Woman This Month - January 2013

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES

January 2013 | Issue 119 | BD1 / SR10

Fashion Basics Glossy Black

Beauty Tips Hand Management

Colour Your Home Stripes that Appeal

Resolutions Making Them Stick

Coaching Your Kids Preparing Them for Life www.womanthismonth.com

The Children’s Academy Kingdom of Bahrain

A unique private school for children with mild-to-moderate learning difficulties Affiliated with the prestigious Alpha Plus Group of independent schools in England.

A specialist education provision provided by a team of skilled teachers and therapists.

A caring and child-centred approach based upon successful practice in England and supported by an exciting learning environment with emphasis on promoting positive self esteem.

A broad curriculum based upon the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum.

Individual Education Plans tailored for the need of each pupil.

A low teacher- pupil ratio facilitating an individualized approach to each child needs.

Classrooms equipped and resourced to exceptional standards supported by the latest in educational technology, including interactive white boards and a PC for each pupil.

A state of the art Sensory Room and a Soft Play area that are unique to the Gulf Region.

A specialist developmental delay/autistic classroom.

For more information: Call +973 176 13234 or visit website www.childrensacademybahrain.com Write to: gregmcdonald@childrensacademybahrain.com

contents | january 2013

Interview 14 Dr Shaikha Salim Al Arrayed: Pioneering doctor

14

Shopping 08 Editor’s Choice: Geometric prints 10 Pick of the Month: Boggi for men 12 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene!

Fashion

18

24

16 Fashion Forward: Finding key pieces 18 Celebrities: What the stars are wearing 20 Get the Look: Glossy in black 22 20 Tips: Back to basics 24 Feature: The ubiquitous handbag

Beauty 28 Beauty News: The latest products in stores 30 Fragrances: Scents that mesmerise 32 Feature: Taking care of your hands

Home

40

38 Feature: Stripes always create an impact

Wellbeing 40 Feature: The pursuit of happiness 43 Feature: Yoga to make you laugh!

Parenting

50 This outfit from Tommy Hilfiger is perfect for the cooler weather.

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES

woman this month

January 2013, issue 119

January 2013 | Issue 119 | BD1 / SR10

JANUARY 2013 ı FASHION BASICS: GLOSSY BLACK ı www.womanthismonth.com

Fashion Basics Glossy Black

Beauty Tips Hand Management

Colour Your Home Stripes that Appeal

Resolutions HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY

Making Them Stick

Coaching Your Kids Preparing Them for Life

ISSUE 119

2

| January 2013

46 Feature: Psychometrics analysis and coaching 49 Column: Kawasaki disease

Regulars 06 Letters: Tell us what you think of this issue 34 Social Butterfly: Who has been seen where?

52 Recipes: A baker’s dozen 54 Campaign: The Palm Association 56 10 Tips: Making your New Year resolutions stick 62 Horoscope: What this month holds for you 64 WoMentality: Marriage 2.0

www.womanthismonth.com

www.womanthismonth.com

Welcome A Fresh Start

G U E S T E D I T O R ' s l etter

W

elcome to our first issue of the year! January is a month for some peace, quiet and well-deserved rest. The festivities are over and the decorations have found their way back into its boxes, if not already stashed away. What’s more, your home is no longer packed full with relatives. Embrace this time of calmness; it’s important to get a moment, every now and then, to yourself.

In this issue, we deliver exactly what you want and expect from Woman This Month.

This includes amazing fashion and beauty buys (and lots of them). We understand that personal style comes down to choices; there’s no doubt that organising your closet is one of your resolutions. Our Fashion pages focus on wardrobe basics. This should help you decide what to give away and what to treasure.

In our Beauty section, we round up five of the best miracle working products in the market that protect your hands from signs of ageing. We also concentrate on happiness; our Wellbeing articles introduce you to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and laughter yoga.

There is nothing that a little retail therapy cannot fix. Find out what’s hot in the shopping world. Spoil your man with our picks from Boggi or treat yourself to some dizzying prints. Speaking of which, our Home pages will have you falling in love with the classic pattern — stripes.

Parents are alerted about Kawasaki disease, its signs and the importance of detecting it at an early stage. The parenting feature gives you an insight on how to make the right career choice for your children (and yourself!). Our 10 Tips offer some suggestions as to how you might actually make those New Year resolutions actually stick, for once!

We met some people on a mission. Find out what The Palm Association is up to and how you can help. You can also read our chat with Dr Shaikha Salim Al Arrayed who has been battling hereditary diseases in the Kingdom for three decades.

Happy New Year!

chairman & publisher George F Middleton

publishing director

David M Robertson

editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles

assistant editors ALISON COLDRIDGE Elma Bartholomew

fashion and beauty editor Fernanda Langhammer

contributors

Dr Clare beckett-mcinroy george r vaughan James Claire

staff writer

Maryam A Toorani

print production manager Sabu Sebastian

layout & graphics RODOLFO A REYES JR Dalal Al-Sabbagh

media coordinator SARAH ANSARI

media executives ESKY Girmay farheen ahmed

sales manager

Mayukh Majumdar

circulation

FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI

photography editor anil Ravi Shankar

photographers

Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS

printing press

Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© 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 for women in Bahrain wishing to celebrate a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle and community spirit in an objective and proactive manner.

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 the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. 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

P. O. Box 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

For of the moment news, tips, advice and fun links, follow Woman This Month on Twitter

@WomanThisMonthB | January 2013

Jubran AbdulRahman

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,

Elma Bartholomew Assistant Editor

4

responsible editor

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

www.womanthismonth.com

Letters

Write Here Write Now

Fashion

Get the

H&M

If you ha festive ven’t yet pick spoilt yoevents, be insped your outfits for the nu to party u with. Get re ired by the tw merou ad on New o Year’s Evy for Christm looks we’ve s as and e. prepare Santa Ba by Rock the ultimate twist. Go Christm as colour for bur gundy; directly with a a deep fro hue tak with dar m the catwa en lk. You k green, can we even the bei ar it compan ge shades, gol ion for all times, d or black.

STAR LETTER Festive Food

Sweet Festivities

here are few occasions in life that are filled with as many memories, expressions of hope and love, and great food as the festive season. In addition to a roast turkey, it is perhaps better known for the sweet delicacies which come from around the world for this season of joy.

As a chef I adore seeking out new ideas and seeing what other people, in lands far removed from mine, are preparing around a singular event. Christmas for me has always been a delicious event, and much more than an occasion for gift-giving.

My first trip abroad in the late 1980s took me to

Switzerland; at Christmas I literally bathed in a world of sweet delicacies I had never known.

From that time, I have always been intrigued by how others celebrate the festive season from a culinary perspective.

This month I have included recipes for panettone and panforte di Siena, both delicious gifts as well as edible treats with Italian heritage. Lebkuchen cookies are from Germany and my ‘White’ Christmas is more of an antipodean treat. All are great snacks to have around when the morning gift-opening and celebrations become an extended exercise.

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius.

Lightly grease and line a 20cm cake ring with baking parchment.

Place the honey, golden syrup and brown sugar into a saucepan and bring slowly to the boil, stirring to avoid the sugar catching on the base. l When it boils, reduce heat and allow it to simmer for three minutes. l In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour and the cocoa powder with the cinnamon and garam masala. l Add the dried apricots, candied orange zest, candied pineapple, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, lemon and orange zests and marmalade. l Pour the boiled sugar mixture over all the ingredients and stir all to combine. l Spread the mixture into the base of the lined baking tray and press flat, using the back of the mixing spoon. l Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. l Remove and dust heavily with icing sugar.

Allow to cool and then dust again with icing sugar before cutting small thin slices to enjoy with coffee or as a snack. l l

90g

2 1 1 tbs

52

Retail Therapy Are you ready for the festive season? If you are planning your gift list, take a look in our selection and pick your favourite items.

Eternal Style

Carrera y Carrera has crafted a selection of jewels for the holiday season that any lady will love to receive. The precious pieces are a great investment; they are timeless and can be passed from generation to generation.

A Spell of Festivity

For the holiday season, L’Occitane has launched a special limited-edition range to keep us smelling good this Christmas. The Marvellous Flower and Magic Leaves collection includes body and hand cream, intense eau de toilette roll-on, eau de toilette shimmering oil, shower gel and perfumed soap. The scents were inspired by the flowers and leaves of the enchanted forests of Provence.

The Christmas Jumper

Charity Time

Christmas is a time for celebration, but also a period to think about doing good. The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will have their Christmas Fete on December 8 at the Dilmun Club with lots of goodies for sale, an opportunity to buy some gifts and help the organisation.

Stocking Fillers

Bright Wrist

Omega is joining in the festivities with a glittering star of its collection; the Omega Ladymatic wristwatch.

It combines feminine grace and elegance with technological innovation. The timepiece is a combination of red gold and 894 diamonds to make any woman shine.

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| December 2012

| January 2013

Paspale

y

Acacia honey golden syrup brown sugar cocoa powder plain (all-purpose) flour cinnamon powder garam masala powder dried apricots, chopped finely candied orange zest candied (glace) pineapple hazelnuts, roasted and finely chopped almonds, whole, skinless, roasted and loosely chopped macadamia nuts, roasted and loosely chopped lemons zested, finely orange zested, finely orange marmalade

| December 2012

l

www.womanthismonth.com

Nina Ricc

i

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| Dec

ember

2012

Revlon

Mango

Aldo

Style Assistance

www.w

omanthi

smonth.c

om

I like the inclusion of the new Get the Look page in the magazine. For someone like me, who has no idea how to dress themselves it’s a clever way to help me out! The December issue’s, spread was most helpful as I had a number of Christmas functions to attend and not a clue what to wear.

I particularly like how this page introduces me to new brands; for example I had no idea what Ciate was before, but now I own a number of different shades and have lessened my salon visits in the process. My husband is very happy!

Eman, by email.

WRITE IN AND WIN

This month’s star letter will win a bag of goodies from Ford’s ‘Warriors in Pink’ collection. So, to receive these fantastic products, send us your views and options on this month’s edition either by email to editor@womanthismonth.com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461.

The Shopping Guide

Shopping

Knitted jumpers are a fantastic recurring autumn/ winter trend that remind us of comfortable sofas and hot chocolate. Stella McCartney has designed a Christmas-specific range for theoutnet.com complete with a super cute polar bear and festive feel.

k

Bourjois

Thank goodness for James Food Claire and his ‘Sweet Festivities’ article in the Food section of the December magazine. I had the whole

By James Claire With the exception of Thanksgiving and Easter, there are family clan coming to stay few celebrations in the yearly calendar that are so well defined by the food served around them. Christmas, over the Christmas holiday though, is the most glamorous from a dining perspective. and so had a whole lot of T cooking to do! And I’m not ashamed to admit I’m no where near domestic goddess status. So James’ article practically saved Panforte di Siena Christmas for my family.

I rushed out, grabbed the ingredients he listed and whipped up all of the items on the page to create an ‘Around the World’ themed spread. The recipes were easy to follow and the finished product looked near-enough like the photos on the page. And best of all, my in-laws were thoroughly impressed! You can’t ask for more than that. So a big thanks to the Woman This Month team for saving me and my family’s rumbling stomachs this holiday season! Collette, by email.

180g 120g 210g 60g 60g 2 tspns 1 tspn 120g 90g 90g 180g 150g

New Loo

The world-famous Swiss truffles and chocolate brand Sprüngli is sure to make us all gain weight with its beautifully-prepared special gift boxes for the festive season.

The hand-made assortments are a delicious present for friends and family and will please even the pickiest relative. You can purchase it online and send it to your beloved ones.

A Festive Feast

If you don’t feel like cooking this Christmas you can give yourself a treat and enjoy your celebration at Trader Vic’s, the French Polynesian restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Using traditional ingredients, such as pumpkin, duck, turkey and pudding, the chef will prepare a comforting menu for the occasion. www.womanthismonth.com

I have to say I do love reading your Retail Therapy guide each month. It’s a great way to highlight the top places to shop, eat and visit each month and the December issue’s guide gave me some great ideas for what to gift friends and family members with for Christmas — so a big thank you!

Just an idea; it might be nice to include information about new restaurant openings, book launches and spa treatments, as we women love to hear about this kind of thing.

Hana, by email. www.womanthismonth.com

Shopping

Editor's Choice

Geometric prints sometimes provoke a dizzy feeling and this is probably the intention of many designers with loud and colourful lines this winter. If you are a pattern-shy, go easy with the trend and start with accessories. You can also play with patterns when decorating your house.

Lacoste

By Malene Birger

Debenhams

Paul Smith

Dior

Koton

Accessorize Marks & Spencer

Massimo Dutti

Jane Norman

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| January 2013

New Look

www.womanthismonth.com

Shopping

Pick of the Month The men of today are in charge of their dress code and show great interest in showing off their best outfits.

Nevertheless, we women still need to give our valued opinion. Check out our menswear selection to update your refined fashion instinct.

Why it was selected Boggi brings out a contemporary aspect to traditional and casual menswear. The brand has two main collections: a formal one, which has a smart and sober-spirited feel, and a sportswear section with a casual appeal and more colourful, less pretentious pieces. The new range offers professionals comfortable items, whilst maintaining the elegance and charm of the Italian lifestyle.

What we like As a brand that puts together a variety of styles, Boggi is an option for those men seeking new office attire. Tailored, traditional jackets can be paired up with well-cut casual trousers and knitted garments for an urban look. The line also showcases a selection of coats made with wool and cashmere blends or jersey for the cold season. Classic shirts are designed with intricate checkered and striped patterns in tones of baby blue and a hint of bold colours, creating a neat and polished look.

