POTPOURRI April 2014

Gaborone, Botswana

An African city you MUST visit

Is getting married necessary?

Bridal Special Find your DREAM wedding dress with Monique Tirant

TOP 10

Bridal Don’ts

Simply Laughter Have a giggle with your kid

www.potpourrimagazine.com

Christophe Potter Seychellois in New York

APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

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POTPOURRI

April

56 Moloko: Local cuisine with a Mauritian touch

44 Being in grace: A gift from the divine

53 Eden Islanders take initiative to help protect Seychelles’ corals

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Shooting for the Stars with FAME

Ms Jules take on Engagement Rings

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: Preethi Nair 5. Freelance Writing: Martine Gontier | 6. Freelance Writing: Mawess Wirtz 7. Photography: Suzanne Verlaque | POTPOURRI Photography Studio

La Plage

8. Graphics & Layout: Olivia Michaud | E: info@angelcreativedesign.com

right on Beau Vallon Beach 1

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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.

Phone: +248.4.620.240 Open everyday Non-stop 12pm - 11pm

Closed on Wednesday

From the

EDITOR

Dear Folks,

Photo credit: Cameraline Productions

The engagement period is an exciting time for most women. The ring has been placed on the finger (phew) and suddenly the entire world revolves around one day. The wedding day. I don’t have anything new to say about wedding preparations that hasn’t been said before. It’s a different experience for every couple. However one thing that many couples would agree upon is that preparing for the wedding can be a true test to how much of each other and each other’s families they can tolerate. If everyone turns up at the venue on the set date, then it’s an indication that there’s hope for this couple and the two respective families in the future.

We have some dedicated articles on the subjects of marriage and weddings. If you are a brideto-be, pay attention to our beauty article this month and learn what you must NOT do prior to your wedding to ensure you look as stunning as you possibly can on your special day. If you and your partner are toying with the subject of marriage, you must not miss our lifestyle articles where we talk about the case FOR and AGAINST signing on the dotted line...If you have been invited to a wedding and you’re facing a nerve wrecking ‘what to wear’ moment, our fashion page will take care of that in a jiffy (we even have something for the men in this one!)

On a personal note, I have been with my husband for 10 years this year; 4 of which have been under the status of husband and wife. I am not in any way an expert on the perfect marriage but one thing I have learnt along the way is that marriage is very similar to the other relationships we have. It needs nurturing, respect, compromise, honesty and above all love. Prior to getting married, I longed for a proposal and a wedding. Those moments have made wonderful memories in my life, but I do realise that getting married is not the reason my husband and I remain a couple today. (I don’t think sharing my reasons in this editorial will do wonders for my marriage so I’ll keep them to myself ). All I will say is that in our case, it takes much more than having signed on a dotted line to remain a happy couple.

The Aloe Vera plant

If you had the chance to grab a copy of our March issue, you would have perhaps noticed that the photo we had in our medicinal plant section (Exploring Eden) did not match the text. We were talking about the Aloe Vera, but instead featured a photo of Gro Bonm. Below is a photo of the Aloe. Gro bonm is featured in this issue.

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

Chief Editor

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Cover Model Model: Lindy Barallon Age: 19 Profession: Student at the NIHSS, specializing in Pharmaceutical sciences

Graduation: 2017 Do you want to get married? Yes When? When my significant other and I are ready!

Your dream wedding dress? It will have to be something simple – definitely a tube top dress but more flowy than puffy.

Your ideal wedding venue would be?

Definitely a beach

An interesting fact about you? I love cooking, especially creole dishes. I make a mean grilled fish and chicken coconut curry. There’s also my ultimate fear; heights. I am terrified of heights and deep water as well.

Where would you like to be 10 years from now? I have 8 more years of school to go through.

Once I’m done I would love to open up my own over the counter pharmacy.

Photographer: Suzanne Verlaque

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Hair: Helen Payet

Make-Up: Olga Mor

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Dress & Jewelery: Momo’s Choice

Bridal Bouquet: Natalie Edmond

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Musings of an Island Girl Photo Credit - Joel Zamzow

by Tina Houareau

Habit

Don’t spend all your life alone Make a home Fall For what you want It may take ages But when it appears Fall With all your might When you find that someone You will never die Don’t spend all your life Under the sun Fly into the night Fly into the light

Tina Houareau is a Seychellois living in the USA with her young son. She is an Instructional Designer for Capella University, where she is completing her PhD in the same field.

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LIFESTYLE

Marriage Matters

“For years my wedding ring has done its job. It has led me not into temptation. It has reminded my husband numerous times at parties that it’s time to go home. It has been a source of relief to a dinner companion.

It has been a status symbol in the maternity ward” Erma Bombeck

I’ve been married to hubby for a decade!

That’s 10 years, 520 weeks, 3652 days, 87648 hours, 5258880 minutes… you get the idea. In the context of time it might just seem like an eternity- with our lifetimes still ahead of us. (Yes, “105 is the number that comes to my head when I think of all the years I want to be with hubby!”

A decade doesn’t make me a marriage expert- but it has definitely given me some insight into being married. So here goes…

Relationships are hard- marriages are harder.

Sharing your space with someone is definitely a huge adjustment- whether its cupboard space especially if you don’t have ‘his’ and ‘her’ armoires or the agreeing which half of the bed you get!

Marriage by definition is a union of two people-but don’t be fooled- families are part of the package-so you get a whole lot more than you bargained for including the dogs, cats and any other pets.

Falling in love with your partner is the easy partthe courtships are always rosy- but once married - loving all of their quirks ALL OF THE TIME- now that’s a tad bit tricky!

Marriages are made in Heaven but the honeymoon doesn’t last forever – although in Seychelles that might be quite debatable!

When it comes to finances I like to think of myself as an Independent woman- (I can and like to buy my own bling). With that said however, I must admit it is far better to have shared finances (his money is my money too!!) but best of all it sure helps having a man pay all the bills on time every-time ( Yes some of us women are very co-dependent like that!)

Hubby and I don’t always see eye to eye on many things but one thing is for certain we are looking at the same horizon- having a shared vision for our future together.

Hubby and I have seen the best of days and the worst of moments. We have gone through devastating loss of a family member to being overjoyed parents of an adorable baby. Through the good times and bad- we have each other’s backs!

Although some may argue that for all of my lighthearted reasons above, it really isn’t important to

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An article by Karl S. Kru szelnicki, Math of Ma rriage, claims that ma happening for over 50 rriage has been 00 years. This photo depicts a wedding fro Source: http://the-vint m the 1920’s – age-dress.tumblr.com

get married and co-habitation works just as well (with none of the strings attached) - I beg to differ.

Marriage is as ancient as the civilizations that decreed it law. Marriages have led to the creation of societies, societies to townships, villages and lands. Throughout history marriages were strategic in nature- to acquire lands or keep the peace- and then came Love.

The “love” marriage based on mutual attraction became acceptable in society less than 300 years ago.

So I would say marriage is not just about LOVE it is more about commitment. It is about Trust, friendship and kindness- and finding the good in your spouse and learning to fall in love over and over again with the same person!

Getting married, but more importantly staying married- and staying true to the vows two people take, through thick and thin, sickness and health, for richer or poorer - sets the foundation for family values. The importance of family is paramount. After all Family is the basic unit of human society as we know it today- and generations after generations are influenced by the values we (the parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, teachers…) set as examples.

Marriages make us (or ought to make us) better halves by teaching us to share and care, to be better listeners, to be more supportive and understanding of one another, to celebrate each other and of course to love and respect one another. Being married definitely has its advantages, and as many studies have proven- it’s good for health too!

My marriage philosophy is defined by Khalil Gibran, who put it beautifully in “The Prophet”, where the Alamitra is asked to expound on marriage and of his lyrical response; these three lines epitomize the foundations of a good marriage: And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

And to all those who decide to walk down the aisle- remember- ‘A happily ever after is not simply a fairytale. It is a choice’

By Preethi Nair

LIFESTYLE

Marriage: A Case Against.

Marriage – If two people love each other, isn’t this ‘love’ enough?

Why sign on the dotted line?

Definition of marriage Source: Bing Dictionary 1.

2.

3.

legal relationship between spouses: a legally recognized relationship, established by a civil or religious ceremony, between two people who intend to live together as sexual and domestic partners specific marriage relationship: a married relationship between two people, or a somebody’s relationship with his or her spouse joining in wedlock: the joining together in wedlock of two people

I have never felt the urge or seen the need to get married. Little girls grow up imagining meeting their prince, falling in love and their wedding day, that fairy tale or beach wedding where their dad walks them down the aisle and they meet their husband to be and say ‘I do”. I on the other hand have never had those dreams, the ones I had where more about career (maybe), being free and travelling the world and actually meeting many many men!! Till today, the thought of getting married actually makes me feel like a pair of invisible hands around my neck and literally choking the life out of me.

Looking back, I firmly believe that the reasons have a lot to do with my parent’s marriage. I spent my child hood watching my parents argue and fight almost every day. Most of the time there was plenty of physical abuse involved, many of those times I was also kicked around because being the eldest I tried to protect my mother and my siblings. Having four kids made it very very difficult for my mother to leave my father, but I think mostly she did not leave because she loved him, despite the way he treated her. I actually grew up longing for freedom and to get away from my family. I was never able to understand how two people could treat each other the way they did and still have four kids. Thus, my first impressions of married life were not positive at all and of course in a child’s mind such example of marriage would create the concept ‘Marriage=nightmare’. I also decided that I never wanted children either as they seemed to be nothing but a burden and unnecessary expense.

I have been engaged twice in my early twenties. Not because I wanted to get married, each time they proposed, deep down I always knew I will never marry them. Why did I go along and accept the ring? To be honest, I just liked having the rings because they were pretty and I liked wearing them! The first engagement lasted 4 years and the second 3 months! So silly of me! However, I have travelled, although not as much as I wanted and I did meet many man men during my twenties while being engaged and otherwise.

I am now in my early thirties. More mature, a mother of one and I have been in a monogamous relationship with his father for 4 years. Do I love him? Yes, very much so and I do want to spend the rest of my life with him. Do I want to marry him? No I do not.

The thought of marriage still makes me feel like two invisible hands around my neck choking the life out of me. Why? Because I am firmly believe that I do not have to marry someone just to prove that I love him or he loves me, or make myself or him feel more secure in our relationship, or to please society and its expectations. I love my maiden name, I would not change it for the world, I love being in love with someone and have him being in love with me but we are mature enough to treat each other with respect and dignity (so far, he seems to feel the same) and not need to have a ring on my finger to remind me that I have to do so. I cherish not being tied died down the sense that if the relationship ends one day, I can simply walk away and not have to go through the legal process to end our marriage and relationship. I am a hard working woman, I earn my own living, whatever I possess is in my name. I do not need to get married to secure financial gains. I guess I am too independent for marriage and for me love is enough.

Anonymous.

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OPEN LETTER

“DESPERATE TO MAKE IT WORK, WE FORGIVE AND TRIED TO MOVE ON BUT I COULDN’T FORGET AND MORE IMPORTANTLY I COULD NOT TRUST YOU.” Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Shortly after declaring our love to each other you quoted this to me and I believed you that you would move heaven and earth for me. For many years despite our ups and downs, I lived in a bubble in which you were my world, my heart, and above all my best friend. During university we often said, we’d met too early as we both knew that we still had to grow. Despite this we believed that our love could conquer all. However the temptation of flesh and drink was a combination too strong for you and you faltered. This continued for a year before it came to light to be me. While no one else had held your heart and I knew you still loved me and wanted your life with me, my trust however was gone and I walked away.

Walking away the first time, filled me with loss, I never imagined that I was strong enough to do it. I learned a lot about myself and became stronger but I missed you still.

So we tried again and talked it out. It was something we both wanted and we tried so hard. Desperate to make it work, we forgive and tried to move on but I couldn’t forget and more importantly I could not trust you. And despite loving you desperately, we broke up a final time. Rejection is always hard and it got ugly. I never meant to hurt you. But walking away from you a final time, crushed my soul and I was so angry that you’d put me through it, in the first place. I lashed out and was perhaps unnecessarily cruel. I spent years going through my pain. It’s a bitter pill to swallow to realize that Prince Charming who you love to the ends of the earth, isn’t your Prince.

Married now, I look back and think of you fondly. Our

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time together was cherished, and remains one of the best periods of my life.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. Today unfortunately, we don’t even speak but my heart tells me that if you ever need me, I will be there.

Your friend, She-Ra

Do you have something you need to get off your chest?

Something you desperately need to say to someone?

WRITE TO US; marie-france@seychellespublications.com All letters will remain anonymous.

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Idée rando : Escapade à Anse Major Cette magnifique randonnée au milieu de la végétation tropicale et des glacis est un véritable spectacle à couper le souffle. Pour les amateurs de nature, les novices ou les plus expérimentés, cet itinéraire relativement facile vous mènera à la petite plage reculée d’Anse Major. C’est le lieu idéal pour vous ressourcer entre amis ou en famille.

Le circuit pédestre en surplomb de l’océan, se trouve au cœur du parc national du « Morne Seychellois », sur la pointe Nord Ouest de l’île de Mahé. C’est une zone protégée pour ses montagnes, sa végétation et ses fonds marins.

La randonnée d’Anse Major comporte des pentes rocheuses appelées « glacis » et une végétation indigène typique des régions les plus sèches de l’île principale de l’archipel.

Anse Major est une belle plage de sable fin qui se mérite ! Après 40 minutes de marche, vous arriverez à destination. Cette incroyable anse reste particulièrement sauvage. Il n’est pas rare d’y croiser tortues, dauphins, requins de récif ou raies. C’est un endroit idéal pour la baignade et la plongée avec masque et tuba. Ne reste plus qu’à le découvrir par vos propres yeux !

Bonne randonnée !

Secteur: Bel Ombre, île de Mahé Durée: 40 min aller, 1h30 aller - retour Distance: 2 Kilomètres Difficulté: Facile Accès: En bus: Au terminus du bus 21 «ombre» allant à Danzil, marchez jusqu’à arriver à une fourche. Vous trouverez un pan neau sur votre droite avec écrit «Major», suivre la direction.

En voiture: Prendre la route en direction de Beau Vallon, vers Ombre à Danzil. Suivez la direction du panneau «Anse Major» que vous rencontrerez.

A prévoir: 2 bouteilles d’eau, un pique-nique, une casquette, de la crème solaire.

Le saviez-vous ?

Vous pouvez rejoindre Anse Major en Taxi-boat !

Par: Fanny Dard, chargée de communication de l’Alliance française de Victoria.

Photos : Samuel Ramkalawan

Evènements culturels culturels

Cours de français

Ateliers créatifs

AllianceFrançaise de Victoria Toutes les informations sur les évènements culturels à l’Alliance sur notre site internet www.allianceseychelles.org

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B

idding a reluctant farewell to Wayan and our beautiful villa, we were ferried over to idyllic Nusa Dua by our driver for the second stage of our Bali holiday. We arrived, awestruck, at the five star Conrad Bali Resort & Suites. This hotel was not only expansive but seriously plush - with the largest stretch of private beach in Tanjung Benoa. Imagine our delight upon being told that we had been upgraded to a Conrad Suite – the size of a large condo – with our own Jacuzzi, bar and entertainment area. renée martin designs Toasting our good fortune with complimentary champagne we hastily changed into our bikinis then headed to the beach for a sunset swim. It was pure bliss.

