RAGMAG The Wellbeing issue | May 2015 | issue #51 by RAGMAG Magazine

MAY 2015

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

BLAKE LIVELY

THE AGE OF ADALINE

STOP

OVERTHINKING

YOUR LIFE TO DESTRUCTION

7 DWARFS

FOR THE THE OVER OVER 40 40 FOR

BUDDHIST

PRINCIPLES FOR EVERYDAY USE

PERFECT MINUTES

PHOTOSHOOT MAY 2015

JIMMY CHOO EXCLUSIVE LOOK WITH

LEIGHTON

MEESTER

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER Gina Gabriel El-Fady GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amal Sabsaby Selected images Shutterstock

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Marina Saliba PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR Lea El-Alam MARKETING LEAD Daniella Tayar ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Teddy Younes RESPONSIBLE MANAGER May Ziade PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY CHAMAS www.3achamas.com

w w w . r a g m a g . c o

Hana Alayan Jonathan Cainer Jonathan Dagher Leanne Elahmad Giles Hattersley Kaylyn Hlavaty Chris Lambert Melissa Tabeek Teddy Younes beirut.com

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Stephanie Saliba Media Representative RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan Tel: 09 916222 / 09 913 777 gina.gabriel@ragmaglive.com lea.elalam@ragmaglive.com

Distributor MMO Messageries du Moyen-Orient de la Presse et du Livre Sal

RAGMAGMagazine @RAGMAGMagazine

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@RAGMAGMagazine

Opinions expressed are based solely on personal opinion and experience, not reflective in any way of RAGMAG, a division of Raycon s.a.l.

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MAY 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES 70 PERFECT MINUTES

COPYCAT

READY, STEADY, GO

JIMMY CHOO

CLUTCH-ON

BEACH BUM

SNEAKERS FREAK

CARTIER

CULTURE CLASH BLAKE LIVELY

DIET COKE

RAGMAG’S FASHION SHOOT REAL LIFE RUNWAY

RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT EXCLUSIVE LOOK WITH LEIGHTON MEESTER LATEST TREND

RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2015 LATEST TREND LATEST TREND

THE AGE OF ADALINE THE IMPULSISTA

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MAY 2015

MIND, BODY + SOUL STOP OVERTHINKING

HYDROTHERAPY

7 DWARFS

TOP 5 HERBS

118

BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES

122

MEN’S YOGA

132

HELP ME WITH MY RAGGED PROBLEMS

MIRROR MIRROR CHANEL

BOBBI BROWN

DIOR

CLARINS

GUERLAIN

128 129 130

SEE, SPEAK + HEAR NO EVIL SOUNDCHECK MUSIC WATCH OUT FILM READ’EM BOOKS

136

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY A WINNING START

138

LAZY SUNDAY

OUT + ABOUT MADNESS IN BEIRUT

RAGGED EVENTS

TAKE ME WITH YOU SUN WORSHIP

114

A TRIP TO FLORENCE

YOUR LIFE TO DESTRUCTION

THE HEALING POWER OF WATER BEAUTY TIPS FOR THE OVER 40 TO FIGHT STRESS FOR EVERYDAY USE

A NEW PHENOMENON ADVICE

COLLECTION MÉDITERRANÉE BOBBI’S NEW FACE ROUGE BRILLIANT CITY GIRL

ORCHIDEE IMPERIALE

NESTLE

RECIPES

THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES

5ATTRACTIONS YOU CAN’T MISS

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

We are continuing our Spring Special with the Wellbeing Issue. This issue was inspired by the clarity and the beauty of our 70 Perfect Minutes photo shoot. Looking after our wellbeing is not only about our outer appearance and what makes us look good from the outside, but also looking after our inner being and our inner strength. It is of vital importance that we get inspired from our work which satisfies our visions, passions, and talents so that we continue in our journey which is sometimes tough and a struggle to say the least. Being inspired by what we do is satisfying to our outer self and our inner self. If it makes us happy then we are on the right track to a healthy wellbeing. For this month RAGMAG will put you on the right track to a healthier life with what its got to offer! A Q&A with Blake Lively will set your mood straight. Who would have thought that Snow White’s 7 Dwarfs have given us healthy beauty tips. You will learn to stop over thinking your life to depression and take it easy. Look deeper into the Buddhists way of life for everyday use… and much more. Look out for the launch of our new website www.ragmag.co Coming Soon! We hope that you will enjoy it. If you want to see your comments on our website and on print please take the time to write to us with your thoughts, your ideas, and your stories. We look forward to receiving them and reading them on publisher@ ragmaglive.com .

Gina Gabriel El-Fady | Publisher 8 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

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MAY 2015

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THE AGE OF ADALINE

INTERVIEW WITH BLAKE LIVELY BY IZUMI HASEGAWA

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

HOLLYWOODNEWSWIRE / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE

CULTURE CLASH

THE AGE OF ADALINE | INTERVIEW WITH BLAKE LIVELY

“MY BOOBS ARE HUGE AND AWESOME.” Q: Why did you want to take this movie? It’s been a couple years. Why was this the one that made you want to get back in there, and what was it like getting back in the swing of things?

BL: After I wrapped “Gossip Girl” I took about a year off because I was just tired. We worked 10 months a year, 16, 18 hours per day. It was really for practical reasons. I just wanted a break and I wanted a restart, and I read a bunch of scripts and there were a few movies I saw that I liked and I thought “oh, I could do this movie,” but this is the first one that I saw and I thought “I can’t not do this movie.” I love this movie so much, and the only reason that I wouldn’t want to do this movie is because I want to see it as an audience member and I wouldn’t want to ruin it by being in it. That was the only conflict I had, and so I talked my way into it.

Q: What did you love about it? BL: I feel like magic doesn’t exist much in films these days, unless it’s a superhero movie or it has wands, but that magic and humanity - magic in a quiet film- is very rare, and when it comes along they call them “ the little movies that could.” And this was in between that. This is the sort of movie that can reach a broader audience, and yet it has magic and humanity.

MAY 2015

And the way it deals with time, and love and, the mourning of death. When you see this film you think “well, life happens exactly as it should,” because infinite amounts of time is so appealing, but if you get that alone, it’s not. You really realize that time is nothing without love. You understand the relationship between love and time, and you’d rather have less time filled with love and people that you care about than infinite amounts of time alone. www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 11

CULTURE CLASH

Q: Hillary Clinton is going to announce that she’s running for president. How do you think someone like Adaline would digest that? BL: I think it would be thrilling. Everybody said “wouldn’t it be amazing to be alive for 100 years,” but you look at everything that’s happened in the world in the past 100 years and it would be really painful to see what humanity does to itself. To have lived that, there’s something called I think “survivor’s syndrome” where they survive and they feel the guilt and the weight of that. She’s not only surviving the first love of her life, her husband, and now she’s about to survive her daughter, and what’s happened in the world. Any progress would feel really good, to see, “wow, we’re going to get out of this. We’re not just going to be barbaric and awful forever.”

Q: You play the character Adaline with such an old soul. Can you talk about finding that? BL: I would joke on set, because people would say “who are you trying to portray? A woman from the 1920s or 1960s?” And I would say “I’m just trying to pretend that I’m an old cat lady.” She’s an old woman, and I’m sure she would have gone a little bit crazy, but she’s also someone that’s closed herself off for so long. When I looked at different grandmothers that I’ve known, because really looking at grandmothers was my inspiration, and I looked at different grandmothers I had known from my childhood until now, I looked at the times in which they had come of age. And if they came of age in the ‘60s, they were more free-spirited and open, but my grandma came of age in the ‘20s and she was more formal and proper and ladylike. So I thought, “well Adaline comes of age in the 1920s,” so there would be that formality to her, she would be a little closed off, a little more reserved. 12 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

I’M JUST TRYING TO PRETEND THAT I’M AN OLD CAT LADY

Women didn’t really have the best time then, early on. The ‘20s were the beginning of the change. I wanted to see that, because each different decade in the 20th century, for women, has been so vastly different, where they fall socially and politically, that it would be really hard to capture each different woman. To have that through-line, so say “OK, this is a woman from the 1920s,” but now present-day Adaline, she’s an old lady, so how do I pretend to be an old lady?

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

THE AGE OF ADALINE | INTERVIEW WITH BLAKE LIVELY

WE’D HAVE TO SHIP HER OFF TO AN ISLAND IF SHE DOESN’T THINK THAT’S PROGRESSIVE AND AMAZING Q: By having a woman president? You think she would celebrate that? BL: Who wouldn’t? I mean goodness, we’d have to ship her off to an island if she doesn’t think that’s progressive and amazing, and it’s silly that that’s something we have to be proud of now, like “can you believe we’re able to pull this off,” it’s absurd.

Q: What are your thoughts about aging? Is it scary or worth celebrating?

DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES FOR GABRIELLE’S ANGEL FOUNDATION

BL: I think people worry about mortality. Aging is something that society puts on you, and it’s more of an aesthetic thing. It’s something other people are worried about like “oh, you’re looking older,” but I don’t think people sit at home and think, “oh, I’m going to age slightly.” When you’re worried that your hand looks a little older, or the crease in your eye, it’s because it’s innately and instinctively related to mortality. This is something that’s learned, socially. I think that if you take away any of that superficial element, it’s sad to not age. She’s losing the people that she loves. Who cares if you can zip up your dress forever and you don’t have to put on eye cream? Your daughter is 80 years old and she’s about to pass on and you’re stuck in this forever. I think it’s a lot more at the heart of what aging means.

MAY 2015

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CULTURE CLASH

Q: Has anything about making this movie impacted your thoughts on becoming a mother? BL: No, I was just kind of nauseous while I was pregnant. So it impacted my thoughts of “dear god, I can’t believe I have to do this stunt today.” I’m crashing into a pond and I’m crawling up… That was tough. I’ve always been really close with my family and they’ve been my everything. My nieces and nephews are running around here today and I’ve told them since the day they were born that I’m their real mother. I think they’re in a for a lot of therapy. It was a very natural thing for me to understand the love story between the mother and daughter in this film. To me, that’s the most prevalent one, even more than the store between Adaline and Ellis.

Q: How old is your baby now? BL: She’s almost four months.

BL: Well she wouldn’t let me come down with a pump on this morning. I was like “I can’t have them wait,” I’ll put a robe on, it’s fine. She’s like “it’s not fine, you’re not coming down.” I thought either you guys wait, or you sit here with the pump. It’s sort of a lose-lose for me either way. So she was like, take the lesser of two evils. It’s awesome. I just feel lucky that I get to do that and also get to work. I’m fortunate to be able to do both. 14 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

Q: How are your adventures in mommyland? Does it exceed your expectations?

THE AGE OF ADALINE | INTERVIEW WITH BLAKE LIVELY

IT’S A VERY CODEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP AND IT’S A VERY BEAUTIFUL ONE, BUT HOW THAT ADJUSTS Q: How has it changed you? BL: My boobs are huge and awesome. That’s probably the most significant change. Q: So where are you looking right now in terms of roles for films? BL: I’m about to start a film with Mark Forrester and Jason Clarke, Mark Forrester directing, about a woman who loses her eyesight at a young age, and she ends up having an experimental surgery in Thailand and regains her eyesight and how that affects their relationship. It’s a very codependent relationship and it’s a very beautiful one, but how that adjusts. How they love each-other and how they treat eachother and how they trust. And how it really interferes.

MAY 2015

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CULTURE CLASH

DIET COKE HAS CREATED

a t s i s l u p m I The

A NEW WOMAN TYPE

Diet Coke wants women to ‘Regret Nothing’. The company wants this so badly that it has created an entire marketing campaign with this title, aimed specifically at women – you know the weaker sex who just can’t help but feel guilty when they reach for a can of the carbonated stuff. “Regret Nothing: no sugar, no calories,” cries the ad’s tagline. Hoorah! Finally an ad that helps us ditch the lady guilt that’s inevitably associated with digesting something that isn’t a green gluten-free super juice. Thank you so much Diet Coke for giving us permission to have no regrets about drinking a soft drink. Sarcasm aside, this ad is just another example of the way that food and drinks are marketed at women – they’re either absurdly sexual, suggesting women can get orgasms from chocolates (if only) or full of subconscious messages telling us we should feel guilty for consuming calories, but it’s OK, because their product has the least and we don’t have to feel bad buying it. It shouldn’t be surprising that Diet Coke’s campaign follows the latter path, but it is rather bizarre considering that the

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH / THE INTERVIEW PEOPLE

BY RADHIKA SANGHANI

DIET COKE HAS CREATED A NEW WOMAN TYPE. THE IMPULSISTA

company “commissioned an in-depth cultural study” to come up with it. It found that 28 per cent of women wish they were more spontaneous – but it failed to find out that women are sick of marketing that tells you how to feel about a simple drink. What’s more is that Diet Coke then used this research to coin a new term: The Impulsista. “Definition: The Impulsista is a modern, successful woman who embodies impulsivity. She knows what she wants and acts on her impulses to create positive experiences, adventures and opportunities for success. “She is building herself, through her friends, her love life, her career and her style. She has a playful and purposeful approach to life and is confident to try out different parts of her-

YOU KNOW THE WEAKER SEX WHO JUST CAN’T HELP BUT FEEL GUILTY

It’s telling women what to do. But we get enough of that everywhere else – glossy mags, TV, even Instagram. If Diet Coke really wants women to ‘regret nothing’ then it would be better off not suggesting calories are typically on women’s regret lists, that women fall into these four reductive categories, or that it’s like, soo impulsive to run to a guy’s house. That is how the company’s video ad ends. It shows a woman having a Diet Coke, running through an airport, jumping through security, and generally being ‘spontaneous’ – only to end with her going over to a man’s house and ending up at his door. “You forgot something,” she grins seductively, as the shot goes to a ‘Do Not Disturb Sign’ hanging on the door. According to Diet Coke, it seems the biggest risk a woman can take isn’t with her career, it’s having some sex. How wonderfully original of the brand to not just use guilt to sell their drink, but to bring in a bit of good old sexual marketing too.

self and see what sticks. She’s a glorious work-in-progress.” Yes sistas, that’s you. Hate to break it to you but you’re a “workin-progress” - albeit a “glorious, playful” one. Congratulations. As if this isn’t patronising enough, Diet Coke has broken the Impulsista down into four helpful categories for women to decide which one they are: The Beta Girl who is into startups and her career; The Pop-Up Friend who has spontaneous friendships; The Fashion Fixer who “goes for what looks and feels gorgeous on her”; and The Flame who isn’t afraid to trying anything new. Because obviously it’s impossible for one woman to do all of the above. The problem with this campaign is that even though it has good intentions – to help women take more risks in the workplace and so on – it’s doing exactly what women don’t need. It’s labelling them, categorising them and limiting their options.

MAY 2015

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

TRY IT OUR WAY TO STOP OVER-THINKING YOUR LIFE TO DISTRUCTION

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

TRY IT OUR WAY TO STOP OVER-THINKING YOUR LIFE TO DISTRUCTION

CATCH YOURSELF It is healthy to be reflective, self-aware and perceptive, as these traits can serve to improve your relationships and help you to reach your goals. If you have an analytical mind, it is all too easy to become an over-thinker who is consumed by anxious thoughts that spiral out of control. Do you catch yourself scrutinizing the words and actions of people in your life, second-guessing your first interpretations and convincing yourself that you have detected negative subtext? Alternatively, are you guilty of spending too much time dwelling on the past, re-examining past failures and obsessing over what went wrong? The following tips will help you to strike the right balance between being a conscientious, responsible thinker and over-thinking to the point that it is detrimental to your happiness.

If your mind starts to send you down the dangerous path of over-thinking, stop it before it goes too far. For example, when you receive a text message from a friend and the punctuation makes you wonder if she is angry at you, this can easily lead you to assume that you have done something wrong and then leave you spending hours wondering how many friends are annoyed by your personality. Instead of allowing this to happen, tell yourself that you will withhold judgment about your friend´s attitude until there is more evidence, and move on to an activity that helps to change your train of thought. Ideal examples include reading an absorbing novel, watching your favorite TV show or engaging in an exercise routine. Often, you will find that physical activities encourage you to step out of your own mind.

