Woman This Month - June 2018

Bahrain Edition

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

June 2018 | Issue 184 | BD1 / SR10

TRAVEL Trekking for good causes

FOOD

The new cake star

FASHION

PEOPLE

New Hippie looks

Spirituality with Nikita Boloor

Ramadan Dressing

Straw hats, shoes, bags and more

HOMES

Making a first impression

Wellbeing

Weight loss myth busting

Instamodel Sasha

Latest release from DJette Kiwi

WOMEN ON WHEELS

Dos and Don’ts Behind the Wheel

On the road in luxury

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Digital Edition

JUNE 8 Over to You 10 The Month in Focus 12 Hot Shots: Things that have piqued the editor’s interest this month

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FASHION 16 Pick of the month: Beatnik Chic 18 Backstage Pass: News from the world of fashion 20 Mood Board: Logo Loco 22-23 Get The Look: New Hippie 24 Essentials: 10 Things to Try 25 Focus: Slide On 26 Trend: Au Naturel 28 Capsule Collections: Ramadan Dressing

PEOPLE

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34-35 Pearlyn Mehta: The Reinvention of Sasha 36-37 Nikita Boloor: Helping People Live Their Best 38-39 DJette Kiwi: From Bahrain to the Balearics

FEATURE - WOMEN ON WHEELS 42-43 Getting the Keys: Dos and Don'ts for motorists 44 Test Drive: The Louboutin of Luxe Motors

BEAUTY 46-47 Styling: Damage-free Dying 49 Tips: Creative Contouring 50 News: Latest products and happenings

LIFESTYLE

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52-53 Wellbeing: Weight-loss myths 55 Food: Chef's Special 56 Food: Ramadan Dining 57-60 Travel: On A Mission 62-63 Homes: First Impressions 64 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 65 Horoscope: What's in store this month.

66 In Her Shoes: Catherine Hughes-Erturgrul

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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@redhousemarketing.com. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

R

amadan is in full swing, giving us all an opportunity to reflect and relax a little as well as enjoying great gettogethers with family and friends as we sample the island's many fabulous Iftars and Ghabgas. Needless to say WTM has been to lots of them and, in our food pages, you'll find some of the ones we recommend.

This special month is also the time when the Kingdom's auto dealers go into overdrive (pun fully intended) with loads of special offers on new cars. That, coupled with the momentous occassion of women finally getting the right to drive across the causeway, prompted us to revive our annual Women on Wheels feature. We've come up with a host of dos and don'ts that we should all remember, whether seasoned motorists or newbies behind the wheel.

The interview section this month features a mixed bunch including cover star, Sasha, AKA Pearlyn Mehta. It's hard to believe that she used to sit downstairs and sell advertising in this very office! We also spoke to Nikita Boloor about all things spiritual and caught up with former island resident, DJ Kiwi, who's now making waves and music on the White Isle.

As always, the fashion pages are packed with Fernanda's ideas for you to try - I'm particularly keen to get my hands on some of the New Hippie pieces she's managed to drum up for the Get The Look pages. I also took the opportunity this month to check out some of the many Ramadan capsule collections — hope you like my choices, let me know what you think.

If the arrival of summer has inspired you to change your look with a different hair colour, make sure to check out the tips from celeb stylists Asgar Saboo, who shares no-dye options for both lightening and darkening your locks ­— nothing for redheads unfortunately, but maybe that's a good thing!

As always, there's travel and homes and much, much 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 ASGAR SABOO head of digital operations NEIL F VAZ print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN The only layout & graphics HATEM MONEM women's media coordinator magazine SARAH ANSARI h media managers distributed wit FARHEEN AHMED the GDN circulation and research 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 2018© 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

June 2018, Issue 184

Our month: Farheen joined media colleagues at the Sheraton Iftar and Fernanda attended the Eton House Earth Day Spring Fair.

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June 2018

On the cover: The Reinvention of Sasha

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news Most Liked Post on Facebook

Best Reaction on Twitter Woman This Month’s fashion feature ‘We Mean Business’ attracted the most impressions.

Most Liked Post on Instagram a post wishing our fans Ramadan Kareem received the highest engagement and reach.

On Facebook, our post on Bahraini May Al Haji completing the Boston Marathon got the highest number of organic likes and shares.

# Trending

What’s caught our eye in the news this month

Letters Thank you for giving readers interesting people to read about. I am going to check out Mobeena Inam’s abaya collection, as I do believe that whatever a woman wears must be an extension of her personality. Although I’m not Muslim, I like donning this elegant garment. And what better time to flaunt my new pieces than Ramadan!

Sue Ellen – Saar

Win, Win, Win!

An intensely personal exploration of New York City in the 1970s, Imitation is inspired by creator Christopher Chong’s childhood memories and his first experiences of a city filled with graffiti, neon lights and a boiling pot of cultures shaped the way he sees and understands art today.

Imitation Woman is a floralcy aldehyde fragrance paying tribute to this unforgettable era.

Travelling back in time to the iconic Studio 54, the olfactive journey embodies the multi-faceted lifestyle evolution with provocative concepts.

The heart notes of blackcurrant buds, aldehyde and liquorice take you back to the heady days at the iconic nightclub where anything and everything could happen. The bright florally heart notes of rose, ylan ylang, orange blossom and jasmine are inspired by the diverse ethnicities of New York City, while incense, sandalwood and patchouli represent the eternal sensuality and seductive sillage projected by the never-ending party at Studio 54.

We’re giving one lucky reader a chance to win the 100ml eau de parfum, worth USD325, just keep your eye on our social media pages throughout the month to find out how.

Hats off to Bahrain for having the first Women’s Power Sumit last month. The topics covered by eminent personalities were both interesting and relevant to modern and forward-thinking women. There was something for everyone – the arts, politics, technology and equality. May more such events take place where women can step out and speak up to inspire younger generations.

Going Green on The Red Carpet The lacy Armani Privé gown Cate Blanchett recently wore a to the opening gala of the Cannes Film Festival was the same dress she wore to the 2014 Golden Globes. The actress wasn’t just being thrifty. She recycled the dress as part of the Green Carpet Challenge, an initiative that “pairs glamour with ethics” and aims to make fashion more sustainable.

Blanchett, who served as the Cannes jury president said: “From couture to T-shirts, landfills are filled with garments that have been unnecessarily discarded. Particularly in today’s climate, it seems willful and ridiculous that such garments are not cherished and reworn for a lifetime.” www.today.com

Jahaan – Manama

I loved reading about Fight Night 4 and the women who will be packing the punches (literally) in the ring. We lovely ladies have broken all barriers to do what makes us happy, as a result proving that its not just a man’s world. It’s also great to know that age is no hurdle for us women – we can never be too old or too young – to just do what we love.

More power to us!

The Obamas on Netflix Barack and Michelle Obama have signed a deal with Netflix to produce films and documentaries for the TV streaming giant. The former US president and first lady will develop ideas Nisa – Juffair for potential shows including scripted series, I realised my errors in trying (unsuccessfully) unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries to get into shape and feel good. I have started and features. “One of the simple joys of our following the tips given in the health topic time in public service was getting to meet so covering weight loss, and I feel positive about many fascinating people from all walks of life, my efforts now. I’m looking forward to the and to help them share their experiences with next part of the article to get closer to my a wider audience. That’s why Michelle and I long-term goals. are so excited to partner with Netflix" Meher - Jannussan www.theguardian.com We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at editor@womanthismonth.com

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June 2018

Instagram: @womanthismonth

Twitter: @WomanThisMonth

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

When You Hurt Festival

The art and awareness event titled ‘When You Hurt Festival’ took place at the Isa Cultural Center.

Abrar & Elaf

Hussain, Mohammed & Mushtar

Mahmood & Salman

Manahel, Hassan & Arif

Noor & Huda

Ahmed

Ali, Yasmin & Roaya

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June 2018

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news

June in Focus Full Moon Fun

Festival City

Held under the slogan ‘Muharraq Capital of Islamic Culture’, the 10th edition of the Bahrain Summer Festival runs from June 18 till August 18 and offers an exciting line-up of live shows and multicultural, familyfriendly entertainment in the beautiful setting of Arad Fort.

There will be various performances along with artistic activities and creative workshops in the Nakhool Tent as well as a variety of children’s activities with mascots Nakhool and Nakhoola welcoming families and friends daily, except Sundays, from 5pm to 9pm. Head on down and have some fun.

It’s all new at the second edition of Night Pro’s Full Moon Party at Coral Bay on June 29: new bar, new stage, new VIP area and new performers with headliner DJ Ahmet Kilic flying in from Turkey for the occasion. The Bulgarianborn spinner began playing in clubs around his home, in Izmir, Turkey, before he even finished school, becoming a resident at one of the city’s biggest clubs on graduation. Since then he’s played to crowds across the globe and, according to topdeejays.com in Turkey, he’s the country’s number one deep house DJ. He’s also been the number one house DJ with most followers on YouTube and Beatport Mixes, so this looks like being an evening in star company. He’ll be ably supported by Jeremy Haynes and DJs Cossta and Alishka.

Cut Price Bargains

You know we can’t resist a fashion bargain and even better when it’s to raise money for a good cause.

June 30 sees the return of the twice-yearly boutique sale in aid of The Dogfather’s Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation and Rehoming Centre. Taking place at the Dilmun Club, entrance is 500 fils and you can expect to find designer clothes, jewellery, bric-abrac and toys with all the proceeds going to help with the running costs of the centre which cares for hundreds of homeless cats and dogs.

It’s a Goal

To be honest, we’re very little interested in the Football World Cup (until the semi-finals when we, of course, become experts). However, we know many of you love the beautiful game, so, of course, we will pretend enthusiasm and gather at the Mövenpick for the opening ceremony on June 14, where they’ve got a special Fun Zone Tent with giant screens, a footie-inspired menu and shisha. We might also pop along to The Stadium at Four Seasons Bahrain Bay to watch daily matches on a massive HD screen live at the exclusive football tent with grandstand-style seating, foosball games and 160 LCD screens!

Eid Mubarak

The end of Tthe Holy Month will fall in mid-June with lots of special brunches and nightlife events. How ever you choose to spend the short break, we wish you a very happy Eid. Keep an eye on www.barhainthismonth.com for updates on happenings over the holiday period.

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June 2018

Murder Mystery

There’s a full programme at the Brit Club this month with Manama Theatre Club (British Club Drama Section) performing their next show, a light-hearted comedy called A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody, by Roy Bernas, from June 6 to 9.

The blurb says: “It's New Year's Eve at the Perry mansion, and Julia and Matthew Perry seem to have it all. But Matthew wants to be rid of his wife Julia so he can have some real fun! He resolves to murder Julia by the year's end and tells her so. She vows to stay alive and tells him so. And so begins a year-long match of wits and the witless.” Sounds like great fun.

Then on June 22 there’s an event that will be familiar to anyone whose been on the island a while. The Alternative Christmas – specially for those who aren’t here for the real thing – when people don their Santa-themed finery, eat turkey and pull crackers in a mid-year Chrimbo extravaganza.

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news

HOT SHOTS

ares the r, Liz O’Reilly sh ai ch ’s or it ed e this month.

From th ed her interest qu pi ve ha at things th

Positive Discrimination

Though they’ve been around for some time, I’ve only just learned about Seoul’s pink parking spaces. They’re supposed to be women-only and I have to admit that, initially, I thought, ‘well, surely that just defies the whole idea of equality?' But, on reading further, it transpired that they’re usually well-lit, close to shops and other facilities and part of the Korean city’s drive to make the city a more femalefriendly space. So, with that in mind, I reckon a little positive discrimination’s not such a bad thing. And, let’s face it girls, how many of us would turn down the chance for easier parking?

Ride Sally, Ride

Sky’s the Limit

Congratulations to 13-year-old Bahraini girl Juwan Abdul Khaleq the youngest Bahraini girl to reach Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364m.

