Woman This Month - May 2019

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

May 2019 | Issue 195

RAMADAN DRESSING FOR THE OCCASION MODEST FASHION WEEK LOCAL HEROINES STAR STYLE STEALS

PEOPLE LATIFA EID ON TRIUMPHING OVER ADVERSITY THE WOMEN REVIVING THE TRADITIONAL ART OF FABRIC DYING

OUR FAVOURITE IFTARS

BEAUTY LATEST PRODUCT LAUNCHES FASTING SKINCARE

FOOD

QUICK AND EASY RECIPES

WELLBEING

STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE HOLY MONTH

HOMES

TRADITIONAL TOUCHES TO WELCOME YOUR GUESTS

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Digital Edition

MAY

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FASHION

14 Essentials: 10 Things to Try in May 16 Trend: Take a Bow 17 News: Whispers from around the industry

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FEATURE RAMADAN

20-26 Modest Fashion for Ramadan 22-23 The most stylish high street apparel perfect for the season 24-25 Runway favourites at Modest Fashion Week Istanbul 26 Local designers nailing the covered look 27 The best Ramadan Iftars and Ghabgas in town

PEOPLE 28 Marie Joubert and Johanna Andersson: Reviving a Lost Art 30 Latifa Eid: She Dared To Dream

BEAUTY 32 Ramadan Radiance: Beauty Tips 33 New Products: The latest goodies on the beauty counters 34 News: Chat and gossip, news and happenings

LIFESTYLE

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36 Wellbeing: Staying Well During Ramadan 37 Wellbeing News: Information on the latest developments 38-39 Homes: Wow your guests 40 Food: Easy to make Iftar recipes 41 Opinion: Vegan View 43 Opinion: Pria Masson Tanwar 45 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 46 In Her Shoes: Bhavika Sagar

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R

EDITOR’S NOTE

amadan Kareem everyone. By the time you read this, the Holy Month will be literally around the corner and we’ll all be gearing up for a month of spirituality and daily fasting followed by lush evening Iftars and Ghabgas where we’ll catch up with business contacts and friends that we often don’t make enough effort to see during the rest of the year.

To help you make the most of this special time, we’ve taken a good look at modest dressing in this issue. It’s safe to say that the days of head-to-toe black are becoming a thing of the past as women of various faiths embrace this path. In the fashion pages, Fernanda takes her cue from some superstar names who are following the trend. While in our big Ramadan feature, we look at designer and high-street options with a special focus on the recent Istanbul Modest Fashion Week. And, not forgetting our local heroines, there’s info on some of the Bahrain-based ladies making their mark with funky abayas, kaftans and more.

There’s also a selection of Iftars, which come personally recommended. Yes, we really have tried them all. And sticking with the Ramadan theme, we’ve looked at the best ways of staying healthy while fasting and natural skincare options to help you avoid dehydration and stay looking your usual fabulous selves.

Our interviewees this month are Latifa Eid, who has forged a successful career despite a poor start, and Marie and Johanna, the women behind Lab73 which is reviving traditional, eco-friendly fabric dying techniques – I must admit, I had serious clothes envy when Behnaz told me about the stuff they are producing. If anyone would like to buy me an Eid gift…

As always, we have our regular round-ups of news from the worlds of beauty and fashion as well as words of wisdom from our columnists Ouiam, Lahan and Pria.

We hope you enjoy the Holy Month and we’d love to hear how you’ll be spending it. Get in touch on any of our social media platforms @ womanthismonth

ly The on 's n e wom ine magaz with uted distrib GDN the

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI LAHAN SPERINCK PRIA MASSON TANWAR layout & graphics HATEM MONEM media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS photography editor MUNA YOUSEF printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN --------------------DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director LINI REGUNATH MADHAVAN Video Producer DARIO GODIC Art & Animation Director HATEM MONEM

Contents copyrighted 2019© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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

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

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

May 2019, Issue 195 On the cover: Designer Saiqa Majeed for Modanisa Image courtesty of Rooful Ali OMG how much do I want this cute elephant bag from Loewe? And, if I can’t have it, then the baby ele key fob would make me equally as happy.

On a slightly less obsessive note, I’m also rather taken with these teardrop earrings from Mango which look eye-catching without being overdone.

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Dana Mall 17553555 - East Riffa 17773355 - Ramli Mall, A’ali 17646455 - Hidd 17465599 - Juffair Mall 17555588 - Galleria 17172727- Atrium Mall - 17799888 info@bh.lulumea.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Celebrating Women’s History US Ambassador, HE Justin Siberell, and

his wife Arnavaz hosted a reception to celebrate Women in Legislation and Women’s History Month at the Ambassador’s residence in Saar, with special guest Cathy Allen, American political consultant and communications strategist

for Her held a signing ceremony with Signing Ceremony Imtiaz Al Rashid Group at Oasis Mall Juffair

Spring of Fashion

City Centre Bahrain held its Spring of Fashion 2019 media event and ‘Art City’ Tour

Under the patronage of HE Zayed Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, and with the gracious support of French Ambassador, HE Cécile Longé, a gala finale of the first Pre-Incubation Program – Dilmun Star, was held at Wyndham Grand Manama.

Dilmun Star

8 May 2019

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YOUR PATH TO PARENTHOOD STARTS HERE GUARANTEED PRICES FOR A STRESS-FREE PREGNANCY

Normal Delivery – 690 BD C-Section – 1240 BD *Terms & Conditions Apply

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

La Table Krug by Y Opening

The premier of La Table Krug by Y, the newest fine-dining restaurant by executive chef Yann Bernard Lejard, was held at the RitzCarlton, Bahrain

Ladies Lunch A ladies’ lunch was held at Keizo Restaurant, Al Areen Palace & Spa

Medical Check-Up Camp

10 May 2019

The Indian Community Relief Fund organised its 130th Free Medical Camp at the premises of Modern Mechanical Electrical & Transport

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showcase

BARISTA CREATIONS A

s three quarters of coffee drinkers globally enjoy a white coffee, Nespresso launches its latest blends, expertly crafted specifically to go with milk.

The company has spent six years studying the interaction between coffee and milk to develop the Barista Creations milk coffee range for which the development team experimented with 18 coffee origins from around the world, focusing on the techniques of roasting and grinding, to perfect a milky coffee at home with the Nespresso milk machines.

Behind the blend “The journey to find the perfectly balanced coffee with milk was inspired by professional baristas’ craftsmanship, and by questioning our consumers’ expectations and motivation to drink coffee with milk,” said Karsten Ranitzsch, Head of Coffee at Nespresso. “Our Coffee Experts therefore started by consulting consumers. Only after gaining a thorough understanding of it while taking the diversity of the responses into account, did we start to develop our new blends.”

From 18 different coffee origins, around 20,000 cappuccinos were tested and over 120 coffee prototypes were produced. Through sophisticated trials, the experts pushed the boundaries of roasting and grinding in order to find the key attributes for a coffee blend to be drunk with milk.

Barista Creations: the new permanent coffee range Those looking for bitterness, acidity, body, bold flavour and aromas in their cup of coffee with milk can find it all in this new range. To match every taste, each creation has been developed for its unique alchemy with milk. www.womanthismonth.com

A new approach to milky coffee from the experts at Nespresso

From a small cortado to larger cappuccinos, a variety of recipes can be created from each one.

They can also be paired with plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat or soya milks.

Original coffee range of Barista Creations • Chiaro (meaning ‘light’ in Italian) – inspired

by Brooklyn baristas, Chiaro is for smooth and sweet coffee and milk recipes. With an ultralight roast, it has sweet caramel and biscuit notes when milk is added.

• Scuro (meaning ‘dark’ in Italian) – inspired by baristas in Melbourne, Scuro is for the perfect balance between milk and roasted coffee notes. Its profile is intense, roasted, and well balanced when milk is added.

• Corto (meaning ‘short’ in Italian) – inspired

by Spanish baristas, Corto has a powerful taste and a syrupy texture for recipes with a little touch of milk. The blend is very dark, spicy, intense roasted and smoky when drunk with milk. Ideal for a traditional Spanish cortado.

Nespresso milk machines for all your milk coffee recipes The new permanent coffee range presents the perfect pairing for the Nespresso milk machines designed to bring out the textural experience of an indulgent milky coffee.

The Nespresso Latissima machines offer the convenience of enjoying many excellent coffee and milk recipes at home at the simple touch of a button. With Nespresso’s coffee expertise and the venturi system of the machine, white coffee drinkers can get the right milk foam for their favourite cups.

