POTPOURRI December 2013

Marlene Dubois

A Different Kind of Creativity

Commercial Christmas Have we lost the real meaning of this holiday?

3 Christmas Colour Schemes to Explore

6 Christmas

Party Dresses you Must Have!

MOMMIES‌GO GREEN!

Limit the carbon footprint of your baby

Richy & Renee Kandasamy Tie the knot in Italy and Seychelles

POTPOURRI

December

50: Mommies…Go Green!

Limit your baby’s carbon footprint

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Strong Nail A Healthy Reflection of You

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Les Cocotiers Restaurant An adventure with food

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Emma Houareau Mothee Dancing away in Australia The Story of Santa More than just presents

Lessons from the Dresser Drawer Treat your wardrobe like your financial portfolio.

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28: What Colour is Christmas?

3 colour schemes explored 40: What’s your name, what’s your number?

A peak into your numeric make-up

POTPOURRI Subscribers collect their prizes

Coeur d’ile Eau de Parfum

The Team 1. Chief Editor: Marie-France Watson | M: + (248) 2512477 | E: marie-france@seychellespublications.com 2. Marketing: Ineke Camille | M: + (248) 2520937 | E: ineke@seychellespublications.com 3. Freelance Writing: Elaine Lafortune | 4. Freelance Writing: Mawess Wirtz 5. Photography: Suzanne Verlaque | POTPOURRI Photography Studio 6. Graphics & Layout: Olivia Michaud | E: info@angelcreativedesign.com

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Potpourri Magazine Seychelles

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Potpourri Seychelles is published by Paradise Promotions Ltd Box 1539, Room 14, Docklands Building, Victoria, Seychelles Tel: + (248) 4325215 | Fax: + (248) 4325216 | www.potpourrimagazine.com Printed by: ATLAS Printing Press LLC.

From the

EDITOR

Dear Folks, Many years ago, I had a conversation with an Omani friend, a devout muslim, that truly opened my eyes to the wonder of Christmas. She told me that in her home there was always a Christmas tree in December and that they also bought and exchanged presents. Perhaps it was the perplexed look I had on my face that led her to quickly explain that they did it for the children.

And so, that is how wide-spread the Christmas ‘message’ is. The bearded man who brings presents and leaves them under THE tree has successfully managed to cast his mystical spell on children from all corners of the world. It is very hard to ‘escape’ the Christmas hype; from the carols that we just cannot stop humming to, to the colours that for some reason add extra warmth in our hearts. But, what is the real Christmas message? Have we lost it in our long and never-ending Santa’s List? On page 6 of this issue we explore the commercial aspect of Christmas and its role in making this holiday what it has become.

Photo credit: Suzanne Verlaque

For you reading this, take note right now; December is going to be stressful. The presents, the parties, end-of-year deadlines, school holidays etc – it is no wonder most of us are happy once it’s all over. But, try, try hard to not let the holiday be the rug that get’s pulled under your feet. Enjoy it. If you are a Christian, sing louder during mass and shake the hand of the person sharing your bench for a second longer. If it’s all about a good party, maybe this year you should invite the person who’s always gutted they never make your guest list. If it’s all about spoiling the children, make sure that an abundance of love also features on their list to Santa.

For those of you visiting our beautiful islands this month, may you have a memorable holiday and are blown away by the Seychellois hospitality.

On behalf of the POTPOURRI Team, I wish each and every one of you, a very merry Christmas.

Marie-France Chief Editor

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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Cover Model Model: Marlene Dubois Age: 29 Profession: Designer at iCreativity To find more about Marlene, go to our Featured Artist Feature on page 22

Photographer: Suzanne Verlaque

Make-Up: Hair: Joanna Hoaureau Kellie Hoarau

Dress: Venture-Bay.com

Jewellery: Idea & Style

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DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

Musings of an Island Girl

by Tina Houareau

Photo Credit - Joel Zamzow

Lessons from the Dresser Drawer

T

reat your wardrobe like your financial portfolio.

Like with a financial portfolio, when it comes to your clothes, diversification, trendy high risk, and high reward items should come only after creating a hardcore foundation.

By learning the power basics, you can create a flattering canvas that eliminates

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DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

“THERE IS A LINE WHERE AMBITION CROSSES OVER INTO OBSESSION. HEALTHY PLANNING IS ABOUT CREATING ATTAINABLE GOALS THAT REFLECT WHAT YOU WANT AND MAKING CONSCIOUS CHOICES THAT WILL BRING YOU CLOSER TO REALIZING THESE GOALS AT THE RIGHT TIME.”. the need for time-consuming guesswork and “dress stress” in the morning mayhem. The “investing” rules? Keep it basic, neutral, and simple. Black should be the cornerstone of your wardrobe. It is seasonless yet chic. It combines with any color or print, absorbs light, hides imperfections, and is by far, the most slimming color in the stratosphere. A sea of white, camel, tan, and greys should also be part of your basic color palette and backed by an arsenal of dependable tops, dresses, skirts, and bottoms that can be transformed by simply adding and subtracting accent pieces. Once you have the basics down, it is all about “layering” and “superaccessorizing.” This is the secret to effortless style. But what ultimately yields the mega fashion portfolio dividend is the one infused with a captivating personality.

Compartmentalize your items.

You only have 24 hours in a day and once gone these hours never return. Learn to compartmentalize pressure, friends, dating, coworkers, and, yes, even family. Train yourself to isolate a concern from all the other challenges you are dealing with. Proceed to apply total focus on each compartment, but only for a short period of time. Then move forward in incremental steps. Once you make headway, close the compartment and open the next one. This allows you to devote attention to everything that truly matters in your life. It also trains you to say “no” to things that do not deserve a compartment.

Do not over-organize your drawer.

Do not over-plan your life. There is a line where ambition crosses over into obsession. Healthy planning is about creating attainable goals that reflect what you want and making conscious choices that will bring you closer to realizing these goals at the right time. Over-planning, on the other hand, is about focusing too much on specific details and sticking to a timeline even when it no longer makes sense.

Wear lovely underwear even if you are the only one who is going to see it.

Keep your values attractive and do amazing work even if you are the only one who is going to appreciate it.

Happy holidays to all my faithful readers. I have thoroughly enjoyed being your columnist in 2013. May your 2014 be nothing short of spectacular!

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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LIFESTYLE

Christmas...

Has it become too commercial?

By Jeannine Gilbert-Finnigan Christmas songs on the radio, Christmas trees, tinsels, presents, wrapping paper, baubles, alcohol and delicious food - this is the image of Christmas for many of us. Every year when Christmas is around the corner, people often debate whether Christmas has become too commercialised; whether it has lost its meaning or not? The problem is that most of us have forgotten the meaning of Christmas. The world’s Christian community is big and we are aware of the Christian origin of this festive season - the story of the nativity and the birth of baby Jesus. Let us be truthful about one thing; in reality, the majority of people do not pray, attend church and are not practicing Christians so why is this ‘religious’ holiday so celebrated? A lot of us see Christmas as a day for just giving and receiving presents and enjoying a good party.

“THE JOYOUS CHRISTMAS HYMNS DURING MASS AND THE TWINKLES IN THE EYES OF THE ADULTS WHEN SINGING THEM AND US CHILDREN PRETENDING TO KNOW THE WORDS TO THE HYMNS BY JUST MOVING OUR LIPS AND INSERTING THE ODD LOUD WORDS WE KNEW IN BETWEEN OUR LIP SYNC ARE SOME OF THE MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS.”

I have spent most Christmases in Seychelles but I have experienced the Christmas spirit overseas as well and the celebration and attitudes are the same. Growing up in Seychelles, I remember the excitement of Christmas; it was

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DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

not the prospect of receiving presents but it was seeing the crèche in Church with baby Jesus in the manager, Mary, Joseph, the three wise kings, the animals and not forgetting the big bright star.

I couldn’t wait to go and kiss baby Jesus in the manger. The joyous Christmas hymns during mass and the twinkles in the eyes of the adults when singing them and us children pretending to know the words to the hymns by just moving our lips and inserting the odd loud words we knew in between our lip sync are some of the memories of Christmas. Going home after mass and having one present and family time made the day extra special but it is the memories of what I did but not what I got for Christmas which are vivid in my mind. It seems that somewhere along the way the Christmas message has been lost and replaced by materialistic attitudes of our society.

Christmas is supposed to be a celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Let us be completely honest, how many of us actually think of this on the day?

Do we just go to church because it is a habit and then we go home and

Christmas has now become a massive marketing event where companies can advertise their products as a must-have Christmas gift. In this day and age, Christmas is all about material goods. It is part of the consumerism hype of the western world and has spread across the globe. There is no doubt that the interest surrounding Christmas has now shifted from what the season is meant to represent to no other than a marketing and product focused event. Companies will try to make a profit and us, consumers, will buy anything to make sure our family get the best Christmas presents. We are guilty of ruining the true meaning of Christmas. You and I… guilty!

“THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE INTEREST SURROUNDING CHRISTMAS HAS NOW SHIFTED FROM WHAT THE SEASON IS MEANT TO REPRESENT TO NO OTHER THAN A MARKETING AND PRODUCT FOCUSED EVENT.”

The conclusion here is that Christmas is definitely over commercialised. The material goods wrapped in colourful papers under our Christmas tree have wiped away the true meaning of Christmas. Let it be said here, I am not a Scrooge ruining Christmas day. I am guilty too of missing the point of Christmas and I had to ruin one little girl’s Christmas to realise that the advertisements on television and the sales in the shops should not even matter during the festive season. Remember amid the bustle and the buying, the eats and the treats; take time to rekindle the real meaning and true spirit of Christmas this year, that is, celebrating the birth of Jesus, family time, sharing and appreciating what you have.

Two years ago after

spending Christmas day with a very close friend and her family from Eastern Europe, I decided to change the way Christmas is celebrated in our home. We are practicing Christians, my children attend a Catholic School and they know the meaning of Christmas. Every year their school put on a Christmas show retelling the story of Christmas and all the children take part. My own children have been Mary, angels, the three wise kings and so on but that doesn’t mean their attitude to Christmas is different to the other children who do not attend a Catholic school, far from it. They see all the commercials on television about the latest toys and gadgets and the reaction is “This is going on my Christmas list”. As parents, you do not want your children to feel left out and you try your best to make them happy. In 2011, I got my wakeup call, I agreed to spend Christmas at a friend’s place so that our families could go to Church and have a Christmas dinner together. I love seeing the smiles on our children’s faces when they open their presents after mass. My husband and I used to buy about five to six presents for each of our children.

That Christmas all the presents were put under the Christmas tree at our friends place. Little did we know that although there were lots of presents under the Christmas tree, my friend bought her daughter only one present and the others were for friends and other family members. On Christmas day when the children were opening their presents, that little girl had one present from her parents and a couple of presents from us. When my children were still tearing away at the wrapping papers on their presents, she just sat there looking at them, eyes glistening, it was a sign that she could burst into tears anytime. My husband and I wished the floor could swallow us. The guilt I had was suffocating me and it broke my heart when she finally burst into tears because ‘Santa’ gave my children more presents. Her mum was apologetic to us and said she should have told us that they only give one Christmas present as they cannot afford to spend a lot of money. That day my family learnt a valuable lesson. We spoilt Christmas for that little girl, we ruined her spirit of this important day and her faith in her ‘Santa’ but the lesson was that giving a lot of presents do not make your Christmas better. The commercialism of Christmas no longer has effect on us as a family. We do not get sucked into it anymore; instead we concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas day. My children now get one present each and little gifts in their stockings. They still make a long Christmas wish list but the excitement now is guessing which present on the list they will get.

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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LIFESTYLE

get caught up in the atmosphere of party and unwrapping presents and simply forget the true meaning of the day? Let us face it; the new generation is not really interested about baby Jesus in the manger. The focus is now on receiving the latest gadgets (known as Christmas presents).

A Fresh Start - London to Mahé

by Daniel Balkwill “...but the procedure of visiting a busy, hectic retail area whilst demonstrating high levels of interest and patience is something that is conspicuously absent from my DNA.” We men have some unusual habits. I’ll freely admit this on behalf of my male brethren because a denial would be such an obvious untruth. You can’t defend the indefensible after all. Sometimes you ladies behave in a way that confuses, mystifies and astonishes me in equal measure too but I might preserve my musings on that particular subject for another occasion.

The way we treat our clothes is but one example of our inherent strangeness. Whereas women tend to have a large wardrobe with numerous items of clothing and almost an infinitesimal number of outfit options, guys usually have a more modest range at their disposal and tend to wear their favourite clothes continually until threadbare and unwearable, sometimes bordering on the indecent. Take my beige shorts They were initially very smart and in immaculate condition.

8for example.

AUGUST 2013 | POTPOURRI After several years of regular loyal service they were strictly relegated to being worn at home whilst playing with the dog. The right leg featured a faint, pinkish mark from a particularly fine malbec reserva, some of which

I renée martin designs

Banana Bender

had a couple of meetings in Sydney so decided to mix business with pleasure by spending a few days exploring the most populated city in Australia. After checking into the Rendezvous I made my way up to Circular Quay for my first glimpse of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, known as “The Coathanger” because of its distinctive shape. The sun was setting and I was not disappointed by this grandiose structure (the tallest steel arch bridge in the world), stretching from the historic Rocks

area to the North Shore and reflecting on the shimmering water below.

The harbour was full of life with a bounty of street musicians, market traders and tourists. As soon as night fell I was blinded by a patchwork of lights and colour as the annual Vivid Light Festival got underway. Customs House, the National Maritime Museum, Sydney Opera House and skyscrapers as far as the eye could see were illuminated with moving projections of light and neon installations scattered in between. A cacophony of orchestrated music blasted through loudspeakers from every corner of the harbour as the light projections moved and morphed across the Opera House. I’m a sucker for neon and it was the most beautiful light show I had ever witnessed. It seemed even more majestic when I met my friend, Natalie, for a leisurely local cocktail humorously called a “Banana Bender” at the revolving 360 Bar at the top of the Sydney Tower, where we were able to view the light show from every angle.

The next day, I caught a ferry to Watson’s Bay and ate fish and chips from Doyle’s on the beach. Continuing to Manly Beach I couldn’t help but marvel at an international city which manages to combine cosmopolitan culture and seaside living so effortlessly. This was reinforced when I strolled down to the famous Bondi Beach to see men in suits strip off to their boardshorts, grab their surfboards and head out| toPOTPOURRI sea to catch the last of the waves 8 DECEMBER 2013

had accidentally escaped from the wine glass one fateful night. The left leg featured several indelible curry stains and there was an unsightly, vertical tear at the back which frequently threatened to compromise my modesty unless paired with a long t-shirt. I got home from work recently to discover that, in my absence, a collective family decision had been already made to finally throw them out and burn them – harsh treatment in my view. It was like being prevented from bidding farewell to an old friend for the last time.

