Woman This Month - April 2018

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | FOOD | LOCAL ISSUES

April 2018 | Issue 182 | BD1 / SR10 www.womanthismonth.com

n o i h s Fa

ALL THE HOTTEST RUNWAY TRENDS

PEOPLE

Words co-founder Eileen Abuhamad Celebrity chef Dima Al Sharif Tariq Jaberi On going organic

FOOD

Spotlight on a new venue

TRAVEL Island Hopping

BEAUTY Spring hair trends

HOMES Pretty in pink

DESIGNER FOCUS Noon By Noor

WELLBEING Healthy Food Swaps

APRIL 6 Over to You 8 The Month in Focus 10 Hot Shots: Things that have piqued the editor’s interest this month

15 34

FASHION

29

12 Pick of the month: Say It With Sparkles 15-27 Trends Report: Spring-Summer 2018 28-29 Designer Spotlight: Noon By Noor

PEOPLE

36

32-33 Wafa Al Obaidat: Introducing the inaugural Women Power Summit 34-35 Eileen Abuhamad: On building a community space 36 Dima Al Shairf: The TV chef shares her inspirations 37 Julia Tovey: Talks affordable healthcare for all 38-39 Tariq Jaberi: The island's accessible organic farmer

BEAUTY 40 Tips: Get Cheeky 42 Styling: Beat the heat for your hair 44-45 News: Latest products and happenings

LIFESTYLE 48-49 Wellbeing: Healthy lifestyle swaps 50 Food: Chef's Special 51 Food: Review 52-53 Homes: Pinkspiration 57 Travel: Island Hopping 62 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani

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63 Horoscope: What's in store this month.

64 In Her Shoes: Ella Prakash

58 For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail sales@womanthismonth.com.

The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at editor@womanthismonth.com. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

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April 2018

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Inspired by creative minds for the ultimate writing experience.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

pril is always a crazy busy month in office and it's all about fashion. Not only are we ooing and ahing over the revelations of the Autumn-Winter shows, but we're also putting together our big biannual fashion feature. Fernanda has been working harder than ever to bring you a record number of trends and I'm happy to say there's something to suite every taste, shape, age and budget. So, make sure you check out our pages before you do your holiday shopping.

In this month's interview section, we have the pleasure of introducing the island's first ever Women Power Summit. We're partnering with organisers Obai & Hill to bring you all the information on this fab event, which is all about encouraging women into the workforce and helping them blossom and grow. I also spoke to Eileen Abuhamad about the ongoing development of Words Bookstore Cafe as a community hub. Celeb chef Dima Al Sharif answered some questions ahead of her visit to the island ­— and had so much to say that we've featured her full interview online at www.womanthismonth.com and, sticking with a foodie theme, Tariq Jaberi explained the concept behind his organic farm where people can pick their own veggies — now, that really is a welcome development.

In the beauty section, you'll find tips from celebrity stylist Asgar Saboo and how to keep your hair looking great during hot weather — just right for us here as the mercury rises — and Apple gives you the lowdown on how to get a perfect sunkissed blush.

This month's Chef's Special is also celebrity inspired with a student of Michelin-starred Oliver Glowig sharing his kitchen secrets. And lucky Behnaz got to try out the delisous fare at newly opened Miam restaurant — I'll be following her recommendations when I visit.

As always, there's travel and homes and much, much more and we're still working on Woman This Month's new-look website, where you'll find regular competitions, news updates and more.

Have a look and let me know what you think either on social media or write to liz@redhousemarketing.com.

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER RAPHAEL OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI head of digital operations NEIL F VAZ print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics The only HATEM MONEM media coordinator women's SARAH ANSARI magazine media managers h it w d te bu EKATERINA ESPINASSE distri circulation and research the GDN ROANNA FERNANDES photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2017© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 Woman This Month is here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com website: www.womanthismonth.com Published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

April 2018, Issue 182

Our month: Anne joined friends for a ladies' lunch at Coral Bay and Kat headed to the launch of Seven Concept.

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April 2018

On the cover: René Caovilla SS18

www.womanthismonth.com

news Most Liked Post on Facebook

Best Reaction on Twitter Woman This Month’s interview with Ines Kharrat got the highest impressions and clicks.

Most Liked Post on Instagram

a video post wishing our fans a happy International Woman’s Day 2018 got highest number of views this month.

Our contest to win a free gift from Al Hawaj attracted the highest number of likes, shares and comments.

# Trending

What’s caught our eye in the news this month

Doll Power

Win, Win, Win!

Mattel, the maker of the everpopular Barbie, has announced the new ‘Inspiring Women’ Barbie collection.

The move honours three historic women who have left their mark on the world. Amelia Earhart – the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Freida Kahlo – the famous artist and activist, and Katherine Johnson – a major pioneer in the field of mathematics who worked for NASA, all have their doll avatars now. The dolls are available for purchase. www.today.com

Letters

Dubai-based modest fashion I absolutely loved, loved, loved your brand, Desert Cove, wedding issue in March. You seemed to offers the modern have thought of all the most important modest woman things, like the venue, make-up, and, of the long-awaited course, the dress! It makes me happy that opportunity to you have featured dresses for all kinds of express herself brides. Also, the checklist for every bridein the latest to-be before her big day is just perfect. trends without I’m saving this issue for my sister, whose compromising wedding is on the cards. her modest needs.

Isabel, Seef The brand aims to bridge the It’s great that Woman This Month has shed gap between light on bullying, which is sadly a very mainstream common happening in schools and peer fashion and modesty, asserting both can be groups. Kudos to the Naseem Foundation achieved beautifully. for taking up the cause and spreading Every collection that Desert Cove features A First for America awareness about the dangers of this has an extraordinary amount of hard work Tahera Rahman is ushering in a new era of socially unacceptable behaviour. Parents behind it, from the valuable feedback of broadcast journalism for Americans, showing must be in tune with their children, the customers to the complex trial and test that everyone deserves to be represented. The especially adolescents, and pick up on the method the founder, Mosika Zeid, undertakes journalist, from Naperville, Illinois, is a news warning signs of them bullying or being with each design. reporter for WHBF-TV. Tahera, 27, has vied bullied. After all, being on either side of Lawyer, entrepreneur and mother, Mosika, for the on-air position for several years and, the fence is dangerous. relocated to Dubai from her native Australia even after working at the station as a producer Tina, Hamala and found it difficult to find modest on-trend for two years, she was overlooked for the job. basics in the UAE. She realised there was a I have been doing my research on hair But not losing sight of her dream of stepping gap in the market and Desert Cove was born, Botox but have got mixed reviews in front of the camera, Tahera persisted, even revolving around a minimalist yet modern from others. I was a little sceptical as when a colleague told her America wasn’t aesthetic. to whether it will damage my already ready for a hijabi TV reporter. Thankfully, she Having closed the show at Dubai Modest stressed-out hair, like other chemical still applied and her reel proved to be the best Fashion Week, the brand is now coming to treatments. Thanks to Woman This of all the applicants.

Bahrain and will be available at the Milk Month’s article on what the procedure Tahera is now hoping that her talent and work Concept Store in Riyadat Mall, A'ali. is all about, and where to go for it, I will be the main story and not her headscarf.

To celebrate, readers have the chance to win am confident it is the thing for me this “I am where I belong. And you have to deal two pieces from the latest collection. Keep an summer. with it because this is my America, too,” she eye on our social media pages for details on Vicky, Busaiteen says. how to participate. www.metro.co.uk We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at editor@womanthismonth.com Follow us on:

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April 2018

Instagram: @womanthismonth

Twitter: @WomanThisMonth

Facebook: Woman This Month www.womanthismonth.com

news

April in Focus

There’s more on our radar this month than ever, with great events across the island.

Popping Good Shopping

There are not one, not two, but three pop-up events happening this month. The first is on April 7 when Bahrain Pop-Up Market returns, this time at Riffa Palms, with its usual selection of designer chic, artsy pieces and great food. Then on April 14 to 16 the Lokal Pop-Up Shop is at Oliveto, combining a curated collection of pieces from regional designers with great food. The last one for the month is Words Bookstore Café’s Ramadan Designer Atelier, on April 18 to 21, featuring beautiful pieces from brands such as Tiny Om and LeBonTon. We can already feel our credit cards cowering!

Beach Babes

If, like us, you’re partial to a bit of fun in the sun, it’s time to dig out the bikini and head to Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa where they’ll be celebrating Spring Break with an awesome beach party featuring DJ Hanna. The Ukraine native holds the number 89 position in the Top100DJanes 2017 published by djanemag.com. She is the embodiment of positive energy, cheerfulness and sophisticated style and her technical and musical ability are guaranteed to get the beach jumping.

A Bit of Bruno

It is, of course, the month when the world’s biggest motor racing stars head to the Kingdom for the F1 and Formula One weekend brings with it parties across the island with international names laid on to entertain us. We’ll be heading to the Bruno Mars tribute act, Bran Maz and his band, at Coda Jazz Lounge.

We had a sneak peek at some of the videos online and this guy could give the real thing a run for his money.

From the sharp suits and slicked hair to the amazing voice, we can’t wait.

Hope to see you there.

Pet Expo

It’s no secret that we at WTM love our pets.

Cats, dogs, rocks; you name it and we’ll lavish loving attention on it. So, of course, we’ll be heading to Adhari Park on April 13 for this year’s big Pet Expo. There’ll be goodies for you and your furry friend, pet competitions, an expert discussion panel talking about the Kingdom’s stray problem, kids’ entertainment, a food corner, free grooming and vet checks and loads more. In fact, it’s the cat’s whiskers!

Dining With Wolfgang

We hear celeb chef Wolfgang Puck is a bit of a race fan, so it’s no surprise that he usually manages a visit to the island around this time of year to keep an eye on his restaurants CUT and re/Asian and, of course, check out a bit of F1 action. He’s hosting brunch at CUT on April 6 and on April 7 there’ll be an Asian barbecue outside on The Lawn at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay. Trust us, we’ve been to one of these before and it really is quite something. So, if you go along, don’t be surprised to meet us there tucking in to some seriously fabulous food and perhaps snapping a selfie with the great man himself.

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April 2018

Our Favourite Festival

Trib Fest is back at Bahrain Rugby Football Club on April 27 with a whole host of talented folks flown out from the UK to sing, play and dance their way through 12 hours of non-stop music.

From Freddie Mercury to the Brit Pop greats via glam rock and country, there’s sure to be something for every taste.

And, of course, there’s always a great atmosphere at the Rugby Club fuelled by plentiful pitch-side grub and beverages.

Shorts and flip-flops at the ready for a fab day out. Don’t forget the sun screen. www.womanthismonth.com

news

HOT SHOTS

es the Liz O’Reilly shar r, ai ch ’s or it ed .

From the rest this month piqued her inte ve ha at th gs in th

DOGGONE IT!

FACEBOOK SHOCKER

In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, I heard you can access all the data Facebook holds on you. All you need to do is go into settings and at the bottom of the general settings page there is a section where you can download your personal data from the platform. It’s a bit of a scary revelation! Beware, though. If you’re going to do this, make sure your laptop, or wherever you save it, is secure!

I’m delighted to report Bahrain finally has something that has been missing from this little island and is much needed — a dog park. It was due to open as we went to press, so I can’t tell you too much about it but what I do know is that it’s at Bed and Biscuits and promises two large, grassed play areas (one for little dogs and one for the bigger guys) where our four-legged friends can have a good old run and romp.

Regular readers will know that I’m a bit of a crazy dog lady, so, I’m looking forward to paying a visit and will report back in due course.

BEHIND THE VEIL

THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES MARK 2

A film about tennis greats Billie-Jean King and some guy, oh, OK, former world number one Bobby Riggs, Battle of the Sexes made good box office last year. Now it seems the BBC may have set itself up for a rematch with the revelation that it pays John McEnroe 10 times as much for Wimbledon coverage as Martina Navratilova. The Beeb has tried to dig itself out of this particular hole by arguing that McEnroe’s role is entirely different to that of the female former champ. That may well be the case but Navratilova has gone on record to say that her agent actually asked if there was a wage gap and was told “no”. After Carrie Gracie’s very public spat with the corporation earlier this year over her lack of parity with male colleagues, it seems the BBC has some way to go to restore its credibility in the equality stakes. And, as a publicly funded broadcaster, I’d say the UK government needs to step in and tell it, very emphatically, to get its house in order or risk losing licence payers’ cash.

