Woman This Month - January 2017

Bahrain Edition

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

January 2017 | Issue 167 | BD1 / SR10

YOUR FITTEST YEAR YET Expert Advice Exercise Trends Workout Wear Clean Eating

CHARITY CHAMPION

Lynne Al-Wazzan

www.womanthismonth.com

TRAVEL Great Destinations to Hit The Slopes

FASHION Apres Ski Chic

PARENTING

Winter Break Camps New Columnist Oiuam Charkani El Hassani of Chanelmama

showcase

CLOONEY

‘WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING’ In this latest campaign, the silver fox actor shows just how far he will go for the perfect cup of coffee.

I

t has been more than 10 years since George Clooney first partnered with Nespresso and their latest collaboration, Change Nothing, is the most eventful and humorous campaign to date.

The light-hearted campaign, which debuted at www.nespresso.com/whatelse, sees George embark on a rough night as he looks to protect his precious coffee. Starting in the stylish Nespresso boutique on London’s Regent Street, George’s adventure begins as he strikes up conversation with an attractive female over a cup of Nespresso coffee.

Sadly for him, she is the wife of the ‘boss’.

And so ensues an eventful evening, courtesy of the ‘boss’, played by Pirates of the Caribbean and Deadwood star, Ian McShane, which sees Clooney take a trip through the backstreets of London. The following morning we see a

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dishevelled George in his home savouring his Nespresso coffee, as he lets the audience know that he ‘wouldn’t change a thing’ about his Nespresso experience.

The fully integrated campaign kicked off with a teaser phase where consumers were invited to guess what fate awaited George Clooney. The wider global activation launched with TV and online advertising, plus a content-rich landing page including behind the scenes footage on the Nespresso website and consumer engagement through interactive image filters and gamification on the brand’s social channels.

Alfonso Gonzalez, Chief Customer Officer for Nespresso, explains: “Our relationship with George strengthens year on year, and in our 12th collaboration, we have created a storyline that shows Clooney at his best.

“He is a true partner for the brand, and here we see just how far he is willing to go for that incomparable Nespresso coffee experience”.

Asked about his continuing partnership with Nespresso, Clooney responded on set: “We always look to take the story to the next level and in this latest instalment I think we can say that it is certainly my most eventful outing to date. Bringing a more character-driven approach mixed with humour has really taken the campaign to a new level”.

Visit www.nespresso.com/whatelse to discover more.

About Nestlé Nespresso SA Nestlé Nespresso SA is the pioneer and reference for highest-quality portioned coffee. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nespresso operates in 64 countries and has more than 12,000 employees. In 2015, it operated a global retail network of over 450 exclusive boutiques.

For more information, visit the Nespresso corporate website: www.nestle-nespresso.com.

Call soj Bahrain W.L.L. toll-free 80 001-999.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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JANUARY 8 Over To You 10 The Month in Focus

SHOPPING

12 Pick of the Month: Arm Candy 14 Editor’s Choice: Spots ‘n’ Stripes

24 41

FASHION

16 Fashion Trend: That ’70s Vibe 18 Fashion Forward: Backstage Pass 20 Get the Look: Apres Chic

PEOPLE

24 Lynne Al-Wazzan: Charity Champion 26 Irina Averinos: Reality at Its Best 27 Nina Mommsen: Making Lasting Memories

BEAUTY

28 News: The latest products in the stores 32 Celeb Spot: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

FEATURE FITNESS 37-41 Healthy New You

LIFESTYLE

42 Wellbeing: Reboot And Rebalance 47 Homes: Hey Good Lookin’, What’s Cookin’?

52 Food: Chef's Special 53 Food: Smooth Operator 56 Travel: Take to the Slopes

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PARENTING

65 Ouiam Charkani El Hassani: The Terrible Threes 66 Charity: Painting For Good 67 Kids’ Camps: A Fun Break 68 Advice: Dr Jinan Harith Darwish 69 Tech Kids: Make Learning Fun 70 Fashion: Kids’ Playground 71 Horoscope: What to expect this month 72 In Her Shoes: Maryam Al Maskati

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

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

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

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Contact For Appointment

Amwaj 1603 1120

Juffair 17369 133

Awali 1775 6449

H

EDITOR’S NOTE

appy New Year one and all. I hope you’ve enjoyed the festivities so far and are looking forward to a very bright 2017. If, like me, your everlasting New Year’s resolution is to get fit and perhaps lose a few kilos, then you’ve come to the right place.

Our big feature this month is all about fitness with words of wisdom from boot camp guru Paul Hamblin as well as tips on clean eating and our hot list of classes we hope to see in Bahrain in the coming months – to say I’m excited about the prospect of rowing taking over from spinning, would certainly be an understatement.

Our interviewees this month are all inspiring women who share with us their passions. Lynne Al-Wazzan has done so much for charity that there is an award named after her; Nina Mommsen is fast gaining a name as one of the island’s most popular photographers; and Irina Averinos has turned her art into a way of life. Together they bring us a positive New Year message that nothing is impossible; if you want it, just go for it.

With the kids currently off school on their winter break, our Parenting section includes a round-up of activity camps to keep them busy and we also have a new columnist this month, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani. She’s perhaps better known as the face and words of popular blog Chanelmama and she’ll be giving us monthly insights into life with her little boy and the things mums love, and sometimes don’t love, about Bahrain.

With winter most definitely upon us, our travel section is all about skiing and, of course, apres ski. I must admit, reading through those pages did give me serious piste envy, not least because it’s an excuse to dress up in some seriously gorgeous cool weather gear, as featured in our fashion pages. If you’re travelling this winter, we’d love to hear about your adventures.

As always we have our regular round-up of beauty news, things to do and food to try and, in the spirit of ‘New Year, New You’, I’ve even shared my own favourite smoothie recipes. Hope you enjoy trying them.

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors APPLE SHARMA BEHNAZ SANJANA PUJA TIWARI DR JINAN DARWISH RAPHAEL The only OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI head of digital operations women's NEIL F VAZ e in az mag print production manager h SABU SEBASTIAN distributed wit layout & graphics the GDN ROMEO SAN MIGUEL GOPAL NAMBIAR media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED PEARLYN D MEHTA circulation KADAMBARI S research assistant, sales and database coordinator ADITI PRASAD photography editor MONA ABDUL JABBAR photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press UNION PRESS, BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2016© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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

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

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

Woman This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

Bahrain Edition

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

January 2017 | Issue 167 | BD1 / SR10

Our month: George and Farheen at the launch of Sundown Session at The Westin. Farheen also enjoyed taking part in the Downtown Rotana cooking competition.

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YOUR FITTEST YEAR YET Expert Advice Exercise Trends Workout Wear Clean Eating

CHARITY CHAMPION

Lynne Al-Wazzan

www.womanthismonth.com

TRAVEL Great Destinations to Hit The Slopes

January 2017, Issue 167 On the cover: The Fitness Issue

FASHION Apres Ski Chic

PARENTING

Winter Break Camps New Columnist Oiuam Charkani El Hassani of Chanelmama

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Mooza, Majeda, Fatima & Amna

Aziza, Zenat, Nadia & Aziza

National Day Celebration

Shaikha Mariam, Shaikha Sharifa & Fatima

Mariam & Lulwa

The International Ladies Association held a lunch party to celebrate Bahrain National Day.

Batool, Safia, Naima & Fawzia

Fatima & Khadeeja

Fawzia, Fatima & Dalal

Aziza, Batool, Dunia, Fatima, Eshrafa & Salwa

Majeda, Aysha, Fatima & Zenat

Manal, Dunia, Ebtihaj, Fatima & Khadeeja

Amna, Safia, Shaikha Sharifa & Mariam

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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news

OVER TO YOU

The Most Liked Post on Facebook

The Most Liked Post on Instagram

On Facebook, the contest poster had the highest engagement with 107 likes and 101 shares.

Woman This Month’s post regarding Ayesha Yateem Foundation’s ‘Violence Against Women’ event got the highest response and likes.

Your Shout!

The following #WTM post was favourited and retweeted on Twitter the most.

On twitter, the Feria Espanola opening night at Sofitel had the highest engagement.

# Trending The annual winter wear shopping trudge to the mall is one of the most dreaded times of the year for me. I am of a petite build and finding my size is, ironically, a Himalayan task. Whilst the malls are peppered with stores exclusively selling plus-sized garments, there are only a handful of clothing stores which have a small section for petites. The price tag on these range from anywhere between exorbitant and eye-wateringly expensive. While there are plenty of online stores, shipping costs and the delay in receiving the clothes make it a hassle. Why isn’t there a special store which caters just to us little ones on the island? It would make shopping so much more appealing and would also save me the embarrassment of being spotted in the kids section while hunting for the perfect fit.

Rowena, Buasiteen.

By writing to the WTM, I hope I can bring attention to the strays outdoors who barely get a few morsels of food from the bin. With the chilly winter settled in, I’m sure pet owners around the Kingdom are doing their part to keep cats and dogs warm and well fed. If you have any leftovers, please put them out where you know a stray frequents and set out a bowl of water for them if possible. After all, they need some TLC too.

Annabelle, Saar.

Got something you want to get off your chest? Congratulations, commiserations and remonstrations all welcome. We’ll carry the best one each week.

What’s caught our eye in the news this month.

#Three Nigerian-American women are making history, creating Africa’s first-ever bobsled team aiming to go to the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Driver Seun Adigun and brakewomen Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga all come from elite track and field backgrounds. globalnews.ca/ #Music does not disrupt women’s concentration, a study done by The Imperial College and the Royal College of Music suggests. The 350 people in the study were monitored as they carried out tasks while listening to pieces of music by Mozart and AC/DC and the background sound of an operating theatre.

Women's ability to concentrate on the task did not seem to be affected by any of these sounds. bbc.com/

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

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Instagram: @WomanThisMonth

Twitter: @WomanThisMonth

Facebook: Woman This Month www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Hani, Shaikha & Fajar

Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority, inaugurated the first Chocolate and Coffee Exhibition at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Chocolate and Coffee Expo

Raza & Nouf

www.womanthismonth.com

Mariam & Alaa

Dr Hala & Yasmeen

Abeer & Khalid

January 2017

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news

JANUARY IN FOCUS What’s on our radar this month?

Shopping Bonanza

From January 25 to February 2, the halls of the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre will be filled with enticing products from around the world as the Autumn Fair returns for its 28th year.

Held under the patronage of the Bahrain Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, this nine-day shoppers’ paradise features over 750 stalls from 21 countries and thousands of potential bargains.

A huge variety of goods will go on sale including speciality foods, fashion, home furnishings, technology, toys, textiles and much more with national pavilions from countries such as China, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, Thailand, Syria, the UAE and Yemen.

Entry 800 fils. Visit www.theautumnfair.com or call 17 550-033 for information on opening times.

Desi Delights Trashion Show

Running under the banner It’s Our World and promoting the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle, this event, taking place at the Golden Tulip on January 6 looks like a great fun day out for all the family.

Featuring youngsters from the Indian Ladies Association’ Sneha Foundation as well as the Special Family Support Group and with participation from local schools, the event is being staged by Sphere Advertising in association with social media group MOMwise.Bh, and it’s expected to attract visitors from both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The Theatrical Trashion Show will feature dresses made by various crafters using recycled materials to create awareness of the amount of waste we create.

There’ll also be stalls and food on offer and tickets are priced just BD1.

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If you’re feeling a bit turkeyed out after Christmas, check out the new Monday curry night at ART Rotana in Amwaj. The ‘Desi Dish Night’ at Choices Restaurant offers diners the chance to travel through southern Asia with a huge selection of curries, grills and traditional beverages showcasing the very best of cuisines from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and more. It runs from 7pm to 10.30pm and costs BD15 with soft drinks or BD25 with house beverages.

Golf With A Difference If, like us, you’ve always fancied trying golf but have been put off by the small size of the ball and the hole, the Royal Golf Club has the answer. FootGolf, yep play a round in a game that’s a merger of two of the most popular sports in the world – football and golf. The goal is to kick a standard football into a cup in as few shots as possible. FootGolf gives players two hours of great fun on the club’s championship course and prices start from just BD5 per person. FootGolf tee times are available every Sunday evening between 6.30pm and 8pm.

Going Tribal

Discover your inner rhythm and turn your family into a tribe. Feel the heartbeat of your soul as rhythm and fun come together as one in a drumming session with Lydia at La Fontaine. Drumming is universal, whatever your age, occupation or cultural background everyone communicates through the language

Girls Night Out

Fancy a night on the town with your pals, free of charge. Then head to The Domain Hotel and Spa where every night is ladies night from Saturday to Thursday from 4pm to 1am at Txoko Basque Lounge on Level 36. Get a party of ladies together, whether you’re celebrating or just fancy winding down after a long day, and chill out in the fab atmosphere of this cool bar with its great views.

of rhythm. After a hard day at the office there's no better stress buster than beating a drum. So, why not go along and experience the fun on January 18 from 7pm to 8pm. Call 17 230-123 for more information. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Shaikha Hind

Kaizad & Ivan

Beat Diabetes Dr Najwa, Nada, Dr Samia, Dr Mariam & Haidar Khan

Al Rashid Group held its 8th annual Beat Diabetes Walkathon at the Dohat Arad Park in Muharraq.

Hiba

Sandra, Laresa & Simone

Malak, Budoor, Deena, Hessa & Sarah

Waad & Fatima

Marwa & Kameela

Fathiya & Eman

Shahd & Jhanvi

Fadwa

Kapila, Arawiv, Sriya, Kumudu, Lalinda & Madu

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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SHOPPING | pick of the month

Arm Candy

It would be hard not to fall in love with arm candy as perfect as this box bag from the latest MCM collection. The dramatic combination of red and black coupled with plenty of gilt and studs, all go together to make this a standout statement piece that you’ll be using for years to come.

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Available in Bahrain at MCM Boutique, Moda Mall, 17 730-828. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Matthias, Raed, Maki, Hussain, Volker & Bilal

Nitai, Rodik & Seema

www.womanthismonth.com

Christmas Tree Lighting The K Hotel held a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at its premises in Juffair.