UNDERSTAND THAT OVER-THINKING CAN LEAD TO SELF-SABOTAGE: It is helpful to note that there is concrete evidence of the serious problems caused by over-thinking, as this knowledge may help to make you feel more motivated to find ways to break free. For example, recent research suggests that constantly replaying problems from the past can often mean allowing the negativity involved in these memories to influence your future success. People who engage in this type of behavior are often called ´ruminators´, and a professor of psychology at the University of California has found that they are commonly stuck in self-destructive patterns. Obsessing over an imagined insult can lead to performing poorly at work, convincing you that you are bad at your job and serving to encourage yet more negative ruminating. Similarly, pause to consider how many times you have ended up arguing with a loved one after second-guessing the meaning behind something that has been said. On reflection, it should be clear that even though self-preservation is the goal of over-thinking, self-sabotage is the more common result.

MAKE USE OF A JOURNAL For some, the practice of over-thinking is strongly linked to a need to be heard. Although a journal won’t talk back, you can be completely honest about all of your thoughts and feelings when you are writing in it, and this act may help to silence your racing thoughts. Allow yourself twenty minutes to sort through your ideas and feelings in the journal, and then tell yourself it is time to move on.

MAY 2015

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

TAKE ACTION INSTEAD OF OBSESSING

ENGAGE IN COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING

Over-thinkers are often paralyzed by indecision, so you can also help yourself to break free of over-thinking by making a commitment to face issues head-on. If you are worried that your spouse is unsatisfied with your relationship, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow this to turn into days spent thinking about all the reasons why you were bound to be a disappointed to any romantic partner. Even if keeping a detailed journal does not appeal to you, you may find it helpful to at least write down the basics of your problem when brainstorming solutions. Make a list, zero in on the most positive way to tackle the issue, and act.

Cognitive restructuring involves challenging your usual ways of thinking and cultivating new ones. For example, if you usually leap to explain the confusing or hurtful behavior of others by looking at your own faults, challenge yourself to come up with alternative explanations. Perhaps your partner was irritable this morning because he was worried about an intimidating meeting at work, and maybe your sister sounded strange when she cancelled this afternoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunch plans because she is embarrassed to admit that she is afraid to thwart her attempts to lose weight. With some practice, quickly generating a wide range of logical scenarios can become the norm, and paranoid over-analysis can be left behind.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

TRY IT OUR WAY TO STOP OVER-THINKING YOUR LIFE TO DISTRUCTION

LEARN HOW TO MEDITATE Finally, by cultivating the skills required to meditate, you equip yourself with a powerful way to calm your mind. Learning to meditate typically begins with basic breathing exercises and then moves on to visualization techniques that focus on helping you to picture peaceful environments that still your thoughts. Alternatively, you might try creating a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;happy placeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that you can mentally visit when you begin to feel trapped in unproductive loops of negative thinking. For example, you might picture walking in a quiet, sunlit forest, or imagine relaxing on a beach.

FOCUS ON THE BIGGER PICTURE When you feel the urge to over-think, it can be helpful to take a step back and view the situation from a more objective perspective (in order to judge its true importance). For example, if you are obsessing over what will happen if you choose not to attend a certain social event this week, ask yourself whether it will matter to you (or anyone else) in a week, a month, or a year. This process often helps to illustrate that the decision under consideration is actually more minor than it first appeared.

TEACH YOURSELF TO LET GO OF THE PAST While it is instructive to draw lessons from life when things go badly, it is unhealthy to spend too much time dwelling on upsetting incidents from the past. If a relationship comes to an end, you argue with a family member or have a problem at work, think about it only to the extent required to grasp what went wrong and to understand what you can do to avoid similar issues in the future. After that, forgive yourself for your part in the negative event, and turn your thoughts elsewhere.

MAY 2015

Although over-thinking can dramatically increase stress levels and start to dominate your life, the above suggestions highlight the fact that it is possible to overcome this habit and develop a healthier approach. However, if you make sustained efforts to stop over-thinking and you find that you are still struggling, seeing a counselor or therapist may by helpful. Sometimes, it is easier to make productive changes to your behavior if an expert is there to provide feedback and encouragement. www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 21

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

DRESS: BCBG EARRINGS: BCBG ARM BAND: REEBOK

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

TOP: BCBG BAG: BCBG BRACELET: BCBG HEAD BAND: NU

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

BRA: INTIMISSIMI SKIRT: INTIMISSIMI NECKLACE: BCBG BRACELET: BCBG

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

TOP: REEBOK PANTS: REEBOK ELECTRONIC TRAINING JACKET: MIHATEC at NU

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

SKIRT: BCBG TOP: BCBG MACHINE: VELASHAPE at NU

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

PIN ROLLER: at NU TOP: ADIDAS / STELLA MCCARTNEY COLLECTION

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

ARM BAND: REEBOK TOP: ADIDAS

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

70 PERFECT MINUTES

OVERALL: REEBOK

MAY 2015

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

DUCKIE BROWN SS 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

MAY 2015

VERSACE SS 2015

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

DIESEL BLACK GOLD SS 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

VICTORIA BECKHAM SS 2015

MAY 2015

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

COMME DES GARÇONS SS 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

MAY 2015

BLUMARINE SS 2015

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JILL STUART SS 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

ONE

DOWN ralph lauren ss 2015

BLACKOUT lanvin oneshoulder crepe gown

zeus+dione chalki oneshoulder silk mini dress

WEAR IT ALL DAY weargrace monk printed stretchjersey top

maria black tusk gold-plated ring

PINK FOR YOU victoria beckham oneshoulder jacquard mini dress

tanya taylor ss 2015

gucci bag

rosantica hair tie

emilio pucci stretchcrepe wide-leg pants

lanvin gold-tone crystal bracelet

tory burch flat sandals

MAY 2015

lanvin oneshouldered satintwill top

celine

lee savage gold-tone box clutch

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dkny ss 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

THE MODERN

maria black loop goldplated bracelet

APRON 3.1 phillip mini dress and vest set

peter som ss 2015

karla spetic avalon cottonpoplin shirt dress

NUDIST richard nicoll layered crepe midi skirt

maria black gold-plated earrings

SEXIST t by alexander wang cottontwill shirt dress

arme de l’amour set of four goldplated rings belstaff cotton twill wrap mini skirt isabel marant bird quilted cotton wrap mini skirt

FLIRTISH alexander wang pleated crepe mini skirt

jil sander ss2015

jimmy choo

paula cademartori dun dun appliquéd leather shoulder bag

MAY 2015

fendi piqué tapered pants

jimmy choo

tory burch

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house of holland ss 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

SPRING HILLS olivia collings 1820s 18-karat gold earrings dolce & gabbana ss 2015

maison margiela silver-plated enamel ring

marn necklace

FLOWY vineet bahl embroidered matelassé top

marni jacquard tapered pants

house of holland nancy appliquéd distressed chambray mini dress

RAGGED FLOWERS

mary katrantzou poppies printed crepe playsuit

jennifer meyer earrings

valentino floralappliquéd suede skirt

piers atkinson flowerembellished canvas cap

erdem ss 2015

house of holland bag of tricks leather clutch

SPRING TOES

charlotte olympia floralembellished leather sandals

sophia webster amazona floralappliquéd leather sandals alexander mcqueen leather shoulder bag

MAY 2015

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EMPERORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CLOTHES

READY, STEADY, GO! RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT. BY TEDDY YOUNES

Rock your wardrobe with a fitting fashion comeback for this season. Ready to make a statement whatever the occasion might be.

WHITE ORCHID loewe leather clutch

joseph parachute silkvoile slip dress givenchy obsedia bracelet in tomato-red leather

ashley pittman nuru set of five horn and goldtone bangles

jimmy choo doodle metallic leather sandals

EMILIO PUCCI

embellished crocheted cotton-blend poncho

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

READY, STEADY, GO! | RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT

EYE SPY finds + catherine prevost 18-karat gold nugget ring opening ceremony embossed cottonjersey t-shirt

rag & bone the boyfriend distressed low-rise denim shorts

kenzo eye-embellished leather tote

converse chuck taylor all star canvas sneakers

POCAHONTAS linda farrow d-frame acetate and elaphe sunglasses

balmain distressed stretchdenim mini skirt

herveĚ van der straeten hammered gold-plated mother-of-pearl earrings

saint laurent monogramme fringed suede shoulder bag

charlotte olympia winona fringed suede wedge sandals

MAY 2015

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EMPERORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CLOTHES

Jumpsuits are so in this season and definetely an after party ready-to-wear. This simple style will switch up your look from polished party to the pumpin after party.

BACHELORETTE

kenneth jay lane hammered goldplated cuff

bottega veneta the knot intrecciato satin clutch

kenneth jay lane hammered gold-plated earrings

gianvito rossi leather and pvc pumps

VALENTINO

one-shoulder cady jumpsuit

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

READY, STEADY, GO! | RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT

STAGETTE whistles wide brim sun hat

pieces harion extra large chunky chain necklace

michael kors hartley elaphe flat sandals valentino the rockstud printed shell tote

HEN NIGHT

sophie bille brahe deesse 14-karat gold pearl choker versace metallic suede shoulder bag

gianvito rossi leopard-print calf hair pumps delfina delettrez 18-karat gold, pearl and diamond ring

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

JIMMY CHOO GETS AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT LEIGHTON MEESTER’S PHOTO DIARY STYLING THE SS15 COLLECTION AND TALKS FASHION, MUSIC AND TRAVEL

LA based actress and singer, Leighton Meester has had a diverse acting career from her iconic role as Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl to films including Country Strong and appearing on Broadway in Of Mice and Men. She recently embarked on a successful singing career with the launch of her record Heartstrings which has a strong folk influence. Citing Diane Keaton and Stevie Nicks as her style icons, Leighton has a bohemian and eclectic approach to putting her looks together with a strong ‘70s influence showcased in her style diary for Jimmy Choo. Leighton Meester shares an exclusive interview and photo diary including some of her favourite styles from the Jimmy Choo SS15 collection.

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Tell us about your new music and album? I just got back from a tour for Heartstrings, my first record. I played in 9 cities and now planning on another leg for more shows. It has been a really great experience traveling with my music. I’ve been working on the record for over 2 years so I’m really pleased to finally tour with it and I’ve grown immensely because of it. It’s insanely fun performing my songs, and it feels surreal interacting with the people who’ve heard it. It’s a confessional, very personal record and I’m really proud of every aspect of it. What’s your red carpet style? It varies, which is what I find most fun about getting dressed for an event. I like to experiment and change depending on mood, but comfort is most important to me. What’s your off duty look? Jeans and tees, jumpers, jean jacket, comfortable long skirt and sweater.

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

JIMMY CHOO

Who are your style icons? Diane Keaton and Stevie Nicks. What is your favourite summer holiday destination? I love going to my hometown and being with my family in Florida. It’s off season in summer when it’s hot, so it’s empty. We spend time on the boat and cook out, and have beach and pool days. What is your favourite summer song/tune? I like Beach House, Mac Demarco and Joni Mitchell for breezy tunes.

If you could be in someone else’s shoes for the day whose would it be? I look up to Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, who speaks up for all women and their right to health care. What is your favourite thing about summer dressing? All the options of different styles, open toe shoes and not having to layer. What are your three desert island beauty essentials? Spf (Biotherm Lait Solaire), lip balm (Homeoplasmine or Aquafor), cuticle oil (Nuka or unrefined coconut oil). What are your handbag essentials? Reusable stainless steel or glass water bottle, sunglasses, hand cream or cuticle oil, lip balm, hair clips and pins, and current reading material. What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe? Jimmy Choo sunglasses, which are also my most often utilized.

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

Are there any items that you did or would like to steal from any of your character’s wardrobes? Yes, I was able to keep a lot of clothes from Life Partners and Like Sunday, Like Rain. The characters were both casual dressers so they get a lot of wear. Piece of fashion advice you would give your best friend? I appreciate honesty so I would always ask a good friend for fashion advice, and I will give input but I have some very stylish friends. What inspires you? Intelligent, passionate women who fight for the education, equality and empowerment of others and the women and men who support them. Do you have a favourite look that you have been photographed in? The Jimmy Choo shoot were some of my favourite photos I’ve had taken. The clothes, and obviously shoes, bags and shades were wonderful, and the photography, styling and atmosphere was awesome. The whole team was such a pleasure to work with and it was the most fun day I’ve had shooting.

How do you feel that your style has changed through the years? Like anyone, I’ve gone through phases, but the biggest difference is that I’m less concerned with fashion for fashion’s sake. I find that I’m happiest when I’m comfortable in my favourite key items, so I just add or subtract from my tried and true items to create a certain look. Where are your LA hotspots? I don’t know many hotspots in LA because I spend most of my time at home or traveling. I garden and cook, but when I go out to eat I usually get sushi, like Sugarfish or Katsuya, or Mexican food at Casa Vega. 56 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

What do you think defines LA style? The nicest thing about LA for me is the weather and proximity to the ocean. During the day, you could be at the beach or wearing summer clothes and be able to add layers like a sweater or light jacket for when it gets chilly at night. What are your tips for looking and feeling your best? The most important aspect of emotional well-being for me is getting enough rest. I go to sleep and wake up early, and rest when I need, which is important in staying healthy when you have a hectic schedule. Stretching, staying hydrated and keeping my body in motion, even with a relaxing walk, is very equalizing. How would you describe your approach to fashion? Not taking it too seriously, and bucking judgment.

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

CLUTCH-ON

LATEST TREND

It’s not about what you carry, but how you carry it. Enjoy the latest trends for 2015 brought to you by RAGMAG! Don’t forget to clutch on and enjoy the ride.

alexander mcqueen diamond bridge ostrich box clutch

mary katrantzou python and leather clutch

olympia le-tan disney© peter pan embroidered clutch

louis vuitton

anya hindmarch valorie glitterfinished canvas clutch

jimmy choo candy printed acrylic and leather clutch

charlotte olympia kahlo embellished perspex clutch

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

CLUTCH -TO | LATEST TREND

edie parker flavia hashtag glittered acrylic box clutch marc by marc jacobs out loud acrylic clutch

kotur morley maybe why not box clutch

maison martin margiela leather clutch

sophie anderson camille leather-trimmed crocheted cotton clutch

longchamp deep night

sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bag box matchbag 1973

christian louboutin passage textured-leather shoulder bag marni crystal-embellished metallic leather clutch

sophia webster wild thing embroidered leather clutch

sylvia toledano x-pop girl swarovski crystal-embellished clutch

nina ricci ecrin leather box clutch

HOUSE OF HOLLAND roll the dice metallic leather clutch

MAY 2015

sophia webster to have and to hold speech bubble leather clutch

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TAKE ME WITH YOU

SUN WORSHIP LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER AND SPEND SOME TIME FALLING IN LOVE WITH LEBANON’S BEST COASTLINES. CHILL-OUT SUN WORSHIPPING, POOLSIDE DANCING, SWIMMING, AND WE’LL SEE YOU BY THE WATER!

