woman-july-12

JULY 2012

FROM THE HOUSE OF

RAMADAN MUBARAK Healing through art

21st Century Girl

Willow Smith

Mums & Kids Special

Meet

Alia Al Farsi Dr. Sabah Al Maawali

Exploring the bond

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JULY 2012 VOL 10 NO. 111

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 DESIGNER Aliya Saif DESIGNER Yousuf Ismail SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Rajesh Burman PHOTOGRAPHER Basim Al Maharbi PRODUCTION MANAGER Govindraj Ramesh ADVERTISING & MARKETING SENIOR ADVERTISING MANAGER Pooja Verma ADVERTISING MANAGER Fareeda Sulaiman Al Balushi CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Sandeep Sehgal EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Alpana Roy SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT EXECUTIVE Radha Kumar DISTRIBUTION United Media Services LLC PUBLISHED BY United Press & Publishing LLC A Renaissance Services Company 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.

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

POSITIVE PARENTING Actress Meryl Streep, in a recent interview said that the one great gift her mother gave her was the ability to use her imagination. “I remember summers when there was nothing to do and my mother would say, ‘Go outside and don’t come back until dinner’. I remember lying on the grass and watching the clouds, smelling the wonderful smell of grass and all those things that feed the soul.”

Old-fashioned parenting? No, we’d like to think of it as sensible and positive parenting! Much needed in today’s world when kids are running the rat race along with their parents.

So what is parenting all about? Does it come with a handbook? Are there any set rules? In essence, isn’t parenting all about knowing, loving and understanding your children? It’s about being with them, at every stop along the way, as you learn and evolve together.

Positivity plays a great role in parenting. Here are a few tips that will help us along the way…

• Every child has his/her own individuality. Try to discover your children’s interests and praise the differences instead of asking them to be like someone else.

• Establish a routine for the whole family. When kids see parents following rules, they will do so, too!

• Keep aside time for the family. A sense of belonging comes only when the family spends time together. Take time off for quick getaways or annual holidays.

• Understand that each child is unique. Talents have to be nurtured in the right direction without any force to perform. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of if your child needs special help.

• Be your child’s friend. Your child’s first source of information has to be you.

So develop a relationship of mutual trust and respect.

• Look after yourself. If you are always tired, overworked or stressed, you cannot be an effective parent.

In the end, it’s simple. When we stop trying to live our ambitions through our children, the pressure on them to be the best will ease. When we start understanding that academics alone do not make an achiever, we’ll start pushing our kids in directions that will make them, in the end, better people.

If we start looking at mistakes as stepping stones, our children will also become our friends.

Happy parenting! 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 FEATURE 18 Five ladies tell us what Ramadan means to them...

R&R TRAVEL 62 Fun destinations for kids

GLAM UP LOOKBOOK 20 Presenting the Lacoste SpringSummer 2012 Collection 24 Styles for young fashionistas from Babyshop 28 Colourful trends from Obaibi and Okaidi BEAUTY ZONE 30 The beauty checklist GOOD THINGS 32 Fashionable bags from Queen & Cult and Princess & Cult

MONEYWISE 65 How to teach your kids the value of money

MORE THAN A WOMAN PERSONA 34 Alia Al Farsi on her ‘Communique Celestial’ exhibition PROFILE 36 Dr. Sabah Al Maawali on her love for science…

SLICE OF LIFE EXPERIENCE 38 All about art therapy PARENTING 40 The mother-daughter relationship through the ages 46 How to tackle mummy guilt FEATURE 42 Are we trying to realise our ambitions through our children?

48 Children speak on what their mum means to them…

BUZZ SUPERSTAR 52 Featuring the super-talented Willow Smith FEATURE 56 Hottest celeb mums STARDUST 60 All the gossip on the stars

HEALTH 66 Important health tips for the fasting period 68 Q&A with Dr. Smita Lulla GO TECH 69 Smart choices for multitasking mums PALATE CUISINE 70 Interesting recipes to make with kids HOME IMPROVEMENT D-I-Y 75 Décor tips for summer PLUS: About Town, Stargazing, Events

Cover Design: Mohamed Nazar

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

WINDOWS TO THE SOUL I loved the summer special articles on how to protect your eyes from the summer heat. I myself am a contact lens wearer and have now switched to prescription lenses with UV protection, although I still wear sunglasses when outdoors. Eye protection, such as sunglasses have become such a fashion statement that people care more about the look of the sunglasses than the function. People need to be aware that sunglasses are to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun as well as from dust, pollen and the heat. However, as the trend nowadays is for overly large sunglasses, it is useful as these provide complete protection around the entire eye area. However people need to get sunglasses with UV protection or else they will be quite useless. I found all the tips in the article very useful especially the part on limiting the use of eye makeup and using preservative-free lubricating eye drops prescribed by an eye doctor. This is extremely handy in this dry and dusty climate.

LIVELY ISSUE

Your June issue was a colourful and lively issue. I simply loved the ‘summer’ theme spread across all sections. The fashion spread was absolutely gorgeous and so were the accessories. The Cuisine pages were a treat and the skin care and health tips gave me some points to ponder over. And I absolutely loved the feature on singing diva Katy Perry.

She’s my favourite and it was wonderful to know more about her. I love the way The Woman is making a ‘special’ out of each issue, making it a vibrant and entertaining read. But I wish you could feature more articles on fitness… as being fit is indeed a way of life. Keep up the good work!

Raya Al Riyami Al Khuwair

Christina Smith Qurum

CONGRATULATIONS!

Your cover story on The Women’s Empowerment and Environmental Education project initiated by the Environment Society of Oman was indeed an eye-opener. It’s wonderful to note that Omani women are contributing towards environmental awareness in so many different ways. Their interest, determination and hard work will definitely be rewarded. They are indeed, the champions of ‘green Oman’. Kudos to all the winners!

Samah Al Kindy Ghubra

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL

When I saw the cover of The Woman on the stands, it drew me like no other. The cover was really whacky, much on the lines of an international magazine. Once I flipped through the pages, I was bowled over by the ‘summer’ pages. Fashion, beauty, health, cuisine - your summer issue appealed to my varied interests. It was indeed like a breath of fresh air. I am looking forward to more specials like these. A little of everything is what interests and excites me.

Shaima Al Wahaibi Qurum 6

JULY 2012

REWIND

I’ve loved travelling ever since I was a child and it has always given me the much needed break from the rigours of daily life. Your travel feature literally took me back in time. History has always fascinated me and I would love to visit these places and learn new things about cultures and destinations I didn’t know much about. Thank you The Woman for giving me ideas for my next vacation!

I am surely going to have an awesome one this time around!

Sheeja Pai Darsait

NEW

ABOUT TOWN

get sporty

shine on Time to go on a spree! Award winning jewellery retailer Pure Gold Jewellers is offering a grand 75 per cent discount offer on a range of modern and elegant diamond jewellery this summer. It is applicable on the brand’s Pure Diamonds collection and is available from all Pure Gold Jewellers stores across the GCC. Now is the right time!

The New Generation i40 has now arrived in the Middle East. Consolidating Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ philosophy, the New Generation i40 offers consumers a stylish, sportylooking car, which is both practical and fuel-efficient. Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language is designed to represent the perfect harmony of nature, man and machine. Time to check it out!

Tradition continues at Bin Mirza International (BMI) this Ramadan with the introduction of new twists on beloved products at BreadTalk, Nando’s and Second Cup. Some of the latest treats at BreadTalk will include a mini Pistachio Danish, Mini Cheese labneh naan and Mini Feta Puff. Nando’s will introduce a special iftar sharing platter made to serve two, four or six people. Second Cup offers the ideal setting to relax after iftar and enjoy Turkish coffee and Arabic Sweets including basbousa, mahalabiya, Ma’moul and Date Cake to name a few. Tuck in!

flying high This is good news indeed! Oman Air has been more successful over the first five months of 2012 than at any time in its history. Between January 1, 2012 and May 31, 2012: Net passenger revenue grew by 28 per cent, compared to a full-year increase of 28 per cent in 2011. Passenger numbers grew by 19 per cent, compared to a full-year increase of 16 per cent in 2011. Cargo revenue increased by 47 per cent, compared to a full-year increase of 28 per cent in 2011.

Cargo tonnage increased by 33 per cent, compared to a fullyear increase of 13 per cent in 2011. Announcing the airline’s findings, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Pearce, said: “I am very pleased to say that Oman Air has generated greater revenues, carried more passengers and transported more cargo between January and May 2012 than at any equivalent time in the airline’s history.” Way to go!

Spend your summer break at the only resort in Oman, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa voted on to Condé Nast Gold List 2012 as one of the world’s best places to stay. Its leisure facilities, such as six swimming pools, private beach, Adventure Zone, GameZ, mini golf and Splashpad, will keep the entire family active all day long. Take advantage of these ‘sun-sational’ rates of Rials 60 nett in Al Waha, Rials 75 nett in Al Bandar and Rials 125 nett in Al Husn. Or you may choose to have a spa weekend by booking a suite package with rates starting from Rials 129. The spa and suite package includes breakfast and Rials 70 worth of spa treatment at CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La. Time to take a summer break!

JULY 2012

new link

Khimji’s House of Travel, the flagship brand for Travel & Tourism Business Services under the Projects & Logistics Group of Khimji Ramdas is further consolidating its position in the global travel market with its recent appointment as a franchisee office of Lufthansa City Center International. With a network of more than 610 offices in over 80 countries, the Lufthansa City Center (LCC) international travel agency franchise co-operation is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Khimji’s House of Travel, together with Lufthansa City Center, will provide the client, a recognised and preferred network, offering uniform, top-quality service around the globe.

sun-sensational

8

slice of tradition

T H I S

R A M A D A N

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ABOUT TOWN

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top accolade

The elegant Sifawy Boutique Hotel in Jebel Sifah has been voted the second best in Oman as reviewed by travellers on the world’s largest travel site. Offering the best of both worlds, the Sifawy Boutique Hotel provides a majestic view of the rugged Al Hajjar mountains on one side, and the tranquility of the Gulf of Oman on the other. The tastefully done interiors, facilities and the gracious Omani hospitality have all converged to evoke the highest praises from guests on TripAdvisor and secured the property a Certificate of Excellence. Congratulations!

get smart The award-winning Nokia 808 PureView, the first smartphone in the world with a 41 megapixel camera comes to Oman. The Nokia 808 PureView uses a new technology originating from satellite imaging called Pixel Oversampling and combines Carl Zeiss' exclusive optics and Nokia's advanced algorithms, which combined will offer an unprecedented high-end imaging experience in a smartphone. Smart choice!

for a cause

Khimji’s Watches and Brand Oris were key sponsors for the Black and White Sudoko Event which took place recently at the Oman Auditorium of Al Bustan Palace - A Ritz Carlton Hotel. The event, which is in its third year, was coordinated by the Black and White magazine to raise awareness for the condition of autism in Oman and to act as a stepping stone for the establishment of a much needed Centre for Autism. Khimji’s Watches, as a key sponsor, presented one of its beautiful limited edition Bob Dylon Oris watches to the event’s special guest, George Widener. An autism savant, he is a much celebrated artist and mathematician who has overcome many challenges dictated by his condition. Another special guest of the evening was Bollywood’s ‘macho’ man Suniel Shetty who lent his muscle to the autism cause in the Sultanate.

10 JULY 2012

joining hands Etisalat and Omantel has announced the signing of agreement that will allow both operators to expand their Global IP VPN footprint. The two leading telecom service providers joined forces to commence the installation of Etisalat’s Global MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) node in Oman. The project once completed will enable Etisalat’s customers to connect their offices on Etisalat’s backbone between UAE and Oman networks. The agreement with Omantel will enable both companies to deliver greater coverage, seamless user experience and reliable technology to their respective customers.

going for gold Nawras is once again supporting the growth of the national tourism sector as Gold Sponsor of the highly popular Salalah Tourism Festival. Until July 18, Nawras will give customers and visitors a memorable experience with the chance to get closer through great value offers and promotions as well as an exciting smartphone launch. Festival goers can join the fun and experience the latest 4G LTE technology. Nawras will launch the brand new Samsung Galaxy SIII smartphone and give new customers 2GB of complimentary data, valid for three months.

There are other exciting offers in store… time to head to Salalah to enjoy the festival in all its glory!