Asher, Candy & Aroon

Miguel, Gretchen & Matthias

Cirit & Maha

January 2017

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SHOPPING | editor's choice

SPOTS ‘N’ STRIPES

No matter how you wear them, these graphics can’t help but brighten a winter wardrobe. Stripes seem always to add an air of formality, while spots give a more light-hearted feel. put them together for a look that’s slightly cookie but, in darker colours, still muted enough to be office appropriate.

Quiz

Stripy overcoat, M Missoni www. theoutnet.com.

Wool fitted top, LK Bennet at Jashanmal 17 582-424.

Detail from Gucci A/W 2016/17 show Dotty pleated skirt, Kate Spade New York at Jashanmal 17 583-424.

Great Happens T-shirt, Pull and Bear 17 172-305.

K/Private Club bag, Karl Lagerfeld 17 112-715.

Embellished bucket bag, H&M 17 178-451.

Body suit, Pull and Bear 17 172-305.

Spotty play suit, H&M 17 178-451.

Harmony baby bag, Kate Spade New York at Jashanmal 17 583-424.

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January 2017

Striped tote, Lacoste 17 179-530.

Funky graphic boots, Shoe Mart 17 172-360.

Initial phone cover, Kate Spade New York at Jashanmal 17 583-424.

Monochrome spotted jacket, Mango 17 179-718.

Sleep set, Women’secret 17 178-289.

Striped court shoes, M Missoni www. theoutnet.com. www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Jocelyn, Vito, Peter, Helen, Younis & Mariam

Fatima, Sedra, Saif, Samar & Kinzy

Christmas Tree Lighting

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa held a Christmas Tree lighting and gingerbread decoration competition at its premises.

Tida & Tina

www.womanthismonth.com

Serena & Maria

Anil, Cathy, Indra, Bella, Jocelyn & Mariam

January 2017

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FASHION | trend Wide-brimmed hat, Aldo 17 179-245.

Furry jacket, Karl Lagerfeld www.karl.com

THAT ’70S VIBE Often described as ‘the decade that taste forgot’, we’re loving that 1970s’ style was all over the autumn-winter catwalks.

Round sunglasses, Chloe www.theoutnet.com

Alice + Olivia A/W 2016-17 collection.

Animal print jacket, H&M 17 564-606.

Chunky ring, Bershka 17 172-303.

Print dress, Bebe 17 178-670.

Bangles, Dsquared2 www. dsquared2.com

MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU

If you don’t want to go full-on hippy chick, channel the look with thigh boots, a floppy hat or an embellished jacket. Teamed with plain pants or a mid-length skirt, these will take your look from office to party. But if you really want to make a statement, pile it all on. After all, that comment about taste didn’t come out of nowhere.

Kandice thigh-high boots, Aldo 17 179-245.

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Animal print bag, Kenzo 13 320-550.

Detail from Gucci A/W 2016-17 show.

Embellished bag, Pull and Bear 17 172-305.

Floral pants, Quiz 17 178-074.

Graphic dress, Splash 38 819-328.

Platform boots, Ballin www.ballinshoes.com

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Sajid, Om, Naveen, Joy, Sandeep & Victor

Pauline & Ken

Christmas Festivities Atiram Premier Hotel held a festive Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at its premises in Juffair.

Santa, Alison & Gerry

www.womanthismonth.com

Jenelyn, Jackilyn, Arlene & Emie

George, Hana & Naveen

January 2017

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FASHION | fashion forward

LOEWE LOWDOWN

Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe has launched a selfpublished, phonebook-size visual history spanning its past, present and future.

The book is edited by fashion and magazine expert Luis Venegas, who was directly commissioned and given creative freedom for the project by Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson, who says: “I wanted Luis to go through our archives and decide what is relevant, with that very sharp, uncommon eye that he has. He has unearthed some incredible things that show how the language of what we’re doing at the house now, has always been there. I could not be happier.”

The launch took place at Casa Loewe in Madrid at a party attended by the great and good of the fashion world, including blogger Bryan Boy (pictured). Jealous much!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MCM (Modern Creation München) has continued its 40th anniversary celebrations with a collection of boldly elegant designs inspired by the iconic creativity of its birthplace.

Looking to Munich and its opulent artistic heritage, this season’s 'Munich Epoque' explores the crossover between sumptuous glamour and clean minimalism through baroque-inspired patterns juxtaposed against clean yet vibrant colourways. How much do we love these little gems?

E G A T BACKS

PASS

d

ending an r t l, o o c ’s t a wh Our take on fashionable.

FOZAZA GOES FRENCH French fashion brand Zadig & Voltaire is taking on Middle Eastern influences with a new partnership with Saudi-Lebanese design phenom Alanoud Badr, widely known as Lady Fozaza.

Given Alanoud’s own very individual style, it’s no wonder she’s caught the eye of the fun French label and she’s clearly a big fan, saying: “It’s a bit of rock ‘n’ roll, boho chic. It’s everything you want in one label. I love Zadig & Voltaire because it is easy to mix and it is packed so easily and you can make 500 looks with 10 accessories.”

CAST YOUR NET

Fashion retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP) is coming to the region with an online luxury retail website. Based out of Dubai, it will operate across the GCC, including Bahrain, and a new distribution centre planned means the company will be able to offer same-day delivery.

“She is sophisticated… It is an explosive mix!” says Artistic Director Cecilia Bönström.

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MILKING IT Check out the new Milk Concept Store which has just opened at Riyadat Mall which offers a platform for untapped regional talent including the likes of Army of 1, Barrel and Drum, The Generous Light Co, Yabalady and lots of others who are, doubtless, on their way to becoming familiar names on our lips. The store opened in December and in the words of the organisers: “Milk, in the case of this brand, simply means a boundary-free, open-minded and a vast opportunity base for young talents thriving with potential to be well received in the fashion space."

REAL FOOD FOR YOUR BUSY LIFESTYLE COME ENJOY THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT LITTLE CHEF RESTAURANT

- Where Food Talks!! -

INDIAN

CHINESE

ALL UNDER 1 ROOF Home Delivery

RIH ANNA’S RUNNE R S

The Creeper is the first sneaker designed by Rihanna under the FENTY PUMA by Rihanna label.

Launched in 2015, these are hugely popular and now there’s a new addition. The Velvet Creeper comes in an exquisite, soft velvet upper with tone-on-tone creeper soles, waxed laces and metallic gold branding.

Handcrafted in Italy, the new versions of the Creeper are available in Cement for Men and Women. Each pair comes in the signature FENTY PUMA by Rihanna box with the collection’s velvet shoe bag.

TURKISH JAPANESE

LITTLE Restaurant

www.womanthismonth.com

Chef January 2017

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FASHION | get the look

APRES CHIC Whether you’re hitting the slopes or not this year, take a leaf out of the skiers’ book for some seriously cool looking winter wear.

Layers are the way to go, teaming funky jackets with tops that are equally interesting.

We’ve pulled together some looks that are as hot as they are cool.

Aviator-style sun glasses, Etro 17 178-459.

Striped top, J Crew www.jcrew.com.

Suede jacket, Massimo Dutti 17 172-325.

Carven AW16 show

Leather handbag, Massimo Dutti 17 172-325.

Darner LA crushed velvet socks, Moda Operandi www. modaoperandi.com

Boots, H&M 17 110-350.

Bliss and Mischief Conjure Flower jeans, Moda Operandi www. modaoperandi.com.

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January 2017

Elle-Macpherson

Mulberry AW16

C O O L C LA SS IC Go for a traditional winter look with a suede and furry combination (fake for us please). Pick a jacket that’s roomy enough to fit a second and third warm layer inside. Add in funky jeans for an on-trend twist and pair with a statement tee or sweater.

Classic Aviators, chunky, warm boots and a practical, yet beautiful bag finish this cold weather look. Add a cute scarf for extra warmth and style. www.womanthismonth.com

Wide-brimmed hat, Lanvin store.lanvin. com/bh

Oversized sun glasses, Chloe www.chloe.com.

Retro shades, Marni www. marni.com/bh.

Piumino Manga copia parka, Dsquared2 www. shopbop.com.

Wooly jacket, Mango 17 179-718.

Galaxy trip sweatshirt, Replay www.namshi.com.

Pink printed scarf, H&M 17 110-350.

Pink leather bracelet, Alexander McQueen 17 172-000 (Saks Fifth Avenue).

Red reptile trousers, H&M 17 110-350.

Print top, Ginger www. namshi.com.

Pink leather gloves, Alexander McQueen 17 172-000 (Saks Fifth Avenue).

Pink leather bucket bag, Lacoste 17 179-530.

Charlott Reid animal print bag, Centrepoint 17 177-777.

Boots, Dune London 16 686-215.

RETRO FUNKY

If you’re the kind of girl who’d be at home on London’s King’s Road, you can still hit the slopes, or rather the apres ski, in style.

A snuggly furry jacket, topped with a cool hat will keep the icy winds at bay. Show off your street-cred style with funky pants in a bright eye-catching colour, if you’re brave enough for fake snake, these will look awesome. Finish your look with the obligatory retro shades and slouchy boots and add an extra dose of animal print for your arm candy. www.womanthismonth.com

Furry boots, Ballin www.ballin-shoes. com.

Graphic print leggings, Calzedonia 17 537-175.

BOARDER BABE

Seriously sporty but with an equally serious sense of style, this look is certainly not for the shy and retiring. Team a printed, quilted jacket with equally funky tight pants. Add in a fun sweatshirt and keep the bright theme going with gloves, bag and bangle in clashing bright shades. Your footwear needs to be both comfortable and sporty to carry this look and top it off with oversized shades – a bit ‘look at me – don’t look at me’.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Alison & Gerry Ali Tarada, Shaikh Mohammed, Dr Cherian, HE William Roebuck & Basem Ahmed

AMH Gala DInner

The American Mission Hospital held its annual Island Classic Gala Dinner at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa.

Delano, Barbie & John

Denise, Keith & Matthew

Urs & Anca

Shama

22 January 2017

Ali, Waleed Kanoo & Mohammed Kooheji

Delano, HE William Roebuck, Amira & Jaffar Al Asfoor

Noora & Hilde

Simon, Sue, Anita & John

Susie, Hugh & Kerry

Pauline, Bijan, Madeline & Henry

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Rotary Club members and Aldo staff at the event

Aldo Sole Mates

Apparel Group in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Sulmaniya held an Aldo Sole Mates shoe swap charity event at Aldo, City Centre Bahrain.

Bharti, Khalid, Sebahat & Lester

www.womanthismonth.com

Subash, Akash & Edralyn

Julie, Stephanie, Philippe & Sophie

January 2017

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PEOPLE | interview

Charity Champion

Liz O’Reilly chatted to Lynne Al-Wazzan, proud mum and grandma, baker extraordinaire and tireless charity volunteer about what makes giving back to the community so important.

Lynne Al-Wazzan Extraordinary women

Intercol and Zayani donated 2008 Outlander - January 2008

AWA CTT at BIC, Intercol as sponsor February 2008

L

ynne arrived in Bahrain 40 years ago after meeting Intercol director Abdurrahman Al-Wazzan in England, and marrying soon after.

They have three children – Ali, 37, Mahin, 34, and Hassan 32, and have been blessed with five grandchildren, four boys ranging from two to 11 years old, and their first granddaughter, who is just seven months.

Hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne, in the north of England, she still considers herself to be a true Geordie girl, despite four decades in the desert. Both her parents, Joan and Bob, spent the last 15 years

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January 2017

of their lives in Bahrain, her father passing away in 2011 and her mother two years ago. She says: “It was they who introduced myself and my sister, Norma, at the young age of nine and 10, respectively, to charity work, mainly with the Salvation Army and other charities within Newcastle.”

She has been involved in charity work throughout her life and will be celebrating her 66th birthday this month, marking more than 55 years of dedication to her communities.

She adds: “Fortunately for me, my mother-in-law and father-in-law, the late Ali Al-Wazzan, former

AWA at BIC with Intercol as sponsor December 2015

AWA at BIC with Intercol as sponsor December 2015

www.womanthismonth.com

AWA Charity Party at Al-Wazzan Villa - Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II - June 2012

director of Intercol and former President of The Chamber of Commerce, and his wife Asma Khalil Al-Moayed, were great charity supporters leaving a legacy for the next generation to continue.”

For the past 38 years, Lynne has supported HRH Shaikha Lulwa’s Mother and Child Welfare Society, under the guidance of the Shaikha until her passing.

And with 35 years under her belt, she is the longest lasting member of the American Women’s Association. She says: “I initially joined to meet other women from different backgrounds and nationalities, to immerse myself in different cultures and habits.

The AWA is a melting pot from all over the globe with members aged from as young as 20 and the oldest being 70.”

During her time with the AWA, Lynne has served on each of the association’s committees and received many awards for her work – so much so that there is now a Lynne Al-Wazzan Award named after her, which is presented to new members who have been particularly active.

The AWA is a strong supporter all local charities in Bahrain, the main fundraising event being The Cherry Tree Trot (CTT), which is held every two years in support of charities and societies that help the disabled, adults and children alike. Lynne says her family has been her biggest support in her charity work and her children have helped her with the CTT for the past 20 years.

One of the other charities she considers close to her heart is the Indian Ladies www.womanthismonth.com

Association and its Sneha organisation, which helps educate special needs children. She has been working with them for the past 18 years and is very keen to point out the benefit of Sneha to those who might not otherwise be able to access learning.

As well as her charity work, Lynne says her time in Bahrain has afforded her many opportunities for growth, never more evident than when she and friend Jo Karimi open the very first tearoom on the island, outside of a hotel, in a villa in Adiliya 25 years ago. The doors to the tearoom unfortunately closed in 2011 due to familial commitments, but this is another area in which Lynne pays tribute to her parents saying: “My father was a wonderful baker, he was renowned for his scones, that’s where I got it from.”

