you take them off). Keep hand cream by each sink in your home and a travel-sized tube in your bag or pocket for when you’re out and about. Use: Bobbi Brown Extra Hand Cream, Estée Lauder ‘ReNutriv’ Intensive Smoothing Hand Crème, Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint orWinter Candy Apple Hand creams, or Avene Cold Cream for Hands. 2. Are eye creams and makeup effective in hiding dark circles under the eyes? Eye creams and makeup don’t remove dark circles completely but they help in hiding them or lightening their color. Apply a moisturizer to the eye area nightly. Use: Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, MAC Fast Response Eye Cream or Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex. Makeup can help conceal dark circles. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone. If you have mild discoloration, pick a liquid formula. If your shadows are more prominent, go for more coverage with a cream or cake concealer. Use: L’Oréal True Match Concealer, MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer, Nars Concealer, Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit or Yves Saint Laurent AntiCernes multi-Action Concealer. Lightly pat the concealer on from the inner corner of your eye to just past the outer corner. 3. How to apply false eyelashes properly? Hold the lashes against your eye to measure them against the length of your own natural lash line. If needed, cut the strips to fit. Apply the adhesive on to the full length of the base of the false lashes or using a brush place dots of adhesive along your own natural lash line before pressing the false lash on to it. There are readyglued lashes which you can simply peel off and stick on. Wait 30 seconds for the adhesive to become tacky before applying the false lashes. Using tweezers hold the strip lash in the centre then place it in the centre of your natural lashes. Then, again using the tweezers, push the inner side of strip lash in place, followed by the outer side. Pinch together the strip lashes and your natural lashes with the tweezers then push them towards your eyelids. Use: MAC 3 Lash.

| December 2012

Fashion

11Christmas & New Year’s Eve

Festive Makeup Looks for By: Jolanda Bakker

By stocking up on these simple skin, hair, and makeup tips, you’ll look party-pretty in no time. Try any or all of these 11 ideas to look more dazzling, instantly.

Festive Tip 1: Shimmer There’s a reason we love tinsel on Christmas trees and strings of lights around our homes: They make everything look beautifully glowing. The same is true for highlighting makeup. To get your own shimmer, sweep a glittering powder over your cheekbones, below your brow bone and on the inner corner of your eyes. If your skin is light, reach for a pink-based highlighter, while medium to dark-skinned women should try golden tones. Try: Estee Lauder Limited Edition Brilliant Shimmer All-Over Powder or L’Oreal Paris HIP High Intensity Pigments Illuminating Highlighter in Shimmer.

Estee Lauder Limited Edition Brilliant Shimmer AllOver Powder L’Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Illuminating Highlighter 894 Shimmer

Festive Tip 2: Brows

Tarte Handy Brow Grooming Kit

Festive Tip 3: Manicure What better nod to the holidays than a French manicure revamped with luminescent versions instead of the standard pink and white colors? Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Happy Anniversary (silver) and Essie Nail Polish in Room with a View (pink)

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Brows do so much to frame your face that simply grooming them, which includes combing the hairs and filling in bare spots, will give you a prompt pick-me-up. Try any of the handy browgrooming kits, such as Tarte the Toolbox which comes equipped with mini tweezers, stencils, a mirror, and brow powder, pencil, brush, and wax for a complete touch-up. Essie Nail Polish in Room with a View (pink)

OPI Nail Lacquer in Happy Anniversary (silver)

Festive Tip 4: Pretty Ponytail The ponytail might be your everyday hairdo, but you’ll be amazed how well it can pretty up your holiday look. I recommend teasing the hair at the crown for extra volume before securing it at the nape of the neck. A beautiful finishing touch is to pull a strand of hair from the ponytail and bring it around the elastic.

Festive Tip 5: Eyeliner

MAC Eye Shadow in Bisque

Black liner swept across the top lid makes a bold yet elegant statement that needs very little else: Think Angelina Jolie, who’s hardly ever photographed without her signature eye look. The trick is to swap your pencil for a liquid or gel liner. Close the eye and, starting at the inner corner, move the line outward and wing it slightly at the end. If you have trouble holding your hand steady, create little dashes along the lash line and go back and connect them. Stick to a neutral tone, such as MAC Eye Shadow in Bisque a muted pinky-beige shade, on the rest of the lid.

Festive Tip 6: Lipstick Skip the matte browns and reach for those with mauve or reddish undertones. Try: L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nurturing & Protective Lipcolour in Spice, Avon Ultra Color Rich Renewable Lipstick in Iced Cocoa or Max Factor Colour Perfection Lipstick in Bordeaux. >>

Avon Ultra Color Rich Renewable Lipstick in Iced Cocoa

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nurturing and Protective Lipcolour in Spice December 2012 |

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Festive Tip 7: Change Your Part Do you wear your hair parted on the left? Then part it on the right. Or do you usually part down the middle? Try a new side part. It sounds almost too good to be true, but changing your part not only gives you an entirely different look, but it also bestows your hair with extra body that you probably didn’t know it had.

Festive Tip 8: Blush

N.Y.C. New York Color Cheek 2Cheek Duo Blusher x

When it comes to getting holiday pretty, blush is non-negotiable. Amp up your natural rosiness by mixing complementary blush colors; one darker and one lighter. Or start off light with the paler shade in the compact and tweak it by layering its darker counterpart over it. Try: N.Y.C. New York Color Cheek2Cheek Duo Blusher

Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder in Eclipse

Festive Tip 9: Eye Shadow What happens when you take basic gray shadow and infuse it with flecks of gold, purple, and green? A whole new way to make up your eyes, that’s what! A color that’s this multitextured will work harder for you, too. The trick is to contain it between the lid and the crease. Don’t take it up to the brow bone, that’s very 1980s. If you go overboard, soften the color with a makeup sponge. Try: Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in Twilight, Bobbi Brown Diamond Dust in Rockstar or Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder in Eclipse. 38 |

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B o b b i Brown Diamond Dust in Rockstar Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in Twilight

Festive Tip 10: Burgundy Nails They’re definitely not low maintenance, but burgundy-colored nails are your holiday must-have for instant drama. Richer than red and more wearable than the black nail polish that has been showing up on every starlet’s fingertips, burgundy has a modern feel that will never go out of style. Try: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in Chocolate Kiss or Cover Girl Continuous Color Nail Polish in Cherry Brandy.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color in Chocolate Kiss

Maybelline New York Shiny-Licious Lip Gloss in Raiz’n Razzle

Festive Tip 11: Lip Gloss Shiny lips are always pretty, but when the shades are pale (think peach, pink, and coral) and flecked with shimmer, they merit a top spot in your makeup case. Pair this lip with smokey eyes and you’ll wish that the holidays stuck around a bit longer. Try: Maybelline New York Shiny Licious Lip Gloss in Raiz’n Razzle or Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Inferno.

L a n c ô m e Color Fever Gloss in Inferno

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Faces of Egypt

“

It’s not about how many times you shoot, it’s about the way you shoot it Rafik Karem

”

“Insomnia” Event Organizers Rafik Karem & Youssef Azer “Rafy and Pino”

Tell us a brief bio about your career and how did the you start? We are an independent team and childhood friends specialized in events organization. It all started by planning a small party for close friends on Easter, the news spread and we found people we don’t even know rushing to get tickets. It’s here where we realized we can make a profession out of it. Why did u choose this events to be your profession? It’s the other way around I’d say, I believe it is the field that chose us first. Besides that our previous experience in organizing several events was the base we built upon. This is what brought Insomnia to life. What’s unique about your work and its philosophy? Innovation. We always present an idea through the event, something unique reflected in a living experience. Our target is to convey class in partying while elegantly entertaining our very carefully picked clientele. What’s the greatest motivation or passion that drives u to do this profession? 40 |

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We take pleasure in every single step through the whole process, it’s our passion rather than our profession. To us, success is witnessing the crowd getting delighted, it’s only by then that we reap the fruits of our hard work and get motivated to move forward. Can u tell us about some of the obstacles that faced you while doing it. Despite the revolution and all the prejudgments that it might negatively affect Cairo’s nightlife, I oppositely see that the party seekers are getting more and more thirsty, the ceiling of their expectations is getting higher. One of the main obstacles is to meet their expectations and exceed it. Your latest news and tips for this fall tip Our belief is that our guest is always attracted to different philosophies, the unique one. This fall we launched GLOW, a neon party. It was the first time to introduce such concept into Egypt, the combination of colors and fluorescence was breathtaking and the feedback was inspiring indeed. Keep your eyes wide open for the best is yet to come, stay tuned for our Christmas party.

Faces of Egypt

Marie-France Lakah Designer “By MFL”

how did you start? I started By MFL last summer with a few pieces of neon clutches. I wanted to make something different fashionable yet affordable. Why did you choose the field of fashion to be your profession? I was always fascinated by the fashion field, it’s one of the few fields that really reflect the society and the changes it is going through. Also I like the fact that fashion changes very quickly; what was in a couple of months ago could be out of fashion a couple of months later. What’s unique about your work and its philosophy? What I try to do is have everything hand crafted in Egypt. I don’t do China. I believe this country has a huge potential. So basically what I try to do is made in Egypt fashion statements. What’s your greatest motivation? I love working in fashion. The contact with people is just amazing. It is a very exciting field. Did you face any obstacles in your profession? The main obstacle is actually the deadlines. People in Egypt have a problem with deadlines. WHAT’S THE ‘IT’ PIECE THIS SEASON? This season’s must-have would be the Bowtiful clutch By MFL. Also I’m in love with the wedge sneakers; they’re practical and funky.

“

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated. Marie-France Lakah quotes Oscar Wilde:

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Faces of Egypt

Judy

Owner of “No Name!!!” Gift Shop Tell us a brief bio about No Name!!! And how the idea started (the story behind the name of No Name!!!) I have always believed that there is no better gift than that of giving. Ever since I was a little kid, I would rush to the card section in any shop to admire cards’ colors while thoughtfully reading their messages for hours. As I grew older, I decided to work in the hotel industry, specializing in guest relations only to take care of people, arranging little details for them to make their bigger picture a happy one. I was always known among my friends as the one who listens well to what they and wait for a special occasion to put their wishes together y want d u J in a gift form. Even though everyone I knew encouraged me to . . atter. M o pursue this as a career, I was very skeptical at first on turning my D hings T e passion into a business, scared that I would lose the thing I enjoy l t t i L doing the most. However, in September 1995 my God Father encouraged me to transform my passion into a reality and so, No Name!!! No Name!!! Was one of very few card and gift shops in Egypt since most of what we had at the time were bookshops selling few cards. I spent so much time thinking of a name for my shop, until I could not come up with any giving it its current name; No Name!!!

“

What’s unique about No Name!!! And its philosophy “Little things do matter” is No Name!!!‘s philosophy and is the way by which we passionately do our business and serve our customers everyday. We pay attention to every little detail not only to make sure they leave happy every time, but also try our best to them keep coming back. Even though a major part of our business involves putting gifts into boxes, we always try to think out of the box in everything we have to offer. Our strengths lies in the unrivaled variety of cards we have to offer, which are also creatively original; there is something unique for everyone I say, as well as daring to differ by constantly searching for innovative gift ideas so our customers always feel we think ahead for their gifts to be memorable and special ones. What’s the greatest motivation or passion that drives you to do this business To draw a smile on someone’s face is my greatest motivation. I love taking part in putting a gift together and seeing it happen means the world to me, knowing that No Name!!! is making someone’s day. Throughout the years, No Name!!! has become the place where I share peoples’ excitement, love moments and their share of heartbreak. Some of those stories have evolved through the years to become part of my own life’s story. I recall a couple who used to buy gifts for each other from No Name!!!, who got engaged then married and still come regularly to my shop with their kids. And stories like those, drive me to do my business to keep strengthening bonds. Can you tell us about the obstacles that faced you while doing No Name!!! Starting up a business in Egypt requires a lot of paper/legal work which usually translates to bureaucracy that slows down the process, but luckily didn’t slow down my passion. It took me sometime to get the hang of how to deal with suppliers, but most importantly learning how to price imported products after traveling overseas to reach No Name!!!’s shelf. I can say that it is an everyday learning and growing experience so long as your business is growing. Your tip for Christmas season Christmas is all about giving. It is a peaceful time and Santa restores an idea that I personally value ‘ wishes can come true’. Let go of any grudges and just share that special time of the year with loved ones and make a merry memory out of it by getting them a card , special gift and wrap it at No Name!!! :) Be peaceful, smile and keep it simple! 44 |

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Faces of Egypt

A Determined Young Jewelry Designer

Alia Khafaga BY: FARAH ASFOUR

Give us a brief introduction about yourself. I’m an AUC graduate, I majored in Mass Communication and I minored in Business Administration. After graduation, I worked for my father for a couple of months but I felt that I wanted to leave and be more independent. So I worked at Rotana Media Network for 5 months, then I got an offer from AUC in 2010 to work in the communications office and I’ve been working there as Media Relations Officer since then. Of course, this is besides my work as a jewelry designer. When and how did you start your jewelry design business? Well, there’s a long story behind it. I’m a person who always wants to do more than one thing at a time and I have to say that the working hours of my job at AUC enables me to do that. Moreover, I always like to try new things and I don’t give up easily. Two years ago, I created a project with my mother who is very talented at drawing and painting and I grew up to be like her. We made abstract modern paintings and we displayed them on Facebook. However, the project wasn’t successful because it wasn’t enough to display the paintings on Facebook where people couldn’t actually see them in front of them. After the paintings, I designed jewelry for some time, but again, it wasn’t a success as I wasn’t taking it seriously enough. Then I started a project with a friend of mine for making the supplies of bachelorettes, birthdays and baby showers. It was doing very well and it is now too, but I decided to leave because it depended on orders; it was very demanding and time consuming as we used to do everything by ourselves, so I couldn’t do it along with my job. Since I don’t give up easily, I went back to jewelry design again. My current accessories’ business started last summer. I love accessories, fashion and design, and since I have a talent for drawing, sketching the designs was an easy task for me. As I had an accessories’ project before that didn’t flourish, I decided that this time it had to be more professional. Now I produce high quality accessories and I give great attention to detail. I put high standards for myself and I’m determined to succeed this time. Don’t you think that talent has to be reinforced by studying? For me, I don’t mind studying to improve my skills. Whenever I feel the need to study, I’ll surely go for it. Tell us about your new collection. My new collection has been launched about two weeks ago. I called it “Paella” because it was made out of leftover material that created beautiful new designs. Who are your favorite jewelry designers? Although I’m neither into silver nor Arabic calligraphy, I admire the success story of Azza Fahmy and how she became an international jewelry designer. I also like the designs of Erickson Beamon, Tom Binns and Shourouk. There’s an excessive number of jewelry designers today in the market, what do you think about that? The designer who lasts is the one who has an edge not the one who copies. When the trend that some designers copy goes away, they’ll fail and stop because they’re not creative. Alia Khafaga Jewelry is available on Facebook fanpage: AliA Khafaga December 2012 |

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Faces of Egypt

your career? There are a lot of jewellery designers in the market now and many of them have good designs, so I always need to work hard and do my best in order to stand out. Also I have to be creative and my prices should be affordable by girls.

