thewoman-oct-12

WOMAN THE

OCTOBER 2012

FOOD

Delectable global favourites

HOWTO:

Handle temper tantrums in children Strike the perfect work-life balance

r e c n a C t s s SELENA a s e e n e GOMEZ Br r a w h TIMELESS ELEGANCE Fashion from Dibaj

Living like there’s no tomorrow

A ont M

Survivor Stories Myths Vs Facts

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OCTOBER 2012 VOL 10 NO. 114

FROM THE DESK EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Salman Ibrahim Al Balushi GROUP EDITOR Mayank Singh EDITOR Rekha Balakrishnan SENIOR JOURNALIST Myssaa Said Al Hinai DESIGN SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Sandesh S. Rangnekar SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Rajesh Burman

Pink for life How many of you do self breast-checks every month? Do you have a clinical breast examination done, at least once a year? Have you consulted your doctor on the right age and time to have a mammogram done?

PHOTOGRAPHER Basim Al Maharbi

If your answers to the above are yes, then we are proud that you are aware.

You give your health first priority, really love your family and yourself and

PRODUCTION MANAGER Govindraj Ramesh

understand that breast cancer can happen to anyone. You know that these checks are very important as early detection could mean an early and definite cure.

ADVERTISING & MARKETING BUSINESS HEAD Chandni Maniar ADVERTISING MANAGER Fareeda Sulaiman Al Balushi ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Komal SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Radha Kumar CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Sandeep Sehgal EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Alpana Roy DISTRIBUTION United Media Services LLC

PUBLISHED BY

But sadly, there are many of us who still continue to live in denial. We would like to believe that it always happens to someone else. We think that because we are in perfect health, there’s no need to go for a check-up, even if it’s offered free of cost.

Yes, we don’t get it when perceptive, thinking, intelligent women with reasonably good judgement about other things in life feel the same way about breast cancer. And that’s why how much ever we do for the cause of awareness is never enough. The message has to be reinforced, time and again, to make women act, and react before it’s too late.

In this issue, we profile four breast cancer survivors who have battled the disease and won. One of them told us, “This disease is like a war. How you win the war depends on how you fight it.” What binds these women together is not breast cancer, but the attitude; ‘if you have the will, determination and faith, you shall overcome.’ We also have a doctor enlightening us on the different myths and facts related to breast cancer.

United Press & Publishing LLC A Renaissance Services Company

It’s World Mental Health Day this month too. Read an insightful piece on the different upheavals women could face in different stages of their lives.

Understand that mental health is as important as being physically healthy.

P.O. Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Tel: 00 968 24700896 Fax: 00 968 24707939 e-mail: thewoman@umsoman.com website: www.almarathewoman.com All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publishers.

The rest of the issue is full of really cool people, all the hip things and the very hot happenings, lots of infotainment, just the way you like it. Check out the issue and enjoy the experience.

Copyright © 2012 United Press & Publishing LLC Printed in the Sultanate of Oman at Oman Printers & Stationers

Eid Mubarak and we’ll see you next month; until then, stay cool, people! e-magazine – logon to www.almarathewoman.com or email us at thewoman@umsoman.com to get your personal e-magazine

CONTENTS 50 FEATURE 52 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

8 12 14 17 24 26 28 34 36 42 46

COVER FEATURE Profiling four breast cancer survivors...

USEFUL INFO Debunking some common myths...

GOOD THINGS What you can buy to support the cause GLAM UP INTERVIEW Aida and Afaf Al Farsi on Dibaj and all things fashion GET THE LOOK The new Parisian Lodge collection from Bourjois BEAUTY BUZZ The Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm comes in eight mouth-watering shades FASHION GUIDE The jumpsuit is back with a bang Be a fall fashionista BEAUTY ZONE Your beauty check-list LOOKBOOK The Autumn-Winter Collection from Promod SLICE OF LIFE WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY FEATURE Different upheavals a woman goes through in her life PARENTING Understanding and tackling temper tantrums in children

56 60 64

68 69 70 71

Strike the perfect work-life balance with some simple resolutions BUZZ CELEBS Stunning women from the 20s to the 70s... to be continued...

SUPERSTAR Selena Gomez is the newest PYT...

R&R TRAVEL St Vincent and the Grenadines is a tropical paradise MY CITY, MY LIFE Charlotte Makala takes us through the sights and sounds of Dar es Salaam HEALTH PLUS Q&A with Dr. Smita Lulla HOME IMPROVEMENT AT HOME Simple steps to ‘green’ your home D-I-Y How to make your home comfortable and cosy PALATE CUISINE Some of the world’s most favourite foods PLUS: Events, About Town, Stargazing

WOMAN THE

OCTOBER 2012

FOOD

Delectable global favourites

HOWTO:

Handle temper tantrums in children Strike the perfect work-life balance

er Canscs t s a e Br wareneh

TIMELESS ELEGANCE Fashion from Dibaj

SELENA GOMEZ

Living like there’s no tomorrow

A ont M

Survivor Stories Myths Vs Facts

Cover Design: Sandesh S. Rangnekar

www.givenchy.com

NEW

Address your letters to: The Editor, The Woman, United Media Services P.O. Box: 3305, PC 112ŘŒ Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman or fax us at 24707939 or e-mail us at thewoman@umsoman.com

EL - TRAV R&R

ure Treansd Isla

Ode to beauty Your exhaustive beauty special was indeed a visual treat.

Pages and pages of the latest beauty products made me want to go on a shopping spree.

These pages along with ‘Get The Look’ ideas and loads of interesting stuff on beauty made the issue look lively, vibrant and glamorous. I also loved the Fall-Winter Fashion Lookbook from Desigual. Too bad they don’t have a store in Oman. I’m looking forward to my trip to Dubai to buy some of the dresses. Your feature on choosing the right scent also made delightful reading. Keep up the good work!

Natural beauty

6

OCTOBER 2012

MBER

54

SEPTE

2012

All about time

eeb KhanŘŒ S a id h a h S

“I don’t have time,� is a common refrain most of us are guilty of. Dr. Prema Seshadri’s is spot on when she says that this feeling comes up only when we feel over-burdened. It’s surprising that we lament about the lack of time when we have 24 hours in a day. Do we utilise this entire time available to us to the fullest? Yes, we need to keep occupied in a way that is productive and creative. Once we learn to do that, a feeling of positivity, fulfilment and contentment will surge through us, leading to happiness. And who doesn’t want to be happy?

Love yourself

Al Ki a h s a R Qurum

A

ON A YOU IAD KES AN TA F MYR ISHN LAND O ING A LAKR -TAK A BA I LANKA, EATH REKH SR BR D TO S AN TRIP RE TY SU PLEA AL BEAU UR NAT

Thank you for taking us on a magical trip to Sri Lanka. Like the author of the article, I too am attracted by places of scenic beauty that may necessarily not be really the ‘thronging with crowds’ tourist attractions. On my annual holiday, I look forward to rest and relaxation in the true sense where I can enjoy being ‘me’ without having to stress myself by being the ‘tourist type’. Sri Lanka seems to be a destination after my heart. I am already making plans thanks to your article. Here’s looking forward to more ‘R&R’ type destinations in The Woman.

shi l Balu A h a Sam wair u Al Kh

I was shocked, surprised and moved by the first-person account of a woman’s battle with her bodyimage issues. It’s very sad that we judge people by the way they look – how thin or fat they are. These misconceptions and judgements make us react in a way that could not only harm us physically but mentally as well. Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia are common but very few acknowledge them. I believe the media also plays a great role by celebrating images of stick-thin women. Yes, we must learn to love our bodies, the way they are and be happy with what we have. A balanced and healthy diet and loads of exercise will work wonders. ndy

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a to be what cipe be e re r is to to be, t mpl A si mothe child erapis ur th good ant yo tional w you occupa i Sarkar says Lakshm P.S.

12

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I loved P.S. Lakshmi Sarkar’s article on ‘mothers’. And the sentence, ‘A simple recipe to be a good mother is to be what you want your child to be’, filled my heart with joy. To be with our children at every step along the way, sharing their joy, holding their hands as they fall, instilling values so that they may go out into the world with a lot of strength, conviction and hope makes both our and our children’s lives meaningful and with purpose. As mums, we have a wonderful role to play in the well-being of our children. ami

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Al Ri a y i l A ra Ghub

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – COVER FEATURE

AGAINST ALL ODDS OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH THE WORLD OVER. FOUR SURVIVORS TELL THE WOMAN THEIR STORIES – OF HOPE, FAITH AND DETERMINATION…

r e e h c t an ean

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’ e . o e d f i l f o d n e ani

ss l Ha A a hriy Fak

“I am 29 years old and discovered a lump in my breast during a routine check-up in 2009. The doctors said it was cancer. I was shocked and did not know how to react. I went to India for a second opinion and the diagnosis was confirmed. A lumpectomy was done immediately.

“I decided to come back to Oman to begin my chemotherapy treatments at the Royal Hospital. I still remember my first session. It was a terrible experience; the nausea, dizziness, the desire to eat and other side-effects. By the second session, I was coming to terms with the treatment. After my course of treatments I went to India again for a check-up where they said I had no cancer.

“What did I learn during this period? To slow down and enjoy life! I was too busy until then with my work and studies. During this period, I became closer to my parents and learned to enjoy my relationship with them. I also became calm, strong and more in control of myself. I cannot thank my family and friends enough for all their love, care and support.

I am now studying psychology, positive to a large degree and understand that cancer does not mean the end of life. I now have the will to face anything…”

(As told to Myssaa Said Al Hinai)

8

OCTOBER 2012

“I noticed a lump in my breast in November 2010 and showed it to my mother who immediately suggested I go to the hospital to have it checked. I first went to the health centre where they asked me to go to the Royal Hospital. I underwent a mammogram, ultrasound and MRI. They told me it could be cancer. It came as a shock but my family rallied around and supported me in every way.

“We decided to take a second opinion from a hospital in Dubai where I went through the same tests. Surprisingly, the doctor there said that I did not have cancer. I went back to the Royal Hospital again where they reconfirmed their earlier diagnosis. I then decided to go to Bombay, India for another opinion. It was confirmed I had second stage breast cancer.

“I came back to Oman and had a lumpectomy at the Royal Hospital following which I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

d o G k n a e h t m “I g n i v i g ” . e r f i fo l d n o c e s a ari

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“During the treatment, my kids were confused and went through a hard time. It was terrible to see my hair fall. My second son saw something on television about cancer, came up to me and asked, ‘They say that people with cancer die. Will you?’ But I was very open with my children and very positive about my condition. I knew I had to be strong to fight the disease. Initially, when I heard the word ‘cancer’ I thought ‘why me?’

But I reassured myself that it was God’s way of reminding me of something. I go for regular checkups and am on hormonal therapy for five years.

Yes, I am afraid that the cancer may come back though my doctors assure me that there are very slim chances of that happening.

“How has my life changed after cancer? I have learned to be patient and more understanding.

I know what pain is and can understand the suffering sick people go through. I thank God for giving me a second life.

“I am now 36 years old. I need to think positive and be thankful for what I have – the love of my family and friends. Yes, life goes on…”

(As told to Rekha Balakrishnan)

s i e s a e s i w d o s H i ‘Th a war. war il ke in the w o w h u yo nds on ’ e . p t i e d t h g i f u yo mi

s l Qa A a il Jam

“I was in my early 40s when I felt a pain in my breast. I consulted my gynaecologist who referred me to the Royal Hospital. After investigation, they told me I had breast cancer and had to undergo a mastectomy immediately.

“I refused to believe I had cancer and asked to be discharged from hospital. My sister-in-law and other members of my family tried hard to convince me. Even though the doctor asked me not to delay the operation, I decided to seek a second opinion. I went to a clinic and received the same diagnosis.

“I underwent a mastectomy at the Royal Hospital in 2002 though I could say I was quite alone. I was divorced at that time and my four kids were with their father. I am a bank employee and took leave for a month. During this time, my family, friends and colleagues at the Bank were of immense support.

“I used to drive on my own for chemotherapy treatments. I would be there for a couple of hours, come home and do everything by myself. Later I also had to undergo radiotherapy for which I had to go to Al Ain. I asked my bank to transfer me to Buraimi for a short while so that I could also work while undergoing treatment.

“I did not believe I was sick until my hair started falling during chemotherapy. But all through this, the advice of a lady I had met during that time kept me going. She said, ‘This disease is like a war. How you win the war depends on how you fight it’.

“Two years after the operation, I went in for breast reconstruction surgery. I was on medication for five years and everything’s okay since then.

“To lose a breast does not mean life comes to a stop. You need to keep the faith, believe in yourself and the will of God. Death, I believe can come in any form; you can die without being sick. You have to learn to be compassionate and supportive of sick people.

“Life after cancer is all about your inner strength. I battled it alone and survived; I remarried, built my own house, was promoted as branch manager and expect more responsibilities at work. I am happy…”

(As told to Rekha Balakrishnan) R 2012 10 OCTOBER

a w o l l o F “ y h t l hea yle and t s r u e o f y li o t n e t s li ” . y bod ahy

w l Ra A r a Yuth

“I am a three-time cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with thyroid, cervical and breast cancer. It’s been 10 years since my diagnosis and I continue with regular medical check-ups every year.