As she marks 40 years in the Kingdom, Lynne says: “All in all, I’ve had a wonderfully exciting life in Bahrain, a beautiful country which I have seen steadfastly develop under the guidance and patronage of its leaders, the late Emir, His Majesty Shaikh Isa bin Salman AL Khalifa, his wife, Her Royal Highness Sheikha Hessa, and currently His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa AL Khalifa and his wife Her Royal Highness Shaikha Sabika.

They are guiding the way for Bahrain as a shining beacon for education, medical institutions, housing and women’s rights.

Which in turn reflects on their people who are kind, hardworking and loyal to their country.”

Trot on For 42 years, the ladies in the American Women’s Association (AWA) have been volunteering their time and talents in charities throughout Bahrain. The AWA’s mission has always been, and remains, to promote charity, friendship, and cultural understanding in the Kingdom. AWA members donate thousands of volunteer hours and work to raise tens of thousands dinars for charities every year.

The biggest event supporting AWA is its biennial Cherry Tree Trot (CTT). The event’s name is based on a legend that George Washington, the first President of the USA, cut down his father’s beloved cherry tree as a youngster and demonstrated his honesty when his father asked who was responsible for felling it. The first CTT in 1981 took place in the desert as a fun day out.

The event is held every two years and will take place on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The event is one of the largest fundraising and highest profile events in Bahrain. The AWA expects more than 2,000 people, along with over 30 of its charities, to participate in this charity run/walk to help the physically and mentally challenged.

The primary event is a 2K race for mentally and physically challenged children and adults who will be supported by students from the leading private schools and adult volunteers. There are also 2k, 3K, 5K and 8K runs for able-bodied participants.

A 3K walkathon is an option for those who like to take things a little easier and those in wheelchairs.

The trot takes place at the BIC and is a fun day out for the whole family!

For more information visit http://awabahrain. org/events/cherry-tree-trot/ January 2017

25

PEOPLE | interview

Reality At Its Best

Irina Averinos’

In an age where abstract and conceptual painting rules the market, Bahrain-based Russian artist Irina Averinos’ stark realism separates her from the pack, writes Puja Tiwari.

W

hen visiting Irina Averinos’ art studio and workspace at her house, the first thing I noticed was a large window with the spire of a mosque in the background on the far corner. Realisation struck on the second glance that it was one of the artist’s hyper realistic paintings.

“I'm an engineer by profession but art is where my passion lies,” explains Irina. “I fell in love with colouring and drawing at the age of three, and was introduced to the paintbrush in kindergarten. As time went by, I was more focused on studies and family before I returned to pursue my true interest.”

Explaining how she ventured into realism, she says: “I visited a museum for the first time in my childhood, and was taken aback by the works of a realism painter. It inspired me to achieve such greatness on the canvas and draw with great detail.” She went on to win many competitions in school but not once did it cross her mind to take up art as a profession.

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January 2017

I stumbled upon another one of her works hanging beside the dining table, which gave the illusion of 3D pink flowers popping out of the framework. “I am inspired by nature and everyday life. Colourful scenarios strike a chord with my creativity,” says Irina.

Positivity is the dominant theme behind each painting, which could be of a landscape, seascape, flowers, birds or animals. "Each of my creations emanates a positive, healing energy. I try to stay away from black or mix it with other colours if I have to use it,” explains the artist.

“Every one of these is as dear to me as my own kin. They are pieces of my soul, a memory of a very happy time in my life.”

Her favourite mediums to work with are oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and mixed media.

Currently the chairperson of the arts group at the American Women’s Association (AWA), she was greatly involved with the Visions 2016 exhibition held in November, a two-day charity event where several artists and photographers displayed their work, with proceeds going to support the AWA’s many charitable efforts.

“The art scene is flourishing in Bahrain and what the artists now require is exposure. It is our pleasure to host them,” says Irina.

For the future, she hopes to hold the brush for as long as possible while trying her hand at different styles and techniques. “In this

day and age, there are so many innovative mediums and different surfaces you can create something beautiful with. I want to constantly upgrade my skill set,” she adds.

Having experience in teaching art at schools and privately, Irina currently gives small group classes at her studio on a weekly basis.

Visit: http://averinos.blogspot.com/ or @ iaverinos on Instagram. g

www.womanthismonth.com

PEOPLE | interview

MAKING LASTING MEMORIES Back in the day, ace photographer Nina Mommsen was into painted art. She tells Behnaz Sanjana how she found herself in the realm of captured reminiscence, and why she wants to live in it forever.

A

terrific artist, soft-spoken Nina Mommsen dabbled in make-up and hair styling when she lived in Russia, over a decade ago. She says: “All my knowledge comes together to help me capture the most beautiful images. My photography is art; my pictures are like paintings. This is because I also spend a lot of time on postproduction processes.” Little wonder, then, that she is fast becoming one of the most soughtafter snappers on the island.

Her passion for photography has proved to be more gratifying than anything she’s done before. After a study course in photography from a university in New York, there has been no looking back.

Nina has gone on to do wedding photography, family pictures, model portfolios, events and many commercial assignments for prestigious brands in Bahrain.

Of the lot, she feels best capturing memories of weddings. “Each wedding is different, but I love to see so many emotions at play and be a part of it all. I feel happy to be chosen to capture this special time of people’s lives,” she says.

Nina also enjoys fashion photography and individual portfolios. “It’s not only about the clothes, but also the setting. I can create the ideal atmosphere for such shoots,” she says. Despite having a well-equipped studio, she is enthusiastic about outdoor photo shoots saying: “Bahrain has such beautiful locations that not many people know of. There are lakes and parks which make an ideal spot for perfect pictures.

Many clients are unaware of and surprised by the beauty of certain places.”

Quizzed on her all-time favourite picture, she replies: “I have clicked so many pictures in all these years.

Today I may feel that a particular one is my favourite, but tomorrow www.womanthismonth.com

Nina Mommsen

I’ll do another shoot and I’ll feel that my work is far better than yesterday’s; so, of course, I have a new favourite! Every day I learn and do something new in my work. I never stop discovering and trying new tricks and techniques in my profession.”

In the same way some people’s persona changes in front of the lens, Nina’s changes behind it. “When I’m shooting I’m completely focused, like in a movie. I’m not soft and easy-going, as I otherwise am. I’ll make sure that I get the look or effect that I want for my picture from my client. And they are always really happy afterwards,” she laughs.

Nina believes her work speaks about her. “My style is different

from other photographers, maybe because I’m an artist. I spend a lot of time after the shoot, to give my pictures an artistic finish that is always appreciated,” she says.

Her warmth and flexibility in challenging situations puts the most apprehensive people at ease in front of the camera. She says: “Sometimes, things get difficult, like when little ones refuse to cooperate for a family photo. Or the groom is not up to posing for as many pictures as his bride wants to. It’s OK if it takes more time than I am scheduled for; the end result is most important to me. Being a lady photographer, I can easily make people feel more comfortable and pose for beautiful shots to cherish for life.” g

Nina’s top tips for a pretty picture l Get the composition right, with the subject and background in the right position so the whole image comes together. l Have the lighting just right, whether it's the sun and shadows by day or the lights and flashes at night – indoors or outdoors. l Touch up images on software like Lightroom to make for a great final photograph.

January 2017

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BEAUTY | news

Alaïa Paris. This collection of key products is a natural reflection of the spirit of the timeless Alaïa silhouette. Launched in 2015, 2016 sees the arrival of two new fragrant offerings: a luxurious body cream, the velvety texture of which is enhanced by the notes of Alaïa Paris eau de parfum and a new scented candle in a 190g format. Available at leading retailers.

Clarins BB Beauty Perfector. A new SPF30 allday product specially created for Asian skin. Thanks to an amino acid coating in total affinity with the skin, the long-hold colour pigments promote an even distribution of colour on the skin surface and offer lasting colour hold; make-up stays put all day for a natural look. The other star ingredient is the special 3D Radiance pigment which uses its multi-layer structure to create an optical 'soft focus' effect. Available at leading retailers.

MAC In The Spotlight.

Radiant skin in a flash, no matter what the lighting conditions. MAC introduces extended shades of strobe cream — including the iconic original, now named pinklite.

Super-powered with potent botanicals, antioxidants and iridescent pearl particles, strobe cream de-stresses, de-snoozes, hydrates, freshens and boosts the look of dull, tired-looking skin. Available at MAC stores.

Giorgio Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Collector’s Edition. This fragrance has been an icon for over 30 years. To celebrate, it is decked out in new attire: an original collector’s edition bottle inspired by the palm trees of Rodeo Drive, the street where it was born. Gardenia, jasmine, orchid, ylang-ylang and tuberose are the middle notes, with amber, vanilla, cedarwood, sandalwood, musk, moss and patchouli at the base, and orange blossom and bergamot for a fresh and fruity departure in the top notes. www.giorgiobeverlyhills.com.

OPI Fall/Winter Collection. Match your nails to your clothes with the latest selection of 10 must-have shades of the season. The ones to watch out for are: Malaga Wine, a rich grape red; the Hawaiian Orchid, tropical pink with hints of purple; Eurso Euro, a deep blue continental cream; In the Cable Car Pool Lane, the burgundy that will take you away; Your Sucha Budapest, a periwinkle-purple; Dulce de Leche, the taste of sweet creamy nude; a warm red Color So Hot Berns; the crisp white of Alpine Snow; You Don’t Know Jack’s trendy taupe; and Up front and Personal to give your nails a golden glitter. Available at leading retailers.

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January 2017

Bourjois Red in the City. This collection embodies the colour red and all its subtleties with five shades of Rouge Edition Velvet and Rouge Edition 12 heures lipsticks, including six brand offerings.

Rouge Velvet has a bold matte finish and enhanced colour, saturated with pure pigments. Incredibly light and velvety thanks to its evanescent oils, it holds for up to 24 hours without smudging.

Rouge Edition 12 heures smoothes the lips with a semi matte finish. and no need of touch up thanks to its up to 12 hours-hold formula.

Available at leading retailers.

It’s the New Year and time to brighten up your look. From the hottest lip tones to fresh new fragrances, take inspiration from our round-up of the latest products and beauty news to rock 2017 in style.

Molton Brown Indian Cress purifying Shampoo & Conditioner. Appealing to all hair types with amino acids that help improve shine and gentle cleansers to refresh and remove residue. This collection is the perfect blend to encourage healthy growth, leaving the hair feeling soft and gleaming. The ingredients include aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine and sandalwood.

Available at leading retailers.

www.womanthismonth.com

H&M Beauty’s latest collection is inspired by the glittering nightlife of the 1970s and ’80s. Colours are nudes, glitters and dark shades of berry, plum, lilac, brown, green and black. Faces are lit up with shimmer drops, a glow stick and a palette with highlighters and bronzer. For eyes there are four different eyeliners, a fantastic eye palette with 20 colours and Glitterati Mascara Liner – a highimpact product in five colours that can also be used as a liner. For lips there are four new limited colours of velvet lip cream, as well as two sets with four lip glosses in each and nails get a massive 24 new colours including glitters and foil. Available at H&M. Francesca Dell’Oro Parfum was born as an artistic olfactory laboratory and is now launched in the Middle East for the first time at Paris Gallery. Ambrosine is Oriental and floral with warm notes of amber; White Plumage is Oriental with notes of wood and musk; Lullaby caresses with fruity, floral and amber accents; Francine is floral, greenscented with amber tones; Envoutant invokes scents of the Orient alongside floral and woody notes; Fleurdenya is a rich floral fragrance; and Page 29 is Oriental with hints of leather and floral. Available exclusively at Paris Gallery.

ZO’s Ossential C-Bright Serum makes Uneven skin tones a thing of the past by helping to fade dark spots and even out discoloured skin. The product provides a potent, pure dose of Vitamin C that is stabilised to brighten and retexturise the skin. There’s also ascorbic acid which exfoliates for a brighter complexion, while antioxidants help defend against environmental triggers that cause pigmentation. Available at www.zoskinhealth.com.

CoverGirl has announced hijab-wearing beauty blogger Nura Afia as one of a new group of diverse brand ambassadors as part of its #LashEquality campaign to promote diversity. The prominent beauty YouTuber will be one of very few Muslim women to have appeared in a national cosmetics campaign in the US. She’ll be representing the brand’s So Lashy! BlastPro Mascara.

instagram.com/redhousemarketing

facebook.com/redhousemarketing

FROM A SINGLE BRICK IN 1991...

WE HAVE GROWN INTO A HOUSE

youtube.com/user/redhousemarketing

twitter.com/rhmbahrain

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

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

29

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Ahmed Jawad, Ahmed Fairooz & Sophia Jawad

Hassan Jawad & family

Irina & Aboud

Jawad Christmas Tree Lighting

The Jawad Business Group held a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and launched its Christmas Market at Jawad Dome.

Deepty & Dayaam

Raneen Tamimi & Sophia Jawad

Jawad Family

Mudreka, Haseen & Raneen

Jawad M Jawad & Sophia Jawad

Watch Launch

Jawad Business Group launched the new Tilly’s Concept Store watches at its outlet in Seef Mall.

Layal, Pacos & Masooma

30 January 2017

Wafa & Mohammed

Ruby, Joy & Riza

www.womanthismonth.com

showcase DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA

BUILDING ON REPUTATION One of the island’s favourite spa retreats has a new woman in charge.

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ith more than 10 years in the industry, Helen Davies is an advocate of the wellness movement. Having studied sports at university, and being pretty sporty herself, she says moving into the "more customer facing" area of spa management was a logical progression.

Helen worked at the Wellness Centre in Muscat, Oman, for two years but, with good friends on the island, visited Bahrain often and, when she decided to make the move, the Diplomat came calling.

She says: “I’m very happy to join the Diplomat, which is one of the oldest and most established hotels on the island. The spa has a good reputation and I plan to build on that.”

The venue uses products from French luxury brand Phytomer and offers a whole range of treatments for ladies, men and couples. There

is an outdoor swimming pool and the women’s area also has an indoor pool and large rooms where groups of girls, such as wedding parties, can chill out, relax and enjoy a massage.

Helen says: “I love this industry; you meet different people every day and you just never know what’s going to walk through the door. The spa already offers a really good service.

