Woman This Month - January 2015

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | PEOPLE | WELLBEING | PARENTING | LOCAL ISSUES

January 2015 | Issue 143 | BD1 / SR10

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GET READY 2015 FILMS, BOOKS TV AND MUSIC

HOME

SPICE UP YOUR WALLS

STYLE WINTER WARMERS

YOUR WAY

T0 WELLNESS OUR HOW-TO GUIDE

EXCLUSIVE

MUNEERA OBAIDLI #hungryforjoy

JANUARY 10

SHOPPING

06 Editor’s Choice: New year, new things 09 Pick of the Month: Geometry rules 10 Pop Culture: Get excited 13 Retail Therapy: What’s new on the retail scene

FASHION

14 Fashion Forward: Middle mode 16 Style Radar: What the stars are wearing 18 Get the Look: Boy meets girl 20 Now & Then: Two versions, one icon 23 Trend: Bundle up

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PEOPLE

25 Ella Prakash: Beautiful pain 27 Jenny Randria: Little clothes 28 Community: On women in crisis

FEATURE

29 The Feel Good Guide: Muneera Obaidli, food, spas and more

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BEAUTY

38 News: The latest products in the stores 40 Tips: Organic goodness 42 Review: Skin solutions 44 Advice: Nightmare hair

LIFESTYLE

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47 Colour of the Year: Find out 48 Home: Up the walls 50 10 Tips: A fountain of ideas 53 Column: Think outside the box 56 Wellbeing: Brain drain 64 Travel: Set your sights on Sri Lanka 66 Food: Out with the old, in with the new 70 Horoscope: What to expect this month 71 He says: Laugh at yourself 72 She says: Perspectives

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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.

Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address provided on page 4. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

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responsible editor JUBRAN ABDULRAHMAN chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial consultant STAN SZECOWKA editor GEORGIE BRADLEY fashion and beauty editor FERNANDA LANGHAMMER contributors ANKITA MAMGAIN BEHNAZ SANJANA DR JIHAN DARWISH GEORGE R VAUGHAN HANNA MOORE JAMES CLAIRE creative director ANDRE BIGG print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics ROMEO SAN MIGUEL media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED circulation KATHERINE LAO photography editor AISHA SIDDIQA photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN

EDITOR’S NOTE

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t’s always an uphill struggle getting back on form again.

Despite the clean slate that the new year brings, the leftovers from the season can make even the most rock hard discipline crumble – but that’s OK according to Muneera Obaidli. She tells us (flip to page 30) why messing up is one of the best ways to improve your eating habits and sustain a healthier regime. And since we’re being good to ourselves, we've bumped up this issue with lots of ideas and tips to a better way of life in our guide on page 29.

You’ll notice we’re beating the January blues with some serious pampering at the best spas on the island – give us mosaic tiles and some steam and we’re set. And in the spirit of the new year we’ve added a new fashion page.

Because we love the sartorial icons of yesteryear, our fashion and beauty editor Fernanda pulled together the fashion highlights of Jackie Kennedy Onassis along with updated picks for you in the first of our ‘now & then’ style series on page 20. We’re going to be updating a few more pages in the future – mainly to get you all more involved because we love what you bring to the magazine – so till then, I’m off to sizzle in a sauna.

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

Here’s to a great year!

Woman This Month is here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle. bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: wtmeditor@rhm.bh website: www.womanthismonth.com

Nike

New Balance

Georgie Bradley Editor

Reebok

I used to stick to your solid black, white and grey trainers; but now I’m thinking: all black gym gear and a pop of candycolour at the bottom. I’d love to say a pair of statement kicks will make you go faster but just get these neon brights on and hello happy feet!

published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

January 2015, issue 143 On the cover: Muneera Obaidli

Follow us on: @woman_this_month @WomanThisMonthB Woman This Month

4 January 2015

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letters

Write Here Write Now

Get in touch by email, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

Letter Woman This Month you have done it again, I was guilty of almost all of last month’s ‘Makeup Don’ts’, but now this one page make-up bible has taught me enough tricks to help me look great for Christmas. The trick about lip liner was particularly helpful as I often struggle to use it and make it look flawless, now I know that I need to buy lip coloured liner and not harsh dark colours like I used to.

Also, since purchasing a lip brush my lipstick appears more smooth and makes it look much neater, I believe lipstick completes an outfit and that article helped me perfect the skill and has given me the confidence to go out and wear it well.

Claire The most liked on WTM's Instagram @woman_this_month

Thank you Woman This Month for putting the pages on how to dress to impress with black colours. I especially liked the kimono from Mango as the details are very fun. It will be my party season outfit for sure.

Alia I loved the Amal Al Mulla feature from last month. Her designs are unique and I thought her concepts were very beautiful.

It’s great to see young Bahraini designers going places.

Fatima

WINNERS

If you are a nail aficionado, WTM is giving you the chance to click and post a picture of your beautiful nail art. The picture that gets the most likes will win a surprise gift. To enter the competition, like our WTM page and post the nail art picture in the comment and using the hashtag #WTMContest.

Two winners will be chosen and will receive a dine in voucher at the K Hotel.

We want to hear your thoughts on Woman This Month. Write to us at wtmletters@rhm.bh www.womanthismonth.com

January 2015

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The K Hotel invited guests and media to attend the lighting of its Christmas Tree at the hotel’s lobby. Children from different schools were also invited to celebrate with Christmas carols and meet Santa Claus.

Yolker, Hussain & Bilal Carolers

Sheryl, Muna & Romina

Santa doles out the presents

Yolker addresses the guests

World Diabetes Day at Amwaj Islands In honour of World Diabetes Day, the Gulf Diabetes Specialist Centre organised the World Diabetes Walk-a-thon at The Lagoon in Amwaj Islands. The walkathon was held under the theme ‘Diabetes: Protect Our Future’.

Zainab & Fatema

The walkathon participants

Andrea, Cheryl & Jen

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Ahmed & Nabeela

Abdulla, Abrar, Amal & Ramla

Rahim, Shaheen, Abdul Hameed & Ahmed www.womanthismonth.com

SHOPPING | editor's choice Punt Roma

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MIND, BODY AND SOUL

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With the new year comes the promise of a more balanced life, hopefully upheld with some resolutions! Whether you’re out to find a new hobby, lose weight or slow things down a bit, take advantage of the moment.

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1. Tank top: Bershka 2. Trousers: Juicy Couture 3. Cherry cushion: Cuckooland 4. Cushion: Debenhams 5. Bicycle: Funked Up 6. Grey T-Shirt: Oysho 7. Herbal pot: Wilko 8. Outdoor lounger: Fiore Rosso.

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Sitra Showroom 17 736 222

www.motorcity.com.bh

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

As the largest and most prestigious jewellery exhibition in the Middle East, regular high profile participants – international jewellery houses and watch manufacturers – introduce their new collections and limited edition pieces at Jewellery Arabia. | Bucalleti Press Preview |

Patrick, Mohammed, Luca & Puiling

| Savelli Press Preview |

Valeria, Alessandro & Annabelle

| Officine Panerai Press Preview |

Mohammed & Marise

Lama, Khaled, Melvin, Sally & Gaby

| Aigner & Escada Press Preview |

Deepak, Adel, Mohammed & Narish

| Beedz Press Preview |

Farheen, Marise, Roberta, Rahma, Georgie & Hannah

| Oris Press Preview |

Hussain, Abbas, Mohammed, Alan, Abul Qassim, Karim, Claudine & Nowshad

8 January 2015

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SHOPPING | pick of the month

Rhythmic and Effortless Tiffany has got someone new in its blue box! With the company in the hands of its first ever female designer, the high-end jewellery brand has an edgy collection.

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s Francesca Amfitheatrof steps into the design director role, she celebrates her position by creating Tiffany T. The collection is dedicated to the world’s greatest cities and its art and culture loving global travellers. The native New Yorker and trained jeweller and silversmith pieced the collection with symbols of modern life and its relentless energy. Francesca was inspired by the newness all explorers seek and the sheer lightness of the Tiffany design when developing the line’s concept. The letter T was also a central feature with its strong graphic appeal. It was decon-

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structed and added to the already structured influence.

The brand’s skilled artisans gave life to the designer’s sketch with 18-carat gold, rose, yellow and sterling silver, giving the collection a unique architectural look. Some pieces get a touch of fine diamonds and glowing gems too. The collection is composed of minimal bracelets, monumental cuffs, multiple chains, elegant pendants, rings and earrings. Tiffany T has a rich mix of options, layered in striking looks for bold women. The collection leads Tiffany’s visionary past into the future.

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POP CULTURE | on the scene

THINGS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT IN 2015 BOOKS A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC From the same author as Vicious, V.E. Schwab's new book comes with a universe of daring adventure, thrilling power and different ‘Londons’. Main character, Kell, is one of the last travellers-magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel universes.

The worlds are Grey London, without any magic and ruled by a mad king; Red London, where life and magic are revered; White London, where people fight to control magic; and there’s the unspeakable Black London. Expect to see it on the shelves in February.

IF YOU FIND THIS LETTER Hannah Brencher's heartwarming memoir on love and faith is a dedication to total strangers showing that they are not alone in the world. She started her journey writing a letter to a woman on the subway and leaving it for anyone to find. It was the first of many to come; she left love letters in doctor’s offices, coat pockets, library books and other public places.

Feeling lonely in New York City, she found solace in the idea that her words might brighten someone’s day. The project grew and became the website The World Needs More Love Letters. Look out for it in March.

MUSIC ABOVE AND BJÖRK

BEYONCÉ’S BIOGRAPHY OK, so there isn’t a confirmed title yet but the chart-topping pop star’s unauthorised biography is set to be released in the autumn of 2015. Celebrity biographer, J. Randy Taraborrelli has his work cut out for him because, as he’s said: “From Destiny's Child to solo superstardom to her marriage to Jay-Z, Beyoncé has lived a most incredible, inspiring life.” J. Randy has penned biographies on Madonna, Michael Jackson, and the Hiltons. Bear in mind, though, that there won’t be a sit-down session with Beyoncé so it’s going to be a lot of hearsay. Still, we want our copy!

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It’s been three years since she released the album Biophilia, and it’s now confirmed that Björk is currently working with Arca, the Venezuelan-born and New Yorkbased producer on her next album, scheduled for release in 2015. She is always full of surprises and, having teamed up with this cutting-edge electronic producer, the musical alleys are abuzz with what the maverick artist will dish out next.

TRASH YOU NOT This year marks the 20-year anniversary of alternative rock band Garbage’s self-titled debut album, and the band has some big plans to celebrate. They will be re-releasing Garbage, with lots of bonus material and B-sides. There is also some unseen archival footage that they hope to release. In addition to this, the band is working on a brand new album, scheduled for release next year.

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MOVIES

DANNY COLLINS Here’s a story, apparently inspired by true events, that has Al Pacino playing 1970s rocker Danny Collins, who is still quite rock and roll in his ways. But the celebrity life gets interrupted when a letter that was sent to Danny 40 years ago emerges – written to him by none other than John Lennon. The film also stars Jennifer Garner, Christopher Plummer and Annette Bening as Pacino’s love interest.

A LITTLE CHAOS Starring Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman (remember when they played love interests in Sense and Sensibility?) the period piece is about Madame Sabine De Barra – an unlikely candidate for the landscape architect of the stillto-be-completed palace of Versailles.

She has little time for the classical ordered designs of the man who hires her – the famous architect Le Nôtre.

However, as she works on her creation, she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Le Nôtre and forced to negotiate the perilous rivalries and intricate etiquette of the court of King Louis XIV.

THE JUNGLE BOOK Scarlett Johansson, Christopher Walken, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong’o and Ben Kingsley bring to life Rudyard Kipling’s timeless tale of a human child raised by a pack of wolves, a bear and a black panther.

Yes, one of 2015’s most anticipated releases is Disney’s live-action CGI rendition of The Jungle Book.

TWO AND A HALF MEN The longest-running sitcom on television, CBS’s Two and a Half Men is finally coming to a close in 2015. After 12 seasons, the men will take a bow after a one-hour finale on Thursday, February 19.

Upon its completion, 262 episodes of Men will have aired. The series earned 47 Emmy Award nominations, with co-star Jon Cryer winning twice. For five years straight, the Chuck Lorreproduced comedy was the mostwatched sitcom on TV.

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TV SERIES

BETTER CALL SAUL Breaking Bad fans know full well who Saul Goodman is. Albuquerque’s devil’s advocate is back to rule the airwaves in 2015. Directed by Vince Gilligan, the show features the trials and tribulations of this criminal lawyer in the time leading up to establishing his strip-mall law office.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Thai Night at Jewellery Arabia 2014 Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion hosted the first ever Thailand pavilion at Jewellery Arabia 2014. It was presented under the theme ‘Ploi Thai Gems & Jewellery from Thailand’ and featured 17 famous Thai gems and jewellery companies.

Roqaya & Daphne

Joanne & Shelly

Martina & Natasha

Paween & HE Vichai Varasirikul, Thai Ambassador to Bahrain

Ruth, Cris & Dee

Somchai, HE Ahmed Shahzan Abdul Samad, Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain, Noor & Sukma

Toshiko

Launch of Designer Outlet’s The Designer Outlet, in association with Fifi & Lime, hosted a preview of its Autumn/Winter 2014 collection at Seef Corner Mall.