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April 2018

It seems that every month there is a new and momentous development to comment on from across the causeway. This month, it’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s statement to CBS that: “The laws are very clear and stipulated in the laws of Sharia: that women wear decent, respectful clothing, like men. This, however, does not particularly specify a black abaya or a black head cover.” He went on to say: “The decision is entirely left for women [sic] to decide what type of decent and respectful attire she chooses to wear.”

This is a big deal, and not just for Saudi women. Much of the Muslim world takes its guidance from Saudi Arabia and in Bahrain, for instance, local friends tell me the black clothing, now so common, was rarely seen before the opening of the causeway. They say Bahraini women’s traditional way of dressing was much more colourful. It would be lovely to see a return to this – if, of course, that is the woman’s choice.

POWER TO THE (FEMALE) PEOPLE

I’m proud to tell you that we’re partnering with the Women’s Empowerment Summit that’s due to take place on the island over two days next month. There’ll be big-name speakers and around 500 women are expected to take advantage of a series of workshops, mentorship programmes, networking events, Q&A sessions and more, all aimed at encouraging women across all areas of business. It’s set to be a brilliant event, which I’m really looking forward to attending. Find out more in our interview with organiser Wafa Alobaidat, on page 32.

Hope to see lots of you there.

Word of the Month Blatherskite.

My personal favourite of the ones we’ve featured so far, it means “A person who talks at great length without making much sense.” We all know at least one, right? www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Kaleem & Binu Mamta, HE Alok Kumar Sinha & Juzer

Ultimate India Festival Lulu Hypermarket Bahrain held its Ultimate India Festival in celebration of the Republic Day of India at its premises in Galleria Mall.

Anand & Renu

Saji & Gopi

Renu, Charanjeet & Hetaksh

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April 2018

3/15/18 4:04 PM

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FASHION | pick of the month

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Who says flatties can’t be sexy, sassy and fun? We’re loving these pumps from René Caovilla’s SS18 collection. Satin, pearls and sparkles combine with a chunky, gilt-edged heel and the latest pointy toe shape. All together it’s a package that forms the perfect spring shoe, with the added bonus of comfort!

Available at City Centre Bahrain and online at www.renecaovilla.com 12

April 2018

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Zwemer Clinic Opening

The American Mission Hospital held the opening ceremony of its Zwemer Clinic, dedicated to low income individuals, located within its premises. HE Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, governor of the Capital Governorate, HE Justin Siberell, US Ambassador, and other distinguished guests attended the event.

Ali & Delano

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Elize & Amaan

Tara, Freeda & Treesa

Evelyn, Amour, Erin & Carmen

Betty, Parvathy & Maria

Vinaya, Zakiya & Mithu

Rowena & Sandra

Delano, Shaikh Mohammed, Shaikh Hisham, HE Justin Siberell, Julia, Dr Cheriyan & Josh

www.womanthismonth.com

April 2018

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Ladies Luncheon

A ladies luncheon was held at Coral Bay.

Kiki

Roohi

Hafidha

Anne, Sumaya & Anisa

Sameera & Rebecca

Ladies at lunch

Angela

Faye, Ratnani, Faikha, Rashida, Anne & Shohra

Afternoon Tea

Rashida hosted an afternoon tea get-together at her residence.

Mariam

Monique

14 April 2018

HE Nor Huda

Sameera

Noraini

Jameela

Anne

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | trends

2018

G N I R R E M SP M SU rnan

By Fe

mmer

ngha da La

The weather in the Middle East is a bit different from the rest of the world.

While elsewhere everyone can’t wait for summer, we’re happy with our mild winter. We’re certainly blessed with plenty of sunny days, but those mild winters come with a price — extremely hot summers!

To survive the season in style, hide from the heat in the cool mall corridors.

Look for pastels, checks, bright shades, fringes, ruffles and pack your wardrobe with cute shorts. There are also a few other trends to look out for that might have stayed under your radar.

Have fun shopping the new season and enjoy our shining sun!

www.womanthismonth.com

April 2018

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e worn s can b es of the e d a h s ht ton well: Lig different stels also Wearheiatd to toe; tceraemative lookh. Pinak shades of from olour for a t togethe; t pink. same c ell when pu int and baby work w aired with m blush p

r: o lookarfinoe, t s d n a r B ci, Bluem Nina Ricra, Tod’s and Max Ma itton.

Louis Vu

LOEWE Salvatore Ferragamo

Pastels are a popular choice for spring and summer, so no surprises here. Many designers have opted for powdery shades to paint their creations this season. The cooler shades are their way to find some balance during melting hot weather. Beat the heat with an ice-blue handbag or dust off your lavender dress for a fresh look to enjoy the sunny days.

Next

Bershka

Nina Ricci

Cotton Candy

Victoria Beckham H&M

Alice & Olivia

Max Mara

Versace

Blumarine

FASHION | trends

T

op tip: To gl bet on contrast am it up, colour worn w s. A pale or a soft hue alith black ongside a bold shade, such as red.

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April 2018

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Michael Kors Collection

Michael Kors Collection

Giambattista Valli

Massimo Dutti

Nina Ricci

Louis Vuitton

trends

Sunny days are synonymous with colour, which is true with Crayola brights and rainbow effects. But this shade, spotted at many catwalk show,s lacks any pigment!

They say white light is created by combining all colours in equal parts, so maybe they are there, somehow — and that’s why we love the pale shade so much.

Simone Rocha

Isabel Marant

White Weather

T

www.womanthismonth.com

r: o look fo Brandsartant, Louis Vuitton,

Longchamp

perfect ally the organic u t c a e is e in ell: Whitheat. Often madoes with literally w t i r a e g We help beat th al tone that vier side and hue to , it is a neutr re on the hea be a ls uldn’t materia g. And if you oid it, you co hoosing your c av hin everyt t you should buse it when a a h d t n k a e in s u th rong — tfits. more w d summer ou an spring Max Mara

Elisabeta Franchi

House of Holland

op tip: Don’t let th e season pass by without acquiring a lig ht-weight white dress. W ear it day and night!

Isabel M lisabeta Rocha, E s Simone hael Kor ic and M Franchi n.

Collectio

April 2018

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Versus Versace

Sacai

Loewe

Miu Miu

Emporio Armani

FASHION | trends

Fendi

Check It Out

Zara

Top tip: Look for funky tights like the ones from Fend i.

They are pure joy and a clever statement whe n it comes to adopting the tr end.

Bershka

Balenciaga

Don’t put your checked printed clothes away just yet. As per our trend radar, the print is staying one more season. Not just a winter-only option anymore; designers have managed to adapt checks to perfection for bright sunny days using lighter or bolder colours and appealing vivid ginghams. This criss-cross motif is everywhere, from caps to socks.

e with th in love cks. You e r a e ell: hWecks with cheferent it win gc Weaorf w in dif r ired a e pattern elements pa oes e m idea a s h e s id h t d la n p y a r t can t or differen hoose bags pieces er. Or even c if. togeth e tartan mot with th

Oasis

Yours

m Fendi, E ai and Hermes.

Sac , e w e Lo

Hermes

r: o look fo Brands tporio Armani,

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April 2018

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New Look

Showing some skin is what spring and summer are all about.

The best way of doing it with class and style is with appealing sheer pieces. A see-through dress or top can set you in the right direction to achieve the look of the season.

If you’re not a big fan of showing skin, just use the trend to expose your beautiful clothes with a translucent layer. It is all about what lies beneath.

Dior

Lipsy

Giambatt tino, Dior n Miu, Vale ine. ar m lu B and

Zara

r: o look fo Brands ist ta Valli, Miu

Blumarine

Top tip

: To fully embrace the trend, reve al your cycling shorts or briefs under a long chiffon dress at your favourite summer destin ation.

Valentino

Miu Miu

Givenchy

Going Gauzy

F&F

YProject

Giambattista Valli

Moncler Gamme Rouge

trends

y rms an transfo ever, d n e r t e . How well: Th l attire as a Wear oiwt n into beautifrua dinner out oralso nightg lso wear it fo sparency can oks an t lo na you ca ach dress. Tr , the concep s e ie b r l o a s casu s. acces andbag lied to be app andals and h s great in

www.womanthismonth.com

April 2018

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Dolce & Gabbana

Missoni

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Rahul Mishra

Tory Burch

FASHION | trends

Manish Arora Zara

Rainbow manicure and makeup

Inspired by the colours of spring’s blossoming flowers, the fashion world displays a colourful palette. Designers entered the multicoloured universe of colouring pencils, crayons and rainbows to create their mood boards.

Look for striped and vibrant fabric and prints to add a kaleidoscopic effect to your wardrobe.

Tory Burch (2)

Jeremy Scott

Debenhams

Sing a Rainbow

Dune

Tory Burch (1)

putting raid of e a linear f a e b n’t os well: Ddoes together, chroful solid, but t i r a e a u W e sh lo h shad ibrant with co many v s and pair it in doubt whic e and it s n h e long dr essories. Whe dress, pick w ly cc e a v li id r iv u v with yo to team od to go. go you’re

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April 2018

r: o look fosoni, t s d n a r is B bana, M

Top

tip: Create the perf ect summer outfit by painting your swimsuit and beach accessories in all colours of the spectrum.

ab Dolce&G ra, Tory Burch ish M l u Rah . my Scott e r Je d an www.womanthismonth.com

Nina Ricci River Island

Longchamp

Saint Laurent

Dior

rend is n this t ges, w o o t st way he frin l: The bgeles. The longer st or accessories, l e w t i Wear be afraid of tan clothing piece fringed item. not to r. Whether in ose with any k of Saint te . hin hp is boss o go. T the bet trike a stylis s t way t eil who a l v e il r n w g u r u d e yo an oth atwalk d is an Layere oots on the c tb Lauren

Oasis

Fringing is back! This time more sophisticated and empowered than ever.

The flowing frills will have you swinging in style with the summer breeze. Applied to all sorts of garments, you’ll find plenty of different ways to adorn your clothes, from hanging threads and cords to fake feathers. Haberdashery, here we go!

r:

o look fo Brandsletin, Celine,

Calvin K neta, Dior and Ve Bottega ci. ic Nina R

www.womanthismonth.com

Bottega Veneta

Jacquemus

Celine

Dancing Ribbons

Miss Selfridge

Saint Laurent

Calvin Klein

trends

Top tip: Choose a skirt or dress with a lo ng fringed hem; they will sway beautifully with your walk for a mesmeris ing effect.

April 2018

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Salvatore Ferragamo

Jacquemus

Giorgio Armani

Emilio Pucci

Beach Ready

look forn: , o t s d n a o Br s Collecti

Kor Versace Michael Chanel, i, c c u P Emilio ragamo. tore Fer a lv a S d an

Missoni

It is that time of the year again when you dig into your wardrobe after your lost swimsuit and beach cover-ups. A good opportunity to invest in new pieces? Designers from all four fashion capitals agree that sunnier days are upon us and showed off their best garment ideas.

H&M

Bershka

MICHAEL Michael Kors

Michael Kors Collection

Chanel

FASHION | trends

To

Versace

Mulberry

p tip: large-br Invest in an extr im athe ones med sun hat, lik e seen at M Jacquem is us and G soni, iorgio A rmani.

ore o be m seem t ntrust your s it u s im t the , so e well: Sw season lidays a Wear ritthan bikinis thoisu’re enjoying hoto pop out, popula hem. When y l, if you need thers and, à t a oo style to days by the p ss over your b o. r e r o o d yt g or beach a skirt ore than read w o r h t just u’re m alk, yo la catw

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April 2018

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Koche

Isabel Marant

YProject

Extreme Sports Bershka

Take this laid-back style to its ultimate conclusion. Not just stripes and neoprene materials, this season go full-on zipped, long-sleeved jumpsuits and football jerseys.

Inspiration from non-conventional sports brings innovative ideas and high-tech textiles to our everyday wardrobes.

Designers are really serious about athleisure this time around.

www.womanthismonth.com

Top tip: It’s unlik e me to say this, but do purchase a fashionable pa ir of trainers an d sportive sungla sses; they’re th e hot buys of the moment.