My immediate future plans are to continue with that and, of course, to see where we can improve for the future.”

Aside from an extensive range of spa treatments, the facility boasts a fully equipped gym which offers qualified personal trainers and classes for both Diplomat members and non-members and also runs a monthly members’ fitness challenge to get the spirit of competition roused.

Call 17 531-666.

Helen Davies

HAVANA CLUB NIGHT Saturday, 31st December 2016 The Grand Ambassador Ballroom Live Entertainment - Cuban Yoel Soto Band Inclusive of selected drinks Extensive selection of delicious international dishes Doors open 20:00 Dress code: Black tie All the above for BD65 net per person Accommodation packages available

The.Diplomat.Radisson.Blu diplomatradissonblu RBlu_Bahrain www.womanthismonth.com

For reservations please call +973 39945208 info.diplomat@radissonblu.com January 2017

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BEAUTY | celeb spot

With her own range of make-up, it’s no surprise that British supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley always sports a stunning glow. Steal her Greek goddess look with tips from Apple Sharma.

Shimmering Eyes Get red carpet ready with shimmering eyes. Rosie’s golden eyeshadow brings out the colour of her eyes beautifully. Experiment with metallic bronze, gold and silver shades that will make your eyes pop and give you that old Hollywood glamour for a night out. If you’ve never tested this trend before, try using gold eyeliner on your upper and lower lashline or use complementary colours to go with it, toning it down with brown. Glittering eye shadows are big this season, so why not give it a try? Most importantly, have fun with it.

Luscious Lashes No eye make-up is complete without the essential mascara.

Even those who don’t like to wear a lot of eye shadow can make themselves look bright eyed and bushy tailed with just a simple stroke of this magic band. To get the perfect look, make sure you wait long enough (30 seconds to a minute) between each coat to avoid clumps. To get feathery, natural-looking lashes, invest in a lash comb – it separates out each lash, removes excess product and is easy to use.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Nude Lips When you’ve got bold or sparkly eye makeup, it’s best to balance it out with nude lips.

It might look simple to achieve but can be tricky. To get that perfectly natural-looking pout, it’s important to prep your lips first.

Dab some concealer to tone down naturally pink lips and fill it in with a nude lip pencil to bring out the true colour of the lipstick.

Nude doesn’t have to be boring; there are a wide variety of shades. Choose one that is closest to your complexion and has the right finish – semi-matt is ideal.

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January 2017

Golden Glow Even though we don’t get enough sun during the cooler months, there’s no excuse not to have a glowing skin. Get Rosie’s gorgeous golden complexion by using a bronzer on your face.

Apply to cheekbones, across the forehead and down the centre of the nose for a sun-kissed effect. There are a variety of colours available, from copper and terracotta to peach and chocolaty-browns. Choose the right shade for your complexion. For fair skins, a sheer copper is a good place to start. Most shades work for medium skin tones – use a luminous bronzer to add a subtle glow and brown for contouring. For dark skin, try a shade darker than the complexion – a chocolatey-brown is ideal.

Supple Skin With the winter chill picking up, one of the most important regimes is to keep your skin moisturised at all times. There are plenty of great options in the market to choose from. Make sure you use a good-quality day cream with a minimum SPF 15 factor to protect you from the sun or a perfecting cream to give you an even-toned texture. Never go to bed without removing your make-up. Your skin repairs most effectively at night, so a good cleansing routine followed by a deep mositurising night cream will take you far and your skin will thank you for it. www.womanthismonth.com

showcase FOREVER LIVING

FOREVER GORGEOUS This brand has something for everyone. Here, Bahrain distributor Gillian Yadav shares info on some of her favourite products.

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he Aloe Activator and Mask Powder, also known as ‘Botox in a Box’, is not just fantastic for the face and neck but you should also try it on the back of your hands. It evens out the lines and lightens sun spots, leaving your skin feeling silky soft.

Forever Living Alpha E Cream. Small but mighty, it goes a long way. This oil is great if you are pregnant; apply every day to prevent stretch marks. It’s also good at fading scars.

Add to your night cream for an extra-intensive deep moisturiser.

Forever's Stabilised Aloe Vera Gel. In an independent test by the New York State Department of Food Laboratory, this was found to be "essentially identical" when compared with the gel from a raw Aloe Barbadensis leaf.

Forever Living Aloe Gelly. This is one of my holiday heroes. As I’m so white, I burn really easily and I use the Aloe Gelly as after-sun lotion.

It cools the skin, reduces redness and stops the skin peeling! Another is the Forever Living

Moisturiser Lotion. I put this on my face and body after my shower twice a day, it puts the moisture back into the skin and makes it feel silky soft. It also anti-ageing as it contains collagen and elastin.

The last of my holiday heroes is Forever Living Aloe First Spray. The mosquitos are out in force and they love my hubby but he sprays himself with this every day and it acts as a perfect repellent.

And, I have to say, my absolute favourite product is our C9 nine-day cleanse, which makes for a slimmer fitter you.

It will give you lots of energy and your skin will glow, great for your 'New Year, New You' resolutions.

Call 33 265-539.

Forever Living, Forever Young FOREVER LIVING, FOREVER YOUNG FOR ALL-NATURAL HEALTH AND BEAUTY INSIDE AND OUT

Herbicide and Pesticide Free Organic natural Producs Weight Management Health & Beauty Wellness

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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showcase JOZ SALON & SPA

GOING FOR CHROME

Having chrome nails is one of the coolest polish trends at the moment. And if you're not already obsessed with it, you're about to be!

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uper metallic and foiled-finish nail varnishes have always been pretty drool-worthy. But this chromed-out manicure takes that mirrored, high-shine finish to the next level. Of course, achieving it is not as simple or as quick as a typical, metallic mani. There are quite a few steps, and a lot of curing that needs to happen for chrome nails to look their best.

While you could totally still achieve the look with the right tools, if you don't have all of the

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January 2017

ingredients, aren't much of a doit-yourself type or simply don't fancy having to clean up a lot of sparkly powder, you're probably better off visiting Joz Salon & Spa, where the nail technician can buff up your nails for you.

You will need the base colour of your choice, a gel top coat, a nail lamp, loose chrome powder and a sponge-tip applicator. The coolest part about this manicure is that the chrome is rubbed onto your nails — it's not actually a polish.

While silver over black is the classic chrome manicure, there are tons of variations on this look. It all depends on your base and powder colour. Take a look at some of these options that will convince you never to have unmirrored tips again.

This crazy mirror

powder is ‘rubbed’ onto cured gel polish and sealed with a topcoat to create nails you can literally check your reflection in.

Although silver seems to be the most popular shade, chrome nails come in every colour of the rainbow, from the super-shiny Barbie pink and the rosy coral hues, to the delightful 24K foil nails.

And while this type of manicure is usually done on acrylics, natural

nails are by no means excluded from the ‘Terminator 2’ look.

For those obsessed with everything shiny, these mirrorlike tips speak on a visceral level, and you can't get enough of watching the nail artists apply the powder. So, visit your manicurist now to get a flawless shine.

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

showcase BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

HAIR IN A BUN – NOT ALWAYS FUN T

Dermatologist Dr Anitta Sara Thampi explains how the top knot trend could be costing women their crowning glory.

he stars of reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians have made the top knot a major fashion statement around the world, but the reality of it can be harsh.

Frequently wearing the hair in particularly tight ponytails, pigtails, braids or buns results in a form of gradual hair loss or alopecia, called tractional alopecia.

It is also seen in women who blow dry or use hair irons excessively, have hair extensions or use relaxers and rollers over a prolonged period of time. The traction used to achieve the desired looks leads to this form of alopecia.

Tightly worn compressive safety helmets – helmets used for motorcycling, skiing, cycling and snowboarding – constantly rub localised areas of the scalp and hair and can Dr Anitta Sara Thampi also cause alopecia.

This implies that the main cause for this short broken hairs, thinning or loss of the hair, condition is mechanical rather than a and sometimes even folliculitis – inflammation physiological or anatomical imbalance. of the hair follicles.

The patient complains of itching, redness, Physical examination shows recession of the

hairline due to constant traction. It is mostly seen in the frontal region, but can appear anywhere on the scalp based on the traction.

Treatment of traction alopecia mainly constitutes avoiding the triggering factors.

So wearing the hair loose, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and relaxers and avoiding hairdryers or hot irons will help.

Medical therapy includes treating any infections with oral or topical antibiotics, topical antifungals or steroids wherever necessary. Hair growth supplements which have biotin and topical minoxidil solutions also provide good responses. Eventually plateletrich plasma therapy or mesotherapy can also be done. In worst-case scenarios, hair replacement surgery may be recommended. Any further queries can be addressed at the Dermatology Department of Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

Call 17 812-000 or email anitta.thampi@ bsh.com.bh

Metin & Sebahat

Walk for Diabetes

The Rotary Club of Sulmaniya held a walkathon to raise awareness for diabetes at the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park.

Wooyoung, Mooza, Zaina, Abdulrahman, Adnan, Zahra & Mariam

Lea, HE Alfonso A Ver, Gary, Ruby, Bryan & Gel

www.womanthismonth.com

HE Alfonso A Ver & Rafael

Durry

January 2017

35

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Hadi, Kay & Adrian

Siggi, Christelle, Herve & Liliana

Tala, Ella & Naiaia

Manorama, Ratna, Mr Kanoo, Shikha, Abbas, Irina, Lia & Nawal

Nabila, David, Ratna, Emir & Riza

36 January 2017

Christmas Tree Lighting

Swiss-Belhotel held a festive Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at its premises in Seef.

Roy & Mary

Rifat, Maya, Reina & Karam

AWA Visions Art Exhibition

The American Women’s Association (AWA) held its annual Visions 2016 Art Exhibition at the Swiss-Belhotel in Seef.

Faiza, Jacqueline, Janeann & La Ali

www.womanthismonth.com

Healthy New You

FEATURE | fitness

Many of us start the New Year with the intention of taking more exercise, perhaps losing some weight, toning up and generally feeling healthier all round. To help you on your way, over the following pages we chat to an expert, look at the best exercise trends for the coming year, round-up the latest in workout wear and give tips on clean eating.

You’re welcome!

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

37

FITNESS | interview

Putting The Boot In Boot camp boss and personal trainer Paul Hamblin talks workout fun and achieving fitness goals.

F

ollowing 15 years in the British Army and as a semi-pro footballer, Paul entered the fitness industry in 2000 and, after working in the UK as a trainer and health club manager, he moved to Bahrain in 2008.

With numerous fitness qualifications under his belt including Level 3 personal trainer and Les Mills instructor, he’s on a mission to help the island start 2017 fitter and stronger with workouts that can be done by everyone.

He says: “Health and fitness, as a whole, has blossomed over the past eight years, and people’s understanding of their health has risen rapidly due to more knowledge and more facilities becoming available to work out.

“Over the past 12 months I’ve created various group training boot camps around Bahrain, both indoors and out. Boot camp group training is proving more and more popular not only in Bahrain, but around the world. Why? Because a boot camp workout offers you two main ingredients – variety and variable intensity. The variety comes in the form of multiple exercises either using body weight or equipment. Variable intensity simply means you work at your own pace and fitness level.

“Having multiple exercises means that, during the class, you will work all major muscle groups, ensuring you get the most effective full-body workout. Within a onehour class, you will have achieved cardio, strength, endurance, coordination and balance training. Going back to variable intensity, I ensure all exercises are achievable for everyone of all fitness levels. It’s crucial to ensure everyone can get the very best from the session. Therefore, the hardened hardcore people can work out alongside someone who may be exercising for the first time, and everyone leaves with their expectations met.”

Paul adds that one last important ingredient of any fitness programme is making sure it’s fun!

“With a lot of years behind me in this industry, I see success come from enjoying your workout with a smile on your face; oh, and not forgetting rosy cheeks and a little sweat too!”

At present Paul runs various female-only morning boot camps of around 25-30 people.

He says: “They may or may not have known each other before but are now all friends.

Boot camps really create a team spirit and

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Paul Hamblin everyone encourages and motivates each other. This, I have to say, is totally unique to boot camp environments.”

For those who can’t get to a boot camp, personal training is another option which Paul says is an effective way of achieving your goals, whether they are weight loss, conditioning, strength training or recovering from an injury. But you must be realistic about your expectations.

He explains: “A good trainer will educate first, motivate second – setting achievable short-term goals is crucial; walk before you can run et cetera.

“You are never too young or too old to make a choice to become healthier and fitter; it’s about making that choice and sticking to it, even when the going gets tough. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

And Paul is keen to point out that ultimately people can do all this on their own as well. He says: "Again, set yourself a realistic goal and break it down into small chunks. Ideally set a target for the next four weeks and so on. This way you don’t become disillusioned if things are not happening at the speed you want; short goals are easy to adjust or change if things are going well or badly.”

If you’re adopting fitness as a way to lose weight, he encourages altering your thinking to work towards changing your diet rather than going on a diet.

His advice is: “Try this simple philosophy that I have used with every client. Your body only needs a specific volume of food to perform the things you want it to do. If your body was a racing car and your daily life consists of 100 laps of a track, then put 100 laps of food into your body. If you put in 90 laps of food, you will lose weight; if you put in 110 laps of food, you will gain weight. It’s pretty simple really.” g

PAUL’S FIVE SIMPLE EXERCISES TO DO AT HOME l Squat up and down for one minute, rest 30 seconds, repeat three times.

Push-ups on your knees for 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, repeat three times. l Plank/bridge for as long as you can maintaining a flat back, rest 30 seconds, repeat three times. l Tricep dips on a chair for 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, repeat three times. l Jumping jacks for 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, repeat three times.

This simple workout can be adjusted if you find it a little hard, by increasing your rest time.

It can be made harder by reducing your rest time. www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | fitness

HOT TRENDS FOR 2017 Each year we take a look at what’s going on around the island and across the globe to come up with the most fun and funky ways to get fit. These are the five activities we’re planning to try in the New Year.