What else to look for With 70 years of history, Boggi has undergone a process of evolution and operates in over 110 locations worldwide. Recently, the brand entered new key markets including Paris, Moscow, Munich and Budapest. Future plans for the designer involve launching branches in other metropolitan cities. It is certainly becoming one of the strongest retailers of its kind, so keep your eyes open for more news related to the brand all over the world.

Where to find it Shop for Boggi at Bahrain City Centre.

Call 17 172-316.

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| January 2013

www.womanthismonth.com

Shopping

Retail Therapy From the world of sports and fashion to home accessories, stay up-to-date with the latest findings to start this brand new year.

Speak the same language

The well-known Swedish home furnishing retailer, Ikea, has launched their website in Arabic.

The language becomes the 34th in their global website portfolio, spreading the store’s concepts to a wide range of clients in the Middle East.

Visit www.IKEAuae.com.

Ready to travel

Are you looking for a light and easy-to-carry pushchair? Mamas and Papas have a great selection for those parents who value both practicality and design. It features new luxurious fabrics, fun bold colours and a whole host of smart and innovative functions, all designed to make strolling around town easy and fun.

Testing waters

Badoit, a popular mineral water brand obtained from natural sources at Saint-Galmier in France, has trickled its way to the Middle East in new PET bottles. Prestigious chefs all over the world enhance their table settings and meals with the fine drink and now you can do just the same. Find the “sparkle” in various restaurants and supermarkets across the Kingdom.

Virtual shoppingt

Launched in 2012, Lemuda.com is an online store in the Middle East with an extensive catalogue of luxury brands as Fendi, Gucci, Prada and Valentino. With Internet users touching the 72.5 million mark in the region, the e-commerce industry is growing in the same path. It has a multi-lingual Arabic and English interface to please all shoppers.

Visit www.lemuda.com.

Home improvement

Joining hands

Chinese golf player Shanshan Feng is Omega’s newest brand ambassador. The 23-year-old athlete became the first player from China to win the LPGA Championship.

For years, golf sponsorship has been a vital part of the brand’s strategy and its watches are a symbol of the sport.

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| January 2013

The arrival of the New Year is an opportunity to redecorate your home. THE One helps you with discounts of up to 75 per cent from January 3-February 3. Whether you’re looking to add just a few pieces to enhance the existing concept or to completely revamp your living space, they’ve got it all.

Keyed up

Alicia Keys has launched her own signature collection for Reebok through four women trainers’ models. The singer worked with the sports brand’s design team picking silhouettes, materials and colours. Her street style is a perfect match to the athletic brand.

www.womanthismonth.com

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Interview

Pioneering Service

Dr Shaikha Salim Al Arrayed

A recent international award for Dr Shaikha Salim Al Arrayed crowns her three decades of distinguished service in battling genetic diseases in the Kingdom.

A

s Bahrain’s most senior genetic diseases specialist, Dr Shaikha Al Arrayed has been at the forefront of the Kingdom’s long and hard battle against hereditary diseases.

After setting up a genetics clinic in Salmaniya Hospital back in 1984, she has spearheaded extensive campaigns aimed at reducing the incidence of genetic diseases in Bahrain as well as improving the management of patients with this condition. The results are apparent. In the 1980s, out of every 1,000 babies born in the Kingdom, 21 were affected by the sickle cell gene. The number is now close to four babies for every 1,000 births.

Dr Shaikha has now been awarded the Dr A.T. Shousha Foundation Prize and Fellowship for her significant service in the field of public health, specifically recognising her role in the control of genetic diseases.

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| January 2013

The Dr A.T. Shousha Foundation was established in 1966 in memory of Dr Aly Tewfik Shousha, the first World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. The annual prize, consisting of a sum in the order of CHF2,500 and a bronze medal, is awarded to a person who has made the most significant contribution to improving health in the Eastern Mediterranean, the geographical area in which Dr A.T. Shousha served the Organisation.

“I’m very happy and proud that of all the Arab countries, my work on the control of genetic diseases has been recognised.

We were able to protect thousands of children from getting these diseases by educating the people, screening the carriers and counselling them. That, to me, is very satisfying,” she says.

Family Ethic Dr Shaikha is a commanding personality who gives one the distinct impression that her time is not to be wasted.

As she talks about her family and especially her upbringing, it’s clear that she has modelled her life on her father’s. Born into a family of pearl merchants, the late Mr Salim Al Arrayed had set his eyes on an education that would take him to India, where he earned his degree in law in 1919. Back in Bahrain in the 1930s, Mr Al Arrayed took up a role as an educator and became headmaster of the first school in Manama. In addition to running the family business, he later started a legal practice. His passion for education undiminished, Mr Al Arrayed ensured that all his children got the best education and excelled in their chosen fields. www.womanthismonth.com

“When our father sent my sisters abroad to college in the 1950s, he was one of the first in Bahrain to be sending his daughters overseas for studies. He was a forward thinking man, much ahead of his time and exhorted us to do the best in our fields,”notes Dr Shaikha.

In a family packed with professionals, two of her sisters are educators, another two are lawyers while a further sibling has taken up medicine. “We have more than 20 doctors in the family,” she laughs. It was then, no surprise that she decided to take up medicine and earned her medical degree from Cairo University.

Dr Shaikha’s first encounter with genetic disease came while she was at school.

“I had a friend who suffered from sickle cell anaemia. Unfortunately, she was married to another carrier. After years of suffering, she died a few years ago,” she reminisces.

Later on, working as a junior doctor posted on emergency duty at Salmaniya Hospital, it was impossible to avoid the plight of sickle cell anaemia patients brought in the midst of a crisis attack.

Dr Shaikha then decided to pursue a master’s degree in human and clinical genetics from the UK and came back in 1984 to set up a genetics clinic at Salmaniya Hospital, where she is now head of the department. Later on, her research led her to a doctorate in genetics from Aberdeen University in 1993. She has headed the National Committee for the Control of Hereditary Diseases in Bahrain since then.

Long considered the most serious of all genetic disorders in the Kingdom, sickle cell anaemia has perhaps been the biggest challenge in the field of public health.

If Bahrain is close to wiping out incidence of sickle cell disease in newborns, it is primarily on account of a slew of programmes launched by the Health Ministry since the 1980s spearheaded by Dr Shaikha. A premarital counselling service was started, informing couples that if both parents had the sickle cell gene, there was a 25 percent chance that their child would also develop the condition. This, along with other initiatives such as health education, screening the population as well as genetic counselling have gradually paid off, she believes.

“We carry out screening of around 6,000 to 7,000 students annually across all schools in Bahrain to identify the carriers while they are young, and educate them about their condition.

This also supports our pre-marital counselling initiative, wherein we advise carriers of this gene to avoid marrying another carrier, which might result in their child developing this condition,” she says.

Having brought the incidence of fresh cases www.womanthismonth.com

under control, the Health Ministry has now trained its sights towards improving the management and treatment of patients suffering from this condition.

Since August this year, Dr Shaikha has been chairing a Health Ministry initiative to improve services to sickle cell patients. The team is studying each department that deals with sickle cell patients, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses and trying to improve the performance. “Earlier, we had patients waiting for hours in the emergency room for treatment.

We’ve now fast-tracked the services for them.

We’ve opened clinics for them at Salmaniya and at other health centres,” she notes. A new multi-million dollar haematology centre is coming up at the Salmaniya Hospital next year.

Head Start The Kingdom has been at the forefront of the fight against genetic diseases across the region, many believe. Since the 1980s, Bahrain has taken conscious policy decisions to towards monitoring and registration of all genetic diseases and congenital disorders.

After establishing a genetics clinic in Salmaniya Hospital in 1984, Dr Shaikha has headed such endeavours as premarital counselling for couples, screening of newborns, student screening for genetic blood diseases and the Bahrain Birth Defect Register.

In contrast, statistics on genetic diseases are hard to find in the Middle East, despite the high incidence of disorders such as Thalassaemia in Turkey, Cyprus, Iran and sickle cell anaemia in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait and the UAE.

“We have been the pioneers across the region in addressing the challenge of genetic blood diseases. In Bahrain, our interventions were initiated way back in the 1980s, whereas others have followed suit only after 2000.

We’re in regular touch with the WHO, which looks at Bahrain as an ideal for others to follow,” she notes.

Their regard of both Bahrain as well as Dr Shaikha is evident from the fact that she was recently awarded the State of Kuwait Prize for Research in Health Promotion by the world body.

Dr Shaikha has also been member of the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Human Genetics since 2002 and chairperson of the Bahrain National Hereditary Anaemia Society since 1999.

In 2004, she became one of the first women to be awarded the First Class Kingdom Competence Order from His Majesty King Hamad. She was one of four Bahraini women to be nominated by the Supreme Council for Women for the 2008 Nobel Prize. Coming from a family of achievers, she is a staunch advocate for women’s education and rights.

“It’s important that we support women in our country and educate them, as everyone has the potential to excel and serve their country.

The Arab region and Islamic countries cannot develop sufficiently if half their manpower is suppressed and inactive,” she feels.

As for her work, Dr Shaikha hopes that in about five to 10 years’ time, Bahrain will be able to rid sickle cell anaemia entirely. Many more accolades will come pouring in, when that happens.

Dr Shaikha Al Arrayed receiving her award in Cairo

January 2013 |

15

Fashion

Fashion Forward

Don’t miss the top trends this season. If you still don’t know which key pieces to have in your wardrobe, check out our fashionable basics to update your look.

Baroque Inspiration

The 17th and 18th centuries are back with golden brocade detailing, romantic embroidery and bold lace. This complex look, in which more is definitely preferred, is better worn in the evenings. But you can play with this luxurious and gothic theme during the day with these New Look leggings

Suit It Up

Yves Saint Laurent was the first designer to introduce the tuxedo for women in his fashion show in 1966. This season it is back in vogue; some fashion specialists are calling it the new party dress. Chic and versatile, a jacket and trousers can be worn separately. You can pair this Next jacket with a skirt to give a feminine twist.

Colour Blocking

An easy way to put colours together is to choose pieces based upon a well-tried and tested concept.

Two or more colours in dresses, tops, handbags and shoes are a helpful way to run away from the monochrome comfort zone without ending up a strange combination. A dress like this BCBG MaxAzria is all you need to get the look.

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| January 2013

Decorate Yourself Discretion is not the best word to describe this trend. Clothes and accessories are bursting with embellishments. The adornments appear in collars, dresses, shoes’ heels and in bold clutches as this Lanvin yellow precious piece shows.

www.womanthismonth.com

Focus On Volume

One designer trick when developing a new collection is to play with volume. This season, numerous pieces have focused on the waist and hips, adding volume using peplum in tops, jackets or in dresses, such as this Missguided piece.

For girls with pear-shaped bodies, this trend will highlight your hips so use your best judgment before embracing this fashion trend.

Warm and Comfy

With the cooler weather comes a blanket, sofa, hot chocolate, fire place and the old and comfortable jumper. Yes! Your prayers were heard and you are allowed to go out with your beloved sweater. This cute owl pullover is from Debenhams.

Opulent Accessories

Forget about the time when accessories were just complementary.

This season think big and let them rule your look. Even your jeans and shirt can get a casual-chic look by adding an opulent necklace. This Roberto Coin ring can be the final touch you were looking for.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

17

Fashion

What the

Stars

are Wearing

By Fernanda Langhammer

From red carpet events to streets, our beloved actresses made their style choices and we are the ones to judge. Could you pick a favourite look?

Jennifer Garner While out and about in Los Angeles, Jennifer Garner wore Tod’s burgundy loafers. This type of shoes is perfect for a casual and lazy, but well-dressed, day look. The actress really embraced the laziness of its concept; certainly a different top would make a better composition to this look.

Jessica Alba Jessica Alba hit the road with layers of latest trends, putting together a cool and well-thought look. The colours and textures were the main key to turn it into a creative urban-street look.

Salvatore Ferragamo shoulder bag was the best match to this modern mum style.

Michelle Obama Keeping up with her traditional, but up-to-date style, Mrs Obama wore a Michael Kors dress during United State reelection. When looking for a dress to be worn in formal occasion, go for subtle patterns to achieve an elegant look just like the first lady.

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| January 2013

Fergie Fergie arrived at Los Angeles airport wearing a Salvatore Ferragamo, straight from the catwalk, black military style coat with breitschwanz details and gold buttons. The army style is one of the top trends to this autumn/ winter to put on a casual-chic look. www.womanthismonth.com

Heidi Klum Mother of four, the supermodel is always looking stunning.

For MTV European Music Awards photo-call, Heidi Klum chose a black Versace cocktail party dress from autumn 2012 collection and paired it with a Versace gray suede pointed-toe pumps. Thumbs up for the dress length; long legs and over thirty doesn’t go with mini-mini.

Diane Kruger The German actress is the face of Jaeger-LeCoultre luxury jewelry and watches. Diane attended the brand boutique opening in Paris wearing one of the pieces of the new collection and a Jason Wu blue floral jumpsuit with a belt to show off her slim figure. The victory roll hairstyle was the gran finale to her back-laid style.

Berenice Marlohe The new bond girl chose one of the Carrera y Carrera rings to wear to the Skyfall film press conference that took place in Berlin. The tiger head, jewellery piece, is the focal point in her look, following the opulent accessories trend. www.womanthismonth.com

Penelope Cruz The star of the Campari 2013 Calendar attended the cocktail party wearing a red Armani Prive gown with red accessories and matching lipstick.