“Being in remission does not mean the cancer won’t come back. Once you’ve had the cells in your body you cannot relax. If you have breast cancer, you need to keep checking the other breast. If you’ve had cervical cancer, you need to do your pap smears and for thyroid, you need to take ultrasounds regularly.

“So far I’ve been keeping healthy because I’m determined to follow a healthy lifestyle. As a cancer survivor, this is very important.

“Your whole outlook changes after cancer. I’ve become more spiritual. A few weeks before my follow-up, I become jittery. I am a human being after all. I do have this apprehension that they may find something. But this does not deter me from going. I am all for early detection and all my cancers were detected early.

“Medical check-ups should be mandatory after a certain age. Also, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle and listen carefully to the little signals your body gives you.

Awareness is also important… and it’s heartening to see many women today coming forward to talk about being a cancer survivor. Support groups means caring and sharing and we need more of that.”

(As told to Rekha Balakrishnan)

(The Woman thanks Yuthar Al Rawahy and the National Association for Cancer Awareness for their help with this article. For more information on NACA and its activities, please call Toll Free No: 800 77477 or write to ocancer@omantel.net.om)

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The National Association for Cancer Awareness will have special lectures on breast cancer, clinical breast examinations and other activities. The Mobile Mammography Unit will also be stationed at the Centre for the entire month. The Annual Cancer Awareness Walk is on October 16 from 4 to 6.30pm at the Midan Al Fateh car park, Wattayah.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – USEFUL INFO MYTH: Breast cancer affects women only.

FACT: One per cent of men are affected by breast cancer.

GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT!

Fact: More than 25 per cent affected are below 50 years.

Myth: Breast cancer is hereditary, i.e., if your mother/sister/grandmother has breast cancer, you will get it too.

Fact: Only 10-15 per cent affected has significant family history.

DR. RAJYASHREE N. KUTTY, DEBUNKS SOME COMMON MYTHS ABOUT BREAST CANCER AND GIVES YOU THE FACTS. BE AWARE!

Myth: If no one in the family has breast cancer, you will not get it at all.

Every day, we come across various myths and beliefs about breast cancer. It is easy to get misguided by these numerous beliefs. Do not believe blindly in all that you hear, always seek your doctor’s advice or evidence based information.

Breast cancer myths can either encourage unwarranted confidence that you won’t get breast cancer, or generate undue fear that you will. Wrong ideas about cancer may hurt our chances of making informed decisions, which may prove costly in the long term.

Myth: Breast cancer can be passed on through breast milk to baby.

Fact: Breast milk and breast feeding does not pass on or spread breast cancer to baby.

12 OCTOBER 2012

Myth: Breast cancer affects older women only.

Fact: More than 80 to 85 per cent of women who develop breast cancer do not have any family history.

Myth: Only mothers are responsible for passing on the mutated genes to cause cancer.

Fact: Gene mutations on chromosome 17 like BRCA 1 & BRCA 2, responsible for these cancers can be inherited from either the father or the mother.

Myth: Breast cancer can spread from person to person by close contact.

Fact: Breast cancer is not contagious.

Myth: Post-menopausal women, pregnant women and women who have had their uterus removed do not get breast cancer and so breast check and mammogram are not needed.

Fact: Women of all ages can develop breast cancer, so it is mandatory to have a regular breast check (self-breast exam/clinical doctor exam/ and mammogram) as per international recommendations.

Myth: Cancerous breast lumps are painless.

Fact: Cancerous breast lumps are usually painless, but not always.

Myth: Mastectomy is the only surgical treatment modality for breast cancer.

Fact: Breast conservative surgery and breast constructive surgery are surgical options for breast cancer patients.

Myth: Self-breast examination is a good enough test for detecting breast cancer.

Fact: Self-breast examination only helps to know what is normal for one’s own breast and detect any abnormality.

It has to be followed by an examination by the doctor and imaging in case of any abnormality.

Myth: Mammogram is painful and its radiation causes breast cancer.

Fact: Mammogram gives only momentary pain, and the radiation is very minimal, it does not cause or spread cancer. It is the gold standard to identify breast cancer at a very early stage.

Myth: Nipple discharge and armpit lumps are not significant.

Fact: Any nipple discharge apart from milk, and also armpit abnormalities should be evaluated by the doctor.

Myth: All breast lumps are cancerous and have to be operated.

Fact: Eighty-five per cent of breast lumps are benign or not cancerous and do not need surgery.

Myth: High fat foods, not having children and not breast feeding, etc can cause breast cancer Fact: High fat foods lead to excess body weight, which in turn leads to increased estrogen levels.

Not having children, not breast feeding, and menstruation also increase estrogen levels, that in turn is responsible for proliferation of normal breast cells as well as mutated breast cancer cells.

Myth: Use of deodorants, anti-perspirants, black bras or wired bras, cell phones, hair dyes, may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Fact: Until now, many research studies have been conducted but there is no evidence to show any connection with deodorants/wired bras or perfumes and breast cancer.

Myth: We cannot prevent getting breast cancer.

Fact: You can definitely minimise your risk of getting breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight; avoiding alcohol and smoking, too much coffee, doing regular exercise; eating a healthy diet, minimising the use of hormone therapy; breast feeding your baby at least for a year and reducing stress.

Myth: Breast cancer is fatal and means the end of the world with very less hope for survival. Once treated and cured for breast cancer, you will never get breast cancer, there is no need for annual checks.

Fact: If detected early, up to 98 per cent of women survive at least five years, and 85- 90 per cent survive at least 10 years. With a better understanding of the nature of the disease and the advent of newer and better forms of treatment modalities, the number of deaths due to breast cancer, have fallen sharply. Once a woman has been treated for breast cancer, she should have an annual mammogram and check by the doctor as there is increased risk of breast cancer in the other breast.

Dr. Rajyashree N. Kutty is Director/Specialist, Barakath Al Noor Clinic – Specialised Surgical & Breast Care Centre.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS RENESS MONTH – GOOD THINGS

In the Pink

THIS YEAR, THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES’ BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IS CELEBRATING ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY AND HONOURING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EVELYN H. LAUDER, BCA CAMPAIGN FOUNDER AND PINK RIBBON CO-CREATOR. HERE ARE SOME PRODUCTS YOU CAN BUY TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE

Bobbi Brown Pink Peony Set (Illuminating Bronzing Powder & Mini Face Blender Brush) Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip Collection (This lip-loving duo offers a full-size Pure Color Lipstick in Candy, a shade chosen

by Evelyn Lauder, a Pure Color Gloss in Pink Innocence, chosen by Elizabeth Hurley, featured in a chic pink snakeskin printed clutch.)

Estée Lauder Perfectionist CP+R Wrinkle-Lifting Serum with Pink Ribbon Keychain

Clinique The Great Lips Great Cause key ring (Featuring a heart-shaped ribbon charm, Clinique “C” charm and three mini-Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 glosses in Clearly Pink, Air Kiss and Cabana Crush.)

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion Elizabeth Hurley 14 OCTOBER 2012

Evelyn Lauder

FENDI.COM

MARK RONSON

EVENT

A CELEBRATION OF WOMAN POWER The second edition of the Al Mar’a Excellence Awards will applaud, acknowledge and honour Omani women from different fields…

The countdown to the most lookedforward-to annual event celebrating women achievers has begun. The Al Mar’a Excellence Awards has received a phenomenal number of nominations from women across different categories, offering a wide selection of winners to choose from this year.

The event, to be held on Sunday, October 7 at The Crowne Plaza Gardens promises to be a scintillating one that will be attended by the who’s who of Muscat. They will applaud women achievers from all fields as they are felicitated for their extra-ordinary achievements. It will also reveal the passion and inspiration of women who have aspired to attain great accomplishments in their chosen field of work. This passion, we believe, will be instrumental in motivating other Omani women and increasing a commitment that will further drive the talent of today and create the leaders of tomorrow.

Nominations for the Awards were conducted through an online process, where women either nominated themselves or those who they felt were deserving of the Awards.

The Al Mar’a Excellence Awards will honour women from the following fields and profiles.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Corporate Leadership She leverages her achievements and business acumen to facilitate change and create opportunities.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Fashion Design The ultimate accolade, which recognises an acclaimed designer who has made a significant impact in the nation and abroad.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Performing Arts She is an individual whose energy and excellence have defined or redefined the art 16 OCTOBER 2012

for today’s discerning audiences.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Fine Arts She is an individual whose energy and excellence have defined or redefined the art forms of painting/sculpting/ photography.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Educational Services She contributes through practice, research or administration in a learning environment, including the education system, employee training and community education.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation She has taken an innovative approach to solving a problem, filling a need or breaking into a new market.

She is a leader in the petroleum services industry and is committed to the advancement of energy services.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Social Responsibility She is unwavering in her commitment to her community/environment and to uplifting and empowering the under privileged.

In addition, there will be awards for Woman of the Year and the Most Promising Woman of the Year. The Awards will judge achievers according to different parameters like innovation and creativity, the impact their contributions have had in society, their leadership abilities and the goals achieved.

The final ranking process with be appraised by our official assessment partner, Ernst & Young.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Health Services She is unwavering in her commitment to building healthy communities by elevating the values of physical, mental or spiritual well-being.

What’s a red carpet event without some dazzling entertainment? Featuring at the Awards function will be Extravaganza Show from Moscow, a group of talented and professional artistes who will perform a scintillating and enthralling light-mirror laser show.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for achievements in Science and Industry She is dedicated to the advancement of scientific or industrial discovery or application.

The Al Mar’a Excellence Awards symbolises what Al Mar’a magazine stands for – different shades of a woman and celebrates her diverse achievements so that she becomes a role model for future generations to follow.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Technology She is a leader in technical know-how and is committed to the advancement of technology.

The event is being held in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development.

We are also proud to have on board: Official Auditing Partners: Ernst & Young.

Strategic Partner: Audi. Support Partners: ONIC Holding (National Life & General and Oman Orix Leasing Company SAOG), Jotun Paints, Jawahir Oman, Home Centre, Areej Vegetable Oils and Muscat Pharmacy (Givenchy). Media Partners: Times of Oman & Al Shabiba.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Sports She is an exceptional woman who has taken her country to new heights of fame and success in the field of sports.

Al Mar’a Excellence Award for Petroleum Services

GLAM UP - INTERVIEW

Of silk & soul

Design duo Afaf and Aida Al Farsi of Dibaj fashion house have taken the fashion industry by storm by breathing new life into tradition and adapting it to contemporary fashion. In an interesting tete-a-tete with The Woman, the sisters talk of all things fashion, the scene in Muscat and much more

Dibaj, the Muscat-based fashion house is rooted in a timeless culture but born of a love for style. Combining the forms of European fashion with Omani references, the collections are based on sensuous chiffons, luxurious velvets, sumptuous silks and always wearable jerseys and cottons. The house’s classical styles draw upon Oman’s essence to offer collections of understated elegance. Although sisters Afaf and Aida Al Farsi launched Dibaj in 2008, they have been designing from as far back as they can remember. Inspired by the varied cultures and influences they were exposed to on their travels with their father, a diplomat, the sisters began to experiment with fabric and form. Encouraged by the response from friends and family, they launched their own boutique under the name that means ‘silk’ in Arabic. The design duo is a favourite at Muscat Fashion Week and has been depicting the metamorphosis of Omani fashion on the runway.

Dibaj’s fashion line is complemented by a jewellery collection that comprises iconic Omani gold and silver pieces reinterpreted into modern accessories with the use of fabrics, leather, beads, semi-precious stones and the brand’s signature flor de lis charm.

Today, Afaf takes care of the creative aspect of the fashion house, while Aida designs the jewellery lines and manages the business. The result is a fashion brand that personifies elegance in its flowing lines and drapery that encapsulate modern styles with elements from Oman’s past.

The sisters speak to The Woman on what defines Dibaj as a fashion brand, the creative process and the passion that drives them.

Tell us about your foray into fashion design.

We first began at home as our family’s honorary fashion designers and soon identified a niche in the market. Encouraged by the response from friends and family, we launched our brand in 2008 to cater to Omani women who have a penchant for contemporary fashion but want to dress elegantly in culturally-relevant and appropriate dresses.

What are your fondest memories of your first collection?

Our first collection of 15 pieces was shown exclusively to our family and closest friends. The fondest memory was of all of us wearing the collection’s dresses and modelling them to our best efforts. Seeing firsthand that our designs made women feel elegant, sophisticated and confident inspired us to grow and develop both the brand and business further.

What inspires your creative process?

The souq is our muse and we often roam its labyrinth for inspiration to encapsulate elements of the past in our modern designs. We are inspired by our heritage and its potential for a revival. Take the Omani gold spiked cuff for example, this has been in our culture for generations, yet it is a fairly new trend in the fashion world. Oman’s treasures have been forgotten for more Western trends and design is a medium through which we breathe life back into tradition by reinterpreting it into modern and relevantly fashionable styles.

What are your favourite fashion brands and why?

Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin and Balenciaga are brands that emulate fashion at its very best. Synonymous with simple elegance, you can identify pieces from their collections a mile away.

What can you tell us about the fashion scene in Oman?

We have come a long way and have established a platform for fashion, as seen with the country’s very own Fashion Week. Omanis have become more fashion-conscious and adventurous with individual and unique tastes. There are still challenges in being a fashion house in Oman and we find ourselves travelling to source a variety of materials, yet we are fortunate to be a part of the fashion movement. As the industry is 18 OCTOBER 2012

developing, we find that people are more welcoming and encouraging of diversity and it is exciting to have creative freedom instead of being stifled by trends.