Marwa Shalabi Jewellery Designer

What did you study at university? I studied Mass Communication (Radio and Television) and my minor was advertising. When did you realize you had passion for jewellery design? When I graduated from the university, I didn’t find a suitable job related to my major so I decided to do something on my own. I loved accessories and I used to buy a lot from other designers here in Egypt. At the beginning I made accessories for myself and after a while I started to sell what I make. Did you take any professional courses? I didn’t take any jewellery design courses, I depend on my talent and my taste. What material do you use? I use gold plated brass, silver and stones. What challenges do you face in 46 |

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What’s your favorite jewellery brand? I love Azza Fahmy’s jewellery. They are simple and unique. Did your work as a jewellery designer affect your personality? Yes. It made me a more responsible person and made me stronger. Thanks to my work, now I’m not the shy person that I used to be. Also it gave me more experience and knowledge in the field that I love which is jewellery making. What are your professional ambitions for the future? I have a dream of leaving a strong mark in the market and of my accessories becoming known by everyone.

“

That, which does not kill us, only makes us stronger. Marwa Shalabi

”

Faces of Egypt

Dina Ayesh of “Posh Boutique Cairo” & Fashion Designer “Dina Ayesh Night”

Posh Boutique Cairo is almost a 2-year-old establishment. During its short life it has introduced to the market many aspiring designers in the field of fashion and accessories. It has become the dream for talented designers who wish to showcase their production there as it will be their ticket to stardom. The story has started with the owner Dina Ayesh, a fashion designer herself, not knowing where to showcase her stuff and wanting to present it in the best glamorous way. Designing evening dresses is her hobby and fashion is her passion. WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT POSH AND ITS PHILOSOPHY? Posh Boutique embraces young local designers and gives them the opportunity to present their products in the best possible way. It gives them access to our exclusive client base and media coverage and it promotes them locally and internationally. What’s the greatest motivation or passion that drives you to do this profession? I love stardom. I believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to shine in what s/he does best. Fashion is not to be underestimated and in Egypt there lies so much talent that needs to be discovered. Can you tell us about some of the obstacles that faced you while starting posh? There was a missing link between us as Posh Boutique and the designers, and then there was the Egyptian foreign product complex or if you choose to call it “complex for brands,” but surprisingly the mentality has changed and people have started to increasingly appreciate the locally manufactured products.

“It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

“

WHAT’S THE (IT) PIECE THIS SEASON? Sequined dresses are still so in, you have to own one!

Dina Ayesh December 2012 |

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Faces of Egypt

Hana S. El-Sherif Owner of B.E.E. (Basket for Every Event) BY: FARAH ASFOUR Tell us about yourself. I’m a student at the German University in Cairo, I study Business Informatics and I’ll graduate in June 2013.

How did you start your business? When my sister was getting married in 2011, I wanted to make something new for her katb kitab ceremony, so I started to look up new ideas on the internet. I found that marshmallow pops would be something nice and new. When the guests at my sister’s katb kitab saw and tried the marshmallow pops, they liked them very much and some of her friends wanted me to make them some for their katb kitabs too. Then I started making chocolate pops too, I bought the supplies and the materials I needed, and I launched B.E.E. in March 2012. What exactly does B.E.E. offer? B.E.E. offers chocolate and marshmallow pops to be given as candy gifts or to be presented at any special occasion or celebration (birthday, baby shower, bachelorette, etc.) We have milk or white chocolate-coated marshmallow pops, milk or white chocolate pops mixed with nuts or filled with caramel, and mint-flavored milk chocolate pops; all in rainbow colors and eye-catching shapes and designs. Candy baskets can be customized according to the customer’s request or the event theme. Recently, I’ve started making decorations for the entrance of parties, engagements and weddings out of marshmallow and chocolate pops. What difficulty did you have at the beginning? The biggest difficulty was to be able to market the project and reach a lot of people. Of course, Facebook helped me to achieve that. Another difficulty that was there not only in the beginning but also till now is that I always have to be creative and improve my products in terms of appearance and taste. How many days in advance should customers place an order? It depends on the size of the order but on average customers should place an order 2-3 days in advance. What is your dream for B.E.E.? I hope that one day I can decorate a whole wedding with candies instead of flowers. I also have a dream of having my own candy shop and of everyone knowing B.E.E. and loving its candies. What is your advice to young people who want to start their own business? I’d like to tell them: if you have an idea and you believe in it, you should believe in yourself and not give up until you achieve what you have in mind. Another piece of advice: use your connections. For orders, check Facebook fanpage: B.E.E. (Basket for Every Event) 48 |

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Faces of Egypt Check The Story of 4 Young Entrepreneurs

ariika Comfort BY: FARAH ASFOUR

As it’s never too late, it’s never too soon. The oldest member of ariika’s team being only 23 years old is a strong proof of that. ariika is a success story of four young entrepreneurs full of energy, ambition, enthusisasm, determination, fun and creativity. My visit to ariika’s office was very pleasant; the place beamed with fresh young spirit. I talked to Shahir Arslan and Salma ElGuendy who took me in a quick journey through the story of ariika. Who are the members of the board of directors?

Shahir Arslan, 23, CEO and Co-Founder, graduated from AUC in 2012, Construction Engineering major

Khaled Attallah, 22, Co-Founder, graduated from AUC in 2012, Marketing major

Hassan Arslan, 22, CFO and Co-Founder, graduating this semester from AUC, Marketing major

Salma ElGuendy, 22, General Manager, graduating this semester from AUC, Marketing major

How was the start? Khaled and I (Shahir) met at AUC and we’ve become friends since then. We always wanted to make a project and we were always looking for new ideas, in the process we had about 20-30 ideas but their implementation was difficult. Then Khaled went for a year abroad to study at a university in the UK. At that university, there were bean bags on campus, and that was how we got the idea: Bean Bags. That was in December 2010. We started brainstorming, did research, visited factories, looked for materials and prices, made some samples, and we launched the website in May 2011. Facebook helped us a lot at that time; 200-300 people of friends and family changed their profile pictures and put ariika’s logo to support us and spread the word. After that, we held a small campaign at AUC called “Try me,” where we scattered bean bags around campus for people to try them. By time, there was gradual expansion and increase in orders. What’s your target market, where are your products available and who are your clients? We target A class, fresh, outgoing, young people between the ages 16 to 35, in addition to newlyweds looking for modern furniture. Our products are available online on our website (Cash On Delivery payment method) and they are also available at Taki, In & Out, Istikbal, Vera, Verinno, Divano, and Blend. I’d like to mention that we sell by order. As for our clients, besides individuals, they include Cartoon Network, Danone, Mountain View, Heineken, Coca Cola and Google. 50 |

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Tell us more about the stages and turning points that your company has gone through. At first we weren’t organized; everybody did everything, that sometimes led to conflicts but it made each one of us learn a lot about many things. Now we’ve become a company with an organized structure; there’s a board of directors, there are 6 departments and there’s a total of 30 persons working at ariika. We largely benefited from the community of our university as AUCians are known to be trendsetters. A very important turning point for us was Le Marché in December 2011 and May 2012. It gave us exposure and credibility and it had a big impact on sales. Also having big names among our clients and wholesale buyers gives us credibility and PR and contributes to forming our image as high-end company selling high quality bean bags. Tell us about the difficulties you had at the beginning. We had production and delivery challenges. We had to choose the right place and the right team to produce the bean bags. We used to deliver orders by ourselves with our cars for about 4 months because we couldn’t afford to buy delivery cars and employ drivers. The work wasn’t systematic, there was overlapping of jobs and there was a big workload because there was no specific job description. What about the manufacturing process and the prices? Some of the materials we use are exported and some are local. Our bean bags are produced in Egypt and they are sold at reasonable prices, much cheaper than other bean bags given their high quality. How do you deal with competition? ariika is the first brand of bean bags in Egypt, there’s no other Egyptian brand, most of the competitors sell their products on Facebook, they neither have a place to sell nor a website. The main edge of ariika among its competitors is: quality, comfort and good customer service. Moreover, ariika offers after service of refilling the bean bag and stitching it, and we have customization where we print on the bean bag face pictures, text, logos, etc. So you can say that we are different from the rest; unlike the competitors, we are a developed company and we are a brand. We always make an effort to offer new ideas and stand out. What’s Ariika’s latest news? ariika will be participating in Le Marché in December 2012. The biggest piece of news is that ariika is going comfy; we will launch a new line “ariika Comfort” by the end of the year. We will introduce new different products; firstly we will introduce two different types of U pillows: neck U pillows and bed U pillows, then later on there will be more to come of comfy products. Also we’ll be exporting to the US very soon, and we’ll have new clients of hotels, resorts and nurseries. What tips would you give for young people who want to start their own business? If you have a dream, don’t over plan; over planning may take years. Do a good research, start by acting and things will start moving and developing. You have to take risks; entrepreneurs are risk takers but it has to be calculated risk. If there’s an opportunity, go for it. If there’s a gap, jump in. You should have perseverance and enthusiasm because you’ll face downfalls along the way. If you believe in yourself and your business, you’ll succeed. If you surrender, you’ll lose. For orders, visit: www.ariika.com or Facebook fanpage: Ariika Bean Bags

Faces of Egypt

Noha Wagih

One of The Very Talented Female Photographers Where did you graduate and what did you study at the university? I graduated from Misr International University where I studied Mass Communication (Radio and Television). Tell us about your start in photography; when and why did you choose to become a photographer? I have always loved photography and had this dream of being a filmmaker. That’s why I majored in Radio and Television. In school I used to take everything very seriously, I didn’t really care much about grades as much as I did about learning and improving my skills. After graduation, I worked at the university as an assistant in Beginning Photojournalism and Advanced Photojournalism courses, and I supervised students’ graduation projects. Working as a teaching assistant wasn’t my aim but it was a step that made me realize how much I love photography and filmmaking. During this period, I learnt a lot from Dr. Amr Galal who was my mentor at school and even from my students who showed me new perspectives. My family also supported me a lot. At the same time I started working as a freelance photographer .In addition to photography, I’m interested in video shooting. 52 |

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The turning point in this was when Abdullah Alhussainy, my husband, encouraged me to direct, shoot, and edit his first song “Ya Bokra.” It took me a lot to believe enough in myself to do it, but eventually I did it and it was my first professional video. Is the talent enough or is it also important to learn photography? Photography is simply like painting with light, everyone can learn how to use colors but only those who are gifted will grab the attention. It’s the same in photography; you can learn everything about photography and how to use the camera but you will not be unique unless you have a real talent. What do you like to shoot the most? I am mostly interested in capturing shots of animals, nature and food. Animals have truly fascinating facial expressions, I think if they were able to speak, they would say a lot. As for nature, it is not only about trees, flowers and seas, it’s about the spirit of the place and how I feel when I’m there and how I can make anyone who looks at the picture get the same feeling I had. I like to eat, but we can’t always eat everything we want, therefore I like to take food shots. Capturing a collec-

tion of nicely assorted plates satisfies me instead. What’s your favorite picture among your work? My favorite picture among my work is the sea gull picture I took in Zurich, Switzerland. To me, it says that everyone can be free and break his restrains if s/he really wants to. What do you think is the most difficult thing in photography? And what do you like the most about your work as a photographer? The most difficult thing in photography is to make your pictures meaningful and to capture the right moment. The more pictures I take, the better understanding I have and the closer I get to the world, which is the best thing about being a photographer. In your opinion, what makes a picture beautiful? Is it the view, the model, the photographer, the camera, etc? What makes a picture beautiful is being meaningful. A photographer may use all the elements to create a good picture but the message might not be delivered to the audience. The view, the model and the camera are all important factors but at the end it depends on the photographer. In the past couple of years a lot of people started to use professional cameras and became interested in photography; what are the qualities of a professional photographer?

