Taking Lessons from Dr Khalilah Camacho-Ali, the former wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali by Out and About Mag

Issue 6 Volume 3

Dec 21 - Jan 22

MEN

VISION BOARDS, GOAL-SETTING & MANIFESTING AT-HOME DINNER IDEAS FOR NYE

DR. KHALILAH

CAMACHO-ALI THE UNTOLD STORY OF LIFE WITH BOXING LEGEND,

MUHAMMAD ALI

YOUR BUSINESS:

ISLAND VIBES AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

THINGS TO DO BEFORE 2021 ENDS

A 2021 REWIND INFORMING 2022 PLANNING

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STOP WHAT STOPS YOU. Hiral Nagda

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Editorial

Editor in chief

Marsha Fry

marsha@outandaboutmag.com

Editor

Anika Richards

info@outandaboutmag.com

art

Art director

nakul thanekar

nakul.thanekar89@gmail.com

advertising

sales & marketing sales@outandaboutmag.com

general enquiries hello@outandaboutmag.com

On this month's cover Interview: Dr Khalilah Camacho-Ali

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Location: Shangri-la Hotel Dubai Photographer: Chirag Patel

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

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EDITOR’S WELCOME “ Things are always better in the morning.“ — Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird You are in control. And, the beauty of it is, we always get a chance to improve, do better, start over, chart a different course. All it takes is willpower, the ability to envision your destination and a new day. Renewal is a common theme at the end of every year, as we look to do things differently, explore new opportunities and hope for improved outcomes at the dawn of a new year. Just like the cycle of a day, after a year ends, another begins. New possibilities emerge in the morning. Will you embrace the morning and make the most of it? That decision rests with you. But, as always, we at Out and About Magazine aim to provide the tools to guide you along the way. Things are always better in the morning, so let’s claim it!

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Features and Highlights In Fashion, we always keep you on your toes and in this issue, with Fashion For All on Display in Dubai, you will get more than your regular fill. From Dubai Modest Fashion Week, naming the 5 Brands that Wowed at the event to Dubai Runway, we have you covered. And, in keeping with the season, we also bring you some tips on Winter Jumper Done Right. In Beauty, check out a few tips to help you Perfect the Statement Bold Lip this Festive Season. And, we know gift-giving is a staple for many this time of year, so we compiled a Gift Guide For Him and Her to make that a little easier for you, in our Holiday Gift Guide. Stay in the know with our feature, Island Vibes at Expo 2020 Dubai, as we bring you highlights from the Jamaica, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, and Antigua and Barbuda pavilions. We even had a chat with Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Right Honourable Edmund Bartlett. In our Behind the Brand feature, Ozlem Shahin Ertas, the CEO of Modest Fashion Weeks and Think Fashion, talks inclusion and plans for the global brand. Check out her story, and we dare say you will agree with us dubbing her a fashion change-maker and visionary. In this issue, we are Taking Lessons from Dr Khalilah Camacho-Ali, the former wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. She holds very little back and tells her side of their story as she shares her take on the power of prayer and her hope for the world.

In our Lifestyle section, we give you the tools to end the year on the right note and kick-off 2022 like professionals with the features: 5 Things to do Before 2021 Ends; Reviewing 2021 and Getting Ready for 2022; 5 Habits to take up in 2022; and Your Business: A 2021 Rewind informing 2022 Planning. In Food, you can take your pick of what goes on your spread with At-home Dinner Ideas for NYE, and, of course, we bring you Classic Christmas Cake: History and Must-try Recipe, too. A new year means new resolutions, so check out the Fitness feature, 5 Fitness Goals Anyone Can Stick to. Let’s smash those goals together! We know that Travel itch and the need to have new experiences, so in that section, we did the heavy lifting for you in Best Places in Dubai to spend NYE and Let’s Go Chasing Waterfalls. In this issue’s For the Culture section, we tackle Men: Vision Boards, Goal-setting & Manifesting and bring you a different perspective in Triangular Vision: Succumb to Pressure or Take Responsibility? Also, check out our Shelf Life pick, Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. Things are always better in the morning Renewal is a choice, one we can make with every new day. All it takes is the mindset to create the reality you want. Out and About Magazine, with the team that made this Edition possible, is always here to remind you of your potential. It is yours, claim it!

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SECTION 1

CONTENTS Dec 2021 - Jan 2022

7 FASHION

• Fashion for all on display in Dubai

• • • •

Dubai Modest Fashion Week 5 Brands that Wowed at Dubai Modest Fashion Week Runway Dubai Winter Jumper Done Right

SECTION 2

48 BEAUTY •

Perfecting the Statement Bold Lip this festive Season

SECTION 3

50 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE •

Gift Guide for Him and Her

SECTION 4

57 OUT AND ABOUT AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI •

• • • • • • • •

Island Vibes at Expo 2020 Dubai Jamaica Meet Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett Barbados Dominica Grenada Haiti Antigua and Barbuda Trinidad and Tobago

133 FITNESS •

5 Fitness Goals Anyone Can Stick to

SECTION 8

137 TRAVEL •

•

Best Places in Dubai to spend NYE Let’s Go Chasing Waterfalls

SECTION 9

148 FOR THE CULTURE •

Men: Vision Boards, Goal-setting &

Manifesting T riangular Vision: Succumb to Pressure or Take Responsibility?

SECTION 5

•

• O zlem Shahin Ertas, CEO Modest Fashion Weeks & Think Fashion, Fashion changemaker & visionary

SECTION 10

78 BEHIND THE BRAND SECTION 6

86 TAKING LESSONS

160 SHELF LIFE •

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

• Dr Khalilah Camacho-Ali, former wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali

SECTION 7

95 LIFESTYLE •

• • •

5 Things to do Before 2021 Ends Reviewing 2021 and Gettings Ready for 2022 5 Habits to Take Up in 2022 Your Business: A 2021 Rewind informing 2022 Planning

118 FOOD •

•

Classic Christmas Cake: History and must-try recipe At-home Dinner Ideas for NYE

Out and About Magazine takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. The photographs in this publication

Out & About Magazine are for illustration purposes, unless otherwise specified.

FASHION FOR ALL ON DISPLAY IN DUBAI

DUBAI MODEST FASHION WEEK Out & About Magazine

Prominent designers from the Middle East, Europe and Asia came together once again for the third edition of the Dubai Modest Fashion Week from November 18–20, 2020, at Rixos Premium JBR to celebrate the theme of Awakening for those who are ready for a fashion revolution. The event showcased a wide calendar of fashion shows, pop-ups, and panel discussions for guests and VIPS. Modest Fashion Weeks have a travelling concept that highlights the best designers and brands, media, influencers, and retail buyers, while being the hub for the global modest fashion industry. Forty exclusively selected designers and brands showcased their latest collections on the fashion show runway. Modest fashion lovers could also touch, experience, and shop the collections on location. Some of the designers and brands who demonstrated unique fashion shows and highlighted the diversity of modest fashion are:

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Coega Sunwear

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Surturban

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Di’ Gerari

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Israel Kasnett

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Bahae Fashion

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Mizwear (United States)

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Najtags & Ranazone

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BModest (Lebanon)

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Neveen Elkkady

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Halimo Co (Norway)

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Lemata X Noor

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Brave, Kiswa Almaty (Kazakhstan)

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Poca & Poca (United Arab Emirates)

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Heaven Lights

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Homolog

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Wardah x Vivi Zubidi

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Gold Design

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Khanaan (Indonesia)

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Al Haya Paris (France)

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Lirat (Iraq)

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Hukka

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Zeina Ali (Jordan)

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Mimya

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Massodah Shabodien (South Africa)

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Zems (Turkey)

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Salam Design (Palestine)

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Nea Wear

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Sweet Dolce

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Salayfa

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Saraziia (Iran)

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Demure Duchess

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Nordays (Belgium)

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Thread Palette London

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Asmiimah (Nigeria)

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Munamer (Italy)

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Modestcatwalk.com (Global)

‘’The third edition of Dubai Modest Fashion Week was the most special edition with the exclusive participant selection, getting huge support from His Highness Sheikh Obaid Bin Suhail Al Maktoum and Consulate General of Turkey in Dubai. “During three days, we saw the global trends of modest fashion with 31 fashion shows, evaluated the industry with ten (10) talk shows while participants got a lot of business expanding opportunities. Dubai is our second home and the most attractive modest fashion capital in the world; we can’t be happier for holding such an important event at Rixos Premium Dubai – JBR. Another milestone for the global modest fashion movement is done, and in every edition, we are getting stronger,” said Ozlem Sahin Ertas, CEO of the global Modest Fashion Weeks. Modest Fashion Weeks were previously held in Istanbul, London, Jakarta, Amsterdam, and Dubai. The event series are supported by the United Arab Emirates government entities and other countries that see modest fashion’s huge potential and influence on other industries like tourism. The modest fashion market size has reached $474 billion.

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DUBAI MODEST FASHION WEEK

5 BRANDS THAT WOWED AT DUBAI MODEST FASHION WEEK

ASMIIMAH Asmiimah is a Nigerian brand that was born at the intersection of style and modesty. Designed in 2017 and brought to existence in 2020, it was founded by passionate designer Asmau Ahmad. The brand started as a made-to-measure production and is slowly working towards becoming a versatile international brand that produces luxury wear, modest swimwear, couture, and ready-made. On a mission to bring bold styles and modesty together, its uniquely designed pieces are made with high-quality textiles and materials. Inspired by Western silhouettes infused with African attire, Asmiimah’s customers should feel like they are wearing one of a kind attire.

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DI’GERARI From the first draft to the final stitch, Di’Gerari designers take care to craft only the finest fashion statements that make you glow. Its luxury range of feminine swimwear makes you look and feel good, with proprietary fabrics engineered to be lightweight, tan-through, and quick drying. The result? A premier range of tanthrough burkinis that stand out from the rest, letting you tan in comfort while feeling your best. Di’Gerari is dedicated to making sure all its production processes bring positive change, with a commitment to providing ongoing community training and support. So, both its processes and products help lift women up, giving them the chance to shine their brightest.

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MUNAMER

BY CHIARA TAFFARELLO Munamer was born out of a need to create a new lifestyle concept for women, including those who are Muslim, who want to treasure the tradition of being modest while also loving life, travel and sport. Fashion designer Chiara Taffarello learned about Muslim culture while working in Pakistan. During her trips, she noticed that Muslim women were not comfortable going into the water because they didn’t have suitable swimwear. Munamer is a fresh, young, comfortable, elegant and sophisticated brand of high

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quality and versatility in a world where inclusion and sustainability are the key concepts. The goal of the brand, which was born for the modest-fashion market with a reinterpretation of the classic “burkini”, is to give any type of woman the opportunity to enjoy their time at the beach without ever feeling inadequate, uncomfortable or not fashionable. Manufactured in a small Italian textile laboratory, Munamer designer Taffarello is honoured to prove that modest swimwear doesn’t have to be dull but can be fun and fresh.

C H I A R A TA F FA R E L L O

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POCA & POCA POCA & POCA is a young fashion brand created by the talented sister-brother duo of Karolina and Wiktor Gniewek in their native country of Poland. Combining fresh and creative designs, a passion for style, a love for precious things, unique fabrics, and an eye for detail, POCA & POCA brings to life creations for the charming woman, personifying her original and charismatic sense of style. Starting with a dream, a fairytale and believing that all things can come true if you put your heart and soul into it, POCA & POCA brings to life young and innovative designs that are both simple and sophisticated. It’s for the young and creative, the youthful and stylish, the elegant and trendy–for all who care about being unique and experimenting with their individual style. From bows to pleats and ruffles, the baby pink stitch, the feminine and sweet–distinctive features that are so playful they bring a whimsical sensation for all those who wear the creations. All POCA & POCA pieces are carefully handcrafted by a team of master tailors in Poland, with precision and skill, working together to produce designs of the highest quality. The signature of the POCA & POCA finishing is the baby pink thread that is used to highlight the charming and delicate character of the POCA & POCA brand. Each POCA & POCA piece exemplifies an energetic and youthful spirit. Each piece can also be personalised with one’s name on the tag, so as to be loved and to accompany you through life’s journey, capturing your favourite and memorable moments that will be with you forever.

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SWEET DOLCEE Established in Tehran, Iran, in 2012, Sweet Dolcee is the brainchild of Shirin Sheikhi, an Iranian fashion designer who creates amazing abayas and uniforms with a focus on women. The name Sweet Dolcee stands for modest clothing in Iranian languages. Sweet Dolcee has more than 3,000 models of abayas and uniforms, as the designer believes women deserve the best. The more you wear Sweet Dolcee, the more beautiful you feel.

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FOR THE LOVE OF COLOUR Model: Renata Hamikus Photo: Jozsef Balogh Retouch: Anna Petrova Creative Director and Makeup: Liv Rideg Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary 32

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RUNWAY DUBAI “Bringing fashion back” was an understatement for Runway Dubai because, in addition to fashion, they brought enthusiasm, laughter, style, and adrenaline back to a venture that has been voted the most inspiring fashion platform in the world. Opening the recent show was an amazing woman from Russia called Mila Anufrieva (Mila for Africa). She is a fashion designer who owns one of the first luxury retail chains in her home country and was responsible for bringing brands like Christian Dior, Fendi and Bottega Veneta to Russia. As part of Runway Dubai’s annual initiative, Anufrieva was invited to create awareness of Albinism and the cultural danger it poses to innocent children in Senegal, where she currently resides. The fashion designer is on a mission, daily, to keep these children who suffer discrimination due to cultural superstitions safe from harm.

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For the fashion element of the show, designers like Asma Sultana of Zoan Ash, Imane Harti of Maison H, Nidhi Kumar of Illustirfy by N.K, Margarida Goncalves of Donnanoir, Reena Khuram of R Kouture designs, Sania Daniel of The house of Nubian, and Zineb Maazouz of Nobleza were celebrated. The show also featured guest performances by Nigerian opera singer Ranti Music and the dancing duo from Dream Makers. The well-attended show ended on a high note, with presentations being given to participating designers and emerging fashion students from institutions across Dubai ,including, Middlesex University Dubai, Westford University, and Capital College. Walid Attalah was presented with the Best Celebrity Designer of the Year award, whilst Anufrieva took home the award as the Most Inspiring Woman of the Year. The display of designs were groundbreaking, inspiring, and certainly speaks for the future of the Dubai fashion scene.

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located In Rangali Island, Maldives. To book a reservation at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, please call +960 668 0629 or visit conradmaldives.com

conrad_maldives 40

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WINTER JUMPER DONE RIGHT Winter jumpers are a fashion staple in every closet. They can be knit in different stitches to adorn one in fascinating patterns or simply worn for comfort. Instead of just pulling a winter jumper over any outfit for the sake of coverage, let’s explore how versatile they can be. Whether dressed up or down, you can achieve several looks with winter jumpers. The right combination of garb and accessories is all it takes to do justice to a season fave.