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

SUN WORSHIP | LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES

THREE BEACHTASTIC VENUES

LIVING LARGE AT VEER

CHILLAXING AT LAZY B

As stated on their website, VEER is not your everyday resort. The Kaslik Boutique Hotel & Resort features a W-shaped pool with bed islets and a pool bar. With cool beats, a contrasting setting of metal, glass and flora, and excellent service, VEER is a tier one resort for people who do not mind spending for quality. VEER’s Pool Villas stand out: private Jacuzzi, aquarium pool, high-tech products and a private rooftop make it a great location to spend a whole weekend. Weekdays 37,500 LBP | Weekends 52,500 LBP Kaslik +961 9 22 26 23 www.veer.com.lb

Lazy B is home to the laidback beach crowd. Labeled an eco-friendly beach, no loud techno music here, only a serene secluded coast, rocky coves, green grass, terraces overlooking the sea, hammocks and loungers where a select group of sun worshippers come to chill out and cultivate their tan. Billed as a resort for nature lovers seeking relaxation, serenity and peace, Lazy B features two freshwater swimming pools. A relaxed restaurant and a snack bar are the answer to all hunger pangs and a small playground caters to boisterous kids. Weekdays 35,000 LBP | Weekends 40,000 LBP Jiyeh +961 70 950010

VEER

LAZY B

PIERRE AND FRIENDS

KEEPIN’ IT INDIE AT PIERRE AND FRIENDS Pierre and Friends is a beach true to its name. Pierre, fondly called Pierrot by his clients, who all become his friends by the way, has been on this pebbled beach for decades. What was once a sailing club of sorts somehow evolved into a trendy beach bar for the young and young at heart; no people watching here, only good times and dancing. Reggae and soft rock, laidback staff, fresh fish, beach bonfires, chilled Almaza and Mojitos are on the menu. Plus you can rent Pierre’s sailing boat with skipper for the day to discover the northern coast. Windsurf and body boards can be rented out. Daytime 30,000 LBP minimum charge Nighttime free entry Batroun, near Madfoun Bridge | +961 6 744930

MAY 2015

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TAKE ME WITH YOU

ON THE WATER EXPERIENCES ORCHID

ORCHID Under the motto of “Luxury redefined”, Orchid goes out of their way to offer adult beachgoers (over 21s only admitted) some outstanding services. The gorgeous pool is surrounded by striking loungers, Jacuzzi huts and the improved spa, offering relaxing massages and rejuvenating treatments. Unique and deluxe services include like fresh cold towels, sunglass cleaning (yes!) and cold-water facial spray. Weekdays 45,000 LBP | Weekends 45,000 LBP Jiyeh +961 7 996303 +961 3 040420 www.orchid-resort.com

BAMBOO BAY The first hip beach resort of its kind in the country, Bamboo Bay launched in 2002. Since then it has come a long way catering mostly to couples and families; this 30,000 m2 is well designed, done in white, lilacpurple and spring green shades. It features a sandy beach with sun loungers and swimming pool, Jacuzzis, and terraces overlooking the sea. The restaurant menu offers a good choice for lunch and it’s a place where the sunkissed tend to stay on for dinner. Weekdays 35,000 LBP | Weekends 40,000 LBP Jiyeh +961 3 513 888 www.bamboo-bay.com

BAMBOO BAY

PALAPAS

PALAPAS Tucked away in the bay of Tabarja. A large curved swimming pool is the focus of this resort surrounded by a bar, sunbeds and a landscaped lawn. Weekdays 20,000 LBP | Weekends 30,000 LBP Tabarja +961 9 856 655

BONITA BAY

BAMBOO BAY

LA SUITE – OCEANA Set in a banana orchard, it is just huge. This 28,000 m2 resort has four pools, bars and a 350m long boardwalk, you can stroll past the sea and sun-kissed bodies lounging on sun beds. The dining options here are vast with five restaurants and cafés to choose from, like Dunkin’ Donuts and Crepaway, as well as several bars in and out of the pool. There are shops galore offering all you need for a day at the beach and more, and a nursery to keep the kiddies busy. Come sunset, Oceana pulls in the young crowd who swap the clubs of Beirut for the decks of Oceana to party the night away. Weekdays 30,000 LBP | Weekends 35,000 LBP Damour +961 3 998080

LA SUITE - OCEANA

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BONITA BAY It’s located about 12km north of Byblos along pristine coast. Billed as a family resort, don’t expect a fancy pool, but do expect a breathtaking deep turquoise blue sea lined by a long stretch of pebble beach dotted with straw parasols and cream loungers. The sea here is wild and challenging but clear deep water awaits the avid swimmers. And after a day at the beach, enjoy a sunset drink on the wooden decks above followed by a scrumptious seafood dinner. Weekdays 15,000 LBP | Weekends 20,000 LBP Batroun +961 6 744 844 www.bonitabay.me

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

SUN WORSHIP | LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES

LAGUAVA A short walk along a stony path and lush gardens with a ClubMed feel brings you to the long and sandy beach. There are two pools and a restaurant. When the sun goes down, the music from the beach bar goes into chillout mode so relax back on the four-poster sunbeds and watch the sunset. There are bungalows to spend the night if you can’t face the drive back to Beirut, decorated with wood and soft earthy shades, each with its own deck and Jacuzzis, perfect for nighttime stargazing. Weekdays 33,000 LBP | Weekends 40,000 LBP Rmeileh +961 7 99 01 01 www.laguavaresort.com LAGUAVA

PUNCHO

JAMMAL

PUNCHO

JAMMAL

A little gem of a beach to be found along the coastline of Amchit. The beach is rocky with natural water pools for cooling off in. The sea here is crystal clear and great for snorkeling and there are plenty of exotic straw parasols to escape the hot sun. A little restaurant overlooks the sea and serves fresh fish and salads at reasonable prices. Weekdays 10,000 LBP | Weekends 15,000 LBP Amchit +961 9 790 955 www.punchobeach.com

A cool spot for hot days, more of a fish restaurant right on the beach rather than a resort. It is easy to miss, tucked away in a creek, where you can enjoy an ice-cold beer with the catch of the day while dipping your toes in the water. Popular with boat owners, the surrounding rocky enclaves of Jammal are perfect for snorkeling and the underground fresh water springs offer a chilled swim even on the hottest summer days. Free entry. Kfarabida, south of Batroun +961 6 740095

BEIRUT SUN SPOTS WANT TO FEEL LIKE YOU’VE ESCAPED THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY BUT CAN’T QUITE GET OUT OF TOWN? THEN HEAD TO ONE OF THESE URBAN BEACHES… SUMMER IN THE CITY DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN MISSING OUT ON THE BEACH.

RIVIERA BEACH LOUNGE Located opposite Riviera Hotel this beach lounge features long piers with loungers for catching the sea breezes and with the best view of the Med. A pool bar for cocktail hour, Jacuzzis and excellent service where you are literally waited on hand and foot. The scuba diving school here is reputable and the restaurant has a great menu for all tastes, popular with the hotel tourists in the evenings. Weekdays 36,000 LBP Weekends 48,000 LBP Corniche El Manara +961 1 373210 www.rivierahotel.com.lb RivieraHotelBeachLoungeBeirut

RIVIERA

MAY 2015

RIVIERA

ST GEORGE YACHT CLUB Still a symbol of the golden days of Lebanon when it played host to the stars in the swinging 70s. Despite having been destroyed by war, and now its refurbishment on hold in a real-estate battle, the beach club still draws in city dwellers with a large pool, long loungers and marina. Weekdays 35,000 LBP Weekends 40,000 LBP Ain El Mreisseh +961 3 958379

LA PLAGE

SPORTING CLUB

No sandy beach here, despite the name, but there is a nice pool to cool off in. This is a good place to come for some lunchtime tanning or swimming if you only have a few hours to spare. Draws in the chic fashionistas, so best to break out in the latest D&G bikini or Vilebrequin trunks. After sunset, it’s all candles and cocktails and cushioned alcoves provide cover for the amorous inclined. Weekdays 45,000 LBP Weekends 52,000 LBP Ain El Mreisseh +961 1 366222

Diehard local sun worshippers and fisherman alike are loyal to this spot. Admittedly in dire need of renovation, its location with a wide view of the Med makes it hard to beat. There are three pools and access to the sea via the rocks if you are brave enough. Dinner at the seafood restaurant is a firm favorite during sunset when the arak flows galore; also serves a mean curry. Weekdays 28,000 LBP Weekends 37,000 LBP Corniche El Manara +961 1 742481

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

BEACH BUM RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2015

RAGMAG brings to you the most stylish swimsuits Summer 2015 has for your body type. So whatever your choices are high or low, Tankini or Bikini we want you to look the part, feel comfortable and be yourself. Do us a favor when you’re strutting that swimsuit clad body somewhere in the world don’t forget to take a pic with your favorite magazine RAGMAG and send it to us with #itsyourmagazine

VICTORIA’S SECRET embroidered tie-front tunic

OYSHO

check tunic with fringing

MARA HOFFMAN

electrolight printed georgette beach dress

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OYSHO

short dress with pompom embroidery

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

BEACH BUM | RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2015

THE CROPPED ONES DOLCE & GABBANA printed bandeau bikini

MARA HOFFMAN MISSONI

reversible printed triangle bikini

cross-back crochetknit bikini

SIMONE PERELE

NORMA KAMALI diana draped one-shoulder bikini

CHAN LUU gold-plated swarovski crystal body chain

VICTORIA’S SECRET

ITEMS

zip long line triangle bikini

SENSI STUDIO OYSHO

embellished woven toquilla straw tote

embroidered clutch

OYSHO two-tone plastic flip flops with bow trim

TOTÊME biarritz cottonterry towel

MAY 2015

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

BEACH BUM | RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2015

PIECE OF ME SIMONE PERELE swimsuit

DOLCE & GABBANA floral-print swimsuit

SIMONE PERELE

swimsuit

AGENT PROVOCATEUR lanna swimsuit

MARA HOFFMAN

harvest cutout printed swimsuit

SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE

palme a pied 14-karat gold pearl anklet

ITEMS

OYE SWIMWEAR

swimsuit

OYSHO

lurex striped bag

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA

watermelon basket straw tote

OYSHO

mirror-effect flip flops

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HAMMAMAS

striped woven cotton towel

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MAY 2015

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EMPERORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CLOTHES

SNEAKERS FREAK Do you have a fetish for sneakers? Well, you can come out of the closet and say it loudly because ur not the only one for 2015 as it is the latest IN footwear!

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

SNEAKERS FREAKS

ADIDAS ORIGINALS

superstar suede and croceffect leather sneakers

MAY 2015

GIVENCHY

skate shoes in black leather with bambi print

BALENCIAGA

suede and leather-paneled mesh and neoprene sneakers

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EMPERORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CLOTHES

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

london textured-leather hightop sneakers

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NIKE

air force 1 shanghai leather high-top sneakers

VALENTINO

1973 rockrunner suede-paneled printed leather sneakers

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

SNEAKERS FREAKS

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

lorenz leather and suede wedge sneakers

MAY 2015

ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY araruana dance adiprene速 paneled mesh sneakers

NIKE

flyknit zoom agility mesh sneakers

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

HYDROTHERAPY

THE HEALING POWER

OF WATER

BY SUSAN M. KEENAN

Water therapy, or hydrotherapy, is commonly used to treat a number of ailments. What exactly is hydrotherapy? What kind of problems can be treated using it?

Hydrotherapy refers to the practice of using water in any of its forms to heal, soothe, and relax the human body. It has been used since the early days of the Romans when hot springs and Roman bath houses were popularly used for the same reasons. Hydrotherapy also dates back to the days of the sweat lodges that were commonly used by Native Americans. Hydrotherapy includes the use of steam, ice, and water for the purposes of healing. It can involve saunas, steam baths, ice packs, whirlpool baths, and more. Each of these methods is 72 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

used in an effort to bring about relief from pain or tension using a combination of moisture and temperature. Hydrotherapy treatments are often available at health spas and fitness clubs and can be attempted at home. Heat-based hydrotherapy uses heat and water in the form of steam baths, vapors, and warm or hot baths. Cold-based hydrotherapy uses cold compresses or ice packs in an effort to narrow or constrict blood vessels. This constriction causes the circulation of the blood to slow down along with a reduction in any swelling that is present. Cold-based hydrotherapy is intended to reduce the presence of fluid in the treated area as well. Hydrotherapy treatments are often used in conjunction with other treatments including the prescription of medicines. Ailments that are sometimes treated with hydrotherapy include headaches, arthritis, migraines, circulatory problems, and more.

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

HYDROTHERAPY | THE HEALING POWER OF WATER

Water-related aerobic exercises are also helpful in relieving back pain in some patients. Sitz baths are generally taken in smaller tubs filled with salts and/or minerals designed to soothe problems caused by hemorrhoids or testicular pain. Saunas make use of steam or warm water vapor to ease back pain or to relieve tension and stress. Today, it is possible to have a personal sauna installed in your home.

THE INTENDED RESULT IS BETTER CIRCULATION AND A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF PAIN Hydrotherapy often makes use of ice packs or cold compresses to treat a number of medical conditions. These conditions include migraines, headaches, herniated discs, and facial problems. Anyone who intends to use hydrotherapy on a regular basis or for the treatment of a serious medical condition should consult a physician first before incorporating it into their lifestyle. Hydrotherapy can be a positive experience and produce good results provided it is used properly.

FORMS OF HYDROTHERAPY People often take a long, hot soak in the tub to relieve muscle tension and ease joint pain. Hot water is often used in an effort to reduce the soreness that is felt after strenuous exercise or long walks. The hot water and the steam it produces open the pores while causing blood vessels to open. The intended result is better circulation and a reduction in the amount of pain that is felt along with an improvement in muscle relaxation. The Hubbard tank allows individuals to immerse themselves completely in a tank filled with warm water for the purposes of treating leg, arm, shoulder, and back injuries.

MAY 2015

The Hubbard tank can also be used to treat burn victims. Hydrotherapy includes the use of whirlpools to ease muscle aches and chronic conditions. The jets release warm water in spurts that are designed to massage the body in an effort to relieve muscle tension. Swimming pools are often used to allow the individual to exercise in an environment that does not add strain on already painful joints and bones.

THE INTENDED RESULT IS BETTER CIRCULATION AND A REDUCTION IN THE

AMOUNT OF PAIN

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MIRROR, MIRROR

CHANEL COLLECTION MÉDITERRANÉE

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

Sun-kissed colours take on more intensity and glow with luminosity to enhance a naturally golden face. Carefree elegance: the spirit of beauty by CHANEL has inspired the must-have accessory of the collection. Applied in a single sweep, STYLO EYESHADOW delivers a fresh hue and traces Riviera-coloured eyes. On eyelids and nails, the colour palette honors the blues, olive greens and browns of the sunny shores before ending on an intense violet note. From soft pink to vermilion, a shiny lipstick dresses the smile in radiance and lightness. For the final touch, a powder with delicate golden shimmers sets off a natural complexion with a radiant effect..

EYES Eye makeup embraces the energy and radiance of summer. Fresh, dazzling and joyful, colour lights up every bat of the lashes. STYLO EYESHADOW can be chosen on an impulse or collected one by one to mix and match colours all summer long.

LIPS ROUGE COCO SHINE Fresh, spontaneous, luminous: ROUGE COCO SHINE adapts perfectly to summer moods. Both incredibly lightweight and rich in colour, the most charming of CHANEL lipsticks enjoys varying the intensity of its palette. The smile is sensual, natural and sparkling, glimmering with soft shine. Three luminous and semi-sheer shades are discreetly touched with golden or coppery notes, like drops of sunlight sparkling on lips. LĂ&#x2C6;VRES SCINTILLANTES The iconic gloss by CHANEL dresses lips in brilliance and bold colours.

MAY 2015

LE VERNIS Along the steep coasts, strewn with wild plants and flowers, flamboyant brown rocks plunge into turquoise waters. The Riviera tells a colourful tale on nails as well. Four audacious shades revel in a delicious breeze of freedom.

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MIRROR, MIRROR

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

BOBBI’S NEW FACE “Everything a woman needs to achieve flawlesslooking skin—all in one convenient palette.” – Bobbi Brown

FACE TOUCH UP PALETTE A PORTABLE PERFECT SKIN Bobbi’s new Face Touch Up Palette is thoughtfully designed for anyone who wants to quickly and easily achieve a flawless complexion while on-the-go – it’s a portable skin perfector. Extremely portable, this palm-sized mirrored palette features Bobbi’s best-selling Corrector, Creamy Concealer, Skin Foundation Stick and Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in skin-tone correct shades. These four products are formulated to layer seamlessly and deliver an incredibly natural skin finish. Offered in a range of 15 shades, Bobbi and her team of artists have carefully selected the most popular combinations for on-the-go touch ups. Finding the perfect Touch Up Palette is easy—just chose the palette based on Skin Foundation Stick. To find the right shade, swipe foundation from cheek to jaw line, and gently blend it into the skin. Also test a shade lighter and a shade darker for comparison. The correct shade should disappear. Use the Face Touch Up Palette Color Guide below to help find the appropriate shade.