The teen was among a group of Gulf women, aged 23 to 47, to make the 12-day trek and it’s also impressive that, from the rest of the party, 13 were Bahrainis.

A super-fit, mountain running, exparatrooper friend of mine recently completed this same journey and found it tough going, so I’m full of admiration and respect for all these ladies.

It just goes to show you, living on a relatively flat desert island doesn’t mean you can’t dream of mountains – and, with determination, make that dream a reality.

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The release of a new postage stamp is not something that would usually grab my attention. But this is one I will be trying to get my hands on.

Forbes reports that the United States Postal Service is to bring out a new stamp commemorating Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. An extremely accomplished individual, she was a nationally ranked tennis player before attending Swarthmore College and Stanford University. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English and Physics and then went on to study the interstellar medium, while receiving her master's and doctoral degrees in physics. So, how incredible does it seem that just 35 years ago she was facing journalists’ questions about the bathroom situation on the shuttle and crying in the simulator? Or even that she should be faced with a fake interview about her lingerie and taking makeup into space? Thank goodness we now live in more enlightened times.

Home to Vote

Within the last couple of weeks Ireland held a landmark referendum on whether to repeal its restrictive abortion laws. I was extremely moved, and remain so even as I write this, at pictures and stories across the Internet of women travelling “home” to cast their vote. What I didn’t realise at the time, but am even more inspired by now, was that many women who had been out of the country too long to qualify for the ballot, actually paid to enable others to travel and have their say. Whatever your feelings on this issue, and it’s one that polarises and will continue to be debated for many years to come, this level of commitment gives me great hope for the future of democracy.

Grand Prix Gripe

So Monaco decided to buck the trend and feature grid girls during the recent Grand Prix race – ignoring the move by F1’s new owners to take the beauty pageant out of the pit lane in a bid to encourage young drivers. Personally, I have some sympathy with former grid girls at other tracks who argued that they hadn’t been consulted and were losing a valuable source of fun and income. On the other hand, I also feel that if the sport is serious about encouraging more women and girls to take part, removing the grid girls and perhaps replacing them with positive female role models would have been a good step. What do you think?

Word of the Month

Loving these ancient word lists. Let’s bring back Ultracrepidarian – someone who gives opinions on subjects they know nothing about!

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Fitness for Life

Al Areen Palace & Spa held the grand launch of Fitness for Life, its new and improved health club, at its premises.

Muna & Yousif

Mary Grace, Sami, Gabrielle & Sami

Muna, Mo, Sharifa & Jamila

Sirirat presenting gifts to young attendees

Amal, Ahad & Nadia

Ramadan Tent Opening

Al Areen Palace & Spa held a grand opening of its Qasr Al Sultan Ramadan tent at its premises.

Zahra, Fajer & Noor

14 June 2018

Maya & Rifat

Sukant, Salah, Ali & Sirirat

Biswanath & Jana

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Lynne & Lilian

Ladies’ Charity Breakfast

The Ladies’ Charity Breakfast took place at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa.

Jana, Lilian, Mary & Nancy

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Fariba, Anisa, Nadia, Ian & Kumar

Fayza, Lakshimi, Lubna & Rose

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FASHION | pick of the month

BEATNIK CHIC Be still our beating hearts. Weill is a big favourite in the WTM office and never more so than when we check out the latest accessories collection and find little gems like these beatnik-inspired bags.

From the off-kilter, elongated shape to the bang-up-to-date graphic imagery, they’re hitting so many of this season’s hottest trends, we’ve fallen more than a little bit in love.

Available at www.weill.com

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FASHION | fashion forward

Frida on Show

A trip to London is a welcome distraction at any time, but especially now, since June 16 will see the opening of what's expected to be one of the major blockbuster exhibitions of the year, Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up. Featuring many articles seen outside of Mexico for the first time, the expo will shine a spotlight on the artist whose irrepressible spirit, artistic production, fashion style and tragic personal story of love, illness and betrayal have made her an icon of our times.

Running until November 4, it includes not only self-portraits and paintings but personal possessions including her distinctive clothes, jewels featuring her pre-Columbian necklaces, cosmetics and letters, as well as items related to her chronic ill-health: medicine bottles, medical corsets and a defiantly-embroidered, red-leather-clad prosthetic leg to which Frida tied bells.

E G A T S K BAC

Kendall for Longchamp

The luxury accessories brand, Longchamp, has signed star model Kendall Jenner for its latest campaign. The brand says she shares its values of championing effortless worldliness, and of celebrating a global, versatile sense of style. Throughout Jenner’s experience in (and ascent to the top of) the modeling industry, she has exhibited an unwaveringly confident poise — a character trait that Longchamp admires and infuses into its fashion and accessories collections.

She says: “I think there’s this synergy between the term ‘world citizen’ and Longchamp. To me, a world citizen is someone who wants to share more of an understanding of different cultures.”

PASS

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a ol, trending o c 's t a h w n Our take o fashionable

Superstar Style

Regional favourite, Lebanese superstar Myriam Fares has launched a collection with value fashion brand Red Tag. The 34-year-old singer, dancer and actress explained her decision at a swanky launch even,t saying: “This is a star wearing the same brand that is affordable for everyone to buy. This is a nice and affordable brand for every woman and young girl who wants to be fashionable. Young women try to find clothes similar to the expensive pieces we stars usually wear. But today, this star is wearing clothes that those young ladies can afford — this is really valuable for me.”

Appealing to the young women in question is a major reason the brand approached Myriam. Its customer base is typically aged 15 to 35 and seeking budget-friendly looks that don’t compromise on style.

The brand’s David Pidgeon says: “No matter how big a star you are, you have to stay in touch with your key fans and they are not all walking around in designer dresses. They want fashion, understand fashion and see fashion, but can’t afford to pay for it.”

Why Oh Why?

Not sure you can say WTAF in a magazine, that’s why we have letters right? But, seriously, what was Balenciaga thinking by designing a T-shirt adorned with a shirt?

OK, we kind of got the IKEA shopping bag (not really) and the USD1,000 decorated Croc,s but we reckon there has to be something wrong here. The brand describes it as two shirts in one and is charging the princely sum of USD1,290 for this uncomfortable looking hybrid. Not surprisingly, Twitter is going into a bit of a meltdown and, to be honest, we’re not sure what to make of it. Publicity stunt anyone?

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Earth Day Spring Fair

Eton House International PreSchool Bahrain held an Earth Day / Spring Fair activity day at its premises.

Sarah, Sumeet & Zoya Carol, Bruna & Victoria

Michele, Carol & Drayzelle

Oliver & Fernanda

Lyn & Vicky

Ahmad Randa, Bilal, Anuradha

Maki, Abdul Hamid, Nitai & Yasas

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Dona, Sara & Joanna

K Hotel held a corporate and media cocktail Cocktail Party The party at its premises.

Rehana, Esky & Pierric

June 2018

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Lanvin

LOEWE SS18

Balenciaga

FASHION | moodboard

Max Mara

We all know that showing off the brand you’re wearing is part of the reason you might pay extra for a piece. However, this season some fashion houses went a bit further to show how serious they are about making sure you got it. Subtle emblems on the bottom of T-shirts or a small logo on a handbag are seemingly no longer enough for some designers. They decided to use their trademarks on fabric to create items such as dresses or cover an entire bag with their logos. Placing the label in an unusual area is a great way to draw attention and build up the desire for the brand.

The house of Oscar de la Renta, daubed Oscar in giant letters across an otherwise classical dress and scrawled its signature on the side of a black stiletto. MSGM and Max Mara put entire looks of head-to-toe branding in their shows. Chanel played with its characters to reinforce its strong presence in the high-end market.

It’s a war of egos — pick your team and advertise your favourite fashion name. Apparently, displaying them in large letters isn’t tacky anymore!

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Max Mara

MICHAEL Michael Kors

Dune London

Lanvin

MSGM

Oscar de La Renta

Fendi

Gucci

Balmain

LOGO LOCO

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Women Power Summit

Obai and Hill launched the first ever Women Power Summit, powered by Imitiaz for Her, at the Isa Cultural Centre. It was held under the patronage of HH Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Fadel & Dr Adil

Meaad, Wafa & Faiza

Rasool & Hussain

Azharq

Noor

Faiza

Aysha

Meshrat

Soad

Yathreb

Vishal

Shaikh Abdulla

Amal & Omran

Noor & Shreya

Zainab & Tamar

Winona, Noora & Zainab

www.womanthismonth.com

Fatema

Roaya & Nada

June 2018

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FASHION | get the look

NEW HIPPIE

The late ‘60s and beginning of the 1970s saw a wave of colourful pieces, ethnic-inspired prints and unforgettable bell bottoms and sleeves. Fernanda Langhammer comes up with some ideas to reinvent those iconic looks.

l drop chandelier Multicoloured tasse , 17 179-406. earrings, New Look

, white tunic Embroidered 0-350.

H&M, 17 11

Gypsy Player.

Think of how athleisure has influenced the fashion world lately and turn it upside down with an embroidered tunic and hippie earrings. Whoever said relaxed clothes look boring never tried to think out of the box. When paired wisely, they shout creative and funky personality out loud. Look for a similar colour palette and pick a stylish pair of trainers to master the mix and match. A casual handbag, such as a backpack, gives the ultimate final touch.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Round red sunglasses, Next, 17 581-681.

Black trainers, Dune London, 16 686-215.

arina Red sweatpants, M 8.

02 553 17 i, ld na Ri

Black backpack, Mulberry at mulberry.com.

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get the look vy Straw hat with na rkins, Pe y th ro Do il, ta de 17 110-366.

Round transparent sunglasses, Chloe at chloe.com. gs, p earrin 6. o r d g 78 lon Green rize, 17 179o s s e c c A

lasses, iator sung v a w 35. o b in Ra o, 17 178-5 ew Ferragam e r to earrings, N a lv Sa Fan tassel .

6 0 -4 9 7 Look, 17 1

Black beanie, Marks & Spencer, 17 211-309.

ango se shirt, M White loo m. o .c o g an at shop.m

Yellow bucket handbag, Massimo Dutti, 17 172-325.

Modern Yippie.

se, d blue blou Bell-sleeve sigual.com. t de Desigual a

te, Tory Flower to 179-560.

7 1 , Burch

Bohemian Rhapsody.

Flared w Stradiv hite trousers, arius, 1 7 172-3 06.

www.womanthismonth.com

Can flared trousers and bell sleeves be paired together?

The answer is yes! Broad sleeves are back on the racks in a variety of widths and they look awesome with several types of bottoms. This romantic blue and white look is a great option for a casual stroll. The aviator sunglasses give extra flair to the total composition while the flower structured handbag sets the boundaries of a classic outfit. mule, Max Yellow flat 1-015.

Mara, 17 13

Blake Lively

Chloe

This look is more audacious — printed widelegged trousers are not for everyone and smart side-kicks are mandatory in this case. Go bold with your bottom and sober with your top. A loose white shirt works fine while you can be adventurous with the accessories. Play with vivid hues to paint your handbag and earrings and, if you feel like embracing the concept in full swing, add a cool head piece, round sunglasses and high-heeled mules to get the most out of this unconventional 2018 look.

Patterned , trousers, Zara 3.

17 112-33

eeled White high-h , 17 ka sh er mule, B 3.

30 172-

June 2018

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FASHION |essentials Valentino

10 Things to Try This Month

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June 2018

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Lunch box turned handbag? Why not!

Cath Kidston

Beyond Limits.

There’s a new way of wearing your clothes and you just might like it! Designers have re-purposed items and created sweater-skirts and jacket-dresses. Feel free to improvise.

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Fake Piercing. Maison Martin Margiela proved there are other ways to wear lipstick. Free your inner rebel inside with this pierced look achieved with make-up.

YProject

Maison Margiela

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All-in-One. Jumpsuits can be a handy piece to keep in your wardrobe for days when you don’t know what to wear. This item from Miss Selfridge incorporates another hot SS 2018 trend, the cutout on the waist. Feminine and audacious!