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KNOW THY JUMPER There are approximately 40 types of jumpers, including different types of knit stitches. The following are the eight main categories, and they vary and intersect based on length, neckline and sleeve design. THE BOYFRIEND This is the jumper that one is meant to drown in. It is purposefully oversized for comfort and layering underneath. That way, when temperatures change, the outfit can be adapted. THE CARDIGAN It is named after the 7th Earl of Cardigan, James Brudenell, who couldn’t stop fussing over his hair. Pullovers weren’t doing his hair any good, and so came the cardigan that could be worn without going over the head. Fast-forward from the 19th century to present day, there are now a variety of cardigans, namely: button front cardigans, collared cardigans, open cardigans, and wrap cardigans. THE CREW NECK Popularised by athletes in the 20th century, this jumper was worn to prevent skin irritation. Today, it still relays the sporty-casual look loved by men and women.

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THE PULLOVER As its name implies, this jumper is pulled over the head. It can be fitted or loose and is exemplified in crewnecks or V-necks. THE QUARTER-ZIP This jumper can give the same look as a V-neck with the drop of a zip, albeit the zip is there to make it easier to get it on and off. The quarterzip is wonderful to style and can give off a formal or casual look.

THE JUMPER VEST A jumper without sleeves, definitely the odd one out. In the jumper vest’s case, style comes before coverage and warmth. It allows for the wearer to put all types of sleeves on display— ornate, ruffled and bell sleeves, or good ol’ cap sleeves. It can also be layered with denim or leather jackets for a contrast in texture.

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THE TURTLENECK Also known as the polo neck or roll neck, this jumper is easy to spot but also easy to confuse with the mock turtleneck. The difference between the two is that the turtleneck covers the neck completely—stretching from the collarbones to the lower jaw—and can be folded down. On the other hand, the mock turtleneck only reaches halfway up the neck; it still gives a similar look with less restriction. THE V-NECK In contrast to its round-neckline cousin, the crewneck, the V-neck is the more formal of the two pullovers. It’s great for layering and popping

collars. WAYS TO STYLE A WINTER JUMPER THE CLASSY-COLLEGIATE Winter jumpers tend to have an informal leaning on the style spectrum. However, it’s only a matter of which winter jumper and how it is worn, to transform it into the focal point of a classic outfit. •

Colour palette: nude and earthy colours, checkered, argyle or tartan patterns.

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The best jumpers for this look: V-necks, sweater vests, fitted crew neck jumpers, and turtlenecks.

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Pairings for women: collared shirts, high-waist bottoms, medium length A-line or pencil skirts, shift dresses.

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Pairings for men: spread-collared shirts, prince of Wales shirts, chinos, straight leg trousers, tartan slacks.

• Accessories for women: brooches, ties, ankle boots, loafers, Mary Jane pumps, berets, and mid-calf, lace trim or knee-high socks. • Accessories for men: bold novelty tie, Oxford 44

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loafers, ribbon pumps, cap toes. VIVID AND LIVELY Unlike the weather they are made for, winter jumpers certainly have a wild and colourful side. They are usually paired with denim jeans to tame the striking patterns, but that can undermine the character of the jumper. This is where complementary colours come into play. •

Colour palette: colour blocking, vintage, Aztec, stripes, embroidery, floral and alpine patterns.

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The best jumpers for this look: crew neck jumpers, boyfriend, button-up cardigans, quarter-zip.

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Pairings for women: vibrant blue boyfriend jeans, plain-coloured skirts and trousers.

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Pairings for men: faded straight cuff jeans, nude chinos, an anorak.

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Accessories for women: complementary scarves, scrunchies or beanies, trainers, casual slip-ons.

• Accessories for men: beanies, scarves, chukka boots.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS When out and about, jumpers can provide comfort and still look sophisticated. Wearing a jumper emblazoned with a statement or image is a great way to express one’s style and personality, and can be a great conversation starter. •

olour palette: green, orange, purple, bold C statements, fun patterns.

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he best jumpers for this look: slim-fit crew T neck jumpers, jumper vests, V-necks, long cardigans.

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Pairings for women: light denim boyfriend jeans, dark skinny jeans, jumper dresses, fitted capri pants.

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Pairings for men: chinos, white Oxford buttondown shirt, knitted ties, casual blazers.

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Accessories for women: designer shades, medium-brimmed hats, tote bags, casual slip-ons, trainers, low-cut socks, kitten heels, classic stiletto pumps.

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Accessories for men: designer shades, newsboy caps, satchel, Oxfords, dress boots, trainers..

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FOR HOMEBODIES For those who prefer the comfort of their homes, the following style profile is effortless to achieve and ensures an outfit is presentable for any company. •

Colour palette: pastels, warm, earthy colours, chunky knit.

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The best jumpers for this look: shawl-collared cardigan, long cardigan, boyfriend, loose turtleneck.

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Pairings for women: sweatpants, culotte pants, wide-leg jeans, maxi skirts.

• Pairings for men: loose trousers, sweatpants, plain tee. • Accessories for women: loafers, closed-toe slippers, ribbed socks. •

Accessories for men: fisherman beanie, mules, ascot.

NIGHT ON THE TOWN Seize the night in a jumper paired with glitzy textures and regal colours. •

Colour palette: dark colours, jewel tones like ruby red or emerald green, sequin, metallic and leathery textures.

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The best jumpers for this look: button-up V-neck cardigans, quarter-zip, fitted crew neck jumper, turtleneck, shrug cardigan.

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Pairings for women: A-line, bodycon, flapper or tunic dresses, mini skirts, jean jackets.

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Pairings for men: leather jacket, bomber jacket, dress trousers, straight cuff jeans.

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Accessories for women: statement jewellery, classic pumps, mules.

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Accessories for men: Chelsea boots, derby’s, cap-toe Oxfords.

So, there it is! Having presented these looks, the utility of a winter jumper has been settled. No longer should it be confined to the closet and seen as the garment to cover everything. Wear them to enhance and characterise styles, because they’ll certainly go the extra mile. 46

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CREATIVE CHAOS Model: Renata Hamikus Photo: Jozsef Balogh Retouch: Anna Petrova Creative Director and Makeup: Liv Rideg Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary Out & About Magazine

Beauty

PERFECTING THE STATEMENT BOLD LIP THIS FESTIVE SEASON

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WHEN A WOMAN PUTS ON HER LIPSTICK, SHE’S MAKING A BOLD STATEMENT. For most women, lipstick is their no 1 beauty essential, and wearing it is like putting on a good dose of confidence. You’ll find lipsticks in a number of shades to complement different looks, but not all lipstick brands make the cut when it comes to quality, which is paramount to it staying put and looking great all day.

EXFOLIATE AND MOISTURISE LIPS No matter how amazing your lipstick is, it’s important to exfoliate your lips with a gentle scrub at least once per week and keep them moisturised and hydrated at all times.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHADE It’s important to find a shade that works for you! Depending on the look you are going for, a general rule of thumb is to pick a lipstick shade that is 1-2 shades darker than your natural lip colour.

LINE THOSE LIPS A liner that matches your lipstick colour choice is non-negotiable. It helps to maintain a clean look and prevents lipstick from bleeding around the edges.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM AND HER It is that time of year when everyone is looking forward to a holiday get-together, and exchanging presents with loved ones. Although the Islamic community does not celebrate Christmas, they happily and proudly share in the joys of Christian colleagues, neighbours, and dear friends. What better way to show we care than giving something that symbolises the holiday spirit while strengthening the bonds of friendship. Check out these holiday gift ideas to make your family, friends, neighbours, and acquaintances have a more meaningful season.

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HANDMADE CARPETS (HIM/HER) Anyone would highly appreciate the gift of carpets, especially when they’re handmade. They adorn every home and make it more pleasant for the eyes. There’s no wonder that carpets are a staple in almost every UAE home. They’re said to be the foundation of anyone’s beautiful dwelling, too. Nevertheless, carpets bring both a classic and modern appeal to any interior. Find the best handmade Persian carpets and send one or two to a friend/loved one in the UAE. We found a lovely collection here, and particularly adore this Tabriz carpet, which is from East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. This place is one of the oldest and most known in rug weaving, so it offers a wide diversity of carpets from which to choose. ATTARS Do you have a lady friend who cannot leave home without spritzing her favourite scent? While Attars are not the classic designer fragrances, these intense and exotic perfumes make an incredible gift for a female friend, relative, or acquaintance this holiday season. Attars have an intense fragrance, courtesy of the rich essential oils of flower petals mildly heated, pressurised, and steeped in mild sandalwood oil. You can get the rose variant for a classic scent or the white musk for a definite head-turning effect. Of course, you can choose other fragrances to suit your mom, sister, aunt, or lady friend’s style. You can bet she will walk with confidence having a pure Attar filling the surroundings with its intense yet delightfully pleasant smell. Dubai has some of the UAE’s foremost Attar perfume shops, although you can find the best at the Perfume Souk. You can also check out Swiss Arabian’s alcoholfree AAMALI Perfume Oil for Women with its sultry combination of musk, amber, caramel, vanilla, cedarwood, and sandalwood.

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QAHWA SET For the man who likes his coffee as black and strong as it can get, there is no better gift than a Qahwa pot. This coffee pot is unlike any other you might have seen, complete with a gold or silver lining and an intricate design. Pick the high-end ones, and you get to bring home a coffee pot with semi-precious stones and complex carvings. You can also buy a set, including copper or silver coffee cups with silver or gold rimming and an intricate design that’s pleasing to the eyes. The set also includes a gold or silver serving tray, perfect for showcasing one’s coffee-making prowess to guests during the holiday season. The Qahwa pot is a holiday gift idea the recipient will use all year round. While popular online commerce platforms also sell Qahwa pots, they are not as intricate as the Arabian Qahwa pot.

CRYSTALS AND STONES Perfect for men and women, crystals and stones in various designs make impeccable gifts for the holidays. Platinum, silver, and gold pendants or rings with birthstones can bring good fortune to any wearer all year round. If you plan to gift a special woman, getting a stone set makes perfect sense because it already includes a ring, necklace, earrings, and bracelet in classic Arabian or filigree designs. For men, a large stone set in a precious metal base with a straightforward linear design is best. Pearlicious and Gold & Diamond Park offer some of the finest stones you can ever present this holiday season. Or, you can check out this black Swarovski crystal set on a 24-karat gold and 18-inch sterling silver chain, complete with an Islamic Ayatul Kursi inscription. The Enhara Jewels White Geode Agate earrings look lovely, too.

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JEWELLERY CHEST A lady friend will love receiving a bejewelled chest for her collection of flashy and ornate bling-bling and other precious trinkets. You can pick a beautifully carved jewel chest with inlaid precious gems, silver trim, and brass appointments for the ultimate in personal treasure-keeping. The Gold Souks in Dubai has an impressive line of stores selling jewel chests made of only the finest materials, including precious metals and unusual animal bones. Add a touch of Bedouin culture and the jewellery box becomes a pleasant chest for keeping one’s prized possessions.

PASHMINA SHAWL Shawls are one of the most versatile clothing items for women, complementing one’s fashion sense, keeping them warm, and carrying their young children close to their bodies. Few shawl fabrics can come close to the smoothness and elegance of Pashmina. Authentic Pashmina shawls feature cashmere and contain 30 per cent silk to give the fabric its characteristic smoothness and softness. It makes Pashmina shawls the perfect gift for the special lady in your life. An authentic Pashmina shawl is quite expensive. Hence, most of the pashminas you might see on the market come with viscose instead of cashmere. Nevertheless, they should feel and look like the real thing.

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DISCO QUEENS Models: Boro Sotonyi and Renata Hamikus Photo: Jozsef Balogh Retouch: Anna Petrova Hair: Liv Rideg Makeup: Liv Rideg, Giulia Matta and Csöppüs Szilvia Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary 54

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For more information and reservations, visit Jumeirah Zabeel Saray or call +971 4 453 0000.

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OUT AND ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

JAMAICA

ISLAND VIBES AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

From each morning’s glorious sunrise until the sea swallows the sun at night, Jamaica presents a magnificent palette of experiences, a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds that make our island the most precious jewel in the Caribbean. It is a land of unique culture, engaging activities, breathtaking landscapes, great food, and warm, welcoming people. The beat of reggae. The searing smell of jerk over the fire. The swizzle of rum in your glass. No place on Earth provides the range of attractions and the cultural diversity that can be found here. No place on Earth feels like it. No place on Earth shines like it: Jamaica, the home of rhythm and sway.

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Meet Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism

The Right Honourable

EDMUND BARTLETT 1. Tell us about the aim of the Jamaican pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Well, firstly, the Jamaican pavilion is intended to bring a little piece of Jamaica into Dubai, and by extension, to the attention of the world. The purpose, of course, is to provide a story of how Jamaica has evolved, grown, what are the various peculiarities of us, what makes us different, how our people have featured in the development of the country and also of the world, how our culture has influenced and impacted the world’s culture, in general, but more so, how we’ve been able to move and our movement impacts and influences the rest of the world. And it’s a big story for a small country. And we do have a story to tell. So this pavilion, as we walk through it, will give you a storyboard of the journey of our people, our aspirations; a little bit of our frustrations you’ll see in it, but mostly you’ll

see our achievements and accomplishments. 2. Why should people visit Jamaica? Travel and tourism offer opportunities to acquaint ourselves with the cultures of the world, it is to have the cultures of the world know about our faces, that’s why we travel. Jamaica represents something fresh, different. And for some in this part of the world, rainfall is in Jamaica, it doesn’t fall too much in the desert; it’s an experience to see rainfail. The mountains, lush vegetation, rivers, it’s a wonderful experience to see rivers. So Jamaica offers that. Then it’s our music, it’s our vibes, it’s our cuisine— it’s just a way of life that we offer that’s different. So the invitation that we brought to the Middle East, is to come and see us as we are, just the way we are.

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3. How has COVID-19 advanced the use of technology in Jamaica’s tourism sector? Well you used a very interesting word, advanced, it means perhaps more of a situation where COVID is an unintentional partner in the expansion and development of technology. The Internet of things has sort of come into its own with the fact of how the management of COVID has been determined by the gatekeepers of science. What has happened is, if you are together, apparently it works, if you’re too close, it doesn’t—social distancing. So virtual reality and virtual experiences have become a feature of life, and that’s just my take on it. So, the way we keep communicating, and that’s what I think the biggest takeaway from COVID is, communication changes, the method of communication is hugely impacted; how people exchange ideas without seeing, touching and feeling, and not losing a certain sense of connectivity, because when you see the person, even though you can’t touch... virtually you’re in connection—and seeing is a big part of enabling connectivity at a high level. So it is that technological advancement that COVID has helped to give efficacy to and to strengthen. COVID has done something else, too, made it possible for us to know who we are in a stronger way than previously. And that has enabled us to appreciate that we don’t always have to be present in body to be present in mind. The last part of it, to me, is what it has done to restore the sense of public health, and how the individual responsibility for their management of themselves has come to the fore. Because the way to keep the virus away is to be clean, and the whole issue of cleanliness has now become such a big part of what we should really be. [There is] the whole idea also of being respectful of each other, I think we lost that in the commercial rush... so COVID created a pause, and a pause for reflection to look again at who we are, and perhaps to have to define us. So it hasn’t been all bad. It has impacted our life, as well as livelihood and in our longevity, but it certainly has given us a moment to stop, pause, think, and reflect on who we are.