A powerful aversion to shopping is another common male trait although this does make particular sense on a personal level. Acquiring new material possessions whether they are in the form of clothing, gadgets etc. is exciting but the procedure of visiting a busy, hectic retail area whilst demonstrating high levels of interest and patience is something that is conspicuously absent from my DNA. I love watching and playing football as many other men do. Despite my adoration for the beautiful game I can concede that for a woman who is not interested in the sport, it must be extremely irritating for their partner to insist on watching the pre-match build up, the game itself and then the post-match analysis. I’m sure even the strongest relationships have been tested by this lengthy monopoly of the TV. Whilst women are able to summon seemingly limitless levels of stoicism and dignity whilst enduring traumatic processes such as childbirth it is disappointing to note that us guys often turn into whining, jibbering wrecks when stricken by a particularly virulent strain of ‘man flu’.

Despite our idiosyncrasies, shortcomings and apparently infuriating habit of leaving the toilet seat up, we do have our uses. We can walk the dog, perform a limited range of basic DIY tasks (some of which may hopefully not result in subsequent expensive remedial treatment), take out the trash and can occasionally be the proverbial knight in shining armour to a damsel in distress. Ladies, for all our collective faults and oddities, I’m sure you love us really.

Dan works for Kreol Wines - a new wine shop located at Eden Plaza on Eden Island, specialising in Argentinian, Australian, French and South African products.

Opening hours are 9-6.30 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat & 10-4 Sun.

“A CACOPHONY OF ORCHESTRATED MUSIC BLASTED THROUGH LOUDSPEAKERS FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE HARBOUR AS THE LIGHT PROJECTIONS MOVED AND MORPHED ACROSS THE OPERA HOUSE. I’M A SUCKER FOR NEON AND IT WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LIGHT SHOW I HAD EVER WITNESSED.”

before sunset.

I had time the next morning for a quick tour of the Sydney Opera House, which is even more impressive up close in its Scandinavian design, before dashing to the airport to catch my flight home. Sydney is by far my favourite Australian City so far. Until next time - if you can’t be good, be good at it!

Banana Bender

You will need...

30ml Cointreau 60ml single cream 30ml banana liqueur ½ a ripe banana Handful of ice cubes Slice of banana (unpeeled) and straws, for garnish

What to do...

Blend all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and pour into a tall glass.

Garnish with a slice of banana and 2 straws.

Brigitte Monchouguy is a Seychelloise legal professional living and working in London. She is happiest when travelling, with interests in music, art, theatre and architecture. She also dabbles in mixology and will be sharing cocktail recipes along Brigitte Monchouguy is a Seychelloise legal professional with her monthly escapades. with a passion for social journalism. She is happiest when travelling, with interests in music, art, theatre and architecture. She also dabbles in mixology and will be sharing cocktail recipes along with her monthly escapades.

resort experience in Seychelles

A MAGICAL PLACE TO REVIVE THE SENSES Imagine a natural paradise of lush tropical vegetation, pure white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise seas and space aplenty. Situated on 2 of the most breathtaking beaches on the island of MahĂŠ, and overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay, this beautiful landscape is the stunning backdrop for Constance Ephelia.

Begin the U-experience: call (230) 402 2772/73 or visit us at www.constancehotels.com

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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Nothingness:

Definition: the absence or cessation of life or existance.

Synonyms: oblivion, non-existence, non-being, non-life.

In other words, out of ‘nothingness’ one can experience enlightenment and peace but that can only be achieved with nothingness.

The practice or feeling of letting go of attention to external pressures placed onto us by society seems more needed than ever. The experience of the freedom of the self or experiencing nothingness is something that may seem alien to us, but can be experienced through meditation and many other practices. At the same time being at one with nature, and our inner selves is central to the focus of nothingness.

By extinguishing worldly desires it is replaced with the ability to practice self-absorption into ‘Nothingness’ and go deep within ourselves. I imagine this can also be described as deep consciousness. This meditative exploration can be interpreted as possibly indicating the presence of nothingness, because it is through the presence of nothingness, that peace and enlightenment can be experienced.

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by Alexandria Faure

ven though the definitions derive the presence of lack, Nothingness is articulated as a way of being by Zen Buddhist monks. In Japanese culture and Zen Buddhist philosophies it is a positive and significant value.

I first discovered the notion of Nothingness during Art and Japan lectures in my last year of university. Everything about Japan fascinated me; from the Tea Ceremonies, Noh Theatres, Gardens, calligraphy, art and architecture. The subject of ‘nothingness’ surely caught my attention but it took me a while to get my head around it.

Becoming ‘nothing’ and, everything else becoming ‘nothing’ is a thoughtprovoking application to the self, because it applies to everything becoming one.

Complicated?

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This quote below is the simplest explanation of what Nothingness is and what it offers.

“While you are continuing this practice, week after week, year after year, your experience will become deeper and deeper, and your experience will cover everything you do in your everyday life. The most important thing is to forget all gaining ideas, all dualistic ideas. In other words, just practice zazen in a certain posture. Do not think about anything.

Just remain on your cushion without expecting anything. Then eventually you will resume your own true nature. That is to say, your own true nature resumes itself”.

Chunryu Suzuki

Tripadvisor, un monstre en liberté !!! (par Georges Gravé)

UNE QUESTION, TRIPADVISOR EST-IL UN DIEU POUR POUVOIR PUNIR SANS JUGEMENT ET SURTOUT SANS RÈGLE, NI CODE, JUSTE LE BON VOULOIR DU BRAVE PEUPLE MOUTON QUI EGO FLATTÉ SE CROIT LE MAITRE DU MONDE EN DONNANT SES AVIS SANS AUCUN RECUL ET SOUVENT DE TRÈS MAUVAISE FOIS. Georges Gravé is the Personal Development & Training Manager at the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa

Avec plus de 100 millions de critiques, plus de 200 millions de visiteurs sur le site chaque mois et un chiffre d’affaire en 2012 de 763 millions de dollars, Tripadvisor se déclare le plus gros site de voyage sur le web. Avant de devenir se monstre incontrôlable, le concept de base consistait à permettre aux internautes regroupés en une communauté de partager leurs expériences d’hôtels. Il faudrait être moyenâgeux pour trouver que ce concept est mauvais. Au contraire, c’était le moyen pour le client de se libérer de la contrainte parfois et même souvent trop complaisante de guides « professionnels ». Depuis, le roi dollar a fait chavirer l’idée de base puisque les développements commerciaux et techniques n’ont pour vocation unique que d’augmenter les bénéfices de ce monstre.

Une question, Tripadvisor est-il un dieu pour pouvoir punir sans jugement et surtout sans règle, ni code, juste le bon vouloir du brave peuple mouton qui ego flatté se croit le maitre du monde en donnant ses avis sans aucun recul et souvent de très mauvaise fois. Car nous le savons tous, remuer la merde fait vendre, il suffit de lire la bonne presse et de regarder les journaux de 20 heures. Souvent à vomir !!!...et nous savons tous, qu’un enfant de 5 ans parviendrait facilement à déjouer les soit disant remparts insurmontables de l’algorithme made in Tripadvisor.

Car, il est bien la, le véritable problème Tripadvisor. C’est un outil dangereux,

qui flatte l’ego tant des hôteliers que celui des clients. Regarder nos braves hôteliers, qui souvent hurlent quand ils doivent affronter de mauvaises critiques, mais qui sont tous fier d’arborer, les récompenses de Tripadvisor.

Vous savez le fameux certificat d’excellence !!!. Certificat qui est sélectionné par une machine et distribué tous les 6 mois a environ 75 000 établissement dans le monde.

Youpi, bravo, je suis le meilleur… foutaise et mascarade mais tout le monde fait semblant d’y croire. Il suffit de voir le nombre de façades d’hôtels ou de restaurants qui s’ornent de ce magnifique trophée en vert massif pour constater impuissant l’épidémie de bêtise qui frappe d’un coup nos braves hôteliers. Ils sont tellement soulagés d’être bien notés . Ouf !!

Et malheureusement, ils ont raison, car le monstre est devenu tellement dangereux !!

C’est un peu de la délation organisée.

Et le client, brave mouton a très vite compris le pouvoir qu’il détenait et le chantage Tripadvisor bat son plein d’un coté comme de l’autre. Tripadvisor a fait naitre le marchandage : si je n’ai pas de ristourne, si je n’ai un spa offert, si je n’ai pas ce que je veux…. Attention méchant hôtelier, tu es a ma merci et tu auras une mauvaise critique, je te préviens. Car nous le savons aussi, la sagesse n’est pas le fort de l’humain et Tripadvisor ouvre les portes de toutes les dérives morales.

De l’autre coté, l’hôtelier a maintenant mis en place une stratégie Tripadvisor et

pedicure

bridal make-up

manicure massage contact : 2543664

c’est tout juste si certains ne mendient pas et souvent accompagne le client à faire une bonne critique, récompense oblige bien sur.

D’antan, ils y avaient aussi des clients difficiles et parfois mecontents, mais ils avaient le courage d’affronter la direction, face à face et bien souvent tout s’arrangeait autours d’une coupe de champagne. Aujourd’hui, nous le voyons tous les jours, la lâcheté est à l’honneur et le face a face passé de mode.

Je connais des employés d’un groupe hôteliers qui tremblent à chaque commentaire du monstre, car The big boss du groupe à les yeux rivés sur Trip.

Bon commentaires et c’est des mails de félicitations, mauvais commentaires, réunion d’urgence pour tout remettre en question. Les employés demandent eux même aux clients de mettre des bons commentaires sur le site. On n’attend plus de pourboires de nos jours mais des bons commentaires tripadvisor. Et si par hasard ( ??), vous êtes personnellement cité en positif, vous devenez le meilleur. A l’inverse, vous êtes le pestiféré ! Bientôt, il faudra négocier les augmentations de salaires aux nombres de commentaires positifs sur Tripadvisor.

Nous le voyons bien, nous avons tous perdu la raison. Et il serait grand temps que chacun retrouve sa place. Le client est la pour se faire aimer et chouchouter et il faut bien le dire haut et fort, la majorité des professionnels du tourisme font parfaitement leur travail.

nail art

waxing ...........and more

Maison De La Vega , Revolution Avenue waterlilyseychelles@gmail.com DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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CONSUMER AWARENESS

SACOS INSURANCE AGAINST FLOODING

The 120 Year Celebration Continues with Weekend Fiesta and Giga Boosters

The year 2013 did not start off well for many Seychellois people. In late January, extreme weather caused floods that inundated roads, businesses and private homes. Many were left struggling to save belongings from the filthy water and viscid mud…families had to be displaced as they could no longer live in the devastated conditions of their family homes.

Could it possibly happen again? If it does, would you be able to recuperate and keep your family afloat?

Weekend Fiesta and Giga Boosters, the two newest services available from Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS), are set to add even more value to current postpaid broadband packages.

This is when having insurance with SACOS can save the day.

By insuring your house with SACOS, you can be covered for both the physical structure and contents of your home.

Furthermore, the standard SACOS Home Insurance Policy can help you recover loss or damage resulting not just from floods and storms alone, but from fires, lightings, explosions, burst pipes and burglaries, as well.

In addition to the two new services, customers on the Premium and Ultimate broadband packages are already experiencing an increase in their basic allowance. On top of that, Broadband Intro customers now benefit from daily Happy Hours (11pm to 6am), instead of just during the weekend, as was the case before.

…and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

At additional terms and conditions to be agreed, if through some unforeseeable event such as a flood your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable; SACOS can assist you with the cost of an alternative accommodation. On the same note, if you are renting out the house and your tenants cannot live in it due to the water damage sustained; SACOS can cover part of your recorded loss of rent.

With Weekend Fiesta, customers are automatically given free GBs to use all weekend, every weekend. For example, a customer on the Lite package with a basic allowance of 5GB now gets an extra 1.5GB every weekend. The total monthly allowance for this customer is now 11GB without any increase in monthly payment.

SACOS Householder’s Policy can even cover your legal liability to the public if you are found to be legally liable of causing injury or damage to a third party as owner/occupier of the insured building. Burglary is now sadly rampant in our communities. Therefore, if a burglar were to break into your house, SACOS will be there to offer more than just some moral support.

With Giga Boosters, postpaid broadband customers can now top up their broadband account just by dialling #145# from their CWS mobile phone and following the easy prompts. Customers can carry over unused data when they top up if the data from the previous booster has not been used up.

Truly, there is so much that SACOS can do for you. You need only to find out with SACOS, just how you can live your daily life with the comfort and peace of mind from knowing that no matter what, you and your family have more than just a backup plan.

These two new value-added services (Weekend Fiesta & Giga Boosters) are not applicable for Broadband Intro and Prepaid Broadband customers.

Don’t wait for the day that you regret not having any insurance. Just think of it as saving for a rainy day.

Contact the SACOS Insurance Company Ltd on telephone 4295,000 or pay a visit at the SACOS Tower, Palm Street, Victoria. We will be happy to assist and guide you.

For more information on these two great new services, visit www.cwseychelles.com.

Contributed by SACOS Insurance Company Ltd

“Reduce your bill: Fridges/Freezers” It is sometimes hard to change your fridge – “it has been part of my life…, hum kitchen for 10 years or more” – “I will use it until the end!” – And so on. There are many reasons to keep your lovely old fridge, but please consider this: the new one will do even better what its predecessor did … while using 50% to 30% of your old fridge’s consumption.

Nowadays, we talk a lot about efficient lights, AirConditioning, Water heaters but only one electrical appliance stays ‘on’ all day long (24h/24) every single day of a year (365 days) and it is your fridge/freezer.

Every year, it represents 650 kWh (electrical units) for an un-efficient one to 220 kWh for a really efficient one (Class A+, A++ or more). Replacing your old un-efficient fridge (especially for those 10 years-old and more) will take around 4 years (sometime less) for you to get your payback.

You cannot miss it, we are in December and the end-of-year festivities are closer. It is time to plan your celebrations, more specifically, the lunches and dinners. There is a focal point for all of these …your fridge! It could be high time to invest in a new, efficient one!

To those of you who have had the same fridge/freezer for more than 10 years, take note that technologies have changed and there are now better fridges with specific spaces, ‘no-frost’ systems, etc (it can get complicated!). Let’s have a look at it.

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Saying this, you have to be careful. If your fridge is quite recent (Class A for example), it is not really economically viable to invest in a more efficient one (Class A+, A++ or more). With the savings you will get every month, you will need 15 to 20 years to get your payback. So replace your fridge/freezer only if your current one is old (7+ years) and un-efficient (equivalent class D or less: E, F, G…). If you don’t know the class of your fridge, look how old is it.

In the same time, you will help saving the planet and the ozone layer. Old fridges, freezers and Air Conditioning systems are using HFC/CFC/HCFC based gas. These gases are really dangerous for the ozone layer and are prohibited in most of the countries in the world (not yet in Seychelles, but it will be by 2018). New fridges are using eco-friendly gases.

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

Anyway, if you are going to replace it or not, we can give you some advices to reduce your fridge/freezer’s consumption: • Keep it away from heat/ direct sunlight: your fridge

produces cold, your gas stove/oven produces heat. Do

not have them closed to each other.

• Let at least 5 centimeters between the wall and the

back of your fridge (the fridge needs air flow to

evacuate the heat) • You have different “cold zone” in your fridge – use them wisely • Coldest one (0°C to 3°C) for fresh meat/fish, unfinished

products – usually at the top of your fridge (where the

cooled air is released) • You have then a zone in the middle (4°C to 6°C), good for

cooked (and rests of ) meals, salads, etc.