Any coffee lover can become a barista at home thanks to the Nespresso Creatista machines

with which it becomes easy to create authentic top-quality Latte Art coffees thanks to Breville’s innovative, automatic and expert steam pipe. These versatile machines have adjustable settings for coffee volume, milk temperature and milk texture.

Those looking to upgrade their coffee and milk experience can also purchase the New Limited Editions chocolates, for those extra indulgent coffee moments.

To add to the luxury coffee experience, customers in Bahrain can now find all their Nespresso requirements at a new booth just opened at Seef Mall Muharraq. This brings the brand’s presence in the country to three outlets, with the Nespresso Boutique at Level 1, City Centre Bahrain and the Nespresso Booth at Gate 5, Seef Mall.

Barista Creations coffee will be available from May 15, 2019 at Nespresso Boutique Level 1, City Centre Bahrain, Nespresso Booth, Gate 5, Seef Mall, Nepresso Booth, 1st floor, Seef Mall Muharraq, Customer Care Tollfree 80 001-999 or online at www.buynespresso.com/bh/en May 2019

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showcase

Hosts

MERCHANT PARTNERS Four women who work closely with Imtiaz For Her share their thoughts on business opportunities and the road to success

SHAIKHA TAHER ALI ALORRAYEDH Creative director at Sokola Chocolates What inspired you to go into this field?

I have always loved weddings and event organising. Supplying chocolate is within the same category.

Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?

Being a mother.

If yes, how did you deal with them?

I decided to take a step further and go

for better management of my daily family commitments against my business objectives.

I must say, it is a hard task to manage, but I have to be persistent towards my goals.

What is the most rewarding part of your business?

When your products are recognised by the top experienced chefs in town!

Would you encourage other women to

seek careers in this field?

Yes, if they’re passionate about it

If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?

• Never give up.

• Identify the opportunities and challenges.

• Never compare yourself to others. It’s a dead end. Do what YOU are passionate about and work hard for it.

FATIMA RASHED Entrepreneur and managing director at Bloomings Flowers What inspired you to go into this field?

My passion for beauty and art. I love to be part of people’s lives and happy occasions; therefore, my aim is to be successful in a field which I love and by spreading joy and beauty.

Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?

I wouldn’t say that I have encountered specific challenges because of my gender, but I had some difficulties “at some points” in dealing with people who underestimate me, specially in a masculine environment. At the end, a woman’s personality and her faith in

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herself win the situation.

If yes, how did you deal with them?

In every difficult situation in life, regardless of whether in business or otherwise, a person should evaluate the situation and him/herself then decide either to try again and gain or to choose another direction.

have developed into friendships.

Would you encourage other women to seek careers in this field?

What is the most rewarding part of your business?

I encourage women to search and experience their passion and interest in life. Each person has different capabilities and potential. Keeping yourself updated and aware and living different experiences will guide you to discover what path in life you should follow.

Gaining knowledge and experience in different aspects in life, developing a mature and aware personality and getting to know different kinds of people; some

In my field, I would say: knowledge, innovation and attitude, including patience.

If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?

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showcase

NADA ALAWI Founder and creative director of Annada What inspired you to go into this field?

My love of art and fashion. I want to create a beautiful world through art to spread happiness

Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?

I must say that as a culture and a nation we are very good in dealing with biases against women and their capabilities. I would like to see more positive female representation and impact in leadership positions and also more great examples of women that we can learn from

If yes, how did you deal with them?

Be open and only give energy to positive experiences. Work hard and show actions.

What is the most rewarding part of your business?

Each area has its reward. I would say I am completely and totally in love with our concept and idea. This itself gives me a lot of joy, thinking about what I have created and am a part of. I then love the exposure to art and selecting it to be part of our collection. I love thinking of all the possibilities this artwork has. I love creating functional, beautiful solutions for our customers and clients. I love showing our work and I love, love, love seeing it on our clients

Would you encourage other women to seek careers in this or other fields?

dreams and passions and, if they decide to create a company, to create something amazing and not think of copying someone but follow their own version of what they want and do it very, very well. I would encourage women not to be afraid but also put their full force [into their project] and work hard to achieve their dreams. Think of the customer when they create anything

If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?

• Answer an important need for you and for other people.

• Be yourself and activate your passion.

• Create something irresistible and communicate it.

I would encourage women to follow their

DINA SHABIB CEO, Farahii (online one-stop bridal shop).

What inspired you to go into this field?

In the autumn of 2016, I was helping my brother plan his wedding here in Bahrain, and I realised how many inefficiencies there were to this process, and how so much of the fun is taken out of the planning by the lack of transparency and convenience. We had to go to 20 places to arrange for a dinner party, all the different vendors telling us they were all ‘wedding planners’ and experts in everything, and then they couldn’t deliver.

Then, one day while I was jogging, I thought “Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was one reliable, easy, fun resource to go to for all the Khaleeji bride’s needs?” And the idea of farahii was born.

Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?

I have never been someone who blamed challenges that I face on my gender, so,

to be honest, I cannot say that I faced challenges because I’m a woman. I did face a lot of challenges and every day something new comes along, but they are more entrepreneurship challenges I feel that anyone starting a business would face.

ecommerce, from suppliers to logistics to operationa to IT and digital media. It’s been an amazing learning experience, but it hasn’t been easy. So, I guess I can say: “If you are up for the challenge, of course! Go for it!”

What is the most rewarding part of your business?

If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?

Happy brides. It is so satisfying to get a message or see our social media accounts tagged by brides who are so excited and love the product they have just received in the mail from farahii.

• Understand your market.

• Decide how you want your operations to be.

• Work with vendors you trust.

Would you encourage other women to seek careers in this field?

LoL, that’s a trick question. Yes and no.

It’s not easy and I didn’t expect 90 per cent of the challenges that I have faced (even though I prepared a lot before jumping into this). There are so many parts to

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

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May 2019

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FASHION |essentials

Fancy clog. Mules are still top of the shoes to look for this season. They are elegant and comfy at the same time, how wonderful is that?

The spring and summer collections are now in the stores, however, what to choose from so many options? Fernanda Langhammer helps with the ultimate trends to follow, check them out!

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Extra large. The eye-catching accessory? Enlarged earrings!

Go big or go home!

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Maxi galore. Long dresses are elegant and a smart item to be incorporated to your modest-wear dresscode.

Wallis

Gladiator sandals to fight everyday fashion challenges.

Chloe

Ethnic kaftan. The Holy Month is upon us and long tunics are the perfect pick. Look for long sleeves and colourful patterns.

All day. Trainers have attained the status of cool footwear and fashionistas are taking them everywhere, from the gym straight to the office. Want to look fierce? Pair your neat tennis shoe with your sober tailored suit.

Longchamp

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3

CH Carolina Herrera

1

Tory Burch

Cole Haan

10 Things to Try This Month

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Raw texture. Designers used a lot of natural materials to compose their spring and summer collections. Esparto rope and straw are the favourites.

Shoes, hats and handbags are the accessories to look for.

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Personal carrier. Not a fan of bum bags, but looking for a hands-free solution? Seek out necklace bags, they are the new hit in the fashion world. Practical and minimalist, this is the best accessory for minimum belongings.

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Roberto Cavalli

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M&Co

5

Gabriela Hearst

Dune London

Pleated midi skirts, please!

Vintage round glasses for contemporary looks. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Norsyazwani Hamdan, wife of Malaysian Ambassador, HE Agus Salim Haji Yusof, hosted a demonstration for skin care and basic make-up by Roshan Ara, DXN Maysia Beauty Consultant

Makeup Tutorial

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May 2019

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Miu Miu SS2019

FASHION | trend

This girly detail has invaded grown women’s wardrobes to become a hot spot in any fashionista’s look. The looped knot can have an important function, to tie the clothing piece tight, or just be there for decoration. Whatever its purpose, the cute, frilly element is here to stay!

Must-have: A pair of shoes with an

Extra point: Find unusual pieces

Erdem

eye-catching knot must be at the top of your summer shopping spree list.

Debenhams

Valentino

featuring a cute bow. Miu Miu’s eyewear collection added them to frames for a super feminine effect.

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Glamorous

Christian Louboutin

Miss Selfridge

Aquazzura X Racil

H&M

Mango

Massimo Dutti

Celine

Leem

Felling edgy? Go for an XXL bow, just like on Celine’s polka dot dress. Ready for some all-eyes-onyou attention?

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news

World First In Transparency

Fashion brand H&M has become the first major retailer in the market to list individual supplier details for each garment in a bid to combat forced labour and increase transparency.