What sets your collections and designs apart?

We are traditionalists at heart and our collections are born of a love for our heritage coupled with an admiration for style. Modern tailoring celebrates the female form while details accent our Omani roots. The fusion of contemporary tailoring and ethnic embellishments makes our designs wearable not only in Oman but abroad.

What are five fashion trends you think will be the rage this year?

The trends we are excited about are jewel embellishments, vibrant colours, gorgeous lace, and demurring velvets for the winter season.

Also, the combination of black and white is always a favourite.

How do you enjoy the design process?

There are no barriers and it is a liberating experience to sketch down and translate our ideas into something tangible. We are leaving behind our legacy in designs that reflect our style.

Do you think traditional Middle Eastern designs are losing popularity or is the trend of fusion ‘in’?

Middle Eastern designs are not losing popularity, on the contrary, they are being revived and infused into contemporary fashion. Dresses in this region have design foundations that are timeless and we have adapted it to flatter the wearer with regal drapery while still being conservative. With this fusion trend, fashion can make strides without sacrificing social mores.

Which traditional Omani accents most influence your collections?

Omani silver threadwork most commonly seen on the cuffs of traditional pants and blouses inspire our signature pieces. Bedouin weaving also influences our collections and is used to decorate the neckline or accentuate waistlines and hemlines.

Can you tell us about your jewellery line?

Our jewellery line was created in our grandmother’s spirit, she always wore traditional Omani silver and we did not want that to disappear with time.

The line is wearable and trendy while being historic and representative of a rich heritage. We have combined traditional and timeworn pieces of silver Omani jewellery and ornaments such as kohl-applicators and khanjar belt buckles with boldly-coloured strands of fabric, leather, semiprecious stones and beads in a reinterpreted and contemporary style.

What does fashion and beauty mean to you?

Fashion is the embodiment of your individuality and a representation of your personal style. Beauty should be in the eye of the beholder and confidence is the key to wearing any ensemble elegantly.

Aida Al Farsi is co-founder and creative director of jewellery and Afaf Al Farsi is co-founder and creative director of fashion.

20 OCTOBER 2012

A REGAL AFFAIR!

GLAM UP – EVENT

Fashion found inspiration in the past as the AW’12 Splash fashion show revisited the realm of Kings and Queens…

S

wishing gowns, bow ties, and ornate jewellery was the flavour of the evening as UAE’s finest walked into an arena set with chandeliers and opulent candles in the elegant Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah. The evening was graced with the most imperial of trends, coming together for one magnificent moment.

The posh, contemporary evening saw 65 international models sashay down the catwalk showcasing a minimalistic mix of culture and trends. Splash Fashion Royale was an intimate affair with only 3,000 guests including consumers, students and opinion makers.

Showcasing a mélange of traditional and contemporary the opulent ‘runway’ feast fit for

22 OCTOBER 2012

royalty was divided into four catwalks with just two rows on each side giving every guest an opportunity to enjoy the show in close-quarters to the ramp.

With the AW’12 blockbuster trends already at the top of every fashionistas shopping list, the Splash runway married themes beautifully with each other to offer high-voltage fashion.

Ranging from retro mix of the 19th century to tapestry and heritage classics and all the way to military alongside some Eastern futurism, the trends were given a spin providing chic and elegant fashion. Glossy satins, lace, sumptuous knits, fur, exotic skins, feathers, embellishments and sequins are back into the wardrobe with black in plentiful with an offbeat

mix of electric blackberry, bitter chocolate, aubergines and plum brown darks being the predominant colours. The silhouettes were all about sharp tailoring, peplums, throw-on or slouchy jacket shapes, while glamorous evening wear were decorated with luxurious lace and embroidered with touches of gold.

Pea coats and capes teamed with pencil or long pleat skirts, pocketed sweatshirts with skinny pants and jumpsuits remained an integral part of the collection while beautifully brocaded kimono jackets, elaborate obi belts, cheongsam-style dresses in rising-sun red colour were a hit on the ramp.

The entire collection was teamed with accessories to covet with and which made

each ensemble stand out.

As the 20-minute action on the ramp came to a halt, the intimate setting of the show was instantly converted into the after party arena that resembled a courtyard arena sated with birch trees and a very oriental dĂŠcor keeping in sync with the kimono inspired trend for the season. Guests danced into the wee hours of the night on the latest hits.

To get your pick of the latest looks and styles that range from vintage to modern chic head to any Splash store, where the collection will be available from now until December 2012 and to revisit moments from the show, tune in to Youtube.com/SplashFashion.

GLAM UP – GET THE LOOK

THE GREAT ESCAPE

For Autumn 2012, Bourjois invites you to experience adventure and escapism, with its new Parisian Lodge collection Inspired by all things nature; earthy browns and vibrant greens combine with mustard and burgundy, for a touch of tribal beauty. Bold prints teamed with python designs accessorise this directional beauty look for Autumn 2012.

Wild Glamour Hypnotic eyes are dressed in Vert Jungle or Brun Wood halos, two new high fashion harmonies!

Nails intrigue and seduce with their new mustard and burgundy python décor, for a fun and on trend design.

The lips are subtly pink, in a pretty, smooth finish.

Amazon eyes This autumn, the focus is on the eyes. The eyes coloured in vibrant and intense animal shades enhanced with a stroke of black liner, and as a final touch, the lashes go XL!

2 new Smoky Eye Trio Harmonies

13 Brun wood: a harmony of red and metallic browns in tune with trends for autumn 2012.

14 Vert jungle: a harmony of greens with a dash of metallic yellow for a hypnotic look.

TOP TIPS: Apply the lighter shade all over the eyelid to add light and create the make-up base. Apply the medium shade to the centre of the eyelid and blend outwards and upwards. The darker shade is used as liner at the roots of the lashes or in the outer corner to sculpt the eyes.

Cat eyes for all! With Intuitive Liner, the latest innovation from Bourjois. Bourjois launches its first ‘smart eye liner’ allowing fool-proof application of the perfect cat eye effect.

Thanks to a new simple and effective technique, applying liner becomes child’s play! With its ultra-precise triplepointed felt tip, Intuitive liner finally offers the straight line result so difficult to obtain with a conventional liner.

Taking its inspiration from the pointillisme (dotting) technique, Bourjois has developed a new way of lining: simply tap the triple-point liner along the lash line to draw a perfect straight line. There are fewer risks of overlapping or wobbly lines!

With its intense black formula, Intuitive Liner also offers long-lasting hold, up to 24 hours.

1 shade: 02 Noir

XL lashes with Volumizer Mascara in Ultra Black

To perfect your Amazon gaze, don’t neglect the lashes!

They should be long, extremely volumised and ultra-black!

24 OCTOBER 2012

Wildly trendy nails In mustard and burgundy or brick red, the nails are attention seeking with: A new So Laque Ultra Shine nail enamel shade.

The So Laque Ultra Shine family is extended with the arrival of a distinguished and glamorous deep red: n°47 Rouge Défendu, a radiant burgundy.

And ‘Fashion alert!’ a Python top coat!

Python is a feature of the trendiest manicures this autumn! Bourjois launches its Python Top Coat, a top coat that elegantly reproduces the fine scales of the python for a refined and adventurous nail art manicure.

The model is wearing: Smoky Trio 14 Vert Jungle, Intuitive Liner 02 Noir, Volumizer Ultra Black mascara 08 Ultra Black, Sweet Kiss lipstick 49 Rose Alluré, So Laque Ultra Shine nail enamel 39 Jaune Trendy and Python Top Coat.

GLAM UP – BEAUTY BUZZ

LUSCIOUS LIPS

The popular Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm now comes in eight irresistible shades… Here’s more on why the product is a worldwide phenomenon

Did you know that the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm continues to be a rage among fashionistas all over the globe even receiving prestigious accolades like the Marie Claire Prix d’Excellence de la Beaute in the UK, Greater China, South Africa and Australia.? They’ve also become a must-have among industry insiders and Hollywood’s elite.

These multi-tasking, moisturising, colourful lip crayons have scribbled their way into the hearts of devoted fans everywhere. In fact, Chubby Stick is Clinique’s #1 lip product worldwide. To chubbify the Chubby Stick craze, Clinique is introducing eight new mouthwatering hues with stay-true colour and buildable coverage ranging in shades from oranges to pinks to fuchsias and violets. Have a little colour… or a lot with: Heaping Hazelnut, Bountiful Blush, Two Ton Tomato, Oversized Orange, Mighty Minosa, Curvy Candy, Pudgy Peony and Voluptuous Violet.

Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm has a highly moisturising formula that uses a special blend of decadent butters, oils and antioxidants to help protect and pamper lips with immediate and lasting moisturisation. Infused with Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil, Chubby Stick delivers a surge of moisture in a sleek stick leaving lips soft, supple and soothed. Packaged in the same convenient retractable barrel, this balm-like formula makes ‘on-the-go’ application a cinch – no mirror required. To apply, simply twist the base to expose more balm and twist back down before replacing the cap.

Jenna Menard, Clinique Global Colour Artist tells us more about the product and throws in a few interesting tips as well.

Why are Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms one of your favorite products?

Chubby Sticks have just the right combination of colour, moisture and ease! The colour is buildable allowing the range to start at a tinted balm and reach a unique finish lipstick if layered. There really aren’t many products like it and no matter who I put it on they always pull away and look at the packaging and say ‘Oooo what is that you are using on me - I love this thing’. It’s unlike other lipsticks – it travels well and can be used for any type of look, whether it’s for a morning meeting or a night out on the town. Before Chubby Sticks I never carried a lip product with colour in my purse – now you will mostly likely find Chunky Cherry in my possession 24/7. I also like it because its multifunctional – in a pinch, I dab it on cheeks for a natural believable flush cheek.

26 OCTOBER 2012

Why do you think Chubby Stick is a perfect product for a modern ‘on the go woman’?

Today, women are busier than ever, multi-tasking and living at a fast pace. And because they are always on the go, they recognise the importance of health now more than ever, and looking for beauty products that use ‘good-for-you’ ingredients to achieve healthy looking skin. In addition to a healthy skin care regimen, women want make-up that’s good for the skin, easy to use and have a beautiful colour payoff.

Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm is for the women on-the-go, looking for an easy to apply lip balm with a gorgeous sheer colour payoff. Chubby Stick is available in eight mouth-watering shades and is highly moisturising that provides buildable coverage.

How do you recommend incorporating bright colours into your make-up routine?

During the warmer months there are lots of trends that can be worn and the options are endless. Trends tend to lean towards a more simply stated look when summer rolls around. Spring and summer are definitely the times of year to incorporate brighter colours into your beauty routine, and you can do this with lips, eyes and even cheeks. Try a more daring shade on the lips, a trace of an eyeliner or eyeshadow that will withstand the rising temperature or a poppy blush colour to add an all over pick-me-up to the face.

I prefer choosing to focus on the eyes or the lips rather than both, especially when using shades that have a kick to them. This doesn’t mean to skip the other feature all together; it just means choosing shades that will not compete with each other but complement each other. Try these: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Super Strawberry paired with a neutral shadow for the eyes like Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour in Seventh Heather and Quickliner for Eyes in Smoky Brown. Mascara is a nice way to bring attention to the eyes without overdoing the colour. High Lengths Mascara and Bottom Lash Mascara are the perfect match for your lashes.

Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in a more subtle shade like Whole Lotta Honey with a brighter eye liner, such as Cream Shaper for Eyes like Deep Cobalt and adding a little blush with help balance out the face.

GLAM UP – FASHION GUIDE

IN ONE PIECE Have you jumped onto the jumpsuit bandwagon yet?

If not, you are missing out on the return of fashion’s biggest trend this year…

Rihanna, Beyoncé and other A-listers have made the jumpsuit fashionable this year by even wearing them to red carpet events.

Which means, suddenly everyone’s discovering the one piece made famous by every sky diver, skier or astronaut out there.

But this one’s not your normal utilitarian garment.

It comes in new avatars, from shimmering silk to soft cotton; jumpsuits have been reinvented according to the season’s best trends.

Stella McCartney

But it’s not cool to just pick on any jumpsuit and decide you are a fashionista. Know which one suits your body type.

If you are petite, a touch of tuxedo is what you need.

Pair it up with chunky heels or wedges. And those who are fortunate enough to be size zero can go get themselves wide-legged jumpsuits, jersey style. If you are in the mood for fun and frolic, opt for printed cotton or denim jumpsuits that give off a casual, yet trendy look. The trick in showing off your jumpsuit is to of course, get your accessories right! A belt, a clutch, chunky earrings – all go a long way in transforming the jumpsuit into a chic outfit.

28 OCTOBER 2012

Here are some hot jumpsuit trends. Look smart. Look chic.

PAIR IT UP

A jacket makes the jumpsuit more subtle especially if you are wearing it for the first time. A plain jumpsuit with a floral or pastel jacket makes you look stunning and ready to rock any party.

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

Black is good choice if you want to look slim. It’s also sophisticated and can anyone ever go wrong with black?

DRESS UP

Go on, be a knockout even in a jumpsuit. Wear a bejewelled satin number that shows off your curves like never before.

AT WORK

And now, so do’s and don’ts to keep in mind: Don’t go for crazy prints. You don’t want drama in your life when you don’t need it.