HOT, HOT, HOT LIMITED EDITION “This collection channels hot summer days, sexy summer nights and Kate’s easy confidence.” – Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brown and Kate Upton team up to bring you the Hot Collection, with this season’s must-have items for looking and feeling confident. Inspired by Kate’s hometown in Florida, this collection pairs subtle nudes with pops of head-turning color. Think the warm nudes of the beachfront and the bright lights of Miami. Fun, effortless and vibrant, Kate carefully selected each shade and product in the collection to reflect her playful, beach-ready lifestyle. Pair a well-defined nude eye with a high-voltage lip for a look that channels hot summer days, sexy summer nights and Kate’s easy confidence.

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MIRROR, MIRROR

DIOR

BRING COLOUR TO YOUR LIFE ROUGE BRILLIANT

Today, it is reinvented with a new CONTEMPORARY FACET. More than just a gloss, it is also a MODERN TREATMENT for global beauty. Rouge Dior Brillant is a truly FUSIONAL LIQUID BALM, bringing lipcare to the heart of your lips for RADIANT, PERFECT COLOR. With this new fine shine and PERFECT STAYING power, Rouge Dior becomes light itself and reveals a new facet of femininity.

DIOR VERNIS 999 ROUGE

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ROUGE BRILLIANT

CREME ABRICOT 999 ROUGE

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MIRROR, MIRROR

CITY GIRL MAY 2015

Ten years after the success of Clarins launch of anti-UV protective SPF 40 skin care designed for life in the city, with an extremely fine, lightweight texture compatible with all skin care and make-up products to keep women beautiful and well-protected in their urban environment. Clarins launches the invisible face protection, UV PLUS ANTI-POLLUTION SPF 50 in 2015. Clarins powerful face shelter with a plantpowered multi-protection formula, specifically designed to preserve the beauty of all women, with an incredibly fine, transparent texture.

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MIRROR, MIRROR

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

GUERLAIN ORCHIDEE IMPERIALE THE GEL CREAM, THE NEW REJUVENATION PHENOMENON

THE FIRST “PERFECT SKIN” GLOBAL AGEDEFYING SKINCARE FROM GUERLAIN Delivering the revitalising power of Gold Orchid Technology to the skin, reducing imperfections, pores, fine lines, signs of tiredness and a dull complexion, in other words, recreating the qualities of visibly young and flawless skin in a single product: Guerlain has created a revolutionary new texture with the invention of OrchidŽe ImpŽriale The Gel Cream.

A NEW TEXTURE VARIATION EXTRAORDINARY, INNOVATIVE & SURPRISINGLY FRESH

A manufacturing secret held by Guerlain formulators, The Gel Cream introduces the skin to a magical texture, a real orchid gel. Appealing and incredibly gentle, with a slight pink tone, it delights and challenges the senses. Simply sweeping it lightly with the fingertips makes the experience irresistible... On first contact, gelling agents “burst”, releasing a freshness so intense that the skin instantly drops 3 degrees*: there is a discernable decongesting effect, the complexion is revived and the face already seems more rested. On application, the feel is so fine and the texture so silky smooth that it gently imbues its revitalising active ingredients to the heart of the skin. Malleable, pleasant and comfortable, The Gel Cream is not sticky or shiny.

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EMPERORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW CLOTHES

CARTIER

LAUNCHES THE SS15 COLLECTION

AMULETTE DE CARTIER

C DE CARTIER

Amulette de Cartier is a jewellery creation charged with emotional power. Like a talisman, a lucky charm, a padlock- pledge in which the knowing ear hears a personal wish, a very secret message. The Amulette de Cartier collection consists of natural gemstones, each one different and unique, each carrying a wish that promises to be revealed.

The C de Cartier bag dazzles in an array of vibrant hues that shimmer with Parisian sparkle. With nuanced glimmering tones inspired by fine stones, this subtly sophisticated bag is a radiant figure of femininity in soft, shapely curves. The zesty palette chosen for the C de Cartier bag is inspired by the signature shades of the Maison interpreted in cheery monochrome.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

CARTIER | LAUNCHES THE SS15 COLLECTION

C DE CARTIER 5

TRINITY DE

CARTIER

EYEWEAR

Rose blush enlivens the pastel finery of Trinity de Cartier sunglasses, knotted with three rings. The mythical aura of a touch of light, in the form of jewellery, brightens these powdery sunglasses, making them fresh and chic.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

WHAT SNOW WHITE’S

7 DWARFS CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT BEAUTY IF YOU’RE OVER 40! When you think of the Disney princesses, Snow White may very well be the fairest of them all: luxurious black hair, kissable red lips, and a flawless complexion. While Snow White may epitomize beauty, the seven dwarfs may actually be the better beauty inspirations. Huh? Their names, that is. Want to look and feel your most enchanting now that you’re over 40? Let’s heigh-ho our way over to the dwarfs´ woodland cottage to learn more about how each of them can help you be your best - now, and happily ever after.

SLEEPY? YOUR SKIN SUFFERS Droopy eyelids. The constant yawning. Yearning for a nap. Sure it describes Sleepy, but does it describe you, too? As you age, you may sleep less soundly and awake more frequently. Common culprits include menopausal night sweats, waiting up for a past-curfew teenager, and worrying about your family and work. To be brighteyed and bushy-tailed, a good night’s sleep is essential. Commit to a regular bedtime and 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

ACHOO! Sneezy has hay fever, which is a common allergy. Another sensitivity that plagues those over 40? Congested skin, including pimples and eczema. To minimize or eliminate inflammation, take an inventory of your skin care products and diet. Choose soaps, shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics that are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic. When it comes to food and drinks, reduce your sugar intake and increase the color in your meals. Tomatoes, salmon, grapefruits, kale, blueberries, and figs make a delightful rainbow of food, but they also boost your immune system and lead to glowing skin and stronger hair and nails.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

WHAT SNOW WHITE’S 7 DWARFS CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT BEAUTY

DON’T BE SHY ABOUT EXERCISE Bashful is prone to blushing. Of course, another activity that causes flushed cheeks is exercise. The benefits of exercise are numerous, including better health, better mood, better sleep, and better sex. Are you overwhelmed by the idea of starting and maintaining an exercise regimen? Instead, make active choices every day. Walk around the block. Ride your bike into town. Join your child in the pool to swim. Mix it up, and make it fun.

SILLY DOES YOU GOOD Dopey is the most playful of the dwarfs. When’s the last time someone described you as playful? C’mon, go ahead, fly a kite! Challenge someone to a board game. Jump a wave. Catch fireflies. Climb a tree. Have a snowball fight. No matter what your age, play reduces tension and promotes circulation. Healthy circulation has a direct impact on cell turnover and collagen production. Yep, in other words, daily hopscotch will make your skin look brighter and more youthful.

A FEW MORE SECRETS OF HAPPY SKIN AND HAIR

TRUMP YOUR GRUMP

Your skin and hair need sebum to look and feel smooth, so avoid long showers, harsh soaps, and shampooing more than twice a week. Moisturize liberally. Air dry. Don’t smoke. Treat yourself to the healing touch of facials and massages. And, most importantly, smile plenty and laugh more... just like Happy.

If you’re over 40, you have a lot to be grumpy about: aging parents, children, money, hormonal changes, and trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up! And this stress takes a toll on your skin’s firmness and elasticity. So come up with a plan to manage what burdens you. Make time for mind-freeing pursuits such as meditation, yoga, or long, comforting soaks in the tub.

DO AS THE DOC SAYS As dermatologists caution, repeated sun exposure breaks down your skin and your hair at the cellular level. The result is skin that is blotchy, sagging, and wrinkled. Your hair texture becomes coarse, and its color dulls. Dermatologists recommend that you protect yourself with lotions and sprays that block damaging UV rays. Look for products that also keep your skin and hair hydrated. Even better, wear protective clothing when outdoors and seek shade.

MAY 2015

Follow these tips, and soon your mirror, mirror on the wall will reflect a more radiant you.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

TOP FIVE HERBS FOR

STRESS Over time, high levels of stress can have a negative impact on your health, quality of life and personal relationships with friends, family and loved ones according to Mayo Clinic. Activities that relieve stress like exercise, yoga or simply working on a hobby that you can enjoy are excellent remedies for stress, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more you can do to fight stress. Some natural herbs that you use for cooking can actually help ward away stress while flavoring your food. Not only will using these herbs help to reduce your stress level, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also allow you to use less salt in your food, which can help lower your risk of high blood pressure and heart problems.

BASIL Basil is high in folate content, which can help get rid of free radicals in your body that cause cell damage due to stress, while helping to relieve stress at the same time. All types of basil, including the Italian variety and Thai basil, contain folate, and they can be used in a wide variety of different foods including pasta and rice dishes, soups, and even sliced and added to salads for a bit of extra flavor. 86 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

TOP FIVE HERBS FOR STRESS

LAVENDER While you may not think of lavender as an herb you would cook with on a regular basis, it’s one of the best stressreducing herbs you can find. The natural scent of fresh or cooking lavender can help reduce anxiety and knock out stress, and it’s been used in Ayurvedic and holistic medicine for many years. Try steeping fresh lavender in hot water to make a relaxing tea, or adding a small amount of food-grade lavender extract to simple, healthy recipes like baked, skinless chicken breast.

ROSEMARY Rosemary has been used in natural food and health circles for many years, and it works to promote digestive health while reducing stress and tension. There’s no shortage of what you can do with rosemary – it works on healthy meat and fish recipes, as well as in in sauces, soups and can even be used to make herbal tea. Italian recipes commonly use a healthy amount of fresh rosemary, so if you like Italian food, pick up an Italian cookbook if you don’t already have one and find a recipe that you and your family will love.

TARRAGON Tarragon can help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and giving you an overall sense of wellbeing, and it is often associated with mild pain relief in holistic medicine. Try using tarragon with a bit of fresh squeezed lemon juice to flavor salmon before grilling or baking it to add flavor without the fat of oil or butter. Tarragon also blends well with tomatobased sauces, soups and stews.

DILL Not only can dill help to reduce stress and anxiety, but it also helps aid in digestion, which is ideal if you tend to get an upset, cramped or irritated stomach when your stress level is high. Fresh dill is common in Scandinavian and Norwegian food, but it can be used on a variety of common foods including roasted or baked potatoes, vegetables like squash and zucchini and baked or roasted salmon and chicken.

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MAY

ONE DESTINATION O1NE HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT Two years after first opening its doors to an unprecedented nightlife experiment, O1NE Beirut has redefined its impressive location in a way that puts its full potential on the map. As the new destination of amazing international and local shows, the House of Entertainment promises memorable experiences with unprecedented quality in the region! Produced by O1NE Beirut and hosted at its premises, this destination will propose all kinds of entertainments, from musicals to stand-up comedies, circuses, kids shows, and more, much more than youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve even known. So keep an eye out on the O1NE Beirut website and social platforms to discover the scheduled shows and get the info you need for ticket purchase. For More information please contact us on 70 93 91 91

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OUT + ABOUT

MADNESS IN BEIRUT THINGS TO DO THIS MAY!

OLD TRIPOLI TOUR WITH MIRA MINKARA YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY: MAY IS A TIME FOR… DOING LOTS OF AWESOME THINGS IN BEIRUT. SURE, THE OFFICIAL START OF SPRING WAS KIND OF A BUST, BUT THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET WAY LESS TERRIBLE THIS MONTH THANKS TO THE VARIETY OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES COMING UP. HERE ARE 10 OF THESE BEST OF ‘EM.

Mira Minkara is building a new for herself as the go-to tour guide if you want to explore Tripoli. This upcoming tour will consist of visiting one of the most beautiful Mamlouk & Ottoman monuments in Lebanon. Discover Mosques, Churches, Khans, Hammams, Madrassas, and the 14th centry souk in the heart of the old city. MAY 2 | 11:00A.M. TO 4:00P.M.| TRIPOLI | COST FROM BEIRUT: 30,000 LL, FROM TRIPOLI: 20,000 LL

YASMINE HAMDAN AT O1NE In the midst of her worldwide tour icon of Lebanese underground music, Yasmine Hamdan, returns to Beirut for a unique concert on May 24 at 01NE House of Entertainment. Expect and electro folk pop journey through her repertoire inspired by some of the great Arab female singers such as Asmahan, Nagat El Saghira, and many others. Yasmine and her band will also be joined on stage by special guests. MAY 24 | 9:00 P.M. TO 12:30 A.M | EO1NE HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT, BEIRUT WATERFRONT, DOWNTOWN | +96170939191 | TICKETS ON SALE AT ALL TICKETING BOXOFFICE BRANCHES | 60.000 L.L

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COMMON FEST BEIRUT This is a four-day festival showcasing the diversity and talent of the Lebanese and global creative scenes through 14 photographers, 20 visual artists and furniture designers, two film screenings, three local bands, 10 DJs, a pop-up restaurant, and a Spring garden with five food and drinks joints. MAY 7 TO MAY 10 | VLA MAGNANERIE, NEAR MINI COOPER DEALERSHIP, JDEIDEH, BEIRUT | +96170361680 | - ONE-DAY PASS: $25 WITH ACCESS TO ALL CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS, ART PERFORMANCES HAPPENING ON A GIVEN DAY. - FOUR-DAYS PASS: $40 INCLUDING ACCESS TO ALL CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS, ART PERFORMANCES - CHILDREN PASS [FOR KIDS UNDER 12]: $15 INCLUDING BRUNCH, WORKSHOPS AND ART ACTIVITIES

ADVANCED BIKRAM YOGA Bikram yoga isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Bikram yoga, in particular, utilizes heat – raising temperatures in the room up to 40°C, in order to help practitioners flush out toxins and promote the flow of circulation in the body. Hardcore yoga folks don’t want to miss this. MAY 16 |4:00P.M. TO 6:00P.M. | BEIRUT YOGA CENTER BECHARA EL KHOURY AVENUE, SAIFI | +9611339734 OR +9613543107 | $30

VINTAGE SALE AT ARTSCAPE This is arguably the most exciting vintage sale we’ve seen in a long time in Beirut. Are you looking for a vintage bed, closet, table or chairs? Artscape will be selling a variety of items so they can make more space ahead of their new café opening later in May. And here’s a sweet bonus: they will also be serving some delicious West African Food, and will have in parallel, a live African performance. MAY 1 | 6:00P.M. TO 11:00P.M. | ARTSCAPE, MAKHOUL STREET, HAMRA | +96170037367 | FREE ENTRANCE

MAY 2015

WORKER’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL For the sixth year in a row, domestic workers will be celebrating Workers’ Day in Lebanon along with civil society organizations, friends and supporters. Join this movement to demand the recognition of the Domestic Workers’ Union in Lebanon. MAY 3 | 11:00A.M TO 4:00P.M. |MEETING PLACE AT THE ZOUHEIRI PETROL STATION| 009613864967

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OUT + ABOUT BEIRUT DESIGNER’S WEEK Lebanon’s hippest fashion, home and jewelry design event is back. More than 90,000 people visited Beirut Designers’ Week in the past two years to enjoy the great weather while strolling along Zaitunay Bay’s refreshing lower promenade. This year, get ready for an extended edition of Beirut Designers’ Week, held for five consecutive days with up to 100 brands. Find your favorite labels and get a taste of new and rising brands in fashion, accessories, leather goods, home accessories, jewelry and more. MAY 27 TO MAY 31 | 3:00P.M. TO 10:00P.M. | ZAITUNAY BAY, WAFIC SINNO AVENUE, DOWNTOWN, BEIRUT | +9613996976 OR +9613900865 | $320

BEIRUT JAZZ SPEAKS Come experience a one-of-a-kind performance with an all-star lineup that speaks to the sounds of Jazz. It’s one night, one venue and 14 talented artists, including: Aziza, Tania Saleh, Tarek Yamani, Raffi Mandalian, Rayess Bek and more. MAY 5 | 9:00P.M. TO 1:00A.M. | MUSIC HALL, STARCO CENTER, DOWNTOWN, BEIRUT | +9611361236 OR +9613807555 | 45,000 LL OR 60,000 LL