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ma ty x Pu a’s Fen your n n a ih pect ith R well: Wpular you can eaxnd take on a o t i r a e o l W ing very p tion t urfu re colo e some atten ces. Or o m t becom e ion pie be to g nce. Giv wardro ortive influe ear with fash customised p w s s u t g yo r strong at mix spor donnin y h t b s lf d e bran ers. yours d trous n do it you ca t and tailore hir team s Louis Vuitton.jpg

Moncler Gamme Rouge

H&M

Zara

Stradivarius

Fenty X Puma

Dior

Bottega Veneta

trends

r: o look fo Brands tporio Armani,

m Hermes.

Fendi, E anel and h C , e w e Lo

April 2018

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Nina Ricci

It’s time to show off your legs! Forget miniskirts, the spotlight this season is on shorts and Bermudas. This boyish concept can offer a quick style fix for running your daily errands or as your partner in fashion crime for your most chic evenings. If you want to fully embrace the trend, pick cool cycling shorts and get ready to run the show. look mbers red nu ers; opt for o il a t g n blaz al well: Lo ith suit re casu Wear ite when paired wpalette. For a meoam with t awesom or an earthy ut and r unusual aight c ite o off-wh , choose a str gy look, go f d h e c a n o a r app n! . For blouse have fu a flowy d shorts and re structu

r: o look fo Brandsci,t Fendi, Saint

April 2018

Mango

Bershka

COS

Nina Ric ussardi and Tr Laurent, . d r o F Tom

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Tod's

Tom Ford

Short Cut Miss Selfridge

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Fendi

Hermes

Trussardi

FASHION | trends

Top ti

p: Elevate your styl e status by finishing th e look with high heeled sandals.

Jaw-dropping and eye-catching m oments will fo llow you everywhere.

www.womanthismonth.com

Alberta Ferretti

Valentino

Simple Ecru

Chloe

Michael Kors Collection

Loewe

Celine

Max Mara

trends

Mila Schon

COS

Weill

ing ue by pair out this h. The duo st e b e th ite ell: Get ade — whn’t let you Wear aitnowther summer sh o w d n a ady n o it with lassic combinati king stylish and rer your c o a fo lo s e e ic to k o s a h e m s of a great c en it com down whasual occasion. It’s the hottest month g c n y ri n u ed for a r wardrob workwea the year.

Longchamp

New Look

This colour actually goes by numerous names and comes in many slightly different tones. Look for beige, tan, camel, khaki, ochre, fawn, dust and very light brown (and maybe even more). This earthy hue is a versatile choice and goes way beyond basic trousers.

Dresses, shorts and tops are the pieces to look out for this season.

ok for: Brands to lo loe, Loewe,

Max Mara, Ch ichael Kors Mila Schon and M . on cti Colle

www.womanthismonth.com

Top ti

blouses p: Collared shir in your are must-have itts and opt for kwardrobe this se ems collar to haki tops with a ason; rock the w trend. hite

April 2018

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Off White

Stella McCartney

Ruffles and Flourishes Valentino

Phillip Lim

Balmain

David Koma

FASHION | trends

Koton

Still in the lines of frills, but a bit more ostentatious, for another season these volume-adding elements hype up the feminine air of spring and summer pieces. Architectural ruffles build dramatic looks. Evening gowns go extra intense and basic tops are elevated by stiff and austere waves. Use them to frame your face or accentuate hips.

Top ti

April 2018

Simply Be

p: Give some thought to tulle skirts and dresses; layer the fabric for an unexpect ed twist. g f addin fraid o ascading a e r a ac you well: oIfng place, opt foron every body t i r a e d g W wr oo in the y lookin looks g volume a trick that e intentionall -shoulder r e it’s if you a e off-th effect; wever, r bust, choos reate extra o H . e p c u ty to yo ntuate ounces to acce the added fl ith tops w area. in the e m lu o v

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New Look

Valentin avid Koma and ,D Balmain . cCartney M Stella Bershka

Giambattista Valli

Lipsy

r: o look fo Brandsot, Off White,

www.womanthismonth.com

Debenhams

Gucci

ab Dolce&G ci, Marni uc G , s b Jaco a. d a r P d an

T

op tip: Opt for a re markable accessory to co mplement your outfit, so mething like Dolce&Gabban a’s hand sungla sses.

Prada

When I think of weird vintage clothes, a strange great-aunt comes to my mind (the most creative and interesting person in the family by far). Her house is unique; her clothes are loud and sometimes they don’t make much sense when combined, specially the way she pairs them together. Well, here’s your chance to explore her trunk and become the queen of loud vintage with a kooky twist. look for: o t s d n a arc Br bana, M

H&M

Marni

Gucci

Eccentric Nostalgia

Stella McCartney

Dolce & Gabbana

Bottega Veneta

Marc Jacobs

trends

erns in

www.womanthismonth.com

s, choose ct the best vivid colour can also sele ou Y s. ie or ss gether for an quirky acce d put them to on is to pick just an de ca de of each her opti basic al look. Anot it with your unconvention am te d an t en em en of the tr d. one wacky el light version ry ve a r fo clothing

Max Mara

Zara

d match patt

: Mix an tes and Wear it well 'off' silhouet

April 2018

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FASHION | designer spotlight

NOON BY NOOR In the latest in our occasional series of designer spotlights, to tie in with the fashion trends edition, we shine a line on Bahraini cousins, Noor and Haya, who are putting the island on the fashion map in a big way.

The story so far To launch the brand internationally, an exclusive event was held in Los Angeles in July

2011. This was followed by a presentation in February 2012 during New York Fashion Week, where the designers displayed their Fall 2012 collection to editors, journalists and celebrity guests.

In September 2012, Noon By Noor presented its Spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week. This landmark achievement marked the first ever GCC brand to be invited

by IMG to present at New York Fashion Week. The brand has continued to show each season at NYFW with their most recent collection, Autumn-Winter 2018 being present last February.

Noon By Noor can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain, By Symphony Dubai, Tryano Abu Dhabi, Harvey Nichols Riyadh, Le 66 Paris, Off White Boutique Montpellier, Peri A Los Angeles, Chegini Austria, Elizabeth Charles San Francisco, Azalea San Francisco and L'Appartement Moscow. Noon By Noor’s online boutique facilitates worldwide shipping.

With an international following, Noon By Noor is a Bahrain-based womenswear label founded in 2008 by designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa.

Cousins and friends since childhood, they studied in the US and, after graduating, returned to Bahrain to bring their vision to life.

Founder, CEO and designer, Shaikha Noor holds a BA in fashion design and her unconventional career choice was driven by

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April 2018

a life-long passion to translate her vision to paper and transform her artwork to life.

Co-founder, COO and designer, Shaikha Haya, also has a degree in fashion design.

Though her decision to take on fashion design came about at a later stage, her extensive travels throughout the world have led her to this innovative industry.

Modern and effortless with a focus on striking prints and intricate embellishments, Noon By Noor’s refined aesthetic fuses

understated luxury with playful femininity.

It draws inspiration from both Eastern and Western influences, with an emphasis on sharp tailoring, clean silhouettes and attention to detail.

They have previously described the Noon By Noor woman as someone who “embodies the essence of nonchalant chic, is internationally minded, sophisticated and not afraid of taking risks with her wardrobe whilst staying true to her own individual style”. www.womanthismonth.com

designer spotlight

Noon by Noor has been spotted on the likes of Catriona Balfe, Bella Hadid, Eva Longoria, Solange Knowles and Kate Mara, all pictured, as well as Jennifer Lopez, Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth, Anna Kendrick, Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively and more.

Highlights In 2012 Noon By Noor is the first ever GCC brand to be invited by IMG to present at New York Fashion Week.

The latest collection appeared in e.online’s slideshow of Best Looks at New York Fashion Week Winter 2018.

Noon By Noor SS-18

Elle.com named Noon By Noor as one of The Breakout Talents of 2013.

The brand worked on its first collaboration with celeb favourite LA-based handbag brand Tyler Ellis on a 10-piece collection ranging in fabrics and exotic skins for their Spring-Summer 2018 runway show and a second collaboration featured in the Autumn-Winter 2018 show

www.womanthismonth.com

April 2018

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showcase INTERCOL

RACING POWER IN A PEN

Sheaffer’s Scuderia Ferrari Collection is here to capture the fever of the 'Big Race'.

The excitement is building as F1 weekend approaches. A great way to join in the fun, either for yourself or a petrol-head pal, is with a memento commemorating the history of racing and its spirit; Sheaffer, one of the world’s leaders in luxury writing products, just happens to have the ideal gift in mind.

Together with racing giant Scuderia Ferrari, the company presents the Scuderia Ferrari Collection by Sheaffer Writing Instruments.

Consisting of four elements, each pen reflects the same profound passions, extraordinary talent and incredible expertise that drive the Scuderia Ferrari Racing Team. Each is created with the highest level of quality, proudly displaying the Scuderia Ferrari Shield and the world-renowned Sheaffer White Dot ®, a symbol of excellence.

The four collections are the Ferrari Taranis, Ferrari 300, Ferrari 100 Intensity and Ferrari VFM. Under Ferrari Taranis comes F9519 which is available in Rosso Corsa style with

Sheikh Mubarak Al Suweiket, Dr Kasim Ardati, Dr Najah R Al Zayani & Mafhooda Al Zayani

chrome plate trim. Ferrari 300 offers both F9503, which is also offered in Rosso Corsa style with chrome plate trim, and F9518 which has a chequered flag-style engraving with gloss black finish and features chromeplate trim.

Ferrari 100’s F9501 has the same trim as that of F9519 while F9506 is offered in tyre tread-style engraving and features a nickel plate trim. Lastly, under Ferrari VFM, is F9510 which is available in gloss yellow and features the same nickel plate trim of F9506.

All mentioned models are available as ballpoints and fountain pens, come in luxury gift boxes and with one year limited warranty from Sheaffer.

Sheaffer’s Scuderia Ferrari products are exclusively distributed by International Agencies Co. Ltd (Intercol).

Call 17 291-537 or 17 727-600 or email had.fmcg@intercol.com

Haif & Ali Ardati x

Anniversary Celebration Bahrain Specialist Hospital celebrated its 15th anniversary at it premises in Juffair.

Dr Abdul Kareem Al Azzawi

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April 2018

Almira, Leena & Fawziya

Huda, Majed K Ardati & Ali Hassan

www.womanthismonth.com

f f o e m i t e k Ta r e m m u s s i h t

Celebrate the Joys of Womanhood Woman This Month’s multplatform of print, digital and social media informs its followers about anything and everything that’s happening in and around town. You can see, hear and feel what’s going on, both when and where, through our uploaded images and videos every month.

Be the first to know what’s happening near you with Woman This Month!

www.womanthismonth.com @WomanThisMonth

@WomanThisMonth

@WomanThisMonth

PEOPLE | interview

Empowering for the Future

How did the idea for the summit come about and why do you feel it is the right time to launch the Women Power Summit in Bahrain?

A

couple of years ago, I picked up a book called Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. This book changed my perspective on so many issues and gave me more insight into women’s roles in leadership. It made me notice that the higher you move up the ladder, the more you notice there are fewer women handling senior or C-level roles within an organisation.

Wafa Alobaidat, founder of

I started reading Obai & Hill, explains what qualitative and quantitative research inspired her company to on how women can gain launch the Women Power more leadership roles Summit. in the workplace, the importance of the impact of this on our society and how a domino effect can be created to include more women in leadership roles.

Later, I started investigating and reading reports on the gender gap and I realised that this is a global issue. What interested me more was that these reports mentioned Bahrain ranked quite low in terms of the gender equality gap. So, even by just looking at the map and data, it is very easy to identify and conclude that there are just not enough women in those decision-making roles.

I began to ask myself why this is happening while the rest of the world is moving towards a 50-50 quota by 2020, to include 50 per cent female representation across the management board. It’s time that we also become part of that conversation and figure out how to get more women into leadership roles. Of course, you can work with organisations to achieve that, but it’s also imperative to work with women to empower them and prepare them to take on these roles.

How long has it taken to organise Women Power Summit?

I have been taking mental notes about the summit for a couple of years now, but we are currently six months into its planning stage.

We have a task force of 26 committed, diligent

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and empowered members handling different elements of the summit.

Do you plan on making the Women Power Summit an annual event?

Which speaker are you most excited about? And why?