ABOUT TOWN

be inspired

It’s designed for humans and inspired by nature. We’re talking of the Samsung Galaxy SIII, a smartphone that recognises your voice, understands your intention and lets you share a moment instantly and easily. The sleek and innovative smartphone has the enhanced intelligence to make everyday life easier. You can view content like never before on the device’s 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED display and an 8MP camera and a 1.9MP front camera offers users a variety of intelligent camera features and face recognition related options. It is powered by Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with greatly enhanced usability and practicality to make life easier.

drawing crowds The recently opened Connexions showroom at the Muscat City Centre is enjoying amazing patronage from customers. The sprawling new commercial space in the capital is the new centre of attraction and the Connexions showroom is benefitting from its strategic location which leads to huge customer turnouts. The new showroom offers patrons a wide variety of electronic products such as televisions, music systems, DVD/ Blu-Ray players, and stereo systems from world-renowned brands such as Bose, JVC, AEG, Nakamachi and Sonos. The showroom also houses a wide range of kitchen appliances. Have you visited, yet?

shoppers’ delight Just for your convenience, BankDhofar has signed an exclusive contract with Muscat Grand Mall Management to provide world class banking services by opening a new flagship branch at Muscat’s newest shopping venue, Muscat Grand Mall (MGM). The MGM branch will offer a range of services to its customers and will be a hub for financial and banking activity in the shopping mall.

12 JULY 2012

get a cuppa Having tickled the taste buds of coffee lovers across the US, Australia, Asia and the Middle East, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, an Australian owned global specialty coffee company comes to Oman with its outlet at Qurum. “Gloria Jean’s Coffees difference is a true dedication to handmade coffee - from hand picking 100 per cent Arabica coffee beans to handcrafting each individual cup. Gloria Jean’s Coffees journey is to make a quality cup of coffee starting with the purchase of the world’s highest quality Arabica beans, which are handpicked to ensure only the best beans are selected,” says Leena Jubair Al Bastaki the Managing Director, of Misk Muscat International LLC, the Master Franchisee of Gloria Jean’s Coffees in Oman. We were there and we simply loved the tasty selections!

top award BankMuscat, the flagship financial institution in the Sultanate, won the top 2012 Hawkamah Bank Corporate Governance Award. The prestigious award showcases banks that have gone the extra mile in improving their corporate governance practices, beyond the legal and regulatory requirements imposed by their respective jurisdictions. Ahmed Al Barami, AGM – Chairman’s Office, received the award at the ceremony in Dubai attended by senior bankers from the region. The award jury commended BankMuscat for introducing a unique approach to the areas of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. The jury evaluated the various award criteria as well as interviewed a panel from the Bank to decide the winner.

decade of excellence

Muscat Eye Laser Center toasted a decade of exemplary services as a leading private eye care clinic with a pledge to evolve into a centre of eye-care excellence in the Gulf. At a ceremony to mark the anniversary, the CEO and cofounder Sameer Al Awam unveiled plans for the clinic’s relocation to a spacious, state-of-the-art, multi-storey facility at Bausher, designed and equipped to cater to Muscat Eye Laser’s burgeoning caseload and an expanding portfolio of eye care services. It has also been a momentous 10 years for Dr. Maria Clara Arbelaez, a globally renowned corneal surgeon and medical director, who along with Sameer Al Awam oversaw the growth of the Center.

offers galore Upgrade your home with best brands during the upcoming Holy month of Ramadan. Head to Mustafa Sultan Electronics Company LLC and take advantage of attractive discounts and bundle offers / free guaranteed gift on purchase of select models of top brands in home appliances in all their retail outlets. This offer is on until August 19, so hurry!

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EVENT

CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS

AIWA AWARDS FOR BEST PERFORMING COMPANIES FELICITATED THE TOP RANKED COMPANIES LISTED ON MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

In a red carpet gala function at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa on June 10, the AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies recognised and celebrated the success of top achievers of Corporate Oman in 2011. His Excellency Dr. Rasheed Bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board, was the chief guest for the award function. The event was held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Tarik bin Shabib.

The AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies are instituted by Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal (AIWA), Oman’s leading Arabic monthly business magazine, published by United Media Services (UMS). This year marks the second edition of the AIWA Awards after the highly successful launch in 2011.

“A networker’s dream, the most sought after premium event was attended by the who’s who of Muscat corporate high life as it attracted more than 250 top business leaders, CEOs and senior government officials from a cross-section of industries, ministries and government bodies.

A roaring success, the AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies has emerged as a benchmark for measuring excellence in corporate performance

14 JULY 2012

in Oman,” commented Alpana Roy, Executive VicePresident, United Media Services (UMS).

The banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) swept the AIWA Awards For Best Performing Companies. In the large cap segment, Ahli Bank topped the list of winners for the second successive year in a row. It was followed by four other winners including National Bank of Oman, Bank Sohar, BankMuscat and Omantel. In the mid cap segment, Oman Refreshment emerged on top.

The other winners in the segment included United Finance, Taageer Finance, Oman Chlorine and Al Omaniya Financial Services. In the small cap category, Oman Fiber Optics was ranked number one. It was followed by other winners including Muscat National Holding, Sahara Hospitality, Oman Orix Leasing and National Gas. His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair, the founder of Zubair Group and Advisor to His Majesty was honoured with the AIWA Lifetime Achievement Award. His son Husam Al Zubair, who is the Vice Chairman of Zubair Automotive Group,

received the trophy on behalf of HE Mohammad Al Zubair. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) won the AIWA Award for Excellence in Corporate Leadership. Noted businessman Hussain Salman Al Lawati, Vice Chairman & MD of Oman Cables Industry and Chairman of Oman Aluminium Processing Industries, walked away with the AIWA Global Omani of the Year Award.

Leading brands in the Sultanate had joined hands with Alam al-Iktisaad Wal A’mal, the leading business publication from United Media Services, in bringing the AIWA Awards for Best Performing Companies to life. Bank Sohar and Genesis Prada (the luxury car series from Hyundai) were the Strategic Partners. Mouawad, Muscat Pharmacy and The Wave, Muscat were the support partners.

Gulf Baader Capital Markets SAOC (GBCM) was the knowledge partner whereas KPMG was the validation partner for the ranking process used for the awards. Times of Oman and Al Shabiba were the media partners.

AIWA AWARDS FOR BEST PERFORMING COMPANIES

WINNERS

LARGE CAP SEGMENT • AhliBank • National Bank of Oman • Bank Sohar • BankMuscat • Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) MID CAP SEGMENT • Oman Refreshment Company • United Finance Company • Taageer Finance Company • Oman Chlorine • Al Omaniya Financial Services SMALL CAP SEGMENT • Oman Fiber Optic Company • Muscat National Holding Company • Sahara Hospitality Co. • Oman Orix Leasing Company • National Gas Company

AIWA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HE Mohammad Al Zubair

Strategic Partners

AIWA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CORPORATE LEADERSHIP Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

Support Partners

AIWA GLOBAL OMANI OF THE YEAR AWARD Hussain Salman Al-Lawati

Media Partners

EVENT

TOWARDS A GREENER WORLD THE THIRD EDITION OF OMAN GREEN AWARDS HONOURED OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL VISION, ENDEAVOURS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF CORPORATES AND INDIVIDUALS

O

man Green Awards (OGA) 2012 has once again proved that creating ‘a green economy’ is the need of the hour as environmental issues and economic development increasingly intersect and complement each other.

Nineteen finalists, including two joint winners, won awards in nine different categories of OGA at a function held at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel, under the auspices of His Excellency Mohammed Said Al Toobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs.

In a specially created green ambience at the Majan Ballroom, a discerning audience of more than 200 guests, comprising of top representatives of Oman’s corporate houses, schools and other non-governmental institutions, applauded in acknowledgement of the fact that OGA is an ideal green platform to stir up people’s interest and awaken positive activism for environmental goals and greater action in the long term, both at a community and decision-making levels.

Coinciding with the World Environment Day on June 5, OGA has been conceptualised by OER and United Media Services (UMS) and is being held in association with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Health.

JULY 2012 2012 16 JULY 16

In her welcome address, Alpana Roy, Executive VicePresident, UMS said that Oman Green Awards, over the past three years, has recognised exemplary efforts made by companies and individuals in promoting environment preservation and sustainable development in the Sultanate.

“OGA has raised awareness about going green and the necessity of saving the natural beauty of this pristine country,” she added.

The event has received massive support from corporate houses and individuals who have made this ‘green mission’ a priority. Oman Oil Marketing Company, Octal and Muriya Tourism have joined as Green Oman partners to keep the green torch burning bright in the country. The media partners of the event are Times of Oman and Al Shabiba while the support partners are Sadolin, Green Cover, Infoline and Oman Printers and Stationers.

As part of the event, young Omani scientist Mustafa Barami gave a presentation of his ground-breaking invention which can recycle a kilo of palm leaves into 80 sheets of A4sized paper. His invention showcases how innovation and environment conservation can go hand-in-hand, by making use of the cellulose found in the palm leaves which would otherwise be burned as waste by date-palm farmers.

The following are the winners in each category: GREEN CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR • Winner: Caledonian College Of Engineering • Special Commendation: Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat GREEN CHAMPION AWARD • Winner: Graduates from SQU • Special Commendation: Architectural Systems

Wall

GREEN EDUCATION AWARD • Winner: British School Muscat • Special Commendation: Indian School Muscat GREEN FOOTPRINT AWARD • Winner: OCTAL • Special Commendation: Al Hassan Group of Companies GREEN GUARDIAN AWARD • Winner: Information Technology Authority • Special Commendation: Oman Drydock Company THE GREEN HABITAT AWARD • Winner: Port Of Salalah • Special Commendation: W S Atkins

THE GREEN INNOVATION AWARD • Joint-winners: Petroleum Development Oman & Bauer Nimr • Special Commendation: Berger Paints GREEN LANDSCAPE AWARD • Winner: Green Cover • Special Commendation: Muscat Hills Golf Course GREEN RESEARCH AWARD • Winner: Sultan Qaboos University (Jatropha Plant) • Special Commendation: Ray International

FEATURE

IN THE TRUE SPIRIT IT’S THE TIME FOR REFLECTION, CELEBRATION, SPIRITUAL FOCUS, FAMILY TOGETHERNESS AND COMPASSION. THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN WILL SOON BE HERE. FIVE LADIES TELL THE WOMAN WHAT THIS IMPORTANT MONTH MEANS TO THEM…

A NEW BEGINNING

Ramadan is known to be the month of worship and submission to Allah, but it means more than that to me. Ramadan is also the month that I revive my pledge to committing myself to certain things that I want to do, or things I want to stop doing for the sake of practising religion. Hence, I consider Ramadan the beginning of the year which I want to start with new changes in myself, even though these changes could be so small and personal that they are only known to me and Allah, they contribute to the refinement of one’s soul and behaviour. I consider all practices associated with Ramadan, like fasting, avoiding wrongdoing, family gatherings, prayers, helping people in need and many others to be the means to achieve the greater goal of Ramadan, which is to remember that life is short and we should prepare for the hereafter.

Aisha Ali Al Kiyumi, Nawras

WELL-BALANCED

Honestly speaking I think Ramadan is the best month in the year. My life is so well balanced that during this month I feel aspects of it are well-fulfilled. Firstly the religious aspect is the most important because Muslims not only fast but are also encouraged to help the poor and people in need. During this month we get more opportunities to socialise with people, meet friends and neighbours. Personally, I have learnt a lot through the experience of fasting; it is the best way to think of those in need and at the same time it encourages us all to thank God for blessing us with so many things in life.

Issra Ahmed, founder, Afkaari Boutique

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REFRESHES THE SOUL

A GOOD FEELING

To me, the Holy Month of Ramadan is a time for inner reflection, appreciation, sympathy, solidarity, sharing, generosity, respect, patience, forgiveness, discipline and self-control. It is a good time to count your blessings and think about certain moral standards in a more conscious way.

Although I am still getting attuned to fasting through the gradual approach, I do try to fast, not only out of solidarity with my family and my colleagues here or because I do not want to be the only one who is already ‘full’ during iftar, but because it does give you a good feeling; a feeling you share with others around you who are also fasting. It makes you think about how 'available' certain things are to some of us and how you should never take that for granted. When the sun goes down and after the call for prayers, it is great to participate in an iftar with your family; you are really breaking your fast, a shared experience, together. Plus you will learn more about the many traditional and favourite foods while laughter and deep conversations usually follow suit.

Bregje van Baaren

Ramadan is a time of the year where Muslims all over the world practise and learn self-restraint and develop an awareness about Allah and the Holy Quran by fasting and practising Islam. To me Ramadan is an opportunity to learn to control my needs, actions and desires not only by stopping from eating and drinking but also by practising the good deeds advised in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Just imagine that there are many actions that would invalidate the fasting and a fasting Muslim should avoid these, like lying, for example. So practising good habits and avoiding the forbidden habits for 30 days refreshes the soul and builds a new pure person. The aim is to continue in the same way even after the month of Ramadan.

Nash’at Al Riyami, Nawras

SPIRITUAL CLEANSING

The Holy month of Ramadan is just around the corner. This month holds a lot of importance for me. It helps me to spiritually cleanse myself.

This is the month when I disengage myself from worldly duties and attractions and dedicate myself completely to fasting and prayers. It reminds me of the importance of food and water, gives me strength and elevates me spiritually.