Penelope Cruz got the perfect ‘lady in red’ character suggested by the colour of the drink.

January 2013 |

19

Glossy

Fashion

Piaget

Valentino, Givenchy and Fendi, amongst others, presented one of the hottest trends for AW12; a timeless piece — faux leather! The perennial material comes in many disguises, from classic shapes to clean silhouettes. We picked two different ways to wear it!

Aldo

Next Massimo Dutti

Carolina Herrera

Jane Norman Dior

Bottega Veneta

Girly Biker

The faux-leather jacket is an icon for bad boys, bikers and rock’n’roll superstars, but it is also in the wardrobe of the feminine, but contemporary, girl. Think out of the box when putting together a strong and wild faux-leather jacket together with a sheer dress; it is just like being in love, when the opposites attract. The perfect match gives a laid-back elegance to your dress code. If you want to stand out, play with colours to get the look you want.

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| January 2013

www.womanthismonth.com

Black Fendi

Accessorize

Juicy Couture

Nina Ricci Stradivarius

Jimmy Choo

Salsa

Pull&Bear

Cat Woman

Skinny faux-leather trousers are a must-have piece to keep in your wardrobe. Their versatile nature enables numerous looks. From party nights to a casual get-together, they can be teamed up with the all-time white T-shirt and flats or, if you can handle it, opt for heels and pull it off with a printed top. Together with some accessories and ‘wild hair’, this look will express your independent view of life. Have fun mixing and matching your wardrobe to ensure the look above. www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

21

Back to Basics

20 Tips

By Maryam Toorani

Running out of trends to rock? Sometimes it is good to stick to the basics. Here is Woman This Month's list of wardrobe essentials that you can wear all year long.

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www.womanthismonth.com

1.

Little black dress. This is your fashion security blanket.

The best thing about an LBD is that you can style it to make it your own. Channelling Audrey Hepburn? Add a set of pearls. If you want a more Anna Dello Russo look, pair your dress with bootees and some chunky jewellery.

2.

Black pumps. A woman can never have too many shoes, that is a given. But one thing that will never go out of trend is a pair of black heels; they can take you from day to night flawlessly.

3. Quality jeans. No closet is complete without flattering, hip-

skimming jeans. Keep two pairs on hand in light and dark tones — just make sure the cut suits your body shape.

4.

Feminine blouse. Enhance your office wear with this wardrobe staple. If you want the ‘rocker chic’ look that your favourite celebrities have been sporting, pair a girly blouse with a leather jacket.

5. Blazer. If there is one item that is an absolute must for a working girl, it has to be a chic black or navy blazer. This gives you a pulled together look without too much effort and can be removed when the temperature rises.

6. Tights. The perfect way to transform a summer dress into a winter

15. Boots. These can make or break an outfit. Choose between flat, over the knee or heeled ankle boots. Better yet, get all!

16.

An everyday bag. If you are looking for an item to splurge on, this is it. Make sure it is a classic tote that will go with everything; something leather would be the ideal choice.

17. Black trousers. Every girl needs at least one pair of work

trousers suit in her wardrobe. To get the most from this essential, select a fabric that would be suitable for both summer and winter temperatures.

18.

Stud earrings. Diamonds are timeless. And what better way to spoil yourself than with a pair of studs. However, if you aren’t willing to max out your credit card, opt for sparkling crystals instead.

19. Cardigan. This cover up goes well over anything; you can wear it over a shift dress and then ditch the extra coverage for a night out in town. Neutral shades are always your best bet when it comes to basics.

20.

Striped tee. This piece is the most versatile in your wardrobe.

The stripped print is a trend that has been around forever and you can never go wrong with it. Pair it with a blazer for work or with skinny jeans and heels for a weekend look.

outfit is to pair it with dark tights. This could also work with shorts and skirts. Accessorise with a scarf and flat ankle boots and you are ready to head out.

7. Sweater. Given that sweater weather is finally upon us, this is

the best item of clothing to sport when you are heading out for coffee with the girls. Choose thin knits, in cotton or wool, to layer easily for versatility and comfort.

8. Pencil skirt. This staple is for the sleek and sophisticated

woman. Someone who has perfected this look is Victoria Beckham and taking notes from the queen of fashion herself has never hurt anyone’s image.

9.

Maxi dress. This long and loungey dress is easy to wear and flattering for all body types. Although it is mostly associated with summer wear, adding a fitted blazer can make it work for winter, too.

10.

Lacy lingerie. Yes, this isn’t something you can flaunt around for everyone, but every woman knows that a pretty lingerie set gives you an instant confidence boost for a big night out.

11. Scarf. This important accessory really pulls an outfit

together. Invest in a chunky woollen one for winter and a printed chiffon style for spring.

12. Coat. The trick with this outerwear essential is finding a style

that suits you, and sticking to it. Trench coats were huge on the runways, as were oversized pieces and the military cut.

13.

Bathing suit. Always have a cute swim suit in hand. With the island’s unpredictable weather, you never know when you will be invited to your next pool party!

14.

Ballet flats. Just as essential as black heels are a pair of comfy flats; especially for those days when you have a glamorous event to attend but your feet need a break from stilettos. www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

23

Fashion

Coach

Custo Barcelona

Zanellato at lemuda.com

Bag

Treasure Accessorize

If you are a woman and shoes are not your thing, then handbags are! There are many styles on the market with an astounding array of materials emerging from all corners of the world.

Bimba and Lola

Nina Ricci

Mango

Jimmy Choo

New Look Dune

Hobbs

Riva

Parfois

Furla

Tod's

Fashion tip:

Don’t match the colour of your shoes with your handbag! It’s much better to express some creativity when dressing up by matching tones.

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| January 2013

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Showcase

Winter Warmers NINE WEST

Prepare yourself for the winter chill by purchasing wardrobe essentials that will keep you looking fabulous and feeling cosy.

T

here is no debate over the fact that the two most necessary items in any winter wardrobe are a coat and a pair of boots and now you can get both at high-street favourite Nine West.

The footwear and accessory shop now stocks a range of coats that have been designed to reflect the season’s trends whilst keeping you warm and dry whatever the weather. Styles include two military-inspired pieces boasting statement buttons and a double breasted chest panel; a postbox red jacket and a multi-coloured style in neutral tones.

Team your coat with a pair of boots from the brand, the choice for which is endless. Opt for thighhigh, ankle, heeled, flat, wedge or even a tasseled pair; depending on your own personal style.

Call 16 686-207 (BCC), 16 686-220 (Seef Mall) or 16 686-228 (Bahrain Mall).

www.womanthismonth.com

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Showcase

Treat your Feet BIRKENSTOCK

A pair of shoes that don’t cause your feet to ache, burn or blister can be hard to come by. Opt for a brand that designs fashionable styles that will support your feet all day long.

T

he Birkenstock tradition of quality craftsmanship goes back more than 235 years. Made only in Germany, the footwear is created using only premium products and materials. Starting with high-grade leather, suede, nubuck and non-leather uppers, the brand dyes its materials all the way through for a lasting look. Birkenstock footwear also includes a unique contoured footbed, shockabsorbing soles and specially designed buckles for years of comfort and durability.

It would make sense to think that a softer and more “cushiony” shoe would be more comfortable. The Birkenstock concept of comfort,

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| January 2013

though, is based on firm, orthopaedically correct support. As with a quality mattress, feet require solid support and correct positioning providing maximum comfort and health.

The Birkenstock footbed Birkenstock footbeds are made of cork and natural latex, and contoured in the shape of a healthy foot. These contours ensure proper weight distribution with raised arches to help support the foot’s natural shape and structure.

The cork/latex blend is pliable and reacts to natural body warmth yielding to the characteristics of the individual foot. Thus long-

term Birkenstock wearers find that the longer you wear them, the comfort level increases.

Cork also has an antibacterial effect, high degree of elasticity and excellent insulation properties. The footbed features proper arch support, a deep heel cup, and adequate room in the toe area — all to help distribute weight evenly for the entire foot. The result is improved posture and balance for greater comfort when walking. It supports you right where you need a firm hold but still gives enough room to move freely.

Call 16 686-201 (BCC). www.womanthismonth.com

Fancy Footwork CHARLES & KEITH

If there’s one wardrobe essential we all need, it has to be shoes. And let’s face it ladies, it’s not too hard to shop for fabulous pairs especially when there are so many options!

E

very modern woman needs a wardrobe bursting with timeless pairs of shoes that can be worn at any event. Look no further than Charles & Keith where the store’s shelves are filled with styles of every variety from heels to flats, boots to sandals.

Each pair is ideal for work wear attire — there are many neutrally-coloured styles to partner with your little black dress or trouser suit, or opt for a sky-high pair of strappy sandals to wear out dancing.

The four-tone peep toe heels that are the epitome of winter style. Slip these on with a pair of sheer tights, a shift dress and an oversized jacket for any occasion.

Finally, slip of a pair on oversized shades to complete your power woman appearance.

Call 17 179-307 (BCC), 17 582-070 (Seef Mall) or 17 682-607.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

27

Beauty News

Beauty

The festivities are over and a new bright year is just beginning; time, perhaps, to embrace a different style. Check out the new products we’ve chosen for you.

Flawless Complexion

Deep Care

Sqoom is an innovative anti-ageing skin treatment system from Germany. It consists of a handheld sonic device that uses medical technology to deliver gels and creams deep into the skin to achieve optimal levels of skin health and beauty. Problems such as sport injuries, over exposure to sun; acnes or scars can achieve good results using the treatment.

Available at leading retailers.

The concept of Clarins’ Skin Illusion Loose Powder is to wear a foundation without looking like you are. It combines a total coverage with the lightness of a loose powder to give the illusion of flawless skin. The best surprise is a brush integrated into the lid to get the right amount of product.

Available at all leading retailers.

Night in Paris

The eyes are the focus of the Paris Blue Moonlight from Bourjois. With strong and vibrant hues of blues spinning with sparkling silvers, it gets depth with dark eyeliners to create the smokey mystery. The lips plump up with a transparent finish and the nails give the final touch with the dark colour of River Seine. Are you ready to party?

Available at all leading retailers.

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| January 2013

Strong Look

To celebrate the night and feel ready to party, dress your eyes with black in a rock’n roll style. Une by Night brings an eye shadow palette to help you achieve the dark and seductive look. It comes with varying shades of black to apply one coat or layers of nuances.

One of the shades has a creamy texture to make it last longer. Available at all leading retailers.

Cheek Lightning

What is the first thing you do when you want to look lively? Pinch your cheeks, right? You certainly have better options. Estée Lauder introduces a new generation of cheek colour with new Pure Color Blush. With a new palette of shades it embraces a diverse range of skin tone, providing an instant dimension and glamour to last all day.

Available at all leading retailers. www.womanthismonth.com

S O S Skin

If you are looking for an emergency kit to treat your complexion’s flaws, Sephora may have the answer. With five formulated products you can get rid of annoying zits, over-visible pores, pigmentation, dark circles around eyes and tired skin. It is a practical way to make your dream of a perfect skin come true.

Available at Sephora.

Versatile Formula BB Cream is a face lotion from Rimmel that puts together skincare and make-up.

It has a 9-in-1 concept with a formula that primes skin, locks in moisture, blasts away the appearance of pores, gives protection with a SPF 25, conceals blemishes, covers skin, smoothes, mattifies and brightens.

Available at all leading retailers.

Sweet Rebel

In Bobbi Brown’s autumn/winter collection you don’t have to choose only one character; you can be strong and smokey or soft and pretty at the same time. The new, limited edition nail polish comes in black pearl to add the rebel side to a ladylike look. Bring up the multiple women inside you.

Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

29

Beauty

Scents Mesmeric

When you spray a perfume on your soft skin you reveal your personality, uncover your daily mood or simply follow the season’s trends. Choose your favourite aroma and express yourself!

Floral Mystique

Miss Dior exalts the feminine aura, highlighting its chypre accords. Richer and more intense, the scent now reveals its sophisticated character with timeless elegance. The fruity top notes are dominated by warm mandarin, followed by a symphony of floral absolutes that includes Turkish and Bulgarian roses.

Available at leading retailers.

Gold Water

Acqua D’Oro eccentrically blends the western romance with eastern warmth. The scents of numerous flowers create a fusion of arabesque attar while diffusing a bouquet of the Occident. The mix of the two concepts will please the most exigent wearer. Available at leading retailers.

Impregnable Wave

This Roberto Cavalli perfume belongs to the ambery floral family. An exuberant and sunny concoction, its top notes are pink peppers, orange blossom and tonka bean. Like Cavalli’s fashion designs, the scent aims to be vibrant and sensual, making a statement from the very first contact.

Available at leading retailers.

Oriental Notes

Angel Schlesser Oriental Soul pays tribute to the Far East through its complex and sophisticated compositions. It has the aromatic vanilla as the indisputable star of its ingredients. The splendour and luxury found in the Orient is perfectly captured in this fragrance. Available at leading retailers.

Dark Essence

The polemic singer launches her first fragrance, Lady Gaga Fame. This Eau de Parfum comes with a clear, black fluid spray that becomes invisible once airborne. The scent is built around three main themes: dark, sensual and light. The addition of Tiger orchid and jasmine tones create a fragrance replete with floral and fruity elements. Available at leading retailers.

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www.womanthismonth.com

JOZ SALON & SPA

Perfectly Made Up

With advent of a New Year, take the time to look after yourself with a rest, relaxation and rejuvenation session at one of the Kingdom’s best-equipped salons.

I

f you are mad about hair and make-up and desire to look fabulous, Joz Salon & Spa should be your number one destination. The all-inclusive beauty parlour comes equipped with a team of experts who will brush, wax and style you into shape leaving you looking like the belle of any ball.

