Woman This Month - June 2012

Bahrain Edition

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

JUNE 2012 | Issue 112

According to Dana A Film that Truly Speaks

Try the Tribal June’s Feature Trend

Looking Good Cosmetic Procedures

Protect that Smile Care for Your Teeth www.womanthismonth.com

www.omegawatches.com

STARRING

NICOLE KIDMAN

contents | JUNE 2012

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People 16 Bahrain Female Strength: Joseph Tito’s Latest Film

Fashion

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18 Fashion Forward: Trend Forecast 20 Fashion News Bulletins: All the Latest 22 Tribal Tales: Jungle-Chic

Cosmetic Procedures and Dentistry 38 Consumer Report: All the Best Clinics 40 White and Bright: 20 Tips for Looking After Teeth

Beauty 34 News: The Latest Products 36 Fragrances: Summer Scents

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Wellbeing 46 Feature: The Joys of a Yoga Lifestyle 52 Campaign: Bipolar Disorder Explained

Parenting 54 Feature: Dealing with the In-Laws 57 Column: Too Young to Change?

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Regulars 8 Write Here, Write Now 62 Recipes: Snacking Through June 64 Travel: Enjoy the Solstice 68 Horoscope: June in the Stars 72 Columnist: The Gift

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

JUNE 2012 | Issue 112

JUNE 2012 ı THE SPRING-OVER ı www.womanthismonth.com

Summer styles from Misguided.co.uk.

More SS12 fashion inside…

Bahrain Edition woman this month

June 2012, issue 112

According to Dana A Film that Truly Speaks

Try the Tribal June’s Feature Trend

HOME SUBSCRIBERS COPY

Looking Good Cosmetic Procedures

Protect that Smile Care for Your Teeth ISSUE 112

4 | June 2012 | woman this month

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www.womanthismonth.com

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 

Welcome Cookie Cutter

responsible editor Jubran AbdulRahman

chairman & publisher George F Middleton

publishing director

David M Robertson

editorial consultant Dr Paul Balles

editor

NATASHA BIRD

contributors

Dr Claire McInroy george r vaughan James Claire

staff writers

Elma Bartholomew Maryam A. Toorani ALISON COLDRIDGE KEERTHANA LOUIS

print production manager Sabu Sebastian

layout & graphics

Kingdom E D I T O R ' s l etter

P

ersonally, I am an advocate of celebrating what your mother gave you and being proud of unique qualities and little imperfections. If you can build on your own sense of self-esteem to fix a problem of low-confidence, then this should always be your first move. It is tough to imagine that cosmetic procedures are fast becoming the natural response of those that feel down about themselves. After all, we were all made differently for a reason — no one wants to live in a place full of identical clones.

I will accept, though, that for some people, large imperfections can feel like a real hindrance to every day life. They can affect, not just your own confidence, but the way prospective employers see you, or the way yours and other children respond to you. In certain cases, physical imperfections can become a disability — affecting hearing, sight or movement, for example. In these cases, when other options have been explored, surgical or non-invasive medical solutions can be a real life-saver. It is for this reason, that we have put together a cosmetic procedures and dentistry feature. We have focused on the most reputable clinics in the Kingdom, looking at the procedures that they specialise in, when they should become an option, recovery times and much more.

Other than this, we have a great tribal fashion piece; we take a look at the benefits of practising yoga and we speak to some amazing creative types about their latest projects. Enjoy!

RODOLFO A. REYES JR. Dalal Al-Sabbagh

media coordinator SARAH ANSARI

media executives ESKY Girmay SHANI DAVEL

sales manager Mayukh Majumdar

circulation

FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI

photography editor anil Ravi Shankar

photographers

Shankar Kunhambu Subeesh Kumar NS

printing press

Union Press, Bahrain Contents copyrighted 2004© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 woman this month is for women in Bahrain wishing to celebrate a unique cosmopolitan lifestyle and community spirit in an objective and proactive manner.

For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request.

Please e-mail sales@womanthismonth.com.

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

Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at the address below. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

Natasha Bird Editor

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 224, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

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@WomanThisMonthB 6 | June 2012 | woman this month

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Letters

Write Here Write Now STAR LETTER Keep Telling the Truth

Hi WTM! Thanks for the great article "The Wholesome Truth", because it tackled an important issue about healthy living. The very first The Wholesome Truth time I heard the words "organic food " was during I my course in Caregiving, as the newest way to provide a healthy diet for children with special needs, like Autism. Many of them have food allergies from dairy products, yeasts and metal toxins, thus, the introduction of a GFCF diet (Gluten-free, Casein-free) and the avoidance of foods high in toxic chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides helps to improve their speech and behaviour.

Nowadays, organic food has taken a different, but wholesome meaning. Not only does it help the children with special needs, but everybody can actually benefit from good healthy-eating habits, which prevent the various types of cancer, heart problems, diabetes and other related diseases, like obesity, which is one of the main problems here.

It is great to know that Bahrain has taken big steps to build stores like the Organic Shop and Café and set up areas especially for organic products in various supermarkets and restaurants. It is surely the time for the organic revolution.

Keep the good articles coming because we are definitely enjoying every bit of information you share with your readers. Goodluck! Delle, by email.

Wellbeing

Organic Foods & Café offers plenty of options to alter your eating habits for the better. For example, you can switch your caffeinated drink intakes for an energy water drink, which includes higher-energy levels, but with less additives and sugars. You can shop for fruit, vegetables, glutenfree breads, dairy products, delicious free range meats, and good quality pork. The shop’s eggs — imported from Holland and Saudi Arabia — fly off the shelves, as do the products in the specialty Italian and Japanese sections.

Food items and merchandise for babies, plus cleaning solutions can also be purchased, and are, of course, organic. Similarly, a whole corner of the shop is dedicated to skincare and makeup — a learned employee will outline how best to treat your skin and what to use.

Additionally, the supermarket boasts a café, which is unique to Bahrain. All of the chairs, tables and furnishings are recycled and the expansive menu features tantalising options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live on the wild side and try a slightly obscure juice, or opt for one of the chef’s daily specials, such as a cold roasted vegetable salad.

Ali Al Khalifa

By Alison Coldridge

A helping hand Organic products can be confusing unless you know the brands, so for a first timer it can be tough to know what to choose. This is something that Ali and his team are working on, by highlighting the top selling products to give you an idea of what may be a good first option.

Similarly, you can ask for direction from the staff or take note of the menu cards scattered around the store. These suggest easily preparable meals that can be made from food purchased in the store.

If you are at a complete loss with where to begin to suit your dietary needs, it can be a great idea to put forth your questions on the company’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Your questions will be forwarded on to a professional dietician and nutritionist who will respond with a detailed answer.

If you are looking for a good place to start, begin by purchasing one of the specialist books or DVDs sold in the shop. With these resources, you can educate yourself about how eating healthy and organic products can reduce the risks of cancer and other such illnesses.

Regular events As one of Organic Foods & Café’s aims, Ali regularly visits schools around the Kingdom to teach children of all ages the importance

As we approach bikini season we tend to panic about how our bodies look. But how about how we look inside? WTM investigates how we can change what we’re eating for the better. n the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity levels worldwide and this rate doesn’t show any signs of slowing. This statistic is particularly shocking in this part of the world, where records show that, on average, 25 per cent of people are classified as overweight and, in Bahrain itself, a shocking 37.9 per cent of women are obese (‘Journal of Obesity’, August 2011).

The strain put on the body from this excess fat has been shown to lead to various types of cancer and heart defects, as well as many other illnesses. So how can we combat this?

It’s simple: eat healthily. We all know it, we’ve all been told it and how to do it should be firmly ingrained in our minds.

However, in addition, you need to ensure that the good food you eat actually is just that.

Sometimes, even though you feel you are eating healthily, the food that you are putting into your body can be harmful, in ways you won’t have predicted. For example, picking the biggest, shiniest tomato in the store might make you feel self-righteous about adding to your five-a-day, but you might not actually have cause to celebrate. Many of the more attractive looking fruits and vegetables have been chemically enhanced — injected with antibiotics and hormones — additives that are not easily digested by the body and which can cause some really unwanted side-effects.

Organic lessons Organic foods are foods that are produced without the use of toxic chemicals, synthetic pesticides and fertilisers or growth hormones.

Here in Bahrain, although it can be tricky to purchase healthier foods, there is hope. One supermarket stocks and serves everything you need to better your lifestyle and improve your diet. The Organic Foods & Café shop, located in Seef Mall, is bursting with healthy options that are not only wholesome, but entirely delicious, and the products are at least 95 per cent organic and affordable.

The brand now has four outlets — two in Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi and the Bahrain store, that owner Ali Al Khalifa opened last year. The aim of the shop is to educate customers on the importance of eating quality, healthy and safe products. Similarly, we should only use makeup, skincare and cleaning products that are also gentle and kind to skin, as it is just as important to care for our exterior as our interior.

66 | May 2012 | woman this month

WRITE IN AND WIN

Send your letter to editor@womanthismonth. com, by fax to 17 813-700 or by post to PO Box 20461, Manama. The star letter will win BD60 worth of delightfully scented products from the amazing Zohoor Al Reef perfumery and cosmetics company. The winner can choose to receive three perfumes, from a selection offered by the company. So, to make sure you feel and smell great next month, be sure to write to us!

8 | June 2012 | woman this month

of eating well. It is a great idea to explain to children whilst they are young that there are many options available, which are far more delicious than fast food! This tutoring is available to adults as well, as the café is used as a host for regular events, such as talks from experts in the field. Previously, Ali has invited Nils El Accad, the brand’s founder, to conduct a talk to the parents of young athletes. Nils outlined the importance of maintaining a healthy diet whilst completing strenuous exercise. Famous nutritionist Patrick Holford has also held an event, providing his insight into the world of healthy eating. Many more guest speakers of this calibre are expected to be showcased in the future, and generally the events are free to attend.

Parenting inding balance is one of the most common concerns among people seeking help from a life coach. Some people need help finding the right balance between their working and private lives; others need help finding the balance between their parenting and their marriage.

Many of these people seek help from coaches, despite the fact that they have confident, thriving children. Why is this so? The main reason is because they are struggling in their marriage. The transition from being a married couple to being a married couple with children can be a real challenge. It demands a totally different routine and for many people, this can come as a great shock.

Let’s go back for a moment to the life of a childless couple. Pre-children, there was time for you, time for exercise, time for friends and family, time for your husband, career, study, travel and everything was relatively calm. You were in control and you had the freedom to do a great deal of exactly what you wanted. You had uninterrupted time with your partner and, quite often, less to worry about too!

F

Finding the

By Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy

Balance

Discovering the right balance between perfect parenting and a meaningful marriage can be difficult. Dr Clare helps us address the issue.

72 | April 2012 | woman this month

In contrast, after children enter your lives, having even a little time to nurture your relationship with your partner is a real treat. The needs of your children can leave you drained and exhausted, both emotionally and physically, at the end of each day. Despite all the joy of sharing the successes and milestones together, many boats capsize while navigating these rapids.

Marriage breakdowns happen for many different reasons. However, neglect, owing to the fact that both parents spend more time attending to the needs of their children than looking out for each other, is a popular contributing factor.

woman this month | May 2012 | 73

First Time Mother

This month's parenting section article, "Finding the Balance", is a must read article for all new parents out there.

Being a first time mother, with a full time job, is quite a task.

It is really difficult to combine all the duties you find yourself with and 24 hours a day is usually not enough to cover the tasks of being a mother, a wife and a manager in a company.

This article is very helpful and so true!

I am looking forward for your next edition, where there is always an article for everyone.

All the best, Cristalyn, by email.

The benefits of healthy eating: l You will have more energy.

l You will be less prone to illnesses.

Interview

l You may live longer.

l It’s a great weight loss solution.

l You will increase your productivity at work.

f Mala Kumar is anything to go by, a visit to India should become a must on everyone’s checklist. She is a wonderful combination of colour and energy and she speaks about her home country with real exuberance.

“We have just got so much to offer in terms of art, music, dance, food, clothes and jewellery,” Mala exclaims, “India is an amazing country. The simply vast richness and heritage that we have is astonishing and I feel we should show it more and more. India is an emerging power — it is a ‘soft power’ as my husband would say.”

In a bid to share India’s greatness, Mala, along with a couple of other India-enthusiasts, has embarked on a mission to showcase India in the Middle East. This mission is taking the form of a series of lavish events, collectively known as Irresistible India, designed to give guests a total immersion in Indian culture.

Mala plans to start the series with a real bang. The first event, which will have just taken place when this magazine hits the shops, is a luxurious evening of food, music and dancing. Guests to the first Irresistible India gala will have dined on a sumptuous fourcourse meal, which blends traditional and modern Indian cuisine. They will also have had the opportunity to watch two exciting dance troupes — one a Rajisthani folk group and the other a Bollywood troupe from Mumbai. And finally, they will have danced the night away as DJ Benson from Dubai spun a mix of modern and Bollywood tunes.

The main idea, according to Mala, is to allow people to discover the lesser known aspects of Indian culture. “People in Bahrain love Bollywood, which is great, of course. It is already so popular that it is what people think of when they think of India, but there is so much else too,” Mala explains. “The Indian cuisine that most of the restaurants in Bahrain serve is usually the butter chickens and the tandooris", she says, “but people should try something else. The food from other parts of India like Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh are very different. They use different

I

l You will be less bloated.

l You will handle stress better.

Discovering

l Your skin and teeth will be healthier.

Call 17 822-230 or visit www.organicfoodsandcafe.com.

Organic Foods & Cafe

woman this month | May 2012 | 67

Mala Kumar

India

Woman This Month sat down with Mala Kumar, wife to the Indian Ambassador in Bahrain and all-round India enthusiast, to talk about her plans to bring the culture and vibrancy of her home country to the people of Bahrain.

spices and it would be nice for people to come and eat this and say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know this was also Indian’.”

“After this first event,” says Mala, “who knows? I want to showcase the full extent of the culture of India. We are hoping to bring in contemporary art and then have some more traditional music too, with wellknown stalwarts in Indian music. We might bring in some stand-up comedians, theatre and perhaps have a culinary festival. I have big plans!”