• Fruit and Vegetables (6°C) • The door (6°C to 10°C), good for jam, beverages, eggs,

anything you use it often (piment, and so on) • Think (twice) about what you need and where is it

before opening the door! It is a waste of energy (the

most common and huge one) to stay in front of your

fridge wondering “Hum, will I take this, or this? Whaa,

mum bought this, I’ll try then”.

• As every electrical appliances, don’t forget the

maintenance (clean the back (where the heat is released)

as well as the other parts).

• Defrost your freezer: 5 centimeters of ice will make your

freezer to use 3 times more electricity (this is the reason

why you have some ‘no-frost technologies’).

• Take care of the insulation of your fridge (can be the

origin of a 20% consumption increase)! An easy test:

close the door with a sheet of paper between the door

and the fridge. Try to pull this sheet of paper out of your

fridge. If it’s easy (no resistance), then the insulation is

not good anymore, change it or change fridge.

• Change your fridge if you cannot close the door properly Contributed by the Seychelles Energy Commission.

THEODOR PARIS… par Mathieu Hellec

Première maison de thé à ne revendiquer absolument rien, si ce n’est qu’elle produit et confectionne des thés d’une qualité exceptionnelle dans un environnement luxe sans limite…

Cette « maison » est née, il y a maintenant 11 ans, un mois de Juillet à Paris. Guillaume Leleu, fondateur de la marque, et Tea-taster mondialement reconnu, a souhaité créer un produit pur, provenant uniquement de jardins particuliers, et bien sur, sans aucun traitement chimique, comme le faisaient nos aïeuls jusqu’ici rien d’innovant, nous sommes sur des productions organiques pour la totalité des références de la marque, que l’on compte aujourd’hui, autour de 350 créations…

Numéro 1 des ventes en Chine, au Japon, ou au Mexique, THEODOR PARIS s’est imposée par la qualité de ses produits et l’originalité de ses cuvées. Arrivée il y a quelques années, dans l’Océan Indien, Tropical Store est le distributeur officiel de cette marque internationale, pour la région.

Chaque mois de cette nouvelle année, sera l’occasion de vous présenter une des créations de cette brillante maison de thé.

Ce mois ci

Décembre - Mois de fêtes à Paris, ou il fait froid, il neige, ou il fait bon être chez soi près de la cheminée, derrière la fenêtre en regardant la Tour Eiffel, à déguster un excellent vin chaud, ou bien une délicieuse infusion de « 25 Décembre »…

Cette création retrace les gouts originaux d’un thé de Noel,…Du marché de Noel ou l’on déguste cet excellent breuvage qu’est le vin chaud. Orange amère, cannelle, badiane, citron, le sucre et les fruits confits et bien sur du vin ! Cet elixir des fêtes de fin d’année, est excellent, et décliné en 4 différentes cuvées… de thé blanc, vert, noir, ou sur une base de Rooibos (plante d’Afrique du sud que l’on infuse, et dépourvue de théine).

En bouche, la dégustation est riche et veloutée sur les thés verts, blancs, et le Rooibos, le thé noir, lui, apporte une empreinte tannique, racée, que je vous recommanderais le matin ou en après midi et non le soir. L’équilibre est parfait, et le nez nous ramène dans les souvenirs d’enfance.

C’est immédiat. Le « panier » d’infusion continue de diffuser les odeurs gourmandes…

Un réel plaisir des sens.

La « théière » offrira une finale corsée et des patisseries seront largement recommandées avec cette boisson.

Photo credit: Suzanne Verlaque

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DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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EXPLORING EDEN

HILTON SEYCHELLES NORTHOLME RESORT & SPA

Les Cocotiers Restaurant

By Martine Gontier

I’ve always considered one of my greatest qualities as being able to keep a secret-I’m a “my lips are sealed, I’ll take it to the grave” kind of girl. However, just this once, I will make a very deserving exception as I spill one of our little island’s best kept-secrets.

“When a man’s stomach is full it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor”-Eurepides For those of you searching for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Les Cocotiers Restaurant at the Hilton Northolme Resort and Spa. As early as stepping out of the car upon arrival, even saying that I entered another world would not do my evening at this enchanting resort one ounce of justice.

THE LOCATION Nestled among the trees at Glacis, in the North of the Mahe, the Hilton Northolme Resort and Spa sits on a secluded beach cove overlooking the bay of Beau Vallon as well as the island of Silhouette. This stunning resort has won recognition from the World Travel Awards every year since 2007 and is truly a touch of paradise.

Perhaps one of its most famous guests, James Bond author Ian Fleming, was rumoured to have found inspiration to “For your eyes only” at this secluded hideaway.

They say that if you really want to make a friend, eat with him, because the ones who give you their food, give you their heart. The sharing of a meal is so much more than simply that; it is the Ocean View Bar

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DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

exchange of beautiful conversations-it reminder that we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing once in a while, and devote all of that attention to enjoying a meal. God did not make it just a necessity, but also a pleasure to eat. That said, I could not have asked for better company for the lovely evening other than that of my best friend Chloe. As we made our way to the reception area, we could hardly speak two words to one another; not for lack thereof, we are not usually ones to be lost for words. There just seemed to be this unspoken deal that we’d both be still and just enjoy the sound of the ruffles of the trees blowing windy kisses in our faces, taking in the breathtaking sunset right in front of us. I was definitely in love with my country all over again. If I had forgotten for a minute or two why I love Seychelles so much, that sunset waving us goodbye as it sunk into the horizon was definitely a reminder. We both sigh for a minute, smile, and become positively aware that this is going to be an unforgettable evening.

By the reception, a very charming team awaits to greet us - Chef Carlos and Mark Schroer, the Food and Beverage Manager both welcome us and lead us to the Ocean View Bar. This is where the adventure truly begins. Friends of mine had often spoken of the great cocktail experience at that very bar and had recommended on several occasions that I go try it myself. My only regret is that I never made the time to go sooner!

Miss Beverly Thayaludu introduced herself as the Restaurant & Bar Manager, offered

us the drinks menu, and convincingly recommended their signature cocktail, which she described as the “Kalu a la Creole”. The Kalou is traditionally a local alcoholic drink caught straight from the heart of a coconut tree. Needless to say therefore, she’d caught not only our attention, but also our curiosity. How did Miss Thayaludu’s very own creation differ from our local natural drink? It is Miss Thayaldu herself who brings us our very unique-looking drinks. The glasses are without a doubt, unique-a bit of a challenge to hold up and toast to, but definitely worth the effort once you’ve had your first sip. All I could do was close my eyes and succumb to the blend of the tropics-such a play of flavours, definitely living up to its “a la creole” theme, which has won it the first prize in the Hilton Middle East & Africa Culinary Master competition.

EXPLORING EDEN

THE CHEF AND FOOD CONCEPT The concept behind the cuisine is a blend of local cuisine, with a touch of French attitude added to it. Chef Carlos takes great pride in his final touches, and insists on detail, and settles for nothing but the best of everything-the love with which he explains each dish, be it from its particular flavours to the concept behind themis quite captivating.

The restaurant welcomes diners as of 19h30 daily. Tonight however, we have the great pleasure of having the doors of Les Cocotiers Restaurant open to us a half hour earlier. The attention to detail, and above all the personal touch to the service, is truly a breath of fresh air. A quiet, candle-lit table under the stars awaits us as we arrive. Dear gentlemen, if you’re looking for a romantic setting, I’ve found the perfect place for you! As we sit, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore a couple of metres away adds on to the air of pure bliss and relaxation which has long taken over.

Miss Priscilla Sedgwick, the Les Cocotiers supervisor, is our hostess for the evening, and presents us the spectacular menu. The menu offers such an exquisite range of dishes, that we are spoilt for choice. Chef Carlos offers exotic tastes ranging from cold starters to a warmer selection, all with the idea of keeping the mixture of local and French cuisine very much alive.

Les Cocotiers offers an exotic menu with a prices ranging from a one-course meal at 490 SCR (including amuse bouche) to a fourmeal course at 1120 SCR (including amuse bouche, sorbet, tea or coffee and petit fours).

WHAT WE ORDERED

Martine and Chef Steven Gendron

Marc Schroer – Food & Beverage Manager

every calorie! We are offered some mint tea, which wonderfully tops off our exquisite meal for the evening. Chef Carlos returns, this time with the behindthe-scenes man – the young, talented and most modest Alex Henriette, The Demi Chef , who comes to introduce himself at the end of the evening.

Excellent Job team Les Cocotiers!

“The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of the human race than the discovery of a new star”- Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin Tonight, I am reminded that cookery is not a science, but rather an art. It requires passion, imagination, instinct and a lot of love, rather than exact measurements and calculations. Indeed, there is truly no better, more sincere love than the love of food. After all, how can we expect to live well, if we do not eat well?

I finally decided on the Passion Fruit marinated Red Snapper with Papaya chutney and banana crisp the for starters. This also happens to be the winner at the Culinary Challenges Competition for Middle East and Africa 2011. Now, anyone who knows me, knows my biggest weakness is marinated raw fish. I don’t think I’ve ever known myself to decline an offer of the sort, but who can blame me really? Chloe on the other hand opted for the Lobster Bisque with red onion Marmalade and Avocado Sorbet. That I must say caught me by surprise, as she is not usually a fan of soup.

However, she willingly makes an exception as she is drawn by the play of ingredients here. After all she says, you haven’t really lived until you’ve tried everything once, and I couldn’t agree more.

The main course selection has my eyes dancing with curiosity, and the selection is as of yet to cease to amaze. I seem to be drawn to the prize-winning choices, as I once again opt for the winner of the Culinary Challenge Competition for the Middle East and Africa 2011- the pan-roasted fillet of Red Snapper with Creole spiced roast pumpkin and warm Northolme Mango Salsa.

Chloe goes for the Red Wine Glazed Filet of Beef with carrot purée and cauliflower mousseline, sautéed juliennes of snow peas and passion fruit hollandaise - a creation of Steven Gendron, Chef de Partie, also winner at the Seychelles National Culinary Competition 2011.

We are far from disappointed with our choices! There is such an exotic blend of flavours, from that passion fruit marinade to the perfect medley of avocado blended with the taste of the ocean Chef Carlos remains true to his franco-creole concept throughout, striking the perfect balance between all of nature’s gifts to culinary art. The dishes are meticulously prepared, inviting your senses to indulge, even before the first taste.

SHOULD WE OR SHOULDN’T WE? Yes, I am referring to every lady’s guilty pleasure; dessert. Needless to say, it is not a long moment of thought - we only live once after all! What is life if we cannot indulge once in a while? The treadmill has its purpose at the end of the day. I decide to try the “Mille”- A Banana and Coconut Parfait with Passion Fruit Sauce and Demerara Glazed Banana. Chloe goes for the “Perl dan Sesel”a Mango Parfait with Vanilla Sable, Mango Jelly, Coconut Mousse and Soursop Pearl, yet another winner at the Culinary Challenge Competition for Middle East and Africa 2011. Three words: worth

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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SEYCHELLOIS OVERSEAS

Emma Houareau Mothee I WOULD ONE DAY LIKE TO SEE DANCE AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM IN BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS; IT WILL GIVE THE MORE ‘ARTY’ STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE.

O

riginally from Pascal Village, Emma is the youngest of 3 girls (her older sister is the famous sprint queen- Joanna Houareau and her second eldest is Janice, an early childhood teacher at the International school).

Her mother’s special place in her heart is very obvious as she says, ‘My parents separated when I was 11 &and my mum pretty much raised us on her own from then on and she did a fantastic job. I am who I am today because of her. She has taught us well. Although it was hard for her, she did the best that she could to give us a good life.. She’s everything a mother should be and I admire her strength, compassion and caring nature. Being a mother myself I can relate more to her now than I did back when I was a teenager and was somewhat selfish & inconsiderate of her feelings at times. She had taught me that there is no greater love than that of a mother for her children and no matter what, she always put us first . I feel so blessed to have her around and grateful for all she’s done and still doing for me and my family.’

After the completion of her A-Levels at the Seychelles Polytechnic, Emma crossed over the

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DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

E: I left Seychelles in 2004 to do a post secondary dance course in Toronto, Canada for 9 months. I then took a year off from studying while I researched university courses and work out what I wanted to do with my life and my career. In the meantime I went into partnership with my good friend Poala Hodoul and together we opened a dance studio “Dansez studio”. I assisted Paola while she taught and this made me realize how much I enjoyed it and it pushed me into furthering my studies in the field. I applied to do my BA degree in dance with the Victotian College of The Arts in Melbourne, Australia and I got accepted. I left for Australia in February 2006.

P: Dance was always in your blood?

E: I was first introduced to dance by my father at the age of 7. When the School of Dance first opened my father took my sister and I for our first formal dance class and we both really enjoyed it and started taking classes there on a weekly basis. The school soon grew and started offering other dance styles & giving students the opportunity to undergo formal international assessment, take part in choreographic competitions as well as local & international workshops. This cultivated my love for dance and what led me towards my unique career path.

P: Tell us about the move.

E: I have to say it was easier than expected but to some extent the fact that I had my husband with me from the start was probably why I felt that way. I pretty much got straight into my studies as soon as we arrived in Melbourne and so I was occupied!

Also, I had to catch up with a bit of university work as I arrived a month late due to delay in our visa application (75% of the work load is practical, so you can imagine the pressure). I had to take extra classes in the evenings and the same time trying to sort out our accommodation. It was all a bit stressful. We lived in the city for the first couples of days as it was our only option and being close to university meant that I didn’t have to worry about travelling far. We knew no one in Melbourne and being in a new city for the first time trying to find a place to live can be daunting. Real Estate agencies would request past references and if you don’t have local references then you’re pretty much at the bottom of a waiting list. Finally we managed to get in touch with someone we had met briefly through a friend back in Seychelles just before we left and who was from Melbourne. He was a savior in so many ways I can’t thank him enough. He opened so many doors for us and made us feel welcome. Even his family welcomed us with open arms and took us under their wings as if we were part of their family. We stayed with him until we found a place of our own.

give the more ‘arty’ students an opportunity to shine. We have a lot of talented dancers in Seychelles and these talents need nurturing and with the growing population more and more people would want their children to learn to dance, so we have a growing demand for teachers.

P: So, you’re coming back then?

E: Of course, that is our plan especially now that we are parents. We want the twins to know where we come from, know their family, speak creole, and have similar childhoods we did. Also, being parents to twins is hard work especially when you’ve got no family around to help (even though I’ve got some wonderful friends here who will go out of their way to help). My husband works long shift hours and I’m at home with them during the day and it’s pretty full on! He gets home only to see them for an hour before bedtime. That is not the way we want to raise our children. We want to be able to spend more time as a family, I want to be able to go back to work and know that they are in good hands. Seychelles is always going to be home and I want my children to be able to also see it as home.

P: A hectic start. You grew to love this city?

E: Melbourne is multicultural city. It was named the world’s most livable city. Whether it’s relaxing, dining, people watching or shopping, Melbourne seems to have it all in a colorful and artistic heritage environment. It is famous for its notoriously changeable weather. It is a fact that Melbourne can experience four seasons in a day. That is one thing I cannot stand about this place! But, the one thing I really like about Australia is the friendliness of the people and their sense of humour. It reminds me a lot of the Seychellois people. Australians have a laid back, ‘no worries’ quality very similar to us.

