Woman This Month - May 2024

SELFCARE

Spring-worthy Beauty Essentials

PARENTING

Unstructured play is crucial for children’s development.

Ouiam El Hassani

Maison Rami Kadi’s

Spectacular ‘Les Miroirs’ Collection

LIFESTYLE

How to Make a Delicious Beef Wellington

Nurturing a Love for Reading Among Bahrain’s Children Hanan Marhoon

Breathtaking Simply

Maison Rami Kadi recently unveiled “Les Miroirs” Collection in a spectacular show at AlUla in Saudi Arabia, and it is divine.

In an evening that seamlessly wove together the threads of haute couture and the raw beauty of AlUla, Maison Rami Kadi presented its Spring/Summer 2024 collection, “Les Miroirs,” in a fashion show held on April 22 in the heart of this enigmatic wonder. This event marked a groundbreaking moment as Rami Kadi became the first Arab designer to partner with AlUla Moments.

The show captivated the audience with a lineup of 40 exquisite gowns, including ten pieces exclusively designed for the occasion. With designs inspired by the natural landscapes, architectural marvels, and the region’s rich heritage, the collection showcased innovative use of materials such as holographic elements, recycled plastics, and shattered glass.

Rami Kadi’s designs reflected the essence of AlUla, with a colour palette drawn from the desert’s serene beauty and the architectural wonder of Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building located within the area’s Ashar Valley. The evening’s highlight included a bridal gown ensemble inspired by the natural flora of the region, symbolising the interconnectedness of life and the sense of freedom found in AlUla’s vast landscapes. This bridal collection, which showcases three gowns, captures the floral diversity of the area, inviting a dialogue with nature’s unparalleled beauty.

The collection also unveiled a stunning array of accessories, crafted with silver and gold to mirror the resilience and beauty of AlUla’s desert flora. These accessories were done in a unique collaboration with Madrasat Addeera, AlUla’s creative arts centre teaching local woman handicrafts to promote self-sufficiency and regional traditions. Madrasat Addeera is today a cornerstone of AlUla’s bustling AlJadidah Arts District, offering workshops that span all types of traditional arts, such as jewellery, embroidery and ceramics, including those historically found in this area.

Reflecting on the show, Rami Kadi says, “Presenting ‘Les Miroirs’ in AlUla has been a profound journey, blending the narratives of ancient civilisations with the ethos of modern design.”

This sentiment is deeply intertwined with AlUla’s rich cultural identity, a place where art is literally inscribed into the landscapes, sculpted and carved over millennia by civilisations such as the Romans, the Nabataeans, and the Dadanites.

This remarkable event not only showcased Maison Rami Kadi’s latest collection but also underscored the transformative power of AlUla as a muse for artists, designers, and creators, reinforcing the region’s growing reputation as a global destination for arts, culture, and nature enthusiasts.

Rami Kadi

GET THE CLEAN GIRL AESTHETIC

Fresh and glowing skin, defined eyebrows, a pinch of blush, and natural lips together make the Clean Girl

Aesthetic that’s creating waves on TikTok. This Spring, get the perfect brows with the Ultimate Brow Kit from the renowned LA brand, wet n wild.

The Ultimate Brow Kit is a five-piece set that has everything you need to shape, smooth, define, and maintain flawless eyebrows wherever you go. With a matte, soft matte finish and a powder form, the kit includes tweezers, a brow brush, two brow powders and one brow setting wax—ensuring all the essentials for perfect brows. Complete with a built-in mirror for on-the-go touch-ups, this kit is your go-to solution for impeccable brows anytime, anywhere. Available at amazon.ae, noon.com and glambeaute.com.

Spring-worthy

With Spring finally here, we put together an extra special round up of exciting self-care products to help you bloom. Cosmetics, a fine fragrance, bath products and more will have you feeling truly amazing!

EMBRACE ROSY CHEEKS AND SILKY LIPS

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to refresh our beauty routines and switch out those dark shades for lighter hues. Flormar, the renowned international makeup brand, has just launched its new Lip & Cheek Tint collection which you are sure to love. Get ready to make a statement this season and embrace the vibrant spirit of spring with this new collection.