BODY ART TRAINING Swiss fitness expert Robert Steinbacher combined his experiences as a dancer and a therapist for special-needs children to create this dynamic bodyweight workout that’s already a hit in Europe.

Based on the premise that many therapeutic exercises can be just as beneficial for people without physical limitations, the BodyArt programme integrates functional training, physiotherapy, dance, Tai Chi and yoga positions for a tough yet restorative workout which brands itself an “extraordinary training concept for a new awareness”. So far it’s only available on DVD to order.

ROWING There’s certainly nothing new about heading to the gym and hopping on the rowing machine but it seems the humble waist-whittling favourite is having a bit of a renaissance in the form of group classes, much like spinning. It’s a full-body workout that hits about 85 per cent of your muscles when done correctly and, being high intensity yet low impact, it’s safe for everybody and absolutely anyone can give it a go. In fact, it’s said to be rather addictive.

We can’t wait for this style of classes to arrive on the island.

BODY BLADE Using vibration training, the Bodyblade targets specific muscle groups by varying the positions of the body or direction of the flexing blade. The blade rapidly changes directions at a rhythm of 4.5 cycles per second, which means your body has to move 270 times per minute to resist the forces of it moving back and forth. A futuristic-looking piece of kit it would be at home in a sci-fi film. But, looks aside, it promises to deliver benefits such as enhanced coordination, flexibility, posture, efficiency of muscle function and muscle definition.

Expected to arrive in various gyms in the coming months, it’s currently available on DVD and blades can be bought at www.bodyblade.com.

FITNESS DRUMMING This might sound like a bit of a crazy idea but, logically, if you think about the effort that goes into drumming, it makes sense that it’s becoming very popular for toning and not just for the arms. Done with lightly weighted sticks and involving movement as well as drumming, it promises a full-body workout which integrates elements of Pilates and isometric movement. Classes can be found in various gyms and for special occasions, but if you want a workout that claims to burn up to 900 calories in 45 minutes, check out the original poundfit.com website and DVD.

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING OK, not really new but definitely gaining in popularity and becoming more widely available across the Kingdom from Amwaj to Budaiya. If you can master the board, add an extra dimension to your workout by using it as a platform on which to practise yoga – sounds like hard work but looks like great fun and there’s the added benefit of being outdoors in the gorgeous winter sunshine.

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January 2017

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FEATURE | fitness

GET IN GEAR

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Oysho City Lights

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So, 2017 is upon us and if that New Year’s resolution to hit the gym is already falling by the wayside, some funky new kit might be just the inspiration you need to up the ante and get your sweat on. Whether you’re ‘oming’ in the yoga studio, planking in the gym or simply power walking to get your heart rate up, there’s nothing like new kit to impart much-needed motivation.

There are plenty of new offerings to choose from.

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1. Dumbbell water bottle, www.amazon.com 2. Black and gold trainers, Puma 17 178-046 3. Storage pouch, Lacoste 17 179-530 4. Print leggings, Calzedonia 17 537-175 5. Graphic trainers, Le Coq Sportif www.namshi.com 6. Grey/black sports bra, M&S 17 211-309 7. Coral jacket, Mango 17 179-718 8. Grey T-shirt, Mango 17 179 718 9. Navy sports bra, Oysho 17 172-304 10. Patterned sweatshirt, Oysho 17 172-304 11. Graffiti yoga pants, Reebok 17 582-468 12. Print hoodie, Under Armour www.namshi.com.

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FEATURE | fitness

Cleaning Up Your Diet

Clean eating has been a buzz word for quite some time now, but what exactly does it mean and what’s the best way to go about it?

E

are often actually fresher, having been frozen at the point of Don’t harvest. store bananas l Yoghurt – Rather than in the fridge. They’re flavoured yoghurts, which can hide a serious amount of sugar, used to hot climates and opt for an unsweetened natural putting them in the cold version. Add your own favourite disrupts the ripening fruits, whizz them in the blender first if you prefer a puree and, process. if you fancy something sweeter, add a drizzle of honey. l Pasta – Much as the thought of home-made pasta is a nice idea, most of us aren’t up to producing this mama’s own speciality. If you’re going for shop bought, pick dried whole wheat rather than dried white. It takes a little longer to cook but also gives a much more robust and interesting flavour. l Rice – Likewise, go for brown rather than white rice.

Brown will take a bit longer to cook but the health benefits are worth it as it hasn’t had its fibre-rich layers of germ and bran removed. l Bread – Once again, whole grain trumps white. The heavier grain breads are also significantly denser than white, taking longer to eat and contributing to the feeling of satiation. l Nuts – Ditch the roasted versions which are If coated in salt and oil. Instead buy the raw nuts which are widely available and roast them you’ve bought yourself. The same goes for peanut butter. Sounds under-ripe avocados, as if it should be a ‘no, no’ but it’s actually not put them in the fruit bowl a problem if you look for one that’s minimally processed, containing just nuts and a dash of salt. alongside your bananas; l Salad dressing – All but the most basic shopit will help them ripen bought salad dressings are best replaced since more quickly. most contain additives, preservatives and all manner of other less than clean ingredients.

Plump instead for simple oil and vinegar (balsamic if you prefer) mix together well and add in your own don’t shy away choice of garlic, chilli, herbs etc. from frozen or l Fish – If you’re buying local-caught, well and good. If you prefer tinned foods, imports, such as salmon, try to opt for wild-caught rather than particularly when farmed. It’s healthier fresh imported both for you and the fruits tend to be Whenever environment. There’s also rather expensive. you cook a healthy nothing wrong with tinned As long as they’re fish, just make sure it’s not frozen without meal, make double the packed with salt and loads added sugar, they’re fine for two portions a day. amount you need and freeze of oil since the fish contains l Vegetables – Look out for locally grown versions, particularly half – then you’ll always have plenty of good oils by itself. since winter is the season of the regular Farmers’ Market. If you l Eggs and meat – Look for decide to go for frozen, make sure you’re not buying creamed or a quick weeknight supper pasture-raised, free-range those with a sauce added – you’ll probably be taking in added salt ready to go. or organic rather than and sugar at the least – look instead for just plain frozen which intensively produced. contain just as many nutrients as their ‘fresh’ counterparts and ssentially, clean eating means taking in more natural whole foods, or those with as little processing as possible; that means vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and high-quality proteins and fats. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favourite dishes. There are plenty of simple food swaps that will have you eating more cleanly in no time at all. l Fruit – Instead of processed fruit juices, which can contain high levels of sugar and additives, eat the whole fruit – it’s more satisfying and filling as you’re also getting the added fibre. And

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January 2017

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

REBOOT AND REBALANCE The brink of a brand-new year is a good time to reward your body with a clean start. If stubborn weight, frequent ills and mental fog seem part of daily life, Behnaz Sanjana suggests you start now.

T

he word detox is tossed around quite a lot these days; but do we actually know the how and why of it? Bahrain-based naturopath and iridologist Dejana Subsol sheds some light on the matter.

When done

right, detoxing can

have a host of physical

and mental benefits, including

weight loss, enhanced immunity, prevention of chronic ailments, delayed ageing, restoration of mental and emotional clarity and a boost in energy.

our blood system, along with the beneficial bacteria that surround it. It is a true factory of enzymes, neurotransmitters, immune cells, vitamins and minerals. This is the core of our health, our immune system and our emotional well-being. A leaky gut is directly related to a whole range of conditions starting from digestive problems, concentration and behavioural problems in children, autism, allergies and asthma to autoimmune diseases, to cite just a few.”

This is why it’s paramount to consciously know what you are ingesting. All processed food has some kind of synthetic, toxic substance that can prove dangerous in the long run. The majority of food we eat is loaded with pesticides and has travelled halfway around the world to reach us. Unfortunately, even the best locally sourced, organic foods are deficient in nutrients, thanks to soil depletion. However, fresh, responsibly grown

produce still is the most reliable source of nutrients for living beings.

Protect your family from the toxicity of

household plastics and

cleaning products. Plastic

containers leach carcinogens while bleach, ammonia and

other chemical cleaners can cause serious health problems.

So how do we go about ridding ourselves of toxins? Dejana believes it’s important to first recognise your body’s needs and what should be given priority – toxicity or deficiency. She

To ‘detox’ is to shed the load of toxins, or poisonous substances, that our bodies are laden with. According to the specialist, disease or imbalance originates from two sources; toxicity or deficiency. Detoxification of the body is therefore crucial to optimum health. “The ancients knew this thousands of years ago and fasting was used as a primary detoxification tool to regain and maintain health in all different cultures and religions throughout this planet. Look at animals in the wild; as soon as they are ill they will sleep, fast and only drink water – and recover!” says Dejana.

She goes on to add that in today’s world we are bombarded with toxins, mainly from our food, water, the air, furniture, paints and body products. “Toxins, particularly in food, come from pesticides, additives, colourants, taste enhancers and GMOs [genetically modified organisms],” she says. “They are damaging to the lining of our intestine and result in a condition we call a ‘leaky gut’ or a porous intestine. We therefore find ourselves being poisoned from the inside as well [auto-intoxication]. Research in the last decade has shown that this lining of our intestine is where all the nutrients pass into

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says: “There are many ways of detoxing; fasting is one of the best. The form of fasting [juice fasting, water fasting, intermittent fasting] and its duration depends on the individual, the purpose and also on our schedules. Fasting may be a challenge for novices and is definitely not recommended without professional advice from a certified alternative therapist or naturopath, especially for the first time.

“Juice detoxing is one of my favourites, and is suitable for people who are not very deficient in nutrients. Fresh juice brings a lot of bio-available nutrients [nutrients that your body can use very easily] while detoxing you at the same time.”

First-timers should opt for a gentle detox,

eating very light foods such as only soup or only raw vegetables and fruits for one or more days.

Another technique that naturopathy advocates is colonic cleansing, which removes the built up of toxins and faeces that line the large intestine. Dejana says this build-up harbours parasites and pathogens that further damage the lining of our intestine. Of the various types, she recommends enemas as the safest and best form of colonic cleansing, as a part of a detox. “Depending on the state of one’s health, coffee or herbal enemas can be administered. Only by removing this build-up in our intestine can we regenerate its lining and heal a leaky gut,” she says.

Beware

your favourite

personal care products.

Toothpaste, lotion, soap,

shampoo, conditioner, perfumes and make-up can be full of toxic chemicals that you slather on every day.

Before you embark on ‘Mission Detox’, remember to first detox the body’s major

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filters – the liver, kidneys, intestine, lungs and skin – with herbs. “Each one of these major filters is responsible for throwing out different kinds of waste. If you are planning to do a fast it is absolutely crucial to detox your filters before it. Otherwise, all the toxins that your body will put into circulation from the tissues and organs will have nowhere to go,” warns Dejana.

If you are mentally calculating the loads of toxins you battle daily, don’t press the panic button just yet. The body has an innate healing ability and will go into detox mode, given a chance. “As soon as we free it of some of the foods that are non-specific to us as human beings [which is roughly 80 per cent of the modern diet today!], it will naturally go into the ‘detox mode’,” says Dejana.

Pregnant women, children, elderly or weak individuals should not detox.

Dejana reminds us that the mind plays an important role in our health. Science has proved that our thoughts are capable of changing the chemistry in our body. The body, mind and the soul are so closely interlinked we cannot act on one without having an effect on the others. “If you notice, when you detox, your mind and your spirituality become clearer and better,” she states.

January 2017

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showcase MIDDLE EAST MEDICAL CENTER

OSTEOPOROSIS EXPLAINED This is a condition that affects bone strength. Excessive bone loss leads to 'thinning' (osteoporosis) and bones can break more easily than normal.

W

Dr Hady Mohammed Gad

omen lose bone material more rapidly than men, especially after menopause. At the age of 50, about two in 100 women have osteoporosis. This rises to one in four by the age of 80 and men can be similarly affected.

Dr Hady Mohammed Gad, internal medicine specialist at Middle East Medical Center, explains the risks.

“All men and women have some possibility of developing osteoporosis as they become older, particularly over the age of 60,” he says.

Females are at a greater risk than males, as are patients with diseases such as vitamin D deficiency, an overactive thyroid, Coeliac and Crohn's disease, Cushing's syndrome, chronic kidney and liver ailments, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes and any condition that causes poor mobility.

Osteoporosis usually

develops slowly over several years, without any symptoms. However, after a certain amount of bone loss, the following may occur: l Fracture after a minor injury such as a fall. l Loss of height, persistent back pain and a stooping posture.

The condition can be diagnosed by a radiological procedure called the DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan.

It’s possible to prevent slow bone loss through exercise, a diet rich in calcium andvVitamin D, stopping smoking and excessive drinking and the use of hormone replacement therapy.

“If you have osteoporosis, your doctor will be able to advise whether or not treatment is recommended,” says Dr Gad. “They may use a special risk calculator to look at your possibility of having a fragility fracture, to help with this decision.”

Osteoporosis can be managed by drugs and also through lifestyle changes.

Call 17 464-848 for consultation and more information.

Mohammed & Mahmood

Colours of Arabia Hari, Jai, Liz, Marise & Farheen

Berger Paints announced the launch of “Colours of Arabia”, a web series depicting a blind girl’s journey across Arabia, during a press conference at the Gulf Hotel.

Yousef Mohammed Al Khan, Maha Hussein, Amit Bose & Rajarshi Banerjee

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Anas & Kishor

Rabab & Batool

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showcase ATIRAM PREMIER HOTEL

A DISTINCT ADDITION TO JUFFAIR T

This leading hotel is an ideal choice for guests and visitors who value quality.

he four-star Premier Hotel was inaugurated in 2015 and is the first hotel in the Middle East belonging to the well-known Spanish Atiram chain, which has properties all around the world.

The Atiram Premier Hotel is located in Juffair, a touristic haven full of restaurants, cafes and other services.

Whether you aim to rest, work or play, this venue is a popular choice. It boasts ample space and is the perfect place to host business meetings or conferences, celebrate joyful occasions and, of course, enjoy top-class food and beverage outlets.