If it’s a make-over you’re after, Nawal Joz, the hot-spot’s managing director, suggests you opt for this season’s most versatile look.

“Choose to coat your eyes in smokey shades, boost your lips with fullon burgundy and give your cheeks a natural rosy-coloured pick me up,” she suggests. “From a flirty pink flush to a bright cerulean wink, a pretty spectrum of attention demanding hues positions you centre stage with the current hottest hair and make-up trends.”

Achieve the complete look and get your nails filed and painted to perfection. Joz Salon & Spa additionally offers waxing, massages, facials, aroma therapy treatments, time in the sauna and a steam bath.

And don’t forget to treat your locks. The hairdressers can flawlessly lengthen your hairdo with extensions, style and treat your hair or simply give you a new look to complement the New Year. Call 17 369-133. www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

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Beauty

Hands A Show of

Take a look at the back of your hands right now. Are you pleased with what you see? It is very common for hands to look older than your face or age. Here’s how you can keep them looking young.

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F

ighting lines under the eyes is the norm these days, especially as they are the first thing someone notices during conversations.

However, are you putting your effort in postponing ageing in the right place?

The truth is that your hands give you away.

You can keep your body fit by eating healthy food and exercising every day. You might even take care of your face with the latest cream or wrinkle-preventing regime.

What you do not expect is the wrinkles and abundance of thin veins that make a sudden appearance at the back of your hand. It has a way of creeping up on you in your late thirties or sooner.

This part of your body has less fat than other regions and, without it, the skin becomes loose.

As if these natural changes aren’t bad enough, most women don’t protect their hands from the sun. This allows the increase of age spots.

Steer clear If you start giving the same care to your hands that you give to your face, you can minimise the action of time. Putting sunblock every day, particularly here in the Middle East where we have sunlight almost all year long, is the first step.

At least once a week, exfoliate the back of your hands to remove dead cells, thus allowing the hydration cream or moisturiser to penetrate into the skin. Anti-ageing products with specific ingredients that tackle ageing issues in this specific area are available in beauty care outlets.

Take care Don’t panic if you just noticed unwanted marks or a bony appearance. Visit your dermatologist to discover new treatments to wash your worries away. Some of the techniques may be a little intense like injecting fat to fill in the empty area and achieve natural volume.

If you don’t want a hand lifting, you could inject specialised gels to hydrate and improve skin structure and elasticity. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. The disadvantage of this procedure is that while fat injections are permanent, this one lasts for six to eight months.

For brown spots, you can find creams and laser applications that penetrate the topmost layer of the skin and banishes the marks. In the process, they stimulate collagen production.

Be wise Ageing is an undeniable fact of life. It happens to everybody. How each one of us faces it is what makes us different. You don’t have to become a slave to “beauty”. Nonetheless, your external appearance shows how you treat yourself. Remember, to love yourself is the first rule to live this life happily.

On the shelves: Philosophy Take Shelter Bioderma Atoderm Cream

Thanks to its ultra-rich, restructuring active ingredients, this cream strengthens the cutaneous barrier, thus curbing the penetration of irritants. Enriched with anti-dehydrating agents, it holds the water in the upper layers of the epidermis and prevents it from evaporating.

OPI Manicure Skin Renewal Scrub

The natural ultra-fine waterdissolving sugar crystals gently exfoliate away dryness to leave hands smooth and glowing.

Meanwhile, the deep penetrating olive oil derivative produces natural AHA within skin to speed cell turnover for younger-looking hands.

www.womanthismonth.com

Aptly named, this sunscreen is the perfect environmental shield. The SPF 50 in this product protects your skin from the sun’s harsh rays and pollution. It also boasts ingredients designed for antioxidant defence.

Guerlain Super Aqua-Hands

The non-greasy hand crème instantly penetrates and hydrates the skin. It regenerates and protects it against the effects of time and from damaging UV rays thanks to the SPF 15 formula.

It removes age-spots and blemishes.

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream

With sesame oil and fortifying Japanese mulberry, this cream forms a protective ‘glove’ that shields hands from harmful elements, minimising signs of ageing.

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Social Butterfly

Al Hawaj Perfume Launch

Al Hawaj & perfume giant J del Pozo held an event to mark the launch of the J del Pozo lastest Desert Flowers Collection in Bahrain. The event was held at the Al Hawaj outlet at Bahrain City Centre. The launch was attended by Al Hawaj & Sons chairman & managing director Jawad Y. Al Hawaj, and J del Pozo representatives Waad Bachour, Javier Bacallado & Yasser Daadouch

Jawad Y. Al Hawaj, centre, with J del Pozo & Al Hawaj officials Javier Bacallado, Waad Bachour, Vanessa Rodrigues & Yasser Daadouch

Sameera

Paul, Evlyn & Helen

Afaf & Sumaya

Inspired by babies – Pioneered by Medela

2-Phase Expression ® Breastpumps based on research ■ NAT URAL Feel like real breastfeeding ■ CO M FO RT ABLE Are more gentle than traditional breastpumps ■ EFFICIENT Reduce pumping time thanks to faster and maximum milk flow

SwingTM

HarmonyTM

Electric breastpump – small and gentle but quietly strong

Manual breastpump light and handy, but discreetly powerful

Pump In Style®Advanced Electric breastpump – a «must-have» for active mums to pump, store and cool breastmilk

AVA I L A B L E Muharaq

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Arad

IN

ALL

MAJOR Arad

PHARMACIES Tubli

IN

BAHRAIN Dana Mall

Saar www.womanthismonth.com

Areej & Mayyan

Areej Rajab Art Exhibition

Areej Rajab held an exhibition of her art at a show titled 'Ten Toughts' last month. The exhibition was held at Saffron 2 in Muharraq Sameeh, Maram, Areej & Hala

Mishal & Noor

Dr Jihan & Sameera

Pierre & Veronica

www.womanthismonth.com

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35

Social Butterfly

ILA Event At Ramli Mall

The Indian Ladies Association (ILA) held a mural painting event by children with special needs at Ramli Mall Members of the ILA with the children who participated

Cap

Eman, Abdul Aziz, Rashish & Naila

Bikky & Tanu

Farhan & Sejal Aysha & Archana

0057 KeyGal Ad 125x191 concept.pdf

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1

11/12/2012

07:21

Raka, Jayashree & Suvasini

www.womanthismonth.com

Diya during her performance

Diya's Arangetram

Diya Vasant Kanchan, daughter of Aruna & Vasant Kanchan, performed her Bharatanatyam Arangetram (debut performance) at Ramada Palace Hotel. Diya is a student of Indian Institute for Performing Arts (IIPA) and she has been learning Bharatanatyam under the able guidance of her Guru Shobha Ramachandran

Diya with grandmother Sulochana Suvarna, parents Vasant & Aruna and brother Nikunj Diya with IIPA principal Mr Ambilikuttan & her guru

Diya with her guru Shoba Ramachandran

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

37

Seeing Stripes

Home

By Elma Bartholomew

Patterns continue to be big in 2013 in the world of interiors. Leading the troop are stripes, in all sizes and colours. Here are our tips to master the trend without going overboard.

O

wing to its simplicity and limitless options, there is hardly a more undemanding trend to apply to your home than stripes. It lets you play with dimensions and transform dull rooms with a single item. It helps you change a living space without changing much at all. The trick to using it in home dĂŠcor is similar to your wardrobe rules. As the eyeengaging pattern is so directional, it can help create an illusion with the size of a space.

@home

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| January 2013

Dos and don’ts A place we often forget needs beautification is the kitchen. A subtle way of adding some colour to this space is by using striped linens. You can also take this trend on a bigger level to the dining room. Table settings can liven up this area more than you can imagine. @home offers amazing sets of cloths, placemats, runners and napkins.

Opting for striped table runners can instantly make a short table appear longer. For the same reason, avoid using them on long tables.

Why not leave the stripes to the crockery? A large plate with colourful concentric circles can make a great centrepiece. For a more simplistic yet fun touch, you could use dinner sets that boast a hint of stripes closer to the edge. However, stay clear of striped everyday water and wine glasses.

While striped walls are acceptable, striped floors are definite no-nos. Unless you want people to be dazed and ignore the rest of the interior, this is something you should avoid. If you like the effect of the pattern on a floor, opt for a rug.

It is impossible to think of stripes and not think of Paul Smith. The rugs from the designer are perfect for the theme. A trick to making a couch look wider and thus more spacious is to place the rug closer to its edge.

Stripes help pull disjointed solid elements together. If you are one of those who adore one-tone spaces, a graphic-striped rug is all you need as you can see with Crate & Barrel.

The chic cool grey walls are well complemented by the grey and white rug which anchors the space in an understated manner. www.womanthismonth.com

Those choosing the trendy DIY method of decorating will find that seat cushions are a great way to add colour and pattern to your room. An advantage is that it can be easily changed when your mood shifts in the next season.

A favourite is the striped pouf and Freedom seems to have an attractive collection of these beauties. A funky chair can make a lot of difference, whether it is for the dining table or the corner of a living room. Roche Bobois offers an exciting range in fruity tones. If you don’t want to get a whole set of chairs, draping a striped throw over those at home gives a similar effect. Check out the variety at BoConcept.

Adorn walls, shelves or the mantel with striped frames which draw focus to photos. A horizontal pattern, however, pushes your eyes toward other collectibles. For a more creative touch, you could pick up Audrey Hepburn’s stunning picture from THE One.

Zara

In the bedroom Striped bedding has been a people’s favourite for ages. However, this is very tricky to pass off as elegant. Stripes might be popular, but it is also difficult to avoid crossing the line and moving into a realm of tackiness.

You don’t want your bed to look like giant pyjamas. Pick horizontal stripes, preferably like those available in Zara Home, which have an added benefit of making your bed look wider, and therefore more inviting.

Keep it at the foot of the bed for a stylish

look. Never treat a striped blanket like a slipcover as the lines get displaced.

A reverse effect would be using striped pillows on your bed, or in any other cosy corner. Mix it up a little so they don’t overwhelm each other. Even one solid colour can make the pattern on the others more striking.

Add little touches of stripes around the room with accessories like vases and jars.

Zara Home has a lovely selection of these pieces which work best on antique tables.

BoConcept

Freedom

Crate and Barrel

Roche Bobois

THE One Paul Smith www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

39

Pursuitof

The

Wellbeing

Happiness

By Alison Coldridge

If you find it a struggle to shake off your New Year blues there could be a reason. An increasing amount of people are displaying symptoms of a relatively unheard of disorder that occurs during the winter months.

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www.womanthismonth.com

Who does it affect?

Those who live in areas where the winter days are short are more prone to displaying signs of SAD; however, there are many other types of people who are susceptible to it.

“Studies have shown that the disorder occurs in females more than males and in those aged between 15 and 55 years,” explains Dr Waiel.

“Furthermore, if a family member has been diagnosed with SAD, your chances of having it are increased.”

T

he New Year can be tough for many of us.

It marks the start of another 12-month cycle; the thought of which can be a hard pill to swallow. The days seem longer thanks to dark afternoons, we’re all carrying a little bit too much festive weight and the next holiday seems light-years away. So it’s understandable that many people don’t consider themselves happy during January. Often being unhappy is misconstrued as feeling sad, lonely and possibly even suicidal, but what about just feeling ‘blah’ and unmoved by the world?

However, there is a large amount of evidence from psychologists about a disorder that explains this gloomy mood that occurs during the winter months, called Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly abbreviated to SAD). The experts believe this illness to be spurred primarily by insufficient exposure to sunlight, which has been linked to carbohydrate craving, weight gain and sleep disturbance – sound familiar?

Experts suggested a possible theory depends on a lack of sunlight. “Sunlight determines the amount of serotonin the body produces and it is the brain chemical that regulates the body’s circadian rhythm,” outlines Dr Waiel. “On the other hand, the brain often gets out of sync with the sun because of winter’s shortened days. There is more of the melatonin hormone that is usually secreted at night. This can affect the sleep/wake cycle and other rhythms that make people unhappy, tired and in low spirits.”

The symptoms Our expert: Dr Mona El Gezery, consultant psychiatrist at American Mission Hospital. Most people get unhappy moments due to circumstantial reasons, or sad events, yet they cope with their sadness and eventually snap out of it. “Depression on the other hand is an illness with specific symptoms and signs that break the patient’s will, needing treatment in most cases,” explains Dr Mona. There are a number of identifiable symptoms that present themselves when a person is suffering from SAD. “These may include a consistent difficulty to wake up in the morning, morning sickness and a tendency to oversleep,” the doctor lists.

“People with SAD also tend to crave carbohydrates, which can lead to significant weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks and withdrawal from friends, family and social activities. Some patients also experience a decreased sex drive.”

The personality of a patient with the disorder will also alter and he/she may become irritated very quickly.

The cause Our expert: Dr Waiel Alani, consultant psychiatrist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

SAD is a type of depression that affects a person during the same season each year.

There is no definite cause for winter blues but SAD is a possible theory. “It is a type of depression that affects a person during the same season each year,” says the doctor. “If you feel low in the winter, but much better in spring and summer then you should get tested for the illness.” www.womanthismonth.com

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Wellbeing The treatment Our expert: Dr Michael Terman, director of the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Research shows that the first steps to overcoming SAD should be lifestyle changes and self-help treatments.

“Make sure you get more sun and light exposure even inside the home,” says Dr Michael. “Also it’s recommended that you are more social and take up outdoor activities – perhaps get a dog so that you walk it for an hour each day. Your diet should be altered; eat foods containing Vitamin B1, B2, B12 and Omega 3 in addition to folic acid.”