TANIA SALEH LIVE AT MUSICHALL Tania Saleh releases her new album, “Shwayit Souwar” live at the MusicHall. She has traveled the world with her eclectic performances, written songs for internationally renowned movie soundtracks and collaborated with a number of Lebanese and international musicians. In her songs, she has mirrored the reality of our troubled society, our various emotional states and our aspirations as a nation in a unique musical, lyrical and visual style. MAY 31 | 9:00P.M. TO 11:30P.M. | MUSIC HALL, STARCO CENTER, DOWNTOWN, BEIRUT | TICKETS ON SALE AT ALL TICKETING BOX-OFFICE BRANCHES 60,000 LL OR 90,000 LL

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108 SUN SALUTATIONS 108 Sun Salutations is a powerful experience that will stretch your soul and leave your yoga practice changed. It’s not just an incredible way to detox, physically and mentally; it’s a memorable gesture to mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring. MAY 30 | 4:00P.M. TO 6:30P.M. | BEIRUT YOGA CENTER BECHARA EL KHOURY AVENUE, SAIFI | +9611339734 OR +9613543107 | $25

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ALFA

MOTHER’S DAY EVENT

20 MARCH 2015, EAU DE VIE, PHOENICIA, BEIRUT

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BASSOUL HNEINE ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST SERIES II MAKES ITS DEBUT IN LEBANON 5 MARCH 2015, BASSOUL HNEINE SHOWROOM, BEIRUT

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BULGARI SECOND ANNUAL BVLGARI DINNER HOSTED IN ST MORTIZ 15 FEBRUARY 2015, ST MORITZ

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GRAND CINEMA GALAXY CINEMA RECENTLY INAUGURATED THEIR NEWLY REMODELED AND UPGRADED THEATRICAL VENUE 1 APRIL 2015, GALAXY MALL, CHIYAH

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CRUCIANI

WOMEN’S AW15-16 COLLECTION PREVIEW 27 FEBRUARY 2015

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GS BOSSINI

BOSSINI LAUNCHES THE NEW SNOOPY COLLECTION MARCH 2015, BEIRUT

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VOX

VOX CINEMAS CELEBRATE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN LEBANON 2 FEBRUARY 2015, CITY CENTER, HAZMIEH, BEIRUT

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WORLDCLAS

FIRST BURST OF THE DIAGEO WORLD CLASS COMPETITION 1 APRIL 2015, CAPRICE, BEIRUT

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LETS POP CORN

“LET’S POPCORN,” LAUNCHED LEBANON’S FIRST GOURMET, AIR POPCORN POP UP STORE 8 APRIL 2015, GRAND CINEMAS, ABC MALL, DBAYEH

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POLO CLUB

THE OPENING OF BEVERLY HILLS POLO CLUB 9 APRIL 2015, CITY CENTRE, BEIRUT

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TAKE ME WITH YOU

5 ATTRACTIONS YOU CAN’T MISS

ON A TRIP TO FLORENCE The capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence (or “Firenze” as it’s known to the locals) is one of the most important historical places in all of Europe. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this bastion of art, architecture, and culture is full of must-see attractions, and it draws in more than 1.5 million tourists every year. Whether you only have 24 hours to spend in Florence or have the luxury of staying for a matter of weeks, here are five attractions that are not to be missed.

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5 ATTRACTIONS YOU CAN’T MISS ON A TRIP TO FLORENCE

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TAKE ME WITH YOU TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE (DUOMO) AT DUSK, FLORENCE, ITALY. THE INTERIOR OF DUOMO. FRESCOES CREATED BY GIORGIO VASARI AND FREDERICO ZUCCARI.

OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): SUNSET VIEW OF BRIDGE PONTE VECCHIO. FLORENCE, ITALY. UFFIZI GALLERY. IT IS AMONG THE OLDEST AND MOST FAMOUS ART MUSEUMS OF EUROPE. THE BUILDING WAS BEGUN BY GIORGIO VASARI IN 1560. VIEW ON PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA AND FOUNTAIN OF NEPTUNE IN FLORENCE.

THE DUOMO The Italian word “duomo” simply means cathedral, but in Florence, it refers more specifically to the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore. Designed in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio, the building completed construction in 1436 with its famous dome--which is the work of the famed Italian artist and architect Brunelleschi. Located in the beautiful plaza square known as the Piazza del Duomo, the enormous structure can hold up to 20,000 people. The exterior of the cathedral is made of pink, white, and green marble, and its enormous bronze doors are adorned with intricate carvings that depict the life of the Madonna. Adventurous travelers can buy tickets to climb the 463 steps to the top of the iconic dome, from which you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the entire city.

ADVENTUROUS TRAVELERS CAN BUY TICKETS TO CLIMB THE 463 STEPS TO THE TOP OF THE ICONIC DOME

GALLERIA DELL’ ACADEMIA You have undoubtedly seen Michelangelo’s David in history books and travel brochures throughout your life, but you can witness the majesty of the history’s most famous statue in person at the Galleria dell’ Academia. The 17-foot marble statue was completed in 1504, and it serves as the centerpiece of this historic art museum. You can also view several unfinished works by Michelangelo as well as paintings by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and del Sarto.

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5 ATTRACTIONS YOU CAN’T MISS ON A TRIP TO FLORENCE

GALLERIA DEGLI UFFIZI Renowned as one of the most famous Renaissance art museums in the world, Uffizi (Italian for “offices”) began construction in 1560. Originally an office building for Florentine magistrates--which is where its name comes from--the gallery has been displaying artistic treasures since the House of Medici fell from power in the early 18th century. Uffizi is home to thousands of priceless works of art dating from the middle ages through modern times, and its most famous pieces include Titian’s Venus of Urbino, Boticelli’s Primavera, and Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch.

UFFIZI IS HOME TO THOUSANDS OF PRICELESS WORKS OF ART DATING FROM THE MIDDLE AGES THROUGH MODERN TIMES

PONTE VECCHIO

PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA

The first bridge ever to cross the Arno River from Florence, the Ponte Vecchio is one of the few surviving relics from the city’s medieval days (many others were destroyed during World War II). Built in 1345, the pathway across the bridge has been flanked by shops selling gold and silver jewelry since the 16th century’s Medici era. Photographers love the bridge both because it’s an excellent landmark to photograph and because it provides an excellent vantage point of the city and river below.

Located at the heart of the city and featuring Florence’s prominent town hall and political center (Palazzo Vecchio), Piazza della Signoria is the most famous of the city’s squares. Its crown jewel is the open-air sculpture garden, which features works by some of history’s most famous Florentine artists (including a reproduction of Michelangelo’s David). The L-shaped square is also home to many other historical buildings that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and it is surrounded by popular shops and restaurants for tourists to enjoy.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

ADOPT The Buddhist Principles FOR EVERYDAY USE

Buddhism has a reputation for being deep and meaningful, but its principles are sometimes hard to grasp. In fact, Buddhism has much in common with science, psychology and other forms of spirituality. Consider the ways in which Buddhist principles can be applied to anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s everyday life to see why so many people find its concepts so attractive.

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ADOPT THE BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES FOR EVERYDAY USE

MEDITATION Meditation is a fundamental part of Buddhist practice because it halts the usual patterns of thinking and takes the person into a more relaxed, contemplative and insightful path of understanding. Surface appearances dissipate more easily while meditating, and the practitioner can focus on their own thoughts and emotions in a new way. Meditating can also help to re-design peoples’ dealings with others for more effective interactions.

CRAVING Craving is one of the four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Humans “crave” objects, experiences, self-expression and other people. This craving leads us into reactions that are not always pleasant and not always in our own self-interest. Craving this contact, sensory stimulation and experience is so much a part of the human experience that people must make a particular effort toward managing it. Being able to recognize these incidents of craving can help people to prevent thoughtless actions and reactions that may have unintended results. This recognition is accomplished through practice and meditation, which will help to give deeper insight into emotions.

COMPASSION Compassion literally means, “to suffer along with.” Compassion allows people to understanding the emotions and needs of others and to take action to alleviate suffering, if possible. Although it encompasses the idea of empathy, that is, feeling what others are going through, it also includes an element of action. Compassion assumes good in everyone and helps to cement relationships with children, parents, friends and community. Experiencing feelings of compassion is also good for your health, lowering stress levels and reducing the risk for heart disease. Practicing feeling compassion for others is a good way to enrich your life along with the lives of those around you.

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NON-HARMING Another fundamental Buddhist principle is that of non-harming. Buddhists studiously avoid any occasion that might injure or kill another living thing. This carefulness of action allows for more tempered relationships with others and also helps the environment. Non-harming principles can help to find more humane ways of animal and insect control, more thoughtful ways of dealing with antisocial behavior and increased interest in wildlife preservation and anti-pollution efforts.

EMPTINESS Emptiness is a well-known Buddhist concept, but it is not well understood by lay people. Essentially, emptiness is an idea that says that things do not have their own independent existence. They always exist in relationship to other things and can change in their relationship to other things. This understanding allows people to be fluid in their view of the world, its events and their part in these events. A deep understanding of emptiness can lead to more circumspect actions and greater compassion toward others in an ever-changing world.

ONENESS Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost a stereotype that Buddhists believe in that all people are one, a single expression of humanity distributed into numerous individual experiences. But the concept of oneness encompasses so much more. As in physics, Buddhism believes objects around people are made of the same elements that they are. The distinctions that people make between one thing and another are purely a matter of appearance, function and intellectual naming. In practical terms, emptiness is expressed as a sense of unity with the environment and an understanding that what we see and interpret is not necessary the way things truly exist. Greater tolerance and understanding can be a result.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

NEW + NOW

ZAHA HADID REINTERPRETS THE ICONIC BULGARI SERPENTI MOTIF AN INSTALLATION BY THE FAMOUS ARCHITECT WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE GARDEN OF THE BULGARI HOTEL IN MILAN DURING DESIGN WEEK An age-old symbol of rebirth, sensuality and renewal for both East and West, the Serpenti motif has inspired Bulgari’s creativity since the forties when the Brand was the first jeweller to reinterpret its sinuous coils in precious watch-bracelets. Since then, this sharp and deeply feminine motif has often been revisited by Bulgari, sometimes in a more realistic key and other times in a more stylised version, always incorporating the aesthetic trends of the time. Over the decades, the watch-bracelets have been joined by necklaces, rings and even jewel-belts, while the reptile’s skin has been covered in scales of diamonds, cabochon gems, polychromatic enamels or precious stones. For Design Week, Bulgari has decided to celebrate the brand’s iconic motif with an evocative installation by Zaha Hadid. The 20m long and 3m high structure was designed by the architect for the Bulgari pavilion at the 2011 Abu Dhabi Art Fair; from April 14th until the 19th, it will feature in the garden of the Bulgari Hotel of Milan. The design conveys the idea of sinuosity and constant change through the rhythmic movement of figures which recall the scales of the snake. The combination of fluid and geometric forms, so typical of Hadid’s style, is in absolute harmony with the style of the Italian jeweller and its search for perfect balance between rigorous proportions and rounded shapes. Hadid and Bulgari also share their compelling desire to reach beyond barriers – be they geographic, conceptual or stylistic – in expressing their personal, unmistakable, touch. For Hadid, this urge is clear from her biography: born in Baghdad in 1950, she chose to pursue her education in London, the city which adopted her and elevated her to international fame. Her designs are a deliberate attempt to embody the chaos of modern times, adapting shapes to a dynamic and flexible concept of space. Going against current trends in architecture which strive towards creating the flashiest shapes possible, Hadid prefers structures in which individual parts blend harmoniously with the whole. A pioneering approach in tune with Bulgari, who from the end of the fifties detached itself from the French school which then ruled, and asserted its own distinctive style with its bold combination of coloured stones and a preference for yellow gold, which is easier to wear and less formal than the white gold used in Art Deco jewellery. The installation in the Bulgari Hotel gardens is the expression of the happy synergy between these two visionary creative forces. The polygons of the structure will turn into showcases to house a selection of the splendid Bulgari Serpenti creations from the forties to today. The history of this iconic motif will unfold with the structure by Zaha Hadid and every scale-window will be a piece in the mosaic of an exclusive narrative of high aesthetic value: inseparable from the identity of brand, the serpent will illustrate how Bulgari has evolved over 130 years while remaining true to its unique style.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

MEN’S YOGA PHENOMENON

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MEN’S YOGA PHENOMENON

Over the last decade yoga has taken over the world. Whereas it was once associated mainly with Eastern religion, the practice has now become an accepted part of Western fitness regimes. For the most part yoga in the West has been taken up by women, but in the last few years it has at last begun to make inroads with men, including top athletes and those more used to grueling workouts involving heavy weights and trials of endurance. A number of canny marketers have even built careers off the back of this trend, but just what is “men’s yoga” and how does it differ from traditional practices? Most men’s yoga programs share a few distinct characteristics which set them apart from the yoga which you may be used to already. Firstly they deemphasize the spiritual aspects of the discipline. Talk of chakras and salutations are dispensed with entirely, as is much that is uniquely “Eastern” about yoga. Many of the most popular practitioners of men’s yoga have also given many of the poses new names. These will naturally be unfamiliar to anyone who has had any previous experience of yoga, but on the whole the new names have been chosen because they are more self-explanatory than the traditional terms for the poses. For many among this new wave of men’s trainers, the value of the discipline lies in strength training and injury prevention for the modern athlete -- hence their readiness to jettison yoga’s more traditional aspects.

Of the many men’s yoga programs which have sprung up in the last few years, two have been particularly successful. The first of these is Broga. The name, a contraction of “bro” (a regular guy) and yoga, immediately dispels any accusations of pretension or spirituality. Broga was founded in the United States in 2012 by Matt Miller a former university athlete whose career was cut short by injury.

THE VALUE OF THE DISCIPLINE LIES IN STRENGTH TRAINING AND INJURY PREVENTION FOR THE MODERN ATHLETE

As a personal trainer Miller saw the advantages of yoga and began marketing it towards like-minded men. Broga now has franchises across the U.S. as well as in the United Kingdom. Despite the name Broga classes are mixed-sex affairs which attract a good number of women in search of a more intense workout than traditional yoga classes offer. This is the key to Broga. The classes, which are just under an hour each, up the pace and intensity of the discipline while also incorporating elements from traditional strength-training routines such as push-ups and squats. Similarly each class focuses on one group of muscles. Breathing is emphasized and the studios are kept warm, resulting in an intense and sweaty workout. The trainers, meanwhile, are more assertive than your usual yoga teacher and the new age soundtrack has been ditched in favour of more driving chart sounds.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

For those who are too shy to try men’s yoga in the company of others, there exists also a popular program intended to be used in the privacy of your own home. The former professional wrestler Diamond Dallas Page originally penned a book on yoga for men in the late 1990s but it was only in 2012, after the release of a DVD version of his routine, that his concept really took off. Page’s program, DDP (Diamond Dallas Page) Yoga, is packaged as a four DVD set featuring eleven different workouts ranging in intensity from easy to strengthbuilding. As with Broga, many of the names of the poses have been changed and DDP has incorporated strength-building moves familiar from traditional workout styles. Once more, the workouts are also faster-paced and more vigorous than traditional yoga classes. So is men’s yoga right for you? If you are someone who already trains regularly and is an active participant in any kind of sports, men’s yoga can provide a useful complement to your normal routine.

FIRSTLY IT PROMOTES FLEXIBILITY WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT MANY ATHLETES SACRIFICE IN THEIR DESIRE FOR GREATER STRENGTH AND SIZE Firstly it promotes flexibility which is something that many athletes sacrifice in their desire for greater strength and size. Secondly it is very good at strengthening your core, something else which is often overlooked in many traditional training routines. In combination, improved flexibility and a strengthened core are particularly useful in preventing sports injuries. And what about those who aren’t currently partaking in any sort of fitness program? If you have always been curious about yoga but have been put off by the more “touchy-feely” aspects of it, then men’s yoga is certainly something worth looking into. It may not be overly useful for weight-loss purposes (despite many of the marketing claims to the contrary) but it is certainly an excellent tool for toning and endurance training.