The following day Wayan drove us to Padang Padang Beach (yes that beach from “Eat Pray Love”). Whilst Jen went surfing, Vanessa and I contented ourselves with drinking Bintangs with the local surfers and popping into the water to cool off in between exploring the rock caves and formations along the shore. As dusk approached Wayan took us to Uluwatu where we watched the sunset kiss the cliffs goodnight as we witnessed a traditional Hindu Temple Ceremony. Following that we were guided to an open air amphitheatre where we experienced a traditional Kecak and Fire Dance – a most spiritual encounter.

For every yin there is a yang and so after dinner we took off for the Sky Garden in busy Kuta where we danced the night away, sticking to bottled beers for safety’s sake. At one point I lost Jen and Vanessa in the crowd and got chatting to a friendly American by the bar. Looking around to introduce him to the girls, I found them dancing in bikinis with men at their feet. With a shake of my head and then a grin, I danced over to join them.

The next morning we awoke before dawn to join a boat tour to Lembongan, a rural island known for seaweed farming. We took a mangrove tour on guided gondolas

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before catching a glass bottomed boat to the reef where we snorkelled for hours – the water was crystal clear and as warm as bath water. Pleasantly tired by our efforts we caught a lift with some chivalrous South Africans to the Ayana Hotel in Jimbaram to meet our friends, Jo and Laura, who were comfortably ensconced in the stunning infinity pool. Catching the inclinator down the cliff face to the Rock Bar - one of the five best hotel bars in the word according to CNN - we settled into lounges with an assortment of cocktails, including my favourite, a concoction known as “Rock My World”, and watched a romantic proposal take place at the end of the jetty as a Balinese band played on. It was the perfect way to while away our last hours on this spectacular isle. Until next time, if you can’t be good, be good at it.

Rock My World You will need...

25ml vodka 25ml Grand Marnier 25ml pineapple juice 25ml grapefruit juice Handful of ice cubes Handful of crushed ice Straw and ½ a slice of fresh orange, for garnish

What to do...

Shake all liquid ingredients with the ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a tall glass and top with crushed ice. Garnish with a straw and ½ a slice of fresh orange.

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

A Fresh Start - London to Mahé

By Daniel Balkwill

“ If two of your proposed guests had a failed relationship several years ago and now view each other with barely concealed hatred then now is a prudent time to remember. If so, place them at opposite sides of the table or consider not inviting one of them.”.

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.

be a 2013 more enjoyable prospect than | POTPOURRI 13What could AUGUST

a convivial evening spent with a select group of close friends accompanied by the tried and tested triumvirate of good food, drinks and music?

Hosting a successful dinner party is a genuine pleasure when all goes to plan but failing to organise everything properly beforehand can result in the night rapidly descending into an avoidable train wreck.

Investing a reasonable amount of time when considering who to invite is strongly advisable. A roughly equal blend of couples and single guests is preferable. Ideally they will all know each other already and get on famously. If not, then a carefully considered seating plan can help prevent a potential disaster coming to fruition and will help

ensure that you and your guests have the best possible time. A few suggestions include splitting up clingy couples, not sitting well-matched singletons next to each other but opposite (much easier to be flirtatious that way) and avoid clustering too many people with dominant personalities together. It’s a complex human jigsaw puzzle well worth assembling to the best of your ability. Before sending out the invitations, cast your mind back. If two of your proposed guests had a failed relationship several years ago and now view each other with barely concealed hatred then now is a prudent time to remember. If so, place them at opposite sides of the table or consider not inviting one of them.

Many people make a mistake when deciding on the right food to serve at a dinner party. Keep the food tasty but simple. Your guests are there primarily to enjoy the company of their friend, not to catch a fleeting glimpse of a sweaty, panic-stricken lunatic every forty minutes. Resist the urge to concoct a succession of complicated, time-consuming dishes and opt maybe for good slow-cooked recipes that you can prepare in advance and finish off quickly and simply on the night.

With regard to drinks, rule number one is not to run out of them. This is a heinous crime of the highest order and should result in you being banned from hosting further dinner parties for all eternity if committed. Champagne or a good sparkling wine makes a great aperitif on arrival. A selection of red, white and rose wine is recommended based on complimenting the food served. If making a rum punch then it’s a wise idea to use a good quality example rather than something cheap and substandard. Making it in advance will allow the flavours to develop nicely and saves you more time on the night. Ensure that you stock up on ice.

Don’t cheat by setting your iPod to shuffle mode and keep the music ambient and chilled out at the beginning, steadily cranking it up as the evening progresses and things naturally become more raucous. Then let it gently fade away, blow out the candles and gently turn up the general lighting to help everyone subtly know when it’s home time. Offering to call someone a taxi or pretending that you have an urgent appointment first thing in the morning are both legitimate tactics to employ at this juncture.

Finally, don’t make any elaborate plans for the following day, especially ones that involve an early start. It’s highly likely that you and your house will be in a mess and will both require suitable care and attention before normality is restored.

H

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No To Violence Against Women

By Alexandria Faure

I believe that violence of any form against women is a crime that the majority of the time goes unacknowledged and unpunished. It breaks women down – their bodies invaded and beaten, their minds and souls shattered and shackled. Such acts deny women of their empowerment and their influential place in our society. Pushed down, silenced and made to shrink. Sadly, domestic violence is an everyday reality for many women in our country.

The World Health Organization has stated that 40% of the victims of domestic violence have suffered injuries from those incidents where the abuser was an intimate partner. Not only that, but the study showed that

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women who experience violence at the hands of their intimate partners are more likely to suffer from depression, have alcohol use problems, unwanted pregnancies and abortions, as well as sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Domestic violence is suffered in silence and is an act that silences the woman and stops her from voicing her feelings and opinions. She is stripped of her empowered act to speak her mind – a freedom of choice.

This is not only an issue for women here in Seychelles: It is a worldwide issue. Rape is used as a weapon of war, to destabilise the fabrics of small communities and villages across countries like the Congo. Horrific gang rapes are publicly committed in broad daylight in India. Human trafficking for forced commercial sexual exploitation and forced economic exploitation has become a billion dollar industry. Young girls are still being forced into marriage before their 15th birthday, depriving them of an education. Young girls are still being circumcised to enter womanhood.

Women are still widely sexually objectified in the media and on the catwalks. All these actions are serious violations of human dignity.

Amidst the growing numbers of women who are victims of domestic violence and other crimes here in Seychelles, there are a lot of questions that we should concern ourselves with. We are to be concerned as to the reasons why this is happening? How can we serve as instruments for progressive change?

Up to 70% of women in the world report to having experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their life. That is shocking!

Women continue to face discrimination in access to education, work and participation in government all over the world.

This world should be a place where women can shine, and we can begin to create this on our shores, here in Seychelles.

I don’t know about you. But I take a stand to end violence against women and children.

At the very least, I am saying something and I am sincerely concerned.

And I hope this captures your attention too.

Alexandria Faure has a degree in Drama and Theatre. She graduated in 2013 and has been working with the Seychelles Tourism Board upon her return to Seychelles.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WITH

BE RNA R D GE ORGE S

My husband and I are in our 30’s with 2 young children. We have assets and are financially secure in the sense that we own our own home and land and have good jobs. What is the necessity to create a will?

With apologies to William Shakespeare, ‘To make a will, or not to make a will, that is the question.’ It is a question people do not ask often enough.

It is also a question some people are afraid of asking, because it confronts them with the notion of death. In a sense, making a will is acceptance that one is putting one’s affairs in order in preparation for the journey out of the world. The law recognises this and provides for those people who flatly refuse to contemplate making a will, or who put it off for too long, or who don’t know that they can. But let us not run away with the plot.

“ IF A MOTHER WANTS HER DAUGHTER TO HAVE A SPECIAL PIECE OF JEWELLERY, THEN THE ONLY WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS IS BY MAKING A WILL. THE DEFAULT IS GOOD AND FAIR, BUT IT IS NOT FAMILY-SPECIFIC AND WILL NOT SUIT EVERY SITUATION..”

Why does one make a will in the first place? There are many reasons – to leave something special to someone special, or to leave a little bit more to one person than to another, or to leave out somebody who would otherwise inherit, or to leave something for someone who would not otherwise inherit – are some of the more usual. If one is happy with the default position provided for by the law, then there is no reason to make a will. One makes one if the default is not good enough, if one wants to change it or if one has specific bequests. If one wants to appoint a guardian to minor children or an executor to administer the estate, then a will is a must. It is that simple.

what the folks in the question wish, then there is no necessity to make a will.

But if that is not good enough, then a will is the answer. If the parents want one child to have a little more, perhaps because the child has a handicap, or is otherwise restricted, then a will can give that child the disposable portion in addition to his or her entitlement. Of if the parents want some specific items to go to one or other of the two children, then a will will be required.

Likewise, with young children, if the parents wish to provide for the schooling of the children out of investments, or provide that they should only obtain their shares of the succession upon attainment of an age, or a university degree, or whatever, a will will have to be made.

So, the place to start is to look at the default. This is it:

There are no general answers to the question. Every family has different wishes. The options are not endless because of the constraints of the law of succession, but there is still a great deal of latitude in disposing of property upon death. In a more sophisticated world, the default is sometimes just not good enough and specific bequests may be more suitable. My advice?

Go see a lawyer and discuss possibilities. It is better to be prepared than to leave it until it is too late. After all, a will can be changed over and over again as circumstances require, so there is nothing to be lost in making one. As an old client of mine used to remind me when I would take time giving him an appointment for his will: ‘it will be too late to make a will after I’m dead.’ Wise words indeed, and words we should all heed....

•

• •

Children cannot be cut out, must be given equal shares and will inherit half A spouse will inherit all personal effects, and half of the remainder A portion (ranging from ¼ to ½ depending on the number of children) is free to be left to whoever the person wishes.

So, if one wants to leave everything to one’s spouse and children, then there is no need to make a will because the spouse is going to get half and the children share the other half automatically. But if one wants to leave more to one child, or cut out the spouse, then a will is an absolute necessity. Or if one wants the spouse to have the use of the house for life, and then the children have it, a will will have to be made. If a mother wants her daughter to have a special piece of jewellery, then the only way to achieve this is by making a will. The default is good and fair, but it is not family-specific and will not suit every situation.

And so to the question at the top of the page. If one of the parents dies without a will, then the other spouse will get the personal effects and a half of the remainder of the property. The children will share the other half. If that is

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APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

You have a question for Bernard?

Write to us; info@seychellespublications.com

Educated at Seychelles College and Cambridge University, Bernard Georges has two Masters Degrees – in the 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.

Over the past ten years, he has also been a member of the National Assembly. He is currently a part-time lecturer in law at the University of Seychelles, where he teaches Constitutional Law. And, he is a budding writer. He has written and published two novels to date and he promises many more books on history, law and Seychelles.

APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

17

CONSUMER AWARENESS

Helping the Veuve After the Flood

From The Gift Shop GOSH Professional Hair Care has been created to fulfill all the needs required of hair, whether your hair is flat, curly, thin, long, short, coloured or damaged. Gosh Professional Hair Care is a complete range of professional hair products, with a focus on optimal care and fantastic looks and performance. The critical selection of ingredients is based on the latest hair care technology and with the highest quality in mind.

These 3 shampoos are available in the Gift Shop, Latanier Road at SR155 each.

La Digue Veuve Reserve is the only breeding and feeding area for one of the world's rarest bird, the Paradise Flycatcher (Veuve).

Providing a way home for La Digue residents, the plateau is also a common tourist trail as it is the perfect place to sight the birds and other animal species amidst the sanctuary of endemic trees.

However, the recent heavy rains on the island badly flooded the reserve, posing a threat to the Paradise Flycatcher. Conservation as well as maintenance work was, therefore, needed.

Staff of CWS were mobilised under the CWS Foundation banner and were joined by kids from environment club, 'Friends of Flycatcher' to help with the task. The team worked hard on Saturday March 1st; weeding an area to prepare it for a new endemic garden, clearing of a space where the birds come to drink water, filling puddle-prone areas in the trails as well as planting endemic trees.

Conservation ranger, Josiana Rose, who guided the work, says ‘I am so grateful to Cable & Wireless for this support. We needed the help and we managed to finish the work for today.’

It was a pleasure to give a helping hand to the Veuves of La Digue!

There is no better way of doing business than with sacos.

Choosing the best deals for you and your business

Know Your Wine Arthur Metz Cremant D’Alsace Rose Price

Arthur Metz Brut Prestige

Cremant D’Alsace Arthur Metz ½ Sec

by Cave a Vins

Cremant d’Alsace A sparkling wine made the same way as Champagne with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling or Chardonnay (is actually an affordable alternative to Champagne.) Alsace Crémant is typically a sparkling white wine, delicate and light. It is recommended to drink it as an aperitif or as a dessert wine. Serve chilled, preferably in a tall, fluted glass. Enjoy it anytime, priced at under RS200 you can indulge your sparkling desires.

When it comes to insurance SACOS understands your needs: • For You • Your Assets • Your Business • Your children Such a wide range of products for yourself and your loved ones.

With SACOS, you are also buying the right types of cover for the risks that you face and choosing a SACOS Life Assurance policy is the smart way of investing for your future. Your investments are secure with SACOS… with the company’s solid financial base; being the proprietor of the SACOS Tower and large residential properties; and also its long term programme of further investments in property development.

With SACOS, it is all about giving the clients the best deals with our special offers for the following • Long-term businesses • Introductory Businesses • Lady Drivers • No Claims Bonus ( Motor) • SACOS Shareholders • SACOS Tenants • Motor Fleet • Packaged Insurance In addition, for the SACOS loyal clients, there are the SACOS Lotteries for Life Assurance Policyholders, Motor Insurance and Householders Insurance.

With SACOS it is not just choosing the right protection for your business; or talking to a company who understands the risks you face; or investing for your future, it is an Insurance company being the best that it can be.

Visit SACOS today at the SACOS Tower for General Insurance. For Life Assurance come by to SACOS’ offices on the 3rd floor of Block A, Unity House or talk to one of SACOS’ Life Assurance Agent. You can also give SACOS a call on 4295 000

SACOS - Rest Assured, Be Insured SACOS LIFE… BE WISE

18

APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

with Elton Moustache (Director of Unified Technologies) sales@unifiedtechnologies.info

LG G FLEX SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SMART PHONES The LG G Flex is a sign of good things to come in the mobile industry. Even if there are other phones which share its curved display feature, the LG G flex stands out as the whole body of this curvaceous beauty is actually flexible.

A flexible phone! At first thought one might ask what is the actual benefit of such? But just like me there are many people who put their phones in their back pocket or leave it on their couch and accidently sit down. This can result in many busted screens of often expensive phones. Clearly the most interesting features of the LG G Flex are its curved chassis and ability to actually flex. The phone can withstand certain amount of pressure, allowing it to bend flat on a leveled surface and bounce right back to its original form - without damaging the screen!

Despite its flexibility being its star feature, the phone doesn’t disappoint with other great features such as its impressive 6 inch screen, quad-core processor, 2GB Ram, Android 4.2 and 13MP camera. It also supports multitasking, with inbuilt dual windows allowing you to watch a YouTube video and chat on Facebook at the same time.

However, one somewhat overrated feature of the G Flex is the new material on its rear – one which LG claims is self-healing, enabling it to absorb small scratches and restoring the surface to its initial original smoothness. This phone doesn’t support memory card but comes with an awesome 32GB storage capacity- which is a respectable amount for your music, video and photos.

Its battery life is superb as it can hold up to 24 hours on one charge, with moderately heavy usage playing games and watching videos. Do you use your phone just for calls and messages? Then there’s no reason why it won’t hold up to two days.

ON INTELVISION

If you love food, you will love it.

If you love dinner parties, you will love it.

If you love ordinary people’s drama, you will love it.

