Woman This Month - February 2019

Bahrain Edition

LOVE ACTUALLY QUIRKY GIFTS SHOW YOU CARE DATE NIGHT HEART CAKE

HOMES

NEW SEASON’S TRENDS

FASHION

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

February 2019 | Issue 192 | BD1 / SR10

WELLBEING THE HEART OF THE MATTER

MYRNA SALIBA

THE POWER OF THE MIND

BEAUTY

THE HUNT FOR A KIND LIPPIE

STAR LOOKS TO COPY www.womanthismonth.com

Digital Edition

FEBRUARY FASHION

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10 Essentials: 10 Things to Try in February 12 Trend: Mama Africa 14 Get The Look: Red Carpet Fever 16 Mood Board: Utility Chic 17 Fashion News: News from around the industry

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PEOPLE 20-21 Imtiaz For Her Hosts: A Woman’s Canvas 22-23 Myrna Saliba: The Power of The Mind

FEATURE ALL THINGS VALENTINE’S 24 What’s Love Got To Do With It? 25 The Gift of Laughter 26 What’s A Girl To Do? 27 Date Night

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BEAUTY 28 Styling: 2019 styles from celeb crimper Asgar Saboo 29 New Releases: The latest products on the market 30-31 Tips: In Search of a Cruelty-Free Pout 32 News: News from across the beauty industry

LIFESTYLE 34 Wellbeing: Matters of the Heart 36 Homes: Get With The Trends 38 Opinion: Vegan View 39 Food: Valentine’s Cake 40 Opinion: Pria Masson Tanwar 41 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 42 Competition: Win Pure Yoga+Cylce vouchers 43 In Her Shoes: Dr Anitta Sara Thampi

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February 2019

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EDITOR’S NOTE

elcome to the February edition in which, not surprisingly, we look at all things Valentine’s. I must admit, I’m not usually a big fan of the annual love fest – to me, it has, for many years, seemed little more than an opportunity for those who sell us all manner of things associated with affection to tug at both our heart strings and our purse strings.

However, putting together this month’s special feature reminded me of the long-gone days when I would await Valentine’s with great anticipation in hope of an anonymous card from the latest object of my teen obsession. I shall confess, it rarely happened. More often the offerings I received were from the spotty, snotty kid down the road who had not the slightest chance. And who, having been rebuffed multiple times, grew up to be a rather gorgeous, Adonis-like creature with, of course, no interest whatsoever yours truly.

So, with memories fresh in my mind, I had fun putting together this month’s quirky gift guide. They’re the sort of presents that will put a smile on his face and, mostly, won’t break the bank. Likewise, the suggestions for added extras that you could do together. I must admit, I did gulp just a little at some of the prices on the date night page but, hey, dinner on the beach with a private butler – yeah, I’m worth it.

Elsewhere in this edition, you’ll find words of wisdom from ultraathlete Myrna Saliba who, having taken up running in her 50s, now competes in long distance triathlon events. Her attitude of mind over matter is really rather inspiring.

In the beauty pages, you’ll find hair tips from celeb stylist Asgar Saboo and the tale of my search for a red lippie that stays on but is cruelty free.

And, in fashion, Fernanda gets red carpet fever with all the gorgeous gowns on show in awards season.

As always, there’s fashion and beauty news and, of course, our regular columnists who are always happy to share their opinions.

I hope you enjoy this month’s edition and I’d love to hear from you about anything you think we should be covering. Get in touch on our social media pages.

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER RAPHAEL OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics HATEM MONEM media coordinator SARAH ANSARI The only media managers FARHEEN AHMED women's circulation and research magazine ROANNA FERNANDES h photography editor distributed wit MONA ABDUL JABBAR the GDN 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

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

This month I have eye on these heartstoppers from Irregular Choice shoes. Well, it is Valentine’s, it would be rude not to.

I’m also rather taken with the idea of a pair of odd earrings, especially when they’re as pretty as these danglies from Rixo. No dramas if you lose one, though, obviously, it would be better to hang onto both.

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February 2019

February 2019, Issue 192 On the cover: All about Valentine’s

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Sofitel’s Christmas A Christmas brunch was held at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Sofitel’s New Year

New Year’s Eve was celebrated at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

8 February 2019

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Armani Exchange

Armani Exchange held a Winter Styling Competition at its premises in City Centre Bahrain

YOGA

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TEACHER TRAINING COURSE

February 2019

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FASHION |essentials

New Look

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Mango

Dolce & Gabbana

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Shiny Make-up. Beyond adding some colour and sparkle to your face, these little hearts are the adorable details that will decorate your beauty cabinet or make-up pouch.

In this issue, Fernanda Langhammer turns up all things hearty to put you in the mood for Valentine’s.

Enjoy the month of romance in style!

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Monsoon

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Love is in the details. Girly lingerie is all you need to tune into some selflove. Take care of yourself even in the areas the eyes don’t (usually) see.

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Big heart to warm your frosty days.

The Classic Print. Pretty dresses stamped with cute hearts are not just for little girls; fashionable grown-ups can also go for the ‘Love is in the Air’ style.

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February 2019

Chunky necklace for big romance.

Sophisticated add-on. These upside-down heart earrings made with crystal and mother of pearl will add eye-catching detail to your date night outfit.

Hug me. Who needs company to binge watch Netflix when you have a fluffy and snugly coat? Add some popcorn and tea and you need nothing else!

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Quirky clutch for basic denim and white tee days.

Joanna Newsom at The Golden Globes 2019

Tory Burch Resort 2019

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Del Duca

Carolina Herrera Resort 2019

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Zara

Cool Sunnies. Funky accessories are the best way to have some fun when playing with your wardrobe. Stylish and funny, checked!

Bimba y Lola

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I heart Revolution Blushing hearts

10 Things to Try This Month

10 Pick a lacy dress for princess-like look. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

RedOne

A press conference was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain by RedOne, the multi Grammy award-winning artist, producer and singer, to announce, as a premiere, his next album and reveal some insights of his next hit

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February 2019

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FASHION | trend

MAMA AFRICA

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February 2019

Must-have: A printed top or dress in earthy tones.

They look fab when paired with green or red accents.

M&Co printed scarf

Evans

Dune London slip-ons

classic black and white combo with a zebra pattern. It adds that little extra flamboyance that you’ve been looking for.

M&Co shopper bag

Extra point: Transform your

Dorothy Perkins shift dress

Mango long-sleeved top

Felling edgy? Invest in chunky and colourful accessories to finalise your look.

The generally basic colour palette of this kind of motif gives room for creativity, use it to pick your add-ons.

Lipsy long skirt

Parfois bag

Mango chandelier earrings

Miss Selfridge playsuit

Carolina Herrera

Monsoon jumper

Wallis

Animal print is one of the hottest trends of the season, not only skin-style patterns, but also wild animal figure motifs. Release your ferocious self to make a fashion statement!

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FASHION | get the look

RED CARPET FEVER

The awards season has started! Get ready for a period of glamorous dresses and fablooking celebrities. Fernanda Langhammer chose four styles from the Golden Globes 2019 and shows you how to tone them down to be a perfect fit for mere mortals like us.

THE ONESHOULDER DETAIL

River Island

Julia Roberts

Massimo Dutti

THE ANIMAL PRINT

THE OFF-THE SHOULDER DRESS

Anne Hathaway is naturally beautiful, however, her fashion picks don’t always please everyone. Her choice of a full-on animal print look with some sparkle by Ellie Saab, caused controversy (in my opinion she looks stunning!). To avoid any slips, pair your long leopard skirt with a plain shiny top; if you don’t like to risk, forget the double pattern combination.