Reuters reported that the information, including where garments are made, suppliers, factory names and addresses and number of workers, will be available on the company’s website. Customers will be able to access the same data instore by downloading the brand’s app and scanning labels.

H&M’s head of sustainability, Isak Roth, said in a statement: “We want to show the world that this is possible.

“By being open and transparent about where our products are made, we hope to set the bar for our industry and encourage customers to make more sustainable choices.”

A Family Affair

Perhaps best known for her famous family (dad is singer Lionel and sister is Nicole) and her romance with Courtney K’s ex, Scott Disick, Sofia Richie is about to launch her own fashion line. WWD reported that the 20-year-old model will debut a 12-piece collection in August featuring items that mirror her own personal style.

Having starred in campaigns for the likes of Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger and walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana, Jeremy Scott and Kanye West‘s Yeezy line, Sofia said she’s been taking notes and learning all these years and now it’s time to put her own ideas out there.

Fashion With Attitude

Violeta by Mango, unveils an empowering new campaign for Spring/Summer 2019, featuring three empowering women – plus-size models Paloma Elsesser, Iza Ijzerman and Lorena Durán, the first curvy girl to join Victoria’s Secret. They present key looks in which the sun and a relaxed atmosphere become an inspiration. Floral prints and fluid dresses combine with a bright palette to fill your wardrobe with light and vibrant colours.

This season’s wardrobe highlights one key message throughout – SS19 #IAMWHATIAM. The brand’s statement is: “This is how I am, because I decide what I want, I decide who I am.” Positivity is back in the form of success making its mark.

Dancing, singing and having a good time is easier than ever, because it is time to proclaim beauty without barriers. Choose to be who you want to be. The power is yours. www.womanthismonth.com

Mary Quant at the V&A

The life and work of swinging sixties trailblazer Mary Quant is the latest retrospective to take the spotlight at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.

The designer, now aged 89, almost singlehandedly created the quintessential ‘London look’ with miniskirts, knee-high boots and her sharply-cut bob hairstyle, fashioned by another giant of the period, Vidal Sassoon.

This is the first international retrospective of her work in almost half a century (the last one was in 1973 at Kensington Palace in London), it focuses on her heyday from 1955 to 1975, with more than 120 garments on display over two floors, along with accessories, cosmetics, sketches and photographs belonging to the designer, most of which have never been seen before.

An Apple A Day

Love funky trainers but also love our furry friends, whose skin is often used to make them? Then you need to check out Italian eco footwear brand Womsh which uses plant-based leather made from apples to make sustainable, vegan trainers.

The material uses the cores and skins of apples discarded from industrial processes and combines them with Polyurethane to create vegan leather. And, better yet, when you’ve finished with them, they can be recycled and reused to make anti-slip and anti-fall flooring for playgrounds.

Reviewers say they’re good enough to take over from real skin.

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FASHION | get the look

MODEST DRESSING

Gigi Hadid at Oscar de La Renta SS 2019 show

River Island

COS

COS

Brunello Cucinelli

Angelina Jolie

Wearing less skin-revealing clothes is a trend embraced by women all over the world. The choice might be for personal preference or religious purpose. However, the truth is that this look can be super stylish! Get ready for the Holy Month in modest and beautiful style.

A simple loose dress in cotton fabric can be your companion on many occasions. Angelina Jolie knows exactly how to rock this style which is uncomplicated and can be defined by great accessories. A fine shawl elevates the outfit adding extra coverage and elegance. You can finalise the composition with ballerinas or a small heel for a feminine touch.

Yellow is the official summer shade and Oscar de La Renta proves that it can be a sensation in your seasonal wardrobe.

Choose a bright tone to paint your favourite piece, which could be wide-legged trousers or a loose top. If you go for bright bottoms, play with contrast and opt for a solid top in a neutral hue. A long shirt or tailored blouse is the crucial element while funky and summery accessories help you break the austerity.

Zara

Tory Burch

Marks & Spencer

Bally

A GRAZE OF COLOUR

Accessorize

Mango

LESS IS MORE

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Lipsy

Topshop

NEUTRAL PALETTE

www.womanthismonth.com

Chloe

Mango

Cate Blanchett

Gucci Dune London

Chloe

TURTLENECK EFFECT

Bally

Spring and summer 2019 collections have taken this kind of dress seriously and you can find all sorts of prints to please all tastes and body shapes. This comfortable piece embodies the Bohemian trend and you can either go for hippie style or make it more urban with sober accessories. Olivia Wilde bets on a deep cleavage to make it more appealing for the red carpet, but the usual models have a round neckline.

Finalise the outfit with a composition of necklaces.

Olivia Wilde

THE PRAIRIE DRESS

Polo Ralph Lauren

Tory Burch

Swarovski

Zara

Zara

Jumpsuits are the statement piece of the season and a stylish, modest pick. Wide-legged numbers are a sophisticated choice, while opting for pleated details makes your style even trendier. Drew Barrymore chose a bold colour complemented with fearless add-ons. Chunky accessories are the eye-catching extras to the outfit. Long necklaces and earrings give added oomph to this solid and vibrant piece.

Chanel Iman

Lipsy

ALL IN ONE

MCM

Light shades are a good and always classic choice in hot weather. Opt for all-over white for a strong fashion statement. The duo of culottes with a loose long-sleeved top is the key to appearing buoyant and carefree. The fashionable white booties add the element of surprise that gives the outfit a youthful flair, perfect for the model Chanel Iman. These short, flared trousers work well with loose tops, don’t worry about proportions, a tailored cut gives the right balance.

Karen Millen

Drew Barrymore

SemSem pleated crepe jumpsuit

Zara

Bershka

FASHION | get the look

It's equally important to cover the neckline as much as arms and legs and a high-necked shirt or blouse does the trick at the same time as adding a stylish touch. Cate Blanchett opted to play with prints and earth tones in her outfit. The idea of working with shades of brown and green with a touch of red is a formula to keep. The snakeskin pattern is the chosen animal print, but any of them would complement the look pretty well. Take notes and go play with the pieces in your wardrobe!

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EATURE | ramadan

n a d a Ram A STYLISH

As we head into the Holy Month, we welcome the season of Iftars and Ghabgas at which we take the chance to catch up with family and friends over the breaking of the daily fast. The season, with its many corporate events, also provides a valuable opportunity to touch base with clients and contacts.

Whether it’s a family or business occasion and whether you are, in fact, fasting or simply taking the opportunity to enjoy cultural traditions, the style for this important time is distinctly modest. But, that certainly doesn’t mean boring.

For many, the idea of modest dressing calls to mind ladies with covered heads in black robes, but this is no longer the case.

From locally-based designers to some of the biggest names on the high street, fashion is becoming increasingly aware of, and catering to, the modest fashionista. We’ve pulled together some great offerings from both current and special capsule collections to help make sure your Ramadan wardrobe’s both appropriate and awesome.

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Leem

FEATURE | ramadan

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2019

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FEATURE | ramadan

H&M H&M’s latest limited-edition collection features flowing kaftans in breezy fabrics and flowing prints. Perfect for the summer season and for Ramadan gatherings.

LEEM Saudi-based brand Leem's Spring Summer 19 collection features the likes of freeflowing kaftans, maxi skirts and dresses, the timeless trench, tailored power suits with fluid, ambiguous layers, all distinguished by their sleek structure and elegant lines.

The house also has a Ramadan Capsule Collection.

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FEATURE | ramadan

MANGO RAMADAN CAPSULE Mango’s Ramadan Capsule Collection draws on classics from floor-sweeping skirts to desert sandbased colour schemes. They’ve even put together an accessories look to accompany the pieces.

NAMSHI The latest edit by Namshi offers a selection of outfits ranging from comfortable daywear styles to more elaborate evening outfits that come to life with exquisite embroideries and embellishments. Choose from a stellar range of designs by leading regional and international labels including the likes of Haya’s Closet, Femi9, Anotah, Threadz and more.

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2019

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FEATURE | ramadan

Modest Dressing on the Runway The latest crop of modest fashions hit the runway at Modest Fashion Week Istanbul with lots of options suitable for both Ramadan and throughout the year. These designers are all available through modanisa.com where you’ll find modest dressing options for everything from everyday wear to sports gear and swim kit.

MAYOVERA Think modest dressing with a distinctly Boho vibe. Cool patterns, dangling beads and 60s’-inspired patterned pants coupled with whimsical headgear and bright, bright colours that would not be out of place at the coolest musical festivals.