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Say yes to the most unattractive shoes of the season!

Moschino

Miss Selfridge

See Through.

Transparent footwear is a thing! Easy to pair with any outfit. The only setback is that the feet can look a bit squeezed if you opt for high heels.

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10 Charles & Keith

Chanel

Zara

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This season some eccentric pieces are trending — would you dare to wear? Fernanda Langhammer has selected the ugliest and the coolest items for you to enjoy this month.

Sacai

Two Birds.

Have you ever heard of the expression "kill two birds with one stone"? This make-up trick turns eyeshadow into blush in one stroke!

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Flower Power. Floral motifs and summer have a long-lasting relationship. This season, opt for micro blossoms to stamp your lightweight dresses.

Balenciaga

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Altuzarra

Throw a Net. Do you want to add an eyecatching element to your outfit? Cover your top or dress with a mesh panel for a flirty and smart add-on.

Fruits have invaded the fashion world, make a wardrobe statement! www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | focus

Slide On

Fernanda Langhammer takes a look at the season’s most popular footwear, and guess what? They’re the most comfortable shoes you will ever own. Check them out!

S

ummer’s here and if boots were your best mates in the cold weather, sandals are now your go-to choice for the next few months.

There are plenty of designs to choose from in an array of materials and colours. But our attention this month goes to the controversial sliders. Easy to wear, they caught fashionable girls’ eyes a couple of seasons ago and now they’re back in force featuring in many collections. They’ve moved beyond the beach and poolside, heading to the streets and, to the horror of some, they can even be spotted on nights out. Wherever you wear them, a pair of smart sliders can revamp your look for a slick and snazzy result.

According to Wikipedia, a slide is a form

Jigsaw of footwear similar to flip-flops; they are backless and open-toed. They can be highheeled or flat-heeled and may cover nearly the entire foot from ankle to toe. The most common type is made of a rubber sole and one large strap that covers the lower half of the foot up to the beginning of the toes. Sliders originated in the sports world and have been transformed to meet the expectations of stylish ladies.

Designers have been creative, so it will be easier than you think to look great in a trendy pair of sliders. Here you’ll find options on how to wear them to look fab in the most comfortable shoes you can find. Be ready to look dressy in cushy footwear!

Fancy. Looking for comfortable Accessorize

working shoes? These look great with long tailored skirts. They gain a more elegant finish with high-end materials and interesting design.

Miss Selfridge

Stylish. Want to have some fun with your look? Handpick some eye-catching slides to jazz up your outfit. Pattern can be the perfect add-on to your boho-chic trendy style.

Sportive. These are best worn to go to the beach or to enjoy a pool day — certainly the places where these flip-flops feel more comfortable. They can also look cool with a pair of shorts and a white tee.

M&Co

Zara

Swanky. If we are talking about showing off, fluffy sliders will do the trick. If you’re the type of girl who wants comfort but is not such a fan of simplicity, these are a great pick.

They also work well if you just want to add some pizzazz to boring clothes.

www.womanthismonth.com

Matalan

Miss Selfridge

Casual. Sometimes you just need a relaxed pair

of shoes to run errands when you’re going for a casual look and these can give that simple, but fine touch. Wear with flowy dresses or summer trousers to drop your kids at school, pick up groceries and, if you have time, grab lunch with your friends.

June 2018

25

FASHION | trend

Au Naturel Straw accessories are the go-to statement piece for an amazing summer look. Invest in raffia bags and shoes to embrace the style. To protect yourself from the shining sun, don’t be afraid to explore the hat options in your favourite store. They get a thumbs-up to rule the streets in style this season!

Debenhams, 17 110-378

M&Co, 17 582-110

Feeling edgy?

Dorothy Perkins, 17 110-366 Platform slider: Zara, 17 112-333

Pair your straw accessory with tailored pieces, adding a breeze of nature to a sober outfit.

Straw handbag: MICHAEL Michael Kors, 17 178-630

Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com

Flatform sandals: Office at office.co.uk

Duo colour hat: Dune London, 16 686-215

Must-have:

Circular handbags are the ultimate trend; mark them as an essential item next time you go shopping!

Pompom hat: New Look, 17 179-406

Pink and black circle shoulder bag: Rebecca Minkoff at rebeccaminkoff.com

Embroidered floppy hat: Accessorize, 17 179-786 Flat mule: Mango at shop.mango.com Raffia tote: Laura Ashley, 17 580-993

Circle shoulder bag with black details: Next, 17 581-681;

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June 2018

Crab circle bag: Topshop, 17 110-369

Extra point:

The neutral colour makes these items easy to team with any other shade. Score!

Big tote: River Island, 17 110-370

Bucket shoulder bag: Charles & Keith, 17 179-307

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

Max

A STYLISH RAMADAN GUARANTEED Max has revealed a special collection for The Holy Month featuring a range of contemporary statement pieces.

LADIES

For women there are charming midi and full-length dresses, wide-leg trousers in a variety of colours, stylish blazers and smart blouses with delicate detail and embellishments. Soft pastel hues and garden floral prints on flowing fabrics add a gentle touch of femininity perfect for all your Iftar and Ghabga gatherings.

MEN

For men, the collection offers the perfect blend of simplicity and uniqueness. With an elegant shirt and blazer, men can look their best during work, and instantly transform their appearance with unbuttoned collars or the addition of a T-shirt, to be evening ready.

KIDS

The little ones get their own selection of super-stylish outfits that will make them feel grown up and smart. Boys go formal with coordinating shirts and dickie bow, while girls will love the flowing layers of princess-style dresses.

Max | City Centre Bahrain | Call 17179374 www.womanthismonth.com

June 2018

27

FASHION | capsule collections

RAMADAN DRESSING

Modest dressing is having more than a moment, with whole fashion weeks dedicated to the type of attire Middle Eastern women have long embraced. This year, numerous designers and high street names have introduced their own Ramadan capsule collections and we’ve come up with a selection of some of the most wearable pieces around.

Etoile

Greta Constantine’s caftan capsule collection for Etoile ‘La Boutique’ features eye-popping colours in quirky geometric shapes perfectly illustrating the assertion that modest dressing can be anything but boring.

Carolina Herrera

At Carolina Herrera the look is very much long and flowing, without swamping the shape. Bright block colours make a statement and the designer pairs them with matching accessories for a coordinated look.

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June 2018

Massimo Dutti

At Massimo Dutti the emphasis is as much on high fashion as on the Ramadan period with gorgeous fabrics in this season’s hottest oversized shapes. There’s also a range of super-luxe accessories featuring satin and jewels. www.womanthismonth.com

capsule collections

Tory Burch

Tory Burch has gone for a range of kaftans, both full length and tops, accompanied by striking wide-legged trousers and ethnically-inspired jewellery.

Take a leaf from her book with garments that will do double duty for the beach or holiday wear later in the year.

M&S

M&S has played safe with a range of modest styles which skim the figure while keeping shoulders and legs covered. The black and white floral taps into two of this seasons trends: monochrome and bell sleeves. While the embellished neckline and caped top on the cream model would make this wedding worthy.

Mchael kors

At MICHAEL Michael Kors the emphasis is on Ramadan accessories with a range of bags featuring mashrabiya-style cut outs including six styles that are exclusive to the Middle East.

Pair them with the two exquisitely cut navy kaftans, one with a golf foil print, for the ultimate Arabian Nights look.

www.womanthismonth.com

June 2018

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showcase

LULU HYPERMARKET

SHADES OF SUMMER Let kids show off their cool moves with hot summer styles from LuLu Hypermarket’s fantastic, value-for-money clothing line.

Boys T-Shirt all BD3.900

Kids Necklace & Bracelet Set BD1.000 Girls Backpack Bag BD8.600

Girls Headband 6Pc Set BD1.200 Girls Knitted Dress BD4.400 Boys Summer Cap BD1.900 Boys Casual Shoes 31-36 BD6.000

Girls Sports Shoes 25-30 BD7.500

Boys Casual Belt BD1.000

luluhypermarket.com

LuLuHypermarket

luluhypr

luluhyperbh

luluwebstore.com

Dana Mall 17553555 - East Riffa 17773355 - Ramli Mall, A'ali 17646455 - Hidd 17465599 - Juffair Mall 17555588 - Galleria 17172727 info@bh.lulumea.com

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June 2018

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Kaleem & Shukoor

Models at the show

Lulu Fashion Show

Lulu Hypermarket showcased its Shades of Summer 2018 clothing collection at Ramli Mall.

Mohammed, Shireen & Georgina

Alison & Hezal

More from the Lulu collection

B Chandrasekhar

BWallet Service Launch

Lulu Hypermarket partnered with Batelco to introduce the bWallet service during its launch at the Galleria Mall branch.

Kaleem, Juzer, Ameer & Vivek

www.womanthismonth.com

The cake-cutting ceremony

Sushma, Juzer & Alison

June 2018

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Badria

Abdul Jalil, Kaizad & Kunal

Family Festivities

The Oasis Mall launched its family-centric festivities offering a series of events and activities that reflect the spirit of the multicultural community of Bahrain.

Shumalan & Munish

Russell & Suneil

Harmeet & Nirmal

The Sheraton staff

Media Iftar

Sheraton Hotel hosted a Ramadan Iftar for the media at its premises.

Hussain, Edwin, Cristalyn & Marlon

32 June 2018

Randa, Christalyn & Farheen

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

www.womanthismonth.com

June 2018

33

PEOPLE | interview

ara_sss

@silvasam

THE REINVENTION OF

SASHA T

wo years ago Pearlyn Mehta was a happy member of the Red House sales team but now, after a drastic rethink and a change in direction, she is making a name for herself as one of the Kingdom’s most successful Instagram make-up models.

The mum of one originally came to Bahrain to work as cabin crew with Gulf Air but, after marrying and having her daughter, she put her career on the back burner before moving into sales.

She says: “It was actually one of my colleagues at Red House who said I should give modelling a try; to be honest, I didn’t even think it was possible but, hey, here I am.”

Pearlyn, who works under the modelling name of Sasha, as she says many of the makeup artists found her name 'difficult', began contacting make-up artists who post their work online and was surprised at how quickly things moved from there.

“Everyone I sent pictures to was interested,”

@narjes.makeupartist

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June 2018

@shoomi_makeup she says. “But initially I was told I would need to do shoots for free to build a portfolio, so that’s what I did. It takes time but, from my side, it’s not hard work though I did have to be prepared to literally hand my face over to them to do whatever they like – that’s a bit of an odd feeling.”

Nine months on and Pearlyn believes she is one of just a few Indian woman in Bahrain doing this kind of work, which makes her look unusual and adds to her popularity.

She says: “It’s the ideal thing for me. I’ve always been interested in make-up and beauty but I didn’t really know much about it – I wanted to learn and I’m certainly doing that. It’s amazing how make-up can change the way you look and, sometimes, how you feel about yourself.”

She’s certainly right on that score. When shown her pictures, her old colleagues didn’t even recognise her!

Names she has worked with include Zainab Al Hawaj, Narjes, Rihanna, Shoomi, Samira, Abeera, Eman Al Haddad and Aqella Aloraibi – an impressive bunch, who, between them, have thousands of followers.

Shoots can either be simply to showcase the make-up artist’s work or may be tie-ups with fashion or jewellery brands, and Pearlyn is in the process of negotiating her own collaborations, making her the face of a brand.

She says: “Bahrainis are very fashion conscious; they really know their stuff – what they like – and they’re always on the lookout for new things to try, whether that’s make-up products, new looks, such as the coloured www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview contact lenses I wear for lots of my pictures, jewellery or fashion. It’s quite exciting having an inside track on all of that.”

Sometimes she works with professional photographers but, in true Instagram style, the pictures are often taken on mobile phones and posted within hours of a shoot, which means reaction is instant and very gratifying.