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February 2019

Dune London

Anne Hathaway

New Look Vincci

Camilla Belle

Stella Jean SS2019

This outfit from Carolina Herrera is a bit more casual (the turquoise dress was Camilla Belle’s choice for the after party), its fabric and intricate embellishments are the special features here. Pick a less refined material for a relaxed approach to the style and pair it with a belt for the best silhouette effect. The spring and summer breeze is telling us that the offshoulder/Bardot style will continue to be a hot pick in the warm months of 2019.

M&Co

Swarovski

Patek Philippe

Rosamund Pike

The black tuxedo trousers are a classic pick for red carpet events, however, Julia Roberts elevated the statement with a flowing one-shoulder Stella McCartney nude top with pleated skirt. The unusual combo makes the look chic and super creative. Choose a dust pink cropped top to tone down the sophistication, but keep the originality.

Cushnie et Ochs

Alice + Olivia

Your LBD can be transformed with a bit of skin showing. To make it less red carpet and more special evening occasion, choose a midi length for elegance and some tummy showing for audacity. The eye-catching piece is the cropped silver sequin blazer, a great way to finish the look in grand style. Rosamund Pike chose a Givenchy Haute Couture gown.

Zara

THE CUT-OUT BLACK DRESS

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Le Meridien’s New Year New Year’s Eve was celebrated at Baharat Restaurant , Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain

Strategic Partners and Suppliers Forum

Under the patronage of Dr Adel Hubail, CEO of Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company, a forum was held for owners and CEOs of Bahraini companies to discuss business opportunities and socialise at the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre

Regency Bahrain held a Jazz Evening InterContinental jazz evening at Noor lounge

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February 2019

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FASHION | moodboard

UTILITY CHIC M

New Look

odern utility wear is far removed from its roots, when the trend became a necessity during the harsh World War years. Nowadays, it’s more about sporting buttons, pockets and being painted in tones of military green, tan, beige and all variations of brown.

The original stiff fabric has been replaced by exquisite materials created by the technology that has invaded the fashion industry, allowing us to be extra creative. Functionality and room to breathe are the key aspects of these utilitarian designs but with added intricate sewing, buckles, pockets and pure comfort.

A great stylish pick for the workday, this style gives the impression that you put a lot of effort into choosing your look, when the truth is that you simply have an eye for really cool clothes.

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February 2019

COS Marine Serre

Chalayan Lacoste

Undercover

Prada

Off-White

Bimba y Lola

George

Lipsy

Zara

Some brands have gone beyond the trend taking inspiration from protective garments to develop their collections such as Calvin Klein, Undercover and Prada. Zara followed the same path offering a few pieces reminiscent of fire fighters and construction workers with reflective stripes. You don’t have to go that far to show your fashion confidence, you can embrace the idea of less is more or pair your functional pieces with a vivid item.

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FASHION | forward

Busy Lady

It’s A Match

Wedding Days

Dune London has extended its current bridal offering with a beautiful 16-piece ivory satin footwear collection alongside a range of matching clutch bags and accessories.

Featuring new designs for SS19, Dune London’s signature shoes are reworked in luxury ivory satin to include a full range of heel heights and silhouettes; from high-heel platforms to midheel courts and flat sandals, the collection aims to suit both traditional and modern, trend-led bridal looks.

Designed for brides to make an entrance on their big day, The Wedding Collection features bespoke embellishment, flower brooch details and jewelled ribbon ankle ties.

A limited-edition satin slider takes centre stage, adorned with a crystal cluster embellishment and drawing inspiration from the sculptural beauty of an underwater sea urchin.

Each design features latex and memory foam sock linings, cushioning the foot for added comfort and balance, ensuring every bride can dance well into their wedding night. www.womanthismonth.com

Matchesfashion.com has collaborated with Parisian couture house Rochas on an exclusive capsule collection for the SS19 season. Featuring a selection of ready-towear pieces the range includes blouses, sweaters, satin evening wear, and floralprint silk crepe de Chine styles.

There are wearable, almost everyday items as well as some stunning pieces which boast couture detailing and, exclusively for Matches, designer Alessandra Dell’Acqua has created a turquoise and silver brocade which is used across the collection, including a full-length ballgown skirt, single-breasted coat, heels and an evening bag.

UK-based singer Rita Ora is at the front of two new collabos. She’s been announced as the face of fashion brand Escada!

In a statement, the fashionista said: “I am so excited to have shot the new Spring / Summer 19 campaign with Escada. The brand has such bold beginnings and I love that their DNA centres around bright colours, powerful prints and strong women.

I can’t wait to unveil more about our collaboration soon!”

The news came just as the singer has unveiled her new footwear collection for the luxury shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti.

Teasing her her 14.4 million followers on Instagram with a selection of sultry photos from the campaign she asked: “Who’s ready to walk my walk?” adding “#GZxRitaOra is here. Sexy heels, slouchy boots and my favorite accessory – gold links.”

New Face At Lanvin

Lanvin has appointed of Bruno Sialelli as its incoming creative director marking a pivotal new direction in the Parisian brand’s modern evolution.

In a statement the house said: “Sialelli stood out for his modern vision for Lanvin and impressed with a dynamic and thoroughly detailed approach to understanding the integral elements of Lanvin’s DNA, together with his exciting articulation of its future. His impressive pitch was notable for its youthful translation of Lanvin’s heritage, presented with a confidence and energy that precisely embodies this new chapter in the house’s history.”

Sialelli has previously worked with Loewe, Balenciaga, Acne Studios and Paco Rabanne.

Why? Oh Why?

Ever provocative, Dutch design house Viktor & Rolf can usually be relied upon to come up with something different in its shows. And the duo's latest offering is no disappointment. The pair revealed their Spring Collection at Paris Fashion Week with models strutting the runway in what were described as ballgowns embellished with Internet memes. OK, we understand that everyone’s obsessed with memes these days. And some of the sayings were quite cute. But really? Is it just us? And, while we’re on the subject, the frocks look more like those dreadful 1970s’ crinoline lady toilet roll holders.

February 2019

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Art Therapy

A talk and experimental workshop by Aishu Madduri, MSc Art Psycotherapy (UK) to discover the meaning and benefits of art therapy was held at RIFE USA Bahrain

Graduation Ceremony

Under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance and the Universty of Strathclyde held a graduation ceremony for its MBA graduates at Gulf Hotel Bahrain

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Digital Edition

showcase

Hosts

A WOMAN’S CANVAS

Imtiaz for Her Hosts speaks to two prominent female artists about the role of art in commerce.

RAMAH AL HUSSEINI Studio Artist What do you see as the place of art within a business/commercial landscape?

We already have creativity within a lot of businesses, for example advertising agencies creating commercials which need costume designers, actors, makeup artists, set designers, painters, writers; they’re about putting on a show, regardless of the products [whether for video or static] it takes in a lot of the creative fields and integrates them.

I feel that there is already a place for art within the business/commercial landscape, but its not given proper recognition or worth yet, it's about recognising talents and placing them in their right field, it's about hiring a creative rather than another business or marketing representative.

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February 2019

Creativity has been identified as one of the top five ‘soft skills’ that employers will be seeking in 2019. Is this a teachable skill? And how do you believe creativity can be developed and channelled into an employment/ business skill?