And, as is the case with traditional yoga, men’s yoga programs allow you to participate at your own pace and intensity, making the discipline ideal for both novices and those looking to add variety to their fitness regime. Why not give it a try? Broga and DDP Yoga are only two of the more popular programs out there, a little online research will no doubt throw up others which may be more convenient for you or more suited to your needs. And remember, men’s yoga isn’t only for men.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

NEW + NOW

BEIRUT DESIGNERS’ WEEK BACK TO ZAITUNAY BAY THIS COMING MAY! For the third consecutive years, and after the staggering success of its first and second editions, Beirut Designers’ Week by GATA Events & Promotions s.a.r.l. is coming back to Zaitunay Bay to amaze. Running from the 27th till the 31st of May, 2015 along Zaitunay Bay’s refreshing lower promenade, Beirut designers’ Week 2015 will be held under the high patronage of the Ministry of Economy & Trade, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, and in collaboration with Beirut Waterfront Development s.a.r.l. and Solidere. The event’s past editions had attracted more than 90,000 Lebanese and tourists, rushing to discover the latest designers’ trends in fashion, fashion accessories, leather goods, fashion jewelry, fine jewelry, home accessories and furnishings. More than 150 brands were introduced to thousands of walk-in visitors and targeted fashionistas, seeking original labels that would satisfy their eclectic and naturally sophisticated taste. Beirut Designers’ Week 2015 will be the biggest edition yet of the highly anticipated exhibition with up to 100 designers participating from all categories including established brands and a great selection of all-new labels, proving once again that it has become the ideal platform for up-and-coming design talents. In fact, the event has witnessed such great demand that the organizers decided to make it a 5-day exhibition this year with opening hours spanning from 3 PM to 10 PM every day.

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In addition to the usual exhibiting spaces, Beirut Designers’ Week 2015 will feature an official opening ceremony on the first day involving ministers, public and social figures and other highstanding invitees. Fashion shows by exhibiting and non-exhibiting designers will animate the remaining days with exciting DJ beats and refreshing cocktails. Sun, fun and glamour await visitors from the 27th till the 31st of May, 2015 at Beirut’s favorite outdoor destination! Save the date and come many!

To sneak a quick peek at the designers’ line-up and creations: Like our facebook page (GATA Events & Promotions) Join our facebook event page (Beirut Designers’ Week 2015) Follow us on instagram (@gataeventsandpromotions) Visit our official website (www.gata.pro)

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WHY IS AMERICA’S ECONOMY GROWING SO SLOWLY?

Not even halfway through 2015, and America is already struggling to jump on the economic growth roller coaster. Consumer spending is down, the unemployment is declining and investment spending at home is at a standstill. Why is this happening? As one of the most important economies in the world today, there are several factor to why the economy and investments are not growing. The frigid weather has something to do with Americans staying at home instead of treking to the store in a blizzard. Because the dollar is strong, investments abroad and on the domestic front have stalled, which results corporate profits have decreased. Minimum wages are also another important factor, particularly in the retail industry. According to the Economist, the number of part-time workers who would rather be fulltime, fell slowly than the official unemployment rate following the 2008 recession. The Federal Reserve remains omptimistic that the American economy is moving in the right direction, but then again they could be wrong. Advice to be taken, decrease your spending and start saving, no matter where you live or work. RAGMAG’S VOTE PATIENCE IS VITAL

WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR AMERICA’S CITIES? As the latest venue for uprising and outrage towards police brutality, Baltimore, Maryland has become another city to be overtaken by police brutality, and as a result, city-wide destruction that involves looting, destruction of businesses and government property, and the call for over 2,000 national guards to keep watch throughout the city streets. In the wake of Ferguson, Eric Garner’s death, and most recently, Walter Scott, residents across America are taking a stand to decades of suppression and violence. While some political figures and the media focus on the “savage” like behavior of residents burning and looting cities, the real question should be how long will it take for police force and incarceration reform and the examination of rights for all to occur? As police brutality continues, so will the riots and the cycle of injustice, mutal violence and national uproar will continue to cast a shadow on America’s cities.

FIVE QUESTIONS THE WORLD IS ASKING

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RAGMAG’S VOTE EPIDEMIC

TURNING

INTO

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

WHAT IS BEHIND THE SURGE OF REFUGEES CROSSING THE MEDITERRANEAN? Many refugees have sought refuge in European countries such as Germany and Sweden, which have been relatively open to the surge in immigration. As the number of refugees fleeing their homes because of war, and/or political and religious asylum, the debate over immigration policies and funding among Western countries, specifically the European Union, is ongoing, and growing. Since the beginning of 2015, numerous boats illegally carrying refugees have caused injuries or fatalities. According to a report by The New York Time in April, in the first 17 days of April, 11,000 people have been rescued in the Mediterranean Sea. The United Nations called the current refugee crossing a “tragedy of epic proportions,” in a press released printed on the 23 of April, 2015. The civil war in Libya has made it easier for refugees from the MENA region to make the treacherous journey to Europe. Most of the incidents at sea occur between Italy and Libya. People from impoverished sub-Saharan countries went previously to Libya in order to find work, but with the unrest and war in Libya and other North Africa countries, many see Europe as the only option for a new life. RAGMAG’S VOTE SAD TO WATCH

WHERE WILL THE NEXT BIG EARTHQUAKE HIT? On April 25, 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake shattered towns and villages in Nepal. It was part of a pattern of major temblors. Because Nepal sits right where the Indo-Australian Plate pushes beneath the Eurasian plate, it gave rise to the Himalayan Mountains. The Himalayas are being pushed about one centimeter a year—a process that has been going on for millions of years. According to TIME, the region experiences a magnitude-8 earthquake approximately every 75 years, with the last one in 1934. So this brings the question of ‘Where will the next big Earthquake hit?’ Nepal had warning of the problem, but a country with little resources and lack of technical expertise had no chance in preparing for this earthquake.

Brian Tucker, the president of GeoHazards, tells TIME the U.S., Chile, Japan, Turkey are all high-risk countries where tectonic plates are under strain. Developed countries, unlike Nepal, can get a grasp on the situation and prepare for necessary disasters. He says that the strongest evidence points to offshore Sumatra. In 2004, a 9.3. magnitude earthquake occurred 100 miles northwest off the tip of Sumatra. It tragically killed 230,000 people. While it is difficult to measure the size of the next earthquake and where it will take place, scientists will believe that the next earthquake will bring a tsunami in its path. RAGMAG’S VOTE TRAGEDY

WILL POPE FRANCIS BREAK THE CHURCH? The new pope’s choices stir high hopes for Catholic liberals and high annoyances for Conservative Catholics. While he may not be a liberal Catholic as the term suggests and is understood in an American or European context, he has a different approach and perspective than previous popes. Many say he is more in tune to how his agenda meshes with that of progressive Catholics all over the world, particularly in the West. Every few days or weeks, it seems that Pop Francis graces headlines with his actions and words. He has moved far toward human rights, particularly towards homosexuals. Sadly, Pope Francis still maintains strong

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opposition towards birth control, family planning, and women’s rights. While the Vatican is now the most powerful organization in the world, it is still one of few organizations that can reach the biggest multinational corporations, skeptics and corrupt governments. Whether his changes and progressive mindset will reign for future generations in the Vatican and churches across the world, one thing is for sure, his legacy will continue.

RAGMAG’S VOTE GOING THE RIGHT WAY

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SOUNDCHECK

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

Wale The Album About Nothing Probably could be noted as one of the most odd, surprising collaborations in rap, Washington D.C. Native, Wale, is unleashing his newest album with one of his favorite comedians: Jerry Seinfeld. Wale’s introduction to the rap industry started by signing with rapper Rick Ross’s label, Maybach music and then writing songs such as “Bad” and “ Lotus Flower Bomb” that sound like something in a sensual club or even the bedroom. Because of the perpetual competition among rappers and the constant pressure to reinvent, and reignite fans’ cravings, Wale was trying to step outside featuring in songs and into an identity solely of his own.

In this album, he responds to critics in “Middle Finger” with a blunt, and honest message to fans and the industry. Seinfeld opens the song with a vow of support for Wale, “Now, one of the services you provide is giving them something to talk about, Let em talk. It makes em happy, it makes em feel good.” In the chorus he says, “society, y’all trippin, aye what it look like, I got to be the realest.” Every track in the album echoes with Seinfeld’s candid humor that is meant to cause a stir and have an underling truth to his support of Wale and his overall talent. Check it out to see if you find it funny in a good way or just a plain joke of an album.

Alabama Shakes Sound and Color Known for their southern 60’s charm, Alabama Shakes combined rock & roll and southern soul in their first album called Boys and Girls, which debuted back in 2012. Fast forward to today, and their identity is still very much the same, but with a twist that keeps old and new fans alike guessing what is next on their lyrical roller coaster. This album is more psychedelic, transformative than their previous one, making it perfect for a summer filled with music festival and other rendezvous. Brittany Howard leads her eclectic, white instrumentalists with her powerful and emotional voice.

In their radio hit song, “Don’t Wanna Fight”, performed on Saturday Night Live, starts with a collaborative electric guitar melody and then Howard belts out lyrics that resemble a screaming pitch. Her passion reigns through her dramatic execution. “Don’t Wanna Fight” could be a anthem for today’s chaos, fighting and unrest around the world. Whether you like to shake to this soul-wrenching group or not, the lyrics can resonate with just about everyone. “ My life, your life, Don’t cross them lines, what you like, what I like, why can’t we both be right?”

Trey Songz Intermission Nearly a decade in the music industry, and Trey Songz manages to keep R&B fans on their toes with his soothing voice and sick beats. His newest tracks remind me of a Chris Brown and Drake collaboration. In the track, Boss, Trey Songz amplifies his vulnerability and passion in this fast-slow paced mixed song. Known as his generation of R. Kelly, Songz viewpoint, evident in his lyrics, remain traditional, and sometimes boring. In 2014, Songz released the highly acclaimed

“Trigga” album so when he surprised released his EP, “Intermission” fans and critics were stuck wondering what was different from this one, and why now? With only six tracks, it is anything but together. The lyrical beat sounds the same the same throughout the EP. For loyal Songz listeners, it sounds like a continuation of “Trigga” and a collection of tracks to get him by until his next major album drops.

Zac Brown Band Jeykll & Hyde For country fanatics and rock enthusiasts, the Zac Brown Band provides listeners two genres of music: rock & roll and classic country, and now with their new album, Jeykll & Hyde, fans and critics are pleased at this new album. In this fourth studio album, upbeat tones, Brown shredding the guitar, and electronic tones all reign through several tracks. In the song, “Loving you Easy”, starts off with a fast beat and continues with a traditional radio country

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sound. The band pairs with fellow singer, Sara Bareilles in “Mango Tree” in a swing number that resembles Frank Sinatra’s “Fly me to the Moon.” It will surely get anyone dancing with a glass of wine in the another hand. The delivery is smooth, yet upbeat. Meant to show the conflict between the more and less traditional sides of Brown’s approach to country and rock, the album cover indicates two themes, and two approaches to their mainstream music.

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

WATCHOUT

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

The Age of Adaline

| 112 mins | Drama, Romance Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford

Ever since the U.S teen drama series Gossip Girl was aired on television and computers around the world, Blake Lively has been all the buzz lately. First starring in Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, fans fell in love with her contagious laugh and genuine personality that shined through each character. Now, in her newest film since having a baby with Ryan Reynolds, The Age of Adaline, puts her acting skills to test and on the big screens. Her character, Adaline Brown, stops aging after a freak car crash in 1937, which means she will be 29 forever. She is announced dead, but a lightning bolt renders her

immortal. This film highlights the implications of a person having an open-ended existence. The heart of the story is a romance between Adaline and Ellis Jones who meet across a crowded room at a New Year’s Eve party. Because this is Blake Lively’s first time on the big screen since her leave from Gossip Girl and her break from motherhood, all eyes will be on her to deliver a breathtaking performance. The film is bittersweet and focuses on the resistance of reason and logic, and sweeps audiences off their feet and into a world of love, renewal and regret.

Unfriended

| 83 mins | Horror, Thriller Heather Sossaman, Matthew Bohrer, Courtney Halverson

If you have seen the previews, then they are enough to make you shriek and squirm in your seat. The screaming, darkness and overall theme of cyber bulling hits close to home to many individuals who actually live it. In the age of Facebook, Twitter and Skype, this thriller features Blaire (Shelley Henning) on her laptop skyping with four of her high school friends. On this day, it turns out to be the one year anniversary of their classmate, Laura Barns, who took a gun to her head while on video. During their Skype session, an intruder, probably the ghost of Laura, starts to make serious threats to each of

the students. Paranormal activity flourishes throughout the movie. Bodies start to build up on the active split screen. There is irony throughout the movie because while all the friends are together, watching one another on the screen, cyber space still keeps them alone, essentially. To compare, this movie resembles a Friday the 13th movie, but a computer version. For those in Hollywood, don’t make another over-the-top sequel because cyber bullying occurs all the time, and to make fun of it in a thriller packed film with bad acting isn’t smart for your wallets.

Furious 7

| 137 mins | Action, Crime, Thriller Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson

Fans around the world have stuck with this film since day one in 2001. The family of actors and the crew who have been together throughout the series of the ups and down, with the most recent one being the tragic, sudden death of actor Paul Walker. He plays the undercover cop who infiltrated an outlaw gang of East L.A. Street racers. The gang is run by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) Walker, who was 40 at the time of his death, died in a high-speed car crash on November 30th, 2013. With only half of his

scenes finished at the time of his death, it took a long consideration, thoughtful analysis and moral support to decide the fate of the Furious 7. Walker’s two brothers decided to fill in for the scenes that digital technology couldn’t cover. In the two hour film, fueled by action, muscle flexing and everything that F&F symbolizes is there for fans. The filmmakers have figured out a creative, and graceful way to give Brian (Paul Walker) a happy ending that leaves hearts melting and a job well done.

The Water Diviner

| 111 mins | Drama, War Russell Crowe, Olga Kurylenko, Jai Courtney

If you’re a fan of history, have a sense of adventure, and enjoy watching movies that completely transform your sense of place and time, then you will like Russel Crow’s directorial debut about war in The Water Diviner. At 51, he makes a good first impression in his directing role. He also takes the lead role as an Australian farmer, Joshua Conner who travels to Turkey four years after the World War I battles at Gallipoli to find his three sons missing in action. His wife, who passed away had the dying wish to bring the boys back to their farm, even if it was just for their burial. This film is inspired by a true story. In one scene showing a flash back of

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the Connor brothers on the bloody field, viewers will be consumed with intense emotion and riveting drama. The film’s title refers to Connor’s gift as a water diviner. He is able to locate water and other treasures under the parched ground. This gift may give him the ability to also locate the bones of his three sons. While this film takes audiences back to the days of World War I, it very much resembles the perpetual pain a parent feels after losing a child in battle or another tragic way. War isn’t being celebrated or highlighted in this film, rather the sacrfice of young men and women fighting in war and the effects it has on their loved ones.

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READ’EM

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

Light of the World Elizabeth Alexander Why you should read this book

Deeply resonnant memoire for those who have loved and lost.

In the spring of 2012, four days after his 50th birthday, Ficre Ghebreyesus had a heart attack while exercising in the home he shared with his wife, distinguished poet, Elizabeth Alexander. Probably dead before he hit the ground, Elizabeth describes how life can happen so fast. One minute he was preparing Easter dinner, buying lottery tickets and sending his wife to kabbalah poetry, and now she is single mother and a widow. In her new book, “The Light of the World,” Alexander, a professor at Yale writes a moving, captivating and honest memoir

about losing her husband so suddenly. Her book touches on themes such as politics, grief, race and healing. Many skeptics might be quick to assume that this is another self-inducing memoir detailing the struggles of yet another person in a culture consumed with memoirs and self-help books. While that may be true, these books help many people grieve and in a way, grieve together by reading the same memoir. Writing a memoir brings out many emotions of an author, and in this book, it is no different.

One of Us Asne Seierstad Why you should read this book

Excellent read but not for the light hearted.

Norwegian journalist, Asne Seierstad explores the dark side of modern Scandinavia through the life and crimes of Anders Behring Breivik, a mass-murderer who killed 77 people, most of them teenagers, as a protest against civil rights, women’s rights, the growing cultural diversity in Scandinavia and the growing and changing influence of Islam. “One of Us” has the tone of a nonfiction novel and resembles Truman Capote’s

“In Cold Blood” novel. The story is told by a narrator who shares the unfolding events of brutal murders and their implications to society, which is partly responsible for them. According to the NYTimes, Seirerstad’s book is filled with compassion and sorrow. After spending years as a foreign correspondent in Afghanistan and Iraq, she bears witness to the crimes and also credibility to write about them.

