Woman This Month - September 2018

Bahrain Edition

BEHIND THE BLOG

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

September 2018 | Issue 187 | BD1 / SR10

Regional influencers to watch

TRAVEL

Destinations with serious bragging rights

CLASHING FASHION Colour Combos

New Collections Sneak Peek

PEOPLE

Fatima Batook Spinning master Lana Furman the antishopper Authors Amal Kooheji and Sajeda AlAsfoor

FOOD

THE CAKE MAN’S SECRETS

HOMES BRING ON THE BRIGHTS

BEAUTY THIS YEAR’S NEWEST TREATMENTS

WELLBEING BUSTING A TABOO

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Digital Edition

Ladies, allow yourselves to be inspired!

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The Stylist's Choice

JozsalonsSpas

Jozsalons

MONTH 14 Over to You 16 The Month in Focus 20 Hot Shots: Things that have piqued the editor’s interest this month

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FASHION 22 Pick of the month: Everyday Bling 24-26 Get The Look: Colour Combos 28 Trend: Fruit Salad 29 Mood Board: AW 18-19 Sneak Peak 30 Essentials: 10 Things to Try 32-33 Backstage Pass: News from the world of fashion

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PEOPLE

40

47

38-39 Fatima Batook: Spinning To Success 40-41 Lana Furman: One Year, No Gear 42 Amal Kooheji and Sajeda AlAsfoor: Bridging the Generation Gap

BEHIND THE BLOG

45-45 Meet the Influencers: Six successful bloggers share their secrets

TREATMENT TRENDS

48-49 Top 10: The beauty tweaks we'll all be seeking in the coming months

BEAUTY 50 Tips: Glittering eyes 52 Styling: Brilliant buns 54-55 News: Latest products and happenings

LIFESTYLE

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56-57 Wellbeing: Lifting the Lid on Labiaplasty 59-62 Travel: Limited Editions 65 Food: Review 66 Food: Chef's Special 67 Opinion: Vegan View 68-69 Homes: Orange Infusion 70 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 71 Opinion: Pria Masson 72 Competition: Pure Yoga + Cycle vouchers 73 Horoscope: What's in store this month.

74 In Her Shoes: Sawsan Shaker

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

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

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

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

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September 2018

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I

EDITOR’S NOTE

t might be a tad too early to put up the Christmas decorations but summer is very definitely on its way out and we're rejoicing and looking forward to the balmy winter weather.

The change in season also means it's almost time for AutumnWinter fashion collections to hit the racks which, of course, has got us all hugely excited here at WTM. None more so than fashion editor Fernanda, who couldn't resist giving us a sneak peek of what will be on offer. She's also dealt with a topic close to my own heart, clashing colours. I love a bit of orange and magenta, or pretty much any unlikely colour combination, so this month's fashion pages and cover certainly caught my attention.

As you read them, spare a thought for interviewee Lana Furman, who's taken a vow to go a year without buying any new clothes.

I'm not sure I could meet that challenge, could you?

Another of this month's interviewees who's doing something I admire is Fatima Batook. Not only did she manage to lose 70kg, she now has her own fitness business and is determined to help others get healthy.

This month's round-up feature, where we speak to a variety of women connected by one topic, throws the spotlight on bloggers.

What do they do? How do they do it? And why do we care? If you've joined the digitial age but are still catching up, make sure to bookmark the pages where they share their secrets.

And, as well as our regular beauty pages, we've taken a look at the latest tweakments on offer. Some of them haven't made it to our shores yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time.

Two new columnists join us this month in the shape of Lahan Sperinck, a passionate vegan who's keen to share her views, and Pria Masson, who's equally passionate about getting women talking on the, sometimes thorny, subject of money.

I'm particularly proud of our wellbeing pages this month where we deal with an issue faced by many women but seldom discussed.

Louise O'Loan shares her experience of labiaplasty, make sure you read it, it could change your life.

I'd love to hear what you think of this month's mag, hope you enjoy it.

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER SUZANNE NICHOLAS RAPHAEL OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI PRIA MASSON LAHAN SPERINCK print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN The only layout & graphics HATEM MONEM women's media coordinator magazine SARAH ANSARI h media managers distributed wit FARHEEN AHMED the GDN circulation and research ROANNA FERNANDES photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director LINI REGUNATH MADHAVAN Digital Marketing Manager INDIRA VISWANATHAN Content Editors ADNAN SHIPRA, SHAMA UCHIL Video Producer DARIO GODIC Art & Animation Director HATEM MONEM Contents copyrighted 2018© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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

Bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com website: www.womanthismonth.com

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

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 September 2018, Issue 187

Our Month: Farheen headed to the K Hotel's Indo-Pak Food Festival

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September 2018

On the cover: Clashing Fashion

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#DiscoverYourPlanet @ seiko_prospex FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

The man who lived 31 days under water Fabien Cousteau, Ocean Explorer

“We have explored less than 5% of our ocean world,” Fabien tells us.

“As we push further, longer and deeper, we can learn a lot more.”

For the adventurous, discovery has no boundaries.

news Most Liked Post on Facebook

Best Reaction on Twitter On twitter, our post on top 10 tips for a perfect wardrobe got the highest impressions.

Most Liked Post on Instagram On Instagram, we ran a contest asking participants to share their favourite spa treatment and tag their friends. This gained maximum reach and interactions.

On Facebook, our post wishing Happy International Dog Day and featuring a cute pup getting an unexpected soak got highest number of organic likes.

# Trending

What’s caught our eye in the news this month

Letters

I have been trying to figure out whether I could go vegan at this point in my life, and your feature on veganism comes just at the right time. If I do it, it’s going to be all or nothing. So, it’s nice to know that our tiny island does have options to sustain this niche market. Chef Kostas Magoulas’s creations are encouraging me to embrace this lifestyle and hearing from so many women in your magazine talk about being vegan, I think I might be on the path to making the big change.

Safa, Budaiya I was flipping through Woman This Month magazine while waiting at the dentist’s, and I felt happy to note that you feature such strong women who are gaining recognition for being leaders and innovators in their chosen fields. What’s important in this day and age is for our youth to read about such inspiring, real personalities and make them their role models. I especially enjoyed reading about pilot Sabine Diemt and Shoenvious co-founder Saudin Noddings. And I felt much braver walking in for my root canal as well.

Jemma, Manama

Thank you WTM for highlighting a very common problem that we women face – spider veins. Its something that I know women across all ages to be affected with. Now that you have given us some reliable solutions, I know I can fix my problem and then look at your fantastic fashion pages to get some wardrobe inspiration!

Emily, Jasra

My hair is always a mess in this season, due to the excessive heat and humidity.

Needless to say, I’m always in bad-hairday mood. But I tried Asgar Saboo’s hair styling tips, and also Joz Salon & Spa’s article about how to deal with my difficult tresses, and I must say, I’m not doing too bad.

Asfiya, Hidd

Keeping It Real When make-up company MAC posted a photo on social media to promote one of its lipsticks, it probably didn't expect that the model's facial hair would attract quite so much attention. The photo on the site's US Instagram page is a close-up shot of a model wearing one of the brand's lip colours. Her lips are perfectly shaded and lined, but a closer look reveals her upper lip hairs. Instagram users had mixed reactions. Some said that they loved the fact that the facial hair was not photoshopped, and thanked the company for “keeping it real”. But it didn’t go down well with others who were quick to criticise the brand for it. www.bbc.com

Hashtag Your Generosity A new hashtag is trending across Instagram and Twitter, illustrating an almost entirely philanthropic exercise. The 'Tip the Bill Challenge' encourages restaurant diners to leave 100 per cent tips on their meals — a trend that seems to have sprung up earlier this year. There are already 665 posts under the #tipthebillchallenge hashtag on Instagram, with many users praising the virtues of customer service employees in their captions. So far, it seems the majority of participants are based in America. Will the generous trend spread across the pond? ww.independent.co.uk

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

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September 2018

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Twitter: @WomanThisMonth

Facebook: Woman This Month www.womanthismonth.com

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news

September in Focus Rock On

If you like your music a bit more on the heavy side, head down to Diggers Rock Fest at the Delmon Hotel on September 10 for an evening of four bands with no entry charge and, as an added bonus, the following day looks like being the Hijra (New Year) holiday. The line-up includes Creative Waste from Saudi Arabia playing grindcore. These guys are veterans of the scene and have played shows in the USA, UAE, Mexico, Czech Republic and all over Europe. They’re joined by Burn, featuring members from Bahrain's pioneering metal acts such as Lunacyst and Deathbox Audio – experienced musicians that are ready to pulverise your senses with extreme molten metal! Also on stage will be Bahraini melodic metal favourites M.U.S.T. who have built a reputation for being one of the island’s most exciting and unpredictable live bands. And, of course, there’ll be sounds from Rock United, Diggers' house band.

Head For Heights Jazz With Sandi

Scottish songstress Sandi Thom, best known for her 2006 hit I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair), takes up a residency at The Domain with the opening of the hotel’s new Privé Jazz Lounge on September 28. The singer-song writer, who has been living on the island for the past few years, topped the UK singles and albums charts, performed at the Royal Albert Hall, opened for George Michael and played on a mountain top at the World Skiing Championships in Sweden, so she certainly has lots of experience under her belt – or in her guitar case. Since the venue is decidedly jazzy, we can expect some mellow tuneful musings alongside some of the classics.

We’re looking forward to seeing what Sandi has to say.

If you’re looking for something new to try, and let’s face it, who isn’t? Head down to the Bahrain International Karting Track and sign up for the Track Top Adventure. A recent addition to the activities, it’s a great day out for those with a head for heights, offering a climbing wall, zip lines, challenges and free-fall jumps up to 3.5m. And it’s not just for adults, kids can go along too and join in with lots of the activities and various games. Don’t worry, everyone gets a full safety briefing and demonstrations before they’re let loose on the equipment. We can’t wait to give it a try.

Feeling High

Summer’s finally winding down and with it the long drought in fun things to do on the island. We’re rather excited about one of the new nights that has launched recently, High Society Fridays with live music from Cinnamon Brown and the Jazzmatazz Band followed by groovy house into the early hours. Entry is free for ladies, couples and mixed groups.

A Whole Different Ball Game There’s a new season activity in the offing at Bahrain Rugby Club – women’s rugby sevens. The introductory meeting is on the evening of September 3, followed by the first training session, with further dates to be organised from there. They’re always keen to welcome new members and you don’t need any rugby playing experience, just a willingness to learn and have a good time. Sevens can be fast and furious but it’s also great fun to both watch and play, so why not give it a go.

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September 2018

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showcase

AMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BAHRAIN

EDUCATIONAL PROWESS REWARDED AMA International School Bahrain (AMAISB) is proud to be one of 717 schools honoured with CIS Membership.

H

aving opened its doors in 2004, AMA International School Bahrain boasts a fully equipped educational environment with teachers and staff wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing, encouraging and inspiring learners. Employing the American curriculum in all areas of study, AMAISB uses inquiry-based, hands-on teaching processes and learning strategies to mould its students.

Additionally, extra-curricular activities offered encourage the exploration of interests, allow for social interaction with those of similar interests, and contribute to the building of professional and leadership skills.

The institute promotes exceptionally high standards of education while also preparing students for the real world – a changing, interdependent world, to which they must be capable of adapting.

In August 2016, AMA International School Bahrain started its Council of International Schools (CIS) membership application. The CIS is a leader in school evaluation and accreditation worldwide which focuses on

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September 2018

student learning and global citizenship.

Currently, the CIS community includes 717 schools, 570 colleges and universities, and 112 countries.

Christine Bayliss, the appointed CIS school support and evaluation officer of AMAISB, carried out the membership evaluation in a two-day visit to the school in January, 2018. Part of the visit aimed to assess alignment of school documentation, and the organisation’s practice in conducting student, teacher, parent, support staff, school leaders’ and school board of directors’ interviews. Additionally, on-site and classroom observations were assessed and documents reviewed.

She cited positive findings in the AMAISB membership visit and appreciated the school’s readiness in undertaking work on the preparatory report for accreditation.

She identified the key strengths of AMAISB, stating that the entire school community is actively committed to living up to the

school’s mission and vision. Also noted was the board’s sound financial management which has led to thoughtful and planned expansion of the facilities and resources, enabling the school to grow.

The collaborative spirit, trust and familial essence plays a large part in the longevity of service to the school by the faculty and staff.

Care and commitment provide an attractive, welcoming, safe and well-maintained learning and working environment for students and teachers. Teachers are also provided with professional growth opportunities and inservice training.

The school having been awarded CIS membership, AMAISB director Marietta S Sicat thanked Christine Bayliss for the feedback indicating that it will serve as a springboard for the accreditation they now hope to receive, following a preparatory visit in November 2018. She emphasised the importance of the visit as this will make way for further benefits to the school and its students in future. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Indo-Pak Food Festival The K Hotel held the Indo-Pak food festival inauguration ceremony at Kolors restaurant.

Alison, Shiva & Farheen

Sandeep, Amanda & Sadi

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September 2018

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news

HOT SHOTS

es the Liz O'Reilly shar r, ai ch 's or it ed .

From the rest this month piqued her inte ve ha at th gs in th

POOCH-PROOF MOTORING I must admit I’m rather partial to the Land Rover brand, and even more so now that they’ve introduced a dog-friendly package to make travelling with your canine easier and more comfortable. The Pet Pack was launched to coincide with International Dog Appreciation Day and features a selection of specially chosen accessories to suit a range of requirements. They include a premium quilted load space liner to protect against paw prints, a foldable pet carrier, access ramp, spill-resistant water bowl and a portable rinse system for those muddy walks. I want!

DITCHING THE PLASTIC Great news coming out of The Domain Hotel and Spa which is doing its bit for the environment by taking plastic straws off the menu from the start of September. Guests can still request straws but they won’t be handed out as standard and the venue is also making efforts to source eco-friendly alternatives for those who can’t do without.

Well done Domainers.

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September 2018

BREAK OUT THE BRIDGETS A survey of 2,000 UK women, carried out for a fabric softener brand, found that, for us, life’s little luxuries really do make a big difference. Not surprisingly, given the originator of the study, nice scents and freshly laundered sheets were right up there among the things that make us feel great, and I certainly wouldn’t disagree.

But it was lovely to see that wearing big, comfy pants and taking off your bra at the end of the day also made the top 20 things we love – glad it’s not just me!