A professional photographer must also be a student. The obvious subject matter is learning new photography techniques and equipment but an equally important area of study is business (sales, marketing, management, finance, HR, etc). It’s the combination of both that has made so many of small business owners successful enough to live the life they wanted. Who are your favorite photographers? Marco Ryan What’s your tip for beginner photographers? “Life is art, the photographer is only observer,” so be willing to watch, listen and learn and only then you’re going to be able to capture that one great shot. What are your plans for now? Right now my goal is to reach more people inside and outside Egypt. I’m working on a short movie and I am doing some freelance work in Zurich, where I currently live with my husband, like filming the Arab Film Festival and so on. Hopefully 2013 will bring more opportunities and I’ll be done with my first short movie.

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Bowl Bean Bag available on www.ariika.com

Joud available on style-treasure.com

Turath Festivity Candle in Red available on styletreasure.com

Laraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crafts Letter Salt and Pepper Shakers available on style-treasure.com

Available on TheGiftery.com

*All prices are subjected to change

Available on TheGiftery.com

Available at Touch Of Glass Turath New Pastel Collection available on styletreasure.com

Available on TheGiftery.com Available at Koleksiyon

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Available at Koleksiyon

Home

Welcome Home “Christmas!”

Glitter Christmas Decoration (Set of 4)

Peter Christmas Bauble (Set of 2) Paja Box of Christmas Decorations

Klimt Christmas Bauble (Set of 3)

Gold: Symbol of elegance

* All items are available at Zara Home

Twisted Christmas Candle (Set of 4)

Gold is timeless, rich, adventurous, and priceless. It symbolizes wealth and power. It always was privilege of celebrities and royalty. You always can find a compromise. You can make some small gold accents that will have a great impact on your interior but won’t be pretentious at all. Manzana Christmas Candle

Piñas Oro Christmas Decoration

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Pera Christmas Candle

White: A must-have in a designer’s toolkit

Edna While many people think of white as the absence of color, professional interior dePicture signers know better. The various shades of white in paint and upholstery are some of Frame the most versatile hues in a designer’s toolkit, allowing him/her to fine-tune a space with subtle touches. Choosing the right white can change the perception of a room, a pure white may feel icy and crisp, while an ivory tone can be comforting and relaxed. Not all whites match. Once you start layering different tones, you can’t assume they’ll all go together. You’ve got to look at them next to each other to see if they blend. White allows you to approach decorating as you would fashion. You can freshen up a white room just by swapping out throw pillows: blue ones for summer, orange ones for winter, and so on. A rug or work of art is another little way to make a big difference. White demands accessorizing. Layers of objects with different textures are where white rooms really come together! >> City Estrella White Christmas Christmas Decoration Candle

Reno Fulvio Christmas Tealight

Sueco Flora Christmas Candle Holder

Abeto Plateado Christmas Napkin Ring (Set of 4)

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Green Herbs Scented Candle

Green Herbs Home Spray

Green: The new neutral

“To sum it up in a single word: versatility,” says Cathy Hobbs, interior design expert. “Like a great black dress, the color green can be dressed up or dressed down and can be paired with so many colors. Best of all, there are so many shades and tones of greens to choose from.” The color can create an energetic space when combined with other vibrant hues, yet can also create a sophisticated environment when paired with other classic neutrals like white, black and chocolate brown. The beauty of using the vast hues of green lies in its ability to easily juxtapose with almost any other color in the color wheel. The trick is not avoiding shades of green, but knowing how to use them properly and what to mix them with considering how you want to look and feel in that particular space.

Green Herbs Scented Candle

Mohair Flecos Blanket

Velvet Cushion

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Evan Frame

Fieltro Box of Christmas Decorations Laponia Blanket

MunĚ&#x192;ecos Garland

Snow Man Place Mat (Set of 2)

Red: Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s color

Twinkel Blanket

Calado Redondo Christmas Coaster (Set of 6) Uxia Hanger (Set of 3)

The color red is a bright and beautiful color that many people are actually afraid to use in and around the home. The secret to using the color red is moderation and accentuation. Too much of anything can become an eyesore, and this goes for colors as well. There are likely thousands if not millions of different shades of the color red. Choose the shade that fits best. Using the color red around the home as an accent color is often the best idea. Start small with some accent pieces such as throw pillows on a couch to spice the room up or an area rug that includes various red tones to add some life to the living room or dining area. If small accents work well for you and your taste, then you may begin adding some larger pieces into the home that are also the color red. Try a few red vases or sculptures in the dining room, or maybe a painting that is primarily the color red in a room. Kiruna Tablecloth and Napkin

Uxia Toiletry Bag

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“

Escape

Christmas isn’t a season, It’s a feeling. Edna Ferber

We are taking you on a tour to Christmas’ and New Year’s best celebrations all over Egypt! Let the Festivities Begin at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay

Kempinski H otel Soma Bay

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Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is sparkling with seasonal spirit as it hosts the warm-hearted children carols performing during the Christmas tree lighting on December 23. From December 24 to December 26, they have a great Christmas themed set menu at “The View” restaurant full of tasty festive delights. Indulge in a perfectly crafted New Year’s Eve showcasing an elegant cocktail reception at the Lobby with a magical setting, a selection of festive themes culinary delicacies served across “The View” and “Bamboo Shoot” restaurants portraying the fantastic seasonal food masterpieces, and a fabulous New Year’s countdown party at “Sultan Lounge” with extravagant entertainment and champagne toast at midnight. For more excitement, join them for the after party celebration at “La Pergola” and boogie your night away with the amazing DJ tunes. Enjoy the first day of the New Year off on a delicious note with their exquisite breakfast buffet at “The View” restaurant. Whatever you fancy for an indulgent festive season, Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is sure to offer. Rates start at LE 1600 per double Lagoon View Room per night on half board basis for Egyptians and foreign residents. Rates are valid until January 7th, 2013.

Love, happiness, friendship, wonderful company, great food and a whole lot of fun at InterContinental Cairo Citystars and Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars On Christmas Day, when music brings festive cheer to the lobby, InterContinental’s Esplanade features an upgraded Christmas lunch buffet with all the trimmings from noon until 4pm; and there is still time to order that takeaway turkey from My Bakery! When it is time to welcome 2013 please join us! Esplanade’s upgraded New Year Buffet is from 7pm until midnight, while the lobby’s jazz band will see in the New Year in style. Fayruz features two bands, a belly dancer, and a sumptuous oriental set menu. Bellini’s set menu features a grilled seafood symphony or mixed grill and Shogun has a welcoming drink of sparkling wine, set menu, and à la carte. At Holiday Inn, Windows puts on a special Christmas Dinner Buffet on Christmas Eve and a Gala Dinner on New Year’s Eve with belly dancer, tanoura and DJ.

InterContine ntal Cairo C itystars and Holiday Inn Cairo Cit ystars

Spend a glorious Christmas and New Year’s Eve with live entertainment at Ramses Hilton’s Restaurants and Bars. Touch the stars… See Cairo from our Windows on the World roof-top Restaurant offering a stunning panoramic view of Cairo and the Nile River and enjoy a delicious 5 course menu special designed for this occasion with a very selective live entertainment. Gather with friends and family at the Terrace Café Restaurant and enjoy a special delicious buffet offering a variety of seasonal delights. The Christmas spirit is perfectly captured at the Garden Court Café where you can enjoy our Christmas decoration, Santa Clause, Ginger Bread House. >>

Ramses

Hilton December 2012 |

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Celebrate Christmas & New Year’s Eve at THE PALACE This festive season, the Cairo Marriott Hotel is the perfect venue for every celebration. Enjoy a Royal Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with Cairo Marriott special lunch and dinner buffets at “Roy’s Country Kitchen”. While “Ristorante Tuscany “, “JW’s Steakhouse” & “Saraya Gallery” will be serving set menus in an elegant tranquil atmosphere. This New Year’s Eve enjoy delicious dinner and special Egyptian Food along with joyful entertainment with the band and belly dancer at the “Egyptian Nights”. Cairo Marriott & Omar El Khayyam Casino offers you a special dinner set menu at the “Harry’s Pub” while enjoying the Live band & DJ. Santa Claus chocolate, cookies Christmas cake, ‘Stollen’ Bread, and ‘Turkey to Go’, all these items will be available at the Bakery starting December 1st.

Cairo Marrio

Sheraton M

iramar

Christmas and New year in style at Sheraton Miramar No place is more in the Christmas spirit this year than Sheraton Miramar ensuring that every day will be filled with the joy and excitement required for a happy holiday season. Enjoy an unrivalled dining experience, elegant entertainment, and decoration which will take you to the real Christmas and New Year warmth throughout the resort. Sheraton Miramar Resort’s restaurants and bars offer an exceptional Christmas and New Year program. Mouthwatering dishes are served varying from regional to Italian cuisine in a fantastic atmosphere with amazing views of the sea or the pool. Miramar Restaurant serves delicious international buffets, while Orient 1001 offers authentic Arabic dishes and the finest Italian delicacies are presented in La Piscina. 62 |

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DAZZLING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT GRAND NILE TOWER Special Christmas and New Year celebrations at Grand Nile Tower with unique festive atmosphere at the perfect venue with spectacular Nile view, while enjoying an array of dining options overlooking the magnificent Nile. For exceptional dining conveniences with delicious Christmas specialty dishes guests can choose from the bountiful buffets and a la carte menu at Fontana restaurant and Marquise yacht that offers sumptuous buffet with live band. In addition, the special delicate menu at the Revolving Restaurant for a uniquely elegant festive ambiance while enjoying the dramatic backdrop of Cairo nightscape. For a special delicious array of selective cuisines to satisfy every craving, enjoy authentic sushi and teppanyaki at Okashi, fresh and sumptuous seafood delicacies at La Dorada, original zesty Italian favourites at La Famiglia, rich and spicy Indian specialties at Chingari, and mouth-watering oriental menu at the Nubian Village.

GRAND NILE TOWE

tel

i Nile Ho

k Kempins

Kempinski Nile Hotel... They’ve Got Christmas All Wrapped Up! Stock up on goodies that are unique to this festive season, from cakes, cookies and chocolate. Sit down to a lavish High Tea at the Chocolate Lounge every afternoon, with luscious pastries and teas from around the world. Enjoy a long, relaxed Christmas brunch in the Chic Dining Area. Let the live guitar performance enthral you as you dine on traditional fare. Jazz up the season, with New Years cocktails and canapés at the Jazz Bar. On New Year’s Eve thrill to the hip tunes of our house DJ as you swing the night away or take a trip back in time, to the past glories of the Ottoman Empire. Explore an exquisite menu of authentic Turkish cuisine, as our waiters pamper you, leaving you as delighted as a sultan or Prepare to welcome Christmas with a sumptuous buffet at The Blue restaurant. Let our talented chefs treat you to an unforgettable experience with an array of gastronomic delights. their spa invites you to enjoy a blissful experience together in our romantic private spa suite. Indulge your senses as you experience a stimulating body brush technique to help exfoliate the skin and open the pores and prepare your skin for a tantalizing chocolate body wrap followed by aroma chocolate massage. Enjoy the luxury of Rose chocolate bath with chocolate flake Frescato.>> December 2012 |

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Wish the New Year’s wish at Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria Celebrate Radisson “Golden Party” on the New Year’s Eve in cheerful ambiance while enjoying the international delectable open buffet and live entertainment as well as a special program for the kids for only EGP 450.00 per person. Furthermore, you can enjoy the room’s package including the “Golden Party” and the following day breakfast for only EGP 650.00 per person. Still many surprises are waiting for you!