NIHAN PEKER The designer alternated between flowing garments in neutral shades and sharp tailoring in zesty brights. Head coverings went from discreet hijabs and turbans to oversized chapeaux. This collection brought the modest dressing trend right into the office and flirted with street style.

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FEATURE | ramadan

RABIA Z There was nothing quiet about Rabia Z’s use of monochrome for much of her show. Covering, while managing to appear kind of ‘out there’ and interesting. Her designs scream class and style with attitude in equal measure making itself felt in no uncertain terms.

REFKA Think luxe flowing fabrics taking centre stage in muted hues. Move towards evening with sprinkles of discreetly placed sparkles to take the glamour stakes up a notch.

Refka is Arabian Nights dressing for the modest modern woman.

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2019

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FEATURE | ramadan

WE LOVE LOCAL They might not, yet, be heading down the Modest Fashion Week runways but Bahrain certainly has a great range of home-grown talent producing funky abayas, kaftans and more. Here are some of our favourites.

AMAL’S ABAYAS & LOAFERS

A Bahrain-based brand which can be found at local markets as well as online, at @amalsabayas on Instagram as well as various other social media.

Amal produces gorgeous, interesting pieces in traditionally woven fabrics. She also does a great line in classic Lebanese loafers too.

BYF COLLECTION

Fayza Qamber, a Bahraini entrepreneur and the founder of ByF collection made her fashion debut 10 years ago. ByF Collection is an immaculate blend of rich Bahraini heritage and contemporary fashion.

Designed for the global woman the label aims at creating alluring yet comfortable couture and prĂŞt that enhances her confidence and style quotient. Find them on Instagram @ byf_collection.

LOLANA

A creative design studio that offers tailoring at your doorstep @lolana_bh produces some seriously sophisticated styles for the modest lady.

Beautifully imagined and equally as rewarding to wear, this is a line to keep an eye on for the future.

ROYAL BEES

This brand debuted its first collection at Bahrain Pop-up Market and is busy coming up with new creations for Ramadan and Eid. Look out for loose, comfortable fits in luxe materials with great detailing. Find them @ royalbeesbahrain.

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RAMADAN ROUND UP

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Savour delectable traditional fare from around the world, intertwined with local flavours for an unrivalled gastronomic experience under the twinkling stars. The award-winning Layali Al Zallaq Ramadan Tent will feature lavish Iftar and Ghabga buffets that will thrill your senses. Iftar will be from sunset till 8.30pm, priced at BD20.

Ghabga with live entertainment costs BD23, starting at 9.30pm, and running up to 1am on weekdays, and 2am on weekends. Both meals are inclusive of Ramadan juices, soft drinks and water. Kids will be kept busy with their very own entertainment at the Kids’ Camp with various fun-filled activities.

Call 17 636-363.

Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Enjoy a lavish Iftar buffet featuring Ramadan delicacies, live-cooking stations, and a delightful array of mouthwatering desserts served daily at sunset, priced at BD12++. This property’s conference centre will be richly dressed to reflect the true taste of Arabia with secluded seating for families. Specialised menus can be drawn for corporate or private Iftar/Ghabga events for 30-800 guests. As Ramadan is a time of giving, the hotel will donate BD0.500 to the Mother and Child Welfare society for every paying guest.

Call 17 531-122.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Make your way to the elegant VIVA Masaya Pavilion to partake in the culinary traditions of Ramadan that begin at sundown. It will be a luxurious occasion with nightly entertainment and fragrant buffets to enjoy with family and friends. Iftar will be on from sunset to 8pm, and is priced at BD32 per person. Ghabga will commence at 9pm and will go on up to 2am, priced at BD35 per person. Regular shisha costs BD10, while the www.womanthismonth.com

special variety costs BD15. A pergola can be booked for a maximum of eight guests for BD360. The silver service that will be provided includes a selection of buffet items and three shishas.

Call 17 586-499.

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

The festive ambience at the Awali Ballroom invites you to enjoy a scrumptious Iftar buffet from sunset to 8.30pm priced at BD18+++ for adults. After Iftar, family and friends are invited to gather for Ghabga, hosted daily at the elegant Golestan Iranian Restaurant. The revelry begins at 9pm, and food will be served up to 2am, for BD12.500+++ for adults.

Call 17 533-533.

Intercontinental Regency Bahrain

A wide range of freshly prepared local and international specialities using locallysourced ingredients prepared by Bahraini executive sous chef Mohammed Samara awaits you at the Regency Ramadan Tent that encompasses Selections restaurant and the adjoining pool area. Iftar is priced at BD12++ from Sunday to Wednesday, and BD14++ from Thursday to Saturday, and will be served up to 8.30pm. An à la carte menu or a set-menu is on offer for Ghabga, from 9pm to 2am. Those who wish to relax with a shisha can choose from a wide range of flavours. For group bookings larger than 30 guests, an exclusive experience at the Al Rifaa ballroom awaits.

Call 36 967-749 / 17 227-777.

K Hotel

A lavish Iftar buffet can be enjoyed from sunset up to 8.30pm for BD9.900+++ per person, including Ramadan juices, coffee or tea. A variety of authentic regional treats awaits you, encompassing traditional dishes along with Ramadan delicacies at Kolors Restaurant. Savour Bahraini Ouzi, machbous,

FEATURE | ramadan

chicken molokhia, lamb tagine and koftabil laban amongst other regular favourites and end the meal at the dessert buffet full of tempting sweet dishes like Umm Ali, assorted baklawa, kunafa and gullash Ramadan.

Call 17 360-000.

The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Bond with dear ones at a family-style Iftar menu for BD15, which will be hosted from sunset to 9pm. Guests can also have their private Iftar or Ghabga get-togethers at the hotel and can choose from a range of menu options to suit their tastes and budget.

Call 33 502-121.

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa

Khaymat Al Antalya, the grand indoor tent, will be laden with scrumptious delights at this Seef property to mark the Holy Month of Ramadan. Guests can enjoy Iftar for BD10++, Ghabga for BD12++, and Sohour for BD7++. Traditional and modern Arabic music from a talented Oud player will accompany the pleasant ambience during Ghabga, and diners will experience the best of hospitality at an unbeatable price. Shisha can be enjoyed in the adjacent lounge. Families and friends can choose to enjoy their own private space in the demarcated VIP area.

Call 36 897-379.

The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre

Indulge in one of the very best traditional Arabic Iftar and Ghabga buffets every night from sunset to 8pm, and from 9pm till late respectively. Celebrate the sense of togetherness that Ramadan brings as you step into a culinary world of festivity at this property located in Amwaj. The gastronomic feasts are priced at BD12++ per person.

Call 16 035-640.

May 2019

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PEOPLE | interview

REVIVING A LOST ART Marie Joubert and Johanna Andersson of Lab73 speak with Behnaz Sanjana about artisanal fabric dyeing and sustainable fashion.

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hen Lab73 started, around a year ago, yoga buddies and school mums Marie and Johanna didn’t have a name for it. “We realised that we’re both creative, like working with our hands and slowly but surely the idea of practising the age-old methods of hand dyeing fabrics grew,” says South African national, Marie. “Last summer, Johanna returned with a book from Sweden, and we started to learn and investigate ways to hand-dye cloth using plants in our garden.”

They had their first go on three metres of Indian silk given to them by a friend.

Johanna says: “We were not satisfied with the outcome so we researched more. We learnt that dates were used to dye cloth in Bahrain. Traditional techniques in Sweden used alum for the colour to catch, while in Bahrain, salt was used for this purpose.”

After a lot of experimentation, Lab73 now retails naturally hand-dyed kaftans, kimonos, scrunchies, scarves, cloth bags and ribbons.

The pair also do ‘eco-printing’, where petals are used to imprint their tints by using steam; a process called bundle dying. “This is ideal for brides wanting to save the memory of their wedding bouquet or anybody wanting to save special flowers,” says Johanna. “Colours of dark flowers like red roses can be transferred on to a scarf that can be used and passed down the generations.”

Explaining the dyeing process, which the duo carries out in Marie’s kitchen, Johanna says: “100-per-cent pure, white silk is first washed to rid it of any chemicals. Then it’s soaked

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in alum, which will allow it to absorb colour.

Next, we soak it in the pigment we have made. It’s a bit like cooking actually!” Marie continues: “So if we want a blue shade, we boil cut-up red cabbage until we get the required intensity of the shade, strain the liquid and

leave the fabric in it, stirring it regularly.”

Once the piece is dyed, it is ready to take on prints. Besides flowers, they use avocado rinds, onion peels, carrot leaves, turmeric, marigold, palm tree bark, henna, eucalyptus and cochineal for its red, purple or pink outcomes. “Hibiscus gives a lovely blue, while cabbage is very pH sensitive, so we can extract pink, purple and sometimes green from it,” Johanna says.