As far as television entertainment goes, Come Dine With Me, has most of it. The format is pretty basic. Four or five amateur chefs come together to battle it out for a £1000 cash prize and title of ultimate dinner party host

by hosting a dinner party for the other contestants. At the end of each night, each competitor then rates the host’s performance on a scale of 10.

Perhaps one of the best elements of the show is the comedy value added by comedian Dave Lamb, who provides a dry and “bitingly sarcastic” narration.

Catch it on BBC Lifestyle and BBC Entertainment channels.

APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

19

CONSUMER AWARENESS

The Gadget World

Un lieu interdit a la folie des hommes (par Georges Gravé) Seychelles, ta magie s’estompe et ton charme se perd peu à peu. Voila ce que me disait une amie qui a l’habitude de venir aux Seychelles régulièrement depuis de longues années. Certes, les Seychelles comme le monde change vite. C’est vrai ma chère Nicole que les Seychelles d’antan ont disparues. Beaucoup de superbes plages ou nous allions sont transformées en plage a touristes. Oui, je comprend ta tristesse en redécouvrant la plage de Port-Launay recouverte de parasols, de matelas, de planches a voile et de gras touristes se faisant bronzer leur brioche… Et oui, ou est il le temps ou nous ne fermions ni la porte de la maison, ni la porte de la voiture… Aujourd’hui comme partout, il faut être vigilant et la petite délinquance a envahi toutes les iles. Quant a La Digue, cette merveilleuse île, elle n’a pas su se protéger des voitures qui sont de plus en plus nombreuses. Quel dommage !!! Quant à son célèbre char à bœuf, il nous faut maintenant acheter une carte postale car il ne sort que pour faire plaisir aux journalistes…. Quant a victoria, c’est toujours une petite ville charmante, mais il nous a fallu quand même tourner plus de 30 minutes pour pouvoir se garer. Et tu n’as pas vu les embouteillages monstres le matin pour rentrer en ville… Oui, Seychelles, ta magie s’estompe…. mais….

En partageant cette petite réflexion nostalgique avec un ami Seychellois (merci Maxime), ce dernier a immédiatement décrocher son téléphone et nous a réserver deux jours dans un lieu ou nous a-t-il promis, nous allions retrouver l’âme des Seychelles. Deux jours plus tard, nous étions à l’aéroport embarquant dans un minuscule avion de 5 places…. Direction Denis Private Island.

30 minutes plus tard, nous y sommes : Denis Island, un lieu interdit a la folie des hommes.

Pas de télévision, pas de téléphone, fixe ou mobile, donc pas de réseaux face book !!!! (Horreur, comment vais-je survivre !). Pas de clefs de chambres donc pas de voleur. Nous commençons à redécouvrir l’âme des Seychelles, la vraie vie, la reconnexion avec notre essentiel et avec la beauté environnante. La nature est reine et elle nous autorise à partager sa simplicité et sa splendeur. Un accueil avec un charmant accent Italien a la descente d’avion, merci Monsieur Sergio, (le Directeur). Des l’arrivée dans notre chalet, la féérie nous enveloppe, il n’y a plus rien à dire….juste se laisser faire !!!

Je vis aux Seychelles depuis plus de huit ans, mais je dois dire que la beauté des plages ici à Denis Island me laisse sans voix. C’es tout simplement t à couper le souffle. Et miracle, le soir au coucher du soleil, nous avons la surprise de pouvoir admirer d’immenses et magnifiques raies qui viennent danser à quelques centimètres de nos pieds.

La découverte de cette ile nous réserve d’ailleurs bien des surprises… Une forêt dense qui résonne de cris d’oiseaux terrestres et maritimes et a chaque pas des frottements d’ailes nous font sursauter… Nous sommes seuls au monde et une fois passé la petite appréhension de l’inconnu, il suffit de suivre en totale confiance le sentier qui est le seul maitre de notre promenade. Et tout d’un coup au sortir de la pénombre, une clairière avec la mer derrière et surprise, de magnifiques vaches paissent et mangent les feuilles des cocotiers. On se frotte les yeux, Normandie ou Seychelles ? Ni l’un ni l’autre… Nous sommes à Denis Island ! Des vaches en liberté aux Seychelles ??? Il me faut une explication…. En fait, nous apprenons qu’ici a Denis, tout est local et que les gens de l’île vivent presque en autarcie. Vaches, veaux, cochons, poules, canards... Nous irons visiter la ferme plus tard et nous comprendrons pourquoi, la nourriture est si bonne. Tout y est fabriqué sur place. J’ai mangé ici le meilleur « roquefort », pardon, le meilleur fromage bleu de toute ma vie. Et que dire des petits yaourts frais servis avec un coulis de fruit au petit-déjeuner. Je garde également en mémoire gustative, le coquelet grillé juste posé sur son risotto aux champignons ainsi que le buffet japonais du soir… Des produits de la ferme simplement cuisiné, voila ce qui est devenu rare aux Seychelles.

Nous sommes hors du temps, mais nous avons le temps… Le temps de flâner et d’observer, le temps de respirer a pleins poumons, le temps de se redécouvrir en savourant, en en dégustant chaque moment si précieux.

Il est tôt ce matin quand le soleil illumine déjà la plage. Le spectacle est tout simplement magique. Assis devant l’immensité du bleu, les oiseaux blanc-neige passent au dessus de nos têtes pour nous souhaiter une belle journée… elle sera magnifique !

Ici, le staff est au petit soins, vrai gentillesse, et sourire du cœur. Nous sommes là, donc, nous faisons partie de la famille. C’est une clientèle d’habitué (et je les comprends). Amoureux de la nature, couple en voyage de noce, passionnés de pêche, amateur de solitude, tout le monde se côtoient dans la plus grande des simplicités et en toute décontraction.

En traversant la piste, nous découvrons l’autre facette de l’île, le village des locaux, qui eux vivent ici a l’année. C’est une grande expérience de vie, nous confie une jeune fille, ici on apprend a ne rien gâcher. Un autre nous partage sa relation privilégié avec la nature qu’il adore…. Des gens heureux loin de la folie des hommes !

Vous l’avez compris, un séjour à Denis Island est un rêve qui sommeille dans les phantasmes de chacun de nous et tout le monde aimerait pouvoir le réaliser au moins une fois dans sa vie.

Dans l’avion du retour, nous étions calmes et serein. Nous avions retrouvé l’âme des Seychelles, et tant qu’il y aura des lieux comme celui-ci, les Seychelles resteront le paradis sur terre.

Merci cher Maxime de nous l’avoir fait découvrir et merci a toi chère Nicole d’avoir été ma « compagne de paradis » Vive les Seychelles.

Georges Gravé is the Personal Development & Training Manager at the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa

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APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

‘ Experience Barefoot Luxury ’

P.O. Box 404 – Victoria – Mahé – Seychelles Tel : +248 4 28 89 63 Fax : + 248 4 32 10 10 Email: reservations@denisisland.com www.denisisland.com

APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

21

EXPLORING EDEN

Do not miss this Apri l.

..

The streets of Victor ia will come alive on ce again between the 27th April when the 25th and 4th Edition of the ‘Ca rnaval International kicks off. Day 2 of the de Victoria’ celebrations, The Ca rnival Procession Da is mostly anticipated y, is what by the population of our small island. “Prom to be the focus of int ising ernational as well as local attention, the ‘Ca International de Victor rnaval ia’ will feature a proces sion of colourful floats representing the var ious participants’ na tional carnivals, as we other dedicated activit ll as a raft of ies all of which will fal l under the carnival’s A quote from the STB theme.” – ’s official website.

Lima Calbio from Tri nidad and Tobago, du bbed the Queen of Ca Seychelles, has been rnival in here since March to organise certain eve year’s spectacle. She nts in this is working with STB for the Children’s Ca as being the lead in rnival as well Seychelles own Trinid ad and Tobago band sponsored by Petit Am which is our Villa and Boardwa lk. The band hopes masqueraders walkin to see 100 g and dancing on the 26th April which is the the Carnival Parade. day of The Children’s Carnival will be first of its kin d in Seychelles and wil place on day 3, the clo l take sing day of the Carni val. This will take pla 1 to 4 pm on a stage ce between d area within Freedom Square. Bands (Scho judged and the prizes ols) will be will be awarded on the same day. It is noted there is a difference that between a ‘float’ and the ‘masqueraders’, tho and dancing. Schoo se walking ls are not required to come with floats bu they wish. t may do so if Photo credit; Steve

Nibourette

Beach Spotlight

By Samuel Ramkalawan BEAU VALLON

t popular beach, Beau Vallon. hasn’t heard of Seychelles’ mos ute It’s hard to find someone who crescent bay is a short 10 min coast of Mahe, the 3km long not as this oft fear car, a Situated on the north western of e ienc ven con the do not have t drive away from Victoria. If you ning till evening. Unlike mos lar bus service from early mor r increasing eve of y arra e wid frequented beach enjoys a regu a to e e islands, Beau Vallon is hom al hub for tourists and locals beaches to be found on thes which have secured it as a soci s, vitie acti and nts aura rest resorts, less Le Meridien Fisherman’s alike. of large resorts, such as the time el, The bay is home to a number & Casino and Coral Strand Hot rt Reso (built in 1943) – The Berjaya ding oun surr and t fron sea the Cove –Seychelles’ first Hotel tled by catering establishments nes leave us to freely experience as well as a multitude of selfion, they remain low key and fash llois che Sey true in r, d can be seen in the Islan tte area. Howeve oue Silh ch whi expansive view, in the soft golden sands and the feel like drinking in the distance. s to spend your day here. If you ging Takamaka & coconut There is an endless array of way rhan ove lofty the le whi s currents peded skie is usually calm with no strong an sunlight, the beach enjoys unim oce The t. hea the e less prepared for usively sand. Life guards are excl g bein r floo trees offer cool solace for thos sea the lts and children alike, with and is thus safe to swim for adu ral ted. pos larly ch and speak to one of the seve also regu on rous, take a stroll down the bea ards entu upw adv soar e or mor e, anc little a dist ing If you’re feel a jet ski and speed out into the out t t ngs Ren . amo ices rfing serv rt dsu Spo Win er agents providing Wat on offer are Kayaking, Sailing, view of the entire bay. Also crystalline waters will lles’ che Sey of ths dep the a parasail to get a bird’s eye r ove Those of you who wish to disc Padi Diving Centres. other recreational activities. e to not one, but two Five Star e hom is on Vall u Bea that r hea ease of access or the distanc the for Not . be pleased to tion loca its is on d.

Vall u islan Bea the ut on e abo g labl thin avai set urite Personally, my favo ctacular views of the sun iding it with one the most spe within a minutes’ are s eria Pizz e tain Fon La & needed to travel, but for prov bab t House r a day on the beach, the Bao the road and you’ll find the Boa If you’re feeling famished afte . Walk another minute down with coin g a min flip ally brim et usu I – buff r ed othe pric walk from each and a reasonably ture of Creole & Cajun dishes scents, on Wednesdays Restaurant, which offers a mix walk past the mouth-watering to will of e forc the ter mus where you can sample , ront seaf the llel para e freshly caught fish. If you can Bazar Labrin going at full forc the find the assortment ss can acro you t d ken mea ed wee equ and the crepes, spring rolls and barb to , ding pud d of musicians. k ban blac l l loca loca ng eari everything from le being serenaded by an end whi s basi kly premier Indian wee a the on ly up of stalls which pop aurant to savour what is easi will come across Mahek rest Persevere onwards and you orable. to Beau Vallon, may it be mem cuisine on the island. decide to do during your visit you r teve wha but rs, you is The choice

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APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

www.paronamio.com

EXPLORING EDEN

Nature Trail s with Wildli fe Club of Seyc helles Anse major n ature trail

Surrounded by the luscious flo ra and breathta you into the he king ocean view art of the North s, the Anse Maj ern Coast of M trail boasts be or trail will take ahé (Danzil Be autiful views of l Ombre). The Beau Vallon ba towards the en beginning of th y, while the vi d of the trail lo e ewpoint from oks down on An and relaxation the sheltered se Major. This on a secluded bench trail is a combi beach. The be “Riviere Major na ach is situated tion of walking ”, hence the na at the mouth me Anse Major the Morne Seyc of a stream ca . Much of this hellois Nationa lled trail is found w l Park, with sp ithin the boun ectacular rock daries of slopes (called Many native pl ‘gl acis’ in Seyche ant species su lles). ch as the ende eleagni, and se mic vanilla ph veral endemic alaenopsis, Bw palm has able even in dry pe a Ka lo to survive and u Memecylon riod (which de adapt very wel pend on the se beautiful scen l in the ‘glacis’ asons). The m ery of different habitat ain interests al granite ecolog and beaches. l along this tra y and mountai il are the n landscapes, as well as sea views Anse Major w as once importa nt for the produc fruits and patc tion of cultiva houli (from whi ted vanilla, cin ch an essentia managed by th namon oil, cit l oil is extracted e Roman Cath rus for use in perfu olic Church. Th pirogue boats mes) which w e pr but a good pa od uc t w as as tra th was also bu nsported mainl This path is th ilt from Danzil y by local woo e one you have to Anse Major den followed. It is treasure as ther during the 19 alleged to have e are many rece th century. been possible nt illegal digg fo r pi ing off the tra rates to bury th il amongst the eir How to get to boulders.

Anse major Na ture Trail The length of the trail is 2.4 km and the du The Location: ration is 2 hour Take the road s. which goes fro route 21 (Victor m Beau Vallon, ia Bel Ombre) through Bel Om , alighting at th Cars can be pa bre to Danzil, e rked here. Take Danzil Termin or take SPTC bu us. Follow the the right fork walk should ta s road uphill for of the road, pa ke you no long about 200m. ssing though er than one an ascents and de the settlemen d a half hours scents. The wal t of Danzil. Th to reach Anse k is normally qu recommende e Major as the tra icker on return d as there is ve il only has shor and is by the sa ry little shade. t me route. An early start is

en

Medicines in your Gard

By La Plaine St. André

Medicinal plant: Gro bonm age, o, Mexican mint, Indian bor Other names: Cuban oregan Gros baume

, this plant is now widespread

Origin: Originally from Asia

in

the tropics.

Commonly used for:

nt of coughs, sore

e in the treatme The leaves are very effectiv . tion ges con throats and nasal

oat?

How is it used for sore thr roughly and place in a clean

h tho Pick a handful of leaves, was piece of porous fabric. juices. ll receptacle to collect its Press the leaves over a sma k. drin and ey hon of Mix with a teaspoon wing the a professional before follo Important: Please consult above guidelines. l Brutus, Rachel Spiro, Chanta Acknowledgments: Pascal Poonoosamy

APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

23

SEYCHELLOIS OVERSEAS Photo credit; Dean Padayachy

Christophe Potter, 22years old.

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APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

P: How did the move come about?

CP: I left Seychelles in August 2012 to accompany my mum in her overseas posting since it was impossible for the entire family to move at the time. The hardest part was for us to be separated from our home given that we had always been a close knitted family. Secondly on arriving NewYork adapting to a completely different environment was a challenge.

It was not easy at first given that New York is so different from Seychelles, but with my mum’s support I managed to adapt fairly quickly.

P: And you are pursuing any further education?

CP: Yes, I’m currently studying for a BBA in Financial Services at Berkeley College New York. I dedicate most of my time studying as the course is very challenging and requires a lot of personal sacrifices.

P: What can you tell us about New York?