4. Describe Jamaica in three words? Food, love and music. 62

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The beauty of Barbados (besides the obvious) is that it has something for everyone! History buffs, foodies, thrill-seekers, and tree-huggers will all find a home here on this tropical island in the Caribbean. It might be a small island, but promise, the possibilities are endless. So, what are you waiting for? The Caribbean is calling!

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BARBADOS

Barbados is a very special place, and Barbadians are very special people with many stories to tell. A few you might have already heard, like the one about singer and business mogul, Rihanna or about cricketing legend, Sir Garfield Sobers.

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DOMINICA 66

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Commonly known as The Nature Island, Dominica juts up from the glistening waters of the Caribbean to serve as a beacon for world revellers and travellers seeking solace in a place that time has forgotten. One of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean, the island is a verdant tapestry of lush rainforests, towering mountains, rushing rivers, welcoming waterfalls, and volcanic wonders—everything you need to rejuvenate your mind and body. Its closest neighbours are the French islands of

Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante, to the north, and Martinique, to the south. Whether you’re looking for a rugged day of hiking, a heart-stirring day of diving, or just a lazy afternoon relaxing on a veranda surrounded by the sounds of birds, wind through leaves, and scenes not found anywhere else, Dominica—and its people—await you with open arms, restorative days, and relaxing nights. Dominica is not to be confused with the Dominican Republic.

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Famed for its aromatic spices and organic chocolate, the tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique is located in the eastern Caribbean, just south of Barbados. Visitors can also dive into the turquoise waters to discover the world’s first underwater sculpture park, zipline through tropical rain forests, or take in the lush scenery in a dune buggy tour.

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GRENADA

The Spice of the Caribbean, a hidden gem with unspoiled beauty offering a lifestyle so pure and authentic that you will feel instantly renewed.

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HAITI 70

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The Republic of Haiti is a country located on the western half of the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean Sea. The world’s only successful slave rebellion happened here, and the music, art and culture that came with it make Haiti entirely unique.

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ANTIGUA AND 72

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BARBUDA Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and a number of smaller islands. To its south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe, and to its north and west are Nevis, St Kitts, St Barts, and St Martin. Antigua and Barbuda moves to the music of steel drums and is known for its 365 sandy beaches that can be visited all year round. Out & About Magazine

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 74

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Located just off the northern coast of South America, at the tailbone of the Caribbean arch, you will find the twin-island of Trinidad and Tobago, also known as T&T. In Trinidad, pristine mangrove swamps and rainforests sit side by side. Tobago has everything you’d expect from a Caribbean island, with palm trees and white sand aplenty, yet it’s relatively unchanged by the tourist industry.

This twin-island republic offers unparalleled birdwatching, first-class diving, and luxuriant rainforests perfect for hiking and waterfall swimming. Trinidad’s carnival is easily the biggest and best of the region’s annual blowouts. And, thanks to the legacy of T&T’s melting-pot population, the cuisine is a foodie’s dream.

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Boutique No.8, Aswaaq Center, Al Badaa, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Boutique 13, Building 8, Golden Mile Galleria, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. www.mokha1450.com

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FASHION CHANGE-MAKER AND VISIONARY

OZLEM SHAHIN ERTAS

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m the CEO of the Global Modest Fashion Weeks and Think Fashion company. We just finished the Dubai Modest Fashion Week, the third edition and, globally, the seventh edition. Dubai is home for us, so we are coming to Dubai again because we believe in the vision of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. It’s welcoming, it’s inclusive, and it is global. So that essence is directly matching our concepts. So that’s why, with the seventh edition, the only city that we repeat the edition is Dubai.

Company THINK FASHION MODEST FASHION WEEKS

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2. How was MFW 2021? Two words to sum it up. It was such a beautiful experience. So, I always see it as a journey. Each edition is a very interesting journey—for my inner personality, inner self, and then for sure, like my business life—and everything was perfect.

Beautiful, inside out. So it is an attitude if you live in a modest way, so then in your life, behaviour or in the pieces that you choose, it goes in that direction.

We had a chance to host beautiful designers and brands from all around the world—from the Gulf region and from Europe, from the United States and Canada, from South Africa, Nigeria, Indonesia—it was really, really diverse. And we celebrated the diversity of tomorrow’s fashion together.

I feel much more comfortable and much more elegant when I wear a piece of modest clothing. That, I can say, is freedom.

And visually, we saw a lot of amazing fashion shows on the catwalk. We also have exhibition booths there, where the designers, models and fashion lovers can interact. Also, there were a lot of nice talk shows, because it’s important to emulate industry, understand each other, and respect each other. And, as we always say, we are better together. 3. Do you have a favourite designer from the show? It is very, very hard to choose… but I can say that I see how beautiful the journey was, when you see like the Iranian designers, how glam they are, or when you come to a UAE-based designer and how they’re using abaya or when you go to the Euro designer you’re seeing what kind of fabric they’re using even more streetwear style. So that’s why it’s very hard to choose for me, but I can say that we have everything for each type of style. 4. What does modest fashion mean to you? Modest fashion is a lifestyle for me. 80

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So that’s why, for me, it’s a passion. But behind all this fashion industry, it is a lifestyle for me.

I like that I can empower myself, and not only the directions that the industry gives us, beauty should be like that. It is really your own self that you reflect. So that’s why modesty really resonates with me.

5. What are your thoughts on the availability of modest fashion in shopping malls and high streets across the world? It’s increasing a lot. Actually, modest fashion was there for a long time. I know a lot of amazing brands; they’re very well established here in the industry for more than 20 years. Plus, there is no space for them to highlight their stuff, express themselves or let them go global. So with Modest Fashion Weeks, the main mission is to bring all that industry stakeholders to go there, and let them do business or let them highlight their talents. And now, work from the top luxury brands to the very big groups ready to go. I can give names if it is okay, like D&G to Gucci, Louis Vuitton, or Adidas, Nike, Zara, H&M, Mango, you can see that everyone’s targeting modest fashion. So, for sure, it is related to the market size, because the market size is huge… So, when you go to the store, it doesn’t matter if it is luxury or it is where you’ll easily see the modest pieces.

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6. We are seeing more hijabis and modest fashion in the big fashion weeks across the world, why do you think this is the case? I think this means that [things are] changing. Again, it is related to one type of beauty. In our life, we are very diverse. So that’s why the brands are starting to understand that it’s not only for the hijabi or black, plussize models. We can also see different backgrounds and skin colours or different ages or disabled people in the catwalk. So, because that’s us, that’s why they’re putting the hijabis on the catwalk, but I think it is also very tricky. I mean, let’s say they were targeting modest fashion for a long time. But now we see…[if] you’re just targeting the market, but you’re not appreciating that people or the community… that’s why they are a little bit targeting or afraid of losing the market that they’re having. Maybe that will be another reason that they’re putting more diversity on the catwalk. 7. What needs to change in the fashion industry? There’s a lot to change, actually. So, first of all, I think individuals are starting to think in a different way—for themselves, like, what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, are we working—daily working process has changed. We started not going to the office, turning to more digital. And people started to focus on what they really want in their life, and it brings a lot of additional questions. So what is the priority for us? When it comes to fashion, people understand; you’re buying a piece of clothes, the fabric comes from, let’s say, Asia and you’re producing jeans in Europe, and then you’re consuming in the United States—you see how long that journey takes one piece of clothes. I think people are starting to think more consciously about their consumption after the pandemic. The pandemic… [has] started a new way of thinking; it is helping us to think in that way. Besides that, I think the young generation also likes taking the lead on that change. So for me, the young generation is, again, smarter, but… they’re more caring about their world, which is sustainable fashion [being] a must for all brands, it doesn’t matter [if] models are mainstream. That’s why I think there’s going to be a lot of change. And that’s why we chose the [theme] “Awakening” for the Modest Fashion Weeks. Additionally, I am speaking about awakening because it’s time to start a new era for fashion, in an era for the consumption part; a new era for being more inclusive, more diverse, and more welcoming, and for respecting each other. These are all that need to be changed from the very first production to the end consumer. 82

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8. What’s the vision for Modest Fashion Week? The big vision is really travelling all around the world, first of all, and touching all the modest fashion lovers from five continents, making the Modest Fashion Weeks really well known and, in the same standards, like New York Fashion Week, Fashion Week, or the top fashion weeks. We believe that we have the power, and we are [moving] in that direction. Each edition, we [add] a very huge milestone. But it is also important to get acceptance from the industry and authorities. So the biggest vision is to be the most prestigious platform for the modest fashion industry. And then lead them to modest fashion stakeholders to shine on their Modest Fashion Weeks’ stages.

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9. Which countries are you currently in and do you plan on adding for the next edition? We did Istanbul Modest Fashion Week, London Modest Fashion Week, and Dubai three times.

11. How do you look after your mental health? I believe that if you are on a journey, if you’re facing some barriers… there’s something that you need to learn from it. When you are in your comfort zone, you can’t expand.

Now, as the editors of countries actually approach us, they really would like to bring the concept, but for us, it’s important to make sure that… when we go, it can be a modest fashion capital for their region.

If there is something that makes me stressed, that’s good because you’re getting to a different level with that experience. So just take it, and that helps me a lot, actually.

That’s why we’re very careful in the preparation process. But now, Paris, France, is on our bucket list of destinations. Plans are being put in place for Modest Fashion Weeks in Saudi, New York, Abu Dhabiv, Qatar, Russia and Malaysia, they’re all in line. We are working in different groups and different teams. 10. Do you think you have a little message for the young ladies who want to start something, but they’re just on the fence? Not quite sure if they want to do it? Yeah, that’s a good question. I mean, I would say that, first of all, dream. I do believe in the power of dreaming and dreaming first, then have the courage to find the courage to follow your dreams. Secondly and thirdly, please don’t give up because there will be a lot of things that, let’s say, lots of tests for your journey. You will cry, you will be stressed. You will fight sometimes, but all those feelings or all that process is very, very important. Then, if you take those steps, I’m sure in the end you will reach your point on that journey, you’ll have a lot of experience. So just start, just start to dream and just believe in yourself.

I like to push my limits, so when you push your limits a lot and when you really work hard and then it is still not happening, you know you should leave it to the work because there is maybe something bigger, there is a reason that it’s not happening or it’s happening in that way. I made this Modest Fashion Weeks crazy journey in like eight months, the preparation is huge. Putting 20-25 countries on one platform, understanding their needs and trying to be kind, then speaking with them, and it’s just, I think, like, I’m always thinking ahead. So we just finished the event, and when I see people, their appreciation, or their happy faces, it makes me very, very happy. You can think of that moment that when you achieve, just think, what will be your feeling, then it helps a lot to move forward. 12. What’s that one quote you live by? I think I would say, “Never stop dreaming.” And that would be my last verse, because that makes my life. So, dream for yourself, first of all. Dream for the people; dream for your community, then in the end, dream for the world. It goes like that, from the small circle, to the bigger circle, and that’s why we need to always dream.

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TAKING LESSONS

DR KHALILAH CAMACHO-ALI FORMER WIFE OF BOXING LEGEND MUHAMMAD ALI Photo: Jet Magazine

mammaali.weebly.com dr.khalilahcamachoali khalilah.camachoali KhalilahCAli

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1. Tell me about Muhammad Ali, what kind of person was he? Well, this is the whole point of me coming to Dubai with my book. It’s called The Forgiveness Ali, and in all the stories they’ve talked about Muhammad Ali, they have only talked about his boxing, or his adventure in boxing, or his philanthropy. They have never talked about my story with Muhammad Ali, which I found very unusual. When you talk about President Kennedy, you talk about President Kennedy’s wife. But see, unfortunately, I had to watch Muhammad Ali, later in life, and they seem to just not talk about our beginning. And the beginning of Muhammad Ali being Muhammad Ali… was during my period, my reign with him. The most essential part of my life with him, I was very young, 17, Ali was 24, 25. And the thing about it is they didn’t give our story, our love story, how we met when we met. And all that information is incorrect in his books and everything. And I’m here to tell my side of the story, which is the permanent real-life intervention with Muhammad Ali. I was the first family: the first children, the beginning of Ali’s life, and that’s most important. We have four beautiful children. We have three girls, one son, [and], before Leila. There’s no Leila. This is our beginning [as a] family. And a lot of people get that confused like I’m Leila’s mother, and I’m not. So it’s just [that] she just appears [to] look like me and not her mother, so it gets confusing.

That’s why you see, Muhammad Ali, if I hadn’t been in his life and the Muslims not been in his life, you wouldn’t [have seen] a Muhammad Ali at all. 2. Tell us the story of when you met Muhammad Ali for the first time. Well, you know what, it would take away from the book. And if I would tell that story, it would destroy it; this is why I took the time to write the book. But, the small version of it is that I created a target. And Ali was targeted by me, by him saying that he was gonna be the heavyweight champion of the world before he’s 21. At that time, he was only 18. So he predicted that before he was 21, he would be the heavyweight champion. And in the end, that came true. When he came to the Muslim school where I attended at the age of 10, he was at the age of 18. And he was saying how he was going to be champion, and he gave autographs out, saying that, “Take my autograph, because I’m gonna be famous.” And this was the time the target I planned right here on my forehead, when I told him that, “You’re not gonna be famous… You’re not gonna be famous with a name like Cassius Clay. In order for you to be famous, you have to get a name of respect; you have to get a name of honour. As a matter of fact, you have to get a Muslim name because that wasn’t gonna work.” And in the end, I was correct. 3. What brings you to Dubai? I am here because of my book The Forgiveness Ali.

My whole family is a total Muslim family. I was born Muslim, I did not convert to Islam. It was a conversion at birth. My mother and father and my family are all Muslims.

Also, I only want one goal while I’m here in Dubai; I want to meet Sheikh [Khalifa bin] Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed right here in Dubai.

I wanted him to be the greatest man in the world, my husband. And in the end, I succeeded. And with the will of Allah and the Muslims around the world, we succeeded.

That’s one of my wishes. They are amazing. Look what they’ve done for this country. These Sheikhs in this country have set down a foundation of love, stability, law, and order. And it’s been amazing.