This procedure yields exclusive, one-ofa-kind pieces. Marie says: “Sometimes we try to recreate something that we like but the colours just come out differently. Also, different natural fabrics and their varying densities take on pigments differently.”

Although the process is tedious and labourintensive, the ladies are proud of its ecofriendly aspect. “This is the original way cloth was dyed before the mass production brought about by the Industrial Revolution. We use natural materials and kitchen waste. We also receive unwanted flowers from a florist, so nothing is really thrown away,” says Marie.

“The idea is to buy something that you really love and use it for a long time. Naturally dyed garments can also be refreshed with more colour to give them new life, making it sustainable fashion.”

Johanna explains: “We want more people to embrace the idea of slow fashion, wherein the process of creating fabrics is better appreciated. It’s about giving more value to your clothes, not just wearing them a few times before you discard them, and knowing that they have been made using non-toxic colours in environmentally friendly ways.”

Marie adds: “Both of us have become conscious of things like nature, the changing seasons and how we look at what we wear. Our tailors are all women who we pay fair wages to. Consumers today need to think about who made their clothes and what has gone into making them. The fashion industry has a lot to answer for because of its impact on the planet.

Responsible buyers and designers have the power to make a choice to offer and purchase sustainable items of value.”

You can find the ladies showing their creations at pop-up markets across the Kingdom.

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Pre-Ramadan Reception

Crowne Plaza, Bahrain held a pre-Ramadan Iftar allowing guests to experience its offerings for Ramadan

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2019

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PEOPLE | interview

SHE DARED TO DREAM B

usinesswoman Latifa Eid stepped into matrimony at an age so tender, it would be unimaginable to most women today. “I had lost my mother and my father was ailing,” she explains. “I was living with my aunt, working and studying at the same time. When my father-in-law to-be, a kind and educated gentleman, promised me a good life and education, I saw it as my chance.”

Latifa Eid’s story is one that’s filled with gumption and giant leaps of faith, finds Behnaz Sanjana.

She completed high school and graduated from a university in the US, where her then husband was a student. Over a decade and their first-born later, they moved to the UK, where she pursued a Master’s in beauty therapy and cosmetology. “I also took certificate courses in specialised practices like peeling and lasers, in France and Germany.”

The couple eventually decided to return to Bahrain, by which time they had three boys.

Wanting the freedom and challenge of her own business, Latifa was the first Bahraini lady to open a beauty salon and fitness spa, Futoon, at a time when there were a limited number of salons in Bahrain. Passionate about the business of beauty, she established Futoon International School of Beauty and Art in Riffa in 2001, set on global standards to teach Bahrainis international beauty practices. “I wanted to make Bahrain known as the beauty destination of the GCC, and I worked hard towards it. Through the media, I spread the awareness that beauty is not just about makeup, but about one’s skin, hair and overall health.

“In the initial years itself, the school successfully graduated 300 ladies. I was happy to see the energy and initiative that young women of the country displayed. My aim was, and still is, to make Bahraini women and men leaders in this field.”

Life has thrown a number of spokes into her professional and personal wheel but she has never backed down on her dreams.

“Although we are no longer together, I am grateful to the support my ex-husband has given me in the past, also to my friends and well-wishers. I am immensely thankful to the wise leadership of Bahrain, especially HRH The Prime Minister, who works tirelessly for his countrymen, and the wonderful Shaikha Sabeeka, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, who has seen to the welfare of Bahraini women.”

When asked how she juggled her studies, business and family life, she says: “The truth is, you cannot be perfect at everything. I did my best to be a good mother, although mothers often feel guilty of not doing enough

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for their kids. I began with nothing – no education or money. I worked hard to get where I am. Raising three boys was definitely not easy, but today they are doing well in life.

Of course, I must share the credit with their father as well.”

The proud Bahraini contested the last elections as a way to give back to her country. “Although I did not win, I got the opportunity to listen to and help others, which I have continued to do through regular majlises,” she says.

Looking back on her life, she feels that destiny has played a huge part, along with a dream for a better future. “I did odd jobs to get by in the early days in the States, living on bread and chickpea kebabs. We ate little and worked more. Even in the UK, with our kids, we roughed it out. Becoming a mother made me stronger than ever.

“Sometimes it feels like starting all over again. But success is rising up after a fall. I have no regrets, as life has made me what I am today.” And so, Latifa continues to live a fulfilled life, surrounded only by happy memories, the unconditional love of her children and the friends she has made for life. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, inaugurated the Lulu British Festival 2019 at Lulu Hypermarket, Saar

Lulu British Festival

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2019

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BEAUTY | tips

RAMADAN RADIANCE NATURALLY

Behnaz Sanjana veers towards ‘clean’ beauty this Holy Month.

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bserving Ramadan brings about positive outcomes, but it can also tell on our skin, hair and nails due to the change in eating habits. In dealing with dehydration, the lack of nutrients for many hours of the day and erratic sleep schedules, the body reacts in different ways: flaky patches, blemishes, dull skin, lacklustre hair and brittle nails. The summer heat does not help either. Considering that Ramadan is a time to embrace the basics, let’s be conscious of what we put inside and, indeed, on our bodies, by adopting some natural, yet effective, beauty rituals.

SKIN AND NAILS

While staying cool in air-conditioned confines, know that the skin still takes a beating. An air-conditioned environment sucks the moisture out of your skin, making it dry and itchy. Slather on a layer of natural moisturiser, like good old virgin coconut or sweet almond oil, after a shower to create a

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barrier between the skin and the dry, cold air. Done twice a day, you’ll enjoy baby-soft skin, sans the toxins from commercially available products.

The skin of your face, being more sensitive than the rest of the body, could benefit from a less dense, non-comedogenic oil, like jojoba, or genuine argan oil. Natural exfoliators, like chickpea flour, oatmeal and yogurt, scrub away dead cells and the lips benefit from a gentle sugar-honey scrub. Consciously go easy on the makeup at least during daytime – thick foundations and concealers clog pores and make skin dull.

Don’t forget the nails and the cuticles.

Besides moisturising them often, give your nails regular breathing time from nail polish and use a gentler remover.

HAIR

Use the correct brush – a hair brush with natural bristles is best for long locks, while one with synthetic ones is for short styles.

Pamper your tresses with a kitchen-ingredients hair mask – banana, avocado, olive, coconut and argan oils, as well as eggs and full-fat yogurt make for excellent deep conditioners. Cover your masked head with a warm towel and wash after a while to unravel beautiful, manageable hair.

Scalp health determines how your hair behaves. Give your hair a final rinse of water with a few drops of tea tree oil added to keep the scalp fresh and free of sticky dandruff and odours. Go easy on the hair accessories and ensure scrunchies and clips are not pulling too tight on your strands.

DIET

You can run, but you can’t hide – what you eat defines the beauty and health of your skin, hair and nails. Add beautifying foods to your Iftar, Suhoor and in between. Stock up on natural produce that includes a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to supplement the body with lost trace minerals and vitamins. Skip the sugar and ditch the dairy – the former accelerates ageing by causing breakdown of collagen and the latter is what makes skin breakout in blemishes and acne. Nuts add important fibres and fatty acids to the body, keeping skin plump and glowing and the hair supple and strong. A biotin or Omega-3 supplement goes the extra mile.

Remember To:

- Drink PLENTY of water when you can.

- Catch up on enough sleep to keep skin glowing.

- Use quality sun protection every day.

- Avoid having bad breath by brushing teeth with baking soda and using a tongue cleaner.

A healthy Suhoor also plays a big role here. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | new products

Givenchy Beauty Teint Couture Everwear

Designed to accompany you through every day, the foundation and concealer create the perfect duo for 24-hour flawless skin. The formula works in perfect harmony with the skin. Its pigments and radiance correcting powders are supported in a strong, flexible polymer and silicone mesh that provides complete comfort. But that’s not all: from the moment of application, aqueous microbubbles dispersed in the formula release hydrating agents and a soothing extract of liquorice, for an extra boost of care. And in order to match every skin tone as closely as possible, Teint Couture Everwear foundation is available in a range of 20 shades divided into four colour families.

Available at leading retailers.

