Woman This Month - March 2018

Bahrain Edition

March 2018 | Issue 181 | BD1 / SR10

Weddings Special FASHION Go-to guest looks Beautiful strangers

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

www.womanthismonth.com

People

Hend Alawadhi on breaking into aviation

Ines Kharrat – the designer in love with her materials Enas Al Fardan explains the latest anti-bullying

initiative

Travel

Girls-only breaks

Wellbeing The importance of cervical screening

FOOD A revamped favourite

A traditional Bahraini dish to try

Memories are the one gift you give to yourself.

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Starting from BHD 25++ per person. For more information, call +973 17580000 or email bahrzcateringconference@marriott.com Š2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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

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Fashion

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12 Pick of the month: Say It With Sparkles 14 Trend: Dress Code 16 Focus: Relevant Extras 18 Mood Board: Beautiful Stranger 20 Essentials: 10 Thing to Try 22-23 Get the Look: Special Guest 24-25 Backstage Pass: News from the world of fashion

People

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26-27 Hend Alawadhi: A Suitable Job For A Woman 28 Ines Kharrat: Material Girl 30 Enas Al Fardan: Anti-bullying campaigner

Feature

32-49 Weddings: Dresses, countdown, venues and more

Beauty 50 Tips: DIY Bridal Make-up 53 Fragrances: The perfect gift for mum 54-55 News: Latest products and happenings

Lifestyle

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58-59 Wellbeing: Focus of reproductive health 62-63 Food: Reviews 65 Food: Chef's Special 70-71 Homes: Colour Valour 72 Travel: Going Solo 78 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 79 Horoscope: What's in store this month.

80 In Her Shoes: Carolina Campita

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

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

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

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

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eDitor’s NOTE M

arch is weddings month and we are going all-out to embrace it. Our big weddings feature has the latest in bridal trends from the spring 2018 shows; there's also a great selection for the more mature bride. And if you're that quirky girl who wants something a bit different for her big day, don't despair; we've got you covered too.

Back by popular demand is Fernanda's wedding countdown calendar and, if, like interviewee Archana, you're celebrating your wedding here on the island, make sure to check-out our selection of some of the very best venues.

Our interview section this month features high-flying engineer Hend Alawadhi, who defied her family to pursue her love of aviation and now inspires other young girls to go after their dreams. We also chatted to designer Ines Kharrat to learn about the gorgeous handmade fabrics she uses in her creations. And Behnaz caught up with Enas Al Fardan who's leading an antibullying campaign, a cause we're very happy to support.

While the wedding theme runs throughout the magazine with fashion and beauty tips and even a traditional Bahraini celebration dish in Chef's Special, news of a women-only island, due to open in Finland this summer, inspired me to search out some other girly holidays for our travel section. Not particularly romantic, but possibly just the thing for a great hen weekend. I certainly fancy a surf and yoga break.

There's a definite taste of spring in the air and its evident in our homes pages with splashes of colour to give your spaces a new lease of life. We've also got news of the great Interiors Expo where you can find designer goodies at great prices.

There's the regular round-up of news from the worlds of fashion and beauty as well as info on what's coming up in the Kingdom this month - I'm particularly excited about Spring of Culture.

And we're still working on Woman This Month's new-look website where you'll find regular competitions, news updates and more.

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

chairman & publisher George F Middleton editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA behnaz sanjana Fernanda Langhammer RAPHAEL Ouiam Charkani El Hassani head of digital operations Neil F Vaz print production manager Sabu Sebastian layout & graphics The only ROMEO SAN MIGUEL Jayath Teki women's Hatem Monem magazine media coordinator h SARAH ANSARI distributed wit media managers the GDN farheen ahmed Ekaterina Espinasse 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 2017© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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

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

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

March 2018, Issue 181

Our month: Farheen went along to the launch of the new Red Tag app and also turned out for the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain's first media mocktail night.

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On the cover: Esposa

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Most Liked Post on Facebook

Best Reaction on Twitter

On twitter, Woman This Month’s interview with May Alhaji received the highest number of impressions and clicks.

Most Liked Post on Instagram Woman This Month’s February 2018 cover and digital edition got highest engagement on Instagram.

On Facebook, the post on Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka announcing the theme of Bahraini Women’s Day 2018 attracted the highest reach and engagement.

# Trending

What’s caught our eye in the news this month

Letters

A very stressful job that keeps me at work for around 12 hours every day has made me give healthy living the lowest priority. Because of which, I end up eating on the go – breakfast is coffee and a doughnut or something sweet, or even fast food when I’ve woken up extra hungry. Lunch may or may not happen, and dinner is usually take-out from a nearby restaurant. Obviously any kind of exercise is out of the question. Due to the way I’m feeling and looking, I have the feeling inflammation might have got the better of me. Thanks, WTM for making me realise that how I live may be harmful in the long run, and that I must figure out how to live better, starting now. I’ll be taking baby steps.

Sharon, Seef

Bored of my long hair, I’ve been considering a change in hairstyle for a while. I haven’t previously experimentd, but I was also thinking of getting a different colour. Asgar Saboo’s top trends gave me some muchneeded inspiration and I’ve gone and got myself a beautiful long bob with caramel highlights that my family and friends are just loving right now.

Maya, Busaiteen Green is a top favourite with me. I have it everywhere at home. But I never got around to dressing in green.

But now that WTM’s fashion pages have given us the ‘green signal’, I’ll be confidently adding the various shades of this calming colour to my wardrobe. The collection on the page looks great, I’ll be buying a few of those items to start with.

Ellen, Barbar

Obsessive About Shoes Chinese fashion brand Sankuanz’s latest offering involves never letting your pristine shoes touch the filthy ground. The brand’s ‘shoes for your shoes’ are thick-soled shoesandals that strap onto your footwear. The concept was unveiled on the runway at Paris Men's Fashion Week in late January. The protective sandal straps on with Velcro, and ultimately looks like a big-cushioned, rubber and plastic orthopaedic Birkenstock. Do we want a pair? www.boingboing.com Reel Love Story Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a love story so enchanting, Hollywood has taken notice. The couple's relationship will be depicted in Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance, a new movie set to air on television this spring.

The movie is said to chronicle the romance between the beloved prince and his new fiancée from the moment they met after being set up by friends, through their initial secret courtship and, ultimately, the intense global media attention surrounding their relationship and Meghan’s life as a divorced American actress in November 2017.

The couple's much-anticipated wedding is scheduled to be held on May 19 this year at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, the royal residence in Windsor, England. www.today.com

We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at editor@womanthismonth.com Follow us on:

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March 2018

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March in Focus Happy Vibes

Whether you already love yoga or want to try something new, check out the latest classes to launch at KiTrain, in Seef. Happy Vibes is inspired by hatha and restorative yoga combining deep stretches and long holds that soothe the mind, body and spirit. Taught by experienced teacher Juliana, classes run from 8am-9am on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday and 6pm-7pm on Thursday.

Sign up for a month and get unlimited classes for BD50, or it’s BD6 per class.

Ora On Stage

We’re seriously excited at the news that singer Rita Ora has been added to the line-up for Spring of Culture. The Yugoslavian-born, British chart topper will be at Bahrain Bay for one night only on March 8 for what promises to be a storming performance.

Rita hit the headlines in February 2012 when she featured on DJ Fresh's single Hot Right Now, which reached number one in the UK. Her debut studio album, Ora, released in August 2012, debuted at number one in the UK and featured the chart-topping singles R.I.P. and How We Do (Party). Since then she’s scarcely been out of the news and two singles from her second studio album, Your Song and Anywhere, both reached the UK top-ten in 2017. We’re looking forward to hearing what she has in store.

There’s loads of other good stuff coming up for Spring of Culture. Find details on our sister publication www.bahrainthismonth.com.

Colourful Fitness

Love colours, love fitness, love Amwaj? Then make sure you reserve your place for the Bahrain Colour Me Run at Amwaj Marina on March 9 – it gets booked out early and is always really popular. Billed as the happiest run in the Kingdom, the Bahrain Road Runners event celebrates happiness, health and individuality. Wear white and get covered in clouds of colour from head to toe. Distances are 1km for kids aged three to 13 years and 5km for 14 years and upwards. Register at www.brr.bh

Spoil Your Mum Toughen Up

Life Fit is marking International Women’s Day on March 8 with a free introduction to self defence for women and girls presented by She-Fend. You may feel the island is a safe place or worry that, in a difficult situation, you might freeze. Take the opportunity to learn some techniques and strategies that might just get you out of trouble. To book call Elisabetta Massey on 36 226-968.

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March 2018

Bahrain Mothers’ Day is March 21 and for UK expats it’s March 11. Whichever day you choose to celebrate one of the most important women in your life – don’t miss the chance to make a fuss of your mum. Whether it’s a bouquet across the miles, tea and cake in your own kitchen (if you’re lucky enough to have your mum here with you), a home-made card or a fancy lunch at one of the many hotels that are putting on special events, make the effort to let her know she’s appreciated.

Get Your Paddy On

We know everyone loves the Irish, so it’s no surprise that the St Patrick’s Day celebrations have turned into a bit of a festival. Bahrain Irish Society hosts its annual St Patrick’s Day ball on March 15, the BSPCA is holding a shamrock-themed, fund raising dog walk on March 16, and the Irish Society is back in action on March 17 with the Paddies Picnic at the Rugby Club with fun games for kids, a traditional parade, live music and more. Head on down and enjoy the craic! www.womanthismonth.com

Care Dreams Responsibility Guidance Strength Community Recovery Hope Communication Respect Assistance Support Growth

Bahrain Specialist Hospital Juffair: Main Line: 17812000 Appointments: 17812222 Emergency: 17812111 Fax: 17812012 Email: bshinfo@bsh.com.bh www.bsh.com.bh

BSH Clinics - West Riffa: First floor, Bldg: 767, Road: 1221, Block: 912 Tel: 13381338 Clinics Manager: 32180821 Email: bshclinics@bsh.com.bh

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HOT SHOTS

Going Out With A Bang

illy shares the chair, Liz O’Re ’s or it ed e th From st this month. qued her intere pi ve ha at th things

I Think I’m A Guy Apparently PepsiCo is looking at launching a range of snacks aimed specifically at women. The company’s chief executive Indra Nooyi told US podcast Freakonomics Radio: "What a lot of the young guys [do when they] eat their chips, they love their Doritos and they lick their fingers with great glee. And when they reach the bottom of the bag, they pour the little broken pieces into their mouth because they don't want to lose that taste of the flavour and the broken chips in the bottom.

"Women, I think, would love to do the same but they don't; they don't like to crunch too loudly in public, and, you know, they don't lick their fingers generously and they don't like to pour the little broken pieces and the flavour into their mouth." Yep, that’s it, according to PepsiCo, I’m a bloke!

Let’s Hear It For The Girls March 8 is International Women’s Day – a day set aside worldwide to celebrate the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women. Here in Bahrain, we have our own Women’s Day, on December 1, when many companies and organisations honour outstanding female contributions.

But that’s no reason not to have two bites of the cherry, particularly at a time when women the world over seem to be under greater pressure than ever amidst allegations of sexual misconduct at the highest levels, gender pay gaps and the erosion of hardfought rights on reproductive health. So, I’d urge all our readers to use March 8 as an opportunity celebrate their female friends, colleagues, sisters and themselves – whether it’s a girly night out or a small gift for the hard-working woman who does your cleaning and ironing – mark the day.

And make sure your daughters know why.

Check out womanthismonth.com to see celebrations around the world.

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March 2018

This Is Not A Love Song Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha penned a love song, Diamond Heart, to mark Valentine’s Day, the fourth he has composed since coming to power in 2014.

Reportedly sung by an army officer, its chorus urges Thais to “Make your heart like a genuine diamond, don’t be defeated by anything.” I’m smiling as I imagine other world leaders following suit – perhaps I Don’t Wanna Go To Brussels from Theresa May, sang in the style of Elvis Costello, or When a Man Doesn’t Love Women from Donald Trump, sang in the style of Percy Sledge.

Huge congratulations to the ladies of Bahrain’s women’s shooting team who took both gold and bronze medals in the 25m pistol finals at the recent Arab Women Sports Tournament in Sharjah. Mouza Ali, who dedicated this big win to her homeland, scored a convincing 21 points, followed by her peer, Ayesha Al Buraiki, who claimed the silver with 17 points. Their nearest rival was Salma Al Hosani, from the UAE, who took bronze with eight points. The Bahrain team also triumphed in the 10m air pistol category.

Weird World

I love the story from Reuters of two men who caused a commotion at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics by turning up dressed as US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and put on a show of unity in the stands before being swiftly shown the door by security staff.

“We’re getting along great,” said the Kim lookalike, who declined to give his name.

“We wanted to surprise everyone and bring world peace and then we’re being escorted out by security guards, which I think is really unfair. Doesn’t everyone want peace?”

Shame the real leaders don’t have the same sense of humour.

Word of the Month

Lunting

It’s an old word that I think needs to be revived.

Walking while smoking a pipe. Of course. www.womanthismonth.com

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FASHION | pick of the month

Say it With Sparkles

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the wedding issue than with these cute cuffs from Tory Burch. Crystal on brass, they’re suitable for everyday, just like the message they convey!

Available at Tory Burch, City Centre Bahrain 17 179-560.

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BAHRAIN HOTEL

Thursday Indian Night

Savour delectable curries and traditional Indian delicacies at our Indian Night every Thursday from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Popular dishes includes Tandoori chicken, Lamb biryani, Bengal fish, Palak paneer, Black dal makhani, Naan bread and many more.

An Indian duo will entertain you with favorite Indian music while you savour Indian dishes.

BHD 10.000++ per person Book online at www.sheratonbahrain.com or call +973 17533533 /sheratonbahrain

FASHION | trend

Red floral dress, F&F 17 162-120 White floral dress, Marks & Spencer 17 588-188

Blue floral dress, Alice & Olivia at www.aliceandolivia.com

Pink lace dress, H&M 17 564-606

Beach Celebration

Red dress, Wallis 17 583-236

Mustard dress, Miss Selfridge 17 110-352

Printed shift dress, Hobbs at hobbs.co.uk

Brunch Reception

Royal blue dress, Oasis 17 581-065

Dress Code

Blue strapped lace dress, Monsoon 17 581-804

Grey dress, River Island 17 110-370

With weddings in mind, we’ve sought out the right dress for each type of ceremony. Find yours!

Red lace dress, Laura Ashley 17 580-993

Ombre dress, Debenhams 17 110-378

Navy dress, Monsoon 17 581-804

Silver dress, Monsoon 17 581-804

Dinner Wedding

Gala Festivity

Blue navy dress, Next 17 581-681 Shiny green dress, New Look 17 179-406

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March 2018

One shoulder metallic dress, Topshop 17 110-369

Nude strapped dress, Monsoon 17 581-804

Black and blue floral dress, Tadashi Shoji at tadashishoji.com

Metallic long-sleeved dress, Tadashi Shoji at tadashishoji.com

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Jordan, Vinny & Maha

Hair Show

Joz Salon took part in a haircut and beauty showcase at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

Nawal, Farah & Vinny

Buena, Jennice, Zuhor & Vinny

Rahul

Maha, Nina & Vinny

www.womanthismonth.com

March 2018

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Oliver Bonas

Chrissy Teigen

Kate Hudson

FASHION | focus

Hoop. Coming in a variety of sizes, they can be a plain circle, have an intricate design or be adorned with charms.