Tanya & Kate

Geraldine & Lisa

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Caroline, Yasmin & Claire

Sam & Steve

Hael & Huzama

Janina, Moddy & Shah

Elliot & Angela www.womanthismonth.com

SHOPPING | news

IMAGE RECOGNITION

Mango has added a new feature to its Scan&Shop mobile app. The innovative technology makes it possible to purchase and locate items in stores via scanning images from catalogues and advertisements.

The service is only available for devices using the iOS operating system, although a version for Android will be launched shortly.

PRIVATE AND PERSONAL

If Louis Vuitton weren’t in a league of their own already, their luxurious customisations have now reached new heights. Through specially developed technology, the original stripes and personal initials can now be applied to soft pieces, from bags to small leather goods. Trunks and other pieces continue to be painted by hand. It means that the Mon Damier Graphite line for men can have a unique stamp.

RETAIL THERAPY Convenience, uniqueness and kindness are the buzzwords in our retail vocabulary this month. Which of these are going to set you off on a shopping spree?

SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE

H&M is a fashion company that constantly supports the community through social action.

The All for Children collection is now available and offers an active-wear line for kids of all ages. Twenty-five per cent of sales go towards UNICEF to give vulnerable little ones in the world a better future through education.

EYE MAKE-UP GUIDE

MINI FASHIONISTA

Salvatore Ferragamo presents Ferragamo MINI, an exclusive capsule collection for children. Available in sizes 27 to 33, the designs pay special attention to comfort with rubber soles and soft fits. In a wide range of textures - soft suede, glittery fabric, laminated and laser-cut nappa - the shoes are practically hand-picked for little princesses. www.womanthismonth.com

Make-up artist Bobbi Brown is releasing her eighth beauty book: Everything Eyes published

by Chronicle Books. The latest volume teaches us how to make eyes stand out using the right make-up and correct tools. Stepby-step tutorials are included as well as tips for what works best for your eye shape and colour.

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FASHION | fashion forward

MIDSEASON, NEW STYLE! Now that we’re between seasons, our fashion and beauty editor picks her favourite looks and micro-trends from the Resort 2015 collection.

STREET WALKING

COOL LEGS

Combo shorts plus a long coat is a casual but chic pick. Paired with Oxford shoes, it’s perfect for a relaxed day look that can be carried into a cool evening. Alice + Olivia has brought out the brand’s style by opting for matching patterns. Choose a solid colour piece and team it up with a printed number.

VIVID STROKE

Fendi and its graphic coordination impresses every time. For their Resort collection, the colours and patterns explore the brand’s name in a subtle way, creating an artistic composition. Those flowers give another dimension to the visual effects of the look. Those shoes, on the other hand, clash with the overall look.

Sophisticated crocs aren’t convincing enough.

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A classic pair of flats always adds the finishing touches without showing off. Jimmy Choo Cruise collection brings a selection of timeless pieces to be worn with your favourite looks. The designs are offered in a variety of trendy colours. These shoes can also be found in pink, gold and black with mini studs.

MINIMAL SOPHISTICATION Feminine minimalism is the very definition of Nina Ricci’s designs. Fine fabrics, tailored cuts and well-planned colour palettes are easily spotted in this mid-season collection. The boldpatterned pencil skirt gives a twist to this traditional item – a staple in a business woman’s wardrobe. Burgundy and purple is an unusual combination, but in this case, works a dream.

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MAXIMUM ELEGANCE We love some laid-back style! A woman who looks chic without showing how much effort she put into her look, is our idea of being well-dressed. Donna Karan is all about bringing this kind of woman to its Resort collection. The comfy look is a lot more complex than we think. The lightweight trousers are well balanced with the shirt and parka, while the delicate sandals and neutral colour complete the look. The trick is to select the pieces carefully to get that understated wow factor.

PATTERN EXPRESS

Most brands have a trademark to define their DNA – and Etro has it down. Paying particular attention to its prints, the brand plays with colours and motifs in a unique way.

The accessories embrace the theme and complement the looks with their own identity. Shoes and handbags follow suit with similar shapes and colour palettes.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Massimo Dutti’s NightOut Massimo Dutti opened its newly renovated store with a bash for guests and media in Seef Mall.

Iman, Dalia & Raihana

Gemma, Hussain, Bahaa & Emily

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Ralph & Pierre

Raihana & Duaa

Aya & Huda

Iman & Dalia

Marise & Shabana

Puja & Farheen

Reem & Georgina

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FASHION | snaps

Style Radar

New year, new looks. Check out what’s happening on the red carpet from Mexico to Milan. Chic frocks and casual looks are the trends to follow this January.

OLIVIA PALERMO

The socialite attended the CH Carolina Herrera runway show and gala in Mexico City wearing pieces from the brand’s collection. She exuded sophistication with an asymmetrical silk blouse and blue silk evening skirt. Olivia masters simple elegance – CH reigns her wardrobe.

ANNE HATHAWAY

The actress flew to Shanghai, China, to participate in the Interstellar premiere press conference.

Anne wore a nude and black Lanvin cocktail dress with a sheer illusion neckline from the summer 2015 precollection. The fine fabric is definitely the highlight.

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FASHION | snaps

Style Radar

New year, new looks. Check out what’s happening on the red carpet from Mexico to Milan. Chic frocks and casual looks are the trends to follow this January.

OLIVIA PALERMO

The socialite attended the CH Carolina Herrera runway show and gala in Mexico City wearing pieces from the brand’s collection. She exuded sophistication with an asymmetrical silk blouse and blue silk evening skirt. Olivia masters simple elegance – CH reigns her wardrobe.

ANNE HATHAWAY

The actress flew to Shanghai, China, to participate in the Interstellar premiere press conference.

Anne wore a nude and black Lanvin cocktail dress with a sheer illusion neckline from the summer 2015 precollection. The fine fabric is definitely the highlight.

16 January 2015

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FASHION | get the look

SHE'S THE MAN

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Ever since her starring role in Annie Hall, Diane Keaton has blazed a very (wo)manly style trail.

Getting that masculine vibe without being too utilitarian takes some work though. Our fashion and beauty editor, Fernanda Langhammer, shows you how to sport the look.

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Emma Stone

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1. Hat: Parfois; 2. Shirt: Matalan; 3. Coat: Mint Velvet; 4. Trousers: Hobbs; 5. Handbag: Charles & Keith; 6. Loafers: H&M.

Shailene Woodley

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THE EASY PALETTE

he first thing you need to do is borrow some neutral shades from a man’s palette. The combination of black, grey and white instantly displays businessman elegance. Long, loose trousers and a white shirt should be enough to represent the style, but we love extra touches. The long coat and black squared handbag emphasise the look, while the funky loafers and hat give that final twist. The shoes are girly enough to boost some femininity and the brown head warmer breaks the paleness of the look. www.womanthismonth.com

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1. Jacket: Tommy Hilfiger; 2. Jumpsuit: Debenhams; 3. Necklace: Hoss Intropia; 4. Earrings: Marks & Spencer; 5. Bag: Accessorize; 6. Shoes: Topshop.

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1. Tuxedo jacket: F&F 2. Trousers: Next 3. Necklace: Call It Spring 4. Clutch: Dune 5. T-shirt: NATALIEBCOLEMAN 6. Oxfords: Massimo Dutti

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THE GIRLY TOUCH I

t’s safe to say that jumpsuits are a staple feature in a woman’s wardrobe – it’s our original take on the masculine trend if you like. To transform a jumpsuit, pick a checked suit jacket and Oxford shoes and you’ll look like you’ve come off the set of The Godfather – in a good way of course! The square handbag is a nod to the men’s bags of the ‘80s, giving that “I mean business” feel.

Browns are a typical shade in a man’s wardrobe and should be embraced to achieve a sobering finish. For a feminine touch, the necklace and gold earrings will balance the look. www.womanthismonth.com

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THE CLASSIC POISE

s there anything more chic and, let’s face it, hotter than a tuxedo? I don’t think so. Swap your cocktail dress for a crisp suit at a party – believe me, heads will turn. If you decide you want to adhere to the masculine look but want a feminine statement, pick a girly lightweight top and a pair of black, gold or even red stilettos to impress. To make it more casual, team it up with loafers and a casual black and white T-shirt. The necklace replaces the tie and the clutch adds a modern twist to the look.

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FASHION | now & then

A Tale of Two Styles Jackie Kennedy Onassis The first lady of the United States conquered the world with her elegant style. From the sixties up until her death in 1994, Jackie influenced the fashion world as a timeless icon. Get her looks with these updated twists.

SHIFT DRESSES

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INDISPENSABLE ACCESSORIES

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hen she left the White House she also left behind her old style. Her wardrobe changed to long jackets, trousers and oversized sunglasses.

Elegant printed scarves and designer handbags set the tone for her looks.

Even her casual style was the epitome of sophistication. Despite growing her locks, she always managed to keep it in impeccable form.

4. Sunglasses: Chloe; 5. Scarf: Massimo Dutti; 6. Coat: Hobbs.

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he played the part of a sixties style icon with well-structured, tailored shift dresses which she usually wore with simple pearl necklaces. Clean colour palettes were her preferred choice and for formal wear she teamed up the same-coloured suit and hat. Her pinkish lipstick was a mainstay at every occasion.

1. Pearls: Phase Eight; 2. Lipstick: Marc Jacobs; 3. Dress: Debenhams.

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FASHION

TIMEPIECE TREASURES A La Mode is your go-to for eye-catching jewellery and stylish watches.

Alpina COMTESSE Lady is the latest addition to the store’s fine selection.

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he new range of Alpina COMTESSE watches is a delightful balance of sporty and casual touches with pure elegance and a sharp design. Mastering the concept of luxury and simplicity, the line embodies the Swiss character to the fullest. In 1963, the COMTESSE lady collection was first launched with automatic movements. Alpina brings back the line in 2014 to mark its long tradition in the design of feminine watches. The new timepiece has assertive lines and a sporty three links bracelet blend with a mother of pearl dial. The watch has a 34mm diameter which gives a strong presence while recalling the timeless Alpine glamour of St Moritz style.

The stainless steel watch encases an AL-525 automatic mechanical movement with 26 jewels and a power reserve www.womanthismonth.com

of 38 hours. The piece is also water-resistant up to 5ATM (50m, 150ft). You’ll find the desirable piece in two versions: with or without 48 diamonds on the bezel with luminous dots enhancing its drop-shaped indexes and assuring readability at night. The stainless steel option comes with a choice of a grey genuine leather strap or stainless steel bracelet.

Founded in 1883, Alpina is a true pioneer of the Swiss watchmaking industry. The brand invented the concept of the sport watch, as it is known today, with the birth of its legendary Alpina 4 in 1938.

Call 17 179-854 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 581-588 (Seef Mall).

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Al Hawaj and Credimax Beauty Week Al Hawaj and Credimax presented a joint press conference in order to promote Beauty Week for the fourth year running.

Mr Jawad Al Hawaj addresses the media

Mohammed, Mohammed, Saud, Mandana, Amira, Jawad Al Hawaj, Hussain, Ahmed, Shyam, Hazem, Mohammed & Dorothy

Presenting Beauty Week

Art of C Campaign Announcement After a six-day workshop, Majid Al Futtaim and City Centre Bahrain’s ‘Art of C’ community arts initiative concluded with a ceremony to unveil the final 10 unique works of art.

HE Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa inaugurates the gallery

Artists busy at work

Afnan, Ali & Yana

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Farheen & Georgie

Rawia & Angela

Raeeba & Jude

Dipti & Sakeena

Mohsen

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Nina Ricci

FASHION | trend

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BABY IT’S

COLD

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OUTSIDE

It’s finally time to dust the cobwebs off our jackets and set them free from the wardrobe.

The oversized coat is the it-warmer of the season.

Whether pastel pink or statement check, wrap yourself up with these high street heroes.

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1. Burgundy raglan: Debenhams; 2. Blue and green checked coat: Matalan; 3. Black and red checked straight coat: Mango; 4. Blue frock coat: Monsoon; 5. Camel topcoat: Hoss Intropia; 6. Checked duffle coat: Tommy Hilfiger; 7. Pink buttoned coat: H&M.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2015

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Multinational School Celebrates 1st Birthday Multinational School Bahrain celebrated its 1st birthday in style at Block 338 Restaurant, Lounge & Garden.

Kylie, Laura & Farheen

Diane & Bob Asma, Karen, Sunita, Anne & Jane

Natalie, Claire & Sandra

Laura & Kylie

Kate & Linda

Michael & Sonya

Pull&Bear Cocktail Event Spanish clothing and accessories retailer, Pull&Bear, organised a cocktail event for media and partners at its outlet in City Centre Bahrain.

Saeed & Fouad

Trinath & Narashima

24 January 2015

Shabana & Dalia

Ali & Muneera

Katerina, Dima & Hazel

Dalia & Noor

Patrick & Ahmed www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

The Light in Darkness Ella Prakash’s studio in Adliya bursts with colour. Her paintings are kaleidoscopically rich in strokes and texture; their nature, however, is far from bright. She talks to Georgie Bradley about why she adds colour to dark subjects.

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fter 50 years of living in Bahrain, Ella Prakash is a mainstay. Despite the modest art scene on the island, she has managed to carve a niche for herself over the last 10 years and is now showcasing her work across the globe.