Radisson Blu H

otel Alexandria

Celebrate the festive season in Style at the Dusit!

w LakeVie i n a h T Dusit 64 |

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Feel the magic Christmas at the Dusit Thani LakeView From delicious Christmas lunches and dinners to a fabulous New Year’s Eve party, Dusit Thani LakeView created a full winter menu of festive treats for Hotel guests this holiday season. Take advantage of this special time and try out a succulent Christmas buffet to a New Year’s Eve Gala Buffet and fantastic entertainment at their exciting nights at the Branzino. Enjoy this magic of Christmas season with your friends and family where tasty flavourful holiday of cinnamon cookies and special sweets at Dusit Gourmet. Try out unique Christmas dinner with a Thai flair at Ruen Thai restaurant where special live cooking signatures created specially by Chef Panya.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE AT FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS & TOWERS Savor your Christmas surrounded by pure luxury and join us for an unforgettable festive experience at Aqua e Luce serving a special set menu dinner on Christmas Eve with a complimentary glass of sparkling Wine, or delight with exceptional Christmas brunch buffet, entertainment and kids activities. Visit Leonardo and join Chef Federico to discover the original truffle world and his special 4 course set menu on Christmas Eve and throughout the month of December. For a Mexican twist, enjoy chef Mancilla and his teams’ memorable Christmas journey with a special 3 course set menu. Crab lovers are in for a treat this month with tantalizing crab menu prepared by Chef Pongkun at Lan Tania. Please your palate with the creations of New Chinese Chef Ben Kuah at Noble House restaurant on Christmas Eve. Not to miss Le Marche’s Strawberry festival promotion during the month of December, in addition to festive cookies, cakes, hampers, ginger bread houses, wines, pandoro and much more!

l ons Hote Four Seas sidence st Re at the Fir

FAIRMONT HEL

IOPOLIS & TOW

ERS

Celebrate the festive seasons at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo On Christmas Eve, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence offers a special Christmas Eve buffet to celebrate at Seasons, an elegant, serene restaurant overlooking the Nile. Guests can indulge in an extravagant rich buffet offering wide range of freshly made salads, appetizers, soup corner and hot main course specialties. For sophistication, style and elegance on Christmas day, reservations are recommended at Seasons. Guests will choose from the elaborate choices of the Hotel’s Christmas Brunch featuring traditional Christmas favorites such as international salads, carving station with all the condiments featuring stuffed Turkey, hot main course specialties and an irresistible dessert selection. Kids will enjoy Christmas delights from their very own dedicated kid’s buffet and face painting. Enjoy experiencing a superb variety of freshly made tantalizing Christmas inspired treats and scrumptious desserts presented in our Tea Lounge display and a range of seasonal cocktails and punches. New Year’s Eve package allows guests to take pleasure in a succulent four-course meal prepared by Four Seasons top Executive Chefs. >> December 2012 |

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There’s No Place Like Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh For The Holidays All Four Seasons guests are invited to a complimentary Christmas dinner. Couples may enjoy memorable Christmas traditions in dining, while families are invited to our new Fabulous Family Christmas Dinner Party, designed to exude the magic of Christmas for all children at the Resort. The Resort’s Christmas tree and giant gingerbread castle in the lobby will set the holiday spirit upon your family’s arrival. Egg nog gatherings, gingerbread house baking, performing arts, a special kids show for the parents, performance by thier own Resort Christmas carols choir. Reserve the Christmas Package for stay over December 24, and enjoy some complimentary babysitting services and complimentary children laundry bag throughout your stay. Celebrate the New Year with elegant ambiance and delectable cuisine. Join a Spectacular New Year’s Eve Cocktail Reception and indulge in outdoor show, lights, and sounds entertainment. Customize your dinner experience choosing from memorable Arabian night magic, Italian festive menu to the sound of soft Jazz, or a lush Gala dinner buffet, ort Season Res all available to our guests prior to joining the Resort’s countdown and post dinner party into the night. El Sheikh

Four Sharm

Radisson

Blu Hotel

Cairo Heli

opolis

Happy Christmas at Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis On Christmas Eve in the Lobby Bar 1122 sample the traditional ‘gluvein’ as you listen to the live band into the early hours of Christmas Day and tuck into the ‘bar menu’ treats (minimum charge 100LE). In Filini, the Italian fine dining, violin melodies will serenade you through the evening while the sumptuous of a lavish five-course ‘Gala Dinner’ including a bottle of house wine, in addition to the renowned a la carte menu. On Christmas Day at Mix both lunch and dinner will be stunning occasions. Enjoy the special ‘Christmas Lunch Buffet’ between 12.30-4pm for the usual lunch price, as the atmosphere ‘zings’ to the sounds of the live band. In the evening, the ‘Christmas Dinner Buffet’ holds centre stage from 6pm until midnight for just 168LE all-inclusive. Rock the night away and see in the New Year with the live band, DJ and belly dancer. The regular ticket is 350LE, Deluxe 400LE and Premium 450LE. Mix hosts a New Year’s Eve buffet from 6pm until 1am (168LE all-inclusive) with lunch buffet on January 1st. 66 |

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Come and join us for the best Christmas and New Year Vacation at one of Rotana Hotels & Resorts in Egypt. Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light at Grand Rotana Resort & Spa – Sharm El Sheikh. Prepare yourself to lighten and decorate the Christmas tree with Santa Claus in the warmest themes and a selection of festive dishes at the Grand Rotana Resort & Spa. The beautiful gateway overlooking the Red Sea and Tiran Island will be preparing a fantastic Gala Dinner while counting down and welcoming the year 2013... Don’t miss it! Located in the Montazah area at Sharm El Sheikh, the Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Montazah is known for its charm and its relaxing atmosphere. Our resort is a perfect hideaway for a tranquil Christmas and New Year holiday with a great Sea Experience with sense of simplicity enjoyment. Relax, celebrate and soak in the sun... Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Tiran is Located on Shark’s Bay, Sharm El Sheikh’s most beautiful beach and overlooking the magnificent Tiran Island. The whole team is waiting for you to make your season’s celebrations more generous and enjoyable. Christmas and New Year’s entertainment programs are carefully created and prepared to make this year a special one. Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Hurghada will not prepare just the spectacular Christmas lights at the resort, but the way of the warm atmosphere all around with the Christmas tree and Santa Clause’s gifts while your kids are creating the ginger house in the heart of the resort, and even the people themselves seem to glow with seasonal energy at the New Year’s Eve party. The Coral Beach Rotana Resort – Hurghada is located deep in the heart of glamorous Re Sea. The resort boasts an aura of understated elegance and discreet good taste, with exceptional service and the atmosphere of a traditional Egyptian way. December 2012 |

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* Check with your doctor before taking any medication

What is the definition of red meat? And how much red meat should we eat? Red meat is all fresh, minced and frozen beef, pork, lamb and veal. People should not consume more red or processed meat than an average 70g a day, which is about 500g a week. There is strong evidence that those eating above average amounts of red meat have an increased risk of bowel cancer, and some studies have linked it to many other cancers. In 2005 a study found those who regularly ate 160g of red meat a day had one third higher risk of bowel cancer.

How is chickenpox transmitted? Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicellazoster virus. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens, or oozing blisters of an infected person. The disease is most contagious a day before the rash appears and up to seven days after, or until the rash is completely dry and scabbed. For most people, getting chickenpox provides immunity for life. 68 |

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Does multiple sclerosis disease affect vision?

When is puberty considered late?

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation (such as numbness). With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one’s own immune system. Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include weakness, tingling, numbness, blurred vision. Other possible warning signs are muscle stiffness, thinking problems, and urinary problems. A multiple sclerosis diagnosis is made by the history of symptoms and a neurological exam, often with the help of tests such as an MRI or a spinal tap.

Girls are considered delayed if they don’t develop breasts by age fifteen or haven’t started menstruating by sixteen (or within five years of developing breasts). Boys are considered delayed if there is no testicle development by fourteen and if development of the male organs isn’t complete within five years after the onset of puberty.

Does breastfeeding cause low sex drive in women? Hormone changes during pregnancy, just after having a baby and during breastfeeding can put a damper on sex drive. Of course, hormones aren’t the only factor affecting intimacy during these times. Fatigue, changes in body image and the pressures of carrying or caring for a new baby can all contribute to changes in your sexual desire.

When can I start brushing my baby’s teeth? When the first baby teeth start to pop up, you can graduate to a toothbrush. Choose one with a soft brush, small head and large handle. At first, just wet the toothbrush. At around age 1, you can start using a pea-sized amount of a non-fluoridated toothpaste. Wait to introduce fluoride toothpaste until your child is at least 2 years old. Brush gently all around your child’s baby teeth; front and back. You should brush your baby’s teeth until he or she is old enough to hold the brush. Continue to supervise the process until your child can rinse and spit without assistance. That usually happens at around age 6.

Health

Is There Any Proof Smoking

Cigarettes Is Deadly?

YES!

Cigarette smoking is the number one source for preventable deaths in most parts of the world. This is why it is sad that every day 3,000 people have their first cigarette, most of whom are 16 and under. Smoking also takes the lives of 80% of those who die of lung cancer and is implicated in 30% of overall cancers. So, the question here is: Why is smoking deadly? There are 4,800 chemicals in cigarettes, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. You can find everything from ammonia to arsenic in one cigarette. We are often exposed to some of the chemicals found in cigarettes regardless of our exposure to these smokey treats, but things like benzene that causes leukemia are rarely encountered except through cigarette smoke. Although 69 of the chemicals in cigarettes can cause cancer, there are 4,731 that do not cause cancer, yet are very harmful.

Here are three of the more well known non-carcinogenic chemicals: Carbon Monoxide (CO): Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless, odorless gas, and yes it is produced when you smoke. This not only can cause cancer, but CO actually binds with your hemoglobin, which will then turn into COHb. COHb causes your hemoglobin not to be able to absorb oxygen, which limits the oxygen to your brain and other tissues. By limiting oxygen to your tissues it causes them to repair more slowly and become less capable of fighting off disease and illness. If you question whether this really affects us, it is most likely that CO causes premature aging within smokers.

Hydrogen Cyanide: Hydrogen cyanide is also known by a different name: Zyklon B. Zyklon B was a well known substance used for mass genocide during World War II. Fortunately, most nonsmokers are rarely exposed to this chemical. Those who smoke are continually ingesting this deadly poison, which in larger amounts can cause instant death.

Nicotine: Nicotine probably has the worst reputation since it is addictive, but it is actually not a carcinogen! That does not mean it is harmless. It is toxic. Older people are unlikely to get nicotine poisoning, but if a young child were to accidentally chew on a piece of nicotine gum, they could end up being rushed to the hospital with a very severe case of poisoning that could take their life.

Cancer is not the only possible harmful effect from cigarettes. A higher rate of these diseases has also been attributed to smoking: Heart disease (heart attacks or high blood pressure) Increased risk for thyroid disease, as well as problems within thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, Gravesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; disease) Stroke Premature aging (wrinkles) Poor circulation Asthma (especially those who were exposed to second hand smoke in their youth) Diabetes type II Eye disease (macular degeneration and cataracts) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic asthmatic bronchitis 70 |

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Men will understand it

How powerful is nicotine addiction? About 70% of smokers say they want to quit and about half try to quit each year, but only 4% to 7% succeed without help. This is because smokers not only become physically dependent on nicotine, but there is also a strong emotional (psychological) dependence. This is what leads to relapse after quitting. The smoker may link smoking with social and many other activities. Smokers may also use tobacco to help manage unpleasant feelings and emotions, which can become a problem for some smokers when they try to quit. All of these factors make smoking a hard habit to break.

Can quitting really help a lifelong smoker? YES. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO QUIT USING TOBACCO. The sooner smokers quit, the more they can reduce their chances of getting cancer and other diseases. Within minutes of smoking the last cigarette, the body begins to restore itself. 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop. (Effect of smoking on arterial stiffness and pulse pressure amplification, Mahmud A, Feely J. 2003. Hypertension:41:183) 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. (US Surgeon General’s Report, 1988, p. 202) 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases. (US Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, pp.193, 194,196, 285, 323) 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) start to regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection. (US Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, pp. 285-287, 304) 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker’s. (US Surgeon General’s Report, 2010, p. 359) 5 years after quitting: Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years. (A Report of the Surgeon General: How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease - The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease Fact Sheet, 2010; Tobacco Control: Reversal of Risk After Quitting Smoking. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol. 11. 2007, p 341) 10 years after quitting: The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases. (A Report of the Surgeon General: How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease - The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease Fact Sheet, 2010; and US Surgeon General’s Report, 1990, pp. vi, 155, 165) 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker’s. (Tobacco Control: Reversal of Risk After Quitting Smoking. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol. 11. 2007. p 11)

Do you still doubt it’s

DEADLY?

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Fitness

The Seven Days Of Christmas... By: Natascia Paolucci

veryone knows the English traditional Christmas carol that goes: “On the last day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: 12 Drummers Drumming 11 Pipers Piping 10 Lords a Leaping 9 Ladies Dancing 8 Maids a Milking 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!” What on earth is a partridge? Why would you want it in a pear tree? Who ordered eleven pipers piping to Santa? Okay, I’ll take the rings but still, you’ll have to admit that this is an odd wishing list!

Here’s your coach’s instead!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Layers! Indeed, one of the biggest mistakes you can make while exercising in cold weather is to dress too warmly. Remember that exercise generates a considerable amount of heat (your own). And this is generally enough to make you feel like it’s much warmer than it really is. Yet, once your sweat starts to dry, you can get chilled. The solution is not to stop sweating... but to avoid chilling! This is why you will want to dress in layers that you can remove as soon as you start to sweat and then put back on as needed. Ideally, you should first put on a thin layer of synthetic material, such as polypropylene, which draws sweat away from your body. Despite its comforting appeal, try avoiding cotton as much as possible, because it will tend to stay wet against your skin. Next, add a layer of fleece or wool for insulation. Top this with a waterproof, breathable outer layer. A heavy down jacket or vest may cause you to overheat if you’re exercising hard. Also, use common sense and adapt fashion to your very specific needs. For instance, if you’re lean, you may need more insulation than someone who is heavier. Similarly, if it’s very cold, consider wearing a face mask or scarf to warm the air before it enters your lungs. You may need to experiment before you find a combination of clothing that works well for you based on your exercise intensity. Keep in mind, too, that stop-and-go activities, such as mixing walking with running, can make you more vulnerable to the cold if you repeatedly work up a sweat and then get chilly. On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Ears, fingers, and feet! Did you know that when it’s cold, blood flow is concentrated on your body’s core, leaving your hands and feet vulnerable to frostbite? Well, now you do! Something I learnt from skiing: try wearing a thin pair of gloves under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens lined with wool or fleece. Don’t wait to put on the mittens or gloves before your hands become cold and then don’t forget to remove them if your hands begin to sweat. As for feet, consider buying exercise shoes a half-size or one size larger than usual to allow for thick thermal socks or an extra pair of regular socks. Last but not least, don’t forget a hat or headband to protect your ears, which also are vulnerable to frostbite. On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Wind chill awareness! Exercising when it’s cold and raining can make you more vulnerable to the cold. If you get soaked, you may not be able to keep your core body temperature high enough, and layering won’t help if your clothes are wet. If it’s extremely cold, you may need to take your exercise indoors or skip it for a day or two. Wind chill extremes can make exercising outdoors unsafe even if you dress warmly. The wind can penetrate your clothes and remove the insulating layer of warm air that surrounds your body, and any exposed skin is vulnerable to frostbite. If the temperature dips well below 0 °F (-17.8 °C) or the wind chill is extreme, consider taking a break or choosing an indoor activity instead, or take extra precautions if you choose to exercise outdoors anyway. 72 |

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On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Accessories! Winter changes the conditions you exercise in and you should take them into account. For instance, if it’s dark when you exercise outside, wear reflective clothing. To stay steady on your feet, choose footwear with enough traction to prevent falls, especially if it’s icy or snowy. Wear a helmet while skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Consider using chemical heat packs to warm up your hands or feet. Thinking outsiiiiiide the boooox! As counterintuitive as it can be, it’s as easy to get sunburned in winter as in summer - even more so if you’re exercising in the snow or at high altitudes. Wear a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 30. Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen. And protect your eyes from snow and ice glare with dark glasses or goggles. On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Water! Even when you don’t feel you need it, even when it means taking your gloves off for a second, always be ready to drink plenty of water. In effect, you need to stay well hydrated when exercising in cold weather just as you do when exercising in warm weather. Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your workout, even if you’re not really thirsty. You can become just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat from sweating, breathing, and increased urine production, but it may be harder to notice during cold weather. On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... Warning signs! Frostbite is most common on exposed skin, such as your cheeks, nose and ears, but it also can occur on hands and feet. Early warning signs include numbness, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation. If you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area - but don’t rub it since that can damage your skin. If numbness continues, seek emergency care. Exercising in cold, rainy weather increases the risk of hypothermia, as does being an older adult. Hypothermia signs and symptoms include intense shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination and fatigue. Seek emergency help right away for possible hypothermia.