Oregano Sit-Down Cafe offers a casual dining experience and is popular for its sumptuous breakfast buffet, original menu, enticing monthly specials, selection of beverages and attentive service. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also 24x7 in-room dinning menu, straight from Texas, US. Coda – The Jazz Lounge, is an unmissable that you’ll remember for a long time. experience. Relax and enjoy memorable Cavallo – The Pub is a pulsating and unique moments with international Jazz artists and venue known for its evening Premier BTMenergetic Ad 125mm x 191mm_Oct 2016_Printfile.pdf 1 10/17/16 7:32 PM greatly crafted cocktails – available daily. entertainment nightlife. It boasts an original

The hotel has 105 tastefully designed, spacious deluxe rooms, five junior suites, five executive suites and five Premier family suites.

Guests and visitors can make the most of massage services or exercise in the gym, which is equipped with state-of-the-art machines.

Other facilities and amenities include highspeed Wi-Fi, a business centre, swimming pool, sauna and steam, banquet hall, covered car park, valet parking, car rental and concierge services.

Located 10-minutes drive away from Bahrain International Airport and 25 minutes from King Fahad Saudi Causeway the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations.

Its close proximity to the business district, Bahrain World Trade Centre, Diplomatic Area, all major shopping malls, Bahrain National Museum and innumerable places of historical interest, makes Atrium Premier Hotel the right choice for discerning tourists and budget conscious business travellers.

Call 17 811-811.

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LIFESTYLE | home Eggstatic A handy breakfast gadget Egg cooker, Lakeland

Go Floral Pretty crockery adds appeal Tableware, Cath Kidston

Clean Cooking Stainless steel utensils Hisar pot set, K Home & Kitchen

Image Courtesy: Haji Gallery

Way to a Heart Get creative with chocolate Chocolate mould, Home Centre

Built to Last Safe and Solid Cast iron utensils, Lakeland

Mix it Up Fun to look and to use Mixing bowls, Anchor Hocking

Cork It A statement top Bottle stopper, H&M

Wheeling Around Easy mobile storage Trolley, Home Centre

Sweet Colours Put a fun spin on cakes Baking cups, IKEA Space Saver Convenience at its best Kitchen cabinet, IKEA

Jar It Preserve your preserves Lidded containers, Lakeland

Step Up Reach things in high places Step stool, Home Zone

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Hey Good Lookin’, What’s Cookin’?

Small or spacious, old-fashioned or in vogue, strictly functional or flamboyant, the kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home. Spruce up the space from which you care for, nourish, satiate and delight those who matter most. Take the pointers on our pages to help the centre of your home inspire creativity and special connections, making meal times anything but drudgery.

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Keep it cool with baby blue, white and khaki.

Make a limited area seem decluttered and open with ample storage in white. Opt for bulky (but necessary) appliances with a steel finish to make everything fit right in.

Kitchen Inspiration from HGTV's Fixer Upper

f you’re itching for in-yourface character, but not up to a major kitchen rejig, accentuate insipid shelves with colourful glass or earthen ware. Also, a single bold hue among muted tones is always a hit.

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January 2017

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showcase BERGER PAINTS

HIGHLIGHTING ARABIA’S SPLENDOUR I

This paint company is showcasing the visual brilliance and heritage of the region in a unique social awareness campaign.

n line with its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), Berger Paints Bahrain, the oldest paint manufacturer in the Kingdom, has launched the Colours of Arabia campaign which aims to highlight on the natural beauty and physical scenery of the region along with its rich and vibrant culture.

Launched at the end of 2016, the initiative complements the United Nations declaration of 2016 as the year of ‘Travel for All - Improving Universal Accessibility’ with a series of 12 short films.

Shot across the GCC, Colours of Arabia showcases the diverse terrain, rich culture, and iconic architecture of the countries that continue to fascinate the rest of the world. Featuring landmark

Frances, Anna & Sacha

structures and geographical landscapes, including deserts, wadis, creeks and beaches, the web-series highlights the journey of a visually-impaired young girl with her grandfather, her ‘Jiddoo’.

Through the journey, Jiddoo connects heritage, culture and landscape with colours through

verbal narration, feel and touch.

The films not only connect with the emotions of the viewer but also help to promote the idea that people with visual disabilities can enjoy and experience the beauties around them.

Berger Paints GM, Amit Bose, says: “Bahrain has earned a

Mariana & Nataliia

special place in the global tourism industry and we celebrate the vision, aspirations and achievement of Bahrain and other countries in this edition of Colours of Arabia. As part of the celebration of our 35th Anniversary in Bahrain, we wanted to highlight the richness of heritage and culture and the beauty of Arabia to the younger generation who are our country’s future. We decided to promote the films online as data shows that today more and more people prefer watching content online.”

Call 17 123-700 or visit www. bergerpaintsarabia.com. Follow bergerpaintsarabia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Haitham & Alison

Sundown Session The Westin Bahrain City Centre hosted a Sundown Session at Nasmat.

Francois, Dima & Zee

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January 2017

Peter & Estella

Ali, Anna & Daniel

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‫صنع في البحري�ن‬ ١٩٨١ ‫منذ‬ Made in Bahrain since 1981 For the last 35 years, Berger Paints’ products have been manufactured at our Bahrain Factory – to suit the local décor styles and climate.

bergerpaintsarabia

‫على مدى السنوات‬ ‫ تم‬،‫ الماضية‬35 ‫الـ‬ ‫تصنيع دهانات‬ ‫برجر في مصنعنا‬ - ‫بالبحرين‬ ‫لتتناسب مع أنماط‬ ‫الديكور ومناخنا‬ .‫المحلي‬

www.bergerpaintsarabia.com

showcase CASA CUCINA

TASTEFUL TRENDS This well-known organisation is introducing a standalone outlet for all your home decor and kitchen collections.

O

ver the years, the Kumar’s Group has been one of the leading wholesalers and retailers of commercial and domestic kitchen and home products of the very highest quality. The company, which has made a name of repute for itself in Bahrain, is expanding with the opening of the exclusive Casa Cucina Home & Kitchen Collections.

The new showroom is due to open in Seef district, opposite The Courtyard, a prestigious location which is a prime business centre dominated by the offices of multinational companies, luxury apartments, hotels and shopping malls.

If you harbour a love for classy home decor and a passion to infuse your interiors with

sophistication and elegance, then a visit to this new upscale outlet should be at the top of your to-do list.

The premium quality home decor and kitchen collections available here will be unique, with elegant designs that will set trends for the years to come.

You will find the products are not only appealing to the eye, but

also perfectly crafted to combine both strength and beauty into a single remarkable innovation.

Casa Cucina prides itself on offering stylish high-end products that are designed with the aim of lending a poised ambiance to your rooms. Be it

the comfort of your personal space at home, or the commercial environment of offices, hotels and restaurants, let Casa Cucina impart a cordial touch of creative, stylish living.

Call 17 296-363.

Saxophone Performance

Hévéa Café celebrated Bahraini Woman’s Day with a live performance by Franky Flowerz at its premises in Al Aali Mall.

Reem & Samir

Shireen & Aysha

Halel & Nadia

Franky Flowerz

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January 2017

Minara

Jaffar

Julie

Marwa & Mossa

Suad

Hala

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showcase HILAL CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS

DESIGNED IN THE GCC The latest edition of the Kingdom’s major interiors exhibition will have a strong regional focus.

G

ulfInteriors Exhibition 2017 will be a dedicated platform to promote the GCC’s homegrown interior brands, according to the event organisers Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE).

Thee northern Gulf’s major annual event for luxury interiors, designs and furniture takes place from April 25-27 under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain.

“The show will focus on the rapidly growing interiors industry in Bahrain by providing a B2B and B2C platform for architects, interior designers, manufacturers and dealers for their products and services originating in the GCC,” says Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of HCE. Hempel Paints, Mobilia Uno, Fatima Alansari Design & Execution and Blue Zone are among those who have already signed up to take part. www.womanthismonth.com

Hempel Paints, the strategic sponsor of gulfInteriors is a global brand with manufacturing facilities in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Mobilia Uno’s products, manufactured in Turkey, Italy, Portugal, China, Malaysia, Greece, India and Taiwan, are made to the designs of Mobilia Uno in Bahrain.

Fatima Alansari Design & Execution is a team of talented designers and architects based in Bahrain.

With their focus on both the commercial and private sectors, exhibitors will be showcasing a range of interiors options from individual home décor schemes to office, restaurant and retail space options, giving both businesses and consumers the chance to find out what’s new in the market with up-to-the-minute displays and sample statements.

“Over the years we have seen an increasing number of the products coming to the

exhibition under the mark ‘Made in the GCC’. The creative industry sector, which includes furnishings, materials and design, is a growing economic sector across the GCC. Excitingly, in Bahrain we are seeing a growing pool of creative talent in the interiors sector.

We are committed to promoting homegrown talent at the gulfInteriors exhibition, where visitors will see local manufacturers and designers alongside international brands,” says Jubran Abdulrahman.

GulfInteriors takes place alongside two other major exhibitions – Gulf Construction Expo and Gulf Property Show – continuing the success of the only integrated B2B and B2C platforms for the construction, interiors and property sectors in the northern Gulf.

For more information, visit: www. gulfinteriorsexhibition.com January 2017

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LIFESTYLE | food

CHEF’S SPECIAL The kitchen of one of the island’s favourite Indian eateries is run by a man who has worked his way to the top.

MUTTON ROGAN JOSH

A

rjun Rana is head chef of Lanterns Budaiya, one of the Kingdom’s oldest Indian restaurants. The 27-yearold chef is an expert in tandoor cooking and curries having started his working life as a helper in a hotel kitchen in Bangalore back in 2006.

He later moved to Mumbai as a commis chef and served time at The Grand Hotel before moving to Kumar International Hotel in Mangalore in 2010.

A year later he came to Bahrain to

Chef Arjun Rana

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January 2017

head up the kitchen team at a local Indian restaurant, and since 2012 he has been the man in charge at Lanterns Budaiya.

In 10 short years, he has gone from kitchen helper to head chef through determination, dedication and a will to keep the customers satisfied. He says: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

Ingredients: - 300g mutton cube pieces - Whole garam masala - Bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks, black pepper, star anise (all to your own taste) - 1tbsp oil - 1 onion, sliced - 1 tomato, sliced - 1 tsp tomato paste - 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste - 2 tsp yoghurt MASALA Ingredients: - 1 tsp coriander powder - 1 tsp cumin powder - ½ tsp garam masala - 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder - ¼ tsp fennel seed powder - ¼ tsp cardamom powder Method: Heat oil and add whole garam masala, add sliced onion and sauté till golden brown. Add mutton pieces and cook for 10 minutes over a medium heat. Add the ginger-garlic paste, reduce heat, add sliced tomato and cook for five minutes more. Add tomato paste, coriander powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, garam masala, fennel seed powder and cardamom powder. Add two cups of water and yoghurt and cook until mutton is done and add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fennel leaves).

Serve garnished with julienned ginger and chopped coriander.

www.womanthismonth.com

Smooth Operator

LIFESTYLE | food

Nutrition experts tell us never to cut out breakfast but, if your mornings are busy, it’s not always easy to have a healthy start to the day. Liz O’Reilly offers a solution.

M

issing breakfast can lead to the dreaded mid-morning munchies, so if time or appetite precludes you from having what is often called the most important meal of the day, a smoothie that can be chucked together in minutes could be the answer. I’m by no means an expert but these five recipes are tried and tasted to get you through to lunchtime.

Yellow Peril

Smoothies are an area where frozen fruits and veggies come into their own so make sure to stock up the freezer on your weekly shop. I use a Magic Bullet but any blender capable of crushing ice will do the job.

Blitz till smooth. Beware – if your mix contains blueberries, don’t spill it, it will stain!

Green Goddess

Handful of ice cubes, crushed Handful of frozen spinach 2-3 sticks of celery, depending on size, chopped into chunks Handful of cucumber chopped into chunks Handful of cherry tomatoes chopped into chunks Handful of frozen raspberries Half an avocado Half an avocado A good dash of hot sauce Blitz together until smooth. If you’re using Blitz till smooth and add your own choice of fresh fruits, you may want to herbs for added flavour or a add a spoonful of honey to add To pinch of low-sodium salt and sweetness, depending on your black pepper. beef up your personal taste.

Handful of ice cubes, crushed Handful of frozen or fresh pineapple (noadded-sugar frozen is quicker and less messy) Handful of frozen spinach Ripe banana chopped into chunks Blitz it all together and you’ve got something that tastes a bit like a sin-free slushy. And smoothie, throw in a don’t worry, you really won’t taste the spinach, Mango Madness Very Berry tablespoon of oats or it’s just there for added fibre and nutrients Handful of ice cubes, crushed Handful of ice cubes, crushed such as iron and calcium.

Handful of mango, frozen or add some seeds or Handful of frozen spinach fresh, chopped into chunks nuts.

Handful of mixed berries Handful of fresh baby carrots Red Devil Handful of cooked beetroot cut Handful of frozen spinach Handful of ice cubes, crushed into chunks Half a cup of almond or other nut milk.

Handful of frozen spinach Half a cup of almond or other nut milk Blitz till smooth. Enjoy!

Handful of frozen strawberries www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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showcase CAVALLI CAFFÈ

CHIC EATS W

Who knew food could be fulfilling and fashionable at once? This café has a delicious seasonal menu and is the ‘it’ place to be seen.

ith the winter air getting crisper by the day, the island’s hottest dining spots will be in high demand. But the glam gang will be heading straight to Cavalli Caffè at Al Aali Shopping Complex for a haute gourmet experience.

Dressed in on-point animal prints and metallic accents, the café exudes a fashionable charm both indoors and out, aptly echoing the sophistication of the iconic Roberto Cavalli brand.

Following in the footsteps of the world-revered clothing line, the café has recently unveiled its Fall Winter menu which is a gastronomic collection carefully designed by Chef Federico Sanna, aptly endorsing the sentiments of the season.