But Pearlyn’s frequent transformations can prove somewhat confusing for the little fashionista at home. She explains: “I showed my pictures to my little girl and she said: ‘Look, what happened to your

@emanalhaddad_mua

eyes, that’s not you!’ I had to explain that it was lenses and false eyelashes.

Now, she loves it and loves to see all the different looks I show off.”

For the future Pearlyn, or rather Sasha, is hoping to progress into TV adverts and develop her own Instagram channel – you can check her out @stunning_sasha.

@makeup_khadija

@shoomi_makeup

Emre & Mehdi

Ramadan VIP dinner

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held the pre-opening VIP dinner of its 2018 award-winning Layali Al Zallaq Ramadan tent.

Louise & Dibya

www.womanthismonth.com

Huda & Lina

Teoman, Kemal, Jazim Zayani & Abdul Hussain Dawani

Luisa & Salim

June 2018

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PEOPLE | interview

HELPING PEOPLE LIVE THEIR BEST Nikita Boloor explains how our emotional bearings affect our physicality and outlines her work to help people live with a higher consciousness, leaving Behnaz Sanjana intrigued.

M

umbai-based Nikita Boloor knew that being tied to the corporate world as a merchandising professional wasn’t her purpose, especially as she grew aware of her deeper perception of people, places and happenings around her. “I always felt something was amiss,” she remembers. “Something else was calling out to me, and that is when I went and studied the occult sciences.” With in-depth studies and certifications acquired in India and the US, she is an expert in chakra and crystal healing, past life regressions, tarot reading, spiritual hypnosis and DNA healing.

She claims that being psychic enables her to interpret the energies of a place or person, explaining: “It’s like feeling a room’s vibrancy, or sadness when you walk into it. I would ask people if they had a headache, a stomach problem or a relationship issue, and they would be surprised how I’d guessed. I can also see and understand a person’s aura, and I had to learn to ‘switch off’, or I would only see the colours of people’s aura around me!”

She affirms the fact that one’s emotions are powerful enough to have a direct bearing on physical health, and toxic thoughts or feelings can lead to bodily illness. A lot of Nikita’s work starts by balancing her clients’ chakras – the seven centres of spiritual power in the

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human body. She says: “This is the gateway to solving all issues – emotional and physical.

An energy block in any of the seven major or 300 minor chakras gives rise to fears, anxieties and phobias. For example, a block in the solar plexus chakra signifies control issues – either you want to control or are being controlled by somebody. A block in the heart chakra

signifies troubled relationships. Sadness, anger, or hate, when bottled up within us, fester to eventually cause disease. ‘Cleansing’ the chakras releases pent up feelings and thoughts to allow energy to flow freely through them for hale and hearty living.

Nikita also facilitates crystal healing, employing the vibrational qualities

Once the chakras are aligned, you can reach your full potential, achieve whatever you wish and allow the laws of attraction to work for you. People often go through a brief bout of physical purging, or weight loss after a session with me, which is nothing but the release of old negative emotions. That’s how potent my sessions are. of crystals to bring balance to all the elements of the human body – its cells, structures and systems. “If any one aspect goes out of tune, crystal healing works to bring our body back into alignment for optimum wellbeing,” she says.

Her ritual oils are potent, organic, activated www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

Your local search engine for restaurants and hotels in Bahrain Hotels

Restaurants

40m

25m Entertainment

Cafés

65m

20m Serviced Apartments 35m

infusions that are touted to work on the cellular level when applied to key points on the body. “Within 22 seconds, molecules of the oils reach the brain, and are in the bloodstream within two minutes.

In 20 minutes, the oil affects every cell in the body. It works on your DNA, allowing you to subconsciously open up opportunities for yourself. Your thoughts are energy, so when you send out good energy, the universe works in your favour,” she explains.

With over a decade of dabbling in spirituality practices, Nikita’s clients include celebrities, industrialists and politicians as well as schools, colleges, governmental organisations and large corporates. The UAE’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dubai Post, Discovery Channel, Siemens, Mercedes, BMW and Audi are a few names she has designed and/ or delivered workshops and employee wellness programmes for.

They are meant to inspire, motivate and influence employees to be creatively engaged at the workplace and she hopes to replicate them in Bahrain. Her wellness retreats are also much appreciated by those who participate in them.

Going forward, she wants to spread good energy fields everywhere, including in Bahrain, where she has close family. She says: “I want people to live well by enjoying healthy relationships, succeeding professionally and personally, breaking free of inner self- resistance and negative influences, and have a greater connection with spirituality.” www.womanthismonth.com

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

June 2018

37

PEOPLE | interview

FROM BAHRAIN TO THE BALEARICS

W

Until a few years ago, DJette Kiwi was a regular name on the island’s DJ scene. Now playing a summer residency in Ibiza and with a new single out, we found out what she’s been up to since she left our shores. hich events will people know you from here in Bahrain?

There were so many shows and residencies over the years. I suppose I was best known as the DJ for Block 338, when it first opened, and Meisei. The events: I opened for Robyn S, Mr Hudson, Claude Challe — too many to count!

What have you been up to since you left?

I was living in Los Angeles for a few years, developing contacts in music and recording some tracks. I was also DJing in New York, Napa, Paris, London and LA. LA wasn't really my scene, so I moved back to the city I love, Paris [where she started her career back in 2007]. I've just arrived to my residency in Ibiza, where I will be mixing for the private super mansion to the stars, 'The White House

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June 2018

Ibiza'. I'll be in Ibiza, until September and then, back to Paris! I'll be popping around Europe a bit to mix. Next week, London! www. whitehouseibiza.com I understand you’re now based in France; what are you doing there?

I love Paris. I always feel completely at home [there]. In Paris, I'm building my brand, as DJette Kiwi – in music, fashion and as a character. I have a residency at Andy Wahloo [Momo's bar – owner of Sketch London, Momo's, Derriere]. I have also become the official DJ/Director of Music for Jorgen Simonsen. His fashion house is well known for styling super stars like J-Lo, Kylie Monogue and Michelle Rodriguez. I love working with Jorgen. Much like his design, he is creative,

diligent and extraordinary.

You started out as a vocalist. Is Waiting your first single or are there others that people can have a listen to?

It's not my first single but it is definitely my favourite. Building in music takes time, to accomplish tracks in the style and level one seeks. John [Hancock] is such an exceptional producer. I feel so fortunate to get to work with him. In LA, I did some music for films with Jeff Rona [one of the composers from The Lion King film] and completed one single. In the past, I have also composed and done the vocals for a large European fashion brand, Tally Weijl. Almost everything is available on my SoundcCloud. https://soundcloud.com/kiwi-djette www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

Kiwi at work

How did you get together with John Hancock?

John and I met attThe Sundance Film Festival. I was actually talking to him for over an hour and never realised he was one of the composers/producers for Kaskade and Late Night Alumni! I have been in love with Kaskade's music since I was 16. It seriously shaped my style as a composer and DJ. We saw John at breakfast the next morning and my friend alerted me to who he was. I shyly asked him to hear one of my demos. He agreed and the rest is history. It is unbelievable to imagine that I am working with a person who wrote three of my alltime favourite songs. It's a dream!

Are the two of you working on any other music?

It looks like I am working with Junior Sanchez for my next single but I would love to work with John again and I think that is definitely a possibility. At the moment, he's working on his new album with Late Night Alumni and a compilation with John Hancock Myon. So nothing solid planned.

But yeah, he's a genius and a pleasure to work with. I am massively looking forward to future projects with John.

Where does the inspiration for your sound come from?

This is always the hardest question.

Music has always been a big part of my life. I've played instruments, since I was five but had to take 10 yers off for my career in sports — I have a Commonwealth Gold in Judo. My parents exposed me to everything from Vivaldi to Ella Fitzgerald, Tears for Fears, Oingo Boingo and Joni Mitchell. For me, I have adored everything from NWA and Blackalicious to Clean Bandit, Christine and the Queens to David Morales, Frankie Knuckles and Benny Benassi. Ah, I was in Ibiza last year and Benny's set at 'Hi' blew my mind!

Kiwi Right now, I’m loving Benny Benassi's new single Shooting Helicopters, Chromeo's new singles, Christine and the Queens and Junior Sanchez's new album, whic,h in my opinion, is the best work he has ever done. I just wanna be a dirty house wife [as in the wife of dirty house!].

Any plans for a return to perform in Bahrain?

Ah! I love Bahrain! It would be great to get some bookings in BTtown.

It is such a magical place with beautiful humans everywhere. Noone ever understands how special Bahrain is, until they experience it. So unique! I miss the island of a thousand palm trees! www.womanthismonth.com

June 2018

39

showcase DRAGON CITY

ECO-FRIENDLY FUN

Recycle and build in an awareness-raising project at Dragon City this Ramadan

D

ragon City, the largest wholesale and retail trade centre in the Kingdom, is hosting an environmentally friendly event by the name of 'Recycle & Buil' duringTthe Holy Month of Ramadan, promoting a culture of recycling in a fun creative way.

Held at the Centre Court of Dragon City, the event is an interactive affair, where mall customers will participate in crafting empty boxes into the structure of a traditional Bahraini house.

In this way, materials that would have otherwise gone to waste will be used to build an artistic communal project.

Customers will be able to join the fun through participation tickets that can be obtained from Dragon City tenants. These tickets should be taken to the Centre Court to get empty boxes, which customers will place in the right position to complete the structure by the end of Ramadan. Participation is open from 7pm to 11pm daily throughout the month.

Patrick Zheng Shuo, general manager of Chinamex, the operating company of Dragon City, conveyed the management’s best wishes to all esteemed customers

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June 2018

and the people of Bahrain on the occasion of The Holy Month of Ramadan, saying: “Dragon City is keen to promote various causes that affect communities on a local and global scale, within our commitment to social responsibility. This event comes to encourage creativity and raise awareness to the importance of recycling, which is a relevant issue given current threats of climate change.

“Recycling is an eco-friendly practice that

can minimise waste by saving material, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. If we all play our part in helping the environment, we can bring about a change, together.”

Dragon City is a first-of-its-kind project in Bahrain and includes Dragon Mall, Dragon Apartments, Dining Village, Dragon Plaza and an allocated area for warehouses.

Dragon City is home to more than 787 commercial units, effectively making it the largest wholesale and retail trading centre in the Kingdom.

Located south-west of Diyar Al Muharraq, it is strategically sited in close proximity to Bahrain International Airport, the stateof-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port and the capital city, Manama, making it ideal for providing easy access to customers from both the Kingdom and beyond. Dragon City gives its customers, including local consumers, trade customers and tourists, access to a wide range of offers and high-quality Chinese products.

Dragon City’s working hours during Ramadan are noon until midnight, while food and beverage outlets open from Iftar time until 2am daily.

Call 32 296-366. www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | women on wheels

GETTING THE KEYS As our readers across the causeway finally get the right to drive (congratulations ladies), we take a look at some basic dos and don’ts that apply to drivers everywhere.

DO

Find out which gas your car uses and learn how to fill your tank. You may never have to do it yourself in this part of the world but you will almost certainly have to if you drive overseas.

• Know how much pressure should be in the tyres. Most garages can help but you can also find this in the handbook. Learn how to put air in the tyres and be aware that, in many countries, garages are self-service so you will need to do this yourself.

Learn how here https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=w8dBrT5q4aY • If you have a spare tyre, ensure it is in a good roadworthy condition. Remember, it’s definitely not OK to just put the spare on and leave it there to do the job of a regular tyre. Most manufacturers give a maximum mileage recommendation for spares and

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June 2018

there’s good reason for this.

According to www.popularmechanics.com since the spare is used so infrequently, carmakers have switched to narrow, compact tyres to save space and weight. A temporary spare isn't as durable as a normal tyre, with fewer layers of steel and polyester. This greatly limits puncture resistance and cornering ability. Traction is reduced, increasing stopping distances and making handling potentially unpredictable in emergency

manoeuvres. It also means ABS and traction control aren't as effective at keeping you out of danger.