Absolutely. Women Power Summit will definitely be an annual occurrence because I am very sure of its powerful impact and influence, and I want that to continue for years to come until we see development and results of our summit’s vision.

Currently, the summit is powered by 'Imtiaz for Her' Bahrain’s first female credit financing and credit card which is a product of Bahrain Credit. And we already have sponsors lined up for the next three years. We also have an extensive list of strategic sponsors.

At the Women Power Summit, we currently have 95 speakers, moderators and participants lined up who are all very exciting! However, my notable picks are Najla Alshirawi, the CEO of SICO, as well as Noha Nabil, the media influencer, and many other more women who are travelling from all over the world to share their experiences in terms of gender diversity and gender inclusivity.

www.womanthismonth.com

interview Has the Women Power Summit received a lot of support?

Indeed it has, and I am very honoured and proud to receive tremendous support from organisations that support our vision such as The Domain Hotel and Spa, our hospitality sponsor, Alayam Group, as our media sponsor, TLT, as our transport partner, in addition to Caree,m too. Our list of sponsors continues to expand, and that’s further proof to show we have a lot of organisations rallying behind the Women Power Summit.

Peace-building Art Exhibition

Caravan organised a peace-building art exhibition, ‘In search of a Prophet’, at ArtBAB 2018.

Who is your target audience?

Our target audience will obviously be women, and we welcome women from all industries such as tech, start-ups, students, family business owners, young professionals and any woman that comes with a flair for ambition and leadership. Also, language will not be a barrier as our agenda will cover programmes in both English and in Arabic.

Rev Paul and Guise

Claire, Chryssa & Paulina

Lynne

THE SUMMIT

Obai & Hill is hosting Bahrain’s first Women Power Summit, the largest summit for women leaders in the region which will run over May 6 and 7.

The Women Power Summit aims to be a successful, empowering and motivating event. Fifty women leaders will share their success, passion, creativity and energy to over 500 female guests from around the region.

CEO Stanislas Gastaldi and members of his team

Décor and Atelier CL hosted its annual staff Staff Party Daniele party at Al Bander Resort.

The Women Power Summit revolves around women driving change and championing their future. By gathering the next generation of curious creatives, thought leaders and tastemakers, the summit aims to spark conversations around women’s empowerment, motivation and supporting each other.

The Women Power Summit also aims to showcase inspiring female entrepreneurs and investors as well as encouraging other women to be empowering, and to create a positive impact on community and society. Through this event, attendees will meet, network and learn with talented and inspiring women, and the event will include a wide range of workshops, panels, ignite talks, pitch competitions and mentoring sessions which will create new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. www.womanthismonth.com

Employees at the resort

April 2018

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PEOPLE | interview

FROM COFEE TO COMMUNITY From a chat over coffee to a thriving community facility, Words Bookstore Café has come a long way. Liz O’Reilly chatted to co-founder Eileen Abuhamad.

W

ords, an airy, bright space in a small retail development just off the Budaiya Highway, is that rare thing: a coffee (and tea) shop where you’re never short of something to read. Downstairs is a café with book-lined walls and crafts, while upstairs is a well-stocked book shop catering to many an eclectic taste.

they were ready to start looking for stock with Rana taking care of children’s books and Eileen the adult section, both fiction and non-fiction.

But, what makes this place so special is not just the variety and quality of the books on offer but also the ever-growing range of activities and special events that are staged here. Which came almost as a surprise to Eileen and co-founder Rana Aljalahma.Eileen explains: “The idea came about through a sofa chat over a cup of coffee. Rana wanted to open a bookstore and I said: ‘You should combine it with a café and I’ll be your partner.’ From there it started flowing. Within six months we had the concept and the place; it took on a life of its own!

“We were ordering from the US and UK and it’s interesting to see where the books come from,” says Eileen. “Sometimes you’ll come across a book that’s not available through your distributor and you have to find it. When the boxes of stock arrive, it’s like Christmas, very exciting.”

“I wanted to do it because it’s not something that’s been seen here before. Coffee and books, they just go together.”

Eileen had a background in retail, having had her own fashion shop, and Rana took a course in bookselling and with an empty shell,

The pair go on their own personal preferences – Eileen’s love of cookbooks is clear to see – and the idea was for Words to be a boutique offering. “You can’t please

everybody,” she says. “We simply don’t have the space.”

From the beginning they had a monthly book club and, in 2012, Rana came up with the idea for a cookbook club – an idea she had seen in New York and which has recently become very popular in Europe. Each month they choose a cookbook, members then read it and come to the meeting with a recipe prepared for everyone to try. (This month’s is Plated Heirlooms by Dima Al Sharif.)

From this small community-based action, things snowballed.

Eileen explains: “All of a sudden we started getting approached by all sorts of interesting people. Chefs wanted to come and do book signings and cooking demonstrations, artists wanted to exhibit their work, people wanted to give talks and others wanted to hold popup shops. We also had moving screenings, including Wajda. [A Saudi Arabian film, written and directed by Haifaa al-Mansour.

It was the first feature film shot entirely in

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www.womanthismonth.com

interview

Shantharam, Arif, Deeptha & Asha Black Anaar pop-up

Shetty celebrated her 17th 17th Birthday Party Deeptha birthday at Al Safir Tower and Hotel.

Story Time

Advika & Yashvi

Veena & Viditha

Saudi Arabia and the first feature-length film made by a female Saudi director.] Again, it’s really interesting how things just fell into place.”

For youngsters there are also regular story times on Saturdays when teachers come and read to them, helping foster the next generation of book lovers.

And, recently, they’ve expanded to take over a vacant space opposite the café. Christening it More Words, it’s an open space which is used for all manner of things from pop-up shops to art exhibitions and workshops. There are also plans to invite chefs to do pop-up cafés there. “There is a lot of talent in Bahrain and it’s good to be able to showcase it, —entrepreneurs need support,” says Eileen.

Yibali, Naveen, Ritwik & Rishik

Vijay, Veena, Viditha & Vishruth Dalia Sobra cooking class

www.womanthismonth.com

April 2018

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PEOPLE | interview

The Heritage Cook Dima Al Sharif, TV chef and author of the multi-award-winning Palestinian cookbook Plated Heirlooms, will be in Bahrain this month to demonstrate her art. Liz O’Reilly caught up with her before her visit.

How did you first become involved in the culinary world?

I was never a cook in my early adult life.

I was always an eater though. I loved good food, quality food and savoured all food experiences I could get. I was very career oriented, and didn’t cook because I felt it was for home-makers who didn’t wish to work.

Therefore, despite the many times my mum asked to teach me cooking, I always refused and felt it was “not for me”. It wasn’t until I had my first child that my mother gave me her whole collection of recipes – photocopied and some even handwritten. Months later, I took a look at those recipes and lost myself to four hours of reading! Only to realise that in those four hours I had experienced all types of emotions simply reading ingredients such as chopped onions, a cup of rice, a tablespoon of sugar, a handful of flour. Because those lines I read held in them so many memories from my childhood, and aromas of my parents’ home and foods I had with my grandmothers.

By reading those recipes I connected with many events from my life and was reminded of aromas from my home. That was a lifechanging moment, because I realised then that food was way more than the mere cooking, the ingredients and techniques that create various dishes. I realised that food was a connection. It connects us to our roots, our lives and our heritage.

You’ve become known for organic produce and working with organic farmers. Why did you decide to take this route?

Is it flavour, ethics or a bit of both?

Both really. First of all, organic farming produces a way-superior quality. Organic farming, as we all know, is the healthiest type of farming, which means we do not risk our health when eating organic produce, as we do not ingest chemical cocktails that are proven harmful and cancerous to our bodies. Most importantly, though, is that organic farming cares for the environment, this earth that we live on and tend to take for granted. This is mainly why I choose organic produce, and support the organic farmers that work very hard to make this produce available for us. You know, it’s not exactly the easiest type of farming, nor is it the least risky.

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Your book, Plated Heirlooms, has been well received and recognised with an international award. What was the inspiration for the book?

Do you have a Palestinian background yourself?

Yes it has. I am so proud of my Plated Heirlooms. In fact it won three international awards apart from the 'Best In The World' title at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. It also won best cookbook in the UAE at the BBC Good Food Awards.

So, yes, it has done well.

However, to me all the awards are small in the face of the feedback I receive from readers. I just love how people received this book.

Don’t forget it is a big – 500-page – book, which is not exactly the first choice for most readers. However, I have not once faced a challenge with promoting it. People love it, when they see it, they just love it. Then when they read it, they can’t get enough. I

get messages from readers who bought it a while back who still get in touch and say they still go back to read it. That makes me so happy. I love how they really consider it a complete resource for Palestinian cuisine and cooking. How they tell me all the time that their cooking had tremendously improved ever since they started cooking my recipes and how everyone around them tells them that. What more can any one book do, really?

People have connected with the story, with the food, with the information, and many felt reconnected and nostalgic… I really wanted that, for once, the real Palestinian persona would shine through and be seen despite all the fog caused by today’s circumstances.

Dima will be at Words Bookstore Café on April 21.

This interview is abridged, due to space, but Dima had much more to say about organic farming, the research for her book and favourite recipes.

Find the full text at www. womanthismonth.com

www.womanthismonth.com

interview AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL

The Compassionate Chief Julia Maria Tovey, chief operating officer at American Mission Hospital, chats to Behnaz Sanjana about the stalwart institution’s role in the island’s welfare.

T

he newly opened Zwemer Charity Clinic at American Mission Hospital (AMH) provides high-quality healthcare at affordable prices for low income groups. “The original Friday charity clinic has helped the needy to access quality healthcare, which is what AMH has been all about for the past 120 years,” says Julia. “But now, the Zwemer Charity Clinic offers this seven days a week.”

The clinic has been dedicated to Samuel Zwemer, the first American missionary in Bahrain. “We wanted the clinic to honour his memory, as well as of all those missionaries who spent their lives serving the community in Bahrain,” she says.

The oldest hospital in the region, AMH marks the start of the alliance between America and Bahrain. Julia says: “It’s quite a legacy for the country. And it felt fitting to house the Zwemer Clinic in the 1926 building in Manama, which was the original hospital that has now been listed as a heritage structure. It still has the wooden rafters from when it was built and is a treasure for Bahrain.”

The purpose of the Zwemer Charity Clinic is to provide high-quality, affordable medical services to those who may not otherwise be able to afford private healthcare. “We charge a flat fee of BD5 and if further investigations or a referral to a specialist is required, they automatically receive a 25 per cent discount.

If it is felt that the patient cannot afford to completely pay the outstanding amount, I can authorise further waivers, which we already do on a regular basis,” says Julia.

She firmly advocates the right to quality healthcare. “I’m very passionate about this, www.womanthismonth.com

which is why I’ve only ever worked with not-for-profit organisations. I don’t believe in making money on people’s health. AMH is well known to follow ethical practices with all our patients, whether you are prince or pauper.

That is why we have received the Diamond accreditation from NHRA.” Besides running the Zwemer Clinic, the hospital continues its community outreach programmes under Julia’s leadership, especially focusing on special needs children — a cause close to her heart.

AMH has balanced the scales with its new high-end clinic in Riffa. Julia comments: “There is nothing quite like it in Bahrain.

It has the largest hydrotherapy pool and wellness centre, amongst all other regular specialties. Nowadays, Bahrain is big into sporting events and our sports medicine unit will be run by an Italian physician who is the private physician for F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.”

Having started her healthcare career as a hospital cleaner, Julia is familiar with every little aspect of a hospital environment. She believes in empowering people, especially the nurses, to take the right decisions and challenge when something is wrong. “With their holistic healthcare view, nurses are the oil that runs the engine of a hospital. I push them for self-development and keep reminding them that, with passion and determination, they can be anything they want to be.”

As a quality-driven medical facility, AMH has linked with international bodies to enable staff to undertake various online courses, such as quality improvement, patient education

and patient safety, to consistently increase their knowledge base and to continue to provide the highest standard of patient care.

Julia has also set up the training and development department, which is predominantly run by nurses. “Continuous education is vital in the field of healthcare, so we set up this unit to share both knowledge and skills to all medical care providers, and we’re now inundated with requests from external individuals who want to participate in our NHRA-accredited courses,” she says.

She commends the commitment of the hospital’s staff, and thinks that if people are trusted and motivated, they will want to give back to the organisation manifold.