Young girls like to wear them with their jeans, T-shirt and ponytails. It is a good way of wearing a more prominent earring without showing off that much.

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March 2018

Studs. Probably the most popular item of them all, these earrings are subtle and comfortable. They can be a pearl, a diamond or precious gem or lots of small pieces together creating one design firmly attached to the ear lobe. They can be worn for any occasion.

Huggie. As the name suggests, these earrings hug the ear lobe. They are a small hoop, in a thicker material where the designs are encrusted.

Classic women wear them with tailored clothes and wellgroomed hairstyles. A good pick to accompany a party gown.

Tassel. These earrings are having their moment. The long threads used to be the preserve of hippy, boho types but are now grabbing red carpet status.

They can come in assorted colours and different materials to please us all.

Accessorize

Emporio Armani

Tory Burch

M&Co

Accessories are a girl’s best friend. This month, Fernanda Langhammer talks about one particular piece that should have a special place in your jewellery box.

Parfois

Relevant Extras

Often, if you are a girl, some days or maybe a few months after you are born, you may have your ears pierced to accommodate one of the most popular accessories of all – earrings. It is probably a tribal tradition that we have carried on to modern times and one that, somehow, still makes sense. When I had my daughter 12 years ago, I didn’t even think twice, this was for sure something I was going to do for my baby girl. If it was today, I might have a different approach to the subject, but then, I had no doubt. She is actually very thankful we did it when she was a baby and didn’t know what to expect; she hates needles and loves earrings.

This decorative item is accepted and celebrated in most cultures. The tradition of wearing gold earrings is part of my childhood; we all should own at least this much of gold. Now, I like the flexibility of choosing gold, silver, metal or even plastic. Sometimes you get so used to the ornaments that you don’t even notice you are wearing them. I have heard from some girls that they feel underdressed without their earrings.

You may not want to wear them with casual clothes, but I believe they are mandatory for special occasions, whether your ears are pierced or not. They are among those little things that improve your look with some sparkle or a catching shape. The variety of formats and materials is enormous, leaving it up to you and your personal taste and style to define which and when you wear them. Here are some types and tips for you:

Mismatched. If you are one of those girls who like to show off your fashion credentials, these earrings are for you.

Each of the pair looks similar but not exactly the same. A funky choice to glam-up a contemporary style.

www.womanthismonth.com

Mango

March 2018

Valentino Manish Arora Zara COS Marni

Undercover

Sometimes fashion goes beyond the art of crafting clothes; it becomes a whole new platform where designers express their deepest artistic inspiration. The border line between exciting and weird is tenuous and some masterpieces are taken to the runways without any intention of going to the streets. It may be just styling, to reinforce a concept – however, some brands go full on building curious structures.

Japanese names behind brands such as Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe and Yoji Yamamoto defy any garment logic, taking innovative conceptions to another level. It can be too much for straightforward humans like us, the ones pondering which clothes to wear next morning. But it provokes the minds of those working in the field to be open to something really new.

One thing is certain, challenge in the industry is a good thing for all of us, even if we don’t find it visually appealing.

Gucci, Manish Arora, Moschino, Valentino and other names take a more commercial approach to the oddity fashion can become. They leave the eccentricity to the shows, putting all the quirky pieces together. However, when you take the idea to the streets, one eye-catching piece amongst ordinary clothes is a great formula to make the whole look interesting. Accessories are the pieces that can easily find a place in your everyday wear,;unconventional shoes and handbags can lift a boring look at any time. How about next time you face a strange look you carefully dismantle it in your mind to find an intriguing element amongst the chaos?

Tory Burch

Maison Margiela

Beautiful Stranger ND at Libertine AW s by C 201 Nail 8

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Comme des Garçons

Moschino

Gucci

Vivienne Westwood

FASHION | mood board

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

David & Ahmed

Iqbal & Nowshad

Aaliyah & Ali Ahmed

Hublot Roadshow

Bahrain Jewellery Centre held the Hublot Geneva Days 2018 novelties Middle East roadshow at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Sreejith, Noushad, Rumena, Josie, David, Ahmed & Iqbal

www.womanthismonth.com

March 2018

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FASHION | essentials

10 Things to Try This Month

Lipsy

Mango

Dune

It is the month of matrimony so Fernanda Langhammer has come up with a few ideas and suggestions to take into consideration for your big day.

Pamper Yourself.

It’s your day! Enjoy and make the best of it; let people please you with cute gifts. And if they don’t, spoil yourself with every little detail you can think of.

Small Touch. Even the bride has to carry her phone and a few other things on her special day. Take advantage and choose an eyecatching clutch that can be passed to you when you want to touch up or take a selfie!

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Next Mulberry

5

Graceful Secret. Finding the perfect lingerie should be on your ‘things to do’ list before your nuptials. Go for beautiful but comfortable pieces.

Little Mistress

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March 2018

Less Is More. Don’t forget that sometimes the most memorable things are the simplest ones. Create a balance between all the elements. If your dress is over the top, choose an unpretentious bouquet.

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Under the Sea. Pearls are dainty gems, perfect to match your ethereal wedding dress. Real or man-made, they are a certain pick in the form of bracelet, necklace or earrings. If they belonged to your grandma, then you have 'something old' sorted!

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Invite children for a playful and fun vibe.

Monsoon

F&F

Pick jaw-dropping, embellished footwear!

New Look

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Simple but Lovely. Many girls dream of wearing a tailormade dress on their wedding day, but there is nothing wrong with a storebought number with a simpler cut that fits you like a glove.

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Make a statement with your earrings!

Monsoon

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Feminine Dream. Lace is the most dreamy and delicate fabric to evolve into a girly dress. It can be stitched up tight to the body or loose in a big puff skirt.

www.womanthismonth.com

dream weddings Plan your dream wedding with us!

The most important day of your life deserves to be truly unforgettable.

Contact us 60 days prior to your wedding day and receive 25% OFF on any of our wedding packages!

For more information, call 174 600 28 or e-mail us at hotel.bahrain.events@movenpick.com

movenpick.com/bahrain

FASHION | get the look

Special Guest If you are an important wedding invitee, you must dress to impress (without stealing the bride’s spotlight, of course!). Go razzle-dazzle with savoir-faire!

Enchanted Lotus mother of pearl bracelet, De Beers 17 002-905.

Allegra earrings, BVLGARI 17 005-812.

Metallic clutch, Wallis 17 583-236.

Julie Lake

Grey sequinned dress, Monsoon 17 581-804.

Watch constellation, Omega 17 537-753.

Angelina Jolie

Slingback shoes, Marks & Spencer 17 588-188.

Kristen Bell

Bride’s Mum

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March 2018

You are certainly the second lady in the room everyone will turn their attention to, so you must channel the contemporary elegance people expect of you. A wrap dress is a great pick if you have Jane Fonda's or Rita Moreno’s shape. The cleavage allows enough room to accommodate your breasts without compromising sophistication. Choose a kitten heel for great comfort and add some sparkle. At the end of the day, all important girls deserve to shine! www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | get the look

Blush pink clutch, Dune London 16 686-215.

Balls drop earrings, Mango at mango. com

Tassel earrings, Stradivarius 17 172-306.

Velvet jacket, Massimo Dutti 17 172-325.

Hot pink lace dress, Tadashi Shoji at tadashishoji.com

Star necklace, Karl Lagerfeld 17 112-715.

White bow blouse, Max Mara 17 131-015.

Red and gold cuff, Tory Burch 17 179-560.

Gold HardWear ball dangle ring, Tiffany & Co 17 531-616.

Red clutch, Vincci 17 178-696.

High-heeled sandals, Dune London 16 686-215.

Bride’s BFF One of your favourite people in the world is celebrating her special day; you must be there for her emotionally and definitely look as gorgeous as possible! Forget pastel shades and opt for bright colours. A vivid pink will present the right splash of attitude to illustrate your special place. To grab the fashionista title, choose other tones of pink to paint your accessories and add accents of gold to give the perfect closing to your fashion case. www.womanthismonth.com

Velvet trousers, Massimo Dutti 17 172-325.

Brown snakeskin pattern sandals, Michael Kors Collection 17 178-630.

Bride’s Boss You are certainly not that special, but at the same time you are. The whole family will be looking at you as the cool or tough chief that their sweet girl always talks about. You want to stand out, but for the right reasons. Dressing for the occasion is your mission! A classic suit is a great pick to achieve this goal. If you want to dare a little bit, embrace a velvet number, combine some red and golden frills and pose! Show them who is in charge of style.

March 2018

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FASHION | fashion forward

Drone Zone

Supers took a back seat to hi-tech at Dolce & Gabbana’s latest show in Milan with the Italian duo sending handbags down the runway carried by drones!

Guests were instructed to turn off Wi-Fi on their phones to avoid disrupting the devices’ control systems for a show that left fashionistas stunned.

The Cut even declared “Being human is so last season”.

Regular models later took to the catwalk to show a collection the designers call “Fashion Devotion” drawing heavily of traditional Catholic garb with lots of black lace and veils. Check out the video and let us know what you think of this latest development at womanthismonth.com.

e g a t s k Bac Riyadh Goes Runway The Dubai-based Arab Fashion Council has announced that Saudi Arabia will host its first Arab Fashion Week this month.

Due to take place at Riyadh’s, Zaha Hadid-designed Apex Centre (pictured), the show will run from March 26 to 31, with a second edition already scheduled for October.

The line-up for the event has not yet been revealed and it remains to be seen whether it will feature purely modest fashions. However, commentators have been quick to point out that fashion-conscious Gulf women, with cash to spend, are some of the couture world’s biggest supporters.

The Arab Fashion Council is starting to lay the foundations for the development of a sustainable infrastructure across the Arab world, with a strategic partnership with the British Fashion Council (BFC).

“The history and trajectory of the BFC goes hand in hand with what we are trying to achieve: nurturing young talent and adopting an international vision,” says Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, the organisation’s honorary president.

Bizarre Looks Always one to watch, this year’s London Fashion Week show by students from Central Saint Martins was more bonkers than usual with models dressed as plastic dummies, mattresses and even a giant paddling pool. Household utensils were also out in force with outfits adorned with plates, vases and more.

Vogue apparently gave its seal of approval, noting that the designs catch the eye more so than classics such as a well-cut dress – well, they say no publicity is bad publicity. Our climate might well lend itself to donning a paddling pool, you could just take it off and fill it up when the weather gets too hot!

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March 2018

Pass

nd

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

Papal Fashions!

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is no stranger to controversy, but its latest costume institute exhibition may prove one of the most ambitious yet. Curator Andrew Bolton revealed that “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” will feature around 40 ecclesiastical pieces loaned by the Vatican, including a papal tiara comprising 18,000 diamonds and items worn by Pope Benedict 14th in the 1600s.

These pieces, some of which have never left the Vatican’s sacristy before, will be shown along with 140 pieces from fashion houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Chanel and Valentino, many of whom displayed Catholic and religious imagery and influence in their recent collection launches.

The challenge is for Bolton to create a display in which the religious pieces can sit comfortably alongside some of the more extreme and potentially clashing design works. www.womanthismonth.com

Ri t a Roars

Disability No Barrier

Singer and actress Rita Ora is almost as well known for her fashion style as her musical abilities. She’s modelled for some of the world’s biggest brands and is now taking the plunge to launch her own fashion line. Due to hit the shelves at the beginning of the month, the pieces have a street vibe and take inspiration from the London of the 1990s.

The singer told the Daily Mail: “I am so passionate about fashion so it’s such a pleasure and honour for me to be able to express that through my very own collection. It is meant to inspire you to be your best self, your own hero!”

Called Roara Republic, we’re hoping Rita will be sporting some of the pieces when she performs in the Kingdom on March 8.

If you don’t yet know the names Heroda and Hermon Berhane, trust us, you soon will. The twin models from Eritrea, are taking the fashion world by storm in their mission to break down the barriers that discourage people with disabilities from getting into the industry.

The pair moved to the UK as children planning to seek their fortune as fashion models but were repeatedly rejected by agencies because they are both deaf.

But the fashion bloggers, who became deaf suddenly at the age of seven, persevered and are now gracing shoots around the world.

They told CNN: “We want to tell people around the world that you should embrace disability, not hide from it."

Malaysian Street Food Preview

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel held a Malaysian street food menu-tasting event for the media at Soie restaurant.

Suhaila & Tejas

Maggie

Animal Reiki

Saar Kennels hosted an animal reiki session at its premises.

Nicola

www.womanthismonth.com

Thomas, Cristalyn & Edwin

Keshia & Wispa

Ian & Leslie

Georgina & Farah

March 2018

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PEOPLE | interview

A Suitable Job for A Woman Hend Alawadhi tells Liz O’Reilly how her fascination with aviation gave her the determination to defy her family and fly high in her chosen career.

Hend Alawadhi

W

ith a grade point average of 97.8 (which works out at 99 overall), Hend was not short of scholarship offers when she graduated from a government school. However, this bright Bahraini had always been interested in aviation and wanted to be a pilot.

Her dad, however, despite working in the field himself, said he would support her in virtually any career but not aviation! “My father worked in aviation but he was not supportive; he didn’t understand that it could be a good career for a female,” says Hend. “He actually wanted me to be a doctor but I have always wanted to be in aviation – it’s like an addiction.”

Her father did later change his mind!

Fortuitously, she heard about a new programme set up by Tamkeen and Bahrain Airport Services offering scholarships in aircraft engineering. Without telling anyone, she turned down her other offers and applied.

Out of 500 hopefuls, she was one of just 30 to be chosen for the four-year course.

Following two years of theory, she embarked on two years with Gulf Air, as the only female trainee at the time. She says: “As a woman in this field, I had to give twice as much as the men to prove myself.

“I spent that whole two years virtually the whole time at the airport and, in the end, I qualified for my licence ahead of time because I had the necessary hours.”

In fact, at just 22, she qualified with both B1 – mechanical (aircraft structure, powerplant and mechanical and electrical systems) and later B2 – avionics (communications, navigation, radar, instrument and electrical systems) parts of the licence.

She was Gulf Air’s youngest engineer and says: “At the age of 23, I was signing off my first planes.” This means that as the aircraft engineer, she would be certifying the planes' fitness to fly.

Working with the national carrier, she flew around the world as the planes have to be checked and signed off before each take-off. Over 10 years of 12-hour days, one thing she was careful about was to make time for herself and preserve her sense of femininity, saying: “It’s really important to take time out. I don’t think it’s necessary to

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March 2018

www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

become masculine to succeed in a man’s world. You don’t have to have the short hair and short nails, unless that’s what you really want. You can still look like a woman, get your hair done, visit the salon – it’s about ability to do the job.”

Interest in her role has led to TV and media appearances which, in turn, inspired an Instagram account @hend_alawadhi where she shares pictures and lifestyle advice with her 24,000 followers. She says: “I love fashion, so that was a part of it, but I felt it was important because I would often get young girls and women asking me ‘How did you do it?’ and my answer to them is always ‘You have to shut out the negative voices and concentrate on whatever it is that you really want.'