There can also be mechanical problems as the spare is marginally smaller than the other regular tyres, meaning it has to turn at a different speed to keep up — this can increase wear on the gears.

• If a compact spare is ever damaged, either the tyre itself or the wheel, the entire spare should be replaced rather than repaired. And don't forget to check the pressure in your spare every time you check the pressure in your other tyres. It's important to make sure your safety net is, in fact, safe.

• Know where to add water to both the radiator and the window washer – there are few things worse than driving in desertstyle muddy rain and being unable to get your windows clean. And, while we’re on the subject, make sure you know where the bonnet (hood) release catch is and how to actually get it open (yes, we’ve been caught out on this one).

• Wear you seat belt — failing to do so is not only dangerous, it’s also breaking the law under article 45 of the new traffic law introduced in 2017. According to World Health Organisation statistics, in case of an accident, wearing a seatbelt reduces the www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | women on wheels risk of a fatal injury by up to 50 per cent for front seat passengers, and 75 per cent for those in the back. In new cars, particularly hatchbacks in which the seats can be folded down, rear seat belts will often be tucked away beneath the seats, so ensure they are visible and useable for your passengers.

• Children under 10 years are not allowed to ride in the front of the car and all kids should be in an age/height appropriate child seat. You can fit this yourself if you follow the instructions carefully but it’s a good idea to have a professional do it for you; after all, you wouldn’t carry your best china unrestrained on the back seat of a moving vehicle — surely your kids are more important!

• Go through your vehicle handbook and learn what the lights on your dashboard mean, many of them will be warnings, such as those that tell you if you need oil, water or petrol – ignore them at your peril! Also, make sure you know where the hazard light switch is.

• Do give way to emergency vehicles; move out of their path when it’s safe to do so or pull off the road completely if necessary.

• If you break down, pull off the road and put your hazard lights on. The same applies if driving conditions become dangerous, such as in fog or a sandstorm.

• Particularly on long journeys, let someone

DON’T

• Have free-range children on your lap or climbing around the vehicle (see above); it’s distracting and incredibly dangerous if you have to brake suddenly.

• Drive on the shoulder of the road – this area is for broken-down vehicles and to allow emergency services to move quickly through heavy traffic; it’s not for you to reach your turn a few minutes faster!

• Don’t use a hand-held mobile or text while driving, it’s dangerous and against the law and carries a fine or prison sentence.

• Undertake. Other drivers will not be looking for you coming up on their inside

JUST IN CASE • Driving should be both fun and functional.

Keep these things in your car to help achieve that aim.

• A high-powered torch. Check it regularly to make sure it’s working and the batteries haven’t run out.

• First aid kit. Hopefully, you will never need it but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

www.womanthismonth.com

know where you’re going and when you expect to arrive; that way there’ll be someone looking for you if you don’t get there when expected.

and you could cause a collision.

• Move across lanes without indicating.

• Park in disabled spots or block traffic.

• Don’t drive with your hazard lights on, that’s not what they’re for!

you just never know when you might have to get out and walk.

• Tow rope.

• Jump leads (and learn how to use them).

• Spare sunglasses.

• Mobile phone and charger.

• Water, both for you and the car.

• Map — the Internet will not always work.

• Comfortable, flat shoes. A properly maintained car should serve you well but

• A small emergency fund of cash.

June 2018

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FEATURE | women on wheels BEHBEHANI BROTHERS

THE LOUBOUTIN OF LUXE MOTORS Daytona P. Stop takes her high-end footwear for an equally high-end spin in the latest Porsche Cayenne and comes back impressed.

B

ack in the day, Porsche cars had a certain reputation. Namely, as a performance car driven by wealthy men who often wanted to convey a certain image. Fair enough, Porsche cars were, and indeed continue to be, performance cars.

Perhaps the latter was just a tad unfair to the opposite sex however – even if it was, or remains, true!

Let’s be honest, aren’t we ladies just as likely to want to convey a certain image through our choice of ultra-luxury items? Handbags and shoes anyone? And not just shoes and bags either, it seems. We ladies have moved on to bigger and better purchases in the luxury goods market. Yes, we’re talking cars here! Porsche recently revealed that it is attracting more female buyers. Just as other high-end manufacturers have expanded their customer base and won over ladies who want a luxury SUV, Porsche now finds itself in the same position. Apparently, Porsche's surge in female buyers is all down to the popularity of the Cayenne. When it launched in 2002,

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June 2018

there was much cynicism that the famous sports car maker was even bothering with a SUV. Was it possible to blend a Porsche and an SUV and make it work?

Porsche clearly could and did; the Cayenne has gone on to become its best-selling car and biggest earner.

Fast forward to 2018 and it’s clear Porsche did not want to mess with success, so to speak.

The new third-generation Cayenne looks a lot like previous Cayennes, if subtly refined in size and design. The interiors of the three new Cayenne models – Base, S and Turbo – have changed appreciably. A lot of the interior is modelled on the Panamera, including the 12.3-inch touch screen, but there are not too many gimmicks or otherwise distracting or unnecessary features. Since I have this uncanny knack of being unable to travel light – especially by car – a big thumbs up from me for the array of storage options. These include roomy door compartments, a space in the centre console with connections to charge two phones, and — my favourite — glove compartments that are cooled by the airconditioning systems.

Goodbye to melted lipbalms then!

It goes without

saying the Cayenne has numerous assistance systems that provide support, identify dangers and issue timely warnings but there’s also an abundance of luxury all around. Whilst driving, for example, apart from the sound of the V6 at work, there’s little else in terms of noise to disturb; road and wind noise are kept to luxury-car levels. The Cayenne is also extremely roomy. For those drivers with children, it’s a great choice. Got dogs? It’s an even better choice, as long as they don’t chew those beautiful cream leather seats! The Cayenne has also become more practical: the added width of the car increases its luggage capacity by 100 litres with the backseat row folded down.

As ultra-luxury car brands increasingly cater to women, taking into account the female form in terms of design for example, they’re also careful not to radically change their company’s marketing. Their aim is not to come across as pandering to us. Rather they seek to provide an atmosphere, in the showrooms for example, which is attentive but non-threatening. That’s right up my street. I may not be best-versed in car technology jargon but I do know what I want in terms of safety, looks and comfort.

For those of us wanting an SUV that drives like a sports car, the Cayenne is up there in the Christian Louboutin and Chanel league of SUVs. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Mother & Daughter Dinner

Renuka Nambiar had a dinner party at her residence in honour of her mother, Radha. It was an evening to celebrate all mothers and daughters.

Raj, Shuba, Fareed & Roya

Renuka & Radha

Jenan & Kanika

Kiran, Renuka & Kalpana

Thajba, Renuka & Khalid

Alison & Mamta

Sarva

Sunita, Dilip & Prakash

Vijay & Bharti

Ladies at the event

www.womanthismonth.com

June 2018

45

BEAUTY | styling

DAMAGE-FREE DYING

tylist s r i a h y Celebrit boo gives his a Asgar S on dying your top tips healthier way. hair the

W

ith summer inbound it’s tempting to switch up your look and try a brandnew colour! However, hair dye is full of harsh chemicals that can damage your precious locks, leaving them looking dry, dull and lifeless. Over time, continuous colouring will lead to permanent damage, leaving you spending a small fortune on salon treatments for life.

But don’t let this put you off trying something new. Not only will Asgar Saboo’s expert tips leave your hair looking rich, smooth and glossy, these simple DIY techniques will save you time and money.

PREP YOUR LOCKS

When it comes to colouring your hair, preparation is key. Following the right steps means the dye will take better, last longer and, most importantly, look and feel healthier.

The first step is to ensure your hair is in the best condition possible. Trim a few days before to rid your hair of any damaged ends. In the days leading up to the treatment, apply a daily deep-conditioning mask to restore your hair’s moisture and natural pH balance. Deep conditioning can make the difference between dull, mousey hair and gloriously shiny results, full of colour!

For the best results, avoid washing your hair the day of your treatment. Freshly

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June 2018

shampooing will mean your locks lose their natural oils, which not only serve to protect your hair, but also help the colour soak in and spread more evenly.

TO DARKEN

It’s a commonly held belief that only bleach-based treatments will damage your hair. Wrong! Chemically based brown or black dye can also leave your hair dry and damaged. Try out these natural alternatives for healthier locks!

• Henna Henna has long been a popular way to colour hair. It’s free from harsh chemicals, meaning it boosts your hair’s natural shine and vitality without damage. The plant-based dye stains rather than penetrates your locks, meaning you’ll get the perfect reddish brown colour without any lasting effects. Be careful, as dying with henna can get messy! Always wear gloves, old clothes and have a towel to hand when handling the dye.

• Coffee Coffee is the perfect natural way to darken your locks or hide pesky greys! Not only does it leave your hair looking glossy and shiny, studies have shown that the caffeine in coffee stimulates your hair follicles, promoting rapid, thick hair growth! Brew a strong coffee and let it cool before mixing with a cup of leave-in conditioner and two tablespoons of ground coffee. Apply to freshly washed hair and leave in for an hour before rinsing with warm water or apple cider vinegar for long-lasting results.

TO LIGHTEN

• Cinnamon The health benefits of cinnamon are endless, but don’t forget it can also do wonders for your hair! Not only can a cinnamon mask lighten and nourish your hair, it will also leave your locks fragrant and sweet smelling!

Mix an equal amount of powdered cinnamon www.womanthismonth.com

with conditioner and massage gently into damp locks from top to bottom. After application, brush your hair a few times before tying it into a tight bun and covering with a shower cap. Leave it overnight before rinsing with cold water in the morning. Cinnamon is far gentler than bleach, so don’t expect your locks to be blonde straight away!

Repeat once a week for a month to see the most noticeable results.

• Chamomile Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea and leave it to cool completely.

Then, simply pour the tea over your locks for one block colour, or rub into individual strands for highlights. Leave the treatment to dry before washing normally with shampoo and conditioner. Each treatment will make a subtle difference to the colour of your locks, so repeat as many times as you want! Chamomile is a much gentler treatment than lemon juice and other leave-in formulas, meaning repetition will not cause any damage.

AFTER-CARE

Post dye, it is important to take care of your hair, ensuring the colour doesn’t fade. Always use colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t contain sulphate. Sulphate shampoos contain salt, which will dry out your locks and strip the colour.

Try shampooing your hair only two or three times a week rather than every other day. Washing too often will cause your hair to lose its natural oils and dry out. On days when you aren’t washing your hair, always wear a shower cap. Getting your hair even the slightest bit wet in the shower will cause the colour to fade.

Dyed hair is always more sensitive than natural locks. Avoid blow drying, curling and straightening irons as much as you can to minimise damage. If you are using heat-styling tools, use the lowest setting possible and always use protectant spray!

If you are spending time in the sun, spritz your hair with SPF spray and replenish throughout the day. Hot sun will react with your colourant, leaving it looking bleached and lifeless.

www.womanthismonth.com

New Store Opening

Mango opened its new store in Seef Mall.

Fatima, Shaima, Mariam & Marwa

Jane, Alexandra, Divie & Ashwathy

Roshini

Magdalena

Sharlin & Mariam

Alexandra & Randa

June 2018

47

showcase DESSANGE

MIRACULOUS MANICURE Dessange Paris Bahrain’s latest treatment will take years off your hands and feet completely naturally, says Apple Sharma.

W

ith World Environment Day falling on June 5, Dessange Paris Bahrain’s newest treatment makes its debut at a most opportune time. When I was told that I would be the first to review the ‘Salt of the Earth’ manicure, I was thrilled to try this fully organic treatment and ready to put my best digits forward towards saving the environment.

I was greeted by the lovely Melody, who has cared for my nails before and is an absolute perfectionist when it comes to manis and pedis. After making me comfortable at one of the nail stations, she proceeded to explain this new manicure and pedicure treatment.

