Out and About Magazine Issue 4 Vol. 2

Issue 4 Volume 2

May 2020

GOING VEGAN IN ABU DHABI: TOP 8 RESTAURANTS

SPENCER LODGE

SALES STRATEGIST AND ENTREPRENEUR, SPENCERLODGE.TV

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Benefits of

Healthy Abdominals: Think Strong, Not Flat

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Consistency is the key to achieving and maintaining momentum.

Dan Hardy

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Editorial

Editor in chief

Marsha Fry

marsha@outandaboutstylemag.com

Editor

Shella landayan

editor@outandaboutstylemag.com

art

Art director

nakul thanekar

nakul.thanekar89@gmail.com

advertising

sales & marketing director

Andre Marshal

+971 50 127 8820 sales@outandaboutstylemag.com

general enquiries

On this month's cover

hello@outandaboutstylemag.com outandaboutstylemag outandaboutstylemag OaASMag Outandaboutstylemag www.outandaboutstylemag.com

Interview: Joe Osawaye,

Entrepreneur and Managing Partner, KIZA Restaurant Limited

Photographer: Mr Laah Styling: David Bowler

Published by Out and About Style FZE (Registered at Fujairah Creative City)

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Editor’s Welcome A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world.

It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

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~Agatha Christie

More than a hundred years ago, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation dedicating the second Sunday of May as an official national holiday in the United States to honour mothers and motherhood. The tradition took hold and eventually spread in most parts of the world, with most countries celebrating the special day in the month of May. In the UAE, the holiday is officially celebrated on the 21st of March, but nonetheless, many tourists, foreign workers and immigrants residing in the region celebrate the tradition in May. To our mum who carried us inside their wombs for nine months, spent countless sleepless nights and gave us all the love and care that we needed, we express our love and gratitude. We at Out and About STYLE Magazine dedicate this wonderful month to them: a tribute to thank and honour our special heroes.

Features and Highlights In our Featured Editorial, Funmi Oyelayo shares her personal experience running her events company, Your Day, Our Time. On Weddings: Dresses, Ideas, Inspiration and Planning, bridesto-be are encouraged to take down notes to prepare for their special day!

To follow it up in our Fashion Feature, we researched the history of donning white wedding dresses in The White Wedding Dress: The Evolution of a Timeless Fashion Classic.

Are you looking for the perfect mask to nourish your skin? Katrina compiled the top quality masks you can try to Mask the Time Away in our Beauty section. We got your DIY needs covered if you want to experiment with natural ingredients to nourish your skin to Get the Milky, Healthy Glow: 10 Different Ways.

In our Behind the Brand feature, we interviewed Joe Osawaye, the owner of Kiza Restaurant and Lounge in Dubai. A good read, especially if you want to start a business of your own.

Good-looking body and healthy mind—both are things we all want to achieve. In our Lifestyle

section, here’s an article to help you with the challenges you may encounter on your road to achieving these goals. Read an inspiring story of a mother who overcame her obsession with weight loss in How my Obsession with Weight Loss Began. In another article, we emphasise yet again the importance of taking care of your mental health

by Dealing with Stress in the Workplace.

Are you a vegan or planning to be one? We recommend the 15 Best Protein Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians to get your daily protein requirement. Looking for different tastes in food?

Moroccan recipes are featured in our 12 Must-Try Moroccan Tagine Recipes. Plan your next healthy food trip in the UAE. We recommend Going Vegan in Abu Dhabi: Top 8 Restaurants.

Bored and want to travel? In our Travel feature, feast your eyes in the beautiful and amazing sceneries of Morocco.

Being fit while in quarantine is possible. In our Fitness section, we give you the 7 Benefits of Healthy Abdominals: Think Strong, Not Flat.

In our For the Culture section, Yvonne Mtangwa writes about 5 Ways to Wrap your Mind Around the Unknown and Keep from Panicking, a balanced point-of-view to adapt to our current situation. Likewise, we find that building resilience brings about greater happiness and contentment: read on A Life of Happiness: Building Resilience.

Small choices may seem inconsequential, but over time they compound and bring about significant changes. In our Book Review, find out more about the so-called compound effect through Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect.

Love, Mum In these trying times, the mothers are most especially hard at work in our homes, keeping us safe, well-fed and clothed! Out and About Style Magazine, with the team that made this Edition possible, celebrates and honours the special women of our lives with features and stories that inspire beauty, success, love and resilience. Stay safe, and keep your mums close!

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CONTENTS SECTION 1

MAY 2 02 0

07 FASHION

• Featured Editorial: Funmi Oyelayo, Event Planner and Events Company Owner • The White Wedding Dress: The Evolution of a Timeless Fashion Classic

SECTION 2

37 BEAUTY

• Makeup Madness with Katrina: Mask the Time Away!

• Get the Milky, Healthy Glow: 10 Different Ways

SECTION 3

47 BEHIND THE BRAND

• Joe Osawaye, Entrepreneur and owner of Kiza Restaurant and Lounge, Dubai

SECTION 4

58 TAKING LESSONS • Spencer Lodge, Sales Strategist and Entrepreneur, SpencerLodge.tv

SECTION 5

66 LIFESTYLE

SECTION 7

• H ow my Obsession with Weight Loss Began • D ealing with Workplace

Stress

in

the

74 FOOD

• 15 Best Protein Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians • 12 Must-Try Moroccan Tagine Recipes • G oing Vegan in Abu Dhabi: Top 8 Restaurants

92 FITNESS

• 7 Benefits of Healthy Abdominals: Think Strong, Not Flat

SECTION 6

97 TRAVEL

• Morocco: For the Love of Colour

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Out and About STYLE Magazine tasks no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. The photographs in this publication are for illustration purposes, unless otherwise specified.

104 FOR THE CULTURE • T he Reinvented Chronicles with Yvonne C. Mtengwa: 5 Ways to Wrap your Mind Around the Unknown and Keep from Panicking • A Life of Happiness: Building Social Immunity • B ook Review: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Featured Editorial Weddings: Dresses, Ideas, Inspiration and Planning

FUNMI OYELAYO

Company name:

Your Day, Our Time yourdayourtime

www.yourdayourtime.com

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1.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born in Nigeria. I moved to the UK when I was five and grew up in London. In 2012, I moved to Dubai for a teaching role.

I currently live in Abu Dhabi where I work full-time on weddings both worldwide and locally. We have planned weddings and events (including corporate) in UAE, London, Lagos, Thailand, Africa and the Seychelles.

2. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN WEDDING PLANNING?

I am a planner and meticulous when it comes to organising events. I enjoy planning parties, dinners and social events for my friends. Back then, I had never even thought about being an event planner, but I always knew that I would not be teaching forever. In 2013, I planned my own wedding for about 11 months, and the experience made me acquainted with many vendors and contractors in Dubai. My own first-hand experience in planning my own wedding made me decide to try my hand at planning weddings. I was eight months pregnant in December 2014 when I was contracted as a wedding planner for a beautiful wedding at The Waldorf Astoria.

3. WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU THINK BRIDES SHOULD ASK WHEN LOOKING FOR A PLANNER?

You must have a phone conversation with your planner to ensure that your ideas and personalities align. It is better for the bride and the planner to meet in person to discuss matters. If there are certain ‘special’ requests or unique highlights of the wedding that the bride wants to happen, she should ask the planner the experience they have with those things.

Brides should also ask matters in the aspect of planning and execution, including an inquiry of the kind of people or staff that they involve in their team.

Brides should also request ideas that fall within the budget, or make smart allocations between expense items, as well as advice on increasing or decreasing the budget. It’s also great for brides to give their planners a scenario to assess how they would act in a stressful situation.

At the end of the day, selecting a wedding planner is most certainly a ‘job interview’: you are paying for the

service, so you want to make sure you get the right person.

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HOW DO YOU GET THE IDEAS OUT OF BRIDES SO THAT THEY DESCRIBE TO YOU EFFECTIVELY THEIR VISION FOR THE WEDDING DAY? I typically have an initial phone consultation with my clients, where we discuss the types of things they like. Afterwards, I send my clients a questionnaire detailing different aspects of the wedding, asking them to indicate their preferences.

We use Pinterest as inspiration for colours, florals, accents, and other aspects, and eventually work from there. Both my clients and I are active in pinning suitable themes, colours and décor that they like. I find a common thread in their collection of pictures, which I translate to a ‘mood board’ that we use as a foundation of how the day will look and feel.

5. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL BRIDES WHO DON’T THINK THEY NEED A PLANNER? WHAT ARE THEY MISSING OUT ON?

I specialise in destination weddings, and 99% of my clients do not live in the UAE. It makes sense to get a planner for brides who aren’t on the ground and find it difficult to look for the ideal vendors without having a number of trips to the destination country, which is sometimes not feasible due to money, work or other commitments. An experienced wedding planner can bridge brides-to-be with the best vendors within their budget and preferred expertise, as well as offer them hidden gems in other aspects such as special contractors or venues. The in-country planner is able to have meetings with vendors that most clients will not be able to attend and work closely to ensure a seamless day.

Wedding days can be very stressful. Brides should not be thinking about things that haven’t been set up, or hearing about anything that may not be going right.

This is where a planner steps in to ensure the bride is focused on her prep and enjoying her day. We take the stress and pressure, so you do not have to. I also throw the question out to my brides apart from the cost: what is stopping you from having a wedding planner? If there are no other cons, then we can discuss how we can work on the payments to ensure it doesn’t break the bank.

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6. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF A WEDDING?

I always love the moment when the bride walks down the aisle, and the groom sees her for the first time in her wedding dress. I can’t remember a single wedding that hasn’t touched me. A wedding is a culmination of months— sometimes even years—of planning to get to that point. I love it.

7. WEDDING DRESSES: DESCRIBE YOUR FAVOURITES.

My favourite wedding dress has to be the April 2019 wedding #BOOthewedding19: a lace and Mikado custom dress from Elizabeth and Lace Bridal. I have never been a massive fan of lace until that wedding.

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8. DO YOU SEE ANY TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY AT PRESENT OR WITH YOUR CURRENT CLIENTS?

To be honest, every wedding is unique, so I don’t espouse any trend at all. However, entertainment is something that is quite big, whether it be famous musicians, string duos, Nigerian live bands, gospel bands and even worldrenowned DJs. Entertainment is key as it’s one thing people will always remember.

9. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED, AND WOULD PASS ALONG TO OTHER NEW WEDDING PLANNERS JUST GETTING STARTED?

As clients vet me at the start, the initial consultation is also for me to check whether the prospective client is an ideal one. Do your personalities mesh? Are you able to work with the budget that they are setting alongside their expectations? Not every client will be the right fit for you

10. ANY GREAT STORIES FROM WORKING WITH CLIENTS?

Not a story as such, but I love weddings where there are epic love stories to tell. Two previous clients that come to mind were weddings we planned in Thailand (2015) and Lagos (2019). These weddings were significant as they were 10-year vow renewals, and both of these couples had gotten married pretty young and just started their journeys to success. They didn’t have a big wedding back then. Fast forward to 10 years, they reaffirmed their love.