A denim jumpsuit is a great idea for a grungy, street look. Comfortable for all your shopping jaunts.

High-heels are a must when you are wearing a jumpsuit to a party. You’ll be the epitome of elegance.

Don’t go super-tight… Seen hanging out of jumpsuits is not the right way to grab attention.

So there you go! If a recent stunning image of Emma Stone in a backless halter-neck emerald green jumpsuit at New York Fashion Week is any indication, jumpsuits are not going out of fashion, for a long time to come. Get your ‘onesie’ now, and rock it!

Jessica Wright

Grace Woodward

Take your jumpsuit to work by choosing a style that is formal but not intimidating. Find a jumpsuit with sleeves and a long pant in solid colour. Wear a belt to separate the look if desired. Pair with boots and a blazer or camisole and you are office-ready, jumpsuit style. Team up with some glamorous accessories if you are going to take the look from day to night.

GLAM UP – FASHION GUIDE

Fall Fever Mahreen Sohail tells you how to embrace the new season with a wardrobe that suits your style…

In a month or so, we’ll be slowly leaving summer behind. It will soon be that time of the year again, when the slight nip in the air will make us sing in joy. And as seasons change, so does fashion…

Where are the light cotton scarves, the thin jackets, the ankle boots that you’ve bought solely for the glamour aspect – it’s not cold enough to worry about warmth yet. It will soon be time to say hello to warm tea and ginger snap cookies. But the best part of the season change? It’s time once again to take stock of your life, to re-evaluate your choices.

We’re talking about your wardrobe of course! And to help you out, because we’re good like that, this month we’re bringing you the hottest fall colour combinations.

Ready? Here goes!

30 OCTOBER 2012

Black

To be fair, black’s never really out of fashion. But after the bright hues of summer it’s nice to have more of a reason to wear it. Designers like Salvatore Ferragamo pay homage to the eternal elegance of the colour this fall.

Pair black pieces in your wardrobe with the bright colours of summer to reflect the toning down of seasons and to subdue their effect.

Think black and red or black and sea blue.

And if all else fails – you can’t go wrong with all black!

Rosy Pink

This one’s a new one. Though normally associated with Spring – after the neons of the previous season, now the rosy pink seems classically subdued. Think Nina Ricci, Alexander McQueen; designers are embracing the rosy hue this autumn to keep it light and romantic. After all, we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. Pair the pink with white for an elegant look this fall.

Mature Mustard

Say goodbye to acid-yellow. That particular colour has matured into a warmer shade of mustard for the fall.

Sounds boring but looks – well it looks comforting and warm! Designers like Guy Laroche and Bill Tornade are all over this colour. Tuck a loose-fitting plain mustard shirt into high rise brown pants – add a lighter yellow bag and voila! How fast can you say fashionista?

Pretty Shades Ah, this opulent version of red and purple is the must have colour this season. The lush warmth of this hue can be toned down by pairing it with leather or metallic pieces to create a cool textural effect that is both pretty and attractive. You’ve all seen those Bordeaux coloured pants with the skinny legs. We’re dubbing those the must have fall item. Pair those with a sleek metal blouse to be the ‘chicest’ chick on the block.

GLAM UP – FASHION GUIDE

Print Your Heart Out

The block colours this fall signify opulence and warmth. There’s muted reds, blues, greens, pastel – we’re seeing a range of things out there for you. But it would be a crime to leave out the prints.

Floral, paisley and checked prints are still flourishing so use them to spice up your wardrobe.

And don’t forget the tweeds!

Tweed jackets? Not just for the academics anymore – they’re heatin’ up the chilly autumn, girls, so go get yourself one!

32 OCTOBER 2012

Light Beiges and Peaches Pastels are always classy. They’re this fall’s must have ‘accessory colour’.

Dilute the bright red, greens and blues by pairing them with pastels and what do you get? A look that’s fun and flirty! Try pairing a light beige jacket with a bright red top and see where that gets you! We’re bettin’, pretty far!

So there you have it, ladies – be splendiferous this season and embrace the richness of the warm, muted hues. But remember the cardinal wardrobe colour rules – bright colours must be toned down with subtler hues, loose clothes with more fitted pieces. Never go for something that’s all sequins. Think subtlety, think wealth, but most of all think layers. Get those light cover ups out of storage, encase yourself in light scarves and sunglasses. So go get dressed and get out there; there’s a world out there waiting to be wooed, a season dying to be conquered. And psst…try and look great while doing it!

GLAM UP - BEAUTY ZONE

Big Idea Give your eyes the bewitching Cleopatra look with Queen Attitude Mascara along with Khol Kajal from Bourjois. Queen Attitude Mascara is a multi-benefit volumising mascara that makes your eyes appear twice as big. The Queen Attitude Khol Kajan is a coneshaped kohl, with an intense black and very soft formula with powdery finish, ideal to create the graphic look seen on fashion runways.

Rose Whispers The seduction of the rose, the universal and eternal scent, is once again brought to life with the modernity of Mauboussin’s touch. A fresh and soft formula, both creamy and gel-like, that immediately melts on the skin like a sorbet. Rose Pour Elle Sorbet Cream envelops the wearer in a whisper of happily-ever-after.

34 OCTOBER 2012

Youthful Spirit Angel Schlesser Pirouette has been created for the dynamic and contemporary spirit; a new fragrance for women. Stimulating and dynamic it is sweet and positive, affectionate and cordial. Pirouette, exemplifies just that, with notes including bergamot, black currant, plum, rose, freesia, iris, lily of the valley, orchid, jasmine, cocoa beans, white musk, amber, cedar, vanilla, and patchouli.

Lots of sweet notes mixed with some spice, a perfect way to describe ballet dance, and most of all the dance term for a turn, pirouette.

All the beauty stuff you simply must have…

Style File M·A·C interprets a vivid fall colour collection, Styleseeker in tones influenced by the spirit and style of a global wanderer. Translucent, buildable, Powder Blush adds glow. Eye Shadow Duos create brilliant, sultry effects punctuated with Fluidline. Classic Mattene Lipstick is revived for dramatic, dense colour that lasts for hours.

Lipglass gets fresh flair in new shades, and Nail Lacquer in jewel tones and metallics extend the opulence to the tips of the fingers.

It lasts and lasts Rimmel London introduces new Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation, its first transfer-proof foundation that lasts up to a full 25 hours. Available in six suit-all shades, Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation with naturally flawless coverage delivers up to 25 hours of stay-true colour and shine control – that’s a full day, night and more of coverage. And with its beautifully lightweight feel, this foundation is a dream to apply and wear.

Flower Power A declaration and a perfume of everlasting love, dedicated to elegant, impertinent and irresistibly sensual women, Mademoiselle Ricci by Nina Ricci is a pink woody floral set against musk and white wood, enveloping and deliciously attractive, in which each note reveals the facets of Mademoiselle Ricci. It comes in an emblematic bottle with its metallic couture, reinterpreted in powder pink.

A Revelation A new interpretation of Alien by Thierry Mugler, Alien Essence Absolue this magnetic fragrance illuminates the skin in a halo of light. Crafted with the finest materials, it offers an olfactory alternative to the original Eau de Parfum. An intense amber, floral, vanilla perfume, its trail is a sensory treasure in three ‘revelations’.

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

How cool is that?

The Promod Collection AutumnWinter Collection 2012 brings fresh transitional pieces for the season to effortlessly ease you into the cooler months ahead.

36 OCTOBER 2012

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK The use of vivid playful brights continues this season in everything from cropped red trousers and leather jackets, to orange skirts, and yellow wellington boots. Bold geometric prints also make their debut in classically designed dresses for a Constructivist -inspired look.

38 OCTOBER 2012

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

One of the freshest trends leading the way is ‘Faux Real’. Promod incorporates this into its collection with snakeskin print tops, subtle zebra printed skirts, and colour injected faux fur scarves. You can pair these items with a cropped fitted jacket if you’re going for a more understated look.

40 OCTOBER 2012

r e H n I ind M WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY FEATURE

Good mental health is an important part of a woman’s overall health.

Sayyida Basma Al Said and Roma Fernandes take us through the different upheavals a woman could face in different stages of her life. Knowing, understanding and seeking help when needed is the way forward…

42 OCTOBER 2012

e Ttheens ) s r a e y 8 1

Mental disorders are not gender specific but in some disorders like depression there is a likelihood that women are more affected than men.

This is due to various hormonal changes that a woman goes through in her lifetime. If we go through different stages in a woman’s life cycle we would be able to categorise them into four general areas. This is being done just to give a brief picture of what a woman goes through at different points in her life and should not be considered as strict guidelines.

(13-

She came in with her mother, refused to look at us or acknowledge our presence. She seemed angry with the world, misunderstood and felt alone. We tried slowly to make her feel comfortable, showed we cared and got her to open up. She told us all about school, that she didn’t have many friends and at times, just felt like running away.

Girls at this age are mostly shy and awkward because of hormonal and bodily changes. They usually face a challenge in communicating their issues to others. They isolate themselves and do not express the emotions that make them frustrated or angry. They don’t share their feelings and tend to trust strangers more. This is the time they need love and care the most. We need to get down to their level and try to show them we understand. Many times girls might feel hopelessness; suicidal feelings tend to develop and this can be very dangerous. Being a friend and at the same time setting some guidelines, parents should find the right balance between the two to create a strong bond with their child.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY FEATURE

g n u o y e Thdults a ) s r a e y 30 9 1 (

She was lost in her thoughts as if burdened with the worries of the world. She seemed unreachable and a lot of negative thoughts were clouding her mind. It was as if she had given up. Being young was a burden. But, slowly she opened up about her relationship problems and also the effects it was having in her work and tensions it created with her parents. She was not eating or sleeping and stopping going to work for a few weeks.

It seemed to be depression and she would need intensive therapy to build her self-esteem again and try to find solutions to work out her relationship and learn to balance personal life and career.

Women at this stage are trying to find their place in society.

They try to define themselves in work and career, to be part of something meaningful. When they fail in either one, they tend to get lost. If they do not have strong will power, they begin to see only the negative side of things which leads them to go through more downs than ups. They need to be shown the positive side of life and all the possibilities so that they can move ahead and lead a good life.

44 OCTOBER 2012

e l d d i Me lif s) r a e y 0 5 5 3 (

Walking in, fidgeting with the keys and talking like someone had switched on a button and forgotten to switch it off… she was on a mission but no one had any clue as to what the mission was. Once she came into our office we offered her water, some green tea and talked to her so that she could relax a little. She was more than willing to share her worries and concerns. She was worried about her kids not doing well in school, that her husband might be cheating on her and she was becoming old. Her thoughts were exceeding her capacity to deal with the problems of daily life.

She was running on a treadmill which obviously had no stop button. She had to learn to slow down and stop worrying. She might be dealing with anxiety. She would be given Cognitive Behaviour therapy to help her work through her fears and face them realistically so that she could find solutions and reduce the levels of anxiety. Slowly building up her confidence, she would be made to realise that that most fears do not have real concrete reasoning and are usually baseless. Working on them one by one and changing her perceptions would help her calm down and think rationally about problems. Eventually she can go through each day without worrying about the consequences and actually face each day as a challenge and enjoy it.

r e d l o e h Tears y ) e v o b nd a

(55 a

She was a charming and confident woman. She talked a lot about her life – her family, kids and even her grandchildren. She was very proud of herself and her family. She could have gone on for hours if we had not interrupted to ask about how today was different that she had to come and see us. She broke down saying that it was all too much for her to handle and all she had on was a mask.

She had trouble sleeping, had a low drive, mood swings and was even losing a lot of hair.

She was entering her menopause phase. Women go through menopause at different ages but usually it happens between the late 40s and early 50s. This signals the end of the fertile phase of a woman’s life. This can cause a lot of distress to many because they feel low in motivation and sometimes even feel unwanted and rejected by their husband and children. Women at this stage need a lot of love and attention because they are emotionally weak. A little encouragement goes a long way. Finding new things to do will keep them occupied.

Menopause is not the end of life but just the beginning of a new phase and women need that push to keeping going on in life.

Be it a young girl or an older person, every woman goes through similar emotions. The difference may lie in the intensity of these emotions, the situations and the way one deals with them. If we are strong enough to accept our differences and seek help when we need it, we will never be ridiculed for being too soft or sensitive. We only need to know how to shape our emotions so that they bring out only the best in us.

(Sayyida Basma Al Said is a psychotherapist, mental health counsellor and founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic and Roma Fernandes is a clinical psychologist at the same clinic.)

SLICE OF LIFE – PARENTING

TACKLING TANTRUMS

46 OCTOBER 2012

Ever wondered why your angelic child sometimes turns into a screaming, angry and ‘tantrumy’ ball of misery? Why does this happen, you think, when you do so much to keep all happy?

Well, before we get to some handy and easy tips for these tough times, let us take a quick look at answering the question of why. As with most things in life, there are quite a wide variety of contributory factors at play here – your child is a unique human being with his or her own physiological make-up which means that not all kids have the same amount of energy, not all need the same amount of food, rest and so on, and it could be that your child will mostly act out when hungry, tired, thirsty or needing the toilet.

Furthermore, your child has a unique personality and so will respond differently to stressors such as teasing, losing out on getting what he or she wants, being put in the spotlight, being scolded, and so on, to other children.