Drug treatments If more subtle amendments don’t work, those with SAD may be advised to begin a course of medication. Antidepressant medications are generally suggested which have been proven to show benefits in some patients. However, there is another emerging type of medicine that has been approved.

“In 2006, Wellbutrin XL became the first drug approved specifically for SAD in the US,” Dr Michael says.

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“The effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL for the prevention of SAD episodes was established in three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in adults with a history of major depressive disorder in fall and winter.

In these trials, the percentage of patients who were depression-free at the end of treatment was significantly higher for those on Wellbutrin XL than for those on placebo.”

Light therapy Bright light therapy is another treatment path that some doctors opt to take with SAD patients. “This method has been investigated for over two decades in well over a thousand patients,” explains Dr Michael. “A treatment regimen for bright light includes a level of 10,000 lux for 30 minutes daily upon awakening.

The apparatus uses a bank of high-output fluorescent bulbs that are shielded behind a smooth diffusing filter that eliminates all UV radiation as a safety measure. The lights tilt towards the eyes from above, minimising unpleasant glare. SAD patients who used the light box upon awakening have been found to do significantly better than those who use it in the evening.”

Beat the New Year blues It isn’t uncommon for a lot of people to feel low during January after the festivities of the holiday season and this doesn’t mean that you have SAD or are clinically depressed. Instead you may feel less energetic, less productive, have less control over your appetite and require more sleep. If this is the case, you probably don’t need to pay your doctor a visit, but instead help yourself with simple tasks that will keep you invigorated. l Keep yourself busy: don’t mope around.

Starting a new hobby is a great way to meet new people. l Get fresh air: brave the cold and go outside whenever possible to let your skin breathe. l Eat correctly: your diet affects your mood so ensure you eat well-balanced meals. l Don’t overdo alone time: spend time with other people for fresh conversation and inspiration. l Laugh and have fun: never say no to anything and enjoy yourself! Life is too short to worry too much.

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Laughter is the Best Medicine

There is a new health fad taking the world by storm; it’s one that will leave you gasping for air.

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e’ve always heard that laughter is the best medicine and it looks like a growing proportion of people are taking literary meaning from the popular phrase.

Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary technique conceived by Dr Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai. Since he launched his very first club in 1995, the fad has now spread across more than 70 countries despite no promotion strategies.

The global phenomenon is a unique body-mind exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yoga breathing. As bizarre as it sounds, there is a scientific notion behind it.

Research shows that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, so a person can get the same physiological and psychological benefits. In fact, the worldwide buzz around the idea had encouraged a number of universities from across the world to perform clinical research on the matter. Their studies prove that laughter does actually lower the levels of stress hormones in the blood. www.womanthismonth.com

Reap the rewards Today, there are more than 6,000 social laughter clubs in around 60 countries. Not only is a positive energy promoted, but the sessions have proven to increase blood flow and oxygen to all the major organs as well as enhance endorphin levels which make us feel uplifted.

Studies also suggest that continuous laughter can stimulate the immune, digestive and cardiac systems as well as reduce stress levels and relax muscles. In India, Laughter Yoga has even been introduced in a number of high profile schools and is also gaining popularity in corporations as a means to improve staff performances at the workplace.

It may sound like an awkward form of exercise, but participants insist that it is only initiated as physical activity but once the group dynamics come to play, it turns into genuine laughter and a good time.

Over the years, people from around the world have reported significant general health

improvements. In fact, many have felt a reduction in the frequency of respiratory infections like common cold and flu while others reported overcoming depression and even relief from chronic medical problems.

Laughter in Bahrain

The concept was first introduced in the island in 2003 by KM Thomas, a certified laughter instructor who had recently been trained by Dr Madan Kataria himself.

Thomas has held a number of sessions through his KCA Laughter Club which was the first of its kind on the island.

World Beat Fitness Center has recently joined the craze and started classes.

Sessions are held on every second and fourth Monday at 8pm every month in KCA Laughter Club and every second and fourth Saturday at 4.30pm in World Beat Laughter Club.

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Showcase AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL

Reduce the Pressure We all know the preventative measures of high blood pressure, but what happens when you find out that you have it?

Dr Shahid Khan

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igh blood pressure can be extremely problematic, therefore, it’s an issue that we should all work to combat.

“The treatment goal is to have your pressure below 140/90 and even lower if you are suffering from other conditions like diabetes or kidney disease,” explains Dr Shahid Khan of American Mission Hospital’s internal medicine department.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an effective first step in taking control of your life. “Although we believe that the cause of hypertension is mostly due to genetic reasons, high salt diets, lack of exercise, alcohol and smoke intake are risk factors and so these are the very first things we tackle,” the doctor adds.

However, for many, a lifestyle change isn’t effective in keeping pressure controlled and it may be necessary to add medications. The subscribed pills are tailored to the individual needs of each patient and they can range from Diuretics, Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB) and many more.

“Diuretics, sometimes called ‘water pills’, work in the kidney and flush excess water and sodium from the body,” Dr Shadhid says. “Beta-blockers are medications used to reduce nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels, making the heart beat slower and with less force. The CCBs keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, which in turn causes the blood vessels to relax and pressure to drop.”

Call 17 248-110 or 17 248-121.

C&G MEDICARE

Feel Liberated

When a woman invented an apparatus to help her own mother combat stress urinary incontinence (SUI), she hadn’t foreseen such success.

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stablished in 2006, C&G Medicare Ltd specialises in the field of urology and gynaecology. Since its inception the company has grown steadily supplying its own branded products, including the international award-winning product IncoStress, in European, Australian and Canadian markets. The company aims to provide innovative and useful solutions to continence problems whilst educating the public of the associated conditions.

CEO Gaynor Morgan looked on helplessly for years as her own mother suffered with stress incontinence, until the day they decided to find a solution by making their own homemade product to control it. Now the self-funded C&G Medicare Ltd not only offer the world’s largest range of pessaries but also run a non-profit project, helping women and men find solutions to their incontinence and pelvic floor problems.

Pessaries have been used for centuries to manage urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse and the technology has reached its peak of convenience and comfort with IncoStress.

“Men and women who experience incontinence and prolapse issues often don’t know where to turn for help,” says Gaynor. “C&G can help them find the right doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or specialist in their area, enabling patients to receive immediate attention. We also offer training on its use and provide medical staff with sizing sets for accurate patient sizing.” Visit www.candgmedicare.com.

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Skin Tight BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

Dr Hala Al-Abetah

If you’ve been contemplating getting a ‘little work’ done you can now roll back the years with one of the most effective and non-invasive laser treatments the country has to offer.

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oing under the knife is no longer the only way to look younger. A new technology called Thermage has been proven to tighten and lift the skin without the need for surgery. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy to create a uniform heating effect in the deep dermis. This gentle heating tightens existing collagen and stimulates the production of new collagen. It reduces wrinkles and achieves lifting of the brow, cheek and jaw line.

“The skin tissue tightens due to the immediate collagen contraction followed by gradual tightening,” explains Dr Hala Al-Abetah, dermatologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. “The result is a more youthful appearance and it can be used on the face, eyelids, back of the hands as well as the chest and neck.”

Treatment results can last as long as two www.womanthismonth.com

years; studies have also indicated that the beneficial changes to skin collagen can still be noticed even after the given time period.

However, as with virtually all skin restorative techniques, including surgical facelifts, the original ageing symptoms may slowly return as you grow older and the effect of the sun damage your skin.

With no downtime, a patient can return to their day-to-day activities immediately after the procedure.

“You can apply makeup immediately after the treatment session. Minimal redness is seen in some patients, but it generally disappears within hours,” continues the doctor. “Bruising and discomfort are rare and occasionally mild swelling is noticed after the procedure, but disappears in two or three days.”

For someone who is between 30 and 50 years

old, one session can be enough. Those over 50 would need to plan two treatments six months apart for optimal results with maintenance sessions every one to two years.

Another plus is that Thermage is very compatible with fillers, with some reservations of course. If you have permanent fillers like silicone or Artecoll, the doctor recommends using Thermage over or near the filler.

“Unlike plastic surgery, there is no bruising,” she adds. “There is no need to interrupt any medications or to do any fasting the day before treatment and it is safe. Radiofrequency energy has been used in operating rooms all over the country for more than 25 years.”

The Thermage device has been cleared by the FDA for cosmetic indications with studies having shown a very small incidence of minor and temporary side effects. Call 17 812-000.

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Parenting

Coaching and

Psychometrics

Dr. Clare Beckett-McInroy and Kerri Ann Wood

Each year thousands of students drop out of 6th Form and university, or transfer to a different course, due to lack of quality, professional career advice as well as self-awareness.

Similarly, many adults are in jobs that they are unhappy with, where their potential is not fully utilised. Equally, women are often unclear about themselves in terms of who they really are, what they want and how they are going to live their life.

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any women want more from their career or need a clear ‘life purpose’ as their children get older. These are the same emotions that teenagers feel when they are embarking upon course and career decisions.

What can you do? How can you help your child choose the career and life they want?

How can transition be eased?

Effective solutions include working with objective, qualified and experienced career guidance professionals, as well as using psychometric profiling appropriately.

Knowledge of strengths, personality traits, abilities and learning styles means informed decisions about career and course selection.

Sound advice and accurate evidence goes further by ensuring best culture-environment fit, as well as taking into consideration family, financial and other important factors in these all important decisions.

Students’ career choices are sometimes squashed inadvertently by parents due to lack of motive (motivation) and talent (ability) alignment. What this means is, even if your child is able to become a Doctor, Banker or Lawyer, if this is not the field that they really want to study, they may be good at it, but will they really be happy? No. This demonstrates how important it is to look at all the variables when making course and career choices.

What are psychometric tests?

Psychometrics is concerned with the measurement of various human abilities and attributes using various instruments, particularly questionnaires and tests. The use of psychometric tools is very popular in areas such as selection and recruitment, professional, team and personal development, guidance and leadership.

Each year many students could avoid dropping out of their undergraduate courses or changing their A level and IB options if they took a psychometric test that ensures informed, impartial advice. It’s uncomfortable catching-up to others who have already started or staying behind until the next year has started.

And this means that many parents could also save a lot of money by ensuring they invest in a test for their children too! Tests can highlight careers that have not been considered, therefore, opening possibilities.

Ultimately, a career choice that links abilities and personality traits is a career that you will be happy in and also suitably challenged! It also opens up communication between you and your child, which is very helpful as some children do not feel confident raising a different career, that does not fit with parental expectations.

In the recruitment process there are a number of ways to distinguish between applicants, www.womanthismonth.com

however, most have problems attached to them.

Interviews can be governed by bias and prejudice of the interviewer, references can be vague and application forms may not be filled in objectively by the applicant and so on.

Psychometric tests are designed to be fair and objective and free from personal bias and prejudice. The tools used give comfort to the users as there is no right or wrong answer. They allow different people to be assessed under the same conditions so comparisons can be made.

You can’t compare the interview of two different people, for example, if they were not asked the same questions under the same conditions.

Some people use zodiac signs, others use feng shui or gut reaction and others hire family or friends because they should and/or because they have trust in their performance. Some students choose a course because of the weather in that location or its prestige.

Decision-making is very subjective and although powerful, psychometric tools should not be used in isolation as they are one measure. They are more effective when used alongside other measurement tools, such as interviews and can help minimise the costly mistakes of hiring the wrong person, or otherwise making a poor decision. Likewise, 360 degree ‘feed forward’, a term coined my Marshall Goldsmith, voted Number One Business Thinker this year, is important too. So feed forward, as opposed to feedback, where feed forward looks at what someone wants more of, is positive and highlights the future as

opposed to the past.

In short, the views of parents, teachers, colleagues and friends as well as professionals in the field in relation to where markets are going and employability in a particular field, should also be involved in decision-making.

There are a number of uses for psychometric testing; perhaps the most common is in recruitment and selection of staff. They are also used within organisations to identify training needs, team building and talent among other things.

They are also being used heavily in graduate selection for training programmes and more and more for course and career selection from the age of around 14 and for personal development.

Many organisations, such as Sony, have designed programmes and trained staff internally then weaved psychometrics and coaching through their organisation, making them a company of choice. The Royal Air Force (RAF) in the UK use psychometrics during their fighter pilot training to determine how each recruit would react under different conditions.

This is not designed to exclude, but offers trainers a better understanding of how best to focus on each person’s needs. It has been calculated that this saves the RAF thousands of pounds by identifying development areas that can be worked upon.

Basically, psychometrics can be used in any situation where accurate measurements of skills, abilities, personality or where other human factors are important before making a decision.

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Parenting Can tests be faked?

It is very difficult to fake an ability test without knowing the correct answers; personality tests are a little less robust but most have built-in mechanisms to detect when someone is trying to distort the results.

The Morrisby Profile, one of the two best test batteries on the market for course and career selection, is a very hard to fake, due to the nature of the items contained within the test.

The personality aspects of the test have little face validity; therefore, it is very difficult to guess what the question might be measuring and to consequently give the answer you think the test giver wants to hear. This faceto-face test, which takes around three hours, produces a profile of abilities, personality types, interests, preferred work styles and learning styles. Subsequent discussion of the results help students and adults make informed choices, realise aspirations, achieve success and satisfaction in their careers, and increases motivation.

This particular test has been used by Xerox, Bank Of Ireland, University of Bath and other prestigious universities, as well as many international schools and the Crowne Prince’s International Scholarship Programme (CPISP) in Bahrain.