Since we do not eat and drink for a long period of time, it helps to detoxify my body. I also learn the value of patience and sharing. I feel nearer to Allah and forget all my problems. At the end of the month I always feel that I have gained a lot of self-control and feel lighter.

Sakina Boriyawala

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

Celebrate

attitude!

The Lacoste Spring-Summer 2012 Collection by Felipe Oliveira Baptista is not about reviving the past or updating references, but expressing what Lacoste is today, through a functional silhouette and a complete and versatile wardrobe. With an obsession for reconstructing essential pieces from scratch, the designer turns them into something totally new yet reminiscent of one’s personal history, strangely familiar.

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GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

22 JULY 2012

ULTRA COOL

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

Styles for young fashionistas from Babyshop…

24 JULY 2012

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

26 JUNE 2012

Obaibi

BURST OF COLOUR

GLAM UP - LOOKBOOK

Brighten up your kids’ wardrobes this season with stylish collections from Obaibi and Okaidi…

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Okaidi

GLAM UP - BEAUTY ZONE

Your Beauty Checklist…

MANE THING Sensai's renewed Hair Care Line launches a comprehensive battle against hair’s many signs of damage and restores its natural moisture, strength and shine. New Sensai Hair Care incorporates three powerful ingredients; Koishimaru Silk EX not only improves skin’s hydration, but also significantly boosts the moisture content in the hair. Pearl Essence fills cracks and cavities within the hair fibre to repair and strengthen damaged hair, restoring its natural volume.

Finally, Shine-Up Factor sheathes each strand in a smooth, uniform membrane for gloss and shine.

SPIRIT OF YOUTH

SIMPLY THE BEST

Dior creates a new step within Hydra Life, the first Dior skincare line infused with a moisturising and agedefying serum: BB Creme, inspired by Asian beauty rituals and developed in partnership with Dior makeup artists. Benefiting from the scientific expertise of the Dior Innovation Center, which selects the most effective rare and powerful floral and plant extracts for the skin from the Dior Gardens, this moisturising, enhancing and protective BB Creme imbues the skin with the freshness and natural beauty that make women aged 18 to 30 dream. Go, get the glow!

Clinique’s Even Better product line-up has gotten – well, better! The Even Better Concealer has been designed to help camouflage dark spots and cover under eye circles. The blend of pigments quickly conceals imperfections. Dark spots and discoloration are covered instantly to help skin look more even toned. Available in 12 shades, it’s a must-have in your make-up kit!

SUPER SKIN From Estée Lauder comes the New Re-Nutriv Radiant White Age-Renewal Collection for translucent, porcelain-perfect skin. Featured for the first time ever in the Re-Nutriv Radiant White Age-Renewal Collection, the exquisitely pure Re-Nutriv White Tuberose is highly effective at reducing irritation at the cellular level - one of the root causes of age spots. What shall we say, but experience flower power at its best!

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FOREVER YOUNG Sodashi’s most powerful anti-ageing treatment, Samadara™ Ultimate Age-Defying Crème, is a chemical-free crème that visibly improves skin tone, firms and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With pure plant ingredients and rose quartz crystal water, Samadara™ promotes the skin’s own natural healing abilities. Antioxidant rich plant oils Centella, Rose, Everlasting and Rosehip deeply nourish and protect the skin whilst the vibrational properties of rose quartz crystal water alleviate stressors from the body that cause cellular ageing.

BLUSH ON M.A.C. presents Très Cheek, a new set of blush powders.

Go hip in bright red-orange, or add a glorious touch of peach, pink or lavender – each shade staying as bright and un-beige on the skin as it is in the palette. It also comes with a formula that’s seamlessly sheer.

BOLD TAKE Love a flirty flick? Wild for the winged-out look? Crazy about cats’ eyes? Whatever your favourite eyeliner style, you can now achieve a long-lasting flawless finish with new Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner from Rimmel. Be as subtle or as bold as you dare! It’s your new secret weapon for ultraglam eyes all day and all night. Go on, pump up your eye-look.

FOR BABY’S DAY OUT You want only the best for your baby. And you know that baby skin is more sensitive and fragile than adult skin. Choose from ABCDerm range from Bioderma, a high-safety and high-tolerance range that respects your baby’s skin.

Clarins Research has introduced a new protective sun care formulated especially for children: Sun Care Milk For children UVA/UVB 50+, 100 per cent high tolerance mineral filters.

Another new product formulated with 100 per cent mineral filters targets the delicate areas of the face (lips, nose, cheeks and ears) is the Sun ControlStick For Sun-Sensitive Areas.

GLAM UP - GOOD THINGS

Queen & Cult

REGAL CHIC

In 2004, Maria Teresa and Paolo Durante, owner of PMD AG, launched the Swiss label Queen & Cult. After its phenomenal success, PMD established the sub-brands Princess & Cult and King & Cult.

Queen & Cult offers high-quality leather handbags, small leather goods and accessories for fashion-conscious women. As a sub-label of Queen & Cult, Princess & Cult is a line that is characterised by its attention to detail, vivid colours and trendy fashion themes.

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Princess & Cult

MORE THAN A WOMAN - PERSONA

“OMAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY MUSE AND INSPIRATION. EVERY COLLECTION I CREATE HAS SOME LINK TO OUR RICH HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT.”

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For Art’s Sake

ALIA AL FARSI ON HER ‘COMMUNIQUE CELESTIAL’ ART EXHIBITION AND MORE ...

R

enowned Omani artist Alia Al Farsi recently showcased her work at the ‘Communique Celestial’ Art Exhibition at the Omani Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. It was inaugurated by Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako Takamado.

Attended by former Prime Minister, Yasu Fukoda, a number of former Ministers and Vice Ministers, Members of Parliament, high-profile Government officials, Ambassadors, art museum directors, and Presidents of major corporations and universities, Al Farsi’s 40 mixed-media pieces revealed a contextual collection that showcased Oman’s artistic development.

Hosted by the Ambassador, His Excellency Khalid bin Hashil Al Muslahi, Al Farsi’s ‘Communique Celestial’ Collection was on display for a week and received excellent reviews as a one-of-a-kind exhibition by a local artist.

Here, she tells The Woman all about the exhibition and how it has taken Omani art to the world…

HOW DOES IT FEEL - SHOWCASING OMANI ART TO THE WORLD... THIS IS ANOTHER HIGH POINT FOR YOU...

Oman has always been my muse and inspiration. Every collection I create has some link to our rich heritage and environment. This time I used old khanjar belts from Mutrah embedded in the paintings with abstract backgrounds. It provided a subtle and elegant means of showcasing Oman to the Japanese art lovers. I am indeed very proud of the collection and the response that it has generated. If time permits, I might exhibit some of them locally.

WHAT IS THE ‘COMMUNIQUE CELESTIAL’ COLLECTION ALL ABOUT? As I started preparing for the exhibition, I was intrigued and touched by the manner in which the Japanese nation gracefully managed the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. I had a desire to capture part of that message in my paintings. Hence, the use of discarded materials is a symbol of rebuilding and using parts of our past

for the future. The white backgrounds represent hope.

The title is a continuation of my spiritually themed titles since all of these exhibitions are about connecting with myself and the universe. My first was ‘Zenith of Solitude’, and the second was ‘Spaces of Eternity’. The third did not have a publicly announced title.

WHAT TOUCHES OF OMAN DID YOU BRING TO THE ENTIRE COLLECTION? IS IT VERY DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OTHER WORK? Every collection needs to have its own message and theme otherwise both art lovers and I lose interest.

Previous themes have been Omani landscapes, then Omani materials, followed by Omani faces and now Omani jewellery and belts. Hence, the underlying theme continues to be Oman but different facets are emphasised in different exhibitions and collections.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE RESPONSE? I was very apprehensive about this particular exhibition since it was my first international solo and in a very discerning city. However, the response was incredible and has given me the impetus to start visualising the next one.

HOW DID THIS EXHIBITION ACTUALLY COME ABOUT? I guess fate and good luck in addition to the support of H.E Khalid Al Muslahi, Oman’s Ambassador in Japan were the key success factors.

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITES THAT YOU WOULD PICK FROM THE COLLECTION? The clichéd answer would be that they are all my children and I love them all equally but ‘Relation’ is probably my favourite.

WHERE AND WHAT NEXT? After every major exhibition, I take time off to reflect, recollect my thoughts and re-energise. At this stage, I have no firm plans but I have all the motivation to present something different again next year.

FOR THE LOVE OF SCIENCE

MORE THAN A WOMAN - PROFILE

36 JULY 2012

THE WOMAN MEETS DR. SABAH AL MAAWALI, A SCIENTIST AND TEACHER PASSIONATE ABOUT RESEARCH AND ‘BEING THE CHANGE SHE WISHES TO SEE’…

We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever ed cost, must be attained MARIE CURIE

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wo words best describe this woman whose life and career revolves around science. Passion and determination are what drive Dr. Sabah Al Maawali to achieve whatever she sets out to do. Being in a profession not preferred by many women because of the hard work and rigour it entails, Sabah has not only proved herself but is also a shining example for other Omani women to follow.

Sabah holds a Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, USA and has worked in different capacities at the Ministry of Petroleum & Minerals, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Al Madina Development & Supply LLC and Lonestar Alpha Laboratories. Presently, she works as professor at the Higher College of Technology.

Her academic and career growth is indeed impressive.

Here, she describes in detail, how childish curiosity fuelled her fascination and passion for science and the many achievements that followed.

THE BIRTH OF MANY IDEAS… Sabah’s greatest inspiration to strive hard in the field of academics was her grandmother and family. “She believed that education would take a girl somewhere.

Since she didn’t have the opportunities, she would always encourage me to follow my dreams,” says Sabah. The interest in science, particularly in chemistry came from a curious mind. “This was aided by enthusiastic teachers at school who taught us that chemistry is not learnt by just listening; we need to experience and see things on our own,” she adds.

Sabah was initially interested in medicine because her parents and grandmother wanted her to become a doctor; but fate willed otherwise. When she went to Egypt for further studies, she was told that she had to wait a year to join the course. “I was on a scholarship and that would mean I’d lose a year of my time. So I decided to choose chemistry. After that, I never thought of going back to medicine.”

ON THE ACADEMIC PATH After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at the American University in Cairo, Sabah came back

to Oman and got a job at the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals. She also got an opportunity to go to France for training during this period. She completed her Masters in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Carleton-Ottawa, Canada. This in itself is a story of how her determination was what saw her through.

“Though I completed my Masters in Canada, I also took courses at the Colorado School of Mines and Stanford University in the US which strengthened me in many areas of sciences. So here’s where willpower and resolve play a major role. At that age one needs a certain strength to move from one country to another, adjusting can be quite a challenge for a young mind and one needs preparation. This is true especially if you are coming from this part of the world and going to the States to study; it’s very difficult as a student to absorb the change. So, you need to have a focused mind. If you don’t have a helping hand to guide you through the process, you tend to get lost and there were many helping hands. That’s why I moved to Canada,” says Sabah. Later she spent seven years in the US where she completed her Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh.

ON THE CAREER PATH Her stint with the Ministry of Petroleum & Minerals saw her initiating a geochemical laboratory in 1984.

She also worked for PDO as Head of Laboratories and was in charge of eight laboratories operating in different geographical areas. Other stints included ones at Al Madina Development & Supply LLC and Lonestar Alpha Laboratories. Very recently, Sabah moved to teaching by joining the Higher College of Technology.

ADAPTING TO THE CHANGE… When asked whether it was difficult for her to come back to Oman and work in the relatively different environment from that in the US, Sabah was very practical about the whole experience. “Yes, it was very different in terms of scientific development.

There’s a huge difference and you may try very hard to make changes and still fail. But it’s heartening when minimal changes are made and this I think is what people should do instead of trying to change the whole system. And this is also where a scientist should learn management. I started taking a lot of

management courses because I knew that if I had to make changes, I needed to know how to do it. It’s a continuous process and I still don’t consider myself as one who knows everything.”

THE STUDY-WORK-LIFE BALANCE… Sabah’s oldest child was very young when she moved to the US for her Ph.D. Her two other children were born there. Was it difficult to study and raise a family in a country faraway from one’s own? “I would never say that the journey was easy, but with determination, discipline and a vision of what you want to eventually do, things become easier to handle. I’ve always been a scientist so I knew the path I had to take.”

EMBARKING ON A NEW ROLE… “I was actually encouraged to change my job as people thought I could contribute more as a teacher.

I like challenges and in a way, it has given me a huge spectrum to learn what we have and we what we don’t; what we can do and what we can’t. I look to each job as a wealth of experience. Whether it’s management or scientific, it’s a learning process. I believe one should experience every field of work and not just work in one, or you would have a very narrow vision,” says Sabah.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE… You cannot keep a scientist away from research and Sabah would definitely like to go back to it. “I am always curious to know more about things around me. Education has no limit. It’s like swimming in the ocean. You keep going on but you don’t know where it would lead you, but the journey is an experience in itself. Every failed experiment is a ‘learnt’ experience.