You can achieve natural-looking makeup effortlessly with Flormar’s Lip & Cheek Tint, which is designed to refresh your look with minimal product. This innovative water-based gel, enriched with natural origin raw materials, offers long-lasting wear and natural tones that can be reapplied throughout the day. Its texture provides a natural finish, ranging from light to medium coverage depending on the amount used.

Easy to apply with the convenient flock applicator, this versatile product can be used on both lips and cheeks. For cheeks, simply apply as a dot and blend quickly with fingertips or a makeup sponge. For lips, apply directly with the applicator for a seamless finish. Enjoy this product in four shades: Scarlet Ruby, Kiss, Apricot Marmalade and Princess. Available across all Flormar stores.

FOR THE DISCERNING CONNOISSEUR –

MARACOCA

The Geneva-based luxury fragrance atelier, AMAFFI, has revealed the debut of its latest scents, Maracoca, for men and women. Maracoca’s blend of extremely rare and difficult-to-source ingredients is a testament to the dedication and precision required to create a true work of art.

Maracoca for Women, created by Master Perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, is a seductive harmony of sensual jasmine, sweet white gardenia, spicy frangipani, and additional notes of tonka beans, passion fruit, and lively yuzu.

“For Maracoca, the idea was to create a wonderful perfume, representing an orange blossom, that can smell like a flower on its own, but also with nuance of neroli oil. The luminosity and effervescence of the perfume is achieved through a delicate balance of exotic fruit notes, with mango and neroli oil melding seamlessly together to create an enticing olfactory symphony,” says Duchaufour.

Maracoca is housed in a lavish lacquered box, finished in a pristine pearl white hue and adorned with an abstract multi-coloured motif. The box features a gleaming medallion bearing the fragrance name and a lock with the AMAFFI Perfume House logo, while the interior of the box is lined in removable plush pink velvet that allows the box to be repurposed as an elegant jewellery box.

Available at amaffi.com.

GLOW LIKE A CELEB WITH KAY BEAUTY

The global icon turned entrepreneur, Katrina Kaif, is bringing her beauty flair to the GCC with the launch of Kay Beauty; India’s first celebrity makeup brand known for its commitment to innovation and high performance, now available at Nysaa. The cruelty-free brand offers the perfect range of products which seamlessly blend both beauty and skincare.

This month, we have our eyes on the Kay Beauty Gel Kajal which is the perfect product to help you define and accentuate your eyes. This gel-based kajal boasts a rich, creamy texture that effortlessly glides onto your eyelids, delivering bold and dramatic lines with precision. The deeply pigmented formula ensures a long-lasting, smudge-proof finish that lasts all day. Whether you’re going for a classic, subtle look or a bold, sultry gaze, the gel kajal adapts to your style effortlessly. Its waterresistant properties keep your eyes looking captivating without smearing or fading. Wear this kajal in stunning hues including Rose Gold, Silver, Blue, Green and Bronze. Available at nysaa.com.

SMELL LIKE A SNACK WITH LUSH

This Spring, relish the gourmand fragrances of three of our favourite Lush products. Between notes of vanilla, caramel, popcorn and cocoa, Lush has a whole palette of scents that will leave you looking and feeling as delicious as you will smell!

Scrubee Body Butter

Get your skin sweet and bee happy with Scrubee! This indulgent and hydrating honey buffer can be used in the bath or shower, with ground coconut shell and almonds to scrub, plus cocoa butter, shea butter and coconut oil to nourish and moisturise.

Super Milk Conditioning Spray

Super Milk is a triple whammy of deliciously creamy almond, coconut and oat milks delivering essential softness and rehydration for all kinds of hair, whether that’s on the go, or on day three of your style. With yummy vanilla and sweet tonka, this nourishing and protective primer will leave you wanting more and more.

Cookie Dough Lip Scrub

With granulated sugar, extra-fine sea salt and a hydrating protective blend of shea butter and vanilla, Cookie Dough is just divine. The intriguing mix of almond essential oil and balsam fir resins and carob, fills the days with sweetness.