The other leader in the field is Saville Consulting’s MY Self, which provides an insight into behavioural effectiveness at work and the career areas that your particular strengths are likely to fit. It identifies strengths and challenge areas while using both normative and ipsative (rating and ranking), which increases reliability and validity.

This option is completed in 30 minutes on-line and usually has a two to six day turnaround time, followed by feedback by a Level A and Level B (ability and personality) psychometrist registered with, for example, the British Psychological Society.

Whereas, in recruitment it may be particularly important to get as ‘high’ a score as possible in certain areas to distinguish yourself from the other candidates, in career guidance the more ‘honest’ you are the more accurate and valid the results will be for you. Of course, these tests can pick up when candidates are being overly confident.

An added bonus of taking a test is that as many organisations and graduate training programmes use them for recruitment and selection and so you will be ahead of the game in terms of knowing the type of questions that will be asked.

Sometimes people take tests and hear the results. This is an informative, reflective and ‘nice’ experience. However, the most important part is using the data and discussions to move 48

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forward, identify development areas and act upon the results accordingly. This part seems to be the missing link on many occasions, especially in this region.

Furthermore, talent management and retaining the best staff and students are areas that need addressing not only from within organisations and institutions but also by individuals. Career choice and development can only happen effectively from within, by you and your child being clear about what you both want, as well as the steps and deadlines to ensure you get it.

Psychometrics testing is recommended for children only after the age of 14.

What about career coaching?

Coaching is a relatively new profession. The great benefits of coaching and psychometric instruments are not fully appreciated by all HRM professionals, managers and students alike. Few people really understand what a coach can help them achieve and how valuable the experience will be as it impacts on so many parts of life.

Many clients come with specific problems they have that they want to ‘fix’. However, coaching enables clients to understand their bigger concerns whilst getting in touch with their values. Career coaching sessions are loosely structured and flexible, usually ending with some sort of enquiry, challenge or action.

Coaches demonstrate empathy, don’t make assumptions and are non-judgmental as they enable and facilitate action. By combining

coaching with psychometric profiling, the results are a great starting point for discussions while both you and the coach discover an accurate picture of what you really want.

Using psychometric tools can reduce the time spent with an employee when coaching as the first few discovery sessions are reduced as both the coach and has the client have an overview of where that person actually is and a clearer focus.

In short, psychometric tests and career coaching, with qualified and experienced professionals, are cost effective in relation to career choices! Just like having a coach in the gym, you work harder, achieve results quicker, are more committed to action and are accountable.

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Column

Kawasaki Disease

Is high fever just what it seems to be or is it the first sign of Kawasaki disease, the poorly understood illness found in children aged below five years?

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arents fret about meningitis, malaria, jaundice and dengue. Very few have heard of Kawasaki disease and most doctors have never seen a case. This is an imperative diagnosis that must not be missed in a child suffering from fever because treatment within the first 10 days of illness may prevent acute and long-term coronary artery damage, which on rare occasions can be fatal.

Diagnostic obscurity arises because many of the early clinical features of the disease mimic other more common self-limiting febrile illnesses. To make an early finding, doctors should have a high index of suspicion in an irritable child with five or more days of fever, irrespective of other clinical features.

What is it?

Kawasaki disease is a serious illness characterised by causing blood vessels throughout the body to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to complications in the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen).

Inflammation affects the blood vessels of many tissues in the body including the hands, feet, whites of the eyes, mouth, lips, throat, lymph nodes and skin. It is therefore also known as

mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.

About 72 per cent of patients are under five years of age; children over eight are rarely affected. The condition was also shown to be one-and-a-half times more common in boys than in girls.

It is very rare for more than one child in a family to develop this disease. The majority of cases had been diagnosed in winter and early spring. Nevertheless, it has been concluded that it is not contagious. It can, however, occur in all racial and ethnic groups; mostly seen in Japanese and Korean children.

The cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown, although an agent like a virus is suspected. Without treatment, about 25 per cent of affected children can develop heart disease involving the coronary arteries, resulting in those vessels’ enlargement (dilation or aneurysm formation).

Up to five per cent of the affected experience heart complications. In about one per cent of cases, the complications can be fatal. Because of this, the condition has become the leading cause of acquired heart disease, when the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted.

Timely diagnosis, hospitalisation and treatment which usually include intravenous gamma

globulin (a solution of antibodies) and a high dose of Aspirin are highly effective in preventing coronary complications.

Kawasaki disease cannot be prevented, but if it is diagnosed and treated promptly, most children will make a full recovery within six to eight weeks. Less than two per cent of children die from this syndrome. If it is recognised and treated within the first 10 days, they have a less than four per cent risk of coronary artery damage.

Early symptoms include: • Fever that lasts for five or more days • Rash, often worse in the groin area • Red, bloodshot eyes, without drainage or crusting • Bright red, swollen, cracked lips • “Strawberry” tongue, which appears with shiny bright red spots after the top coating sloughs off • Swollen hands and feet and redness of the palms and soles of the feet • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck • Understandably, children with these symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and irritable.

For feedback, comments or questions contact Dr Jinan Darwish via email at: editor@womanthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com

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Travel

In Search of

History

By Elma Bartholomew

Go back in time with a trip to one or all of these three destinations, all favourites of history buffs around the globe. We take a look beyond the typical Great Wall of China, forts in India and castles in Europe.

Petra, Jordan

The Low-down: The giant, red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race have nothing in common with modern civilisation and are appreciated as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by nature and man. Nothing really prepares you for this amazing place.

Petra is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2,000 years ago.

X-Factor: The Treasury is merely the first of the many wonders that make up Petra. You will need at least four or five days to really explore everything here. As you enter the Petra valley you will be overwhelmed by the natural beauty of this place and its outstanding architectural achievements. There are hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs with intricate designs. Here also is a massive Nabataean-built, Roman-style theatre, which could seat 3,000 people. There are obelisks, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets, and high above, overlooking the valley, is the impressive Ad-Deir Monastery — a flight of 800 rock-cut steps takes you there.

Best For: Photographers. Sights are at their best in early morning and late afternoon; when the sun warms the multicoloured stones, you can view the majesty of Petra as it was seen first when rediscovered in 1812 after being lost for almost 300 years.

Share the excitement the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt would have felt on his first visit as you enter the narrow gorge of Al-Siq, the secret entrance to Petra. After winding down this great natural cleft for over a kilometre, the sudden impact of the view of the Treasury is as strong every time.

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Machu Picchu, Peru

The Low-down: The Incan built structure has been deemed “Lost Cities” — unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911. It’s no wonder Machu Picchu is Peru’s most-visited site. Dating to the mid1400s, it is a marvel of mortar-free limestone architecture perched on a high plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle. It is tangible evidence of the urban Inca Empire at the peak of its power and achievement.

The complex of palaces and plazas, temples and homes may have been built as a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for ruling elites. The ruins lie on a high ridge, surrounded on three sides by the windy, turbulent Urubamba River some 2,000 feet below.

X-Factor: Hikers, tourists, and the early explorers describe similar emotions as they climb their way through the Inca Trail. Many call the experience magical. Glancing out from the Funerary Rock Hut on all the temples, fields, terraces and baths seems to take you to another time.

Blending in with the hillside itself, many say the area creates a seamless and elegant green paradise, making it a must for anyone who travels to Peru. Despite this great tourist influx, the site manages to retain its air of grandeur and mystery.

Best For: The adventurous. Although you can get there via train from Cusco, there is a more daring way to get there. If you aren’t fainthearted, make the trip on foot via a multi-day hiking trail — you’ll travel through deep Andean gullies and enjoy stunning views.

Angkor, Cambodia The Low-down: It’s an uphill-downhill journey of emotions that you will experience when you take a trip to this unique site.

You are either floating in a realm of spirituality at Angkor Wat mesmerised by its heathenish aura; or you are sinking into the depths of what could be defined as hell on earth at Tuol Sleng which reeks of the depressing past of the Khmer Rouge.

Angkor, in Cambodia’s Northern Province of Siem Reap, is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over approximately 400 square kilometres and consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures and communication routes. With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilisation.

X-Factor: Temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, exemplars of Khmer architecture, are closely linked to their geographical context as well as being imbued with symbolic significance. What is believed to be the world’s largest religious building, the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat is the heart and soul of Cambodia. It is the national symbol, the epicentre of Khmer civilisation and a source of fierce national pride. Soaring skyward and surrounded by a moat that would make its European castle counterparts blush, it is one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever conceived by the human mind. Unlike the other Angkor monuments, it was never abandoned to the elements and has been in virtually continuous use since it was built Best For: Art enthusiasts. Angkor Wat is famous for having more than 3,000 beguiling apsaras (heavenly nymphs) carved into its walls. Each of them is unique, and there are 37 different hairstyles to check out.

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Food

Baker’s Dozen

By James Claire

It would seem we survived the Mayans’ prophecy and have thus been relegated the task of weaving our way through yet another year, this one perhaps the baker’s dozen itself.

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ome say the number 13 is lucky.

Perhaps the thirteenth year of this millennium is based on the old belief of weights and measures, where the term ‘baker’s dozen’ originated and not so much about just pure luck. Maybe this is the year we owe to weigh up our existence; to shore up the loss of recent years.

In the time of King Henry VIII, wheat was expensive and so to ensure that bakers did not sell bread too high in price or con people on the size of their loaves, bread was legally required to have a predetermined weight and price. Bakers, therefore, would often give a thirteenth loaf or roll for free to ensure that

weights were never short of the required laws.

Considering recent years here, I have come to think that rather than being scared of 2013 over some ancient superstition, I am optimistic that this will be an amazing year for us all — a bonus year so to speak. This is a year to add up for all the shortages we have had in recent years, when things never quite panned out as we expected. This is our ‘baker’s dozen’ year — the equaliser, the catch-up year.

With the obvious reference, I have also decided to offer recipes of bread. Considering they are based on just water, flour and yeast, the staple food item comes in a wide variety of styles and types; all equally delicious.

Ingredients: 50ml milk, warm 2 eggs, room temperature 75g unsalted butter, melted 450g plain, all-purpose flour 5g salt 100g caster sugar 15g dried yeast 75g unsalted butter, softened 90g cream cheese, softened 60g unsalted butter, softened 200g icing sugar, sifted 2-3 drops vanilla extract pinch salt 210g brown sugar, lightly packed 20g cinnamon, ground

Brown sugar rolls

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

Place the eggs, warmed milk and the dried yeast in an electric mixer. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes. l Add the butter, the sugar, the salt and finally the flour. l Mix to a dough slowly and then mix on higher speed for 4 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. l l

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Remove the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow the mixture to double in size in a warm area. l When doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. l Roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1cm in thickness. Melt the remaining butter and brush it across the entire top surface of the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar cinnamon mixture on top. l Starting from the furthest edge away from you, roll the dough forward into a rolled log. l Cut the rolled dough into 12 even portions and place them, rolled end upward, on a baking tray, with pieces fairly close together. l Cover with a moist cloth and let rise until nearly doubled in size in a warm area. l Bake the cinnamon rolls in the oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. l While rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Brush this frosting on the warm rolls before serving immediately. l

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Put the mashed potato, warm water, yeast and honey into a small bowl and mix together with a hand whisk. Leave the bowl in a warm place for 20 minutes so the yeast can start to work. l Place the yeast liquid, wholemeal flour, salt, olive oil, bakers’ flour and second amount of water into a mixing bowl. With a hook attachment, bring the mix to a dough form. l Mix for at least 8 minutes to develop the gluten. l Leave the dough in the bowl in a warm place until it has increased to double in size. l Put the dough on a lightly-floured tray and pat it flat with floured hands to a 4cm or 1 inch thickness. l Press your fingertips into the top of the dough and sprinkle with the olive oil, chopped thyme and rosemary and grated parmesan. Leave in a warm place until double in size. l Bake in a hot oven at 220 degrees Celsius until golden brown or for approximately 25 minutes. l Remove from the oven and let it sit on a cake wire stand to cool. Serve it cut into slices for sandwiches. l

Foccacia bread Ingredients: 125g mashed potato 250mls warm water 20g dry yeast 1 tbspn honey 200g wholemeal flour 1 tspn salt 2 tbspn olive oil 550g plain (all-purpose) flour 300g water For the topping: 80mls olive oil 1 tspn thyme, chopped 1 tspn rosemary, chopped 3 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

50g red capsicum, roasted and peeled 10g salt 10g parsley fresh thyme and sea salt, for garnishing after cooking For the base, put all ingredients in a bowl and add the water. Mix together with your hand to form the dough. l Tip dough out on to a lightly floured table top and knead for 5 minutes. l Make a ball and place back into the bowl.

Cover loosely with cling film and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size. l When ready, tip dough out on to the table top and roll into a ball again. l Cut into 12 small even balls and roll them out on a lightly floured bench to about 12- 15cm in diameter. l To make the za’atar topping, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and season to taste. l Top each base equally with the za’atar mix, spreading evenly. l Bake in a 220 degrees Celsius preheated oven for 7 minutes or until golden brown.