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And I would just love to meet Sheikh [Khalifa bin] Zayed because when Ali and I would travel to different places, we were to meet the rulers of that country. And that’s my wish. I was honoured to meet King Faisal, at one point in time, back in the day, and I’m here in this beautiful country. I want to meet and would be honoured to meet the rulers of this country. 4. You’ve been on a really successful journey. What keeps you going? You know what, I’ll be honest with you, my religion gives me passion, it gives me strength and gives me guidance. God has always been at the forefront. Once you keep God at the forefront, you have to daily ask him for forgiveness, daily ask Him for mercy. Because we’re only here for a short period of time, and we’ve made many mistakes. In order to grow, sometimes we learn from our mistakes, sometimes we don’t, and to ask Allah to forgive you, to give you guidance, because he’s the only one that actually controls everything in life. That’s exciting because when I pray to Allah, I never know what’s going to happen the next day. I’m just eager to find out who I’m going to be tomorrow, what I’m going to experience tomorrow. And that keeps me alive. My mother is very energetic, and she doesn’t say much, but she does a lot, just with her actions. And my father is the same way. And when something makes me sad, or unhappy, or disappointed, I pray to Allah and stay curious about what’s going to happen today, you know, and I think that’s what gets my energy going.

If I can see a little girl and show her that there’s nothing she cannot do, there’s nothing she cannot be. If that inspired a child to do what he or she does, that would be the greatest reward. By me being a person who fought for Islam, fought for women’s rights in the Muslim world, that elevated me to no end. I would always hear that a woman can’t do this, and a woman can’t do this, or a girl can’t do this; it is forbidden to do that. I found out that this was only Is’lam that was propagated, not Islam, that was propagated. And when I got old enough to read the Quran, to read the story of Prophet Mohammed (may peace and blessings be upon Him forever), then I realised that the woman is the balance of the man. And she’s only half a person. And the man is only half a person. I was taught two halves make a whole. The combination of a man and a woman together is the most powerful thing in the world. And this is when Allah will give you all your blessings. So I said, “Wow, this is great for me because to learn that I will be married and I will be a whole person. And then I would support my husband to no end, and he supported me to no end,” then that’s when I realised what my mother and my father had; they were married 68 years before he passed away. And the power of a mother, the power of a woman, is a natural nourisher. She naturally nurses you, the world; she naturally guides the world. And it’s a beautiful thing.

I will leave you a slogan: Don’t count the days; make the days count.

And her crown is built on her nurturing, her crown is built on her knowledge, her crown is built on her humbleness. This is what makes her carry the invisible crown which God has blessed her with. And, in order to build that crown, you have to build it on knowledge, compassion, love, kindness, and stability.

5. Success, what does that look like? Success, to me, is when you can inspire someone. If you can give some knowledge to a young girl or

The minute that you lash out and say something negative about the mother or the father, you’ve lost your crown; you have lost your ability to grow. And

I don’t need coffee, and I don’t need vitamin pills; I don’t need any of that; it just comes naturally. And I pray that I keep going till I can’t go anymore. So that’s it.

young boy, to inspire them to the highest heights that they can go, that is what inspires me; and that is my reward.

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so, even when you divorce or anything like that, you are still supposed to maintain knowledge and wisdom and not talk bad about the husband or the father. You’re not about you and me anymore; it’s about the children. It’s about their stability.

words and actions that you can give yourself. Please, seriously, pray and be honest and sincere in your prayer because so many beautiful things will happen to you when you do that. Nothing is going to go wrong.

In order for the man or woman to be together, they have to learn the serious power which they have obtained as adults. You’re looking for the future of these children. These children have to adapt to motherhood and fatherhood, as well. So it’s not about us personally, it’s about integrity, kindness, forgiveness, and learning to forgive.

Don’t ever feel bad if something doesn’t go your way. That means God has a better plan for you. So don’t think of it as a negative, don’t think of it as a failure. Think of it as God having a door opening for you. So you should be happy that door closed because when that door closes on you, that means it is not for you.

And I had to do a lot of forgiveness with Muhammad Ali because, as you know, men go crazy. You know what I mean, they get out of sorts. But we all get out of sorts, and we’re not perfect people. We try to reach perfection by being humble.

You know what, that’s what’s so beautiful about prayer. No matter what religion you are in, whichever faith you are in, prayer works. It doesn’t matter. We all pray to the same person. Yeah, and it’s just the most powerful, powerful word, action word, that you can ever have.

Learning how to forgive is a very hard thing to do. But out of all Muhammad Ali and I did together, it was a powerful session. It was a powerful journey, and my journey continues by enlightening young women and young men. We have no one enlightening us. They’re distracted by rap and by rappers saying negative things. They’re distracted by women with no clothes on. I mean, we look at people at the Oscars, and every day they have less and less clothes on. This does not show the glamour of a woman to “declothe” yourself, leave something held for the imagination. And this is what I am trying to work so hard to do while I’m still alive and my clock is still ticking. I won’t be here forever. I just want to leave a beautiful legacy for our women. And let women know they are powerful. They don’t have to prove anything. All they have to do is show kindness, show decency, show respect. 6. What advice would you give me about planning for the new year? Well, first of all, you plan to pray more. You plan to give God all your goals, ask him to open every door that needs to be opened in your plight of your success. Because, if you pray, he’s the only one that can open the door for you. That is my suggestion. Prayer is very [good]; [it] is the most powerful

You know what? A lot of times we’re disillusioned by politics, we’re disillusioned by what’s going on in our world, and you have to realise, God makes things happen for reasons. When you think about a lot of people saying, “Oh, why did God make this happen?” You say, “You don’t understand what it means for things to happen.” It makes us stand up and makes us have the will to stand up and fight for what we need and what we want. And that’s why we are people. That’s why God has given you free will to stand up for yourself. Sometimes you have to, you don’t just get everything perfectly just like that. You have to fight for what you want. And you should always fight for what you want and what you need. 7. You have written a number of books. Do you have a favourite and why? Yeah, one of my books, other than the life of me and Muhammad Ali, I see how my mother raised me with manners and etiquette, and my grandmother and my grandparents, and the grandparents before them. So what I did was I sat down on my computer, and I created a book called Color to Learn. And, a lot of times, you know how you colour, and you think about staying in the lines; this particular book teaches you knowledge of how to act at home and

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abroad, knowledge of etiquette, and knowledge and wisdom of manners. You’re actually learning about manners and etiquette as you colour. And I take that very seriously. I got a proclamation from Miami-Dade schools to put this in the schools for the children; it’s supposed to be a 10 volume series. And the first volume is the only one that’s out right now, and it’s for all ages. I created this book for the will of humanity. There’s only one race, and that is the human race. And that’s what I did it for, because it helped me as a child. 8. Three books everyone should read? Well, the first book you should read is the Quran. The Quran tells you the history of life, the history of our ancient philosophers, our ancient prophets. Those books are the guide to your success, most importantly, in the Bible as well, because the same stories in the Quran are in the Bible and in the Torah, so if you read those three books, you can’t go wrong. You can’t go wrong because this is history. It is not only magical, the fact of it is, it teaches you the history of the past, so you can correct your future. And the Quran teaches you for your future, not just your present or your past. It opens you up for your future. And you can’t get better than that, you know?

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Photo: Ebony Magazine

The second book read mine (laughs), on etiquette and manners because adults lack manners, and every single day they have gone away from it. We don’t want to deal with this old school. You need a little old school in your life. You know what I mean? This is the book I think is very important. There are many good books to read on knowledge and everything, but nothing beats the Quran. So I think you should read your history, if you’re Christian, read your Bible, and believe in your Bible. If you’re Jewish... read your Torah, because everything in these books are written by the prophets, by scholars. That’s only books that I say, if you have some interest in something in particular, you have a book for that. And you have to remember, prayer is the most powerful, active institution that you could ever experience. 9. What’s that one quote you live by? Don’t count the days, make the days count. That’s my slogan.

Photo: Ebony Magazine

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SAADIYAT ROTANA RESORT & VILLAS SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI UNITED ARAB EMIRATES T: +971 2 697 0000 | F: +971 2 697 0123 94

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Lifestyle

5 THINGS TO DO BEFORE 2021 ENDS It’s always a great idea to make a list of the things that you want to do before the year ends. But, while this might sound a little too late for some people, it’s not. It’s better to start planning and maybe thinking about your new year’s resolution in the last quarter of this year. This can help you reflect on what you want in your life and how you’re going to get it. However, your list shouldn’t be a source of stress. Maybe you can make a list of things you want to begin now, so that you can progress. Here are some ideas to get you started.

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1. Prioritise self-care Everything starts here, so it has to be your major priority. Whatever your plan is, you might not be able to accomplish it if you’re unhealthy. There won’t be a successful person without a healthy one, right? So, whether you are a month or a day away from the new year, set a time for self-care. It doesn’t have to be a spa day or something extravagant. Self-care starts with doing something you love, which makes you happy. Make sure that you schedule time for yourself—all to yourself—to recharge your batteries. You should also start getting your health in order. It can be easy to put it off, especially if you’re busy taking care of your loved ones and other people, but make it a priority. Would you believe that social media detoxification is a part of self-care? Yes, it is. That’s why, for your mental health and well-being, you must be cognizant of how much and what social media content you consume. So, set aside a time of the day when you do not check your friend’s messages, statuses, and social media updates. Otherwise, too much social media consumption can add to your stress levels and limit your ability to be productive when it comes to achieving your goals.

2. Declutter Clutter can lead to tension and confusion as well as reduced focus. It is also linked to negative emotions, such as irritability. On the flip side, an organised and clean home can result in a sense of well-being and calmness. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way of reducing stress and promoting positivity in your life, start decluttering. You don’t need to wait until spring to do this. Start getting rid of the excess stuff and things you don’t need anymore. Better yet, donate them to charity. Did you know that doing this alone can benefit your mental health and make you happier, calmer, and feel more in control? Overall, decluttering makes a tidier and more organised space for the coming year, as well as makes you happier. Speaking of clutter, you need to learn how to let go of grudges, your mental and emotional baggage. 96

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Harbouring resentment, bitterness and anger can hurt you much more than you think. Start with a clean slate and a better feeling for the coming year. Learn how to let go of these resentments. Try talking to a friend or loved one to help you get out of your head and come up with a resolution. Better yet, it would help to talk to a counsellor to help you clear the air and analyse why you’re holding on to anger, bitterness, or resentment in your life. For some tips, you can also invest time in practising positive coping skills, such as forgiveness. Learn how to forgive those who’ve hurt you and accept what happened. You must also accept the things that you can do to make changes. Nevertheless, let go of the negativity. Talk to the person who has made you harbour ill feelings. Get rid of your excess baggage. It’s better to begin the new year with a happy and open heart. What do you think?

3. Think about a goal you want to pursue Have you been thinking of something you want to accomplish, whether professionally or personally, next year? Develop an action plan and start working on it in the last quarter of this year. What are the obstacles that might come along the way of pursuing your goal? How can you overcome them? Without even saying, you need an action plan to enumerate the things to do so that you can pursue and realise your goal. 4. Reconnect Whether virtually or in person, reconnect! It is never too late. You should interact with other people, even if you’re an introvert. Who are the people that make you feel alive? They usually matter to you the most! Make them feel special, even in small ways like cooking their favourite food or making coffee. Take the time to show appreciation to these special people and see how much happier you’d become. Speaking of reconnecting, be grateful. Reconnect with the most important person in your life—you. Give yourself a tap on the back and celebrate your successes, big or small. Write a gratitude list. What are you grateful for in the year that is about to come to a close? A lot might have happened or changed in your life, but one thing is certain, you’ve grown from the person that you were in the past. Think about the wonderful blessings that you’ve received and write a list of them. Before going to bed at night, make it a habit to write in a gratitude list/journal, which is one of the keys to living a happy, fulfilled life.

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5. Reflect on the lessons learnt So far, what have you learned in 2021? What lessons will you take with you into the new year? For most people, the pandemic has made them realise the importance of time and what matters most. What has been clear to you about the things or people around you, and how can you show your appreciation for them in 2022? Or, are there valuable activities that you want to put back into your schedule in the coming year? The year 2021 is about to end, and it’s the perfect time to reflect and plan for what you want to accomplish in 2022. Use the lessons you’ve learnt and take them with you into the coming year to be wiser and stronger. Nevertheless, be thankful, reconnect, and prioritise self-love. Are you ready for 2022?

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REVIEWING 2021 AND

GETTING READY FOR 2022

The last few years have been transformational for many of us, in terms of how we live, work, and even our values. Adopting a mindset of resilience and agility is extremely important in this age. It is essential to imagine the future, be more reflective, and learn from our past experiences. This article is split into two parts, one where we reflect on 2021 and aim to take some lessons forward, and a second part where we understand better what we need to succeed in 2022 and beyond.

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Reviewing 2021 Self-awareness is a key to any self-improvement, and reflection can help us gain more awareness and clarity. Oftentimes, reflection comes easily with good questions and thinking space. I have shared below my list of reflection prompts to support you in better understanding your 2021. Reflection prompts: 1. What are five things that I am most proud of accomplishing in 2021?

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4. If I could go back in time or have more resources this year, I would _____? What would you like to add more of in 2022? 5. If I were to advise a friend with a similar living situation during 2021, I would say? 6. Am I living in alignment with my values (what is important to me right now)? 7. On a scale of 1-10, how do I rate myself in each of my life areas? If you’ve done this review before, what changed?

2. What are five things that didn’t work so well in 2021?

During this process, you might come up with your own question; add those to your list also.

3. If I could make a list of five things I learnt about myself and others, what would those be?

Now that you have a better understanding of your 2021 lessons, successes, it is essential to take some of these learnings to 2022.

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Getting ready for 2022 Looking at the future from an aspirational and strategic perspective is important for our career as well as personal and financial well-being. A good starting point is to look at the trends and changes happening around us and assess our readiness for the future based on the knowledge we have right now:

According to a survey by Insider and Morning Consult, although 70 per cent of millennials have a savings account, 58 per cent have less than $5,000 in their account. Only 32 per cent of the surveyed millennials have had an emergency fund for at least three months, and only eight per cent of the respondents were classified as having a high financial literacy.

1. How can I future-proof myself? As the future evolves rapidly, so do many of the industries in which we work, and you don’t want to end up behind these significant revolutions. In the long term, 5-10 years, what changes will happen in your industry? What are the trends that you are noticing, and what are the skills that will be required?

These worrying statistics brings us to the question of what can be done to improve our economic well-being:

According to a World Economic Forum article, 50 per cent of us will need re-skilling by 2025, and some of the skills that will be in high demand are:

•

• How can I improve my financial literacy? • Do I have an emergency fund? How can I save more? Can I invest more?

Problem-solving;

• Self-management (resilience, stress management); • Working with people (leadership, emotional intelligence); •

Technology use and development.

Upskilling yourself doesn’t have to be a university degree or a six-month course. Instead, it can be small knowledge blocks that you add every day, such as listening to a podcast, reading a book, or watching a Youtube video that shares knowledge relevant to your desired skills. 2. How can I improve my financial well-being? The increased economic instability from the last few years has increased the interest in financial literacy.