One of these couples now has three kids and is running a successful company.

11. WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO COUPLES WHO ARE IN THE MIDST OF PLANNING?

At the moment with the onslaught of a global pandemic, I would say reach out to your venue and vendors, and check what their policies are with postponing the wedding to a later date. No one knows when all this will blow over, so it’s best to plan ahead as opposed to waiting and seeing what happens. Once you have that information in writing, then you can continue planning for the big day.

However, be mindful that there may be restrictions, such as venues lowering their capacities to ensure that social distancing rules can be maintained. Venues may possibly cancel cocktail hours and instead have sit-down appetiser options or buffet options but plated by staff at the venue, as opposed to help-yourself setups. Venues may even insist on seated meals for all events.

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12 COST CAN BE SOMETHING THAT HOLDS BACK COUPLES FROM WORKING WITH A WEDDING PLANNER. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL BRIDES AND GROOMS ABOUT THE COST?

As I previously said, my answer would be if cost is the only thing that is holding you back from getting a wedding planner, then we can work on that—for example, with a payment plan. Another thing I would advise is for them to think about what they would potentially miss out on without a wedding planner compared to having one. Couples always forget things in the run-up to a wedding; a wedding planner rarely misses details. Order, efficiency and delivery make planners worth the money. A planner is able to bring a budget wedding together and make it look like a million-dollar wedding.

13. WHAT OTHER TYPES OF EVENTS DO YOU PLAN?

We plan all events; however, we specialise in weddings and birthday parties. We have planned a lot of milestone ones: 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th. We also have experience in corporate events, like event planning for a company with over 150 staff members for three consecutive years, with one of these trips taking place in South Africa.

14. HOW DO PEOPLE FIND YOU?

A lot of my clients find me through word of mouth. I am recommended from previous clients or their family members. Aside from recommendations, my clients found me through Instagram.

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Fashion

The White Wedding Dress: The Evolution of a Timeless Fashion Classic

While wedding dress styles see seasonal changes, the timeless, ubiquitous shade of white has always been associated with marriage and bridal vows. In fact, the majority considers the tradition of walking down the aisle wearing a white dress to be as old as the concept of matrimony itself. Contrary to popular belief, tracing the history of this tradition reveals otherwise: white didn’t become the popular colour of choice for brides until the mid-19th century.

But why white? What does white actually represent other than what the general public is led to believe?

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Before The Mid-19th Century

In the early days of the 19th century, white for a bride was not only seen as non-traditional, but quite an unusual choice for a wedding. With that in mind, brides weren’t supposed to pick anything they won’t wear again.

Instead, they wore their fanciest of dresses, and were expected to repeat them, even if it meant donning their best black dress, which the lower classes often practised.

White posed to be a financially unfit option for the brides-to-be, since it isn’t and wasn’t the easiest of colours to care for, but the concept that a wedding dress was meant to be worn only once didn’t sit well with the community. There was freedom of choice in fabrics, embellishments and colours, unlike the strict rules followed today not only in regards to wearing white but all the sartorial decisions associated with it.

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Who Started The White Wedding Dress Trend?

Royal weddings and marriages between the circles of prominent figures garner a lot of coverage, even more so than today.

The smallest details were the biggest matters for the publicists as much as for the common people, considering that in those times, people led hushed lives, and a famous event was all it took to cause a stir.

On February 10, 1840, Queen Victoria married her cousin Prince Albert of SaxeCoburg and Gotha: a historical wedding that led to the big boom in the white wedding dress trend. Queen Victoria wore a wedding dress crafted in white Honiton lace and chose a flower crown in place of a tiara for a more realistic approach.

White on a bride symbolises purity and virginity as popular belief has it, but that wasn’t the reason behind Queen Victoria’s intention to garb in white.

She wore white to support and boost the declining demand for handmade Honiton lace owing to the rise of the factory-made textiles in the industrial revolution.

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Where’s The Virgin?

Part of this virginity and purity concept is mainly influenced by some biblical occasions and the Victorian Era. A lot has to do with newspapers, magazines and well-known publications of that time. They made a big fuss over the notion of brides wearing white and cemented the idea that white always has been ideal for brides because of the chastity and innocence it highlights. There was more to wearing white other than the virginity of the bride.

In simple words, white represented wealth in its purest form. In the olden days, the norm was to exchange vows in anything good the bride owned, no matter how rich or how poor. Setting a theme to the precious event of nuptials makes that only the leisure class could afford a white dress and the maintenance it required to preserve its snowy hue. Which, middle and lower classes even if they tried, couldn’t manage to afford.

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The Popularity Rises

While the truth rests on the fact that Queen Victoria was the trendsetting monarch of the white wedding dress, we also discussed the burning concerns of the working classes of the society regarding this whole white view. It wasn’t until the Second World War that the middle classes took the wealthy and their prosperous concepts seriously, which included the white wedding dress, obviously thanks to the end of the war and the increasing prosperity.

Times changed and meeting the expense of a white wedding dress which is only worn for a day wasn’t the issue anymore. Plus, the upcoming theatre and media industry showcasing brides in movies and stage, shows concluding a fairy-tale end to a happily-ever-after matrimony dressed in dreamy white, didn’t leave any stones unturned to solidify that white and bride, equalled in unyielding pride, giving light to this deep-rooted tradition.

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Different Cultures

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A white wedding dress quickly became the main part of a wedding for various cultures, but when we discuss its history, you must know we’re referring to the Western and the European cultures. In Eastern cultures, wearing white in weddings is seen as unlucky; hence, brides from these cultures showcase varied colour bridal ensembles, with red being the most popular choice. India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam and some other Asian countries go for red bridal dresses.

Wearing white on your wedding is perfectly acceptable; conversely, there is no pressure on any woman to wear white alone, especially if she wishes to don herself in something different for her wedding or simply cannot afford the former. Nothing should hold a bride from experimenting with different colours and picking a non-white hue!

Find a wedding dress that suits your personality and style. After all, history knows that brides of the past didn’t hesitate to dress however they liked.

What’s The Harm In Going With The Flow?

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Beautiful Brides 2020 Models: Poczik Emilia Zita Varga Norika Reka Krizsan - White Model Management Hanna F. Daranyi - White Model Management Hair and makeup: Liv Rideg Nora Erdosi - Lorinc Photo: Jozsef Balogh Dresses: Daalarna Couture Location: Studio Madison Budapest, Hungary

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Glamourous Model : Balogh Eleni Photo & Retouch : Timea Jaksa Hair & Makeup : Liv Rideg Location : Studio Madison, Budapest Hungary 34

Super Glam Model : Fanny Muller Photo & Retouch : Takacs Ferenc Hair & Makeup : Liv Rideg Project from : Andrea Marton Location : Studio Madison, Budapest Hungary

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Beauty

Mask the Time Away!

Back when we were free to roam the streets while on the hunt for skincare products, I would try a brand new facial mask (in a jar, not a sheet mask) at least once a week, preferably on Mask Monday’s.

Now that I am working from home, I am able to dive into my backup skincare refrigerator to try new masks at least once every other day.

I was also gifted with a few jars before locking doors of The Beauty Studio last month and decided to give them all a try. What else would a skincare junkie like myself do to pass the time?

M A K E U P M A D N E S S W I T H

With that being said, I decided to share the facial masks I have tried so far that yield great results. I have spoken with other aestheticians from all over the world, and as a collective, our main focus right now is to provide each and every one of skincare lovers the best product recommendations as possible. If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I have been limiting the amount of makeup I wear during social distancing simply because I want to take care of my skin as much as possible. I hope you will do the same.

I’ve listed enough facial masks for you to try for the next six months.

Yes, you read that right! Each mask serves a different purpose. Start with one that you want to try for a minimum of two weeks. Be mindful of the masks with active ingredients. You can patch test these products on a small spot of your skin prior to applying them completely.

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PETER THOMAS ROTH STEM CELL MASK

OSKIA SKINCARE RENAISSANCE NUTRIACTIVE BRIGHTENING AND RESURFACING MASK

MASKTINI TWILIGHT ZONE TAHITIAN DETOX MASK

ALYA SKIN PINK CLAY MASK

HONEST BEAUTY PRIME & PERFECT MASK WITH SUPERFRUITS AND SHEA BUTTER

FILTHY COSMETICS AHA RESURFACING JELLY MASK

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KIEHL’S RARE EARTH DEEP PORE CLEANSING MASK

KIEHL’S GREEN LEAF & HIBISCUS FIRMING MASK

PEACH AND LILY OVERNIGHT STAR SLEEPING MASK

LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING MASK (BERRY)

GLOW RECIPE ROSEHIP RESTORATIVE SOOTHING FACE MASK

GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK

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FRESH BEAUTY LOTUS YOUTH PRESERVE RESCUE MASK

FRESH BEAUTY ROSE FACE MASK INFUSED WITH ROSE PETALS

FRESH BEAUTY BLACK TEA INSTANT PERFECTING MASK

REN SKINCARE GLYCOL LACTIC RADIANCE RENEWAL MASK

TATCHA BEAUTY KISSU LIP MASK

TATCHA BEAUTY VIOLET RADIANT MASK

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SUMMER FRIDAYS R+R MASK

SUMMER FRIDAYS OVERTIME MASK

Katrina is the Creative Dirextor at The Beauty Studio, Middle East.

In this article, she shares her best picks for invigorating facial masks to give you that bouncy, youthful glow.

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Get the Milky, Healthy Glow: 10 Different Ways

Drink your milk for strong bones and teeth. We have all heard this line for as long as we can remember. Milk is a powerhouse of nutrients, but drinking milk isn't the only way we can extract its benefits. You may use it for enhancing your skin and hair care routines, and you will not be disappointed.

MILK RECIPES FOR YOUR FACE • Cleanser: Raw milk is amazing as a moisturising food for your skin. B vitamins in raw milk are necessary for new skin cell formation. Vitamin A treats flaky, dry and peeling skin. Vitamin D boosts collagen production, slows down those wrinkles and helps fade dark spots. Dab some raw milk all over your face. Use a cotton ball gently rub in circular motions to clean all the gunk from your face. You’ll be surprised to see the smooth and clean results!

• Exfoliator: Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) in milk which combats free radicals that cause skin ageing. Add two tablespoons of milk and oatmeal with half tablespoon of honey. Apply evenly all over your face and gently scrub to get that dead skin off and reveal a fresh glow!

• Toner: The calcium in milk makes this superfood an excellent toner for your face. Make a natural toner with a tablespoon of milk and a tablespoon of herbal tea. Apply with a cotton ball onto a clean face for a dose of antioxidant-packed toning!

• Yoghurt mask for sunburn: Yogurt is a natural alternative treatment for sunburns. It soothes the skin after UV exposure and gently exfoliates to reduce any blemishes. Apply a layer of plain yoghurt and sugar to make a scrub-cleanser mixture. The live probiotics in the yoghurt also improve hydration to the deeper epidermal layers.