She says: “AMH will always provide high quality, affordable healthcare to the community of Bahrain; that is our mission.

Our vision is to be the best healthcare provider on the island and we will continue to grow and offer our services where they are most required.”

April 2018

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PEOPLE | interview

BORN WITH A GREEN THUMB

Tariq Jaberi’s Jasra Organic Farm is quickly gaining recognition since it opened its gates to those wanting fresh, chemical-free produce.

Behnaz Sanjana headed down to learn more.

T

ariq Jaberi inherits his love and innate skill in gardening from his grandmother and mother. “The gardening we do is very traditional,” says Tariq. “One cannot force anything to grow. Everything has to grow naturally, with soil and water, not with chemicals or artificial fertilisers to grow plants that are not meant to survive in your region.”

The not-for-profit farm has eight greenhouses and verdant outdoor patches of mint, bok choy, spring onions, beets, asparagus, pomegranate, cilantro, a variety of peppers and tomatoes, carrots (that are sweet as sugar), kale and cabbage. Once the summer sets in, watermelon, cucumber and other summer produce will take their rightful places in the repertoire.

Tariq says: “We have seen a lot of interest since we recently went public. We have even been requested to start a delivery service, but the aim is to keep it natural and organic in every sense of the way; this is not a business I’m running. Come over to the farm, pick your vegetables straight from the earth and weigh them with the help of our assistants.”

Before the farm was made public, the yields were usually distributed amongst his family and friends. “I do this for the love of cultivation, and as a way to share something with the community. With fatal diseases being common these days, this is my way of serving mankind. I want everyone to know the power of eating natural produce grown in the way Nature deemed it fit – in the soil, without artificial ‘nutrition’. After all, we are what we eat!”

The 35-year old, who runs a flourishing family business not related to farming, has been passionately involved in cultivation of organic fruits and vegetables since his

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early 20s. He is proud of his horticultural feats, which he claims other gardening enthusiasts have failed at. The indoor plant, ficus, happily grows in his outdoor garden, and beautiful orchids revived from discarded stems bloom pretty thanks to his patience and skill.

His vast residential farmland is home to orange, lemon and lime trees, the fruits of which are available at the farm. Olive, coconut and banana trees, grape vines and date palms are also among the inhabitants of the fertile garden.

Inspired by his mother, Tahera Jaberi, Tariq has competed for and won several awards for the flora from the farms. “I love working with my hands in the soil. I strongly believe that plants have feelings, and they respond to the connection you make with them. Put your hands in the soil, feel the moisture to determine how much to water, talk to your plants and you will see them thriving,” he says, the fervour apparent in his eyes. “I use only organic fertilisers like mulch left over from juicing, eggshells, banana peels and iron filings.”

Tariq also breeds bees that feed on the nectar from the European wildflowers growing close to his mini apiary. The honey obtained was www.womanthismonth.com

interview

Your local search engine for restaurants and hotels in Bahrain for his family’s consumption, but he has recently partnered with a local expert to expand this aspect of his farm. “A very small percentage of the world’s honey is naturally acquired. The honey from my garden is in its purest form, containing medicinal properties that can actually cure illness, and I would like to share it with people at a reasonable price. The honey is actually food for the bees, so we only extract it twice a year, when there is an excess that we can afford to take from the hive,” he says.

With all the health fads and scares doing the rounds, it’s comforting to know that there is someone who still believes in traditional farming as a way to a healthy lifestyle and is willing to go the extra mile to extol its virtues.

Hotels

Restaurants

40m

25m Entertainment

Cafés

65m

20m Serviced Apartments 35m

www.thebhrg.com The Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide 2018 @bahrainhotelandrestaurantguide

@thebhrg

Featuring: Apps / Updates & Blogs / Promos & Deals / Events / Menus / Videos / Photos / Answer Reviews & Chats / Listings / Digital Campaign

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April 2018

39

BEAUTY | tips

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a few k with o o l d e s ngs sun-kis e Sharma bri h! t c e f r e Get a p strokes. Appl ake you blus m ed practis cheeky tips to e you som

With spring in full bloom, who doesn’t want a dewy complexion to go with the freshness of the season? The easiest way is to add a little colour to your cheeks. But when it comes to applying blush, the idea is to not emulate a clown but look naturally flushed, like you’ve just heard a naughty joke.

Now, there are various ways of applying the product, depending on the shape of your face and your skin tone.

face. Don’t overdo the smile when applying blush, it’ll end up lower on your face.

HEART: Apply from the top of the temple down to the cheek bone, then along the cheek bone and back up again, in an almost ‘C’ shape.

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

Pick the right shade for your skin type – it’s not a good look when you see a blob of colour that doesn’t match your skin tone at all. It should have a ‘barely there’ feel and complement your complexion for it to appear au naturale.

Pale Skin: Use light pinks and coral to add warmth.

Medium Skin: Rosy shades and apricot add a glow.

There are lots of varied techniques for using blushers, each affecting the way your bone structure looks. Think of it like contouring to suit the shape of your face and something that can help accentuate your features. Firstly, determine what sort of face shape you have (easily checked through a range of online tutorials), then follow these few basic tips to get the desired effect.

OVAL: You’re lucky and can get away with pretty much any method. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend outwards towards the ears and the temple. Avoid under the cheek bones.

ROUND: Suck in your cheeks and dab blush just underneath the cheek bones, blending in an angular motion, outwards. Do not blend towards the nose, but more towards the outside of the cheek.

SQUARE: Smile very slightly and apply to just the apples of your cheeks, blending in a circular motion to soften the angles of your

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR

Dark Skin:

Terracotta and berry hues boost complexion.

With so many different products available on the market, from blush kits to brushes, powders to creamy formulas, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get your rouge on. Experiment with different techniques and see what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun doing it!

CKS TOP HA lush over a

owder b gly, Layer a p ach used sparin e , e . n h o is fin cream g-lasting for a lon -----------------sue ---------- by placing a tis h s ith a lu w b g r u in Blot yo d press n a k e e r ch over you ake-up sponge. m ----------------- her as -----lus p your b Double u or lipstick for a ow eyeshad look. natural

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showcase DESSANGE PARIS

BRING BACK THE GLOW

Whether you’re a soon-to-be-bride or not, this fantastic facial will have you glowing for sure, as Apple Sharma experienced.

I

’ll let you in on a secret – I absolutely love facials! And when the assistant spa manager, in this case Joie, at Dessange Paris Bahrain, is as excited as you are about a particular treatment, it’s bound to be well worth a try.

Leaving me in the expert hands of my friendly therapist, Soknang, Joie assured me that this radiance-enhancing facial was one I hadn’t tried before and that it was ‘special’!

Soknang began by removing my make-up using Bi’Phasic eye and lip cleansing water, followed by Perle De Beauté Velvet Cleansing Milk. With this step, I had taken the plunge into what would be one of the most luxurious treatments I have tried. She then used Perle De Beauté Gentle Radiance – a revealing toner – to help purify and refine the skin’s texture. My 75 minutes of pampering had barely started and my skin was already feeling supple.

Next up was Instant De Beauté exfoliating mask with enzymatic action. Usually, I dread this part as I have extremely sensitive skin and anything of the ‘exfoliating’ nature really aggravates it, so I considered this part of the facial with slight apprehension. Soknang www.womanthismonth.com

put me at ease. She assured me it would be gentle and proceeded with the first phase of massaging the product in circular motions with her fingertips until the texture liquified, leaving it on for five minutes before rinsing.

For the next phase, she emulsified the formula with water, then cleansed it with warm mitts.

I was pleasantly surprised at how kind this whole procedure was on my complexion and how it left it feeling refreshed and hydrated.

After this deep cleansing routine, I enjoyed a light steam on my face whilst Soknang massaged my head, and proceeded to extraction on the T-zone area. Once all the impurities were banished, she used the toner again and sprayed my skin with Dessange Orange Blossom water. The scent was absolutely heavenly and put me in pure relaxation mode.

As if this wasn’t enough, what followed almost sent me into a deep slumber as Soknang massaged my face and shoulders with a luxurious cream concoction. Now, most therapists are very skilled at this as it’s one of the most crucial steps to giving you that magical glow. Don’t ask me what was

different, but I’ve never quite experienced such sheer relaxation as I did with this massage – it was by far my favourite part of the treatment.

After this rejuvenating session, I was treated to Booster De Beauté lifting radiance serum, ideal for re-plumping, lifting and reviving the complexion. Then came the pièce de résistance – Vital’Up radiance peel-off mask with island fruits. It felt as luxurious as it sounds and after 10 minutes of working its wonder, my skin felt wonderful and refreshed.

For the final touches, Soknang applied Révélation Jeunesse anti-ageing eye and lip cream and finished with Sos Détox moisturiser, which gave my skin a more radiant and luminous feel.

Best recommended as a regular skincare treatment for renewing the skin’s natural glow and brightness, it’s no wonder that this facial is also part of the Dessange Bridal package.

After a long day at work, I couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing treatment and one that made me radiate with a luminescent glow – a win-win, I’d say.

Call 17 713-999.

April 2018

41

BEAUTY | styling SLEEP, EAT, GYM, REPEAT

TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION

Similar to the way your skin’s health is highly contingent on your diet and lifestyle, the core strength and condition of your hair is also dependent on your health and diet.

Therefore, to get that extra protective shield, it’s important to have a healthy lifestyle and to be one step ahead of the enemy that is heat damage.

Summer is around the corner and we’re all ready to let our hair down.

However, this is the time when hair is at the greatest risk of damage.

Celebrity stylist, Asgar Saboo, tells us how to beat the heat.

SAY NO TO CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

BANISH SPLIT ENDS

During the summer your hair is constantly trying to protect itself from the weather, therefore the last thing it needs is more damage from the products you are using.

We often use products without realising the severe consequences they can have on the quality of our hair. Thus, it is always important to read the core elements that are used to make the product in order to avoid any excessive damage.

It’s all about that trim! Over the course of the summer your hair can develop a lot of split ends due to the excessive heat; as a result you may see excessive damage and unnecessary breakage. The best way to deal with the problem is by trimming the ends and giving your hair that breath of fresh summer air it deserves.

EMBRACE YOUR NATURAL COLOUR!

It’s always fun to try out new and fun colours on your locks, but hair colouring during the summer is a big NO! The heat will cause the colour to fade more quickly and is likely to result in extra damage.

THE ONLY WAY IS UP

It’s tempting during the summer to let our hair down and to let loose. But in order to reduce heat damage, we have to keep our hair tied up. Pony tails and buns are the perfect styles for the season, as they keep your hair out of the sun and away from the rays, which means less exposure and consequently less damage.

SURRENDER THE STRAIGHTENERS

Just as the skin on your body needs moisturising, the hair on your scalp needs some hydrating love too. The easiest way to get healthy and hydrated hair is by using leave-in conditioners — they’re quick, efficient and simple. All it takes is just one application and your hair is completely protected for the day. But, if you have some extra time on your hands, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar are also great natural products to give your hair that bright boost.

SHIELD! PROTECT! COVER!

EMBRACE THE GREASE

It’s not just your skin that’s susceptible to UV rays and sun burn, but those precious locks are under attack too. The sun’s rays not only cause heat damage to your hair but they also suck all the moisture out of it, making it weak and wild. So, what’s the solution you ask? Cover up! Use a nice scarf or a stylish hat to safeguard your hair in order to retain its moisture and keep it healthy.

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DROWN IT IN CONDITIONER

As the weather itself is already hot and humid, adding extra heat on your hair will just exacerbate the dryness and make the condition worse. Consequently, the ideal solution is to let your hair go natural for the season. So, put down those heated product and let your hair air-dry for the summer.

April 2018

We all feel the need to wash our hair instantly when the oil on our scalp takes charge and greases up our entire head. But during the summer season, it’s best to let your hair marinate in the natural oils for a while. The more you wash it, the more oil it will produce, which plays the role of a catalyst to the never-ending washing cycle.