These tips can help you safely and enjoyably exercise when the weather turns chilly. But as you exercise during cold weather, continually monitor how your body feels to help prevent cold-weather injuries, such as frostbite. Consider shortening your outdoor workout or skipping it altogether during weather extremes, and know when to head home and warm up. Also, be sure to let someone know your exercise route and your expected return time, in case something does go wrong. December 2012 |

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Fitness

TRX

The Latest Fitness Trend TRX! Does it ring a bell? Maybe you haven’t heard of it before or

you’ve heard that word a lot recently. Maybe you’ve seen those straps that you haven’t figured out what they were. This article will introduce you to one of the latest fitness trends: TRX.

Training Philosophy No part of the body is an island unto itself. Try to pick up a pen off the floor using just your hand. It’s impossible. Even simple movements simultaneously engage the legs, core, shoulders, arms, and neck. The body is an interconnected chain of muscles. Every movement we perform is a whole-body movement. That’s why TRX Training uses tools and movements that challenge the entire body in every plane of motion.

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Suspension Training Born in the Navy SEALs, Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. It requires the use of the TRX Suspension Trainer, a highly portable performance training tool that leverages gravity and the user’s body weight to complete hundreds of exercises. You’re in control of how much you want to challenge yourself on each exercise.

The TRX Suspension Trainer: What is it and how does it work? The TRX is a portable suspension trainer that doesn’t look like an exercise device par excellence: it’s just two bee-coloured adjustable straps, a pulley system and stirrups/handles for the feet or hands. But appearances are deceptive. Wrap it around a sturdy branch, or through the gap of a closed door at home, and - provided you know what you are doing - the TRX will provide a punishing workout with a tweak of the straps and your body position, and letting gravity do the rest. The concept of the TRX suspension training is pretty basic: you use two cables on your feet or hands to partially suspend your body and use your own body weight as resistance. The muscle groups you work as well as how hard you work them all depend on the positioning of your body on the cables.

The TRX Suspension Trainer: • • • •

Delivers a fast, effective total-body workout Helps build a rock-solid core Increases muscular endurance Benefits people of all fitness levels (pro athletes to seniors) • Can be set-up anywhere (gym, home, hotel or outside) By utilizing your own bodyweight, the TRX Suspension Trainer provides greater performance and functionality than large exercise machines costing thousands of dollars.

TRX Exercises are 3-DIMENSIONAL Unlike most machine exercises, many TRX exercises are in 3D. Most gym machines are in the sagittal plane, which means you only move forward and back (bicep curl machine, a leg extension machine, a treadmill). In real life, your body moves in all three planes: forward and back, side to side (frontal plane), and rotation (transverse plane). Because the TRX allows you complete freedom of movement, you can do both traditional strength training/single-plane movements and multi-planar/3D functional training.

Perfect if... You are already at least reasonably fit. Many of those shouting loudest about suspension training are personal trainers themselves, that’s perhaps because they can get the most out of the device.

Benefits of TRX according to Randy Hetrick, former Navy SEAL and current CEO and founder of TRX: It’s for anyone: So, who should do TRX? Everyone. People who like yoga and Pilates tend to like TRX because there are some crossovers. But it’s also great for runners, cyclists, or anyone who is an endurance athlete and wants to have more strength training. Even reluctant “power lifters” are usually swayed by the workout once they see how effective it can be at building muscle. It’s beginner-friendly: Another reason to try a TRX class is that it’s easy to tweak exercises to your own level of difficulty and ramp up when necessary. It’s all user-defined. You determine how hard or how easy you really want to go. So really advanced or really beginners can work out in the same class and get what’s right for them. The cardio-strength training connection: Don’t think it’s just your muscles that you’re working. TRX moves target different parts of your body while also raising your heartbeat. Many exercises done on the TRX suspension cables integrate so many muscles, which require oxygen. This increases your heartbeat and breath as you hold a move or do your reps, making many TRX exercises superefficient, integrated strength and cardio moves. It beats boredom: Two suspension straps, infinite ways to use them. You can do it all with TRX, from lunges to planks to upper body resistance exercises. And the best part? Your workouts can change as many times as you want them to. That means that both your mind and your body will stay challenged with all the ways you can mix up your workouts.

Best avoided if... You are new to fitness. It is a great tool, but you probably need to know the basics of exercise, or have someone to show you, to get the most out of the TRX and avoid injury. December 2012 |

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Why Eat This? Ginger Tea, the wondrous spice in a sip! • Best consumed as tea, ginger is a perfect source of a number of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and magnesium. • Ginger tea helps in the digestion process. Daily intake gives relief from stomach problems such as flatulence, diarrhea, stomach gas, and indigestion. • It is a very good remedy for flu, cold, headaches, and sore throat. • Ginger tea is helpful in relaxing the muscular spasms and in relieving the pain present during ovulation and during menstrual periods. Ginger tea can give relief from nausea in cases of pregnancy. It is a good drink for the pregnant women suffering from morning sickness.

Super Food...

Cloves • The most prominent use of clove oil is in dental care. The germicidal properties of the oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, toothache, sore gums and mouth ulcers. • Due to its antiseptic properties, clove oil is useful for wound, cuts, scabies, athlete’s foot, fungal infections, bruises, prickly heat, scabies, etc. It is use for treating insect bites and stings. • Clove oil is often recommended for skin care, especially to acne patients. • Clove oil is aphrodisiac in nature and hence serves as an excellent stress reliever. It has a stimulating effect on

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• It keeps you from being nauseous during a trip, so drink a cup of ginger tea before setting off on your travels. • Ginger tea eases rheumatoid arthritis. It is effective in alleviating tired, sore muscles and joints. A warm ginger tea soak can lessen swelling and puffiness. If you have athlete’s foot, ginger tea is recommended as a foot soak to lessen the painful burning sensation that comes with itching. • Drinking ginger tea is recommended if you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases. Ginger aids in loosening up phlegm and expanding your lungs, so you can recover quickly from difficulty in breathing.

5 Word Answer What are the worst food for mouth ulcers? Spicy food, fried food, carbonated food, alcohol, and hot drinks

the mind and removes mental exhaustion and fatigue. • Clove oil also induces sleep and is helpful to insomnia patients. • Clove oil when mixed with salt, and applied on the forehead, gives a cooling effect and helps in getting relief from headache. • Clove oil has a cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and thereby clears the nasal passage. Clove oil is effective in stomach related problems such as hiccups, indigestion, motion sickness, and flatulence. Hence, clove one of the important spices added in Indian dishes.

Fix with Food

How to Avoid Feeling Drowsy After Lunch? Eat low-carb, high-protein food for lunch. You will feel more awake. Postlunch drowsiness from a body flooded with insulin to process that carb-rich lunch you just ate can be prevented by eating carefully. Avoid potatoes, white rice, pasta, and any sugary foods because these cause a rapid rise in your insulin levels, which also increases the serotonin levels in your brain. Since serotonin is associated with sleep, it stands to reason that you’ll soon be feeling drowsy. Instead favor for low-carb vegetable choices include: Sprouts, green beans, lettuce, greens, , cabbage, mushrooms, radishes, celery, avocado,broccoli, cauliflower and peppers .

Nutrition

Beat Post Holidays

Weight Gain By: Valentina Kendall

The Holidays are coming and you may be stressed about putting on weight. First of all relax! There is no need to panic and worry about it. Let’s start with accepting the situation. Yes, this time of the year involves a lot of parties, going out, meeting with your friends, which I think is the best time of the year. So, go and have fun with all those people you love and care for. By the way you can create some dinner table games. We will talk about it later. For now let me give you some little things which will help you to stay in shape and prevent overeating. There are several things you can do. Here are a few other things you can do. For example, a group of my friends said, “Why don’t we eat with our eyes closed?” It was not easy to do I have to say, but we concentrated on eating our food thoroughly. You can also feed your friend and take your time doing so. Instead of pasta I had fish, because I could not see what was on my fork. When you are half way through your dinner, stand up tall for a minute or two. I don’t know why but it works, you will get the feeling of fullness quite soon. You can also leave the table, go to the bathroom and wash you hands. Seeing the running water will take your mind away from dinner for a bit and when you return to the table you will not want to have the rest of your dinner. Of course you can go for a dessert, but share it with somebody. Eventually if you order the dessert, treat it as a precious jewel. Have a small First of all you need to make a plan and you must follow bite, take the time and feel the pleasure of having this sweet your plan because it is yours, and you don’t want to ruin all delicious taste. Please don’t finish all dessert. Remember it the efforts you have made this year by going to the gym and is a precious jewel. working out hard. Before going out for a dinner, have a light snack. It can be an apple or a carrot. The trick is to chop it into small pieces so your brain will register it like a meal and you will not be too hungry when you arrive to meet your loved ones. Make sure you park your car as far as possible. That will provide you a little exercise on the way back. Usually the restaurants offer you a bread basket while you’re choosing your main course. For today, let’s do something different and ask the waiter to bring the bread after the meal. We all love bread and it is as we say comfort food. So, you don’t have to say no to the favourite food, you just say later. When everybody is going for a starter and the main course, go for two starters instead. Most of the time portions for the main course at restaurants are way too big. Chew your food. Let’s say 20 times. You can also make it as a part of your table game. Just imagine everybody is so concentrated on the food and eat it really slow. Look at somebody next to you and count for him. I am sure you will start laughing in a minute.

Having a dinner together with your friends or family is one of the most enjoyable things you can do. It is love you want to share and show them. Open up your heart, talk to your loved ones, smile more, give them a hug. You can even try to eat with you hands together. It is a bit difficult, but try. Why not? At the end of the day, it is all about love. All those little things we have mentioned above will work to help you have a great time and not be too stressed about overeating. The thing we have to remember is that it is a lifestyle we are talking about. We need to learn how to follow our plans, which will lead us to a healthy cheerful life. Once you find the strength and the power inside you to make these little changes, you will turn them into your hobbies and you will enjoy incredible life. December 2012 |

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Cooking

Ho Ho Ho!

It’s time for the Gingerbread Cookies! By: Maha Alfy

For order check facebook fanpage: Home Made Catering

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

1 cup oil 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 1 cup molasses 2 teaspoon soda 2 teaspoon. hot water 2 cup all-purpose flour Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon. ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon. ground ginger • 1 teaspoon ground cloves • 1 cup boiling water

Directions:

Cream oil and sugar;

Add to creamed mixture and stir well.

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Add eggs. Blend in molasses;

Add boiling water; turn into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch pan.

Add soda dissolved in hot water. Sift together flour, salt, and spices;

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes. Cut into squares. Decorate with your favorite topping of icing, in colors and shapes! Yields around 20 cookies.

Love & Relationships

365 Days Of Happiness!

The best tips to place on your love calendars NOW!

If Anything Is Said About Love & Sex, It’s This!

Talk to each other A LOT

Don’t listen to the opinions of other people (who aren’t in the relationship).

Accept each other, as you are

Don’t argue or fight in public

Play and have fun together Attack the problem, not the person

7 Be each other’s best friends

Maintain a good rela- Have a good balance of tionship with his family “together” and “separate” Make playlists of the mucic you both time love and listen to them together

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4 8 Allow him to develop his own different but equally valid ways of doing things around the home

12 E-mail interesting stuff to eachother

13 Use words of encouragement

17 Don’t go to bed angry

14 Give him a massage

15 Celebrate a unique anniversary

16 Take time out for yourself.

Do chores together like wash- Always be affectionate ing the dishes Never hid secrets

Don’t appear des- Say ‘I love you’ every chance you get! perate

25 Let your man have a little bit of freedom.

29 The three Cs: compromise, communication, and cuddling!

26 Recognize and admit it when you’re wrong

30 Watch sports together.

Encourage your partner Let him know when to find ways do things s/ you’re thinking of him he loves

27 Take interest in each other’s hobbies

31 Don’t be afraid to be silly together

Try new, exciting Don’t lie, even about small Take time to communicate things together things

28 Be straightforward and don’t play games.

32 There’s a fine line between being comfortable and taking each other for granted. Always be aware of what side you’re on.