“A lot of girls give up and it’s not because they are not smart or capable but because of how men or society will treat them – I’ve been to television appearances where they’re convinced I’m the stylist, not the engineer.

A pilot once refused to take my word to sign off a plane and I told him ‘OK, then you better leave, this is my aircraft and I’m responsible for it.'

“I was not that woman 12 years ago when I started out and I don’t really know how I continued sometimes. I’ve heard a lot of things that could have made me give up; specially in our society, it’s not easy being the only woman in the room. I think the main thing that helped me was that I just didn’t listen to the comments and got on with the job.

And I don’t find this from the younger generation; things are changing a lot.”

These days she is with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications as a senior airworthiness inspector, the only woman to hold the position.

And, not content with making history, she also has her own fashion store selling www.womanthismonth.com

interesting pieces she picks up on her travels.

She explains: “I started out bringing things back for family and friends and then decided to start my own collection.” She only offers three pieces of each item but the collection is semion hold at the moment as Hend is considering increasing the scale to a more commercial operation.

A new salon is the latest addition to her portfolio and future plans include travelling around the world. However, for now, the newly-wed, who postponed her nuptials twice due to work commitments, is turning her attention to the all-important business of starting a family.

And, what if her own daughter decided to go for a 'way-out' career? “I’d support her 110 per cent,” says Hend. “In fact, if she wanted to go for a regular option, I’d ask her to try thinking outside the box!

“As women, we often look to what’s expected of us and that holds us back from doing great things – the most important thing we have to do is support each other!” g

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PEOPLE | interview

Material Girl Designer Ines Kharrat talks about the very specific materials she uses and the inspiration for her gorgeous creations.

Ines came to Bahrain just two and a half years ago with her engineer husband, and having some spare time gave her the opportunity to pursue a long-held passion.

She explains: “When I left university, after studying fashion design, I travelled with my husband to different countries such as the US and Germany – but all the time this was in my blood. At that time though, I was busy raising my kids and I never felt stable enough to work.”

Arriving in Bahrain, she began making pieces for herself – interesting over jackets, flowing and beautiful, which soon gained friends’ envious attention. “I started by designing a couple of pieces for myself and every time I wore them at parties or events, many ladies loved them and asked where I got them from. So, I finally got the idea to start my own brand while at the same time showing the special and unique work of the Tunisian artisans.”

That work is very apparent in the range of woven materials she uses, all created in her Tunisian homeland to her own orders. Ines explains: “I was at an exhibition in Tunis and fell in love with the texture and the colours; from the beginning I have always loved anything that looks natural and organic. When I found this fabric, I started to take all the addresses of the producers, then I got in my car and drove for four hours by myself and went to meet the makers. I would give them designs to see the results and decided to go with the ones who could create my designs the best.

“Some could do good work but this involved making modern designs – not

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March 2018

what they were used to. It involved visiting many different families and areas. In Tunisia, each town or area has different weavers working in different materials, from linen to silk mixes and wool. I made the choices that would work best with the different designs. The embroidered piece on this jacket [pictured] is hand-stitched by a woman on a small island off the coast.”

The brand LeBonTon was born in 2015 and Ines has produced a summer collection, including beach dresses, a Ramadan collection featuring kaftans, abayas and jalabiyas and she is now working on her next collection with her pieces being available online through her Instagram @ lebonton_by_ines and at various pop-ups around the island.

Asked who is the LeBonTon woman?

She responds: “She is elegant but very selective! She wants to wear unique designs fashioned out of 100 per cent natural fabric with special textures and wonderful colours.”

And of the brand’s future, she has big plans, saying: “I am planning to show my work in other countries in the Gulf and Europe. Very soon I will display my designs in a shop! My dream is to spread my models all around the world and have my own factory.”

When not busy designing, she loves painting and even uses her fabrics and silver pieces within her artworks, rendering each piece unique. She’s also an avid photographer, kitchen enthusiast and gym addict, which helps her stay in shape for modelling her own creations. www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

Empowering Youth to Beat the Bullies Enas Al Fardan tells Behnaz Sanjana how a not-for-profit organisation harnesses the talents of local youth for the betterment of society.

T

he Naseem Initiative, a voluntary programme started by the Bahraini Youth Forum Society (BYFS) in 2013, aims to provide emotional support to disadvantaged sections of society, such as the differently abled, and abused women and children. “By producing ‘art awareness projects’ like short films, music clips, paintings, photography, calligraphy and caricatures, we shed light on their issues, suffering and aspirations, and channel their voice to the broader community,” says Enas Al Fardan, who heads the initiative. “The artworks and projects gain attention through various social and conventional media channels and are showcased at different creative events.”

According to Enas the society seeks to engage young people and leverage their talents to support the underprivileged who need a helping hand. “It is a platform for youngsters to develop their own talents for a noble cause,” she says.

Naseem Initiative’s first three projects – ‘Turning Point’, in support of people with injury-related disabilities; ‘Enter My World’, in support of young people with autism; and ‘We Respect Her’, to fight domestic violence against women – were successful in creating awareness about pressing societal issues. The fourth initiative, ‘When You Hurt’, focuses on bullying in schools.

“Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behaviour among school-aged children that involves

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March 2018

Enas Al Fardan

a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both parties may have serious, lasting problems – people who were bullied as children are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem, well into adulthood, and the bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour later in life. Several incidents have resulted in children committing suicide due to being bullied at school, which shows how serious and dangerous this problem can be. However, many victims do not speak up against it,” says Enas.

She believes that for schools to have a healthy environment that produces well-educated and balanced graduates, all violent acts, including bullying, need to be stemmed. “Our main objective is to educate students, parents, teachers and the rest of the community on the real meaning of bullying, what it entails, its dangerous consequences on both the bully and the bullied in the short and long term, and, most importantly, how we can fight it.

Furthermore, we advocate strengthening the schools’ policies against these acts as well as procedures to minimise the problem.”

This one-year project, running until November 2018, will deliver several activities including conducting a study which will measure the prevalence of bullying in

Bahrain’s schools, understanding the root causes and recommending actions to prevent and curtail the issue. Anti-bullying workshops will be held for students of private schools and simple, yet creative, infographics on the subject will be spread across social media, posters and stationery.

Enas says: “Short videos explaining the meaning of bullying, and how students can protect themselves, as well as a music clip with influential lyrics are to be produced. Paintings, photography, calligraphy and caricature works will highlight the act’s negative impact. Our social media awareness campaign will have short videos of famous celebrities from the GCC and Middle East to talk about the topic and encourage everyone to support its end. A video competition for the youth and an open forum with parents on how to address the issue along with a specialised panel to address their questions will also be held.”

All of the artworks, videos and music clips will be showcased in an Art and Awareness festival on May 5, coinciding with International Anti Bullying Day. Project partners are the Be Free Programme and Heads and Hearts Psychotherapy and Counselling Centre. “We are also going to approach the Shura Council, Child Protection Centre, and similar organisations to be on board with us,” Enas says. g www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview FEATURE | weddings

The wedding season is upon us. It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to nuptials – attending them, organising them and being the one saying “I do”. Our extensive Weddings feature includes a back-by-populardemand wedding checklist as well as our all-important selection of some of the most gorgeous gowns around whether you want to be a fairy princess or are aiming for a more mature or quirky look. We’ve also rounded-up some of the hottest wedding venues on the island and Behnaz Sanjana chatted with one bride who will be holding her threeday celebrations here this month.

The wedding theme runs throughout the magazine with outfit tips from Fernanda Langhammer on our fashion pages, make-up advice from Apple Sharma in the beauty section and even a traditional Bahraini wedding dish in the food pages. So, whatever your role on the big day, we’ve got you covered.

March 2018 32 32 February 2018

Wedding Belles

www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

Her Big Island Wedding Exciting times lie ahead for Archana Prakash, as she prepares to step into matrimony with the love of her life. Behnaz Sanjana chatted with the bride-to-be about what actually happens at a wedding that spans three days!

For the last few months, Archana, brand manager at BMMI, has thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in preparations for her wedding to long-time sweetheart Collin. “We’re both born and brought up in Bahrain,” says Archana, whose Indian-origin family has been living on the island for three generations. “My grandfather started Devji Jewellers in Bahrain, and the family has been here ever since.”

The couple has chosen the Al Areen Palace and Spa to stage their important wedding ceremonies, as they wanted a serene setting away from the city in which to solemnise their love. It all kicks off with the mehendi ceremony attended by close family and friends, at which ladies will adorn their hands and feet with intricate henna designs. The sangeet follows – a musical night replete with song, dance and much laughter, that Indian weddings are so famous for. “We’re having a flash mob with all our relatives joining in the www.womanthismonth.com

show before the dance floor opens to the rest of the guests,” she reveals.

The wedding procession commences the next evening, heading for the majestic Al Qasr tent, where the couple will tie the knot. This will give way to the reception – dinner, dance and much merrymaking. Archana chose all her outfits for the pre-wedding and wedding rites and ceremonies, from Satya Paul and Sabyasachi, the best-known Indian labels, famed for their breathtakingly gorgeous ethnic wear. “For the sangeet I’ll be wearing an Indian-inspired gown, and Collin will be in an Indo-Western jacket. My wedding outfit is dark maroon, while Collin will be in cream and gold,” she says. Her jewellery is being custommade by Devji, and will be embellished with precious stones including rubies and emeralds to go with her attire.

In keeping with the traditions of Collin’s side of the family, the couple will exchange their wedding vows at the Sacred Heart Church in Manama. “I’ve picked my bridal gown from Pronovias at Moda Mall and I absolutely love the beautiful design I’ve selected,” says Archana. Over the three days, her hair and make-up will be done by Gloss Salon, and the meticulous bride has already had her trials done with them to nail the look she wants at each of the functions.

The guests have already had a taste of the grandeur that awaits them at this lavish wedding from the beautiful invitation card they’ve received. And they’re in for a gastronomic treat too. “The mehendi is an afternoon do, so we’re going to have high

tea and easy-to-eat, bite-sized kathi rolls and paneer amritsari, with our hands going to be hennaed. For the sangeet, there will be a mix of Indian, Italian and Arabic cuisine for the 300 multicultured guests.

The wedding spread will be similar, although it will be much bigger, to cater to around 500 invitees."

With both of them having busy careers, planning a grand-scale wedding can translate to hectic days, so we asked Archana what she does to keep calm and carry on. The glowing bride-to-be says, “I’m going crazy with all the myriad preparations – seeing to the decorations, the flowers and other details – and also rehearsing our dance routines for the sangeet. I go for my massage and facial sessions at Dessange every two weeks, and Collin and I go to the gym to look and feel great, but as the date is coming closer, it’s been difficult to dedicate time to that.”

The newly-weds are looking forward to spending some quality ‘we-time’ after their nuptials within the tranquil precincts of the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, after which they fly off to the Maldives and Sri Lanka for a romantic honeymoon. We wish Archana the fairytale wedding she has imagined, and much luck for a new chapter in life with Collin.

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FEATURE | weddings

Love Takes Centre Stage 9 Months before:

• If you haven’t yet, you must organise your families to meet. Pick a nice restaurant that you both enjoy and take your parents for an enjoyable lunch or dinner.

• You can also start thinking of bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and page boys.

• Discuss the type of wedding you want, if a big fat wedding with the whole family and friends or a romantic escape with a few close relatives and good friends. Include budget in the discussion, this way you also define what kind of celebration you will have.

• Start searching for the styles of dresses you like best. You can collect wedding magazines, cut out the frocks and make a visual collection.

• Organise your gift registry, this may be with a particular store or online.

34 March 2018

nning each la p y b y a d g il weddin This Month’s n Have a tranqu a m o W w o nce. Foll . Don’t forget y detail in adva a d d n a r g y a happ check-list for ceremony and n w o r u o y o t teps to adapt the s ditions. reception tra 6 Months before:

• Help your mother and mother-in-law with their outfits.

• Investigate accommodation options for outof-town guests.

• Book in for a marriage preparation course if required.

• Start thinking of your honeymoon. What kind of trip you would like to take; the romantic package or unusual adventurous places. Research to find the best destination, use your budget as guidance (check travel at womanthismonth.com).

• Select the stationery for invitations, envelopes, thank you cards/notes and place name cards. Book a calligrapher if you want to use one.

• Start visiting venues and caterers to shortlist the options and then decide on the venue. Having an idea of number of guests will help define your choice.

4 Months before:

• Discuss your beauty regime with your beauty therapist. Decide if you want to change the colour of your hair, let it grow longer or start any hair treatment well in advance. This way you get the best results when the big day comes.

• Decide if you want live music or a DJ to provide the entertainment at your the party. If you are going to invite kids, it would be a nice idea to provide some sort of distraction for them during the party.

• Choose and purchase your wedding rings.

If you are going to have a special design, it is important to select it in advance so it is ready for the wedding day.

• Renew passports if necessary.

www.womanthismonth.com

2 Months before:

• Send invitations to your guests and ask them to RSVP by a month before the ceremony. This way you can have an idea of the number of people attending in advance to then finalise the catering.

• Organise dancing lessons for the first dance, particularly if your partner has two left feet!

• Have your hair and make-up trials.

• Confirm: colours, florist and type of decoration, photographer, videographer and musician/DJ. • Decide on your dress, so the tailor or store can start working on it.

• Organise any legal work such as pre- nuptial agreements.

• Order groom’s and groomsmen’s suits.

1 Month before:

• By this stage you will have the approximate number of guests attending your wedding.

Decide on the menu. Don’t forget to consider all types of food restrictions such as vegans and also people with dairy and peanut allergies. Give at least one option for each of them.

• Apply for your marriage licence.

• Have a dress fitting including accessories.

Take one of your bridesmaids and most probably your mum, so they will know exactly how to help you on the big day.

• Make sure the bridesmaids have their dresses, footwear and accessories.

• Confirm honeymoon accommodation and flight bookings.

• Start making your seating plan (this way you have time for disagreements).

2 Weeks before:

• Confirm with everyone that you booked if everything is all set. Give the contact of each company to one of your bridesmaids.

www.womanthismonth.com

• • • • •

Make sure that the venue, caterer, celebrant/minister, photographer, videographer, entertainment person, florist, cake maker, hairdresser and make-up artist have an emergency number to call.

Make a list of everything that needs to be set up and/or taken to the ceremony and reception.

Have bachelor and bachelorette nights.

Go for your final dress fitting.

Have your final haircut and colour before the wedding.

Practise walking around in your wedding shoes.

1 Week before:

• Pick up your wedding dress and hang it in a safe place.

• Have your engagement ring cleaned.

• Pack an emergency kit for the day (BandAid, pain killers, antiseptic etc) • Check on final arrangements such as who is taking the gifts home after the wedding?

Who is dry-cleaning your dress the next day? Who is returning the suits?

• Finalise your wedding vows.

• Have your wedding rehearsal.

The day before:

• Relax and spend some quality time on your own, it will probably be last day of your life that you’ll be able to do so.

• Present each other with special gifts and remind each other why you decided to spend the rest of your lives together.

• Give your wedding bands to the best man and/or the bridesmaid to hold during the ceremony.

The Big Day:

Enjoy yourself!

March 2018

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showcase Lulu Hypermarket

Dress to Impress Strut like a Bollywood starlet with these elegant and on-trend items of ethnic attire, perfect for an Indian wedding or special occasion. Match them with bejewelled accessories for extra pizzazz!