LEGAL EAGLES The Saudi Attorney General is to appoint the country’s first female investigators. In a landmark for the Kingdom, Shaikh Saud Al Mojeb said the Public Prosecution Office was putting procedures in place that will allow women to take up positions on the investigative front line.

Applicants for the posts must be Saudi citizens and hold a degree in Sharia or information technology, from one of the Kingdom’s colleges or its equivalent.

The move comes on the heels of the appointment of the Kingdom’s first female notaries and the announcement in January that the Ministry of Justice plans to recruit 300 women as social researchers, administrative assistants, Islamic jurisprudence researchers and legal researchers.

It’s great news for ambitious Saudi women who want to use their brains to serve their country and also, potentially, for those going through the system who will benefit from things seen from a different perspective.

MEN ARE FROM MARS… A BBC report reveals that there is a village in Nigeria where men and women speak different languages. Apparently, boys grow up among the women and speak their language but, as they reach maturity, they begin to use the tongue of the men, thus they can understand both. It’s not a great divide but various items and actions have different names. However, as the younger generation leaves to seek greater opportunities and English becomes more widely spoken, there are fears that this tradition will disappear. If they’re expecting men and women to start speaking the same language, I don’t think they really need to worry!

Word of the Month Couldn’t resist this one – Blaterskite – a person who talks at great length without making much sense. Need I say more?

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Vicky, Leina, Esraa & Omar Anne, Moataza & Maryam

AMA Seminar

AMA International School Bahrain hosted the Parenting the Digital Generation seminar at its premises.

Mary Grace

Marietta & Aurora

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Mylene, Jennifer & April

September 2018

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FASHION | pick of the month

Everyday Bling The latest collection from Michael Kors has got our pulses racing. Made from sterling silver and semi-precious stones, many of the pieces feature the brand’s signature padlock charm, inspired by Mercer Street in New York where Michael opened his first store. Fashioned with gold and rhodium plating and plenty of sparkling accents, they’re both pretty and sturdy enough for everyday wear.

Available at Michael Kors, City Centre Bahrain 17 112-724.

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showcase

LIALI JEWELLERY

STYLING TIPS: PART 1 Liali Jewellery brings you top tips on how to wear jewellery for work, and invest in pieces that are not only perfect for the office but also highly affordable.

Often times, we are afraid to incorporate jewellery in our everyday looks, especially if the pieces you’ve got are a bit flashy. Also, buying real jewellery can be a daunting task, perhaps both for your pocket and for your sartorial knowledge.

But it’s not as intimidating as it seems.

Here are some easy styling tips for your work-wear jewellery, and pieces that you should consider investing in because they look stunning and won’t break the bank!

Liali Jewellery boutique offers the perfect accessories to start your collection.

Eccentric Jewellery

Don't be afraid to invest in eccentric jewellery as an accent piece to your outfit. Take these necklaces for example (pictured) – the design of a pendant can take your entire outfit from simple to ‘girl boss’ level in no time!

Minimal accessorising

It can mean wearing more than one piece. Balance it out by picking one statement piece and another that's a bit more delicate, such as stud earrings.

Experiment with different ring types Diversify your ring collection by experimenting with bands and stone settings.

Thin bands look minimal and delicate when worn alone and are easier to stack. Thick bands, on the other hand, are no-brainer pieces that can quickly make a statement.

Jewellery with casual outfits

Jewellery can be easily worn with casual clothes and, in fact, can be used to spruce up your denims. But don't limit yourself to wearing one metal at a time, vary your style further by mixing metals to elevate your edgy look.

Visit Liali Jewellery boutique at City Centre Bahrain for more style inspirations.

Call 17 178-160. www.womanthismonth.com

September 2018

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FASHION | get the look

COLOUR COMBOS

Do you feel that you always wear the same colour combination? And it is usually black and some other hue?

Well, time for a change! Fernanda Langhammer has come up with some interesting colour marriages to give your wardrobe a kick.

It’s easy to stick with the same colours and styles, opting for combinations that you already know work. However, exploring your wardrobe at its best is the goal! There are way more possibilities and it’s likely you have a few pieces that can be transformed to make up lots of looks. Don’t be afraid to bring bright shades to the table; they add the wow effect we’re all looking for. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new for a change!

ORANGE & BLUE. Risky and exciting are the words for this combination. It’s a vibrant option for still-hot days, a breath of fresh air (more like a tornado) when compared to your safe black and grey uniform.

Beige and gold are great complementary hues.

Flat slip-ons, MICHAEL Michael Kors, 17 178-630.

Orange

Orange handbag, Folli Follie at follifollie.com.

+ Blue

+

Beige top, COS, 17 110-361.

Beige

Marc Jacobs SS 2018

Blue necklace, Marina Rinaldi, 17 535-028.

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September 2018

Blue short skirt, Debenhams, 17 110-378.

Hoop earrings, Accessorize, 17 179-786. www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | get the look

YELLOW & BROWN You might think black and yellow make a good pairing, but no! If you’re looking for a bee effect, like a costume kind of thing, then yes. However, if your intention is to create an everyday look, go for brown! Add some blue to achieve perfection!

Yellow Round sunglasses, Longchamp at longchamp.com.

Striped long-sleeved top, Mango, 17 581-883.

Brown belt, Accessorize, 17 179-786.

Brown espadrilles, Espadrij at espadrij.com.

+ Brown

+

Tod's SS 2018

Blue

Yellow jeans, Tory Burch, 17 179-560.

Brown handbag, Guess, 17 178-158.

Square navy and yellow earrings, New Look, 17 179-406.

PINK & GREY Bright pink is a difficult shade to wear; it screams tacky. So you should tone it down with a colour that won’t add to the assault, and grey is the ideal option. Team it with light pink and white accents.

Striped bell-sleeve top, Lipsy, 17 179-385.

Golden sunglasses, Chloe at marchon.com.

Pink

+ Grey

Stella McCartney SS2018

Hoop earrings, Accessorize, 17 179-786

www.womanthismonth.com

Pink bucket bag, MICHAEL Michael Kors, 17 178-630.

Wide-legged trousers, Mango, 17 581-883.

+ White

White stiletto, Debenhams, 17110-378.

September 2018

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FASHION | get the look

PURPLE & RED Another tricky mix, but totally worth it. Dark purple and vivid red spell a sophisticated look.

A smart pairing when seeking a formal or posh outfit. The third wheel here is white. Opt for silvery accessories; golden accents can be a bit too much.

White longsleeved shirt, Lacoste, 17 179-530.

Purple Cat-eye sunglasses, Salvatore Ferragamo 17 178-535.

+ Red

+

Dark-purple clutch, Mulberry at mulberry.com.

White Dangling crystal earrings, Debenhams, 17 110-378.

Etro SS 2018

Red sweat pants, H&M, 17 110-350.

Purple suede stiletto, Dune London, 16 686-215.

LILAC & BLACK If you can’t stay away from black, try something unexpected. Black and white are a classic combo, go for them and add a twist with lilac. The light purple shade is really trendy this season, show off your fashion credentials by wearing it with mastery.

Lilac Golden sunglasses, Longchamp at longchamp.com.

Giorgio Armani SS 2018

Black blazer jacket, M&Co 17 582-110.

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September 2018

Striped mid bodycon dress, MICHAEL Michael Kors, 17 178-630.

Long drop earrings, Accessorize, 17 179-786.

Sequinned booties, Evans, 17 110-358.

+ Black

+ Gold

Lilac bucket lilac handbag, Mulberry at mulberry.com. www.womanthismonth.com

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FASHION | trend

t i u r F d a l Sa

Summer fashion is waving its last goodbyes ,and to celebrate the end of another colourful season, go for fruit prints. Lemon drops, squeezed oranges, juicy watermelons and sweet cherries are some of the options for a refreshing look.

Must-have:

Dolce & Gabbana, SS 2018

A white dress with fruit details is the perfect choice!

Marc Jacobs, SS 2018

Gul Hurgel SS 2018

Lemon chain shoulder bag: Matalan, 17 008-353 Cherry top: Lipsy, 17 179-385

Watermelon T-shirt: White Stuff at whitestuff.com.

Feeling edgye?fruit-laden earrings larg How do extrastyle! out D&G’s bold k ec Ch d? un so

M&Co SS 2018 Banana print dress: Glamorous at glamorous.com

Watermelon basket bag: New Look, 17 179-406

: Extra poinhtandbag: they ty Opt for a frui the perfect d an are funky th ve a last brea add-on to gi t. tfi ou ur yo of summer to

Pineapple bikini: Accessorize, 17 179-786

Banana socks: River Island, 17 110-370 Lemon top: Monsoon, 17 179-704

Lemon clutch: New Look, 17 179-406

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September 2018

Pineapple tank top: M&Co, 17 582-110 Long skirt: Debenhams, 17 110-378

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION

AUTUMN/WINTER 2018-2019

SNEAK PEEK

By: Fernanda Langhammer

Emporio Armani

H&M

Tory Burch

Stella McCartney

Mary Katrantzou

Summer is not showing any signs of defeat in this part of the world yet, but the fashion industry doesn’t really care. The signs that a new collection is entering the racks are pretty clear; it is time to change your wardrobe, again! (It’s about time! I bet you’re a bit tired of all the colour pops so beloved at this time of year.0 I know some people are afraid of change, but not me!

I love it, and new pieces to love and desire are one of the best things to do in life, trust me! I keep mental notes as soon as I see something I adore and the process continues throughout the whole new season.

I’m getting started with the autumn and winter 20182019 trend report, which is coming in our next issue (keep posted!), but I couldn’t control myself, so here’s a preview of what you can look forward to. The new creations are going to be full of winter basics such as fake fur, big coats, earthy tones, animal prints and checks. However, you can also expect new elements such as an increased interest in the cowgirl theme, an inexplicable love for the colour blue and some interesting hues paired together like purple and orange. Hope you like what you see and make sure you grab our October magazine to be updated with the new season’s trends.

Alberta Ferretti Milan Fashion Week AW 2018

New Look

Marks & Spencer

Dune London Zadig & Voltaire

www.womanthismonth.com

Chanel Make-up AW 2018

Debenhams

September 2018

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FASHION |essentials

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

5 1

Print Craze.

If print is your thing, or even if it’s not, there’s always a place for foliage in your wardrobe. The shades are not that bright and team well with earthy tones, white and navy.

3

Matrix Reloaded. Very small sunglasses are having a moment again. Channel Neo and Trinity next time you’re shopping for cool shades.

Leave your hat on.

Hats are one of those accessories that you don’t think much about, but they can add a touch of style to your look. The summer collections made baker boy hats trendy again and, guess what? They are still a hot thing next season!

This month is all about mixing summer trends and the new pieces for autumn and winter 2018-2019 that are arriving in stores soon. Check out Fernanda Langhammer’s picks of what you should keep in your wardrobe.

Say no to necklaces and go for embellished straps to decorate your neckline.

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Vintage brooches are the accessory to look for to add that special sparkle.

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Dark denim total look, yes please!

Feeling great?

Show off a beautiful long dress as you run your errands.

Visual Effect.

Go for asymmetrical pieces for an eccentric look with style sense.

2

CloseBby. The short-strap crossbody bag is your next carrier!

Wear it across your body and accommodate it at or just below your bust. It will look a bit bulky, so opt for a tighter top.

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XXXL Earrings.

The fashion world is in love with long earrings.

The summer collections took them to the shoulder. Now, for AW 20182019, they are even longer.

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Hands Free Shopping Service Launch City Centre Bahrain launched its new Hands Free Shopping service for visitors at its premises.

Dipti, Duaij Al Rumaihi, Ahmed, Sarah & Rawia

Kishora, Hawra & Ali

Claire & Ahmed

Showroom Launch Lals Group launched the second showroom of its home concept, The Home Store, at City Centre Bahrain.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Ramsh & Aref Sadeq

www.womanthismonth.com

Hiroo & Rowena

Rawoof & Anna

Vibhor & Harish

September 2018

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FASHION | fashion forward

MICHAEL KORS GOES GREENER

Michael Kors announced an important sustainability milestone by introducing solarpowered clean energy to support its Netherlands distribution centre in Venlo – the largest solar panel roof project in the Netherlands.

The 27,798 panels will be generating about 6.77 kilowatt hours per year; this is enough to supply green energy to 2,000 households for a year. The power in this case will provide about 40 per cent of the distribution centre’s yearly energy consumption, with the remaining being delivered back to the grid.

This initiative marks another of Michael Kors’ ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while providing a healthy workspace for employees.

E G A T S K BAC

PASS

nd

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

TRENDING HUMAN ACCESSORIES

Some might find the idea of wearing highly realistic human skin accessories literally skin-crawling – not Tan France, Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian.

The ladies took to social media to show off their new exclusive accessories by A. Human, before the brand’s showcasing of its first collection during New York Fashion Week later this month.

A. Human, a new fashion brand, believes that ‘self-expression isn’t defined by what you put on your body, but how you change your body.’ In line with this, it designs temporary skin accessories – body modification implants – that mimic human flesh.

NINA RICCI WELCOMES CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh have been appointed as the house of Nina Ricci’s new creative directors. Succeeding Guillaume Henry, collections will now be designed by this Dutch duo.

Both finalists in this year’s LVMH Prize, they will oversee the Nina Ricci women’s ready-towear line. Interestingly, both are celebrated names in menswear, and their menswear label, Botter, won them the Premiere Vision grand prize at the Hyères fashion festival in April.

The brand’s general manager, Charlotte Tasset says the duo’s creative spirit will ‘give birth to a new Nina Ricci woman.’ Their first collection, pre-fall, will be shown later this year.

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A MODEST PARTNERSHIP WITH WUKOGALS

Joyce Azria, LA-based fashion entrepreneur, recently partnered with the three sisters whose brainchild is fashion brand, WUKOgals.

With a focus on modest, fashionable women’s clothing, WUKOgals boasts a chic, comfortable, affordable and versatile collection. The three sisters offer a clothing brand that caters to women of all body types.

Joyce, who is also a modest dresser and a longtime fan of the brand, joined up with the social-media driven business and, together, the four have launched WUKOgal’s first pop-up store. With an online shop offering worldwide shipping as well, WUKOgals is a niche market for women who seek modern, modest clothes. www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | fashion forward

A REGAL EXHIBITION

The Givenchy Haute Couture gown worn by Meghan Markle at her wedding to Prince Harry will be displayed at Windsor Castle’s exhibition, A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, running from October 26 to January 2019.