36 Laugh a lot

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Catch your partner doing something right and acknowledge

Learn to argue constructively

Do early morning sex at least once a week

Get out of the bedroom and experiment with sex in different places

Play bed games

Be open to change

Shower together

Always think of ‘we’

56 Always greet each other with kisses.

Go shopping together

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Nagging is the worst thing you can do! (For Egyptian women in particular, not offense!)

55 Be sweet and classy

Forplay is the key

Sex isn’t a race, so take time to explore each other

45 Get suggestive. Suggesting, rather than directly asking, is a cunning but effective trick to get what you want in bed

Be sensitive to what your Commit to spending qual- Don’t take out your probpartner likes. ity time together on a regu- lems on your partner lar basis

be yourself

Compliment your significant other every single time you notice something great about them

| December 2012

Don’t say things in anger

Ask questions when you’re unsure or are making assumptions.

57 Learn to master the art of seduce him

53 Take responsibility for your choices and actions, avoid being defensive or trying to justify yourself

57 Create a safe environment where you can trust and share openly without being afraid.

58 Every morning, remind yourself of one great thing about your significant other

Talk about your sexual de- Have consistent conversations about things other than kids, sires money, work and issues

Come home with lit- Always be willing to meet tle surprise gifts from half way and compromise when appropriate time to time

63 Sex, sex and more sex!

64 Play sports together

Create your own hol- Focus on gratitude; the iday traditions. more you are grateful, the more you will have to feel grateful

71 Be patient - many arguments can be avoided with patience, which is a gift of love

75 Focus on haves, not have-nots.

72 Cook him his favorite dish

76 Don’t get trapped in routine

Watch movies togeth- Cook together er

83 Take care of yourself and your looks

84 Let go in bed. Forget about kids, work, or your “to do” list. Turn off the brain activity and let lovemaking be your escape.

61 Support your significant other’s dreams and desires

65 Create your own holiday traditions.

69 Dress in ways that make you feel good and attractive

73 Don’t raise your voice, yell or swear, instead calmly seek to be heard and understood

77 Make your bedroom comfortable and attractive for both of you

81 Avoid the temptation to assign blame, to accuse, to judge or to criticize

85 Smelling good is sexy. When your partner smells good, it makes you want to get closer.

62 Initiate physical contact

66 Be an amazing listener

70 Love yourself first; the more you love yourself, the more you’ll love life and let others love you

74 Wear things your partner likes

78 Indulge in romantic gestures

82 Buy a few love making technique books and read them together.

86 Create shared financial goals

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Love & Relationships

She Wants To Be Dominated But Doesn’t Know It?! By: Randa Dessouky It is a question that has intrigued me for quite a long time… Do women and I mean ALL women even the stiffest ones really enjoy being dominated by their men? I totally believe they do especially very powerful women. It is an assurance of self-confidence and that they are humans who can lose control but they just don’t know it. Will women love men more when they feel that they are controlling their lives, putting it in nicer words, let’s say “taking care of them, making life easier for them and making them feel that they are in safe hands?” Personally, I would love that but that’s not the question… Will all women love that too? That question needs a lot of digging, needs women who are not ashamed of being themselves and not rebelling against their nature and society. I truly believe that submissive women are the rule NOT the exception; they just don’t know it. Submission is a loaded word for a woman

“

I think a woman gets more if she acts feminine.

Nancy Reagan

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to use. It has different meanings depending on the listener. Some view it as an entirely sexual term and connect it to BDSM. BDSM stands for Bondage/Discipline/Sadism/Masochism in the kink community. So, for some, to admit they’re submissive can connect the listener immediately to sexual persuasion/preference. For others the idea of being submissive means being a spoilt, unimportant person. It implies a woman without a backbone, perhaps even a less-thanintelligent woman. I believe the desire for a woman to be submissive to her man is innate, and I believe women are wired to be submissive to proper authority in general. Submissive, as I see it, is described as agreement, respect, duty, or deference. I don’t personally view it as meek, passive or tameness. I believe submissiveness is a feminine trait and I believe women have lost touch with this inborn need.To state it very clear: Being dominated doesn’t mean showing men’s power over a woman. Domination is said

After surveying and asking many female friends and family, I have concluded that women can be categorized to three submissive groups. First, there is a group where women are very honest with themselves and know what they want and not ashamed to admit it. Others, who were the majority, argued and maybe didn’t like the term “submissive” and didn’t like to call themselves that but at the end of the day they want a strong man who can lead the way, can take care of them and be responsible. The last group believes in sharing and equality and they will never be dominated by men, yet they don’t want weak men. Although today’s women are more aggressive than ever before in most spheres of life, many women are still wary of making the first move, and expect men to initiate conversation and risk rejection by asking them out. Furthermore, many women expect men to make the plans and pay for dates. And we all know on whom the burden to initiate sex falls most of the time. This fact pushes many men and women alike to wonder whether or not equality is really what women are after. Wouldn’t true equality imply that women make the first move, and wine and dine their men just as often as the other way around? Why do the same women who demand equality also expect you to open the door for them? Despite the fact that we are perfectly capable of doing things that were once thought of as strictly being the domain of men, the simple truth of the matter is that most of us still want to feel feminine when we are with our man. If there is one thing that turns women off more than anything else, it’s a man with a lack of dominance. And an attractive woman can smell a lack of dominance like a shark smells blood. I guess no one is attracted to someone who conveys a sense of being powerless. When it comes to being a man, however, power is not only important, it’s everything. A woman is never attracted to a man who seems to be “equal” with her. In some major way, he has to be more than her. To feel feminine, she must be with a man who is masculine. When a woman is with a guy

“

Submission is not about authority and it is not obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect.

“

in terms of being able to take the lead. Women always want their men to take the lead in the relationship. They don’t really prefer men who are laid back and too lazy to get on with things. Domination can be seen through being responsible and active.

W. Paul Young who is not dominant, she feels like he is just another girl. Society today encourages Girl Power which manifests in women by encouraging ambition, assertiveness, and individualism. Not necessarily bad traits on their own, but when used to beat down a woman who wants to serve others or her man, they are very damaging. Feminism has hurt women by declaring we’re equal to men and can have everything they have; in fact, they claim we can have everything without men, children included. I’m not saying we’re not equal in some respects because after all we’re human beings and deserve fair and equitable treatment. In my opinion, women have lost the art of loveliness, classiness and girly-girl femininity. We’ve lost sight of our need to submit to our men and we are losing out. This need to be said: I don’t believe a woman should submit to simply anyone, a woman submits to someone who has earned her trust period. There are some pretty stupid women calling themselves submissive these days for purely sexual reasons and men are convincing them to do anything for them by using their submissiveness claims. Both sides of that coin are incredibly dumb. I’m a working single mom, from a good social class, I have a bachelor’s degree from one of the best universities, and I can say that I like to be dominated by a strong man who can take the lead, who can take care of me and make me look up to him and I’m not ashamed, I just know who I am. The truth is: Women don’t say what they really want. But they want it. Witness the book sales of “50 Shades.” December 2012 |

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Mother & Child

Family Bonding

Bonds That Make A Difference A

strong family bond is like a safe harbor where we find refuge. From trusting that someone will pick us up when we fall as a toddler, to someone being there for us as we experience the storms in life, family bonds help to instill trust and hope in the world around us and belief in ourselves. Rituals of bedtime stories, hugs, holidays and daily meals shared together provide a sense of warmth, structure and safety.

Since building a strong bond among family members is very important, therefore there should be some time dedicated to family bonding. Family bonding time is time the family spends together meaningfully. This is a designated time your family plans to interact with each other over a group of activities or a major fun project.

Benefits of Family Bonds: Research shows that happy families create traditions by sharing meals and feelings around the table, having fun and playing games together, praising and supporting one another and nurturing spirituality and regularly showing affection through hugs and kisses. Members of a family with strong bonds care deeply for each other and let each other know this on a regular basis. They feel good about each other and know how important it is to continually express these feelings. Our very spirit can either blossom or wither within the family unit. When we don’t have the security and influence of close family bonds early in life, the ground work is laid for an emptiness that is often sought to be filled through destructive venues. If one isn’t loved as a child, they may later seek love and acceptance in a way that brings them harm. Through strong family bonds, family members learn how to listen and work together. Children learn how to behave in society by watching their parents interact with each other and with the world. Family bonding times are a great way to model expected behaviors inside the family circle and with others in the community. Modeling expected behaviors is also a great way for the parents in the family to learn how to communicate to each other as well. Promising your personal 86 |

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time at least one day out of the week will help members in your family gain a sense of self worth. Children that have guardians that take the time with them, begin to assign value to their family time. Children that do not have a sense of family values are more likely to be influenced by friends that do not necessarily have their best interests at heart. Drawbacks of Weak or Missing Family Bonds: There can be long-term effects from living in a detached or dysfunctional family. The cycle is often repeated through generations. Children often grow up believing this dysfunctional unit is normal and they may gravitate toward people and situations that mimic the dysfunction they were accustomed to. A healthy relationship won’t be easily recognized because it’s foreign to someone who hasn’t lived within a loving family. Often drug and alcohol abuse or domestic violence is repeated, by a learned behavior or an escape from behavior that was poured upon the child. A child may have poor self-image, isolating themselves from peers at school or holding anger and pain inside. The poor self-image may be with them throughout life, causing an inability to make positive choices or be close to others. It’s hard to succeed in life when the core of your being has never been nurtured.

The holidays can be an opportunity for family members to strengthen their relationship and tighten their family bonds through some simple yet effective means.

Movie night Have a movie night at home. Rent a movie, choose one from your home collection or simply watch a movie on TV. Ask each person what movie they would like to see and give each person a chance to choose one of their favorites. To complement your movie night, serve popcorn and candy. Play Games Board games can bring tons of laughter and fun to your family bonding time. Game night can bring out the inner child in everyone. Games played together as a family typically generate proximity, eye contact, conversation, humor and learning more about each other. Some board games to consider playing are Monopoly, Pictionary and Trivia Pursuit. Create a family game collection and take turns picking out a game to play.

Read together Pick a book that everyone is interested in. Books such as Harry Potter, Twilight or a special holiday story are all great choices. Have each person take turns reading aloud, then discuss the book after it is over. Make a craft Arts and crafts can be fun for kids and adults. There are many craft projects that are simple yet be a great way to bring everyone together. For example, during Christmas have each person make an ornament to hang on the tree.

Do something with other families Being with other families will strengthen your own family bonds.

Sharing positive communication Communication is the key to making family relationships work. One research study has shown that the average couple spends seventeen minutes per week in conversation. In contrast, strong families spend a great deal of time talking with one another, ranging from trivial matters to important issues. Communication helps us to feel connected, and because members of strong families feel free to exchange information and ideas, they become good problem solvers. Most communication in these families is spontaneous. Positive communication involves both talking and listening.

Family night out Have a family night out and go to a movie, concert, play, restaurant, mall or club. Get each person to come up with a list of fun night out activities and compile a list. Choose a different activity each week or month.

Accept your differences Even people who are very close sometimes have different ideas, opinions and beliefs. Acknowledging that you may not always agree with the rest of the family members can help to avoid unnecessary conflict.

The family is one of nature â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpieces.

George Santayana

Eat together Eating a family meal creates an environment that fosters family conversation.

Close family bonds help us to thrive in all aspects of life. Lack of these bonds can lead to forever seeking that something which is missing. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the value of family bonds for granted. You can mold a beautiful creation for today and the generations that follow!

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Features

Rediscovering Yourself

here are many reasons to why people let themselves go and you are not alone when it comes to this topic. While this may be a fact, it is also a fact that you can re-discover yourself and find the person you feel you have lost.

Reasons why you lose yourself in the first place: You sometimes tend to lose yourself in marriage, raising kids, working overtime, or taking care of elderly parents. You tend to think about what others want and what they need and never actually get the chance to figure out what you want for yourself. Didn’t you move heaven and earth to make time for them? Didn’t you go out of your way to get to be there for them? What if you were to take a similar approach to rediscovering yourself ? First you need to figure out when this “losing yourself ” took place. Before you re-discover yourself, you must research and take notes on yourself, finding out what exactly it is you have lost about your persona. Is it the way you used to look? Or the activities you once took part of ? No matter what it is, you must target what that thing or things are. Once you have accomplished that assignment, you should then turn your focus on what you believe is the cause of you partial loss of yourself. You need to learn how to rediscover yourself, acknowledging that there is something missing and what caused its disappearance is the biggest step, not to mention the most important. Without the acknowledgment, you would still be clueless! Get in close touch with yourself and make sure you are clear about whether you really have changed, or if you are just in denial. Go back a few steps to the place where you pin pointed exactly what it is about you that you feel you lost. If it is something you think about often, wishing that you could be that way again but cannot seem to get there, and then you are definitely in need of re-discovery. 88 |

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What to do about it: If you do wish to get back a part of yourself that you did lose, how can you get it back? What you need to do is rate the importance of this and put it on your highest priority list. Make it a daily habit to report to yourself and see what you have done daily to take a step forward into gaining that part of you back. Keep a daily journal and write down your thoughts on it, what you plan to do about it, and how it goes. Reminding yourself about on a constant note will help you gain the strength and confidence to push yourself harder to getting, because you believe more and more that you can do and nothing will stop you. The truth is, you never really “lost” yourself, you just neglected apart of you that is now demanding attention again. Throw all of your excuses out the window and start facing the facts in front of you. You know that it takes balance and organization to maintain the other things in your life like relationships, work, friendships, and family life and so on, so what makes you any different? If you want to continue being the person you always were, as well as adding new wonderful things to your personal being, then you need be organized. This means making time to invest attention and effort to all angles of your personal being and the things around you, as well as the people that share an important part of your life. By organizing your time, you will soon see how your life and views about yourself wonderfully get back into shape, and you will not only re-discover yourself, but discover a new side and strength that will open more opportunities for you!