Starting a New Chapter

Hanan Marhoon is an accomplished academic and a loving mother of two with a passion for children’s literature. She tells Farah Baig about the establishment of Chapters by Hanan, a book club which she hopes will nurture a love for reading among Bahrain’s children.

Although her academic background lies in Business Studies and Finance, Hanan’s passion for reading and books has always been a significant part of her life. As a mother, she values education and creativity, fostering these in her own children through her love for books which was instilled in her by her own mother.

“As a full-time mum to two wonderful girls, aged eight and five, I’ve had the privilege of investing my time in their development, both socially and academically. Through extensive reading of articles and studies, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of child psychology, which has not only benefited my own children but has also equipped me to effectively engage with other children,” says Hanan.

Her academic journey began with a Crown Prince Programme scholarship for her high school studies, followed by a degree in Business Studies from Bangor University, UK. She spent seven transformative years in Paris which greatly shaped her global perspective. Hanan’s international experience has honed her adaptability and resilience both in her personal and professional life.

Now, Hanan is a proud advocate for children’s literature, emphasising its role in inspiring and educating young minds. “While my career path may not have initially been in education, my dedication to nurturing young minds has become a fulfilling aspect of my life journey,” she says.

The book club, Chapters by Hanan, caters to children ages eight and older so they are developmentally ready to engage with the material. The groups convene at bookstores across the Kingdom that have been supportive of the initiative including Sophia Bookstore in Muharraq – Chapters by Hanan’s first home, NEO Bookstore in Riffa, Jarir Bookstore in Seef Area and Isa Cultural Centre’s Children’s Library.

When asked what the inspiration was behind starting the club, she joyfully states that it stemmed from observing her eldest daughter Al Joory develop a genuine passion for reading. “Witnessing her enthusiasm in exchanging books with her school friends sparked an idea to nurture this habit further. I suggested starting a small book club to foster her circle of friends and encourage their shared love for reading. From that simple suggestion, Chapters by Hanan organically grew into a thriving community,” she says.

“My ultimate goal is to instill a lifelong love for reading and learning in children. By fostering a supportive community centred around books, I aim to cultivate critical thinking skills, broaden vocabulary and encourage creativity and imagination. Ultimately, I aspire to empower young

readers with the tools they need to navigate the world around them with confidence and curiosity,” she adds.

Since its inception, Chapters by Hanan has done just that having welcomed a total of 130 children into its fold. Each group typically consists of eight to 10 members, ensuring an intimate and engaging environment for discussion and activities.

For flexibility and to accommodate as many young readers as possible, the group offer various sessions throughout the week with each member having four sessions per month with each session lasting an hour and 15 minutes. This aligns with the needed for each young reader to delve into the selected chapter books.

“To support their reading journey and ensure the completion of the book by the end of the month, each participant receives a book map and a structured plan aiding them in tracking their progress throughout the weeks,” she explains.

“During our sessions, we not only discuss the book’s content but also delve into practical skills, such as utilising dictionaries effectively. Additionally, we engage in various activities tailored to each book, sourced from our dedicated activity book, featuring word searches, puzzles and crosswords. Furthermore, we take the opportunity to explore and understand the inner workings of bookstores, enriching our understanding of the literary world,” she adds.

Children who are interested in joining the book club can easily do so by accessing the registration link provided on Hanan’s Instagram account. The registration form includes basic questions designed to gauge

the child’s readiness to participate in the club.

“Proficiency in English reading is a primary criterion for acceptance, as the selected books range from medium to hard difficulty levels. This ensures that participants can grasp a broader vocabulary and comprehend plot intricacies with the characters involved,” she states.

Hanan is keen on fostering a sense of community within Chapters by Hanan, encouraging parents to register siblings, friends, or cousins together. “By maintaining connections among peers, the shared experience of the book club becomes a consistent and mutually reinforcing habit, especially when they interact outside of our sessions,” she says. “As for the future, I envision expanding our reach and impact. Ideally, I hope to find a like-minded team who shares our values and can replicate the enriching experience we offer to even more children.”

“I’d like to thank my partner Ali for supporting me through this journey. I’d also like to make a special mention of the bookstores which have not only proved to be immersive venues for the children but have never asked for a monetary exchange since they all believed in the idea and encouraged it!” she concludes.