Get the facts on managing and preventing temper tantrums in children…

Janet Nel, psychologist of Al Harub Medical Centre throws light on this problem

Then, lastly, social settings vary for our kids – some are raised in a socio-cultural and economic setting that may be different from others, yet impacts negatively on our kids and may contribute to them acting out; for example if they have plenty of examples of aggression in their environment, they may be more at risk of repeating that behaviour.

Now, all of the above leads us to asking, when will my child be most at risk of acting out, being angry and ‘tantrumy’? You may have deducted that from what we have gone over above, that this is more likely to happen when your child’s resources are stretched beyond what he or she can cope with – when they are tired, in need of food and drink and need to go to the toilet. Also, often shops and malls may lead to overstimulation of our children, with too much sound, colour, lights and desirable objects that tempt and exhaust children – sweets, toys and rides on kiddie cars come to mind! Another factor that could aggravate kids’ mood, can be when they need our emotional containment and do not get what they need – for example, when your child needs to be cuddled and held, fed or comforted, and we are busy with something else, they may be more prone to demand the attention they need by crying or fighting.

And so, now we come to how we can handle these challenging times for our kids, and hopefully in time to reduce the incidence thereof... well, the example we as parents set for our children, do shape how they will be in the world. If we shout, act out and argue, chances are our children will copy our behaviour. So, as tempting as it is to also lose your cool when your child loses his or hers, let us rather not succumb to that. We should rather present a calming, containing presence for the child, and thereby create an atmosphere of acceptance of the child but not the nasty behaviour – affirming for the child that he or she is okay, but can behave better. Affirming for the child helps too; so, a comment such as, “I know this is tiring sweetheart, but let us do the best we can so that we can get home quickly, and then I will lie down with you so that you can have rest.”

Also, asking the child to help identify what is contributing to the tantrum – for example, asking, “Would you like a snack/drink? Need the loo? Do you need to sit down for a bit?” “Then tell mummy what you need softly, we do not shout in the shop/scream/hit one another.” This also helps the child learn how to self-regulate his or her behaviour. What could work too for this situation is to simply remove the child from the scene, for example to say, “Let’s go outside and look at the flowers.”

And finally, there are some wonderful books on the topic, that help just so much, 30 years ago when I was trying to understand my own young children, books by Ross Cambell and Dr. James Dobson were invaluable in guiding and advising young parents. Nowadays more are added to the list – Nurture Shock

by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, The Happy Child by Linda Blair, Children Need Boundaries by Anne Cawood, but to name a few... also, consult with your psychologist when you feel stuck!

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SLICE OF LIFE – FEATURE

IT’S MY LIFE! HOWEVER BUSY YOUR LIFE IS, THERE’S ALWAYS TIME TO STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES… ALL IT TAKES IS THE WILL AND SOME RESOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY.

BY REKHA BALAKRISHNAN

I

t’s resolution time! Now, now, don’t shake your heads in disbelief. We know there are two more months to go to ring in the New Year and yes, we know what we are talking about. Is there any cardinal rule that resolutions should be made only at the beginning of the year? No. of course, not! So let’s first get that misconception out of the way. Resolutions, we believe are more like work-in-progress; work on them slowly and steadily without feeling the need to shout from the rooftops or proving that you are capable of sticking to them. It’s your life, anyway. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.”

As a multi-tasking woman juggling between work and home, how you deal with the concept of ‘being busy’ also determines the quality of life you lead. So make some resolutions from time to time, and do try hard to stick to them. Apart from making you more organised and efficient, some peace of mind is also guaranteed. We present to you some resolutions for the woman always on the move.

Work is work and family is family and never should the twain meet.

Easier said than done, but learn, and we mean er… practise to switch off when you get home, atleast for a significant period of time. By not carrying your work home, we also mean the mood, however crappy it might have been during the day. It’s not hard to convince yourself to keep your work and home lives separate, it’s imperative. So put your smartphone and Blackberry on silent mode, take a deep breath and repeat to yourself atleast 20 times, ‘I have a life outside office hours.’ Takes some practice, but not entirely impossible to do.

50 OCTOBER 2012

‘Guilt’ is a state of mind. I won’t get into it.

As a busy woman, you are also juggling guilt of different kinds. Mommy guilt, boss guilt, ‘I am eating too much outside’ guilt, trying to do too much guilt, so on and so forth… you get the drift, right? You can go to any length to feel guilty but stop when the first thought occurs to you. You are doing a great job, be proud of it, woman!

Being the good, amiable and accommodating sort does not work always.

The colleague who sweetly piles on work, making up some excuse or the other? Well, it’s time to politely decline. While ‘helping out’ may be alright once in a while, have the common sense to differentiate between those who really need help and those who take you for granted. Say no like you mean it.

I will explore new vistas. There’s no limit to what I can learn, experience and assimilate.

Whenever you feel stuck in a rut, take stock of the options that could work for you. Attend workshops, seminars and hone your skills in new areas.

Take up a new hobby or indulge in a long-forgotten passion. Enrol in a course that you’d always wanted to do. Travel to new places and meet people. You’ll be surprised at how this little diversion in life could work wonders in changing your perceptions and add that extra zing.

I will invest some time into looking good.

Just because you are a mum juggling a number of roles, it does not mean you should look dowdy. Whether you are a woman climbing the corporate ladder or a stay-at-home-mum, look presentable at all times.

Have a little beauty regimen to pamper yourself.

See the difference it makes to your ego and your attitude.

I will pamper my body, mind and soul.

You understand your health is very important.

So what are you doing about it? Are you eating sensibly and working out regularly? Your annual medical check-ups are as important as your holidays. Indulge at a spa with a gal pal. Read books, play video games and even mindless TV watching is relaxing at times. And if you are really upto it, meditate for half-an-hour every day. The stressed-out feeling is sure to decrease over time.

I will learn to be organised.

Coming home to a house full of clutter may want you to tear your hair out in frustration.

So organise yourself with little ‘to-do-lists’ to follow throughout the week. Allocate time for each task and see how uncluttered your mind and life be. All it takes is the will to do it.

I will remember that it’s sometimes okay to put the ‘I’ before the ‘We’.

A little ‘me-time’ is very important to recharge your batteries and feel rejuvenated. If you are swamped at the workplace, take 10 minutes off for a quick walk round the block. Wake up

early in the morning and jog on the beach, with just music for company. Curl up in bed with a book and a hot cup of coffee. It’s not selfishness, but ways to keep in tune with your inner self. When you get going, you’ll discover that the possibilities are limitless.

And above all, believe in the age-old maxim, Carpe Diem or seize the day. What’s that they say? You have but one life to live your dreams.

Happy living life to the fullest!

In homage to beauty and style Mahreen Sohail takes a look back in time at some of the most stunning women throughout the ages – from the 20s to the 70s.

What made these women icons of their decades?

Let’s find out!

Timeless Beauties

BUZZ – CELEBS

52 OCTOBER 2012

The Roaring 20’s Clara Bow Ever hear of the term ‘IT girl’?

Well, the idea was coined from a character Ms. Bow played in a silent romantic comedy called It. Clara came to personify what it meant to be a woman in the twenties and quickly attained sex symbol status with her short, henna red hair and a bombshell attitude that was later the inspiration for the cartoon character Betty Boop. Clara set some high standards for her successors with 46 silent films and 11 talkies under her belt. She set the stage for Hollywood’s golden age!

Louise Brooks An American dancer, model, show girl and silent film actress – Louise Brooks represented the glamorous underbelly of the 1920s. She was the first woman to sport the page-boy bob cut that continues to be popular today. The first bobs were actually a little shorter than we think of them today; Brooke’s went from the nape of her neck and curled up right near her ears, accentuating her stellar facial bone structure and long elegant neck. Louise was a popular actress and a very liberated woman for her time and continues to inspire artists and song writers across the world.

The Dirty 30’s

Greta Garbo

Bette Davis

You wouldn’t be able to tell, looking at Greta Garbo, that the 30s were the era of the great depression. This decade can proudly claim to produce one of the most beautiful, talented actresses of all time.

Nicknamed the Swedish sphinx, Nordic beauty Greta Garbo started starring in silent movies in the late 20s and went on to international acclaim and cult figure status by the mid-30s. Over the course of her life she appeared in 27 films. She boasted a high forehead, beautifully arched eye brows and cheek bones you could cut glass on. Huge wide set eyes conveyed emotion on screen; director Clarence Brown once said of Garbo’s acting ability, “You could see thought. If she had to look at one person with jealousy, and another with love, she didn’t have to change her expression. You could see it in her eyes as she looked from one to the other.” She remained an intensely private person through the course of her life and often shunned publicity. Her beauty and magnetic on screen presence ensure that she remains a screen icon and legend today.

Though not a conventional beauty in the traditional sense Bette Davis made people believe she was beautiful through sheer force of talent. Her forthright manner, clipped vocal style and large eyes (who can forget the song Bette Davis Eyes?) all ensured that her onscreen performances were electrifying.

Although Davis moved to Hollywood in the 1930s, her initial on-screen ventures proved to be unsuccessful. However, by the mid-1940s she was one of Hollywood’s most sought after actresses. Ambitious and alluring, Bette Davis is still considered amongst history’s most talented women.

The Fightin’ Forties Ava Gardner Considered 25th amongst the American Film Institute’s Greatest Female Stars, Ava Gardner became one of Hollywood’s leading actresses after a breakthrough performance in 1946’s The Killers. Truly the epitome of beauty, Gardner was first photographed by her brother-in-law, a professional photographer. A young con man spotted the picture and tried imitating an MGM agent in order to get Gardner’s number but was dismissed out of hand. While leaving, the young man made a comment about how she should be in the movies and a short while later Gardner auditioned in person at the MGM studio in New York. The head of the department made her walk towards the camera, then turn and walk away to arrange some flowers. She never spoke in the screen test. Though the talent scout believed the test to be unsuccessful, he was amazed to find that she was absolutely, spell bindingly beautiful and forceful on screen. The rest as they say, is history, baby!

BUZZ – CELEBS

Hedy Lamarr Austrian born American actress Hedy Lamarr was revered through the course of the 1930s and 1940s for her exotic beauty. Arguably one of her most famous films, Ecstasy, made her an international film star as it showed the star portrayed in extremely graphic scenes.

The scenes were extremely controversial for their time but showed Lamarr at her attractive best. This exotic beauty was famous for her dark, wavy bob, wide lashed eyes and a dazzlingly sensual pout. Few now know that she was also mathematically talented. She co-invented an early communications technique that remains an important advent in science today in the field of wireless technology.

Beauty and brains? Ooh la la!

Audrey Hepburn

The Nifty Fifties Elizabeth Marilyn Taylor Monroe Hailed today as the quintessential American sex symbol and a pop culture icon – Marilyn Monroe is still acknowledged as one of the most beautiful women of all time. The image of Monroe laughingly clutching at her skirt continues to be one of the most recognisable images of all time. Blonde and beautiful, Monroe was Hollywood’s Golden Age’s most glamorous poster girl. Short curls and her laughing on screen persona made her both beautiful and relatable to the average movie viewer. Despite having died at the young age of 36, she is remains a Hollywood’s favourite poster child!

54 OCTOBER 2012

The Swingin’ Sixties

British born ‘Liz’ Taylor was a child star at MGM studios and later went on to become one of the greatest actresses of all time. She achieved fame in the 1950s with film roles in movies such as Father of the Bride (1950) and Giant (1956). Her eyes alone were said to hold audiences spell bound – gorgeous, dark and violet, fringed by lashes that seemingly went up to heaven - they were the crowning glory on a face that was already beautiful by any standard.

Famous through most of the latter half of the twentieth century, Audrey Hepburn’s defining performance was certainly Holly Golighty in 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She termed the role, the ‘jazziest of my career’, and came to embody Holly’s sense of style. Elegant, sophisticated and yet somehow full to the brim of an otherworldly sophistication, Hepburn’s sense of style still influence women all over the world today.

The Disco Seventies Farrah Fawcett Red bathing suit, layered blonde waves ( feather cut any one?) cascading around her face and a figure most of us only get after hours in the gym - this international symbol of beauty epitomised the fashion and style of the seventies. One of Charlie’s very first Angels, it’s easy to see why men (and women) went gaga over this particular wholesome beauty!

Pam Grier Pam Grier’s role in 1974’s Foxy Brown was a breakthrough for women everywhere. This gun toting warrior babe became a style icon despite living in an age where she faced disadvantages of race and colour. Her cool, sexy attitude and killer good looks ensured her popularity and also inspired Quentin Tarantino to write a film just for her. Foxy? We certainly think so!

Jane Fonda Fashion model, political activist and Oscar winner Jane Fonda was termed by Newsday in 1963 as ‘the loveliest and most gifted of all our young new actresses’. Her look was characterised by long, blonde locks framing a pristine oval face and a body most women would die for. Today, Fonda is still publicly active on screen, as an activist and as an author. And she still looks pretty damn good!

Selena Gomez

BUZZ – SUPERSTAR

Young

If you are a parent to a tween, there is a zero per cent chance that you haven’t heard of the media’s - and Disney’s - latest darling Selena Gomez.

She’s sassy, beautiful and currently dominating TV and cinema screens around the world. Oh! and did we mention the airwaves? She’s also one half of the tween-set’s own version of Brangelina; her relationship with Justin Bieber is the media’s favourite topic of conversation. So the question is who is she and where did she come from all of a sudden?