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3. How can I improve my well-being? According to several recent statistics, stress has increased by 29 per cent since the coronavirus pandemic, and with that, our focus to aim for a healthier lifestyle has increased. As we are paying more attention to our health, mental health is moving away from being a taboo topic and is now on most agendas of most employers, but also individuals. With that in mind, we should always aim to create a wellbeing environment around us at home and work. Some of the most common tools are exercising, meditation, having a support group of family and friends, journalling, managing our energy levels at work and preventing burnout.

4. How can I make more time? In an era where we are constantly under time pressure, we need to protect it. We need to utilise it, so it feels right for us and helps us achieve our goals. The best thing you can do in 2022 is to protect and value your time, and to do that, you should: • Say “Yes” lightly. Say yes only to opportunities aligned to your goals and values, and support the causes that are important for you. • Stay focused and set boundaries. Distractions can be found anywhere, from your mobile devices, requests from family or friends, and even new ideas and inspiration. It is essential to be clear about what you want to achieve during the year and always filter those. Will they help you in achieving your goals? Are they important for you? Can they wait? At times, it might feel difficult to say “No” as we associate that with saying “No” to the relationship. However, if we want to avoid being pulled into many directions without achieving our goals, it is vital that we set boundaries and learn to say no.

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5. How can I set goals and stay on track? Once you know the areas you want to improve and things you want to add to your life, set goals for up to three life areas you would like to improve in 2022. Break them into several milestones and set weekly actions for each of the milestones until you have achieved them. Sometimes self-motivation is not enough, especially when it gets challenging, and research says that external accountability increases our chances of achievement. If the accountability format is structured, the success rate can be up to 95 per cent. One of the things that supported me to stay on track during this year with my goals was having an accountability partner. I shared my goals with one of my friends during the year, and I asked her to keep me accountable for my goals. I provided her with a list of weekly questions that we would ask each other to ensure that I

was on track with my goals. Every week, I had a list of things I needed to complete to ensure I was ready for my weekly call. Some weeks when I was feeling low in energy or not inspired to work on the goal, I would make sure that I made some progress for my accountability session. Being ready for the future is not one-size-fits-all. This article aims to help you reflect and increase the awareness of what worked well in 2021 and what needs to adjust for 2022. Hoping it sparks some more ideas of what the future could look like and helps you be ready for 2022. To read more about how you can set better boundaries, check out a previous edition of Out & About Magazine. If you want to read more about how you can set goals that you can achieve, you can find some additional tips here.

About the author

Laura Biclea Corporate Sales Leader & Mentor | Helping organisations upskill and create high-performing teams. Corporate sales leader and mentor Laura Biclea’s mission is to help organisations and their commercial teams achieve results to create a positive impact in the world. Passionate about personal development, she uses her philosophy that “each one of us has a unique superpower to drive those around towards their full potential”. Laura, who has more than 15 years of experience and is an MBA graduate from Manchester Business School, is also the co-author of Women who Inspire and contributes to various publications on self-development topics. www.instagram.com/laurabiclea

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabiclea

www.twitter.com/laurabiclea

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FIVE HABITS TO TAKE UP IN 2022

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” - Aristotle

What we do and how we do it matters. Our daily routines, if systematically repeated, convert into our habits. With time, our habitual practices become second nature and are reflected in our automatic reactions and manifestations. Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, correlated habits with brain function, observing that our brain releases certain pleasure chemicals, boosting our

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spirit and overall happiness, once we adhere to certain behaviours and perform defined tasks. These neurological cravings for feeling good and upbeat prompt us to repeat our habits. The key to our happiness lies in developing good habits. They can help us advance and reach our goals while simultaneously making us content, fulfilled, and excellent at everything we do.

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New Year’s Resolution How many times have we promised ourselves to start new routines on the eve of the new year? And, how many times have we failed to fulfil our promises? Perhaps it is not about starting new routines cold turkey, which might feel more burdensome than pleasurable, but creating a stimulating environment that facilitates us naturally transitioning towards new, positive, and progressive habits. 1. Wake up one hour earlier “Wake up early and tackle the day before it tackles you. Be on offence, not defence.” - Evan Carmichael To follow a natural cycle, we should be starting each day at sunrise. Depending on where we are on the planet, that might be a rather daunting undertaking. Setting an alarm clock right for 4 am will most likely end in us pressing the snooze button and changing our wake-up time back to our usual late hour. We might start with waking up 15 minutes earlier each week, gradually adjusting so as to be an hour ahead of our usual rising time after a month. This way, we will shift easier, not feeling the change abruptly, yet staying on target of welcoming the day at an early hour. We can spend this extra morning hour exercising, meditating, having quiet coffee time, scheduling our day, or reading. It will give us a feeling of being ahead before we start our usual daily hustle and bustle. There are multiple benefits of early rising, including health and general progress in life. Getting up earlier correlates with better critical thinking and problem-solving. Various studies also indicate a lower risk of feeling depressed and being more proactive, linking early rising to overall success.

2. Start listening “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” - Ernest Hemingway There is a prevailing salesman mentality. We feel an endless urge to self-promote, on any occasion, pitching ourselves or our products. We are focused on presentation and speaking activities. Often, we do not participate in active listening. Yet, one of the most profound forms of respect is to hear what another person wants to say. Attentive listening is at the foundation of building meaningful relationships. We know and understand what others think and feel. We expand our horizons by coming across various opinions and points of view presented by other individuals. We create valuable connections on a personal and professional level. Attentive listening improves our cognitive abilities. analyse, comprehend, and segregate the information hear, increasing our awareness and memory. Applying listening skills allows us to tune into ourselves and surroundings.

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We we our our

Many successful people are excellent listeners. Talking less and listening more significantly improves our negotiation skills, giving us the advantage of understanding the opponent sitting across the table. Listening promotes open-mindedness, conflict resolution, and further progress and decision-making, establishing welcoming and positive communication. 3. Surround yourself with people of action “Ninety-nine per cent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” - George Washington Carver Say “no” to naysayers. Let’s take this further: say “no” to those who have unrealised visions, talking about their ideas and plans instead of actively pursuing them. It is easy to say that something can be done than actually doing it. Talk is cheap. The only thing that counts is action. Those who truly pursue their plans and fulfil their promises spend time organising, scheduling, and implementing their plans— delivering tangible results. They read, study, and learn every day to gather the necessary intelligence and skills to bring them closer to the realisation of their dreams. They take initiative instead of constantly

waiting for something to happen, and someone to provide for them. They are persistent and focus on their destination. When you speak with them, they talk of what they’ve done instead of what they wish to happen. Good attitude, action, and positive vibes are contagious. Being in a circle of active individuals who speak less and do more can have a very positive influence. Experiencing results and seeing the fruits of our labour gives us tremendous satisfaction, releasing chemicals of happiness and joy, and boosting our energy. There are undeniable mental and health benefits from being active physically and mentally, and befriending people of an active, goal-oriented nature. It is great to have dreams, yet their true value is reflected in their fulfilment. We need to adjust our risk tolerance and conquer our fears. By being with those who have courage, we feel more secure and confident as well. It is good to remember that actions speak louder than words; thus, surround yourself with people who value activity and action. We remain respectful to naysayers, letting them be but not necessarily be in our circles.

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4. Embrace the future “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” - John F Kennedy The only constant is change. Living in the past, glorifying it, missing what it was, indicating that yesterday was better than today is a devaluation of our own existence. Why are we so attached to the past? It is human nature to get attached, especially emotionally, to things, people, and situations. It gives us a sense of stability and security, brings value to our identity and where we are at the given time. It is a good feeling until it becomes a barrier in the face of incoming inevitable change. Reluctantly, we experience a fear of the unknown, a sense of risk and of our foundation of security being shaken and stirred. We defend our position against any change by glorifying what was and pushing away what might be. Every change requires effort. We need to adjust to new situations and accept new sets of conditions. That makes us feel uncomfortable. The circumstances demand us to learn anew, to adjust, and perhaps, somehow, change our lifestyle. We prefer to deny the future by persistently praising the past. Yet, refusing to adjust to what’s next is a refusal of our advancement, growth, and the opportunities we might have. Interestingly, people of a positive, upbeat nature, who are active on mental and physical levels and in love with action, have an optimistic vision of the future. We are here and we are now. If yesterday was so great, why not make today and tomorrow even better? We have a choice. We can remain in a blissful state of nostalgia, or we can embrace and welcome the future.

5. Take breaks “Taking a break can lead to breakthroughs.” - Russell Eric Dobda When was the last time you disconnected and took a vacation? When was the last time you took daily breaks and enjoyed your lunch hour, without any interruptions? There is a reason why children in schools and university lectures last around an hour. The universal average time we are able to maintain concentration is 45 minutes. 108

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Of course, practice makes perfect. The right training can help us focus and hold our concentration for a longer period. Also, the more we are interested in the topic or what we do, the longer the time we can remain attentive. Whether we like something we do or not, pausing is necessary for our nervous system to recover from the stress and tension. During breaks, we restore our energy and our mental resourcefulness. We feel our fatigue going away. If you spend your days sitting behind a desk, take short breaks to move your body. Do some simple stretching exercises to improve blood circulation and reinstate flexibility in the muscles. Take a short walk if you can. You will feel invigorated and renewed. Research indicates that to be at our best at work and home, a break is a must to decompress and restore our vital energy.

Implementing new habits To change a habit, make a conscious decision, then act out the new behaviour.” - Maxwell Maltz We can set any goal and change any habit. How we approach any change matters. It is important to create an environment of optimism, action, and energy around us. That will be our natural stimuli for us to adjust quickly and effectively to our new set of habits. These five 2022 habits are realistic, achievable, and timely. We are set for the successful completion of our mission to implement our new routines and level up for success in business and satisfaction in life. Wishing all readers a happy, healthy, and progressive New Year for 2022!

About the author

ANNA NIEMIRA Anna is a corporate consulting professional experienced in international capital markets, finance, and innovative technologies. Being an effective communicator, negotiator, and strategic management ambassador focused on growth and development, she served as a Director of Business Development at various organisations and has been called upon to serve as a judge and mentor at various financial and entrepreneurial competitions. She studied Blockchain technology at York University, Lassonde School of Engineering, Strategic Business Management and Negotiations at Harvard University, and received her accreditations from the Canadian Securities Institute. Fascinated with a holistic approach to life and business, and wanting to understand the human mind and human behaviour, Anna studied foundations of psychology at Yale University. She is a media personality known for her stage presence at various speaking engagements, popular talks, and interviews with progressive, innovative technology entrepreneurs, industry influencers, and idea trendsetters. Out & About Magazine

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YOUR BUSINESS: A 2021 REWIND INFORMING 2022 PLANNING We’ve almost reached the end of another year, and it’s time to look back. What a year 2021 has turned out to be! The year of a global epidemic, with businesses still unable to operate and more individuals working from home than ever before. Lockdown, COVID-19, furlough, and a slew of other terms we’d never associated with our daily lives are suddenly the norm. We must wear masks everywhere we go, and we have restrictions on when we can leave the house and whom we can visit. The year 2021 has been unlike any other, with the coronavirus pandemic, racial reckoning, and economic upheaval. We have discovered our collective resilience and our capacity to thrive in the face of adversity. And we still must try to conduct our businesses from home during all of this. This has resulted in a massive increase in the number of people offering their goods and services online. So, this year’s end is much more significant than previous ones; it’s even more critical to do an end-ofyear evaluation and begin planning for the coming year. With a vaccination programme on the horizon, small enterprises should have a brighter future in 2022. We can strategise for next year using what we’ve learnt this year, considering the new skills and tips we’ve picked up, to become more successful in our ventures. So, let’s begin.

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Review of the year 2021 Your company and its products and services First and foremost, go back to the basics. This allows you to see your company from a new perspective. Pose the following questions to yourself: • Who are you, and what do you do for a living? • What products or services do you offer? • What went well, and what went wrong? • What were the most popular items or services? Is there anything that you could do better? • Do you plan to launch any new products or services in the coming year? • Are there any expenses you need to budget for next year due to the changes you’ve had to make this year, such as training, new technology, or new equipment? Your competition and your area of business How to look at your competitors: • Your competitors and the industry in which you operate • Take a look at your competitors to see how. • Are you aware of your competitors? If not, conduct some research to learn more about them and the services they provide. • What is your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) that makes you stand out from the crowd? Out & About Magazine

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• When examining what you do and comparing yourself to your competitors, are there any trends, opportunities, or risks you haven’t considered?

have you contemplated the UK’s impending departure from the EU in January 2021? Have you considered how this would affect your company?

• Do you need to be aware of or address any developments in your industry?

– Is it still possible to get resources for the things you make? Will there be any export fees if you can?

• Do you follow all of the new GDPR that went into effect in 2018? Is your website, for example, in compliance with their guidelines? Are you doing everything you can to protect the information of your customers? • I hate to use the word “Brexit”, but

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– What impact will Brexit have on travel if your business requires travel to or from the UK, depending on where you live? How will this affect you? Parliament has already enacted a measure to restrict freedom of movement, so how will this affect you?

Customers • The most crucial component of our operations is our consumers. Do you have a good understanding of your customers? If not, conduct an extensive study. • To whom are you selling? Create at least six consumer personas to help you personalise your products and services to them. • What are the wants and needs of your customers? • What are they buying, and why are they buying it? • Has their purchasing pattern changed? Where do they buy, for example? Is it more prevalent on the Internet? • What are the issues that your customers are facing? What are their problems, and can your products/services help them overcome them? • Are there any additional markets or groups of people that your products/ services could benefit from that you haven’t considered yet? • Because customer behaviour is continuously changing, it’s critical to stay ahead of the curve and understand what they want. How have your consumer personas or profiles altered and grown over time, if you’ve established them before? Your Company’s Marketing • Marketing is a critical component of your company’s success. This is an area that you should spend some time reviewing. Take a step back and evaluate what you’ve done to market your company this year.

• How do you communicate with and interact with your present customers? Is there any way to make that better? • How are you going to position yourself in the market? How do you market yourself and your company? • Please take a look at your brand to see what it says about you. • Take a look at how much you’re charging. Is it related to your services? Is it necessary for you to raise your rates to compete in your market? • Look at all your social media accounts. What are you doing with them, and how involved is your audience? • Are there any new platforms or ways to sell on social media that you’re not using right now but should be? For example, video? • What are your competitors’ marketing strategies? Is there anything you could learn or apply from their experience? • Consider new campaigns or activities for 2021 that will help you keep in touch with current consumers while attracting and engaging new ones. Resources Look at your current resources. • Who is on your payroll? Do you have a virtual assistant or a business coach? Do they meet all your standards if you do? Is there anything else that can be delegated without affecting your service of products? • Do you have any holes in your skillset that need to be filled? If that’s the case, see what classes you may take to come up to speed.