I asked Mala how the idea for Irresistible India came about and why it is so important to her to bring India to the people of Bahrain. “It all started with a private sari show that I did at home for the Jusoor programme, led by the wife of Bahrain's foreign minister, Shaikha Wesal. It was a gathering of prominent Bahraini ladies and diplomats' wives. It was to show them that saris are not just worn in one way and that, even though they are traditional dress, they can also be stylish and timeless.

Many people didn’t know that there was a sari

18 | May 2012 | woman this month

Discover the World

of nine yards. The Italian ambassador’s wife volunteered to have a sari draped on her in the traditional style. People were fascinated because they thought it was all stitched, but it’s not, it’s all folded and draped in a matter of minutes,” describes Mala. “After this event, I teamed up with Renuka from La Bonn V and Irwin Rego, because we share the same passion for our country and it became our joint venture to produce the Indian gala evening” It isn’t just this passion which has spurred Mala on to creating the Irresistible India series, though. She feels that the Middle East and India have a special bond, which shouldn’t go overlooked. “There is such a huge population of Indians in the Middle East, especially here. Bahrain has been strongly influenced by Indian culture for many centuries,” Mala explains. “Bahrainis eat a lot of Indian food, a lot of people are familiar now with the mainstream music of India. Bahrain imports a lot of textiles and embroidery from India — a lot of the kaftans that you see are actually made in India”.

There is also a sense that India is inextricably tied to the progress in the Middle East. Mala agrees: “Indians have contributed a lot to the development of the Middle East.

I think that Bahrain is one of the countries where Indians enjoy a lot of respect, for their intelligence, their work ethic and their contribution to the economy. It is my delight to strengthen this bond and this relationship.”

We, as well as Mala, are very excited to see how the Irresistible India series develops. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events, because they are sure to be lavish, colourful, enlightening and a whole load of fun. woman this month | May 2012 | 19

I think it is fantastic that you decided to include such a lively article about India in your last issue. Although some people have already discovered it and tend to head there year after year (it is definitely a favourite with backpackers), there are so many people who still don’t know what delights are in store when you set foot on Indian soil.

People think it is not your typical holiday destination — they don’t imagine beach resorts and lazy days by the pool. But the truth is that there is so much to India.

There are beach resorts and there are also mountain resorts and lakes and trips into the plantations. You can have a serene time or a holiday filled with action and adventure.

Keep helping your readers to discover new places and the world will become better and better.

Rajinda, by email.

Shopping

New This Month

Neon Brights!

Koton. Bahrain City Centre

Top Shop. Bahrain City Centre

Accessorize. Bahrain City Centre

Carolina Herrera. Bahrain City Centre

Anselm Reyle for Dior. Moda Mall

DVF @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Bvlgari. Moda Mall

Jimmy Choo.

Al Aali Shopping Complex Mango. Bahrain City Centre

10 | June 2012 | woman this month

Something Pure in a synthetic world Welcome to a world where you can experience nature at its very best. Take your pick from our refreshing menu of signature treatments fashioned with rich, super-natural ingredients, and let our therapists craft a ritual around your whims and wishes. Breathe in the scent of Pure relaxation, right in the heart of Manama. Revive!

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre MANAMA BAHRAIN

Shopping Sportmax

Massimo Dutti

Dune

Jill Stuart

Dorothy Perkins

Miu Miu

Zara

Next

Fancy Footwear As we all know already, pastels are the shades of the season. If you don’t want to dress head-to-toe in blush pink and ice blue, why not start at the bottom and work your way up gradually. Pastel footwear is all the rage at the moment. We especially love the Jill Stuart SS12 varieties.

Marks & Spencer

Fratelli Rossetti Head Over Heels

Bertie

Top Shop

Tod's

Hogan

12 | May 2012 | woman this month

Shopping

Daytime Floral Wallis Carolina Herrera

Punt Roma

Warehouse

The floral trend is back with a passion. Where best to showcase it than during the day — to a luncheon, at a music festival, to the park, or even to an informal work meeting. The little floral dress is definitely the way to go, especially in the brighter shades that are available this season.

Here’s a selection for you to check out.

Oasis

Promod

Top Shop

Ann Taylor

Dorothy Perkins

14 | June 2012 | woman this month

The Children’s Academy Kingdom of Bahrain

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

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

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

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

Individual Education Plans tailored for the need of each pupil.

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

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

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

A specialist developmental delay/autistic classroom.

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

From the

Interview

Other Side Perceptions of women in the Arab world vary from place to place.

Arguably, though, there is a propensity for negative stereotyping.

Natasha Bird talks to writer, director and movie-maker Joseph Tito about his upcoming project — a film seeking to bring the strength and character of Bahraini women to light.

Loredana Mantello

T

16 | June 2012 | woman this month

he Arab world has been experiencing a particularly high level of global exposure in the last few years. The Arab Spring in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and beyond has attracted our attention and journalists and self-appointed commentators alike have flooded the internet with accounts of brutality, tyranny and revolution.

Whether consciously or not, most of the news-aware population has begun to form opinions about this part of the world — relating to politics, history and even the traditions and cultures.

Although a lot of the focus has been on government organisations, other components of the Arab world have come under scrutiny. The women of the Middle East have seen the spotlight turn firmly in their direction. Unfortunately, though, this hasn’t been an overwhelmingly positive experience. From condemning the hijab to lamenting the idea that women aren’t allowed to drive in certain countries, there has been an alarming level of criticism.

The idea that the women in the region are weak and inferior or designated as second-class citizens by their male counterparts is something that this magazine has been fighting against since its inception. Luckily for us, there are others out there on the same mission. Joseph Tito, a young film-maker from Italy, currently based in Bahrain, is one such person.

Joseph might still be a relatively young buck in the film industry, but that isn’t to say he doesn’t already have some big achievements under his belt.

His work has had showings at a variety of prestigious international film festivals, including those in Toronto, Washington, Madrid and Sydney and some have gone on to be distributed by the likes of the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Society and Indican Pictures.

His latest project is a film called Dana, which chronicles the lives of three generations of Bahraini women within the same family as they fight for the right to be educated, to travel, to be independent and to follow the religion of their choosing. “I came on holiday to Bahrain to see a friend

It has been important to Joseph, of course, to make sure that some of the strong Bahraini women that he admires so much are a part of the project: “I have this amazing Bahraini writer. I won’t give away her identity just yet, but she was recommended to me by the lovely Shaikha Mai. It is women like Shaikha Mai that make me want to do this film. She is powerful and strong and shows a real determination and love for the project.”

The film will demonstrate the changing role of women over the course of three generations. Dana, the main character, is outspoken and determined. She travels abroad to go to university and she joins the political student union whilst there, but her mother Hessa and her daughter Layla’s stories are very different. Hessa, although one of the first women to drive in Bahrain, was married at 12 and didn’t go to university.

Layla, on the other hand, has a much greater degree of freedom, but establishes a strong religious identity and chooses to wear the burqa.

Joseph Tito

and I met a lot of Bahraini women — from different age groups, classes and religious denominations. And it completely changed my impression of Arab women. I realised that I had this view of them as covered, silent, weak and even beaten. This isn’t the case,” Joseph explains.

“Too many films and too much of the literature that comes out about the Middle East focuses on the negative. Osama, by Siddiq Barmak, A Separation, by Asghar Farhadi or The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, for example,” he continues; “The media and then the films and books are what form our opinion and they display women as seemingly having no power.”

A need to overturn these sorts of stereotypes is what fuels Joseph’s enthusiasm for his current undertaking. “For me,” he says, “it is important that my films make people think. I enjoy watching films that, when the credits roll up, you are thinking or arguing with someone about it. As a film-maker, I see it as my chance to tell a different story, or a different viewpoint. I don’t want to tell people what to think, but I want to leave them with several accounts and then leave them to think about which they agree with and which they don’t.”

Joseph is certain of the topicality of his project. “The women in this film are going to be real people”, says Joseph, “Yes, this is an Arabic story, but it is also universal. My own grandmother was married at the age of 12 in the south of Italy. Women’s roles have evolved everywhere.”

When I ask him about his motivation for concentrating on women, his answer is more than a little heart warming: “All my films are womenbased. I love my mother. She is strong and open and goes on and fights. I think that if women ruled the world we would be living in a much happier and safer place. Women are mothers and when you are a mother and you give birth to something, you are just kinder and more compassionate.”

There are a large number of parts to be played and Joseph is determined to cast as many local Bahraini actresses as possible. If you are interested in taking part in the film, you still have a chance to audition. Bahrain’s first wave of castings will take place on May 17, 18 and 19. Details of further auditions and a breakdown of each character can be found on the JEO Productions website. For more information visit www.jeoproductions.com or call Leila on 34 394-517. woman this month | June 2012 | 17

Fashion

Fashion Fashion Forward Expert Hooray, the balmy weather is here and with it comes the opportunity to wear the lighter colours, the pastel shades and to experiment with new hair and makeup styles…

The Printed Bandeau

Natasha Bird tells us about her fashion highs and lows.

Want It

I wanted them so much, I bought them from Massimo Dutti.

Lipsy lovers, get your hands on this great abstract print dress. The shapes are modern and exciting and the colours are attention grabbing. We would suggest you layer up some bold, gold jewellery to complete the look.

What’s Hot

Anything Olivia Does

Within the tribal trend, chunky wooden cuffs are on point.

This one is Parfois.

Olivia Palermo has been on our radar for a while now. Her fashion prowess is undeniable.

So, when we heard she had become an ambassador for Carrera Y Carrera, we knew we had to check it out. There are some great Summer accessories.

Bin It

The Shopper

The Jil Sander shopper enjoyed some fame last summer and it is back with a bang for the coming months. We love this cherry coloured one that you can pick up in Saks Fifth Avenue.

18 | June 2012 | woman this month

Tatty flats. It’s all about the stacked wedge in the coming months.

JOZ Salon&SPA Colourblock Hair

Sported here by Nikki Minaj, colourful hair is having a revival. From dip-dyed ends to full-on matching your hair to your outfit, you can be sure to get the fashion tongues wagging with a bit of help from a DIY dye kit.

Colourful Accessories

Seeing as the pastels are enjoying such fame this season, be sure to find some interesting, complementary accessories.

These Fenton SS12 necklaces are sublime.

The Spirit of Excellence

Amwaj Dragon Hotel tel. 16031120 Awali Compound tel. 17756449 Juffair American Alley tel. 17369133

Exclusive offer to Woman This Month readers Present this coupon and receive 15% off on any service

woman this month | June 2012 | 19

Fashion

Fashion News Bulletins There’s all sorts going on in the fashion world at the moment. We take a look at some of the highs and lows…

Bad News for Aquascutum The UK-based luxury fashion brand recently went into administration.

Unfortunately, efforts to resolve the money issues have been largely unsuccessful. Aquascutum has now decided to close its UK manufacturing offices in Corby, which will mean the loss of a whopping 115 jobs.

The company is now tasked with finding a suitable buyer to pull them out of the crisis. They claim to have had a “high level of interest from potential purchasers”, but are yet to settle on one. We love Aquascutum for its sophisticated chic, so let’s hope this gets resolved quickly!

Hidden Talent

She might be known to all of us as a model and a Victoria’s Secret angel, but apparently Miranda Kerr has a few other tricks up her sleeve. She recently admitted to having recorded a couple of songs, which means she’s been hiding a singing voice behind those famous lips.

However, she says she has no plans to release them just yet: “I’m doing so much at the moment, modelling obviously, my books and my family.” We’ll just wait and see about that…

err

Miranda K

The Bun’s Out of the Oven

20 | June 2012 | woman this month

Peaches Geldof, daughter of the legendary Bob Geldof and his late partner Paula Yates, has given birth to a baby boy. The journalist and model, who has written for Elle girl, ES Magazine and Nylon and has posed for Ultimo and PPQ, to name a couple, has happily announced the arrival of her first child.

True to form for the Geldof family, Peaches has picked a suitable unusual name. Her first born is called Astala Dylan Willow Cohen-Geldof.

Peaches Geldo

f

You Win Some…

It has been announced that London-based accessories designer Anya Hindmarch is the winner of this year’s Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award.

This award isn’t confined to just fashion — other nominees included the likes of Helena Morrissey, CEO of Newton Investment Management and Ruth Rogers, founder of the River Café.

Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities Theresa May delivered the keynote speech and Hindmarch said “It is a very real compliment to be deemed to share some of the qualities of Veuve Clicquot herself.”

A HnaynaaaHin BednmAabrcdhesslem

The Real Deal Louis Vuitton has triumphed in their counterfeit case in America. They have won the rights to protect the company from “large-scale international counterfeiting”. This will stop products from being imported in to the States bearing the LV trademarks and companies, such as PayPal, which facilitate the buying and selling of these products, will be liable to be penalised.

To be honest, we always thought the Louis Vuitton fakes were pretty obvious and more than a little bit tacky, so maybe this measure will save a few people from making the odd fashion faux pas.

Louis Vuitton

On to the Next The Kardashian clan have just launched their latest fashion and modelling venture — the three older sisters have brought out a new lingerie brand. However, this isn’t what has got the public tongue collectively wagging.

No, the thing that is becoming the talk of the town is Kim’s most recent choice of suitor. She’s moved on from ex-husband Kris Humphries and is now dating rap superstar Kanye West!

Kim woman this month | June 2012 | 21

Showcase

Talk about

Tribal

There were plenty of tribal styles sashaying their way down the runway for this season. We take a look at two of the tribal trends.

Traditional Tribal

Donna Karan

Marni for H&M

Gwen Stefani in L.A.M.B.

These are the sorts of tribal styles that turn up year after year. A brown, dusky red, amber and black colour palette, with the odd animal print accent is the traditional tribal staple. Look out for loose-fitting peg-leg trousers, colourful bead embellishments, touches of crochet, the odd stud or animal tooth. Imagine safaris across African plains or trips to the Amazon.

Gwen Stefani For someone who used to be pretty punk rock, Gwen is more of a tribal princess these days.

Her own line L.A.M.B. has some visible African influences. She uses a lot of tribal prints and textiles.