I believe creative thinking is already applied in all fields and not just art – it could be any field: doctors, magistrates, engineers. If you keep following the same rules you will be stuck in a loop.

It’s about ,knowing when you need to change things. We’ve already spoken about how creativity can be channelled commercially, and this is clearly something more corporates are going to be looking for.

What advice would you give to other female artists hoping to get into the market?

First, when going in to any field make sure you’re choosing it for the right reasons, never let money be your first incentive, because you will definitely find yourself in hard times, Build yourself or find a community in which you can communicate with other creatives, where you can tell them about your journey and learn about those of others.

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showcase

SHAIKHA MARWA RASHED HASAN ALI AL KHALIFA Artist Please give a brief outline of your background and what you are currently doing .

Since I was very young, my mum enrolled me in lots of different arts, which got me interested to study art in high school.

However, I wasn’t really encouraged by mother to study it further, so I studied advertising and PR but I kept going to art-related classes. When I came back home, I was doing art but without exhibiting; I wasn’t really comfortable with that idea. I did advertising and PR for a few years and then moved to the Court of the Crown Prince and became director of youth programmes. We did an art and literature competition and also worked on leadership programmes.

I’m proud to see what some of those youngsters are doing now.

Eventually I began exhibiting my own work both internationally and locally. I have a solo exhibition coming up which is the prize from last year’s Annual Fine Arts Exhibition.

I have also started my Masters in cultural leadership; I want to do something to give back to Bahrain.

What do you see as the place of art within a business/commercial landscape?

Definitely the galleries are a big part of it for Bahrain’s artists but they are struggling. It’s good that there is help from Tamkeen. They met with us, as

artists, to canvas our thoughts on what’s needed. I think the challenge for galleries is sustainability as it’s a tough market these days. For artists, I try to encourage them to do things that are not so costly.

Galleries and artists need to speak to Tamkeen – it needs to be a public/private partnership for art to develop.

Creativity has been identified as one of the top five ‘soft skills’ that employers will be seeking in 2019. Is this a teachable skill? And how do you believe creativity can be developed and channelled into an employment/ business skill?

You shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, you have to look at other ways of thinking.

Look at Shaikha Mai – her budget was reduced, so she found funding elsewhere.

When you say soft skills, I think of things like carpentry. I think it’s very important that interest in these skills is developed while children are young and there is time to develop them. The problem with schools now is that the curriculum is more limited. I believe it would be good for Bahrain to have an arts centre within each governate – I’m a product of the Salman Cultural Centre, it was inspiring for me.

It should be somewhere young people can learn and express their artistic side – even the government schools could be used out of school hours as the resources are already there. And this would make a

resource available close to where people live, for some people travelling across the island is not an option.

Does exhibiting art ‘for art’s sake’ ever represent a route into commercial success or do artists, necessarily, need to be prepared to adapt their talents to make a living?

Artists definitely do need to adapt, especially in these difficult times. My advice would be, don’t just think locally – you have to think internationally.

Now, with the internet, artists can sell directly or through sale sites and can gain a wider audience. You can also seek consultant advice on where to look for new markets. When we [artists] spoke to Tamkeen, we asked about the possibility of a collective website for Bahrain artists and also a consultant who could help artists get their work out there. Plus, again, the idea of community art centres – my plan is essentially to do something along those lines.

What advice would you give to other female artists hoping to enter the market?

Bahrain’s art scene has, traditionally, been male dominated. But I feel this is now balancing out. My advice would be to keep going. Some artists have given up but you have to keep at it. Once you are an artist, it doesn’t just go away. So, keep at it.

For inquiries please contact the brand managers via email: forher@bahraincredit.com.bh or on whatsapp 34 422-227 / 33 282-228

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February 2019

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PEOPLE | interview

THE POWER OF THE MIND Myrna Saliba, 62-year-old, medalwinning, ultra-athlete explains what motivates her to keep going despite multiple set-backs.

You mentioned starting competitive running late in life, what led you to this field of competition?

Being diagnosed with osteoporosis. I had to lift weights, which in turn led to warm-ups in the form of running. From there on, I was hooked on the sport; the distance kept increasing and the goals got larger and far more challenging. Today I am a long-endurance athlete; in 2000, I could not run for three minutes in a row at 8km/hr without huffing and puffing. This past July, I finished a double ultra – 7.6km swim, 360km bike ride and 84.4km run in one continuous race, no sleep - in spite of multiple injuries.

Do you feel at a disadvantage racing against more experienced athletes who started the sport at a much younger age?

No, actually I feel at an advantage. I am the one better off with a brighter future, because my body is not as beaten up. I have not reached my peak yet, I can still improve while more experienced athletes may be already on the downhill. I give you an example: my husband started running at age 55, at age 69 he successfully finished his first Ironman 70.3. Since then he has participated in three Ironman 70.3 world championships and is again qualified for the 2019 edition, he will be 73. If you look at his results, his times have improved by 30 minutes each year, and he is moving up the ranks at each world championship. Why? because we each have a peak level and he has not yet reached his own.

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February 2019

When you were diagnosed with osteoporosis, what gave you the strength, both mental and physical, to pursue your competitive dreams, even against advice?

People in the face of adversity react differently.

There are the ones who freak out and feel helpless and there are the ones who take action and feel hopeful. I am part of the latter group. Feeling optimistic helps alleviate pain and bad news. I am also someone who likes to take charge and be in control of my life. When I was diagnosed with osteoporosis I was not thinking about competitive dreams, I just was not going to surrender to a medical “verdict”. I felt it was my responsibility, not that of my doctors, to get healthy. I had choices, we always have choices. I chose what felt best for me, and listened to that inner voice which said “YOU CAN” even though my doctor was skeptical.

My choice at the time was quite challenging but it turned out very rewarding, it led me to competitive sport, it shifted my focus to more positive things.

Perhaps osteoporosis is the best thing that happened to me as it helped me discover the power of my mind and the joys of healthy living. www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview You’ve said that the mind is stronger than the body. Do you believe this is true for everyone? Or is it, like with training, something that you can develop?

The mind is always stronger than the body if we allow it to rule. It’s no secret that success in endurance sport heavily relies on the power of the mind. You can be the best prepared physically to race, but if your mind fails you, you will never see the finish line.

Following knee surgery, you got back on track and set yourself even greater challenges, then you suffered a serious shoulder injury in a fall in January, 2018. How did this impact your training and competition and how and when did you decide to get back on the road?

This was tough as right when I thought my knee was getting better, I broke the head of my humerus and it just shattered my hopes. I thought my racing days were over! And then I remembered how I overcame all the hurdles I have faced in the past 17 years and what I achieved. Instantly, I stopped lamenting, and started finding positive excuses to convince myself that I can still do this. So rather than thinking a double ultra is long, I told myself a double ultra is slow, I could technically even walk the run. Instead of freaking out about the long time I have to stay up on my feet, I convinced myself this was the best scenario, for it would give ample time to finish just in case I struggled (and I did). Instead of focusing on being too old to do an ultra, I thought determination, grit and the power of one’s mind is not one bit age-related. After all, I have a tough mind and there is nothing better than a strong mind and a monster goal to motivate me to get better faster. So within an hour I was set on doing my double ultra six months later.

that is not the performance I worked for, but it was the price I paid for electing not to DNF. Ironically it earned me a reward for being the only woman in the world age 60+ to finish an IUTA race this year and rank in the IUTA 2018 World Cup.