• Anti-ageing milk mask: Along with the hydrating power of milk, bananas and flaxseeds in this facial mask help bring to life dead and dull skin. Combine one teaspoon of ground flax seeds, half of mashed banana and two tablespoons of milk to make a thick paste. Apply all over your face and rinse after 15 minutes. Follow this regimen regularly each week to control sebum and enjoy wrinkle-free skin.

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MILK RECIPES FOR YOUR HAIR • Moisturising hair mask: Milk is rich in protein and biotin. Both protein and biotin are necessary for strengthening roots and keeping the hair from splitting at the ends. Milk is also rich in potassium, an essential mineral that helps soothe dry and irritated scalp. Combine three tablespoons of milk, a mashed banana, one tablespoon olive oil and one tablespoon honey. Apply all over the scalp and hair like a mask and keep it on for an hour. Rinse thoroughly for instantly softer hair!

• Conditioning hair mask: The fat in milk works wonderfully as a natural conditioning agent.

Giving the hair the right amount of conditioning and not leaving it too greasy, this hair pack will keep your hair shining for days. Mix a tablespoon of full-fat milk, a tablespoon of heavy cream, and a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Apply only onto the scalp and leave in for 45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and continue your shampoo routine.

Add an egg for that extra dose of nutrients!

• Cleansing tonic for dandruff: Mix baking soda with milk and apply to your scalp. Massage your scalp to exfoliate and wash thoroughly. Repeat once a week to reduce overall dandruff.

• Replenishing yoghurt hair mask: Yoghurt goes a step ahead and provides those anti-bacterial agents that work to rid your scalp of any infection. Take about three inches of aloe vera stalk. Blend the pulp together with a cup of yoghurt. Apply generously from scalp to tip and leave on for 30 minutes. Repeat weekly to get thicker and voluminous hair.

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MILK RECIPES FOR YOUR BODY • Moisturising milk cream lotion: Milk cream has all the goodness of selenium and potassium that is in milk but in a concentrated form!

Both these minerals are helpful in keeping the skin firm and elastic. A cup of thick cream with two tablespoons of honey makes a hydrating body lotion. Apply evenly all over and leave for at least 20 minutes. Begin your shower with rubbing in the applied cream, so you get the most out of it!

• Elbow and knee scrub: Don’t we all hate those dry, pigmented patches of hard skin on our elbows and knees? Mix two tablespoons of heavy cream with two tablespoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of chickpea flour.

This makes a great scrub for that flaky skin and leaves it supple and soft.

• Revitalising milk bath: Feel luxurious and rested, as you deserve, by soaking yourself in a milk bath. To a warm bath, add two cups of full cream milk, one cup honey, the juice from one lemon and some drops of lavender oil. Stir it in and relax for a full 40 minutes.

The collagen from the milk is extracted by the acids from the lemon juice, and the warm water opens your skin pores which improve nutrient absorption. Step into a quick shower once you are done.

• Milk and Epsom salt foot soak: Being on our feet all day and wearing those high heels can really tire out our feet. Give your feet a pamper by soaking them in a foot bath of four cups of warm water and milk, a teaspoon of lemon juice and four tablespoons of Epsom salt. Soak for 15 minutes and scrub on a pumice stone. Rinse off and experience destressed and relaxed feet.

Remember that any beauty regimen needs to be practised religiously for at least six weeks to experience the best results!

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Super sensual Model : Hanna Lilla Toth Photo : Jozsef Balogh Retouch : Ory Gabor Hair & Makeup : Liv Rideg Location : Studio Madison, Budapest Hungary 45

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JOE OSAWAYE Company name:

KIZA Restaurant Limited Ground Floor, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, Dubai, UAE

www.kiza.ae

KIZADUBAI 47

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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

My name is Joe Osawaye and I’m originally from Nigeria. I am the owner of Kiza Restaurant and Lounge in Dubai.

I come from a business-centred family. I can trace my first entrepreneurial experience to when I used to help my mother with her bakery business.

Later on, I also helped my father with his automotive business.

I am a father, husband, friend, and entrepreneur. I see myself as a creator.

Joe is an expression of a creator.

WHAT WAS YOUR KEY DRIVING FORCE TO BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?

To be honest, I truly do not know. I don’t think I set out an initial plan; I didn’t dedicate serious thought to becoming an entrepreneur. It just happened. I guess what I carried inside me was a restlessness of some sort: not wanting to settle for the usual or the ordinary. The driving force could have been myself, what I could become and my imagination with things I could do creatively without certain limitations.

HOW DID THE KIZA CONCEPT COME ABOUT AND WHAT SETS YOU APART? Vision, courage and passion sets us apart. Kiza began when a friend of mine recognised a gap in the market, and we decided to fill it.

Kiza Dubai is not simply a restaurant but a premium African hospitality brand and a place to enjoy phenomenal Pan-African cuisine, Afrobeats music and the unique African culture. Our vision at Kiza is “Africa inspiring the world”.

This propels us to put the Kiza brand on to the world stage, giving everyone the joy of experiencing a truly Pan-African adventure globally.

Kiza focuses on bringing the African experience to the world. From music to the arts and crafts scene, the emergence of African culture is clear and present. Once we get people through the doors of Kiza, the ambience gets them. It does not matter which country you’re from; we make sure that there’s a sense of belonging that transcends cultures. Most people cannot describe it; we call it the ‘spirit’ of Africa.

WHY IS DUBAI YOUR FIRST LOCATION IN THE REGION?

Dubai is a very dynamic, forward-thinking and cosmopolitan city with over 200 nationalities. This attractive setting was ideal for us to set up our first and only location in the region for now. Kiza adds to the diversity of the city. Dubai has created a fantastic ecosystem that attracts the rest of the world to come live, work and play.

HOW DOES KIZA SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY?

Kiza is at the forefront of anything to do with Africa in Dubai and the UAE

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as a whole. As we say, we are Africa inspiring the world.

We have created a platform that brings together every African, Afrocentric and lovers of Africa under one roof, where they call it home away from home.

Kiza is the place where the spirit of Africa comes alive. We are the African community in Dubai and the neighbouring cities. We showcase Africa and its culture through sight, sound and taste through different events and offerings on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. We also partner with other like-minded organisations to achieve this same goal—a united community. We help foster a tightly-knit community across the board, which is also key to our success.

WHAT KIND OF CULTURE EXISTS IN YOUR ORGANISATION, AND HOW DID YOU ESTABLISH IT?

We practice “Ubuntuism”, which literally means ‘I am because we are’ or ‘Humanity towards others’. We all succeed or fail together. We are all connected. We are one big family where we all pull together in the same direction based on our vision.

The only way to establish this ideal is by personal example and exemplary leadership. We observe this closely in our restaurant operations.

WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF SUCCESS?

Success to me is being able to create an environment where people can flourish, where they can express their talents, gifts and skills to the limit and be rewarded for it—making greatness out of the seemingly ordinary. This is my passion and where I get fulfilment.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

My passion is life itself—what one can make out of it by pursuing one’s dreams fearlessly.

WHAT ENTREPRENEURIAL TRICKS HAVE YOU DISCOVERED TO KEEP YOU FOCUSED AND PRODUCTIVE IN YOUR BUSY DAY-TO-DAY SCHEDULE?

I don’t know if they are tricks, but the two main things that keep me focused are faith and hope.

WHAT KEY ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ENTREPRENEURS TO INVEST THEIR TIME IN?

It is quite tough being an entrepreneur, so things that build up one’s morale spiritually, mentally and physically are highly recommended.

Taking time out of your busy schedule to bless and support others also helps.

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF? Dare to follow your passion fearlessly, never give up; do not be afraid to fail. Fail, fail, and fail early to succeed.

Believe in yourself, as most of the time you will be your only cheerleader until people start to see results.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO GIVE UP THEIR 9 - 5 TO START A BUSINESS? Know thyself; entrepreneurship is not for everybody. It is a completely different ball game, and you must count the cost before leaving. I advise you to do something on the side first, build some sort of competence there before giving up your 9 - 5 job. Starting a business could be quite stressful but also rewarding if and when you succeed.

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

I look after my mental health by not taking myself too seriously, even when I am very serious or focused on a task. It takes the pressure off, leaving room to be human and vulnerable. One’s mental health should never be taken for granted. Know where to draw the line, take a lot of rest, and give yourself enough time—great things take time to actualise.

WHAT BOOK HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST?

The Bible is definitely the book that inspires me the most.

I also find that the self-help classic Think and Grow Rich

by Napoleon Hill has left impressionable principles in my mind.

WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Whatever my hand finds to do, I will do it with all my might passionately.”

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Taking Lessons Spencer Lodge www.spencerlodge.tv

spencer.lodge

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spencerlodgeofficial

spencerlodge

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TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m Spencer Lodge. I’ve established myself in the financial services and sales industry as a coach, sales strategist and author. Most people know me through my website, SpencerLodge.tv, which serves as my platform to help businesses and professionals reach their utmost potential, as well as through my book Making It Happen: The Ultimate Guide to Selling.

I was a working-class kid without a fancy degree. I’ve been fortunate enough to work hard and eventually build businesses. I established the Blue Sky Thinking Group, a Dubai-based management company worth about $109 million, which we’re very proud of. I also own Make It Happen University, a sales training business where I help companies generate revenues for their business.

I’m British and I’ve been living in Dubai for 15 years. I’ve lived overseas for 27 years, coming originally from the UK. I’m 50 years old and I live an active lifestyle through exciting, outdoor sports such as cycling and skiing.

Coaching people and helping organisations thrive through robust sales strategies is a passion of mine, an advocacy that has always been bigger than me.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A PODCASTER AND SPEAKER?

Podcasting started in January 2019. Back then, people were asking me to do it for a while. I’m just really interested in learning about people’s lives. I swallowed my ego, parked my attitude and gave it a go. I found out that I really enjoyed it.

I’ve been a speaker for years. I’ve spoken to audiences for the last 20 years, so I just kind of fell into it. There wasn’t any defined strategy around it.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?

My definition of success is not related to money or material things; it’s all about making a difference with the best of one’s own abilities. The true measure of success is the ability to affect others in a positive light, to actually help or make things better.

The most successful person I know is Maria Conceicao, an extraordinary Portuguese woman who holds eight Guinness World Records in the field of endurance sports.

Conceicao is the first Portuguese woman to conquer

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Everest and surmount the Ironman Challenge, one of the most difficult endurance races in the world, six times in over six continents. She even swam the English Channel for over seven hours, and she has trekked the North and South Poles. Amazingly, Conceicao did all these incredible feats, not for fame or money: she did it solely for charity.

globally-acclaimed marathons, she stirred public recognition for her foundation, eventually raising funds and awareness for the noblest of causes. She is the most successful person I know in terms of drive, definition and determination—truly a great person who I’m inspired by.