Desigual

Marni for H&M Marni’s prints are usually just exciting abstract patterns. But this dress has traditional tribal written all over it. A great way to emulate Gwen Stefani’s look.

22 | June 2012 | woman this month

Donna Karan If you want something a little bit more abstract, Donna Karan has incorporated the traditional colours and tribal patterns into her upmarket eveningwear, showing tribal can suit day or night.

Promod

Michael by Michael Kors

Michael by Michael Kors

Dorothy Perkins

Michael by Michael Kors

Salsa

Wallis

Michael by Michael Kors

New Look

Top Shop

Accessorize

Dune

Footwear We absolutely love some of the sandals that are available within the tribal trend. Who needs stacked heels when you could have some of these beauties? From colourful beads to animal print and straps of macramé, everything is on offer.

Jimmy Choo

Balmain River Island at ASOS

woman this month | June 2012 | 23

Showcase

Modern Tribal

This is a more high-end take on the trend. Instead of the usual browns and terracottas, this trend makes use of vibrant neons, usually set against a white background. This isn’t a trend for safaris in Africa. It’s more suited to fashion events and roof top cocktail parties.

H&M

Koton

H&M

Mara Hoffman

Nankin ring.

Carrera Y Carrera

Accessorize

Desigual

Valentino

Mara Hoffman Mara Hoffman’s collection is a great example of how tribal has gone upmarket this season. Wear this dress to a soiree or even with a pair of heels at a posh beach resort bar.

24 | June 2012 | woman this month

Massimo Dutti

Sass & Bide

Dorothy Perkins

Missguided.co.uk

Modern Tribal Dresses Taking the lead from Sass & Bide and other high-end designers, some of the high street brands are cottoning on to the modern tribal dress. Smart, fitted, structured and with neon panels.

River Island

Sass & Bide The modern take on tribal ramps the colour-spectrum right up into the bright neons. The abstract shapes have been translated into sharper, bolder, more geometric patterns. Sass & Bide’s bandeau dress is a great example.

Top Shop

Dune

Giuseppe Zanotti Christian Louboutin

woman this month | June 2012 | 25

Showcase

Luxe Timing OMEGA

It’s high time you treated yourself to a new watch.

It’s definitely a must-have piece of jewellery and is a great way to define your style and personality.

26 | June 2012 | woman this month

A

watch is one of the outfit-completing accessories that every woman loves to wear. As well as being practical and useful, the right watch can enhance an outfit and add a quick flash of glamour.

Omega’s line of women’s watches has been top of its class for decades. The luxury brand fuses the most compelling design elements with the best mechanical watch movements possible, to create lusted-after pieces that become an essential part of your jewellery collection.

New styles: new faces Newly launched are two styles, each with a different story and a defined design. The Ladymatic presents a new golden age of

fashion and will excitingly be modelled internationally by Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman. Having been a brand ambassador since 2004, Kidman is the face (and wrist) associated with the Ladymatic line.

The watches in the new Ladymatic line feature polished 34 mm cases with a distinctive ceramic ring between an outer wave and the inner case body. The cases are crafted in 18 carat red or yellow gold, displaying pure class and style. You can choose between polished or snow-set diamond-paved bezels, and each model is enhanced by a sapphire crystal case.

The other new arrival is an addition to the Constellation family. The Co-Axial 27mm has been created in 18 carat red gold and is the

perfect companion for a woman who cares as much about the functionality of the watch as she does for its beauty. Both elegant and equipped with the brand’s proprietary Co-Axial calibre 8521 mechanical movement, the luxurious timepiece is guaranteed to go with any outfit. The bezel is exquisitely paved with 32 fullcut diamonds whilst the dial is encrusted with mother-of-pearls. This particular watch is easy to read in low-lighting conditions, as the hour and minute hands are coated with white SuperLumiNova. Additionally, you don’t need to be worried about taking this watch for a dip, as it is water resistant up to 100 metres/330 feet.

Call 17 537-753 Moda Mall (Sheraton Complex) or 17 100-135 Bahrain City Centre.

woman this month | June 2012 | 27

Showcase

Neon Lights PROMOD

As you’ve seen from our shopping pages, bright shades are in this season and we’ve found a store that can cater to all your neon needs.

N

eon stripes, bags, bikinis, halter-necks, skirts, trousers, jackets and jewellery. You’ll need all of this stuff to keep up with the Summer 2012 craze for bright attire.

Promod’s new collection houses a fantastic variety of neon garments, including colourblock t-shirts for the casual days, white shifts with neon stripes for those fashion-conscious office-goers and even some great neon accessories and footwear.

Head down to the Promod stores at Bahrain City Centre and Bahrain Mall today and snap up some of these goodies. Call 17 172-309 (BCC), 17 556-188 (Bahrain Mall).

28 | June 2012 | woman this month

Pick Your Pastels PUNT ROMA

This Spanish brand knows a thing or two about the current season. You’ll find all kinds of demure and sophisticated garments that fit with the current pastel craze.

A

s we all know, the pastel palette is among the most popular of colourschemes this season. The pastel look is fresh and airy, a lively change from the androgyny and darkness that took over the last few months. Coral tops, powder pink shirts, baby blue blouses... It’s all in style this season.

If you want to pick up a few items that will ensure you look smart and sophisticated, as well as fashion-forward, then head over to Punt Roma in Bahrain City Centre and check out their selection. Call 17 172-307.

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Showcase

Season Essentials BEBE

Welcome in the SS12 trends with a touch of sophistication and colour. Embrace bright shades and exude radiance, whilst staying ahead of the fashion game.

S

tock your wardrobe for summer with hot new styles from Bebe. The international brand, located in Bahrain City Centre, is full of bold colours and the most up-to-date styles with a decidedly contemporary edge.

The store is the go-to destination for chic and modern fashion and evokes a mindset — an attitude, not an age.

Rows upon rows of dresses, separates and accessories will entice you to revamp your

30 | June 2012 | woman this month

wardrobe. Inject some life and colour into it; choose a patterned dress, a pair of aqua blue jeans, or a lime green maxi dress — and these are just a few of the colourful pieces to grab hold of!

In addition to the bolds and the brights, there are plenty of jewelled tone pieces, perfect for evening attire. Shapely cocktail dresses and floor-length gowns are in abundance, providing a solution to every event. Accessorise your evening outfit with a woven clutch bag —

available in a variety of colours — and add some chunky jewels for an added enhancement.

You will note inspiration from the 60s and 70s, with oversized sunglasses, a floppy hat, stacked bangles and even leather mini dresses.

Plus, in keeping with this season’s trends, there are a number of wedges in all manner of styles, for a comfortable way to elevate yourself.

Call 17 178-670.

Showcase

Modern Style ANNE KLEIN

Keeping up with trends is never a pointless goal; you will be sure to always look current, contemporary and cool.

A

nne Klein is all about being on the ball with the catwalk trends this season. The stores are filled with metallics, brights, monochromes, animal patterns and embellishments making this shoe shop your one-stop solution for both footwear and handbags.

Known for being a sophisticated brand, each pair is great for wearing to the office and throughout the evening until the end of the day. A special range of flat shoes have been designed to ensure complete comfort; they feature iFlex technology — a split-sole so that they bend with the foot and can be folded up and put in your handbag.

A number of large totes are also available from Anne Klein. Each is durable and spacious and, of course, oh-so-stylish.

Call 16 686-204 (BCC). and 16-686-224 (Seef Mall).

woman this month | June 2012 | 31

Showcase

It's All About Colour!

NINE WEST

Embrace the brights and the bolds to build up a fun and summery accessory collection this season. Take a look at this inspiring collection.

W

hether you like to strut your stuff in chunky heels, courts, wedges, sandals or flats, it’s all the same, really. And where is better to go and stock up on the latest season essentials than Nine West? The high street brand constantly refreshes its shelves with new launches, so every time you pay a visit you will probably spot something else.

It’s all about colour, currently. Coloured shoes will vamp up any outfit, no matter how dull, and show that you know what fashion is all about.

Canary yellow, hot pink, apple green, aqua blue and bright orange are just some of the hues brightening up the stores, enticing you to slip your feet into a pair and see how they fit.

These colours can also be found in the ample bag selection, creating the perfect companion to any outfit. Call 16-686-207 (BCC), 16-686-220 (Seef Mall) and 16 686-228 (Bahrain Mall).

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SKECHERS

Fitness can be Fashionable

Amp up your fitness regime with a fabulous pair of sport shoes that will protect your feet and leg muscles whilst keeping you looking style-conscious and in touch with fashion.

I

f you like to hit the gym hard, but still retain some essence of style, then there is no doubt about it — Skechers is the brand for you. The style-savvy sportswear brand boasts stacks of trainers, ideal for working out; the speciallymanufactured shoes protect the feet from the intensity of running and fit feet well, ensuring a more comfortable fitness session.

The Shape Ups SRR are the ‘intelligent’ shoes.

The design aligns with the laws of human biomechanics and returns your stride to its natural state, ultimately helping to achieve higher levels of fitness in shorter workouts.

The Shape Ups Livs are ultra-lightweight and fitted with natural stride technology, for intuitive motion. Shape Ups SRT shoes are fitted with kinetix response to increase resistance training and accelerate muscle activation. A wedge is fitted in the midsole to help with shock absorption.

Or if you are after a style that will increase muscle, opt for the Tone Ups, which feature a gradual density midsole that stimulates the underused calf, thigh and gluteus muscles with repeated wearing. Call 16 686-212.

woman this month | June 2012 | 33

Beauty News

Beauty

As the hotter months close in, you’ll want a complexion that defies the heat and still looks great. Here are our June beauty product tips!

Radiance without Shine

Lasting Shine

Givenchy Eclat Matissime is a fluid foundation that goes on smoothly, but dries without shine.

It is soft and airy-light and respects the skin’s delicate balance. It contains powders to tackle the oily areas of your face.

Available at Paris Gallery.

Maybelline’s new product is a little bit revolutionary. The 10 Hour Superstain lip gloss might not come in the most attractive packaging, but the product itself is special. It has a shine enhancing formula that claims to not dry out for many hours.

Available at leading retailers.

Painless Procedure

Hair removal is a tricky process. Some methods leave you sore, others have a bad odour and then some are just plain ineffective. The fem products are full of natural, soothing ingredients and there are different options for different skin types.. Available at most pharmacies.

Quick and Easy

Bourjois have brought out their new “1 Seconde” nail varnish, which is supposed to give you a salon quality manicure within just a few seconds. The nail varnish has a new gel-like texture and the brush is wide and fan-shaped, for ease of application. Available at leading retailers.

34 | June 2012 | woman this month

All About Eyes Too Faced has come out with this new Matte Eye compact. The cute little hand-held contains some quaintly named shades, such as Velveteen Bunny and Fresh Linen.

Also, the “How-To” cards offer advice for application. Available at Sephora.

Express Yourself

Lancôme is getting all creative. They are encouraging you to express your individuality by painting each nail with a different design. Their new Vernis in Love Spring 2012 collection of varnishes are just the ticket. Available at leading retailers.

Subtle Elegance

Urban Decay’s products are usually a riot of colours and the odd bit of glitter, which is why it is nice to see them take a more demure approach. The “Naked” palette is a selection of browns and nudes — all you need to create a subtle, soft look.

Available at Sephora.

Powerful,

battery-powered sweeper brush.

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

1. Up to 60 minutes of cordless cleaning time 2. 7.2 volts of power 3. Easy-to-remove, top loading dirt container 4. Safe on carpet, rugs and hard floors 5. Perfect for in-between cleanings

Only the Best

Skin Caviar Crystalline Concentre, by La Prairie, is a formulation of nutrient-rich firming and lifting serums, which recover what time has taken away. Merging the technology of liquid crystals with line fillers, the results are immediate. Available at Paris Gallery and Saks Fifth Avenue.

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

woman this month | June 2012 | 35

Beauty

The Scent of

June If there’s someone you want to impress, why not get their attention with a new fragrance. Here are our June picks…

How Romantic!

If you want to get a message across, you couldn’t be more obvious than with the Lanvin Marry Me! Love Edition. This is an awakening scent of red currant infused with the tang of bitter orange.

Available at leading retailers

Sensual Darling

Blumarine’s Inamorata is a lesson in seduction. The notes of ylang ylang, frangipani, grapefruit and bergamot make it unique and special. This would be a great one for attracting attention.

Available in select department stores.

So Pretty

Armand Basi’s Rose Glacé has top notes of green apple, grapefruit and lemon, middle notes of rose cinnamon and peach and a bottom note of light woods.

This one is fresh and enchanting.

Available at leading retailers.

The Debut

The people at Nine West haven’t actually brought out a fragrance before now. But this summer they are turning their hands to scent-making. Love Fury includes notes of rose, mimosa, mandarin, jasmine and sandalwood.

Available at Nine West stores.

Love Summer

Cacharel’s Amor Amor is a staple among perfume lovers. So there will be calls of delight as people find out about the latest edition of the scent — Amor Amor Summer. The top notes in this one are pineapple, frangipani and patchouli.

Available at leading retailers.

36 | June 2012 | woman this month

Consumer Report

The Quest for

Perfection

By Keerthana Louis

Woman This Month's cosmetic and aesthetic procedures report will help make you aware of the image-altering options in the Kingdom, so you know you’ll come out looking and feeling your best.

W

e live in a world where perfection is always in high demand — the best phone, villa, clothes, cars; the list goes on. It’s no surprise then that this reach extends to the way we look. Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures allow us to boost our self-esteem, and with new technology it can all be done in relative comfort with little downtime. Woman This Month has scoured Bahrain to compile a list of some of the best cosmetic and dental clinics on offer so that you can make an informed decision when it matters most.

Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures

Thankfully, procedures and treatments aren’t all about cutting and stitching anymore, but you’ll definitely want to know what you’re signing up for. Luckily we’ve done the leg work for you by tracking down Bahrain’s most reputable clinics for both invasive and noninvasive cosmetic procedures.

38 | June 2012 | woman this month

Bahrain Specialist Hospital Location: Juffair Procedures: With experienced cosmetic surgeons and visiting international doctors on hand, you can be sure to find innovative technology at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. As the only Joint Commission International (USA) accredited hospital in Bahrain, standards are high. The clinic offers a variety of procedures combined with a down to earth approach and commitment to total patient care.