BREAKING THE MOULD It was always a passion of Ella’s to paint, something she really honed into her late teens, and was part of the Bahrain Arts Society.

But when she got married her passion came to a standstill. “I stopped everything. Art wasn’t even my hobby anymore,” says Ella. Instead, her priorities were housebound, leaving little room for art. “In India, it is considered a woman’s duty to take care of the house, and the in-laws.”

And then in 2002 it all came together. “When my youngest was four, I thought, ‘I can’t do this. I have to come out of this situation and paint again’ and I started teaching art to kids and I also painted a portrait of the King and realised I still had it in me to paint.”

With a renewed spirit for art, Ella opened her first gallery in Hoora until 2011 and is now based in Adliya.

WOMEN SUFFERING One of her main preoccupations is women – specifically women who suffer. Her art focuses on the female condition and the pains, mainly silent, that women have bottled up. “I decided to paint women in sorrowful situations because it was something that came the most naturally to me.

I couldn’t force anything else; nothing was coming to me.”

Although you’ll find endearwww.womanthismonth.com

ingly beautiful paintings of Bahrain – the souq, orange-blazed sunsets and dhows, her studio is lined with paintings of abstractly expressed female suffering. Her work plays with rhythms, lines, angles and sharp corners – although the contours of a woman do stand out. “The intention is to express women suffering at the helm of a partner or a domestic situation. There is a lot of silence in suffering, especially with women. But I wanted to express it in a beautiful way because women have been put down a lot. They are unsung heroes.”

HAPPY COLOURS “My paintings are not negative.

The colours are bright and give an element of optimism to women,”

explains Ella. “I only paint white faces. To me, it’s purity.” But doesn’t that spark a potentially racial argument? “I don’t treat the colour as a skin tone, but more of a clean blank canvas, so that it can apply to women of all ethnicities.”

She motions to one of her paintings and describes the delicate, forlorn woman looking out of a window as a representation of looking ahead, and seeing a horizon of hope. Indeed, much of the theme of women suffering stems from her own frustrated ambitions as an artist.

Though now, through her 10year artistic odyssey, Ella is on top form having showcased her work in Miami alongside Nina Torres, in a Brick Lane Gallery, in

London’s east end and is currently having her work Never Let You Go and Walk With You (curated by Barry Martin) featured at Debut Contemporary’s ‘Human Suffering at Times of Crisis Part 2’ private viewing in Notting Hill, west London, which started on December 3. The exhibition is to raise awareness on the fatal Duchenne muscular dystrophy disease and 20 per cent of the artwork sold will go towards the Harrison’s Fund charity.

“Never Let You Go and Walk With You is about how time decides every aspect, where relationships are held at face value, and the only relation that remains eternal and pure is the bond between a mother and child. The painting depicts a tragedy where a mother doesn’t lose faith in her relationship with her child, keeping that bond of mental strength for eternity.”

Ella is launching a solo show in March 2015 at Debut Contemporary in London – and in Italy in September 2015. In 2016 she is set to do a solo show at the New Delhi India Habitat Centre. g January 2015

25

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

AWA Media Appreciation Lunch

The American Women’s Association in Bahrain organised a media appreciation lunch at Upstairs Downstairs in Adliya.

Woman This Month editor, Georgie, receives an award Dr Sana, Jan & Jessica

Leyla & Sheryl

Esther, Lisa & Yasmeen

Mary-Justine & Eman

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Bahrain This Month editor, Charlie, receives an award

Farrell International Co. W.L.L.

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PEOPLE | interview

Trendy Tots Don’t you all melt when you see super-chic children dressed in clothes you wished were available in adult sizes? Children’s fashion designer Jenny Randria chats micro fashion with Georgie Bradley.

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ou would think having a baby would spark the idea to create children’s clothing, but for Jenny Randria it happened in reverse. “I set up Citron Jaune and then became pregnant about a year later.” She might have tempted fate there.

Citron Jaune (that’s lemon to you and me) is both a product of Jenny’s life as an expat and a continuation of her final project from a business school in Paris. “I really wanted to do something when I came to Bahrain four years ago, and I always knew I wanted to do it on my own. I actually had this idea based on my work at business school where I had to create a brand for children, therefore it’s really an extension of that, brought to full-scale.

Of course, Jenny hasn’t got only the business end of things down; her previous diploma was in fashion design – also in Paris. It seemed logical that Citron Jaune, a nod to the fresh summer air, took a leaf out of the sartorial books of Paris and focused on a chic look.

“I want to give an elegant look for children between three months to 10 years old by paying special attention to the fabrics. I only use natural fabrics, like cotton and silk” – www.womanthismonth.com

thinking of that sensitive baby skin - “and I love luxurious things, not because of the price but because of the way they’re made.

I focus on handmade embroidery as I love the idea of children wearing unique, quality clothing. The details and finishing touches are very important to me.” Another intention is to allow the clothes to be suitable for handme-downs for some very lucky brothers and sisters. “The clothes are classic - I want my clothes to be passed on from one generation to another – in a way that makes them timeless.”

Seeing the little shirts, skirts and trousers ensues a lot of oo-ing and aa-ing and an irresistible urge to touch every bit of the velvety material - which is exclusively sourced from Jenny’s home country, Madagascar. “All of the clothes are produced in Madagascar, as a way of supporting the local economy. The country has a lot of potential in the art and crafts industry and, by getting my clothes made there, it promotes the country beyond the harsh reality that exists. If I can support them in that way, then I’m happy.”

The reality of launching Citron Jaune has seen a few bumps on the road, but as Jenny

knowingly admits: “It’s a long process which is only just beginning.” The intention is to spread Citron Jaune’s presence in Bahrain and the MENA region, and Jenny is now on the lookout for a partnership and is open to new opportunities to develop the business. g Call Jenny: 33753-419 Instagram: @citron_jaune_ January 2015

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PEOPLE | community

The Power Invested in You Violence against women is a thorny subject, one that takes time and commitment to eliminate.

Crisis counsellor and trainer, Mary-Justine Todd, who has more than 10 years of experience and two master’s degrees, is gaining ground in the region to help treat survivors of domestic and sexual violence (DSV).

B

efore Mary-Justine Todd came to Bahrain with her husband (a professor at the University of Bahrain) she was the main woman behind Women’s Crisis Care International (WCCI) in the United States and across various countries in Africa. The goal of WCCI is to provide treatment and care for women who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence, between the actual incident, and the days and weeks until they may get further help. Now, Mary-Justine is hoping to create a home-grown version of this service for women in Bahrain.

Woman This Month (WTM): What buffer role does WCCI play?

Mary-Justine Todd (M-J): The way that it works is that the doctors and nurses in the hospital collaborate. Each time a woman comes to a hospital and reports (or if the intake staff suspects it) that they have been a victim of DSV, the intake nurse automatically calls a crisis responder to provide assistance -one in three women across the world have experienced domestic or sexual violence according to the World Health Organization. I am a certified crisis counsellor and trainer in New York City and what I hope to do here one day is to create a programme where we can be there 24 hours a day to respond to a call. Our role would be to facilitate whatever it is that the woman wants – we have no agenda. If she wants to call the police, we would help with that. But if she doesn’t we wouldn’t do it. If she wants counselling for the future we would arrange it but, again, if she doesn’t we wouldn’t force anything on her.

WTM: What happens if you really feel the law should intervene, despite a woman’s discretion?

28 January 2015

M-J: It’s totally up to the survivor. If she wants to press charges, that’s her decision.

One of the points behind this work is to give power back to the woman. During the violent incident, the power was taken away from her.

We seek to give her back the power by saying that she knows how best to keep herself and her family safe.

WTM: How have you been gaining ground in Bahrain?

M-J: WCCI was my previous work in America and Africa and now I hope to start from the ground up and provide the same service in Bahrain. We are still exploring the best ways to move forward and will certainly be working together with the authorities and communities. Bahrain is a very progressive and compassionate society. They are extremely supportive of women’s care and protection. And they are highly advanced with regards to women’s roles in the communities. There are already several really great centres in Bahrain that offer services to women survivors of violence such as Batelco Care Centre, Aisha Yateem Family Counseling Centre, and the Supreme Council for Women - they offer support for women in a variety of ways including coun-

selling and legal advice. I hope to be able to offer a programme that will provide a bridge between the incident and the counselling or other services she may receive thereafter.

WTM: How do you plan on spreading the prevalence of reporting violence?

M-J: I would hope to improve reporting rates through public awareness campaigns saying something like, “Did somebody hurt you? You can report it or go to the hospital for help.” All over the world, domestic and sexual violence is considered humiliating, mortifying and a family issue. I have already been asked by local companies to come and speak as an expert in domestic and sexual violence and provide awareness and sensitivity training. The main idea of this programme would be the crisis response aspect, but before that, we would want to train medical staff in sensitivity and response to teach them how to recognise signs of violence. In the long term we hope to open up a centre where we can refer the survivors to in-house counselling as well. g If anybody is interested in more information please contact Mary-Justine, via www.womenscci.org www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | health & well being

The Feel Good Guide 30 Muneera Obaidli 32 Muneera Makes 33 Instagrub 34 Local Retreats www.womanthismonth.com

35 Global Retreats 36 Things You Need 37 What We Need

January 2015

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FEATURE | cover story

Hungry for Joy A year since we last spoke with holistic wellness coach Muneera Obaidli, she’s now got her new book Hungry for Joy coming out in 2015. She tells Georgie Bradley why we have to ditch diets and just be more choosey with our food rather than prohibit it.

H

ow many times have we begun a new year with the die-hard promise that we will shape up and not give in? It might last for the first few weeks but a whiff of a freshly baked cake or those strategically placed chocolate bars at the supermarket checkout weakens us. With a huge eating out culture in Bahrain, it’s difficult and anti-social to diet.

But diet is a dirty word; something that complicates and deprives our system. If you scroll through a random feed of Instagram posts you’ll notice the world has gone #raw without compromising the quality and quantity of food, in fact we’re being better to our bodies. Ever since the ‘eat clean’ revolution began – along with the pioneering Wholefoods and Planet Organic people – it has shifted mindsets and repurposed our relationship with food. Muneera Obaidli sees it as a lifestyle more than anything. With her new book coming out Muneera backtracks her gastronomic adventure.

“I always loved making people happy through food. When I was younger I cooked and shared it around.” This was before she got her degree in culinary arts from London branch of Le Cordon Bleu and her certificate in holistic integrative nutrition from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York.

Although before she went down this avenue of food, there wasn’t any real health concept to her cooking.

“Through learning more about food though, it opened me up to new things. After that I wasn’t willing to feed people food I wouldn’t eat myself.

And luckily people were saying they feel really good eating my food and asked if I could do a programme for them.” That’s when her health food company started in 2006.

The problem with food is that it’s deep-rooted in our emotions. Often, our food consumption or lack of it, harbours bigger issues at hand. Food is all about control. When people deprive themselves it’s a way

30 January 2015

of gaining control in one area of their life where they don’t have any in others.

“Some people are very particular and strict with every morsel that goes into their mouth but when you look at them they don’t look like the picture of health. They are not healthy and happy. It’s one thing when you have an allergy or an intolerance to a food but when it is self-inflicted you make food the enemy and that’s not the point.”

Still, people want a quick fix. They resort to low calorie or low fat foods, which from what we have come to learn, do us more harm than good with hidden sugars and strange concoctions of ingredients. “Diet foods are not sustainable. You have to prioritise and take small steps. Don’t expect a magic pill. Nutritionally dense foods like kale and quinoa are much more sustainable.”

But Muneera hates the term ‘health food’. “It implies that there is food and non food.” With each of her clients she goes about food in different ways but with the same goal of reaching a path of joy. “There is no single ‘Magna Carta’ plan for everyone to follow.

It is all about what works for you.”

Say, for instance, you’re on a major health kick, you’re eating the right foods and you’re feeling great but then you give in to that temptation after ‘x’ amount of months of being good. How can we put a stop to this yo-yo behavior once and for all?

“It’s all about finding alternatives. It’s not about deprivation at all – because if you cut everything out you will binge sooner rather than later. It’s always important to upgrade. I’m not going to tell someone who eats McDonald’s three times a day to eat sprouts and start juicing. It’s not going to work for them. If you like burgers, how are you going to make it better for you? There are so many alternative, healthier ways to make burgers.”

Although we’re human, we mess up. “My clients

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might come to me with their heads bowed down and admit to giving into bad food and I rejoice on their behalf. They’re usually really confused! If someone has been eating really well and then they eat garbage, they feel it! That is your motivation.

The people I work with want to change their life and part of that is messing up. It’s the only way to understand what works for you and what makes you feel good. But if you know you’re going to feel guilty afterwards, you may as well not have that particular food.”

Even Muneera has her moments. “Last month I was in New York and I had a massive croissant. I usually don’t eat wheat at all. I had an almond milk hot chocolate with it too. You have to get your pleasures in life. The reason I had the croissant was because when I met with Joshua Rosenthal, the founder of integrative nutrition, he said: ‘You’re in New York, there are so many things to do, be bad!’

– it’s part of the coaching he does with people. One of the homework assignments is to be bad. I have to say I enjoyed that croissant. But of course I felt bad, but I knew I would.”