Conceicao never considered herself an athlete, nor does she have any prior experience in sports when she took on these challenges. Having seen the deplorable conditions of the slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh, she was moved with a passion for helping poverty-stricken families. She established a foundation to send hundreds of children to school. In 2013, when the foundation had to shut down due to the global recession, she had to resort to other ways to find funding.

I’m motivated to do what I do because I care very much about people winning. I’m passionate about people becoming successful. I’ve got this unshakable belief that everybody can do it if they know how and they’ve got the right mentoring and support.

This is where her drive and passion took her from a cabin crew member to a multiple Guinness World Record holder. Through breaking world records and overcoming 62

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO?

WHAT IS MOST FULFILLING ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

I’m actually not a natural entrepreneur and I don’t really enjoy being an entrepreneur. I like to be one of the team.

The most fulfilling thing is being able to find solutions to problems, capitalise on them, create fun and engaging businesses and spend time with people.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TWO STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS?

Firstly, I think you have to go through the five stages of loss—the so-called loss curve. When I deal with a difficult situation, I go through these thought processes: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and then acceptance. I stay calm and I believe that difficult situations can be solved with action.

Secondly, when it comes to strategies, it all depends on what the situation is, whether it be a difficult situation with a member of staff, a customer or with some form of organisation you’re dealing with.

There are millions of strategies for a million different situations. First of all, keep calm and take your emotions out of it. Try and lead with empathy and plan your way forward.

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR 20-YEAR OLD SELF?

Don’t spend all your money. I think I spent way too much and made a lot of money when I was young; I blew a lot of money when I was younger, and that was up until the age of 40. Save 50% of everything you earn: that is the best advice I could have given myself.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO GIVE UP THEIR 9-5 TO FOLLOW A PASSION?

I would say don’t give up your 9 to 5. Use your spare time to follow your passion. Turn it into a business and in your spare time, get that business revenue to replace your income of your 9 to 5. Once you’ve replaced the income from your 9 to 5, then you can lean into your business and do it full time.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

I’ve been given loads of great advice. Somebody once said to me that you’ll only make a lot of money if you work with money, and that was something that stuck with me. Someone also said to me: if you wouldn’t sell it to your mum, then you shouldn’t sell it to anyone.

That’s the core of what I do.

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

I had mental health struggles and tried to harm myself in 2012. I like to exercise every day and I think it helps. I spend my time with positive people and stay away from negative ones. I always have something to work on because I can become self-destructive when I’m bored.

Making sure I’m always busy helps me.

WHAT AND WHO INSPIRES YOU WITH AWE?

Tony Robbins and Maria Conceicao inspire me. They’ve done such great and amazing things.

WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.

Change the way you think about things. The other quote that I really love is: It’s not rocket science so stop overcomplicating things.

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Lifestyle

How my Obsession with Weight Loss Began

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Growing up, I always knew I was different. I had the typical African figure, which was always likened to that of Sara Baartman, a South African Khoikhoi woman known for her large buttocks. Back then, for a teenage girl, this seemed like a curse. We all wanted to look like the typical women celebrities and models on the covers of magazines.

It all began when my cousin and I visited my aunt about twenty years ago. While my cousin was busy in the kitchen, my aunt passed a comment about my weight that would change how I viewed myself—“You are so fat, do you not get ashamed when you are with your friends? Look at your bum!”

EARLY YEARS OF WEIGHT LOSS OBSESSION

I remember when I was at university, especially during my first year, going home for the holidays was a demoralising experience for me. The pressure that came with knowing that everyone I had not seen in a long time would be commenting on how much weight I have gained was truly disheartening. I started looking for weight loss products that could assist me to shed weight quickly. I found this miracle product which promised wonders. I used the product for like a week or so, and yes, I did lose weight, but I started developing migraines. I never wanted to associate the migraines with the highly caffeinated product I was taking, because that would mean I would have to stop taking it. I tried to get a comfortable pillow, maybe that will help me get a goodnight sleep along with some painkillers.

Until one day, the migraine caused such dizziness that I nearly passed out. I knew that I couldn’t call any of my friends because they would ask too many questions. I called my pastor, who then rushed me to the hospital. We got to the hospital and my blood pressure was sky high, causing enormous pressure in my brain, which led to migraines. One would think that I would have learned something from this whole ordeal, but, sadly, I did not. After my recovery, I was back looking for another product that would get me to my target weight.

PREGNANCY AND WEIGHT LOSS

I got engaged and as our wedding day was approaching, the stress that came with the planning and the pressure to look your very best got to me. We then went to Thailand for our honeymoon. I bought a bikini set that I thought I would wear, but I could not get myself to wear it. I was scared of the stares I will get—an African girl with a big bum among the Asians.

Mind you, I was at the smallest I’ve ever been.

Soon the kids arrived. I had it all figured out. I planned on losing 5 kg before getting pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant, this really scared me, not because there was a human being growing inside of me, but the additional weight that I will gain. I really didn’t enjoy my pregnancy; I was forever stressing about the weight I was gaining. At around eight months pregnant, the stretch marks began to show, and this really made me depressed. After the birth of my first child, I was 30 kg heavier than I was at the start of the 67

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pregnancy. I thought the weight would just go away as I was breastfeeding, or so I was told. However, I managed to lose 21 kg within the 18 months that followed. I was very happy with how I looked and this boosted my selfconfidence. Nonetheless, the fact that I still carried 9 kg from the start of pregnancy still daunted me a bit.

I was ready to lose the 9 kg. I bought a three months supply of weight loss products, only to find out that I was pregnant again with our second child.

Since I could not take any of the weight loss products, I told myself that I would watch what I ate. At the end of the pregnancy, I only gained 15 kg, which is what doctors say is normal, but the fact that I still had the 9 kg from the previous pregnancy unsettled me.

I wanted to look my best for our most recent anniversary. I joined the gym in pursuit to lose weight before our trip to Bali. I searched for all the products that could help me lose weight quickly. However, whatever I tried, nothing seemed to work.

MY EUREKA MOMENT

In Bali, the time came to put on my bikini and then all of a sudden, the reason why I was always scared of what people may say about my body came to me. It was not that I was not happy with my body, but I did not love myself enough to fully accept at whatever weight I was at. I always looked at people to validate my beauty and how sexy I am. For the very first time in twenty years, I walked freely with my bikini on the beach without a care in the world. For the first time, I did not hate my big bum. Until I came to accept me at my heaviest, I don’t think I was ever going to love me at my smallest. I wasted twenty years of my life chasing an image I will never be.

Ladies, please remember: you are not your body image—you are more than the number on the scale.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I am a thirty-two-year-old, South African woman, married to the most amazing and supportive man, Takie Ramulumo. We have two beautiful and very active boys, Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi.

I am an educator and curriculum designer.

I am a beautiful African woman, with a beautiful mind and soul, and I love myself just as I am.

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Dealing Stress

with

in the Workplace

Stress-related illnesses, which include stress-induced fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and depression, are on the rise globally. To survive the technological advancement and exponential industry growth of the age we live in, we must adopt new strategies to help us change the way we work. Workrelated stress is the product of an unbalanced lifestyle and unhealthy work habits, which are resultant of the stressful working conditions and toxic organisational cultures.

It is normal to experience stress due to deadlines or demands.

Every person who has ever held

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a job or role felt work pressure and stress at some point. Every job has its own demands, which may be stressful at times. Even when you enjoy the work that you do, there are still some functions or aspects of the job that are less enjoyable and that is normal.

On the long haul, however, work should not induce chronic stress.

This is when work-related stress becomes detrimental to your overall well-being.

Unfortunately, ignoring the red flags of chronic stress in the workplace is all too common, sneaking up on us without us even

noticing it. Stress at work does not just stay at work; sadly, we are likely to bring it home. This can further contribute to difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal problems, lack of focus, headaches and much more. If chronic stress is left unattended, it can lead to more serious health concerns such as depression, obesity, burnout and heart problems.

It is important to understand that stress itself is not good or bad for us: it is our perception and interpretation of stress that makes it so. Read on to find out how to manage work-related stress.

UNDERSTAND YOUR STRESS.

it is even more important.

To manage the stress around us, we must first find its root cause. Keep a journal to track and measure your stress levels. Identify when stress occurs and what happens in those moments. Was it a conversation with a colleague? Was it a deadline for a big project? What were you feeling? What was the environment around you? What happened after you experienced this stressor? Did you raise your voice? Did you leave the situation and walked out? Take a moment to reflect your stressful experiences and observe yourself in that situation.

Sometimes, we deal with stress in a way that is not healthy, such as lashing out on a colleague or binge-eating.

Next time you feel stressed, practise some healthy responses such as doing some exercise or taking a few deep breaths before responding. If you are working from home, maybe a quick breathing or yoga session can do the trick. If you are in the office, perhaps just stepping out for a walk or grabbing a coffee can help slow down the emotional response that can potentially be detrimental to your health and career.

Once you have established how the stressors are triggered and identified your responses to them that affect you negatively, reframe your understanding towards a positive response.

Accepting that stress is a part of life is fundamental; understanding that there are positive ways to manage

In the corporate world, embedding productivity within a well-being framework is possible. For example, at Bessern, Dubai, we work with individuals within organisations, providing them with tools and strategies to manage their stress levels as well as help them build productive habits that prevent chronic

stress from taking over. These small daily hacks really make a difference to thrive at work, with measurable impact on their performance and personal well-being.

TAKE TIME TO REST AND RECHARGE.

I know we hear these words over and over again: make time to rest, recharge your energy, get enough sleep, and similar pieces of advice, but this proves to be one of the most essential aspects of managing stress.

You only have one body. It needs rest.

You are not a machine, and as much as some of us wish we could work tirelessly without consequences, the body and mind need the necessary downtime to function at its optimum.

When at work, even taking a few minutes to listen to some music or a podcast to distract your mind a bit can do the trick. Perhaps picking up the phone and calling a loved one could be another way to do a quick recharge.

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ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES.

In the world of digital access, especially now that we will likely be spending more time remote working in the near future, it is easy to get caught up in work and stay connected way beyond our working hours.

If you don’t make time to disconnect, it will be easy for chronic stress to sneak up on you. The action of disconnecting from your work on evenings and weekends is a preventive tool to fight chronic stress.

TALK TO YOUR MANAGER.

Employee well-being is essential to the long-term success of companies and organisations, as recent studies on the impact of work stress on employees and their performance have shown. If a company’s employees are exhausted and stressed, they are not likely to bring their best selves to work, consequently making the business suffer.

Be open to having a conversation with your manager about your current challenges and stressors at work. The goal is not to complain but merely raise awareness of your current situation and work on a plan together to manage the stress and prevent it when possible.

Perhaps your company can offer some tools and strategies, such as time management training or support from professional coaches or colleagues.

Speaking up on work conditions that are harming employee morale and performance can create an overall healthier office environment for all through people-focused management decisions.