The Clare Waight Keller dress, the five-metre-long veil with delicately hand-embroidered flowers of each of the Commonwealth countries, and Queen Mary’s diamond and platinum bandeau tiara, will be displayed along with a replica of Prince Harry’s frockcoat uniform.

At the end of the exhibition, the wedding clothes will be moved to the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh, to be displayed from June 2019.

ONLINE GATEWAY TO LUXURY FASHION

Founded in 2008 by José Neves, Farfetch gives independent fashion boutiques an online retail presence wherein owners can benefit from a virtual boutique marketplace, while also retaining their identity as independent retailers.

The platform functions as a tailored Amazon for luxury fashion. Getting a cut of the sales from the independent retailers, such as Gucci and Thom Browne, Farfetch manages their e-commerce aspect, while retailers handle provision of the products.

From 2015 to 2017, Farfetch has more than doubled its sales and recently filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, targeting a USD6 billion valuation.

www.womanthismonth.com

September 2018

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showcase

LULU HYPERMARKET

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September 2018

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase AMBASSADOR STORES

TIME FOR A POWERFUL STATEMENT

I

The new Japanese-inspired Seiko Presage combines fine art, industrial design and traditional craftsmanship for all your elegant watch needs.

n shaping the Presage, Seiko integrates classic designs and artisan techniques and uses advanced technology to create a unique collection of fine mechanical watches offering Japanese beauty, quality and longlasting performance.

The Presage collection features white enamel dials made in Japan in the studio of veteran craftsman, Mitsuru Yokosawa, who has dedicated his life to working with enamel, and supervises the creation of every single white enamel dial.

The new Presage 6L35 caliber, SJE073J1, combines slimness and accuracy. At 3.69mm deep, its high accuracy is assured by the 28,800 vibrations per hour movement. The advanced mechanical caliber structure allows the dial and movement to be inserted into the case from the front, angling inwards, giving the watch a slimmer profile and a comfortable fit on the wrist.

Inspired by a Japanese garden’s depth and rich texture, the dial of the Presage SRPC83J1 uses the same minimalistic design aesthetic, allowing both free, uncluttered space, and the powerful statement made by the hour markers under the curved sapphire crystal. Two calibers are employed, both evidences to detailed watchmaking.

Ambassador Stores, Bahrain, is the sole distributor of Seiko and Alba watches in the Kingdom. Additionally, it offers customers the best brands in musical instruments, high-quality home entertainment systems, elegant, much desired watches and clocks, and the very latest high-tech gadgets and accessories.

Call 17 225-513.

Vishnu, Sarfaraz, Sriranjini & Lini

Sherif, Bahaa & Mishal

Pool Party

InterContinental Regency hosted a party at its Elements pool & lounge.

Aktivate & Cassia

www.womanthismonth.com

Ali, Nirmal & Java

Rashid & Ahmed

September 2018

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showcase ORSAY

FASHION INSPIRATION Look gorgeous with affordable fashion from ORSAY, the German brand, as it introduces its new September-October collection.

L

adies, you deserve the best! And when it comes to the ever-changing fashion scene, you need something stunning that expresses your individual style without breaking the bank. That’s where ORSAY comes in, allowing you to be bang on trend with fabulous outfits that make you stand out from the crowd, and are reasonably priced at the same time.

Reminisce on good fashion memories with ORSAY’s latest autumn collection – the iconic retro style served in a modern way surprises with its freshness. Classic designs feature side by side with black and grey colours, highlighted with pink fur. Red or green tartan celebrates its spectacular comeback in the company of belts with slogans and a double-breasted jacket. It’s a real clash of British style with street looks. Colourful, floral vintage

patterns flirt shamelessly with edgy urban pieces.

You just cannot imagine this season without tux belts, zippers and a plush jacket. Cowboy accessories, metal details and black leather conquered the catwalks, and the hearts of women. This is how the Wild West looks in a beautiful, ladies' version!

To keep things fresh and interesting, ORSAY introduces a new collection every two weeks, giving you a variety of options to make sure you are constantly unique with your attire.

The new collection is available at ORSAY, City Centre Bahrain.

Call 17 581-569.

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September 2018

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Stephen, Meenu, Ruslan & Sallyann

Brazilian Evening

Stan, Stephen & Alya

Wyndham Garden Manama hosted a Brazilian evening event at Via Brasil restaurant.

Randa & Cynthia

Management & staff

Meenu & Sallyann

Martha & Claudia

Food Tasting Tour

Food Box Restaurant Management Co hosted a food tasting tour at Yoya’s Restaurant & CafÊ.

Alexandra & Elton

www.womanthismonth.com

Yasser & Hesham

Ravi & Meera

September 2018

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PEOPLE | interview

SPINNING TO SUCCESS Renowned fitness instructor, mentor and all-round inspirational female, Fatima Batook, shares her journey in the fitness arena with Behnaz Sanjana.

P

ure Yoga + Cycle (PYC), in Hamala, is Bahrain’s only topline hot yoga studio and licensed Spinning facility.

Owner Fatima is a Saudi national who has mentored numerous students and trainers to date.

She attended her first Spinning class in the year 2000. “It started off as a quest for personal transformation,” she says. “I had dealt with obesity at the young age of 18.

I lost 70 kilograms within five to six years.

Today, I am approximately 60 kilograms, so you can do the math! I remember struggling to find the best way to reach an ideal weight in those roller-coaster years. Advice from friends and family didn't really help. Finally, I sought professional help, and that made

me want to be qualified and certified to help others transform themselves to live truly happier lives.”

She retells her initial experience with this form of working out: “Being overweight, I had just started my quest to lose the extra pounds. I wasn’t very keen on the Spinning class; I stayed for 10 minutes and left, thinking I would never do it again. One day, I had no other option but to take the class again, and to my luck it was a session with Spinning master instructor Sarah Morelli. I went through the hour without looking at the time; she had taken me to another world and that’s when I discovered the mind-body connection of exercise and fell in love with it.”

Fatima went on to get certified as a Spinning instructor in 2007 by none other than Sarah Morelli herself. “She inspires me still today and I still learn a lot from her,” she says. Since then, the fitness professional has attended many an international event. “I have attended the World Spinning and Sports Conference (WSSC) every June since 2010, and have gone to the Spinning showcase in the UK five times to date. The 24-hour Portugal Ride in August 2015, the underground Spinning 12 hour event in a salt mine in Poland in 2016, and the sixhour Spinning Experience in Holland in 2014 and 2016 are a few of the amazing, fun events that I have attended. I also join many fitness instructors every year to learn about new types of exercises and stay up-to-date with new sports research and physiology,” she says.

In her initial years, Fatima did have to get around some difficulties in treading her own path in Saudi Arabia’s conservative society. She says: “When I first started, about 12 years ago, fitness for women in Saudi Arabia was very rare, and was meant only for the well-travelled and elite. Most fitness instructors were expatriates, so it was very difficult for others to understand why I was

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www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

taking this path. But I am proud to say that I have inspired, trained and supported many young women of my country to become fitness instructors. Today, it's different.

The acceptance level is very high and most people are trying to get active in some way or another. It’s great to see the level of awareness grow.”

Besides training students on indoor bikes, Fatima teaches fitness bootcamps, HIIT, boxing, strength workouts using functional training, as well as the various forms of yoga. She is also a CanFitPro personal trainer and group fitness instructor, as well as a certified trainer in ACE, TRX, PeakPilates and kickboxing. In another ‘first’, Fatima is the pioneering Piloxing instructor in the Middle East. She explains: “Piloxing is a creative mix between Pilates and boxing, geared towards women. The mental and physical goal is to attain a ‘sleek and powerful’ self-image. I was at a UK fitness convention where they launched Piloxing for the first time in Europe, and I loved the workout. So, I flew to Los Angeles and got certified by its inventor, Viveca Jenson, who is an inspirational woman.”

Not only has the energetic entrepreneur helped people attain their health and fitness goals, she has also made them look fabulous while getting there with TIMA, the first Saudi /Arab brand for sportswear, that she founded in 2012. She says: “TIMA is a brand made for women by a woman who has faced struggles and found ways to overcome them.

It empowers them, and makes them feel and look good. The inspiration to launch it came www.womanthismonth.com

from those around me who were against my mission to advocate fitness for Saudi women.

It became my vehicle to reach out to them, because, well, no one can say no to fashion! It is also inspired by the ladies who trained with me and complained about how boring sport apparel is. Many of TIMA’s lines are actually named after these women who inspired the design.” The collection is available in Bahrain at PYC’s retail section.

PYC is Fatima’s baby across the bridge, in Bahrain. “It is where one can find a true connection of mind and body, either with yoga or Spinning classes,” she says. “We are a family here; a community that will support and embrace you. We give a personalised experience, and are genuinely driven to better people’s lives.”

She goes on to add that PYC will be consistently expanding its expertise in fitness education and training. Apart from regular classes, there are many workshops related to meditation, yoga teacher training and Spinning certifications planned in the coming months. Commenting on her loyal clientele, she says: “It is my commitment, enthusiasm and hard work that has brought me success. I strive to improve myself and empower others to achieve their greatest potential. My strength lies in the fact that my clients can relate to me. I am real, genuine and human. I face the same problems and struggles and strive to find ways to overcome them. Every woman needs a support system, and healthy habits, like exercising, to make it easier. I can make people see and experience that, and they achieve fantastic results.”

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PEOPLE | interview

ONE YEAR NO GEAR ALARMED AT THE FASHION INDUSTRY'S ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT, BUSINESSWOMAN LANA FURMAN HAS SWORN OFF SHOPPING FOR A YEAR. SHE EXPLAINS WHY. Tell us about your challenge, what does it entail?

The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world and causes more damage to the environment than the airline and maritime shipping industries combined.

Therefore, I decided to minimise my own carbon footprint by refusing to purchase any new clothes for a whole year, starting from March 1.

Why did you decide to do it?

Believe it or not, it started with penguins.

I absolutely adore penguins, so I was devastated when I read a recently published article about the effects of global warming, which concluded by stating that if things didn’t change, we could expect most species of penguin to be wiped out over the next few decades. Now maybe I have too vivid an imagination, but it didn’t take me long to conjure up distressing mental images of melting icebergs and fluffy penguin chicks starving to death while their parents desperately plunged into roaring oceans looking for food that was no longer there.

So, basically, I was spurred on by my love of penguins and a steely determination to ensure they stick around on this planet for a long time to come.

Are you raising money for anything with the cash you're not spending or is it more about the environmental impact of fashion?

It was never about the money — high street clothes cost next to nothing anyway. It’s about the true cost of fashion — water pollution, toxic chemicals, carbon footprint and textile waste that ends up in landfills. Clothing production has doubled in the last 15 years and is now exceeding 100 billion garments a year - do we really need that much?

So, if not new, are you buying second-hand and, if so, where?

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Where can people see your journey?

Buying from local charity shops seems like the most sustainable form of shopping — it reduces the pressure on virgin resources, saves a perfectly good item from a landfill and benefits the charity of your choice, not a billion-dollar corporation. Since March, I’ve made a few trips to both the BSPCA and Dogfather charity shops and found some beautiful quirky items that I am happy to wear – you can see all my charity shop finds on my lanalovevintage Instagram account.

Were you a shopaholic before? Any idea how much you would have spent per month?

Shopping was never high on my priority list, but I still managed to buy a lot more clothing and accessories than I needed.

www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

What have you found hardest to not buy?

Nothing. I think most of us ladies have enough clothes hanging in our closets to last for the next 20 years if not longer — and I have also been realistic about my own expectations and drawn the line at not buying second-hand undergarments. So, if that results in all my tights having ladders or holes in their toes by March 2019, then so be it.

Any tips for anyone wanting to follow your lead?

The best thing about this challenge has been the freedom it’s given me to experiment with items of clothing that I might not have necessarily considered buying brandnew from a store. I don’t spend too long pondering over the clothing in the charity shops each time I visit, I simply fill a big bag full of items that I like the look of and are of my size, but once I get home, I completely indulge myself in front of the mirror, trying things on with different accessories, and seeing what works and what doesn’t. And what’s great about this process is that having already purchased all the items I bring home, if a garment doesn’t work for me, it goes straight back to the charity shop, so they can resell it again. So, my advice would be to go out, experiment and have fun doing it.

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September 2018

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PEOPLE | interview

BRIDGING

THE GENERATION GAP

Co-authors, Amal Kooheji and Sajeda AlAsfoor chat with Suzanne Nicholas about their aims, experiences and challenges faced in writing Hear Us Out.

H

ear Us Out outlines the journey of a millennial in a modern, yet somehow conventional organisation, struggling to keep up with its changing workforce. The co-authors aim to draw attention to the issues millennials face at every stage of their careers, and pass a message to workplace leaders that it is in their organisation’s best interest to let millennials’ needs and thoughts be heard, as they are big influencers in today’s economy.

The book follows the journey of a millennial facing challenges at her dream job which coincide with the journey of a Gen X-er torn between the demands of the Baby Boomer generation, and those of the millennials. The Gen X-er decides to quell her frustrations by empathising, understanding and giving the millennial a chance to lead, which ultimately proves productive.

When asked how the idea for Hear Us Out came about, Amal says: “Once I left the world of work and decided to work for myself, I realised this was the time to pass this message, specifically to managers who didn’t understand me when I tried to make changes for millennials in order to increase productivity.”

She sought an inspired millennial among those she had worked with, who would express their opinions openly, and found Sajeda. About her introduction to the book,

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Sajeda says: “Amal called me just after I had my second baby and said, ‘Don’t just label yourself as a working mom. Do something for yourself that’s rewarding and will make you proud.’” Sajeda’s interest was piqued as “This is what we, as millennials, need in the workplace, for them [Gen X-ers] to understand our perspective of how things should be done.”

The intricately thought out layout resonates this point. The voices of the millennial and the Gen X-er are denoted through carefully constructed thought bubbles, succeeded by a general text influenced by research, a compromise section wherein both find mutually beneficial common ground, and finally, a ‘tips’ section.

Amal and Sajeda recall the trials of putting thoughts to paper. Their process involved bringing vast amounts of literature together, and creating a writers’ club that was a source of great motivation and guidance.

They describe a challenging period after much of the book was written, wherein they decided to shelve it for six months and gain some perspective. During this time, Amal considered publishing her work as an article, but was advised against it by Sajeda, for which she is now grateful.