What’s most important is your passion to continue.

I’d possibly look at work in the analytical field related to science.

YOUR ADVICE TO WOMEN WHO WANT TO LIVE THEIR DREAMS… Sabah believes that Omani women are very strong, the kind who would never quit. “But again one must understand that nothing comes easy. You have to work very hard towards your goals, listen to people who are wiser and more experienced than you. You should never accept failure and give up.”

SLICE OF LIFE - EXPERIENCE

“ART WASHES FROM THE SOUL THE DUST OF EVERYDAY LIFE.” Pablo Picasso

38 JULY 2012

THE ‘ART’ OF LIFE REKHA BALAKRISHNAN ATTENDS A WORKSHOP ON ART THERAPY AT AL HARUB MEDICAL CENTER AND REDISCOVERS A DIFFERENT HUE TO LIFE …

I

t was another of those hectic workdays. There was hardly time for a breather between two assignments and on top of it; the heat was really playing havoc with my emotions as I made my way from one location to another. Not the ideal way to multi-task, but yes, it was one of those days where I wished I could just stop whatever I was doing, take a few deep breaths and grab some moments with myself.

So, it was with a weary group from work (all of us were literally sailing on the same boat!) that I made my way to the Al Harub Medical Center on a hot afternoon for a workshop on Art Therapy, my third assignment of the day! I love to doodle when I feel like it and know that art is a great stress-buster and mood-changer and so, had somewhat of an inkling about what was in store for us at the workshop.

We were greeted by Natalia Gomez Carlier, psychologist and art therapist and other members of the Al Harub Medical Center team. After we were seated comfortably, our eyes fell on sheets of paper and a box of oil colours on the desk before us… And I immediately wanted to transfer my current state of mind onto paper through some colour.

But this was art therapy and we had to know what it’s all about and it was best that we let the expert Natalia lead us through the process. She first asked us to take a sheet of paper and do something creative with the first letter of our names using the oil pastels in front of us. Once that was done, we had to identify eight people who matter the most to us and attribute a colour for each. The third exercise was to list out the emotions that governed us (listening, thinking, seeing, talking, sleeping, envy, etc) and portray them through colours.

Our child-like enthusiasm had to be seen to be believed. Little jokes were cracked and our ineptness at producing ‘great works of art’ was dissected amongst ourselves as Natalia patiently explained what this therapy is all about. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy where art is the main form

of communication. It is an effective treatment for people of all ages, cultures, situations and diagnosis.

Essentially it’s a creative process that helps in making decisions, reducing stress and enhancing self-esteem through the use of art.

In essence, art therapy can achieve different things for different people. It can be used for counselling by therapists, healing, treatment, and rehabilitation or simply as a tool for physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is used effectively with children as well as in dealing with various disorders and trauma.

The best thing about ‘art therapy’ is that you need not necessarily need to know how to draw or paint like an artist. It’s your way of expressing yourself or communicating through art. It’s relaxing, healing, rejuvenating and also a means of letting go…

Our tryst with colour was not over, yet. Natalia handed out sheets of paper and asked us to paint whatever we felt likeh. We took our time drawing, scribbling and painting and we were surprised at our own thoughts that came out pleasantly on paper.

Most of us hadn’t picked up a brush in ages and when we did, it was almost as if we were embracing the ‘child within’, wanting to show off our skills to each other.

An hour-and-a-half passed by quickly and I was almost reluctant to let go of the colours and paper at the end of the session. I looked at the stark red and black depicting my understanding of ‘perception’ on paper and let a sense of pride wash all over me. Yes, I needed to draw more often to express myself.

As I made my way to my fourth assignment of the day, my heart was definitely lighter. The weariness had vanished and in its place was a new-found enthusiasm. That’s what life’s all about, isn’t it?

Discovering a hue that suddenly makes your whole world brighter, and gives it new meaning. What’s that they say? Art imitates life! Then certainly, art therapy helps us reflect on its true meaning and revel in it!

Types of art therapy Individual therapy Every psychotherapy is unique and individual; each person may use art in a different way. Art serves to enhance verbal communication and work on experiences difficult to experience in words.

Group Art Therapy Five to eight participants meet on a weekly basis to create art and offer support through active listening and the creation of a safe space for expression.

Family Art Therapy Art helps identify and change family dynamics. It’s all about working on communication, strengths and solving problems in a collaborative and creative manner.

SLICE OF LIFE - PARENTING

MUM

&ME

DESPITE THE TWISTS AND TURNS AND THE UPS AND DOWNS THROUGH DIFFERENT AGES, THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER BOND IS ONE THAT LASTS FOREVER, SAYS CASSANDRA BUCKLEY

T

he relationship between a mother and daughter is reminiscent of the baking of a soufflé. There is a bit of science involved in both.

The key for making the perfect soufflé is just the right amount of heat. A mother is like the heat that infuses the soufflé and makes it rise. Whether the soufflé is successful in rising is determined by the intensity of the heat. This heat can be represented by a mother’s love. Just as the soufflé can collapse if removed too early from the oven, likewise, a child can stumble and falter if her mother’s love and encouragement is ripped away from her too early in their relationship.

However, if the soufflé is kept too long in the heat, the air bubbles in it will burst and it will deflate anyway.

Similarly, if a mother is overprotective of her child, she would suffocate the child emotionally and keep her from being independent and self-sufficient; preventing her from reaching her full potential and feeling out of her depth in the real world. Keeping in with this soufflé metaphor, the progression of the creation of this sweet or savoury dish is a long and drawn out process; much like the rearing of daughters. It requires extreme patience

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by both parties or the soufflé (or the relationship) deflates. It is a delicate balance that requires extreme sensitivity and empathy on both sides.

When a woman is young, she looks to her mother for comfort and protection. As an infant and on into childhood, her mother wraps around her like a cocoon of never-ending warmth and love. The mother too, enjoys the unconditional love and adorable naïveté that only a child is capable of giving. How many mothers across the world look forward to when their children return from school, happily calling out for them as they run through the door, excited about their day at school, eagerly jumping into their mother’s embrace? Mothers with teenage daughters wistfully think back to these happy days and wonder where did they all go? How did that perfect, beautiful little ponytailed angel turn into a make-up-wearing, cell phone obsessed terror?

Adolescence is hard on teenagers. It is a traumatic time for most of them; what with firsttime crushes, acne, social pressure, friends, and body image; add to that all the latest technology of cell phones, internet and social networking, it is a wonder they don’t crack under all that weight! The feeling of being misunderstood and victimised is amplified by the imbalance of hormones running amok in their bodies. Undergoing adolescence, teenagers think they have the answers to everything, and their parents’ point of view is rendered irrelevant. They try to push the boundaries of authority, to see how much they can get away with without getting caught. This is an exceedingly sore period among mother-daughter

relationships as it is at its most volatile. A general conversation between a mother and daughter could go like this; Mother (driving after picking up daughter from school): “So, how was school today?”

Teenage daughter (while texting, not looking up): “Fine.”

Mother: “Anything interesting happen?”

Daughter: “No.’ Mother: “Did you get your test back for English?”

Daughter: “No.” Mother: “How did your Science project go?’

Daughter: ‘Okay.’

Mother: ‘What did you learn in Math?’

Daughter: ‘I dunno. Stuff.’

At this point, the mother either gets extremely frustrated and so begins a shouting match in the car in which both parties emerge later red-faced, with the slamming of doors and shouts of “You are so irritating!” and “I can’t wait to get out of here!”, or the mother opts for the high road in which she takes a deep breath, swallows her frustration and continues the journey home in silence; avoiding the inevitable argument. Either way, the relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter is typically strained. The teenager just wants to be left alone, while the mother feels as though her child is slowly slipping away from her and holds on more tightly. This period when her child is full of angst and rebellion is probably the most stressful time in a mother’s life. However, when it is over, the reward for her patience is returned to her a hundredfold. She knows her job is almost over when the progression of

being called ‘Mummy’ to ‘Mum’ ends in, ‘Mother’.

Her daughter will once again come to request her advice and she can sit back and enjoy the fruits of her labour.

When a woman becomes an adult, leaving her teenage years behind, she slowly but surely comes to the realisation that her mother was right all along. This epiphany comes to light especially when the woman has a daughter herself. The cycle begins once again and the woman will come to depend on the wisdom and insights that her mother learned when dealing with her as a child. She will once again continue in the same vein as her mother, with the tenderness and love of her infant, to the frustration and exasperation of her teenager, and finally to the pride and compassion for her full grown daughter. When all her life, she dreaded turning into her mother, she now would go to that very same person for guidance and support.

A mother’s love is eternal just as a mother’s work is never done.

SLICE OF LIFE - FEATURE

THE AMBITIOUS ROAD EVERY HUMAN BEING HAS HIS OWN PERSONALITY, IDENTITY AND COMES WITH HIS OWN SET OF NEEDS, DESIRES, AND DREAMS, SAYS DR. PREMA SESHADRI

I

t’s that time of the year in India when there is a fever going around, rife with anxiety, pain, sleepless nights, and regrets. Parents are running around frantically to get their children admitted into the socalled best and ideal institutions.

Some are on a good wicket with ridiculously high percentages. And there are many, in my eyes, with ridiculously high percentages that, however, are considered to be ‘not enough’!

For someone like me who comes from the old school, where getting 60 per cent was the hardest thing to achieve and getting there warranted a celebration. It is extremely hard to comprehend students aiming for as close to 100 per cent in everything and that too when there are vernaculars and literature involved! But that’s the way it is. So, as I spend this time here in India, watching this ludicrous drama unfold, I ponder over this phenomenon and realise that there is no easy explanation possible. There are just way too many factors involved, from economic conditions and needs, a billion-odd population vying for a place in the Indian market and society, few seats and way more candidates, future placement, and

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the horrifying specter of capitation fees that looms at the back of all parents’ minds. But what tops it all is every parent’s dreams of creating that perfect little world and future for their children, a world that would be infinitely better than the one they have experienced. Inadvertently and insidiously they have set the goals for their children and they have drawn the path to be taken too. They have thus begun to live another’s life but continue to experience the emotions of their own. It’s akin to leading a life with the double persona and it’s a life, which is being built on a bed of fragile pebbles just waiting to be nudged. It is scary.

The human psyche is unfathomable. Its depth is dark and not easily comprehended. It has an expansiveness that cannot be bound by four walls and a roof. If not banked on both sides, it can run amok and create carnage within and, hence, out. It needs to be tethered by an infinite length of rope that would give it the freedom to soar and still remain grounded. It’s a fine line that we walk. Understanding this is of paramount importance and using it wisely is critical since our very happiness rests on this premise. Since this is the nature of the human psyche, both parents and children are endowed with both the same risks and the same potential to overcome them. There is just one little difference: parents are more entrapped by their habitual pattern of thought and impressions since

they have lived for a longer time, while children are less so but more affected by the conflicting changes and influence of external stimuli. So, a middle line is necessary for any and all kinds of interaction and communication between the two.

If adults are willing to grab the opportunity to think way beyond what they are accustomed to thinking, they will actually discover two important facts. Firstly, they will realise that they are to a great, if not full, extent, bound by a limited vision. This is so because adults are a lot more wary about taking a step forward, be it a mental step or physical. In thinking and dreaming for their children they are actually imposing their own limitations on them. This is evident in many children who are carbon copies of their parents. There is nothing wrong per se with this scenario, only that children seriously lose the charm and joy of realising and exploring the unknown potential within, not to speak of how it might make adjustment to adult-life demands so much more difficult.

Secondly, much as parents might feel proud of seeing their children or actually have they been seen as their mirror image, it’s self-deceiving. Every human being has his own personality, his own identity, and comes with his own set of needs, desires, and dreams. To not let him dream and live his dream is tantamount

to bondage. It is selfish and does not bode well for either child or parent. Those who are pressured into doing something that their heart is not in will never be happy. And it is a known fact that misery not only loves company but also loves to spread misery. If there is one thing that crushes parents is seeing their offspring unhappy.

The best gift parents can give their children is the gift of dreams. But this must be followed and strengthened by the imparting of a strong sense of values, of selfdiscipline, taking responsibility for oneself and others, a strong sense of commitment and perseverance, fortitude and prayer, gratitude, and mostly importantly to love and respect oneself for whoever they are.

And for oneself, parents must realise that just because they have children, they have not come to the end of the road. This is the time that they need to continue to grow for themselves. To be able to go deeper within themselves, to understand their yet unexplored nature, to be able to have their own dreams and work towards them would make them into stronger mentors for their children. This would make them into more open, exciting and attractive parents. Take away the pressure and stress from the children and make them into more rounded, happy human beings.

MumsSpeak ...

Are we trying to realise our ambitions through our children? We posed this question to a few mums who came up with some thought-provoking and insightful answers, definitely opinions to ponder over “It is natural for any parent to want the very best for their children, we instinctively want to provide them with everything that we were lucky enough to have growing up and more.