Contact: 17 812-000.

Dr Anwar Al-Alaiwat Location: Zinj, Manama Procedures: Offering both invasive and noninvasive procedures this specialised clinic provides unrivalled patient care. Popular procedures such as buttocks enlargement, ultrasonic assisted liposculpture, hair removal, dermal fillers, collagen injections and botox are all available. Contact: 17 242-528.

Dr Pierre Clero Cosmetic Surgeon Location: Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair Procedures: French international cosmetic surgeon Dr Pierre Clero brings over 30 years of experience, as well as the revolutionary Stem Cell PRP treatment to the Gulf. A safe and natural alternative to invasive cosmetic procedures, this treatment promotes the production of collagen and elastins for radiant looking skin. Contact: 36 197-919.

Farrell German Skin Care Centre Location: Mahooz, Manama Procedures: Naturally unblemished skin is hard to come by, but not impossible to achieve.

Besides tackling conditions like acne, wrinkles, ageing and pigmentation imperfections, the clinic also offer treatments for cellulite, fat reduction, permanent hair removal and skin rejuvenation using the latest technology.

Contact: 17 722-696.

Marafie Clinic Location: Busaiteen and Sanabis Procedures: Many of us are embarrassed by perspiration marks on our clothing, an ailment that Dr Hanan Marafie combats so that you are left with at least six months relief from excessive sweating. The clinic also specialises in using Botox for facial wrinkles, laser hair removal, mesotherapy, and a variety of other dermatological treatments. Contact: 17 585-373.

Royal Aesthetic Centre Location: Royal Bahrain Hospital, Al-Salmaniya Procedures: The Royal Aesthetic Centre offers the revolutionary Fraxel treatment, which promotes your skin’s own healing process to take care of wrinkles, age spots and acne scars.

CoolGlide laser hair removal and Thermage treatment are also available for firm smooth skin, in addition to a host of invasive and noninvasive procedures designed to get you looking and feeling your best. Contact: 17 246-939

Cosmetic dentistry

If first impressions are decided within the initial 10 seconds of meeting, then you have far less than a minute for someone to focus on the best of you, not crooked or discoloured teeth. Advances in dentistry have made straight teeth and an attractive smile more attainable than ever. Never underestimate the power of a great smile.

Al-Alawi Dental Centre Location: Shaikh Isa Avenue, Manama Procedures: Established in 1970, Al-Alawi Dental Centre is a part of Bahraini history. An advanced clinic, doctors employ new technology to guarantee satisfaction. Natural looking dental implants are installed by a specialist in dental implantology and those who want a whiter smile will find two types of bleaching services available. Contact: 17 255-657

Al-Mansoori Dental Centre Location: Riffa Procedures: With a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures to address the health, function and beauty of your teeth, this clinic takes both diagnosis and your personal preference into mind. The first in the Middle East to offer a ‘dental facelift’, Al-Mansoori Dental Centre will help you recapture a youthful smile without the need for injections, pain or medication on your skin. Contact: 17 760-666.

Dr Ali Mattar Dental Centre Consultants Group Location: Manama Procedures: An expert team uses only the best medical implant system, manufactured by Nobel Biocare, when it comes to replacing teeth. Efficiency is the name of the game here, so there is no need for costly and time consuming referrals.

Patient involvement in every step of the process ensures that you get the results you want. Contact: 17 714-877.

American Mission Hospital Location: Manama Procedures: Oral Implantologist, Dr Andlib Tarique, along with his dedicated team provide consultations and treatment for dental implant cases, be it a single tooth or all teeth. Utilising the latest techniques and technology for all procedures, AMH provides a caring and professional approach for every step on the way to a beautiful smile. Contact: 17 248-145.

Haffadh Specialised Dental Hospital Location: Sanabis Procedures: This specialist hospital is comprised of an experienced group of consultants and specialists, committed to remaining at the forefront of dental innovation.

Services include orthodontic treatment, teeth whitening, composite filling, dental implants and oral surgery. High quality, but cost effective, they bring international standards within reach. Contact: 17 311-180.

Bahrain Specialist Hospital Location: Juffair Procedures: You can be confident in the interdepartmental approach that this hospital employs and the friendly staff who will erase any fears of visiting the dentist in no time.

Services include various tooth whitening procedures for both in office and at home bleaching, as well as orthodontics, veneers and lumineers and dental implants.

Contact: 17 812-000.

Gulf Dental Specialty Hospital Location: Manama Procedures: Silvery, coated teeth were once the standard for fillings but at Gulf Dental Specialty Hospital white fillings are used to match the shade of a particular tooth.

For teeth that require a bit more attention, the clinic also offers veneers, crowns, bridges, whitening services and orthodontics for alignment. Contact: 17 741-444 woman this month | June 2012 | 39

Consumer Report

The Quest for

Perfection

By Keerthana Louis

Woman This Month's cosmetic and aesthetic procedures report will help make you aware of the image-altering options in the Kingdom, so you know you’ll come out looking and feeling your best.

W

e live in a world where perfection is always in high demand — the best phone, villa, clothes, cars; the list goes on. It’s no surprise then that this reach extends to the way we look. Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures allow us to boost our self-esteem, and with new technology it can all be done in relative comfort with little downtime. Woman This Month has scoured Bahrain to compile a list of some of the best cosmetic and dental clinics on offer so that you can make an informed decision when it matters most.

Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures

Thankfully, procedures and treatments aren’t all about cutting and stitching anymore, but you’ll definitely want to know what you’re signing up for. Luckily we’ve done the leg work for you by tracking down Bahrain’s most reputable clinics for both invasive and noninvasive cosmetic procedures.

38 | June 2012 | woman this month

Bahrain Specialist Hospital Location: Juffair Procedures: With experienced cosmetic surgeons and visiting international doctors on hand, you can be sure to find innovative technology at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. As the only Joint Commission International (USA) accredited hospital in Bahrain, standards are high. The clinic offers a variety of procedures combined with a down to earth approach and commitment to total patient care.

Contact: 17 812-000.

Dr Anwar Al-Alaiwat Location: Zinj, Manama Procedures: Offering both invasive and noninvasive procedures this specialised clinic provides unrivalled patient care. Popular procedures such as buttocks enlargement, ultrasonic assisted liposculpture, hair removal, dermal fillers, collagen injections and botox are all available. Contact: 17 242-528.

Dr Pierre Clero Cosmetic Surgeon Location: Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair Procedures: French international cosmetic surgeon Dr Pierre Clero brings over 30 years of experience, as well as the revolutionary Stem Cell PRP treatment to the Gulf. A safe and natural alternative to invasive cosmetic procedures, this treatment promotes the production of collagen and elastins for radiant looking skin. Contact: 36 197-919.

Farrell German Skin Care Centre Location: Mahooz, Manama Procedures: Naturally unblemished skin is hard to come by, but not impossible to achieve.

Besides tackling conditions like acne, wrinkles, ageing and pigmentation imperfections, the clinic also offer treatments for cellulite, fat reduction, permanent hair removal and skin rejuvenation using the latest technology.

Contact: 17 722-696.

Marafie Clinic Location: Busaiteen and Sanabis Procedures: Many of us are embarrassed by perspiration marks on our clothing, an ailment that Dr Hanan Marafie combats so that you are left with at least six months relief from excessive sweating. The clinic also specialises in using Botox for facial wrinkles, laser hair removal, mesotherapy, and a variety of other dermatological treatments. Contact: 17 585-373.

Royal Aesthetic Centre Location: Royal Bahrain Hospital, Al-Salmaniya Procedures: The Royal Aesthetic Centre offers the revolutionary Fraxel treatment, which promotes your skin’s own healing process to take care of wrinkles, age spots and acne scars.

CoolGlide laser hair removal and Thermage treatment are also available for firm smooth skin, in addition to a host of invasive and noninvasive procedures designed to get you looking and feeling your best. Contact: 17 246-939

Cosmetic dentistry

If first impressions are decided within the initial 10 seconds of meeting, then you have far less than a minute for someone to focus on the best of you, not crooked or discoloured teeth. Advances in dentistry have made straight teeth and an attractive smile more attainable than ever. Never underestimate the power of a great smile.

Al-Alawi Dental Centre Location: Shaikh Isa Avenue, Manama Procedures: Established in 1970, Al-Alawi Dental Centre is a part of Bahraini history. An advanced clinic, doctors employ new technology to guarantee satisfaction. Natural looking dental implants are installed by a specialist in dental implantology and those who want a whiter smile will find two types of bleaching services available. Contact: 17 255-657

Al-Mansoori Dental Centre Location: Riffa Procedures: With a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures to address the health, function and beauty of your teeth, this clinic takes both diagnosis and your personal preference into mind. The first in the Middle East to offer a ‘dental facelift’, Al-Mansoori Dental Centre will help you recapture a youthful smile without the need for injections, pain or medication on your skin. Contact: 17 760-666.

Dr Ali Mattar Dental Centre Consultants Group Location: Manama Procedures: An expert team uses only the best medical implant system, manufactured by Nobel Biocare, when it comes to replacing teeth. Efficiency is the name of the game here, so there is no need for costly and time consuming referrals.

Patient involvement in every step of the process ensures that you get the results you want. Contact: 17 714-877.

American Mission Hospital Location: Manama Procedures: Oral Implantologist, Dr Andlib Tarique, along with his dedicated team provide consultations and treatment for dental implant cases, be it a single tooth or all teeth. Utilising the latest techniques and technology for all procedures, AMH provides a caring and professional approach for every step on the way to a beautiful smile. Contact: 17 248-145.

Haffadh Specialised Dental Hospital Location: Sanabis Procedures: This specialist hospital is comprised of an experienced group of consultants and specialists, committed to remaining at the forefront of dental innovation.

Services include orthodontic treatment, teeth whitening, composite filling, dental implants and oral surgery. High quality, but cost effective, they bring international standards within reach. Contact: 17 311-180.

Bahrain Specialist Hospital Location: Juffair Procedures: You can be confident in the interdepartmental approach that this hospital employs and the friendly staff who will erase any fears of visiting the dentist in no time.

Services include various tooth whitening procedures for both in office and at home bleaching, as well as orthodontics, veneers and lumineers and dental implants.

Contact: 17 812-000.

Gulf Dental Specialty Hospital Location: Manama Procedures: Silvery, coated teeth were once the standard for fillings but at Gulf Dental Specialty Hospital white fillings are used to match the shade of a particular tooth.

For teeth that require a bit more attention, the clinic also offers veneers, crowns, bridges, whitening services and orthodontics for alignment. Contact: 17 741-444 woman this month | June 2012 | 39

Tips

Tips: 20 Smile Like You Mean It

By Alison Coldridge

There is only one surefire way to show how happy you are; by smiling. And you want a clean, gleaming, straight-toothed smile that draws people in instead of disgusting them.

40 | June 2012 | woman this month

Get into a routine

1. Brush. Everyone needs to brush. Gently, so as not to erode the top

layer of enamel and make sure you cover the gums, back teeth and gums as well. Brush twice a day for about two minutes each time.

2. Floss. Not so many seem to floss these days, but it is important as it rids your teeth of all of the food and plaque that a toothbrush can’t get to. Take one tooth at a time and floss once a day before brushing.

3. Gargle. Mouthwashes that contain anti-septic and anti-plaque

ingredients are great to incorporate into your daily dental routine. The product will rid your mouth, teeth and gums of bacteria.

4.

Go electric. Switch your manual toothbrush for an electric one and you will notice the difference. It ensures that you aren’t brushing too fast or too hard and many come with a two-minute timer to ensure you don’t over do it.

5. Clean it. After brushing, clean your toothbrush with water and

leave it standing in a place where it can air. If you put it in an enclosed container, chances are that bacteria will build up, which will then be transferred to your teeth the next time you brush.

13. Drink milk. Milk is very low in acidity, which means the wearing of the teeth lessens, and is the reason why babies should drink lots of it. It is also high in calcium which helps strengthen the teeth and gums.

6. Replace it. Replacing your toothbrush regularly is a top “must” in 14. Rinse and chew. If you rinse your mouth with water or chew order to maintain your dental health. You should trade your old model in at least every three to four months, to ensure the bristles aren’t frayed and still do their job.

7.

Visit the dentist. Many people have a phobia of the dentist, but nine times out of 10 that would be lessened if the patient visited more frequently. You should visit at least once every six months to have a professional clean and check up.

8.

Use fluoride. As one of the biggest advancements in oral health, fluoride has been shown to strengthen the enamel, making it less likely to decay. Look for toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain fluoride, but don’t overdo it.

Consider your diet

9. Avoid foods that stain. Coffee, tea, berries, red wine and

other foods stain the teeth considerably, turning your pearly whites a more murky yellow shade. Not becoming at all!

10. Don’t smoke. The high amounts of nicotine found in

cigarettes stain the tooth’s enamel badly and noticeably. Studies have shown that after just one week teeth have changed colour, which is a strong reason why you should stop!

11. Avoid sweetened drinks. Coca Cola, Lucozade,

concentrated orange juice and many other liquids are rammed with sweeteners to lessen the fat and improve the taste. But these sweeteners erode the teeth and leave them weak.

gum after a meal, you will find yourself to still eat some of those staining culprits mentioned previously. The leftover particles will be washed away with the water and saliva.

Go the extra mile

15.

Bleach. As long as you go about it the right way, there is no reason why you shouldn’t bleach your teeth. You can purchase whitening kits from most pharmacies or your dentist will be able to perform the procedure.

16.

Try bonding. Many of us are born with wonky teeth that destroy our confidence. Simply by adding a bonded composite material, a dentist can change your smile painlessly by levelling out each tooth.

17.

Get a crown. This measure is only normally a necessity when teeth are highly unsightly. A porcelain crown will cover a tooth and strengthen it, simultaneously improving a tooth’s ability to withstand chewing.

18.

Consider implants. If you are unfortunate enough to be missing any teeth, you can opt to have an implant. This can be extremely expensive, but will last a lengthy time and will look far more real than dental fixtures.