Disney Aladdin Collection by MAC

Ever dreamed of being a Disney princess – but with a fully empowered modern twist? Now you can fulfil your wish with this special edition collection from MAC celebrating the much anticipated live-action version of the animated classic, Aladdin. The collaboration celebrates the strength, beauty and confidence of Jasmine as she steps out of her comfort zone to explore a whole new world. It has been under wraps for quite some time, but now it’s here. So channel your inner princess with a beautiful Princess Jasmine eyeshadow palette, four stunning shades of lipsticks, three sparkly lip glosses, a shiny eye gloss, a glittery pigment and a sultry black eye liner. Available at MAC stores and counters.

From cover-ups to super smellies and a longawaited film tie-up, we've got them all.

Rouge G De Guerlain

Described as “the new It Colour collection” it comprises 12 new shades, including Rouge Intense, Nude Rosé, Rouille, Chocolat and Corail, to underline their style and adorn lips. Intense and luminous, semi-matte colour all wrapped up in eight new double-mirror cases designed by the Parisian jeweller Lorenz Bäumer. Adorned with a vibrant monochrome leather effect the powerful colours transform the Rouge G lipsticks into couture objects.

Available at leading retailers.

L’Oréal Source Essentielle

A natural and vegan formula created with 80-100-per-cent, high-quality, naturally-derived ingredients, this is the very first L’Oréal Professionnel range of natural, professional haircare products that can be refilled in salons.

Easily recognisable by its delicate flower inclusions in suspension, Source Essentielle was designed to be a model of sustainable innovation and consumption.

Source Essentielle can be used by professionals in a salon or by women at home.

It consists of four ranges, each one designed to meet specific hair needs: normal, dry, dry and coloured hair and dry and sensitised scalp. Available at leading retailers. www.womanthismonth.com

L’Occitane Shower Shake

Give your mornings a boost with this new range that’s “like a milkshake for your shower: it’s ready in no time and you blend it yourself!”

Enriched with almond oil from Provence and almond milk, this bi-phase shower gel consists of two different textures that become a deliciously milky formula when mixed together. Tiny steel balls help the phases to mix and create a shaker sound effect.

Do you love rich, oily textures as much as you love soft and milky ones? With the Shower Shake, you can enjoy both. With the bi-phase formula, before you shake it up, you can see two separate layers. Once you’ve mixed them up, the result is a product that gently cleanses and works to moisturise and nourish your skin all day long. It rinses off easily, to leave skin feeling deliciously silky and delicately fragranced. Available at L’Occitane.

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news

Fans Love Fan

Chinese celebrity Fan Bing Bing has announced the launch of an eponymous beauty brand, Fan Beauty. The star, who is known for her fair and good complexion, has since released a video of herself vouching for the brand. The post accompanying the video – which has garnered over 760 likes on Weibo within two days – said that Fan Beauty’s face masks are the “secret” to Fan Bing Bing’s beauty. Product teasers started appearing on the company’s Weibo account, which has garnered over 29,000 fans to date.

According to Fan, sales for the brand will kick off in Hong Kong on Friday.

Another Jenner Tie-Up Get Ready For Gaga

It's believed that the Poker Face singer is set to launch a boutique on the Las Vegas strip next month. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the beauty brand’s boutique is under construction at Park Theatre at the Park MGM Hotel and will coincide with her residency, which restarts on May 30. Lady Gaga has had previous beauty ventures, like releasing a unisex fragrance named after her debut album The Fame, and being the face of MAC’s Viva Glam campaigns in 2009 and 2011. Gaga has been giving hashtag hints for over a year now, with multiple captions on her Instagram posts including #haus, #hausofgaga and #hauseditorials.

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Kendall Jenner is expanding her brand by jumping into the oral beauty business. The 23-year-old supermodel just announced her involvement in the new elevated oral care brand, MOON. In addition to having stake in the business, she’s also the face of the company and co-created a product of her own called the Kendall Jenner Teeth Whitening Pen, available online.

Packaging was of utmost importance for the star when helping develop the product. “I always wanted one in a bag that looks nice. It almost looks like mascara,” she says. In addition to the teeth whitening pen, MOON’s line also includes activated charcoal whitening toothpaste, stain removal whitening toothpaste, a two-pack soft bristle toothbrush, floss and flossers.

A Grande Gesture

New trademark filings suggest that Ariana Grande is working to launch her very own beauty brand. She already has her own fragrance, Cloud, which you can find in department stores everywhere, but an entire Ariana Grande brand? The possibilities are endless. Liquid eyeliner, lipsticks, lip glosses, and false eyelashes would certainly all be must-have products, but what else could Grande's line entail?

Beauty buffs are hoping it's chock-full of eye shadow products, hairstyling tools, and a whole lot of glitter. The name of her new line will be the same as her nowiconic smash single, Thank U, Next.

Red-Soled Beauty

Luxury shoe brand Christian Louboutin has named South American model Mica Arganarez as its first Global Beauty Ambassador. The model will appear in the brand’s beauty campaigns from June as well as make appearances for the brand and promote its beauty line on social media. “Mica possesses a very unique and intriguing kind of beauty,” eponymous designer, Christian Louboutin said. “She’s modern, she’s creative, she’s a tomboy yet very feminine. Mica also has a playful attitude – I think it’s the artist in her. There are so many facets to Mica that make her the perfect Global Brand Ambassador for Christian Louboutin Beauty.” The model wrote on her Instagram account. “This new adventure allows me to encourage other women to find what makes them feel beautiful and share it with the world.

Red. Always.” www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Around Town

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain celebrated Earth Day with a special Community Footprints beach cleanup at Karbabad beach On the occasion of World Health Day, Al Hilal Manama in association with UAE Exchange, UFC gym and MJD sports club, conducted various activities to educate youngsters on the importance of health and physical fitness The opening of Savanna Kids Concept Store was held at The Avenues Bahrain

Royal Life Saving Bahrain, the first water safety and drowning prevention organisation in the Kingdom participated in the Sportswomen for Change Leadership Forum held at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence, Australia

Under the patronage of HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Albareh Art Gallery held the opening of Iraqi British artist Firyal Al Adhamy’s solo exhibition Rhythms of Mesopotamia

www.womanthismonth.com

Dr Uday Singh Dadhwal, specialist general surgery, delivered a health awareness talk on the occasion of World Health Day at an Indian Ladies Association event at Bahrain Specialist Hospital

March 2019

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

STAYING WELL DURING RAMADAN Behnaz Sanjana asks an expert how best to ensure one’s wellbeing during Ramadan.

T

he time for gratitude and spirituality is upon us, and what better chance than this to also be grateful for the body that houses your conscience and spirit. Dietician at the Royal Bahrain Hospital, Danah Quintana, explains how to stay on the wellness track this Holy Month.

Let’s start at the very beginning – with Suhoor, or the pre-dawn meal. It’s prudent to ensure you’re fuelling your body with the right kind of foods to endure till sunset.

“The meal at Suhoor should be high in fibre, comprising unprocessed complex carbohydrates such as oats, bran, wheat, barley, rye and the likes to sustain satiety over longer periods of fasting. Including fruits and vegetables helps maintain electrolyte stores, and plenty of fluids keep you hydrated,” says Danah.

It’s often noticed that as the days of the fasting period go by (and thanks to the overindulgent ghabgas that last way into the nights), the devout often skip eating anything just before sunrise. Danah says: “Suhoor is the most important meal of Ramadan. It fulfills the fasting person’s nutritional needs and helps them complete their fast. Many people overlook the merit and importance of this meal and overdo the fatty meals at night, resulting in negative effects on health such as digestive disorders and weight gain due to excess calories stored by the body as fat.”

This brings us to the concept of mindful eating during the month that encourages quiet reflection and introspection.

Danah’s pointers: 1. Break your fast first with dates and water and then eat a meal after your prayers.

2. Follow the Three Meal Rule: Iftar, a light

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meal and Suhoor.

3. Eat balanced meals including whole grain carbohydrates, lean protein, plenty of vegetables and fruits.

4. Limit salty, spicy and sweet treats.

While you abstain from ingesting anything over most of your regular waking hours, it is important that you keep a tab on how much water your system receives. “Drink eight to 12 glasses (two-three litres), of liquids between sunset and sunrise to reduce the risk of dehydration. Besides water, pure fruit /vegetable juices, milk, laban and soups count as liquids. Reduce the consumption of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and carbonated drinks,” advises Danah.

In addition to eating and drinking wisely, one must sleep enough too. Danah recommends at least six to eight hours of shut-eye per day to get sufficient mental and physical rest. “Less sleep means you will feel tired during the day which in turns leads to less productivity and activity,” she adds.