Fancy bag with beads and thread combination in sliver and golden stonework. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India), available in four colours.

BD14.900 Georgette, semi-stitched blue churidar material with embroidery and diamond work. Full-sleeved, with dupatta (stole).

Size: up to 44.

BD29.900

Golden laser chiffon heavy work saree with cut work border.

BD30.900

Clutch bag, black or gold body with stonework. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India), available in two colours.

BD19.900

Clutch bag, single colour body with golden stones and beads combination work. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India).

Available in three colours.

BD15.900 36 March 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Minaudière with mirror and pearl combination, with long golden metal strap. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India). Available in two colours.

BD14.900

Clutch bag, single colour body with beadwork and white or black stones. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India).

Available in three colours.

BD18.900

Pink chiffon saree.

Embroidery full work with golden thread work border.

BD40.900

Decorative thread bag with golden stones. Comes with a short, beaded strap or a long golden chain. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India). Available in three colours.

BD12.900

Minaudière, sequence work with long golden strap. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India). Available in four colours.

BD11.900

Georgette semi-stitched maroon churidar material with embroidery and diamond work. Full-sleeved, with dupatta (stole). Size: up to 44.

BD29.900

Jute clutch bag with pearl and stone work. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India).

Available in five colours.

BD8.900 Ornate bag, single colour body with thread work, comes in short and long straps. Brand: Cortigiani (made in India).

Available in three colours.

BD16.900

Available at all Lulu Hypermarket outlets in Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com

March 2018 37

FEATURE | weddings

The Location of Love

You’ve probably played out your wedding day in your mind ever since you understood the concept of love that lives forever. Bahrain has some fantastic venues that’ll help your nuptials live up to those dreams.

This iconic hotel is the venue that makes a statement. Enjoy the sophistication and privacy of its chic interiors and wellmanicured outdoor areas for a wedding straight out of a fairytale. The Bahrain and Manama Ballrooms can comfortably welcome up to 750 guests and are cut out to host traditional Bahraini weddings. The hotel’s wedding specialists will help you plan your fantasy with everything just as you imagined it – from the flowers and photography to décor and menus.

This establishment prides itself on the thoughtful facilities provided, making it your perfect partner in planning your big day.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay The RitzCarlton Bahrain

This property has beachfront lawns to exchange your vows, an elegant wedding hall and an outdoor tent where guests can enjoy the island life. Choose from the Al Ghazal or Al Noor Ballrooms which are fit for royalty, and can seat up to 750 guests. The Al Khayma Tent can hold around 250 people and the private island can accommodate around 600 invitees.

Besides grandiose décor and a lavish dinner spread, the hotel offers a host of luxury amenities depending on which wedding package you select – Elite, Sapphire or Diamond.

Gallery 21

This elegant and modern venue is one of the best places on the island to commemorate your love and adoration for one another. The venue boasts gorgeous colonial-style décor in pale hues to complement any style of wedding décor. The Courtyard, at Gallery 21, prides itself on providing you with personalised menus, live entertainment, and special options for Arabic women’s weddings which allow the event to be completely private. And since the venue is part of a complex boasting several linked outlets, guests will have plenty to explore.

This hospitality stalwart offers everything to ensure a memorable wedding affair for you and your guests. The Al Taj and Awali Ballrooms can be the ideal setting, decorated to your preference, for you and your significant other to celebrate your love with the world, and can accommodate up to 600 invitees. The newly-weds can rest assured that their guests will have a gala time with top-notch gastronomy and dazzling ambience, after which they can unwind in a complimentary suite, enjoy a honeymoon breakfast the following morning and lunch at the Al Safir restaurant.

Sheraton Bahrain

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FEATURE | weddings

Art Rotana La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art This venue is a historical monument dating back 150 years. The structure that embodies the essence of a grand European chateau is one of the most romantic locations to get married in.

Although it is in the midst of Manama’s busy by-lanes, once you enter the building you and your guests will be transported to an oasis of bliss. The beautiful outdoor dining area seats around 250 guests, while the cosy indoors can hold 100 people.

This elegant and modern venue is one of the best places on the island to commemorate your love and adoration for one another. Choose the stylish Thuraya Ballroom for a perfect wedding reception, no matter how large or intimate your event. ART Rotana prides itself on providing you with personalised menus, live entertainment, beautiful table decorations, indoor or outdoor ceremony locations, creative floral crafts and seamless service for your important occasions. The experienced wedding specialists will develop bespoke and unique packages for each couple, resulting in a hassle-free experience and a memorable celebration.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Here is where you can have your Hollywoodinspired beach wedding, or say "I do" at five other stunning indoor options with up to 650 guests witnessing the sealing of your unique bond. With a harmonious blend of French hospitality and warm Arabian influences, this hotel affords you your own little paradise away from the urban jungle for an unforgettable wedding day. Count on the dedicated team of wedding planners for inspirational wedding ideas, including a range of gorgeous themes to choose from.

Their impeccable organisation will help you turn your wedding dreams into reality.

The opportunity to use the property’s uberrelaxing hydrotherapy spa is the cherry on the icing.

The K Hotel

This property nestled in a relatively quiet corner of Juffair is ideal for a small, intimate gathering of family and friends. The banquet room can accommodate 100-120 guests. The hotel promises a delicious spread of culinary delights, spanning Arabic, Mediterranean, Indian, Oriental and European cuisines.

The hotel will be happy to create tailor-made menus of your favourite dishes.

The culinary team can also organise outdoor catering for your wedding party at a location of your choice.

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa This hotel vows to give you a stylish, sophisticated, stress-free and flawless wedding day from start to finish. The property’s Something Blu wedding professionals will walk with you every step of the way to plan and execute a magical day for you.

Whether it’s at the discerning Grand Ambassador Ballroom or the elegant Al Fanar Ballroom, the hotel offers a unique collection of inclusive packages, meticulously designed to suit every budget and taste. The wedding couple have special treats in store, like a pre-wedding spa package, special room rates for the bridal party, and competitive room rates for the attendees. www.womanthismonth.com

Al Areen Palace & Spa Set in imposing desert surroundings, this hotel is an idyllic destination wedding spot in Bahrain. The Nadwah Ballroom has a reception capacity of around 500 guests. The Al Qasr Tent is one of the most romantic outdoor venues to tie the knot, set against the dramatic backdrop of the palace, fountain and the man-made lake garden. The recently expanded tent can hold 800 guests. The dedicated events team at Al Areen will help plan and organise your wedding every step of the way – from the ambience of your celebratory day, to the eats – every detail will be as per your preference.

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showcase

A Boutique Wedding Beauty

This stunning spot in the heart of Adliya is perfect for a chic celebration.

The Courtyard at Gallery 21 is the ideal place to hold an intimate wedding for up to 100 seated guests. Its pale colour scheme, live palm trees and walls clad in verdant greenery give the feeling of a lush outdoor space, while a domed glass roof, which can be rolled back allowing fresh air and sunshine to flood in, adds to the atmosphere.

Cast iron furniture is decked out with plump cushions at the tables and rattan lounge-style booths make for a comfortable experience, while intricate chandeliers throw a romantic light and bring an air of opulence. A pretty balcony overlooks the main dining room, which is ideal for a break from the action below or for your wedding photographer to snap all the action. A family room to the side can offer quiet space for young guests if needed.

The venue can also offer live music and a DJ and a range of decorative set-ups.

Being part of a complex, which includes a Moroccan lounge, a swish café and a bakery, allows The Courtyard to augment its own excellent Mediterranean fare and offer an extensive wedding food menu. This can be adapted, under the watchful eye of head chef Owen Stewart, to suit virtually any taste and budget from a surprisingly reasonable sitdown, fine-dining dinner reception to finger foods and everything in between.

The bakery produces a range of speciality breads but is also making a name for creating stunning wedding cakes. A spokeswoman says: “At our first wedding, the client was planning on taking their cake from one of the well-known patisseries, but I told her to

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try ours and she was amazed – there is a full pastry kitchen and they can create pretty much anything a client wants.”

A specific advantage for Arabic brides at Gallery 21 is the ability for a special set-up which allows The Courtyard to be closed off, creating total privacy in which those who cover can remove their abayas and relax in comfort.

An all-female staff will be on hand, including a female DJ; the bar can be converted to serve mocktails and juices and valet parking means they can arrive and leave securely.

For mixed weddings, guests can enjoy an extensive cocktail and grape menu or take a break from the festivities and perhaps pay a visit to one of the other outlets within the complex, such as the cigar and shisha lounge or the chic rooftop bar which offers great views across Adliya and laid-back tunes.

With its friendly staff, chilled but exclusive ambience and great value for money, Gallery 21 is the latest entrant as a wedding venue in Bahrain and it is already proving a fast favourite.

Call 17 711-600.

www.womanthismonth.com

The perfect gifts for a wedding made forever.

Blender LM936E27

Kitchen Machine QA803D27

Stick Blender DD86C127

Juice Extractor JU610D27

Bowl Mixer HM312127

Air Fryer EZ10A127

High Speed Blender / Liquidizer 2L Tritan jar, 1500W, Triple-Ax Pro blades, 6 auto programmes - Smoothie, Ice Crush, Hot Soup (by friction from the fast blades) Sorbet, Nut, Auto Clean.

Easy Fruit Metal Premium 800W, 2 Speed, 1.5L.

Kitchen Machine- Silver Masterchef Grande. 1500W, 6.7L SS Bowl, Die Cast Body, 1.4L Glass Jar, Food Processor, Meat Mincer Kneading Hook, Metal Whisk, Beater Chopper Blades.

Quick Mix SS bowl - 3.5L Bowl SS Hook & Whisk, 350W.

Infinyforce - 750W, 20 Speed, SS shaft 500ml Chopper, Whisk, 150ml Grinder.

Made in France.

Fry, Grill, Bake and cook- 0.8 KG 1400W. Made in France.

Available in all major hypermarkets and electronics stores.

P.O. Box: 584, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: +973 17291537 / 17727600, Email: had.fmcg@intercol.com

showcase

Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa

Words of Wisdom

Wedding and events coordinator Zainab Abbas offers advice on getting your perfect day.

Should you choose to hold your nuptials at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Zainab is the person who will help coordinate everything, down to the last little detail.

She has been the five-star property’s weddings planner since 2016 and says: “I always had my eyes on the wedding coordinating industry, I saw it as so glamorous and exciting. I spoke directly to the general manager to request an official move to the department.”

Since then Zainab has been involved in some of the island’s largest events. She explains: “The biggest wedding I’ve done was for 600 people. It was a ladies-only wedding, the preparations were so nice to see and the finished result was amazing!”

She adds that the Diplomat’s strength is in attention to detail, saying: “I believe considering every little detail really makes a difference; I draw the client’s attention to small things that may have slipped their mind which helps them have the best experience.”

Unusual requests also make things interesting

and keep Zainab on her toes. “I’ve been asked by a bride before for someone to clear the aisle and to walk her out from the suite to the ballroom with walking partitions. She didn’t want to lose the element of surprise by someone seeing her before the wedding.”

With experiences like these under her belt, it’s no wonder Zainab and the Diplomat can guarantee a flawless special day. And asked her one piece of advice for brides to be, she concludes: “Just relax, and think about the end of the night when it will all be finished. More stress will cause more problems, and you will easily forget things this way.”

Zainab

Excellent Options

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa’s very special Something Blu weddings package is designed to ensure the bridal couple really do have a day to remember with everything taken care of by the Something Blu wedding professionals.

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With two ballrooms, the hotel can accommodate anything up to 800 guests.

Start your experience with a pre-wedding spa offer of pampering treatments for him and her starting from BD110. And choose from a selection of buffet packages – Bronze, comprising a choice of six starters, two soups, six mains and five desserts; Silver, featuring seven starters, two soups, seven mains and six desserts as well as a three-tier cake; and Gold offering nine starters, two soups, eight mains and seven desserts with a four-tier cake. Prices per person are BD15++, BD17++ and BD19++ respectively. There is also a

special summer promotion valid from May to August starting at BD13 per person.

Those booking the regular Bronze, Silver and Gold packages can also enjoy a wide range of complimentary extras including, use of the majlis, welcome drinks on arrival, soft drinks while dining, complimentary bridal suite and in-room dining for the bride and groom on the wedding night plus buffet breakfast the next morning, first year anniversary dinner, special room rates for bridal party and guests and personalised menus.

And of course, the services of the dedicated wedding team throughout. www.womanthismonth.com

www.womanthismonth.com

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showcase

Tie the Knot in Style With the wedding season just around the corner, this luxury five-star property offers the ideal destination to celebrate your love.

An iconic venue, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offers unrivalled tranquility, charm and hospitality and can host wedding festivities of any size.

The Perfect Setting Say "I do" against the most enchanting of backdrops. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s palm-shaped landscape sits in an exceptional location on the coast, offering breathtaking panoramic views of both the metropolis and the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf.

There are endless photo opportunities for couples to create lasting memories within the lush tropical gardens. For more intimate moments, they can wander on a glorious 600-metre stretch of white sandy beach, perfect for a romantic stroll to celebrate love under the moonlight.

A Dream Location For those wanting an intimate beach affair, what could be better than your own private island set within this 20-acre resort?

Surrounded by turquoise waters and perfectly manicured gardens, the tranquil island is located at the furthest end of the property and can cater for an outdoor reception of up to 600 guests.

For a taste of grandeur, the 245-room hotel’s exquisite banqueting facilities, which stretch 3,750sq/m across two dazzling ballrooms, offer a wealth of venue choices. The Al Noor Ballroom is fit for royalty. This stunning 858sq/m space is opulent and luxurious. It has seating for up to 600 guests and boasts an extraordinary gold mural ceiling and intricate gold designs. The Al Ghazal Ballroom dazzles

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with exquisite crystal chandeliers and a rich blue colour scheme. Hosting up to 550 guests, it can also be subdivided into four smaller rooms to cater for a more intimate setting.

Other options in which to hold your lavish reception include the expansive Grand Foyer, which accommodates up to 700 guests. An elegant space with sleek marble flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and offer glorious views of the gardens.

For a uniquely atmospheric setting, the contemporary and magnificently-designed Al Khayma outdoor tent, at more than 725sq/m, can accommodate up to 300 guests.

A Taste of Perfection Indulge in an exquisite culinary voyage with an innovative wedding menu that will tantalise taste buds and delight the most discerning of palates. The hotel’s executive chef and culinary team will work closely with you to design and prepare a personalised menu to your taste, and can offer authentic flavours and innovative cuisine from across the globe. From relaxed butler-served canapés and buffet-style dining

to a full silver service banquet, expect a dining experience like no other.

Your wedding cake, too, will be a feast for the senses, with the pastry chef on hand to work with you to create the cake of all cakes!

Immerse Yourself Soak up the atmosphere of this exquisite city resort and guarantee your wedding celebration and honeymoon are an endless affair, with a wealth of restful and rejuvenating treats for you and your guests.

Perfect for bridal parties, the spa is a sanctuary of calm and tranquility that will disperse any pre-wedding nerves. Indulge in an extensive selection of Arabic rituals, inspired by regional culture and local traditions, using natural oils such as argon, Muscat rose and amber, or simply enjoy some downtime on the beach or by the pool.