Sajeda mentions another unforeseen challenge faced by the co-authors – Amal,

meant to be the voice of the Gen X-er was “too pro-millennial”. Amal, lightheartedly explains: “I wanted to show two contrasting views, but because I am pro-millennial by nature, it was very difficult.”

Their camaraderie, evident from the start of the interview, is echoed in their experience working together. Amal says: “We didn’t disagree on anything.” And Sajeda assents: “Amal made it very easy for me to write the way I naturally speak and convey a message.

Although we both have high standards, we were very comfortable working together.”

Amal muses: “Although some forwardthinking organisations have taken bold steps to change, it still remains a universal problem, and therefore, this is a universal book, which tries to shake the status quo. Millennials are fast becoming the biggest powerful workforce – change is coming and organisations don’t realise just how fast.”

“This is just the start,” they say. Sajeda prefers to consider the public perception of Hear Us Out before committing to further writing; Amal has begun consideration of ideas for further books that focus of different aspects of the same issue.

Hear Us Out will be available in leading Bahrain bookstores and as an e-book by late September. www.womanthismonth.com

SPOTLIGHT | interview

AT YOUR SERVICE Jerome Akel, country head of Carrefour Bahrain at Majid Al Futtaim Retail answers some questions about the brand, its current market position and the vision for the future.

Everyone’s favourite retail shopping hub, Carrefour, is the exclusive franchise of Majid Al Futtaim – the pioneer in shopping malls across the region. Read on to know more about how it has been expanding its services to islanders and the road ahead in the coming months.

C

an you brief us on Majid Al Futtaim’s Retail Arabia acquisition?

Majid Al Futtaim Retail, the exclusive franchisee of the Carrefour brand in 38 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, acquired 30 stores from Retail Arabia in 2017, 10 of which were in Bahrain under the Géant and Gulf Mart brands. This acquisition increased the number of stores in the Kingdom to 11 and has further established our positioning as one of the largest grocery retail operators. We are on schedule with the rebranding, and look and feel integration. We are always looking for opportunities to serve our clients and deliver an unparalleled range of high quality products at competitive prices that Carrefour customers have come to know and expect.

What is the unique selling point of Carrefour as opposed to other hypermarket chains?

As a Majid Al Futtaim business, we ultimately focus on creating great moments for everyone, every day. For Carrefour this means offering its customers a choice of more than 75,000 food and non-food products, as well as its own extensive branded range of www.womanthismonth.com

more than 1,100 items — all at competitive prices. We pride ourselves for the freshness and quality of produce extending across an array of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, fish and bakery items, combining both local and imported products. Our Healthy Kitchen offers a wide array of the best health products, from organic to free-from, to diet and fitness food at very competitive prices.

Moreover, Carrefour’s unrivalled customer experience and the incentives offered through our MyCLUB loyalty programme, which give access to exclusive deals and discounts, are what places us at the forefront of what we do.

How many branches have been opened in Bahrain and which is the largest of the lot?

There are currently 12 stores in Bahrain, seven hypermarkets and five supermarkets.

Our two biggest branches are Carrefour hypermarkets at The Bahrain Mall and at City Centre Bahrain. Both stores cover an area over 10,000sq/m and our offering in both stores extends beyond food products to include textile, home accessories and electronics.

What are the new plans in the pipeline for the brand?

As mentioned, we just announced the opening of our 12th store in Oasis Mall Juffair, which features a range of food and non-food products. This store has been designed with the environment in mind, and includes special freezer cabinets that both increase food safety and reduce power consumption.

This store is part of our strategy to get closer to our customers’ doorsteps. We are pleased to cater to the growing demand and provide our customers with the convenience they seek for their day-to-day shopping. We will continue to roll out our expansion plan and will announce updates on our milestones in due course.

How has it been operating in Bahrain?

We are very grateful for the support and guidance we are getting from the Government of Bahrain and the authorities as well as our business partners. We are also proud of our team member who listen to customers and continue to provide them with unparalleled customer service to make shopping at Carrefour a great experience.

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WOMAN THIS MONTH GOES MULTI-PLATFORM Read Woman This Month in any format convenient to you • Print • Online • Digital • Social media to keep you abreast of everything that’s happening in and about town.

You can now read Woman This Month from its Instagram account. Click on the bio-link and it takes you to a curated page where you can tap the images and read the articles. Simple, convenient and easy!!

Go Published monthly by:

Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com

womanthismonth

Digital Edition

FEATURE | influencers

BEHIND THE BLOG

Prominent influencers from around the region reveal the inspiration behind their words, their proudest moments, challenges and more.

Magdalena Cervenkova Bahrain Having always wanted to set up a blog, but never knowing what topic or theme to focus on, inspiration came in the form of a baby boy a few months ago. Fairly new to the blogging sphere, Magdalena blogs about her experiences with her son, while also drawing inspiration from and writing about life in Bahrain coupled with her many travels.

One of her blogposts, How I Survived Postpartum, bears witness to her honest and real writing style, which exudes relatability and humour. As a new mom, her biggest challenge is finding time to write, understandably a near-impossible feat with a new baby around, especially as she posts in both English and Czech.

Proud of simply launching the blog after years of considering it, and currently at about one post a month, she now hopes to offer her loyal followers more material, more often. Thinking long term, broadening her horizons and expanding into other content is definitely in the books for her.

www.theexpatess.com

www.womanthismonth.com

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FEATURE | influencers

Janelle and Reina Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Two Filipina expats in Riyadh with a wish to highlight the positives of living in Saudi, Janelle and Reina have been blogging for almost 10 years. Stemming from being unable to find a blog that shed light on Saudi Arabia when they were new to the country, the duo decided to cover a wide range of topics including restaurant reviews, shopping, events, travel and how-to guides. They attribute the success of the blog to the fact that expats and locals alike can find beneficial information that enriches their stay.

Written in a conversational tone, the documented experiences and stories are subjective, adding a touch of realness to the contents.

Shabana Feroze Bahrain Maintaining a blog twice a week for the past seven years, Shabana Feroze’s The Silver Kick Diaries is all about inspiring women to glam up and love themselves. Having started out as an outfit blog, her content has now evolved to include travel and fitness, fuelled by wanderlust and being a certified fitness instructor.

Sophisticated and upbeat in style, Shabana writes the way she talks, making her posts light reads for everyone’s enjoyment. Boasting highquality content, Shabana gives her all to every one of her posts – from the research to the writing and photos – evident at a glance.

Her blogposts epitomise top tips on passion, fashion and style, and health and fitness, all of which she focuses on in her book, Loving Yourself in Style, published last October.

Shabana wants to continue posting quality content that makes her and her readers happy. Firmly against buying followers on social media, she claims it’s difficult to always expect likes and followers on content that isn’t founded on food, revealing attire and entertainment.

However, this does not faze her as she ploughs on to develop her blog with the aim of offering more and more value to her followers.

www.thesilverkickdiaries.com

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Having to deal with content and pictures being stolen deliberately and posted elsewhere is a genuine problem bloggers face, and Janelle and Reina are no strangers to this. They are, however, humbled by their loyal followers, who are fondly referred to as ‘RIYADHizens’, and their positive feedback, which encourages them to overcome the challenges and carry on. Janelle and Reina are especially proud of winning the Best Website in Promoting Tourism in Saudi Arabia accolade from the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards.

In further aiming to continue as the best lifestyle guide for their followers, they aim to publish a book in the future, and also hope to develop The Pink Tarha app for ease and efficiency in gathering all their contents.

www.thepinktarha.com/ksa

Naomi D’Souza UAE Recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Asians and Influencers in the UAE, and established as a blogger, Naomi loves creating content that ensures there’s something for everyone on her blog – be it about food, lifestyle, travel, analytics and even informational articles. As a strategy consultant at IBM by day and blogger by night, she reviews her way around town, working alongside luxury brands and restaurants.

Grateful for her many, many views, she believes in giving back to followers, which she does in the way of giveaways, hosting food tours and replying to DMs and comments.

Naomi treats her followers to six to eight posts a month; however she doesn’t follow a strict schedule when it comes to Instagram, preferring quality over quantity, and posting only when she’s sure she’s got top content.

Stylistically casual, she prides herself on her punny captions on Instagram posts, and content that steers clear of formality. As any popular personality would attest, with popularity comes haters.

Giving us a peek into the challenges of online fame, she explains that no matter the many compliments you receive, sometimes it’s that one negative comment that stays with you. Ignoring the haters is a process, one that Naomi is still perfecting.

www.naomidsouza.com

www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | influencers

Laura Alho Saudi Arabia With a blog dedicated to different aspects of Saudi Arabia, such as travel, tourism, destinations, practical advice and things to do in the country, Laura is an avid blogger who aims to showcase the true beauty of the Kingdom as well as encourage people to explore.

Blogging since 2008, her writing is fuelled by genuine interest and personal experiences, which adds a unique element to her content and builds trust. Describing herself as a perfectionist, Laura admits it takes her a few weeks to tweak her posts till she’s assured of high-quality work.

Her main challenge comes in the form of time management as she balances her business, Inspired by Arabia, and takes time out for photography and travelling to different destinations.

Proud of keeping her blog up and running for nine years since its inception, she envisions a future in Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector as this is where her passion lies.

www.blueabaya.com

Lara Geadah UAE Six years ago, Lara Geadah decided to take her knack for writing and turn it into something special – Lara’s Happy Work. Just as the name indicates, this creative space is somewhere she enjoys sharing her positive outlook on life. As someone who enjoys the simplicity of a routine life, she blogs about food, home décor and other lifestyle content – anything that brings her joy. On her blog, Lara shapes her content in favour of her mental health, and encourages her followers to live life with intent.

Having written for herself before she went public, she’s always enjoyed writing and is confident in her ability to pen words, exactly the way she wants them. Always sure to spread positivity through her work, Lara aims to spread the word about mental health and its importance to everyone in the long run. Her clever writing style and noteworthy musings successfully contribute to her aim.

Considering herself an extrovert, Lara believes her outgoing nature has had a hand in establishing her name in the Arab market.

Leaving one’s comfort zone is something she highly recommends, as she believes the blogging sphere is open to so many possibilities and opportunities. Proud of being able to recognise the beauty of these possibilities, she appreciates all that comes www.womanthismonth.com

her way and gracefully owns it.

Creative by nature, she looks upon her work as a portfolio and is therefore constantly striving to master visual elements and palettes that reflect her character, and all her values and preferences, on Instagram.

She is currently working on building the ‘Lara Brand’ – spreading awareness with regard to mental health and showing how the superficial decisions we make in our daily lives can help contribute to our happiness.

www.larashappywork.com

September 2018

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BEAUTY | feature

TOP BEAUTY TREATMENT TRENDS Long gone are the days when looking your age or putting up with features you find unappealing was an unavoidable fact. At a time when science can give you the look you desire, Suzanne Nicholas brings you a few of the latest beauty trends – some available in Bahrain, others sure to be on the way soon.

LESS IS MORE

An advanced Botox-based technique, Micro Botox involves using highly diluted Botox which shrinks and atrophies sweat glands and sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands, making this a unique method of treating wrinkles, fine lines and, in some cases, even acne. Unlike Botox which is injected into facial muscles, Micro Botox is strategically injected just below the skin of the face and neck. Therefore, in addition to younger, improved skin, there’s little reason to fret about facial muscles ‘freezing.’ Micro Botox treatments are said to result in smoother skin, reduced pore size, lessened oil production and, most temptingly, the results look natural.

Try German Medical Centre – 17 313-555.

BACTERIA-INFUSED GOODNESS DOUBLE CHIN DILEMMA

For every woman out there who has tried everything natural to get rid of that stubborn ‘double chin’ that just will not budge, despair not, for here’s Kybella to the rescue. Kybella is the only FDAapproved drug intended for the submental area (doctor speak for ‘double chin’). It contains deoxycholic acid which helps in breaking down and absorbing fat cells. If you’re put off by the idea of surgery, this drug is administered through multiple small injections under your chin – nothing too gory – with minimum downtime. The number of injections and sessions will be tailored to the amount of fat under your chin and your idea of an aesthetically pleasing profile.

Coming soon.

Contrary to what we’ve heard about facial bacteria, not all should be vigorously scrubbed away. Recent years have seen a research-driven trend in the probiotic skin care movement as we now know that some bacteria are essential to our skin’s health. These beneficial probiotics that are removed by over washing and our antibacterial cleansers, can be restored by bacteria-infused skin care products. La RochePosay Lipikar AP+ Intense Repair Moisturising Cream and Mother Dirt AO+ Mist are two products that help balance the body’s microbiome and restore a healthy state. The best part is they’re easy to find and inexpensive.

Available at major retailers.

PERKY LASER ALTERNATIVE

After childbirth and past a certain age, our bodies become victims of the inevitable ageing process. Although we’d love nothing more than for our once perky bits to spring back to how they used to be, that’s nothing but wishful thinking. If you don’t fancy going under the knife, the laser bra lift is an alternative to breast lift surgery. The procedure involves a carbon dioxide laser that is used to create an internal bra; your own breast tissue provides support. The procedure

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WHEN BIGGER ISN’T BETTER

Being inactive and not getting enough exercise largely contribute to heavy, bloated legs that tend to retain fluid. However, if you do exercise frequently and see little or no change, you could consider Endospheres therapy. Non-invasive, compressive micro vibration from a vibrating device allows for pain relief, body contouring, muscle toning and lymphatic drainage. The recommended number of treatments stands at 12, with reviews boasting satisfaction with apparent toned legs. Originally used in hospitals for circulation issues, this affordable therapy makes you feel good and look good – Win-Win! Coming soon. If you can’t wait, try pressotherapy available at Al Areen Spa & Wellness. can be paired with breast reduction or breast augmentation procedures. The real question is, does it work? The procedure would not be encouraged for a heavy-breasted candidate as the effects would be minimal. Your surgeon will also need to evaluate you thoroughly as a potential candidate. Additionally, one cannot expect their laser bra to last forever – sadly, gravity always wins.

Coming soon. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | feature

NO NONSENSE NOSE JOB

TRIGGERING COLLAGEN

A poor lifestyle, ageing and various other issues can be causal factors of collagen in our bodies basically giving up on us. Also known as micro-needling, collagen induction therapy or messoroller aims to boost our body’s natural collagen production. The process involves the systematic passing of a medical-grade roller over your face and/or body to improve wrinkles and scars. Collagen production is triggered by the roller’s microneedle punctures on the surface of the skin, which in turn stimulates a wound-healing response.