A glance at the well-planned menu itself will bring about the warmth of comforting coldweather delights. Think Classic Lasagna, for those who crave the evergreen meat-cheese combo, or for a more fiery twist on the

palate, the Pepper Trio Steak.

Although an Italian eatery, the team behind the scenes at Cavalli Caffè has masterfully interspersed the seasonal menu with local elements, like the Brisket Shawarma – mildly seasoned and

drizzled with coriander pesto tahini, all wrapped up in saj bread to make a pleasing parcel. The continental Chicken Diavola gives a nod to the native with its tender meat rubbed with quintessentially Bahraini spices.

Seafood lovers can revel in the flavours of the ocean with Pan Seared Salmon served over lime risotto, accompanied with garlic sauce or the Cajun Shrimp Linguine, which is crustaceans tossed in hearty pasta with a decadent cream sauce.

The café also serves high tea which includes assorted pastries and finger sandwiches for two.

Reservations need to be made a day in advance.

Call 77 788 877.

Members at the event

International Women’s Day

The Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre set up a “Stop violence against women now” stand to commemorate International Women’s Day at City Centre Bahrain.

Batool Abdul Aal & Mona Fadel

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Sana, Nawal, Rabia & Khadija

Sanam & Mariam

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Women’s Day

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Credimax celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day.

Junaid Perfumes acknowledges female employees on the occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day.

Khaleeji Commercial Bank celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day with female employees.

Bader Group of Companies celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day at its headquarters.

GARMCO honoured its female staff on Bahraini Women’s Day at its headquarters.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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LIFESTYLE | travel

e h t o t e k a T s e p o Sl It’s the time of year when many of us are thinking of a winter break and what better way to soak in some serious cold weather spirit than by trying out some snow sports.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite destinations, near and far, for awesome skiing and, of course, a spot of well-earned apres ski.

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www.womanthismonth.com

You’ll find skiing for all levels, including black runs, in Mzaar.

n o n a b Le

When in Byblos, make sure to try the fish at Chez Pepe in the harbour.

Beirut has several areas of fab nightlife including Monot Street and Gemmayzeh. Book in advance if you want to visit the famous Music Hall.

Our near neighbour is the ideal place for a short, or even long, weekend on the piste.

It has a number of well-developed resorts offering various snow sports and, yes, it really is true that you can be skiing in the morning and swimming in the Med in the afternoon. Faraya Mzaar is the most developed and is within about an hour’s drive of Beirut. Laqlouq is closer and Cedars about two hours out of the capital.

In true Lebanese style, all the resorts offer great apres ski facilities but no trip to this most cosmopolitan of countries would be complete without at least some time spent in Beirut where you’ll find excellent shopping and nightlife alongside history and culture.

Just north of Beirut is the awe-inspiring Jeita Grotto.

A couple of hours’ drive along the coast road is the beautiful Byblos old town area.

In Beirut, check out the amazing street art, some political, some artistic and some just plain silly. www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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LIFESTYLE | travel This most chi-chi of resorts really is a winter wonderland.

Check out the latest designs on the outdoor catwalk at Aspen Fashion Week.

Enjoy the snowy scenery on a dog sled trip.

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o d a r o l o C Certainly not for the faint of pocket, Aspen is a world-renowned ski resort where you might just get to rub heavily insulated shoulders with the rich and famous.

Not into downhill skiing? There’s also snowboarding, ice skating, cross country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, fly fishing, hot air ballooning and more on the worldclass slopes.

Many of the area’s arts and culture institutions, famous in the summer, also offer winter programmes and, of course, the apres ski is second to none. There are more than 100 restaurants offering up everything from burgers to sushi, with expertly paired grapes and hand-crafted cocktails to warm you up on a cold winter's evening.

There’s also plenty of live music and great shopping, from designer to outdoors wear with Aspen having its own Fashion Week each March.

The apres ski is almost as important time spent on the slopes – a chance to see and be seen.

Take to the air in a hot air balloon to get the very best views of this stunning area.

With more than 100 restaurants, there’s something to suit absolutely every taste. www.womanthismonth.com

Mayrhofen is many a skiers dream destination with slopes of all levels and snow all year round.

a i r t s u A

Hotel Neue Post is known for its great food, tuck in to ward off the chill.

If you visit Innsbruck make sure to check out the Zaha Hadid-designed Nordketten Cable Cars.

www.womanthismonth.com

For great skiing on a budget in Austria, keep your eyes open for deals in Mayrhofen which, at 3,250 metres, offers year-round snow sports.

Sitting between the Penken and Ahorn mountains, it has easy access to Austria's steepest piste, named Harakiri, as well as a large range of ski runs at different levels of difficulty.

Mayrhofen is renowned for its après-ski – nowhere more so than next to the Penken cablecar top-station at the Pilzbar and the Elchbar at the Bergrast where the partying starts before you've left the slopes.

In the valley, the après-ski is at its busiest at the Sporthotel Strass and the Ice Bar next to the Penken gondola and in May the town is host to the Snowbombing music festival.

There’s also a huge variety of restaurants to suit every taste and if shopping’s your thing, you won’t be disappointed either by Mayrhofen or the regional capital Innsbruck, which is about an hour away.

Take the chance to really chill out at the White Lounge, it’s built out of ice so you won’t need to worry about your bubbles getting warm.

Innsbruck, the regional capital, is picture perfect with its pretty pastel-coloured houses.

Snowbombing is the ultimate hot party in very cool surroundings.

January 2017

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showcase EURO MOTORS

An Electric Drive This popular model is celebrating its three-year anniversary.

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he BMW i range is not only the technological pioneer of the BMW Group, it also symbolises the company’s innovation in every vehicle it brings onto the road.

The company has now delivered more than 100,000 purely electricpowered cars and plug-in hybrids to customers worldwide. The BMW i3 alone has reached a figure of more than 60,000 units, making it the most successful electric vehicle in the premium compact segment.

Meanwhile, the BMW i8 ranks first among electrified sports cars with more than 10,000 delivered since the middle of 2014. Additionally, there are the approximately 30,000 plug-in hybrids sold to date; known today under the label BMW iPerformance.

“BMW i remains our spearhead in terms of innovation and it will continue to open up

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groundbreaking technologies for the BMW Group,” says chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, Harald Krüger. “When it comes to electric drivetrains, we’ve already successfully managed to put this technology transfer on the road. The next technological advance we will address is automated driving,

where the BMW iNEXT will set a new benchmark.”

By establishing the BMW i brand and opting to develop a separate vehicle architecture and BMW eDrive technology for electric power, the company became a pioneer in the field of individual, sustainable mobility.

The BMW Group now offers seven

models that either run on electric power alone, like the BMW i3, or are plug-in hybrids, combining a combustion engine and an electric motor. Other models will follow in the years to come, including a MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid in 2017.

A new variant of the BMW i8 sports car with plug-in hybrid drive will come out in 2018 – an open-top BMW i8 Roadster.

Looking further ahead, the portfolio will be extended to include a purely electric-powered MINI in 2019 and a purely electric-powered BMW X3 in 2020.

At the start of the next decade, another, larger BMW i model with electric drive is due to appear: the BMW iNEXT. This model will be the new innovation leader and spearhead of BMW i.

Call 17 750-750.

www.womanthismonth.com

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Suzanne, Leylan & Ramla

Mariela & Salva

Lunch Get-Together

The Gourmet Club held a lunch get-together at Plums at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

Salva, Mariam, Leylan, Mariela & Ramla

Michela, Paula, Azza & Nadia

Francine

Jeanie & Lynne

Ladies at lunch

Henny

Ladies’ Luncheon

Ladies got together for a luncheon at La Sauvage at The Domain Hotel and Spa.

Balqees

www.womanthismonth.com

Amal

Kiki

Perwin & Mona

Naima

Jihan

January 2017

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Boat Trip

A boat trip was held aboard the “Assayel” at Coral Bay.

xAnn, Shirley, Paula & Debbie

xKarl & Jackie

xEd, Dick & Rupert

Around Town

x AJM Kooheji launched the new line of JBL portable speakers and headphones during a training session conducted by the Harman Academy. x

Bahrain International Federation for Business & Professional Women (BIFBPW), in partnership with FinMark Communications, announced the hosting of a high level panel of executives from the legal sector.

Tamkeen held a press conference to announce the launch of the third edition of the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship.

x 62 January 2017

x Downtown Rotana hosted its “Teatro Cook off” competition for the media.

The Motor and Marine Division of AJM Kooheji Group organised its 3S campaign at Amwaj Marina.

www.womanthismonth.com

PARENTING

Parenting With the kids off school, you may be looking for ways to entertain them.

We’ve got a full round-up of Winter Camps to suit absolutely everyone as well as suggestions for online resources to keep them busy at home. Also this month, as well as our regular advice and fashion pages, we welcome our new mummy blogger Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, who’s feeling in a slightly black mood.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR INTERESTING #WTM NEWS & CONTESTS

@womanthismonth @womanthismonth womanthismonth

PARENTING| issues

The Terrible Threes Introducing Chanelmama blogger Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, who’ll be sharing monthly insights into the ups and downs of motherhood.

Ouiam Charkani El Hassani

T

his past month I have taken black to be my best pal, when it comes to clothing; no I am not mourning anyone or anything – thank goodness – nor am I a usual fan of black, however, my three-year-old son has decided that I should be wearing black every single day, until he decides otherwise! Every morning he answers my sweet ‘Good morning’ song with: “Mama, why aren’t you wearing a black shirt?!” and then some serious sobbing follows for the next 15 minutes.

I tried to brush it off and pretend that I didn’t hear him, yet you have no idea how persistent a three-year-old boy can be. I tried bribing him (Yes I was that desperate, when I wore all the black shirts I had, and was craving to say goodbye to my summery dresses, before winter came along!), it worked for five minutes until he remembered that I wasn’t wearing a black shirt and the crisis started all over again. I even tried to reason with him… have you tried doing that before?

Using logic with a toddler? You know… explaining that I am free to wear whatever I want, and that no-one should dictate what I should or shouldn’t be wearing? If you www.womanthismonth.com

haven’t, then I absolutely don’t recommend it! It gets you nowhere but to more sobbing and a very new kind of ordeal.

You see, I always heard about the terrible twos, and I am sure every parent in the world was warned about all the tantrums they are going to face with their toddler, when they reach two years of age. Yet no-one, not one single person, prepares you for the little monsters they will become at three! I’m serious, being the mother of a three-year-old kid is no joke! You can spend endless hours arguing about why crumbs are falling off the granola bar or why did the banana break or why the leggings are too stretchy and too tight… at the same time! Yes, that’s a real thing! Besides, it seems that every toddler in the world has adverse reactions to sandwiches cut into squares, or triangles, whichever is the opposite to what their mum did that day.

My little boy is, and always has been, a sweet little angel, we never knew what it was like to have a two-year-old throwing tantrums in coffee shops or grocery stores, he never threw himself on the floor or cried hysterically until he vomited. He never really

gave us a hard time in public; so we thought we were the chosen ones! You know, the parents of the year, who will never ever deal with tantrums. Little did we know that if you miss the big “two” you will still get your fair share at three, or four, or five… or 18 for that matter. It will come sooner or later, so you have to buckle up and get ready for this tough ride we call the parenting journey.

It seems that once these little nuggets decide to throw a tantrum, nothing really works. You can try to hug and kiss and sing little songs, hoping that the next hour will be a better one; you can take as many deep breaths as you want; you can try to keep calm, by thinking of all the ice cream you will have, once this little rascal of yours goes to bed; but the truth is they are the boss now, and unfortunately you, as a mother, have no say when it comes to tantrums. Sometimes you can be lucky and the crisis passes smoothly, without any collateral damage, and sometimes you just have to pat yourself on the shoulder, give yourself a high five, because you have done it all and you hope and pray that tomorrow will be a better day.

January 2017

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PARENTING | charity

Painting For Good As part of a community programme to mark its 35th year providing service to the Kingdom this company has teamed with a local school to help raise charity cash.

B

erger Paints was founded in 1981 as the Bahrain Paints Factory adopting the Berger name when it took on the local franchise from the UK paint giant. From small beginnings it now employs more than 90 people.

Over the years the company has always been mindful of its place in the community planting its grounds with greenery, undertaking a project for environmentally sensitive disposal of paints and raw materials and making sure its paints have been lead free for the last few years.

In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Berger entered into a partnership with Nadeen School for a community project in which pupils painted old traditional school chairs.

Each class produced one brightly coloured chair, with the tiny tots creating sign boards.

These were then auctioned off to raise cash for the Palm Association.

School spokeswoman Shanee Puri says: “We raised BD550 at the auction. There was a bidding war between two parents for the

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Year 2 Frida Kahlo chair, which raised BD68 on its own. It is definitely something we will do again in the future!”

The children painted the chairs and Berger was responsible for professional finishing.

The company has also donated stencils for each child and is running a competition which will see three lucky pupils getting a bedroom makeover at home with Berger professionals.

And as part of an ongoing cooperation Berger has also helped to refurbish the school's garden/farm area where pupils look after ducks and chickens, feeding the animals and collecting and selling eggs.

Berger’s Jai Singh says: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Nadeen School, it was great to see what the pupils had achieved with the chair painting project, which raised a fantastic sum for charity. We’re also looking forward to further collaborations in the future and may become involved with another school too as part of our anniversary year celebrations.” g www.womanthismonth.com

A Fun Break

PARENTING | what's on

Winter break camps are a great way to keep your child entertained and engaged during the December school break. Kids have the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun whilst making new friends. WTM rounds up the many camps on offer this season.

Children’s House Montessori Nursery School Date: December 18-29, 9am-1pm Outdoor fun, cooking, games, arts and more for kids ages two-six. It is priced at BD50 a week or BD12 a day, with a minimum of three days.

Call 17 699-844.

Life-Fit Date: December 18-29, 10.30am-2pm in Riffa and 9.30am-1pm in Janabiyah Life-Fit will host a fun sports camp at Riffa Views International School for BD127.500 as well as at its premises in Janabiyah for BD100 for all 10 days.

Call 17 692-424.