As part of her coaching, Muneera adopts a word which many of us are new to: holistic. It’s all about bringing food and lifestyle together because they’re not mutually exclusive, they influence one another.

www.womanthismonth.com

“I have a tool I use called the circle of life, it’s a big wheel that is divided into wedges and each has an aspect of life that creates balance. Food is different for everyone. Everyone has different nutritional needs based on age and what they do: a sumo wrestler eats very differently from a ballerina! In terms of life, the wheel will have ‘home cooking’ ‘finances’ or ‘education’ and ‘social life’ – dots are put in the centre of the wheel if you’re really miserable and at the peripheral if you are very happy with your life.

If you connect the dots and the shape is spherical, you’re happy, but more often than not it’s more squiggly. I honestly believe when you’re very happy you’ll follow through with your goals.”

“Hungry for Joy is about the journey of health and wellness. I really find it’s about finding joy and for people to find their own joy. Why do people really want to be healthy? It’s about finding joy in life. A lot of it is compensated with food and destructive behavior. The book has quite an extensive recipe section but also a meditation and exercise portion and super foods.”

Is she wanting to be the Gwyneth Paltrow of Bahrain? “I’m not keen on being a public figure. I just like working with people.”

Visit: www.muneera.com

January 2015

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FEATURE | the feel good guide

Muneera Makes…

Buckwheat Crepes

After all that holistic health talk, it would be silly of us not to include a homemade recipe from Muneera this month. She shares a sin-free version of the perfect Friday food.

Who says being healthy is not delicious?! This is an absolutely mouthwatering, fail-safe, crepe recipe. The secret is to keep your wrist moving and swirl the pan as you pour in the batter to get your crepes paper-thin.

Believe me, you’ll want to make it time and time again!

What You Need • 2 cups buckwheat flour • 4 organic free-range eggs (or mix 6 tbsp water with 2 tbsp ground chia seeds and allow to sit for 5 minutes) 500 ml nut milk • 250 ml water • 4 tsp coconut sugar • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp sea salt • 1/4 cup grass-fed butter (or virgin coconut oil) Toppings: mix and match sliced bananas, strawberries or blueberries, maple syrup, raw honey, maple-cacao sauce, chopped nuts or seeds..

What To Do 1. Whisk all the ingredients together in a large bowl, cover and set aside for 30 minutes (this can be prepared the night before and just refrigerate overnight).

2. Melt the butter/coconut oil in a ceramic non-stick crepe pan (or other shallow pan), and pour into the crepe batter mixture.

3. Whisk the mixture well and pass it through a sieve to make sure there are no lumps.

4. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan while swirling it around to cover the base of the pan as thinly as possible.

5. Cook the crepe until bubbles appear over the top. Flip using a spatula and cook on the other side until golden marks appear.

6. Serve with your preferred fillings/ toppings.

Note: for a savoury crepe, simply omit the coconut sugar and vanilla. You can then fill it with your favourite savoury fillings.

32 January 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

#Instagrub First came the selfies, then came the healthies. Here are our top Instagrammers to follow for yummy recipes, fun photography and the feel good factor.

@aliaalmoayed

Nutritional therapist and health consultant, Alia Almoayed has lots of great video recipes with healthy variations on your favourite local cooking as well as top health expert interviews.

@deliciouslyella

This plant-based blogger and smoothie lover lives gluten and sugar free. Ella Woodward has an app and cookbook coming out in January 2015. Now that’s how you work social media!

www.womanthismonth.com

@allyskitchenstories

Devon based foodie blogger and wellness wonder woman, Ally Mac, whips up nutritious food combos with artistic presentation and lots of love.

And she has a cute dog too.

@hemsleyhemsley

A sister act duo who love to cook and eat together, Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley make real, wholesome food and have a book called The Art of Eating Well. They are also regular food writers for Vogue.

@madeleine_shaw_

Madeleine Shaw is the original girl that coined #gettheglow. She is a household name in the health world, combining yoga, raw food and sunshine in her clean eating philosophy.

@papaya_sunshine

Marie always has a market worth of fruit and vegetables in her food plan.

Her photos are reliably happy and you feel healthier just by scrolling through her account.

January 2015

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FEATURE | the feel good guide

Dessange Paris in Bahrain

The award-winning salon is an urban haven with the latest trends and techniques. Of course being a Parisian import, the salon pays special attention to the finer details.

Decidedly avant-guard, Dessange Paris in Bahrain combines a peaceful world of wellbeing treatments and first-class beauty care. Try out their ‘Cocooning Candle Massage’ and the signature ‘Hot Poultice’ treatments. Using Pevonia and Elemis products, you know you’ll be in good hands. Call 17 713-999.

Local Retreats

Vie Lifestyle Lab, The Domain Bahrain

Although in the heart of the city, the Vie Lifestyle Lab’s spa at The Domain provides a much-needed escape from the outside chaos. They’ve got a ‘Winter Rejuvenation Experience’ for you this January. It starts with an exfoliating, spiced marmalade scrub followed by an energising massage using smooth stones wrapped in herbal aromatic bags soaked in warm oil. For BD55 and 75 minutes, can’t complain. Call 16 000-000.

Got the holiday blues? We present the most relaxing and soothing spots on the island for some much-needed TLC.

The Heavenly Spa by The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Feeling a little worse for wear? The Heavenly Spa has a ‘Back to your Best Self’ 75 minute scrub and massage treatment for January and you have a choice of a special gift product from Elemental Herbology if you want it (you will) for BD45. The spa has the largest Turkish hammam bath on the island as well as a comprehensive range of holistic treatments promising a world of physical and mental renewal. Call 17 171-122

34 November 2014

The Royal Spa, The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa Bahrain

Upon arrival, you’re whisked into a world of tranquillity and, if it was up to you, there’d be no turning back! With pre-treatment plunge pools to get your circulation going, the spa is a hub for re-energising your senses. Using Espa products combining natural and sustainable ingredients, the hour-long La Massage treatment is quite frankly la amazing for BD60. With lots of great weekday spa offers like the ‘Sunday Reviving Day’ which includes a complimentary 15 minutes to your relaxing massage with a friend, indulge to the max. Call 17 580-000.

Royal Spa Al Areen, Al Areen Palace & Spa

There really is no introduction needed for this one.

Designed with inspirations from the gardens of the royal Arabian palaces, the 10,000-square-metre spa is an oasis in the truest sense of the word. For a mammoth three and a half hour session get yourself the Royal Indulgence treatment which includes a scrub, facial, massage and a nice long soak in a floral bath for BD125++. We’re relaxed already. Call 17 845-081. www.womanthismonth.com

Rancho La Puerta Tecate, Mexico COMO Shambhala Begawan Giri Ubud, Bali

Located on the foothills of Mount Kuchumaa, this Spanish-colonial spa is spread over 3,000 acres. Food is the main focus here but the surrounding natural beauty feeds every sense too. The kitchen sources much of its produce from the estate’s organic farm.

Nestled in the tropical haven of Bali, COMO Shambhala Begawan Giri’s lush grounds provides tranquility and is sure to rejuvenate all senses. The team of specialists includes an osteopath, a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a nutritionist and an Ayurvedic healer.

Global Retreats

Because there are some wonderful escapes further afield.

We list some of the best spa destinations around the world.

Evason Ma’In Hot Springs Jordan

This is as exotic and natural as it gets when it comes to spas.

The entire resort is built beneath a natural hot-spring waterfall near the Dead Sea, 860 feet below sea level.

The ‘Hammam Ma’In Signature Journey’ treatment features a salt scrub, a Dead Sea biological mud wrap and a warm henna flower oil massage.

Terme di Saturina Tuscany, Italy

Residing in the countryside, Terme di Saturina is home to some of the world’s most luxurious and exotic facials. The spa uses diamonds, gold, and Antarctic ice in their treatments. Take refuge in this beautiful property, located next to an ancient thermal spring with alleged healing powers, amidst waterfalls, pools, and vast Roman baths.

Talise Spa Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Perched 150 metres above the Arabian Gulf, this is the ultimate destination to relax and rejuvenate in. Located in what’s considered the world’s only seven star hotel, Talise Spa promises exclusively developed services that leave you utterly pampered. And it’s just round the corner from us! www.womanthismonth.com

January 2015

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FEATURE | the feel good guide

Herbal Healer

Research shows that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia. Droplets of lavender oil on your pillow will guarantee you a better night’s sleep.

We can’t argue with that.

Thirst Quencher

Water is so last year. Coconut water has been touted the latest superfood and is said to be brimming with all the good stuff – calcium, magnesium and sodium – and helps weight loss due to its low fat content. And you don’t have to be on a tropical island to get it either – juice cartons all the way.

Globe Trotting

We read that travelling to one new country per year makes us happier. Get yourself on a jet and go somewhere you’ve never been; experience the unfamiliar, the unusual and the wonderfully different and you’ll have a new perspective on things.

Handy Solutions

Things You Need Whether it’s a book or a bit of exercise, we think these things will get you on the right track to live well.

If you’re not quite ready to go full out at the gym, start off with hand-held weights at home. Lesson one: bicep curls. Extend your arms out in front of you at shoulder height with your palms facing up. Curl the weights in towards your shoulders and extend back out – keep your elbows lifted at all times.

The Book of Life

It has to be one of the best self-enlightening books there ever was. If your head is always in the past or future, do yourselves a favour and be in the moment with this book.

We’re not going to lie, it takes a double (OK triple) read in places. Note taking is advised.

Mind Over Matter

With all the stresses we have, it’s vital to repose and be at one with ourselves. The headspace app has catalogues of 10 to 30 minute meditation sessions where you focus on your breathing and body with the voice of Andy Puddicombe (so soothing) guiding you along the way.

36 November 2014

Saucy Seeds

The antioxidant filled fruit boosts your immunity, helps your ticker and makes for a refreshing post jog juice. A little sweet, a little tart, pomegranates satisfy any sweet tooth while curing a number of ailments like stomach upsets, conjunctivitis and the flu.

www.womanthismonth.com

What We Need Everyone has their own personal way of de-stressing and zoning out. And we’re no exception. Here’s what makes us feel better.

Fernanda Langhammer

Georgie Bradley

Ankita Mamgain

Books

Lemongrass Oil

Exercise

WHEN: On a day when I want to remain cuddled up in bed and not think about work or have any errands to run, I read.

WHEN: About 30 minutes before I go

WHEN: I usually go jogging at the end

BENEFIT: Day dreaming is a great escape for me and it helps when the scenario is already set. I tend to enjoy writers from the subcontinent more, so it can be anything from Salman Rushdie’s fantastical worlds to Jhumpa Lahiri’s emotional escapades.

BENEFIT: When I went travelling in

BENEFIT: It helps me absorb everything

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to bed, I’ll burn some lemongrass oil and let the scent fill the room.

Borneo I noticed it was a local custom wherever I went. It’s such a simple trick and brings the smells of a spa to your personal haven and puts you straight into relax mode.

of the day when it’s been stressful and jam-packed.

that happened during the day (sometimes I find solutions to pending problems) and also clears my mind for a good night’s sleep. I also love it because it’s really the only ‘me’ time I have.

January 2015

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BEAUTY | news

BAREMINERALS BARESKIN. Formulated with the bare minimum ingredients, the result is a weightless fluid. With jojoba-coated mineral pigments, coconut, vitamin C and lilac plant stem cells, it works as a tone corrector and brightening serum. Available at Sephora.

LUSH SHAMPOO BARS. The concept of having a shampoo in a bar is innovative and saves three bottles of liquid shampoo going to the landfill. LUSH is known for its handmade products and green policy, which is why we love them. This argan oil-packed and rose jamscented bar is one of the six new fragrances. Available at www.lush.ae.

WOW BY WOJOOH LITTLE BLACK POT WATERPROOF GEL. Developed using the latest technologies and beauty expertise, the creamy, glide-on texture delivers sharp bold lines or a smoky effect for that bold Middle Eastern look. The gel liner has a quick-dry formula and ultraintense black pigment. Available at Wojooh.

Beauty

BOBBI BROWN SKIN WEIGHTLESS POWDER FOUNDATION. With a blend of creamy liquid and powdery texture, this product is easy to spread, leaving you a matte finish. The slurry technology behind the product combines premium powders without using oils. Available at Bobbi Brown.

38 January 2015

Essentials

If you’ve had enough of your tried and tested products, it’s time to revamp your makeup bag.

Check out the latest in the cosmetic world!

LA PRAIRIE CELLULAR EYE ESSENCE PLATINUM RARE. The new eye elixir features a platinum peptide, which helps to enhance firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. It can be used alone or layered with Cellular Eye Cream Platinum Rare. Available at all leading retailers. www.womanthismonth.com

L’OCCITANE CONTROL STYLING PREP-CREAM. Formulated without silicones, the cream is enriched with jojoba oil and guar gum, which coat the hair. It repairs and smoothes the tresses, and tames your mane in humid conditions. A hair solution to humidity? We’re on it! Available at L’OCCITANE.

DAVIDOFF LEATHER BLEND. This unisex spicy oriental fragrance is based on a rich alchemy of complementary scents. At the heart, a chord of rose narguile and amber set the tone. The top notes are saffron and pepper, while a strong leather base gives the perfume its distinction. Available at all leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

BATH & BODY WORKS WILD MADAGASCAR VANILLA. The brand’s newest signature collection fragrance has an exclusive vanilla accord from the exotic island of Madagascar in its composition. The scent also brings African pear, sparkling clementine and ruby apple in its top notes. Available at Bath & Body Works.