Those interested in joining the book club can reach out to Hanan through Instagram with the handle @chaptersbyhanan or by emailing chaptersbyhanan@gmail.com.

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WHAT’S FOR DINNER

BEEF WELLINGTON

Beef Wellington is a classic English dish that embodies elegance and culinary sophistication. The delectable entrée features juicy beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles and puff pastry baked to golden perfection. Follow this recipe to recreate this masterpiece at home to impress your guests with a Beef Wellington that rivals those found in fine dining restaurants.

Ingredients

2 lb (900g) beef tenderloin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsps olive oil

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

8 oz (225g) mushrooms, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 shallots, finely chopped

2 tablespoons thyme leaves, finely chopped

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen

1 egg, beaten

Flour

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned, about two to three minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and let it cool slightly.

3. Brush the entire surface of the beef tenderloin with Dijon mustard. This will add flavour and help the mushroom mixture adhere to the meat.

4. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil. Add the chopped mushrooms, garlic, shallots, and thyme. Cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and the mixture is golden brown, about eight to ten minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Remove the mushroom mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, big enough to wrap the beef tenderloin completely.

7. Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the puff pastry,

leaving a border around the edges.

8. Place the seared beef tenderloin on top of the mushroom mixture.

9. Carefully fold the puff pastry over the beef, ensuring that it is completely enclosed. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal.

10. Transfer the wrapped beef Wellington onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam side down.

11. Brush the pastry with beaten egg, which will give it a beautiful golden sheen when baked.

12. Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.

13. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef reaches your desired level of doneness.

14. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

15. Serve slices of the Beef Wellington with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Capital Governorate Majlis

Songkran Day

Capital Governor, Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulrahman

Al Khalifa received at the governorate’s Majlis senior officials, dignitaries, and citizens. He stressed the Capital Governorate’s efforts in interacting with various segments of the society to provide the best services and promote community partnership.

On behalf of the Thailand Embassy and Kor Kai School, Songkran Day, the National Thai New Year was celebrated at the Royal Thai Embassy.

WHAT’S UNSTRUCTURED PLAY?

Woman This Month’s Parenting Columnist, Ouiam El Hassani, tells us why unstructured play is crucial for children’s development.

As parents, we often work towards introducing some level of structure into our children’s lives, but this structure doesn’t necessarily need to make its way into their playtime.

Unstructured play is play without predetermined rules. It is spontaneous, often made-up on the spot, and changeable as the day goes on. It is the kind of play you see

when puppies chase each other around a yard in endless circles or a group of kids play for hours in a fort they created out of old boxes.

Unstructured play is fun—no question about it—but research also tells us that it is critically important for the development of children’s bodies and brains.

One of the best ways to encourage unstructured play in young children is by providing toys that can be used in multiple ways. Providing time and oppurtunities for unstructured play may be the best gift you offer your child today.

HERE’S WHY UNSTRUCTURED PLAY IS CRUCIAL FOR CHILDREN:

IT POSITIVELY CHANGES BRAIN STRUCTURES

Play actually changes the structure of the developing brain, strengthening the connections of the neurons (nerve cells) in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain considered to be the executive control centre responsible for solving problems, making plans and regulating emotions. Because unstructured play involves trying out different strategies without particular goals or serious consequences, children as well as animals get to practice different activities during play and see what happens. Experts say that it teaches us how to deal with the unexpected—a critically important skill in today’s uncertain world.

It’s cognitive benefits are profound. As children experiment and explore, they learn about cause and effect, problemsolving, and critical thinking. They develop their imaginations as they create stories and scenarios. It also lays the foundation for future learning, as children develop a natural curiosity and a love for exploration. In a world that often demands conformity and pre-defined success, unstructured play provides a vital space for children to be themselves, explore their individuality, develop their own interests, and discover their passions. It’s a time to simply be a child.

IT ENCOURAGES HEALTHY INTERACTIONS

It used to be thought that animal play was simply practice so that they could become more effective hunters. However, research has shown that play serves an entirely different function: which is teaching young animals how to interact with others in positive ways. Play helps build pro-social brains.