P: So what do you do now?

E: Upon completing my BA in dance I went on and did a Diploma in Dance Teaching & Management. Upon completing my diploma, there was a vacancy for a dance lecture at the TAFE where I had been studying and I got offered the position. I was reluctant at first since I had not had much experience teaching at that level (tertiary) but, I accepted the post. I taught contemporary, jazz and created short dance pieces ( choreography) to certificate 4 and Diploma students training to become dance teachers. I also taught for two private dance schools, Victorian Ballet School and Mount Eliza & Peninsula Ballet School. It kept me very busy and fit which is one of the reasons I love my job! I teach kids from age 3 to adults ballet, jazz & contemporary. I am a member of the Australian Dance Vision which allows me to put my students through exam officially and also an associate teacher for the Laurel Martyn Dance System. I am currently on maternity leave after giving birth to twin boy and girl in March.

P: Do you miss Seychelles?

E: I do. I miss my family and friends. I also miss the beautiful white sandy beaches and swimming in the ocean, fresh fish, tropical fruits, the food, not having to rush to places, the warm sunny weather…

P: Have you been following the music scene much?

E: My husband was very involved in the music scene before we left Seychelles but he barely does any music nowadays other than playing his guitar and singing to the twins.

We try to stay up to date with the local music as much as we can by watching clips on You Tube and listening to the Seychelles online radio. I have to admit though that nowadays there are so many new musicians in Seychelles that I find hard to keep track.

My all-time favourite is Jany de Letourdie and I also like Mercenary & Elijah but I have yet to hear their new albums.

P: It must go without saying that the art of dance is something you would be involved in Seychelles if you were to return?

E: Yes; I would love to train young talented dancers to become teachers. I would one day like to see dance as part of the curriculum in both primary and secondary schools; it will

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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SEYCHELLOIS OVERSEAS

P: So when did you leave Seychelles?

a thousand words” Q&A With… Photographer Suzanne Verlaque, behind POTPOURRI Photography’s doors!

By Elaine Lafortune

Suzanne needs no special introduction as she is undoubtedly a familiar face to POTPOURRI’s readers.

Besides being one of the Magazine’s cover girls in the April 2013 issue, she is also the studio’s fresh photographer.

While we sat in the Boardwalk lounge and chitchatted on how best to lose weight amongst other things, Suzanne recounted her drive into the world of photography.

Ms. Verlaque, who’s had no certified schooling in the field of photography said that she discovered photography through one of her father’s friends, Mr. Ralph Lablache, with whom she worked for 3 years, learning all the ropes about how to properly use a camera.

hy Studio

POTPOURRI Photograp

“On my own, I would also use the internet and go through a number of tutorials on how to use different lenses and do different types of photography. And from there, it was all about building up on experience. Every day we had weddings to shoot, whether it was on Mahé or on Fregate, Denis Island and Silhouette amongst others; we did a lot of island hopping and it was a fun experience.”

So why did you stop?

“I became with child and because of some complications, I was at a standstill with work for about a year. But I never really stopped! I still had contacts from my previous job so I would work from home as a freelancer. Until I started working with POTPOURRI, I was doing bits and pieces everywhere to make ends meet.”

Why photography?

“It began when I was still at school. I remember my mom would often scold me and tell me to go study. She’d even lock me in my room to do so, but I never did. All I would do was just draw.

I used to sketch a lot and do paintings on the computer. But the real love for it came when I started to work with Ralph.

So photography is not something you’ve always fancied?

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DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

POTPOURRI Photography Studio. Photo Credit: Marsha Dine

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

“A picture is worth more than

“No! Not really. Initially, I had wanted to do only editing. I actually always wanted to be an artist, but as I understood better what photography was all about, it became more intriguing as it comes with an amalgamation of both art and graphics, which I have a passion for.”

What type of camera do you go for?

“There are a lot of camera brands out there nowadays. There are the most famous ones, like Canon, Nikon and Pentax, but I started with a Nikon when I was working with Ralph, and that’s the same camera I’ve been using ever since. I can’t really compare between the brands, but I reckon it’s not about the type of camera that you own, but about how well you know your camera and how to operate it.”

POTPOURRI Ph otography Stud io

“Right now, it’s just another whole adventure for me. I’ve done a lot of wedding photography and to be able to share in that joyous moment with your clients is beyond superb. Being that person who gets to capture that moment for them, (which is for a lifetime), leaves you feeling wonderful.”

And, now with POTPOURRI?

“It’s a whole different avenue. We do weddings, portraits as well as newborn and pregnancy photography. Right now, I’m very interested in newborn photography and pregnancy. I have my daughter, Malika, so pregnancy is not a new concept to me. It’s absolutely brilliant to be able to share that moment with other mothers who want a memorable photo of their trimester and newborns.”

What’s your favourite style of photography?

“I would have to say Portrait! That’s because with portrait you’re capturing the person… their physical and inner beauty, all at the same time.”

Is photography something you think you can do for all time?

“I don’t think I will ever get bored of it! It’s definitely something I can do for the rest of my life. Just look around us! We’re surrounded with such beautiful sceneries, and all I can see are colours and patterns everywhere…how does one possibly get tired of all that?”

I guess, as it is commonly said “Everything looks better in a fisheye lens!”

How important is Photoshop on your end products?

“It depends really! Let’s say you’ve taken a picture, and you’ve got pimples on your face. Maybe that’s just you being natural, but at the same time, it’s something that is not permanent, so you can always have it removed. This is where editing comes in, to make a photo look more agreeable. Or you can also enhance these little details; like with an old person who has wrinkles. You can make the wrinkles more obvious and it gives the person a whole other look.”

How do you compare freelancing to being employed?

“It’s not that different, because the line of work is the same. At the end of the day, you still have to please your clients, and that’s the

most important part. I started with POTPOURRI in May, and I absolutely love it. I’ve always wanted to have my own studio, and with the experience I’m getting, I think I’m coming a step closer to accomplishing my dream. I’m doing everything that I’ve always dreamed of doing, so things just couldn’t be better right now.”

Who’s your inspiration?

“Marsha Dine! He’s helped me considerably in learning how to do photo manipulation and has given me a lot of advice on how to better my work. I always go to him for advice.

Sometimes we would even share our works.”

Taking a photograph is not about taking a camera and capturing anything. It’s about having an eye to see what the naked eyes do not always see, and making it come alive at the click of a button.

Other than going to a friend for help, how else do you learn the trade?

“If I’m stuck, I’ll just go on the internet and look for tutorials and learn how to correctly do a certain task. A lot of things I know now have been self-taught. I was trying to do an online course in photography, but then it got too complex and I stopped. It’s not easy doing it online. It’s much easier when you have someone there next to you, explaining how to go about things. I will pursue my studies in the future though. My daughter is only 2, and right

now, she’s my focal point…so studies will have to come later.”

“Photography teaches you how to use your camera manually, and when you do that, you get to have more control over your camera,” says Suzanne Suzanne tells us that being a photographer is not cheap business, as the equipment is exclusive and sky-high.

“Buying a good camera is not inexpensive!

Sometimes when you tell customers the price for a shoot, they tell you it’s too expensive. But if they only knew how much it costs to buy all the equipment, they wouldn’t think that way.”

Getting your photos printed is a must!

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s impossible to reproduce.”

“A lot of people nowadays, take photos and never have them printed. You know how bad this is? You can take a hundred photos, but if you just leave them on your computer, you will eventually just forget about it. What happens when your computer crashes and you lose all your memorable photos? But if you go to a studio, and you have 5 of your best photos printed, this is something you can keep. You can go to a studio and have your family photo taken and printed. Job made easy! We’re all so busy these days, to make time to get our digital photos printed. But at a studio, you can have all of that! All you need to do is pay someone to take your photos, and print them for you. This is the benefit of going to a studio!

Is there anything you know now, that you wish you knew before you started?

“Yes! If I knew that in a few years’ time, Seychelles would embrace photography the way it has, I would’ve gone to study in the field before having a family. It’s not easy raising a 2-year old and being focused in your work at the same time. I make sure I finish everything at the office so I can make time for her, but when I really can’t, my parents are really helpful.”

Is having your own studio in the near future something that’s on your mind?

“Definitely! It’s one of my endeavours. I would even consider teaching photography, if the opportunity comes along.

Any advice for the rookie photographers?

“I would say find the type of photography that suits you best and just run with it.”

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

What would you deem as your most memorable moment in photography?

FEATURED ARTIST

The One of A Kind MARLENE DUBOIS

The Girl from Bel-Air

A move to Beolière, taught Marlene that she belonged to Bel-Air; the place where she was born, raised, and where she currently resides. Marlene, who will be celebrating her 30th birthday in January, is the eldest of three children. Her creative flair did not come as a surprise to those who know her and her family, given that both parents were involved in ‘design.’ Her father is Mr. Vernay Dubois from the Nation newspaper, and her mother is Ms. Beryline Julie who also works at Nation.

Choosing Graphics When Marlene joined the College of the Arts, there was no module for graphics designing.

“There was art, dance, textiles etc., and I remember being scared since I had no clue how to draw,” she explains. It didn’t help that fellow students included the likes of Ms. Juliette Zelime, a very talented designer. While at first she questioned herself and her ability, her determination and her drive to become a designer laid to rest her fears and insecurities. “I believe it’s all about what you want. I wanted to succeed and so I practiced, and practiced.

Before I knew it, I was scoring A’s.” It would seem it was all meant to be for someone who confesses, “I breathe, I live design. There’s nothing else I can do.”

Michael Arnephie

Photo Credit: Suzanne Verlaque

Mr. Michael Arnephie is a name that almost always pops up when graphics design is discussed in the Seychelles. A mentor to many, and Marlene is no exception. She was Michael’s first employee at Hi-Tech Graphics back in 2004. “I am indefinitely thankful to Michael, since the first step is so important, and I formed a good base there.” Lacking knowledge and skills in the field at the time meant that she could not occupy the seat of the main graphics designer, “I watched and observed a lot.” The team grew, and one addition that had an impact on me was Mr. Aubrey Adeline – he became my inspiration.

I have always loved his work; it’s clean, simple, and elegant.” That was also Michael’s work principal – keep it clean and simple, but ensure the message is transmitted.

Rising Sun After 3 years, Marlene moved on from Hi Tech, and onto the new Rising Sun newspaper.

While designing newspapers is where her career took off, Marlene found the work to be tedious, and felt that it hindered her creativity. Designing 20 pages of more or less the same thing took its toll on Marlene, and 3 years later she decided it was time to move on.

‘Change was crying out!” she confesses.

Print On and We Print The change would manifest itself in another agency, Print On, where she worked for Mr. Christopher Gopal in a small team of 3. Marlene has very nice things to say about her boss who she found, “lenient, calm, and was always ready to talk.”

“I left after two years, not because I was unhappy, but I had to make a closer step to having my own business, and for me that meant I had to work in a larger business environment.”

We Print was perfect for what Marlene needed. “I work well under pressure, and pressure was exactly what I got!” She describes her one year experience at We Print as life changing.

“I discovered exactly what I was capable of doing, sometimes accomplishing ten pieces of work in one day.”

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Her parents

Officially, Marlene’s business was set up a year ago, but, she had been slowly building up a clientele in her spare time over the years. “I wanted to build a name for myself – not just for the sake of it, but to build a good name,” she explains. The name itself was no easy task to come up with since she didn’t want to settle for Marlene’s Designs, or something predictable like that. The origin of the name iCreativity is very interesting, “the ‘I’ represents ‘A Point of Light’, which is part of the teachings of Brahma Kumaris, whose teachings I was following at the time.”

Marlene credits her father for instilling good principles in her. “As a child I wondered why he was strict, and had so many rules, but now I realize it was the best approach to raise a child.” Proving to her father that she was her own person, capable and independent, has also been a life-long task. She takes a stroll down memory lane and recalls when her parents first bought a computer, and how she was excited to explore the machine. During one such adventure, she dragged documents into the recycling bin, and given how mad her father got, she swore she would never touch another computer again!

“He was not happy initially with my College of the Arts choice. I do understand where he was coming from, but it took him a while to accept that this is what I really wanted to do, and I think in the end he understood,” she explains. These days, her father comes to her for fresh ideas, or reverts’ clients who are looking for something different to her. “We bounce off ideas with each other,” Marlene happily admits.

‘The philosophy of Brahma Kumaris has helped me define my work. I am here to add a glow. Yes, money is a necessity for a business to run, but my satisfaction runs deeper than that. My client needs to be happy,” she explains.

“I do not distinguish between big or small clients. I remain consistent in my dedication and the quality of my work,” she continues.

Spirituality “I am not one to limit myself to any knowledge. I have no disrespect for any religion, but I have always asked myself the questions, ‘who am I? and ‘who is God?’, along with continuous déjà-vu experiences, at a certain age I started to search.”

Life experiences precipitated Marlene’s search as she increasingly needed comfort and strength. Bible study did not answer her questions, nor gave her the comfort she searched for, and so her search continued. As timing would have it, a conversation on her last day at work at Print On with her colleague changed her course of life. Sensing her confusion, her colleague who was a student of Brahma Kumaris, asked her the simple question, ‘who are you’, and for the first time in her life Marlene could not answer it. About the timing, Marlene laughs and says, “I asked her, where have you been all these years?”

Marlene then started attending the classes which she feels, taught her so much. But, her search carried on, “I meditated, watched videos, read and observed everything around me.”

The Search When Marlene is asked what exactly it is that she has been searching for, her answer is simple; ‘who am I?’ But, she gladly informs us that she has found her answer. “While researching I came across ‘African Spirituality’, which had a deep impact on me,” she explains, “that’s when I started going natural, starting with my hair.”

“To me, African Spirituality is an extension of Brahma Kumaris. It explores your ancestry, your roots.”

Her Daughter Marlene is no exception when it comes to the proud mother syndrome. She speaks of her daughter, 8-year old Nailah, with great passion and fierceness similar to a lioness protective of her cubs. Marlene describes her as a ‘very bright girl who has great potential.’

“She’s different from me; she loves the colour yellow, and loves being in the spotlight.”

Unlike many women though, who find that motherhood drastically changed their lives, to Marlene, it was a different experience, “I just went with the flow – it wasn’t a big change, but an additional responsibility”

As for her mother, Marlene simply describes her as ‘my biggest fan’.

She also adds that it was through her parents that she became familiar with certain aspects of what she does today, “they would come home talking about this classified and that advert, and so on….”

Inspiration and Style “I am a designer. I do not call myself a professional graphics designer. I am not into rules and titles, and classifications. Yes there are elements of design one has to follow, but my overall approach is simply to create,” Marlene explains. While many artists and or creators can pinpoint objects, or places as sources of inspiration for the work, Marlene insists it doesn’t work that way for her, though she does admit that reggae music helps her drift away into her designer mode. “I don’t limit myself with rules, I just do what I have to do.

When you’re being creative, nothing can go wrong”, she says.

True to her philosophy, she doesn’t bask herself in compliments about her work, nor does she take offence when criticized. “I laugh compliments off; I do not take them seriously. At the same time, I try and get a feedback when I am criticized to figure out how I could have done something differently,” she explains.