From The Readers The Desert

By: Hussein El Sheikh

ll the time people looked at her and they saw a happy person. They saw a beautiful smile, lots of loud laughs and instantly they believe her to be one happy girl. And yes on the outside it was all good and fine; she’s smiling, laughing, having fun and sparkling most of the time but this was only a false camouflaged shell that she was hiding behind, on the inside it was a whole other story, she felt fragile, weak, vulnerable and lost. But the main feature was loneliness. She was lost in an ocean of loneliness. There was that barrier separating her from the whole world. She felt like having two characters; one whom she shows to the public and another one was hiding inside screaming for help. What was nearly driving her crazy was how everybody can be fooled by that outside smile and never look beyond it to see what’s really living under and what was even scarier was her starting to believe her own smile. And a question was always there in her mind, would someone come that have the ability to see beyond what everybody’s limited vision can see? But all this would change when she visits the place she loves the most ,all this would change when she went to the DESERT , that was her favorite place in the whole world ; At the desert everything just shines in its own impressive different way ...the infinite never lasting view of the same color the sands radiates & the emptiness that exists all around replicating just over and over again reflects a deep warm sensation of self relief, of self righteousness… Silence… This wonderful silence lets you feel all the world’s wisdom but not only this, it even ignites feelings that surpasses the vicinity of this world.. Suddenly, there is no more cold, no more anticipation, no more hidden desires, no more fear ...Cause she’s right there in the middle of her kingdom... Whatever hidden fear evaporates under that rising sun... All of the sudden the future is no more a concern , she just want to lose herself in this endless beauty… Mountains and mountains of sands extending all around her... It’s like they are purifying her sole... Answering all her unanswered questions ....all the mystery that was once inside her is now solved... It’s like that at once she have all the answers and all the secrets that she never knew before… it was so weird how only in a few minutes… Every beautiful sensational notion, idea, feeling & fantasy can become real ...Time does not pass anymore in our traditional manner … Cause in a very few minutes a whole lifetime flashes by... All the past and the upcoming future can just come together to tell her free fall… Fly out of this world’s limited borders, boundaries and be your real self …Be whom you was always destined to be… Break your outer shell and ignite... Make everybody just wonders what the hell happened... Go and just dazzle them

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Editorial Features

Rotana Hotels Lebanon “

”

Treasured Time; Our promise to you

Rotana manages a portfolio of 70 properties throughout the Middle East and Africa with an aggressive expansion plan in place. At Rotana, they have chosen to acknowledge how precious time is to you by making all time spent with them, Treasured Time. This means that they pledge to understand and meet the individual needs of all their guests. In so doing, they have evolved their product brands to include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro Hotels by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana.

Gefinor Rotana From the moment you step into the Gefinor Rotana the blend of traditional Arabic hospitality and the splendor of modern luxury will leave you spellbound. The hotel has a distinctive view over the city, the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, and is conveniently located in the very heart of Beirut. Gefinor Rotana is in close proximity to the main business and banking districts in the Downtown area and Clemenceau street, leading institutions such as the American University of Beirut and it is within easy reach of the exhibition grounds at BIEL and Forum de Beyrouth. The hotel’s exceptional location is also a short 5 minute walk from the vibrant Hamra street where you can find a wide choice of restaurants, pubs, bars and shops. The 159 elegant rooms and suites prove to be the perfect choice for both the business and leisure traveler, in addition to the fully serviced and furnished apartments. Ideal for businessmen, Club Rotana offers a lounge, business services and wireless internet, private checkin and check-out, a complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails. You can unwind after a busy day at Bodylines, their rooftop health and fitness centre offering sauna, steam bath, massage service and temperature-controlled swimming pool with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. 92 |

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Olive Garden, their newly renovated open-kitchen restaurant with access to an Olive Garden terrace, is a modern place that offers an extensive and delightful fusion of continental and traditional buffet breakfast, lunch and à la carte dinner in addition to their various theme nights. Situated in the hotel’s main lobby, the Moodz is Gefinor Rotana’s new lobby café and bar, the ideal venue to unwind where you can enjoy a light snack, a coffee or an evening cocktail especially during Happy Hours. Moodz lounge and bar offers a wide assortment of signature alcoholic and non alcoholic cocktails and snacks with an exquisite presentation.

Raouché Arjaan by Rotana The hotel, which targets both the leisure and business sector, is comprised of 176 studios and suites with state-of-the-art amenities and recreational facilities, including a rooftop swimming pool and a Bodylines Health and Fitness centre. Raouché Arjaan by Rotana’s location in the heart of the city allows guests to enjoy gorgeous sea views coupled with the energetic atmosphere of one of Beirut’s liveliest quarters – Raouché Boulevard – all the time secure in the knowledge of being in the hands of one of the region’s most respected hospitality groups. The Raouché Arjaan by Rotana showcases authentic Lebanese and international cuisine with its F&B offering which includes the Bella Vita Café, a relaxed terrace café overlooking the bustling Raouché Boulevard, in addition to the Murjan restaurant and terrace, an all-day dining venue offering a delightful fusion of continental and traditional fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Raouché Arjaan by Rotana’s spacious design and warm décor appeals to business and leisure travelers alike from the local and international markets.

Tamar Rotana (formerly Hazmieh Rotana) When stepping into the Tamar Rotana (formerly Hazmieh Rotana), guests will be enchanted by the Lebanese hospitality mixed with personalized service. It is the best destination for the holiday maker and businessman as comfort and personalized service is always a top priority. The four star hotel is 10 minutes away from Downtown Beirut, the major exhibition grounds and business districts and only a few minutes away from the airport. During summertime, you can relax at the Aquarius pool bar and terrace and enjoy an array of fresh cocktails and juices with direct access to the hotel garden or keep fit with their fullyequipped Bodylines fitness centre, sauna, steam bath and massage services. Le Jardin restaurant is their contemporary all-day dining restaurant offering an extensive international buffet for breakfast and lunch and à la carte dinner. Le Jardin menu offers a wide variety of starters, salads, vegetarian selection and main course. After selecting your favorite dish, ask the waiter to recommend a dessert specially prepared by their chef over a hot cup of espresso. Enjoy your night in the city, stop by The Further information on any Rotana property, its brands or reservations can be obtained by visiting rotana.com or by contacting one of their regional sales offices.

Lounge lobby café and bar to enjoy an early drink,it is also the perfect place for midmorning coffee, afternoon tea or evening cocktails and a large choice of coffees, pastries and panini sandwiches. Perfect for business meetings or socializing with friends and family, The Lounge is a relaxing place to be all-day long. You can also watch your favorite channel while relaxing on the sofa as if you are at home. You can’t miss Happy Hours and the special cocktails served.

Reviews

“Girl On Fire,” Alicia Key’s fifth and arguably most consistent album to date About it, Keys has said that this album illustrates “me stepping into my complete womanhood, my journey to becoming fearless.” With “Girl On Fire,” her maturity has begun to catch up to her talent. As she sings on Brand New Me, “I’ll never be perfect, but at least now I’m brave.” The album includes 13 songs, among which are New Day, Tears Always Win, and 101.

album

movies The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 This fifth and concluding film in the cinematic franchise based on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga begins in medias res and is wholly unintelligible to newcomers. As advertised in the semitrailer that ended Breaking Dawn Part 1, it leads up to an epic confrontation on a frozen lake in the American northwest. On one side are vampires from all over the world dedicated to peaceful coexistence, led by Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), a newly initiated vampire herself, mother of a precocious child and married to the vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).

book “Nigella Express” by Nigella Lawson available at Diwan Bookstore The Perfect book for the holiday season! All recipes Nigella Lawson has revealed in its telecast collected in a single volume. Thirteen chapters divided situation, where the watchword is “doing a great figure even if you have very little time.” From recipes to prepare during the week when you come back from work and the last thing you want to do is get in the kitchen, the tricks for organizing last minute party with all the trimmings, packed lunch from the office to the picnic on Sunday, the feasts of the tradition. Nigella can suggest wiles and tricks “save time” for the Christmas menu. More than a cookbook, a philosophy in the kitchen because as Nigella says, “I love food, I love being in cucina and I’m happy when I cook, but the evenings are not long enough to be a cook.”

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restaurants

Steak lovers; CUT, The House of Steak is here for you The chefs are specialists in cooking meat: they cut it freshly, they cook it simply and they serve it elegantly… it is simple, it’s CUT! Quality and simplicity; that’s their secret. Address: Opposite to Conrad Hotel, El Shagara Park, Corniche El Nile, Cairo, Egypt

Khamsa We Khmesa Located in Lebanon Square, Mohandeseen, Khamsa We Khmesa restaurant is your next night out! Amazing décor, delicious food, and stunning aura! You will love its cosmopolitan cuisine and great seating. Must try it!

Dar El Amar Café and Restaurant Chain is now open at Abbas El Akkad

Casper & Gambini’s Citystars re-launches Terrace with a brand new design Being one of Cairo’s favorite dining destinations to date, Casper & Gambini’s Citystars (managed by IRG - International Restaurants Group) proudly announced the re- launch of its newly designed outdoor Terrace patio. The Terrace in its bright, elegant and soothing lounge set up designed to seat up to 100 people, reflects the true essence of comfort and style the interior has to offer. Guests can enjoy a variety of meals from breakfast and coffee to lunch, and dinner with signature dishes being their favorite for years! Other facilities also include shisha in various flavors and Wi-Fi. Witness to the famous Gifted Chef Competition last May, the Terrace has hosted private events for clients such as Vero Moda and Booz Allen Hamilton among other smaller events such as baptisms and birthdays. So in a city like Cairo where the sun shines almost all year round, Casper & Gambini’s Citystars Terrace will prove to be one of the most sought after destinations. Even better, one won’t have the same dilemma of where to host that special gathering outdoors, as it could be privately booked.

store

The Boutique is moving The Boutique is opening soon in Downtown Mall, Katameya. Stay tuned!

Gymboree arrived in Citystars Available in sizes newborn to 12 years, Gymboree clothing is designed with colorful, comfortable fabrics and detailed touches throughout. Coordinating accessories complete every outfit, making Gymboree kids unique from head-to-toe. Shop now for babies, toddlers and kids! David Beckham celebrates holidays at H&M with new bodywear Items and images To celebrate the holiday season, David Beckham is introducing new items to his bodywear range at H&M, as well as revealing new campaign images. The new styles are the ideal for warmth and comfort this winter, like a hooded morning gown, draw-string pyjama pants, Henleys and long johns with padded elbows and knees, and lounging shorts and T-shirts, as well as a towel.

Experiences

IMAX Cinema in Americana Plaza, Sheikh Zayed; you have to go! We watched a movie there and the theatre screen was like no other movie screen that we have ever seen. Big screen, crystal clear image, pure voice, large hall, comfortable chairs; just amazing! The ticket is for EGP 60, a little more expensive than regular cinemas, but it’s worth it.

Mint Boutique Middle East Launched in 2012 for the ultra-chic, Mint Boutique aims to bring the world’s most creative jewellery brands to the fashion conscious culture of Cairo and Dubai! Mint offers an eclectic range of upcoming brands to suit every taste. Having inked their first deal with the UK’s hottest jewellery brand “Butterfly,” MINT jewellery will launch online and in select retail stores across Cairo and Dubai making its way through the Middle East. The brand’s regional debut collection will boast stylish designs embellished with Swarovski crystals intertwined with silver-plated chains and semi-precious stones that complete a stunning collection worthy of even the most exclusive of dressing tables. Facebook fanpage: Mint Boutique Middle East

Signature Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC showcased in Egypt The highly-anticipated new Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC feature groundbreaking functions and cutting-edge technology. HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, and Microsoft, demonstrated the stunning Windows® Phone 8X and 8S by HTC®. The smartphones, featuring the new Windows Phone 8 operating system, boast iconic design, studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™, and incredible camera capabilities. 96 |

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The Best, The Top & the must do!

YOUR GETAWAY ITALY Home to the Vatican, and many noteworthy churches, Italy’s capital of Rome, in particular, offers a wealth of free Christmas festivities: Piazza Navona’s Christmas Market, The Nativity Museum, Midnight Mass at the Vatican and Christmas Eve at Ara Coeli.

MUST TRY! Diet House Located in Mohandessien and Nasr City, Diet House is specialized in presenting fast food in a very healthy way, by a group of very of a highly qualified Egyptian chefs and nutritionists trained inside and outside Egypt. Diet House’s concept is saving the elders, youth and children from the dangers of fast food. Diet House promises to offer food, beverages and desserts cooked 100% healthily, without using a single drop of fat or oil. All this at reasonable prices and with a unique delicious taste!

Did You Know!