It isn’t as painful as it sounds and, between 24 and 72 hours, any swelling and mild bruising should subside. The final result will be well worth the discomfort. After all, no pain, no gain.

Try Derma One – 17 240-042.

Rhinoplasty has been around for a while and, because of its popularity and sounding almost too good to be true, the non-surgical rhinoplasty trend has fast established itself in the world of cosmetic procedures, pleasing those reluctant to opt for surgery. This procedure is minimally invasive, in that a surgeon uses an injectable filler to make minor improvements to the structure of the nose. You would be awake for the duration of the procedure – usually under 15 minutes. However, non-surgical rhinoplasty isn’t permanent, and you’ll have to go back periodically. It is also not advisable to go for this procedure if you seek more than a few minor tweaks.

Try Dr Abeer AlKobaisi – Call 17 820-988.

NO PAIN IN THE BUTT

Religiously sticking to a squat routine and seeing little transformation can be disheartening for anyone and yet, if the alternative is having silicone placed into each of your buttocks, it might tend to be a no-no from you. Swooping in with a much better option for damsels in distress, the Brazilian Butt Lift comes with considerable advantages. One of the most enticing features of this procedure is that, instead of having foreign objects placed into your posterior, your own fat is taken from other parts of your body and injected to give you a shapelier butt. In addition to an enhancement, you also benefit from the slimming down of the abdomen or hips. No surgery also means no surgical scar and minimal downtime.

Try Dr Ahmed Al Asfoor – Call 17 262-696.

FACIAL DISCO

Originally developed to heal wounds and surgical scars, LED light therapy now doubles as a way of reducing fine lines, wrinkles and pore size, while brightening the skin and evening skin tone. Using colour-specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin, it works by stimulating the anti-ageing process. One session lasts between 20 and 30 pain-free minutes. This form of therapy promises to make you look years younger, depending on your personal skin-care goals and individual treatment plan. Different skin-care clinics use different coloured lights to target different problem areas, so make sure you check with your therapist and understand what areas are being targeted.

Try Sparadise – Call 17 313-131.

THE FINAL STEP

Losing lots of weight is great and everything – until you’re left with the unavoidable excess loose skin. Here’s where body contouring comes into play. After losing a great deal of weight, this procedure is usually the final step before you attain the body you’ve always dreamed of. The stomach, buttocks, thighs, arms and breasts can all be contoured by your surgeon. Usually done under general anaesthesia, and with some downtime and scarring, it’s really about the long-term benefits with this surgery. However, if the problem is less severe, your doctor may advise thermage machine treatment to tighten and improve the look of the skin.

Try Bahrain Specialist Hospital – 17 812-000. www.womanthismonth.com

September 2018

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BEAUTY | tips

y r e t t i Gl ess d d o G We’ve heard of the subtle yet alluring nude eyeshadow trend, the good old smoky eye, and the plain and simple block colour. Here Suzanne Nicholas shares ideas for a new glamorously attractive look.

Gone are the days when glittery make-up was seen as a tacky offence, 2018 is the year of no rules when it comes to beauty, and eyeshadow is no different. Glittery eyes are on-trend and don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Tricky at first, if done tastefully, glittery eye make-up completes your look with an unrestrained flair that’s definitely worth the effort.

DRAMA MAMA! If you’re a beginner in eye make-up, don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Keep calm and invest in a glitter stick or a glitter cream palette. If you’re using the stick, drag it over your eyelids evenly, ensuring that you haven’t overdone it. With the glitter cream palette, dip your finger in then dab lightly till you get the desired effect. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, as long as the colours you pick complement each other.

Be wary of clumps getting stuck to your lashes – not a great look.

Finally, couple your sparkly eyes with precise, black winged Egyptian-style eyeliner for a feisty, dramatic look.

Tip: Bolder green and blue glitter shades are wise choices for darker complexions as these make your eyes pop.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Not going to lie, this last one is a bit of a showstopper with its festival vibe, and there’s one thing you’ll need to pull it off — confidence!

Apply your eyeshadow as normal and pick complementing glitter to match. Apply a good deal of concealer underneath your eyes, as you would during your normal make-up routine.

Next, use an eyeshadow brush to dab some glitter on, either in a particular pattern or not – they both work equally well. Be careful of glitter getting in your eye. As to how much glitter you should apply? You do you, girl.

Tip: Use bold, chunky glitter pieces for a fearless look.

A CLASSY SPARKLE Why would I try glitter eyeliner when I can barely manage a basic eyeliner, you ask? Easy, because your eyes will dazzle like they’ve never done before and once you master it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

For this look, you’ll need some nude eyeshadow base, just to hold everything together, and a darker colour of your choice.

You’ll also need some glitter eyeliner, of course. Apply the base generously to your lid, then use a fluffy brush to buff on your chosen colour lightly, highlighting the crease. Use your glitter eyeliner brush to delicately draw a line just above your lashes. A thicker line will result in a more pronounced look, while a thin line is recommended for daytime wear.

Tip: For maximum effect, draw a thin line with pitchblack eyeliner and apply the glitter liner over it.

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www.womanthismonth.com

showcase JOZ SALON & SPA

BACK TO SCHOOL BEAUTY TIPS Joz Salon & Spa brings you some hot tips to keep you looking cool and fresh, even for those early morning school runs.

S

DO cover any blemishes

ummer is almost done and the first school year has begun! Going back to school can be stressful, with so many things to plan and activities to participate in. But that does not mean that you should neglect yourself and look like you’ve just rolled out of bed. Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply wake up in the morning and look effortless?

Here are some simple tips and tricks from Joz Salon & Spa to help adjust to the switch, and keep you looking flawless.

DO deep condition

If you spent your summer in the heat, it’s likely that your hair needs a deep condition to protect it. This will help to restore moisture to your locks. However, there is such a thing as excessively conditioned hair, which leaves it lifeless. Use a deep conditioner at least once a week.

DO exfoliate

A good exfoliator will remove any dead skin cells and make way for healthy ones. Scrubs are the best way to go when you’re trying to keep your skin fresh. It’s good to do this once or twice a week, so the skin is fresh and soft.

DO NOT heat style every day

You don’t need to give your locks a daily dose of heat styling, especially after a long day in the sun or in the pool. Using a flat or curling iron can cause some serious damage to your www.womanthismonth.com

ends, leaving them fried and split. Give your hair a break and try something new – perhaps a different hairstyle – try scrunching it, or go for the natural look.

Although you don’t want to cover your entire face with a foundation or make-up, you may have some pimples or blemishes that require coverage.

Thinly apply foundation or concealer stick to the affected areas, then use your fingertips to gently blend it in.

Avoid selecting a red-based concealer to cover red pimples or blemishes as they’ll be harder to hide. Instead, look for a yellow- or green-based foundation to overcome the red problem area.

Call 17 369-133, 16 031-120 or 17 756-449.

DO NOT stay up late

You might’ve gotten used to staying up late for the summer holidays but, at the beginning of school, it's not a good idea. To avoid dark circles under your eyes, get a solid eight hours of sleep each night. This will keep you looking fresh and feeling fab on a daily basis.

DO moisturise and DO NOT forget sunscreen

Immediately after washing your face, you should apply a moisturising lotion, which will help lock the moisture in your skin and rehydrate it. Avoid moisturisers containing oil, if your skin is oily. Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF level of about 30.

You can also find moisturisers that contain sunscreen, which help prevent sun damage and wrinkling.

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BEAUTY | styling

NOT SO BASIC BUNS Celebrity stylist Asgar Saboo gives us top tips for pulling off the best bun looks.

MAKE IT MESSY

HALF-UP HALF-DOWN “The neat-messy style has overtaken catwalks, street fashion and everyday life. It is the easiest way to update and upgrade any look, and especially that boring day-to-day bun.”

Step 1:

Step 1:

Apply texturszing spray prior to tying the knot. Twist the ponytail and wrap around an elastic band, making sure the ponytail is not too tight.

Step 2: Twist the bun and hold it in place by using French hairpins.

TOP TIP

When going for the messy look, don’t overdo it. Make sure your outfit matches the casualness of the hair.

“Man buns have been in for the last few years and now it’s time for women to recreate them.”

Spray hair lengths with heat protection spray and use a large barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Make sure you start from the mid-lengths to limit heat damage.

Step 2:

Appye shape-defining cream and texturszing gel to the top section of your hair. Comb that portion into a half-up ponytail, twist the ends up into the bun and pin them into place.

TOP TIP

This hairstyle looks best on the second day after washing.

DON’T FORGET ACCESSORIES “When it comes to effective dressing, I advise my clients to implement head scarves and hairbands to any hairstyle.

This upgrades the bun. Here are two of my favourite ways of styling the scarfbun look.”

Look 1: For the dangling down scarf look, wrap the scarf around the bun once and tie.

Look 2: For a more preppy, ballerina vibe, leave shorter scarf tails. Simply keep wrapping the scarf around the bun until you achieve that look.

TOP TIP

Don’t forget the hairspray. Most of them have anti-humidity properties allowing your hairstyle to last longer while controlling the frizz.

A renowned figure among celebrities and a regular on red carpets, the name Asgar Saboo is synonymous with headline grabbing, style-worthy hair. He is trusted by supermodels Cindy Crawford and Twiggy, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria, as well as A-list stars including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and legendary Rekha.

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www.womanthismonth.com

showcase DESSANGE PARIS

A NINETY-MINUTE WONDER Apple Sharma tried Dessange Paris Bahrain’s rejuvenating facial that not only awakens your senses but also gives a noticeable lifting effect.

H

aving returned from my vacation, I’ve had a serious case of holiday blues. If there’s one thing that perks me up, it’s the thought of a relaxed spa treatment. If you’ve been a regular WTM reader, you’ll know that I absolutely love facials and Dessange Paris Bahrain offers some of the best on the island.

This time I tried one of my favourites – the popular Dessange Dess’Lift 3D facial. I’ve tried this treatment before and it was undoubtedly 90 minutes of pure pleasure.

My therapist Yanie escorted me to the tranquil treatment room and explained the procedure. This energy-based treatment, that uses only natural ingredients conducted into the deeper layers of the skin, has been revamped to give an even more flawless complexion, with triple-action care of plumping, firming and lifting.

Before anything else, Yanie made me take a deep breath, to inhale a soothing lavender essence (one of my favourites), which helped me relax almost instantly. She began the cleansing routine by removing my makeup with BI’PHASIC eye and lip cleansing water. Next, she used Perle De Beaute Velvet Cleansing Milk, followed by Perle De Beaute www.womanthismonth.com

Radiance-Revealing Toner to refine the skin texture. As I took in all the luxurious scents, my face was already feeling fresh, and we had barely even started.

One of the differences from my last experience was that this time I had steam on my face for a few minutes, after which Yanie proceeded with the extraction (of impurities) on the T-zone, whilst giving me a gentle head massage. I really welcomed this new addition because no matter which facial you do, it just doesn’t feel complete without the extraction process. It was now time to say hello to the DESS’lift machine, which would work its wonders by detoxifying and tonification. I won’t bore you with the technicalities but imagine getting a deep cleanse – it feels a little rough when the exfoliators are moving on your face in a circular motion but it’s not uncomfortable in the least. The ‘magic sponges’ of the Dess’Lift device use natural current occurring in the body, which helps purify and tone the skin for a luminous effect.

I thought I was already quite relaxed until Yanie started massaging my face, neck and décolleté with SOS RÉCONFORT gentle modelling cream. I was in absolute heaven

and can’t remember much of what happened next because I had actually fallen asleep – the feeling was that amazing. I have never felt so relaxed in a facial and I secretly wished it would carry on for another 90 minutes.

I came to when I felt the coolness of the mask (collagen sheets) on my face, which was cocooned in warm towels straight after, nudging me to go into another slumber.

For the next 20 minutes, while we waited for the mask to take action, Yanie massaged my arms with expert, yet gentle hands, releasing all the tension. I was slowly beginning to feel like a new person. She finished off by applying INFINIE FERMETÉ sculpting and lifting cream and I could feel my skin becoming really soft and almost bouncy under her touch. It felt refreshed, rejuvenated and extremely supple.

Apart from the obvious shine and radiance that you feel after a facial, what was really amazing was the continued effect I saw on my skin after a couple of days. My complexion was glowing and my skin looked healthier than ever. A highly recommended pampering facial – it certainly gave me the lift I so needed, in more ways than one!

Call 17 713-999.

September 2018

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BEAUTY | news

Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori

Milk Makeup Adds New Shades

Joining Fenty Beauty, Makeup Forever, and Bobby Brown, Milk Makeup introduces a range of new shades to its Blur Liquid Matte Foundation and Flex Concealer lines, catering to a wider range of skincare lovers. Offering a variety of undertones, Porcelain, Golden Honey, Cinnamon, Mocha and Espresso are a few of the shades recently included in the empowering Blur Foundation collection.

Also boasting an addition of Vanilla, Medium Beige and Caramel, among others, to the Flew Concealers, Milk Makeup takes purposeful steps in the right direction to cater to as many skin tones as possible.

Available at Sephora.

For the final chapter of the Gucci Bloom fragrance story, the original Gucci Bloom essence is deepened in sensuality and intensity. Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori captures flowers at the fullness of their bloom, radiating their most powerful fragrance and allure. Feminine notes of rose and the osmanthus flower are intensified in the original olfactory structure featuring the accord of jasmine, Rangoon creeper and tuberose at the heart of the fragrance, coupled with base notes of patchouli, musks and osmanthus. Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori explores the mysterious and intimate character of a woman, her authenticity, confidence and unconventionality.

Available at leading retailers.

Giorgio Armani Lip Vibes

Lip Vibes joins Lip Maestro And Lip Magnet with eight bold tones inspired by the language of colour.

The matte, neon shades of headturning coral, sensual red, playful pink and luminous purple for Lip Maestro are light and velvety, charged with four-dimensional volume and allow a woman to stand apart from the crowd.

Lip Vibes for Lip Magnet, a fine elixir of matte colour, is centred on a palette of seductive reds. In rich scarlet, pure vermilion, berry-toned magenta and carmine burgundy, douse your lips with magnetic colour using the calligraphic applicator, designed for perfect contouring.

Available at leading retailers.