Hence the path to success in this case is dry shampoo — dab a little on your scalp and watch the oil get sucked up. This will be the best way to dampen excessive oil production and will remove the need for frequent washing. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news

Rimmel Selfie-Ready Insta Collection. Calling all selfie-posting

addicts! Want to achieve a flawless #InstaReady photo or video? Rimmel London has the answer with its new line which includes the Insta Duo Contour Stick, a double-ended stick that makes contouring super-easy. There’s also Insta Conceal & Correct which contains three creamy, colour-correcting shades to fix key colour flaws. And the Lasting Finish Breathable Concealer, which means you can wave goodbye to imperfections and blemishes while letting skin breathe. To give you an invisible match, it comes in six skin-true shades. Available at leading retailers.

The Eyes of Tom Ford Collection.

The designer introduces his first collection for eyes only, a complete wardrobe of clutch-size powder eye shadows, mascaras, kohl eye liners and a clear eye gloss, designed to enable women to achieve the ultimate glamour synonymous with Tom Ford’s signature beauty looks.

The centerpiece of the collection is a line of 30 eye shadows ranging from neutral and subtle to edgy and bold available in five distinct finishes — Ultra Suede (a flat matte), Suede (a semi matte), Sateen (satin), Vinyl (metallic), and Paillette (sparkle) — each can be worn alone or layered. A new dramatic eye accessory is a clear, high-gloss lacquer that sweeps over the entire lid for a sleek, naked eye. Add a kohl-effect pencil in two new shades: Tourmaline and White Smoke, with rich colour pigments for a smooth application and dramatic finish. The range also includes three new mascara looks. Available at leading retailers.

Wojooh Bath and Body Range. The brand’s biggest launch of the year with a mega 36 new pampering products in six signature scents. Each collection has its very own sparkle: whether you want to cool it, soften it or shimmer it. Within each scent you get five amazing products of shower gel, body lotion, body mist, an EDT roll on, and bath pearls – with one surprise product. Cool it with Frosted Jasmine and Snow Musk; soften with Camelia Blush and Tender Rose; or shimmer with Amber Aura and Royal Oud. Surprise additions to the collections are cooling dry shampoo, softening body butter and shimmering dry oil. Available at Wojooh.

our round-up of the best new products, launches and news from the world of beauty.

GlamBeaute.com One-Stop Beauty Shop. Online store,

GlamBeaute.com, has launched in the UAE, offering a range of affordable beauty and wellness products. The new website and online store, sporting a fresh, contemporary and well-laid-out look, boasts more than 90 brands and 3,500 references in luxury perfumes, make-up, skincare, bath and body, hair care, baby care, male grooming and pet care. And GlamBeaute.com is set to rapidly expand regionally in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain.

Filorga Lift Range. From the age of 40, the collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis processes slow down, and this has multiple consequences that can be seen when you look in the mirror: the cheeks become hollow, the cheekbones are less prominent, the features collapse and become lined, the face shape appears less defined, and the skin begins to droop. The result? Your face seems less dynamic and your expressions appear sad or stern. Now the new range from Filorga promises sagging skin is a problem of the past! Plasmatic lifting factors, cellular factors, collagen and hyaluronic acid come together to combine injectable facelift techniques in a core cosmetic cream formula, to reshape the features, plump the skin and sculpt the volumes through massage.

Available at leading pharmacists.

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L'Occitane limited edition sleeve. After San Franscisco, Hawaii and Brazil, the Dubai Limited Edition Hand Cream sleeve is finally here!

The series’ designer Carolyn Gavin focused on illustrations related to famous city landmarks, with a pop and a colourful twist. With a unique design per city for the worldwide famous L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream 150ml, the illustrator worked on more than 10 different city sleeves.

For Dubai she has highlighted landmarks such as Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa and focused on L’Occitane’s iconic bicycle symbol. They’re a limited edition, so make sure you grab one next time you’re in the UAE – a great souvenir or gift. Available at L’Occitane UAE. www.womanthismonth.com

news

Bourjois Velvet Nudes by Noha Nabil. The French brand has collaborated with

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask. For 2018,

Lancôme set itself a challenge: to come up with a single sheet mask containing the same amount of Bifidus extracts as a whole bottle of Advanced Génifique! And so, the Hydrogel Melting Mask was born. A new type of sheet mask, it delivers results which are instantly visible on the skin.

At its core, the mask contains the star ingredients of Advanced Génifique serum: probiotic extracts, of which Bifidus is the most concentrated.Helping to strengthen the skin’s barrier function by improving its quality and resistance to external stress, it also helps provide the skin with intense hydration. An advanced microscopic technology was developed to optimise the mask’s penetration thanks to a special, heat-sensitive hydrogel mesh, which melts into a fluid at skin temperature and releases its active ingredients on contact. In a test group, 89 per cent of women reported smoother skin. Available at leading retailers.

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Kuwaiti entrepreneur and influencer Noha Nabil to create The Velvet Nude Collection consisting of four exclusive nude hues specially crafted to cater to the Middle Eastern woman. Shades from luscious brown to peachy nude, in soft lip colours, will particularly complement Arabic skin tones.

When developing the line Noha was influenced by creamy chocolate blocks, drizzling caramel, peach tartes and violet macaroons, and worked together with the Bourjois team to create her new collection. And, being an extension to the Rouge Velvet range, means the new shades are matte, long-lasting and easy to apply with the tip being high in precision. Available at leading retailers.

Nars Natural Radiance Long Wear Foundation. The company’s first 16-hour,

fade-resistant foundation with full-powered radiance in 33 shades. The staying power is enhanced by a patent-pending technology that delivers a uniquely weightless texture with superior bendability for an imperceptible effect that looks like skin. It is formulated to improve skin hour by hour with an optimising complex — a blend of raspberry, apple and watermelon extracts that helps support the skin’s elastic fibres to smooth and improve skin texture while specialised pigments recognise and fuse with your skin for your closest match yet.

Available at Sephora.

Max Factor Eye Artistry. Master the

art of brow contouring and perfect the smudged, smoky-eye look with Max Factor’s Eye Studio which has the ultimate set to help you create a flawless look. The secret to contoured brows is mastering the correct shape and definition that enhances your natural brows. Max Factor’s Brow Shaper has a double-ended pencil and brush that allows you to create the desired base shape, while filling, sculpting and highlighting is simple with the universal four-colour Brow Contouring Kit. And to accentuate and enhance the eyes, achieve a statement look in just a few steps, by creating a smudged smoky eye using Max Factor’s Masterpiece Nude Palette.

April 2018

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showcase BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

D

Tackling Hair Loss

r Anitta Sara Thampi, dermatologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, explains how a celeb favourite treatment can help those suffering from hair loss.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy was catapulted to fame in 2013 following Kim Kardashian West’s much publicised social media 'vampire' facials.

The treatment has also attracted attention in the fields of plastic, orthopaedic and cardiac surgery due to the benefits of skin rejuvenation, rapid healing, reduced infection and decreased chance of hypertrophic scars and keloid formation.

The benefits of PRP in promoting hair growth have been known since 1993.

Hair loss is known to promote psychological distress, low self-esteem and depression.

Its causes are varied, including heredity, stress, hormonal changes, post pregnancy, scalp infections, dramatic weight loss, systemic conditions such as anaemia and vitamin B deficiency and a few autoimmune conditions.

Treatment options begin with managing the underlying disorder. Medical management

is limited, with only a few approved medications, which may cause side effects in some patients.

PRP injections may be a valuable secondary treatment for all types of hair loss. They have an effective concentration of multiple growth factors which help in tissue repair and regeneration. Studies have even shown that hair units pre-treated with platelet plasma growth factors before their implantation for hair transplant showed stimulation of growth.

PRP involves drawing the patient’s blood and using a centrifuge machine to separate the plasma which is collected and either injected or applied onto the affected areas.

These sessions are repeated every three to four weeks and significant improvement in hair density with reduced hair fall is usually noticed.

PRP hair treatment is a simple, outpatient procedure and, with its excellent safety profile, is a promising treatment option for patients with thinning hair.

Call 17 812-222 or email anitta.thampi@bsh.com.bh

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Store Opening L’occitane held the opening ceremony of its store at The Avenues — Bahrain.

Sharazad & Mariana

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Haitham & Alise

Ali, Marianna & Raif

Rebecca, Mariana & Eve

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER – KING ABDULLAH MEDICAL CITY

Spotlight on an Expert

King Abdullah Medical City introduces one of its leading consultants.

P

rofessor Sadat A Al-Ali is an American citizen who studied in India, the UK and US. He is a professor of orthopaedic surgery and senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with 30 years of experience in the field of paediatric orthopaedics, simple and complex trauma, arthroplasty and spinal surgery.

Professor Sadat is well known for performing complex scoliosis surgery with excellent results. At present, he is one of the region’s leading experts in the field of joint replacement surgery, including hip and knee joints. He is also providing stem cell therapy in relation to various orthopaedic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

The doctor, additionally, has expertise in the fields of sickle cell disease and metabolic bone diseases such as vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis. He is one

www.womanthismonth.com

the experts throughout the GCC and has written many papers on the subject which have gained him worldwide respect.

He has written a book on orthopaedic management, published more than 170 papers and presented at various international meetings.

Many of his former students and residents are renowned physicians and surgeons in the Middle East.

A gentle person who is always interested in the wellbeing of his patients. He goes a long way to provide excellent care. We are lucky that such an expert orthopaedic and trauma surgeon for adult and children’s diseases is available in the Kingdom.

Professor Sadat has been nominated for the King Faisal Prize for Medicine on the topic of bone biology and osteoporosis for the year 2019.

Call 77 310-000.

Professor Sadat A Al-Ali

April 2018

47

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

SMART SWAPS

to be Does living healthily have finds complicated? Not at all, Behnaz Sanjana.

L

ife is all about the choices you make, and the same goes for wellbeing and longevity.

Besides taking the stairs instead of the elevator, there are many other small but significant ways in which you can make your body a happier, healthier one. Trust me, a little extra effort and attention pays big dividends in the long run. All it takes is some common sense and a bit of planning to ease into your sensible substitutions. Because, in life, the little things are the big deal.

Here are some simple but effective food and lifestyle changes that you can easily incorporate in your day-to-day routines that’ll make a big difference in your overall wellbeing.

INFUSED WATER FOR SODAS

Aerated drinks contain several heaped teaspoons of sugar per serving. If the thought of that doesn’t make you feel sick, think of all the myriad preservatives and chemicals in them that can be carcinogenic and/or mess with your hormones and cause diabetes. But alas, plain old water is so boring. Spike your jug with slices of lemon or lime, grated ginger and fresh mint. Infuse water with berries, melon or peach slices and bid bye-bye to those mindless cravings for cola and empty calories.

You’ll be waking up to a clearer complexion, flatter tummy and a sprightlier you.

Reference: www.theguardian.com

GHEE FOR OIL

Take out the water content and milk solids from butter, and you have lactose-free ghee.

This clarified form of butter, which has been a revered ingredient in Indian cooking since time immemorial and has now found acclaim

in the Paleo diet ideology, has many virtues. It had been wrongly pushed into the trans-fats and hydrogenated fats category at the start of the century but has emerged a triumphant superfood that is here to stay.

No matter how ‘healthy’ they claim to be, cooking oils – be it canola, vegetable, soybean, safflower, corn oils – available in the market are highly refined, have gone through processes such as degumming, bleaching and de-odourisation. They contain inflammatory fatty acids and toxic chemicals. Hydrogenated fats like margarine are particularly dangerous to human health.

Pure ghee has a high smoking point, antioxidants to keep the wrinkles at bay, nutrients that feed the brain, and lubricates and oxygenates the joints. You will need less ghee than oil to cook your food in and will reap far greater benefits.

Reference: www.ketogenic-diet-rereference.com and rujutadiwekar.blogspot.com

FRUIT FOR YOUR MORNING CUPPA

It’s a given to kickstart your morning with a steaming mug of tea or coffee, but get this – caffeine first thing in the morning is known to disrupt metabolism, due to its acidic nature, and can be dehydrating, leading to headaches and muscle cramps.

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wellbeing It stimulates the cells, giving them no nutrition whatsoever, and leads to digestive issues. Relax, we’re not asking you to swear off a comforting cuppa forever. Enjoy your brew, but after you’ve lined your stomach with something more benign (and beneficial).

A glass of warm water followed by a banana, apple or even some soaked almonds or raisins is a good idea to stave off the effects of a sluggish metabolism.

Reference: food.ndtv.com and www. thealternativedaily.com

SAFE MATERIALS FOR PLASTIC

It’s hard to avoid plastics, but would you make the extra effort if you were aware that plastics cause harm to more than the environment?