Salt of the Earth mixes scrubs, creams and lotions in the scent of your choice, each with a shot of thermal powder, hyaluronic acid or anti-ageing serum. What’s best is that you can also take a full-size jar of your favourite product home, customised especially for you.

All Salt of the Earth products are handcrafted and come from America's Dead Sea –the Great Salt Lake. They are eco-friendly and infused with Trace Mineral Complex to give you that extra pep in your step – literally. The minerals found in these products are essential for the overall health of the body and skin.

Studies have shown that soaking and topically applying mineral-infused products reduces arthritic symptoms, eczema and dry skin, so

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you can pamper and heal at the same time.

Geared with this information, I was indeed looking forward to this miraculous manicure.

Melody introduced me to the ‘Blend Box’, which had four magnetic scent dowels. I chose rosemary aromatherapy oil, which she added to each product throughout the procedure to personalise my treatment.

Soaking my fingers in Mineral Salt (aroma bath salts) kicked off the procedure. Melody asked me to completely relax to extract the full benefit of this luxurious treatment. She then used Creamy Scrub, with Shea Butter, to prep my hands for the manicure, and began the normal procedure of cleaning, filing and buffing the nails and trimming the cuticles.

Since I had opted for gel polish, she painted my nails with exact precision before applying the mask. Oh yes, this wasn’t your bogstandard manicure – my hands were going to be pampered with a luxurious mask, as Melody had explained earlier.

She squeezed Mineral Mud, a clay soufflé mud mask, onto the ‘Blend Box’ and added a few drops of anti-ageing booster to make a creamy concoction. She then slathered the mask generously on my hands and lower arms, before wrapping them in cling film and hot towels for 10-15 minutes. With my arms

cocooned in the warmth of the mitts, I completely relaxed and waited with bated breath to see the transformation.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the results. Not only did my hands feel as soft as a baby’s bottom, there was a marked difference in the appearance – a bright complexion, no sign of dryness or fine lines at all.

For the finale, Melody applied Mineral Cream, which is a whipped body cream, over both my arms and massaged deeply until the creamy formula was completely soaked into the skin.

Thoroughly impressed, I walked away with my personalised jar of mineral cream, which I’ve been using every day since and my hands haven’t looked better.

You can bet I’ll be returning for another treatment, and soon!

Call 17 713-999.

www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | tips

CREATIVE CONTOURING

Forget photoshopping, get a chiselled look with these easy contouring tips from Apple Sharma.

Achieving a more angular face is easier than you think. The trick lies in the art of contouring. So, why the hype and what exactly is it? Cosmetically, it’s all about creating shadows to define certain areas of your face, to give it a more sculpted look. And the best way to do this is by ‘pushing back’ some facial features while ‘pulling out’ others, with the help of some basic techniques and cool, easy-to-use products.

PRODUCTS Foundations: Using a stick foundation will help you define features a lot more easily, especially when you’re new to contouring.

Apply a darker formula to ‘push’ features back and a lighter one to ‘pull’ them out.

Bronzer and Highlighter: Get the

desired angular look by using a combination of matte bronzer and highlighter.

Brushes and Sponges: Whether using

TECHNIQUE

brushes, make-up sponges or beauty blenders, just make sure you blend well.

With such a variety of items available, there’s one to suit every face shape and angle.

Loose Powder: You need something to set the look – seal everything into place with a translucent powder.

Like all make-up, contour according to the shape of your face, accentuating your best features and hiding your flaws.

Contouring: It’s all about adding dimension to your face, so contour where shadows naturally fall on your face.

• Prep your face with primer and foundation to create a uniform base.

• Use a darker foundation at the temples and along the hairline.

• Find the hollow of your cheeks and apply just above it, under the cheek bone.

• For the nose, apply along the side and towards the tip. To add length, trace all the way into the brow.

• Apply along the side of the jawline and under the chin.

• Blend into the base foundation with a fluffy brush in a circular motion. www.womanthismonth.com

• Contour your temples to make your face more oval, your nose to give it more definition, cheeks to make your face look slimmer, jaws to give more shape and avoid double-chin in photos, and eyelid crease to make your eyes pop.

Highlighting: This is to enhance your features, so apply highlighter where light naturally falls on your face.

• Use a lighter foundation underneath the eye, in the middle of the forehead as well as on the chin and the bridge of your nose.

• Blend well with a damp beauty blender.

• Finish off by applying a loose or translucent powder all over the face.

TOP HACKS

• Choose products that are no more than two shades deeper than your skin tone.

• Mix textures. Use matte formulas for contouring and shimmery ones for highlighting.

• Don’t go overboard. Focus on forehead, nose, cheeks and jawline.

And blend, blend, blend!

June 2018

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BEAUTY | news

Gucci High Shine Lipstick Collection.

Dolce&Gabbana Millennialskin On-TheGlow Tinted Moisturiser.

Comes in 10 shades from porcelain to sable to suit skins from the lightest to the darkest and has UVA and UVB filters plus a guaranteed eight hours’ hydration formula. Lightweight and oil-free, it uses a blend of high-performance ingredients to create an enviable glow with light-reflecting powders to give a soft-focus effect and polymeric microspheres to fill in tiny furrows. Available at leading retailers.

Formulated for intense colour and lustre, these eight shades are created with the same key tones as the Deep Matte Lipstick Collection.

They’re intensely pigmented with a lightweight formula that imparts a high-shine glossy finish. The line-up of pale pinks, orange-reds, pink-reds and intense reds includes Heartbreaker, a rich claret shade, Blossom, rose pink, and Iconic Red, a classic cardinal red. Available at leading retailers.

This month it’s all about getting your glow on and sniffing out the scents of summer.

Guerlain Terracotta Summer Escape. A three-part addition to the earlier-released summer collection, this features a lightweight fluid complete with skin-enhancing complex and integrated sun protection to add colour for a sun-kissed effect.

The perennial favourite bronzer, with this year’s model coming in a gorgeous mahogany wood compact, inspired by yacht decks. The powder itself featuring a compass motif.

And, to finish off the look, a softly golden highlighter to accentuate that summer glow.

Available at leading retailers.

Lens ME at Wojooh. It’s no longer enough just to apply eyeshadow, the latest trend is to change or enhance your eye colour and Wojooh is now stocking lightweight coloured contact lenses. There’s a range of 12 natural-looking colours that will have heads turning. Match your skin tone or try something completely different, with shades from brown, grey and blue to olive and honey. The choice is yours. Available at Wojooh.

Nars Highlighting Powder Collection. Featuring Seamless

Glow Technology, this innovative formula, available in six shades, combines micro-spherical powders and pearls that reflect light and melt seamlessly into skin, promising to enhance your natural glow. The silky, lightweight texture provides easy blending for buildable radiance that goes from delicately lit to strobed in the speed of light. No glitter. Just glow.

Available at Sephora.

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June 2018

Gorgio Armani Sì Passione. A new addition to the range, Passione reiterates the keynote signature of Sì — blackcurrant Jungle Essence nectar, combined with a sparkling, joyful pear.

The new fragrance combines intense vanilla with the blooms of rose, heliotrope and jasmine to create a sensual, fruity floral scent. At its heart is cedarwood and the modern ambery-woody Orcanox, giving a maturity and character, mirroring a boldness of emotion. The colour red in the bottle is a sign of vitality and passion. Available at leading retailers. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news

Bema Cosmetics Blue Defense Face Line and Solar Tea Sun Protection Cream. The Italian manufacturer of natural

Chloé Nomad. A powerful floral chypre

with the intense, mineral character of the oak moss shrouded in the voluptuous sweetness of the mirabelle plum. From this freshness emanates a sensation of flowery luminescence carried by freesia. These natural ingredients, brought together by perfumer Quentin Bisch, join together in an inspired bottle, transparent to allow a rosy beige light to filter through capped with bright reflections sealed by a pink knot. Available at leading retailers.

and organic cosmetics used the recent Beautyworld Middle East, in Dubai, to unveil its Blue Defense Face Line and Solar Tea Sun Protection Cream. The Blue Defense products include eye contour emulsion, face cream and face serum which are made specifically for mature skin and help to combat signs of ageing. The sun screen is certified organic and comes in variants up to factor 50, to suit every skin type. Available at www.bemaboutique.it

Versace Dylan Blue Pour Femme.

Said by Donatella to be her tribute to femininity, the new fragrance sees a refreshing blackcurrant sorbet and Granny Smith apple create an unusual fruity accord. Woody base notes playfully mix together to create a unique elixir: styrax and white woods polished by water, musk and patchouli coeur blend in a captivating movement. Available at leading retailers.

Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing and Revitalising Rose Mask and Revitalising Rose Lotion.

Two new creations are added to the Absolue legacy. The mask is an opulent gel infused with genuine rose petals. Use twice a week instead of your usual night cream for revitalised more youthful looking skin – as attested by 80 per cent of those who tried it

for a month. The lotion comes in a light gel texture that’s ideal for use in the morning before applying serum and day cream or before the mask at night. Available at leading retailers.

Arun, Cynthia, Stephen, Sallyann & Islam

Ali & Zainab

Pre-Ramadan Dinner Wyndham Garden Manama held a pre-Ramadan dinner at Café Mosaic.

Muku & Udo

www.womanthismonth.com

Najet

Sherif

Nicolas & Mohammed

June 2018

51

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

WINNING THE WEIGHT WAR2

In a continuation of this two-part feature on successfully reaching and maintaining an ideal number on the weighing scale, Behnaz Sanjana shares some valuable diet secrets.

Y

ou’re meeting your exercise goals each week and feeling wonderful with that rush of happy endorphins. But the pudge won’t budge. Could it be your secret rebound relationship with the up-sized vanilla latte (Extra cream? Yes please!) after yet another unsustainable diet plan?

Remy Danaf, dietician at Health Watchers Bahrain, busts some popular myths for us. “As

standard diet recommendations don’t work for everyone, the first step in a weight loss journey should be to check in with the experts [dietitians or doctors] who can evaluate your current habits and the reasons for weight gain, in order to help you effectively achieve real and lasting weight loss,” says Remy. “They can measure parameters against which to compare future progress, and help you set realistic goals.”

Myth: Cancel Carbs and Gluten

Myth: Starve to Be Slim

Hunger can lead to increased appetite and spike cravings for fatty and sugary foods, causing binge eating and a likely end to the diet. Also, being in a state of constant hunger will negatively affect your metabolism, as your body will be sending signals to hold onto the fat. Remy says: “Skipping meals [especially breakfast] will make you overeat at the next meal and binge on unhealthy snacks. Eating small meals at regular intervals with healthy nibbles in between is more likely to help you control hunger and lose weight.”

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Remy warns about diet trends and misconceptions. She says: “Cutting out an entire food group from your diet without medical reasons is unnecessary and may actually be harmful because you are missing out on nutrients. And eventually you’re going to get bored and crave the food you’re avoiding.

“A gluten-free diet doesn’t help weight loss. It is intended only for people who have problems digesting gluten or celiac disease. Gluten-free does not mean calorie-free – food manufacturers often add extra salt, sugar and fat to compensate in the flavour of such foods.”

Good carbs are important for maintaining optimum health, maintaining muscle mass and fuelling exercise and their omission can have serious health consequences. “Cutting carbs entirely from ,the diet is one of the biggest mistakes I see people make. They are essential for our brains and central nervous system and must be 50 per cent of our total calorie intake. Replace refined carbs such as white bread and A balanced diet that is rice with whole grain portion-controlled is always bread, oatmeal and more effective for weight brown rice that are loss than compulsive, high in fibre and B unnecessary elimination of vitamins,” says Remy. certain food groups. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing Myth: Bye-Bye Favourite Treats

“When I tell my clients that they can lose weight and still have a small dessert each day, they don’t believe it,” says Remy. “A diet shouldn’t be a punishment. It should be a lifestyle in order to have long-term results. Cutting out your favourite foods only sets you up for failure. Instead, learn to eat the things you love in moderation. Even ‘unhealthy’ food can be a tiny part of your diet. Make smart substitutions to make your favourite foods healthier.”