Today, it seems Gomez’s success in the world of media was sudden and unexpected - she seemed to appear out of nowhere. But the young star has really been acting since the tender age of seven when she played Gianna on Barney and Friends. Today, the starlet is proud of her humble debut; “A lot of people would be embarrassed to admit that they were on Barney, but I embrace the fact. I just had such a wonderful time doing that show. I learned what a camera and prop is, and all that. I learned my manners too, so I guess that’s a good thing!”

Born in July 1992, Gomez’s parents were of Hispanic and Italian heritage. Her mother, Amanda Teefey was also an actress and Gomez developed an early interest in acting from watching her mother prepare for theatrical productions. Despite having had media experience on Barney, Gomez really got her first big break in 2007 when she was cast as Alex Russo in Disney’s The Wizards of Waverly Place. The show quickly became a hit and Gomez’s star grew brighter with it. The media, always looking for gossip, quickly dubbed her the new Miley Cyrus and rumours about a burgeoning feud between the two young stars started making the Hollywood rounds. Gomez, never one for forgetting the manners she’d learnt long ago on Barney was quick to make things clear, “She’s obviously extremely successful, and I think she’s a wonderful performer... so being compared to her, I was very, very flattered.”

Two years into The Wizards of Waverly Place saw Gomez start her own pop band, Selena Gomez & the Scene. The band’s first album, Kiss and Tell was released in September 2009. By March 2010, it had been certified gold. Since then, she has released two more albums – A Year Without Rain and When The Sun Goes Down both of which have gone on to be certified gold. She has also starred in television movies, Another Cinderella Story, Wizards of Waverly Place; The Movie and Princess Protection Program. Her first theatrical movie Ramona and Beezus came out in theatres in 2009.

‘n’ happening She’s a successful actress, singer, humanitarian and only twenty!! This month we present to you one of the world’s youngest super starlets, Selena Gomez!

56 OCTOBER 2012

“A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD BE EMBARRASSED TO ADMIT THAT THEY WERE ON BARNEY, BUT I EMBRACE THE FACT. I JUST HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL TIME DOING THAT SHOW.”

Unlike most other stars who start off on Disney, Gomez is happy with her squeaky clean image and feels no pressure to take on more adult roles; “I think I’m fully aware of my audience. I wouldn’t do a role I don’t feel comfortable doing or that my audience wouldn’t feel comfortable seeing.” Although she didn’t anticipate becoming a role model for young girls everywhere, today tweens and teens everywhere look up to her and where most would feel pressure, she finds herself thriving as a role model, “It’s overwhelming… to know there are hundreds of kids out there that look up to me. I know that’s a big responsibility. I am also very confident to say that it is wonderful and I’ll do my best that I can do to be the best role model I can be.” She admits though, that it gets trying at times, “I’m human, I’m not perfect. I make mistakes all the time, but I guess my job is to keep those mistakes to myself, which I’m already fine doing and just try to be the best I can be for those kids.”

Having seen many Hollywood child stars go down dark lanes (metaphorically that is!) in the past, it seems strange to have a child star grow up and not see them letting the fame go to their heads. Today, Gomez is 20 and has projects lined up for miles in front of her.

She’s also down to earth, sassy and incredibly sweet. In fact, although suitably glamorous “I’M HUMAN, I’M when an occasion calls for it, the super starlet NOT PERFECT. I is incredibly grounded although she does admit MAKE MISTAKES to occasionally being sucked into the industry’s ALL THE TIME.” spell, “This is a very superficial job. I sit in a chair for two hours and get hair and make-up done and talk about myself in interviews. That’s a very vain thing to do. And I do get caught up in it sometimes.”

She’s quick to say however, that it’s not all glitz and glitter all the time, “It’s not as glamorous as it looks. I don’t do it for the glamour. I really do it because I love acting. We deal with things at work and we get into trouble every now and then when we have to focus.” In fact, in her spare time, the young actress can be found bumming around in comfortable clothes. She says, “I don’t really like dressing up. Some people probably think actresses dress up everywhere they go. I`m in sweatpants half the time with my hair in a ponytail.”

Currently Gomez is also spokesperson for UNICEF’s Trick or Treat for UNICEF campaign which encourages kids to raise money for children in need. Although, she’s extremely busy as both an activist and an entertainer, she has big plans for the future. Did we just hear Harvard? Maybe! Gomez says, “I think this (Wizards of Waverly Place) will be the last series that I do. I’m going to try to pull a Natalie Portman. She went to Harvard while shooting Star Wars. I don’t know how she did it. I want to have lunch with her and ask her- that seems like a bunch of stress right there.” Are we sure she can manage it! Yes we are!

Whatever her future plans, we’re pretty sure this young lady is going to be in the limelight for quite some time. Here’s wishing her the very best!

OCTOBER OC CTTO OBE BER 2 BER 20 2012 012 12 58 5 8 O

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R&R - TRAVEL

cal i n a t o b ns e d r a g

e h t e f h o T wels n Je ribbea Ca

60 OCTOBER 2012

view from fort charlotte

nt e am ort c buc res bay

Why go?

Just the name St Vincent and the Grenadines evokes an emotive response with visions of exotic, idyllic island life. Imagine an emerald green island chain scattered across the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Uncluttered by tourist exploitation, it has a wealth of white sandy beaches on deserted islands with barely a soul around. St Vincent and the Grenadines enjoys an already excellent, but still growing reputation in the media, including being the only Caribbean destination to make the CNN ‘World’s Top Destinations for 2012’ list, where it was ranked fifth.

How do I get there?

The usual route to St. Vincent and the Grenadines is through Barbados, where you take the local airline LIAT, to the island. St Vincent is a 20 minute flight from St Lucia, a 45 minute flight from Barbados, and a 160 minute flight from Puerto Rico. From this year, Harlequin Air began flying to St Vincent from Barbados, St Lucia and Puerto Rico.

Where should I stay?

Buccament Bay Resort is a five star luxury, all inclusive hotel situated right on the beach. The lush mountains and vibrant rainforest that surround the resort makes it a spectacular treasure.

The resort also boasts white sandy beaches and clear waters making it ideal for water sports including diving, paddle-boarding, snorkeling and kayaking. The beautiful accommodation is set in a village-like setting, comprising one, two and four-bedroom villas, with high vaulted ceilings and shutters that open onto a deck with a plunge pool. The hotel also has the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy where children and adults can be coached in voice, acting and movement by professionals from the West End and Broadway. The Harlequin Sports Academy offers expert football and tennis coaching and includes the Pat Cash Tennis Academy and Liverpool Football Club Soccer School.

Located 90 miles west of Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines is an archipelago of 32 islands and cays. It is an authentic and unspoilt tropical paradise with spectacular backdrops of mountain peaks and valleys cloaked in lush tropical forest.

By Layla Crocker

What should I visit?

St Vincent is home to the tiny nation’s capital, Kingstown. This lively town is a throwback to colonial times with cobblestone streets and locals rushing about. There is a great atmosphere here where a bustling crown of vendors and shoppers wander around amongst stalls selling fruits and spices. Visitors should wander along the winding streets exploring colonial buildings and churches.

R&R - TRAVEL

St vincent

62 OCTOBER 2012

The extensive and beautiful Botanic Gardens, founded in 1765, are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere and contain one of the original breadfruit trees brought from Tahiti in 1793 by Captain Bligh. The Nicholas Wildlife Aviary Complex, located within the peaceful retreat of the Gardens, maintains a captive breeding programme to conserve the vulnerable St Vincent Parrot, the national bird.

Fort Charlotte is a historic fort with spectacular views overlooking Kingstown and is perched at 600 feet overlooking the bay. Constructed in 1806, Fort Charlotte was a significant fortification that housed around 600 troops and a battery of over 30 canons pointed inland, to defend against hostile Caribs and with its wonderful panoramic views of Kingstown, the site is certainly worth a visit.

On the west coast of St Vincent is Wallilabou Bay, which was used as the fictional location for Port Royal in the film The Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl and its sequel Dead Man’s Chest. The majority of the items from the film set have not been well preserved and have been washed away over time, however some buildings, artifacts and scripts can still be found there, along with a huge crane coming out of the water which Johnny Depp famously swung on. An unusual attraction is the black sand that runs around the bay and when visiting the stunning location, it is easy to see why directors decided to film here.

s e t t a pir m se fil

If visitors want to venture away from St Vincent and explore some of the other islands, there are plenty of options. Bequia is the largest island in the Grenedines at seven square miles.

The island’s capital, Port Elizabeth, Industry Bay and Park Bay, where the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is located, should all be visited. Unique houses carved into the rocks around the island, some of which are still lived in today, are another spectacular sight.

For something more glitzy try the famous island of Mustique, where renting a villa for the week will cost more than buying a luxury car. A day trip by boat to the private island where the likes of Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams and Tommy Hilfiger all have homes, is relatively inexpensive. Be sure to check out Basil’s which lies right on the beach and visit the local fashion boutiques where even a simple sun hat will set you back hundreds of rials. Even though most of the island is private, the beaches are public so visitors can take a leisurely walk and soak up the beautiful surroundings of palm trees, crystal waters and multi-million dinar yachts.

The sea around St Vincent is considered to be some of the best cruising grounds in the world where sailing yachts may explore the deserted cays, rocks, sand bars and lagoons of The Grenadines and the delights of the awe-inspiring islands of Bequia, Mayreau, Union Island and Petit St Vincent.

MY CITY, MY LIFE

Peaceful Symphony CHARLOTTE MAKALA TAKES US THROUGH THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF DAR ES SALAAM… FINDING A SENSE OF PEACE IN HER HOME CITY

64 OCTOBER 2012

I

n Dar es Salaam, I can always trust the city to stir my soul from its slumber.

Unlike in Muscat’s Al Hail neighbourhood, where I wake up to the light murmuring of traffic or the calming call to prayer that pours onto the streets, this is different. I always find myself lying in bed an extra two minutes just to listen to the symphony that is Pamba Street. I relish the morning hustle and bustle, the melody of it anyway. While I could spend an extra minute listening, I decide to open my eyes instead and the thought of Blue-Band comes to mind.

Blue-Band is our nation’s equivalent of a household breakfast brand – it’s margarine and I can’t help but watch as the yellow sizzles and turns into golden brown as I toast my bread lathered with Blue Band. Simple, but delicious!

As I take a quick shower, I’m one of the three million people of the city getting set for the day. Formerly known as Mzizima city, Dar es Salaam, or ‘Dar’ as the locals call it, is the largest city in Tanzania. It is also the country’s richest city and a regionally important economic centre. It’s not unusual for me to bump into old friends as well as family in the city, and if I’m lucky, which I have been in the past, I also occasionally sight the local TV personality or public figure.

Rummaging through my purse and counting my shillings, I can’t help but wish I had a bit more to spend. I’m not the only one in this city wishing for more disposable income. Dar es Salaam, may be the richest city in Tanzania, but poverty still takes up residency, despite the opulent symphony that is present.

Driving down the road (actually in my opinion, it’s not really driving if one is travelling at 20-40 km/ hour, at least in comparison to Muscat) so crawling through traffic and making my way to Mlimani City, a shopping plaza, I come across the ‘Askari statue’. The bronze statue was crafted in the late 1920s and it inspires a triumphant feeling in me.

On my way to the mall, I think perhaps I should have gone down to the Mawazo Contemporary Art Centre that houses traditional visual arts or perhaps I should be spending the day at The Slipway, which is close to the beach and has its own shopping centre - like a miniature version of the Bareeq Al Shatti mall in Muscat. There’s even an interesting outdoor flea market out there.

Rethinking my choice, I ask the driver to slow down so I can roll down my window and buy some ubuyu from the boyish looking street merchant. I can never fully experience home without this local candy. Sucking on ubuyu is an experience, of its own accord. The part I enjoy the most is the red residue that’s left on your entire tongue as well as the spicy-herbal sweet scented breath that remains.

Undoubtedly, there is a sense of wonder and fascination that is offered to everyone who chooses to embrace the diversity of this city, and it is particularly hard for me to choose which part of the city I want to embrace today since there are plenty of options.

As I step out of the taxi, half plagued about my decision to go shopping, which now seems rather bland, I’m both relieved (to be at a mall in addition to be parting from that stuffy taxi) and eager to start my ‘adventure’.

I’m not one to visit museums, yet the weather today is just perfect for a visit to the Botanical Garden or a walk to the National Museum, that happen to be close by. Also the thought of going down to Bagamoyo near the Kaole ruins, does sound captivating, yet I don’t feel particularly archaeological today. So I’m going to opt for a more metropolitan adventure.

Whether it’s spending the first of my waking hours listening to the melody of life in ‘Dar’ or finally arriving at the mall, I can always find my sense of peace in this city. It’s funny, because Dar esS salaam actually translates to ‘haven of peace’ in Arabic. Yes, in Dar es Salaam, I can always trust the city to stir my soul from its slumber.