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• Do you have adequate room in your workspace or office? Does it meet your requirements? Is there anything you need to replace? • Do you need to upgrade your technology or make a new investment? • Are you getting a good bargain on supplies? We sometimes remain with the same supplier for materials because we know them well or have always done so. That doesn’t mean they’re the best source, so explore other options. Search and see if you can outdo yourself! • Is there anything you’re paying for right now that you don’t need? • Do you have a decent bargain if you post your stuff to customers? There are so many new businesses popping up, you might be able to get a better deal than you presently have.

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Finances Now we’ve arrived at the most crucial part. We don’t like to think about it, but it’s a vital element of your year-end review. • What do you expect your revenue and profit to be in 2021? • Do you have a healthy cash flow, or are you experiencing cash flow issues in your business? What can you do if you’re having difficulties? Ignoring it is not a good idea! • Do you have any extra cash or capital? • Do you have any operational costs that you haven’t budgeted and planned for in 2021? How are you going to pay for that? • Do you need to seek outside funds or make any form of investment to meet your objectives for the coming year? • Make some educated guesses—they don’t have to be exact. Start with monthly estimates or where you want to be in a year. Then think about what you’d like to see for your company in three or five years. You’ll have all the information you need to start planning for 2022 once you’ve completed your review of 2021. Now is the time to start thinking about your goals for the coming year and where you want to take your marketing.

About the author

Mamet Amfo-Brobbey Mamet Amfo-Brobbey is an educator, mentor, entrepreneur, and coach. She focuses on personal development and coaching to offset limiting beliefs and mindsets. She is one of the rising speakers and content creators from the BME community and a powerful advocate for personal responsibility in a progress agenda. Her on-demand content can be found on her Vimeo. Mamet also produces merchandise that celebrate cultural identities and promote positive self images and these can be found at her website. Please contact her via the following channels Email: info@moneyama.com and website: ama-manson.com; Moneyama.com

Best of luck and fun planning and reviewing! Out & About Magazine

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Take a Tour Around

Time Out Market Dubai

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Souk Al Bahar - Downtown Dubai - Dubai www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai/

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food

CLASSIC

Christmas

CAKE: HISTORY AND MUST-TRY RECIPE

Christmas cake is an English tradition that began as plum porridge. People ate the porridge on Christmas Eve, using it to line their stomachs after a day of fasting.

With the slow decline in popularity of the Twelfth Night and the gradual increase in Christmas festivities in the 1830s, the cake was eaten on or around Christmas Day.

Around the 16th century, people began to use richer ingredients, so the oats were removed and flour and eggs were added.

With this shift, the bakers of the Victorian era started to decorate the cakes with winter snow scenes. They became very popular at Christmas parties and, by the 1870s, the modern Christmas cake had developed.

The pudding started to resemble the kind of fruitcake we recognise today. Spices brought over from the East were incorporated into the cake. Richer families could also afford to wrap their cakes in marzipan.

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Fruitcakes still play a significant part in many people’s Christmas celebrations, with today’s baker still being creative around the basic cake.

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Fruitcakes around the world Fruitcake gets around! There are many different versions all over the world. In Germany, fruitcake is called stollen and has powdered sugar on top. Italy has panforte or pannetonne. Poland and Bulgaria call it keks. In the Caribbean, fruitcakes are made with a lot of rum—the fruit is generally soaked in rum for months before baking—so it’s not a treat for children! Portugal has the bolo rei—each cake has one fava bean inside and whoever gets the piece with the bean is supposed to buy the cake next year! Vietnam has a fruitcake called Banh bo mut that’s made for the Lunar New Year.

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AT-HOME DINNER IDEAS FOR NYE The end of the year is approaching and, around this time, there’s much reflection on the year past and lots to hope for in the future. What better way to tie it all up than with a home-cooked meal to share or indulge alone? Of course, cooking skills lie on a spectrum, so the following are recipes for anyone on that spectrum or those wanting to explore their cooking potential. This New Year’s Eve, enliven the kitchen with the aroma of warm, comforting meals, savouring them all.

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Quick and Easy meals Appetiser: Pull-apart Meatball sliders These scrumptious sliders come together in no time and are an instant crowd-pleaser! Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes Servings: 4 to 6 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

1 tbsp olive oil 12 beef meatballs 1 2 small batch of bread rolls: brioche sandwich rolls or hamburger buns 1 cup tomato pasta sauce 1 cup grated mozzarella ½ cup butter, melted 1 tsp dried oregano ¼ cup grated Parmesan

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil and fry the meatballs until they are browned and cooked through. Set them aside then heat the oven to 180°C. 2. Carefully split the whole batch of rolls through the middle, ensuring they remain attached at their sides. Lay the bottoms of the rolls in a glass or porcelain roasting casserole dish lined with a sheet of parchment or foil. 3. Spread the tomato sauce over the bottom half of the rolls, then place one meatball on every roll. Spread the mozzarella on top then cover with the tops of the rolls, pressing down gently. 4. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle over the oregano and parmesan. 5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover for the final 5 minutes so the tops become golden. 6. Take them out of the oven and serve hot!

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Main course: Sheet Pan Chicken and Chickpeas A simple roast of spicy chicken, chickpeas and peppers all on one tray. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

1 15.5-ounce can (2 cups) chickpeas 2 cups of sliced sweet peppers 1 tbsp oil ¼ tsp salt and pepper each 2 tbsp Harissa or Sriracha or Tabil Sauce 1 tbsp oil 4 small skin-on chicken legs Chopped cilantro, for serving

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 425°C. 2. On a large rimmed sheet of parchment paper, toss the chickpeas and sliced peppers with oil and the salt and pepper. 3. In a small bowl, mix the Harissa and oil and rub the chicken legs with the mixture.

4. Place the chicken legs among the chickpeas and peppers and roast until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. 5. Toss with cilantro and serve. Dessert: Salted Caramel Fondue This fondue provides a sweet and salty flavour and goes well with a variety of treats, dip away! Preparation time: less than a minute Cooking time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 INGREDIENTS • • • For • • • •

30 soft caramels candies 1/3 cup heavy cream or whole milk Pinch of flaky sea salt Dipping: Green apple slices Graham crackers Meringues Pretzels

DIRECTIONS 1. Unwrap the caramel candies and toss them In a small saucepan. 2. On medium-low heat combine the soft caramels and heavy cream, stirring continuously, until the caramel is melted. This will take about 15 minutes. 3. Stir in flaky sea salt and take it off the heat 4. Serve it from the saucepan or a serving bowl while hot with green apples, graham crackers, meringue, and pretzels, although the options are free rein.

Moderate-effort meals Appetiser: Baked cheese-bread blossom This flower-shaped appetiser is a feast for the eyes and harmonises the sweet, salty and aromatic in a single portion. Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Servings: 6 to 8 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

½ cup softened butter ¼ cup chopped rosemary sprigs Salt and pepper to taste Flour for dusting 1 ½ cups cranberry sauce 250g boxed camembert or vegetarian alternative Oil for drizzling 880g ready-made pizza dough, defrosted if necessary or make your own: Out & About Magazine

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Pizza Dough recipe: • 1 ½ tsp package active dry yeast • 1 teaspoon white sugar • 1 cup warm water (45°C) • 2 ½ cups bread flour • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS (Pizza Dough) 1. In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes until it foams. 2. Stir in the flour, salt and oil until smooth then let it rest for 5 minutes. DIRECTIONS 1. Mix the butter, salt, pepper, and rosemary in a bowl. 2. On a lightly floured surface, cut the dough into four sections (ready-made pizza dough is usually pre-cut). Thereafter, roll out each piece of dough to a thickness of about 4mm, keeping the unused pieces covered. 3. Use a 7 cm cookie cutter to stamp out 30-36 circles. 4. Spread the rosemary butter over half the dough circles, then spread the cranberry sauce over the remaining rounds. Fold each circle in half and bring the two ends together like a fortune cookie; these are the flower ‘petals’ of the bread blossom. 5. On a large baking tray lined with parchment, place the cheese, still in its box but with the lid removed, in the middle of the baking tray. 6. Place a ring of dough petals around the box, alternating between the rosemary butter and cranberry sauce fillings. 7. Gather the pointed ends neatly under the box and arrange another ring of petals around the first ring, this time tuck the pointed ends under the row in front. Repeat this with the remaining dough petals to create a flower pattern. 8. Loosely cover the tray with oiled cling wrap and leave the petals somewhere warm to prove until they’ve almost doubled in size; this should take 30 minutes. 9. Heat oven to 180°C. 10. Remove the cling wrap and slash the top of the boxed cheese a few times. Fill in the slashes with rosemary sprigs and drizzle everything with a little oil. 11. Bake the blossom for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. 12. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving. 126

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Main course: Lemon ‘n Herb Roasted Chicken The classic pairing of lemon and herb absolutely owns this dish and gives out a flavour that compliments all types of side dishes. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour and 5 minutes Servings: 6 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

1 whole Chicken 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme 4 tbsp softened butter or olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 bunch of radishes, halved

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. 2. In a bowl, mix the lemon zest, garlic and thyme with 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. 3. With fingers, gently separate the skin from the breast and thighs of chicken and place butter mixture under skin; spreading it evenly. 4. Tie drumsticks together and tuck wings behind breast. 5. Place the chicken on a rack fitted onto a medium roasting pan and arrange the onion and radish slices around the chicken. 6. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it all over the chicken, then sprinkle over some salt and pepper to taste. Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the roasting pan. 7. Roast the chicken for 50 minutes then increase the temperature to 210°C for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the water from time to time, if it has evaporated add in another ¼ cup. 8. After 15 to 20 minutes, or once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 73°C, take it out the oven. 9. The smell may be tempting, but let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. 10. Meanwhile the roasted onion and radishes can be added to a salad to serve alongside the chicken. Dessert: Mini Doughnuts With a Berry Dip These bite-sized treats are dusted in sugar and enjoyed with an acidic berry dip.

Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 3 to 5 minutes Servings: 24 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

¼ cup butter or baking margarine ½ cups milk or dairy-free alternatives 6 cups + 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil; most vegetable oils 1½ cups + 1 tbsp plain flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ cup golden caster sugar 50 g vanilla flavoured caster sugar

For the Berry Dip • 1 cup ripe berries or mixed berries • 1 heaped tablespoon icing sugar • ½ an orange

DIRECTIONS 1. In a saucepan, melt the butter or margarine, milk and 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar, then make a well in the middle and pour in the melted mixture. 3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until a wet, thick dough forms. Thereafter, divide the dough into 24 golf-sized balls. 4. In a medium-sized pot, heat the remaining oil over high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop one ball of dough in; if it sizzles, floats to the surface and turns golden, it’s on the mark. 5. Reduce the heat to medium, then use a slotted spoon to lower six dough balls into the hot oil. Cook them until they are golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Whilst they cook, turn them to ensure they brown evenly, once they’ve cooked all the way through, they will float to the surface. 6. Transfer the cooked doughnuts to a double layer of kitchen paper to drain the excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then coat them in the caster sugar and place them on a plate or tray. 7. For the berry dip, place the fresh berries, icing sugar and a squeeze of orange juice into a bowl, then crush thoroughly with the back of a fork. 8. Serve the mini doughnuts with the raspberry dip and enjoy! Out & About Magazine

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Going all out Appetiser: Potato Gratin stacks These stacks of potatoes are spiced and battered in cheesy-herb goodness. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour Servings: 12 INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • •

1kg peeled potatoes, thinly sliced 1 cup full cream milk ½ cup heavy cream 1 tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp chopped thyme 1 tsp salt ½ cup finely grated Parmesan ½ cup shredded Gruyère fresh chopped parsley, for serving

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C 2. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. 3. Mix the milk and heavy cream together along with the garlic powder, nutmeg, pepper, thyme, salt, and Parmesan. Toss in the potato slices ensuring they are thoroughly covered in the mixture. 4. Divide the potato mixture between muffin tin cups to create 12 potato stacks. 5. Cover the tray with foil and bake until tender, 40 minutes. 6. Uncover the muffin tins and top each potato stack with the Gruyère cheese. 7. Leave uncovered and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sides are lightly golden. 8. Garnish the stacks with fresh parsley and let cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. Main course: Beef Wellington Beef Wellington is bound to be a star at the table. This show-stopper is beef wrapped in layers of flavour and texture including smokey mushrooms and the flaky puff pastry in which it is encased. Preparation time: 2 hours Cooking time: 20 to 30 minutes Servings: 6 128

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INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • •

kg of a good beef fillet; tenderloin or eye of the 1 round 3 tbsp olive oil 2 ½ cups finely chopped mushrooms; chestnut, white or wild mushrooms ¼ cup butter 1 large sprig fresh thyme ½ cup dry white wine, non-alcoholic options: lemon juice or vinegar Beef salami slices or beef bresaola 500g pack puff pastry, thawed if frozen Flour, for dusting 2 egg yolks beaten with 1 tsp water

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. 2. Cover the beef fillet in olive oil and season it with salt and pepper and either place it in a roasting tray and roast it for 15 minutes (for medium-rare) or 20 minutes (medium), or sear it on a preheated cast-iron skillet for 3 minutes (medium-rare) or 4 and a half minutes (medium). 3. Once the beef is cooked to preference, remove it from the oven or plate it from the skillet to cool,

then let it chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, chop the mushrooms as finely as possible to resemble breadcrumbs; a food processor or blender may come in handy but make sure they don’t become a slurry. 5. Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil and the butter in a large pan and fry the mushrooms on medium heat, with 1 large sprig of fresh thyme, for 10 minutes. Stir continuously until the mushrooms are soft. 6. Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper, and pour over the dry white wine. 7. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the wine is reduced and the mixture holds its shape when stirred. 8. Take the pan off the heat and let the mushroom sauce cool and remove the thyme. 9. On a chopping board, overlie two pieces of cling wrap and lay slices of the beef salami or beef bresaola, making sure they overlap. 10. Spread half the mushroom sauce over the beef salami or bresaola, then place the fillet on it and spread the remaining sauce over. 11. Use the cling wrap’s edges to draw the salami/bresaola layer around the fillet, then roll it into a sausage shape, twisting the ends of cling wrap to tighten it as you go. 12. Refrigerate the wrapped fillet while you roll out the pastry.

13. Dust the work surface with a little flour and roll out a 1/3 of the puff pastry to an 18 x 30cm strip and place it on a sheet of parchment paper. Roll out the remainder of the puff pastry to about 28 x 36cm. 14. Unravel the chilled fillet from the cling film and sit it in the centre of the smaller strip of pastry. 15. Beat the 2 egg yolks with 1 tsp water and brush the pastry’s edges and the top and sides of the wrapped fillet. 16. Using a rolling pin, lift and gently drape the larger piece of pastry over the fillet, pressing into the sides. 17. Trim 4cm off the seams and seal them with the edge of a fork or spoon handle. 18. Glaze all over with more egg yolk mix and mark the beef Wellington with long diagonal lines using the back of a knife; try not to cut into the pastry. 19. Chill the Wellington for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. 20. Heat the oven to 200°C 21. Brush the Wellington once more with egg yolk and cook for 20 to 25 minutes (for medium-rare) or 30 minutes (for medium). 22. Once baked to preference, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it. 23. Serve generously with thick slices!