CP: New York is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It is known for its concrete jungle and a city that never sleeps where you can find virtually all the fashions houses of the world. It is such a cosmopolitan city that no one really feels as a stranger or foreigner here. Although very expensive it is highly convenient and only those who work hard to keep their job will really survive. Moreover everything is transacted online, be it banking, payment of bills, medical services and so on.

P: And you keep in touch with everyone?

CP: Yes, Via Facebook, skype, whatsapp And bbm. I thank god for technology without which it would have been difficult to keep it touch With friends who have been loyal to me.

P: It must be exciting to come back on holiday.

CP: Of course. I came in December as part of our family tradition to be together for Christmas and hopefully I will be back next December. The highlights of my holiday were Christmas lunch with the family and New Year’s Eve with the family and friends. Traveling to our beautiful islands was equally exiting and memorable.

P: When you return, what would you like to do?

CP: My direct contribution would be to continue promoting Seychelles wherever I go as we are so blessed to live in one of the most, if not the most beautiful country on earth. However when I graduate I plan to work for my country to contribute my fair share towards its development.

NEW YORK IS ONE OF THE MOST FASCINATING CITIES IN THE WORLD. IT IS KNOWN FOR ITS CONCRETE JUNGLE AND A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS WHERE YOU CAN FIND VIRTUALLY ALL THE FASHIONS HOUSES OF THE WORLD. IT IS SUCH A COSMOPOLITAN CITY THAT NO ONE REALLY FEELS AS A STRANGER OR FOREIGNER HERE.

P: Also, you met President Obama?- What was that like?

CP: Meeting Obama for me was an opportunity of a lifetime because not many people are given such a privilege, let alone a young Seychellois like me. The fact that I may have been the first young Seychellois to come face to face with the leader of the most powerful country in the world makes it even more historical. Although I was a bit nervous at the beginning, engaging with him was easier than I thought due to the fact that he is such a cool, charismatic and humerous person. As my mum and I were escorted into his office he joked about how tall I was and turning to me and he said “How come you are taller than me Christopher?”, This was his way of trying to make me feel at ease with him. He also talked very highly about Seychelles which made us very proud.

P: A silly question perhaps. You miss Seychelles?

CP: Yes, I miss my home, my family togetherness, pets, my friends and our local fish which to me is the best in the world. I also miss our creole music, especially our traditional sega which I love so much.

APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

25

SEYCHELLOIS OVERSEAS

Christophe Potter is a native to one of Seychelles most popular districts, Beau Vallon.

The majority of his schooling years were spent in the same district followed by the Seychelles Polytechnic, more specifically, the School of Business Studies and Accounting. After two years, he graduated with a Diploma in Business Studies and Accounting. Christophe’s mother, Marie-Louise Potter is a well known personality in Seychelles for having been in frontline politics even before Christophe was born. In March 2012, she was appointed as Ambassador to the United Nations and United States.

Christophe’s father, Clement Potter has had a career in law enforcement, in the public service (Where he has been for 41years); it began in the police force and currently at the Department of Legal Affairs. The eldest female sibling, Tania, followed in her father’s footsteps and chose a legal profession and she is currently a colleague of her father’s at the Department of Legal Affairs. Nadine, the middle child, is currently studying Accounting & Finance at UniSey, and expects to graduate this year. Christophe is the baby of the family.

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Stay organised, book early and say ‘I do’ wearing your dream dress!

MOMO’s Choice

By Elaine LaFortune Aside from settling your guest list and sending out ‘Save the Dates’ invitations, choosing your wedding dress is one of the first steps into your wedding planning experience. Speaking to POTPOURRI, Monique Tirant of MOMO’s Choice boutique gives us some top tips on shopping for a wedding dress and shares her ideas on wedding dress tips for brides on how to find the perfect gown all with the idea of making your wedding shopping, stress-free.

Take it away, Monique!

Schedule your first appointment Monique recommends starting your search as soon as you set a date for your big day! “Custom order dresses typically take time to arrive, so starting a serious search, months prior to your date is the perfect time-frame.” Monique who has been dealing with importing wedding dresses for a few years now, tells POTPOURRI how initially it had been her dream to set up her own wedding retail shop. Alas, she felt that it would not be as economically efficient as she would have wanted it to be. That is why she moved into the clothing retail, which she says has sustained her business thus far.

“As soon as my business had settled though, I started bringing in wedding dresses. I would go abroad and shop for the Wedding styles that intrigued me and would bring a collection for my customers’ perusal. It proved quite successful, but sometimes I did not always have the right style or the right fit”, Monique says.

What does one need to bring on first appointment?

“Nothing! Except a couple of your biggest supporters (i.e. mother, sister…) and an open mind! Our first appointment includes a time to chat about all things regarding the bride’s wedding – flowers, colours, location. Once that is complete, we go through my wedding catalogue and discuss likes and dislikes. Any dress the bride has made a connection with, we try to accessorize it. Most brides are never planning on finding the right dress at their first appointment but it happens in the majority of our appointments.”

Choosing the style for you “There are several different dress styles that are available in the wedding catalogue that I have on availability.”

Ultimately we are believers in wearing a dress that makes you feel confident.

“It’s not always about matching up the “perfect” style for your body but instead about what you feel good in.” So Monique reminds us that her clientele always has the last say with regards to the ones that they like best.

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

The dresses are on order are they not?

“Yes! In fact I have a supplier in Europe for all my wedding attires. When a client chooses the dress that she wants, I take all their measurements and I send the order through to my supplier who in turn ships the product.

I have some suppliers from Asia as well, but these are usually small sizes. I make sure to work around my sizes and styles as I have a variety of clients coming to me.”

Do you cater for Wedding dresses alone?

“No…men’s suits are also made available along with all other wedding accessories. We order by size and by colour also, all depending on the theme of the wedding. This is done through UAE. I also work alongside wedding planners to make sure that the bride and groom come out feeling satisfied.”

If you’re feeling so much pressure to find the wedding dress of your dreams that you think you may be going nuts, don’t worry. Read on, stress less and spend more time on the rest of your wedding planning to-do list (like tasting cake.)

What to budget for a dress?

“I believe each bride has a place in their wedding budget that they want to focus on.

Some spend larger amounts on photography or hiring a band. Others will focus on the dress they’ve always dreamed of. Regardless, it really is truly about what the bride feels comfortable with. Most of my dresses will start from Rs 2,500 onwards which I feel is a reasonable price.”

“I AM VERY PARTICULAR IN THE CLOTHES I PURCHASE. I DO NOT LIKE TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE OR TWO SETS IN A PARTICULAR COLLECTION. I GO FOR UNIQUENESS! treadmill. But before you dive into crash diets (they never work) and quick fixes (we wish), take a breather and visit MOMO’s Choice where you can find the dress that fits you!

Wedding Bliss comes when?

“Until you try it on, it’s a very emotional feeling…even more when you look in the mirror and you know you’re absolutely satisfied with your Wedding dress.”

Why does this job matter and what qualities do you need?

“You help brides choose what is probably the most memorable aspect of their big day; their wedding dress. It’s up to you to make sure each bride-to-be has a great (stress free!) experience. To be honest, I have always been besotted with dresses and dressing up and I think this is central to owning a clothes shop.”

I had the opportunity to peruse Monique’s shop and was glad to find that she has such a wonderful eclectic collection of vintage clothing, jewellery, handbags, and shoes, branded clothes for men and women as well as your regular casual fit, all under her tiny little roof. As I bumped into one of her regular client, a man, it became clear to me that the mastermind behind MOMO’s Choice, was indeed not only keeping her female clients happy but to equally consider the well-being of her male clients.

What you want to say…

“It’s been fantastic to be involved with POTPOURRI; it is actually how I’ve gained a lot of foreign clients. This business has long been a great source of inspiration to me, and certainly one of the things which is drawing me closer to my dream of one day owning my own Wedding Dress Boutique.”

What’s your taste in clothing?

“I am very particular in the clothes I purchase.

I do not like to have more than one or two sets in a particular collection. I go for uniqueness! I buy what I like for my customers and they have always been satisfied with all my products for this reason.”

Wedding Highlights “I participated in a Wedding Expo which was held at Kempinski Seychelles Resort two years back. The event was a first for Seychelles and it attracted various suppliers. It was a Kempinski initiative, with the objective of having all wedding and event suppliers under one roof to showcase what the island has on offer. For two whole days my Wedding dresses were modeled by ex-Miss Seychelles, Sherlyn Furneau. That was a perfect milieu and tremendous opportunity for me to showcase my retailing business.”

“I also work closely with some tourist agencies and hotels as I have many foreign clients who come to my shop for Wedding attires and accessories, and never have I had a complaint up till now.”

I’ve come to believe that there comes a point in the wedding planning process that every single engaged couple says “Let’s just elope”, but with MOMO’s there’s the assurance that whatever your style, size or budget…you should fear no more! Planning a wedding gives you all the motivating factors you need to get serious about fitness.

Firstly, there’s the thought of walking down the aisle – all eyes on you. Team that with the desire to look your best – EVER – which is enough to leave any of us a slave to the

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Monique helping a bride-to-be try on a dress.

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FEATURED ARTIST

Shooting for the stars Fifteen minutes with FAME

By Martine Gontier

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Meet five of Seychelles’ finest young musicians that are the voices, the sounds, the dance, behind what could be one of the most memorable evenings of your life- This is FAME. I’ll explain my above reference to friends as family. When it comes down to it, when you spend so much time with a group of persons, let’s face it- You get to know things about them that others don’t see. From there on, it can only go two ways. One: There is no chemistry. You don’t want to be around them, so you distance yourself from them. Or two: You become a unit-you appreciate that these people choose to be here and to understand, and love, really love the same thing you do. I have grown a true admiration for these five people. Why? Now, my closest and dearest will tell you that I’m not the easiest person to keep glued to a chair for too long. I had been told of FAME by a very loyal little fan as far back as three years ago. Of course, life passes you by and you find yourself too busy to make time, for anything really. So for three years all I did was simply hear about girls’ night out, some good bubbly and dancing the night away-and a whole lot about FAME. It was Christmas evening of last year that I finally took up my lovely friend’s offer for a drink and a little merry chat at the Coral Strand Hotel. I definitely did not need to see to believe-all I had to do was listen-and did I believe! I knew then and there I wanted to write a piece about them.

“Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” To be this dedicated to something, to put in all your time, all your effort into what you are so incredibly passionate about, I can understand why to them, it isn’t just work.

“LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IN LIFE, FORMING A BAND WAS AT ONE POINT JUST A DREAM. EVERY ACCOMPLISHMENT HOWEVER BEGINS WITH THE DECISION TO TRY. TODAY FAME IS ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER BANDS, PERFORMING IN FIVE STAR RESORTS, AS WELL AS AT BANQUETS AND WEDDINGS.”

“We are not just a band. We are a family. We are not just five musicians, we are so much more.” FAME started out in 2008 and it’s been a journey ever since. It ‘s been a team effort really-at the end of the day, FAME is not just Antoinette and Aaron. The life and soul of the band is more than just the vocals, captivating as they may be.

Myron Meme, the rhythm guitarist is also the band’s manager. Hugh Arnephy is the lead guitarist, and last, but most certainly not least, JeanPaul “JP” Antat rocks the keyboard.

WHAT KEEPS YOU TOGETHER AS A BAND?

It’s a lot of hard work. A lot of dedication and a lot of sacrifices. It is time away from our family, friends and loved ones. We perform on most weekends, with a few breaks in between. The most important thing about being part of a team is that we see each other not just as colleagues, but as friends. We get along well with each other, joke around with one another, and rely on each other for support.

Communication is definitely the biggest aspect of being a team. Myron and JP make most of the decisions, but that doesn’t mean that we do not communicate with one another beforehand.-we meet up, and we discuss whatever needs discussing. At the end of the day, we trust that their decisions are always what’s best for the band.

IT’S ALL ABOUT WEDDINGS THIS MONTH. WHAT IS THE MOST REQUESTED “FIRST DANCE” SONG AT WEDDINGS YOU’VE PERFORMED AT?

There are three actually: Endless love, originally sung by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. This is a duet that Tobi and Aaron literally bring people to tears ( including yours truly). There’s also “Regard sa zetwal” by John Wirtz. In all honesty, I had never heard of this one til recently.

Also very popular is “From this moment “by Shania Twain. This one is pretty much a given.

I secretly smile, as I remember growing up to this song-a particular young best friend of mine, would play it on repeat. She swore it would be her wedding song, a promise she kept ten years down the line. This song, I’m sure, is close to the hearts of many women.

I ask our two voices which is their favourite to sing at weddings.

Aaron: “Definitely ‘ Endless love’- I love duets with Tobi, Plus I love the words to that song, each time I sing it, I feel the love with which it was written.

Tobi : “I’ve always loved ‘Je t’aime’ , but to be honest I couldn’t really pick just one. Different couples have different requests, and each song they ask me to sing, I sing with all my heart and soul like it’s my favourite”

DREAMS DO COME TRUE AFTER ALL.

Like everything else in life, forming a band was at one point just a dream.

Every accomplishment however begins with the decision to try. Today FAME is one of the most sought after bands, performing in five star resorts, as well as at banquets and weddings.

And so this is what they do, at your beck and call. You want them there, they will be. Be warned though-you usually have to book well in advance!

After all, they did not get that name for nothing-there’s a long wait to FAME! I always try to teach myself a little life lesson at the end of every litte journey I undertake. Ever since I started covering the artists feature for our very own Potpourri, I’ve met quite a stretch of interesting personalitiessingers to dancers, poets to painters. My lesson from each and every one of them was this: in order to do everything well, you need to do it with love. Everything you do, you do for others, and it projects onto others.

As an artist, every act, needs to be an act filled with passion, filled with dedication. You close your eyes and do it with all your heart. Otherwise, don’t do it at all.

Find FAME on Facebook : www.facebook.com/famegroup

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FEATURED ARTIST

They say that friends are the family we choose for ourselves. If during my lifetime I had ever doubted that for a second, all faith was restored after spending a few Saturdays in the presence of the mind-blowing, got-youlistening voices that are our very own Miss Antoinette Dodin(from here on end referred to as our little “Tobi”) and Monsieur Aaron Jean (watch this space, more to come about the latter in the excitingly near future-you’re welcome girls) .

With Dulux Paint, you’ve got everything covered!

By Elaine LaFortune Imagine life without colour.

Impossible right! A splash of paint can transform the way we see the world. But as we all lead increasingly busy lives, it can be easy to take colour for granted. A range of subtle shades inspired by nature can bring a delicate, peaceful quality to your space.

The DULUX brand has just launched its 2014 paint trends forecast.

The colourful palette is filled with rich, refreshing shades that represent rejuvenating and invigorating change. We have seen unexpected combinations of colours in all areas of home décor.

From delicate pastels paired with soft neutrals, to playful combinations of bold and bright tones, to refined pairings of dramatic darks and elegant neutrals, the 2014 colours all have an element of renewed energy and vibrancy - reds are tangier, oranges are more expressive, greens are more jeweled, and blues are more tropical.

A sophisticated collection of dusky pales, sultry deeps and soft mid tones are designed to create elegant colour combinations in your home.

Make a statement with these striking colours, designed to work perfectly with subtle creams and neutrals to balance their intensity.

What’s trending in each colour family?

Reds Reds have more personal associations than any other colour.

Recognized as a stimulant, red is naturally exciting and enthusiastic.

Off-White White is associated with light, goodness, innocence and purity. It aids mental clarity, enables fresh beginnings and encourages evolution.

Orange Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow.

Fun and flamboyant, it radiates warmth and zest and is embracing and inviting.

Dulux Let’s Colour Magazine The free Dulux Let’s Colour Magazine is designed to help you make those all-important colour decisions. It’s packed with inspiration and advice so you can easily create beautiful colour schemes for your home.