Myth: I Can Trust Packaged ‘Low-

Fat’ Foods

Health claims on packaging can be extremely misleading. Remy advises we read and understand the full nutrition label and ingredients before making a healthy choice. The claims ‘fat-free’, ‘low-fat’ or ‘light’ do not mean that the product is healthy. It can be loaded with added sugar, sodium, unpronounceable chemicals and can be high in calories. The same goes for ‘sugar-free’ products, which can be high in calories and/or fat.

Myth: Counting Calories Is Everything The weight loss process is more complicated than just simple mathematical equations. Remy explains: “There are many variables that influence weight, besides comparing calories eaten to calories burned. Also, not all calories are equal; 100 calories coming from a cookie isn’t equal to 100 calories coming

from vegetables. It matters where the calories come from and what effects they have on your body, in the short and long term. We can’t ignore the metabolic effects of each calorie on the body [how it raises your blood sugar and insulin levels, how it affects metabolism, blood pressure levels and other parameters].”

What really matters in order to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way is to combine the importance of both quantity and quality of food ingested, and how it is distributed through the day.

BYPASS THE BLOOPERS

Remy briefs us on the misconceptions and mistakes made while ‘being on a diet’.

• Very low calorie, crash diets, like the cabbage soup diet, GM diet, grapefruit diet or Hollywood diet are imbalanced and ineffective. They may provide short-term results, but they will slow down your metabolism. Most people regain the weight once they go off the plan.

• It’s easy to overdo healthy snacks such as nuts and fruits, and protein supplements.

These are high in calories and contribute to body fat if over-consumed. Portion control is key.

• Don’t drink your calories. Even natural fruit juice is loaded with sugars and calories.

• Going overboard on cheat day can ruin the efforts of the whole week. Treating yourself to one cheat meal per week can be good to break the routine and satisfy your cravings.

• Not getting enough sleep releases ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, and cortisol, which signals the body to store fat. www.womanthismonth.com

• Not getting enough hydration slows down the metabolism. Don’t go more than two hours without water.

• Not exercising or over- exercising can both mess about with your metabolism and hormones, leading to fat storage. Be active through the day and choose a type of workout that you enjoy so you can stick to it for sustainable results.

• Watch what you eat; it plays a very big role in your weight-loss journey.

• The scale can be disappointing even when you’re losing fat but gaining muscle or holding on to water. Focus on inches and percentage of body fat lost.

June 2018

53

showcase AL AREEN PALACE & SPA (FITNESS FOR LIFE)

A FITNESS PALACE

Fitness For Life at Al Areen Palace and Spa boasts a 2,000sq/ft gymnasium area with state-of-the-art fitness equipment including a Kinesis Wall.

T

he desert oasis is home to undoubtedly one of the most luxurious ladies’ and mixed gyms, a fitness studio, tennis and squash courts and indoor and outdoor pools.

Both gyms include free weights, weighttraining machines, sand bags, plyo box, battle rope and TechnoGym cardio equipment with integrated TVs. Daily activities and classes on offer include indoor cycling, circuit training, Tabata workout, combat steps, core yoga ball, Zumba fitness (ladies only), strong

by Zumba, outside running, TRX force and Kangoo Jumps.

Get faster results with a bespoke fitness programme personalised to meet your individual needs and goals, with personal training and private classes available.

And for those who would like to either gain confidence in the water or learn from scratch, there are also swimming lessons,

with a professional instruction for all levels, including kids.

Instructors are also available on the tennis courts to help you up your game in every way.

You can use all the facilities at Fitness for Life via a Day Pass — available when staying in one of the luxury, private pool villas or when booking one of the many sensational spa treatments. You can also become a member of Fitness For Life and enjoy access to all the facilities, including fitness and wellness activities, the wonderful Garden Hammam that

houses a stunning Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms in the most beautiful setting. Annual membership also offers substantial discounts throughout the property, such as 10 per cent off villa bookings and 20 per cent off dining across all the outlets.

For Fitness For Life membership enquiries call 17 845-000 or visit www.alareenpalaceandspa.com

YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS GIRLY AND FABULOUS

Beauty Fashion Home Wellbeing Local Issues www.womanthismonth.com

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June 2018

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | food

CHEF’S SPECIAL

CARROT

CAKE

Turning cake making into an art is gaining this home cook a loyal and hungry following.

Keen home baker Nancy Aly Mahdy, 33, came to Bahrain in 2012 and, finding herself bored with hours home alone as a housewife, her thoughts turned to using her fine arts degree.

She says: “At that time I considered either decorating bridal veils or cake design, and actually, cake design and sculpture was closer to my studies.”

She went on to found home business "yallaCake" and adds: “I realised that what makes my work special is not the sponge baking, but rather my strong study of sculpture, colour matching and drawing integrated with the edible materials like fondant or icing paste.

“It takes a day or two to learn how to bake a nice sponge, but it needs years of training to sculpt a full 3D character cake professionally.

It’s not just about making things taste nice, sculpture is about weight and structure and even the skeleton sometimes.”

She says one of her most memorable cakes featured a bridal dress theme made for a friend – within two years, everyone who had eaten that cake had placed an order!

Another was a Spiderman cake, for 65-plus people. Her husband had to help with the baking and it took three people to carry and deliver it!

Although Nancy loves the process of designing and producing these stunning cakes, her own favourites are still carrot and naked cakes.

Here she shares one of her favourite recipes.

Ingredients

2.5 cups grated ground carrots 2.25 cups pastry flour 0.5 cup brown sugar 0.25 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup white sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 1.5tsp of baking powder 1tsp of baking soda 1tsp of vanilla 0.5tsp of ground cinnamon 4 fresh whole eggs stored at room temperature 1tsp salt

Method

Beat the sugar and vanilla together well. Add most of the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Add the chopped walnuts, mix it with a little flour and grated ground carrots and flip gently through the mixture.

Put the mixture in mould painted with oil and flour and cooking in the oven, preheated to 180°C for 40 minutes. Cool and decorate.

Filling Ingredients

1 cup butter stored at room temperature 2 cups sugar powder 200g Philadelphia cheese Vanilla

Method

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter with sugar well, add the vanilla and cheese and whisk quickly until thoroughly blended. Add a foodcolouring gel if desired.

You can decorate with a whole range of materials such as fresh or dried natural flowers, macarons, white chocolate flakes, pistachios or walnuts. www.womanthismonth.com

June 2018

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LIFESTYLE | food

TRADITIONAL FEASTS This month, instead of checking out one of the island’s new restaurant offerings, we’ve decided to round up our pick of some of the best Iftars around to help you get into the spirit of The Holy Month. There are dozens of great places to experience the feasts that are traditional at this time of year but these are five that we’ve personally tried and can highly recommend.

Four Seasons

THE GULF HOTEL

The famous Khaimat Al Khaleej tent has a new look this year — it’s bigger and looks amazing.

And this long-time island favourite has also upped its game on the food front with seven varieties of dates, a live teppanyaki grill, and a whole room for steaks! We didn’t have space left for dessert but there’s a seriously gorgeous-looking chocolate fountain as well as homemade Ramadan ice cream flavours just begging to be devoured. Iftar is priced at BD20++ per person with Ghabga at BD18++ on weekdays and BD20++ on weekends.

Call 17 713-000.

Sofitel

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN The new tent has changed venue; it’s now over the back by Trader Vic’s and it’s huge! It’s also a bit of a designer triumph with numerous brass lamps tastefully casting a glow from the ceiling. Created by famed designer and scenographer Ammar Basheir, it’s really worth a visit just for the experience — and that’s without the always reliable Ritz food which features all the traditional favourites with a few added gems of international and Mexican fare to keep you interested. Iftar is priced at BD25++ and Ghabga at BD27++.

Call 17 586-499.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

This one is always a favourite, both for the stunning surroundings on the bay and for the friendly, attentive staff. Al Bahrain Ballroom puts on a lavish spread with a huge selection of traditional Bahraini fare as well as Lebanese, Moroccan, Indian, Turkish and global cuisine and live cooking stations. Of course, there’s music and shisha too. Iftar costs BD26++, while Ghabga is priced at BD28++.

Call 17 115-500.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA If starry night skies are your thing, then the Sofitel’s the place for you.

Its extended Layali Al Zallaq Tent looks out over the waters of the Gulf and the roof is made of up of a dark carpet of twinkling lights! It’s seriously pretty and a lovely way to spend an evening in good company

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with great food from the extensive buffet selection. Both Iftar and Ghabga are priced at BD19.500++.

Call 17 636-363.

AL AREEN PALACE & SPA

Al Areen’s Qasr Al Sultan Tent is reached by golf cart down a fairy light spangled tunnel – what a great start to a magical event. And the tent itself has had an upgrade; tasteful turquoise tones decorate the materialswathed ceiling and tables. Fittingly this year’s Ramadan events have a Turkish theme with traditional dishes and rather delicious churned ice cream, not to mention the coffee! We’re a little bit hooked. Iftar costs BD16++ on weekdays and BD18++ on weekends. Ghabga is BD15 ++ on weekdays and BD17++ on weekends.

Call 17 845-000.

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | travel

ON A MISSION

If you want to combine a big break with raising funds for some great causes, then read on. We’ve come up with ideas to get your charity groove on – and given you plenty of time to plan and rattle the donation tin in advance.

MILKY WAY OVER KILIMANJARO

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June 2018

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LIFESTYLE | travel

Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salam is an interesting city in a breathtaking location.

Take time out for a safari to view some of the continent’s iconic residents.

Tanzania

The 2019 Tanzania Climb Kilimanjaro Open Challenge, running in June and October, gives the opportunity to raise funds for dozens of Australian-based charities from UNHCR to Save the Bears.

You will summit the 5,896-metre Uhuru Peak from the Rongai Route where you can expect a fairly tough, steep trek walking through forest where you’re likely to catch a glimpse of the Kilimanjaro colobus monkeys. There are plenty of acclimatisation stops along the way, most notably at the Second Cave, at 3,450m, with superb views of Kibo, and Mawenzi Tarn, at 4,330m, situated in a cirque beneath the spires of Mawenzi.

The sight of the permanently snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro provides a constant source of inspiration when viewed from the vast plains. It is also a natural focus

for any fit trekker keen to summit the highest peak in Africa. The Rongai Route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek while at the same time ensuring maximum acclimatisation. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. From the alluring summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m), you will have amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding plains.

Take time out at the end of your trek for a once-in-a-lifetime safari to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife or take a short flight across to the stunning island of Zanzibar for some serious beach time. www.humacharitychallenge.com

Rest up in a luxury safari lodge such as And Beyond at Lake Manyara.

Visit Zanzibar’s UNESCO World Heritage site Stone Town old city.

Enjoy the view and the achievement of reaching the top of Africa.

Prepare for a challenging but exhilarating trek.

A short hop will take you to Zanzibar’s famed beaches.

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LIFESTYLE | travel Spot rainbows bouncing off Detifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.

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Iceland

he stunning MoonWalk Iceland 2019, taking place in June, is the chance to join women from across the world raising cash for breast cancer.

Imagine spectacular scenery, crater-like landscapes, phenomenal steaming hot lava geysers and fascinating boiling mud pools.

Amongst the breathtaking scenery you will take part in a Summer Solstice Marathon, in the Northern Hemisphere. You will power walk in the land of the midnight sun, a beautiful wilderness where the sun doesn't set, walking past the mirror-like reflections of the surrounding lakeside and craggy mountains, with only your fellow walkers and new-found friends plus the odd Icelandic horse and sheep for company.

The time allocated for the actual walk is 10 Pay a visit to the stunning Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavic – you might even see the Northern Lights.