I believe our own childhood inspires the kind of parents we will be. I hope my children succeed academically, professionally and personally, a reflection of my own ambitions. It is important to create a solid foundation based on strong values for children to mould their identity and ambitions in life.

They should be given the freedom of creativity to realise their own interests. Every child is unique and we should encourage and harness their individuality, instilling a sense of confidence and self-worth for them to make their own choices and lay their own path.”

- WISAM BINT JAIFAR AL SAID CORPORATE AFFAIRS MANAGER, OMAN OIL MARKETING COMPANY

“In a much wider spectrum, realising our ambitions has become so vital. As kids we have had our ambitions, but how many of us have been able to stick on to those dreams? Today’s world is a rat race where we have to cope with the needs and wants of our children through our ambitions. As parents we have to ensure the best is given to our children.

Many adjustments and alterations from what we have dreamt in our childhood have to be made now, to cope with changing trends in lifestyle, education and just about everything. With no intent of a gender bias, a woman faces this challenge more fiercely. So yes, as adults and more responsible parents, we are certainly realising our ambitions through our children today.

- PRIYA SHIVKUMAR HOME MAKER

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“Fashion and business have both been long running passions of mine; I am lucky enough to have been able to realise at least one of my ambitions but would not be naïve enough to think that my children should be walking in the same path. In an ideal world, my children would enter the family business and continue the Bin Mirza International brand as the leading pioneer in the hospitality and food and beverage industry, but this remains a decision for them to make. As a mother, I would not assume that my children would have the same interests as me, I am only capable of showing and allowing them to experience my ambitions well before they choose their own.”

- JANNAT MOOSA MARKETING DIRECTOR, BIN MIRZA INTERNATIONAL

Parents play an important role in a child’s life. We are our children’s first role models. We have a lot of influence and power over them and sometimes use them as a vehicle for fulfilling our own unresolved desires and ambitions. If we take a closer look at our ambitions for our children, we will realise that they are our own unfulfilled desires. It’s always important to know and understand what our kids want. They may vary with our own dreams and wishes. But we should support our children in working towards these dreams. This will help them grow as responsible and confident individuals who were given the opportunities to fulfill their desires.

- RUMANA KAZI

SLICE OF LIFE - PARENTING

THE GUILT

TRAP ‘MUMMY GUILT’ STRIKES A LOT OF US FROM TIME TO TIME …REKHA BALAKRISHNAN TELLS YOU WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM IT AND HOW TO COPE ...

Every working mother suffers from ‘mummy guilt’ at some time or the other. Those who say they don’t, may not want to acknowledge it or at the risk of sounding harsh, are lying.

There are many scenarios where the guilt rears its ugly head. Your baby has a raging fever while you have an important presentation at work. Your child is all set for her first stage performance and your meeting with a client is just dragging on and you are desperately looking at the clock every second… There’s a huge opportunity to travel abroad on an assignment but no support system to look after your children; so on and so forth. You think you have only two choices – either give up your job or wallow in the guilt. And some cannot even afford to do the former because of economic constraints and that leaves you feeling confused, depressed and dejected.

The fact is parenting is something that doesn’t come out of a rule book. You learn and grow as your children grow. And once you’re a mother, it’s as if the whole world has an opinion on how you should be a good one. Never mind, if they don’t practise a word of what they preach. Which leads us again to guilt… not rising to our own expectations and those of others.

Work-life is a difficult juggling act and it’s not always that you can strike that balance. But you can do a lot to feel at ease and less worried.

First of all, you need to stop judging yourself all the time. Every area of life comes with its own set of challenges. And the same goes with parenting as well.

Here’s how you can mitigate those feelings of guilt to a large extent.

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ASSESS YOUR GUILT Sometimes a lot of guilt can be a warning signal.

Maybe something’s really wrong about your job that you’re feeling guilty all the time. List out the reasons.

Time management would help or better planning would ensure that things at home run smoothly.

Perhaps you could also speak to your boss and tell her what’s troubling you. A frank discussion with your spouse may also help sort out things.

WELCOME CHANGES Life’s not the same all the time. Remember that challenges and problems are not permanent. Keep in mind that family dynamics may shift. You may leave your job or deftly handle current circumstances with more help. Children will grow and need less of your time. So it makes sense to revisit your worklife balance periodically to understand whether your needs and priorities are shifting.

STEER CLEAR OF GUILT-CHARGERS Keep away from people who make you feel guilty all the time. Like we said before, when it comes to

parenting, the whole world has an opinion, from your neighbour to the woman standing next to you in the supermarket line. Ignore snide remarks and don’t let adverse comments get to you. After all, no one was born a mum, you become one!

Ignoring people is easier said than done, but with a little practice, you can make yourself immune to ‘unwanted advice’.

MAKE THE MOST OF IT Learn to acknowledge that there are some things in your kids’ life that you are going to miss out on. It’s okay to be sad but don’t let those feelings drown you in guilt. Always be positive and think of the happy moments with them. Also reason out what you are gaining from being a working mum. You’ll feel happy that way.

SPEND QUALITY TIME It may sound like a cliché but spending quality time with your children is very important for their growth.

Keep some time aside every day to embrace your inner child. Let go and be a part of your children’s activities – whether it’s colouring, going for walks or watching cartoons with them.

And here’s something that’s heartening! New research says that working doesn’t lower the quality of parenting. A study by researchers at the University College London says that the best scenario for children is a home in which both parents work in paid jobs, partly because mothers who work are less likely to be depressed.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Yes, you are not alone in this. Most working women face challenges but also remember that stay-at-home mums can have as much stress as you. So go ahead and relish your good moments, both at home and at work!

While the results may not be entirely true as it depends from family to family and situation to situation, it does put us working mums at ease. Ultimately it all comes down to happiness… if you are happy with your work-life situation, then your kids are definitely going to be happy too!

SLICE OF LIFE - FEATURE

...because you are simply

the best!

THE LITTLE AND THE BIG THINGS, THE INANE AND THE IMPORTANT, THE WARMTH AND THE LOVE… MOTHERS ARE TRULY SPECIAL!

It is true I was created in you.

It is also true That you were created for me.

I owned your voice.

It was shaped and tuned to soothe me.

Your arms were moulded Into a cradle to hold me, to rock me.

The scent of your body was the air Perfumed for me to breathe.

Mother, During those early, dearest days I did not dream that you had A large life which included me, For I had a life Which was only you. … I thank you, Mother... I love you.

From Maya Angelou’s Mother, A Cradle to Hold Me Mother… maa, mum, mama, amma, mai, maman, Mai, Uma… call your mother by any name… and she’s just as sweet. At every stage of your life, she’s there for you… holding your hand, wiping your tears; being a pillar of support and just being… mum.

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We ask a few daughters and a cute little son what their mum means to them. And the answers as expected are emotional!

Read on…

“I have the best mom in the world because she helps me with everything, like drawing and revising my lessons. She also lets me choose what to wear so I look good. I like that my mom keeps all her promises to me, by buying me lots and lots of toys.”

Sami Mirza

“I am the future woman that my mum is, not because I would be that way by default or because of my genes but because I choose to be that woman. My mum’s philosophy in life is to love Allah, to be tough, to respect, be honest and to love yourself and the people who love you for who you are. She’s of the opinion that people who don’t love your flaws are not meant to be in your life. She adds that if someone has flaws they need to work to fix those so they don’t lose the people they love. My mum often smiles at me and says, ‘See how crazy you drive me but no matter what I love you and will work and help you to be the best person that you can be. Well, it took me a long time to understand that but now I understand its importance. I am still learning and it would probably take me a long time to be as wise as her. She’s human, has her flaws but I love her no matter what and besides, no one can really beat the pancake that my mum serves me with dripping honey. It’s just yummy!”

Sara Salim Al Gazali “To try and sum up what my mother means to me in a few words is definitely not an easy thing to do, but I’ll give it a shot anyway. My mother is truly the strongest woman I know. She has raised three very intelligent and open-minded children (humility aside), and thanks to her, I am who I am today. My mother is my best friend, and I know I can count on her to always ‘have my back’ whenever I need her. My mother is the most beautiful woman that I know, inside and out, and I am the luckiest daughter to have her as my role model.”

Charmaine Buckley

“I love my amma because she is very sweet and smart.

She is a responsible mother. She helps me in every single way. She takes time to prepare my favourite food though she’s a working woman. She helps me with my studies and homework. Whenever she helps me, it makes things very easy, especially when it comes to my studies. She always makes sure that I’m comfortable especially when she has important work to do at the office. She’s indeed the world’s best mom!”

Nithila Cariappa

“There is only so much a girl can understand in life until the requirement for a mother’s advice and care is needed. I have always considered myself quite fortunate that I have had my mother to guide and help me through times of trouble. Her actions, no matter how big or small, have shaped me into who I am today, and for that I am grateful for all she has done and sacrificed for me. The development of not only a motherdaughter relationship, but of a friendship, has occurred. In that, I can trust and confide in her whenever necessary.

I do occasionally fail to express how much she means to me; however despite this I know she realises how much I love her regardless.”

Sophie Van Wersch

“Some say we don’t look anything alike, others say I have her eyes, smile, and mannerisms. My mom grew up in Washington D.C. and she used to tell me vivid stories of what it was like to grow up in a school immersed with turmoil and how diversity was not celebrated, but rather rejected. My American mother met my Omani father during an English tutoring session she was teaching at Ohio Wesleyan University. My mum taught me that we can always find similarity with others, even if they are from the other side of the globe. I love my mum because she took her experiences of growing up in D.C., as a mission to keep on exploring diversity rather than a reason to have hostility.”

Raya Sultan Al Hashmi

“My mum is a Supermum.

She’s my best friend to whom I can talk about anything and everything. I like sharing whatever happens in my life with her and she keeps it all a secret. She does a lot for me despite her busy work schedule. I am very lucky to have a mother who understands my mood at all times.”

Tanveera Rangwala 50 JULY 2012

BUZZ - SUPERSTAR

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WS little big star!

THIS 11-YEAR-OLD IS SASSY, HIP AND ALREADY A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH! WE’LL GIVE YOU A HINT; SHE CALLS WILL AND JADA SMITH DADDY AND MOMMY. THAT’S RIGHT, THIS MONTH’S SUPERSTAR IS NONE OTHER THAN THE SUPER TALENTED WILLOW SMITH!

Y

ounger sister to brothers Trey and Jaden Smith, daughter to Will and Jada Smith; she’s the only girl amongst the siblings, the youngest and having to compete with the plethora of fame already running loose in that family. But this feisty 11-year-old is definitely starting to make waves in her own right.

Little Willow Smith is personable, sassy, has a kooky fashion sense (she’s currently sporting a shaved head) and has not let any of the celebrities in her family overshadow her. A natural born talent? We think so!

Willow was born to parents Will and Jada on October 31, 2000. Her first acting role saw her working alongside superstar Dad (and all round stud) Will Smith in 2007’s I Am Legend. The following year saw her take up the role of Countee in Kitt Kitredge: An American Girl. Though her acting career continues to burgeon, it was her music that really helped her get noticed in good old Hollywood; the fall of 2010 saw her releasing singles Whip My Hair and 21st Century Girl. And the rest, as they say is history.

The single Whip My Hair became an internet hit as soon as it leaked out onto the airwaves.

Willow’s eclectic fashion sense and all round spunky attitude already had observers comparing her to Rihanna; and the release of the song only encouraged the comparison.

The youngest Smith instantly became ‘Baby Rihanna’. The song was praised for being both kid-friendly and accessible to adults.

The video for the song shows Willow - sure enough - whipping her hair back and forth.

Although the poppy tune and electronic beats are reason enough to love the music - what really makes the video is the sight of a completely comfortable-in-her-own-body Smith, owning the limelight as she works it. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 54 JULY 2012

Hot 100 charts and the video was nominated for Video of the Year at the BET awards of 2011. She hasn’t looked back since; her music mentor Jay-Z signed her on to Roc Nation. Currently she’s busy working on Annie and the upcoming release of her album.

It’s no secret that she’s going to be famous - very famous, but the question is who or what exactly is Willow Smith? Daughter, sister, singer, actor and style icon, these are heavy burdens to carry at such a young age, but she seems to manage so effortlessly. Parents Jada and Will are often given credit for how self-possessed their youngest child is. These days she’s sporting a shaved head, and though in most households that would have raised eyebrows father Will Smith has a very different take on the whole thing, “When you have a little girl, it’s like how can you teach her that you are in control of her body? If I teach her that I’m in charge of whether or not she can touch her hair, she’s going to replace me with some other man when she goes out in the world.”