HEALTH – ADVERTORIAL

IN YOUR SKIN ACNE, PIGMENTATION, WARTS ARE A CONSTANT WORRY FOR TEENAGERS AND ELDERS ALIKE. DR. SUSHMA RAVI, DERMATOLOGIST AT STARCARE HOSPITAL EMPHASISES THE NEED TO TREAT SKIN PROBLEMS MEDICALLY INSTEAD OF RESORTING TO QUICK OVER-THE-COUNTER REMEDIES Acne, the skin problem that never seems to go away, now has several satisfying treatments that can help restore your skin to a glowing state of health and vitality. Dr. Sushma uses tools like laser dermatology, chemical peels and dermabrasion. She explains: “The process of dermabrasion involves removing the top layer of skin with an electric machine that abrades the skin. As the skin heals from the procedure, the surface appears smoother and fresher.”

“Another popular treatment for sun-damaged skin or irregular pigmentation is chemical peels. The top layer of skin is removed with a chemical application following which, the skin regenerates, giving a fresh and radiant complexion,” adds Dr. Sushma.

She emphasises the necessity of detailed scrutiny of patients being examined for simple rashes, pigmentation, etc., as these could be signs of more serious disorders. The diagnosis of an autoimmune disease is based on an individual’s symptoms, findings from a physical examination, and results from laboratory tests.

Autoimmune disease can be difficult to diagnose, particularly early in the course of the disease.

Symptoms of many autoimmune diseases – such as fatigue – are non-specific.

Dr. Sushma Ravi is an expert skin care specialist with special interest in General Medical Dermatology, Surgical & Cosmetic surgery, Pediatric dermatology. She is a member of many dermatology associations and an invitee at various international conferences.

66 OCTOBER 2012

In some cases, a specific diagnosis can be made. A diagnosis shortly after onset of a patient’s symptoms will allow for early aggressive medical therapy; and for some diseases, patients will respond completely to treatments if the reason for their symptoms is discovered early in the course of the disease.

“Patients should be monitored closely so environmental factors or triggers that may worsen the disease can be discussed and avoided and new medical therapy can be started as soon as possible.

Frequent visits to the doctor are important to manage complex treatment regimens and watch for

medication side effects,” states Dr. Sushma.

These could range from scleroderma, pemphigus eruption, SLE or erythroderma. Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that involves changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles and internal organs.

It is a type of autoimmune disorder, a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. Widespread scleroderma can occur with other autoimmune diseases, includingsystemic lupus erethematosus and polymyositis. In such cases, the disorder is referred to as mixed connective disease.

Skin symptoms of scleroderma may include: skin thickening, stiffness, and tightness of fingers, hands, and forearm; small white lumps beneath the skin, sometimes oozing a white substance that looks like toothpaste; pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints. As an experienced dermatologist, Dr. Sushma recommends a physical examination of the patient that may show hard, tight, thick skin, especially checking blood pressure. Scleroderma can cause severe inflammation of small blood vessels, such as those in the kidneys. Problems with the kidneys can lead to high blood pressure.

Pemphigus is a group of rare autoimmune blistering diseases of the skin and/or mucous membranes.

Pemphigus is chronic and progressive and characterised by blisters and ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes. The oral mucosa is often the first site of involvement. Typically, patients will have had multiple oral ulcers (broken blisters) that persist from weeks to months. This causes burn-like lesions or blisters that do not heal naturally. In some cases, these blisters can cover a significant area of the skin.

Dr. Sushma recommends that patients consult a dermatologist if there are any persistent skin or mouth lesions. Early diagnosis may permit successful treatment with only low levels of medication.

HEALTH PLUS

YOUR HEALTH HAVE ALL YOUR GYNAECOLOGICAL QUERIES ANSWERED BY DR. SMITA LULLA — MBBS, M.D, D.G.O. (GOLD MEDALLIST), CONSULTANT OBSTETRICIAN & GYNAECOLOGIST AT QURUM CLINIC, MUSCAT. THE VETERAN DOCTOR HAS HAD ADVANCED TRAINING IN THE UK IN OBSTETRIC & GYNAECOLOGICAL ULTRA-SONOGRAPHY & INFERTILITY. Dr. Smita Lulla MBBS, M.D., D.G.O (Gold Medallist) is Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Qurum، Clinic, Muscat

Q

My wife is suffering from PCOD. After using Lomide and Duphaston for the last six months, she was able to conceive thrice. But unfortunately, every time she lost the baby within two weeks. The doctor described the condition as clinical abortion. She conducted some more genetic tests which are normal. The uterus lining observed is good. Now the doctor has decided to try again with Clomid and Duphaston with mild dose of Aspirin.

Please guide us as to whether any other tests need to be done.

A

Sorry to hear about the miscarriages. Low dose Aspirin is known to help to prevent a miscarriage as also progesterone tablets, vaginal gel or pessaries.

You can discuss these with your doctor. Also, have you checked her thyroid hormones, toxoplasmosis and ACA (anti- cardiolipin antibodies)? Do let me know the results of these if abnormal, so I can advise you further. All the best!

Q A Q

I am four weeks pregnant. Every night after dinner, I feel a burning sensation in my chest and throat.

Is Moxal Plus safe to use?

Moxal is safe. Also eat frequent, bland meals.

I am 32 years old and have three boys aged nine, five and four. I had a tubectomy after my last delivery. It’s been four years since then. I want to know if there are possibilities of doing a reverse tubectomy as I would like to conceive again. Will I face any complications and how long do I have to be at the hospital after the procedure?

You should think of doing IVF rather than a reversal as the tubes may often not remain open after a reversal.

A Q

I am 28 years old and have irregular periods right from the beginning. I sometimes get them only after 4-5 months. My ultrasound and thyroid tests are normal. I do not have any abdominal pain or excess hair.

I am 5.3’ and weigh 64kg. Please let me know what the problem could be.

Have you done your FSH and LH hormones on day two of your period ? If yes, let me know the results, so I can advise you accordingly.

A Q

My daughter is 18 years old and hasn’t got her periods until now. From the age of 12, every month she would have acute pain for five days and would have to take pain killers. Since the last one year, she also gets a white discharge in addition to the pain. She has undergone all tests at hospitals. Doctors say that her ovary has not matured as yet and this is causing the delay.

She has taken ayurvedic and homoeopathic treatment too.

Kindly advise what can be done.

A Q A Q

On ultrasound is her uterus visualised ? Also, have her FSH and LH hormones done on day two of her period and let me know the result, so I can advise you accordingly.

I am 27 years old and have been married for the past two years. My weight is 56kg and my height is 5.1’. I have had two miscarriages. My rubella IGg is positive (97.2). Is that good or bad?

Rubella IGg positive means that you are immune to rubella, so that is good as it then reduces the chances of you getting rubella during a pregnancy.

I am unmarried and eight months back I got operated for a chocolate cyst in the right ovary.

Recently I was told that my scan showed two more cysts and was prescribed Dronis 20 for four months.

Does this medicine have any side effects? Can I continue the same for four months? Should I stop using the medicine once I get married?

I am not aware of the contents of Dronis. Please let me know that so I can advise you further.

A

(The information provided here should only be used as a guideline and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.)

Find more questions and answers fielded by Dr. Smita Lulla at www.omanaccess.com 68 OCTOBER 2012

AT HOME

GREEN YOUR WORLD Make your home eco-friendly, with a few simple tips and tricks…

Dry your laundry in the sun instead of using dryers.

Lower the temperature of your water heater or switch off when not in use.

Stack jute or reusable bags in the boot of your car. These come in handy during shopping jaunts.

Unplug unused chargers and appliances.

Use cloth instead of paper to clean your kitchen. Avoid indiscriminate use of tissue, both in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Plant a herb garden.

If you live in an apartment, your kitchen balcony or window is a great place to grow different herbs in small pots.

Reuse glass jars to store food items or other knick-knacks.

Purchase energy-saving Energy Star-rated electronic appliances.

Do not pre-heat the oven unless it’s necessary for certain recipes.

Use both sides of the paper if you are printing at home.

Recycle newspapers by shaping them into paper bags.

Brush without water running.

If possible, use bucket baths.

Use a car pool for dropping and picking up kids from school.

Use rechargeable batteries.

Maintain your vehicle. A properly maintained vehicle, clean air filters and inflated tyres will greatly improve your vehicle’s performance.

TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER AND ROUTER AT NIGHT.

e bl a & rt o f y m s o o C C

HOME IMPROVEMENT - DIY

All of us have at some point or other walked into a house that instantly felt comfortable and relaxing, whether it was a friend’s posh modern-day studio or a relative’s bohemian nook decorated with antiques – there was just something about the place that was instantly inviting. Warm colours, inviting furniture, subtle decoration and textured draperies go a long way when making a house feel like a home.

In truth, absolutely any place and space no matter how big, small, expensive or modest it is could be transformed into a cosy, inviting and aesthetic area by simply adding a few elements to the décor. The presence of certain items, textures and scents positively enhance a living space and make it feel like a home rather than a stark showplace.

ALL IT TAKES IS A FEW CHANGES IN DÉCOR AND YOUR HOUSE WILL REALLY ‘FEEL LIKE HOME’.

THE WOMAN PROVIDES SOME INTERESTING IDEAS…

COLOURS

SCENTS The scent of a fresh, clean space that has a consistent air flow circulation should prevail in any home. If the weather is too stifling to permit the opening of windows, lush green plants can be placed in the room to bring in an outdoorsy touch. Stay away from chemicals and synthetics especially when cleaning the house. Rather than relying on chemical air fresheners, use potpourris and simmering spiced cider to give the home a welcoming homey scent. There are many ways to keep your house smelling fresh and inviting; from scented candles, oils, air fresheners to diffusers – it is important to find a scent that is light yet noticeable.

70 OCTOBER 2012

Using paint or splashes of colourful tidbits in the living space can greatly improve the overall aura of the room. Do not fret if you don’t have the opportunity to repaint your walls buttercreamyellow, simply changing the curtains or replacing old sofa covers will also do the trick. The colours that create the most comfort are soothing, warm and slightly neutral. For those who are not afraid of using bold colours, yellow may be chosen to lift the mood whilst dark, rich colours like plum and scarlet are warm and inviting. These colours can be incorporated in decorative pillows and throws placed around rooms for extra comfort.

TEXTILES

There is nothing easier and more time saving than decorating with textiles (even on a budget!). Rugs, quilts and pillows store easily and can be added or removed in the blink of an eye. Textiles also allow for simple changes to the décor to be made in harmony with the current season or festivity.

Changing the fabric elements in the room – like accent sofa pillows and patterned quilts – is a simple and effective way to make your home cozy.

FURNITURE

PICTURES AND PAINTINGS

Furniture is the main ingredient in setting the comfort factor in your room. Heavy, sleek furniture may be in fashion but does not do justice to a comfortable room. To acquire a less formal atmosphere chose furniture which is curvy, textured and soft. Vary the shapes and sizes of the items you place for your own comfort and the comfort of your guests. Explore all ranges of sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and cupboards – don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone and let your creativity flow.

A truly unique look and feel is acquired by each space when personal tokens are used throughout to tell a story of the family that lives there. Whether you collect your child’s art, your great grandfather’s photos or post cards from happy vacations – display them boldly! Hang pictures of live events chronologically to tell a story or group images of family members to a create a real masterpiece. When decorating with photographs it is important to remember to use frames which are of the same colour and material, but they may vary in shapes in sizes. You can also mix colour images with black-and-white, as the frames will unify the arrangement.

These few simple tricks will make guests feel right at home and leave a long lasting impression of warmth and serenity.

Adding a personal touch to a living space does not need to break the bank and neither does it require tedious research and huge efforts – simply decorate from the heart!

PALATE - CUISINE

Around the world AN INTERESTING PICK FROM THE WORLD’S 50 MOST DELICIOUS FOODS. LIP-SMACKING!

72 OCTOBER 2012

SERVES

4 Thai Massaman Curry

450 gm chicken pieces or chopped chicken breast/thigh 1-2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks 400 ml coconut milk 1 small green pepper, thinly sliced 1 medium tomato, sliced 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil 1/3 cup onion, sliced 1 small piece ginger, grated 4-5 cloves garlic 1 red chili, sliced 1/2 cup chicken stock 1 stalk lemongrass, minced 3 bay leaves 1 tsp turmeric 1/4 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted cashews plus some more for the finish 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp whole cumin seed 1/2 tsp. white pepper 1/8 tsp cardamon 1 tsp tamarind or 1 tbsp lime juice 3/4 tsp shrimp paste 2 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp palm sugar Heat a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle in oil and swirl around, then add the onion, ginger, garlic, and chili.

Stir-fry for two minutes until you get the aroma. Add the stock plus the following: lemongrass, bay leaves, turmeric, chopped cashews, ground coriander, whole cumin seed, white pepper, cardamom, tamarind (or lime juice), shrimp paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir with each addition and bring to a light boil. Add the chicken, stirring to coat with the spicy liquid, then add the coconut milk and potatoes. Stir and bring back up to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, or just until you get a good simmer.

Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken and potatoes are tender. Add green pepper and tomato during last 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Add a handful more cashews and fold in. Serve with Thai jasmine rice.

SERVES

Shish Kebab

4

1 skinless and boneless chicken breast ½ green bell pepper (cut into big cubes) ½ yellow bell pepper (cut into big cubes) or other vegetables of your choice For the marinade 1 ½ tbsp olive oil 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice ½ – 1 tsp paprika (if you like spicy, use 1 teaspoon) ½ tsp chili flakes ½ tsp ground cumin seeds ¼ of one small onion 2 cloves garlic ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley leaves (or dried parsley) For grilling 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing) Cut the chicken into small cubes, pat dry and marinate with the ingredients for one hour. Thread four pieces of chicken meat with two pieces each of green bell pepper and yellow pepper onto a metal skewer or bamboo skewer. Repeat the same and make four skewers. Set aside. Fire up your outdoor grill (or indoor grill) and grill the chicken kebab until cooked. While grilling, brush the chicken and bell peppers with olive oil. Serve hot.