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Dessert: Orange-Anise Croquembouche Topped with White Chocolate Croquembouche are cream puffs that have been stacked in the shape of a cone. The star of the dessert offerings are the cream puffs that are made from a French pastry known as Pâte à Choux (Patay-ah-shoo) or Choux pastry. In this rendition, the cream puffs are filled with a zesty and spicy orange-anise flavour, then topped with a glaze of white chocolate, which keeps the cream puffs stuck together, should they be stacked.

Toppings and garnishes

Preparation time: approx 7 hours Cooking time: 1 hours Servings: 20 to 30

1. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together heavy cream and star anise. Cover and chill the mixture for at least 6 hours or up to overnight.

INGREDIENTS Orange-Anise Cream: • • • • • •

2 cups heavy cream 2 whole star anise, lightly crushed ½ cup powdered sugar ¼ tsp salt 1/8 tsp black pepper 1 tsp orange zest and 2 tsp fresh orange juice

Choux Pastry • • • • • •

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1 ½ cups water ¾ cup unsalted butter 1 tbsp granulated sugar 3/4 tsp salt 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 7 large eggs

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• • • •

250g white baking chocolate, melted Whole star anise, for garnish Candied orange peel, for garnish Edible gold glitter, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS For the orange-anise cream

Meanwhile, make the choux pastry 1. In a saucepan, stir together the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt over medium-high heat till dissolved. 2. Add in the flour all at once, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until well combined. 3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring the mixture until a film develops on the bottom of the pan and the dough pulls away from the sides. This will take roughly 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Let the dough cool down then stir in the eggs one at a time. You can also transfer the dough to a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat the dough on medium-low speed until it has cooled. After it has cooled, crack in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are thoroughly incorporated. 5. Once the eggs have been incorporated, the dough should be smooth and glossy. 6. Cover the surface of the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours. 7. Preheat the oven to 190°C 8. Transfer a 1/3 of the dough into a large pastry bag fitted with a 12 mm round tip. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated. 9. Pipe about 26, 3 cm, swirly mounds roughly 2.5 cm apart on a large baking pan lined with parchment paper. 10. Each mound will have a little tip, similar to the tips on a Hershey’s kiss; using a wet finger, gently tap the peaks down.

11. Fill a spray bottle with water and mist the mounds and place them in the oven. 12. After a minute, reduce the oven’s temperature to 175°C, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and puffed. 13. Turn off the oven then pull the tray out the oven and with a skewer poke a little hole on the bottom of the puffs to release the steam. Place the puffs back in the oven for 30 minutes to cool down. 14. Afterwards, take them out the oven and reheat the oven to 190°C and repeat the process with the remaining 2/3 of dough. Tips for making the best choux pastry: • • •

• • • •

6. Insert the tip of the piping bag into the premade hole of each puff, and fill them with orange-anise cream. 7. Dip the tops of the filled puffs in the melted white chocolate then stack them on a platter dish to create a cone-shaped tower. 8. Sprinkle the tower with the edible gold glitter, if desired, and decorate with whole star anise and candied orange peel. 9. Marvel for a bit then serve by taking the topmost cream puffs off first. Whether this New Year’s Eve will be one to impress family and friends, challenge culinary abilities or ease away with an effortless bite, hopefully, a few or all of these recipes will serve in all regards.

U se unsalted butter: to have more control over how much salt is in the pastry. C ake flour yields the best results. L et the flour mixture cool down completely before adding the eggs to avoid an eggy taste. M ix in eggs in portions to ensure they are well incorporated. B ake at a high temperature to help the pastry rise. Release steam from the croquembouche by piercing a hole on the bottom. Let each baked batch cool in the oven with the oven door slightly open.

Finishing up the orange-anise cream 1. Pour the chilled cream-anise mixture through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into a bowl to discard solids. 2. Transfer the strained cream mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Alternative tools include an electrical hand whisk or manually whisking (granted, it will be a workout!) 3. Beat the strained cream mixture on mediumhigh speed, gradually adding powdered sugar, salt, and pepper until soft peaks form. 4. Add the orange zest and juice, and beat until stiff peaks form. 5. Transfer orange-anise cream to a piping bag fitted with an 8 mm round tip.

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Al Huwelat Street, Villa No 15 - 4 Al Bateen , Al Falah St - Abu Dhabi, Tel: 02 666 0175

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fitness

5 FITNESS GOALS ANYONE CAN STICK TO

It’s very difficult to stick to a routine, especially one that’s detailed and long. I’m sure most of us are tired of not sticking to our plan of going to the gym for six days a week while doing 5km runs every day. So, for the coming year, let’s learn from our past errors and find a routine that’s achievable. We don’t need to train for triathlons to have a healthier lifestyle. We just have to remember to do a little bit more than the last time. With that idea in mind, even the laziest person can turn into a health-conscious machine!

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5,000 to 10,000 steps Counting your steps is a really good way for someone who hates exercising to start on the right footing. There are tons of apps that you can download that will show you how many steps you really take in a day (Google Fit and Apple Health). This can help you understand if you lead a healthy lifestyle and help you track your progression. Five thousand steps are a good start for someone who lives a sedentary lifestyle. You can slowly turn that into 7,500 steps and then 10,000 steps! But, take your time with it. Set a step goal and try to reach that every day. This is also good as you don’t need to set aside time to exercise, your app tracks your steps wherever you go. You can get your steps in on your commute to work or while you’re making phone calls to your friends! There are also supplementary applications that reward you with real goodies for walking.

+1 Push Up, Pull-up and Squat These three exercises are some of the most accessible full-body routines you can find. You can do push-ups almost anywhere, at any time, and you can install a fairly cheap pull-up bar in your house. Take five minutes out of your day and try to create a new personal record for the three exercises. A lot of people might not be able to do a single push-up or pull-up. For them, they should start off by doing the easier version of the exercise and build their strength. Do knee push-ups until you can do the regular ones. Do chin-ups or pull-downs until you can manage a proper pull-up. It doesn’t matter where you’re starting from, what matters is that you progress. Mall walking Mall walking is one of the best ways to increase the layman’s fitness level. Most of the time, it doesn’t even feel like exercise. Travel the whole mall, enjoy the view, check out some sales and get in that work! Checking every store in a mall can take up to two hours. So that’s two hours where you’re just walking! Mall walking is a popular trend around the world

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and it was picking up steam in the UAE (before you know what). Now it’s not as big, but you can definitely change that. Call a few friends and take a walk across the many malls in Dubai. Especially in summer, mall walking gives you an air-conditioned space to burn that fat! (Example target: Visit a mall for an hour every other day). 15/21 Here’s a fitness goal that sounds hard but really isn’t. On average, you’ll have 21 meals a week. The goal here is to have at least 15 of those meals being healthy! That doesn’t mean you should go crazy on the other six, but it’s a good place to start. You can also think of it this way, “I can have one small cheat food a day.” This will make it so that you don’t go absolutely nuts after a week of hard dieting.

Explore This one is our favourite. Explore your country! The easiest goals are those that don’t feel like goals. By just attempting to check out a new location almost everyday, you end up walking more and sitting less. On weekdays, check out what’s close to your workplace; go there after work and see the sights, or check out things that are close to home. These things can be parks, ports, a library, or a monument. On weekends, plan longer trips. Go hiking, swim at local beaches or ride a rental bike. The options are

genuinely limitless. The goal of fitness is to lead a happy and healthy life, so you can enjoy life to the fullest. So when you try to be fit and live life at the same time, you’ve hit the jackpot. You just have to change your sedentary lifestyle into an active one while still enjoying the fruits of the world! If running after fitness is not your thing, don’t do it. Instead, just live life without overindulgence. By following simple rules, you can achieve marvellous things.

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Best of Maldives at Anantara Kihavah Villas

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TRAVEL

BEST PLACES IN DUBAI TO SPEND NYE

A new year comes with the promise of new beginnings, opportunities and possibilities. And, what other way to celebrate this than enjoying the night and welcoming the new year with the people you love and cherish? New Year’s Eve in the UAE is a massive affair. People travel to Dubai from all around the world to witness the greatest celebrations of the new year, and 2022 will be no different. There is so much you could do on New Year’s Eve in Dubai, so we put together a list of our top seven places to visit and things you could do on New Year’s Eve.

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1. Burj Khalifa The world has time and time again witnessed the greatest show of fireworks at Burj Khalifa that lights up the night every new year. This spectacular show of lights never gets old, which is why it is still our top pick. You can easily book your tickets to Burj Khalifa or reserve a seat at the many restaurants overlooking the view of Burj Khalifa, like the very famous Ce La Vie. If that doesn’t float your boat, you can watch the show from the Dubai Mall or just about anywhere in Downtown. Just make sure to get there early as the entry to Dubai Mall can close as early as 7 pm.

2. Expo 2020 Dubai People from around the world are coming to the UAE to witness the world’s greatest show. Expo 2020 is the highlight of the year 2021 in Dubai. With so much to offer, Expo 2020 is perhaps the most attractive place to visit right now in the UAE. Expo 2020 has more than 190 pavilions, each with its own unique attractions to explore. And not just that, the expo offers all sorts of entertainment including regular concerts by A-list celebrities! And this New Year’s Eve will be no different. Expo intends to celebrate each day and every special occasion to make an everlasting memory in the eyes of the visitor. So, if you are looking forward to an evening of stunning views, exploring new cultures and world-class entertainment, head to Expo 2020 for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

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3. Ain Dubai This new attraction has been the talk of the town since the opening on 21st October 2021. Ain Dubai is the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel located in the heart of Dubai on Bluewaters Island. The observation wheel provides a spectacular view of some of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, such as the Palm, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin. At Ain Dubai, cabins can be booked for any occasion, be it a birthday celebration or a wedding anniversary. This is what makes this attraction perfect for spending New Year’s Eve with friends and family overlooking the beautiful city that is Dubai.

4. Atlantis the Palm Dubai Atlantis is another place that has the most admirable fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The sky is lit with colours as the clock turns 12, and the stunning architecture of Atlantis comes in full view under the bright lights. You can go to the front of Atlantis to view the fireworks or visit The Pointe in the Palm. The Pointe shopping mall directly overlooks the front of Atlantis, making it the best spot to view the fireworks at midnight. It also has a variety of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. So, if you’re looking forward to a relaxing dinner along with a beautiful view to enjoy new year’s eve, head to The Pointe.

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5. Desert Safari While this might not be a conventional “place” to be, Desert Safari is something that truly holds the essence of the UAE. What could be better than celebrating the new year in the UAE than experiencing the local culture, eating the local food and having a nice, warm evening away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You could experience the thrills of the desert, sit down to enjoy the local food with live music and dancing, and maybe even witness the fireworks from the desert to wrap up your evening.

6. Global Village One of the oldest yet classic is the Global Village, which does not disappoint. Open during fall, Global Village is another place that everyone should visit at least once. Global Village has the most variety of things to do, in terms of entertainment, live shows, shopping, recreational activities and much more. Global Village has it all. The diversity that caters to every individual is what truly makes it magical. You can experience different cultures and some of the most jawdropping cuisines from around the world. Global Village is the perfect day out with the people you love, which is why it is the perfect place to spend new year’s eve.

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7. Dubai Cruise If you aren’t up for the adventure or the big crowds on new year’s eve, book yourself a cruise in Dubai Creek or Marina that will take you away on the sea to relax and enjoy your evening. You can see some of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai under the moonlight. The open deck will allow you to have a spectacular view of Dubai under the lights and fireworks. This is the perfect way to unwind and leave behind the worries of the past year while welcoming the new year with an open and relaxed mind.

About the author

AFSAH MAQSOOD

Afsah Maqsood is currently an undergraduate student pursuing her degree in Mass Communication. She is an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about the evergrowing world of media. In her free time, she looks forward to reading novels, watching romantic Korean dramas and participating in various activities that catch her eye.

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LET’S GO CHASING WATERFALLS Very few things can rival the beauty of a waterfall. We are not sure why Nature’s curtains are so captivating but, something about being immersed in the glory of a glistening waterfall makes us appreciate Mother Nature more. Each year, thousands of people travel across the globe to see these cascading falls. And, while these wonders are all over the world, we are sure you would agree that some waterfalls are a cut above the rest. We’ve compiled a list of the top seven waterfalls worth chasing, which is essentially Out and About Mag’s pick of must-see cascades. Start packing because your adventure begins now!

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1. Victoria Falls — Zambia and Zimbabwe One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls tops the list of majestic cascades across the globe. Found in southern Africa, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls was named after Queen Victoria of Great Britain and boasts a width of more than 1,700 metres and a height of more than 100 metres. With roughly one million people visiting Victoria Falls each year, it is visible from a distance of 50 kilometres, can be heard from about 40 kilometres, and has a large natural pool that’s perfect for a dip.

2. Angel Falls — Venezuela Considered the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls is a sight to behold. Cascading from a height of 979 metres, Angel Falls is 15 times higher than Niagara Falls and is surrounded by thick clouds due to its towering height. Angel Falls is located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are in for an adventure that will be topped off by a moment that could be described as an awakening, then strap in to chase Angel Falls.

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3. Niagara Falls — USA and Canada No doubt the world’s most famous and most visited attraction on our list, Niagara Falls is actually the collective name for three falls that straddle the border of sections of the USA and Canada. Offering visitors a roaring view of more than 3,100 tons of water every second, you will be in awe of its sheer magnificence, size and power.

4. Ban Gioc Waterfall — Vietnam and China Also known as Detian Falls, this waterfall is a collection of smaller and gentle cascades that sit beautifully on the border of Vietnam and China. As the waters wisp down, forming pools and fishing holes, visitors cannot help but take a dip. Ban Gioc is truly a magical, captivating and majestic spot. A must go on our list of waterfalls.

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5. Iguazu Falls — Argentina Discovered in 1541, the Iguazu Falls is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Among the largest waterfalls in the world, the cascade boasts a height of 82 metres that flows into a beautiful, roaring river below. A crowd favourite among experienced travellers, a visit to Iguazu Falls is worth the trip.

6. Kaieteur Falls — Guyana Hidden deep inside the Amazon Rainforest is Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest single-drop waterfall at 226 metres. The cascade is accessible to the bravest adventurers after a short flight from Guyana’s capital Georgetown, followed by a walk to the top of falls. Once you arrive, the views are breathtaking and will leave you wonderstruck. If you are up to the task, it is definitely worth the adventure!

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7. Dunn’s River Falls — Jamaica Located in Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls is one of the Caribbean’s treasures. A must-see while on a trip to the island paradise, the falls form gently sloping stairs that visitors can climb to explore the cascading waters. The falls empty into a mesmerising pool, which then leads to the Caribbean Sea. A favourite among families, you have to experience it to fully understand its appeal.