Although, Willow is a little young for boys right now, she does have her own particular set of problems to deal with. She was asked recently,

what she would change about her life if she could, and the answer, was surprising, “If I had to change one thing about my life, it would probably be, I wouldn’t be famous. Because when you’re famous it’s so hard. Let’s say if a regular girl is going to the book store, it’s ten times harder to go everywhere (when you’re famous). But some people are like, ‘Oh, it’s so easy,’ and I’m like, ‘As fast as you can get there, it’s going to take me ten more minutes to get there.’ Because I have to call security.” Though the answer could have been misconstrued as bratty, Smith follows it up with an intelligent afterthought, “It’s not like I can’t reverse being famous,” she added. “Sometimes I don’t want to be, but then sometimes I do because when there’s a problem in the world, more people will listen to me… it’s kind of like helping people and if I’m not, then I can’t help people as much as I would if I was famous.” She’s as good as her word. Both she and her brother are Ambassadors for Project Zambia which aims to provide a better life for orphans in the country.

So what’s next for Willow? Mother Jada Pinkett Smith explains that the Smiths are all trying to star in a movie together, “Will and I are trying to figure that out, right now. We’re talking

about us all starring in a film together. Will and I are definitely planning on working together in the next year. And of course, we’re working on the ‘Annie’ project with Willow. But we’re just producing that. And then Jaden is finishing up a film with his dad now. But, as always, there’s tons of creativity happening in the Smith family household. We’re artistes to the core”. Surely then, things get competitive in the family?

Apparently not. Jada says, “You have to understand what it takes for us to exist as a family. It’s like every success belongs to every single family member, because of what we do as a family to help one another and to support one another. So we’re never in competition… There’s room for everybody.”

It sounds like Willow can only thrive from here!

We’re wondering what she’s going to be up to next. Apparently, the decision is not all up to her.

It’s easy to forget that’s she’s just 11 years old; “I can’t do whatever I want. Mommy has to say it’s okay.”

Can we get an awww ladies?! Now there’s a daughter to be proud of!

BUZZ - CELEBS

Yummy Mummies DESPITE THE GLITZ AND GLAMOUR OF THEIR DAY-TO-DAY-LIVES, AT THEIR CORE THESE SUPER CELEBRITIES ARE SIMPLY ‘MUM’ TO THEIR KIDS. HERE’S LOOKING AT SOME OF THE HOTTEST MUMS ON THE CELEBRITY BLOCK!

T

here’s no one in this world who loves us quite like our mothers do. Scraped knee, first love, tummy aches; they share equal parts in both our joys and our sorrows.

Most of us grew up knowing that our mother’s would do anything for us and that was enough for us to be able to take on the world.

This month, we bring you a feature on celebrity mums.

These mothers have all the money in the world to give their children the best lives possible. The only commodity they might be scarce on? Time. And yet, these ladies prove that they can do hands on mum plus superstar with the best of ‘em! Do they deserve kudos? Certainly!

BEYONCE

We’ll start off with Baby Blue shall we? Baby Blue Ivy Carter was born this year to superstar parents Jay-Z and Beyonce. The public went wild pre-birth in anticipation, post birth in speculation as to what actually went on in the delivery room, and finally melted in puddles of goo after the first pictures were revealed (and the name incited its fair share of raised eyebrows!). Although the star singer was crowned world’s most beautiful woman by People Magazine, post pregnancy, it’s obvious that she’s got little except motherhood on her mind. She professes to love changing diapers, has stopped wearing heels and says, “Nothing can describe the feeling. You have the instant connection once you know your child is growing inside you, but when you hold it for the first time, the words can’t be found..

It’s an old cliché that the thing expectant mums look forward to the most ost is holding their child in their arms for the first time, but it’s one of those hose clichés that is a real truth”.

56 JULY 2012

ALYSSA MILANO

Alyssa Milano welcomed baby boy Milo to the world on August 31, 2011 with husband husb David Bugliari. A week into baby Milo’s life, Alyssa tweeted, “Breast feeding. Poop. And Bliss”. It was short, sweet and tweeted got tthe message across. This mum is also on our list because she equates babies with… the environment! Yes, Milano is determined that her child (maybe ‘children’ in the future!) grows de up to be environmentally responsible, “After the oil spill, I had this strong feeling that if I ever were to be blessed in having children, I never wanted my kids to see me pumping gas at a gas station”. We hope your dream comes true Alyssa!

Environmentally-friendly mum all the way!

KATIE HOLMES

They are the well-dressed pair in Hollywood, and New York born and bred six-year-old Suri Cruise is often seen out and about with mum Katie. Despite being super famous by default, Suri’s parents have managed to raise quite a polished young lady. Mum Katie seems to know what it’s about, although six years of practice must certainly have helped, “My daughter was with me the other day at a work event and it was a long day. I took out some paper and markers that I had in my bag, and someone said to me, ‘Oh, that is so cute,’ and I looked at her and thought, No, this is not cute. This is what all mothers have to do.” Sounds like Katie knows the ropes by now! Perhaps she could offer tips to some of the new celeb mums, “As an actress who is also a mother, you don’t have the luxury of drama”. Well said Ms. Holmes! Give our love to Suri!

CHARLIZE THERON She announced her adoption of baby Jackson on March 18, 2012. The stunning actress has always known she wanted a family, and she finally has one. Baby Jackson was photographed at an airport in Paris that show him clinging to his famous mother as she dotes on him. Theron explains that with motherhood and her career both coming along full speed simultaneously, she just doesn’t have any time to breathe. Theron has high hopes for her son and wants to be exactly like her own mum, “I can only hope to be 10 per cent of the mom mine was to me. She encouraged me to be confident and enjoy life. That’s what I want for my son.”

She also wins the award for the most unflustered new mother ever, “So far I’m not surprised by anything about being a mum.

It’s all pretty great – but that’s what I expected.” We’re praying its smooth sailing all the way through Charlize!

GWEN STEFANI

This yummy mummy has not one but two kids – singer and fashionista Gwen Stefani expends most of her energy running after Kingston (6) and Zuma (4). She spends most days knee deep in homework, running the kids back and forth from school and doing household chores. Stefani insists on being a hands on mum, explaining that her parents were the same way, “The thing I’d like to do is enjoy these boys while they’re young - so I don’t regret I was working too much when they’re big and don’t want to cuddle with me anymore... Being a mother is probably the most challenging thing I do.” Amen to that sistah!

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PINK

Singer, song writer Pink has been out of the spotlight for a while now because she’s been busy devoting herself to the most noble task of all, raising little Willow Sage. The singer has given up a lot of her rock star habits for the simple life, “I’ve exorcised a lot of my demons, but I’m still working on myself. I think I’ll be a work in progress for the rest of my life.” That’s also the second mum on our list who’s equated poop with bliss.

Must say something about the power of a mother’s love, eh? When the tears get to be too much, Pink sings to her baby daughter and apparently that does the trick. She’s managing to keep her professional life out of her private life though, and has promised fans that her next album will not feature lullabies. We have to say we’re a little disappointed!

JULIE BOWEN A mother of three boys, all under the age of five and a burgeoning career (Modern Family anyone?), Julie Bowen certainly has her hands full. She’s on our list for being the most honest mum out there, “I’m constantly shocked that I am successfully taking care of this family and that I’m capable of putting their needs in front of mine,” she states. “I don’t think I could have done it in my twenties.” Although she admits that the Bowen household has a nanny during the week, the parents insist on keeping the house nanny free on weekends. Her advice to mums everywhere?

“My doctor told me, ‘Only give 70 per cent. You’ll hate them if you give 100 per cent of yourself.’ I took that advice to heart. I run to my job. I love my job.”

Ladies, these women are doing it, our mums have done it and some of us know the joys of being a mother as well; either way, there’s no doubt that it’s a life changing experience; so go out, and love those kids! And love your mothers too! Here’s toasting the best of us out there; mothers!

BUZZ - STARDUST

Paying the price The paparazzi can be really intimidating, and Alec Baldwin got another taste, recently. He got into a violent stand-off with a New York photographer and hit the streets of the Big Apple, wearing a paparazziproof white blanket. This happened as Baldwin was leaving a courthouse with his fiancée Hilaria Thomas. The couple had just obtained a marriage licence. Ah! The price you pay for fame!

Splitsville Yes, it’s heart-breaking! Johnny Depp and his long-time partner Vanessa Paradis have officially split. Sources say that the couple didn’t take their months of separation lightly and tried valiantly to keep the family together. But in the end, nothing worked and the separation was announced. If you didn’t know already, Depp, 49, and Paradis, 39, have been living separate lives for many months. The couple are parents to two kids, Lily-Rose, 13 and Jack, nine.

Heard on the grapevine...

In the groove Bollywood is all set for another grooving star. Emraan Hashmi is also ready to go the ‘item number’ way but on one condition; it has to be unique. “The conventional item numbers are very boring. I don’t like the way they are presented. I will do something different,” he said.

He also added jokingly that if Dibakar Banerjee, his Shanghai director were to offer him a role, he would take it up on the spot. Shanghai has certainly changed people’s perception of the actor and he’s only looking forward to more. All the best!

60 JULY 2012

New role Rani Mukherjee is all set to shed her so-called ‘serious’ image by appearing in not one but three ‘item numbers’ in Anurag Kashyap’s Aiyya. Sachin Kundalkar, the director of the film, said,“The film is a mixture of reality and a dreamscape and Rani will be seen doing three item songs in her dream in the film. Amit Trivedi has composed six songs for the film and three of them will be Rani’s item songs.” The film will be co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and Viacom 18. The story is about a Marathi woman and the actress will be paired opposite southern star Prithvi Raj.

Mum’s the word

Plugging the leak This is really sad! Just days before its official release, Lebanese singer Elissa’s new album was leaked on different websites. Upon discovering it, Elissa announced the album’s immediate release. The album features 10 songs sung in Egyptian and Lebanese dialects. The singer has collaborated with famous writers and composers who include poet Baha Al Din, composers Mohamed Yahia, Rami Jamal, Mohamad Dia and Lebanese singer, writer and song writer Marwan Khoury. We can’t wait to get hold of this one!

Courting controversy Celebrities and controversies go together.

Kevin Costner has been dragged into a nasty legal war with his neighbour in an upscale beach community near Santa Barbara. The neighbour claims that Costner, paranoid about his privacy, planted a bunch of trees and shrubs that is now blocking his once-spectacular view. The neighbour is now asking a judge to force the actor to chop down his trees and has sued for damages. Looks like this one’s going to remain in the headlines for some time!

We love Aishwarya Rai! This is one actress who’s enjoying her mum’s role and not bothered about the ‘whole world’ faking worry over her weight gain.

Ash says she is currently in a state of bliss and the one who is responsible for her feeling on top of the world is her little daughter, Aaradhya.. “Being a mum, I love it. It is bliss,” she revealed. Leaving husband Abhishek Bachchan feeling guilty at having no work to do. He said recently, “I’m guilty.

I don’t spend enough time with the baby to change her nappies. She does all the hard work.” Aww! This is one happy family.

R&R - TRAVEL

y l i m a F n u F UR Y O L Y D E RIEN S WHER T… F E SOM NATION A BLAS I E DEST AN HAV C KIDS

62 JULY 2012

Singapore If you want your holiday to be packed with as many activities for kids, then think Singapore. A squeaky clean Asian city, it has all the trappings that make for a great family holiday. Kick-start your vacation by spending a day or if possible, two at Sentosa Island, the pleasure park with some amazing things to discover – The Underwater World, home to Asia’s largest oceanarium, Universal Studios, some amazing rides and a beach where you can relax or watch one of the sunset shows. The zoo is a must-visit destination because this is not just any other zoo. At Rainforest Kidzworld, the animal themed wonderland, kids can get wet and wild as they splash around in a huge water play area, ride the wild animal carousel and entertain themselves with other fun-filled activities. You can feed a rhino, have breakfast in a jungle setting and get close to the animals you love. If you love birds, the Jurong Bird Park is home to a mind-boggling variety of birds from around the world. The little shows are the attraction so make sure that you spend entire days with your kids at these places! Apart from these, do not miss out on the Singapore flyer, a giant Ferris wheel or a stroll along the river.

Why your kids will love it: Singapore is the place where there are a lot of activities to keep your kids busy. With all the facilities of a modern city, kids can be entertained with promises of playgrounds, shopping, and trips to the air-conditioned malls and theatres. For the parents, especially the mums; there are over 200 shopping malls along the central hub of the city, Orchard Road, with a variety of department stores and malls.

Dubai Known as Paris of The Middle East, Dubai offers an assortment of tourist attractions, including museums, beaches and a large number of shopping malls where while you shop till you drop, kids can have a whole lot of fun. Dubai is ideal for activities for kids to enjoy the summer despite the heat. Children’s City near Dubai Creek Park is designed to appeal to kids of all ages. It offers exhibitions and programmes that explore a variety of sciences, making it fun for children to learn about the world. It also has a planetarium, a cafeteria and a souvenir shop. Want to swim with the dolphins and enjoy a day at a water-park? Head straight to Atlantis located at the tip of the man-made Palm Island. Aquaventure inside Atlantis is a water park that offers a variety of waterbased rides, including rapids, rivers and a speed slide.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium features underwater mazes and tunnels, giving visitors a view of more than 65,000 marine animals. Ever had an indoor skiing experience? Well if not then head straight to Ski Dubai located in the Mall Of The Emirates. An experience in itself, it has a ski slope, a snow park and lots of activities to keep you and your children busy.