Icelandic horses roam free and may join you on parts of your journey.

hours, but this is a 14-day trip during which you’ll head to the Reykjanes Peninsula and a visit to the Bridge Between Two Continents, where you’ll cross between the North American and the Eurasian plates.

This part of Iceland combines natural phenomena and geothermal activity and you’ll learn all about its history and mythical stories. Then it’s onwards to the north-east of the country to the stunning area of Lake Myvatn where you’ll explore and set sail, as you head off whale watching, visiting the most powerful waterfall in Europe, climbing a volcano and trekking through lava fields, and of course visiting the local nature baths.

Then there’s a day to explore the Icelandic capital Reykjavik before heading home. www.walkthewalk.org

Explore the stunning scenery of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Get close to the giants of the deep on a whale watching trip.

Join the ladies for fun and fundraising.

Save some energy for Reykjavic’s famed nightlife!

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June 2018

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LIFESTYLE | travel If you’re feeling brave, take a zip line trip above the rainforest canopy.

Costa Rica

The country is known for its hatching turtles, make time to visit them.

A sea fishing trip will provide dinner and help the local economy.

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ycle Costa Rica 2019 is an amazing 36-km, coast-to-coast cycling challenge raising funds for women’s health organisations. It starts in Limon on the eastern Caribbean coast and finishes in the beautiful Playa Hermosa on the western Pacific coast. Along the way, you'll experience breathtaking scenery, exotic Caribbean culture and abundant local wildlife.

You can look forward to a journey full of fun, friendship and incredible support as women of all ages and from all walks of life challenge themselves for an amazing cause. It’s a great reason to get fit with the experience of a lifetime as your goal.

It’s a 10-day challenge and, of course, as well as all the fab sights you’ll see along the way, you could tack some extra days on at the end for some well-deserved R&R and a spot of classic tourism such as a visit to the Miravelles hot springs and mud bath, scuba diving or a zip line canopy trip over the rain forest.

Funds raised by Women V Cancer are divided equally between three important UK charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. www.dream-challenges.com

Make new friends on a women-only adventure.

Check out the colourful bars of Limon before you start.

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Get some well-earned rest at Playa Hermosa after your journey.

Enjoy perfect sunsets at Luc’s grill in Playa Hermosa.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Volker Mandlowsky with The K Hotel staff

Staff Party

The K Hotel held a staff party at its premises.

Mary Ann & Raquel

Jaime, Ishtiaq, Deo & Genovena

Around Town

Lulu Hypermarket’s Mango Festival was inaugurated by HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador, who was accompanied by Yusuff Ali, Lulu Group’s managing director.

Dragon City tenants organised a visit to King Hamad Hospital as part of its social responsibility and commitment to serving the local community.

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A cooking demo and cookbook signing by author Dima Al Sharif took place at Words Bookstore Café.

Devji Aurum concluded another edition of its Brides Week, where hand-crafted bridal pieces were displayed at all of its boutique outlets across Bahrain.

June 2018

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LIFESTYLE | home

FIRST IMPRESSIONS The hallway of your home is an opportunity to give yourself and your visitors a welcome stamped with your unique dÊcor personality. You can make it stylishly functional, old-school flamboyant or sophisticatedly sleek – but do make it count!

Whatever your vibe, keep it uncluttered and spirited to allow positive energies to flow into your home and hearth.

Rustic Statement Wall hooks The One

Handy Side Console The One

Catch Your Breath Ottoman Opera Contemporary

Take A Seat Armchair Smania

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June 2018

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LIFESTYLE | home

Meet and Greet

Hook Bombay Duck on Namshi.com

Optical Illusion Rugs Illulian

Reflections

Mirror The One

Dress the Walls

Wallpaper Giorgio Collection

Conversation Piece Seat Angello Cappelline

Dainty Illumination

Ceiling light Giorgio Collection

One For Art Wall canvas Home Centre

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As seen on HGTV's Fixer Upper June 2018

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

PUT YOUR OXYGEN MASK ON FIRST

Ouiam Charkani El Hassani on getting your priorities right.

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ow many times have you skipped lunch or dinner, because you are too busy or too tired to eat? How many times have you deprived yourself from something you really wanted, because of your child? How many times have you pressed the pause button in your life, in order to be a good mother? How many times have you smuggled food into the bathroom, so you can eat peacefully? How many times have you left the house with no make-up or perfume on because, instead, you chose to wipe butts and have long conversations with tiny horrible bosses? How many times have you cried alone in the middle of the night because your kid just wouldn’t sleep?

I personally have done so many of the above and I’m sure you have too. Someone once described motherhood to me as like the oxygen masks on aeroplanes. Always in the safety demonstration they say that you should put on your OWN mask first, then fit your child’s, because if you are not alive you will not be able to save your child — and I couldn’t agree more. If you aren't healthy physically and mentally, you will never be able to tend to your family's needs. You need to fill up your tank so you can be the great mother you aspire to be. You need to love yourself first and be the example your kids need in life.

In order to fit that mask tightly, you need to know yourself well. You need to speak to yourself with love and love only. You need to value yourself, even if no one else does,

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and respect and cherish who you are. To love yourself doesn’t mean to be self-absorbed or narcissistic, it just means that you treat yourself as you want to be treated, that you don’t doubt yourself. It means to forget about any form of self-loathing, and to be able to put yourself as a priority in your own life and not always on the bottom of the list.

To love yourself is to know what makes you happy and go for it, be it an hour alone, a cup of tea with friends or a relaxing bath. To love yourself is to take care of yourself: exercise, eat healthily, be creative, laugh, and make sure you are living and not just existing. You need to know how to satisfy your own needs before you tend to anyone else’s. At times this might sound like a luxury that you can’t afford, and that’s when you need to practise your fundamental right in this life. ASK FOR HELP! I’ve learnt in the last couple of years that some people are always there for you and are ready to help you whenever you need it. I’ve also learnt that if someone says no to you, it is not the end of

the world. It is probably just the beginning of the journey and the amount of nos that you will hear in your life does not, and will not, define who you are. So, yes, honour and respect yourself, don’t wait for anyone else to do it for you! Don’t be the first one to wake up and the last one to sleep, every day. Don’t cancel your plans because the house is messy and needs to be cleaned. Don’t allow anyone to treat you as a possession or take you for granted. Love yourself when you wake up in the morning and when you see yourself in the mirror. Love yourself when you allow yourself to breathe no matter how hectic the day gets.

Just remember: To survive, you need to put YOUR oxygen mask on first!

Chanelmama

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horoscopes

Star

Gazing Gemini

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

The demands of a new job have hampered your efforts to keep a tight rein on your finances and things will take a turn for the worse in mid-June. You must get someone more practically minded to take care of things. Romantically, your heart still hankers for a past romance but this month will not see any positive moves in that direction. If you don’t feel happy with a current partner, then you need to make some important decisions now.

Cancer

The one thing you need to guard yourself against this month is stress. Make sure you don’t allow things to get on top of you or you could have health issues later in the year. Especially where work is concerned, you need to keep telling yourself: It’s only a job! Emotionally, a recent break-up could be playing on your mind but, since there is no going back, the best option now is to take some time out and recharge your batteries.

Leo

Careful how you go on the treadmill this month. Your sign often has very good intentions when it comes to keeping fit but you need to realsze that results don’t happen overnight. Pushing yourself too hard will probably only result in making you feel worse in the long run. On the work front, you could find a planned project put on ice. This will leave you questioning your position and perhaps wondering if it’s time to look elsewhere.

Virgo

You have thrown yourself into a new career with vigour and this won’t go unnoticed by your superiors. The chance for further successes awaits but you need to balance your home and work duties. Money issues will also be relevant but may have more to do with debts due to you rather than any kind of payments you must make. Try to understand, where a friend is concerned, they intend to honour their agreement.

Libra

Finances are always important to your sign but this month you might find you have pushed the boat out a little too far when it comes to investing in a business opportunity and you will need to get a grip on your spending. You could find yourself making a few unplanned visits to the doctor following www.womanthismonth.com

a surprise discovery about your health. It will mean a complete change of lifestyle but it’s nothing to worry yourself about.

Scorpio

You’re in for a bit of a surprise as far as relationships go, and whereas you may have felt in control in the past, that won’t be the situation this month. You’ve had your chance to make things go your way: now it’s time for your 'other half' to have his time in the sun.

A proposed business project you have been developing with a colleague is set to launch next year but you need to ensure you have everything in place.

Sagittarius

You are going to find yourself in the enviable situation of being able to bring in a lot of additional money, mainly because of a particular skill that you will begin to exploit.

Once you get the ball rolling the coffers will start swelling very quickly and it bodes well for the rest of the year. On the work front, you could find yourself floating between roles. Circumstances outside of your control will see you leave a current position but you need to remain resolute and focused to find something else quickly.

Capricorn

This month will see you facing a crossroads as far as your work commitments are concerned.

You will have to make a definitive decision on which path to take. There will be no going back, so think carefully. A relationship with a current partner has gone through some difficult times and there are a few more hurdles to overcome. However, you don’t give up easily and, if you make the effort, the rewards will be worth it.

Aquarius

You may find yourself having to dip into a nest egg to help a desperate relative. Ensure

you get more than simply a verbal assurance of repayment because this particular family member isn’t the most reliable! You could be presented with the opportunity for promotion in June but don’t believe the position is yours by default as there will be a rival in the running. Do your homework and be fully prepared. The interview will be thorough.

Pisces

You had a tough May financially and the start of June is going to be just as difficult as you fight to balance the books and give yourself a better platform to work from for the remainder of the year. You can turn it around, so long as you believe in your own abilities.

Romantically, things have been a little more straightforward and it should provide you with significant relief to realise that you have a partner you can rely on to help you through the other challenges in your life.

Aries

You are set for a change of job this June, when an offer to move companies proves too good to be true. The position will be more demanding, but the rewards will be greater than you could have imagined, so grab the opportunity with both hands. Less positive are any health issues surrounding back problems and you need to seek medical advice and refrain from major physical strains.

Act sooner rather than later or this as it could impact on your new career move.

Taurus

Things have been improving all the time in a relationship since you suffered a slight dip and it seems any problems you and a loved one encountered have been ironed out. This offers the promise of better days ahead and you can feel confident that your partner is as committed to this union as you are. On the home front, there may also be a major decision to make considering the sale of a property. This needs a good bit of thought.

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last word

In Her Shoes Catherine Hughes-Ertugrul, strategic marketing and communications consultant at Dr Murat Women's Clinic gives us a peak into her everyday life.

Favourite scent or smell?

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Scent – DKNY Be Delicious seems to have stayed with me through time.

Smell, I love the smell of fresh coffee first thing in the morning.

Never really thought about it, most likely a cat because of my nickname ‘Cat’. Folks at Starbucks find this funny come time to order, so I would gravitate towards a more exotic cat like a snow leopard or a jaguar.

Catherine Hughes-Ertugrul

Favourite band or singer?

I love a mixed play list: R&B and especially Latin music are favourites! Love songs by Malouma! Pretty much anything with a great rhythm!

Your mum always taught you to?

What superpower would you like to have?

Keep trying when things don’t work out the way you originally envision – her often used the phrase is ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again’.

Apparently my Grandad used to say this. That, and always say ‘Please and Thank You’.

The ability to slow time. My kids are just growing so fast and the young mind is so charming, I don’t want this phase to pass too quickly.

Three things on your nightstand?

Phone. Water. A book I plan to read but rarely get to!

Three perfect dinner guests, alive or dead?

My three closest friends and possibly Nelson Mandela (having grown up in South Africa).

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On what do you spend the most?

COFFEEE!!!!! Starbucks is part of my daily routine.

What would be your ideal holiday destination?

More than a destination, it’s a place that promises history and intrigue!

I’ve loved Rome and Istanbul for those reasons. Norway and Sweden are on my bucket list too, taking in the grandeur of the fjords. www.womanthismonth.com