January 2015

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BEAUTY | 5 tips

NATURAL MIRACLES

Had enough of killing your hair and skin with chemicals?

If you’re looking for organic solutions to clean, exfoliate and treat your hair and skin, give our homemade recipes a go.

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TURMERIC MAGIC

POTATO POWERS

Full of goodness, the golden talc acts as a regular antiseptic and antibacterial medicine.

The cooking spice can clean your complexion and help rejuvenate mature skin. Mix turmeric, sandalwood powder and water, leave it on your face for 10 minutes and wash it off this recipe also helps for acne issues.

One of the most popular vegetables worldwide can also be used to treat your hair. Potatoes are rich in vitamins A, B and C and when your body lacks these vitamins, your hair gets dry and brittle. Putting potato juice in your hair works wonders; massage your scalp for 15 minutes and rinse it off.

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RICH BANANA

Available throughout the year – and for a fair price – bananas have vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals like potassium, zinc, iron and manganese. With this unending list of benefits, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t add them to your diet. On top of that, if you mash them and mix sugar, they become natural scrubs.

Just add some honey and moisturise it into your dry skin. Don’t forget, ripe bananas are the way to go!

CUCUMBER TONER

Great news! Putting slices of cold cucumber on your eyes really does help diminish puffiness.

The fruit is mostly water, but also contains ascorbic and caffeic acids, both of which help to soothe skin irritation and reduce swelling.

With the same pH as the skin, cucumber extract helps restore complexion while working its hydrating, nourishing magic.

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SWEET PAPAYA

Who would have thought the orange-fleshed fruit had lots of benefits for your hair and skin.

Papaya is rich in nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin B and much more. Get a ripe papaya and mix it with honey to create a natural skin moisturiser. A hair mask made with papaya can make your tresses stronger and shinier.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Inauguration of Lalapaloza Lalapaloza, the first interactive desert themed store in the Middle East, enjoyed a grand opening at Al Aali Mall. The spa is exclusively designed for children and tweens, aged four to 14 years.

ajeeb, Ebrahim, Muneer & Nash inaugurate the spa

Sawsan, Tasneem, Amal & Eman

Nash welcomes the guests

Muneer, Hatim, Najeeb, Ebrahim & Hassan

Barbara & Jo

Randa, Shafeeka & Maria

Dounia

Women Entrepreneurship & Innovation Forum Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society in conjunction with UNIDO Bahrain organised the Women Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum to coincide with the international Women Entrepreneurs Day. The event was held in Muharraq at The Elite Resort & Spa.

Hala, Waheeda, Sawsan & Nariman

HE Dr Hassan Fakhro addresses the guests

Alia, Batul & Hadeel www.womanthismonth.com

Seham

Najma

Suham

Fawzia, Huda & Iqbal

Fatma

Sabahat January 2015

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BEAUTY | review

BEAUTIFY YOUR SKIN No matter what type of skin you have, there is always a beauty treatment solution. Our fashion and beauty editor, Fernanda Langhammer, writes about skincare and her experience of one of the treatments offered on the island.

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www.womanthismonth.com

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ur face is our business card. Maintaining a nice complexion helps to give a good first impression. Treating your skin well will do more good than you think. Make-up does a lot of tricks to hide imperfections; however, have you ever seen a painted wall stay the same colour without any touch-ups along the way? What I’m trying to say is that if you want long-term glowing skin, you have to take action now. Embracing a healthy diet and paying more attention to the needs of your skin will help in the future.

BABY SKIN You may have young skin and probably don’t need any extra care besides washing it every morning and evening and applying a moisturiser with sunscreen. However, you may have acne, which needs special care. The best way is to use specific products and get professional advice. You may have dry or combination skin, which will influence the type of moisturiser you are going to buy. So even if your skin is easily treatable and doesn’t need particular attention, you still have to think ahead.

Start adopting a skincare routine now because it will make it easier to continue in the future – when you’ll really need it.

MATURE COMPLEXION If you are in this category the number of products in your beauty cabinet increases quite considerably. Apart from specific cleansing products, you’ll need to add a skin serum, an eye cream, day and night anti-ageing facial lotion and probably a special cream to get rid of dark spots. However, the state of your skin will be measured by the attention you gave it during your golden days. There’s no doubt the skin stops producing collagen over the years and starts losing its firming powers. The issue here is about the number of years spent exposed to the sun without protection, the nights you slept without removing your make-up and the lack of proper cleaning. If you’ve taken care of your skin through the years, you still (unfortunately) need all the products above, but you will definitely have better-looking complexion than someone your age who was careless. You just have to keep with your routine, and keep up the treatments for maintenance.

TESTED AND TRIED Creating some time in my schedule to take care of myself is always a challenge, so I was really excited for this tried and tested session. Beauty Spot Salon and Spa offers an array of facial treatments for different purposes using Bruno Vassari products.

The Spanish brand has a professional spa line and at Beauty Spot Salon and Spa you’ll also find their personal line. I loved being introduced to the brand’s variety of products and specific treatments. My main concern with my skin at this point in my life is combatting age. So after talking to the trained professionals, we decided that the Botox Like treatment would be best suited for me. The appropriate care started with a deep cleansing, followed by exfoliation, an energising massage and an ultra-tightening mask. The anti-ageing Kianty Experience products were used by Hanna, the amazing therapist. Its formula contains red grapes, which acts as a powerful anti-oxidant and peptide which relaxes the muscles.

For an hour and a half I tried to forget about my busy everyday life and enjoyed the moment. In the end, you leave with your face feeling lighter and with a soft and lifted complexion. Now I have to go back for more and get the full result of the treatment!

What: Botox Like Facial with Bruno Vassari Kianty Experience products Where: Beauty Spot Salon and Spa How often: Five sessions recommended Favourite feature: The therapist’s amazing hands! The pressure was relaxing and consistent – just perfect.

ON THE SHELVES | Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Gel Crème for youthful eyes.

Vichy Normaderm Night Detox to detoxify and purify the skin.

Sephora Radiance Cleansing Foam with soft exfoliation.

FINAL JUDGEMENT Get a mirror and have a look at your skin right now. What do you see? Use your common sense and tell yourself what you must do from now on.

Start taking better care of yourself for the sake of your complexion in the future. Just remember that it’s never too late to start. With all the technology invested in the cosmetic industry, we can do a lot more now than we could in the past. So go out and seek professional help to analyse your skin and get the recommended treatments and products to make your skin glow again. www.womanthismonth.com

January 2015

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BEAUTY | advice

Kaley-Cuoco

Your Questions Answered

Write to our fashion and beauty editor at fashionandbeauty@rhm.bh for more tips and tricks. Instagram: @ferlanghammer

Q: Is a bob haircut good for

someone with chubby cheeks?

A: My initial answer would be no, because it would make your face look rounder. However, if you check out the latest looks from Hollywood celebrities Michelle Williams and Kaley Cuoco, it goes against the idea that round-faced women shouldn’t have bob haircuts. I believe that if your cheeks are full, but you’ve got a slim body, the hairstyle would work nonetheless. If you’ve got a stylish dress sense, too, the bob cut is definitely one to consider.

Q: I have wavy hair and struggle with it. What should I do?

A: Wavy hair can be both heaven and hell.

This hairstyle is actually the dream hair for most girls and is seen on many models and actresses. However, it is not that easy to achieve if you don’t have a hairstylist 24/7.

Wavy hair isn’t a wash-and-go affair. For a practical everyday look, pick a style and commit to it. If you go for a straight look, blow dry your hair with a round brush and make sure your hair is moisturised to avoid any frizz. To accentuate the curls, opt for the latest foams, which have new formulas including flexible polymers to create a soft but defined texture.

Q

: How do I get rid of blackheads?

A: This is a type of acne that forms when dead skin is stuck in a pore due to excess oil and bacteria. To prevent it from occurring, exfoliate your skin frequently and avoid occlusive products and make-up.

To fight the problem, look for anti-acne creams with glycolic acid, salicylic acid and retinol in the formula. They help the skin shed dead cells that can clog pores. To kill the bacteria that cause it, look for benzoyl peroxide within the ingredients. The best way to fight your acne problem, though, would be to see a doctor for advice.

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Q

: I wear glasses and find it difficult to wear make-up. Can you give me some tricks?

A: If you wear dark frames, avoid smoky eyes - it'll be too full on. Choose a bronze tone with soft lined eyes to give enough definition. When applying mascara, be careful not to get clumps - bearing in mind that glasses magnify make-up mistakes.

Instead of using volumising mascara, opt for a lengthening formula and be sure to comb and separate the lashes. The lenses also emphasise the under-eye area, so pick a sheer, light reflective pigment concealer to avoid the cakey effect. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY

SHIMMERY EYE SHADOW Although the festivities are winding down, that’s not to say you won’t be having big nights out anytime soon! Try an eye shadow in shades of blue and gold— get those peepers sparkling (but without going overboard) and if you want to be a bit more wintry about it, silver is your pick. To give a subtle ‘nude’ type appearance, use the eye shadow in the corner of your eyes.

RED LIPS Was there ever a bolder look?

Red lipstick has always been the not-so-secret weapon for looking glamorous. It draws attention to your lips, brightens your skin tone, and looks amazing with that little black (or white) dress.

A TOUCH OF FROST

With the weather finally on the cool side, let’s embrace the winter look with the right kinds of make-up. Joz Salon & Spa has a perfect round-up of ideas for us.

EYEBROWS Arguably the most important – WOW factor giving – part of your look. Think ‘hair pulled back and booming brows’ and you’re on the right page. Fill in the gaps with a matching coloured eye brow pencil and if you want a very natural look, brush your hair strands upward. Don’t be going all Scouse brow on us!

LIGHT FOUNDATION If you can brave a bare, natural face and forgo a spray tan, a light powdered foundation will give you a lovely base palette to work on.

Think of it like this: you’re less likely to create a shade difference between your face and neck. Let’s not talk about how many times we’ve done that.

ROSY CHEEKS If you want to look like your cheeks have been stung by the cold but still unaffectedly rosy, circle the apples of your cheeks with a happy pink or red shade of blush. Be sure to flick your brush strokes parallel to your jawline to get Johnny Depp cheekbone definition.

Joz Salon & Spa is always chic and beyond your imagination. Get the hottest look with our in-house favourites. Indulge in the luxurious gift ideas that take you to a haven of coveted beauty adventures. Call 16 311-20, 17 756-499 or 17 369-133. www.womanthismonth.com

January 2015

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BEAUTY

LIQUID GOLD These days smart women are looking for natural products to nourish and pamper their hair and skin. Gulf Pharmacy explain the benefits of 100% Virgin Argan Oil.

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ermea Plus 100% Virgin Argan Oil is now available for the first time in Bahrain.

Dubbed liquid gold, this astonishing product is making headlines in the cosmetics industry as it’s topping the most wanted cosmetic products list.

Brought to the market by Helen Evans of Arden Healthcare, this miracle oil is produced by a fair-trade Moroccan women’s cooperative founded by Bill Gates’ wife Melinda. The cooperative promotes the welfare of its women workers. So it not only enhances hair but also the lives of the women who produce it. Known by the Moroccan Berber community as the ‘Tree of Life’, the Argan tree has supported the people of these arid regions and their livestock for centuries. Contrary to some people’s belief, the oil does not come from the Argan tree bark, but is cold-pressed from the kernel of the Argan nut; or to give its botanical name, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil. “Just try using Argan oil and see how it can give you great results for your skin and hair”, says Helen. “The benefit of Permea Plus 100% Virgin Argan Oil is that it can be used safely in its pure form. It is an extremely versatile and natural multipurpose product that everyone needs”.

Helen goes on to explain that the Permea Plus Argan product is certifiably organic from the source in Morocco. “Permea Plus 100% Virgin Argan Oil is simply the best Argan Oil available. There are Argan oil products that are inferior in many ways: so-called pure Argan oils are frequently adulterated with other oils and contain only a small percentage of Argan oil in the recipe”.

One of the miraculous facts about Permea Plus Argan Oil is that although it is 100% pure, the oil itself is a natural source of many super-constituents that are so beneficial to the human body: such as vitamin E, essential fatty Acids, oleic and linoleic acids, antioxidants, squalene, polyphenols, ferulic acid and sterols.

Permea Plus Argan Oil contains no artificial fragrances and this is important to remember.

Just one sniff of the natural nutty fragranced

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oil will tell the discerning buyer that it is the real thing.

Permea Plus 100% Virgin Argan Oil is gentle enough to use on all hair and skin types as a massage treatment for hair loss and scalp problems, and as a skin moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin. It can even be used to encourage wounds to heal and for scar prevention and the elimination of stretch marks.

Helen also explains that because Permea Plus Argan Oil is completely free of artificial fragrances and alcohol, it is particularly suitable for use during Hajj and Umrah.

Permea Plus 100% Virgin Argan Oil is already available in pharmacies throughout Bahrain and will soon be in selected hair salons. It is distributed in the Kingdom by the longestablished Gulf Pharmacy group. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE

COLOUR

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of the Year

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Wait for it...Marsala. Yes, we didn’t know what it was either. But colour creators, Pantone have set this cross between purple and burgundy (purgundy anyone?) colour for the year. It’s not a light tone by any means so don’t try and out-statement the colour with another. Let's see who's brave enough to don it on the red carpet this year. Now there's one for the fashion police.