The Mad Boy, Lord Berners, My Grandmother and Me Sofka Zinovieff Why you should read this book

Scandalous memoire of a menage a trois.

Sofia Zinovieff was 25 and working on her doctoral thesis in Greece when Robert Heber-Percy told his grandfather that he wanted to alter his will. Six months later, in 1987, Percy died and Sofka inherited Faringdon mansion. It was mansion that welcomed the luminaries of the day such as the Salvador Dalis, and Nancy Mitford. Becoming the owner of this mansion meant acquiring

more money than she ever had. This book entails everything that comes with a change in estate owner, and unequal family hierarchy. Her book doesn’t shy away from the devastation caused by a group of people with too much money in their hands. Witty, and dynamic, “The Mad Boy, Lord Berners, My Grandmother and Me,” is a scandalous treat.

The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins Why you should read this book

Fun with unreliable narration.

Former London journalist, Paula Hawkins debuts her thriller, ‘The Girl on the Train,’ which offers readers a look at protagonist, Rachel, as she looks out through the window of a moving train on her daily commute. Rachel is your average mess: depressed, unemployed and still mourning the death of her marriage. Despite being fired, she looks at her daily commute as a safety net, a routine and anchor that she doesn’t want to disrupt. She sees the

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former street where shared house with husband once was. Rachel idolizes a couple who lives a few houses away, but she doesn’t know them. Rachel continues to stalk her former husband and the couple she wants to be. In this book, readers will find a self-destructive and narcissistic character that is clueless about her next life move and uses the window on the train as a rear view of her former life and a symbol of her current situation.

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MAY 2015

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

HELP ME WITH MY RAGGED PROBLEMS

My life at the moment is a complete mess. I have been engaged for two years and we have set the wedding for December of 2015. I was so excited preparing and looking forward to my big day, till very recently when I met someone and in all honesty I feel things for him that I have never felt before. I am always thinking about him and I try to find ways to see this person. I can’t say that I have told him of my feelings and I am not sure that he feels the same. The point is I do not know what to do and if I was to call the wedding how would I tell my parents? Jessica, 23

DEAR JESSICA,

Le me get this right. You were engaged at the age of 21 and now you are to be wed at the age of 23. But at the age of 23 you met someone else that makes you feel things that you do not feel for your fiancé… My question to you is, are your parents too poor to feed and house you? Why the rush to get married? You don’t sound like you are ready! If you were ready and you truly love your fiancé, this question would not arise. We live in an age where marriage is not so crucial for it to happen at such a young age. Live your life! Fall in love! Break up! Experience life for what it has to offer. We are not in the Stone Age that you must be wed at a young age. In short, if these feelings towards the other person have surfaced then you are not ready. Or, dare I say it, you just need to go and enjoy yourself. They both might not be Mr. Right but one day someone else out there might be. But you will make the right decision when you allow yourself to live. You do not want to settle and be miserable later on. Not fair on you or your fiancé. As for the parents, there is not right or wrong way to break news to them. You just have to sit them down and talk to them. They might be upset at first, but they will come around in time. You are the one that has to live with yourself and your significant other… not them.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

My whole life is a total sham. Over the years my husband and I have had a successful life. We have lived in a middle class background, in a lovely environment, in need of nothing. I have recently found out that we are in a lot of debt and my husband is in major trouble. Our home belongs to a mob and we have no money left. To top it all up my husband is a drug dealer. I don’t feel I can stay here anymore. Should I go to the police? I know how drugs wreck lives and families. I am overwhelmed with anger and pain and don’t know where to go. Tamine, 36

DEAR TAMINE,

Is this truly new knowledge for you? Did you not ever question what your husband did for a living? This is a sensitive matter. It comes down to the matter of; do you love your husband? Vows in a wedding are, through thick and thin. Obviously you’ve had the thin and it has just gotten thicker! You need to stand by your husband and come to a solution to get you out of debt and then I would move out of the mobs house and get your own. Yes, drugs do wreck lives but you guys are in this together and you can get out of this together. My mother always said, “you need two to clap” which translates to you need to work together to get out of this. If you are to go to the police, what then?

I HAVE RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT WE ARE IN A LOT OF DEBT AND MY HUSBAND IS IN MAJOR TROUBLE

I’m going out with a girl for the past 5 months, we’re both in our early thirties and it’s going really well. In many ways the relationship is different; she has many male friends and has travelled extensively. We are attending a wedding together soon, looking forward to that. In November a gay male friend of hers is attending another wedding, she says she might partner this guy to it. When she was single she partnered him at other events. I’m a little uneasy at the idea. I feel it simply compromises me in this relationship or at least if the shoe was on the other foot I’d feel that way. Am I overreacting? Dimitri, 34

DEAR DIMITRI,

How can I put this in a gentle way… YOU ARE SO OVER REACTING, YOU WILL BE UP FOR AN OSCAR SOON! The guy is gay. You are dating a girl. I’m not sure if you know what a ‘gay man’ is. A gay man is a man who is into other men. Yes, Other men! If I were you, I would let the two friends go and have fun at this wedding. You go out catch up with your friends. Let them have their night with theirs. I would not worry about him unless he asks you to the wedding. In short, you have nothing to worry about. To your girlfriend, he’s just one of the girls. You have nothing to be overly concerned.

MAY 2015

I am a 22 year old male; at about the age of 17 I met this girl in my class... Over the last 5 years we have become basically very close, and we turn to each other for advice. She had always kind of hinted that her mother was an alcoholic and I thought I knew how bad it was, but I was wrong. Recently she began telling me some of the things her mother is doing and how she screams at her dad constantly and is never, ever sober. Her mom won’t sleep for days and switches from beer, to liquor, and back again constantly. Her dad is bearing up and he has been very supportive. He is constantly trying to get her to realize she has a problem. I know you might think this problem is unheard of in Lebanon as in this particular case it’s a mum and she is tearing the family apart. Assaad, 22

DEAR ASSAD,

Best thing here is an intervention. Advice your friend; that if they truly do care about her, they must intervene as a family and express how her drinking is affecting them as a family. No mother, under any influence, will be able to not see the pain she is causing. Find her professional help! Followed with a good therapist that can get to the cause of her drinking. This is a very delicate matter and needs to be handled in a most delicate way. Good luck with this one and you are a good friend to her to want to help her through this. Stay strong for her so that she may help her mum and her family through these hard times.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL §

My daughter has 4 kids and doesn’t emotionally connect to them. My daughter in law has just had twins and she’s a great mother. My grandkids from my daughter often get mad because she gives them little attention, especially when they see how my daughter in law treats her kids. I asked Jeanette (my daughter in law) to love my daughter’s kids the same as she loves hers. She said, “I don’t have that kind of love for them.” Then I told her to stop showing so much affection to her kids when my daughter’s kids come over. She just ignored me and called me insane. I feel sorry for my daughters kids how can I get this problem sorted. Josephine, 56

DEAR JOSEPHINE,

I disagree with your solution in this case. Why talk to your daughterin-law and not to your daughter? Instead of showing your daughter her faults, you opted to deprive Jeanette’s kids from love? It just doesn’t make sense! Speak to your daughter; point out how she makes her kids feel. She is the one that needs to change, not Jeannette. Maybe your daughter is bothered by something, or maybe she is unhappy. She needs to see that this problem is extending to her kids and in the long run this is going to cause so much damage. This problem has to be solved. I am sad to say that there are so many couples out there that would love to be true and loving parents and this selfishness is not fair to them. Please as a mum you have to find a solution and the solution is not Jeanette. I hope for the sake of these kids that your daughter changes and hopefully her kids will get the affection they need and you can break this cycle. Good Luck.

I have been married for 7 years and have two gorgeous girls and on the face of it life seems good. However, after just a couple of years being together my wife’s libido went downhill rapidly and after the birth of our youngest child, it has disappeared completely. I have read all of the advice I can and everything seems to suggest that a woman’s libido can after children and s*x after you have had children or been together over time can change and I have read all the suggestions about weekends away, candle lit meals, massages, role play, putting in the time to make her feel valued, that suggest this may help re-ignite things. She has made it clear to me that she hates it and finds it disgusting. There are no emotions in our relationship whatsoever. Please help me find a solution! Kareem, 32

DEAR KAREEM,

It sounds to me that your wife is suffering from a severe case of postnatal depression, which is common after childbirth. Sometimes this surfaces for a little while and then goes away. Other times, it lingers and if not treated properly, it will consume a woman. You obviously have tried many things with positive outcome. Treatment is necessary by a trained therapist or psychologist. She needs to start ASAP! Regular exercise helps to make us, Males and Females, feel good. It releases a hormone called endorphins, which is a natural happy drug. I know I am addicted to it! If I do not get my one hour of exercise per day, I am a total nightmare to be around. Note that you cannot tell her to get up and exercise, this will only cause her more harm and make her feel fat and ugly which is not the case. This will be a team effort and you will have to do it with her. Join a gym together, go for long walks, play tennis, squash, bike rides, anything that is fun for the both of you. The company together will both make you feel good, I know it’ll release some of your “frustration”. In time you will both feel good together and you just might find that spark that has been lost.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MAY 2015

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EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY

A WINNING

START The importance of breakfast, for both adults and children, needs little introduction. Eating a healthy, balanced breakfast within two hours of waking up provides the energy to keep you active all day. The reason for this is that breakfast provides a major source of energy for the brain, after a 10 or 12-hour gap since the last meal. So, even if you are pressed for time in the mornings, make sure that your children have a nutritious breakfast before they leave for nursery or school.

TOP OF THE CLASS Having breakfast in the morning is positively associated with cognitive tasks and academic performance. In fact, children who have a healthy and balanced meal in the morning tend to have higher concentration levels than those who do not have breakfast. Studies show a positive correlation between children who eat a nutritious breakfast, and those who perform well academically, specifically in reading, math and science.

FAMILY TIME Children may cause chaos at meal times, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reason to skip them! When eaten as a family meal, breakfast creates a learning environment in which language development and socialization take place. Moreover, the breakfast table is a place where children can learn healthy eating habits from their parents. 136 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

NESTLE | A WINNIG START

HEALTHIER DIETARY HABITS AND WEIGHT BENEFITS Having breakfast is regularly associated with the maintenance of a healthy weight and a lower risk of being overweight or obese. Although breakfast eaters have a higher daily energy intake than those who skip, they are much more likely to have a lower overall Body Mass Index (BMI) due to the lasting impact of breakfast on eating habits. Breakfast eaters are also more likely to have healthy dietary habits throughout the rest of the day, compared to those who skip. An example of a healthy, balanced and quick breakfast is whole grain cereals with milk.

WHY BREAKFAST CEREALS? Whole grain breakfast cereals are one of the most nutritious foods to eat in the morning. Cereals that are based on whole grains and fortified with vitamins and minerals boost the energy and improve concentration. The essential nutrients in breakfast cereals include calcium, iron, other vitamins and minerals and fiber. Cereals made with whole grain keep hunger at bay until lunch time and also help in consuming the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 48 grams of whole grain per day. Child Nutrition Expert for Nestlé Middle East, Sarah Kanaan explains: “Whole grains are products that contain all the natural parts of the grain (endosperm, bran and germ). Combined together, these provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein and enzymes: all the things needed for a healthy diet.”

5 TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST • Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier: Mornings are busy, but waking up a little earlier will make them less hectic and ensure you have time to enjoy breakfast with your kids before the day starts. • Include at least three food groups: A good breakfast should include nutritious foods from at least three of the four food groups, that’s why whole grain cereal with milk and fruits, is a great choice. • Add color with some fruits: Cut some fresh fruit to add to your family’s whole grain cereal bowl. Not only will you add extra vitamins to breakfast, but you’ll start looking forward to it even before the family goes to sleep. •On the go: If you and your family are always “on the go” choose a breakfast that can keep up: whole grain breakfast cereals with semi-skimmed milk and a banana. • Make breakfast a game! Give out points to your kids to encourage them to have breakfast and let them accumulate towards a prize that is revolved around breakfast to reinforce its importance.

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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

LAZY SUNDAY

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T H E M I S C THHI E VW O EULSL B B ER II N DG E ISSUE

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

LAZY SUNDAY

PENNE WITH CHICKEN

+ ASPARAGUS

PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 1 (16 ounce) package dried penne pasta • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes • salt and pepper to taste • garlic powder to taste • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 1 bunch slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

METHOD

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil • Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes • Drain, and set aside • Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat • Stir in chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder • Cook until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes • Remove chicken to paper towels • Pour chicken broth into the skillet • Then stir

in asparagus, garlic, and a pinch more garlic powder, salt, and pepper • Cover, and steam until the asparagus is just tender, about 5 to 10 minutes • Return chicken to the skillet, and warm through • Stir chicken mixture into pasta, and mix well • Let sit about 5 minutes • Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir again, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

STRAWBERRY POKE CAKE

PREPARATION TIME 25 MINUTES BAKING TIME 15 MIN. + COOLING SERVES 12 LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 1 package white cake mix (regular size) • 1-1/4 cups water • 2 eggs • 1/4 cup canola oil • 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed • 2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin • 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided • Fresh strawberries, options

METHOD

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes • Preheat oven to 350° • Line bottoms of two greased 8-in • round baking pans with parchment paper; grease paper •

In a large bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy • Add egg yolks, beating well • Beat in vanilla • In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition • Transfer to prepared pans • With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy • Add remaining sugar, beating on high until sugar is dissolved • Continue beating until soft peaks form • Spread over batter in pans • Bake 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean • Cool completely in pans on wire racks. (Cake layers will be thin.) • In a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form

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• Loosen edges of cakes from pans with a knife • Carefully remove one cake to a serving plate, meringue side up • Arrange sliced strawberries over top; sprinkle with sugar • Gently spread with half of the whipped cream • Top with remaining cake layer,

meringue side up; spread with remaining whipped cream. Top with whole strawberries • Refrigerate until serving.

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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

RHUBARB

MARGARITA PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 4 cups diced rhubarb • ½ cup water • ½ cup white sugar • 4 cups ice • 2/3 cup tequilla

METHOD

• Place the rhubarb into a saucepan, and pour in the water • Cover, and bring to a simmer over medium heat • Reduce heat to

medium-low, and continue simmering until the rhubarb breaks down and releases its juices, about 15 minutes • Strain the juice, and press the pulp to squeeze out as much liquid as you can • Discard the pulp, and stir the sugar into the hot juice • Refrigerate the syrup until very cold, at least 2 hours • To prepare the margaritas, place the ice into a blender, then pour in the tequila and rhubarb syrup • Blend until smooth, or until pureed to your desired consistency • Pour into chilled margarita glasses to serve.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

MAY 2015

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ZODIAC FORECASTS FROM JONATHAN CAINER

May 2015 IT SEEMS ONLY WEEKS SINCE MERCURY WAS LAST RETROGRADE. YET, LATER IN MAY, ANOTHER BEGINS. PLEASE DON’T GROAN! THIS PLANETARY PHENOMENON HAS A BAD RAP. FOLK TALK ABOUT IT AS IF IT WERE A COSMIC CURSE. YET THE WISE UNDERSTAND THAT TIMES LIKE THIS ARE NOT ALL ABOUT DIFFICULTY AND DELAY IN COMMERCE AND COMMUNICATION. THEY ARE ALL ABOUT REFLECTION AND REVIEW, RETHINKING OLD PLANS, IDENTIFYING NEW OBJECTIVES AND CORRECTING THE COURSE OF EXPEDITIONS THAT MAY HAVE WANDERED TOO FAR FROM THEIR ORIGINAL POINT AND PURPOSE WITHOUT ANYONE REALISING. WE MAY YET ALL GAIN GREATLY FROM THIS HEAVENLY PHASE.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

ADELE

It will take more than willpower to get a mountain moved. You will require a sound strategy too. And some support. You are engaged in a process that needs teamwork, and teamwork inevitably calls for trust. But, even if you now fear that you dare not rely on certain sources of assistance, there are some truly good people in your world who are willing to help you and who share your view of a sensitive situation. They too, can see that something needs to happen and that this will take a lot of effort. Together, you will do it.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

CANCER

What is the rush? Why is everyone in a hurry? Do you need to buy into the growing sense of urgency? If a deadline is not met, how bad will things be? You don’t have a time machine this month, but your outlook implies that you will yet get access to the next best thing. Where you need the universe to cut you a little slack, serendipitous circumstances will be right there for you with the scissors! Helpful coincidences and unexpected changes that work in your favour, will yet make May a lot less demanding than you currently expect.