Bahrain Rugby Football Club Date: December 18-21, 9am-1pm A variety of sports in the heated swimming pool, outdoor pitches and hall will be offered to kids four and above for BD55 for members and BD70 for non-members.

Call 17 695-809.

Early Learner’s Nursery Date: December 18-29, 8am-noon Kids ages two-four can learn Christmas crafts, baking, dancing and more for BD12 per day or BD95 for the entire duration of the camp.

Call 39 380-018.

Little Princess Date: December 18-22, 11-2am Girls aged three-13 will have a ball of a time singing, dancing, participating in a fashion show and enjoying snacks for BD10 a day.

Call 17 564-585.

Play Bahrain Date: December 18-22 and December 26-29, 9am-1pm Cooking, sports, games and arts will make the winter break a memorable one for children aged three-12. It is priced at BD15 per day.

Call 17 564-900. www.womanthismonth.com

FasTracKids Date: December 18-29, 9am-noon A dino camp will teach little ones everything about prehistoric beasts and a travel camp will showcase the culture, language and heritage of different countries for BD60 per week.

Call 17 651-717.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Date: December 17-January 13, 9am-6pm A daily-changing activity schedule designed for different age groups will be available for BD265 for two weeks for non-members, BD200 for two weeks for Gold RBC members and complimentary for hotel guests.

Call 17 586-612.

Bahrain Ballet Centre Date: December 18-22, 10am-3.45pm Various classes from Greek dance to ballet, tap, modern and mums and tots, ranging across all five days.

Call 33 719-180.

Bright Beginnings Date: December 20-29, 8.30am-1pm Tots as young as three months of age can learn about sensory play, dancing, singing and Zumba for BD10 a day.

Call 17 710-405.

Craft Zania Date: December 18-29, 9am-1pm Indulge your little ones aged five-10 in arts, crafts and sports for BD15 a day, BD50 for one week or BD90 for two weeks.

Call 17 442-434.

My Gym Date: December 20-29, 9am-1pm Kids ages three-nine can get fit while having

fun with gymnastics. It is priced at BD10 for members and BD13 for non-members.

Call 17 566-566.

Smart Kids Academy Date: December 18-29, 10am-1pm and 3pm6pm Tots to teens can have fun learning arts, music and dance while standing a chance to win prizes. It is priced at BD50 per child.

Call 33 433-595.

Little Village Date: December 18-29, 8.30am- noon Field trips, pottery painting and music await kids two-12 for BD50 per week.

Call 17 322-570.

Starfish Date: December 18-29, 8am-1pm Activities include aqua aerobics, water polo, water safety and survival guidelines workshop in a heated indoor pool. It is open to kids aged five-15 for BD40 per week or BD12 per day.

Call 33 330-805.

My Little World Date: December 17-28, 5.30pm-7.30pm Arts, crafts, cooking, sports, acting and movie screenings for girls ages five-10 and boys ages five-eight.

Call 77 366-677.

The Country Club Date: December 18-21, 9am-1pm A tennis tournament, baseball coaching and plenty of activities are on offer inclusive of lunch for BD85 for all days or BD25 per day.

Call 17 593-593.

January 2017

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PARENTING | advice

Need to Know

Q

Dr Jinan Harith Darwish is a paediatric allergy specialist and clinical immunology fellow at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center. Each month she answers your parenting questions.

I’ve read and heard about an outbreak of foot and mouth disease among nursery kids. My daughter goes to nursery and I’m really worried. Surely this isn’t the same thing that kills animals? Is there a vaccination I can get for her?

A

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) can be confused with hoof-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and swine.

Humans do not get the animal disease, and animals do not get the human disease.

HFMD is common in children and is typically caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie virus and EV71.The classic symptoms are a fever, sore throat and a rash, which looks like small red spots or even a bit of a blister, occurring on a child’s palms, soles and frequently in their throats, causing pain. Many children have a rash on their buttocks and legs as well. This can often be mistaken for a diaper rash if there are no other associated symptoms. Sometimes children present with painful ulcers at the back of the mouth, without a rash on the hands or feet. The disease is most contagious before the rash appears, so it can be tricky to avoid catching it. Treatment is comfort measures with pain relief and hydration. Currently, there isn’t an approved vaccine.

To avert HFMD, members of the public and, above all, the management of institutions, should take heed of the following preventive measures: l Maintain good air circulation. l Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials. l Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. l Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all the vesicles have dried and crusted.

Q

This is a difficult question but I’m hoping you can give me some advice. My three-year-old has developed a fear of going to the toilet and I don’t know what to do. He was potty-trained early and has been clean and dry for a long time but, over the last month or so, he does not

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January 2017

want to go and is getting very constipated.

My husband says to just let him be, that it will sort itself out with time, but I’m concerned that he could be doing himself some damage.

A

Faecal incontinence is a common childhood condition that causes noteworthy disruption and impairment to children and families. Recent reviews have found that the treatment literature remains disjointed and difficult to interpret.

Potty or toilet? Your son will sooner or later adapt to whichever you decide but, to make it as comfortable as possible, you may want to choose specifically according to your child. For younger or smaller children, or for the independent child that will enjoy having something entirely his, a potty may be the best option because it is, for the most part, comfortable. He is not only less likely to fall but it helps him to push properly by allowing him to plant his feet on the ground. A potty also allows for a sense of pride and ownership because your child can help pick it out, decorate it and surround it with his much-

loved toys so he can play when it’s potty time.

Musical potties can give your son an instant reward but can drive you up the wall if you can’t stand repetitive noise.

An attachable toilet seat may be a superior idea for your larger or older child interested more in imitating an older brother or parent.

It may simplify matters by skipping the step of getting used to the potty and going straight to the toilet, but children are often more frightened of adult toilets than of their own potties. So choose this option only if you are sure that your child isn’t afraid of the toilet or its flush. Make sure the attachable toilet seat fits well and is stable so that your son doesn’t feel that he is going to fall. Make sure that there is a stool for your child so he is able to get onto the toilet and also plant his feet firmly while he pushes. Be careful not to flush the toilet while your child is still sitting on it.

This often is very frightening for the child and can make him very afraid of the toilet. I hope this helps. Good luck and I would love to hear your feedback.

If you have a question for Dr Jinan, please email editor@redhousemarketing.com www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | parenting

Make Learning Fun The Internet offers a range of interactive educational sites to make classroom concepts easier to understand or simply add a bit of fun to familiar, mundane subjects. Whether your little one is eager for knowledge, needs a little recreation or just wants a bit of help with homework, these websites deserve to be added to the ‘safe’ bookmarks list. brainpop.com

BrainPOP brings scenarios to life through animations. Historical events, science and even the stock market are simplified with the help of a robot and his friends. It is geared to helping kids from kindergarten to grade 12, and full access requires a subscription although there’s a plethora of free content to explore.

instructables.com

Parents need to know that this is a gigantic DIY site where users share how to build, cook, invent or try almost anything.

There are thousands of helpful and creative ideas here that are educational or just fun to browse for the sake of learning. Some of the crafting projects show you how to stitch hand puppets or grow crystallized trees, whilst others showcase life skills such as stitching or making furniture.

sfskids.org

Designed as a fun, online music education resource, there are all kinds of activities on this site where kids can learn about tempo, rhythm, pitch and other aspects through an interactive game.

As they adjust the music, they can watch the metronome and listen to what is being played to learn about how the various elements of sound come together to make beautiful melodies.

funbrain.com

joesgoals.com

Offering more than 100 games in maths and reading for grade-school kids, the website makes study time a breeze for parents. The platform is designed to bridge the gap between learning and entertainment, devising an innovative way of reinforcing what has been taught in the classroom.

Children can also read a variety of popular books and comics on the site, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Amelia Writes Again, and Brewster Rocket.

www.womanthismonth.com

January 2017

With a brand new year ahead of us, practising and achieving resolutions is a great way to instill healthy discipline in children. Parents can set up a reward system based on all the good points little ones collect at the end of a certain time period. The simple interface allows you to assign point values to each goal to denote its importance. You can indicate whether a goal is positive or negative and, for each day, Joe’s goals will add your point totals depending on which tasks are completed.

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LIFESTYLE | parenting

KIDS’

Scarf: Okaidi Obaibi 17 178-049

Carolina Herrera A/W 16

PLAYGROUND

Chunky sweater: Hackett London Little Britons 17 112-717

Checked shirt: Hackett London Little Britons 17 112-717

Checked sweater: Carolina Herrera boys www. carolinaherrera.com

As we head into the New Year, the latest look for styleconscious kids is goinging back to basics, Smart shapes and colours, classic lines and hard-wearing fabrics that can take the knocks of the playground but still look good for a trip to grandma’s on the way home.

Tailored coat: Carolina Herrera girls www. carolinaherrera.com All-in-one dress with sparkle skirt: Gap 17 178-607

Pink dress: Mamas & Papas 17 581-877

Kids romper: Okaidi Obaibi 17 178-049

Penguine print bag and shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo 17 178-535.

Spotty sneakers: Gap 17 178-607

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January 2017

Jeans, Okaidi Obaibi 17 178-049

Striped socks: Okaidi Obaibi 17 178-049

www.womanthismonth.com

Star

Gazing Raphael tells us what’s written in the stars this month Capricorn Throughout this month a change will take place within you that’s likely to make you view a person in your life very differently by the start of January. It seems a man’s feelings for you just won’t subside and his constant romancing has finally encouraged you to let your guard down and enjoy life a little more. Where this will lead is still uncertain but you will feel more optimistic about yourself and this rise in confidence will help you in many, perhaps less obvious, areas.

Pisces

It appears certain adversaries who have, until recently, been quiet with their opposition are now beginning to creep out of the woodwork and it has caused you some major embarrassment in the workplace. You will need to call upon your inner resources and perhaps draw upon deep, inner cunning and guile to switch matters around. If you can keep a cool head and not become flustered, then you should emerge to fight another day.

Aries

You’ve been under pressure lately due, in no small measure, to a partner’s problems at work spilling over into your home life. Often you find it difficult to express your emotions and this impacts on the way you deal with others who might need a shoulder to cry on. You are known to be quick witted and sharp minded but can sometimes have difficulty showing your emotions. Perhaps it’s time to make a concerted effort to change that.

Taurus

It seems ages since something truly significant happened in your life. That’s about to change as www.womanthismonth.com

Leo

For sometime now there have been too many distractions in your life for you to really focus on what matters but by the end of January the situation will be clearer as things are revealed that you may not want to accept but that will allow you to decide what comes next. Of principal concern are your torn emotions over two people, between whom you’re finding it hard to choose. Both have strong feelings towards you and want a future with you, but it’s your decision that ultimately counts.

Virgo

Even the greatest risk-takers come unstuck. Noone can dodge bad luck forever. And so it is this month. Regrettably, many of you will stumble upon hurdles of your own design as a blatant disregard for authority is set to see you struggling in very “hot water”. Rather than splash about and make even bigger fools of yourselves, consider holding your hands up and accepting your punishment. It will be far less severe if you are honest and far easier to move on afterwards.

Aquarius

If there’s one thing you can do to make both your life and the lives of those around you a little simpler, it’s to stop digging your heels in about a family issue and perhaps admit you’re not putting everyone’s best interests at heart with your decision concerning a young child.

Detach yourself from your anger and instead consider the feelings of those that will be most affected by any planned changes.

horoscopes

Libra a dream you have long nurtured gets the chance to take shape thanks mainly to the efforts of a colleague or partner. It finally seems someone has noted your efforts and good news should reach you on the 17th. Life may become a blur as matters take on a destiny of their own. You need little excuse to celebrate but don’t forget those who’ve been there with you along the way.

Gemini

Although there has been a strong sense of romance in your life of late, not everyone shares your enthusiasm for your new partner and there could be one or two new mysteries for you to ponder over in the coming weeks as certain revelations only serve to offer more question marks surrounding your current beau’s integrity. It might be wise to do a little subtle investigation but be discreet. You don’t want to jeopardise the relationship without good cause.

Cancer

A move is on the horizon and your next few weeks could be occupied by the search for a new home. The recent acquisition of funds – through a family gift – has given you a spectacular lease of life and the freedom to really shape your future. There will be no stopping you. Just make sure that the temptation to go completely wild doesn’t overpower you since there are still important decisions to be made and the advice and concerns of someone close need to be taken into consideration.

Although you would never admit it to anyone, there is still a small part of you that regrets letting a loved one go last year because the feelings you had have not subsided. You’ll be surprise to “bump” into the person concerned and discover that their feelings for you haven’t changed either. This is going to set up something of a dilemma for both of you – especially since the man in question is currently seeing someone else and it’s someone you know!

Scorpio

A close companion will come to you in the next few weeks, carrying concerns about his life that perhaps only you can help with. You need to think carefully about what you say but should not hold back on certain truths. You should seek medical advice if you’re worried about pains in your leg. You may find things are more serious than you realise, so don’t hold back. Beware the advances of a strange man on the 27th: he may be more con man than concerned citizen.

Sagittarius

Financially things could be very tight for you this January. It seems excesses from previous months have finally caught up with you. Your usual sound monetary sense has deserted you and you need to get your recklessness under control. The reasons behind your lapse have more to do with competitiveness and trying to keep up with the neighbours. You will simply have to face facts and realise that you can’t always have everything you want.

January 2017

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last word

In Her Shoes Maryam Al Maskati, marketing executive at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, gives us a sneak peak into what makes her tick.

Maryam Al Maskati

TRYSIDE? CITY OR COCitUN DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? y Seoul, South Korea.

ARE YOU SPENDER OR SAVER? Definitely a spender!

ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FILM OR BOOK?

WHAT’S THE LAST CHARGE ON YOUR CREDIT CARD? Navy blue and red CH wallet.

The Heat – Sandra Bullock.

EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?

Early bird.

THREE THINGS YOU DON’T WITHOUT? LEAVE HOMandEpor table charger.

Mobile, wallet

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January 2017

HIGH HEELS OR FLATS? Definitely flats.

WHICH THREE ITEMS WOULD YOU TAKE CAMPING? An energy drink, karak tea and food.

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