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1. Nail polish: Sephora; 2. Necklace: Hoss Intropia; 3. Polka dot shirt: Massimo Dutti; 4. Bag: Charles & Keith; 5. Gloves: Accessorize; 6. Candle: Jo Malone; 7. Boots: Call it Spring; 8. Cushion: Marks & Spencers; 9. Faux leather skirt: Next.

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www.womanthismonth.com

January 2015

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LIFESTYLE | home

WONDER WALL Sometimes all it takes is a lick of paint to change the aura of a room – that and hours of surfing on Pinterest. If you’re looking for a home improvement project for the new year, we’ve come up with fun makeover ideas.

PICTURE PERFECT

In the age of the ‘selfie’ we‘ve never had so many photographs stored on our devices – only for them to eventually get deleted.

You don’t have to go too crazy but bring some human life to your living room walls with a chronicle of memories.

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www.womanthismonth.com

ETHNIC DIVERSITY

Not for the minimal at heart, an intense ethnic pattern is more Moroccan mosaic than Nordic nude. If you opt for this touch you won’t need to add anything on the sidelines, unless you’ve got a thing for lanterns – if you’re really going to be ethnic about it.

TREE OF LIFE

Talk about a conversation starter - stencil art has become something of a revolution in interior design. Stemming from graffiti, stenciling has a lineage in military and political history. Stenciling is great if you want to add a narrative to your living room or fill it with nature. Note: it’s fiddly work!

SHELF LIFE

You get a two in one offer with shelves. Not only do they act as stand-alone features, they provide a home for your books, candles, ornaments and Buddha if you have one. Get geometric and create a collage of vertical and horizontal shelves. Mounted boxes also give a modern dimension.

CANVAS COOL

SPINNING AROUND

Plates, especially those collected from travels around the world, spice up a wall and do all the work for you. Best displayed in the dining room, a colourful spread of plates will create an appetising atmosphere. www.womanthismonth.com

If you’re one of those people who can create art out of a faceless plastic bottle, then a blank canvas is a walk in the park. Even the simplest pattern or design can lift a monotonous space and give it focal attention.

Whether it’s above your bed or in the hallway, you can’t go wrong with canvas art.

January 2015

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LIFESTYLE | 10 tips

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Water is a real soother of an element. Just gazing at a body of water restores a sense of calm to a busy day. This month, Hanna Moore gives you advice on how to introduce a water feature indoors or to your garden.

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CHOOSE WISELY

DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF

You can choose between hundreds of amazing designs varying from standing water walls, statues, monoliths, bird baths, wall-hanging fountains to animals and many more! Think long term about what will be suit your garden all year round.

There are three basic types of water features: ponds, water gardens and waterfalls (ponds have fish and plants, water gardens focus more on the plants).

Turn your search for a water feature into a proper project and scope out all possibilities.

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION The best spot for a pond is on well-drained, level ground. The pond should be installed where rain can't flow, since rain can carry fertilisers, chemicals, and organic debris into your pond.

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AVOID TREES

SHAPE AND STYLE

Do not place your pond under a tree, if you can avoid it, as it will leave you constantly removing debris; some leaves can be toxic to fish and plants.

Before digging your pond, experiment with your hose and fix it into different shapes and sizes. Traditional ponds tend to be geometrical but to make it look more natural go for a curvy shape.

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ELECTRICITY

KEEP THE WATER CLEAN

Most water features and ponds will need a power supply so, again, location will be very important if you want a running water feature.

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You can either look for fish that eat algae, or you can purchase special products to fight off Mother Nature and keep your feature looking fresh and clear.

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INDOORS

MELODIES

POSITIONING

Having water fountains indoors releases purities which freshen the air by removing dust particles and impurities, enriching the air around them. Having them inside can also reduce stress levels and leave you feeling relaxed and happy.

The sound of an indoor water feature varies depending on the material and size of the feature. The speed at which the water falls or runs and the height it falls from also play a part.

Where your feature is situated is crucial, as a furnished, carpeted room will muffle the sounds and a more spacious tiled room will cause the sound to be louder and more obvious.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2015

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FROM A SINGLE BRICK IN 1991...

WE HAVE GROWN INTO A HOUSE

Tel: (+973) 17 813 777 Fax: (+973) 17 813 700 | P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Bahrain | Address: Villa 1533 | Road 2426 | Block 324 | Bahrain

LIFESTYLE | parenting

A Beautiful Mind

When it comes to thinking, we can learn a lot from our children. Dr Jinan Harith Darwish thinks it’s high time we drew and wrote our way out of sticky situations and dropped convention.

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s clichéd as the phrase is, ‘thinking outside the box’ will stand you in good stead in life. It implies tackling problems in untraditional, innovative ways; conceptualising problems differently and understanding your position in relation to a situation you never thought of before.

Thinking outside the box eliminates the mundane, the forced perspective and the danger of repeatedly facing an issue in the same manner. Although you might think you know how to deal with a certain situation, you may be going about it in a way that stunts creative possibilities and sees you returning to the same problem time and time again.

Make an effort to push your thinking up to and beyond its limit – the aptitude you foster may come in handy the next time you face a situation that ‘everybody knows’ how to solve.

And this is where the little tots come in handy.

Children draw their way out of situations.

They can express themselves best with a www.womanthismonth.com

rainbow of crayons and a free mind. Take note of their approach and sketch the problem out – even if it is a method usually reserved for children. Drawing a picture allows you to visualise a problem and engage with a type of thinking that isn’t normally exercised, and gives you a creative boost that you might not have expected.

Another way, perhaps more adult-appropriate, of problem solving is writing poetry.

Poetry neatly bridges the rational, left side of the brain with the creative right side. Though it may feel nonsensical (getting comfortable with feeling nonsensical might be another way to think outside the box) write a poem about the problem you’re trying to solve. Your poem doesn’t necessarily have to provide a solution – the concept is to deflect your thinking away from your brain’s logic and into a more creative part of the brain, where it can be mulled over in a non-rational way. Don’t forget, no one has to ever see your poem!

Children are inherently more creative before society takes a hold and moulds their brains to think like everyone else. Before this process is underway, children think and speak with an oblivion to what is considered the ‘done way’ - which is so useful. Ask a child how they might tackle a problem: I guarantee it will put a refreshing smile on you face. If a child isn’t around, shake off your adult sensibilities and think like a child: how might you tackle an issue so that a child would nod happily and understand?

It’s not so much a task in being a child but an attempt to try to jog your thinking down the road less travelled.

You won’t always find a ‘box’ to shove your problems into, so it’s essential to jump over those parameters and go against the grain of the social norm. And at other times you’ll find a creative breakthrough staring at you in the face – it happens a lot more than your brain registers. g January 2015

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

International Family Fair at British School of Bahrain British School of Bahrain organised the International Family Fair at its premises in Hamala. The fair was opened by the British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Iain Lindsay.

Ali, Soraya, Ivana, Khalid & Shaheen

Prashant, Shyamah & Maaher

Children busy painting

Visitors at the fair

Alex, Jessica & Jemma

Selia, Zoe & Panos

Tabitha, Rana & Nalaa

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Nada, Hala & Daniah

Laurie & Mira

Anne & Marie

Natalia, Daniya & Emilie

Lara, Arwa & Aysha

Elena & Svenja

Chris, Orika, Aoife & Lydia

Bakhtawar, Hanan & Areej

Lujain & Alexia

Patrick & Ana

Iqra & Sarah

Roshini & Hassal www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

CLEARING CANALS

Although a sensitive subject, hemorrhoids are a prevalent condition in the Middle East.

Royal Bahrain Hospital give us information on how we can prevent from getting them.

What is it?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal which stretch due to increased pressure.

What causes it?

It is due to persistent diarrhea and constipation as well as sitting on the toilet and straining for a long time. Obesity, pregnancy and hereditary history could all contribute too. Long-term heart and liver disease, colon or other anal cancers could also be a cause.

Common symptoms?

Pain in the anal region, itching, bulging and swelling, bleeding from anal canal, discomfort during the passing of stool. There are other conditions with similar symptoms such as anal fissure and anal fistula which should not to be confused with Hemorrhoids.

How to treat it?

Early cases can be treated with simple changes in diet and toilet habits. For small to medium hemorrhoids, fixative procedures

like tying the hemorrhoids with rubber bands or using heat or laser can be done to create a scar. For large and lymphomatic hemorrhoids, surgical removal or stampled hemorrhoidectomy can be done – which is a day care procedure with minimal pain and scarring.

Preventing It: n Avoid constipation by including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, as well as plenty of fluids in your diet n Exercise everyday n Take fiber supplements if needed n Avoid prolonged sitting or standing n If you are pregnant, it is preferred that you sleep on your sides.

Dr Neetha Ravi is a specialist general surgeon at Royal Bahrain Hospital, specialising in hemorrhoids and breast surgery. For more details and information please call 17 246-800.

Department of General Surgery

• Consultation & Examination • Digital Rectal Examination • Proctoscopy valid from 1st to 31st Jan 2015 • Weight Loss (Bariatric) • Breast Cancer • Gall bladder • Varicose Vein • Diabetic Foot Care • Hernia • Intestinal diseases

Tel: +973 1724 6800 | Toll Free 8000 1090 | www.royalbahrainhospital.com www.womanthismonth.com

December 2014

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

A Pounding Problem We all get them. Sometimes they leave us debilitated, other times we brave through the pain.

But the truth of the matter is, headaches drive us up the wall. Behnaz Sanjana investigates what’s going on in our heads.

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f someone skips an important work event because of a headache, you’ll get some eye rolling. Just pop a pill and get on with it, right? But only those who suffer the fury of a throbbing head can really appreciate the gravity of the problem. The World Health Organisation describes headaches as extremely painful and disabling. It also notes that it is an underestimated, under-recognised and undertreated condition worldwide.

THE TYPES Dr Srinivas Mallya, specialist neurologist at the Al Hilal Hospital, says that headaches can be classified as primary and secondary.

Primary headaches are those without any

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identifiable abnormalities causing them.

These include: migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are those which have a cause: viz. sinusitis, bleeding in the brain, and infections.

So what does a headache feel like? Migraines are typically a throbbing or pulsating sensation on one side of the head. They bring on a wave of nausea and can prove to be pretty disabling, making the person irritable and intolerant to any light or sound.

“A tension headache affects the whole head and does not have any effects of a migraine.

They are often described as having a tightness or taut band like sensation on the head,” says Dr Srinivas.

People mistake sinus headaches for migraines, given that they are no less annoying than the latter. A sinus headache is a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead and behind the bridge of the nose. “Sinusitis can be identified by specific features such as purulent discharge from the nose, fever, bad odour and fullness in the face and ears,” adds Dr Srinivas.

A headache could be brushed off as a common ailment, but must never be ignored when it is accompanied with vision disturbances, weakness or numbness in the limbs or with fever, weight loss or lethargy. A headache at the back of the head also needs immediate medical attention. www.womanthismonth.com

Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine, dating back some 5,000 years TROUBLESOME TRIGGERS Dr Babu Ramachandran, general practitioner at AMH Bahrain, reveals what role certain factors play in the agony of headaches.

Diet. A word synonymous with many things but, when it comes to headaches, they’re tightly bound. You know when you’re out and about shopping and you’ve logged a few miles speed walking from one outlet to another and suddenly realise you haven’t had any water or lunch many hours later? Then that deep nagging pain takes up residence in your head. Ouch.

Migraine sufferers must beware of certain foods that trigger off a bad bout of pain.

Cheese, red wines, caffeine and chocolate are some culprits worth steering clear of. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour enhancer in Chinese foods, is known to cause headaches too. The list of headache triggers is quite long and varies from person to person.

The phenomenon that has plagued the 21st century: stress – with the way we work it’s no wonder we get headaches. It’s easier said than done but try to find a successful stress buster and put everything on pause to keep stress headaches at bay.

Hitting the gym more than a few times a month is said to keep you as headache free as possible. Those happy endorphins released during exercise are also painkillers, so there’s no better excuse to get on the treadmill is there? However, there are a few exercise must-dos that our expert recommends: “Hydrate yourself well. Dehydration can lead to headaches. Eating an hour or two before exercising provides the necessary energy for exercise and a warm-up session is a must.

These tips will prevent headaches during exercise.”

If you smoke, your headaches could be down to nicotine - a major component of your cigarette. “Nicotine stimulates the blood vessels in the brain to become narrow and this can trigwww.womanthismonth.com

ger headaches. Smoking also stimulates the nerves in the back of the throat, contributing to headaches,” says Dr Babu. Never had a puff but still feel a headache sprouting? Blame it on passive smoking or an allergy to smoke.

Occasional headaches shouldn’t be alarming.

They could be due to something as simple as a drop in estrogen levels just before the menstrual period, or may manifest as a withdrawal symptom if you haven’t had your routine caffeine fix.

“Although there is nothing wrong in popping a painkiller, abusing over-the-counter medications to cure headaches is harmful.

Persistent or recurrent headaches must be evaluated by a medical professional. Never self-treat a chronic headache with over-thecounter medications,” he warns.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine, dating back some 5,000 years. Its fundamentals lie in the understanding of the energy flow or ‘Chi’ of the human body.

“Fine needles are used to stimulate the body's classical acupuncture points depending on the disorder that needs to be treated. It has

now become widely accepted, valid and an effective line of treatment in the medical field.