19. Brace yourself. If you decide you need braces, it doesn’t

make you a school-child geek. Many adults opt to wear braces for a year to thoroughly straighten out their teeth or to lessen an overbite.

20. Choose laminates. As you grow older, your teeth will 12. Eat good foods. Chewy foods such as celery are great for the naturally become thinner and discoloured. Porcelain laminates resurface teeth; the chewing action promotes more saliva, which neutralises the bacteria that causes cavities. Broccoli, apples and cheese are also all great cleaning aids.

the front of your teeth, leaving whitened, straightened and youngerlooking teeth in just over a week. woman this month | June 2012 | 41

Showcase

Creating A New You DR PIERRE CLERO COSMETIC SURGEON

It’s far simpler than it used to be to give yourself that desired rejuvenated look.

Advanced cosmetic procedures mean you can have the work done and not worry about the consequences.

T

here is no doubt that the popularity of cosmetic surgery has risen lately.

Procedures are becoming less invasive and safer, therefore eliminating patient concerns.

The latest methods and technologies are available right here in Bahrain and can be found at Dr Pierre Clero’s clinic at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

A French cosmetic surgeon with international board certification and over thirty years of experience, Dr Pierre has worked all around the world including Hollywood where he spent 18 years working on many celebrities in the public eye. As the best-selling author of “Stop the Clock with Clero Clinic Plan”, he has brought his knowledge of cosmetic and aesthetic procedures to his new clinic, which offers a range of both invasive and noninvasive procedures.

Treatments are designed to get clients looking and feeling great. For both types of procedures a consultation is required. At this point, the doctor will make recommendations after listening to a patient’s requests. Those who elect for an invasive procedure will require a full assessment.

42 | June 2012 | woman this month

In the past few years technological advances and an increase in our knowledge of the human body have combined to develop new non-invasive procedures, which have taken the cosmetic surgery market by storm. A pioneer in Stem Cell PRP (platelet rich plasma), Dr Pierre promotes this revolutionary procedure for rejuvenated skin; “During the treatment PRP enriched fat with growth factor is injected under the skin to trigger the building of new collagen. Non-invasive and cost-effective it is an alternative to surgery. The procedure restores the youthful contour and shape of the face as well as skin tightness. It can also even out colour irregularities caused by the ageing process or sun exposure,” the doctor explains.

Other procedures of this type include botox, fillers, laser hair removal, Thermage and LPG for cellulite treatment.

As for surgical services, Dr Pierre’s clinic offers head-to-toe procedures. “We do hair grafting, blepharoplasty, breast implants, breast reduction, rhinoplasty and liposuction, plus much more. Inroads in technology mean that the downtime for procedures can be very short, from one to three days for non-invasive

Dr Pierre Clero

procedures and five days for invasive procedures,” he outlines. While the long term results of both invasive and non-invasive procedures are great, Dr Pierre stresses that patients must take good care of themselves and understand the necessary adaptation of lifestyle after a procedure. An open and honest conversation about any procedures is always necessary. “We treat patients like close members of our own family, therefore most of them even become good friends” states Dr Pierre, whose personal touch ensures that all patient concerns are answered before and after a procedure. Call 36 197-919.

Combating Obesity ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

Dr Stephen, patient one week after surgery and RBH director Jacob Thomas

A chronic health problem on the rise is obesity — a result from an excess of fat exceeding the body’s physical needs.

O

besity is constantly becoming a more common problem and is an issue with many health dangers. The consultant general surgeon of Royal Bahrain Hospital, Dr Stephen Angamuthu, explains that obesity almost always leads to a number of chronic health conditions; “Some examples are cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type two diabetes, pulmonary dysfunction, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease and even breast and colon cancer,” he explains.

The doctor goes on to explain that shedding all of the excess fat through diet and exercise is achievable, but can be extremely difficult.

Instead he offers another solution; “Bariatric surgery is the perfect option for those who want the full and permanent solution if a conservative line fails. Millions of people worldwide have undergone bariatric surgery successfully. As a matter of fact, in most cases, the risks that arise from remaining obese are greater than that of

undergoing surgery,” the doctor says. The surgery itself is performed at RBH, where the teams of experts have adopted modern, minimally-invasive techniques to be used whenever the case allows it.

Change Your Life Dr Stephen gives an example of one of his patients, (who has given permission to publish his results) a 42 year old man, weighing at 127.8 kg with a BMI of 44.7. The patient went under lap-sleeve gastrectomy after careful diagnosis of his case, which included back aches, knee joint paint and difficulty breathing after minor exercise.

“This is a minimally invasive procedure, which is so simple, that he was able to be discharged the next day to continue his normal life. This procedure reduces the stomach to 25 per cent of its original size, giving him a chance to start over,” states Dr Stephen.

During the patient’s follow-up, a month after surgery, a very visible transformation was seen. With minor dieting and simple life-style changes, fantastic results were achieved.

“When we weighed him, he weighed 112 kg and his BMI went down to 39.2! He just lost 15 kg in one month with the back ache and knee pain fading away. He is active now, with no breathing problems, even after 30 minutes of walking, something which he could not dream of before the surgery,” he explains.

In order to combat the rising rate of obesity in Bahrain, Dr Stephen recommends everyone to assess their weight and choose their options. “If you choose bariatric surgery, you will finally see all the beneficial effects it will have on your health, which have been confirmed by numerous studies. The average weight loss expected over three years is 62 per cent of the excess weight,” concludes the surgeon. Call 17 246-800 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com. woman this month | June 2012 | 43

Showcase AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL

A Smile of Satisfaction Achieve that smile you have so longed for with just a few simple steps; a specialised team of dentists will fill in your gaps leaving you with perfect teeth and a reason to smile.

Dr Andlib Tarique

T

raditionally, missing teeth are replaced using conventional bridges. This process has proven to take its toll on neighbouring teeth and the gums, leading to decay as well as shrinkage of the bone. For a more convenient alternative, the expert team of dentists at the American Mission Hospital opt for dental implants; considered to be the most natural, comfortable and permanent solution to replace missing teeth.

“Made of pure titanium or titanium alloys, the artificial tooth roots are implanted into the jaw bone to support a replacement tooth or set of teeth,” explains Dr Andlib Tarique, a specialised dental surgeon with over 13 years of clinical experience.

Initially, examination X-rays and impressions are taken for diagnosis, but the entire procedure is usually finished in two stages. “The first stage involves the surgical placement of the implant in the site of the missing tooth or teeth. Once the dental implants are placed within the jaw, the healing process begins. The bone starts to cover the implant surface until it fuses with it completely. This enables the jawbone to hold the implant firmly in place, thereby preserving the surrounding bone and allowing for improved function and a youthful look," says the doctor.

In the second stage, after the healing period of three to six months, further impressions are taken and sent to the lab for the fabrication of the crown or bridge. After one to two weeks, the crown or bridge is ready and fixed onto the implant to look, feel and be used as a natural tooth.

Call 17 248-138.

Social Butterfly

Rashida Tadayon Luncheon

Rashida Tadayon hosted a ladies luncheon for a number of diplomats' wives and VIPs at her residence in Saar Shaikha Huda Al Khalifa

Rashida & Mala Shaikha Maha Al Khalifa & Elizabeth

44 | June 2012 | woman this month

Wellbeing

The Power of Yoga

By Alison Coldridge

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore or a quick fix for losing weight. Yoga is a lifestyle form of exercise that goes beyond just making your body healthy — it heals your mind too.

W

hen yoga became a top exercise trend, followed by its sidekick Pilates, no one thought these sweat-less forms of fitness class would stick around for long. In an age where we run, jump, punch, squat, kick and spin until soaked in perspiration; it seems inconceivable that a quiet, serene and seemingly easy form of exercise would take off. But it did.

This ancient form of relaxation has become more mainstream than running on a treadmill.

In the USA alone, a whopping 72.2 per cent of women and 27.8 per cent of men favour it above any other type of exercise. And this summer is seeing even more out-there styles, techniques and yoga recitals emerge, proving its worth as a true exercise trendsetter.

46 | June 2012 | woman this month

An ancient art As a spiritual, mental and physical discipline, yoga originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago and is related to the meditation processes seen in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. It’s the oldest defined practice of self-development and holds the overall aim of achieving a perfect sense of calm, balance and contentment within one’s self.

Originally, yoga techniques were passed down from teacher to student through word of mouth, until they were written down by Indian sage Patarjali, considered to be the father of yoga.

In the western world, yoga made its first real breakthrough in the swinging sixties and re-emerged stronger than ever in what’s known as the “yoga boom” in the late eighties.

Nowadays, it is known mainly as a form of exercise. You may be familiar with the different types: hatha, ashtanga, bikram, kundalini, lyenga. Hatha is the most common style, which consists of a combination of positions, breathing and meditation.

The crux of yoga is this focus on breathing, a sense of self-control that celebrities, such as Madonna and Jennifer Aniston, have found lifealtering and imperative to their figures and stress levels. There are many different positions, each putting emphasis on a different area of the body to fully stretch and flex every muscle.

Numerous benefits The somewhat comical positions and names (we’re all familiar with the downward-facing

dog, but what about the reclining big toe pose?!) do have merit and extensive success rates behind them. Yoga has been proven to benefit a great number of ailments; most commonly, it is known for being a great stress relief exercise and calms both the mind and body to achieve a state of “Zen”. There has been an emergence of studies showing yoga to be a course of treatment for cancer patients, depicting that the motion decreases pain, anxiety and depression. It has also been used as a treatment for schizophrenia, by improving cognitive functions and for heart disease, through reducing blood pressure levels.

Overall, there are 10 general benefits which are believed to occur in every person who practices yoga regularly; 1. Stress relief 2. Pain relief 3. Better breathing 4. Flexibility 5. Increased strength 6. Weight management 7. Improved circulation 8. Cardiovascular conditioning 9. Inner peace 10. Improved concentration

Trending now Yoga retreats As we edge into summer, many will be preparing their minds and bodies for a yoga retreat holiday. There are stunning locations dotted around the world that promise the ambiance and environment you need to really “find yourself”, whilst getting slim and trim. A favourite for celebs is Bali, but Turkey, Spain, France and Goa are all valuable competitors.

Paddleboard yoga This form of the sport is slowly making its way over from America. Forget surfing and instead, test your centre, calm and balance whilst striking a pose in open water…and trying not to fall in!

Festival yoga For a real hippy vibe, festivals worldwide now incorporate yoga classes into their busy timetables. Last month, celebs and other festival-goers were seen stretching and posing on their mats at hip event Coachella.

Anti-gravity yoga This is one of the newest fads and is also known as “suspension yoga”. Positioned in a speciallydesigned harness, you will feel the low-impact benefits of inversion therapy combined with yoga’s emphasis on strength and flexibility.

Laughter yoga This fad has actually just arrived in Bahrain, and you can enroll in classes at Namaste Centre in Budaiya. The idea is that you combine yoga with self-triggered laughter exercises to release endorphins and increase blood flow, subsequently burning calories.

Kids’ yoga This year, kids’ yoga has hit Bahrain, with classes cropping up for your little ones to take part in. The sport has been shown to calm children down naturally and promote more coursed energy and less fatigue.

Yoga and spinning New York spinning teacher and Yogi Noll Danial formulated this odd fusion. Participants begin spinning on their bikes for half the class and then dismount to use the bike’s handlebars for poses and positions.

Yoga in Bahrain: where to go l World Beat Fitness Centre and Café;

call 17 612-576. l Dessange; call 17 713-999. l Lotus Yoga; call 17 810-789. l Bahrain Wellness Resort; call 17 795-961. l Curves; call 17 691-496. l Namste; call 38 855-999.

woman this month | June 2012 | 47

Showcase DESSANGE

Bridal Bliss Every bride is entitled to some pampering before her big day.

Give her the opportunity to experience complete relaxation like she deserves.

W

hether you desire pre-wedding spa treatments or faultless hair and make-up on your wedding day, Dessange is the fairy godmother every bride is looking for.

The attentive team won’t stop until everything is picture perfect; exactly how you need it to be for your big day.

Free yourself from all that pre-wedding stress before you turn into the “bridezilla” everyone dreads and indulge in the Dessange experience for brides-to-be. You will be gently wrapped up in a magical ambience, slowly erasing all the worries of life. Home to an exquisite spa and salon, this abode of luxury is every woman’s one-stop destination to transform her body and to look and feel her best on her special day.

It’s amazing how much difference the signature treatments will make. You’ll find yourself sparkling with confidence like never before. They’ve got their way of making you the perfect blushing, glowing bride.

Glow from within When it comes to your wedding day, there are two golden words that will haunt you until the last minute — hair and make-up. You could lose your mind with all that there is to consider in what should ideally be the simplest of things; that’s where the experts at Dessange’s hair and beauty salon come in. Here, beauty professionals will discuss your wedding’s vision and create the ideal style that will suit you, your theme, and most importantly, one which will replicate the fairytale look that you have dreamt of all your life.

Hair and make-up aren’t the only things that make the perfect bride. Do justice to that magnificent gown with smooth and silky skin. Lose yourself in the luxury of a variety of facials and body treatments; opt for anything from a slimming and toning (LPG) endermologie package to a thoroughly exfoliating body scrub or detoxifying massage.

It is safe to say, no matter what you are looking for, Dessange has it all. Call 17 713-999.

48 | June 2012 | woman this month

GULF PHARMACY

Nourish Your Locks

Living in a hot and humid climate we are exposed to harsh conditions that damage our hair, something that can be treated with the right products.

T

he gulf region’s unbalanced conditions have long been playing a part in your bad hair days. Hot weather has been proven to cause hair to dry out and fall out without its usual re-growth process. So if you want healthy hair, without having to go the extra mile, take advantage of a do-it-at-home solution.

Kaminomoto Hair Growth Products have been in the market for nearly 100 years with an exceptional track record having been used internationally as a means to keep locks thick and healthy.

The products are an effective and proven way to combat hair loss and also treat dandruff. The Kaminomoto range includes a hair growth accelerator, hair growth tonic and shampoo, which can all be found at all Gulf Pharmacy outlets.