Here at WOODWORKS Unlimited we sell professional painting and decorating supplies. We know what you need and want to help you do a great job. We’ll always offer our support and guidance for you when you need it. If you’re in the decorating business, you’ll find everything you need at our Dulux outlet, as well as a friendly welcome. We know your customers expect the best from you. We only sell the best quality decorating products so you can be sure that whatever you need, you’ll always buy the best from us. We want you to deliver the best decorating finish on every job.

How to begin?

Begin with a starting colour - Most colour schemes begin with a start colour, often suggested by an object in the room. When it comes to painting surfaces it is very important to prime them. The purpose of a primer, especially a wood primer is to allow the primer to penetrate the surface allowing products applied to the top it to stick to the surface.

A classic ready-made colour scheme: Two or three colours from the same colour chip for an easy readymade scheme. Simply select a colour from the family segment next to the start colour for a more dynamic scheme. Orange or green could be used with the yellow start colour to create a harmonizing scheme.

A striking and dramatic scheme: Create drama by selecting colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. Purple for example creates a striking look when combined with the start colour yellow. This is called a contrasting scheme.

Products that do more

Yellow Yellow is an innovative colour. It encourages spontaneity, has a lightness of spirit and raises awareness levels.

From greasy kitchens to bubbly bathrooms our paint, preparation and repair products are designed to meet the needs of your home, working harder for the best results. Find the perfect colour to suit anything in your home.

Green As the colour that symbolizes nature and environmentalism, green is the colour that soothes our mind and refreshes our living spaces.

Need some help choosing?

Blue Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The colour of the sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.

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Whether you need a major renovation or just a little inspiration, here at Woodworks Unlimited we are prepared to give you our help and expertise with every aspect of creating your ideal home with choosing the right paint for your walls.

To find out more about this year’s trends and the colour of the year, please visit www.colourfutures.com

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HOMES IN PARADISE

New Villa at Anse Petit Cours Praslin

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 bedroom and 3 bathroom home Approx. 800 square metres of land Master bedroom with walk-in closet All bathrooms en-suite Large living and dining rooms Kitchen with pantry Laundry room Large verandah Central courtyard Walking distance to the Domaine de La Reserve Hotel and beach 5 minutes drive to the new Raffles hotel 30 minutes’ drive to the 18 hole golf course of Constance Lemuria Quiet location with sea views Garden dining

For more information, contact Jean Paul Maurel Office: +248 4374585 | Fax: +2484224730 | Mobile: + 2482717797 E: sales@seychelles-properties.com | www.seychelles-properties.com 34

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FASHION

Wedding Occasions

What could be more wonderful than getting prepared to attend an event when two become one. This month’s issue has wedding written all over it. Wedding fever, wedding dresses, wedding outfits for both men and women!

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FASHION

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FASHION

Chantale (Barallon) Grange | 27 | Director of Legal Affairs and Policy

How did you choose your wedding dress?

I have always wanted a lace wedding dress even if the venue was to be a beach one. After spending countless hours online searching for a dress that inspired me I could not decide on a single one as it was not the full and complete dream wedding dress I wanted. A friend of mine who was getting married referred me to her dressmaker, and explained to me that she had chosen her design and that the person was creating the dress to her specification. I then monitored my friend’s bridal dress progress until I decided that I would take the same route. I designed my own dress and consulted the dressmaker where we went through fabrics and designs until we settled on something final. The design changed twice but the final product was fantastic and suited my figure.

How long before your wedding was it ready?

It was ready one month before the wedding date.

What was the most important thing your dress had to have?

It had to have a beautiful lace train and the beautiful lace twist at the back for a dramatic effect and it made it more beach-y.

Jewelry. What did you wear?

I borrowed pearl drop earrings from my sister from Jouel and wore my engagement ring. Jewelry was minimal as I had an array of frangipani flowers in my hair and I wanted to keep the look simple and stress free.

Shoes. Were they important in the equation?

I never managed to find the right shoes unfortunately. Two days before the wedding I was running around town trying every shoe possible and was disappointed. In the end I borrowed a pair from a friend, a silver pair with kitten heels which were the perfect height. But I ended up barefoot after on the beach.

Did you have something blue Nothing blue

Now that it’s all done, how would you describe your bridal look?

I was veering towards an elegant yet laid back look. I was obsessed with having lace for my dress but seeing as lace can sometimes be uncomfortable and suffocating in hot weather I had to design a dress that would allow me to feel cool and free on the day. In the end I modeled the back of the dress on another day dress I had which had a twist, and Santasha Hoareau (the dressmaker) then helped me to modify the dress from a bandeau style to a halter neck with beading at the back to link the twist into an elegant ensemble. In all I was quite pleased with the dress as it was specific to my character and size and I was quite happy to receive such positive feedback from others about the dress. The fact that it was made by a local is equally inspiring and I hope she will continue to make beautiful dresses for brides to be.

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FASHION

Get Her Look Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks came to prominence after winning the sixth season of American Idol at age 17. She is also a songwriter and certainly an inspiration to our young singers who are trying to make it into the music industry today. Not only can she sing, but she can also act and here we have her in New York for a screening of her movie ‘Sparkle’. Her sense of style speaks for itself. A strong, independent young woman who looks glamorous yet so sophisticated.

Dress: SR695 | Trendy’s Shoes: SR238 | Shoe Zone

with Ms Jules

ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Engagement rings. Us ‘gals’ dream of those before we can even spell the word wife. It is afterall, the one symbol of a man’s love a woman physically carries around with her. Yes, I can hear some of you saying that’s not entirely true. You are right. There are many other tokens and pieces of jewelry, BUT, the primary one has got to be the engagement ring. A stranger will not look at your diamond earrings and necessarily think that the person who gave them to you did so on their knees.

I have only ever received one engagement ring in my life (which I continue to wear) so I am certainly no expert on the topic. For this month’s column, I had to seek my husband’s take on the matter of choosing an engagement ring. He did it the traditional way meaning he chose it himself and surprised me with it. While I love my ring because of all that it represents to me, I have to admit that if I had been given the choice I would have chosen something a little different. Together we summarised the must-do list as follows: 1.

Girls: You have a preference for a ring? Let it be known. Find a way for your partner

to know what you want. You’re a woman and you have female friends, you’ll find a way.

2.

Budget: Whether the guy is buying it himself or you are doing it as a couple, it is

crucial to know how much you can spend on the ring. It is a balance between ‘she’s

going to wear this for the rest of her life’ and ‘she should preferably wear it in the

house we build.’ Don’t choose one where you’ll have to take a loan that you will

need to repay over ten years. Just don’t.

3.

Do your research: In most cases diamonds are the favourite picks for engagement

rings. What do you know about diamonds? Before you sign the cheque or insert

your pin at the point of sale, you should know about the 4Cs. You don’t know what

they are? You’re not ready to buy the ring.

4.

Wedding rings: At some point after the engagement, a wedding takes place.

Usually. This event also comes with a ring, well two rings. Think about what

wedding rings you want as a couple so as to ensure that you pick an engagement

ring that fits well with it.

5.

Pick a good jeweler: Don’t take any chances with this one. Seychelles is small

enough for you to ask around and to visit the stores. What should you be looking

out for? Remember that expensive doesn’t necessarily equate with being the ideal

jeweler. Look for a store that makes you feel comfortable, where the staff are

pleasant and helpful, and where the advice they provide gels with you.

6.

Guys: Plan an unforgettable proposal! Even if you pick the ring together as a couple,

surprise her with the proposal – it will keep the romance alive. The internet can

provide you with a hundred ideas if you’re stuck!

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Simone Sauzier (31)

MAKE-OVER

MAKE-OVER

Martin Hoarau’s Hairdressing Occupation: “Dancer/ Entertainer (currently stayat-home mum with new baby).”

Family: “I am engaged and I have an 11 year old daughter and a 3 month old son.”

Hair Beauty Routine: “I usually tie my hair in a bun.”

The last time I went to a hairdresser was... “probably 2 years ago. My hair is already curly so I don’t really need to go.”

The most extreme thing I have done to my hair is…“shave all around my head and left some hair at the top which I styled upwards.”

BEFORE

The last time I went to a hairdresser was: Last year, I can’t recall exactly when.

I need a Make-Over because... “I’m a new mother and I haven’t been out in a while.”

I am expecting...”to get sexy!”

Hair (with Martin) Martin washed her hair, scrunched it dry, cut around it and played with it a little. The intended celebrity style? Halle Berry!

For booking, call Martin Hoarau Hairdressing on 4325186

Make up (with Sophie) Sophie used very simple make up, with foundation but no concealer was needed as Simone has flawless skin. She then applied some powder, eyeliner and lip-gloss.

For booking, call Sophie Pool SP Glamour Beauty & Spa on 2793300

for AFTER photo go to page 43 1

2

The Team

3

1. Hair: Martin Hoarau | 2. Make Up: Sophie Pool | 3. Photography: Alvin Abel 40

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By Jennifer Baldwin Every bride wants to look naturally beautiful and well groomed on her wedding day. Follow our top 10 bridal don’ts to ensure that you are picture perfect on your special day.

1.

Don’t neglect your health in the months

leading up to the wedding. Stick to a

nutritious diet with lots of water to keep your

skin and body radiant and in great condition.

Limit your salt and alcohol intake in the week

before your wedding to help reduce

puffiness in the face. Stick to naturally

diuretic foods like cucumber and leafy

vegetables. Try to stick to a regular exercise

routine to ensure a fit, toned and healthy body.

2.

Don’t go on a drastic weight loss programme

just before the big day. Feeling hungry, tired

and irritable as well as last minute alterations

to your dress will only add unnecessary stress.

3.

Don’t book a random facial and risk a breakout on your wedding day when you are not used to the products. Begin a good skincare routine in the months leading up to the wedding. Book a series of facials starting well ahead of the big day but the last one should not be too close to the wedding day.

4.

Don’t forget to book in any body hair removal appointments at least a week before to avoid any rashes or unsightly red bumps. Have your eyebrows groomed professionally a few days before to ensure that any irritation has disappeared.

Professional eyebrow shaping will frame your face and give you a polished look.

5.

Don’t skip out on a trial run of your make

up in daylight at least three weeks before.

Wear a white top [or a similar colour to your

dress if you are not wearing white] to see

how the make up enhances the overall look.

Take a picture of yourself to be sure, now is

the time to avoid any last minute changes on

the day. Your make up should enhance the

natural you, not change you into someone else.

6.

Don’t opt for a statement look; keep your make up classic. You have to live with those photos for along time and a current trendy look may well look tired and dated in a few years time. Ensure your make up is long lasting by using the right products; make up primers and setting powders used correctly will help your make up last as long as you want it to. Stick to waterproof make up including foundation, eyeliner as well as mascara for those teary [and sweaty] moments.

7.

Don’t use false lashes for the first time.

Practice wearing them in the weeks before and don’t wear them if they feel uncomfortable or if you are not confident that they won’t fall off! If you are going to wear them, use individual lashes tucked in between your own rather than a full strip for a natural, softer look.

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8.

Don’t be tempted to have hair colour treatments or a drastic hair cut in the week before the wedding but do experiment with different hairstyles and choose the one you are most comfortable with and the one that looks most like you.

9.

Don’t neglect your feet and hands. Have regular professional manicures and pedicures. Your hands will be on show throughout the day and you want them to look as lovely as possible. Well groomed feet and toes will do justice to those amazing shoes you have chosen.

Don’t opt for a bold nail polish; instead

choose a pretty pale pink or nude nail colour to keep hands and feet looking soft and feminine.

10.

Don’t forget to carry [or better still get one of your bridesmaids to] an emergency kit, baby wipes, tissues, cotton buds, hairpins as well as make up for touch ups.

However do look like yourself! You want the groom to recognise the woman he fell in love with when you walk down the aisle!

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

BEAUTY

Top 10 Don’ts for Brides

Lupita Nyong’o. If you have been following the news these last few weeks, you would have heard her name several times. It’s not just the fact that she scooped up an OSCAR, made an emotional speech the whole world spoke about and is rumoured to be dating Jared Leto; it’s also the fact that she wore THAT dress and rocked the entire look with THIS haircut:

Simple steps to The Up-do Bun With Helen Payet

Photo credit; www.fabsugar.com

BEAUTY

The side-shave

The side-shave (also known as a floppy Mohawk and a partial undercut) has been a popular trend for a few years now for women with a bit of more ‘dare’ in them. In Seychelles, we have seen it pop up here and there – mostly amongst hip young women. Inspired by the late-80s/early-90s asymmetric styles of Salt n Pepa and T. Boz, this super edgy ‘do has given many leading ladies in the limelight a new vibe in recent years; think Willow Smith to PINK.

Put your hair up in a tidy pony tail

With your fingers, create a gap tearing into the side of the pony tail

Take the hair from the pony tail and start filling in the gap

Keep doing (3) in a downwards motion

Some points to ponder on…

Straight AND Curly hair: Both hair types can pull off this cut. But before you go cutting it off, it is advisable you make a deep side part and do side flat twists on the side that you would like buzzed off. This way, you can get an idea of what you would look like with it.

Long OR Short hair: Again, both lengths of hair can pull it off, BUT, if you still want to keep a polished look, it is better to have a short hair-do.

Longer hair tends to give more of a ‘punk’ vibe to the look.

How much to shave off: If you intend to hide the stubble at times, keep the shaven part to a minimum so you can have your hair cover it (typically, the shave starts where the side of your head begins to round to the top).

This is good practice if you are unsure whether you can pull off the look or if you have places to go to where you’d rather not display it.

Take loose ends and pin them into the centre of the bun

Add a floral pin to finish to the look off!

The ‘forbidden’ hair cut: Make sure you know the hair style rules of your work place. Not every work place wants to be oozing with coolness and might have some expectations on how you present yourself.

Growing it out: This is never fun regardless of whatever hair cut you have, but it might be a bit harder with this one depending on your type of hair. The key? Stock up on patience and scarves. Also, consider a middle parting or extensions.

Helen, from Martin Hoarau’s Hairdressing is a fully trained hair stylist who joined the team in December 2013. She is from Kenya and is great at putting hair up.

Go all the way: If you are going to have a side-shaved do, you are going to get attention. It comes with the territory. Many people do it with ‘experimental’ mode on – so consider venturing out a bit further. Ombre?

Pink highlights? Why not?

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MAKE-OVER

R E T F A

Simone says: “I look beautiful and different and I am very happy!”

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HEALTH

VIEW FROM THE STATION

BEING IN GRACE A gift from the divine

By Jenny Gilbert

I

’ve really struggled with this article, needing to find an anchor to ground myself because Grace is such an exciting Virtue for me that I might get carried away! Not that the other 6 Virtues in the programme aren’t; it’s just that Grace is ‘the free gift’ in the Virtues and as such is a joy to talk about.

Now if you’re a little suspicious you may be questioning why you would be given anything free at all. Perhaps you’re wondering about who has this Grace to give to you, or what on earth to do with this gift called Grace now that you apparently have it.

Before I continue on this Virtuous path, perhaps now is an appropriate time to touch on the order of the Virtues in our programme. You may have noticed that we start in Abundance and end in Balance.

I cannot tell you how many lengthy debates I’ve been involved in over the past few years about how one surely must first be in Balance before being able to realise the other Virtues in our lives and that the Virtue Programme seems to be the wrong way around. This might be explained because the chakra system’s natural order starts at the 1st or Base chakra (which is our Balance) and moves up to the 7th or Crown chakra (our Abundance).