And yes, an experienced practitioner can effectively treat headaches,” says Dr Lucy Liu, of the Chinese Medical Clinic in West Riffa. She has a number of patients who suffer severe migraines and headaches.

Dr Lucy believes there are many causes for headaches and migraines, such as neck compression or blood pressure variations and sinus problems. When it comes to effective treatment, one size surely doesn’t fit all.

"Each patient is different and I start by taking their pulse and asking them about their symptoms and medication - this helps me decide the best treatment for them. Normally I don't use any other medicine, as acupuncture is usually very effective for migraines, headaches and sinus symptoms and has no side effects," she adds.

Among the many headache sufferers she has helped, Dr Lucy tells of her patient who had suffered severe migraines for 14 painstaking years. “She wasn’t able to sleep at night and conventional medicine failed to alleviate the pain. After ten sessions of acupuncture, she is now much better.” g January 2015

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BEAUTIFUL EYES

Gulf Diabetes’ new doctor, Dr Elsanusi Elzaridi, is a visiting specialist who can fix our eye problems. He talks to us about what he offers.

showcase

Department of Ophthalmology

Schedule an appointment

Woman This Month (WTM): What are your main areas of expertise?

Dr Elsanusi Elzaridi (EE): Oculoplastic surgery and facial aesthetic treatment. This includes medical and surgical treatment of problems related to the eyelid area such as puffy and droopy eyes, watery eyes in children and adults, diagnosis and treatment of orbital diseases such as thyroid eye disease, diagnosis and surgical removal and reconstruction of age and sun exposure-related skin lesions such as skin cancer, skin tags and cysts. I also specialise in aesthetic consultation and treatment of an aging and tired face.

+973 1723 9171 / +973 3354 0976 SPECIALITIES Diabetic Retinopathy Vitreous Hemorrhage and Intra Vitreal Injections Laser Treatment of Keratoconus with Cross Linking Technology

Retinal Detachments Repair Surgeries and Macular Holes Repair Surgeries Oculoplastic Procedures Including Botox & Fillers Glaucoma (Raised Intraocular Pressure), Squint & Diplopia

Suture-less Retina & Vitreous Surgery

WTM: What’s the most popular treatment?

EE: Surgical correction of droopy and puffy eyelids. Injectable treatments including botulinum toxins and fillers are common.

WTM: What complaints do women come to you with?

EE: The most common problems women come to me with are puffy eyelids and redundant skin, especially in the upper lids . This is followed by heavy eyebrows, wrinkles around the eyes and loss of cheek volume.

WTM: Do you offer any quick day treatments?

EE: Most eyelids surgeries including puffy eyelids can be done as a day case under local anaesthetic. In addition, minor procedures such as removal of skin tags and cysts as well as injectables including botulinum toxin and fillers can be performed as office procedures.

WTM: What after-care services and consultations do you provide?

EE: Many patients, including women, seek advise regarding facial rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery. I like to spend time with my patients understanding their needs and expectations and try to give a realistic outcome depending on the problem and the different ways to treat it. In addition, I provide consultations for patients with other medical eyelid diseases, such as patients with rubbing or lost eyelashes, rehabilitation of the eye after facial palsy, treatment of dry eyes, watery eyes in children and adults and inflammatory orbital disease such as thyroid eye disease. www.womanthismonth.com

Suture-less Phacoemulsification (Cataract) Surgery, Refractive & Corneal Surgeries

International Visiting Physician Program Pediatric Ophthalmic Consultant Retinal Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES DESIGNED FOR A BRIGHTER VISION

2nd Floor

Gulf Diabetes Specialist Center

Building 99, Road 29, Block 329 Zinj, Kingdom of Bahrain

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Because we care! gulfdiabetes

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January 2015

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

IDTA Awards & Christmas Piano Recital

Ballare School of Performing Arts held its annual International Dance Teachers Association Awards Ceremony.

This was followed by a Piano Christmas Recital.

Giggo, Miguel & Sandro

Anastasia, Raisa & Amelia

Amaarah performing

Samira, Saman & Mukkaram

Aerin & Jeb

Ben & Arthur

Laura, Rebecca & Jim

Cocktails That You Can Eat at Ruka

Ruka at Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa organised a ‘Cocktails That You Can Eat’ workshop.

Adding the finishing touches

Nancy & Latha

Justin, Cynthia, Maria & Diana

Satish & Raafiq

60 January 2014

Randa

Anjali

Mischa, Sheena & Hashim

A finished cocktail www.womanthismonth.com

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SPIRITUAL SECTOR OPENING Good news ladies: the leading comprehensive healthcare, Middle East Medical Centre (MEMC) in Hidd has launched an Ayurvedic 'Santhigiri' sector with all things spiritual and holistic. We knew January was a promising month!

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he Middle East Medical Centre (MEMC) is the first ever medical facility to launch an Ayurvedic unit. The medical centre is under the leadership of Dr Varghese Kurian, chairman and managing director of VKL Holdings & Al Namal Group, who emphasised: “People from all over the world travel to India to avail Ayurvedic treatments. Right now it’s at our doorsteps. It’s high time to propagate alternative medicine like Ayurvedic in our island and to have an integrated approach in treating patients, when modern medical systems alone cannot provide sideeffect-free treatment.”

The 3250 sq feet Ayurvedic centre would provide specialised herbal therapies which reduce the physical suffering from musculo- skeletal disorders. It also aids with stress management therapy, eye care, hypertension, post-natal care, rejuvenation massages and stimulate unlimited self-healing powers of the mind, body and soul.

Panchakarma therapy is known to help repair worn out tissues while increasing memory and improving vigour and vitality. The specialised Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies MEMC offer also help to alleviate specific health problems like back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, sinusitis, migraines, sports injuries, spondylosis, depression and many more.

To its credit, MEMC is the first ever medical centre to launch an Ayurvedic unit in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The function has being inaugurated under the patronage of H.E.Shaika Noora Khalifa Al Khalifa and

by Indian Ambassador H.E. Dr.Mohan Kumar. www.womanthismonth.com

..

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Official Opening of Sports One at Oasis Centre Bahrain’s ultimate sports destination, Sports One, opened at Oasis Centre in Muharraq. Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, Al Rashid Group’s Chairwoman and Mr Vikas Attri, the group’s COO were on hand to inaugurate the store.

Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa inaugurates the store

Raghanendra & Surojith

Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, Vikas & the ARG team

Rami, Anil, Jay & Rasal

Neha, Randa & Sushanth

Oman Air Secretaries’ Meet Oman Air and Diva Hotel jointly organised the annual ‘Secretaries Meet’ event. Secretaries from corporations, banks and schools across Bahrain attended the event.

Maria, Candida, Dixon, Eric, Bianca, Paul, Charles, Sara & Sana

Surbita & Prakash

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Corena & Carol

Ahmed & Basil

Tagz & Annette www.womanthismonth.com

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A CLASSY COUPÉ Power, precision and comfort are the driving forces behind this distinctive car and its big personality.

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f you’re looking for a classy and comfortable car with a striking design and a number of available engines, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé could be what you’ve been waiting for.

The aim in the design process of the new model was to achieve a synergy between the aesthetics and dynamics – typical of a BMW Coupé – and functional versatility of a fourdoor sedan, its makers say. The result is a unique car with a distinctive character that is still unmistakably a BMW. The exterior design features a flat roofline that smoothly flows into the rear end. The recessed passenger compartment appears low and smoothly stretched and the frameless door windows are also a design element indicative of a sporty coupé.

The interior has a driver-orientation typical of the BMW brand. The cockpit and front passenger area are bordered by sweeping surfaces with a harmonious connection between the front seats and the rear. The www.womanthismonth.com

four-door coupé offers generous space in the back with an additional third rear seat, which can be used for shorter journeys.

Powered by a choice of two engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé offers sporty potential. The BMW 640i Gran Coupé features a turbocharging system and produces a maximum of 320hp, at 5,800 to 6,000rpm, from a displacement of 3.0-litres and accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in 5.4 seconds.

The BMW 650i Gran Coupé has the latest generation of the 4.4-litre V8 engine and both variants are managed by an eight-speed sports automatic transmission built for sporty driving, comfortable shifting and optimised efficiency.

The Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console allows the driver to alter accelerator response characteristics, engine response, the power steering characteristics, the DSC settings, the damper

characteristics and the shift characteristics of the automatic transmission.

A range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance technology features include BMW Park Assistant, Camera-based Collision Warning with braking function (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control) and the latest-generation full colour BMW HeadUp Display that projects driving information on the windscreen in 3D. As with all BMW models, the 6 Series Gran Coupé features an exclusive options list that includes comfort seats and sports seats, active seats, seat ventilation, exclusive Nappa leather, ceramic applications, heated rear seats and 4-zone automatic climate control.

There is also a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System that offers a dynamic sound experience from every seat.

Call Euro Motors on 17 750-750 or visit the Sitra showroom.

January 2015

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LIFESTYLE | travel

A Subcontinental Secret With its misty mountains, golden beaches, majestic elephants, lush tea plantations, a glorious past and warm smiles, Sri Lanka displays a wealth of diversity across its length and breadth. This month Ankita Mamgain sets out to explore the natural and cultural bounty of the jewel-shaped island.

THE ISLAND LIFE ith its 1,340-kilometer coastline, Sri Lanka doesn't make things easy for those trying to decide which beach to bum on. The western shores constitute some of the most beautiful strips of golden sand and well-developed cities and towns, complete with touristy attractions. Here you’ll find some of the busiest beaches in the country, dotted with shacks, restaurants and hotels for every budget. One area that is worth visiting is Kalpitiya towards the northwest. A pristine peninsula three hours north of Colombo, it’s on its way to developing a Maldives-style eco-resort based around 14 lagoon islands. Other beaches along the coast are Bentota and Induruwa. These run along south from the magnificent Bentota lagoon and are lined with a string of alluring hotels.

For a more tranquil experience and slice of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, head south. This region rewards you with pristine beaches, colonial townscape, wildlife parks and Buddhist shrines and temples. The area also boasts the island’s most alluring selection of places to stay; from beach resorts to quaint villas. Unawatuna is a pretty little horseshoe-shaped beach backed by one of Sri Lanka’s most enjoyable villages.

Mirissa is also one of the south coast’s most intimate beaches, with a picture-perfect arc of sand fringed by lofty palms.

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COME ALL YE FAITHFUL ri Lanka is home to some of the world’s most spectacular Buddhist monuments and historical sites. Its ancient cities still carry the magnificence of the bygone era and are a treasure trove of many architectural and archaeological marvels.

The first major stop on our temple trail is the former capital, Kandy, home to one of the most famous Buddhist relics, the Sacred Tooth. Legend has it that it was saved from Buddha’s funeral pyre and has travelled a long path to finally settle here.

Nestled in a temple, it is located in a quiet corner of the lake and is one of the biggest Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo is another must visit. This bustling temple complex has a library, a museum and an astonishing array of bejewelled gifts presented by devotees and well-wishers over the years. The temple is also the centre for the most extravagant Vesak celebrations in the city. The ancient ruins at Anuradhapura promise an amazing sight as well. The enormous dagobas, soaring brick towers, antique pools and crumbling temples were built during Anuradhapura’s 1,000 years of rule over Sri Lanka.

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ROARING REVELATIONS ri Lanka possesses abundant natural resources and is one of the finest countries in which to go wildlife watching in South Asia. The island harbours an enormous variety of habitats, and hence can support a wide range of plant and animal species. From the overawing sight of herds of gigantic elephants to elusive leopards, enormous whales, schools of dolphins, hundreds of colourful birds and reefs packed with vibrant-coloured fish, the diversity of the fauna here is astounding. The country has an impressive array of national parks, protected zones and safari options that welcome anyone, from dedicated naturalist to interested wildlife novice.

Muthurajawela Marsh is a little-known gem of a wetland at the southern end of Negombo’s lagoon and home to purple herons, cormorants and kingfishers. You can also watch herds of elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards at Uda Walawe National Park; an experience that rivals the savannah reserves of Africa. Water sport enthusiasts and divers can head to Pigeon Island National Park in the Nilaveli region. Here, powdery white sands and glittering coral gardens welcome you; however, the main attraction lies under water. The shallow reef is inhabited by dozens of corals and hundreds of reef fish, including blacktip reef sharks and turtles. If catching the beasts in the wild is not your cup of tea, I suggest you at least pay a visit to Pinnawala elephant orphanage, situated northwest of the town of Kegalla, midway between Colombo and Kandy.

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LIFESTYLE | food

Something Old Something New One of the great things about every new year is that no matter what occurred over the last 365 days, January is a clean slate. James Claire has fun in the kitchen with new ideas.

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traditional dish can be reversed, revolutionised and endlessly reworked. Whether sweet or savoury, the kitchen becomes a lab of experimental possibilities.

Remember, our best-loved dishes of all time were born out of trial and error. And that is why I have put a new

spin on some old recipes for you to get excited about this month. I have a soufflé with a touch of sweet and savoury, a cake made of beets to increase your vegetable consumption and a bread and butter pudding made with a difference.

RASPBERRY ROSEMARY SOUFFLÉ 300g raspberries, frozen 70g sugar 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary egg yolks 2 40g plain all-purpose flour 15g cornstarch 5 egg whites 50g sugar icing sugar, for dusting pinch 2 tspns sugar for dishes 2 tbspns melted butter, for greasing • Combine frozen raspberries, sugar and rosemary in a medium saucepan.