Did you at any time think ‘This is it, it’s time to stop’? And, if not, can you try to explain the passion that has kept you going despite the many injuries and operations.

Yes, this happened briefly only once as I explained earlier, but within the same hour I had made plans to race six months later. Passion is hard to explain.

Passion fuels performance, without it, it is hard to excel. You can do, but you will never excel or reach new heights. I am constantly in search of bettering myself physically and mentally. I like to push the envelope, I like to test my limits. When someone tells me “no you can’t” I have to try and judge for myself whether I really can or can’t. I have been injured since September 2015, I had to be operated on three times since, twice on the knee once on the shoulder. I have every reason today with seven disc bulges in my neck, 2.5cm of cartilage missing in my knee, and failing metal hardware in my arm (screws hanging out) to quit but I find it all irrelevant as we do most of endurance sport with the mind not the body. I am not in denial, I am not foolish, I work with what I have, I adapt and I adjust to stay on track with my goals, it keeps me sane, alive and in control of my life.

Scan the code to read the full interview

What happened then at the race, anything you would have done differently?

What did not happen in that race! I made the mistake in training of not biking after the long 7.6km swim. My arm was very sore, but I never envisioned how debilitating this would be once I got on my bike in the race. I took nearly double the time I needed to finish my bike. We started in the night, it was pouring for nearly six hours. I was clinching hard on my steering as any fall on the slippery roads with the loose screws in my arm meant catastrophe. I was in trouble after the first two laps, but I did not want to quit or get a DNF (did not finish). So, it was a huge struggle with a lot of stops for physio and massage to bring back blood flow to my frozen cold hand. But I kept smiling and telling the announcer “I will finish”. And I finished, with two sleepless nights, in 45h27’58”. I was heartbroken and my athletic ego was hurt, because www.womanthismonth.com

February 2019

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FEATURE | all things Valentine’s

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? The origin of St Valentine’s Day is somewhat obscure but there’s no doubt we all get excited about it.

So, we know that February 14 is the day to spoil our loved ones but it’s celebrated differently in different places. In the US, for example, it’s about showing love to everyone, not just romantic interests. So, teachers and friends get gifts as well as partners and boyfriends and girlfriends. In the UK, it’s definitely a day for lovers but there’s also a boon for shy would-be suitors with the tradition of sending anonymous cards and gifts – lovely when at school but possibly slightly freaky in these days of stalkers and the like.

But why do we mark out February 14 as the day of lovers?

Well, there are several theories, the most common of which gives it Roman origins, but some also say it is based on an ancient Pagan fertility rites which, frankly, sound much more fun!

The Roman version has St Valentine – of which there were two of the same name martyred on the same day some years apart – one was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers, who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. Legend has it that, during his imprisonment Saint Valentine restored the sight of a blind girl and, before his execution, wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.

The day became more widely associated with romantic love in the 14th century and gifts and love notes were popularized in 18th century England – though it’s not clear when people started sending them anonymously.

In Europe, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart", as well as to children, in order to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine's Malady).

Obviously, these days, St Valentine’s Day has become a major event. The following pages have some inspiration on what to do, where to go and some great gift ideas to help win your loved one’s heart.

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FEATURE | all things Valentine’s

A s ’ t a h W Do? o T l Gir

Two to Tango

Let’s face it, the tango is a seriously sexy dance, as are many of the other South American moves. And, even if you think you’re lacking in rhythm or your man has the coordination of a frog in a blender, there are plenty of places around Bahrain to learn for free, such as Meisei which has classes on Wednesday and Saturdays.

Get on down and, well, get on down.

ked ou’ve boo y , ) t o n r to do cks (o ght the so still want u u o o b y e t u ’v just b u So, yo her know t cial meal, o e t p s n a e c h t ignifi tion. or cooked let your s n inspira o u t f l e ia m c o e s p gs on for somethin re. Read a c u o y h how muc

Take to the Sky…sort of

Have you ever fancied jumping out of plane, but haven’t quite plucked up the courage?

Sign up for the Cupid’s Arrow Package at Gravity Indoor Skydiving and you and your loved one get to fly one minute each, and then share the final minute flying together.

The cost is BD25 per couple and the package will also include a free USB with all pictures and videos, and a free photo frame with your choice of a printed picture. The offer runs from February 14-16. For more information, call 13 100-000.

hearts and ribbons and fill it up with little notes of naughty or nice acts that he can claim from you during the year. For example, IOU a night out with the lads, control of the TV/AC remote or IOU a one-hour massage. It can be a really special pressie, but make sure you’re prepared to deliver!

Back Seat Driver

– at least for a couple of rounds. You’ll be surprised how much this is and a little bit of competition will certainly get the adrenaline going. For more information call 17 451-745.

Do Some Good

If the object of your affections is a dog- or cat-lover, they will be delighted with the idea of sponsoring a kennel or cattery space in their name. You’ll get major Brownie points plus the added warm, fuzzy feeling from having put a roof over the head of a deserving furry friend. You can sponsor a kennel at the BSPCA, call 17 591-231, or an animal at Tony the Dogfather’s Centre, contact them on 39 629-889 or Face Book. You can even go walk and play with your sponsored pet, so added exercise too.

ADDED EXTRAS

Pay It Forward

Make an IOU jar. Take a mason jar, or any reasonably-sized glass jar, decorate it with www.womanthismonth.com

Well, not literally. But, since everyone loves to win and the majority of guys believe they’re good drivers, why not book a session on the international-standard go kart track at the BIC? And just let him prove his superiority

Name a star for him. Fill his car with petrol, unasked. Hide a love note in his briefcase or laptop bag. Send him flowers at work. Propose – and it’s not even a Leap Year!

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FEATURE | all things Valentine's

The Gift of Laughter What do you get for the guy who has everything?

A gift that’s guaranteed to make him smile.

GEEK OUT

BEAN LOVER

For your Star Wars fan, who would not want a Lando bottle stopper?

Available at thinkgeek.com

I Love You Bean houseplant, just water and wait for the message to appear as it grows.

Available at amazon.com

GOOD CLEAN FUN

Two-sided Butt Face Soap means he’ll never get mixed up again.

Available at amazon.com

COSY TOES

He’ll be wearing his heart on his feet with these socks which look just like sweeties.

Available at sockdrawer.com

TRUMP CARD BIRD’S EYE VIEW

He’ll never lose his specs again with this quirky glasses holder.

Available at notonthehighstreet.com

Fake news mug. The Donald says it, so it must be true, right?

Available at etsy.com

TOTALLY CHEESY

No more pizza out of the box, this plate’s perfect for getting your Valentine’s message across.

Available at etsy.com

STRESS BUSTER

Make Life Your Bitch motivational and inspirational adult colouring book.

Available at amazon.com

NEED TO KNOW

Sexy truth and dare pick a stick, for the questions you never dared to ask!

Available at giftsear.ch

NAUGHTY KNICKERS

Personalised boxers with a naughty message. You’ll have to check them out for yourself, we couldn’t possibly elaborate.

Available at gettingpersonal.co.uk

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T H G I N E T A D here, where

FEATURESOCIAL | all things Valentine’s BUTTERFLY

Wyndham’s New Year

New Year’s Eve was celebrated at Wyndham Garden Manama

s The bigoduayg’oing to go? are y

We have a few suggestions up our sleeves.