Sharing her knowledge Despite her incredible talent, Marlene insists that there’s nothing special about her. ‘If I can do it, anyone can do it. In fact I tell people who are in awe of my work that they can do even better. I believe it is important to encourage others, and not hide any knowledge. By sharing, I grow as a person, and get so much more back,” she says.

The next thing “All I want to do is shine a little light everywhere I go. The light doesn’t have to be glaring, but just as long as it provides a little comfort.” Marlene concludes.

To see more of Marlene’s work, go to: https://www.facebook.com/iCreativity.sc

As for her inspirations for Nailah, Marlene says, “I want her to be better than me. She watches me when I work, and ask questions, though for now she’s into being a cabin crew!”

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FEATURED ARTIST

iCreativity

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For more information, contact Jean Paul Maurel Office: +248 4374585 | Fax: +2484224730 | Mobile: + 2482717797 E: sales@seychelles-properties.com | www.seychelles-properties.com

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The solution to paint Fungus & Mould attacks!

It is a common problem and headache for most of you who have recently painted your house or building and a few months down the line, a kind of reddish/orange mould gradually attack, particularly the exterior painted surfaces. At first it usually appears as small round spots that multiply and grow larger with time. The process is aggravated if your house or building is situated at high altitude in places like La Misère and Sans Souci that are of high moisture environments or if lots of vegetation or trees grows nearby.

Mould cleaning instruction: To kill lichen, algae or mould

growth, scrub with one of the following solutions: either 4:1 water/HTH Chlorine, or 4:1 water/Javel or JIK (sodium hypochlorite). Higher solution concentration may be used if the wall surface is highly infected. Ensure that the areas are completely saturated and allow the solution to react for a minimum of four (4) hours. Rinse the complete wall surface thoroughly with clean water. As a safety precaution, remember to wear protective clothing, particularly gloves and eye goggles.

DULUX Wallguard with its added fungicide is the solution to this problem.

However, it is mandatory that all surfaces to be painted are properly prepared; that is cleaned and primed before repainting. On surfaces where the moisture levels are high, Dulux Trade Plaster Primer Moisture Tolerant or DULUX Alkali Resistant Primer may be used as a primer.

DULUX Wallguard is a durable exterior suede finish coating with dirt shedding properties and mould resistance. The Hydrophobic mechanism

makes it ideal for all types of exterior walls – retaining and boundary walls.

It is suitable for application to new cement plaster, fibre-cement boards, brickwork, and various types of composition boarding. It is also suitable for direct application to previously painted surfaces which have been correctly prepared. It can also be applied to metal and wooden surfaces providing an appropriate primer is used. In interior bathroom and kitchen ceilings when added mould resistance is required, DULUX Wallguard is the solution.

Features and Benefits:

Durable dirt-shedding suede finish Unique dual action hydrophobic mechanism – allows easy moisture escape Exceptional water repellence Inherent mould resistance – patented Mouldex technology Excellent coverage – spreading rate of 8 to 10m² per litre depending on surface porosity, profile and application method.

DULUX Wallguard can be applied by brush, roller or airless spray and thinning is not recommended. It is ready for use after thorough stirring. It is dry to the touch in 1 to 2 hours (drying times will be extended during rainy and other wet or humid conditions) and recoating is recommended in 4 hours.

DULUX Wallguard is available in various colours. For more information, visit our showroom at Woodworks Unlimited Pty Ltd, Rue de Quinssy, Providence, Mahé or call 4374919, email: d.payette@wwuseychelles.com.

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HOMES

What Colour is Christmas? his month, some colours will be dominating our surroundings. Red, green and gold. These are the most common colours of Christmas. Admittedly, there is a festive appeal associated with these colours when they are brought together at a dinner table, in a sitting room and of course, on a Christmas tree.

If for you, Christmas is getting a little too familiar and predictable, maybe you need to consider venturing out from the what tradition dictates and start making it into the way you want the festive season to be manifested. Not a fan of red, green and gold?

Well, why not silver and blue? Or pink and white? Ever thought that purple and black could be festive?

There is also something else to consider when it comes to colour themes for Christmas. How far do you extend it? Only to your tree? How much consideration do you give to gift wrapping? Most of us are usually so unprepared for Christmas that we end up doing everything in a hurry and at the very last minute – leaving us with no time to waste on minor details such as colour coordination. What we fail to realise is that the little extra effort we put into anything, makes our loved ones feel special and makes us feel good. Christmas holidays provide the perfect time for family members to come together and make Christmas special and memorable – even if it is in the midst of red, green and gold!

Try to keep it personal. Ideally, a Christmas theme should be an expression of how you and your family feel about Christmas – not what society dictates. Granted, in Seychelles you might not be able to easily find everything that you will need to create a theme – but you’ll be surprised what you might find if you take the time to look around. Make it a family or a friends’ outing and try not to be in a rush.

Pink and White

White artificial trees have had more visibility over recent years here. While white itself is very much a Christmas colour (by virtue of snow during the Christmas winter month), its relevance in Seychelles is somewhat redundant given we live in the tropics. However, we do send Christmas cards with snowmen and snow villages art – right? So what is stopping us from having some ‘white’ Christmas in our home? White is fresh and while too much of it can be clinical, adding a dash of pink to it makes for a fabulous Christmas!

Pink is of course not everyone’s colour and it is mostly associated with girly things and hen nights. But if you do secretly love it – give it a go. It’s all about the tone!

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Blue and Silver

A bit of shine is very Christmassy. For people who do not like gold, silver works just as well – if not better, depending on the pairing. Any shade of blue will work well with silver – from dark to pale. Just remember that blue is the accent colour and you are using it to bring out the silver. Do it right and you will end up with a showstopping modern look this Christmas.

HOMES

Brown and Beige

Chocolate need not be the only brown thing in your home this Christmas! The pairing of brown and beige in December might raise some eyebrows, but you might be surprised with the festive effect they create. Yes, the tone will be earthy and sober, but with the right amount of shimmer in the right places, you are in for one classy and uber stylish Christmas!

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FASHION

6 Christmas

Classy Act

You are sensible and yet an element of fun is portrayed in this combination.

Sophisticated Fun Expect a spring in your step in those shoes and THAT dress. Every other girl in the room will be checking you out from the corners of their eyes.

Dress (SR525) | Slide Up Moda Shoes (SR600) | Slide Up Moda Clutch (SR325) | Rodyanne’s Fashion

Dress (SR850) | Emporium Shoes Trendy Boutique Clutch (SR1600) | Forever Young

Dress | Venture-Bay.com Shoes (SR595) | Emporium Clutch | Slide Up Moda

Head Turner

Yes, the whispers will be all about you. Expect them when you step out in this Little Mistress number!

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FASHION

Fabulously Floral

Freshness and glamourous; that’s what you’ll get with floral and sparkles.

It’s Christmas after all, go for it!

Dress (SR895) | Trendy Boutique Shoes (SR590) | Rodyanne’s Fashion Clutch (SR295) | Rodyanne’s Fashion

Pink Princess

There’s never a wrong time for pink; the softness of this look will make everyone think butter melts in your mouth!

Clutch (SR850) | Rodyanne’s Fashion | Shoes (SR850) | Forever Young | Clutch (SR1400) Forever Young

Christmas Chic

Everyone will be wondering how your date got so lucky in this number!

Dress | Raphael Collection | Shoes (SR650) | Emporium | Clutch (379) | Trendy Boutique

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Jade Larue, 23. Tres Jolie Boutique, Unity House What’s your number one fashion rule?

Are you a high heels/flats or sneakers girl?

Which celebrity would top your ‘best dressed’ list?

Your favourite designer?

The make-up cliché; Less really is more. But I’m into heels just like any girly girl, but if you need your make up, always go to bed I can’t argue being most comfortable with a clean face. It only takes 3 minutes! wearing flats.

I’m not into designer labels such as Gucci, Eva Longoria. She looks good in everything LV, Versace and so on... I actually know nothing about them and I don’t see the she wears. She’s sexy and classy all in one. point of owning a $1000 handbag.

Locally, I am in love with the KANKAN What’s your favourite item collection in your wardrobe?

My pearl stud earrings. You’ll rarely see me A good fashion sense without them!

means….

Your favourite place to shop?

I’ve got a few favorites! New Look, Forever 21, Max, Matalan, La Senza.

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Being comfortable in what you’re wearing.

Find the right clothes to suit your body type and age. Everyone has the ability to look and feel like glamorous.

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Suzanne Verlaque

MAKE-OVER

MAKE-OVER BEFORE

Martin Hoarau’s Hairdressing Do blondes really have more fun?

Suzanne Verlaque obviously had her doubts about this as she opted for a ‘darker’ look – far away from her signature long blonde hair.

To know more about Suzanne, go back to page 20 where she talks about photography; her passionate career path.

Hair (with Kellie) Suzanne walked into Martin Hoarau’s Hairdressing with a picture on her phone of the look that she wanted. She wasn’t kidding when she said ‘fun’ – it doesn’t get much more fun than with blue and purple highlights! Colour aside, Kellie gave Suzanne’s long hair some choppy layers to add some volume to the look.

For booking, call Martin Hoarau Hairdressing on 4325186

Make up (with Virginie) There really isn’t much more one can do when you have both beautiful blue eyes and blue highlights. Virginie added a dash of sparkly blue eye shadow on the corners of Suzanne’s eyes for some dramatic effect (in the smallest dose possible!). Foundation to even out skin tone and some pink gloss completed the look!

For booking, call Virginie Quatre on 2733020

for AFTER photo go to page 36

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The Team

1. Hair: Kelly Allen Hoarau | 2. Make Up: Virginie Quatre | 3. Photography: Maria Morel 34

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BEAUTY

Black Up Paris Pearl Powder

FACEBOOK

Beauties

The faces that turned our heads on FACEBOOK in October 2013...

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A concentrate of pure shimmering pigments, these powders attract sparkling light and instantly illuminate eyes with incredibly intense, unprecedented color.

• Instantly add sparkle and illuminate the eyes • Loose powder packaged in jar • Sprinkle Pearl Powder over eyeshadow to intensify color

and radiance These eyeshadows are must-haves in your make-up bag this Christmas. They will add that extra glitter to make this holiday that little bit brighter!

Available at the Gift Shop, SR205 each.

http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/pearl-powder.html

Name: Suzanne Verlaque Occupation: Photographer In my bag, you’ll always find: “My Loreal foundation N4 Beige!”

I can never say no to: “ ‘Dior Poison’ perfume” To me, beauty is... “simplicity. A little goes a long way.”

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Suzanne says:

“Wow! I love this darker side of me!”

AFTER

Name: Shana N Victor Occupation: Director In my bag, you’ll always find: “My ‘Lancome’ lipstick of course” I can never say no to: “ ‘Dolce Vita’ perfume” To me, Beauty …”gets the attention but personality captures the heart!”

Sponsored by:

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• Freshest and Largest Range of Fruits and Vegetables • Largest Dairy and Frozen products assortment • Large range of Cooked Meats and Ham’s • Freshly Baked Bread • An extensive range of Wines, Spirits and Dry Goods Mahe Beau Vallon

Praslin Baie st Anne

just past the police station

on the Cote D’Or road

Mahe Tel: +248 4247575

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI 37 Praslin Tel: +248 4236308

BEAUTY

Healthy Nails Mean STRONG NAILS

Follow our simple guide to ensure yours are looking great!

By Jennifer Baldwin Nails are made of keratin – a hard fibrous protein. New nails grow from active cells beneath the fold of skin - the cuticle and the area at the crescent shaped area at the base of the nail - the lunula. Each nail lies on a bed rich in blood vessels which gives the nail its healthy pink colour. As new cells develop, older dead ones are pushed forward to create the flat hard surfaces we see.

Nail growth is influenced by hormones especially noticeable during pregnancy and by temperature which is why we experience quicker growth in warm weather. Growth is also affected by poor nutrition, infections and ageing.

Good nutrition is essential for flexible strong nails and well conditioned cuticles. Increase your intake of iron, [lean meat and leafy vegetables] as its lack can lead to brittle nails. Ensure a good intake of vitamin C [citrus fruits and coloured vegetables] which helps the body to absorb iron Calcium and vitamin D [oily fish and cod liver oil supplements] is necessary to encourage growth and prevent dry brittle nails Broken and ridged nails are caused by lack of vitamin B and biotin in the diet [red meat, fish, nuts and cereals] White flecking on nails often occurs from damage under the cuticle but could also indicate a zinc deficiency – increase your intake of zinc [meat, shellfish, dairy and cereal products.]

Limit external damage, exposure to water, chemicals, soap and detergents will weaken nails and dry out cuticles.

• Wear rubber gloves when carrying out household chores.

• Caring for the cuticles will help ensure nails grow evenly and have a

good colour.

• Apply hand cream after washing hands, rub cuticle cream to the

base of the nails daily to help nourish the surrounding skin and

stimulate circulation, promote growth and prevent ragged cuticles.

Home manicure – Be gentle with your nails - File them in one direction only. Sawing back and forth action will cause splitting and peeling.

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Avoid infection - Don’t share your nail file and replace it often as germs get trapped and could lead to cross infections.

Make sure your shoes fit properly – cramming your feet into tight shoes will cause the toenails to grow into the surrounding skin leading to painful ingrowing toenails or lifting of the nails which can also lead to infection.

Avoid going barefoot especially in warm, damp public places where fungi and viruses may thrive and cause infections to toes and nails.

Salon visit - Consistent nailcare practice at home and paying attention to dietary needs will help ensure strong healthy nails. This can be supplemented by a monthly professional manicure or pedicure but in order to maintain your good practices at home there are key things to take into account.

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Cleanliness is the major factor, a clean environment, clean work area, clean qualified employees and strict sterilisation practices should be your main considerations when choosing nail salon.

Tools should always be sterilised to clean and kill germs and if you prefer take your own manicure tools. Cuticle sticks and disposable nail files should not be shared by customers.

If you do not wish to share bottles of polish, base coat and topcoat with other customers, take your own.

Infections can also result from over zealous cutting of the cuticles when the protective barrier is compromised and bacteria can enter the body. Ask that your cuticles be pushed back instead and keep trimming to a minimum.

With pedicures involving a foot bath, check that the salon ensures that the bowl is cleaned and sterilised after each customer.

For dry skin removal, ask for a gentle foot file. Cutting tools can be dangerous and may cause cuts to the underlying skin if not used correctly leading to infections.

Let your nail technician know if anything feels uncomfortable. A visit to as salon for a manicure or pedicure should be a pleasant experience.

Jennifer Baldwin has worked in the fashion and beauty industry in several countries

18+ Please Drink resPonsibly

HEALTH

VIEW FROM THE STATION

by Jenny Gilbert

Part 12 of 12 – A lighter, more conscious you in 2013

WHAT’S YOUR NAME, WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER? A peak into your numeric make-up We all have moments that define us as individuals, that change how we see things because they shift us in such a way that we are suddenly open to adjusting our thinking pattern about an issue or belief.

Numerology deals with how numbers influence objects and people in the universe. It is gaining popularity as a trusted ancient system with which to access universal wisdom and offers fascinating scope for guidance.