Roberto Cavalli: Gemma di Paradiso

Inspired by the secret pool in Paradiso garden, the brand introduces an elegant, refined scent that is deeply appreciative of natural beauty and fine workmanship. The luminescent green depths of the fragrance represent the sophisticated dimensions of the gems of paradise.

Roberto Cavalli Gemma di Paradiso is a luxurious dream that perfectly conveys the radiance of the precious stone. With a vivacious green pear note facetted with fresh and juicy mandarin, and notes of wild jasmine, cedar, sandalwood and vanilla, this scent displays a unique blend of sensuality and luminosity.

Available at leading retailers.

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Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

The first edition of this long-lasting mascara boasted mega-impact and megavolume, and became the go-to product for millions of women. Now, with a waterproof formula, Big Lashes Extension Fibers and four varieties of Big Colour Lash Top Coat, Monsieur Big offers up to 24 hours of flawless wear and daring style. With sweatproof, smudge proof and waterproof guarantees, its ultra-resistant formula and traffic-stopping volume is a cut above the rest. The Big Lashes Extension Fibers will tailor volume to achieve the look you want, while the Big Colour Lash Top Coats will ensure flashy, pop-art eyes.

Available at leading retailers.

L’Occitane Verbena Classic collection

The Verbena Classic collection is designed to give you an instant refreshing effect with a rush of cooling power.

The menthol-infused formula of the Ice Body Gel gives your body an incredible shot of coolness, leaving a light scent of verbena behind. The Ice Body Shower Gel can be used on dry skin before showering and is perfect for escaping sticky summer days. The Moisturising Body Foam hydrates and refreshes, blending the summery scents of citrus and verbena with cooling menthol while the Refreshing Exfoliating Sugars combine the intense freshness of citrus and verbena with a deliciously sensorial exfoliation.

Available at L’Occitane. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | news

Bottega Veneta’s Parco Palladiano collection

Sally Hansen Desert collection

MAC Oh, Sweetie Lipcolour

Indulge in new scented patisserie-fresh flavours whipped for mousse-like texture, serving up funfetti-bright, frosted opaque hues for lips. With 15 different shades, you are spoilt for choice in finding your favourite decadent delight. The bright chartreuse of the Key Lime Trifle, cotton candy blue of the Wild Berry Frosting, and white frost with multi-colour pearl of the Funfetti Cake are just three of many flavoured shades.

Available at leading retailers.

With six polishes in shimmery shades of browns and nudes, Sally Hansen wants you to match up a shade with your favourite summer dress. This new collection includes everything you’d want in a polish – base coat, top coat and gel shine finish.

Additionally, they are designed to help strengthen your nails and are Keratin complex, helping build strong, flexible nails. Mudslide, RaisinTheBar, YouGlowGirl, WorldsMyOyster, MauveAlong and CafeAuLait are all gorgeous shades to die for, inspired by the golden sands of the desert.

Available at leading retailers.

Each fragrance of this collection distills the intersection of culture and nature, an idealised vision of the utopian symbiosis of the Palladian gardens. Parco Palladiano X Olivo conjures the powerful presence of the olive tree.

Parco Palladiano XI Castagno channels the robust and respected chestnut tree as it engulfs its surroundings with an equally sweet and smoky aura. Both suave and strong, Parco Palladiano XII Quercia brings to life the intense energy of the oak tree, from its earthy roots to itscalming green canopy. The fragrances of Bottega Veneta tell the stories of quintessential Italian experiences.

Available at leading retailers.

Maison Margiela: Replica

The Replica concept evokes the idea of timelessness and pertinence for today or tomorrow. The familiar scents of Sailing Day and Music Festival take you on an instantaneous voyage through space and time. Sailing Day is a fresh, vivifying fragrance whose aldehyde notes, aquatic accord, iris absolute and rose essence are intensified by its base notes of red seaweed, minerals and an ambergris accord, smoothening the fragrance. The patchouli essence of Music Festival connects with tobacco and incense notes to create a strong addictive accord elaborated by notes of cedar wood and cypress. Available at Sephora.

Around Town The Nine Training Center held a customer service excellence training programme for Lulu Group staff.

City Centre Bahrain announced ten winners of its Eid Al Adha ‘Happy Eidiya’ giveaway, who won mall gift cards worth BD500 each.

Environment Friends Society announced its 18th anniversary at a press conference at Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain.

www.womanthismonth.com

September 2018

55

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

LIFTING THE LID ON

LABIAPLASTY Labiaplasty is a medical procedure that has both functional and cosmetic advantages for women.

Behnaz Sanjana gets the facts about a topic that’s slowly losing its taboo.

E

very woman has her unique anatomy and body type.

We come in varying packages – different skin tones, structures and constitutions – all types alluring and beautiful.

Like all the other parts of the body that are openly spoken about, the vagina (and all its intricacies) also differs from one lady to the next. Although there is no defined ‘normal’ when it comes to one’s nether regions, Dr Salil Bharadwaj a procedure called labiaplasty is fast catching on with women in Bahrain. And all for the most practical reasons.

The labia are dual folds of skin at the vaginal opening. Labia majora are the outer lip-like structures, consisting mostly of skin, fatty tissue and hair follicles. Underneath, the labia minora are a pair of soft folds of fat-free, hairless skin that protect the vulvar area, urethra and vagina.

In some women, the labia minora protrude or sag outside the labia majora, often causing discomfort, and sometimes, embarrassment.

“Labiaplasty is correction and reconstruction of enlarged labia minora [the inner labia] in women,” says Dr Salil Bharadwaj, consultant plastic surgeon at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. “Typical symptoms include pain from twisting and tugging of the labia when riding a bike, engaging in sporting activity or during intercourse. There might be irritation with itching, and the area may look aesthetically unpleasing, making them self-conscious, especially when wearing [tight-] fitting clothes.”

The 30-45-minute corrective procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia, as per the patient’s wishes, either in the outpatient setting or as a day care case. He says: “The estimated cost is approximately BD1,000, all inclusive. When done by a qualified,

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experienced surgeon, the surgery poses no grave risks, other than routine risks like a blood clot formation requiring treatment, wound dehiscence [breakdown] and infection. When done improperly, the most common complication is over-resection, which can result in chronic dryness, scarring at or near the vaginal opening and pain with intercourse.”

Dr Bharadwaj says: “The discomfort which is felt after any medical procedure responds well to analgaesics and local icing. There is virtually no scarring, particularly with the technique I like to use, which avoids any scar on the edge whatsoever. Results are visible within a few days once the swelling subsides, though final results take four to five weeks to be evident.”

He observes that there is now a good demand for this procedure, which is only increasing as more and more women become aware of the condition and understand that there is an easy corrective surgery with permanent results. Women who have not given birth can safely undergo the procedure with no repercussions for future pregnancies.

www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | wellbeing before surgery. A few hours later, I was heading home (albeit tenderly, especially over the speed bumps on the road).

The recuperation time and process are often underestimated by people.

During the first few days, keeping pressure off the surgical sutures is vital. I intermittently iced and applied cold arnica cream (refrigerated for extra coolness upon application), ensured the area was dry and clean, wore loose clothing and used sanitary liners. I easily resumed normal non-strenuous activities after three to four days, but continued using the post-op antibiotic cream as prescribed. I had two follow-up sessions and opted to remove the remaining dissolvable sutures on the final check.

As an extra precaution, I chose to take six weeks to return to all activities with full force, although others may fully recover in four weeks. I could get back in the saddle with absolute comfort. Another unexpected discovery was a change in my gait – I had a better range of movement and a healthier walking stride – all from such a small surgery.

I can understand that as it is a deeply personal area of the female anatomy, it certainly isn’t dinner party conversation. Most people had never heard of labiaplasty, let alone talked about it with anyone. Since sharing my experience with friends, I know of two women that have opted to have the same procedure. One of them said she’d been “living in shame and with great discomfort for many years”. That just made me really feel for this lady and I’m happy to report that, since she has had her operation, she too is feeling the benefits. I believe that more of these stories ought to be shared with those that seek them.

Want firsthand information of what it’s really like to have labiaplasty done? Hear it all in the words of the very lovely Louise O’Loan, who lives in Bahrain and got her surgery done at the Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

D

eciding to do the surgery was more about everyday ease and comfort. I give great importance to functional movement and engaging in activities that support the natural mobility of the body. Having developed such a deep awareness of my body and its alignment, I became conscious that my labia minora was slightly out of place and, on occasion, uncomfortable during activities like bike riding, horse riding and practising yoga.

I spent many hours poring over reports on labiaplasty and doing my own research to make a serious decision. During the consultation, Dr Salil Bharadwaj patiently answered all my questions. I discussed the issue with my husband, friends and health and movement teachers and, once all the information was gathered and processed, I had no hesitation at all. Of course, it needs to be noted that any surgery carries with it the usual risks and precautions need to be adhered to. If you are thinking about having labiaplasty, please ensure you do your own research and discuss it with your friends, family or doctor.

The procedure is pretty complex, but also relatively quick. On the day, I had a final consult with the doctor, the nursing staff and anaesthesiologist right www.womanthismonth.com

September 2018

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showcase AL AREEN SPA & WELLNESS

AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE Liz O’Reilly tried one of Al Areen Spa & Wellness’s new treatment options.

After an extensive rebranding earlier this year, Al Areen Spa & Wellness has a range of packages that take in every small detail of holistic wellbeing. I tried the full-day re-energising programme and left feeling distinctly perky.

We started with a dietary consultation with specialist Lorna. It was no surprise to hear that I don’t drink enough water but I was shocked when a pin-prick test revealed low blood sugar. Brownie points for the check-up and, even better, it led to a plate of juicy fruit and carrot juice before I was allowed into the workout studio. Bonus!

A yoga session, tough but not too strenuous, got me warmed up ready for the vibration plate. If you’ve ever tried shaking your booty while standing on a float in the swimming pool, you’ll know how this feels.

You wobble around and the challenge is to stay upright as you exercise. It’s great fun but at the same time really gets your core muscles working (a fact to which I could still attest two days later).

By now more than a little sweaty, I was happy to stretch out for pressotherapy, a treatment that administers lymphatic drainage and detoxifies to help treat circulatory problems and fight cellulite. It’s hard to describe but feels a bit like being wrapped in a blow-up bed and having air pulsed in and out. The sensation is similar to that of having your blood pressure taken, but across the whole body.

It’s painless but I must admit I had visions of the machine malfunctioning and going into James Bond-style crushing mode. Of course, that didn’t happen and my therapist Joana

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was by my side the whole time checking that I was OK, and my skin did feel markedly better afterwards.

rolls daily as results are expected within a month even from one session – though the recommendation is for three.

After a delicious healthy lunch, we headed to the hydrothermal garden, the biggest facility of its kind in the Middle East, where I dipped in and out of various showers, from cool spray to jungle monsoon, before heading into the steam room. Feeling hot, hot, hot, Joana then pointed me towards the ice igloo and encouraged me to rub crushed ice onto my burning skin. The idea sounds bonkers, but was surprisingly refreshing rather than the stinging cold sensation I had expected.

Staying with VelaShape, Joana used the machine to administer a facial aimed at tackling years of sun damage and wrinkles. I have to admit, it was mildly uncomfortable but worth it for the end result which actually showed a difference worth going back for.

An energising body mask followed, which involved me being slathered from head to toe in clay and then wrapped in foil, allowing it to heat up and do its work of detoxifying and invigorating my skin. Then came my favourite part of the day, a treatment with the spa’s new VelaShape machine. Aimed at combatting areas of stubborn fat and cellulite, vacuum technology manipulates your skin while infrared light and bi-polar radio frequency energies gently heat fat cells and surrounding tissue.

Then it was time for home, clutching my specially prepared healthy supper.

All in all, the full-day programme is quite long but it was a real treat to try out so many different options and get the benefit of the therapist’s extensive experience. I’d thoroughly recommend it.

The heat sensation is quite pleasant and levels of pressure in application can vary but, paying attention to a fairly recent surgical scar, Joana went easy on my tummy.

I’m checking my chubby www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | travel

LIMITED EDITION This September, WTM explores the toll tourism can take on sensational travel destinations in areas that are now imposing visitor limitations.

www.womanthismonth.com

September 2018

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LIFESTYLE | travel

Inward-facing statues that possess an aura of mystery draws visitors to Easter Island for a first-hand look.

A tiny dot in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui natively, is a Chilean island. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its hundreds of moai, mysterious monuments created long ago by the Polynesian inhabitants. On your visit, you will see these statues don’t face the sea as you would expect, facing inland instead; this is the most noteworthy tourist attraction of the island. You can also visit Anakena Beach, the culture-ridden epitome of paradisiacal beaches. The three small volcanic domes of the remote Península Poike, although difficult to access, entice visitors with promises of ancient legends, and mysterious nooks and crannies. Museo Antropológico Sebastián Englert, a well-organised museum, captures the essence of the local culture well for your viewing pleasure. Typically Polynesian, local dishes are largely made up of different kinds

Easter Island

of fish – mahi mahi, kana kana and tuna, mainly. The Umu Rapa Nui is a community dish cooked in a traditional method from hundreds of years ago that a visitor must try.

Sadly, mass tourism has detrimental effects and has recently led to active measures intended to retain the local culture, customs and idiosyncrasies. Additionally, new limitations are enforced with the hope of a reduction in adverse environmental issues.

The number of days a tourist can visit has been reduced to 30 days from 90. On arrival, tourists will have to show their hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a Rapa Nui resident. These necessary measures may put a damper on your holiday plans, but don’t let them deter you. A visit to this lovely island at the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle will not disappoint.

Rapa Nui National Park boasts Anakena Beach – a traveller’s paradise.

Indulge in a first-class experience at Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa, the most luxurious place to stay.

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Lie down a blanket and enjoy a night of stargazing, just like in the movies.

Diving in the waters just off Easter Island gives you an opportunity to take pictures with the lone underwater moai.

Look out for ancient petroglyphs such as this one of an octopus.

Umu Rapa Nui, intended to be enjoyed as a community, cooked in a hole in the ground with firewood and hot stones covered with plantain leaves.

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LIFESTYLE | travel

Also known as León Dormido, for it is shaped like a sleeping lion, Kicker Rock is the remains of a volcanic cone on which various birds make their home.

The site of a once salt mining industry, is now a renowned spot for black sand beaches and various marine life.

Galápagos Islands

A series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago formed an archipelago of 19 islands and many other islets known as the Galápagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador. Now a major tourist destination, these islands have risen to fame mainly thanks to being a treasure chest of ecological specimens such as the Marine Iguana and the Blue-Footed Boobies.