In Virtues we work from the crown to the base which of course explains why I’ve often been challenged on how one can attain Grace or be Abundant when one is not in Balance. To me it is obvious to start in Abundance because I simply cannot understand how one can one attain Balance without Abundance, Grace, Humility, Gratitude, Integrity and Acceptance.

The exciting thing about Grace is that we don’t have to work at it to have it as a reward. In fact we need to do nothing at all in order to have it. My experience shows that Balance is something we need to consciously work towards, while Grace needs only to be celebrated in order for our lives to glow and blossom.

Once we open our intuitive (rather than rational) mind to Grace and allow it to flow through us, we soon realise that Grace is indeed a Virtue that helps to carry us safely and surely into a state of wellbeing through the other lower virtues to Balance. With Grace on our side clearing the way is just that much easier.

Whatever religion you practice or don’t, is not important. What counts is that there will come a time in your life, if it hasn’t visited you yet, when you ‘get’ that Grace is a gift of the spirit and that it might be exactly what you need as a friend. Grace is elegance, beauty, harmony. It is pleasing, charming and kind.

Grace is infinite, unconditional love, a godly Virtue, a divine blessing, a constant (but sadly often neglected) companion. Grace is a favour, a gift to be used to connect us to each other and to the infinite universe where we are free to draw upon all wisdom, enhancing our knowledge to be our most godly self.

Without remembering that we are in a state of Grace we deny our immense potential to be the best that we can be. Remember, that we don’t have to be saints to be in Grace – as a favour it is there despite our shortcomings. And while Grace expects nothing, it waits for us to embrace it, to allow it to move through every aspect of our lives, constantly providing a bridge to connect our higher self with our lower being so that we can see with new eyes what we might be blinded to before, uplifting us to become more whole individuals.

If you seem to be struggling with an overflowing and demanding schedule, when you feel that you have lost sight of what really matters in your life, if you are sensing loss or feeling disconnected, alone or afraid it is possible that you are keeping your Grace under a bushel.

I have learnt that no matter how we strive to better ourselves at a material or emotional level, without Grace real satisfaction is illusive. Grace is spiritual intelligence, a form of Divine energy available to us all, at any time. It is through Grace that our soul connects with the Divine so when we learn to trust this concept and consider the possibilities of being infinitely connected, we start to see things differently and that opens up all sorts of possibilities in our lives.

Allow Grace into your ordinary life and you will start noticing that everyday events will become guides, rather than mere happenings. Suddenly you will start finding purpose and meaning in almost everything around you. With new vision you’ll see signs and messages that might appear magically to direct you to the next place you need to be. They’ve always been there – just invisible momentarily.

An easy way to connect with one’s Grace is to imagine it as a wise sage, a guru, a teacher. Give yourself time and space to commune with Grace. Meditation,

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contemplation and prayer are all very effective methods.

If you’ve ever watched little children pray, you may have noticed that often they instinctively hold their hands over their eyes, rather than at their mouth or lower down as their parents might. To me this makes perfect sense because it is in the area between the eyebrows where the centre of spiritual connection and intuition sits.

A lovely exercise is to place your hands together in a prayerlike posture and hold the thumbs of this pose over your third

ONCE WE OPEN OUR INTUITIVE (RATHER THAN RATIONAL) MIND TO GRACE AND ALLOW IT TO FLOW THROUGH US, WE SOON REALISE THAT GRACE IS INDEED A VIRTUE THAT HELPS TO CARRY US SAFELY AND SURELY INTO A STATE OF WELLBEING THROUGH THE OTHER LOWER VIRTUES TO BALANCE.

HEALTH

eye (the space between your brows). Close your eyes and imagine that you are connected to All that is, the Divine, the Creator, God or whatever sits comfortably with you. If you like, have a conversation or simply ‘be’, knowing that you are opening up your Grace channel and creating possibilities for your other Virtues to start coming into Balance.

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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Better Living

With Célia Ponzo

ACCEPT YOUR FEAR

What is your fear? Do you have one? Throughout my life I have heard people talking about fear of snakes, fear of closed spaces, fear of the dark, fear of failure, fear of the future. I felt lucky as I could not associate to any of those fears; in fact I felt quite fearless about life. Recently I discovered that actually I also have a fear, one which I am battling against mainly because I do not seem to accept that me too could actually be shaking at the thought of something.

Fear is one of the biggest challenges we face in life.

It is a built-in protection method for survival. Fear tells you what to do in an emergency. Fear is a natural response to what each individual perceives as a threat.

Fear in some occasions saves your life. However fear sometimes can take over your lives, waste your time obsessing over the fear and at the same time reduce your quality of life.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEAR SIGNATURES THAT AUTOMATICALLY HAPPED WHEN WE FEEL SCARED? Fight Flee Faint Freeze

TO KNOW WE CAN MASTER OUR FEARS IS A LIBERATING THOUGHT; To know that we can ooze our way to our essence when we get stuck in a fight; To know we have control to sumo back into ourselves when we start to flee; To know we can wiggle our body when we freeze; To gather back our awareness when we feel faint.

Isn’t it incredible how a fear which is essentially happening in our mind can have such a strong effect on our physical body. When you feel frightened your mind and body start to speed up, your heart beats faster, your breathing increases, your muscles feel weak, you sweat more, you feel dizzy, you feel frozen, you cannot eat, your muscles are tense and the list of symptoms goes on and differs for every individual.

So how can you catch the fear before it overcomes your mind and body leaving you paralysed until you finally get over it?

“REMEMBER THAT STAGNANT WATER BECOMES A BREEDING GROUND FOR BACTERIA AND DISEASE. WHEN WATER FLOWS, IT STAYS CLEAN AND FRESH.” make the most of it and challenge the destructive effects of fear by feeding your fear with love, confidence and faith that you are powerful.

MOVE

Change your mind set and do that by stimulating your senses. Move your body, change room, stop staring at that spider at the corner of your wall if that is what you fear. Remember that stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and disease. When water flows it stays clean and fresh.

ACCEPT AND SURRENDER

If you are in conflict with what is going on inside you, it will be very hard to move forward. How often each day do you tell yourself you don’t want to feel the way you are feeling? And how does it feel? You can break the mental habit of being fearful by accepting the present feeling.

The habitual habit of say no I don’t want to feel scared will only strengthen your ego and saying yes weakens it. Your ego cannot survive surrender. However surrendering sometimes empowers you, strengthens the other side of you. Acceptance of what is takes you to a deeper level within yourself and when you say yes to you fear you can start feeling a sense of peace within you.

Do not let fear keep you in a shell, remember fear is created in your head, it stems from your thoughts and these thoughts may come from experience and imagination. To overcome whatever you are scared of, face it because you have nothing to fear but fear itself!

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.

SPEAK TO YOUR FEAR

Greet your fear and be aware that it is there. By acknowledging your fear you are in a way already accepting its presence. By facing and fully embracing the fear you are taking away the negative power of the thought.

REGAIN PERSPECTIVE

If the fear sets in you need to look at the truth of infinite possibilities. Your mind may be trapped as seeing only one possible outcome for the future. The truth is there are many potential outcomes. Remember that your mind always seems to choose the worst possible scenario. You are able to look at the other potential outcomes; you always have control over what you focus your mind on.

DO NOT SELF-JUDGE

Do not try to control your fear, do not try to deny your fear but instead feel your fear as scary as it may sound.

Tell yourself it is alright to feel the way you are feeling and do not point a finger at yourself it will only make it worse.

SELF BELIEF

Know you can overcome your fear. Nothing can stop you from surviving and thriving in life, it is your journey,

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The Smoothie Queen Heya! Back for some juicy goodness? Well you’re in luck. This month I share with you one of my simplest yet super delicious recipes. A taste of this smoothie and you’re back to when you were little, laying on the grass, under the trees on a bright sunny day.

Passion fruit, guava, starfruit...hmmmmhmmm.

Guavas contain four times the vitamin C content present in oranges. Vitamin C helps in improving your immunity and thus keeps your body healthy and protects it from pathogens that cause infections.

Starfruit (a.k.a Carambola) is known for lowering cholesterol levels, it is also rich in fibre and therefore improves digestion. Although please be very aware, people with impaired kidney function or those known to have kidney disease should consult professional medical advice before consuming starfruits.

Passion power! This month’s smoothie is packed with passion fruit goodness. This fruit is rich in iron, antioxidants and fibre. Some people prefer to strain passion fruit into juice whereas others enjoy the crunch of the seeds. Doing so provides extra nutritional benefits ranging from antioxidant protection to the maintenance of healthy cardiovascular and intestinal systems. Yes the tiny seeds are 100% edible! Passion fruits are also somniferous and when taken before bed can aid relaxation and restful sleep.

We shall also be adding a banana and some honey for some extra sweetness and a lemon to give it a little extra zing!

Mili’s Happy Day Smoothie ~ A Little Taste of Heaven ~ Ingredients: 2 Carambolas (starfruit) 2 Guavas 1 Banana 1 Lemon 4 Passion fruits 2 Tablespoons of Honey

Method: • •

•

• •

•

•

Wash the fruits Use a sharp knife to cut the carambolas across the broad side, dividing it into star-shaped slices, then peel your banana and cut up your guava.

Put your carambolas, guava and

banana into a blender.

Add about 200 ml of water and blend.

Cut your passion fruits in half and use a spoon to scoop out the contents into the blender.

Squeeze your lemon and add your honey and blend!

Best served in a frosted glass with some ice, lying down in your swimwear while the sun warms every inch of your body. If that’s not possible, close your eyes wherever you are as you take a sip of this ridiculously gorgeous smoothie and allow your imagination to drift…

To see a video of the making of this smoothie please check out ‘Mili’s Happy Day Smoothie!’ on my Youtube Channel> http:// www.youtube.com/user/Milidoux/videos Enjoy everybody!

Emilie is our Smoothie Queen and she shares her smoothie recipes with us each month. She is a young pescatarian from the Seychelles who dedicates much of her time making it possible to provide us with not just super healthy but also amazingly delicious smoothie recipes! Catch Emilie in action on our website, potpourrimagazine.com where she shares videos on how to make her smoothies and she will help us improve our diets with her fabulous recipes.

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Cheating Guilt Q:

Dear Annalisa, It’s always the men who cheat – right? Well, no. I know this too well because I cheated on my partner for nearly half the year last year. From the moment it started, I knew it was a bad idea but I could not help myself. I ended it months ago but the guilt is killing me. How do I tell my partner without losing him?

Maria, 25

A:

Dear Maria, Sometimes we get very gender biased about human behaviours. We assume behaviours such as aggression or cheating as being a male thing. Yet despite the rate being predominately higher for males, truth be known, female engages in such behaviours too. So rather than the extreme categorization of behaviours, as either male or female, let’s see behaviours as person-orientated as opposed to gender orientated.

Ultimately we are equally susceptible to all and any behavior(s), and factors such as our environment, family background, life experiences, our belief systems and even genetic drive our behaviours.

Food for thought (taking a step back): On what did you base the decision to tell your partner about the cheating episode? On the fact that you feel guilty? Or other factors? Do you believe you will feel less guilty in admitting the truth to your partner? Is revealing the truth to your partner essentially for your benefit or that of your partner’s?

As the saying goes, every action has a reaction. So telling your partner is sure to have a reaction. What reaction? That’s hard to tell because it boils down to a multitude of his personal traits. In addition to that, there’s really no prescribed manner of giving the information that will ascertain you don’t lose your partner. There is no prescribed way of handling your action (telling him) so that it creates the reaction you want (not losing him).

Remember always you are only responsible for your behaviour and others are responsible for theirs.

If honesty is your best policy, then be prepared that his reactions (amongst many others) may be a feeling of betrayal. Betrayal can have devastating effect on our ability to trust (others and the self ) and it can also affect our self esteem. Now with both being affected, your partner might actually choose to leave the relationship. It might be for some time or for good, either way do you really have much say on the matter? Probably not. But what you could propose to your partner is the possibility of entering couple counseling to aid with your relationship and its issues.

If his leaving is ultimately the consequence of your behaviour, here are some things you might find helpful in processing the situation : Is his reaction a fair consequence based on your behaviour? What lesson can you learn from this experience? What about the relationship that drove you to engage in cheating? Although it will hurt to see him leave, remember you will cope. And despite what you would have done if the situation was reserve, again remember each person is responsible for his/ her own behaviour and essentially his/her own reactions.

Friend or Foe Q:

Dear Annalisa, I confided something very personal to my best friend – and her only. Within a few weeks the topic was hot gossip. I asked her about it but she promises it wasn’t her. No one else knew about it. It has to be her. How do I get her to confess?

Lindy, 31

A:

Dear Lindy, Are we ever really able to get anyone to do exactly as you want?

Confessing would mean her saying to you that she is responsible for sharing your personal information. How do you get another adult to do that? Unless you want to try some elaborate plans as seen in the movies, you might have to settle for your best friend denying having shared your personal information. If you are certain the information could not have been shared by any other means then you are right your friend may have betrayed your trust.

So does that make her necessarily a foe? Or simply a friend who failed to honour an agreement to not share your personal information? Hence the next thing, do you sever the friendship over the incident, or do you readjust your behaviour towards your best friend.

Again we can only control our own behaviour and not that of another person. So while you can’t control if she will confess through any of your carefully laid out plan, you can control what information she has access to and what you share with her from here forth.

Bottom line is if you have to endure this disappointment, ensure you don’t lose the lesson attached to it. Wouldn’t it be better to be investing your energy in a wiser manner? For example, learning to filter what to and not to share with your friend. As opposed to setting up elaborate plans to catch a confession from her. Let’s not forget she might be investing as much energy to remain uncaught.

Happy investing.

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.

Bon courage.

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AGONY AUNT

Dear Annalisa ......

PARENTING

Simply Laughter

By Nathalie Hodgson Children traditionally spent their childhood in play, when they learned about life and also developed emotional skills that we now call Emotional Intelligence. Researchers tell us that children laughed or smiled more than 400 times a day during play with their friends.

Today’s children however, in our fast-changing world, are increasingly faced with different realities. Maybe it’s because they are in nurseries and schools at such a young age. Maybe it’s because there is more technology that is engrained in our lifestyle so therefore even before they were born they were exposed to electromagnetic waves of the TV, mobile phone and other devices mum used to go about her day.

But what is definitely true and profound today is that there is an increasing need for laughter and playfulness in children of all ages, as they strive to meet the demands of school, college and parents. Laughter can help to cope with the all too formalized educational systems and competitive lifestyles we have so easily adopted.

Major stress factors in children Low Concentration: Studies show a huge leap in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a disorder where the children are extremely hyperactive and find it difficult to concentrate. In the US, 1 in 18 children suffer from ADHD and half of those are being treated with the psychostimulant drug Ritalin. The number of children with this disorder rose by a huge 600% from 1990 to 1998.

In the UK Ritalin prescriptions shot up from 2,000 to more than 90,000 in six years. ADHD Children are extremely hyperactive and find it difficult to concentrate for even short periods. They act on impulse and often appear to have no sense of danger.

An extended hearty laughter improves blood circulation and flushes the lungs of stale residual air. This helps in better concentration, increases learning ability and helps to enhance academic performance.

Academic Pressure: Children faced with a competitive academic environment from early age are being pressured by their parents and teachers to attain excellent grades. Schoolwork results in many symptoms of stress and high social anxiety.

As they learn to laugh unconditionally, they become adept at handling pressure as laughter builds self-confidence and the ability to handle stress by boosting the immune system and releasing endorphins in the brain which ‘kick start’ good feelings and reduce stress.