They leach toxins into our food, water and air, causing cancer, genetic changes, birth defects, infertility and immune system impairments which are just a few of the hideous health hazards this man made material can cause, especially in teenagers and pre-adolescents.

Store, carry, cook and heat food in glass or stainless-steel containers. Steer clear of aluminium foil and Styrofoam carriers, and melamine crockery, plastic teethers and toys too. Select bedding, clothing and furniture made of natural fibres.

Reference: www.ecologycenter.org

BOOKS FOR FACEBOOK

When it comes to social media, we’re hooked.

It’s now human nature to ‘catch up’ on the happenings on your Instagram, Facebook or Twitter accounts when you wind down for the night. The intended few minutes becomes hours of scrolling up and down (or swiping left or right). The damage shows the morning after, when you wake up with eyebags and brain fog, ready to kill the man who invented the alarm clock.

The brain gets confused by the blue light your smartphone emits, leading it to stop producing melatonin, the sleep hormone. This makes it impossible to get adequate, restful sleep, in turn opening the doors to a host of health problems such as a weak metabolism, increased stress hormones, belly fat and overall lethargy.

Read a gripping paperback instead. Not only will you improve and strengthen your power of comprehension and language, and make profound mental associations, you’ll be allowing your brain to tell you when it’s time to say goodnight for quality shuteye.

Reference: www.greatist.com

The problem lies in not paying attention to the taste, texture, sound of what we eat; we let external noise override our body’s ability to communicate satiety and overeat. It also distracts you from paying attention to your seated posture, causing long-term damage to the neck and spine.

Sit in silence or have a pleasant conversation with family or friends, instead, for a mindful gastronomic experience.

Reference: www.steptohealth.com

NATURAL FOR ARTIFICIAL SUGARS

Health experts have cried themselves hoarse, but we still find it difficult to kick the sweet habit. The processed variety of sugar that we eat has no nutritional benefits whatsoever; it only leaves us heavier on the scale. Do not even veer towards artificial sugar substitutes like aspartame, which have been linked to cancer and birth defects. Those 3pm sugar cravings can seem impossible to beat, but not if you have some handy alternatives at hand.

Enjoy naturally sweetened foods like fresh

fruit, dried dates and figs, or sweets made of jaggery (an unrefined product of pure sugarcane) for a healthy and nutritious treat.

Berries and cinnamon make for tasty additions to sugar-free cereals like oats and wheat bran.

Sweeten beverages or desserts with honey, liquid stevia, ripe bananas or applesauce for a sin-free indulgence. Reach for a square of dark chocolate, if you ever need to. And do remember that even natural sugars need to be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Reference www.naturallivingideas.com

MINDFUL EATING FOR TV DINNERS Eating lunch or dinner while watching your favourite soap is not ideal – you’ll be consuming at least 31 per cent more than you need per meal, and you know what bigger portions do to your waistline. Eating while watching the television or your smartphone are not compatible activities. www.womanthismonth.com

April 2018

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LIFESTYLE |food

CHEF’S SPECIAL An early passion has translated into a lifelong opportunity for this Italian foodie.

RAVIOLI WITH BUTTER SAGE SAUCE

B

orn in 1984, chef Alfonso Ferraioli was inspired at a young age, having grown up on his family’s farm in Napoli, Italy, where the daily family meal was made with farm-fresh ingredients and generations of love for Italian cooking and flavourful ingredients.

This early passion led him to study at the Naples Culinary School, before moving on to apprenticeships across Italy. He later worked to develop his talents overseas as a chef de cuisine in Corsica, France, Switzerland and England; however, it was back in Rome that chef Alfonso would have his most inspiring encounter – joining the kitchen brigade helmed by two-Michelin-starred chef Oliver Glowig (pictured below).

Several years later this chance encounter would lead him to The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, where he joined up with chef Oliver once again to relaunch the awardwinning restaurant Primavera in 2015. At the time, chef Alfonso saidd: “This was the first experience in the Middle East not only for myself but also for chef Oliver Glowig, thus making it even more thrilling to bring a taste of Italy to the region.”

He shares his recipe for a traditional Italian favourite.

Ingredients:

Stuffing

Pasta Dough 400g flour 100g semolina flour 330g egg yolk 3g saffron 1g olive oil

250g ricotta cheese 100g mozzarella cheese 10g marjoram 30g parmesan cheese

Butter Sage Sauce 25g sage 125g butter 2g salt 2g black pepper

Method:

To make the pasta dough: Combine the ingredients in a food processor.

Process until the dough mixture leaves the sides of the bowl. Remove to a mixing bowl and knead by hand for a few minutes until smooth. (If the dough is too dry, add a few drops of water.) Divide into four equal parts and shape them into discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 20 minutes.

To make the ravioli filling:

Put the cheeses, salt, and pepper in a blender and pulse. Add the egg yolks and pulse until incorporated.

To make the ravioli:

Roll the discs of dough into thin sheets in a pasta machine. Arrange tablespoon-size dollops of the filling around 4cm apart on one of the sheets. Brush a little egg white around each dollop, then place another sheet directly on top. Gently press around the filling to remove any air pockets and seal the sheets.

Using a ravioli cutter or a knife, cut out ravioli squares. Sprinkle with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.

To cook the ravioli:

Cook the ravioli in plenty of boiling salted water until they float to the top, three to four minutes. Drain well and toss with the fresh butter sage sauce.

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food

MIAM

A TASTE OF THE VERY BEST Translating to "yum" in French, this eclectic little bakery-café and restaurant lives up to its moniker. Behnaz Sanjana gives her verdict.

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estled in a cosy corner at the entrance of Galleria Mall, Miam has a quaint Mediterranean bistro-esque mood about it. Its distinct shade of blue composes the mind and whets the appetite, even though the traffic scene on the adjoining highway may be far from calm.

The menu is an extensive selection of dishes, tipping its hat to delicacies from around the globe, and you are sure to quickly find your favourites, as my colleague and I did.

We started with soup – seafood chowder and the classic French onion. I am not a great enthusiast of marine life in my soup, but the chowder actually surprised me. It was creamy, herby, fragrant without that typical ‘fishy’ odour, and packed with the deliciousness of shrimp, calamari and baby octopus. Its counterpart was a rich, brown beef broth with caramelised onions, the deep flavour intensified by the Swiss cheese on French bread floating atop.

The quinoa salad was a delightful mix of rubyred pomegranate, bell pepper, dried nuts and berries in the nutty grain, all tied together with balsamic vinaigrette, making for a very pretty plate. Segments of clementine, tomatoes and a bright raspberry dressing went well with the protagonists in the rocket and candied walnuts salad. The addition of tender grilled chicken makes it a satisfying meal by itself.

For appetisers, we were treated to Cajun shrimp balls – crispy, golden spheres www.womanthismonth.com

enclosing spiced rice and capsicum with the heady taste of the minced crustacean.

The tangy pomegranate mayo was an apt accompaniment. We watched in anticipation as the spoon broke into the green-flecked layer of baked cheese blanketing the spinach and artichoke dip. Crostini-like toast gave the peppery, velvety mash good texture.

When the main course arrived, our almost satiated stomachs automatically made way for more. The Creole-style Shrimp Étouffée was a mound of long-grained rice in a pool of an earthy, nutty, tomato-based gravy.

The flavours of shrimp and cilantro were complemented by a hint of heat, which made me eat more than I probably should have.

When one says Chicken Roulade, a timid dish with a benign essence comes to mind. But not this one at Miam. The marinara sauce on the plate is a rich reduction full of robust flavour, and just enough heat to pack a powerful punch.

The meat was expertly rolled, stuffed with green beans and cheese, and gilded in a distinct crunch.

The Surf and Turf Burger was a moist beef patty with Cajun shrimps, with neither playing second fiddle to the other. Cheddar, mozzarella and chives, along with a side of banana fries, struck the right chord here.

Our dessert was banana fritters with ice cream and Miam’s signature Fruit Burger. The former was a plate of plantain slices made length-wise, dipped in a delicate batter and

fried to blonde perfection. The warm bittersweet caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream gave the dish a nice edge. One bite of the Fruit Burger and I understood why patrons ask for it all through the day. Pillowy burger buns encase two layers of fruit and berries, atop delectable, homemade cream, which I would have licked off my fingers, if not for being in public.

Fully stuffed with fare from an array of cuisines, we left Miam feeling happy and content, wondering when was the soonest we could return. I’m thinking next for breakfast, then for lunch and again for dinner.

April 2018

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LIFESTYLE | homes

PINK SPIRATION!

Aerosmith crooned about pink being a new obsession back in the late '90s, and the colour has made yet another comeback to add warmth and wow to your pad.

Play around with the many shades this hue has to offer – keep it light and easy with nudes or soft, blush tones (we love!), step it up with coral tints or dusty rose, or go all the way with deliciously daring magenta or fuchsia. Better still, have a couple of complementing shades strewn around for an effortlessly grown-up look.

And who said pink is only for girly girls? The colour is beloved with new millennials, who pair it with black accents or animal prints for an ultra-cool look; or spectrums of grey or brown for sophisticated ĂŠlan. An attractive cushion cover, quirky lampshade or pretty wallpaper can pack a punch with pink!

T FORns M O o C DY Cushi com .

CAN i sh Nam

H&M 52

April 2018

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homes

POTTERY BARN

RE Y THE L E R BA Sofa ors Interi i h g a Asn

FOR THE S FLOWER e s Va Smania

CORAL SH ELL Chair Maison&O bjet

CANDY COMFORT Cushions m Namshi.co E TYL S N I SIP Tea set e styl Life

PLEASING PATTERN Wall Home Cen art tre

L LIGHT MYTHICA ble lamp Unicorn tai.com Namsh

A FUCHSI FUNKY f drawers Chest o One The

ROSY GLOW Chandelier Barovier & Tosso

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ALCOVE CALMINGchair Arm appellini e Ang llo C

GET ON FLOO THE R Rug Illuli an April 2018

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YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR BEAUTY AND FASHION www.womanthismonth.com

A Festival of Creativity

showcase

Hila Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) returns with its ever-popular Interiors Expo with a brand-new look to cater for all your décor needs.

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he Interiors Expo, held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, is scheduled to take place from April 24-26 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The event not only showcases new trends in décor and furniture from international and regional designers but also aims to be a festival for creativity, the theme set by its strategic sponsors Bakokko Group and Hempel Paints.

Hempel Paints will be setting the mood with its inspirational new coatings range, and debutant Bakokko will set imaginations alight with its ornate Italian classic furnishings supplemented by the design ability of husband and wife owners, architect

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Waleed Aboujaoude and interior designer Theresa Aboujaoude.

The festival of creativity will be enhanced by a curated gallery by Bahrain Arts Society, which will feature art, sculpture and installations from the country’s leading artists including Abbas Almosawi.

“We have, over the years, looked to position Interiors as the home for the creative talents of the Kingdom and the GCC,” says HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman.

“This year, we have broken new ground with the support of our sponsors and Bahrain Arts Society. The paintings classes that the Arts Society will conduct will look to nurture and encourage future talent.”

Interiors Expo will also provide bargains and deals only found at the exhibition. The introduction of the Interiors Shopper section will provide an innovative sale outlet in décor, furnishings and design for sale at discounted prices.

“Interiors Shopper is an outlet where luxury interior products are sold as special offers, limited to visitors who visit the expo,” adds Mr Abdulrahman.

The event will also be

enhanced with an outdoor festival of live music and food stalls.

Interiors Expo takes place in conjunction with two other major events, Gulf Construction Expo and Gulf Property Show, providing the biggest integrated businessto-business showcase for the construction, interiors and property sectors ever to be staged in the Northern Gulf.

Call 17 299-123 or visit www.interiorsexpo.net

April 2018

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Noora, Nouf & Ahmed

Ludi & Faisal

Eman & Lynn

Se7en Concept Online Shop, designed by Modern Road creative studios, held a cocktail party to celebrate its launch at Al Riwaq Art Space.

Launch Party

Ameer & Fatema

Mohammed

Majid Zayani, Ahmed & Mohammed Matar

Around Town

To honour women in all capacities, Al Hilal Hospital & Medical Centres in association with Bollywood Steps, conducted a free medical camp at Ramli Mall on Women’s Day.