A cruise is recommended if your priorities are photography and witnessing these rare creatures. If you decide to visit the islands too, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch sea lions frolicking on the beaches along with other wildlife unperturbed by the many tourists. You can even snorkel with sea lions in La Loberia, an unforgettable experience to take home. You will be stunned into silence

Snorkeling with sea lions is a safe, well-liked experience as they curiously swim alongside you.

by the islands’ distinct flora and fauna. Make sure you visit small kiosks to savour a popular breakfast dish, bolon, a large ball formed from mashed plantains, cheese and meat, deep fried to perfection.

As with any country overtaken by tourism, the Galápagos Islands struggle to maintain their ecosystem and reduce the deterioration they face as a result. The National Park strictly regulates the frequency of each boat’s visit to popular sites. Visitors are advised to only stay for a couple of days and smaller boats have replaced big ones, permitting, yet limitin,g visitors in large numbers who wish to view the rare species the islands are home to. Be mindful of the environment and the consequences of your actions on wildlife during your visit.

These are the largest living species of tortoise, and are famous on the island.

These blue-footed birds are a unique photo opportunity.

Isabela Island houses the Lava Tunnels, snorkeling hot spots and the Sierra (Cerro) Negra Volcano.

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Bolon is a must-try, although it might actually be the most filling breakfast you’ll ever eat.

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LIFESTYLE | travel

A six-hour hike will allow you passage through all five villages if you’re on a day trip.

Cinque Terre

Visit Riomaggiore, largest of the five villages, and home to a harbour that is beyond picturesque at sunset.

Literally meaning "Five Lands", Cinque Terre is a group of five fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera. Noted for their gorgeous pastel-coloured houses, they overlook the Mediterranean and create a picturesque scene best viewed in person.

Each village possesses its own personality.

Stroll through the narrow streets amid buildings painted in bright and sunny colours that double as a mood uplift and fantastic background for pictures. Look for fresh pasta shops in Genoa, that serve little disks called corzetti, often embossed for decoration.

Follow the hiking trails to see as much of the five villages as possible. If you’ve only got limited time, we suggest a boat tour. If you’re lucky and weather permits, you will be able to stop in lesser-known coves for a dip in the sea.

Due to its irresistible allure, Cinque Terre

sees a great number of tourists every year, sometimes, unfortunately, more than it can handle. Damaged walkways are just one of the repercussions. In an effort to limit tourists but not discourage them, an app serving as a waiting list for paid walking trails was developed in 2017. This is to ensure the safety of travellers as well as maintain the delicate ecosystem. As it is often difficult to limit the number of tourists, the Cinque Terre Card offers various services to tourists. The revenue from these cards helps with the upkeep of these beautiful villages. Additionally, earlier this year, the decision was made to disallow tourist entry into Cinque Terre once the number of visitors reached 1.5 million. If you’re keen to travel to this stunning little collection of coastal villages, ensure you check entry limitations thoroughly before go!

Sightseeing by way of cycling is a great idea around Monterosso or Levanto.

Have a stroll through the cosy streets between colourfully painted houses and maybe even engage in conversation with the locals

The popular artisan focaccia with cherry tomatoes, pesto and rosemary is a mouthwatering delight.

A sunrise or sunset boat tour from Vernazza with a chance of a swim will leave you in high spirits.

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Acciughe, meaning anchovies, are among Italy’s favourite fish, incorporated into various dishes.

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showcase

BEHBEHANI BROTHERS PORSCHE

MAKING A DESIGN STATEMENT T

he Macan, Porsche’s compact SUV, has been a great success with more than 350,000 units delivered since its launch in 2014, and has now been enhanced in terms of design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics.

Porsche has given the Macan a facelift and our favourite sporty SUV just got even better.

Staying true to the Porsche design DNA, the new Macan features a three-dimensional LED tail light strip and LED headlights as standard.

The most striking innovations inside the vehicle include the 11-inch touchscreen of the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), redesigned and repositioned air vents, and the GT sports steering wheel familiar from the 911. The PCM also enables access to new digital functions, such as intelligent voice control. The vehicle’s range of comfort equipment has also been expanded to include an ioniser and windscreen heating.

The new Macan now has an even sportier and modern appearance, thanks to a number of changes to the exterior. Numerous details reflect the DNA of the iconic 911 and the 918 Spyder sports cars, including headlights featuring LED technology as standard. The Macan’s high-quality lighting system can be further optimised if desired with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS) that adaptively controls light distribution.

The front end of the Macan has also been meticulously reworked, with it now appearing wider, while the comprehensive overhaul at the rear builds on the sleek design of the previous model. The three-part, threedimensional LED light strip at the rear represents another typical Porsche design feature. The four-point design of the brake www.womanthismonth.com

lights also reflects the brand’s identity.

The new Macan’s link to the 911 is further emphasised in the interior with the optional GT sports steering wheel. The mode switch plus Sport Response Button integrated into the steering wheel is also showcased in the compact SUV as part of the optional Sports Chrono Package. Porsche has extended the list of comfort options to include a heated windscreen and an ioniser to improve the air quality in the interior. New exterior colours such as Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic and Crayon, combined with new interior packages, ensure that the Macan is now more customisable than ever before.

as standard. Using the new Offroad Precision App, it is also possible to record and analyse off-road driving experiences in the model.

Fine-tuning of the chassis delivers enhanced neutrality while maintaining stability and improving comfort. Although unusual for the SUV segment, the Macan still features mixed tyres with different widths on the front and rear axles. This arrangement enables the driver to take full advantage of the intelligent, allwheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) when it comes to driving dynamics.

Newly developed tyres with improved performance characteristics enable even better lateral dynamics.

Through the PCM, the Macan offers total connectivity and numerous digital functions. Above the typical Porsche rising centre console, a full-HD touchscreen has been incorporated seamlessly into the newly designed instrument panel. The user interface on the infotainment system can be customised using predefined tiles.

Each Macan is equipped with a Connect Plus module, making every vehicle fully networked September 2018

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showcase LE CORDON BLEU

WHERE YOUR CULINARY FUTURE BEGINS

Founded in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu is widely considered for its excellence in teaching culinary arts and hospitality management, from initiation through to MBA. Present in 20 countries in the world, Le Cordon Bleu combines innovation and creativity with tradition to achieve excellence in education.

Whether you’re a beginner, a keen cook or looking to turn your hobby into a career, the renowned institute is sure to have the perfect programme to suit your needs. Providing the finest education in cuisine, pâtisserie, grape, nutrition and hospitality management, Le Cordon Bleu offers everything from short courses and certificates through to comprehensive diplomas.

Taught by Le Cordon Bleu master chefs, lecturers and grape experts, who have years of experience working in senior positions in the world’s finest hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants and will share their knowledge and expertise, students develop into creative industry-ready professionals.

With many different nationalities amongst the student body, being part of Le Cordon Bleu gives access to a large network of contacts and friends from around the world. Some of them are successful entrepreneurs, chefs, food journalists and stylists, managers in hotels or restaurants, sommeliers and more.

“After a Bachelor of Laws degree, I followed my passion and obtained my diploma from Le

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Cordon Bleu, a prestigious school that needs no introductions. I loved every part of it, and if I could repeat it all over again, I would. The experience I gained during my time there is immeasurable, from techniques to time

management, and even teamwork.

The prestige of being a Le Cordon Bleu certified pastry chef speaks for itself and helped me in many ways.”

Sara A Alkoheji, co-founder and head chef of the Cooking Studio, Bahrain.

Exploring Culinary Arts

The Diplôme de Cuisine will equip you with the necessary skills and techniques, to be a professional chef, and the Diplôme de Pâtisserie teaches you essential pastry techniques, allowing you to gain the creative ability to craft exceptional desserts and

stunning showpieces. If you have a passion for both cuisine and pastry, then the Grand Diplôme will be perfect for you. It is respected across the hospitality industry as a mark of excellence and will allow you to fulfil your culinary ambitions.

“We provide students the skillset they need to progress in a range of careers from cake decorator or business owner to food writer, consultant, chef and more. While they learn the professional fundamental techniques, they are encouraged to develop their own creative ideas and personalise their work. As a teaching chef, it is always rewarding to see how the students we taught are developing and being successful in their chosen career.” Chef Julie Walsh, Head of Pâtisserie Le Cordon Bleu London.

Le Cordon Bleu offers an array of gourmet short courses focusing on key cuisine, patisserie and bread-making techniques, food photography as well as grape-pairing courses. The short courses are perfect for learning something new or building on your existing culinary skills.

Cordonbleu.edu

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LIFESTYLE | food GOLESTAN – SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL

A Piquant Persian Experience

Suzanne Nicholas checks out the delicately flavoured cuisine of Golestan at The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.

W

alking through the ambient little corridor, upon the walls of which hung beautiful floral paintings, opposite tiny fragmented mirrors that reflected the elegant lamps and teal and wood theme of Golestan Restaurant, made me feel a little bit like Alice entering an Iranian ‘Wonderland’. My dining companion and I were welcomed into an aesthetically pleasing seating area, tastefully decked out in Iranian décor, and accented by traditional music.

Once seated, wet rolled towels instantly freshened us from the outside heat. After a good scan of the elegant menu, we decided on the Pish Ghaza-E-Makhsous, a combination of hot and cold Persian starters, among which I was partial to the Mirza Qashmi Rashti, a warm puree of baked eggplant seasoned with onions, garlic, tomato, eggs, cumin seeds and finished with cilantro leaves. The various flavours came together beautifully, and I especially appreciated the distinctive earthy tang of cumin.

We also tried the Aash-E-Reshteh soup, a saporous blend of chickpeas, red beans, spinach, parsley, fresh mint and Iranian noodles. This hearty medley made me reconsider my usual soup choices. It was delicious and tasted even better with fresh naan bread sprinkled with sesame seeds.

I sipped on my cooling lemon and mint juice while preparing my stomach for the mains – no easy feat! The Chelo Kebab-E-Koobideh is a standing favourite of mine when it comes to www.womanthismonth.com

edge brought about by being slightly charred.

The dish was accompanied by Baghali rice, saffron rice, and saffron rice with zereshk, the last of which was my favourite, as the tart barberries, an ingredient favoured in Persian cuisine, complemented the seafood and the firm saffron rice well. charcoal grills. The succulence of this wellmarinated minced meat put many of the kebabs I’ve tried to shame. Eaten on its own, or with the fluffy, slightly aromatic saffron rice offered, the kebabs did not just contribute to a delicious meal, but to a divine experience.

Next, we shared the Kebab-E-Dariyaye, a beautifully plated combination of chargrilled hammour, shrimp and lobster, from which a mild seafood aroma enveloped us, and had my mouth watering. At my introduction to the very first piece of hammour, the term, ‘delish’ sprang to mind. The shrimps and lobster pieces were lush and indulged my palate with the flavours in which they were marinated, coupled with the

The last main we savoured was the Khoresht-E-Ghormeh Sabzi, a chef’s recommendation, and for good reason. The tender baby lamb meat in an ambrosial gravy of red kidney beans and fresh herbs.

Seasoned to perfection, the gravy was best enjoyed with the saffron rice. No herb was out of place in this delectable dish, no spice too overpowering.

Wholeheartedly satisfied with the mains, I feared I was too full for more but found that there is truth in the popular saying – there is always room for dessert. The warm pistachio pudding – Sheerinie-Makhsoos-Rafsanjan – was scrumptious when combined with a smooth vanilla sauce, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Next came a dollop of Iranian ice cream sat upon frozen vermicelli noodles doused with rose water, grenadine syrup and lemon juice. Although I felt the syrup couldn’t help but slightly overpower the sweet yet zesty flavours of the dessert, I enjoyed the shared taste of the frozen vermicelli and ice cream. I was greatly impressed by the Ranginak Persian Date Pudding, a traditional dessert garnished with dates and walnuts. The rich pudding brought out cinnamon and cardamom flavours which gave it a unique taste, thus drawing an end to a truly sensational lunch experience.

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LIFESTYLE | food

CHEF’S SPECIAL

Anis Mouldi, executive pastry chef at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa wants to bring a little sweetness to our lives.

HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE GATEAUX DE VOYAGE

Ingredients

150g ground hazelnut 150g flour 150g salted butter 150g sugar 50g chocolate 10g baking powder 10g vanilla powder 5 eggs

For the Filling/ Ganache

200g dark chocolate 72 per cent 100g double cream 50g butter 50g toasted hazelnuts 30g icing sugar 20g coffee powder

Method

Beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl, using an electric whisk or wooden spoon, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, a little at a time. Don’t worry if the mixture curdles; it won’t affect the finished cake. Fold in the chocolate, then the ground hazelnuts, then sift in the flour and baking powder.

Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake for 45-55 minutes, until firm to the touch. Cool in the tin for five minutes, then turn out and cool on a wire rack.

A

Tunisian national, chef Anis studied at the Tunisian Tourism School. At just 19 he pursued his culinary dream by moving to Belgium to attend the Chocolate Academy, which gave him the chance to develop his fledgling skills. Since then he has worked for many international hotels in the Gulf, Asia and Africa before taking up his current position in Bahrain with Sofitel.

He says: “I always try to take influence from the things that are around me. I’m a voracious reader of pastry cookbooks, old and new.

Sometimes I love looking through books from

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the best of a generation’s pastry chefs, the ’70s and ’60s.

A lot of inspiration comes from travelling for courses and eating in many famous pastry shops. I think the most important thing that any culinary professional can do is just continue to eat and learn and taste.

I take inspiration as well from social media,;there are many creative pastry chefs around this world that help me with many ideas.”

Here he shares with us one of his favourite cake recipes.

To make the filling, put the chocolate, butter, coffee and cream in a small pan and heat gently, stirring until dissolved and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the icing sugar. Leave to cool, then put in the fridge, stirring occasionally until it is spreadable. This will take one to two hours.

Slice the cake in two, horizontally, and put the base on a serving plate. Spread over half of the filling and scatter over half the hazelnuts. Cover with the top of the cake and spread the remaining filling over the top. Scatter the remaining hazelnuts around the top edge of the cake.

Add some berries on top of the cake for additional decoration if required. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | opinion

VEGAN VIEW

Art Exhibition

Preeti Rana held her art exhition entitled ‘Music in Art’ at the Nehru Centre in London.