The Westin City Centre Bahrain has come up with a range of options to suit various budgets. Book a table by the pool for BD35 per couple or BD45 with drinks. Enjoy dinner in a private pool cabana at BD50 per couple or BD60 with drinks. Or really splash out for a special set-up in the middle of the pool with exclusive cabanas at BD350 per couple including selected beverages.

Call 17 171-441.

Dine under the stars at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain with a cinema setting at Thai and La Plage followed by an exclusive five-course dinner and a bottle of selected beverage in your private cabana, priced at BD200 per couple.

Call 17 586-499.

The Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa is putting on a special deal at Ruka, the rooftop lounge and restaurant on the 24th floor, where chef Raman will cook up a sumptuous feast that couples can enjoy sharing, priced at BD38, inclusive of a bottle of sparkling grape, or BD34 with soft drinks.

Call 17 111-999.

The K Valentine’s package, at the K Hotel, is a great gift idea. You can either go just for dinner at KOLORS, which will be decorated with rose petals, balloons and candles, at BD25 per couple including gourmet chocolates and two glasses of bubbly per person. Or book the package in which your deluxe room is upgraded to a junior suite, decorated with candles and rose-petals. During the day, enjoy a massage or salon treatment with a 20-per-cent discount. In the evening, head to KOLORS for dinner. The package price is BD80.

Call 17 360-000 Push the boat out at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa with the hotel’s Romantic Beach Dinner in a private cabana. It’s outdoor, candle-lit and includes a personal butler, a bottle of sparkling and a gourmet Valentine’s Day cake. The price is BD360 and reservations are open until February 12 with advance payment required.

Call 34 331-779 or 17 636-363. www.womanthismonth.com

February 2019

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BEAUTY | styling

T R E L A D N E R T 9 1 0 2 hat will be hot on gar Saboo tells us w

Celebrity stylist As

ar.

the hair scene this ye

“In 2018, we saw the hair industry embrace bold new colourful shades, baby bangs and lots of volume. In 2019, we are set to see the return of some old favourites, including high ponytails and curtain bangs, and the introduction of new techniques such as halo-lights.”

CURTAIN BANGS

This iconic 1970s’ look, inspired by Brigit Bardot, is set to make a comeback.

Curtain bangs are similar to a regular fringe, but with an inverted V in the middle, similar to how curtains hang.

The center-parted layers work with any length of hair, particularly with mediumlength hairstyles. Alexa Chung pulls off this look perfectly.

WET LOOK

HALO LIGHTS

You have most likely heard of highlights and low lights, but halo lights are quickly becoming the best way of creating a show-stopping blonde. Colour is applied through the top layers and placed around the halo section of the head, creating those angelic Victoria’s Secretstyle locks.

This is a very high-fashion look which, although may it appear easy as if you have just stepped out of the shower, actually takes a lot of styling. To recreate this look, start with damp hair and use a styling gel to your roots and brush through. Finish this look off with a glossing spray.

HIGH PONYTAIL

Inspired by the likes of Ariana Grande, Bella Hadid and Kim Kardashian, a very high slick ponytail is set to make an appearance throughout 2019. The key to recreating this look is to blow dry your hair in the direction you want the base of the ponytail to be. Then tie up the top section of your hair and smooth back.

Once you have done this, add the rest of your hair. You can use hairspray and a toothbrush to make it look extra-sleek.

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February 2019

About Asgar Saboo

A renowned figure among celebrities and a regular on red carpets, the name Asgar Saboo is synonymous with headline-grabbing hair.

He is trusted by supermodels Cindy Crawford and Twiggy, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria, as well as A-list stars including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and the legend Rekha.

ACCESSORIES

In 2018 we saw hair accessories ruling the runway, and glamorised by Kate Middleton, and the trend is not sent to die down. From head scarves to pins, hair accessories are going to a big trend in 2019. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | new releases

NEW CLASSICS

Burberry Bespoke is a collection of seven exclusive fragrances created by renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdjian under the creative direction of Christopher Bailey. Each scent is available in either one, two or three varying concentrations.

Burberry Bespoke is inspired by artistry, the elements and the great British outdoors.

Each scent is as individual as the emotions a smell or place can evoke. A tribute to the unique characteristics of a particular scent on an individual.

Indeed, the names tell the story of those individual memories and associations: Garden Roses, High Tide, Hawthorn Bloom, the historically-inspired Tudor Rose, Wild Thistle, Antique Oak and Amber Heath.

Available at Burberry and leading retailers.

t s e t a L for The

GLOW WITH GUERLAIN

g n i r Sp

PARIS GOES EASTWARDS

The Parisian girl’s go-to beauty brand is partnering with leading style blogger and influencer Noha Nabil, who has more than six million followers on Instagram, to bring the spirit of Paris to the Middle East via Bourjois x Noha.

The collection encapsulates three face palettes, all inspired by the capital of style and romance.

Each palette contains six carefully curated shades of blusher, powder or highlighter.

The elegant packaging, in delicate pastel hues of pink and mauve, has an unmistakably Parisian touch, with a stylised Eiffel Tower motif in white and gold alongside Noha’s handwritten signature. The magnetised lid lifts up to reveal the six shades and a generous mirror, perfect for making up on the go.

Available at leading retailers.

Guerlain’s latest Météorites collection will n have beegoodies s be the ‘go to’ this spring. The Highlighter e x o b in Our ted with new ght we’d Duo unites holographic pink and lilac, da hou h you. which perfectly capture the light and create inun onth, so we t es wit m it is r h u t a fresh and easy-to-use strobing effect. avo f e m o s e shar This surprising ultra-fine powder becomes creamy under the fingertips. The Guerlain Coloured Kit features brow powder and a WOW LASHES plum eyeshadow duo that intensifies the gaze.

Wow by Wojooh’s New Year’s resolution is Finish off with KissKiss, the cream lipstick, to up their lash game! Cue the new extreme that comes in three variations of satiny volumising mascara: Lash Challenge. pink to gracefully adorn the lips. Guerlain This is the body-builder of mascaras and has also created two holographic pastels for does all the work for you, whether it be a highlighter addicts. For the occasion, the one-coat natural look or extra coats for an lipsticks of the collection are etched with stars extra punch. and crescent moons.

Not only does Lash Challenge Mascara come Available at leading retailers. in intense black, but the dumbbellshaped brush offers the unique capability to control the weight of PAMPER THOSE PAWS your lash look.

L’Occitane’s Intensive Shea Butter has proved extremely The fierce Yalda Golsharifi is kicking up her lash workout popular since its launch in January 2017. Formulated with Wow by Wojooh. If you don’t know who she is, she is specially for dry or very dry skin it has a 25-per-cent the ultimate fit beauty. She brings beauty and glamour to the concentration of shea butter. Now, 2019 sees new fitness world and has almost a million Instagram followers developments. The Intensive Hand Balm is getting a new making her the perfect inspiration to lift your spirits and your look, with a box design that clearly highlights its action lashes. She has partnered with Wojooh as the new face of on very dry skin, even during extreme conditions. And it’s strength and power! joined by a new 50ml format – the perfect size to slip into Available at Wojooh. your bag and take with you everywhere!

There’s something new for your feet too – an Intensive Foot Balm to nourish dry and very dry feet.

The iconic Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil has also been relaunched in a new colour: champagne!

Plus, a limited-edition oil with a captivating rose scent is currently available.