Parental Pressure: Children are constantly pressurized by parents to perform better. The expectations many times lead the children to strive for unrealistic goals, which if unfulfilled can bring on serious stress and prove to be detrimental to their mental and physical health. A general decrease in parenting skills leaves children deprived of strong moral and emotional guidance and role models.

Lack of Emotional Bonding: The increase in broken homes and the consequent lack of emotional bonding and long-term relationships with parents or responsible adults combine to cause a host of emotional problems. The trend to spoil children with gifts to compensate for lack of quality time with them is just one example.

Laughter Promotes Positive Emotions: Group dynamics establishes a caring-sharing network of relationships and emotional bonding. Children, particularly teenagers learn to indulge in healthy group play, which alleviates feelings of deprivation and loneliness.

Lack of Exercise: Laughing is a unique workout regime that oxygenates the blood and other organs, leaving them full of energy and physically fit.

Uninstructed free-play offers a great environment for laughter and parent bonding time. It is also essential to child development, because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth’, states the Kids Health Organisation of USA.’ Allowing them to ‘just play’ you can observe how they explore a variety of interests in a balanced way. They are not pressured for an outcome or to excel in any particular activity and it also allows them (and you as the parent), to slowly discover their personality.

Because our culture seems to increasingly devalue free time doesn’t mean you should.

Children are not miniature adults – let them laugh at silly things and get the giggles at nothing until they roll around and cry with happiness. There will be plenty of time for them to be stressed and overworked when they actually are adults, don’t forget to let your child be a child. Try making it a point to get them to laugh before they go to school each day and then extend it to other parts of the day where you feel they are feeling a little under pressure (picking them up from school or just before homework time etc). If anything it will lift you spirits if you are the only one laughing!

Happy Parenting!

Reference: www.simplylaughter.com / www.kidshealth.org /www.chadd.org

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 Loréa Rassool, Cabinet Isis) Puis-je pratiquer du sport pendant ma grossesse ?

C’est une question que se posent souvent les futures mamans. Aujourd’hui 2 femmes sur 3 ne pratiquent aucune activité physique pendant cette période. Or les bénéfices du sport pendant la grossesse ne sont pas négligeables.

En effet en l’absence de contre-indication médicale ou obstétricale, 30 minutes d’activité physique modérée par jour, si possible tous les jours, est recommandée pour l’ensemble de la grossesse.

Une femme en bonne santé qui ne pratiquait pas d’activité physique avant sa grossesse, peut entrer sans problème dans un programme d’entrainement modéré jusqu’à la fin de la grossesse.

Le sport permet d’éviter certains maux de la grossesse tels que : • les douleurs lombaires.

• La constipation : en effet, il y a alors une stimulation du transit.

• Les vergetures.

• Les troubles du sommeil : Les femmes faisant du sport disent beaucoup mieux dormir.

• Et bien d’autres …

Une activité physique graduelle

pendant cette période, permet de limiter la prise de poids et la masse graisseuse.

Les exercices dans l’eau tels que la gymnastique aquatique (ou même juste l’immersion) permettent de diminuer les œdèmes. Ces exercices permettent également de limiter les douleurs pelviennes et dorso-lombaires. Les futures mamans retrouvent alors leur corps et se sentent « plus légère » pour quelques instants…

Beaucoup de femmes s’interrogent quant aux risques d’accouchement prématuré et la pratique d’une activité physique.

Il a été montré que le sport pendant la grossesse n’affecte pas le moment de l’accouchement (dans le cas d’une grossesse de déroulement normal et d’une activité physique modérée). En effet, les modifications de l’activité utérine sont minimes et il n’y a ainsi pas d’incidence sur l’âge gestationnel.

Certaines études montrent que le sport permettrait une meilleure croissance du placenta et de la croissance de votre enfant. Le sport préviendrait ainsi les petits poids de naissance.

Les femmes faisant du sport pendant leur grossesse se sentent mieux psychologiquement, physiquement et sont moins stressées.

La reprise du sport rapide (attention à bien faire les séances de rééducation périnéale) pendant le post-partum, réduit également les risques de dépression du post-partum.

Attention cependant à bien vous hydrater tout au long de la journée et en particulier lorsque vous pratiquez une activité physique. Une alimentation équilibrée est également indispensable.

Mesdames vous avez l’embarras du choix, voici quelques idées : la marche, le Yoga, la danse, la gymnastique aquatique ou l’Aqua Yoga…. A vous de trouver l’activité physique qui vous plait et vous convient le mieux.

N’hésitez pas à demander conseils à votre sage-femme ou à tout autre professionnel de santé qui vous suit.

MayaTurns Name: Maya Manikandan Birthday: 4th April Amma (Divya) and Appa (Mani) say, “Maya is our very first blessing and a bubbly one indeed. She is Mom’s little reflection, dad’s little angel, grandpa’s little friend and grandma’s little bundle. Her feet despite not being so tiny anymore still makes our heart skip a beat whenever we hold it. And her little hands remind us that life is indeed so fine.

A cuddle with her, takes away our blues any day. We might not be able to do what it takes to achieve all of our dreams, but we do know that we will do whatever it takes to help her achieve hers as she grows up into a fine young lady. Happy 2nd birthday Maya L’abeille.”

‘In collaboration with Chanterelle’

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CONSERVATION

Green Lunchboxes Eating lunch on the go… sustainably

Most people will agree that home-prepared lunch boxes are healthier and can be great money savers. Instead of dishing out rupees every single workday for tea-time snacks and beverages and lunch at noon, you can save cash just by taking your own lunch box to work or school.

Prepared at home with fresh local ingredients, not only can it be packed with nutrition, but it is also literally over flowing with potential to save the planet (and your budget!).

With a home-prepared lunchbox, you won’t have to fill the bin with empty wrappers and packaging that come with buying snacks and food over the counter every single day. Yes, plastic lunchboxes are washable and can be safely used over and over and over again for different food stuffs. Your sandwich can be neatly placed inside your box, and you can have a healthy snack at tea time without adding another bit of foil paper to the landfill.

There are a few basic guidelines to consider when trying to make your snack and lunch experience sustainable…

Go Local and Fresh!

Apples and grapes are delicious and nutritious if fresh, but they are not grown in Seychelles and have to travel huge distances to get here (so consider the carbon footprint…). Same goes for all imported foods.

So support your local farmer! Use local meats, fish, veggies and fruits in your lunchbox! How about a local chicken sandwich with crunchy fresh cucumber and a mango for dessert? Or boiled pumpkin cubes to accompany a boiled egg and a galette? Or some grilled fish, boiled breadfruit and golden apply chutney left over from last night’s dinner?

Try Re-Usable Containers

Invest in a few good quality, durable plastic or metal lunch boxes to hold your homemade lunch and snacks and drinks. Stainless steel is the best. Cheap boxes and bottles break and become rubbish destined for landfill –good containers can last you for years. Conversely you can re-use ice cream and other durable containers and turn them into lunch boxes (but don’t heat your food in them in the microwave!). For those who are committed to their daily lunch take-away– you may be comforted to learn that the local NGO Sustainability for Seychelles is in the process of trying out biodegradable sugar-cane boxes to push for an eventual ban on the polluting polystyrene ones now in use. So, watch this space…

Avoid Excess Packaging

If you have the habit of wrapping every single food item individually using foil paper or cling film, try and grow out of it. You can use a lunch box with compartments to separate different kinds of foods instead, or wrap them in kitchen paper, which is at least biodegradable. The beauty of bringing your own homemade food is that you won’t have all those juice boxes and other packaging to deal with.

Further reading about green lunch boxes… http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/blog/how-pack-more-sustainablelunchbox http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/lunchbox-ideas.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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CONSERVATION

Eden islanders take initiative to help protect seychelles coral Anchors Away is an initiative which started with the aim to assist the Seychelles Marine Parks to install many mooring buoys for boats to tie up to, in and around all the Seychelles Islands. Currently 80 mooring pins or anchors have been placed within the Marine Parks drastically reducing the number of anchors and chains sweeping over the magnificent coral gardens.

An anchor in a coral garden

This initiative could not have succeeded without the fantastic work of the Marine Parks who take the full responsibility for the installation and maintenance of the buoys.

Many people and organizations have contributed to these achievements. The residents of Eden Island have contributed generously.

Vijay Construction has made concrete mooring blocks and supplied a barge to help the Marine Parks with the installation process. The Eden Island Development Company has provided ongoing help and encouragement.

Concrete mooring blocks by Vijay Construction

The du Plooys who started Anchors Away are keen recreational boaters and divers. Many years ago they started to go to a small island off Koh Samui Thailand, called Koh Tao. When they first got there 25 years ago the coral surrounding this area was pristine and there was only one dive boat, much like Seychelles was 20 years ago, even 5 years ago, there were only a handful of dive and recreational boats here in the Seychelles. Since they went to Koh Tao every year, they had personally seen the slow destruction of the coral caused by wayward anchors and anchor chains. When they arrived back in the Seychelles 7 years ago, there were not too many recreational boats. Currently new boats are arriving by the day and charter companies are increasing in number and in size. If this underwater environment is not protected from dropped wayward anchors and anchor chains, these magical coral reefs remain at risk.

So far, around 80 buoys have been placed around the Seychelles inner Islands, it is a small but significant start. Ideally hundreds need to be installed and they are hoping to raise much more money, so many more can be put in. Every donation is greatly appreciated. It costs about USD1000 per buoy and its parts. They ask for USD500 donations, and then donors receive a hand painted plaque, done by local artists.

Placing buoys for boats to tie up to, has so many benefits. The sea bed, coral reefs and marine life are unaffected. Boat owners and charterers have peace of mind, knowing their boats are safely moored and their anchors will not be dragged by adverse weather conditions. In small sheltered bays, more boats, closer together, can safely overnight.

In the future, boats could be charged by the authorities to tie up to Buoys. This will insure there is money to maintain them, as well as put in more buoys where needed. This is common practice in Mediterranean and Caribbean anchorages.

Even the most careful skipper, who carefully selects a sandy patch to drop his anchor, can be caught. If the wind changes direction, the whole boat is pulled in another direction and the heavy anchor chain then destroys anything in its path across the ocean floor.

Anchors Away really want to thank Eden Island, both the EIDC which has been so generous with their donations and assistance with helping to make the concrete blocks and all the residents that have donated. Eden island residents are very committed to helping the Seychellois. Many residents are very keen to support the community and partake in various charity initiatives like Anchors Away. Eden Island residents also support their own charity initiative to help the Roche Caiman community and many residents are members of the Friends of Seychelles, another great charity organization.

Anchors Away would also like to thank Vijay for their incredible support.

These buoys could not have been installed without Vijays help to make the concrete blocks and the supply of their barge to have all these concrete blocks transported and placed.

Anchors Away’s mission is to help stop the destruction of Coral reef ecosystems, caused by repetitive use of boat anchors and anchor chains dropped without a thought for the beautiful coral and sea life below.

They raise funds to supply these mooring buoys for the Seychelles Marine Parks Authority to install in popular recreational anchorages and dive sites. All these funds have been obtained from conservation minded individuals and organizations. Their aim is to try and encourage the larger charter companies to also contribute as well as try to find a way to put buoys in areas other than the marine parks.

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WEDDINGS WEDDINGSININPARADISE PARADISE

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DINING

MOLOKO Restaurant Moloko is located on the first floor of the Docklands Building in Victoria. Its location makes it an ideal eating spot for people in the vicinity of the capital, whether you work in town or you are simply passing through it. Moloko is well-known for its fresh food, fast service and the subtle taste of ‘Mauritius’ in some of its meals – especially in its signature dish, the Magic Bowl. The mauritian touch comes from the owner and the restaurant manager who are both Mauritians and both also happen to be chefs!

Step into Moloko

The atmosphere is very casual and laid-back. A décor dictated by simplicity with a preference for green and brown immediately puts you at ease the minute you step into the open style restaurant. Moloko can sit up to 50 persons so if you get there early, you might be spoilt for choice as to where to sit. If you are after an intimate lunch affair, I would recommend you keep away from the window seats to avoid the hustle and bustle of the lunch hour on Latanier road.

The smile that makes the difference

We were immediately greeted by a lovely young woman who guided us to our table near the window which we had reserved. She would remain our faithful waitress for the duration of our lunch at Moloko. The restaurant manager, Pascal Nicole, explained to us that since the restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, there’s a team for the day shift and another team for the evening/night shift.

Decisions, Decisions

Moloko’s menu caters for a variety of cuisine preference. From soups and salads in its starter menu to grills, Indian and Chinese in its main menu, there is something you will like somewhere. And then, there is its pizza corner. There is a variety of options for you there but if you want to create your own pizza, that too is an option.

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DINING

Main Course

For our Moloko experience, we decided to try out something from the Chef Special menu. The Moloko Steam Boat rocked our fancy with the subheading “Cooked at your table. Consists of prawns, chicken, squid, beef pork and assorted vegetables and plain rice.” For the sake of experimenting we also ordered something completely different, the Roast Spare Ribs with hoisin sauce and sesame seed (from the chinese menu).

Neither was disappointing. The steam boat resembled more of a soup and had an abundance of flavor – we had to order additional rice so we didn’t miss out on a drop of it! The spare ribs had the right amount of sweetness and tanginess. The food was served within 15 minutes of the placement of the order, which we found impressive.

Cocktail Time

While cocktails are more appropriate for the time the sun starts thinking of its bed time, we broke the rule this particular lunch time. The word ‘mohito’ has a way of creating a particular thirst and with it being the first on the cocktail list, we failed to resist the cocktail temptation. We ordered a ‘Mojito’ and a ‘Berry Berries’ and the moment they arrived our soft drinks were quickly discarded. They were perfect!

The Moloko Steam Boat

Take Away

The great news for people in a rush is that everything on the Moloko menu can be ordered as take-out. The exception to this rule would be the soup but we’re told that if you bring your bowl, you’re guaranteed to walk away with your soup!

Docklands Building

For those of you not familiar with the Docklands Buidling, in addition to Moloko, it also houses Level 3 Bar, Docklands Ramajayan Supermarket, Dira’s Cosmetics, MPS Furniture Shop and L&B Hairdresser’s to name a few. It’s one of the few places where you can come do your hair, top up on your groceries and have a great meal all under one roof. The Gift Shop is also across the road from the building.

Final Thoughts

Berry Berries and the Mojito

One thing which stood out about the Moloko experience is that they try and cater to the individual’s liking – if the individual requests it of course!

Unless whatever you request is impossible to cater for, the staff go out of their way to ensure you remain a happy diner!

*Free WiFi for clients are available Moloko Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Sundays and Public Holidays.

Roast Spare Ribs

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BON APPETIT

Seafood Curry Tagliatelle We are now into the second quarter of 2014 and it is time to spice up your weekly repertoire in the kitchen. We’ve had enough of the old classics – chicken curry and spag’ bol’ just won’t do it for tonight’s dinner. Mix things up with this surprising combo’ of seafood, curry and pasta, to be complemented by a Mojito or a glass of Swartland Sparkling Grape Juice.

Serves 8

METHOD

INGREDIENTS HOME-MADE TAGLIATELLE

THE PASTA

250g Flour 50ml Olive oil 1 Egg 100ml Water

SEAFOOD CURRY SAUCE 16-20 Tiger Prawns Boiled octopus cubes 200gms Fish cubes 200 gms Mussel cubes 200 gms Onions 50 gms Parsley 10 gms Saffron powder 5 gms Massala powder 10 gms Cream 20 ml Sunflower oil 5 cl Tomato cubes 20 gms Curry leaves, to taste Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste Ginger, to taste Garlic, to taste Parmesan cheese 20 gms

Place your flour into a mixing bowl, and add in the oil, egg and water, mixing with your fingertips until well combined into a smooth dough.