One of those moments for me was a meeting with a Numerologist. Very much a part of my reality now, at the time I had little real understanding of how the entire universe could well be composed of mathematical patterns and that all things can be expressed in numbers that correspond to energy patterns of vibrations.

All one needs to do is type in ‘Numerology’ in a search engine on the internet to find a plethora of information on the subject and to start the journey towards an intriguing understanding of numbers and their origin.

Numerology is an ancient metaphysical science which, at least in the modern sense, can be generally traced back to the Greek mathematician, philosopher and theorist, Pythagoras who theorized that numbers are the very foundation of the universe. Long before Pythagoras, ancient cultures from China, Japan, India, Babylon, Mayan, Inand Egypt, used numerology in a myriad of applications.

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There is an enormous body of knowledge within the system of numerology. For the benefit of keeping it simple for this article, Numerology is the historic study of the relationship between names, birth dates, numbers and letters (as symbols for sound). Each sound has a set rate of vibration that can be measured numerically - and each letter’s place in the alphabet is its rate of vibration. Numerology is founded on the principle that everything that exists has motion in the realm of vibratory frequency. In order to measure vibration, we need numbers.

It is therefore not surprising to find a growing fascination with this ancient metaphysical science. Today there is hardly a reputable tabloid newspaper or mainstream magazine that doesn’t feature a column on numerology.

Using numbers, experts are able to determine key points in people’s lives and moments in which to make major moves and decisions, such as travelling, investing and marriage.

Some individuals rely on Numerology to the extent that they change their names in order to shift the vibrational frequency of the numbers in their name, believing this to positively enhance their emotional, mental and spiritual presence in the world. Having said this, I need to qualify that those I have met, who have made this somewhat radical change, have been highly educated individuals who swear that their lives just got better from the date of that change. Not to forget, of course, that the date was also very specifically chosen for the actual registration of the new name.

I never do anything of significance or plan an event without considering the date. Nor would I establish a business or relationship without

checking the names involved. From my experience, being involved in the choice of numbers and how they might affect an outcome has enriched my life.

If nothing else, Numerology can be fun – a bit like first learning arithmetic as a young child and realising that it has a very practical application in our lives. It can help open our eyes to new insights and possibilities. Once we start ‘getting’ that everything we say, do, see and feel is composed of numbers and that the ensemble of those numbers has unique vibrations depending on the structure of the numeric combination, we recognize that everything in life is a symphony.

We are not simply JANE DOE born on some day at some or other time.

We are unique in our energetic expression determined by being born at a specific time on a particular day, given a name chosen by another energetic individual. It all adds up and is reduced to one single number that represents our unique vibrational nature.

Since it’s Christmas time may I suggest you take a little time to consider the real significance of the day on which Jesus was born. If you add 2+5+1+2 you get 10 which reduces to 1 – the number of Kings and Leaders. Of course.

Have a beautiful Christmas.

The Meaning / Vibrational nature of Single and Master Numbers: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6:

The Primal Force The All-knowing The Creative Child Laying the Foundation A Dynamic Force The Caretaker

7: The Seeker 8: Balance and Power 9: Global Awareness 11: The Most Intuitive 22: The Master Builder 33: The Master Teacher

YOUR LIFE PATH in numbers Perhaps the single most important number is the Life Path number.

To calculate your Life Path number, which is based on the birth date, you use basic mathematics and add up the numbers in the date and then reduce it. For example if you are born on the 3rd February 1958, your Life Path number will be 3+2+1+9+5+8. When added, this results in 28.

To reduce further, in line with numerological rules, you would then add 2+8 = 10. Again if you take 1+0 that equals 1. Once you have a single number, that is the end of the calculation and that number is your Life Path number.

Jenny Gilbert is the founder and owner of Everglow Ltd, the island’s premier natural health manufactures and service providers. She is also Director of Wellness at Resonate Wellness at The Station. Homoeopathy is a well recognised system of ‘natural’ medical treatments for most diseases and conditions. Please visit resonatewell.wordpress.com or email reson8.well@gmail.com.

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HEALTH

As we increasingly depend on computers for progress we, by default become more and not less reliant on numerical systems. This affects all areas of progress in the appreciation and development of the arts and sciences, in industry and in medicine.

Better Living

With Célia Ponzo

HEALTHY FOOD CAN BE FESTIVE TOO

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ave you ever felt that strong impulse of being drawn to food even more than usual during the holiday season? If yes, you are not alone. The holidays offer so many options to live abundantly. If you look around everything is amplified; People, emotions, food and more fat and more sugar and more salt.

It is so easy to be hijacked and seduced by festive food.

Food is an important part of many holidays, celebrations, family and cultural traditions. In fact special occasions are often centred around food, (especially in Italy where I am from!!). As a result people gain a little or a lot of weight during the holidays. Who is to blame? Perhaps it’s all the delicious treats available or pressure from family, friend and co workers to overeat. Maybe it is increased emotional eating whether it could be from holiday stress or holiday joy.

Always remember that you can have a healthy lifestyle even during Christmas. Christmas can be as festive and fun even without over indulging ourselves to then have to battle with the consequences in the new year.

So here are things you should think twice about before doing:

Say yes to every treat thinking that you will juice cleanse it the next day

Eat cookies shaped like Christmas trees at your yoga class because someone kindly brought them to you

If someone brings you a box of chocolate leave it sitting in front of your desk battling every moment not to reach for it

Drop your weekly exercise classes in favour to attend every single dinner party you have been invited to

Think that calories from festive treats are miraculously ignored by your body

Stop shopping for food thinking that you have drinks and dinner plans every night and then you realise you don’t so buy quick unhealthy hunger fixes

Replace your tight dress for sweat pants because it doesn’t fit anymore.

Instead here is what you should encourage yourself doing:

Visualize yourself gliding through the day making empowered food choices

Ask yourself are you hungry?

Does this food support you holistic health in some way?

Sticking to your clean eating plan and allowing yourself two weekly indulgences

Eat a snack before going to a party this will inhibit hunger ruling your choices

Stand away from the buffet table; the closer you are the more tempted you will be to go for second and third servings!

Not berating yourself if you eat or drink a little more but indulge moderately. There is no need to do without your favourite foods just take smaller portions and eat slowly

Chew your food as it supports better

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digestion, add pleasure for your senses and gives your brain a good amount of time to decide whether you are full

Do some pre holiday planning where you will decide when you are having non festive days to plan for healthy meals. Keep your fridge stocked with healthy fruits and veggies because you will be home more than you think

Enjoy good friends and family and use this time to reunite with them instead of just making food the focus of your holiday. Focus more on the holiday pleasures in addition to the tastes of holiday foods.

Finally give yourself a guilt vacation. If you know you will not be able to stop yourself and you overeat do not worry. You will have lots of time in the new year to get back on track.

What is important to remember is balance and moderation, take good care of yourself, eat smart, stay active, get enough sleep and this way you will enjoy a healthy holiday.

Célia is passionate to inspire happier and healthier lives by sharing holistic tips to her public. Her background is in medical anthropology and public health. She is currently working in the nutrition unit at the ministry of health.

AGONY AUNT

Dear Annalisa ......

Too Many Opinions Q:

Dear Annalisa, One of the annoying things of having a new baby is hearing other’s opinion of how she should be handled. From my grandmother to my neighbour’s eight year old child, all I hear is ‘where are her socks?’, ‘she must be hungry, have you fed her?’. I don’t seem to get a moment’s peace to enjoy my child and I feel that one of these days I’m going to BLOW up and give them a piece of MY mind. Should I continue smiling through it all and save myself the drama?

A.K, 27

A:

Dear A.K., Let’s be honest here, no adult wants to take parenting advivce from an 8 year old child, so I can understand your frustration there, plus it doesn’t stop with her. To deter unwanted or inappropriate behaviours in children we encourage adults to ignore the behaviour(s). This is likely to work with the 8 year old, but what about the adults? How many and how much of the opinions can you ignore? I believe that since you are yet to blow up, that up to now, you have been smiling through it all. However, it would seem that, that’s not really changing the situation for you! More importantly the fact that you have evaluated the situation as one that is likely to cause you “to Blow up”, it might be wise to address the issue to avoid any type of “drama” as you say.

”THE THING WITH BOTTLING THINGS UP WHILE SMILING, IS THAT ALL BOTTLES EVENTUALLY REACH ITS FULL MARK”.

The thing with bottling things up while smiling, is that all bottles eventually reach its full mark. Then it either runs over endlessly or if you put the cap on it pops off. So it is best to learn to take just so much. It is best to know your limits and asserts yourself firmly on any matter. Let’s do this by using the LADDER:

L: Look at your rights, what you want and what you need. Define your goal and keep it in mind when you negotiate for change A: Arrange a time and place to discuss the situation. Some things though have to be addressed spontaneously as and when it happens.

D: Define the problem specifically. State the facts as you see them and share your opinion and belief.

D: Describe your feelings using “I messages” (e.g. I feel annoyed and inadequate as a mother, when you always offer opinions about how I care for the baby”) E: Express your request simply and firmly. Be specific and firm. State your wishes and needs as preferences rather than commands.

R: Reinforce the possibility of getting what you want. The best reinforcement is to describe positive consequences (e.g., . This will allow me to be more calm and happy when I visit with the baby.)

Remember always, you can only control your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. You cannot control what others think, feel or how they behave (including what they say to you). In all honesty they may mean no harm, people’s care and concern can sometimes come across as a bit skewed.

So be calm, be assertive and be merry on baby’s first Christmas day.

Merry Xmas.

Broken Q:

Dear Annalisa, I have invested 25 years of my life in a relationship with a man who was my world. I gave up everything for him and together we built a home and raised three children. Our marriage was never perfect but I never saw the ‘I don’t love you anymore’ coming. It did and left me in pieces. How can I start over at 45? I have no idea how to exist without him. How do I pick up the million little pieces of my life?

Simone, 45

“I PERSONALLY THINK THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN DEALING WITH A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP IS TIME”.

A:

Dear Simone, This has heartbreak written all over it. Losing a loved one is never an easy thing to process. As with any loss we grieve and grief has its stages, so you are most likely to go through the different stages of grief. The initial stage is denial, where the world becomes meaningless and overwhelming (kind of where you are at presently) the second stage is anger, followed by a bargaining stage, where we somewhat make “what if..” statements.

Depression then sets in (you probably have elements of that to right now) until eventually we move onto acceptance of the situation as it is. This is roughly the pattern, but some people move back and fro through the stages. There is no prescribed length of time for grieving. Each person go through the stages in their own time frame.

So how do you pick up the pieces of your life, as you go through the different stages? Plainly said: “One day at a time”, while keeping yourself occupied with your work or whatever you do, by keeping yourself distracted with your children, family, friends, or colleagues.

Again there are no real prescribed ways, but these have been proven to soothe the process. Taking up a hobby and exercising are also helpful towards creating distractions and preoccupations. Being distracted and preoccupied allow our thoughts to temporally divert to the situation that we are presently and actively engaged in. That’s all well and good during the day, you may ask what about the sleepless night? Some people are prescribed sleeping medication for a short duration, with support to find alternative sleep remedies.

You may be waiting for a more sophisticated answer, but there really isn’t. I personally think the essential element in dealing with a broken relationship is Time. None could be more true that the old saying, “time heals all wounds”. With time the event is processed differently. This is not about forgetting, how do you forget 25 years of your life? It simply means that with time, you process the separation itself differently and you don’t have this same daunting thought of “how do I pick up the million little pieces of my life”.

Separation is hard for most people, and harder for some, please do not hesitate to consult a mental health professional if you are finding it too hard to cope.

With that let me wish you a joyful Christmas with your 3 children, family and friends; and encourage you to use the New Year to create loads of new opportunities for yourself.

Annalisa Labiche is a practicing Clinical Psychologist with over 5 years experience. She completed her Bachelor of Art (Psychology) degree and Master in Psychology in Australia. She is exposed to a multitude of complaints such as relationship, parenting, family issues, psychological disorders, substance misuse amongst many others.

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PARENTING

The Story of Santa

By Nathalie Hodgson

I

t’s the usual breakfast scene, my son is playing with his porridge and every now and then pretending the spoon is a sword and my daughter is about to break out in song (either from a musical or her own lyrics on a nursery rhyme tune). I watched as my husband ensures the spoons were frequent and accurate between the two and I wondered where did the time go? Another full and wonderful year with my little family … oh but wait there is Christmas yet.

This year my daughter, now three, will understand and truly believe in Santa Claus and be consumed by the magic and thrill of Christmas. When I was a child, I believed in Santa, though I realized he was fictitious long before my parents told me. At that realization I remember feeling a sudden sadness, almost as if I had lost a family member. I felt cheated and the feeling was so intense that Christmas took a somber tone. This may sound exaggerated, but the simple fact to a young child is that it was in fact a lie! But in my naïve days, there was a certain magic about Christmas Day and the night before, believing the man would fly to my house and bring me presents because he’d been watching me and knew I’d been good. But had I? Had I been good?

I remember being a child sitting on Santa’s lap at the mall, nervously hoping he’d only heard good things. So then when Santa confirmed I was on the nice list and presents were coming my way, I remember feeling – even as a young child – how I had gotten one over on the old man. I hear many mums take the bribe tactic, stating ‘if you don’t behave then Santa will not come home and there will be no presents this year’. But what happens right after Christmas? That tactic no longer applies? In actual fact it undermines your authority as a parent and its pure extrinsic motivation. Your life will be constantly thinking up bribes to make them behave? How stressful.

In our home, my husband and I work very hard to encourage our kids simply to be good for eachother, for themselves for others. Throughout the day, when my two-year-old son cries, I ask my three-year-old daughter if she can

“SANTA WILL VISIT OUR HOME FOR AS LONG AS HIS MAGIC IS ALIVE…” think of a way to make him feel better. The slightest hug or kiss from her or me is all my son needs to immediately pop back to happiness. And then I’ll quietly nudge my daughter and point out: “You did that! You got him to feel good again.” And we share a quick, tender smile before she goes back her dance or song routine.

As I had my last spoon of porridge a thought crossed my mind, should I tell her that Santa is make believe? Should I protect her from the sadness that I went through knowing that he was really just a story and that Mum and Dad went to the supermarket and bought our presents and the elves did not pack and label them?’ Then my husband reminded me of that feeling of Christmas and well all the other stories you are told as a child – fairies, monsters, the Easter bunny, unicorns and my personal favourite mermaids .What would my childhood have been like if I did not have these make believe characters?

Do I really want to rob my children of this joy? Yes they may be just as disappointed as I was, when they learn the truth but they will be disappointed with many things when life becomes ‘ real’ and the cloud of childhood bubble fades away as they enter adulthood.

What is important though is that they understand the real concept of Christmas. Not the commercial Christmas but the giving gifts to the less fortunate, saying thank you for what gifts they receive and continuing to be kind and true every day of the year. It is a magical time with a house full of people, family gifts, music and food; a time to reflect on how precious family is and how dear each member is too us.

The lights will still twinkle and the decorations still shine. Santa will visit our home for as long as his magic is alive and when that day comes I will be there to hold them tight and remind them about the day, which will still be special simply because it’s Christmas, we are loved and we are together.