Available at L’Occitane. www.womanthismonth.com

February 2019

29

BEAUTY | tips

e v o L h t i Lippie W es in se

Liz O’Reilly go

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elty-f u r c , t c e f r e p a arch of

I

love a red lip as much as the next girl. But a girl also needs standards, you know, and for years I’ve made a point of buying products that aren’t animal tested. However, these days, possibly due to age-related skin changes (of which we shall say no more), I’m finding it ever harder to find a lippie that really does stick. No matter how careful the application – and, yes, I know about a dab of foundation under and a dust of powder over, which, frankly, all sounds like a bit of a faff – within 20 minutes I end up with a dry, flaky outline round the edges of my lips and nothing else to see for my trouble.

Since lipstick is the ultimate lazy girl’s face saver, I decided it was time to take action and headed online to a great info source that regular readers will have seen me mention before. Vegan & Vegan Curious in Bahrain (VVC) is a friendly Face Book page that caters to both the whole-lifestyle vegans and people like me, who, for now, just want to live a bit kinder and feed their visiting vegan pals.

friends to buy me for Christmas, having been built on the cruelty-free principle. And then it became part of L’Oréal. Oh dear.

Thankfully, and I have to hold my hands up and tell you I only just discovered this, it was sold to Natura in September 2017 and a year later that company was awarded Cruelty Free International’s leaping bunny certification which means its products and ingredients are not animal tested. This is different to being featured on the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) list, which is not always as strict on standards.

And make a note, if companies claim to be cruelty free but also sell in China – China actually requires testing by law. It’s being challenged, but that’s the way it stands at the moment.

Of course, for vegans, the question is also about the use of animal products, something I’ve not looked at closely enough in the past.

So, I was interested to see what my FB friends would have to say.

The first recommendation came from the page’s founder Louise O’Loan, who really knows her stuff.

ELF, or e.l.f. cosmetics, does a matte lip colour which ticks all the boxes. It’s available to order on iherb and is cheap as chips. A quick look at the site reveals that the company also has various other products, from primer to anti-ageing serum. I am excited.

I posted my question “Does anyone have a good cruelty-free lipstick brand that doesn’t disappear in 20 minutes?” and waited…but not for long.

First, you have to look at what you personally consider to be cruelty free. As I said, I’ve always looked for products that aren’t tested on animals – neither by the company or anyone else. I also always check the parent company, which can be disappointing. The Body Shop used to be a go-to for family and

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| tips SOCIALBEAUTY BUTTERFLY

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Ritz-Carlton’s Christmas

A Christmas brunch was held at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

Ritz-Carlton’s New Year Ritz-Carlton Bahrain celebrated New Year’s Eve

My heart sang a little at the news from Penny Nicola that there’s a new brand called Note from Lulu.

She said: “All their make-up is cruelty free! I wear their lipsticks for work and they last hours.”

And even better, I can try it when I pop in for my weekly shop.

Honourable mentions also to Kat Von D, GOSH, Organicare, Zao and colortheworldlipsticks.com www.womanthismonth.com

February 2019

31

news

Notoriously Awesome

The whole world, almost, loves US Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg and beauty brand Lipslut has taken that obsession a step further with the release a new lipstick called Notorious R.B.G. in her honour.

The shade is described as "an iconic, brilliant, bad b---- berry" and 50 per cent of the proceeds from the "Notorious R.B.G." lippie will go towards organisations such as She Should Run and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Lipslut has previously made waves with its **** Trump and **** Kavanaugh lipsticks, this one’s got a bit of a happier vibe.

Face Off

3D-printed everything, from limbs to guns, has been much in the news over the last year.

Now, it seems, 2019 is the year it enters the beauty field.

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, cosmetics and skincare company Neutrogena unveiled a 3D-printed face mask – its snug fit allowing products applied onto the mask zones to target specific problem or improvement areas.

Sheet masks themselves have been a popular treatment in the Korean beauty market for several years becoming popular in the West only relatively recently.

But some may find their one-size-fits-all approach a bit off-putting. So, a personalised mask could be just the answer.

The MaskiD is the next phase of the company’s 2018 Neutrogena Skin360 launch, a smartphone-enabled scanning tool that company officials say allows consumers to get dermatologist-grade readings of their skin’s needs.

Parent company, Johnson & Johnson has not yet released prices for the product but says it hopes to keep cost consistent with its drugstore line.

Let’s Hear It For Kate

Kate Grant is not letting Down Syndrome stop her fulfilling her dream and the teen beauty queen is now a step closer to her supermodel aspirations having been signed by beauty brand Benefit Cosmetics.

The company stepped up after an image of Kate wearing its eyeliner got a great reaction on the Benefit Instagram page.

The 20-year-old blonde beauty from Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, was crowned champion in the Teen Ultimate Beauty Of The World pageant and has gone on to model for Debenhams.

Now she’ll be representing Benefit, which has stores in more than 30 countries worldwide.

50 Shades of…Beige-ish

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty line is determined to give every woman what she wants – a concealer that actually matches her skin tone. The brand has announced it’s set to launch 50 shades of concealer!

Announced on Instagram, of course, the new line of Pro Filtr Concealer will feature 12 or 13 colour options ranging from warm to cool, within each skin color category.

It promises to be long-wearing and crease-proof and there will also be new setting powders in eight shades and 10 new foundations.

Gym Make-Up

Maybelline New York has partnered with PUMA to create a limited edition 'athleisure-Inspired' cosmetics collection – just what we all need, right?

The brand says the high-performance make-up is designed for the "always-on, do-it-all lifestyle" of Generation Z and millennial consumers.

The 12-piece collection has been developed with the latest long-wear technology and includes, amongst others, a smudge-proof mascara, a metallic highlighter and Super Stay Matte Ink long-wear lip colour in new limited-edition shades.

Fittingly Adriana Lima, who’s known for her passion for athletics, fashion and beauty looks, is the Brand Ambassador.

Valentine’s Sparkles

Essie has come up with a brand-new line of heart-sequined, glitter-filled, pink-and-red confetti polishes, that are just perfect for Valentine’s Day. There are three pearlescent shades that swipe on sheer, just add layers to get the cover and colour you want, along with three glittering polishes — all of which are shrinkwrapped in hearts, Xs, and Os.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

50th Anniversary Under the patronage of HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the chairman and members of the Board of Directors, the CEO of the Gulf Hotels Group and the executive management of the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa celebrated Gulf Hotel’s 50th Anniversary at the Gulf Convention Centre.

www.womanthismonth.com

February 2019

33

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

MATTERS OF THE HEART

February is a month when many countries pay special attention to heart health. And, while cardiovascular disease may not be on the average woman’s health radar, it really should be, especially around and after menopause, finds Behnaz Sanjana.

Yes, we know that your hearts are a-flutter this month, but the ticker, in the literal sense, deserves your attention every so often. Heart disease is a broad term and can be grouped as congenital and acquired, explains Dr Emerita Co-De Leon, who specialises in internal medicine / cardiology at the American Mission Hospital. “Congenital heart diseases are structural defects in the heart, mostly detected during infancy or at birth. Acquired heart diseases, or cardiovascular diseases, afflict adults as a result of several factors – most commonly, blockage in the arterial supply of the heart muscle, among others.”

In women, while the chance for heart disease, in itself, increases with age, the hormone oestrogen, plays a role in upping the risk after menopause. Dr Emerita says: “Oestrogen is believed to have a good effect on the inner lining of the heart’s arterial walls, making the blood vessels more flexible. It must be in balance with progesterone, another important hormone, for proper body functioning and overall health and well-being. During menopause, oestrogen levels fluctuate and progesterone decreases. This in turn reduces the positive effect of thyroid hormones on our body's metabolism, which tends to slow down during the menopausal stage, leading to an increase in body fat. This may be a reason for women to develop cardiovascular disease.”