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Make rules to establish limits. For example, avoid checking and opening work emails after a certain time of the day. Another example would be to keep your phone away from you at dinner and in the evenings. If you have a separate work phone, then completely keep it out of sight post working hours and weekends (unless it is a rare case of special projects or something similar, use your own discretion here). Keep in mind that work never ends, but your health deteriorates. By creating boundaries, you are not only taking care of your overall energy and well-being, but also spending uninterrupted time with your loved ones.

GET SUPPORT.

It’s normal to feel anxious and stressed.

Know that you are not alone when it comes to work stress. It is perfectly acceptable to share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, colleague, clergy or your physician or mental health provider.

Companies provide their employees with the support they need during stressful times, and we see the difference it makes in organisations. You don’t have to do it alone!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elena Agaragimova

Managing Partner at Bessern and Talent Development Specialist

Elena is an entrepreneur, talent development specialist, and education advocate with a deep interest in neuro and behavioural sciences. She is known for her ability to drive change within individuals and organisations that are looking to reach their potential and maintain their competitive edge in the business world. She has started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions,

departments and regions. In her recent years, she dove into business and joined Bessern, as well as founded a learning and developing consultancy, as well as several other projects within the talent development arena.

She is an engaging skilled trainer and talent development specialist, credited with combining operations, education, and international

expertise to design and deliver programs for diverse audiences.

Elena has a strong passion for L&D, promoting creative and engaging workplaces and all about optimising performance through the development of others. As a career coach, Elena has over ten years of experience working individuals across different generations, supporting them in achieving their professional and personal goals.

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food

15

Best Protein Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians

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Apart from fat and carbohydrates, we all know that protein is a macronutrient essential for muscle building. For vegans and vegetarians, it can be challenging to fulfil the daily protein requirement from plant or plant-based diets.

Fortunately, nature is abundant with plant choices that are rich in protein. Most of these foods are also easily obtainable and affordable. Head to your nearest grocery store and stock up on these vegan protein sources!

2.

1.

QUINOA

Quinoa is a grain crop grown for its edible cereal-like seeds. Quinoa varieties include mixed, red, black and white. If you do not eat meat, you can include quinoa in your diet.

Just 100 grams of this superfood can supply your body with 4 grams of protein. It’s a complete protein source and is also packed with B-vitamins and dietary fibre. It’s also a great alternative to couscous or rice.

5.

4.

BUCKWHEAT

A cup of cooked buckwheat contains about six grams of protein.

Commonly mistaken as a type of grain, buckwheat is actually a relative of rhubarb and also cultivated as a cover crop. Owing to its rutin content, buckwheat also helps lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Rutin is a phytonutrient that helps stabilise blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.

TOFU

Bean curd or tofu is a great protein source containing eight grams of protein per 100 grams. It is a versatile food that you can add to different dishes. You can also bake or add it to your favourite stir-fry.

Alternatively, you can add tofu into soup to make it more nutritious.

3.

EZEKIEL BREAD

6.

SOY

Every two slices of Ezekiel bread yields eight grams of protein.

This bread is a combination of spelt, millet, lentils, beans and barley. Since it is loaded with a good amount of fibre, it improves digestion and aids in weight loss.

PULSES

Pulses, also known as legume seeds, are common and widelyavailable food sources all over the world. Pulses pertain to the edible seeds of legumes which grow in a pod, and a few examples include peas, beans and lentils. A few other examples are garden peas, chickpeas, pinto and kidney beans.

You might also try baked beans, but make sure that you watch out its salt content.

Soy is a complete protein source.

It contains twelve grams of protein per half a cup of tofu serving. It is a go-to veggie protein source among dieters looking for a healthy amino acid high food that deserves an applause. Other popular soy food products include natto and tempeh, a traditional Indonesian soy product made from fermented soybeans. If going for tofu, look for a firm one to ensure it contains a high amount of protein.

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WHOLE GRAINS

Whole grains are also loaded with proteins and are great sources of fibre, vitamins and essential minerals. Some sources include wild rice and oats. They can boost your body’s daily grain and fibre intake and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

10. CHIA SEEDS

Did you know that just one tablespoon of chia seeds could provide you with two grams of protein? You can consume it as an added ingredient in cereals, soups and salads. It is also a great addition to shakes and desserts. If you’re a vegetarian looking for an egg replacement, you can use chia seeds as they are hydrophilic: they will expand when soaked in water for 20 minutes.

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NUTRITIONAL YEAST

Nooch is a nutritional yeast that is yellow in colour and possesses a cheesy taste. Two tablespoons contain as much as four grams of protein. If you’re a vegan, you might want to supplement with nutritional yeasts for this vitamin, which is typically found only in animalbased protein sources. You can add it in dressings or sauces, toss it in popcorn or sprinkle on pasta.

9.

SEITAN

Seitan is a vegan meat alternative made entirely out of hydrated gluten, the main protein found in wheat. It is also referred to as wheat gluten, wheat protein or just gluten.

Seitan contains an impressive 75 grams of protein per 100 grams, which accounts for 150% of the recommended daily intake. For many vegans, it is a staple in their plant-based diets. It is described as having a taste profile resembling bland chicken or portobello mushroom.

11. GREEN VEGETABLES

Balance out your plate with green vegetables, like Brussel sprouts, green peas and spinach. They are not just excellent sources of protein but also of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Plus, they are low in calories too. Just half a cup of spinach contains four grams of protein.

Brussel sprouts, on the other hand, contain three grams of protein per one-half cup serving.

12. POTATOES

Potatoes serve their purpose not just for french fries but also for dishes that offer a high protein content. A medium-sized russet potato contains five grams of protein. Alternatively, you can also go for sweet potatoes or red potatoes, although their protein content is not as high as that of russet potatoes.

13. LEGUMES

Legumes, such as lentils and beans, are rich, widely-available protein sources. Lentils contain as much as 18 grams of protein per cup of cooked varieties. Beans, on the other hand, can offer up to 18 grams of protein depending on the variety. You can use lentils and beans as filling for tacos or as a curry base.

14. SPIRULINA ADDED WITH GRAINS OR NUTS

Get as much as four grams of protein per tablespoon with spirulina, an edible mass of cyanobacteria which many consider to be a superfood.

Spirulina is a type of algae that people can take as a dietary supplement. While spirulina is not a complete protein, it can be improved by adding other proteinrich foods such as nuts, oats, grains or seeds.

15. HUMMUS

Chickpeas in hummus offer not only protein but also lysine. Consume it with pita for a sumptuous meal that is vegan-friendly and high in fibre.

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12 Must-Try Moroccan

Tagine Recipes

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A tagine is a cone-shaped cooking pot traditionally used in Morocco. It is made with ceramic or unglazed clay which adds an earthy flavour and aroma to native Moroccan dishes. A tagine, also called maraq or marqa, also refers to a Moroccan dish which is named after the tagine pot itself. There are many variations of this Moroccan dish that you can try.

Wondering what dishes you can make on this classic Moroccan cookware? Don’t worry because we got you covered! If you don’t have a tagine, you can also use ordinary cookware.

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LAMB/BEEF TAGINE WITH PRUNES

Prunes are great to use in a tagine recipe. Add some of these dried fruits into lamb or beef cooked in a tagine, and create a sumptuous dish. This combination is popular among the Moroccans and other people that love the flavour and taste of prunes.

Remember to cook your beef/lamb to the desired tenderness, and add Moroccan seasoning before topping the dish with a generous number of prunes.

Simmer them with honey or cinnamon syrup for added flavour and aroma. Check out this video for inspiration.

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BEEF TAGINE WITH ARTICHOKES AND PEAS

If you’re hitting the grocery store, don’t forget to add artichokes and peas on your list because they’re great additions to a tagine dish. They are fragrant, flavourful and healthy. Try this one-pot stew that will comfort and offer warmth for everyone, especially in the winter when these ingredients are in-season. Saying so, they’re easy to find as well. For convenience, you have the option of choosing the frozen variants if you don’t like the idea of paring fresh artichoke bottoms and shelling the peas.

Here is a version to try.

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SPICED VEGGIE TAGINE WITH CHICKPEAS

If you love chickpeas, this recipe is for you. It is full of flavour and comforting at the same time. It can offer your family with a great crispy dish for autumn evenings. The hearty spiced veggie tagine calls for root vegetables for more nutrition. If you want to make it a traditional tagine, you can replace the bahārāt for ras el hanout. It is a spice mix with cloves, rose buds, mace and turmeric that can give the dish a load of flavour. The spiced vegetable tagine with chickpeas is also with a vegetable stock for an intensely delicious dish. Serve with flatbread and lemon wedges. Check this video for inspiration.

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BERBER VEGETABLE TAGINE

If you’re a vegan, you can prepare this vegetable tagine with turnip, zucchini, carrot and potato. For added flavour, add red bell pepper to the dish. Cauliflower florets, chickpeas and tomato are in this Berber-style veggie tagine too. You can also add in your choice vegetables. Check out this video for inspiration.

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5

MOROCCAN CHICKEN TAGINE

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LAMB AND CHICKPEA TAGINE

This recipe is a classic. If you’re wondering what to make with your tagine, you can start with this. Use onions, olives and some preserved lemons. You can also cook it in the oven or in the tagine—it’s up to you. Whichever way, you can enjoy this delicious chicken tagine recipe with the whole family.

Satisfy yourself and your guests with this delectable and comforting lamb and chickpea tagine! It is a healthy and succulent dish that will make everyone ask for more. If you’re busy, you can also make-ahead this recipe and store it in the freezer. Just put it in the microwave to reheat easily.

Suggestions: You can eat directly into the tagine and with a bread to scoop up the sauce and chicken. The locals sometimes put Belgian fries on top of their chicken, but traditional French fries or rice on the sides is also perfect.

Here is a recipe for inspiration.

This dish is famous, with roots that can be traced to the cuisine of the ancient Bedouin locals of the Arabian Peninsula.

They add dried fruits, including plums, apricots and dates for added unique taste. Do you want to make lamb and chickpea tagine? Here’s a video for you.

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FISH TAGINE WITH VEGGIES AND CHERMOULA

This recipe calls for a chermoulatagra, a Moroccan marinade.

It’s made of cumin, garlic, oil, coriander, salt and lemon juice. Other spices used in the chermoula paste, spice mix or marinade are paprika, parsley, saffron and cayenne.

This marinade is used in dressing seafood and fish. You can also find different variations to a chermoula, so choose based on your preference. Other variations also contain more cilantro than the others do and can vary in consistency.

Nevertheless, you can use chermoula in preparing this fish tagine with your favourite vegetables to create a savoury and refreshing dish that also fits vegetarians and vegans.

Looking for inspiration? Try this recipe.

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8

CHICKEN AND APRICOT TAGINE

Apricot tagine is another favourite tagine dish that you might try. Adding apricots to your chicken dish can make for a savoury and sweet dish that everyone will enjoy. Even kids will love it! Remember to cook the chicken slowly until it gets tender.