The experts at Kaminomoto combine modern research technology with the power of natural medicinal plants grown in Japan. The science behind the success of the brand is all down to the ingredients that stimulate blood circulation. Weak capillaries cannot deliver enough nutrition to the hair papilla; which in turn cannot support the growth of new hair. The unique ingredients of Kaminomoto prevent contraction of vessels, expand the vessels and stimulate blood circulation.

To fight hair fall, kick start hair growth and even help with itchy scalp, the hair accelerator is used while the tonic is an excellent cure for dandruff. The shampoo is PH balanced, Keratin active and also anti static.

Call 66 370-333, 39 689-451 or visit www.gctbahrain.com.

woman this month | June 2012 | 49

Showcase TONI & GUY

Let It Shine

Give your hair the protection and nurture it needs to stay strong and healthy all summer long.

W

ith all that scorching heat that seems determined to ruin your hair and scalp, any woman who cares for her tresses would pounce on the chance to make it all go away. Providing haircare solutions for all those who pamper their locks, Label.m proudly introduces their exciting new summer-inspired line — Organic Orange Blossom.

Miracles in a bottle When cleansing hair, you want to remove excess oil and dirt; not strip hair of its natural moisture with harsh and potentially harmful chemicals. Organic shampoos contain nutrient-rich botanicals that infuse hair with moisturising oils and nourishing vitamins that leave it soft and healthy. These new additions have been formulated to target women whose hair are prone to breakage and challenged by styling restrictions. As fine hair is approximately 30 per cent thinner in comparison to normal hair texture, the shampoo and conditioner in the organic range work to deliver a soothing yet nutritive action while helping to add volume to the hair shaft.

A tangy citrus blend of Tuscan mandarin fruit, organic Mediterranean bergamot, Maltese blood oranges and an orange and lemon peel extract makes this light, refreshing and gently conditioning shampoo, ideal for even fine hair. The ingredients are steeped in a base of Cypriot orange flower water, and the Omega-3 EFAs strengthen and revitalise dull and flat hair. Grab your bottles of the miracle-working potions at Toni & Guy in Seef Mall. Call 17 001-700.

BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

The Downside to Salt w You may think you’re completely healthy, but studies today show that no one is safe from eating too much salt.

Sowmya Chandra

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e need sodium to maintain the right balance of fluids in our body, help transmit nerve impulses and influence the contraction and relaxation of our muscles. “However, consuming too much sodium has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, obesity and even stomach cancers.” says Sowmya Chandra, a dietician at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

Although most foods in their natural state contain sodium, she explains that it’s the commercially processed ones that we need to watch. To maintain their preservation and flavour, processed foods are typically high in salt. Many different sodium compounds are added to processed foods.

For a diet that could easily result in a healthier lifestyle, she suggests going fresh, as most fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Fresh meat and poultry are also lower in sodium than in luncheon meats, bacon, hot dogs or sausages.

“A definite don’t is obviously fast foods. Many of these meals, sandwiches or fries contain more than the daily recommend intake of sodium in just one serving. Always pay attention to the portion sizes,” advises Sowmya. A better option is to flavour foods with herbs and spices to replace the taste of salt.

Another great way to cut out your salt intake is to read nutrition labels. Choose no, low or reduced sodium versions of foods. Call 17 812-000.

Seasonal Replenishment T THE HOME STORE

The summer is here, the temperature has risen and it’s time to kit out your home with some seasonally appropriate furnishings.

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25 to

he Home Store, one of the fastest growing home furnishings companies in the region, has everything you could possibly need to ensure that your living room, bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms are all looking chic, stylish and functional during the hotter summer months.

Since it sprung to life in 2006, the brand has been dedicated to ensuring that it designs, produces and stocks nothing but the most innovative and forwardthinking home furnishing designs.

Close attention is paid to the trends, colours, textures and fabrics of the current seasons, used as inspiration for stylish and contemporary creations.

This summer, you’ll be keen to make sure your home reflects the tones of the season; have a look at the range of corner sofas and minimalist accessories, which come in a variety of vivid colours and free up crowded living spaces — perfect for the jaunty vibe of the warmer part of the year.

We all know that, whilst being stylish and modern, having a fair share of wood is a great idea for yearround furniture. The Home Store stocks a great range of wood-finish pieces — a great addition to an otherwise bare kitchen or dining room.

Whatever your summer needs, you can be sure that their staff, at their location in The Bahrain Mall, will be ready and able to assist you. Call 17 556-001.

%

Off New Arrivals

Daily Timings 10am to 10pm woman this month | June 2012 | 51

Campaign

Living on the

Edge We’ve all been subject to mood swings at some point in our lives, but when the “highs” start to contrast very sharply with the “lows”; it’s time to suspect something might be very wrong.

W

hen Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones announced last month that she was checking into a mental health clinic to get treated for bipolar disorder, she made public a little understood mental condition that’s commonly confused with depression or other mood disorders.

Bipolar disorder can be misdiagnosed as anything from schizophrenia to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), given the similar symptoms as other mental ailments.

Yet, there are several distinguishing factors that can help you understand this condition, produce the right diagnosis and eventually, manage it for life.

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What it means Also known as manic depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a brain condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day work. It is characterised by periods of extreme emotional highs or “mania”, alternating with severe bouts of depression.

While Bipolar I symptoms are severe and can last for weeks, interfering with the sufferer’s day-to-day activities, the Bipolar II condition is less debilitating and people can cope with their daily routine. A third variation, Bipolar III, or Cyclothymia, is a mild form of bipolar disorder where episodes of hypomania shift back and

forth with mild depression for at least two years.

“Symptoms of mania can include feeling overly happy, extremely agitated and nervy or irritable. In this state, the bipolar sufferer may feel they need little sleep and are more willing to take risks at work, in their relationships and with their assets,” observes Sharon Gorman, cognitive behavioural therapist and co-founder of Crisec Consultants.

On the other hand, when depression sets in, the person has feelings of low esteem and emptiness, loss of interest in the usual things, marked lack of concentration and dark thoughts of suicide. The symptoms are acute and can result in damaged relationships, poor

job or school performance and even death through suicide.

Studying data collected from 11 countries, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and New Zealand, researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the US found that about 2.4 per cent of the world’ s population has bipolar disorder.

Who is at risk While there is no single cause behind this condition, bipolar disorder tends to run in families. “Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are 70 per cent more likely to develop this condition compared to others,” notes psychotherapist Thoraiya Kanafani.

The condition is found to be more prevalent in women than men, with a ratio of approximately 3:2, as established by the National Co-morbidity Study in the US. Low thyroid function, called hypothyroidism, has been associated with rapid cycling in some people with bipolar disorder, especially women.

Of the people studied worldwide who had bipolar symptoms, the NIMH team found that 75 per cent had at least one other disorder, the most common being anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder, followed by behaviour disorders and substance abuse disorders.

The triggers Some of the common triggers for episodes of the illness are stress, money worries, relationship problems, difficulties at work, school or college, irregular sleep schedule, use of alcohol, drugs or caffeine, disrupted routine and missing medications.

In case of actress Zeta Jones, her condition was said to have been caused by the stress of watching her husband, actor Michael Douglas, battle cancer over the past year.

“It’s important to recognise distress or dysfunction in the family of a patient with bipolar disorder, since such ongoing stress may worsen the patient’s illness or interfere with treatment,” says Thoraiya.

in ways to cope with and support the family member with bipolar disorder,” says Thoraiya.

People suffering from this condition will benefit in a big way from a disciplined lifestyle, experts opine. “The sufferers should ensure they get regular amounts of sleep, keep physically fit and eat a regular healthy diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids as these can reduce mood swings,” advises Sharon.

background, as the condition has a significant genetic component and often affects several members in the family,” says Sharon.

Bipolar disorder has been deemed the most expensive behavioural health care diagnosis, costing more than twice as much as depression for every affected individual, according to US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Treatment will usually include a programme of medication to reduce the manic feelings and ‘mood stabilisers’ to lift the depression of sufferers. Alongside that, therapeutic interventions with a qualified therapist, where sufferers can express their concerns and experiences in a non-judgemental environment, can prevent recurrences. Families are educated

Knowledge and support is key Finally, bipolar disorder may be a very debilitating illness, but it can be effectively managed by sufferers, their families and loved ones if the sufferer takes ownership of the illness and shares his or her concerns with their family.

“A key element is to understand the illness and what triggers it in the sufferer. Sometimes the sufferer will need to speak with his or her physician, other times with a therapist and at others with their loved ones. There are numerous self-help groups that sufferers can join to find out more about their condition, its management and to simply share their experiences with others,” says Sharon.

Also, making themselves knowledgeable about their condition can help them feel like they have some control over it instead of it controlling them. The best help for a sufferer of bipolar disorder is the team approach that can help him or her to feel that they’re not on their own and that they can hope for a constructive and happy life. For psychotherapy or counselling sessions, call Sharon at 66 344-470 and Thoraiya at 36 692-377.

Managing bipolar disorder While there’s no cure for this chronic and lifelong illness, it’s possible for sufferers to live nearly normal lives with the correct medication, diet and support mechanisms in place.

The first step in managing this condition is getting the right diagnosis, which is not easy, given the NIMH findings that only about 25 per cent of people with this condition worldwide were being treated for bipolar disorder.

“This is not a straightforward condition, for which reason, there’s widespread misdiagnosis.

It’s important that the physician considers the medical history alongside the family woman this month | June 2012 | 53

Parenting

Parenting

Perspectives Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy and Stacey Kille

Spending time with the in-laws can be stressful, especially when there are children involved.

Here are a few ways to keep calm and carry on.

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O

ne of the many challenges that you will face, which is never mentioned in the directory of “parenting hurdles”, is the one navigating the dynamics of the relationships between you, your parents and your in-laws.

Love them, loathe them or just tolerate them, they are an essential part of your family. And whilst many people chose their partner, in-laws cannot be selected so easily.

From the moment you marry, you are forever connected to them, as part of an extended “boil in the bag” family. You have been thrown together, but with what results? Suddenly spending special holidays, weekends and celebrations with total strangers whom you must instantly find common ground with and love can be very difficult. Developing effective strategies for doing this and actually enjoying it are vital for survival.

Back in the day of your first rush of love, in-laws did not seem remotely relevant. The connection with your partner was the only important thing. It was you and him against the world, as you saw the possibility of a lifetime together mapped out before you. Then, as weeks and months passed, they took on a magical quality. Meeting the parents was all about making the best impressions possible. For most, this stage is about making a connection and about wanting to fit in and be liked.

It’s hard to imagine, at that moment, that relationships might become difficult as years pass. However, managing the expectations of our own parents and those of our partners, as they grow older and children arrive, can be fraught with anxiety.

Living overseas as expats can make issues between families doubly difficult, as we see our parents and in-laws for more extended periods of time than perhaps we would have if we lived in our native countries. An overnight visit becomes one week, two, three or even a month. As wonderful as their visits are, visitors are a little like fish. The initial euphoria has waned, the children’s excitement has dimmed and it’s down to you with your ever busy lives to incorporate “tour guide” into your list of long parental duties. Not only that, but no one can shut the front door at the end of the evening and say “phew”. As your in-laws stay with you, you will be constantly on duty for the entire period of their visit, feeling a sense of obligation to be a perfect Martha Stewart or Alan Wicker.

Among local families, some women speak of pressure exerted over the “weaker” young mothers, whilst others laud the support that extended families provide. The situation is different for everyone.

You may feel that your life is under the microscope, in-laws projecting a sense of “we

didn’t do it like that”. Your own parents or your in-laws can feel that, despite you being the parent, you still need parenting yourself. From the way you keep the fridge, to the way you discipline your child. Maybe this is helpful and insightful sometimes — it can be a happily received wake-up call — but at other times it can feel stressful and unfair.

There are some simple strategies to help you make sense of family visits and which help to ensure you get the best out of them.

woman this month | June 2012 | 55

Parenting The expectations One of the really fundamental things to consider is the expectations of your visitors.

Perhaps it’s something they cannot afford to do very often, which often leads to them putting pressure on the trip being perfect. Wanting to make sure they have a good time at every stage can lead to weighty disappointments and frustration. So, have realistic expectations at the very beginning of the trip. Know from the start that as you all do not live together all the time, adjustments must be made. Decide on what you all want from the visit and think about how you want to be together. It won’t be easy for you, but also it won’t be easy for them as they are “guests” in their own child’s house.

Fast forward your mind, if you can, to how you will feel 20 or 30 years from now, faced with the same situation and try to exercise some empathy as to the myriad of emotions your parents or in-laws may be facing. At the same time, remember their age is a factor. We cannot begin to imagine the emotions we will be encountering as we age. Grandparents have a stronger sense of mortality and quite often morality, whilst we remain oblivious. But to that end, their visits are precious for so many reasons, perhaps it’s the financial pressure of how often they can do this, or perhaps they have failing health, or have lost a partner and find travelling so far enormously daunting.

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Perhaps they are acutely aware of what they can no longer do. In short, think beyond your own agenda and consider theirs for a little while. When you try to stand in their shoes, you might just realise why these trips are so important to them. Reframe your point of view and try again.

Stay calm When you find yourself confronted by an unwelcome opinion about your parenting skills, take a deep breath. Do not make the mistake of judging yourself by the things other people say.

If you know you are doing a good job, then that is all that matters. Other people’s observations are just that. You can control how those words of criticism “land” on you and thus you can control how you act after receiving them. It’s easy to retaliate when you don’t completely understand or to launch into a long dialogue as to the background of the story and why you have reacted the way you have in disciplining your child, if they perhaps have suggested you were too strict or not strict enough. Whatever the story, don’t get attached to it. Reason with yourself logically. They couldn’t possibly know the elements that lead to that particular style of parenting — unless they had been sitting on your shoulder watching silently for all the months and years they were not present. So, of course their opinion is based on their limited

knowledge. When you know that, let the comments roll off you like water off a duck’s back. Smile, and know that their comments come with the very best of intentions. Take what you want and need.

Focus on the good Do your best to make the good time stand out.

Build on positive memory making. People rarely forget a bad feeling and a horrible argument, but ask someone what was said? They can rarely recall it. It's sentiments and emotions that come back to us, not words and specifics. They will remember a kind gesture, a pat on the back of reassurance, a wonderful photograph.