Leave to cool in the fridge for 24 hours.

Roll out your pastry with a rolling pin.

Cut into lengths of about 1 cm in width.

Sprinkle generously with flour and set aside in the fridge, preferably laid flat on a tray.

THE SAUCE

Heat your oil in a wide frying pan Stir fry your onions along with the tomatoes, curry leaves, garlic and ginger

Add in the massala and saffron powder Cook for 2 mins then add water and continue stirring until your sauce has attained the consistency you are after.

Season your water with a good dash of salt and pepper In a separate pan stir fry all the seafood before adding in the curry sauce and stirring until well incorporated.

About 10 mins before serving Heat your water to boiling point and throw in your pasta.

It’s ready when it begins to float – 5 minutes should do.

Strain your tagliatelle in a colander and add it to your sauce until well coated Serve hot, topped with parmesan cheese

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

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only at Archipelago Wine & Spirits

Beached Mojito

Takamaka white rum pressed with fresh mint, lime & passion fruit and topped with fresh pineapple

YOU WILL NEED

Swartland Sparkling Grape Juice

Conditions: Warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Limited Irrigation, mainly dry land, bush vine vineyards Fermentation: Time, Temp and Method: A carbonated sparkling grape juice.

POST BLENDING Treatment: Filtered and stored in stainless steel till bottling. No colourant, no added sugar – a 100% pure natural product.

Winemaker’s comment: Bouquet: Prominent grape and muscat flavours on the nose with a crisp acidity, well balanced through natural grape sugars.

Cellaring: Drink now and serve chilled – ideal for all occasions.

Price: SR113.85

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

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 1 fresh passion fruit Two shots of Takamaka Bay white rum Three quarters of a shot of sugar syrup (two parts sugar to one part boiling water) Two to Three shots of fresh pineapple juice

WHAT TO DO

Place the fresh mint, lime, passion fruit and sugar 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

Rum Distillery - Bar - Restaurant

A truly picture - worthy venue for any special occasion whether it’s dinner for 2 or your fairy tale wedding

www.laplaine.sc

Email: reservations@laplaine.sc Tel:4372010 APRIL 2014 | POTPOURRI

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BON APPETIT

The Wine

The Cocktail

Buy a case of 6 bottles & get a 15% DISCOUNT

From the island to the desert

By Mawess Mea Wirtz

Photo credit; www.botswanatourism.co.bw

DUMELA!

Learn this word because if you are going to visit Botswana; it’s going to open doors. The population is very friendly but they will ignore you if you are impolite. Dumela is a greeting that covers hi, good-morning, goodafternoon, and good-evening so you cannot go wrong. It will allow you to establish a rapport that will glean you good service, offers of help and solicitous advice.

GABORONE

SHOCKER!

Let me state (no bias, promise!) that whatever you are interested in, Gabs has it. Imagine my surprise to find that even water sports were available... in the desert. The Gaborone dam also moonlights a water centre where wind surfing, fishing and other aquatic activities are available, they even have an annual regatta. That it is not even the only option for fun in the water, there is also the Lion Park resort which is an amusement park full of water slides and tubes and other fun rides.

Photo cred

it; www.p lus.google .com

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and is fondly known as Gabs. It is both “new” and “old” at the same time. Beautiful, modern buildings can be seen in sandy, decrepit fields which is hardly surprising when we are talking about a country whose currency “pula” literally translates into rain.

(Rain is so scarce that it is synonymous to money). The city has residential areas mixed with industrial areas and the clash of traditional and modern elements are apparent. Traditional dress alongside fresh-off-the-catwalk designer labels strolling the streets. Buildings of chrome and glass next to little stalls of cloth and sticks. Lamborghinis next to beaten down jalopies on beautiful, clean, tarmac two lane roads or dirt roads with bumps that make you want to cry when it rains.

Lion Par k Resor t

ia.org ons.wikimed www.comm

Gaborone

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Photo credit;

DESTINATION

Gaborone

BE DISTINGUISHED

A lover of the arts will find that the ballet, jazz festivals, plays, opera singers frequently hop over the border whenever their tours take them to South Africa. The Three Chiefs’ Statues, Botswana Craft and the National Museum will insert some Batswana culture into your visit. These places have the history, articles that can be mementoes and the basis of the tradition of Botswana.

dia.org

ningabs.com

PLAY IT SAFE

African countries are usually considered to be dangerous but here in Gabs, unless you are the epitome of stupidity and flash your possessions, I can guarantee a hassle free holiday. Remember all the bad publicity you have heard about African countries and then you will realise, you never heard ONE story about Botswana. Gaborone is safe.

CABS IN GABS

RIDE LIKE A LOCAL

I would not recommend taking the local buses aka Combis unless you are staying for a while. The bus routes are very confusing and even the locals have a hard time keeping track. However, everyone knows where the malls and the bus station is so getting to those places are easy, the combi will always stop at those stops. Do not be alarmed by random men who come yell at you on bus stops, they are only trying to get you into their combi. They have a universal hand gesture for no/negative, learn that quickly and your bus stop days should be quieter. The combi is dirt cheap, only 3.50 pula for anywhere in the city so it comes with drawbacks such as squeezing 20 people in a van meant for 15, live animals and body odours.

Riverwalk Mall

PRAISE THE LORD

Gaborone is a city full of churches in every denomination possible. Church of Fire, the Dutch Catholic Church, the German Shepherd (I kid you not!) to name a few of the more obscure ones I’ve seen. The local radio tells me that apparently the government has started looking into those churches because some are big business. But be happy, should you feel the need to attend a service while visiting, I am POSITIVE you will be catered to.

DO NOT LEAVE THE COUNTRY WITHOUT EXPERIENCING THE WILDLIFE! estinationspoint.com

Taxis are everywhere so getting around in the city is easy, I will tell you now, DO NOT advertise that you are a foreigner because the fee in taxis immediately rise. Going anywhere is 40 pula within the city and if you are smart, take the taxi drivers number and keep calling him and tell him your plans. One, the fee will drop to 30 pula and two, if there is anything he knows that will help you, he will share. When I went to Mokolodi, my friendly driver, Mike, took my money, went in, paid, arranged to have me fed then came to collect me at the end and I ended up paying for only the guide and truck. The fare to the airport however is around 100 pula.

Photo credit; www.d

SHAKE WHAT YOUR MAMA GAVE YOU

Funnily enough, for a country that is so well developed, the night life does not compare to Seychelles. The discotheques are really small and very few in comparison to the size of Gaborone. That does not mean that you will not have fun and if you like alcohol, they can turn you into an alcoholic fast. A tequila shot is only 15 pula. The common spots are Bull and Bush, Boulevard and various hotels. I like Boulevard best.

GLUTTONY IS A SIN…BUT FORGET THAT!!

The restaurants are diverse, and not limited to only the local cuisine.

They have branches of Mugg and Bean, Chicken Little, Spur, Wimpy’s and other common international food places. Then there are the restaurants in hotels…..manna from heaven! Chinese? Indian? Persian? …whatever type of cuisine, you will find it and for the right price. They are all usually located at the malls.

If you want to cook your own food, there’s a supermarket around every corner. All fully stocked at all times. Even caviar in a can is available( again, I am not joking) and groceries are affordable (on the cheap side).

CHEEKY MONKEY…LITERALLY!

If you are going to be staying for a while, in some areas, beware of unwanted visitors in the form of monkeys who steal from the garbage.. and anything else they might fancy. Personally, I have been having fun watching a particular team for some time now. I have named them Sinbad, Robin Hood and the merry men. Robin Hood is the smallest monkey who generally squeezes through the electrical wires of fences, the merry men must be the family, they wait in trees for the loot. Sinbad is the biggest monkey, he is usually found chasing the merry men and plundering them of their loot. They make me laugh all the time, and it’s very rare for me not to see them as I walk to the closest mall from my place, Riverwalk.

Photo credit; www.whatso

Three Dikgo si Monumen t

Photo credit;

www.en.wikipe

A lot of money vs a budget…who cares!!! Gabs has a type of shop for everyone and your inner fashionista is going to be sated. GUARANTEED! Anything you want to buy is available from cheap to reasonable to expensive. There are several malls but I would recommend Riverwalk, Airport junction, Game City and Railpark as they are the most modern.

The best thing about the malls is that somewhere, some shop has something on sale…there’s always something on sale.

Giraffe in Moko lodi Nature Reser ve

The Gaborone Game Reserve and Mokolodi Reserve are two different experiences. At Gaborone Game Reserve, you will need your own transportation and there is only a nominal fee at the gate. The tracks are there for you to follow and going on foot is not allowed. At Mokolodi however, the fee is much higher but it comes with a truck and a guide.

There is nothing more majestic than an elephant, nothing as elegant as a giraffe and nothing as piss-pants scary as the big cats. NOTHING compares to seeing these animals in the flesh in their natural habitats. I won’t pretend that I didn’t find my cowardly inclinations when a lion got up and yawned, THOSE TEETH, made me think I was dinner!! The crocodiles and hippopotamus made me REALLY uncomfortable and happy to be inside the truck. However, as long as you do EXACTLY what the guide tells you and you DO NOT wander, you should be fine. From the little stone plants that are almost indistinguishable from rocks, to the seeing Timon and Pumba actually sharing the same waterhole….I have been amazed by the beauty desert…..minus the dung beetles.

Take a camera with you and make beautiful memories. Gaborone will be an experience of a lifetime.

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DESTINATION

SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP APPLIES!

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REVIEWS

Top 5 rental releases

(sponsored by GR Video Rental)

12 Years A Slave starring Michael Fassbender and Chiwetel Ejiofor For some of you, this film’s recent Best Picture win at the Academy Awards would be enough reason to see this as soon as possible but for those of you who need a little more, I’ll leave you with two reasons; 12 Years a Slave is possibly the most moving and superbly acted historical picture I’ve had the pleasure of watching in a long time and secondly, it’s tracks, rather closely, the true-life story of an unsung hero who’s story very nearly got lost forever, which makes it something quite rare.

Dallas Buyers Club starring Matthew

McConaughey and Jared Leto

with Kur t Gilber t

Jackass Presents Bad Grandpa starring

Johnny Knoxille

Thor – The Dark World starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman

Ender’s Game starring Harrison Ford and Asa Butterfield

Film of the month Gravity Starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney Dir. Alfonso Cuaron I dislike exaggeration. I really dislike Academy Award hype. Most of all, I can’t stand Sandra Bullock (not as a person – we’ve never met – but as an actress. She does nothing for me). So you can imagine that sitting down and devoting 90 minutes of my life to Alfonso Cuaron’s much-talked-about and super-hyped Gravity (which picked up no less than 7 Oscars last month), was a decision I had some reservations about.

Safe to say, 5 or 6 minutes into the movie, I had three revelations; 1. my apprehension was unfounded 2. Being off Earth is more scary than waking up to find a stranger standing over you wearing your pyjamas 3. Alfonso Cuaron may well have created the best representation of space since Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Considering the fact that almost the entire film revolves around a single on-screen character (Bullock) and 2 or 3 radio voices, the tension that is created and maintained throughout the picture is a feat of amazement and I can safely say that I’ve only ever watched one other film which was as minimalistic that conjured up as much emotion. Everything from the film’s soundscape (including sound effects and the soundtrack), to it’s stark cinematography, keeps the viewer feeling like this is something that they’ve never experienced before and won’t likely experience again. For once, the hype is justified - this film is truly one of a kind.

For the record – Sandra and I are cool now.

If that’s not your thing: Be sure to watch the Academy Award winning historical drama ‘12 Years a Slave’.

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REVIEWS

Album of the month

Pharrell Williams – GIRL Those of who who listen to Pharrell will be surpised to find that GIRL is only his second solo album.

Those of you who don’t listen to Pharell should. Since 1998, the now-forty year old super producer has been at the forefront of Hip-Hop and R’n’B, with his signature Pop-Funk permeating both genres in a way that has not and cannot be heard from anyone else. GIRL marks what I consider to be his third (possibly fourth) phase of evolution as both a vocalist and a producer, founded by all of the best aspects of his style but laced with allusions to a new, more mature school of thought.

Filled with simple yet intricate harmonies, guitar jabs that nod to the Classic Funk era, the expected synth backdrops and luscious strings, GIRL marks the refinement of Pharrell’s oft-shaky millennial sounds and proves for the first time since his more freely organic days as a beatsmith for Clipse, that Mr Williams is deserving of a place in the Hip-Hop hall of fame. This album isn’t just immaculately written, arranged and produced. It’s a concept piece that has the profound ability to move people (literally) for the next decade.

If that’s not your thing: Check out the timeless easy-listening classic ‘Explorations’ by the Bill Evans Trio.

This time, 10 years ago...

Man On Fire Granted, Man on Fire isn’t the biggest blockbuster of all time. It’s not even in the top 100 highest-grossing films ever made... But it should be. For those of you who can’t recall, the plot follows a washed up, alcoholic war veteran (played by the inimitable Denzel Washington) who gets back on the professional circuit as the private security guard to a young American girl (Dakota Fanning) who lives in the crime-riddled capital of Colombia.

What starts off as a tense relationship between the hired gun and his charge soon becomes a caring bond between the two, who end up being best buddies and connecting over swimming competitions and a mutual distrust of just about everyone. It’s not cheesy. The crystal ball is shattered when Fanning’s character is kidnapped by one of the many quick-handed criminals that casually loiter on the streets of the city, sparking the start of what will become Denzel’s most vividly riveting gun-in-hand performance as he shoots, hacks and explodes his way to the man who took his favourite rich kid.

Directed by the late, great Tony Scott, this film should be number one on ‘Best-ever’ lists everywhere, as it’s easily one of the most satisfying revenge stories of all time.

March’s Book Highlight The Painter’s Apprentice by Charlotte Betts

The year is 1688. Beth Ambrose has found her calling and Johannes the painter has nurtured and tended for her talent, molding it into an unbelievable gift, but there’s only so much she can experience from within the safety of her family’s arms and her home at Merryfields. The world as she knows it is about to shift as political tensions boil in the city and Noah Leyton arrives from a foreign land to turn her family upside down. The arrival of an additional mysterious stranger will further change her life forever.

This is her chance to prove her worth to the world and to herself, but little does she know that freedom comes at a price…

The follow up to Charlotte Betts’s much loved ‘The Apothecary’s daughter’ has proven to be just as historically lush and immensely addictive as anticipated.

With beautiful Victorian language and description to stimulate the senses, this book is meant to showcase the growth of the British monarchy through the eyes of a simple country girl out to follow her dreams in a complicated world.

Beth’s character and those of her beloved family who make up the primary characters are very engaging to follow while they discover their callings in life and where they truly belong. Tears are shed along the way (by the characters…and maybe even the readers…

Fine! I admit to a few myself ) and new loves are formed where they were least expected (bring on the contented sighs). The secondary characters are also very intriguing

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in their multitude of personalities and dispositions. Plus, the events that take place are actually factual including the involvement of some people and places.

This knowledge only heightens the thrilling experience of the book making it even more awing and immersive.

The descriptions in the book are probably its best aspect. One can feel every brush stroke that Beth makes, can smell the ingredients from her paints and the aroma’s from the kitchen.

Charlotte Betts once again manages to capture the hearts of the readers with her vivid portrayal of a life along the warm cobblestones of London and the frostbitten trees of winter, amidst the banquet halls of the king and the stables of the inns and in the hearts of a family whose lesson will be to learn from their mistakes and take life by the reins before their time runs out. www.madbookblogger.wordpress.com

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