Use herbs and spices, such as onions, garlic, ginger, saffron and cinnamon to enhance the aroma before topping your dish with dried and poached apricots. Try this easy to make recipe that suits even for those with little kitchen experience.

Use this recipe for a delicious chicken and apricot tagine.

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CHICKPEA AND CARROT TAGINE

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SQUID TAGINE

If you’re on a diet or simply want to stay fit, you can also try a vegetarian tagine with your favourite veggies, such as carrot and chickpeas. This dish is super easy to prepare, yet it can please even picky eaters and kids.

You can up its aroma with some honey and cinnamon syrup, or any other spices of your liking. If you like, you can also add raisins to it. This veggie tagine can be a side dish or an entrée. Find inspiration here.

Do you love squid and you want it for your first tagine dish? Check out this easy to make Comment start calamar Comment end i tagine in a generous amount of tomato sauce. These are the spices that highlight the seafood taste: olive oil, pepper and paprika.

Nevertheless, you can get creative and add other spices of your liking. Check out this video for your inspiration.

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SHRIMP TAGINE

Squids aren’t the only seafood that calls for a tagine recipe! A shrimp tagine tastes even better with tomato sauce. Many locals eat it communally from the pot with Moroccan bread. For a more filling lunch or dinner, others prefer to serve it on top of pasta or rice. Here is a video for your inspiration.

BERBER-STYLE TAGINE

Try this easy to make Berber-style tagine in which the meat, like beef or lamb, is arranged and cooked under seasonal vegetables. To make the dish more exciting, use a clay tagine for a satisfying and earthy flavour. If you want it a bit spicy, you can also add chilli peppers.

Either way, this tagine dish is great with or without the extra heat. Here is a recipe video for your inspiration.

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Going Vegan in Abu Dhabi: top

8 Restaurants

Whether you’re a new or seasoned vegan, finding a wide variety of vegan cuisine in Abu Dhabi can prove to be difficult at times if you don’t know exactly where to search. From Afro-Caribbean flavours to Mexican and Indian cuisine, the nation’s capital has some hidden gems that are guaranteed to leave your mouth watering, belly filled, and appetite satisfied!

Tired of searching for healthy plant-based flavourful food? Here is a list of restaurants in Abu Dhabi offering delicious vegan options.

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t s e W o t t s We First on the list is West to West kitchen, Abu Dhabi’s newest Afro-Caribbean restaurant.

This family business of wanderlusts is focused on bringing Sierra Leonean, Trinidadian and Jamaican inspired-cuisine and culture to the nation’s capital. Their main effort is to serve delicious food that brings people together in celebration and leaves them invigorated. West to West serves a variety of mouthwatering flavourful vegan dishes such as Awojoh Binch from Sierra Leone. Awojoh Binch consist of black-eyed beans soaked for an hour, boiled and then cooked with onions, herbs with a touch of bonnet pepper for spice, best served with fried plantain and West to West Salad.

Another more popular vegan dish only sold on weekends or by special request is a Trinidadian dish known as “doubles.” Doubles is a common street food “sandwich” made of two flatbreads known as bara, filled with a curried chickpea filling or channa, as it is known in Trinidad and India.

West to West Kitchen is located on Electra Street behind ADCB headquarters and offers both dine-in and delivery options.

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é Circle Caf Circle Café began over a decade ago as a love letter to the true New York bagel. Dubai mums Mira and Rama were in the Big Apple enjoying the authentic smoked salmon cream cheese bagel when they realised mid-bite they had to bring the famous NYC flavour back to the city of Dubai.

Over the years the menu has evolved from bagels served with filling, to a menu with a wide variety of tasty options for everyone including vegans. Their new vegan menu includes the beetroot hummus power bowl, vegan scrambled eggs with tofu, edamame, pumpkin and tomatillos with roasted almonds and an amazing vegan sandwich containing slow-cooked mushrooms served with sweet potato fries.

Circle Café is located in Al Raha Village, Mangrove Village and Saadiyat Island. They’re on several delivery platforms.

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Wild & The Moon Wild & The Moon is a lifestyle movement created by a tribe of food lovers, chefs, nutritionists and naturopaths, based on the simple belief that food should be good for you, good for the planet, and delicious. With wild, local, gluten-free, ethically sourced, seasonal and plant-based ingredients, that bring a little bit of nature to our busy lives. Wild & The Moon’s food and cold-pressed juices are 100% organic, pure, fresh, and unpasteurised, leaving their nutritive power intact. The popular vegan cafe opened its first branch in Abu Dhabi, at the gorgeous Cultural Foundation site. It’s a goto in Paris and Dubai for cold-pressed juices, smoothies and tasty, healthy vegan meals.

Wild & The Moon currently offers dine-in services only.

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Café 302 Located in Al Maha, Arjaan by Rotana, Café 303 is the casual friendly place to be if you love vegan cuisine. With nearly 30 plant-based dishes on the menu, this eatery is a hot spot amongst vegans in the capital thanks to its exclusive vegan brunch offered on Thursday evenings. The menu at Café 302 includes breakfast, soups, salads and huge mains dishes. They also have a wide array of desserts from almond brownies to a baked cinnamon pumpkin tart.

Café 302 offers dine-in, pick-up and delivery options.

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Shake spear Co and Blo e and Vegan Kitc oms hen

Shakespeare and Co is a chain restaurant conceived and developed in Dubai in 2001.

With over 35 stores across the emirate, Shakespeare and Co offer a truly unique dining experience due to the distinct “Shakespearean” atmosphere, with each location featuring a specific colour, décor and layout. Shakespeare and Co is a place you can go with vegan or non-vegan friends, colleagues, and family, to enjoy a good meal and relax, knowing there’s always something to look forward to on the menu. Now offering a huge vegan menu that includes dishes like mutabal and sautéed vegan protein bites and vegan pesto grilled cheese, Shakespeare and Co is a wonderful place to go for an overall dining experience.

Bloom Vegan Kitchen is another plantbased gem in the capital, currently operating exclusively out of Shakespeare and Co’s kitchen. Born in Dubai with the will of eating healthy and tasty plant-based food, Bloom Vegan kitchen is a delivery-only restaurant, offering delivery all over Abu Dhabi. All their dishes are delicious and a must-try for the new or seasoned vegan looking to try a variety of food without breaking the bank. Their dishes range from buffalo cauliflower salad, tacos and mac and cheese to brownies and vegamisu.

You can order Blooms Vegan Kitchen from several delivery platforms around the region or go to any Shakespeare and Co restaurant and ask for the Blooms Vegan Kitchen to go menu.

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ds l e i f t a e h W Wheatfields Gourmet Grocer & Cafe is an unusual, unique and ground-breaking concept for the region. It is home to vegan foods that are nutritious, delicious, health-conscious and budget-friendly. A gourmet grocer but also a cafĂŠ, Wheatfields offers options for every meal including french toast or pancakes for breakfast and pizza, calzone and mac and cheese for lunch or dinner. The best part about this cafĂŠ?

You can shop at the grocery store while waiting for your delectable food!

Wheatfields is located in Khalifa City and offers dine-in and pick-up options.

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Golden Spo Vegetarianon Restaurant “Not everyone’s born with a silver spoon, but when it comes to experiencing authentic Indian flavours, the Golden Spoon is enough.”

Golden Spoon is a local Indian restaurant with several vegan options on their menu. A littleknown gem, Golden Spoon Restaurant is a huge hit amongst the vegetarian and vegan community in the nation’s capital. Dishes like vegan mini samosa, cauliflower and broccoli Manchurian, dal tadka and chapati and tandoori roti bread are guaranteed to cause a flavourful mouthwatering explosion in your mouth. Don’t fret, if spicy food isn’t your cup of tea, Golden Spoon allows you to choose your spice level when ordering your dish.

Located in the Madinat Zayed area, Golden Spoon offers dine-in and delivery options.

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co n a l B o r r Bu Burro Blanco is a home-grown Mexican street food joint with a focus on high quality fresh ingredients that make their burritos some of the best in town. Nestled on a corner in the back streets of Khalidiya, Burro Blanco restaurant resembles a stationary food truck with walk up and delivery options. This tiny hole in the wall restaurant offers healthy options, with their made to order burritos, tacos and bowls. With the option to customise your food to order, you can choose vegan fillings such as cilantro cauliflower rice, beans, roasted pumpkin squash and sautéed peppers and onions with salsa. The vegan-si is also worth a try. It consists of sweet potato, black bean mash, green mango, fresh coriander, guacamole and pico de gallo. Burro Blanco prides themselves in offering a no-frills experience that puts food and customer satisfaction first, no gimmicks, no fancy packaging, just good food.

Burro Blanco is located in Khalidiya next to Bas Man’ouche restaurant. They offer walk-up, pickup and delivery options.

About the Author MONIQUE L. SPEARMAN is a freelance multi-faceted writer, curator and creator. Blending a passion for content creating, social media marketing, photography and travel, Monique created her blog website RaineyAmore.com in the spring of 2017 as a hobby.

Raineyamore.com is a lifestyle, fashion, beauty and travel brand that encourages men and women from around the world to live their best lives, out-loud. Inspired by the aesthetics of different cultures, Monique wants to show the world, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it!”

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Fitness

7

Benefits of Healthy Abdominals: Think Strong, Not Flat

Achieving flat abs is more than just for aesthetics or Instagram, but it is also for health and strength. If you’re into working out, don’t miss your abdominal exercises! Incorporate it into your workout routine to reap its rewards that we’re discussing in the next section.

HEALTHY ABDOMINALS BENEFITS

The core or abdominal muscles are your power centre. They’re a sacred space and a vitality source of your body. They’re also an important centre of consciousness and energy, according to ancient healing traditions. It is why thinking about and working for strong abdominal muscles should start now. Learn more in the following for the seven benefits of healthy abdominals.

BACK PAIN REDUCTION

One of the primary benefits of having healthy abs is back pain reduction. The core anchors the middle and lower back, so it needs to be strong. Otherwise, your back muscle will work hard to support your middle back. Too much straining will lead to its weakening, and pain will be a common scenario.

With strong ab muscles, you can improve the endurance of your back muscles, prevent its injury, and reduce its straining. If you’re suffering from back pain, you should incorporate ab exercises into your workout regimen to create a more balanced body.

What to know: Healthy abdominal muscles can prevent the forward protrusion of your belly and the altering of your centre gravity.

WEIGHT RESISTANCE

Improve your ability to bear weight with healthy abdominal muscles. Engage in ab exercises that can provide you with more strength. As you progress, you can bear more weight because you’ll have a stronger torso to take on a heavy weight with your stable lifting base, which is your core.