And that’s not all, the ongoing Summer Surprises has just that, loads of surprises! Check them out!

Why your kids will love it: Almost all commercial and public places in Dubai have a section specially dedicated to children. Malls, parks, restaurants, and other locations have designated leisure areas where kids can have fun.

R&R - TRAVEL

Hong Kong It is an energetic and vibrant city that you can visit any time of the year. It is a fine blend of the traditional and the modern and it’s these contrasts that are striking for the visiting tourist. Hong Kong’s charm is evident everywhere, in its fast-paced neon streets or in the magical charm of the distant islands. On top of your list should be the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens, Symphony of Lights, Ocean Park, Peak Tram, and a skyscraper climb. Ocean Park offers a balance of thrills and high-octane rides, an aquarium and the popular giant-panda enclosure suitable for tiny tots as well as teenagers. Kids could also enjoy a half-day trip watching pink dolphins in their natural habitat. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum has a discovery gallery with educational play-zones designed for children from ages four to 10, while the Science Museum offers plenty of exhibits for the older ones. Children could also venture out to Times Square, Pacific Place, Kowloon Tong's Festival Walk, and Elements, all of which are safe places to explore. And if all this is not enough, there's always Disneyland! Fun in the Far East… that’s Hong Kong for you!

Orlando Why your kids will love it: Travelling in and around the city of Hong Kong is easy as the public transport is very efficient. There are plenty of attractions for kids in the malls or on the streets.

This city may just rank as one of the most fun places on Earth. With its action-packed attractions, dining and shopping destinations, Orlando brings out the child in everyone. It is a kid’s paradise! Visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld are what dreams are made of. Walt Disney World and its various theme parks will keep your family occupied for more than a week. Older teens would enjoy visiting the Disney Village, Universal Studios, EPCON centre and the national space centre. Aquatica and other water-parks are fun ways to cool off from the summer heat. You just might be thinking what would the adults do amidst all this kid frenzy? Worry not! With pristine beaches, factory outlets for shopping and strolling on the streets, you could be rest assured that you would enjoy as much as your kids! Pack your bags and head straight into fantasy-land!

Why your kids will love it: It’s Disneyland… and what more can one ask for? A tried-andtested destination for both adults and kids!

Compiled by: Sana Rahim

64 JULY 2012

MONEYWISE

THE VALUE OF MONEY TEACH YOUR CHILDREN BASIC LESSONS IN MONEY WHILE THEY ARE YOUNG AND THEY WILL HAVE A FIRM FOUNDATION TO BUILD UPON IN THE FUTURE, SAYS SARABHJIT KAUR

D

uring a visit to a leading hypermarket recently, I saw a kid spread-eagled on the ground in protest. She wanted to buy a new toy at a store. So the question is do you really give your child everything she ‘needs’ or are you giving her everything she ‘wants’? The question is imperative because there is huge difference between the two.

First of all, how do you know that your kid is spoilt, when it comes to money? Here are some tell-tale signs…

• When she throws tantrums and wants a third car/game/bag: Is there really a need to get her that? Agreed it is the latest in the market or that it is a different colour. But does she really need it?

• When she frequently compares and isn’t ever satisfied: Does she often whine that her friend in class has better things – or that she wants the same game her friend has? The sky is the limit, and yes, indeed, nothing will ever satisfy a spoilt kid.

• When she frequently negotiates with you: Do you have to bribe her with goodies to make

her listen? Or pay her pocket money to clean her own room? Do you have to negotiate and get her the latest Barbie to get her to stop misbehaving?

Agreed that negotiation is a great skill at the workplace, but surely, you don’t want to be doing that with your kid at home.

• When she controls your financial decisions: Is your kid controlling decisions that adults at home are supposed to make? Is she dictating which restaurants to go to or which TV to buy?

• When she doesn’t value her things: Does she feel bad when she loses the nice pen you gifted her for school? Or does she just shrug it off and demands a new one?

So how do you make them money-wise?

• Set an example: Kids learn at home – so if you set a precedence of financial extravagance to your kid, that is exactly what she will pick up.

• Set a monthly kid budget: Make it clear that she can either have that new dress or a new doll-house this month, but not both.

• Announce your decisions and stick to them: Don’t ask your kids whether they would like to eat in a expensive Chinese restaurant. Let them know where you will be dining, and stick to that decision.

• Differentiate between the expected and the extraordinary: In other words, don’t reward routine tasks with money or goodies. Reward kids when they deserve it.

• Keep your cool: Losing your temper will not help – it only sets a wrong example for your child.

Moreover kids gradually get immune to it. Stay calm and firm – believe it or not, that works to your advantage in the long run.

Parenting is a continuous learning process in which teaching them to be money-wise is an important part.

You just have to figure it out as you travel along the path. Good luck!

(Sarabhjit Kaur is an investments professional working in Muscat. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author.)

HEALTH - USEFUL ADVICE

in good

Health 66 JULY 2012

DR. WEAM DAWOOD, FAMILY PRACTITIONER AT STARCARE HOSPITAL OUTLINES SOME IMPORTANT HEALTH TIPS FOR THE FASTING PERIOD … good for you, why does there tend to be an ongoing list of complaints? That is because many of us tend to go about our normal lives, which generally include unhealthy eating habits, and then plunge into fasting without preparing our bodies for what is to come.

Gradually cutting down on them will greatly ease your fasting experience as well as minimise your body’s shock.

T

he Holy Month of Ramadan is one in which one gains a great appreciation and awareness of all that is around them, while taking the time for religious responsibilities. This month is viewed with sanctity and honour, which may cause many to feel a heightened sense of excitement as well as anxiety. In light of all these, we tend to forget the importance of preparing our bodies, both physically and mentally, to welcome the fasting month.

Prior to Ramadan, a person who intends to fast should always consult with a doctor about the safety of fasting in individual health circumstances. Fasting is a positive tool which can help improve some health conditions, but can also cause some of them to gradually worsen. Even if you are generally healthy, recognise that the fasting month will take a toll on your body and ensuring you are fully aware of your body and health is crucial in determining how you should handle yourself during this time period.

Fasting helps improve your ability to detoxify unwanted substances by giving the body a break from the daily load of toxins that may be coming from cigarettes, caffeine, fizzy drinks, sweeteners, or foods with additives and colourings. So, if fasting is so

Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, is generally recognised as the single most important meal of the day. Ensure that you have a wholesome and filling meal which will provide you with enough energy to last the many hours throughout your day, but do not overeat.

Focus on taking in foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as grains and seeds like barley, wheat oats and cereals that will help release energy slowly during fasting and are also slowly digested.

Bran, whole wheat, grains and seeds, potatoes with the skin, all types of bread and breakfast cereals, as well as vegetables such as green beans and fruit such as apricots, prunes or figs are all suitable choices.

Iftar is the meal which breaks the day’s fast. Try to eat a healthy balanced diet at this time, enjoying some protein from meat/fish or lentils and some vegetables.

Try to eat as you would normally and remember to eat only a moderate amount of fat and sugar! Dates and juice are traditionally consumed to help normalise possible low sugar and provide the much needed energy along with hydration. If you have diabetes, please consult with your healthcare provider for medication or diet adjustments.

Here are some tips you might find useful during this Ramadan: • Drink plenty of water. It is advisable to consume at least 8-12 cups between iftar and suhoor so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time for the next day.

• Eat slowly and chew your food well. Because you have not eaten all day, there will be a tendency to want to eat a large quantity of food quickly; put small portions on your plate first as it takes 20

minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full.

• Walking in the evening for at least 30 minutes is an ideal routine activity which will not only help your metabolism, but also help your mind stay clear. If you’ve not managed to keep your meals light, then a brisk walk straight after a heavy meal is not a good idea. Wait one or two hours after your meal before engaging in any strenuous activity.

• Avoid eating fried and fatty food. High-fat foods are high in calories and are nutrient deficient which will lead to an imbalanced diet, increasing exhaustion during Ramadan.

• Salty food causes dehydration, in which case should be greatly avoided due to limited fluid intake during the day. High-salt food increases the risk of dehydration because it draws fluids out your body.

• All in all, remember that Ramadan is supposed to be a time of both physical and spiritual cleansing and a time to enjoy the company of family and friends.

Keeping all these in mind and consulting your doctor in advance will only ensure that you experience a rewarding and healthy Ramadan.

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 UK IN OBSTETRIC & GYNAECOLOGICAL ULTRA-SONOGRAPHY & INFERTILITY

Q. I am suffering from PCOD. A follicle study Q. I had a miscarriage and it’s been some time

Dr. Smita Lulla MBBS, M.D., D.G.O (Gold Medallist) is Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Qurum، Clinic, Muscat

done on the 13th day of my cycle shows left ovaries with 19.1mm and right ovary with 12.2mm. After this the follicle study was again done on the 16th day; the result was there were no follicle in the left ovary but a simple cyst was found (2.3cm). I want to know what it means. The doctor asked me to start taking Duphaston 10 mg once a day from the 17th to the 27th day of my cycle. Can I become pregnant?

A. First of all, do a scan on day five of the cycle to determine whether that was a cyst or a follicle. If there is no cyst, you can take one Clomid a day for five days. This may form 1-2 follicles which would help you conceive. What is your husband's semen report and are your tubes normal? Do let me know, so I can advise you further.

Q. It’s my second cycle of Clomid 100 mg.

At first, the dose was 50 mg and my prolactin was a little high so I am taking Dostinex twice a week along with iron tablets. My ultrasound scan shows that only follicle 12 mm and 9 mm on day 17 and only 9 mm on day 19. Ovulation has taken place. Is there any chance of getting pregnant? I started taking Duphaston for 10 days. Why is there no dominant follicle with Clomid 100 mg?

A. Unless a follicle has been seen to reach 18 mm, one cannot assume you have ovulated. The follicle may just have gone into atresia (shrunk). Serum progesterone done on day 22 of the period would let you know whether you have ovulated or not. If not, you would need to increase the Clomid dose in the next cycle and do ultrasound monitoring every two days to determine when you are ovulating. What are your day two FSH and LH levels? If you are Oman, I can advise you further.

but still my periods have not come. The doctor prescribed Deviry and also taken ultrasound stwice. I can’t understand why my bleeding is not regular yet.

A. Sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I hope the Deviry has stopped the bleeding. If not, do a beta HCG - this will determine if any placental tissue is still present which cannot be detected by ultrasound.

Further treatment can be planned accordingly.

Q. My doctor had prescribed Deviry 10 mg to

be taken for three days. Will it help me become pregnant?

A. You have to check with your doctor why Deviry was given. This is a progesterone tablet given to get a period. It has no connection with ovulation and getting pregnant.

Q. I have a problem with my periods that just

don’t seem to stop at all. I want to know if I have to do the FSH and LH test and how do I decide whether it’s the first or second day of my periods.

A. You should take Duphaston tablets - one tablet twice a day for 10 days and Cycklocapron or Dicynone tablets, twice a day for five days. This would stop your bleeding. The period you get after this, you can count as day one or two and do the test. Also do your TSH together with the FSH and LH.

(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 JULY 2012

GO TECH - GADGETS

SMART CHOICES

GET NOTED! Today’s multi-tasking woman simply needs to have a smart notebook! Get the Asus Zenbook Prime UX31, the slimmest Ultrabook with the highest resolution screen available in the market today. Other features on the Zenbook UX31 are a backlit Chiclet keyboard and large multigesture touchpad, which enhance the Zenbook’s user experience.

Go, get it!

TOP GADGETS FOR THE MULTI-TASKING YOU …

READ ON! Catch up on your reading with an e-reader. Get an Amazon Kindle Fire. Apart from movies, there are loads more for you to enjoy – movies, apps, games, music and reading. A vibrant colour touchscreen with extra-wide viewing angle and a fast, powerful dual-core processor makes it a beautiful reading and viewing experience.

KEEPING TABS We are not saying that since everyone has the new iPad, you need to get one too!

But it’s handy! Download all those wonderful apps for info on just about everything – parenting, health, fitness, recipes, kids’ games and much more. The retina screen is to die for and the other extras simply add up – to making life easier on the go!

ON THE GO Sony Xperia Go - the stylish smartphone is just what mums would want. It’s sleek, stylish, durable and water-resistant too.

So now you don’t have to worry about all those accidental spills. And to record those instant moments into memories, there’s the 5MP fast capture camera that goes from sleep to snap in just over a second. And it’s pretty quick, just as a smartphone should be. It’s not just a cliché, it’s your smart companion!