Other risk factors (true for both men and women) are prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia (elevated blood cholesterol levels), and chronic renal diseases.

Smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also known to increase the chances for the disease. Non-modifiable factors, like age and

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February 2019

family history, also need to be considered.

“One of the best things we can do is to understand and check our personal risk of developing heart problems and find ways to lower it,” says Dr Emerita. “The choices we make every day play a large role in determining the outcome.”

• Nausea or vomiting • Upper body discomfort or indigestion (back pain, jaw pain without any chest pain or pressure) • Palpitations • Trouble sleeping • Sudden anxiety or confusion

Positive lifestyle changes are very important and can help to prevent cardiac disease. These include:

• Making healthy food choices, eating more plant-based and less processed foods • Losing weight if needed • Quitting smoking or not starting the habit • Reducing stress • Getting enough sleep • Limiting alcohol intake to one drink a day or less.

• Keeping a tab on your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels The absence of obesity will not guarantee immunity from disorders of your ticker.

“Even patients with normal weight may have hypertension, diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels which can still put one in danger,” says our expert.

IS THIS A HEART ATTACK?

It is important for women to remember that symptoms of an attack may differ from women to men. The infamously typical chest pain, (described as crushing mid-chest pain or chest heaviness), may or may not be a tell-tale sign. Atypical symptoms include: • Unusual or extreme tiredness • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Women are advised to seek immediate medical consultation if there is a nagging feeling that something is wrong. The latest report from the European Society of Cardiology states that women tend to wait longer in calling for help when heart attack symptoms occur. If you suspect the worst, call for help or dial the emergency number 999. The patient can chew a total of 300mg of aspirin while waiting for medical attention, providing that there is no contraindication to the medicine. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY A Christmas Day musical brunch was held at Bahrain Bay Kitchen, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Four Seasons’ Christmas

Circus Party A New Year’s Eve Circus party was held at Azure, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Philippines National Basketball Team

On the occasion of the 9th Bahrain Philippines Goodwill Basketball Games 2019, a press conference was held in honour of the Philippines National Basketball Team at Kolors Restaurant, The K Hotel www.womanthismonth.com

February 2019

35

LIFESTYLE | home

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2019 has brought along distinct styles for your living spaces.

Just follow our pointers to live in a fashion-forward home.

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February 2019

One

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February 2019

37

LIFESTYLE | food

LAHAN SPERINCK ON VEGANISING ALMOST ANY RECIPE. If you’re vegan conscious or just starting out, you’ve probably had to either ditch all your favourite recipes or substitute some ingredients using trial and error – neither of which are ideal. I know it all too well and have learnt a lot over time about what works and what definitely doesn’t. So, to help those of you out there who are in the same position I was, I’ve come up with a list of substitutes for non-vegan ingredients that I think are the best in terms of similarity in taste and texture.

For baking, the ingredients below are found in almost every recipe – this is what I use instead: • Butter – This can be easily substituted with plant based butter and is usually found in the same aisle; you honestly could not tell a difference.

• Eggs – Eggs serve as a binder in baking which is why, per egg needed, I use 1tbsp of milled flax seeds with 2tbsp of water and let it sit for a couple of minutes before adding to any recipe; you could always use things like bananas or apple sauce but they change the end result quite a bit.

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February 2019

• Milk – Any plant milk can be used instead of dairy milk. Personally, cashew and oat milk are my gotos - they have a subtle taste and go with almost anything.

• Cream – If your local supermarket doesn’t do dairy-free cream, or if you don’t want the taste of coconut that comes from coconut cream, just blend soaked cashews with cold water for a couple of minutes and voila you have cashew cream fit for any recipe.

Cooking on the other hand can be a little more tricky, and after three years I still don’t have all the answers, but these are some things I DO know how to swap: • Minced meat – Ever since discovering TVP (textured vegetable protein), I’ve been able to cook so many more dishes that I used to love. Instructions are on the packet or online, but all you have to do is add water and flavour it the way you want, then make everything from lasagna to shepherd’s pie, bolognaise and burgers.

want to make a pizza or grilled cheese sandwich, most supermarkets offer dairy-free cheese.

• Chicken – With chicken you could still use TVP, but supermarkets sometimes have mock meats made of either soy or wheat gluten (also known as seitan) which are perfect if you’re looking for something that resembles chicken strips.

• Scrambled eggs – I cannot live without scrambled tofu for breakfast. Crumbling up a medium firm tofu block into whatever scrambled egg recipe is surprisingly a lot like the real thing.

Hopefully, this will be enough to get you started in your vegan cooking endeavors and, if you want to get in touch, you can send me a message on Instagram @ bylahan I’d love to hear any feedback and answer questions.

• Cheese – There are two options here: if you want a cheesy flavour, nutritional yeast is the perfect ingredient to use, but if you www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | food

THE WAY TO THE HEART

Since we’re all about food this month, we asked the K Hotel’s talented kitchen team to share the recipe for the very special heart-shaped cake they’ll be serving up on Valentine’s Day.

STRAWBERRY &WHITE CHOCOLATE DELIGHT INGREDIENTS

250g white chocolate 125g strawberry puree 7.5g gelatin 250g whipped cream 100g strawberries 75ml strawberry coulis (readymade)

METHOD • Soak gelatin in cold water and leave for a couple of minutes • Boil the puree in a saucepan, once boiled

remove from the heat and add the white chocolate and let it melt, add the soaked gelatin. Let it cool to 30 degrees Celsius • Now add whipping cream very gently to the above mixture • In a separate bowl cut the strawberries into small cubes and mix with strawberry coulis, set aside • In a heart-shaped mould, add the mousse to halfway and allow it to set • Add the strawberry and coulis mix, let it set and then cover with the remaining mousse • Flatten it using palette knife and let it set in the freezer for a minimum of two hours.

WHITE CHOCOLATE GLAZE INGREDIENTS

150ml water 200g sugar 100g liquid glucose 130g condensed milk 16g gelatin 200g white chocolate 5ml red liquid food colouring

METHOD

• Soak gelatin in cold water and leave for a couple of minutes • Melt white chocolate in microwave oven or melt in double boiler with the help of a whisk, set aside • Take a saucepan, add water, liquid glucose and sugar on a high heat, let it boil for a couple of minutes and remove from heat and allow to cool to 40 degrees Celsius • Once the liquid reaches the required temperature, add the white chocolate and condensed milk mixture • Add soaked gelatin into mixture and whisk well • Add red colour until there is a smooth and glazy texture and let it emulsify.

PRESENTATION

• Remove the mousse from the mould and place the flat part onto wire rack and pour the glaze mix from all the sides • allow it to set for a couple of minutes in a chiller, remove from rack • Serve cold and garnish with some fruits or berries.

www.womanthismonth.com

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

E V O L N O AND Y E N MO

I

t’s that time of the year when love is in the air. It’s the season to celebrate love and relationships, even beyond romantic love, and to revel in all the good that comes with our various relationships. There is, however, one relationship that we don’t acknowledge as a relationship – our relationship with money.

In the world we live in, outside of theoretical ideals, more often than not, it also takes money to express love. Through the meal out, through the small gift (or large), through the flowers, the chocolates, candy, romantic dinners, weekend getaways and a multitude of small and big gestures to express how important that special relationship is to us.