74 OCTOBER 2012

SERVES

Sushi

3

1 cup short-grain rice 1 tbsp caster sugar 5 tbsp rice vinegar 100 gm fresh fish fillet (salmon, tuna, ocean trout or king fish) 1 small cucumber, peeled ½ avocado 4 nori sheets Wasabi to taste Pickled ginger, to serve Japanese soy, to serve Rinse rice under cold water and drain well. Place rice and two cups of water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Decrease heat to low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand with lid on for a further 10 minutes. Place rice in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, two tablespoons vinegar and one teaspoon salt, and pour over rice. Stir to combine. Cover a flat tray with aluminium foil and spread rice on it to cool. The rice should be completely cool before using.

Choose from a variety of fillings. Prepare the fish and vegetables by slicing into batons about 5cm long. Set aside. Meanwhile, combine remaining vinegar and 300ml cold water in a bowl.

Place one nori sheet, shiny-side down, on a bamboo mat (or non-stick baking paper). Make sure longest edge of nori is at top of mat. Dip hands in water mixture (to prevent rice from sticking) and spread a quarter of rice over bottom two-thirds of nori, leaving a small border around edge.

Spread a thin line of wasabi along the middle of the rice and arrange a little of the fish and vegetables alongside the wasabi.

Gently lift the end of the mat closest to you, and roll it over the ingredients to enclose.

Continue rolling the mat forward to make a complete roll. With one hand on top, gently roll mat back and forth a few times to make a nice round shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls at 2cm intervals. Serve with pickled ginger, soy sauce and extra wasabi.

Seafood Paella

the base of the tentacles. Pull out the clear quill from the bodies, and discard. Use your fingers to rub the thin grey skin from the bodies, holding them under running water. Slice the bodies into thin strips and chop the tentacles. Set aside.

SERVES

4

A large pinch of saffron threads 900 ml fish stock, preferably home-made 400 gm squid 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 200 gm monkfish fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces or any fish of your choice 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 1 large onion, finely chopped ½ tsp paprika, or to taste 2 large red peppers, seeded and chopped 250 gm long-grain rice 200 gm chopped tomatoes 150 gm frozen peas 12 mussels, scrubbed and beards removed 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley Salt and pepper Put the saffron threads in a large, wide, heavy-based pan over moderate heat and stir constantly until they just begin to give off their aroma. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and set aside to infuse. To prepare the squid, pull the head, tentacles and insides from the bodies. Discard the head and the hard beak from

76 OCTOBER 2012

Heat one tbsp of the oil in a frying pan. Add the monkfish pieces and quickly fry on all sides until lightly browned. Remove the fish and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add the garlic, onion and paprika and cook over a moderate heat for two minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the red peppers and continue cooking for about three minutes or until the vegetables are softened but not brown.

Stir in the rice so all the grains are well coated with oil. Bring the saffroninfused stock to simmering point and add half of it to the rice. Stir, then bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes or until the liquid is almost all absorbed.

Add the rice mixture to the stock remaining in the large pan. Gently stir in the tomatoes with their juice, the peas and monkfish pieces. Arrange the mussels on the top. Simmer for about five minutes. Very gently stir in the squid, then simmer for a further 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the pan from the heat, cover and leave to stand for five minutes.

Discard any mussels that have not opened. Sprinkle the top of the paella with the parsley and serve.

ABOUT TOWN what-a-car!

Audi introduces the RS 5 Cabriolet - the fourseat convertible with a cloth soft top entices with a unique combination of elegance and power. Its 4.2 FSI, a high-revving naturally aspirated V8 engine, outputs 450 hp. It accelerates the high-performance sports car from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The Audi RS 5 Cabriolet will be launched in the Middle East in the second half of 2013. We can’t wait to see this one!

beauty treat

shoppers’ stop

For a refreshingly different shopping experience at a convenient location, head to Al Araimi Complex in Qurum. The Complex has a distinctive warm ambience that allows shoppers and visitors to enjoy a variety of product offerings that encompass fashion, accessories, perfumes, toys, electronics, watches, gold and jewellery, sportswear, restaurants, photo processing, and more.

culinary delights

Fancy a candle-lit dinner on the beach? Head to As Sammak restaurant at Sifah. With cooler weather approaching, Oman residents and visitors can once again savour the best catch from the sea at As Sammak that will now serve the freshest seafood for lunch and will welcome diners in the evening as well. For the first time, diners can now enjoy a late evening meal, dining practically on the beach with candles, adding to the charm of the overall experience..

Looking for a way to treat yourself or someone you care about? Try the Best of Cowshed Gift Set. Whether you are looking for a fancy and uplifting morning shower, a soothing candlelit bath or a refreshing massage, this unique collection of premium organic products has something for every mood and every occasion. The set features travel sizes of Grumpy Cow Uplifting Bath & Shower Gel, Knackered Cow Relaxing Body Lotion, Bath & Body Oil, Wild Cow Invigorating Soap and two Moody Cow travel candles. The Best of Cowshed set includes a product from each of Cowshed’s fantastic six moods and makes the perfect present for someone special.

tune in

If you are a music and electronics aficionado, here’s some news you can use. Bose has updated the iconic Bose® Wave® Music System, combining the acclaimed audio performance and small size with more functionality and versatility. For radio listening, the Wave® Music System III now includes an improved FM/AM tuner for clearer reception, artiste names and song titles provided by many broadcasters are now displayed on-screen. The Wave® Music System III integrates a slotload CD player, and both systems include an auxiliary input to connect a smartphone, iPod, HDTV, or computer. Great stuff!

smart duo

delectable fare

Time to indulge in some gastronomic pleasures! Two new concept restaurants are now open at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Fairouz and Asia. Both located at the Al Mazaar souk within the 124-acre resort complex, the restaurants offer distinctive and authentic cuisine prepared by experienced chefs. Guests can look forward to authentic Lebanese cuisine that includes a variety of hot and cold mezze, grills and pastries at Fairouz. Located beside Fairouz, Asia restaurant takes guests on a culinary exploration of east and south-west Asia. Prepared in four glass-enclosed show kitchens is distinctive cuisine from China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Tuck in!

78 OCTOBER 2012

In mobile news, Nokia has launched the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 820, the first in Nokia’s Windows Phone 8 range. The Nokia Lumia 920 is the flagship Windows Phone 8 smartphone, including the latest advances in Nokia PureView imaging innovation. The Nokia Lumia 820 is a stylish, mid-range smartphone that delivers high-end performance in a compact package. Choose the one that’s right for you!

sparkling dreams

think pink

Gilan’s new collection, Journey to Dreams, is a celebration of one of history’s most celebrated passages, the Silk Road. The far-reaching and wondrous journey, which introduced intricate and ancient Eastern traditions to the Western world, is the inspiration behind the latest collection’s unique pieces of jewellery. Playing on the theme of a long-gone and seemingly mystical and vivacious era, the collection encapsulates motifs of fairytales and folklore, including fairies, butterflies, caravansaries and legends.

It’s time to sparkle and shine!

BreadTalk, Oman’s famous boutique bakery has created special pink ribbon cookies to symbolise the Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon.

Covered in pink frosting with a butter based cookie, these cookies are sure to tantalise your taste buds. The butter cookies will be available for the whole of this month and BreadTalk will contribute a percentage of the profits from their sale to the National Association for Cancer Awareness. The cookies can be bought at the BreadTalk Flagship store in Bareeq Al Shatti.

spice it up

top crust

Food lovers, take notice! Spicy Village has reopened its outlet in Al Khuwair. The restaurant now has the capacity to seat 70 people and offers a range of a la carte dishes. It also has a revised menu. At the inauguration of the renovated outlet, the much-awaited Culinary Magazine of Star Chef Hunt – Season 2 was also released.

The magazine has 65 winning recipes in various categories.

The pizza crust has never looked more delectable than now as Pizza Hut has introduced the new Cone Crust Pizza, following the outstanding success of its Crown Crust Pizza. The crust of this pizza is uniquely shaped in the form of individual flavour-filled cones; break them off and delight your senses.

Pizza lovers in Oman can now sample scrumptious cone crusted pizzas that aim at reshaping tasty fun.

for a cause

ideal skin

Vichy Laboratories brings its derma-cosmetic range to Oman. Around 100 pharmacists from various pharmacies attended the launch held last month. Muscat Pharmacy is the distributor of the Vichy brand in Oman. Since its creation in 1931, Vichy has focused on women and men’s needs, providing satisfaction in meeting their beauty requirements with a range of skincare and hair care products associating visible efficacy and pleasurable texture for every skin type, even sensitive. Today, the brand is even going further.

Through its research progress and increasingly efficient mastery of technology; it is meeting an ambitious challenge; to give all women and men the skin they have always dreamed of.

rev it up

The Infiniti JX comes to Oman. It has been designed to excel in the areas that crossover buyers desire most - interior flexibility and spacious, safety and advanced hospitality features. Infiniti integrates advanced engineering and superior craftsmanship with a simple, refined aesthetic sensitivity associated with traditional Japanese culture.

Infiniti JX is tall and narrow in overall length. The JX produces 265 horsepower and 336.24nm of torque. The Infiniti weighs up to 227.3 kg less than its competitors and that difference should equate to extra horsepower.

Omantel has announced the launch of a new Hayyak package for people with disability to help them get in touch with their families and friends.

Commenting on the new Hayyak package, Saleh bin Mahmood Al Maimani, Manager – Core Services at Omantel said, “At Omantel, we focus on meeting the various needs of our valued customers. This new package is designed to meet the special needs of the disabled to help them get in touch with friends and family through different communication means. The new package offers reduced rates of up to 25 per cent on mobile broadband and a flat calling rate of 29 baisas day and night. This move comes as a part of the company commitment to provide something for everyone.”

To avail of this special package, applicants should visit their nearest Omantel retail outlet and present their Disability ID issued by the Ministry of Social Development.

STARGAZING

What the stars foretell...

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Dear Aries, you don’t know where and when opportunities will surface.

Grab them and watch your career zoom. This month is also strong for learning, communicating and connecting. Watch the doors open and the magic of life grip you, on all fronts!

This month centres around relationships but the trick is to tone things down while being direct with someone close to you.

This is also the time to revive a hobby or creative endeavour quite successfully. Get rid of excess baggage and look forward to new or renewed friendships. On the health front, do take care… you wouldn’t want your energy levels to go down.

People in your life may be unreliable so don’t lose heart over this. Keep a positive, forward-looking frame of mind at all times. Pay attention to even the little things at work; they may be important for your overall career goals. Keep an eye out for people who seem more than just concerned about you.

Restructuring is on the cards this October, both on the family and work front. You are now ready to move forward and will hopefully be more confident about your ability to manage your personal life. Some retail therapy will also work wonders to boost your mood – it’s okay to spend money on a makeover once in a while.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Avoid a mad rush to get things done this month. Don’t push yourself too hard especially when the desire for pleasure and comfort begins to rule.

Since you prefer the company of others, rather than going it alone, keep your friends at hand to help you sort out difficult situations. Others are especially appreciative of your sense of style; you turn heads.

When it comes to your career, look for openings and opportunities everywhere, dear Virgo. Watch carefully, however, for drama in your personal life that just doesn’t suit you or your current path well at the moment. Major shifts in your expectations from, and attitudes toward romance are on the horizon.

Take extra time to sort out your feelings.

Older and wiser – that’s the feeling you get this month as you traverse through different situations and issues. Pruning and clearing efforts will increase clarity and focus. If you do get time, ruminate and put the past behind you and reflect on the inner changes that have been made in the past year. A little drama could make things exciting!

Patience may be in short supply though this month supplies you with plenty of energy and motivation.

Make sure the energy is used in the right direction and you actively work towards turning things to your advantage. If you think you can push yourself beyond limits, think again. It can lead to a variety of health problems that you simply cannot handle right now.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

This is a time for processing and absorbing and possibly letting go.

Your personal life is private and can involve some sacrifice this month.

Old anger and suspicion is bound to come up but you must also learn to deal with disappointments.

Consider reorganising your finances as you need to take charge of a budget and spending habits that are going haywire.

Adventure is on the cards this month as your desire for new experiences is stimulated. Take some time off for a quick getaway with your family and come back relaxed and rejuvenated. Certain circumstances ensure that you are pushed more towards self-control and learn a few survival skills. Do take stock of what’s bothering you and let go of attitudes that keep you locked to the past.

This is one of the better months for you, dear Aquarius and so it’s time to take the initiative especially at the workplace. Challenges will be a breeze and important projects will fall into place. Your stellar negotiation skills come to the forefront so don’t push people away. There’s an increased desire to express yourself in some way. Find out what it is.

Communication is key so open up your thoughts and share things with people. This is the time for focusing on the present and the future, not the past. Energy levels should be good and travel plans seem very attractive now. Try to detach yourself from tension that may arise at work.

80 OCTOBER 2012

SHE DESERVES NOTHING LESS