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VEMENT

POSTURE IMPRO

ure by pport your post Promote and su se you ab muscles. In ca developing your h with you tend to slouc don’t know yet, they e muscles becaus weak abdominal at’s why good posture. Th a t or pp su ot nn ca muscles, velop your core you need to de ake it the spine and m up op pr n ca ich wh d legs with your arms an easy to stand tall aligned. ace the er posture will pl op pr a t, pu y pl m Si , which sion on your back minimum compres on the rly wear and tear ea ts en ev pr rn tu in disc otherwise lead to spine that would engaged cles also remain us m ur Yo . ia rn he d joint proper bone an because of the prevent ally, it will also tu en Ev t. en nm ig al n lead t wearing that ca the abnormal join s can arthritis. Strong ab to joint pain and ress and injury. reduce ligament st u must bad posture, yo If you have a stribute re so that it can di strengthen the co body. throughout your weight evenly routine exercises into your Incorporate core your hip r posture, open to build a bette ck. then your lower ba flexors and streng

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SPORTS PERFORM

ANCE

You can improve sports performan ce with healthy abdomin al muscles becaus e they can help instab ility, core streng th and balance. As ab ex ercises target the co re muscles, they can improve strength as yo u progress with the workout activity.

You can also im prove performan ce on sports and leisure activities, such as te nnis, golf, baseball, ro wing, biking, and other activities with a st rong core, which po wers them all. If you’ re an athlete look ing to improve perform ance, consider core strength training that improves no t just strength but also balance, enduranc e, and stability.

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FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH

Healthy core muscles can also help in building functional strength, not just for supporting your lower back and spine. Developing abdominal muscles promotes and develops functional strength useful for everyday movements, including tying shoes, getting in/out of a chair, picking up objects and lifting heavy weight. With a healthy core, you can find doing these things easy rather than seeing them as a chore.

Functional strength also helps you accomplish movements, such as crouching, standing, bending, jumping, and walking, and more, easier than without it will be. Having functional strength builds endurance for daily household chores.

If you’re engaged in jobs involving twisting, standing, and lifting that rely on core muscles, you can also benefit from having resilient ab muscles. People working on jobs from home that involve sitting all day like writing, taking phone calls and other desk jobs, can also take advantage of a strong core that promotes proper posture.

WEIGHT REDUCTION

Another benefit of healthy abdominal muscles is reduced body fat. Excessive body fat is no good for you because it can lead to obesity and diabetes, among other lifestyle diseases. If you increase your abdominal muscle mass, your body will develop its ability to burn 96

fat due to improved metabolism. If you would exercise and trim your body weight, you’d have a leaner body with an improved ability to reduce weight.

BALANCE

Your body will work more harmoniously with developed and trained abdominal muscles. It promotes a balanced body with your hips, lower back, pelvis, and hips working with coordination. When this happens, you can achieve not just stability but also a great balance. It is essential for everyday movements; such as walking, running, or riding on a bumpy road.

A resilient core, nonetheless, can make daily activities less disastrous and injurious and more pleasant. With it, you can also prevent falls, which are likely to get you injured with weak abdominal muscles. For seniors, developing a strong core can make everyday tasks more pleasant with less chances of acquiring an injury, too.

Healthy abdominals aren’t just for their flat appearance and your added physical attractiveness, but they’re also for great overall wellness and physique. Strengthening your core muscles, nevertheless, makes you more resilient against injuries. They also improve your sports performance, functional strength, and overall weight. To reap these benefits and more, start thinking strong, not flat! Engage in ab workouts that help you gain strength, achieve an amazing body, and increase your endurance, function, and strength.

Travel

Morocco: For the Love of Colour

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north the humble treasure of Northern Africa, the country of Morocco attracts approximately 11 million tourists annually and is a muse for wanderlust travellers. Whether it be getting lost in the historic medinas, hiking the rolling Atlas Mountains, learning how to cook or savouring the traditional Moroccan cuisine, one’s itinerary can be swarming with activities in no time.

Morocco is a country beholding a rich culture and civilisation. Its telling history narrates its antiquity of hosting people groups from various nations.

The synthesis of those coming from the North (Romans, Andalusians), South (Sub-Saharan Africans) and East (Phoenicians, Jews and Arabs) have composed what is now Morocco’s social structure. Other influencers include the countries; Portugal, Spain and France who have conveyed their traces in aspects of Moroccan life.

Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has journeyed extensively in its objective to share the wonders of its soil. Striding successfully, it has capitalised on its illustrious Roman and Islamic sites and the sensation of its vivacious landscapes. Tourists are invited to be immersed in a whirlpool of aureate, coral, brilliant emeralds and whispers of cyan adorning burgs far and wide.

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THE MEDINAS OF MARRAKESH AND FEZ.

The medinas are the antique roots of each city in Morocco; they are a fusion of residential areas, shopping centres and food markets. If one is akin to exploration and wondering about, they are subject to being enthralled by the snake charmers and folk dancers gracing the paths of the medinas.

The fascination resides in the twisting and turning streets where brightly lit shops, restaurants, markets, and homes margin the streets. Squeezing tightly together, they bolt upright with fading cream paints; ageing timelessly.

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SEE THE ANCIENT CITY OF VOLUBILIS

The excavated Berber city of Morocco, an ancient Roman settlement and a major trading centre; Volubilis is one of the wellpreserved ruins of its kind in the world.

Though its relics remain unrestored and it is normally scarce of tourists one can find the city open in a way that allows engagement to come about. Those viewing the dilapidated structures can do so without the hindrance of large barriers and bustling crowds. One has the chance to familiarise themselves with the grainy steps of ancient quads and stand in awe of tall and greying classical pillars.

ROAM ABOUT KASBAH LES OUDAIAS

Situated in Rabat, this Kasbah is in the oldest part of the city. Reminiscent of a medina, the serenity and candidness of the narrow streets of white houses; make it perfect for roaming about. Its elevation offers magnificent views of the river Asif Mellah and its overflowing into the ocean. Within the citadel, one can pay a visit to royalty by viewing the Saadian Tombs. These are royal graves in chambers with ornate mosaic tiling and stucco- a treat for the eyes appreciating the decorous mastery of ancient Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

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VISIT THE HASSAN II MOSQUE

Named after one of Morocco’s embellished leaders, The Hassan II Mosque, located in Casablanca, is all the rage among tourists. The plumb architectural masterpiece is a display of the dedication and dexterity of thousands of Moroccan artists led by the French designer, Michel Pinseau. Pinseau is the mind behind the tallest minaret in the world that crowns this grandiose mosque. It took a total of five years to build this intricate structure, inside it is emblazoned with mosaics, plaster mouldings, marble and stone columns; from the floors to the wood ceilings, the internal is a feast of texture. As it is the 7th largest mosque in the world and the largest one in Africa, a total of 105,000 worshippers are able to congregate within the darling mosque.

LEARN TO COOK TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN FOOD

Traditional Moroccan food is the unification of Berber, Arabic, Turkish, Middle Eastern, and French cuisine. Many Moroccan houses or palaces called riads offer cooking classes in big cities like Marrakesh and Fez. One can relish the satisfaction of purchasing fresh produce from the local market and then acquire skills and cultural knowledge whilst making a traditional dish.

A notable mention would be Cafe Clock which is a Westerninfluenced cafĂŠ and is famous for its gigantic and delicious camel burger; it has locations in Marrakesh and Fez. It offers some of the best classes receiving impressive ratings across travel blogs and websites.

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CATCH SOME SUN AND WAVES AT THE TANGIERS

Morocco’s relatively high number of tourists is impelled by its location. As it is close to Europe, it attracts visitors to its gorgeous beaches. Tangiers is a major city in northern Morocco, located on the North African coast it is the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar which is the barrier that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the world’s oceans. The history of Tangiers is very rich, due to the historical presence of many civilisations and cultures. These aspects are conserved by the two museums located in the city, namely; the Dar el Makhzen which was previously a palace for the sultans but is now a museum for Moroccan artefacts and The American Legation Museum. Centuries ago, Tangiers was characterised as having international status by foreign colonial powers and became a destination for many American and European writers, artists, diplomats, businessmen, and spies.

There is but one destination where one can tuck into their chicken shawarma whilst sitting between the narrow-spaced medinas and reading history off the walls. A place where the balconies of fortresses boast the spectacular sight of the sea and the town descending below, where the people of Morocco go about their daily fare. It is indeed a place of colours, both fading and bright; preserving the ancient and greying whilst retaining its liveliness.

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For the Culture

THE REINVENTED CHRONICLES WITH YVONNE C. MTENGWA

5 Ways to Wrap your Mind Around the Unknown and Keep from Panicking Sitting in a waiting room has never been easy.

Waiting for any sort of confirmation on an issue can most definitely play its part in taking us out of our mental equilibrium. Whether you are waiting for the doctor to come back to you with test results or a notification on whether or not you got the job or if you passed the most difficult module towards a certification you are so desperately trying to attain; we can all agree that minutes, days, weeks and even months of waiting for the news or some news can have you operating in rolling tides of angst.

I’ve had several conversations over the past few weeks with friends and family doing their best to adjust to a new norm in the world we are living now.

The headlines have a way of prophesying doom, while others are churning out the rudimentary “use this opportunity to build your brand and build your best life” messaging. Even with this, most people are simply trying to figure out what their immediate needs are and how they will get those fulfilled. Many need rest. Others need to get a grip of their finances after being told their salaries are taking a hit for the next few weeks. I’m pretty sure most of us know someone who is being forced to accept the new reality of having to go back home unexpectedly or shut down their business. There is no time for ‘building the new me’ for them because in all the waiting for some semblance of normalcy to make its come back, the list of pressure points is growing. Stuff just hasn’t worked out as they would have liked, and the breaking point is nigh.

If you find yourself in the category of people struggling to stay sane in light of current events, here’s my take on how you can keep from folding by processing that which lies ahead – known or unknown.

1. GET TO EMERGENCY PLANNING IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY.

We can all agree that nothing prepared us for the global pandemic and subsequent shutdowns the world over. Q2 2020 is here, and if there is any 104

big takeaway from this season; its to always have an emergency plan ready for a rollout. When nothing’s moving, it’s more than likely you will still be required to move. Your family’s needs are a constant; bills don’t pay themselves, and problems don’t necessarily take a leave of absence.

If you haven’t already, start looking at what changes you can make to prep yourself for the possibility of things getting worse than they are, because let’s face it—life can get like that. Are there costs you can cut like those subscriptions that add up or that take-out budget that needs to be redirected to home-cooked meals? Do you have an emergency fund in place, which ideally is 6 months’ worth of your expenses? Have a think about this, as most stresses are triggered by lack, and lack of money or resources is never a good thing.

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REVIEW YOUR GOALS.

The year likely started with you having a set of goals and now some of those have been thrown out the window.

Not all hope’s lost, though. Take some time out to revisit

the goals you had laid out for your year and look at what needs shifting. Prioritise what needs immediate focus and attention over what can be pushed back. There is no sense being frustrated over your travel plans if no one is going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe now isn’t the time to enrol into that expensive Master’s programme if you haven’t got your emergency fund in place. See where I’m going with this? Oftentimes, it’s not a case of taking that goal off your list altogether but adjusting your timelines for execution.