JINGLE Bells was the first song broadcast from space when Gemini 6 astronauts sang it on December 16, 1965. The Little Gym® Tumbles Into Town. CurriculumBased Program Helps Children Build Motor Skills, Self-Esteem Bouncing, giggling, rolling and swinging upside down, it’s all in a day’s fun for students at The Little Gym. The new gym, which has already received a significant positive response, helps children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years lay the foundation for a lifetime of success. The company uses curriculumbased gymnastics, movement and other programs to promote coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility. In addition, The Little Gym’s programs have a proven track record of enhancing children’s listening, social and intellectual skills. 98 |

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NOT TO BE MISSED! Caracas Located in Mohandeseen, Caracas restaurant offers traditional Lebanese cuisine in a contemporary Egyptian atmosphere,’ states the menu and their simple philosophy is true. With a relaxed Mediterranean teal color scheme, motif, modern décor and bright-colored photography to awaken your senses, Caracas offers a pleasant dichotomy of classical versus contemporary.

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‘BOKRA’ CHARITY ANTHEM TO PROVIDE MUSIC & THE ARTS EDUCATION TO OVER 5,000 CHILDREN IN THE ARAB WORLD With the aim of providing sustainable income for the underprivileged families, Ariel and Misr El Kheir kick off “Road To Success” Campaign

Omar Khayyam, Egypt’s flagship wine, recently held the Omar Khayyam Culture Festival at Darb 1718

GRAND NILE TOWER HOSTS DR. KADIR TOPBAS, MAYOR OF ISTANBUL

OSN awarding customers with VIP tickets to the WWE

TEA CELEBRATION AT FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS & TOWERS JW Marriott celebrates Diamond Dash Event for the Charms JW Ladies Society

Intel Delivers New Architecture for Discovery withIntel® Xeon Phi™Coprocessors MILLWARD BROWN OPENS IN CAIRO, EGYPT

NEWGIZA Seals Partnership with Real Madrid Foundation Academy Conrad Cairo Hosted Asian Diplomatic Wife Association For the second consecutive season McDonald’s Egypt Organizes a Trip for the Children of Ezbet Khair Allah in Celebration of World Children’s Day 100 |

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“Mohamed Fouad signs five year agreement with Qanawat for worldwide digital distribution”

“PepsiCo” sponsors Terry Fox’s marathon to support cancer research Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence hosts it’s third Ladies Club Event ‘The King’ Rocks Makadi in Eid el Adha

Amr El Backly Appointed Area Director of Finance & Business Support For InterContinental Hotels Group Egypt and Libya KADCO Plans 50% Increase in Medjool Date Exports and 100 Feddans increase in dates

Intensive Efforts to Educate Millions of Disadvantaged Children in Egypt and Around the World. Experts Hail the Success of the Fourth World Innovation Summit for Education For the first time in Egypt from Emirates Heights, Smart resort in the North Coast…units run electronically Bassem Youssef back on TV exclusively on CBC

KidZania® Cairo & KAMS® teach kids how to make their own puppets

Microsoft Launches Windows 8 in Egypt with More Than 3 Thousand IT Experts Attending ID Vodka Black Onyx Edition Unveiled In London

Four Seasons Egypt Teams up as Bronze Sponsor in 3rd Terry Fox Run to support Cancer Research at 57357 Cancer Hospital

Visa flies nine Egyptians to their dream destination anywhere in the world The Egyptian Society for Liver Cancer third annual Conference Reveals A Breakthrough in the Treatment of Advanced Liver Cancer

CAE celebrates the launch of the Visa Infinite

Memac Ogilvy’s Annual Meeting Validates Pervasive Creativity as the Essential Ingredient for Modern Business

Sheraton Miramar El Gouna, in cooperation with Berba school of Qena, recently organized a grand party for 27 children with special needs.

Barclays Bank Egypt launches the exclusive “Platinum Worldmiles Visa credit card” Mostafa Khalifa from Assiut won EGP 20,000 in the competition organized by B.Tech on the occasion of reaching 250,000 fans on their facebook fanpage.

IPG Mediabrands Launches Third Media agency In The Middle East,BPN, In PartnershipWith Horizon Group

Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences Received the award of “Africa’s Leading New Hotel”

*All prices are subjected to taxes, service and availability

EXCLUSIVE 24 KARAT GOLD FACIAL TREATMENT AT NILE PLAZA Nile Plaza invites you to its precious pampering experience by indulging in the ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Gold Mask at its trendy Spa and Wellness Center. This exclusive Spa treatment has multi sensory delights bound to transport your skin to a state of perfect radiance. A relaxing back massage initiates the first stage of the journey to soothe tired muscles, followed by a cleansing facial session to purify the skin. Next, you will be pampered by an Anti-Aging Caviar Mask followed by a phenomenal Gold Mask leaving your skin restructured, nourished and glowing. The treatment combines innovative technology together with the rich, natural properties of Gold for bright firm, skin with reduced wrinkles. Nile Plaza’s Spa is the pioneer in the city in introducing this unique treatment using 100% natural ingredients. The treatment lasts for 90 minutes.

Save hearts with Home Made Catering!

Order “Love Egypt” Cookies for 10EGP and help Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation. All revenues are dedicated to it.

10 egp

Gefinor Rotana exceptional escape packages!

- Your Romantic getaway for your Honeymoon or Anniversary, 2 nights with extravagant couples benefits for just US $460 + 10% VAT.

24 Karat Gold Facial Treatment

- Your Weekend in the heart of Beirut, 2 nights at one of our Classic rooms for double occupancy with an extensive buffet breakfast at Olive Garden restaurant & terrace for only US $340 + 10% VAT. - Your Long business and leisure stay escape, a minimum of 30 nights for US $3,000 + 10% VAT including a wide range of modern conveniences. - Your business escape for you and your companion, 2 nights for just US $380 + 10% VAT, save and combine work with relaxation.

Exceptional escape packages! 102 |

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Element: Fire Ruling planet: Jupiter Gemstone: Ruby, Turquoise, Zircon, Rose Quartz and Topaz Lucky number: 3, 5, 6 and 8 Lucky color: Royal blue, rich purple, yellow, grey and brown Compatible with: Aquarius, Aries, Leo and Libra Incompatible with: Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo and Scorpio Variable: Sagittarius and Gemini Famous Sagittarius: Gianni Versace, Tina Turner, Walt Disney, Miley Cyrus, Ben Stiller, Julianne Moore and Milla Jovovich

Sagittarius

It might be a good time to make a thorough scrutiny of the real you, an honest assessment of your face, figure, health and assets and seek to implement a make-over where necessary. Personal and social contacts may be mysterious, and there can be secret love affairs, or at least very private love feelings and longings. Over-inflated expectations and the tendency to exaggerate your affections are things to watch out for. Start by making a priority list of tasks at hand. Sagittarius Woman in Love She has a great attitude and always seems to be on the go. Sagittarius woman is for the man with lots of energy and creativity. She likes unconventionality and change, so whisk her away last second to somewhere unplanned and uncharted and she will remember you forever. Be her friend, let her have her freedom, flirt with her and take the relationship slowly, do not rush her. Be truthful, genuine, positive and adventurous and never play mind games. The lucky man will not only have a wonderful fun relationship but an adventurous companion as well.

Sagittarius Man in Love They seek him here, they seek him there... The Sagittarian man is hard to catch - not hard to interest, not difficult to enchant, just near impossible to get to the altar. He is terrific fun, quite the lad, but absolutely not into long-term commitment, in fact heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the zodiacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading commitment-phobe. Mr Sagittarius loves women who ooze feeling and mystery yet heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also drawn to females who wield power and influence. What drives him away are weeping and wailing, despair and need.

Sagittarius Positive Traits Sagittarius people are blessed with extraordinary intelligence with a thirst for knowledge. Thus, they like to keep their minds open and receptive so that they can acquire an insight from wherever the source is. They are very optimistic about life, good natured and jolly individuals. Sagittarians act as great mentors who love to share the knowledge they have acquired. They are hard-working in nature and love to initiate new activities. They show the trait of being idealistic and have strict set of values and principles governing their every action. They are born explorers and are constantly in search of new and innovative ideas. Main positive traits: Independent, optimistic, freedom-loving, jovial, honest, straightforward, intellectual and philosophical.

Sagittarius Negative Traits Sagittarians have a very short temper and they tend to get angry at the slightest provocation. These people may be masters in whatever they do. Sometimes the cheerfulness and optimism of Sagittarius people can be annoying and seem foolish in time of adversities. They are very passionate about pursuing new ventures and are often imposing on other individuals who do not share the same level of enthusiasm as them. Often Sagittarians can be pretty rude and upfront to people. These individuals get so caught up in their work that they often neglect their families and near and dear ones. Main negative traits: Unemotional, insensitive, frigid, impatient, blindly optimistic, careless, irresponsible, superficial, tactless and restless.

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Vodafone IMAX Red Carpet Event As the sponsor of IMAX cinema in Americana Plaza in Sheikh Zayed, Vodafone held IMAX red carpet event for screening James Bondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest movie Skyfall at the IMAX movie theater. It was a wonderful night with the classy elegant ambiance, the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization, the well chosen movie and the hi-tech theater screen. The red carpet idea added a touch of sparkle to the event which was a top notch occasion attended by top figures in the fields of movie making, media and business in Egypt.

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Holiday Inn

Celebrates 60 years Holiday Inn turns 60 this month, and Cairo is invited to join in the worldwide celebration of the diamond anniversary for this iconic brand at Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars. To celebrate Holiday Innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diamond anniversary, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars management team threw a cocktail party for the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests and top clients.

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Tea Celebration @

Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers Fairmont Hotels worldwide paid tribute to the grand tradition of “taking tea” with its “Get Steeped with Fairmont” program, expanded from one-day to a month of festivi‘teas.’ From November 3rd – 10th guests at the Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers enjoyed exclusive Egyptian mint-tea and Fairmont teas with cookies and tea cakes, while the Tea Master conducted shows and tastings. The bar featured a wide range of tea-infused cocktails and mocktails. The highlights of the celebration were two fabulous afternoon tea etiquette classes. The first class was the Japanese one which was conducted by Tea Master Tao at Noble House while the second class was the Indian Masala Chai class which was conducted by Indian Chef Arvinthe at Raj; guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with some of the most famous Japanese and Indian teas.

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Coral Beach Rotana Resort Hurghada Hosted the 1st Hurghada International Fine Arts Festival Coral Beach Rotana Resort Hurghada celebrated a very special event; the closing ceremony of Hurghada 1st International Fine Arts Festival on November the 7th, 2012. This festival was a sincere initiative for Love and Hope, supporting the tourism and national economy as well as enriching the cultural and art movement in Egypt. The festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closing ceremony was attended by a number of celebrities from a variety of fields including actors, fine arts artists, governmental figures and charity icons in the Middle East.

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Speeches were given during the night by Mr. Amr Adel, the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manager; Dr. Farouk Wahba, the fine arts icon; Mr. Mortada Anis, the president of the festival; Mr. Mahmoud Hemeida, the Egyptian actor; Mrs. Magda Sami, the founder of Ibtesama Charity Organization, Dr. Iman Negm, General Director; General Administrations for Grants and welfare for Artists and Writers, Ministry of Culture. All participating artists were honored. The festival was very successful blended with the feeling of loving Egypt and trying to make the best for it.

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Empress Eugenie & Khedive Ismail appear at the central balcony of Al Gezira Palace to celebrate 30 years of the

Cairo Marriott Hotel

The Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a lavish festivity that lit the skies of Cairo and brought back the splendor to this magnificent city. The gardens of Al Gezira Palace and the swimming pool area were beautifully decorated to host this exceptional event. Receiving the guests at Salon Royal was the marvelous tunes of Opera Aida, Mr & Mrs Richard Zeolla, General Manager of the Cairo Marriott Hotel. Empress Eugenie and Khedive Ismail appeared at the central balcony of Al Gezira Palace to mark the beginning of the festivities.

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The crowd enjoyed the melodies played by the RIFF Band and the chefs excelled with a scrumptuous buffet representing the main culinary attractions of the Hotel. The highlight of the event was when the guests moved to the swimming pool to watch the breathtaking fire show of the renowned Ahmed Essam and the lighting of 30 years of Cairo Marriott successes. Topping the surprises and ecstasy of the night was the amazing performance of the Chehade Brothers Band brought in especially from Beirut to be part of this impeccable event.

Nehal Ashraf & Abdelmoniem Mohamed engagement

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Hilton Pyramids Golf BAL masque Party

In a night of glamour and disguise Hilton Pyramids Golf held a BAL masque party to celebrate the Blue Energy teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning of the Blue Energy 2nd quarter award 2012 for Hilton hotels Middle East and Africa region. Ahmed Salama the General Manager welcomed Terry Jenkins, Director of Brand Culture and Education, Christian Grage, VP Operations Egypt and Levant and some of Hilton Egypt Managers who were amazed by the huge preparation, organization and the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s determination to surprise the guests with a lot of different costumes.

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O Bar Re-opens at Fairmont Nile City The Long Wait is Over, O Bar is Back with A Glittering Opening Party! O Bar is back with a brand new concept, design and music talent. With an extravagant opening party presenting Duo DJs Chocolate Puma from the Defected Label with a warm up by DJ Ouzu and resident DJs, Fairmont Nile City, Cairo brings you back O Bar in a wave of glitz and glamour that is typical of Cairo’s premier hotel. O Bar is set to infuse energy, style and first-class entertainment into the city’s bar scene. Already tipped to be one of the liveliest destinations for a perfect night out in Cairo, O Bar is taking up residence in the easy and secluded depths of the Fairmont Nile City where it’s expected to become a regular hang out for Cairo’s ever energetic glitterati.

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