Nathalie Hodgson, is a writer, mother, PR & Marketing consultant and yoga instructor, juggling this whilst raising two kids and enjoying the most of life, she can be contacted on natsavy@hotmail.com.

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PARENTING

‘Parole de Sage Femme (avec L’Oréa Dewals, Cabinet Isis)’

Je suis enceinte, mon corps change…

Je suis enceinte, mon corps change…

Les femmes enceintes décrivent couramment des changements au niveau de leur anatomie. Ces modifications varient d’une femme à l’autre mais également d’une grossesse à l’autre. Mesdames vous êtes enceintes, voila quelques changements que vous risquez d’observer et quelques astuces pour gérer et accepter ces transformations.

Des modifications posturales : Le volume de l’utérus augmentant avec le poids du bébé, votre ventre tire vers l’avant et crée alors une courbure au niveau du dos. Cette courbure exagérée provoque des douleurs plus ou moins importantes. Il est alors important de surveiller sa posture tout au long de la journée en étant debout, assise, lorsque vous conduisez ou que vous êtes allongée…Eviter une prise de poids excessive.

Privilégier des exercices tels que le Yoga ou la gymnastique dans l’eau, qui permettent de travailler les muscles du dos et la souplesse. Des exercices de bascules du bassin sont également conseillés, vous pouvez en faire lors de votre préparation à la naissance.

Des modifications cutanées : L’hyperpigmentation corporelle est retrouvée chez 90 % des femmes enceintes. La peau devient plus foncée au niveau du mamelon, de la région génitale, autour du nombril et une ligne brune se désigne de manière à couper l’abdomen en deux.

Elle régresse spontanément quelques semaines à quelques mois après l’accouchement, et ne nécessite aucun traitement.

Le mélasma, plus connu sous le nom de « masque de grossesse » touche 70% des femmes pendant leur grossesse. Cette hyperpigmentation crée une zone brunâtre symétrique au niveau du visage.

Elle est d’autant plus importante et visible que la personne a naturellement une peau foncée et que l’exposition au soleil est importante. Le traitement est en premier lieu l’éviction solaire et lorsque le mélasma persiste un an après l’accouchement,

des crèmes spécifiques peuvent être prescrites. Chez 30% des femmes, le masque sera toujours présent un an après l’accouchement.

L’acné peut également se développer pendant la grossesse. Des vergetures apparaissent chez 9 femmes sur 10. Elles touchent principalement les seins, les cuisses et l’abdomen. Elles s’expliquent par la distension mécanique de la peau et la fragilisation des fibres de collagène. Rouges violacées pendant la grossesse, elles s’atténueront dans le post-partum mais ne disparaitront jamais.

Hydrater votre peau au maximum et ne jamais gratter la peau qui s’étire. Limiter votre prise de poids pendant la grossesse permet de prévenir leur apparition.

Au niveau de vos seins : votre aréole est plus foncée et vous observez autour le développement de petites glandes: ce sont les Tubercules de Montgomery. Ces modifications jouent un rôle primordial lors de l’allaitement maternel, puisqu’elles permettent au nouveau-né de voir et de localiser le sein.

Des modifications vasculaires : Vos jambes, vos mains et votre visage gonflent, ce sont des œdèmes qui disparaitront spontanément après l’accouchement. Certaines positions permettent de les limiter, comme la surélévation des jambes, certains exercices qui stimulent la circulation sanguine, telles que certaines postures de Yoga.

Les varices sont présentes dans 40 à 50% des cas. Dans le cas d’hémorroïdes des traitements en application locale sont utilisés et recommandés pendant la grossesse.

Des modifications des cheveux, des poils et des ongles : Vos cheveux poussent pendant la grossesse et sont plus beaux. En revanche, vous observerez une chute importante après l’accouchement, qui peut durer jusqu’à quelques mois.

La grossesse, stimule également la pousse des poils. Et oui mesdames, vous allez être poilues !

Vos ongles sont également souvent fragilisés.

Des modifications de la vue : Il existe en effet une tendance à la myopisation (difficultés à voir de loin) en fin de grossesse qui peut entrainer des maux de tête. Il faut dans ce cas, ne pas hésiter à contacter votre ophtalmologue.

Les lentilles de contact sont également mal supportées. Cette intolérance s’explique par la modification de la cornée et de la composition des larmes. Une consultation est généralement à prévoir deux mois après votre accouchement.

Vous pouvez également vous retrouver à avoir du mal à voir de loin puis de près rapidement. Ces troubles de l’accommodation sont fréquents et peuvent persister le temps de l’allaitement.

Voici en quelques lignes quelques changements courant qui peuvent survenir au cours de votre grossesse, pour plus d’informations n’hésitez pas a contacter un professionnel de sante.

Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année a toutes, et l’on se retrouvera en 2014….

Loréa.

KayleahTurns Name: Kayleah Gabriel Birthday: 6th December From: Mommy Fyza and Daddy Dan

Message:

“Our boisterous little cutie pie is never one to sit down, family members and close friends look forward to our texts detailing her latest antics especially her expanding vocabulary and the ‘naughty’ words she shocks us with.

She is the family’s pride and joy and we would like her to have this as a souvenir when she grows up.”

(In collaboration with Chanterelle Bookshop)

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WITH

BE RNA R D GE ORGE S you can file a complaint in court against the person with a view to getting the person to sign a bond to keep the peace for a period of time. This could be an effective remedy against your neighbour and would get him or her to keep the dog in check.

In addition to either of the above actions – and very likely the one that will be recommended – is a pure civil claim against the neighbour. This is because in law the owner of an animal has control of the animal and is responsible for any act of the animal, even if the animal is lost or has escaped. This is called vicarious liability in law – the liability of a person for the acts of persons or things in his custody or under his control. It is therefore clear that you have the right to bring a civil action against the owner of a dog which comes into your property and fights with your dogs. But what remedy will you ask for?

My neighbour’s dog came into my property and fought with my dogs. What legal grounds do I have to prosecute my neighbour – if any?

This is a perennial problem. I was once asked on radio whether my dog had the right to bite a burglar who came in to my property and when I answered – correctly, because you owe a duty of care even to burglars – that, no, it didn’t, the whole of Seychelles came down on me like a ton of bricks! So, this one will be approached with more caution ... and more explanation.

First off, a definition. The word ‘prosecute’ in the question needs explaining. One prosecutes a criminal case. The idea is to punish a wrongdoer for breaking the law. Usually, the State prosecutes criminals, but there is provision in the law for private individuals to do so. They may do so if the State, acting through the AttorneyGeneral, chooses not do so but private prosecutions, as these are called, are rare. I mention all this now because the owner of an animal which does not prevent it from causing damage commits the offence of causing a reckless and negligent act. Because this is a criminal offence, the owner can be prosecuted. In the circumstances of this case, though, it is likely that the State will not prosecute the owner of a dog – or give you permission to do so – if all the dog does is to come and fight with yours. You will have to look for alternative remedies. There are two possible ones.

The first is some sort of breach of the peace prosecution. The law allows anyone who is threatened with a breach of the peace by someone else, or who is actually disturbed repeatedly by another, to take a quasi-criminal case against the perpetrator of the action.

The word quasi-criminal simply means something that is somewhat criminal – a sort of halfway house between a criminal act (like hitting someone) and a civil one (like allowing a tree to fall on someone’s car). Thus, if someone threatens, harasses or generally annoys you,

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THUS, IF SOMEONE THREATENS, HARASSES OR GENERALLY ANNOYS YOU, YOU CAN FILE A COMPLAINT IN COURT AGAINST THE PERSON WITH A VIEW TO GETTING THE PERSON TO SIGN A BOND TO KEEP THE PEACE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD BE AN EFFECTIVE REMEDY AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOUR AND WOULD GET HIM OR HER TO KEEP THE DOG IN CHECK. There are two things you will want: that the neighbour is forced to prevent his dog from coming onto your property, and that he pays you for any damage or injury to your dogs. You can get both. The second is likely to be small, unless your dogs are pedigree thoroughbreds and they have suffered serious injury. If your dog is a normal little (or large) mongrel, you can still recover the cost of any injury, and moral damages for your inconvenience. But it is the second remedy which will interest you more: stopping a repetition of the dog coming and fighting with yours. You will ask for an injunction restraining your neighbour from permitting his dog from coming onto your property. Injunctions are not easy things to obtain and they will only be given to restrain an action which, if it occurred, damages could not repair. Luckily for you, restraining your neighbour’s dog is one such action. Money cannot replace a dog coming onto your land and disturbing your peace as well as fighting your dogs. Once you get an injunction (and perhaps some damages too) you can rest assured of one thing – your neighbour’s dog will never ever again come and cause your dogs any more grief. Then again, maybe your neighbour is reading this article and you may not need to do anything after all!

Educated at Seychelles College and Cambridge University, Bernard has two Masters Degrees – in law of divorce and in canon law, the law of the church. He is best known as a lawyer, having been in private practice for over 30 years.

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CONSERVATION

Mommies…Go Green!

A s you hold your bundle of joy, you realize you have some pretty big decisions to take…which names to choose, who will be the god-mother and father, which day-care is the best, etc etc. One thing we mothers are very consciencious of is the monetary loss on thrown out disposable diapers, formula tins and outgrown clothes.

However, we hardly think of the negative effects that the disposal of these items can have on the environment, nor do we even consider the idea that our little bundle can have a very large carbon footprint. Considering everything your baby needs, is it possible to reduce this carbon footprint?

We think you can…try these tips, and save up on a lot of cash as well.

USE SECOND HAND ITEMS

While it’s hard to imagine perfectly great baby stuff ending up in a trash heap somewhere, countless items are thrown away each year. Though it’s nice to have brand-new things for your baby, chances are you can get your hands on quite a few gently used toys, pieces of equipment and outfits passed down from family or friends or even better yet, from older siblings of the baby.

USE ECO-FRIENDLY EQUIPMENT

If you must absolutely buy something brand new then a choice of cots, breastpumps, feeding bottles made from wood and/or biodegradable plastics will certainly help to reduce babies impact on the environment.

Try to choose energy efficient appliances where applicable, and avoid easily broken toys to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Avoiding battery-operated toys will also help ease the challenge Seychelles is currently facing to deal with the disposal of hazardous wastes (the batteries).

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding is not for everyone, and no mom should ever feel guilty for not choosing this route if it doesn’t work for her lifestyle or for health reasons. Formula is a perfectly healthy way to feed your baby, but if you are able, breastfeeding is the way to go if you’re looking to lessen baby’s footprint. There’s absolutely no product required. No packaging, no transport — just you.

“MOTHERS (AND FATHERS!) ARE IN CHARGE ON THEIR CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING AND THAT INCLUDES HELPING TO SUSTAIN THE ENVIRONMENT THAT THEY LIVE IN!!”

USE CLOTH OR BIODEGRADABLE DIAPERS

Disposable diapers take 450 years to biodegrade, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (of the USA). Considering that the average baby will go through 8,000 diapers, that’s quite an impact. If you think it will fit your lifestyle, consider using cloth diapers.

REUSE MEANS REDUCE!!

Reuse baby’s bath water for watering plants in your garden or outside your house….and contribute to the national water conservation effort.

Think of other ways you can reduce, re-use or recycle all of the items produced through the process of caring for your baby.

Mothers (and fathers!) are in charge on their children’s well-being and that includes helping to sustain the environment that they live in!!

Try these websites for more information about green parenting: www.grist.org - Ask Umbra – tips and advice for all aspects of green living http://thegreenparent.co.uk http://www.greenparentingsolutions.com http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article-earthday-greenparenting.html

Contributed by Ginnie Laurencine for Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S), a local NGO whose mission is to promote sustainable living in Seychelles. For more info about our work contact us: Email: info@s4seychelles.com Tel. 422-4072 / 251-9135. Address: Suite A9 Arpent Vert, Mont Fleuri. Website: www.s4seychelles.com or find us on Facebook. This article was supported by the GEF small grants programme.

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by Henry Riggs-Miller

F

riday November 1,, 2013 will be a day that I will not soon forget. On this day we took my two year old daughter fishing for the first time. It was a glorious sunny afternoon that was full of promise. This trip was not about the catching; it was about the experience.

As we discussed the outing I realized I had waited for this day for a long time.

In my mind, her fishing trip would be on a sportfishing boat and we would go trolling. I had light tackle and small lures prepared to catch a small tuna or bonito for her. A small blackfin tuna was the first fish I caught trolling when I was two and half according to my Dad and I wanted the same thing for her. I have photos of me with my first little tuna and I could already imagine a framed photo on the wall at home with father and daughter proudly displaying their first tunas at the same age.

My wife on the other hand had different ideas. She had gotten together with her mother and sister and they had decided that the girls would go out on the smaller boat while the boys went out on the bigger boat fishing that afternoon. The girls also included my sister-in-law’s two kids aged five and two and three quarters. I was told I could go out with the boys since the girls were going out on a short trip. My help was welcome but

not necessary because there would be a captain and deckhand on board.

It took me a while to answer because the whole illusion I had created in my mind suddenly came crashing down.

My daughter’s first trip would not be trolling but bottom fishing. A little tuna or bonito would not be her first catch.

Instead, she would catch some sort of a red fish if we were lucky. More than likely however, it would be a baksou. When I finally answered, I heard myself say I will go with the girls. I wasn’t going to miss my Princesses’ first fishing trip no matter where it was. It could have been in a barrel for all I cared and I would have been there.

The afternoon was glorious as I said and the sea was calm. I enjoyed watching my daughter’s hair flying in the wind as she sat next to me during the run offshore. I looked up at my beautiful wife sitting across from me and thanked God for the opportunity to be on that boat; on the “girls” boat that day.

The fishing itself was an afterthought and the impossibility of a tuna being her first fish was long forgotten. Instead we bonded as families do when they fish together.

My daughters first fish was a pink fish after all – a Terez. This was appropriate since pink is her favorite color. I only insisted we release her first fish as a sign of respect for the ocean, goodwill with Neptune, and to begin teaching her about conservation. I could not have asked for a better day and I was delighted as I watched her little pink fish swim away.

Henry is one of a handful of anglers that has caught IGFA’s coveted ‘Billfish Royal Slam’ (all 9 billfish species) twice. A passionate angler and conservationist, he is also The Billfish Foundation (TBF)’s ambassador in the Indian Ocean. Together with his wife, Allison, Henry co-owns FINS Tackle, a big-game fishing and pro-tackle store opening soon at Providence, Mahe.

BLUE OCEAN

A Special First Hooked On Conservation

OCCASIONS

Richy and Renee Kandasamy About the couple: 36 year old Richy (Technical Director and Creative Colorist) and his 34 year old bride Renee (Designer / Creative Director / Entrepreneur), exchanged their vows in two parts of the world on two special days during the month of September.

Richy, one of our very own now resides in ‘the concrete jungle where dreams are made of’, New York, where Renee is from.

Their story: We’ve been together for 10 years and lived in 3 different countries together before settling down in NY and getting engaged. That was our dream come true - these weddings are the cherry on top and a proper celebration for all the love and success we’ve had in our live thus far.

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OCCASIONS

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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Janu ary

F e b r ua r y

Ma r c h

Apr i l

Ma y

June

Jul y

A ug us t

S e p t e mb e r

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

Octo b er

No v e m b e r

D e c e mb e r

Love and Harmony makes the Holiday season more special.