A few rash moments can permanently damage your relationships forever. Once they leave, resentments and things left unsaid due to time and distance can stick! Imagine it this way. If you were in the same vicinity as each other, or even in the same country, and words were exchanged; you can usually make it up to them the next weekend. So, be imaginative and find ways to make amends while they are still there. Re-build bridges almost immediately, if you can.

We all need to remember that time is a precious commodity. Youth passes in a flash, childhoods are gone before we blink, and grandparents are not around forever. Cherish those moments, all of them.

The Cruellest of them All Tips

More children than ever are undergoing cosmetic surgery for nonmedical purposes. Parents are giving breast implants, liposuction and other nips and tucks as sweet 16 or graduation gifts!

A

re parents saving children from a lifetime of humiliation and mockery or are they sending the message that our unique qualities are not things to celebrate, but things that we must change to conform to others? Sometimes, that answer can only be determined by the child herself and how she feels about her nose for instance. The answer lies within how a parent chooses to explain the situation and how they are going to go about resolving it.

Often, enlisting the help of a psychiatric specialist can assist a parent in determining what is really in the child’s best interest, but that is impossible to do without the child’s input. A child who is already the brunt of jokes may outwardly despise his “bat ears”, because everyone else does. He was taught to hate them.

Regrettably, because children have a habit of being unable to think rationally about a situation, “fixing” the ears may not actually alter how he feels about them.

A young child may have a hard time adjusting to her new look. Without rational thinking, she may not grasp that changing an outside body part does not transform who you are on the inside. Changing too much, too early, without the proper counselling, can be a harrowing and disruptive experience. Their reaction is dependent upon their personality and the adults in their life.

Plastic surgery for children without severe oddities that cause ridicule or actual disfigurements should only happen extremely rarely. Children who undergo cosmetic surgery for issues like having their father’s eyelids, which displeases a divorced mother, for example, will endure unfathomable emotional ordeal and self esteem issues, purely because of someone else’s hang-ups. Cosmetic surgery for children should only be considered if there is a medical need for it or after a great deal of talking, theorising and emotional support.

A parent of a child wanting to have cosmetic surgery will have to struggle with the lesson they may teach their child. There is value in learning to love oneself unconditionally exactly as you are.

Although researchers have not concluded that surgery can single-handedly lead to suicide, four epidemiologic studies have found that the risk of suicide among women with breast implants is two to three times higher than among other women. One theory is that some people who get surgery are actually suffering from a psychological disorder known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), in which they falsely believe they are unusually ugly. A study in 2006 found that suicide rates among patients with BDD was 45 times higher than among the general population.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers these guidelines for evaluating teenagers who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery: • Physical maturity assessment: Operating on a feature that has not yet fully developed could interfere with its growth, and continued growth could negate the benefits of surgery in later years.

• Exploring emotional maturity and expectations: As with any patient, the young person should appreciate the benefits and limitations of the proposed surgery, and have realistic expectations.

• Exploring risks and expected recovery times: Teens and their parents should understand the risks of surgery, postoperative restrictions on activity, and typical recovery times.

For feedback, comments or questions contact Dr Jinan Darwish via email at: editor@womanthismonth.com woman this month | June 2012 | 57

Showcase

The Blur

Don’t Stop the Music PARS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Z-Club

What is a nightclub without music? One Juffair venue is playing the cards right with two DJs and a new resident band, creating a favourite haunt for party-goers.

Z

-Club is no new name in the nightlife scene in Bahrain. Located on the first floor of Pars International in the heart of Juffair, this hangout has played host to some of the biggest DJ nights the Kingdom has seen.

Through the years, Z-Club has undergone quite a few advancements including a major renovation in 2011 which got people pouring in night after night.

Recently, the venue has undergone a facelift to give it a more lounge-like vibe. As you walk in, you are wrapped with a new kind of energy.

Perfect for after work drinks, the nightclub boasts an elaborate bar which houses an extensive array of all your favourite beverages.

They’ve got the popular drafts and kegs for the chugging kind. For those who know their drinks, the expert bartenders will not disappoint, especially with their signature cocktails that undergo a ‘juggle and balance’

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routine before it comes to you. The entertainment only begins here, though.

Thailand. Also entertaining the crowd between each set is in-house DJ Arvin and DJ Guy.

Movers and shakers The real show lies closer to the lavish dance floor, which has seen more than a few good routines. Reeling in the crowd with their energetic sets is the Oriental band, The Blur, which performs Saturday to Tuesday, from 9pm until the doors shut at 2am. This octet does not stop at the Top 40; instead, they bring you a variety of numbers from all kinds of genres.

The highlight of this in-house band is their expertise with the instruments. Two guitarists give out a power-packed show, led by lead guitarist and band leader, Nick. They are backed up by Yut at the drums and three dynamic vocalists. What makes them stand out from the rest is the use of the khene, a traditional mouth organ used in north-eastern

Theme nights Ladies drink for free till the clock strikes twelve on Wednesday and Friday. Chill out on Saturdays as all standard beverages come at BD1.500 all night long. Complimentary martinis make their way to the ladies’ tables on Sundays because on this night, they are keeping it retro.

Mondays aren’t called peppermint nights for nothing; ladies, clink your mojitos till midnight as they keep filling it up for free. There’s no better day for a girl’s night out than Tuesdays as the bar gives away free shakers and shooters. All airline crew are welcome on Wednesdays with free entrance and 50 per cent off on all beverages till the doors shut. Bring on the weekend with a buzz from all the drinks you can have at half the price. Call 17 814-777.

Showcase

D-I-Y Styling YUSIF BIN YUSIF FAKHRO

Nothing enhances an outfit more than a great hairdo; get a salon-professional look from the comfort of your own house with simple-to-use, and effective products.

E

very girl knows that when it comes to beauty essentials, hair care products are top of the priority list. With the right equipment you can transform dull and lifeless hair to create voluminous and glossy locks.

Internationally-recognised home appliance brand Severin is a household name when it comes to everything electronics. The German brand is constantly adding to its reputed repertoire and boasts a quality assured range of hair care gadgets!

Hairdryers From regular, sports and travel to a mini version, the Severin range of hairdryers has something for everyone. Making hair styling that much simpler, you can dry your hair perfect in a matter of moments. The right power and temperature settings guarantee fast 60 | June 2012 | woman this month

and gentle hair drying whether you’re sporting a fashionable short style or long luscious locks.

Curling tongs There is always something beautifully feminine about a woman with curls in her hair. Opt for curling tongs to create spiralling curls to highlight your hair’s natural beauty. With Severin, varied waves, single curled strands and a full head of curls are easy to fashion.

Curling irons The star among hair styling products transforms straight hair into voluminous, beautifully glossy curls, waves, curly highlights or full-on corkscrew curls in a matter of minutes. And with a little practice, you can even achieve the opposite result and smooth out frizzy hair until it is sleek and straight.

Roller sets For salon quality bouncy curls and soft waves, you can use a Severin roller set to create the latest styles in minutes. The benefit? The electrically warmed rollers dry your hair really gently, so you don’t need to fret about damaging your hair. The result? Naturally beautiful hair with a healthy shine.

Hair clippers If you didn’t already know; the secret behind fashionable short hair styles and evenly trimmed hair sections are good quality hair clippers. These handy machines are perfect for creating amazing effects and adding structure to your hair. It is also easy to sculpt contours around the neck and ears for precision styling and high fashion looks.

Call 17 408-150.

www.severin.com

FOR BIG STARS AND LITTLE STARLETS. With SEVERIN HairCare, even the smallest starlets can feel like big stars. With the SEVERIN Beauty line, you effortlessly discover your own versatility. Individual creations are achieved quickly and then change again in favour of a new stylish trend. With SEVERIN HairCare, the bathroom becomes the stage.

www.yyfakhro.com

Food

Just a

Snack

By James Claire

For the hot Summer months, you won’t want to cook anything too heavy or complicated. Try these yummy snacks for something light.

A

lready at the pivotal half way mark in yet another year, June also brings with it Summer and the heat that has somewhat eluded us thus far in 2012.

“Time flies, but June may drag on forever”, is a saying that I adore of this region.

I think it aptly sums up the Summer heat and I will let it steer me through my recipes this month.

In the words of Sam Keen, “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”

No-one wants to cook heavy, hot and fussy dishes during Summer. Even with air conditioning, the hot days tire us and make cooking feel that little bit more arduous.

So, for this reason, the June recipes are all about snacks.

Snacks to go as one travels to and from appointments; snacks to eat over a quick lunch or dinner and snacks for when the children or parents come home to relax.

The greatest thing about snacks is that they are small, light and with little thought can conform to most dietary regimes. They are quick and easy to prepare and they are also quick to eat, so they are great for anyone on the go.

Fruity ice pops, healthy crêpe burritos and granola bars can all be partially prepared well in advance — meaning that making them can be an easy and tireless kitchen session.

Summer Crêpe Burritos

1 white onion, sliced thinly 1 garlic clove, crushed and finely chopped ¼ butternut squash, skinned, cut and diced (1cm cubes) 2 courgettes, chopped, diced (1 cm cubes) 200g frozen corn, defrosted 150g black beans, (tinned) rinsed and drained Salt and pepper 150g sour cream, fat free 2 tbsp coriander, finely chopped 24 fresh crêpes (see recipe below) Heat a frying pan with a little oil. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic and cook until the onion is transparent. Add the cubed squash and courgette and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender. Add the frozen corn and cook for five minutes. Add the drained black beans and salt and pepper the mixture to taste. l Remove the combined mixture to a plate and allow to cool. l Take two of the crêpes and lay them so that one slightly overlaps the other. (Crêpes are not as strong as tortillas so you will wrap the mixture into two of them for strength. l Spread some of the sour cream onto the crêpe.

Spoon onto it the cooked and cooled vegetable mixture and sprinkle with some of the chopped coriander. Roll up, fold in the edges and serve. l These can be served cold or reheated under a grill with a sprinkling of cheese on top to serve warm. l

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Chocolate Honey Granola Bars 300g white oats 80g sliced almonds 100g shredded coconut, loosely packed 40g whole wheat germ 75g unsalted butter 120g acacia honey 60g light brown sugar, lightly packed

1 1/2 tspn vanilla extract pinch salt 50g white raisins 100g dried apricots, finely chopped 65g dried cranberries 50g dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a square cake tin or sheet pan and line it with parchment paper. l In a mixing bowl, add the oatmeal, almonds, coconut and wheat germ together. l In a small saucepan, heat together, but do not boil the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Pour the heated liquid over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the raisins, chopped apricots, and cranberries and stir well. l Finally, as the mixture cools, add the dark chocolate chips and fold through quickly, trying not to let the chips melt. l Pour the mixture into the cake pan and press the mixture evenly. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. l Once baked, cool in the tin for 30 minutes before using a sharp moist knife to cut into bar forms. Cut through, but do not remove the bars. Allow the granola bars to cool for at least one or two hours before turning the cake pan upside down and breaking the precut bars apart. Store in air tight container or serve immediately. l

Crêpes (for Burritos) 250g plain (all-purpose) flour 2 eggs, large 125 ml milk 125ml water pinch salt 40g unsalted butter, melted

In a mixing bowl, sift the flour and whisk together with the eggs.

Slowly add in the milk and water, whisking gently to combine. Do not aerate the mixture. Add the salt and the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Strain the mixture into a clean bowl, cover and allow to rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. l Lightly grease a frying pan and heat. Ladle the crêpe batter onto the pan. The amount will depend on the size of your frying pan, but ladle just enough to cover half the pan and tilt and swirl in a circular motion to cover the remaining half. l Cook the crêpe for about two minutes, until the bottom is light brown.

Loosen with a spatula, quickly flip the crêpe over and cook the other side for a minute before dispensing to a plate to cool. Stack crêpes together with a sheet of parchment paper in between each. l When cold, they can be wrapped and frozen for use on another day.

To be eaten by themselves, serve immediately, drizzle with lemon juice and granulated sugar as a quick sweet snack. l

Hibiscus, Pomegranate and Strawberry Ice Pops

500ml water 4 Hibiscus flavour tea bags 60g sugar 100ml pomegranate juice 100ml strawberry puree 100g fresh pomegranate

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil, insert the Hibiscus tea bags and allow to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags, squeeze and discard. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. l Pour this mixture into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold. When cold, stir in the pomegranate juice and the strawberry puree. l Pour the mixture into ice-pole moulds, sprinkle with the fresh pomegranate and then place in the freezer compartment until the mixture thickens and partially freezes. At this stage insert the sticks or teaspoons into the mixtures, to use as poles when they freeze. l Freeze overnight before serving l

woman this month | June 2012 | 63

Travel

Mid-Summer Mania

By Keerthana Louis

Instead of falling into a tourist trap, why not celebrate the season with locals by letting down your hair at one of many Midsummer’s Eve festivals across Europe?

London, England

The low-down: The UK always has something to offer and June is no exception. First observed as a Celtic fire festival, Midsummer’s Day on June 21 will kick off a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration, bringing together leading artists from across the world. With the Olympics opening ceremony to be held at the end of July, prices are bound to soar, so head to London as soon as you can.

X-factor: Britain will host an unparalleled programme of free events for culture buffs this year. Art enthusiasts will rejoice when the former Bankside Power Station’s impressive oil tanks will host the Tate Modern’s live programme of performance and event based art. Over 30 metres across and seven metres high, these circular spaces will set the stage for the opening programme of debates, films, and newly commissioned installations by several noted artists.

Since you’re already in England, remember to stop by Stonehenge if you can. Regular train services are available and it takes only 90 minutes.

Best for: Celebrity sightings! Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett will make a rare appearance on the London stage in Botho Strauss’ Gross Und Klein and Jay-Z will be one of the headlining acts for Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend.

64 | June 2012 | woman this month

Helsinki, Finland

The low-down: Chosen by British lifestyle magazine Monocle as the most livable city in the world, and currently holding the title as World Design Capital for the year 2012 — Helsinki is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Not only does the official programme for Helsinki 2012 include around 300 special events and projects related to technology and design, but the city still boasts the important national festival that it has upheld for centuries. The summer solstice of Midsummer’s Eve day marks the end of the season and is celebrated with dance, music, good food, and beautiful bonfires across the country.