Time Together Honeymooners in the throes of newlywedded bliss can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities together, which span the ocean surrounding The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

Couples can take guided tours around Jarada Island or snorkel among beautiful coral reefs.

These are just a few of the many delights to be experienced in this secluded slice of paradise.

Call 17 580-000 or visit www.ritzcarlton. com/bahrain

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

The Dream Begins Here This five-star property promises a day to remember.

T

he most important day of your life deserves to be truly unforgettable. For a wedding worth treasuring for a lifetime, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain offers a selection of stunning and flexible settings. The inhouse team of dedicated wedding planners are experts in creating impressive occasions with a distinctly personal touch, while the property’s adaptable function venues can be

Karen, Lubna & Jean

Ghada, Elham, Lynne & Maheen

www.womanthismonth.com

tailored to any requirement.

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is the perfect setting for your wedding. The elegant Al Murjan Ballroom is purpose-built to easily accommodate large weddings or divide into three parts for smaller events. The striking ballroom seats up to 300 guests for a lavish affair and the team would be delighted to assist you with personalised menus, inspiring décor, guest accommodation and preevent functions.

To make your wedding dreams come true, the hotel has carefully designed a special package this winter to provide you with a perfect and memorable experience. Book 60 days prior to your wedding date to receive 25 per cent off any

wedding package, including 25 per cent off spa treatments and services at Rimal Spa and 20 per cent discount for the bride’s hair and make-up services at Elie and Jean Salon at the hotel. For more information, please contact the wedding and events team on email hotel. bahrain.events@movenpick.com.

AWA Meeting

The American Women’s Association held its general meeting at the Mövenpick Hotel with the theme of Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day combined.

Call 17 460-028.

Anne, Sumaya & Faye

Lubna, Lulwa & Jean

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Feature | weddings

Best-Dressed Brides

We all know the traditions — white dress, something blue, lots of sparkle; but, as with the rest of the fashion industry, bridal fashions come and go. We take a look at some of the hottest trends for this wedding season to help you make your choice.

Capes

From short, barely shoulder-covering shrugs at Jenny Packham to full-on cape trains at Randy Fenoli and Alexandra Grecco, capes were all over the SS18 bridal show runways.

The fuller option is best suited to taller brides as too much material with lots of fussy adornment can swamp the shorter figure. But if you’re not blessed with height, you can adapt the look with gossamer-fine materials to keep the style simple but stunning.

Reem Acra came up with some stunning fully black bridal gowns and then added touches of the midnight hue throughout the rest of her collection. Black hints were also much in evidence at Peter Langner, Justin Alexander and Vera Wang, to name but a few. This is a super-sophisticated look is best carried off with a sleek updo, more than a hint of attitude and a liberal smattering of diamonds.

Reem Acra

Peter Langner

Kristie Romanos

Hints of Black

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Viktor & Rolf

Marchesa

Francesca Miranda

Shorties Shorter styles are usually seen as less formal but, this season, designers have gone out of their way to bring the mini back into the fold. From cutaway, leg-baring options at Oscar de la Renta to a super-sweet ballerina style at Dany Mizrachi. Even the often traditional Marchesa got in on the act. We love this stunning 60s’-style frock from Viktor & Rolf. It goes without saying that for this trend, you really need to love your legs and feel comfortable showing them off. www.womanthismonth.com

Feature | weddings

In a somewhat surprising turn, this spring sees the return of the mega-gown. For several years, cotton-candy layers of frou-frou have been in the wedding wilderness but designers such as Vera Wang, who showed a dress featuring a bustle, and Christian Siriano, with a stiff box-like underskirt, are on a mission to revive the look. Dubai favourite, Esposa, even featured this ravishing full-skirted creation in its latest promotion. If you’ve always dreamed of being a princess for the day, this is the look for you.

If you err on the side of simplicity but still want to make a stunning style statement, then this is the trend for you. Veils, the more elaborate the better, are huge this spring. Elie Saab paired his flower-embroidered number with a sleek column dress, Carolina Herrera went for a long, embellished veil running into the train, and Viktor & Rolf’s look was almost Maddonaesque with curtains framing the face. No advice needed for this trend; it’s one everyone can wear, just make the style your own.

Kristie Romanos

Carolina Herrera

Veiled Beauties

Esposa

Christian Siriano

Big is Beautiful

www.womanthismonth.com

Without a doubt, while you’re saying your vows, your guests will have a prime view of your rear (and possibly that of your bridesmaids — Pippa Middleton)! This season’s gowns take full advantage with stunning back views and intricate trains on offer from designers such as Kristie Romanos and San Patrick Studio at Esposa. If you’re going for this look, make sure you don’t neglect your back in your pre-wedding beauty prep – scrub, moisturise and fake tan.

San Patrick Studio

Elie Saab

Ravishing Rears

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Feature | weddings

The Unconventional Bride Some girls dream of the big white dress but some want to do things a little differently – and the design world understands, it truly does. Across the board, the big houses have been presenting brides-to-be with quirky options from sexy black and dripping diamonds at Reem Acra to boldly almost bare at Zuhair Murad. Check out our picks of some of the more individual styles around.

Vera Wang – Edythe This light ivory, structured wool tuxedo cape with interior sleeves and fitted A-line skirt, from the queen of wedding gowns, has more than a hint of Cruella de Vil in the black-on-cream styling. But, in truth, the classic nipped-in waist and exaggerated tulip skirt detail with manageable train make this a stunning choice for cooler spring or autumn nuptials.

Not sure about the overlong net undersleeves but, doubtless, these can be rolled or stitched. Pair this look with black Edwardian granny boots from Tango.

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Reem Acra – Gothic Lebanese designer Reem Acra broke with tradition in her S/S 18 bridal show. As well as swathes of traditional white, she sent models down the runway in stunning gowns of deepest black embellished with diamonds – lots and lots of diamonds.

In fact, the show’s finale dress (not black) was valued at USD1.5 million!

Obviously, the ability to wear your wedding dress again is not something most women consider when making their choice, but it would be a shame to let something so gorgeous hang in the wardrobe.

Oscar de la Renta – Lucy

Zuhair Murad – Dona

For a youthful and fun look the American house paired a white 'Just Married' embroidered denim jacket with a white tulle and horsehair signature skirt topped with a simple vest and oversized silver crystal 'Just Married' necklace. One thing’s for sure, this outfit may not be traditional, but there’ll be no doubting who the bride is! It’s pretty and girly and would work equally as well with a pair of crystal studded cowboy boots or Doc Martens; the ones we’ve shown are quite rare and you may have to track them down online.

Not for the faint-hearted, for 2018 Zuhair Murad has come up with Dona, a full-body, boot-cut, lace stocking. The pattern is strategically placed to guard the bride’s modesty. And, if you feel like showing off but are, maybe, just a little shy, you can add this amazing-looking chiffon overskirt. Certainly a scenestealer and recommended only for those who’ve been rigorous about their pre-bridal workouts and are feeling comfortable in their skin.

March 2018

www.womanthismonth.com

Feature | weddings

The Mature Bride Whether you’ve waited to say “I do” or are heading down the aisle for the second time, the 'Princess' gown might not be the look for you. If you want the puffball frock and flowing train, then, of course, age is no barrier as long as you feel great. But, if you’re looking for something a little different, perhaps to cover the upper arms or disguise a little tummy, then check out our selection of classy and classic alternatives. Wear it your way, and have an amazing day!

Marina Rinaldi

kaleidoscope

Isabelle Sanchis

Mango

Max Mara Elegante

Viktor & Rolf Editor's choice Tailor made

www.womanthismonth.com

March 2018

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BEAUTY | tips

DIY Bridal Make-Up M

Doing your own make-up can be a huge money-saver when you’re splurging on a wedding. Do it like a pro with these essential tips from Apple Sharma.

ost partners want their brides to look stunning – a more beautiful version of themselves – but not completely different, after all they should be able to recognise who they’re marrying. So, keep your wedding make-up similar to your everyday style, but with an added touch of glamour.

Prep face well Take your time as this will form the base of your entire look. Get the perfect complexion with the following essentials.

• A mattifying primer will help reduce excess shine and an illuminating one will give your make-up a radiant base.

• Cover up any blemishes and dark circles with foundation and a matte concealer.

• Choose the right foundation for your skin type – go easy with matte formulas, so skin doesn’t Top Tips: look over-dry.

• Practise, practise, practise. Do trial • Most weddings are a day-time affair – wear runs until you’ve perfected the look, so blush on the apples of your cheek. you’re ready when the day arrives.

• Stay far away from make-up that has SPF or • Pamper yourself. Indulge in monthly white setting powders, to avoid that ghostly facials a few months before the glow in your photos. wedding, for a glowing complexion.

• Apply bronzer in the shape of a ‘3’. Start with • Megadose on lip balm. Use generously the forehead, then the cheekbones and lastly every day for at least a week before the the jawbone. wedding for supple lips.

Apply eye shadows Before you start, use an eye primer. You can even use a concealer to brighten the eyes.

A neutral cream eye shadow will correct any discolouration and help in smoother application of additional layers. Build it up, start with a light hue all over the lid and a medium shade at the crease. Add more at the corners as you go along for extra oomph.

Use an eyeliner For a bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed effect, apply eyeliner on both top and bottom lids. On the bottom, use brown as it’s the most natural, but you can also use grey or black to bring out the colour of your eyes. For the top, trace the natural shape of your lids with a liquid eyeliner and add an upward slant towards the end to open up your eyes.

Get bat-worthy lashes You have two options – use fake or go natural.

If you’ve never used false eyelashes (or practised enough to master the art), then your wedding day isn’t the time to start. You can still add drama to your eyes by using two mascaras, one for volumising and the other for lengthening. Start from the base of the lashes outwards and shake the wand from side to side to avoid clumping. Most importantly, don’t forget to curl your lashes before applying mascara.

Touch up your eyebrows They frame your face. Go a tad darker than usual, especially if you have light brows, so they show up in pictures. Pencil them using short strokes to fill up any sparse areas. To accentuate the arch, follow the natural shape

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and ensure the tail end is the same length as your eyes. Apply pressed powder using an angle brush and blend with a spoolie brush.

The perfect pout Prep your lips using a lip scrub to remove any dry skin, a primer to create a base to show the true colour of your lipstick, and a lip liner to define your pout. DON’T smack your lips after application. Instead, put a finger in your mouth and pull it out, this will allow any excess lipstick to transfer on your finger rather than your teeth.

Finish the look Apply a light-reflecting setting powder all over – the camera loves it! Choose a fine powder and do some test photos beforehand.

Remember, you’re doing make-up that will be photographed, so wear a little more than usual without going overboard. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

We're just a few months into the year and already we're seeing the hair trends that will define 2018.

Some of the top stylists at Toni&Guy spilled the beans on which looks they're loving this year.

Some are bold, some experimental, some even super subtle. But, you'll definitely be booking an appointment by the time you get to the last look.

Retro Realness

"We may be looking forward to the rest of 2018 but when it comes to hair, we're being inspired by decades past,” says a Toni&Guy stylist. “I think we’ll see a mix of ’70s- and ’90s-inspired looks. Healthy, fluffy hair is in right now. We have been playing around with roller sets, which is a timeless way to achieve this look.

We set it, let it sit, brush it out and let it do what it does — no heat required.”

All Lined-Up

Buzz cuts are still having a big moment and folks are looking for all kinds of ways to spice up their crops. “We'll be seeing a lot of haircuts with lines etched in them — taking undercuts to a whole new level,” says one stylist. “I would love to see this on women of all ethnicities and ages and even add colour to it.”

That Bob Life

The bob is here to stay — it’s a classic, always has been, always will be. And it's versatile, you can wear it straight, curly or wavy.

Messing Around

Structured Updos

The Long Pixie

What Haircuts?

Leave the angular styles in 2017 and try out something a little more curvaceous this year.

Rounded-under styles (à la Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface) are the rave, according to the experts. Take your cue from Margot Robbie, who rocked the look like a pro on the red carpet.

Longer pixies make a lot of sense since so many women in Hollywood made the big chop last year and are starting to grow them out.

www.womanthismonth.com

We've been seeing a lot of great updos on the red carpet and we should expect more. Sleek and structured updos are beautiful ways of showing off a woman’s features and a dress, while giving an artful approach to her hair.

The no-haircut haircut. “A lot of our clients don’t want to look like they just got a super clean, fresh cut — just soft, healthy ends," says the stylist.

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showcase Dessange Paris

Hair Therapy Ever heard of 'Botox for hair'? Apple Sharma tried this revolutionary treatment that, literally, injects a new lease of life into your locks.

M

ost people get confused when they hear about the Botox treatment for hair.

Those who’ve never heard of it wonder what it’s about and those who have might confuse it with keratin, a hair straightening procedure.

I fell into the second category – I thought it would be similar to keratin – but Amie, the salon manager at Dessange Paris Bahrain, was quick to dispel the notion, as she began explaining the procedure I was about to try.

Having recommended various hair products to me in the past, Amie knows my hair well and was certain the procedure would be beneficial for me.

I’m very experimental when it comes to my hair – it gets treated and coloured every month.

Lately, peachy pinks have been piquing my interest and my poor noggin bears the brunt of it. So, a repair treatment to pamper and rejuvenate my tresses sounded wonderful, and I was ready to embrace it happily.

Amie left me in the expert care of Rajani, who began the procedure by washing my hair with exfoliating shampoo, without the need for conditioning afterwards. I was sitting wide-eyed, waiting for her to bring out the ‘anti-ageing’ potion that would transform my hair and make it look younger, when out came a trolley holding a small vial of liquid and a syringe. I was a bit skeptical at this point as I’m petrified of needles and wasn’t sure what would ensue next (secretly hoping it would not involve jabs). Rajani put me at ease, explaining that this was the magical ‘Botox’ (INNOVATIS Luxury Caviar) that would breathe new life into my dry and damaged hair. I was intrigued; she skillfuly mixed the

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product with warm water, and applied the concoction (in sections) to my hair tips, away from the roots.

With no harmful chemicals, the caviar is composed mainly of amino acids, vitamins, panthenol and caviar oil. Thanks to its fatty acid Omega 3, it provides vitamins, hydration and intense protection to the structure of the scalp and hair.

They say all good things come to those who wait, so I waited patiently for 20 minutes encased in steam as the caviar worked its wonder. When the time was up, Rajani rinsed my hair thoroughly with warm water. I felt the effect immediately – running my fingers through it, my hair had a certain lightness and shine to it. Initially, I was afraid that it would look greasy; on the contrary, it felt squeaky clean, soft as a baby’s bottom and silky smooth.

The blow dry intensified the pillowy softness and I couldn’t help but shake my head from side to side to feel the natural

bounce. Finally, Rajani used a ceramic flat iron to seal the product. My hair felt almost alive – even the hint of pink in it glowed brighter.

It had not looked this healthy and radiant in a long time and I was truly impressed.

If your hair is severely damaged, it’s best to have the treatment weekly, otherwise Dessange recommends it monthly, for all hair types.

Having never tried hair Botox before, I was thrilled with the results, and how quickly my hair had turned from dull to vibrant in a matter of minutes. It felt refreshed and rejuvenated from the inside out, and was back to its pristine condition, all in just one application! What’s more, it lasts for up to nine washes – a big tick in my books!