The POTPOURRI Team wishes you both of these and so much more.

Marie-France, Ineke, Olivia, Cyril, Joanna and Suzanne. X

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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OCCASIONS

Firenze 09.21.2013 “Firenze Italy - where we met 10 years ago in a salon where Richy worked.

Renee says, ‘I was traveling and when we met I never wanted to leave again.’

The wedding was a true reflection of us: Modern Classic mixed with a bit of Italian nostalgia and little rock and roll. Both of us wore custom designed wedding attire and walked down the aisle to “ Somewhere over the Rainbow” and exited on Bob Marley’s “One Love”. For decoration, there were candles and peonies flowers everywhere. On the tables, were candelabras mixed in with grapes and figs. Our 125 guests came from all parts of our lives - New York, Italy, London, Seychelles - it was a very global, glamorous affair full of all the amazing people in our lives who have helped us arrive to that day. The after party these was a masquerade ball were everyone wore venetian masks and danced until dawn.”

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“Second wedding and honeymoon took place in Seychelles at the Hilton Northolme Resort.

Tropical Elegance - Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mahe Island - palm trees, white sand and pink sunset.

We dressed elegant simple in colors inspired by the Seychelles sunset, while guest wore all white and Richy went barefoot! A beautiful and intimate affair of 50 people - surrounded by our family, old friends and new friends. The menu was creole with a mix of vegetarian for the bride. Fresh fish, lentils, papaya - all of our local favourites! We danced to live music through the night. It was magical.�

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OCCASIONS

Seychelles 09.28.2013

OCCASIONS

Photo Credit: Suzanne Verlaque

In April 2013, POTPOURRI launched a Subscription Campaign, whereby 10 new subscribers stood to win a Coeur d’ile Eau de Parfum each. At the time of the launch of the April issue, Isabelle Gellé, the woman behind The Station Perfumery had just started the process of ‘making’ the perfume.

It would be several months down the line when the final product would finally be ready to be given to the winners.

At the enchanting The Station Bar and Café, a small crowd gathered on October 9th to put an end to this wait! The winners, POTPOURRI representatives, Gisele and Jenny Gilbert were all present for the warm and short reception.

Coeur d’ile Eau de Parfum is an exotic scent that transports the wearer to the tropical world where the clove of Zanzibar meets the Bourbon vanilla and the patchouli of the Indian Ocean islands.

Available at Everglow, The Station, Sans Soucis.

Main pic caption: L-R: Giselle Gellé, Murline Lebon, May Khreizat, Christina Palmyre, Rajeeva Jayatilake, Francia Kilindo, Cyril Benoiton, Marie-France Watson, Jenny Gilbert. (Missing Erline Bristol, Hilda Chetty, Lina Philoe, Marie-Joseph Luc, France Bakkas)

L-R: Giselle Gellé, Murline Lebon, May Khreizat, Christina Palmyre, Rajeeva Jayatilake, Francia Kilindo, Cyril Benoiton, Marie-France Watson, Jenny Gilbert. (Missing Erline Bristol, Hilda Chetty, Lina Philoe, Marie-Joseph Luc, France Bakkas)

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HONEYMOON IN PARADISE

“We chose Seychelles because we love the landscape of the islands and it was always a dream for us to visit them one day.”

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HONEYMOON IN PARADISE

WEDDINGS IN PARADISE

Bride & Groom: Jennifer Koeller and Fabian Pape From: Germany Photos: Grand Police Bay and Baie Lazare All photos by Cameraline Productions | camline@seychelles.net | www.weddinginseychelles.com

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BON APPETIT Sometimes less really is more.

Try this understated dish from La Plaine St. André’s menu, the delicious Poached Bourgeois fillet.

A fitting accompaniment would be a glass of Saint-Joseph ‘Fruit D’Avillera’ Francois Villard from France, available from Archipelago Wine & Spirits.

The cocktail ‘du mois’ is Lover’s Touch from Takamaka Bay.

La Plaine St. André T: +248 437 2010 E : reservations@laplaine.sc W : www.laplaine.sc

Fresh fillet of red snapper poached in a seafood & lemongrass bouillon and served with tagliatelle and hollandaise sauce Per portion THE FISH 225g red snapper fillet It’s best to buy a whole fish and fillet it, so that you can use its carcass for your fish stock. Aim for a fish of approximately 2 kilos for a party of 4 – The carcass weighs almost as much as the fillets you will get from the fish!

1 tbs butter 1 lemon 1 bunch of lemon grass, wrapped up like for lemon grass tea 8 white pepper corns 1 onion 2 bay leaves 2.5 dl white wine 1 litre water HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 3 egg yolks 175g unsalted butter Juice of ½ a lemon Salt Ground white pepper THE PASTA 250g Tagliatelle 1 deseeded tomato Onion Olive oil

POACH YOUR FILLET Melt your butter in a non-aluminium pot.

Aluminium causes an unappetizing change of colour in butter-based sauces!

Sautée your onions slowly on low heat until soft.This should take just under 10 minutes.

Add the fish carcass, water, wine and herbs, including the lemon grass. Allow to boil for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Strain your stock to filter out the carcass and add the fish fillets.

Simmer for 12-15 mins just below boiling point.

The fillet should stay in one piece, however when prodded with a fork it should separate with ease into deliciously tender layers.

THE HOLLANDAISE SAUCE You shouldn’t really make this sauce in advance. If you warm it up it will separate, so make it just before serving.

Melt your butter in the microwave until it is completely liquid. You will only need the translucent part of the liquid so pour this into a separate container and discard the residue. Leave to cool to room temperature. The cooling down is very important, because if the butter is hot it will cook the egg and curdle your sauce!

Whisk your egg yolk with a little salt and pepper until light and fluffy.

While whisking your egg yolks, slowly drizzle in the melted butter and whisk until smooth.

Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste If your sauce is too thick for your liking add some water.

THE TAGLIATELLE You can boil your taggliatelle in advance and heat it up just before making your hollandaise sauce. Please note that it is important to follow packet instructions when boiling, as they vary for different brands of tagliatelle.

To heat up your pasta, fry your tomato & onion for 2-3 minutes in about 2 table spoons of olive oil and stir in the pasta until it is nicely coated in the infused oil.

PLATE UP! Tagliatelle first, the fish fillet gently placed on top followed by a generous drizzle of hollandaise sauce. Serve as soon as possible, garnished with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

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The Wine

YOU WILL NEED WHAT TO DO A highball glass and a long handled teaspoon Crushed or cracked ice One loose handful of fresh mint leaves Half a shot of fresh lime juice Half a shot of sugar syrup (two parts sugar to one part boiling water) One shot of coconut cream One shot of Takamaka Bay White rum Half a shot of Takamaka Bay Dark rum Half a shot of Takamaka Bay Coco rum Three shots of fresh pineapple juice

Saint-Joseph ‘’Fruit D’Avilleran’’ Francois Villard from France; This wine is dominated by the Marsanne grape; with a touch of Roussanne, this aromatic blend has some stone fruits and gentle spice on the nose. It is surprisingly delicate!

Place the fresh mint, lime, sugar and coconut cream into the glass – mint first.

Press the mint against the side of the glass with your long handled spoon, smearing it around the glass as you do so. Make sure that you are mixing the flavours as you smear the mint around the glass.

Pour in the rum and add a scoop of cracked ice – fill around ¾ of the glass.

Churn the rum and mint through the ice pulling the mint up from the bottom of the glass so that the flavour is evenly spread.

Fill the glass with ice and top with pineapple juice, add two straws and garnish with a mint sprig

Takamaka Bay T: +248 437 2050 E: info@takamaka.sc W: www.takamakabay.com

Archipelago Wines & Spirits T : +248 4 37 48 76 / 77 E : cheers@archipelago.sc

The home of

Festive Season Treat yourself this

at the most picturesque restaurant on the island.

Christmas Make the most of our special Christmas sessions by Collective Soul on treats of mulled wine, rum cakes, Enjoy our presents under the tree and carols by candle light.

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays over the month of December.

Contact us for details on our festive entertainment and special menus. Conditions Apply.

Rum Distillery - Bar - Restaurant Tel: 4372010 Email: reservations@laplaine.sc DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

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BON APPETIT

The Cocktail

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REVIEWS

Top 5 rental releases

(sponsored by GR Video Rental)

Pacific Rim starring Idris Elba and Ron

Perlman To say that Pacific Rim is a Sci-Fi movie would be too hasty. To call it a monster flick would be too presumptuous. In fact, it’s hard to put you finger on where this film really sits because like most good movies, it doesn’t easily lend itself to one genre. I would simply say that it falls into the category of ‘films worth watching’ if only for the awe-inspiring scale of the production. Don’t overlook director Guillermo Del Toro’s unique and fantastical take on the subject of the apocalypse and remember that no one makes movies quite like him.

It also happens to be one of Kanye West’s alltime favourites films, whatever that’s worth.

Now You See Me starring Morgan Freeman and esse Eisenberg

with Kur t Gilber t

World War Z

starring Brad Pitt

Grown Ups 2

starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock

Monsters University

starring Billy Crystal and John Goodman

Film of the month The Armstrong Lie – Starring Lance Armstrong Dir. Alex Gibney Some of you may have felt a surge of anxious excitement upon seeing the title of this documentary, thinking that someone had finally cracked the Moon landing and exposed Neil Armstrong and the U.S. Government as fraudulent no-gooders who fooled the rest of us into believing that they’d made it to the moon when really, the whole thing was filmed in a Hollywood basement.

Alas, it isn’t quite about that. It’s about the other Armstrong – the one who seemingly willed and worked his way to the number 1 position of not one, not two but seven Tour De France competitions despite famously suffering from testicular cancer and, ahem, being married to Sheryl Crowe.

What really happened though, was that Lance Armstrong pumped himself and his team mates full of illegal steroids in order to enhance their performance, carefully covering his tracks by remaining vehemently (and ironically) anti-drugs until the pressure came down and he finally admitted to rigging the largest cycling competition in the world 7 times in a row.

Since coming clean (no pun intended), Armstrong has been the goto guy for any instance of doping-related news in sports the world over. His story remains one of the most intriguing and definitive in modern day sports, especially because no one saw it coming.

Whether or not you’re into cycling, endeavour to see this as a character study and an exploration into ambition, celebration and desperation. In that regard, it’s one of the most interesting documentaries I’ve seen in many years.

If that’s not your thing: Keep an eye or two open for new-world

thriller ‘Ender’s Game’

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REVIEWS

Album of the month

This time, 10 years ago...

Alicia Keys - The Diary Of Alicia Keys We all know Alicia. We all love Alicia. If you say you don’t, you’re either too young or too old and the rest of us forgive you. She is, after all, a unique songwriter, one of the most soulful female singers of her generation and the owner of a keen set of piano fingers.

After so many great verses, greater choruses and a meteoric rise to fame, it’s almost hard to believe that there was once a time when none of us knew Alicia Keys. That time is one I don’t care to remember as much as December of 2003, when the would-be goddess released her second album ‘The Diary Of Alicia Keys’ to critical acclaim.

Arguably more pivotal to her career than her first release, ‘The Diary’ gave fans a more rounded listening experience, with instrumentals from Keys and some of the best producers in the business such as Timbaland and Kanye west.

Robert Glasper Experiment Black Radio 2 How Robert Glasper and his bandmates in the Experiment aren’t household names continues to astound me. The Jazz piano aficionado Robert Glasper put together the progressive Jazz/R’n’B Experiment in the early Naughties and immediately started pushing the envelope in terms of concept and sound with their debut album, Double Booked. The band’s popularity snowballed and after a period of rigorous touring, fans quickly demanded another offering from the four men that made up ‘The most dangerous band in Jazz’.

So came Black Radio, an album with a guest list longer than the Ritz and a completely innovative blend of Hip-Hop, R’n’B and Jazz sensibilities that garnered the band their first Grammy award for best album. With the release of their second album and a slew of high-profile shows such as the iTunes festival, the Experiment entered another level of success which precipitated their latest (and possibly greatest) album to date; the aptly titled Black Radio 2.

BR2 is the logical evolution of the band’s sound in every way; It’s more considered in it’s sentiment, more ferocious in it’s expression and more relatable to it’s audience. The band manages to maintain a constant push-and-pull energy throughout that makes the listener want to throw their arms up with the joy of discovery or sit in a dark room and cry ever-so softly.

Something for everyone, then.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, just check out some of the guests: Common, Patrick Stump (of Fall Out Boy fame), Snoop Dogg, Brandy, Jill Scott, Norah Jones, Macy Gray and Emeli Sande.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Not to mention that timeless wonder ‘If I Ain’t Got You’. Go ahead – Youtube it and start reminiscing.

Gifts for her …

First Sight by Danielle Steel

New York. London. Milan. Paris. Fashion week in all four cities. A month of endless interviews, parties, unflagging work and attention to detail. At the centre of the storm is Timmie O’Neill, whose renowned line, ‘Timmie O’, is the embodiment of casual chic, in fashion and for the home.

First Sight is as complex and compelling as modern life itself. Careers, families, histories, losses, duty, obligation, and fear of losing control and getting hurt. It is a tale of daring to take risks, and losing control just enough to have a life, when the opportunity presents itself. When two very different worlds and strong-willed people collide, everything changes in an instant, as they confront the age-old question of whether to lay oneself bare and risk intimacy—or not. Are they brave enough to face what comes next? And will they do it together or apart?

Gifts for him …(or for the diehard Manchester United Fans !)

Alex Ferguson My Autobiography by Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United after 27 years in the role. He has gone out in a blaze of glory, with United winning the Premier League for the 13th time, and he is widely considered to be the greatest manager in the history of British football. Over the last quarter of a century there have been seismic changes at Manchester United. The only constant element has been the quality of the manager’s league-winning squad and United’s run of success, which included winning the Champions League for a second time in 2008. Over the past four years, Sir Alex has been reflecting on and jotting down the highlights of his extraordinary career and in his new book he will reveal his amazing story as it unfolded, from his very early days in the tough shipyard areas of Govan.

Now stop reading this and get Black Radio 2 into your life.

If that’s not your thing: Check out ‘Reflektor’ by Canadian Indie geniuses Arcade Fire.

If they liked The Hunger Games… Let them discover All books are available from Chanterelle Bookshop, Quincy St. Email: chanterelle@seychelles.net

December Review Recipe for Love by Katie Fforde

by Thyra Faure

What can be better for a story, but the thought of food strolling hand in hand with love? Truth be told, not much except maybe chocolate and love. From the very beginning, you meet Zoe Harper, a twenty seven year old who has won a place in a cooking competition.

Throughout the book she encounters trials and tribulations in the competition, not only with the food but with certain individuals as well.

Throw in a romantic love interest and you got the ingredients of a good lovey-dovey story. This should be kept for those dire times when all else looks dull and grey, the story will keep you in your own little world, all safe and cosy.

Annike Faure

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7,500

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No one knows Seychelles better 68 facebook.com/CableAndWirelessSeychelles DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

@CWSeychelles

Cable & Wireless (Seychelles) Ltd. Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, MahĂŠ.

Tel: (+248) 428 4000 Fax: (+248) 432 2777 www.cwseychelles.com