LISTEN UP! Bring on the bling! And this time, it goes straight to the ears!

ChicBuds are perfect earphones to wear while listening to your iPod or laptop. They are detailed with genuine Swarovski crystals, making you the geek fashionista!

PALATE - CUISINE

Fu n w it h

Fo o d Two interesting recipes th a young kids can make, wi little help...

Frozen Fruit Skewers with Honey-Yoghurt Dip (Makes 6 skewers) • •

6 bamboo skewers 1 cup fresh fruit pieces (kiwi, strawberry, grapes, pineapple chunks or any other fruit of your choice)

For the honey-yoghurt dip • •

¼ cup plain yoghurt 2 tsp honey

70 JULY 2012

To begin with, let the kids have fun balling fresh fruits and threading onto skewers. While they do so, don’t be a clean freak, let them mess around and most importantly encourage nibbling. Once they’ve done that, freeze the skewers in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag for at least two hours until frozen solid. As you wait, you can chat over everything, from school stories to games/movies, use it as a reconnecting time after all the busy days you’ve had.

Then, just before serving, mix yoghurt and honey together and serve with frozen skewers.

Orange Mango Carrot Smoothie Serves: 3 • • • • • •

2/3 cup carrot juice 1/4 – 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt, plain or vanilla (optional, according to taste) 1 large orange, peeled and sectioned 1 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks 1 cup frozen strawberries 2 drops 100 per cent pure lime essential oil (or a bit of fresh lime zest)

Allow the kids to combine the carrot juice, yoghurt (if desired), orange, mango chunks, strawberries, and lime essential oil or zest in the blender. Show them how to carefully place the lid on and pull up a stool next to you and get blending with the kids. Begin to puree (use the ‘smoothie setting’ if your blender has one) until smooth and desired consistency is reached.

Serve immediately, or pour it in safe canning jars and store in the freezer for later use.

Note: The Greek yoghurt is an optional ingredient. The yogurt makes the smoothie a little creamier which the kids will definitely enjoy on a lazy summer afternoon.

Source: www.bankmuscat.com/zeinah

o i u c i s l i ! t i u

Fr

PALATE - CONTEST

A delectable mango dessert to cool off this summer…

Mango Cool (Makes 10-12 hearts) • • • • • •

1 tin (approximately 400 gm) condensed milk 1 tin (approx 170 gm) evaporated milk 1 tin (approx 10 gm) fresh cream Pulp of two ripe (preferably Alphonso) mangoes 1 ripe mango, chopped into small chunks 1/8 cup powdered sugar

Beat all the ingredients for two to three minutes and add the mango chunks. Mix well with a spoon. Pour into desired moulds and place in the freezer to set.

The Woman has tied up with In House Recipes group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ groups/131611993572601) for a monthly recipe contest. Do visit the page to know the monthly theme and contribute your recipes. Great gifts are also up for grabs.

The theme for July was Mango Mania and the winner is Jaya Ramesh. More details will be announced on the Facebook page.

72 JULY 2012

Smile! ! y o j n E ! h g u a L FUN STUFF - KIDS

The funny things kids say… bringing a smile on our faces…

A three-year-old put his shoes on by himself. His mother noticed that the left t. shoe was on the right foo are es sho r you n, “So , said She ked loo He ” on the wrong feet. w bro ed rais a h up at her wit m.

Mo , me kid n’t “Do , and said !”

They’re the only feet I got

“I’m painting a blue square in my backyard. So that Google Earth thinks I have a pool.” gle “You don’t know something? Goo e? eon som w kno ’t don it. You Facebook it. You don’t find something? MOM! “Whenever I try cleaning my room I either end up making a h bigger mess, or just playing wit ” . lost I ght thou I f the stuf

73 JULY 2012

cher was One day the first grade tea Little to en ick Ch of ry reading the sto t of the par the to e cam She her class. d to trie tle story where Chicken Lit so and “… d, rea She warn the farmer. mer far the to up nt we tle Chicken Lit , the sky is and said, “The sky is falling then asked sed pau r falling!” The teache think that you do at wh d the class, “An ed her rais farmer said?” One little girl my “Oh : said he hand and said, “I think n!” cke chi God! A talking

d A physician and her four-year-ol the on car the in daughter were way to pre-school. The doctor/ on mother had left her stethoscope ed pick girl e littl her the car seat, and “Be it. h wit ing play an beg it up and her, still, my heart,” thought the mot in w follo to “my daughter wants e my footsteps!” Then the child spok to e lcom “We ent: rum inst the into order?”

McDonald’s. May I take your

you doing your Teacher: Cindy, “Why are floor?” the on math multiplication without using it do to me told Cindy: “You tables!” weekend at a A mother was away one a break, she ring Du e. enc business confer six-year-old son decided to call home. Her rd a stranger’s hea picked up the phone and on the line. rcia Ma a e hav voice say, “We s?” Frantic, Will you accept the charge outside ran he dropped the phone and got mom!! And y’ve The d!

Da screaming, “Dad! they want money!”

HOME IMPROVEMENT - NEWS

MAKEOVER STORIES THE SECOND SEASON OF THE ‘HOME CENTRE ROOM MAKEOVER’ CONTEST CERTAINLY SURPRISED ITS TWO WINNERS IN OMAN. READ ON TO KNOW MORE...

E

very now and then, people search for a new lease on life, a fresh beginning.

A change in surroundings, like a room makeover, can undo the tensions of yesterday. It makes a thoughtful gift for the aged, a reassuring change for the little ones, or lifts the spirits of the ailing. These were some of the inspiring real-life tales that were sent across from six countries in the GCC for the second season of the ‘Home Centre Room Makeover’ contest this year.

From over 3500 entries, the Home Centre jury panel picked out 20 winners for the room makeovers, following a long and difficult review process. Seven winners are from the UAE, two each from Bahrain and Oman, and three each from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The lucky winners in Oman who hail from Muscat, are a young Syrian man Arafat Othman, who wanted the room makeover to surprise his wife and child who are stranded in his home-country and Um Azooz Al Yahmedi, who asked for a makeover for her mother’s room after a recent knee surgery left her depressed.

BEFORE

UM AZOOZ AL YAHMEDI

AFTER

The Othman family’s living room was retouched with hues of purple and brown with bursts of cream for freshness. The room was anchored with a deep plum coloured corner Ciyon sofa and accessorized with over-sized floor cushions, a square Oscar ottoman, and the Centro TV unit. The smokey Rain Drop glass vase

and decorative bowl; purpled-hued sheer curtains; Sapphire shaggy carpet; Senolva floor lamp and Nafia pendant lamps were used to accessorise the room.

Like all mothers and daughters, Um Azooz Al Yahmedi also shares a special bond with her mom, with who she has gone through life’s various ups and downs.

ARAFAT OTHMAN

BEFORE AFTER

“We have put together unique sets of pieces that match the dimensions of the room perfectly, while also giving the sense of splendour in the comfort of a bedroom. The earthy combinations give the room an appearance of warmth. Along with the Brad bedroom set and matching sliding-door wardrobe, we also added the Tanzu day bed where one could relax comfortably. Hand-tufted rugs, table lamps, wall décor and vases were used to accessorise the cosy room” said Cathrine Braeur, Home Centre stylist in charge of makeovers in Oman.

Each room makeover worth Rials 1,000 was executed in a single day by the Home Centre teams of stylists. The experts base their recommendations on the tastes and personalities of the winners, their requirements and reasons for the makeover, new trends in the market and optimum utilisation of space. Homes are redone with the latest range of Home Centre furniture and household accessories to bring alive a new trend with maximum comfort and use of everyday living. The result is a distinct visual impact created by matching colours, lighting, palettes and textures to reflect the personality of the winners and their needs.

74 JULY 2012

HOME IMPROVEMENT – DIY

Cheer up!

PRESENTING 10 DIFFERENT WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR DÉCOR THIS SUMMER…

A

s seasons change, so should your décor.

Summer’s all about introducing bright and chirpy colours into your home. It’s about bringing a fresh, rejuvenating feeling and taking your mind off the heat. Make your home cool, warm and inviting by attempting a simple, but easy summer makeover.

• Throw pillows with brighter colours and lighter fabrics on your sofas. Solid colours, summer stripes and lightly printed pillows will bring in more cheer to your living room.

• If you have the time, inclination and creativity, replace wall art with bright, fun, sunny prints.

Funky abstracts look great in a summerthemed room.

• Houseplants add a feeling of the outdoors to your home. Be generous in their placement. The green does bring in a ‘cool’ feel.

• If you have the budget, splash a fresh coat of paint on the walls.

Alternatively, you can paint the door frames, window panes and all trim work in bright, glossy paint.

• Replace dark lampshades with lighter ones.

• Add fresh flowers in vases or baskets and place them on countertops, table tops and nightstands.

• Replace your dark heavy curtains with lighter ones. Try flowing inexpensive flowing sheers.

• Another simple way to create a new look is by rearranging your furniture. Create a cosy nook where you can relax with friends and family. Throw a bright rug on the floor.

• Bring summer into your home by bringing in some colourful elements like seashells, porcelain vases and bright beads. Create a collage of holiday photos to remind you of happy days.

• On your dark wood tables, use light-coloured tablecloths, preferably in lace.

Summer décor is all about relaxation, enjoyment and fun in inviting interiors. Try these tips and feel ‘at home’ all the time!

STARGAZING

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Clear your vision and reflect on the path you have taken to lead your life. Connect with your ambitions and work towards them. Expand your sense of possibilities. It’s time to cultivate new friendships and make lifelong bonds. Stop, think, then tread, for hasty decisions once taken cannot be redone.

Creativity brings in a whole new meaning this month. The zeal of doing something different and productive has got you bubbling with ideas. Love is also in the air and a budding relationship is in the cards. Be patient. Do not stress yourself out too much on the work front. It’s not always about work; some play would do no harm!

It’s time to take charge of your own decisions. You might seek help from elders and the more experienced but ultimately it’s you who will choose what to do and what not to do. Act responsibly at work and do not sway away from your goals. No matter how far you want to be away from personal problems, especially relationship issues, they will find their way into your life.

You know what they say about living life to the fullest? Dear Cancer, it’s your time to do that… soak in the beauty life has to offer you and bond with family and friends.

You could also look forward to a rewarding business opportunity at the end of the month. Grab it and all your financial worries will simply fade away.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Be prepared to expect the unexpected anytime. It’s going to be a journey of highs and lows, ups and downs. Think before you act should be your watchword. Those in business also need to keep a cool head for there may be situations that may not really be pleasant. Your family will always be by your side through thick and thin so derive all the strength you can from them.

Strengthen your inner self and demand your rights! You need to be ready to take charge of situations.

Expenses are waiting for you, so spend wisely. This month, however, is a good time for socialising – for meeting new people and getting closer to known ones. Marriage is on the cards for a lucky few.

After so much of hard work and sweat that you have put into your work, it’s time to take a break and give your nerves a rest. Take some time off and enjoy it with family and friends. Money is one thing that will make you happy this month. But make sure you don’t go overboard with your spending. Your personal life will take a hit this month. Lack of communication and time with your partner will take a toll on your relationship too.

This month is going to be a demanding one with your partner expecting more time and attention.

Strengthen old relationships before building new ones. A better career opportunity shall come as a welcome surprise for you. You might feel drained out and frustrated at the end of the month because of increased work pressure. Take time to smell the roses. You deserve it!

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

This is going to be a month dedicated to socialising, meeting friends, family get-togethers and short getaways. A time to get recharged and rejuvenated. There is going to be a lot of spending, whether you like it or not. But since it’s going to bring a lot of joy and happiness, it’s okay to indulge.

For the kind of understanding and closeness you are going to develop with your loved ones will last a life-time.

July will mark the beginning of a new phase in your professional life.

Many of you who have thought of becoming entrepreneurs should try their luck this time around. Who knows you might not even want a job afterwards! Working towards your dreams and ambitions may finally find the result you desire. This would mean you are in high spirits throughout the month. Enjoy the feeling while it lasts.

Be very careful at work. Sometimes voicing your thoughts and opinions out out loud may not be good for you. Exercise diplomacy and tact if you want to go further in your career. Think a thousand times before giving your opinion about someone. It’s time to invest money wisely, rather than spend it carelessly. Investment in stocks will give you good returns.

Your health certainly needs a lot of attention this month. So listen to the little signs that your body is giving you and see a doctor even at the slightest twinge. Your family will be the focus throughout the month and someone close will come to you for assistance, both emotionally and financially. But again, watch what you say, for words can be twisted often to give new meaning.

What the stars foretell...

76 JULY 2012

To Omani women, even the greatest challenge is nothing but a breeze.

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The exclusive range of Zeinah products and services include: Savings Accounts Credit Cards ‘Women’s Only’ Exclusive Counters

Critical Care Insurance Plan Car Loans Reserved alMazyona Prizes

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