For all the exercise aficionados, a word of caution: Whether you can carry on with your workouts depends on the type of exercise you do. Our dietician suggests light to moderate exercise two or three hours after Iftar, preferably in an air-conditioned room. “If proper precautions are taken and correct guidelines are followed, a work-out can be done in the fasting hours as well, although such exercise should be limited to no longer than 60 minutes in a sufficiently cool location. It’s important to replenish salts and minerals lost by the body by drinking sufficient amounts of fluids after the fast is broken, and of course, to give the body the rest it needs,” she explains.

To summarise, Danah says: “What and how much we eat affects our health directly, especially during the Holy Month.

Refraining from unhealthy food can help improve self-discipline and restraint if done appropriately. Ramadan is an opportunity to make healthy lifestyle choices and give up some of our bad habits. Being mindful of how you fast and how you break your fast can help to improve your overall health – both physically and mentally.” www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

An Egg A Day?

White May Not Be Right

Studies have shown that most human teeth are not naturally pearl-white. In reality, most are different shades tending towards yellow. Nor are teeth uniformly coloured. Despite this, perfectly white teeth are a symbol of beauty and self-care.

Researchers at Stockton University have looked at how whitening strips, which people can buy over the counter, damage one of the teeth's three layers.

Hydrogen peroxide, the main ingredient in the strips is a colour-lightening agent, also used to bleach hair. It is found to damage dentin, the middle layer of teeth.

The collagen present in dentin apparently becomes fragmented when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, which leads to the loss of collagen mass in that layer. www.medicalnewstoday.com

Toddler Trouble Contaminated Curtains

Privacy curtains in hospital rooms might offer patients some personal dignity, but they can also harbour dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria.

That's the claim of a new study where researchers took more than 1,500 samples from privacy curtains in 625 rooms at six skilled nursing facilities in Michigan. The samples were collected from the parts of the curtains touched most often. Samples were also gathered from patients.

Based on the findings, researchers said drugresistant germ contamination of privacy curtains is common, as is patient/curtain cocontamination. The study concluded that this is a global issue and further studies are needed to determine conclusively whether contaminated privacy curtains are a source of multidrugresistant organism transmission to patients. www.webmd.com www.womanthismonth.com

A disturbing study from the journal Pediatrics reveals a surge in the number of toddlers and young children visiting emergency rooms due to swallowing things like toys, coins, and batteries, reports the Associated Press. In today’s helicopter parenting age, this seems shocking, until we factor in a particular element: could the rise in cell phones (and even laptops) allow for the momentary distraction of parents? While 90 per cent of treated children were sent home without hospitalisation, severe internal injuries and deaths have been reported. Batteries and small highpowered magnets often marketed as desk toys for adults are among the most dangerous objects. Put the phone down. Kids are lightning-fast and have an innate sensibility to head right for the things you don’t want them to. thetakeout.com

Eating an egg a day may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, a study of more than 400,000 adults in China suggests. Daily egg eaters had an 18-per-cent lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, which manifests as heart attacks and strokes, compared with adults who avoided eggs, according to the research published in the journal Heart.

The study concentrated on 416,213 participants who'd never been diagnosed with cancer, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Over nearly nine years, the research team tracked the group focussing on major coronary events, such as heart attacks and strokes, including haemorrhagic strokes. Analysing the data, they found that eating about an egg a day related to a lower risk of heart disease. www.edition.cnn.com

Meditation for Memory

An eight-week study conducted by Harvard researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) determined that meditation literally rebuilds the brain’s grey matter in just eight weeks. A first of its kind, the study involved taking magnetic resonance images (MRI) from 16 participants two weeks prior to the study and also after it was completed. Analysis of the images, which focused on areas where meditationassociated differences were seen in earlier studies, found increased grey-matter density in the hippocampus, known to be important for learning and memory, and in structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection.

For the study, participants engaged in meditation practices every day for approximately 30 minutes. These included focusing on audio recordings for guided meditation, and non-judgmental awareness of sensations, feelings and state of mind. www.collective-evolution.com May 2019

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LIFESTYLE | home

RAMADAN READY

IKEA

With the advent of Ramadan this month, there will be gatherings galore, with islanders hosting Iftars and nightly get-togethers for family and friends. Revel in the spirit of generous giving as you invite near and dear ones to a home that’ll leave your guests inspired by the chic additions to your dining and living spaces. It’s the time for all things traditional, yet experimental!

Orange Blossoms Tableware Zara Home

Serene Light Candle holder Home Box

Divide and Rule Floor screen THE One

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LIFESTYLE | home

For Your Thinking Corner Lamp IKEA

A Perfect Fit

Extendable dining table Home Centre

Ornate Designs Cake stand Home Centre

A Pretty Show

Quiet Reflections

Display tray IKEA

Mirror Insidherland

Happy Blue

Contemporary rug Farrow and Ball

Ultimate Splendour Chandelier Barovier &Toso

Fragrant Lovelies Scented candles H&M Home

Memories of Marrakech Bath linen Home Centre

Seasonal Flavour Cushions Home Box

Easy Wheeler Kitchen trolley IKEA

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May 2019

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LIFESTYLE | food

HARIRA Ingredients

A hearty Moroccan soup

• 1lb cubed lamb meat • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper • 2 tbsp margarine • 3/4 cup chopped celery • 1 onion, chopped • 1 red onion, chopped • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped • 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes • 7 cups water • 3/4 cup green lentils • 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained • 115gm vermicelli pasta • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 lemon, juiced

RAMADAN TREATS

Ingredients

• 10 small Lebanese zucchini, approximately 10cm long • 2 tbsp tomato paste • Yogurt For Stuffing • 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice, washed • 250g lean minced beef (optional) • 1 medium tomato, finely diced • 1/2 onion, finely diced • 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley • 1/3 cup chopped mint • 1/3 cup chopped coriander • 3/4 tsp chilli powder • 1 tsp baharat (spice mixture) • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper • Salt to taste • 20g butter • 2 tbsp olive oil

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Place the lamb, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, butter, celery, onion, and cilantro into a large soup pot over a low heat. Stir frequently for five minutes.

Pour tomatoes (reserve juice) into the mixture and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Pour tomato juice, seven cups water and the lentils into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let soup simmer, covered, for two hours.

About 10 minutes before serving turn the heat to medium-high, place chickpeas and noodles into the soup, let cook about 10 minutes (until noodles are al dente). Stir in lemon and eggs, let eggs cook for a minute.

Season with salt, pepper, mint leaves and cinnamon to taste.

Source: www.allrecipes.com

When there’s little inclination to slave over a hot stove, use these easy recipes to satiate the stomach at sunset.

KOUSA MAHSHI A comforting meat-veg combo

Method

MUHALLABIA

Method

Cut off the zucchini stalks and slice off the dried tips at the opposite ends without removing too much flesh.

Carefully hollow out the zucchini from the stalk end for a generous cavity.

Wash the zucchini in salted water (to keep them firm when cooking), then drain. Combine all the stuffing ingredients and fill each zucchini with the stuffing by hand, keeping 1cm free at the top to allow the filling to expand.

Fill a large saucepan with water and add two tablespoons of salt and the tomato paste. Add the stuffed zucchini and any meatballs and bring to a boil.

Simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, allowing the sauce to reduce.

Serve the stuffed zucchini with a little of the sauce and a spoonful of yoghurt.

Source: www.ramadan.co.uk

A popular milk pudding

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk • 3 tbsp sugar • 2 tbsp corn starch • 1/2 tsp rose water • Toppings: nuts, jam, fruit, honey, etc.

Method

Pour two cups of cold milk into a saucepan. Add three tablespoons of sugar and two of corn starch. Mix with a wooden spoon until all the lumps are dissolved.

Set your stove to medium heat, and bring the milk to a boil while stirring constantly. You will notice

that the milk mixture gets thicker as it gets hotter. When the mixture reaches boiling point, add ½ teaspoon of rose water.

Continue cooking the mixture for another two to three minutes.

Pour the milk mixture into canisters, bowls or even tall classes. Let the pudding sit on the counter until it reaches room temperature, then place it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Source: themuslimvibe.com

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VEGAN VIEW

Around Town

LIFESTYLE | opinion

Lahan Sperinck asks “So you decided to go vegan, now what?”

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel supported World Planting Day by planting new trees at the front of the property

As a vegan for well over three years, it’s safe to say I’ve learnt a lot about how to eat as one, mostly through making mistakes. Here are some you can avoid if you’re starting out.