Take your pick Now that we’ve made it easier for you to decide on the waterfalls worth chasing, it’s time to get ready for your next adventure. Be sure to pack for the occasion, and remember comfortable shoes, as most of these attractions include a bit of walking. Which waterfall will you be visiting first?

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For the Culture

MEN:

VISION BOARDS, GOAL-SETTING & MANIFESTING

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Setting goals should never be an abstract idea, and as men, the more abstract something is, the harder it is for us to define and focus on it. Instead of writing down goals like “earn one million dollars”, try to visualise and plan exactly how you would earn a million dollars, how much money you would need to earn at specific points of the plan and what you will need to do if you fall short at any time. This is an easy statement to make or write out, but let’s really look at goal setting, manifesting our goals and the role of vision and vision board planning in the success of goals. Three Traps to setting goals Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, Jordan Poppenk, has suggested that an average person has 6,200 thoughts per day. Thousands of thoughts cross our minds throughout the day. Many people even complain that they cannot sleep immediately after going to bed as their brain does not stop thinking. Many people believe that if they have thought about an idea and shared their thoughts with others, that this constitutes a goal. This is a trap! Yes, it is true that all our goals are the manifestation of our thoughts, but just because you think something and even discuss it does not equate to it being a goal.

It is easy for us to get caught up in how busy we are and how many things that we must complete that we often confuse our goals versus our tasks. Just because something must be completed during our day does not qualify it as a goal. The Pareto Principle, named after economist Vilfredo Pareto, specifies that 80 per cent of consequences come from 20 per cent of the causes. The Pareto Principle is also known as the Pareto Rule or the 80/20 Rule. Think of it this way, 80 per cent of what we do each day will fall under the heading of task. Checking emails, returning phone calls, and most of the meetings that occupy our time are all tasks. Tasks can often prevent us from realising our goals, but fall short of why we achieve our goals. Tasks will often consume about 80 per cent of our day, this leaves 20 per cent of our day to drive our goals. If we find ourselves confused about what is a goal versus a task, remember this: our task will have a deadline, and our goals will always have timelines. The third trap that we need to avoid is trying to achieve someone else’s goals. While we may have limited success living or working on someone else’s goals, we will inevitably stumble once the pivot happens. A pivot means fundamentally changing the

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direction of our goals when we realise the current timeline or plan is not going to result in achieving our goals. The main goal of a pivot is to help us improve or survive due to unforeseen circumstances, that is, the pandemic that impacted our economy.

successfully demonstrated at Gimbels Department Store in Philadelphia during the 1945 Christmas season and then at the 1946 American Toy Fair. It became an enormous success, with around 300 million Slinkys purchased since then.

The way we pivot our goals can make all the difference. However, it is virtually impossible to pivot when working on someone else’s goals, especially if we were not there during their inception.

Because the development of the coil spring system was Richard James’ concept, he was able to pivot when he experienced one failure after another in achieving his original goal.

Richard Thompson James: In 1943, Richard James was trying to develop a means for suspending sensitive shipboard instruments aboard naval vessels, even in rough seas. He was working with tension springs, which would counterbalance the impact of the movement of the ocean. The tension springs would shift with the movement of the water and keep the items stored on the ship from falling off the shelves.

Goals A goal is an idea of the future or desired result that a person or a group of people envision, plan, and commit to achieve. Goals enable us to achieve focus in life by helping us to determine what we want.

The Pivot: One day, after several failed attempts at achieving his goal, James accidentally dropped one of the coil springs. Seeing how the spring kept moving after it hit the ground, an idea for a toy was born. With a $500 loan, James developed a coil-winding machine and started the James Spring & Wire Company to mass-produce the Slinky. The Slinky was 150

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They keep us motivated and propelled, constantly putting us in a state of action. Goals, when properly conceived and pursued, can help us to maximise the one and only life we have to live. Ralph Waldo Emmerson said: “The man who knows how will always have a job. The man who knows why will always be his boss.” Men, goals are always going to fall under our “why’’, but we will need those who know “how” to help realise our goals. There are two types of goals that

have become fashionable in most circles today. They are F.A.S.T. goals and S.M.A.R.T. goals. F.A.S.T. goals are Frequent, Ambitious, Specific, and Transparent. Goals should have Frequent discussions, be Ambitious, Specific and can be measured, and Transparent for everyone involved. S.M.A.R.T goals are, Specific, Measurable, Achievable or Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. So, what do you want to do? How will you know when you have reached it? Is it within your power to accomplish it? Can you realistically accomplish it? When will you expect to accomplish it? When we look at both F.A.S.T. and S.M.A.R.T goals, we quickly notice that FAST goals tell us what should be happening to reach our goal, while SMART goals remind us of what we should be looking for to ensure that we achieve our goals. Both are tools to support our goals. Remember, goals are our ideas for future desired results. To achieve our goals, we must first define what our goals are. Next, what is our vision? In other words, what is our desired result? Finally, what is our mission? How will we get the desired results? Our goals help to create our vision and our mission helps us to realise our vision. Remember, our vision tells us where we want to go, and our mission tells us how we will get there. Manifesting Our Goals Charts and Vision Boards We all have goals! Some of our goals are big and some of them are small, but one thing is for certain, we should go for all of them. Here are a few simple things we can do so our goals do not just remain dreams. Believe in yourself All too often, we burden ourselves with self-doubt, or we think that we are just not up for some activity. In the end, making your goals a reality and reaching our goals mean that we must believe in ourselves. We must know that our skills and strengths can carry us through. It is a fact that we have already accomplished much. We have mastered some difficulties in our lifetime. Try to see the many opportunities that life has to offer and accept that if we are not going to believe in ourselves, then it is unlikely that anyone else will. This requires taking a closer look at the real you/me, and that leads us to persevere.

Manifesting Goals by Writing A study by Dr Gail Mathews showed that people who write down their goals are significantly more likely to complete them than people who simply verbalise their goals. The study also showed that people who wrote their goals and sent them to a close friend accomplished their goals at an even higher rate. How can we start implementing this finding today? Here are some tips for manifesting through writing down our goals as affirmations. Write about what we want and why we want it Instead of just writing down what we want, make sure to include the reason that we want it. Knowing What We Want – And Getting It! author Henriette Anne Klauser calls this technique the “outcome of the outcome”. For example, rather than writing down that you want a house with a lot of windows, write down “I live in a beautiful house with large windows so that I can enjoy the extra light”. Uncovering why our goals are important to us can help us focus on the functionality of our goals and allow us to produce creative solutions. In fact, we might just find that when we focus on the essence of what we are looking for, there are many things that can meet our desired outcome. Out & About Magazine

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Focus on our feelings Rather than just writing down our goal, write down, in detail, how we will feel when we achieve the goal. This helps keep the exercise from becoming boring or routine. For example, rather than writing, “I am now a successful dancer,” you can try the following: “I am now an extraordinarily successful dancer. What a joy to be doing what I love! It feels so blissful to be surrounded by creative people. I feel welcome and fulfilled by being a part of something so amazing.” The more we focus on our feelings, the easier it is to get excited about our goal and to associate the goal with positive emotions. Spend a few minutes writing about how we would feel and be sure to

include specific details about the scene. We can do this periodically or on a regular basis if it excites us. Create a Goal Sheet Feel free to use the following as a template to develop your goal sheet. This will resemble a todo list, but understand that to-do lists are for tasks; this sheet is based on what we want to achieve. My Goal Worksheet, “I Want to Reach My Goal” ·

What Do I Truly Want to Achieve?

Why Do I Want To Achieve It?

When Do I Want to Achieve It?

How Will I or How Do I Achieve It?

How Will You Feel the Moment You Achieve It?

Daily Plan, Five-year Plan & Life Plan Daily Plan

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Five-year Plan

Life Plan

Vision Boards If you want to get a little more creative, try this tip from Creative Visualisation: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in the form of a vision board. Visualisation is one of the most powerful mind exercises we can do. According to the popular book The Secret, “The law of attraction is forming our entire life experience, and it is doing that through our thoughts. When we are visualising, we are emitting a powerful frequency out into the universe.” A vision board is usually a collage of images that represent our goals and aspirations. It can include cut-out pictures from magazines and words that help inspire us to manifest our dreams and get where we want to go. Vision boards will also help us project what a positive future could look like for us. Creating visualisations or having images to positively reinforce our desired future is a helpful way to increase positive emotions and optimism. And positive emotions often create opportunities and increase the chances of success. Setting goals should always be representational, and as men, the more concrete something is, the easier it is for us to define it and focus on it. Plan it out, manifest our goals in writing, create goal sheets, and use visualisation by designing vision boards to project where our goal will take us and what it will look like when we get there.

Larry Davis, whose passion for education and learning is second only to his love of God and his children, believes education needs a champion. As such, his “why” is to champion an education system in which every educator, teacher, and school leader make children a priority, focusing on their care, learning and unique talents. This education system also does more to grow and support teachers to realise the mission and vision of the school district.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LARRY DAVIS

Davis has served at varying levels of the education system—including

as a high school principal, district coordinator for school improvement, and district coordinator for college and career readiness/CTE/IB Programs— and is currently the executive director of secondary education and talent development. He also spent 15 years in corporate America in various leadership positions. Davis is a graduate of Eastern Hills High School, the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Woman’s University located in Denton, all in Texas.

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TRIANGULAR VISION: SUCCUMB TO PRESSURE OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY?

Track and field is one of, if not, the purest sports known to mankind. It tests discipline in ways only a few other pursuits in life can. Sure, there is tennis, golf, cycling, and swimming, yet none seems to demand your whole being—that is your mind, body, and soul—coming together in the unity of your individuality. Under the authority of the starter, it is incumbent on every athlete to summon all the ingredients that make them a winner. There is also the significant sidenote, however, that each competitor is in a lane by themself in the race.

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Two choices With the presence of mind that you are in the race to win, two phenomena and choices will present themselves and exist in the isles of your mind. These choices are: ‘Will I succumb to the pressure of the moment?’ or ‘Will I take responsibility for this moment?’ Significantly, these two choices impact your performance in ways the spectators, the active or passive onlookers, cannot imagine. Yet, at the end of the race, they will have all the information about these internal choices. Therefore, when the starter tells you to get on your mark, you don’t have the luxury of hiding behind a team, friends, or coaches; it is you against the clock or everybody else. Whether you win, lose, draw, or get disqualified, the jury is always out in the purest sport. Likewise, the choices of ‘Will I succumb to the pressure of the moment’ or ‘Will I take responsibility for this moment’ can be compared to our everyday life. As a firm believer in the theory of functionalism, it is my position that every institution, role, norm, or cultural value is indispensable to the furtherance of society. Therefore, we must not ascribe to the idea that people who lead their lives in front of the camera are more important than the garbage collector or janitor. Everyone has their collection of moments where the choices of yielding to pressure or taking responsibility are presented. So, at the flip of the coin, which side do you fall on? Don’t think limits Firstly, I am a huge fan of Usain Bolt. I believe if there was ever an award created for being a hero of the world, he should be a recipient, alongside other greats who have stood up for their countries in times of strife, justice, and peace. Bolt is the greatest sprinter known to man, yet that is not the embodiment of the man. Bolt came from stable, yet humble beginnings. He, like many people across the world, had irresistible talent, which he was able to exact upon. With all the accolades and achievements he has enjoyed

in over a decade of dominance on the track, I was more astounded by his mantra: “I don’t think limits.” Bolt’s mantra is a simple four-word sentence with unimaginable significance. On the evidence of his successes on the track and, more recently, in music, his mantra is a clear indicator, showing the people of the alternative world who succumb to pressure as opposed to those who seek to take responsibility for their moments. Deductive triangle approach Secondly, every moment in our lives can be defined by pressure or responsibility. For this reason, we must function in a deductive triangular vision. The deductive triangular approach is the idea that your past achievements or failures are at the top of a triangle that is inverted. As you move towards your present, aiming towards the future, the triangle keeps getting narrower until it reaches the apex. This approach will help, in my opinion, to always make the best decision, which is taking responsibility for the moment. Taking responsibility in the function of the deductive triangular vision means you should not look too far ahead of the current moment; it is our responsibility to maintain the vision of what we are doing now for where we are going. Our peripheral vision will help us to keep the focus on all the distractions that are around, and perhaps inside of us. The deductive triangular theory gives us a focal point for our focus. This theory demonstrates, too, that we will be free of the pressures of comparison and other mental and emotional instabilities that might impact us taking responsibility for the moment. We must always be cognizant that life is made up of moments. We cannot be afraid of the moments, but we must be focused on the tasks at hand. We must take responsibility for these moments to reach our goal and succeed.

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Inductive triangle approach The opposite, however, is the view of the inductive triangle, where our past accomplishments or failures are at the apex, with our present getting wider as we move towards our future. The inductive triangle is akin to our moments being defined as pressure since there is a wide variety of circumstances at play. Some of these circumstances include making comparisons, social and cultural influences, as well as mental or emotional constraints. The inductive triangle has no focal point or defined target for us to focus on, which will, in turn, breed confusion, stemming from the initial definition of pressure in the moment. Consequently, some people are obsessed with their thoughts, others are possessed by their actions. There is a supplementary statement that says, “Actions speak louder than words,” which makes the aforementioned a viable case in point. What’s your approach? People who act with precision also think with precision. These types of people are not afraid of the moment; they are brave enough to fail temporarily for nectar. Owning the moment through taking responsibility is a clear indicator of a person who has a focal point on which to concentrate. These people are narrow or tunnel-visioned, like the falcon. They are decisive and calculated like lions on a hunt who are always

deducting to find the appropriate target for that moment. They are fearless; they “don’t think limits.” On the other hand, those who are obsessed by thoughts of a result or what they envision the outcome to be, generally take a while to hit the ground running, if at all. Their focal point is not on a specific goal, hence they are liable to fail. They are, regrettably, disadvantaged and are seen as the dog barking at a flying bird. Going forward Whether you win, lose, draw, or get disqualified, the jury is always out on the life that we lead. Remember, life is a collection of moments that deserves our best intentions, actions and self, at all intervals. We are intentional beings who are liable to get lost in the cross-section of succumbing to pressure or taking responsibility for each moment we face. The approach of the deductive and inductive triangle is a good indicator of how intentions contribute to our reality. Show me a man who thinks limits and I show you a limited man. Show me a man who takes responsibility and I show you a winner. Every moment in our life has a definition, but the important fact is that we have the power to decide, design, and choose the definition for these moments. Nothing in life is absolute, or else there would have been no concept of good or bad. The universe is a limitless concept of our lives. Take responsibility for every moment, focus on your now to reach actualisation for “I don’t think limits.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JEROME DOUGLAS Jerome Douglas is a dad, 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.

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Shelf Life Daring Greatly by Brené Brown “Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage.”

In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown discusses vulnerability. While being vulnerable can be uncomfortable and seen as a weakness, Brown declares that it is the key to unlocking amazing things in life. There’s a reason why this is one of her top five best-selling self-help books!

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