• Heat and cook for 2 minutes until soft.

• Strain the puree and cool.

• Preheat oven to 190° Celsius and pre-grease and line with sugar and 4 soufflé ramekins.

• Using 125ml of the reserved raspberry puree in a large bowl, add egg yolks and sift over the flour.

Stir until combined. Any extra raspberry puree will be used as sauce for the finished soufflé.

• In an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.

• Gradually beat in the sugar until firm peaks form.

• Using a large metal spoon, gently fold a large spoonful of egg whites through the raspberry mixture. Fold in remaining egg whites, gently.

• Evenly spoon the mixture into prepared dishes.

Place on a baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated oven until puffed and light golden on top.

• Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately with remaining raspberry puree and a sprig of rosemary by the side.

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BEETROOT CAKE 200g 250g 4 150g 120g 1 tspn 1 tbspn

dark chocolate, melted beetroot, raw, grated finely eggs granulated sugar almond powder baking powder cocoa powder

• Preheat the oven to 180° Celsius.

• Lightly grease a 20cm springform cake tin and line the base with parchment paper.

• Separate the eggs, placing the whites into a large clean mixing bowl and add the yolks to the grated beetroot.

• Stir the sugar, almonds, baking powder, cocoa powder and melted chocolate into the beetroot and mix in well together.

• In an electric mixer bowl, whisk the egg whites until the form stiff peaks.

• Use a spatula to fold a third of the egg whites into the beetroot mixture to loosen it and, once combined, fold in the remaining but do not over mix.

• Add the mixture to the prepared cake tin and spread out evenly using a spatula.

• Bake in the hot oven for around 55 minutes, or until baked.

• When baked, remove from the oven and cool in the tin.

Remove from the tin when cool and serve with fresh whipped cream.

2 tbspns chives, finely chopped 400ml milk 150ml cream eggs 3 2 egg yolks 1 tspn dried mustard pinch salt pinch cracked black pepper 150g cheddar cheese, finely grated

CHEESE AND ONION BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING 50g 300g 2 tbspn ½

unsalted butter thick sliced white bread, day old onion marmalade purple onion finely diced

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• Preheat the oven to 160° Celsius.

• Lightly oil a casserole dish.

• Lightly butter the bread slices. Cut each slice into cubes. Spread the buttered bread cubes over the base of the casserole dish.

Spread the onion marmalade onto the bread pieces. Top it with the diced purple onion and chives.

• Beat the milk, cream, dried mustard, eggs and egg yolks together. Season with salt and pepper.

• Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, and allow it to rest for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid. Sprinkle the top with the cheddar cheese.

• Place the casserole dish in a deep-sided baking tray and pour hot water around to cover half-way.

• Bake for 30-35 minutes until the pudding custard is just set and the top is a nice golden brown.

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showcase

MCLOYALTY

Quick-service favourite, McDonald’s has been commended for convenience, speed, and accessibility in the Global Brand Simplicity Index.

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n recognition for its continued commitment to enhancing its customers’ experience, McDonald’s has earned a place in the top 10 Global Brand Simplicity Index 2014 for the Middle East. Published annually by the New York-based branding firm Siegel+Gale, this index evaluates the impact and power of simplicity on a brand’s customer loyalty.

Earning the sixth place on the index, McDonald’s is the only food and beverage brand listed in the top 10 rankings.

This year’s index praised the iconic quick-service brand for its proliferation of branches, easy access, and its simple menu.

McDonald’s was further commended for posting easy-to-read nutritional information on its packaging, so that customers can make informed food choices.

Commenting on this acknowledgment, Abdulla Adel Fakhro, director of Fakhro Restaurants Co. said: “This is a proud moment

for McDonald’s Bahrain. We are compelled to push ourselves even harder on our journey to make the McDonald’s experience simpler, easier, and more convenient. At McDonald’s, we constantly challenge ourselves to innovate and proactively meet our customers’ evolving needs. This is a key driver behind everything we do - through revitalising our menu and making our restaurants more digitally enabled, to offering more convenience and value.”

The Global Brand Simplicity Index measures than 500 brand ratings spanning 25 industries,

based on an annual survey of more than 10,000 consumers in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Published annually since 2010, McDonald’s is one of only four brands to consistently maintain a top 10 position.

For more information about McDonald’s Arabia visit www.mcdonaldsarabia.com

VISIT ANY McDONALD’S BRANCH TO GET YOUR FREE MCNUGGETS !

TM

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Launch of McDonald’s New Tabasco Burgers Media and guests were invited to the launch of McDonald’s Tabasco burgers at McDonald’s Arad outlet.

Jess, Rhea, Arianne & Benji

Ali & Ali

Winkie, G-zel, Lizel & Jenny

We like it hot!

Ahmed, Ali & Ali

Sarah & Reem

Ranny & Ameer

Kenneth, G-zel & Jenny

Pakiza & Reem

Christina & Jenni

Jess, Richard, Rhea, Arianne & Benji

Rick & Arun

The McDonald’s crew www.womanthismonth.com

Aiden & Milan January 2015

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horoscopes

Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 20

Your relationship takes a new twist when you discover your partner may have a secret admirer. However, curb any immediate suspicions until you are more certain of the situation. The best course of action would be to talk to the person in question. But don’t be aggressive or allow misplaced jealousy to take the reins. On the home front, you might feel like treating yourself this January.

Star

Gazing With the start of the new year, Raphael reveals what you can expect…

Aquarius Jan 21-Feb 19

Virgo Aug 24-Sept 23

Emotions will be running high throughout January, which may have something to do with a young-hearted relative who has been on your mind for all the wrong reasons.

However, before you act in haste, be sure to judge the situation calmly and don’t allow your emotions to dictate your behaviour.

On the home front, a possible move that you weren’t exactly in favour of will probably turn out to be a lot better than you expected.

Pisces Feb 20-Mar 20

Gemini May 22-Jun 21

Things have been tough for you over the last few months and you have been forced to deal with many turbulent changes. However, there is a brighter view on the horizon and things will start to look up. The reason for this dramatic change can be attributed to a loved one suddenly making you feel a lot more wanted than perhaps had been the case. In fact, this could be the start of a very rewarding relationship.

Family life has never seemed so good and the future bodes well for all matters involving the home. You will find yourself reflective throughout January and perhaps even discover an emotional side to yourself.

Matters of the heart may be less trouble-free and you should be careful not to speak before you think. Your misplaced words could cause more than just heartache to a partner. It’s not just family that need your affection.

Libra Sept 24-Oct 23

A hurdle which has hindered your progress up until this moment will finally become surmountable, giving you good reason to celebrate. In turn, this will also allow you to achieve notable success in the workplace and provide a possible opportunity for promotion.

On a more negative track, a close acquaintance may become ill because of stress and this will place an extra burden on you, forcing you to consider bringing in some outside help.

Cancer Jun 22-Jul 23

Scorpio Oct 24- Nov 22

Taurus Apr 21-May 21

Leo Jul 24-Aug 23

Sagittarius Nov 23-Dec 21

January will present you with an opportunity to live out a dream, which may have seemed out of reach for so long. There is the prospect of travelling away from home for several months and perhaps even renting a new property. However, a relationship may suffer as a consequence and rumours or words of unrest concerning your partner may reach you from an unexpected source.

Aries Mar 21-Apr 20

This month will see you breaking out of your self-imposed shell and taking a new grip on your life. Life will become more of an enjoyable challenge and you will relish the chance to involve yourself in it. Work will also bring about positive change where you may employ the more ruthless side of your character and finally detach yourself from anyone you feel might be holding you back.

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You’ve been plagued by a number of niggling doubts that have caused you to re-evaluate your life in a big way. Consequently, when an idle comment is made about you, it’s going to cut a little deeper than some might have expected, putting a series of events in motion.

By the time January is over, who you are, where you are and even what you are doing will all have changed because of these events.

You are about to arrive at one of the biggest emotional crossroads of your life when you are presented with a choice that will finally decide the course you take in a relationship.

Over the last few weeks a great deal of uncertainty has crept into your life. The road to happiness lies open for you but you must first separate the fact from the fiction before you can appreciate it.

Plans that you thought were worked out could go considerably off course and leave you in disarray. You might need to take control of the situation once you are in a more sensible state of mind. Also, a young child may give you reason for concern because of an illness that could develop into something more serious. The slightest cause for concern should be acted upon.

Could it be that the love bug has taken such a hold on you that you are perhaps losing sight of other important things in your life?

Maybe you need to step back and analyse the situation a little better; you could be moving a bit faster than your partner. To save yourself any potential embarrassment, allow common sense to prevail. On the home front a relative begins to spread gossip.

Romance will follow your every step this month and the signs are good for any new relationship. However, you are advised not to speak too openly with a companion who likes to dish the dirt. Until you are certain in your heart that this is the route you want to take, keep it to yourself. You’ll have plenty of time to shout it out to the rafters in the weeks to come. www.womanthismonth.com

he says

A Laughing Matter

Sometimes a good sense of humour is more disarming than charm and more enlightening than wisdom. James Claire tells us why we should laugh through life.

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am not a supporter of childish stupidity or pranks, but the ability to laugh – especially at yourself. I knew someone who took everything to heart. Life is too short for that.

Sure, none of us want to be laughed at, but sometimes our idiosyncrasies are funny to others. We should learn from this and laugh along with them. Clowns love to be laughed at while the rest of us seldom do. We squirm in our seats, we become on-the-spot introverts but, thankfully, I was born part clown. My big feet and red nose help.

Laughter starts with a smile and so does the best method of disarming our enemies. No one ever expects a smile, but it helps.

We may not all look alike, speak the same language or share the same beliefs but there is one thing that binds us all together: laughter. As the American comedian Yakov Smirnoff said: “Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.”

But Danish comedian Victor Borge summed www.womanthismonth.com

it up the best: “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”

Working for a large corporation these days, I am subjected to training sessions on a regular basis. I hate being trained, for I am an ageing dog after all, and new tricks struggle to stick.

But our recent company training day had all departments involved. People used to sending each other emails about how their division lets down the bigger picture or how each department can better themselves for the greater good of the company, sat together for eight hours to learn and train. Our US trainer flown in for the event had us all laughing and, as unaccustomed as I am to enjoying myself, I did. Did we learn much? I’m not sure after eight solid hours, but it broke down the barriers between us all. Today, there seems to be a distinct reduction in ‘cynical’ emails, and a greater understanding of each other.

My mother passed away little over a year ago, yet I can still hear her laugh ringing in

my head. I doubt the sound will ever leave me. I pray that it doesn’t, for it is one of the greatest memories I have of her. We lived apart for years, yet it was through instant mutual laughter over the phone that made the distance seem shorter than it was.

Through a tough life, it was her ability to laugh and find the funny in the small things that made her life memorable.

As American writer and journalist Max Eastman once said: “It is the ability to take a joke, not make one, that proves you have a sense of humour.” There are numerous subjects and life events that can make us bitter and despondent, yet if we teach our children one skill at all, it should be the art of laughter.

Being able to enjoy yourself and pick out life’s funny moments rather than highlighting its harshness will give children a greater ability to face the world with more fight. As the ageing process takes hold of us, I know I’d rather have a face with deep lines of laughter than worry. g January 2015

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she says

Seeing the Light

When times are bad, we forget to acknowledge all the good that is happening. Behnaz Sanjana muses over surviving the storm and being grateful for the smallest of things in the New Year.

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dversities are those unwelcomed guests who are impossible to evade. From what I’ve recently experienced, they tend to drop by in troupes. What’s more, they sometimes have a long-stay visit on their agenda. My ever-burgeoning to-do lists devour the last ounces of my energy. The deadlines hang precariously overhead. My sanity is at stake.

The hurdles that hit us at the worst of times are complete bugbears, making you want to tear your hair out (but then you think of that pricey hair spa you just splurged on and back out). Sometimes the hurdles are so close, you’ve barely caught your breath after jumping one when another, maybe even a bigger one, is already at your toes.

Just when you need to get somewhere quick, the car goes kaput; the computer conks out on the weekend before a deadline and you’re

72 January 2015

locked out of the house because the keys decided to play havoc. However catastrophic your disasters might be, it helps to remember how small they are compared to the trials of the unemployed who worry where their next meal will come from, or the mother nurturing a premature baby, or the family whose dear one fights for life, or those unfortunate souls piecing their lives back together after a natural calamity.

What sets you apart is how you manage to navigate yourself through choppy waters.

Do you come out of the storm battered and bitter? Or do you emerge stronger, brighter and with far more wisdom to know better next time?

No matter what hand life deals you, I believe one must always carry one’s cards with an attitude of gratitude. A leaky roof means

you have a bed to sleep in; a fridge that you think is too small means you are unfamiliar with hunger, and the will you muster to keep away from that mega sale means you have enough clothes in your wardrobe - luxuries that millions around the world are not blessed with.

When you find yourself in ‘complain mode’ more times than you should, complete the sentence: “I am grateful for ...” After realising the myriad ways you can fill in the blanks, you’ll be less harrowed, more humble and happier. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to voice my opinions and plant my thoughts in your mind. As all good things come to end, this one does too. May 2015 bless you with more goodies, good luck and boundless gratitude. Happy New Year to you and yours! g www.womanthismonth.com