E

ating too few calories or too many Some of you may be aiming to lose weight, gain weight or keep the same weight. I, for one, gained weight; 7kg of it in just a matter of months. How? You may ask. You’ve probably heard many stories about how vegans lose weight, almost effortlessly, since plant foods tend to have fewer calories. I heard the same stories, and I love food, so I ate a lot more as a vegan – thinking I would be a size six in no time. What I didn’t understand, and perhaps it was naïve of me, was that vegan junk food is still junk food.

Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain honoured employees under the ‘Fursan Baytik’ Employee Recognition programme The Election day for AWA new board members was held at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain A conference called “Untangle Autism” was held at the Isa Cultural Centre

The bottom line here is to be mindful of what you eat. Not all vegan food is automatically fat burning and washboard-abs building. For those of you who are trying to gain weight, as an expert in that field, I recommend high calorie vegan foods. Nuts and nut butters, seeds, avocados, dried fruit and legumes are a good place to start. Oh, and snack a lot.

Protein deficiency or protein obsession The thing with protein is that if you’re eating a whol- food, plantbased diet and getting enough calories, you can’t get a protein deficiency – so don’t worry. But if you are anything like me and, in your transition to veganism, you never replaced the protein element of your diet with anything and just ramped up the simple carbs to make up for the calories, then I suggest you try to incorporate some legumes, nuts and other sources of protein in your diet.

Not supplementing Vitamin B12 Some would dedicate a whole article to the topic of Vitamin B12 but I’ll sum it up in a few lines. For those who don’t know, B12 is made by bacteria in places like dirt and soil. Animals don’t make it, they just eat grass and the like with bits of dirt on it, like humans did for hundreds of thousands of years. But because people like to wash their veggies first, and understandably so, if we don’t eat animals that eat dirt, we might be deficient in B12. The good news is that consuming dirt-eating animals is not the only way to get B12. There are tonnes of supplements in the market and many vegan foods that are fortified with B12, like plant milks, nutritional yeast and tempeh.

With these three things in mind, I wish you a happy vegan journey – one that is free of lessons you have to learn the hard way.

www.womanthismonth.com

May 2019

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

THE BUSINESS OF GIVING

A

Financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar gives us a monthly dose of economic wisdom.

cross cultures and religions, there are designated lengths of time meant for detoxification and introspection. With the Holy Month of Ramadan upon us, the environment is one of sublimity. People try to think purer thoughts and act with kindness all around, charity levels tend to rise as does the need to pay it forward.

We live in a generally capitalist world where money or the things it can buy are goals for many. Yet, somehow, these moments of introspection are an opportunity to evaluate these very goals. And these re-evaluated goals tend to form the basis of life goals for the recipients – namely charitable organisations.

There is a tendency that when we think of any not-for-profit organisation, we think ‘not-for-money’. But that’s a fallacy. Because every entity, irrespective of the purpose, is for money. Some organisations have profit as an aim or are ‘for-profit’, some use the money solely for operating and furthering the business or are ‘not-for-profit’.

The reason the money is needed, is to keep the system going, so the donations are adequately channelled to the end recipients. Every aspect of running any sort of entity requires money.

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The system that needs to work includes salaries to employees (sometimes volunteers) and a lot of operating expenses such as rent, computers, phones, money for transportation, etc. And this is in addition to the cost of the actual products or services being provided to the end recipients or those in need.

The reason charities are sometimes viewed with scepticism is because, the expectation is that since the end service is charity, no one in the chain should make money. But the reality is that, everyone’s time is worth something. As one of my professors in business school told us: “Just because I want to help and lend a hand in the line of social work, does not mean that I must give up on my own life as an individual” So, unless they make something for their time, the commitment of the people engaged in operating the charity, is lower. If we could realise that charities need to operate as businesses do, the result is likely to be much higher efficiency levels and a higher percolation for the greater good.

But why is this now relevant? Because, during months like Ramadan, our scepticism tends to take a back seat. We tend to find it easier

to believe in good and to believe that what we are doing will make a difference. We find it easier to commit to helping with our time and our money. Perhaps, we can extend those commitments to beyond just that small period. Perhaps, we can genuinely commit to helping wherever we can, even if it is out of our comfort zone.

The need to help begins with finding problems that need fixing in our own view. It needs to be something that we feel strongly about and that resonates with us. Because, only then will giving our money or time, or both, be easier to do.

And therein lies the key point. Both aspects are equally important. We seem to find it much easier to commit money, perhaps because most of us are blessed to have more money to spare than time. But, remember this:iIt takes both money and people to keep any organisation going. The more hands that can be counted on, the more work can be done. Let’s begin by understanding that charities need resources. Then, lets commit to increasing those resources.

You can follow Pria at her Instagram handle money_cues or know more about her professional experience at http://www. i2d-consulting.com

May 2019

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Digital Edition

LIFESTYLE | opinion

TIME OUT, YAY OR NAY?

O

uiam Charkani El Hassani tackles a highly sensitive but also very common issue in parenting.

In schools or at home, whether you call it “Time Out” or the “Thinking Chair”, they are all different names for the same thing – distancing a child who has done something wrong.

One of the toughest and most important tasks of parents is to instill discipline. It is not the easiest thing to constantly try to keep a child from hurting another child or doing something unsafe or simply something that is not OK. Sometimes you are very lucky and natural consequences will occur to teach the child a great lesson. For example, if they refuse to wear their jacket and it’s cold outside, they will simply be very cold and learn to wear that jacket next time. Yet at other times, you are required to step in and guide the child into a safer and acceptable zone.

Many parents find refuge in the famous strategy of Time Out. A great way for both parents and kids to step away and have a chance to think.

Really? Let’s think about it again. Imagine you are the child and you are sent to Time Out, what do you think will go through your very simple and not yet fully-developed mind?

Let’s remember that children at that age are very much in the moment, they still don’t fully grasp the notion of time, so their “now” is everything to them. You will probably feel rejected, you will feel that your parents are not on your team, you will feel alone and vulnerable. Needless to say, that you will learn nothing from the whole experience! All you’ll have is stress, along with the message that your parents are sending: “I am mad at you, you did something wrong, and you need to be punished.”

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To a child this is very scary and unsafe. It can create long-term damage and deep trust issues. Whereas, using alternatives to the Time Out, can have very positive results, conveying a new message that says: “My parents are on my team, they will help me and guide me through any situation, no matter what it is, and I can count on their love and support all the time.” Because through the comfort the children feel in the relationship, they’ll feel less and less need to behave in ways parents usually don’t approve of.

Here are few alternatives to Time Out: Removing the child from the situation, while staying with them, is one way to replace Time Out. Allow them to melt down safely with you, because they’ve gone to that place where there is no return.

Let the child know the plan ahead of time, this will reinforce the idea that “We are a team, and you are part of this”. It is a wonderful way to prevent meltdowns and any situation that can put them over the edge.

Give them a choice. Allow them to have a little control over their own lives and intervene minimally to help them understand the situation.

A lack of acceptance is one of the results that Time Out can present; if we are not happy with ourselves, we can never be our best with people. We never want our children to feel “not accepted”, or loved only when behaving well. Discipline is never the opposite of love and support. You can still guide your child through the rocky roads of growing up, gently yet firmly, with respect and love; which allows the child to not only acknowledge that they have done something wrong, but it will also help them develop their problem-solving skills, and let them truly understand the meaning of being sorry after doing something they were not meant to do.

With your calm guidance, you will manage to explain thoroughly what was wrong, what should have been done and what could be done in the future, instead of just removing the child from the situation and sending them to be alone, sad, mad and frustrated, dealing with lots of unwanted and new, big feelings.

Chanelmama

May 2019

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last word

In Her Shoes Bhavika Sagar, country quality & first choice specialist, marketing and sales at DHL. gives us a peek into her world.

What superhero would you like to be and why?

Which song is guaranteed to make you dance?

Spiderman all the way! For his dialogue: “Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside of us, we always have a choice. It is our choices that makes us who we are, and we always have a choice to do what's right. Let love and forgiveness reign.”

I have two left feet.

What’s your favourite sport to watch or participate in?

What would be your ideal holiday destination?

Virat Kohli is eye candy for cricket!

To participate, I would love to be in F1 for sure.

The list is long! Current favourites are: Petra, for the architecture, Andaman [islands in the Bay of Bengal], for the beach, and Paris for some love!

Bhavika

What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?

Dark chocolate and coffee and cotton candy.

What three things are always in your handbag?

Lipstick, perfume and home keys.

Do you have a fear or phobia?

Fear is an illusion.

You are stronger than you think. It’s all in one’s mind.

What’s your secret talent?

I can dress up in five minutes!

What skill would you like to learn?

Horse riding.

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