Call 17 713-999. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | fragrances

The Perfect Gift

With Mothers’ Day coming up this month, we’ve sniffed out the best of the season’s new perfumes to help you find the perfect thank you to one of the most important women in your life.

Bottega Veneta Knot Eau Absolue

Mugler Aura for the earth mother

Four years after the debut of Knot eau de parfum, Bottega Veneta introduces Knot Eau Absolue. The floral Oriental fragrance opens with the familiar essences of lavender and orange blossom. A delicate and complex sweetness of jasmine at the heart begins to differentiate Knot Eau Absolue from the original juice. The scent continues to intensify, culminating at the base veil of precious myrrh for a scent that’s both Bottega Veneta Knot Eau Absolue sophisticated and sensual. Available at leading retailers.

A woody aromatic fragrance served up in a bottle that is a work of art. The scent was created by Daphe Bugey, Amandine ClercMarie, Christophe Raynaud and Marie Salamagne and features rhubarb leaf, tiger liana, orange MUGLER Aura Eau de Parfum Refillable Spray blossom, bourbon vanilla and wolfwood notes. It’s inspired by nature and the unknown sources at the heart of the living world.

Available at leading retailers.

CH L’Eau for the beach babe

L’Occitane Cherry Blossom for the

This fragrance embodies the happiness and romantic beauty of a summer holiday. Notes include citrus spicy with Primofiore lemon, blood orange, Tunisian neroli, pink pepper and Guatemala cardamom; floral tea with Tunisian orange flower, petitgrain citonnier, ginger, rose essence and tea CH L’eau accord; and woody musk featuring Haiti vetiver, atlas cedarwood, patchouli, cashmeran and musk to create a light and bright, breezy juice that encapsulates the freshness and crispness of a new summer day.

Available at leading retailers.

This perennial favourite returns in a limited edition that’s light as air, sweet as sunshine and deliciously flowery.

The collection combines juicy L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Luberon cherries extract and fresh cherry blossom floral water.

Available at L’Occitane.

My Burberry Black for the daring traveller

Gucci Guilty Pour Femme for the

for the sophisticate

The fragrance evokes a rainy London garden and bottles the sensual elements of a black Burberry trench coat against bare skin fusing the scent of sun-drenched jasmine flower and peach nectar with a touch of rose.

Burberry My Burberry Black with packaging- 90ML This signature rose note at the heart of My Burberry is given a sweet and inviting candied twist, while rich amber patchouli rounds off the scent for a deep and captivating finish.

Available at leading retailers. www.womanthismonth.com

busy mum

authentic woman

The perfect complement to the men’s scent, this fragrance began with the hint of blackberries growing in a wild forest evolving a classic chypre floral into a chypre fruity scent. Inside the scent’s Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Femme notes, three hero ingredients define a new meaning of feeling free – taking the traditional masculine scent and making it her own – blackberry, Bulgarian rose and goldenwood. Perfumer Alberto Morillas blended these notes with bergamot, patchouli and ambergris to create a deep, musky and addictive scent. Available at leading retailers.

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Beauty | news

Jeffree Star at Wojooh. For any beauty lover out there – it’s impossible to not know Jeffree Star. He is the ultimate 'beauty queen'! The celebrity make-up guru has taken the beauty world by storm, and has become an icon. After years in the industry he has finally taken the leap and starting his own make-up line sharing his secret formulas and tips and it has landed in the Middle East in an exclusive partnership with Wojooh which is offering skin, lip and eye colours. Available at Wojooh.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Make-up.

A new addition to the iconic scent, Guerlain introduces Lip Colour Ink, liquid lipstick, in 15 shades to match every mood. Use the blue shade as a base to give lip colour an adventurous boost.

And there’s also a lip and shine two-in-one base and top coat for girls on the go. A further two “It” products have also been introduced – Brow Duo, a brow mascara and highlighter, and Roll’Ink Liner – as well as new shades in both lipstick and nail polish. Available at leading retailers.

L’Occitane x Rifle Paper Co. Limited Edition Collection.

The Provençale beauty favourite has partnered with the lifestyle stationery brand to create a new, limited edition identity to inject new life into the beloved Shea butter line. Hand-painted designs bring Provence to life – the poetry, the colours, the emotions – in eye catching packaging that will beautifully grace any bathroom shelf. Available at L’Occitane.

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Shiseido Future Solution LX Serum and Foundation. New from the Japanese company, a three-step journey for the senses. The intensive firming contour serum is specifically designed to revitalise dull skin. The Total Radiance Foundation features patented technology and new advances in terms of optics that perfect its radiance using micro powders to diffuse light. And the Total Radiance Loose Powder is packed with botanicals such as oshima sakura leaf extract, Uji green tea powder and signature ingredient 4MSK. Available at leading retailers.

New goodies for faces, eyes and skin to bring in the new spring season.

Halsey for YSL Beauté. The recording artist is well known in the music world, but what’s not common knowledge is that she’s also a talented make-up artist and, rather than simply wearing the French brand’s products, she’s also created her own looks.

A company spokesman told Allure: "While everyone knows about her chart-topping music, her talent as a make-up artist is a secret to many. Not for long, as YSL Beauté taps into Halsey’s unique vision of beauty and the way she offers her fans make-up tips and tricks. In this partnership, Halsey will showcase her make-up looks to her 6.5 million Instagram followers on a monthly basis."

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Moisturiser. A new product from the brand behind the fan favourite One-Step Facial Cleanser and 2017 Best of Beauty winner Pore Extractor Exfoliating Clay Mask. This moisturiser, which is suitable for dry and sensitive skin, is made from a selection of almost edible ingredients, including cold-pressed chia seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, a green tea antioxidant complex, and vitamins C and E. There’s also a blend of fatty oils and moisture-locking glycerin and hyaluronic acid. To be launched at Sephora.

www.womanthismonth.com

Beauty | news MAC Whisper of Gilt. The cult favourite first appeared back in 2012; then as limited editions in 2016 and 2017, selling out both times and proving so popular that the brand is bringing it back for good.

It was available for 24 hours only as a special for Valentine’s Day and will have its official launch in April. If you're unfamiliar with the product, it's a liquid powder highlighter – which lasts up to 10 hours.

To be launched at MAC stores.

OMG on Amazon. Based on proprietary botanical blends of super fruits, the OMG Botanicals line is made in the US with the highest quality ingredients and researchbacked natural compounds. One of its pillars is making natural skincare products available to all. So, the brand is now selling through Amazon, the world’s largest online marketplace, offering a wide range of products including the Antioxidant Cleanser, Age-Defying Renewing Serum and Aromatherapy Spa Time Gift Set. Available at amazon.com

Karen, Lubna & Jean

Ghada, Elham, Lynne & Maheen

www.womanthismonth.com

Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara.

It seems everyone’s going wild for this new mascara having seen some seemingly miraculous before and after campaign shots that give the impression of falsies without the hassle. This is thanks to Benefit’s space technology which promises big things: volumised lashes, 36-hour wear and lengthened lashes.

Available at benefitcosmetics.com

Too Faced Summer Beauty Line.

There are 17 new products coming for the summer in a collection dubbed It Just Comes Naturally. There’s a range of bronzers, palettes and lipsticks that all follow a neutral colour scheme, with some of the products being revamps of old friends, such as the beloved Too Faced Chocolate Soleil, and some completely new offerings such as a shimmer and matte option for eye shadow, and a face palette for adding blush and a soft highlight. Expect sunny neutrals like tan, taupe, and sand as well as a few bright pinks and soft purples. Available at Sephora.

AWA Meeting

The American Women’s Association held its general meeting at the Mövenpick Hotel with the theme of Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day combined.

Anne, Sumaya & Faye

Lubna, Lulwa & Jean

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Farewell Parties

Farewell parties were hosted for Ratna and David Wynne, who depart for Canada after living in Bahrain for nine years.

Ratna and David’s farewell at the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence

Anne’s farewell luncheon

A surprise send-off for David Wynne from the Bahrain Motorcycle Club at the BIC

Kholi’s farewell

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Ratna’s Farewell Parties

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Lynne’s farewell

Naz’s farewell

Ratna, Lynne & Rihab

Asha’s farewell

Media Mocktails The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held its first media mocktail of the year at Plums restaurant.

Jean-Paul, Bassam, Soufiane & Christian

www.womanthismonth.com

Moya & Georgina

Amanda & Armi

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

Nipping Trouble in the Bud You can’t see it, but it’s an integral part of a woman’s reproductive system.

Behnaz Sanjana finds out more about cervical abnormalities and what women should know about them.

M

any of us have a vague idea about where the cervix is (err… somewhere deep inside the body?) and what it does (something concerning a screaming woman in labour?). But what a large number of us women blissfully ignore is that we need to pay it some attention every now and then. Even when we’re nowhere close to going into labour.

WTM reached out to two of the island’s experts to get the inside scoop on this often avoided subject.

Dr Yasmin Kazi, consultant advanced gynaecologic laparoscopic surgeon, obstetrician and fertility specialist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, explains: “The cervix is the opening at the lowermost part of the uterus, leading into the vagina. It acts as a physical barrier between the external environment

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(vaginal canal) and the uterus.”

It allows the flow of menstrual blood from the uterus into the vagina, and directs sperm into the uterus during intercourse. “During pregnancy, the cervical opening closes to help keep the foetus in the uterus until birth. Another important function of the cervix occurs during labour, when it dilates (widens), to allow the passage of the foetus from the uterus to the vagina,” she says.

This very useful tube-like body part is susceptible to abnormalities. Dr Kazi says: “Infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) may cause cervical dysplasia, or abnormal growth of cervical cells.” This may lead to cervical cancer, and can be caused through having multiple partners, smoking, taking birth control pills and engaging in early sexual activity.

Unfortunately, this deadly cancer comes with no warning symptoms in the early stages. “The most common symptoms

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses.

It is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, and is fairly common in both men and women. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. If the body cannot fight the virus over a long time, it can lead to cervical cancer. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

The Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines, available in Bahrain, prevent HPV infection with the most common HPV types that are associated with cancers.

Vaccination should occur before sexual activity to offer the full benefit. It is recommended that 11-12 year old girls receive it, and young women aged 13 through to 26 should seek the vaccine if they did not receive any or all doses when they were younger. Gardasil is also approved for use in males aged nine to 26. and signs of cervical cancer are abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding after going through menopause, pain or bleeding during sex, and pelvic pain,” says Dr Kazi.

Dr Alka Gupta, service line head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the American Mission Hospital, says: “The two major types of cervical cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.” She adds that most risk factors are associated with an increased risk of acquiring or having a compromised immune response to infection with HPV, the main reason for most cervical cancers. A history of sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia trachomatis or genital

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herpes), immunosuppression (human immunodeficiency virus infection) and early age at first childbirth (younger than 20 years) and three or more fullterm births are also associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.

It is alarming to know that in Western countries, women hesitate to get themselves tested due to body image issues, but Dr Gupta cites that the hospital screens roughly 200 patients for cervical cancer every month, and an average of only five per cent of those need further investigation. She says: “In my experience here, education plays a dominant role in health care and Bahraini women are generally well aware and educated. Public awareness campaigns and word of mouth through family and friends play an important part.”

The tests are pretty accurate, she says, and with a combination of the Pap smear and other newer techniques, there is around 95 per cent accuracy of detecting abnormal cells. “Sometimes a biopsy of the cervix needs to be done if there is a suspicion or a borderline case. AMH has a turnaround time of 48 hours to give the results to patients,” she says.

Further treatment, if required, depends on the stage of the cancer, the age of the patient, and other health problems.

Whether pregnancy is desired in the future is also considered. “Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and/ or chemotherapy. Surgery can involve a radical hysterectomy – entirely removing the cervix, uterus, and upper part of the vagina – or in some situations, removing all or part of the cervix but leaving the uterus in place.

What’s the test all about, you ask?

The cervical test, commonly known as a Pap (short for Papanicolaou, the inventor of this life-saving examination) Smear, is quick, safe and almost painless, barring some discomfort that lasts for a couple of minutes at best.

The doctor will use a special stick, brush or swab to take a sample of cells around your cervix. The sample is then ‘smeared’ onto a small glass slide (hence the name of the test), and then sent to the lab to make sure the cells are healthy.

Cervical testing should begin at age 21, with routine screening done every three years for women aged 21 to 65 years of age.

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showcase

Bahrain Specialist Hospital

The Lowdown on Ovarian Cysts Ovarian cysts are common. Ovarian cancer is uncommon. Only one in 1,000 ovarian cysts is cancerous in pre-menopausal women, rising to three in 1,000 post menopause.

The ovaries produce eggs each month and cysts develop when the follicles, which usually produce eggs, overgrow. Normal growth is to around 2cm before the eggs are excreted through ovulation.

The nature of the cyst is usually determined by its size, thin or thick walls, one or many parts, on one or both ovaries and if there is fluid behind the womb. Cysts are best detected through internal ultrasound.

Women should visit the doctor if they experience abdominal pain, distension, loss of appetite, increased urgency or frequency of urination, unexplained weight loss, unusual pain during intercourse and backpain.

At least 60 per cent of cysts will dissipate by themselves but if a cyst is persistent or enlarged then you should see a specialist.

For smaller, complex cysts, a blood test for tumour markers is recommended.

The main problem with ovarian cysts is that

Gynecologist and laparoscopic fertility consultant Dr Yasmin Kazi explains the symptoms of ovarian cysts, a condition that ones one in 10 women needing surgery.

they rarely cause symptoms like sudden onset of severe pain unless they twist, rupture or bleed into themselves – this is termed a 'cyst accident'. If you experience sudden pain, you should see a doctor.

If your scan shows a simple cyst less than 5cm, it can be left alone. You can however follow up with your gynaecologist every three months. If your doctor identifies the cyst as 'complex' and you're post-menopausal, you

need to be evaluated further.

If you are premenopausal, the cyst appears complex and/or more than 5cm, you will also need a doctor’s visit.

Once you've been seen, you will be offered surveillance (regular scanning and blood tests every four months for one year) or an operation.

Call 17 812-222 or email yasmin.kazi@bsh.com.bh

Italian Master Chef Cucina Italian restaurant held the grand final of its 5th season of Italian Master Chef at its premises in Juffair.

Carlo, Tim, Nadia, Laura, HE Domenico Bellato, Wanisha & Wafa

Ibrahim & Mirna

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Zainab & Anuradha

Zhang & Bruno

May

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase Al Areen

A New Take on Wellness

Liz O'Reilly finds this five-star spa has been reborn with a stronger emphasis on wellbeing.

L

ive Your Life is the new initiative from Al Areen Spa & Wellness, offering a selection of unique services combining healthcare with the best of Western and Eastern medicines and incorporating the latest technologies administered by internationally certified therapists.

Live Your Life offers a wide range of purification, detoxification and weight optimisation programmes which can run for anything from a full day up to a five-day Wellness Retreat Experience.

Each programme begins with a full wellness assessment during which a special piece of equipment, similar to electronic weighing scales, reads the body’s vitals – from fat composition to bone mass and other elements – allowing the therapist to ascertain the most effective treatment. The skin is also closely examined with a magnification light to determine its condition and the best options for improvement.