June 23 - July 23 You might not spend the whole month of May in a state of constant euphoria but you should be pleasantly surprised by the amount of time in which you experience an unusually good mood this month. It is as if you are being blessed with extra confidence and cleverness. You will feel very sure of yourself and this will enable you to make many wise choices. Others will naturally recognise that you know what you are doing and will feel almost magnetically drawn towards you. If you give them your trust, they will give you theirs.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

July 24 - August 23 Sometimes, we spend too long worrying and wondering about what we ought to be doing and how best to do it. We debate the options. We get ourselves all tied up in a tangle of ‘what-ifs’ and ‘how-abouts’, till it begins to feel as if we can hardly make a move. Then, suddenly, we find we have to take action and that the action that we have had to take has been surprisingly smooth. That will be your experience this month. What currently looks as if it is due to be difficult will turn out to be simple and successful.

August 24 - September 23 Opinions are like navels. Everybody has one and nobody should spend too long gazing at it. Some of us put our navels on show. Most of us keep them discreetly covered. But we are all defensive about the idea that there is anything wrong with the one in the centre of our own tummy! Be wary, this month, of people who make definitive statements about what’s right or wrong and thus what is irrelevant. Trust your own deepest gut feeling. It emanates from a point just below your navel - and it will be the right thing to follow in May.

September 24 - October 23 We speak reverentially of characters who are determined and uncompromising. Unless, that is, we find ourselves needing to do business with them. It is easy to admire from a distance a person who seemingly has nerves of steel. Yet if you need them to see a situation from a different perspective, they can soon start to get on your nerves! There is nothing wrong with a compromise, as long as it isn’t a sacrifice. The big astrological story of your month, is all about reaching a delicate agreement. You can do it!

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

October 24 - November 22 Who needs your help this month? And how much of it do they need? Might you find that your effort to be of assistance takes up so much time and energy that you have nothing left for yourself? You might even decide that you don’t object to this because you are so generous and because you can see such a strong need to make a kind gesture. But if you end up in a situation where someone then has to come along and help you – that might not be so smart. So be careful. Watch where you draw the line and all will be well.

November 23 - December 21 There is no quick and easy solution to the quandary that you may face this month. You can’t just walk away from a situation, even if you are finding it tiresome. Nor can you throw yourself into it body and soul, head and heart. You have already tried that and it has merely eroded your sense of perspective and objectivity. A sharp alignment from Jupiter to Pluto dominates your outlook. It represents a tricky problem but not an insurmountable one. Stand back, draw breath, see sense, then return to the fray once more.

December 22 - January 20 It is hard to sit back and do nothing when a situation seems to be crying out for something to be done! To manage this, you must rise above the criticism of those who might prefer you to take action, and ignore, too, your own sense of guilt. That is why the only folk who normally hold themselves back to such an extent, turn out to be the very foolish or the very wise. You are not foolish! You can simply see that success, in May, can come only if you wait for the opportune moment before you act. So trust yourself and do that.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

January 21 - February 19 What matters most, the journey or the destination? This month, your life is best thought of as a journey. You are at point A. You want to reach point B. As long as you can get there, does it matter how? Or do you feel that one road is so much better than another that you must fight with all your might to stay on that path, even if this leads to diversion and delay? All roads may or may not lead to Rome but all choices that you make, in May, will eventually lead to success. Choose the one that is likely to bring least stress.

February 20 - March 20 You are not a participant in a TV game show. No hidden camera is recording your every move. There are no viewers voting. So any attempt to see your life as some kind of popularity contest that must be won at all costs, is unwise. It looks astrologically likely that you will find yourself soon needing to make an important, intelligent choice that others object to or simply cannot understand. Explain yourself, by all means, but don’t feel bad if you fail to persuade. Trust your instinctive assessment of a situation and act on it.

March 21 - April 20 They say, ‘Whatever doesn’t destroy us, makes us stronger.’ So you must be pretty strong! You have certainly experienced many stresses and strains in your life that have taken you to the brink of exhaustion and exasperation in previous months and years. It is even possible that, this month, you may once again encounter a reminder of all that you find difficult to deal with. But you know your way around such difficulties by now, don’t you? Just trust. You won’t just survive May; you will emerge from it triumphant.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

MAY 2015

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NEW + NOW

BELLEVUE MEDICAL CENTER BMC CELEBRATES MOTHER’S DAY DURING A MATERNITY FAIR FOR PREGNANT WOMEN In celebrating motherhood, Bellevue Medical Center (BMC) hosted a unique fair entitled “Expecting Great Things”. The event, targeting pregnant mothers, aimed to offer them under one roof the latest expert advice on the topics of pregnancy, delivery, and baby care and prepare them for their life-time event. BMC was also proud to launch a number of extra services, many of which are free of charge, and showcased their newly designed baby book, a signature book which will be gifted to every woman delivering at the hospital. Bellevue’s “Expecting Great Things” consisted of several mini-lectures, presented by a panel of in-house experts, on the latest updates, developments, and evidence-based recommendations to first-time mothers. BMC doctors and experts were present to answer all questions and concerns. Topics covered included mother care, baby care, breastfeeding, psychology of mothers-to-be, and many more. The fair included many interactive booths, fun quizzes, games, educational tools, and prizes to be won. Last but not least, a healthy buffet catered to the pregnant mothers’ special dietary needs was offered. Commenting on the activity, BMC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dia Hassan, said: “Giving birth is not an independent event that happens at one moment in time, but is a continuum from the first day of pregnancy till way after the delivery. Our aim at Bellevue is to develop a maternity center of excellence, providing expecting parents with all the resources, support, and education they need in order to go through this life-time experience in the best way possible before, during, and after the delivery.

LEO BURNETT BEIRUT WINS “AGENCY OF THE YEAR” AT THE DUBAI LYNX AND PROPELS AGENCY TO “NETWORK OF THE YEAR” TITLE Leo Burnett teams almost cleaned up the stage during the Dubai Lynx Awards gala ceremony on Wednesday, March 11, collecting 2 Grand Prix, 12 Golds, 23 Silvers, and 18 Bronzes, as well as 124 shortlists, setting the highest record of awards ever won by an agency network in the prestigious regional festival operated by the Cannes Lions. Leo Burnett Beirut claimed the “Agency of the Year” crown, making it the first ever agency outside the UAE to win that title since the inception of the Dubai Lynx. The results of this win propelled the whole Leo Burnett Network to win the prestigious title of Network of the Year for the third time. This is a sweeping win for an agency that believes in creative innovation through integration and social engagement, based on enduring creative ideas that change the way people think and feel. The “Keep the Flame Alive” integrated campaign for Johnnie Walker was a true example of creative innovation and social engagement and was awarded 2 Grand Prix, 3 Golds, 6 Silvers and 3 Bronzes. Two other integrated and insightful campaigns helped propel Beirut to Agency of the Year as well, each one garnering 10 prizes: the Sakker El Dekkene (Stop the Shop) “Lebanon4Sale” Anti- Corruption campaign, and Kafa “Vote for us, we’ll vote for you,” a movement against domestic violence. Virgin Radio Lebanon’s “Say No to Piracy” added more gold awards to the tally.

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE

NEW + NOW

BRITISH AIRWAYS TOP SPRING HOLIDAY SPOTS FOR 2015 To encourage residents of Lebanon to enjoy a family holiday this spring, British Airways’ holiday experts have put together a list of their top destinations that will suit parents and children for a quick getaway. The airline is also going a step further and launching a special fares spring campaign running from today 25 February and allowing for travel until the 30 June 2015. According to holiday experts at British Airways, some of the best spring break holiday spots in 2015 include Los Angeles (Califor-

nia), Milan (Italy), Washington D.C (USA), Toronto (Canada) and the British Isles in Jersey (UK). From action packed activities, iconic Hollywood glamour, picturesque beaches and world-class entertainment for all ages, Los Angeles has it all. “A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without walking the famous Santa Monica boulevard and visiting the Pier, sampling the best Ice cream Sandwich ever in Westwood at Diddy Riese or chilling out in one of the many magnificent beaches” says Alex Perez, Destination Manager at British Airways Holidays. With direct flights to London from Lebanon daily and multiple flights from London to Los Angeles operating daily as well, you can enjoy your Californian holiday with British Airways with fares starting from USD 884*.

HYUNDAI DEBUTS NEW CONCEPT CARS AT THE 2015 SEOUL MOTOR SHOW Hyundai Motor Company has celebrated its presence at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show with the world premiere of an all-new design concept, the ‘Enduro’ lifestyle urban crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Additional debuting models included a high-performance coupe concept, the RM15, and the company’s first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, the Sonata PHEV. Making its global debut at the show, the Enduro CUV concept’s name is derived from ‘Endurance.’ This dynamic model visually combines a SUV look with rally motorcycle which compete in the world’s toughest rally events, and has been designed to be the perfect partner for individuals living in the modern city with energetic, athletic lifestyles. By combining robust forms with bold styling, Enduro releases a sense of adventure and freedom for driver and passengers. Featuring a new interpretation of Hyundai’s design signature hexagonal front grille this model has a lower centre of gravity which creates a sense of stability. Meanwhile an aluminium aero blade connects the front fender to the grille, giving the Enduro a look of self-confidence. Seen in profile, Enduro has the look of a crossover vehicle, with raised ground clearance, SUV-style fender

MAY 2015

cladding and a dark grey garnish to the lower parts of the car, which appear robust and protective, while expressing mobility and agility. The C-pillars are fitted with a unique aerodynamic air-blade to reduce drag and the side-skirts incorporate step bars for easier loading or unloading of the roof rack. Inside Enduro, the cabin is styled with the same enthusiasm and passion as the exterior. The Hyundai Advanced Design Team worked to create an emotional concept that expresses sensuality and dynamism, through organically interacting lines which generate an intensity that coexists with toughness and sophistication.

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NEW + NOW G.A. BAZERJI & SONS S.A.L. (GABS) UNVEILS THE ALL NEW SUZUKI CIAZ

The Suzuki Ciaz is now available in all G.A. Bazerji & Sons S.A.L. (GABS) showrooms across the country. For more information, please dial (01) 883 450 or (05) 955 812.

G.A. Bazerji & Sons S.A.L. (GABS), the sole importer and distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Lebanon, unveiled to the Media in its showroom in Bauchrieh its much awaited offering mid-size premium sedan segment, the “Ciaz”. Mr. Nabil Bazerji, Managing Director of GABS, commented on the launch saying: “Ciaz has been designed keeping in mind aspirations of a mid-size premium sedan customer. A complete package, the Ciaz offers European styling, premium rich interiors and a host of upmarket features. We are confident that Ciaz will be warmly received as the preferred upgrade by compact cars owners.” Built on a brand new platform, Ciaz is the longest and one of the widest Sedan in its class, is available in two Automatic transmission GL and GLX versions. Both versions are equipped with Climate Control, ABS with EBD, Bluetooth, Dual Airbags, 4 Electrical Windows, Remote Central Locking, Electrical Mirrors, Built-in Premium Sound System, and more. Powering the vehicle is the same 1.4-litre petrol engine that turn out a maximum power output of 95hp at 6,000rpm along with a top torque of 130Nm at 4,000rpm. This model is tagged at $13,950 before VAT for the GL model.

BYBLOS BANK LAUNCHES THE EXHIBITION OF THE BYBLOS BANK AWARD FOR PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER Byblos Bank launched Nightshift, a photo exhibition by Myriam Boulos, winner of the 2014 Byblos Bank Award for Photography, in the presence of a large number of guests including renowned photographers, gallerists, and members of the media. Curated by Beirut Art Fair (BAF), the exhibition features unique photographs unveiling the nocturnal world of Lebanese youth through the artistic eye of Myriam Boulos. Through her exhibition the young photographer highlights the wild, mysterious, dark and yet innocent faces of this world.Nada Tawil, Head of Group Communication Department at Byblos Bank, said: “Byblos Bank believes that supporting photography as an art form and helping to create a self-sustaining market enriches the community as a whole by creating cultural cohesion.” She added: “The Bank initiated its Pho-

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tography program in 2012 with the mission to place emerging Lebanese photographers at the heart of the photography market. This is mainly achieved by several focused activities including organizing their first solo exhibition and bringing them closer to the key players in the field”.For his part Pascal Odille, Artistic Director of BAF said: “Since the late 19th century, the camera has been one of the key tools in attempting to explore reality and make instant observations of a society at any given historical moment.” He added: “Through her photographs, Myriam Boulos gives us a glimpse of the nocturnal world of a young generation in search of an identity, of a new universe, and of a present day still in the making.” Commenting on her first solo exhibition, Myriam Boulos said: “Factories, train stations and warehouses have become “in” spots where Lebanese youth meet up to dance, listen to music, party, and live. These parties are a world of their own”. She added: “I am seduced by this world, for these spaces are the ones in Beirut I can identify with. This attraction, however, is accompanied by apprehension vis-à-vis the exterior world. Photography gives me the chance to enter this universe, where I cast my subjects in full light to express my own vision. I capture a moment, a story.”

THE WELLBEING ISSUE

NEW + NOW RANGE ROVER AUTOBIOGRAPHY 21 YEARS OF REWRITING LUXURY This year marks the 21st anniversary of Land Rover’s introduction of the Autobiography designation – then and now the pinnacle of the Range Rover model line-up. Across two decades Autobiography has denoted the ultimate combination of Land Rover design and luxury, adapting with changing customer tastes and preferences to remain a benchmark in the premium SUV market.The Autobiography was first announced at the London motor show in late 1993 and introduced to customers the following year. The responsibility for these models has always been the work of a dedicated team using finely honed skills and attention to detail. The earliest Autobiography Range Rovers were wholly bespoke, offering customers the opportunity to indulge their tastes in limitless varieties of paintwork colours and interior finishes. Demand was so high, Land Rover was prompted to adopt Autobiography as a limited edition version of its Range Rover, featuring the larger engine from the long-wheelbase LSE models and distinctive interior and exterior colour-ways. Just 25 were built, securing their highly prized status among connoisseurs of the marque.The current model, with its advanced lightweight aluminium construction, has adopted its own interpretation of the Autobiography concept with the Range Rover Autobiography Black. The preparation of the these models is handled by Special Vehicle Operations, headed by John Edwards, and responsible for engineering and manufacturing the most exclusive Land Rover model derivatives.

JUST ADD YOUR TOUCH WITH THE NEW LATTISSIMA TOUCH BY NESPRESSO Innovation and design is at the heart of Nespresso and its machines are constantly evolving as part of the quest to consistently deliver the highest quality coffee to Club Members. This month, Nespresso is introducing the Lattissima Touch as part of the Lattissima range which was first launched in 2007. The Lattissima Touch has been redesigned to offer even more features for coffee connoisseurs who enjoy coffee with milk. This latest addition to the company’s iconic range of sleek and stylish machines creates gourmet recipes for coffee and fresh milk lovers at the touch of a button. The Lattissima Touch is one of the most feature-rich technologies Nespresso has to offer and enables coffee lovers to enjoy an enhanced coffee quality experience in their own home. With brand new integrated technology, Lattissima Touch owners can create six recipes at the touch of a button including Ristretto and milk froth as two new features. The pre-heating times for the coffee and milk have been further improved so that your favourite coffee recipe is served even quicker. Be seduced by the glamorous Lattissima Touch for a smooth, milky and intense coffee experience. Create the ultimate latte or cappuccino at your fingertips. Available in Glam Red, Glam White and Glam Black, the machine will be the perfect home accessory for those who have an eye for design. With a tactile interface for optimized convenience, creating extraordinary coffee and milk recipes has never been easier.

MAY 2015

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THE WELLBEING ISSUE