56 April 2018

The Royal Charity Organisation hosted the ‘Teddy Bear Hospital’ campaign, organised by students of the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences of the Arabian Gulf University as part of an educational campaign to spread awareness and break children’s fear of hospitals.

Students of the British School of Bahrain competed in the 5th Bahrain Mini Olympics.

The BSB team was comprised of Hugo Brazier Quintana, Noor Al Aali, Elle Harris, Giulia De Stefan, Haya Al Khalifa, Lina Al Samahiji, Layan Alalawi, Grace Olawale, Riley Poskaitis, Lydia Ibrahim and Layan Al Aali.

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travel

Island Hopping Since we’re an island nation and the holiday season is fast approaching, we’ve taken a look at some other superb tropical island destinations that are not too far away, just a short hop to the Indian Ocean.

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April 2018

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LIFESTYLE | travel

You'll find colourful umbrellas on display in the mainstreet at Candau Waterfront

Pick up colourful handicrafts at Quatre Bornes central market place.

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Take a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins in the wild.

Check out the amazing Pamplemousses Garden also known as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens

Mauritius

his island nation is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox. And for lovers of wildlife, Mauritius offers an opportunity to swim with dolphins in the wild – but make sure to research the company you choose to ensure they follow welfare guidelines. There’s also shark diving for qualified divers.

Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Eureka plantation house and the 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.

Take a day tour to see giant tortoises and visit the Bois Chéri Tea Factory, Saint Aubin

Visit the distillery at Rhumerie de Chamarel for local sugar cane beverages and great food.

Colonial House and La Vanille Réserve Nature park. Or head to the private island Ile-auxCerfs, which is famous for golfing, parasailing, snorkelling and more.

Visit Chamarel to find stunning waterfalls, the Rhumerie de Chamarel with its wonderful restaurant and Curious Corner of Chamarel, a gallery featuring dozens of interactive optical illusions.

Trek up the 605-metre-high Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano. And make sure to see The Seven Coloured Earths, a geological formation found in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District

Dip into 200 years of history at the Eureka Plantation House.

The Seven Coloured Earths is an archaeological wonder not to be missed.

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travel Victoria Clock Tower Visit in October to experience the carnival in Victoria.

Seychelles T

Anse Source D'argent is recognised as one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

Look out for the elusive black parrot at Vallée de Mai on Praslin.

his archipelago of 115 islands, off the coast of East Africa, is home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises.

Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.

Mahé is also home to Victoria, the world’s smallest capital city. There you’ll find the famed Victoria Market and Tempio Hindu temple. Also pay a quick trip to the Seychelles Natural History Museum where you’ll see genuine coco de mer and other specimens you might not spot out and about.

La Digue is the third-largest island in the group and is like a snapshot of a bygone era.

There are barely any cars, very few paved roads and some of the most unspoiled beaches in the Seychelles. Visitors to L’Union estate will see an ox-powered coconut oil extraction machine as well as the cemetery of the original settlers.

If you journey to Praslin, take a walk in the

Vallée de Mai. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often described as a 'primaeval' forest, thanks to the clusters of 4,000 coco de mer palms. If you’re in luck, you may spot the island’s rare black parrot.

Seychelles boasts many fine restaurants and foodies will also love the Creole takeaways dotted across the islands which offer great food and great value.

Creole food is served at restaurants and street stalls across the islands.

The Seychelles is home to the rare giant Aldabra tortoise.

Make sure you check out the curiously shaped coco de mer, the world’s largest seed.

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April 2018

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LIFESTYLE | travel The Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi casts a moody shadow over the water in Moroni.

Traditional women paint their faces with a paste of sandalwood and coral as sun protection.

Moheli is a divers’ paradise; an undiscovered underwater world.

Comoros T he Comoros is a volcanic archipelago off Africa’s east coast, in the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique Channel.

The nation state’s largest island, Grande Comore (Ngazidja) is ringed by beaches and old lava from the active Mount Karthala volcano. Around the port and medina in the capital, Moroni, are carved doors and a white colonnaded mosque, the Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi, recalling the islands’ rich and interesting Arab heritage.

Visitors say Moroni doesn’t feel like a capital city and, it has to be said, Comoros is one of the world’s poorest countries. However, it is also very beautiful with a lively atmosphere and the people friendly and welcoming.

Keep your eyes peeled for traditional wedding parties.

Comoros lemurs are the only wild lemur population outside Madagasgar.

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April 2018

For divers, the island of Moheli is a paradise.

There are only few places left in the world awaiting to be discovered. The Island of Moheli is one of these. Located in the centre of the Marine Park of Moheli, spanning over 400sq/km of coral reef and sand banks, it’s not easy to get to but totally worth it.

If you’re into history, take a trip to Ikoni (Iconi), the chief city of Ngazidja Island to see the Funi Aziri Bangwe, a historic open space named after the young crown prince of Hambu. it is a remarkable example of a 17th century public square which is now used mainly as a site for weddings, heritage ceremonies, and traditional dances and rituals that define the local community.

The wild and rugged areas of the coastline shield beautiful sandy beaches.

Mount Karthala is an active volcano and the highest spot in the archipelago.

www.womanthismonth.com

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

First Times Chanelmama blogger Ouiam

Charkani El Hassani on trying new things.

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o you remember the first time you travelled on an airplane? The first time you went to the movies?

The first time you rode a bicycle or went on a date?

The first time you pushed yourself beyond what you thought were your boundaries? Do you remember? When was the last time you did something for the first time? When was the last time you put your fear aside, and stepped into new horizons for the first time? path again.

They say the first time of anything is the Each one of us has a little stash of these 'first best time ever! The first time you rode that time'; they make us smile each time we think bicycle, with no help, is engraved on your of them, they make us long for more first heart and brain and is definitely the best time times. They make us want to try everything you ever rode a bike! Mine was a green one and dive into the unknown every day. And it and it was the best bicycle I ever had! What is really funny, the more you do, the more you is so special about first times? Well, because want to do! It never stops! That hunger for you have never done that one thing before, new things is insatiable! so the first time is filled with excitement, Yet fear is always there, trying to hold you thrills, a rush of adrenaline, anxiety, doubt… back, to convince you that you are just fine etc. That’s what gives the experience a whole where you are, trying to make you believe new meaning! it’s safer to stay just here, where you are Think about it, we always reminisce about now, where you were yesterday, where you the past, about how we wish for the old days were last week and last month! But that’s not to come back, how things are never the same a bad thing. after that very first time of anything! If you go Fear is that friend that never leaves your now for a hike for the first time, it will be the side. Fear plays the role of an overprotective best hike ever. So, my philosophy is to always mother that won’t let you go anywhere near do things for the first time, even things that 'first times', and you do want this friend near you do daily; change and tweak something you, just to let you know when you cross the about them every day and voila! red line; but never let it stop you. You can First times are magical, exceptional and really talk to this friend and say that you will be incredible! Like shiny stars in the darkest of fine, even if you get rejected, even if you fail, nights! They embellish the past, and make even if you fall and hurt yourself. You will your heart smile every time they cross your still be fine!

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April 2018

And instead of your fear convincing you, let us reverse the roles and, instead, you convince your fear to let you go, convince your fear to be there but silent! Yes that’s exactly it, make it your silent friend.

First times are what we will remember when we are 80, first times are what will make us think peacefully about death. First times are our tickets to a great past, an enticing present and a magical future. You can take control of your life, you can design your past by shaping your present. You can dream for your future and make it a reality now. Don’t procrastinate, start today and do something new for the first time, every time!

I made a pact with my own silent friend (a.k.a. fear), we will stay together forever, but I get to decide, to say the last word. Even when this friend decides to rebel against me, I pat it on the shoulder and remind it of our pact! And since then, we’ve made peace with this whole 'first time' business and life has never been so exciting and fulfilling as it is now! So, what are you waiting for? Go and find something to do for the first time… www.womanthismonth.com

horoscopes

Star

Gazing Aries

Raphael tells us what’s written in the stars this month

Things have been tough for you over the last few months and you’ve been forced to deal with many turbulent changes that have probably not always left you in the best of moods. However, there is a brighter view on the horizon and things will start to look up as you finally get to put a lot of those bad times behind you. The reason can be attributed to a loved one altering their approach, making you feel more wanted than in the past.

Taurus

This month, love is in the air in a big way.

Romance will follow your every step and the signs are good for any new relationship. The message is simple: if it involves the heart then throw yourself into it! However, you are advised not to speak too openly with a companion who likes to dish the dirt as you might find yourself the subject of other people’s conversation.

Gemini

More than any other factor this month, you will realise just how much you are loved and appreciated as family draw close to extend special support during a difficult time at work. It could be that pressures or uncompromising rivals have left you deflated and depressed. However, the tide is turning in your favour and with help from family and friends you will soon reach a more fortunate period in your life.

Cancer

After a period of stagnation a new project or development will successfully lift off. However, you should beware of overconfidence and take care in any business dealings that you have left in the hands of others. Throughout April you will also receive two enticing offers concerning the sale of certain goods but you should consider them carefully before making any firm decision.

Leo

If a parent has been worrying you recently or seems out of sorts, you should trust your instincts and speak to them as they may be looking for a considerate ear to ease a particular burden. The scales are finely balanced but if you ignore the signs, you could be left ruing the chance to ease a loved one’s pain. A difficult man may

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introduce himself into your life and become a troublesome opponent, so prepare for friction in the workplace.

Virgo

A neglected partner could be at the point of considering a break or separation due to your complete lack of thought and attention in the last few months. Past problems have not gone away and there is every possibility another person could be challenging for the affections of your companion. You would be wise to try and turn matters before it’s too late. Leave it too long, and it may end up being beyond you.

Libra

April will be a good month for you financially with success in the business arena. Your career plans into 2018 are going to take off but you are going to need to coordinate matters and get someone else on-board to assist you if you want to stay on top of your workload. On the romance front, a partner will surprise you with a weekend away and it could turn out to be a very special time indeed.

Scorpio

Life is going to change for you this month.

Your sign doesn’t always adapt well to change but this new cycle will leave you with a lot to celebrate. Embrace it and then take what you can from it to progress your career. For those of a creative slant, 2018 is your chance to shine so put all your efforts into doing what you excel at. If you need a theme, then focus on what you know best.

Sagittarius

Just recently your morale has taken a real battering and perhaps you’ve been thinking that you need a little space. You’ve been expected to deal with a lot over the last few

months and your partner just doesn’t seem to be able to appreciate what is going on in your head. Get that suitcase packed and go out there and find yourself! A little time away from the familiar may be all you need.

Capricorn

A case of mistaken identity could lead you into an embarrassing situation this month as one white lie told to impress someone, balloons into a series of awkward compromises with the truth. Be careful as this situation may get out of hand as you struggle to find a clear avenue. The best option would be to remain tight-lipped and wait until the dust settles before saying another word, even if you are tempted to let the “cat out of the bag”.

Aquarius

April may see you optimistic and excited about the coming weeks but this could be short lived when a family member’s behaviour towards you disappoints.

However, you must overcome the upset quickly, no matter how hard, so you can continue forward. A letter could raise your spirits and lead you to follow a change of career and this is likely to be something you’ve always wanted to do, so don’t hold back otherwise you might regret it forever.

Pisces

Losing touch with the world about you can be a real possibility this month if you choose to ignore a financial problem. If matters are getting out of hand or an unnecessary debt is growing, you should confront rather than ignore the subject to avoid embarrassment later in the year. You may also find yourself the object of someone’s affections this month and an existing relationship may need to be re-assessed in light of such developments.

April 2018

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last word

In Her Shoes Artist Ella Prakash is about to launch her own fashion label, Ella Impressions. She gives us a small glimpse into her world.

What three things do you not leave the house without?

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird.

What’s your earliest art memory?

My first watercolour painting, which was sold when I was 18 years old.

Perfume, coffee and car keys.

Ella Prakash

Where would be your ideal holiday destination?

Favourite ice cream flavour?

Baskin Robbins – Love Passion.

LONDON.

What’s your favourite smell or scent?

Chanel No. 5.

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April 2018

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Chase your dreams and goals, believe in yourself and make it all happen.

Is there a skill you would like to learn?

I would love to learn salsa dance.

Last splurge on your credit card?

Last splurged was BD450 for my holiday, to London of course. www.womanthismonth.com

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