There are three one-day programmes: detoxification – which includes a holistic detoxification spa treatment and private wellness activities session; re-energising – incorporating a holistic boosters spa treatment and private energy boosters activity session; and weight optimisation – including a body-firming spa treatment and private power burn activities session. Each includes wellness cuisine lunch and dinner, special drinks and unlimited use of the fitness

facilities and water therapy garden.

The longer, residential experiences build on these packages, adding activities such as sunrise yoga, moonlight meditation, personal training sessions and specialist massages and spa treatments; all while staying in one of the property’s beautiful, private villas.

Live Your Life also offers two detox plans that offer proven swift results. The Dr Detox option is the quickest and most effective cleansing programme using 'detox smoothies”'designed to cleanse you of toxins allowing you to experience the ultimate inner cleansing effect. The Green Detox programme is recommended for anyone who wants to alkalise their body quickly.

Following a wellness assessment which revealed that I’m carrying too much fat around my middle and my skin is both sensitive and dehydrated, my lovely therapist, Ni, recommended a full Elemis facial.

She began with a deep cleanse followed by toner and steam.

I was a bit concerned at the emergence of the steam machine as my skin is quite reactive. But after a thorough examination of my skin, Ni took extra trouble to be gentle, allowing me to benefit from the deep cleansing experience without any blotching or redness. Likewise, with the scrub that came next, she was very gentle while making sure to remove the dead skin from my face.

The deep cleansing was followed by

a specialised massage with facial oil to concentrate on the loose skin along my jawline and a pro-collagen peel-off mask to stimulate my skin’s own collagen production.

To be truthful, I’m not a huge fan of masks that dry onto your face. I often find them drying and quite uncomfortable.

But this one was so gentle it was a pleasure to simply lie still as Ni administered a shoulder massage while it dried.

A second mask was used to seal in the work of the first followed by more toner, serum and moisturiser.

I was close to dozing off during the process and aroused to feel greatly refreshed and glowing. I’d thoroughly recommend this treatment even on its own. As part of one of the treatment packages, it would be fabulous.

www.womanthismonth.com

For those suffering specific ailments, such as back pain, frozen shoulder or even migraine, Live Your Life has come up with a range of specialist massages to ease the conditions.

There is also a special massage option for mums-to-be as well as a full post-delivery health and beauty package using traditional Thai medicines to address issues such as abdominal pain and cellulite.

Alongside a whole range of regular treatments such as scrubs, wraps and massages, there are also options for a bachelorette party and corporate group packages, ensuring Live Your Life caters to every possible visitor.

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FOOD | review

A Tasty Revamp

Liz O’Reilly tried the new menu at this six-in-one venue, with delicious results.

I

must admit, I was very partial to Asia de Cuba, so I was a little apprehensive to see its new incarnation at Gallery 21. I need not have worried; still under the watchful eye of chef Owen Stewart, The Courtyard, as it’s now known, is every bit as delicious and the surroundings as gorgeous as ever.

White, plant-clad walls soar to a glass-domed roof, which can be rolled back to create an open-air venue in the heart of Adliya. It’s easy to see that, though the menu is reasonably priced, with starters such as crispy calamari and fried green asparagus coming in at just BD2.5 and mains starting at BD5.9, the design brief certainly didn’t spare any expense.

The same can be said elsewhere in Gallery 21, which also encompasses a Moroccan Lounge, a café and bakery, a rooftop bar and more.

We began with ceviches from the raw bar.

Hamachi (Pacific yellowtail), a meaty, white

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fish very similar to tuna, came doused in garlic, cilantro, spring onion, tomato and red pepper. Raw tuna had many of the same accompaniments with the addition of lime and avocado.

To be honest, I could have eaten just these two dishes and left happy. Despite the substantial ingredients of the ceviche, the flavours of the fish sang out and, though I’m a big fan of cilantro, or coriander, it was good to see that it had not been overdone and simply added to the taste sensation rather than taking over.

A note, if you’re going to try these – the portions are large, so take along a friend to share.

From the starter menu, we also added eggplant parmigiana – a very simple dish which is not at all easy to accomplish. Without care the eggplant can become oily but, in this

case, it was utterly tender, dripping with melted cheese and a gentle tomato paste. The perfect comfort food counterpart to the healthy fish dishes.

For main, my dining companion chose beef tenderloin tagliata – thin slices of wellmatured steak simply seasoned with salt and perhaps a hint of rosemary. This dish is served with rocket salad and vintage balsamic reduction risotto with sundried tomato and black olives. Again, it’s a really good-sized portion, so I didn’t feel bad digging in to try a bite. The meat was melt-in-the-mouth tender, perfectly seasoned and simply yummy. My friend had chosen medium-well but it’s the sort of cut that would be as delicious rare, with an almost buttery texture.

I went for the black lemon-marinated rack of lamb – grilled baby rack of lamb with saffron risotto. Oh my word, that risotto! Combine the subtle, earthy hint of the saffron with the creamy, gooey, cheesiness of the risotto – described by food critic extraordinaire Nigel Slater as: “A creamy, almost pumpkin-coloured plateful of round rice held together with stock and cheese” of which “one could even argue that the nannying quality of a saffron-hued risotto alla Milanese is not a stone's throw from our own beloved rice pudding” – it’s no wonder I was instantly in love.

The lamb, not surprisingly, was deliciously, smokily tender. But, for me, the risotto was the true stand out. With these dishes, and others like them, The Courtyard is truly setting out its Mediterranean credentials with style.

I blame the risotto for my inability to even consider dessert; that’s a delight that will have to wait for my next visit, which will surely be happening soon.

www.womanthismonth.com

FOOD | review

A Culinary Sojourn

Behnaz Sanjana took her taste buds on a journey around the Indian subcontinent, that made gastronomic pitstops at all the right spots.

W

alking into the Al Safir restaurant at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel on a Thursday evening, my companion and I were greeted by a cheerful rangoli and pleasant strains of live Indian music. It was, after all, Indian Night, where a veritable feast from the subcontinent lay in wait for us.

No sooner did we choose a table (and I recommend you reserve yours in advance to avoid disappointment) and settle in, than a steaming platter of freshly-grilled kebabs from the live kebab counter was brought in. We were quick to dig in to tandoori hammour, which flaked the second the fork touched it, succulent morsels of Murgh Tangdi Kebab and minced lamb kebabs. On the vegetarian front were chargrilled cubes of paneer (cottage cheese), mushroom and Bharwa Aloo, all of which took over the senses with their aromas and tastes.

The buffet’s salad counter immediately drew me in as I could see Indian delicacies that I have not tasted in a long time. Fluffy Dhoklas (steamed cubes of rice and gram flour batter,

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and silken khandvi (bite-sized, paper thin rolls of yogurt and gram flour, tempered with chillis, mustard and coriander leaves) got my attention first. It took one bite of these to tell me that the chef had hit jackpot, replicating quintessential Indian flavours. There is a counter dedicated to chaat, Indian street food redolent with the spicy, sweet tang of the country, after which you can cool down the palate with salted or sweet lassi (thick buttermilk).

Salads included Aloo Chaat, Murgh Chaat, good old kachumber and a unique cabbage with mustard seed salad. For those with a more international outlook, well, because variety is really the spice of life, there was plenty of choice such as vegetable terrine, spicy avocado and shrimp salad alongside local favourites hummus, muttabel, tabouleh and the like. All this went fantastically well with soul-warming Murgh Shorba, a creamy chicken soup, or the Gajjar Adrak Ka Shorba, which is a tasty spoonful of sweet carrot and fiery ginger.

The main course section was lined with all

the rich flavours I could possibly imagine – I started with the spicy Mirchi Ka Salan (stuffed green peppers) and Paneer Bhurji (a cottage cheese preparation) and moved on to tender Bhuna Gosht, marvelling at how easily the mutton in its luscious tomato gravy gave way to a nudge of the knife. The Murgh Mussallam made for an intriguing flavour combination – tender chicken medallions sitting in an aromatic gravy of caramalised onion, along with crispy-skinned boiled eggs, topped with the heat of yellow peppers and the sweetness of sliced green grapes.

The grilled Machhi – fish that carried the flavours of coastal Kerala in its core – was something else on the palate – truly divine; as was the chicken Tilwala – crispy, batter-fried pinwheel of chicken redolent with the earthy flavour of sesame seeds. The fragrant Machhi Dum Biryani lent the buffet the royal taste of Hyderabad, and the beef roast was yet another lip-smacking dish.

The sweet section of the buffet was a riot of colour – milky white Ras Malai and Rasgulla, bright orange Carrot Halwa, multicoloured Barfi, canary yellow Pineapple Kesari and golden puffs of Balushahi. The colour spectrum was complete with the pink blush of raspberry mousse cake and the deep brown of assorted sweet pastries. With such choice before you, it’s really hard to decide which one to try, and which to leave for the next visit.

Wash down this lavish fare with a piping hot cup of ‘cutting chai’ as they do in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, or a bubble-topped filter coffee as they do down south, and you have a Thursday dinner you’ll be reminiscing about for a long time to come.

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showcase

All-New Weekend Fun B

Enjoy great value in a unique setting at this popular hotel.

reakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when it comes to weekends, the K Hotel’s K Friday Brunch is all you need!

A fantastic spread of culinary delights takes centre stage at the Kolors restaurant. This new introduction at the hotel features exciting live food stations. The live action omelette bar will be serving perfectly fluffy eggs just as you prefer them. The seafood counter will have a variety of wonders from the ocean prepared to your liking; while the wok counter allows you to choose from a wide variety of meats, vegetables, noodles and sauces. The butcher’s corner and carving station offer proteinaceous fare that has been freshly grilled. Guests can enjoy genuine comfort food in the form of delicious homemade pastas cooked to order, among many other culinary goodies.

The brunch menu at Kolors is a rotating one that will keep you coming back for lipsmacking treats every Friday between noon and 4pm. In-house band Duo, Totem, provide entertainment throughout the afternoon. Kids are in for a gala time with a balloon twister, and a magician will fascinate diners of all ages.

The new K Friday Brunch is priced at BD14.500++ per person, including soft drinks.

Selected beverages are available at an additional BD7++.

Stay connected while you savour one of the best brunches in the region and share your memories at The K Hotel with free access to ‘Fast Zone’; the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi connection.

Call 17 360-000.

Tyler Fouzia & Fereshte

Art Exhibition

Artist Fereshte Shishine presented an exhibition entitled ‘Life Journey’ at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art.

Mr & Mrs Mohammed Yateem

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Teresa & Susan

Fatima, Dr Haifa & Dr Saeed

Cathy & Janet

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LIFESTYLE | food

Chef’s Special A food enthusiast who’s now set up her own business tells us how to create a traditional Bahraini wedding dish.

Ingredients:

R

awia Kamal is the woman behind Roaring Belly, an online catering service offering homemade sandwiches, wraps, sliders and croissants.

She says: “I had the idea of starting a sandwich café or bar for almost three years, but never had the guts to get on with step one. However, as I discussed this idea amongst family and friends, I got some good motivation to go ahead and start something small. I started browsing and researching to find a suitable name and a nice concept in what I am good at and that is where Roaring Belly came from. Bringing fresh homemade sarnies, whether in the form of special private orders or participating in exhibitions and events, was the best way to test the market in Bahrain.

www.womanthismonth.com

“Being from Muharraq, I have grown up amongst some of the best chefs in the world, being my grandmother, mum and aunts, of course. They have smothered us with all the local traditional foods, infused with exquisite fresh spices and flavours that stick in my head to this day. This is where my cooking inspiration grew through the years; especially when I was living abroad for a long time, as I was reminded of the dishes we ate and ended up trying to imitate a few of them. I had a few mishaps in the process of making them, but managed to create similar versions."

She shares with us one of those traditional dishes, chicken machboos, which is a common sight at Bahraini celebrations.

750g basmati rice 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) 1 diced tomato ¼ cup chopped parsley 1 diced onion Green chillies (optional) Fresh bay leaves 1 cube vegetable or chicken stock ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder Cardamom seeds and cloves 1 cinnamon stick 2 dried limes 1 tsp Arabic spice blend (bzar) 1 tsp curry powder ½ tsp cumin powder ½ tsp cinnamon powder 1 tsp grated ginger ½ tsp ground cardamom 1 I tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt ½ tsp ground pepper 2.5l water

Method: • Marinate the chicken with salt and turmeric.

• Fry the chicken on both sides until brown and crispy. Set aside.

• Sauté onions over medium heat until caramelised.

• Add ginger, bay leaves, green chillies, tomato, dried limes, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick. Return the chicken back to the pot, add the stock cube, black pepper, ground coriander, Arabic spices, cumin powder, turmeric and mix all together.

• Add the curry powder then cover the mixture with water adding an additional teaspoon of salt to taste.

• Cover and let it cook for 40 minutes. Add more water if necessary.

• Add the ground cinnamon and ground cardamom then the rice and cover for seven minutes.

• Throw in the chopped parsley. Cover again and let it cook for another 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked.

• Before serving, drizzle with olive oil and transfer to serving plate. Enjoy.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Kausar

Maurice, Najay, Nouna & Lynne

Art Exhibition

An art exhibition was held at Al Areen Palace and Spa featuring MOM group paintings.

Shikha

Ayesha & Imran

Khalil, Shajib & Subir

Fareeda

Miraal

Alison, Sameer & Farheen

RedTag App Launch RedTag held an event to launch its new mobile app at its premises in Adliya.

xxxxxx Mohan, Satinder & Samir Gaurav,

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Emerald, Azel & Menchie

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Bader Al Saad, HE Domenico Bellato, HE Shaikh Azzam bin Mubarak Al Sabah & HE Taha Abdul Qader May Al Saad & HE Shaikh Azzam bin Mubarak Al Sabah

Art Exhibition

Kuwaiti Artist, May Al Saad, held an art exhibition entitled ‘Identity’, at Akkas Gallery, Saar. The event was held under the patronage of Kuwaiti ambassador, HE Shaikh Azzam bin Mubarak Al Sabah.

Layal, Diana, Naris & Huda

Noora

Paul, Kate, Rachel, John & Rodney

Sophie & HE Simon Martin

Fatz & Jason

Valentine’s Ball

The BSPCA held a Valentine’s Ball to raise funds at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain.

Francois, Lucy, James & Michelle

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Kate, Barry & Anna

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showcase Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions

Interiors Shopper Comes to Bahrain Get all your décor needs catered for under one roof as this popular exhibition returns with a brand-new look.

H

ilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) will be taking the growing GCC interiors market to a new level with its Interiors Expo, that will have the addition of Interiors Shopper.

The exhibition will take place from April 24 to 26, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

“We have repositioned our Gulf Interiors Exhibition to its new home, which will be simply called Interiors,” says HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman. “This change has been taken as a result of years of experience in the market promoting the burgeoning GCC home-grown interior brands.

Regardless of tastes and styles for our homes or offices, we all just consider this to be an expression of ‘interiors’.”

“The new segment, called Interiors Shopper, provides an innovative sale outlet, which is quite simply the showcase for all things related to décor, furnishings and design for sale at discounted prices,” adds exhibition director Ahmed Suleiman.