X-factor: To really feel like you’re a part of something special, head over to Seurasaari Island, just a few kilometers from the heart of Helsinki. The island houses relocated cottages and manors from the past four centuries. Visitors will be able to experience the traditional Finnish way of life on June 22, complete with loggers, craftspeople, folk music, a midsummer pole and special bonfire for children. Music and dance shows will be held around the open museum, while the bazaar is the perfect place to pick up beautiful local handicrafts.

Best for: Those who prefer to go off the beaten track. A festival rooted in ancient superstitions means there might be a little bit of magic in the air. Folklore suggests that women waiting to meet their future husband simply need to put nine different species of wild flowers under their pillow to see his face revealed in their dreams.

Why not give it a go?

Barcelona, Spain

The low-down: In Spain, Midsummer’s Day coincides with the Feast of Saint John the Baptist and is a festive and fiery night.

Although it’s difficult to pinpoint central fireworks displays, there is definitely always something going on, usually organised locally by the districts and civic centres of Barcelona. Keep your eyes peeled for squares, where displays are being set up in local barrios during the day, and return to catch an interesting show in the evening. On the electrifying night of June 23, young and old will spill onto the streets to embrace the festivities.

X-factor: Described by Catalans as the “Nit del Foc” meaning the “night of fire”, don’t expect to take a siesta on June 23.

Temporary fireworks shops take charge of the city in the days leading up to the feast, with people often queuing for goods. Most families and friends will spend the evening on the large balconies and terraces across the city for the best views. If you are out and about though, be prepared for costumed groups of men running into the centre of town squares with large fireworks in their hands, definitely not for the faint of heart.

Best for: Party animals. Don’t have a friend’s party to head to? Doesn’t matter. The most common place for people to gather on June 23 is the beach. Be prepared as Barceloneta beach fills up early, with people hoping to catch the fireworks displays and listen to groups of musicians and drummers. Restaurants along the beachfront and surrounding areas often build special kiosks to sell food and drinks for partygoers to enjoy. The day after is a public holiday so everyone will be up well into the night. woman this month | June 2012 | 65

Showcase

Feminine Designs EUROMOTORS

In a predominantly male occupied field, we sit down with a woman car designer for BMW who has broken barriers.

J

uliane Blasi designed the exterior of the new BMW Z4 sports car and somewhat ironically is praised for its “masculine swagger”. Woman This Month talks with the female designer to see what it’s like working in what is considered a ‘man’s world’.

As a female car designer, do you face any challenges?

Actually I see no difference between my male colleagues and me. The challenge for every designer in BMW, male or female, is to win the design competition. You have to know that you will not get the chance to make a 3D proposal for every car, so you need to go that extra mile to convince the chief of design with your sketches. What counts is that they instantly see a strong character in the designs.

What is the difference between designing a car and designing a BMW? The BMW brand has a strong history in making cars that have engaging aesthetics. Every 66 | June 2012 | woman this month

BMW has a strong individual character, and you can immediately know what you can experience with a car as soon as you lay eyes on it. To me BMW combines sportiness and elegance, with a highly emotional design, like no other brand. I can personally identify with all the characteristics of BMW. While designing a sports car to a male predominant clientele, did you have to think like a man?

As a BMW designer, you always try for an authentic product personality. Throughout designing the BMW Z4 I tried to express sportiness and elegance, to ensure a thoroughbred roadster concept, therefore it had to be muscular, and powerful, with sharp edges, and taut surfaces, which fit with the BMW brand.

What challenges did you encounter while designing this car?

The biggest challenge was to integrate the

retractable hard top, while keeping the rear end design really low, to ensure a typical BMW silhouette, with soft surfaces and sharp lines, muscular shapes and a living sculpture.

What do you feel when you see your concept successfully transformed into reality and out on the streets.

It is of course a great feeling to see the car on the roads. Every time I see it, it reminds me of my very first sketches, the clay modelling process and the long exciting journey to series production. Needless to say, I am very proud of the results.

Which part of the BMW Z4 design do you like the most?

I like the front three quarter and rear three quarter the most. As they reflect a lot of movement in the surfaces the translation from the side to the rear or front, as well as a lot of contrast.

Call 17 750-750.

ALMOAYYED MOTORS

N

Statement Wheels

issan’s latest launch, the new Micra hatchback, is taking the country by storm with its attractiveness, affordability and amenities.

The compact city car has already attracted much preliminary demand, especially among young professionals looking for a vehicle that expresses both personality and individuality. The model’s visual appeal is enhanced by the broad range of fashionable colours available — ten in total to be exact. Among them are three specialised colours; spring green, night veil purple and sunlight orange.

Among the Micra’s key features are its efficient 1.5 litre engine and high levels of safety equipment including dual airbags. The car also boasts user-friendly equipment along with highly-versatile interior seat/stowage configurations. It has also been specifically engineered to provide the driver with nimble handling and an advanced turning circle, which is ideal for city driving.

“The Micra, with its sporty and trendy exterior, has a unique character that appeals to young and old alike. We would like the customers to test drive the vehicle and decide on their choice.

This car is fun and stylish — this is an exciting option for the buyers in this segment. In addition to its slick looks, it also boasts of a high level of performance within its class, which makes for an attractive combination,” says Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons chief executive, Declan J. McCluskey. The Nissan Micra starts with a price range from BD4,595. Call 17 732-732.

YAQUBY STORES

F

A car should be a statement of your personality; that draws all attention to it and makes every passer by want to be in the driver’s seat. One new model has it all.

Bye Bye, Dust!

Bending to scoop up dirt into a dustpan isn’t the best method of sweeping. Here’s a household device made especially to avoid stressing out your spine.

or more than 130 years, Bissell has been devising new ways to clean your home. Beginning with carpet cleaners, the range now includes effective new vacuum cleaners, cleaning formulas, carpet deep cleaner machines, steam cleaners and mops that we stock up in our homes today.

The brand understands that when your home is in order, your life is in order. That’s why this haven of household items knows how important it is to make cleaning products that can help those of all budgets and schedules achieve a clean and organised home. More importantly, Bissell tries to make a taxing task, stress-free and easy.

One such product that makes housekeeping much more effortless is the Perfect Sweep Turbo cordless rechargeable sweeper. It provides a convenient and easy way to pick up daily dirt and unexpected dry messes in between routine vacuuming.

Since its rotating brush is battery powered, it can quickly sweep up debris large and small with little effort on your part. With a slim design, this is perfect for leaving sitting out or in a nearby closet for quick pick-ups throughout the week. As the sweeper also has edge brushes and a 60 minute cleaning time, you can keep up with dirt build-up along baseboards and in corners too.

Boasting 7.2 volts of power, this device also has an easy-to-remove, top loading dirt container. Perfect for in-between cleanings, the sweeper is safe to use on carpets, rugs and hard floors. If there are pets in the house, this one is a must-have. Call 17 582-250. woman this month | June 2012 | 67

Horoscopes

Gazing

Star

Raphael What does June have in store for you?

Gemini May 22 – June 21

June sees you finally acting rather than always threatening to act as you set the wheels of change into motion where a dream or idea is concerned. Your sign is often in two minds when it comes to most things, but as the first half of the year closes, reflection finally acts as the catalyst to inspire physical and constructive action.

Cancer June 22 – July 23

June will see you reach an emotional peak in a relationship as you witness past hardships or troubles finally disperse for good and a new development emerge that brings the two of you closer than ever. The first steps down this road might not be as easy as you first believed and you will both have to deal with some soul searching and painful admissions.

Leo July 24 – August 23

Something weighs rather heavy on your mind this month and you might find yourself feeling slightly shackled or restricted by certain people close to you. Make sure you stamp your own authority on the situation bothering you most; otherwise matters will quickly move out of your hands!

Virgo August 24 – September 23

June will prove to be a very good month for many of you and there is every indication that a trip overseas will leave you with some memorable moments to ponder over – especially in the area of relationships. You could find yourself encountering romance in a very unlikely setting and some highly charged emotions might be set free in what promises to be a most enlightening period of your year.

Libra September 24 – October 23

Curiosity killed the cat, or so the saying goes, but that may not be enough to dissuade you from following your nose a little farther than is advisable this month.

Overhearing two relatives talking at a family gathering sees you getting the taste for gossip and you will soon be helpless to resist the temptation of pursuing the subject matter further.

68 | June 2012 | woman this month

Scorpio October 24 – November 22

The last few months since the start of 2012 may have seemed disjointed and unpredictable and June is about to deliver the culmination of these events with some particularly turbulent episodes. Firstly, an unforeseen re-shuffle at work will see your position change dramatically and even force you to believe that enough is finally enough.

Sagittarius November 23 – December 21

Your world is set for a major shakeup and there is every indication that you will be forced to make some tough choices over the coming weeks, some that will have longer lasting effects. Events could begin to take shape in this direction around the first week in June and the pace and change will not be to your liking.

Capricorn December 22 - January 20

You have really suffered romantically over the last few months although it seemed recently that things were improving. However, your return to some semblance of normality has hit a stumbling block and you could start thinking that your relationship is right back where it was when all the problems first began.

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

Money due to you from earlier in the year finally reaches your bank account and you can look forward to a mini shopping spree as well as a deserved holiday. However, you should beware a relative with a hidden agenda who may seek to turn your good fortune to his or her own advantage.

Pisces February 20 - March 20

June proves to be a momentous month for you as your world takes a positive change, putting your life on a completely different track. You will find yourself at your most contented and assured for some time, with many of the people for whom you have affection proving to be supportive and caring just when you need them most.

Aries March 21 – April 20

Your sign loves the summer and with the temperature rising, your creative energies are at their most potent.

Consequently, you can expect to achieve a lot throughout June, with particular emphasis being placed upon career and a significant improvement on finances. Manage both of these well and you will open more doors for the future.

Taurus April 21 – May 21

June comes filled with the promise of adventure and creative development as you decide to re-immerse yourself in a project that you have perhaps ignored (not through choice) for some time. Suddenly you will start to feel your imagination fire and a new energy put spark to the potential you know has always existed within you.

Social Butterfly Jason & Esky

Splash Fashion Show Dubai

Celebrating 10 successful seasons of the Splash Fashion Show, the brand hosted the region’s biggest open air fashion party, the ‘Splash Fashion Paradise’. A destination where only fashion ruled, the shows were attended by 16,000 people including students, customers and a bevy of media and VIPs Raza with Micky & Nisha Jagtiani

Renuka Jagtiani & Raza Beig

One of the models on the catwalk

Models creating a Splash!

woman this month | June 2012 | 69

Pink pages

S E G A P K IN

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70 | June 2012 | woman this month

Social Butterfly Sushmita & Sumit

Louise & Clare

Sushmita's Birthday

Punt Roma Mother's Day Event

Sushmita celebrated her birthday with husband Sumit and a number of her friends at the Diva Hotel in Juffair Ria, Ramit & Alka

Anut & Saroshi

Punt Roma at the Bahrain City Centre held a Mother's Day event with a fashion session with British stylist Louise Wrankmore Sawsan, Maram & Haya

Mayukh & Nanda

Anindita & Saptorsh

Sophie & Karen Tolu, Sadika & Mounia

Dalia & Marise

Dr Gautham, Millie, Kalyan & Indrani

woman this month | June 2012 | 71

WoMentality

The

By Hard-headed Woman

Gift

Some of us work for a salary, some of us work to build ourselves a career and others do the work that is chosen for them!

L

ife’s fortune has seen me blessed with relatively good health but, like everyone, there have been times that I have required a good doctor, therapist or masseuse.

Thankfully, in time of greatest need, I have also been blessed by the touch of some truly “gifted” people.

Television channels put out hours of drama, murder mystery and even reality-style hospital and doctor shows. Watching them has numbed us into believing that the medical trade is easy.

72 | June 2012 | woman this month

Sure, there are a few years of university to attend, but we generally all believe that we could do it.

This is because television does not communicate the most important part of the medical profession and the most amazing part of the therapist’s trade; most who go into it either have, acquire or are blessed with a “gift”.

I recently walked into a massage therapist’s office and pointed to a spot on my back where I needed some heavy duty pounding; the

muscles had been stiff for two weeks. She took one look at me and said: “No, you are wrong”.

Now, if there is one thing I don’t enjoy in life, and when in pain, it's being told I’m wrong. The young masseuse then took my right arm and, pressing her hand near my chest, she said: “The problem is here, I can see by the way you are walking!”

An hour and a half later, I had to agree with her. My tight back pain had been caused from a pulled muscle in my right shoulder at the front and she had cured me.

This has not been the first time that I have been amazed by gifted people. Sadly, more often than not, I too, have become despondent at the lack of care offered by health centres and, even more so, the lack of care my insurance company believes I deserve.

The first time I experienced a miracle worker with a true “gift” was when I met Dr Jamieson. My mother took me to see him when I was eight and suffering great pain behind my eyes. He was never one for words, but as I walked towards him, he simply stood and said: “It’s behind his eyes, she has encephalitis.” That was it.

He did not touch me, ask me to cough or even use a stethoscope; he diagnosed me just from the way I looked.

Years later, residing in Toronto, I found myself suffering kidney pains. A close friend mentioned reflexology; I was sceptical, but I agreed. The reflexologist looked at me, massaged me lightly and then started working on my feet, despite intense discussions that the pain was nowhere near there. I remained quiet.

She continued her foot magic and used pressure points up my legs. I left her with not a single complaint and certainly no pain.

Scepticism has made me a cynic for too long.

Along our life-journey, thankfully, we are blessed with the beauty of meeting and being cured for further adventure by those who truly are “gifted”, and can take care of us.

The difference between them and others is the love and passion they have. Perhaps this made them study harder, perhaps passion simply makes them care more, whatever it is, there should be more of them out there, and not just in the medical profession.

All of us should use our “gift”. In the words of another: “Everyone is gifted — but some people just never open their package.”

We were all born with it and if you truly wish to succeed in your career you need to capture your own “gift” and make it work for you.

Dedication, passion and an ability to care about the other person, whether it is a patient, a customer or a passenger are what will see you through.

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