Finish with fresh thyme and sea salt (optional). l

Za’atar bread Ingredients: For the bread dough: 300g pizza flour 6g salt 3g caster sugar 4g instant dry yeast 40ml olive oil 165ml cold water For the za’atar mix 200ml olive oil 50g za’atar powder

www.womanthismonth.com

Brioche

Ingredients: 60mls milk 7g dry yeast 10g sugar 500g plain (all-purpose) flour 1 tspn salt 6 eggs (large) 250g unsalted butter, softened Warm the milk in the microwave for just a few seconds to make it warm, but not hot. l Stir the dry yeast and the sugar into the milk and stir until the yeast has dissolved. l Set aside for 30 minutes and allow the yeast to start to froth. l In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, add the sifted flour and the eggs along with the milk- yeast-sugar mixture. l Mix gently to a dough and then add the salt and continue to beat strongly for 5 minutes more. l Rest the dough covered in the bowl for 1 1/2 hours or until double in size. l Add the butter in small pieces and beat into the dough piece by piece until the dough has accepted all the butter. l Wrap this dough in plastic and refrigerate overnight. l Shape the dough into a loaf while still firm and chilled. l Place in a well-oiled baking tin and allow to rise again until double in size. As it is cold, it can take up to 2 hours. Brush with a beaten egg and bake at 200 degrees Celsius until golden brown or for about 25-30 minutes. l

January 2013 |

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Campaign

Life-Changing Work

By Alison Coldridge

Make it your new year’s resolution to help out wherever you can. Involve yourself in one charity’s various campaigns and help make a difference to someone else’s life.

T

he Palm Association, through fund-raising events and donations, raises money with the aim of helping Bahraini women who have found themselves struggling, due to circumstances including the death of a spouse, divorce, disability or illness. The organisation, conceived in 2000 by two expatriate ladies, makes a difference in needy families’ lives through a number of ongoing projects.

Whilst donations may be made in cash, this is never passed on to the families as it is; instead all of the money given is used to pay for appliances, food, building materials or equipment — items that will aid these needy families’ lives.

Current campaigns The Palm Association has three ongoing projects. Feed a Family includes the distribution of food boxes on a monthly basis. The programme allows the associations’ volunteers to provide and deliver food parcels every month to needy families throughout the Kingdom.

Each family has been highlighted as having financial difficulties by contacts within local communities. Families are assessed regularly and any whose situation improves are removed from the programme and a new family added. All the food items are purchased at wholesale prices, and each food parcel contains basic non perishable items including rice, flour, dried milk, and sugar. The packages are kindly made up and

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| January 2013

packed by a local supermarket free of charge and delivered using the associations’ own transport.

Another venue called Project Rebuild focuses on home improvements and donations of large electrical appliances. The volunteers visit various villages around the island to help rebuild parts or even entire houses so that they are safe for families to live in.

Finally, Educational Endeavours focuses on providing learning opportunities to those who would not normally be able to afford higher education. The association has a “Sponsor a Student Scheme” at Bahrain University wherein local private schools and individuals raise funds to cover the educational expenses of those who struggle financially.

How you can help You can donate either your time or money or indeed raise money — anything is appreciated. While we are currently facing the colder weather in the Kingdom, you can opt to contribute warm clothing or blankets to those who may not have either.

Show the value of giving to your child; suggest that he or she donates the money that would be spent on birthday party bags. All small gestures go a long way!

Visit www.thepalmassociation.com. www.womanthismonth.com

10 Tips

Make Them Stick!

By Maryam Toorani

We all get swept away with the promise of a fresh start. But how many of us actually keep our New Year’s resolutions? Here are tips on how to make them stick.

1. Make a plan

Take on anything in life and you need to be realistic. So make a plan, a clever one! In this case, keep your budget in mind. If your resolution will be taking a toll on your wallet, chances are you will soon give up on it.

2. Be specific

Don’t generalise. Instead of a vague ‘lose weight’ or ‘be social’ aims, get a gym membership or make it a point to catch up with your friends every Friday night.

3. Break it up

Make a number of short-term goals that will help you reach the main one. Breaking it up to a weekly or daily set of activities can make things much easier and attainable.

4. Set a deadline

Giving yourself an actual day where you would expect to see results keeps you on your toes.

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| January 2013

For example, for travel, you need to have saved this amount of money by this date. For a new fitness regime, you need to have lost five kilos in two months.

5. Talk about it

Tell your close friends and family about your plan. This sets your resolution in stone and gives you motivation to not back out once things get a little hard.

6. Reward yourself

When you reach your short term goals, it’s OK to give yourself a pat on the back. Treat yourself to a shopping spree or a relaxing massage.

7. Track yourself

Track your activities and how much progress you have made so far. This helps determine if you are still on your way to achieving your resolution, or if some amendments need to be made.

8. Ask for help

If you have a pattern of making and breaking resolutions then maybe it is time to bring some one else in on the plan. Ask a spouse, family member or a friend to keep you in check and help with your tasks.

9. Don’t give up

If something interferes with your deadlines, don’t just give up. You may get some obstacles that will derail your goals but you need to accept it and find a way to overcome it.

10. All about perspective

Resolutions are individualised. Think big if you are in a slump; a new adventure, a break-up or a new job. But a radical change is not for everyone — look for everyday steps that could help you grow.

www.womanthismonth.com

Showcase

Strong and Silent EUROMOTORS

Innovation meets with practicality in the new model from Land Rover. The seven-seater car oozes sleek style and is packed with technical functions that will enhance your driving experience.

T

he LR4 from Land Rover is just what you want from a luxury vehicle. It’s reliable, stylish, equipped with every function and gadget you can imagine and boasts a powerful yet near-silent engine.

The LR-V8 petrol engine provides outstanding power, torque and refinement and harnesses the latest technology to deliver outstanding drivability and performance. Inbuilt terrain technologies help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve fuel consumption and an intelligent power management system includes smart regenerative charging so the battery is charged when it is most economical to do so.

Short front and rear overhangings provide exceptional ground clearance, adding to the car’s off-road capabilities. The driving performance is further enhanced through the four-corner electronic air suspension which maintains a smooth, constant ride despite the amount or distribution of the passengers. www.womanthismonth.com

As many as seven adults can comfortably travel in the LR4, due to the generous legroom and wide-opening doors for easy access. All of the seats can be folded down should you wish to fill your car with other items.

The interior is coated in leather to offer optimal levels of comfort. Meticulous attention has been given to the design and detailing and the materials used are premium and durable.

Fine details, such as double stitching on the facia add to the vehicle’s prestige.

From the position of the driver’s seat you have a wealth of options at your fingertips. The instrument panel has a five-inch Thin Film Transistor display that shows the important vehicle information. This display can be personalised using a simple menu system controlled by the thumb controls on the steering wheel. Switches for other functions, including cruise control, remote audio and phone, are conveniently located below the thumb controls.

On the entertainment touch-screen you can view five angles surrounding the car to optimise your awareness and road safety.

Choose the radio station you wish to listen to or select a TV channel for your passengers to view. Additional options include plugging in your iPod, a USB device or using Bluetooth, plus you have the option of recording everything that is said in the car in case you take an important phone call and need to remember the details.

Three panoramic sunroofs are placed on the three rows of seats in the car, providing natural light for all the passengers. Cool off by grabbing a drink from the cool box positioned between the driver and passenger seat.

The LR4 is available in 13 eye-catching colours including new Baltic blue and Fuji white shades. Choose from finishes featuring shimmering chrome particles, deep rich metallics or bold solid colour. Call 17 750-750.

January 2013 |

57

Showcase

Frost Yourself BANSRI JEWELLERY

Drape yourself in luxury and select exquisite gold and diamond pieces from a quintessential Bahraini jewellery house.

B

ansri Jewellery boasts a huge collection of jewellery that every woman — no matter her age or taste — will love.

Pear, heart, princess, cushion or oval; however you like your diamonds, you will find what you want at the jewellery house. Years of expertise and modern technology have placed Bansri at the forefront of diamond design in the Kingdom, providing beautifully-set pieces for both the modern and classic woman.

Rings, necklaces and bracelets are in abundance in a variety of styles, colours and price ranges. The diamond choices are suitable for occasional, regular or formal wear and complement any chosen outfit.

Shop for cute silver charms for children and

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| January 2013

teenagers; select the styles that are meaningful to the receiver and let them build up a personal bracelet that will hold memories for years to come. A Hello Kitty charm is a popular choice and there are many others to select from.

For the more mature lady, browse the range of modern and traditional pieces. Select from gold and silver and choose a single statement piece. Or spoil someone completely with a luxe three-piece set, inclusive of a necklace, ring and matching earrings.

Bansri additionally stocks brooches, pendants and other accessories, which will serve as that perfect sentiment for any loved one.

Call 17 229-457. www.womanthismonth.com

YAQUBY STORES

Mess, Be Gone!

Start the New Year as you mean to go on; invest in a cleaning aid that will keep your house looking spotless in no time at all.

Powerful,

battery-powered sweeper brush.

with up to 60 minutes of cordless cleaning timeEdge brushes for cleaning along baseboards and in corners.

1. Up to 60 minutes of cordless cleaning time 2. 7.2 volts of power

B

issell’s Perfect Sweep Turbo Cordless Rechargeable Sweeper is exactly what domestic goddess’ worldwide have been looking for.

The powerful, battery-powered cleaning solution provides a convenient and easy way to pick up daily dirt and unexpected dry messes in between routine vacuuming.

It works wonderfully on small annoyances such as crumbs, cat litter and debris dragged in on shoes from outdoors. You save yourself the hassle of getting out the vacuum cleaner or trying in vain to make a dust pan and brush do the job and instead clean the mess extremely quickly and easily.

Since the rotating brush is battery powered, it can quickly sweep up debris large and small with little effort on your part. With a slim design, the Perfect Sweep Turbo is ideal for leaving sitting out, or in a nearby closet for quick pick-ups throughout the week.

Since the sweeper also has edge brushes and a 60-minute cleaning time, you can keep up with dirt build-up along baseboards and in corners too.

The appliance is simple to use with an easily removable top-loading dirt container and it’s completely safe to use onof carpet, rugs and hard floors. Call 17 582-250. www.womanthismonth.com

3. Easy-to-remove, top loading dirt container 4. Safe on carpet, rugs and hard floors 5. Perfect for in-between cleanings

Yaquby Stores Seef Mall & Bab Al Bahrain TEL: +973 17210956

January 2013 |

59

Showcase GULF PHARMACY

Nurture Your Skin

Dry skin is to be expected during the colder months, an ailment that can easily be solved with a good moisturiser. Dry heels, however, need a more specialised treatment.

F

lexitol Heel Balm is an international market leader in foot care. Its unique formula contains 25 per cent urea in a highly concentrated, moisturising base to soften cracked heels and feet.

The combination of emollient ingredients actively replenishes moisture deep below the surface of the skin, promoting a visibly healthier skin in just three days of application.

Its non-greasy texture is easy to use and free from SLS and Parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and L-arginine ingredients used give the balm an enhanced effect and exfoliating properties and the medically-proven treatment is diabetic friendly.

To protect both your hands and feet, try Flexitol’s Hand Balm that has a nourishing formulation developed by dermatologists to soothe itchy, irritated skin while protecting from damaging agents. The formula has been fortified with Vitamin E for replenishment from the first application. Unlike other lotions and creams, it is richly formulated, so a little goes a long way. Supple lips can also be maintained with the brand’s conditioning balm. The effective moisturiser locks water in while simultaneously nourishing the skin using a blend of components that includes urea and cocoa butter. Call 17 877-107 or visit www.gctbahrain.com.

GRIMAS

A Show-stopping Look

The experts behind a leading professional make-up brand talk to Woman This Month about how to achieve a fabulous make-over with no damage to the skin.

T

he product range from Grimas professional make-up is full of options.

The collection complies with catwalk trends and ensures you have all the tools you need to look flawless for any big event you have upcoming. Plus, the brand specialises in theatrical and dramatic make-up with bold lashes, glitters and a huge variety of high-pigmented eye shadows.

Devised by a group of experts, the team knows a thing or two about the importance of a woman’s daily make-up routine. “First, moisturise your skin before any make-up application to hydrate and protect your skin,” advises Laila Dashti, Grimas’ marketing manager.

“Hide any under-eye dark circles or blemishes with a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin.

Next, apply a generous coat of mascara to open up the eyes and finally apply a lipstick or gloss to give a hint of colour.”

For women with dry or sensitive skin, Laila suggests the use of liquid or cream-based foundation.

“All of these Grimas products are paraben, chemical and fragrance free and will not irritate the skin,” she adds. “Alternatively, those with oily skin should opt for our water-based foundation. It has a velvety, matt finish that will remain all day.”

The brand will celebrate the New Year with 15 per cent off the entire product range, so now is the time to reinvent yourself for 2013!

Call 77 005-983.

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| January 2013

www.womanthismonth.com

Digital Symphony AMBASSADOR STORES

Attractive wood cabinets and Yamaha’s legendary heritage in craftsmanship make the Arius range the premier name in entry-level console digital pianos.

P

erfect for beginners and experienced players alike, the Arius series from Yamaha provides true piano sound and feel, breaking boundaries when it comes to digital pianos, combining classical notes for an outstanding playing experience. In fact, if you’re familiar with playing or practicing on traditional acoustic instruments, you may not even be able to tell the difference.

In tune with the ages Yamaha incorporated their high-tech sampling system to achieve the full sound of a concert performance that reacts to everything from the softest pianissimo to the strongest fortissimo. So whether you play the notes www.womanthismonth.com

smoothly and quietly, or with power and depth, it will respond accordingly.

With dynamic stereo sampling, a weighted keyboard and beautiful sound, it offers a musical experience like no other. Moreover, the damper pedal includes a half-damper effect, giving you nuanced expressive control over the sustained sound. Dual voice capability lets you play two different instrument sounds at the same time, while a two-track song recorder allows you to capture your original musical ideas and performances.