3. ENVISAGE YOUR LIFE AFTER THE STRESSFUL SEASON.

Survival begins with the right mindset. Don’t stay in a state of lamenting but rather take to reminding yourself of the good that will come on the other side of the drama.

Now don’t get me wrong – am not saying spend your days out with the fairies imagining all sorts of hoopla!

Think about things that bring added reflection and meaning to your life. Visualising your desired outcome conditions your mind to identify what resources and actions you will need to see things happen for you.

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4. STICK TO SOME SORT OF SCHEDULE. Shooting a bunch of darts at your task list and hoping some will land is not the ideal way to get things done with as little stress as possible. I’ll be the first to admit that homeschooling and the whole work from home thing hit me upside my head a few weeks ago.

Fortunately, by accepting that this was going to be my new norm for a few weeks, creating a new schedule has resulted in my being more efficient in my new daily routine.

Time is money. Wasted time will present some form of anxiety as the clock ticks. Schedule everything – from time spent with family to meal prepping to getting your workout in. I even schedule in my

45 minutes “ratchet TV time” if I feel like getting a dose of mindless entertainment; quickly getting back to work or cooking or emailing or whatever else I have on my daily plan once done.

5. REMEMBER THAT YOUR HEALTH IS PART OF YOUR VICTORY TALE.

In seasons of uncertainty, physical and mental stress can become a norm, but this is not to say we are to accept that as our reality.

Pill popping to get some sleep or binge-eating on all the stuff you’ve worked so hard to keep off your body will not serve you in the long run. It’s important to take control of what you can, such as your healthy food intake, infusing some form of exercise into your routine and scheduling in some quiet time to

put your mind at rest. You already have a lot to deal with, so don’t tack on discomfort to your physical and mental state. Take time out. Rest.

Reset. Practise self-care routines and be gentle with yourself.

Wrapping your mind around the unknown is about accepting that in life, there is much we cannot control, yet we are to do the best that we can with that which we can.

Panic only creates angst, and no one is out here volunteering themselves for some ulcers. Please understand that you are never alone when the going gets tough. Get help and be honest with yourself and those that matter most. The beauty of time, patience and honest reflections is that it paves the way for you coping through seasons of transition.

About the Author Yvonne Chiedza Mtengwa is the author of “Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to live authentically through faith”, a book encouraging women to confront their issues with relationships, insecurities and self-fulfilling prophesies, in an effort to truly discover who they were created to be. It’s available for download on https://payhip.com/b/Oi7Y#!

She is also a co-author of Amazon Bestseller “Dear Fear Volume 2: 18 Powerful Lessons on Living your best life on the other side

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of Fear”- a compilation of short stories by American visionary author Tiana Patrice.

Passionate about travelling, writing about and experiencing leisure and lifestyle brands, Yvonne is a marketing and communications strategist, is the Cofounder of www.Quintessentialf.com, a Christian lifestyle movement for women, and also runs www.yournarratives.com, a boutique communications agency specialising in entrepreneurial design and shaping the narrative of women-led lifestyle and social development brands.

Check her out on IG on @quintessentially_yvonne or visit and subscribe to her website on www.ReinventedToday.com for more tips on everyday reinvention.

A Life of Happiness: Building Resilience

I smile at the realisation that nothing stays the same nor lasts forever. But what made people change into what we are now? How do they absorb the changes in their culture they knew and loved? How do they accept that their world will be forever changed? With those constant changes, how do people pursue happiness?

The answer is resilience: being able to recover quickly from life’s adversities.

As we watch our environment, cultures and lifestyles change, we need to keep in mind that we need to take care of our mental health.

Building our resilience requires the acknowledgement of reality. To go outside our comfort zones, the first step is to accept the fact that there are regions where discomfort exists, and we must face them. By building a resilient mind, we guarantee a life well-lived with happiness, gratitude and contentment.

DEEP CONVERSATIONS

First, it is important to have conversations with yourself and with other people looking for their own

happiness. Sharing your insights and experiences may help build your resilience and may lighten your emotional burden. Opening up to other people with a positive outlook in life is a great help for you to identify your weaknesses and strengths. You must speak to yourself and put a mindset that you’re more than the sum of your parts. Your weaknesses become your strengths the moment you recognise them.

Having deep conversations will allow you to learn more about growth, development and selfawareness.

EXERCISE

Second, having a healthy body is another key to have a stable and positive mindset. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that gives you a positive feeling.

Facing our daily challenges and life hardships requires strong physical and mental health. Together with a balanced diet, exercise can improve your problem-solving skills and helps you to concentrate more.

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OFFER OTHERS HELP

Third, share your knowledge and ideas with people who are in need of support and encouragement.

Simple words may be a big help to others. Lead by example: you cannot show the way if you do not turn on the flashlight.

Helping others will give you indescribable happiness, a fulfilled heart and will also help you create a good social interaction.

SLOW DOWN

Fourth, take time for yourself; remember that the race is not won at the beginning. It is easy to fall in the crowd of panic and fear. It is important that as you run your race, you should hone your skills, appreciate your flaws, and remember that happiness is not about who achieved it first but who did it right. Take time to relax, observe, and seek inner peace. Slow down and appreciate life's blessings.

Build your resilience by taking deep breaths of fresh air and savour in the taste of delicious and healthy meals.

Step outside the room and smile at the sunshine that wants to bless you with vitamins of bliss and gleeful thoughts. Be one with nature and get out of the fast routine. Enjoy life to the fullest without the hassle.

Remember that change is a story with two sides. Your

mindset defines your point of view, it designs your reactions, and your purpose confirms your end result whether it's good or bad. A life of happiness means that you have to commit to being happy. It means you have to accept the glass as half full and not half empty.

There’s always room to grow and glow. Build your resilience with positive thoughts, exercise those thoughts with purpose. Share your views, try to help others and never forget to slow down. Always think that Rome was never built in a day; time wasted will bring a disaster, while time spent wisely will bring you closer to mastery.

Jerome Douglas About the Author

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Jerome Douglas is a 27-year old trained teacher, poet and writer from the beautiful island of Jamaica. His personal philosophy is “If it is for me to be, then it is up to me.” He attended the Catholic College of Mandeville in Jamaica. Additionally, he is a community builder and humanitarian who volunteers his time to help with the academic and social well-being of people in his Central Jamaica community and surrounding areas.

Book Review

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy came out in 2010 and has been one of the bestsellers on both The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

What is The Compound Effect? The book is, in fact, a collection of case studies, examples and real-life narrations. Hardy explains that life’s biggest achievements are dependent on the tiny things that you do so unconsciously every day. Even though these small choices seem inconsequential, they compound over time.

Let us dive in and have a closer look at how The Compound Effect affects us.

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AWESOME IDEA #1: THE SMALL CHOICES MATTER.

AWESOME IDEA #3: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

The writer’s formula is “Small, Sensible Choices + Time +

The action of taking responsibility for your results is illustrated

Consistency = Big Difference”. A better way to explain this

with a very good example in the book. A relationship instructor

concept is given in the book in the form of an example called

asks the question, “What is your percentage ratio of giving and

‘The Magic Penny Example’. Consider this example: two people

receiving in a relationship?” Some say 50-50, some 40-60 and

are given the choice between receiving $3 million today or a

so on. The relationship instructor walks to the board and writes

magic penny that doubles in value every single day. Let’s say

“100%”. Only when you take 100% responsibility for working

one of them takes the $3 million because they want to enjoy it

on your relationship, it will succeed. The same goes for life.

right away and the other opts for the penny. On Day 2, the first

The results you have today are all due to your past actions.

person is on $3 million minus their expenses while the second

Unless you take 100% responsibility for your current and future

person is now on 2 cents. Moving onto Day 20, one of them

measures, nothing changes. The writer goes on to note that

is still living life with $3 million minus their expenses while the

there are several events that occur in our life which are beyond

other only has a little over $5,000. On Day 31, the one with

our control. But no matter what we are handed, there is always

the magic penny is now at more than $10 million! While the 3

the power of how we choose to respond.

million is instant gratification, the penny is like a small choice that is performed consistently and outweighs the big gains in

AWESOME IDEA #4: TAKE NOTICE OF YOUR LIFE.

the long term.

“You make your choice; then the choices make you.”

The secret is a combination of good habits, hard work and

Darren Hardy

discipline. Forget instant results. The only path to success is through the execution of boring, unexciting daily disciplines

Our life is really about a million choices that we make every day.

over time—whether it is a 30-minute jog, reading for half an

The challenge isn’t that we’ve been deliberately making bad

hour day, or even spending an extra 10 minutes studying

choices. If this were the case, it would be very easy to fix because

business with your partner. The small choices performed on

we can then just stop opting for that wrong pick. The problem

a daily basis will always outweigh instant gratification in the

is that we haven’t taken notice of our selections. The actions

long run.

are so trivial; we don’t even realise the effect that it takes on us.

Sometimes we only notice our bad choices after it’s too late.

AWESOME IDEA #2: THE COMPOUND EFFECT IS ALWAYS AT WORK.

AWESOME IDEA #5: THE POWER OF IMPACT.

According to Darren Hardy, the most interesting part about the

The last idea described in the book is about influence or impact.

compound effect is that it is constantly working. Therefore, if

Dan Hardy says that there are three key influences that we need

you keep making consistent small and smart choices, you will

to watch out for: information, associations and environment.

see a radical change in your life that will be either positive or negative. The book talks about an example about the story

• INFORMATION:

of three friends. Friend 1 does small good actions; say, read

Always remember: garbage in, garbage out. Hardy advises us

a book. Friend 2 does nothing significant. Friend 3 indulges in

against watching the news. Consuming too much negativity will

small indulgences that are seemingly harmless, like eating cake.

only make us more scared and cautious to move forward. But

In about a year’s time, you may not notice much of a difference

he does advocate reading books. Read inspirational, strategic

in each friend’s lifestyle. However, in three years, the differences

and success stories, and we will inevitably become a more

will be staggering. Remember that the compound effect is all

empowered individual.

about exponential growth. Friend 1 has started a small business with all the ideas that he got from reading. Friend 2 is nowhere

• ASSOCIATIONS:

in life because he only compares himself to others and hasn’t

Make positive and conscious associations, and you will be a

done anything productive or value-adding. Friend 3 is now, you

long way ahead. What you are, your lifestyle and your success

guessed it: unhealthy and unhappy.

rate depend a lot on the company you keep. Pick your friends wisely.

Note that the compound effect doesn’t just add up. That is why you will not see any major differences even after a year or two. It

• ENVIRONMENT:

is only after some time has gone that the differences are distinct.

The environment includes everything around you. Decluttering

The compound effect cannot be switched off. Even if you don’t

your life and designing a positive environment may be

notice results, it doesn’t mean that it’s not working. You will get

uncomfortable at first, but the consequences of these actions

positive or negative results, depending on the path you take.

will compound positively over time, resulting in a major improvement after a considerable period of time.

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