Preeti & Federica

Harsha

Sheila

Brij Kumar, AS Rajan, Preeti & Jay Viswadeva, Chief Executive, SAMA

Lalit & Kusum

Preeti & Aarien

Preeti, Jagdish, Nayan & Kusum

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Gurmeet

Lahan Sperinck says: “I was a bad vegan, and you should be too!”

T

hree years ago, my journey started with a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) video about factory farming.

The shock led me to multiple others and an hour later, I had made the decision to quit meat for good. The rest of the journey was not nearly as easy. With more research I knew my goal was to become vegan. The hardest part was trying to conquer my major sweet tooth and my appetite for anything smothered in cheese. I figured this would only work if I took baby steps. So, I said goodbye to eggs, which I never really cared for, and swapped cow’s milk for soya milk. So far so good.

Soon though, I had a rude awakening realising that my morning croissant was packed with butter and that, if I really wanted to reach my goal, I’d have to say au revoir. It’s as if all the comfort foods I clung onto were being ripped away. But eventually I quit them too, reminding myself of the reasons: the environment, the animals and my health. These days my diet is 99 per cent vegan and 100 per cent vegetarian.

At this point you’re probably wondering why I’m telling you my story. People who find out I’m vegan rarely realise how long and slow the journey was. They look at me now and don’t see that it was an accumulation of so many little changes over time. The result is that they see veganism as unrealistic and think cheating every so often means you’re ‘out of the club’. I think we could all benefit by changing the narrative and encouraging people to experiment with any type of reduction in animal product consumption. Things like meat-free Monday or swapping milks, like I did, are changes that may seem negligible but over time they will make a significant difference to the environment, the animals and your health. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Go on, be a bad vegan.

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LIFESTYLE | home

ORANGE INFUSION

I

f you want your home to ooze contemporary flair, but still offer a warm, joyous interior, then play with orange, in all its equally chic shades – tangerine, pumpkin, melon, rust, cider, apricot and dark amber, to name a few. Take small steps with cushions, rugs and lighting accessories, and go on to punchier statements with furniture, window treatments or walls. Also, with many parts of the world beginning to revel in the romantic hues of autumn this month, it couldn’t be a better time to introduce these tints into your personal space. Pair them with reliable favourites such as brown, black and white, or navy blue, or quirky pops of cerise (we love!), purple, turquoise and teal.

Repast Ready Dining chair Insidherland

Image Courtesy IKEA

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www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | home

In the Limelight Pendant lamp IKEA

Glorious Light

Bathe in Tangerine

Chandelier Barovier & Tosso

Bathroom Kartell by Laufen

Rock-a-bye

Rocking chair Marina Home

On the Side

Console Opera Contemporary

Citrus Scents Aroma candle Lifestyle

Organised Orange

Open cabinet IKEA

Box the Baubles Box THE One

Monarchial Comfort

Cushion Alexander McQueen, By The Rug Company www.womanthismonth.com

Cool Contrast Tableware Clan Milano

Happy Floors

Designer rugs The Rug Company

See-through Amber Dining table Misuraemme

September 2018

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

THE SUBTLE ART OF DINING WITH CHILDREN

Ouiam Charkani El Hassani on the dos and don’ts of introducing your kids to restaurant culture.

I

can remember the days when going out for lunch or dinner used to be spontaneous, and didn’t require any prior planning… Yeah, the days before I became a mother. Now, with a very active, extremely adventurous, and a bit too loud four-year-old boy on board, I’ve became hooked on Pinterest, always on the lookout for new simple activities to keep my child in his seat for a decent amount of time, just enough for me and his dad to peacefully finish our meal, without having to deal with tantrums or having to discipline my kid while receiving angry looks from diners who have no desire to get a glimpse of what parenting in public looks like.

Let’s face it, children have no interest in Thai, Italian, Moroccan or whichever cuisine you decide to indulge in; they also don’t have the ability to sit still for long periods of time, so taking them to a closed space that requires them to sit down for at least an hour is simply torture! Sometimes we lovingly expect our children to behave like adults and we blame them if they don’t, forgetting all about their limited capabilities and how they are still at the beginning of their learning journey.

Therefore, having high expectations will only result in lost battles and lots of tears – shed by both parties, parents as well as kids.

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On the other hand, we can’t just deprive ourselves of the pleasure of having a nice meal in a pleasant atmosphere every once in a while, just because we decided to reproduce! So, today I will share some of the tips that have been working greatly for us and hopefully they will work for you too!

1 First of all, choose your place wisely. Avoid going to fine-dining restaurants which are more designed for grown-ups than children.

2 Time your trip so the child is not too tired and grumpy by the time you start your meal; this way you can avoid unnecessary meltdowns and tantrums.

3 Bring supplies! I use a bag that we call ‘The entertainment bag’, where I store a few simple board games or memory games, which I know my child loves, and a book which I change after every outing, so he doesn’t get bored. I also always have some paper and crayons in case he decides to get creative and a few small toys that I know he likes and which will keep him busy.

Plus we have invented a few games that we all play as a family, while we are waiting for our food, such as ‘The opposites game’ where each one will give a word and the rest are required to say the opposite, or ‘The guessing game’ where each one will

describe a fruit or vegetable, without saying what it is, and the rest will have to guess.

This is so much fun, very informative and helps in connecting with the child.

4 Give the child a chance to choose their meal. I usually ask for another menu for my son because they almost never give him one…well he is only four! If the menu doesn’t have pictures of the food, I just tell him what they have and let him decide for himself. In addition to giving him a voice and making him heard, this also keeps the child busy for some extra minutes, because even after choosing their meal they like to browse through the menu (so it’s a win; win).

5 Don’t get too comfortable. I’m a slow eater and I love to enjoy my meals, but when my child is with us I try to set a time limit.

Usually we don’t stay for more than an hour or whenever I notice that he is getting tired of sitting down, we usually make a move.

6 My last advice is to always respect other diners, and always try to clean up a bit before you leave. This will teach your child to be mindful of others and to always be thoughtful, respectful and considerate of other people’s feelings.

Chanelmama www.womanthismonth.com

LETS’ START THE CONVERSATION

LIFESTYLE | opinion

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

A

while ago, I was pulled into a discussion on women’s equality and how to bridge the gap. To me it begins with changing the way we interact in an often evidently patriarchal world.

These were my main questions: How many women (working or not) consider the male member of the house as the primary provider?

How many women ask the kids to not disturb Dad because he has had a long day at work?

And how many women leave all the financial decisions of life to their partner to make?

In my various discussions, it seems like a lot of women seem to be surprisingly willing to take a back seat in the financial planning. There are various reasons ranging from “it’s not my area of expertise”, to “it’s not me who is earning” and some who just “have not got down to it”.

Of course, most of these women do think about financial planning but, in an environment like Bahrain, avenues and information on options are limited, often the individual income of women is limited and, let’s face it, retirement seems to be far away.

Pensions, retirement planning, or rather investment planning, is however something we really need to talk about – primarily because every adult needs to talk about it.

Most people are aware that several countries do offer state pensions for a nominal investment that lead to a modest income for sustenance post-retirement. There are also private avenues such as private pension funds, specific savings schemes or even hybrid insurance products that offer guaranteed returns. www.womanthismonth.com

Countries like the UK and Ireland offer state around lifestyle, medical expenses, travel and pension plans if you complete 10 years or 520 sometimes even education for children after state insurance contributions respectively. there is no longer an actively earning member If you are from India, retirement planning is in the family. not state driven at all but must be managed Avenues today are virtually unlimited – you individually. In the USA the complex social can invest in private pension funds, savings security system takes care of some parts accounts, term deposits, real estate, stocks, of retirement, while countries like France bonds, mutual funds or even in hybrid funds require 10 years to be spent working there that offer modest risks and returns by putting (among other conditions). your money in a combination of the above.

But what do you do when you live as an expat, But the first step is to actively think about are not the one earning or when you have what you want to do. To participate in never really given these details any specific financial goal setting and to have a view on thought? You start thinking and talking about where you want your life to be when work is it. We need to face fears of separation – by no longer a reality. choice or naturally enforced – and create Talk now and think now so that retirement mechanisms to ensure financial stability for opens the doors to choices not to necessities. ourselves and our children.

Interest Rate or Small sums of money Years After Investment Annual Returns which, when added up and 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years 20 Years compounded with even 2% 106 110 122 135 149 modest returns, can lead 5% 116 128 163 208 265 to a sizable amount 10 to 10% 133 161 259 418 673 15 years later. If you need 12% 140 176 311 547 965 convincing, glance at the 15% 152 201 405 814 1,637 table as a demonstration of the power of Investment Planning compounding just 100 units of any currency Debt Based Savings Products Equity Based Real Estate invested.

Government Bonds Direct Investments Long term Bank Deposits The first step Mutual Funds Insurance Schemes Savings Accounts is to begin conversations Exchange Traded Funds September 2018

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LIFESTYLE

WIN BIG

AND GET FIT P

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

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

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

The outlet offers various styles of yoga,

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September 2018

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

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

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

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

And now here’s the chance for two lucky readers to win BD100 of vouchers each to join the PYC fitness revolution. All you need to do is answer the below questions on Woman This Month’s social media platforms:

1. Where is PYC located?

2. Who is the proprietor of PYC? 3. Which two main fitness modalities does the centre offer?

So, watch out for these questions across WTM’s social media platforms and stand a chance to try out the most buzzing new fitness space in the Kingdom.

www.womanthismonth.com

Star

horoscopes

Gazing Virgo

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

Those of you feeling a little unloved could find that a new relationship is waiting in the wings, providing you are courageous. If you want something – or in this case someone – then you need to chase your desires. Be bold and your dreams could come true! On the work front you are really starting to feel undervalued and this is spurring you on to look elsewhere in the career market.

Libra

Just recently you might have been under the impression that your life has been sliding from one crisis to another and, when September arrives, you will be at the stage when you could simply throw your hands in the air and concede defeat. However, I can say with some confidence that the worst is behind you and from the 17th the world is going to seem a much better place to be in. The main reason for the shift is connected to a man you encounter at a public gathering.

really enjoy yourself a whole lot more and you may even find you learn a thing or two about your own personality.

Aquarius

Scorpio

Looks like your loyalties are going to be tested in the workplace this month as issues that you have been locked in debate over for some time are finally resolved but not necessarily in a manner that you would have preferred. You have long argued that constraints placed upon you were done so unfairly and, although your case will be looked upon with some sympathy by your superiors, they won’t give you every concession you have been fighting for.

Sagittarius

There could be a period of hardship for you over the coming weeks, although it will be more because of a partner’s failure to live up to his or her responsibilities rather than anything you have personally done wrong.

The challenge for you this month is being able to balance the books and it is going to prove a demanding one. On the work front, you could find that your situation changes as financial pressures also drive you to seek out alternative solutions.

If someone had told you that your life was going to change so dramatically over the last few months when it came to relationships, you would probably have dismissed the idea as pure nonsense. However, following on from the turmoil and upheaval of a recent, acrimonious break-up, only now will you be able to lift your head above the line of debris and confusion that has surrounded you and start to make plans to put your world back on track.

Rather than trying to run from your duties, why not meet them head on, deal with them and put them behind you. Your actions are hurting many people and when the dust settles there could be even more related issues to deal with than you care to accept. There is one formidable woman and her partner who will stand against you and could make things unbearable in the long run. This is one conflict you don’t want to get into.

Capricorn

If you have been feeling a little down recently, there will be a reason to start smiling again as you are about to encounter a piece of good fortune that results in you travelling abroad.

Because it’s all so unexpected, you are likely to www.womanthismonth.com

Pisces

Aries

This month is going to be all about going on holiday and making the most of the financial benefits you have accrued through hard work over the last few months. It’s going to be a special trip with a loved one that will leave an indelible mark and see you return refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of the rest of the year. On the property front, a potential investment overseas will allow you to look at expanding your portfolio.

Taurus

You are going to get some great news in the post this month that will set you up for the year and allow you to spread your wings and

delve into other markets that you have been speculating over for a while. You will need to bring partners on board to really take advantage of the possibilities. You might be sceptical of this approach but you will soon see the benefits. On the romance side, a trip away towards the end of the month will be a bonus.

Gemini

As has been said, the course of love is never a steady one and we can all expect our fair share of lows along the way. It is therefore going to be difficult for you to accept the magnitude of a partner’s revelation this month and there will be a few tears of hurt before your emotions harden and the lion within you charges to the fore. After that, you will set out to resolve the situation. Just don’t take the matter too far.

Cancer

Be careful what you wish for because not everything will bring positive change to your life. Many of you could be feeling a little down this month but remember to appreciate what you have rather than pine for what you desire. Even the most fortunate of events often brings unseen complications. You should take particular care if looking to purchase a new car and curb your naturally enthusiastic nature.

Leo

The past is a difficult thing to escape from and it seems that, in your perfect world, there is something from your yesterdays that still threatens to undermine your future. If you have a failing as a person it is often with the manner of your delivery when it comes to sensitive matters: you can often be too blunt. The ‘rewards’ for speaking without thinking are potentially life-changing as you could find yourself caught in the eye of a storm without control.

Raphael September 2018

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last word

In Her Shoes Sawsan Shaker, marketing executive at Rubaiyat Modern Luxury Products, tells us what makes her tick.

What’s the weirdest movie you’ve watched?

Well, I have to say Mother! I was advised to watch it without reading the plot. It was a rollercoaster of emotions with its symbolisms of life’s process.

So, if you’re a first-time watcher, you will definitely get confused.

Hidden talent?

I can run like Phoebe from Friends!

Sawsan Shaker

Three things on your bucket list?

Adventure creates excitement! To me this is the core of living. The top three things on my bucket list are bungee jumping, parachuting and travelling around the world.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

A book you would recommend?

Stop Worrying & Start Living. I believe everyone should read this book in order to live happier and better manage life’s stress.

Do you have any phobias?

Deep water scares me the most. I have imagined that swimming in deep water will cause my death.

Chilling at home with a book to read or a movie to watch and my super snacks: jasmine tea, healthy brownies and lots of fruit.

An embarrassing moment?

In high school, after a meeting with the school principal, I said thanks and goodbye, turned, and walked into a steel bar. My friends still remind me of that day.

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September 2018

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I’ve always wished to fly, so I could see the world from above.

Best gift you’ve ever received?

I received an aqeeq stone and, from that day, this gift generated love and a strong belief in the energy that these stones carry. www.womanthismonth.com