CHILDREN WHO PLAY ARE OFTEN BETTER STUDENTS

The social skills acquired through play may help children become better students. Research has found that the best predictor of academic performance in the eighth grade was a child’s social skills in the third grade. Countries where they actually have more recess such as Finland, tend to have higher academic performance than countries where recess is less.

IT GETS KIDS MOVING

One of the most significant benefits of unstructured play is the development of a child’s physical well-being. Running, jumping, climbing, and building all contribute to gross motor skills, while manipulating smaller objects like blocks or toy cars enhances fine motor skills. Unstructured play often takes place outdoors, exposing children to fresh air and sunlight, which is vital for their overall well-being.

It is tempting in today’s busy world for us to fill every minute of their day with structured activities, but is it necessary?

Remember to carve out time for unstructured play; time for kids to get together with absolutely nothing planned and no particular goals in mind — except having fun.

Artificial Intelligence Technology in Entrepreneurship

The Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society held its BBSWomen in Tech session ‘Artificial Intelligence Technology in Entrepreneurship’ with panel speakers from different tech companies in Bahrain.

Naz & Hussaini Eid Celebration

Rotary Eid Celebration

The Rotary Clubs of Bahrain, along with Nakheel Centre and MC Ali Yaseen, organised an Eid Celebration, Smile of Hope. The event featured a local band and interactive quiz competition. Members from various societies were also invited, promoting Rotary values of Diversity and Inclusion.

Big Brain Concepts

Eid Celebration

Big Brain Concepts hosted an event featuring DJ Sheri at Atiram Premier Hotel.

Naz and Hussaini hosted an Eid celebration at their residence.

AWA

Ghabga

On

THIS IS BAHRAIN Ghabga

Art

and Jewellery Show

the special occasion of Ramadan, AWA hosted a Ghabga at Movenpick Bahrain.

An art and jewellery show was hosted in The Orange Economy near Bab-Al Bahrain Mall.

This is Bahrain hosted its annual Peace for Humankind Ramadan Ghabga at Sacred Heart Church.

Santamonica Launching Ceremony

Santamonica Gala Dinner

JayVijay Sachan Live

Santamonica, in association with Bobscoedu Bahrain, proudly unveiled its latest venture ‘Study Abroad and Tours and Travels in Bahrain’ at Al Raya Mall, Juffair.

Santamonica held a Gala Dinner at Marriott Executive Apartments, Bahrain.

Laughs echoed through the halls of Golden Tulip Bahrain as Indian comedy maestro Jayvijay Sachan took the stage.

As a child you wanted to grow up and be a...

I dreamed of being a singer and developed an interest in plastic surgery.

Who is your role model?

While I don’t have a singular role model, I greatly admire and aspire to be like my sister Anood Abbas. I constantly surround myself with strong and knowledgeable individuals from whom I can learn and grow, both personally and professionally.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Indeed, I do. Playing the piano is one, and although I dislike cooking, I’m quite skilled at it. I enjoy the art of plating, and surprisingly, I can mimic people well, although it’s something that happens spontaneously.

InHerShoes

Effectively harnessing her qualities of being ambitious, creative and smart, Aalaa Redha Abbas is the perfect fit for the role of Communications and Brand Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!

Your best professional practice is?

Reading and continuous learning is my top professional practice. I believe that knowledge is power, so if you introduce a new topic to me, trust that I’ll be well-versed in it by our next conversation.

What’s

your

dream destination to visit?

My dream destinations to visit are places known for their beautiful beaches, like Mykonos, Bora Bora, Cancun and the picturesque Amalfi Coast and Capri. My passion for tanning and beach lifestyle inspired me to create my own line of tanning oils, @summerbae_bh

nights in or fun nights out?

A friend writes a review about you. What do they say? They’ll probably say: “She’s super blunt, very funny, someone we can count on and a typical Google doctor.”

Quiet

I prefer quiet nights in with my cat Leo. Netflix and chill.

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Ajoor

Iftar

An Iftar party was hosted at the Ajoor Majlis in Janabiya along with ambassadors in Bahrain.