A sense of power Aside from utilising the renowned brand’s sophistication, this model also delivers remarkable

expressive power by seamlessly blending Yamaha’s authentic tone and natural touch. The graded hammer keyboard makes it a true joy to play both in practice and in performance and its matte finish of the black keys enhances the keyboard’s luxurious appearance.

Users can choose between the hard, medium or soft setting to match their own playing style or finger strength. Making it even more personalised, the sensitivity can be turned off for a fixed response setting, which is ideal when playing the organ.

Unparalleled in their beauty and musical range, the Arius series are the ultimate expression of the piano makers’ art.

Call 17 225-513.

January 2013 |

61

Horoscopes

Star

Gazing Find out what January has in store for you…

Raphael

Capricorn December 22-January 20

For many of you, the next few weeks are set to be some of the most momentous (in a positive manner) of the year as you embark on a course of life-changing events that will see you emerge as a completely different person by the end of it. It is also going to be a time of goodbyes for some and there may be a few tears of sadness thrown in with the joy and successes to come.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

For some of you, January will be an emotional rollercoaster ride with highs and lows of such extremes that you could be forgiven for thinking your life had become a theme park attraction.

However, the truth of the matter is that you will enter the next few weeks having seen a really special relationship change forever and your feelings might be unsettled because of it.

Pisces February 20 - March 20

If one word sums up what many of you are feeling this month it would have to be “dissatisfaction”. Recent family disputes have left you on edge and forced you to re-evaluate much of your life. Put simply, you’re just not happy with things as they stand any more. Of course, the simple answer is to enforce change but this is likely to be more difficult in practice.

Aries March 21 - April 20

Just recently many of you were guilty of neglecting a friendship and this might lead to a few uncomfortable moments when you do finally get to see each other.

Generally, you are quite a sociable animal but this inclination to turn away from someone you respect might have something to do with a deep insecurity that you are finding difficult to wrestle free and confront.

Taurus April 21 - May 21

Work is proving to be quite a bind this month as you find yourself swamped beneath endless piles of paperwork and demands from those around you that just don’t show any signs of letting up. In part it is your own fault. However, it’s never too late to change things around. Stick by your guns and ensure you put yourself first for a change.

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Gemini May 22 - June 21

Never afraid of a new challenge, the next few weeks could see many of you throwing yourselves into a project with gusto and enthusiasm. In truth, you are more than capable of holding your own in this situation. Your only difficulty could come from overconfidence.

Cancer June 22 - July 23

Home life has been quite tough for many of you just recently. How you resolve this problem could go a long way to determining how the remainder of this year pans out for you. On the work front, you are tempted to switch professions but fears about the unknown and also what you actually want to move into are holding you back from making any kind of decisive move.

Leo July 24 - August 23

If ever there was a sign made for the limelight it was yours and this month will see you soaking up the attention like a sponge as a successful project launch results in much praise from your superiors at work. This will put you in a good position to bargain, especially if you are looking for a pay increase or aiming your sights higher within the company.

Virgo August 24 - September 23

This month passions will be stirred by someone you are working closely with. A few weeks down the line you could find yourself waking up with a smile on your face out of sheer disbelief and perhaps in some ways that is justified since you never quite expected to let yourself go with this particular person. Enjoy it for what it is because you never really know when it might come to an end.

Libra September 24 - October 23

It might not seem like you have made much headway over the last six months but if you just reflect upon what has actually happened since the turn of the year, you may be pleasantly surprised at how far you’ve gone. Part of the problem with your sign is that you are always looking for new challenges and this means you never quite appreciate what you have here and now.

Scorpio October 24 - November 22

Sometimes you can be too stubborn for your own good.

Even when people are telling you the right thing to do, you dig your heels in and refuse to budge. Consequently, even when you discover that a complicated issue can be resolved by writing a simple correspondence (carrying with it the added incentive of a financial benefit for you), you still don’t jump at the chance as one might expect.

Sagittarius November 23-December 21 Money really is too tight to mention this month as financial strains leave you juggling with pennies and scrambling around for solutions. Part of the issue lies with a recent drop in your income that means what you have coming into the house no longer matches what is going out. You need to address this quickly — even if it means taking some professional advice.

www.womanthismonth.com

Listings

S E G A P K IN

Pink pages

Damas Jewellery 17 583-283 Devji Jewellery 17 224-170 Dior Boutique 17 534-160 Kooheji Jewellery (seef) 17 530-411 Swarovski 17 581-021 Yaquby Stores 17 171-800 Cafes and Coffee Shops Pineapple Spa 17 712-000 A Piece of Cake 17 596-055 Princess Palace Salon 17 691-221 Dar Al Bareh Café 17 713-535 Regency Therapy 17 208-355 Al Bindaira Café 17 587-587 Bahrain Taxi/Limo Services Ritz-Carlton 17 586-808 Aroma Café 17 582-711 Bahrain Limo 17 266-999 Sparadise Spa & Salon 17 313-131 Café La Ventana 17 716-711 London Taxi 17 461-746 Sheraton Hotel Spa 17 533-533 Café Lilou 17 714-440 Saudi Bahrain transport 17 321-218 Tip Toes 17 744-175 Café Vergnano 17 178-408 Speedy motors service 17 682-999 Zoya Beauty Centre 17 740-800 Camille’s Sidewalk Café 17 533-808 Hospitals and Clinics Health and fitness centers Caramel 17 797-087 Al-Kindi Specialised Hospital Banyan Tree Spa Al Areen 17 845-000 Casa Blu 17 710-424

17 240-444 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Cinnabon 17 530-010 Al Marafi Clinic 17 585-373 Curves 17 691-496 Costa Coffee (Adliya) 17 749-299 American Mission Hospital 17 253-447 Diplomat Hotel Spa 17 531-666 Delifrance (Budaiya) 17 696-031 Bahrain Defence Force 17 766-666 Dessange Health Club 17 713-999 Dolce Vita Restaurant Bahrain Specialist Hospital 17 812-000 Ez Fit Sportsplex 17 692-378 & Coffe Shop 17 713-401 Dr Enas Surgical Clinic 17 812-195 Equilibre 77 066-033 Don Vito 17 714-464 Dr Tariq Hospital 17 822-822 Fitness First 17 564-005 Dulce Café 17 822-274 Dr Mostafa, Bahrain Psychologist Futureshape Fitness 36 657-059 La Maison du café 17 277-722

36 317-033 Kangoo Jumps 39 411-407 La Chocolate (Seef) 17 582-259 East Riffa Maternity Hospital 17 771-258 La Figure Aesthetic Center 17 785-153 Lilou Pâtisserie 17 715-370 Geriatric Unit 17 320-969 Le Mirage Health Club 17 531-666 Little Caesar’s (Pizza) 17 744-144 German Skincare Clinic 17 722-696 Life-Fit 33 001-261 Friends Café 17 713-732 Haffadh Dental Hospital 17 311-180 Mövenpick Hotel Health Club Maggie’s Café 17 712-228 International Hospital 17 598-222 17 460-000 Maya La Chocolaterie 17 179-610 Jidhafs Maternity Hospital 17 550-022 Pars Health Club 17 814-777 Med Café 17 713-088 Muharraq Maternity Hospital 17 322-911 Profile Fitness Centre 17 727-766 Motorox Café 17 592-583 Noor Specialist Hospital 17 260-026 Regency Health Club 17 208-355 Skyalk Café 17 363-999 Psychiatric Hospital 17 279-300 RJ’s Health Club 17 727-230 Studio Ceramics 17 599-026 Royal Bahrain Hospital 17 246-800 Sheraton Fitness 17 533-533 Fashion and retail Salmaniya Medical Complex 17 288-888 Sketchers 16 686-212 Al Aali Mall 17 007-270 Sitra Maternity Hospital 17 730-758 Sofitel Thalassa Sea and Spa 17 636-363 Accessorize 17 581-588 Therapy Centre 17 592-401 Sporting Club, Ritz-Carlton 17 580-000 ABS 17 583-140 Western Region Maternity 17 631-627 The Pole Workout 39 259-552 Agent Provocateur 17 131-220 Beauty Centers and Spas World Beat Fitness Center 17 612-576 Aldo Accessories 17 179-247 Al Arrayed centre 17 272-323 Aerobics BCBG Max Azria 17 587-875 Ann Beauty Center Spa 17 623-704 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 17 178-670 Bebe Bahrain Massage Centre 17 264-064 Regency Health Club 17 208-355 17 245-736 Brands for Less Bahrain Wellness Resort 17 795-961 World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576 Camaieu 17 179-767 Bellacura Beauty Lounge 17 364-955 Women’s Organizations Celine 17 179-560 Beauty & Nails Salon 17 717-323 American Women’s Ass. 17 685-882 DC Love Brands 39 521-952 Beauty Spot 17 611-888 Australasian Group 3 9101-348 Dior 17 534-160 Bliss Spa 17 742-222 Awali Ladies Association 17 678-947 Gap 17 178-607 Bodyline Spa 17 793-932 Business Women’s Soc. 17 721-188 H&M 17 179-885 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Hamad Town Ass. 3 9449-222 Karen Millen 17 583-335 Celebrity Salon 17 232-944 Indian Ladies Ass. 17 531-468 Mango 17 582-864 D.Done Salon 17 794-441 International Ladies Group 17 825-865 Max Mara 17 530-815 Dessange Spa 17 713-999 Madinat Hamad Society 3 9643-396 Michael Kors 17 178-630 Diplomat Spa 17 525-237 Pakistani Women’s Ass. 17 791-453 Next 17 179-820 Elie & Jean (Ritz Carlton) 17 580-885 Young Ladies Society 17 262-237 Nine West 16 686-207 Futoon Beauty & Fitness 17 777-994 Jewellery Promod 17 178-630 Happy Hair Salon 17 712-075 Al Zain Jewellery (Seef) 17 582-232 Punt Roma 17 172-307 Joz Salon and Spa 17 369-133 Ambassador Stores 17 225-513 Reiss 17 179-386 La Fontaine Spa & Pilates 17 230-123 Asia Jewellery (Sheraton) 17 535-344 Salvatore Ferragamo 17 178-535 Lavida Ladies Saloon 17 259 055 Bahrain Jewellery Centre 17 582-444 Top Shop 17 179-486 Lovely Lolita 17 540-101 Bansri Jewellery 17 229-457 Nice Nails 17 795-101 Bvlgari 17 582-559 If you want to be included in these Novel Beauty Salon 17 791-222 Chopard 17 520-088 listings, please email editor@ Palace Bride Saloon 17 742-210 De Beers 13 320-568 womanthismonth.com Perfect Nails 17 484-333 Dalil Jewellery 17 259-744

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www.womanthismonth.com

January 2013 |

63

WoMentality

Dear

Marriage 2.0

By Hard-headed Woman

Thanks to technology, we have updated everything over the past few decades. Yet, marriage which continues to fail at an alarming rate has never had an update. Are we failing thanks to a bad copy of a flawed design?

W

ith all the updates and downloads, new versions of old programmes and the latest technology everywhere, I am a little shocked that despite our modern ways and our drive to modernise everything, the age old practice of marriage has not changed.

Today, just like centuries ago, partners walk down the aisle in front of witnesses to

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profess their love and commitment to one another.

Nevertheless, I read an article recently about the staggering growth of divorces and separations in Europe.

Ten years ago the rate was 200 per 1,000 marriages, now the rate with separations and divorces together is closer to 600 per 1,000 within the first ten years of marriage.

Why then do we bother? Why do we waste the money?

Why do we promise “through sickness and health, through richer or poorer, for better or worse”, when few of us believe them and fewer will honour the words?

Is it an ego-driven addiction that we must have pomp and circumstance surrounding our love to show off to our friends the wealth we have and the happiness we dream of? Or is it just a silly addiction like smoking? Facts prove that it’s going to harm us, but we do it anyway.

To avoid disorder in society; we must have order, laws and rules; or we would all do as we pleased and seven billion people on earth would just go rampant. However, following a system which is proven to be flawed would seem to me a superfluous act, and as a single woman, a waste of money to an extent and a contrarian act at that.

We just aren’t the people we were decades, centuries and millennia ago. Weddings were a great idea when life expectancy was 30.

The majority of us don’t believe in the things our parents did. We don’t have the same values. We seek personal freedom and happiness over “doing what’s best for the kids”. None of us really cares for what society thinks, if we are married or divorced. Most of our friends are separated. So who’s to judge?

It is a sad reflection of where we are going as people.

We want the fairy tale so badly that we follow our heart over what our brain screams at us.

We walk down the pretty little aisle, invite all our friends to impress them, speak the same old words of centuries ago, sign away our lives on an irrelevant piece of paper called a marriage license, throw the rice and open gifts like this fairy tale will last forever.

Perhaps, what we forget is that these fables end with six final words — and they lived happily ever after. We never truly get to see if they did or not, or for how long forever was. Even the final few words of the story are enchanted after all. We say we “believe” in weddings and “marriage”. All the same, do many of us understand what the white dress refers to and how many of us are as pure as it signifies?

A friend of mine is a chef. His business was once busy with just birthday cakes and wedding cakes. Today his range has extended to divorce, separation and annulment cakes. He’s happy with the state of current life. Our misery makes him busier.

As a single girl still hoping that the fairy tale exists, I am sadly beginning to feel that it does not. What I am beginning to believe is that someone needs to write a new programme and download it.

Marriage 2.0 would be a best seller and hopefully provide some answers for the generation ahead.

Otherwise, I fear marriage will simply become a thing of the past, a side-show attraction one can only find in Las Vegas. Perhaps, that’s exactly where it belongs — in a town built on dreams. www.womanthismonth.com

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