“Interiors Shopper will provide small and large companies and designers an outlet to sell their interiors products directly to the 8,500 visitors that come to the expo,” says Jubran. www.womanthismonth.com

The exhibition will continue to lend an innovative platform to showcase creative and modern luxury products for the home or commercial spaces. Features will include a bargain outlet section for visitors to buy designer furniture and furnishings as well as art and décor from around the world.

Interiors Expo’s strategic sponsors, Hempel Paints, will be using the show’s platform to debut a new product in the market that will change the perception of interior paints.

Bahrain’s home-grown talents, such as Fatima Al Ansari Design and Execution and Mobilia Uno, have returned to showcase their offers and services. International companies that will debut at the show for the first time include World Tricot – France, JK Cement – UAE, and Tanatel Furniture Company – Saudi Arabia, to name a few.

“Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of the products coming to our exhibitions under the mark ‘Made in the GCC’,” says Jubran. “The creative industry sector including furnishings, materials and designs

is a growing economic sector across the GCC. Excitingly, in Bahrain, we are seeing a growing pool of creative talent in the interior design sector. We are committed to promoting homegrown talents at the Interiors Expo, where visitors will see local manufactures and designs alongside international brands, under one strategic brand – Interiors.”

The new virtual home for Interiors can be found at interiorsexpo.net The Interiors Expo takes place alongside two other major exhibitions – Gulf Construction Expo and Gulf Property Show, continuing the success of the only integrated B2B and B2C platforms for the construction, interior and property sectors in the Northern Gulf.

Call 17 299-123 or visit www.interiorsexpo.net March 2018

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Image Courtesy – Home Centre

LIFESTYLE | home

Colour Valour

Everyday Blues Centre table MisuraEmme

Pretty Prints Cushions Pottery Barn

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reak free from the tried and tested rules of dressing up your abode in staple neutrals and safe solids. If ever there was a time to ditch the conventions of home décor, it is now, with a new season budding, on the verge of taking over the hemisphere with it freshness.

The secret to a head-turning look is to pack a colourful punch without giving yourself a headache! If you want to tread carefully, introduce a bold accent to your space with an accessory, soft furnishing or a statement piece of furniture that warrants a second glance. Then decide whether you’re up to painting a ‘drama wall’ for a more full-blown effect. Whatever you choose, make it chic and cheerful!

Bold Bedside Bedside table THE One

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A Work of Art Dressing table Asnaghi Interiors

Sink into Colour Club chairs Marina Home

www.womanthismonth.com

Image Courtesy – IKEA

LIFESTYLE | home

No Ordinary One Washstand Kos

Bohemian Red Pouf Angelo Cappellini

Royal Hue Upholstered stool THE One

Animalistic Cushion H&M

Teal Wave Modular sofa Clan Milano

Floor Splash Rug Illulian Garden Green Sofa Maison&Objet

www.womanthismonth.com

March 2018

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LIFESTYLE | travel

o l o S o G s Girl News of a women-only island soon to open off the coast of Finland prompted us to look at some of the best female-centric travel options around.

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LIFESTYLE | travel Bali is, of course, known for its beaches.

Ensure you take time out for a dip.

Join in a healing water ceremony at Tirta Empul Temple.

Make sure to try freshly caught seafood along the coast at Jambaram.

Tanah Lot Temple is famed for its unique offshore setting and crashing waves.

Bali Bliss Sanctuary for Women has been described by OK magazine as “the ultimate place for some R&R”. This stunning property promises a blissful Bali retreat experience offering a spa vacation and healing holiday for the body, mind and soul.

Your break, at either of the two locations, Canggu or Seminyak, is personalised to help you feel reinvigorated about life and yourself. And the venue caters to lone female travellers or small women-only

Bliss Sanctuary for Women offers various retreat activities to leave you feeling relaxed and revived.

www.womanthismonth.com

Colourful street markets sell everything from clothing to trinkets and decor.

groups. Out and about, there are animal welfare issues in Bali and the elephant rides and activities are best avoided, but if you want to get up close with local wildlife, pay a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, Ubud, which is home to over 300 cheeky grey-haired macaques.

Shoppingwise, there are plenty of modern air-conditioned malls, but don’t pass by the street markets where you’ll find everything from designer duds to awesome art.

Make sure the cheeky inhabitants of the Sacred Monkey Forest don’t steal your lunch!

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LIFESTYLE | travel Head to northern Lapland between September and March for a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Chill out in the womb-like Kamppi Chapel in Helsinki, described as an alien church.

Check out environmental pieces at Oranki Art.

Discover fantastical animals constructed from junk at Alpo Koivumaki Safari Park.

d n a l n i F

Put your own interpretation on The Silent People, creator Reijo Kela refuses to explain!

An ultra-luxurious, women-only island retreat is to open off the Finnish coast this summer.

Created by Kristina Roth, founder of SuperShe, a female-centric online community which helps influence and guide women embarking on their own businesses, the retreat features 10 cottages equipped with fireplaces, decks and designer linens. It aims to give women a place to relax, unwind and concentrate on wellness, both mental and physical.

But, to get there, there’s a Skype interview with Roth and you’ll need a referral from SuperShe members!

Make it through the vetting process, then

Book your trip in August and take in the increasingly popular Air Guitar World Championships.

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followup your girls-only break with a road trip to see some of Finland’s other weird and wonderful sights such as The Silent People at Suomussalmi, more than 1,000 scarecrow-style 'people' standing in a field watching over the road; or Oranki Art, a little-known sculpture park of contemporary environmental art in a Lapland forest.

Pass the vetting to visit the female-only island.

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | travel Castillo de San José is a gallery and modern art museum in the surroundings of an old fort.

e t o r a Lanz

The annual Visual Music Festival takes place in the Jameos Caves.

Timanfaya National Park is an awe inspiring sight.

Visit La Graciosa, a tiny island off the north coast. No roads, just fabulous beaches.

Go for paella and chilled grape at Bogavente alongside the extraordinary volcanic beach at El Golfo.

Take to the water in a girls-only group.

www.womanthismonth.com

A long-time favourite destination with Brits and Germans, this easternmost of the autonomous Canary Islands is known for its year-round warm weather, beaches and volcanic landscape. Timanfaya National Park’s rocky landscape was created by volcanic eruptions in the 1730s. Cueva de los Verdes has caverns formed by an underground river of lava and the east-coast resort of Puerto del Carmen is home to whitewashed villas, beaches and many good dive centres.

For a proper girly getaway, head to Famara where Birgit and Julika, aka the WaveSisters, run fun surf and yoga camps for women. Only around 10 per cent of surfers are female and the pair want to

grow this number. They cite studies that show women learn more quickly in a single-sex environment, so they’ve put together a women-friendly package which includes 20 hours of surf lessons and three 90-minute yoga sessions, staying in a shared apartment.

Visit traditional vineyards in the almost lunar landscape.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Bob, Ahmed, Khalid, Dr Peter, Mireille & Ron

Graduation Ceremony

Findley & Abdulla

The University of Strathclyde held the graduation ceremony of the class of 2017 at the Gulf Hotel.

Louisa & Lamya

Lovella, Elvin & Milushka

Dinner and Launch Baker & Spice restaurant hosted a dinner to celebrate and launch the new collection of active wear brand, Tru Active.

Dana, Shaikha & Hala

Mojda, Ditta & Sarah

Saniya

VIVA Bahrain, in partnership with the fourth edition of Shop Bahrain, opened VIVA Winter Wonderland, a large outdoor skating rink located at Al A’ali Shopping Complex.

VIVA Winter Wonderland

Eman & Nayla

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Hana & Fatima

Carla, Reem, Abeer & Mona

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Around Town

Female Expats organised a Japanese cooking class for its members at The Domain Hotel and Spa, with lunch at Imari followed by a movie at Domain Privé.

City Centre Bahrain and Shop Bahrain organised the ‘Ghostbuster activity zone’ with daily stage shows featuring Hotel Transylvania characters at the mall’s premises.

Ladies from Bahrain Fibre Glass celebrated Valentine’s Day at its office premises.

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority held a press conference at Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre to highlight the success of the workshops hosted in 2017.

Boulevard Circus, the Bahrain-based circus brand organised by HANO Events, held a special show for the orphans and widows under the care of Royal Charity Organisation (RCP) and Bahrain Defence Frce (BDF).

AH Makeup launched its new cosmetics line at its shop in Seef Mall.

www.womanthismonth.com

The Junior Arabic Department at The British School of Bahrain launched a new annual initiative – ‘Let’s Read Arabic Together’.

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

Let Them Fight Their Own Battles

Ouiam Charkani El Hassani on the pain of helping children grow.

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here is no doubt that contemporary parenting has become a minefield. With the peer pressure we all encounter as parents, parenting has become this huge competition, where each and every one of us wants to do the 'right thing', go by the 'book', and raise their children to be the smartest and most brilliant kids of all time. Of course, we all do it out of love, after all these little creatures are pieces of our hearts and souls.

All we want to do is love them, protect them and give them the best we can for them to grow and become responsible, kind, and happy human beings. Yet what we tend to forget most of the time is that children are not our property, nor are they a trophy – they are these tiny human beings, who are trying to find their own way every single day.

They just embarked in this crazy journey and, with time, they are developing the skills needed to be able to sail freely and smoothly.

We are there to GUIDE them and to make sure they acquire the necessary tools to build their personalities, characters and their own opinions.

The trick is to decide when to step in and when to back off, and this is where most parents go wrong. As parents we are automatically wired to make

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these little minds and hearts avoid pain, sadness and sorrow at all costs. We can’t stand the thought that our little one is going through a hard time, through pain and suffering, so we get up and do whatever we can to skip that part and make them think that they live in a flawless pink world, filled with rainbows and unicorns.

While this is not necessarily a bad thing, if done all the time, it robs the children of the chance to live their own life, to fight their own battles. Letting them live their life to the fullest, even at a young age, can be tremendously beneficial; it can teach them problem-solving skills, to be confident and to love themselves, which is the key to having happy kids.

'Letting your child go through their own heartbreaking experiences, pain and suffering might be the greatest gift you could ever offer them' By giving the child a voice, you are arming them with the tools needed to build confidence and self-esteem for the future.

When he or she learns that no matter what, they are the master of their own destiny, you are giving them the chance to stand up for themselves and

face the consequences of their choices. By allowing them to take responsibility for their own acts you are also teaching them that they are worthy of your trust, yet also accountable for their actions.

As a mother, this might be just about the most difficult thing on earth! Seeing your sweet little child in tears over something that you can fix in a second… Man it’s hard! You just have to remind yourself every day that you will not interfere and that you will let your child fight their own battles, but you will still show them that you love them no matter what and that you’re there for them.

Letting your child go through their own heartbreaking experiences, pain and suffering might be the greatest gift you could ever offer them. g www.womanthismonth.com

Star

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

Pisces

Time spent in reflection will allow you to see just how much things have changed and the recent visit of relatives may make you pine for loved ones far away. However, there is much to look forward to, especially if you are planning a move to a new property. Something could appear and answer all your prayers! On the work front you will have the chance to move into a very profitable position and to shape your destiny.

Taurus

Your pioneering spirit comes to the fore as a major project is placed in your hands to develop. This is your opportunity to elevate your status in the eyes of those with influence, so don’t lose focus. There will be others who might seek to “drop a spanner in the works” and jealousies will abound, so, give it your very best shot. For the romantics amongst you, it could be a case of needing to step outside your comfort zone if you are serious about capturing someone’s heart.

Gemini

Your continual defence of a current housemate who appears – in the eyes of everyone else at least – to be getting away with murder, has brought about conflicts at home which need to be sorted out once and for all! It seems that as the decision-maker, you have been undermined without even realising it and now is the time for you to stand firm. On the financial front, you should think hard about a long-term investment plan as it might be time to cash in. www.womanthismonth.com

Libra

Someone who likes to stir trouble has reluctantly set their eyes upon you this month so you need to prepare for some disruptive weeks ahead as they set about blowing rumours concerning your love life out of proportion. It would seem you have been spending a great deal of time with someone of the opposite sex on a professional basis and this has caused gossip. If you are involved in an intimate relationship beware; such talk could cause a rift to occur.

Scorpio

Balance is important in all aspects of life, but none more so than when organising your finances, so be prudent with your money or you could find yourself short. The central part of your problem appears to be close to any major property purchase and your subsequent desire to furnish it without taking the cost element too seriously. Rather than rush for the sake of impatience, you should instead give some thought to doing things one-step at a time.

Aries

horoscopes

A new partnership could be on the horizon but it may not be the kind you were expecting and may serve more as a bridge to other things. Still, the offer of companionship – even on a purely platonic level – could be exactly what you need at the moment and you would be foolish to turn away the company of others simply because you may still be clinging on to a past hope.

Sagittarius Cancer

There is a new concern brewing on the horizon and you will need your wits about you. The problem lies with a financial decision you took back in January. You appear to have invested heavily at the start of the year in something that had all the signs of success but which now may sink a lot of your profits very quickly.

The letters A and P in conjunction with this investment could reward you. On the work front, if a job opportunity reveals itself don’t be afraid to dive in.

Leo

March will prove to be a very good month for many of you and it appears a trip overseas will leave you with some memorable moments. You could find yourself encountering romance in a very unlikely setting and some highly charged emotions might be set free. How this shapes the remainder of 2018 remains to be seen but it is all looking very positive so far and bodes well for other areas in your life too.

Virgo

You are about to enter a personal lottery as your private affairs will be made public this month, leading you to assess whether your partner (the voice of these revelations) has your best interests at heart. Not that you are blameless of course, since your own tendency to be less than discreet is likely to finally get you into trouble. Your feet have been itching to move and some time away points towards you looking to end a relationship.

March sees you acting, rather than threatening to act, as you set the wheels of change into motion where a dream or idea is concerned.

Your sign is often in two minds – you cannot help it, this is just your nature – but as the first half of the year closes, reflection finally acts as the catalyst to inspire action. Get that long talked about project off the drawing board and give it some legs! On the health front you need to watch those cholesterol levels and a diet change could be on the cards.

Capricorn

Little in life is more potent for your sign than love. You can be accused of being a little closed with your feelings, but you are an emotional beast who is selective how you show them.

Consequently, when you suffer a break-up or separation it may stay with you far longer than with others. Don’t be afraid to open up with those closest to you because expression and conversation are the only way you will make it through this difficult time.

Aquarius

Your thoughts have been drifting recently and you might be going through a feeling of isolation because a loved one has been neglecting you. The truth is that you need a change of scenery and the best solution to your current problems might be to get away for a little while. Your partner’s current work commitments are unlikely to change over the coming months and the best alternative might be to visit a friend or relative simply to inject a bit of perspective back into your life.

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last word

In Her Shoes Carolina Campita, marketing and communications executive at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, opens up on likes and loves.

What’s your favourite thing about Bahrain?

The friendly people and laid-back lifestyle

Describe yourself in three words.

Optimist, creative thinker, chocolate lover.

Carolina Campita

Puppies or kittens?

Puppies

What skill would you like to learn?

Driving.

What song would you sing at karaoke?

Survivor by Destiny’s Child,

All-time favourite book or film?

Film – If Only

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What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

Zorbing (rolling downhill in a plastic ball!).

What would be your last meal on death row?

Seafood paella and a big chunk of white chocolate with almonds

What’s your favourite salon or spa treatment?

Foot spa www.womanthismonth.com

Your dream

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