Relationships, however, can be tricky things.

There is no one way to deal with them and no one way that’s right or wrong. They are just on-going journeys that we navigate as we go along. Our relationship with money is no different. We go through life being dependent on money in odd ways and being independent of it in a lot of wonderful ways. It’s one of those relationships that we have that we can love or hate, but we just cannot ignore. And what can’t be ignored, is best understood.

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on ria Mass se P t r e p x e l thly do n o Financia m a s ives u Tanwar g wisdom. ic of econom

Because what you understand, you can mould better to your own advantage.

Each of us has a financial history which goes beyond how much money we either have or had. Its about how we were taught, or learned, to interact with money. There are people who had scarcity of money but felt an abundance. There are more people who have an abundance and still feel scarcity. A dinar is not just the actual value of a dinar. It goes towards what you can get with that dinar.

For some, it’s that bit of clothing. For some, it’s the quick snack. For some it’s a tip, and for others it is a piece of paper that will lay in their bank accounts till there is a very justified cause to use it.

Money, however, is also different because it’s completely quantifiable. You know exactly how much you have, and you know how much you need to part with to acquire something that you want. What happens when you enter a subjective relationship with something as logical and factual as money? You learn to realise that how you spend, what you spend on and how it makes you feel, are tempering your financial decisions.

The history of our financial relationships determines our risk-taking abilities as well as our abilities to maintain a lifestyle and plan for our futures.

In order to assess your financial situation, you need to acknowledge your relationship with money. Is your relationship antagonist or pleasant? Do you always feel you have less, or do you feel grateful for whatever it is you have? When you spend that dinar, does the object you get give you satisfaction or do you wish you had that dinar instead?

This is important because we thrive when we have love. And, what we love thrives as well.

Apply this to your relationship with money.

If you have gratitude, treat it well, appreciate it and maximise its value – like with all other relationships, you experience a sense of calm about it. And that calm is invaluable towards a wholesome life – financially and otherwise.

You can follow Pria's Instagram account at money_cues or view her profile at http:// www.i2d-consulting.com www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | opinion

LIFESTYLE | opinion

May Your Every Day Be a Valentine's Day! Ouiam Charkani El Hassani advises getting loved up.

F

ebruary is here! The month of flowers, chocolates and romantic dinners. A month that is marked by a very special day. A day when almost every restaurant doubles their prices, flower shops showcase their red roses and your email inbox is bombarded with promotions and special offers from every hotel around. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is Valentine’s Day! A special day to celebrate love and lovers, to show partners how much they are appreciated and cared for, and get that same attention and appreciation back… even if it is only for that ONE day!

Every Valentine’s Day, you see restaurants filled with girls (and guys) wearing red, holding red roses, ordering heart-shaped cakes for dessert, with red wrapped boxes on the table, decorated with all sorts of bows, most probably containing expensive gifts, that have been thoughtfully chosen (or not).

Couples smiling, chatting and enjoying this evening filled with love and laughter. That is Valentine’s Day in a nutshell!

With all the clichés that come to mind with this ‘Day of Love’, it is still a wonderful way to remember, and honour the bond between two souls, and to celebrate the love that fills two warm hearts, and even if it is only for that ONE night, it is still absolutely worth it.

In the crazy world of multitasking we all live in, often we forget about the little things that make our heart flutter; the things that used to give us butterflies.

With endless to-do lists,

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chores and tasks, we leave no room for passion and romance. Instead we get trapped in married life. The one that we all know too well. The one where conversations are limited to what needs to be done, or what has been done. Where the routine has killed every bit of excitement in the relationship, and where our lovers become simply our roommates.

Our way of living makes it so easy to get carried away, to forget what was once so special, and to take our partners for granted.

Even though, most of the time, our feelings don’t really change, the way we portray them becomes so different. Because, now, there is

no time for that extra kiss on the cheek, that little thank you, that surprise breakfast in bed or even that sweet “I love you” before hanging up the phone. Now more responsibilities burden our shoulders, more worries fill our hearts and more tasks torment our minds; we find it very hard to still take time to show our other half how special they are to us.

We forget that love is a fire that needs to be continuously fed. Because of that, a little reminder once every year is utterly needed. A day that is dedicated to love and appreciation, free from all the burdens and responsibilities, is a wonderful idea! A day to treat our partners and our marriages with an abundance of love, affection and kindness could be exactly what is needed to bring the spark back to the relationship. It might be cheesy and totally commercialised, but it is still a sweet way of remembering to love even in the tough times, even when things get rough and marriage proves itself harder than we would ever have thought.

So, this year, get cheesy, and indulge in all those clichés that you once enjoyed: Wear red, buy flowers, get gifts and let your heart love and be loved! Allow your heart to fall in love all over again…. With that same person you have always been in love with!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Chanelmama

www.womanthismonth.com February 2019

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LIFESTYLE

WIN BIG

AND GET FIT P

ure Yoga + Cycle (PYC) is the coolest new fitness hangout for islanders and has quickly gained recognition for its excellent Spinning and yoga training facilities.

Proprietor Fatima Batook is a Spinning master instructor herself and also the founder of Tima, the first Arab / Saudi brand for fitness and sport apparel in the Middle East which debuted in 2015.

PYC is currently the only premiere hot yoga studio and licensed Spinning facility in Bahrain. It is located in Hamala, close to the British School of Bahrain and Batelco. The centre boasts new instructors, new offerings and a sleek retail area full of healthy and ecofriendly items, including Tima apparel.

The outlet offers various styles of yoga,

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We at Woman This Month are feeling generous and we’ve teamed up with the lovely folks at Pure Yoga + Cycle to give you the chance to get fit and fab, all by entering our social media competition. including Bikram, Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Odaka, Kundalini, Sivananda, Nidra, Rocketflow, Glow-in-the-dark, Yin, Restorative, Power and Crossfit Yoga to suit your needs. There are separate classes for males and females, as well as mixed groups.

Mats, showers, a changing area and towels are all available for your use.

PYC brings Spinning in its original form for the first time to Bahrain, and is enthusiastic to show residents its effectiveness in achieving a fit, toned body.

With a warm and inviting atmosphere, PYC immediately puts clients at ease. In the pipeline are new sessions, corporate yoga classes, a weight-loss programme, workshops and new partnerships at the friendly space.

COMPETITION TIME

We've partnered with Pure Yoga + Cycle to help kick-start your journey to a healthy life by giving away two gift vouchers worth BD100 each to two lucky readers.

To enter: 1. Follow us on Instagram @ womanthismonth 2. Tag three friends.

www.womanthismonth.com

last word

s e o h S r e H n I ology Thampi, dermat Dr Anitta Sara pital, in Specialist Hos ra ah B at st li ia spec ld. ts from her wor shares highligh

Early bird or night owl?

All time favourite book or film?

Night owl.

Book The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.

Movie Dil Se.

What would you save if your home was on fire?

My Passport and wallet.

Three things on your bucket list?

Anitta

Best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Travel the world, learn to play the guitar and sky diving

What artists, living or dead, would you love to see concert?

Always be true to yourself.

Mozart and Celine Dion.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

While channeling my inner Usain Bolt and running in the park, I managed to run myself into a tree !!

First thing you’d do if you won the lottery?

Send my parents on a long, luxurious vacation . www.womanthismonth.com

What’s your ideal midnight snack?

Cheetos and Nutella.

February 2019

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